The CDC is weighing in on the Salmonella outbreak linked to some types of Jif peanut butter, which has sickened at least 14 people in 12 states. Two people have been hospitalized. A recall of several types of the peanut butter has been issued. The case count by state is: Arkansas (1), Georgia (2), Illinois (1), Massachusetts (1), Missouri (1), Ohio (1), North Carolina (1), New York (1), South Carolina (1), Texas (2), Virginia (1), and Washington (1). The patient age range is from less than one to 85. Illness onset dates are from February 17, 2022 through May 1, 2022. Of six people who gave information to investigators, two have been hospitalized, for a rate of 33%, which is high for a Salmonella outbreak. The true number of people sickened is likely much higher than this. Most … [Read more...]
Jif Peanut Butter Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 14 in 12 States
A Jif peanut butter Salmonella Senftenberg outbreak has sickened at least 14 people in 12 states. Two people have been hospitalized. The peanut butter was produced at the J.M. Smucker Company facility in Lexington, Kentucky. The patient case count by state is: Arkansas (1), Georgia (2), Illinois (1), Massachusetts (1), Missouri (1), Ohio (1), North Carolina (1), New York (1), South Carolina (1), Texas (2), Virginia (1), and Washington (1). The last illness onset date was May 1, 2022. We don't yet know the patient age range or first illness onset date. This outbreak could grow since it takes weeks from when a person first feels ill to when samples are tested and reported to the CDC. The distribution of these products was nationwide. They have been confirmed for the states listed … [Read more...]
Acute Pediatric Hepatitis Cases Increase in 36 States
Acute pediatric hepatitis cases in the United States are increasing, and now affect children in 36 states, according to the CDC. The number of persons under investigation (PUI) is now 180. PUI does not meant the case is confirmed. The states and the CDC are "looking broadly" at hepatitis cases of unknown origin in children under the age of 10 since October 2021. This number may change as the medical charts are reviewed. These numbers will be updated weekly. The states and territories with possible cases include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, … [Read more...]
Hawthorne Valley Association Raw Milk Recalled For Possible Listeria
Hawthorne Valley Association raw milk in New York is being recalled for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the consumption of this unpasteurized milk. The Association is located at 327 Route 21C in Ghent, New York in Columbia County. A sample of the milk that was collected by an inspector tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The producer was notified of a presumptive positive test on May 5, 2022, and testing concluded on May 12, 2022 confirmed the presence of this pathogen. The producer is prohibited from selling raw milk until further sampling indicate that the product is free from harmful bacteria. Pasteurization of milk kills … [Read more...]
FDA Updates Activities on Infant Formula Supply Challenges
The FDA has updated its activities on infant formula supply challenges. The agency is trying to increase the supply and availability of infant formula since the Abbott Nutrition plant in Sturgis, Michigan closed because the FDA found Cronobacter contamination in the environment. The agency warned parents not to use certain powdered infant formula products from that facility on February 17, 2022. A recall was issued by Abbott the same day. Cronobacter is a bacteria that can cause serious illness and death in infants, particularly premature babies and those with other medical conditions. A consent decree of permanent injunction was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan on May 16, 2022. Abbott has agreed to take corrective actions following the FDA … [Read more...]
FDA Closes Listeria and Norovirus Outbreak Investigations
The FDA closes Listeria and norovirus outbreak investigations on its CORE Outbreak Investigation Table, while the alleged cereal outbreak case count increased. There are now only three active food poisoning outbreak investigations being conducted by the FDA. The Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that closed has sickened at least 20 people. A vehicle was not identified, even though traceback was initiated, an on-site inspection was initiated, and samples were collected and analyzed. The outbreak status is still listed as "ongoing" because the most recent illness onset date was April 20, 2022. It can take up to 70 days for the symptoms of listeriosis to manifest. The CDC will continue to monitor for more illnesses. This investigation will be reopened if more new illnesses are reported … [Read more...]
Abbott Enters Consent Decree With FDA To Reopen Infant Formula Plant
Abbott enters consent decree with the FDA to reopen their Sturgis, Michigan powdered infant formula plant that was closed after Cronobacter was discovered in the environment. The FDA inspection was prompted by reports of infant illnesses and deaths. The United States filed the decree on behalf of the FDA. It would require Abbott Nutrition to take "specific measures designed to increase safety and ensure compliance wi the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act" and the FDAs Good Manufacturing Practice requirements. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement, "The actions we are announcing today will help to safely increase the supply of baby formula for families. The Justice Department will vigorously enforce the laws ensuring the safety of our food and other essential … [Read more...]
USDA Addresses Powdered Infant Formula Shortage
The USDA has announced that it is addressing the powdered infant formula shortage and is asking states to take advantage of flexibility in the WIC (Women Infants and Children) program. The shortage was caused by pandemic-related supply chain issues and by the closure of Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michigan plant, where Cronobacter was found in environmental samples after complains of infant illnesses. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement, "We’re acutely aware that the ongoing recall has left many parents and caregivers concerned about access to formula and how they will feed their babies. Our team is committed to the health and safety of all Americans and is calling on states to act immediately to offer maximum flexibility, information, and support to WIC … [Read more...]
FDA Warning About Accidental Ingestion of Food Products With THC
The FDA is warning consumers about the accidental ingestion by children of food products containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Some copycat products containing THC are made to look like children's cereals and candy, such as Cap'n Crunch, Cocoa Pebbles, Cocoa Puffs, Froot Loops, Fruity Pebbles, Nerds Ropes, Starbursts, Sour Patch Kids, and Trix. Accidental ingestion of these products can cause serious adverse events in children and adults. These products appeal to kids and can be mistaken for popular foods. The FDA is aware of multiple media reports describing children and adults who ate these products and experiencing adverse events. From January 2021 through April 24, 2022, the FDA received more than 100 adverse event reports related to those who consumed these products. Some … [Read more...]
Minnesota Offers Powdered Infant Formula Substitution Choices
The Minnesota Department of Health is offering powdered infant formula substitutions for WIC parents since the recall of Abbott Nutrition's products has limited choices. Those Abbott Nutrition products, which include various types of Similac, EleCare, and Alimentum formulas, were recalled in February 2022 after the FDA received reports of infants being sickened with Cronobacter infections. WIC, or Women, Infants and Children, is a special supplemental nutrition program that provides federal grants to states to help low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women and infants and children up to the age of five. WIC is located in hospitals, county health departments, clinics, and schools. Since the massive recall, parents have reported having difficulty … [Read more...]
