Category Archives: foodbourne outbreak

EU – Multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis sequence type (ST)11 infections linked to eggs and egg products

Posted on February 8, 2022 by | Leave a comment

EFSA

Abstract

On 2 September 2021, France reported an increase in Salmonella Enteritidis ST11 infections. By 11 January 2022, 272 confirmed cases had been reported in five European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries and the United Kingdom (UK): Denmark (n=3), France (n=216), the Netherlands (n=12), Norway (n=7), Spain (n=22), and the UK (n=12) in 2021. Two deaths were recorded in adult men. Twenty-five cases were hospitalised. Sixty cases reported consumption of eggs/egg products.

Some cases reported in France in 2021 had visited restaurants serving eggs distributed by a common supplier, Spanish Packing Centre A. The eggs originated from three Spanish farms, one testing positive for the outbreak strain. Fresh table eggs from the farms linked to the outbreak were withdrawn and redirected for use in heat-treated egg products. No other countries received eggs from the same farms via Packing Centre A during summer 2021. Therefore, the source of infection for cases in late 2021 and in countries other than Spain and France could not be established.

This 2021 outbreak is linked microbiologically to a historical cross-border outbreak reported by the Netherlands in 2019. Eggs consumed by cases in the Dutch outbreak were traced back to a Spanish farm, but it was not possible to identify an epidemiological link with the 2021 outbreak. This suggests a wide distribution of the outbreak strain that could affect the food supply chain and/or earlier steps in the production chain. There may be multiple heterogeneous sources of S. Enteritidis ST11, and the outbreak strain could also be circulating at other farms, inside or outside Spain.

The risk of new infections caused by the outbreak strain and contaminated eggs remains high in the EU/EEA. It is therefore important to foster cross-sectoral investigations of contaminations in the egg supply chain in countries where S. Enteritidis ST11 has been detected.

PDF

Leave a comment

Posted in Death, Decontamination Microbial, food bourne outbreak, food death, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning Death, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, outbreak, Research, Salmonella

Canada – How you can help solve a national foodborne illness outbreak investigation

Posted on February 8, 2022 by | Leave a comment

PHAC

PDF

By providing information, you can help identify what has made you and others sick

The outbreak begins

You and multiple others across Canada get sick with symptoms related to foodborne disease (e.g. diarrhea, vomiting).

Collecting information

Laboratory:

You seek medical care and submit a stool sample for testing.

The germ’s genetic fingerprint is compared to that of other germs and is found to be the same, suggesting that others got sick from the same food.

Epidemiologic:

Public health officials interview you about the foods you ate before getting sick. Sharing store loyalty card records and receipts can provide detailed information to investigators about the foods you may have eaten. This can help identify common foods that people ate before becoming sick. You may be contacted again if more information is needed.

Food safety:

Records are reviewed to determine where suspect foods came from, and inspections are conducted to look for ways the germ may have come into contact with the food. Suspect foods are tested to see if the germ found in samples from sick people is also found in the food.

When individuals from multiple provinces or territories are ill, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) investigates these illnesses through a coordinated national outbreak investigation.

Putting it all together

Information gathered from the laboratory, food safety investigation, and sick people are reviewed together. Though not all outbreaks are solved, all of this information combined may lead to the contaminated food being identified.

Public health actions: If a source is identified, PHAC alerts the public to the outbreak through the posting of a Public Health Notice and social media messaging, and a Food Recall Warning may be issued.

Subsequent illnesses are prevented.

Leave a comment

Posted in 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, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Research

Canada – Public Health Notice: Outbreak of E. coli infections linked to Hankook (Korean characters only) brand Original Kimchi – Update –

Posted on February 8, 2022 by | Leave a comment

PHAC

Kimchi

February 7, 2022: Updated Notice

This notice has been updated to reflect an additional food recall warning issued on February 6 for Hankook (Korean characters only) brand Original Kimchi with a best before date of January 23, 2022.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada to investigate an outbreak of E. coli O157 infections involving 2 provinces: Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Based on the investigation findings to date, the outbreak is linked to Hankook (Korean characters only) brand Original Kimchi. Many of the individuals who were sick reported having eaten Hankook (Korean characters only) brand Original Kimchi before their illnesses occurred.

As of February 7, there have been 14 laboratory-confirmed cases of E.coli O157 illness linked to this outbreak in the following provinces: Alberta (13) and Saskatchewan (1).

Individuals became sick between early December 2021 and early January 2022. No deaths or hospitalizations have been reported. Individuals who became ill are between 0 and 61 years of age. The majority of cases (64%) are female.

The CFIA issued food recall warnings on January 28, 2022 and February 6, 2022 for Hankook (Korean characters only) brand Original Kimchi products. The recalled products were distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

The CFIA is continuing its food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated food recall warnings.

Leave a comment

Posted in E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, 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 Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli

Argentina – So far in January, Salta registers about 500 cases of Salmonellosis

Posted on February 8, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Salta

The highest percentage was located in the Capital department. 52% of affected individuals are children up to 9 years of age. Prevention lies in the safe handling of food.

In the first 25 days of January, 571 suspected cases of salmonella infection were reported in the province, of which 482 were confirmed, which represents 84% ​​positivity.

Of this amount, the largest proportion of affected individuals corresponds to the age range of 5 to 9 years, with a total of 130. In second place, with 122 cases, are children aged 0 to 4 years. These data show that 52% of the cases correspond to children between 0 and 9 years of age.

Regarding the location of cases, the department with the highest number is Capital, with 366, which means 76% of the total.

Of 23 departments in which the province of Salta is divided, in the period from January 1 to 25, cases of salmonellosis were registered in 19 of them. There were no cases in La Candelaria, Rosario de la Frontera, San Carlos and Los Andes.

According to records of the Epidemiological Surveillance program of the Ministry of Public Health, in 2021 there were 1,930 suspected cases, with 1,748 confirmed (91% positivity).

Prevention Guidelines

The Ministry of Public Health recommends taking precautions when handling food, since salmonellosis occurs through the ingestion of food contaminated with bacteria of the salmonella genus.

Leave a comment

Posted in Decontamination Microbial, 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, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, outbreak, Salmonella, salmonellosis

USA – FDA Core Investigation Table Update

Posted on February 3, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Date
Posted		 Reference
#		 Pathogen
 Product(s)
Linked to
Illnesses
(if any)		 Investigation
Status
2/2/

2022

 1054 Enteroinvasive E. coli
O143:H26		 Not Yet Identified Active
1/10/

2022

 1050 E. coli
O121:H19		 Romaine Active
12/29/

2021

 1052 E. coli
O157:H7		 Packaged Salad Active
12/20/

2021

 1039 Listeria
monocytogenes		 Packaged Salad Active
12/15/

2021

 1048 Listeria
monocytogenes		 Packaged Salad Active

Leave a comment

Posted in E.coli O121, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, FDA, 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, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, O143:H26, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Oranienburg: Whole, Fresh Onions (October 2021) is Over.

Posted on February 3, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

The FDA, along with CDC, and state and local partners, investigated a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg infections linked to whole, fresh onions imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, in cooperation with the Mexican competent authorities. As of February 2, 2022, CDC has declared this outbreak over. CDC reports that there were 1040 illnesses in 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

In September 2021, as part of the ongoing investigation to determine the product causing illnesses, the FDA import operations implemented enhanced screening for Salmonella for onions imported into the United States, but no samples were collected because the growing season had ended and onions were no longer being imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico.

As a result of this outbreak, the FDA initiated onsite domestic investigations as well as Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) inspections of domestic firms who imported onions from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico. By inspecting these U.S. importers, FDA can determine if they are in compliance with applicable FSVP requirements, including performing certain risk-based activities to verify that imported foods meet U.S. safety standards.

While the outbreak has ended, FDA continues to work closely with Mexican competent authorities through the established Food Safety Partnership to investigate potential source(s) of contamination within the implicated region and to proactively implement prevention strategies ahead of the next growing season. FDA also intends to consider using additional tools, such as import screening and sampling, for onions grown and harvested in the State of Chihuahua, Mexico during the next growing season.

Recommendation

CDC has announced the outbreak is over. There are no recommendations for consumers, retailers, or suppliers.

Case Count Map Provided by CDC

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Oranienburg in Whole, Fresh Onions: Case Count Map Provided by CDC (February 2, 2022)

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 1,040
Hospitalizations: 260
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: January 1, 2022
States with Cases: AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV
Product Distribution: Nationwide

Leave a comment

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 recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella in Onions, Salmonella Oranienburg

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Dole Packaged Salad (December 2021)

Posted on February 2, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to Dole packaged leafy greens by epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback data. According to the CDC, as of February 1, 2022, 17 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 13 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from August 16, 2014 to December 30, 2021 (one case occurred in 2014 and the remaining cases occurred between 2018 and 2021). CDC investigated this outbreak in 2019 and 2020 but was unable to gather enough data to identify the source in the past. CDC reopened the investigation in November 2021 after reports of new illnesses.

FDA sent investigators to multiple Dole processing facilities to conduct on-site inspections while at the same time Dole initiated their own investigation. On December 22, 2021, Dole voluntarily recalled all products and brands from their Bessemer City, NC, and Yuma, AZ, facilities. On January 7, 2022, as a result of continued investigations, Dole issued a voluntary recall of additional products after Dole detected the presence of Listeria monocytogenes on equipment used in the harvesting of the raw iceberg lettuce also used in finished products processed in the Dole Springfield, OH, and Soledad, CA, facilities. These products were shipped throughout the United States and several provinces in Canada. FDA analyzed the positive sample collected by Dole from the harvesting equipment. Results from FDA’s WGS analysis showed that the strain of Listeria monocytogenes found on the harvesting equipment matches the strain causing illnesses in this outbreak.

In addition to this outbreak of listeriosis linked to packaged salads produced by Dole, FDA and CDC are currently investigating a separate Listeria outbreak linked to packaged salads produced by Fresh Express. These investigations are ongoing and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Recommendation

FDA recommends that anyone who received recalled products use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Listeria can survive at refrigeration temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.

All recalled products are now past their “Best if Used By” dates of November 30, 2021 to January 9, 2022. If consumers have expired recalled Dole salads in their homes, they should throw them away. The initial list of recalled products and the second list of recalled products are available on FDA’s website.

 

Map of U.S. Distribution of Recalled Packaged Salad

Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes from Dole Packaged Salad - Map of U.S. Distribution of Recalled Packaged Salad (February 1, 2022)

Case Count Map Provided by CDC

Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes from Dole Packaged Salad - CDC Case Count Map (January 31, 2022)

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 17
Hospitalizations: 13
Deaths: 2
Last illness onset: December 30, 2021
States with Cases: IA, ID, MD, MI, MN, NC, NV, OH, OR, PA, TX, UT, WI
Product Distribution*: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI,  IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI

*Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states

Leave a comment

Posted in Death, FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food death, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning Death, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak, Research

Research – First E. coli O103 outbreak caused by minced raw celery gets review.

Posted on February 1, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

E. coli O103, one of the more rare Shiga-toxin producing E. coli, sickened patients at two Victoria, British Columbia, hospitals last April. The Vancouver Island outbreak is now the subject of a study on food safety for high-risk products prepared for vulnerable populations.

Based on confirmed E. coli O103 cases reported to the Island Health infectious disease unit, whole-genome sequencing was used in the case study. The Canada Communicable Disease Report (CCDR) published the study in its January 2022 edition.

The Victoria outbreak identified six confirmed E.coli O103 cases, with 67 percent being female and a medium age of 61. All were inpatients or outpatients at the two hospitals. All consumed raw minced celery sandwiches prepared by the hospital food services.

Leave a comment

Posted in E.coli O103, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, 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, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli

Research – Zoonoses and foodborne outbreaks guidance for reporting 2021 data

Posted on January 31, 2022 by | Leave a comment

EFSA

This technical report of the European Food Safety Authority(EFSA)presents the guidance to reporting European Union(EU)Member States and non–Member States in data transmission using extensible markup language (XML)data transfer covering the reporting of prevalence data on zoonoses and microbiological agents and contaminants in food, foodborne outbreak data, animal population data and disease status data. For data collection purposes, EFSA has created the Data Collection Framework(DCF)application. The present report provides data dictionaries to guide the reporting of information deriving from 2021under the framework of Directive 2003/99/EC, Regulation (EU) 2017/625andCommission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/627.The objective is to explain in detail the individual data elements that are included in the EFSA data models to be used for XML data transmission through the DCF. In particular, the data elements to be reported are explained, including information about the data type, a reference to the list of allowed terms and any additional business rule or requirement that may apply.

Leave a comment

Posted in EFSA, food bourne outbreak, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, outbreak, Zoonosis

USA – Swan Bros. Raw Milk Listeria Outbreak Allegedly Sickens 10

Posted on January 31, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

A possible Swan Bros. raw milk Listeria outbreak has allegedly sickened 10 people in Missouri and Oklahoma, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed in the District Court of Rogers County in the state of Oklahoma on January 21, 2022. Swan Bros. recalled their raw milk products in July 2021 for possible Listeria monocytogenes after testing by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services revealed the presence of that pathogen in the milk on July 6, 2021. The dairy posted a notice on its Facebook page on July 6, 2021 about that recall.

Leave a comment

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 Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak, Raw Milk