Tyson recalls mechanically seperated chicken meat due to the potential for Salmonella

Tyson Foods is recalling 33.840 pounds of mechanically separated chicken products due to the potential for contamination by Salmonella Heidelberg. This is institutional use product – 10 lb. chubs / 40 lb. cases.

The issue was discovered after seven inmates in a Tennessee correctional facility become ill with two requiring hospitalization.

Mechanically separated meat (MSM) is meat that is recovered from the bone through the use of a machine that presses the carcass against a screen or sieve, allowing the meat to be separated from the bone. The recovered meat has the appearance of a paste. This product can be reformed to make items such as chicken nuggets, or added to make chicken sausage or hot dog products.

Being a raw meat product, it has the potential to carry pathogens that are inherently present on the poultry including Salmonella and Campylobacter. USDA testing indicates that the level of Salmonella and Campylobacter tend to be high in this product type, mostly due to increased handling.

It is a low cost protein product…think sustainability or increased utilization.  It is easy to see why this cheaper source of meat product is utilized by the correctional facilities, but now will there need to be consideration for pre-cooking or irradiating this product?


USDA News Release
Missouri Firm Recalls Mechanically Separated Chicken Products Due To Possible Salmonella Heidelberg Contamination
Class I Recall 001-2014
Health Risk: High Jan 10, 2014

Congressional and Public Affairs
Felicia Thompson
(202) 720-9113
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2014/recall-001-2014-release


WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2014 – Tyson Foods, Inc. a Sedalia, Mo., establishment, is recalling approximately 33,840 pounds of mechanically separated chicken products that may be contaminated with a Salmonella Heidelberg strain, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The mechanically separated chicken products were produced on Oct. 11, 2013. The following products are subject to recall:

40-lb. cases, containing four, 10-lb. chubs of “TYSON MECHANICALLY SEPARATED CHICKEN.” 

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “P-13556” inside the USDA mark of inspection with case code 2843SDL1412 – 18. These products were shipped for institutional use only, nationwide. The product is not available for consumer purchase in retail stores.

FSIS was notified of a Salmonella Heidelberg cluster of illnesses on Dec. 12, 2013. Working in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), FSIS determined that there is a link between the mechanically separated chicken products from Tyson Foods and the illness cluster in a Tennessee correctional facility. Based on epidemiological and traceback investigations, seven case-patients at the facility have been identified with illnesses, with two resulting in hospitalization. Illness onset dates range from Nov. 29, 2013 to Dec. 5, 2013. FSIS continues to work with TDH on this investigation and will provide updated information as it becomes available.    

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. 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.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume poultry products that has been cooked to a temperature of 165 °F. The only way to confirm that poultry products are cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, http://1.usa.gov/1cDxcDQ.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Tyson Foods’ consumer relations department at 866-886-8456. Media with questions should contact Worth Sparkman, Tyson Foods’ public relations manager, at 479-290-6358.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

MMWR on 2010 Salmonella Outbreak from Pulled Portk at Church Fesitval

This week in MMWR, there is a report on the 2010 Salmonella outbreak from consumption of pulled pork with coleslaw from a church festival in Ohio. 64 people became ill….most reporting diarrhea, cramps, fever and headache. The median duration of illness was 5 days. 

While they could not identify how the food became contaminated, the producer of the pulled pork did prepare it in a private home. The pork was said to be cooked to a temperature of 180F.

So if you had to guess….did cross contamination occur in the home kitchen as larger amounts of food were being moved about in a small space? Or was the temperature of 180F actually reached? Was the temperature even checked?



Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
Weekly
January 3, 2014 / 62(51);1045-1047
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6251a2.htm?s_cid=mm6251a2_e


Outbreak of Salmonellosis Associated with Consumption of Pulled Pork at a Church Festival — Hamilton County, Ohio, 2010


On June 18, 2010, Hamilton County Public Health (HCPH), a local health department in Ohio, began receiving reports of gastrointestinal illness from persons who attended a church festival held during June 11–13 in a suburban community of Hamilton County. HCPH investigated and confirmed the existence of a foodborne outbreak associated with consumption of pulled pork prepared in a private home and sold at the church festival. Sixty-four attendees with gastroenteritis were identified. Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (Salmonella Typhimurium) was found in stool specimens from three patients; no other pathogen was found. Because the outbreak was identified after the church festival had concluded, the environmental investigation was limited to interviews of food handlers. The primary public health interventions consisted of 1) active surveillance for additional cases of salmonellosis associated with the festival, 2) consultation with the festival organizers and food vendors to ensure the pork product was not resold or consumed elsewhere, 3) education of the festival organizers and food vendors about relevant public health regulations and food safety practices, 4) traceback of the implicated product to the retailer in Indiana, and 5) notification of the Indiana State Department of Health. The results of the investigation call attention to the public health implications of unregulated food service at events such as church festivals, which generally are exempt from public health inspection and licensure in Ohio. Food sold in such environments might place populations at risk for foodborne illness.

Sunland Foods, producer of contaminated peanut butter, goes out of business

Sunland Foods, the NM producer of organic peanut butter that was responsible for 42 cases of Salmonella in 20 states, closed its doors and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The financial costs of the peanut butter recall in conjunction with an FDA mandated shutdown (as part of FDA’s new powers granted them by FSMA) . The shutdown came after an FDA investigation that had some very troubling findings.

The recall began in September of 2012 when Trader Joe’s peanut butter was linked to a number of salmonellosis cases. While the company began some operations in January, 2013, it was not allowed to resume production of ready-to-eat items until May of 2013.
The insurance carrier for Sunland, is suing Sunland to get out its obligation for covering lawsuits that resulted from the contamination event.

 

Las Vegas Sun
NM peanut butter plant closes, files for Chapter 7
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/oct/13/us-peanut-butter-plant-bankruptcy/
The Associated Press
Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013 | 12:05 a.m.

An eastern New Mexico peanut butter plant involved in a nationwide salmonella outbreak last year has closed its doors and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Update on Cyclospora outbreak in produce

In August, CDC had reported a Cyclospora outbreak in the US that affected over 600 and indicated that it was actually two different cases, one centered in Iowa and Nebraska, and the other centered in Texas. (http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2013/08/as-of-august-26th-cdc-is-reporting-that.html). The CDC has updated their information regarding the second case. While the outbreak in Iowa and Nebraska was linked to contaminated bagged lettuce produced by the Mexican subsidiary of Taylor Farms, the second case is being linked to Mexican cilantro, but no company has been identified at this point. In all, there were approximately 643 illnesses in 25 states.

 

CDC Outbreak Update

Investigation of an Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis in the United States

Highlights

 

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-celled parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis.

Cyclospora cases now over 600, Texas cases not linked to Taylor bagged salad

As of August 26th, CDC is reporting that there are 610 cases of Cyclospora infection in 22 states. While many of the illnesses in IA and NB were linked to bagged salad mix produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico, CDC indicates that a number of cases in Texas are unrelated to the cases in IA and NB, but rather originated with people eating at the same restaurant..

CDC is investigating the Texas cases as well as the cases seen in other states to see how any of them might be related and what might be the source (CDC release below).

The Taylor Farms facility in Mexico that was linked to the IA and NB cases has resumed production after undergoing an extensive FDA audit. (story and link below).


CDC News
Investigation of an Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis in the United Stateshttp://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/investigation-2013.html

LAST UPDATED AUGUST 26, 2013 7:00 PM EDT
Case counts are updated Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
On June 28, 2013, CDC was notified of 2 laboratory-confirmed cases of Cyclospora infection in Iowa residents who had become ill in June and did not have a history of international travel during the 14 days before the onset of illness. Since that date, CDC has been collaborating with public health officials in multiple states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an outbreak of cyclosporiasis.

Highlights
Read the Advice to Consumers
Read the Guidance for Laboratories
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-celled parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis.
As of August 23, 2013 (5pm EDT), CDC has been notified of 610 ill persons with Cyclospora infection from 22 states: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York (including New York City), Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Most of the illness onset dates have ranged from mid-June through mid-July.
Among 581 ill persons with available information, 43 (7%) have reported being hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Public health officials in Iowa and Nebraska performed investigations within their states and concluded that restaurant-associated cases of Cyclospora infection in their states were linked to a salad mix produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico.
On August 12, 2013, Taylor Farms de Mexico informed FDA that the company had voluntarily suspended production and shipment of any salad mix, leafy green, or salad mix components from its operations in Mexico to the United States.
On August 25, 2013, Taylor Farms de Mexico, with FDA concurrence , resumed production and shipment of salad mix, leafy greens, and salad mix components to the United States.
Currently, CDC is collaborating with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services and local public health departments to investigate cases of cyclosporiasis reported among people in Texas.
The preliminary analysis of results from an investigation into a cluster of cases that ate at a Texas restaurant does not show a connection to Taylor Farms de Mexico. This investigation is ongoing.
Although the investigation of cases continues, available evidence suggests that not all of the cases of cyclosporiasis in the various states are directly related to each other.

Cyclospora outbreak in salad linked to Mexican farm

The cyclospora outbreak has been linked to foodservice bagged salad served at Olive Garden and Red Lobster. The source of the salad was a Mexican farm. The farm, run as a subsidiary of the US produce company Taylor Farms, was said to be a state-of-the-art facility with an exception food safety record. It had been recently inspected by FDA in 2011 and they found no notable issues.

To date, over 400 individuals in 16 states have become ill from salad contaminated with cyclospora. Taylor Farms reports that none of the salad is still on the market.

 

FDA Links Bagged Salad Mix Stomach Bug In 2 States To Mexican Farm
By MARY CLARE JALONICK 08/02/13 11:16 PM ET EDT
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/02/cyclospora-stomach-bug-mexican-farm-fda_n_3698075.html


WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration says an outbreak of stomach illnesses in Iowa and Nebraska is linked to salad mix served at local Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants and supplied by a Mexican farm.

The outbreak of cyclospora infections has sickened more than 400 people in 16 states in all. The agency says it is still working to determine whether the salad mix is the source of illnesses in the other 14 states.

Industry Guidelines for Handling Foodborne Illness Investigation

CIFOR (The Council to Improve Foodborne Outbreak Response) released guidelines for industry to follow in the event of a foodborne illness outbreak investigation. This is very nice resource that warrants a review by every food company.  It provides a thorough review of the steps that occur when there is a foodborne illness that may be associated with an establishment.

The 78 page document lists procedures as well as forms that should be incorporated into a company’s crisis management plan. It details the roles of government and the food establishment in the event of a food emergency.

It was developed through a collaboration of food industry professionals and government authorities including FDA, USDA, and CDC.

Food industry owners or managers, need to print, review, and implement this document as part of the crisis management planning. Then keep it along with the required documentation as part of the company’s proactive action plan in the unfortunate event of the establishment may be involved in food illness outbreak. 

Print it today! 

CIFOR Industry Guidelines

 

HHS News Release 7/30/13

HHS, USDA and the food industry welcome new guidelines promoting industry

Guidelines provide tools for companies aiding government outbreak responders

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2013pres/07/20130730b.html

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today commended the Council to Improve Foodborne Outbreak Response (CIFOR) for the new CIFOR Foodborne Illness Response Guidelines for Owners, Operators and Managers of Food Establishments.

155 ill from Hepatitis A in pomegranate used in frozen berry mix

The CDC reports that 155 people in 9 states have become ill from hepatitis A after eating frozen mixed berries with 67 people that had been hospitalized. The source of the Hepatitis A was the pomegranate seeds which were imported from Turkey. 

The outbreak was first reported at the end of May, with cases beginning in April and extending into July. The reason is that symptoms do not occur for 2 to 6 weeks after exposure, and then those symptoms can last 2 to 6 months. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, and of course, jaundice . Although most people recover, it can cause liver failure in more susceptible individuals (elderly, people with liver disease) .

The organic frozen berry mix was sold by an Oregon company, Townsend Farms, and distributed through Costco. The blend is produced using fresh fruit and then is bought and used fresh by customers to make smoothies and other fruit drinks. So if Hepatitis A is present on the incoming ingredients, it will not be eliminated by processing (viruses will easily survive freezing), and then end up in product the consumer eats. With the long delay in seeing symptoms, it is easy to see why so many may have become infected.

The strain of Hepatitis A is found primarily in North Africa and the Middle East, and one of the ingredients, pomegranate seeds, is said to come from Turkey.

Food safety is important for ingredients used in products that will be used in RTE (ready-to-eat) applications, This is especially difficult when those ingredients are purchased in international markets. If this company lives up to the promise posted on their website, they should have no problems working back to the source of the issue. Unfortunately, this is not the first time berries have been involved in outbreaks. Earlier this year, there was an outbreak in Europe (71) and another in Canada (8). The Canadian product contained pomegranate. So at this point, if a company is using pomegranate, it may be good to stop using it until the safety can be verified. As a consumer, I would forgo my pomegranate-containing smoothie.



Multistate outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections linked to pomegranate seeds from Turkey
Posted July 30, 2013 9:15 AM ET
http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/Outbreaks/2013/A1b-03-31/


CDC is collaborating with public health officials in several states and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections. Results from the ongoing investigation are highlighted below.

Epidemiologic Investigation:

· As of July 29, 2013, 155 people have been confirmed to have become ill from hepatitis A after eating ‘Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend’ in 9 states: Arizona (23), California (76), Colorado (27), Hawaii (8), New Hampshire (1), New Mexico (9), Nevada (6), Utah (3), and Wisconsin (2). [Note: The cases reported from Wisconsin resulted from exposure to the product in California, and the cases reported from New Hampshire reported fruit exposure during travel to Nevada.]

o 86 (55%) ill people are women
o Ages range from 1 – 84 years;
  -  87 (56%) of those ill were between 40 – 64 years of age.
  -  11 children age 18 or under were also ill. None were previously vaccinated.
o Illness onset dates range from 3/31/2013 – 7/14/2013
o 67 (43%) ill people (all over 18 years of age) have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported
o All ill people who reported eating this product purchased it from Costco markets; however, the product was also sold at Harris Teeter stores. No ill people have been identified that bought the product at Harris Teeter at this time.
 o CDC continues to track hepatitis A cases in all states and test specimens in order to determine if any other cases are related to this outbreak.

Cyclospora outbreak linked to bagged salad

The cyclospora outbreak centered in Iowa has been linked to bagged spinach. The brand has not yet been identified. At this point, there is a reported 378 cases in 15 states.

 Cyclospora is a parasite, most often seen in tropical and subtropical regions, results in watery diarrhea, stomach pain, etc (http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2013/07/cyclospora-outbreak-in-ia-and-ne-may-be.html ). If one had to guess, cyclospora oocysts would have contaminated the produce in the field probably from contaminated irrigation water and then it would be unlikely that washing would be sufficient to destroy the oocysts, perhaps even spreading it to more more product and thus more bags in the washing system. Although it could also be that the wash water used was contaminated. Hopefully the investigation will provide that information.

CDC has a listing of organisms and their inactivation by chlorine. (Bottom of this and http://www.cdc.gov/safewater/effectiveness-on-pathogens.html. ) As can be seen, parasites are much more resistant, especially cyclospora (listed in the footnote on the CDC table).

At this point, they have not yet released the information surrounding the brand name. This is interesting in that they know the product is no longer on the shelf. As a consumer, I would be interested in knowing that information so that I could avoid that brand, and then would also have more confidence in buying other brands. Therefore, I think delaying the release of this information, it has the potential to negatively impact sales of other brands of bagged salad.


Salad Mix Behind Food Poisoning Outbreak, Health Officials Say 
By GRANT SCHULTE and MARY CLARE JALONICK 07/30/13 08:02 PM ET EDT  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/30/salad-mix-food-poisoning_n_3679072.html

 LINCOLN, Neb. — Health officials in Iowa and Nebraska on Tuesday identified prepackaged salad mix as the source of a severe stomach bug that sickened hundreds of people in both states, but federal authorities said it's not clear whether cyclospora outbreaks elsewhere in the U.S. are also linked to that produce.

Cyclospora is a rare parasite that causes a lengthy gastrointestinal illness, and outbreaks of the illness have been reported in 15 states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday that it's not clear whether all of the illnesses are linked to a single source. The outbreak has sickened at least 145 residents in Iowa and 78 in Nebraska.

Cyclospora outbreak In IA and NE may be due to contaminated vegetables

Approximately 100 people have become ill from Cyclospora in Iowa and Nebraska.  Fresh vegetables are considered the likely source.

Cyclospora is a single cell parasite that infects the intestinal tract when oocysts are ingested.  According to the CDC website (http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/gen_info/faqs.html), the symptoms are watery diarrhea (sometimes  explosive), loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach pain and bloating, increased gas and nausea.  If not treated, symptoms can last several days to over a month.  Patients will often have one or more relapses.  For immunocompromised individuals, symptoms can last much longer.

 


This parasite is more common in tropical and subtropical areas, but has been involved in outbreaks in the US, primarily through contaminated produce.  The last large outbreak was in 1996, when more than 850 become ill from eating contaminated raspberries.





Officials say vegetables likely cause of cyclospora outbreak -

See more at: http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/Officials-think-fresh-veggies-likely-cause-of-cyclospora-outbreak-215584211.html#sthash.tkfOmaJX.dpuf
The Packer
07/15/2013 04:42:00 PMCoral Beach   

With more than 100 people in at least two states confirmed to have infections from the cyclospora parasite, public health officials investigating the outbreak suspect the culprit is some kind of fresh vegetable.

We are pretty sure it’s not fruit but a vegetable,” said Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, head epidemiologist and medical director for the Iowa Department of Health. “We are trying to correlate what the common source might be.”

Berry Mix Containing Pomegranate and Hepatitis A

Update - 6/7/13
There are now 79 cases of Hepatitis A linked to the organic frozen berrry and pomegranante mix.

From CDC

As of June 7, 2013, 79 people with acute hepatitis A infections that may be linked with consumption of a contaminated product have been reported by eight states: Arizona, California Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington. These numbers are expected to change as the investigation continues. 

 

Based on epidemiologic investigation of 55 cases:

• 35 (64%) ill people are women
• Ages range from 2 – 84 years
• Illness onset dates range from 3/16/2013 – 6/1/2013
• 30 (55%) ill people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported
• 40 (73%) of 55 ill people interviewed reported eating “Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend” frozen berry and pomegranate mix
• 40 persons reported purchasing this product from Costco markets; however,the product was also sold at Harris Teeter stores. No cases have been identified that bought the product at Harris Teeter at this time.

6/3/13
There have been approximately 30 people show have contracted Hepatitis A from an organic frozen berry mix sold by an Oregon company through Costco. 

The blend is produced from fresh fruit and is often used fresh by customers to make smoothies and other fruit drinks. Therefore, if Hepatitis A is present on the incoming ingredients, it will not be eliminated by processing (viruses will easily survive freezing), and then end up in product the consumer eats. It can take as long as 60 days before someone sees the symptoms.

The strain of Hepatitis A is found primarily in North Africa and the Middle East, and one of the ingredients, pomegranate seeds, is said to come from Turkey.

On the company’s website for Townsend Farms (http://www.townsendfarms.com/farms), this is what they have to say about their sourcing:

In addition to our beautiful acreage in the Columbia Gorge, Townsend Farms works with other family farms up and down the I-5 corridor, across the United States, and around the world. The Townsend family personally selects the farms we work with based on shared vision and goals, high standards of quality, a commitment to Good Agricultural Practices (G.A.P.) and sustainable farming methods.

 

Our globally-situated source farms are utilized to provide the freshest produce available no matter the growing season in the Pacific NW, enabling us to provide the best product possible year-round. Under the Townsend Farms umbrella, you can expect the same quality as the produce from our original farm. We confidently provide each source farm on every package of berries, frozen or fresh, private label or our own.

 Food safety is important for ingredients used in products that will be used in RTE (ready-to-eat) applications, This is especially difficult when those ingredients are purchased in international markets. If this company lives up to the promise posted on their website, they should have no problems working back to the source of the issue. Unfortunately, this is not the first time berries have been involved in outbreaks. Earlier this year, there was an outbreak in Europe (71) and another in Canada (8). The Canadian product contained pomegranate. So at this point, if a company is using pomegranate, it may be good to stop using it until the safety can be verified. As a consumer, I would forgo my pomegranate-containing smoothie.




Hepatitis A Outbreak Linked To Oregon Berry Farm

By MARY CLARE JALONICK 05/31/13 09:36 PM ET EDT  AP


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/01/hepatitis-a-outbreak_n_3373103.html


WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration is investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A linked to a frozen organic berry mix sold by an Oregon company.

The FDA and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that 30 illnesses are linked to Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend, which contains pomegranate seed mix. Illnesses were reported in Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona and California.
 
Several of those who fell ill reported buying the berry mix at Costco, according to CDC. A Costco spokesman said Friday that the company has removed the product from stores and is attempting to contact members who purchased the product in recent months.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can last from a few weeks to a several months. People often contract it when an infected food handler prepares food without appropriate hand hygiene. Food already contaminated with the virus can also cause outbreaks.

Frozen Meals Recalled Due to Link to E.coli Outbreak

UPDATE May 31, 2013

CDC issused the final update on this outbreak.

http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2013/O121-03-13/

A total of 35 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 (STEC O121) were reported from 19 states.

• 82% of ill persons were 21 years of age or younger.
• 31% of ill persons were hospitalized. Two ill persons developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths were reported.

UPDATE April 4, 2013

Rich Foods expanded the recall of various heat treated, not fully cooked frozen food items.  The recall will encompass what appears to be 10 months of production.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_025_2013_Expanded/index.asp

Rich Foods is recalling close to 200,000 lbs of frozen chicken quesadilla and other frozen products due to a potential link to an outbreak of E.coli O121. In this outbreak, at least 24 people in 15 states have become ill. Product did test positive for the strain, per NY Department of Health.  According to CDC, 78% of those ill are 21 years old or less.  33% are hospitalized, and 1 has HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome).

This product does have validated cooking instructions (bottom of page), so this product would not be considered a fully cooked product. However the company is recalling product.

The responsible E. coli strain, O121, produces a shiga toxin like the O157:H7 strain that is associated with ground meat, so infection with this organism can result in bloody diarrhea as well as kidney damage.

USDA Recall Notice
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_025_2013_Release/index.asp

New York Firm Recalls Frozen Mini Quesadilla, Pizza, Cheese Steak and Other Snack Products Due To Possible E. Coli O121 Contamination 
Recall Release

CLASS I RECALL


FSIS-RC-025-2013

HEALTH RISK: HIGH


WASHINGTON, March 28, 2013 – Rich Products Corporation, a Buffalo, NY firm, is recalling approximately 196,222 pounds of frozen chicken quesadilla and various other heat treated, not fully cooked frozen mini meals and snack items because they may be contaminated with E. coli O121, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The following products are subject to FSIS recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]

Norovirus 2013 - Sydney Strain

Jeff Mullhollem, Penn State Live 2/1/13
http://live.psu.edu/story/64019
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A new strain of norovirus, known as GII.4 Sydney 2012, is making the rounds this winter, causing a significant number of acute outbreaks. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it has become the dominant strain, causing more than 140 reported outbreaks in the United States so far this year.

People should try to limit their exposure to norovirus and try to minimize its spread, advised an expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.
"There are some important reasons that lead to so many people becoming ill from norovirus," said Martin Bucknavage, extension food safety specialist.

"One is this virus's low infectious dose. It is estimated that it may take less than 20 viral particles to make someone ill. Then, there is the ability of the virus to survive on dry surfaces for two weeks or more and in water for months."

The virus can be spread in contaminated food or water, from contaminated surfaces, directly from a sick person or from the intake of aerosolized droplets of vomitus. Norovirus is not related to the flu (or influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by a different virus, and flu shots do not protect against it.

The main symptom of norovirus infection is another factor in its spread -- acute-onset vomiting.

"This prevents people from becoming sick in a secure location," Bucknavage said. "Rather, rapid onset can occur at a dinner table, in a meeting or on the bus. People usually become ill within 12 to 24 hours of exposure, although longer incubation periods do occur."

Once someone is sick, they can experience symptoms for 24 to 72 hours and can remain contagious for up to three days, Bucknavage noted.

"Because of this short incubation time, low infectious dose and ease of spread, one can see why it spreads through a school or a cruise ship so quickly," he said. "While rarely fatal, people who become ill need to be sure to consume liquids so they don't become dehydrated."

The key to preventing infection is frequent, but correct, hand washing -- scrubbing hands with soap and warm water. In addition, it is important for people to stay home when ill, especially when they may have been exposed to someone who has had the illness.

"They also should stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided," Bucknavage said. "Contaminated surfaces must be cleaned using a strong chlorine bleach solution, one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Cooking also will destroy the organism."

To learn more about norovirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus.htm.

 

Salmonella from Hedgehogs and Other Pets

The poor hedgehog took a beating from the media as the poor critter was linked to 20 cases of Salmonellosis.
Hedgehog - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6204a3.htm?s_cid=mm6204a3_w

 Hedgehogs are not the only pets that have been responsible for outbreaks. Many reptiles and amphibians have had past history of being a source of salmonella outbreaks.
Reptiles and amphibians - http://www.cdc.gov/Features/SalmonellaFrogTurtle/

 Turtles have caused a number of Salmonella outbreaks over time including last year.
Turtles - http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/small-turtles-03-12/

Along with turtles, we have frogs, lizards, and snakes.
Frogs - http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/water-frogs-0411/
Lizards - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00017445.htm
Snakes - http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/12/2/pdfs/05-0692.pdf

Birds are another group of animals that also get flagged for causing Salmonella outbreaks. Both chicks and ducklings that are given as pets top the list.
Chicks - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00046940.htm
Ducklings - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00016299.htm

But there is also a link with the exotic birds, such as parrots and macaws. (My Dad had a macaw and that was one messy bird with regard to its watery poop).
Exotic birds - http://vdi.sagepub.com/content/7/2/270.full.pdf

Even feeding birds has its risk. Bird seed has been recalled because of Salmonella contamination.
Bird seed - http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm325609.htm

And of course, wild birds can carry Salmonella. This is why it is important to maintain clean bird feeders.
Wild birds (including songbirds) - http://vetmed.tamu.edu/common/docs/public/schubot/SalmonellosisinWildBirds.pdf.
http://www.wildcarebayarea.org/site/PageServer?pagename=TakeAction_Salmonella_Outbreak

Pet rodents have been a issue, but in most cases, the animal will be ill from the Salmonella infection. That is, they are not as good as carriers when compared to reptiles.
Rodent pets such as guinea pigs - http://www.webmd.com/news/20050505/cdc-pet-rodents-can-carry-salmonella

Dogs and cats are generally not an issue unless it comes via their food.
Pet food - http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dog-food-05-12/vet-info.html
http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/other_diseases/salmonellosis.jsp
Regular pets - http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/salmonella_pets.html

Petting zoos have a history of causing illness via cross contamination of Salmonella and STEC E. coli.
Petting zoos - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5450a1.htm

Handwashing is among one of the many control steps for petting zoos.
Preventing disease in animal settings - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6004.pdf

Finally, we have this from CDC on reducing risk of Salmonella from animals.
Pets - http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/salmonellosis.htm

CDC Releases Report on Commodities Responsible for Foodborne Illness

The CDC released a study that attributes foodborne illness to food commodities. "CDC developed a comprehensive set of estimates using data from more than a decade of foodborne disease outbreaks and previously published estimates on how many illnesses can be attributed to each food category." Of course, every news outlet has issued a relase listing a highlight or two from this CDC report.
With any report of this nature, there is a lot of extrapolation. One of the biggest is the fact that many foods involved in outbreaks were classified as complex foods - foods with more than one commodity involved. And the number of reported illnesses is small considering it is over a ten year period (270,000 illnesses compared to an estimated 460,000,000 cases that would have estimated to occur 46 million X 10 years OR less than 1%).
And it cannot be overlooked that the data is now 5 years old.
There is some information we can glean from the report. Produce and meat/poultry are important commodities when it comes to foodborne illness. Norovirus is the leading cause of illness, Some excerpts are listed below. Beyond that, it makes for press releases keeping food safety in the news.

For full report: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/19/3/11-1866_article.htm

 

Attribution of Foodborne Illnesses, Hospitalizations, and Deaths to Food Commodities by using Outbreak Data, United States, 1998–2008

Painter JA, Hoekstra RM, Ayers T, Tauxe RV, Braden CR, Angulo FJ, et al. Attribution of foodborne illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths to food commodities by using outbreak data, United States, 1998–2008. Emerg Infect Dis [Internet]. 2013 Mar [date cited]. http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid1903.111866

• During 1998–2008, a total of 13,352 foodborne disease outbreaks, causing 271,974 illnesses, were reported in the United States (Technical Appendix 1 Table 1 [PDF - 723 KB - 8 pages]). Of those outbreaks, 4,887 (37%), causing 128,269 (47%) illnesses, had an implicated food vehicle and a single etiology; 300 of those outbreaks were excluded because information about the vehicle was insufficient to categorize the ingredients. We also did not include the 3% of outbreaks that had multiple etiologies reported.
• Norovirus caused the most outbreaks (1,419) and outbreak-associated illnesses (41,257), far above the median for all agents (29 outbreaks, 1,208 illnesses).
• Produce commodities (fruits-nuts and the 5 vegetable commodities) accounted for 46% of illnesses; meat-poultry commodities (beef, game, pork, and poultry) accounted for 22%. Among the 17 commodities, more illnesses were associated with leafy vegetables (2.1 million [23%]) than any other commodity. The high estimate for illnesses attributable to leafy vegetables was many times higher than the low estimate (Figure 2, panel A), which indicates that leafy vegetables were frequently found in complex foods. After leafy vegetables, the commodities linked to the most illnesses were dairy (1.3 million [14%]), fruits-nuts (1.2 million [12%]), and poultry (900,000 [10%]). Norovirus comprised 57% of all illnesses.
• Most bacterial illnesses were attributed to dairy (18%), poultry (18%), and beef (13%) commodities (Table 1). Most chemical illnesses were attributed to fish (60%, most caused by the marine biotoxin ciguatoxin).
• Most viral illnesses were attributed to leafy vegetables (35%), fruits-nuts (15%), and dairy (12%). Of the 20 outbreaks associated with simple foods and caused by norovirus transmitted by dairy, 14 (70%) were transmitted by cheese products.

FDA Investigation Report on Sunland Foods - Findings Very Troubling

FDA released the findings from the Sunland Food investigation.  This investigation was conducted after Trader Joe's peanut butter, which was made by Sunland, was linked to 41 cases of Salmonella in 20 states.
The findings are very troubling. (Each numbered bullet point references a spot in the report).

1. Company shipped product after their own testing found it to contain Salmonella.  Occurance in 11 lots.
2. Five lots tested and found to be negative by company were actually positive when tested by FDA.
3. 28 environmental samples were found to be positive for Salmonella.
4. The FDA tested and found shelled peanuts contaminated which resulted in Sunland expanding the recall to that product line.
5. Poor employee practice including the lack of hand washing.
6. No records for the documentation of cleaning processing equipment.
7. Reuse of sacks for both raw and finished product without cleaning.
8. Poor plant drainage systems that prohibited good cleaning.
9. Storage of raw peanuts allowed for cross contamination (birds were flying into the uncovered trailers.  Storage conditions also allowed for moisture and pest entry).

FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney Infections Linked to Peanut Butter made by Sunland Inc.

Posted November 21, 2012
http://www.fda.gov/food/foodsafety/corenetwork/ucm320413.htm

Updates

November 14, 2012 - FDA posts observations from recent inspection at Sunland Inc.  
The FDA has made the observations from its recent inspection of Sunland ^Inc.1 publicly available.  This inspection was conducted between September 17 and October 16, 2012, and became part of the investigation of the Salmonella Bredeney outbreak linked to peanut butter made by Sunland Inc.
During this inspection investigators found that conditions in the company’s facility, the company’s manufacturing processes, and the company’s testing program for Salmonella may have allowed peanut butter that contained Salmonella to be distributed by the company.

[1] The FDA found that between June of 2009 and August of 2012, Sunland Inc. had distributed, or cleared for distribution, portions of 11 lots, or daily production runs,  of peanut or almond butter after its own testing program identified the presence of at least one of nine different Salmonella types (Arapahoe, Bredeney, Cerro, Dallgow, Kubacha, Mbandaka, Meleagridis, Newport, and Teddington) in those lots.  Two of these lots showed the presence of the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bredeney.

[2] Equally important, five product samples collected and analyzed by FDA from Sunland Inc. showed the presence of Salmonella, but had not been identified as containing Salmonella by Sunland Inc.’s internal testing.  Among those products were peanut butter and shelled raw peanuts.  Two of these samples showed the presence of the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bredeney.

Wegmans spinanch salad mix and Bolthouse sliced carrots recalled

There are two produce related recalls.

 - Wegman’s is recalling it Organic Spinach and Spring Mix Blend after it was linked to now 19 cases of E. coli O157:H7 cases in New York. The product was co-packed for Wegman’s by Massachusetts based Spring Garden. The product was sold between Oct 14th and Nov 1st.

 - Bolthouse Foods of Bakersfield CA is recalling carrot chips. A sample of the carrot chips were tested by NC Health and found to be positive for Salmonella. There have been no reported illnesses. Product was co-packed for store brands including Safeway Farms and Supervalu’s Farm Stand.


Three more E. coli cases added to outbreak
Wegmans recalled spinach and spring mixes due to outbreak

Democrat and Chronicle.com 10:05 PM, Nov 5, 2012http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20121105/NEWS01/311050058

Three additional cases of E. coli have been linked to organic spinach and spring mix blends sold by Wegmans Food Markets.

Problems at NECC facility that led to meningitis outbreak

This is not food related, but the issues seen at this facility that made the contaminated epidurals that led to the fungal meningitis outbreak provide lessons in product and environmental control.

 · Firm shipped product before receiving sterility results (results were negative however).

· Firm didn't follow established standards for autoclaving and didn't keep products in the autoclave for the minimum 20 minutes needed to ensure sterility

· Firm didn't thoroughly clean powder hoods used to protect pharmacists while they prepare compounded substances. Investigators observed residual powder within the hood, which could lead to contamination of medications
· Mats designed to trap dirt and other contaminants were visibly soiled, and a leaking boiler next to the clean room caused water to pool around it and adjacent walls, creating conditions that could support contaminant growth, according to the findings.

In the report below, Massachusetts Governor Patrick states that over the years, some pharmacies have evolved from neighborhood drug stores to large-scale manufacturers that sell products across state lines, and that regulations in Massachusetts and at the federal level have not kept pace with the changes. He said that he had directed the pharmacy board to start making unannounced inspections of compounding pharmacies that make sterile injectable medications and strengthen penalties for pharmacies that don't comply with rules.

Not sure I want my local pharmacy making medicine, especially ones that can be injected in me. Dispensing medicine is one thing, but making it, no thanks.  

We see this type of thing in food companies as well…the firm expands into a niche outside of their core competency and grow the business, but never become technically competent in that new business. They fail to spend the capital on the facility needed to meet the requirements of producing that product. Then, as more product is shipped, the inevitable production error occurs, impacting far too many.


Report airs problems at firm linked to fungal meningitis outbreak
Lisa Schnirring Staff Writer
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/other/news/oct2412fungal2-jw.html

Oct 24, 2012 (CIDRAP News) – Massachusetts officials yesterday said New England Compounding Center (NECC), the firm linked to a multistate fungal meningitis outbreak, sent shipments from two of the recalled lots before it received sterility testing results. 

Investigators also found black particulate matter in several unopened vials of the recalled methylprednisolone acetate, which was used in epidural injections for back pain and injections for peripheral joint problems, according to a report of preliminary investigation findings.

Federal officials have said that as many as 14,000 patients could have been exposed to the recalled injections.

Nine more infections have been reported in the outbreak, raising the number of infections to 317, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today in its latest update. One more death was reported, putting that total at 24, and the number of affected states held steady at 17. 

The CDC reported one more joint infection linked to the contaminated steroids, raising that number to five, and it said 54 cases have now been confirmed with lab tests. So far all but two of the infections involve Exserohilum rostratum, a type of black mold that hadn't previously been known to cause meningitis. 

In a press conference with reporters yesterday, Madeleine Biondolillo, MD, who directs the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality, said the investigation began on Sep 25 and involves collaboration with their colleagues at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since Oct 1. She said the investigation is ongoing and that authorities have obtained evidence, reviewed NECC's standard operating procedures, probed the company's records, and interviewed its employees.

NECC didn't label the medications for specific patients, a violation of Massachusetts licensing regulations for compounding pharmacies, Biondolillo said.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) investigation report, NECC's sterility tests on the shipments sent before results came in didn't show contamination. However, investigators said they were still exploring the adequacy of NECC's testing methods.

In addition, authorities found that the company didn't follow established standards for autoclaving and didn't keep products in the autoclave for the minimum 20 minutes needed to ensure sterility.

The report also says NECC didn't thoroughly clean powder hoods used to protect pharmacists while they prepare compounded substances. Investigators observed residual powder within the hood, which could lead to contamination of medications.

Mats designed to trap dirt and other contaminants were visibly soiled, and a leaking boiler next to the clean room caused water to pool around it and adjacent walls, creating conditions that could support contaminant growth, according to the findings.

At the media briefing, Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick said federal officials have launched a criminal investigation into NECC's actions and he announced more steps the state and its Board of Pharmacy have taken in response to the steroid contamination, including permanently revoking NECC's operating license and those of its three principal pharmacists.

"Those whose laboratory practices caused this outbreak should never practice pharmacy or manufacture in Massachusetts again," he said.

Patrick said that, over the years, some pharmacies have evolved from neighborhood drug stores to large-scale manufacturers that sell products across state lines, and that regulations in Massachusetts and at the federal level have not kept pace with the changes. He said that he had directed the pharmacy board to start making unannounced inspections of compounding pharmacies that make sterile injectable medications and strengthen penalties for pharmacies that don't comply with rules.

The state will now require compounding pharmacies in Massachusetts to submit annual production, volume, and distribution reports to make it easier for authorities to flag operations that are acting more like manufacturers, which require federal licensing and extra scrutiny, Patrick said. He added that the state will require compounding pharmacies to report interactions with federal regulators and will form a special commission to examine best practices in other states and what changes may be needed at the federal level.

Sunland Foods expands recall in light of Salmonella positive envrionmental samples

The peanut butter recall expanded again as Sunland Foods is recalling all products made in its manufacturing plant after March 1, 2010. The initial recall was started when peanut butter made for Trader Joe's was linked to a Salmonella outbreak. That outbreak includes 35 illnesses in 19 states.

The expanded recall includes close to 240 different products and encompasses 2 ½ years of production. The decision to expand the recall comes after investigators found Salmonella in the processing environment as well as in the product.  Impacted retailers now include Safeway, Target, and Whole Foods.

Why would the recall be expanded? After doing the sampling/testing of the processing environment, the FDA determined that the facility had a contamination issue in the facility as evidenced by the positive environmental samples. To push the recall so far back in time may be due to the fact there were inadequate controls in place to control Salmonella - including proper sanitation of the processing environment and environmental monitoring systems demonstrating control.

 As we know, Salmonella can exist for long periods of time in dry environments. If there is no evidence, or inadequate evidence, that the processing environment was properly cleaned over time and there was inadequate evidence that monitoring/testing was completed to verify that cleaning, they may have concluded that there is the potential risk of more products being contaminated over a longer period of time. A case of ‘how do you know?’. One can see the questions being asked during an investigation such as this – how do you know this contamination wasn’t here for a long time? How do you know that employees were properly cleaning? How do you know the right concentration of sanitizer was being applied? How do you know that the cleaning being done was actually controlling Salmonella? This is where record keeping and verification procedures are critical. A little paranoia also helps.

FDA records indicate that in 2010, an investigation found "objectionable conditions", but these were not significant enough to warrant action.

 Sunland, Inc. Announces Voluntary Expansion of Ongoing Recall To Include All Products Manufactured in its Peanut Butter Plant After March 1, 2010 Due to Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm322747.htm?source=govdelivery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 4, 2012 – Sunland, Inc. today announced a voluntary expansion of its ongoing recall of all products manufactured in its Peanut Butter Plant because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Specifically, the recall is being expanded to include all products manufactured in its Peanut Butter Plant after March 1, 2010.The scope of the initial recall covered one hundred one (101) products manufactured between May 1, 2012 and September 24, 2012. The expanded recall adds forty-nine (49) products that are currently within the manufacturer’s recommended shelf-life, that is, the “Best-If-Used-By” dates have not expired. The expanded recall also adds ninety (90) products consumers may still have in their homes which are older than the “Best-If-Used-By Date”. Distribution of many of the products being added to the recall was discontinued some time ago. The expanded recall covers all previously identified Peanut Butter, Almond Butter, Cashew Butter, and Tahini products as well as Roasted Blanched Peanut Products. New product categories being added to the list are several varieties of flavored butters and spreads, including Thai Ginger Butter, Chocolate Butter and Banana Butter.

The Company is voluntarily expanding the recall to cover all products manufactured in its Peanut Butter Plant since March 2010 because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient requires hospitalization. Older adults, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness from Salmonella infection.

Peanut Butter Recall Continues to Expand

The Sunland peanut butter recall that was linked to the Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Salmonella outbreak continues to expand. Sunland is recalling about 100 different products. This has also triggered other recalls where companies have used this product as an ingredient. To date, only the Trader Joe’s product has been linked to illnesses. From the FoodSafety.gov website – 

Sunland, Inc. today announced an expansion of its voluntary recall of its Almond Butter and Peanut Butter, to include its Cashew Butter, Tahini and Roasted Blanched Peanut Products. This recall is limited to products manufactured between May 1, 2012 and September 24, 2012.

While there has been no word as to the direct cause, we know that Salmonella has been a troublesome issue for nut based products. For one, Salmonella is much more heat resistant in dry products. While in moist products such as meat and bread, Salmonella can be eliminated with lower temperatures. In dry products such as nuts, temperatures in the 230F range are needed. So there have been issues with nut processors under-processing nuts resulting in Salmonella contaminated product. Another issue is that Salmonella can survive in dry environments for extended periods of time. So if Salmonella contaminates the process environment, it can remain there for months. Being around for a long time, Salmonella can then have extended opportunity to contaminate the product. Facilities can have a difficult time eliminating Salmonella contamination once it gains a foothold in a processing plant.

So why does this recall continue to expand?    If they can't decisively link the contamination to one lot of product, it will mean there is the possibility that more product may be contaminated.  So out of abundance of caution, companies will recall any products that were made in this facility, whether as an ingredient or as a finished product. This includes all products, both nut and seed based items. The latest recalls include peanut butter crackers and Crisp Mix.  (See Below)

If consumers have any of the recalled product, they should either dispose of the product or return to the store where they purchased it.


Peanut butter recall linked to salmonella illnesses now includes major retailers
By Associated Press, Updated: Monday, October 1, 11:57 AM Printed in Washington Post.comhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/peanut-butter-recall-linked-to-salmonella-illnesses-now-includes-major-retailers/2012/10/01/603224be-0bdc-11e2-97a7-45c05ef136b2_story.html

WASHINGTON — A New Mexico company has expanded its recall of peanut butter and almond butter to include cashew butters, tahini and blanched and roasted peanut products.

Sunland Inc. sells its nuts and nut butters to large groceries and other food distributors around the country. The company recalled products under multiple brand names after salmonella illnesses were linked Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter, one of the brands manufactured by Sunland.

The federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention says there are now 30 illnesses in 19 states that can be traced to the Trader Joe’s peanut butter. No other foods have been linked to the illnesses, but Sunland recalled other products manufactured on the same equipment as the Trader Joe’s product.

In addition to Trader Joe’s, the recall includes nut products sold at Whole Foods Market, Target, Fresh & Easy, Giant Food, Harry and David, Stop & Shop Supermarket Company and several other stores. Some of the stores used Sunland ingredients in items they prepared and packaged themselves.

Brand names recalled include Archer Farms, Earth Balance, Fresh & Easy, Late July, Heinen’s, Joseph’s, Natural Value, Naturally More, Open Nature, Peanut Power Butter, Serious Food, Snaclite Power, Sprouts Farmers Market, Sprout’s, Sunland and Dogsbutter, among others.

Sunland’s recall includes 101 products, and several retailers have issued additional recalls including items made with Sunland ingredients.

Those sickened reported becoming ill between June 11 and Sept. 11, according to the CDC. Almost two-thirds of those who became ill were children under the age of 10. No deaths have been reported.

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 hours to 72 hours after infection. It is most dangerous to children, the elderly and others with weak immune systems.


FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney Infections Possibly Linked to Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter
Posted September 30, 2012 http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm320413.htm

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney infections. We are moving quickly to learn as much as possible and prevent additional people from becoming ill. We recognize that people will be concerned about this outbreak, and we will continue to provide updates and advice.