Category Archives: outbreak

India – North Paravoor food poisoning caused by Salmonella Enteritidis – 100 + Cases

Posted on January 26, 2023 by | Leave a comment

New Indian Express

Infection mostly caused by consumption of stale meat, chicken, egg and its products

The health department has found that salmonellosis, a disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella Enteritidis, is behind the food poisoning from a hotel in North Paravoor last week. Around 106 persons who consumed mayonnaise, al-faham, manthi, fried rice and peri-peri manthi from Majlis Hotel contracted the disease.

The samples were tested at the Government Medical College, Kalamaserry after several people started showing symptoms like diarrhoea, stomach upset, fever, nausea and vomiting 5 to 6 hours after consuming food.

Around 196 food poisoning cases were reported in the district this month. Following this, the district medical officer has alerted the public, catering services, hotels and food suppliers to avoid preparation of food in unhygienic conditions.

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

France Cases of listeriosis: withdrawal-recall of vegetable specialties with almond milk and cashew nuts Jay & Joy (vegetable alternatives to cheese and foie gras)

Posted on January 23, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Sante Publique

The health authorities have been informed of the occurrence in France of 5 serious cases of listeriosis, including 4 in pregnant women who have presented premature deliveries. These 5 people, infected with the same strain of Listeria, reported symptoms between April and December 2022. 

The investigations conducted jointly by Public Health France (SpFrance), the National Reference Center (CNR) Listeria, the Directorate General for Food (DGAl), the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention ( DGCCRF), and in coordination with the General Directorate of Health (DGS), identified that the cases reported on the national territory had consumed in the weeks preceding their listeriosis plant specialties (cheese alternatives) with almond and walnut milk cashew nuts manufactured and marketed under the Jay & Joy brand.

These investigations revealed irregularities in the company, in particular concerning the control of the risk of microbiological contamination of the products manufactured within the factory. Consequently, a prefectural order, aimed at suspending the marketing of all products stored and manufactured in the factory, was issued on January 16, 2023.

JAY&JOY proceeded to the withdrawal-recall of all the products manufactured by the company on January 14, 2023.

The details of the products concerned by the withdrawal-recall are available on rappel.conso.gouv.fr. People holding these products are asked not to consume them and to return them to the point of sale where they purchased them.

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Research – An outbreak of Hepatitis A virus infection in a secondary school in England with no undetected asymptomatic transmission among students

Posted on January 21, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Cambridge Org

Abstract

In June 2019 the Health Protection Team in Yorkshire and Humber, England, was notified of cases of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in staff at a secondary school. Investigation revealed that an earlier case worked as a food handler in the school kitchen. Indirect transmission through food from the canteen was considered the most likely route of transmission. Cases were described according to setting of exposure. Oral fluid was obtained from students for serological testing. Environmental investigations were undertaken at settings where food handling was considered a potential transmission risk. Thirty-three confirmed cases were linked to the outbreak. All of those tested (n = 31) shared the same sequence with a HAV IB genotype. The first three cases were a household cluster and included the index case for the school. A further 19 cases (16 students, 3 staff) were associated with the school and consistent with indirect exposure to the food handler. One late onset case could not be ruled out as a secondary case within the school and resulted in vaccination of the school population. Five cases were linked to a bakery where a case from the initial household cluster worked as a food server. No concerns about hygiene standards were noted at either the school or the bakery. Oral fluid samples taken at the time of vaccination from asymptomatic students (n = 219, 11–16 years-old) showed no evidence of recent or current infection. This outbreak included household and foodborne transmission but limited (and possibly zero) person-to-person transmission among secondary school students. Where adequate hygiene exists, secondary transmission within older students may not occur.

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

USA – Utopia Foods Expands Recall on “Enoki Mushrooms” Because of Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on January 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Produce
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement:
Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:
Utopia Foods Inc.
Brand Name:
Utopia Foods Inc
Product Description:
Enoki Mushrooms

Company Announcement

Utopia Foods Inc of Glendale, NY, is expanding the recall of its 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms”, imported from China, with clear and blue plastic packages with clear markings of “Best before 03/02/2023” or “Best before 03.09.23” distributed between January 6th to January 13th, 2023 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The product comes in a 200g, clear and blue plastic package with brand name “UTOPIA” and bar code 8928918610017 marked on the packaging.

The recalled “Enoki Mushrooms” were distributed in NY, NJ and CT to produce wholesale companies.

The distribution of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem.

All vendors who have distributed the 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms” should immediately cease the distribution and notify their customers of the recall and recall instructions. If their customers have further distributed the product notify them to instruct their customers.

Consumers who have purchased the item are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718.389.8898.

Link to Initial Recall

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Utopia Foods Inc
 718.389.8898
Media:
Jack
 718.389.8898

Product Photos

  • Front of package, Utopia Foods Enoki Mushrooms
  • Back of package, Utopia Foods Enoki Mushrooms

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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 recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak

USA – Fullei Fresh Issues Correction on Alfalfa Sprout Recall Because of Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on January 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Spices, Flavors &  Salts
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement:
Contamination with shiga toxin-producing E. coli
Company Name:
Fullei Fresh
Brand Name:
Fullei Fresh
Product Description:
Alfalfa Sprouts

Company Announcement

MIAMI, FL – Fullei Fresh is voluntarily recalling Alfalfa Sprouts due to the detection of Shiga toxin producing E.coli (STEC.) Shiga toxin producing E.coli is an organism that can cause foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. The illness primarily impacts elderly individuals, children, and people with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.

STEC is a bacterial strain that is not part of our routine microbial testing conducted in compliance with the FDA’s Produce Safety Rule Subpart M on every lot we produce. It was detected upon sampling of finished product by the FDA.

There have been no known illnesses reported to date in connection with this product.

The affected Fullei Fresh brand alfalfa sprout lot number is 336. They were shipped to distributors and retailers in Florida between December 9-23, 2022. No other lots or products are affected.

The lot numbers are printed on the 4 ounce retail packs and on 5 lb. bulk cardboard boxes in the barcode (the last 3 digits being 336.) Pictures are below.

Should you be in possession of these products, please discard.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration and the Florida Department of Agriculture.

If you require further information, please contact sales@fulleifresh.com or (305) 758-3880 Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00PM EST.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
 305-758-3880
 sales@fulleifresh.com

Product Photos

  • Alfalfa Sprouts Clamshell with Label
  • Alfalfa Sprouts Case Label

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Posted in FDA, 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 Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak

USA – More Listeria cases linked to Enoki Mushrooms

Posted on January 19, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

Epidemiologic and laboratory data show that enoki mushrooms are contaminated with Listeria and are making people sick. FDA found two strains of Listeria in an import sample of Utopia Foods brand enoki mushrooms. One strain is linked to the two illnesses that were already included in this outbreak, and the other strain is linked to one additional illness. Both strains are now included in this outbreak investigation.

Since the last update on November 22, 2022, one more illness has been linked to this outbreak. As of January 18, 2023, three people infected with the outbreak strains of Listeria have been reported from three states. Sick people’s samples were collected from October 3, 2022, to October 8, 2022.

Sick people range in age from 30 to 56 years, with a median of 42 years, and 66% are male. Two people are Hispanic, and one person is Asian. All three have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

Two sick people reported eating enoki mushrooms or eating at restaurants with menu items containing enoki mushrooms. One patient did not report eating enoki mushrooms but reported shopping at various Asian grocery stores.

FDA found the outbreak strains of Listeria in an import sample of Utopia Foods brand enoki mushrooms.

Previously, in December 2022, Missouri state officials conducted routine sampling and found Listeria in a sample of Utopia Foods brand enoki mushrooms. The Listeria found in this sample was not the outbreak strains, and it was not linked to any reported Listeria illness in the United States. On December 13, 2022, Utopia Foods recalled these enoki mushrooms. On January 13, 2023, Utopia Foods expanded their recall of enoki mushrooms.

Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled enoki mushrooms. CDC also advises people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system to not eat any raw enoki mushrooms, even if they are not recalled. Instead, cook enoki mushrooms thoroughly before eating.

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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, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak

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

Posted on January 19, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

What’s New

  • An outbreak advisory has been issued for the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to enoki mushrooms (reference #1127).

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Sweden – Salmonella Enteritidis (December 2022-)

Posted on January 19, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Folkhalsomyndigheten

hazegg.jpg

Since the beginning of December 2022, 22 cases of illness infected with one and the same strain of Salmonella Enteritidis have been reported to the Public Health Authority. The infection is suspected to originate from eggs that have now been recalled.

At the end of December 2022, Salmonella Enteritidis was identified at a major Swedish egg producer, which has led to several recalls of fresh eggs.

Recalls of eggs – January 2023 (livsmedelsverket.se)

An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis involving 22 people from eleven different regions has now been identified and is being investigated. Since several of the sick have eaten dishes containing raw eggs from the now recalled batches, there are strong reasons to suspect a connection to the earlier Salmonella finding at the egg producer. The disease cases are aged 7-90 years (median=40 years), twelve of the cases are women and the illnesses occurred between December 7, 2022 and January 6, 2023 (see Figure 2023-01-18).

During the past ten days, a larger number of people with salmonella infection than usual have been reported. The Salmonella isolates from these disease cases have not yet been typed to determine the specific strain, but since several have stated consumption of products with raw eggs from suspected contaminated batches, there is a risk that the number of people identified as infected in the outbreak will increase.

Although because of the recalls there should be no contaminated eggs left in stores or in restaurants, it is possible that you may have eggs left at home from the recalled batches. Via the Swedish Food Agency’s website, you can find out who these lots are and what you should do with these eggs.

The outbreak is being investigated in collaboration between the Swedish Agency for Agriculture, the Swedish Food Agency, SVA, the Public Health Agency, regional infection control and other regional and local authorities.

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Taipei – Nearly 140,000 seek treatment for diarrhea – Norovirus

Posted on January 18, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Taipei Times

Nearly 140,000 people sought medical treatment for diarrhea last week, as 64 clusters of diarrhea cases were reported over the past four weeks, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said in a news release on Monday, advising people to maintain good hand hygiene and food safety practices during the Lunar New Year holiday.

From Jan. 8 to Saturday last week, 139,728 people went to see a doctor for diarrhea — higher than the 104,114 and 116,497 cases reported in the same period last year and in 2021 respectively, the CDC’s surveillance data showed.

A total of 64 clusters of diarrhea cases were also reported in the past four weeks, higher than the 54 clusters reported in the same period last year, it said.

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

Switzerland – One died in a Swiss Listeria monocytogenes outbreak traced to smoked fish

Posted on January 18, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Swiss authorities have revealed a Listeria outbreak sickened 20 and killed one person in 2022.

The Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP), Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (OSAV), and cantonal, or regional, authorities detected an outbreak of listeriosis in July 2022 and identified smoked trout as the source.

In early July, an unusually high number of Listeria monocytogenes cases were reported to OFSP. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) confirmed they were linked.

As part of an investigation carried out with OFSP, patients were interviewed and evidence pointed to smoked trout produced by one company.

Cantonal food authorities carried out an inspection of the firm in the canton of Thurgovie, also known as Thurgau, which found the bacteria in smoked trout and in the production environment. WGS matched the isolates from food samples and patients, confirming the link.

In July, smoked fish from the company Kundelfingerhof was withdrawn from sale and recalled from stores such as Coop, Migros, and Volg.

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