Bemidji Mi Rancho linked to Salmonella Egg Recall and Seven Illnesses

Posted by Salmonella Lawyer on August 28, 2010

Minnesota health officials say they have connected seven more salmonella illnesses to a recall of eggs produced in Iowa.

State health department spokesman Doug Schultz says the illnesses were reported May 20 as part of an outbreak at a Bemidji restaurant called Mi Rancho. Schultz says the illnesses were traced to shell eggs from Hillandale Farms of New Hampton, Iowa.

The nationwide recall of tainted eggs expanded today to Hillandale, the second farm to be included. More than 1,000 people have been reported sickened in the salmonella outbreak.  Schultz says he believes all seven of the people whose illnesses were reported today have recovered. They bring to 14 the number of salmonella illnesses reported in Minnesota.

Map of Recalled Salmonella Eggs

Posted by Bill Marler on August 27, 2010

 CNN was kind enough to do a nice map of where all the bad eggs went - all 22:

 

Robin Shaffer, Minnesota Salmonella Egg Victim Speaks Out

Posted by Salmonella Lawyer on August 27, 2010

WCCO reports that Robin is one of the cases identified by the Minnesota Health Department connected to the recent egg recalls.  Robin Shaffer said it wasn't just the eggs, but how they were handled that made her sick.

"It's the worst thing I've ever been through," she said.

Shaffer said her bout with Salmonella poisoning was like the flu, times 10. She was down for three weeks.

"I had no energy. The pain. You'd try to keep something in you and it just comes out. You're in the bathroom," she explained.

Shaffer became sick after eating at Mi Rancho in Bemidji back in early May. It's one of three restaurants in the state linked to 14 Salmonella cases involving recalled eggs. Shaffer said the Minnesota Health Department told her she likely got the food-borne illness due to food handling practices in the restaurant's kitchen.

"They told me it was cross-contamination and nothing about how my food was cooked," said Shaffer.

550 Million Eggs recalled from Alaska, California, Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Iowa

Posted by Bill Marler on August 20, 2010

The original recall announced August 13 included  380 million eggs produced by Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa. A second farm, Hillandale Farms of Iowa, said it will recall 170 million eggs after tests confirmed Salmonella.

First issued August 13 the recall of eggs in their shells, or "shell eggs," is part of an ongoing intensive investigation by local, state, and federal officials into what caused the recent cases of salmonella. Shell eggs under the August 13, 2010 recall are packaged under the brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph's, Boomsma's, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps.

Shell eggs are packed in 6-egg, 12-egg, and 18-egg cartons, and loose eggs for institutional use and repackaging with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 225 and plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946.

Recalled shell eggs affected by the expanded recall issued August 18 are packaged under the brand names: Albertsons, Farm Fresh, James Farms, Glenview, Mountain Dairy, Ralphs, Boomsma, Lund, Kemps and Pacific Coast. Julian dates on these packages range from 136 to 229 and plant numbers are 1720 and 1942.

Eggs recalled today by Hillandale Farms are distributed under the brand names: Hillandale Farms, Sunny Farms, and Sunny Meadow. The only eggs affected by this recall have plant number P1860 with Julian dates ranging from 099 to 230, and plant number P1663 with Julian dates ranging from 137 to 230.

Snow White Food Products Inc. Recalls Alfalfa Sprouts

Posted by Salmonella Lawyer on August 19, 2010

Reason:  Due to the presence of salmonella.

Pack/Codes:  The recalled alfalfa sprouts are packaged in 3.5 ounce plastic clamshell containers. They have a UPC code of 0-46421-11236-6.

Distribution:  [NY]: The product from the Brooklyn-based company was distributed in New York state and potentially elsewhere in the New York City region. Officials are investigating how broadly the sprouts were distributed.

Salmonella cases prompt recall of Umpqua Dairy milk, juice and drink products

Posted by Salmonella Lawyer on August 18, 2010

Roseburg, Ore., company is working with state agencies to ensure safe milk and juice products

Oregon Public Health officials today want to make sure consumers are aware of a recall of certain milk and drink products by Umpqua Dairy Products Co. sold in Oregon, southwest Washington and northern California. Umpqua, headquartered in Roseburg, Ore., instituted the milk products recall today after salmonellosis cases were linked to milk produced at its Roseburg plant.

Milk, half and half, cream and buttermilk as well as Umpqua Dairy brand gallon orange juice and fruit drinks are part of the recall. Ice cream and other dairy products, including sour cream and cottage cheese, are not being recalled.

Umpqua Dairy has temporarily suspended operation while it is working with public health officials and the Oregon Department of Agriculture to review their processing systems so the company can ensure its products are safe for public consumption.

The recall comes after 23 people, all in Oregon, have been laboratory-confirmed with matching DNA patterns of Salmonella Braenderup. Two people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Public health officials have been investigating the outbreak since the first cases were reported in October 2009.

“This outbreak has unfolded slowly and it was just recently that we were able to confirm the matching Salmonella strain in the Umpqua milk plant. We want to tell consumers that if they have any Umpqua milk at home, they should discard it or ask for a refund from the store where it was purchased. The risk to consumers is very low. We have had approximately one illness reported for every million containers that Umpqua has sold during this period,” said Paul Cieslak, M.D., Oregon Public Health Division.

All Umpqua Dairy products are pasteurized. The pasteurization process is effective at removing Salmonella. Recent testing at the Roseburg Dairy, however, identified this type of Salmonella on several different surfaces.

The following numbers of people from these counties have been infected with this Salmonella: Douglas, 6; Marion, 3; Jackson, 3; Lane, 3; Linn, 3; Josephine, 2; Coos, 1; Deschutes, 1; and Klamath, 1. The median age of those sickened is 13 years.

Umpqua also sells under the labels: Cascade, Great Value, Lady Lee, Market of Choice and Sherm’s. The company also supplies milk to Dairy Queens in Oregon and Washington. Those products that should be discarded or returned have a plant code 41-62 stamped on them. The recall affects milk, purchased on or prior to Monday, Aug. 16, 2010 or earlier or with an expiration date of Sept. 5, 2010 or earlier; buttermilk with an expiration date of Sept. 10, 2010, or earlier; orange juice and fruit drink with an expiration date of Sept. 15 or earlier.

Salmonella Food Safety Infosheet from NC State and K State

Posted by Bill Marler on August 17, 2010

Thanks to Dr. Doug Powell and Dr. Ben Chapman for this great tool:

Salmonella Egg Lawsuit Filed by Marler Clark in Wisconsin

Posted by Salmonella Lawyer on August 17, 2010

First Salmonella Lawsuit Filed by Marler Clark Links Wisconsin Victim to 228,000,000 Egg Recall and Nationwide Outbreak

Wright County Egg Recall Tied to Salmonella Illnesses Nationwide

An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) at a restaurant in Kenosha, Wisconsin has been linked to the recall of 280,000,000 eggs and nearly 300 illnesses in the rapidly widening nationwide outbreak linked to contaminated Wright County Eggs. The amended lawsuit was filed against Wright County Egg and the company’s insurer. The complaint was filed in the Kenosha County Branch of the Wisconsin District Court by Seattle-based food safety law firm Marler Clark.

Ms. Dzinovic ate a cobb salad containing eggs at the Baker Street Restaurant and Pub in Kenosha on Friday, June 18. On Monday, she woke with severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea. By Wednesday, her symptoms were so severe she went to the hospital for treatment, where it was determined that she had been infected with Salmonella Enteritidis. Her SE was later linked to the Baker Street Restaurant outbreak, which is now linked to the nationwide recall of contaminated shell eggs.

Wright County Egg issued a voluntary recall of shell eggs distributed nationwide when the product was linked to SE illnesses. The eggs were sold under the brand names Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps. Minnesota has 7 ill, and California announced 266 illnesses associated with the outbreak. This confirms CDC revelations that they have seen four times as many Salmonella illnesses reported each week for several months.

FDA Final Rule to Ensure Egg Safety, Reduce Salmonella Illnesses went into Effect July 9

Posted by Bill Marler on August 16, 2010

In the middle of a Salmonella Enteritidis Outbreak that will be counted in the hundreds or more, it is good to remember that "the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that as many as 79,000 illnesses and 30 deaths due to consumption of eggs contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella Enteritidis may be avoided each year with new food safety requirements for large-scale egg producers."  Here are the rules that went into effect July 9, 2010:

The new food safety requirements will become effective on July 9, 2010, through a rule for egg producers having 50,000 or more laying hens – about 80 percent of production. Among other things, it requires them to adopt preventive measures and to use refrigeration during egg storage and transportation.

Large-scale egg producers that produce shell eggs for human consumption and that do not sell all of their eggs directly to consumers must comply with the refrigeration requirements under the rule; this includes producers whose eggs receive treatments such as pasteurization. Similarly, those who transport or hold shell eggs must also comply with the refrigeration requirements by the same effective date.

Egg-associated illness caused by Salmonella is a serious public health problem. Infected individuals may suffer mild to severe gastrointestinal illness, short-term or chronic arthritis, or even death. Implementing the preventive measures would reduce the number of Salmonella Enteritidis infections from eggs by nearly 60 percent.

Salmonella Enteritidis can be found inside eggs that appear normal. If the eggs are eaten raw or undercooked, the bacterium can cause illness. Eggs in the shell become contaminated on the farm, primarily because of infection in the laying hens.

“Preventing harm to consumers is our first priority,” said Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., commissioner of food and drugs. “Today's action will help prevent thousands of serious illnesses from Salmonella in eggs.”

The rule requires egg producers with fewer than 50,000 but at least 3,000 laying hens whose shell eggs are not processed with a treatment, such as pasteurization, to comply with the regulation by July 9, 2012.

Producers who sell all their eggs directly to consumers or have less than 3,000 hens are not covered by the rule.

Under the rule, egg producers whose shell eggs are not processed with a treatment, such as pasteurization must:

• Buy chicks and young hens only from suppliers who monitor for Salmonella bacteria
• Establish rodent, pest control, and biosecurity measures to prevent spread of bacteria throughout the farm by people and equipment
• Conduct testing in the poultry house for Salmonella Enteritidis. If the tests find the bacterium, a representative sample of the eggs must be tested over an eight-week time period (four tests at two-week intervals); if any of the four egg tests is positive, the producer must further process the eggs to destroy the bacteria, or divert the eggs to a non-food use
• Clean and disinfect poultry houses that have tested positive for Salmonella Enteritidis
• Refrigerate eggs at 45 degrees F during storage and transportation no later than 36 hours after the eggs are laid (this requirement also applies to egg producers whose eggs receive a treatment, such as pasteurization).

To ensure compliance, egg producers must maintain a written Salmonella Enteritidis prevention plan and records documenting their compliance. Egg producers covered by this rule must also register with the FDA. The FDA will develop guidance and enforcement plans to help egg producers comply with the rule.

During the 1990s, the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture implemented a series of post-egg production safety efforts such as refrigeration requirements designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria that may be in an egg. While these steps limited the growth of bacteria, they did not prevent the initial contamination from occurring.

The new rule is part of a coordinated strategy between the FDA and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The FDA and the FSIS will continue to work closely together to ensure that egg safety measures are consistent, coordinated, and complementary.

In addition to the new safety measures being taken by industry, consumers can reduce their risk of foodborne illness by following safe egg handling practices. The FDA reminds consumers to buy eggs that have been refrigerated, make sure eggs in the carton are clean and not cracked, and cook eggs and foods containing eggs thoroughly.

Salmonella spurs Egg Recall from Wright County Egg

Posted by Salmonella Attorney on August 15, 2010

Eggs produced by the farms of Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa, have been recalled because of potential salmonella contamination. Eggs affected by the recall were distributed in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and other states. The eggs are packaged under these brand names in varying carton sizes: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph's, Boomsma's, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps.

Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa is voluntarily recalling specific Julian dates of shell eggs produced by their farms because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis or arthritis.
Eggs affected by this recall were distributed to food wholesalers, distribution centers and foodservice companies in California, Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. These companies distribute nationwide.

Eggs are packaged under the following brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps. Eggs are packed in varying sizes of cartons (6-egg cartons, dozen egg cartons, 18-egg cartons) with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 225 and plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946. Dates and codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg carton. The plant number begins with the letter P and then the number. The Julian date follows the plant number, for example: P-1946 223.

There have been confirmed Salmonella enteritidis illnesses relating to the shell eggs and traceback investigations are ongoing.

California and Nevada Salmonella Typhi Outbreak Linked to Goya brand frozen mamey fruit

Posted by Salmonella Lawyer on August 14, 2010

 As of August 12, 2010, a total of 7 confirmed and 2 probable individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella serotype Typhi have been reported from 2 states since May 25, 2010. Confirmed cases are persons with illness on or after January 1, 2010 and a DNA fingerprint matching the outbreak strain. Probable cases are persons with a Salmonella Typhi infection and a strong epidemiologic link to the outbreak. The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: CA (3 confirmed and 2 probable) and NV (4 confirmed).

CDC and public health officials in two states conducted an epidemiologic study comparing foods eaten by ill and well persons. Among interviewed ill persons, 5 (71%) of 7 reported consuming frozen mamey fruit pulp in a milkshake or smoothie, also called a “batido” or “licuado.” Upon further investigation, it was found that 4 (80%) of 5 ill persons consumed Goya brand frozen mamey fruit pulp. Among well persons, 0 (0%) of 33 reported exposure to frozen mamey fruit pulp. No other food was found to be associated with illness. These results suggest that eating frozen mamey fruit pulp is a likely source of these illnesses. This investigation is ongoing. CDC and its public health partners will update the public on the progress of this investigation as information becomes available.

Mamey, also called “zapote” or “sapote,” is a tropical fruit grown primarily in Central and South America. It is prepared by removing the inner seed and consuming the flesh raw, or adding it to milkshakes, jellies, or other foods or beverages. When preparing frozen mamey fruit pulp, it is peeled and mashed, and then consumed as a shake or smoothie. Frozen mamey fruit pulp can be purchased in grocery stores throughout the U.S., and packages have a 2-3 year shelf life.

Salmonella Typhi is the bacterium that causes typhoid fever. Typhoid fever is a very rare illness in the United States among non-international travelers and can cause serious symptoms, often times requiring hospitalization. Typhoid fever is contracted when food and water are contaminated by an infected individual and are then consumed by other people.

Dry pet food may be the source of human salmonella outbreak

Posted by Salmonella Attorney on August 09, 2010

According to the CDC, dry pet food and cross-contamination after feeding a pet in the kitchen is responsible for salmonellosis outbreak in 21 eastern U.S. states between 2006 and 2008. The outbreak sickened 79 people, with almost 48 percent of the cases occurring among children under age 2, according to Casey Barton Behravesh, CDC veterinary epidemiologist and study's coauthor.

"This investigation resulted in identification of the first documented outbreak of human salmonellosis linked to the use of dry dog and cat food," Behravesh wrote.

"This outbreak really raises concerns for us that dry pet foods might be an unrecognized source of illness, especially for children," Behravesh said.

As the salmonella can transmit from pet food to humans easily, Behravesh sai. Children don't have to put pet foods in their mouths to become ill.

Pennsylvania Agriculture Department Warns Consumers to Discard Raw Milk from Jersey Hollow Farm in Berks County

Posted by Salmonella Lawyer on August 06, 2010

The Department of Agriculture today advised consumers who purchased raw milk from Norman Z. and Edith B. Sauder, of Jersey Hollow Farm in Kutztown, Berks County, to discard the product immediately because of potential bacterial contamination.

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized.

A Department of Agriculture lab found Salmonella in a milk sample taken from the dairy on July 19, 2010. The bacteria's presence violates the Milk Sanitation Law.

The Sauders have agreed with the department's request to stop selling raw milk for human consumption.

Symptoms of Salmonella include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache and abdominal cramps. The symptoms can appear anywhere between six hours and four days after infection.

The department is moving to suspend Jersey Hollow Farm's raw milk permit until additional milk samples are tested and found to be free of Salmonella and other pathogens. The farm also must pass a state inspection before raw milk sales can resume.

For more information about food safety, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us

Taco Bell linked to Salmonella Bialdon illnesses in Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin

Posted by Bill Marler on August 05, 2010

Taco Bell linked to Salmonella Hartford illnesses in Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Wisconsin

Posted by Bill Marler on August 05, 2010

Will the CDC name Taco Bell as the "Mexican-style fast food restaurant chain" associated with some Salmonella Hartford and Baildon illnesses?"

Posted by Salmonella Attorney on August 04, 2010

Today the CDC announced that it is investigating two multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections, each involving a different Salmonella serotype: Hartford and Baildon.  An analysis indicates that eating at a Mexican-style fast food restaurant chain, Restaurant Chain A, is associated with some illnesses. Among persons eating at Restaurant Chain A, no specific food item or ingredient was found to be associated with illness for either outbreak.  An extensive traceback effort was initiated to determine if a common source or supplier could be identified to help focus the epidemiologic investigations. No common food source was identified in either traceback.

Interestingly, we have been tracking both Salmonella Hartford and Baildon illnesses in several states in the preceding months.  Many of those ill recall (long-prior to the CDC announcement) eating at a Taco Bell.  Several of those in Kentucky.  We continue our investigation.  Here are the details from the CDC:

Salmonella Hartford Outbreak Investigation

As of August 1, 2010, a total of 75 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Hartford have been reported from 15 states since April 1, 2010. The number of ill people identified in each state with this strain is as follows: CO (1), GA (1), IL (5), IN (11), KY (23), MA (2), MI (3), MT (1), NC (1), NH (1), NY (1), OH (19), PA (1), SC (1) and WI (4). Among those for whom information is available about when symptoms started, illnesses began between April 30, 2010 and July 18, 2010. Case-patients range in age from <1 to 80 years old, and the median age is 39 years. Fifty-seven percent of patients are female. Among the 47 patients with available hospitalization information, 15 (32 %) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Salmonella Baildon Outbreak Investigation

As of August 1, 2010, a total of 80 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Baildon have been reported from 15 states since May 1, 2010. The number of ill people identified in each state with this strain is as follows: CT (1), GA (1), IA (1), IL (20), IN (4), KY (5), MA (1), MI (4), MN (5), NJ (6), NY (2), OH (6), OR (1), WA (1) and WI (22). Among those for whom information is available about when symptoms started, illnesses began between May 11, 2010 and July 19, 2010. Case-patients range in age from 1 to 82 years old, and the median age is 47 years. Seventy-four percent of patients are female. Among the 68 patients with available hospitalization information, 27 (40 %) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Salmonella at The Fort - Was it Eggs or Rattlesnake Meat?

Posted by Salmonella Lawyer on August 04, 2010

According to the Jefferson County Colorado Health Department, at least 28 people have become sick from Salmonella poisoning while dining at The Fort restaurant in Morrison. Customers became ill after eating at the restaurant between July 10 and July 16.

Health department officials think the salmonella is linked to undercooked eggs. Many diners became ill after eating rattlesnake cakes, an exotic dish that contained the eggs. The department has sent samples of the salmonella strain (unreported as yet) to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to see if it's linked to outbreaks elsewhere in the country.

However, from "The Fort's" menu:

Appetizers

Rattlesnake Cake

A Diamondback Rattlesnake Cake (similar to a crab cake) topped with a sweet and spicy avacodo (sic) relish and cilantro micro greens, served with Dixon chile (sic) aoli (sic). $25 (subject to availability)

Interestingly, a few years ago, capsules of dried rattlesnake meat an apparent Hispanic folk remedy purported to cure a host of health problems including acne, impotence, AIDS and cancer (almost as good as raw milk) - can be contaminated with a potentially lethal strain of Salmonella bacteria - Salmonella arizonae. See full Story.

Perhaps eggs are not the culprit? I wonder if the cakes taste like chicken?

The Fort in Morrison sickens 28 with Salmonella Eggs in Rattlesnake Cakes

Posted by Salmonella Lawyer on August 03, 2010

The press reports that Colorado health officials are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella believed to be linked to a prominent area restaurant where world leaders have dined.  More than two dozen people who ate at The Fort in Morrison last month got sick. Officials believe it was caused by undercooking eggs -- in particular for one specialty of the house. So far there are eight confirmed cases of salmonella and 20 listed as probable.

One of the signature dishes is rattlesnake cakes. This year between July 10 and July 16 more than two dozen people became ill at The Fort, quite possibly from the egg ingredients in the rattlesnake dish.

"Testing did show that the batter that was used in preparation of one of the foods did have eggs in it that did test positive for the same type salmonella that the case had," said Dr. Mark Johnson, Jefferson County Health Executive Director.