Category Archives: Uncategorized

USA – Outbreak of E. coli Infections Linked to Flour – Final Update –

Posted on July 17, 2019 by | Leave a comment

CDC

This outbreak appears to be over, but the recalled flour products have long shelf lives and may still be in people’s homes. Consumers who don’t know about the recalls could continue to eat the products and get sick.

Recalls and Advice to Consumers, Restaurants, and Retailers
Illustration of a clipboard with check marks on it.
At A Glance

 

Photo of flour.

Several brands and types of flour were recalled because they may be contaminated with E. coli. Consumers should not use recalled products. The following products were recalled:

Brand Castle Mixes

  • On June 21, 2019, Brand Castle, LLC, of Bedford Heights, Ohio, recalledexternal icon several brands of cookie and brownie mix because flour used in them was potentially contaminated with E. coli. The following Brand Castle mixes, sold in 25-oz and 32-oz glass jars, were recalled:
    • Brand Castle Arctic Chill Chocolate Mint Cookie Mix: UPC 6-54448-01035-2, Lot L6112618
    • Brand Castle Hot Cocoa Cookie Mix: UPC 6-54448-01036-9, Lot L5111918
    • Sisters Gourmet Million Dollar Cookie Mix: UPC 6-54448-00002-5, Lot L2121818
    • Sisters Gourmet Billion Dollar Brownie Mix: UPC 6-54448-00017-9, Lot 31OCT2019BC8324
    • In the Mix Chocolate Mint Chip Cookie Mix: UPC 6-54448-01081-9, Lot LM101518
    • Brand Castle The Grinch Sugar Cookie Mix with Sprinkles: UPC 6-54448-01038-3, Lot 25JUL2019BC8324

Pillsbury Best Bread Flour

  • On June 14, 2019, Hometown Food Company, a customer of ADM Milling Co., announced a recallexternal icon of 5-lb. bags of Pillsbury Best Bread Flour with UPC Code 0 5150020031 5 and the following lot codes and use-by dates:
    • Lot Code: 8 342, Use-By Date: JUN 08 2020
    • Lot Code: 8 343, Use-By Date: JUN 09 2020

King Arthur Flour

  • On June 13, 2019, King Arthur Flour, Inc., a customer of ADM Milling Co., announced a recallexternal icon of 14,218 cases of 5-lb. bags of King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour. You can identify recalled flour by looking for the following best-used-by dates and lot codes on the bag’s side panel, below the nutrition facts box:
    • Best Used By 12/07/19 , Lot: L18A07C
    • Best Used By 12/08/19,  Lots: L18A08A, L18A08B
    • Best Used By 12/14/19,  Lots: L18A14A, L18A14B, L18A14C

ALDI Baker’s Corner All Purpose flour

  • On May 23, 2019, ALDI, in association with ADM Milling Co., recalled pdf icon[PDF – 142 KB]external icon all 5-lb. bags of Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour.
  • Recalled flour was sold at retail locations in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Massachussetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.

Consumers should not use any of the recalled flour. Throw it out.

  • If you stored flour in another container without the packaging and don’t remember the brand or “use by” date, throw it away.
  • Thoroughly wash the container before using it again.

Leave a comment

Posted in E.coli, E.coli O26, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Uncategorized

Canada -Food Recall Warning – Ground bison products recalled due to E. coli O121 and O103

Posted on July 17, 2019 by | Leave a comment

CFIA Natural Frontier Foods - Bison – ground meat

Recall details

Ottawa, July 16, 2019 – Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. is voluntarily recalling ground bison products from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O121 and O103 contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products see link above.

This recall was triggered by the company and a recall in another country. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled product from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products in Canada. However, there have been reported illnesses in the United States linked to these products.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in CFIA, E.coli, E.coli O103, E.coli O121, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Uncategorized

USA – Outbreak Investigation of E. coli Linked to Ground Bison from Northfork Bison Distributions, July 2019 – E.coli O121 – E.coli O103

Posted on July 17, 2019 by | Leave a comment

FDA

July 16, 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local partners in the U.S., and with the support of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 and E. coli O103 illnesses likely linked to ground bison supplied by Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. of Saint-Leonard, Québec, Canada.

The FDA and CDC analyzed traceback and epidemiological information to determine that ground bison supplied by Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. is the likely cause of the illnesses.

FDA regulates bison meat because the authority is not assigned specifically to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA).

Recommendation

Buffalo Burger Canadian Bison Meat

Distributors, retailers and restaurants should not distribute, use or serve ground bison (including bison burgers) recalled by Northfork Bison Distributions Inc.

As of July 16, 2019, Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. is voluntarily recalling its ground bison, referred to as Bison Ground, and its ground bison patties, referred to as Bison Burgers and/or Buffalo Burgers, produced between February 22, 2019, and April 30, 2019.

Consumers should not eat products prepared using recalled ground bison (including bison burgers) sold under the Northfork Bison label including Bison Burgers sold to retailers in 4 x 4-ounce packages with expiration dates through October 8, 2020.

Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. has been quick to initiate a voluntary recall and has been forthcoming with information to aid in the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided when available.

Leave a comment

Posted in E.coli, E.coli O103, E.coli O121, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, STEC, STX 1, STX 2, Uncategorized

USA – Another State with Cyclospora?

Posted on July 17, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal Cyclospora_LifeCycle201

Northern Virginia Area Investigating an Increase in Intestinal Illness Associated with Cyclospora

Health Districts in the Region Seeking the Cause of Cyclosporiasis Increase

The health districts in northern Virginia are notifying the public that there has been a significant increase in the number of reported cyclosporiasis cases since mid-June 2019. To date there are 15 cyclosporiasis cases reported in the Northern Region of Virginia, up from eight at this time last year. Additionally, more than 40 people from two large businesses in the area have reported gastrointestinal illness, and are under investigation for suspected cyclosporiasis. A food or water source of this outbreak has not yet been identified, and the investigation is ongoing.

Leave a comment

Posted in Cyclospora, food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Parasite, Uncategorized

USA – Growers Express Expands Voluntary Recall of Select Fresh Vegetable Products Due to Potential Contamination of Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on July 17, 2019 by | Leave a comment

FSA

Company Announcement

Growers Express takes issues of food safety seriously and in an abundance of caution and in the interest of protecting consumers is expanding the list of select fresh vegetable products affected by a voluntary recall that was issued on July 1, 2019. After further testing of an additional product lot from the suspected source of the recall, a single retail sample was found to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company has expanded the list of recalled products to include certain specific fresh Brussels sprouts, fresh cauliflower florets and fresh green beans products with the “best by” or “pack dates” identified in the link above.

The products originated from a Growers Express production facility in Biddeford, Maine and were distributed to the states of Massachusetts and Maine. Growers Express is no longer sourcing vegetables from the suspected cause of the contamination. There are no reported illnesses to date.

Leave a comment

Posted in FDA, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Uncategorized

USA – Pita Pal Foods, LP Recalls Various Hummus and Dips Due to Possible Health Risk – Listeria moocyotgenes

Posted on July 17, 2019 by | Leave a comment

FSA

Company Announcement

Pita Pal Foods, LP of Houston, TX has issued a voluntary recall of certain hummus products made between May 30, 2019 and June 25, 2019, due to concerns over Listeria monocytogenes, which was identified at the manufacturing facility (not in finished product) during an FDA inspection.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. No illnesses have been reported to date for these products. The company is issuing this recall out of an abundance of caution.

The products have been distributed nationwide and to United Arab Emirates. Consumers who have purchased products listed below with these use by dates are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 832-803-9295 or email products@pitapal.com.

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Uncategorized

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Infantis Linked to Del Monte Vegetable Trays, Spring 2019

Posted on July 15, 2019 by | Leave a comment

FDA

July 12, 2019

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state partners investigated an outbreak of Salmonella Infantis with cases reported in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The FDA inspected the Del Monte facility that produced vegetable trays that the Wisconsin Department of Health Services linked to an outbreak of salmonellosis. The facility was in Kankakee, Illinois. The FDA also investigated distribution and supplier information for produce used in the vegetable trays. These investigation activities did not identify a single source or potential point of contamination for this outbreak.

Recommendation

It is not likely that the trays the Wisconsin Department of Health Services warned against eating on May 21are still on the market or still in people’s homes.

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Salmonella, Uncategorized

USA – Cyclospora at Italian American Community Center, Union College and Prime Life Restaurant

Posted on July 15, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal 220px-Cyclospora_cayetanensis_stained

The New York State Department of Health, working collaboratively with the Albany County Department of Health, Montgomery County Public Health, Saratoga County Public Health and Schenectady County Public Health Services, is investigating reports of multiple cases of Cyclosporiasis.

Leave a comment

Posted in Cyclospora, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Uncategorized

USA – Florida reports 10 Vibrio vulnificus cases year-to-date

Posted on July 15, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Outbreak News Today

CDC Vibrio

Image CDC

 

Florida state health officials have reported 10 confirmed Vibrio vulnificus cases through July 12, according to the latest data.

Cases have been confirmed in the following counties: Broward, Charlotte, Hillsborough, Manatee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco and Pinellas (3).

No deaths have been reported.

In 2018, health officials saw 42 confirmed cases and nine fatalities.

People can get infected with Vibrio vulnificus when they eat raw shellfish, particularly oysters. The bacterium is frequently isolated from oysters and other shellfish in warm coastal waters during the summer months. Since it is naturally found in warm marine waters, people with open wounds can be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of Vibrio vulnificus.

Vibrio vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat contaminated seafood or have an open wound that is exposed to warm seawater containing the bacteria. Ingestion of Vibrio vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Vibrio vulnificus can also cause an infection of the skin when open wounds are exposed to warm seawater; these infections may lead to skin breakdown and ulcers.

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Uncategorized, Vibrio, Vibrio vulnificans, Vibrio vulnificus

Iceland – E. coli O26 cluster rises to 17 cases, Linked to Efstidalur II farm

Posted on July 15, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Outbreak News Today

In a follow-up on a recent report, Iceland health officials reported an additional E. coli infection in a one and a half year old child Friday, bringing the total cases in the cluster to 17.

A cluster of infections due to verotoxin producing Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O26:H11 has been linked to the tourist attraction Efstidalur II, a farm and restaurant near Laugarvatn, about 55 miles from Reykjavik in the south of Iceland.

Leave a comment

Posted in E.coli, E.coli O26, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Uncategorized