Category Archives: Food Illness

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Weltevreden: Frozen Pre-cooked Shrimp (April 2021)

FDA

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, investigated a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Weltevreden infections linked to the consumption of frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods of India.

As of September 21, 2021, CDC announced that the outbreak is over. There are a total of nine illnesses in four states. The last illness onset date was July 17, 2021.

Based on FDA’s completed traceback investigation and sample results, the frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods of India were linked to this outbreak. The FDA worked with Avanti Frozen Foods of India to ensure that potentially contaminated frozen cooked shrimp were removed from the market.

On August 13, 2021, Avanti Frozen Foods of India expanded its recall of frozen cooked shrimp to include frozen cooked shrimp products imported into the U.S. from November 2020 to May 2021. Since Avanti Frozen Foods expanded its recall, downstream recalls have been initiated for sushi products containing recalled shrimp, sold in the state of California:

Recommendation

Recalled frozen shrimp should no longer be available for sale; however, these products have a long shelf life, and consumers, restaurants, and retailers should check their freezers and should throw away recalled shrimp. The expanded recall from August 17, 2021 includes the following brands:

  • BIG RIVER
  • 365
  • AHOLD
  • CENSEA
  • COS
  • CWNO BRAND
  • FIRST STREET
  • NATURE’S PROMISE
  • HARBOR BANKS
  • HOS
  • MEIJER
  • SANDBAR
  • SEA COVE
  • WATERFRONT BISTRO
  • WELLSLEYFARMS
  • WFNOBRANDS
  • FOODLION
  • HANNAFORD

Please check the expanded recall announcement for full product descriptions.

Previously recalled shrimp should no longer be available for sale; however, these products have a long shelf life, and consumers, restaurants, and retailers should check their freezers and should throw away any previously recalled shrimp. The initial recall includes the following brands:

  • CENSEA
  • CHICKEN OF THE SEA
  • HONEST CATCH
  • CWNO
  • HANNAFORD
  • WATERFRONT BISTRO
  • OPEN ACRES
  • 365
  • MEIJER

Please check the initial recall announcement for full product descriptions.

Anyone who received recalled shrimp should use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that may have come in contact with the recalled product, to reduce the risk of cross contamination.


Case Count Map Provided by CDC

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Weltevreden in Shrimp - CDC Case Count Map - August 11, 2021

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 9
Hospitalizations: 3
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: 7/17/2021
States with Cases: AZ (2), MI (2), NV (4), RI (1)
Product Distribution: Nationwide

Italy – ROBIOLA DI MONTE – STEC E.coli

Salute

Brand : INVERNIZZI

Name : ROBIOLA DI MONTE

Reason for reporting : Recall due to microbiological risk

Publication date : 17 September 2021

RASFF Alert – Possible food poisoning after consuming tuna – Histamine

RASFF

Possible food poisoning after consuming tuna from Sri Lanka via the Netherlands in Belgium

Research – Epidemiological investigations identified an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli serotype O26:H11 associated with pre-packed sandwiches

Cambridge Org

In October 2019, public health surveillance systems in Scotland identified an increase in the number of reported infections of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O26:H11 involving bloody diarrhoea. Ultimately, across the United Kingdom (UK) 32 cases of STEC O26:H11 stx1a were identified, with the median age of 27 years and 64% were male; six cases were hospitalised. Among food exposures there was an association with consuming pre-packed sandwiches purchased at outlets belonging to a national food chain franchise (food outlet A) [odds ratio (OR) = 183.89, P < 0.001]. The common ingredient identified as a component of the majority of the sandwiches sold at food outlet A was a mixed salad of Apollo and Iceberg lettuce and spinach leaves. Microbiological testing of food and environmental samples were negative for STEC O26:H11, although STEC O36:H19 was isolated from a mixed salad sample taken from premises owned by food outlet A. Contamination of fresh produce is often due to a transient event and detection of the aetiological agent in food that has a short-shelf life is challenging. Robust, statistically significant epidemiological analysis should be sufficient evidence to direct timely and targeted on-farm investigations. A shift in focus from testing the microbiological quality of the produce to investigating the processes and practices through the supply chain and sampling the farm environment is recommended.

USA – Jackson County Public Health Investigating Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cases

Jackson County

Jackson County Public Health is investigating an unusually high number of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cases. Since August 8, 2021, 16 cases have been reported to Jackson County, and 12 (75%) of these cases have been hospitalized. Age range for cases is from 11 months to 65 years of age, with the median age being 23.5. Majority of the cases are in the teens and twenties. Of the total cases 62.5% are males.

Jackson County Public Health is working with the Oregon Health Authority on this outbreak investigation.  “Right now, we do not have a definitive hypothesis on what the source of infection may be. The genome sequencing, performed at the state public health lab, has not matched any other cases in the state or nationally,” states Dr. Jim Shames, Health Officer for Jackson County Public Health. “Therefore, we continue to do in-depth interviews with those that have tested positive to help us identify a possible source of exposure.”

Jackson County Public Health is asking medical providers to be aware of the increases in STEC cases in Jackson County and collect and test stool specimens on patients suspected to have bacterial gastroenteritis. Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (including 0157, HUS, and other serogroups) are reportable infections to local and state public health.

Finland- Two dead in Finnish E. coli outbreak – E.coli O103

Food Safety News

Two people have died in Finland as investigations into a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak continue.

The National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has received nine reports of suspected E. coli outbreaks from across Finland from June to August. Seven E. coli O103 outbreaks reported to the agency from municipalities in different parts of the country belong to the same incident.

Updating a previous report, the agency said the start date of the epidemic has been set as the end of July. This is defined based on typing of patient isolates. In THL’s laboratory from July 27 to Aug. 24, there were 57 E. coli O103 cases with the Shiga toxin 1 (stx1) gene recorded. Of these, 40 clustered based on whole genome sequencing (WGS) indicating they could be from the same source.

Women are slightly more affected than men. The median age is 37 years old and the range is 2 to 97 years of age.

USA – Dozens Of Boys From Rockland, Brooklyn Hospitalized With Food Poisoning After Ukraine Trip

Daily Voice

More than two dozen boys were reportedly taken to hospitals in Rockland County, the Catskills and Brooklyn after they apparently suffered food poisoning while returning from a trip to Ukraine.

The boys, all in their upper teens, were nauseous, vomiting and feverish, among other reactions, after landing at an unidentified New York City airport, responders said.

They apparently had been eating tuna sandwiches before their flight and began feeling ill during the journey, according to unconfirmed reports.

Ecuador – Salmonella outbreak linked to baptism ceremony sickens dozens

Outbreak News Today

According to a report in the news source, El Comercio (computer translated), some 60 people who participated in a celebration of baptism they were treated in wards emergency hospitals in Ambato , Latacunga and Salcedo with symptoms of poisoning food the night of Sunday 22 and dawn on Monday, 23 August 2021.

In a statement from the Zonal Coordination 3 of the Ministry of Health, it is indicated that the attendees were residents of the sectors of Huachi Grande ( Tungurahua ) and Cusubamba ( Cotopaxi ). The patients presented a picture of food poisoning from eating food contaminated with salmonella.

Czech Republic – Mini Ham Baguette – Listeria monocytogenes

Potravinynapranyri

Illustration photo no. 1

Place of inspection:
Studenka ( Budovatelska 579, 74213 Studenka )
Company ID: 27785297
Food group: Cold kitchen Other cold kitchen

Mini Ham Baguette
Category: Dangerous food
Unsatisfactory parameter:

Listeria monocytogenes

The product has been found to have the pathogenic bacterium  Listeria monocytogenes , which can cause a condition called listeriosis.

Lots: DP17.6.21
Expiration date: 6/17/2021
Packaging: food foil
Quantity of product in package: 0.12 kg
Producer: JUDDY Bagety sro, Budovatelská Street, Studénkla
Country of origin:  Czechia
Date of sampling: 9. 6. 2021
Reference number: 21-000267-CAFIA-CZ
The sample was found by an official inspection of the State Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority.

India – Over 50 People Get Food Poisoning From Ritual Dish in India

News Ghana

More than 50 people came down with food poisoning in the Indian state of Assam after eating a worship dish known as Prasada, the Indian police said on Monday.

The vegetarian dish was served at a religions function organized by a local villager on Sunday. Guests then started complaining of stomachache and feeling sick.

As a result, over 50 villagers have been hospitalized since Sunday evening. They are in a stable condition as of now.