Pig ear pet treats blamed for human Salmonella outbreak

Pig ear pet treats have been linked to an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella infections in 13 states, according to an investigation report released today by CDC.

Forty-five individuals in California (1), Illinois (3), Indiana (3), Iowa (12), Kansas (3), Massachusetts (2), Michigan (7), Missouri (3), New York (6), North Dakota (1), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (1) and Wisconsin (1) have been infected with the outbreak strain, identified as Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:-.

Twelve outbreak victims were hospitalized.

According to CDC, epidemiological evidence points to pig ear pet treats as a likely source of the illnesses.

Of the outbreak victims interviewed, 89% reported contact with a dog before getting sick and 71% reported contact with pig ear dog treats or with dogs who were fed pig ear dog treats.

In comparison, only 61% of healthy individuals reported contact with a dog, and only 16% reported having handled dog treats such as pig ears in the week before the interview.

Pig ear pet treats obtained from bulk bins at two Michigan retailers have tested positive for a number of different Salmonella strains, according to a report from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

According to FDA, MDARD found four different strains – Salmonella London, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Newport, and Salmonella Infantis – in the pig ear samples.

FDA is working with CDC and state health partners to determine whether any human or animal cases of Salmonella illness may be linked to the strains found in the treats tested by MDARD.

Other brands of individually wrapped or bagged pig ears sold at multiple retail locations in the state tested negative for Salmonella.

Pet Supplies Plus (Livonia, MI) issued a voluntary recall after learning that MDARD found Salmonella in “…aging bulk pig ear product…” in one of the company’s stores.

The contaminated bulk pig ears were stocked in open bins in Pet Supplies Plus stores in AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI and WV. Prepackaged pig ears are unaffected by the recall.

The company has removed bulk pig ear treats from all of its stores and has stopped shipping these treats from its distribution center.

FDA is working to identify the source of the pig ear treats, how they became contaminated, and where they were distributed.

What consumers need to know

Salmonella can cause illness in both humans and animals. People infected with Salmonella can develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Most individuals recover without treatment. However, in some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that hospitalization is needed.

In severe cases, without antibiotic treatment the infection may spread from the intestines into the blood stream and from there to other parts of the body.

Pets do not always display symptoms when infected with Salmonella, but signs can include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, loss of appetite and/or decreased activity level. Infected pets can shed the bacteria in their feces and saliva without showing signs of being sick.

If you or a household member is suffering from symptoms of Salmonella, consult a healthcare provider.

If you believe your pet may be infected with Salmonella, consult your veterinarian.

How to alert FDA to a problem

Veterinarians who wish to have pets tested for Salmonella may do so through the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN Network) if the pet is from a household with a person infected with Salmonella.

FDA encourages consumers to report complaints about pet food products electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal. This information helps FDA further protect human and animal health.

Recalls and Alerts: June 24 – 26, 2019

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

Food Safety Recall: San Giuseppe Salami Co. by Giacomo recalls SAN GIUSEPPE SALAMI CO. BY GIACOMO ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE (SMOKE FLAVORING ADDED) (Variable weights; Sell by 11/10/2019) due to foreign matter (metal) contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Perrigo Company plc recalls Parent’s Choice Advantage Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron (35 oz/992g; Lot code C26EVFV; Use by February 26, 2021) due to potential presence of metal foreign matter. The recalled product was sold exclusively at Walmart.

Food Safety Recall: Keurig Dr Pepper recalls Peñafiel unflavored mineral spring water products (600mL and 1.5L PET bottles; All date codes; Imported from Mexico) due to the presence of violative levels of arsenic.

Canada

Allergy Alert: Allied Global Sourcing Inc. recalls Emme Foods brand ShangHai Style Deep Fried Turnip Cake (320 g (80 g x 4); All product codes; UPC 6 292640 000265) due to undeclared egg and shrimp.

Allergy Alert: UNFI Canada recalls Certain My/Mo brand bulk mochi ice cream products due to undeclared cashew. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Dencon Foods A/S recalls certain Chicken wing products due to lack of Danish language allergen labeling. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Mondelez Danmark ApS recalls Oreo Joy Fills Choco Caramel (90g; Best before 22.08.2019) due to lack of Danish language allergen labeling for presence of gluten, milk and soy.

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Animex Foods / Fast Food a la Francaise recalls XXL Grill Sausages (2500g; Best before 24 / 6-2019) due to undeclared cheese.

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Reitan Distribution recalls Rema 1000 Hummus (200g; Best before 27/7-2019; Product of Sweden) and Rema 1000 Aioli (200g; Best before 27/7-2019; Product of Sweden) due to undeclared sesame, mustard and egg.

Allergy Alert (Italy): Lidl Italia SRL recalls Italiamo brand Gelatino alla stracciatella di nocciole / Hazelnut stracciatella ice cream (80g; Best before 16/05/21) due to undeclared almonds.

Allergy Alert (Sweden): Paulig recalls Risenta Buckwheat flakes (250g; Best before 11-06-2020) due to undeclared hazelnut.

Food Safety Recall (France): Industry recalls Ruel brand Filets mignons fumés nature and Bacon cru fumé (All packaging formats and Best before dates) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Industry recalls Double Dragon brand Mung Bean Vermicelli (Lot 000027640; Best before 31.01.2022) due to elevated lead levels.

Food Safety Recall (France): Industry recalls Meray brand Pistache Premium Quality (Lot 19000438; Best before 06/02/2020) due to elevated aflatoxin levels.

Food Safety Recall (France): Rostain recalls Rostain brand Terrine de Campagne (180g; Lot #18207011; Best before 23/07/2021) due to foreign matter (glass) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): SALUMIFICIO ALIPRANDI SPA recalls SALUMIFICIO ALIPRANDI SPA brand SALAMETTO CLASSICO/SALAME MIGNON (~220g; Lot #L190007741) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Sweden): Siljans Chark recalls various hot dog and sausage products due to Listeria contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Sweden): HKScan recalls Bullens varmkorv / Bullens hot dogs (2.2 kg; Sold on the Ö&B) due to production failure.

Pet Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Tammenga diervoeders
recalls Tammenga diervoeders brand Meatmix fish/turkey/duck raw pet food (5kg and 500g; Lot #041919014024; Best before 08/05/2020) due to Salmonella Typhimurium contamination.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Food Safety Recall (Israel): Yesh Maof BaGalil Company Ltd recalls various Yesh Maof brand eggs due to risk of Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected batch codes.

Australia and New Zealand

Food Safety Recall (Australia): Tasman Foods International Pty Ltd recalls Chan’s Yum Cha at Home Vegetarian Shiitake Dumpling, Chan’s Yum Cha at Home Prawn Hargow and Chan’s Yum Cha at Home Sesame Prawn Toast (Products of Vietnam; Use by date of 29/07/2019) due to an incorrect use by date.

Recalls and Alerts: May 29 – 31, 2019

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United States

OUTBREAK ALERT UPDATE: CDC reports 27 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium infections in 17 states linked to pet hedgehogs. Two people were hospitalized. Forty-two percent of the outbreak victims are children aged 12 or younger.

Food Safety Recall: Johnsonville, LLC. recalls Johnsonville JALAPEÑO CHEDDAR Smoked Sausage (14 oz. vaccuum-pack; Best by 06/09/2019) due to foreign matter (hard, green plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall: J Deluca Fish Company Inc recalls approximately 69,590 pounds of Siluriformes fish products (product of Vietnam) that were not presented for import re-inspection into the United States. The recalled items were shipped to distributors and retail locations nationwide.

Food Safety Recall: Perdue Foods LLC recalls approximately 31,703 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products due to foreign matter (pieces of bone) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Los Hernandez, LLC recalls approximately 9,090 pounds of chicken and pork tamales that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Canada

Food Safety Recall: Le Pied bleu recalls various foods that were improperly stored. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Marché Dunn recalls Saumon fumé / Smoked salmon (Product sold up to and including May 29, 2019; UPC 238807402806) and Sturgeon fumé / Smoked sturgeon (Product sold up to and including May 29, 2019; UPC 238806305405) because the items were processed and packaged under conditions that may compromise food safety.

Food Safety Recall: Étoile Waldman inc. recalls Organic sliced smoked salmon (Product sold up to and including May 29, 2019) because the product was processed and packaged under conditions that may compromise food safety.

Health Product Safety Recall: Konsar Future Nutrition Inc. recalls a range of natural health products, mainly vitamins and supplements for health and fitness, bodybuilding and weight management after Health Canada serious unsanitary conditions and quality control issues. The government has suspended the company’s site licence and all 101 of its product licences. Please refer to the Health Canada notice for additional details.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Italy): Bauer S.p.a. recalls Dado da brodo funghi porcini / Porcini mushroom broth (60g; Lot #L0010304; Best before 04/22) due to undeclared beta-lactoglobulin.

Allergy Alert (Italy): Bauer S.p.a. recalls Brodo granulare istantaneo funghi / Instant mushroom broth powder (120g; Lot #L0010327; Best before 04/22) due to undeclared beta-lactoglobulin.

Allergy Alert (France): Carrefour recalls Carrefour brand Tarama au saumon / Salmon Tarama (100g; Best before 15/06/2019) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (UK): British & Continental recalls Mica 3 Belgian Frangipans (3-pack; All dates up to and including 26 July 2019) due to undeclared wheat (gluten), milk, eggs and soya.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Sodebo recalls Chef Select brand Pizza Prosciutto Funghi (470g; Best before 02/06/2019) due to foreign matter (metal) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): AFSCA recalls Double Dragon brand Mung Bean Vermicelli (Lot #000027640; Best before 31.01.2022) due to elevated lead levels.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Coop Danmark recalls X-tra rice cake (100g; Best before 05/02/2020) due to elevated arsenic levels.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Jütro GmbH & Co. KG recalls Sweet sour pineapple – Asian sauce (350g; Batch R264 B 15 L1; Best before 21.03.2020) due to foreign matter (glass fragments) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): M&P Traditional Meat and Food Products recalls all smoked meat pieces, Lovacka Kobasica, Kranjska Kobasica, Domaca Slavonska Kobasica, Grill Kobasica, Domaca Spek, Debrecinka Kobasica, Domaca Kobasica, Cesnjovka Kobasica, Grill Sausages, Kranjska Sausages without Paprika, Huunter Sausages without Paprika, Top Sausages with Paprika, Garlic Sausages without Paprika (all pack sizes, batch codes and use-by dates) because the products were made in a premises that was not approved to manufacture ready-to-eat products.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Peter Stanko Sausages recalls Stanko Traditional Sausages: Top Sausage with Red Pepper, Top Sausages without Paprika (all pack sizes, batch codes and use-by dates) because the products were made in a premises that was not approved to manufacture ready-to-eat products.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): McCain Foods recalls McCain Hash Browns (625g; Best before end September 2020; Product of UK) due to foreign matter (plastic pieces) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): COSWELL SPA recalls Tisana a freddo in filtro VENTRE PIATTO COLD – L’ANGELICA ISTITUTO ERBORISTICO (36g; Lots #910001001, 910101001, 910201001, 910501001; Best before 09/2021) due to E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): AIA Spa recalls BIGGER COTOLETTA DI TACCHINO XXL (280g; Lot #07258011; Best before 08/06/2019) due to foreign matter (white plastic fragments) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): AIA Spa recalls SPINACINE e 4 SPINACINE (220g & 440g; Lot #07258020; Best before 08/06/2019) due to foreign matter (white plastic fragments) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Aldi recalls Trader Joe’s brand Mendiants classic Bio and Trader Joe’s brand Mendiants exotic Bio (250g; various batch codes and use-by dates) due to elevated ochratoxin A contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected batches.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Sodebo France recallschef select brand Pizza Prosciutto Funghi (470g; Best before 02/06/19; Product of France) due to foreign matter (metal) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Weetabix Food Company recalls ASDA FRUIT & FIBRE and Morrisons FRUIT and FIBRE (500g; Batch code 9095; Best before 05 April 2020) due to foreign matter (small pieces of plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK): McCain Foods recalls McCain Hash Browns (625g; Batch code W25032019 12:00 to 23:59; Best before end September 2020) due to foreign matter (small pieces of plastic) contamination.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Food Safety Recall (Hong Kong): Yata Limited recalls Aurora Packing Company, Inc. US ANGUS PRIME BEEF RIBEYE (Use by May 7 to 13, 2019; Product of USA) due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): Aurora Foods Pty Ltd recalls It’s Vegan gluten and dairy free coconut vanilla gelato (500ml; Use By 27/02/21) and It’s Vegan gluten and dairy free black carbon coconut gelato (500ml; Use By 11/01/21) due to undeclared dairy ingredient.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): New World Prestons (Christchurch) recalls New World Prestons brand Beef Premium Mince (All sizes; Batch numbers 10 and 11; Best before 02.06.19) due to foreign matter (clear plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Pak’n Save Lincoln Road recalls Pak’n Save Lincoln Road brand NZ Beef Mince (all sizes; Best before 23.05.19) due to foreign matter (small pieces of black and white soft plastic) contamination.