Eleven countries, including the United States, have recorded almost 150 Salmonella infections that could be linked to tomatoes.
Since January 2023, 149 cases of Salmonella Strathcona have been reported. Germany has the most patients, with 47, while Italy has 34. Most people fell sick between August and October.
The U.S. has eight cases. Six interviewed sick people had been to Spain, Italy, Croatia, France, and Slovenia. Four patients reported travel to Italy.
Austria has 17 cases, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom have 13, and France has nine. Other affected countries are Finland, Denmark, Luxembourg, and Norway.
Different age groups are affected with no significant difference between genders.
Interviews of 52 cases revealed 32 reported consumption of fresh tomatoes before disease onset. In addition, 25 had consumed eggs, and 24 reported eating cheese.
A teleconference occurred earlier this month with experts in EU countries, the UK, and the United States to discuss the ongoing investigations.
A re-occurring seasonal incident, Salmonella Strathcona is a rare serotype in Europe. In 2022, 89 cases were recorded. An increase was seen between 2018 and 2019 when 28 and 98 cases were reported.
Denmark investigated a multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Strathcona in 2011, where datterino tomatoes from an Italian producer were suspected of being the vehicle of infection. In total, 43 cases were reported in Denmark and 28 from Germany, Italy, Austria, and Belgium.
Since then, outbreaks have occurred in Denmark and Germany in 2019 and 2020.
The 2023 outbreak has isolates that are genetically closely related to cases reported since 2011, indicating a common infection source.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said the incident appears to be a re-emerging, seasonal outbreak.
“Microbiological evidence indicates a common source. Epidemiological and microbiological data indicate that the most plausible hypothesis of the vehicle of infection could be tomatoes, but this hypothesis needs further investigation.
“The risk for new infections remains as long as the seasonal deliveries of contaminated produce continue. New outbreaks will likely occur in future seasons until the contaminated vehicle has been identified, traced back and control measures implemented.”
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Pet foods “…are not a regulated commodity in Canada.”
According to a spokesperson with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the federal agency does not regulate the safety of domestic pet food.
As a result, the CFIA is sitting on the sidelines of the current investigation into an outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Salmonella infections that has sickened forty individuals in six Canadian provinces since mid-2020 and sent thirteen of them to hospital.
Many of the outbreak victims are children under the age of five years.
Most of the illnesses have been linked to exposure to raw pet food or to dogs that were fed raw pet food. A few of the illnesses were linked to contact with cattle, particularly calves.
The outbreak strain was found in raw pet food from the home of one of the outbreak victims.
Even so, the CFIA has not initiated a food safety investigation, as no known food source meant for human consumption has been associated with the outbreak.
Canada’s non-existent pet food regulation
“Canadian pet food manufacturers and importers are responsible for the safety and hygiene of pet food, including recalling pet food when needed.” – CFIA spokesperson
Pet owners who want to “buy Canadian” must rely exclusively on so-called voluntary compliance to ensure the safety of the kibbled, canned, cooked or raw foods they feed their pets.
Those pet food manufacturers who are members of the Pet Food Association of Canada (PFAC) voluntarily follow the nutritional standards set out by the American Association of Feed Control Officials.
Although it is the policy of the PFAC that its members implement and follow a recognized food safety program, membership in this organization is completely voluntary. Most members companies are multinational.
Smaller, Canadian owned and operated pet food and pet treat manufacturers—including raw pet food manufacturers—are notable by their absence from the membership list.
Implications for human and animal health
Over and over again, consumers in Canada and the United States have been the victims of foodborne illness outbreaks as a result of contact with pet foods and pet treats.
When a pet food-related outbreak is detected and investigated in the United States and its source determined, the US Food and Drug Administration becomes directly involved in the investigation, including oversight of any product recalls.
In Canada, however, the CFIA only becomes directly involved in an outbreak investigation when it is clear that a food meant for human consumption is associated with the outbreak.
The CFIA does notconduct any investigation of pet foods or pet treats, even when they are identified as probable sources of human illness.
The CFIA does notinspect any pet food production facilities, even when the items produced there have been fingered as probable sources of human illness.
The CFIA does notoversee any recalls undertaken by pet food or pet treat manufacturers, even when these products have been identified as risks to human health.
This laissez-faire policy on the part of the Canadian government is reflected in the duration and magnitude of the current outbreak.
In short, when it comes to pet food safety, Canadian consumers and their companion animals are completely on their own.
“A complete and compelling account of the hidden and not-so-hidden ways the food we give our beloved pets can be contaminated.” – JoNel Aleccia, Health Reporter, Food & Nutrition, The Associated Press.
“An invaluable resource for busy pet owners” – Food Safety News
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Updated November 19, 2023 with additional recall information
Malichita brand cantaloupes grown in Mexico are responsible for at least 57 confirmed cases of Salmonella in the United States and Canada, according to reports from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
Twenty of the outbreak victims have been hospitalized.
In Canada
The outbreak
The province of British Columbia was the first jurisdiction in either country to alert consumers to the outbreak. On November 15th, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) reported eight cases of Salmonella in the province linked to consumption of Malichita cantaloupes, and urged consumers to avoid the produce.
Three of the eight cases reported by the BCCDC have been confirmed by the National Microbiology Laboratory to be part of a national outbreak. The other five BC cases are considered “probable” at the moment, according to a spokesperson for the BCCDC.
As of November 17th, three Canadian provinces have reported a total of 14 confirmed outbreak cases, with additional cases of Salmonella under investigation but not yet confirmed to be part of the outbreak, according to the PHAC.
The first Canadian victim fell ill during the week of October 15th.
Ontario has reported 3 cases linked to the outbreak, and Québec has confirmed 8 cases.
Outbreak victims range between 0 and 100 years of age, and three have been hospitalized.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) found the outbreak strain in a sample of Malichita cantaloupe and shared its finding with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recalls
Although it is likely that more recalls will be announced, this is what we know so far.
Canadian distributors and retailers have recalled from the market all Malichita brand Cantaloupes sold between October 11, 2023 and November 14, 2023, inclusive, according to a recall notice from the CFIA. The recalled melons were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec and may also have found their way into the rest of Canada.
The Pattison Food Group has recalled Urban Fare and Save on Foods brands of cut cantaloupe, fruit trays, and fruit platters that contained the recalled Malichita cantaloupes. Products included in this recall were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.
Hector Larivee Inc. has recalled Fruit Pure brand fruit salad, Groupe Tomapure brand cantaloupe platters and unbranded cantaloupe pieces. The recalled products were distributed in Ontario and Québec to hotels, restaurants and institutions.
Sami Fruits has recalled cut cantaloupe and fruit platters containing cantaloupe. The recalled items were sold only at Sami Fruits in Montréal.
Fresh Start Foods has recalled Central Foods Co. and Fresh Start Foods brands of cut fruit. The recalled items were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba, and may also have found their way into other provinces and territories. – added November 19, 2023.
In the USA
The outbreak
As of November 18th, 43 individuals in 15 US states have been infected with the Salmonella outbreak strain, according to the CDC.
Confirmed cases have been reported in Arizona (7), California (1), Georgia (2), Illinois (4), Kentucky (3), Maryland (1), Minnesota (5), Missouri (5), Nebraska (4), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1), Texas (3), Virginia (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (4).
The first US outbreak victim fell ill on October 17th.
Seventeen people have been hospitalized due to the severity of their symptoms.
Outbreak victims range in age from 1 to 100 years.
The recalls
SOFIA PRODUCE, LLC (dba Trufresh) of Nogales, Texas, has recalled Malichita brand whole cantaloupes distributed between October 16, 2023 and October 23, 2023 under the sales order numbers 0128556, 0128624, 0128630, 0128632, 0128640, 0128643, 0128644, 0128646, 0128648, 0128651, -0128656, 0128669, 0128680, 0128682, 0128683, 0128700, 0225200, 0225201, 0225206, 0225214, 0225219, 0225222, 0225226, 0225227, 0225228, 0419611, 0419629, 0419630, 0419636, 0419671, 0419688, 0419693, 0419696, 0419697, 0419704, 0419710, 0419718, 0419772, 0516255, 0516268, 0516271, 0516279, 0516301, 0612143, 0612144, 0612148, 0612154, 0612156, 0612158, 0612171, 0612190, 0612191, 0612197, 0612198, 0612209, 0612225, 128663, 128712, 128713, 128662, 128680, 225252, 225231, 419719, 419721, 419828, 419803, 612235, and 612273. The melons were distributed directly to consignees in Arizona, California. Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida and Canada.
Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has recalled twelve products, including: fruit cups, cut cantaloupe, fruit mixes, and melon variety packs that were prepared using the recalled Malichita cantaloupes. Distribution of the recalled Vinyard products was limited to Oklahoma.
ALDI Inc., in cooperation with Anthony Marano Co. and Market Cuts LLC, has recalled whole cantaloupes, cantaloupe chunks, and pineapple spears. The recalled products were sold at select ALDI stores in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
It is likely that additional recall announcements will be made in the days to follow.
What consumers in Canada and the United States should know
Consumers are advised to discard and not consume Malichita cantaloupes that have been recalled. If you have whole or pre-cut cantaloupes or fruit cups, fruit platters, or fruit medleys in your home and are unsure of their origin, discard them as a precaution.
Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.
If you feel unwell, and especially if you have symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, do not cook or prepare food for other people.
If you suspect you are suffering from a Salmonella infection, consult your healthcare provider.
“Reads like a true crime novel” – Food Safety News
Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations?
Click on the link to listen to a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital, print or audio copy to your personal library.
