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An analysis of one hundred coffees sold in Spain has confirmed the presence of mycotoxins -toxic metabolites produced by fungi. In addition, five of the samples that were tested were found to contain ochratoxin A, the only legislated mycotoxin, in amounts that exceeded maximum permitted levels. While the authors point out that these results are not alarming, they do recommend assessing the risk that exposure to mycotoxins from coffee poses to the general public. They also suggest reviewing production processes in order to reduce the levels of these natural contaminants in coffee.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s Ebola Response Team has been honored with the 2015 Patient Safety Award from the District of Columbia Hospital Association (DCHA). The award recognizes the team’s outstanding efforts in its Ebola-related plans and training to care for potential or confirmed patients with the Ebola virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborated with public health officials in several states and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections (listeriosis). Listeria infection can cause a serious, life-threatening illness. This outbreak investigation is over; however, people could continue to get sick because recalled cheeses may still be in homes, restaurants or retail locations.