New Listeria monocytogenes strain
A hypervirulent strain of Listeria monocytogenes has been identified in lambs in a Chinese province. The newly discovered strain carries the gene sequences responsible for the pathogenicity of the most virulent Listeria strains in animals and humans, making them particularly dangerous and causing severe infections.
Fluor and other products made from spent coffee grounds
A Danish-based start-up is making oil and flour from used coffee grounds. We do not have detailed information on the production process and used coffee grounds can pose various microbiological and chemical risks.
Antibiotic treatment of citrus fruits
There is no cure for the disease known as citrus greening, and the main control method so far has been to remove contaminated trees and treat orchards with an insecticide to control the vector. In the USA, the treatment of plantations with certain antibiotics has been authorised.
The putative role of MCPG found in lychee in the acute encephalitis syndrome in children
A 2014 study suggested a link between lychee consumption and the spread of acute encephalitis syndrome. Lychee contains a form of hypoglycine A, methylene cyclopropylglycine (MCPG), which causes a drop in blood sugar levels.