Food Poison Journal

Attorney Marler Calls for Increased Transparency in Spartanburg E. coli Investigation

bmarler@marlerclark.com (Bill Marler) — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:54:36 -0800

Citing previous instances in which government suppression of data in foodborne illness outbreaks has proven misguided, food safety expert and attorney William Marler calls on DHEC to release the name of the Mexican restaurant responsible for the recent E. coli outbreak.

According to South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) officials a “Spartanbug-area Mexican restaurant” is to blame for a recent E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. While health officials have stated that victims became ill during the last week of April and the first week of May, they have opted not to disclose the restaurant’s name – something that many, including food safety expert and E. coli attorney William Marler, as well as area Mexican restaurants whose business is, or may be, affected by DHEC’s failure to identify the restaurant – find troubling.

“Our public health agencies are fantastic at detecting the source of an outbreak; however it is a disservice to American consumers when these agencies fail to disclose their findings to the public,” said Marler. “Not only is it unfair to the other “Spartanburg-area Mexican restaurants” that are not at fault, but history has shown us that such behavior can be incredibly detrimental to food safety.”

Health officials maintain that it is unnecessary to publically name the restaurant because it no longer poses a health threat. However, citing previous outbreaks, Marler argues that a practice of data suppression can have negative long term consequences.

2012 Taco Bell Salmonella Outbreak

In January of 2012 the CDC announced that a Salmonella outbreak had sickened 68 people in 10 states. While the CDC tracked the source of the outbreak, publically it has only named “a Mexican-style fast food chain restaurant – Restaurant Chain A”. Reporters at Food Safety News, a daily online news source sponsored by Marler Clark, ultimately learned from the Oklahoma State Department of Health that the chain in question was Taco Bell.

2011 Schnucks Romaine Lettuce E. coli Outbreak

In October of 2011, health officials in Missouri announced that they were investigating an E. coli outbreak. By October 31, county health officials named romaine lettuce from Schnucks salad bars as the likely source of the outbreak. On December 7, the CDC released a report linking the outbreak to “a single grocery store chain (Chain A).” In a December 8 news report, Schnucks confirmed that it was “Chain A”, though it refused to name its lettuce supplier.

In December of 2011, Marler Clark filed two separate lawsuits against Schnucks on behalf of people who were hospitalized due to E. coli O157:H7 infections contracted in the outbreak [1]. Marler Clark added Moore, Oklahoma-based Vaughan Foods to both lawsuits when, through its own investigation, the law firm learned the company was the supplier of E. coli-contaminated romaine lettuce to Schnucks stores.

2009 Caudill Seed and Jimmy John’s Salmonella Outbreak

Between February and March of 2009, 235 people in 14 states became ill with Salmonella. The CDC conducted an investigation that uncovered alfalfa sprouts from a single unnamed grower to be the source of the outbreak. Many of those sickened ate at a restaurant dubbed “Chain A” by the CDC. While the CDC never did release the names of any of the companies involved, on March 15, 2009 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert indicating the contaminated seeds came from Caudill Seed Company. Later it was discovered that “Chain A” was Jimmy John’s. Jimmy John’s would go on to be involved in a total of 5 foodborne illness outbreaks tied to sprouts before finally pulling sprouts from it menus.

1993 Jack in the Box E. coli Outbreak

It has become common knowledge that a 1993 E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that sickened over 500, hospitalized 144, and killed four was linked to undercooked hamburgers from Jack in the Box. Nonetheless, to this day the CDC only refers to it as “chain A restaurant”.

1982 McDonald’s E. coli Outbreak

While the Jack in the Box outbreak is commonly credited with introducing E. coli O157:H7 to the masses, a decade earlier at least 47 people became ill with severe symptoms of E. coli. Almost all of those sickened had eaten undercooked hamburgers from McDonald’s – referred to only as “a fast food restaurant chain” in medical journals.

“Perhaps if researchers had made the 1982 McDonald’s outbreak more public, the Jack in the Box tragedy never would’ve happened,” said Marler. “Perhaps if Jimmy John’s had been publically identified as playing a role in the 2009 Salmonella outbreak the company would’ve taken corrective food safety measures and stopped selling sprouts sooner. And, in each of these cases, perhaps innocent people wouldn’t have been needlessly sickened, hospitalized, and killed.”

6 Raw Milk Outbreaks in 2012 - 152 Sickened, some seriously

bmarler@marlerclark.com (Bill Marler) — Sun, 13 May 2012 22:00:40 -0800

Campylobacter, E. coli and Cryptosporidium.

It has been a bad few months for raw milk hucksters and even worse for their customers.

January to April – Campylobacter in raw milk from Organic Pastures in California – 10 Ill.

April – E. coli O157:H7, Campylobacter and Cryptosporidium in raw milk from Foundation Farm in Oregon – 21 Ill including 4 with HUS.

March to April – E. coli in raw milk from Stroupe Farm in Missouri – 14 Ill including 1 with HUS.

March – Campylobacter in raw milk from Claravale Farm in California – 9 Ill.

January to February – Campylobacter in raw milk from Family Cow Dairy in Pennsylvania – 80 Ill.

January – Campylobacter in raw goat milk from unnamed dairy in Kansas – 18 Ill.

Raw Dairy Outbreaks and Recalls from 1998 to the present:

119 total outbreaks

86 fluid milk: 18 cow, 4 goat, 64 unspecified milk type

27 cheese: 2 aged, 3 homemade, 17 Mexican-style queso fresco, 1 goat chevre, 1 curds, 3 unspecified

6 multiple raw dairy products (fluid milk, cheese, and/or colostrum)

2,147 total illnesses, 2 deaths

1,514 fluid milk-related illnesses, no deaths: 249 cow, 63 goat, 1,202 unspecified

576 cheese-related illnesses: 46 aged, 80 homemade, 324 Mexican-style queso fresco (2 deaths), 5 goat chevre, 63 curds, 58 unspecified cheese type

57 multiple raw dairy products-related illnesses (fluid milk, cheese, and/or colostrum)

A risky elixir! For the facts about raw milk, see Real Raw Milk Facts.

16 Sick From Salmonella Diamond Pet Food: Recall List

bmarler@marlerclark.com (Bill Marler) — Sat, 12 May 2012 08:59:54 -0800

Diamond Pet Foods has recalled nine brands of dry pet food formulas that were manufactured in Gaston. All batches manufactured between December 9, 2011 and April 7, 2012 are affected.

Consolidated list of recalled dry pet food products (as of May 11, 2012)

Apex Chicken and Rice Dog (20-lb and 40-lb bags; Production code ACD0101B32; Best by date 24-Jan-2013)
Canidae Dog Dry Dog Food, All Life Stages (All packages sizes; Best before date between December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013; Production code must have the number “3″ in the 9th digit AND the letter “X” in the 10th or 11th digit)
Canidae Dog Dry Dog Food, Chicken Meal & Rice (All packages sizes; Best before date between December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013; Production code must have the number “3″ in the 9th digit AND the letter “X” in the 10th or 11th digit)
Canidae Dog Dry Dog Food, Lamb Meal & Rice (All packages sizes; Best before date between December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013; Production code must have the number “3″ in the 9th digit AND the letter “X” in the 10th or 11th digit)
Canidae Dog Dry Dog Food, Canidae Platinum (All packages sizes; Best before date between December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013; Production code must have the number “3″ in the 9th digit AND the letter “X” in the 10th or 11th digit)
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul (All package sizes and formulas; Best before dates between December 9, 2012 and April 7, 2013; Production codes have a number “2″ or “3″ in the 9th digit and the letter “X” in the 10th or 11th digit)
Country Value (All package sizes and formulas; Best before dates between December 9, 2012 and April 7, 2013; Production codes have a number “2″ or “3″ in the 9th digit and the letter “X” in the 10th or 11th digit)
Diamond (All package sizes and formulas; Best before dates between December 9, 2012 and April 7, 2013; Production codes have a number “2″ or “3″ in the 9th digit and the letter “X” in the 10th or 11th digit)
Diamond Naturals (All package sizes and formulas; Best before dates between December 9, 2012 and April 7, 2013; Production codes have a number “2″ or “3″ in the 9th digit and the letter “X” in the 10th or 11th digit)
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Lamb, Rice & Vegetable Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013; Production codes have a number “3″ in the 9th digit and the letter “X” in the 11th digit)
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013; Production codes have a number “3″ in the 9th digit and the letter “X” in the 11th digit)
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Mature Dog Chicken, Rice & Egg Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013; Production codes have a number “3″ in the 9th digit and the letter “X” in the 11th digit)
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Dog Formulated with Chicken & Vegetables (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013; Production codes have a number “3″ in the 9th digit and the letter “X” in the 11th digit)
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013; Production codes have a number “3″ in the 9th digit and the letter “X” in the 11th digit)
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Cat Formula (December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013; Production codes have a number “3″ in the 9th digit and the letter “X” in the 11th digit)
Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Formula for Dogs (December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013; Production codes have a number “3″ in the 9th digit and the letter “X” in the 11th digit)
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dog (5 lb bag; Best by December 12, 2012; December 13, 2012; March 13, 2013)

Thanks to efoodalert.

South Carolina: Unnamed Spartanburg-area Mexican Restaurant Linked to E. coli Illnesses

bmarler@marlerclark.com (Bill Marler) — Fri, 11 May 2012 21:56:20 -0800

Notice to Health Care Providers:  Shiga Toxin-producing E. coli cases in Spartanburg County

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is requesting heightened surveillance for persons presenting with symptoms consistent with Shiga toxin producing E. coli (i.e., enterohemorrhagic E. coli), including diarrhea that is often bloody, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in children or thrombocytopenia purpura in adults.

Summary

DHEC is investigating an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) related to dining at a Spartanburg-area Mexican restaurant during the last week of April, 2012. Preliminary lab results indicate the E. coli serotype being O157:H7. Of the 3 cases interviewed thus far, two reported the infection has progressed to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe condition associated with STEC infection that can lead to kidney failure. Interviews with an additional 8 cases are in progress.

Guidance for Clinicians

Symptoms

DHEC recommends a high index of suspicion for STEC infection for patients presenting with STEC symptoms and a history of dining at a Spartanburg- area Mexican restaurant near the end of April, 2012.

Clinical syndromes associated with a Shiga toxin producing E. coli infection include

Gastroenteritis with diarrhea and abdominal cramps (fever and bloody stools may or may not be  present), and/or Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) with or without gastroenteritis, which typically develops a week after the onset of diarrhea.  Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by the triad of acute onset of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, renal injury, and low platelet count. Most cases of HUS occur after an acute gastrointestinal illness (usually diarrheal).  Management  Management of STEC is typically supportive, as most patients recover within 5-7 days. Antibiotics for gastroenteritis are generally not recommended, as there have been reports of increased incidence of post-diarrheal HUS when antibiotics are used to manage STEC infections.  The CDC does not recommend the use of antibiotics for patients with suspected STEC infections until complete diagnostic testing can be performed and STEC infection is ruled out. However, clinical decision making must be tailored to each individual patient. There may be indications for antibiotics in patients with severe intestinal inflammation if perforation is of concern.

Testing

• All stools submitted for testing from patients with acute community-acquired diarrhea should be cultured for STEC O157:H7. These stools should be simultaneously assayed for non-O157 STEC with a test that detects the Shiga toxins or the genes encoding these toxins.

• Clinical laboratories should report and send E. coli O157:H7 isolates and Shiga toxin- positive samples to the SC DHEC Bureau of Laboratories (BOL) as soon as possible for additional characterization.

• Specimens or enrichment broths in which Shiga toxin or STEC are detected, but from which O157:H7 STEC isolates are not recovered should be forwarded as soon as possible to the SC DHEC BOL so that non-O157:H7 STEC can be isolated.

• It is often difficult to isolate STEC in stool by the time a patient presents with HUS. Immunomagnetic separation (IMS) has been shown to increase recovery of STEC from HUS patients. For any patient with HUS without a culture-confirmed STEC infection, stool can be sent to the SC DHEC BOL for IMS or to the CDC (through the BOL). In addition, serum can be sent to CDC (through the BOL) for serologic testing of common STEC serogroups.  The benefits of adhering to the recommended testing strategy include early diagnosis, improved patient outcome, and detection of all STEC serotypes.  Reporting of Cases  Cases of bloody diarrhea or a clinical presentation consistent with STEC, coupled with the epidemiologic criteria described above, should be reported to your local health department via the phone numbers listed below. DHEC will arrange for collection of stool samples for testing, as appropriate.  Any laboratory confirmed acute case associated with Shiga toxin producing E. coli or E. coli identified as serogroup O157:H7 should be reported within 24 hours to DHEC, as per the current DHEC List of Reportable Conditions.

Resources for Additional Information

• www.about-ecoli.com

• CDC E. coli Investigation updates (www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2011/ecoliO104/index.html)

• CDC E. coli Resources for Clinicians (www.cdc.gov/ecoli/clinicians.htm)

• CDC E. coli General Information (http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/ecoli_157h7/)

• MMWR – “Recommendations for Diagnosis of Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli Infections by Clinical Laboratories” (www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5812.pdf)

• WHO E. coli Investigation updates (www.who.int/csr/don/en/index.html)

• FoodSafety.gov (www.foodsafety.gov/)  DHEC contact information for reportable diseases and reporting requirements  Reporting of confirmed and suspected Shiga Toxin-producing E. coli cases is consistent with South Carolina Law requiring the reporting of diseases and conditions to your state or local public health department. (State Law # 44-29-10 and Regulation # 61-20) as per the DHEC 2011 List of Reportable Conditions available at: http://www.scdhec.gov/administration/library/CR-009025.pdf Federal HIPAA legislation allows disclosure of protected health information, without consent of the individual, to public health authorities to collect and receive such information for the purpose of preventing or controlling disease. (HIPAA 45 CFR §164.512).

Diamond Dog Food Sickens 16 in 9 States and Canada with Salmonella

bmarler@marlerclark.com (Bill Marler) — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:24:00 -0800

A total of 15 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis have been reported from 9 states. Additionally, one ill person has been reported from Canada.

The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Connecticut (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (3), North Carolina (3), New Jersey (1), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (2), and Virginia (1). One new ill person was reported from Pennsylvania. Additionally, one ill person has been reported from Canada.

Among the 10 patients with available information, 5 (50%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Multiple brands of dry dog food produced by Diamond Pet Foods at a single manufacturing facility in South Carolina have been linked to some of the human Salmonella infections.

Banned Turtles Sicken 124 with Salmonella

bmarler@marlerclark.com (Bill Marler) — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:35:06 -0800

CDC reports a total of 124 persons infected with outbreak strains of Salmonella Sandiego, Salmonella Pomona, and Salmonella Poona have been reported from 27 states.

The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alaska (2), Alabama (1), Arizona (3), California (21), Colorado (5), Delaware (3), Georgia (3), Illinois (1), Indiana (1), Kentucky (1), Massachusetts (3), Maryland (6), Michigan (2), Minnesota (1), Nevada (4), New Jersey (7), New Mexico (3), New York (24), North Carolina (1), Ohio (2), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (9), South Carolina (3), Texas (12), Virginia (3), Vermont (1), and West Virginia (1).

19 ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

67% of ill persons are children 10 years of age or younger.

Two new multistate outbreaks linked to small turtles have been identified since the prior update on April 5, 2012. Overall, 5 multistate outbreaks of human Salmonella infection are linked with exposure to small turtles.

Results of the epidemiologic and environmental investigations indicate exposure to turtles or their environments (e.g., water from a turtle habitat) is the cause of these outbreaks.

75% of ill persons reported exposure to turtles prior to their illness.

Small turtles (shell length less than 4 inches) were reported by 93% of cases with turtle exposure. Forty-three percent of ill persons with small turtles reported purchasing the turtles from street vendors.

Small turtles are a well-known source of human Salmonella infections, especially among young children. Because of this risk, the Food and Drug Administration has banned the sale and distribution of these turtles as pets since 1975. Turtles with a shell length of less than 4 inches in size should not be purchased as pets or given as gifts.

Raw Milk Strikes 10 with Campylobacter

bmarler@marlerclark.com (Bill Marler) — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:39:25 -0800

CDFA ANNOUNCES RECALL OF RAW MILK PRODUCTS AT ORGANIC PASTURES OF FRESNO COUNTY

Ten illnesses reported

SACRAMENTO, May 10, 2012 - Raw milk, raw skim milk (non-fat), raw cream and raw butter produced by Organic Pastures Dairy of Fresno County is the subject of a statewide recall and quarantine order announced by California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Whiteford. The quarantine order came following the confirmed detection of campylobacter bacteria in raw cream.

Consumers are strongly urged to dispose of any Organic Pastures products of these types remaining in their refrigerators, and retailers are to pull those products immediately from their shelves.

From January through April 30, 2012, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports that at least 10 people with campylobacter infection were identified throughout California and reported consuming Organic Pastures raw milk prior to illness onset. Their median age is 11.5 years, with six under 18. The age range is nine months to 38 years. They are residents of Fresno, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Luis Obispo and Santa Clara counties. None of the patients have been hospitalized, and there have been no deaths.

According to CDPH, symptoms of campylobacteriosis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Most people with campylobacteriosis recover completely. Illness usually occurs 2 to 5 days after exposure to campylobacter and lasts about a week. The illness is usually mild and some people with campylobacteriosis have no symptoms at all. However, in some persons with compromised immune systems, it can cause a serious, life-threatening infection. A small percentage of people may have joint pain and swelling after infection. In addition, a rare disease called Guillain-Barre syndrome that causes weakness and paralysis can occur several weeks after the initial illness.

A Recent E. coli Outbreak:

In November 2011, a cluster of five young children with Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 infection with matching pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns was identified. Illness onsets were from August 25 to October 25, 2011. All five children reported drinking commercially available raw (unpasteurized) milk from a single dairy (Organic Pastures) and had no other common exposures. Statistical analysis of case patients' exposures with a comparison group of E. coli O157:H7 patients with non cluster PFGE patterns indicated a strong association with raw milk. The epidemiological findings led to a quarantine and recall of all Organic Pastures products except cheese aged more than 60 days, and investigations by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Food and Drug Branch (FOB) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). Environmental samples collected at Organic Pastures yielded E. coli O157:H7 isolates that had PFGE patterns indistinguishable from the patient isolates. Organic Pastures raw milk consumed by the case-patients was likely contaminated with this strain of E. coli O157:H7, resulting in their illnesses. Final Report.

Organic Pastures has been involved in recalls and outbreaks in the past:

Organic Pastures products were recalled for pathogens in 2006, 2007 and 2008. It was tied to a 2007 outbreak of Campylobacter. Most notably, it was quarantined in 2006 after six children became ill with E. coli infections - two with hemolytic uremic syndrome. This is the state report from 2006: http://www.marlerblog.com/rawmilk(1)(1)(1)(1).pdf.

2006: 3 strains of E. coli O157:H7 cultured from OPDC heifer feces -   http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5723a2.htm

2007: 50 strains of Campylobacter jejuni plus Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter fetus, Campylobacter hyointetinalis, and Campylobacter lari cultured from OPDC dairy cow feces -   http://www.marlerclark.com/pdfs/ClusterofCampylobacterinfectionsrawmilkEpi22007.pdf

2007: Listeria monocytogenes cultured from Organic Pastures Grade A raw cream -   http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ArchiveRecalls/2005/ucm112271.htm

2008: Campylobacter cultured from Organic Pastures Grade A raw cream - http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=08-061

For more about the risks of raw milk, see Real Raw Milk Facts Dot Com.

Asheville North Carolina Salmonella Outbreak Update

bmarler@marlerclark.com (Bill Marler) — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:17 -0800

On Thursday, May 10, Buncombe County Department of Health received final test results from the NC Department of Public Health laboratory confirming that the unopened bag of culture that was added to the tempeh tested positive for the matching strain of Salmonella Paratyphi B linked to the current disease outbreak.

The US Food and Drug Administration is already involved in tracing the origin of the ingredient to identify source of contamination as well as the potential for other Salmonella outbreaks in the US.

As of May 10 at 2 PM, Buncombe County Department of Health reports 58 cases associated with salmonella outbreak. Please keep in mind that this number does not include cases being reported in other counties or states.

NC Department of Public Health reports 63 cases, which includes cases in NC and other states; however there is a slight delay in reporting.

Lone Star Restaurant Linked to Hepatitis A Scare

bmarler@marlerclark.com (Bill Marler) — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:44:07 -0800

The Vanderburgh County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health are investigating a case of Hepatitis A in a food worker at the Lone Star Restaurant located in the Eastland Place Shopping Center at 943 N. Green River Road Evansville IN, 47715-2418.

“We’ve been in contact with Lone Star and we wanted to let people know that they may have been exposed,” Dr. Ray Nicholson, Health Officer for the Health Department said.

Persons who were exposed and unvaccinated can receive a dose of Hepatitis A vaccine to help lessen the effects of the disease or prevent disease if given within 14 days of exposure. Persons who ate or drank at the Lone Star from April 20-April 26, 2012 could have been exposed to Hepatitis A, but should not receive vaccine because it is not effective for exposure past 14 days. Those people should seek medical care if they show symptoms of Hepatitis A.

Persons who ate at the Lone Star from April 27, 2012 to May 3, 2012 may also have been exposed to the Hepatitis A virus. The Vanderburgh County Health Department and Indiana State Department of Health are working to secure vaccine to offer to anyone who ate at the restaurant from April 27 to May 3, 2012. Information on immunization clinics will be released when the health department receives the vaccine. In the meantime, health officials say to remain on the alert.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. The incubation period (time of exposure to development of symptoms) is usually 2 to 7 weeks. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, pale colored stools, and dark urine. Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, may occur a few days after symptoms appear. Symptoms usually last one to two weeks but can last longer. Symptoms are more likely to occur in adults than in children. Severe complications are rare and occur more often in persons who have liver disease or a weakened immune system. Anyone with symptoms of Hepatitis A is encouraged to seek medical attention promptly.

Hepatitis A is spread person-to-person by the fecal-oral route and occurs when a person eats food or drinks a beverage contaminated by someone with the virus. Thorough hand washing after using the restroom, after changing diapers, and before touching or preparing food or drinks is the best way to control the spread of Hepatitis A.

So, what happened to the human Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- outbreak associated with frozen rodents?

bmarler@marlerclark.com (Bill Marler) — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:53:24 -0800

The CDC recently reported a total of 14 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis have been reported from 9 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Connecticut (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (3), North Carolina (3), New Jersey (1), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (1), and Virginia (1). Multiple brands of dry pet food produced by Diamond Pet Foods at a single manufacturing facility in South Carolina have been linked to some of the human Salmonella infections. People who think they might have become ill after contact with dry pet food or with an animal that has eaten dry pet food should consult their health care providers.

What is it with pet food?

As of July 29, 2010, a total of 34 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella serotype I 4,[5],12:i:- have been reported from 17 states since January 1, 2010. The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AL (1), AZ (1), CO (1), GA (7), IA (1), IL (3), MA (3), MI (1), MO (3), NC (3), NV (1), NY (2), SC (1), TN (1), VA (1), WI (3), and WY (1). CDC and public health officials in multiple states are conducting an epidemiologic study. Preliminary analysis of this study has suggested an association with frozen rodents used for reptile feed.

And, its not like this has not happened before with dog and cat food:

Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Infections Caused by Contaminated Dry Dog Food --- United States, 2006--2007

Update: Recall of Dry Dog and Cat Food Products Associated with Human Salmonella Schwarzengrund Infections --- United States, 2008