Dry Cat Food Recall Due to Potential Presence of Salmonella

The J. M. Smucker Co. today announced a limited, voluntary recall of two lots of Meow Mix® Original Choice Dry Cat Food (30LB bag) due to potential salmonella contamination. The Company has received no reports of pet illness or adverse reaction and has issued this recall out of an abundance of caution. The impacted products were sold at select Walmart stores in IL, MO, NE, NM, OK, UT, WI and WY.

No reason was stated for the recall, so it could be through product testing either by the company or by another entity.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/j-m-smucker-co-issues-limited-voluntary-recall-two-lots-meow-mixr-original-choice-dry-cat-food
The J. M. Smucker Co. Issues Limited, Voluntary Recall of Two Lots of Meow Mix® Original Choice Dry Cat Food for Potential Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 09, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  April 12, 2021
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Pet Food  
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella Contamination
Company Name:  J. M. Smucker Co.
Brand Name:  Meow Mix®
Product Description:  Meow Mix® Original Choice Dry Cat Food

USDA Issues Health Alert on Ground Turkey Which Might Be Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert for approximately 211,406 pounds of raw ground turkey products, produced by Plainville Brands, LLC, a Pennsylvania establishment, due to concerns the products may have caused Salmonella Hadar illness. This come as as CDC investigates a multistate outbreak of 28 Salmonella Hadar illnesses in 12 states with onset dates ranging from December 28, 2020 through March 4, 2021. "The traceback investigation for one case patient identified the patient consumed ground turkey produced by Plainville Brands, LLC. An intact, unopened package of Plainville Brands’ ground turkey collected from this case-patient’s home tested positive for Salmonella Hadar and was closely related genetically to the sample from the patient. Evidence collected to date does not link all illnesses to this establishment."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-raw-ground-turkey-products-linked-salmonella-hadar
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Raw Ground Turkey Products Linked to Salmonella Hadar Illness

WASHINGTON, APRIL 10, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for approximately 211,406 pounds of raw ground turkey products, produced by Plainville Brands, LLC, a Pennsylvania establishment, due to concerns the products may have caused Salmonella Hadar illness. A recall was not requested because it is believed that the products are no longer available for consumers to purchase.

Midwestern Pet Food Issues Recall for Pet Food After Samples Reveal the Presence of Salmonella

Midwestern Pet Foods, Evansville, Indiana is recalling specific expiration dates of certain dog and cat food brands [approximately 140 varieties of varying sized bags] including CanineX, Earthborn Holistic, Venture, Unrefined, Sportmix Wholesomes, Pro Pac, Pro Pac Ultimates, Sportstrail, Sportmix and Meridian brands produced at its Monmouth, Illinois Production Facility because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The recall was as the result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that the finished products may contain the bacteria.

This same company recently completed a recall related to Aflatoxin, but that product came out of their OK processing facility.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/midwestern-pet-foods-voluntarily-recall-due-possible-salmonella-health-risk
Midwestern Pet Foods Voluntarily Recall Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 26, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 27, 2021
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages    Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella Contamination
Company Name: Midwestern Pet Foods
Brand Name:  Multiple brands
Product Description:  Dog and Cat Food

Michigan Company Recalls Halva After MI Dept of Ag Finds Salmonella in Sample

Kareem Mart of Garden City, MI, is recalling its 1lb and 2lb Kareem Chef brand “Halva”, “Halva with Pistachio”, and “Halva with Chocolate” food treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing from samples in the stores by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).  The recalled “Halva” were distributed through Mediterranean food stores and wholesalers in Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, New York, Ohio, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Between March 2020 to Feb 2021.

According to Wikipedia, Halva (also halvah, halwa,[1][2] and other spellings) refers to various local confection recipes in West Asia and its vicinity.[3][4][5] The name is used for referring to a huge variety of confections, with the most geographically common variety based on fried semolina.[3]

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kareem-mart-recalls-halva-because-possible-health-risk
Kareem Mart Recalls “Halva” Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 25, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 26, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella Contamination
Company Name:  Kareem Mart
Brand Name:  Kareem Chef
Product Description:  Flavored Halva

Tahini Product Recalled After State Laboratory Finds Positive Salmonella Sample

KAREEM MART of Garden City, MI, is recalling its 1lb, 2lb, 10kg of “Tahina” food treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing from samples in the stores by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).  There have been no reported illness to date.  Production of the product has been suspended while the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kareem-mart-recalls-tahina-because-possible-health-risks
Kareem Mart Recalls “Tahina” Because of Possible Health Risks
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 02, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 05, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Salmonella
Company Name:  Kareem Mart
Brand Name:  Kareem Chef
Product Description:  Tahina (Ground Sesame Paste)

Baby Spinach from Canada Recalled for Potential Salmonella Contamination

A Canadian company has recalled is recalling Fresh Attitude baby spinach (5oz and 11oz)  because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  "The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product was possibly contaminated with Salmonella subsequent investigation indicates that the problem may have been caused by contamination of a part of a lot of Baby Spinach." [not really sure what that means...perhaps testing of a specific lot of baby spinach was positive for Salmonella?]  There have been no reported illnesses, indicating it was not an investigation but rather routine testing?

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/vegpro-international-issues-recall-fresh-attitude-baby-spinach-because-potential-salmonella-health
Vegpro International Issues a Recall of Fresh Attitude Baby Spinach Because of Potential Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 27, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  November 28, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Vegpro International
Brand Name:  Fresh Attitude
Product Description:  Baby spinach

Colorado Market Recall Elderberries After Notification from Supplier

Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc., a Lakewood, Colorado-based natural grocery retailer, is voluntarily recalling Natural Grocers Brand 4-ounce Organic Whole Elderberries after being notified by its supplier of the potential presence of Salmonella.  According to the recall notice, "After initially certifying that this product had tested negative for Salmonella and was fit for human consumption, our supplier subsequently notified the company of the potential presence of Salmonella in specific lots of organic elderberries."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natural-grocers-issues-voluntary-recall-organic-elderberries-due-potential-presence-salmonella
Natural Grocers Issues Voluntary Recall on Organic Elderberries Due to Potential Presence of Salmonella
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 29, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  November 02, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc.
Brand Name:  Natural Grocers
Product Description:  Organic Whole Elder Berries

Organic Parsley Product Recalled After Testing Finds Salmonella in Same Lot

Red Monkey Foods, Inc. is recalling select organic parsley and another product made with this parsley after a recall was issued by its supplier, High Quality Organics (HQO). HQO issued a recall for this lot of parsley after another customer tested and found Salmonella in a portion of this same lot. 

The product was shipped nation wide under Cost Plus , Great Value, O Organics and Full Circle.  There have been no reported illnesses.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/red-monkey-foods-inc-recalls-parsley-and-herbes-de-provence-because-possible-health-risk
Red Monkey Foods, Inc. Recalls Parsley and Herbes De Provence Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 13, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  October 13, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Red Monkey Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Cost Plus World Market, Great Value, O Organics, Full Circle
Product Description:  Parsley and Herbes De Provence

Outbreak Investigation Update - Salmonella in Red Onions - October 2020

FDA issued an update on the Salmonella outbreak associated with red onions which was first identified in July when Canadian authorities issued notice.  In the US, there were 1,127 cases with 167 hospitalizations.  The onions originated from Thompson International, which issued a recall, and that recall spurned other recalls where the onions were used in various other products.

At this point, CDC is saying that that outbreak appears over.  While FDA identified Thompson International as the source, FDA had not been able to identify any definitive reason for the contamination. 

 "FDA has completed over 2000 product and environmental analyses from multiple Thomson International Inc. locations and surrounding areas, including water, soil, and scat samples. Although a variety of genetic strains of Salmonella Newport have been detected, as well as multiple other Salmonella serotypes, a genetic match to the outbreak strain has yet to be identified in any of the samples collected. Additional sample analysis is underway. Although the outbreak is being declared over, the FDA will continue its root cause investigation and will communicate any findings that could assist future prevention efforts. "

FDA Outbreak Investigation
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-newport-red-onions-july-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Newport: Red Onions (July 2020)
CDC announces the end of the outbreak; FDA continues its investigation.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 1,127
Hospitalizations: 167
Deaths: 0
Last illness Onset Date: September 11, 2020
States with Cases: AK (25), AL (2), AZ (39), AR (2), CA (128), CO (32), CT (2), DE (2), FL (8), GA (11), HI (3), ID (43), IL (54), IN (4), IA (31), KS (3), KY (3), ME (6), MD (7), MA (2), MI (47), MN (19), MS (5), MO (11), MT (72), NE (10), NV (11), NH (1), NJ (12), NM (3), NY (14), NC (6), ND (9), OH (11), OK (1), OR (109), PA (27), RI (3), SC (1), SD (23), TN (7), TX (2), UT (115), VA (10), WA (150), WV (3), WI (11), WY (27)

Company Recalls Spice Items After Notification by Ingredient Supplier of Potential Salmonella Risk

Sauer Brands, Inc. is  recalling a number of its The Spice Hunter Products due to the potential for  Salmonella. The Salmonella was associated with lots of parsley were used on two specific days in production.   The company states that after initially certifying that the raw material had tested negative for Salmonella, the parsley supplier notified the company that specific lots of organic parsley had the the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The company then went and recalled other products produced on those same days out of an abundance of caution regarding potential cross contamination.  

This supplier issue forced the company to evaluate its other products that were produced at the same time as when they handled the potentially contaminated ingredient.  Generally once spices are cleared through testing, they should be good to go.  But what happens when your supplier then calls and says that there may be an issue with one of those approved lots of spice?

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sauer-brands-inc-voluntarily-recalls-certain-spice-hunter-products-because-potential-salmonella
Sauer Brands, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Certain The Spice Hunter Products Because of Potential Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 12, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  October 12, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Sauer Brands, Inc.
Brand Name:  The Spice Hunter
Product Description:  Spices and blends 

Whole and Cut Cantaloupe Recalled for Potential Salmonella Contamination Discovered Through State Testing

Meijer, in conjunction with Eagle Produce, LLC in Aguila, AZ., is recalling of whole cantaloupe and select cut cantaloupe fruit trays and bowls due to the potential risk of Salmonella after sampling by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.  There have been no reported illnesses.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/meijer-recalls-whole-cantaloupes-and-select-cut-cantaloupe-trays-due-potential-health-risk
Meijer Recalls Whole Cantaloupes and Select Cut Cantaloupe Trays Due to Potential Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 07, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  October 07, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages   Fruit/Fruit Product
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Meijer
Brand Name:  Kandy Brand, Meijer Brand
Product Description:  Whole Cantaloupe, Select Cut Cantaloupe Fruit Trays & Bowls

Cinnamon Apple Chips Recalled Due to Potential for Salmonella Contamination in Spice

Seneca Snack Company, a Washington Corporation, is recalling its Seneca Cinnamon Apple Chips and Clancy’s Cinnamon Apple Chips after a supplier notified them that a lot of cinnamon ingredient had the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.   This only affects Clancy’s product sold by ALDI and Seneca products sold nationwide through Amazon and Gemline.  There have been no know reported cases of illness.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/seneca-recalls-cinnamon-apple-chips-because-possible-health-risk
Seneca Recalls Cinnamon Apple Chips Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 02, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  October 05, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Possible Salmonella contamination
Company Name:  Seneca Snack Company
Brand Name:  Seneca, Clancy’s
Product Description:  Seneca Cinnamon Apple Chips and Clancy’s Cinnamon Apple Chips

CA Distributor Recalls Imported Wood Ear Mushrooms After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

CDC and FDA are investing a Salmonella outbreak linked to imported wood ear mushrooms distributed by Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc.  As of September 24, 2020, a total of 41 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Stanley have been reported from 10 states after eating wood ear mushrooms or ramen noodles containing wood ear mushrooms (aka Black Fungus or Kikurage)

Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA recalled Shirakiku brand imported Dried Fungus (also known as Black Fungus or Kikurage).  Product was distributed to a multitude of States across the country and Canada.

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/stanley-09-20/index.html
Outbreak of Salmonella Stanley Infections Linked to Wood Ear Mushrooms
Updated September 24, 2020 at 5:10 PM ET
At A Glance
Reported Cases: 41
States: 10
Hospitalizations: 4
Deaths: 0
Recall: Yes

Dry Dog Food Recalled After Sample Tests Positive for Salmonella

Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail because of the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. 

"The potential for contamination was noted after the firm was notified by the Georgia Department of Agriculture when a sample of a single 3-pound bag of the product was collected and tested positive for Salmonella. The firm conducted testing of multiple samples of the same lot which all tested negative for Salmonella. Salmonella may not be evenly distributed throughout a lot which is why it could have been found on one sample and not on multiple other samples of the same lot. However, out of an abundance of caution, Sunshine Mills, Inc. has chosen to issue a voluntary recall of the above-referenced lots of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail in furtherance of its commitment to the safety and quality of its products."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunshine-mills-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-natures-menur-super-premium-dog-food-blend-real-chicken
Sunshine Mills, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 24, 2020  

FDA Publish Date: August 24, 2020
Product Type: Animal & Veterinary  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name: Sunshine Mills, Inc.
Brand Name: Nature’s Menu
Product Description: Nature’s Menu Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail

FDA Updates Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Thomson Intl Onions, Hello Fresh Issues Recall

FDA provided an update on the Salmonella outbreak associated with onions from Thomson International.  AS of 8/18/2020, there are 869 cases with 116 hospitalized.  As for cause, the investigation is till ongoing.

In a related recall, HelloFresh is directly its customers to discard all onions received from May 8 through July 31, 2020 after it was notified by its supplier that it used the recall onions.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-newport-red-onions-july-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Newport: Red Onions (July 2020)
Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled onions from Thomson International, Inc. or products containing recalled onions..

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 869
Hospitalizations: 116
Deaths: 0
Illness Onset Date Range: August 4, 2020

States with Cases: AK (15), AL (1), AZ (35), AR (2), CA (115), CO (25), CT (2), DE (2), FL (5), GA (6), HI (3), ID (34), IL (49), IN (3), IA (23), KS (2), KY (1), ME (5), MD (7), MA (2), MI (44), MN (18), MS (4), MO (10), MT (63), NE (10), NV (11), NH (1), NJ (2), NM (1), NY (10), NC (5), ND (9), OH (11), OR (94), PA (15), RI (2), SC (1), SD (20), TN (5), TX(2), UT (105), VA (10), WA (50), WV (2), WI (10), WY (17)

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

Imported Cooked Shrimp Recalled After Salmonella Found in Sample

Kader Exports is recalling certain consignments of various sizes of frozen cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp sold in 1lb, 1.5lb., and 2lb. retail bags due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The product has been distributed nationwide from late February 2020 to Mid-May 2020

According to the recall notice, "There have been no reports of any illnesses to date associated with these cooked shrimp distributions. However, cooked shrimp imported by Kader Exports was tested by the FDA and found to contain Salmonella. Kader Exports did not distribute and have agreed to voluntarily destroy cooked shrimp found violative. The probable root cause for this recall is cross contamination. The company has eliminated the source of contamination and preventive steps were taken."

Kader Exports is based in Mumbai. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kader-exports-recalls-frozen-cooked-shrimp-because-possible-health-risk
Kader Exports Recalls Frozen Cooked Shrimp Because of Possible Health Risk..

Summary
Company Announcement Date: August 11, 2020
FDA Publish Date: August 12, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages Shellfish
Reason for Announcement: Potential for Salmonella
Company Name: Kader Exports pvt. ltd
Brand Name: AQUA STAR RESERVE, CENSEA, FRESH MARKET, and Others
Product Description:
Frozen cooked, peeled and deveined, tail on shrimp

Retailers Recall Cheese Dip and Salsa Made with Recalled Onions

Kroger, Meyer, and Smiths are recalling cheese dip under the brands MURRAY'S, JARLSBERG, DELI because they were made with onions recalled for Salmonella. "On July 31, the company was notified by supplier Onions 52 that it had received red, yellow, and white onions from Thomson International, Inc., which had been implicated in the salmonella-related outbreak. On August 1, bulk onions sourced from Thomson International, Inc. were removed from sale in stores that had been identified as receiving the affected product. Subsequently, it was determined that several in-store made cheese dips may have used red onions from the produce department as an ingredient. The dips, which are in plastic containers, were sold between May 15, 2020 and August 6, 2020.:

Spokane Produce, Inc. of Spokane, WA is recalling salsa products containing onions as part of the onion recall initiated by Thomson International, Inc.

Kroger Recalls Cheese Dips Because of Possible Health Risk
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kroger-recalls-cheese-dips-because-possible-health-risk

Kroger Delta Division Recalls Cheese Dips Because of Possible Health Risk
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kroger-delta-division-recalls-cheese-dips-because-possible-health-risk

Kroger Mid-Atlantic Recalls Cheese Dips Because of Possible Health Risk
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kroger-mid-atlantic-recalls-cheese-dips-because-possible-health-risk

Fred Meyer Recalls Cheese Dips Because of Possible Health Risk
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fred-meyer-recalls-cheese-dips-because-possible-health-risk

Fry’s Food Stores Recalls Cheese Dips Because of Possible Health Risk
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/frys-food-stores-recalls-cheese-dips-because-possible-health-risk

Smith’s Recalls Cheese Dips Because of Possible Health Risk
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/smiths-recalls-cheese-dips-
because-possible-health-risk

Spokane Produce Inc. Issues Recall of Products Containing Onions Because of Possible Health Risk
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/spokane-produce-inc-issues-recall-products-containing-onions-because-possible-health-risk

Companies Issue Recalls for Products Containing Recalled Thomson Onions

FDA and FSIS issued notices for companies that had manufactured and distributed products using onions that had been included in onions recalled by Thomson International as part of the Salmonella outbreak.  Taylor Farms, Amana Meat Shop and Smokehouse and Giant Eagle issued recalls of product containing the onions.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/home/!ut/p/a1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOINAg3MDC2dDbwsfDxdDDz9AtyMgnyMDf3dDIAKIkEKcABHA0L6w_WjUJX4Wxq6AZWEBfp7OzsbWPgZwxTgtqIgN8Ig01FREQBCfym8/?
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Containing FDA-Regulated Onions that have been Recalled due to Possible Salmonella Newport Contamination 

Review - The Risk of Pathogen Spillover from Wild Birds

Wild birds can carry pathogens, such as Campylobacter and Salmonella, that can become contaminants for food. Most of our concern is in the fields with crops that will receive minimal processing, but also in instances where birds gain access into our processing facilities. A recent review of the research shows that we probably overemphasize the risk, but more research is needed in understanding transmission from birds to our food systems.

"We conclude that current data do not provide sufficient information to determine the likelihood of enteric pathogen spillover from wild birds to humans and thus preclude management solutions. The primary focus in the literature on pathogen prevalence likely overestimates the probability of enteric pathogen spillover from wild birds to humans because a pathogen must survive long enough at an infectious dose and be a strain that is able to colonize humans to cause infection."

From their paper:

"Campylobacter spp. 14.8%(64/431)of North American breeding birds had Campylobacter spp. prevalence data (1+ observations) meeting our inclusion criteria 1–9 (Data S2). The species with the most observations meeting our inclusion criteria 1–9 were rock pigeon [N= 3659from 15 studies, range 6–1800 individuals tested, 0.1–70% reported prevalence, estimated prevalence 16± 5.3%(SE)],European starling[N= 2094 from 12 studies, range 1–957 individuals tested, 0–75% reported prevalence, estimated prevalence 28 ± 6.0% (SE)],...."

"Salmonella spp. were the most studied bacteria with 33% (141/431) of North American breeding birds having prevalence data (1+ observations) meeting our inclusion criteria 1–9. The species with the most observations of data meeting inclusion criteria 1–9 were herring gull [N = 12470 from 10 studies, range 1–5324 individuals tested, 0–22% prevalence,estimated prevalence 8.2± 2.2%(SE)],house sparrow [N = 5581 from 19 studies, range 2–1124 individuals tested, 0–21% prevalence, estimated prevalence 2.5 ± 0.7% (SE)], rock pigeon [N = 5458 from 30 studies, range 4–1800 individuals tested, 0–100% prevalence, estimated prevalence 4.0 ± 0.9% (SE)..."

So birds can carry pathogens, and we need to keep them out of food processing facilities, but with field crops, further work is needed before we go to the levels of habitat destruction.

Biological Reviews
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/brv.12581
Are we overestimating risk of enteric pathogen spillover from wild birds to humans?
Olivia M. Smith  William E. Snyder  Jeb P. Owen
First published: 31 January 2020 https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12581