Romaine lettuce recalled due to Listeria

Fresh Express is recalling bags of romaine lettuce hearts due to a sample testing positive for Listeria.  The release below indicates the product was tested by FDA.  There have been no reported illnesses.  At this point, the expiration date on the product had passed so it is anticipated that there will be no product on the store shelf.

 

Why conduct a recall on expired product?  In the event product still might be on some store shelf, or in someone's refrigerator, it is important to remove it.  Especially considering that Listeria can grow at refrigerated temperatures.  Also, expired product may move through the food donation system (food banks and pantries).  Some of these outlets allow for the movement of product that has gone beyond the stated shelf-life.  Then on top of that, it is important that the company show it has taken corrective action.

Why test product about to expire?  This is probably a market survey, so product may have already traveled from the production facility to the retail level.  With a limited shelf-life product like leafy greens, there is not a big window of time.  Adding this to the time it takes for testing and positive confirmation, then it is likely that the product has already surpassed its stated shelf-life. 

But a sampling program such as this does give important information.  With little doubt, the FDA is paying a visit to this facility to see how the product may have become contaminated.  In a product such as this where there are processing steps including the removal of the outer leaves and a multiple wash step, which will include some antimicrobial agent(s), there is a good likelihood that the contamination occurred at the processing facility.

 

FDA News Release

Fresh Express Recalls Limited Quantity of Expired 10 oz. Hearts of Romaine Salad Due to Possible Health Risk

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm316923.htm

 

Contact:
Consumer:
800-242-5472
Media:
Tiffany Breaux
704-280-5938
Barbara Hines
972-724-3049

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 26, 2012 - Fresh Express Incorporated is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of expired 10 oz. Hearts of Romaine salad with the expired Use-by Date of August 23, 2012 and a Product Code beginning with "G222" as a precaution due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes.

No illnesses are reported in association with the recall. No other Fresh Express products are being recalled.

Fresh Express customer service representatives are already contacting retailers to confirm the product was removed from their inventories and store shelves in accordance with standard procedures for products that have reached their expiration date. Customers with questions may contact their Fresh Express customer service representative.

In an unlikely event that consumers may still have this expired product in their refrigerators, it should not be consumed, but discarded instead. Consumers with questions may call the Fresh Express Consumer Response Center at (800) 242-5472 during the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

The precautionary recall notification for the now-expired salad is being issued due to an isolated incident in which a sample of a singled package of 10 oz. Hearts of Romaine salad yielded a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes as part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s random sample testing program. Fresh Express is continuing to coordinate closely with regulatory officials.

The limited quantity of recalled product is identified with a Product Code beginning with "G222" and a Use-by Date of August 23, which is located in the upper right-hand corner of the package. In addition, the UPC Code of 71279 26102 is located on the back of the package below the barcode. The 10 oz. Hearts of Romaine was distributed in limited quantities to predominantly eastern and southeastern states.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If it spreads to the nervous system symptoms may include headache, stiff neck or confusion. The illness primarily affects pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.

###

Note:
The expired Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine salads being recalled display a use-by date of August 23, 2012 with a Product Code beginning with G222.

BRAND	PRODUCT NAME	SIZE	PKG TYPE	UPC	POSSIBLE DISTRIBUTION STATES
Fresh Express	Hearts of Romaine	10 oz	Bag	7127926102	AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV

Black licorice recalled due to high lead content

American Licorice company is recalling black licorice due to elevated levels of lead. The product was found to have 0.33 ppm of lead which could lead to ingestion of  13.2 micrograms of lead per serving. (And those of us who enjoy black licorice...much higher).  The issue was discovered by the California Dept of Public Health.  There have been no reported cases.

Lead Intoxication
An early symptom of mild lead intoxication lead is anemia, or lack of red blood cells.  In higher levels of intoxication, anemia becomes worse and effects begin on the central nervous system including hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and slowed learning.  With increased levels, people become irritable and restless, and suffer headaches, tremors, and memory loss.  Acute toxicity can lead to kidney failure, convulsions, coma, and death.

There is a long history of lead intoxication.  It is believed that the Romans, from the year 30 to 200 or so, suffered the effects of lead toxicity from drinking wine stored in lead-containing containers.  This probably accounted for the erratic behavior of the emperors at that time.  More recently, moonshiners who used equipment with lead solder (radiators) often suffered the consequences of lead poisoning.  Because of this, they tested their 'shine' by taking a small teaspoon full of shine and lighting it on fire.  A blue flame was good, and a red flame 'makes you dead'.

In the early days of canned food when the cans were soldered with lead, products could contain lead as high as 0.5ppm.  The industry and FDA instituted the use of non-soldered cans which resulted in a marked decrease in lead levels within the population.



FDA News Relasea
American Licorice Company Announces Recall of 16 oz. Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists
 http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm316850.htm?source=govdelivery
Contact:
Consumer:
886-442-2783
Media:
Michael Kelly
831-359-1839

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 21, 2012 - American Licorice Company of Union City, CA is recalling 16 oz. Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists due to elevated levels of lead. Only the one pound bag (16 oz.) of Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists containing "Best Before Date" of 020413 are affected by this recall. American Licorice is notifying consumers and customers not to consume this candy.

American Licorice learned from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), that some Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists contain levels of lead that could potentially cause health problems to consumers, particularly infants, small children, and pregnant women. American Licorice immediately segregated its entire inventory of 16 oz. Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists.

Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists is a black licorice candy made from molasses, wheat flour, corn syrup, caramel coloring, licorice extract, salt, and anise flavor. The 16 oz. bag is red and white in color with a window in the package to display the black licorice twists.

Recent analysis of Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists by CDPH found that the candy contained lead levels as high as .33 parts per million (ppm). This concentration of lead could provide up to 13.2 micrograms of lead per serving and children under 6 years of age should not consume more than 6.0 micrograms of lead per day from all dietary sources. Therefore, the CDPH's position is that the sale of this lot of the 16 oz. Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists is in violation of California statutes.
American Licorice wants to ensure its products are safe. Consequently, in addition to its ongoing cooperation with the CDPH, American Licorice is voluntarily recalling all 16 oz. Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists from all of its customers with affected product. Consumers in possession of Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists with the "Best Before Date" of 020413 should not eat the candy and should return it to their place of purchase for a full refund. The "Best Before Date" is located in black ink on the rear of the package.

Pregnant women and parents of children who may have consumed any candy should consult with their physician or health care provider to determine whether further medical testing is required. For more information about lead poisoning, parents and caretakers should contact their local childhood lead poisoning prevention program or local public health department.

American Licorice will be sending recall notices to all of its affected customers. Please contact American Licorice Consumer Support at 886-442-2783 for further information.

Two Canadian firms announce recalls for sliced mushrooms because of Listeria

Highline Foods is recalling sliced and whole mushrooms distributed by Ciolino Produce of Michigan due to the fact that product tested positive for Listeria. Pure Hothouse Foods is recalling 1402 cases and 8412 individual units of grilling trays (trays of mixed vegetables) due to the fact that the mushrooms may contain Listeria. This product was shipped to 5 states within the US. It was not stated whether Highline grew the mushrooms shipped as part of the Pure Hothouse recall, but both companies are located in Leamington, Ontario.

There have been no reported illnesses. The recall is based upon positive product testing, but it was not stated who did the testing.

There are some excellent resources on mushroom food safety at http://extension.psu.edu/food-safety/producers/psu-resources/food-safety-for-mushroom-growers-and-packers.


Pure Hothouse Foods Inc, Announces a Voluntary Recall of Fresh Cut Grilling Trays Because of Possible Health Risk
FDA Release
 http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm316022.htm

Contact
Consumer:
1-866-326-8444
M-F 8am-5pm. (Eastern Standard Time)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 16, 2012 – Pure Hothouse Foods Inc. is voluntarily recalling a total of 1402 cases and 8,412 individually distributed units of fresh cut grilling trays, as listed below, with the Sell by dates of August 11th, 2012 through August 26, 2012 because they contain whole or sliced mushrooms which may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious or life-threatening food borne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include fever, muscle aches, gastro intestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. The illness primarily impacts pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.
The voluntary recalled products were produced and distributed from Pure Hothouse Foods Inc. in Leamington, Ontario, Canada to retailers in the following states: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.

This voluntary recall notification is being issued due to finding Listeria monocytogenes in finished product that contained mushrooms. Pure Hothouse Foods Inc. is coordinating closely with regulatory officials.

No illnesses have been reported in association with this voluntary recall.

Pure Hothouse Foods Inc. customer service representatives have already contacted all customers impacted and are in the process of confirming that the recalled products are not in the stream of commerce. Consumers with questions may contact Pure Hothouse Foods Inc. directly at 1-866-326-8444 M-F 8am-5pm. (Eastern Standard Time)

Product Description	Use by Date	UPC Code
Meijer Brand “Grillers Mushroom with Rosemary”	August 11th – August 26th 2012	7-08820-85464-2
Meijer Brand “Grillers Steak Topper”	August 11th – August 26th 2012	7-08820-85468-0
Meijer Brand “Grillers Asparagus Blend”	August 11th – August 26th 2012	7-08820-85353-9

Only the specific products identified in the list above are included in this precautionary voluntary recall. Retailers should check their inventories and store shelves to confirm that none of the product is present or available for purchase by consumers or in warehouse inventories.

Consumers who may have purchased any of the above item(s) are asked to record the Sell by date and/or UPC code number, immediately dispose of the product in its entirety, and contact Pure Hothouse Foods Inc. toll-free at 1-866-326-8444, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern Time) to obtain a full refund. Please visit our website at www.pure-flavor.com for a copy of the release.

 
Health Hazard Alert – Certain Sliced White Mushrooms May Contain Listeria Monocytogenes
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm316052.htm

 Contact
Consumer:
1-734-847-4140
(9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Saturday)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 14, 2012 – Ciolino Produce was notified that our Highline 8 oz. packaged Sliced White Mushrooms may be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can also cause miscarriages and still births among pregnant women.

The grower/processor, Highline Mushrooms, Leamington, ON, is voluntarily recalling the affected products from all marketplaces. The following Sliced White Mushrooms, sold in 227 g ( 8 oz ) containers bearing lot code L410805 followed by a 4-digit time code ( e.g., L4108051420 ) and a Best Before Date of 12AU15, are affected by this alert.

Brand Highline Mushrooms

UPC  7 71163 00005 2

The product was held for sale at Ciolino Produce, Temperance, MI. / Monroe, MI, on August 10, 2012 – August 12, 2012.

Highline Mushrooms contacted Ciolinos Produce on August 14, 2012 to notify us about the recalled Mushrooms.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency ( CFIA) and Highline Mushrooms are WARNING the public not to consume the Sliced White Mushrooms described below because they may be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

Please discard all 8 oz. Sliced White Mushrooms and bring in receipt for complete refund.

For more information consumers can call Ciolinos at 1-734-847-4140 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday Eastern time.

Cantaloupes linked to Salmonella outbreak with over 140 ill

UPDATE 8/22/12
Chamberlin Farm Produce has been identified as the grower of the cantaloupe responsible for the salmonella outbreak, now with some 178 sticken.  The company is recalling all of it cantaloupes from the 2012 growing season.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm316681.htm

8/20/12
CDC is reporting that there are over 140 cases of salmonellosis with 2 deaths linked to cantaloupes which were grown in southwestern Indiana. Cases have been reported from 20 different states.

There have been a number of outbreaks linked to cantaloupes, including the Jensen Farm outbreak last year. The reason for the higher risk associated with cantaloupes is the rough exterior surface which makes cleaning ‘to a microbiological level in order to remove pathogens’ difficult. Additionally, cantaloupes are not acidic, and the interior can support the growth of bacteria once sliced 

It is important that farmers practice Good Agricultural Practices, or GAPs when growing, harvesting, and packing cantaloupes. Consumers should purchase cantaloupes that are not bruised are damaged. Before eating, consumers should scrub melons with a brush under running tap water before cutting and then refrigerate any sliced melon that is not immediately consumed.  

Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Linked to Cantaloupe

CDC Release 8/17/12

http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium-cantaloupe-08-12/index.html

Highlights

A total of 141 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 20 states.

The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (7), Arkansas (3), California (2), Georgia (1), Illinois (17), Indiana (13), Iowa (7), Kentucky (50), Michigan (6), Minnesota (3), Missouri (9), Mississippi (2), New Jersey (1), North Carolina (3), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (3), Tennessee (6), Texas (1), and Wisconsin (2).

31 ill persons have been hospitalized. Two deaths have been reported in Kentucky.

Collaborative investigation efforts of state, local, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicate that cantaloupe grown in southwestern Indiana is a likely source of this outbreak.

As a result of the initial investigations by the state health departments in Indiana and Kentucky, a farm in southwestern Indiana has contacted its distributors, which reach outside Indiana into other states, and is withdrawing its cantaloupe from the market place. The farm has agreed to cease distributing cantaloupes for the rest of the growing season.

Consumers who recently purchased cantaloupes grown in southwestern Indiana are advised not to eat them and discard any remaining cantaloupe.

Based on the available information, consumers can continue to purchase and eat cantaloupes that did not originate in southwestern Indiana.

Many cantaloupes have the growing area identified with a sticker on the fruit. If no sticker is present, consumers should inquire about the source. When in doubt, throw it out.

Retailers and food service operators should not sell or serve cantaloupe grown in southwestern Indiana.

FDA is continuing to work closely with CDC and state partners during this ongoing investigation. CDC will update the public on the progress of this investigation as information becomes available. 

NJ Company Recalls Sliced Apples Due to Potential Presence of Listeria monocytogenes

Missa Bay of New Jersey is recalling close to 300,000 cases of sliced apples due to a positive finding of Listeria monocytogenes on the processing equipment used to process the sliced apples.  Product was shipped to 36 states and the District of Columbia.  There have been no reported illnesses.

At the time of this release, the potential pathogen was found on processing equipment, most likely a food contact surface.  One would guess that extensive testing is being completed to see if there are product positive samples.

Historically, fruits were considered low risk because of their acidic nature.  But sliced fruit products such as tomatoes, apples and melons, at the least, will support survival, and if conditions are right, can support growth of Listeria.  In a study by Conway etal (link below), Listeria did grow on apple slices when those slices were stored at temperatures above refrigeration temperature. Two issues here would be that product is often purchased for children, and the potential for storage at elevated temperatures by the consumer.

FDA Recall News Release
Missa Bay, LLC Announces Voluntary Recall Of Fruit, Vegetable, and Sandwich Products Containing Apples Because of Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm315249.htm

Contact
Consumer
1‐800‐800‐7822

Media
Tristan Simpson
Corporate Communications
626‐678‐2055

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 10, 2012 - Missa Bay, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ready Pac Foods, Inc., of Swedesboro, New Jersey is voluntarily recalling a total of 293,488 cases and 296,224 individually distributed units of fruit, vegetable, and sandwich products containing apples, as listed below, with the Use‐by dates of July 8, 2012 through August 20, 2012 because they contain diced or sliced apples which may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious or life‐threatening food borne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include fever, muscle aches, gastro intestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. The illness primarily impacts pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.

The recalled products were produced and distributed from the Missa Bay, LLC facility to retailers and foodservice operators in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Washington D.C., Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

Burch Equipment of NC Expands Cantaloupe Recall and Now Includes Honeydew Melons

Burch Equipment of North Carolina is now recalling all of this season's cantaloupes and honeydew melons due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  On August 5th, they issued a recall for melons, (http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2012/08/nc-company-recalls-cantaloupes-due-to.html), but this expansion was based upon a positive finding of Listeria monocytogens on honeydew melon grown and packed by Burch.

There have been no reported illnesses.  According to the release, product was shipped to at least 18 states:

"The cantaloupes and honeydew melons involved in this expanded recall were sold to distributors between June 23rd and July 27th, in the following states: FL, GA, IL, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, and VA, VT and WV. The melons may have further been distributed to retail stores, restaurants and food service facilities in other states."

Unfortunately, this scenario is similar to others in that a positive test for Listeria causes an initial recall.  After the regulatory agencies evaluate and test, the recall is expanded due to the fact that Listeria, a pathogen present in plant environments, was not under control, and thus was not limited to that lot initially recalled.


FDA News Release
Recall -- Firm Press Release
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm315248.htm?source=govdelivery
FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Burch Equipment LLC Expands Recall to Include Additional Cantaloupe Shipping Dates and to include Honeydew Melons
Contact
Consumer:
910-267-5781
burch@intrstar.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 10, 2012 - Burch Equipment LLC, North Carolina, is expanding its recall to include all of this growing season's cantaloupes and honeydew melons that may remain on the market because they may possibly be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. There have been no illnesses reported to date.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. The incubation period (the length of time between consuming a product and becoming ill) for Listeria monocytogenes can be 1 to 3 weeks, but may be in the range of 3 to 70 days.

The whole cantaloupes are identified by a red label reading Burch Farms referencing PLU # 4319. All cantaloupes involved in the recall were grown by Burch Farms, however some of the cantaloupes may have been identified with a "Cottle Strawberry, Inc." sticker referencing PLU #4319 (note: Cottle Strawberry, Inc. did not grow or process the cantaloupe involved in this recall). Cantaloupes from Burch Farms were shipped in both corrugated boxes (9 cantaloupe per case) and in bulk bins.

Honeydew melons involved in this recall expansion do not bear any identifying stickers and were packed in cartons labeled melons.

Consumers who may have purchased these honeydew melons should contact the store where they purchased their melons, for information about whether those melons are part of this recall.

The cantaloupes and honeydew melons involved in this expanded recall were sold to distributors between June 23rd and July 27th, in the following states: FL, GA, IL, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, and VA, VT and WV. The melons may have further been distributed to retail stores, restaurants and food service facilities in other states."

Burch Equipment LLC is requesting any consumer that may have one of these cantaloupes or honeydews to discard the product.

There have been no illnesses reported to date. FDA and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are working with Burch Equipment LLC following a random sample of a cantaloupe testing positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

This recall expansion is based on FDA's finding of Listeria monocytogenes on a honeydew melon grown and packed by Burch..



Burch Farms lacked audits, traceability on recalled fruit
http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/Burch-Farms-lacked-audits-traceability-on-recalled-fruit-166458376.html
08/16/2012 3:48:34 PM
Coral Beach
Listeria contamination has been confirmed at the Burch Farms melon packing facility in Faison, N.C., according to the Food and Drug Administration.

In an update posted on its website late Aug. 13, FDA officials said the listeria finding spurred Burch to expand its recall to include all cantaloupe and honeydew melons shipped this season. No illnesses have been reported in relation to the recalled melons.

“This recall expansion is based on the FDA’s finding of Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono) on a honeydew melon grown and packed by Burch Farms. The recall expansion is also a result of the agency’s finding of L. mono in the environment of the firm’s packing facility,” according to the notice.

Company spokeswoman Teresa Burch said it has not had its cantaloupe operation audited by a third party for food safety practices, and although the company has traceability programs for other items, there is none in place for its melons.

Burch Equipment LLC, doing business as Burch Farms, originally recalled about 5,200 cantaloupes July 28 after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Microbiological Data Program found listeria on one melon at retail during a random sampling.

The grower expanded the recall to include 188,900 cantaloupes Aug. 3 and corrected the variety from athena to caribbean golds. That expansion came after the FDA revealed it had found “unsanitary conditions” at the Burch packing shed.

Owner Jimmy Burch Sr. said Aug. 14 that investigators had just left his farm that morning.
“I asked the guy who took the samples and he said he couldn’t tell me anything,” Burch said. “They just said ‘you’ll be getting results in a few days’ and left.”
Burch said he uses the sanitizer SaniDate in his packing facility’s water. According to the Burch Farms website, the operations are audited by PrimusLabs.

PrimusLabs in-house counsel Ryan Fothergill confirmed that the company has audited the leafy greens processing and field operations at Burch Farms but not the cantaloupe operation. Fothergill said Primus records show its staff was last at the Burch operation in March.

Burch said he planted only about 10 acres of honeydews for this season. The entire crop went to wholesalers. He said his farm has not had food safety issues in the past.
“We shipped 3,000 loads of produce last year with no problems,” Burch said.
According to Burch and the FDA, the recalled honeydews do not have any identifying stickers. They were packed in cartons labeled “melons.”

In its latest recall notice the company reminded consumers that the listeria incubation period “can be one to three weeks, but may be in the range of three to 70 days.”

Complete distribution details on the melons are not available, according to the FDA.
The Burch cantaloupes and honeydew melons were sold to distributors from June 23 to July 27, in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia, Vermont and West Virginia, the Aug. 10 recall states.
“The melons may have further been distributed to retail stores, restaurants and food service facilities in other states,” according to the recall.

 

Grape Tomatoes and Cilantro Recalled After Testing Positive for Salmonella

Grape tomatoes and cilantro are being recalled after product tested positive for Salmonella.  Both were conducted by the Minnesota Dept of Ag.  There have been no reported illnesses.  Distibution of tomatoes amd cilantro were limited to MN, WI, and MI

Menno Beachy Recalls Grape Tomatoes Because Of Possible Health Risk
Limited Distribution In Minnesota, Wisconsin, And Michiganhttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm314871.htm?source=govdelivery

Contact:
Consumers:
(563) 203-4671

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 8, 2012 -Menno Beachy of Cresco, Iowa, is recalling one pint containers of Certified Organic Grape Tomatoes because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail, or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

A food distributor in Minnesota distributed 15 cases containing 12 one-pint containers of the affected grape tomatoes to retail stores located in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan between 7/26/12-8/6/12.

The grape tomatoes are packaged in square-shaped clear plastic clamshell containers labeled as Menno Beachy Certified Organic Grape Tomato, UPC number 044419310176, with a net weight of one pint. There are no lot numbers or expiration dates on the clamshell label. The clamshell packages are distributed in cases that are printed with a lot number. The case lot numbers affected by the recall are MB725GT3, MB725GT8, and MB725GT0.

No illnesses have been associated with the product.

 Menno Beachy became aware of the contamination after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture collected a sample of the grape tomatoes located at the Minnesota distributor. The sample of lot number MB725GT0 found the grape tomatoes to be contaminated with Salmonella. Menno Beachy is investigating the source of the contamination.

Consumers who have the affected product should either discard it in the trash or return it to the point of purchase. Consumers with questions can leave a message on Menno Beachy’s voice mailbox at 563-203-4671 and he will return your call.
Cilantro salmonella warning for MN, WI
August 10, 2012
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/08/10/health/cilantro-salmonella-warning/

 ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says consumers should not eat fresh cilantro sold at certain stores because of possible salmonella contamination.

Routine testing found a sample of the product contaminated with salmonella.

The fresh cilantro was sold in bunches that were shipped to retailers in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan between July 26 and Aug. 6. All stores that received the cilantro have been notified to remove the product from their shelves.

The advisory applies only to cilantro shipped to the stores between July 26 and Aug. 6.

Consumers who bought the cilantro bunches are advised to throw them out or return them to the store for a refund.

No illnesses have been reported.

Minnesota is working with California regulators to determine the source of the product.

RTE Meals Recalled Due to Potential Presence of Listeria monocytogenes

Reichel Foods of Rochester, Minn is recalling 15880 pounds of ready-to-eat meals, called Armour Active Packs, due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes.  The contamination issue was discovered through 3rd party testing.  There have been no reported illnesses.  Product was shipped to 4 states (PA, TX, IN, and MN.)

The product is a multi-unit product targeted for children.  Within the pack, there is a meat and cheese wrap long with an apple and apple dip.  Since children are considered a high risk group, it is especially concerning.

Listeria monocytogenes contamination would most likely come from the plant environment.  In a product like this, we may see the opportunity for contamination coming from the slicing of meat (or shredding of cheese), layering of meat and cheese onto the bread, and/or the packing of the wrap into the case.
Plants packing product like this would be expected to have a stout Listeria control plan in place, which would include sanitation, hygienic control during processing, and an environmental monitoring program.


USDA New Release
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_053_2012_Release/index.asp

Minnesota Firm Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due To Potential Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
  Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-053-2012 HEALTH RISK: HIGH
Congressional and Public Affairs
Bill Bagley
(202) 720-0286

WASHINGTON, August 5, 2012 – Reichel Foods, a Rochester, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 15,880 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products subject to recall include: [View Labels (PDF Only)]

5.6 oz. packages of "Armour Active Packs Turkey & Cheese Wrap" Package Code 1026090112 or Case Code 27815-17994
5.6 oz. packages of "Armour Active Packs Ham & Cheese Wrap" Package Code 1026090112 or Case Code 27815-17995

All the products were produced between July 23, 2012, and July 26, 2012, and have a "sell by" date of Sept. 1, 2012. The packages bear the establishment number "P-19941" or "Est. 19941" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were shipped to distribution centers in Indiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Texas. When available, the retail distribution list will be posted on FSIS' website at www.fsis.usda.gov/
FSIS_Recalls/
Open_Federal_Cases/
index.asp.

The problem was discovered by the establishment, through microbiological testing by a third party. FSIS and the company have not received reports of illnesses due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

NC Company Recalls Cantaloupes Due to Listeria

Burch Equipment of North Carolina is recalling approximate 189,000 cantaloupes after a product tested positive for Listeria and a then follow-up inspection indicated sanitary issues at the packing facility. There have been no reported illnesses.  Product has been shipped to over 10 different states.

Interesting was that the tests were preformed by the USDA Microbiological Data Program, a program that was on the government chopping block just a few weeks ago. One may figure that this would help their future survival, and be a warning to other produce packers that a program fighting for survival may be working a bit harder to find contaminated product and nab few big headlines.

One would have figured that after the Jenson Cantaloupe Listeria issue, anyone packing cantaloupe would have paid close attention to the issues and then went to some great extremes to put in Listeria control measures in place. But clearly there are some who are not reading the paper and seeing the implications..implications not only for the company, but for the lareger industry. And really, this needs to extend to those packing any type of produce item that has the potential to support Listeria.

FDA Recall -- Firm Press Release
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm314213.htm

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
Burch Equipment LLC Corrects Cantaloupe Variety Subject to Recall
Contact:
Consumer:
910-267-5781burch@intrstar.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 3, 2012 - Burch Equipment LLC, North Carolina, is correcting the variety of cantaloupe involved in recalls initiated on July 28 and August 2, 2012. Previous announcements incorrectly identified the cantaloupes as being the Athena variety. The cantaloupes affected by the recall are the Caribbean Gold variety.

Athena cantaloupes are not subject to the recall.

Today’s announcement is not an expansion of the recall; no additional products are being recalled at this time.

The firm voluntarily recalled 580 cases of cantaloupes on July 28, and voluntarily recalled an additional 13,888 cases of cantaloupes (9 cantaloupes per case) and 581 bins of cantaloupes (110 cantaloupes per bin) on August 2, due to the potential for being contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Melons affected by this recall total 188,902.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The whole Caribbean Gold variety cantaloupes were shipped between July 15th and July 27th and distributed in FL, GA, IL, MD, ME, NC, NJ, NY, PA, SC and VA. The whole cantaloupes are identified by a red label reading Burch Farms referencing PLU # 4319. All cantaloupes involved in the recall were grown by Burch Farms, however some of the cantaloupes may have been identified with a "Cottle Strawberry, Inc." sticker referencing PLU #4319. Cottle Farms is not involved in this recall. Cantaloupes from Burch Farms were shipped in both corrugated boxes (9 cantaloupe per case) and in bulk bins.

Burch Equipment LLC is requesting any consumer that may have one of these cantaloupes to discard the product.

There have been no illnesses reported to date. FDA and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are working with Burch Equipment LLC following a random sample of a Caribbean Gold variety cantaloupe testing positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The recall expansion was based on unsanitary conditions found at the cantaloupe packing shed during FDA’s ongoing inspection that may allow for contamination of cantaloupes with Listeria monocytogenes.

Questions can be directed to Burch Equipment LLC at 910-267-5781 Monday through Friday, (9:00am to 4:00pm) or email burch@intrstar.net
FDA finds unsanitary conditions at Burch Farms packing shed
The Packer 08/02/2012 4:55:00 PM
Coral Beach http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-enewsletter/Week_In_Review/164806206.html

A recall of about 5,200 Athena cantaloupes in two states ballooned to more than 188,900 cantaloupes distributed in 10 states after inspectors found “unsanitary conditions” at Burch Equipment LLC’s cantaloupe packing facility.

The Faison, N.C., grower, which operates under the name Burch Farms, initially recalled 580 cases of cantaloupes July 28. A positive result for listeria from a random sampling by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Microbiological Data Program sparked the recall.

The voluntary recall expanded Aug. 2 to include 13,888 cases and 581 bulk bins of the Athena melons. No illnesses had been reported, according to the Aug. 2 recall notice. The cases each hold nine melons and the bins each have 110 cantaloupes.

“The recall expansion is based on unsanitary conditions found at the cantaloupe packing shed during FDA’s ongoing inspection that may allow for contamination of cantaloupes with listeria monocytogenes,” the Aug. 2 notice states.

Onion Recall Cascades as Customers Recall Products Made with Suspect Onions

The Gill Onion recall is cascading as a number of retail chains are recalling products made with the recalled onions. To date, there have been a dozen or so companies recalling products made with the recalled onions. Here, like so many past recalls, we can see the impact of upstream suppliers on their customers. Traceability is key in that you know who your suppliers are, and where their product is being used.

The best news is that there have been no illnesses to date. In such a big recall, you might expect to have some illnesses associated with the product. So what are some reasons. Certainly luck may be a part of it, but there may be a few others that impact this:
- Low level of contamination.
- The Listeria monocytogenes serotype involved – As per Dr. Steve Knabel ‘of the 13 serotypes, there are 4 that account for the vast majority of cases of human illness.’ There are serotypes of L. monocytogenes that do not have the necessary genes to cause disease. While it is unknown at this point if this is the case, we can’t assume that it is. Further, if the conditions in the processing facility supported one serotype of L. monocytogenes, then it often assumed that those conditions can support the more virulent strains.


Gills recall sparks dozens of related product recalls
08/02/2012 3:06:26 PM
Coral Beachhttp://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/Gills-recall-sparks-dozens-of-product-recalls-164791766.html

A recall of one day’s production from a Gills Onions plant — that was expanded a week later to an “undeterminable” volume — caused a cascade effect as retailers and processors recalled more than 150 fresh products.

As of Aug. 2, fears of listeria contamination spurred five retail chains and seven fresh food producers to voluntarily recall products because they included recalled Gills onions.
No illnesses have been linked to any of the recalled produce or fresh products, according to multiple FDA recall notices at http://tinyurl.com/FDA-recalls.

Gills, Oxnard, Calif., initially recalled about 6,000 pounds of fresh-cut onions and celery July 18 after a random sample taken at retail by the Food and Drug Administration tested positive for listeria.

The company expanded the recall July 26 to include an unknown volume of whole onions and other chopped onions because investigators found listeria at one of Gills’ two Oxnard fresh-cut facilities. That facility has been closed since July 17 when FDA officials notified Gills of the positive test at retail, according to Gills spokeswoman Amy Philpott.

“Because the July 25 expanded recall does not include a beginning use-by-date, but rather included recalled products with use-by dates on or before Aug. 3, the number of recalled pounds is undeterminable,” according to a Gills onion statement.

“In the interest of public health, the company simply included all recalled products in the marketplace,” according to the release.

Philpott said the facility will remain closed until the listeria contamination problem is resolved. Gills continues to operate another processing facility in a separate building.
“They are running extra shifts, but orders are a bit behind,” Philpott said, adding that some retail and specialty product orders probably will not be met.

“Steve Gill has said it will take as long as it takes to resolve the problem.”

Gill has not been available for interviews, but he did include a statement in the recall notice: “We’ve identified the problem, and we are taking aggressive actions to prevent this from happening again.”

The actions include forming a panel of food safety experts and microbiologists with expertise in listeria control, expanding required microbial surveillance and sanitation programs, and continued testing.

“They also have a team looking at possibly redesigning the facility,” Philpott said.

In late May Gills recalled 2,360 pounds of diced red onions in the U.S. and Canada after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency did a random sample and got a positive result for listeria.

Gills built both of the facilities in Oxnard in the late 90s, Philpott said, and both were built specifically for onion processing. Gills started producing in the facility that is now shut down 15 years ago. The other facility, which is larger, opened 12 years ago.

As of the Aug 2, FDA’s recall Web page showed the following recalls related to the recalled Gills onions:

Simmering Soup Inc., Atlanta, recalled Trader Joe’s brand salsas and balela;
Whole Foods Markets recalled about 35 fresh food products in Florida stores;
Cool Creations LLC, North Kansas City, Mo., recalled about 20 fresh food products;
Wegmans Food Markets Inc. recalled six fresh food products;
GH Foods CA LLC recalled almost 90 fresh food products under a variety of store and specialty brands, including: Delish, Albertsons generic label, Garden Highway, Marketside, Natural Directions, Pacific Coast, Raley’s, Safeway Farms, Signature Cafe, Sprouts and Trader Joe’s;
Huxtable’s Kitchen, recalled Trader Joe’s brand roasted butternut squash, red quinoa and wheatberry salad;
Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. LLC recalled Costa Fruit & Produce brand calico bean salad from salad bars;
Spartan Stores, Grand Rapids, Mich., recalled Spartan Fresh Selections three bean salad and broccoli stir fry products;
Publix Super Markets recalled custom sub sandwiches that contain onions;
Ken’s Foods Inc. recalled cole slaw sauce, baked bean sauce and three brands of tartar sauce;
Garden Fresh Foods Inc. recalled ready-to-eat salads, slaw, salsa, bean and dip products; and
San Miguel Produce Inc., Oxnard, recalled packaged salad kits under the Cut ‘N Clean brand.

Gill Onions expands recall of fresh cut onions and celery due to Listeria

Gill Onions of Oxnard CA is expanding its recall due to fact product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  According to the FDA release, the expanded product list includes diced, slivered and whole peeled onions and diced onion/celery mix with use-by-dates on or before August 3.  http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm313399.htm

This recall expands upon the initial recall that was issued on July 18th. http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2012/07/fresh-cut-onions-and-celery-recalled.html

How can this happen.? While the initial recall was based upon a product from retail testing positive, the expanded recall occurred when in-plant testing found more positive Listeria tests.  (http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/Gills-expands-onion-celery-recall-listeria-found-at-plant-163863626.html).  Finding Listeria in the plant environment led officials to believe that the Listeria issue was not a single lot issue, but was wider spread within the facility and thus implicated product over multiple lots.

After the cantaloupe recall earlier this year, there has been increasing attention to RTE produce, primarily products like this that have been further processed in some way.  Products like these onions which were sliced, can get contaminated during processing if that process and the environment has not been maintained to the level needed to control Listeria monocytogenes.  In order to do this, processing facilities must have adequate controls including stout sanitation program  but then must also verify that Listeria is not present through an environmental monitoring program. 

As indicated in the Packer article, the facility may need to be redesigned.  This is certainly an issue in older plants find that find they need to make changes in order to meet this increased standard of Listeria free.

Ground meat recalled after linked to salmonellosis cases

Upadate 8/6/12:  CDC updated the number of illnesses to 40.
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/enteritidis-07-12/index.html


Cargill is recalling approximately 29339 lbs of ground beef after the product was linked to Salmonella enteritidis infections. The recalled product was produced on May 25, 2012 and although the product would be past the expiration date, there is concern that some may still have this meat in thier freezer.

The strain that was responsible for this illness, Salmonella enteritidis or SE, is more often associated with poultry. According to the CDC - "Eggs have been the most common food source linked to SE infections.....Since the early 2000s, poultry has also been found to be a common food source for SE infections. Multiple other, less frequently identified sources include raw milk, pork, beef, sprouts, and raw almonds."

Cargill sells chubs of meat to retailers who then repackage this product into retail sized packages. These packages will have the store brand on the label, but will show the same USDA establishment number 9400.

This is an interesting recall from the standpoint that this strain is not an antibiotic resistant strain of Salmonella and it was in raw meat, not a RTE product. Unlike E. coli STEC strains which are considered an adulterant in ground beef, Salmella is not. Cargill had recalled ground turkey for Salmonella, but those strains were antibiotic resistant and thus more difficult to treat. Well if we can expect that ground beef may have Salmonella present, then why recall? Since this strain in this product has been linked to at least 5 illnesses, USDA and Cargill decided it was in the best interest of the public. However, are we getting to a point when raw meat products will be expected to have no pathogens?

2nd recall for processor of RTE meat products due to Listeria

Buona Vita, a NJ meat processor, is issuing its 2nd recall this month for Listeria. In the last recall, products from a number of production dates in May were recalled. In this recall, products made on June 26th were recalled. According to the FSIS Release (below), the product was tested by a third party and found to be positive.

(Earlier recall http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2012/07/nj-firm-recalling-frozen-meat-product.html)

Bridgeton meat company issues second voluntary recall in July
Published: Thursday, July 19, 2012, 8:25 PM Updated: Thursday, July 19, 2012, 8:48 PM
By Jason Laday/The News of Cumberland County
http://www.nj.com/cumberland/index.ssf/2012/07/bridgeton_meat_company_issues.html

BRIDGETON — Buona Vita, Inc. is recalling an additional 72,510 pounds of frozen meat and poultry products due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

In an announcement released Thursday evening, officials from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) stated 15 more products made by the Bridgeton-based meat company are being voluntarily recalled, and pose a “high” health risk.

Fresh Cut Onions and Celery Recalled Due to Presense of Listeria

Gills Onions is recalling fresh cut onions and cut celery after random FDA testing yielded a positive result for Listeria. The 6000 pounds of the retail product was shipped to 8 different states and Canada. There have been no reported illnesses. (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm312707.htm).

Gills, one of the nation’s largest family-owned onions growers operates one of the largest, most innovative and sustainable fresh cut onion plants in the world (quoted from their website -http://www.gillsonions.com/). However for Gills, this is their second recall due to Listeria within the last 3 months. On May 19, 2012, Gills Onions initiated a voluntary recall, 2,360 pounds of diced red onions as a result of a routine and random test directed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm304732.htm)

A study published in JFP indicates that Listeria monocytogenes populations will remain constant on fresh cut onions at 4ºC, but will grow slowly at 10ºC (Farber, etal JFP 1997). Certainly, higher temperatures or adding cut onions to a salad or a sandwich and then holding that at an elevated temperature would likely enhance growth potential.


Gills recalls fresh-cut onions, celery in U.S., Canada
The Packer
http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/fresh-produce-retail/Gills-recalls-fresh-cut-onions-celery-163045406.html
07/19/2012 11:06:21 AM
Coral Beach

Possible listeria contamination spurred Gills Onions LLC to voluntarily recall 6,000 pounds — an entire day’s production — of diced and slivered red and yellow onions and diced onion-celery mix.

No illnesses had been reported at the time the recall was issued on the evening of July 18, according to Amy Philpott, a company spokeswoman.

The Oxnard, Calif., produce company shipped the onions July 2-4 directly to retailers in Canada and in California, Montana, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and Washington. There are nine different products in the recall, and they all have July 20 use-by dates.

Employee Fired after Posting a Photo of Himself Standing on Food

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Concern with Dietary Suppliments Increases as Dietary Ingredient Recalled Due to Salmonella

An Illinois company is recalling its dietary ingredient after ‘several’ lots tested positive for Salmonella. This ingredient, made by a subsidiary’s plant in South Korean subsidiary, had already been used in a number of products including a children’s product - which was also recalled (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm311050.htm). The ingredient is an undigestable fiber made from milk and is marketed as an aid for the health of the immune and digestive systems.

There has been a growing concern with dietary supplements. Most of this concern has related to medical claims that are made. Some substances do not live up to the claims, while others may actually have adverse effects (http://health.wolterskluwerlb.com/2012/01/dietary-supplement-concerns-in-2012/ and http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/Alerts/default.htm).

There has also been issue with how some of these are processed. A Chicago Tribune article (below) reported that half of the 450 firms inspected had violations. In the UK, it was just reported that 40% of dietary supplements were irradiated illegally (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-121486/Concerns-dietary-supplements.html).  

Sales of dietary supplements continues to increase. Consumers view dietary supplements as a way to prevent health issues. Some see herbal supplements as more natural. In many cases, supplements are less expensive than over-the-counter drugs. Without the pharmaceuticals industry’s requirements for scientific research to back label claims, an increasing number of companies have entered this market, including pharmaceutical and food companies. 

Westchester firm recalls salmonella-contaminated supplements
No illnesses have been reported; FDA investigating
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-met-salmonella-supplements-20120719,0,6096142.story

By Trine Tsouderos, Chicago Tribune reporter
July 19, 2012

 Concern over salmonella contamination has prompted a Chicago-area firm to recall nearly 40,000 pounds of a dietary ingredient, a move that in turn prompted several recalls of supplements containing the suspect material.

U.S. Food and Drug Administrationofficials said they are investigating whether the ingredient, sold by Westchester-based Ingredion and made in a subsidiary's plant in South Korea, wound up in other dietary supplements sold to consumers and whether more recalls are necessary.

Case of Bubonic Plague in Oregon

Here is a general interest story that we found….interesting. A man in Oregon contracted bubonic plague after trying to take a rat out of a stray cat’s mouth. Near death, he spent a month on life support. Now, he will need to have his hands and toes removed. (picture below gives meaning to the Black Death).

As you know, the bubonic plague or Black Death has had a large impact on the history of mankind. Through a series of major pandemics (6th to 7th century in the Mediterranean, 1300 to 1650 in Europe, and 19th and early 20th century in Asia and ports around the world), the plague wiped out some 200 million people (close to a third of Europe in the dark ages). The responsible organism, Yersinia pestis, is spread by fleas carried on rats. The disease was mostly eradicated by improved sanitary practices. While considered an ancient disease, there are still cases that pop up from time to time. There have been a reported 11 cases in the US since 1976, most all cases were in western US. (People living and working in areas with natural environment where there is a higher prevalence of woodrats).

Yersinia pestis, a gram negative organism, is one of the most pathogenic organisms known. It can infect through lesions in the skin (such as a flea bite) where it infects the lymphnodes and then invades other organs where it causes massive tissue destruction. Gangrene often sets in on the dead tissue. It can also spread through inhalation of infective respiratory particles (pneumonia). Disease is initially characterized by development of one or more inflamed, swollen lymph nodes (buboes), and then chills and fever, lethargy and confusion. Historically, the fatality rate was greater than 50%, but now with antibiotics, it is now about 5%. But still, who wants to be this guy.

Plague infects Oregon man who tried to get rodent from stray cat
An Oregon man who was bitten by a stray cat has contracted the plague — the fifth case of the disease in Oregon since 1995.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018446561_plague16.html
By Nigel Duara and Steven Duboist
The Associated Press

PORTLAND — Health officials have confirmed an Oregon man has the plague after he was bitten while trying to take a dead rodent from the mouth of a stray cat.
The unidentified Prineville, Ore., man was in critical condition on Friday. He is suffering from a blood-borne version of the disease, not the bubonic plague, which wiped out at least one-third of Europe in the 14th century. The bubonic plague affects the lymph nodes.

There is an average of seven human plague cases in the U.S. each year. A map maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows most cases since the 1970s have been in the West, primarily the southwest.

The last reported case of plague in Washington state occurred in 1984 when an animal trapper in Yakima became infected while skinning a bobcat. In 2010, a Washington laboratory technician was treated to prevent plague infection after working with a specimen from one of the two reported cases in Oregon at the time.

The plague bacteria cycles through rodent populations without killing them off; in urban areas, it's transmitted back and forth from rats to fleas. There's even a name for it, the "enzootic cycle."

The bacteria thrive in forests, semiarid areas and grasslands, which plague-carrying rodents from wood rats to rock squirrels call home.

Once a coin flip with death, the plague is now easier to handle for humans in the U.S. The national mortality rate stood at 66 percent before World War II, but advances in antibiotics dropped that rate to its present 16 percent.

Central Oregon health officials don't blame the cat.

"The reality is that, in rural areas, part of the role of cats is to keep the rodent population controlled around our homes and barns" said Karen Yeargain of the Crook County Health Department.
 The Prineville man, who is in his 50s, remained in critical condition Friday at a Bend hospital. His illness marks the fifth case of plague in Oregon since 1995.

State public health veterinarian Dr. Emilio DeBess said the man was infected when he was bitten by the stray his family befriended. The cat died and its body is being sent to the CDC for testing.

DeBess has collected blood samples from two dogs and another cat that lives with the man's family. DeBess also collected blood samples from neighbors' pets and from animals in the local shelter to determine whether the area has a plague problem.

More than a dozen people who were in contact with the sick man have been notified and are receiving preventive antibiotics.

 

Reward outweighs risk when it comes to summer's fresh produce

Thursday, July 12, 2012
http://live.psu.edu/story/60347

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- With what seems to be an ongoing wave of news reports linking foodborne illness to fresh produce, many consumers are questioning whether it is worth the risk.
But Martin Bucknavage, extension food-safety specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, emphasizes that the benefits far outweigh the risks when it comes to consuming fresh fruits and vegetables.

According to Bucknavage, consumers should appreciate that they can take advantage of the wide selection of fresh produce available during the summer, instead of worrying about the remote possibility of foodborne illness.

"While there have been cases of illnesses reported from time to time that come as a result of contaminated produce," he said, "the risks are quite low when you consider the amount of produce consumed in the United States."

But it is important that consumers take specific steps to help ensure the safety of the produce they purchase, Bucknavage advised.

"Fruits and vegetables must always be washed before being sliced or eaten and must be refrigerated once they have been cut," he said.

Bucknavage also cautioned that certain items, such as cantaloupes, have surfaces that are more difficult to clean, so consumers must be particularly vigilant about washing them.

He explained that it is important to follow these precautions regardless of whether the produce is purchased from a large supermarket or a small farmer's market, but he emphasized that there are many advantages to buying food locally.

"Locally grown produce normally reaches the consumer within a day or so of when it is harvested, so it is fresher," he said. "And it also is harvested closer to the time it ripens, which often results in a better tasting, more nutritious product."

When shopping at farmer's markets, he encourages buyers to follow a few simple guidelines to ensure the safety of their purchases.

"Make sure that produce is fresh looking -- it should have proper color and firmness," Bucknavage said. "Also, avoid fruits and vegetables with decay or excessive bruising, regardless of the price. Damaged produce is more likely to harbor harmful bacteria."

Consumers need to learn about what is grown in their local area and the optimal time for harvest. "People should take advantage of all the different types of fruits and vegetables grown around them," he said. "It is fun to find new recipes that maximize the taste and healthfulness of those items."

Bucknavage noted that freezing and canning can preserve the local bounty for later use. "However, we should never purchase more than we can handle in a day or so," he said. "And it is important to use only approved procedures for canning and freezing, such as those listed on the USDA website."

Don't get discouraged with fresh produce, he urged.

"We get jaded by all the stories we hear on the news, but really, there is minimal risk," Bucknavage said. "Rather, I encourage folks to try all types of local fresh fruits and vegetables and not worry about the possibility of contracting foodborne illness."

Raw Shellfish and the Risk Associated with Vibrio vulnificus

This news report, submitted by our colleague Larry Grunden, shows the potential danger of infection associated with eating raw clams and oysters. In this report, a 61 year old woman suffered a life threatening Vibrio vulnificus infection after eating raw clams two year ago. She survived, but did need to have her leg amputated, and nearly lost one of her arms. (The attached news report is incorrect in calling this a virus).

Vibrio vulnificus is a gram negative bacterium found in warm seawater. In healthy people, it can cause gastroenteritis (vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain), but in people with an underlying health issue, particularly chronic liver disease, it cause infection of the bloodstream (septicemia). In these cases, it has a high mortality rate (~50%). The organism is highly invasive and produces toxins (a cytolysin, a hemolysin, and a thermolysin).

A few other notes:
- Hot sauce will not kill the organism.
- Consumption of liquor will not help either, in fact, those who drink too much of this type of sauce will be more susceptible.
- Other pathogens associated with raw clams and oysters that are also naturally found in seawater – other members of the Vibrio family (Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae - causative agent for cholera, and other vibrio species), Aeromonas, and Plesiomonas.
- Enteric pathogens associated with shellfish contamination - the viruses norovirus and Hepatitis A as well as bacterial pathogens Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli.
- Water testing done for the safety of harvesting water normally uses indicators associated with fecal contamination. This is good for the enteric pathogens, but not good for the pathogens such as Vibrio that are naturally found in seawater.
- The risk of Vibrio vulnificus contamination increases in the warmer months (due to warmer ocean waters).

Key message – there is a risk when consuming raw oysters and clams, and this risk is greatly magnified for those with underlying health issues such as immunosuppression or advanced age, and especially chronic liver disease.

Flesh-eating virus nearly cost woman her life

http://www.wgal.com/news/susquehanna-valley/york-adams/Flesh-eating-virus-nearly-cost-woman-her-life/-/9704248/15568968/-/item/1/-/gqpdltz/-/index.html

Lewisberry woman got bacteria from clams
LEWISBERRY, Pa. - 

A York County woman nearly died from a flesh-eating bacteria she came in contact with about two years ago.

Maureen Horan, 61, known to her friends as "Mo," said she almost didn't survive her ordeal.
Her near-death ordeal began on the last day of a 2010 during a vacation to the Jersey Shore. Horan and her husband, Dennis, had a late lunch. Horan's meal included raw clams.

"I knew there was something wrong when I swallowed the one clam, but it was too late," Horan said.

By the next day Horan said she was in severe pain. She went to the emergency came home, but her condition only got worse.

"I get up and the pain is worse. My toes are black, my arm is red, my leg is red and my sister-in-law said, "I don't know what it is, but you make them admit her," Horan said.

E. coli in Ground Beef - FSIS Data and Risk

USDA-FSIS recently updated their data on E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef and trim through July 8, 2012 (http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/RGBC_STEC_Results/index.asp).  In order to get a visual representation of the risk associated with ground beef, the year-end results were plotted.  Only routine samples were evaluated for ground beef (both federal plant and retail).  Based upon this sampling, E. coli O157:H7 is found in approximately 0.1% to 0.2% of ground beef samples.

This rate is a lower than the percent positive found in trim (beef trim that goes into ground beef).  For 2011, trim verification yielded a 0.64% positive and thru 7/2012, 0.53%.

The results indicate that interventions put in place by the meat industry have had an impact in reducing the level of E. coli in ground beef, however, from a consumer's perspective, careful handling and preparation is required.  Specifically, cleaning hands and food contact surfaces when handling and preparing, and cooking to the proper internal temperature of 160ºF.

French cheese linked to a case of listeriosis

An elderly Pennsylvania man was stricken with listerosis after eating a high-priced soft cheese imported from France.  Whole Foods is recalling the cheese baring thier own label.

Interesting is the fact that Whole Foods looks to have cut and repackaged the cheese which begs the question...where did the contamination occur - was it present in the original package, or did the cheese become contaminated during repackaging?  Additionally, the article stated that the cheese product was slow moving in regard to retail sales, which means that it would have given more time for Listeria to grow.  Listeria, as we know, grows at refrigeration temperatures, although slowly.


Whole Foods recalls contaminated cheese
Man seriously ill after consuming tainted product from East Liberty grocer
July 13, 2012 12:08 am

By David Templeton / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A pricey French cheese sold at Whole Foods Market in East Liberty is being recalled more than a month after a 69-year-old Westmoreland County man grew seriously ill from listeriosis, a food-borne bacterial infection.

The man fell ill June 7 and was hospitalized after eating Jean Perrin Edel de Cleron cheese -- a soft, pasteurized cow's milk French cheese that sells for about $25 a pound. The man continues to recover in a rehabilitation center, said Guillermo Cole, Allegheny County Health Department spokesman.

On Thursday, the health department and Whole Foods Market announced the recall of the cheese, which was cut and packaged in clear plastic wrap bearing a Whole Foods Market scale label and code beginning with 293351. The cheese was sold between May 20 and July 3.

The recall didn't occur until more than a month after the man fell ill, Mr. Cole said, because it took time for him to be diagnosed and then to get positive test results on foods he had consumed with follow-up efforts to test samples from the market where he purchased the cheese.

"It required some medical detective work," Mr. Cole said.

The store is offering full refunds for the cheese. The health department said customers who purchased it from the market during that time period should either dispose of it in the garbage or return it to the store. Those who touch the cheese should wash their hands immediately afterward to avoid cross-contamination. The store also has posted signs in the store to notify customers of the recall.

The store and health department are working to ensure that no cross-contamination occurred and that equipment and utensils used in cutting, weighing or packaging the cheese isn't contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium that causes listeriosis.

The illness primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns. Such infections, caused by consumption of food contaminated with the bacterium, can be serious and possibly fatal.

Anyone who consumed the cheese should seek medical help if the individual has diarrhea and gastrointestinal illness followed by fever and muscular aches.

Customers who have the recalled product may contact the health department at 412-687-2243 (ACHD) and arrange to have the cheese tested.

The health department declined to identify the ill man. Mr. Cole said the man represents the only one affected by the contamination to date. The cheese that the man purchased tested positive for the bacterium, as did samples of the cheese taken at the store.

On the upside, Mr. Cole said, the price of the cheese meant that not a large quantity had been sold.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/health/whole-foods-recalls-contaminated-cheese-644522/#ixzz20W0tMurV