The Tropical Smoothie Cafe Hepatitis A outbreak has expanded to seven states. At least 70 people have been sickened and 32 of them have been hospitalized, which is a hospitalization rate that is more than double the average for this illness. Frozen strawberries imported from Egypt have been identified as the likely source of this outbreak. Tropical Smoothie Cafe reported that the contaminated strawberries were removed from all locations by August 8 and that stores nationwide have all received frozen strawberries from a new supplier. At this time, no other restaurants or retailers have been identified as having received the tainted strawberries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Federal health officials say that while the contaminated food source has … [Read more...]
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Hepatitis A Outbreak Hits 6 States
A Hepatitis A outbreak linked to strawberries imported from Egypt and served Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations in Virginia has sickened at least 66 people in six states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 20 people have been hospitalized. Most of those sickened, 55, are from Virginia. The other states reporting cases are Maryland (4), West Virginia (4), North Carolina (1), Oregon (1) and Wisconsin (1). The most recent case was reported August 23. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and beverages. Infected people can be contagious before symptoms and sometimes show no symptoms at all. It is expected that more cases will be reported as the incubation period with Hepatitis A can … [Read more...]
Ton Shen/ Life Rising Recalls all DHZC-2 Tablets After Reports of Illnesses, Deaths
Ton Shen Health/Life Rising Corporation of Chicago expanded a recall of “DHZC-2” Tablets to include all lots purchased before August 24, 2016 after state and federal health authorities said they were investigating six reports of adverse effects associated with the herbal supplement including the illnesses of two children and the possibility of two deaths. Health officials say the product, which was sold nationwide in retails stores and distributed through mail orders, may be contaminated with elevated levels of lead, a toxic substance. Exposure to anything but small amounts of lead can cause lead poisoning. Symptoms of lead poisoning include abdominal cramps, vomiting, fatigue, irritability, muscle weakness, behavior or mood changes, delirium, seizures, and coma. In young children, … [Read more...]
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Heber Valley Raw Milk in Utah
A Salmonella outbreak has been linked to raw milk produced by Heber Valley Raw Milk in Utah. Between March 20 and August 14, at least nine people were sickened with Salmonella Saintpaul infections after drinking the unpasteurized milk. Two of them required hospitalization. All of the case patients, who range in age from 15 to 78 years, have recovered. Those sickened purchased the milk at Heber Valley Milk in Wasatch County. On August 23, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food tested a sample of raw milk collected from the dairy and it was positive for Salmonella Saintpaul. Tests performed more recently showed no signs of the bacteria and the dairy was cleared to resume sales. Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and headache. … [Read more...]
Weekly Food Recall Roundup: August 28, 2016
This week's food recalls include a Listeria recall for fresh-cut vegetables sold at Walmart, Winn Dixie, QuickTrip, Spinx, Freshpoint, Bi-lo, Harris Teeter and Publix; several recalls for undeclared allergens and more. Food Recalls in the U.S. Undeclared Allergens Willis Ocean Inc. of Brooklyn, NY recalled Willis Eagle brand MUT GUNG SWEETENED GINGER for undeclared sulfites. WFSP Foods of Decatur, Ala. recalled Land O’ Frost brand bacon and cheddar smoked sausages because they contain the undeclared allergen, milk. Baptista’s Bakery recalled some of their Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps because they may contain undeclared milk allergens. Candra International recalled Organic Rice Noodles for undeclared wheat. Anyone who is allergic to wheat or who has celiac disease could … [Read more...]
Michigan Raw Milk E. Coli Outbreak Sickens Two Children
An E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk has sickened at least two children in Michigan. The E. coli O157:H7 cases, which were reported in Oakland and Wayne counties, underscore the dangers of consuming unpasteurized dairy products, state health officials said. Laws governing the sale of raw milk vary from state to state. In Michigan, it is not legal to sell raw milk at the retail level, but it can by obtained through membership in a herd or cow share program, which are not inspected or regulated under Michigan dairy laws. “The public should be aware that raw milk and other unpasteurized dairy products have not been heat-treated and, therefore, pose a potentially serious risk to human health,” said Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive for Michigan Department of Health and Human … [Read more...]
Jeni’s Ice Cream: You Fight Listeria By Constantly Searching For It
Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream has posted on its website a response to an FDA warning letter made public this week. The letter states environmental samples taken near food and food contact surfaces during an inspection in January and February of this year were positive for Listeria. The inspection was part of a follow-up process after a Listeria recall in 2015. Jeni's issued a recall for all of its products and temporarily ceased production in April 2015 after the Nebraska Department of Agriculture found Listeria in ice cream it tested as part of a routine product sampling program. No illnesses were reported in connection with the ice cream. "We received a Warning Letter from the FDA following their January inspection of our facility. We are happy to get to the next stage with the FDA, … [Read more...]
Wisconsin Ag Issues Consumer Alert for Westby Cottage Cheese
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture has issued a consumer alert for 4% cottage cheese made by Westby Cooperative Creamery because it may not be properly pasteurized. Consumers who purchased the product should not eat it as it may contain bacteria that could cause illness.located in Westby, Wisconsin. The presence of active alkaline phosphatase was discovered in samples during routine testing and may indicate that the product was not adequately pasteurized. The cheese was distributed throughout Wisconsin and in Aurora, Illinois, on or before August 26, and marked with the lot code 10-6-16 cc and Plant #55-372. It was packaged in 16-, 22- and 24-ounce containers and sold under the brand names Westby, Food Club, Oberweis and Shurfine. Consumers who bought the cheese can return it to … [Read more...]
Willis Eagle Brand Mut Gung Sweetened Ginger Recalled for Undeclared Sulfites
Willis Ocean Inc. of Brooklyn, NY, is recalling Willis Eagle brand MUT GUNG SWEETENED GINGER for undeclared sulfites. People with sulfite sensitivities should not consume this product as they run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they do. The recalled product was sold in round, clear plastic containers with a net weight of 7 oz. with the UPC 8935129760691. It was imported from Vietnam and distributed from May 2012 through July 2016 to retail stores in Florida. At the time of the recall, there had been no reports of illness. The problem was discovered by the State of Florida during routine sampling. Consumers affected by the recall can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund … [Read more...]
Land O’ Frost Smoked Sausage Recalled for Undeclared Allergens
WFSP Foods of Decatur, Ala. is recalling Land O’ Frost brand bacon and cheddar smoked sausages because they contain the undeclared allergen, milk. People with allergies of sensitivities to milk should not eat these products as they risk serious allergic reaction if they do. The recall includes 18,672 pounds of pork and chicken sausage products sold in 13.5-oz. packages labeled “Land O’ Frost Simply Savory Bacon & Cheddar Smoked Sausage.” They have a “BEST BY: DEC. 04 2016,” a packaging date of 06/07/16, the establishment number “EST. 45411” and wer shipped to retail locations nationwide. A retail store employee discovered the problem. At the time of the recall, there had been no reports of illness. Consumers affected by the recall can return the product to the place or purchase … [Read more...]
