In the news

The CDC announced that as of March 11, 2021, this outbreak is over. A total of 22 people were infected with the outbreak strain in 7 states (Arkansas, Oklahoma, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Washington). Illnesses started on December 18, 2020, to January 12, 2021. Of 20 people with information available, 11 were hospitalized. Of 18 people with information, 3 developed HUS. One death was reported from Washington. No source of the outbreak was identified. WGS showed that this outbreak strain was previously linked to various sources, including romaine lettuce and recreational water. @ https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2021/o157h7-02-21/map.html

According to a notice posted on the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets website, Robinson Fresh Turnip Greens were recalled in New York State after Listeria monocytogenes were found in the product. No illnesses have been reported to the company to date in connection with the consumption of this product. The recalled product is Robinson Fresh Turnip Greens that is packaged in a 6 ounce plastic bag. The Best by Date on the product is April 26, 2021. The prepackaged turnip greens were sold at ShopRite in Commack, NY, and possibly other retail locations. After routine sampling, this recall was started by the New York State Department of Agriculture, and Markets food inspectors were conducted. Analysis of the product by the New York State Food Laboratory found the bacteria in the greens. @ https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2021/robinson-fresh-turnip-greens-recalled-for-possible-listeria/

FDA released results of a study on foodborne illness risk factors in retail food store deli departments in the United States in retail food store deli departments during 2015-2016. Of the foodborne illness risk factors investigated in this study, inadequate cooking was best controlled. The two most commonly occurring risk factors found out of compliance were improper holding (91.2%) and poor personal hygiene (71.5%). Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) were the strongest predictor of the compliance status of data items.  Establishments with well-developed FSMS had significantly fewer out-of-compliance food safety behaviors/practices than those with “less developed” food safety management systems. Approximately 32% of delis had well-developed or well-developed and documented FSMS. Analysis of the study data showed that deli departments had the best control over ensuring no bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods and cooking raw animal foods to required temperatures. The most common food safety behaviors and practices needing improvement include ensuring employees practiced proper handwashing, holding foods requiring refrigeration at the proper temperature, and cooling foods properly. @ https://www.fda.gov/media/148247/download?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA updated the multistate outbreak of Salmonella Duisburg and Salmonella Urbana infections linked to the consumption of Jule’s Cashew Brie, a vegan or plant-based cheese alternative. On April 23, 2021, Jule’s Foods of Carlsbad, California, conducted a voluntary recalled of all varieties of Jule’s Foods products. As of May 7, 2021, seven people (CA (4), FL (1), and TN (2)) infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Duisburg and Salmonella Urbana have been reported from three states. Three of the patients (from CA, TN, and FL) had to be admitted to hospitals. WGS analysis determined that the samples of Jule’s Cashew Brie were contaminated with the same strain of Salmonella Urbana that made people sick. Samples of unopened, raw cashews collected from the Jule’s Foods facility also tested positive for the same strain of Salmonella Urbana as product samples. According to the CDC, 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 because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-duisburg-and-urbana-jules-cashew-brie-april-2021?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery