In the news

An outbreak of Vibrio parahaemolyticus is being investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and federal, state, and local. The outbreak was linked to fresh crab meat from Venezuela. The FDA is advising consumers to avoid eating fresh crab meat from Venezuela. This product is commonly found in plastic tubs and may be labeled as “pre-cooked.” The source of the contaminated crabmeat causing the outbreak is being investigated. As of July 12, 2018, there are 12 cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The states reporting cases associated with this outbreak include Maryland (8), Louisiana (2), Pennsylvania (1), and the District of Columbia (1). Four of these cases are confirmed matches to the outbreak strain by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). All four of these confirmed cases are in Maryland. Four people (33%) have been hospitalized. Illnesses started on dates ranging from April 1, 2018, to July 3, 2018. @ https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=wm#inbox/FMfcgxvwzvSRqdZCnHDkmdtnpCTBpWQf

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Department of Public Health are investigating an increase in Cyclospora infections that seem to be connected to the consumption of McDonald’s salads. McDonald’s, Out of an abundance of caution, has stopped selling salads in around 3,000 outlets after more than 100 people got ill with Cyclospora in Illinois and Iowa. Of the 90 people infected with the Cyclospora parasite in Illinois, one-quarter reported eating a McDonald’s salad, health officials revealed. 15 cases in Iowa were also linked to McDonald’s salads. Illinois Department of Public Health director Nirav D Shah said: “Although a link has been made to salads sold in McDonald’s restaurants in some Illinois cases, public health officials continue to investigate other sources. If you ate a salad from McDonald’s since mid-May and developed diarrhea and fatigue, contact a health care provider about testing and treatment.” @ https://www.newsweek.com/what-cyclospora-parasite-mcdonalds-removes-salads-3000-stores-after-100-fall-1022045

In the update, the CDC reports that 100 people in 33 states have become ill. There have been 30 hospitalizations and no deaths. The FDA reported that it became aware that recalled Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereals are still being offered for sale. All Honey Smacks cereal was recalled in June 2018. They emphasize that retailers cannot legally offer the cereal for sale and consumers should not purchase Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal. The FDA has learned that some retailers are still selling this product. The FDA will continue to monitor this situation closely and follow up with retailers as we become aware of recalled products being offered for sale. Additionally, the public is urged to report any product being offered for sale to the FDA. @ https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm610827.htm?utm_campaign=Outbreak%3A%20Multistate%20Outbreak%20of%20Salmonella%20Mbandaka%20Infections%20Linked%20to%20Kellogg%E2%80%99s%20Honey%20Smacks&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. said “Preventing contamination of produce consumed by Americans every day is a key part of the FDA’s mission to protect and promote the public health. To support our partners in this important work, the FDA is providing the funding to help states implement produce safety standards in their farming communities.” FDA had renewed its cooperation with 43 states and added Hawaii, Kentucky and Mississippi to the agreement. FSMA Produce Safety Rule compliance date for large farms was in January 2018, except for the agricultural water requirements that are being re-examined. In the future, states will use much of the cooperative agreement funding to conduct produce inspections. Under the cooperative agreements’ inspection component, the FDA anticipates that most inspections will be conducted by state partners. Today, the FDA is announcing $32.5 million in funding for the 46 states participating in the cooperative agreements. @ https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm613302.htm?utm_campaign=07122018_PR_FDA%20expands%20support%20for%20states%20to%20implement%20produce%20safety%20rule&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua