Another year, another Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry flocks

Twenty-one people have been hospitalized with Salmonella contracted through contact with backyard poultry flocks since February 2018, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released today.

States reporting *Salmonella* illnesses linked to backyard poultry.

As of June 1st, 124 illnesses have been reported from 36 states. Nearly one-third of the outbreak victims are children of 5 years of age or younger.

The Salmonella outbreak has been linked to contact with live poultry – mainly chicks and duckings – in backyard flocks. The birds were obtained from multiple sources.

Several types of Salmonella have been found in outbreak victims, including: Salmonella Seftenberg, Salmonella Montevideo, Salmonella Infantis, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Indiana, and Salmonella Litchfield.

Since 2000, contact with backyard poultry has been responsible for 4,794 documented Salmonella illnesses in 70 separate outbreaks. Seven people died in these outbreaks, and 894 required hospitalization. Ten outbreaks occurred in 2017 alone, sickening more than 1100 individuals in 48 states, killing one, and sending 249 of them to hospital.

Keeping backyard flocks has become increasing popular in recent years, with more and more cities amending their by-laws to permit residents to do so. According to a 2017 article in the Los Angeles Times, more than 1% of US households now keep chickens.

All too often, apparently healthy baby chicks and ducklings carry Salmonella. Children are especially drawn to these animals, which are small enough for tiny hands to hold. Unfortunately, a toddler or young child is all too likely to neglect to wash his or her hands after cuddling a feathered pet, and is especially susceptible to becoming infected with Salmonella as a result.

CDC offers the following advice for staying healthy while enjoying the benefits of a backyard flock:

Always wash your hands with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam.
- Adults should supervise handwashing by young children.
- Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available.
Don’t let live poultry inside the house, especially in areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored.
Set aside a pair of shoes to wear while taking care of poultry and keep those shoes outside of the house.
Don’t let children younger than 5 years, adults older than 65, or people with weakened immune systems from conditions such as cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS or organ transplants, handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other live poultry.
Don’t eat or drink in the area where the birds live or roam.
Don’t kiss your birds or snuggle them and then touch your face or mouth.
Stay outdoors when cleaning any equipment or materials used to raise or care for live poultry, such as cages or feed or water containers.
Buy birds from hatcheries that participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Poultry Improvement Plan (USDA-NPIP). This program is intended to reduce the incidence of Salmonella in baby poultry in the hatchery, which helps prevent the spread of illness among poultry and people.

Recalls and Alerts: May 27 – June 4, 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.

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United States

Outbreak Alert Update: CDC reports that the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with consumption of romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Arizona growing region has claimed 5 lives. A total of 197 consumers from 35 states have been infected by the outbreak strain, and 89 of the outbreak victims required hospitalization.

Allergy Alert: Shearer’s Foods, LLC recalls Meijer brand Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips (9.5-oz bags; Sell by dates between 07/16/18 and 08/13/18; UPC 719283594365) due to undeclared milk. The recalled product was shipped to Meijer distribution centers.

Allergy Alert: SDQ Trading Inc. recalls Cheese Biscuits (16.5-oz pkg; UPC 6926145712902) due to undeclared milk. The recalled product was distributed in New York State in retail stores.

Allergy Alert: Sanders recalls Milk Chocolate Covered Fudge Mini Bites (3.75-oz pkg; Lot #8109 FL; Best by January 31, 2019) due to undeclared almonds. The recalled product was distributed throughout several Michigan retail stores.

Food Safety Recall: Goodman Food Products, Texas, Inc. recalls approximately 34,400 pounds of fully cooked ground beef products due to potential foreign matter (hard, white plastic) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to institutional locations in Maine and Connecticut.

Food Safety Recall: H-E-B recalls certain flavors and container sizes of EconoMax and Hill Country Fare ice creams and Creamy Creations sherbets due to broken metal in processing equipment found during routine maintenance. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were distributed to stores in Texas and Mexico.

Food Safety Recall: Ruiz Food Products, Inc. recalls approximately 50,706 pounds of frozen breakfast burritos due to possible foreign matter (white, semi-rigid plastic pieces) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a detailed description of the affected items, which were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

Food Safety Recall: Eddy Packing Co., Inc. recalls CARL’S PORK AND BEEF SMOKED SAUSAGE WITH A STICK (10-lb case; Lot code 8073; Case code PS9319; Sell by March 14, 2019) due to possible foreign matter (soft plastic) contamination. The recalled product was shipped to food service businesses in Texas.

Food Safety Recall: Supermercado Selectos recalls approximately 15,315 pounds of various raw, frozen beef, pork and poultry products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to DGA Food Service, LLC, who further distributed the items to Head Start Child and Adult Care Food Programs in Puerto Rico.

Dietary Supplement Safety Recall: Pious Lion recalls Pure Premium Potent Limited Release Pink Bali (1-oz clear plastic pouches) and Pure Premium Potent White Maeng DA, Bright Uplifting Energy (4-oz clear plastic pouches) due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recalled products were sold primarily directly to consumers or in retail stores located in the States of North Carolina and Tennessee.

Canada

Outbreak Alert/Food Safety Recall: Loblaw Companies Limited recalls no name Chicken Burgers (1 kg; Outer package code 2019 FE 06; Inner package code 0378M; UPC 0 60383 16636 6) due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled product, which was distributed to retailers nationwide, is believed to be the source of 59 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis illness in eight provinces: British Columbia (6), Alberta (8), Manitoba (9), Ontario (14), Quebec (19), New Brunswick (1), Nova Scotia (1), and Newfoundland and Labrador (1).

Allergy Alert: Marché Bellemare (Brossard, QC) recalls GALETTE DE BOEUF HACHÉ / Lean ground beef patty (125g/2-pack; UPC 0227598703988; All lots sold on or before 30 May 2018) due to undeclared mustard seed.

Allergy Alert: Yeh-ho Trading Ltd. recalls Oh Green brand Red Cereal (500g; Expiry 2019.12.27; UPC 4 715409 892076) due to undeclared milk. The recalled product was supplied to retailers in Alberta and British Columbia.

Food Safety Recall: Industry recalls select Love Child Organics brand and PC Organics brand baby food pouches from the marketplace due to packaging defects that may allow the entry of spoilage microorganisms. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were distributed to retailers nationwide.

Food Safety Recall: Messinger Meats recalls Italian Center Shop brand Veal –Ground Alberta 13095 (variable size; Best before MA.28.18 and JN.04.18) due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The recalled product was supplied to retailers in Alberta.

Food Safety Recall: Paradise Island Foods Inc. recalls Paradise Island Cheese brand Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese (variable size; Best before Best Before 2018 OC 19; UPC 245189 XXXXXX) due to generic E. coli. The recalled product was supplied to retailers in British Columbia.

Europe

Outbreak Alert/Food Safety Recall Update (France): The recall of cheese manufactured by Chabert has been expanded following the identification of another E. coli O26 outbreak victim who consumed cheese manufactured at the implicated Chabert facility, but cut and repackaged at a different location. Please refer to the recall notice for additional details.

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Flensted Snitgrønt A/S recalls Easy Tasty Coleslaw med sød chilidressing / Easy Tasty Coleslaw with sweet chili dressing (325g; Best by 03/06/18) due to undeclared sesame.

Allergy Alert (France): Jean Stalaven recalls RÉGAL DU CHEF brand omelette crème aux fines herbes et dès de chèvre (260g; Lot 8143/01; Best by 20/06/2018) due to undeclared soy and gluten.

Allergy Alert (Iceland): Krónan recalls Lasagna, Kjúklingalasagna, mexíkóskt lasagna (1 kg; All dates) due to undeclared egg, mustard and celery.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Lidl Ireland recalls Milbona Cheese Triangles XXL (533g; all batches and codes not labelled in English) due to undeclared egg and milk.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Chicken Masters of Belgium recalls Vol au vent Super (750g; Best before 7/6/2018 – 27/6/2018; Lot code 180810011) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Løgismose recalls Chicken Breast (Lot 1391800921; Best by 04/06/2018) due to Campylobacter contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Jean Rozé (Intermarché) recalls Jean Rozé brand Chipolatas -25% de sel (Best by 01/06/2018; Lot #T81380317) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Jean Rozé (Intermarché) recalls Jean Rozé brand Saucisses de Toulouse -25% de sel (Best by 01/06/2018; Lot #T81380321) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Frankonia Schokoladenwerke GmbH recalls Power Protein Bar, raspberry flavor (Best before 22.5.2019) due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): dennree GmbH recalls Porto Muinos Kombu (25g; Lot #LK 211217; Best before 04/2020) due to high levels of iodine.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): iglo GmbH recalls iglo Parsley (40g; Batch No. L8030CR005 / time 14:00 – 22:00; Best before 01/2019) due to shiga-toxin producing E. coli (VTEC).

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Giba Gewürze GmbH & Co. KG Ibrahim Bagbasi recall Sahra and Hira brands Paprika Edelsüss (various sizes and packaging; Lot L.218.G.B; Best before 31.12.2021) due to ochratoxin contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): NUSWEET GmbH recalls NUSWEET Nuss-Nougat-Creme (180 g; Best before 09.10.2019) due to foreign matter (metal particle contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Addo Food Group recalls batches of chilled pastry products, including sausage rolls, pasties, pastry pies and slices due to potential foreign matter (small pieces of metal wire) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Red Star Brands recalls Fulfil White Chocolate & Cookie Dough Vitamin & Protein Bars (55g; Lot #L7318/J; Best before 15 February 2019) due to possible foreign matter (small pieces of clear plastic) contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): Open Side Investments Pty Ltd trading as Ronda Food Products recalls French Style Duck Pate, Wild Mushroom and Cracked Pepper (150g; Use by dates 24/07/18 and 26/07/18) due to undeclared soy and dairy.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): New World Rototuna recalls Made In-Store Lamb Sausages (various weights; Best before 15.05.18) due to possible plastic foreign matter contamination.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Wilson Consumer Products Ltd recalls Hormel brand Luncheon Meat (340g; Batch F143 EST 199N; Packed on 09/02/2018) due to possible metal foreign matter contamination.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Drury Church Trust recalls Drury Church Trust raw (unpasteurised) milk (various sizes; Batch Nos. 170518 & 180518) due to Campylobacter contamination.

Recalls and Alerts: December 4 – 6, 2017

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United States

Allergy Alert: Creative Contract Packaging LLC recalls HERB-OX® Beef Flavor Granulated Bouillon (4-oz. jars; Best before SEPT 2020 and OCT 2020) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert: Heartland Creamery recalls Cranberry Pecan and Cranberry Orange Goat Cheeses (4 oz. pkgs) due to undeclared pecans.

Food Safety Recall: The Kroger Company recalls Comforts FOR BABY Purified Water with Fluoride Added (1 gal/3.78L; Sell by dates from 4/26/2018 to 10/10/2018; Plant code 51-4140; UPC 0 41260 37597 2) due to complaints of mold contamination in the product. The recalled products were distributed to Kroger stores, including Food 4 Less, Jay C, Jay C Food Plus, Kroger, Kroger Marketplace, Owen’s, Payless Super Market, and Ruler stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Food Safety Recall: Tribe Mediterranean Foods Inc. recalls Roasted Red Pepper Hummus (Lot #72975505B 1423; Expiry Dec 23; UPC 78902-41135) and Tomato Pesto Swirl Hummus (Lot #72975505A 0924; Expiry Dec 23; UPC 78902-41153) due to mold contamination.

Canada

Outbreak Alert (Update): An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to frozen raw breaded chicken products has grown to 22 confirmed cases. Outbreak-related cases have been confirmed in six provinces: British Columbia (1), Alberta (1), Ontario (12), Quebec (3), New Brunswick (3), and Nova Scotia (2)

Food Safety Recall: Concord Sales Ltd. recalls Anthon Berg Sweet Moments Marzipan Bar Mini (165g; All Best before dates up to and including 09-10-2018; UPC 0 74540 90603 0) due to pieces of plastic. The recalled product was supplied to retailers in Ontario.

Europe

Outbreak Alert/Food Safety Recall (France): The Department of Health reports an outbreak of Samonella agona infections affecting 20 children aged 6 months or less in 8 different regions of France. Twelve production lots of infant formula have been recalled by Lactalis in connection with this outbreak. Please refer to the news release for complete details.

Allergy Alert (Germany): Action Deutschland GmbH recalls Montevergine Nougat-Riegel mit Erdnüssen/Montevergine nougat bar with peanuts (80g in Christmas packaging; All expiration dates up to and including 01.09.2018) due to undeclared egg.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Big Al’s Chicken Goujons (400g; Best before end December 2018) recalled due to undeclared milk and mustard.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Big Al’s Chicken Chunks and Chicken Dippers (various batches) recalled due to undeclared mustard. Please refer to the recall notice for a detailed list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (Luxembourg): Montevergine Nougat bars (80g; Best before 01.09.2018; Product of Brazil) recalled due to undeclared egg.

Allergy Alert (UK): Kepak Frozen Division recalls three varieties of its Big AL’s chicken products due to undeclared mustard and milk. Please refer to the recall notice for additional details on the affected products.

Food Safety Recall (France): Suzi Wan brand Crème de Coco / Coconut cream (200ml; Best before dates up to and including 01/05/2019) due to potential microbial growth.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Goatsbridge recalls Goatsbridge Trout Pâté (125g; Lot P054717; Use by 06.12.2017) due to presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

Food Safety Recall (UK): West London Sandwiches recalls various sandwiches because the products were produced in unhygienic conditions. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Outbreak Alert (South Africa): The South Africa Ministry of Health reports an outbreak of listeriosis encompassing 557 confirmed cases between January 1, 2017 and November 29, 2017. While three provinces are responsible for 82% of the confirmed illnesses, listeriosis cases have been reported across the entire country. Thirty-six people have died in this outbreak so far. The source of the outbreak remains under investigation.

Food Safety Recall (Israel): Noam Guy Import and Marketing Ltd. recalls Anthon Berg Sweet Moments Marzipan Bars (165g; All expiry dates up to and including October 9, 2018) due to pieces of plastic.

Food Safety Recall (Israel): James Richardson company recalls Sweet Moments Marzipan Bar Mini (165 g; All expiry dates up to and including October 9, 2018) due to pieces of plastic.

Food Safety Recall (Israel): Williger Industries Ltd. recalls Delidag brand Smoked Salmon (100g; Best before 30.11.2017) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Food Safety Recall (Australia): Aldi recalls Berg Smallgoods American Style Skinless Hot Dogs (375g; All use-by dates up to and including 28/01/18). due to potential microbial contamination and the presence of bone fragments.