Category Archives: Death

USA – FDA Investigation of Cronobacter Infections: Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022) – The problem is more than two years old.

Posted on March 23, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

If you want to check if your powdered formula is part of the recall, you can enter the product lot code on the bottom of your package on the company’s websiteExternal Link Disclaimer.

If you have questions or need information about the recall, you can Submit Questions/Get Assistance.

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.

To report an illness or adverse event, you can

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners are investigating consumer complaints and/or reports of infant illness related to products from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. All of the ill patients are reported to have consumed powdered infant formula produced from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility.

The FDA is releasing the FDA Form 483s from three inspections conducted at Abbott Nutrition’s facility on Sept. 16-24, 2019, Sept. 20-24, 2021, and Jan. 31-March 18, 2022. The inspectional observations in these Form 483s do not constitute final FDA determinations of whether any condition was or is in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or any of its implementing regulations. FDA will take appropriate action in the future – if warranted – as we continue to evaluate the 2022 inspectional findings.

Important observations noted in the 2022 Form 483 include, but are not limited to:

  • [Abbott Nutrition] did not establish a system of process controls covering all stages of processing that was designed to ensure that infant formula does not become adulterated due to the presence of microorganisms in the formula or in the processing environment.
  • [Abbott Nutrition] did not ensure that all surfaces that contacted infant formula were maintained to protect infant formula from being contaminated by any source.

Once the immediate public health risk is minimized, FDA will conduct a programmatic review to ensure the maximum effectiveness of agency programs and policies related to infant formula and special medical food complaints, illnesses, and recalls.

Conducting this review is a top priority for the FDA and will be done as efficiently as possible, and we can ensure this effort will not interfere with the immediate recall response activities. We will and must continue focusing on taking all steps possible to protect the health of those who rely on safe powdered infant formula.

Recommendation

The FDA is advising consumers not to use recalled Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas. Recalled products can be identified by the 7 to 9 digit code and expiration date on the bottom of the package (see image below). Products are included in the recall if they have all three items below:

  • the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37 and
  • the code on the container contains K8, SH, or Z2, and
  • the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

In addition to products described above, Abbott Nutrition has recalled Similac PM 60/40 with a lot code 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case). At this time, Similac PM 60/40 with lot code 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case) is the only type and lot of this specialty formula being recalled. Additional recall information for the initial recall is available on the FDA website. Parents can also enter their product lot code on the company’s websiteExternal Link Disclaimer to check if it is part of the recall.

Additional information for parents and caregivers of infants receiving medical specialty infant formulas and individuals using certain medical foods is available below.

Additional Information for Parents and Caregivers:

The recalls do not include liquid formula products.

Parents and caregivers should never dilute infant formula and should not make or feed homemade infant formula to infants. Consumers should also avoid purchasing imported formula through online sales, as it has the potential to be counterfeit.

If your regular formula is not available, contact your child’s healthcare provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices.

If you get infant formula through WIC, do not throw the formula out. Instead, you should take it to the store for a refund and exchange or call the company at 1-800-986-8540 to help you. WIC recipients should be able to obtain a different brand of similar formula. Call your local WIC clinic for more guidance. Also see:

More information on Cronobacter and infant formula is available on CDC’s website.

Recalled powdered infant formulas have the potential to be contaminated with Cronobacter, a bacterium that can cause severe foodborne illness primarily in infants. Cronobacter infections are rare but are especially high risk for newborn infants (see symptoms below).

Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine). Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths, and abnormal body movements. Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body.

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should notify your child’s healthcare provider and seek medical care for your child immediately. Healthcare providers and health departments are encouraged to report any confirmed cases of Cronobacter sakazakii to CDC.

Product Images

Sample Product Image from the FDA Investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella Complaints about Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022)
Sample Product Image from the FDA Investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella Complaints about Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022)
Sample Product Image from the FDA Investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella Complaints about Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022)

Case Counts

Total Adverse Events: 4
Hospitalizations: 4
Reported Deaths: 2*
Illness Onset Date Range: 9/6/2021 – 1/4/2022
States with Adverse Events: MN (1), OH (2), TX (1)
Product Distribution: Nationwide and International
* Two deaths have been reported. Cronobacter infection may have contributed to the cause of death for both patients.

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USA – Mystery Salmonella and Listeria Outbreaks sicken 75 in United States while infant formula kills 2

Posted on March 18, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

The Food and Drug Administration has posted an increase in the number of patients in an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections as it continues investigations into three other outbreaks.

The new patient count in the Listeria outbreak is 16, up from 14 reported a week ago. As of March 16 the FDA had not determined the cause of the outbreak. The agency has initiated traceback efforts, but has not revealed what food or foods are involved in those activities.

The FDA has not revealed any demographic information on the Listeria patients and has not reported where they live.

In other outbreak news the FDA is investigating a new outbreak of Salmonella SaintPaul infections that has sickened 59 people. The agency announced the outbreak on March 16. As with the Listeria outbreak investigation, the FDA has not released any patient information for the Salmonella outbreak and has not reported where the patients live. Traceback efforts have begun, according to the FDA, but the agency did not report what food or foods are involved.

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USA – FDA: Salmonella removed from Infant Formula Outbreak – Cronobacter sakazakii still cause of 4 illnesses with 2 deaths

Posted on March 11, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

Total Adverse Events: 4
Hospitalizations: 4
Reported Deaths: 2
Illness Onset Date Range: 9/6/2021 – 1/4/2022
States with Adverse Events: MN (1), OH (2), TX (1)
Product Distribution: Nationwide and International

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners are investigating consumer complaints and/or reports of infant illness related to products from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. All of the ill patients are reported to have consumed powdered infant formula produced from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility.

The Salmonella Newport illness previously included in this investigation of complaints and illnesses has been removed. In the early stages of this investigation, FDA included all consumer complaints of illness with exposure to products from the Sturgis, MI, facility. After further investigation, the FDA has determined that there is not enough information to definitively link this illness to powdered infant formula. CDC confirmed that this single Salmonella illness is not linked to an outbreak. The FDA and CDC are continuing to monitor for Salmonella cases and consumer complaints that may be related to this incident.

Cronobacter infection surveillance is not handled the same way as infection with more common foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella or E. coli O157:H7. Cronobacter is not nationally notifiable and not reportable except in one state, which means doctors and labs are not required to report cases to their health department. Because Cronobacter is not a nationally notifiable pathogen, FDA relies on consumer complaints of illness sent to the Agency and on health care providers informing FDA directly about infants with Cronobacter infections. In addition, because Cronobacter is not nationally notifiable, whole genome sequencing (WGS) is rarely performed on these isolates. To date, no outbreaks of Cronobacter have been detected using WGS.

When single cases of Cronobacter are reported, the FDA conducts a thorough review of each complaint, conducts sampling of products, and initiates inspections as appropriate. FDA collaborates with CDC, which has developed a detailed questionnaire specifically for Cronobacter infections that is often used by state health departments in instances of Cronobacter sakazakii infection.

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, Death, FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food death, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, Salmonella

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Fresh Express Packaged Salad (December 2021) is Over.

Posted on March 10, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, investigated a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections. According to the CDC, as of March 8, 2022, this outbreak has ended.

On December 20, 2021, Fresh Express voluntarily recalled certain varieties of its branded and private label salad products produced at the company’s Streamwood, Illinois, facility.

Recommendation

On March 8, 2022, CDC announced this outbreak is over. The product is past expiration and should no longer be available to consumers. Therefore, there are no recommendations for consumers, retailers, or suppliers.

FDA recommends that anyone who received recalled products use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.

Product Images

Image – Bagged Salad, Use By Date

Map of U.S. Distribution of Recalled Packaged Salad

Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Packaged Salad: Case Count Map Provided by CDC (December 21, 2021)

Case Count

People infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes by state of residence, as of March 8, 2022 (n=10)

Case Counts People infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes by state of residence, as of March 8, 2022 (n=10)

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 10
Hospitalizations: 10
Deaths: 1
Last Illness Onset: October 19, 2021
States with Cases: IL, MA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA

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USA – FDA Investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella Complaints: Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022)

Posted on March 1, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

If you want to check if your powdered formula is part of the recall, you can enter the product lot code on the bottom of your package on the company’s websiteExternal Link Disclaimer.

If you have questions or need information about the recall, you can Submit Questions/Get Assistance.

If your infant is experiencing symptoms related to Cronobacter or Salmonella infection, such as poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, abnormal movements, lethargy, rash, or blood in the urine or stool; contact your health care provider to report their symptoms and receive immediate care.

To report an illness or adverse event, you can

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners are investigating consumer complaints and/or reports of infant illness related to products from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. All of the ill patients are reported to have consumed powdered infant formula produced from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility.

As of February 28, CDC has announced one additional illness of Cronobacter sakazakii with exposure to powdered infant formula produced at Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. Cronobacter infection may have been a contributing cause of death for this patient. In total, this investigation includes four reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections in infants (three from FDA complaints and one from a CDC case finding) and one complaint of a Salmonella Newport infection in an infant. All five (four Cronobacter infections and one Salmonella Newport infection) illnesses resulted in hospitalization and Cronobacter may have contributed to death in two patients.

The most recent patient was reported to have consumed Abbott Nutrition’s Similac PM 60/40 product with the lot code 27032K800 prior to Cronobacter sakazakii infection. FDA and CDC informed the firm of these findings and on February 28, 2022, Abbott Nutrition voluntarily recalled Similac PM 60/40 powdered infant formula with the lot code 27032K800. This is a specialty formula for certain infants who would benefit from lowered mineral intake and was not included in the previous recall. At this time, Similac PM 60/40 with lot code 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case) are the only type and lots of this specialty formula being recalled.

This particular lot of Similac PM 60/40 was distributed to the U.S. and Israel. If your regular formula is not available, contact your child’s healthcare provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices.

We understand that infant formula is the sole source of nutrition for many infants and is an essential product. FDA is working with Abbott Nutrition to better assess the impacts of the recall and understand production capacity at other Abbott facilities that produce some of the impacted brands. We are also working with Abbott Nutrition on safe resumption of production at the Sturgis, MI facility. FDA is continuing to investigate and will update this advisory should additional consumer safety information become available.

Recommendation

The FDA is advising consumers not to use recalled Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas. Recalled products can be identified by the 7 to 9 digit code and expiration date on the bottom of the package (see image below). Products are included in the recall if they have all three items below:

  • the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37 and
  • the code on the container contains K8, SH, or Z2, and
  • the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

In addition to products described above, Abbott Nutrition has recalled Similac PM 60/40 with a lot code 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case). At this time, Similac PM 60/40 with lot code 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case) are the only type and lots of this specialty formula being recalled.

Additional recall information for the initial recall is available on the FDA website. Parents can also enter their product lot code on the company’s websiteExternal Link Disclaimer to check if it is part of the recall.

Additional Information for Parents and Caregivers:

The recalls do not include liquid formula products. Consumers should continue to use all product not included in the recalls.

Parents and caregivers should never dilute infant formula and should not make or feed homemade infant formula to infants. Consumers should also avoid purchasing imported formula through online sales, as it has the potential to be counterfeit.

If your regular formula is not available, contact your child’s healthcare provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices.

If you get infant formula through WIC, do not throw the formula out. Instead, you should take it to the store for a refund and exchange or call the company at 1-800-986-8540 to help you. WIC recipients should be able to obtain a different brand of similar formula. Call your local WIC clinic for more guidance. Also see:

More information on Cronobacter and infant formula is available on CDC’s website.

Recalled powdered infant formulas have the potential to be contaminated with Cronobacter, a bacterium that can cause severe foodborne illness primarily in infants. Cronobacter infections are rare but are especially high risk for newborn infants (see symptoms below).

Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine). Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths, and abnormal movements. Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body.

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should notify your child’s healthcare provider and seek medical care for your child immediately. Healthcare providers and health departments are encouraged to report any confirmed cases of Cronobacter sakazakii to CDC.

Product Images

Sample Product Image from the FDA Investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella Complaints about Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022)
Sample Product Image from the FDA Investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella Complaints about Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022)
Powdered Infant Formation Container with Product Coding

Case Counts

Total Adverse Events: 5 (4 Cronobacter, 1 Salmonella)
Hospitalizations: 5
Reported Deaths: 2*
Adverse Event Dates: 9/16/2021 – 1/4/2022
States with Adverse Events: MN (1), OH (2), TX (2)
Product Distribution: Nationwide and International
* Two deaths have been reported. Cronobacter infection may have contributed to the cause of death for both ill patients.

Useful Links

International Product Distribution

The recall impacts Alimentum, EleCare, and Human Milk Fortifier for markets outside the U.S. No other Abbott Nutrition products distributed outside of the U.S. are affected by this recall. According to the firm, recalled products were distributed to the following countries/locations: Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Guam, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Oman, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Vietnam ANI South.

For additional information, international officials and customers can visit the company’s recall page for contact informationExternal Link Disclaimer.

Cronobacter Surveillance

Cronobacter infection surveillance is not handled the same way as infection with more common foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella or E. coli O157:H7. Cronobacter is not nationally notifiable and not reportable except in one state, which means doctors and labs are not required to report cases to their health department. Because Cronobacter is not a nationally notifiable pathogen, FDA relies on consumer complaints of illness sent to the Agency and on health care providers informing FDA directly about infants with Cronobacter infections. In addition, because Cronobacter is not nationally notifiable, whole genome sequencing (WGS) is rarely performed on these isolates. To date, no outbreaks of Cronobacter have been detected using WGS.

When single cases of Cronobacter are reported, the FDA conducts a thorough review of each complaint, conducts sampling of products, and initiates inspections as appropriate. FDA collaborates with CDC, which has developed a detailed questionnaire specifically for Cronobacter infections that is often used by state health departments in instances of Cronobacter sakazakii infection.

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USA – Baby formula recall expands to include Similac PM after another baby dies of Cronobacter

Posted on March 1, 2022 by | Leave a comment

USA Today

Abbott Nutrition’s baby formula recall has been expanded to include one lot of Similac PM 60/40.

The Food and Drug Administration said in an update Monday that health officials were investigating an additional illness of Cronobacter sakazakii with exposure to powdered infant formula produced at the company’s Sturgis, Michigan facility. That baby also died of Cronobacter.

“The most recent patient was reported to have consumed Abbott Nutrition’s Similac PM 60/40 product with the lot code 27032K800 prior to Cronobacter sakazakii infection,” the FDA said.

Similac PM is considered “a specialty formula for certain infants who would benefit from lowered mineral intake.” It was not included in the previous recall for select lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare formulas announced Feb. 17.

RECALL DATABASE:  Check USA TODAY’s recall resource for the latest updates

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USA – Cronobacter Illnesses Linked to Powdered Infant Formula

Posted on February 28, 2022 by | Leave a comment

CDC

On February 17, Abbott three brands of formula produced at its manufacturing facility in Sturgis, Michigan. Parents and caregivers of newborns should not feed their baby recalled Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas.

Fast Facts
  • Illnesses: 3
  • Deaths: 1
  • States: 3 (Minnesota, Ohio, Texas)
  • Recall: Yes
  • Investigation status: Active
Powdered infant formula container with product coding

Recalled Powdered Infant Formula

On February 17, Abbott recalledexternal icon three brands of formula produced at its manufacturing facility in Sturgis, Michigan.

Recalled Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered formula have all three of these conditions:

  • First two digits of the code are 22 through 37, AND
  • Code on the container contains “K8,” “SH,” or “Z2,” AND
  • Use-by date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

To find out if the product you have is included in this recall, review these codes in the bottom of the package. See the recall noticeexternal icon for more information.

What Parents and Caregivers Should Do

Do not feed your baby any recalled powdered formula.

Contact your baby’s healthcare provider if:

  • Your baby has symptoms of Cronobacter illness (fever and poor feeding, excessive crying, or very low energy).
  • Your regular formula is not available, and you need recommendations on other ways to feed your baby.
Symptoms
  • The first symptom of Cronobacter infection in infants (0–1 year old) is usually a fever, accompanied by poor feeding, excessive crying, or very low energy. Some infants may also have seizures. Infants with these symptoms should be seen by a medical provider as soon as possible.
  • Cronobacter germs can cause a dangerous blood infection (sepsis) or make the linings surrounding the brain and spinal cord swell (meningitis). Infections in infants usually occur in the first days or weeks of life. Infants 2 months of age and younger are most likely to develop meningitis if they are infected with Cronobacter.
What Healthcare Providers/Laboratories Should Do
  • If a Cronobacter infection is diagnosed by a laboratory culture, CDC encourages clinicians and laboratories to inform their local or state health department.
  • Cronobacter can be detected in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with meningitis or sepsis caused by these bacteria. Cronobacter bacteria grow on routine culture media and microbiological laboratories can detect Cronobacter from blood or CSF samples.
  • CDC does not recommend testing infants for Cronobacter infection unless they have symptoms of meningitis or sepsis, even if they consumed recalled formula.
  • CDC does not recommend testing stool for Cronobacter. Cronobacter infection does not typically cause diarrhea in infants.
  • CDC does not recommend testing formula for Cronobacter contamination unless an infant has a diagnosed Cronobacter infection.
alert icon
Please contact your local or state health department if your child has been diagnosed with Cronobacter infection and consumed recalled formula.
Description of Cases

On February 10, 2022, CDC was notified of FDA’s investigation of consumer complaints of infant illness related to products from Abbott Nutrition in Sturgis, Michigan. These complaints include three reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one report of Salmonella Newport infection in infants. CDC and FDA are conducting additional laboratory testing and investigation to better understand these cases.

The most recent investigation details are summarized below:

From September 16, 2021, to January 5, 2022, CDC received reports of three Cronobacter cases in infants that were later found to be linked to this ongoing investigation:

  • Three infants in Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas consumed formula produced at the Sturgis, Michigan, facility before they got sick. Formula consumed included Similac Sensitive, Similac Pro-total Comfort, and Similac Advance. Cronobacter may have contributed to the death of an infant in Ohio.
  • These are the same cases identified in the consumer complaints received by FDA.

On February 16, 2022, CDC asked clinicians and state and local health departments to provide information on other cases of Cronobacter associated with infant formula from November 2020 through the present. Since then, CDC has received reports of more possible cases of Cronobacter illnesses in infants who might have consumed recalled formula. CDC is investigating to determine if these cases are linked to formula products produced at the Abbott Nutrition facility in Sturgis, Michigan. CDC is performing whole genome sequencing on Cronobacter bacteria isolated from available patient samples to compare with the environmental samples taken at the facility to determine if there is any relation.

CDC’s routine outbreak surveillance has not detected an outbreak of Salmonella illnesses linked to the case reported to FDA.

About Cronobacter

Cronobacter sakazakii is a germ found naturally in the environment and can live in very dry places. The germs can live in dry foods, such as powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches. Cronobacter infection is not reportable in most states, meaning doctors are not required to report cases to their health department. Cronobacter illnesses are rare, but when infections happen, they can be deadly for infants. CDC typically receives reports of 2 to 4 infections in infants per year, but the total number of cases that occur in the United States each year is not known.

How Cronobacter Can Spread
  • At a production factory, Cronobacter could get into formula powder if contaminated raw materials are used to make the formula or if the formula powder touches a contaminated surface in the manufacturing environment.
  • Powdered infant formula could also become contaminated at home or elsewhere after the container is opened. For example, Cronobacter could get into the formula if formula lids or scoops are placed on contaminated surfaces and later touch the formula or if the formula is mixed with contaminated water or in a contaminated bottle. See more information on how to safely prepare and store powdered infant formula.

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South Africa – Court overturns decision in Tiger Brands Listeria case

Posted on February 8, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

How the deadly strain of listeriosis was traced to Tiger Brands' Enterprise polony factory

A court in South Africa has overturned a previous decision to make companies divulge information in relation to a deadly Listeria outbreak in 2017 and 2018.

The Supreme Court of Appeal ruling reverses a Gauteng High Court verdict on whether subpoenas issued against third parties were relevant to the class-action. Tiger Brands is facing a class-action following an outbreak of listeriosis between January 2017 and September 2018 that sickened more than 1,050 people, killing 218.

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Posted in Death, food bourne outbreak, food death, Food Illness, Food Microbiology Research, Food Poisoning Death, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak, Research

EU – Multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis sequence type (ST)11 infections linked to eggs and egg products

Posted on February 8, 2022 by | Leave a comment

EFSA

Abstract

On 2 September 2021, France reported an increase in Salmonella Enteritidis ST11 infections. By 11 January 2022, 272 confirmed cases had been reported in five European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries and the United Kingdom (UK): Denmark (n=3), France (n=216), the Netherlands (n=12), Norway (n=7), Spain (n=22), and the UK (n=12) in 2021. Two deaths were recorded in adult men. Twenty-five cases were hospitalised. Sixty cases reported consumption of eggs/egg products.

Some cases reported in France in 2021 had visited restaurants serving eggs distributed by a common supplier, Spanish Packing Centre A. The eggs originated from three Spanish farms, one testing positive for the outbreak strain. Fresh table eggs from the farms linked to the outbreak were withdrawn and redirected for use in heat-treated egg products. No other countries received eggs from the same farms via Packing Centre A during summer 2021. Therefore, the source of infection for cases in late 2021 and in countries other than Spain and France could not be established.

This 2021 outbreak is linked microbiologically to a historical cross-border outbreak reported by the Netherlands in 2019. Eggs consumed by cases in the Dutch outbreak were traced back to a Spanish farm, but it was not possible to identify an epidemiological link with the 2021 outbreak. This suggests a wide distribution of the outbreak strain that could affect the food supply chain and/or earlier steps in the production chain. There may be multiple heterogeneous sources of S. Enteritidis ST11, and the outbreak strain could also be circulating at other farms, inside or outside Spain.

The risk of new infections caused by the outbreak strain and contaminated eggs remains high in the EU/EEA. It is therefore important to foster cross-sectoral investigations of contaminations in the egg supply chain in countries where S. Enteritidis ST11 has been detected.

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Research – Death by duck paste: Centenary of the Loch Maree botulism tragedy

Posted on February 7, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Press and Journal

kswfoodworld

There were 13 fishermen, two wives, 17 ghillies and three mountain climbers in the party, and they set out that morning with packed lunches prepared by the hotel staff.

The picnic included duck paste sandwiches, the paste coming from the firm of Lazenby & Sons of London.

Little did the diners know that they were carrying a ticking time bomb between slices of bread in their hampers, and that eight of their number would be dead within days.

Read the story at the Link Above

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