News outlets are reporting that the food poisoning outbreak at the Chincoteague Chili Chowder Cook Off in Virginia on September 30, 2017 was apparently caused by Salmonella. The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond found Salmonella bacteria in specimens associated with the event. More than 2,000 people attended that event. Dozens are apparently sick, but officials have not given specific numbers. There is no word on whether or not anyone has been hospitalized, the age range of the patients, or suspected foods. All attendees of that event are being asked to complete an online survey put up by the Accomack County Health Department so public health authorities can narrow the scope of their investigation and focus on probable foods. No foods that may be associated … [Read more...]
Newswanger Meats Recalls Meat for Possible Bacterial Contamination
According to news reports, Newswanger Meats is voluntarily recalling more than one ton of beef, pork, chicken, sausages, and deli meat because they may have come into contact with coliform bacteria. Coliform bacteria are found in feces and are an indicator that other pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli may be present. More than 2,000 meats are being recalled. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue. The company said the meat was produced with water that did not meet Ohio Department of Health requirements and tested positive for coliform bacteria. This type of bacteria can cause GI upset and symptoms such as abdominal cramps, fever, and diarrhea. The water did not test positive for E. coli. The recalled meats were produced on October 4, 5, and 6, … [Read more...]
Food Poisoning Outbreak at VA Chincoteague Chili Cook-off
A possible food poisoning outbreak at the 18th Annual Chincoteague Chili Chowder Cook-off and Car Show is being investigated by the Virginia Department of Health. That event was held on September 30, 2017. Officials have issued a press release that states, "we are expanding our investigation and are reaching out to the Hampton Roads area as well." There is no information about the symptoms people are experiencing, foods they are concentrating on, or how many people may have been sickened or hospitalized. Anyone who attended that event, whether sick or well, is asked to complete a survey to help officials investigate and solve the outbreak. The survey takes about 5 to 10 minute to complete. Participation is voluntary and responses and any personal information will remain … [Read more...]
E. coli and Cryptosporidium Cases Rise in Michigan
Cases of E. coli and Cryptosporidium increased this summer in two counties in Michigan, according to the Health Department. Jennifer Morse, medical director of three regional health departments in that state said in a statement, "These increases are concerning because the resulting illness can be life-threatening. With the investigations that have been completed thus far, the major source seems to be coming from farm animals." These illnesses occurred in Mecosta and Newaygo counties in Michigan. This is important information, since we are approaching the time when many farms open their gates to tourism. Apple picking season is here. Deadly food poisoning outbreaks linked to farms have increased in the past few years. In fact, in 2013, an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak at Dehn's Pumpkins in … [Read more...]
Why Doesn’t Everyone Who Drinks Raw Milk Get Sick?
Over the years, Food Poisoning Bulletin has received many, many messages from people defending raw milk consumption. Every one of these messages has used the claim, "I have drunk raw milk for years and I have never gotten sick." There are several problems with that statement: one is the logical fallacy of a small sample size. But first, some history. There is a Salmonella outbreak that was just discovered in Washington state. Raw milk from Pride & Joy Dairy has teated positive for a rare strain of Salmonella Dublin that sickened and hospitalized two people in that state in January 2017. The dairy's license to sell raw milk was pulled by the Washington State Department of Health. Raw milk has been consumed by people for many years. And many people have been sickened and … [Read more...]
Chicken and Food Poisoning
Information about chicken and food poisoning has been posted on the Foodsafety.gov website. This meat has been linked to several food poisoning outbreaks in the past few years. About a million Americans every year get sick from eating contaminated poultry. And Americans eat more chicken every year than every other meat. Raw chicken is often contaminated with Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Clostridium perfringens bacteria. Undercooked chicken, or foods that are contaminated by raw chicken juices, can cause serious illness. You need to pay special attention when you have raw chicken in your home. When you're shopping, put the chicken into a disposable bag before you put it into your shopping card. I get a bag, then put my hand into it, pick up the chicken, and turn the bag inside … [Read more...]
Playtex Recalls Children’s Plates and Bowls for Choking Hazard
Playtex is recalling Children's PLaytex plates and bowls for a possible choking hazard. The clear plastic layer over the graphics on these products can peel or bubble from the surface of the plates and bowls. Playtex has received 372 reports of the clear plastic layer bubbling or peeling. There are 11 reports of the detached clear plastic found in children's mouths. And there have been four reports of choking on a piece of the clear plastic layer. The plates have printed designs on them, including cars, construction scenes, giraffes, princesses, superheroes, and more. The white polypropylene plates and bowls have a colored rim on top and a non-slip bottom. Playtex is written on the bottom of the plates and bowls. These products were sold separately and as sets. A Mealtime set … [Read more...]
Birds Eye Baby Sweet Peas Recalled for Possible Listeria
Birds Eye Baby Sweet Peas are being recalled for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to a notice posted on the Defense Commissary Agency and several large grocery chain web sites. The notice states that Pinnacle foods is voluntarily recalling the product because Listeria monocytogenes bacteria was found in the retail environment. The Defense Commissary Agency has publicized the recall to all of its stores, according to Richard Smith, lead consumer safety officer for DeCA headquarters at Fort Lee, Virginia. The recalled product is Birds Eye Baby Sweet Peas in 13 ounce packages. The only type of this product that comes in 13 ounce packages is the frozen peas. Birds Eye does sell Sweet Garden Peas in 13 ounce packages, and other types of peas in 19, 16, 32, and 10 … [Read more...]
Royal Asia Shrimp Wonton Noodle Soup Recalled After Allergic Reaction
Tai Foong USA of Seattle, Washington, is recalling Royal Asia Shrimp Wonton Noodle Soup sold at Costco stores because it may contain undeclared egg, one of the major food allergens. One allergic reaction has been confirmed. The product is sold in 3.94 (1.79 kg) 63 ounce packages, in a 6 bowl pack. The product was teated for the presence of egg, and that was confirmed. The packaging does not reveal the presence of egg. The product was immediately pulled from Costco shelves. The soup was distributed in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Alaska, and was purchased exclusively at Costco beginning in January 2017. If you purchased this product and are allergic to egg, don't eat it. Throw it away or take it back to the store where you bought it for a full refund. … [Read more...]
Thompson’s Ground Beef Recalled for Possible E. coli O157:H7
Clair D. Thompson & Sons of Pennsylvania is recalling about 700 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue. These items were shipped to institutions in New York and Pennsylvania. They were produced and packaged on September 27-28, 2017 and October 2, 2017. The recalled items are 5 pound plastic. bags of "Thompson's Ground Beef," and 10 pound plastic bags of "Thompson's Ground Beef. They have the establishment number "EST. 9681" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The firm was notified on October 2, 2017 that their sample of ground beef had tested positive for the pathogenic bacteria by a third party lab. If you bought these products, do not use them. Throw them away in a … [Read more...]
