Category Archives: Food Illness

USA – Aldi Voluntarily Recalls Assorted Peaches from Wawona Packing Company LLC Due to Possible Salmonella Enteritidis Contamination

Posted on August 21, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA 

Packaged: Peaches Organic 2 lb.

As a precautionary measure, ALDI is voluntarily recalling assorted peaches received from its supplier, Wawona Packing Company, due to possible Salmonella contamination.

ALDI has removed the affected peaches from select ALDI stores in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia. The items were also available for purchase through the company’s partnership with Instacart, a grocery delivery service.

The affected products and UPC codes can be found below:

Product Packaging UPC Code Select Stores in These Affected States
Wawona Peaches 2 lb. 2 lb. bag 033383322001 Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia
Peaches Organic 2 lb. 2 lb. bag 849315000400 Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia

ALDI takes the safety and integrity of the products it sells seriously. If customers have product affected by this voluntary recall, they should discard it immediately or return it to their local store for a full refund.

Customers with additional questions can contact Wawona Packing Company LLC Customer Service at 1-877-722-7554.

ALDI sincerely regrets any inconvenience and concern this voluntary recall may cause.

About ALDI U.S.

One of America’s fastest growing retailers, ALDI operates nearly 2,000 stores across 36 states. Since 1976, ALDI has offered a unique shopping experience that is designed to save customers money on the groceries they want most while never having to compromise on quality or selection. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.

Outbreak Investigation

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Wawona Packing Company LLC Customer Service
 1-877-722-7554

Product Photos

  • Packaged: Peaches Organic 2 lb.
  • Packaged: Wawona Peaches 2 lb.

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, 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, Salmonella

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.

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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

UK – Outbreak investigation finds different Salmonella strain in chicken nuggets

Posted on August 21, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Outbreak investigation finds different Salmonella strain in chicken nuggets

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Technology, Food Testing, Pathogen, pathogenic, Public Health England, Salmonella, Salmonella in Chicken

USA – Maison Terre Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Organic Goldenseal Root Powder Due to Microbial Contamination

Posted on August 20, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

North Little Rock, AR, Maison Terre is voluntarily recalling all lots of its Goldenseal Root Powder, purchased from Starwest Botanicals, Sacramento, CA, and repackaged to the consumer level due to microbial contamination. FDA laboratory analysis of product samples found these products to be contaminated with various microorganisms including: Enterobacter cloacae, Cronobacter sakazakii, Cronobacter dublinensis, among others.

Risk Statement: The use of contaminated product in otherwise healthy patients can result in infections necessitating antimicrobial and potentially surgical treatment. In individuals with weak immune systems and infants, the use of the product can result in death. Maison Terre has received a report of one infant death associated with use of this product on the umbilical cord stump.

The product is a yellow colored powder that comes in a clear plastic bag, net weight of 1 oz.

The recalled Goldenseal Root Powder was distributed nationwide in the USA to customers who ordered through Amazon.com and purchased between the dates of 01/25/2015 to 08/04/2020.

Maison Terre is notifying its customers by email through Amazon.com. Customers who have purchased the Goldenseal Root Powder are urged not to consume or apply it. Customers are urged to dispose of any unused portion. For those customers wanting to return the product for a refund, please contact Maison Terre for a return shipping label.

Customers with questions regarding this recall may contact Maison Terre at 501-888-9438, Mon-Fri, 10 am – 4 pm CST or at info@maisonterre.net. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

  • Complete and submit the report Online
  • Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

Maison Terre is conducting this recall with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Maison Terre
 501-888-9438
 info@maisonterre.net

Product Photos

  • Goldenseal Root Powder, 1 oz

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, FDA, food contamination, food handler, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiology

USA – Urgent Onion Recall Notification

Posted on August 20, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

HelloFresh has been informed by one of its ingredient suppliers that it is conducting a voluntary recall of its onions due to the potential presence of salmonella bacteria. Please discard all onions received from May 8 through July 31, 2020.

We recommend disposing of all onions received during the specified time period. For further information on whether you have been impacted, please check the product codes, located on the bottom square of your box shipping label. Please see the photo provided below as reference for locating the product code.

Production Week

Production Week Start Date

HelloFresh Product Codes*
*Number sequence may vary

Everyplate Product Codes*
*Number sequence may vary
20 5/08 2-3-5-6-17 81-82-84-86-92-94
21 5/15 2-8-15-19 82-86-83-93
22 5/22 2-5-6-9-20 87-88-89-93-90-94
23 5/29 6-8-9-15-B- 3-5-20 82-84-86-87-89-91-92-95
24 6/5 6-8-17- B 82-84-86-89-90-95-83-93
25 6/12 3-4-10-15-18-17-19-20 82-87-88-95-82-87-88-95
26 6/19 2-3- 8-12 88-89-84-93
27 6/26 5-17- 4-15-18-20 82-87-89-90-91- 84-92-93
28 7/3 3-9-10-12-15-17- 6 85-86-90-91
29 7/10 3-20-7-21 82-88-89-90-92-96
30 7/17 4-19-21 82-84-89-94-96- 83-95
31 7/24 2-3-4-19-7-8-16 82-92- 81-84-87-89-94-96-98

As noted above, customers should immediately discard all onions received. We also recommend extra caution in disinfecting and sanitizing surfaces and containers that may have come in direct contact with these products, as recommended by the FDA. In the event that the onions have been consumed, please note that thoroughly cooking the product to 165ºF/74ºC, as instructed by the recipe, will kill the salmonella bacteria.

If you are experiencing any symptoms, including but not limited to, fever, diarrhea, or nausea, please contact your healthcare provider immediately. Click here for more information from the FDA about this supplier recall and the potentially related symptoms.

We sincerely apologize for this supplier-related incident. Your safety is our highest priority and we have taken immediate steps to ensure our onions are no longer sourced from this supplier. All HelloFresh facilities are SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified, which is the highest level of food safety certification and our teams follow a rigorous process to maintain the safety and quality of our meal kits. If you have any additional questions, please contact HelloFresh at hello@hellofresh.com.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
HelloFresh

Product Photos

  • Label example

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Posted in FDA, 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, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Pathogen, pathogenic, Salmonella, Salmonella in Onions

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis: Bagged Peaches (August 2020)

Posted on August 20, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections potentially linked to bagged peaches sold at ALDI stores in multiple states. The peaches are in Wawona-brand 2-pound, clear plastic bags sold in ALDI stores from June 1, 2020 until present. Based on information collected from ill persons, CDC has identified bagged peaches from ALDI stores as a likely source of Salmonella Enteritidis infections. As of August 19, 2020, CDC is reporting a total of 68 cases across 9 states.

FDA’s traceback investigation is ongoing to determine the full scope of product distribution and source of contamination. More information will be shared when it is available.

As of August 19, 2020, ALDI has voluntarily recalled all of Wawona-brand bagged peaches from select ALDI stores in multiple states and is continuing to participate in FDA investigation efforts to determine the source of contamination.

Recommendations

Advice for consumers, restaurants, and retailers: Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve Wawona-brand bagged peaches from ALDI stores in multiple states. Consumers who purchased Wawona-brand bagged peaches from ALDI stores from June 1, 2020 to present and may still have them in their house should not eat the peaches and should throw them away. Consumers who purchased Wawona-brand bagged peaches from ALDI stores from June 1, 2020 to present and froze them should throw them away.

Consumers who purchased bagged peaches from ALDI stores from June 1, 2020 to present and cannot identify the brand, should throw the peaches away.

FDA recommends that anyone who received Wawona-brand bagged peaches from ALDI use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with the produce to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. This includes cutting boards, slicers, countertops, refrigerators, and storage bins.

Consumers who have symptoms of Salmonella infection should contact their health care provider. Most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal.

Suppliers and Distributors: Suppliers, distributors and others in the supply chain should not use, ship or sell Wawona-brand bagged peaches from ALDI. Suppliers and distributors that re-packaged Wawona-brand bagged peaches from ALDI from June 1, 2020 to present should use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and storage areas that may have come into contact with Wawona-brand bagged peaches from ALDI stores. If there has been potential cross contamination or mixing of peaches from other sources with these products, then comingled products should be discarded.

Investigation Update

August 19, 2020

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteriditis infections. State officials from the Minnesota Department of Health reportedExternal Link Disclaimer that many of the people sick with the same strain of Salmonella Enteritidis, confirmed by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), had purchased Wawona-brand bagged peaches from ALDI prior to becoming ill.

In response to FDA investigators, ALDI reported to FDA that potentially affected bagged peaches were shipped to CT, IA, IL, KY, MA, MI, MN, ND, NH, NY, OH, RI, SD, VT, WI, and WV. ALDI also reported to FDA that the sole supplier of the bagged peaches to stores reported by cases during the timeframe of interest was Wawona Packing Company, LLC. FDA’s traceback investigation is ongoing to identify the source of this outbreak and to determine if potentially contaminated product has been shipped to additional retailers.

Product Images

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis: Bagged Peaches Product Image (August 2020)

Case Count Map Provided by CDC

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis in Bagged Peaches (August 2020) - Case Count Map from CDC for August 19, 2020

U.S. Distribution Map of Recalled Peaches

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis in Bagged Peaches (August 2020) - U.S. Distrobution Map of Recalled Peaches (August 19, 2020)

This map includes confirmed distribution information from companies; products could have been further distributed and sent to additional retailers and states.

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 68
Hospitalizations: 14
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset Date: August 3, 2020
States with Cases: IA, MD, MI, MN, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WI
Product Distribution*: CT, IA, IL, KY,  MA, MI, MN, ND, NH, NY, OH,  RI, SD, VT, WI, WV
*Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states

 

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Posted in FDA, 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, Hygiene, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Salmonella

USA -More Cases of Cyclospora Reported from Bagged Salads, Pathogen Found in Irrigation Canal

Posted on August 18, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety Tech 220px-Cyclospora_cayetanensis_stained

The FDA and CDC have been investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora involving bagged salads from Fresh Express since June. Although the products were recalled and should no longer be available in retail locations, the CDC continues to report more cases. As of August 12, 2020, the CDC counted 690 people with laboratory-confirmed Cyclospora infections throughout 13 states. Thirty-seven people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

As the FDA conducted its traceback investigation to find the source of the outbreak linked to the Fresh Express products, the agency was able to identify several farms. It analyzed water samples from two public access points along a regional water management canal (C-23) west of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Using the FDA’s validated testing method, the samples tested positive for Cyclospora cayetanensis. However, it is important to note that the Cyclospora found might not be a direct match to the pathogen found in the clinical cases.

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Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, 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, Uncategorized

Pakistan – Rabwah’s 7-11 bakery shut down after at least 40 people suffer food poisoning

Posted on August 18, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Rabwah Net

A Rabwah bakery has been shut down after a suspected food poisoning outbreak left more than a dozen people in hospital.

At least 40 people presented to Fazl e Omar Hospital over the weekend with gastroenteritis symptoms including vomiting, fever and cramps after they consumed food prepared at 7-11 Bakery on College Road.

Fifteen of those people, including the hospital’s staff nurse were admitted for further treatment.

The Punjab Food Authority closed the bakery on Sunday upon the instructions of Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Riaz. Assistant Commissioner Lalian, Fazal Abbas and the PFA Team also collected samples for further testing. The bakery will remain closed until investigation into the incident is complete.

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Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Poisoning, Uncategorized

India – 80 people fall sick after wedding feast in Hassan village

Posted on August 18, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Deccan Herald

More than 80 people, who attended a post-wedding feast fell sick in Ibbeedu village in Belur taluk in Hassan district on Sunday evening.

Doctors suspected food poisoning as more than 80 people have fallen ill.

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Posted in 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, Poisoning, Uncategorized

Canada – Public Health Notice: Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to red onions imported from the United States

Posted on August 17, 2020 by | Leave a comment

PHAC

 

August 14, 2020 – Update

There is no evidence to suggest that onions grown in Canada are associated with this outbreak. Onions imported from the United States are under investigation.

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. 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.

If you are not sure where a red, yellow, white, or sweet yellow onion was grown, do not eat it. This notice contains more advice on how to avoid getting sick.

The outbreak investigation is ongoing as illnesses continue to be reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Since August 7, there have been 100 additional illnesses reported in the ongoing Canadian investigation. There are now 339 confirmed cases in Canada.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued food recall warnings for related products that came to Canada. Some of these products were possibly distributed nationally. Additional food recall warnings in Canada are possible. More information on recalled products is available on CFIA’s website.

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Posted in 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