Idaho Company Recalls Frozen Blackberries After FDA Test Finds Norovirus

WinCo Foods, LLC. of Boise, ID is recalling frozen Blackberries in a 16 oz. bag and frozen Berry Medley in 16 oz. and 32 oz. bags, manufactured by Rader Farms of Lynden, WA, because both products have the potential to be contaminated with Norovirus.   No customer illnesses have been reported to date. WinCo Foods was informed by the FDA that a sample of the product was tested by the FDA and found to be contaminated with Norovirus

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/winco-foods-llc-recalls-frozen-blackberries-and-frozen-berry-medley-because-possible-health-risk
Winco Foods, Llc. Recalls Frozen Blackberries and Frozen Berry Medley Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 13, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  March 13, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Norovirus
Company Name:  WinCo Foods, LLC
Brand Name:  WinCo
Product Description:  Frozen Blackberries and Frozen Berry Medley

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

CDC Report - 2017 Norovirus Outbreak Highlights the Need for Facility Controls

In CDC MMWR, a report discusses an outbreak of Norovirus that occurred at an Nebraska Event Center in 2017.  This outbreak continued for over two weeks with 159 people suffering from norovirus infection (three confirmed and 156 probable).  In the period of  the outbreak, October 27–November 18, 2017, nine events were held at the facility.  Two issues were cited...improper decontamination of facilities after the onsite of initial illness at the facility and then allowing people to come back to work too soon after being ill.

"The investigation revealed a public vomiting episode at the facility on October 27 and at least one employee involved with preparing and serving food who returned to work <24 hours after symptom resolution, suggesting that a combination of contaminated environmental surfaces and infected food handlers likely sustained the outbreak."

Norovirus is an issue in these settings when someone has become ill because:

1. The virus is highly contagious, requiring only a small amount of virus to be present in order to cause illness (infectious dose capable of causing infection with as few as 18–2,800 virus particles) 
2. Infected people shed a large numbers of virus particles, even those with asymptomatic infections. 
3. Norovirus is resistant to many common commercial disinfectants and is able to persist on environmental surfaces for up to 2 weeks or longer.

Strict controls are needed when someone onsite becomes ill.  The area must be completely disinfected and anyone exposed must be excluded from the workplace.

CDC MMWR
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6828a2.htm
Successive Norovirus Outbreaks at an Event Center — Nebraska, October–November, 2017
Weekly / July 19, 2019 / 68(28);627–630
Rebecca J. Free, MD1,2; Bryan F. Buss, DVM2,3; Samir Koirala, MBBS2; Monica Ulses4; Anna Carlson, PhD2; Brianna Loeck, MPH2; Tom Safranek, MD2 (View author affiliations)

Frozen Berries Recalled for Norovirus After FDA Testing Reveals Presence

Alma Pak of Alma, Georgia is recalling specific lots 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.

It appears that the recalls associated with viral contamination, in this case Norovirus, are triggered by FDA testing.  Hopefully, there is an investigation into how this contamination got there and with that, the types of controls that can be instituted.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/alma-pak-voluntarily-recalls-frozen-blackberries-due-possible-health-risk-norovirus
Alma Pak Voluntarily Recalls Frozen Blackberries Due to Possible Health Risk of Norovirus
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 20, 2019
FDA Publish Date: June 20, 2019

Frozen Red Raspberries Recalled for Potential Norovirus Contamination

An Idaho company, WinCo Foods, LLC. is recalling 12 oz bags of Frozen Red Raspberries because it has the potential to be contaminated with Norovirus.   The produce was manufactured in Washington state.

While this recall is not connected to the frozen black raspberry recall from last week - that one was for Hepatitis A and this one is for Norovirus.   This appears to be part of the FDA sampling protocol for viruses in frozen RTE produce.   For both to have become contaminated, someone handling the product during production or processing had the virus.  And since there is a high likely the berries will be eaten with minimal processing, the virus if present can be passed onto the consumer.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/winco-foods-llc-recalls-frozen-red-raspberries-because-possible-health-risk
Winco Foods, LLC. Recalls Frozen Red Raspberries Because of Possible Health Risk

Summary

Company Announcement Date: June 14, 2019

FDA Publish Date: June 14, 2019

Product Type: Food & Beverages  Fruit/Fruit Product

Reason for Announcement: Norovirus

Company Name: WinCo Foods, LLC

Brand Name: WinCo Foods

Product Description: Frozen Red Raspberries

Difficulties in Developing a Vaccine Against Norovirus

Norovirus is considered the leading cause of foodborne illness in the US.  The main reasons for this is how easily it spreads (acute onset vomiting), low infectious dose, and ability to remain active in the environment.  Another key is that the body does not easily become immune to the virus, and with that, there are no available vaccines.

The reason for this is the changing complexity of the outer capsid structure.  This shell changes structure significantly from strain to strain.  And of course this structure is what antibodies find and lock onto in order to eliminate from the body.

Technology Networks
https://www.technologynetworks.com/biopharma/news/steps-towards-a-food-poisoning-vaccine-320589
Norovirus Structure Far More Complex Than First Thought 
News   Jun 13, 2019 |

Research - Norovirus Transmitted via Membrane-bound Clusters

NIH research found that the highly virulent stomach viruses such as Norovirus may be spread in membrane-bound clusters....think multipack.   We have normally thought the virus was spread as individual particles, but this research shows that the virus when excreted is like a horde of viruses traveling to the next gig in a party bus...via the fecal-oral route.  This protective membrane allows the virus to evade internal host systems and deliver a mob of viruses to the invasion site.

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-researchers-discover-highly-infectious-vehicle-transmission-viruses-among-humans

NIH researchers discover highly infectious vehicle for transmission of viruses among humans

CA Health Warns Consumers about Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Canadian Raw Oysters

There is an ongoing norovirus outbreak associated with raw oysters from British Columbia, Canada. "In California, as of April 27, approximately 100 individuals have reported illness after they consumed raw British Columbian oysters sold by restaurants and retailers throughout the state. 

California Department of Public Health
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR18-027.aspx
CDPH Warns Californians about the Risk of Norovirus Infections from Raw British Columbian Oysters
Date: May 1, 2018
Number: 18-027

Lawsuit Against Cruise Line After Ship Has Eight Consecutive Norovirus Outbreaks

In 2016/2017, there was a norovirus outbreak on eight consecutive cruises on the Sun Princess cruise ship.  A lawsuit is being filed that "Carnival was negligent in its sanitation of the vessel, leading to continued outbreaks."   While the ship has had satisfactory inspection, this case points to the difficulty of eliminating an pathogen such as norovirus.

Norovirus is highly infectious, so there does not need for a lot of virus particle to be present.  As a non-enveloped virus, it can remain on surfaces for weeks.  Thirdly, it is resistant to normal strength sanitizers, so you have to clean and then hit with a strong sanitizer.  This can be a problem when the particles get onto carpeting, bedding, and other non-easy-to-clean surfaces.  Add this to the fact that these cruise ships are huge - this one has a capacity over 2000 passengers with 15 decks, 1000 cabins, and a slew of lounges, bars, and recreational areas.  And then, if the article below is correct, they are turning this ship around for the next cruise in hours.

Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article198720189.html
On eight cruises in a row, passengers got ‘violently ill.’ A lawsuit may be coming
By Chabeli Herrera  cherrera@miamiherald.com
February 06, 2018 06:00 PM
Updated February 07, 2018 03:10 PM

Cruise Ship Season is Here...What about Norovirus?

Planning to go on a cruise this year?  This past week, a Royal Caribbean ship, Ovation of the Sea, had 195 cases of gastrointestinal illness.  One of the largest cruise line ships, it was carrying 5800 people, and was at sea for 14 days off the coast of Australia.

Controlling illness on cruise ships is a challenge.  Over the past 4 years, there have been 10 or so ships that meet the conditions for reporting by CDC (CDC  Outbreak Updates for International Cruise Ships).  But in order to report by CDC, there is a cutoff  - "3% or more of passengers or crew reported symptoms of diarrheal disease to the ships medical staff during the voyage."  So in the recent outbreak on the Ovation, it just made that mark at 3.3% on board ill.

This table shows the other cases in the last 6 months.

ABC News
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-05/gastro-outbreak-on-ovation-of-seas-cruise-ship/9226346
Gastro outbreak on Ovation of the Seas cruise ship, almost 200 ill
By Natalie Whiting
Updated 5 Dec 2017, 2:04amTue 5 Dec 2017, 2:04am

Canada - Norovirus in Raspberry Mousse Cake

In Canada,  a norovirus outbreak associated with Raspberry Mousse cakes has been reported.  The suspect product had been shipped throughout Canada.  There is not much more information available including how the product came to be contaminated.

While the raw materials may have been contaminated, it seems much more likely that this situation is the result of a norovirus-infected employee handling the finished product.  People who become infected with norovirus illness can develop symptoms as fast as 12 hours after exposure and those symptoms can last 24 hours or longer.  These symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps. As they shed the virus through either portal, (and even after they are feeling better), the virus can get on hands or other surfaces, where it can makes its way to the food.   On surfaces, it can last for weeks, unless that surface is properly cleaned.  This is why it is critical to have sick employees (especially those who are vomiting, have diarrhea or jaundice), stay away from food.

CFIA Release

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2017-08-16/eng/1502920045247/1502920045783
Updated Food Recall Warning - Raspberry mousse cakes recalled due to norovirus 

Recall date: August 16, 2017 

Reason for recall:  Microbiological - Other Hazard classification:
Class 3 Company / Firm:
Industry Distribution:
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Possibly National, Quebec, Saskatchewan Extent of the distribution:

Doughnuts Gone Bad - Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Ohio Doughnut Shop

In Ohio, over 250 have become infected with norovirus linked to a doughnut shop - Mama C's Donuts.  Symptoms of norovirus, which include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, and body aches can last as long as 24 hours.  The highly contagious virus spreads easily, so the health department is concerned about secondary infections.

So instead of a cruller, you get a crueler.   Hey, a new way to make coconut glaze.


The Blade
http://www.toledoblade.com/Medical/2017/08/10/Number-of-norovirus-cases-linked-to-Mama-C-s-Donuts-rises-to-nearly-240.html
266 norovirus cases linked to Maumee doughnut shop 
By Lauren Lindstrom  | BLADE STAFF WRITER

Failure to Enforce Employee Sick Policy May Be Root to Chipotle Outbreak

In a CNBC news article, investigators found what could be a systemic issue in the under-enforcement of the employee sick policy that keeps ill workers home rather than working.  It is reported that managers from various stores were not executing the policies and forcing workers while ill.

Many have stated that norovirus is also seen at other chains but we just don't hear about it.  And while there is validity to the point that the news media and the business investors are hyper-aware of issues at Chipotle, my point is that the restaurant managers and employees should have been hyper-aware of the need to adhere to policies including the employee health policies, especially in light of the past issues that the chain has suffered.

The US Food Code states that employees who have diarrhea, are vomiting, or have jaundice must be excluded from the workplace.  Company's employee health policies must adhere to this in order to prevent the spread of foodborne illness from organisms such as Hepatitis A, norovirus, Salmonella, STEC E. coli, and Shigella.  These organisms are highly infectious and can be easily passed to consumers via food, especially ready-to-eat food.

CNBC OnLine
http://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/25/chipotles-recent-norovirus-outbreak-could-be-the-result-of-lax-sick-policy-enforcement.html
Chipotle's recent norovirus outbreak was the result of lax sick-policy enforcement

• A self-identified Chipotle employee alleged in a Reddit post last month that a manager required them to work while sick.
• A Chipotle employee from a different state told CNBC that it was only after the norovirus outbreak last week that their manager began enforcing the sick policy.
• Chipotle's sick policy may not be the only one that managers are overlooking.

Sarah Whitten | @sarahwhit10 

7/27/16

Norovirus Outbreak Associated with Oysters in WA and BC (Canada)

Washington State authorities are reporting that there have been approximately 39 cases of Norovirus infections associated with eating raw oysters.   While testing is normally not done in these cases, the characteristic symptoms of acute-onset vomiting, along with nausea and diarrhea are pretty telltale.

Oysters are filter feeders and can filter up and then hold the viruses.

There have been even more cases of oyster related Norovirus infections in Canada.  In BC, hundreds have become infected with Norovirus after eating oysters.

Interesting, while there appears to be no link between outbreaks in the US and Canada because the cases in Washington are said to be linked to oyster from Washington, not Canada.  But in the article, it states that the Canadians are said to export much of their product to the US,....so, could it be that these Canadian oysters really the oysters that caused illness in the US, but these oysters were labeled as such to make them appear local and these are linked to the cases further north?  Or did someone eat the Canadian oysters neat the US waters, have a bout of illness, thus contaminating the US oysters?  Or...it is just a weird occurrence that two oyster-related Norovirus outbreaks are happening at the same time?

In any event, eating raw oysters has a Norovirus risk, no matter how tasty they are.

Q13 Fox News
http://q13fox.com/2017/03/28/raw-oyster-norovirus-warning-issued-after-multiple-people-in-area-become-ill/
Raw oysters, norovirus warning issued after multiple people in area become ill
Posted 5:04 PM, March 28, 2017, by Q13 FOX News Staff, Updated at 11:12PM, March 28, 2017

Norovirus Sickens Hundreds at Dinner Theatre, Clean-Up Costly

A Kansas City dinner theatre was the site this past month of a huge norovirus outbreak.  Between Jan 15th and Jan 19th, more than 600 attendees and employees became ill.  The theatre company spent some $40,000 to clean/disinfect the location in order to mitigate the virus.

The source of the norovirus is not known, so it could have been a patron or an employee.  Food is served buffet style so the buffet tables could have easily served as a contamination point.

Incidents like this are reminders of how contagious norovirus is and how difficult it can be to control in these types of settings.  (Give me another reason to avoid buffet style service).


Kansas City Star
http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/biz-columns-blogs/cityscape/article57797308.html
New Theatre Restaurant spends $40,000 on cleanup after more than 600 sickened
February 1, 2016 5:34 PM
By Joyce Smith
jsmith@kcstar.com

Flaws in the Fundamental Food Safety System Plague Chipotle

Chipotle seems a lot like the Titanic, that early 20th century ship that sank after hitting an iceberg.  As we came to find out with the Titanic, issues in the fundamental structural, particularly poorly made rivets , were not able to hold when the impact occurred.

Similarly, we are seeing cracks in the fundamental food safety structure within Chipotle that go far beyond the E. coli outbreak which as been blamed on local supplier issues.  First, this E.coli outbreak looks to be more than a local issue when you see that cases have occurred across the country.  Then, this week, an outbreak of norovirus was linked to the Boston Chipotle outlet.  And yesterday, a store in Seattle was shut down due to numerous food safety violations.

Issues can occur, but you would think that after a major outbreak, an organization would be able to button down the hatches until the storm has passed.  But this has not been the case.  First, there was an under estimation with regard to the scope of the E. coli outbreak coupled with the fact that they have not been able to identify the source.  Then to have a norovirus outbreak on the other side of the country - clearly an issue with their personal hygiene program and illness control of employees.  Then back to the west coast where a store was shut down to food safety violations - lack of hand washing, poor temperature control.

Unlike the Titanic, Chipotle is expected to remain afloat.  However, more than a simple fix will be needed to get this ship sailing in the right direction.  Immediate corrective action seems to be needed across their 1700 establishments.  Continued issues, however small, will be broadcast far and wide now that the company is in the media and regulators crosshairs.  Talking about fixing is easy compared to actually fixing....and talking about fixing followed by further issues will completely erode public trust.  At what point do you shut them all down to take a real stand on food safety?  Fixing those rivets is a serious undertaking, but until its done correctly, the ship will continue to flounder.

CDC Outbreak News
http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2015/o26-11-15/index.html
 Multistate Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26 Infections Linked to Chipotle Mexican Grill Restaurants

December 4, 2015

MMWR - Outbreaks Associated with Drinking Water - 2011-2012

 We generally regard drinking water safe, and rightfully so.  For the amount of water that is consumed each day, there have been relatively few issues.  An MMWR article reports that in the two year period reviewed, 2011-2012, there have been 32 water related outbreaks resulting in 431 cases of illness, 102 hospitalizations, and 14 deaths.

The biggest culprit was Legionella and this was primarily related to drinking water in hospitals affecting at-risk patients.  While we hear of Legionella in air conditioning systems, such as the current issue in NY where over 100 have become ill and 12 have died (Legionella grows in the cooling water systems and then is inhaled through the water vapors), evidently Legionella is an issue in hospitals (along with other HAIs (hospital acquired infections) including Clostridium difficile, MRSA, etc).  "Legionella outbreaks are particularly challenging to prevent and control, in part because the organism lives and multiplies in building plumbing systems, which usually fall outside water utility and regulatory oversight (6,7). One Legionella outbreak occurred in a hotel that used point-of-entry water filters, which effectively dechlorinated all water entering the building, and illustrates the importance of maintaining sufficient residual disinfectant in plumbing systems."

EPA has a publication on Legionella in drinking water.

The other issue was non-community water systems.  "All five noncommunity outbreaks originated from groundwater sources. Specifically, four occurred in outdoor camp or work settings where a source spring was contaminated directly or by inflow from a stream, and the fifth occurred at a meeting facility where a well was contaminated with septic tank overflow."  In these cases, Norovirus, non-Legionella bacteria, and Giardia (a parasite) were responsible.   (You are probably wondering how you ever made it through summer camp as a kid considering the pond water where you swam and that nasty spigot you drank from....and you are also then wondering why your parents sent you there.)

Here, an elk enjoys a drink of water from a spigot used for filling water bottles at Grand Canyon National Park (photo courtesy of Nika Bucknavage).

CDC MMWR
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6431a2.htm?s_cid=mm6431a2_e
Surveillance for Waterborne Disease Outbreaks Associated with Drinking Water — United States, 2011–2012

Weekly
August 14, 2015 / 64(31);842-848
Karlyn D. Beer, PhD1,2; Julia W. Gargano, PhD2; Virginia A. Roberts, MSPH2; Vincent R. Hill, PhD2; Laurel E. Garrison, MPH3; Preeta K. Kutty, MD3; Elizabeth D. Hilborn, DVM4; Timothy J. Wade, PhD4; Kathleen E. Fullerton, MPH2; Jonathan S. Yoder, MPH, MSW2

Advances in water management and sanitation have substantially reduced waterborne disease in the United States, although outbreaks continue to occur (1). Public health agencies in the U.S. states and territories* report information on waterborne disease outbreaks to the CDC Waterborne Disease and Outbreak Surveillance System (http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/surveillance/index.html). For 2011–2012, 32 drinking water–associated outbreaks were reported, accounting for at least 431 cases of illness, 102 hospitalizations, and 14 deaths. Legionella was responsible for 66% of outbreaks and 26% of illnesses, and viruses and non-Legionella bacteria together accounted for 16% of outbreaks and 53% of illnesses. The two most commonly identified deficiencies† leading to drinking water–associated outbreaks were Legionella in building plumbing§ systems (66%) and untreated groundwater (13%). Continued vigilance by public health, regulatory, and industry professionals to identify and correct deficiencies associated with building plumbing systems and groundwater systems could prevent most reported outbreaks and illnesses associated with drinking water systems.

Norovirus Infection from Swimming in Lake (2014) - CDC Report

Last summer, approximately 70 people contracted Norovirus infection after swimming in a lake.  The lake, located close to Portland OR was shut down for 10 days following the outbreak which occurred on July 12, 2014.

It is always nice to be reminded of these swimming related outbreaks now that summer approaches.  I have always preferred pools with a dash of chlorine and plenty of sunlight to that of some oversized pond with imported sand and plenty of stuff floating in the water.  I will gladly accept chlorine induced red eyes over the possibility of swallowing some viral or bacterial pathogen, or even worse, a parasite such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium.  But even chlorine has limitations.  CDC has a publication on recreational water (below).

CDC - Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6418a2.htm?s_cid=mm6418a2_e
Norovirus Outbreak Associated with a Natural Lake Used for Recreation — Oregon, 2014
Weekly
May 15, 2015 / 64(18);485-490
Amy Zlot, MPH1, Maayan Simckes, MPH1,2, Jennifer Vines, MD1, Laura Reynolds, MPH1, Amy Sullivan PhD1, Magdalena Kendall Scott, MPH3, J. Michael McLuckie1, Dan Kromer, MPA4, Vincent R. Hill, PhD5, Jonathan S. Yoder, MPH5, Michele C. Hlavsa, MPH5 (Author affiliations at end of text)
In July 2014, Multnomah County public health officials investigated a norovirus outbreak among persons visiting Blue Lake Regional Park in Oregon. During the weekend of the reported illnesses (Friday, July 11–Sunday, July 13) approximately 15,400 persons visited the park. The investigation identified 65 probable and five laboratory-confirmed cases of norovirus infection (70 total cases). No hospitalizations or deaths were reported. Analyses from a retrospective cohort study revealed that swimming at Blue Lake during July 12–13 was significantly associated with illness during July 13–14 (adjusted relative risk = 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1–64.9). Persons who swam were more than twice as likely to become ill compared with those who did not swim in the lake. To control the outbreak, Blue Lake was closed for 10 days to prevent further illness. This investigation underscores the need for guidance for determining when to reopen untreated recreational water venues (e.g., lakes) associated with outbreaks, and communication tools to inform the public about the risks associated with swimming in untreated recreational water venues and measures that can prevent illness.

Foodborne Illness Outbreak at Philly Restaurant Sickens Dozens of ....Lawyers

A Philly restaurant is being linked to dozens of illness that occurred during a banquet for law students.  The City of Philadelphia has not released much information.  The report indicated the illness was due to a Norovirus infection, which would mean that it was a personal hygiene issue, specifically an employee related issue, probably one was ill. On the other side, it could have been one of the attendees or another patron who may have contaminated a food bar.  (The symptoms and duration appeared to be more similar to Salmonella).

The City of Philadelphia recently had another issue with a restaurant that continued to operate even though it had a leaking sewer line.


Philly.com
http://www.philly.com/philly/health/special_reports/clean-lates/20150327_Dozens_sickened_at_banquet.html#MFD0yCxQSVvttJi1.99

Dozens sickened at banquet, but city can say little
It is one of Philadelphia's largest outbreaks, but officials are allowed to say little.

Sam Wood, Philly.com
Posted: Friday, March 27, 2015, 5:00 AM

In one of the largest outbreaks of suspected foodborne illness in Philadelphia, nearly 100 lawyers and law students were sickened last month after attending a banquet celebrating the Lunar New Year in Chinatown.

But even though the restaurant has a history of food-safety problems stretching back several years, the city Health Department says it cannot publicly discuss details of its investigation, citing a 1955 state law.

That law hasn't silenced the outbreak's victims.

About 250 people attended the feast Feb. 27 at Joy Tsin Lau, the venerable dim sum restaurant at 10th and Race Streets. Dozens of the diners reported that they felt the first symptoms two mornings later.

A Kansas Meals-on-Wheels Operation Involved in Norovirus Outbreak.

A report concluded that a Meals-on-Wheels operation in Kansas was responsible for at least 61 illnesses, although the exact source was not identified.

So someone working for the operation, whether a food preparation person or a delivery person, or even an upstream provider, had to have the illness or had been exposed to someone with the virus.

The clientele served by Meals-on-Wheels would be classified as high risk, so procedures must be in place to prevent employees or volunteers from working when sick, or have exposed to someone who is sick.

Chanute.com
http://www.chanute.com/news/article_86b43810-cdc3-11e4-a460-7f7fd0d80954.html?mode=jqm
Investigative report released in January norovirus outbreakPosted 14 hours ago

JOSHUA VAIL
Tribune reporter

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Division of Public Health has released its investigative report on the January norovirus outbreak associated with Meals on Wheels.

The investigation concluded that the most likely source of the infection was the Meals on Wheels kitchen in Chanute, but enough data to pinpoint a more specific source could not be obtained.