Category Archives: Food Illness

USA – Mystery illnesses strike New York McDonald’s

Food Poison Journal

The New York State Department of Health, working collaboratively with the Chautauqua County Health Department, is investigating reports of multiple illnesses potentially associated with the McDonald’s at 2803 N. Main Street Extension in Jamestown, Chautauqua County.“We are working diligently with the State Health Department and McDonald’s representatives to conduct a thorough epidemiological investigation into these illnesses,” said Christine Schuyler, County Public Health Director. “There is currently no identified source of these illnesses and there is no evidence that the illness can be spread from person to person.”

Twenty-two (22) individuals reported common symptoms of nausea, vomiting or diarrhea from August 4-21. Through interviews conducted with 15 case patients, all individuals indicated they had eaten various breakfast sandwiches at the establishment. Additionally, patient samples as well as breakfast sandwiches prepared at the McDonald’s were sent to the Wadsworth Center, New York State’s Public Health Laboratory in Albany, for testing. While many tests are pending, preliminary testing has come back negative.

USA – Update – FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Cyclospora Illnesses Linked to Fresh Express Salad Mix Served at McDonald’s

FDA 220px-Cyclospora_cayetanensis_stained

The FDA, CDC, along with state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis illnesses likely linked to salads from McDonald’s restaurants.

Update – August 23, 2018

As of August 23, 2018, a total of 507 laboratory-confirmed cases of Cyclospora infection were reported in people who consumed salads from McDonald’s restaurants; the cases were reported by 15 states and New York City. The investigation is ongoing and the FDA is currently reviewing distribution and supplier information for romaine and carrots.

Recommendations

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

Malaysia – Eight Malaysian athletes down with food poisoning

The Star

SEVERAL members of the national contingent are down with food poisoning at the athlete village in Kemayoran.

MalaysiaN contingent chef de mission Datuk Seri Azim Zabidi confirmed that eight athletes and seven officials are down with diarrhoea and there are other cases involving athletes from other contingents.

“I’ve been informed of these cases during our contingent meeting last night (Monday),” said Abdul Azim.

“Wushu exponent Loh Jack Chang is one of the athletes down with food poisoning. I can’t reveal the names of others.

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“All the athletes are in stable condition but are weak. The organisers are conducting their investigation to get to the root of the problem.”

It is learned that the others hit with food poisoning are sailing team manager Megat Fairuz Khairuddin and swimmer Foong Wei Tze.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/athletics/2018/08/22/eight-malaysian-athletes-down-with-food-poisoning/#CGt22jBzXQXZm0ow.99

Namibia -Fisheries Warns Against Poisonous Oyster, Mussel -DSP

All Africa

THE FISHERIES ministry has cautioned the general public not to consume oysters and mussels originating from the Walvis Bay Aquaculture Production Area 1.

This caution comes after recent biotoxins tests done on oyster and mussel samples on aquaculture in the said area found the presence of Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) at a level higher than the permissible level in these samples.

The sampling and testing were facilitated by the Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) as part of the National Shellfish Sanitation Programme.

A media release issued by the ministry yesterday warned that it is therefore unsafe to consume oysters and mussels until further notice.

Members of the public should take note that marine biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking or freezing.

Earlier this year in May, the ministry had issued another caution against the consumption of the same seafood. In 2016, the ministry noted in a separate incident that the poisoning was only temporary and that the oysters and mussels could be consumed when laboratory results indicate a lower level of the harmful substances.

USA – La Luz Mexican Restaurant implicated in Colorado Salmonella Outbreak

Food Poison Journal

The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella illness at La Luz Mexican Restaurant in Old Town Fort Collins. As of August 21, there are six confirmed cases with additional cases pending investigation and testing. Some of the confirmed cases have been hospitalized.La Luz has been proactive in collaborating with the Health Department to try and identify the source of the outbreak.  La Luz is primarily concerned with the safety of its customers and integrity of its food supply and wants to prevent any further illness as best they can. Out of concern for its customers and employees, La Luz has voluntarily closed until more is known about the outbreak.

Information – Company, governments investigate contaminated infant formula powder – Cronobacter sakazakii

Food Safety News

The Danone company has been hit by several food safety issues recently, including a consumer reporting insects in a pack of its infant formula and another batch of baby formula testing positive for Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria.

Danone is the corporation behind many food and beverage brands sold in the United States, including Oikos, Activia, Silk, International Delight, Aptimel, and Evian.

USA – Fremont Bowl Associated with Salmonella Outbreak in Seattle, Washington

Food Poisoning Bulletin 

Salmonellaa

The Fremont Bowl restaurant in Seattle, Washington state has been associated with a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak, according to the Seattle King County Health Department. At least four people are sick in this outbreak; one person has been hospitalized because their illness is so severe; that person has since recovered and has been released.

The Fremont Bowl is located at 4258 Fremont Avenue N. Ste. #4262 in Seattle. those sickened ate there on July 27 – July 29, 2018. The patients were part of three separate meal parties. The press release stated that there is no indication that any employees of the restaurant have been ill with symptoms that are consistent with salmonellosis.

UK Scotland – Cyclospora in travellers returning from Mexico

HPS Cyclospora_LifeCycle201

Public Health England (PHE), Public Health Wales (PHW), Health Protection Scotland (HPS) and the Health Protection Service Northern Ireland (HPSNI) are investigating an increase in cases of Cyclospora cayetanensis infection in travellers who have recently returned from Mexico. This is the fourth successive year since 2015 that cases of the infection have been reported in travellers returning from Mexico.

As of 3 August 2018, 63 laboratory-confirmed cases of Cyclospora cayetanensis have been reported in England, Scotland and Wales. Where information is available, 55 (87%) report travel outside the UK, of which 49 (89%) report recent travel to Mexico. Where information is available, cases have stayed at several different hotels in the Cancun and Riviera Maya region suggesting the source is likely to be a foodstuff that has been distributed to hotels throughout the region.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a protozoan parasite that infects humans and other primates. Infection can cause diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, nausea, flatulence, loss of appetite, fatigue, low-grade fever and weight loss. Infection without symptoms is also reported. Infections in HIV positive people and those with other immune deficiencies can be more severe.

Infection is commonly derived from food or water contaminated by human faeces. The foods commonly involved are soft fruits such as raspberries and salad products such as coriander, basil and lettuce. The risk of infection presented by imported foods is considered to be low.

Advice for travellers on the prevention of Cyclospora is available from Health Protection Scotland: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=22743.

Poland – Shigella sonnei outbreak linked to Rainbow Gathering

Outbreak News Today 

Shigella - kswfoodworld

Image CDC

European health officials are reporting a Shigella sonnei outbreak among participants of a Rainbow Gathering in the south-east of Poland.

Between 5 and 10 August 2018, 45 participants presented with gastroenteritis symptoms, 14 of these tested positive for Shigella sonnei. The event took place between 13 July and 11 August and so it is likely that most participants, which come from many countries within the EU, have now left the area.

Last year, a typhoid outbreak was linked to the European Rainbow gathering that took place in Tramonti di Sopra, Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, Italy.

 

 

USA – Chipotle Update: Stool Sample Results Returned by CDC Test Positive for Clostridium perfringens

Delaware Health 

closta

Image CDC

  • Clostridium perfringens is a foodborne disease that occurs when food is left at an unsafe temperature.
  • Although food samples tested negative for C. perfringens bacteria, the stool samples tested positive for the toxin that C. perfringens forms in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • A specific food has not been able to be identified as the source of illness. Ongoing food and stool testing is being conducted by the CDC lab.
  • “I am extremely proud of our team! This investigation included countless hours of phone calls and interviews along with multiple inspections. We are also appreciative of our community for being very cooperative during this investigation and for understanding our work in protecting the public’s health. We are also thankful for the work of our partners at the Ohio Department of Health and the CDC,” said Delaware County Health Commissioner Shelia Hiddleson.
  • In response to this outbreak, Brian Niccol, CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill stated that “Chipotle Field Leadership will be retraining all restaurant employees nationwide beginning next week on food safety and wellness protocols.” Click here for complete statement.
  • Health District staff identified 647 people who self-reported gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming food from the Chipotle on Sawmill Parkway between Thursday July 26 – Monday July 30, 2018.