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FSPCA - Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance

Friday, April 23, 2021

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Outbreak Possibly Linked to Fake Cheese from CA, Recall Issued

The FDA. CDC. and State partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Duisburg infections linked to the consumption of Jule’s Cashew Brie, a vegan, or plant-based cheese alternative [fake cheese].   CDC identified an outbreak of five Salmonella Duisburg illnesses, which is considered a rare Salmonella serotype.  Three of five people interviewed recalled eating this [fake] cheese. 

Jule’s Foods of Carlsbad, CA has issued a recall for all Jule’s Foods products, 

These products are often made from raw cashews (unroasted), so there needs to be some Salmonella reduction step.  

Calling this Brie Cheese?  This product is made from cashews, so probably should have been called squishy nut loaf or something similar rather than besmirching real cheese.  Seriously though, when you read the title on the Investigation Notice, are you not thinking it is Brie cheese with cashews sprinkled on top.  Sounds lovely, served warm with some sliced French Bread and paired with a glass of Chablis.  No, it is squishy cashew loaf.  Not even sure what you pair that with...Zima?

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-duisburg-jules-cashew-brie-april-2021
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Duisburg: Jule's Cashew Brie (April 2021)
Ongoing investigation of illnesses linked to Jule’s Cashew Brie; Do not purchase, eat, sell, or serve
Content current as of:
04/23/2021
The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Duisburg infections linked to the consumption of Jule’s Cashew Brie, a vegan, or plant-based cheese alternative. The firm, Jule’s Foods of Carlsbad, California, is conducting a voluntary recall of all varieties of Jule’s Foods products.

CDC identified an outbreak of five Salmonella Duisburg illnesses, which is considered a rare Salmonella serotype. All samples taken from ill patients are highly related according to Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis, or DNA fingerprinting of the pathogen. Of the five people interviewed, three (60%) reported eating Jule’s Truffle Cashew Brie– the only common product identified.

California Department of Public Health and Tennessee Department of Health state investigators collected samples of Jule’s Cashew Brie (including Cashew Brie (Classic), Truffle Cashew Brie, and Black Garlic Cashew Brie) from various retail locations. Preliminary results indicated that the Jule’s Cashew Brie products collected and analyzed in California may have been contaminated with Salmonella. Additional analysis subsequently confirmed the presence of Salmonella and additional analysis is ongoing to determine if the type of Salmonella found in these products matches the outbreak strain.

Based on these preliminary sample results, on April 21, 2021, the firm agreed to voluntarily recall all Jule’s Cashew Brie products. These tested products were sold on the firm’s website and in select retail locations. Additional distribution information is included in the firm’s recall announcement and below. Additionally, as a precaution the firm is also recalling its plant-based dairy alternative Jule’s Spinach Artichoke Dip and Jule’s Vegan Ranch Dressing. These products were sold directly to customers via the internet.

On April 21, 2021, FDA investigators and California Department of Public Health state inspectors arrived at the firm to conduct an inspection and collect additional product and environmental samples. The FDA investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Recommendation

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled Jule’s Foods products. Consumers should throw away recalled Jule’s Foods products or return to the place of purchase for a refund.

FDA recommends that anyone who received or suspects having received recalled Jule’s brand products use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with the products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. This includes cutting boards, slicers, countertops, refrigerators, and storage bins.




https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/jules-foods-issues-voluntary-recall-jules-foods-products-because-possible-health-risk
Jule’s Foods Issues Voluntary Recall of Jule’s Foods Products Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: April 22, 2021
FDA Publish Date: April 22, 2021
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential for Salmonella
Company Name: Jule's Foods
Brand Name: Jule's
Product Description: All Jule's Foods Products
Company Announcement
Jule’s Foods of Carlsbad, CA is voluntarily recalling all Jule’s Foods products, because the product was potentially contaminated with Salmonella.

Products include:
Jule’s Cashew Brie (Classic)  UPC: 860388001507 - all expiration dates
Jule’s Truffle Cashew Brie  UPC: 860388001514 - all expiration dates
Jule’s Black Garlic Cashew Brie  UPC: 860388001552 - all expiration dates
Jule’s Artichoke Spinach Dip  UPC: 860388001569 - all expiration dates
Jule’s Vegan Ranch Dressing  UPC: 860388001521 - all expiration dates

To date, FDA has preliminary confirmation of Salmonella in brie products containing cashews.We are working with the FDA to isolate the source of the pathogen in samples which were collected by the California Department of Public Health. Jule's Foods is issuing this recall in connection with a Salmonella outbreak under investigation by the FDA and CDC.

Products were distributed to primarily independently owned grocery stores in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas as well as direct to consumer. Jule’s Foods Brie products are 6 ounces and wrapped in white cheese paper. A full list of stores is available at www.JulesFoods.netExternal Link Disclaimer.
Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating a contaminated product. Most people recover without treatment. In rare circumstances, infection can produce more severe illness and require hospitalization. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

Production of these products has been suspended while the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Please do not consume the product and immediately dispose of the product or return to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company via email at jules@julesveganfoods.com or telephone at (310) 980-4697 between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. PDT.

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