In the news

Since the last update on July 3, 2019, a total of 93 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported from 27 states. Three additional Salmonella serotypes have been added include Infantis, London, and Newport. Twenty ill people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. On July 3, 2019, Pet Supplies Plus recalled bulk pig ear product supplied to all locations by several different vendors, stocked in open bins. A common supplier of pig ear treats in this outbreak has not been identified. Whole-genome sequencing analysis of Salmonella isolates from 33 ill people predicted antibiotic resistance or decreased susceptibility to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole, and tetracycline. @ https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/pet-treats-07-19/index.html

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall of certain Pacific oysters due to a marine biotoxin which causes paralytic shellfish poisoning. The oysters were processed by B.C.-based Union Bay Seafood Ltd. and Intercity Packers Ltd. with a harvest date of July 14, 2019. They were sold in five dozen packages in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. No reports of illness have been linked to the product, however, in severe situations, paralytic shellfish poisoning can cause difficulty walking, muscle paralysis, respiratory paralysis, and even death. @ https://www.vicnews.com/news/recall-certain-pacific-oysters-may-pose-threat-of-paralytic-shellfish-poisoning/

On July 19, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), updated its website stating that during the investigation of a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Uganda illnesses likely linked to Cavi Brand whole, fresh papayas they has asked Agroson’s LLC, the exclusive distributor of this brand, to conduct a voluntary recall of Cavi brand papayas. Agroson’s LLC refused to initiate a recall. FDA contacted wholesale customers of Agroson’s LLC to ensure the fruit was no longer available for sale, has been discarded, or not further processed or frozen.  On July 5th the investigation indicates that Agroson’s LLC of Bronx, New York, is the exclusive distributor of the imported papayas that likely made consumers from this outbreak sick. The papayas are sold under the brand name Cavi. Of the 71 illnesses, 69 have been reported in six states in the Northeast. One patient from Florida who was reported ill had traveled to Connecticut before becoming ill. Another patient from Texas who was also reported ill had traveled to New York before becoming ill. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-uganda-likely-linked-whole-fresh-papayas-june-2019?utm_campaign=Outbreak%20Fresh%20Papayas%207-19-2019%20Email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

The FDA conducted a routine facility inspection of Topway Enterprises Inc. in February 2019. During the inspection, the FDA collected 53 environmental samples, 31 of which tested positive for Listeria species. The FDA issued a notice (483), about the serious unsanitary conditions.  On July 11, 2019, the FDA advised that the company cease operations until additional corrective action is performed, and no contamination is detected at the facility. In June 2019, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) inspected a follow-up to FDA’s February facility inspection.  During the inspection, four of the environmental samples tested positive for L. monocytogenes, and state inspectors observed continuing sanitation and seafood safety compliance issues.  Topway Enterprises Inc. agreed to cease operations and recall products voluntarily. They also agreed to provide the FDA with any corrective action planned, before resuming operations. However, the FDA became aware that the company resumed production at its facility, without implementing adequate corrective actions to address the risks that were identified. Topway Enterprise Inc. and Kazy’s Gourmet RTE seafood products, including tuna and salmon for raw consumption, received from July 10 to July 13, 2019, may have been incorporated into sushi and distributed to restaurants in TX and LA from July 10 to July 13, 2019. These products are typically sold fresh and do not have a long shelf life, though they can be frozen to extend the shelf life. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-restaurants-and-retailers-texas-and-louisiana-stop-selling-or-serving-topway-enterprises?utm_campaign=Topway%20Enterprises%20Inc.%207-18-2019%20Email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua