Alison Johnson, managing director at Food Forensics, discusses the use of irradiation in the fight against salmonella, campylobacter and E.coli.
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Category Archives: Food Illness
Research – Irradiation to tackle foodborne bacteria
USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Oranienburg: Whole, Fresh Onions (October 2021) – Update
The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg infections linked to whole, fresh onions. FDA’s traceback investigation is ongoing but has identified ProSource Produce, LLC (also known as ProSource Inc.) of Hailey, Idaho, and Keeler Family Farms of Deming, New Mexico, as suppliers of potentially contaminated whole, fresh onions imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico.
On October 29, 2021, the FDA published a list of retail establishments that received product recalled by ProSource Produce LLC. This list represents the best information currently available to the FDA; however, it may not include all retail establishments that have received the recalled product or may include retail establishments that did not actually receive the recalled product. It is important that you use the product-specific information, available on the ProSource Produce LLC recall announcement, in addition to this list of retail stores, when you check the food you have to see if it has been recalled.
FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and if additional products or firms are linked to illness. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Recommendation
Advice for restaurants, retailers and consumers: Do not eat, sell or serve recalled onions, or products containing recalled onions. All recalled onions were supplied by ProSource Produce LLC and Keeler Family Farms and imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico between July 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021. FDA has posted a list of additional recalls being conducted by companies that may have received recalled onions from ProSource Produce LLC and Keeler Family Farms. This list includes recalls conducted by companies that further processed the onions by using them as ingredients in new products or by repackaging them. If you cannot tell if your onions were recalled, do not eat, sell, or serve them and throw them out.
Onions may last up to three months if stored in a cool, dry place. Restaurants, retailers, and consumers who suspect having purchased such onions may still have them in storage and should not eat, sell, or serve them, and should throw them out.
FDA recommends that anyone who received or suspects having received recalled onions 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. This includes cleaning and sanitizing cutting boards, slicers, countertops, refrigerators, displays, and storage bins.
Suppliers and Distributors: Do not use, ship, or sell recalled onions. Suppliers and distributors that repackage raw onions should clean, rinse, sanitize, and air dry any surfaces and storage areas that may have come into contact with these products. Farms and firms within the supply chain of recalled onions, including shippers, distribution centers, retailers and restaurants, should immediately clean and sanitize all food contact surfaces and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and tools that the onions may have touched or that may have become contaminated, including refrigerators, counter tops, storage shelving, trucks or other transportation carriers, etc. If there has been potential cross contamination or mixing of onions from other sources with these products, suppliers and distributors should discard all comingled and potentially cross-contaminated product.
Recall Information
FDA published a list of retail establishments that received product recalled by ProSource Produce LLC. This list represents the best information currently available to the FDA; however, it may not include all retail establishments that have received the recalled product or may include retail establishments that did not actually receive the recalled product. It is important that you use the product-specific information, available on the ProSource Produce LLC recall announcement, in addition to this list of retail stores, when you check the food you have to see if it has been recalled.
FDA has posted a list of additional recalls being conducted by companies that may have received recall onions from ProSource Produce LLC and Keeler Family Farms. This list includes recalls conducted by companies that further processed the onions by using them as ingredients in new products or by repackaging them.
ProSource Produce LLC has voluntarily recalled red, yellow, and white onions imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, with import dates from July 1, 2021, through August 31, 2021. Additional descriptors used for these onion types may include, but are not limited to, jumbo, colossal, medium, summer and sweet onions. Additional recall information will be made public as soon as it is available from ProSource Inc.
The onions were distributed to wholesalers, broadline foodservice customers, and retail or grocery stores in:
- 50 lb., 25 lb., 10 lb., 5 lb., 3 lb., and 2 lb. mesh sacks
- 50 lb., 40 lb., 25 lb., 10 lb., and 5 lb. cartons
And by the following distributors and/or under the following brands:
- Big Bull
- Peak Fresh Produce
- Sierra Madre
- Markon First Crop.
- Markon Essentials
- Rio Blue
- ProSource
- Rio Valley
- Sysco Imperial
Keeler Family Farms has recalled red, yellow, and white whole, fresh onions imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, with import dates from July 1, 2021, through August 25, 2021. The onions were distributed in 25lb and 50lb mesh sacks. They contain a label that is marked as “MVP (product of MX)”.
Additional details regarding the recalled products are available on the Keeler Family Farms recall announcement.
Recalls have also been initiated by companies that sold recalled onions or products containing the recalled onions.
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, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella in Onions
Singapore – Update – “Ceres 100% Apple Juice” – Mycotoxin – Patulin
Posted in food contamination, Food Hazard, 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 Toxin, Mold Toxin, Mould Toxin, Mycotoxin, Patulin, Uncategorized
Egypt – Over 30 Russian tourists suffer food poisoning in Hurghada hotel
The Russian Consul General in Hurghada, Viktor Voropaev said that 31 Russian tourists have suffered food poisoning during their stay in a hotel in Hurghada.
In statements to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Voropaev said that the health condition of the tourists is stable and they will be allowed to leave the hospital later on Sunday.
He added that he is closely following up the situation with health authorities and tourism companies to monitor medical care provided in the hospital.
The Russian consul confirmed that the tourists suffering from food poisoning will be transferred to an alternative hotel upon their discharge from the hospital.
USA – FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Salame Stick Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert because Euro Foods, a Freeland, Penn. establishment, produced ready-to-eat (RTE) Italian-style salame stick products that may be contaminated with Salmonella. A recall was not requested because FSIS has not identified a specific contaminated lot or lots, and it is believed that potentially affected products are no longer available to be directly purchased by retail consumers.
The Italian-style salame stick items were produced prior to October 25, 2021. The following product is subject to the public health alert.
FSIS has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners to investigate a multistate outbreak of 21 Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- illnesses in eight states with onset dates ranging from September 18, 2021 through October 3, 2021. The epidemiologic and traceback investigation identified that ill people consumed Citterio Italian-style Salame Sticks produced by Euro Foods Inc. FSIS continues to work with federal and state public health partners to determine if there are additional illnesses linked to these products.
Posted in 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, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Salmonella
USA – Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Onions
Fast Facts
- Illnesses: 808 (156 new)
- Hospitalizations: 157 (28 new)
- Deaths: 0
- States: 37 and Puerto Rico (1 new)
- Recall: Yes
- Investigation status: Active
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, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella in Onions
USA – Third person dies of Hepatitis A linked to Famous Anthony’s Restaurant
This afternoon, the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD) announced that they learned that a third adult who was hospitalized with complications has died from hepatitis A. The RCAHD will disclose no further information about the individual to protect privacy and out of respect for the family.
“It is always with extreme sadness that we report the death of an individual,” said RCAHD health director, Cynthia Morrow, MD, MPH. “This heartbreaking loss of life illustrates how serious this outbreak is. Unfortunately, in this situation, we have seen many individuals experiencing severe disease, and in some cases, their symptoms have continued to progress over weeks.”
Hepatitis A is a preventable disease. RCAHD urges everyone to consistently practice good hand washing and to consider getting vaccinated, especially if they fall into a high-risk population.
At this time, RCAHD staff have identified a total of 49 confirmed primary cases, including 31 hospitalizations. A small number of cases are still under investigation. No new cases have been reported to RCAHD this week.
Posted in 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, Food Virus, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Hepatitis A, outbreak, Virus
Canada – Correction – Updated Food Recall Warning – Dorsey brand, MVP brand, Pier-C brand, and Riga Farms brand Onions, Product of Mexico recalled due to Salmonella
Advisory details
Ottawa, October 29, 2021 – The food recall warning issued on October 28, 2021 has been amended to correctly identify the affected products. The corrections for these products are marked by an asterisk (*). This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.
Industry is recalling Dorsey brand, MVP brand, Pier-C brand, and Riga Farms brand Onions, Product of Mexico from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below or foods containing these raw onions. 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.
The following products have been sold in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.
These products may also have been sold in bulk or in smaller packages with or without a label and may not bear the same brand or product names as described below. The CFIA will continue its investigation into other possible importers and additional recalls may follow.
Recalled product
| Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Codes | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dorsey | Yellow Onions | Mesh sacks: 10 lb / 4.54 kg |
0 33383 60004 8* | None – all products sold between July 7, 2021 and October 28, 2021, inclusively. | Product of Mexico |
| MVP | Yellow Onions | 50 lb / 22.7 kg | None | 197* 208* 221* |
Product of Mexico |
| Pier-C | White Onions | 2 lb / 0.907 kg | 0 33383 60051 2 | 203* 209* 218* 228* |
Product of Mexico. These onions may have been sold loose. |
| Pier-C | White Onions | 25 lb | 0 33383 45101 5* | 214* 215* 217* 221* 223* 224* 228* |
Product of Mexico. These onions may have been sold loose. |
| Pier-C | Yellow Onions | 25 lb | 0 33383 45095 7* | 204* 210* |
Product of Mexico. These onions may have been sold loose. |
| Pier-C | Yellow Onions | 40 lb /18.15 kg | None | 204* 208* 209* 210* |
Product of Mexico. These onions may have been sold loose. |
| Riga Farms | Yellow Onions | 3 lbs / 1.36 kg | 0 33383 60002 4 | 321621 323521 323621* |
Product is labelled as Product of USA, although the onions are Product of Mexico |
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 identity of the onions in your possession, check with your place of purchase.
Background
This recall was triggered by recalls in another country by Prosource Produce LLC of Hailey, Idaho and by Keeler Family Farms of Deming, NM. 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
There have been no reported illnesses in Canada associated with the consumption of these products.
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: information@inspection.gc.ca - Media relations
- Telephone: 613-773-6600
Email: cfia.media.acia@inspection.gc.ca
Posted in CFIA, 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, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella in Onions
USA – Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Italian-Style Meats – The Outbreak is Over
Recalled Food
Fratelli Beretta brand prepackaged Uncured Antipasto trays
- “Fratelli Beretta Uncured Antipasto prosciutto, soppressata, Milano salami, & coppa” 24-oz trays containing two 12-oz packages with “best by” dates on or before February 11, 2022 (UPC code 073541305316)
Products have the establishment number “EST. 7543B” inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s mark of inspection. See recall noticeexternal icon for more details.
Additionally, CDC continues to advise people not to eat any Fratelli Beretta brand Uncured Antipasto trays with “best by” dates on or before February 11, 2022.
What You Should Do
Check your fridge for recalled products or any other Fratelli Beretta brand Uncured Antipasto trays with “best by” dates on or before February 11, 2022. If you have any left:
- Do not eat or cook them.
- Throw them away or return them to where you bought them.
- Wash surfaces and containers that may have touched the recalled product using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Always follow these four food safety steps to prevent getting sick from Salmonella:
- Clean: Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces often.
- Separate: Keep food that won’t be cooked separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
- Cook: Use a food thermometer to make sure you have cooked your food to a temperature high enough to kill germs.
- Chill: Refrigerate perishable food (food that goes bad) within 2 hours. If the food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F (like a hot car or picnic), refrigerate it within 1 hour. Thaw food in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
Fast Facts
- Illnesses: 40
- Hospitalizations: 12
- Deaths: 0
- States: 17
- Recall: Yes
- Investigation status: Closed
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
USA – Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Salami Sticks
Do not eat, sell, or serve Citterio brand Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks. They were sold at Trader Joe’s and Wegmans and may be sold at other grocery stores. This outbreak is especially concerning because most of the sick people are younger than 18.
Fast Facts
- Illnesses: 21 (1 new)
- Hospitalizations: 6 (3 new)
- Deaths: 0
- States: 8
- Recall: No
- Investigation status: Active
Contaminated Food
Citterio brand Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks
- Sold at Trader Joe’s and Wegmans
- May be sold at other stores
Fifteen people were interviewed about foods they ate before getting sick, and fourteen (93%) reported eating or maybe eating this product. Investigators are still working to determine if additional products may be contaminated.What You Should Do
- Do not eat Citterio brand Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks with any best-by date. Throw them away.
- Wash items and containers that may have touched the product using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
- Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms:
- 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 Citterio brand Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks.
- Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with the product.
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.
Posted in food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, 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, Uncategorized
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