Update - E. coli Outbreak Linked to Quarter Pounders, Onions Recalled

CDC provided an update of the E. coli outbreak linked to McDonalds quarter pounders. There are now 77 cases with 22 hospitalizations and 1 death across 13 states. With the federal inspectors focusing in on sliced onions, the supplier, Taylor Farms has recalled whole peeled and diced onions.

This is not the first foodborne illness outbreak linked to onions. 

In 2023, there was a Salmonella outbreak linked to chopped fresh onions from a CA processor. (link)

In 2021, a Salmonella outbreak with 652 was linked to imported onions. (link)

In 2020, a Salmonella outbreak with 1,127 cases (link) 

FDA published their investigation into the 2020 outbreak, and stated potential causes.  If considering how contamination events can occur to an item like onions, one can reflect on this.

While our investigation did not occur during any harvesting activities, visual observations of the implicated red onion growing fields suggested several plausible opportunities for contamination including irrigation water, sheep grazing on adjacent land, as well as signs of animal intrusion, such as scat and large flocks of birds which may spread contamination. Similarly, the investigation did not occur while packing activities were ongoing. However, visual observations and records review of packing house practices confirmed numerous opportunities for spread of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, including signs of animal and pest intrusion as well as food contact surfaces which had not been inspected, maintained, cleaned, or sanitized as frequently as necessary to protect against the contamination of produce. 

CDC information on this outbreak.

Fast Facts
Cases: 75 (26 new)
Hospitalizations: 22 (12 new)
Deaths: 1 (0 new)
States: 13 (3 new)

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-mcdonalds-quarter-pounders-october-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Outbreak Investigations & Safety Advisories

FDA Human Foods Program

Waffle Recall Expanded to Include All Pancakes and Waffle Products

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) is expanding its voluntary recall (initially posted on 10/18) to include all products manufactured at one facility and still within their shelf-life. The recall is expanded to include frozen toaster waffle, Belgian waffle and pancake products, due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This recall was expanded based on additional testing at the manufacturing facility.  There have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the recalled products to date. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/treehouse-foods-announces-expansion-voluntary-recall-include-all-waffle-and-pancake-products-due
TreeHouse Foods Announces Expansion of Voluntary Recall to Include All Waffle and Pancake Products Due to the Potential for Listeria monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 22, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 23, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  TreeHouse Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Multiple brand names
Product Description:  Frozen toaster waffles, Belgian waffles and pancakes

PA Firm Recalls Spice Kit After Package Mix-up Results in Undeclared Soy and Wheat

The Con Yeager Spice Company of Zelienople, PA, is recalling its TRAIL BOLOGNA MEAT PROCESSING KITS, because they may contain undeclared soy and wheat.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered by a customer that their box of Hickory Jerky Kits contained Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits. Hickory Jerky kit contents were inadvertently packaged inside of Trail Bologna Meat Processing kit pouches.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/con-yeager-spice-company-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-and-wheat-trail-bologna-meat-processing
Con Yeager Spice Company Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy and Wheat in Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 21, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 21, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Allergens
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Wheat and Soy
Company Name:  Con Yeager Spice Company
Brand Name:  Trail Bologna
Product Description:  Meat Processing Kit

E. coli Outbreak with 49 Reported Cases Linked to McDonald Quarter Pounders, Slivered Onions Possible Culprit

The FDA, USDA-FSIS and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating  a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections.  A specific ingredient has not yet been confirmed as the source of the outbreak, but most sick people report eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burger varieties.  Slivered onions or the beef patties are the two items under investigation.

The FDA Update stated "Preliminary traceback and distribution information reviewed by FDA shows that slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders are a likely source of contamination. FDA is working quickly to confirm that these onions are a source of this outbreak and to determine if these onions were served or sold at other businesses. McDonald’s has temporarily stopped using this type of onion in these states. Diced onions used at McDonald’s are not implicated in this outbreak."

So far there have been 49 illness in 10 states with 10 hospitalizations and 1 death.  CDC added a list of states where McDonald's removed slivered onions and beef patties. States: Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma

Case Count
Total Illnesses: 49
Hospitalizations: 10
Deaths: 1
Last Illness Onset: October 11, 2024
States with Cases: CO, IA, KS, MO, MT, NE, OR, UT, WI, and WY

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-mcdonalds-quarter-pounders-october-2024

Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: McDonald’s Quarter Pounders (October 2024)
Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders served in certain states. Investigators are working to confirm the source of the outbreak.

Companies Issue Recalls of Products Made with Recalled Meat

Two recalls were issued related to the BrucePac recall of ready-to-eat meat products.

Following a recall initiated by Fresh Creative Foods, a division of Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc., Albertsons Companies has voluntarily recalled 12 types of ReadyMeals and store-made deli items, supplied by Fresh Creative Foods, due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall was initiated because these products contain a recalled ready-to-eat chicken ingredient supplied by BrucePac of Durant, Okla., which was found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches Corsica, SD is voluntarily recalling our Pepperjack Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger and The Gambler due to the burger patty being included in a recall from an outside supplier (BrucePac).

BrucePac issued recalls, beginning on Oct 9, 2024 for meat products after FSIS testing found Listeria.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/albertsons-companies-voluntarily-recalls-12-readymeals-and-store-made-deli-items-containing-recalled
Albertsons Companies Voluntarily Recalls 12 ReadyMeals and Store-Made Deli Items Containing a Recalled Chicken Ingredient Supplied by Fresh Creative Foods Due to Possible Listeria monocytogenes Contamination

Frozen Waffles of Various Store Brands Recalled for Potential Listeria

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) is voluntarily recalling certain frozen waffle products listed below due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes.  This issue was discovered through routine testing at the manufacturing facility.  There have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the product at this time.

In an evaluation of the recall dates, it appears that a year of production has been recalled.  While there is nothing stated why this much product was recalled, based upon past recalls, this is often an indication that a there is no evidence for a clean break within this time frame and the issue could have been ongoing.

The recalled products were distributed throughout the United States and Canada and packed in various formats under the brand names including:

Always Save        Best Choice     Bettergoods       Breakfast Best        Clover Valley        

Essentials            Food Lion        Food Hold         Giant Eagle            Good and Gather

Great Value        Hannaford         Harris Teeter     HEB                        Kodiak Cakes

Price Chopper    Publix                Schnucks          SE Grocers                Simple Truth

Tops                    Western Family

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/treehouse-foods-announces-voluntary-recall-certain-waffle-products-due-potential-listeria

TreeHouse Foods Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Waffle Products Due to the Potential for Listeria monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 18, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 18, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  TreeHouse Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Multiple brand names
Product Description:  Frozen Waffle Products

California Company Recalls Green Onions Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Church Brothers, LLC (“Church Brothers Farms”) , of Salinas, CA, is voluntarily recalling 1271 cases of green onions because of the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  This recall is the result of a single product sample collected by Canadian Food Inspection Agency that indicated the presence of Salmonella. The Company promptly reported this issue to Food & Drug Administration. To the knowledge of Church Brothers Farms, no illnesses have occurred or been reported to date.

Distribution was limited to a small number of retail and foodservice customers in Canada and USA (Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia). 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/church-brothers-farms-recall-green-onions-due-possible-health-risk
Church Brothers Farms Recall Green Onions Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 18, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 18, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Church Brothers, LLC
Brand Name:  Multiple brand names
Product Description:  Green Onions

Oklahoma Establishment Continues to Update Recall of RTE Meat and Poultry Products

BrucePac, a Durant, Okla. establishment, has issued subsequent expansions of their recall to include additional products. The initial recall, posted on October 9, was expanded on October 15 for the  addition of 1,779,040 pounds of product subject to recall, increasing the weight from 9,986,245 to 11,765,285 pounds .  On October 17,  a list of schools were updated that received the RTE meat products.  The release stated, "The products that went to these schools were not part of USDA’s National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs; schools also purchase food directly from other vendors. FSIS will continue to update this and the retail product list as it receives more information."

The problem was discovered after FSIS performed routine product testing of finished product containing RTE poultry products produced by BrucePac and confirmed those products positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company had identified RTE chicken as the product that tested positive. There have been no reported illnesses to date.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/brucepac-recalls-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due-possible-listeria
BrucePac Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

BrucePac

FSIS Announcement

Editor’s Note: October 17, 2024 – FSIS is working diligently to identify all recalled products that were distributed to consumers, including those purchased by schools. A preliminary list of schools that received products that include BrucePac recalled ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry have been added. The products that went to these schools were not part of USDA’s National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs; schools also purchase food directly from other vendors. FSIS will continue to update this and the retail product list as it receives more information.

Caramel Apples and Listeria - Controlling Safety in Light of a New Development

After a 2014 Listeria outbreak linked to caramel apples that caused 5 deaths and 21 hospitalizations, there was a recognition, based on research, that caramel apples need to be refrigerated.  Since that time, product developers came up with a bioprotective treatment specific to caramel that utilizes a treatment employing four species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB).  This treatment allows the caramel apples to be safety stored at room temperature.  

This is great, but how does one know whether the caramel apples have received this treatment or not?  Does the produce manager in your average supermarket know they need to refrigerate caramel apples, and then there are some that don't require refrigeration?  Perhaps it is stated on the outer case. What about the consumer?





https://www.producebusiness.com/tastee-apple-inc/
CARAMEL APPLES — New Technology Keeps Safe Without the Need for Refrigeration

There’s nothing like the nostalgic ooey-gooey goodness of biting into a caramel apple in the fall. First invented in the 1950s, crunchy fresh harvested apples covered with sweet soft caramel and skewered on a stick for easy eating are staples in produce departments nationwide from late August through the end of October. Now, Tastee Apple, Inc., a Newcomerstown, OH-headquartered company that has been making these seasonal staples since the early 1970s, has employed trendsetting bioprotective technology to assure this long-time treat is as safe to eat as it is scrumptious.