Pathogens in nuts

Nutrition & Food Science

ISSN: 0034-6659

Article publication date: 25 May 2010

68

Citation

(2010), "Pathogens in nuts", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 40 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2010.01740cab.011

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited


Pathogens in nuts

Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 40, Issue 3.

Recalls because of microbial pathogens are becoming a major problem for those using nuts and seeds in their products. There have been several high-profile incidents recently. This has resulted in considerable discussion within the sector regarding how best to manage the underlying problem of ineffective decontamination procedures. Craig Leadley, New Products and Technologies Manager at Campden BRI, comments: “Recent UK product recalls have included peanut butter snack bars, peppercorns, sesame seed paste, shelled nuts and seed mixes, all for the presence of Salmonella. In the USA in 2009 a large Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak was linked with peanut butter, and a very large recall of both peanut butter and associated products followed. A range of commercially available decontamination systems exists, but there is little consensus on how to validate such systems, and limited knowledge regarding the response of food pathogens to heat inactivation when in a low water activity environment”.

A seminar (see www.campden.co.uk/microbial-decontamination-seminar.htm) to address these issues will take place at Campden BRI.

For further information contact: d.davies@campden.co.uk

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