FDA Closes Investigation into 2019 Fruit Mix Salmonella Outbreak

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

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

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


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

More Tahina Recalled After Michigan Ag Finds Salmonella in Product

A Michigan company is recalling tahina (tahini) after the Michigan Dept of Ag tested and found product positive for Salmonella.  No illnesses have been reported.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/five-star-food-recalls-sham-gardens-excellent-tahina-because-possible-health-risk
Five Star Food Recalls Sham Gardens Excellent Tahina Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: January 15, 2020 

FDA Publish Date: January 21, 2020 

Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:Foodborne Illness  Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name: Five Star Food Inc. 

Brand Name: Sham Gardens
Product Description:  Tahina

Michigan Company Recalls Tahini After State Tests Indicate Salmonella

Emesa Foods, Taylor, MI is voluntarily recalling 23 cases and each case 6 containers of 800 gram of “Premium Sesame Tahini” because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  This potential problem was revealed as a result of a random sampling by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Although we have not received the final laboratory reports, Emesa Foods is taking the precaution of recalling product with the product code listed above.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/emesa-foods-recalls-premium-sesame-tahini-because-possible-health-risk
Emesa Foods Recalls Premium Sesame Tahini Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 20, 2019
FDA Publish Date: December 20, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name: Esmea Foods
Brand Name: Esmea
Product Description: Sesame tahini

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

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


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

PA Dept of Health Issues Advisory in SEPA Healthcare Facilities after 29 Cases of Salmonella

The Pennsylvania Dept of Health issued an advisory regarding a Salmonella outbreak in 4 healthcare facilities in southeastern PA.  "To date, we have identified 29 case-patients who spent time during their incubation periods in one of four healthcare facilities experiencing outbreaks, which include two hospitals and two long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Known onset dates range from November 19-November 30, 2019."

https://www.radnor.com/CivicAlerts.aspx
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2019: Health Advisory Regarding Salmonella
Posted on: December 5, 2019

Bagged Cole Slaw Mix Recalled After Positive Salmonella Sample

Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. is recalling a limited number of cases of Colorful Coleslaw (President's Choice and Marketside brands) after a sample of President’s Choice Colorful Coleslaw yielded a positive Salmonella result in random testing conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dole-fresh-vegetables-announces-precautionary-limited-recall-colorful-coleslaw
Dole Fresh Vegetables Announces Precautionary Limited Recall of Colorful Coleslaw
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 03, 2019
FDA Publish Date: December 03, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential Salmonella Contamination
Company Name:Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.
Brand Name: President’s Choice, Marketside
Product Description: Colorful Coleslaw

FDA Issues First Warning Letter to Company on FSVP Requirements

FDA issued a Warning Letter to an importer that had imported tahini product that was linked to 6 cases of Salmonella infection  in June of 2019.  This was the first warning letter regarding FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Program) requirements as part of FDA's FSMA regulation.

The FSVP regulation requires that importers perform certain risk-based activities to verify that human and/or animal food they import into the United States has been produced in a manner that meets applicable U.S. food safety standards.  This means that importer must have proof that the foreign processor has a Preventive Control Plan and can successfully controlled potential hazards.  In the case of tahini, the supplier must have process and environmental controls to prevent contamination from Salmonella.

In this report, FDA found that the firm had not developed an FSVP for sesame paste tahini manufactured by their supplier Karawan Tahini and Halva in the West Bank, but even more of an issue was that the firm was not familiar with FSVP requirements.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/brodt-zenatti-holdings-llc-583679-07302019
FDA Warning Letter
Brodt Zenatti Holdings LLC
MARCS-CMS 583679 — Jul 30, 2019

Company Expands Recall of Pig Ear Pet Treats Linked to Salmonella Illnesses

The Lennox Intl Inc located in Edison NJ, is expanding its voluntary recall of its Natural Pig ears because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The recalled products affected where shipped to nationwide distributors and/or retail stores from November 1st 2018, to July 3rd, 2019.

"To date, Lennox is aware of cases of human illness related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak in which several people identified Lennox pig eat treats as the brand they purchased. Individually shrink-wrapped product tested by FDA tested positive for Salmonella. Lennox’s pig ears are also sold bulk unwrapped."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/expanded-lennox-intl-inc-voluntary-recalling-natural-pig-ears-july-26-2019
Expanded - The Lennox Intl Inc is Voluntary Recalling Natural Pig Ears on July 26, 2019
When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 30, 2019
FDA Publish Date: July 30, 2019
Product Type: Animal & Veterinary
Reason for Announcement: Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name: Lennox Intl
Brand Name: Lennox
Product Description: Pet treat-Pig ears

Kansas Spice Company Recalls Taco Seasoning After Notified by Ingredient Supplier of Potential Salmonella Contamination

Williams Foods issued a recall for their taco seasoning after their cumin supplier notified them that another cumin customer had tested and found Salmonella in a lot of cumin product, the same lot sold to Williams.

"These items contain cumin spice involved in a recall initiated by our supplier, Mincing Spice Co. Mincing has issued a recall for a specific lot of cumin they produced because a sample from that lot was tested by one of Mincing's customers and was found to be potentially contaminated with Salmonella. A portion of the lot recalled by Mincing was supplied to Williams Foods, LLC".

What were the supplier verification activities and now how does the company change them to reflect the increased risk?

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/williams-foods-llc-initiates-voluntary-recall-taco-seasoning-product-due-possible-presence
Williams Foods LLC Initiates a Voluntary Recall of Taco Seasoning Product Due to Possible Presence of Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 25, 2019
FDA Publish Date: July 25, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Due to possible presence of Salmonella contamination
Company Name: Williams Foods LLC
Brand Name:  Great Value, HEB
Product Description:  Taco Seasoning Products

Salmonella Outbreak May be Linked to Pig Ear Dog Treats

CDC identified pig ear dog treats as the likely source of an Salmonella outbreak.  To date, there have been 45 cases with 34 of 38 people interviewed having claimed contact with a dog with 17 of 24 claiming contact with pig ear treats or contact with a dog who had pig ear treats.

Testing done thus far has not identified the outbreak strain,  but they have found other strains of Salmonella.  Testing of the outbreak strain found that the organism is antibiotic resistant.

(Champ's snack of choice is Penn State Summer Sausage....luckily he is a little dude and doesn't eat mass quantities....plus his owner gets to enjoy some as well...all Salmonella free...can't put a price on that.)

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/pet-treats-07-19/index.html
Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Infections Linked to Contact with Pig Ear Dog Treats
Published on July 3, 2019 at 2:45 PM ET

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDAexternal icon) are investigating a multistate outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- infections linked to contact with pig ear dog treats.

At A Glance
Reported Cases: 45
States: 13
Hospitalizations: 12
Deaths: 0

A Distributor of Salmonella Contaminated Papayas Identified

FDA released an update regarding the ongoing Salmonella outbreak associated with papayas.  At this point, the FDA investigation "indicates that Agroson’s LLC of Bronx, New York, is the exclusive distributor of the imported papayas that likely made consumers from this outbreak sick. The papayas are sold under the brand name Cavi. To date, there have been no positive product samples."

With this, FDA lifts the hold on Mexican papayas.  There was no indication in the notice where the NY distributor sourced the papayas.

To date, there have been 71 cases with 27 hospitalizations,  All cases originated in the northeastern section of the US.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/salmonella-uganda-likely-linked-whole-fresh-papayas-june-2019
Salmonella Uganda Likely Linked to Whole, Fresh Papayas, June 2019
Consumers in all states warned to avoid Cavi brand whole, fresh papayas distributed by Agroson’s LLC
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 71
Hospitalizations: 27
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: June 16, 2019
States with Cases: CT (14), FL (1), MA (5), NJ (18), NY (27), PA (4), RI (1), TX (1)

July 5, 2019

Pet (Fish) Food Recalled After Lab Misreads Salmonella Results

A Wisconsin firm is recalling fish food, Aqueon Betta Food, after Salmonella test results were reversed and called positive.  It appears the firm shipped the product on getting negative Salmonella results and then had to conduct a recall after two negatives were confirmed as positive.  "Central Aquatics has appropriate testing protocols and followed all such internal testing protocols. However, the outside independent laboratory contracted to conduct and read Salmonella testing mistakenly indicated the two lots of the recalled product were negative for Salmonella, when in fact it was found to be positive for Salmonella. Central Aquatics immediately initiated steps to recall the subject product upon notification of the error by the independent laboratory."

As indicated in the report, there is little information on the impact of Salmonella on fish, however, the concern would be that people handling the fish food, often dosed to the fish by pouring some in the fish feeders hand,  could be transmitted to that person or others.

The important point in this is the impact of the laboratory and the results they furnish regarding the product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/central-aquatics-recalls-aqueon-betta-food-95-oz-jar-because-possible-salmonella-health-risk
Central Aquatics Recalls Aqueon Betta Food (.95 oz Jar) Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 26, 2019
FDA Publish Date: June 26, 2019

FDA Issues Recall Notice on Flour Recall for Salmonella

After reports of Pillsbury Flour was issued last week, FDA issued an announcement on March 12th, that Hometown Food Company initiated a limited, voluntary retail-level recall on two specific lot codes of its Pillsbury® Unbleached All-Purpose 5 lb Flour (UPC 51500-22241)because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.  There have been no reports of any illnesses associated with this recall. Product is being recalled out of an abundance of caution.

No specific information was provided on how the contamination was detected.

FDA added the reminder that flour is a raw product - "Flour is made from wheat that is minimally processed. Flour should not be considered a ready-to-eat product. It is an ingredient for baked, fried, and cooked products, and these heating processes ensure the safety of flour with proper handling. All surfaces and utensils should be properly cleaned after contact with flour or uncooked dough or batter. Consumers should wash their hands after handling flour or uncooked dough or batter. Consumers should not eat uncooked dough or batter made with raw flour. If you think you became sick from a food containing flour as an ingredient, please call your healthcare provider."

Hometown Food Company Recalls Two Production LOT Codes of Pillsbury® Unbleached All-Purpose 5lb Flour Due to Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
March 12, 2019

Grocery Stores Report Recall of Flour Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

According to news reports, two grocery chains are recalling Pillsbury flour in 5lb bags for potential Salmonella contamination. The chains, Publix and Winn Dixie are both in the Southeast US.

FDA has not yet posted a recall on their website, so there is limited information.

Salmonella can be found in flour and becomes an issue when items are undercooked or not cooked (like raw cookie dough) or there is cross contamination in the kitchen when the contaminated flour gets onto ready-to-eat food items.

http://www.fox13news.com/consumer/publix-winn-dixie-recalls-pillsbury-flour-due-to-salmonella-concern
Publix, Winn-Dixie recalls Pillsbury flour due to salmonella concern
By FOX 13 News staff
Posted Mar 11 2019 05:56AM EDT
Updated Mar 11 2019 07:16AM EDT

Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Tahini Appears to Be Over

As of February 27, 2019, FDA and CDC are saying that the multistate outbreak of Salmonella Concord illnesses linked to tahini imported from an Israeli manufacturer, Achdut Ltd., located in Ari’el, Israel appears to be over.  In all, there were 8 cases of salmonellosis. 

February 8 Update
https://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2019/02/fda-investigating-multistate-salmonella.html

FDA Investigated a Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Concord Linked to Tahini Produced by Achdut Ltd.
Update: February 27, 2019

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 8
Hospitalizations: 0
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: April 21, 2018 to January 3, 2019
States with Cases: HI (1), MA (1), MI (1), NY (5)

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Two Egg Facilities - NY and AL

FDA issued Warning Letters to two different egg production facilities with a focus on inadequate controls for Salmonella enteriditis.  For one of the facilities, the investigation came after a Salmonella outbreak.

Our handling and cooking of eggs has become dependent on egg farmers controlling Salmonella in their flocks.  We generally eat eggs with minimal cooking (over easy, poached, or we go Rocky), but there is a risk.  For facilities with good controls in place, the Salmonella risk is minimal, but for those farms that don't have good controls, Salmonella can be present in the eggs.

Gravel Ridge Farms, Alabama - Because of a Salmonella outbreak associated with eggs in September, FDA conducted an inspection of egg facility in Alabama.  The issues were:

• There was not control program for Salmonella Enteritidis (SE).
• Inadequate cleaning to prevent cross contamination.
• There were no biosecurity measures in place
• There was no pest control program
• They did not clean the facility to remove pest harborage sites.

In the Notice it was noted that the facility was shut down by owners with no plans on reopening.

FDA issued a warning letter to  Pitcher Road Farm of Ovid, NY, 14521 after an inspection that took place from August 1 through August 2, 2018.  The farm had failed to implement thier SE plan including not testing the environment for SE or implementing measures for preventing cross contamination.

Cincinnati District Office
6751 Steger Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45237
Telephone: (513) 679-2700
FAX: (513) 679-2772

February 12, 2019

WARNING LETTER 566836

Ongoing Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Raw Turkey Products

There is an ongoing Salmonella outbreak linked to raw turkey products.  Going back to November of 2018, there are now 279 cases reported with 107 hospitalizations and one death associated with the outbreak strain , Salmonella Reading.   There have been 4 recalls - 2 for ground turkey and 2 for raw pet food.   A single, common supplier of raw turkey products or of live turkeys has not been identified so it is thought that it might be widespread in the turkey industry.

CDC Investigation Report
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/reading-07-18/index.html
Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Infections Linked to Raw Turkey Products
Español (Spanish)
Posted February 15, 2019 at 3:00 PM EDT

FDA Investigating Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Tahini

FDA, CDC, and local health agencies are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Concord illnesses linked to tahini imported from an Israeli manufacturer, Achdut Ltd., located in Ari’el, Israel.

Tahini is made from toasted ground hulled sesame that is used as a dip / spread or as an ingredient in hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva.   It is similar in consistency to peanut butter and has a nutty creamy flavor.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm626790.htm
FDA Investigating a Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Concord Linked to Tahini Produced by Achdut Ltd.
Update: February 08, 2019

Gold Medal Flour Recalled After Product Testing Indicated Potential Salmonella Contamination

General Mills issued a recall of five-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached Flour with a better if used by date of April 20, 2020 for the potential of Salmonella after sample testing of the product. 

While proper cooking of product made from flour would eliminate Salmonella, the concern is that people may under cook items made from flour or that flour dust in the kitchen may contaminate food or food contact surfaces.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm629754.htm
General Mills Recalls Five Pound Bags of Gold Medal Unbleached Flour
For Immediate Release
January 23, 2019

Raw Beef Recall for Potential Salmonella Expanded to 12.1 Million Pounds

JBS Tolleson, Inc's establishment in Tolleson, Ariz. is expanding it's Oct 4 Recall  of 6.5 million pounds to now approximately 12.1 million pounds.

CDC's epidemiological investigation has identified 246 confirmed case-patients from 25 states with illness onset dates ranging from August 5, 2018 to October 16, 2018.  Three cases (of 16 cases evaluated)  were from beef not included in the initial Oct 4 recall.  This additional product was  produced and packed from July 26, 2018 to Sept. 7, 2018.

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

085-2018 EXP
Health Risk: High 

Dec 4, 2018