Category Archives: Foodborne Illness

USA – Tacoma restaurant’s milkshakes linked to listeria outbreak that killed 3

Posted on August 21, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Komo News

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Listeria bacteria found in the milkshakes at a Tacoma restaurant have been linked by health officials to an outbreak that hospitalized six people and killed three.

According to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), investigators found foodborne listeriosis in the ice cream machines at Frugals, located at 10727 Pacific Avenue South. The machines were not cleaned correctly, and no other Frugals restaurant are believed to be affected, the DOH said.

The Tacoma Frugals stopped using its ice cream machines on Aug. 8, but listeria can affect people up to 70 days later, the DOH said.

Genetic fingerprinting of bacteria in the shakes showed the same strain of listeria that hospitalized six people — five from Pierce County and one from Thurston County — between Feb. 27 and July 22, according to the DOH. All six had conditions that made their immune systems “less able to fight the disease,” the DOH said. Three of the six died, the DOH added, and two people who were hospitalized but survived said they ate the milkshakes before getting sick.

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Posted in Death, food death, Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, Foodborne Illness Death, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria Ice Cream, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak

USA – Norovirus outbreak that sickened more than 300 people linked to an ill food handler at restaurant

Posted on August 21, 2023 by | Leave a comment

ABC News

The source behind a norovirus outbreak that sickened a few hundred people last year has been identified, according to a report published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The report looked at the outbreak in Tazewell County, Illinois, which includes part of Peoria, which saw 317 people fall ill, all of whom dined at a restaurant — referred to as restaurant A — between Nov. 19, and Nov. 26, 2022.

Investigators with the Tazewell Health Department and Illinois Department of Public Health concluded the outbreak was likely caused by a sick food handler at the restaurant who had ungloved contact with salad, toppings and dressings during food preparation.

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, food handler, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Hand Washing, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Norovirus, outbreak

USA – Kansas: Trade Winds Bar & Grill Under Investigation for Campylobacter Outbreak

Posted on August 21, 2023 by | Leave a comment

 

 

Outbreak News Today

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is investigating an outbreak of Campylobacteriosis linked to the Trade Winds Bar & Grill in Garnett, Kansas. Symptoms of Campylobacteriosis include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. 

To help KDHE in their investigation, KDHE asks anyone who visited Trade Wind Bar & Grill between July 14 and August 9 and then experienced these Campylobacter symptoms to complete a confidential survey.

The Trade Wind Bar & Grill closed on August 9th and remained closed until August 15th. 

People with Campylobacter infection usually have diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. Nausea and vomiting may accompany the diarrhea. These symptoms usually start two to five days after the person ingests Campylobacter and last about one week. In some cases, individuals can develop more serious complications.

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Posted in Campylobacter, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak

Research – Invasive listeriosis in Finland: surveillance and cluster investigations, 2011–2021

Posted on August 14, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Cambridge Org

Abstract

Foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes may cause serious, life-threatening disease in susceptible persons. We combined data from Finnish national listeriosis surveillance, patient interview responses, and laboratory data of patient samples and compared them to listeria findings from food and food production plants collected as part of outbreak investigations during 2011–2021. The incidence of invasive listeriosis in Finland (1.3/100000 in 2021) is higher than the EU average (0.5/100000 in 2021), and most cases are observed in the elderly with a predisposing condition. Many cases reported consuming high-risk foods as well as improper food storage. Since ongoing patient interviews and whole genome sequencing were introduced, several listeriosis outbreaks were detected and food sources identified. Recommendations about high-risk foods for listeriosis and proper food storage should be better communicated to susceptible people. In Finland, patient interviews and typing and comparing listeria isolates in foods and patient samples are crucial in solving outbreaks and determining measures to control invasive listeriosis.

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Posted in Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk

RASFF Alert – Food Poisoning from Long Life Milk

Posted on August 11, 2023 by | Leave a comment

RASFF

Food poisoning from long life milk, from Belgium. in the Netherlands

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Posted in Decontamination Microbial, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, Foodborne Illness, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Poisoning, RASFF

USA – FDA – Core Investigation Table

Posted on August 10, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

What’s New

  • A new outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1172) in a not yet identified product has been added to the table. There are two cases in this outbreak. FDA has initiated traceback.
  • For the outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis (ref #1171), the case count has increased from 47 to 55 cases.
  • For the outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 (ref #1166), the outbreak has ended and FDA’s investigation has closed.
  • For the outbreak of Salmonella Paratyphi B var. L(+) tartrate+ (ref #1157), the case count has increased from 36 to 37 cases.

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Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, FDA, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak, Salmonella

Taiwan – Victims of banh mi food poisoning in northern Taiwan reach 520

Posted on August 10, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Taiwan News

As of 10 p.m. on Tuesday (Aug. 8), the incident had sickened 520 people, with 41 hospitalized. The Food and Drug Administration will mount an inspection campaign targeting stalls and eateries selling exotic cuisines.

Among those feeling unwell after consuming food from the stall, 354 sought medical help and 32 were hospitalized, as of Monday (Aug. 7). Symptoms reported include diarrhea, stomach pain and cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

A task force has been formed to deal with the case, said the Department of Public Health of the northern city in Taiwan.

A preliminary investigation found seven out of 21 samples from the stall tested positive for Salmonella bacteria. More examinations are being conducted to identify the source of infection.

Inspectors said the eggs used to make mayonnaise had not been fully cleaned and the mayo products prepared in advance were not properly refrigerated when delivered to the stall. Salmonella infections have been a major cause of food poisoning events in Taiwan over recent years, according to the health agency.

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

One dead and six in hospital after mystery E.coli outbreak in UK

Posted on August 8, 2023 by | Leave a comment

GB News

An E.Coli outbreak in the UK has killed one and hospitalised six others, with health officials left puzzled at the source.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reportedly working with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to determine what started the outbreak, which is believed to have begun in May.

24 cases of the illness have been reported since May, including 19 in England and 4 in Northern Ireland, according to Food Safety News.

“The outbreak’s source has not yet been identified, but we are working with partners, including the Food Standards Agency, to investigate,” she added.

The strain circulating currently, is the O183, a very rare strain of E.Coli, with only 15 reported cases in the UK since 2016.

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Posted in E.coli O183, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, Foodborne Illness Death, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, fsa, HUS, Illness, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli, UKHSA

Wales – Wrexham: 25 salmonella cases linked to single venue

Posted on August 8, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Leader Live

kswfoodworld Salmonella

Public Health Wales (PHW) launched an investigation last week alongside Wrexham Council and Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board to find the source of the outbreak.

A multi-agency Outbreak Control Team (OCT) made up of the three organisations was set up.

And PHW has issued an update in relation to the investigation.

“We are currently investigating 25 confirmed and 4 probable cases of salmonella associated with a single venue in the city.” The venue has not yet been named

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak, Salmonella

Norway – Outbreak of E. coli (EHEC infection)

Posted on August 8, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Matportalen

This outbreak is caused by a different EHEC bacterium than the outbreak reported in June. FHI has started an outbreak investigation together with relevant municipal chief medical officers, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and the Veterinary Institute. All the infected fell ill in July and none of them have traveled abroad.

The infected are aged < 5 to 45 years, and live in Trøndelag (4), Viken and Vestfold and Telemark. Two of them have developed the serious complication haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). In addition, a further HUS case has been notified where EHEC has been detected, but we are awaiting more analyzes before we can say whether the person is infected with the same strain of bacteria as the other cases. It is not yet known what the source of infection is, but it is common for gastrointestinal bacteria to become infected through food.

– At the present time, we cannot say whether this is a limited outbreak or whether there may be new cases, says Silje Bruland Lavoll, senior physician in the section for infection from food, water and animals at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Investigative work can be complicated and take time, and in many cases we are unable to find the source of infection or to clarify whether it is a common source.

– We follow the situation closely and work closely with the municipal health service, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and the Veterinary Institute, she adds.

– The Norwegian Food Safety Authority assists the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and municipal chief physicians in obtaining information from the sick persons and their relatives. Interviews are conducted about what the people have eaten and what they have been in contact with, says senior advisor Turid Berglund in the biological food safety section of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.

Preliminary analyzes show that it is the bacterium EHEC O26:H11, which has been detected in all those infected. FHI is now working on further analyzes (whole genome sequencing) to confirm this.

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Posted in E.coli, EHEC, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, HUS, Illness, Matportalen, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli