Researchers Estimate Leafy Greens Foodborne Illness Outbreaks Cost U.S. $5 Billion Annually

Food Safety.com

A recent review authored by researchers from Ohio State University has established pathogen-specific foodborne illness burden estimates for leafy greens in the U.S. by combining three outbreak-based attribution models with illness incidence and economic cost models.

USA -FDA – Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

FDA

What’s New

  • A new outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses linked to a not yet identified product (ref #1221) has been added to the table. FDA has initiated traceback.
  • For the outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium (ref #1218) in a not yet identified food, the case count has increased from 11 cases to 12 cases.
  • For the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1214) linked to queso fresco and cotija cheese, the advisory was updated on April 10, 2024. The outbreak has ended, and FDA’s investigation is closed.
  • For the investigation of elevated lead levels in Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (ref # 1198), these products are off the market and no longer available for sale; however, they have a long shelf life. Consumers should check their pantries and discard any recalled products. FDA’s response has transitioned from this investigation to post-incident actions and activities. Future updates on lead-related actions and activities can be found on the FDA Post- Incident Response Activities: Elevated Lead & Chromium Levels: Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches page.

USA – 11 Norovirus Cases Reported In San Diego County – Oysters

Patch

Eleven confirmed and probable cases of norovirus illness in San Diego County have been linked to frozen oysters imported from South Korea, public health officials announced Tuesday.

Customers who ate the oysters between March 31 and April 1 at 100s Seafood Grill Buffet in Mission Valley became sick, with one person going to the emergency room, according to the county.

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Organic Basil (April 2024)

FDA

Do not eat Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil sold at Trader Joe’s stores in 29 states and D.C. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

Infinite Herbs Organic Basil Product

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections linked to Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil packed in 2.5-oz clamshell packaging and sold at Trader Joe’s stores in AL, CT, D.C., DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, and WI.

Based on epidemiological information collected by CDC, a total of 12 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from seven states. Seven of eight cases with information available reported exposure to fresh organic basil purchased from Trader Joe’s before becoming ill. Additionally, traceback data collected by FDA determined that Infinite Herbs, LLC, in Miami, FL, was the supplier of the 2.5-oz packages of organic basil sold at Trader Joe’s stores.

In response to this investigation, Trader Joe’s has voluntarily removed all Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil packed in 2.5-oz clamshell packaging from their stores and this product should no longer be available for sale.

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.

Luxembourg – Parthenay brand raw milk goat cheeses (bulk sale) – Listeria monocytogenes

SAP

Name Cendré raw milk goat cheese
Brand Parthenay
Product appearance Product sold in bulk
Use-by date (DLC) 05/08/2024; 05/04/2024
Batch Lot 69; Lot 65
Name Natural raw milk goat cheese
Brand Parthenay
Product appearance Product sold in bulk
Use-by date (DLC) 03/05/2024
Batch Lot 64

France – Vacuum-packed mackerel fillet – Histamine

Gov France

Product category
Food
Product subcategory
Fishing and aquaculture products
Product brand name
unbranded
Model names or references
vacuum-packed mackerel fillet
Product identification
GTIN Batch Date
370016420970 25032024 Use-by date between 04/03/2024 and 04/09/2024
Products List
NOTICE_IMPORTANT.pdfAttachment
Packaging
pre packaged
Start/end date of marketing
From 04/03/2024 to 04/09/2024
Storage temperature
Product to keep in the refrigerator
Health mark
unbranded
Further information
mackerel fillet packaged on site
Geographical sales area
15000
Distributors
intermarche aurillac

Czech Republic – Bio 50+ Goudse JONG ZACHT. BIO semi-hard young cheese, slices. – Visible Mould/Mold

Potravinynapranyri

Illustrative photo #4

Place of inspection:
Brno ( Cornovova 1066/3, 618 00 Brno )
ID: 44012373
Food group: Milk and milk products Cheese

Bio 50+ Goudse JONG ZACHT. BIO semi-hard young cheese, slices.
Category: Dangerous foods
Invalid parameter:

fungi visible to the eye

White mold was detected on the surface of the food and between the individual slices under the intact packaging in all inspected packages.

Food is not considered safe if it shows signs of spoilage. 

Unsuitable storage temperatures for this food were not detected during the inspection. The food did not have an expired minimum durability date.

Best before date: 26/02/2024
Quantity of the product in the package: 0.19 kg
Manufacturer: Seller: Albert Česká republika, sro, Radlická 520/117, 158 00 Prague 5, Czech Republic
Date of sample collection: 28/12/2023
Reference number: 24-000167-SZPI-CZ
The sample was detected by the official control of the State Agricultural and Food Inspection.

Czech Republic – De Zaanse Hoeve BELEGEN 48+. Aged Gouda, slices – Visible Mold/Mould

Potravinynapranyri

Illustrative photo #4

Place of inspection:
Brno ( Cornovova 1066/3, 618 00 Brno )
ID: 44012373
Food group: Milk and milk products Cheese

De Zaanse Hoeve BELEGEN 48+. Aged Gouda, slices.
Category: Dangerous foods
Invalid parameter:

fungi visible to the eye

White mold was detected on the surface of the food and between the individual slices under the intact packaging in all inspected packages.

Food is not considered safe if it shows signs of spoilage. 

Unsuitable storage temperatures for this food were not detected during the inspection. The food did not have an expired minimum durability date.

Best before date: 29/01/24
Quantity of the product in the package: 0.25 kg
Manufacturer: Seller: Albert Česká republika, sro, Radlická 520/117, 158 00 Prague 5, Czech Republic
Date of sample collection: 28/12/2023
Reference number: 24-000169-SZPI-CZ

Potravinynapranyri

Illustrative photo #5

Place of inspection:
Brno ( Cornovova 1066/3, 618 00 Brno )
ID: 44012373
Food group: Milk and milk products Cheese

De Zaanse Hoeve BELEGEN 48+. Aged Gouda, slices.
Category: Dangerous foods
Invalid parameter:

fungi visible to the eye

White mold was detected on the surface of the food and between the individual slices under the intact packaging in all inspected packages.

Food is not considered safe if it shows signs of spoilage. 

Unsuitable storage temperatures for this food were not detected during the inspection. The food did not have an expired minimum durability date.

Best before date: 22/01/24
Quantity of the product in the package: 0.25 kg
Manufacturer: Seller: Albert Česká republika, sro, Radlická 520/117, 158 00 Prague 5, Czech Republic
Date of sample collection: 28/12/2023
Reference number: 24-000168-SZPI-CZ
The sample was detected by the official control of the State Agricultural and Food Inspection.

Singapore – Two companies fined for operating an unlicensed food business and food safety lapses respectively

SFA

Angel’s Restaurant Pte Ltd fined for multiple food safety lapses
5 Angel’s Restaurant Pte Ltd was fined $3,300 for food safety lapses committed under
the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations.
6 In January 2023, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and SFA received reports of
gastroenteritis involving 19 persons after consuming catered food prepared by Angel’s
Restaurant Pte Ltd, located at 3017 Bedok North Street 5 #02-31, Gourmet East Kitchen,
Singapore 486121. None of the affected cases was hospitalised.

France – Chicken wings x8 – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov France

Product category
Food
Product subcategory
Meats
Product brand name
AUCHAN
Model names or references
Chicken wings x8
Product identification
Batch Date
0244091521 Use-by date between 04/01/2024 and 04/03/2024
Products List
Posterette_article_Aile_de_poulet_auchan_10_04_24_(1).pdfAttachment
Start/end date of marketing
From 03/21/2024 to 04/03/2024
Storage temperature
Product to keep in the refrigerator
Health mark
FR 61 096 020 CE
Geographical sales area
Whole France
Distributors
Auchan