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Update on the outbreak investigation of Salmonella in Cucumbers (June 2024)

In collaboration with state and local partners, the FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup. As of July 2, 2024thee were 449 illnesses in 31 states and the District of Columbia. These illnesses caused 215 people to be infected with the newly added Salmonella Braenderup.  While originally reported as two separate outbreaks, the CDC and FDA combined these outbreak investigations. They shared several similarities, including when and where illnesses occurred, the demographics of ill people, and the foods they reported eating before they became sick. Laboratory, epidemiological, and traceback data have determined that cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc. (Boynton Beach, Florida) are a likely source of illnesses in this outbreak; however, this grower does not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak. As part of the investigation, the FDA conducted an onsite inspection at Bedner Growers, Inc. As part of this inspection, the FDA collected samples, and Salmonella Braenderup was detected in samples of untreated canal water used by Bedner Growers. WGS determined that the Salmonella found in the water used by Bedner Growers, Inc. matches a strain of Salmonella Braenderup that is causing some of the illnesses in this outbreak. Based on traceback information collected, Bedner Growers, Inc. supplied cucumbers to multiple points of service where ill people reported purchasing or eating cucumbers. There is no product from this farm on the market, and there is likely no ongoing risk to the public. Additionally, this grower does not account for all the illnesses in the outbreak. These illnesses caused 215 people to be infected with the newly added Salmonella Braenderup. FDA’s investigation is ongoing. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cucumbers-june-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

 

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Update on the outbreak of Diamond Shruumz Chocolate bars, cones, & gummies (June 2024)

As of July 1, 2024, a total of 48 illnesses have been reported from 24 states, including AL (1), AZ (6), CA (1), CO (1), FL (1), GA (3), IN (5), IA (3), KY (3), MD (1), MN (1), MO (1), MT (1), NV (1), NJ (2), NY (1), NC (3), ND (1), OH (2), OK (1), PA (2), SC (4), SD (1), and TN (2). Forty-six of the 48 people have reported seeking medical care; Twenty-seven have been hospitalized. There is one (1) potentially associated death under investigation. @ 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

 

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Viva Raw recalled dog and cat food, including select Viva Turkey, due to Listeria monocytogenes

On July 1, 2024 the FDA reported that Viva Raw LLC (Hillsborough, NC) recalled dog and cat foods, including the Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground, Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked, Viva Turkey for Cats, Viva Pure Turkey, and Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies all manufactured under Lot 21244 the five products are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and is a potential health risk to people and pets. The products were distributed directly to consumers in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. Only products from Lot 21244 are affected.   No illnesses related to this lot have been reported to date. The product is distributed as frozen 1 lb bricks in clear vacuum packaging. The problem was discovered during a facility inspection conducted by the FDA and The North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA). The FDA tested Viva Turkey for Dogs samples and found samples from Lot 21244 were positive for Listeria monocytogenes. All products produced in Lot 21244 were slated for destruction. However, we have since learned some of the products from this lot were inadvertently released from the warehouse. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/viva-raw-issues-voluntary-recall-dog-and-cat-food-including-select-viva-turkey-recipes-lot-21244-due

 

 

Backyard poultry is making people sick with Salmonellosis.

CDC and public health officials in several states are collecting data to investigate multistate outbreaks of Salmonella Altona, Cerro, Indiana, Infantis, Johannesburg, Mbandaka, and Typhimurium infections. Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback data show that contact with backyard poultry makes people sick. As of June 20, 2024, 195 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported from 38 states. Illnesses started from February 18, 2024, to May 30, 2024. Of 136 people with information available, 50 (37%) have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. The number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. Of the 119 interviewed, 86 (72%) reported contact with backyard poultry. Of 45 people with information available, 36 (80%) reported purchasing or obtaining poultry before their illness started. WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This means that people in this outbreak likely got sick from the same type of animal. @ https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/backyardpoultry-05-24/details.html#:~:text=Epidemiologic%2C%20laboratory%2C%20and%20traceback%20data%20show%20that,have%20been%20reported%20from%2038%20states%20(

 

CDC: Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Backyard Poultry

Get the most up-to-date outbreak information here.