Cross-border outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 linked to romaine lettuce

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and various state and provincial agencies are jointly investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in eleven US states and two Canadian provinces.

The genetic strain of E. coli O157:H7 recovered from patients appears to be the same as the strain implicated in a 2017 outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses linked to leafy greens in the USA and to romaine lettuce in Canada.

The current outbreak appears to be linked to romaine lettuce, based on epidemiological evidence. FDA is conducting lab tests and traceback investigations to determine the source or sources of the lettuce.

CDC reports 32 cases in 11 states: California (10), Connecticut (1), Illinois (2), Massachusetts (2), Maryland (1), Michigan (7), New Hampshire (2), New Jersey (3), New York (2), Ohio (1), and Wisconsin (1). Thirteen people have been hospitalized.

In Canada, confirmed outbreak cases have been reported in Ontario (3) and Quebec (15). Six people have been hospitalized, one of them suffering from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

The outbreak began in October in both countries, with the onset of the first case in the US on October 6th; the initial cases in Canada developed the week of October 14th. Additional cases are expected in both countries.

CDC is advising U.S. consumers not eat any romaine lettuce, and retailers and restaurants not serve or sell any, until more is learned about the outbreak. The CDC investigation is ongoing and the agency will issue updates as more information is available.

PHAC recommends that consumers in Ontario and Quebec should avoid eating romaine lettuce and salad mixes containing romaine lettuce until more is known about the outbreak and the cause of contamination.

FDA recommends that consumers not eat romaine lettuce or any mixed salads containing romaine, until more information on the source of the contamination and the status of the outbreak can be determined. Consumers are advised to discard any romaine lettuce or mixed salads containing romaine.

Food Safety Recalls: October 1 – 16, 2018

The FoodBugLady is back after a two-week holiday, and it’s time to play catch-up.

Here is a list of recalls relating to food safety issues for the first half of October. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices containing detailed information for each alert.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the sidebar link.

USA

October 16th: Prime Deli Corporation (Lewisville, Texas) is recalling approximately 217 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with bacon products that contain a corn ingredient that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

October 15th: A La Carte Foods Properties, LLC (Belle Rose, LA) is recalling approximately 30,438 pounds of meat and poultry products that contain meat produced without the benefit of federal inspection.

October 11th: Valley Fine Foods (Forest City, N.C.) is recalling approximately 35,516 pounds of heat-treated, not fully cooked meat and poultry products that may be adulterated due to presence of spoilage organisms that have rendered it unwholesome and unfit for human food.

October 11th: Jerky Boyz Chicken Jerky (Pigeon Forge, Tenn) is recalling approximately 23 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken jerky products due to a processing deviation that may have led to underprocessing of products.

October 10th: Malone’s Fine Sausage Inc. (Milwaukee, WI) is recalling approximately 26,323 pounds of ready-to-eat pork head cheese product that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.

October 6th: Bazzini LLC (Allentown, PA) is recalling 4,000 pounds of Roasted and Salted Colossal Natural, Super Colossal Natural and Rams Head Natural In Shell Pistachios received from one of its suppliers because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

October 5th: Ladyfingers Caterers is voluntarily recalling its Signature Shaved Country Ham Rolls as a result of the Johnston County Hams recall. The rolls were made with ham produced by Johnston County Hams, which recently initiated a recall of its ham products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

October 5th: Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods (Richmond, VA) is recalling approximately 18,296 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry deli-sliced products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.

October 5th: Randsland Farms Inc. recalls Randsland brand Broccoli Florets and Broccoli Salad Kit due to Listeria contamination.

October 4th: Working Cow Homemade Ice Cream, Inc. (St. Petersburg, FL) is conducting a voluntary recall of No Sugar Added Vanilla and No Sugar Added Chocolate ice cream manufactured in three-gallon tubs during the month of May 2018 due to a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

October 4th: Callie’s Charleston Biscuits, LLC is issuing a voluntary product recall for two products that may contain Johnston County Hams recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 4th: JBS Tolleson, Inc. (Tolleson, AZ) is recalling approximately 6,937,195 pounds of various raw, non-intact beef products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Newport.

October 3rd: Johnston County Hams (Smithfield, N.C.) is recalling approximately 89,096 pounds of ready-to-eat ham products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Canada

October 15th: Abbott is recalling certain Abbott brand formulated liquid nutrition products in 235 mL metal cans from the marketplace due to possible bacterial contamination. One illness has been reported.

October 12th: Fromagerie Les Rivières recalls various cheeses that may not be safe to consume.

October 12th: Le Petit Magasin recalls Bolognaise Tomato sauce that may not be safe to consume.

October 11th: Euro-Balkan Specialty Foods recalls Euro-Balkan Specialty Foods brand Balkan Style Kajmak Cream Cheese Product due to Staphylococcus enterotoxin contamination.

October 9th: La Granja Foods recalls The Farm La Granja brand Queso ranchero fresco from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

October 5th: Ferme Écologique Coop d’Ulverton recalls cheeses made with raw (unpasteurized) goat milk due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

October 4th: Sobeys Inc. is recalling certain Sobeys brand packaged vegetable products from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 3rd: Monsieur Émile Smokehouse is recalling Monsieur Émile Smokehouse brand and unbranded Smoked Salmon, sold refrigerated, from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 2nd: Loblaw Companies Limited is recalling certain $10 Chicken Fries from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled product is associated with an outbreak investigation.

Europe

October 13th (Belgium): Albert Heijn recalls AH brand Mackerel fillets due to Listeria contamination.

October 15th (Denmark): Løgismose recalls Løgismose brand chicken due to Campylobacter contamination.

October 15th (Denmark): Aldi Danmark Aps recalls “Landlyst” turkey breast due to Salmonella contamination.

October 10th (Denmark): Himmerlandskød recalls Champion chopped beef due to Salmonella and E. coli contamination.

October 3rd (Denmark): Naturesource ApS recalls organic goji berries and organic chocolate coated goji berries due to foreign matter (metal pieces) contamination.

October 5th (Finland): SOK recalls POPCORN MAISSINJYVISSÄ Rainbow Popcorn due to foreign matter (metal pieces) contamination.

October 16th (France): CASINO recalls CASINO CA VIENT D’ICI brand Quenelles Lyonnaises Nature pur beurre due to Listeria contamination.

October 12th (France): Intermarché recalls Jean Rozé brand Picada due to Salmonella contamination.

October 10th (France): Auchan recalls Atelier Blini brand 8 falafels (pois chiches, carottes & coriandre) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 8th (France): Geantcasino recalls Casino Bio brand crêpes moelleuses au sucre de canne et au lait frais due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 5th (France): EARL Les Poulettes brand shell eggs recalled due to Salmonella contamination.

October 12th (Germany): Bur Sales GmbH recalls Tunas brand Sesame paste and Sesame paste with pistachios due to Salmonella contamination.

October 12th (Germany): HOFKÄSEREI VETTER recalls BLAUSCHIMMEL RAW MILK CHEESE, soft cheese at least 50% fat due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 5th (Ireland): The Raw Chocolate Company recalls Raw Chocolate Goji Berries due to foreign matter (small metal pieces) contamination.

October 15th (Italy): Mareblus recalls Tuna in Olive Oil due to a potential processing error.

October 8th (Italy): AZIENDA AGRICOLA BOSI LUIGI recalls Fresh Eggs from Free-range Hens due to Salmonella Enteritidis contamination.

October 4th (Italy): Macelleria Partenzi di Partenzi Francesco recalls Salsiccia stagionata / Seasoned sausage due to Salmonella contamination.

October 3rd (Italy): Nutravant recalls Protein+ White 31% (gusto Crema-Limone) due to Salmonella contamination.

October 3rd (Italy): Bauli SpA recalls CROISSANT A LIEVITAZIONE NATURALE CON CREMA AL LATTE due to Salmonella contamination.

October 3rd (Italy): SOCIETA AGRICOLA F.LLI PONTI recalls FORMAGGELLA due to STEC E. coli contamination.

October 12th (Luxembourg): Atelier Blini brand 8 falafels (pois chiches, carottes & coriandre) recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 10th (Luxembourg): Ochsen-Ziemerenden pet food product recalled due to foreign matter (small metal pieces) contamination.

October 13th (Netherlands): Albert Heijn recalls AH brand Mackerel fillets due to Listeria contamination.

October 5th (Netherlands): PLUS Supermarkets recalls PLUS Lamsspies piri piri due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E.coli bacterium.

October 2nd (Netherlands): DekaMarkt and Poiesz recalls Jong Belegen Boerenkaas due to contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E.coli bacterium.

October 1st (Sweden): Lidl Sverige recalls Guldgrytan brand Nötfärs 6% due to Salmonella contamination.

October 5th (UK): The Raw Chocolate Company are recalling their Chocolate Goji Berries because they may contain small pieces of metal.

October 1st (UK): Montezuma’s Chocolates Ltd is recalling its ‘Great British Puddings Truffle Collection’, because it may contain small pieces of plastic in the lemon meringue truffle.

Australia and New Zealand

October 11th (Australia): Drakes Supermarkets recalls Drakes Gourmet Premium Selection Silverside due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 5th (New Zealand): FSL Foods Ltd is recalling a specific batch of its Fruzio brand premium mixed berries as the product may contain foreign matter (metal).

Asia, Africa and the Middle East

October 3rd (Israel): Maadaney Hagalil recalls various kebab products due to Salmonella contamination.

Recalls and Alerts: August 23 – 24, 2018

Here is today’s list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the sidebar link.

United States

Public Health Alert: USDA and Empire Kosher Poultry Inc. alert the public to a possible Salmonella outbreak in the US Northeast that may be linked to the company’s raw chicken. The Empire Kosher brand raw chicken items, which may include raw whole chicken, raw chicken parts, were produced and sold to consumers from September 2017 to June 2018. USDA was alerted to multiple Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- illnesses within the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States on June 18, 2018. Multiple confirmed cases have been identified in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States; many of the individuals reported consumption of Empire Kosher brand chicken products. Approximately one-half of the infected individuals were hospitalized. USDA has neither revealed the number of confirmed cases nor identified the US states where cases were reported. No recall has been announced. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to properly handle, prepare, and cook these raw chicken products.

Food Safety Recall: Cargill Meat Solutions recalls EXCEL 93/7 FINE GRIND GROUND BEEF (10-lb chubs; Use/Frz. By Sep 05; Pack date 08/16/2018) due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The recalled items were shipped to warehouses in California and Colorado.

Food Safety Recall: Albertsons, Safeway, Pak ‘N Save, and Vons stores in Northern California, Colorado, Nebraska, Northern Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wyoming recall various ground beef products due to potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Homeopathic Product Safety Recall: Living Well Remedies, LLC recalls Weight Away Remedy (2-oz spray bottle; Lot# 111417LWL614), due to microbiological contamination.

Canada

Allergy Alert: Manna International Trading Ltd. recalls Vegemil brand Blackbean Fortified Soy Beverage (190mL; All product codes up to and including 2019.05.07; UPC 8801033775031) due to undeclared milk. The recalled product was distributed to retailers in Alberta and British Columbia.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): QNT recalls QNT brand Vanilla Macaroon Vegan Protein powder (500g; Lot #1703972/2; Expiry date 07/2020) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): L’AFSCA recalls Alubias Blancas Cocidas Extra White Beans (400g glass jar; Expiry date 22/08/2022) due to undeclared sulfites.

Allergy Alert (Italy): Dolceamaro Srl recalls Raisins covered with dark chocolate (various lot numbers) due to undeclared sulfur dioxide. Please refer to the individual recall notices for additional details.

Allergy Alert (UK): James Hall & Co. Ltd recalls Smoked Turkey Barm and Beechwood Smoked Ham Barm take-away sandwiches due to undeclared barley.

Allergy Alert (UK – England and Wales only): Clayton Park Bakery Ltd recalls Small Brown Rolls (6-pack; Best before 22 to 27 August 2018) due to undeclared barley.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Smits bvba recalls various poultry-based products due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): THAERON recalls Thaeron brand Bulots cuits / cooked whelks (Lot #119318; Best before 24/07/2018) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Diamond Food Sales Ltd recalls various frozen Indian mackerel due to presence of histamine. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall Update (UK): Ewing Seafoods recalls Smoked Salmon and Organic Smoked Salmon (all package sizes; all batch codes) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.