CDC - Surveillance study on the cause of reported foodborne Outbreaks

CDC issued a surveillance study on the cause of reported foodborne Outbreaks.

• During 2009–2015, FDOSS received reports of 5,760 outbreaks, resulting in 100,939 illnesses, 5,699 hospitalizations, and 145 deaths 
• Where a single agent was confirmed (in 2,953 outbreaks) with a single confirmed etiology, 

1. Norovirus was the most common cause of outbreaks (1,130 outbreaks [38%]) and outbreak-associated illnesses (27,623 illnesses [41%]). 
2. Salmonella was the second most common single confirmed etiology reported, with 896 outbreaks (30%) and 23,662 illnesses (35%)
3. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) (191 outbreaks [6%]), 
4. Campylobacter (155 [5%]), 
5. Clostridium perfringens (108 [4%]), 
6. Scombroid toxin (95 [3%]), 
7. Ciguatoxin (80 [3%]), 
8. Staphylococcus aureus (35 [1%]), 
9. Vibrio parahaemolyticus (35 [1%]), and 
10. Listeria monocytogenes (35 [1%]). 

• Listeria, Salmonella, and STEC were the most common causes of hospitalizations (82%) and deaths (82%) reported among persons in outbreaks with a single confirmed etiology.
• Salmonella and STEC were two of the most common causes of large outbreaks.
• Restaurants accounted for the largest percentage followed by Catering, Private Home, and then Institutional.
• The food categories responsible for the most outbreak-associated illnesses were chicken (3,114 illnesses [12%]), pork (2,670 [10%]), and seeded vegetables (2,572 [10%]).
• The pathogen-food category pairs that caused the most outbreak-associated illnesses were Salmonella in eggs (2,422 illnesses), Salmonella in seeded vegetables (2,203), and Salmonella in chicken (1,941

Limitation of analysis:

1. "Because CDC’s foodborne outbreak surveillance is dynamic and agencies can submit, update, or delete reports at any time, the results of this analysis might differ slightly from previous or future reports". 
2. "Not all outbreaks are identified and the majority of foodborne illnesses occur outside the context of a recognized outbreak. The degree to which the food vehicles, etiologies, and locations implicated in outbreaks represent the vehicles, etiologies, and locations of sporadic foodborne illness is unknown." 
3. "Some outbreaks have an unknown food vehicle, an unknown etiology, or both, and analyses and conclusions drawn from outbreaks with an identified food vehicle and confirmed etiology might not be representative of all outbreaks." 
4. "Pathogens that are not known to cause illness sometimes are reported as a confirmed or suspected etiology."

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/ss/ss6710a1.htm?s_cid=ss6710a1_e
Surveillance for Foodborne Disease Outbreaks — United States, 2009–2015
Surveillance Summaries / July 27, 2018 / 67(10);1–11

Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Sliced Melons Over, 77 Infected

CDC announced that a Salmonella Outbreak associated with sliced melons that occurred in June is now over.  In this outbreak, there were 77 cases with 36 hospitalizations.   While no particular source was identified, product from Caito Foods was the only identified company issuing a recall.

 "The FDA worked with state partners to trace back the pre-cut melons to identify the source of the pathogen, to determine the full distribution of the pre-cut melons, and to learn more about how the contamination occurred. No common source was identified"

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm610301.htm
FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Adelaide Infections Linked to Pre-Cut Melons
July 26, 2018

Jars of Con Queso Cheese Dip Recalled Due to Product Separation

KraftHeinz issued a recall for Taco Bell Con Queso Cheese Dip after the product separated in the jars.  The stated issue would be the potential for Clostridium botulinum growth.

The issue here is related to separation that creates a liquid phase and a solid phase.  Product was designed to be consistent throughout, which means that the water activity (Aw), a measure of the available moisture needed for bacterial growth, would be uniformly low to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum.   But if it separates, then a fraction would possibly have a higher water activity, sufficiently high enough to support the growth of Clostridium botulinum, and with that, the production of botulinum toxin.

Clostridium is the primary pathogen of concern because as a sporeformer, the spores would survive the heat processing treatment.  Other sporeformers may also be a concern, even those that can cause spoilage.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm614642.htm
Kraft Heinz Voluntarily Recalls Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso Mild Cheese Dip Distributed to Retailers
For Immediate Release
July 24, 2018

Supplier Issues Recall for Whey Powder Used in Goldfish, Ritz Crackers, etc

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) of New Ulm, Minn., issued a recall for dry whey powder packaged produced in the cooperative’s Blair, Wis., due to the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.   This product was responsible for recalls of Ritz crackers, Gold fish, Swiss Rolls, and chicken wings issued within the last week.

As noted, this was a precautionary recall that was issued after one test out of a number of tests performed on the product, came back with a positive result.  From the FDA release from the company: "All products shipped to the marketplace tested negative for salmonella.  However, because additional product tested positive for salmonella under AMPI’s routine test and hold procedures, the company is recalling product as a precautionary measure."   Further, "AMPI has ceased production at its Blair, Wis., dry whey plant, is currently investigating the cause for the positive samples, and will take all necessary remedial actions."

So if Salmonella present in the ingredient, based on the amount of testing said to have been completed, we would say that Salmonella would be at very low levels in the ingredient, and once processed (baking), there would be essentially no risk of it being present in finished product.

This shows the implications of one bad test even though many negative results may be found beforehand.  It also shows the impact of an ingredients on products even though those products where processed in a way to eliminate the potential hazard.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm614759.htm
AMPI Recalls Limited Amount of Dry Whey Powder Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
July 25, 2018

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending July 21, 2018

Supplier Issue in Controlling Allergens - GiftTree, a gift basket company based in Vancouver, WA, is voluntarily recalling 94,000 units of “Sherman Candy Caramels” sold online in the several Gift Baskets because they may contain undeclared pecans, walnuts, almonds and/or peanuts.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the caramels ingredient potentially includes pecans, walnuts, almonds and/or peanuts but the finished “Sherman Candy Caramels” does not reveal the presence of those allergens on the product packaging. [One should not expect peanut or tree nut allergens in caramel, so if the supplier can't control it, it may be worth sourcing from a different supplier].

Packaging Label Misses Milk Allergen - Shearer’s Foods, LLC of Massillon, OH is recalling Food Lion brand 7.75 ounce packages of Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips because they may contain undeclared milk. The issue was discovered when a consumer suffered an allergic reaction and the incident was reported to Food Lion. Shearer’s Foods, LLC conducted an investigation which indicated that a product containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk.

Packaging Label Misses Soy Allergen - LabelPortland French Bakery of Portland, OR is recalling 26,635 units of Seattle Sourdough Pub Bun 6pk and 8,022 units of Franz Premium Pub Buns 12pk, because it may contain undeclared SOY.  The labeling problem was discovered during a label and packaging review by firm. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing soy was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of soy

Mislabeled Chips - Utz® Quality Foods, LLC., is voluntarily recalling select expiration dates of Utz® Carolina Style Barbeque Potato Chips due to undeclared soy allergen. This recall was initiated after learning a certain number of packages were mislabeled.

Packaging Label Misses Peanut Allergens - An Ore. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of ready-to-eat sesame noodle chicken salad products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, The products contain peanuts, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. On July 14, 2018, a New Seasons Market employee discovered the problem at the company’s retail store, and the company notified FSIS of the problem.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm614189.htm
GiftTree Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecans, Walnuts, Almonds, Peanuts in " Sherman Candy Caramels "
For Immediate Release
July 20, 2018

Authorities Investigating Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Raw Turkey Products

CDC issued a news release about an ongoing investigation into a Salmonella outbreak linked to raw turkey products.  In this outbreak, 90 people have become infected with 40 hospitalizations.  The strain of Salmonella Reading is multidrug resistant.  The strain has been identified in samples taken from raw turkey pet food, raw turkey products, and live turkeys, however, according to this report, a single, common supplier of raw turkey products or of live turkeys has not been identified.

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/reading-07-18/index.html
Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Infections Linked to Raw Turkey Products
Posted July 19, 2018 at 12:00 PM EDT

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.

Florida Establishment Recalls Raw Ground Beef After Internal Testing Finds STEC E. coli

Win Opportunity Knocks, doing business as Ottomanelli Wholesale Meats Inc., a St. Petersburg, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,020 pounds of fresh and frozen, raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O45, O103 and O145,

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified that the product was tested by the establishment and found positive for E. coli under their sampling program.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-064-2018-release
Win Opportunity Knocks Recalls Fresh and Frozen, Raw Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O45, O103 and O145 Contamination
Class I Recall
064-2018
Health Risk: High
Jul 18, 2018