In the news

Health authorities in Great Britain have been working to investigate an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O145 identified through the analysis of WGS data in May 2024. A potential outbreak was first identified in England on 22 May 2024 through UKHSA’s routine surveillance, with a rapid ten-fold increase in fecal samples from patients testing positive. On 24 May, reference laboratory PCR test results indicated a strain of STEC likely drove the increase. Concurrent increases in similar surveillance indicators were reported in Wales and Scotland. A national incident was declared on 24 May. WGS analysis from 28 May showed that most of these probable cases had an illness caused by STEC serotype O145. Between 25 May and 24 June, 275 confirmed cases were reported (273 primary cases and 2 secondary cases). The cases of England (182), Scotland (58), Wales (31), and Northern Ireland (4) have no notable geographic clustering. There have been 2 reported deaths in patients. Sandwiches containing lettuce were the likely main cause of the outbreak. On June 14-16 voluntary withdrawal and recall of all potentially associated ready to eat products (sandwiches, wraps and salads) occurred. As of 24 June, newly reported confirmed cases have now markedly declined. @ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shiga-toxin-producing-e-coli-outbreak-o145-may-to-june-2024/investigation-into-an-outbreak-of-shiga-toxin-producing-e-coli-stec-o145-in-great-britain-may-to-june-2024

CORE update of June 27, 2024: the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes six activities. For the outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses (ref #1234) linked to a product that has not yet been identified, the case count has increased from 47 to 53. FDA has initiated traceback. The advisor has been updated to include additional illnesses and investigation updates for the investigation of illnesses (ref #1233) linked to Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies. The FDA initiated an inspection and sample collection for the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes illnesses (ref #1232) linked to a not yet identified product. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported that routine testing has revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the product. In the Netherlands, on  June 22, 2024 Foppen Seafood recalled Smoked Norwegian Salmon Slices Toast sized, 8.1 oz, identified by lot number 412, sold in Kroger and Payless Supermarkets across 15 states (AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, OH, SC, TN, TX and WV). This action is being taken due to the contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/foppen-seafood-issues-recall-smoked-norwegian-salmon-slices-81oz-toast-sized-sold-kroger-and-payless?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Update of June 25, 2024: The FDA CDC, in collaboration with America’s Poison Centers and state and local partners, are investigating a series of illnesses associated with eating Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies. FDA has contacted the firm about a possible voluntary recall, but to date, the firm has not initiated the recall. As part of this investigation, the FDA and state partners have collected multiple samples of Diamond Shruumz-brand products for testing and analysis. Additional sample analysis is ongoing, but as of June 25, 2024, test results for two individual chocolate bars collected from a retail store have identified the presence of the following: Diamond Shruumz Dark Chocolate Bar: 4-acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-acetoxy-DMT, also known as O-acetylpsilocin or psilacetin), desmethoxyyangonin, dihydrokavain, and kavain. Diamond Shruumz Birthday Cake Chocolate Bar: 4-acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-acetoxy-DMT, O-acetylpsilocin, or psilacetin). The FDA and CDC medical officers are interpreting these test results to understand the health risks of ingesting these chemical substances and to determine the appropriate next steps. The products caused 39 illnesses, 23 hospitalizations in 19 states (AL, AZ, CA, CO, IN, IA, KY, MD, MN, MO, MT NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN). @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-illnesses-diamond-shruumz-brand-chocolate-bars-cones-gummies-june-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery