Salmonella Outbreak in PA Health Facilities Linked to NJ Fresh Fruit Facility

Investigators have found a potential source of the  Salmonella. outbreak in five PA healthcare facilities that has affected 31 people to date.  The outbreak was caused by Salmonella Javiana and has been linked to fruit mix with cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, and grapes from Tailor Cut Produce of North Brunswick, New Jersey.

While it is hard to know what failure may have caused the issue (if indeed this is the source), facilities such as this generally use surface washes with an antimicrobial to reduce potential contamination on the exterior of the produce.  So either the surface treatment(s) was not inadequate or there was a post-wash contamination issue.   Being a high risk populations (people in hospitals and elderly care facilities), a lower level of Salmonella is enough to cause issues.  For facilities knowingly supplying these types of facilities, extra emphasis must be placed on contamination control.

Sourcing is another key...working with growers who follow good agricultural practices, whether those are domestic or foreign growers.

FDA Outbreak Update
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-potentially-linked-tailor-cut-produce-fruit-mix-winter-2019
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Potentially Linked to Tailor Cut Produce Fruit Mix, Winter 2019
Food service companies and institutions in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey should not serve cut fruit from Tailor Cut Produce

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 31

States with Cases: PA 

December 6, 2019

FDA and the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) are investigating an outbreak of illnesses caused by Salmonella Javiana in Pennsylvania. Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicate that fruit mix with cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, and grapes from Tailor Cut Produce of North Brunswick, New Jersey, are a potential source of this outbreak.

Recommendation

Food service and institutional food operators should not sell or serve the fruit mix with cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, and grapes prepared by Tailor Cut Produce.

Tailor Cut Produce reports that their products may be found in restaurants, banquet facilities, hotels, schools and institutional food service establishments in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Because this fruit mix may have been distributed to nursing homes, schools, hospitals and other facilities that cater to vulnerable populations, it is important that these facilities do not sell or serve this fruit medley. Please consult with your distributor to confirm the source of the fruit mix used in your operation.

Background 

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) reports that it is investigating 31 laboratory-confirmed illnesses of Salmonella at four healthcare facilities in southeast Pennsylvania. Salmonella Javiana has been identified among cases at three of four facilities. According to the Pennsylvania DOH the epidemiologic evidence collected thus far indicates that this fruit mix is a potential source of the illnesses. The state’s review of invoices shows that a common food eaten by many case patients was the fruit mix with cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, and grapes from Tailor Cut Produce.

FDA has activated a team to coordinate its outbreak investigation.  On December 6, 2019, the FDA and the Pennsylvania DOH shared the results of the investigation thus far with the firm, and the firm’s leadership stated that they would work with FDA to implement a recall of this product.

FDA will continue its investigation and provide updates as more information becomes available.