salmonella-dennis-kunkel
Image (c) Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc.

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections.

As of September 6, 2024, a total of 65 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 9 states. 

  • California, 2
  • Colorado, 1
  • Iowa, 2
  • Illinois, 11
  • Michigan, 2
  • Minnesota, 3
  • Utah, 1
  • Virginia, 1
  • Wisconsin, 42

Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback data show that eggs supplied by Milo’s Poultry Farms are contaminated with Salmonella and are making people sick.

According to the CDC and FDA investigation, all carton sizes and expiration dates of the following brand eggs are being recalled:  

  • Milo’s Poultry Farms 
  • Tony’s Fresh Market 

Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 23, 2024, to August 10, 2024. Of 63 people with information available, 24 have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.

Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS). WGS showed that bacteria from sick peoples’ samples are closely related genetically. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from the same food. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection traced the source of eggs supplied to restaurants where ill people ate before they got sick. Records show that Milo’s Poultry Farms supplied eggs to those restaurants.

FDA conducted an inspection at Milo’s Poultry Farms and collected samples. FDA’s analysis showed the outbreak strain of Salmonella was found in the packing facility and the hen egg laying house.

WGS analysis of bacteria from 65 people’s samples showed predicted resistance to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin. More information is available at the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) site. Most people with Salmonella illness recover without antibiotics. However, if antibiotics are needed, illnesses in this outbreak may be difficult to treat with some commonly recommended antibiotics and may require a different antibiotic choice.

On September 6, 2024, Milo’s Poultry Farms recalled eggs. CDC is advising people not eat, sell, or serve recalled eggs.

cucumber-concombre

Federal officials report that an outbreak of Salmonella infections traced to cucumbers has ended.

In an update on Aug. 22, the Food and Drug Administration reported that 551 people had been sickened in the outbreak, up from 449 reported on Aug. 14. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak stretched across 34 states and the District of Columbia.

There are likely many more people who became infected because some do not seek medical attention, and others are not specifically tested for Salmonella infection. The CDC reports that for every one person identified in a Salmonella outbreak, there are 29 others who go undetected. 

The FDA reported that cucumbers from Bedner Growers Inc. of Boynton Beach, FL, and Thomas Produce Company of Boca Raton, FL, are likely the sources of illnesses in the outbreak. However, according to the FDA, these growers do not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak. 

The growing and harvesting season is over, and no product from these farms is on the market, likely with no ongoing risk to the public.

The FDA conducted an on-site inspection at Bender Growers Inc. and Thomas Produce Company and collected samples. Salmonella Braenderup was detected in canal water samples from both farms. 

Whole Genome Sequencing analysis determined that the water used by Thomas Produce Company contained Salmonella, which matches a strain of Salmonella Braenderup that caused some of the illnesses in the outbreak. Additionally, as previously reported, the water used by Bedner Growers Inc. also contained Salmonella, which matched a different strain of Salmonella Braenderup that caused some of the illnesses in this outbreak.

Additional types of Salmonella were detected in soil and water samples collected at both Bedner Growers Inc. and Thomas Produce Company. 

The FDA found that Salmonella contamination at both producers had caused illnesses in recent years.

“Multiple other strains of Salmonella, unrelated to this outbreak investigation, found at Bedner Growers Inc. and Thomas Produce Company matched clinical isolates from illnesses in the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s (NCBI) database that occurred in 2024 and previous years,” the FDA reported.

The CDC reported today that a total of 449 people infected with one of two confirmed outbreak strains of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup have been reported from 31 states and the District of Columbia. 

Of these illnesses, 215 people were infected with the newly added Salmonella Braenderup strain. Illnesses with the Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup strains started on dates ranging from March 11, 2024, to June 4, 2024. Of 360 people with information available, 125 have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

The FDA collected samples at the grower in Florida and identified Salmonella Braenderup in untreated canal water. WGS determined that the Salmonella found in the water is the same strain of Salmonella Braenderup that made people in this outbreak sick. 

Additional soil and water samples collected at Bedner Growers, Inc. were positive for other strains of Salmonella. CDC and FDA are looking to see if these strains have caused illness in people.

As part of the Salmonella Africana investigation, officials in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture collected samples of cucumbers from several retail locations in the state. Testing identified Salmonella Bareilly, a different strain of Salmonella than the ones making people sick in this outbreak.

Sunco and Frenchie LLC of Pine Brook, New Jersey is recalling Terrafina brand Macadamia in the Raw packed in 6 oz plastic containers, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, 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 (which may be bloody), 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 (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Terrafina Brand Macadamia in the Raw was distributed in New York through retail stores. Oak Foods LLC was the distributor.

Brand Name Terrafina with the product name Macadamia in the Raw. Best by Date is 05/2025 and Lot # is RMA241201. UPC# 847938003570. The container is plastic square shaped, and the label indicates size 6 oz and has a light green color for the front label. The nutrition label indicates distributed by Oak Foods LLC, Bronx NY 10474.

The raw macadamia nuts were manufactured by SolCaribe, S.A., Costa Rica.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The potential contamination of Salmonella was discovered through the State of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Laboratory through routine testing. The company is recalling this product as FDA and Sunco and Frenchie LLC continue their investigation.

image-1_315

Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to certain states from May 17th through May 21st, 2024, due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that 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 (which may be bloody), 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 (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons from May 17th through May 21st, 2024, directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The recalled cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5 – 2.0 inches in diameter, and 5-9 inches long. Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall.

The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for the bacteria. The FDA is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation.

Screenshot 2024-05-15 at 3.51.12 PM

The Kankakee County Health Department (KCHD) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella, a bacteria that is a common cause of food poisoning. As of May 14th1, 2024, KCHD has identified 8 individuals with Salmonella infections who ate prepared food from Cracker Barrel located on 50 Ken Hayes Dr in Bourbonnais. 

Cracker Barrel voluntarily closed on May 4th, 2024 and is cooperating with KCHD to determine a source of the infections. KCHD performed an environmental assessment of Cracker Barrel and provided guidance on safe food handling practices and environmental cleaning to prevent further spread of disease. 

KCHD has also issued an alert to area physicians about the outbreak, providing medical guidance. Salmonella symptoms usually last four to seven days and most individuals recover without any treatment. Although most infections resolve without any antibiotics, older individuals or those with weakened immune systems may need medical evaluation and treatment. If you are experiencing severe diarrhea, symptoms of dehydration, or a high fever, seek medical attention. Most people who are infected develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps between 6 hours and 6 days after eating contained food. 

For more information on Salmonella, visit https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/ KCHD is monitoring closely for additional reports of illness. If you experience diarrheal illness after consuming food from this establishment, contact KCHD at 815-802-9400 option 3 to option 3 to file a suspected food poisoning complaint.

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections. Epidemiologic and traceback data show that Infinite Herbs brand organic basil may be contaminated with Salmonella and be making people sick.

As of April 17, 2024, a total of 12 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 7 states – FL, GA, MN, MO, NJ, RI, WI. Illnesses started on dates ranging from February 11, 2024, to April 2, 2024. Of 11 people with information available, 1 person has been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Of 12 people interviewed, 10 (83%) reported shopping at Trader Joe’s. Seven sick people reported buying or likely buying organic basil in 2.5 oz clamshell-style containers from Trader Joe’s. Additionally, traceback data collected by FDA determined that Infinite Herbs, LLC, in Miami, Florida, was the supplier of the 2.5-oz packages of organic basil sold at Trader Joe’s stores.

While this investigation is ongoing, do not eat Infinite Herbs organic basil sold at Trader Joe’s stores in those 29 states and Washington DC. The basil was sold in 2.5 oz clamshell-style packages. Investigators are working to determine if additional products may be contaminated.

Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil packed in 2.5-oz clamshell packaging and sold at Trader Joe’s stores in AL, CT, D.C., DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, and WI.

Trader Joe’s has already voluntarily removed all Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil packed in 2.5-oz clamshell packaging from their store shelves and this product should no longer be available for sale to customers at their stores.

Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and usually lasts four to seven days. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.

Salmonella cases linked to Infinite Herbs organic basil sold at Trader Joe’s

State health officials advise Minnesotans not to eat Infinite Herbs brand organic basil

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) officials are warning Minnesota consumers not to eat Infinite Herbs brand organic basil in 2.5-ounce clamshell-style containers purchased at Trader Joe’s, due to a multi-state Salmonella outbreak announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Four Minnesotans between 3 and 59 years of age, all from the metro area, became ill between Feb. 15 and March 27. None of them were hospitalized and none died. Their illnesses have been linked to eating Infinite Herbs brand basil purchased at Trader Joe’s.  

Nationally, a total of 12 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from seven states.

Trader Joe’s has removed the product from its shelves. Anyone who has it in their refrigerator or freezer should throw it away.

Since many people with Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) do not seek health care and get tested, the number of ill people that are part of this outbreak is likely to be larger than the identified cases. People who consumed the product, become sick and are concerned about their health should consult their health care provider and mention this outbreak.  

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 96 hours after exposure, but they can begin up to two weeks after exposure. Infections usually clear in five to seven days, but about 28% of laboratory-confirmed cases require hospitalization. Many Salmonella infections in otherwise healthy people do not require medical treatment. More serious infections occasionally occur. For those who seek health care, most do not require antibiotics. However, antibiotic treatment may be warranted in some cases.  

Approximately 1,000 Salmonella infections are reported each year in Minnesota. More information on Salmonella and how to prevent it can be found on the MDH website at Salmonellosis (Salmonella).

MDH is working with MDA, CDC and FDA on this ongoing, multi-state investigation.  

Federal alerts:

FDA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Organic Basil (April 2024)  

CDC – Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Fresh Basil: Food Safety Alert

Roland Foods, LLC (“Roland Foods”) of New York, New York is recalling a specific production code of Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds) 16 oz. because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, 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 (which may be bloody), 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 (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds) 16 oz. was distributed to many states through retail stores and foodservice outlets. The product was distributed by Roland Foods from September 2023 through January 2024.

This recall ONLY APPLIES to Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds) 16 oz. with a Best By Date of October 19, 2024. The product can be identified by the Best Buy Date printed in black ink on the label near the top of the bottle. Please note: this is not an expansion of the recall, just a clarification to support identification of the product by consumers.

To date, Roland Foods has received no reports of illness related to the recalled product.

The recall was as the result of a routine sampling program by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which revealed that the product tested positive for Salmonella. The company has ceased distribution of the product and has initiated an investigation in partnership with the manufacturer as to the root cause of the problem.

Seattle & King County Public Health announced that three individuals fell ill due to a Salmonella outbreak linked to the IHOP restaurant located at 14747 NE 20th St, Bellevue, WA. The illnesses occurred between October 23 and December 23, 2023, and two people required hospitalization. No deaths were reported. This investigation is now completed.

All three individuals ate a variety of breakfast foods at the Bellevue IHOP, but no specific food item has been identified as the source of the outbreak. Public Health conducted interviews with the sick individuals to identify common exposures and all three had eaten at the Bellevue IHOP. The victims, ranging in age from 20 to 70, reported symptoms consistent with salmonellosis, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, bloody stool, and fever. No ill employees were identified at the restaurant.

On January 11, 2024, Environmental Health Investigators requested source information and food receipts from the restaurant. A visit to the restaurant was conducted on January 16, 2024, where investigators reviewed the restaurant’s food preparation processes. No contributing factors to the outbreak were identified. The restaurant has since conducted a thorough deep cleaning and reinforced food safety training with staff.

Laboratory testing confirmed all three cases as Salmonella infections. Further testing revealed that all three cases were infected with the same strain of Salmonella, as determined by genetic fingerprinting (whole genome sequencing or WGS) at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory.