Article - 2022 Canadian E.coli (STEC) Outbreak Associated with Kimchi

An article in Epidemiology and Infection, a 2021/2022 outbreak of E. coli in kimchi is discussed.  While we would think that the fermented kimchi product would not have issues with enteric pathogens, this case proves otherwise.   The E.coli (STEC) was thought to come in on the Napa cabbage which was grown in Washington state.  The second issue was that E.coli was acid tolerant, allowing it to survive in product down to pH of 4.1.  Generally, low pH and contribution of lactic acid bacterial growth (Lee, 2021) would eventually eliminate pathogens, but in this case, the product was consumed closer to the manufacturing date.

From the article, "Given that kimchi is acidic in nature, typically with a pH less than 4.5 [Reference Kim, Jang, Kim, Lee, Kim, Ryu and Rhee14], it is often assumed to be an unlikely source for foodborne outbreaks. However, the present outbreak, and those noted above from East Asia, have called this assumption into question. Interestingly, pH testing in this outbreak revealed that pH decreased over time throughout the product’s shelf life. With decreased pH thought to reduce pathogenic load, it is notable that cases in this outbreak had consumption dates closer to the beginning of the product’s shelf life, when pH was likely higher, and the product was less acidic. It is also notable that a positive result for STEC O157 in this outbreak was found in a product with a pH result of 4.1, indicating that this strain of STEC O157 may have also been acid-tolerant, surviving exposure to this pH. Research is ongoing to determine if this may have been the case. This outbreak serves as a reminder that kimchi is a potential source of foodborne outbreaks, and that mitigating measures to prevent pathogen introduction and growth should be considered in the manufacturing process."


Epidemiology and Infection
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-infection/article/fermenting-a-place-in-history-the-first-outbreak-of-escherichia-coli-o157-associated-with-kimchi-in-canada/B8EC9B59037C9506D1EAE19DDD4E9AAC
Fermenting a place in history: The first outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 associated with kimchi in Canada

CA Distributor Recalls Imported Black Melon Seed Due to Undeclared Soy and Wheat

Richin Trading Inc. of Alhambra, CA is recalling its 6 ounce and 12 ounce packages of Tim Heung Yuen brand black melon seed because they may contain undeclared soy and wheat.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the soy and wheat containing product was distributed in packaging that did not state the presence of soy and wheat.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/richin-trading-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-and-wheat-black-melon-seed
Richin Trading Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy and Wheat in Black Melon Seed
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 19, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  July 19, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared soy and wheat allergens
Company Name:  Richin Trading Inc.
Brand Name:  Tim Heung Yuen
Product Description:  Black Melon Seed

CA Company Recalls Muffin Mix After Copacker Formulation Error Leads to Undeclared Milk

ONO LLC of San Diego, CA, issuing a voluntary recall of its 2.75 ounce packages of ONO Vegan Blueberry Muffin Protein Overnight Oats, with lot number 11923, because it may contain undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated immediately after it was discovered that the milk-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an accidental ingredient mix up by the copacking facility.

Note that milk is included in the "Produced in a facility that uses peanuts, wheat, and milk products", but that does not comply with allergen labeling regulations.

From brand owners perspective, ensuring the co-packer facility has well developed and implemented Allergen Preventive Controls is critical.  In this case, control at the point of formulation / ingredient addition is needed.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ono-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-vegan-blueberry-muffin-lot-number-11923
ONO LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Vegan Blueberry Muffin with Lot Number 11923
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 18, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  July 19, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk allergen
Company Name:  ONO LLC
Brand Name:  ONO
Product Description:  Vegan Blueberry Muffin Protein Overnight Oats

CDC MMWR - 2022 E.coli (STEC) Outbreak Among Farm Camp Participants at Goat Farm

In CDC MMWR, a report on a 2022 E.coli (STEC) outbreak linked to a farming camp in Tennessee where children got to interact with baby goats.  There were 12 ill camp attendees.  "TDH concluded that this outbreak was associated with STEC O157:H7-infected kids and involved secondary transmission. Hand-to-mouth contact has been observed to occur almost three times per hour among children aged 6–10 years,** supporting the potential for STEC ingestion from contaminated environmental surfaces."

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7229a6.htm
Notes from the Field: An Outbreak of Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 Associated with a Farming Camp — Tennessee, 2022
Weekly / July 21, 2023 / 72(29);805–806
Lindsey Ferraro, MPH1; D. J. Irving, MPH1; Jack Marr, MPH1; Kelly Orejuela, MPH1; Erin Murray1; Mugdha Golwalkar, MPH1; Lisa M. Durso, PhD2; Julie Viruez, MLS3; Robin Rasnic, MT3; Katie Garman, MPH1; John Dunn, DVM, PhD1 (VIEW AUTHOR AFFILIATIONS)

FDA Updates Ongoing Investigation into Hepatitis A Associated with Frozen Strawberries

FDA provided an update of the Hepatitis A outbreak that was linked to frozen strawberries. As of July 18, 2023, there are now ten cases of Hepatitis A linked to frozen strawberries with 4 of those hospitalized. All cases are on the West Coast of the US. The last reported case was on June 4, 2023.

FDA last reported on this outbreak in mid-June. At the time, there was one less case than was reported now.  The problem is of course, with frozen product, people may still have these frozen strawberries in their freezer.


https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-virus-infections-frozen-strawberries-february-2023
Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Virus Infections: Frozen Strawberries (February 2023)
Do not eat recalled Frozen Strawberries. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

Current Update
July 20, 2023

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 10
Hospitalizations: 4
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: June 4, 2023
States with Cases: CA (2), HI (1), OR (1), WA (6)

Product Distribution: Nationwide

As of July 18, 2023, a total of 10 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported from four states. Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 10/10 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries.

FDA Completes Investigation into Illness Outbreak Related to Mushrooms in MT (May 2023)

FDA announced that the investigation of illness related to mushrooms sold by MT restaurant.

"Morel mushrooms are a type of edible mushroom that are commonly foraged from the wild and are sometimes cultivated for commercial sale. Morel mushrooms are generally considered safe to eat, but they may contain some toxins that can cause health problems. The toxins in morel mushrooms that may cause illness are not fully understood; however, using proper preparation procedures, such as cooking can help to reduce toxin levels."

"Although the mushrooms sampled from the restaurant were found to be true morels, there are varieties of “false morels” that may be mistaken for a true morel due to a similar appearance. “False morels” are toxic and should not be consumed, cooked or uncooked. Gyromitrin is a toxin found in some varieties of false morel mushrooms and it has been linked to several cases of mushroom poisoning and can be fatal even in relatively small amounts. Gyromitrin poisoning can cause symptoms such as headache, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of coordination, and in severe cases, seizure, heart failure, liver and kidney damage and death. Gyromitrin toxin can be partially broken down by high temperature; however, even with cooking, toxins may remain and can lead to illness or toxicity."

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 51
Hospitalizations: 3
Deaths: 2
Last Illness Onset: April 21, 2023
States with Cases: MT

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-illnesses-morel-mushrooms-may-2023
Investigation of Illnesses: Morel Mushrooms (May 2023)

FDA assisted Montana state partners with an investigation of multiple illnesses at a single restaurant. FDA’s investigation is complete.

Recall of Beef Jerky Product Sold Online By Non-inspected TN Firm

 Suya Slice, LLC, a Memphis, Tenn. establishment, is recalling approximately 445 pounds of ready-to-eat beef products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection.  Products were sold online as well as at retail.  The problem was discovered when FSIS followed up on a referral from the Illinois Department of Agriculture and observed beef products that did not have the USDA mark of inspection at a retail location. Upon further investigation, FSIS determined that the products were not produced in an FSIS-inspected establishment.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/suya-slice-llc-recalls-ready-eat-beef-products-produced-without-benefit-inspection
Suya Slice LLC, Recalls Ready-to-Eat Beef Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2023 – Suya Slice, LLC, a Memphis, Tenn. establishment, is recalling approximately 445 pounds of ready-to-eat beef products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

MD Facility Recalls Pork Dumplings Not Produced Under USDA Inspection

Mulan Dumpling, LLC, a Hyattsville, Md. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,560 pounds of frozen meat and poultry dumpling products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection
Although the products subject to recall bear the USDA mark of inspection, they were produced in an establishment without a federal grant of inspection. These items were shipped to retail grocery store locations in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.  The problem was discovered when FSIS received a referral from the Maryland Department of Health and observed that the meat and poultry dumpling products were produced and sold by an establishment that was not inspected by FSIS.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/mulan-dumpling-llc-recalls-frozen-meat-and-poultry-dumpling-products-produced
Mulan Dumpling, LLC, Recalls Frozen Meat and Poultry Dumpling Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2023 – Mulan Dumpling, LLC, a Hyattsville, Md. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,560 pounds of frozen meat and poultry dumpling products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Lunch Kits Recalled After Supplied Ingredient Was Subject to Cross Contact with Allergen

"The USDA FSIS is issuing a public health alert for Never Any! brand ready-to-eat (RTE) ham and cheese lunch kits containing chocolate chip cookies that may contain peanut, a known allergen, which is not declared on the finished product label. A recall was not requested because the products are believed to no longer be available for purchase.  The problem was discovered when the producing establishment was notified by their chocolate chip cookie supplier that the chocolate chip cookies may contain peanut residue, a known allergen, which is not declared on the label. "  The product was made in Canada by Maple Leaf Foods and was distributed by Aldi retail chain. 

This is an issue which is getting more attention - an ingredient supplier's allergen control program. In this case, the supplier of the chocolate chip cookie item allowed allergen cross contact with peanuts. While this is a USDA product, the FDA covers this as part of the Preventive Control regulation under Supply Chain Preventive Control.  In the upcoming update to the FSPCA training curriculum that covers this regulation, there will be added attention to this issue.

 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-never-any-brand-ready-eat-ham-and-cheese-lunch-kits
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Never Any! Brand Ready-To-Eat Ham and Cheese Lunch Kits Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for Never Any! brand ready-to-eat (RTE) ham and cheese lunch kits containing chocolate chip cookies that may contain peanut, a known allergen, which is not declared on the finished product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with an allergy to peanut are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the products are believed to no longer be available for purchase.