A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Kiambu infections linked to yellow Maradol papayas has sickened 47 people in 12 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Maryland officials warned consumers about this potential outbreak with a recall of Caribeña’s brand yellow Maradol papayas this week. The CDC's announcement did not mention any brand of papaya in particular, but did state that "Salmonella Kiambu infections are linked to yellow Maradol Papayas en Español." The case count by state is: Iowa (1), Kentucky (1), Louisiana (1), Maryland (5), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (1), New Jersey (12), New York (13), Pennsylvania (4), Texas (1), Utah (1), and Virginia (6). Twelve ill persons have been hospitalized, and one death has been reported in New York … [Read more...]
Yoplait Minigo and Liberte Yogurt Recalled in Canada for Plastic
General Mills Canada Corporation is recalling Yoplait Minigo brand and Liberté brand yogurt pouches because they may contain foreign material in the form of pieces of plastic. No injuries have been associated with the consumption of these products. The recalled products are Yoplait Minigo Strawberry Yogurt in 4 x 90 g pouches. The codes on the product are 2017 JL16, 2017 JL22, 2017 AU01, 2017 AU07, 2017 AU13, 2017 AU19, and the UPC number is 0 56920 48953 1. Also recalled is Yoplait Minigo Raspberry Yogurt in 4 x 90 g pouches, with codes 2017 JL16, 2017 JL23, 2017 JL31, 2017 AU07, and 2017 AU20, and UPC number 0 56920 48954 8. Liberté Greek Yogourt Raspberry 2% is recalled, sold in 4 x 120 g pouches, with codes 2017 JL16, 2017 JL29, 2017 AU11, 2017 AU19, 2017 AU25, and UPC number 0 … [Read more...]
California Reminds Residents About Safe Summer Food Handling
The California Department of Public Health has issued a press release, reminding Californias to follow food safety rules this summer to avoid illness. Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter are the most common bacteria that cause food poisoning outbreaks. There are some effective steps you can take to reduce your risk of illness. Follow simple safety tips for properly preparing and handling food. Follow the four "C's": Clean, Cross-Contamination, Cook, and Chill. For "clean," always wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before you prepare food, before you eat, and after handling food. Scrub cutting boards with hot, soapy water after preparing each item. And wash and thoroughly rinse utensils and cutting boards. Keep pets away from food preparation … [Read more...]
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Teaching and Clinical Labs
In a rather unusual outbreak, public health officials have identified 24 people in 16 states sickened with Salmonella Typhimurium infections linked to teaching and clinical laboratories. Six of those sickened have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. This is the same strain that was associated with infections linked to microbiology lab exposure in 2011 and 2014. This is a pub.ic health problem and a reminder that bacteria used in microbiology laboratories can sicken people who work in those labs. [Editor's note: The first time I was in a microbiology lab the professor warned us against eating or drinking in the room and also walked us through safety steps, including frequent hand washing and the use of gloves, lab coats, and goggles.] In addition, people who live with … [Read more...]
Sten Z and M1 Alpha Supplements Recalled for Steroids
Andropharm is recalling all lots of Sten Z and M1 Alpha capsules because they contain derivatives of anabolic steroids. This makes these products unapproved drugs, for which safety has not been established. No reports of adverse reactions have been received to date. These product may cause elevated blood pressure, aggressive behavior, male infertility. Those with conditions such as heart disease, liver disease, or prostate issues can be at higher risk. Sten Z and M1 Alpha capsules are marketed as dietary supplements and promoted to increase, sustain, and strengthen muscularity. The two products were packaged as capsules in 60 count bottles with the UPC number 642125502948 (Sten Z) and UPC number 642125502924 (M1 Alpha). These products were sold through retailers nationwide in the … [Read more...]
Oyster Vibrio Cases in Washington Increase to 25
The King County Public Health Department has updated their investigation into the vibrio outbreak linked to raw oysters in Washington state. Now as many as 25 people are sick. Those patients ate raw oysters at several restaurants and purchased from several markets. These illnesses were reported to the Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Program. This outbreak may result in closure of certain harvest locations or other enforcement actions after investigation. Environmental Health inspectors conduct investigations at each retail or restaurant location reported in an outbreak. They make sure that the oysters were purchased from approved sources, were held at proper temperatures, at or below 41°F, and handled to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Bacteria from one … [Read more...]
Cow with Atypical BSE Diagnosed in Alabama
The USDA announced on Tuesday, July 18, 201 that an eleven year old cow in Alabama has been diagnosed with an atypical case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease. The press release states that "This animal never entered slaughter channels and at no time presented a risk to the food supply, or to human health in the United States." The animal was showing clinical signs of the disease and was round through routine surveillance at an Alabama livestock market. Atypical BSE is different from classic BSE and it usually occurs in cattle older than 8 years. It arises spontaneously and rarely in all cattle populations. The press release from the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries states that following delivery to the livestock market, the cow later … [Read more...]
Woodstock Organic Matcha Vanilla Oats Recalled for Possible Listeria
Garden of Light, doing business as Gluten Free Solutions of East Hartford, Connecticut, is recalling Woodstock Organic Matcha Vanilla Oats because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. No illnesses have been reported to date. The recalled product is Woodstock Organic Matcha Vanilla Oats in a 1.8 ounce paperboard cup with a green laminated film lid. The UPC Code is 0-42563-01786-6. The product is marked with the Best Buy Date Code of “SELL BY MAY 11 2018” on the bottom of cup. A second lot with the Best Buy Date Code of “SELL BY JUNE 23 2018” was intercepted before released to the general public. Their ingredient supplier notified them of potential contamination of one of the ingredients. The ingredient was tested and was negative for Listeria, but out of an … [Read more...]
Cyclospora Outbreak in Texas Sickens at Least 68
A health advisory for a Cyclospora outbreak has been issued by the Texas State Department of Health Services. At least 68 people are sick with cyclosporiasis in that state. Illness were reported to officials starting mid-June 2017. Public health officials are investigating the outbreak to identify possible common exposures. In the past, cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to consumption of imported fresh produce, cilantro, pre-packaged salad mix, raspberries, basil, snow peas, and mesclun lettuce. The diagnosis of more patients and rapid reporting to public health by doctors is essential to try to prevent a large scale outbreak. Officials are asking doctors to test patents for the parasite if they have a diarrheal illness that lasts more than a few days, or have diarrhea that … [Read more...]
Hot Dogs Recalled for Bone Fragments
Marathon Enterprises in the Bronx, NYC, is recalling 7,196,084 pounds of hot dog products that may be contaminated with foreign material, more specifically bone fragments. There was one reported minor oral injury associated with the consumption of these products. You can see the full list of recalled products at the USDA web site. Brand recalled include Western Beef, Sabrett, Stew Leonard's, Papaya King, and 1906 Premium. The products recalled include Beef Frankfurters, Hot Sausage, and Cocktail Franks. The package sizes, use by dates, and UPC numbers are also included. The recalled products have the establishment number "EST. 8854" inside the USDA mark of inspection. They were shipped to retail and institutional locations nationwide. The FSIS' Consumer Complaint Monitoring System … [Read more...]
