ANANTAPUR: Some 42 students of the government school in the Viswanagar area of Nandyal town in Kurnool district fell sick after having their mid-day meal at the school premises on Friday.
There was contamination of food as spoilt eggs were used in cooking, which caused food poisoning. Soon after the students started vomiting in the school, they were taken to the government hospital at Nandyal town.
Some 92 children were studying at the government school in Viswanagar locality of Nandyal municipality. The students were served the mid-day meal consisting of rice, asparagus, boiled egg and chickpea as part of the Friday menu fixed by the state government.
Soon after having their lunch, the students went to their classrooms. Many of them soon complained of stomach pain and started vomiting.
About 50 students with sensation of vomiting were shifted to the hospital and a team of doctors treated them. Nandyal hospital superintendent Dr.Vijayakumar said contamination of food was the cause. “All are being provided necessary medical aid. The students are safe,” he said.
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 your infant is experiencing symptoms related to Cronobacter infection, such as poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, or abnormal movements; contact your health care provider to report their symptoms and receive immediate care.
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.
To provide clarity about which products are included in the Abbott Nutrition recall, FDA is publishing a full list of recalled brands that have been included in the initial and expanded recall. Recalled products should no longer be available for sale, but if consumers have these products in their homes, they should check the lot code on the bottom of the package to determine if it is included in the recall.
The FDA is also providing additional information for parents and caregivers of infants receiving medical specialty infant formula and individuals using certain medical foods.
We understand that infant formula is the sole source of nutrition for many infants and is an essential product. FDA is continuing to work 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) 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.
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 Cronobactersakazakii to CDC.
The National Contact Point EFSA (Department of Food Safety and Nutrition MPRV SR ) in cooperation with the European Food Safety Authority has prepared a leaflet on safe defrosting of food in the Slovak language.
The leaflet presents basic information on defrosting food, usable in every household. By reducing the mistakes that consumers make when handling frozen food incorrectly, the formation of harmful bacteria is eliminated. Proper thawing procedures reduce the risk of foodborne illness and reduce food waste.
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.
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
Map of U.S. Distribution of Recalled Packaged Salad
Case Count
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
National public health officials in Finland are monitoring the situation following local reports of Yersinia outbreaks.
Two outbreaks of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:3 have been reported to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) in recent weeks from the South Savo and Helsinki-Uusimaa regions.
Another suspected outbreak has been recorded in the Pirkanmaa region but patient samples have not been serotyped. People fell sick between early and mid-February.
A total of 39 cases were noted in all of Finland in February 2022, which is less than the 55 infections in February 2021.
In February 2022, five cases of Yersinia enterocolitica from South Savo were reported to the Infectious Diseases Register, which is run by THL, while from 2019 to 2021 there were no illnesses at the same time.
Director of Al-Mafraq Governmental Hospital Moqbel Al-Sharafat told Roya Saturday that three people were diagnosed with food poisoning after eating leftovers.
Roya’s correspondent in Mafraq said that the three initially came to the hospital after feeling unwell. They thought they were feeling unwell due to inhaling gases from a heating device. However, later, it was found that they were food poisoned as a result of eating leftover food.
02.28.2022 EXPANDED: Abbott is voluntarily recalling one lot of Similac PM 60/40 (Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot # 27032K800 (case)) manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan. This is in addition to lots of Similac®, Alimentum® and EleCare® powder formula that were voluntarily recalled on Feb. 17. The action comes after learning of the death of an infant who tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii and who we were informed had consumed Similac PM 60/40 from this lot. This case is under investigation, and at this time the cause of the infant’s Cronobacter sakazakii infection has not been determined. We want to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family.
Importantly, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. Additionally, recently tested retained product samples of Similac PM 60/40 Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot #27032K800 (case) were negative for Cronobacter.
02.17.2022 Abbott initiated a proactive, voluntary recall of powder formulas, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare, manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan, one of the company’s manufacturing facilities. The recall does not include any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas.
Abbott is voluntarily recalling these products after four consumer complaints related to Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport in infants who had consumed powder infant formula manufactured in this facility.
Additionally, as part of Abbott’s quality processes, we conduct routine testing for Cronobacter sakazakii and other pathogens in our manufacturing facilities. During testing in our Sturgis, Michigan, facility, we found evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas. We found no evidence of Salmonella Newport. This investigation is ongoing.
Importantly, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of either of these bacteria, and we continue to test. Abbott conducts extensive quality checks on each completed batch of infant formula, including microbiological analysis prior to release. All finished infant formula powder products are tested for Cronobacter, Salmonella, and other pathogens, and they must test negative before the product is released. Additionally, retained samples related to the three complaints for Cronobacter sakazakii tested negative for Cronobacter. And the retained sample related to the complaint for Salmonella Newport tested negative for Salmonella.
While Abbott’s testing of distributed product detected no pathogens, we are taking action by recalling the powder formula manufactured in this facility with an expiration of April 1, 2022, or later. No Abbott liquid formulas are included in the recall, nor are powder formulas or nutrition products from other facilities.
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 find out if the product you have is included in this recall, click on the button below to check your lot number.
Over 1,000 people who attended a wedding dinner in the Savala village of Visnagar, Mehsana on Friday were rushed to health facilities following food poisoning. According to Visnagar taluka police, an inquiry has been initiated and proceedings shall be initiated accordingly.
According to police inspector BL Maheriya of Visnagar taluka police station, the wedding of former Congress leader Wazir Khan Pathan’s son was held on March 3 and the next day on March 4 a dinner was organised at Savala with “12,000-15,000 guests in attendance”, of which around 1,057 guests started exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning such as vomiting and diarrhoea and were admitted at various health facilities in Gandhinagar.
“FSL and FDCA has taken samples of sweets and other food items served at the dinner and the results are awaited. Health department too is working on this and have taken samples of the vomit and stool. Prima facie it seems the caterer may have been negligent and there could have been adulteration in the food,” Gohil said.
Norovirus outbreaks in care homes have risen in recent weeks, leading UKHSA to remind people of simple steps that can be taken to limit the spread of the bug.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding the public of simple actions that they can take to reduce the spread of norovirus. The advice comes after routine surveillance in England shows that the number of outbreaks caused by the vomiting bug has increased in recent weeks (4-week period from end January to February), initially in educational settings and now in care home settings.
Norovirus is highly infectious and causes vomiting and diarrhoea but usually passes in a couple of days. It is easily transmitted through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
The increase in reported outbreaks was initially in educational settings, particularly in nursery and childcare facilities, with 48% more incidents reported to UKHSA than would be expected.
Reports of norovirus outbreaks in care home settings to UKHSA have also increased in recent weeks in 2022 – with a rise from 24 reported in week 6 (week commencing 7 February), to 40 reported in week 7 (week commencing 14 February).
While outbreaks reported in care home settings overall remain below pre-pandemic expected levels, it is likely they will continue to increase in the coming weeks and a rise in norovirus outbreaks in care home settings often precedes an increase in outbreaks in hospital settings. Therefore, it is important to take steps to limit the spread of norovirus.
Professor Saheer Gharbia, Gastrointestinal Pathogens and Food Safety Directorate, UKHSA, said:
Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, has been at lower levels than normal throughout the pandemic but as people have begun to mix more, the numbers of outbreaks have started to increase again.
Symptoms include sudden onset of nausea, projectile vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs. Stay at home if you are experiencing norovirus symptoms and do not return to work or send children to school or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.
Please avoid visiting elderly relatives if you are unwell – particularly if they are in a care home or hospital. As with COVID-19 and other infectious illnesses, hand washing is really important to help stop the spread of this bug, but remember, unlike for COVID-19 alcohol gels do not kill off norovirus so soap and water is best.
How to reduce the spread of norovirus
Stay at home if you are experiencing norovirus symptoms. Do not return to work or send children to school until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared. Also avoid visiting elderly or poorly relatives, particularly if they are in hospital or a care home.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water. Alcohol hand gels don’t kill norovirus.
When an infected person vomits, the droplets contaminate the surrounding surfaces. A bleach-based household cleaner or a combination of bleach and hot water should be used to disinfect potentially contaminated household surfaces and commonly used objects such as toilets, taps, telephones, door handles and kitchen surfaces.
If you are ill, avoid cooking and helping prepare meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, as norovirus can be spread through food contaminated by the virus when food is handled by symptomatic people or infected individuals.
Wash any contaminated clothing or bedding using detergent and at 60°C and, if possible, wear disposable gloves to handle contaminated items.
Norovirus activity has risen as people have begun to mix more – it is possible that unusual or out-of-season increases could be seen in the coming months.
UKHSA’s National Norovirus Surveillance Team will continue to closely monitor all available surveillance data to ensure early detection of any unusual norovirus activity and outbreaks.
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