Author Archives: KSW

England – Salmonella infections return to pre-pandemic levels in England

Food Safety News

The number of Salmonella cases in England has returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels and 11 outbreaks were reported in 2022.

Salmonella Enteritidis went back to being the most frequently reported serovar and Salmonella Typhimurium infections also increased, said the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

In 2022, there were 8,125 Salmonella cases in England, compared to 5,033 in 2021, 4,712 in 2020 and 8,398 in 2019.

France – Provençal-style sliced ​​pork belly – Salmonella

Gov France

Product category
Food
Product subcategory
Meats
Product brand name
Unbranded
Model names or references
Provençal-style sliced ​​pork belly
Product identification
GTIN Batch Date
0241802000007 C4096141 Use-by date 04/17/2024
Packaging
Vacuum packaging
Start/end date of marketing
From 04/10/2024 to 04/17/2024
Storage temperature
Product to keep in the refrigerator
Health mark
FR 42.305.004 CE or FR 45.147.004 CE
Geographical sales area
Whole France
Distributors
Fresh and Grand Frais stores
List of points of sale
List_of_stores_concerned.pdf

Denmark – Outbreak with Salmonella Typhimurium sequence type 19 in Denmark

SSI

During March and April 2024, the Statens Serum Institut registered 12 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium. The Statens Serum Institut, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration and the Norwegian Food Institute DTU are investigating the disease outbreak.

The investigation of the outbreak

The outbreak is handled by the Central Outbreak Group, which consists of SSI, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration and the DTU Food Institute. SSI stands for whole-genome sequencing of isolates from the patients and patient interviews with a view to identifying a possible source of infection.

The outbreak strain

The bacterium is of the type Salmonella Typhimurium. By whole-genome sequencing of the bacteria that were isolated from the patients, it was seen that they were very closely related and all belonged to sequence type 19.

General about salmonella infection

Salmonella is found in animals and can infect humans through food contaminated with the bacteria. Salmonella is a frequent and well-known cause of bacterial intestinal infections in Denmark. There are more than 2,500 different types of salmonella.

Incubation period

The time that passes from being infected to getting symptoms varies from 6-72 hours. Usually 12-36 hours before symptoms appear.

Symptoms

Infection with salmonella typically causes general malaise, diarrhoea, stomach ache, possibly nausea, vomiting and/or fever. The infection is often accompanied by joint pain, muscle pain and headache. Plenty of fluids are important to prevent and treat dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting. In the event of severe diarrheal disease, a doctor should be consulted.

Read more

Read more about salmonella infection .

India – Gujarat: Over 250 taken ill due to food poisoning at wedding, hospitalised

Telangana Today

At least 250 guests at a wedding ceremony were taken ill due to suspected food poisoning in Mathasuliya village in Gujarat‘s Gir Somnath district.

After consuming buttermilk served at the event on Friday, people exhibited acute symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting, sources said.

Canada- Raw B.C. oysters associated with jump in Norovirus cases, health officials warn

BC CTV News

Health officials are warning the public about an increase in norovirus cases that’s been associated with eating raw B.C. oysters.

More than 50 people suffered “acute gastrointestinal illness” this week after ingesting raw oysters, Vancouver Coastal Health said in a news release Friday.

Testing has already confirmed the presence of norovirus in some of the cases, and it’s suspected in others, according to the health authority.

A number of oyster-harvesting areas have been temporarily shut down following an investigation by government authorities and the shellfish industry. They will be reopened “when contamination is cleared,” officials said.

In the meantime, the public has been warned against eating raw oysters.

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Organic Basil (April 2024)

FDA

Infinite Herbs Organic Basil Product

Organic Basil Infinite Herbs Brand Label

Melissa's Organic Basil

Product

Two brands of organic basil have been recalled:

  • Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil packed in 2.5-oz clamshell packaging (UPC 8 18042 02147 7) and sold at Trader Joe’s and Fruit Center Marketplace stores from February 1 through April 6, 2024.
  • Melissa’s brand fresh organic basil in 2.0-oz (UPC 0 45255 14142 9) and 4.0-oz clamshell packages (UPC 0 45255 14439 0) available for sale at Dierberg’s stores in Illinois and Missouri from February 10 through February 20, 2024.

Both recalled brands of basil are labeled as a product of Colombia on the back of the package. Recalled basil is past expiration and should no longer be available for sale.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection:

Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and usually lasts four to seven days. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.

Stores Affected

Infinite Herbs-brand was sold at:

  • Trader Joe’s stores in D.C. and AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, and WI
  • Fruit Center Marketplace stores in MA

Melissa’s-brand was sold at:

  • Dierberg’s stores in IL and MO

Status

Ongoing

Recommendation

  • Consumers who purchased recalled organic basil from the stores listed above should check their refrigerators and freezers and should not eat it.
  • This product should no longer be for sale at retail stores and is likely past shelf-life. If you bought recalled organic basil and removed it from the packaging or froze it and cannot tell if it is part of the recall, do not eat or use it and throw it away.
  • Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice and use extra care in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with this product to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
  • Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of a Salmonella infection after eating basil.

Belgium – Organic rye from the Pit & Pit brand – Ochratoxin A

AFSCA

Pit & Pit organic rye

In agreement with the FASFC, Pit & Pit is withdrawing the “Organic Rye” product from the Pit & Pit brand from sale and recalling it from consumers due to excessively high levels of ochratoxin A.

Pit & Pit asks its customers not to consume this product and to return it. A free return label can be requested by sending an email with the photo of the label to help@pit-pit.com. Upon receipt of the return, the product will be refunded to you.

Product Description :

Product name: Organic rye
Brand: Pit & Pit
Type of packaging: transparent bag
Expiration date (DDM): 04/30/2024 – 09/30/2024
Weight and batch numbers:
1kg – Lot s : LUVZFWZL9, LUW4IC94L, LUX2U3XHO, LUZLHHA62, U1ZHWGL5, LV3UIT0DA, LUW4IC94L
The product was sold online, via the website http://www.pit-pit.com.

For any further information , please contact: help@pit-pit.com.

USA – FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

FSIS USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that these products should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.

The raw ground beef items were produced on March 28, 2024. The products have a “Use/Freeze by” date of April 22, 2024, and packaging date of “032824.” The list of products that are subject to the public health alert can be found here. The labels for these products can be found on the FSIS website [view labels].

The products subject to the public health alert bear establishment number “EST. 960A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to food service institutions and retail locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered by the establishment while conducting an inventory of product that was on hold because it was found positive for E. coli O157:H7. The company notified FSIS that they inadvertently used a portion of the contaminated beef to produce ground beef products that they subsequently shipped into commerce.

There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

USA – Infinite Herbs, LLC Expands Recall of Fresh Organic Basil to Include Melissa’s Brand Organic Basil Received by Illinois and Missouri Retailer

FDA

April 19, 2024—Infinite Herbs LLC of Miami, Florida, is expanding its April 18th recall to include Melissa’s brand fresh organic basil in 2.0 oz ( 96 packages, UPC 0 45255 14142 9) and 4.0 oz packages (24 packages, UPC 0 45255 14439 0) available for sale at Dierberg’s stores in Illinois and Missouri between February 10th and 20th (see photos below). This product is part of the lot that was previously recalled and, therefore, has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Please note that this recalled product is outdated and no longer available for sale. Still, consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers and not consume the recalled organic basil if they have it. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 305-599-9255 x 148 or email customer_service@infiniteherbs.com, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.

The company is conducting this recall with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) knowledge.

Link to Original Press Release

USA – Infinite Herbs, LLC Voluntarily Recalls 2.5-Ounce Fresh Organic Basil Sold From February 1 Through April 6 Because of Possible Health Risk

FDA

“Image of UPC and Date Packed for Infinite Herbs Basil package”

April 18, 2024—Infinite Herbs LLC of Miami, Florida, is voluntarily recalling 2.5-ounce packages of Infinite Herbs fresh organic basil sold between February 1 and April 6, 2024, and bearing the UPC 8 18042 02147 7 (see photos below) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Based on its food questionnaires and epidemiological data to date, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that 12 illnesses are likely related to this recall. Infinite Herbs initiated the voluntary recall after the FDA notified it of the CDC’s information.

The recalled product was shipped directly to Trade Joe’s retail distribution centers in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Virginia and to two Fruit Center Marketplace stores in Massachusetts.

No other products distributed by Infinite Herbs are affected by this recall—non-organic basil in any package and other package sizes of organic basil are not included in this recall. The company is conducting this recall with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) knowledge.

The recalled product is out of date and no longer available for sale, but consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers and not consume the recalled organic basil if they have it. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 305-599-9255 x 148 or via email to customer_service@infiniteherbs.com, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.

Link to Expanded Press Release