WHO - a Global Approach to Food Safety

WHO was a presence at the recent China Food Safety Conference.  Here is too hoping more governments - FDA and USDA - spend a bit more time thinking about food safety as a global issue.

Millions of adults die every year from bugs and toxins in what they eat, according to new WHO data that shows food-borne diseases are far more deadly than the UN agency previously estimated.

The research faults unsafe food for 1.2 million deaths per year in people over the age of five in Southeast Asia and Africa — three times more adult deaths than the Geneva-based WHO had thought occurred in the whole world.

“It is a picture that we have never had before,” WHO food safety director Jorgen Schlundt said in an interview. “We now have documentation of a significant burden outside the less than five group, that is major new information.”

Ailments linked to contaminated food and water have long been seen as a major threat to young children, who can dehydrate quickly. But the Danish veterinarian and microbiologist said the risks to older populations had been grossly underestimated.

Older children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to severe illness from major food and water-borne diseases such as salmonella, listeria, E. coli, hepatitis A and cholera.

Food safety experts are now seeking to measure the burden of such afflictions in people over the age of five in the Arab world, Latin America and elsewhere in Asia including China.

And already, Schlundt said, health officials are recognizing the need to confront the most dangerous types of contamination in their industrial regulations and trade standards.

“Literally millions are dying every year and we know that a lot of these could be prevented,” he said. “There is a realization that instead of doing what we did in the past, in the future we should really focus on where the problems are.”

Many of the contaminants that have made headlines in recent years in the US, such as salmonella and E. coli, also exist in poorer countries but are not monitored as carefully there, Schlundt said.

Health authorities in developed countries are now much more able to document food safety risks because of tests that can quickly connect disparate cases of illness to tainted foods such as lettuce, peppers, spinach and beef.

But the WHO expert said that some ailments have also become more prevalent in the food system alongside the globalization of the food supply and the rise of modern food production methods, which can propagate ailments quickly and on a large scale.

“There are certain pathogens that have increased over the last 20 or 30 years. Some problems clearly have moved and become bigger because of the ways that we produce,” he said.

Simple steps can cut the levels of chemicals and toxins in foods, such as avoiding conditions where mould can grow, Schlundt said. Farming techniques can also root out microorganisms from the food chain and parasites can be wiped out by targeting their hosts and transmission patterns, he said.

Because it is now clear that some foods are more vulnerable to certain food-borne ailments than others, health officials are well placed to focus their energies on monitoring areas posing the highest potential disease risk, Schlundt said.

Another vital part of the food-borne disease fight is having consumers take precautions in the way they prepare foods, and ensuring patients and health workers take symptoms such as diarrhea seriously as a risk across population groups.

“Many of the deaths that we see in developing countries, if they had been treated at the right time, they would not have died,” Schlundt said.

Vermont Veal Slaughter Plant Shut after USDA Views Video

The Beef Industry and the USDA really need to get their shit together.  This it truly stupid.  It is beyond words.

According to a recent press release:

“The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture today suspended their respective licenses and thereby ceased operations at the Bushways Slaughterhouse facility in Grand Isle, Vermont.

“The Vermont Agency of Agriculture was notified by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) late Wednesday afternoon of alleged animal welfare violations at the facility. The agency immediately referred the matter to the USDA as the facility is operated and monitored under the inspection of USDA.

“USDA and the state have suspended the operation of the facility and are conducting an investigation. These allegations of inhumane handling and treatment of animals if verified, warrant prompt corrective actions to ensure they do not happen again.

“In addition, in accordance with agency animal health statutes, the Attorney General has been notified of possible criminal actions in regards to animal health and welfare.

“The agency finds the alleged animal welfare practices disturbing and states that there is no excuse for the inhumane treatment of animals. These practices are not representative of the industry as a whole in Vermont and such actions will not be tolerated in our state. The agency is taking every action within its power to address the situation.”

41,411,465 Pounds of E. coli Tainted Beef Recalled Since 2007 - That is 165,645,860 Quarter Pounders

Although recalls of beef have fallen off a bit in 2009 (only 571,922 pounds) from 2008 (7,083,399 pounds) and 2007 (33,756,142 pounds) (PDF), 2006 was the best year we had seen awhile - 181,900 pounds. 

Of course this does not account for the over 143,000,000 pounds of beef product recalled due to the Hallmark fiasco.  Illnesses?  Well, we have not yet seen a downturn as we had hoped.  Let's hope the rest of 2009 has no more recalls and no more illnesses.

Camp Bournedale E. coli O157:H7 Hamburger Outbreak Linked to 15 Illnesses

Rhode Island health officials said 15 students from Lincoln Middle School suffered diarrhea after a trip to Camp Bournedale in Cedarville Massachusetts last week. Two of the students tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. Two students were hospitalized for treatment.

Rhode Island health officials said the sixth-grade students from Lincoln attended a three-day session at the camp from Oct. 13-16. Health officials were notified that several students had become sick on Monday, Oct. 19. The Rhode Island Department of Health reported that Massachusetts health officials are investigating foods at the camp as the likely source of the illness. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is said to be assisting in the investigation.

Arnie Gerson, owner and director of the camp, said state and federal health officials traced the outbreak to tainted raw hamburger. Gerson said the camp will no longer cook raw hamburger. As a precaution, the camp will serve pre-cooked burgers to campers, if it serves hamburger at all.

Opening Statement of U.S. Senator Michael B. Enzi, Ranking Member Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

“Keeping America’s Families Safe: Reforming the Food Safety System”

Good morning. Food safety is not a partisan issue – we all want the safest food supply possible. The United States has one of the best food safety systems in the world. But even in the best of systems, there is always room for improvement.

The volume of food imports and the number of foreign producers and manufacturers are growing. At the same time, the supply chain is becoming more complex, due to innovations such as repackaging of fresh produce that mixes output from dozens of farms, or the potentially hundreds of ingredients in a ready-to-eat processed food.

FDA is the gold standard worldwide among public health agencies. After many years of inadequate resources, Congress has provided significant funding increases to FDA for food safety and related activities such as information technology. While it is important to sustain these increases, FDA also needs a modernization of its authorities.

The powers the agency was given 100 years ago were appropriate for a world in which most of our food was grown and processed domestically. That is no longer the case, and FDA’s tools need to keep pace with the challenges.

These outdated authorities coupled with a lack of resources have been made clear by recent outbreaks. For example, in the Peanut Corporation of America case last year, FDA did not know the facility was even making peanut butter, since the facility was initially registered as just roasting peanuts. There is currently no statutory requirement to update registration status when information changes. Last summer, during the Salmonella in tomato/peppers outbreak, FDA was not able to put enough “boots on the ground” to trace shipments back to the source of the contamination quickly.

Clearly, the complex nature of our food safety system requires all of the global partners – regulators, importers, manufacturers, academia – and other stakeholders to come together to propose meaningful, collaborative solutions.

I believe some of those solutions are contained in S. 510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, which a number of members of this committee have cosponsored. I have a few concerns about the bill, particularly the provisions regarding FDA’s relationship with farms as well as with state officials. While this bill is a good start, it is important that we go through regular order and do the hard work of making the bill even better. There is a lot of expertise on the HELP Committee about these issues, and we should bring that to bear on the legislation.

Camp Bournedale in Massachusetts Likely Linked to E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak

According to news reports, the Rhode Island Department of Health was notified Monday of several sixth grade students from Lincoln Middle School with diarrheal illness.

The students just returned from Camp Bournedale in nearby Plymouth, Massachusetts which they attended from October 13th through 16th.  As of today (October 21), there have been 15 cases of diarrheal illness. There have been two students who tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. Two students are hospitalized. It is unclear if those two have developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome.

“We want to assure parents and students that we are not seeing this diarrheal illness spread person to person,” said Chief of HEALTH’s Center for Infectious Diseases Robert S. Crausman, MD, MMS. “However, any student or chaperone who was on the field trip and has diarrhea should call their doctor for medical evaluation and treatment. HEALTH is working closely with our colleagues at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in the investigation of this incident.”

Students or chaperones who were on the field trip who do not have diarrhea do not need to take any special precautions. Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the USDA are investigating foods at the camp as the likely source of this illness. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be assisting with this investigation.

“Our first concern is the health and safety of our students and staff,” said Lincoln School Superintendent Georgia Fortunado. “We are working collaboratively with the Department of Health on this response.”

Food Safety on Senate's To Do List?

Andrew Zajac of the Los Angeles Times penned what I hope to be correct – “Bill giving FDA new powers to oversee food supply has wide support.” He says, “Industry and public backing -- a recent poll showed 90% of voters favor measures similar to those in the legislation -- adds up to a "quick win for both parties."

According to those inside the beltway, that seems to be the case:

  • "There's broad public support. It would be a quick win for both parties," said Erik Olson, director of chemical and food safety programs, in Pew's Health & Human Services Policy program. "This is a rare situation where the industry is shoulder to shoulder with consumers."
  • The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), would require the FDA to step up inspections of food facilities and to issue new rules to improve the quality of imported food and to combat contaminants in fresh produce. The measure also would give the agency authority to recall products on its own, instead of relying on industry cooperation.
  • "Hardly a week goes by that there isn't a report of an outbreak of food-borne illness or death in America," Durbin said. "The current system really just reacts to food illness. We have to have a system that is protective of consumers" by preventing outbreaks or nipping them in the bud.
  • An indication of the breadth of support for reform is the list of co-sponsors on Durbin's bill. It includes five Republicans, including Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, both senators from Georgia, a state hard hit by the peanut recall.
  • "This legislation affords regulators the authority they need to better identify vulnerabilities in our food supply while maintaining the high level of food safety most Americans enjoy and take for granted," Chambliss said in a statement.

Even someone in the "other Washington got a word in:

Bill Marler, a Seattle attorney who specializes in representing victims of food-borne illness. One little-noticed provision of both versions of the food safety bill requires the FDA to bolster the capabilities of local and state officials to spot illness outbreaks more promptly, Marler said.

"Assuming proper funding -- and that's a big assumption -- the focus on money flowing to state and local health departments would allow you to do more rapid surveillance," Marler said. "They would have more information sooner and illness and business disruption would be reduced."

Food Safety News widget now available

Everyone will want one - a Food Safety News widget.  Next is video on FSN and perhaps an Iphone App?

E. coli O157:H7 is Murder - So Says Miami CSI

Several weeks ago I got a call from a producer of CSI to get background on an episode that they were thinking of running.  I just finished watching the episode (click on photo below).  Frankly, most of the science was inaccurate, but the point that E. coli O157:H7 is a poison and that producers whose food is tainted could be held criminally liable should worry some of my readers.  Yes, E. coli O157:H7 is murder.

Senate "HELP" Committee Hearing - Keeping America's Families Safe: Reforming the Food Safety System

Thursday, October 22, 2009 – 10:00 a.m.
430 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Panel I

Dr. Margaret Hamburg, Commissioner, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, White Oak, MD

Panel II

Caroline Smith DeWaal, Director of Food Policy, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC - Testimony

Michael Roberson, Food Marketing Institute, Arlington, VA - Testimony

Daniel L. Ragan, Director, North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Food & Drug Protection Division, Raleigh, NC - Testimony

Thomas Stenzel, President and CEO, United Fresh Produce Association, Washington, DC - Testimony

FDA to combat vibrio vulnificus in oysters by requiring further processing

Elizabeth Weise of USA Today reported on a speech by “FDA's Michael Taylor [where he] outlined the agency's plans to combat the deadly bacteria vibrio vulnificus by requiring Gulf-raised oysters to undergo post-production processing to kill the bacteria. Taylor told the assembled state health department and shellfish industry officials that as of 2011, the agency would no longer allow fresh, live oysters from Texas, Louisiana and Florida to be sold during the warm-weather months unless they were processed.”

Of course, oysters are grown and eaten raw in other parts of the country – and have been linked to vibrio vulnificus illnesses as well – at least twice – 2006 and 2009 – from the State of Washingon.  Curious why the requirement is not on all oysters?  Of course, I always thought it was a bit unwise to eat raw oysters anyway.  Frankly, over the years we have been asked to look at several vibrio cases and we have declined to represent the ill persons.

According to Ms. Weise, “FDA would require that Gulf coast oyster undergo one of four processes to kill potential bacteria:

• Quick freezing
• High pressure treatment
• Mild heat
• Low dose gamma radiation”

According to an online textbook on bacteriology:

V. vulnificus causes disease in individuals who eat contaminated seafood (usually raw or undercooked oysters) or have an open wound that is exposed to seawater. Among healthy people, ingestion of V. vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Most V. vulnificus infections are acute and have no long-term consequences.

In immunocompromised persons, particularly those with chronic liver disease, V. vulnificus can invade the bloodstream from either a wound or from the GI tract, causing a severe and life-threatening illness called primary septicemia, characterized by fever, chills, septic shock and death. Blistering skin lesions accompany the disease in about 70% of the cases. V. vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal about 50% of the time.

Although V. vulnificus is a rare cause of disease, it is likely that it is unrecognized and underreported (one estimate of the total number of cases annually in the U.S. is as high as 45,000). Between 1988 and 1995, CDC received reports of over 300 V. vulnificus infections from the Gulf Coast states, where the majority of cases occur.

Persons who are immunocompromised, especially those with chronic liver disease, are at risk for V. vulnificus when they eat raw seafood, particularly oysters. These individuals are 80-200 times more likely to develop V. vulnificus primary septicemia than are healthy people. For this particular risk group, the infection carries one of the highest mortality rates of all bacterial infections.

California Department of Public Health warns consumers not to eat Del Monte canteloupe

Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat Del Monte whole cantaloupe sold at Northern California and Nevada Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods and Food Source stores between October 5 and October 16, 2009 because the cantaloupe may be contaminated with Salmonella. Raley’s, which owns Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods and Food Source stores, is voluntarily recalling 1,120 cartons of Del Monte whole cantaloupe after routine testing detected Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported from these products.

CDPH is issuing this alert in case consumers may still have some of the affected cantaloupe in their possession.

Salmonella is 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. Consumers who may eaten this product and are experiencing the above symptoms should consult their health care provider.

There have been several Salmonella cantaloupe outbreaks over the last few years - some involving serious injury and death.  Here are three:

Viva Cantaloupe

Susie Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe Litchfield

Cow Tonsils can carry Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)? What will I now eat with a beer?

Nebraska Firm Recalls Beef Tongues That Contain Prohibited Materials

J.F. O'Neill Packing Company, an Omaha, Neb., establishment is recalling approximately 33,000 pounds of beef tongues that may not have had the tonsils completely removed, which is not compliant with regulations that require the removal of tonsils from cattle of all ages, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Tonsils are considered a specified risk material (SRM) and must be removed from cattle of all ages in accordance with FSIS regulations. SRMs are tissues that are known to contain the infective agent in cattle infected with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), as well as materials that are closely associated with these potentially infective tissues. Therefore, FSIS prohibits SRMs from use as human food to minimize potential human exposure to the BSE agent.

The following product is subject to recall:

" Various weight cases of "BEEF TONGUES." Each case bears the establishment number "EST. 889A" inside the USDA mark of inspection and were sold under the following brand names:

"J.F. O'NEILL PACKING CO.," "WHOLE FOODS NATURAL," "WHOLE FOODS ORGANIC," "PREMIER PROTEIN PARTNERS," "MONTANA RANCH BRAND," "GRASSLAND BEEF," "AUSTIN MEATS," "MORGAN RANCH," "KOBE BEEF AMERICA," "IMPERIAL WAGYU BEEF," "BRAND ADVANTAGE WAGYU," "BRAND ADVANTAGE PARTNERS," "YAMAYA U.S.A.," and "A.D. ROSENBLATT."

The company is recalling all products packed between July 1, 2009, and October 8, 2009. These products were shipped primarily to distribution centers in Nebraska and California for further sale to restaurants, hotels and institutions.

The problem was discovered through a food safety assessment FSIS conducted at the establishment.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers (including restaurants) of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

www.foodsafetynews.com is being read worldwide - well, almost

We are now into the fourth week of the publication of www.foodsafetynews.com.  Our offices in Seattle, Denver and Washington DC have been busy gathering the most up to date news on food safety - there has been a lot.  In analyzing visitors to the site today, the USA, including Alaska (is that you Sarah?), leads on readership.  However, we seem to be getting hits from all over.

Michigan Reports 12 Salmonella Cases Linked to Sprouts

The Michigan Department of Community Health and Department of Agriculture said 12 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium infections caused by eating raw alfalfa sprouts have been reported in Kent, Bay, Genesee, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties. One of the 12 cases was found in Kent County, said Health Department Spokesman James McCurtis Jr.

"Eating raw sprouts is a known risk for exposure to Salmonella or E. coli bacteria," said Dr. Gregory Holzman, chief medical executive for state health department. "We want to educate people about this known risk in order for them to make informed decisions concerning their health."

State officials said everyone -- especially young children, frail, elderly and those with weakened immune systems -- should avoid eating raw alfalfa sprouts until the origin of the contamination is determined. Other types of sprouts are not involved, they said.

About MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) - Yet another Food Pathogen?

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), often referred to as "staph," is a bacterium commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. S. aureus typically causes a skin infection, but can cause infections in the bloodstream and major organs. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) occurs when the bacteria become resistant to the antibiotic, methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin, making it more difficult to treat. The rate of invasive MRSA (infections in typically sterile sites like the bloodstream) is estimated to be 32 per 100,000 persons in the United States; the mortality (death) rate is thought to be about 6 per 100,000 persons. The risk of invasive MRSA infections is highest among older individuals, Blacks/African Americans, and men.

MRSA infections were initially limited to hospitals and nursing homes, especially among patients with weakened immune systems. Since the 1980s, community-acquired cases and outbreaks also have been reported. Community acquired cases are those not related to past year hospitalization or medical procedures like dialysis, surgery, or catheterization. These infections typically occur among otherwise healthy individuals and are more likely to be limited to skin infections. An increase in the virulence of MRSA bacteria in the past decade, however, has been responsible for more severe and sometimes fatal community acquired infections. More recently, MRSA has been identified in food animals and a few outbreaks have been ‘food-initiated’ or foodborne. In one such outbreak, those affected developed typical foodborne illness symptoms, such as vomiting and stomach cramps.

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) - Another Foodborne Pathogen?

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a spore-forming, gram-positive anaerobic bacillus that produces two toxins: toxin A and toxin B. These toxins typically cause gastrointestinal disease, often with severe complications. In rare cases, C. difficile-associated disease can be fatal. Although C. difficile bacteria can be present in human intestinal tracts and cause no clinical symptoms (a condition called colonization), some individuals with C. difficile colonization are at increased risk of becoming ill. The most common risk factor for C. difficile-associated disease is exposure to antibiotics, especially those with broad-spectrum activity. Although less common, exposure to agents that suppress the immune system may also increase the risk of illness. Advanced age, severe underlying illness, gastrointestinal surgery, use of nasogastric tubes, and gastrointestinal medications (such as gastrointestinal stimulants or antacids) have also been associated with an increased risk of colonization. Most cases are acquired in hospitals or nursing homes, but an increased incidence of community–acquired C. difficile has been reported as well. Recent studies indicate that C. difficile can also be found in food products.  So, is it another bug to worry about in our food?  Visit C. difficile blog.

Public Health Importance of Non-O157 Shiga Toxin- Producing Escherichia coli (non-O157 STEC) in the US Food Supply

Click above to download report.

Food Safety and recalls of your kids' food - What the GAO has to say

From the GAO:

Over the past few years, several food recalls, such as for beef and peanut products, have affected schools. It is especially important that recalls affecting schools be carried out efficiently and effectively because young children have a higher risk of complications from food-borne illnesses. GAO was asked to determine how federal agencies (1) notified states and schools about food recalls, (2) advised states and schools about disposal and reimbursement of recalled food, and (3) ensured that recalls were being carried out effectively. To do this, GAO reviewed and analyzed relevant documents and interviewed federal and state officials, as well as officials from 23 school districts that had experience with at least one of four recent cases involving the safety of food in the school lunch program.

Despite its efforts, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), which oversees federal school meals programs, did not always ensure that states and schools received timely and complete notification about suspect food products provided to schools through the federal commodity program. The federal commodity program provides food to schools at no cost to the schools, and accounts for 15 to 20 percent of food served in school meals. During 3 recent recalls, FNS notified states, but in only one case did it inform schools to hold and not serve suspect foods prior to an official recall of commodity products. When a videotape aired by the media showed inhumane treatment of cattle at a plant that provided beef to the commodity program, FNS told states to have schools stop serving the company's beef weeks before the official recall of commodity beef was announced. However, when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled suspect peanut products and canned vegetables in two other cases, FNS did not inform states and schools to hold and not serve the companies' commodity products until the recalls were expanded to include the companies' commodity products--weeks later. FNS's initial notification to states regarding recalls did not provide complete information on the full range of products affected. Instead, states and schools continued to receive information on multiple other recalled products over time. It sometimes took states and schools a week or more to determine what additional products were subject to a recall, during which time they unknowingly served affected products. FNS provided instructions for disposal and reimbursement of recalled products to states who, in turn, provided instructions to schools but, nonetheless, some schools experienced problems. Some schools reported to GAO problems in finding landfills that would accept large quantities of recalled products. Some schools also reported that reimbursement instructions were not clear, reimbursement was delayed for months, and that all of their expenses related to the recalls were not reimbursed. Although both USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) and the FDA procedures direct them to conduct recall quality checks, neither included thousands of schools that had received recalled USDA-commodities products for the beef and peanut recalls because they thought FNS conducted these checks. As a result, they were unable to ensure that the recalls were being carried out effectively by schools. FNS officials said that they did not conduct any kind of systematic quality checks of schools receiving recalled commodities, because they relied on FSIS and FDA to conduct such checks. FDA did include schools in its canned vegetable recall audit checks, and some may have received recalled-commodity canned vegetables. However, because FDA does not systematically sample for schools or analyze results of the quality checks for the group, the agency cannot be assured that the recall was carried out effectively in schools.

Queen Victoria and Tubby Salmonella Spinach Recalled

The California Department of Public Health warned consumers not to eat “Queen Victoria” and “Tubby” bunched spinach because they may be contaminated with salmonella, which can cause serious illness.  The 12-count and 24-count spinach bunches were bound with a twist tie which says “PLU 4090 UPC 33383-65200.” The twist tie associated with the “Queen Victoria” label has the Queen Victoria logo on it. The twist tie for the Tubby label has a generic spinach band on it.

Of the 1,715 cartons of recalled bunched spinach, a total of 1,515 cartons were packed under the “Queen Victoria” label and distributed to California, Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and to British Columbia, Ontario, and Manitoba in Canada.  The remaining 200 cartons were packed under the “Tubby” label and distributed in California and New York. The recalled spinach was harvested September 1 through September 3, and distributed to retail, food service and wholesale buyers.

The recalled bunched spinach was packed in 12-count and 24-count spinach bunches in cardboard boxes with “Spinach” printed on the side panel, in wire bound crates or reusable plastic containers.

Thirteen People Sickened with E. coli at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver British Columbia

According to press reports, eleven children and two adults came down with E. coli days after visiting the petting zoo at the Pacific National Exhibition this summer.  A spokesman for B.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver confirmed Tuesday three of the 13 cases were serious enough to warrant hospital care. One child remained in hospital Tuesday in fair condition and two children have been sent home. The ages of the victims ranged from 21 months to 69 years.

Reports of E. coli linked to the PNE surfaced on the same days as reports of Great Britain's biggest ever outbreak of E. coli spread from farm animals. A London newspaper reported 36 children had E coli after visiting a petting farm in Surrey, England; three of the children were reported to be seriously ill.

Here are some amazing quotes straight from the - excuse me - "the horses mouth:"

Petting zoos will always be a potential risk because they mix animals, little kids and poop, Dr. John Carsley, a medical health officer with Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, said yesterday in an interview....

“The innate difficulty is the clientele of petting zoos tends to be families with small children. So no matter how fastidious you want to be, and try to be, you cannot reduce the risk to zero,” Dr. Carsley said....

Officials did not announce the outbreak of E. coli. An announcement would have been pointless, Dr. Carsley said. No one was at risk to be infected after the PNE closed and, if someone was exposed to the germ but has not yet fallen ill, there is nothing that could be done to prevent an outbreak of the illness, he said. “If you have nothing to offer people, what are you going to tell them?” he said.

The majority of people who went into the barn and were exposed to the germs were at no risk, he also said. “So you are basically scaring an enormous amount of people and telling them, you might have been exposed to a potentially fatal illness about which you can do nothing,” Dr. Carsley said.

Laura Ballance, a spokesperson for the PNE, said the fair has undertaken extensive precautions to prevent the spread of disease from animals to humans. The procedures “have been successful for several decades, and for hundreds of thousands of kids who have been passing through,” she said.

When leaving the barn, children must walk through an alleyway that has washing stations with hot and cold water, and staff is there at all times telling everyone to wash their hands. Eighteen hand sanitizers are in the vicinity. Also staff receive training on E. coli, on ways to prevent the spreading of the germs, Ms. Ballance said.

“This is the most extensive [effort] you can do to prevent it, short of [staff] washing people's hands,” she said.

And, yet it still happened.

Muranaka Farm Inc. parsley recalled because of possible salmonella

Muranaka Farm Inc. is recalling 1,005 cases of parsley distributed in 10 states, including Illinois, because it may be contaminated with salmonella.

The Moorpark, Calif., company says it's voluntarily recalling cases of 60-count fresh bunched parsley, lot code 0023909, after sampling conducted in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration showed bacteria.

Thirty cases of the parsley were distributed in Arizona; 574 were distributed in California; 35 in Colorado; 60 in Florida; three in Iowa; one in Illinois; seven in Missouri; five in Tennessee; 278 in Texas; and 12 in Wisconsin.

Windsor Foods Recalls Beef and Bean Burritos for Possible Listeria Contamination

Windsor Foods, a Riverside, California, establishment, is recalling approximately 2,268 pounds of beef and bean burrito products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The following products are subject to recall:

* 18-pound bulk cases containing individually wrapped "BUTCHER BOY RED CHILE BEEF & BEAN BURRITOS."

Each case of Butcher Boy brand burritos, subject to recall, contains a total of 72 burritos and bears the establishment number "EST. 1905" within the USDA mark of inspection; the package code "1219215;" the case code "2080001;" and advises "KEEP FROZEN."

The products were produced on August 3, 2009 and distributed to a storage center in Minnesota for further retail sales. The products available for direct consumer purchase will not bear the establishment number and package code. Customers with concerns should contact their point of purchase.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. However, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Food Safety Widget from our Government

Food Alerts Widget. Flash Player 9 is required.
Food Safety Widget.
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Steinbeck Country Produce and Ocean Mist Farms Recall Salmonella-tainted, Mexico-grown Green Onions

Two California produce shippers have recalled thousands of cases of green onions supplied by an onion farm in Mexicali, Mexico, over fears the onions could be contaminated with salmonella.

U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors found salmonella in a routine test taken in New York last month. No illnesses have been reported.

Officials notified the shipper, Salinas-based Steinbeck Country Produce. The company issued a voluntary recall Aug. 28 for 3,360 cartons.  Steinbeck's produce was distributed in California, Massachusetts, Texas, Indiana, New York, Michigan, Missouri, Kansas and Arizona.  Castroville-based shipper Ocean Mist Farms recalled 1,746 cases as well, after realizing they came from the same lot. Ocean Mist wouldn't say where it's onions were distributed.

Glass Microbiology - E. coli - Deadly in a Beautiful Package

Someone emailed me this link to some very interesting glass art by Luke Jerram.  I guess I know what I will be asking Santa for:

Big Boy Food Group Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meal Kits For Possible Listeria Contamination

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-046-2009 HEALTH RISK: HIGH

Big Boy Food Group, a Warren, Mich., establishment, is recalling approximately 39,514 pounds of ready-to-eat meal kits that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.  The following product is subject to recall:

Dinolunch Brand:

* 3.6 oz “DINOLUNCH CARNIVORE HAM & CHEESE” meal kits. Each tray includes ham, cheese, and crackers; a juice drink and Dino cookies. The front of each package bears the establishment number “EST. 4205” inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the Use by/Sell by date of “10/24/2009.”
* 3.6 oz “DINOLUNCH T-REX TURKEY & CHEESE” meal kits. Each tray includes turkey, cheese, and crackers; a juice drink and Dino cookies. The front of each package bears the establishment number “P- 4205” inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the Use by/Sell by date of “10/24/2009.”

Each case of the Dinolunch brand meal kits, subject to recall, can be identified by the case code “9237” and contains approximately twelve (12) trays. The products were produced on August 25, 2009 and distributed to wholesale and retail establishments in Texas.

Lunch Buddies Brand:

* 3.6 oz “Lunch Buddies Ham & Cheese” meal kits. Each tray includes ham, cheese, and crackers; a juice drink and a sweet treat. The front of each package bears the establishment number “EST. 4205” inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the Use by/Sell by date of “10/24/2009.”
* 3.6 oz “Lunch Buddies Turkey & Cheese” meal kits. Each tray includes turkey, cheese, and crackers; a juice drink and a sweet treat. The front of each package bears the establishment number “P- 4205” inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the Use by/Sell by date of “10/24/2009.”

Each case of the Lunch Buddies brand meal kits, subject to recall, can be identified by the case code “9237” and contains approximately sixteen (16) trays. The products were produced on August 25, 2009 and distributed to wholesale establishments in Ill., Ind., Ohio, and Wisc. FSIS has no reason to believe that these products are available for consumer purchase as recalled products were distributed only at the wholesale level; so, none of these meal kits would have reached consumers.

"Let go of my Listeria Eggo" - Kellogg's Eggo Waffles Made In Atlanta Recalled

A laboratory test by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) found Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of Kellogg’s Buttermilk Eggo Waffles manufactured at an Atlanta plant. The sample was taken as part of a routine inspection by GDA of the Kellogg’s plant at 5601 Bucknell Dr. SW, Atlanta. While no illnesses have been reported, out of an abundance of caution, Kellogg is voluntarily recalling a limited number of the following products produced in the same facility:

Kellogg’s® Eggo® Cinnamon Toast waffles, 10-count package, UPC code 3800040440 with “Best If Used Before” dates beginning with: NOV22 10 EA, NOV23 10 EA and NOV24 10 EA.

Kellogg’s® Eggo® Toaster Swirlz™ Cinnamon Roll Minis eight-count package, UPC code 3800023370 with a “Best If Used Before” date beginning with beginning with NOV15 10 EA.

Kellogg voluntarily ceased production at the plant, began an investigation to determine a possible cause of contamination and began a regimen of cleaning and sanitizing. Kellogg will execute its hygienic restoration plan under GDA before it resumes production at the plant.

E. coli O157:H7, O157:NM, and non-O157 serotypes O26:H11, O111:NM, O103:H2, and O145:NM can cause Human Illness - The German Experience.

In my ongoing effort to understand the risk to humans of non E. coli O157:H7, this weekend I read the manuscript “Molecular Analysis of Virulence Profiles and Shiga Toxin Genes in Food-Borne Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli” by Slanec, T., Fruth, A., Creuzburg, K., and H. Schmidt from the Department of Food Microbiology, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany. Click below to download full manuscript:

In general, the manuscript noted that Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can cause a spectrum of human disease ranging from watery diarrhea to bloody diarrhea (hemorrhagic colitis), which can be followed by serious sequelae such as the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). STEC are genetically heterogeneous and although more than 200 STEC serotypes have been described, only a limited number of serotypes has been isolated from human cases. The most important serotypes, which can cause severe human disease, are O157:H7, O157:NM, and the non-O157 serotypes O26:H11, O111:NM, O103:H2, and O145:NM. STEC infections are mainly food-borne infections, although direct transmission from animals or from person-to-person has been described. Foods of high risk for transmission are minced meat, other meat products, produce, and dairy products.

Non-E. coli O157:H7 Serotypes linked to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

I was reading recently an article in the European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases by R. J. Pomajz, M. Varman, A. Holst and A. Chen entitled, Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) incidence and etiologies at a regional Children’s Hospital in 2001–2006. Here is the abstract:

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a serious health concern in children. HUS has primarily been linked to Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections, but non-O157 strains are gaining attention. Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure are the characteristics of the syndrome. This study investigated the incidence of HUS at a regional Children’s Hospital between 2001 and 2006 by retrospective review. Cases of HUS were investigated for outcomes based on stool culture and an association of acute pancreatitis. A total of 44 cases were identified, of which 57% were female and 43% were male, with an age distribution of 13 months to 17 years and a median age of 3.44 years. Data revealed 13 cases in 2006 compared to two cases in 2001, with 84% of all illnesses occurring in the summer and fall seasons. The median duration of thrombocytopenia was eight days and 50% of all cases required dialysis. E. coli O157:H7 was the predominant pathogen; however, 53% of the cases had unknown etiology. This data may suggest a growing number of cases from 2001 to 2006 and a role for agents other than E. coli O157:H7. E. coli O157:H7 caused longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay. No association between HUS and acute pancreatitis was found.

In addition, the article itself noted: “An increasing number of reports show E. coli of the non-O157 serotypes as the causative agent in developing HUS. Some non-O157 serotypes that have been associated with HUS include O26, O103, O111” and others.

OK, I made a mistake - FSIS did publish Retail Recall List For Fresno Beef (Cargill) and I missed it - AND Sterling Pacific Meat Co., recalls E. coli O157:H7 Meat

I blew it. I look at the FSIS site daily and I missed that they had posted the below list of retail outlets that received the Salmonella Newport Beef:

I am sorry.

The Sterling Pacific Meat products subject to recall include:

Fatburger Brand:

* 20-pound packages of "8 oz. PUCK (80/20) GROUND BEEF PATTIES."
* 10-pound "2.5 oz. BABY GROUND BEEF PATTIES."

Stock Yards Brand:

* 12-pound packages of "6 oz ROUND 80 % LEAN PURE GROUND BEEF PATTIES." Each package bears the identifying case code "13627."
* 12-pound packages of "(3/1) ROUND 80% LEAN PURE GROUND BEEF PATTY." Each package bears the identifying case code "13582."
* 12-pound packages of "(3/1) ROUND 80% LEAN GROUND BEEF PATTIES." Each package bears the identifying case code "10457" and the pack date "05/18/2009."
* 12-pound packages of "GROUND BEEF PATTY (8/1) SLIDER 80% LEAN." Each package bears the identifying case code "13657" and the pack date "05/18/2009."
* 12-pound packages of "(4/1) ROUND 85% LEAN PURE GROUND BEEF PATTY." Each package bears the identifying case code "13575" and the pack date "05/18/2009."
* 12-pound packages of "PURE GROUND BEEF PATTY 7oz WIDE PATTY 80% LEAN." Each package bears the identifying case code "13520" and the pack date "05/18/2009."
* 12-pound packages of "PURE GROUND BEEF PATTY (7/1) ROUND PATTY 80% LEAN." Each package bears the identifying case code "13577" and the pack date "05/18/2009."
* 11.80-pound packages of "PURE GROUND BEEF PATTIES 7 oz ROUND 80% LEAN." Each package bears the identifying case code "13520" or "13561" and the pack date "05/18/2009."

The packages also bear the establishment number "EST. 550" within the USDA Mark of Inspection and advise "KEEP REFRIGERATED" and/or "KEEP FROZEN." The ground beef products were produced on May 18, 2009, and were distributed at the wholesale level to food service companies, who further distributed the product to restaurants in Calif. and Ariz.

A week after FSIS announces a Class I Recall of Salmonella Newport beef from Beef Packers (Cargill) and still no list of where the beef went?

On August 6, 2009 Beef Packers, Inc., of Fresno, California recalled approximately 825,769 pounds of ground beef products linked to an outbreak of salmonellosis (disease that can be caused by antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Newport). This was announced on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website.

Today is August 13 – seven (7) days into a Class 1 Recall. The FSIS is supposed to make available to the public the names and locations of retail consignees (grocery stores, etc.) of meat products recalled by a federally-inspected meat establishment (like this one) if the recalled product has been distributed to the retail level. The rule applies to Class I recalls (like this one). The information is supposed to be posted on the FSIS website, generally within three (3) to ten (10) working days, following the announcement of the recall.

So, FSIS, Day seven (7) of ten (10), what gives? California has already produced what is thought to be a complete list of retail consignees. Why cannot the FSIS? More to the point, why cannot Beef Packers, Inc., (a.k.a. Cargill)?

So far at least 28 people in California, Colorado and Wyoming have reported salmonella-related illnesses since last week. You have to wonder why the "foot-dragging?" Wouldn't it be better to tell the public where contaminated beef might have been sold? Wouldn't it make it much easier for people to check there freezers if they knew they may have purchased contamianted meat?

Safeway Recalls Ground Beef in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming

In cooperation with Beef Packers, Inc.’s (Cargill's) recall of 825,769 pounds of ground beef linked to an outbreak of salmonellosis, Pleseanton, California Safeway, Inc. is recalling fresh ground beef products sold between June 6 through July 14, 2009, at stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming.

While the recalled product is no longer in stores, Safeway is asking its customers to check all ground beef in their freezers. Fresh ground beef products sold at both the full-service counter and in the self-service area on the dates listed above, should be discarded or returned for a full refund. These products include fresh ground beef, fresh ground beef patties and fresh meat loaf.

Obama Administration fails Salmonella test - At least 27 people in Colorado, California and Wyoming sickened with Salmonella Newport linked to Cargill Hamburger

California, Colorado and Wyoming health officials said this afternoon that at least 27 people have reported illnesses tied to recalled ground beef tainted with antibiotic resistant Salmonella Newport.  On Thursday, Fresno-based Beef Packers Inc. (Cargill) recalled 825,769 pounds of ground beef produced June 5-23.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service says the beef was sent to retail distribution centers in Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah.  The beef was repackaged and sold under different retail brand names, so customers are being urged to check with their local store to determine if they bought any of the beef.

So far only Safeway, Vons and Sam's Club have been named.  So, Obama Administration, where is the beef?  Why are we still counting bodies when we should be recalling product by actually telling consumers what meat is likely contaminated and where they might have purchased it.  Grade - A for "Cash for Clunkers."  Grade - F for food safety.

Quote of the Day from the LA Times:

Salmonella prefers warm, damp environments with little oxygen, which is why it is so prevalent in manure and other forms of excrement. But it can live in almost any climate. If conditions aren't suitable for growth, it can lie dormant for a year or longer, waiting for the right opportunity.

"It's like the sea monkeys you had as a kid -- you add water and it comes to life," said Bill Marler, a Seattle lawyer who specializes in food-borne illness cases and updates his Salmonella Blog several times a day.

Safeway and Other Stores in Colorado Linked to 21 Hamburger Salmonella Newport Illnesses

Colorado State health officials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and several other state health departments have been investigating an outbreak of infections that are resistant to several commonly used antibiotics. To date, cases of illness have been identified in 11 states. The majority of cases, 21 illnesses, have been reported in Colorado in the following counties: Arapahoe (3), Broomfield (3), Denver (3), Douglas (1), Elbert (1), Garfield (1), Jefferson (5), Mesa (1), Pueblo (1) and Weld (2). Four people have been hospitalized.

Most people became ill during late June and early July, with the most recent illness occurring July 13. Because it can take at least two weeks for cases of illness to be reported to the state health department, it is possible additional cases may be reported. This is the second large outbreak of Salmonella the department has investigated since July 1. Both outbreaks have been linked to ground beef.

The ground beef products associated with the known cases were produced on various dates ranging from June 5, 2009, through June 23, 2009, and bear the establishment number "EST. 31913" printed on the case code labels.  The ground beef products were distributed to retail distribution centers in Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah. Of Colorado’s confirmed cases, the state has epidemiologic data showing that 15 of 16 confirmed illnesses (out of a total of 21 confirmed cases) purchased their ground beef product at Safeway Stores. Point of purchase information is not available on the other Colorado cases. At this time, it is not known whether the product was distributed to other stores.

Because these products were repackaged into consumer-sized packages and sold under different retail brand names, consumers should check with their local retailer to determine whether they may have purchased any of the products subject to recall.

As part of its investigation into an outbreak of Salmonella Newport associated with ground beef products, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment notified the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service of the situation. Epidemiologic and traceback investigations determined there is an association between the fresh ground beef products and illnesses reported in Colorado.

The illnesses also were linked through the epidemiologic investigation by their uncommon pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern found in PulseNet, a national network of public health and food regulatory agency laboratories coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Safeway and Vons Stores in California Linked to Five Hamburger Salmonella Newport Illnesses

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Safety Inspection Service is investigating 40 illnesses in nine states - including five people in the California counties of Orange and Tulare – who have been sickened. At least four people have been hospitalized.

The state public health department released a list of affected retailers, mostly Safeway stores in Northern California and Vons stores in Southern California. The meat was produced June 5-23 and would have been sold sometime last month. A Safeway spokeswoman said Thursday that ground beef purchased from June 6 to July 14 should be discarded or returned to the store for a refund. List of California stores impacted:

The strain of bacteria associated with the outbreak is Salmonella Newport, which is resistant to many drugs typically used to treat infections, according to the Food and Safety Inspection Service. Salmonella can be life-threatening, especially in people with weak immune systems such as babies, the elderly and people with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy.

Where is the Salmonella Newport Beef?

I am showing my age that I remember the famous TV ad from the 1980's - "Where is the Beef?"  So, Cargill, where is the million pounds of Salmonella Newport?  We know it is in 11 States - which ones?  We know that Safeway and King Soopers is doing a recall - what others?  It would be nice to know where the beef really is.

Beef Packer, Inc. (aka Cargill) Recalling Ground Beef Sold to Retail Markets Due to Salmonella Newport - Illnesses in 11 States

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment today announced that Beef Packers, Inc., a Fresno, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 826,000 pounds of ground beef products that may be linked to an outbreak of illness from Salmonella Newport.

State health officials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and several other state health departments have been investigating an outbreak of infections that are resistant to several commonly used antibiotics. To date, cases of illness have been identified in 11 states. The majority of cases, 21 illnesses, have been reported in Colorado in the following counties: Arapahoe (3), Broomfield (3), Denver (3), Douglas (1), Elbert (1), Garfield (1), Jefferson (5), Mesa (1), Pueblo (1) and Weld (2). Four people have been hospitalized, and all are recovering.

Most people became ill during late June and early July, with the most recent illness occurring July 13. Because it can take at least two weeks for cases of illness to be reported to the state health department, it is possible additional cases may be reported. This is the second large outbreak of Salmonella the department has investigated since July 1. Both outbreaks have been linked to ground beef.

The ground beef products associated with the known cases were produced on various dates ranging from June 5, 2009, through June 23, 2009, and bear the establishment number "EST. 31913" printed on the case code labels.

The ground beef products were distributed to retail distribution centers in Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah. Of Colorado’s confirmed cases, the state has epidemiologic data showing that 15 of 16 confirmed illnesses (out of a total of 21 confirmed cases) purchased their ground beef product at Safeway Stores. Point of purchase information is not available on the other Colorado cases. At this time, it is not known whether the product was distributed to other stores.

Because these products were repackaged into consumer-sized packages and sold under different retail brand names, consumers should check with their local retailer to determine whether they may have purchased any of the products subject to recall.

As part of its investigation into an outbreak of Salmonella Newport associated with ground beef products, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment notified the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service of the situation. Epidemiologic and traceback investigations determined there is an association between the fresh ground beef products and illnesses reported in Colorado.

Antibiotic Resistant Salmonella Linked to Illnesses - Fresno Beef Packer Meat Recalled in California, Arizona, Colorado and Utah - My Quote of the Day

I had a nice chat this morning with Jerry Hirsch from the LA Times on the resent recall of some 800,000 pounds of hamburger. As I said to Jerry:

Regulators probably jumped on the beef case out of concern for antibiotic resistant strains of salmonella, said William Marler, a Seattle attorney and food safety expert who specializes in food-borne illness litigation.

Unlike the often lethal food-borne bacterium E. coli O157:H7, salmonella is not considered an “adulterant” in federal food regulations and does not trigger an automatic recall, Marler said.

“I commend the company for recalling the beef because legally, they would be on strong ground not to do so,” he said.

The pathogens are treated differently because it takes only a small about of E. coli – just 50 organisms to infect a person – where it typically takes millions of salmonella bacteria to trigger an illness, Marler said.

Nonetheless, Marler would like to see regulation expanded to include salmonella and other pathogens that cause serious illness.

My quote of the day:

“I think that anything that can poison or kill a person should be listed as an adulterant,” he said.

We have been following the problem of Salmonella in hamburger for awhile.  Here is a recent article:

Prevalence and Characterization of Salmonellae in Commercial Ground Beef in the United States
Joseph M. Bosilevac,* Michael N. Guerini, Norasak Kalchayanand, and Mohammad Koohmaraie
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska 68933-0166

Received 5 November 2008/ Accepted 2 February 2009

Commercially produced ground beef samples (n = 4,136) were collected from seven regions of the United States over a 24-month period (July 2005 to June 2007) and analyzed for the presence of Salmonella enterica by using methods that concurrently provided total prevalence and enumerable levels. The overall prevalence of Salmonella strains was 4.2%. Enumeration showed that 94.2% were present at levels below 2 CFU/g. Regional monthly prevalences of Salmonella strains varied from 1.8% to 6.5% but were not statistically different (P > 0.05). All Salmonella isolates were serotyped and their antibiotic susceptibilities determined and analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The most common serotypes identified were Salmonella enterica serotypes Montevideo, Anatum, Muenster, and Mbandaka, with these accounting for one-half of the isolates obtained. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella was determined to be 0.6%. The most common MDR serotypes were Salmonella enterica serotypes Dublin, Reading, and Typhimurium. MDR strains had resistance to between 2 and 10 antibiotics. There were no regional differences in prevalence of MDR Salmonella. PFGE analysis revealed that indistinguishable XbaI and AvrII restriction digest patterns (RDPs) could be observed in isolates of the same serotype found in different regions and months of sampling. The RDPs of 19 Salmonella strains were compared to RDPs in the PulseNet USA database. Thirteen were indistinguishable from existing patterns, and the number of records for each ranged from 1 to 478. These data show that Salmonella prevalence in commercial ground beef is low and suggest that attempts to identify sources contributing to Salmonella in ground beef by serotype, antibiogram, and PFGE cannot be made without additional documented evidence.

Bench Trim to be Tested (a few times) for E. coli O157:H7

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing guidance for inspectors to begin conducting routine sampling of bench trim for E. coli O157:H7. Bench trim is the fat and meat trimmed from cuts like steaks and roasts as they are prepared in processing plants. Bench trim is normally added to other meat used in ground beef. FSIS inspectors generally perform tests for E. coli O157:H7 in the slaughterhouse on most meat used in ground beef, however, bench trim had not previously been tested by the inspectors, creating a potentially dangerous hole in the government’s food-safety regimen.

According to the New York Times today, Jerold R. Mande, deputy under secretary for food safety at the Agriculture Department, said the government tests of bench trim were to begin in about a month. They are intended to verify testing for E. coli O157:H7 in hamburger that is already being done by plant operators, and many of the operators already test bench trim for the bacterium, he said. According to Mande, on average, the bench trim at an individual plant will be tested two or three times a year, for a total of 1,500 samplings nationwide over 12 months.

Hmm, only 1,500 total samples per year? Is that really sufficient to assure that our hamburger supply is safer? Had I known that the sampling would be that skimpy, I may not have said the below:

Bill Marler, a lawyer in Seattle who specializes in food poisoning cases, said that bench trim was suspected as a source of E. coli O157:H7 in many ground beef recalls. He said the new testing represented an important change. “You’re adding an additional layer of assurance that the ultimate product, the hamburger, is less likely to be contaminated,” he said.

If you are going to test for E. coli O157:H7 and actually be interested in finding it, scientifically based testing should be preformed at several points in the slaughter/manufacturing/grinding production operation. This should include testing for E. coli O157:H7 in finished product and holding it (not shipping it) at the grinding operation until the test results are returned. The testing should be done frequently enough to assure that the production operation is excluding E. coli O157:H7 from finished product.

At 159 Pages, H.R. 2749 - The Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 is quite the read

Here is the bill that (I think) is to be voted on in about an hour:

Click above to download.

Congressman John D. Dingell - Superman of Food Safety

Congressman John D. Dingell gave an impassioned speech today on behalf of HR 2749 - The food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009.  I think it should be renamed the Dingell Bell, errr, Bill.  Anyway, the guy is a stud.

The vote on the Bill should happen soon.  Check out www.foodpoisonjournal.com for the latest.

Congressman John D. Dingell represents Michigan’s 15th Congressional District and is the Chairman Emeritus of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, one of five ‘exclusive’ committees in the U.S. House. During the 111th Congress, he has the lead role in crafting national health insurance legislation that goes before this Committee and the House. On the Committee, he also works on energy and climate change issues, telecommunications and consumer protection policy, and conducts oversight and investigations. Dingell serves the people of Monroe County and parts of Wayne and Washtenaw Counties. His work includes fighting for the working families that keep America's economy going, including making health care more affordable and accessible to all families and protecting our nation's natural heritage. On February 11, 2009, Congressman Dingell became the longest serving Member in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives.

King Soopers of Denver Colorado Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Salmonella Contamination - 14 Ill - US Public is the "Canary in the Coal Mine"

Once again contaminated food products are shipped to US grocery stores and consumers become ill.  The US pubic continues to be the "canary in the coal mine."  As FSIS reports:

As a result of an ongoing investigation into an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 associated with ground beef products, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) notified FSIS of the problem. Epidemiological investigations and a case control study conducted by CDPHE and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined that there is an association between the fresh ground beef products and 14 illnesses reported in Colorado.

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-039-2009 HEALTH RISK: HIGH

King Soopers, Inc., a Denver, Colo., establishment, is recalling approximately 466,236 pounds of ground beef products that may be linked to an outbreak of salmonellosis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products subject to recall include:

* 1-pound chubs of (93/7) ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "69558."
* 1 - 1.25-lb. tray packs of (96/4) ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "67164."
* 1 - 1.25-lb. tray packs of (96/4) ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "67664."
* 1 - 1.25-lb. tray packs of (93/7) ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "67663."
* 1 - 1.25-lb. tray packs of (93/7) ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "67163."
* 2.5 - 3-lb. tray packs of (93/7) ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "67654."
* 6-pack trays of (93/7) ground beef patties. Each package bears the identifying case code "67106."
* 4-pack trays of (93/7) ground beef patties. Each package bears the identifying case code "67115."

The ground beef chub products bear a use-by/sell-by date between "05/31/09" and "06/21/09;" the tray packs of ground beef bear a use-by/sell-by date between "06.02.09" and "06.23.09;" and the ground beef patty products bear a use-by/sell-by date between "06.01.09" and "06.22.09."

The ground beef products were produced on various dates ranging from May 23, 2009 through June 13, 2009 and bear the establishment number "EST. 6250" within the USDA Mark of Inspection, which is printed on the front of the packages. The ground beef products were distributed to retail establishments in Colo., Kan., Mo., Neb., N.M., Utah and Wyom.

Tanimura & Antle Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of Romaine Lettuce Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

From a Company Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2009

Tanimura & Antle, Inc. of Salinas, Calif. is voluntarily recalling one lot of romaine lettuce because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported to date, and the company is working with FDA to inform consumers of this recall.

Salmonella is 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. The recall comes after a random test conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture tested positive.

Within hours of being notified yesterday, Tanimura & Antle, Inc. traced back the entire lot of romaine and advised all customers who received the recalled product of the test result. Tanimura & Antle, Inc. has instructed these customers to destroy the product. Although the recalled product is past its shelf life, the company is issuing this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution to ensure that any product purchased by consumers will also be destroyed. Consumers who have purchased the recalled romaine as described above should not consume it, and should destroy the product.

The cartons of bulk or wrapped romaine being recalled are marked with the lot code 531380 and were harvested June 25 - July 2. This recall includes only this single lot of romaine; no other products are involved.

The recalled romaine was sold to retail, wholesale and food service outlets in Canada, Puerto Rico and the following 29 states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Texas, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, North Carolina, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Why I love the internet

I am so glad Al Gore (or whomever) invented the internet.  I can not tell you how many emails I get from former employees or whistle-blowers.  Here is one I received a few days ago:

“Mr. Marler:  I was an employee at the ________________ plant and was told that they had a power outage and uncooked product sat out too long, this was after I got fired. Also of note many employees were drunk on the job. Thank god that place is shut down for good.”

I took the name of the plant out - for now.

At least 10,000 should receive IG shots to prevent Hepatitis A from Milan McDonalds - At least 20 confirmed ill thus far

Thousands of people are lining up in southern Illinois to receive Immunoglobulin (IG or Immune Globulin or Gamma Globulin) shots. IG is pooled/plasma-containing antibodies against a number of diseases like measles, rubella, varicella, and Hepatitis A. For protection against Hepatitis A after exposure, it must be given within two weeks of exposure and should be given concurrently with Hepatitis A to develop active immunity. A second dose of Hepatitis A is required six months later.

Side effects after receiving IG may include: muscle stiffness, redness, warmth, pain and tenderness at injection site. Fever, chills, headache, weakness and nausea may occur. If these symptoms continue beyond 48 hours or become bothersome, contact your physician. If skin rash, swelling of hands/feet or face, or trouble breathing develop, contact your doctor immediately. IG may interfere with the immune response to live vaccines, so discuss this with your physician before taking it. If you take IG, you will not be able to donate blood for several months.

In the last several years, the need to get IG shots because of infected restaurant employees or food has happened at a far too frequent rate. Here are some examples of cases we have been involved in where we filed Class Actions on behalf of those that were required to get IG shots:

Carl’s Jr. Hepatitis A Outbreak – Washington – 1,300 IG shots given

Chi-Chi’s Hepatitis A Outbreak – Pennsylvania – 9,000 IG shots given (we also represented the state of Pennsylvania in securing reimbursement for the cost of giving free shots)

D’Angelo’s Deli Hepatitis A Outbreak – Massachusetts – 1,600 IG shots given

Friendly’s Hepatitis A Exposure – Massachusetts – 3,800 IG shots given

Houlihan’s Hepatitis A Exposure – Illinois – 3,000 IG shots given

Quizno’s Hepatitis A Exposure – Massachusetts – 850 IG shots given

Hepatitis A Ground Zero - McDonalds in Rock Island County Illinois

The number of ill has risen to 20 and more can be expected.  Questions are still being raised as to when McDonalds and Rock Island County Department of Health knew when McDonalds had its first Hepatitis A ill employee.  I have been flooded with emails from local residents worried about their kids.  See below:

Customer 1:

I had to take my daughter to get a hepititis A shot last Thursday. I didn't get the shot because I don't have health insurance. McDonalds is my daughter's favorite place to eat. I'm outraged that they didn't take safety precautions, especially when the resturant is aimed towards little kids with an inside playground etc.

Customer 2:

We ate from the McDonalds in "Quad-City" Milan IL that has the Hepatitis A outbreak. about 8 times. before the health Dept had closed it down. today we will be going to the health dept for the free shots for this.  Myself and my wife have been stressed out over this whole matter. we called the health dept on friday july 17th they would not provide any info to us. we hav eonly learned about the shots today from the local news kwqc.

Salmonella Testing of Product Works - Sweet Superior Fruit LTD Recalls Cilantro (Coriander) Because Of Possible Health Risk

Sweet Superior Fruit LTD. Co. of McAllen, Texas, is recalling 104 crates of fresh cilantro (coriander) because the product has 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 Salmonellaoften 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.

The recalled fresh cilantro (coriander) was sold July 13-16, 2009 in 15 pound, black plastic crates to individuals and companies through cash sales at Sweet Superior Fruit LTD. Co., 2501 W. Military Hwy., Suite #A-5 and A-6, McAllen, Texas. The product may have been further sold through direct retail sales in McAllen, Texas and surrounding areas or used as an ingredient to manufacture additional products.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was revealed through testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration which found the presence of Salmonella in the product.

Individuals and companies who purchased fresh cilantro (coriander) from Sweet Superior Fruit LTD. Co., July 13-16, 2009, should immediately discontinue use of the product. Companies should make efforts to recall the product from customers and consumers who may have purchased the product and ask them to return or throw it away.

Consumers who have purchased fresh cilantro (coriander) in McAllen, Texas and surrounding areas since July 13, 2009 should determine from the store they purchased the product whether or not the fresh cilantro (coriander) they purchased is involved in this recall.

If it was not for Thomas Geyer of Quad-City Times and an unnamed reporter at KWQC, the customers of a Milan, Illinois McDonalds might never know where they got Hepatitis A

Thank goodness for what is left of a free press. If not for the Quad-City Times and KWQC, the folks of Rock Island County would not know the following:

From KWQC - Hepatitis A Outbreak Latest

  • Rock Island County now has 14 with Hepatitis A. That brings the total number to 20 cases, with 11 people being hospitalized.
  • Two workers at the Milan McDonald's tested positive for Hepatitis A but those tests came back a month ago.
  • Even though the first case was confirmed back in mid-June, the Rock Island County Health Department didn't close the McDonald's until this past Wednesday.
  • The health department now says it didn't respond back then because it didn't know back then. The health department says it didn't find out about the case on June 9th until July 10th, a month later because the provider who diagnosed a Milan McDonald's employee with Hepatitis A back on June 9th did not report that case as required. As a result, another month went by before steps could be taken.
  • The Health Department says in addition to the two confirmed cases at the Milan McDonalds, there are also confirmed Hepatitis A cases involving other local businesses.

From the Quad-City Times - Rock Island County to set up hepatitis A vaccination clinic Monday, Tuesday

  • The Rock Island County Health Department will offer vaccination clinics Monday and Tuesday at Rock Island High School for those people who dined at a Milan, Ill., McDonald's restaurant connected to a recent hepatitis A outbreak. The clinics will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hepatitis A vaccine will be given to people ages 1-40, while immune globulin will be administered to people under 1 year of age or over 40 years of age. Eligible recipients of the vaccines are those who consumed food or beverages at the Milan McDonald's from July 6-10 and July 13-14.
  • If a person receives the vaccine or immune globulin more than 14 days after they have eaten at the Milan McDonald's, it might not provide protection.
  • The county has procured enough Hepatitis A vaccine and immune globulin to vaccinate between 5,000 and 10,000 people who may have dined at the restaurant during the specified time periods.

So, there has been Hepatitis A at McDonalds since at least late May (ill worker diagnosed July 9 would have been infectious weeks earlier).  And, that worker likely infected the other worker and customers over weeks.

One wonders why the physician who diagnosed the worker in June did not alert authorities? 

One wonders if management at the Milan McDonalds knew the worker to be sick?

One wonders why it took Rock Island County Health Department so long to get IG shot prepared?

So, what did McDonald's and the Rock Island Health Department know (about Hepatitis A ill workers) and when did they know it?

Media reports, press releases and comments from the Rock Island County Health Department, Illinois Department of Health and the McDonald’s in Milan at 400 W. 1st St. on U.S. 67 franchise owner are a bit light, but we know that at least 19 patrons of the restaurant are ill with Hepatitis A - 11 have been hospitalized.

First reports of illnesses were on July 15, 2009 - although oddly, Illinois Department of Health published a press release on the 13th urging families in the State to vaccinate against Hepatitis A. There are rumors that there are at least 2 ill employees.

The restaurant is on U.S. 67, near Highway. 280, and near the Quad-City Airport. You must wonder how many customers may have been exposed to Hepatitis A and where they are now.

From our site www.about-hepatitis.com:

Hepatitis A is a communicable (or contagious) disease that spreads from person to person. It is transmitted by the “fecal – oral route,” generally from person-to-person, or via contaminated food or water.

Food contaminated with the virus is a common vehicle transmitting hepatitis A. The food preparer or cook is the individual most often contaminating the food. He or she is generally not ill: the peak time of infectivity (i.e., when the most virus is present in the stool of an infectious individual) is during the 2 weeks before illness begins.

Symptoms typically begin about 28 days after contracting the hepatitis A virus, but can begin as early as 15 days or as late as 50 days after exposure (Koff, 1998), and include muscle aches, headache, anorexia (loss of appetite), abdominal discomfort, fever, and malaise. After a few days of the aforementioned symptoms, jaundice (also termed “icterus”) sets in.

Hepatitis A is TOTALLY PREVENTABLE. Although outbreaks continue to occur in the United States, outbreaks NEED NOT OCCUR if responsible preventive measures are taken. Responsible restaurant managers will exclude ill food-handlers from work, with pay. Food-handlers must also be taught to always wash their hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and certainly before preparing food.

After a known exposure to the hepatitis A virus, administration of a shot of Immune Globulin (IG) should be considered. IG is 80%-90% effective in preventing hepatitis A infection if it is administered within 2 weeks of the exposure.

It appears that the Rock Island Health Department is going to begin IG shots for the public on Monday – seems a bit odd it would not start sooner? Did they have adequate supplies of the IG shots?

Some other questions that need to be answered:

1. When was the first reported case of Hepatitis A linked to this McDonalds reported to the Rock Island Health Department?
2. When did McDonalds have notice if an employee was in fact ill?
3. What are McDonalds hand-washing and glove policies and were they being used?
4. Assuming that the illness originated with an ill employee, how many customers were served during the period of time the employee worked – and where are the customers now?
5. Did the ill employees and customers become so at the same time? If so, this may well point to a food product as the source.

More questions than answers at this point.

McDonald's Hepatitis A Problem - How Many Times Does Lightening Need to Strike Before You Wake the Hell Up?

I was “struck” how easy it is to spend a few moments on Google to see what a problem McDonalds seems to have with Hepatitis A infected employees. I really do not get it? Why risk it? The Hepatitis A vaccine is a 2 dose series with the 2 doses given at least 6 months apart for lasting protection against infection by the Hepatitis A virus. The CDC site has good information about the disease and the vaccine: www.cdc.gov/hepatitis. Why not give all employees the $50 for the shot series? Seems cheaper than poisoning a bunch of customers? But, like Ford and the Ford Pinto, perhaps poisoning a few customers with a potential deadly liver disease is worth it? What do you think?

2009 - 19 Hepatitis A cases linked to a Milan, Illinois McDonalds - 13 are in Rock Island County, and 6 more are being reported in Henry, Mercer, Warren and Woodford Counties.

As of Thursday afternoon, there are 19 confirmed Hepatitis A cases. 13 are in Rock Island County, and six more are being reported in Henry, Mercer, Warren and Woodford Counties.

2008 - Scott County Iowa Reports Hepatitis A Case.

A worker at a Davenport McDonalds has been diagnosed with the infectious Hepatitis A, but health department officials do not believe customers are at risk. A news release from the Scott County Health Department indicates that the food handler and the restaurant were investigated, and the Iowa Department of Public Health was consulted. The case at the McDonalds on Northwest Boulevard is the third report of Hepatitis A in Scott County this year, health department officials said.

2007 - Hepatitis A Case at Calgary McDonald's Prompts Public Health Alert.

Public health authorities are asking customers who ate at a Calgary McDonald's restaurant to contact them after a food handler at the location was confirmed to have Hepatitis A. The person assisted in meal preparation at the restaurant in the Foothills Industrial Park in the city's southeast. The Calgary Health Region said people who ate at the McDonald's between Oct. 1 and Oct. 23 may have been exposed.

2006 - McDonald’s and Hepatitis, strange bedfellows?

Apparently, on December 15th 2006, a worker tested positive for Hepatitis A, at a McDonald’s in Auckland, New Zealand was not wearing gloves. According to spokeswoman Joanna Redfern Hardisty, the workers that prepare the meals are not required to wear gloves but are required to clean their hands with anti-microbial soap. Ms. Hardisty has said that people who were eating at the restaurant during the worker’s shift would only now be experiencing the first symptoms of Hepatitis A.

2005 - Ex-McDonald's Employee Tests Positive for Hepatitis A.

Health-care providers in San Luis Obispo County are on the lookout for cases of hepatitis A after a former Paso Robles McDonald's employee caught the disease. County public health officials began notifying doctors, hospitals, urgent-care clinics and school nurses.

2002 - McDonald's Closes after 3 Hepatitis A Cases - Worker Diagnosed with Hepatitis A.

A Green Bay area McDonald's restaurant voluntarily closed after one employee, her son and another child became infected with hepatitis A. The McDonald's worker, Jessica Van Straten, 19, is hospitalized at University Hospital in Madison in critical condition, hospital spokesman Tim Lemond said Thursday. Van Straten's 18-month-old son and another employee's child, also 18 months, were diagnosed with the virus as well. The children attend the same day-care center. Their conditions were not immediately known.

2002 - Beach McDonald's Cited for "Critical Violations."

The hepatitis A threat at the McDonald's at Bonney Rd and Independence Blvd. hasn't made for a lot of happy meals lately. An investigation revealed that same McDonald's has been cited by the Virginia Beach health six times in the past five months. Inspectors call them "critical violations" -- such things as not sanitizing utensils, having leaky faucets which could pose contamination problems, an excessive number of flies and improperly storing toxic chemicals.

1998 - McDonald’s Hepatitis A Outbreak – Washington.

In March of 1998, the Skagit County Health Department (SCHD) received a number of reports that residents had been diagnosed with hepatitis A and began an investigation into what appeared to be a hepatitis A outbreak. During its investigation into the outbreak’s source, SCHD determined that the outbreak had occurred among patrons of the McDonald’s restaurant located on Riverside Drive in Mt. Vernon, Washington, who had eaten at the restaurant in mid-February, 1998. Through its investigation, SCHD learned that an assistant manager at the McDonald’s had worked while infected with hepatitis A and had contaminated food.

19 Hepatitis A cases linked to a Milan, Illinois McDonalds - 13 are in Rock Island County, and 6 more are being reported in Henry, Mercer, Warren and Woodford Counties

As of Thursday afternoon, there are 19 confirmed Hepatitis A cases. 13 are in Rock Island County, and six more are being reported in Henry, Mercer, Warren and Woodford Counties.

John David at WQAD has reported: that “Lunch customers coming to the Milan McDonalds on Thursday found the doors locked. Drive-up customers were being turned away. According to investigators, an outbreak of Hepatitis-A may be linked to employees or someone who ate there.”

I guess lightening does strike at least twice. In March of 1998, the Skagit County Health Department (SCHD ) in Washington State received a number of reports that residents had been diagnosed with hepatitis A and began an investigation into what appeared to be a hepatitis A outbreak. During its investigation into the outbreak’s source, SCHD determined that the outbreak had occurred among patrons of the McDonald’s restaurant located on Riverside Drive in Mt. Vernon, Washington, who had eaten at the restaurant in mid-February, 1998. Through its investigation, SCHD learned that an assistant manager at the McDonald’s had worked while infected with hepatitis A and had contaminated food.

Hepatitis A is one of five human hepatitis viruses (hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E) that primarily infect the liver and cause illness. An estimated 80,000 cases occur each year in the U.S., although much higher estimates have been proposed based on mathematical modeling of the past incidence of infection. Each year, an estimated 100 persons die as a result of acute liver failure in the U.S. due to hepatitis A, but the rate of infection has dramatically decreased since the hepatitis A vaccine was licensed and became available in the U.S. in 1995.

Hepatitis A is a communicable (or contagious) disease that spreads from person-to-person. It is spread almost exclusively through fecal-oral contact, generally from person-to-person, or via contaminated food or water. Food contaminated with the virus is the most common vehicle transmitting hepatitis A. The food preparer or cook is the individual most often contaminating the food, although he or she is generally not ill at the time of food preparation. The peak time of infectivity, when the most viruses are present in the stool of an infectious individual, is during the two weeks before illness begins. Although only a small percentage of hepatitis A infections are associated with foodborne transmission, foodborne outbreaks have been increasingly implicated as a significant source of hepatitis A infection.

In the last ten years we have been involved in a dozen Hepatitis A cases around the country. Most, if not all could have been prevented if restaurant or field workers had received a Hepatitis A shot BEFORE serving the customer.

Carl’s Jr. Hepatitis A Outbreak - Washington
Chi-Chi’s Hepatitis A Outbreak - Pennsylvania
Chipotle Grill Hepatitis A - San Diego, California
D’Angelo’s Deli Hepatitis A Outbreak - Massachusetts
Friendly’s Hepatitis A Exposure - Massachusetts
Houlihan’s Hepatitis A Exposure - Illinois
Maple Lawn Dairy Hepatitis A Outbreak - New York
McDonald’s Hepatitis A Outbreak - Washington
Quizno’s Hepatitis A Exposure - Massachusetts
Soleil Produce Hepatitis A Outbreak - California
Subway Hepatitis A Outbreak - Washington
Taco Bell Hepatitis A Outbreak - Florida

Hepatitis A can be severe.  In one case, in late October 2003, Beaver County ER doctors reported an alarming number of Hepatitis A cases. Investigators from the Pennsylvania Department of Health initiated an investigation immediately and discovered that many, if not all, cases had eaten at Chi Chi’s restaurant in Monaca, Pennsylvania’s Beaver Valley Mall. Along with the health department, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted further studies of the outbreak. Preliminary analysis of a case-control study suggested that green onions were the probable source of the outbreak. The onions had been shipped to the restaurant in boxes and were stored and refrigerated in buckets of ice. They were eventually chopped up and served in various dishes at the restaurant, often uncooked, as in the preparation of mild salsa. “Preliminary trace-back information indicated that the green onions supplied to Chi Chi’s had been grown in Mexico.” Ultimately, over 650 people were sickened in the outbreak. The victims included at least thirteen Chi Chi’s employees and numerous residents of six other states. Four people died from their injuries, and more than 9,000 people obtained immune globulin shots as protection against the virus. This is the story of one of those cases.

Yet Another Cluster of E. coli O157:H7 Ill Kids - Salida Colorado

According to the Chaffee County Public Health Department, two children in Salida were recently diagnosed with Escherichia coli (E. coli) and at least three others have reported symptoms that could indicate the illness.

Chaffee County Public Health Department personnel are working with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to investigate the cluster of E. coli illnesses.  Officials said one child was hospitalized and has recovered. At least three others have reported symptoms similar to E. coli illness and testing is in progress for those youths.

A source for the infection hasn't been determined, officials said.

Is the Cuyahoga County Ohio Board of Health investigating a cluster of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) cases associated with E. coli O157:H7?

On the eve of the July 4th weekend, The Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH) released a press release that it was:

“currently investigating a cluster of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) cases associated with exposure to E. coli O157:H7 bacteria. E. Coli can cause intestinal infection resulting in severe bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In some people, particularly young children and the elderly, the bacterial infection produces a toxin, which can cause a complication called HUS. HUS affects the kidneys and the blood clotting system. HUS occurs in approximately 2% - 7% of cases with E. coli O157:H7 bacteria. HUS requires hospitalization and therapy.

Currently, the cluster involves three children; two from Olmsted Falls and one from Strongsville. The children are either still hospitalized or recovering at home. Two other cases of HUS among children are still under investigation.

People become infected with E. coli O157:H7 by ingesting the bacteria in undercooked beef, especially hamburger. Spread can also occur among groups of small children because of their close contact and lack of well-developed hygiene skills. Frequent and thorough hand washing, especially after using the restroom and before eating, is important in preventing spread of this disease.

The CCBH is currently investigating the cluster of cases and staying in contact with health care providers to determine if further cases have occurred. It is currently not known if these cases are associated with any current recalls of ground beef. ‘On this holiday weekend, is very important that ground beef is thoroughly cooked until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the burger reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit. If you cook meat without a using a thermometer, you can decrease your risk of illness by not eating ground beef patties that are still pink in the middle, said Terry Allan, Cuyahoga County Health Commissioner. ‘Frequent hand washing while preparing food, particularly ground meat, is very important.’”

The real question is the status of the investigation and if other children are still being sickened? Also, given the timing, is there a link between either the Nestle Cookie Dough or the JBS Swift Meat national outbreaks and recalls of their products?

Plainview Milk Products Cooperative Salmonella Recall - Where is the Genetic Fingerprint?

I was watching again this morning the Vice President and Secretaries Vilsack and Sebelius talking about the Food Safety Working Group as I was responding to emails from people concerned about yet another recall of a staple food product. This time the Plainview Milk Products Cooperative Salmonella Recall.

According to the FDA, Plain is voluntarily recalling instant nonfat dried milk, whey protein, fruit stabilizers, and gums (thickening agents) that it has manufactured over the past two years, because they might be contaminated with Salmonella. Plainview has stopped production of these products and has notified its customers of the recall.  During an investigation of the Plainview facility, FDA found that some of the equipment was contaminated with Salmonella. At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not linked any human illnesses to potentially contaminated products from the Plainview facility. But how do they know that? Given that FDA, USDA and/or CDC presumably has the Salmonella positive milk product test result? Has a Genetic Fingerprint (PFGE) been done? Has it been compared to ill people in the United States? Have those ill people been linked to the consumption of Plainview Milk Products?

So, how does PFGE work? When a sample is taken from either a piece of meat or poultry that is contaminated with a dangerous form of bacteria, such as Salmonella, it can be cultured to obtain and identify the bacterial isolate. If a person consumes some of the contaminated product, and becomes infected as a result, a stool sample can then be cultured to obtain and identify the bacterial isolate. These bacterial isolates are then broken down into their various component parts creating a DNA "fingerprint".

The process of obtaining the DNA fingerprint is called Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis, or PFGE. This technique is used to separate the DNA of the bacterial isolate into its component parts. It operates by causing alternating electric fields to run the DNA through a flat gel matrix of agarose, a polysaccharide obtained from agar. The pattern of bands of the DNA fragments — or “fingerprints” — in the gel after exposure to the electrical current is unique for each strain and sub-type of bacteria. By performing this procedure, scientists can identify hundreds of strains of Salmonella as well as strains of pathogenic bacteria.  The PFGE pattern of the bacteria can then be compared and matched up to the PFGE pattern of the strain of infected persons who consumed the contaminated product. When PFGE patterns match, they, along with solid epidemiological work, are proof that the contaminated product was the source of a person's illness.

So, where is the PFGE?

Plainview Milk Cooperative Ingredient Recall Product List. Information current as of noon July 06, 2009 - 
56 entries in list

Wegmans Recalls Fresh Anaheim Peppers Due to Salmonella Risk

Batch/UPC Code:  Anaheim peppers sold since June 11, 2009.

Reason for Recall:  Wegmans has removed fresh Anaheim peppers from its Produce departments due to the possibility of salmonella contamination. The FDA is currently investigating the situation.

If you still have Anaheim peppers, please throw them away. Do not return them to the store. You may go to the service desk for information on receiving a refund.

No indication of illnesses yet.

JBS Swift and FSIS Name Names - Retail Stores That Received E. coli Beef

It really is a bit hard to imagine what today was like for JBS Swift and the FSIS - checking the list of retailers that might have received the 210 Tons of E. coli O157:H7 meat.  This morning a few names trickled out - this evening a torrent, tomorrow a flood?  Here is the most recent list:

Price Chopper

Hannaford

Stop & Shop

Food 4 Less

Fry's

Smith's

Costco

Sams Club

Kroger

SAV a Lot

Knight Super Foods #4

Weldon's Meat Market

Jasper Mercantile

Keeney's Food Mart

Sweetbay

All DAY AM PM MART

Hobby's Hoagies Produce

SHRTN HTL Produce

Giant

Here is the most recent list (sure to expand in the coming days):

Thank God for Bloggers - USDA Missing In Action - eFoodAlert Fills In Some Recall Blanks

From eFoodAlert:

Since USDA hasn't yet posted a retail consignee list for the JBS Swift Beef Company meat recalls, we've decided to pitch in.

The following is a list of live links to retail-level recall announcements that were triggered by the JBS Swift recalls. If you shop at any of these grocery stores, please follow the link to the supermarket chain's recall announcement for details.

* Bloom and Food Lion Stores in Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia – beef cuts and ground beef
* CostCo – steaks, ribs, ground beef
* Food 4 Less – ground beef, 15%
* Fry's Food and Drug Stores – ground beef
* Hannaford Bros. Co. – beef cuts and ground beef
* Kroger – ground beef
* Price Chopper – ground beef and beef loin bottom sirloin steaks
* Roundy's Supermarkets, Inc., including Pick 'n Save, Copps and Rainbow stores – beef cuts and fresh ground beef
* Smith's Food and Drug Stores – ground beef
* Smith's Food and Drug Stores in Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming – beef cuts and ground beef
* Stop & Shop Supermarket Company – ground beef
* WinCo Foods, LLC Stores in Idaho and Oregon – boneless bottom round roast, steak, carne asada, ground beef

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency advises that meat recalled by JBS Swift was sold under the President's Choice brand (steaks, roasts and ground beef) in the following stores:

* Ontario: Cash & Carry,Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Dominion, Extra Foods, Fortinos, Freshmart, Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaw Superstore, Valu-mart, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs, Westfair, Sue’s Market (205 Don Head Village Blvd., Richmond Hill)
* Québec: AXEP, Intermarché, Loblaws, Entrepôt Presto, Club Entrepôt Provigo, Provigo
* Atlantic Provinces: Cash & Carry, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Dominion, Freshmart, Red & White, Quick Mart, Save Easy, Atlantic Superstore, Valu-mart

FSIS, JBS Swift - "Where is the Beef?" Would you Mind Telling the Public Where the E. coli Beef is BEFORE the 4th of July?

The good/bad thing about hitting 50ish, and litigating food poisoning cases for 16 years, is the institutional memory that I have developed regarding bad food and bad commercials.

Coming days before the 4th of July barbeque's, JBS Swift Beef Company expanded the approximately 40,000 pounds of “assorted beef primals” recalled on June 24 to include another approximately 380,000 pounds of “assorted beef primals" due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination.  Somewhere between 18 and 24 Illnesses have been reported in what is believed to be Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin?  As reported by the Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS):

The beef products were produced on April 21, 2009 and were distributed both nationally and internationally.  Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the identifying package date of "042109" and a time stamp ranging from "0618" to "1130." However, these products were sent to establishments and retail stores nationwide for further processing and will likely not bear the establishment number "EST. 969" on products available for direct consumer purchase. Customers with concerns should contact their point of purchase.

The recalled products include intact cuts of beef, such as primals, sub-primals, or boxed beef typically used for steaks and roasts rather than ground beef. FSIS is aware that some of these products may have been further processed into ground products by other companies. The highest risk products for consumers are raw ground product, trim or other non-intact product made from the products subject to the recall.

So, where is the recalled beef?

On August 18, 2008 after years of hand wringing, the FSIS finally put public health before “proprietary” business interests when it made the following rule:

9 C.F.R. § 390.10 Availability of Lists of Retail Consignees during Meat or Poultry Product Recalls

The Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service will make publicly available the names and locations of retail consignees of recalled meat or poultry products that the Agency compiles in connection with a recall where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

The full rule can be reviewed at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/2005-0028F.pdf

The Bottom Line:

The FSIS is now supposed to make available to the public names and locations of retail consignees (grocery stores, etc.) of meat and poultry products recalled by a federally-inspected meat or poultry establishment if the recalled product has been distributed to the retail level.  The rule will only apply to Class I recalls (like the JBS Swift ones). The information is supposed to be posted on the FSIS website, generally within three (3) to ten (10) working days, following the announcement of the recall. 

So, where is the recalled beef?

 

Plainview Milk Products Cooperative Recalls Two Years of Various Products Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Plainview Milk Products Cooperative, Plainview, Minn., is voluntarily recalling instant nonfat dried milk, whey protein, fruit stabilizers, and gums (thickening agents) that it has manufactured over the past two years, because they might be contaminated with Salmonella. The company sells these products to other industry customers, including distributors and manufacturers, who may have incorporated them into their own products. None of Plainview’s products were sold directly to the public.

Plainview has stopped production of these products and has notified its customers of the recall. Currently, the Plainview recall is limited to industry customers who received suspect product.

This is an ongoing investigation, and the FDA will update the public as new information emerges. At this time, the FDA is not aware of products being recalled at the consumer level.

"This recall is an appropriate precaution to protect public health,” said David W.K. Acheson, M.D., associate commissioner for foods in the Food and Drug Administration. “It reflects the concerted efforts of numerous partners at the local, state, and federal levels."

During an investigation of the Plainview facility, FDA found that some of the equipment was contaminated with Salmonella. At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not linked any human illnesses to potentially contaminated products from the Plainview facility.

The FDA became aware of this problem through the U. S. Department of Agriculture. USDA found Salmonella in Dairyshake powder, in 100-gram pouches that were not for retail sale. The FDA began an investigation as to the source of the contamination. In the course of that investigation, Plainview Milk Products was identified as a supplier of a key ingredient in the Dairyshake powder. Inspection of the firm uncovered conditions that resulted in the broader recall.

The FDA is conducting this investigation in collaboration with USDA, CDC, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and state and local health departments.

FDA investigators are working to track the distribution of the Plainview ingredients to identify additional products that contain the recalled ingredients. 

Are JBS Swift E. coli Recalls Linked to Illnesses in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin? Canada?

Sometime in the early hours of June 28, JBS Swift Beef Company expanded the approximately 40,000 pounds of “assorted beef primals” recalled on June 24 to include another approximately 380,000 pounds of “assorted beef primals" due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

So, are the illnesses in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin? More than these eleven? Are these the only States that received product? Where internationally did the meat go (are the three Canadian cases somehow linked)? Which restaurants, grocery stores, schools, hospitals did the product land?

As reported by the FSIS:

Together with traceback information and laboratory data, the recall is being expanded as a result of FSIS' cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in an ongoing investigation into 24 illnesses in multiple states, of which at least 18 appear to be associated.

The beef products were produced on April 21, 2009 and were distributed both nationally and internationally. A list of the products subject to the expanded recall attached – 104 Pages.

Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the identifying package date of "042109" and a time stamp ranging from "0618" to "1130." However, these products were sent to establishments and retail stores nationwide for further processing and will likely not bear the establishment number "EST. 969" on products available for direct consumer purchase. Customers with concerns should contact their point of purchase.

The recalled products include intact cuts of beef, such as primals, sub-primals, or boxed beef typically used for steaks and roasts rather than ground beef. FSIS is aware that some of these products may have been further processed into ground products by other companies. The highest risk products for consumers are raw ground product, trim or other non-intact product made from the products subject to the recall.

JBS Swift Beef Company Expands Recall of Beef Products Due To E. coli O157:H7 Contamination - 24 Illnesses in Multiple States Appear Linked.

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-034-2009 HEALTH RISK: HIGH

Well, I was right to speculate a few days ago that the June 24 recall of JBS Swift meat might well be related to illnesses.  It seems like "E. coli O157:H7 Season is Nearly Upon Us - Will it be 2005 and 2006 or 2007 and 2008?"

FSIS just announced that JBS Swift Beef Company, a Greeley, Colorado is voluntarily expanding its June 24 recall to include approximately 380,000 pounds of assorted beef primal products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

Together with traceback information and laboratory data, the recall is being expanded as a result of FSIS' cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in an ongoing investigation into 24 illnesses in multiple states, of which at least 18 appear to be associated. This investigation prompted the company to re-examine the effectiveness of their food safety system for the April 21 production of beef primals, and they are conducting this recall out of an abundance of caution as the safety of the products produced on a portion of that day could not be assured.

The beef products were produced on April 21, 2009 and were distributed both nationally and internationally. A list of the products subject to the expanded recall attached.

Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the identifying package date of "042109" and a time stamp ranging from "0618" to "1130." However, these products were sent to establishments and retail stores nationwide for further processing and will likely not bear the establishment number "EST. 969" on products available for direct consumer purchase. Customers with concerns should contact their point of purchase.

The recalled products include intact cuts of beef, such as primals, sub-primals, or boxed beef typically used for steaks and roasts rather than ground beef. FSIS is aware that some of these products may have been further processed into ground products by other companies. The highest risk products for consumers are raw ground product, trim or other non-intact product made from the products subject to the recall.

The first recalled products were produced on April 21 and 22 and shipped to distributors and retailers in states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.  It is unclear if the expanded recall of product includes other states.

Orca Distribution May Have Repacked Recalled Salmonella Pistachios

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers not to eat two brands of pistachios repacked by Orca Distribution West Inc. of Anaheim, California. The brands are:

* California Prime Produce
* Orange County Orchards

The pistachios may be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. The products affected by the current warning are associated with an earlier recall by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc. The distributor, Orca, received and repacked some pistachios recalled by Setton Pistachio.

The two brands of pistachios, California Prime Produce and Orange County Orchards, were distributed to retail locations in airports and hotels nationwide. Both brands were packaged in clear 6-ounce flexible plastic Ziploc bags, UPC Number: 8 10826 01116 2, with Sell By Dates of 7/30/09 and 8/30/09.

FDA visited Orca as part of its follow-up checks on Setton Pistachio’s recall. The agency found that products that were part of the recall had been repacked and distributed by Orca under the California Prime Produce and Orange County Orchards brands.

Culver City firm recalls alfalfa sprouts because of possible salmonella risk

Alfalfa sprouts products sold in Southern California Gelson’s and Whole Foods Market grocery stores were recalled today by the California Department of Public Health because of possible salmonella contamination.

Mark Horton, director of the CDPH, warned consumers not to eat certain Kowalke Organics’ alfalfa products with sell-by dates between June 18 and June 30. Those products include:

• Kowalke Organics Alfalfa Sprouts - 4 oz, 8 oz, 1-pound and 5-pound packages

• Kowalke Organics Dinner Salad - 6 oz package

• Kowalke Organics Onion Mix - 4 oz package

The Culver City company that operates Kowalke Organics, Mike’s Produce Inc., said it was voluntarily recalling raw alfalfa sprouts products.

Mike Matthews, Kowalke’s owner, told the Associated Press that only one package -- with the sell-by date of June 21 -- tested positive for salmonella, so far. All the products with that date, Matthews said, have already been taken off store shelves.

JBS Swift Beef Company Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination - Are There Illnesses Too?

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-034-2009 HEALTH RISK: HIGH

JBS Swift Beef Company, a Greeley, Colo., establishment is recalling approximately 41,280 pounds of beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products subject to recall include:

* Boxes of "USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "21852."
* Boxes of "USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "21853."
* Boxes of "Swift, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "31852."
* Boxes of "Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "31853."
* Boxes of "Swift, USDA SELECT, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "33852."
* Boxes of "USDA SELECT, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "33853."
* Boxes of "BLACK ANGUS, Swift Premium, BEEF, USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "41853."
* Boxes of "BLACK ANGUS, Swift Premium, BEEF, USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "41853."
* Boxes of "Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, an identifying package date of "042109" and a case code of "79852."
* Boxes of "Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, an identifying package date of "042109" and a case code of "79853."
* Boxes of "USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "90853."

These beef products were produced on April 21 and 22, 2009, and were shipped to distributors and retail establishments in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.

Here is why I wonder if there are illnesses linked to this recalled beef:

The problem was discovered through FSIS microbiological sampling and an investigation into the distribution of other products.

FSIS micro sampling is a great way to catch problems, however, the wording "investigation into the distribution of other products," makes me wonder if that "investigation" was into illnesses?

International Meat Co., Inc., Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-033-2009 HEALTH RISK: HIGH

International Meat Co., Inc., a Chicago, Ill., establishment is recalling approximately 6,152 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products subject to recall include:

* "5-pound, plastic lined boxes of "International Meat Co., PURVEYOR OF FINE MEATS TO HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS, BEEF PATTIES." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 22080" inside the USDA mark of inspection and identifying package codes of "061709," "061809" or "061909."

* "5- and 10-pound bags of bulk "International Meat Co., BEEF PATTIE MIX." Each bag bears the establishment number "EST. 22080" inside the USDA mark of inspection and identifying package codes of "061709," "061809" or "061909."

* "10-pound bags of "International Meat Co., GROUND BEEF." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 22080" inside the USDA mark of inspection and identifying package codes of "061709," "061809" or "061909."

* "10-pound bags of "Packed For, Purely Gourmet & Organic, Ground Beef." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 22080" inside the USDA mark of inspection and identifying package codes of "061709," "061809" or "061909."

These ground beef products were produced on June 17, 2009, through June 19, 2009, and were shipped to distributors and restaurants in the Chicago, Ill., metropolitan area.

CDC releases information on the Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough E. coli Outbreak

Two long days after word first surfaced about a multi-state outbreak of E. coli tied to raw cookie dough, the CDC has issued information detailing the illnesses.  The outbreak appears to have begun March 1, 2009 and is still ongoing four months later

The CDC reports:

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to investigate an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections.

As of Thursday, June 18, 2009, 65 persons infected with a strain of E. coli O157:H7 with a particular DNA fingerprint have been reported from 29 states. Of these, 23 have been confirmed by an advanced DNA test as having the outbreak strain; these confirmatory test results are pending on the others. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Arkansas (1), Arizona (2), California (2), Colorado (5), Delaware (1), Hawaii (1), Iowa (2), Illinois (5), Kentucky (1), Massachusetts (4), Maryland (2), Maine (3), Minnesota (5), Missouri (2), Montana (1), North Carolina (1), New Hampshire (2), New Jersey (1), Nevada (2), Ohio (4), Oklahoma (1), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (1), Texas (3), Utah (2), Virginia (2), Washington (5), and Wisconsin (1).

Ill persons range in age from 2 to 57 years; however, more than 70% are less than 19 years old and none are over 60 years old; 75% are female. Twenty-five persons have been hospitalized, 7 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS); none have died. Reports of these infections increased above the expected baseline in May and continue into June.
Investigation of the Outbreak

In an epidemiologic study, ill persons answered questions about foods consumed during the days before becoming ill and investigators compared their responses to those of persons of similar age and gender previously reported to State Health Departments with other illnesses. Preliminary results of this investigation indicate a strong association with eating raw prepackaged cookie dough. Most patients reported eating refrigerated prepackaged Nestle Toll House cookie dough products raw.

E. coli O157:H7 has not been previously associated with eating raw cookie dough. CDC, the state health departments, and federal regulatory partners are working together in this ongoing investigation.
Clinical Features

Most people infected with E. coli O157:H7 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and abdominal cramps 2-8 days (average of 3-4 days) after swallowing the organism, but some illnesses last longer and are more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by culture of a stool sample. Most people recover within a week, but some develop a severe infection. A type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can begin as the diarrhea is improving; this can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and the elderly.
Advice to Consumers

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning consumers not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7. If consumers have any prepackaged, refrigerated Nestle Toll House cookie dough products in their home they should throw them away. Cooking the dough is not recommended because consumers might get the bacteria on their hands and on other cooking surfaces. The recall does not include Nestle Toll House morsels, which are used as an ingredient in many home-made baked goods, or other already baked cookie products.

Individuals who have recently eaten prepackaged, refrigerated Toll House cookie dough and have experienced any of these symptoms should contact their doctor or health care provider immediately. Any such illnesses should be reported to state or local health authorities.

Consumers should be reminded they should not eat raw food products that are intended for cooking or baking before consumption. Consumers should use safe food-handling practices when preparing such products, including following package directions for cooking at proper temperatures; washing hands, surfaces, and utensils after contact with these types of products; avoiding cross contamination; and refrigerating products properly.

Nestle Toll House Prepackaged, Refrigerated Cookie Dough Linked to E. coli O157:H7 Illnesses - 25 Hospitalized, 7 with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning consumers not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7.

The FDA advises that if consumers have any prepackaged, refrigerated Nestle Toll House cookie dough products in their home that they throw them away. Cooking the dough is not recommended because consumers might get the bacteria on their hands and on other cooking surfaces.

Retailers, restaurateurs, and personnel at other food-service operations should not sell or serve any Nestle Toll House prepackaged, refrigerated cookie dough products subject to the recall.

Nestle USA, which manufactures and markets the Toll House cookie dough, is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the FDA and CDC. The warning is based on an ongoing epidemiological study conducted by the CDC and several state and local health departments. Since March 2009 there have been 66 reports of illness across 28 states. Twenty-five persons were hospitalized; 7 with a severe complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). No one has died.

List of Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough Recalled Products

Click on below image to download complete list of recalled items due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination:

Nestlé USA's Baking Division Initiates Voluntary Recall of Toll House Cookie Dough Contaminated with E. coli O157:H7

Tip 'o the hat to Nestlé USA’s Baking Division for Initiating Voluntary Recall.  From a Press Release:

(SOLON, Ohio) – June 19th, 2009 – Nestlé USA’s Baking Division is initiating a voluntary recall of Nestlé® TOLL HOUSE® refrigerated cookie dough products. Nestlé is taking this action out of an abundance of caution after being notified that the Food and Drug Administration, together with the Centers for Disease Control, are conducting an investigation into reported E. coli 0157:H7 illnesses that may be related to consumption of raw cookie dough.

A number of consumers reporting illness reported consuming raw Nestlé TOLL HOUSE refrigerated cookie dough. While the E. coli strain implicated in this investigation has not been detected in our product, the health and safety of our consumers is paramount so we are initiating this voluntary recall. We have been and will continue to cooperate fully with the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control in this investigation. Providing safe, high quality products to our consumers is our number one priority.

No other Nestlé TOLL HOUSE products are impacted, including already baked TOLL HOUSE cookies purchased outside the home, all varieties of Nestlé TOLL HOUSE morsels, chocolate baking bars, or cocoa, and Dreyer’s and Edy’s ice cream products with Nestlé TOLL HOUSE cookie dough ingredients.

We want to strongly advise consumers that raw cookie dough should not be eaten. This message also appears prominently on our packaging. Nestlé TOLL HOUSE cookies made from refrigerated dough are safe to consume when baked as directed on the package.

Consumers who have purchased these products should not consume them. Instead, we are asking that consumers return these products to their local grocer for a full refund. We invite consumers with questions to contact Nestlé Consumer Services at 1-800-559-5025 and visit our web site at www.verybestbaking.com.

The products involved in the voluntary recall include all varieties of Nestlé TOLL HOUSE refrigerated Cookie Bar Dough, Cookie Dough Tub; Cookie Dough Tube; Limited Edition Cookie Dough items; Seasonal Cookie Dough and Ultimates Cookie Bar Dough. Variety information is included in the list attached.

Colorado State Health Officials Urge Coloradans to Avoid Eating Raw Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough Products because of Possible Contamination with E. coli O157:H7

DENVER--The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is urging Coloradans not to eat raw Nestle Toll House cookie dough because of possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7.

Colorado state health officials, the CDC and several other state health departments are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. To date, 66 cases from 28 states have been identified. Preliminary evidence from the multi-state investigation suggests that Nestle Toll House cookie dough may be the source of the outbreak, although further investigation is ongoing.

Five cases have been reported in Colorado in the following counties: Denver, Douglas (2), Jefferson and Weld. Two of the people have been hospitalized, and one has developed a severe complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome. Of the four people interviewed so far by the state health department, all had consumed the raw cookie dough during the week before they became ill.

Alicia Cronquist, the foodborne disease epidemiologist at the state health department, said, “We can’t be certain that raw cookie dough is the source of these infections, but we are concerned enough that it might be and want consumers to be aware.”

Daniel Rifkin, Wholesale Food Program manager for the Department of Public Health and Environment’s Consumer Protection Division, said, “Nestle is currently evaluating what actions they will take regarding their product. In the meantime, it is important that consumers do not eat or use raw Nestle Toll House cookie dough for now. If you decide to use the product, ensure that the cookies are cooked thoroughly and wash your hands well after handling the raw dough. More information will be forthcoming.”

63 E. coli O157:H7 Illnesses in 26 States Linked to Nestle's Toll House Cookies?

Over the last few weeks we have been investigating E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in several states.  All seemed unconnected.  However, common food items were uncooked Nestles Toll House Cookie Dough, Strawberries, Fruit Roll-ups and Ground Beef.  The vast majority reported eating Toll House Cookies.

We now have reports that federal, state and local health officials are investigating a cluster of at least 63 cases of E. coli O157:H7 in 26 states. Reports indicate the ill people's E. coli O157:H7 isolates share a common genetic pattern and likely a common source.

Hopefully, a link will be made and consumers will be told.

Marler Clark Is Updating www.fsis-pfge.org - Food Safety Inspection Services (FSIS) Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) Patterns Online Since 2000

Marler Clark is in the process of updating www.fsis-pfge.org through 2009.  We have taken the initiative to publish this information in the hopes that it will provide assistance to government agencies - Federal, State and Local – as well as individuals, in ascertaining the source of E. coli O157:H7 infections.  More broadly, Marler Clark hopes to spur greater communication amongst government agencies to better protect the public from serious health threats associated with contaminated meat.

The website contains Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns of particular strains of E. coli O157:H7 associated with recalls of ground beef since 2000.  Comparison of PFGE patterns sampled from individual persons infected with E. coli O157:H7 may allow the identification of the source of an individual's illness.  It is for this reason that Marler Clark has created this website, hoping to advance the cause of food safety, and to assist health departments in determining the source of outbreaks.

What is PFGE?

When a sample is taken from either a piece of meat or poultry that is contaminated with a dangerous form of bacteria, such as E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Shigella, Listeria, or Campylobacter, it can be cultured to obtain and identify the bacterial isolate.  If a person consumes some of the contaminated meat or poultry, and becomes infected as a result, a stool sample can then be cultured to obtain and identify the bacterial isolate.  These bacterial isolates are then broken down into their various component parts creating a DNA "fingerprint".

The process of obtaining the DNA fingerprint is called PFGE. This technique is used to separate the DNA of the bacterial isolate into its component parts.  It operates by causing alternating electric fields to run the DNA through a flat gel matrix of agarose, a polysaccharide obtained from agar.  The pattern of bands of the DNA fragments — or “fingerprints” — in the gel after exposure to the electrical current is unique for each strain and sub-type of bacteria.  By performing this procedure, scientists can identify hundreds of strains of E. coli O157:H7 as well as strains of listeria and campylobacter, and other pathogenic bacteria.

The PFGE pattern of the bacteria can then be compared and matched up to the PFGE pattern of the strain of infected persons who consumed the contaminated product.  When PFGE patterns match, they, along with solid epidemiological work, are proof that the contaminated product was the source of a person's illness.

Snow Creek Recalls Fresh Beef Trim Products Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination - 75 Pounds - Really?

Snow Creek Meat Processing, a Seneca, S.C., establishment is recalling approximately 75 pounds of fresh beef trim products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Various sizes of Cryovac bags of "BEEF TRIMMINGS, BEEF ITEM" packed in boxes. Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 20478" inside the USDA mark of inspection and a "Sell By" date of "06/02/09."

These fresh beef trim products were produced on June 2, 2009, and were distributed to retail establishments for further processing in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) blog launched

MRSA - methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus blog launched

Snow Creek Meat Processing Recalling Beef Trim Products For Listeria

Snow Creek Meat Processing, a Seneca, SC, establishment is recalling approximately 75 pounds of fresh beef trim products that may be contaminated with E. coli, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Monday.

The products subject to recall include:

Various sizes of Cryovac bags of "BEEF TRIMMINGS, BEEF ITEM" packed in boxes. Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 20478" inside the USDA mark of inspection and a "Sell By" date of "06/02/09."

These fresh beef trim products were produced on June 2, 2009, and were distributed to retail establishments for further processing in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Listeria Contamination in Raw Milk at Breese Hollow Dairy

From A New York State Agriculture Press Release:

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today warned consumers in the Hoosick Falls, New York area not to consume “unpasteurized” raw farm milk from Breese Hollow Dairy due to possible Listeria contamination.

Breese Hollow Dairy, located at 454 Breese Hollow Road, Hoosick Falls, New York 12090 holds a Department permit to legally sell raw milk at the farm. Samples are taken monthly and tested by the Department to determine if the raw milk is free of pathogenic bacteria.

A routine sample of the milk, taken by an inspector from the Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services on May 26, 2009, was subsequently tested by the Department’s Food Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. On May 29, 2009, the producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result and volunteered to suspend raw milk sales until the sample results were confirmed. Test results were confirmed on June 3, 2009 and the producer is prohibited from selling raw milk until subsequent sampling indicates that the product is free of pathogens.

Maine E. coli O157:H7 Illnesses Linked to National Cluster of Illnesses

Maine CDC is investigating a cluster of 7 shiga toxin positive E. coli O157:H7 (STEC) cases in Cumberland and York counties that occurred among residents over the past month (case onset dates of April 17 to May 17). This is double the usual number of STEC cases reported this time of year (n=3). The median age of cases was 26 years (age range 14 years to 65 years). As of May 28, 6 of the 7 cases have been confirmed shiga positive E. coli O157:H7 by the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL). Of these, 4 cases match by Pulse-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) and are considered part of a national cluster. At this time, the investigation is ongoing although we have not identified any common venues, events or foods based on case interviews.

What is PFGE?

When a sample is taken from either a person, piece of meat or poultry that is contaminated with a dangerous form of bacteria, such as E. coli O157:H7, listeria, or campylobacter, it can be cultured to obtain and identify the bacterial isolate. If a person consumes some of the contaminated meat or poultry, and becomes infected as a result, a stool sample can then be cultured to obtain and identify the bacterial isolate. These bacterial isolates are then broken down into their various component parts creating a DNA "fingerprint".

The process of obtaining the DNA fingerprint is called Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis, or PFGE. This technique is used to separate the DNA of the bacterial isolate into its component parts. It operates by causing alternating electric fields to run the DNA through a flat gel matrix of agarose, a polysaccharide obtained from agar. The pattern of bands of the DNA fragments — or “fingerprints” — in the gel after exposure to the electrical current is unique for each strain and sub-type of bacteria. By performing this procedure, scientists can identify hundreds of strains of E. coli O157:H7 as well as strains of listeria and campylobacter, and other pathogenic bacteria.

The PFGE pattern of the bacteria can then be compared and matched up to the PFGE pattern of the strain of infected persons who consumed the contaminated product. When PFGE patterns match, they, along with solid epidemiological work, are proof that the contaminated product was the source of a person's illness.

It will be interesting to see if Maine, the CDC and other States' Health Departments will be able to link the illnesses in Maine to other states and to a possible source.

New York and Oregon Firms Recall Ground Beef Products Sent to Oregon, Washington and New York Due to E. coli O157:H7

It is not 5:00 AM and I am on my way to the airport in Seattle (again) heading to New York for a speech to Excess Insurance Executives. FSIS just released another recall of meat. It appears this time it is BEFORE people were sickened. So much for test and hold. Here are the details:

SP Provisions, a Portland, Ore., establishment is recalling approximately 39,973 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  The products subject to recall include:

Cascade Natural Beef Brand:

* 5-pound and 10-pound bags of ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "13-016G."
* 5-pound and 10-pound bags of chili grind. Each package bears the identifying case code "13-016C."
* 15-pound boxes of ground beef patties. Each package bears the identifying case code "13-016GP."

SP Provisions Brand:

* 5-pound and 10-pound bags of ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "01-136."
* 5-pound and 10-pound bags of chili grind. Each package bears the identifying case code "01-136C."
* 15-pound boxes of ground beef patties. Each package bears the identifying case code "01-136P."

Each identifying case code is preceded by the date code "040809" through "052809," signifying the production date in "month/date/year" format, i.e. April 8, 2009 through May 28, 2009. Additionally, each product bears the establishment number "EST. 2866" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Alex & George Wholesale, Inc., a Rochester, New York firm, is recalling approximately 4,663 pounds of ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  The following products are subject to recall:

* 10-pound poly bag of "A & G Brand BULK GROUND BEEF"
* 10-pound poly bag of "A & G Brand 'HOT SAUCE' SPECIAL BLEND"
* 25-pound poly bag of "A & G Brand BULK GROUND BEEF"
* 30-pound poly bag of "A & G Brand BULK GROUND BEEF"
* 10-pound case of (3-1) "A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES"
* 10-pound case of (5-1) "A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES"
* 10-pound case of "A & G Brand 'Homestyle Press' GROUND BEEF PATTIES"
* 10-pound case of (6-1) "A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES"
* Cases containing 48, 4.25-ounce"A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES 'PUCKS'"
* Cases containing 48, 5-ounce "A & G Brand 'Homestyle Press' GROUND BEEF PATTIES"
* Cases containing 48, 5-ounce (4-1) "A & G Brand 'Homestyle Press' GROUND BEEF PATTIES"
* Cases containing 48, 5-ounce "A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES 'PUCKS.'"

These packages of ground beef were packed in 10, 15, 25, and 30-pound shipping cases which bear the establishment number "EST. 4553" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The (3-1), (4-1), (5-1) and (6-1) refers to the number of portions per one pound.

Is There an E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Linked to Michigan and Minnesota Linked to Lettuce from the Salinas Valley - Again?

E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks associated with lettuce or spinach, specifically “pre-washed” and “ready-to-eat” varieties, are by no means a new phenomenon. By way of illustration:

- In October 2003, thirteen residents of a California retirement home were sickened, and two people died, after eating E. coli-contaminated, pre-washed spinach;

- In September 2003, nearly forty patrons of a California restaurant chain fell ill after eating salads prepared with bagged, pre-washed lettuce; and

- In July 2002, over fifty young women fell ill with E. coli O157:H7 at a dance camp after eating “pre-washed” lettuce, leaving several hospitalized and one with life-long kidney damage.

Here are a few more examples:

August 1993 - E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to a salad bar; 53 reported cases in Washington State

July 1995 - Lettuce (leafy green; red; romaine) E. coli O157:H7; 70 reported cases in Montana

September 1995 - Lettuce (romaine) E. coli O157:H7; 20 reported cases in Idaho

September 1995 - Lettuce (iceberg) E. coli O157:H7; 30 reported cases in Maine

October 1995 - Lettuce (iceberg; unconfirmed) E. coli O157:H7; 11 reported cases in Ohio

May-June 1996 - Lettuce (mesclun; red leaf) E. coli O157:H7; 61 reported cases in Connecticut, Illinois, and New York

May 1998 - Salad E. coli O157:H7; two reported cases in California

February.-March 1999 - Lettuce (iceberg) E. coli O157:H7; 72 reported cases in Nebraska

July-August 2002 - Lettuce (romaine) E. coli O157:H7; 29 reported cases in Washington and Idaho

October 2003-May 2004 - Lettuce (mixed salad) E. coli O157:H7; 57 reported cases in California

April 2004 - Spinach E. coli O157:H7; 16 reported cases in California

September 2005 - Lettuce (romaine) E. coli O157:H7; 32 reported cases in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Oregon

But we all know that the list does not end there. E. coli O21:H19 nearly killed two women at a Wendy's in Utah. Who can forget the September 2006 outbreak associated with Dole Baby Spinach?  Also, Taco Bell and Taco John's in late 2006. 2008 saw E. coli outbreaks linked to lettuce in Michigan and the State of Washington - Spinach too in Oregon. And, there have been may others sickened in produce-related outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and other dangerous bugs.

So, what's going on?

Fundraiser for Ohio Child who Died from E. coli Complications - Abigail Fenstermaker Memorial Fundraiser

Abigail Fenstermaker's family is asking for help, after their 7-year-old died from E. coli complications last week. 

A fundraiser is being held on Abby's behalf on Friday, May 29th from 7 - 11 p.m. It will take place at The Clevelander, 834 Huron Rd. Cleveland, by Jacobs Field.  For more information on the fundraiser, see this link.

My daughter, Sydney, turned 10 in April.

I wonder if the manufacturers of hamburger in this county take the time to look at this picture?

Ohio E. coli O157:H7 Illnesses and Death Appears Linked to Cleveland Restaurant and VFW Hall

Harlan Spector of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported this morning that:

Last week, his [Cleveland Department of Health] department inspected Deekers Side Tracks in Mentor after an illness was reported. In all, four cases have surfaced in the Cleveland area.

Two of the infections led investigators to the North Olmsted VFW Post 7647, said the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. In addition, a 7-year-old Cleveland girl died [from HUS] Sunday from an E. coli infection that also may be linked to meat served at the VFW.

According to the article, the restaurant and VFW Hall appear to have served hamburger that has been linked to the nearly 100,000 pounds of E. coli O157:H7 product produced at Illinois Valley Meats LLC.

As I said yesterday, Valley Meats is located at 2302 1st St., Coal Valley, IL 61240.  One of the products recalled in this recent recall are a variety of J & B Brand Products.

Interestingly, J & B Meats Corporation (USDA EST. 5712) is (or was) also located at 2302 1st St., Coal Valley, IL 61240 and is (or was) a manufacturer of branded specialty meats and prepared foods serving the institutional food service market.  As of 2005, J&B Meats Corporation was a subsidiary of Topps Meat Company, LLC. Topps Meat was linked to dozens of illnesses in October 2007, was forced by FSIS to recall over 21,000,000 pounds of hamburger and eventually filed for bankruptcy.  J & B recalled nearly 175,000 pounds of hamburger in that recall, 76,000 pounds in August 2003, and in June 2002 recalled nearly 65,000 pounds of hamburger.

One would think that with the numbers Americans poisoned by E. coli O157:H7 increasing in the last two years, our President, Congress and the USDA would be asking one simple question – “What is going on?” Perhaps as a start it is would be better to be honest with the public as FDA's Dr David Acheson was after an E. coli outbreak tied to spinach when he was quoted as saying: "The spinach that is going to come on to the market next week or whenever is going to be as safe as it was before this outbreak.”

Clearly this administration and Congress cannot yet critically analyze itself. Congress needs to act now. It is time for Congress to accept a leadership role and call hearings on “How safe is our meat supply?” not only to explore the reasons for this recent outbreak, but also to help prevent the next one. Congress must reach out to all facets of the meat industry, from “farm to fork,” to consumers who bear the burden of illnesses, and to academics and regulators to find reasonable, workable solutions to prevent meat-related illnesses. More regulation may not help. Testing all products may not be feasible. More funding for the CDC and USDA may not work. And, more funding for university research may also not be the answer. But, getting all to the same table is a start.

FDA Found Numerous Violations at Setton Pistachio Plant Linked to Salmonella

In a 483 Inspection Report released today, FDA inspectors identified multiple food-safety shortcomings at the Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella California that was linked to a Salmonella outbreak earlier this year:

1. The company detected the bacteria in roasted pistachios in October but did not change its processing procedures until March

2. In one instance, the company re-roasted pistachios that had tested positive for Salmonella and blended them together with other nuts for sale.

3. Inspectors identified a "failure to manufacture, package and store foods under conditions and controls necessary to minimize the potential for growth of microorganisms and contamination."

4. Specific physical problems ranged from a rusty hole in the roof above one pistachio roaster to "thick layers of dust and debris" in a packaging room.

5. Procedural shortcomings included failure to monitor roasting temperatures and allowing raw and roasted pistachios to potentially come into contact.

6. Between October 2008 and March 2009, the report noted that "there were at least eight reported Salmonella-positive test results" coming out of the Terra Bella plant. When the firm learned of the private laboratory test results, inspectors said, there were no "procedures in place" to respond appropriately.

7. Prior to January, inspectors added, the Terra Bella plant did not monitor roasting temperatures, roasting times or the depth of pistachios placed on the roasting conveyor belts.

8. Inspectors checked records for 14 lots of roasted pistachios. In a potentially dangerous step, 10 of these lots had raw pistachios packed on the same packaging equipment prior to the roasted pistachios being run.

Does this not sound just a bit like the 483 Inspection report at the Peanut Corporation of America?  Setton is just lucky they did not sicken and kill people or they may too be facing bankruptcy and jail time.  When are companies going to get a clue?

UPDATE - Was Valley Meats (or at least the plant) Linked to THREE Prior E. coli O157:H7 Outbreaks and Recalls?

Yesterday the FSIS announced that Valley Meats LLC, a Coal Valley, Illinois meat establishment (USDA EST. 5712) recalled approximately 100,000 pounds of ground beef products that are likely contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 after illnesses linked to the hamburger were reported in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois.  One child is reported to have died as a result of E. coli O157:H7 complications – likely Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome.  Valley Meats is located at 2302 1st St., Coal Valley, IL 61240.  One of the products recalled in this recent recall are a variety of J & B Brand Products.

Interestingly, J & B Meats Corporation (USDA EST. 5712) is (or was) also located at 2302 1st St., Coal Valley, IL 61240 and is (or was) a manufacturer of branded specialty meats and prepared foods serving the institutional food service market.  As of 2005, J&B Meats Corporation was a subsidiary of Topps Meat Company, LLC. Topps Meat was linked to dozens of illnesses in October 2007, was forced by FSIS to recall over 21,000,000 pounds of hamburger and eventually filed for bankruptcy.  J & B recalled nearly 175,000 pounds of hamburger in that recall, 76,000 pounds in August 2003, and in June 2002 recalled nearly 65,000 pounds of hamburger.

I guess some folks never learn.  The reality is that the 2009 E. coli season seems be underway, with an outbreak in Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania that has already claimed a young life.  Outbreaks spike up as temperatures climb, and so do the recalls.  There are lots of theories why, but regardless of how it comes about, come about it does.  2006 was a banner year in my book.  From 2002-2005, 28 million pounds of contaminated meat was recalled in step-down amounts year to year, but in 2006, the amount dropped to an impressive low of just 181,000 pounds.  The numbers of E. coli cases in my office reached exactly the point I am always striving for – zero.  Then E. coli came roaring back.   Since 2007, 41 million pounds of contaminated meat has been recalled – 100,000 of those pounds just last week in Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. E. coli is here, and it’s clearly deadly.

Girl Dies From E. coli O157:H7 in Cleveland - Likely Linked to Other E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois Linked to Hamburger Produced by Valley Meats

The Cleveland Ohio Health Department said moments ago that a 6 or 7-year-old girl died from E. coli O157:H7 last weekend and that the death (likely due to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome) appears linked to E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois that have led FSIS and CDC health investigators to ground beef produced by Valley Meats, LLC of Coal Valley, Illinois.

According to Misti Crane of THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH:

The Ohio Department of Health contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture with a report of three genetically linked cases of E. coli O157:H7 in the Cleveland area earlier this month.  All three were sickened in mid-April, but do not have any connection to one another, said ODH spokesman Kristopher Weiss.  They were classified as a cluster when the genetic fingerprints of the bacteria that had infected each person matched, he said. The illnesses were then linked to products containing meat from Valley Meats.  The people who were sickened were a 3-year-old girl, a 24-year-old man and a 71-year-old man. Two of the three were hospitalized and all have since recovered, Weiss said.

Leila Atassi and Harlan Spector of the CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER are also covering the story:

Health officials did not identify the girl or provide details of the circumstances that led to her death. But Cleveland Health Director Matthew Carroll said the case might be the latest in a cluster of E. coli infections traced to Valley Meats LLC, of Coal Valley, Ill.

The company pulled nearly 100,000 pounds of hamburger patties after a U.S. Department of Agriculture investigation confirmed that three Cleveland-area residents were infected by eating the same tainted ground beef. Carroll said two local restaurants, one of them in Cuyahoga County, might also be involved and will be investigated.

The three who grew ill - a 3-year-old girl, a 24-year-old man and a 71-year-old man - have recovered, said Kristopher Weiss, spokesman for the Ohio Department of Health. Health officials determined the cases originated from a common source when they found matches among the genetic fingerprints of the bacteria that infected each person, Weiss said. The state reported its findings to the USDA on May 13. The brands included in the recall are 3-S, Grillmaster, J and B, Klub, Thick 'n Savory, Ultimate, and more than a dozen generic brands.

A few weeks ago I wrote "E. coli O157:H7 Season is Nearly Upon Us - Will it be 2005 and 2006 or 2007 and 2008?"

From 1993 - 2003 we represented over 1,000 people sickened and families who suffered losses due to E. coli O157:H7-tainted hamburger.  From 2003 - spring of 2007, the number of ill and the number of recalls dropped significantly.  In fact, in 2006, less that 200,000 pounds of E. coli-tainted hamburger was recalled.  However, since the Spring of 2007 nearly 42,000,000 pounds of hamburger has been recalled.  Clearly, there is a problem.  Earlier this year I wrote "Open Letter to a New Under Secretary for Food Safety - FSIS - The End of E. coli Conservatism," in part to start a discussion about why we are again seeing E. coli illnesses and deaths and in part to encourage the new administration to act.  The new administration is taking new steps, but much more needs to be done.

For an explaination of the movie clip above:

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Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Linked to Valley Meats in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois Spurs Ground Beef Recall

E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois have led health investigators to ground beef produced by Valley Meats, LLC of Coal Valley, IL. The company has initiated a recall of 95,898 pounds of ground beef product that is possibly contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

“E. coli in ground beef has been so prevalent in the last two years that it’s estimated that the consumer has a one in 400 chance of buying a product that might make them very sick,” said food safety advocate and attorney William Marler. “In 2006, it seemed that the meat industry had gotten a handle on recalls, but with 41 million pounds recalled since then, that is clearly not the case.”

Many benign strains of E. coli (Escherichia coli) live in the intestinal tracts of humans and other mammals. Infection with one of the toxic strains, most notably E. coli O157:H7, can cause serious illness, organ failure, and even death. E. coli is often contracted by consuming food or beverage that has been contaminated by animal (especially cattle) manure. The majority of foodborne E. coli outbreaks has been traced to ground beef; however leafy vegetables, sprouts, unpasteurized dairy or juice products or even water can become tainted with the pathogen.

The first symptom of E. coli infection is the onset of abdominal pain and severe cramps, followed within 24 hours by diarrhea, often bloody. This is hemorrhagic colitis, and it typically occurs within 2 to 5 days of ingestion of E. coli; however the incubation period—the time between the ingestion of E. coli bacteria and the onset of illness—may be as broad as 1 to 10 days.

“If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it is critical to visit your healthcare provider, because an E. coli infection can make you very, very sick,” Marler continued. “In some instances E. coli infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a cause of acute kidney failure, so make sure you know what you’re dealing with.”

Marler Clark has represented victims of every major food borne illness outbreak since 1993. The firm’s attorneys have litigated high-profile food poisoning cases against such companies as ConAgra, Wendy’s, Chili’s, Chi-Chi’s, and Jack in the Box, securing over $500,000,000 for their clients. Marler Clark currently represents thousands of victims of outbreaks traced to ground beef, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, peanut butter, and spinach, as well as other foods.

E. coli O157:H7 Illnesses in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois Linked to Hamburger Produced by Valley Meats

FSIS announces the first CLASS I RECALL after E. coli O157:H7 illnesses linked in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois of the season - more to follow?

ILLINOIS FIRM RECALLS GROUND BEEF PRODUCTS DUE E. COLI O157:H7 CONTAMINATION

Valley Meats LLC, a Coal Valley, Ill., establishment is recalling approximately 95,898 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.  The problem was discovered through an epidemiological investigation of illnesses. On May 13, 2009, FSIS was informed by the Ohio Department of Health of a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 infections. Illnesses have been reported in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

For more information about E. coli O157:H7, see, www.about-ecoli.com and for complications like Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, see, www.about-hus.com.

The products subject to recall include:

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It is Spring in Paris - It must be time to recall Salmonella Cantaloupe in the United States

I just finished a day at the Louvre, walking along the Seine and trying to find the French I learned in college, as I ordered a meal with my daughter at a cafe on a busy avenue.  I then was brought back to what Spring is really all about - another Cantaloupe recall due to Salmonella

Apparently, a North Carolina company is recalling whole cantaloupes sold this week in Wal-Mart stores across North and South Carolina and in South Hill, Virginai, because they could be contaminated with Salmonella.  L&M Companies Inc. says the cantaloupes all came from the same small farm where a melon tested positive for the organism this week. No illnesses from eating the cantaloupes had been reported as of Friday.  Officials say the cantaloupes were sold at Wal-Mart stores from Sunday through Friday. Anyone who bought cantaloupes from those stores during that time should destroy them.

Over the last several years, it seems each Spring we hear of yet another recall.  Many have invloved severe illnesses and even deaths.  Let's hope this testing and recall catches it before it becomes a problem again.  There are three that I recall in the last few years:

Cantaloupe Salmonella Litchfield Outbreak, 2008 - Nationwide

In March of 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that a Salmonella outbreak had been identified among residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. In all, 50 people had been linked to the outbreak; 14 were hospitalized.

Susie Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak, 2002 - Nationwide

On May 13, 2002 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a press release reporting that an outbreak of Salmonella serotype Poona had been traced to the consumption of Susie Brand cantaloupes distributed in the United States and Canada by the I. Kunik Company of McAllen, Texas. FDA reported that the cantaloupe was sold in retail stores, restaurants, and possibly used in other institutions. FDA investigators determined that dozens of people had been sickened after eating the contaminated cantaloupe, and detained all cantaloupe imported by I. Kunick from Mexico.

Viva Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak, 2001 - Nationwide

On May 25, 2001 the FDA issued a press release warning consumers that Viva brand imported cantaloupe had been identified as the source of a Salmonella poona outbreak. FDA stated that the cantaloupe had been sold by S.P.R. De R.I. Legumbrera San Luis and S.P.R. De R.I. Los Arroyoas of Mexico and imported by Shipley Sales Service of Nogales, Arizona. Illnesses associated with the consumption of the contaminated cantaloupe had been identified in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington State.

VTEC Conference - E. coli O157:H7 and other STEC's and VTEC's

Bruce Clark, my law partner and Patti Waller, my Epidemiologist, were in Argentina this week.  The conference topics were:

 - STEC/VTEC epidemiology from around the world

- Reservoirs. Sources and routes of transmission

- Pathogenesis. Host response to STEC/VTEC infections. Animal models of HUS

- Virulence factors. Genomics

- Clinical and diagnostic aspects of STEC/VTEC infections and HUS

- Strategies of control and prevention

I wish I could have attended, but I was in London at another E. coli Conference.  I will get Patti and Bruce to write something up on their experiences.  Here is part of what Bruce and Patti presented at teh Conference:

We have completed a portion of the first year’s tests and are in the process of compiling the data. We hope to publish the results in the next month. (See Abstract):

PREVALENCE OF NON-O157 ENTEROHAEMMORRHAGIC ESCHERICHIA COLI IN RETAIL GROUND BEEF IN THE UNITED STATES

Non-O157 STEC are capable of causing the same debilitating triad of diseases as E. coli O157:H7, including hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Infection with the non-O157 STEC can result in death in children, the elderly and the immunocompromised. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of reported cases of illnesses caused by this group of pathogenic E. coli has been steadily increasing over the past several years. Despite this, Non-O157:H7 STEC is not considered an adulterant under current law in the U.S. That needs to change.

Non-O157:H7 STEC are also known to occur in imported beef from several trading partners, yet the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has not required that imported beef be free of these pathogens. The Agency has also failed to devise steps to measure and control the presence of these pathogens in domestic beef production and the ground beef supply, at the slaughterhouse or the grocery store.

French Food Safety News - Carrefour in Court for Labeling and Food Safety Issues

I am going to take a side trip to Paris for a couple of days after the Food Safety Conference here in London and the news that French supermarket giant Carrefour has been accused of violating a number of regulations related to the labeling and food safety of meat products caught my eye. Carrefour has been charged with providing the incorrect country of origin, putting less meat in packages than stated on the labels, storing frozen products at temperatures that were too high and selling products after their sell by date.

According to a spokesperson for the supermarket chain, “the health of its customers was not in danger at any time."

"At this time?"  The French government demands a penalty of EUR220.000 for all violations combined. A ruling in the case is expected soon.  Interesting thought, same facts, but in the USA? Violation?  Fine?

Marler, Honored, Blessed, Hard Work or Just Damn Lucky?

Poor Bill Baldwin of Forbes – his Editorial “Needed: Tort Lawyers” in this week's Forbes – has been printed and reprinted on other lawyer blogs and websites to tout their bona fides as food lawyers. Funny thing, all of them missed this part of Mr. Baldwin’s editorial:

Meet William Marler, a 52-year-old Seattle attorney whose career was launched with a $15.6 million settlement against Jack in the Box. (This victim survived but lost her large intestine.) Sixteen years later he can brag that his firm, Marler Clark, has extracted just shy of half a billion dollars in settlements from food vendors. This suggests cumulative revenues of maybe $150 million for a small firm (seven lawyers, one full-time epidemiologist). But letting lawyers get rich has a nice side effect. The settlements get the attention of food producers. Bill Marler is not shy about using the Web, press releases and Capitol Hill testimony to publicize what he's doing.

The “newbie” lawyers into food litigation believe that if they put up a few Google ads and post a few blogs, the glitter of it all will attract people poisoned by the food they and their children have eaten to their firms. They then think they can cash in on the victims injuries.

But these “newbie” lawyers are mistaken it is not about the money – victims of foodborne illness today can tell the real from the fake, from the glittery website site and dazzling smile to 21 years of 24/7 365 day advocacy. Those clients, like Heather Wybrew, Carl Ours and Mari Tardiff profiled in the New York Times this Monday in “Health experts say food supply is safer today than a decade ago, but recalls raise new concerns,” understand the differences. They get it. As I said to the New Your Times:

The paradox is that even as food has grown safer, contamination scares and recalls keep coming to light. William Marler, a Seattle lawyer who specializes in representing victims of food-borne illness, said that every time his business appeared to slow from a drop-off in cases, some new type of contamination would crop up.

"It's like the Dutch boy putting his finger in the dike," Marler said. "When you put your finger in one hole, another emerges."

The clients understand that it is not about the money, the glitz or the glitter – it is about hard work, dedication and caring. Well, time to board the plane to London. I need to put another finger in the dike.

Michelle Obama and Staff Go for Burgers - Inspection Reports Not Online

A few days after the President and Vice President ordered and ate burgers in Arlington Virginia, the First Lady and her staff ate burgers at Good Stuff Eatery, 303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003.

Unlike with the President’s burger binge, the First Lady’s was not caught on video nor was the “doneness” of her burger reported.   Also, I tried to find the restaurant inspection reports of the Good Stuff Eatery online, but apparently Washington DC, unlike neighboring Arlington VA, do not put inspections online.

Although FDA does not oversee Hamburger, Dr. Margaret Hamburg has been tapped to head FDA. As she noted in her testimony before the Senate this week:

Turning to food safety, Hamburg said it will require sustained effort, more money, and stronger laws to improve the situation. She wants to shift from chasing outbreaks after they have broken out to preventing them first. That would require all food companies to follow written safety plans, overseen by federal and state inspectors. Traceability and import safety — weak links in the system — would have to be strengthened.

Obama's budget, released Thursday, calls for a $260-million increase for the FDA's food safety program. Past budget cuts have hit the food inspection program hard, and part of the new funding would go to rebuild the ranks of inspectors.

New York Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

FSIS announced this evening that Alex & George Wholesale, Inc., a Rochester, New York firm, is recalling approximately 4,663 pounds of ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  The following products are subject to recall:

* 10-pound poly bag of "A & G Brand BULK GROUND BEEF"
* 10-pound poly bag of "A & G Brand 'HOT SAUCE' SPECIAL BLEND"
* 25-pound poly bag of "A & G Brand BULK GROUND BEEF"
* 30-pound poly bag of "A & G Brand BULK GROUND BEEF"
* 10-pound case of (3-1) "A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES"
* 10-pound case of (5-1) "A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES"
* 10-pound case of "A & G Brand 'Homestyle Press' GROUND BEEF PATTIES"
* 10-pound case of (6-1) "A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES"
* Cases containing 48, 4.25-ounce"A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES 'PUCKS'"
* Cases containing 48, 5-ounce "A & G Brand 'Homestyle Press' GROUND BEEF PATTIES"
* Cases containing 48, 5-ounce (4-1) "A & G Brand 'Homestyle Press' GROUND BEEF PATTIES"
* Cases containing 48, 5-ounce "A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES 'PUCKS.'"

These packages of ground beef were packed in 10, 15, 25, and 30-pound shipping cases which bear the establishment number "EST. 4553" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The (3-1), (4-1), (5-1) and (6-1) refers to the number of portions per one pound.  These ground beef products were produced on April 29 and distributed to restaurants in western New York.

The contamination was found through routine testing - thank God.

Man Infects Pigs with Swine Flu - Errr - H1N1 Virus

The WHO reports this morning that a farm worker in Canada has infected a herd of pigs with swine flu, the first documented case of the virus being passed from humans to animals.  The herd of pigs tested positive for the H1N1 virus after the worker returned from Mexico with the disease. The herd has been quarantined (and the worker?).  Up to 200 pigs had been infected at the Alberta Farm, and that both the man and pigs are recovering, adding that the virus did not seem to have spread. 

The case adds to growing international concern about the safety of eating pork products, with Russia, China, Indonesia, Ukraine, Philippines and Serbia introducing partial or total import bans of pork from the US.  The UN and WTO said on Saturday that there is no justification for such anti-pork trade measures as a result of the swine flu epidemic.

Wisconsin Warns of Salmonella Spinach in Wisconsin and Illinois

Wisconsin officials are recommending residents throw away bags of spinach distributed by a Milwaukee food processor after some tested positive for salmonella.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says consumers should discard 10-ounce bags of Kleen-Pak curly-leaf fresh spinach with use-by dates of April 29, April 30 and May 1.

It says routine food safety tests of the spinach were positive for salmonella.  The bacteria can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infections can be deadly to young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

Kleen-Pak spinach is distributed in grocery stories in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Salmonella-tainted Pudding Linked to New Hampshire Mixer

New Hampshire state health officials say a mixer used to make pudding was the source of salmonella that sickened children at a camp in Madison this month.  The Stone Environmental Camp voluntarily closed last week, and is looking forward to reopening, now that the source has been identified.

Health investigators determined that pudding served to the campers was contaminated.  Although the mixer is supposed to be sanitized after each use, a possible defect may have allowed bacteria to get to an area where it couldn't be cleaned out.

The state confirmed 15 salmonella cases among more than 120 children and adults who reported getting sick. The state said some could have had mild forms of infection also related to the mixer.

Salmonella Sickens 31 in Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah and West Virginia - Who Produced Them? Where Were They Sold? FDA is Silent - So Far.

FDA held a call Saturday, April 25 to inform industry (but not consumers) of a forthcoming FDA press release (today or tomorrow?) related to an outbreak of Salmonella SaintPaul linked to alfalfa sprouts - AGAIN. The multi-state outbreak began mid-March and is ongoing. Currently 31 cases in Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah and West Virginia are linked to this outbreak. The serotype and PFGE pattern are considered to be rare, and the PFGE pattern is a match to that of the strain causing illnesses from sprouts in Nebraska in February/March that was linked to CW Sprouts and Jimmy Johns. The outbreak involves multiple sprouters in multiple states and multiple lots of seeds that went to at least 20 states. Some seeds went to primary sprouters and others to distributors; FDA does not have all the data on where these distributors send seeds, so other states may be involved. It appears that a single seed supplier is involved. Many of the cases are linked to restaurants.

FDA will be warning consumers (when?) not to eat raw alfalfa sprouts, reminding the sprouting industry of the importance of following FDA’s guidance on sprouts safety, and reminding restaurants/retailers to obtain sprouts from sprouters following the guidance. As part of this investigation FDA will be reviewing how closely sprouters are complying with the FDA guidance to assess whether changes in the guidance are needed. Information to date suggests a number of sprouters have not been following the recommended control measures.

FDA’s Guidance Document for the safe production of sprouts gives clear direction to seed producers, seed conditioners, distributors, and sprout producers on important steps that must be taken to ensure the safety of sprouts.

In 2003, FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Health Services and others jointly developed a video to assist the industry in producing the safest possible products. The video may also be useful for retailers, regulators, and anyone working with the industry that wants to better understand the product and current recommendations for best production practices.

Both of these resources provide guidance regarding the sources of contamination, ways to eliminate potential contamination and methods to detect contamination when it happens. FDA believes strongly in these recommendations and “will consider enforcement actions against any party who does not have effective preventive controls in place, in particular, microbial testing.”

Some of the basic controls directed by FDA include:

§ Seeds for sprout production must be grown under good agricultural practices. Purchasers of seed should request verification from their supplier that appropriate practices were followed.

§ Seeds for sprouting should be treated with one or more treatments (such as 20,000 ppm calcium hypochlorite) that have been approved for reduction of pathogens in seeds or sprouts. Some treatments can be applied at the sprouting facility while others will have to be applied earlier in the seed production process. However, at least one approved antimicrobial treatment should be applied immediately before sprouting.

§ Microbiological testing of spent irrigation water from each production lot for Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7 (or EHEC), and Listeria monocytogenes. There is a potential that pathogens may survive antimicrobial treatments, even if used properly, so testing becomes the last chance to detect contaminated lots. Because testing for pathogens can be done with irrigation water as early as 48 hours into what is generally a 3 to 10 day growing period, producers who plan accordingly can obtain test results before shipping product without losing product shelf-life. Testing, whether done by the producer or contracted out, should be done by trained personnel, in a qualified laboratory, using validated methods.

Campylobacter Sickens Eleven With Raw Milk From Kinkin Corner Dairy

I talked with Katharhynn Heidelberg of the Montrose Daily Press about yet another raw milk outbreak:

Seattle attorney Bill Marler said that doesn’t mean raw milk is safe. Marler has represented several clients, or their survivors, in food-borne illness cases, even taking on Con-Agra.

“The amount of raw milk that is sold commercially is actually quite small and is unfortunately growing,” he said. “The number of illnesses and the frequency of illnesses, in my opinion, certainly indicates that it is a growing problem, not a shrinking one you can ignore.”

Colorado does not allow the commercial sale of raw milk. But a recent law allows for cow-shares, which Marler, speaking generally, said is being used to sidestep commercial-sale bans.

One of Marler’s clients, a formerly healthy 39-year-old Californian, developed a rare and progressively paralytic illness after drinking raw milk. Marler said she’s been rendered quadrupalegic and claims raw milk is to blame.

“A lot of times, raw milk groups have a tendency to say the health department is out for them, rather than that the health department is doing its job. That’s part of their marketing scheme, to feel like they’re being put upon,” Marler said.

“It’s not like I had a particular jag against raw milk, it’s just frankly another food that poisons people and the producers have to be as responsible as the corporations.”

Spice Recall Increased Because of Salmonella Contamination

FDA announced that Union International Food Co. is expanding a spice recall to include all Lian How brand and Uncle Chen brand sauces, oil and oil blends in various size packages because the products may be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. The company had previously recalled Lian How brand and Uncle Chen brand dry spices.

California state health department officials say the salmonella outbreak has sickened 33 people throughout northern and central California, and nine others in Nevada, Oregon and Washington. No deaths have been reported. Officials say most of the people sickened appeared to have been exposed to salmonella while eating at Asian restaurants that used the company's spices.The company said salmonella was isolated from an open container of Lian How white pepper.

The Uncle Chen and Lian How brand products were distributed to retailers, wholesalers, distributors, restaurant suppliers and restaurants. Details: By phone at 510-471-6799; on the Web at http://www.ufunionfood.com.

The recall includes the following Lian How brand items:

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Salmonella Pistachio Product Recall Expanded

The FDA announced additional and expanded items that are being recalled.  The following recalls have been announced because the products may be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems:

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Two Dead from Sea Cucumber Food Poisoning

Two people died while four others are in critical condition in Cebu after eating a fried sea cucumber delicacy on Saturday, a report said. The sea cucumber, a herbivore, is not known for being poisonous but it secretes blue ink from its skin which is potentially lethal to any predators.

According to one official - "Something must have gone wrong when [the victims] prepared the food."

Easter Egg Hunt - Staphylococcal Food Poisoning - A Great Way to Ruin Your Easter

So, between reading my emails, I read the 1984 JAMA Article by G. A. Merrill, S. B. Werner, R. G. Bryant, D. Fredson and K. Kelly

Staphylococcal food poisoning associated with an Easter egg hunt

Staphylococcal contamination of intact, hard-boiled eggs resulted in the food poisoning of an estimated 300 children out of 850 who had participated in an Easter egg hunt. Enterotoxigenic staphylococci that were isolated from the Easter eggs matched that obtained from an infected cook who prepared the eggs three to five days before the hunt and which he left unrefrigerated. Experimental studies demonstrated that heated eggs can absorb 2 mL of contaminated cool water through intact eggshells. When water was inoculated with pathogenic staphylococci at even low contamination levels, rapid growth and enterotoxin production within cooked eggs could be easily duplicated. This is the first large outbreak of its type; safeguards can and should be employed to prevent future ones.

Damn, is nothing sacred?

Foodborne Illnesses Increase - 2008 FoodNet Data on the Incidence of Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food

Surveillance Results

In 2008, a total of 18,499 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection in FoodNet surveillance areas were identified. The number of infections and incidence per 100,000 population were reported as follows: Salmonella (7,444; 16.20), Campylobacter (5,825; 12.68), Shigella (3,029; 6.59), Cryptosporidium (1,036; 2.25), STEC O157 (513; 1.12), STEC non-O157 (205; 0.45), Yersinia (164; 0.36), Listeria (135; 0.29), Vibrio (131; 0.29), and Cyclospora (17; 0.04). Substantial variation in incidence rates occurred among surveillance areas (Table 1). Among all age groups (<4 years, 4--11 years, 12--19 years, 20--49 years, and >50 years)†, the highest incidence occurred among children aged <4 years for all infections except those caused by Cyclospora and Vibrio.

Among age groups of persons infected with the following pathogens, the percentage of persons hospitalized was highest in persons aged >50 years: Listeria (86.2%), STEC O157 (53.3%), Vibrio (45.6%), Salmonella (40.0%), Yersinia (37.5%), Shigella (27.9%), Cryptosporidium (24.5%), and Campylobacter (20.5%). Among age groups of persons infected with the following pathogens, the case fatality rate (CFR) was highest in persons aged >50 years: Listeria (19.5%), Vibrio (7.4%), Salmonella (1.3%), Shigella (0.4%), and Campylobacter (0.4%). For infection with STEC O157, the CFR was highest among children aged <4 years (2.8%); for infection with Cryptosporidium and Yersinia, the CFR was highest in persons aged 20--49 years (1.3% and 3.0%, respectively).

Among 6,750 (91%) Salmonella isolates serotyped, 10 serotypes accounted for 73% of infections: Enteritidis, 1,356 (20.1%); Typhimurium, 1,077 (16.0%); Newport, 681 (10.1%); Javiana, 423 (6.3%); Saintpaul, 403 (6.0%); I 4,[5],12:i:-, 269 (4.0%); Muenchen, 213 (3.2%); Heidelberg, 198 (2.9%); Montevideo, 194 (2.9%); and Braenderup, 108 (1.6%). Among 131 (92%) Vibrio isolates for which the species was identified, 72 (55.0%) were parahaemolyticus, 19 (14.5%) were vulnificus, and eight (6.1%) were alginolyticus. Among 205 STEC non-O157 isolates tested for O antigen determination, 185 (90%) had an identifiable O antigen, most commonly O26 (28.1%), O103 (27.0%), or O111 (19.5%).

Amalgamated Produce Sprouts Recalled After Testing Positive For Listeria

Sprouts processed by Bridgeport-based Amalgamated Produce Inc. have been recalled after a sample collected from a supermarket in New York tested positive for an organism that can cause serious infections.  The sprouts also were sold at Stop & Shop, ShopRite and Price Chopper stores in Connecticut.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell Jr. said Thursday that the recalled sprouts tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children or in frail or elderly people.  No illnesses had been reported in Connecticut as of Thursday, but Amalgamated Produce is recalling its sprouts. Sprouts under various brand names with a "sell by" date of March 31 through April 27, weighing 4 ounces and packaged in plastic containers, have been recalled.

Sprouts Recalled in Rhode Island Shaws, Stop & Shop, Whole Foods and IGA Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

The Rhode Island Department of Health advises consumers of sprout products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria is an organism that can cause serious or fatal infections in young children, elderly or anyone with a weak immune system. Distribution of these sprouts included Shaws, Stop & Shop, Whole Foods and IGA in Rhode Island.

All items being recalled have a sell-by date code from 03/21/09 through 04/27/09 and are in four ounce plastic containers, with the exception of the 8-ounce Nature’s Promise Organic Alfalfa and the five-pound bag of bulk alfalfa sprouts. There have been no cases of Listeria in Rhode Island in 2009. Anyone who bought an item on the recall list should throw away the product right away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. The following items have been recalled:

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Colorful Dyed Chicks Could Have Salmonella

According to News West Nine - This Easter Season it's not just about the colorful eggs, but the colorful chicks as well. The chicks are painted with dyes for nothing more but looks.

Many wonder if the chicks are safe to handle especially for young children? Dr. Medina of Midland Health Care Services says it could lead to salmonella disease through fecal and oral contact. "They put them in their mouth and they could be contaminated and get diseases from it. I would not recommend giving them as gifts," Dr. Medina said. For just $2 each you can get them in every color you can think of, but keep in mind when handling the chicks to wash your hands; it's the only way to keep you and your family safe.

Or, just don't buy them.

Despite What Seems Like an Outbreak a Week, Preliminary FoodNet Data from 2007 on the Incidence of Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food, Seems to Hold Relativey Steady

The CDC reported today:

The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) of CDC's Emerging Infections Program collects data from 10 U.S. states regarding diseases caused by pathogens commonly transmitted through food. FoodNet quantifies and monitors the incidence of these infections by conducting active, population-based surveillance for laboratory-confirmed infections. This report describes preliminary surveillance data for 2007 and compares them with data for previous years. In 2007, the estimated incidence of infections caused by Campylobacter, Listeria, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 (STEC O157), Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia did not change significantly, and Cryptosporidium infections increased compared with 2004--2006. Progress toward the targets for Healthy People 2010 national health objectives and targets regarding the incidence of foodborne infections occurred before 2004; however, none of the targets were reached in 2007. Salmonella incidence was the furthest from its national health target, suggesting that reaching this target will require new approaches.

Surveillance Methods

In 1996, FoodNet began active, population-based surveillance for laboratory-confirmed cases of infection caused by Campylobacter, Listeria, Salmonella, STEC O157, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia. FoodNet added surveillance for cases of Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora infection in 1997 and STEC non-O157 infection in 2000. In 2004, FoodNet began collecting data regarding which laboratory-confirmed infections were associated with outbreaks.

Infection with STEC O157 can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a complication in which the kidneys fail. HUS surveillance, which began in 2000, is conducted in nine states through a network of pediatric nephrologists and infection-control practitioners and validated through review of hospital discharge data. Because of the time required for review of hospital records, this report contains preliminary HUS data for 2006.

During 1996--2007, the FoodNet surveillance population increased from 14.3 million persons (5% of the U.S. population) in five states to 45.5 million persons (15% of the U.S. population) in 10 states. The preliminary incidence for 2007 was calculated by dividing the number of laboratory-confirmed infections by population estimates for 2006. Final incidence will be reported when population estimates for 2007 are available from the U.S. Census Bureau. In previous years, final incidence has been comparable to preliminary incidence.

Surveillance Data

In 2007, a total of 17,883 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection in FoodNet surveillance areas were identified. The number of cases and incidence per 100,000 population were reported as follows: Salmonella (6,790; 14.92), Campylobacter (5,818; 12.79), Shigella (2,848; 6.26), Cryptosporidium (1,216; 2.67), STEC O157 (545; 1.20), STEC non-O157 (260; 0.57), Yersinia (163; 0.36), Listeria (122; 0.27), Vibrio (108; 0.24), and Cyclospora (13; 0.03). Substantial variation occurred across surveillance sites (Table). The highest incidence per 100,000 population for Salmonella (62.11), Shigella (27.77), Campylobacter (24.01), and STEC O157 (3.66) infections was among children aged <5 years. In 2006, FoodNet identified 82 cases of postdiarrheal HUS in persons aged <18 years (0.78 cases per 100,000 children); 58 (0.7%) cases occurred in children aged <5 years (2.01 cases per 100,000 children).

Of the 6,299 (92.8%) Salmonella isolates serotyped, seven serotypes accounted for 61.6% of infections: Enteritidis, 1,062 (16.9%); Typhimurium, 1,006 (16.0%); Newport, 656 (10.4%); I 4,[5],12:i:-, 358 (5.7%); Javiana, 347 (5.5%); Heidelberg, 243 (3.9%); and Montevideo, 211 (3.4%). Among 102 (94.4%) Vibrio isolates for which the species was identified, 59 (57.8%) were parahaemolyticus, 18 (17.7%) were alginolyticus, and 13 (12.8%) were vulnificus. Among 260 STEC non-O157 isolates tested for O antigen determination, 228 (87.7%) had an identifiable O antigen, primarily O26 (21.5%), O103 (20.6%), or O121 (19.3%).

Comparison with Previous Years

A main-effects, log-linear Poisson regression model (negative binomial) was used to estimate statistically significant changes in incidence of infections in 2007 compared with previous years. This model accounts for the increase in the surveillance population and for variations in incidence among sites. The average annual incidence for 2004--2006 and for 1996--1998 (1997--1998 for Cryptosporidium), the first years of surveillance, were used for comparison. The estimated change in incidence (relative rate) between 2007 and the comparison periods was calculated, along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For HUS surveillance, 2000--2001, the first years of surveillance, was used as the comparison period. Changes over time have not been analyzed for non-O157 STEC, partly because changes in clinical laboratory practices might have affected incidence reporting.

The estimated incidence of Campylobacter, Listeria, Salmonella, Shigella, STEC O157, Vibrio, and Yersinia infections (Figure 1) did not change significantly in 2007 compared with 2004--2006, but the estimated incidence of Cryptosporidium infections increased 44% (CI = 8%--91%). Among the seven most common Salmonella serotypes, the incidence of Typhimurium and Heidelberg decreased, I 4,[5],12:i- and Newport increased, and the others did not change significantly.

In comparison with 1996--1998, relative rates of Yersinia decreased 49% (CI = 36%--59%), Listeria decreased 42% (CI = 28%--54%), Shigella decreased 36% (CI = 9%--55%), Campylobacter decreased 31% (CI = 25%--36%), STEC O157 decreased 25% (CI = 9%--38%), and Salmonella decreased 8% (CI = 1%--14%) in 2007. The estimated incidence of infection with Cryptosporidium and Vibrio did not change significantly. The incidence of postdiarrheal HUS has paralleled that of STEC O157, declining in 2003 and 2004, followed by increases the next 2 years. The estimated incidence of postdiarrheal HUS in children aged <5 years in 2006 did not change significantly compared with 2000--2001.

I Hope it is Not That Time of Year - Again - E. coli Found in Safeway Hamburger

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to eat certain lean ground beef sold at Canada Safeway because it may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The lean ground beef affected was sold in packages of approximately 450 grams with the first part of the UPC being 201670 and a Canada establishment number of 573.  The meat was prepared for certain Canada Safeway stores in northwestern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.  The affected packages bear a Best Before or a Freeze By date of March 19 and were sold from March 13 to March 19 and are no longer available for sale.  The manufacturer, Vantage Foods, Winnipeg, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from stores.

Contaminated Raw Milk Strikes Again - Campylobacter in Colorado Sickens at Least Eight

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says raw milk traced to Kinikin Corner Dairy sickened at least eight people with campylobacter.  There have been 11 confirmed cases of the food-borne bacteria since March 30; the state health department says 10 of those sickened reported drinking raw milk and eight of these people reported getting the milk from Kinikin Dairy.

The dairy was issued a public health order late yesterday afternoon.

Campylobacter can be passed through cow feces and if contaminated fecal matter gets into water or milk, humans can be infected.  The infection's symptoms include diarrhea, sometimes bloody, fever, abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting. It is only rarely fatal. 

Campylobacter infections have to be reported by healthcare providers to the state, and when several cases were reported recently, the state knew almost immediately something was wrong.

Interestingly, today we received several additional documents stemming from a 2006 E. coli O157:H7 outbreak involving Organic Pastures Dairy in California.  The below document and attached pictures (click to download) of the Organic Pastures milking facility were produced in the litigation between Organic Pastures and the State of California.

Organic Pastures too has had recalls due to Campylobacter contamination in its products – See recall in September 2008 and recall with illnesses in March 2008 - And an E. coli outbreak with illnesses in 2006 - And a Listeria recall in 2007.  Right, and then there was that criminal thing.

Salmonella Pistachios Recalled Back to 2008

The FDA and the California Department of Public Health continue to investigate the Salmonella contamination in pistachios and pistachio products. Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc., Terra Bella, Calif., is voluntarily expanding its recall of roasted pistachios to include all lots of roasted in-shell pistachios and roasted shelled pistachios that were produced from nuts harvested in 2008. The firm is also recalling those raw shelled pistachios from the 2008 crop that are not subsequently roasted prior to retail sale. The pistachios may be contaminated with Salmonella.

FDA Product Recall List


FDA Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak 2009. Flash Player 9 is required.FDA pistachio product Recall Widget. Flash Player 9 is required. Visit http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/pistachiorecall/index.cfm to search for pistachio product recalls for more information.

FDA Finds Smoking Gun Salmonella at Pistachio Plant

AP reports that Federal officials confirm they have found traces of salmonella in a central California pistachio processing plant that sparked a nationwide recall of the nut.  The Food and Drug Administration said Monday state and federal inspectors found the bacteria in "critical areas" at Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella.  FDA officials also say they found areas at the facility where raw and roasted nuts could become cross-contaminated with salmonella.  The plant temporarily shut down after recalling more than 2 million pounds of nuts last week.  The company has now expanded its recall to include all raw and roasted pistachios from its 2008 crop.

Salmonella is a bacterium that causes one of the most common enteric (intestinal) infections in the United States – Salmonellosis. In some states (e.g. Georgia, Maryland), salmonellosis is the most commonly reported cause of enteric disease, and overall it is the second most common bacterial foodborne illness reported (usually slightly less frequent than Campylobacter infection).

The reported incidence of Salmonella illnesses is about 14 cases per each 100,000 persons (MMWR Weekly, 2006), amounting to approximately 30,000 confirmed cases of salmonellosis yearly in the U.S. (CDC, 2005, October 13). In 2005, just over 36,000 cases were reported from public health laboratories across the nation, representing a 12 percent decrease compared with the previous decade, but a 1.5 percent increase over 2004 (CDC, 2007).

Rocket Fuel Chemical (Perchlorate) Found in Baby Formula

According to the AP reports of a CDC study, a chemical used in rocket fuel was found in samples of powdered baby formula, and could exceed what is considered a safe dose for adults if mixed with water also contaminated with the ingredient, a government study has found. The study by scientists looked for the chemical, perchlorate, in different brands of powdered baby formula. The chemical has turned up in several cities' drinking water supplies. It can occur naturally, but most perchlorate contamination has been tied to defense and aerospace sites.

Six Tons of EDS Wrap and Roll Foods Salmonella Egg Rolls Recalled and Union International Food Company Spice Recall Expanded

More than six tons of egg rolls stuffed with chicken are being recalled by EDS Wrap and Roll Foods LLC of Hayward. The egg rolls were sold to restaurants throughout California, the government says. Meanwhile, the company at the center of a recall of the pepper used in the egg rolls has expanded its recall of still more spices. The egg rolls contain black pepper spice products that may be linked to a multi-state outbreak of salmonellosis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service says Saturday. The following products are subject to recall:

• 9.38 lb. packages of EDS Wrap and Roll Foods LLC "Chicken Egg Roll" which contains 100 pieces of 1.5 ounce chicken egg rolls

• 18.75 lb. packages of EDS Wrap and Roll Foods LLC "Chicken Egg Roll" which contains 100 pieces of 3.0 ounce chicken egg rolls

The frozen chicken egg rolls were produced between July 28, 2008 and March 27, 2009 and bear case codes "80210 through 80365" or "90001 through 90089."

The packages bear the establishment number "P-20350" within the USDA Mark of Inspection printed on the side of the packages.

FSIS says it learned of the problem from the California Department of Public Health as a result of an ongoing investigation into the dry spice recall announced by FDA. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with the consumption of these frozen chicken egg rolls. The chicken egg roll products were distributed to restaurants and institutions in California.

Union International Food Co. of Union City is recalling 15-pound and smaller size packages of its Lian How brand dry spices, 30-pound boxes and smaller size packages of Lian How crushed chili, Uncle Chen brand black pepper (whole and ground) in 5-oz. retail containers, Uncle Chen white pepper (whole and ground) in 5-oz. retail containers and 5 pound plastic bags and the Uncle Chen brand Wasabi powder in 2.2 pound foil bags, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

But there’s more. Also recalled by Union as of Saturday evening are the following:

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Something Else to Worry About - Salmonella Chicks at Easter

Public health officials in the Oregon Department of Human Services are reminding Oregonians that baby fowl may carry Salmonella.

Chicks, ducklings and other young fowl may not be appropriate pets for children younger than 5 years or for persons with a weakened immune system, said Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., public health veterinarian in DHS.

“They are fuzzy, cute, and irresistible to pick-up and hold," he said, "but they can also be loaded with Salmonella.”

Salmonella poisoning from baby poultry purchased as pets or for backyard flocks represents an ongoing public health concern and causes multiple hospitalizations each year.

Two cases have been identified in Oregon over the past few weeks; both had contact with young poultry. Both patients are recovering.

Though chicks, ducklings and goslings may not appear dirty, they could carry feces on their feet, feathers and beaks.

Poultry should always be housed outside because of the risk of tracking the infection into the household environment.

To reduce the risk of Salmonella infection, the Oregon Public Health Division recommends thorough hand washing with soap and warm water for anyone who enters an area that houses poultry or who handles any baby chicks, ducks or other fowl.

Children should be supervised so they do not nuzzle or kiss the animals.

Salmonella Pistachios has become "Nutgate" - "who knew what and when did they know it?" Perhaps Mr. Peanut and Mr. Setton will need to make room for Mr. Kraft in the "Big House?"

According to AP reports today, “Nutgate” has turned into a “finger-pointing” match of “he said, she said.” The spokeswoman from Setton, the pistachio maker, said today “that Kraft Foods Inc. detected salmonella in its pistachios more than six months ago but did not inform [Setton] until last week [March24]” when Kraft also informed the FDA.

The Kraft spokeswoman said today that it did “not know until recently that pistachios were the cause of salmonella contamination in a trail mix and promptly informed their nut supplier, Setton…. [The] spokeswoman said their manufacturer Georgia Nut Co. first found the bacteria in its Kraft Back to Nature Nantucket Blend trail mix in September, but it took more than six months of careful ingredient testing to determine what caused the contamination.”

Really? Six months? Something just does not smell right.

UPDATE - Will Mr. Pistachio be sharing a Prison Cell with Mr. Peanut in what is becoming another "Nutgate"

Elizabeth Weise, of USA TODAY reported this morning that “Pistachios had tested positive for salmonella for [five] months” at the Setton facility in California while at the same time New York Department of Agriculture was finding rat feces and cockroaches at Setton’s New York plant.

Salmonella in nuts from Setton Pistachio was detected by one of the company's food-manufacturing customers. When the Food and Drug Administration asked Setton officials if any of their own tests had come back positive for salmonella, the answer was yes, says David Acheson, FDA associate commissioner. "They told us, 'We've had montevideo, newport, senftenberg and larochelle,'" Acheson says, meaning the earlier discovery of four strains of salmonella.

Now for Watergate/Nutgate:

"The question is, 'Did Setton Farms have an ongoing problem, and what did they do about it?' " Acheson says. The FDA believes batches of pistachios that tested positive for salmonella were destroyed, not distributed. Setton Pistachio spokeswoman Fabia D'Arienzo could not confirm that. No illnesses tied to the contamination have been confirmed, the FDA says. The agency is currently checking four salmonella cultures provided by Setton to see if they match bacteria in people who have become ill.

So, Setton knew for months that product from its California plant was testing positive for Salmonella – four strains no less – and its New York plant had rats and cockroaches? Now, what is this difference (other than the number of people sickened) with what happened at the Peanut Corporation of America? I think Mr. Peanut (a.k.a Mr. Parnell) needs to make room for Mr. Pistachio (a.k.a. Mr. Setton). I wonder if they will fight over who gets the top bunk?

UPDATE from AP:

Plant at center of recall had salmonella last year - Nuts from the California company tested positive in 2008, says sister plant
   
FRESNO, Calif. - A firm involved in a nationwide pistachio recall this week says nuts from its sister company in California tested positive for Salmonella in September 2008.

Lee Cohen, a production manager for Setton International Foods Inc. in Commack, N.Y., said Friday that Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc. first heard about the 2008 test from a customer, Kraft Foods Inc., on March 24. He says those tainted nuts were found in a snack mix.

Setton Pistachio recalled 2 million pounds of pistachios on Monday after a Kraft manufacturer found salmonella in another batch of roasted pistachios on March 20.

So, here are the questions that now need to be asked:

1.  New York Department of Agriculture - Why did you not shut down the Setton New York plant after finding feces and cockroaches?

2.  FDA - when did you first learn of potential Salmonella illnesses and/or Salmonella positive pistachio samples and from who?

3.  Kraft - when did you first learn of potential Salmonella illnesses and/or Salmonella positive pistachio samples and from who?

4.  Setton - when did you first learn of potential Salmonella illnesses and/or Salmonella positive pistachio samples and from who?

The plot thickens.  Someone is not telling the truth.

Rats and Cockroaches and Pistachios - Oh, My!

The more things change, the more things stay the same. Now FDA officials are investigating Commack, New York-based Setton International Foods Inc., which shares key staff and packages food with its sister plant in central California, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc., that earlier this week recalled 2 million pounds of nuts over fears of possible salmonella contamination. Here is the 411, the poop (sorry):

“Last month, New York agricultural authorities discovered nearly two dozen dead cockroaches, rodent droppings and one live cockroach on an ingredient rolling rack inside the Commack plant. It failed its state health inspection…. State inspectors went back for a visit Wednesday to swab the plant and take food samples to be tested for salmonella and other pathogens as part of the pistachio recall,… The test results are pending.”

Don’t manufacturers get it?  And, what were the New York Agricultural folks thinking - or not?  Rat poop and cockroaches do not mix with pistachios.

Two Million Pounds of Pistachios Recalled for Salmonella - Kraft Saves the Day and Likely Lives and FDA Does Its Job Well

I talked with Garance Burke of AP last evening for her story, “Tests nipped risk of tainted pistachios in bud.” Garance wrote: “The contamination was only detected because of voluntary testing by a manufacturer for Kraft Foods Inc. almost two weeks ago. Private auditors hired by Kraft later found problems they think caused the contamination at a supplier's processing facility in central California.”

Think about it, had Kraft not done the testing and not turned over the information to the FDA, this Salmonella-tainted pistachio product might still be in the market and on consumers’ shelves – ready to eat. Kudos to Kraft.

But the fact that we are relying on companies to voluntarily test and then voluntarily report positive results should disturb us all. As Garance also wrote: “Neither the Food and Drug Administration nor state laws require food manufacturers to test the safety of their products…. You can call it a fluke, you can call it good luck, or you can call it good judgment on the part of Kraft," said Dr. David Acheson, FDA's assistant commissioner for food safety. "They're not required to tell us. They did and we're moving on it."

The FDA is now warning “people … to avoid eating all pistachios and products containing them while they determine which products may be tainted.” I am sure that we will soon hear the attack that “the FDA has over-reacted.” I say they have acted in the public health and that is a good thing.  See FDA Recall List.

We now need a serious discussion on food safety.  Recall authority?  Voluntary or mandated?  Regulations?  Government mandates?  Industry voluntary compliance?  Inspections - who should do them?  Government or Industry?  How often?  Testing - when should they be done and by whom?  Again, Government or Industry?  Again, how often?

Much to "chew" on.

Kroger Recalls Salmonella Mayonnaise Sold in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana

The Kroger supermarket chain says it's recalling some store brand mayonnaise sold in three states because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. says the recall involves 32-ounce plastic jars of Kroger Lite Mayo sold in Kroger stores in southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeast Indiana. The suspect jars have a "Sell by" date of "SEP-25-09."

Pistachios in the US and Canada Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination - Several Illnesses Now Reported

According to the FDA Website, the FDA and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are investigating Salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc, Calif. The company has stopped all distribution of processed pistachios and will issue a voluntary recall involving approximately 1 million pounds of its products. Because the pistachios were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, it is likely this recall will impact many products. In addition, the investigation at the company is ongoing and may lead to additional pistachio product recalls. The contamination involves multiple strains of Salmonella.

Thus far, also according to the FDA, several illnesses have been reported by consumers that may be associated with the pistachios. It is not yet known whether any of the Salmonella strains found in the pistachio products are linked to an outbreak.  Strains thus far are Montevideo, Newport, Seftenberg and Larochelle.

Here we go again - Pistachios and other Pistachio Containing Products Recall List - Information current as of 12 noon March 31, 2009 - 63 entries in list.

Avoid Lian How and Uncle Chen white pepper with Salmonella

Public health officials today warned consumers not to eat ground white pepper processed, packaged or distributed by Union International Food Company in Union City, California until further notice. Ground white pepper products from the UIFC have been linked to a multi-state outbreak of salmonella, the health officials said. The discovery of salmonella in food samples collected from restaurants and food distributors prompted these recommendations.

Thirty-three have been ill in California, four in Oregon and one in Washington. The last known date of onset of illness for this outbreak is March 13. No deaths have been reported. Eight people were hospitalized, health officials said. While only ground white pepper has been connected to illness in Northern Nevada, the UIFC immediately announced a voluntary recall of cayenne pepper; curry powder; garlic – chopped, granulated, minced and powder; ginger powder, mustard powder; onion – chopped and powder; paprika; pepper, black – ground and whole; pepper, white – ground and whole; turmeric; and wasabi powder.

Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Expands Nationwide Recall of Pistachios Because of Contamination with Salmonella Montevideo, Newport, Seftenberg and Larochelle

According to an FDA Press Release, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. announced today that it is voluntarily recalling from nationwide distribution specific lots of bulk roasted shelled pistachios and 2,000 lbs., 1,700 lbs., 1,800 lbs. and 1,000 lbs. tote bags of roasted inshell pistachios sold to wholesale customers due to potential contamination with the Salmonella organism.

The Company is asking those firms who received bulk product and have further processed, repackaged, or distributed the affected products to recall those products and contact FDA.
In addition, the company is voluntarily recalling the following retail product: Setton Farms brand roasted salted shelled pistachios in 9 oz. film bags, UPC Code: 034325020252 with a "Best Before" date between 01/06/10 and 01/19/10. This product was distributed in the following states: SC, GA, FL, NC, VA, TN, KY.

Of the 2,000 known Salmonella Serotypes, the Salmonella Serotypes found in product test are as follows:

Montevideo – 9th most frequent serotype

Newport – 4th most frequent serotype

Seftenberg – 32nd most frequent serotype

Larochelle – not in the top 100

1 Million Pounds of Salmonella Pistachio Products Recalled

The FDA and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are investigating Salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc, Calif. The company has stopped all distribution of processed pistachios and will issue a voluntary recall involving approximately 1 million pounds of its products. Because the pistachios were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, it is likely this recall will impact many products. In addition, the investigation at the company is ongoing and may lead to additional pistachio product recalls.

The contamination involves multiple strains of Salmonella. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Thus far, several illnesses have been reported by consumers that may be associated with the pistachios. It is not yet known whether any of the Salmonella strains found in the pistachio products are linked to an outbreak. The FDA is conducting genetic testing of the samples to pursue all links.

Multiple strains of Salmonella?  What is the list of products to be recalled?

Public health officials in Oregon, Washington, California and Nevada track multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Rissen to ground pepper imported, packaged and distributed by Union International Food Co. of Union City, California

The contaminated pepper was packaged under the “Lian How” and “Uncle Chen” labels and sold to restaurant suppliers and markets – much of it going to Chinese and Vietnamese establishments.

Since December, 42 rare Salmonella Rissen infections have been reported in Oregon, California, Washington and Nevada. Public health officials in those states pooled their resources to identify the source. People were hospitalized in eight of the 42 cases; no deaths have been reported. Oregon had four of the cases, all in metropolitan Portland, a number equal to the average annual number usually reported for the nation.

Salmonella infections cause diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramping and sometimes vomiting. Symptoms typically last less than a week, although infants, the elderly and those with immunodeficiencies are at increased risk for severe illness. Antibiotic treatment is of no value for most patients.

Details about the Lian How and Uncle Chen products are on the company’s Web site: www.ufunionfood.com.

• The Lian How products were packaged in containers of various sizes: 10- and 15-pound cardboard boxes with plastic liners that are tied closed; 4- and 5- pound clear semi-hard plastic wide-mouth jars; 5-pound plastic bags and 2.2- pound foil bags.
• Following the Lian How brand name, the words “Packaged by Union
International Foods” or only “Union International Foods” appear.
• The following products are included in the company’s recall: White pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, chopped onion, onion powder, garlic (chopped, minced, powder and granulated); whole white pepper, whole black pepper, curry powder, mustard powder and wasabi powder.
• Uncle Chen brand white and black pepper is sold in 5-ounce plastic jars.

33 Sickened - Union International Food Company Pulls Salmonella Spices

California public health officials are warning people not to eat a dozen spices packaged at a Union City plant under the Lian How brand name.  A salmonella outbreak that has sickened 33 people in California and nine people in three other states caused the Union International Food Company to voluntarily recall of its pepper, paprika, curry, onion powder and other products. 

The state health department said Saturday that most of the people who got sick appeared to have been exposed to salmonella white eating at Asian restaurants that used the company's white and black peppers.  Salmonella poisoning causes diarrhea and vomiting. It can be fatal in children and others with weakened immune systems.

I wondered what the FDA had to say about Salmonella and Spices -

"The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires emphasis on the principle of "clean" food, not "cleaned" food. One of the most serious consequences of failure to protect herbs and spices is contamination with excreta from rats, mice, birds, or other animals. Emphasis should be placed on harvesting, storing, handling, packing, and shipping under conditions which will prevent contamination."

More Than 100 People Sickened With Shigella After Eating at Camillus, New York Applebee's

Health officials now say more than 100 people reported getting sick after eating at an Applebee's restaurant in suburban Syracuse.

The Onondaga County Health Department says it has confirmed seven cases of Shigellosis among people who ate at the Applebee's in Camillus in early March. Shigellosis is a bacterial infection associated with consuming water or food contaminated with fecal matter.

Investigators are focusing on citrus — either lemons or limes — used in food or in drinks, but they haven't identified the source of the bacteria - hint - it is a fecal bacteria.

Health officials say they've advised 52 people to get tested. It will be several days before the results are available.

China Court Accepts First Civil Milk Scandal Lawsuit

For the last two years I have had the honor of speaking in China on food safety and civil litigation - the ability for all consumers to stand up to corporations who poison them and their children.  I will be back again this year in September.

Now a Chinese court has officially accepted the first lawsuit seeking compensation for last year's tainted milk scandal, state media said Wednesday, opening up the possibility of a flood of court actions. A district court in the northern city of Shijiazhuang decided on Wednesday that it would hear the suit filed against the Sanlu Group, the dairy firm at the centre of the poisoned milk controversy.

The lawsuit was filed by an unnamed parent of a child who was sickened by the milk. At least six infants died and nearly 300,000 were made sick last year by milk powder contaminated by the industrial chemical melamine, which was added to milk supplies to give the appearance of a higher protein content.

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Causes Painful Sex - So says CDC and FDA

Got your attention?  Food poisoning causes more problems that you thought.  The CDC actually reported this today in MMWR:

Cluster of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning --- North Carolina, 2007

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is a distinctive type of foodborne disease that results from eating predatory ocean fish contaminated with ciguatoxins. As many as 50,000 cases are reported worldwide annually, and the condition is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions of the Pacific basin, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean. In the United States, 5--70 cases per 10,000 persons are estimated to occur yearly in ciguatera-endemic states and territories (1). CFP can cause gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea) within a few hours of eating contaminated fish. Neurologic symptoms, with or without gastrointestinal disturbance, can include fatigue, muscle pain, itching, tingling, and (most characteristically) reversal of hot and cold sensation. This report describes a cluster of nine cases of CFP that occurred in North Carolina in June 2007. Among the nine patients, six experienced reversal of hot and cold sensations, five had neurologic symptoms only, and overall symptoms persisted for more than 6 months in three patients.

Among seven patients who were sexually active, six patients also complained of painful intercourse. This report highlights the potential risks of eating contaminated ocean fish. Local and state health departments can train emergency and urgent care physicians in the recognition of CFP and make them aware that symptoms can persist for months to years.

On June 28, 2007, a woman and her husband (the index couple), both aged 31 years, were treated at a hospital emergency department for illness that developed within 24 hours after eating amberjack fish purchased from a local fish market and cooked at their home. Diagnoses of CFP were based on symptoms of mild diarrhea 4--12 hours after eating fish, followed by reversal of hot and cold sensation, abnormal skin sensations, and other neurologic symptoms within 24 hours. Both patients improved after treatment with intravenous mannitol, a long-standing treatment for CFP neurologic symptoms. Upon notification, investigators from the Food and Drug Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services contacted the fish market that sold the amberjack filets and discovered that seven of eight persons at a local dinner party also had become ill after eating amberjack from the same shipment. The one person who did not become ill was a young child who did not eat any fish.

For the subsequent investigation, a case was defined as illness with gastrointestinal or neurologic symptoms within 72 hours of eating amberjack purchased at the fish market in June 2007. The nine patients whose illnesses met the case definition included three males and six females, aged 31--44 years (median: 37 years). Patients became ill 4--48 hours (median: 12 hours) after eating the fish. Abnormal skin sensations, joint pains, or weakness, shakiness, or fatigue affected seven patients (Table). For three persons, symptoms reappeared or worsened after alcohol consumption. Six of seven sexually active patients (two males and four females) also reported painful intercourse as a symptom. Both males described painful ejaculation with intercourse. One male stated that ejaculation was painful during the course of 1 week; the duration of the second male's genitourinary symptoms was not reported. All four females described having a burning sensation during intercourse and 15 minutes to 3 hours after intercourse. Two females reported that burning sensations associated with intercourse continued for 1 month. Severity of illness could not be related to the amount of amberjack consumed nor to the incubation period.

Symptoms (i.e., abnormal skin sensations, itching, fatigue, or altered heat-cold sensation) lasted at least 1 month in all nine patients, but cleared within 6 months in six of the patients (Table). Abnormal skin sensations persisted for 6--12 months in one of the nine patients; 1 year after onset of their CFP illnesses, two of the nine patients were still experiencing occasional symptoms of abnormal skin sensations, and one of those two was easily fatigued.

Samples of cooked amberjack were sent to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Gulf Coast Seafood Laboratory in Dauphin Island, Alabama, for ciguatoxin analysis. Acetone extracts of fish tissue were analyzed for ciguatera-related toxins using the sodium channel-specific mouse neuroblastoma assay with Caribbean ciguatoxin-1 (C-CTX-1) as a standard (2). A level of 0.6 ng C-CTX-1 equivalents per gram (0.6 ppb) of fish flesh was found in both fish samples, and C-CTX-1 was confirmed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

The first female patient had become symptomatic within 24 hours of eating the fish. She proactively collected, stored frozen, and submitted four breast milk samples for testing at the FDA laboratory because she was breastfeeding her infant and, upon researching CFP on the Internet and speaking with a Florida physician who had treated cases of CFP, had learned that breast milk might be a transmission vehicle. Against medical advice, she continued to breastfeed, but her infant, aged 8 months, exhibited no observable adverse effects. She collected one of the breast milk samples previous to eating the amberjack and the other samples at 1, 2, and 5 days after eating the fish. No activity of C-CTX-1 was reported by the FDA laboratory in any of the breast milk samples.

Traceback of the fish responsible for this cluster of CFP cases revealed that the fish was shipped to the local fish market via a seafood distributor in Atlanta, Georgia. The amberjack had been caught off the Islamorada Hump in the Florida Keys.

The Georgia Nut Company (from Illinois) Issues Voluntary Recall of Certain Snack Products Containing Shelled Pistachio Nuts Because of Salmonella Risk

The FDA announced today that the Georgia Nut Company is recalling certain bulk wholesale and retail products containing shelled pistachio nuts that have the potential to be contaminated with the Salmonella organism. The Company said it identified the potential as a result of a rigorous sampling and testing regimen it conducted with respect to shelled pistachios provided by a third-party supplier.

Salmonella 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.

The voluntary recall includes the following products:

* Bulk Deluxe Mixed Nuts with shelled pistachios purchased at the Not Just Nuts store in Wauwatosa, WI from Dec. 5, 2008 through March 24, 2009;
* Bulk or custom packaged Deluxe Mixed Nuts with shelled pistachios purchased at Georgia Nut retail stores in Skokie and Glenview, IL, Georgia Nut’s Chocolate House location in Greenfield, WI, and through the Company’s website from Dec 11, 2008 through March 23, 2009;
* Bulk or custom packaged Dry Roasted Shelled Pistachios purchased at Georgia Nut retail stores in Skokie and Glenview, IL, Georgia Nut’s Chocolate House location in Greenfield, WI, and through the Company’s website from Dec 3, 2008 through March 23, 2009;
* Mixed Nuts Deluxe Roasted and Salted Bulk with shelled pistachios purchased from clear plastic bulk bins in the produce department at Dominick’s Finer Foods stores in the greater Chicagoland area from Dec. 10, 2008 through March 25, 2009.

Seven Shigella Cases Reported at Camillus Applebee's - 9,000 Exposed

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed seven cases of food-borne illness in people who recently ate at the Applebee’s in Camillus.  County Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Morrow says all seven people had contracted Shigellosis. The Shigella bacteria, Morrow says, is associated with consuming water or food contaminated with fecal matter.

Those who are confirmed ill ate at the restaurant on either Saturday, March 7th or Sunday, March 8th, but the overall window that the Health Department is looking at is between Sunday, March 1st and Friday, March 20th.  Up to 9,000 people may have been exposed to the bacteria.  The health department waited until Tuesday to announce the illnesses because it had sent stool samples to the lab, and had just gotten the results back.

Hartford Health Officials Investigate E. Coli Cases Among Aetna Employees

Hartford City health department officials are interviewing cafeteria workers at Aetna's downtown Hartford office, where five employees have been stricken with E. coli in the last three to four weeks.  The source of the outbreak has yet to be determined, and the cafeteria remains open, company spokesman Fred Laberge said today.  The most recent case occurred about a week ago, when an employee went to the company's wellness center complaining of feeling ill. He was taken to an emergency room and admitted to hospital but has since been released, Laberge said. The other employees did not require hospitalization.

The Perils of Ignoring History: Big Tobacco Played Dirty and Millions Died. How Similar Is Big Food?

An interesting read by Kelly D. Brownell and Kenneth E. Warner - Yale University; University of Michigan

In 1954 the tobacco industry paid to publish the “Frank Statement to Cigarette Smokers” in hundreds of U.S. newspapers. It stated that the public’s health was the industry’s concern above all others and promised a variety of good-faith changes. What followed were decades of deceit and actions that cost millions of lives. In the hope that the food history will be written differently, this article both highlights important lessons that can be learned from the tobacco experience and recommend actions for the food industry.

A review and analysis of empirical and historical evidence pertaining to tobacco and food industry practices, messages, and strategies to influence public opinion, legislation and regulation, litigation, and the conduct of science.

The tobacco industry had a playbook, a script, that emphasized personal responsibility, paying scientists who delivered research that instilled doubt, criticizing the “junk” science that found harms associated with smoking, making self-regulatory pledges, lobbying with massive resources to stifle government action, introducing “safer” products, and simultaneously manipulating and denying both the addictive nature of their products and their marketing to children. The script of the food industry is both similar to and different from the tobacco industry script.

Food is obviously different from tobacco, and the food industry differs from tobacco companies in important ways, but there also are significant similarities in the actions that these industries have taken in response to concern that their products cause harm. Because obesity is now a major global problem, the world cannot afford a repeat of the tobacco history, in which industry talks about the moral high ground but does not occupy it.

Salmonella-tainted den Dulk Poultry Farms eggs recalled from Costco, Safeway and Pack n' Save stores throughout Northern California, the Central Valley and western Nevada

The eggs were sold at Costco stores as Kirkland Organic Brown Eggs in 18-count cartons with the following expiration and plant codes: April 1 062, 35 P1776 and April 8 069, 35 P1776.

They were sold at Safeway and Pack n' Save stores as O Organic Grade A Large Brown Eggs in 12-count cartons with the following expiration and plant codes: April 1 062, 35 P1776.

Customers who bought the eggs are urged to return them to the store where they were purchased.

SunSprout Enterprises' Salmonella Sprouts Now Linked to 121 Illnesses in Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota and Iowa

The outbreak that's sickened people in four Midwest states has been tied to SunSprout Enterprises' sprouts that were distributed to grocery stores and restaurants.  The Omaha company "voluntarily" recalled its products.

Nebraska health officials say 84 cases of Salmonella saintpaul have been confirmed near Omaha, Lincoln and Kearney.

Iowa officials confirmed 27 cases. South Dakota and Kansas officials have both confirmed five cases in their states.

Sprouts have been implicated in an increasing number of foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years, and although procedures have been developed to significantly reduce bacterial contamination, not all sprout growers have adopted techniques to decrease the risk of contaminated produce. In 1999, the FDA announced new guidelines for the growing of sprouts, including using calcium hypochlorite treatment on seeds. This treatment exposes seeds to high levels of chlorine, killing bacteria, but leaving seeds unharmed. Since its introduction, manufacturers who consistently use this seed disinfectant treatment have not been implicated in foodborne illness outbreaks.

84 Salmonella Cases in Nebraska Linked to CW Sprouts

The number of salmonella cases in eastern Nebraska initially detected last week has increased, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.  So far, there are 84 lab-confirmed cases, with 13 considered probable.  The outbreak preliminarily has been linked to a source - alfalfa sprouts from a local grower, CW Sprouts from Omaha.

Judge Rules US Almonds Must be Pasteurized

I talked to San Francisco Chronicle reporter George Raine (who has been covering food business litigation since at least the Odwalla E. coli outbreak in 1996 when I first met him), about the perceived “setback for organic almond growers and handlers in California's Central Valley, [when] a federal judge this week dismissed a lawsuit protesting the requirement that almonds sold on the domestic market be pasteurized.”

As I said:

Bill Marler, a Seattle lawyer who for 15 years has represented plaintiffs in major food safety cases, including the 2004 salmonella cases that were traced to almonds, said Thursday that pasteurization is necessary.

"I can understand from dealing with the raw juice and raw milk and raw food people that they are very adamant that their products are better than pasteurized products. But in this instance, the evidence is very clear that this is the type of product that needs to be pasteurized," he said.

Nebraska lists 45 ill, Iowa 21, South Dakota 5 and Kansas 5 - SunSprout Enterprises, Inc. Recalls Salmonella St. Paul Alfalfa Sprouts, Onion Sprouts, and Gourmet Sprouts Because of Health Risk

FDA PRESS RELEASE

SunSprout Enterprises, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska, is initiating a voluntary recall of Alfalfa Sprouts, Onion Sprouts, and Gourmet Sprouts based on communications it has had with Nebraska State officials regarding several cases of Salmonella St. Paul reported in Nebraska and Iowa.  The sprouts were distributed to food distributors located in Iowa and Nebraska who further sell the product to restaurants and retail stores. Distribution was also made directly to one retail store in Nebraska.

The sprouts are sold refrigerated under the SunSprouts label in 4-oz. clear plastic clamshell containers that have the following “Best If Sold By” dates in the upper right-hand corner on each container, which may be expressed in two different styles: 30209 or MAR 02 2009, 30409 or MAR 04 2009, 30709 or MAR 07 2009, 30909 or MAR 09 2009, 31109 or MAR 11 2009, and 31409 or MAR 14 2009. The lot numbers, which are printed only on the shipping case, include: 3102, 3202, 3302, 4102, 4202, and 4302.

The bar code for the retail packages of Alfalfa Sprouts is 815098001088; the bar code for the Onion Sprouts is 815098002054; and the bar code for the Gourmet Sprouts is 817180000153. The Alfalfa Sprouts are also packaged in bulk 2.5-lb. and 5-lb. cases for use in restaurants. The Onion Sprouts and Gourmet Sprouts are not packaged in bulk form.

Salmonella Sprouts Sicken Fifty in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, and South Dakota Linked to SunSprout Enterprises, Inc, of Omaha

About 50 cases from Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, and South Dakota have been linked to the outbreak, according to a recent press release from the South Dakota Department of Health.  Nebraska has identified 15 ill.  South Dakota has identified five cases from five of its southeastern counties and that more cases were pending. Iowa's Department of Public Health (IDPH) said in a March 6 statement that it had confirmed 18 cases, along with two probable ones. On the same day, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) said it had identified five cases linked to the outbreak, along with one other pending case.

An epidemiological investigation has linked the Nebraska illnesses to sprouts. On March 3, SunSprout Enterprises, Inc, based in Omaha, voluntarily recalled its alfalfa, onion, and gourmet sprouts with "best if sold by" dates from Mar 2 to 14. The sprouts were mainly sold to food distributors who sent the products to restaurants and retail stores. The alfalfa sprouts were also packaged in 2.5- and 5-pound bulk cases for restaurants.

Where to find Salmonella-Free Peanut Butter?

Well, according to my friends in Louisiana, it is at your local Target.

2005 "Best Restaurant in the World" Poisons 400

Some 400 people have fallen ill after eating at world-renowned restaurant The Fat Duck, which was temporarily closed last month due to a food poisoning scare, officials said on Friday.  The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said the number of cases reported at top chef Heston Blumenthal's eatery had grown after media coverage of the outbreak. Some have reported having fallen ill as early as late January.  When the problem initially surfaced at the end of February, it was reported that between 30 and 40 people had complained of illness, including diarrhea and vomiting, over a two to three week period.  Likely cause - Norovirus.

"I paid £350 for a plate of his food. Well I've been on the shitter for the best half of a week and my projectile vomiting antics resemble something from Linda Blair's repertoire. I want a refund!" a furious customer said.

Sometimes, you do not get what you pay for.  When I am in England in May, I'll pop in.

Unpasteurized Raw Cheese Contaminated with Listeria Suspected in Baby Deaths in Washington

According to the Spokane Newspaper, Washington State health investigators are still attempting to solve several cases of food-borne infections that have caused several pregnant women to lose their babies since January. They suspect the women in Yakima, Klickitat and King counties ate unpasteurized cheese that was contaminated with listeria bacteria. Listeria is often found in soft cheeses such as Mexican-style queso fresco and queso Blanco, along with feta, brie, camembert, Roquefort and bleu. The Yakima Public Health Department reported last week that early laboratory results indicated that the listeria infections came from a common source.

Pregnant women and their newborns are 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to be infected. People with suppressed immune systems are also at risk of becoming seriously ill from listeria, which can result in bloodstream infections or meningitis. They should avoid foods such as raw milk and deli foods such as sandwich meats, salads and vegetables.

We represented a young couple who lost their baby due to unknowingly consuming unpasteurized cheese while in Canada a few years ago, See, "Woman who lost her baby to sue over bad cheese."  There have been other reported cases in the past - See, "Outbreak of Listeriosis among Mexican Immigrants as a Result of Consumption of Illicitly Produced Mexican-Style Cheese."  Washington State University has done some good work on trying to prevent these losses - See, "The Abuela Project: A Community Based Food Safety Intervention involving Queso Fresco, a Raw-Milk Cheese."

Salmonella Outbreak in Nebraska Source Identified - CW Sprouts from Omaha

Salmonella Outbreak in Nebraska Source Identified

Lincoln—The number of salmonella cases in eastern Nebraska initially detected last week has increased, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

So far, there are approximately 14 lab-confirmed cases, with 4 considered probable ones and an additional 8 to 10 suspect cases indentified on the basis of reported symptoms.

The outbreak preliminarily has been linked to a source—alfalfa sprouts from a local grower, CW Sprouts from Omaha.

Last week and over the weekend, public health workers have been interviewing individuals involved in the outbreak, as well as people in a control group that helps interviewers determine the food source. The interviews led epidemiologists to conclude that sprouts were reported in a high number of food histories of ill people, thus there was a strong association with sprouts.

CW Sprouts has been very cooperative and is acting with an abundance of caution to voluntarily recall their sprouts.

The FDA and CDC are involved. FDA is doing an investigation at the company to determine conditions that may have lead to the contamination as well as determine distribution of the product.

21 kids contract E. coli at Chicago area Day Care

According to the Southtown Star Daily, twenty-one children and one adult have contracted E. coli at a Lemont day care in an outbreak that began earlier this month. The Cook County Health Department has mandated all children and adults at the KinderCare Learning Center, 12404 Archer Ave., be tested for the bacteria. Three children associated with the outbreak - linked to a lack of handwashing - were hospitalized but have since been treated and released. KinderCare has stepped up its efforts to sanitize the center, including adding enhanced cleaning, additional staff to monitor handwashing, and hiring a certified nurse.

Day care E. coli outbreaks are sadly not new.  We represented a young child sickened at a California KinderCare, a child in Texas and several children in Missouri.

Cysticercosis - Pork Tapeworm

Cysticercosis (SIS-tuh-sir-KO-sis) is a potentially serious disease of humans caused when people ingest the eggs of a tapeworm that lives in the intestines of other humans. This tapeworm, Taenia solium, is sometimes called the “pork tapeworm” because people get this type of tapeworm from eating undercooked pork. If a pig swallows the eggs of the tapeworm (passed in human feces), the pig doesn’t develop a tapeworm in its intestines. Instead, it develops microscopic capsules (called cysts) in its muscles that contain larval tapeworms. These cysts don’t make the pig sick, but people who eat raw or undercooked pork products containing these cysts develop the tapeworm and begin passing eggs in their stools as well.

Taeniasis (TEE-nahy-uh-sis) is the presence of one or more tapeworms in the intestines. People get this tapeworm by eating cysts in undercooked pork. Most people who have the tapeworm in their intestines won’t have any symptoms, but in some cases (especially if they have many tapeworms) they may develop nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, or constipation. A tapeworm can live in an infected person’s intestines and continue to produce eggs for 25 years! The tapeworms begin shedding eggs five to twelve weeks after the tapeworm cyst was ingested in undercooked pork. People carrying living tapeworms in their intestines will shed tapeworm eggs every day in their stool; each tapeworm can produce 250,000 eggs per day. These eggs can infect other people or pigs as soon as they are shed in the stool. The eggs they shed can survive a few weeks or months in the environment. People carrying tapeworms can be diagnosed by having their stools examined in a laboratory to look for tapeworm eggs. Infected people can be treated with medication to kill the tapeworms. The stools should be examined frequently for several months to be sure all of the tapeworms have been killed.

Continue Reading...

E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Colorado, Tied to Stock Show

At least 20 people have been infected with E. coli O157:H7 in Colorado, and that number is expected to grow. The illnesses have been linked to the National Western Stock Show, held in Denver in January. 16 of the 20 sickened attended the show, and investigators are trying to determine the infection vehicle - food, water, or animals. Health Department officials are doing a lot of outreach to make sure that anyone who exhibits symptoms of E. coli infection - abdominal pain and cramps and diarrhea that turns bloody - seek medical attention immediately. E. coli infection can lead to severe illness in the very young, and can be passed to others in the household.

For more information E. coli and animal contact, see www.fair-safety.com.

What Did The Georgia State Department of Agriculture Do at Peanut Corporation of America from 2006 to 2008?

Interesting reading - just click to download.

Three Families Spared Another Salmonella Peanut Butter Death - Ohio Reports 1 Not 4 Deaths

There was a bit of confusion over the weekend about whether there were one or four deaths in Ohio from eating Salmonella-tainted Peanut Butter.  At this point, we will assume that it is one per the Ohio Department of Health Press Release.  Good news is that it downgrades the death count from 11 to eight.  Good news for three families.

UPDATE - Does Peanut Corporation of America supply Peanut Butter for Dog Biscuits?

Email I just received:

So this may just be coincidental, but I have had a very sick dog for the last few days and the only real difference in her diet has been the new peanut butter dog biscuits I purchased a little over a week ago. Where do the pet food industries get thier peanut butter from?

Any thoughts? 

Just got this email:

PCA did recall:

561000 35 lb Pet Food Paste
561000 475 lb Feed Grade Peanut Butter

FDA Confirms Salmonella in Previously-Recalled Kellogg Sandwich Cracker Product

As part of the “press release a minute,” Kellogg announces that FDA tests reveal that some of its cracker products are contaminated.

Products impacted by the previously-announced Kellogg Company recall were produced on or after July 1, 2008, including:

Austin(R) Quality Foods Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter - all sizes

Austin(R) Quality Foods Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers - all sizes

Austin(R) Quality Foods Mega Stuffed Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter - all sizes

Austin(R) Quality Foods PB & J Cracker Sandwiches - all sizes

Austin(R) Quality Foods Super Snack Pack Sandwich Crackers

Austin(R) Quality Foods Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers - all sizes

Austin(R) Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter - all sizes

Austin(R) Quality Foods Reduced Fat Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers

Austin(R) Quality Foods Reduced Fat Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers

Austin(R) Quality Foods Cookie/Cracker Pack Austin(R)

Quality Foods Variety Pack Keebler(R) Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers - all sizes

Keebler(R) Toast & PB'n J Flavored Sandwich Crackers - all sizes

Keebler(R) Toast & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers - all sizes

Famous Amos(R) Peanut Butter Cookies (2- and 3-ounce)

Keebler(R) Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookies (2.5-ounce)

Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter - Again - After Salmonella Found in Blakely, Georgia Plant

As I said on King TV last night:

"This outbreak has been going on since Labor Day," said Seattle attorney Bill Marler. "We're finally figuring it out on Inauguration Day. To me, I find that appalling.”

From a Company Press Release on FDA Website:

Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is expanding the recall of peanut butter and peanut paste made at its Blakely, Georgia facility because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The potential for contamination was noted after a small number of samples from unopened containers and environmental samples from the Blakely, Georgia facility tested positive for Salmonella.

The recalled peanut butter and peanut paste were distributed to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies in 24 states, the province of Saskatchewan in Canada, Korea and Haiti for further processing. The U.S. states are the following: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia. In addition, affected product was used as an ingredient in other products that may have been distributed in other states.

The recalled peanut butter in the expanded recall is sold by PCA in bulk packaging in containers ranging in size from five to 1,700 pounds. The peanut paste is sold in sizes ranging from 35-pound containers to tanker containers. The lot numbers for all recalled products are at the end of this news release. All of the peanut butter and peanut paste in the expanded recall was made on or after July 1, 2008, and only at the Georgia facility.

A Full list of all recalled product can be found here – Link.

Recall List Expanding - The Press Releases are Flying - Are the Products Leaving the Shelves?

More products with Peanut Butter in them are being recalled.  Frankly, it is hard to keep up on the company press releases - The FDA is sure "doing a heck of a job" of keeping them in one place - see Link.  efoodalert is doing an even better job at keeping up (full time job) - see Link.

* Clif Bar & Company Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of CLIF® and LUNA® Branded Bars Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk (January 19)

* Kroger Recalls Select Ice Cream Products Due to Possible Health Risk (January 19)

* Abbott Nutrition Announces Voluntary Recall of ZonePerfect® Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, ZonePerfect® Peanut Toffee Bars and NutriPals™ Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars in U.S., Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore (January 19)

* Meijer Announces Voluntary Recall for Some Meijer Brand Peanut Butter Crackers and Ice Cream Because of Possible Health Risk (January 19)

* Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter (January 18)

* Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products, Inc. recalls Food Lion Bake Shop brand PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES (January 18)

* South Bend Chocolate Company Recalls Various Candys Containing Peanut Butter Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination (January 18)

* Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Recalls Food Lion Bake Shop Peanut Butter Cookies Nationwide Because of Possible Health Risk (January 18)

* McKee Foods Corporation Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Little Debbie® Peanut Butter Toasty and Peanut Butter Cheese Sandwich Crackers Because of Possible Health Risk (January 18)

* Perry's Ice Cream Company Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Peanut Butter Ice Cream Products Due to Possible Health Risk (January 17)

* Hy-Vee Inc. Recalls Bakery Products With Peanut Butter Distributed in Seven States Due to Possible Health Risk (January 17)

* Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter (January 16)

* Kellogg Company Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Austin® and Keebler® Branded Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers and Select Snack-Size Packs of Famous Amos® And Keebler® Soft Batch Peanut Butter Cookies Because of Possible Health Risk (January 16)

* Peanut Corporation of America Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter (January 13)

* King Nut Issues Peanut Butter Recall (January 10)

Now, let's get them off the shelves.

When is a Recall not a Recall? When you still can buy it!

On January 16 Kellogg Company Announced  the Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Austin® and Keebler® Branded Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers and Select Snack-Size Packs of Famous Amos® And Keebler® Soft Batch Peanut Butter Cookies Because of Possible Health Risk.  Guess what I bought all of at the gas station today?

Based on available information, CDC and FDA recommendations include:

For Consumers

* Do not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them.

* Postpone eating other peanut butter containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) until information becomes available about whether that product may be affected.

* Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to consult their health care providers.

For Retailers

* Stop selling recalled products (unless Marler is buying them).

For Directors of Institutions and Food Service Establishments

* Ensure that they are not serving recalled products.

For Manufacturers

* Inform consumers about whether their products could contain peanut butter or peanut paste from Peanut Corporation of America (PCA).  If a manufacturer knows their products do not contain peanut paste from PCA, they should inform consumers of that.

To date, no association has been found with major national brand name jars of peanut butter sold in grocery stores.

Update - Again - on the Salmonella Peanut Butter Crash of 2009 - Product Not to Eat and Recalled

Yesterday, "[t]he FDA urged consumers on Saturday to avoid eating peanut butter and products that contain it until they can determine the scope of an outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning that may have contributed to six deaths."  Also, on the FDA website it lists products that have been recalled by companies:

* South Bend Chocolate Company Recalls Various Candys Containing Peanut Butter Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination (January 18)

* Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Recalls Food Lion Bake Shop Peanut Butter Cookies Nationwide Because of Possible Health Risk (January 18)

* McKee Foods Corporation Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Little Debbie® Peanut Butter Toasty and Peanut Butter Cheese Sandwich Crackers Because of Possible Health Risk (January 18)

* Perry's Ice Cream Company Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Peanut Butter Ice Cream Products Due to Possible Health Risk (January 17)

* Hy-Vee Inc. Recalls Bakery Products With Peanut Butter Distributed in Seven States Due to Possible Health Risk (January 17)

* Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter (January 16)

* Kellogg Company Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Austin® and Keebler® Branded Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers and Select Snack-Size Packs of Famous Amos® And Keebler® Soft Batch Peanut Butter Cookies Because of Possible Health Risk (January 16)

* Peanut Corporation of America Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter (January 13)

* King Nut Issues Peanut Butter Recall (January 10)

My suggestion is to not eat ANY peanut butter products or products that contain peanut butter until things become a bit clearer.

The Great Salmonella Peanut Butter Crash of 2009

I sent off a press release this morning asking for the FDA to do its job and recall peanut butter likely implicated in this recent Salmonella outbreak, and then I leave Minneapolis for the short flight to Seattle.  So, guess what happens when I am in the air - The FDA does its job.  When I landed I got this email"

"The FDA urged consumers on Saturday to avoid eating peanut butter and products that contain it until they can determine the scope of an outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning that may have contributed to six deaths."

"We urge consumers to postpone eating any products that may contain peanut butter until additional information becomes available," Dr. Stephen Sundlof of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety said in a teleconference with reporters.

"As of now, there is no indication that "major national name brand jars of peanut butter sold in retail stores are linked" to bulk supplies of peanut butter and peanut paste recalled for fear of possible contamination, the FDA said in a follow-up statement.

On the plane I was reading "The Great Crash" (not great reading on a plane perhaps) by John Kenneth Galbraith about the stock crash of 1929, and noticed that the nuts I was about to eat where from King Nut, presumably sourced from Peanut Corporation of America.  I must admit, I ate them.  Now I wait.

An infectious dose of Salmonella is small, probably from 15 to 20 cells.  The incubation period – the time between ingestion of Salmonella bacteria and the onset of illness – varies from six to 72 hours (Mayo Clinic, 2007, April 12; MMWR Recomm Rep, 2001).

As I said to AP before I left - I am glad the FDA stepped up during the flight:

Seattle-area lawyer William Marler, who specializes in food safety cases, said the government shouldn't wait for the results of more tests to request recalls.

"At least 30 companies purchased peanut butter or paste from a facility with a documented link to a nationwide salmonella outbreak," said Marler. "The FDA has the authority actually, the mandate to request recalls if the public health is threatened. Instead, the FDA has asked the companies to test their products and consider voluntary recalls. It is just not enough."

See local ABC TV Coverge.

Kellogg's, Being Responsible, Recalls Salmonella Peanut Butter Products - It is Time for the FDA to Recall All Products that " present a risk of illness."

Kellogg is recalling 16 products including crackers and other products in light of the problems in Georgia. The recall includes Austin and Keebler branded Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, as well as some snack-size packs of Famous Amos Peanut Butter Cookies and Keebler Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookies.

The FDA, and the states of Minnesota, Georgia and Connecticut, confirmed Salmonella contamination in peanut butter manufactured at the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) facility that ships peanut products to 85 other food companies, including Kellogg.

So, why no recall of these other products? Don’t you think it makes sense to recall all products that may have PCA product that may well have been produced during the time likely to be contributing to the illness and deaths?

FDA, it is time to step up. You have the authority to recall – use it.

TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS
CHAPTER I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
SUBCHAPTER A--GENERAL

PART 7 -- ENFORCEMENT POLICY

Subpart C--Recalls (Including Product Corrections)--Guidance on Policy, Procedures, and Industry Responsibilities

Sec. 7.45 Food and Drug Administration-requested recall.

(a) The Commissioner of food and Drugs or designee may request a firm to initiate a recall when the following determinations have been made:

(1) That a product that has been distributed presents a risk of illness or injury or gross consumer deception.

(2) That the firm has not initiated a recall of the product.

(3) That an agency action is necessary to protect the public health and welfare.

Georgia Found Salmonella in Peanut Butter and Connecticut Too - which Lab was First Smack-down.

Efoodalert alerted me that food inspectors conducting recall effectiveness checks in the state of Connecticut in response to the nationwide Salmonella outbreak linked to King Nut peanut butter have confirmed the presence of Salmonella bacteria in an unopened five-pound tub of peanut butter found at a Connecticut food distributor, Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr.

“This is the first unopened tub (Georgia may disagree) of King Nut peanut butter found in the country that is definitively identified as being tainted with salmonella,” Farrell said. “My office just received the results from the Connecticut Department of Public Health Laboratory confirming the presence of Salmonella Type B in an unopened tub. This provides further evidence that some lots of King Nut brand peanut butter delivered to food service accounts are responsible for a recent outbreak of salmonella infections in consumers.”

The product, bearing one of the lot numbers identified in the recall, (lot # 8234 with a production date of 8/21/2008) was found at City Line distributors of West Haven. It was the only tub of that recalled lot. However, agency inspectors have taken samples of the other King Nut peanut butter tubs for analysis.

Georgia Lab Test Confirm Salmonella Contamination in an "UNOPENED" Tub of Peanut Butter

Laboratory tests by the Georgia Department of Agriculture have confirmed Salmonella contamination in some peanut butter manufactured by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) processing facility in Blakely, Georgia.

We have confirmation for Salmonella,” said Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin. “The sample that tested positive came from an unopened five-pound tub of King Nut Creamy Peanut Butter with “Best Before 1/07/10” collected at the plant by one of our inspectors.”

Further testing will be required to determine if this is the type of Salmonella linked to illnesses across the country.

30 to 85 Companies that Bought Peanut Butter or Peanut Paste Tainted with Salmonella have been urged by FDA to Halt Sales

According to the AP, the FDA is expanding its investigation of peanut products in a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened hundreds and killed at least six.  In addition, the FDA is notifying 30 to 85 companies that bought peanut butter or peanut paste from a Georgia facility to test their products and asked to consider halting sales.  No names listed on FDA website.

Another Peanut Butter Death - The Toll Now reaches six - Idaho, Minnesota, Virginia and North Carolina

Today, the CDC reported 453 persons (454 if you count the Canadian) infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 43 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arizona (9), Arkansas (4), California (60), Colorado (10), Connecticut (8), Georgia (6), Hawaii (1), Idaho (10), Illinois (5), Indiana (3), Iowa (1), Kansas (2), Kentucky (3), Maine (4), Maryland (7), Massachusetts (40), Michigan (25), Minnesota (33), Missouri (8), Mississippi (1), Nebraska (1), New Hampshire (11), New Jersey (18), New York (18), Nevada (5), North Carolina (4), North Dakota (10), Ohio (57), Oklahoma (2), Oregon (5), Pennsylvania (13), Rhode Island (4), South Dakota (2), Tennessee (8), Texas (6), Utah (4), Vermont (4), Virginia (20), Washington (13), West Virginia (2), Wisconsin (3), and Wyoming (2). Among the 437 persons with dates available, illnesses began between September 08 and December 31, 2008. Patients range in age from <1 to 98 years; 47% are female. Among persons with available information, 23% reported being hospitalized. Infection may have contributed to five deaths.

Now North Carolina reports another death.  And, still there is silence from CDC, FDA, King Nut and Peanut Corporation of America on my To Do List?

1. Make sure ALL product is promptly recalled;


2. Do not destroy any documents;


3. The companies should pay the medical bills and all related expenses of the innocent victims and their families;


4. The companies should pay the cost of all related Health Department, CDC and FDA investigations;


5. Provide all bacterial and viral testing of all recalled product and any other tested product (before and after recall);


6. Release all inspection reports on the plants by any Governmental Entity or Third-party Auditor;


7. Release all Salmonella safety precautions taken by either King Nut or Peanut Corporation of America - especially after the 2007 Salmonella Peanut Butter Outbreak;


8. Provide the public with the Epidemiological investigation (with names redacted), so it is clear who knew what and when about the likely source of the outbreak; and,


9. Show the public what is being done to prevent the next outbreak.

How many more illnesses or deaths?  This reminds me of Hanlon's razor which reads:

"Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity."

Lab Tests Show Salmonella Likely at Peanut Corporation of America

According to AP, as they say, the knoose tightens.

Toll Rising - 448 sickened with Peanut Butter Salmonella Typhimurium - 99 Hospitalized and 5 Deaths

The CDC just reported that the number now is 448 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 43 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arizona (8), Arkansas (4), California (60), Colorado (10), Connecticut (8), Georgia (6), Hawaii (1), Idaho (10), Illinois (5), Indiana (3), Iowa (1), Kansas (2), Kentucky (3), Maine (4), Maryland (7), Massachusetts (40), Michigan (25), Minnesota (33), Missouri (8), Mississippi (1), Nebraska (1), New Hampshire (11), New Jersey (18), New York (18), Nevada (5), North Carolina (1), North Dakota (10), Ohio (57), Oklahoma (2), Oregon (5), Pennsylvania (13), Rhode Island (4), South Dakota (2), Tennessee (8), Texas (6), Utah (3), Vermont (4), Virginia (20), Washington (13), West Virginia (2), Wisconsin (3), and Wyoming (2). Among the 432 persons with dates available, illnesses began between September 08 and December 31, 2008. Patients range in age from <1 to 98 years; 48% are female. Among persons with available information, 22% reported being hospitalized. Infection may have contributed to five deaths.

Still no response to my TO DO LIST:

1. Make sure ALL product is promptly recalled;
2. Do not destroy any documents;
3. The companies should pay the medical bills and all related expenses of the innocent victims and their families;
4. The companies should pay the cost of all related Health Department, CDC and FDA investigations;
5. Provide all bacterial and viral testing of all recalled product and any other tested product (before and after recall);
6. Release all inspection reports on the plants by any Governmental Entity or Third-party Auditor;
7. Release all Salmonella safety precautions taken by either King Nut or Peanut Corporation of America - especially after the 2007 Salmonella Peanut Butter Outbreak;
8. Provide the public with the Epidemiological investigation (with names redacted), so it is clear who knew what and when about the likely source of the outbreak; and,
9. Show the public what is being done to prevent the next outbreak.

The Cracks in Mass-Manufactured Products are Showing - Kellogg Pulls Peanut Butter Snacks - Kudos to Kellogg

A lot of cases of 5 to 50lb tubs of peanut butter travel a long way.  According to Reuters, Kellogg is was removing its Austin and Keebler branded peanut butter snacks from store shelves and put a hold their shipments due to the current Salmonella food poisoning outbreak.  Kellogg said it is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing products from retail store shelves, and encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their probe.

The products are Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Crackers, Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, and Peanut Butter-Chocolate Sandwich Crackers.

Kellogg did the right thing.

Five Deaths in Salmonella Peanut Butter Outbreak including Army veteran Clifford Tousignant of Brainerd, Minnesota

People should not die from eating peanut butter.  According to the Brainerd Dispatch and AP, health officials in Idaho and Minnesota are reporting two more deaths associated with a nationwide salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 425 people in 43 states. That brings the total number of people who had salmonella when they died to five.

So, when is FDA, CDC, King Nut and Peanut Corporation of America going to respond?

1.     Make sure ALL product is promptly recalled;
2.     Do not destroy any documents;
3.     The companies should pay the medical bills and all related expenses of the innocent victims and their families;
4.     The companies should pay the cost of all related Health Department, CDC and FDA investigations;
5.     Provide all bacterial and viral testing of all recalled product and any other tested product (before and after recall);
6.     Release all inspection reports on the plants by any Governmental Entity or Third-party Auditor;
7.     Release all Salmonella safety precautions taken by either King Nut or Peanut Corporation of America - especially after the 2007 Salmonella Peanut Butter Outbreak;
8.     Provide the public with the Epidemiological investigation (with names redacted), so it is clear who knew what and when about the likely source of the outbreak; and,
9.     Show the public what is being done to prevent the next outbreak.

The families of five dead people are waiting.

Peanut Corporation of American and King Nut Linked to Idaho Salmonella Death

Previously, three deaths in this outbreak had been confined to Minnesota and Virginia along with 425 people sick in 43 states.  Now another dead person is counted in Idaho along with nine other ill ranging in age from 3 to 81, and all illnesses occurred between October and mid-December.

I am pleased that King Nut and Peanut Corporation of America have announced a Recall.  However, they still have much to do on my To Do List:

1.     Make sure ALL product is promptly recalled;
2.     Do not destroy any documents;
3.     The companies should pay the medical bills and all related expenses of the innocent victims and their families;
4.     The companies should pay the cost of all related Health Department, CDC and FDA investigations;
5.     Provide all bacterial and viral testing of all recalled product and any other tested product (before and after recall);
6.     Release all inspection reports on the plants by any Governmental Entity or Third-party Auditor;
7.     Release all Salmonella safety precautions taken by either King Nut or Peanut Corporation of America - especially after the 2007 Salmonella Peanut Butter Outbreak;
8.     Provide the public with the Epidemiological investigation (with names redacted), so it is clear who knew what and when about the likely source of the outbreak; and,
9.     Show the public what is being done to prevent the next outbreak.

The public is waiting.

Vilsack before the Senate Agriculture Committee - UPDATE - almost live blogging

Well, I get to follow the testimony via the Blackberry's of two folks sitting in the hearing, the live webcast and Phil Brasher's Blog - while sitting at my kitchen counter watching the Sun rise.

Have not heard much on food safety.  I know "Change is on the way."

Somewhere between the shower and the ferry terminal I missed the minute spent on food safety.  Thanks to Phil Brasher for blogging:

Two hours into the hearing, Vilsack finally got a question on food safety - from Minnesota's Amy Klobuchar. She wanted to know what he thought needed to be done to improve the exsting food-safety system, which is splintered among federal agencies.

Vilsack offered nothing concrete. He said “we need to modernize our inspection, surveillance system so it is focused on prevent and mitigation,” and he pledged to work with the federal agencies that have responsible for food safety. USDA is responsible for the safety of meat. FDA is responsible for most all other foods.

My guess is that he reads my blog at night, or the New York Times last Sunday:

Bill Marler, a personal-injury lawyer in Seattle who represents clients in food poisoning cases, says the first thing the Obama administration should do is invest in better surveillance for food-borne illness, like a system that Minnesota uses. “If you are able to figure out food-borne illnesses quicker,” Mr. Marler said, “you are able to prevent people from getting sick and save lives.”

Peanut Corporation of America Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Salmonella Peanut Butter

As of a few moments ago, 15 more cases of salmonella poisoning in the now nationwide outbreak have been reported, bringing the total to 425 in 43 state with 3 deaths.  Nearly 18% of the victims have been hospitalized.  Praise to Peanut Corporation Corporation for the Recall.

From a Press Release

Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter for bulk distribution to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies, today announced a voluntary recall of peanut butter produced in its Blakely, Georgia processing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  All product affected was produced on or after July 1, 2008, specific to the lot numbers and descriptions listed below.

The peanut butter being recalled is sold by PCA in bulk packaging to distributors for institutional and food service industry use. It is also sold under the brand name Parnell's Pride to those same industries. Additionally, it is sold by the King Nut Company under the label King Nut. PCA customers who received the recalled product are being notified by telephone and in writing.

None of the peanut butter being recalled is sold directly to consumers through retail stores.

"We deeply regret that this has happened," said Stewart Parnell, owner and president of PCA. "Out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily withdrawing this product and contacting our customers.  We are taking these actions with the safety of our consumers as our first priority."

PCA initiated this recall after an open container of King Nut brand peanut butter in a long-term care facility in Minnesota was found to contain a strain of salmonella. King Nut brand peanut butter is produced by PCA.  The voluntary recall of 21 lots of its peanut butter, in containers ranging from five to 50 pounds, is being taken immediately.  Lot Numbers Affected:

8193, 8194, 8197, 8233, 8234, 8235, 8241, 8255, 8256, 8275, 8276, 8282, 8283, 8284, 8296, 8316, 8330, 8331, 8336, 8345, 8354

Stock Numbers Descriptions and Pack Size Affected:

551000 Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter 6 ct / 5 lb
551006 Crunchy Stabilized Peanut Butter 6 ct / 5 lb
551020 Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter 35 lb
551022 Natural Course Peanut Paste 35 lb
551025 Old Fashioned Creamy Peanut Butter with 1% Salt 35 lb
551035 Crunchy Natural Peanut Butter 35 lb
551040 Creamy Natural Peanut Butter 35 lb
551050 Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter 50 lb
551050-D Dark Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter 50 lb
551051 Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter with Monodiglyceride 50 lb
551053 Crunchy Stabilized Peanut Butter 50 lb
551072 Peanut Butter Variegate 45 lb

So, let's start working on the other TO DO LIST items.

King Nut Can of Peanut Butter Positive for Salmonella Typhimurium

Salmonella Typhimurium in King Nut Peanut Butter Linked to 410 Ill in 43 States - Three Deaths

The CDC reports that 410 persons infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 43 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arizona (8), Arkansas (3), California (55), Colorado (9), Connecticut (6), Georgia (5), Hawaii (1), Idaho (10), Illinois (5), Indiana (4), Iowa (1), Kansas (2), Kentucky (3), Maine (4), Maryland (7), Massachusetts (40), Michigan (20), Minnesota (30), Missouri (8), Mississippi (1), Nebraska (1), New Hampshire (10), New Jersey (13), New York (12), Nevada (6), North Carolina (1), North Dakota (10), Ohio (53), Oklahoma (2), Oregon (5), Pennsylvania (12), Rhode Island (4), South Dakota (2), Tennessee (9), Texas (5), Utah (3), Vermont (4), Virginia (17), Washington (11), West Virginia (2), Wisconsin (3), and Wyoming (2). Among the 388 persons with dates available, illnesses began between September 3 and December 31, 2008, with most illnesses beginning after October 1, 2008. Patients range in age from <1 to 98 years; 48% are female. Among persons with available information, 18% were hospitalized and the infection may have contributed to three deaths.

So, CDC, FDA, King Nut and Peanut Corporation of America, what say you?  How are you doing on my To Do List?

1.     Make sure ALL product is promptly recalled;

2.     Do not destroy any documents;

3.     The companies should pay the medical bills and all related expenses of the innocent victims and their families;

4.     The companies should pay the cost of all related Health Department, CDC and FDA investigations;

5.     Provide all bacterial and viral testing of all recalled product and any other tested product (before and after recall);

6.     Release all inspection reports on the plants by any Governmental Entity or Third-party Auditor;

7.     Release all Salmonella safety precautions taken by either King Nut or Peanut Corporation of America - especially after the 2007 Salmonella Peanut Butter Outbreak;

8.     Provide the public with the Epidemiological investigation (with names redacted), so it is clear who knew what and when about the likely source of the outbreak; and,

9.     Show the public what is being done to prevent the next outbreak.

I'll check back in the morning.

Salmonella recovered from King Nut peanut butter by MDA lab found to be a genetic match to cases in national Salmonella outbreak

News Release

The Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health today announced that laboratory analyses have confirmed a genetic match between the strains of Salmonella bacteria found in a container of King Nut brand creamy peanut butter and the strains of bacteria associated with 30 illnesses in Minnesota and nearly 400 illnesses around the country.

MDA lab tests conducted last week discovered Salmonella bacteria in a 5-pound package of King Nut peanut butter collected from a long-term care facility associated with one of the reported illnesses. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued a product advisory on Friday alerting institutions that may have received the product. MDA and MDH scientists performed additional testing this weekend to verify the connection between the contaminated product and the illnesses.

State officials initially discovered the contaminated product through product testing conducted after MDH epidemiological evidence and an investigation by MDA’s Rapid Response Team implicated King Nut creamy peanut butter as a likely source of Salmonella infections in Minnesota residents. In the product advisory issued Friday, state officials urged establishments who may have the product on hand to avoid serving it, pending further instructions as the investigation progresses.

Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can result in abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and fever. Anyone who believes they may have become ill as a result of eating this product or foods made with this product should contact their health care provider.

King Nut peanut butter is produced by Peanut Corporation of America, of Lynchburg, Va., and is distributed nationally by Ohio-based King Nut Companies. The product was distributed in Minnesota to establishments such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, schools, universities, restaurants, delis, cafeterias and bakeries. King Nut Companies reports that the product is not distributed for retail sale to consumers, and has voluntarily withdrawn the product from distribution.

Hey, What is it with Georgia and Salmonella Peanut Butter?

I just noticed that this was my 1,700th blog post - I really need a life.  Also, click on the camera to see "Salmonella, The Movie."

I like rural Georgia, even more so now that Lynchburg, Virginia based Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) said that they actually made the product - 5-pound tubs of peanut butter for "King Nut" and "Parnell's Pride" in its Blakely, Georgia Plant.

According to Mr. Parnell - "I have been making peanut butter for 30 some years and I have never had any issues with salmonella, that's for sure.  I have spent over thirty years building up this business and a reputation."

The peanut butter ended up at institutions like nursing homes and schools. It was not available to the general public.

Now that it's become a very public issue, we will keep an eye on it.

Peanut Corporation of America

From a Self-serving Press Release:

 

January 10th, 2009 -- Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) today expressed its deep concern about the apparent finding of salmonella in a container of one of its products distributed in Minnesota, and its commitment to continue working with U.S. government and independent laboratories on a thorough investigation.

PCA is the manufacturer of the peanut butter distributed by King Nut to institutions in Minnesota. The salmonella was found in an open container of King Nut peanut butter at a nursing facility, which leaves open the possibility of cross contamination from another source. PCA is working with the U.S Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other agencies to determine whether the current illness outbreak could be at all related to products made in the PCA facility. None of this product is sold at retail or available to the general public.

PCA is cooperating fully with U.S government agencies and independent laboratories in this investigation. To date, the only conclusive testing linking salmonella to PCA’s product was done on an open container of the peanut butter in a large, institutional kitchen. The history of the handling of that open container is unknown at this time.

Neither the Food and Drug Administration nor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is prepared at this time to state definitively that PCA’s product is the source of the salmonella incident. This investigation is still in its very earliest stage.

Customers are asked to take all King Nut peanut butter and Parnell's Pride peanut butter distributed by King Nut out of distribution immediately due to Salmonella contamination

In yet another post on its website, King Nut Companies, a distributor of peanut butter manufactured for them by Peanut Corporation of America, today announced a recall of peanut butter distributed under the King Nut label.

King Nut took this action as soon as it was informed that salmonella had been found in an open five-pound tub of King Nut peanut butter. King Nut distributes peanut butter only through food service accounts. It is not sold directly to consumers. King Nut does not supply any of the ingredients for the peanut butter distributed under its label. All other King Nut products are safe and not included in this voluntary recall.

“We are very sorry this happened,” said Martin Kanan, president and chief executive officer of King Nut Companies. “We are taking immediate and voluntary action because the health and safety of those who use our products is always our highest priority.”

“Because we don’t manufacture peanut butter, we will do what we can to get this product out of distribution and will work with the manufacturer to inform others of this problem,” Kanan said. “We also distribute peanut butter from this manufacturer under the Parnell’s Pride brand, although we are not the only distributor. However, we have asked our customers to remove this brand as well.”
Kanan said that King Nut began contacting customers immediately to stop distributing all peanut butter with lot codes beginning with “8,” and immediately cancelled orders with the manufacturer.

Kudos to Michael Kanan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Nut - Recall Announced of 5 lb. tubs of Salmonella - tainted Peanut Butter Manufactured for King Nut by Peanut Corporation of America

Press Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: January 10, 2009
Subject: Salmonella found in King Nut Peanut Butter manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America

(Solon, Ohio) King Nut Companies, a distributor of peanut butter produced by Peanut Corporation of America, announces today that Salmonella has been found in their 5 lb. tub of Peanut Butter. This product is NOT manufactured by King Nut and it is produced for them by Peanut Corporation of America in Lynchburg, Virginia. King Nut is merely a distributor.

King Nut is voluntarily recalling all of their Peanut Butter made for them by Peanut Corporation of America. This peanut butter is sold only to Food Service and institutional accounts.

It has not been proven that this case is linked to the national salmonella outbreak that is currently happening in the United States. The jar of peanut butter that was tested and turned up positive for salmonella was tested on an open container that was found. Further tests are being conducted by King Nut and the FDA on closed containers to insure the accuracy of their findings.

Customers of King Nut are asked to put on hold all of their peanut butter in question. A recall of this product will be announced Monday morning. At this point it is unclear what Peanut Corporation of America will do with regard to this case or the national case of the salmonella outbreak.

CDC Updates Its Website (and numbers of ill), but does not name King Nut Peanuts as source of Salmonella Typhimurium 2008-2009 Outbreak

So, Minnesota's "Team Diarrhea" announced yesterday that they figured out that is was 5lb buckets of King Nut Peanut Butter which was causing its 30 citizens to get sick with the exact same genetic Salmonella Typhimurium which is sickening the other 369 in the rest of the country.  However, I see no mention below from CDC as to the source of the illnesses.  And, FDA, and King Nut for that matter, are silent on if a recall is coming.  Given that this 5lb bucket of Salmonella, errr, Peanut Butter, is likely still in institutional settings, and people are still getting sick, a recall is in order. 

What are we waiting for?  Is "Team Diarrhea" wrong?  Is it some other product that sickening us?  Just a guess, but I would bet that the CDC, FDA and other State's Health Departments have a "tomato/pepper hangover."  Are they worried more about pointing the finger at King Nut (Minnesota did not seem to mind), or more worried about public safety?  I suppose time will tell.

Investigation of Outbreak of Infections Caused by Salmonella Typhimurium 2008-2009

Persons Infected with the Outbreak Strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, United States, by State, September 1, 2008 to January 9, 2009

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an ongoing multistate outbreak of human infections due to Salmonella serotype Typhimurium.

As of Friday, January 9, 2009, 399 persons infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 42 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arizona (8), Arkansas (3), California (55), Colorado (9), Connecticut (6), Georgia (5), Hawaii (1), Idaho (10), Illinois (4), Indiana (3), Iowa (1), Kansas (2), Kentucky (3), Maine (3), Maryland (7), Massachusetts (39), Michigan (20), Minnesota (30), Missouri (8), Nebraska (1), New Hampshire (10), New Jersey (13), New York (12), Nevada (6), North Carolina (1), North Dakota (10), Ohio (53), Oklahoma (2), Oregon (5), Pennsylvania (12), Rhode Island (3), South Dakota (2), Tennessee (9), Texas (5), Utah (3), Vermont (4), Virginia (12),Washington (11), West Virginia (2), Wisconsin (3), and Wyoming (2). Among the 380 persons with dates available, illnesses began between September 3 and December 31, 2008, with most illnesses beginning after October 1, 2008. Patients range in age from <1 to 98 years; 49% are female. Among persons with available information, 18% were hospitalized.

CDC and its public health partners are vigorously working to identify the specific contaminated product, probably a food or foods, that is causing this outbreak. Outbreaks from a widely distributed contaminated product may cause illnesses across the United States, and the identity of the contaminated product is often not readily apparent.

In outbreaks like this one, identification of the contaminated product requires conducting detailed standardized interviews with persons who were ill and with non-ill members of the public ("controls") to compare foods they recently ate and other exposures. Using statistical methods, the contaminated item is identified as one to which significantly more ill persons than controls were exposed. This statistically-based method of identifying contaminated products is often supplemented by laboratory testing of suspect products. The investigation is labor intensive and typically takes weeks. It is not always successful. As soon as a source is identified, if there is evidence of ongoing risk, public health officials advise the public to avoid it, and conduct recalls when appropriate.

The CDC's List of States with Salmonella Cases Linked to King Nut

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a breakdown on Friday of the number of cases in each of 42 states involved in a nationwide outbreak of salmonella poisoning that has stricken at least 399 people:

California, 55, Ohio, 53, Massachusetts, 39, Minnesota, 30, Michigan 20, New Jersey 13, New York, 12, Pennsylvania 12, Virginia 12, Washington 11, Idaho, 10, North Dakota, 10, New Hampshire, 10, Colorado, 9, Tennessee, 9, Arizona, 8, Missouri, 8, Maryland, 7, Connecticut, 6, Nevada, 6, Georgia, 5, Oregon, 5, Texas, 5, Illinois, 4, Vermont, 4, Arkansas, 3, Indiana, 3, Kentucky, 3, Maine, 3, Rhode Island, 3, Utah, 3, Wisconsin, 3, Kansas, 2, Oklahoma, 2, South Dakota, 2, West Virginia, 2, Wyoming, 2, Alabama, 1, Hawaii, 1, Iowa, 1, Nebraska, 1, North Carolina, 1.

Agriculture, Health officials issue product advisory for King Nut peanut butter Product contaminated with Salmonella bacteria was shipped to institutions in Minnesota

From "Team Diarrhea" about "King Nut:"

Officials from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today issued a product advisory after MDA’s preliminary laboratory testing indicated the presence of Salmonella bacteria in a 5-pound container of King Nut brand creamy peanut butter.

The product is distributed in Minnesota to establishments such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, schools, universities, restaurants, delis, cafeterias and bakeries. At this time, the product is not known to be distributed for retail sale in grocery stores. State officials are urging establishments who may have the product on hand to avoid serving it, pending further instructions as the investigation progresses.

Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can result in abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and fever. Anyone who believes they may have become ill as a result of eating this product or foods made with this product should contact their health care provider.

State officials discovered the contamination as a result of product testing initiated after an MDH epidemiological investigation implicated King Nut creamy peanut butter as a likely source of Salmonella infections in Minnesota residents. The Minnesota cases have the same genetic fingerprint as the cases in the national outbreak that has sickened almost 400 people in 42 states; however, laboratory results for the product sample have not yet been linked to this national outbreak. Additional laboratory results are expected early next week.

State officials are coordinating their investigation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other states. More information about the investigation – including laboratory results will be available early next week.

eFoodAlert.com - Your dependable, independent source for food safety news and information releases updated data on Salmonella Outbreak

From the pages of efoodalert - Based on information posted by the three states, and on media reports across the United States, the following 29 states have reported confirmed cases of Salmonella Typhimurium that are linked genetically to the national outbreak.

Arkansas: 3 cases
Arizona: 8 cases
California: 53 cases in 10 counties; 15 or more victims hospitalized
Colorado: 9 cases; 1 victim hospitalized
Connecticut: 6 cases
Georgia: 5 cases; 1 victim hospitalized
Iowa: 1 case
Idaho: 10 cases
Illinois: 4 cases
Maine: 2 cases
Massachusetts: 39 cases
Maryland: 7 cases
Michigan: 20 cases in 13 counties; 7 victims hospitalized
Minnesota: 30 cases; 11 victims hospitalized and 1 possible death
Missouri: 8 cases; 4 victims hospitalized
North Carolina: 1 case
North Dakota: 7 cases
New Hampshire: 10 cases
Nevada: 1 or more cases (state declined to release information on number of cases)
New Jersey: 13 cases (unclear whether suspect or confirmed)
New York: 1 or more cases on Long Island
Ohio: 50 cases
Pennsylvania: 12 cases in 10 counties
Rhode Island: 3 cases
Tennessee: 9 cases; 1 or more victims hospitalized
Texas: 5 cases
Vermont: 3 cases
Virginia: 12 cases; 7 victims hospitalized
Wisconsin: 3 cases

These 29 states account for 335 of the 389 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium infection, assuming that the New Jersey cases have been confirmed.

Minnesota Death Linked to Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak

The nationwide salmonella outbreak may have killed a person in Minnesota.  A health department spokesman in Minnesota says an elderly woman had the infection when she died, but it's not clear that salmonella was the cause.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the outbreak has struck 42 states and made nearly 400 people ill.  The CDC has not yet released the list of states or determined which foods may have caused people to become sick (expected in the next few hours).  However, health officials in Illinois, North Dakota, Ohio, Georgia, Minnesota and California have confirmed cases. Ohio and California reported the most, with 51 cases each.

CDC - Investigation of Outbreak of Infections Caused by Salmonella Typhimurium 2008-2009 - Could it be Peanut Butter - Again?

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an ongoing multistate outbreak of human infections due to Salmonella serotype Typhimurium.

As of Wednesday, January 7, 2009, 388 persons infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 42 states. Among the 372 persons with dates available, illnesses began between September 3 and December 29, 2008, with most illnesses beginning after October 1, 2008. Patients range in age from <1 to 103 years; 48% are female. Among persons with available information,18% were hospitalized.
Investigation

CDC and its public health partners are vigorously working to identify the specific contaminated product, probably a food or foods, that is causing this outbreak. Outbreaks from a widely distributed contaminated product may cause illnesses across the United States, and the identity of the contaminated product is often not readily apparent.

In outbreaks like this one, identification of the contaminated product requires conducting detailed standardized interviews with persons who were ill and with non-ill members of the public ("controls") to compare foods they recently ate and other exposures. Using statistical methods, the contaminated item is identified as one to which significantly more ill persons than controls were exposed. This statistically-based method of identifying contaminated products is often supplemented by laboratory testing of suspect products. The investigation is labor intensive and typically takes weeks. It is not always successful. As soon as a source is identified, if there is evidence of ongoing risk, public health officials advise the public to avoid it, and conduct recalls when appropriate.
Clinical features

Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. Infection is usually diagnosed by culture of a stool sample. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Although most people recover without treatment, severe infections may occur. Infants, elderly persons, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. When severe infection occurs, Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Nearly 400 Sickened, Many Hospitalized, with Salmonella Typhimurium Linked to Poultry, Eggs or Cheese

The CDC reports that an outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning has made 388 people sick across 42 states, sending 18 percent of them to the hospital, U.S. health officials said on Wednesday.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is trying to trace the source of the outbreak, which began in September. The Department of Agriculture, state health officials and the Food and Drug Administration are also involved.  The CDC said poultry, cheese and eggs are the most common source of this particular strain, known as Salmonella Typhimurium.

The reported incidence of Salmonella illnesses is about 14 cases per each 100,000 persons (MMWR Weekly, 2006), amounting to approximately 30,000 confirmed cases of salmonellosis yearly in the U.S. (CDC, 2005, October 13).  In 2005, just over 36,000 cases were reported from public health laboratories across the nation, representing a 12 percent decrease compared with the previous decade, but a 1.5 percent increase over 2004 (CDC, 2007).

As only about 3 percent of Salmonella cases are officially reported nationwide, and many milder cases are never diagnosed, the true incidence is undoubtedly much higher (Mead, 1999).  The CDC estimates that 1.4 million cases occur annually (CDC, 2005, October 13).  Approximately 600 deaths are caused by Salmonella infections in the U.S. every year, accounting for 31 percent of all food-related deaths (CDC, 2005, October 13; MMWR Weekly, 2001).

Patrick Cudahy Recalls Bacon Bit Products For Possible Listeria Contamination

Patrick Cudahy, a Cudahy, Wisc., firm, is recalling approximately 3,590 pounds of bacon bit products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

* 10-pound cases of "Golden Crisp APPLEWOOD SMOKED PRECOOKED BACON TOPPINGS." The products bear the establishment number "EST. 28" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a printed Julian date of "8318."

* 10-pound cases of "John Morrell APPLEWOOD SMOKED PRECOOKED BACON TOPPINGS." The products bear the establishment number "EST. 28" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a printed Julian date of "8318."

The bacon bit products were produced on Nov. 13, 2008, and distributed to restaurant and institutional establishments in California, Colorado, Florida, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.

At Least 336 Sick in Multi-State Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak

A multi-state investigation with over two dozen states and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has yet to identify the source of an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium. Cases, some of which date back to October 2008, match each other by their DNA fingerprint (PFGE) and appear to have a common origin, the CDC said. In all, there are 336 cases nationwide have the same PFGE.

But, no source? Go figure.

Salmonella Typhimurium is a leading cause of human gastroenteritis. The genus Salmonella contains over 2,000 sero-species and is one of the most important pathogens in the family Enterobacteriaceae. Salmonella are Gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae, made up of nonspore-forming rods, usually motile by flagella. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is the among the most common Salmonella serovars causing Salmonellosis infections in the US. In humans, Salmonellosis causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection and may last for up to 7 days. Some cases result in hospitalization. Some in death. Salmonella is readily transmitted through the faeces of people or animals.

Girl gets E. coli after touching deer meat

You can’t even trust Bambi anymore. Doug Powell, from Barfblog, emailed me the story of a young girl who suffered HUS after contracting an E. coli infection from handling deer meat.

Beverly said the only other thing she could think of was that her husband, Red, had shot a deer the Friday after Thanksgiving. She helped him skin it and prepare bigger cuts to send off to a local butcher, but Red cut the tenderloin himself. "April was helping her daddy with the tenderloins," Beverly recalled. April placed the pieces of meat into freezer bags, handling the meat with her hands.

Here is the interesting part:

"Deer harbor infection - it's estimated that 17 percent of the whitetail population harbors E. coli," she said, and it appears they harbor a pretty nasty strain of it. The infection grows in the digestive system. But in the process of gutting and cleaning a deer carcass, it is easy to nick the bowels and spill the infected fluids.

E. coli O157:H7 was first recognized as a pathogen as a result of an outbreak of unusual gastrointestinal illness in 1982. The outbreak was traced to contaminated hamburgers, and the illness was similar to other incidents in the United States and Japan. The etiologic agent of the illness was identified as a rare O157:H7 serotype of Escherichia coli in 1983. This serotype had only been isolated once before, from a sick patient in 1975.

E. coli O157:H7 has jumped from cows to Bambi over the last 30 years or so. The fact that E. coli O157:H7 (and other emerging pathogens) have become such a part of the current food environment has to be taken into account in making food safety policy decisions. Comments like, “I used to drink raw milk or eat raw hamburger when I was a kid” are misplaced in light of the reality of the present existence of these pathogens. Beliefs that “grass-fed” meat (wonder what Bambie’s last meal was?) or “locally grown” or “raw” food is inherently safer have to take into account the present reality of these very nasty bugs.

Father of Melamine-Poisoned Child Arrested

Foreign Press announced today that Chinese police detained the father of a child sickened by tainted milk apparently to prevent him and other parents from holding a news conference to complain that proposed compensation for their ill children is too low, a lawyer said Friday.  The news conference, scheduled for Friday, was called off after organizer Zhao Lianhai was picked up Thursday, said Li Fangping, a lawyer for some of the parents. He said Zhao was being held at a Beijing hotel.  "The purpose was to prevent the parents from holding a news conference," Li said, adding that 10 parents had planned to participate.  The parents "said the compensation was unilaterally set by the companies with no participation from victims' families," Li said. "They thought the amount of compensation was quite low."  Under the plan, families whose children died would receive 200,000 yuan ($29,000), while others would receive 30,000 yuan ($4,380) for serious cases of kidney stones and 2,000 yuan ($290) for less severe cases, according to state media.  Another 200 million yuan ($29 million) would go to a fund to cover bills for lingering health problems.

Unpasteurized milk and unpasteurized (raw) milk products should not be consumed to prevent milk-borne infections, U.S. federal health officials say

Eating fresh cheese at a fair in Kansas was the only recent exposure associated with illness. Of 101 persons who ate the cheese, 66 percent became ill, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report said.  On October 26, 2007, a family health clinic nurse informed the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that Campylobacter jejuni had been isolated from two ill persons from different families who were members of a closed community in a rural Kansas county.  By Oct. 29, 17 additional members of the community had reported gastrointestinal illness. All 19 persons reported consuming fresh cheese on Oct. 20 that was made the same day at a community fair from unpasteurized milk obtained from a local dairy, the report said.

An investigation by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the local health department determined the source and extent of the outbreak. Eating fresh cheese at the fair was the only exposure associated with illness.  Although all samples of cheese tested negative for Campylobacter, results of the epidemiologic investigation found an association between illness and consumption of fresh cheese made from unpasteurized milk, the report added.

Unpasteurized milk and milk products should not be consumed, especially among populations at high risk of infection complications -- the young, pregnant, elderly and immunocompromised.

Chinese Dairies to Compensate Sickened Babies - 1.1 billion yuan ($160 million)

AP and the Haphazard Gourmet Girls report that the companies whose tainted milk products sickened nearly 300,000 children and were blamed in the deaths of six will likely pay 1.1 billion yuan ($160 million) in compensation to victims' families.  Details of the compensation plan came shortly after trials began for 15 people on charges related to the production and sale of melamine, an industrial chemical added to milk to falsely boost protein readings in quality tests.  The 22 companies blamed in the scandal will make a one-time 900 million yuan ($131 million) cash payment to victims.  The remaining 200 million yuan ($29 million) would cover bills for lingering health problems, the paper said, citing an unnamed source from the China Insurance Regulatory Commission.

Details in the report roughly correspond to figures provided this month by lawyers seeking to sue the companies involved, who said that most children who suffered kidney stones would get 2,000 yuan ($290), while sicker children would be paid 30,000 yuan ($4,380).  Families of children who died will each get 200,000 yuan ($29,000).

If this had happened in the United States - 300,000 children poisoned - the payout would have rivaled the auto bailout.

Antibiotic-tainted honey from China tops FDA watch list

Lovely, something else to worry about.  What would Pooh do? According to Andrew Schneider of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the United States imports most of its honey and for years China was the biggest supplier.

But in 1997, a contagious bacterial epidemic raced through hundreds of thousands of Chinese hives, infecting bee larvae and slashing the country's honey production by two-thirds. Chinese beekeepers had two choices: They could destroy infected hives or apply antibiotics. They chose to do the latter. That was a mistake, said Michael Burkett, a professor emeritus at Oregon State University and an internationally known authority on bees and honey.

"You hear about people shooting themselves in the foot? Well, the Chinese honey-sellers shot themselves in the head," he said.

The Chinese opted to use chloramphenicol, an inexpensive, broad-spectrum antibiotic that's so toxic it's used to treat only life-threatening infections in humans--and then only when other alternatives have been exhausted.

Now, 11 years later, some the honey buyers who take the trouble to test for it, still find the banned antibiotic in some of their imported honey. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says tainted honey from China is on top of its watch list and has been for six years--since the agency released the first of three "import alerts" targeted at banned substances in honey. FDA considers a food adulterated if, among other reasons, it contains an animal drug deemed unsafe for unapproved uses.  Chloramphenicol certainly meets that definition.

Anyone reading the back of his or her honey jar?

Mexico suspends meat purchases from thirty US meat plants

Last week I warned, “A safer food supply cannot wait.”   Here is yet another reason, according to news reports this morning, Mexico has now suspended meat imports from 30 processing plants in 14 states, including some of the nation's largest (and ones I have sued), on Wednesday and Friday, according to a list posted on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Web site.  USDA spokeswoman Amanda Eamich said in an e-mail that Mexico had discussions over the course of the last five business days with the agency regarding concerns about the general condition of meat products, sanitation issues and "possible pathogen findings."

Published reports, however, raised the possibility the move could reflect Mexico's objection to a recently enacted law that requires meat products to bear country-of-origin labels.   The country-of-origin labeling law (COOL) mandates the separation of foreign cattle and pigs in U.S. feedlots and packing plants. Foreign animals are also required to have more documentation about where they come from and, in the case of cattle, must have tags that indicate they are free of mad cow disease.

If our focus was in fact on food safety, domestically or with imports, COOL would be unnecessary and trade would not be interrupted.

Merry Christmas - Sanlu Files For Bankruptcy - Melamine and the Global Implications of Food Contamination - UPDATE

Well the reported 294,000 Chinese children (number from government sources – likely a gross under-count) poisoned by Sanlu woke up this morning with a lump of coal as their gift from Sanlu and the Chinese government – Sanlu has filed for bankruptcy protection. Now the chance that these victims would ever have received compensation has disappeared.

Interestingly in the recent New England Journal of Medicine, Julie R. Ingelfinger, M.D., a superb physician who has reviewed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome cases for me in the past, authored and interesting look at Melamine and the Global Supply of food. The introduction is below:

Food contamination, whether accidental or intentional, has been a sad, recurrent theme throughout recorded history, going back some 8000 years and described in the Old Testament. However, a new dimension has been added in this new millennium: globalization and international agribusiness allow problems with the food supply to spread around the planet all too quickly. The most recent, and still evolving, example is the epidemic of melamine poisoning stemming from tainted infant formula in China. More than 294,000 children in China have reportedly been affected by adulterated formula. Over 50,000 were hospitalized, and at least 6 died. Some are said to remain in the hospital. There are also reports that children in other parts of Asia — such as Taiwan, Singapore, and Vietnam — were also affected. Those who became ill had ingested melamine-contaminated powdered infant formula; some 22 brands were implicated. In the wake of this stunning discovery, the contaminated formula was taken off the market, but the story of melamine contamination is far from over.

In addition to its catastrophic health effects, the contamination has had major economic effects, with the United States and other countries banning the importation of milk and other food products from China. Recent news reports note that China has asked the United States to lift its ban on milk products and that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has opened an office in Beijing (and will open others in Shanghai and Guangzhou and in other countries) that will examine food exports destined for the United States.

BBC reported this morning that  - "China firms 'to pay milk victims"

The firms also agreed to create a fund to cover victims' medical bills Chinese dairy firms involved in the tainted milk scandal are to compensate the families of the nearly 300,000 affected children, state media said.  Twenty-two companies will make an undisclosed one-off cash payment to the families, Xinhua reported quoting the China Dairy Industry Association.

Another Child Dies from E. coli - Dixon California

Solano County public health officials are investigating the death of a Dixon child from an E. coli infection.  Officials are not releasing a description of the child to protect the victim's identity.  The source of the infection is unknown, Solano Public Health Education Manager Robin Cox said.  Solano County Environmental Health Services staff surveyed Dixon food establishments but there were no reports of customer or employee illnesses that might be due to E. coli, Cox said.  All area hospitals have been notified to inform the Solano County Public Health Department if they see any patients with symptoms of E. coli. No new cases have been reported, Cox said.  A second juvenile was brought into the emergency room with symptoms of diarrhea but was released and is doing very well at home, Cox said. Stool test results on the second child are pending and there is no indication so far the second minor has E. coli infection, Cox said.

Interfood Shareholding Company Issues a Nationwide recall of Wonderfarm Brand Biscuits Because of Possible Melamine Health Risk

Interfood Shareholding Company is recalling all lot codes of multiple varieties of the Wonderfarm brand of biscuits because they may be contaminated with Melamine.  The Wonderfarm biscuits are sold in 800g red metal tins. The four varieties being recalled are:

1. Wonderfarm "Successful" Assorted Biscuits (UPC:8935001262091)
2. Wonderfarm "Royal Flavour" Assorted Biscuits (UPC:8935001263098)
3. Wonderfarm "Lovely Melody" Assorted Biscuits (UPC: 8935001263296)
4. Wonderfarm "Daily Life" Assorted Biscuits (UPC: 8935001264200)

The manufacturer identified on the product is Interfood Shareholding Company in Vietnam.  The recall was initiated after the firm was advised that samples collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of the Wonderfarm "Successful" Assorted biscuits, tested positive for melamine. Interfood Shareholding Company was identified as the manufacturer of the product. After being advised that "Royal Flavour", "Lovely Melody", and "Daily Life" also tested positive for melamine, the firm agreed to expand their recall to include those products as well.

Maple Leaf settles listeria lawsuits for $27,000,000

According to the Toronto Star, Maple Leaf Foods has agreed to pay as much as $27 million to victims of last summer's listeria outbreak. The funds will be divided based on the severity of the illness. Here is what is problematic:  Class actions were filed across the country and involved as many as 10 law firms. About 5,000 victims nationwide filled out an online questionnaire. At that rate, if divided equally, people would receive only $5,400 each. Remember, more than 20 people died.

Seems like $27 million is really just part of the this weeks Maple Leaf Foods weeklong media blitz - beginning with a tour of the newly renovated Bartor Rd. plant. CEO and President Michael McCain has been appearing on nationwide commercials, promoting the company's commitment to food safety.

Yet another Article on the Risks of Raw Milk

I received an article from one of my readers today on the risks of raw milk – “Unpasteurized Milk: A Continued Public Health Threat.”  In Summary:

Although milk and dairy products are important components of a healthy diet, if consumed unpasteurized, they also can present a health hazard due to possible contamination with pathogenic bacteria. These bacteria can originate even from clinically healthy animals from which milk is derived or from environmental contamination occurring during collection and storage of milk. The decreased frequency of bovine carriage of certain zoonotic pathogens and improved milking hygiene have contributed considerably to decreased contamination of milk but have not, and cannot, fully eliminate the risk of milkborne disease. Pasteurization is the most effective method of enhancing the microbiological safety of milk. The consumption of milk that is not pasteurized increases the risk of contracting disease from a foodstuff that is otherwise very nutritious and healthy. Despite concerns to the contrary, pasteurization does not change the nutritional value of milk. Understanding the science behind this controversial and highly debated topic will provide public health care workers the information needed to discern fact from fiction and will provide a tool to enhance communication with clients in an effort to reduce the incidence of infections associated with the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products.

URGENT: FOOD PRODUCT RECALL RE: IMITATION CREAM CHEESE AND LOW PROTEIN PEANOT BUTTER™

Cambrooke Foods® is announcing a voluntary recall of all batches of the following products:

Cheddar Wizard Low Protein Imitation Cream Cheese (SKU 10310; 8 oz. jar);
Herb & Garlic Low Protein Imitation Cream Cheese (SKU 10308; 8 oz. jar); and
Plain Low Protein Imitation Cream Cheese (SKU 10306; 8 oz. jar).

Cambrooke Foods® is undertaking this voluntary recall as a precaution because some of these products 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 cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

For the above-listed Imitation Cream Cheese products, Listeria monocytogenes was detected through routine batch testing of product at a company facility before it was sent to customers. These batches of Imitation Cream Cheese products were destroyed. While no reports of adverse events have been reported with any product shipped to our customers, we are taking the precautionary step to recall all Imitation Cream Cheese products, regardless of batch number.

To be abundantly cautious and proactive, Cambrooke Foods® is also conducting a market withdrawal of all batches of:

Low Protein Peanot Butter™ (SKU 10809; 16 oz. jar).

This product is being withdrawn because it is produced in the same facility and using the same machinery used to produce the Imitation Cream Cheese products. Testing has not confirmed Listeria contamination in any batch of Low Protein Peanot Butter™ nor have any adverse events been reported as a result of its consumption. No other Cambrooke Foods™ product is produced using this machinery.

Missing again an Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety

Only appointed on November 4, 2008, now acording to the electronic pages of "Pork," Elizabeth Johnson, acting Under Secretary of agriculture for Food Safety, has left USDA to become executive vice president of public affairs for the National Restaurant Association. President-elect Barack Obama's administration is expected to name a replacement. Johnson's departure is effective December 5 - a week ago.  FSIS spokeswoman Amanda Eamich told Meatingplace.com the agency will be steered in the interim by USDA officials, including Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Scott Hurd and FSIS Administrator Alfred Almanza.

Ideas for her replacement?

Irish Pork Dioxin Recalled in US - Finally!

Days after Europe was well on the way recalling all the little piggies who went to market, today Rupari Food Services, a Deerfield Beach, Fl., establishment, is recalling approximately 41,020 pounds of fresh pork products that may be contaminated with dioxins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.  FSIS was notified by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) that routine surveillance tests indicated the presence of dioxin in pork products that were sent to multiple importers of record in the United States. FSIS believes the probability of adverse health effects related to consumption of these pork products to be low, and concurs with the conclusions of a risk assessment conducted by FSAI.

The products subject to recall include: n 44-pound approximate weight boxes of "ROSDERRA MEATS, ROSCREA, Pork Loin Back Ribs, KEEP FROZEN." The shipping label bears the Irish establishment number "EST NO. 355."  The frozen pork products were produced in Ireland between Sept. 1 and Dec. 7, 2008, and were then exported to the United States. These products were sent to restaurants in California.

Ooops, before I could log out here is another:

Tommy Moloney's Inc., a Long Island City, NY., establishment, is recalling approximately 4,041 pounds of fresh pork products that may be contaminated with dioxins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. FSIS was notified by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) that routine surveillance tests indicated the presence of dioxin in pork products that were sent to multiple importers of record in the United States. FSIS believes the probability of adverse health effects related to consumption of these pork products to be low, and concurs with the conclusions of a risk assessment conducted by FSAI.

8-ounce packages of "Tommy Moloney's Traditional Irish Breakfast Bacon, Made from imported Irish Pork." The label bears the establishment number "EST. 33789" inside the U.S. mark of inspection as well as a "sell by" date between "Dec. 15, 2008" and "Jan. 31, 2009."  The pork products were produced in Ireland between Sept. 1 and Dec. 7, 2008, and were then exported to the United States. These products were sent to retail stores in California, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and Virginia.

Don't we have pigs from the US that are dioxin free?

Recall of Dry Dog and Cat Food Products Associated with Human Salmonella Schwarzengrund Infections --- United States, 2008

I know economic times are tough, but human illnesses associated with dog and cat food? No, really, it is unlikely, but possible, that people consumed it out of necessity. However, it is more likely that ii is cross-contamination during the feeding of your pet. So, the next time your kid refuses to feed the dog, they are just trying to protect themselves. Well, on to the CDC report:

On May 16, 2008, CDC reported on a 2006--2007 multistate outbreak of infection with Salmonella enterica serotype Schwarzengrund that was associated with dry dog food. At the time of that report, a total of 70 cases had been reported from 19 states, with the last case identified on October 1, 2007. Subsequently, an additional case was identified on December 29, 2007. Epidemiologic and environmental investigations have suggested the source of the outbreak was dry pet food produced by one manufacturer, Mars Petcare US.

Investigators initially identified 70 cases, mostly in children. As a result of these findings, on August 21, 2007, Mars Petcare US announced voluntary recalls of selected sized bags of two brands of dry dog food, both manufactured by the company at its plant in Everson, Pennsylvania. The recall was based on microbiologic testing by FDA, which found unopened bags of the two brands contaminated with the outbreak strain. Other brands of dry dog and cat food produced at the same facility were not included in that recall. The Everson, Pennsylvania, facility ceased operations during July--November 2007 to enable cleaning, disinfection, and renovation, and resumed normal operations in mid-November 2007.

Despite the 2007 recall, the outbreak strain of S. Schwarzengrund was isolated from eight more ill persons during January--October 2008, bringing the total number of cases to 79 in 21 states.
After additional outbreak-linked illnesses were identified in 2008, FDA conducted another investigation. In August 2008, FDA found the outbreak strain of S. Schwarzengrund in multiple brands of finished product at the plant, prompting another recall of products by Mars Petcare US. On September 12, the company announced a nationwide voluntary recall of all dry dog and cat food products produced at the Everson plant from February 18 to July 29, 2008, when production again was suspended at the plant.  On October 1, the company announced that the Everson plant would be closed permanently.

China now says 294,000 children fell ill from melamine tainted milk

China said Monday that a total of 294,000 children had fallen ill from consuming dairy products tainted with the industrial chemical melamine, with 154 of them still in serious condition. In a statement on its website, the health ministry also indicated the number of dead may rise from the four previously announced, saying that six deaths since September 10 may be linked to the consumption of melamine-laced milk. The health ministry's total number of children sickened amid this year's scandal was a more than five-fold rise from the government's previous figure given in September of 53,000.

"The use of Sanlu brand milk powder and other problem milk powders led to urinary tract problems in 294,000 children," the ministry's statement said. Of those, 51,900 had been admitted to hospital. It said 861 children remained in hospital and that 154 were "serious" cases.

Melamine is a chemical normally used to make plastics, but it emerged in September that it had been routinely mixed into Chinese milk and dairy products to give them the impression of having higher protein content.

New Mexico Department of Health Report on Enterobacter sakazakii Illness and Death

As part of its investigation into a rare infection that can be associated with infant formula, the New Mexico Department of Health is advising people on the safest way to prepare formula. The Department of Health is investigating two cases of Enterobacter sakazakii illness, a rare cause of bloodstream and central nervous system infections, in a female infant from Lea County and a male infant from Otero County. The male infant has died, and the female infant is hospitalized.

E. sakazakii can cause severe, invasive disease among infants and has been associated with powdered formula, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been about 120 cases recorded across the world in all age groups, but infants are at particular risk. Some proportion of powdered formulas that have been tested have contained E. sakazakii or other bacteria that can cause disease.

The Department of Health is working with the CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and New Mexico Environment Department to try to determine what caused the babies to develop the infection. The Department of Health has interviewed families and conducted environmental and food testing. The Department expects test results to be available in about a week.

Testing at the Department of Health’s Scientific Laboratory in Albuquerque has determined that the two infants had different strains of the bacteria. Both babies did consume powdered formula in addition to other foods. In past investigations in other states, powdered infant formula contaminated with Enterobacter sakazakii has been associated with infant illnesses. However, that association was not documented in many of the cases investigated. 

Pork tapeworm, the parasite known as cysticercosis, found in Phoenix woman, Rosemary Alvarez's, brain

Late last summer, Rosemary Alvarez of Phoenix thought she had a brain tumor. But on the operating table her doctor discovered something even more unsightly -- a parasitic worm eating her brain. When Alvarez awoke, she heard the good news that she was tumor-free and she would make a full recovery. But she also heard the disturbing news of how the worm got there in the first place. She had been served food that was tainted with the feces of a person infected with the pork tapeworm parasite.

"We've got a lot more of cases of this in the United States now," said Raymond Kuhn, professor of biology and an expert on parasites at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. "Upwards of 20 percent of neurology offices in California have seen it. Kuhn said whether you get a tapeworm in the intestine, or a worm burrowing into your brain can depend on how you consumed the parasite. Kuhn said it is then feces-tainted food, and not undercooked pork, that leads to worms burrowing into the brain.

A Marler Clark growth potential - perhaps?

The Next Food Safety Czar will need to Work in Collaboration with Industry on Food Safety

I had a great meeting yesterday with ConAgra Foods. I met with a number of food safety employees and ConAgra’s Food Safety Board last time I visited Omaha a few months ago. According to its website and from what I can see, “ConAgra Foods has developed rigorous food-safety practices in all our facilities and manufacturing processes.” It goes on:

One example is our foodborne pathogen control program. Through equipment and process design, operating and sanitation procedures, and other measures, we ensure maximum protection against foodborne pathogens. Our state-of-the-art microbiological and chemistry testing laboratories further strengthen safety controls and research capabilities to address this key issue.

We also share our discoveries through publications and technical presentations; we have worked closely with the USDA and the FDA to provide scientific expertise, some of which has aided development of the food-safety regulations in place today.

The next Food Czar will need to work with industry to find the best practices to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks while at the same time keeping US companies price competitive.  Perhaps leading on food safety will be the way to gain market share?

40 Percent of Grocery Store Meat Sampled has Superbug Clostridium difficile (C. diff)

According to press reports this morning, an Arizona researcher found 40 percent of meat products tested from three national chain stores were contaminated with bacteria normally associated with severe hospital infections. Federal health officials, however, say more study is needed to determine whether C. diff is transmitted through food. A potentially deadly intestinal germ increasingly found in hospitals is also showing up in a more unsavory setting: grocery store meats. More than 40 percent of packaged meats sampled from three Arizona chain stores tested positive for Clostridium difficile, a gut bug known as C. diff., according to newly complete analysis of 2006 data collected by a University of Arizona scientist. Nearly 30 percent of the contaminated samples of ground beef, pork and turkey and ready-to-eat meats like summer sausage were identical or closely related to a super-toxic strain of C. diff blamed for growing rates of illness and death in the U.S. — raising the possibility that the bacterial infections may be transmitted through food.

According to Wikipedia, Clostridium difficile is a species of Gram-positive bacteria of the genus Clostridium. Clostridia are anaerobic, spore-forming rods (bacillus). C. difficile is the most significant cause of pseudomembranous colitis. It is a severe infection of the colon, often happening after normal gut flora is eradicated by use of antibiotics. The C. difficile bacteria, which naturally reside in the body, become overgrown: the overgrowth is harmful because the bacterium releases toxins that can cause bloating, constipation, and diarrhea with abdominal pain which may become severe. The latent symptoms often mimic some flu-like symptoms. Treatment is performed by stopping current treatment and commencing specific anticlostridial antibiotics, e.g. metronidazole or vancomycin.

Romaine Lettuce Linked to Canadian E. coli outbreak

According to Canadian press reports, Romaine lettuce is the “prime suspect” in an E. coli outbreak in southwestern Ontario that has sickened at least 26 people, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Tuesday. The federal agency and health officials in the Niagara and Halton regions say preliminary tests suggest romaine lettuce is the likely source. There are 128 confirmed or probable cases of E. coli O157:H7 in the Niagara, Halton, Guelph and Waterloo regions. Laboratory testing has determined that cases in the four health units have the same DNA fingerprint.

“Romaine lettuce is the prime suspect,” said Rene Cardinal, an official with the CFIA.

The source of an unrelated outbreak of E. coli in North Bay, which left one child in critical condition and sickened up to 250 other people, has not been determined.

錄像文件下載 - Melamine and Infant Formula in China

[新唐人記者張芬、林亦云採訪報導]由三鹿毒奶粉事件引發的中國大陸黑心食品引發了許多討論,問題的根源到底是甚麼﹖華爾街日報一位中國特派員10月24日在夏威夷說,毒奶事件歸咎於小部份人民對金錢的貪念、地方政府的怕事、以及自己揣摩迎合上級領導的意思所導致,但這些都是開發中國家可能發生的現象。他認為,在中國逐漸開放和開發的過程中,未來這些現象將會消失。真的是這樣嗎﹖美國西雅圖一位著名食品安全律師有不同看法。

Bill Marler認為,以獨立的監督系統確保商業公司遵守規則、保護民眾食品安全是政府的責任。

Bill Marler﹕“政府對商業公司有監督的責任,不管是在中國或美國,你要確保公司遵守規則。在中國情況非常非常不一樣、也非常困難,因為三鹿公司-有毒奶粉的來源廠家-是國營企業,所以這樣一個政府擁有的公司被政府管理下的衛生監察人員審查,這就沒有你所希望看到的獨立性。”

Bill Marler是著名的食品安全律師,為許多食源性疾病受害者爭取了賠償金,曾被華盛頓州律師評為“超級律師”。

Bill Marler在三鹿毒奶事件爆發後不久,就去中國參加相關會議。他認為,中共政府應為毒奶事件負責任﹕“很簡單,因為媒體是政府擁有的,調查機構是政府擁有的,做骯髒事情的公司也是政府擁有的。這種情況下要有獨立的監督制度是及其困難的。”

Bill Marler認為,在中共統治下的中國,政治體制和商業系統是整個一個“快樂大家庭”。造成缺乏獨立監督。因此,只要中共專制體制不改變,毒奶事件就無法杜絕。

Bill Marler﹕“當你試圖要中國改變它的行為,我的觀點是,要它真正有實質意義地改變行為將非常的困難,不太可能成功,除非它們改變體制。它們需要獨立的監督系統。如果沒有對生產系統的獨立監察的話,你同樣的問題會不斷髮生,不僅僅是奶粉,還有調味料、豬肉、雞肉,任何中國公司要出口到美國或其它國家的產品,你都會有這個問題,除非你有辦法監督生產線上每個人都守規矩。

Is there a U.S. link to Canadian E. coli outbreaks?

E. coli outbreaks in Halton, Niagara and Waterloo that have sickened hundreds have been linked by DNA tests showing they share the same rare genetic makeup. Public health officials are also investigating whether E. coli cases at the University of Guelph have the same DNA fingerprint. Of the cases linked in Ontario, 13 have been confirmed in the Niagara Region, three in Halton and two in Waterloo. Another 106 cases in Niagara and Halton are being investigated. In the United States, the genetic code recently showed up in five cases of the food-borne pathogen in Southern California, South Dakota and New Jersey.

Recall of Mars Petcare Dry Dog and Cat Food Products Associated with Human Salmonella Schwarzengrund Infections

OK, I know the economy is bad – but bad enough to eat pet food?

The CDC reported yesterday that as early as May 16, 2008, it reported on a 2006--2007 multistate outbreak of infection with Salmonella enterica serotype Schwarzengrund that was associated with dry dog food. At the time of that report, a total of 70 cases had been reported from 19 states, with the last case identified on October 1, 2007. Subsequently, an additional case was identified on December 29, 2007. Epidemiologic and environmental investigations suggested the source of the outbreak was dry pet food produced by one manufacturer, Mars Petcare US. In 2008, eight more cases were reported, bringing the total number of cases in the outbreak to 79. On September 12, 2008, the company announced a nationwide voluntary recall of all dry dog and cat food products produced during a 5-month period at one Pennsylvania plant.

During 2006--2007, CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and multiple state health departments investigated reports to PulseNet† of persons infected with a strain of S. Schwarzengrund with an indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern. Investigators initially identified 70 cases, mostly in children. As a result of these findings, on August 21, 2007, Mars Petcare US announced voluntary recalls of selected sized bags of two brands of dry dog food, both manufactured by the company at its plant in Everson, Pennsylvania. The recall was based on microbiologic testing by FDA, which found unopened bags of the two brands contaminated with the outbreak strain. The Everson, Pennsylvania, facility ceased operations during July--November 2007 to enable cleaning, disinfection, and renovation, and resumed normal operations in mid-November 2007.

Despite the 2007 recall, the outbreak strain of S. Schwarzengrund was isolated from eight more ill persons during January--October 2008, bringing the total number of cases to 79 in 21 states. The last reported specimen collection date was September 18, 2008.

After additional outbreak-linked illnesses were identified in 2008, FDA conducted another investigation. In August 2008, FDA found the outbreak strain of S. Schwarzengrund in multiple brands of finished product at the plant, prompting another recall of products by Mars Petcare US. On September 12, the company announced a nationwide voluntary recall of all dry dog and cat food products produced at the Everson plant from February 18 to July 29, 2008, when production again was suspended at the plant. In addition, Mars Petcare US has taken steps to ensure that recalled products are no longer on store shelves. On October 1, the company announced that the Everson plant would be closed permanently.

Evergreen Colorado E. coli Outbreak Linked To Elk Droppings

Investigators from the Colorado Department of Health reported today that the outbreak of E. coli among eight children in the Evergreen area may be linked to elk droppings.  Specimens obtained from elk droppings in the mountain region have tested positive for the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 bacteria that was identified in the children, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said.

The children who have been sickened are between 4 and 12 years old.  Of the eight cases, six are children in Jefferson County, one in Clear Creek County and one in Park County. The children's illness were reported sporadically throughout the summer and early fall, beginning in July and most recently in late October, the state health department said.  Most of the ill children had exposure to elk droppings while playing outdoors at parks or around their homes, Miller said.

20 Sickened by Salmonella at Plainville's Nature's Fare Restaurant in Cicero New York

The Onondaga County Health Department reports that 20 cases of Salmonella, scattered from late August through October 19, have been linked to Plainville's Nature's Fare Restaurant.  Several of those sick were hospitalized.  As of Thursday afternoon, the restaurant shut down, and will stay closed for a week.  Owner Mark Bitz says it will give them time to clean the place top to bottom, test their employees, and also give the restaurant a chance to review its practices.  "It's hard to know -- we may never know the exact source, but certainly all steps being taken by the facility are going to ensure this isn't going to happen again," says Onondaga County health commissioner Dr. Cynthia Morrow.

8 E. coli Cases Reported In Evergreen Colorado Area

Eight children, between the ages of 4 and 12, have tested positive for the same Escherichia coli bacteria but officials don't know the connection.  The children live, or have been, in the Evergreen area but don't attend the same school.  Two of the children remain hospitalized as a result of infections from the potentially deadly bacteria.  State and County health officials are investigating deer or elk droppings, along with other behaviors in the Evergreen area where the children might have all come in contact.  The first infection case involving the E. coli O157: H7 strain was reported in July and the last case was reported on Oct. 22, health officials said.

E. coli Cases Linked to Petting Zoo (Again) in North Carolina

Cases of confirmed E. coli contamination have authorities looking at a Pitt County petting zoo as a possible source.  The Pitt County Health Department tells WITN News that the petting zoo in question is located at Briley's Farms on Highway 264.  The Beaufort County Health Department says two children infected with E. coli visited the same zoo and the Pitt County health authorities shut down the that portion of Briley's as a precaution. The other parts of Briley's are not effected,  Beaufort County says it is working with health care providers to identify and test additional suspected cases.

This should not come as a surprise.  E. coli outbreaks have been linked to petting zoos for years.  See, Known Cases of Zoonotic Pathogen Outbreaks Associated with State and County Fairs, Petting Zoos, and Community Activities Involving Human-Animal Contact

E. coli Sickens 2 San Diego Children - Six Sick in Illinois and Iowa

With E. coli illnesses in nearly every state being reported over the last month, it comes as no surprise that California is getting hit again.  Health officials say two San Diego County elementary school children have been sickened by E. coli.  The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency said Wednesday that the girls, ages 7 and 9, have been hospitalized and are expected to recover.  The agency says both girls attend Carmel Creek Elementary School, near the city of Del Mar.  Public health officer Wilma Wooten says the school has not been named as the source of the bacteria, but school staff are cooperating with their investigation.

In Illinois and Iowa there are now six confirmed cases of E. coli in the Tri-States, and a source might have been discovered among the ones in Southeast Iowa.  According to the Burlington Hawkeye, late last week, the Des Moines County and Lee County Health Departments each confirmed another infection.  That puts the C. coli case count at three in Lee County, two in Des Moines County, and one in Hancock County.  Yesterday, the Hancock County Health Department released a statement saying their case was unrelated to the recent Iowa infections. The Hawkeye reports that sources close to the Iowa cases believe that unpasteurized apple cider caused children to become sick.

Illinois E. coli cases Possibly Linked to Iowa Cases - Four Ill and One Death

According to press reports, Hancock County Illinois Health Department learned from the Illinois Department of Public Health that lab results confirmed the existence of the E. coli O157:H7 bacteria in a case reported as "possible" last week. Confirmation of the case brings the tally of E. coli 0157:H7 cases in the area up to four, including two confirmed in Lee County last week and one confirmed in Des Moines County on Monday. The source of contamination, or whether the cases are connected, remains undetermined at this time.

With outbreaks in Washington, Vermont, Colorado, Michigan and Illinois in the past few weeks, my guess is that this Iowa/Illinois outbreak will be determined.

Iowa Health Officials Report Third Case of E. coli

Southeast Iowa health officials have confirmed a third case of a virulent type of E. coli in the region.  The latest case involving the bacteria was confirmed Monday by the Des Moines County Health Department. In Lee County last week, health officials confirmed two cases (one being a death).  The Iowa Department of Public Health says it has not determined the source of the illnesses.  Across the border in Hancock County, Ill., another possible case of E. coli was reported last Wednesday, but remained unconfirmed by state health officials.

Snohomish Health District confirms that E. coli cases now at 14

According to the Seattle Times, fourteen unconfirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 contamination are being investigated by the Snohomish Health District. Suzanne Pate, district spokeswoman, said the district's nurses noted two cases last week and on Friday asked Snohomish County physicians to do further testing if patients came in with bloody diarrhea for at least two days, symptoms of E. coli. By noon today, medical professionals in the county had reported a total of 14 cases, none which had been confirmed by additional testing, which can take several days.

In addition to the 14 sick in Washington, 1en are sick in Vermont, traced to contaminated beef, and an outbreak in Ontario, Canada has made at least 159 ill.  In September, an outbreak that sickened more than 45 people in Michigan, Illinois, and Canada was traced to contaminated lettuce.  Also in September, 17 illnesses in Colorado were traced to a restaurant, but no ingredient has yet been targeted as the culprit.  And this is the off-season.

“We usually see E. coli outbreaks spike in the summer,” said Seattle food borne illness attorney William Marler.  “A surge of outbreaks like this in the fall— in widely different areas and carried by different vehicles— is very unusual, and very alarming.

E. coli is often contracted by consuming food or beverage that has been contaminated by animal (especially cattle) manure.  Data from the Centers for Disease Control show that over the last 12 years, twenty-two E. coli outbreaks have been traced specifically to leafy greens, including the spinach outbreak in 2006, which made more than 200 ill and caused four deaths.  E. coli outbreaks traced to beef—often but not always ground beef—have been on a sharp uptick since the spring of 2007.  In a little over a year and a half, more than 40 million pounds of contaminated beef has been recalled. 

“Twenty million tons of beef containing a pathogen that can cause serious illness and even death—that’s just a staggering figure.” continued Marler.  And it’s even worse when you put it up against the total recall number for 2006 – just over 180,000 pounds.  The next president is going to have some monumental tasks ahead of him when he takes office, and I can tell you that there are at least 14 people in Washington – 15 if you count me—who feel that food safety needs to be one of them.” 

E. coli Outbreak Hits Snohomish County Washington

Sharon Salyer of the Everett Herald Writer reports that the Snohomish Health District is investigating at least six confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7.   She reported that Dr. Gary Goldbaum, health officer, said Friday evening that while at least six cases have been confirmed, health officials still don't know what caused people to become ill.

For readers of my blog, and those who have been following E. coli outbreaks tied to meat or lettuce in Vermont, Colorado, Michigan, Illinois or Canada, another outbreak this month does not seem too surprising.

E. coli Outbreak Linked to Vermont Slaughterhouse

Contaminated ground beef that sickened at least 10 people in Vermont has been traced to the Vermont Livestock, Slaughter and Processing Co. in Ferrisburgh, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Thursday. The USDA has recalled more than a ton of ground beef processed at the plant and distributed to restaurants, food services and institutions in Vermont and Plattsburgh, N.Y., the USDA said.

The 2,758 pounds of ground beef subject to the recall was shipped in 5-pound packages labeled VT BURGER CO GROUND BEEF. They carry the number EST 9558 inside the USDA mark of inspection and a lot code of 090508A, 090808A, 091208A, 091908A or 092208A. The products were shipped two packages per box and were produced on Sept. 5, 8, 12, 19 and 22. The problem was discovered through a joint investigation with the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service and the state Health Department.

Is there a link to this outbreak in Canada?  Vermont is certainly not that far away.

Up to 93 possible E. coli cases in Ontario linked to Harvey's as outbreak spreads

As I said in a press release today:

"In the last year and a half, the American meat industry has been in a spiral of recalls," said food safety advocate and attorney William Marler. "More than 40 million pounds of meat tainted with E. coli O157:H7 has been publicly recalled, up by a factor of two hundred from the 2006 amount of 181,900 pounds. This is a very dangerous and completely unacceptable level of contaminated beef making its way to consumers."

In more than thirty recalls ranging from a few hundred to millions of pounds, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has deemed E. coli contaminated meat a class one health hazard to consumers. (A class I recall involves a health hazard situation in which there is a reasonable probability that eating the food will cause health problems or death.)

"There are many theories as to why there has been such an unprecedented jump in E. coli," said Marler. "It could be regulatory complacency, better reporting, or immigration sweeps that have left slaughterhouses empty of skilled workers. Global warming may be spreading fecal dust and/or high oil prices may have led to an E. coli-producing diet for cattle. The microbe itself may even be evolving to elude capture. These ideas need investigation and research, so that real change can begin."

10 Vermont People Sickened by E. coli Tainted Beef Served at Restaurants

According to Vermont Press reports, the number of E. coli cases in Vermont has reached nine, with a 10th case suspected. In a Press Release the Vermont Department of Health officials offered little specific information on the outbreak, saying only that it had been linked to ground beef served at three Vermont (UNNAMED) restaurants and most of the people infected lived in Chittenden County. 

“Our laboratory results tell us that each person became ill from the same source,” said Deputy State Epidemiologist Susan Schoenfeld. “And our epidemiology investigation has found that source to be ground beef that was contaminated before it was distributed to, prepared, and served at a few restaurants in Vermont.” 

While people are sickened in Vermont another restaurant E. coli outbreak hits in Canada.  The Globe and Mail reports – “More will fall ill in E. coli outbreak, officials warn, after more than 50 customers sickened, health officials close fast-food outlet.”  This E. coli outbreak may have sickened more than 50 people who ate at an Ontario Harvey's restaurant.  Fourteen people were confirmed to have fallen ill from E. coli O157:H7 bacteria after eating at a North Bay Harvey's franchise.  Another 38 illnesses linked to the same restaurant are under investigation to determine whether they are the result of E. coli contamination.  But health officials fear that number could climb significantly because it can take several days for people to feel ill after coming in contact with E. coli.

Are these two outbreaks linked?

Sarah Palin Needed in Alaska to Shoot Campylobacter Cranes Pooping on Peas

I would like to give a "shout-out" to our gun-totting, Caribou Barbie, Governor from our somewhat neighboring state (they can see Russia - we can only see Canada) that she is needed back North with gun in hand.  The Anchorage Daily News reported that federal public health officials have confirmed a link between peas grown on a Palmer farm this summer with a bacterial outbreak that made 99 people sick.  Laboratory findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta determined that the outbreak of Campylobacter diarrhea can be traced to eating uncooked peas that came from a field frequented by sandhill cranes.  Droppings from the cranes most likely contaminated the peas, said Dr. Tracie Gardner, an epidemiologist with the Alaska Division of Public Health.  These cranes have clearly been "palin' around with terrorists" and need to be shot.  I'll "betcha" you can shoot them from a plane.

First Lawsuit Filed in China Over Infant's Melamine Milk Death

I am humbled to see Chinese lawyers standing up for the victims of this melamine tragedy despite being pressured to walk away.

The family of a baby whose death has been blamed on toxic milk filed suit against one of China's largest dairies, while another dairy ensnared in the scandal said it was a victim of unscrupulous subcontractors. The lawsuit filed Monday against Shijiazhuang Sanlu Group Co. was over the May 1 death of 6-month-old Yi Kaixuan in the northwestern city of Lanzhou, the family's lawyer said. It is the first to be filed over a child who died from drinking the tainted milk and asks for almost US$160,000 in damages.

The Yi family's lawyer, Dong Junming, said he turned the lawsuit in at Lanzhou's No. 2 Intermediate People's Court where clerks told him they would notify him Tuesday as to whether it would be accepted. At least two other lawsuits have been filed against Sanlu - the company at the center of the uproar - in recent weeks by parents of children suffering from kidney stones. It is not clear if courts will allow these suits to progress.

Another Kansas Child Dies of E. coli - Is There a Connection?

Wesley Medical Center has confirmed two kids have died at the hospital due to E. coli contamination in the last few days.  No connection or sad coincidence?

Recently, the mayor of Liberal, Kansas said that 18-month-old Tanner Strickland, died last week. His brother was also contaminated, but has been released.  The medical centart announced that the other child, from Matfield Green in Chase County, has  died from E. coli over the weekend.

According to the CDC, E. coli is a common kind of bacteria that lives in the intestines of animals and people. There are many strains of E. coli. Most are harmless. However, one dangerous strain is called E. coli O157:H7. It produces a powerful poison. You can become very sick if it gets into your food or water.

In 1999 it was estimated that about 73,000 people in the U.S. got sick each year from E. coli. About 60 died. It’s believed that the number of illnesses and deaths has been dropping since then.  Little solace for two grieving families.

Ground beef suspected in Vermont E. coli cases - Toddler in Liberal, Kansas, Tanner Strickland, dies of E. coli; brother still sick

Eight people have been diagnosed with food-borne illnesses possibly linked to undercooked ground beef.  Health officials say none of people sickened required hospitalization.  The E. coli bacteria cases were reported in Chittenden and Washington counties and by a visitor who had traveled the state.

Liberal, Kansas Mayor Joe Denoyer said an 18-month-old Liberal boy has died from an E. coli infection and the toddler's brother is recovering from the disease.  Denoyer said Tanner Edgar Strickland died Wednesday at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita and his brother is listed as stable.  Mayor Joe Denoyer said an 18-month-old Liberal boy has died from an E. coli infection and the toddler's brother is recovering from the disease.  Denoyer said Tanner Edgar Strickland died Wednesday at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita and his brother is listed as stable.

FDA: "Dear Colleague" Letter to the United States Food Manufacturing Industry Regarding Melamine

Better late than never:

This letter is intended to ensure that members of the United States food manufacturing industry are aware of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) serious concern about the possibility that foods or food ingredients produced in China and exported to the United States may be contaminated with melamine or its analogues. FDA has information indicating that melamine and its analogues have been added to milk produced in China and that milk contaminated in such a fashion has been used to manufacture infant formulas and other dairy-based products. As of this writing, Chinese authorities are reporting that in China approximately 53,000 infants have suffered illnesses, with 13,000 hospitalizations and four deaths. Approximately 158 of the victims thus far have suffered acute kidney failure. Chinese authorities have disclosed that, in addition to discovering contaminated infant formulas, melamine has been discovered in 24 of 1202 samples of milk and yogurt. There is little information at this stage to determine when the contamination might have begun or how widespread the contamination might be. However, Chinese authorities report that melamine was found in infant formula, milk, yogurt, and ice cream manufactured by 22 companies in China. The Chinese investigation into this matter is ongoing.

Milk and milk products that could originate from China include condensed, dried, and non-fat milk, condensed and dried whey, lactose powder, permeate powder, demineralized and partially demineralized whey powders, caseins, yogurt, ice cream, cheese, whey protein concentrate, and milk protein concentrate.

In light of current circumstances, there are several useful steps to help protect the public health available to manufacturers of products containing milk-derived ingredients, including the following:

* Know the precise origin of each milk-derived ingredient. For example, milk-derived ingredients that are sourced from countries other than China could actually originate from China.

* Determine that milk-derived ingredients originating from China are free of melamine and its analogues prior to usage.

* For food manufactured in the last twelve months which might still be on the shelf at retail or in stock elsewhere, determine whether the food might contain any milk-derived ingredients from China. If any such foods exist, verify that they do not contain melamine or its analogues.

In addition, it would be useful for manufacturers to be alert to the possibility that non-milk-derived ingredients from China that are or may be sold on the basis of protein content, such as soy protein, also could be contaminated with melamine.

Should firms decide to recall any of their products because of the presence of melamine, please follow FDA's guidelines in 21 CFR Part 7 Subpart C. We encourage you to communicate any concerns to your local FDA district office.

A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as well as a liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for determining melamine and its analogues is available at the following link to the FDA website:  http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/melamine.html#testing.

If you have any questions regarding this letter, you may contact John F. Sheehan, J.D. at (301)436-2367 or Benson M. Silverman, M.D. (301)436-1459.

Tri-Tips Linked to California E. coli Outbreak

Butte County health officials announced today that leftover frozen tainted tri-tip, that sickened at least 27 people, tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.  The bacteria in the meat perfectly matches (by PFGE genetic fingerprint) the bacteria found in stool samples taken from several people who became ill.

Salmonella I4,12:i:- in Milford Valley Farms Chicken Cordon Bleu Sickens 32 in 12 States

The government is urging consumers to thoroughly cook frozen chicken dinners after 32 people in 12 states were sickened with salmonella food poisoning.  The health warning by the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited frozen dishes in which the chicken is raw, but breaded or pre-browned, giving the appearance of being cooked.  They include Milford Valley Farms "chicken cordon bleu," "chicken Kiev," or chicken breasts stuffed with cheese, vegetables or other items.   This is the sixth outbreak in recent years according to the Minnesota Department of Health.  USDA said many of the people who became ill apparently did not follow the package's cooking instructions and microwaved the chicken dishes even though the instructions did not provide for it.  Microwaving didn't heat the meals enough to kill the salmonella.

Of course the folks at www.barfblog.com have all the information on past outbreaks of these products:

Aunt Mid's Ships E. coli Lettuce to Canada and Sickens Two

Ontario's top doctor has issued a public alert concerning two E. coli cases thought to be linked to iceberg lettuce distributed in the province.  Dr. David Williams issued the warning Friday night saying two E. coli cases in the Chatham-Kent area are linked to the illnesses identified in 38 cases in the U.S.  All of the cases are thought to come from shredded iceberg lettuce distributed by Aunt Mid's Produce Company.  The release says the lettuce, which is distributed in five pound industrial bags, may have been used at institutions such as hospitals and long-term care homes, as well as restaurants in southwestern Ontario.

Salmonella I4,12:i:- in Milford Valley Farms Chicken Cordon Bleu lead to illnesses in Minnesota - Team Diarrhea Solves the Mystery - Again

Fourteen cases of salmonellosis reported in Minnesota since July have been linked to raw frozen chicken entrees, the Minnesota Department of Health said today.   The products include breaded and pre-browned Chicken Kiev and Chicken Cordon Bleu made by Milford Valley Farms.  The affected Chicken Cordon Blue products have code dates of C8121, C126 and C8133 printed on the side of the package.  The implicated Chicken Kiev carries the date code C149.  This is the sixth outbreak of salmonella in the state that has been linked to these products since 1998, the Health Department said.  This is not the first time that this has happened - See Link.
 

Aunt Mid's Produce Should Disclose Supplier of E. coli Tainted Lettuce

At least 40 confirmed cases of the infection with the highly toxic pathogen E. coli O157:H7 have been linked to commercial bagged lettuce distributed by Aunt Mid’s Produce, but the Detroit-based company refuses to name the supplier of the contaminated product. Thirty of the illnesses are in Michigan; the others have been documented in Illinois, Ohio, New York, and Oregon.

“Food borne illnesses are often difficult to trace, as we saw this summer with the tomato-pepper Salmonella outbreak,” said food safety advocate and attorney William Marler. “You want to get to the source as quickly as possible in order to stop the flow of contaminated produce and alert those who might have it in hand to discard or return it. In this case, we have a trail leading directly to the door of the distributor—Aunt Mid’s Produce—and they’re blocking the trail there. Not revealing the source of the contaminated lettuce means that there could be other contamination—in fields or in the supply chain—which is not being stopped. It’s completely irresponsible and should be illegal.”

E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks associated with leafy greens are not a new phenomenon. The FDA has reported that in the last 12 years, twenty-two E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks linked to consumption of contaminated leafy greens have made more than 700 consumers ill. Marler recently released a history of leafy greens and E. coli documenting the outbreaks.

“It’s bad enough that they refuse to name their source,” continued Marler. “But on their website, they go so far as to say that no contamination has been found in their products. This claim is disingenuous at best, reflecting tests done on other product in hand. The link to Aunt Mid’s is clear, and so is their responsibility to the consumer—to reveal where the tainted lettuce originated, so that testing can pinpoint the source, and it can be stopped. Lettuce is highly perishable; every day that passes means information lost.”

University of Colorado Sorority Hit with E. coli Bug

Public Health Officials Investigating wave of E. coli cases

Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) is currently investigating a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 infections associated with students attending the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU). Since September 23rd, BCPH has investigated eight related cases.

Initial investigations indicate that on-campus dining is not related to the illness. BCPH staff is working closely with CU and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to identify the source of the outbreak and any additional cases among students and the public.  According to the Daily Camera, Initial investigations showed that on-campus dining isn't related to the outbreak, but health officials are still trying to identify the source. Of the eight cases, seven are CU students and one is a sorority adviser. Most of the affected students are members of the same sorority, which CU officials declined to name.

There have been recent E. coli outbreaks traced to steaks and lettuce.

The Haphazard Gourmet Girl is the New FDA

Melamine-tainted milk powder has contaminated products world-wide, from infant formula, cookies, tea, and candies.  The contamination has been blamed for the deaths of four children and kidney ailments among 54,000 others.  More than 13,000 children have been hospitalized, over 1,400 with kidney failure.  There have been four deaths.  And guess what?  The tainted powder can be found in food on store shelves in the US.  No recall?

As our government spends $700,000,000,000 on Wall Street, I guess it simply does not have the time nor the money to protect us from an industrial chemical blamed for sickening thousands of infants in China? Go figure.  Where is the FDA and our famous “food czar?”  My guess is they are all watching the stock market and their government retirements flush down the food safety toilet.

Were governments world-wide are pulling products containing the milk powder, the FDA could not be bothered.   Leave it to our new Superhero, “Eddie, the Haphazard Gourmet Girl” to swing into action when the FDA could not be bothered (lycra suit?).   She and her photographer did what the FDA seems incapable to do – take this stuff of store shelves before children eat it.   She first blogged about it a few days ago and then she made made FOX TV 11 in Los Angeles (click here or on picture on right).  FDA, where are you?

For those who forget, melamine, which is high in nitrogen, is used to make plastics and fertilizers and experts say some amount of the chemical may be transferred from the environment during food processing.  But in China's case, suppliers trying to boost output are believed to have diluted their milk, adding melamine because its nitrogen content can fool tests aimed at verifying protein content.  And remember this:

December 2007 - Sanlu Fonterra had first received complaints about its powdered baby formula.

March 2008 - Sanlu Fonterra had hired private companies to test its milk powder for contaminants.  Sanlu Fonterra never issued any public warnings and never stopped promoting its products.

May 18 - After the devastating earthquake in Sichuan Province, the Sanlu Fonterra made a much-publicized donation of $1.25 million worth of baby formula for infants orphaned or displaced by the catastrophe.

June 30 - A mother in Hunan Province had written a detailed letter pleading for help from the food quality agency, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (organization that sponsored the Food Safety Conference I attended).  The letter, posted on the agency’s Web site, described rising numbers of infants at a local children’s hospital who were suffering from kidney stones after drinking powdered formula made by Sanlu Fonterra.  The watchdog agency's director, Li Changjiang, and several Communist Party officials in Hebei province, where Sanlu Fonterra is based, lost their jobs.

August 2 - Sanlu Fonterra officials informed the board about the melamine problem.

September - The New Zealand government, after discussions with Fonterra executives, contacted authorities in Beijing.  Beijing officials say they knew nothing about the scandal until September, though a Fonterra company spokesman said the company believed the central government knew in August.

September 9 – Recall announced.

September 29 - FDA does nothing, but the Haphazard Gourmet Girl swings into action.

Export Marler to China and Export E. coli Lettuce to Canada

Although still not quite in the right time zone, I was able to get a few lawsuits filed in the US, but still thinking how I might help the US Balance of Trade Deficit with China, by exporting a few lawsuits as well.  It seems, however, that US Industry has beat me to Canada.  The bagged and shredded lettuce the hospital used to make chopped salad for patients came from the same company (Aunt Mid's) that is believed to have distributed tainted lettuce in Michigan, Windsor-Essex County Medical Officer of Health Dr. Allen Heimann said at a news conference.

There were no confirmed E. coli cases on Wednesday, but health officials are asking anyone who was a patient at Met hospital between September. 9 and 12, who ate chopped salad there and is experiencing diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting - common symptoms of an E. coli infection - to see a doctor right away.  The hospital hopes to have by Friday a complete list of every patient who ate salad at the hospital during that time and has pledged to contact each one.  As many as 164 patients ate the possibly tainted lettuce, hospital officials said.

In the US, Michigan now confirms that there are now four cases in Kent County, nine cases at Michigan State University, five cases at the Lenawee County Jail, three cases in Washtenaw County- all of which are University of Michigan students- four cases in Wayne County, five in Macomb County and one case in Clare and Oakland Counties.  Of those cases, 13 have been hospitalized.  That is not counting the cases in Illinois, Ohio, New York and Oregon.

OK, so why is Aunt Mid's not telling us who supplied the lettuce?  My sources say it may well not be Michigan, the Central Valley of California, nor the Salinas Valley that are the source of the tainted-lettuce.  So, who is left?  FDA Food Czar, where are you?  Aunt Mid's, what you need is a nice lawsuit to get to the bottom of who supplied you the lettuce and got you into this pickle, Errrr, tossed salad.

It Is Not Just Chinese Companies That Kill Its Citizen Customers - Canada's Maple Leaf Has Now Killed 20 With Listeria

The number of deaths from a listeriosis outbreak that has been linked to a Maple Leaf Foods plant in Toronto has reached 20.  The Public Health Agency of Canada says the latest death occurred in Ontario, where 15 of the deaths have been reported.  Two deaths occurred in B.C., with one each in Alberta, Quebec and New Brunswick.  The health agency says six other deaths remain under investigation, all in Ontario.  The Maple Leaf Foods plant in Toronto where the Listeria bacterium was found deep inside slicing equipment reopened four weeks after being closed August 20.

Well, at least Canada has a functioning free press to report on this and a legal system that allows its citizens to seek compensation for illnesses and deaths.  Holding companies accountable through the press and the legal system is the only way that we can make them change thier behavior.

Governor Schwarzenegger Veto's SB 201 - The Raw Milk Bill is Dead

On August 21, 2008 I urged Governor Schwarzenegger to Veto SB 201. I learned a few moments ago that the Governor did just that.  Makes a life long Democrat think about switching to the other team.  Hopefully, the Senators will reconsider the bill and review some of the ideas I had outlined in a letter to them that I posted here on August 27, 2008.

Sometimes politicians do the right thing.  Here is the "Governator's" veto letter:

To the Members of the California State Senate:

I am returning Senate Bill 201 without my signature.

This bill weakens food safety standards in California, something I cannot support.

Last year I signed AB 1735, which passed the Legislature unanimously and put into law food safety standards for raw milk. Those standards are now in question by the proponents of this bill. Looking past the lobbying techniques, public relations campaign, and legal maneuvering in the courts, one conclusion is inescapably clear: the standard in place has kept harmful products off the shelves and California’s raw milk dairies have been operating successfully under it for the entirety of 2008.

Based on fears with no basis in fact, the proponents of SB 201 seek to replace California’s unambiguous food safety standards for raw milk. Instead they have created a convoluted and undefined regulatory process with no enforcement authority or clear standards to protect public health.

For these reasons, I cannot support this measure.

Sincerely,

 

Arnold Schwarzenegger

 

See Senator Florez's response:

Continue Reading...

Chinese Parents File Melamine Milk Lawsuit - Other Lawyers Urged to Quit Helping Victims

The Wall Street Journal reported a few moments ago that the parents of a 1-year-old boy sickened by tainted milk powder filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer, Sanlu, in what appears to be the first challenge to official efforts to keep the scandal out of China's courts. The suit was filed last week against dairy company Shijiazhuang Sanlu Group Co., but has yet to be accepted by the court. As is common in China, the filing isn't publicly available.

The family's attorneys, Zhang Xingkuan and Ji Cheng of Beijing's Deheng Law Office, declined to disclose the names of their clients. Mr. Zhang said they are seeking compensation of 150,000 yuan ($21,900) to cover hospital fees, travel expenses, time off from work and other costs. The attorney said that the parents claim the boy developed kidney stones from drinking Sanlu, and that they had more than 90 empty bags of Sanlu milk powder their son had consumed as proof.

The Sanlu lawsuit comes as some lawyers who offered to assist families of sickened children report being pressured to stay away from the issue. Beijing lawyer Li Fangping (who I met with last Saturday), who organized a group of over 120 volunteer lawyers around China to provide free legal advice to families affected by tainted milk, said he has received numerous calls from lawyers in the volunteer network who said they are facing pressure from local officials to refrain from getting involved.  For more interviews with Mr. Li Fangping see:

Advice to Chinese Parents -- 'Gather Evidence'

China milk victim lawyers say pressed to quit

E. coli Cases in Michigan, Illinois, New York, Oregon and Ohio Linked to Aunt Mid's Climbs to 40 - Aunt Mid's Refuses to Name Suppliers

The number of confirmed E. coli sickness cases continues to climb in Michigan. The Michigan State Department of Community Health says 30 cases with the same DNA fingerprinting have been identified. Some of the cases are from Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and the Lenawee County Jail. Other cases are in St. Clair County, Wayne County, Macomb County, Oakland County and Kent County.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday informed the state health department that other states have E. coli cases with the same genetic link as the 30 in Michigan, six Illinois, two in Ohio and one each in Oregon and New York.  Health officials say some of the recent cases might be associated with industrial-sized packages of iceberg lettuce sold to restaurants and institutions from Detroit-based Aunt Mid's Produce Company.

Dominic Riggio told The Packer that “Aunt Mid’s traceback program is capable of tracking products back to the grower, but he declined to say where the company sourced its iceberg lettuce. Until contamination is verified we don’t want to damage our growers the way we’ve been damaged, without proof, by the Michigan Department of Community Health,” he said.  Also, to date non of the Aunt Mid's products that is still availalbe to test has tested postive for E. coli according to Aunt Mid.

Cadbury, The Company that in 2006 Brought You a Salmonella Recall Considers Legal Action Against Sanlu and Fonterra - Too Bad the Sick Chinese Children do not Have the Same Recourse

In 2006 Cadbury withdrew a million chocolate bars, which were found to be contaminated with a rare strain of salmonella.  Now faced with another recall of its product, Cadbury says it will consider taking action against a manufacturer in China if some of its products are found to be contaminated with the chemical melamine.  The chocolate producer has withdrawn its Chinese-made chocolate over fears the sweets contain traces of the industrial substance.

At the same time Cadbury considers its options, what options do Chinese parents have against Sanlu and Fonterra for injuries caused by the products containing melamine?   So far, according to Chinese reports, those products have caused the deaths of four infants in China and have made 55,000 Chinese babies ill, some 14,000 still hospitalized.  This is assuming that we actually believe these number are really not a gross under-count.

Here is a thought, why do not all suppliers and manufacturers (like Cadbury) of melamine-tainted products put the legal and moral interests of the children before their own?  Why not see that all of the children sickened are cared for before you protect yourself?  All of this reminds me of the Op-ed I wrote last year - "What China Needs is a Few Good Lawyers."

Besides milk being recalled, now it is cookies too.  Also, Lipton Milk Tea is being recalled.  I think I need to do a blog post, "Poisoned Coffee, Tea or Me?"

At least 39 E. coli Cases in Michigan, Illinois, New York, Ohio and Oregon and the Count Likely Will Continues to Rise

The number of confirmed E. coli cases continues to climb in Michigan and Illinois.  Numbers from New York, Ohio and Oregon have yet to be counted.  At least 39 cases with the same DNA fingerprinting have been identified in five states.   In Michigan, some of the cases are at Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and the Lenawee County Jail.   Other cases are in St. Clair County, Wayne County, Macomb County, Oakland County and Kent County.  The Illinois Department of Public Health says at least five Illinois residents have been hospitalized after contracting E. coli between late August and mid-September.  Aunt Mid’s Produce Company supplied the lettuce.  Where the lettuce was grown is still a mystery.  Seems a bit odd that at this point Aunt Mid's has not announced who they bought the lettuce from and where it was grown.  Where is the FDA?  However, look at the number of outbreaks and the locations of where lettuce is grown.  My bet is the Salinas Valley.  However, as I said to the Salinas Californian:

Bill Marler, a Seattle-based attorney specializing in product litigation, said his office has been retained by some of the people sickened during the outbreak.

Marler said he doesn't know the source of the lettuce and likely won't until health officials complete their trace-back.

"At this point it's all speculation about where it's coming from," Marler said.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is warning of E. coli risks from iceberg lettuce distributed by Aunt Mid's

Health officials say at least five Illinois residents were hospitalized after contracting the bacteria between late August and mid-September. A sixth also was infected by E. coli.  All reportedly ate iceberg lettuce supplied by Detroit-based Aunt Mid's Produce Company. Officials say there's no evidence suggesting grocery store lettuce is affected.  Aunt Mid's says initial results of its processing facility show no contamination.  Michigan health officials issued a public health alert Friday after E. coli sickened 26 people. Some of those who got sick ate lettuce from Aunt Mid's.

See "History of E. coli and Leafy Greens."  The hunt is on in California's Salinas Valley for the grower and processor of Aunt Mid's iceberg lettuce.  Is it also possible that it was "locally" grown in Michigan?  Grown in the Central Valley of California?  I would expect an announcement this week.

FDA Updates Health Information Advisory on Melamine Contamination

Well, I left at 4:00 PM on Saturday from Beijing after a week, landing in Seattle at 12:00 PM on Saturday - don't ask.  While in the air, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began alerting consumers that seven Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products are being recalled by the Taiwanese company, King Car Food Industrial Co. Ltd., due to possible contamination with melamine. King Car Food Industrial Co. used a non-dairy creamer manufactured by Shandong Duqing Inc., China, which was found to be contaminated with melamine. The recalled products are:

Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Arabica Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Caramel Macchiato Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown French Vanilla Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Mandhling Blend instant Coffee (2-in-1)
Mr. Brown Milk Tea (3-in-1)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also alerted consumers that QFCO, Inc. recalled White Rabbit Candy Because of Possible Health Risk.  QFCO, Inc. of Burlingame, California is recalling White Rabbit Candy because it may be contaminated with Melamine.  Product was distributed to the states of CA, GA, HI, IL, MN, NY, OR, TX, WA through wholesale distributors to retail stores.

The White Rabbit Creamy Candy is sold in 8 or 16 oz packages. All other flavors of White Rabbit Candy, including Assorted (Chocolate, Coconut, and Coffee), Red Bean, Coffee, Corn, Lychee, Mango and Strawberry are sold in 7 oz. packages. All packaging has a logo of a white rabbit on the front with the words "White Rabbit".

Bigger news is what was Fonterra, the New Zealand Milk Company thinking when they took at 43% stake in Sanlu, Chinese milk giant owned by the Chinese gernment?  Most disturbing is the cover-up, perhaps as many as 10 months, that children were becoming sick from drinking melamine-tainted powered milk.  A leaked memo said: "anything to pacify victims and accept all they want to keep them silent for at least two years."  Or, at least through the Olympics.  Perhaps, what is needed is a good lawsuit against both Sanlu and Fonterra.  The victims should be compensated, but as important is getting to the bottom of why it happened, why the cover-up and what can been done to prevent such an outbreak in the future?

Aunt Mid's Produce Company E. coli-contaminated Lettuce Linked to Illnesses in Michigan, Illinois, New York, Ohio and Oregon

Although the source of bagged, chopped iceberg lettuce delivered to Aunt Mid's had yet to be identified. A good guess would be California this time of the year, specifically the Salinas Valley (See growing season data).  Aunt Mid's is ready to point the finger - from its website:

The health alert has identified Aunt Mid's as one of the wholesale processors who sold institutional-sized iceberg lettuce product to the establishments which served the affected persons. It is expected that other wholesale suppliers will also be identified as and when product traceback measures are finalized.

As I have said before, E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks associated with lettuce or spinach, specifically the "pre-washed" and "ready-to-eat" varieties sold under various brand and trade names, are by no means a new phenomenon. By way of illustration:

-- in October 2003, thirteen residents of a California retirement home were sickened, and two people died, after eating E. coli-contaminated, pre-washed spinach;

-- in September 2003, nearly forty patrons of a California restaurant chain fell ill after eating salads prepared with bagged, pre-washed lettuce; and

-- in July 2002, over fifty young women fell ill with E. coli O157:H7 at a dance camp after eating "pre-washed" lettuce, leaving several hospitalized and one with life-long kidney damage.

And this is just a small sampling of the twenty or more E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks since 1995 in which spinach or lettuce was the source.  Several more outbreaks linked to contaminated leafy-produce, including most recently the September 2005 Dole packaged lettuce outbreak, are identified in the chart below:

Aug. 1993 Salad Bar E. coli O157:H7 53 WA

July 1995 Lettuce (leafy green; red; romaine) E. coli O157:H7 70 MT

Sept. 1995 Lettuce (romaine) E. coli O157:H7 20 ID

Sept. 1995 Lettuce (iceberg) E. coli O157:H7 30 ME

Oct. 1995 Lettuce (iceberg; unconfirmed) E. coli O157:H7 11 OH

May-June 1996 Lettuce (mesclun; red leaf) E. coli O157:H7 61 CT, IL, NY

May 1998 Salad E. coli O157:H7 2 CA

Feb.-Mar. 1999 Lettuce (iceberg) E. coli O157:H7 72 NE

July-Aug. 2002 Lettuce (romaine) E. coli O157:H7 29 WA, ID

Oct. 2003-May 2004 Lettuce (mixed salad) E. coli O157:H7 57 CA

Apr. 2004 Spinach E. coli O157:H7 16 CA

Sep. 2005 Lettuce (romaine) E. coli O157:H7 32 MN, WI, OR

The most recent major E. coli outbreak tied to leafy greens was the Dole Spinach outbreak of 2006. This nationwide outbreak included 205 illnesses due to E. coli O157:H7 reported the CDC. This  included 31 cases of HUS, 102 hospitalizations, and 3 deaths. The FDA concluded that all the implicated spinach was traced back to Salinas Valley in California.  Another outbreak that sickened 10 occurred in May 2008 in the State of Washington. The illnesses were linked to bagged, Romaine lettuce (See complete list of leafy green outbreaks).

Aunt Mid's Produce Company E. coli Linked to Lettuce in Michigan Illnesses

The Michigan Department of Community Health is issuing a public health alert after dozens of cases of E. coli surfaced. It now appears the E. coli outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce that came from a wholesale distributor.

As a precautionary measure, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is issuing a public health alert due to illnesses from the 26 cases of E. coli strain O157:H7 that are thought to be associated with bagged, industrial-sized packages of iceberg lettuce sold through wholesale venues to restaurants and institutions.

There is no evidence that the bagged lettuce at grocery stores is affected.

Some of the 26 Michigan cases consumed shredded or chopped iceberg lettuce in restaurants or institutions purchased from Aunt Mid's Produce Company, a Detroit-based wholesale distributor; and other distributing outlets could be identified. Product trace back and additional tests results are still in progress.

Our top priority at the Michigan Department of Community Health is to protect the public, said Dr. Gregory Holzman, chief medical executive for MDCH.  We appreciate all of the assistance from Aunt Mid's. They have been very helpful in this investigation. We want to ensure that the public's health and well-being is protected. Even though the investigation is ongoing, available evidence is strongly pointing to iceberg lettuce.

The 26 genetically linked cases are present in eight Michigan counties including seven at Michigan State University (Ingham County), five inmates at the Lenawee County Jail, three students at the University of Michigan (Washtenaw County), four in Macomb County, three each in Wayne, two in Kent counties, and one each in St. Clair and Oakland counties. Of the E. coli O157:H7 cases that are genetically linked, 10 have been hospitalized. These linked cases range in age from 11 to 81 years old. Symptoms of these confirmed genetically linked E. coli patients began on Sept. 8. More confirmed cases could surface as the investigation continues

Melamine White Rabbit Candy Being Pulled From World Markets

World-wide, Food safety chiefs have ordered White Rabbit Creamy Candies to be taken off shelves amid fears they may be contaminated with poisonous plastic.   Dangerous levels of the melamine substance have been found in the White Rabbit Creamy Candies, sold in Asian and Chinese food stores, and now banned around the world.  The toxic plastic used in industry has been blamed for a health scare in China after powdered milk was contaminated causing the deaths of four infants and poisoning 50,000 more.

White Rabbit Creamy Candy is perhaps the best known brand of Chinese-made candy in China, and the only one to be marketed significantly outside of that country.  The product is manufactured in Shanghai by Shanghai Guan Sheng Yuan Food, Ltd. (上海冠生园食品有限公司; Shànghǎi Guānshēngyuán Shípǐn Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī).

Lest we forget that food safety is not just a China problem, in the USA we are having two E. coli outbreaks going in in California and Michigan.  Also, Tracie Cone wrote in “Report: FDA lax in oversight of produce industry”

The Food and Drug Administration's efforts to combat food-borne illness are hampered by infrequent inspections, not enough staff and the failure to implement a program devoted to the safety of fresh produce, according to congressional investigators. The Government Accountability Office draft report obtained Thursday by The Associated Press also said that only 1 percent of produce imported into the U.S. is inspected, and that the practice of mixing produce from several sources makes it hard to trace contamination.

A few weeks ago I spoke to the Monterey Herald on my view of the “leafy green” industry in “Ensuring food safety carries high price tag”

When it comes to food safety, there is no silver bullet, says Bill Marler, whose Seattle-based firm Marler Clark LLP specializes in representing victims of food safety illness against restaurants and food companies.

"Ultimately, it's not going to be one particular thing that allows the mass-produced produce to be sold and marketed," Marler said. "It'll be a combination: Where are the cows in relation to the field? Where are the flies? Ozone versus chlorine? Are we keeping things cold?"

For more quotes, see below:

Continue Reading...

Two gorillas have become the latest victims of China's toxic melamine milk-powder health scandal

Sanlu, now you have done it.  Two gorillas, both from Hangzhou Wildlife World in eastern Zhejiang province and aged one and three, had been diagnosed with crystallization in their urine, according Chinese media.  The news came with the revelation that Chinese officials, suppressing "bad news" during the Olympic games, had ordered a cover-up of the scandal.  

Sanlu Group, the company at the heart of the scandal, met with the government three times to explain the crisis, according to reports - but despite the warnings no recall notice was issued.   The two ill gorillas have joined more than 54,000 babies poisoned throughout the scandal so far.  Four have died.  Both gorillas had been fed with milk powder made by Sanlu.  The company has said the infants became sick after drinking milk contaminated by melamine, a compound used in making plastics and added to cheat nutrition tests.
 

Is it "third times the charm" or three strikes you're out" for Amarillo Salmonella IHOP?

The number has gone up again - now it's 26 cases of salmonella that the Amarillo City Health Department is investigating linked (again) to the IHOP on Western in Amarillo.  The IHOP will be closed (again) until the Health Department does its inspection.

The city says the investigation is already underway.  The health department is also taking lab samples of the restaurant, but those results won't be back until next week.  This is the third time in three months that this same restaurant has (again) closed its doors because of salmonella.

IHOP's slogan cleary needs to change from "Come Hungry, Leave Happy" to something else.  Suggestions?
 

China Food Safety Conference Begins and Ends on "Sour" Note

Well, my talk on why it is NOT a good idea to poison your customers was well attended.   I did get a chance to pitch the pros of the civil justice system as a way of giving consumers rights against companies who poison children.   I have been invited back to give a series of lectures to law schools.  I may just open a Beijing office yet.  Where should my office be - perhaps in the “pants?”

As we were wrapping things up at the conference, press reports started circulation that the list of countries that have banned or recalled Chinese dairy products or foods containing Chinese milk has grown to include Bangladesh, Brunei, Burundi, Canada, Colombia, France, Gabon, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Suriname and Taiwan.

Countries stepping up tests on products containing Chinese milk: United States, Australia and Netherlands.  The European Union, which prohibits import of Chinese dairy goods, encouraged members to check bread, chocolate and other products to ensure they do not contain compromised ingredients.

As I said to ABC correspondent Stephanie Sy:

"Clearly, you have to think about things from a moral perspective. There are [53,000] children sick," said Marler. "But you also think about it from an economic perspective. If this product had gotten into the United States, it would have been 'game over' for a lot of products in China."

Read full article – “Chinese Tainted Milk Company Accused Of Cover-Up”

With over 50,000 sickened, the companies responsible for selling this crap would face civil settlements and verdicts in the 100’s of millions of dollars if this product hits a country with a functioning judicial system.  If they knowingly sold contaminated product and covered it up, the companies could face punitive damages into the billions.  Unless Chinese companies clean up thier act, they are clearly going to loose market share and require a hell of a lot of insurance.

Looking for Melamine, Enterobacter sakazakii Bacteria Discovered in Sanlu Powdered Milk Formula

As if Sanlu does not have enough to worry about - A pathogenic bacterium has been found in milk powder that was also contaminated with melamine, according to a report in the Lanzhou Daily.  The report said that the Administration of Quality and Technology Supervision in Gansu Province issued an emergency notice on September 21, saying that Sanlu’s older and younger infant formulas contained enterobacter sakazakii as well as the toxic melamine.  Enterobacter sakazakii (E. sakazakii) is a gram-negative, non-spore-forming bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. It has previously been found in powdered infant formula around the world.  A 2007 World Health Organisation report, Microbiological Risk Assessment Series, No. 6, concluded "Intrinsic contamination of powdered formula with E. sakazakii can cause infection and illness in infants, including severe disease ... and death."

Enterobacter sakazakii is an uncommon, but often fatal, invasive pathogen that causes bloodstream and central nervous system infections.  The gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium is from the family Enterobacteriaceae – the same family that E. coli O157:H7 belongs to.

While E. sakazakii has caused disease in all age groups, it is likely that immunocompromised or medically debilitated infants are more susceptible to infections with E. sakazakii.  One contributing factor in infant cases could be that the stomach of newborns, especially of premature babies, is less acidic than that of adults.  Several outbreaks traced to contaminated infant formula have occurred in neonatal intensive care units worldwide.

27 E. coli Cases at MSU Linked to 8 More at UM and a County Jail

The same genetic strain of E. coli bacteria that sickened students at Michigan State University this month has been linked to at least eight other cases throughout Michigan, including one at the University of Michigan and five at the Lenawee County Jail.  The findings have led investigators to believe that the patients all got ill from ingesting the same contaminated food source.  So, what do two universities and a county jail have in common?

DNA fingerprinting for three MSU students matched those of patients who became sick from E. coli in Washtenaw, St. Clair, Wayne and Lenawee counties since September 8.  The Washtenaw County case was a UM student and the five in Lenawee County were inmates in the jail.
 

Firemen's Fundraiser May be Victim of E. coli Regulation Loopholes

Being in China watching the implosion of its Food Safety system, makes one think that China is the only problem in the food world - far from it.  As I have said before, although we need to be concerned about imports, US Corporations still do a great job of poisoning our own citizens.

As an example, Tri-tip beef served at a September 6 fundraiser for the local volunteer fire department has been cited as the probable cause of an outbreak of toxic E. coli O157:H7.  At least 18 have fallen ill, four of whom required hospitalization.  Many meat-related E. coli outbreaks are traced back to ground beef, but the fundraiser served tri-tip, which has its own, lesser known, history of problems.

Meat can become contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 in many ways.  There are some regulations in place to detect that contamination and prevent tainted meat from reaching the marketplace, but tri-tip beef can fall through a dangerous regulatory loophole.  Larger cuts of meat like tri-tips are sold as ‘intact meat’ even though they are intended to be cut into smaller pieces (like steaks or stew meat).  The meat industry claims that the USDA allows it to sell contaminated intact cuts of meat, but the Sizzler case illustrates E. coli O157:H7 regulations on intact meat are ill-defined, and that’s a recipe for contamination.   It makes no sense.

Needle-tenderizing meat is not in itself an unsafe practice, but it sure can be if you’re starting off with intact cuts contaminated with a deadly pathogen like E. coli O157:H7.  Basically, tenderizer is injected into the meat muscle. If there is E. coli on the surface, the needle can carry it inside, where only heat pasteurization can kill it.  Even if the surface of the meat is cleansed, that meat is still like a Trojan horse—an apparently harmless vehicle carrying deadly bacteria into personal and commercial kitchens.  And according to the meat industry, it’s legal.   We don’t yet know how the beef in this outbreak was contaminated—we may never know.  But we do know that the both the meat industry and the USDA need reform because only clearer, stricter regulations and better oversight can prevent these tragic illnesses.

And, don't forget the three-year-old who died of E. coli in Colorado.

What Would Mao Have Done?

It appears that Sanlu, the Chinese company whose tainted powered baby milk has sickened at least 53,000 children, failed to report complaints about the product since last December.  The government today has blamed tainted milk products for four deaths.  In addition, 12,892 children remain hospitalized with kidney problems and 104 of them in serious condition.  According to other reports, several other milk products, including baby milk from Yili and Nestles, may also be tainted.

On our way back from the Great Wall today (lead by our great guide Wang He - “Mike”), we stopped into a small village, Bei Shi Cao Cun, and I was able to buy Yili’s and Nestle’s baby milk.  Sanlu's shelf was empty.  So, what would Mao have done to have prevented this crisis?  Mao once said:

“If we have shortcomings, we are not afraid to have them pointed out and criticized, because we serve the people. Anyone, no matter who, may point out our shortcomings. If he is right, we will correct them. If what he proposes will benefit the people, we will act upon it.”

Perhaps it is time to pay a bit more attention to the Chairman?

So far China's product-safety watchdog chief, Li Changjiang has resigned.  Also fired were Wu Xianguo, the top Communist official in Shijiazhuang and the city's mayor and several other government officials.   To date, 18 people have been arrested, including the sacked head of Sanlu Group, with dozens detained for questioning.

But, wi