Food Safety: Outbreak Report

Center for Science in the Public Interest


Outbreaks & Recalls

Outbreak: Salmonella typhimurium

Recall:   Peanut batter by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), King Nut            Companies of Solon, Ohio;
Kellogg Co (K.N) said on Wednesday it was removing its Austin and Keebler branded peanut butter snacks

Status: On going as of January 14, 2009
Illnesses: 430
Death: 5
States Affected: 43 States
Outbreak Initiated: September, 2008
Recall initiated: January 13, 2009

Salmonella typhimurium: source unknown

Status: On going as of January 8, 2009
Illnesses: 388
Death: 0
States Affected: 42 States
Outbreak Initiated: September, 2008

Recall: Chinese Infant Formula, liquid milk, ice cream, yogurt, other dairy

Status: Ongoing
Illnesses: No reports of illnesses in the U.S.
States Affected: The People’s Republic of China
Recall Initiated: Sept.11, 2008
Distribution: Nationwide

  • The Food and Drug Administration urged U.S. consumers to avoid all infant formula from China, after several brands sold in that country were found to be contaminated with melamine, a chemical used in making plastics. There have been no reports of illnesses in the U.S.
  • Tainted baby formula has sickened 53,000 infants and implicated the biggest dairy producers in the country.
  • Formula from 22 dairy producers was tainted with the substance.
  • China's health ministry said three babies died after ingesting Sanlu formula, although state media reported four deaths. On Sunday, the ministry said 12,892 infants were hospitalized with kidney problems.
  • Sanlu, 43 percent owned by New Zealand's Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd., apologized to consumers and promised to recall all milk powder produced before Aug. 6.
  • Wellcome, a supermarket chain owned by Dairy Farm International Holdings Ltd., said it will stop selling ice cream made by Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group after the chemical was found in a sample.
  • Separately, Fonterra recalled one batch of prenatal milk sold in China under the Anmum Materna brand name. The batch recalled was 11 metric tons.
  • Three companies: Yili, Mengniu, and Bright Dairy, have had their listing with the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantines revoked.
  • Mr. Brown Coffee and Milk Tea Products: On Sept. 26, FDA issued an alert that seven Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products were being recalled by the Taiwanese company, King Car Food Industrial Co. Ltd., due to possible contamination with melamine. King Car Food Industrial Co. used a nondairy creamer manufactured by Shandong Duqing Inc., China, which was found to be contaminated with melamine.

The recalled products are:
Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Arabica Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Caramel Macchiato Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown French Vanilla Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Mandhling Blend Instant Coffee (2-in-1)
Mr. Brown Milk Tea (3-in-1)

E. coli O111: source unknown

Status: Over on Sept. 16, 2008
Illnesses: 314
Death: 1
States Affected: Oklahoma
Outbreak Initiated: Aug 25, 2008
Distribution: Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove

  • This appears to be the largest E. coli O111 outbreak ever reported in the U.S.
  • At least 314 people became ill as the result of the E. coli O111 outbreak, including 65 children. More than 70 people were hospitalized and 17 received dialysis treatment
  • The outbreak, first reported by health officials on Aug. 25, already has been blamed for the death of 26-year-old Chad Ingle of Pryor, who died Aug. 24, a week after eating at the Country Cottage restaurant.
  • Country Cottage restaurant is in Locust Grove, a community of about 1,500 located 50 miles east of Tulsa.
  • An exact source of the contamination has not been pinpointed.
  • Additional information is also on www.health.ok.gov

Listeriosis: Cold Cuts by Maple Leaf Foods

Status: Ongoing
Illnesses: 26
Deathbr: 12
States Affected: Canada.
Recall Initiated: Aug 25, 2008
Distribution: Nationwide

  • Government officials revised the number of deaths linked to tainted cold cuts to 12 from four on Monday as a nationwide recall of products produced by Maple Leaf Foods was expanded.
  • The rise in the number of deaths from listeriosis as well as 26 confirmed cases of the illness suggest that the bacterial illness is a growing crisis for Maple Leaf, one of Canada’s largest food processors, as well as for the family that controls the company.
  • There are an additional 29 suspected cases and that the agency expects that tally to rise.
  • Over the weekend, Maple Leaf expanded its recall, which began with two types of cold cuts, to include 220 products from the factory, which is one of 24 operated by the company.
  • Separately on Monday, Lucerne Foods, which is based in Calgary, announced a recall of prepared sandwiches it made using Maple Leaf meats for supermarkets and convenience stores in Western Canada.

Salmonella: Raw Tomatoes, Fresh Jalapeño Peppers, Raw Serrano Peppers

Status: Over August 28, 2008
Illnesses: 1442
States Affected: 43 states and the District of Columbia
Recall Initiated: June 5, 2008
Distribution: Nationwide

  • Since April, 1442 persons infected with Salmonella Saintpaul with the same genetic fingerprint have been identified in 43 states and the District of Columbia, and Canada.
  • Among the 1414 persons with information available, illnesses began between April 16 and Aug 11, 2008, including 119 became ill on July 1 or later.  At least 286 persons were hospitalized, and the infection might have contributed to two deaths.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has lifted its advice to consumers to avoid eating jalapeño and serrano peppers grown, harvested or packed in Mexico. In July, the FDA lifted its advice to avoid raw red round, red Roma, and red plum tomatoes.
  • CDC information on this investigation can be found at:  http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/saintpaul/

Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co. : Raw and Frozen Beef

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: None reported.
States Affected: Presumed nationwide.
Recall Initiated: February 17, 2008
Distribution: The products were distributed nationwide, including to federal government food programs such as the National School Lunch Program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and the Food Assistance Program on Indian Reservations.

  • 143,383,838 pounds of raw and frozen beef products were recalled after the USDA FSIS determined it unfit for human food because the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection.  
  • The meat packing company was in noncompliance with safety regulations for the past 2 years, so all beef product produced during this period of time is unfit for human consumption.
  • The Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co. did not consistently contact the FSIS public health veterinarian in situations in which cattle became non-ambulatory (“downer cattle”) after passing ante-mortem inspection.
  • This is the largest beef recall in the history of the U.S.
  • See a complete list of recalled labels.

Salmonella Newport: Ground Beef Sold at Safeway Stores

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: 38
States Affected: AZ, CA, ID, NV.
Recall Initiated: December 20, 2007
Distribution: Products sold at Safeway supermarkets in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and New Mexico.

  • The USDA is issuing a public health alert due to illnesses from Salmonella Newport associated with fresh ground beef products contaminated with multi-drug resistant Salmonella.
  • A link between illnesses and the contaminated ground beef products were made after epidemiological investigations linked the DNA fingerprint of the Salmonella strain.
  • Infection from Salmonella Newport can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours of consumption. This particular strain of Salmonella is resistant to many commonly prescribed drugs, which can increase the risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals.
  • Product codes and lot numbers have not been identified, but consumers that may have purchased these fresh ground beef products from Safeway supermarkets between Sept. 19 and Nov. 5, 2007 are advised to throw away these products.

E. coli: Totino's and Jeno's Frozen Pizza

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: 21
States Affected: 10.
Notice Issued: November 1, 2007
Distribution: The product was distributed nationwide.

  • General Mills Operations is recalling frozen meat pizza products because of possible E. Coli O157:H7 contamination.
  • An investigation by Tennessee health officials and the CDC revealed a link between 21 illnesses and consumption of Totino's meat pizzas
  • E.coli infection can cause cramping, bloody diarrhea, and even kidney failure.
  • Customers are advised not to consume products with:
    • Establishment number: "EST. 7750" inside the USDA mark of inspection
    • Best if used by date: on or before "02 APR 08 WS"

Salmonella: Banquet Turkey and Chicken Pot Pies

Status: N/A
Illnesses: 272
States Affected: 31 states.
Notice Issued: October 9, 2007
Distribution: The product was distributed nationwide.

  • ConAgra and USDA have issued public health alerts regarding Banquet pot pies after a CDC investigation into Salmonella illnesses, between January 1 and October revealed an association with the product.
  • Salmonella infection can cause abdominal cramps, fever, and diarrhea, and symptoms developing 12-72 hours after infection.
  • Customers are advised not to consume pot pies with the printed code beginning in "5009" and ending in "P9" or "Est 1059."

E.coli O157:H7: Topps Frozen Hamburgers and Patties

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: 35.
States Affected : CT, FL, IN, ME, NJ, NY, OH, PA..
Recall Initiated: September 25, 2007 (expanded Sept. 29)
Distribution : The product was distributed to nationwide retail establishments and to food service institutions in the New York metro area.

  • In the second largest recall of beef in US history, the Topps Meat Company of Elizabeth, NJ has recalled 21.7 million pounds of frozen ground beef products after a cluster of illnesses was linked to the product.
  • E.coli infection can cause cramping, bloody diarrhea, and even kidney failure. It can be deadly for the very young and elderly patients.
  • The recalled products carried the number "Est. 9748" inside the USDA mark of inspection, and were produced on June 22, July 12 or July 23
    • Product type: Hamburgers and patties
    • USDA Inspection Mark: Est. 9748
    • Produced on: June 22, July 12 or July 23
    • Product Size: Packages available in 2lb, 3lb and 10lb sizes

E.coli O157:H7: Dole's Hearts Delight Salad Mixes

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: none.
Recall Initiated:September 17, 2007.
States Affected: The product was distributed to Canada and 9 US states (IL, IN, ME, MI, MS, NY, OH, PA, TN)

  • The Dole company is recalling bags of salad mix after a Canadian grocery store found E. coli in the product during random testing.
  • The salad mix contained romaine, green leaf, and butter lettuce that was grown in California, Colorado, and Ohio. The product was processed in Ohio.
  • No illnesses have been reported, but typical E.coli infection can cause cramping, bloody diarrhea, and kidney failure.
  • The recalled products are sold under the Dole label.
    • Best By Date: September 19, 2007
    • Production Codes: "A24924A" or "A24924B"

Clostridium botulinum Castleberry's Hot Dog Chili Sauces, Canned Meat, and Pet Food

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: 8 in 3 states.
States with illnesses: IN, OH, TX.
Recall Initiated: July 18, 2007.
States Affected: The product was distributed nationwide and to Canada.

  • Castleberry's Food Company has recalled over 90 different types of canned chili, meats, and dog food.
  • Products manufactured by the Castleberry company were also sold under various other brand names. Check FDA's website for a complete list of products recalled.
  • Botulism poisoning causes progressive motor paralysis, including muscle paralysis and difficulty breathing, chewing and swallowing. Symptoms typically appear after 12 to 24 hours.

Salmonella: Rimmer® Brand Mojito Cocktail Garnish

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: none.
Recall Initiated: August 30, 2007.
States Affected: The product was distributed nationwide.

  • The Stirrings LLC, of Fall River, Massachusetts is recalling Rimmer Brand Mojito Cocktail Garnish after a supplier reported possible Salmonella contamination of parsley powder, a raw ingredient in the product.
  • Testing of the finished Mojito Cocktail Garnish product revealed no presence of Salmonella, but the manufacturers have stopped using the parsley powder and have recalled products out of precaution.
  • No illnesses were reported, but typical Salmonella infection can cause abdominal cramps, fever, and diarrhea.
  • The products were sold through distributors, retail stores, internet sales and cocktail establishments.
    • Package Size: 3.5 oz packages
    • UPC #: 80999 00046
    • Best By Codes: 10/27/08, 10/30/08, 11/23/08, 12/01/08, 12/04/08 and 01/03/09 printed on the side of the tin.

Clostridium botulinum: Blue Ocean Smoked Indian Sardine Tamban

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: none.
Recall Initiated: August 29, 2007.
States Affected: The product was distributed in New York and New Jersey.

  • Everlasting Distributors, Inc. of Bayonne, NJ, is recalling its Blue Ocean Smoked Indian Sardine Tamban frozen products after routine testing identified the potential for the product to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.
  • No illnesses have been reported, but botulism poisoning causes progressive motor paralysis, including muscle paralysis and difficulty breathing, chewing and swallowing. Symptoms typically appear after 12 to 24 hours.
  • The product is sold in retail stores.
    • Package Size: 8 oz packages
    • Packaging: An uncoded white styropor foam tray, vacuum packed with a clear plastic bag.

Salmonella: Metz Fresh Bagged Spinach

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: none.
Recall Initiated: August 28, 2007.
States Affected: The product was distributed nationwide and to Canada.

  • The Metz Fresh company is recalling bags of fresh spinach after finding Salmonella in their product during routine testing.
  • No illnesses have been reported, but typical Salmonella infection can cause abdominal cramps, fever, and diarrhea.
  • The recalled products are sold under the Metz Fresh label, in retail and food service packages.
    • Package Size: 10 and 16 oz bags as well as 4-2.5 lb. and 4 lb. cartons
    • Tracking Codes: 12208114, 12208214 and 12208314

Salmonella: Mars Petcare Dry Dog Food

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: 64.
Recall Initiated: August 25, 2007.
States Affected: Products were distributed in CT, MA, NJ, NY, PA.

  • The Mars Petcare Company has recalled two brands of dry dog food after FDA officials found presence of Salmonella Schwarzengrund.
  • Salmonella can potentially be transferred to people handling pet food, after having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to the product.
  • Return recalled products and wash hands thoroughly after any contact with the product or packaging.

Product: Krasdale Gravy dry dog food (5 lb bag)

  • UPC Code: 7513062596 Best By
  • Date: July 16, 2008 & July 17, 2008
  • Best By Date Location: Back of bag
  • Distribution: Stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania

Product: Red Flannel Large Breed Adult Formula dry dog food (50 lb bag)

  • UPC Code: 4286900062
  • Best By Date: July 12, 2008
  • Best By Date Location: Back of bag
  • Distribution: Stores in Reedsland and Richlandtown, Pa.

Shigella: Los Angeles Salad Company Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: 4 in Canada.
Recall Initiated: August 22, 2007.
States Affected:The product was distributed nationwide and to Canada.

  • The Los Angeles Salad Company has recalled packages of baby carrots due to contamination with Shigella bacteria.
  • Shigella infection can cause diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, nausea, and vomiting, with illness lasting 4-14 days. Shigella can spread person to person.

The recalled products are labeled “Product of Mexico” and are:

  • "Los Angeles Salad Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" (7 and 8 oz. packages).
    • Sell By Date Code through August 16, 2007.
    • Distributed by: Kroger Co. King Sooper (CO); Kroger Co. Ralphs (CA); Publix in (GA, TN, AL, SC, FL); and Costco stores in Canada.
  • "Trader Joe's Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" (7 oz. packages).
    • Sell By Date Code through August 8, 2007.
    • Distributed by: Trader Joe's in AZ, CA, NM, NV, OR, WA.

Vibrio: Raw oysters from Hood Canal (WA)

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: at least 6 (WA).
Recall Initiated: August 10, 2007, updated August 22, 2007.
States Affected: The product was distributed in the United States (AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, ID, MN, NY, OR, PA, UT, WA), Canada (BC), Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand.

  • The FDA is warning consumers not to eat raw oysters harvested in the southern tip of Hood Canal in Washington state due to recent outbreaks of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
  • Vibrio infection causes watery diarrhea, cramping, vomiting, fever, and chills. Symptoms occur within 24 hours of ingestion.
  • Consumers should ask retailers where oysters are harvested before purchasing raw oysters. The safest way to enjoy oysters by thoroughly cooking them.
  • See the Dept. of Health website for more information on the Hood Canal harvest.

Clostridium botulinum: Castleberry's Hot Dog Chili Sauces, Canned Meat, and Pet Food

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: 4 in 2 states.
States with illnesses: TX, IN.
Recall Initiated: July 18, 2007.
States Affected: The product was distributed nationwide and to Canada.

  • Castleberry's Food Company has recalled over 90 different types of canned chili, meats, and dog food.
  • Products manufactured by the Castleberry company were also sold under various other brand names. Check FDA's website for a complete list of products recalled.
  • Botulism poisoning causes progressive motor paralysis, including muscle paralysis and difficulty breathing, chewing and swallowing. Symptoms typically appear after 12 to 24 hours

Salmonella Wandsworth: Veggie Booty Snack Food

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: 65 in 20 states.
States with illnesses: CA, CO, CT, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MN, NH, NJ, NY, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI.
Recall Initiated: June 28, 2007.
States Affected: The product was distributed nationwide and to Canada.

  • Robert’s American Gourmet brand Veggie Booty Snack Food.
  • From February 26, 2007 to June 27, 2007, 65 people have become ill from Salmonella Wandsworth. Preliminary investigations show a strong link between illness and consumption of Veggie Booty.
  • Laboratory testing of the Veggie Booty product found two Salmonella serotypes in the product - Wandsworth and Typhimurium. An additional 8 persons became ill from the same strain of S. Typhimurium
  • Persons infected with Salmonella typically experience diarrhea, often with abdominal cramps and fever. The symptoms last 4 to 7 days, but illness may be more severe for young children, elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

E. coli 0157:H7: Ground Beef

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: 14 ill in western states and Canada.
Recall Initiated: June 3, 2007.
States Affected: This product was distributed to AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY.

  • United Food Group LLC and SUPERVALU have recalled approximately 5.7 million pounds of fresh and frozen ground beef
  • A recall was initiated, and later expanded, after illnesses were linked to consuming these products
  • All products have the number "EST. 1241" inside the USDA mark of inspection and were produced between April 16 and April 20, 2007.

Salmonella Tennessee: Peanut Butter

Status: N/A.
Illnesses: 628 in 47 states.
Recall initiated: February 14, 2007.
States Affected: This product was distributed to all states and internationally.

  • From August 2006 to February 2007, peanut butter contaminated with Salmonella Tennessee has sickened 628 people in 47 states.
  • The contaminated jars of peanut butter originated from one ConAgra facility in Sylvester, GA. Officials determined that the cause of the contamination was moisture from a leaky roof and faulty sprinklers.

Menu Foods Pet Food

Recall initiated: March 16, 2007.

  • More than 100 brands of dog and cat food were recalled after reported cases of cats and dogs in the United States that developed kidney failure after eating the affected products.
  • The recalled pet food was made with wheat flour contaminated with melamine and cyanuric acid from China.
  • See a complete list of recalled pet food brands.

OTHER RECALLS

See a complete list of recalled meat products from the US Department of Agriculture

See a complete list of recalls on non-meat products such as seafood, produce, and dairy from the Food and Drug Administration.

 

  

Outbreak Alert! Database

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Updated Report

 

Resources

Beef Outbreaks 08

Outbreaks by the Numbers: Viruses

Outbreaks by the Numbers: Fruits & Vegtables

E.coli in Beef Recalls 08

 

Related Links

Centers for Disease Control

USDA Food Safety Inspection Service

FDA Center for Food Safety and Nutrition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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