Listeria Outbreak Linked by FSIS Testing to RTE Pork Product Produced by SC Company

A Listeria outbreak has 11 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria from four states, reported as of Nov 22, 2024.  "Sick people's samples were collected from October 24, 2021, to July 31, 2024. Of 11 people with information available, nine have been hospitalized. In California, one pregnant person and their twins were sick and both infants died. Listeria was found in a sample from the mother and from one of the twin infants, but it could not be found in a sample from the other infant. "

"On October 21, 2024, FSIS conducted routine testing and follow-up activities of finished product by Yu Shang Food, Inc. Testing confirmed that the product was contaminated with Listeria. WGS showed that the Listeria in the pork snout product is closely related to bacteria from sick people. This means that people likely got sick from eating foods produced by Yu Shang Food, Inc."

Yushang Food Inc., of Spartanburg, SC issued an initial recall on Nov 9, 2024, and then expanded on Nov 21, 2024 to include approximately 72,240 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products within their shelf life that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. The

The problem was discovered after FSIS performed routine testing and follow-up activities of finished product produced by Yu Shang Food, Inc. on October 21, 2024, that confirmed the product was positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Additional testing has confirmed that Listeria monocytogenes was detected in product and in environmental samples collected by FSIS. Whole genome sequencing was conducted determine if these samples match the outbreak strain.  Working in conjunction with public health partners, FSIS determined that there is a link between the RTE meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food, Inc. and an illness cluster.

https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/investigation-update-meat-and-poultry-11-24.html

Investigation Update: Listeria Outbreak, Meat and Poultry Products, 2024

November 22, 2024

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections.

Wisconsin University Expands Recall of Mislabeled Ice Cream After Determining Issue Occurred on Other Lot

Babcock Dairy of Madison, Wisconsin, is expanding its November 7, 2024 recall for Orange Custard Chocolate Chip ice cream that may be labeled as Chocolate Peanut Butter.  The products were produced on Sept. 17 and 30, 2024. The issue with the first lot  (Lot for Sept 17) was discovered on the evening of Nov. 4, 2024, when a customer reported the mislabeling. The second lot (Lot for Sept 30) was added to the recall notice after discovery on Nov. 18, 2024. There have been no reports of illness associated with consumption of these products.

This reminds one to check other lots of the same product when first discovering there was an issue on the first lot. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/babcock-dairy-expands-recall-orange-custard-chocolate-chip-and-chocolate-peanut-butter-due
Babcock Dairy Expands Recall on Orange Custard Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Peanut Butter Due to Undeclared Egg
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 19, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  November 19, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Egg
Company Name:  Babcock Dairy
Brand Name:  Babcock Dairy
Product Description:  Orange Custard Chocolate Chip ice cream

Another Cinnamon Powder Recall After State Lab Finds Lead Contamination

IHA Beverage of Commerce, CA is recalling Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz, because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.  Product was distributed mostly through California retail stores and a few stores across the US.  This recall is being initiated as a result of routine sampling by the Arkansas Department of Health which revealed that the finished products contained elevated levels of lead. The company has ceased the distribution of the product as they continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/iha-beverage-issues-voluntary-recall-super-cinnamon-powder-4oz-because-lead-contamination
IHA Beverage Issues a Voluntary Recall of Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz Because of Lead Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 18, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  November 18, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Metal Contaminant - Lead
Company Name:  IHA Beverage
Brand Name: SUPER BRAND
Product Description:  Cinnamon Powder
Company Announcement  

Organic Carrots Linked to E. coli Outbreak with 39 Reported Illness; Product Recalled

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H19 infections linked to organic whole and baby carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, California.  To this point(11/22/24), there are 39 reported illnesses with 15 of those hospitalized and one death.  

Case Count
Total Illnesses: 39
Hospitalizations: 15
Deaths: 1
Last Illness Onset: October 28, 2024
States with Cases: AR, CA, CO, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, WY
Product Distribution: Nationwide
International Distribution: Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates

The firm, Grimmway Farms, initiated a voluntary recall of multiple quantities and brands of bagged, organic whole and baby carrots and contacted their distributing customers. Recalled products were shipped directly to retail distribution centers nationwide in the United States and Puerto Rico. These products should no longer be in grocery stores but may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o121h19-organic-carrots-november-2024
Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O121:H19: Organic Carrots (November 2024)
11/22/2024
Do not eat or serve multiple brands of recalled bagged organic whole and baby carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

Canada - Report of Limited Outbreak of Typhoid Fever

We don't see cases of typhoid fever often, but here is a report of a case in Canada that involves an asymptomatic carrier (think Typhoid Mary from late 1800s).  Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water, originating with a person having the illness. Unlike the typical Salmonella that are primarily limited to infection of the intestinal tract, once Salmonella Typhi bacteria are ingested, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream leading to prolonged high fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhea.  

Canadian health officials published a report about seven cases of typhoid fever over four years (from 2018 to 2022) that were linked to an asymptomatic chronic S. Typhi carrier who worked irregularly as a food handler at various locations of a grocery store chain. Transmission occurred through food handling, shared workspaces and social and household networks. Although the outbreak was relatively small, six of seven cases were hospitalized with significant morbidity.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/reports-publications/canada-communicable-disease-report-ccdr/monthly-issue/2024-50/issue-11-november-2024/locally-acquired-typhoid-fever-outbreak-linked-chronic-carriage-ottawa.html
Outbreak Report
Locally acquired typhoid fever outbreak linked to chronic carriage in Ottawa, Canada, 2018–2022
Janice Zhang1,2, Ann Jolly2, Tram Nguyen2, Monir Taha2, Christina Lee3, Antoine Corbeil3, Esther Dapaah2, Jeff Walker2, Curtis Cooper4, Jacqueline Willmore2

Abstract

Background: In Canada, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi infections are uncommon and typically travel-related. In November 2021, Ottawa Public Health identified a link between two typhoid fever cases, with no recent history of international travel, to the same grocery store ready-to-eat counter

Lawsuit Over No Preservative Claim

This is an interesting case where a lawsuit was filed against Kraft Heinz on 'no preservative claim'.  Being scientifically right may not be good enough.

https://nypost.com/2024/11/14/business/kraft-heinz-ordered-to-face-mac-cheese-lawsuit-judge-rules/
Kraft Heinz ordered to face Mac & Cheese lawsuit over ‘no preservatives’ label
By Reuters
Published Nov. 14, 2024, 2:26 p.m. ET

FDA Provides Update on E. coli STEC Outbreak Associated with Onions

FDA provided an update on the E.coli STEC linked to onions served on fast food chain hamburgers.  There are now 104 cases with 34 hospitalizations and one death.  That is over 15 more cases from the last update on October 30.

FDA provided this about the investigation - "At this time, one FDA sample of recalled onions has tested positive for E. coli, but it is a non-O157:H7 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and does not match the outbreak strain or any other clinical illnesses. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis determined that the sample is positive for E. coli O168:H8 and contains the Shiga toxin gene stx2a. Additional sample results are pending. More information will be provided in this update as it becomes available."

Case Count
Total Illnesses: 104
Hospitalizations: 34
Deaths: 1
Last Illness Onset: October 21, 2024
States with Cases: CO, IA, KS, MI, MO, MT, NE, NM, NC, OR, UT, WA, WI, and WY
Recalled Onion Distribution*: CO, IA, ID, KS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NV, OK, UT, and WY
*Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states.


https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-onions-october-2024
Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: Onions (October 2024)
FDA’s investigation and sample analysis are ongoing.

South Carolina Establishment Recalled RTE Meat Products After Positive Test

Yu Shang Food, Inc, a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 4,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. The ready-to-eat meat and poultry items were produced from October 21 to October 27, 2024. These products have “used by” dates ranging from 21-AUG-2025 through 27-AUG-2025.  The problem was discovered after FSIS performed routine testing and follow-up activities of finished product produced by Yu Shang Food, Inc. on October 21, 2024, that confirmed the product was positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

Products include: Yushang Brand Cooked Chicken 20 oz;  Seasoned Pork Hock Vacuum Pack;  Japanese Chashu Pork Belly 20 oz  16 oz;  Braised Pork Belly in Brown Sauce Vacuum Pack;  Yushang Brand Cooked Pork Hock 16 oz  1.4 lbs;  Chinese Brand Spicy Chicken Feet;  Bazhen Seasoned Whole Chicken 8 oz  20 oz ;  Braised Beef Shank;  Seasoned Pork Tongues 16 oz  12 oz.  

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/yu-shang-food-inc--recalls-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due-possible-listeria
Yu Shang Food Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Yushang Food Inc.

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2024 – Yu Shang Food, Inc, a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 4,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products out of an abundance of caution. These products may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Issues with Botulism in Europe May Be Due to Improper Home Canning

A recent articles points out the high number of botulism cases in Europe.  You may remember the recent botulism outbreak associated with pesto served by a restaurant in France where 5 people were affected.  According to the article, "In 2023, 112 cases of botulism were reported in Europe, with Italy registering the highest number, followed by France, Spain, Romania, and Germany. Most North European countries reported no cases."

An expert there gave three factors, however the one that provides the best insight is that "cultural factors play a role. Traditional home canning is still prevalent in some countries, but methods may not always adhere to rigorous safety standards. Italy, where home canning has old roots, is the European country with the highest number of reported cases each year. In 2023, Italy reported 36 cases of botulism, half of which were caused by improper home canning. It was followed by France with 15 cases and Romania and Spain with 14 cases each. “Italy, Spain, France, Poland, Romania, all have a strong tradition in [home] preserving and canning food."


Medscape Medical News

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/botulism-outbreaks-europe-raise-food-safety-concerns-2024a1000kf5
Botulism Outbreaks in Europe Raise Food Safety Concerns
Manuela Callari
November 08, 2024