Category Archives: Food Illness

USA – Albertsons Companies, in cooperation with The J. M. Smucker Co., voluntarily recalls select store-prepared items containing peanut butter due to possible Salmonella contamination

Business Wire

Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI), in cooperation with its supplier The J. M. Smucker Co., has voluntarily recalled 11 store-prepared items due to possible Salmonella contamination. The FDA’s recall announcement can be found here.

The store-prepared items were available for purchase at the following banners: Albertsons, Safeway, Lucky, Haggen, Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Tom Thumb, United, Amigos, Market Street, Albertsons Market, Andronico’s Community Markets, Vons, Pak ‘N Save, Shaw’s, Star Market, Randalls, Vons, Jewel-Osco, ACME, King’s and Balducci’s.

Consumers who have purchased these items are urged not to consume these products and to dispose of them or return the items to their local store for a full refund.

Guatemala – Four deaths in Guatemala linked to contaminated shellfish – Saitoxin – PSP

Food Safety News

More than 30 people have fallen sick and four have died in Guatemala after eating shellfish.

The National Commission for the Surveillance and Control of Red Tide in Guatemala has extended an alert because of the presence of saxitoxins above the limits on the coasts of Tiquisate, Escuintla, Retalhuleu and San Marcos.

Public health officials said that since the end of April, 34 people had been affected and three children and one adult had died.

Authorities urged the public not to eat bivalve mollusks such as mussels, clams and oysters.

A warning was issued earlier this month after monitoring and analysis detected high concentrations of saxitoxins above the limits.

Saxitoxin is a toxin responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Harmful algal blooms are often called red tides.

USA – Buba Noodle Bar possible link in Manchester Salmonella Outbreak

Food Poison Journal

According to the Manchester Union Leader, a downtown Manchester restaurant has closed temporarily as the state investigates a cluster of Salmonella infections.

Buba Noodle Bar on Lowell Street closed its doors voluntarily last week, and on Friday, the Manchester Health Department ordered the restaurant to stay closed until all prepared food is thrown out, the restaurant gets a deep-cleaning, and all staff test negative for Salmonella.

The state health department had been investigating a cluster of Salmonella cases last week, with some of those infected saying they had eaten at the restaurant, but it was not clear if the restaurant was the source of the infection, or what in the restaurant could have spread Salmonella.

Health officials advise anyone who experiences symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting or a fever within a few days of eating at the noodle bar should visit a doctor and ask about testing for Salmonella.

Quebec – Notice not to consume Mantab brand IQF frozen whole raspberries sold by Boucherie Fruits et Légumes Guiges inc. _ Norovirus

Quebec

IQF Whole Raspberries (CNW Group/Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food)

Hazard Classification:  Class 1
Reference Number:  4554

Source:
Media relations
Direction des communications
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food
Tel. : 418 380-2100, extension 3512
www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), in collaboration with the company named in the table below, advises the population not to consume the product listed in the table below, this food may have been contaminated with norovirus.

This alert is the result of a Canadian Food Inspection Agency food recall involving Mantab brand IQF Whole Raspberries originating from China and distributed to several establishments across Canada .

The product was offered in a frozen state. The product label includes, in addition to its name, the words “Below Zero” and “Mantab”.

Establishment

Product name

Format

Affected lot

Boucherie Fruits et Légumes Guiges inc.

34 Main Street North

Saint Bruno de Guigues

“IQF WHOLE RASPBERRIES”

1kg

Batch #: XT21253

PO| :M14475

BB/MA: 2023-SE-09

The company named in the table above is voluntarily recalling the product in question. It has agreed with MAPAQ to issue this warning as a precautionary measure. In addition, people who have this product in their possession are advised not to consume it. They must return it to the establishment where they bought it or must throw it away.

Even if the product does not show signs of tampering or suspicious odor, it is likely to be contaminated with norovirus. People exposed to this virus usually show symptoms within 24 to 48 hours of consumption. Common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Muscle pain, fatigue, fever, chills and headache may also occur. Cases of illness have been reported to MAPAQ and could be associated with the consumption of this food.

USA – The J. M. Smucker Co. Issues Voluntary Recall of Select Jif® Products Sold in the U.S. for Potential Salmonella Contamination

FDA

ummary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:
Potential Salmonella Contamination
Company Name:
The J. M. Smucker Co.
Brand Name:
Jif®
Product Description:
Select Jif® Peanut Butter products

Company Announcement

The company has issued a correction to the previous announcement.

The J. M. Smucker Co. is recalling select Jif® peanut butter products sold in the U.S. due to potential Salmonella contamination. 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.

The recalled peanut butter was distributed nationwide in retail stores and other outlets. Recalled products include the products below with lot codes 1274425 – 2140425. Lot codes are included alongside best-if-used-by date.

Description UPC
JIF 16 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 5150025516
JIF 16 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER 5150025537
JIF 96 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK 5150024705
JIF 96 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK 5150024706
JIF 40 OUNCE NATURAL CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER 5150007565
JIF 12 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER INTERNATIONAL 5150008026
JIF 3/4 OUNCE PEANUT BUTTER PLASTIC CASE 5150008051
JIF .64 OUNCE NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER PLASTIC CASE 5150008058
JIF 96 COUNT NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER TO GO CASE 5150021889
JIF 36 COUNT CREAMY JIF PEANUT TO GO CASE 5150024114
JIF 8 COUNT CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO 5150024130
JIF 8 COUNT CREAMY PBTR TO GO 5150024136
JIF 4.5 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO 5150024137
JIF 54 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO 36 PACK 5150024143
JIF 28 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER 5150024163
JIF 96 COUNT CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO 5150024170
JIF 54 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO 36 PACK 5150024174
JIF 28 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 5150024177
JIF 40 OUNCE NATURAL HONEY 5150024182
JIF 12 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 5150024191
JIF 12 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO 5150024307
JIF 40 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 5150024321
JIF 28 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 5150024322
JIF 4 POUND CAN CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 5150024331
JIF 96 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY TWINPACK 5150024404
JIF 15.5 OUNCE NO ADDED SUGAR PEANUT BUTTER 5150024540
JIF 13 OUNCE SQUEEZABLE POUCH 5150024545
JIF 33.5 OUNCE NO ADDED SUGAR PEANUT BUTTER 5150024548
JIF 13 OUNCE NATURAL SQUEEZE POUCH 5150024572
JIF 80 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK 5150024769
JIF 80 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK 5150024776
JIF 40 OUNCE REDUCED FAT CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 5150025499
JIF 16 OZ REDUCED FAT CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 5150025518
JIF 16 OUNCE CREAMY OMEGA 3 PEANUT BUTTER 5150025530
JIF 80 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK 5150025542
JIF 16 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 5150025565
JIF 16 OUNCE NATURAL CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER 5150025574
JIF 16 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER HONEY 5150025578
JIF 40 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 5150072001
JIF 40 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER 5150072002
JIF 46.5 OUNCE NO ADDED SUGAR PEANUT BUTTER 5150041418
JIF 1.1 OUNCE PORTION CONTROL PEANUT BUTTER 120 COUNT 5150092100
JIF 48 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 5150024094
JIF 48 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER 5150024095
JIF 1.5 oz CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO 5150024141
JIF 48 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY 5150024402
JIF 40 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 5150024090
JIF 40 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER 5150024091
JIF 40 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 5150025524

If consumers have products matching the above description in their possession, they should dispose of it immediately.

Consumers who have questions or would like to report adverse reactions should visit www.jif.com/contact-usExternal Link Disclaimer or call 800-828-9980 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM ET.

This recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Based on the information known to date, we are unable to estimate the financial impact of the recall either on our fiscal year ended April 30, 2022, or on our current fiscal year 2023. We will provide additional information as soon as possible.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. Readers should understand that the risks, uncertainties, factors, and assumptions listed and discussed in this press release, including the following important factors and assumptions, could affect the future results of the Company and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements:

  • the impact of food security concerns involving either our products or our competitors’ products, including product recalls;
  • the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, industry, suppliers, customers, consumers, employees, and communities;
  • disruptions or inefficiencies in our operations or supply chain, including any impact caused by product recalls, political instability, terrorism, armed hostilities (including the recent outbreak of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine), extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic), or other calamities;
  • risks related to the availability of, and cost inflation in, supply chain inputs, including labor, raw materials, commodities, packaging, and transportation;
  • risks associated with derivative and purchasing strategies we employ to manage commodity pricing and interest rate risks;
  • our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to continue operating under our capital deployment model, including capital expenditures, debt repayment, dividend payments, and share repurchases;
  • our ability to implement and realize the full benefit of price changes, and the impact of the timing of the price changes to profits and cash flow in a particular period;
  • general competitive activity in the market, including competitors’ pricing practices and promotional spending levels;
  • the concentration of certain of our businesses with key customers and suppliers, including single-source suppliers of certain key raw materials and finished goods, and our ability to manage and maintain key relationships;
  • impairments in the carrying value of goodwill, other intangible assets, or other long-lived assets or changes in the useful lives of other intangible assets or other long-lived assets; and
  • risks related to other factors described under “Risk Factors” in other reports and statements we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Readers are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, when evaluating the information contained in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, to reflect new events or circumstances.

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Peanut Butter (May 2022) | FDA


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
The J. M. Smucker Co.
 800-828-9980
Media:
 330-684-3892
 media.inquiry@jmsmucker.com

USA – CDC – Salmonella in Peanut Butter – Investigation Details

CDC

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Senftenberg infections.

Epidemiologic and laboratory data show that some Jif brand peanut butters may be contaminated with Salmonella Senftenberg and are making people sick.

Epidemiologic Data

As of May 21 2022, a total of 14 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Senftenberg have been reported from 12 states (see map). Illnesses started on dates ranging from February 17, 2022, through May 1, 2022 (see timeline).

Sick people range in age from less than one to 85 years, with a median age of 56, and 71% are female. Of 6 people with information available, 2 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.

State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the five people interviewed, five (100%) reported eating peanut butter. Four of five (80%) sick people reported Jif brand peanut butter. Two people reported Jif Creamy Reduced Fat peanut butter, one person reported Jif Natural Creamy Low Sodium peanut butter, and one person reported Jif Natural Creamy peanut butter. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating peanut butter.

Laboratory Data

Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS). WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from the same food.

WGS analysis shows that samples from sick people in this investigation are closely related genetically to a sample collected in 2010 from the environment at J.M. Smucker Company’s facility in Lexington, KY, where some Jif brand peanut butter is produced.

WGS analysis of bacteria from 14 people’s samples did not predict resistance to any antibiotics. Standard antibiotic susceptibility testing by CDC’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) laboratory is currently underway.

Public Health Actions

On May 20 2022, J.M. Smucker Company recalledexternal icon multiple Jif brand peanut butter types. Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled Jif brand peanut butter.

USA – CDC – Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Peanut Butter

CDC

Fast Facts
  • Illnesses: 14
  • Hospitalizations: 2
  • Deaths: 0
  • States: 12
  • Recall: Yes
  • Investigation status: Active
Recalled Food

Jif brand peanut butter

  • Sold at stores nationwide.
  • Many types and sizes were recalled, including creamy, crunchy, natural, and reduced fat.
  • Lot code numbers 1274425 through 2140425, with “425” at the end of the first 7 numbers.
  • See recallexternal icon notice for more information.

Four of five (80%) sick people reported eating different types of Jif brand peanut butter before getting sick.

What You Should Do
  • Do not eat any recalled Jif brand peanut butter. Throw it away.
  • This product has a very long shelf life, so be sure to check any Jif peanut butter you have at home to make sure it has not been recalled.
  • Wash surfaces and containers that may have touched the recalled peanut butter using hot, soapy water.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have one or more of these symptoms after eating recalled peanut butter:
    • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
    • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
    • Bloody diarrhea
    • So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
    • Signs of dehydration, such as:
      • Not peeing much
      • Dry mouth and throat
      • Feeling dizzy when standing up
What Businesses Should Do
  • Do not sell or serve recalled Jif brand peanut butter.
  • Wash and sanitize containers and surfaces that may have come in contact with recalled peanut butter.
Symptoms of Salmonella
  • Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
    • Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria.
    • Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days.
  • Some people – especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems – may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.
  • For more information about Salmonella, see the Salmonella Questions and Answers page.

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Peanut Butter (May 2022)

FDA

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Senftenberg infections linked to certain Jif peanut butter products produced at the J.M. Smucker Company facility in Lexington, Kentucky.

CDC’s review of epidemiological information indicates that five out of five people reported consuming peanut butter and four of the five people specifically reported consuming different varieties of Jif brand peanut butter prior to becoming ill. FDA conducted Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis on an environmental sample collected at the Lexington, KY, J.M. Smucker Company facility in 2010. The analysis shows that this 2010 environmental sample matches the strain causing illnesses in this current outbreak. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that Jif brand peanut butter produced in the J.M. Smucker Company facility located in Lexington, KY, is the likely cause of illnesses in this outbreak.

J.M. Smucker Company has voluntarily recalled certain Jif brand peanut butter products that have the lot code numbers between 1274425 – 2140425, only if the first seven digits end with 425 (manufactured in Lexington, KY). Photo examples and a list of UPC codes are included below.

FDA’s investigation is ongoing and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

Recommendation

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve any recalled Jif brand peanut butter that have lot code numbers 1274425 through 2140425, only if the first seven digits end with 425 (see photo example and Product List with UPC Codes below). This product has a two-year shelf life so consumers should check any Jif peanut butter in their home.

FDA recommends that if you have used the recalled Jif brand peanut butter that have lot code numbers 1274425 through 2140425 and the first seven digits end with 425, you should wash and sanitize surfaces and utensils that could have touched the peanut butter. If you or someone in your household ate this peanut butter and have symptoms of salmonellosis, please contact your healthcare provider.

Product Images

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella in Peanut Butter (May 2022) - Sample Recalled Product Label
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella in Peanut Butter (May 2022) - Sample Recalled Product Label

Product List

Updated on 5/22/2022

UPC

Description

5150025516 JIF 16 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150025537 JIF 16 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024705 JIF 96 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK
5150024706 JIF 96 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK
5150007565 JIF 40 OUNCE NATURAL CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
5150008026 JIF 12 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER INTERNATIONAL
5150008051 JIF 3/4 OUNCE PEANUT BUTTER PLASTIC CASE
5150008058 JIF .64 OUNCE NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER PLASTIC CASE
5150021889 JIF 96 COUNT NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER TO GO CASE
5150024114 JIF 36 COUNT CREAMY JIF PEANUT TO GO CASE
5150024130 JIF 8 COUNT CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO
5150024136 JIF 8 COUNT CREAMY PBTR TO GO
5150024137 JIF 4.5 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO
5150024143 JIF 54 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO 36 PACK
5150024163 JIF 28 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024170 JIF 96 COUNT CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO
5150024174 JIF 54 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO 36 PACK
5150024177 JIF 28 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024182 JIF 40 OUNCE NATURAL HONEY
5150024191 JIF 12 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024307 JIF 12 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO
5150024321 JIF 40 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024322 JIF 28 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024331 JIF 4 POUND CAN CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024404 JIF 96 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY TWINPACK
5150024540 JIF 15.5 OUNCE NO ADDED SUGAR PEANUT BUTTER
5150024572 JIF 13 OUNCE SQUEEZABLE POUCH
5150024769 JIF 80 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK
5150024776 JIF 80 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK
5150025499 JIF 40 OUNCE REDUCED FAT CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150025518 JIF 16 OZ REDUCED FAT CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150025530 JIF 16 OUNCE CREAMY OMEGA 3 PEANUT BUTTER
5150025542 JIF 80 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK
5150025565 JIF 16 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150025574 JIF 16 OUNCE NATURAL CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
5150025578 JIF 16 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER HONEY
5150072001 JIF 40 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150072002 JIF 40 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
5150041418 JIF 46.5 OUNCE NO ADDED SUGAR PEANUT BUTTER
5150092100 JIF 1.1 OUNCE PORTION CONTROL PEANUT BUTTER 120 COUNT
5150024094 JIF 48 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024095 JIF 48 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024141 JIF 1.5 oz CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO
5150024402 JIF 48 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY
5150024090 JIF 40 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024091 JIF 40 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
5150025524 JIF 40 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER

Case Count Map Provided by CDC

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 14
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: May 1, 2022
States with Cases: AR (1), GA (2), IL (1), MA (1), MO (1), OH (1), NC (1), NY (1), SC (1), TX (2), VA (1), WA (1)
Product Distribution*: Nationwide
*Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states

Who to Contact

Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.

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

Ireland – Sixteen Salmonella cases in Ireland linked to Kinder products

Irish Times

The number of people who became ill due to a salmonella outbreak linked to Kinder chocolate products has increased to 369 across Europe and North America, including 16 in Ireland.

One additional Irish case involving a second strain has been identified in addition to the initial 15, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Five of the people affected required hospital treatment.

Across Europe and north America, 274 cases from first cluster or strain and 37 from a second have been confirmed in 16 countries, along with 58 suspected cases. Most cases involved children aged under 10.

The two strains are multi-drug resistant and some samples were also resistant to disinfection using ammonium or hydrogen peroxide. The outbreak has been linked to specific products made in Italian confectionery company Ferrero’s factory in Belgium.

Two salmonella strains were identified in buttermilk used at the Belgian plant, which had come from Italy.

Kinder Salmonella Chocolate Outbreak top 369 in Europe and North America

Food Poison Journal

According to public health officials, the number of people who became ill due to a salmonella outbreak linked to Kinder chocolate products has increased to 369 across Europe and North America, including 16 in Ireland.

One additional Irish case involving a second strain has been identified in addition to the initial 15, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Five of the people affected required hospital treatment.

Across Europe and north America, 274 cases from first cluster or strain and 37 from a second have been confirmed in 16 countries, along with 58 suspected cases. Most cases involved children aged under 10.

The two strains are multi-drug resistant and some samples were also resistant to disinfection using ammonium or hydrogen peroxide. The outbreak has been linked to specific products made in Italian confectionery company Ferrero’s factory in Belgium.

Two salmonella strains were identified in buttermilk used at the Belgian plant, which had come from Italy.