Category Archives: Food Inspections

USA – E. coli Outbreak Associated with Raw Milk and Farm Animals in TN Updated

Food Poisoning Bulletin O157

The E. coli O157 outbreak associated with raw milk and contact with farm animals in Tennessee has been updated by the Knox County Health Department. Public health officials are investigating any potential connections between these two likely sources, and it is possible that there are two unrelated E. coli clusters. At least ten children have been sickened in this outbreak

USA – FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Adelaide Infections Linked to Pre-Cut Melons

FDA

Fast Facts

  • The FDA, CDC, along with state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Adelaide infections. CDC reports that fruit salad mixes that include pre-cut melons are a likely source of this outbreak.
  • FDA advises consumers not to eat recalled fresh cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, and fresh-cut fruit medley products containing any of these melons. Products have been distributed in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The products were packaged in clear, plastic clamshell containers under several different brands or labels and distributed to Costco, Jay C, Kroger, Payless, Owen’s, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Walgreens, Walmart, Whole Foods/Amazon. Other retail locations may be added to the list.
  • Caito Foods, LLC has voluntarily recalled disclaimer icon fruit salad mixes that contain pre-cut melons to prevent further distribution of potentially contaminated products.
  • The CDC reports that 60 people in five Midwestern states have become ill. Among 47 people with information available, thirty-one cases (66%) have been hospitalized.
  • The 60 illnesses occurred within the period of April 30, 2018 to May 28, 2018.
  • The FDA is working with CDC, along with state partners , to trace back the pre-cut melons to identify the source to determine the full distribution of pre-cut melons, and to learn more about the potential route of contamination.
  • As this is an ongoing investigation, the FDA will update this page as more information becomes available, such as product information, epidemiological results, and recalls.
  • Additional distribution information has been added that identifies retail locations organized by state that received potentially contaminated product. The FDA is advising consumers to discard any recalled products purchased at the listed locations. The FDA is sharing this information with consumers as soon as possible and additional distribution information may be added as it becomes available. It is possible that some stores may be mentioned more than once because they received more than one shipment or more than one product. Consumers may wish to ask a firm directly if the recalled product was available for sale.
  • Consumers who have symptoms of Salmonella infection should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Most infections usually lasts 4 to 7 days and most people recover without treatment, however some people develop diarrhea so severe that they need to be hospitalized.

USA – FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka Infections Likely Linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal

FDA

Fast Facts

  • The FDA, CDC, along with state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka infections. Kellogg’s Honey Smacks sweetened puffed wheat cereal are a likely source of this outbreak.
  • The CDC reports that 73 people in 31 states have become ill. There have been 24 hospitalizations and no deaths.
  • Following discussion with FDA, CDC, and state partners, the Kellogg Company voluntarily recalled Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal. The recalled products were distributed across the United States including Guam and Saipan and internationally in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, the Caribbean and Tahiti. Consumers should not eat any of the recalled Honey Smacks cereal.
  • The FDA’s staff has initiated an inspection at the facility that manufactures Kellogg’s Honey Smacks and is working quickly with the company to collect additional information.
  • As this is an ongoing investigation, the FDA will update this page as more information becomes available, such as product information, epidemiological results, and recalls.
  • Consumers who have symptoms of Salmonella infection should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Most infections usually lasts 4 to 7 days and most people recover without treatment, however some people develop diarrhea so severe that they need to be hospitalized.

Canada – Toronto: Officials warn of possible hepatitis A exposure for patrons of Union Station restaurant

Outbreak news Today

Toronto Public Health is advising anyone who consumed food or beverages at the Calii Love kiosk located at Union Station between May 14 and 29, and on June 8 and 9, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any of these dates, that they may have been exposed to hepatitis A.

An employee of the restaurant has a confirmed case of hepatitis A that was likely acquired during travel to another country. While the risk of getting the infection through consuming food from this kiosk is low, individuals who visited this restaurant during those dates and times should watch for signs and symptoms and practice thorough hand washing.

Vaccination clinics will be held at the rotunda of Metro Hall, 55 John St., on the following two days this week:

• Wednesday, June 13 from 3 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, June 14 from noon to 6 p.m.

The hepatitis A vaccine is most effective when received within 14 days of exposure. Those individuals who may have been exposed more than 14 days ago should watch for signs and symptoms of hepatitis A and seek medical attention should any symptoms develop. Symptoms can begin 15 to 50 days after becoming infected.

USA – FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Adelaide Infections Linked to Pre-Cut Melons

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Adelaide illnesses that may be linked to cut melons.

June 13, 2018 Update

The FDA is sharing additional distribution information that identifies retail locations that may have received potentially contaminated product subject to the recall. The FDA is advising consumers to discard any recalled products purchased at the listed locations.

The FDA is sharing a consolidated list of retail locations with consumers as the information becomes available. The retail information augments product information released on June 8th. Additional retail locations may be added as more information is received by the FDA. This list has been compiled from lists firms have reported to FDA that received recalled bulk product. Firms may be added or removed as more information becomes available. Consumers may wish to ask a retailer directly if the recalled product was available for sale.

As of June 12, and 13, 2018, locations in Iowa, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin have been added that received potentially contaminated product.

USA – E. coli O111 Outbreak at Daycare in Beaverton, Oregon Sickens Five

Food Poisoing Bulletin 

An E. coli O111 outbreak at a daycare center in Beaverton, Oregon has sickened five people, according to Wendy Gordon, Communications Director for Washington County Health and Human Services. She told Food Poisoning Bulletin that there are five confirmed cases. Four of the patients have E. coli O111 infections; the fifth is awaiting serotype results.

Australia – Recall: The Food Co. Garlic, Chilli & Thai Basil – Potential Microbial Contamination

FA NSW 

Recalls and advisories

 

UK- Scotland – Red alert over rare meat as survey reveals more Scots are falling victim to food poisoning

Sunday Post beefrsir

A TASTE for pink meat could be responsible for record food poisoning figures, safety campaigners fear.

More than two-fifths of people reported having suffered severe stomach upsets after eating under-cooked food – a new high.

The fifth biannual Food in Scotland Consumer Tracking Survey reveals the growing popularity for pinker meat may be putting diners at risk of campylobacter and salmonella poisoning.

The alarming statistics come as more people than ever enjoy a barbecue in Scotland’s good weather.

There has been a rise in the number washing raw meat, which they shouldn’t, and a drop in the number washing utensils during preparation, which they should.

Hong Kong – Packed milk drink sample found to contain excessive Bacillus cereus

CFS 

Issue Date 8.6.2018
Source of Information Centre for Food Safety
Food Product Skimmed Hi-Calcium Milk Drink
Product Name and Description Product name: Skimmed Hi-Calcium Milk Drink

Manufacturer: Nestlé Hong Kong Limited

Volume: 236 millilitre per pack

Use-by date: June 2, 2018

Reason For Issuing Alert
  • The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) collected the concerned sample from a supermarket in Kwun Tong for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained Bacillus cereus at a level of 4 600 000 per gram. Under the Microbiological Guidelines for Food, if ready-to-eat food contains Bacillus cereus at a level of more than 100 000 per gram, it is considered unsatisfactory.
Action Taken by the Centre for Food Safety
  • The CFS had informed the manufacturer and the vendor concerned of the test result. Investigation was conducted at the production plant and the supermarket concerned and follow-up samples were collected for further testing. Investigation is ongoing.
  • The CFS had also provided health education on food safety and hygiene for the staff of the production plant and the supermarket and requested them to carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection.
  • The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action in order to safeguard public health and food safety.
Advice to the Trade
  • According to Section 54 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), all food available for sale in Hong Kong, locally produced or imported, should be fit for human consumption. An offender is subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.
Advice to Consumers
  • Bacillus cereus is commonly found in the environment. Unhygienic conditions in food processing and storage may give rise to its growth. Consuming food contaminated with excessive Bacillus cereus may cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
Further Information The CFS press release

 

Canada- Salmonella outbreak shuts down Stoney Creek Mexican restaurant

Technostalls

Stoney Creek restaurant which boasts on social Websites that it is house to “Hamilton’s best tacos” was shut while health officials explore a salmonella outbreak that left many people ill.

Ole Gourmet on Regional Road 8 had been closed on May 17 following four individuals came back with salmonella from meals prepared there.

The Restaurant was started the next day following a re-inspection that revealed it had been compliant with all Ontario’s Food Premises regulation, according to a press release from town officials.

Some folks may become really seriously sick. Said Dr. Ninh Tran, Hamilton Public Health Services.

However, On May 22 the other individual became ill of Salmonella and analyzing of 10 food samples shown three which were positive for contamination.

The restaurant has been shut on May 25.