The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to queso fresco cheeses made by El Abuelito Cheese, Inc.
As part of this outbreak investigation, the Connecticut Department of Public Health collected product samples of El Abuelito-brand Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses from a store where a sick person bought cheeses. Sample analysis showed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in samples of El Abuelito Queso Fresco sold in 10 oz packages, marked as Lot A027 with an expiration date of 02/26/2021. On 2/19/2021, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis conducted by the Connecticut State Laboratory determined that the Listeria monocytogenes found in the samples is a match to the outbreak strain.
On 2/19/2021, El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. of Paterson, NJ recalled all Queso Fresco products with “sell by” dates through 03/28/21. Products include El Abuelito, Rio Grande, and Rio Lindo brand queso frescos, distributed to CT, MD, NC, NJ, NY, PA, and VA. A full list of recalled products is included below. At this time, El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. has ceased production and distribution of all products.
Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve any recalled queso fresco cheeses.
FDA recommends that anyone who purchased or 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.
On 2/19/2021, El Abuelito Cheese of Paterson, NJ recalled all Queso Fresco products within expiration. Products include:
|
Brand |
Product Name |
Size |
Container Type |
UPC Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
El Abuelito Cheese |
Queso Fresco Regular |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
673130100003 |
|
El Abuelito Cheese |
Queso Fresco Promoción |
10 oz. |
Plastic Container |
673130100078 |
|
El Abuelito Cheese |
Queso Fresco de Hoja |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
673130100065 |
|
El Abuelito Cheese |
Queso Fresco |
5 Lb. |
Vaccuum Packed |
673130100058 |
|
El Abuelito Cheese |
Queso Fresco Guatemala |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
673130100027 |
|
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Chirilagua Queso de Hacienda |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
738529005571 |
|
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Queso Fresco Campestre con Hoja |
14 oz. |
Plastic Container |
812324031161 |
|
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Queso Fresco Campestre Artesanal |
14 oz. |
Plastic Container |
738529002518 |
|
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Queso Fresco con Hoja |
14 oz. |
Plastic Container |
738529004581 |
|
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Queso Fresco Yorito |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
738529005564 |
|
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Queso Fresco Olancho |
14 oz. |
Plastic Container |
812324031222 |
|
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Cuajada Fresca Guatemalteca |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
738529001276 |
|
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Cuajada Fresca Hondureña |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
738529001269 |
|
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Cuajada Fresca Salvadoreña |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
738529001252 |
|
Rio Lindo |
Queso Fresco Mexicano |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
718122088587 |
|
Rio Lindo |
Queso Fresco Hondureño |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
718122088591 |
|
Rio Lindo |
Queso Fresco Salvadoreño |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
718122088607 |
Product Distribution*: CT, MD, NC, NJ, NY, PA, VA
*States with confirmed distribution; product could have been distributed further
Total Illnesses: 7
Hospitalizations: 7
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Date: 1/22/2021
States with Cases: MD (4), CT (1), NY (1), and VA (1)
Posted in FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, 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, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak
Aaron’s Gourmet Smoked Fish is issuing a voluntary recall of all smoked fish products due to the lack of licensure and regulatory oversight by the state agency. The products are packaged in both glass jars and vacuum-packed plastic bags.
The products were distributed to Growers Outlet and Berry Good PDX in Portland, Oregon. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.
The products have been voluntarily recalled by Aaron’s Gourmet Smoked Fish. We are not aware of any reported cases of illness related to these products.
This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Please contact Aaron at 503-372-9849 for questions or complaints.
Product Description:
“LAVVA Blueberry Dairy Free Pili Nut Yogurt. NO SUGAR ADDED. NET WT 5.3OZ (150g) ***KEEP REFRIGERATED***DISTRIBUTED BY EVR FOODS INC. NEW YORK, NY 10010″
Reason for Recall:
Product may contain mold.
Product Quantity:
” 806 cases (9,672 units)
Recall Number:
F-0287-2021
Code Information:
Unit UPC: 00860149001739 Case UPC: 10860149001736 Best By: 2/21/21
Classification:
Class II
Product Description:
Butternut Veggie Spirals Tray, Keep Refrigerated, NET WT 9.5oz (269g)
Reason for Recall:
Butternut Squash products potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Product Quantity:
3,570 cases
Recall Number:
F-0281-2021
Code Information:
Run No./Use by Date: 1222496F/ 1/13/2021, 1222747F/ 1/14/2021, 1222831F/ 1/15/2021, 1222851F/ 1/16/2021, 1222959F/ 1/17/2021, 1223108F/ 1/18/2021, 1223145F/ 1/19/2021, and 1223223F/ 1/20/2021.
Product Description:
Butternut Cubed Butternut Tray, Keep Refrigerated, NET WT 13oz (368g)
Reason for Recall:
Butternut Squash products potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Product Quantity:
7,111 cases
Recall Number:
F-0282-2021
Code Information:
Run No./Use by Date: 1222496F/ 1/13/2021, 1222747F/ 1/14/2021, 1222831F/ 1/15/2021, 1222851F/ 1/16/2021, 1222959F/ 1/17/2021, 1223108F/ 1/18/2021, 1223145F/ 1/19/2021, and 1223223F/ 1/20/2021.
Classification:
Class II
Product Description:
Butternut Squash Tray, Keep Refrigerated, NET WT 12oz (341g)
Reason for Recall:
Butternut Squash products potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Product Quantity:
359 cases
Recall Number:
F-0283-2021
Code Information:
Run No./Use by Date: 1222496F/ 1/15/2021, 1222747F/ 1/16/2021, 1222959F/ 1/19/2021, and 1223223F/ 1/22/2021.
Classification:
Class II
Product Description:
Reese Bearnaise Sauce packaged in glass jars 7.5 oz UPC: 7067060109
Reason for Recall:
Reports of compromised vacuum seal and product expansion which may lead to growth of microorganisms
Product Quantity:
653 cases (12 packages per case)
Recall Number:
F-0277-2021
Code Information:
Best by 11/13/2022
Classification:
Class II
Product Description:
Reese Hollandaise Sauce packaged in glass jars 7.5 oz UPC: 7067060108
Reason for Recall:
Reports of compromised vacuum seal and product expansion which may lead to growth of microorganisms
Product Quantity:
1600 cases (12 packages per case)
Recall Number:
F-0278-2021
Code Information:
Best by 11/16/2022
Classification:
Class II
Product Description:
Butternut Squash Bag, 5 lbs
Reason for Recall:
Butternut Squash products potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Product Quantity:
155 cases
Recall Number:
F-0285-2021
Code Information:
Run No./Use by Date: 1222496F/ 1/13/2021, 1222831F/ 1/15/2021, 1223108F/ 1/18/2021, and 1223198F/1/20/2021.
Classification:
Class II
|
12/23/2020 |
11 |
Not Yet Identified |
|
|
1/13/2021 |
10 |
Salmonella Miami |
Not Yet Identified |
|
2/17/2021 |
14 |
E. coli O157:H7 |
Not Yet Identified |
|
2/17/2021 |
15 |
Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheese |
Posted in CORE Investigation Table, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak, Research, Salmonella, Uncategorized
The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections potentially linked to Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses.
FDA has initiated an investigation and is collecting information to try to determine the source of the outbreak. Although the investigation is ongoing, CDC’s analysis of epidemiologic information indicates that Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses are the leading hypotheses for the cause of the illnesses. No specific type or brand of cheese has been confirmed as the source of illness. CDC reported that seven people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported in Connecticut, Maryland, New York, and Virginia. Six of the seven ill people are Hispanic. Of the four people interviewed, three reported eating at least one type of Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses, and each of the three reported eating queso fresco.
As part of this outbreak investigation, the Connecticut Department of Public Health collected product samples of El Abuelito-brand Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses from a store where a sick person bought cheeses. Sample analysis showed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in samples of El Abuelito Queso Fresco sold in 10 oz packages, marked as Lot A027 with an expiration date of 02/26/2021. Samples are currently undergoing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis to determine if the Listeria monocytogenes found in these samples is a match to the outbreak strain. At this time, there is not enough evidence to determine if this outbreak is linked to El Abuelito Queso Fresco.
FDA and state partners are working with the firm to recall the affected lot and to determine if additional products should be recalled. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve El Abuelito Queso Fresco cheese until more information is known.
If you are at higher risk for severe Listeria illness (if you are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments) do not eat any Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses, including El Abuelito brand queso fresco cheese, until we identify which cheeses are making people sick in this outbreak.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have these symptoms after eating Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses:
Generally, make sure the Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses (like queso fresco) you eat have labels that state, “Made with pasteurized milk.”
Be aware that Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses made from pasteurized milk have caused Listeria outbreaks. Although pasteurization of milk kills Listeria, products made from pasteurized milk can still become contaminated if they are produced in facilities with unsanitary conditions.
Restaurants and retailers that serve or sell Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses should follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice.
Total Illnesses: 7
Hospitalizations: 7
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Date: 1/22/2021
States with Cases: MD (4), CT (1), NY (1), and VA (1)
Posted in FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, 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, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak
The following is a list of outbreak investigations being managed by FDA’s CORE Response Teams. These two investigations are still active.
| 2/23/2020 | 11 | Salmonella Potsdam | Not Yet Identified | 7 | Active | Ended See Advice | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 1/13/2021 | 10 | Salmonella Miami | Not Yet Identified | 61 | Active | Ongoing See Advice | ✔ |
Shenandoah Growers, Inc (Harrisonburg, VA) out of an abundance of caution, has issued a limited, voluntary recall of approximately 3240 units of branded fresh cut, packaged organic basil clamshells packed at its Indianapolis, Indiana location due to a possible health risk from Cyclospora.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora parasite. A person may become infected after ingesting contaminated food or water. Common symptoms include severe abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, body aches and fatigue. The infection is treated with antibiotics and most people respond quickly to treatment.
Only the following specific lot codes are affected:
PV40515 1034 PV40515 3034 PV40515 4034 PV40515 3035
The affected product has a country of origin of Colombia and was harvested entirely from Puerto Vallarta Herbs SAS (Farm) and imported by Vallarta Organics LLC dba Organic Destiny (Importer).
Affected lot codes shipped:
| Lot Code: | Pack Date: | Brand: | Size: | Location | UPC: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PV40515 1034 | 2/3/2021 | Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty | 0.75 oz | Indianapolis Fruit | 7-68573-00101-4 |
| PV40515 1034 | 2/3/2021 | Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty | 2.0 oz | Indianapolis Fruit | 7-68573-02143-2 |
| PV40515 1034 | 2/3/2021 | Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty | 4.0 oz | Indianapolis Fruit | 7-68573-00141-0 |
| PV40515 3034 | 2/3/2021 | That’s Tasty (Pasta Blend) | 0.5 oz | Vine Line Produce | 7-68573-52008-9 |
| PV40515 3034 | 2/3/2021 | That’s Tasty | 0.5 oz | Vine Line Produce | 7-68573-50502-4 |
| PV40515 3034 | 2/3/2021 | Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty | 4 oz | Vine Line Produce Bulk | N/A |
| PV40515 3034 | 2/3/2021 | Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty | 1 lb. | Vine Line Produce Bulk | N/A |
| PV40515 4034 | 2/3/2021 | Simple Truth | 3.0 oz | Kroger | 0-11110-00876-3 |
| PV40515 1034 | 2/3/2021 | That’s Tasty | 0.25 oz | J&J Distributing | 7-68573-02515-7 |
| PV40515 1034 | 2/3/2021 | Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty | 0.75 oz | J&J Distributing | 7-68573-00101-4 |
| PV40515 3035 | 2/4/2021 | That’s Tasty | 3.0 oz | Schnucks | 7-68573-53001-9 |
Recalled products were distributed to select retail stores between 2/3/2021 to 2/4/2021 in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
This recall notification is being issued due to a single instance in which a sample of bulk product was pulled at the port of entry in Miami and tested by the FDA as part of routine surveillance and indicated the potential presence of Cyclospora.
Affected Shenandoah Growers customers have been notified of the recall and instructed to immediately remove and discard recalled products from all store shelves, distribution and other inventories to ensure they are no longer available for sale or consumption.
The Shenandoah Growers recall includes only those clamshells of certified organic basil clearly marked with the affected lot codes listed above. The lot code can be found printed on each clamshell.
No other Shenandoah Growers products are subject to recall, and the company has no knowledge of any illness reported or related to this product to date.
Consumers who may have a recalled basil product should discard it immediately and not eat it. Consumers with questions, or to obtain refunds, may contact the Shenandoah Growers Consumer Response Center at 844-896-6939 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm EST.
Shenandoah Growers takes food safety matters very seriously, and stringently follows all mandated regulations and implements preventive measures designed to minimize potential risks. Shenandoah Growers is working in close coordination with regulatory officials, including the FDA, on this matter.
Company Contact Information
Shenandoah Growers Consumer Response Center
844-896-6939
Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, FDA, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Technology, Food Testing, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak
Total Illnesses: 40
Hospitalizations: 20 (4 Cases HUS)
Deaths: 0
The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, investigated a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections in the fall of 2020. The epidemiology and traceback investigation have determined that the outbreak was linked to leafy greens. The epidemiological and traceback investigations were not able to determine a specific type of leafy green linked to illnesses. On 12/22/2020, the CDC announced that this outbreak appears to be over. This outbreak, announced by FDA and CDC on October 28, 2020, was caused by a strain of E. coli that is genetically related to a strain linked to the fall 2019 romaine outbreak.
The FDA completed a traceback investigation of multiple types of leafy greens identified in patient interviews. Although no single ranch was identified as a common source of the leafy greens, FDA and state partners also conducted on-site investigations on farms of interest.
Teams were deployed to dozens of ranches in the region to conduct large scale environmental sampling. Additionally, no Shiga toxin-producing E. coli were found on leafy greens. As part of the field investigation, teams conducted environmental sampling on and around ranches of interest to identify any factors that could have led to contamination. Samples of soil, scat or animal droppings, compost, water, and other environmental sources were collected and analyzed.
Laboratory analysis of samples is now complete. The analysis has confirmed a positive match to the outbreak strain in a sample of cattle feces, which was collected during follow-up investigations on a roadside, uphill from where leafy greens or other food identified in the traceback investigation were grown. While the finding does not provide definitive information on how E. coli may have contaminated product during the growing and harvesting season, it does confirm the presence of a strain of E. coli O157:H7 that causes recurring outbreaks in a more narrowly defined growing region and a potential, continued source of contamination.
At this time, FDA’s investigational activities have concluded. The FDA continues to review the findings from this outbreak and a detailed report will be released in the near future. This report will include recommendations shaped by the investigation findings.
In the meantime, as recommended in our Leafy Greens Action Plan, the FDA continues to recommend growers assess and mitigate risk associated with adjacent and nearby land use practices, particularly as it relates to the presence of livestock, which are a persistent reservoir of E. coli O157:H7 and other STEC.
CDC has declared this outbreak to be over. There is no recommendation for consumers, retailers, or suppliers.
Posted in E.coli, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli
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