The CDC has updated its investigation of the multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O15:H7 infections linked to ready-to-eat salads. As of November 10, 2013, 26 people in 3 states are ill with the outbreak strain of the bacteria. The patient case count is: Arizona (1), California (22), and Washington state (3). Six, or 28%, of ill persons have been hospitalized. Two people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported. The PFGE pattern in this outbreak is new to the PulseNet database. Epidemiologic and traceback investigations conducted by public health officials have found that two ready-to-eat salads produced by Glass Onion Catering and sold at Trader's Joe's grocery stores are one likely source of the pathogenic bacteria. The salads … [Read more...]
Whole Foods Salads Recalled for Possible E. coli O157:H7
More salads have been recalled in the wake of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in western states. The FDA and Whole Foods Market are recalling ready-to-eat Artichoke Wheatberry Salad and Southwest SooFoo Salads as a preventive measure after the large Glass Onion Catering recall because they may be contaminated with the pathogenic bacteria. The salads have expiration dates between November 9 and November 13, 2013. They were sold in California Whole Foods Stores. The PLU numbers for the Artichoke Wheatberry Salad are 28563300000 and 28563400000. The PLU numbers for the Southwest SooFoo Salad are 28563700000 and 28563800000. The salads were sold during an unspecified time period. These are the ten stores that sold the salad: 1710 41st Ave. in Capitola; 311 Mowry Ave. in Fremont; 230 Bay … [Read more...]
CDC Announces Trader Joe’s Salads E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak
The CDC has just announced the multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections linked to ready to eat salads sold at Trader Joe's stores, among others. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) testing has found that two ready-to-eat salads, Field Fresh Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken, and Mexicali Salad with Chili Lime Chicken, both sold at Trader Joe's grocery stores, are one likely source of this outbreak. The STEC O157:H7 PFGE pattern in this outbreak is new to the PulseNet database and has never been seen before, according to the CDC statement. A total of 26 people infected with the outbreak strain of this bacteria have been reported in three states. The case count is as follows: Arizona (1), California (22), and Washington (3). Illness onset dates … [Read more...]
Canada’s Gort’s Raw Milk Cheese E. Coli Outbreak Now at 23 Sickened
The Public Health Agency of Canada is now investigating 23 cases of people sickened with E. coli O157:H7 in that country. Raw milk cheese products manufactured by Gort's Gouda Cheese Farm in Salmon Arm, British Columbia have been identified as the source of the illnesses. People started getting sick in Mid-July. The recalled products are listed at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) web site. There is no indication of widespread risk to Canadians, but E. coli O157:H7 is a dangerous pathogen that can pose a serious public health risk. The case count by province/territory is as follows: British Columbia (11), Alberta (9), Saskatchewan (1), Manitoba (1), and Quebec (1). One person in British Columbia has died. If you purchased any of the recalled cheeses, do not eat them. … [Read more...]
