In the news

The CDC continues to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg infections. The update of September 24 indicates that there are 279 ill people in 29 states. While the investigation has not yet identified a food linked to illness, the outbreak strain of Salmonella Oranienburg was found in a sample taken from a takeout condiment cup containing cilantro and lime. The sick person reported that the condiment container also contained onions, but none were left in the cup when it was tested. However, cilantro seems like the most likely source of the contamination. The actual 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. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. @ https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/oranienburg-09-21/details.html

Before 2020, the incidence of foodborne infections transmitted by food had not declined for many years. New research published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report shows that during 2020, FoodNet identified 26% fewer infections compared with the average annual number during 2017–2019. Indicating that the 2020 number of cases of food poisoning and their frequency dropped significantly. Infections associated with international travel decreased markedly. FoodNet conducts active, population-based surveillance of laboratory-diagnosed infections caused by Campylobacter, Cyclospora, Listeria, Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia. The results were reported from 10 sites covering approximately 15% of the U.S. population (approximately 50 million persons per U.S. Census Bureau estimates in 2019). @ 

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7038a4.htm?s_cid=mm7038a4_w#suggestedcitation

According to the CFIA, European Butcher (Nobleton, Ontario) has recalled European Butcher branded Smoked Pork Hock meat products from the Canadian marketplace due to suspected Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This recall is an extension of the recall issued on September 8, 2021, that has been updated to include additional product information. The recalled product is European Butcher branded Smoked Pork Hocks, sold in variable-size, clear plastic vacuum packages of approximately 250 grams each with a batch/lot of 33228. The products were sold in Ontario. @ https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2021/76503r-eng.php

A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Weltevreden infections linked to the consumption of frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods of India is over. As of September 21, 2021, CDC announced that the outbreak was over. There are a total of nine illnesses in four states (AZ (2), MI (2), NV (4), RI (1)). The last illness onset date was July 17, 2021. On August 13, 2021, Avanti Frozen Foods of India expanded its recall of frozen cooked shrimp to include frozen cooked shrimp products imported into the U.S. from November 2020 to May 2021. Since Avanti Frozen Foods expanded its recall, downstream recalls have been initiated for sushi products containing recalled shrimp, sold in the state of California in Genji Pacific, Mai Cusine, and Mai Franchising. The expanded recall from August 17, 2021, includes the following brands BIG RIVER, 365, AHOLD, CENSEA, COS, CWNO BRAND, FIRST STREET, NATURE’S PROMISE, HARBOR BANKS, HOS, MEIJER, SANDBAR, SEA COVE, WATERFRONT BISTRO, WELLSLEYFARMS, WFNOBRANDS, FOODLION, and HANNAFORD. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-weltevreden-frozen-pre-cooked-shrimp-april-2021?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery