In the news

ruth

Investigation of Salmonella Weltevreden outbreak in pre-cooked shrimps

CORE identified pre-cooked shrimp as the source for the Salmonella Weltevreden outbreak reported in CORE last week. The information collected so far indicates that pre-cooked shrimp is the likely source of this outbreak.  However, it appears that the product lots linked to outbreak illnesses are past their shelf life and are no longer available for sale. The most recent illness occurred in late April 2021. FDA continues to investigate, and if FDA’s outbreak investigation results in specific, actionable steps for consumers to protect themselves, a public health advisory will be issued. Patients in the new Salmonella Weltevreden outbreak live in Nevada and Arizona. Health officials do not rule the possibility that there may be people in other states who have been infected. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

FDA investigates outbreaks to control them, so more people do not get sick in the outbreak, and to learn how to prevent similar outbreaks from happening in the future.

ruth

Al-Rabih Tahini sesame paste recalled in Canada due to Salmonella

According to the CFIA, Phoenicia Group (Montreal, Quebec) has recalled Al-Rabih branded Tahini Sesame Paste from the Canadian marketplace due to suspected Salmonella contamination. The recalled product is Al-Rabih branded Tahini Sesame Paste, sold in 454 gram (one pound) jars with a batch/lot of 157 29420, a best-before date code of 22/OC/19, and a UPC of 7 70338 10053 5. The recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. The Al-Rabih branded Tahini Sesame Paste products were marketed, distributed, and sold in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. However, it is always possible these food products had wider distribution within the country. @ https://inspection.canada.ca/food-recall-warnings-and-allergy-alerts/2021-06-14/eng/1623717905250/1623717911599

Phoenicia Group Inc. is recalling Al-Rabih brand Tahini from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below.

ruth

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection Annual Epidemiological Report for 2019

The number of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections in Europe declined slightly in 2019 compared to 2018. However, it was higher than in previous years; according to a new report, the number of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections in Europe declined in 2019 slightly, compared to 2018, but was higher than previous years, according to a new report. The report finds that for 2019, 29 EU/EEA countries reported 8 313 confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection. The notification rate increased in 2018−2019. The countries with the most notifications are Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, and Norway. For 2019, there were 8,313 confirmed cases of STEC infection reported, but no multi-country outbreaks were detected or investigated. In 2018, there were 8,658 similar cases and 6,455 in 2017. A contributing factor may be the shift from the traditional culture to new diagnostic methods such as PCR.  The age groups most affected by STEC infection were infants and children up to four years of age. In 2019, Germany had the most confirmed cases with 1,907, and the United Kingdom had 1,587. Undercooked ground beef or other meats were a significant risk factor for acquiring sporadic foodborne STEC infection, most often caused by serogroup O157. @ https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/shiga-toxin-producing-escherichia-coli-stec-infection-annual-epidemiological

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection - Annual Epidemiological Report for 2019

For 2019, 29 EU/EEA countries reported 8 313 confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection.

ruth

Freshpet recalls one lot of Select small dog Bite-Size Beef & Egg recipe dog food due to Salmonella contamination

The FDA reported that Freshpet® Select Small Dog Bite-Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food (1 LB bags) due to potential contamination with Salmonella. The lot was designated for destruction, but it was inadvertently shipped to retailers. Freshpet has received no reports of illness, injury, or adverse reaction to date. The impacted products may have been sold at Publix in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia and at limited Target locations in Arizona and Southern California.  Most of the product was intercepted at retailer distribution warehouses and not delivered to retail stores. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/freshpet-voluntarily-recalls-one-lot-freshpetr-select-small-dog-bite-size-beef-egg-recipe-dog-food

 

Freshpet Inc. is announcing a voluntary recall of a single lot of Freshpet® Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food (1 LB bags), with Sell by Date 10/30/2021, due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Our Freshpet Team had designated this single lot for destruction, but it was in