The FDA has posted an update on the Salmonella Infantis outbreak linked to Del Monte Vegetable Trays. Investigators have failed to find a single source of potential point of contamination in their investigation of the Del Monte Kankakee, Illinois Facility. The FDA inspected that facility after the outbreak was announced. Officials say that it is not likely that the trays the Wisconsin Department of Health Services warning against eating on May 21, 2019 are still on the market or in people's homes. Five people, living in Minnesota and Wisconsin, are sick in this outbreak. The last illness onset date was May 15, 2019. The first patient was reported ill on April 13, 2019. If you did purchase a Del Monte vegetable tray from a Minnesota or Wisconsin Kwik Trip store in April 2019, … [Read more...]
Investigators Fail To Find Salmonella Source in Del Monte Vegetable Trays
ADM Milling E. coli O26 Flour Outbreak Ends With 21 Sick
The E. coli O26 flour outbreak that was linked to recalled Aldi Baker's Corner, Pillsbury bread, and King Arthur flour has ended with 21 people in 9 states sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Three people were hospitalized. There were no deaths. The case count by state is: California (1), Connecticut (1), Massachusetts (2), Missouri (1), New Jersey (1), New York (7), Ohio (5), Pennsylvania (2), and Rhode Island (1). Illness onset dates ranged from 7 to 86 years. Of 20 people who provided information to investigators, 3 were hospitalized. There were four recalls issued in relation to this outbreak, although no illnesses were linked to some of the products. They were recalled because they were made of the same lot of wheat used at ADM Milling to … [Read more...]
Three Sick With E. coli After Eating at Red Robin in Westminster, CO
Three people, including two children, are sick with E. coil O157:H7 infections after eating at the Red Robin restaurant at 799 West 146th Avenue in Westminster, Colorado, according to the Tri-County Health Department. Public health officials inspected the restaurant on July 9, 2019, after being informed about the outbreak by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Two of the three people infected were hospitalized because they were so ill. The inspection revealed several food safety violations. Red Robin voluntarily closed the restaurant on July 10, 2019 for cleaning and sanitizing. They also required food safety training for all employees, and they tested employees who handle food. Critical violations included improper employee hand washing, improper cleaning … [Read more...]
Pritzker Hageman Files First Cooper’s Hawk Winery Cyclospora Lawsuit
Pritzker Hageman attorneys Ryan Osterholm and Lindsay Lien Rinholen filed the first lawsuit in the Cooper's' Hawk Winery cyclospora outbreak today, Friday, July 12, 2019. The suit was filed on behalf of Jacksonville resident Lekeysha Bentley, who became ill after eating food at that venue in Jacksonville, Florida in June 2019. The lawsuit (Filing number 92497394) was filed in Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit Court. Because of her illness, Ms. Bentley suffered with debilitating symptoms for weeks. She has received treatment, but her symptoms have not abated. Food safety attorney Ryan Osterholm, who has represented many people who have been sickened in every major food poisoning outbreak in the last few years, said, "No one should get sick, and be sick for months, because they … [Read more...]
Cyclospora Outbreak at Cooper’s Hawk Winery in FL Sickens 80
Almost 80 people have now been sickened in a cyclospora outbreak after eating at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant on Big Island Drive near the St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville, Florida, according to news reports. There is no information about this outbreak on the Duval County Health Department website. Many of those sickened have tested positive for cyclospora, which is a parasite that is often linked to fresh produce and can cause debilitating symptoms that may last for weeks. The restaurant, in a statement, said that the illnesses may be linked to fresh produce. Many of those sickened said they had a salad at the restaurant. Previous cyclospora outbreaks in the United States have been linked to raspberries, mesclun lettuce, cilantro, and last year to McDonald's salads … [Read more...]
San Diego County Fair E. coli Outbreak Has Now Sickened 10
The E. coli outbreak at the San Diego County Fair has now sickened 10 people, according to the San Diego Health & Human Services Agency. There is one more probable case that has not yet been confirmed. Three people have been hospitalized, and one 2-year-old child has died. Officials have still not found the source of the pathogen. All of the children who are sick visited the animal areas, petting zoo, or had other animal contact at the fair. County Environmental health re-inspected food facilities that were visited by the children and found no link to the cases. Unfortunately, E. coli outbreaks linked to animal attractions at fairs, petting zoos, and farm tourist attractions are nothing new. Almost every year children are sickened after visiting these venues. Earlier this … [Read more...]
At Least 140 Sick With Possible E. coli Infections After Visiting Lake Minnetonka
At least 140 people are now sick with possible E. coli infections after boating in Lake Minnetonka in the western suburbs of Minneapolis over the Fourth of July weekend. Hennepin County Public Heath is reporting this increase in the case count. Of the 140 people who have called to say they are sick, 116 were near Big Island. That island has a nature park and several campsites. Hennepin County closed the Excelsior Beach on July 9, 2019 after finding E. coli there. Excelsior is a city on Lake Minnetonka. Patients are experiencing symptoms which include vomiting and multiple episodes of diarrhea. Typical symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe and painful abdominal cramps along with diarrhea that is usually bloody and/or watery. If a fever is present, it is mild. Vomiting … [Read more...]
Worker at Roadhouse 100 in Gray Summit, Missouri Diagnosed with Hepatitis A
A food worker at Roadhouse 100 in Gray Summit, Missouri has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, according to news reports. Anyone who ate at that restaurant between June 23 and July 5, 2019 should contact their doctor and inquire about a possible vaccination against the virus, or visit the local health department for a free vaccine. The Franklin County Health Department is conducting an investigation. Today is the last day that patrons who visited that venue can receive either an immune globulin or hepatitis A vaccination, since the vaccines are only effective if given within two weeks of exposure. People who were at that facility but didn't eat food or drink beverages are asked not to come to the vaccination clinics that the county has scheduled. The Franklin County Health … [Read more...]
Alleged Cyclospora Outbreak at Cooper’s Hawk Winery in Jacksonville, FL
News outlets are reporting that an alleged cyclospora outbreak has occurred after people ate at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, located in the Markets at Town Center near the St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville, Florida. People who belong to the Exchange Club held a banquet at that venue last month. Illnesses started in mid-June. Some of the restaurant's patrons still have symptoms, which is not unusual with cyclosporiasis, the illness caused by this parasite. Patients can be sick for weeks or months, and the illness can seem to resolve and then recur without warning. The Duval County Health Department is sending a survey to people who were at the restaurant last month and is examining lab tests. Results may not be back for several days. Several of the people who … [Read more...]
Lawrenceville GA Wendy’s Restaurant Worker Tests Positive For Hepatitis A
A food worker at the Wendy's at 165 Scenic Highway in Lawrenceville, Georgia, near Atlanta, has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, according to the Gwinnett County Health Department. That person worked there between June 13 and June 29, 2019. The departmental statement reads, "It is relatively rare for restaurant patrons to become infected with hepatitis A virus due to an infected food handler. But anyone who consumed food or drink at the Wendy’s during the above dates should contact their healthcare provider or their local Health Department to determine if a hepatitis A immunization is needed to prevent the disease." The Gwinnett County Health Department is offering hepatitis A vaccinations for no out-of-pocket cost for anyone who thinks they may have been exposed. Call the … [Read more...]
