Canada - Report of Limited Outbreak of Typhoid Fever

We don't see cases of typhoid fever often, but here is a report of a case in Canada that involves an asymptomatic carrier (think Typhoid Mary from late 1800s).  Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water, originating with a person having the illness. Unlike the typical Salmonella that are primarily limited to infection of the intestinal tract, once Salmonella Typhi bacteria are ingested, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream leading to prolonged high fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhea.  

Canadian health officials published a report about seven cases of typhoid fever over four years (from 2018 to 2022) that were linked to an asymptomatic chronic S. Typhi carrier who worked irregularly as a food handler at various locations of a grocery store chain. Transmission occurred through food handling, shared workspaces and social and household networks. Although the outbreak was relatively small, six of seven cases were hospitalized with significant morbidity.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/reports-publications/canada-communicable-disease-report-ccdr/monthly-issue/2024-50/issue-11-november-2024/locally-acquired-typhoid-fever-outbreak-linked-chronic-carriage-ottawa.html
Outbreak Report
Locally acquired typhoid fever outbreak linked to chronic carriage in Ottawa, Canada, 2018–2022
Janice Zhang1,2, Ann Jolly2, Tram Nguyen2, Monir Taha2, Christina Lee3, Antoine Corbeil3, Esther Dapaah2, Jeff Walker2, Curtis Cooper4, Jacqueline Willmore2

Abstract

Background: In Canada, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi infections are uncommon and typically travel-related. In November 2021, Ottawa Public Health identified a link between two typhoid fever cases, with no recent history of international travel, to the same grocery store ready-to-eat counter

Lawsuit Over No Preservative Claim

This is an interesting case where a lawsuit was filed against Kraft Heinz on 'no preservative claim'.  Being scientifically right may not be good enough.

https://nypost.com/2024/11/14/business/kraft-heinz-ordered-to-face-mac-cheese-lawsuit-judge-rules/
Kraft Heinz ordered to face Mac & Cheese lawsuit over ‘no preservatives’ label
By Reuters
Published Nov. 14, 2024, 2:26 p.m. ET

FDA Provides Update on E. coli STEC Outbreak Associated with Onions

FDA provided an update on the E.coli STEC linked to onions served on fast food chain hamburgers.  There are now 104 cases with 34 hospitalizations and one death.  That is over 15 more cases from the last update on October 30.

FDA provided this about the investigation - "At this time, one FDA sample of recalled onions has tested positive for E. coli, but it is a non-O157:H7 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and does not match the outbreak strain or any other clinical illnesses. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis determined that the sample is positive for E. coli O168:H8 and contains the Shiga toxin gene stx2a. Additional sample results are pending. More information will be provided in this update as it becomes available."

Case Count
Total Illnesses: 104
Hospitalizations: 34
Deaths: 1
Last Illness Onset: October 21, 2024
States with Cases: CO, IA, KS, MI, MO, MT, NE, NM, NC, OR, UT, WA, WI, and WY
Recalled Onion Distribution*: CO, IA, ID, KS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NV, OK, UT, and WY
*Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states.


https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-onions-october-2024
Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: Onions (October 2024)
FDA’s investigation and sample analysis are ongoing.

South Carolina Establishment Recalled RTE Meat Products After Positive

Yu Shang Food, Inc, a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 4,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. The ready-to-eat meat and poultry items were produced from October 21 to October 27, 2024. These products have “used by” dates ranging from 21-AUG-2025 through 27-AUG-2025.  The problem was discovered after FSIS performed routine testing and follow-up activities of finished product produced by Yu Shang Food, Inc. on October 21, 2024, that confirmed the product was positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

Products include: Yushang Brand Cooked Chicken 20 oz;  Seasoned Pork Hock Vacuum Pack;  Japanese Chashu Pork Belly 20 oz  16 oz;  Braised Pork Belly in Brown Sauce Vacuum Pack;  Yushang Brand Cooked Pork Hock 16 oz  1.4 lbs;  Chinese Brand Spicy Chicken Feet;  Bazhen Seasoned Whole Chicken 8 oz  20 oz ;  Braised Beef Shank;  Seasoned Pork Tongues 16 oz  12 oz.  

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/yu-shang-food-inc--recalls-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due-possible-listeria
Yu Shang Food Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Yushang Food Inc.

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2024 – Yu Shang Food, Inc, a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 4,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products out of an abundance of caution. These products may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Issues with Botulism in Europe May Be Due to Improper Home Canning

A recent articles points out the high number of botulism cases in Europe.  You may remember the recent botulism outbreak associated with pesto served by a restaurant in France where 5 people were affected.  According to the article, "In 2023, 112 cases of botulism were reported in Europe, with Italy registering the highest number, followed by France, Spain, Romania, and Germany. Most North European countries reported no cases."

An expert there gave three factors, however the one that provides the best insight is that "cultural factors play a role. Traditional home canning is still prevalent in some countries, but methods may not always adhere to rigorous safety standards. Italy, where home canning has old roots, is the European country with the highest number of reported cases each year. In 2023, Italy reported 36 cases of botulism, half of which were caused by improper home canning. It was followed by France with 15 cases and Romania and Spain with 14 cases each. “Italy, Spain, France, Poland, Romania, all have a strong tradition in [home] preserving and canning food."


Medscape Medical News

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/botulism-outbreaks-europe-raise-food-safety-concerns-2024a1000kf5
Botulism Outbreaks in Europe Raise Food Safety Concerns
Manuela Callari
November 08, 2024

Sandwich Survey - How Many Per Week and Favorite

An article reposted on Morning Clips discusses sandwiches are part of the American diet.  First off, this may not be a highly scientific study, so take it with a grain of salt.  The survey was completed by 2000 people who were willing to share their sandwich eating habits.  I probably would not participate in this study unless well compensated.  But will share some of my thoughts.  So how do you compare?

According to the results, 

• Americans’ favorite sandwiches are: Grilled cheese (42%), chicken (40%), turkey (30%) ham (27%) tuna (24%), egg (21%), PB&J (21%) and meatball sandwiches (19%).  My response - I like grilled cheese with tomato soup, but certainly not my favorite. All things being equal, I am going meatball, but eat far more PB&J (peanut butter and jelly for those from somewhere else).
• Americans eat, on average, six sandwiches per week.  My response - probably 2.
• It takes people 10 minutes, on average, to assemble the perfect sub.  Not sure why this matters.
• Fifty-eight percent of respondents said they’re “sandwich pragmatists,“ and care more about making a sandwich quickly than making it “just right versus sandwich chefs who like to take their time crafting the perfect sandwich.  My response - I just don't care that much.
• Thirty-two percent cut their sandwiches into rectangles, 35% cut them into triangles and 33% prefer their sandwiches whole and uncut.  My response - Whether it is cut or not depends on the type of sandwich and whether I am dipping it into soup.

There are other items, but I just don't care that much.

Morning Clips
https://www.morningagclips.com/are-you-average-study-reveals-americans-weekly-sandwich-count/
Are You Average? Study Reveals Americans’ Weekly Sandwich Count
A new survey found that sandwiches make up 30% of Americans’ diets, on average

80,000 Pounds of Butter Recalled for Not Declaring Milk Allergen on Label

Costco is recalling close to 80,000 lbs of butter due to the fact it does not state 'Contains Milk' on the label.

You will notice that this is listed on the Enforcement Report, but a public recall notice was not published. "All recalls monitored by FDA are included in the Enforcement Report once they are classified and may be listed prior to classification when FDA determines the firm’s removal or correction of a marketed product(s) meets the definition of a recall."  Not all recalls are announced in the media or on FDA’s Recalls press release page, only those viewed as having a health impact as they are classified according to the level of hazard involved.

Basically, someone with a dairy allergy is not likely to buy butter just because the statement is not on there.  However, there is still a violation of the regulation.

  

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/costco-butter-recall/
Here is why Costco recalled almost 80,000 pounds of butter

Costco recalled nearly 80,000 pounds of store-brand butter last month because the product's label was missing a key ingredient: milk. 

The wholesaler recalled 79,200 pounds of two varieties of butter — 46,800 pounds of its Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter, and 32,400 pounds of Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter because it omitted the allergen. 

Illinois Firm Recalls Onion Soup Mix After Complaint of Egg Allergen

Gilster-Mary Lee, 520 Old St. Mary’s Road, of Perryville, Missouri, is voluntarily recalling two lots of Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix, UPC 41190-08394 at the consumer level because it may contain undeclared egg.  Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. became aware of the mispackaging after receiving a customer complaint. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this coating mix.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gilster-mary-lee-corp-issues-recall-undeclared-egg-allergen-bowl-basket-onion-soup-mix
Gilster - Mary Lee Corp. Issues a Recall for Undeclared Egg Allergen in Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 12, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  November 12, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared egg
Company Name:  Gilster Mary Lee Corporation
Brand Name:  Bowl & Basket
Product Description:  Onion Soup Mix

NY Retailer Recalls Salad Bowls for Undeclared Egg

Wegmans Food Markets is recalling  Large Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken due to undeclared egg allergen.  The label was a print-and-apply type label.  No indication was stated as the reason for the issue.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wegmans-food-markets-inc-announces-voluntary-recall-large-asian-sesame-salad-chicken-due-presence
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Large Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken Due to Presence of Undeclared Egg Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 08, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  November 08, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Egg
Company Name:  Wegmans Food Markets
Brand Name:  Wegmans Food Markets
Product Description:  Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken & Asian Dressing