Category Archives: STEC E.coli

Italy – SAPORITO DELLA VAL DI FASSA DI MONTAGNA GRANDE E PICCOLO -STEC E.coli

Posted on November 26, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Salute

Brand : SAPORITO DELLA VAL DI FASSA

Name : SAPORITO DELLA VAL DI FASSA DI MONTAGNA GRANDE E PICCOLO

Reason for reporting : Recall due to microbiological risk

Publication date : 26 November 2024

Documentation

Documentation

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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, STEC, STEC E.coli

USA – Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O121:H19: Organic Carrots (November 2024)

Posted on November 26, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Current Update

November 22, 2024

On November 16, 2024, Grimmway Farms initiated a voluntary recall of multiple quantities and brands of bagged, organic whole and baby carrots and contacted their distributing customers. Recalled products were shipped directly to retail distribution centers nationwide in the United States and Puerto Rico. These products should no longer be in grocery stores but may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.

On November 21, 2024, the recall expanded to include additional bag sizes for organic whole carrots under the following labels:

  • Bunny Luv: 50-lb
  • Cal-Organic: 15-lb and 50-lb
  • Good & Gather: 1-lb

A full list of recalled products is below. These products are likely no longer available for sale in stores but could be in people’s homes.

FDA’s investigation is ongoing and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, food recall, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, product recall, Recall, STEC, STEC E.coli, STEC E.coli O121

France sees HUS cases fall in 2023

Posted on November 25, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

France has reported a decline in cases of a serious condition that can develop after an E. coli infection.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a severe complication associated with E. coli infections that causes kidney failure.

Data from Santé publique France shows 143 HUS cases in 2023 compared to 252 in 2022. There were several serious outbreaks in 2022, including one linked to Nestlé Buitoni frozen pizzas.

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Posted in Food Microbiology Research, Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome, HUS, Research, STEC, STEC E.coli

USA – Grimmway Farms Expands Recall to Include Additional Bag Sizes Due to Potential STEC 0121 E. coli Contamination

Posted on November 22, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Grimmway Farms announced the addition of four bag sizes of organic whole carrots to its November 16, 2024, recall. All dates associated with the recall remain unchanged.

These products may have been contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19. For more information on E. coli 0121:H19 and to read the initial recall notice, please visit Grimmway’s websiteExternal Link Disclaimer.

“As a part of our ongoing review of internal processes associated with the voluntary recall, we determined that four bag sizes needed to be added to our initial recall announcement,” said Jeff Huckaby, President & CEO of Grimmway Farms. “We then began the process to notify the FDA and update the consumer. The health of our consumers and the integrity of our products are our highest priorities, and we will not rest until this issue is fully resolved.”

Retailers who received the affected product were appropriately notified of all correct bag sizes when the company initiated the recall on November 16.

The recalled carrots should not be available for purchase in stores but may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. The table below shows the additional bag sizes in bold and underlined font.

Grimmway Farms Firm-Initiated Recall
The bag sizes underlined and bolded

below reflect additions

to the existing November 16, 2024 voluntary recall

Organic WHOLE Carrots
available for purchase at retail

from August 14 through October 23, 2024
Label Bag Sizes These organic whole carrots were available for purchase at retail stores from August 14 through October 23, 2024. No best-if-used-by-dates are on the bags of organic whole carrots.
Bunny Luv 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb, 25lb, 50lb
Cal-Organic 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 6lb, 10lb,

15lb, 25lb, 50lb
Good & Gather 1lb, 2lb

E.coli O121:H19 is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and those with a weakened immune system. Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea conditions, such as a hemolytic uremic syndrome, or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. The incubation period for E. coli O121:H19 in humans can range from 24 hours to as much as ten days. The average incubation period is 3 to 4 days.

Consumers: The recalled carrots should no longer be available for purchase but may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who purchased carrots specified in the original recall noticeExternal Link Disclaimer (and in the table above) who still have them in their refrigerator or freezer should not consume them; the carrots should be destroyed or discarded so they cannot be consumed. If you have these products in your home, do not eat or use them, throw them away, and clean and sanitize surfaces they touched. Consumers concerned about an illness should contact a medical professional.

“We would also like to apologize to consumers who have been unable to reach our company due to technical issues and high call volume,” stated Huckaby. “We have been working around the clock with our third-party vendors to address these challenges and have made a direct telephone number available to consumers (1-866- 912-9552).”

Consumers with questions or products in their possession may contact our customer services desk at 1-866-912- 9552, Sun-Sat, 8 am – 8 pm ET or visit www.grimmway.comExternal Link Disclaimer.

Original Press Release

FDA Advisory

CDC Advisory

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Posted in E.coli O121, food bourne outbreak, food recall, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, product recall, Recall, STEC, STEC E.coli, STEC E.coli O121

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RASFF Alerts – STEC E.coli – Bovine meat – Raw Milk Cheese

Posted on November 22, 2024 by | Leave a comment

RASFF

STEC (stx+;eae+) in bovine meat from Belgium in France and the Netherlands

RASFF

Escherichia coli shigatoxin-producing in raw milk reblochon cheese in France and Sweden

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Posted in food recall, product recall, RASFF, Raw Milk, raw milk cheese, Recall, STEC, STEC E.coli

FSIS – USDA -Wolverine Packing Co. Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

Posted on November 22, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FSIS USDA

Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,277 pounds of 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 fresh products have a “use by” date of 11/14/2024 and the frozen products are labeled with production date 10 22 24. View full product list. View labels.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to restaurant locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of a group of ill persons who had reported that they consumed ground beef prior to their illness.

FSIS was notified of illnesses on November 13, 2024, and working in conjunction with Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health, FSIS determined that there was a link between the ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. and this illness cluster. On November 20, 2024, a ground beef sample collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as part of an outbreak investigation tested positive for E. coli O157. To date, 15 case-patients have been identified in one state with illness onset dates ranging from November 2, 2024, to November 10, 2024. FSIS continues to work with the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health on this investigation.

Anyone concerned about an 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 restaurant refrigerators or freezers. Restaurants are urged not to serve these products. 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.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Don Tanner, company representative at 248-762-1533.

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-031-2024-Labels.pdf

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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, STEC, STEC E.coli

USA – Fabalish Inc. Recalls “Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites” Because of Possible Health Risk -STEC E.coli O121

Posted on November 22, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Fabalish Inc, Carlstadt, NJ is recalling Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites because it may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19. E. coli O121:H19 is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and those with a weakened immune system. Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea conditions, such as a hemolytic uremic syndrome, or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. The incubation period for E. coli O121:H19 in humans can range from 24 hours to as much as ten days. The average incubation period is 3 to 4 days.

The product was distributed in FL, NY, WA, TN, CA, IN, OH, IL, NH, VA, GA, NE, CO, UT, KS, TX, MA & MT. These products were sold directly to consumers through the Fabalish website. www.fabalish.comExternal Link Disclaimer

This product comes in a 10 oz orange box and labeled as “Fabalish Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites” with the lot code 260925 found on the side flap. See images attached.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This recall is being conducted in response to a nationwide recall initiated by Grimmway Farms of organic whole carrots, which has been identified as a potential risk by one of our suppliers. Grimmway Farms Recalls Organic Whole and Select Organic Baby Carrots That May Be in Consumers’ Homes Due to Potential E. coli Contamination | FDA

Consumers who have purchased the affected Fabalish Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites are urged to discard in the trash and send a photo to orders@fabalish for a full refund. Consumers with any questions may contact the company at (201) 942-2900 Monday to Friday 10AM to 3PM EST.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Fabalish Inc.
 201-942-2900

Product Photos

  • Fabalish Falafel Bites, Kickin’ Carrot, 12 pieces
  • Top package label showing LOT 260925

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Posted in E.coli O121, FDA, 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, STEC, STEC E.coli, STEC E.coli O121

USA – F&S Fresh Foods Recalls Whole Foods Market Organic Carrot Sticks and Organic Carrots & Celery Because of Possible Health Risk Due to Potential STEC E. coli Contamination

Posted on November 22, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Whole Foods Organic Carrot Sticks, 15 oz

F&S Fresh Foods, Sacramento, CA is recalling Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic Carrot Sticks and Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic Carrots & Celery that should no longer be in stores but may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. The recall was initiated after F&S Fresh Foods was notified by Grimmway Farms that whole organic carrots supplied to F&S Fresh Foods may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19. (Link to Grimmway Farms’ press release on the FDA website can be found HERE.)

E. coli O121:H19 is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children,elderly people, and those with a weakened immune system. Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea conditions, such as a hemolytic uremic syndrome, or the development of high blood pressure,chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. The incubation period for E. coli O121:H19 in humans can range from 24 hours to as much as ten days. The average incubation period is 3 to 4 days.

These products were sold at Whole Foods Market stores in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, and Nevada.

The containers are plastic clamshells as pictured below. Coding information will include the letters “GH” followed by three digits ranging from 236 – 284. Best if sold by dates range from 9/1/24 to 10/19/24.

No illnesses have been reported to F&S Fresh Foods to date.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The recalled carrots should no longer be available for purchase but may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who purchased carrots with the above best if sold by dates and still have them in their refrigerator or freezer should not consume them; they should be destroyed or discarded so they cannot be consumed. If you have these products in your home, do not eat or use them, throw them away, and clean and sanitize surfaces they may have touched. Consumers concerned about an illness should contact a medical professional.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at (888)449-9386, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm PT, Monday through Friday.

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Posted in E.coli O121, FDA, 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, STEC, STEC E.coli, STEC E.coli O121

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Canada – Various brands of organic carrots recalled due to E. coli O121

Posted on November 19, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Gov Canada

Cal-Organic Farms - Organic Baby-Cut Carrots - 907 g - front

Product
Various brands of organic carrots
Issue
Food – Microbial contamination – E. Coli – other pathogenic
What to do

Do not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute recalled products

Distribution
National

Affected products

The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace because these products may be contaminated with E. coli O121 bacteria . 

What you should do

  • If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider
  • Check to see if you have recalled products
  • Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products
  • Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased

Food contaminated with E. coli O121 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea. In severe cases of illness, some people may have seizures or strokes, need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis or live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

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Posted in E.coli O121, 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, STEC, STEC E.coli, STEC E.coli O121

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Research – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE E. COLI O157:H7 BACTERIA DURING AN OUTBREAK

Posted on November 19, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

E. coli is an archetypal commensal bacterial species that lives in mammalian intestines. E. coli O157:H7 is one of thousands of serotypes Escherichia coli.[1] The combination of letters and numbers in the name of the E. coli O157:H7 refers to the specific antigens (proteins which provoke an antibody response) found on the body and tail or flagellum[2]respectively and distinguish it from other types of E. coli.[3] Most serotypes of E. coli are harmless and live as normal flora in the intestines of healthy humans and animals.[4] The E. coli bacterium is among the most extensively studied microorganism.[5] The testing done to distinguish E. coli O157:H7 from its other E. coli counterparts is called serotyping.[6]

Read more at the link above

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Posted in E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, food bourne outbreak, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli