Limited Lots of Cap'n Crunch Recalled After Routine Testing Reveals Potential Salmonella Contamination

The Quaker Oats Company, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, Inc., is recalling a small quantity of Cap’n Crunch’s Peanut Butter Crunch cereal after routine sampling program by the company revealed the finished product may contain bacteria. Salmonella.  "While the potentially affected product only reached five specific Target stores and is limited to 21 boxes of one variety with two Best Before Dates, Quaker is initiating the voluntary recall to protect public health.  The recall was initiated as the result of a routine sampling program by the company, which revealed the finished product may contain [Salmonella]".

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm626142.htm
The Quaker Oats Company Issues Voluntary Recall of a Small Quantity of Cap’n Crunch’s Peanut Butter Crunch Cereal Distributed to Five Target Stores Due to Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
November 16, 2018

Raw Ground Turkey Recalled After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

Jennie-O Turkey, a Barron, Wis. establishment, is recalling approximately 91,388 pounds of raw ground turkey products after being linked to a Salmonella outbreak with 164 cases in 35 different states.   According to the USDA report, "The patient tested positive for Salmonella Reading and the sample from the ground turkey matches the outbreak strain."

The good news is that the recall does not involve whole turkeys at this point, so it should not impact Thanksgiving turkey purchases.  However, the investigation is ongoing and it seems that some people who became ill handled live turkeys.  So it is important to use proper procedures for handling and preparing whole turkey products, especially during our Thanksgiving holiday.  From the USDA report, "Patients have reported eating different types and brands of turkey products purchased from many different stores, handling raw turkey pet food and/or raw turkey, or working with live turkeys or living with someone who handled live turkeys."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-112-2018-release
Jennie-O Turkey Store Sales, LLC Recalls Raw Ground Turkey Products due to Possible Salmonella Reading Contamination 
Class I Recall
112-2018
Health Risk: High
Nov 15, 2018

Duncan Hines Cake Mix Recalled after Outbreak Strain Found in Product

Conagra Brands is recalling Duncan Hines cake mixes after being connected "with a positive finding of Salmonella in a retail sample of Duncan Hines Classic White cake mix that may be linked to a Salmonella outbreak", where five people have become infected.  The Salmonella strain, Salmonella Agbeni, matched the organism collected from ill persons as determined through the use of Whole Genome Sequencing.  "While it has not been definitively concluded that this product is linked to the outbreak and the investigation is still ongoing."

The baking process, if properly followed, will eliminate the organism,  However, people do eat raw batter and there is the issue of cross contamination that can occur in the kitchen when the powder mix gets onto food contact surfaces as well as other food.

Has this been an issue in the past?  Salmonella as well as STEC E. coli have been involved in flour related outbreaks and recalls (1, 2, 3 4, 5 ).  Improved techniques for tracking outbreaks and for identifying specific organisms using Whole Genome Sequencing have given a truer look at sources that may not have identified in the past.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm625144.htm

Duncan Hines Classic White, Classic Butter Golden, Signature Confetti and Classic Yellow Cake Mixes Recalled Due to Potential Presence of Salmonella

For Immediate Release

November 5, 2018

CDC Updates Case Counts of Salmonella Infections Associated with Raw Ground Beef From AZ Processor

CDC updated information on a Salmonella outbreak associated with ground meat produced by a Arizona processor, JBS Tolleson, Inc. The company had issued a recall earlier this month. There are now 120 reported cases of salmonellosis in 22 different states, primarily in the western part of the country. Thirty-three of those cases have resulted in hospitalizations.

Although this is a raw product, it shows the difficulty when a product like ground meat has a level of pathogens that increase the risk during handling or insufficient cooking (you know who you are non-thermometer users).  Manufacturers must do their part to provide sufficient reduction of pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli.

CDC Food Safety Alert
Posted October 23, 2018 at 3:00 PM ET
A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections linked to ground beef produced by JBS Tolleson, Inc.

At A Glance

• Reported Cases: 120
• States: 22
• Hospitalizations: 33
• Deaths: 0
• Recall: Yes

Frozen Vegetables from Canadian-based Frozen Food Company Responsible for Multiple Recalls in US

Numerous US companies have issued recalls after using frozen vegetables recalled by the supplier, McCain Foods, a Canadian based company at their California facility.  The products are being recalled for Listeria and Salmonella.    According to one news report, "As McCain Foods explained in a Friday e-mail to The Miami Herald, the company “recently identified a potential health risk related to its fire roasted, caramelized or sautéed frozen vegetable and fruit products produced at its Colton facility, California. As a result, we have made the decision to voluntarily recall all products produced at this facility."

Read more here: https://www.heraldsun.com/news/state/north-carolina/article220428265.html#storylink=cpy

• Product recalled include both RTE products and products that have cooking instructions.
• Recalled product includes various store brands produced by further processing companies including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Marketside.
• The statement does not indicate how the potential contamination issue was there.  One would guess testing because the statement indicates, 'out of an abundance of caution.
• Another indication the recall was found by testing is that it was for both Listeria and Salmonella...so this may indicate that a screening test was done
• There have been no illnesses to date.

Recalls posted thus far:

• Hy-Vee Voluntarily Recalls Several Meat and Potato Products - Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling six of its meat and potato products across its eight-state region
• 103-2018 Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc. Recalls Meat and Poultry Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Onions - Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc., a firm with establishments located in Carson, Calif., Charlotte, N.C. and Jessup, Penn., is recalling approximately 795,261 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that contain an onion ingredient
• SK Food Group Recalls Chicken Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Vegetables - WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2018 – SK Food Group, a Groveport, Ohio and Reno, Nev. establishment, is recalling approximately 174,207 pounds of chicken wrap products that contain vegetables
• Buddy’s Kitchen, Inc. Recalls Pork and Chicken Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Vegetables - WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2018 – Buddy’s Kitchen, Inc., a Burnsville, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 212,746 pounds of ready-to-eat pork and chicken products that contain vegetables
• Envolve Foods Recalls Chicken and Beef Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Vegetables - Envolve Foods, a Corona, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 292,764 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken and beef products that contain a vegetable 
• Caito Foods, LLC Recalls Salad And Bowl Products Made With Chicken Due To Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn - Caito Foods, LLC, an Indianapolis, Ind. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,532 pounds of ready-to-eat salad and bowl products made with chicken that contain a corn ingredient
• Ruiz Food Products, Inc. Recalls Beef and Poultry Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Onion Ingredient -  Ruiz Food Products, Inc., a Denison, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 2,490,593 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry taquitos
• GHSW, LLC Recalls Salad Products Due To Possible Salmonella And Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn - GHSW, LLC, a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 1,786 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with chicken products that contain a corn ingredient 
• GHSE, LLC Recalls Salads Containing Meat Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn - GHSE, LLC, a Green Cove Springs, Florida establishment, is recalling approximately 738 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with meat products that contain a corn ingredient 
• Taylor Farms Northwest LLC Recalls Pork Carnitas Bowl Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Tomatillos -  Taylor Farms Northwest LLC, a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 276 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork carnitas bowl products that contain tomatillos
• Mary’s Harvest Fresh Foods, Inc. Recalls Wrap and Salad Meat Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn - Mary’s Harvest Fresh Foods, Inc., a Portland, Ore. establishment, is recalling approximately 916 pounds of ready-to-eat wrap and salad products that contain a corn ingredient 
• GH Foods CA, LLC Recalls Salads Containing Chicken Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn  - GH Foods CA, LLC, a Sacramento, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 987 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with chicken products that contain a corn ingredient
• Prime Deli Corporation Recalls Salads Containing Meat Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Corn -  Prime Deli Corporation, a Lewisville, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 217 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with bacon products that contain a corn ingredient

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/SafetyAlertsAdvisories/ucm623828.htm
FDA Alerts the Public Regarding Recalled Vegetable Products
October 19, 2018

RTE Food Items Recalled After Corn Supplier Has Salmonella and Listeria Issue

Five recalls were posted by USDA for RTE products after a corn supplier notified the processing companies that their corn may potentially be contaminated with Listeria and/or Salmonella.  From the notices it is not possible to tell how the corn supplier identified the issue (or who the supplier was).

• a Lewisville, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 217 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with bacon products 
• a Sacramento, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 940 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with chicken products that contain a corn ingredient that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes
• a Portland, Ore. establishment, is recalling approximately 916 pounds of ready-to-eat wrap and salad products that contain a corn ingredient that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes,
• a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 276 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork carnitas bowl products that contain tomatillos that may be adulterated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes
• a Green Cove Springs, Florida establishment, is recalling approximately 738 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with steak that contain a corn ingredient that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

It is interesting that the mass media (1,  2) is not as specific to the issue, leading to the possibility of consumers looking at all salads as opposed to those containing corn.  And how many salads have you purchased containing corn?   However, with that in mind, a further concern for those packing salads will be to what degree could cross contamination have occurred in these facilities leading to other salads being contaminated?

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-092-2018-release

Prime Deli Corporation Recalls Salads Containing Meat Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Corn
Class I Recall
092-2018
Health Risk: High
Oct 16, 2018

Retail Meat Products with Cooking Instructions Recalled after Supplier Notification of Contamination

"Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling six of its meat and potato products across its eight-state region due to possible contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.....The potential for contamination was discovered after Hy-Vee's supplier, McCain Foods, announced it was recalling its caramelized mushrooms and fire-roasted tomatoes, which are ingredients that are used in six Hy-Vee products.

This is a supplier related contamination issue which may be related to product and/or environmental testing.   It is interesting in that the recalled products are not ready-to-eat products, but rather have cooking instructions.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm623808.htm
Hy-Vee Voluntarily Recalls Several Meat and Potato Products
For Immediate Release
October 18, 2018

Ariz Company Recalls 6.5 Million Pounds of Beef Product After Linked to 57 Cases of Salmonella Illness

A Tolleson, Ariz. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,500,966 pounds of various raw, non-intact beef products after that product was linked to an outbreak of Salmonella Newport where 57 cases in 16 states, dates from August 5 to September 6. 2018.  Product is ground beef sold in 1, 3, 5 and 10 lb chubs for packing into ground beef packs for sales by retailers and for further processing.

From the report, "On September 5, 2018, FSIS was notified of an investigation of Salmonella Newport illnesses with reported consumption of several different FSIS-regulated products by case-patients. The first store receipt potentially linking the purchase of FSIS-regulated product to a case-patient was received on September 19, 2018; FSIS was then able to begin traceback of ground beef products. To date, eight case-patients have provided receipts or shopper card numbers, which have enabled product traceback investigations.  FSIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state public health and agriculture partners have now determined that raw ground beef was the probable source of the reported illnesses.  Traceback has identified JBS as the common supplier of the ground beef products."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-085-2018-release
JBS Tolleson, Inc. Recalls Raw Beef Products Due to Possible Salmonella Newport Contamination 
Class I Recall
085-2018
Health Risk: High
Oct 4, 2018

Canada - Warning of Risk Associated with Salmonella in Undercooked Raw Breaded Chicken Product

The Canadian Government issued a warning statement on breaded raw chicken products and the risk of Salmonella due to undercooking.  Over the past 16 months, there have been hundreds of cases of Salmonella infection despite ongoing efforts on education.

The issue is that the breaded chicken appears to be fully cooked and if one had to guess, people are not using a measuring device.  The reason it looks cooked is that with breaded product, the product is only par-cooked to set the coating.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is requiring industry to implement measures at the manufacturing/processing level to reduce Salmonella to below detectable amounts in frozen raw breaded chicken products that are packaged for retail sale.
Companies have these options (document below).

Option 1 - Include as part of the manufacture of the frozen raw breaded chicken products a cook process that has been validated to achieve a 7-log reduction in Salmonella. (But still list cooking instructions to handle any Listeria concern.

Option 2 - Implement a Salmonella testing program for the raw chicken mixture to demonstrate it has no detectable Salmonella.

Option 3 - Implement a Salmonella hold-and-test program for finished frozen raw breaded chicken products.

Option 4 - Include as part of the manufacture of the frozen raw breaded chicken products, a process or combination of processes that has been validated to achieve a 2-log reduction in Salmonella and implement a Salmonella sampling program for the raw chicken mixture.

From: Public Health Agency of Canada 
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2018/09/council-of-chief-medical-officers-of-health-concerned-about-the-risk-of-salmonella-illness-from-frozen-raw-breaded-chicken-products.html
Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health concerned about the risk of Salmonella illness from frozen raw breaded chicken products 
September 13, 2018 - Ottawa, ON - Government of Canada

Salmonella Outbreak at San Antonio Mediterranean Grill

A large Salmonella outbreak in San Antonio, TX where over 200 calls with the claim of becoming ill after eating at a Mediterranean grill.  The owner suggested that hummus may be the source.

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/article/Pasha-Mediterranean-Grill-source-outbreak-13213466.php
Pasha Mediterranean Grill owner says he was told suspected source of outbreak
By S. M. Chavey, mySA.com / San Antonio Express-News and Peggy O'Hare
  Updated  5:50 pm CDT, Friday, September 7, 2018 

Update on Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Honey Smack Cereal

CDC and FDA issued an update on Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Kellogg's Honey Smacks Cereal.  There are now 130 cases reported, but from 100 cases the July update.

A few items to note.

• Ill people range in age from less than one year to 95, with a median age of 57.  One would have thought that the median age would have been much lower with the thought that this cereal would have been eaten primarily by children, however, with a median of 57, clearly half are older adults.
• Illnesses started on dates from March 3, 2018, to August 7, 2018 with a recall posted on June 14th.  There was an issue getting the product off the store shelves, but probably more difficult in getting people to remove it from their own pantries.  "People who recently became ill report eating Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal that they had in their homes."  

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/Mbandaka-06-18/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka Infections Linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal
Posted September 4, 2018 4:00 PM ET

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Kosher Chicken Responsible for 17 Cases Including 1 Death

Further information was provided by CDC for the Health Alert that was posted last week regarding Salmonella infections linked to kosher raw chicken sold by a PA kosher poultry facility.   CDC reports that there are 17 cases with 8 hospitalizations and 1 death.

CDC Investigation Notice
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/chicken-08-18/index.html
Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Chicken
Posted August 29, 2018 at 11:30 AM ET

Establishment Selling Smoothies (and "Home" Made Cooked Pork) Responsible for Salmonella Outbreak

Seven people in Washington state were infected with Salmonella after eating at Burien Fresh Smoothies.

A source of the Salmonella has not yet been identified, however, one major violation was observed - "Investigators found that the restaurant was serving cooked pork prepared at the restaurant owner's home, which is not an approved food safety practice. The restaurant was directed to immediately stop serving pork-based food items and to remove them from their menu."

This practice could be responsible if Salmonella was in the pork or on the packaging.  Could be that the smoothies used fresh produce that was not properly washed.  If he brought the pork from home, perhaps he bought the strawberries from Uncle Jimmy, who grew them in his garden fertilized with fresh manure.

King County (WA) Public Health Notice
https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/outbreak/burien-fresh-smoothies-2018-Aug.aspx
Salmonella outbreak associated with Burien Fresh Smoothies in Burien

Cereal Facility Issued Warning Letter for Inadequate Salmonella Control

FDA issued Kerry Inc a warning letter for their Illinois cereal facility after FDA testing found Salmonella and an FDA audit found that the facility had found numerous Salmonella positive environmental samples.  The FDA ruled that the product was "was prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health".  This is a very interesting case study for product that was most likely used as an ingredient in further processing.

One of major issues was the Salmonella positive samples. From the report:  " Between September 29, 2016 and May 16, 2018, you repeatedly found Salmonella throughout your facility, including in cereal production rooms. During this time period, you had 81 positive Salmonella environmental samples and 32 positive Salmonella vector samples (samples taken in response to finding a positive on routine testing), including four Salmonella (b)(4) samples in the cereal coating room and one Salmonella (b)(4) sample in the cereal (b)(4) room (Line (b)(4)). Further, you had repeated findings of other Salmonella species in some production lines and rooms used for the manufacture of cereal. These repeated findings of Salmonella in your environment should have resulted in a reanalysis of your food safety plan as required by 21 CFR § 117.170(b)(4) and the identification of contamination of RTE cereal with environmental pathogens as a hazard requiring a preventive control (i.e., sanitation preventive control).

 A summary of the points made in the warning letter:

1. The hazard analysis of RTE cereal process did not list environmental pathogens when the finished product was exposed to the environment prior to packaging. This was especially concerning since the facility did find Salmonella in the environment
2. Environmental controls to prevent Salmonella were not implemented sufficiently to control Salmonella. FDA found Salmonella in the processing environment as well as the facility found Salmonella.
3. Corrective actions were not properly implemented to get rid of Salmonella. There were no steps taken to remove the root cause of the Salmonella from the enviromet. Basically, a root cause analysis was not completed even though Salmonella was constantly being found.
4. Sanitation controls were not verified. The company did not follow its own SOP for environmental monitoring

There was no further information regarding the facility, but as an ingredient manufacturer, it is likely that this cereal product is made for use as an ingredient  in foods that will be further processed.   Perhaps this is why a less-than-sufficient effort.  Regardless, 1) FDA viewed this as an RTE product and that may have been difficult to convince otherwise - including providing notice to customers 2) the company should have included it in the hazard analysis, and 3) a better effort should have been made in controlling it.

FDA Warning Letter
https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm615073.htm
Kerry Inc 7/26/18

FSIS Issues Warning for Whey Powder with Possible Salmonella Contamination, Impacted Chicken Wings Recalled

FSIS is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that products may be contaminated with Salmonella from whey powder that has been recalled by the producer of the ingredient. FSIS is issuing this public health alert out of the utmost of caution to ensure that consumers are aware that these products, which bear the USDA mark of inspection, should not be consumed.

The whey powder is an FDA-regulated product that is being voluntarily recalled by the producer, Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI). Additional FSIS-regulated products containing the recalled whey powder may be added to this public health alert as more information becomes available.

Pinnacle Foods, Inc. establishment in Fayetteville, Ark. is recalling HUNGRY MAN CHIPOTLE BBQ SAUCED BONELESS CHICKEN WYNGZ”

The cooking process would most probably eliminate the Salmonella.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-and-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2018/pha-07202018-1
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Products Containing FDA-Regulated Whey Powder That Has Been Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

Ritz Crackers, Gold Fish, Bread, and Swiss Rolls Recalled After Using Whey Powder Found to Contain Salmonella

 After finding Salmonella in whey powder, a supplier's recall has impacted companies making baked products.  First, Mondelez recalled Ritz cracker sandwiches and bits.  Pepperidge Farms is recalling Goldfish crackers.   A Georgia bakery is recalling Swiss Rolls and bread products after using whey product found to contain Salmonella.

The whey powder is an ingredient used in the manufacture of the product.  This ingredient was produced by Associated Milk Producers.

One would expect that Salmonella in the flour would be destroyed in the baking process, so the risk could be considered minimal.  These recalls are done as an extreme precaution.

Huffington Post
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ritz-goldfish-salmonella-recall_us_5b56ba3de4b0fd5c73c84b22
U.S. NEWS
07/24/2018 06:02 am ET 
Ritz Bits, Goldfish Crackers Recalled Over Salmonella Fears
The recalls were prompted by possibly contaminated whey powder.

Pasta Salad Recalled After Potentially Linked to Salmonella Outbreak in Midwest

Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling its Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad due to the potential that it may be contaminated with Salmonella. The company recalled the produc after learning 20 illnesses in Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa were potentially linked back to customers consuming the salad.  The pasta salad was distributed to all of Hy-Vee’s 244 grocery stores across its eight-state region of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm613777.htm
Hy-Vee Voluntarily Recalls Spring Pasta Salad Due to Reported Illnesses
For Immediate Release
July 17, 2018

Sugar Smacks Dry Cereal Recalled After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

Kellogg’s is recalling Sugar Smacks cereal after it has been likely linked to a Salmonella outbreak where 73 individuals in 31 different states have become infected.  24 have been hospitalized.  FDA continues to investigate how this may have occurred.

Dry cereal products, like this puffed wheat product, have had problems in the past with Salmonella contamintation.  Facilities that produce these products must actively control against environmental contamination because once in the environment, it can get into product.  Salmonella can surivive in dry products like cereal for long periods of time, certainly through the time product is shipped to the store and then to the consumers cereal bowl.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm610827.htm
FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka Infections Likely Linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka illnesses that may be linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal.

June 15, 2018 Update

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Sliced Melon from an IN Facility

There are now approximately 60 people who have become infected with Salmonella linked to sliced melon product.  The company, Caito Foods in IN has recalled product which was sold through a number of stores including Kroger, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s.

In fruit slicing operations, fruit must be properly washed and surface sanitized to prevent such issues.  Melons can be a problem because surfaces may be rough, and can be damaged/soft allowing internal contamination.  Melons with a more neutral pH, can support the growth of Salmonella.

CBS News
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-expands-salmonella-melon-warning-to-more-than-20-states/
FDA expands Salmonella-melon warning to more than 20 states
June 15, 2018

Warning Issued for Raw Frozen Breaded Chicken Distributed by Food Pantry After Four Cases of Salmonella

Health officials in MN and WI issued warnings for frozen breaded chicken products distributed by a group that operates pop-up food pantries.  This comes after 4 people became infected with Salmonella.  The chicken is breaded, but not fully cooked.  Unfortunately, there were no cooking instructions, and as we know with frozen breaded chicken, people can assume that it is fully cooked.

Ruby's Pantry is a faith based charitable organization that distributes food in pop-up pantries in MN and WI.

CBS Minnesota
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2018/06/01/salmonella-infections-frozen-chicken-rubys-pantry/
Salmonella Infections Linked To Ruby’s Pantry Frozen Breaded Chicken
June 1, 2018 at 2:11 pmFiled Under:Chicken, Ruby's Pantry, Salmonella