Category Archives: FSIS USDA

Research FSIS Foodborne Illness Outbreak Investigations, Fiscal Year 2023

Posted on March 6, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FSIS USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Office of
Public Health Science, Applied Epidemiology Staff, coordinates the FSIS response to
foodborne illness outbreaks that may involve FSIS-regulated products. This includes outbreaks that involve four foodborne pathogens that most frequently contaminate FSIS-regulated products: Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter.

A foodborne outbreak occurs when two or more persons experience a similar illness after ingestion of a common food, and epidemiologic analysis implicates the
food as the source of the illness. FSIS may investigate illnesses associated with other, less
common, foodborne pathogens (e.g., Clostridium botulinum) if they are potentially associated with FSIS-regulated products. FSIS collects and evaluates epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback information to determine if there is an association between an FSIS-regulated product and human illnesses. Epidemiologic information can include details like which foods ill people ate, where they purchased these foods, and where they live. Laboratory information can include comparing bacteria from FSIS samples and ill people to see if they are genetically similar or have similar characteristics. Traceback activities may include determining the location where the product was sold (e.g., grocery store, deli counter, or restaurant) or the source of a product (e.g., the federally inspected slaughter or processing facility). Depending on the evidence collected during an investigation, FSIS may have enough detailed exposure and product information to take one or more actions to prevent additional illnesses. These actions may include requesting that a company remove product from commerce and FSIS issuing a press release announcing that a firm is recalling meat, poultry, or egg products linked to human illnesses or FSIS notifying the public of potential food safety concerns through the issuance of a Public Health Alert (PHA).
This report summarizes outbreaks that FSIS investigated from October 1, 2022, to September
30, 2023, Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023). This report also highlights key lessons learned from
outbreak investigations in FY 2023.

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Posted in Campylobacter, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Microbiology Research, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, FSIS, FSIS USDA, Illness, outbreak, Research, Salmonella, STEC, STEC E.coli

Singapore -Recall of Beretta Antipasto and Beretta Coppa due to possible presence of Salmonella

Posted on February 22, 2024 by | Leave a comment

SFA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has
issued a notification on the recall of Beretta Antipasto and Beretta Coppa due to the possible
presence of Salmonella.
As the implicated products were imported into Singapore, SFA has directed the
importer, Indoguna (Singapore) Pte Ltd, to recall the products. The recall is ongoing.

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USA- FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ready-To-Eat Poultry Products Containing FDA-Regulated Dairy Products That Have Been Recalled Due To Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination

Posted on February 9, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FSIS USDA

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat (RTE) poultry burrito products containing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated dairy products that have been recalled by Rizo-Lopez Foods, due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that these products, which bear the USDA mark of inspection, should not be consumed. As more information becomes available, FSIS will update this public health alert. Consumers should check back frequently because additional products may be added.

The RTE poultry burrito items were produced on various dates between June 20, 2023, and December 30, 2023. The following products subject to the public health alert are [view labels]:

  • 10.53-oz. individual wax paper packages containing “amazon kitchen, CHICKEN CHILI VERDE burrito with rice, black beans & monterey jack” with BEST BEFORE Julian dates starting with 0764, 1384, 1394, and 2694.  The product is packaged in boxed cases labeled as “CHICKEN CHILE VERDE BURRITO WITH RICE, BLACK BEANS & MONTEREY JACK” with production dates 6/20/23, 8/21/23, 8/22/23, and 12/30/23, and with expiration dates of 3/16/24, 5/17/24, 5/18/24, and 9/25/24.

The products bear establishment number “P-20552” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the case label and “P-20552” on the back of the immediate package. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that they used FDA-regulated cotija cheese that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes to produce burrito products. FDA is continuing its investigation into the dairy products produced by Rizo-Lopez Foods.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.

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USA – FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-To-Eat Charcuterie Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Posted on January 19, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FSIS USDA

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert out of an abundance of caution due to concerns about Salmonella illnesses that may be associated with ready-to-eat (RTE) charcuterie meat products in Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler and Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta.

The Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta was sold at Costco in a 24-oz. twin-pack (two 12-oz. trays). The Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler was sold at Sam’s Club in an 18-oz. twin-pack (two 9-oz. trays). Any lot code associated with either product is potentially contaminated. The products are no longer available for purchase at Costco and Sam’s Club.

The products of concern bear establishment number “EST. 7543B” and/or “EST. #47967” inside the USDA mark of inspection or printed on the package. Label images can be found in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Food Safety Alert.

FSIS has been working with the CDC and state public health partners to investigate a multistate outbreak of 47 Salmonella I 4:i:- illnesses in 22 states with onset dates ranging from November 20, 2023, through January 1, 2024. In the ongoing outbreak investigation, the state of Minnesota identified the outbreak strain from an unopened Busseto brand charcuterie sampler, which led to recall 01-2024 on January 3, 2024. FSIS will continue the investigation and issue new information as it becomes available.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 6 hours to 6 days after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

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USA – Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc. Recalls Busseto Foods Brand Ready-to-Eat Charcuterie Meat Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Posted on January 4, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FSIS USDA

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2024 – Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., a Mount Olive, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 11,097 pounds of Busseto Foods brand ready-to-eat charcuterie meat products that may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ready-to-eat (RTE) charcuterie sampler product was produced on October 30, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

  • 18-oz. plastic tray packages containing “BUSSETO FOODS CHARCUTERIE SAMPLER Prosciutto, Sweet Sopressata, and Dry Coppa” with lot code L075330300 and “BEST IF USED BY APR 27 24.” The products are sold as a twin pack with two 9-oz. packages.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 7543B” inside the USDA mark of inspection and “EST. #47967” printed with the lot and date codes. These items were shipped to Sam’s Club distribution centers in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas.

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified that a sample collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture tested positive for Salmonella.

FSIS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella. Minnesota collected unopened ready-to-eat charcuterie sampler product as part of the investigation. The product tested positive for Salmonella. Further testing is ongoing to determine if the product sample is related to the outbreak. The investigation is ongoing.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 6 hours to 6 days after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Media with questions regarding the recall can contact Marco Lastrico, Public Relations, Busseto Foods, at 917-634-1685 or m.lastrico@barabinousa.com. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact the Busseto Recall Hotline at 866-552-4916.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

Product Images

Recall-001-2024-Labels.pdf

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Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, 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, FSIS, FSIS USDA, Salmonella

USA – Valley Meats, LLC, Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

Posted on January 2, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FSIS USDA

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2023 – Valley Meats, LLC, a Coal Valley, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,768 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw ground beef items were produced on December 22, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

  • 12-lb. box package containing “ANGUS GROUND BEEF PATTIES” with product code 1208PL, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, Use By 01/15/2024, and time stamps between 7:36:38AM to 08:00:48AM.
  • 16-lb. box packages containing “ANGUS GROUND BEEF PATTIES” with the product code 1253PL, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, Use By 01/15/2024, and time stamps between 7:25:50 AM to 08:00:36AM.
  • 28-lb. box package containing “Ground Beef Patties” with product code 72287, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, Use By 01/15/2024, and time stamps between 12:44:00PM to 12:54:32PM.
  • 28-lb. box packaging containing “Ground Beef Patties” with product code 72287, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, Use By 01/15/2024, and time stamp 1:02:55PM.
  • 24-lb. box packaging containing “Ground Beef Patties” with product code 72284, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, Use By 01/15/2024, and time stamps between 1:10:09PM to 1:10:17PM.
  • 13.5-lb. box packaging containing “GROUND BEEF PATTIES” with product code 1103, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, Use By 01/15/2024, and time stamps between 1:41:55:55PM to 1:57:53PM.
  • 20-lb. box packaging containing “GROUND BEEF” with product code 8515, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, and time stamps between 1:16:24PM to 1:31:15PM.
  • 40-lb. box packaging containing “GROUND BEEF” with product code 8020VP, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, and time stamps between 1:34:54PM to 2:00:49PM.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 5712” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distributor locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan for further distribution to restaurants and other institutional users.

The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that samples of ground beef products submitted to a third-party laboratory for microbiological analysis tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in institutional or restaurant refrigerators or freezers. Restaurants and institutions are urged not to serve these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

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Posted in E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, 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, FSIS, FSIS USDA, STEC, STEC E.coli

USA – Scanga Meat Company Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O103 Contamination

Posted on December 26, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FSIS USDA

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2023 – Scanga Meat Company, a Salida, Colorado establishment, is recalling approximately 563 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O103, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw ground beef products were produced on December 11, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

  • 6-lb. plastic tubes containing “It’s a treat to eat Scanga Meat OUR REGULAR GROUND BEEF” and may have lot code 3345 represented on the label.
  • 6-lb. plastic tubes containing “It’s a treat to eat Scanga Meat OUR X-L GROUND BEEF” and may have lot code 3345 represented on the label.
  • 1-lb. plastic chubs containing “SCANGA MEAT HAMBURGER” and may have lot code 3345 represented on the label.
  • 1-lb. plastic trays containing “It’s a treat to eat Scanga Meat GROUND ROUND” and may have lot code 3345 represented on the label.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 6460” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were sold at the establishment’s retail location and shipped to restaurant locations in Colorado.

The problem was discovered during routine FSIS testing and the sampling results showed the presence of E. coli O103. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products.

Many clinical laboratories do not test for non-O157 STEC, such as O103, because it is harder to identify than STEC O157:H7. People can become ill from STECs 2–8 days (average of 3–4 days) after consuming the organism.

Most people infected with STEC O103 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by testing of a stool sample. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the usual treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended. Most people recover within a week, but, rarely, some develop a more severe infection. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, is uncommon with STEC O103 infection. HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old, older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ and restaurants’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. Restaurants are urged not to serve these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

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Posted in E.coli O103, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, 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, FSIS USDA, O103, STEC, STEC E.coli, USDA

USA – Garland Ventures Recalls Ready-to-Eat Chicken Fried Rice Products due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Posted on December 7, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FSIS USDA

FSIS Announcement

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dec. 6, 2023 – Details of this recall were updated to reflect the correct lot code for the product implicated in the recall.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2023 – Garland Ventures, a Garland, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 13,842 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken fried rice products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The RTE chicken fried rice product was produced on November 10, 2023. The following product is subject to recall [view labels]:

  • 12-oz. trays containing Freshness Guaranteed brand “CHICKEN FRIED RICE DICED CHICKEN MEAT WITH VEGETABLES AND RICE IN A SAVORY SOY SAUCE” with lot code WK10CFR and a best if used by date of 11/10/2024 represented on the label.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. P-31993” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered by FSIS during review of testing results, which showed the product tested positive for L. monocytogenes.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

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USA – Pelleh Poultry Corp. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Beef and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Posted on December 5, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FSIS USDA

Pelleh Poultry Corp., a Swan Lake, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 708 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef and poultry products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The RTE beef and poultry products were packaged on various dates from October 25, 2023, through November 20, 2023. The list of products that are subject to the recall can be found here. The labels for the products subject to recall are available on the FSIS website [view labels]. Additional labels may be added as they are obtained.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. P44121” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail and institutional locations in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The problem was discovered when the establishement notified FSIS that its laboratory testing indicated the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

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USA – Thaw Your Turkey Safely in Time for Thanksgiving

Posted on November 16, 2023 by | Leave a comment

USDA

The busiest time of the year for USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline is the week before Thanksgiving. Calls, chats and emails are answered by food safety specialists who even work on Thanksgiving Day to ensure your meal is safe.

One question often asked is, “How do you properly thaw a turkey?”

Here are safe ways to thaw a turkey — in the refrigerator or in cold water:

  • It takes 24 hours for every four to five pounds of weight for a turkey to thaw in the refrigerator (a 15-pound turkey will take three days to thaw in your refrigerator). A completely thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for one or two days before cooking.
  • To thaw in cold water, submerge the bird in its original wrapper in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Cook the turkey immediately after thawing.

Remember that thawing a frozen turkey on the kitchen counter — or in a garage during the wintertime (the most common misconception shared by callers) — is not safe. Leaving any frozen package of meat or poultry for more than 2 hours at room temperature is dangerous. Even though the center of the package may still be frozen, the outer layer of the food is in the “Danger Zone” between 40 and 140 F — a temperature range where foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly.

For more turkey thawing tips, check out our fact sheet. Learn more about the latest USDA study on safe food handling and thorough handwashing.

Have a food safety question? Contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) to talk to a food safety specialist or chat live at ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. On Thanksgiving Day, the Hotline will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

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Posted in Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, food safety training, FSIS USDA, USDA