The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is issuing a health advisory about consumption of locally produced, raw dairy products that may be contaminated with E. coli O103. This bacteria is Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) that can cause serious illness and death. Several cases of the illness in northwest Missouri have been reported to public health authorities, including one confirmed case of E. coli O103. Anyone who has the symptoms of a STEC infection, including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, which may be watery and/or bloody, and vomiting, should see a doctor immediately. Most people get better within a week, but some can develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure and death. This is a reportable illness, so all health care … [Read more...]
In Canada, 26 Cases of E. coli 0157:H7 Associated with KFC and Taco Bell
The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak that has now sickened at least 26 people. The outbreak is located in the Maritimes and Ontario and is associated with shredded lettuce produced by Freshpoint Inc. and sold at KFC and KFC-Taco Bell restaurants. The lettuce was not distributed to grocery stores. A recall has been announced. The source of contamination has not been determined. The lettuce originally came from California. U.S. officials have been notified of this outbreak. Public health officials are investigating to see if food safety controls were followed at each step along the production and supply chain. So far, there are six cases of E. coli 0157:H7 in New Brunswick, ten cases in Nova Scotia, and ten cases in Ontario. Most of those … [Read more...]
E. coli 0157:H7 Outbreak in Canada Associated with Butcher’s Choice Burgers
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Loblaw Companies Ltd. are recalling Butcher's Choice Garlic Peppercorn Beef Burgers because they may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7. A number of illnesses caused by that bacteria have been reported in Canada. Public health officials are testing products from across the country. The recall may be expanded or modified as test results are received. The product, which has been distributed nationally, is Butcher's Choice Garlic Peppercorn Beef Burgers, sold frozen in 1.13 kg packages. The UPC number is 0 60383 89363 7, with code "BEST BEFORE 2013 MR 03 EST 752." Food that is contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7 will not look, taste, or smell spoiled. This bacteria can cause life-threatening illnesses, including hemolytic uremic syndrome, … [Read more...]
CDC Declares E. coli 0157:H7 State Garden Organic Spinach Outbreak Over
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared that the multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli 0157:H7 infections that are associated with Garden State Organic Spinach and Spring Mix Blend is over. A total of 33 people were infected with the outbreak strain of STEC 0157:H7 in five states. Forty-six percent of ill persons were hospitalized. Two patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure. No deaths were reported. State, local, and federal public health and regulatory agencies linked the outbreak to pre-packaged leafy greens produced by State Garden of Chelsea, Massachusetts. Traceback investigation identified State Garden as a common producer, but a source of contamination has not been identified. The FDA is continuing to … [Read more...]
Illinois McDonalds Linked to Salmonella Outbreak Will Reopen
The McDonalds restaurant in Bloomington, Illinois that closed because of a link to a Salmonella Stanley outbreak will reopen. The McLean County Health Department and Illinois Department of Public Health tested employees for the bacteria, and cleared them. All of the samples collected from environmental testing in the establishment were free of the bacteria. The Health Departments are still investigating the source of the outbreak. They suspect that contamination came from an infected person rather than food containing the pathogen. Twelve people who ate at several restaurants in central Illinois were sickened with the outbreak strain of the bacteria. The cases presented from October 18 to November 11, 2012. Not all of the confirmed cases are linked to that specific McDonalds … [Read more...]
Mankato Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Sick Najwa’s Catering Employee
According to the Mankato Free Press, an ill food service worker or workers was the source of a norovirus outbreak at the Greater Mankato Growth banquet that sickened 30 to 40 people at the Mankato Civic Center on November 13, 2012. The food service provider, Najwa's Catering, was the source of the outbreak. Public health officials were not able to trace the norovirus source to one particular person. The Minnesota Department of Health told the food service provider of protocols they need to follow when employees are ill. Norovirus causes gastroenteritis, with symptoms of vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, fever, chills, and muscle aches. The symptoms usually start 24 to 48 hours after exposure.\ The virus is easily transmitted from person to person and through … [Read more...]
Sunland Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Salmonella Outbreak Over
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that the multistate outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney linked to Sunland's Trader Joe's Valencia Peanut Butter appears to be over. The last illness was reported on September 21, 2012. A total of 42 people from 20 states were infected with the outbreak strain of the bacteria. Sixty-one percent of ill persons were children under the age of four. Ten people were hospitalized in this outbreak. Attorney Fred Pritzker, who has been contacted by some victims of this outbreak, stresses that these illnesses were completely preventable and solely the responsibility of Sunland and its distributors. "Peanut butter is easily contaminated with Salmonella and other bacteria. The facilities that produce it and those who distribute it … [Read more...]
CDC Releases Information about 2011 Salmonella Bovismorbificans Tahini Outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released information about a 2011 outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans that was linked to hummus and tahini. On September 27, 2011, three isolates of that particular strain were identified by the District of Columbia Public Health Laboratory. The outbreak sickened 23 people in seven states and the District of Columbia. This strain of Salmonella is quite rare in the United States. Nine people who were sickened with the outbreak strain of the bacteria were interviewed by public health officials. All had eaten at restaurants in the District of Columbia or northern Virginia less than two weeks before becoming ill. Dates of illness onset ranged from August 19 to November 21, 2011. On May 30, 2012, traceback information revealed that … [Read more...]
Chamberlain Farms Melon Salmonella Outbreak Recap
This past summer and fall, there was a nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium linked to melons grown at Chamberlain Farms in Indiana. The outbreak began in August 2012 and ended in October 2012. The initial announcement was made on August 17, 2012. The final case count per state is as follows: Alabama (25), Arkansas (6), Florida (1), Georgia (13), Illinois (36), Indiana (30), Iowa (9), Kentucky (66), Maryland (1), Michigan (8), Minnesota (2), Mississippi (7), Missouri (17), Montana (1), New Jersey (2), North Carolina (5), Ohio (5), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (4), Tennessee (8), Texas (2), Virginia (1), and Wisconsin (9). Attorney Fred Pritzker, who is representing victims in this outbreak, said, "consumers are not to blame in this outbreak. Ready-to-eat foods … [Read more...]
New York E. coli Outbreak Linked to Wegmans Spinach Sickens 20
At least 20 people are now ill in the E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak in New York. The outbreak is linked to packaged Wegmans Food You Feel Good About Organic Spinach & Spring Mix salads. The recall of this product was first announced on November 2, 2012 by the FDA. Six of the 20 patients were hospitalized, but all have been discharged. The age range is from 6 to 66 years. The product was sold in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts Wegmans stores between October 14 and November 1, 2012, but illnesses have only been reported in New York state. The recalled product includes 31,000 pounds of Wegmans Organic Spinach and Spring Mix. It was sold in 5 ounce clam shell packages, with UPC number 77890 16437, and 11 ounce clam shell packages with UPC number … [Read more...]
