Watermelon Chunks Recalled After FDA Finds Listeria on Packing Equipment

Country Fresh is recalling watermelon chunks sold at Walmart and RaceTrac in several southcentral states after FDA found Listeria on packaging equipment.  The testing was conducted as part of an inspection.  There have been no illness reported to date.

Processors of fresh cut produce must have tight controls on Listeria in the processing environment.  At this point, this facility will need to detail clean its operation and conduct a root cause analysis on how the organism was able to get onto the equipment.  We may see additional products recalled after further investigation by FDA.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/country-fresh-voluntary-product-recall
Country Fresh Voluntary Product Recall
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 01, 2020
FDA Publish Date: October 01, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Country Fresh
Brand Name:  Walmart  RaceTrac
Product Description:  Watermelon Chunks

FDA Issues Warning on Bagged and Loose Peaches Due to Salmonella, Retailers Issue Recalls

Update (8/22) - FDA is including bagged peaches and peaches sold loose.  "On August 22, 2020, Prima Wawona expanded their recall to include bagged and bulk, or loose, peaches that they supplied to retailers nationwide."  The retailer Wegmans issued recalls for peaches as well as other products the store made from peaches.  Other retail brands were also recalled including Kroger and Prima.

FDA issued a warning on Wawona-brand bagged peaches sold at ALDI. FDA states in this warning that they are "investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections potentially linked to bagged peaches sold at ALDI stores in multiple states. The peaches are in Wawona-brand 2-pound, clear plastic bags sold in ALDI stores from June 1, 2020 until present. Based on information collected from ill persons, CDC has identified bagged peaches from ALDI stores as a likely source of Salmonella Enteritidis infections. As of August 19, 2020, CDC is reporting a total of 68 cases across 9 states.

For this level of contamination on tree fruit, there seems that the packing facility would need to be involved. One could guess the washing/rinsing system would need to have had the contamination. And with a product packed like this, it could appear as a ready-to-eat item so the consumer may be less likely to wash before eating. Not to say that the recommended washing, which is rinsing under running water, would eliminate a high level of contamination.

ALDI is voluntarily recalling assorted peaches received from this supplier, Wawona Packing Company.

ALDI has removed the affected peaches from select ALDI stores in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia

FDA Outbreak Investigation
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-enteritidis-bagged-peaches-august-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis: Bagged Peaches (August 2020)
Do not eat, sell, or serve Wawona-brand bagged peaches sold at ALDI stores in multiple states
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 68
Hospitalizations: 14
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset Date: August 3, 2020
States with Cases: IA, MD, MI, MN, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WI
Product Distribution*: CT, IA, IL, KY, MA, MI, MN, ND, NH, NY, OH, RI, SD, VT, WI, WV
*Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states

FDA Closes Investigation into 2019 Fruit Mix Salmonella Outbreak

FDA closed their investigation into the 2019 Salmonella outbreak that was linked to fruit mix from a NJ facility.  The outbreak was first identified in PA health facilities where 31 became ill.  In the end, there were 165 cases with 73 hospitalizations.  While the investigation identified Tailor Cut Produce of North Brunswick, New Jersey as the source, and identified issues at that facility including:

"the inspectors observed these general deficiencies: the firm’s hazard analysis did not identify a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard that required a preventive control; the firm did not identify a preventive control for a hazard when one was needed; and the firm did not maintain the plant in a clean and sanitary condition and keep the plant in repair",

they were not able to identify the origin of the Salmonella.


https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-javiana-fruit-mix-december-2019
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Javiana: Fruit Mix (December 2019)
FDA’s investigation is complete. CDC announces outbreak is over.
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 165
 Hospitalizations: 73
 Deaths: 0
 Last illness onset: January 11, 2020
 States with Cases: CA, CO, CT, DE (49), FL, GA, IL, MA, MN, NJ (50), NY (7), PA (49), VA, WA
February 18, 2020

NJ Firm Recalls Fruit Salad Product After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak in PA Healthcare Facilities

Tailor Cut Produce of New Jersey, is recalling its Fruit luau, cut honeydew, cut cantaloupe and cut pineapple products after they were linked to the Salmonella outbreak in Pennsylvania healthcare facilities.  In this outbreak, 31 people were infected across 4 healthcare facilities.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tailor-cut-produce-recalls-cut-fruit-mix-because-possible-health-risk
Tailor Cut Produce Recalls Cut Fruit Mix Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 07, 2019
FDA Publish Date:December 08, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages  Snack Food Item
Foodborne Illness Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:Tailor Cut Produce
Brand Name: Tailor Cut Produce
Product Description:  Fruit Luau

Frozen Blackberries Recalled After FDA Testing Finds Norovirus

Cornerstone Premium Foods of Syracuse, New York is recalling a specific lot of product containing frozen blackberries (noted below) due to the potential of being contaminated with Norovirus. FDA testing of frozen blackberries was reported to have tested positive for Norovirus.

This is a concern because many will use berries in RTE applications, including making fruit smoothies.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cornerstone-premium-foods-voluntarily-recalls-frozen-blackberries-due-possible-health-risk-norovirus
Cornerstone Premium Foods Voluntarily Recalls Frozen Blackberries Due to Possible Health Risk of Norovirus
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 04, 2019
FDA Publish Date: October 04, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages Fruit/Fruit Product
Reason for Announcement: Norovirus
Company Name: Cornerstone Premium Foods
Brand Name: Cornerstone
Product Description: Frozen Blackberries

Hepatitis A Case in Philly Grocery Worker Highlights Need for Controls

A Hepatitis A-infected food handler working in a Philadelphia grocery store triggered an alert for those who may have purchased pre-cut RTE fruits and vegetables.  This case is one of an increasing number of Hepatitis A cases seen.   Philadelphia Health Department noted that they are seeing 5 times the number of cases over the 2016 baseline.  While many of these cases are associated with people who are homeless or are drug users, it still increases the risk for food operations in that workers may face increased exposure within the community.

Therefore, it is important for food operations to maintain control including educating workers of the importance of reporting illness or potential exposure. Proper handwashing and glove use are important mitigations against the spread of the disease.

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious virus that is easily spread from an infected person to others through person-to-person contact or person-to-food-to-person.  Once exposed, it takes approximately 6 weeks to see the symptoms, jaundice and fever, but a person can be administered a vaccine within the first two weeks immediately after the exposure event.

Philly.com
https://www.philly.com/health/hepatitis-a-foodborne-illness-acme-philadelphia-health-inspection-reports-20190411.html
After hepatitis A warning at Philly Acme, should you eat precut fruits and veggies?
by Mari A. Schaefer, Updated: April 11, 2019

Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums Recalled After Positive Listeria Test

Jac. Vandenberg, Inc. of Yonkers, New York is recalling produce from Chile -  1,727 cartons of Fresh Peaches, 1,207 cartons of Fresh Nectarines and 365 cartons of Fresh Plums - after testing indicated the presence of  Listeria monocytogenes.  The produce was distributed in 18 different states through small and large retailers including Walmart.

"The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the packing house which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem."

This is a difficult situation.  Bulk product passing through the packing house is sampled and tests positive with the results taking a few days to come.  In the meantime product has entered a vast system for distribution.  Control is best applied at the point of origin, which in this case, is in Chile.  If there are no controls, or inadequate controls, testing becomes a gamble.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm629797.htm
Jac. Vandenberg, Inc. Recalls Fresh Peaches, Fresh Nectarines and Fresh Plums Because They May Be Contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes
For Immediate Release
January 24, 2019

Packaged Frozen Cherries from Turkey Recalled for Listeria

Sunrise Growers Inc. a subsidiary of SunOpta Inc’s subsidiary, is recalling frozen organic dark sweet pitted cherry products due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The issue was discovered during routine testing by Sunrise Growers.

Not directly stated in the announcement is that the product is imported from Turkey (printed on package) and distributed within the US.  So this is a supplier control issue, and knowing how well the packer of this product controls Listeria in the processing environment.  The distributor did testing, but it appears that product had already been distributed.  So was a sample and hold procedure in place?

While Listeria will not grow on the frozen cherries, the concerns would be related to the level of Listeria on the cherries and how the application for using cherries. The risk increases with a higher level of Listeria present and if the cherries will be used in 1) RTE applications such as a fruit smoothie and 2) in a matrix that will allow for growth, (if the blended smooth has a sufficient PH and 3) that product will be held for a sufficient time to allow for growth...someone leaves that smoothie on their desk all day.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm572971.htm
Recall of Certain Frozen Organic Dark Sweet Pitted Cherry Products Due to Possible Contamination by Listeria Monocytogenes
For Immediate Release
August 23, 2017

Hepatitis A Outbreak Linked to Frozen Berries - Canada

An outbreak of Hepatitis A in Canada has been linked to bags of mixed frozen berries.  From the label on the package, it appears that the berries are, at least in part, imported berries.

How does this occur?  Most likely an infected worker handling the fruit, probably at the point of harvest or initial processing, would have contaminated the fruit.  Because the fruit is often used without any further processing, there is no point for reduction of the virus. 

How can it be prevented?  This is a RTE product.  So strategic sourcing is critical.  Have the farms implemented GAP procedures, especially those controls for farm employee health and exclusion of ill employees?  This can be a more difficult issue with Hepatitis A where an employee can be contagious and not yet show signs of illness. 

This has not been the first issue associated with frozen fruit products, so this indicates that there is more work to do with sourcing fruit from farms with good practices.

What is the impact?  Hepatitis A is highly infectious.  There is a period of time, about two weeks, from when a person is exposed where a vaccination can be helpful.  The challenge is getting word out to those who purchased product.  Once infected, the symptoms can vary from fever, low appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, to jaundice.  Long term liver damage can be a risk for those high risk individuals.
 
The Star (Canada)
 http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/04/19/recalled-costco-frozen-berries-linked-to-13-cases-of-hepatitis-a.html
Recalled Costco frozen berries linked to 13 cases of Hepatitis A
Store is offering vaccinations to those who may have eaten its Nature’s Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend that was recalled Saturday by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

By: The Canadian Press, Published on Tue Apr 19 2016

Listeria in Stone Fruit May Have Resulted in Illnesses in US

In July of 2014, a California packing house recalled stone fruit due to Listeria that was discovered through testing.   There were no illnesses reported at the time.

CDC took the PFGE patterns from the Listeria isolated at the peach facility and matched against human cases of Listeria infection across the country.  Two cases, one in Minnesota and one in Massachusetts had matching patters and had  eaten fruit that may have come from the company.
If the connection is truly there, this would be the first cases of listeriosis from stone fruit.

But what about the scenario here?  Basically FDA (or USDA) isolates Listeria from a product followed by the CDC running the isolate's DNA patter through their database to match that bacteria’s DNA pattern with any cases of illness that have occurred across the country . Then in those cases where there is a DNA match, they happen to find that person ate (or may have ate) that product at some point, then that food would be implicated. But was it really the food that resulted in the illness?  Or is it circumstantial evidence?  Could that person have eaten another item that contained that specific strain of Listeria?


CDC MMWR
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6410a6.htm?s_cid=mm6410a6_e
Notes from the Field: Listeriosis Associated with Stone Fruit — United States, 2014
Weekly
March 20, 2015 / 64(10);282-283
Brendan R. Jackson, MD1, Monique Salter, MPH2, Cheryl Tarr, PhD1, Amanda Conrad, MPH1,3, Emily Harvey4, Lisa Steinbock5, Amy Saupe, MPH6, Alida Sorenson, MPH7, Lee Katz, PhD1, Steven Stroika1, Kelly A. Jackson, MPH1, Heather Carleton, PhD1, Zuzana Kucerova, MD, PhD1, David Melka2, Errol Strain, PhD2, Mickey Parish, PhD2, Rajal K. Mody, MD1 (Author affiliations at end of text)

On July 19, 2014, a packing company in California (company A) voluntarily recalled certain lots of stone fruits, including whole peaches, nectarines, plums, and pluots, because of concern about contamination with Listeria monocytogenes based on internal company testing (1). On July 31, the recall was expanded to cover all fruit packed at their facility during June 1–July 17 (2). After the initial recall, clinicians, state and local health departments, CDC, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received many inquiries about listeriosis from concerned consumers, many of whom had received automated telephone calls informing them that they had purchased recalled fruit. During July 19–31, the CDC Listeria website received >500,000 page views, more than seven times the views received during the previous 52 weeks. However, no molecular information from L. monocytogenes isolates was available to assess whether human illnesses might be linked to these products.