Category Archives: Food Illness

USA – McDonald’s fingers onions as likely cause of 10 state E. coli Outbreak

Posted on October 24, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

The initial findings from the investigation indicate that a subset of illnesses may be linked to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder and sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers. As a result, and in line with our safety protocols, all local restaurants have been instructed to remove this product from their supply and we have paused the distribution of all slivered onions in the impacted area.

As of October 22, 49 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 10 states – Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Sept 27, 2024, to October 11, 2024. Of 28 people with information available, 10 have been hospitalized, and 1 person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. One death has been reported from an older adult in Colorado.

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Posted in Death, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, food bourne outbreak, food death, Food Illness, Food Poisoning Death, Foodborne Illness, Foodborne Illness Death, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome, HUS, Illness, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella in Onions

USA – Dozens taken to hospitals for apparent food poisoning

Posted on October 23, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Nearly 50 people in Jessup, MD, have been taken to hospitals because they are exhibiting signs of food poisoning.

The Howard County Fire & Rescue department is reporting the 46 patients are described as non-critical, according spokeswoman Samantha Stanton.

Stanton said fire officials were called to the 700 block of Chesapeake Bay Court in Jessup at about 3:45 p.m. on Oct. 21.

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Posted in Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Food Poisoning Illness

USA – Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: McDonald’s Quarter Pounders (October 2024)

Posted on October 23, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: McDonald’s Quarter Pounders (October 2024)

Product

A specific ingredient has not yet been confirmed as the source of the outbreak, but most sick people report eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers. Investigators are working to determine if the slivered onions or beef patties on Quarter Pounder burgers are the likely source of contamination. McDonald’s has temporarily stopped using Quarter Pounder slivered onions and beef patties in affected states. Diced onions and other types of beef patties used at McDonald’s have not been implicated in this outbreak.

Symptoms of E. coli

Symptoms begin anywhere from a few days after consuming contaminated food or up to nine days later. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea and lead to life-threatening conditions, such as a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems.

Stores Affected

McDonald’s stores in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma have temporarily stopped using Quarter Pounder slivered onions and beef patties.

Status

Ongoing; updates will be provided as they become available.

Recommendation

  • Consumers who have already eaten at McDonald’s and have symptoms of E. coli infection should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care immediately.
  • McDonald’s stores in affected states have temporarily stopped using Quarter Pounder slivered onions and beef patties. Diced onions and other types of beef patties used at McDonald’s have not been implicated in this outbreak.

Current Update

October 22, 2024

The FDA, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. A specific ingredient has not yet been confirmed as the source of the outbreak, but most sick people report eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burger varieties.

Investigators are working to determine if the slivered onions or beef patties on Quarter Pounder burgers are the likely source of this outbreak.

Preliminary traceback and distribution information reviewed by FDA shows that slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders are a likely source of contamination. FDA is working quickly to confirm that these onions are a source of this outbreak and to determine if these onions were served or sold at other businesses. McDonald’s has temporarily stopped using this type of onion in these states. Diced onions used at McDonald’s are not implicated in this outbreak.

FSIS is conducting traceback on hamburger patties served at McDonald’s in affected states to determine if ground beef is a source of illness. McDonald’s has also temporarily stopped selling Quarter Pounder beef patties in affected states, while the investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the outbreak.

This advisory will be updated as additional information becomes available.

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Posted in E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak

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USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Eggs (Sept 2024)

Posted on October 18, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Outbreak over. FDA investigation complete.

Current Update

October 17, 2024

The FDA and CDC assisted state and local partners from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection and Wisconsin Department of Health Services in an investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to eggs supplied by Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC of Bonduel, Wisconsin (WI).

As of October 17, 2024, CDC has declared the outbreak over.

In response to this investigation, Milo’s Poultry Farm, LLC voluntarily recalled all eggs supplied by their farm. Recalled eggs were distributed to retailers and foodservice distributors in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. The recall includes:

  • All carton sizes, expiration dates, and egg types labeled with “Milo’s Poultry Farms”
  • All carton sizes and expiration dates of “Tony’s Fresh Market” brand eggs
  • All carton sizes of duck eggs branded as “Happy Quackers Farm”
  • All cases and expiration dates of all eggs for retail foodservice distribution (this includes M&E branded eggs)

At this time, all recalled eggs should be off the market and beyond shelf life. FDA’s investigation is complete.

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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 Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella in Eggs

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Italy – Large Salmonella outbreak in Italy sickens school children

Posted on October 17, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

More than 200 children fell sick in Italy after eating school meals this past month.

A total of 224 cases of salmonellosis were reported following an outbreak in some school canteens served by Qualità&Servizi.

Farro with pomodorini (cherry) tomatoes and pesto provided on Sept. 24 was behind the Salmonella poisoning among students of certain schools in the province of Florence.

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, Salmonella

Netherlands – Dutch Salmonella egg outbreak over after 170 sickened

Posted on October 17, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

More people have fallen sick in one of the Netherlands’ largest Salmonella outbreaks ever recorded.

As of mid-September, 171 laboratory-confirmed patients have been identified, including 151 in 2023 and 20 in 2024. Of these, 85 are male and 86 are female.

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) said that because not all infections are diagnosed or reported, the number of sick people is estimated to be 20 times higher.

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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 Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella in Eggs

Hong Kong – Health Authorities Investigate Shiga Toxin E. coli Case, Urge Public to Maintain Hygiene

Posted on October 16, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Bastille Post

CHP investigates case of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 15) investigating a case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, and hence reminded the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene against intestinal infections.

The case involves a 47-year-old male with good past health, who presented with abdominal pain and diarrhoea on September 23. He attended Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital (HKSH)on September 26, September 27 and October 3. His condition was stable and did not require hospitalisation.

His stool specimen grew STEC upon laboratory testing.

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Posted in Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, Illness, STEC, STEC E.coli

Singapore – Stamford Catering Services Suspended After Gastric Outbreak

Posted on October 16, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Sureboh

Stamford Catering Services came to attention when 51 people got sick with gastroenteritis after eating their food on October 12. As a result, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) initiated probes into the issue. The authorities have made a bold decision to halt the food business activities of Stamford Catering Services from October 14 onwards until further instructions.

According to CNA, the SFA required the company to follow certain measures during the suspension, such as thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing its premises, equipment, and utensils.

Moreover, all employees who handle food at the establishment must successfully finish the Food Safety Course Level 1 and receive a clean test result for foodborne illnesses before returning to their responsibilities. Furthermore, the designated food hygiene officer is required to undergo and complete the Food Safety Course Level 3 to return to their duties.

Stamford Catering Services has experienced food safety incidents before. In 2019, the catering service’s food hygiene rating was lowered to “C” following a food poisoning incident that impacted 52 people. Consecutive inspections conducted by MOH and SFA uncovered concerning results, such as elevated levels of bacteria in food and environmental samples, along with numerous hygiene deficiencies.

The repeated instances of food safety problems at Stamford Catering Services have sparked significant worries about the overall cleanliness and safety measures at the establishment. Therefore, the company is facing more scrutiny as the public waits for updates on the ongoing investigations.

Due to the seriousness of the situation, CNA requested a statement from Stamford Catering Services regarding the suspension. Moreover, people are advised to inform the SFA through online platforms about any cases of inadequate hygiene practices in food establishments

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, Foodborne Illness, gastroenteritis, Gastrointestinal Infection, Illness

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Canada – Public Health Notice: Outbreak of Listeria infections linked to recalled plant-based refrigerated beverages

Posted on October 16, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Gov Canada

October 11, 2024: Final Notice

This notice has been updated to reflect that the outbreak appears to be over and the outbreak investigation has been closed.

At a glance

Do not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute various recalled plant-based refrigerated beverages.

At a glance
Illnesses 20
Provinces and territories with illnesses (number of illnesses)
  • Alberta (1)
  • Ontario (13)
  • Quebec (5)
  • Nova Scotia (1)
Hospitalizations 15
Deaths 3
Gender 65% female
Age range 7-89

70% of cases are 50 years of age or older
Food Recall Yes, various Silk and Great Value brand plant-based refrigerated beverages recalled nationally
Investigation status Closed

On this page

Investigation summary

In total, 20 laboratory-confirmed cases of Listeria monocytogenes illness were linked to this outbreak in:

  • Alberta (1)
  • Ontario (13)
  • Quebec (5)
  • Nova Scotia (1)

Investigation findings identified plant-based refrigerated beverages from Silk and Great Value as the likely source of the outbreak.

On July 8, 2024, a food recall warning was issued for various Silk and Great Value brand plant-based refrigerated beverages, with October 4, 2024 as the latest best before date.  For more information on the recalled products, please consult the Canadian Food inspection Agency (CFIA) recall notice on the Government of Canada Recalls and Safety Alerts website.

Food recall warning: Various Silk and Great Value brand plant-based refrigerated beverages recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

People became sick between August 2023 and mid-July 2024. Of the cases reported to us, 15 people have been hospitalized and three individuals have died. Many people who became sick reported drinking recalled plant-based beverages before their illnesses occurred.

The outbreak appears to be over and the investigation has been closed.

The food safety investigation included product and environmental sampling by the companies and the CFIA. The presence of the L. monocytogenes outbreak strain was confirmed within the production environment, however the primary site of the contamination within the environment was not able to be identified.

As a result, all production at the facility remains stopped, the manufacturing lines are being disassembled and the facility is being renovated. Production at the facility will not restart until the necessary corrective measures are implemented, including enhanced safety and production protocols, and the CFIA is satisfied that any contamination has been eliminated.

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Posted in CFIA, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak

Singapore – Suspension of Stamford Catering Services Pte Ltd food business operations

Posted on October 15, 2024 by | Leave a comment

SFA

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) are investigating three incidents of gastroenteritis affecting 51 individuals after consuming food on 12 October 2024 supplied by Stamford Catering Services Pte Ltd. Those affected either sought outpatient treatment or self-medicated. None were hospitalised.

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Posted in Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, gastroenteritis, Gastrointestinal Infection, Illness