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Published on: September 10, 2016
Risk Mitigation for Immunocompromised Consumers of Mucormycete Spoiled and Fermented Foods: Germain Guidance and
Abigail B Snyder1, Randy W Worobo2
1Department of Extension, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA. Snyder.814@osu.edu.
Abstract:
Mucoralean invasive fungal infections, while unusual among the general population, have a high mortality rate among immunocompromised individuals who become infected. They are also common spoilage organisms in cultured dairy products, some fresh produce, and baked goods. Additionally, Mucor and Rhizopus spp. are utilized in the production of traditional fermented foods including mold ripened cheeses and fermented soy products. The risk that consumption of these foods poses to immunocompromised consumers has been previously identified. However, actionable guidance on implementation of appropriate dietary restrictions and microbial specification targets for food manufacturers serving these populations is scarce and is limited by insufficient data regarding traceback analysis in cases of invasive fungal infections where food is the suspected transmission vector. Culture-dependent and molecular subtyping methods, including whole genome sequencing, will improve identification of the point source. In turn, the empirically determined information on root-cause can best direct the development of appropriate food safety policies and programs.
Insights
Invasive fungal infections from Mucorales pose a high mortality risk to immunocompromised individuals. Advanced subtyping methods are crucial for identifying foodborne sources and developing effective food safety policies.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Food Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Mucoralean fungi cause invasive infections with high mortality in immunocompromised individuals.
- These fungi are spoilage organisms and are used in fermented foods, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
- Current guidance for food manufacturers is limited by insufficient data on foodborne transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for improved food safety policies regarding Mucoralean fungi.
- To emphasize the importance of traceback analysis in identifying foodborne sources of infection.
- To advocate for the development of microbial specification targets for food products.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Mucoralean infections and food safety.
- Discussion of culture-dependent and molecular subtyping methods, including whole genome sequencing.
- Analysis of data gaps in traceback investigations for foodborne fungal infections.
Main Results:
- Invasive fungal infections linked to food consumption are a significant concern for immunocompromised individuals.
- Existing data is insufficient for developing robust food safety guidelines and traceback protocols.
- Advanced molecular techniques can enhance the identification of infection sources.
Conclusions:
- Accurate identification of foodborne sources is essential for preventing Mucoralean invasive fungal infections.
- Development of effective food safety policies requires better data from traceback analyses.
- Whole genome sequencing and other subtyping methods are key to improving food safety for vulnerable populations.
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