MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'food poisoning'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:31:08 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899659&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fegg-recall-and-deli-meat-recall.html Currently, we not only have the egg recall making the news, but a meat recall as well. Here is more information about both.Eggs: The egg recall is leading to the recall of over 450 million eggs. The source seems to be a couple of Iowa farms that have a reputation for poor farming conditions. The first farm to recall eggs is the Wright County Egg farm owned by a business man named Austin DeCoster. The recall was as a result of salmonella poisoning. Later, another egg farm owned by him, Hillandale Farms, also recalled their eggs. When I look at the news reports, I wonder if the images I am seeing are actually from the inside of these farms, but wherever the footage is taken, it looks as cruel as I would expect from an egg farm that is only looking at chickens as $$ signs would look...chicken... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899659 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:34:00 +0100 3899659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899349&cid=t_141836_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fnauseous-but-not-pregnant-10-reasons-youre-queasy-that-dont-involve-a-baby%2F The last few days, I’ve been having stomach trouble – constant nausea and queasiness, and it’s not fun. Everyone’s reaction when I tell them about my problem? “Are you pregnant?!” I’m not. I’ll spare you the evidence, but I’m sure that my nausea isn’t baby-related. But I do find it annoying that if you’re a woman and you feel like ralphing, you MUST be preggers. (Like we don’t know how to take birth control?) So here are ten reasons that you might feel like you’re about to hurl – whether you’re a man or a woman: 1. Emotional Stress – If you’ve ever felt queasy before a performance, interview, or race, you’ve experienced this. General and acute stress can both make you feel ill, so managing stres... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899349 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:56:38 +0100 3899349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746705&cid=t_141836_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F188128%2F Food Poisoning Outbreaks Linked to Delicious Dips: About one in every 25 traceable outbreaks of foodborne disease from 1998 to 2008 began with salsa or guacamole from a restaurant. (via Reuters) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746705 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:11:27 +0100 3746705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3385572&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fsemi-dried-tomatoes-fingered-in.html Hepatitis recovered from Dutch patients identical to Australian outbreak strainNetherlands officials are reporting a probable outbreak of hepatitis that has affected at least 14 individuals since the beginning of 2010.The eleven victims, who live in various parts of the Netherlands, all were infected with the identical strain of Hepatitis A virus. At least ten of the 14 reported having consumed semi-dried tomatoes prior to becoming ill.Last year, a similar outbreak struck the Australian states of Victoria and South Australia. That outbreak, too, was linked to consumption of semi-dried tomatoes. The source of the contaminated tomatoes was never identified.The strain of hepatitis virus responsible for the Australian outbreak was identical to the virus recovered from the Dutch victims, accord... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3385572 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:52:00 +0100 3385572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3267236&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fcdc-adds-second-salmonella-to-daniele.html Latest report notes – but excludes from outbreak totals – 5 cases of Salmonella SenftenbergCDC announced late yesterday that 225 Salmonella Montevideo illnesses have now been linked to recalled Daniele salami. Cases have been reported by 44 states and the District of Columbia. At least 43 people have been hospitalized. None of the illnesses have been linked to salami from any other company.An additional five people have been infected with a strain of Salmonella Senftenberg that matches the genetic profile of the Salmonella Senftenberg found in a package of Daniele salami in Washington State. One of the five people reported having eaten a recalled Daniele product during the week before become ill.Two of the Salmonella Senftenberg cases are from California; one or more of the others may ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3267236 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:29:00 +0100 3267236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3267239&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Ffrench-lettuce-sickens-scandinavians.html 264 Danes suffer gastroenteritis after eating Lollo Bionda lettuce from FranceContaminated Lollo Bionda lettuce grown in southwest France was responsible for 11 food-borne disease outbreaks in Denmark and 3 in Norway during January 2010, according to a report in today's Eurosurveillance Weekly. Eight more outbreaks are still under investigation in Denmark.On January 22nd, the Danish Food Standards Agency announced a recall of Lollo Bionda lettuce after the lettuce was linked epidemiologically to an outbreak of Norovirus gastroenteritis. Norovirus also was been recovered from lettuce samples obtained from a catering company.Most of the contaminated lettuce apparently was supplied to two catering companies. Individuals were infected as a result of eating sandwiches prepared by these caterers... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3267239 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:16:00 +0100 3267239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3248715&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fother-salmonella-in-danieles-meat.html Salmonella Senftenberg cases under investigationThe California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is investigating two isolated cases of Salmonella Senftenberg that match a strain recovered in late January from a Daniele variety package. So far, there is no epidemiological evidence linking the cases either to black pepper or to consumption of any Daniele meat product. According to Ron Owens of the CDPH Office of Public Affairs, the investigation is ongoing.One or more other states may also be investigating Salmonella Senftenberg illness reports, but no one else is saying so publicly at this time. Illinois has acknowledged that it is investigating "...a number of Salmonella cases that may be linked to the outbreak," but declined to be more specific. When I asked whether any of the cases inv... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3248715 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:42:00 +0100 3248715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3244074&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fdaniele-adds-two-more-ready-to-eat.html Action comes after second supplier of contaminated pepper identifiedDaniele International, Inc. expanded its recall list late this afternoon to include the following two items:Daniele Naturale Salame coated with coarse black pepper (3 oz. packages)Daniele Salame Grande coated with pork fat & pepper (approx. 6-lb packages)The additions to the recall list bring the total amount of recalled ready-to-eat meat to 1,263,754 pounds. The outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo gastroenteritis that has been linked to Daniele meat has grown to 207 confirmed cases in 42 states and the District of Columbia. Although some of the recalled meat was exported to Canada, Taiwan and Hong Kong, there have been no reports of illnesses in these countries.The victims range in age from less than 1 year old to 93 ye... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3244074 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:40:00 +0100 3244074 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3244076&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Flisteria-outbreak-in-europe-kills-four.html Outbreak blamed on contaminated acid-curd cheeseQuargel acid-cured cheese has been blamed for an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes that sickened 12 people in Austria and 2 in Germany 2009. Both of the Germans and two of the Austrian victims died as a result of their infections.The outbreak – which began in June 2009 and continued through December – was first detected in August, when a new genetic strain of Listeria monocytogenes appeared on the radar screen of the binational Austria-Germany laboratory for Listeria, based in Vienna. Reporting of clinical isolations of Listeria monocytogenes is mandatory in Austria.After determining that 8 out of 9 Austrian victims who participated in an epidemiological study regularly consumed a particular Quargel cheese product, investigators visited ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3244076 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:09:00 +0100 3244076 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3228037&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fdaniele-adds-three-more-products-to.html Illinois Dept. of Health Finds Salmonella Montevideo In Another Daniele MeatDaniele expanded its product recall late yesterday to include an additional 17,235 pounds of Italian sausage products. The action came after the Illinois Department of Health found Salmonella Montevideo in a Daniele meat product that was not on the original recall list.The following three products have been added to the recall notice. A portion of the two bulk items were also sold under the Boar's Head name.Calabrese Sopressata Flat Bulk, 3 - 3.5 lbs per piece Lot 271 with sell by dates of 12/16/10 and 12/18/10Hot Calabrese Sopressata Flat Bulk, 3 - 3.5 lbs per piece Lot numbers 465, 434, 228, and 333.Boar’s Head Hot Sopressata Calabrese, produced on 11/28/09 and 12/9/09. The Illinois lab is fingerprinting its Sa... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3228037 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:47:00 +0100 3228037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212633&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fsmoking-gun-found-in-daniele-salmonella.html Outbreak Strain of Salmonella Montevideo Recovered From Salami In 2 StatesCDC reported this evening that the Iowa Department of Public Health, working together with public health officials in that state's Plymouth County, have found the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo in an opened package of Daniele salami that was retrieved from the freezer of one of the outbreak victims.The variety pack of sliced salami was the same as the product that was purchased by 13 other outbreak victims.Last Saturday, CDC reported that a private lab had found a different strain of Salmonella – not the outbreak strain – in a Daniele sliced salami variety pack. The Washington State Department of Health has since determined that the Salmonella culture recovered by the private lab was a mixture of two st... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212633 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:44:00 +0100 3212633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3205147&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fsalmonella-daniele-salami-and-dirty.html Is black pepper behind the Salmonella outbreak?Black pepper is dirty!Pepper is harvested and air-dried under conditions that expose the seeds to bacterial contamination. Black peppercorns and ground black pepper often contain millions of bacteria per gram. In 1981/82, Salmonella-contaminated black pepper from Brazil caused a food-poisoning outbreak in Norway that sickened at least 126 people over a 10-month period. And in the first six months of 2009, FDA refused entry to 27 shipments of whole peppercorns, cracked peppercorns and ground black pepper due to Salmonella contamination. Most of those shipments originated in India.What does this all have to do with the Salmonella outbreak and the Daniele cured meats recall?Maybe nothing!But the theory currently circulating (on this blog and else... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3205147 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:20:00 +0100 3205147 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201928&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fsalmonella-in-salami-or-is-it-pepper.html Rhode Island company recalls 1.24 million pounds of cured meatsDaniele International, Inc., a Rhode Island manufacturer of Italian-style cured meats, has recalled more than 1.2 million pounds of ready-to-eat pepper-coated salami and Italian-style sausage products after a combined investigation conducted by state and federal agencies linked one of the Company's products to a Salmonella outbreak.CDC announced late yesterday that 184 people in 38 states have been infected with a strain of Salmonella Montevideo since early July. At least 35 people were hospitalized.According to William Keane, a senior epidemiologist with the Oregon Department of Human Services (Public Health Division), this has been a difficult investigation. "Daniele brand salami," said Keane, "has been identified as the sour... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201928 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:25:00 +0100 3201928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200689&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fnew-salmonella-outbreak-in-usa-184.html Source of outbreak as yet unknownCDC, USDA, FDA and state health agencies are working to determine the scope and the source of an outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo that has sickened as many as 184 people across the United States since July 2, 2009.CDC reported last night that the 184 illnesses are spread over 38 states. California is hardest hit, with 30 cases; New York is next, with 15. Victims range in age from less than 1 year old to 88 years old. At least 35 people have been hospitalized.Unaffected so far are: Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Vermont and Wisconsin. The outbreak strain is a common one, and CDC cautions that some of the 184 cases may not be related to this outbreak. Epidemiologists are trying to identify a com... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200689 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:25:00 +0100 3200689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3075785&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fslim-fast-recall-unanswered-questions.html On December 3, 2009, Unilever announced a recall of all flavors and production lots of Slim-Fast® Ready-To-Drink (RTD) products. The news wires are filled with regurgitations of the Unilever/FDA news release. But the information that is contained in the recall notice leaves some questions unanswered.Two days ago, I sent Unilever a list of questions, in order to better understand the health hazard associated with the recalled Slim-Fast® RTD products. While waiting for a reply, I've been doing some digging on my own. Based on what I've uncovered, I suspect that the health risk may go far beyond the chance of an upset tummy that would be associated with the Bacillus cereus contamination reported by Unilever. Here's why.I found several Slim-Fast Ready-To-Drink ingredient lists on the Nationa... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3075785 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:02:00 +0100 3075785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3071497&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Frecall-roundup-december-8-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesFood Safety Recall (Retail Distribution): USDA releases list of retail stores that sold Salmonella-contaminated ground beef recalled by Beef Packers, Inc.Food Safety Advisory: South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control urges residents to discard oysters harvested from Gulf of Texas’ San Antonio Bay after the oysters are linked to an outbreak of Norovirus gastroenteritis.Food Safety Advisory: Minnesota Department of Agriculture advises consumers to avoid drinking Minnesota Harvest brand apple cider after department labora... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3071497 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:00:00 +0100 3071497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3059906&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Foh-spanish-eggs.html Eggs From Spanish Flock Source of Salmonella Infections In UKSince August of this year, the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA) has received an unusual number of reports of Salmonella infections traced to catering establishments and one residential care facility. These reports include fourteen clusters, totaling 144 illnesses – all due to a type of Salmonella known as Salmonella Enteritidis (PT) 14b.Today, HPA announced that these illnesses have been traced – with the assistance of the Spanish authorities – to a single laying flock at the Spanish egg producer Granja Avícola ‘El Angel’. All eggs from the affected flock will be laid aside and heat-treated to eliminate the risk of Salmonella, and HPA has advised UK companies that purchased these eggs to either destroy or heat-treat t... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3059906 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:41:00 +0100 3059906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3052419&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fraw-milk-just-because-its-legal-doesnt.html Raw Milk In Washington State Sickens Three PeopleRetail sale of raw milk is legal in Washington State. But that doesn't mean drinking it is risk-free. Raw milk produced by the Dungeness Valley Creamery has been linked to three cases of E. coli infection, according to a report issued today by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).The same strain of E. coli that sickened these three individuals was also found at the dairy – although it was not detected in a current batch of unpasteurized Dungeness Valley milk. The WSDA news release implies, but does not explicitly state, that the illnesses are due to E. coli O157.The controversy that surrounds retail sale of raw milk shows no sign of letting up. Proponents cite the perceived health benefits of consuming milk that has not be... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3052419 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:03:00 +0100 3052419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989431&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fvictoria-tackles-hepatitis-outbreak.html Chief Health Officer issues "Order" under Part VII of the Food Act of 1984November 13, 2009Australia has been experiencing an unusually high number of cases of Hepatitis A infections this year. Most of the victims have reported eating uncooked semi-dried tomatoes – usually in salads or sandwiches. Most of the victims live in the state of Victoria. A few cases also have been reported in New South Wales and West Australia.Victoria issued its first hepatitis alert on April 8, 2009. A second alert – advising Victorians, for the first time, to avoid eating uncooked semi-dried tomatoes – was released to the media on October 9th. Epidemiological investigation has been unable to pinpoint the source of the tomatoes that are at the bottom of the outbreak. Domestic producers are pointing to imp... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989431 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:52:00 +0100 2989431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2959106&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2F2-dead-16-hospitalized-in-latest-us-e.html UPDATE: Number of confirmed cases now 26; 11 states affectedBased on the latest information, released this evening by CDC, there are 26 confirmed victims of this E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, spread amongst 11 states. The South Dakota outbreak victims have been removed from the list.CDC reports that the link between Fairbank Farm's recalled ground beef and 13 of the 26 outbreak cases has been confirmed by the use of an "...an advanced secondary DNA test..." Results of this test are pending on other outbreak victims. These results will determine whether the number of confirmed victims will change further.Following is the text of the original eFoodAlert report, posting earlier today.November 3, 2009The CDC reported late yesterday that ground beef contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 is the likely s... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2959106 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:50:00 +0100 2959106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954823&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2F2-dead-16-hospitalized-in-latest-us-e.html Contaminated meat sickens 28 people in 12 statesNovember 3, 2009The CDC reported late yesterday that ground beef contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 is the likely source of an outbreak of gastroenteritis that has affected at least 28 people in 12 states. Sixteen people have been hospitalized – three with hemolytic uremic syndrome – and two people have died so far.The outbreak stretches from coast to coast, although most of the victims are from New England. It is, though, unrelated to the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that sickened more than 20 Rhode Island school children late last month. Those illnesses were traced to ground beef supplied by a Massachusetts meat processor.Cases of E. coli O157:H7 that match the outbreak strain have been reported in the following states: California (1), Conne... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954823 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:59:00 +0100 2954823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2948493&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fe-coli-o157h7-outbreak-spreads-in-new.html More than a half-million pounds of meat recalled by New York processor.October 31, 2009The E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that began with a group of Rhode Island school children has spread to include victims in New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine, according to information contained in a USDA recall notice and a story published by Food Safety News.At least, we think that all the illnesses are related. No one has actually confirmed in print that the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 has been recovered from all of the 30 or more outbreak victims.The story broke on October 21st, when the Rhode Island Department of Health announced that 15 children who had participated in a school field trip had fallen ill. The sick middle-school children were part of a group of more than 200 sixth grade... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2948493 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:13:00 +0100 2948493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944122&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Ffood-safety-why-regulate-small-fry.html October 29, 2009More than 200 6th-grade students from Lincoln Middle School (Lincoln, Rhode Island), together with their teachers and parent-chaperons, took part in a field trip at Camp Bournedale (Massachusetts) earlier this month. The field trip lasted from October 13th to October 16th.The Rhode Island Department of Health learned on October 19th – just three days after the field trip – that several students had fallen ill. As of October 21st, two of the students had tested positive for E. coli O157 and at least 15 were complaining of gastroenteritis. By October 26th, more than 20 students and chaperons had become ill. Two of the students were hospitalized.A joint investigation carried out by the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Departments of Health, the USDA and the CDC identified me... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944122 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:50:00 +0100 2944122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2908917&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fsalmonella-outbreak-kills-scarborough.html October 19, 2009The owners of Ruby Chinese Restaurant (1571 Sandhurst Circle, Scarborough, Ontario) announced today that the east-end Toronto restaurant will not reopen.The restaurant closed October 7th after Toronto Public Health officials linked it to an outbreak of Salmonella that has sickened as many as 43 victims – 21 confirmed and 22 suspected. Three restaurant patrons have been hospitalized and one elderly man died as a result of his illness.Ruby failed a followup inspection on October 9th, because cockroaches were still in residence in the premises. According to The Toronto Star, a pest control firm advised the owners "...that ending the cockroach problem would require treating the entire single-storey strip mall..." in which the restaurant is located.This raises the question of ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2908917 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:24:00 +0100 2908917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2894792&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fruby-chinese-restaurant-still-scrubbing.html October 14, 2009Fans of Ruby Chinese Restaurant will have to wait a while longer for their dim sum, according to this morning's report from Toronto Public Health.Ruby was closed by Public Health officials on October 7th after failing an inspection. The inspection was triggered by an outbreak of Salmonella that sickened as many as 38 restaurant patrons (22 confirmed and an additional 16 probable cases). One elderly man died.The restaurant failed a re-inspection on October 9th, and was not allowed to reopen. Toronto Public Health says that the ball is now in firmly in Ruby's court. Restaurant management is giving the city daily updates on its clean-up progress, and will advise Public Health when it believes that Ruby is ready for another inspection.The health department plans to monitor Ruby... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2894792 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:48:00 +0100 2894792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2891028&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Frecall-roundup-october-13-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesFood Safety Recall: Living Foods Inc. (Ionia, MI) has withdrawn from the marketplace all raw alfalfa sprouts with a sell-by date of Oct. 22 or earlier that were distributed to retail stores and food-service facilities. The announcement is related to an ongoing investigation by the state of Michigan into a Salmonella outbreak that has been linked to raw alfalfa sprouts.Food Safety Recall: John B. Sanfilippo and Son, Inc. recalls certain Baking Classics Brand Walnut Halves and Pieces (16 oz. bags) and Baking Classics Brand Nut Topping (2 oz. b... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2891028 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:26:00 +0100 2891028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886784&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Frestaurant-survey-readers-have-their.html October 13, 2009A couple of days ago, I posted the first of the reader responses to my survey: Restaurant Inspections: Does Publishing The Results Do Any Good? Here is a response from another regular reader – a lucid and detailed description of a birthday celebration gone wrong.From Patty in New York State:This past August, I had one of those “big” birthdays. As shallow as it may seem, I’ve always found these particular milestones to be traumatic, but, nevertheless, I ignore these unwelcome feelings, and always enjoy low-key celebrations with my husband and two children. This year, my birthday was on a Sunday, but with the kids at home, we celebrated all weekend. The Saturday night before my birthday, the four of us went to a restaurant at a near-by marina on the Hudson River (Huds... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886784 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:43:00 +0100 2886784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2881344&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Frestaurant-inspections-readers-have.html October 11, 2009A few days ago, I invited eFoodAlert readers to chime in on the issue Restaurant Inspections: Does Publishing The Results Do Any Good? Following is the first of the replies I've received so far.From Suzanne H. in San Diego:"I’ve never thought too much about the ratings on restaurant doors—some of the signs look grubby enough that I can’t bring myself to eat there anyway. If the ratings signs were dated, I think people might pay more attention. Here in San Diego I’ve had two almost identical experiences at the same Claim Jumper restaurant in Carmel Mountain Ranch, both were several years ago. The first was when I ate a couple of CJ’s ‘sliders’—the mini hamburgers—and was sick (just once) as a result. The second time I had roasted chicken and almost didn’t... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2881344 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:19:00 +0100 2881344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2881345&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fupdate-ruby-chinese-restaurant.html October 10, 2009The Ruby Chinese Restaurant (1571 Sandhurst Circle, Scarborough) remains closed today after Toronto health inspectors discovered numerous food safety violations in the east end establishment. The restaurant was inspected on October 7th as part of the City's ongoing investigation into a Salmonella outbreak that health officials have linked to the restaurant. A re-inspection – carried out yesterday – determined that Ruby was not yet ready to reopen.Toronto health officials have stated that the restaurant will not be allowed to reopen until they are satisfied that no unsafe practices remain.According to Toronto Public Health, 22 Salmonella illnesses have now been lab-confirmed among patrons who ate at Ruby Chinese Restaurant between September 12th and September 20th. An ad... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2881345 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:04:00 +0100 2881345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879844&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fsprouts-spawn-michigan-salmonella.html October 9, 2009Twelve Michigan residents from seven counties have become infected with Salmonella Typhimurium after eating raw alfalfa sprouts, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health.The twelve victims – two of whom were hospitalized – fell ill between August 17th and September 18th. Michigan's Department of Agriculture and Department of Community Health have issued a public health alert, recommending that people avoid raw alfalfa sprouts until the source of the outbreak has been found. No other varieties of sprout have been implicated.Michigan is working in conjunction with FDA and CDC investigators in an effort to identify the source of the sprouts responsible for this outbreak.The Michigan outbreak is the fourth North American sprout-borne disease outbreak so far t... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879844 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:15:00 +0100 2879844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876384&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fruby-chinese-restaurant-closed-due-to.html October 9, 2009The Ruby Chinese Restaurant (1571 Sandhurst Circle, Scarborough) was shut down earlier this week, after Toronto health inspectors discovered numerous food safety violations in the east end establishment. The October 7th inspection was part of the City's ongoing investigation into a Salmonella outbreak that health officials have linked to the restaurant.According to Toronto Public Health, 18 lab-confirmed cases and an additional 19 suspected cases of Salmonella food poisoning have been reported by customers who ate at the restaurant between September 12th and September 20th. Three victims were hospitalized, and one – and elderly man – has died.Toronto's municipal code requires restaurants to post their most recent food inspection notice and, on request, to furnish the rel... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876384 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:52:00 +0100 2876384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2852075&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fcanadian-listeria-outbreak-fizzle.html September 30, 2009There have been no new illnesses reported in Canada's most recent suspected Listeria monocytogenes outbreak, according to information received today from Robert Paterson, who works in Media Relations for the Public Health Agency of Canada ("PHAC").On September 21, PHAC advised Canadians that six cases of listeriosis – all caused by the same "relatively common" strain – were being investigated by federal and provincial government agencies. One of the reported victims had died. The PHAC report left several questions unanswered, so we contacted the agency on September 24th, and posed our questions to Mr. Paterson. Here is what we learned from him today.The Listeria monocytogenes recovered from all six cases of illness share the same genetic fingerprint.The Listeria monoc... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2852075 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:23:00 +0100 2852075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2823933&cid=t_141836_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fteam-diarrhea-to-the-rescue%2F A group of public health graduate students from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) with the dubious title of ‘Team Diarrhea’ played an instrumental role in finding the sources the U.S.’s two most recent major salmonella outbreaks – in peanuts earlier this year and in jalapeño peppers (previously blamed on tomatoes) in 2008. It’s not a glamorous role. Looking the part of everyday telemarketers, the Team Diarrhea or Team D players work in a giant cubicle, asking people questions about their food poisoning symptoms. But it’s a role that is highly important. By rapidly discovering the source of a food poisoning outbreak, continued exposure can be minimized, thus saving people from severe illness, and possible death. You can find out more about their role in this interest... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2823933 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:48:32 +0100 2823933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820620&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fcanada-investigates-new-listeria.html September 22, 2009The Public Health Agency of Canada ("PHAC"), together with Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ("CFIA") and various provincial and local health agencies, is investigating six cases of listeriosis, including one death.According to PHAC, the six cases – all due to a single, very common strain of Listeria monocytogenes – are scattered among several provinces. The source of the outbreak is unknown. Investigators have not yet even established whether or not all six cases can be traced to a single source.PHAC has not identified which provinces have reported cases of listeriosis due to this strain; nor have any of the provincial health department web sites posted information on this outbreak investigation.A review of the CFIA food recall web page turned up two... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820620 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:52:00 +0100 2820620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2745639&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fraw-milk-in-spotlight-again.html August 29, 2009The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reported yesterday that thirteen people in the southeastern part of the state have been infected with Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium that causes gastroenteritis. Victims of Campylobacter jejuni infections occasionally suffer from a secondary infections and other serious complications.All thirteen victims of the current outbreak in Wisconsin became ill between August 14th and August 20th, and reported either consuming unpasteurized milk or were in households where someone else had consumed raw milk and was sick. Additional cases are still under investigation.The state has not named the source of the raw milk that was implicated in this illness outbreak, but asks consumers to discard any unpasteurized mi... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2745639 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:53:00 +0100 2745639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2738040&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fbreaking-news-sprouts-confirmed-source.html August 26, 2009The Canadian Food Inspection Agency ("CFIA") has confirmed that the Salmonella that was recovered from a Sprouts Alive onion sprout product grown by Sunsprout Natural Foods (Brantford, ON) matches the genetic fingerprint of the Salmonella Cubana strain that sickened 13 Canadians between April 15th and July 26th, 2009.Garfield Balsom, a Food Safety and Recall Specialist with CFIA, also told eFoodAlert today that Sprouts Alive brand onion sprouts recalled by Living Foods Ltd. (Innisfail, AB) on August 19th were linked epidemiologically to cases of salmonellosis. But the agency has not yet received either serotyping or genetic fingerprinting results on the Salmonella that was recovered from the Alberta-produced sprouts.The recalled Ontario- and Alberta-produced onion sprouts we... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2738040 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:23:00 +0100 2738040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2725320&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fvirgin-blue-listeria-outbreak-traced-to.html August 21, 2009The outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes that sickened at least five Virgin Blue passengers in Australia during May and June has been traced to a New South Wales company.GMI Food Wholesalers Pty Ltd (trading as Australian Poultry and Food Wholesalers), was named as the source of the Listeria outbreak by New South Wales Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald. The company, which is located in Wollongong, supplied a cooked, diced chicken product to the airline caterer that prepared chicken wraps for Virgin Blue flights departing from Brisbane.The company's production facility has been under a prohibition order since August 4th, when investigators first identified GMI as the probable source. But government officials waited for lab confirmation before going public. Accord... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2725320 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:49:00 +0100 2725320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2720004&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fcanada-confirms-sprouts-behind.html August 20, 2009The Canadian Food Inspection Agency ("CFIA") has confirmed – albeit indirectly – that contaminated onion sprouts are behind Canada's recent outbreak of Salmonella Cubana. The agency announced late yesterday that Sprouts Alive onion sprout products were being recalled by the manufacturer, Living Foods Ltd. (Innisfail, AB). CFIA added, in its usual terse manner, "There have been reported illnesses."An earlier (August 9th) recall of Sprouts Alive brand onion sprouts was initiated by a different sprout manufacturer – Sunsprout Natural Foods (Brantford, ON). This recall, too, was triggered by the detection of Salmonella.The recalled sprouts were distributed in Alberta and, possibly, also in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia (Living Foods Ltd), as well as in Ontari... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2720004 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:05:00 +0100 2720004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712394&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fnestle-refrigerated-cookie-dough-is.html August 18, 2009With full fanfare, Nestlé announced today that the first five of the company's Toll House® raw cookie dough products returned to store shelves this week. Toll House® raw cookie dough was behind a recent outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that sickened 80 individuals – two thirds of them children and teenagers – in 31 states during May and June of this year. Thirty-five of the victims were hospitalized as a result of their illness. Ten developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a life-threatening complication that typically affects 5-10% of those infected with E. coli O157:H7.Nestlé's Danville, VA cookie dough production facility was shut down in mid-June to facilitate FDA's investigation. While two different samples of Toll House® raw cookie dough yielded E. coli when tested dur... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712394 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:57:00 +0100 2712394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2705360&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fsecond-e-coli-o157-outbreak-strikes.html August 16, 2009Two young girls – one seven years old and the other eleven – contracted E. coli O157 while attending a dance camp in Pembrokeshire, Wales between July 29th and August 9th. Both children are recovering.Local health authorities are investigating the outbreak; but, with only two cases reported, it's unlikely that the source of the infections will be identified.This outbreak follows closely on a series of 4 illnesses that were associated with a fish and chip shop near Wrexham (North Wales) in late July. The victims all had eaten different items at The Llay Fish Bar. Two of the four developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially deadly complication of E. coli O157:H7 infections that can strike 5-10% of those who are infected with the microbe. All four victims were infecte... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2705360 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:42:00 +0100 2705360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2702553&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Flisteria-outbreak-in-land-of-oz.html August 14, 2009Somewhere over the rainbow – possibly in South East Queensland – a chicken wrap manufacturer was supplied with a Listeria monocytogenes-contaminated ingredient. The chicken wraps were distributed to various companies in South East Queensland, including Virgin Blue airlines.The chicken wraps, which were withdrawn from the market in early July, according to Queensland Health, are thought to be the source of at least five cases of listeriosis. Two of the victims were pregnant women who gave birth prematurely as a result of their infection.As a result of the chicken wrap incident – and in light of an increased number of reports of Listeria monocytogenes infections in Queensland and across all of Australia this year – Queensland Health is advising pregnant women, seniors,... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2702553 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:19:00 +0100 2702553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699910&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fnew-salmonella-outbreak-sprouts-up-in.html August 13, 2009Salmonella-contaminated onion sprouts that were recalled on August 9th may be behind an outbreak of Salmonella Cubana infections in Ontario and Alberta, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada ("PHAC"). Some of the victims reported having eaten sprouts.The link between the outbreak and the recently recalled sprouts has not yet been confirmed. In fact, the retail distribution of the sprouts (Ontario, the Maritime provinces, and possibly Québec) does not correlate with the distribution of outbreak victims – 7 in Ontario and 5 in Alberta.PHAC has not indicated why it suspects that the 12 cases of Salmonella Cubana are linked to sprouts:Was Salmonella Cubana detected in a sample of the sprouts or in seeds used for sprouting?Has a genetic match been confirmed between a... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699910 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:33:00 +0100 2699910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2691795&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fsalmonella-outbreak-sickens-40-cdc-mute.html August 11, 2009Forty people in nine states, including 21 in Colorado, 5 in California and 2 in Wyoming, have been infected with an antibiotic-resistant strain of Salmonella Newport. Beef Packers, Inc. has recalled more than 825,000 pounds of ground beef. Safeway, the recipient of a large share of the recalled meat, has announced its own recall of meat sold in Safeway and Vons supermarkets in nine states. Wal-Mart recalled meat that was sold in Sam's Club warehouse stores.According to USDA, the Salmonella-contaminated meat was sold at one or more Safeway, Vons or Sam's Club stores in 12 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Some independent grocers and small chain stores in California also carried the rec... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2691795 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:25:00 +0100 2691795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2678897&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fcontaminated-ground-beef-strikes-again.html August 6, 2009Ground beef recalled today by Beef Packers, Inc. of Fresno, California may be behind a salmonellosis outbreak that has sickened at least 21 people in Colorado and an unknown number of additional victims in eight other states. Four of the Colorado victims were hospitalized. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ("CDPHE") reported on July 31st that it was cooperating with CDC, USDA and other state agencies in an attempt to identify the source of an outbreak of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Newport infections. Beef Packers, Inc. recalled more than 825,000 pounds of ground beef after epidemiological investigations linked the company's products to the Salmonella Newport outbreak. The recalled beef – produced on various dates from June 5, 2009 through June 23... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2678897 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:00:00 +0100 2678897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2671127&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fcolorado-and-maine-report-salmonella.html August 4, 2009(Updated 6:00 PM)BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: According to information just received from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Colorado and Maine outbreaks are due to two completely different serotypes of Salmonella. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ("CDPHE") is investigating an outbreak of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Newport that has sickened at least 21 people in 10 counties. Four of the victims have been hospitalized. Preliminary indications are that the source of the outbreak strain likely is ground beef.According to the July 31st CDPHE news release, eight other states also have reported cases of salmonellosis that are related to this outbreak. USDA, CDC and state health agencies are cooperating in the investigation. The other stat... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2671127 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:00:00 +0100 2671127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2634692&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fsalmonella-outbreak-prompts-ground-beef.html July 23, 2009At least 14 Coloradans have been infected with a multiple antibiotic-resistant strain of Salmonella Typhimurium DT104, and the trail has led investigators to ground beef produced by King Soopers, Inc. of Denver.King Soopers announced yesterday that it was recalling nearly 470,000 pounds of ground beef products, processed on May 23, 2009 through June 13, 2009. The meat, which USDA believes is no longer available in stores, was sold at King Soopers and Dillon supermarkets in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. So far, no state other than Colorado has reported illnesses.Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 ("DT104") was described as an "emerging foodborne pathogen" by USDA in 1997. In an eerie echo of the emergence of E. coli O157:H7, early reports of DT10... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2634692 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:19:00 +0100 2634692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2615507&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fhepatitis-outbreak-prompts-closure-of.html July 18, 2009An outbreak of hepatitis A among patrons of a Milan (Illinois) McDonalds restaurant has forced the temporary closure of the fast food outlet.News of the outbreak first broke on July 15th, when the Illinois Department of Public Health reported that it was investigating 11 confirmed and 2 suspect cases of hepatitis A among residents of Henry, Mercer and Rock Island counties. As of yesterday evening, the outbreak had grown to include 19 victims, 11 of whom were hospitalized due to the severity of their symptoms. Additional suspect cases are being investigated.Hepatitis A Virus ("HAV") infections can vary in severity from asymptomatic to severe. Symptoms of the infection can include: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2615507 Sat, 18 Jul 2009 18:15:00 +0100 2615507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2550366&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fnew-cross-border-outbreak-of-e-coli.html June 28, 2009Is it coincidence that both the US CDC and the Middlesex-London Health Unit in Ontario, Canada are in the throes of investigating meat-related outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7?The Health Unit has received three reports of children infected with E. coli O157:H7 in the last five days. Two of those children ate kofta (spiced ground meat) purchased from the Westmount Halal Food Store in London, Ontario. The third child did not. Yesterday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency advised consumers to avoid eating ground meat or kofta purchased from this store.Also, yesterday, JBS Swift Beef Company announced an expansion of its June 24th meat recall. The Company's action was triggered by a CDC investigation into a multi-state E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. According to the recall announcement, C... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2550366 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:35:00 +0100 2550366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2513439&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fnestle-toll-house-cookie-dough-is-cross.html June 20, 2009With 65 E. coli O157:H7 infections in 29 states appearing to be linked to the consumption of raw Toll House cookie dough, Nestlé's Quality Assurance staff must be scrambling to determine how the pathogen might have sneaked in. E. coli O157:H7 usually is associated with raw meat, unpasteurized dairy products and raw produce. None of these items can be found on any Toll House cookie dough ingredient list. And none of the cookie dough ingredients ever have been associated until now with E. coli O157:H7 contamination, as far as we can tell.Unless the pathogen was introduced into Nestlé's production facility by an asymptomatic carrier of the disease – a Typhoid Mary – we would suggest that the most probable source of the contamination is an ingredient.While we have no inside ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2513439 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:44:00 +0100 2513439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2513442&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fnestle-usa-recalls-toll-house-cooke.html June 19, 2009Nestlé USA announced this morning that it was recalling all varieties of Nestlé TOLL HOUSE refrigerated Cookie Bar Dough, Cookie Dough Tub; Cookie Dough Tube; Limited Edition Cookie Dough items; Seasonal Cookie Dough and Ultimates Cookie Bar Dough.The company acted out of an "abundance of caution" after being notified that FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses that may be linked to consumption of raw Toll House cookie dough.According to a news release issued yesterday evening by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, raw cookie dough may be behind as many as 66 confirmed illnesses in 28 states. Five of the illnesses were reported in Colorado. Maine announced in late May that it had identified a group of 4 genetic... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2513442 Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:48:00 +0100 2513442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2470018&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fdiarrhea-digest-june-9-2009.html Diarrhea Digest is an eFoodAlert feature that presents a periodic snapshot of foodborne and person-to-person gastroenteritis outbreaks from around the world.One or twice a month, we'll survey the globe and discover what all of us have in common – a shared susceptibility to the bacteria and viruses that cause gastrointestinal disease.Asia and AfricaBangladesh, June 2 – High energy biscuits supplied to by the World Food Programme have been fingered as the source of an outbreak of food poisoning among school children in Khagrhachharhi. Bangladesh, June 5 – Capsules containing vitamin A and a deworming medication triggered an episode of vomiting among 150 children approximately 2 hours after they swallowed the capsules. The children were taken to a local hospital for treatment.Hong Kong,... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2470018 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:08:00 +0100 2470018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2453276&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fdiarrhea-digest-june-2-2009.html Diarrhea Digest is an eFoodAlert feature that presents a periodic snapshot of foodborne and person-to-person gastroenteritis outbreaks from around the world.One or twice a month, we'll survey the globe and discover what all of us have in common – a shared susceptibility to the bacteria and viruses that cause gastrointestinal disease.AfricaEthiopia, May 26 – An outbreak of diarrhea has killed 20 people out of 649 reported victims from mid-April to mid-May, according to a UN report. AsiaAzerbaijan, May 27 – Soldiers at a military training facility in Baku were felled by food poisoning, which at least some of the victims blamed on canned fish. Nearly all – 151 out of 162 – of the victims were taken to hospital for treatment.Bangladesh, May 29 – An outbreak of diarrhea has followed... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2453276 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:45:00 +0100 2453276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442950&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fe-coli-claims-another-innocent-life.html May 23, 2009A 7-year old girl will never again play with her friends. She will never skip rope, sing, dance, go swimming, or ride a bicycle. She will never graduate from elementary school. She will never grow up.All because of E. coli.Cleveland, OH health officials suspect, but are not yet certain, that her death is linked to contaminated meat recalled on May 21st. Genetic fingerprinting of the E. coli strain that infected her is not yet complete. Nevertheless, they think that her illness might be part of the same outbreak that sickened three other Ohio residents, in addition to an undisclosed number of individuals in Illinois and Pennsylvania.The ground beef implicated in this outbreak was produced by Valley Meats, LLC (Coal Valley, IL) on March 10, 2009 and distributed across the United... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442950 Sat, 23 May 2009 22:45:00 +0100 2442950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442955&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fsummers-coming-so-is-e-coli-o157h7.html May 21, 2009Today's eFoodAlert Recall Roundup includes Valley Meats' 95,000+ pound recall of E. coli O157:H7-contaminated ground beef products.The ground meat, distributed nationally under several different brand names, has been linked to a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 infections in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois.None of the three affected states have posted warnings on their web sites – perhaps the Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois health departments are too busy chasing suspect swine flu cases. The outbreak also is not large enough to have made it onto CDC's web site. Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, the first major ground beef recall of the grilling season is a reminder to follow safe food handling practices at all times – especially during summer cook-outs and picnics.Keep hot ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442955 Thu, 21 May 2009 17:47:00 +0100 2442955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442956&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Frecall-roundup-may-21-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.Peanut Butter Outbreak RecallsRio Pluma LLC (a division of Stapleton Spence Packing Company) reissues its recall of various peanut products to clarify affected codes.United StatesAllergy Alert: Domega International Co Ltd., recalls FMD Brand Spiced Bean, due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. The Spiced Bean, which was sold nationwide, is a product of China. The problem was discovered by the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets during a routine sampling program.Food Safety Recall: Valley Meats LLC, (Coal Valley, IL) recalls appro... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442956 Thu, 21 May 2009 17:30:00 +0100 2442956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2406292&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2F2009-year-of-nuts.html May 11, 2009Peanut Corporation of America was just a tiny blip on the US peanut industry radar, yet the company's actions triggered a tsunami of Salmonella illnesses and snack food recalls that has lasted for several months.Setton Farms of Terra Bella, CA is the second largest processor of pistachios in the United States. Its actions, too, triggered waves of recalls due to Salmonella contamination, although CDC could not confirm that the pistachios were responsible any Salmonella illnesses.Despite the size differences between PCA and Setton Farms, both companies indulged in practices that were likely to backfire. And backfire they did!FDA has released its inspection reports on PCA's Georgia facility and on the Setton Farms production plant in California. Both operations were cited for the ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2406292 Mon, 11 May 2009 22:58:00 +0100 2406292 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390481&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fupdating-salmonella-contaminated.html May 5, 2009On April 28th – one week ago today – we warned that alfalfa sprouts grown by Arizona Hydroponics LLC probably were implicated, along with other sprouts, in the most recent Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak.Alfalfa sprouts – grown using contaminated seeds imported from Italy and distributed in the United States by Caudill Seed Company (Louisville, KY) – were blamed most recently for 35 cases of salmonellosis in 7 US states since mid-March. An earlier sprout-related outbreak caused by the same strain of Salmonella Saintpaul sickened 140 people in five states earlier this year.According to FDA, the contaminated seeds were sold to various growers. So far this year, Los Angeles Calco, Jonathan Sprouts and Sunsprout Enterprises have recalled batches of alfalfa sprouts and mixed ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390481 Tue, 05 May 2009 22:06:00 +0100 2390481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376902&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fsalmonella-saintpaul-updating-sprout.html April 28, 2009Unlike other sprout-related outbreaks that occurred earlier this year, the current Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak has made it onto CDC's web site radar screen.CDC reported yesterday that 35 people in seven states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Saintpaul since mid-March.Illnesses have been reported in Michigan (17), Minnesota (4), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (6), South Dakota (2), Utah (1), and West Virginia (2). Two of the Michigan victims were hospitalized. Fortunately, there have been no reported deaths.According to CDC, the present outbreak may be a continuation or extension of the sprout-linked Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak that sickened as many as 140 people earlier this year. Many of the outbreak victims – including 10 of the Michigan victi... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376902 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:48:00 +0100 2376902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376908&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fswine-flu-can-you-eat-pork-and-more.html The news is focused in on the Swine Flu and being only one state away from the most affected spot in the US, I've given it a bit of thought, but am not panicking. According to a report today given by the Mayor of New York there are people going to emergency rooms and doctors AFRAID that they have the flu, but none coming in at the time of this typing that have been diagnosed with Swine Flu.Some wonder whether it is okay to eat Pork during this time....yes, it is perfectly safe...as a nutritionist I have other concerns about pork including the fact that it carries parasites and more potential for food poisoning than other meats and needs to be cooked very well, NO pink meat...I've had food poisoning from undercooked pork and it is NOT fun. But Swine Flu is not carried in the meat of Pork.Fo... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376908 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:21:00 +0100 2376908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2368729&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fsalmonella-saintpaul-sprouts-up-again.html April 26, 2009Another sprout-linked Salmonella outbreak is under investigation by FDA and CDC. Thirty-one people in seven states have been infected with the same strain of Salmonella Saintpaul that was behind the multi state outbreak we reported on in early March.Sixteen of the 31 confirmed victims are from southeast Michigan, including the City of Detroit. Ten of the Michigan victims reported having eaten raw alfalfa sprouts at sandwich shops. The Michigan victims reported illness onset dates of Mar 23 to April 6, 2009.According to Bill Marler, FDA informed the sprout industry yesterday that the agency soon would be issuing a news release on the subject.The Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak that flared up earlier this year was linked to alfalfa sprouts produced by Sunsprout Enterprises, a Ne... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2368729 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:54:00 +0100 2368729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349872&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fnorth-americas-stealth-outbreak.html We reported last month that the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) was searching for the source of an outbreak of Salmonella Carrau, a strain of Salmonella that is not often found either in Canada or the United States.As of March 26th, the outbreak was confined to 14 individuals in four provinces – Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The same serotype, though not necessarily the same genetic strain, also had been found in a few individuals in the United States, according to the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene. Neither CDC nor any state health agencies have released information about these cases.PHAC reported last Friday (April 17th) that the number of confirmed Salmonella Carrau cases has grown to 30. Three new provinces – Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Br... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349872 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:11:00 +0100 2349872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2342049&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fchile-and-canada-opposite-poles-similar.html April 18, 2009Yesterday, the Chilean Ministry of Health ordered the temporary closure of a Santiago meat processor in what may be a reaction to the scathing comments reported here yesterday by Chile's Senator Guido Gerardi on the lame performance of the country's Servicio Agricola y Ganadero (SAG).The order came five days after Listeria monocytogenes was detected in 11 different meat products manufactured by the processor, Elaboradora Doñihue Limitada. The company has halted production and has recalled its products from the marketplace.Chile's Ministry of Health had been investigating the source of a new clone of Listeria monocytogenes – identified by the Department of Epidemiology as "Clone 001" – which has infected 14 people since October 2008. One victim has died, and two pregnan... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2342049 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 18:30:00 +0100 2342049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2302683&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fcanaries-in-mineshaft-pistachios.html (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2302683 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:59:00 +0100 2302683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2302686&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Ffda-warns-consumers-to-avoid-pistachios.html (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2302686 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:46:00 +0100 2302686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2302687&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fsalmonella-contaminated-spice-update.html (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2302687 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:50:00 +0100 2302687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2302690&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fsalmonella-contaminated-spice-sickens.html (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2302690 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 13:28:00 +0100 2302690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2302695&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Flatest-salmonella-outbreak-salmonella.html (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2302695 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:32:00 +0100 2302695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2302697&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Frisky-eating-raw-and-undercooked-eggs.html (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2302697 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:45:00 +0100 2302697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2282009&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fstrange-sunsalmonella-case-of-cw.html (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2282009 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:05:00 +0100 2282009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2282012&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fcdc-issues-final-web-update-on.html (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2282012 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:16:00 +0100 2282012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2269411&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Frisky-eating-sprouts.html (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2269411 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:53:00 +0100 2269411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2262139&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fschool-lunch-tortilla-supplier-shuts.html (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2262139 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:25:00 +0100 2262139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249873&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fsalmonella-saintpaul-comback-more.html (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249873 Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:09:00 +0100 2249873 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2234738&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fnebraska-company-recalls-sprouts.html March 4, 2009SunSprout Enterprises, Inc. has agreed to recall three types of sprouts after the company's alfalfa sprouts were identified as the possible source of a Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak in Nebraska and Iowa.While no lab tests have yet linked the alfalfa sprouts to the outbreak, SunSprout has taken this action based on epidemiological data generated by state and federal health agencies.The following products are included in this recall:Alfalfa Sprouts (4-oz clear plastic clamshell containers; 2.5-lb and 5-lb bulk cases): UPC #815098001088Onion Sprouts (4-oz clear plastic clamshell container): UPC #815098002054Gourmet Sprouts (4-oz clear plastic clamshell container): UPC #817180000153In all cases, the recall encompasses these Best If Sold By dates and lot numbers: 30209 (MAR 02 200... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2234738 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:00:00 +0100 2234738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2234740&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fsalmonella-saintpaul-makes-comeback.html March 4, 2009A food poisoning outbreak that has sickened at least 14 Nebraskans – and possibly as many as 28 – may have originated with alfalfa sprouts from CW Sprouts, a company based in Omaha. Five victims also have been identified in the neighboring state of Iowa, with another four cases under investigation.Salmonella Saintpaul has been detected in specimens provided by 14 victims in Nebraska and five victims in Iowa. According to a preliminary report released last week by the Douglas County (Nebraska) Department of Health & Wellness, the genetic profile of the outbreak strain does not match any other strain in the national database – including the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak strain that wrecked havoc in  last year's Mexican pepper outbreak. Outbreak victims in Nebraska re... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2234740 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:41:00 +0100 2234740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2205642&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fhemolytic-uremic-syndrome-in-france.html Frozen ground beef recalledFebruary 21, 2009The French Ministry of Health and Sports (Ministère de la Santé et des Sports) has issued a health alert in response to the diagnosis of a case of hemolytic uremic syndrome in a hospitalized child in the Paris area.The child was infected with E. coli.Epidemiological investigations have pointed authorities to a particular brand of frozen ground beef, and E. coli has been found in samples of the frozen meat. Further testing is underway to determine whether the strain in the meat matches the one recovered from the sick child.Even though the genetic identity of the two isolates has not yet been confirmed, the manufacturer has recalled the following product at the request of the French authorities:Steaks hachés surgelés de la marque CERGEL, vendus... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2205642 Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:45:00 +0100 2205642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2201855&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-corporation-of-america-doesnt.html February 20, 2009After contributing to the death of nine innocent victims -After sickening at least 654 unsuspecting consumers, and sending approximately 150 of them to hospital -After being on the receiving end of several lawsuits from outbreak victims -After being dumped by its insurance company -After being forced to face a Congressional SubCommittee -After contributing to the bankruptcy of at least one of its customers -After declaring the company insolvent and filing a bankruptcy petition -Stewart Parnell and Peanut Corporation of America still don't get it.Today, the Texas Department of State Health Services announced that – having received no response from the company to its recall order – the State was taking over the recall of products shipped from PCA's Plainview facility. ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2201855 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:09:00 +0100 2201855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2201860&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fsalmonella-typhimurium-outbreak-latest.html February 19, 2009This afternoon, CDC released its latest tally of Salmonella Typhimurium victims. The agency now has recorded 654 confirmed cases in 44 states. Twenty-three percent of the victims were hospitalized, and nine patients died.This outbreak is still very much alive. The most recent victim became ill on February 3rd.The number of known victims of this outbreak far exceeds the tally of 425 confirmed illnesses in the 2007 ConAgra Peter Pan Peanut Butter outbreak. But it is still well short of the 1,438 people who were infected with Salmonella SaintPaul as a result of consuming contaminated peppers last year. Two people died as a result of being infected with Salmonella SaintPaul; there were no fatalities in the ConAgra outbreak.In addition to the individual victims, this outbreak a... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2201860 Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:53:00 +0100 2201860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195839&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fsalmonella-typhimurium-outbreak.html We reported on February 10th that Peanut Corporation of America had closed its Plainview, TX plant after Salmonella was found in several product samples. Even before Plainview closed, Colorado Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage that three outbreak victims had reported consuming the Company's in-store freshly ground peanut butter. Vitamin Cottage issued a precautionary recall notice, even though the link had not been confirmed.Yesterday, according to CIDRAP, FDA reported having found the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium in an opened jar of Vitamin Cottage peanut butter taken from the home of one of the Colorado outbreak victims. FDA did not find any contamination on the Company's peanut grinding machines or in fresh samples of peanut butter.Vitamin Cottage, in a press release issue... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195839 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:25:00 +0100 2195839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2191706&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-p-t.html Updated February 17, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part X (letters S-T) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.SafewaySafeway has recalled the following fresh-ground peanut butter and varieties of dry-roasted peanuts, sold in 66 Safeway stores with in-store "Nut Hut" kiosks.Peanuts Dry Roasted Unsalted: PLU code 02 41529Peanuts Dry Roasted with Salt: PLU code 02 41530Organic Peanuts Runner Splits Dry Roasted Unsalted: PLU code 02 41552Peanuts Blanched Runner Splits Dry Roast... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2191706 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:10:00 +0100 2191706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2191707&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-g-h.html Updated February 17, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part IV (letters G-H) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.The Galliker Dairy Co.Galliker Dairy has recalled Galliker brand Rocky Road ice cream and Galliker brand Sundae Nut Cones. The ice cream products were sold to foodservice and retail outlets in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, only.The following specific items have been recalled:Galliker brand Rocky Road ice cream (3-gall paperboard containers with paper lid): Code date... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2191707 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:00:00 +0100 2191707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2191708&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-k-o.html Updated February 17, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part VI (letters K-L) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.Kariba Farms, Inc.Kariba Farms has recalled the following products, distributed between 4/25/2007 and 8/23/2007.Thai Peanut Nut Clusters Coating Mix (5 oz foil/plastic pkg): UPC #762851041525; Lot #A7115, A7120, A7123, A7141, A7152, A7159, A7184, A7198, and A7225KashiKashi has recalled the following Kashi granola bars and chewy cookies, sold in retail and club stores ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2191708 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:00:00 +0100 2191708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2191709&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-q-r.html Updated February 17, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part IX (letters Q-R) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.Rain Creek Baking CorporationRain Creek has recalled Sinbad, Michael's and Rain Creek Baking brands of dessert products. Recalled items will show an expiration or best before date of 11/01/07 through 12/31/07, 01/01/08 through 12/31/08 or 01/01/09 through 07/22/09. All lot numbers between 07180 sequentially through 09022 are affected.The following products – sold in... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2191709 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:59:00 +0100 2191709 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2191710&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-o-p.html Updated February 17, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part VIII (letters O-P) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.Ocean SprayOcean Spray has recalled certain packages of Fruit and Nut Trail Mix, sold in retail stores across the United States. The following items are affected:Fruit & Nut Trail Mix (1.75 oz): UPC #311812; Best By Dates MAY0509, MAY0609, MAY0709, MAY1109, MAY1209, MAY2809, JUN0409, JUN0509, JUN1009, JUN1209, JUN2009, JUN2109, JUN2209, JUN2309, JUN2409, JUN0909... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2191710 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:50:00 +0100 2191710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2191711&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-m-n.html Updated February 17, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part VII (letters M-N) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.Madelaine Chocolate Novelties, Inc.Madelaine has recalled the following panned chocolate products – distributed under the Madelaine brand and as "private label" products – through wholesalers and distributors across the United States and Canada, as well as in Mexico, Europe, and Asia. The recalled items were available for retail purchase between January 1, 2007 a... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2191711 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:44:00 +0100 2191711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2191712&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-f-j.html Updated February 17, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part V (letters I-J) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.Ice Cream SpecialtiesIce Cream Specialties has recalled the following peanut-containing ice cream novelty products, made in the company's Indiana plant. The novelty items were distributed nationally and in Puerto Rico for sale in retail stores, convenience stores and, possibly, vending machines.Aldi Sundae Shoppe Vanilla Sundae Cones (6 pk): Supplied to Aldi, Batavia, ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2191712 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:40:00 +0100 2191712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2191713&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-e.html Updated February 17, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part I (letters A-B) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.Abbott NutritionAbbott announced the recall of all sizes and quantities of ZonePerfect® Chocolate Peanut Butter bars, ZonePerfect® Peanut Toffee bars and NutriPals™ Peanut Butter Chocolate bars, distributed in the United States, Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore. No recalled products were exported to Canada. The company expanded its initial recall on February 16... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2191713 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:30:00 +0100 2191713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2191714&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-e-f.html Updated February 17, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part III (letters E-F) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.Earth IslandEarth Island has recalled the following Follow Your Heart pre-made deli products labeled with Best by dates of 01/27/09 to 02/09/09 and sold at health food and grocery stores in Southern California.Thai Peanut Tofu Wrap (10 oz): UPC #049568-01034Thai Peanut Tofu with Rice (10 oz): UPC #049568-01028Thai Peanut Tofu Bulk / Peanut Braised Tofu (1 Gal): UPC ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2191714 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:22:00 +0100 2191714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2191715&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-c-d.html Updated February 17, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part II (letters C-D) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.CAN DO KIDCAN DO KID has recalled the following products, sold in grocery, warehouse and other retail stores across the United States.CAN DO KID Chocolate Crunch (40g bar): UPC #8-54260-00101-3; Best by/Sell by 062608, 080208, 082808, 100808, 011709, 050909, 081309, 102109CAN DO KID Cookies & Cream (40g bar): UPC #8-54260-00102-0; Best by/Sell by 062608, 080208, ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2191715 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:14:00 +0100 2191715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188520&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fanatomy-of-peanut-butter-outbreak.html February 14, 2009One month after Peanut Corporation of America issued the first in a series of four recall notices, and three months after CDC detected the first hint that a multi-state Salmonella outbreak was underway, the fallout from this incident is still expanding in ever-widening ripples across the United States and around the world.The VictimsAs of 9PM (EST) Wednesday, February 11th, CDC reports that nine victims of the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak have died.At least 637 cases of salmonellosis have been confirmed to be part of the outbreak. The most recent victim became ill on January 28th. Twenty-three percent of the confirmed outbreak victims have been hospitalized, and the outbreak strain has been recovered from patients in 44 states. One Canadian who traveled to the United St... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188520 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 13:39:00 +0100 2188520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2184278&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Flet-next-wave-of-peanut-recalls-begin.html February 12, 2009The Texas Department of State Health Services has ordered Peanut Corporation of America to recall all products ever shipped from the Company's Plainview facility. This decision was NOT contingent on a confirmation of the previously reported possible Salmonella isolation from several Plainview peanut product samples.Here is the entire text of the Texas DSHS news release, dated February 12, 2009.DSHS Orders PCA Plainview Plant to Recall All ProductsThe Texas Department of State Health Services today ordered Peanut Corporation of America to recall all products ever shipped from its Plainview plant. The order was issued after dead rodents, rodent excrement and bird feathers were discovered yesterday in a crawl space above a production area during an in-depth DSHS inspection.Th... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2184278 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 23:23:00 +0100 2184278 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2184279&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-corporation-of-america-takes_12.html February 12, 2009Yesterday, the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing titled The Salmonella Outbreak: The Continued Failure to Protect the Food Supply. The Subcommittee invited the testimony of several witnesses:Jeffrey Almer, Lou Tousignant and Peter K. Hurley (outbreak victims and their family members)Stephen Sundlof, D.V.M., Ph.D (Director of CFSAN, FDA)Oscar Garrison (Georgia Dept. of Agriculture)Darlene Cowart (President, J. Leek Associates. Inc)Charles Deibel (President, Deibel Laboratories)Sammy Lightsey (Plant Manager, Blakely PCA plant)Stewart Parnell (President, Peanut Corporation of America)The Subcommittee found it necessary to issue a subpoena to require the attendance of Mr. Parnell.While the subpoena ensured the presence of Stewart Parnell at the... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2184279 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:24:00 +0100 2184279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2178281&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fsalmonella-typhimurium-outbreak-ninth.html February 11, 2009Two days after CDC published its most recent epidemiological update, Ohio has reported the death of a second outbreak victim in the state. The latest victim, an elderly woman, was a resident of Medina County. The other Ohio victim – also an elderly woman – lived in Summit County.The two neighboring counties are located in the northeast quadrant of the state.Ohio also reported a total of 92 outbreak victims – 12 more than the number shown in CDC's last update. Onset dates for the state's 92 victims ranged between October 10, 2008 and January 24, 2009. The latest onset date reported by CDC was January 23, 2009, indicating that new infections are still occurring.With Ohio's latest report included, we can expect CDC's next outbreak tally to rise to at least 612 victims.C... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2178281 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:52:00 +0100 2178281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2174077&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-problems-proliferate-in.html We reported three days ago that the Plainview plant, although registered with FDA, was operating without a license from – or inspection by – the Texas DSHS. Texas is one of the states with which FDA has contractual arrangements to inspect food processing facilities on behalf of the federal agency. Georgia – the home of PCA's shuttered Blakely plant – is another.While the Texas DSHS news release indicates that the state is unaware of any illnesses associated with peanuts from Plainview, this status might change. A Colorado-based company, Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc., has recalled fresh-ground peanut butter that was made using peanuts supplied from PCA's Plainview facility. Vitamin Cottage took this action after being advised that three outbreak victims in Colorado rep... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2174077 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:38:00 +0100 2174077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2174079&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fhidden-time-bomb-in-queso-fresco.html February 9, 2009Late last month, three pregnant Illinois women developed listeriosis after consuming different types of soft cheeses made from raw milk. The three women all were infected with the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes, suggesting that the various cheeses all were made from the same milk source.All three women transmitted their infection to their infants during their pregnancy. Two of the women miscarried; the third gave birth to a baby that was infected with Listeria monocytogenes.Coincidentally, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets warned the public last week against consuming a specific batch code of Queso Fresco produced by Peregrina Cheese Corp. (342 Ten Eyck St., Brooklyn, NY 11206) after detecting Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of the cheese.A... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2174079 Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:44:00 +0100 2174079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2168503&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fflorida-44th-state.html February 8, 2009The number of states reporting victims in the Salmonella Typhimuium outbreak has risen to 44. The Florida Department of Health reported on February 4th that the state had confirmed the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium in a resident of Bradford County, FL.The victim was hospitalized briefly, but has been discharged.The state is still investigating to determine what product(s) the Florida outbreak victim might have consumed. (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2168503 Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:42:00 +0100 2168503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2168504&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Femergency-relief-supplies-recalled.html February 7, 2009The Arkansas Department of Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services are warning residents in both states that some of the relief supplies distributed by FEMA contain peanut butter packets that have been recalled.At least two different suppliers of emergency meals have notified FEMA of the problem.On January 19th, Red Cloud Food Services recalled three production lots of Standing Rock brand "Commercial Meal Kits". The shelf-stable meal kits bear production date codes of 092208, 092308 and 092508, and expiration dates of 092209, 092309 and 092509. According to the Texas DSHS web site, these meals may have been distributed to food banks in that state. The Arkansas Department of Health reports that the meals also were distributed to disaster survivors in Arkans... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2168504 Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:47:00 +0100 2168504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2168505&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fsalmonella-typhimurium-outbreak-is-pca.html February 7, 2009The Associated Press reported 3 days ago that Peanut Corporation of America's Plainview, Texas facility was operating without a license from the state of Texas.The plant was registered with FDA and with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, but hadn't made it onto the radar screen of the Texas Department of State Health Services.According to the AP report, the state health agency only became aware of the Plainview facility once the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak had been linked to PCA's Blakely plant. FDA investigators inspected the Plainview plant in January as part of the Salmonella outbreak investigation, but did not detect any contamination at that time. A recall announced this past week by a Colorado company, however, suggests that all might not be well in ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2168505 Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:10:00 +0100 2168505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2168506&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-outbreak-goes-to-dogs.html February 6, 2009The Oregon Department of Human Services reported today that it has confirmed the first US case of salmonellosis in a dog that may be linked to the national outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses.CDC had confirmed 575 cases, spread across 43 states as of 9PM (EDT) on February 4th. The most recent reported victim became ill on January 22nd.Of the 575 victims, approximately 22% have been hospitalized. The Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak may have contributed to eight deaths. The number of new cases appears to be declining, but it is too soon to declare the outbreak over.The Oregon report does not specifically state that the canine victim was infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium. But the agency also found Salmonella in a package of dog biscuits in th... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2168506 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:26:00 +0100 2168506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2161035&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-e.html February 4, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part A (letters A-E) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.Abbott NutritionAbbott has announced the recall of all sizes and quantities of ZonePerfect® Chocolate Peanut Butter bars, ZonePerfect® Peanut Toffee bars and NutriPals™ Peanut Butter Chocolate bars, distributed in the United States, Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore. No recalled products were exported to Canada.ALDIALDI has recalled all Cambridge cheese crackers with peanu... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2161035 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 01:00:00 +0100 2161035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2161036&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-k-o.html February 4, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part C (letters K-O) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.KashiKashi has recalled the following Kashi granola bars and chewy cookies, sold in retail and club stores across the United States. These products are also included in some club assortments and variety packs.Kashi™ TLC™ Chewy Granola Bars in Trail Mix and Honey Almond Flax varieties (7.4 oz box): "Best if Used Before" date prior to September 19, 2009, followed by the lette... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2161036 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:20:00 +0100 2161036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2161037&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-u-z.html February 4, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part E (letters U-Z) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.Umpqua Dairy Products Co.Umpqua has recalled the following packages of Tin Roof Sundae ice cream, distributed to retail stores in Oregon, Washington and Northern California.Tin Roof Sundae Ice Cream (1.75 Qt): UPC #71203-08773; Sell by dates 010610, 121109, 071009, 070309, 063009, 121408, 112708 and 111308Premium Lite Tin Roof Sundae Ice Cream (1.75 Qt): UPC #71203-08968; Sell ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2161037 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:05:00 +0100 2161037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2161038&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-p-t.html February 4, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part D (letters P-T) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.Parker Products, Inc.Parker has recalled the following three peanut butter products, sold nationally to food processors and to other companies for private labeling. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup 1442: Manufactured 11/6/08; Lot code 08296 (30 pound case)Peanut Butter Cookies & Crème Organic Bark 2348: Manufactured 10/3/08; Lot code 08277 (10 pound case)Peanut Butter Milk Blen... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2161038 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 19:35:00 +0100 2161038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2161039&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-us-recalls-f-j.html February 4, 2009Peanut Corporation of America supplied peanut butter to as many as 85 direct customers. Following is Part B (letters F-J) of the eFoodAlert list of US consumer product recalls of foods for human consumption. Unless otherwise indicated below, recalled products were distributed through supermarket grocery chains, warehouse chains, independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.Falcon Trading Company/SunRidge FarmsFalcon Trading/SunRidge has recalled Honey Nut Nuggets. The Nuggets were co-packed for Falcon; no PCA peanut butter or peanut paste was introduced into the Falcon Trading/SunRidge facility. The recalled item is described as:Naturally Preferred Honey Nut Nuggets, Item #37237 (8 oz. bag): UPC #011100372376; Lot codes Nov1209D (19 cases), Nov 0... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2161039 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 19:27:00 +0100 2161039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2161040&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpeanut-butter-products-some-companies.html February 4, 2009FDA advises that there is no indication that any national name brands of peanut butter sold in jars in retail stores are implicated in this outbreak and series of recalls. The agency has the following advice for consumers: "[T]he FDA recommends that consumers avoid eating products that have been recalled and discard them.Because identification of products subject to recall is continuing, the FDA urges consumers to postpone eating commercially-prepared or manufactured peanut butter-containing products and institutionally-served peanut butter until further information becomes available about which products may be affected. Efforts to specifically identify those products are ongoing."The following companies and products are NOT part of this series of recalls.Dreyer's Grand Ice... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2161040 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:34:00 +0100 2161040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2148110&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fanatomy-of-peanut-butter-outbreak.html January 30, 2009The Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak began officially on September 1, 2008, when the first victim began to feel ill. Three cases were recorded in September. But the outbreak got underway in earnest in October.According to CDC's Epidemic Curve, the number of cases began to increase during the first week of October, reaching a peak around Thanksgiving and into early December. As of January 28th, the most recent onset date for a victim's symptoms was January 16, 2009.CDC received the first whisper of an outbreak on November 10th, when staff members received reports of 13 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium infections in 12 states. All 13 cases were caused by the identical strain. Something definitely was in the wind. But what?By November 25th, the number of cases had grown to 35, a... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2148110 Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:35:00 +0100 2148110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2145051&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fanatomy-of-peanut-butter-outbreak-build.html January 29, 2009Peanut Corporation America is a privately held company, with operations in Texas, Virginia and Georgia. The Company was incorporated in 1983 as J.R. Britt Peanut Co., Inc. The following year, J.R. Britt changed its name to Georgia Food & Nut Processors, Inc. Five years later, in 1989, the name changed again – to Casey's Food Products, Inc. In 2001, the Company renamed itself once more, and became Peanut Corporation of America.In 2006, FDA contracted with the Georgia Department of Agriculture to inspect PCA's Blakely, GA processing facility on behalf of the federal government. One assumes that FDA paid Georgia for this service.An inspector from the GDA visited the Blakely facility twice yearly, beginning in January 2006. The inspections could hardly be called in-depth... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2145051 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:55:00 +0100 2145051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2145050&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fspreading-peanut-butter-recall.html While my husband is spreading peanut butter on his favorite bread or roll, the recall on peanut butter itself is spreading, as is the nature of recalls as one source leads to another.Personally, I have been trying NutriSystem with my husband, and LOVE the breakfast Peanut Butter Granola Bars. I had eaten about 3 last week, and was feeling pretty nauseous and ill over the weekend, only to discover a warning on the site that this one item is something we have to throw away, because it uses the peanut butter affected from The Peanut Corporation of America. I'm supposed to receive replacements, but haven't received a reply yet on that...guess they must be busy with other peanut loving nuts like me:-)Products of companies such as Jenny Craig, Keebler, ShopRite, Trader Joe's, Nutrilite, Isagenix... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2145050 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:37:00 +0100 2145050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2142025&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fpeanut-corporation-of-america-throws-in.html Company recalls all peanuts and peanut products processed in Blakely since January 1, 2007January 28, 2009Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) announced this evening that the company has recalled all peanuts and peanut products processed and shipped from the company's Blakely, Georgia production facility since January 1, 2007.Today's action follows the publication of FDA's investigation report that described unsanitary conditions in the Blakely plant.Salmonella-contaminated peanut butter processed in the Blakely plant is blamed for an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections that has sickened more than 500 victims in 43 states, and one Canadian. Twenty-two percent of the victims have been hospitalized and the outbreak may have contributed to eight deaths.PCA supplied its products to di... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2142025 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:15:00 +0100 2142025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2142027&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fpeanut-butter-roulette.html January 28, 2009The FDA today released a report summarizing the observations made by agency inspectors during their review of the operations, plant records, and compliance status of Peanut Corporation of America's Blakely production facility. The complete report, which has not yet been posted on FDA's web site, is available on Bill Marler's blog site.Two weeks ago, we offered some thoughts as to how peanut butter might become contaminated with Salmonella. We mentioned poor sanitation, poor maintenance, cross-contamination, and rodent or bird infestation. According to the FDA report, all of these elements were present in the Blakely plant. And more.FDA discovered that PCA never validated the ability of its roasting process to kill Salmonella. Nor did the company maintain proper temperature... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2142027 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:47:00 +0100 2142027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2132707&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fpet-snack-peanut-butter-recalls.html January 25, 2009The US Food and Drug Administration has posted several recall notices for pet snacks that may contain peanut butter or peanut paste manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America. These products are at risk of being contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium.The following list of recalls will be updated as more information becomes available.Nash FinchNash Finch has announced the recall of all sell-by dates of Puppy Chow Snack Mix, sold in a variety of package sizes and quantities in stores operated by the company in Colorado, Ohio, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Minnesota.The following store brands are affected:Avanza SupermarketEconofoods (excluding stores in Sturgeon Bay, Clintonville, Marquette, Holton and Iron Mountain)Family Fresh MarketFamily T... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2132707 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:37:00 +0100 2132707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2116751&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fsalmonella-found-in-austin-sandwich.html January 19, 2009FDA has just announced having confirmed the presence of Salmonella in a sample of Austin® Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter. This variety of sandwich cracker was one of the peanut butter products recalled by The Kellogg Company. Genetic fingerprint information was not released – probably because the analysis is still in progress.Kellogg Company, which has behaved admirably throughout this peanut butter ordeal, released the following statement from the Company's President and CEO, David Mackay:"We apologize to our consumers and customers, and we can't emphasize enough our disappointment and deep regret about this situation. The food industry upholds certain operating standards and we are proud that we exceed these standards in our facilities. Events of the ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2116751 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:02:00 +0100 2116751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2116752&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fpca-peanut-butter-shipped-to-canada.html January 19, 2009In the most recent of a series of recall announcements, Peanut Corporation of America has expanded its recall once again, to include all peanut butter and peanut paste produced in its Blakely, Georgia facility on or after July 1, 2008.According to the news release, PCA shipped the recalled products to North American customers in 24 states and the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, as well as to overseas customers in Haiti and Korea. PCA supplies its products to food service operations, institutions, distributors and food processors. While PCA is not sold in retail stores, snack foods that were made using the recalled peanut butter and peanut paste is widely available to consumers in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and even in vending machines.These lot num... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2116752 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:21:00 +0100 2116752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2112690&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fpeanut-butter-related-recalls-multiply.html January 17, 2009Peanut Corporation of America has expanded its initial voluntary recall of peanut butter – announced just 3 days ago – to include "... all peanut butter produced on or after August 8, 2008 and peanut paste produced on or after September 26, 2008..." in its Blakely, Georgia facility.The expanded recall comes after the states of Connecticut and Georgia both reported recovering Salmonella from previously unopened jars of King Nut peanut butter, and after Kellogg Company – to which PCA supplied peanut paste – announced its own recall of 16 Keebler®, Famous Amos® and Austin® products.Hy-Vee Inc., a regional commercial bakery that purchased peanut butter from PCA also has initiated a recall of several items.PCA has halted all production in its Blakely plant, and is no... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2112690 Sat, 17 Jan 2009 23:26:00 +0100 2112690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2111190&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fsixth-death-reported-in-peanut-butter.html This report brings the death toll in the current outbreak to six – two each in Virginia and Minnesota, one in Idaho and one in North Carolina.The state did not release any other details about the victim, but reported that there are now four confirmed outbreak cases of salmonellosis in North Carolina.Ohio, also has released an updated list of outbreak cases, summarized by county. That state has now logged a total of 64 confirmed cases in 25 counties. Eighteen victims have been hospitalized; fortunately, there have been no fatalities.CDC reported this evening that the number of confirmed cases has risen to 453. This new tally does not reflect the increased number of cases in Ohio, which stands at 57 in the CDC totals. Nor does today's summary include the death just reported by North Carol... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2111190 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:59:00 +0100 2111190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2108313&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fgeorgia-lab-reports-preliminary.html January 15, 2009The Georgia Department of Agriculture has made a "presumptive" finding of Salmonella in two samples of peanut butter from Peanut Corporation of America's Blakely processing facility.Peanut butter from this facility was recalled by PCA earlier this week, after Minnesota researchers confirmed the recovery of the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium from an opened jar of peanut butter manufactured by PCA and distributed by King Nut.The Georgia lab has initiated "confirming" tests to verify that the bacteria they isolated are Salmonella. Assuming a positive outcome, the isolates will be genetically typed to establish whether or not they match the outbreak strain. The results of these additional tests may be available as early next week.If the confirming tests are positive,... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2108313 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:55:00 +0100 2108313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2108318&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fsalmonella-typhimurium-434-people.html January 15, 2009The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported late yesterday evening that the number of confirmed cases of salmonellosis attributed to the national outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium has risen to at least 434 people, five of whom have died. One New Brunswick (Canada) resident who visits the United States frequently also has been infected with the outbreak strain.While there is no way of knowing to what extent Salmonella was responsible for these deaths, all five of the deceased were infected with the Salmonella Typhimurium strain that has been found in peanut butter. One of the dead victims was a resident of Idaho, two were from Virginia and two from Minnesota. Three were over 65 years of age – two of them older than 70.Twenty-eight percent of the confi... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2108318 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:13:00 +0100 2108318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2105095&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fkellogg-puts-hold-on-peanut-butter.html January 14, 2009The Kellogg Company has placed a precautionary hold on its Austin and Keebler brands of peanut butter sandwich crackers, and is asking consumers to not eat these products until the investigation surrounding the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) peanut butter recall has been completed.PCA is one of several suppliers of peanut butter paste used in the fillings of these sandwich crackers.Kellogg has put an inventory hold on the products, and has instructed that they be removed from store shelves. The company has not issued a recall notice, but is using the "product hold" mechanism as a safety precaution while it determines whether any of the following Austin or Keebler products contain recalled peanut butter:Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich CrackersPeanut Butter and Jelly Sand... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2105095 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:33:00 +0100 2105095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2105096&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Ffive-dead-in-peanut-butter-outbreak.html January 14, 2009According to the Associated Press, the death toll among victims of the national Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak has risen to five – two each in Minnesota and Virginia, and one in Idaho.The five people whose deaths may be due to their having becoming infected with Salmonella Typhimurium after eating contaminated peanut butter include:A man over the age of 65 from eastern IdahoTwo adults in Virginia (no other details released)A Minnesota man in his 70sA Minnesota woman in her 70sAs of January 12th, CDC was reporting 410 confirmed cases of salmonellosis due to the outbreak strain in 43 states, and 3 deaths. According to Marler Blog, the total number of victims has now surpassed 425.Anyone who followed the progress of last summer's Listeria monocytogenes outbreak in Canada ca... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2105096 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:38:00 +0100 2105096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2101918&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fpeanut-corporation-of-america-silent-on.html January 13, 2009Yesterday, CDC announced that the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak now encompasses 43 states and has sickened at least 410 people. The only unaffected states are Alaska, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, and South Carolina.Yesterday, the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health announced that the strain of Salmonella recovered from an opened jar of King Nut peanut butter found at a long-term care facility in that state was identical genetically to the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium.Yesterday, Martin Kanan, President and CEO of King Nut Companies, clarified that his company only distributed peanut butter in 7 states – Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota, Arizona, Idaho and New Hampshire. The company has already recalled all King Nut pe... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2101918 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:41:00 +0100 2101918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096192&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fpeanut-corporation-expresses-deep.html January 11, 2009Peanut Corporation of America, the manufacturer of the King Nut peanut butter that has been linked through epidemiological evidence to the national Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak, released the following statement late yesterday evening:"Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) today expressed its deep concern about the apparent finding of salmonella in a container of one of its products distributed in Minnesota, and its commitment to continue working with U.S. government and independent laboratories on a thorough investigation.PCA is the manufacturer of the peanut butter distributed by King Nut to institutions in Minnesota. The salmonella was found in an open container of King Nut peanut butter at a nursing facility, which leaves open the possibility of cross contamination... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096192 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:51:00 +0100 2096192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2095334&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fking-nut-recalls-contaminated-peanut_10.html January 10, 2009King Nut has released additional information about its just-announced recall of peanut butter.The company is contacting all of its customers to request that they stop distributing all King Nut brand peanut butter identified by lot codes beginning with "8". The peanut butter, which was manufactured for King Nut by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), has been implicated in the national Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak.King Nut also distributes PCA's Parnell's Pride brand of peanut butter, and has asked its customers to remove this brand from circulation as well. King Nut is not the sole distributor of Parnell's Pride.King Nut has cancelled its orders with PCA, effective immediately. Peanut Corporation of America has not yet issued a statement regarding these developments. (So... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2095334 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 01:24:00 +0100 2095334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2095335&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fking-nut-recalls-contaminated-peanut.html January 10, 2009In a press release issued today and first reported by Bill Marler of Marlerblog, King Nut has announced a voluntary recall of 5-pound tubs of Salmonella-contaminated peanut butter.The peanut butter was manufactured for King Nut by Peanut Corporation of America of Lynchburg, VA (PCA), and was distributed by King Nut to food service and institutional customers across the United States.King Nut should be commended for the speed with which it has acted in initiating the recall even though, according to the Company's press release, the Salmonella was isolated from an open jar of peanut butter. King Nut has recalled all jars of peanut butter manufactured for it by PCA, regardless of date code or batch number.King Nut and FDA are carrying out additional testing on unopened contain... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2095335 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 19:20:00 +0100 2095335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2093345&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fsalmonella-typhimurium-outbreak-peanut.html January 9, 2009The Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Agriculture have found Salmonella in a 5-pound container of King Nut brand creamy peanut butter. King Nut is a privately owned company based in Solon, OH.According to an advisory issued by the state of Minnesota this evening, the peanut butter has been linked epidemiologically to Minnesotans who are victims of the national Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak. Genetic profiling of the Salmonella from the peanut butter is not yet available; those results are expected early next week.The institutional-size containers of peanut butter are distributed to food service establishments, including those in schools, hospitals, universities, restaurants, and long-term care facilities. The peanut butter is not known to be available in reta... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2093345 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:13:00 +0100 2093345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2093347&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fsalmonella-typhimurium-outbreak-43.html January 9, 2009North Carolina has just reported its first case of salmonellosis caused by the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, bringing the number of affected states to 43, and the number of victims to 389.CDC has chosen not to identify the states affected so far by the nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium. Only California, North Carolina and Ohio have posted information on their respective websites. A number of other state health departments, though, have been releasing information to their local news media.Based on information posted by the three states, and on media reports across the United States, the following 29 states have reported confirmed cases of Salmonella Typhimurium that are linked genetically to the national outbreak.Arkansas: 3 cases Arizona: 8 casesCal... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2093347 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:19:00 +0100 2093347 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2090479&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fsalmonella-typhimurium-outbreak-trickle.html January 8, 2009Ohio, Georgia, Minnesota and California are among the 42 states  impacted by the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak that is currently under investigation by CDC, FDA, USDA and state agencies, according to a report in today's New York Times.CDC has confirmed that a single strain of Salmonella Typhimurium is responsible for 388 cases of salmonellosis, but has not identified which states are affected. That information is coming from the individual states, either directly or via the news media. Very little information has been released, either by CDC or by the states. Here is what we have learned so far from CDC.Number of confirmed cases: 388Date of onset of symptoms: September 3, 2008 to December 29, 2008Ages of victims: less than 1 to 103 years oldNumber hospitalized: 18% of v... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2090479 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:49:00 +0100 2090479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2087621&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fsalmonella-typhimurium-sickens-388.html January 7, 2009A multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium, which has been incubating in the United States since October 2008, has sickened at least 388 people so far, sending 18% of them to hospital. The victims of this outbreak are spread across 42 states, including Minnesota (30 confirmed cases) and Ohio (50 confirmed cases). As of this evening, federal and state investigators have no leads on the source of the contamination. CDC has activated the emergency response network to assist in the investigation. This network of state, county and other resources was also activated in 2008 to deal with the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak (traced to contaminated peppers imported from Mexico).All 388 confirmed victims of this outbreak were infected by a single strain of Salmonella Typhimurium... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2087621 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:28:00 +0100 2087621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2068108&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fchiles-other-food-borne-disease.html December 27, 2008While most of the attention is focused on Chile's cheese-related outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes, health investigators are also working to contain another – completely unrelated – outbreak, linked to consumption of raw or undercooked seafood.In just two weeks, from December 8th to the 21st, Chile's Ministry of Health has received reports of 493 cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis – 399 of them in the week of December 15th, alone. Most of the illnesses were clustered in just three regions, Maule (218), Bio Bio (137) and Los Lagos (118).Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a salt-loving bacterium that grows best in warm ocean waters, such as are found along the coastlines during summer months. The microbe dies off quickly when refrigerated or frozen, and also is ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2068108 Sat, 27 Dec 2008 23:32:00 +0100 2068108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2062390&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fchiles-listeria-outbreaks.html December 22, 2008Chile, with a population of approximately 16.5 million, has recorded 138 lab-confirmed cases of listeriosis so far this year, including 5 deaths.Fifty-six of the victims were infected with a single outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes. That same strain was recovered from samples of Brie Lescure cheese obtained from the refrigerators of two patients.Chilean government investigators visited the manufacturing facility and reported on December 1st having recovered the outbreak strain from 24 cheese samples. The government immediately prohibited the distribution and sale of all dairy products made at the facility, including all varieties of Chevrita, Las Pircas and Lescure brands of Brie and Camembert cheeses.Investigations are continuing into the origin of the contaminat... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2062390 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:23:00 +0100 2062390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2054031&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fnew-zealand-salmonella-outbreak-linked.html December 19, 2008New Zealand may have found the source of the Salmonella that has sickened at least 40 consumers since mid-October. Preliminary test results on flour samples taken from the homes of two outbreak victims indicate that the flour was contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 42 – the same type that caused the illnesses. Lab investigations are on-going, but epidemiological evidence also is casting suspicion on the flour. Outbreak victims were more likely than the control group to have eaten uncooked flour – raw cookie dough, for example.The New Zealand Food Safety Authority has advised the manufacturer of their findings, and the company has initiated a voluntary recall of the following brands of flour with Best before dates between June and July 2009:Champion, ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2054031 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:39:00 +0100 2054031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2054035&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fhipp-baby-food-botulism-recall-update.html We reported a week ago that the Scandinavian distributor of Hipp Organic Baby Food had recalled Lot #L35655 (use by date of 1.12.08) of Hipp Fruit Purée with Bananas and Peaches* due to the possibility that the product contained Clostridium botulinum.The recall, which was announced on December 8th, covered product that had been distributed in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Today, Danish doctors, microbiologists and epidemiologists issued a preliminary report on the botulism investigation.The incident began when a Danish woman noticed that her 4.5-month old was ailing. Five days earlier, the mother had fed her little girl – who was still being breast-fed but was also receiving some supplementary food – three spoonfuls of Hipp banana/peach purée. She noticed at the time that the jar of ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2054035 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:10:00 +0100 2054035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2034302&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fclostridium-botulinum-in-hipps-baby.html December 11, 2008Norway's Food Safety Authority is warning consumers that some jars of Hipp baby food fruit purée may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.The warning was issued following an illness outbreak in Denmark. The Danish Food Safety Authority is in the process of testing samples of the suspect food.NFSA is recommending that consumers discard jars of Hipp fruit purée with bananas and apricots identified by L35655, with a use-by date of 31.12.08. The importer has agreed to withdraw the product from the Norwegian retail market.Hipp is a brand of organic baby foods manufactured in Germany and sold in many countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. International sales and marketing is carried out through the company's UK office.In a reaction to the Norwegian announcement, ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2034302 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:37:00 +0100 2034302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2028725&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fsouthern-ontario-outbreak-over-fat-lady.html December 9, 2008The Ontario Ministry of Health declared last Friday that the province's multi-locus outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 has ended. With the most recent new patient having begun to experience symptoms on November 6, the tally of lab-confirmed and probable cases in each of the five public health units was finalized at:Niagara: 13 confirmed, 13 probableGuelph: 7 confirmed, 19 probableHalton: 6 confirmed, 6 probableWaterloo: 2 confirmedHamilton: 1 confirmedA confirmed case is one in which the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 was recovered from a patient. A probable case is one in which the patient's symptoms and onset date fit the outbreak profile, but no lab confirmation was obtained. In all, 67 people were part of this outbreak; the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 was recovere... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2028725 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:03:00 +0100 2028725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2018679&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fthose-mysterious-salmonella-outbreaks.html December 5, 2008Several times this autumn – most recently on October 24th – the Public Health Agency of Canada advised Canadians that it was investigating a national outbreak of Salmonella Poona. As of the last report, the same strain of Salmonella Poona had turned up 29 patients in five provinces.That outbreak must have ended, because PHAC has been "mum" on any new cases since October 24th. And, as best we can tell, the source of the unusual flurry of infections was never found.Now New Zealand is searching for the source of a national outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium, phage type 42. According to yesterday's news release from the Ministry of Health, 36 New Zealanders have been infected with this strain of Salmonella since October 13th – more than double the total for all of 2007. W... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2018679 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:16:00 +0100 2018679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1992530&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Finfant-formula-under-microscope.html The New Mexico Department of Health reports that two infants in the state have become infected with Enterobacter sakazakii, a bacterium that has been associated in the past with powdered infant formulas. One of the infants – a boy – has died, while a baby girl is being treated in hospital.The two infants were each infected with a different strain of Enterobacter sakazakii. The state is conducting environmental and food sample analyses to try to trace the origin of the infections. FDA and CDC have been notified, and are aiding in the investigation.In 2001, powdered infant formula used in a neonatal intensive care unit in Tennessee was responsible for the death of one infant, who developed meningitis after becoming infected with Enterobacter sakazakii. And in 2002, Wyeth Nutritionals rec... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1992530 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:56:00 +0100 1992530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1985650&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fsouthern-ontario-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak.html For the second time this year, California lettuce is suspected of causing an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in Southern Ontario.ThePacker.com, a produce industry news service, reports that FDA and the California Department of Public Health are investigating the possibility that romaine lettuce from one or more California farms may be linked to the current Ontario outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. The US action was triggered by epidemiological evidence from the Canadian outbreak investigation that pointed a finger at California romaine.The outbreak has now spread to five different health units in Southern Ontario. As of Friday, November 21, 153 cases – 30 of them confirmed – have been reported. The cases are restaurant-associated, and the identical outbreak strain has been identified in all fiv... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1985650 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:34:00 +0100 1985650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1985654&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Foklahoma-e-coli-o111-outbreak-final.html The Oklahoma State Department of Health has issued a final report on the E. coli O111 outbreak that struck the northeastern part of the state this past summer. The outbreak sickened 341 people, including 56 children (under 18 years old). The youngest victim was 3 months; the oldest was 88 years. Seventy-two (21%) of the victims were hospitalized, and one person died as a result of his infection.The outbreak was traced to the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, OK, and included individuals who patronized the restaurant between August 15 and August 24th.The outbreak investigation was unable to trace the source of the pathogen. Neither environmental sampling of working surfaces in the restaurant, nor water samples from the well on the property, nor samples of the restaurant's food su... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1985654 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:04:00 +0100 1985654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1970096&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2008%2F11%2Ffood-recall-plastic-with-your-chicken.html The latest recall to hit the airwaves involves Lean Cuisine, Plastic and Chicken. Apparently some plastic has found it's way into chicken dinners packaged under the "Lean Cuisine" label. The Nestlé Prepared Foods Company, located in Springville, Utah, has recalled close to 900,000 lbs. chicken...or the meals in which the chicken may have been added...complete with plastic tidbits.Here is the list of meals, and important numbers, that have been released related to this recall, if you have any of these in your freezer, this would be a good time to think twice about eating them. * 9.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE PESTO CHICKEN WITH BOW TIE PASTA” brand frozen meals. Printed on each side of each package is a production code of “8280595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best Befor... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1970096 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:18:00 +0100 1970096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1961878&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fsouthern-e-coli-o157h7-is-lettuce-link.html The Ontario Ministry of Health reported today that Southern Ontario's E. coli O157:H7 outbreak is responsible for as many as 148 illnesses in four health districts. These include:56 cases in Niagara - 14 confirmed31 cases in Halton - 6 confirmed58 cases in Guelph - 7 confirmed3 cases in Waterloo - 2 confirmedBy definition, a confirmed case is one in which the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 was recovered from the patient. Unconfirmed cases are either still under investigation, or match the epidemiological profile (time frame, location, symptoms) without the specific outbreak strain having been found.As is often the case in this type of investigation, the MOH totals vary somewhat from those reported by the individual districts – probably because of the time lag involved in transmitting... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1961878 Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:11:00 +0100 1961878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1955950&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fharveys-reopens-in-north-bay.html The North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit gave Harvey's the green light yesterday, and the restaurant has reopened for business. According to the North Bay Nugget, customers of the fast food outlet were standing in line by the time the restaurant opened its doors this morning.Harvey's was ordered to close on October 12th, after it was linked to an outbreak of E. coli o157:H7 that sickened 251 individuals (50 lab-confirmed) in North Bay, 10 other Ontario health districts, Québec (1 case) and British Columbia (1 case). One of the victims, a seven-year old boy, is still hospitalized with in Toronto with hemolytic uremic syndrome. The source of the E. coli O157:H7 still has not been determined.In what may be a coincidence – or perhaps a spurt of secondary infections – the district is... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1955950 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:06:00 +0100 1955950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1948058&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fe-coli-o157h7-tying-outbreaks-together.html The E. coli O157:H7 cases in four southern Ontario regions may be linked to some cases in the United States after all – just not the ones we thought.Bill Marler reported this morning that some isolates of E. coli o157:H7 that were reported in southern California, New Jersey and South Dakota appear to be the same genetic strain as the one that has infected individuals in Niagara, Halton, Waterloo and Guelph.The Ontario Ministry of Health, which is coordinating the results from the affected regions, has recognized a total of 88 cases as of this evening, 24 of which have been lab-confirmed. The totals reported by each health unit are somewhat different:Niagara (as of November 7): 55 cases, including 13 confirmed, 38 probable and 4 under investigationHalton (as of November 10, 12:00pm): 69 c... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1948058 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:59:00 +0100 1948058 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1943935&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fe-coli-o157h7-tours-ontario.html Not content with wreaking havoc in North Bay, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Welland and Burlington, our old friend has also put in an appearance in Waterloo, Ontario. And, just for good measure, he has granted an encore at the University of Guelph.Based on information released by the Ontario Ministry of Health, the illnesses in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Welland, Burlington and Waterloo all are due to the identical strain of E. coli O157:H7. So far, this multi-city outbreak comprises 91 cases, 20 of which have been confirmed. The two Waterloo victims are both described as "older children"; one has been hospitalized. Both of the Waterloo cases have been lab-confirmed.The Little Red Rooster restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and M.T. Bellies in Welland, both of which closed for the outbreak investigation,... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1943935 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:11:00 +0100 1943935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1940349&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fmars-petcare-postscript.html It's very unusual for the CDC to identify a manufacturer by name in an outbreak investigation report. But that's exactly what CDC did in today's issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports. The manufacturer was Mars Petcare, Inc.The Mars Petcare outbreak story began in January 2006, when the first victims fell ill. It ended in October 2008, when Mars announced the permanent shutdown of its Everson, PA production facility. During the intervening 34 months, 79 people in 21 states became infected with the identical strain of Salmonella Schwarzengrund. The same strain of Salmonella also was recovered from samples of pet food produced by Mars Petcare in its Everson facility.The entire Mars Petcare episode has been an exercise in foot-dragging on the part of the company, which did its best ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1940349 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:12:00 +0100 1940349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1940352&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fontario-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-links.html We were advised this morning by Andrew Morrison of the Ontario Ministry of Health that a link between the Niagara and Michigan/Illinois outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 has not been established. Here is what we know:The Chatham-Kent outbreak definitely was linked to the Michigan/Illinois outbreak.Preliminary genetic fingerprinting of some isolates from the North Bay outbreak showed a connection between the North Bay and Chatham-Kent strains. This was not borne out by more extensive testing.One isolate from the Halton outbreak appears to be the same as the Niagara outbreak strain.The Niagara cases have not been linked to the Michigan/Illinois outbreak strain.Our thanks to Andrew Morrison for this clarification. (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1940352 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:10:00 +0100 1940352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1933533&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fniagara-halton-e-coli-o157h7-linked-to.html eFoodAlert has learned that the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in the Niagara region has been linked by genetic fingerprinting to the recent cross-border outbreak that caused illnesses in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Oregon, New York and the Chatham-Kent region of Ontario.The earlier outbreak was traced epidemiologically by US and Canadian investigators to California-grown bagged, pre-washed, shredded iceberg lettuce distributed by Aunt Mid's Produce Company of Detroit, MI. Investigators were unable to detect the outbreak strain in any samples of the lettuce, and Aunt Mid's never accepted the validity of the epidemiological findings.As of early this afternoon, the Niagara region has identified 12 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection; an additional 35 cases are under investigation. Of the 4... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1933533 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:52:00 +0100 1933533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1930865&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fontario-e-coli-o157h7-investigations.html North Bay-Parry Sound reported today that it has now identified 246 cases – 49 lab-confirmed as E. coli O157:H7 – in the food poisoning outbreak linked to Harvey's Restaurant on Algonquin Avenue in North Bay, Ontario. This includes cases from 10 other Ontario District Health Units, as well as from the provinces of Québec and British Columbia. The District still has not been able to identify a probable source of the contamination.The Niagara region outbreak has now grown to 46 cases, 12 of which are lab-confirmed. Forty-one of the 46 cases have been linked to one of two restaurants – Little Red Rooster in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and M.T. Bellies in Welland. Halton's caseload also is growing. The total number of suspect and confirmed cases now stands at 28, three of which have been lab-... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1930865 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:57:00 +0100 1930865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1921686&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fincipient-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-in-san.html The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency reported yesterday that two girls, aged 7 and 9, have been diagnosed with an E. coli infection. The children attend Carmel Creek Elementary School in North San Diego County. The girls, who have not been identified, have been hospitalized but are expected to recover.While there is no indication that the school is the source of the infections, school officials are cooperating with the County investigation and also have notified parents of the illnesses.There is not yet any indication of the source of these two illnesses, and no additional cases have been reported so far. This is just the latest in a rash of small outbreaks of E. coli illnesses, which have popped up in various parts of the United States and in Canada in the past couple... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1921686 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:29:00 +0100 1921686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1921687&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fontario-e-coli-o157h7-outbreaks-still.html The news releases from the North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit are getting more terse as time passes without a breakthrough in the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak investigation. Today's release – except for the usual cautions about hygiene – reads:"There are now 235 cases, of which 45 are lab confirmed for E. coli O157:H7. All confirmed cases are linked to Harvey’s North Bay and had an onset of symptoms before October 22, 2008. This includes cases from 9 other Ontario Health Units, Quebec and British Columbia. The investigation is ongoing, at this point; no product or process has been confirmed as the source of the outbreak."Today's news releases from the Regional Municipality of Niagara was meatier. The total number of cases of E. coli O157:H7 in the Niagara region outbreak now stan... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1921687 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:56:00 +0100 1921687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1912135&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fe-coli-turns-up-in-niagara-on-lake-too.html The Niagara Region Medical Officer of Health is asking members of the public to contact the health unit if they experienced an onset of symptoms of E. coli  illness – severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, possibly accompanied by fever – between October 11th and October 24th.The request was made after two people were lab-diagnosed with E. coli . An additional three people are also thought to be infected with the microbe. Four of the five victims ate at the Little Red Rooster, 271 Mary Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Health Unit's news release did not specifically mention E. coli O157:H7, but bloody diarrhea is a common symptom of this strain.The restaurant's owners are cooperating with the investigation into these illnesses, including providing food samples for analysis and giv... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1912135 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:35:00 +0100 1912135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1906468&cid=t_141836_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fnorth-bay-ontario-outbreak-no-news-is.html Today's update from the North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit is singularly devoid of news – good or bad.The number of confirmed and suspect cases has risen slightly to 209, of which 39 have been lab-confirmed as E. coli O157:H7. One of the victims is a child, who is hospitalized with symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Today's update describes the child's condition as "critical".There still has been no break-through in finding the source – food, food-handler, or environmental – of the outbreak. And there is still no word on the results of genetic fingerprinting of the outbreak strain (or strains).Unless something significant breaks over the weekend, it's likely that the next update from the District Health Unit will be on Monday, October 27th. (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1906468 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:40:00 +0100 1906468