Category Archives: food bourne outbreak

USA – An Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Linked with Peaches Emerges Across Various States in the U.S.

Posted on August 21, 2020 by | Leave a comment

An Outbreak of 68 Salmonella Enteritidis Cases in Nine States has been Traced to Wawona Peaches

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced yet another Salmonella outbreak. The FDA has declared an ongoing investigation in regards to the numerous confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis found across multiple states. The initial cases were traced back through epidemiological methods. Health officials discovered a likely connection between the Salmonella Enteritis cases and bagged peaches sold by ALDI’s. The peaches of concern were sold by ALDI’s between June 1, 2020 and August 19, 2020, when ALDI issued a voluntary recall on their Wawona-brand 2 pound, bagged peaches sold in clear plastic bags. An image of the bagged peaches and their packaging can be viewed here.

On August 19, 2020, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that there are a total of 68 cases of illness, 14 hospitalizations, and 0 deaths, due to the Salmonella Enteritidis Outbreak. The 9 states with confirmed cases are IA, MD, MI, MN, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WI. The following states have been confirmed to have also had the recalled peaches shipped to various grocery and retail locations; CT, IA, IL, KY,  MA, MI, MN, ND, NH, NY, OH,  RI, SD, VT, WI, and WV.

Leave a comment

Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, 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 outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Microbiology, Salmonella

Canada – 100 more Canadians have become sick from eating US onions

Posted on August 17, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Daily Hive

The Public Health Agency of Canada is reporting 100 new illnesses across the country related to salmonella contaminated onions grown in California.

There have been no deaths related to the products, but the new cases bring the total to 339  illnesses linked to the onions in Canada, as of Friday. Currently, 48 individuals have been hospitalized.

Those who became sick are between the age of three and 100, with the majority of cases (54%) being found in females.

According to the agency, the confirmed cases of Salmonella Newport illness have been linked to this outbreak in the following provinces: British Columbia (78), Alberta (208), Saskatchewan (19), Manitoba (19), Ontario (8), Quebec (6), and Prince Edward Island (1).

“Do not eat, use, sell or serve any red, white, yellow, and sweet yellow onions from Thomson International Inc. of Bakersfield, California, USA, or any products made with these onions,” the health agency wrote in an update. “This advice applies to all individuals across Canada, as well as retailers, distributors, manufacturers and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, and nursing homes.”

Individuals who became ill reported eating red onions at home, items ordered at restaurants, and in residential care settings between mid-June and late July 2020.

Leave a comment

Posted in food bourne outbreak, food contamination, 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, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella in Onions, Uncategorized

USA -Cyclospora cases from bagged salad mix continue are on the up.

Posted on August 17, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News cardcyclosporasme

The outbreak of parasitic infections linked to Fresh Express bagged salad mix has grown by 49 new laboratory-confirmed cases of Cyclospora, upping the total to 690 people, up from 641.

The latest report is current as of Aug. 12, 2020, and it updates the previous report of July 24, 2020.

Laboratory-confirmed Cyclospora infections associated with this outbreak have been reported from 13 states: Georgia (1), Illinois (209), Iowa (206), Kansas (5), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (86), Missouri (57) Nebraska (55), North Dakota (6), Ohio (4), Pennsylvania (2), South Dakota (13), and Wisconsin (45). The ill person from Georgia purchased and ate a bagged salad product while traveling in Missouri.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, 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 outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Parasite, Uncategorized

Canada – Updated Food Recall Warning – Modern brand Tarragon Remoulade and Modern Meat brand Modern ‘Crab’ Cakes made with onions grown by Thomson International Inc. recalled due to Salmonella

Posted on August 15, 2020 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Ottawa, August 14, 2020 – The food recall warning issued on August 1, 2020 has been updated to include additional product information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.

The Modern Meat Inc. is recalling Modern brand Tarragon Remoulade and Modern Meat brand ‘Crab’ Cakes, made with onions grown by Thomson International Inc., Bakersfield, California (USA), from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below. Retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, and nursing homes should not serve, use, or sell the recalled products described below.

These products may also have been purchased on-line. The CFIA will continue its investigation into other possible importers and additional recalls may follow.

The following products have been sold as indicated in the table below.

Ongoing investigation

See complete list of recalled products associated with this ongoing investigation.

Recalled products

Brand Product Size UPC Codes Additional Information Distribution
Modern Tarragon Remoulade 250 mL 8 47004 00009 0 Best before date:
SEP 23 2020		 None British Columbia, Manitoba, and possibly other provinces and territories.
Modern Meat ‘Crab’ Cakes 300 g 8 47004 00014 4 Best before date:
JAN 18 2021		 None British Columbia, Manitoba, and possibly other provinces and territories.
Modern Meat ‘Crab’ Cakes 6 × 50 g 8 47004 00014 4 Best before date:
JAN 18 2021		 None British Columbia, Manitoba, and possibly other provinces and territories.

What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home or establishment. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased. If you are unsure of the source of the onions in your product, check with your place of purchase.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

Background

This recall was triggered by the CFIA during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak followed by a recall in the United States by Thomson International Inc. located in Bakersfield, California. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak of human illness. Please refer to the Public Health Notice for further details on this active outbreak investigation.

Related recalls

2020-08-12 – Krown brand red and yellow onions grown by Thomson International Inc. and imported from the USA recalled due to Salmonella

2020-08-07 – Various products made with onions grown by Thomson International Inc. recalled due to Salmonella

2020-08-07 – Red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions grown by Thomson International Inc. and imported from the USA recalled due to Salmonella

2020-08-07_r13941 – Sobeys brand Herb Marinade recalled due to Salmonella

2020-08-07_r13942 – Jim M. Koo Produce brand Yellow and Red Onions recalled due to Salmonella

2020-08-06 – Freshpoint Foodservice brand red and jumbo onions grown by Thomson International Inc. and imported from the USA recalled due to Salmonella

2020-08-05_r13938 – Imperial Fresh brand Onion white diced 3/8″ recalled due to Salmonella

2020-08-01 – Red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions grown by Thomson International Inc. and imported from the USA recalled due to Salmonella

2020-07-30 – Red onions imported from the USA by Sysco in Western Canada recalled due to Salmonella

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • Modern Tarragon Remoulade – 250 ml (front)
  • Modern Tarragon Remoulade – 250 ml (back)
  • Modern Tarragon Remoulade – 250 ml (UPC)
  • Modern 'Crab' Cakes – 6 × 50 grams
  • Modern Meat (lot code example)

Public enquiries and media

Public enquiries
Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.)
Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international)
Email: cfia.enquiries-demandederenseignements.acia@canada.ca
Media relations
Telephone: 613-773-6600
Email: cfia.media.acia@canada.ca
Report a problem on this page

Leave a comment

Posted in CFIA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella in Onions, Uncategorized

USA – Deli take-out in Seattle blamed for unidentified gastrointestinal illnesses

Posted on August 14, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Public Health is investigating an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness with diarrhea, vomiting, body aches, headaches, and fevers associated with a takeout meal from Saigon Vietnam Deli on July 25, 2020. A specific food or drink item that might have caused the illnesses has not been identified. Saigon Vietnam Deli is located  at1200 S Jackson Street in Seattle.

Pubic Health serves the Seattle-King County area of Washington State.

Since Aug. 3, 2020, Public Health learned about 8 people with a gastrointestinal illness who reported eating takeout food together from Saigon Vietnam Deli on July 25, 2020. Other food was also ordered for takeout from another food establishment, but since only half of the ill people ate the food from the second restaurant, it is unlikely the source of illnesses.

Public Health hasn’t identified any ill employees.

Leave a comment

Posted in food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Poisoning, Uncategorized

USA -Portland: Small Pharaoh #1 food cart closed, Linked to Shigella outbreak

Posted on August 14, 2020 by | Leave a comment

outbreak News Today

Shigella - kswfoodworld

Image CDC

 

Multnomah County health officials have closed the Small Pharaoh #1 food cart in downtown Portland (SW 5th and Stark) late Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020 after linking the business to an outbreak of shigellosis. This is the first food cart closure in Multnomah County in many years due to health concerns. Food carts are inspected, regulated and scored the same as brick and mortar restaurants.

Health officials took the unusual step of ordering the closure of the food cart at 5th and SW Stark after several individuals from different households were confirmed to have shigellosis after eating food from the facility. Four cases have been confirmed with three additional presumptive cases with symptoms who have not been tested. Shigella is a very contagious bacteria and can spread after swallowing a very small amount of the bacteria.

Anyone with symptoms of shigellosis who ate at the downtown location of Small Pharaoh between July 27 and August 11 should contact their care provider or seek medical care as needed.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in food bourne outbreak, food contamination, 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, Shigatoxin, Shigella, Shigella flexneri, Shigella Sonnei, Uncategorized

RASFF Alert – Foodborne Outbreak -Frozen Chicken thighs – Salmonella

Posted on August 14, 2020 by | Leave a comment

RASFF-Logo

RASFF – foodborne outbreak caused by and Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis (in 3 out of 5 samples /25g) in frozen chicken thighs from Romania in Latvia

Leave a comment

Posted in food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, 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 outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella in Chicken, Uncategorized

USA – Texas parasitic outbreak sickens 82; health officials still trying to identify source – Cyclospora

Posted on August 12, 2020 by | Leave a comment

IBT Cyclospora_LifeCycle201

Eighty-two individuals in Texas got sick after suffering from cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that causes a range of symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by a microscopic parasite. Fox News reports that the symptoms of this infection include diarrhoea, frequent bowel movements, loss of appetite, bloating, weight loss, stomach cramps, fatigue, and nausea. These symptoms can take up to a week to appear following an infection.

The most common source of the parasite is water or food contaminated by feces. However, public health officials in Austin, Texas are still trying to find out where the intestinal illness came from, which affected Austin-Travis County.

Health officials stated that previously, the source of such an outbreak would either be fruits or vegetables. The most common food sources include basil, cilantro, onions, and raspberries.

In July, the CDC warned multiple states of a cyclospora outbreak from bagged salads. However, Texas was not included in the list.

Leave a comment

Posted in Contaminated water, Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Safety, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Parasite, Uncategorized, Water, water microbiology, Water Safety

USA -Spokane Produce Inc. Issues Recall of Products Containing Onions Because of Possible Health Risk – Salmonella

Posted on August 12, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Spokane Produce, Inc. of Spokane, WA is voluntarily recalling salsa products containing onions as a result of the expanded onion recall initiated by Thomson International, Inc., which resulted in a recall by Spokane Produce’s onion supplier. These recalls are due to concerns of the potential for contamination by Salmonella spp.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Product was distributed in ID, MT, OR, WA states and it reached consumers only through retail stores. The recalled products were distributed from 05/13/20 to 08/10/20. Retail products were packaged in 15oz. plastic tubs and institutional size one gallon plastic containers.

Spokane Produce’s products subject to the recall are listed in the table below.

ITEM NUMBER PRODUCT NAME SIZE BEST BY DATE
83260 Saddlin’ Up Salsa Hot 15 oz 8/16/2020
83259 Saddlin’ Up Salsa Medium 15 oz 9/30/2020
83259 Saddlin’ Up Salsa Medium 15 oz 8/5/2020
83258 Saddlin’ Up Salsa Mild 15 oz 8/11/2020
84032 Salsa Verde 15 oz 8/26/2020
84044 Salsa Verde Gallon 9/28/2020
84044 Salsa Verde Gallon 8/11/2020

No other Spokane Produce’s products are impacted by this recall.

No illnesses have been reported in association with these salsa products to date.

Out of an abundance of caution, as a service to the general consuming public at large, product is being recalled in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Consumers who purchased any of the products/best buy dates cited above are advised not to eat any product and should destroy or return the product to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions should call Spokane Produce, Inc., 10am-4pm (PST) at 509-710-8301.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Spokane Produce, Inc.
 509-710-8301

Product Photos

  • Label, Saddlin’ Up Salsa
  • Label, Saddlin’ Up Salsa Verde
  • Label, Spokane Produce Salsa Verde

 

Leave a comment

Posted in FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, 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 outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella in Onions, Uncategorized

USA – Which Stores Sold Onions Recalled For Possible Salmonella?

Posted on August 7, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

The newest Salmonella Newport outbreak has sickened at least  396 people in 34 states and has hospitalized 59. The outbreak is potentially linked to red onions sold by Thomson International. Those onions were recalled last week. But which stores sold the onions recalled for possible Salmonella contamination? And are products made with those onions recalled?

According to recall notices posted on their web sites, ALDI, Food Lion, Giant Eagle/Market District, Kroger, Publix, Stop & Shop/Giant Food Stores, Smiths, Fry’s, Fred Meyer, and Walmart allegedly sold these onions under various store names and brand names, and some were used to make other products such as salads and stir fries.

Leave a comment

Posted in food bourne outbreak, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, microbial contamination, Microbiology, outbreak, Salmonella, Uncategorized