Marler Blog : Food Poisoning Lawyer & Attorney : Bill Marler : Marler Clark

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.

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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):

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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

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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?

 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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:

Continue Reading...

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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.

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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:

Continue Reading...

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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:

Continue Reading...

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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:

Continue Reading...

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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."

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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?

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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%).

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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.

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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:

Continue Reading...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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).

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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.

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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:

Continue Reading...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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

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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?

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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.

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Interesting reading - just click to download.

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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.

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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

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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According to AP, as they say, the knoose tightens.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.