http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/ en msiceloff@marlerclark.com Copyright 2010 2010-01-25T23:16:56+00:00 http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/daniele-international-salame-salami-salmonella-outbreak-nationwide/ http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/daniele-international-salame-salami-salmonella-outbreak-nationwide/#When:23:16:56Z Rhode Island based Daniele International Inc., is recalling approximately 1,240,000 pounds of ready-to-eat varieties of Italian sausage products, (including salami/salame) because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.  The recall was issued as a Class I, meaning that the health risk is high.  Two additional recalls have raised the total recall amount to 1,395,989 pounds of tainted product.  Investigations have focused on red and black pepper used in the meat products. On February 25, Wholesome spice recalled all of the 25 pound lots of crushed red pepper produced between 4/6/09 and 1/20/10. On January 26, Daniele confirmed that pepper samples tested positive for Salmonella, and that they have switched to pasteurized spices.  On January 29, 2010 Wholesome Spice was named as the likely source of the outbreak. As of January 31, Daniele Inc. has expanded the recall to include 17,235 pounds of Italian sausage products. On February 16, Daniele Inc. again expands their recall to include 115,000 pounds of potentially tainted salami. USDA recalled product list. USDA expanded recalled product list. FSIS updated list of implicated retail locations According to the CDC, as of March 2, 2010, a total of 245 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo, which displays either of two closely related pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns, have been reported from 44 states and District of Columbia since July 1, 2009. The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AK (2), AL (2), AZ (7), CA (30), CO (5), CT (5), DC (1), DE (3), FL (3), GA (3), IA (1), ID (4), IL (19), IN (4), KS (5), LA (1), MA (14), MD (1), ME (1), MI (4), MN (6), MO (2), MS (1), NC (11), ND (1), NE (3), NH (2), NJ (9), NM (2), NY (18), OH (9), OK (1), OR (9), PA (7), RI (2), SC (1), SD (3), TN (5), TX (7), UT (9), VA (1), WA (17), WI (1), WV (1), and WY (2). Because this is a commonly occurring strain, public health investigators may determine that some of the illnesses are not part of this outbreak. The CDC has posted information about the multi-state outbreak on its website (http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella) but the investigation is ongoing, and multiple vehicles may be involved. The FSIS (Food Safety Inspection Service), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with state health and agriculture departments were investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo illnesses when a sample of Daniele product was tested and found to contain Salmonella,.  The FSIS has a zero tolerance for in Ready-to-eat (RTE) products. The product tested was similar to products bought by customers who later became sick in the Montevideo investigation, but currently there is not a direct link. The Salmonella strain in the tested product does not appear to be the Montevideo strain of interest and further testing of the sample is ongoing. FSIS is continuing to work with the CDC, affected state public health partners, and the company on the investigation and will update the public on the progress of this investigation as information becomes available. 2010-01-25T23:16:56+00:00 http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/drug-resistant-salmonella-outbreaks-colorado-nationwide/ http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/drug-resistant-salmonella-outbreaks-colorado-nationwide/#When:21:21:28Z In July and August of 2009, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and other state and local health departments, investigated two outbreaks of drug-resistant Salmonella.  Both Salmonella outbreak investigations led to ground beef recalls, as ground beef was the source of the drug-resistant Salmonella contamination. The first recall, initiated by King Soopers, Inc., of Denver, Colorado, included approximately 466,000 pounds of ground beef products for drug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 contamination.  The recall was initiated on July 22, 2009 after CDPHE and the CDC determined that the ground beef products were the source of a drug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 outbreak among at least 14 Colorado residents.  Products included in this first ground beef recall included ground beef chub, tray packs, and hamburger patties.  Sell-by dates for those products ranged from May 31, 2009 and June 23, 2009.  The products were distributed to supermarkets and other retail establishments in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, and although they are no longer available for sale consumers who may have purchased King Soopers ground beef products could have the Salmonella Typhimurium DT104-contaminated product in their freezers.  Those products should be discarded or destroyed.  The second recall, initiated by Beef Packers, Inc., of Fresno, California, a subsidiary of Cargill, included approximately 825,000 pounds of ground beef products for drug-resistant Salmonella Newport contamination.  The recall was initiated on August 6, 2009 after CDPHE, the CDC, California Department of Health Services (CDPH), and other public health agencies determined that the ground beef products were the source of a drug-resistant Salmonella Newport outbreak among at least forty people in eleven states.  CDPH reported 21 illness associated with the drug-resistant Salmonella outbreak, and CDPH reported at least five illnesses associated with the outbreak.  The ground beef products were produced between June 5, 2009 and June 23, 2009, and were distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Utah, and were repackaged into consumer-sized packages and sold under brand names.  Safeway reportedly sold the ground beef as meatloaf, hamburger patties, and as ground beef.  Consumers who purchased the Salmonella Newport-contaminated ground beef should discard or destroy the product.  2009-08-07T21:21:28+00:00 http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/a-r-bar-be-que-salmonella-outbreak-tennessee/ http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/a-r-bar-be-que-salmonella-outbreak-tennessee/#When:00:38:11Z The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) is investigating a Salmonella outbreak among Memphis-area residents who ate food prepared at the A & R Bar-be-que restaurant located at 3721 Hickory Hill in Memphis in mid-July of 2009.  According to news reports, most of the Salmonella outbreak victims ate food purchased from A & R either at the Hickory Hill location or at a family reunion on July 10 and 11, 2009.  Food samples from the restaurant were collected and have been tested for the presence of Salmonella, but the results have not yet been reported.  2009-07-31T00:38:11+00:00 http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/caudill-sprouts-salmonella-saintpaul-outbreak/ http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/caudill-sprouts-salmonella-saintpaul-outbreak/#When:20:14:44Z Between January and May of 2009, public health officials in Nebraska and 13 other states identified 235 cases of Salmonella Saintpaul that could be traced to the consumption of alfalfa sprouts grown at multiple facilities that used seeds that likely originated from a common seed producer, identified as Caudill.  On February 26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a nationwide notice to consumers that state public health officials had identified alfalfa sprouts as the source of a Salmonella outbreak.  The CDC and FDA recommended that consumers not eat raw alfalfa sprouts, including sprout blends containing alfalfa sprouts, until further notice.  By March 19, 186 cases had been identified in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota.  By mid-April, 42 additional individuals who had fallen ill with Salmonella Saintpaul infection and fit the outbreak case definition were identified in Florida, Iowa, North Carolina, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, and West Virginia.  A summary of the outbreak report was issued in the 7 May, 2009 MMWR, and is titled, “Outbreak of Salmonella Serotype Saintpaul Infections Associated with Eating Alfalfa Sprouts—United States, 2009.” Sprouts have been tied to Salmonella outbreaks in the past, as the conditions needed to grow sprouts are also ideal for bacterial growth - a warm, wet environment.  Cooking can kill the bacteria, but sprouts are usually eaten raw.  Even when sprouts are washed, the bacteria can remain inside the water-dense food. In 1999, the FDA announced new guidelines for the growing of sprouts, including using calcium hypochlorite treatment on seeds. This treatment exposes seeds to high levels of chlorine, killing bacteria, but leaving seeds unharmed. Since its introduction, manufacturers who consistently use this seed disinfectant treatment have not been implicated in foodborne illness outbreaks. Salmonella is a bacterium that causes one of the most common intestinal illnesses in the US: salmonellosis infection.  It can be present in uncooked or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, or unpasturized dairy products, as well as other foods contaminated during harvest, production, or packaging.  Symptoms of salmonellosis can begin 6 to 72 hours from consumption, and include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting.  Dehydration is a concern, especially with the elderly, very young, or immune compromised. “Anyone experiencing these symptoms in an area where an outbreak has been reported should seek medical attention,” advises food borne illness attorney William Marler.  “You need to get appropriate care and take steps to make sure that you do not pass on the infection to others in your household.” “In mild cases of salmonellosis, most symptoms of infection clear up within 5-7 days, although fatigue may follow for a week of two after the illness,” Marler continues, “But some strains of Salmonella cause more severe illnesses such as typhoid fever and bacteremia, so visit your doctor and make sure you know what you’re dealing with.” Consumers should ask their healthcare providers to culture a stool sample.  The culture will indicate if Salmonella is present and can assist in determining if the illness is part of a larger outbreak.  Tips on avoiding Salmonella infection can be found on the website www.about-Salmonella.com, along with more detailed information on symptoms and treatment. 2009-04-27T20:14:44+00:00 http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/union-international-foods-white-pepper-spice-outbreak/ http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/union-international-foods-white-pepper-spice-outbreak/#When:21:44:29Z Between December 2008 and April 2009 at least 79 people became ill with the fairly rare strain of Salmonella rissen after consuming spices, sauces, and oils made by Union International Foods.  The illnesses were concentrated Western states, with the majority of them in California.  The spices were distributed under the brand names Lian How and Uncle Chen.  In the original recall, numerous dry spices, including Cumin powder, Cloves, Crushed Chili powder, Dried Cloves Powder, Orange Peel Powder, Coriander Powder, Black Sesame Seed, Coriander, Pepper Corn Powder, Fennel Seed, White Sesame Seed, Fennel Seed Powder, Turmeric, Cinnamon Powder, Ginger Powder, Garlic Salt, Meat Tenderizer, Black Pepper Salt, Bay Leaves, Five Spices powder, Nutmeg, and Star Anise powder were all recalled for Salmonella contamination.  The list of items recalled for potential Salmonella contamination later grew to include more than 50 sauces and oils made by the company.  White Pepper made by the company tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella.  It is possible that other products were contaminated during processing.  2009-04-16T21:44:29+00:00 http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/setton-pistachios-salmonella-outbreak-2009/ http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/setton-pistachios-salmonella-outbreak-2009/#When:22:07:35Z When the presence of Salmonella was detected by a wholesale customer of Setton Pistachios/Terra Bella Inc of California, the company voluntarily recalled certain lots of roasted pistachios.  When information from the joint FDA and California Department of Public Health inspection indicated the presence of Salmonella in critical areas of the facility (which could have caused cross contamination) the firm decided to expand its recall. The expanded recall of roasted pistachios includes all lots of roasted in-shell pistachios and roasted shelled pistachios that were produced from nuts harvested in 2008. The firm is also recalling those raw shelled pistachios from the 2008 crop that are not subsequently roasted prior to retail sale. The FDA has now determined that three environmental samples and one finished product sample obtained during the inspection of Setton Pistachio Inc. were positive for Salmonella Montevideo. Some of the DNA fingerprints of the Salmonella strains from the pistachio products match the DNA fingerprints of Salmonella strains from recently ill persons already in the PulseNet database.  Because the strain of Salmonella Montevideo is fairly common, it is possible that these illnesses could have another source.  About 50 persons have been sickened with Salmonella Montevideo since September, but that is not out of line with other years.  Health authorities are investigating to see if the patients had any contact with Setton pistachios. Because the pistachios were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, this expanded recall will affect many products and is expected to result in other recalls. The FDA has created a searchable database of recalled products and will continue to update the public as its investigation progresses.  Consumers should not eat pistachios or food products containing them (such as pistachio bakery goods and pistachio ice cream) until they can determine that the products do not contain pistachios recalled by Setton. The recall is not related to the Peanut Corporation of America recall, which has involved 3800 products and millions of pounds of peanuts.  However similarities may surface as the potentially tainted pistachios are traced to retail and wholesale outlets, and the products they have been used in are also recalled. Salmonella is a bacterium that causes one of the most common intestinal illnesses in the US: salmonellosis infection.  It can be present in uncooked or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, or unpasturized dairy products, as well as other foods contaminated during harvest, production, or packaging. Symptoms can begin 6 to 72 hours from consumption, and include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting.  Dehydration is a concern, especially with the elderly, very young, or immune compromised. Consumers should ask their healthcare providers to culture a stool sample.  The culture will indicate if salmonella is present and can assist in determining if the illness is part of a larger outbreak.  More information can be found on the case news section of the Marler Clark website. 2009-03-31T22:07:35+00:00 http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/peanut-butter-salmonella-outbreak-08-09/ http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/peanut-butter-salmonella-outbreak-08-09/#When:19:49:55Z An outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium in 46 states and Canada has been linked to peanut butter.  King Nut and Parnell’s Pride brands began voluntary recalls after salmonella was found in a container.  The products were were distributed to institutions like schools and nursing homes and not sold in retail outlets.  The CDC states that 714 have been confirmed ill; the first illnesses were recorded in August, 2008. Infection with the outbreak strain may have contributed to nine deaths. The first recalls were for the commercially distributed peanut butter, but on January 16, Kellogg’s issued a recall of products made with peanut paste, including cracker sandwiches and cookies. On January 17, Bill Marler called on the FDA to take additional steps to hasten the removal of potentially contaminated products from the marketplace.  Shortly thereafter, the FDA recommended that consumers “postpone” consuming peanut butter products.  Many companies are issuing recalls, the FDA website has a current list.  On January 28th, the Peanut Corporation of America initiated a recall of all products manufactured in their Blakely, GA plant since January, 2007.  After salmonella was found at PCA’s Plainview, TX plant, production from that plant was added to the massive recall.  More than 2800 products have been recalled. On January 20th, Marler Clark filed a lawsuit on behalf of a 7-year-old Vermont Child who was sickened in the outbreak.  On January 29, Marler Clark filed a second salmonella lawsuit on behalf of a 3-year-old California boy.  On February 5, Marler Clark added the Kellogg Company to the first lawsuit.  Marler Clark has filed a total of nine lawsuits on behalf of outbreak victims.  Two families represented by Marler Clark testified in front of the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation on February 11, 2009. On February 13, PCA declared Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Marler Clark is moving to lift the stay of bankruptcy so that litigation can continue. 2009-01-11T19:49:55+00:00 http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/sprouters-northwest-salmonella-typhimurium-outbreak-august-2008/ http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/sprouters-northwest-salmonella-typhimurium-outbreak-august-2008/#When:19:41:00Z Sprouters Northwest, a Kent, WA company, has recalled alfalfa sprout product and stopped further distribution.  Health authorities have linked an outbreak of 13 illnesses - nine in Washington State and four in Oregon - to the company’s product.  Sprouters Northwest has had to recall product before; in 2004 another Salmonella outbreak was tied to their sprouts.  Washington State Health authorities have said that people have been sickened in Clark, Island, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom counties.  At lease two have required hospitalization. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) sprouts are the number two culprit in produce related outbreaks, second only to leafy greens.  People are not always aware of eating sprouts, as they are often added to salads or sandwiches.  Consumers who have purchased Sprouters Northwest sprouts should return them to the store of purchase or discard them.  Anyone in Washington or Oregon who may have eaten sprouts at home or in a restaurant environment and is experiencing the symptoms of salmonella infection - nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea - is encouraged to visit their health care practitioner and get tested.  Keep in mind that salmonella has a 6-72 hour incubation period. 2008-09-05T19:41:00+00:00 http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/raw-tomato-and-pepper-samonella-outbreak-2008/ http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/raw-tomato-and-pepper-samonella-outbreak-2008/#When:20:21:58Z An outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul surfaced in New Mexico and Texas in April, 2008.  Over the summer, it spread to 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada.  As of mid-August 2008, more than 1400 people were confirmed ill, and many more illnesses may have gone undetected.  In early June, 2008 the CDC linked those illnesses to raw tomatoes and issued consumer warnings for raw tomatoes, including round red and roma tomatoes.  As the outbreak went on, the advisory on tomatoes was lifted and an advisory issued for Mexican-grown raw jalapeno and serrano peppers.  On July 30, the FDA confirmed the presence of Salmonella Saintpaul at a farm in Mexico, both in irrigation water and on produce.  On August 1, 2008 Marler Clark filed suit on behalf of a Colorado man who became ill after eating raw peppers purchased from Wal-Mart in late June of 2008.  Both the victim and the peppers he ate tested positive for Salmonella Saintpaul.  The lawsuit was filed against Wal-Mart and its unknown supplier, “John Doe”. 2008-08-12T20:21:58+00:00 http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/malt-o-meal-salmonella-agona-2008/ http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_outbreaks/view/malt-o-meal-salmonella-agona-2008/#When:16:08:00Z On April 5, 2008 the Malt-O-Meal Company of Minnesota recalled unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereals produced with “Best If Used By” codes between April 8, 2008 (coded as “APR0808”) and March 18, 2009 (coded as “MAR1809”).  The recalled product was distributed nationally, marketed under the Malt-O-Meal brand and as some private label brands including Acme, America’s Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw’s, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality.  According to the CDC’s count, as of May 13, 2008, state and city health departments from 15 states identified 28 ill persons infected with same genetic fingerprint of Salmonella Agona. Ill persons with the outbreak strain have been identified from Colorado (1), Delaware (2), Illinois (1), Maine (4), Massachusetts (2), Michigan (1), Minnesota (1), North Dakota (1), New Hampshire (2), New Jersey (5), New York (3), Ohio (1), Pennsylvania (2), Rhode Island (1), and Vermont (1). Onset dates, which are known for 23 patients, ranged from January 1 to April 10, 2008.  Patients’ ages ranged from 4 months to 95 years with a median age of 65 years. Eight hospitalizations and no deaths have been reported.  For more information, visit the Marler Clark Case News page. 2008-04-15T16:08:00+00:00