Category Archives: outbreak

USA – Bix Produce Issues Safety Alert on Cut Cantaloupe Products Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Posted on December 1, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Image 1: “Photograph of label of Cantaloupe Fruit Cup, 5.75 oz.”

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Fruit/Fruit Product
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement:
Potential for Salmonella contamination
Company Name:
Bix Produce
Brand Name:
Multiple brands
Product Description:
Fruit Cups containing cantaloupe

Bix Produce of Little Canada, MN., is issuing a voluntary recall of Grab N’ Go containers of cut cantaloupe and mixed fruit cups due to the potential for Salmonella contamination in the products. These cantaloupe products were derived from cantaloupes that are involved in the recent Malachita cantaloupe recall.

  • Consumers, restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled cantaloupe or recalled products containing cantaloupe.
  • Consumers who may have frozen cantaloupe or cantaloupe products for later use should check their freezers and throw away any recalled products.
  • If you cannot tell if your cantaloupe is part of the recall, do not eat or use it. Throw it away.

The affected cantaloupe products were distributed from October 19th through October 20th, 2023, and were sold in the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin at convenience stores, delis, and business cafes. These products are beyond their usable shelf-life and are no longer expected to be in commerce.

Brand

Item Description

Item Number

Pack/Size

Lot Code
Created Fresh! CANTALOUPE FRUIT CUP GRAB N’ GO 19703 5.75 OZ EACH SELL BY DATES OF
10/25/2023 AND 10/26/2023
Created Fresh! MIXED FRUIT CUP GRAB N’ GO 19721 5.75 OZ EACH SELL BY DATES OF
10/25/2023 AND 10/26/2023
Jack & Olive MIXED FRUIT CUP J&O 23355 5.75 OZ EACH SELL BY DATES OF
10/25/2023 AND 10/26/2023

To date, there have been no illnesses reported related to products distributed by Bix Produce. No other products distributed by Bix Produce are being recalled. Bix Produce is working collaboratively with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on this recall.

The recall was initiated after a supplier notified Bix Produce that they had delivered recalled Malachita cantaloupes to Bix Produce and that those had been processed and distributed by Bix Produce.

Bix Produce takes the safety and integrity of the products it distributes seriously and regrets any inconvenience and concern this recall may cause.

Customers who have any questions about the recall may call: 651-487-8000

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Posted in FDA, 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 Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, product recall, Recall, Salmonella, Salmonella Cantaloupes

USA- FDA – Core Outbreak Table -Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

Posted on November 30, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

What’s New

  • For the outbreak of Salmonella Newport (ref # 1201), the case count has increased from 40 cases to 42 cases.
  • For the outbreak of Salmonella Sundsvall (ref #1203) linked to cantaloupe, the recall was expanded to include additional retailers and wholesalers who received the recalled melons. See the Outbreak Advisory for additional information. 
  • For the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #989) linked to peaches, plums, and nectarines, the advisory was updated to include additional retailers impacted by this outbreak.
  • For the investigation of elevated lead levels in Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (ref # 1198) the advisory was updated to include additional adverse event reports and advice for consumers.

Date
Posted

Ref

Pathogen
or
Cause of
Illness

Product(s)
Linked to
Illnesses
(if any)

Total
Case
Count


Status

11/22/

2023

1201

Salmonella
Newport

Not Yet
Identified

42

Active

11/22/

2023

1203

Salmonella
Sundsvall

Cantaloupe

Advisory

Active

11/15/

2023

989

Listeria
monocytogenes

Peaches, Plums,
and Nectarines

Advisory

Active

11/15/

2023

1192

E. coli
0103

Not Yet
Identified

12

Active

11/8/

2023

1198

Elevated Lead
Levels

Apple
Cinnamon
Puree

Advisory

Active

11/1/

2023

1195

E. coli
O121:H19

Not Yet
Identified

37

Active

10/4/

2023

1190

Salmonella
Thompson

Onions

Advisory

Active

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Posted in Death, E.coli O103, E.coli O121, FDA, food bourne outbreak, food death, Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, Foodborne Illness Death, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, O103, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella Cantaloupes, Salmonella Oranienburg

USA – Salmonella serotypes Soahanina, Sundsvall and Oranienburg linked to Cantaloupe Outbreak – number of ill expected to rise

Posted on November 29, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

Additional Salmonella Soahanina, Sundsvall and Oranienburg infections are under investigation and more illnesses associated with this outbreak may be confirmed.

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Posted in Death, food bourne outbreak, food death, Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, Foodborne Illness Death, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella Cantaloupes

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cantaloupes (November 2023)

Posted on November 28, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Cantaloupe

Products and Stores Affected (Expanded and Updated on 11/27/2023)

Recalled whole cantaloupe from the following brands:

  • Whole fresh cantaloupes with a label on the cantaloupe that says “Malichita” or “Rudy”, “4050”, and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique”.
  • Retailers and wholesalers would have received recalled whole melons from Crown Jewels Produce in boxes labeled “Malachita/Z Farms” or from Sofia Produce doing business as TruFresh in boxes labeled “Malichita” or “Rudy”, or from Pacific Trellis in corrugated cartons with certain lot codes.

Recalled cut cantaloupe and products made from recalled whole cantaloupes:

  • ALDIExternal Link Disclaimer cantaloupe, cut cantaloupe, and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging with Best-by dates between October 27 and October 31.
  • Vinyard cantaloupe chunks and cubes, fruit mixes, melon medleys, and fruit cups containing cantaloupe. Most have a “Vinyard” label, and some have a red label with “Fresh” sold between October 30 and November 10 in Oklahoma stores.
  • Freshness Guaranteed seasonal blend, melon trio, melon mix, fruit blend, fruit bowl, seasonal fruit tray, fruit mix, and cantaloupe chunks; and RaceTrac fruit medley sold in clear square or round plastic containers at select retail stores in IN, MI, OH, KY, NC, TN, VA, IL, TX, LA (see recall announcement for lot codes and “best by” dates).

More information about recalled products and product images can be found in the recall links above.

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

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: updates to this advisory will be provided as they become available.

Recommendation

  • Consumers, restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled cantaloupe or recalled products containing cantaloupe.
  • Some consumers freeze cantaloupe for later use. Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should check their freezers and throw away recalled fresh or cut cantaloupe that was frozen for later use.
  • If you cannot tell if your cantaloupe is part of the recall, do not eat or use it and throw it away.
  • Retailers and wholesalers would have received recalled whole melons from Crown Jewels Produce in boxes labeled “Malachita/Z Farms” or from Sofia Produce doing business as TruFresh in boxes labeled “Malichita” or “Rudy”, or from Pacific Trellis in corrugated cartons with certain lot codes.
  • Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice and use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with recalled products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
  • Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of a Salmonella infection after eating recalled cantaloupe.

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Posted in Death, food bourne outbreak, food death, Food Illness, food recall, Foodborne Illness, Foodborne Illness Death, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, product recall, Recall, Salmonella, Salmonella Cantaloupes

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Peaches, Plums, & Nectarines (November 2023)

Posted on November 28, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

HMC Peaches

Product

Recalled conventional (non-organic) peaches, plums, and nectarines sold in retail stores from May 1, 2022 through November 15, 2022 and from May 1, 2023 through November 15, 2023. The recalled fruit was sold at retail stores nationwide in bags or as individual pieces of fruit with PLU stickers, under multiple brand names.

  • Individual pieces of fruit with PLU stickers on the fruit labeled USA-E-U, containing the following numbers:
    • Yellow peach: 4044 or 4038
    • White peach: 4401
    • Yellow nectarine: 4036 or 4378
    • White nectarine: 3035
    • Red plum: 4042
    • Black plum: 4040
  • HMC Farms: peaches, plums, or nectarines sold in HMC Farms-branded bags
  • Signature Farms: peaches or nectarines sold in Signature Farms-branded bags and labeled with 6359 printed on a white sticker on the bag.

See the recall notice for product images.

Additionally, the recalled fruit was sold to other manufacturers who may have frozen and/or relabeled the recalled fruit for resale under another brand. The firm has directly notified their customers who received recalled product and this advisory will be updated as more information becomes available.

Recalled fruit is past expiration and no longer available for sale in retail stores but could have been frozen by consumers. Fresh whole peaches, plums, and nectarines currently available for sale at retail are not included in this recall.

Stores Affected

The recalled fruit was distributed nationwide and sold at retail stores in bags or as individual pieces of fruit (see descriptions above). FDA is aware of the following retailers who received recalled products:

Additional information on retail locations will be provided when it is available.

Symptoms of Listeriosis (Listeria Infection)

Symptoms usually start within 2 weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria, but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after. Mild symptoms may include a fever, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the more severe form of listeriosis develops, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

Status

Ongoing: Updates to this advisory will be provided as they become available.

Recommendation

  • Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled peaches, plums, or nectarines. The recalled fruit is no longer available for sale and any previously purchased fruit should be past shelf life.
  • If you previously purchased fresh peaches, plums, and nectarines and then froze them, you should throw them away if they are part of the recall or if you cannot tell if they are part of the recall.
  • Anyone who received or purchased recalled peaches, plums and nectarines should use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with the recalled fruit to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. This includes baking or canning tools, cutting boards, knives, countertops, refrigerators, freezers, and storage bins.
  • If you have symptoms of listeriosis you should contact your health care provider to report your symptoms and receive care.

Recommendations for At-Risk Groups

  • Listeria is most likely to sicken pregnant people and newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.
  • Pregnant people typically experience only fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. However, Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
  • Call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of a Listeria infection.

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Posted in Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak

USA – Norovirus outbreak linked to $1 burrito special for Northwestern University students

Posted on November 23, 2023 by | Leave a comment

CBS News

The Evanston Health and Human Services Department warned Wednesday that it was tracking a norovirus outbreak linked to the burrito special.

The department is investigating the outbreak along with Northwestern University. Investigators have learned that people reported stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea after eating at Big Wig Tacos & Burritos during an event on Saturday, Nov. 18, at which the restaurant offered $1 burritos to students from the university.

The event was held between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. this past Saturday. Big Wig Tacos & Burritos has a location at 950 Church St. in downtown Evanston.

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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, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Norovirus, outbreak

USA – Crown Jewels Produce Recalls “Malichita / Z Farms” Label of Whole Cantaloupes Because of Possible Health Risk Due to Salmonella

Posted on November 23, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Cantaloupes in boxes

Summary
Company Announcement Date:
November 22, 2023
FDA Publish Date:
November 22, 2023
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement:
Potential Salmonella contamination
Company Name:
Crown Jewel Produce Company
Brand Name:
Malichita/ Z Farms
Product Description:
Cantaloupes
Company Announcement
Jewel Marketing and Agribusiness LLC. (dba Crown Jewels Produce) of Fresno, CA is recalling all sizes of 1960 boxes of Malichita / Z Farms Cantaloupes sold between October 31, 2023 and November 9, 2023, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella

Product was distributed to Ohio, and California through retail and wholesale outlets.

Product was in boxes with a “wood-like” cardboard cartons with the Label “Malichita / Z Farms. The Price Lookup Sticker on the individual fruit is labeled “Malichita”.

This is an ongoing outbreak, and a number of illness have been reported throughout the United States, and Canada.

The company has ceased sales and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.” Information on what consumers should do with the product and where they can get additional information. Consumers who have purchased ‘Malichita / Z Farms” Brand Cantaloupes are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

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Posted in FDA, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, food recall, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, product recall, Recall

USA – Sofia Produce, LLC DBA Trufresh Expands Recall to Include all “Malichita” Brand and “Rudy” Brand Fresh Cantaloupe Because of Possible Health Risk Due to Salmonella

Posted on November 23, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Rudy PLU 4050

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:
Potential Foodborne Illness, Salmonella
Company Name:
SOFIA PRODUCE, LLC dba Trufresh
Brand Name:
Malichita, Rudy
Product Description:
Cantaloupes

Company Announcement

For Immediate Release, November 22, 2023 SOFIA PRODUCE, LLC, of Nogales, Arizona which does business under the name “Trufresh” (“Trufresh”) has expanded its recall of all sizes of fresh cantaloupes packaged in cardboard containers labeled with the “Malichita” label, and also labeled with the “Rudy” label to include all cantaloupes sold between the dates of October 10, 2023 and November 3, 2023, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The cantaloupes were distributed directly to the following States in the United States: Arizona, California. Connecticut, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida and Canada. The cantaloupes would have reached consumers through retail produce markets which may be located in states other than those listed above.

Trufresh has been advised that there are 97 illnesses reported to date that have been associated with this strain of Salmonella.

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Posted in FDA, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, food recall, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, product recall, Recall, Salmonella, Salmonella Cantaloupes

USA – FDA- Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

Posted on November 23, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

What’s New

  • The outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #989) has been linked to peaches, plums, and nectarines. FDA issued an advisory on this outbreak. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
  • A new outbreak of Salmonella Sundsvall (ref #1203) linked to cantaloupe has been added to the table. FDA issued an advisory on this outbreak. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
  • A new outbreak of Salmonella Newport in a not yet identified food had been added to the table. FDA has initiated a traceback investigation. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Date
Posted		 Ref Pathogen
or
Cause of
Illness		 Product(s)
Linked to
Illnesses
(if any)		 Total
Case
Count
Status
11/22/

2023

 1201 Salmonella
Newport		 Not Yet
Identified		 40 Active
11/22/

2023

 1203 Salmonella
Sundsvall		 Cantaloupe See

Advisory

 Active
11/15/

2023

 989 Listeria
monocytogenes		 Peaches, Plums,
and Nectarines		 See

Advisory

 Active
11/15/

2023

 1192 E. coli
0103		 Not Yet
Identified		 12 Active
11/8/

2023

 1198 Elevated Lead
Levels		 Apple
Cinnamon
Puree		 See

Advisory

 Active
11/1/

2023

 1195 E. coli
O121:H19		 Not Yet
Identified		 37 Active
10/4/

2023

 1190 Salmonella
Thompson		 Onions See

Advisory

 Active

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Posted in CORE Investigation Table, E.coli O103, E.coli O121, FDA, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, food recall, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, O103, outbreak, product recall, Recall, Salmonella, Salmonella Cantaloupes

USA- CDC – Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cantaloupes

Posted on November 23, 2023 by | Leave a comment

CDC

Cantaloupe on a white background.

Fast Facts
  • Illnesses: 43
  • Hospitalizations: 17
  • Deaths: 0
  • States: 15
  • Recall: Yes
  • Investigation status: Active   (first posted on November 17, 2023)
Recalled Food

Whole cantaloupes

  • Might have a sticker that says “Malichita”, “4050”, and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique”
  • See recall notice and expanded recall for more details

Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupes

  • Includes cantaloupe cubes, melon medleys, and fruit medleys
  • Sold in Oklahoma stores between October 30 and November 10, 2023
  • Most have a yellow label with “Vinyard,” and some have a red label with “Fresh”
  • See recall notice for product photos and more details

ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products

  • Includes whole cantaloupes, cantaloupe chunks in clamshell packaging, and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging
  • Best-by dates between October 27 and October 31, 2023
  • Sold in ALDI stores in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin
  • See recall notice [PDF – 2 pages] for more details

Investigators are working to identify any additional cantaloupe products that may be contaminated.

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, food recall, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, product recall, Recall, Salmonella, Salmonella Cantaloupes