Medical Microbiology

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Salmonella Contamination Subject of Recall by Chiquita Brands Subsidiary Fresh Express

Fresh Express, a subsidiary of Chiquita Brands, is recalling fresh Express romaine-based ready-to-eat bagged salads due to possible contamination with salmonella. Recently a random test was conducted by the FDA in which salmonella food poisoning was detected in a single package of Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine Salad. No other Fresh Express salads are currently included in this recall.

The products affected are marked with expired use-by dates of May 13th through May 16th and have an “S” in the product code. These dates have passed, but the FDA warns that consumers who may have the product in their refrigerator check the dates before using, to make certain they do not eat foods that may possibly be contaminated. These products could possibly remain on the store shelves, so Fresh Express extended this recall to retailers as well.

The Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine Salad in question were sold in many states, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Idaho, Utah, Missouri, Montana, Kansas, Washington and Wyoming, Oregon, Texas and New Mexico.

While the recall has been issued after detecting salmonella in only a single package of the salad, Fresh Express is being highly cautious in order to prevent possible food poisoning. Consumers who have purchased this product and have it in their homes are asked to dispose of the salad, and contact consumer representatives of Fresh Express at 800-242-5472, 24 hours a day during week days for a full refund.

Salmonella produces only mild symptoms in healthy individuals, including diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea. Some individuals, such as young children, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system may experience serious complications. If you suspect salmonella food poisoning, seek medical treatment.

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Salmonella Risk Reason for Recall of Organicgirl Baby Spinach

Salinas, California based Organicgirl Produce has announced a recall of the 10 oz. organicgirl Baby Spinach due to the possibility of salmonella contamination. So far, no illnesses have been reported in relation with this product.

The Baby Spinach in question has an expiration date of May 22, with a product code 11A061167. It was reportedly distributed and sold in six states including Alabama, Arizona, California, North Carolina, Oregon and Wisconsin. This makes two recalls announced relating to leafy green produce this week, after Fresh Express announced its recall of romaine-based salads that are also possibly tainted with salmonella.

A third-party laboratory for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration performed random sample testing and found that a package of organicgirl Baby Spinach tested positive for salmonella. This recall is being announced out of caution and concern for consumers.

This recall includes 336 cases of the 10 oz. package size of organicgirl Baby Spinach with a use-by date of May 22. As of now, no other products are salads are included in this latest recall.

organicgirl Produce is conducting a thorough internal investigation, and is also working in conjunction with state and federal regulators to determine the source of the contamination. The company conducted a traceability analysis at once, along with an appraisal of its food safety documentation. All were found in compliance, and the raw product testing records for the time period relating to this incident did not reveal the presence of any pathogens.

Retailers are asked to check store shelves to ensure that none of the possibly contaminated produce is present. Consumers in the six states listed above are urged to make certain that they have none of the product with the use-by date and product code in question in their homes. Do not consume the product, and discard it if it is present in your home. Consumers with concerns or questions are asked to call the consumer hotline at 831-758-7810 any time between 8 and 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday.

Individuals who experience symptoms of salmonella food poisoning should seek medical attention, especially those at increased risks of serious complications including the frail or elderly, young children and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of salmonella include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and occasional fever. These are usually short-lived in healthy individuals.

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Illinois Subway Salmonella Illnesses Climb to 71

As of June 10th, the number of confirmed salmonella Hvittingfos cases related to Subway stores in Illinois has risen to 71. The individuals who have become ill range in age from 2 years old to 88, and this infection has spread across 22 counties so far, including Bureau, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Coles, Dewitt, Fulton, Knox, La Salle, Macon, Marshall, Moultrie, Ogle, Peoria, Sangamon, Schuyler, Shelby, Tazewell, Vermilion, Warren, Winnebago, and Will.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, this type of salmonella only accounts for one to two illnesses each year normally. So far, no identification has been made as to what specific food source is responsible for the outbreak. The Illinois Department of Public health continues to work to identify the source of the illness, and is combining efforts with local health departments, the FDA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Following the outbreak, Subway restaurants voluntarily removed all green peppers, lettuce, red onions and tomatoes that were in the stores and replaced these items with fresh produce.

Recently, there have been several outbreaks of salmonella traced to eating foods purchased at restaurants. Often, these outbreaks occur due to contamination of foods by food workers or service staff who are ill, and cross-contamination. Additionally, foods such as meat, produce and eggs may be contaminated before they reach the restaurant. Investigators from environmental health agencies and public health departments occasionally cannot determine the source of the salmonella food poisoning, so the cause of an outbreak may remain a mystery.

Common symptoms of salmonella food poisoning include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Healthy individuals usually experience only mild symptoms that last for a short time, however those at risk may develop serious complications. These individuals include the elderly, young children and those with a weakened immune system.

Anyone who develops symptoms of salmonella food poisoning should seek medical attention. Following your treatment, make sure you contact a Salmonella attorney to assist you with your legal needs to recover damages and medical expenses.

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Glencoe, IL Country Club Salmonella Illnesses Continue to Rise

Recently, 37 individuals who had eaten at the Skokie Country Club in Glencoe Illinois were confirmed to have salmonellosis, and 8 of those individuals were hospitalized. Now it appears that 2 of the eight remain hospitalized, and officials believe that the outbreak may affect as many as 80 or more people.

While 37 cases were initially linked to the Country Club, 50 others had reported symptoms of salmonella infection, and those have been under investigation. The kitchen at Skokie Country Club closed voluntarily until the investigation can be completed. Those who consumed food or drinks at the club between June 12 and 24 are urged to contact Cook County Health Department if experiencing the symptoms of salmonella food poisoning, which include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.

This particular strain of salmonella, enteritidis, is commonly associated with undercooked eggs. Some restaurants “pool” eggs, which means that crack numerous eggs and hold a dozen or more in a bucket or large bowl until ready to use, which is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

While the source of the salmonella contamination has yet to be determined, it looks as though improper food handling procedures may be to blame.

Those who work in food preparation areas such as that at the Skokie Country Club should take careful precautions to ensure that foods are being handled in a safe manner, and that hands are washed frequently and food preparation surfaces are kept clean and disinfected.

If you develop symptoms of salmonella food poisoning, call your doctor at once, especially if you are at higher risk of developing serious complications. Those most at risk include the elderly, young children, and individuals with a weakened immune system.

Brown Chiari is a team of personal injury attorneys in Buffalo NY, experienced in food poisoning cases throughout the north east.

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California Company Recalls 37,318 Pounds of Peppers Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

A California company is recalling 37,318 lbs. of pepper products that were distributed between March 15th of this year and May 6th. Miravalle Foods, Inc. recalled their Miravalle Chile California and Miravalle Chile Nuevo Mexico brands of peppers due to possible salmonella food poisoning contamination. These peppers were distributed to customers in CA, CO, UT, NC, NE, ID, OR and NV.

These products were distributed to only a small group of customers through distributors, retail stores and direct delivery, and include the following:

3oz. (UPC Code: 7 12810-00301 & 7 12810-00304)
6 oz. (UPC Code: 7 12810-60001 & 7 1280-60004)
8oz. (UPC Code: 7 12810-00802 & 7 12810-00803)
16 oz. (UPC Code: 7 12810-16005 & 7 12810-16007)

The products are packaged in clear plastic under the “Miravalle Chile California & Miravalle Chile Nuevo Mexico” Brand names and in bulk 25lb. boxes.

A random sample of the products revealed the presence of salmonella following lab analysis conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration. Miravalle Foods, Inc. is located in El Monte, California. Consumers who have purchased any of the products involved in this recall are asked to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Questions or concerns can be directed to the company at 1-626-575-7551 between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm PST Monday through Friday.

While salmonella food poisoning usually produces only mild symptoms, in some cases it can be fatal. Symptoms include abdominal pain and fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. Those most at risk for serious complications include children, those with a compromised immune system and the elderly. If you have eaten any of the above products and become ill, see your doctor at once.

Those who become seriously ill after consuming foods contaminated with salmonella may have legal rights. To discuss your situation and learn if you may be entitled to compensation for medical or other costs related to your illness, contact a New York food poisoning attorney.

Brown Chiari is a team of experienced Buffalo personal injury attorneys representing victims rights in personal injury cases. Brown Chiari specializes in nursing home abuse, food poisoning and construction accidents.

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Alfalfa Sprouts and Whole Raw Pistachios Added to the Ever Growing List of Foods Tainted with Salmonella

As if 500 million salmonella tainted shell eggs aren’t enough to worry about, now two other foods have been linked to salmonella. A New York company, Snow White Food Products, Inc. has recalled certain packages of alfalfa sprouts due to salmonella contamination. Production and sales of the alfalfa sprouts have been suspended after the New York State Food Laboratory discovered salmonella bacteria while analyzing samples of the product.

The packages of alfalfa sprouts affected by this recall are packaged in an uncoded 3.5 ounce plastic clamshell container. The UPC code for this product is 0-46421-11236-6. This product was distributed in New York City and throughout the entire state. Investigators are trying to determine just how wide the distribution area of the alfalfa sprouts is.

So far, there have been no illnesses linked to the alfalfa sprouts, and consumers are urged to dispose of the product if they have it in their homes, or return it to the place of purchase. Questions or concerns can be directed to the company at 718-230-5625.

In other salmonella news, a Eugene, Oregon company GloryBee Foods, Inc. has voluntarily recalled 5 pound bags of Whole Raw Pistachios and 25 pound boxes of Whole Raw Pistachios Kernels due to possible salmonella contamination. The 5 pound bags are under the brand name Aunt Patty’s, and the 25 pound boxes under the brand Specialty Commodities.

The pistachios were distributed across western and central Oregon, as well as western Washington to bakeries and retail stores. The 25 lb. boxes have labels on the boxes displaying “Packed for Special Commodities, Los Angeles, CA. 90010.” On the sides of the boxes is a lot number 32043 stamped in red. To date, there have been no illnesses reported in association with this recall.

Consumers are asked to return any whole raw pistachios involved in this recall to GloryBee Foods for a weight-based refund. Questions and delivery or product replacement concerns should be directed to Greg Wilson at 800-456-7923 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Symptoms of salmonella food poisoning include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and occasional fever. While symptoms usually subside and produce only mild illness, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in those who are elderly, young children and individuals with a weak immune system.

Finding a Buffalo personal injury attorney that will assist you in your food poisoning legal needs is an excellent consideration.

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Egg Recall Grows; Additional Company Linked to Outbreak

What began as a recall of 228 million shell eggs recalled due to possible salmonella contamination has now grown to 500 million, and an additional corporation has been added to the list. It was first reported the Wright County Egg was thought to be the source of the tainted shell eggs; now, Hillandale Farms has been implicated as well. The two companies seem to have a close connection which includes part of their egg production operations.

If you need to find Salmonella egg recall law firm to answer legal questions, consider contacting Brown Chiari.

While there have still been no deaths tied to this outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there have been 1,953 illnesses across the nation caused by the same strain of salmonella since August 19th.

The Associated Press reported the apparent link between Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms. Mary Clare Jalonick reported that both companies are share suppliers of chickens and feed. She also went on to say that Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms have ties to a business located in Iowa that is routinely cited for violating both state and federal laws.

Jewanna Porter, a spokeswoman for the egg industry, said that Quality Egg supplies chickens and feed to both companies, and that they share other unnamed suppliers.

Here is a breakdown of illnesses across the nation thus far:

California – 266 cases of salmonella confirmed, 43 of these in Los Angeles County.

Colorado – 28 cases reported during June and July. Colorado usually has only 7 cases on average reported during this time period; some of these recent illnesses were associated with a restaurant in Jefferson County called The Fort.

Minnesota – 14 cases linked to two restaurant outbreaks. One restaurant involved is relatively new; the eggs at Mi Rancho Mexican restaurant are linked to Hillandale Farms.

Southern Nevada – Since January, 30 cases have been reported which is quadruple the number usually reported.

Texas – Since mid-May, over 150 cases of salmonella food poisoning have been reported in at least 40 counties; investigations are ongoing to determine how many of these illnesses are related to Wright County Eggs.

Wisconsin – A restaurant in Kenosha, Baker Street Restaurant and Pub, is thought to be the source of 21 salmonella illnesses.

There are likely many illnesses that have not been reported, and numbers could continue to grow for some time. Salmonella food poisoning is characterized by abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea and occasional fever. While most cases are not serious, some individuals may be at a higher risk of developing serious complications. These individuals include young children, those with weakened immune systems, and the elderly.

If you become ill with symptoms you suspect are related to salmonella tainted eggs, contact Brown Chiari, a highly-regarded Buffalo NY food poisoning attorney. Also serving as Buffalo injury attorneys in New York.

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Thursday, September 2, 2010

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