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[Identification of toxigenic mould in soft drink causing food poisoning]
1Zhejiang Institute of Food Safety Control and Inspection, Hangzhou.
Abstract:
In a soft drink caused food poisoning, white floccus was found and mould count was 6.0 x 10(2) CFU/ml. The Mycoflora was made of only one kind of mould which was identified as Penicillium janthinellum Biourge. This isolate can grow under anaerobic condition. The culture liquid of the isolate was fed to mice orally for toxicity test, which made the mice lose weight. An extract of the culture liquid was tested in weaned mice inaberitoneally for toxicity and all mice died in 24h. The toxic symptoms were tic, sway and paralysis of right rear-leg. Gross anatomy changes were gastrectosis, flatulence and intestinal edema. The conclusion is: the P. janthinellum isolate from the soft drink was the toxigenic mould.
Insights
A toxigenic mold, Penicillium janthinellum, was identified as the cause of food poisoning from a contaminated soft drink. This mold produces toxins that cause severe symptoms and death in mice.
Area of Science:
- Food Microbiology
- Mycology
- Toxicology
Context:
- Foodborne illnesses can arise from microbial contamination in beverages.
- Identification of etiological agents in food poisoning outbreaks is crucial for public health.
- Soft drinks are susceptible to contamination if manufacturing or storage conditions are inadequate.
Purpose:
- To identify the specific mold responsible for a food poisoning incident linked to a soft drink.
- To investigate the toxigenicity of the isolated mold, Penicillium janthinellum.
- To characterize the toxic effects and symptoms induced by the mold.
Summary:
- White flocculent material and a high mold count (6.0 x 10^2 CFU/ml) were observed in a soft drink associated with food poisoning.
- The sole mold identified was Penicillium janthinellum Biourge, capable of anaerobic growth.
- Oral administration of the culture liquid to mice caused weight loss, while intraperitoneal injection of an extract led to mortality within 24 hours, exhibiting neurological and gastrointestinal toxicity.
Impact:
- Establishes Penicillium janthinellum as a toxigenic mold capable of causing food poisoning.
- Highlights the potential health risks associated with contaminated soft drinks.
- Provides data on the toxicological profile of this specific mold isolate.