Monthly Archives: August 2024

USA- FDA – Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

FDA

What’s New

  • A new outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis illnesses (ref #1237) linked to a not yet identified product has been added to the table. FDA has initiated traceback.
  • A new outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis illnesses (ref #1239) linked to a not yet identified product has been added to the table. FDA has initiated traceback.
  • For the outbreak of Salmonella Irumu (ref #1235) linked to a not yet identified product, the case count has increased from 31 to 32.
  • For the outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium (ref #1234) linked to a not yet identified product, FDA has initiated sample collection.
  • For the investigation of illnesses (ref #1233) linked to Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies, the advisory has been updated to include additional illnesses and a list of retailers that may have received recalled product.
  • For the investigation of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1232) illnesses, the outbreak has ended and FDA’s investigation has closed.  Based on CDC’s epidemiological investigation, ill people reported eating salad mixes before becoming sick. CDC, FDA, and state and local partners conducted epidemiologic and traceback investigations and collected and analyzed finished product and environmental samples. All samples collected as part of the investigation were reported as negative for Listeria monocytogenes. The products making people sick in this outbreak are off the market and past shelf life. There is no ongoing risk to the public.

Ireland – FSAI reminds consumers on cooking duck eggs before consumption – Salmonella

FSAI

hazegg.jpg

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today would like to remind consumers of its advice that duck eggs should only be eaten after they have been thoroughly cooked. Consumers should not use raw duck eggs in any dishes that will not be cooked thoroughly before eating. The FSAI, together with the National Health Protection Office of the HSE, are currently investigating an outbreak of illness involving five human cases of Salmonellosis within the last 12 months and linked to the consumption of duck eggs. The investigation is ongoing.

Duck eggs are legitimately available on the Irish retail market and are used by some people instead of hens’ eggs in cooking and baking. Producers are responsible for ensuring the safety of food placed on the market. However, from time-to-time, Salmonella occurs in duck eggs. Salmonella can cause serious illness. The risk is greatest for people who are very young, for older people, and for people who have a suppressed immune system.

The FSAI advises consumers to only eat duck eggs that have been thoroughly cooked and to only use raw duck eggs in dishes that will be cooked thoroughly before eating. Maintaining stringent hygiene practices, such as washing hands and preparation surfaces, is important when handling or breaking raw duck eggs. Therefore, duck eggs should always be handled and cooked carefully.

Specifically, it is advised that:

  • Duck eggs should not be eaten raw or lightly cooked.
  • Duck eggs should only be eaten after they have been thoroughly cooked, until both the white and yolk are solid. A duck egg is heavier and larger than a hen’s egg, and therefore needs more cooking time.
  • Dishes that contain duck eggs should be cooked until they are piping hot all the way through.
  • Do not use raw duck eggs in the preparation of products that contain raw or lightly cooked egg, such as homemade mayonnaise, tiramisu, icing, hollandaise sauce.
  • When using duck eggs in cooking or baking, pay attention to hygiene when breaking duck eggs and handling the empty shells afterwards, and do not eat or taste the raw mix.
  • After handling raw duck eggs, always wash hands thoroughly.
  • Ensure all utensils and preparation surfaces that have been in contact with raw duck eggs are washed thoroughly before being re-used.
  • Store duck eggs in the fridge away from ready-to-eat food.

The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing and the FSAI will provide further updates, as necessary.

For more information, see our Q&A advice for consumers and Health Protection Surveillance Centre Factsheet on Salmonella.

Singapore – 60 people fall ill after mass food poisoning incident at ByteDance office; SFA, MOH investigating

Channel News Asia

SINGAPORE: Authorities are investigating dozens of cases of gastroenteritis reported at TikTok owner ByteDance’s Singapore office at One Raffles Quay on Tuesday (Jul 30).

Sixty people developed symptoms of gastroenteritis and 57 of them sought medical treatment at hospitals, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a joint statement on Tuesday night.

A buffet section at the canteen will be closed until investigations are complete, the company said.

“We are taking this incident very seriously and are working closely with local authorities and caterers to identify the cause as soon as possible,” it added.

CNA understands that ByteDance engages licensed external vendors to cater food for its offices, and that food is not prepared or cooked at its office premises in Singapore.

USA – Lower Valley Processing recalls beef due to E. coli O157:H7

Food Poison Journal

Lower Valley Processing, Official Establishment No. 007 located in Kalispell, Montana, has voluntarily recalled all non-intact, raw products (e.g., ground meat products) produced from animals slaughtered on June 5, 2024, because they may be adulterated with Escherichia coli 0157:H7, the Montana Department of Livestock announced today. Potentially affected products were labeled with “Lower Valley Processing, Co.”, establishment number “EST. 007” inside the Montana mark of inspection on the product labels, and lot numbers 1398, 1399, and 1400. The source of the E. coli contamination has not been identified.

Ireland – Recall of batches of Slaney Farm Fresh Duck Eggs due to possible presence of Salmonella

FSAI

Alert Summary
Category 1: For Action
Alert Notification: 2024.35
Product Identification: Slaney Farm Fresh Duck Eggs; All pack sizes
Batch Code All best before dates up to and including 21/08/2024
Country Of Origin: Ireland

Message:

Slaney Farm is recalling all pack sizes of the above batches of their Farm Fresh Duck Eggs due to the possible presence of Salmonella. Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batches.

Nature Of Danger:

People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Action Required:

Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers:

Retailers, including market stalls and online retailers, are requested to remove the implicated batches from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.

Caterers/restaurants/cafes are requested to cease using the implicated batches immediately.

Wholesalers are requested to withdraw and recall the implicated batches from their customers and instruct them to display recall notices at point-of-sale. Wholesalers must notify their inspector of any onward distribution of the implicated batches.

Consumers:

Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches.

Hong Kong – Roving Exhibitions on Food Safety in 2024

CFS

Date Time Venue Theme
7/8 10am – 4pm Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre 5 Keys for Food Safety, Control of Food Temperature; Natural Toxins
 14/8 10am – 4pm Scenic View Nutrition Labelling, Prevention of Cross-contamination; Natural Toxins
 16/8 10am – 4pm Trade and Industry Tower 5 Keys for Food Safety, Veterinary Drug Residues; Trans Fats
21/8 10am – 4pm To Kwa Wan Market Nutrition Labelling, Genetically Modified Food; Trans Fats
28/8 10am – 4pm Lockhart Road Market Nutrition Labelling, Control of Food Temperature; Prevention of Cross-contamination

USA – FDA Alerts Parents and Caregivers to Cronobacter Safety Concerns with Crecelac Goat Milk Infant Formula Imported and Distributed by Dairy Manufacturers Inc.

FDA

Cerecelac Powdered Infant Formula

Cerecelac Powdered Infant Formula

Farmalac Powdered Infant Formula

Farmalac Powdered Infant Formula

What’s New

July 31, 2024

After conducting an abbreviated nutrient analysis of Crecelac Infant Powdered Goat Milk Infant Formula, the FDA found both elevated levels of potassium and chloride and low levels of Vitamin A. The potassium and chloride levels were significantly above the levels permitted in infant formula in the U.S. and could lead to kidney and/or heart problems if the infant formula is used for an extended period of time. In addition, low Vitamin A intake could lead to vision loss from a Vitamin A deficiency if the infant formula is used for an extended period of time.

As this product was part of a voluntary recall that the company initiated on May 24, 2024, all caregivers should have already disposed of the product and discontinued use. If you have continued to use this product, the FDA recommends discontinuing any further use. Parents and caregivers who used this product and have concerns should consult with their health care providers.

Audience

  • Parents and caregivers of infants who consume infant formula.

Summary of Problem and Scope

The FDA has determined that the infant formula products listed above were sold in the U.S. illegally because, among other things, the company has not submitted to the FDA the required premarket notification.

On May 21, 2024, the FDA recommended that the firm recall the infant formula products to which the firm agreed. As the FDA continued its investigation, the agency identified Cronobacter in a sample of the recalled Crecelac infant formula product. The FDA notified Dairy Manufacturers Inc. of these findings and they agreed to update their recall press release to include the laboratory results.

The FDA is continuing to work with the firm and its distributors to ensure the recall is effectively executed.

Further Information for Consumers

The FDA is issuing this advisory because infants that consume these products could be at risk of potentially severe infection due to the Cronobacter contamination. The FDA advises parents and caregivers not to feed these infant formula products to infants under their care. If your infant is experiencing symptoms related to Cronobacter infection, such as poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, or abnormal body movements, contact your health care provider to report their symptoms and receive immediate care.

If caregivers are looking for an alternative goat milk infant formula for sale in the U.S., they may wish to speak with their infant’s health care provider, as there are goat milk infant formulas that either have completed the required FDA premarket notification process or are currently being marketed under the FDA’s enforcement discretion policy.

Additionally, parents and caregivers can find more information on safe infant feeding practices on the FDA’s infant formula landing page.

Recommendation for Consumers

To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), you can:

Italy – STROLGHINO PELATO SOTTOVUOTO – Listeria monocytogenes

Salute

Brand : CAV. UMBERTO BOSCHI SPA

Name : STROLGHINO PELATO SOTTOVUOTO

Reason for reporting : Recall due to microbiological risk

Publication date : 31 July 2024

Documentation

Documentation

France – SMOKED BACON sold in the delicatessen section of the HYPER CHALON-SUR-SAONE store between 07/20/2024 and 07/24/2024 – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov France

Product Category
Food
Product subcategory
Meats
Product brand name
Unbranded
Model names or references
SMOKED BACON sold in the delicatessen section of the HYPER CHALON-SUR-SAONE store between 07/20/2024 and 07/24/2024
Product identification
GTIN Batch
1111111111116 Sold from 07/20/2024 to 07/24/2024
Start/End of marketing date
From 07/20/2024 to 07/24/2024
Storage temperature
Product to be kept in the refrigerator
Geographic area of ​​sale
Crossroads Hyper Chalon-sur-Saone
Distributors
Carrefour Hyper Chalon-sur-Saône only

France -SERRANO HAM sold in the delicatessen section of the HYPER CHALON-SUR-SAONE store between 07/23/2024 and 07/25/2024 – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov France

Product Category
Food
Product subcategory
Meats
Product brand name
Unbranded
Model names or references
SERRANO HAM sold in the delicatessen section of the HYPER CHALON-SUR-SAONE store between 07/23/2024 and 07/25/2024
Product identification
GTIN Batch
1111111111116 Sold from 07/23/2024 to 07/25/2024
Start/End of marketing date
From 07/23/2024 to 07/25/2024
Storage temperature
Product to be kept in the refrigerator
Geographic area of ​​sale
Crossroads Hyper Chalon-sur-Saone
Distributors
Carrefour Hyper Chalon-sur-Saône only