Daily Harvest French Lentil + Leek Crumbles is being recalled after consumers reported gastrointestinal "discomfort," according to news reports. The French Lentil + Leek Crumbles meal must be "heated to 165°F" according to package instructions. That means we don't know if it's a problem with the lectins in the lentils, or a pathogen that is causing the illnesses. While the report from Daily Harvest says consumers have experienced "discomfort," other posts on social media claim that some have been hospitalized with severe pain. Some patients are concerned about long term health problems such as liver damage. If the problem is that the lentils are not thoroughly cooked, compounds called lectins can be present in the legumes and can cause gastrointestinal distress. A study published … [Read more...]
FDA CORE Outbreak Investigation Table Updated Again
The FDA CORE Outbreak Investigation Table has been updated again with more information about the incidents the agency is investigating. Three of the investigations have changed. The reports of adverse reactions possibly related to dry cereal have increased to 555 from 529 in the last update issued on May 4, 2022. On the website iwaspoisoned, there are more than 7,000 reports of illness since late 2021. An on-site inspection has been initiated, and samples have been collected and analysis on a product has begun. One of the two active Listeria monocytogenes outbreaks has also been updated; the number of illnesses has increased to 20 cases from 19. That investigation was launched on February 9, 2022; no source has been identified. For the investigation of "Cronobacter illnesses … [Read more...]
FDA CORE Investigation Table Updated; More Cereal Illnesses Reported
The FDA CORE Outbreak Investigation Table has been updated with more information. The two changes are more cereal illnesses, and the addition of one more case to one Listeria monocytogenes outbreak. There is not much more information posted about any of the six active investigations. In the dry cereal outbreak, there are now 529 adverse events reported. That is an increase of 83 more cereal illnesses since the last update was posted on April 27, 2022. Many news sites, including the website I Was Poisoned, are speculating that Lucky Charms cereal may be the focus of this investigation. In addition, sample collection has taken place, and analysis of those samples has begun. No recall has been issued. In outbreak number 1057, the Listeria monocytogenes outbreak with no identified … [Read more...]
Dozens of Drivers Sickened at Coachella Music Festival
Dozens of shuttle bus drivers at the Coachella Music Festival in Riverside County, California have been sickened with some type of food poisoning after eating a catered meal, according to the Riverside University Health System. The drivers work for a shuttle bus company. The press release states that more than 40 people were taken to three hospitals in the Coachella Valley early on Monday, April 25, 2022 after they got sick. Symptoms include stomach cramps, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea. Some of those patients were admitted to the hospital. News reports are that a hundred people were sickened. Investigators with the Riverside County Departments of Public Health and Environmental Health are collaborating to try to solve this outbreak. They want to interview as many people as … [Read more...]
Oyster Norovirus Outbreak Sickens at Least 328 in Canada
A large oyster norovirus outbreak has sickened at least 328 people in Canada as of April 8, 2022 (and at least 103 in the United States). Raw and undercooked oysters can contain pathogens such as norovirus that can make you sick. The patient case count by province is: British Columbia (293), Alberta (3), Saskatchewan (1), Manitoba (15), and Ontario (16). Illness onset dates range fro mid-January and early April 2022. Not all cases hav been tested, but the presence of norovirus has been confirmed based on the tests of several patients. The outbreak is linked to consumption of raw oysters from British Columbia. Some oyster harvest areas in British Columbia associated with this outbreak have been closed as a part of this investigation. Several food recalls have been issued in … [Read more...]
FDA: Do Not Sell or Serve Norovirus Raw Oysters From Canada
The FDA is advising retailers and restaurants not to serve or sell norovirus raw oysters imported from Canada. There is a large norovirus outback in Canada associated with those oysters, and there are also norovirus outbreaks in Minnesota, California, and Washington state. The FDA, CDC, and the Public Health Agency of Canada are investigating a multi-state outbreak of norovirus linked to raw oysters. The potentially contaminated raw oysters that were harvested in the south and central parts of Baynes Sound in British Columbia were distributed to restaurants and retailers in California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. More states may have received these oysters. A trace forward … [Read more...]
Real Water Hepatitis Outbreak Is the Number Eight Outbreak of 2021
The Real Water hepatitis outbreak is the number eight outbreak of 2021 with 21 probable cases. There are also four suspected cases in this outbreak. The outbreak is considered "non-viral hepatitis," which means it was not caused by a virus, but instead caused acute liver damage through inflammation. This inflammation scars the liver tissue and liver failure can be the result. It can be caused by chemicals, contaminated water or food, solvents, metals, pesticides, paint thinners, prescription and over the counter drugs, and nutritional supplements. The patient case count by state is: California (3 probable cases) and Nevada (18 probable cases, four suspect cases). There are no confirmed cases because a causative agent for the illnesses has not been identified. Illness onset dates … [Read more...]
Real Water Non Viral Hepatitis Outbreak Ends With 21 Probable Cases
The Real Water non viral hepatitis outbreak has ended, according to the FDA. The investigation has been closed, although it is still important that consumers, restaurants, distributors, and retailers not drink, cook with, sell, or serve "Real Water" alkaline water that was produced by that company. And that water should not be served to pets. In the end, there were 21 probable illnesses and four suspected illnesses in this outbreak. Twenty one of the probable cases were hospitalized, and two of the suspect cases were hospitalized. One of the patients died. The last illness onset date was November 29, 2020. The patient case count by state is: California (3 probable), and Nevada (18 probable, 4 suspect). Real Water Inc. is not currently in operation, but it is possible that these … [Read more...]
New Salmonella Javiana Outbreak on FDA Core Investigation Table
A new Salmonella Javiana outbreak has been listed on the FDA's Core Outbreak Investigation Table. At least 19 people are sick in this outbreak, which was posted on November 24, 2021. The product linked to the illnesses has not been identified. According to the information that the FDA has released at this time, no recall has been initiated, no traceback has started, there have been no on-site investigations, and no sample collection or analysis has begun. This is typical for the first outbreak notice on this table, which only provides information to the public if there is some type of action that consumers can take.. Another change on the table is that the non-viral hepatitis outbreak linked to recalled Real Water alkaline bottled water has been closed. There are still three … [Read more...]
E. coli Illnesses Are Increasing in Wyoming, According to Health Department
E. coli illnesses are increasing in Wyoming, according to that state's health department, along with cases of norovirus. This information, in a press release from the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH), offered no specifics as to patient ages, hospitalizations, or any hints about possible sources. Norovirus is likely among the increase in gastrointestinal illnesses, but Matt Peterson, WDH surveillance epidemiologist, said in a statement, "We are specifically seeing increased reports of E. coli across the state recently compared to previous years, which can be particularly concerning in children under 5." The symptoms of norovirus and E. coli are similar up to a point, but norovirus is usually a self-limiting illness, and people who contract this infection usually do not seek … [Read more...]
