Category Archives: Illness

USA – Three Current – Raw Milk Outbreaks – Salmonella – Campylobacter

Food Safety News

Idaho – Public health officials in Ada County, ID, are investigating an outbreak of infections from Campylobacter linked to the consumption of unpasteurized, raw milk.

Food Safety News

Utah –

Investigators have identified Utah Natural Meat and Milk as the source of unpasteurized raw milk that has sickened people in the state.

At least 14 people have contracted infections from Campylobacter, according to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. One patient who was hospitalized has been released. Patients range in age from 2 to 73 years old.

Food Safety News

California – Three more people in San Diego have been confirmed to have Salmonella infections linked to raw, unpasteurized milk from Raw Farm LLC dairy in California. Another seven people are now sick in Orange County.

A Dozen Salmonella cases linked to Raw Farm Milk

Food Poison Journal

County of San Diego health officials are reporting three additional cases of Salmonella illness linked to unpasteurized or “raw” milk from a producer in Fresno, CA.

This brings the total number of local cases to 12, including three people who were hospitalized. The cases began in late September and the most recent person became ill on Oct. 17.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a recall of Raw Farm milk and heavy cream Oct. 24, and a PDF that contains the specific product identification numbers with “best by” dates between Oct. 11 and Nov. 6. Additional raw milk products were not recalled.

The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency urges anyone who may have recently purchased Raw Farm LLC raw milk to not consume it and discard the product.

The illnesses have been caused bySalmonellabacteria, which is commonly found in human and animal intestines. The 12 San Diego County residents who became ill have reported consuming Raw Farm LLC raw milk the week before they became ill. Cases in other parts of the state are being tracked by CDPH and other local health departments.

USA – Raw Farm Milk Salmonella Outbreak expands to Orange County

Food Poison Journal

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has identified seven cases of Salmonella illness in Orange County (OC) residents following consumption of unpasteurized or “raw” milk from Raw Farm LLC, which recently issued a recall of its raw whole milk and raw heavy creams products.

The HCA urges those who may have purchased raw whole milk or raw heavy cream products from Raw Farm LLC to not consume the products and discard them immediately. Anyone who becomes ill after consuming raw milk or products made from raw milk, particularly products from Raw Farm LLC, should seek medical care immediately.

All confirmed cases had illness onset within the past 30 days, with affected individuals ranging in age from one to 20 years old. The HCA continues to investigate the situation in coordination with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The HCA is also reaching out to stores in the county who may be selling these products to assure that they are aware of the recall.

USA – Utah Natural Meat and Milk Source of Campylobacter Outbreak

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Utah Natural Meat and Milk has been identified as the source of the Campylobacter outbreak in that state that has sickened at least 14 people, according to news reports. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food said that the pathogen came from that dairy that is located in West Jordan. According to the Salt Lake County Health Department, one patient was hospitalized but is recovering at home. The patient age range is from 2 to 73 years.

Research- Three clusters of Salmonella Enteritidis ST11 infections linked to chicken meat and chicken meat products

EFSA

Abstract

From 1 January–24 October 2023, 335 laboratory-confirmed Salmonella Enteritidis ST11 cases belonging to three distinct microbiological clusters have been reported in 14 EU/EEA countries, the United Kingdom and the United States, affecting all age groups. Most interviewed cases reported consumption of chicken meat, including chicken kebabs. Nine cases in three countries were hospitalised and one case in Austria died, highlighting the potential for severe and fatal infections from this outbreak. Following the food exposure information and the national investigations in 2023, the food safety authorities in Austria, Denmark and Italy investigated 10 food products (six contaminated by Salmonella Enteritidis ST11 cluster 1 and/or cluster 2), seven final producers in Poland and one in Austria. Traceability information revealed that three Salmonella-contaminated kebabs shared a number of Polish food business operators. The trading link of the suspected kebab suggests one or more common source(s)/point(s) of contamination in Austria, Denmark, and Italy. Following the collection of genomic information, the cluster analysis revealed the presence of the outbreak strains in the food chain in multiple European countries. Most positive foods sampled in 2022–2023 with shared epidemiological data originated from Poland. Given the information collected, contaminated chicken kebab and chicken meat are the plausible vehicles of the human infections reported in these three clusters. In the absence of conclusive microbiological evidence and comprehensive traceability, the role of the identified final producers, their meat suppliers, and the possible involvement of other food business operators as sources of the infections could not be confirmed or excluded. Further investigations are needed to identify the root cause of the contamination and the source of infections, which is crucial for prompt implementation of targeted effective control and corrective measures. As the source(s) have not been identified, new cases are likely to occur in this prolonged multi-country outbreak.

Norway – Outbreak of Salmonella infection

Matportalen

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has been notified by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health about a national outbreak of the gastrointestinal bacterium Salmonella Napoli. So far, infection has been detected in seven people. The source of infection is not known.

An outbreak investigation has been initiated in collaboration between the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the Veterinary Institute and municipal chief medical officers. It is currently unknown what the source of infection is, but it is common for gastrointestinal bacteria to become infected through food. According to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the most common symptoms are diarrhoea, headache, abdominal pain, nausea and possibly fever.

– The Norwegian Food Safety Authority collects information from the sick persons about what they have eaten and what they have been in contact with. It may also be relevant to take samples of food and food packaging, says Anne Mæland, senior advisor in the biological food safety section of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.

Outbreak investigation takes time and the work is complicated. It is not always possible to find the source of infection in such outbreaks. If a common source of infection from food, animals or the environment is identified, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority will follow up the tracing work along the food chain.

Finland – Sprouts suspected in Finnish Salmonella outbreak

Food Safety News

A Salmonella outbreak in Finland, which affected more than 60 people, has been linked to sprouts.

The National Institute of Health and Welfare (THL) reported that 62 people in different parts of the country became ill from Salmonella Enteritidis in August and October.

In September, it was reported that authorities were investigating an increase in Salmonella Enteritidis infections.

In interviews by local authorities, 23 of 24 people said that they had eaten sprouts before getting sick.

THL surveyed salmonellosis patients in Finland to find out the extent and source of the epidemic. This survey was answered by 16 cases part of the Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak and 11 other controls infected with Salmonella.

People who became infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis had eaten sprouts more often than people who were not part of the outbreak.

Patients had eaten two different sprout products in the seven days before becoming ill. Both products had the same unnamed producer.

USA – Miguel’s Cocina 4S Ranch linked to E. coli Outbreak in San Diego

Food Poison Journal

The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is reporting an outbreak of 13 confirmed or probable cases of Shiga-toxin-producing E. Coli (STEC) linked to dining at Miguel’s Cocina 4S Ranch location in San Diego.

HHSA Epidemiology Program and the County Department of Environmental Health and Quality are investigating the cluster of E. coli infections. Ages range from 6 to 87 years of age.

The ill persons or their families reported eating at the Miquel’s 4S Ranch location from Oct. 6 to Oct. 18 and had symptoms from Oct. 13 to Oct. 19.  Seven cases were hospitalized with at least one case developing the more severe complication of the infection called hemolytic uremic syndrome.

The specific food items that were sources of the E. coli bacteria at the restaurant are under investigation.  The restaurant is cooperating and working closely with the County. This morning its management voluntarily decided to close until the source can be identified.

“People who visited the restaurant and are feeling ill should see their doctor as soon as possible,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer.  “We want them to get tested and have the results sent to the local health department. Those most at risk from infection are children, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems.”

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Onions (October 2023)

FDA

Product

Recalled Gills Onions-brand diced yellow onions, diced onions & celery, diced mirepoix, and diced red onions with use-by dates in August 2023.

FDA’s investigation is ongoing. Updates to this advisory will be provided as they become available.

Stores Affected

  • Recalled Gills Onions were sold to foodservice and institutions nationwide and in Canada. The firm has directly notified foodservice customers who received recalled product.
  • Recalled product was sold to retailers in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and usually lasts four to seven days. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.

Status

Ongoing

Recommendation

  • Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled onions and should check their freezers if they froze recalled products. Full descriptions of recalled products sold to retailers in AZ, CA, ID, MT, OR, and WA can be found in the recall announcement.
  • Direct customers, including restaurants, institutions, and retailers will be contacted by the company and should check their refrigerators and freezers and throw away recalled onions.
  • Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of a Salmonella infection after eating recalled onions.

Current Update

October 24, 2023

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Thompson infections linked to fresh diced onions from Gills Onions of Oxnard, California.

Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 14 of 19 cases with information available reported exposure to fresh diced onions before becoming ill. Additionally, based on traceback data collected by FDA, FDA determined that onions processed at Gills Onions were available at points of service where people ate prior to becoming ill.

In response to this investigation, Gills Onions has voluntarily recalled diced yellow onion, diced onions & celery, diced mirepoix, and diced red onions.

The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses. FDA will update this advisory should additional consumer safety information become available.

USA – 9 Cases Of Salmonella Linked To Raw Milk Reported In San Diego County

Patch

Nine San Diego area residents became ill after consuming raw milk or milk products from Fresno-based Raw Farm LLC, officials said.