The FDA announced that a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121:H19 infections linked to Earth Grown frozen falafel is over as of December 1, 2022. There have been a total of 24 illnesses in six states (FL (2), IA (2), KS (1), MI (13), OH (1), and WI (5)). The last illness onset was October 24, 2022. Five people were hospitalized, and one person died. On October 7, 2022, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development collected Earth Grown frozen falafel for testing from a sick person’s home. WGS done at the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services showed that the E. coli strain in the falafel sample was closely related to the strain causing illness in this outbreak. On October 6, 2022, the manufacturer of Earth Grown frozen falafel, Cuisine Innovations, initiated a voluntary recall. Recalled products include Earth Grown vegan traditional falafel and garlic & herb falafel distributed and sold exclusively by ALDI. Additional information on recalled products is available in the firm’s recall notice. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o121h19-frozen-falafel-october-2022?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
