Header graphic for print

Salmonella Blog

Surveillance & Analysis on Salmonella News & Outbreaks

Salmonella and Chicken Connection

Posted by Bill Marler on March 6, 2013

Since June 4, 2012, a total of 128 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 13 states.

  • 31% of ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
  • Most of the ill persons have been reported from two states, Oregon (39) and Washington (56).

Oregon and Washington have identified Foster Farms brand chicken as the most likely source of the infections in their states.  Testing conducted by the Washington State Public Health Laboratories identified the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg in four intact samples of chicken collected from three ill persons’ homes in Washington.

Easter Eggs with Salmonella

Posted by Bill Marler on March 1, 2013

An Indiana candymaker is recalling packages of chocolate-covered marshmallow eggs over Salmonella concerns.

Zachary Confections, based in Frankfort, announced the voluntary recall Wednesday after a sample taken during routine testing of the Easter treats revealed “the potential for Salmonella contamination,” according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The recall includes 5-ounce packages of the eggs sold in white egg crates with purple, green and yellow lettering, carry the product number 31-797 and the best buy date of Feb. 14, 2014.

The packages were shipped from the Frankfort factory Feb. 21 and 22, and have been distributed to stores in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to the FDA.

Herbal Tea Recalled Due to Salmonella

Posted by Bill Marler on February 23, 2013

A brand of herbal tea sold in B.C. is being recalled and consumers are advised not to drink it because of the potential of salmonella poisoning.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a warning about Tega brand Organic Lemon Hibiscus Green Rooibos Herbal Tea.

It says the product that is a concern is sold in packages of 24 tea bags (48 g / 1.69 oz), UPC 6 64322 10406 0, with best before dates of 2014FE01, 2014MR27, and 2014MR28.

This product has been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Nu-Tea Company Ltd. of Abbotsford, B.C., is recalling the tea from the marketplace.

Why are we trying to kill our dogs with Salmonella?

Posted by Bill Marler on February 22, 2013

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that Kasel Associates Industries Inc. is recalling all pet treats it manufactured from April 20 through Sept. 19, 2012 due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Kasel has issued three previous recall notices for specific products manufactured during this time period.

The move comes after the Colorado Department of Agriculture tested a retail sample of a Kasel pet treat product and found it to be positive for Salmonella. Based on FDA’s follow-up inspection at the firm, FDA found that all of the finished pet treat product samples and 48 out of 87 environmental samples collected during the inspection tested positive for Salmonella. More than ten different species of Salmonella were found in the firm’s products and manufacturing facility, indicating multiple sources of contamination.

While there are no reports of human illness, FDA has received a small number of complaints of illness in dogs who were exposed to the treats. Because of the multiple positive tests for Salmonella, and the production practices and conditions observed at the facility during the inspection, FDA believes that there is a reasonable probability that pet treat products manufactured in the facility from April 20, 2012 through September 19, 2012 are contaminated with Salmonella.

Both people and animals can contract Salmonellosis from handling or eating contaminated products. People handling dry pet treats should thoroughly wash their hands after having contact with the treats as well as any surfaces exposed to these products.

Consumers who have any of these products, or who are unsure of the manufacturing date of their pet treats, should dispose of them in ways that people and animals, including wild animals, cannot access them, such as placing them in a securely lidded garbage can.

The Kasel-manufactured products are sold at various retailers, including Target, Petco, Sam’s Club and Costco. Most of the products have a two-year shelf life.

All of the products were made in the U.S. This action is not related to FDA’s ongoing investigation of jerky pet treats made in China.

Salmonella is a public health risk and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness. Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the products subject to this recall should contact their health care provider immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected product or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to become severely ill from Salmonella infection. The bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in these vulnerable populations. Most healthy individuals recover from Salmonella infections within four to seven days without treatment.

As with humans, dogs who are elderly, very young or have impaired immune systems are more vulnerable to Salmonella infection.

Product Name Distributors Lot/Best By Date UPC
12 PK Natural Pig Ears Petco 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 800443092910
12 PK Smoked Pig Ears Petco 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 800443092927
16 oz Chicken Chips Petco, Kasel 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 647263800291
16 oz Chicken Jerky Petco, Kasel, Menards 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 647263800291
16 oz Pork Jerky Petco, Kasel, Menards 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 647263700157
16 oz Salmon Jerky Petco, Kasel 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 647263900151
25 PK Natural Pig Ears Petco 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 800443092903
4 oz Beef Jerky Petco, Kasel 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 647263801175
4 oz Chicken Jerky Petco, Kasel 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 647263800178
4 oz Lamb Jerky Petco, Kasel 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 647263510176
4 oz Salmon Jerky Petco, Kasel 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 647263900175
7 PK Natural Pig Ears Petco 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 800443092934
7 PK Smoked Pig Ears Petco 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 800443092941
BIXBI Hip And Joint Beef Liver Jerky 5oz BIXBI 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 091037018106
BIXBI Hip And Joint Chicken Breast Jerky 5oz BIXBI 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 091037018083
BIXBI Hip And Joint Lamb Jerky 5oz BIXBI 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 091037018120
BIXBI Hip And Joint Pork Jerky 5oz BIXBI 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 091037018144
BIXBI Skin & Coat Beef Liver Jerky 5oz BIXBI 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 091037018021
BIXBI Skin & Coat Chicken Breast Jerky Treats 5oz BIXBI 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 091037018007
BIXBI Skin & Coat Lamb Jerky 5oz BIXBI 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 091037018045
BIXBI Skin & Coat Pork Jerky 5oz BIXBI 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 091037018069
Boots & Barkley Assorted Natural Parts 32oz Target 20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN 490830400086
Boots & Barkley Beef Bully Stick 12″ Target 20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN 085239043165
Boots & Barkley Beef Bully Sticks 6ct Target 20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN 647263899189
Boots & Barkley Beef Knuckle Target 20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN 647263899172
Boots & Barkley Beef Ribs 2ct Target 20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN 647263899196
Boots & Barkley Braided Bully Stick 5″ Target 20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN 085239043110
Boots & Barkley Chicken Jerky 16oz Target 20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN 085239043325
Boots & Barkley Chicken Jerky 8oz Target 20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN 085239043400
Boots & Barkley Chicken Stuffed Beef Femur Bone 6″ Target 20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN 085239043202
Boots & Barkley Flossie 6-8″ Target 20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN 085239043103
Boots & Barkley Pig Ear Strips 8oz Target 20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN 085239403440
Boots & Barkley Pig Ears 12ct Target 20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN 647263899158
Boots & Barkley Pork Femur Target 20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN 647263899165
Boots & Barkley Smoked Beef Femur Bone 3″ Target 20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN 085239403495
K9 Chicken Breath Fresh Jerky 15oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507117
K9 Chicken Breath Fresh Jerky 5oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507100
K9 Chicken Calming Jerky 15oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507094
K9 Chicken Calming Jerky 5oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507087
K9 Chicken Coat Jerky 15oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507070
K9 Chicken Coat Jerky 5oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507063
K9 Chicken Digestive Jerky 15oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507155
K9 Chicken Digestive Jerky 5oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507148
K9 Chicken Healthy Weight Jerky 15oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507179
K9 Chicken Healthy Weight Jerky 5oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507162
K9 Chicken Jerky 16oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507032
K9 Chicken Jerky 5oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507018
K9 Chicken Jerky 8oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507025
K9 Chicken Joint Jerky 15oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507056
K9 Chicken Joint Jerky 5oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507049
K9 Chicken Senior Jerky 15oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507131
K9 Chicken Senior Jerky 5oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125507124
K9 Hip & Joint Chicken Strips 8oz Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 669125990445
Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky 2.5lbs Sam’s Club 04202013 DEN-10032013 DEN 647263800208
Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky 3lbs Costco 04202013 DEN-10032013 DEN 647263800215
Nutri-Pet 16oz Natural Filet Strips Nutri-Vet 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 76-0081
Roasted Pig Ear Dog Treats 28oz Sam’s Club 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN 681131857246
TDBBS, Inc Beef Lobster Tails 1ct TDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN Bulk
TDBBS, Inc Buffalo Hearts Sliced 3 lbs TDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN Bulk
TDBBS, Inc Chicken Jerky 16oz TDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN Unknown
TDBBS, Inc Hearts of Lamb 4oz TDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN Unknown
TDBBS, Inc Knee Caps 25 Ct TDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN Bulk
TDBBS, Inc Lamb Jerky 4oz TDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN Unknown
TDBBS, Inc Pig Snouts 25ct TDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN Bulk
TDBBS, Inc Pork Jerky Strips 16oz TDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN Unknown
TDBBS, Inc Turkey Cubes 4.5oz TDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN Unknown
TDBBS, Inc Turkey Jerkey Sticks 6ct TDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks 04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN Unknown

Almonds must be Pasteurized – most of the time

Posted by Bill Marler on February 22, 2013

AP reports that an appeals court ruled Friday that federal officials have the authority to require that all California almonds be treated for salmonella following outbreaks linked to almonds from the state.

The ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld a lower court decision.

The case stemmed from a 2007 order by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack that all California almonds sold domestically be pasteurized with heat or treated with chemicals.

The order followed two salmonella outbreaks linked to California almonds. Almond experts acknowledge that salmonella in almonds is rare.

An exemption to the order was given to small-scale growers, who were allowed sell untreated almonds, but only directly to the public from farm stands or on-farm sales.

Salmonella Heidelberg Chicken Strikes Again

Posted by Bill Marler on February 14, 2013

Since June 4, 2012, a total of 124 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 12 states. Most of the ill persons have been reported from two states, Washington (56) and Oregon (38). At this time, CDC is not releasing the names of the other states until it is determined how these illnesses are linked to this outbreak.  Washington and Oregon Departments of Health have reported that this outbreak has been linked to chicken produced in Foster Farms plants in Washington and California.

Among 124 persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from June 4, 2012, to January 6, 2013. Ill persons range in age from less than 1 year to 94 years, with a median age of 23 years. Fifty-five percent of ill persons are female. Among 97 persons with available information, 31 (32%) reported being hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections. Public health investigators are using DNA “fingerprints” of Salmonella bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, or PFGE, to identify cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak. They are using data from PulseNet, the national subtyping network made up of state and local public health laboratories and federal food regulatory laboratories that performs molecular surveillance of foodborne infections.

Salmonella:  Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Salmonella outbreaks. The Salmonella lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Salmonella and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $600 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Salmonella lawyers have litigated Salmonella cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of foods, such as cantaloupe, tomatoes, ground turkey, salami, sprouts, cereal, peanut butter, and food served in restaurants.  The law firm has brought Salmonella lawsuits against such companies as Cargill, ConAgra, Peanut Corporation of America, Sheetz, Taco Bell, Subway and Wal-Mart.

If you or a family member became ill with a Salmonella infection, including Reactive Arthritis or Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Salmonella attorneys for a free case evaluation.

Chicken Common in Salmonella Heidelberg Outbreak

Posted by Bill Marler on February 14, 2013

According to the Albany Oregon Tribune, in 2012, Oregon saw 56 cases of Salmonella Heidelberg, which is a marked increase over previous years. All people reportedly have recovered from their illnesses; there have been no deaths associated with the outbreak. During 2007-2011, there was an average of 27 annual reported cases in our state.

In 2012, 43 of the 56 confirmed human cases of infection by Salmonella Heidelberg bacteria in Oregon were caused by a particular strain linked to chicken processed by Foster Farms, according to patient reports and laboratory testing of randomly purchased chicken.

Oregon’s Public Health Division is working with Washington State Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention to track cases of salmonellosis and to promote food safety.

There has been no recall issued.

Salmonella Outbreaks – Raw Beef Kibbeh and Hog Head Cheese

Posted by Bill Marler on January 24, 2013

Raw Beef Kibbeh:  Jouni Meats, Inc., a Sterling Heights, Michigan retail store, is recalling approximately 500 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with a strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. These products were produced between Dec. 4, 2012, and Dec. 9, 2012, and distributed to a restaurant in Macomb County, Mich., and sold directly to consumers at Jouni Meats, Inc. These products were sold without a label.

This recall has been initiated because of concerns involving a cluster of Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses that may be associated with consumption of raw ground beef from a restaurant in Macomb County, Michigan. Working in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Arizona Department of Health Services, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FSIS determined that there is a link between the ground beef products from Jouni Meats, Inc. and this illness cluster. Based on epidemiologic and traceback investigations, 7 case-patients with the same outbreak strain have been identified in Arizona and Michigan with illness onset dates ranging from December 9, 2012, to December 13, 2012. The 7 case-patients consumed raw beef kibbeh on December 7, 2012, and December 8, 2012. It is not known at this time if this outbreak strain has any drug resistance; results are pending. FSIS is continuing to work with public health partners and CDC on this investigation. FSIS will continue to provide information as it becomes available.

Hog Head Cheese:  Hog head cheese products produced by EST. 2257 have been linked to a recent Salmonella Uganda cluster involving six case-patients from Louisiana. Working in conjunction with the Louisiana Office of Public Health, FSIS was able to link illnesses to the RTE pork products produced at this establishment based on epidemiologic and traceback investigations. Illness onset dates among the case-patients ranged from October 16, 2012 to November 10, 2012. Four case-patients confirmed eating the brand under recall. Leftover RTE product from consumers was not available for testing. However, retail samples of like product from different production dates underwent testing last week, and four of nine samples tested positive for Salmonella. It is not known at this time if these samples are positive for the outbreak strain, but any finding of such will be made public by FSIS once it becomes available. FSIS is continuing to work with public health partners on the investigation.

Stallings Head Cheese Co., Inc., a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling 4,700 pounds of hog head cheese that may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:  10-oz. packages of “Richard’s Hog Head Cheese” bearing establishment number “EST. 2257″ inside the USDA mark of inspection and sell by dates “Use by 2 1 2013″ or “Use by 3 20 2013″on each package.

FDA Warning Letter to Chamberlain Farms Linked to Salmonella Cantaloupe Outbreak

Posted by Bill Marler on January 3, 2013

According to the CDC, epidemiological investigations, traceback investigations, and analytical results that linked cantaloupes grown and packed on Chamberlain Farms to a nationwide outbreak involving two strains of Salmonella enterica: Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Newport. As of October 4, 2012 this outbreak sickened approximately 261 persons, including 3 deaths, in 24 states between July 6, 2012 and September 16, 2012.

During the FDA inspection, the FDA investigators documented the following conditions and practices that may have contributed to the contamination of cantaloupes with Salmonella:

1. Accumulated organic material on multiple locations of the cantaloupe conveyer, including rollers and belts (which are food contact surfaces). These are likely harborages for pathogenic organisms such as Salmonella. Specifically, Salmonella Newport was found on the belt of 2nd conveyer, below the final belt, and on the north and south belt kicks.

2. Debris including trash, wood, food pieces, standing water, mud, and dirt beneath the conveyer belt in the cantaloupe packinghouse.

3. Standing water, apparently containing algae, on the floor of the packinghouse, directly below the first four conveyer belts of the packing line and on the drip table below the bristle conveyer belt where cantaloupes are being washed and rinsed.

4. Bird excrement in the rafters above food contact surfaces (e.g., brush rollers, conveyor belts, grading table) and directly on the processing line itself. Allowing birds to roost in your packing facility could allow them to defecate directly on to food products during conveyance, grading, and sorting.

5. The roof of the cantaloupe packinghouse was sloped such that any water washing from the roof, along with any debris present on the roof, would flow onto the brush washer and conveyor belt directly under the roof overhang.

6. Materials that could not be effectively cleaned or sanitized and may trap and harbor water, organic materials, and pathogens were used as food contact surfaces (i.e., carpeting and wood used as cushioning or directional mechanisms for conveyances). Specifically, Salmonella Newport was found in environmental sample taken from carpet at the northwest end of the middle grading table.

7. Some wellheads were not capped; wells that were capped were not appropriately sealed; there was no apparent grouting of the annular spaces of well shaft; and the wells were not protected from intrusion by standing water. We note that FDA water samples from the wells and spigots utilized for cantaloupe processing were positive for Coliforms and Escherichia coli. A properly protected well should not have any coliforms or Escherichia. coli. …

Read the full letter here.