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The FDA sent a warning letter to Sprouts Unlimited Inc. explaining how Sprout Unlimited (the Jimmy John’s supplier) has failed to respond to the contamination that eventually resulted in the 2019 outbreak with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O103 in Iowa. The outbreak sickened 22 people between November 21 and December 14, 2019. During our December 31, 2019, to January 9, 2020, inspection, FDA investigators documented numerous serious violations of the Standards for the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce for human consumption. Epidemiological and traceback data support the conclusion that clover sprouts grown and distributed by Sprouts Unlimited were the source of this outbreak of E. coli O103. Based on a traceback investigation, ill persons reported the source or likely source of their sprout exposures in JJ restaurants.   The company did not test spent sprout irrigation water (SSIW) from each production batch of sprouts for E. coli O157: H7 and Salmonella, as required by federal law, and did not take steps to hold all products from entering commerce. Sprouts Unlimited did not take corrective action when environmental samples in the growing, harvesting, packing, or holding areas tested positive for Listeria species or Listeria monocytogenes. @ https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/sprouts-unlimited-inc-603883-02212020

The FDA has sent a warning letter to the Jimmy John’s (JJ) sandwich chain (with more than 2,800 locations in 43 states), saying certain vegetables it served were implicated in five outbreaks of Escherichia coli (STECs) and Salmonella enterica in the past seven years. The data shows that the company, through your franchised Jimmy John’s restaurants, engaged in a pattern of receiving and offering for sale adulterated fresh produce, specifically clover sprouts and cucumbers.  (1) November to December 2019; outbreak of E. coli O103 (STEC). All interviewed eat at JJ (ii) February 28, 2018 outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo, 10 people were infected with the outbreak strains (Illinois (2), Minnesota (2), and Wisconsin (6)), 80% ate at Jimmy John’s (iii) 3.  August 1, 2014outbreak of human infections with E. coli O102 (STEC)19 people were infected with the outbreak in Idaho, Montana, Michigan, Utah, California, and Washington. 81% of 16 ill persons reported eating raw clover sprouts in JJ. (iv) October 2013 Outbreak with E. coli O157:H7 (STEC), 8 people from Colorado were infected all report eating a sandwich with raw cucumbers at J Jin the Denver. (v) April 5, 2012-Outbreak with E. coli O26. 29 people from eleven states were infected with an outbreak strain. 85% report eating sprouts at one of six JJ. These outbreaks show a lack of control of suppliers. A warning letter was also sent to the supplier of Jimmy John’s. The FDA warned JJ that failure to correct these violations promptly might result in enforcement action by FDA without further notice, including seizure and/or injunction.@ https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/jimmy-johns-franchise-llc-599962-02212020

A study in the J. Food Protection (January 2020) from the University of Georgia surveyed frozen food manufacturing facilities on their practices of monitoring the environment for Listeria and Listeria monocytogenes. Food processors face serious challenges to eliminate Listeria monocytogenes contamination from their environment. A survey tool was created to obtain information on environmental monitoring programs within the frozen food industry. The survey showed that facilities are more likely to test for Listeria spp. in environmental monitoring zones 2 to 4 (nonfood contact areas) with emphasis on floors, walls, and drains. A few facilities incorporated active raw material and finished product testing for Listeria. The researchers concluded that the industry recognizes that environmental monitoring is a key component of a comprehensive food safety plan. @ https://meridian.allenpress.com/jfp/article-abstract/83/1/172/425639/Evaluating-Environmental-Monitoring-Protocols-for?redirectedFrom=fulltext

Fresh Sprout International recalled Fresh Sprouts brand Fresh Bean Sprouts from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. This recall was triggered by test results. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. @ https://inspection.gc.ca/food-recall-warnings-and-allergy-alerts/2020-02-21/eng/1582331627441/1582331632510?utm_source=r_listserv