Salmonella Blog

213 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo have been reported from 42 states and District of Columbia since July 1, 2009

Salmonella Lawyer — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:45:56 -0800

The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AK (1), AL (2), AZ (5), CA (30), CO (4), CT (4), DC (1), DE (2), FL (3), GA (3), IA (1), ID (2), IL (13), IN (3), KS (3), LA (1), MA (12), MD (1), ME (1), MI (4), MN (5), MO (1), NC (9), ND (1), NE (1), NH (1), NJ (8), NM (2), NY (18), OH (9), OK (1), OR (9), PA (6), RI (2), SC (1), SD (3), TN (5), TX (7), UT (9), VA (1), WA (15), WV (1), and WY (2). Because this is a commonly occurring strain, public health investigators may determine that some of the illnesses are not part of this outbreak.

Among the persons with reported dates available, illnesses began between July 4, 2009 and January 21, 2010. Infected individuals range in age from < 1 year old to 93 years old and the median age is 37 years. Fifty-three percent of patients are male. Among the 159 patients with available information, 42 (26%) were hospitalized.

Salami Salmonella Outbreak Update

Salmonella Lawyer — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:12:20 -0800

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) announces that recent test results strongly suggest black pepper is the source of the Salmonella outbreak associated with Daniele Inc. Daniele purchased black pepper from two different distributors (Mincing Oversees Spice Company and Wholesome Spices) who buy imported black pepper. Samples of pepper from both distributors have tested positive for Salmonella. All other tests of employees and the facilities are negative at this time. These findings are consistent with Daniele Inc.’s history of no Salmonella findings by in-house testing and USDA periodic testing. No additional food items have been added to the recall list.

As part of the outbreak investigation, it was determined that both distributors who supplied black pepper to Daniele imported pepper from common sources.

“These recent findings show that black pepper used during the manufacturing process at Daniele was the likely source of this outbreak,” said Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “This outbreak only underscores the importance of closely monitoring food that is imported from other countries as they may not have the same food safety standards as we do.”

Daniele now purchases black pepper that has already been treated to assure the elimination of Salmonella and other infectious organisms. Daniele is testing all lots of new products before they leave the manufacturing plant for distribution. In addition, the company continues to clean and sanitize all areas and equipment to ensure safe products.

HEALTH is working with FDA to determine any other distribution of this black pepper in Rhode Island.

Where did the Salmonella Montevideo black pepper, sourced by Wholesome Spice and manufactured by Daniele originate?

Bill Marler — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:16:22 -0800

As of last Friday, the CDC reports that a total of 202 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo have been reported from 42 states and District of Columbia since July 1, 2009. The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AK (1), AL (2), AZ (5), CA (30), CO (4), CT (4), DC (1), DE (2), FL (3), GA (3), IA (1), ID (2), IL (11), IN (3), KS (3), LA (1), MA (12), MD (1), ME (1), MI (3), MN (4), MO (1), NC (9), ND (1), NE (1), NH (1), NJ (7), NM (2), NY (16), OH (9), OK (1), OR (9), PA (5), RI (2), SC (1), SD (3), TN (4), TX (7), UT (7), VA (1), WA (15), WV (1), and WY (2). The CDC also weighed in with this helpful bit of advice about the product poisoning us – it was a “widely distributed contaminated food product.”

Late at night on Friday, January 22, 2010, Daniele International Inc. recalled a sliced salami variety pack. On January 23, 2010, FSIS also issued a notice that Daniele International Inc. was recalling approximately 1,240,000 pounds of ready-to-eat varieties of Italian sausage products (including salame/salami). According to FSIS, this recall followed isolation of Salmonella in a private laboratory from a retail sample of a salami product produced by Daniele International. However, this Salmonella strain was different from the strains causing the outbreak. FSIS also added this helpful bit of advice: “It is possible that more than one food product may be causing illnesses.” In fact, FSIS also said that the company believes that black pepper “is the possible source of contamination.”

The Rhode Island Department of Health has confirmed that Salmonella has been found in samples of ground black pepper taken from an open container at Daniele International, Inc. The Salmonella recovered from Daniele's black pepper from Wholesome Spice matches the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo.

Interestingly, the FDA had refused entry to 27 shipments of black pepper in the first six months of 2009 and that most of the consignments came from India. All of them were rejected because of Salmonella contamination.

So, we know that it is the pepper, but the Daniele, Wholesome Spice, FSIS and FDA remain silent as to where the pepper originated. Why?

202 Sickened in 42 States - Salmonella Montevideo Outbreak linked to Black Pepper and Salami - Washington, California and New York Hit Hardest

Bill Marler — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:44:32 -0800

The CDC reports that a total of 202 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo have been reported from 42 states and District of Columbia since July 1, 2009. The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AK (1), AL (2), AZ (5), CA (30), CO (4), CT (4), DC (1), DE (2), FL (3), GA (3), IA (1), ID (2), IL (11), IN (3), KS (3), LA (1), MA (12), MD (1), ME (1), MI (3), MN (4), MO (1), NC (9), ND (1), NE (1), NH (1), NJ (7), NM (2), NY (16), OH (9), OK (1), OR (9), PA (5), RI (2), SC (1), SD (3), TN (4), TX (7), UT (7), VA (1), WA (15), WV (1), and WY (2). Because this is a commonly occurring strain, public health investigators may determine that some of the illnesses are not part of this outbreak.

Among the persons with reported dates available, illnesses began between July 4, 2009 and January 11, 2010. Infected individuals range in age from < 1 year old to 93 years old and the median age is 37 years. Fifty-three percent of patients are male. Among the 148 patients with available information, 38 (26%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Daniele International Inc., an establishment with operations in Pascoag and Mapleville, R.I., is recalling approximately 1,240,000 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) varieties of Italian sausage products, including salami/salame, in commerce and potentially available to customers in retail locations because they may be contaminated with Salmonella Montevideo.

Salmonella outbreak update: Washington cases all from the west side of state

Salmonella Lawyer — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:57:15 -0800

Testing at the state’s Public Health Laboratories is helping point disease investigators to the source of a nationwide Salmonella outbreak. A national study of the cases implicated salami as a potential source in the outbreak that made more than 180 people sick nationwide, including 15 in Washington.

By reviewing shopping receipts, health officials verified that 13 cases purchased the same salami variety pack before getting sick. The Iowa Department of Public Health this week confirmed that Salmonella Montevideo matching the outbreak strain was found in the remaining salami from a pack that one of the cases had eaten. This salami variety pack was one of the items recalled by Daniele International (www.danielefoods.com/daniele-recall-statement-20100127.pdf).

A private lab in our state tested a different salami product, also produced by Daniele, and found it contained another type of Salmonella. A bacterial culture from the private lab, but not the salami product, was provided to the Washington State Department of Health for additional testing. Late Monday (January 25), results from the state lab tests of that bacterial culture identified two types of the bacteria. One type matched the findings of the private lab, and the other matched the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo.

The investigation continues, as Washington health officials work with local, state, and federal partners to find the contaminated ingredient (www.cdc.gov/salmonella/montevideo/index.html).

Washington originally listed 14 cases in the outbreak; another was added this week. They’re from Clark (3 cases), King (3), Snohomish (3), Jefferson (1), Thurston (1), Pierce (1), and Whatcom (1) counties. Only one of Washington’s cases was hospitalized. All 15 were sick between July and December 2009 and have since recovered. Public health officials advise people not to eat the recalled products, and to follow the instructions issued by the manufacturer.

Salmonella Montevideo Outbreak in 38 states sickens hundreds - Daniele Salami the possible link

Bill Marler — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:02:19 -0800

As I said earlier over at Marler Blog - "since it is Friday, expect a recall tonight (or over the weekend) from FSIS on a meat-like product (Daniele Salami) contaminated with Salmonella Montevideo that has sickened over 200, with some 30 hospitalized in several states. The outbreak has been ongoing for months." Well, here it is:

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella serotype Montevideo infections. Investigators are using DNA analysis of Salmonella bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing to identify cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak.

As of January 22, 2010, a total of 184 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo have been reported from 38 states since July 1, 2009. The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AL (2), AZ (5), CA (30), CO (2), CT (4), DE (2), FL (2), GA (3), IA (1), IL (11), IN (3), KS (3), LA (1), MA (12), MD (1), ME (1), MI (1), MN (4), NC (9), ND (1), NE (1), NH (1), NJ (7), NY (15), OH (9), OK (1), OR (8), PA (3), RI (2), SC (1), SD (3), TN (3), TX (7), UT (7), VA (1), WA (14), WV (1), and WY (2). Because this is a commonly occurring strain, public health investigators may determine that some of the illnesses are not part of this outbreak.

Among the persons with reported dates available, illnesses began between July 2, 2009 and January 1, 2010. Infected individuals range in age from <1 year old to 88 years old and the median age is 37 years. Fifty-two percent of patients are male. Among the 125 patients with available information, 35 (28%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Salmonella Montevideo Outbreak Linked to Meat in the Offing

Salmonella Lawyer — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:56:29 -0800

The term Salmonella refers to a group or family of bacteria that has been known to cause illness in humans for over 100 years. Salmonella bacteria are usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces or foods that have been handled by infected food workers. Thoroughly cooking contaminated foods kills Salmonella. People infected with Salmonella have diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps occurring 12-72 hours after exposure. Illness usually lasts 4-7 days. Most people recover without treatment but serious illness can occur requiring hospitalization and even resulting in death.

The family of Salmonella bacteria is distinguishable by antigenic response. Scientists have identified more than 2500 serotypes of Salmonella. Salmonella serotype typhimurium is the most common serotype in the United States. Salmonella serotype Montevideo is one of the ten most common serotypes, with 19,928 case patients reported to the CDC in the thirty-year period, 1968 to 1998. Outbreaks of Salmonella Montevideo are not uncommon. Outbreaks have occurred in food served by an unlicensed caterer in Virginia (2009), pistachio nuts (2009), barbequed pork (2007 and in fast food roast beef sandwiches (2006).

Here is a sample platter of recent Salmonella Montevideo outbreaks

June 09 Aggie Jennings' Unlicensed Catering 2009

• Organism: Salmonella Montevideo
• Vehicle: Egg Dishes, Potato Salad Beef, Ground beef Beef, Shredded beef Grains, Pasta Dishes, Noodle salad

Aggie Jennings of rural McLean County catered three events (2 weddings, 1 reunion) in mid-June that led to three separate outbreaks of Salmonella Montevideo. Ms. Jennings' catering operation was not licensed. Salmonella Montevideo is a strain that is associated with baby chickens, and Ms. Jennings raised chickens. The Salmonella strain matched a strain associated with a chicken hatchery in Iowa. At one catered event, consumption of the potato salad was associated with illness, however no food samples tested positive for salmonella. At another event, ground beef that had been served as taco meat was associated with illness and tested positive for the presence of Salmonella Montevideo. At the third event, shredded beef and noodle salad tested positive for Salmonella.

April 09 Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., 2009

• Organism: Salmonella Montevideo
• Vehicle: Nuts, Pistachios

Multiple strains of Salmonella bacteria were detected in pistachios (roasted shelled, roasted in-shell, raw) that were sold and subsequently distributed widely throughout the United States. The pistachios were repackaged and sold under many names. The Food and Drug Administration provided the Centers for Disease Control with the genetic fingerprints of the Salmonella strains that had been found in the pistachios. Some of the genetic fingerprints matched Salmonella strains from recently ill persons, but these illness could not be proven to be due to consumption of pistachios. One patient in Connecticut who had been infected with a Salmonella strain with a matching genetic fingerprint reported eating a pistachio-containing product.

January 07 Georgia BBQ Smoked Pork 2007

• Organism: Salmonella Montevideo
• Vehicle: Pork, Smoked

The Statesboro area health department in March identified an outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo. The first cases dated back to January, but only when genetic tests showed all the cases were infected with the same strain of S. Montevideo did an investigation begin in earnest. Investigators performed a case-control study using neighborhood controls. This study showed that those who ate at a local restaurant were 52 times more likely to have been infected. This finding led to an environmental investigation of the restaurant where multiple violations of health codes were noted. The restaurant voluntarily closed to remodel and reassess its policies. It reopened and had no more cases of salmonellosis associated with it.

January 07 Live Poultry Contact 2007

• Organism: Salmonella Montevideo
• Vehicle: Animal Contact

In June, two persons from Minnesota developed Salmonella Montevideo after being in contact with baby chicks that had originated from the same Iowa hatchery. In September, seven additional people became ill in North Dakota with the same strain of Salmonella Montevideo. A subsequent nationwide investigation identified a total of 65 matching Salmonella Montevideo isolates; there was a likely association with exposure to live poultry originating from the same Iowa hatchery. A separate outbreak of a different strain of Salmonella Montevideo occurred throughout 2007. A total of 64 cases were identified. These illnesses were linked to contact with live poultry that originated from hatcheries in New Mexico and Ohio.

August 06 Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich 2006

• Organism: Salmonella Montevideo
• Vehicle: Sandwiches, Roast Beef

An Arby's Restaurant in Valdosta, Georgia, was implicated in an outbreak of Salmonella in August. Five cases were reported to the health department, prompting an investigation. A food history questionnaire showed a common exposure to the roast beef sandwich. The restaurant was inspected and found to be using a new meat slicer, which tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo.

January 95 Carne Seca or Beef Jerky 1995

• Organism: Salmonella Montevideo
• Vehicle: Beef, Beef Jerky

A locally produced beef jerky, or carne seca, was implicated in an outbreak of Salmonella. Three different serotypes of Salmonella were isolated from the stools of ill persons and from the beef jerky. The processor never measured drying temperatures during production to prevent bacterial growth. In addition, jerky was placed in uncovered plastic tubs for direct sale to the public. Salmonella was not found in the production facility.

Salmonella Information Sheet for Parents

Salmonella Lawyer — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:17:38 -0800

Click on above.

Merrick Beef Filet Squares recalled due to Salmonella concerns

Salmonella Attorney — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:03:11 -0800

The Food and Drug administration has warned owners not buy Merrick Beef Filet Squares after tests turned up positive for salmonella, which can sicken both people and pets.

The agency, which took the unusual step of issuing a recall notice itself rather than relying on the company, said the potentially contaminated treats were sold nationwide by Merrick Pet Care, based in Amarillo, Texas. The suspect squares are marked “Best By 111911.”

No known illnesses have been reported.

The FDA said routine testing turned up salmonella in December. A follow-up inspection of the company’s plant found faulty packaging and manufacturing processes.

The FDA said consumers should wash their hands having contact with the treats and to throw them way in a covered trash bin.

Hines Nut Company Announces Recall of Pine Nuts Because of Possible Health Risk

Bill Marler — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:50:24 -0800

Hines Nut Company has initiated a recall of 270 packages of Pine Nuts, packaged under the brand name Harris Teeter Farmers Market. The Pine Nuts were purchased from Red River Foods in Camarillo, CA, and 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 (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 product was sold in 8 oz foam trays wrapped in cellophane and carry the UPC code 0 72036 88121 0. The Pine Nuts were distributed solely to Harris Teeter Markets in North Carolina. Consumers who purchased this product between December 30, 2009, and January 14, 2010 should contact Hines Nut Company for information on how to return the product for a refund.

There have been no complaints or any reported illnesses related to the products to date.

The problem was discovered through routine sampling by the supplier, Red River Foods.

FDA Salmonella Health Alert for Merrick Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats Packaged and Distributed by Merrick Pet Care

Bill Marler — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:26:46 -0800

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911” because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The product was distributed nationwide through retail stores and Internet sales.

Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products not to handle or feed them to their pets.

In December 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of Merrick Beef Filet Squares and detected a positive finding for Salmonella. A follow-up inspection found deficiencies in the packaging and manufacturing processes.

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

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 this product 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 affected Merrick Beef Filet Squares were packaged in a 10-ounce green, red and tan re-sealable plastic bag.

Newark Restaurant, Iberia Peninsula, Source of Salmonella at Baptism and Christmas Parties

Salmonella Attorney — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:07:08 -0800

Newark health officials have linked the Iberia Peninsula restaurant to at several patrons hospitalized with many still on antibiotics.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services, salmonellosis - the condition caused by swallowing the bacteria salmonella, a fecal bacterium - can last for five to seven days, with victims suffering diarrhea, vomiting and, in severe cases, chronic arthritis. The infection is most commonly passed through eating infected meat.

The Star-Ledger reported, "[o]ur inspectors have been there for many hours and we’re reinforcing what they already know," said Peter Dillon, director of inspections at Newark’s Department of Environmental Health. The outbreak was first thought to have occurred on Sunday night after a baptism party that saw one man, Angelo Afonso, 71, hospitalized. Employees at Leslie Furniture said they had frequented the restaurant Saturday and felt their symptoms Sunday, but it wasn’t until Monday that they realized it affected so many people. Today, city officials said they received reports of another group being infected on Christmas Eve but will not be able to confirm the cases until next week.

Salmonella Scare at Newark Iberia Restaurant

Salmonella Lawyer — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:18:19 -0800

According to FOX News Newark, Health officials are investigating what may be a Salmonella outbreak at the Iberia Peninsula restaurant in Newark. Dozens of people got sick after a party in the Ironbound section of the city Sunday night. At least one person who was there has been hospitalized at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick. Angelo Afonso's family says he is in the intensive care unit after suffering from severe gastrointestinal distress consistent with food poisoning.

More bad News About Drug-Resistant Salmonella

Salmonella Lawyer — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 05:22:01 -0800

The New York Times reported a month ago that "Salmonella: Drug-Resistant Strain of Bacteria Gains in Africa, With High Death Rates." Apparently, yet another new drug-resistant strain of bacteria has emerged in the last decade in Africa and is causing unusual numbers of deaths there according to British and African researchers. The strain, a drug-resistant Salmonella, ST313, has emerged in Africa. The strain, a variant of Salmonella typhimurium, is named ST313. Its genome was decoded by researchers from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and researchers in Kenya and Malawi.

Salmonella normally circulates in animals and reaches humans via food poisoning. (Consumer Reports a week ago that two-thirds of the chickens it had tested had campylobacter or salmonella, though not of this new strain.)

But after sequencing the bacterial DNA found in about 50 Africans with severe infections, the researchers said the ST313 strain appeared to be mutating to circulate in humans independently of animals, as, for example, drug-resistant staph infections now do.

ST313 “has rapidly gained resistance to many of the commonly used antibiotics in the field,” said Dr. Chisomo Msefula, a researcher, and the multi-drug-resistant form seems to be becoming dominant in parts of Africa as antibiotics knock out competitors.

Salmonella is Heat Resistant

Bill Marler — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 05:22:17 -0800

Salmonella was more resistant to heat treatment of whole cuts of beef than in ground beef products, according to a study in the Journal of Food Science, published by the Institute of Food Technologists.
Although the interior of whole cuts of beef products has long been assumed to be sterile, contamination and survival of pathogens have been reported. Studies have found that Salmonella does migrate and survive inside the muscle. Researchers at Michigan State University evaluated the relationship between heat resistance of Salmonella and degree of grinding (whole muscle, coarsely ground, finely ground, and beef puree). All products came from the same original lot of beef and received the same thermal treatment.

Researchers suspected that the water status in meat may impact the effectiveness of Salmonella inactivation and that bacteria may be suspended in the liquid component of the food.

Salmonella exhibited greater heat resistance in whole muscle beef. The physical structure of beef products influenced Salmonella heat resistance. However, no significant difference in thermal resistance was seen between coarsely ground, finely ground and pureed samples, according to lead researcher Bradley Marks.

Don't play with your Snake - Or, at least wash the Salmonella off your hands afterward

Salmonella Lawyer — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:51:03 -0800

Ashley Meeks of the Las Cruces Sun-News reported that 10-year-old Eric Spagnola was hospitalized for nearly a week and was hooked up to IVs. His stool test came back positive for salmonella.

According to Meeks, Spagnola's mother's boyfriend keeps a python. More than 90 percent of reptiles carry the salmonella bacteria, according to the L.A. County health department - though tracking it down to a source will be nearly impossible.

Salmonella can damage organs and kills a reported 400 people a year in the U.S.

So, other than not having a python, what are your options?

Proper hand-washing

• Wet your hands with clean running water - warm, if available - and apply soap.

• Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces, making sure to clean between fingers and under fingernails.

• Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds, or about the time it takes to sing the "ABC's"

• Rinse hands well under running water.

• Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.

• Always use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

* If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands.

• Apply product to the palm of one hand.

• Rub hands together.

* Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.

Willamette Filbert Growers Recalls Salmonella Hazelnuts

Bill Marler — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:54:54 -0800

An Oregon company is recalling nearly 30,000 pounds of shelled hazelnuts over concerns that they may be contaminated with salmonella. The Willamette Filbert Growers or Meridian Organic shelled hazelnuts were processed from Oct. 12 through Nov. 25. The hazelnuts were distributed in Oregon and California.
No illness have been reported. But salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and sometimes more severe illness.

Scott County Health Department warns of possible salmonella contamination from head cheese

Salmonella Attorney — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:43:13 -0800

The Scott County Health Department is asking people who may have purchased head cheese that originated in New Hamburg to discard it for fear it may be contaminated with salmonella.

According to a health department news release, a public health investigation has determined that there may be a risk of salmonella contamination associated with the consumption of head cheese produced and distributed at a private residence in mid-November in New Hamburg.

Health department administrator Barry Cook said the department has few specifics, but is trying to get word to people who may have some of the head cheese in their possession. He also asks those who have shown symptoms of salmonella contamination after consuming the head cheese to contact the department. Symptoms of salmonella contamination include diarrhea, cramping, fever, nausea, vomiting and headache.

Head cheese is a product made from meat pieces of the head of a calf or pig and combined with spices. It is usually eaten cold or at room temperature. Thorough cooking kills salmonella bacteria, but since head cheese isn't cooked, the bacteria stays in the product.

Those in possession of the head cheese or those who have symptoms of salmonella poisoning are urged to call the health department at 573-471-4044.

Pet Carousel pulls salmonella pig ears and beef hoof products

Salmonella Attorney — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:10:12 -0800

Pet Carousel of Sanger, California announced the action after tests by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed the products contained salmonella, a bacterium that can infect humans and animals and cause serious health problems.

The action also comes on the heels of a warning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued in November about the products.

At that time, the FDA said routine testing of the products detected salmonella. The agency also said the products were made "under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or lots."

Agency officials said they had not received any reports of illnesses linked to the pet treats, but warned consumers not to handle them or give them to their animals.

The company recalled all pig ear treats -- packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight, Pork Tasteez and Pet Carousel -- with the following item numbers:

• 18100-P Bulk

• 18016-P 10-pk red mesh bag

• 18120-P 20-pk red mesh bag

The company also recalled all varieties of its beef hooves -- packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley's, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel -- with the following item numbers:

• 1506-K 5 lb. bulk

• 1507-K 10 lb. bulk

• 1520-K 20 lb. bulk

• 12125-T 10-pk vinyl bag

• 12110-T 10-pk, vinyl bag

• 12111-T 10-pk, vinyl bag

• 12122-T 10 lb., bulk

• 1503-K 3-pk, vinyl bag

• 1510-K 10-pk ,vinyl bag

• 1405-S 5 lb., bulk

• 1408-S 10-pk, vinyl bag

• 1410-S 10 lb., bulk

• 1420-S 20 lb., bulk

• 90058-H Cheese/& Bacon Stuffed Hoof, bulk

• 90056-H Peanut Butter Stuffed Hoof, bulk

• 17005-R Rope toy with Hooves.

Pet Carousel said all sizes and lots of the pork ears purchased on or after August 16, 2009, and all beef hoof products in all varieties purchased on or after September 6, 2009, are included in the recall.

The company said it has notified its consignees and requested they return the recalled products and remove them from store shelves.

"Out of an abundance of caution and concern for public safety, Pet Carousel is issuing this press release to inform consumers of potential risks and to ensure that all affected product has either been returned or otherwise removed from use," the company said.

Salmonella can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever in humans, the FDA. In rare cases, it can cause more serious health problems, including arterial infections, inflammation of the lining of the heart, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.

In pets, salmonella can cause lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting, the FDA said. Some pets may only experience a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.

The FDA also warned that pets can be carriers of salmonella and infect humans. Pet owners handling dry food or treats tainted with the bacterium can also become infected.

The FDA said consumers should thoroughly wash their hands after touching these potentially tainted treats, and also any surfaces exposed to the products.

Humans or pets who exhibit signs of illnesses after handling or eating these recalled products should seek medical attention, the FDA said.

Do Not Kiss the Frog - Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Associated with Contact with Water Frogs

Salmonella Attorney — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:54:12 -0800

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states to investigate a multistate outbreak of human Salmonella serotype Typhimurium infections due to contact with water frogs including African Dwarf Frogs. Water frogs commonly live in aquariums or fish tanks. Amphibians such as frogs and reptiles such as turtles, are recognized as a source of human Salmonella infections. In the course of routine assessment, a number of cases with the same strain have been identified over many months.

As of 12pm EST on December 7, 2009, 48 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 25 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Arizona (1), California (2), Colorado (2), Florida (1), Georgia (1), Idaho (1), Illinois (5), Kentucky (1), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (2), Maryland (2), Michigan (3), Minnesota (1), Missouri (2), Mississippi (1), New Jersey (2), New Mexico (1), New York (1), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (3), Tennessee (2), Texas (3), Utah (6), Virginia (1), and Washington (1).

Among the persons with reported dates available, illnesses began between June 24, 2009 and November 14, 2009. Infected individuals range in age from <1 year old to 54 years old. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of patients are younger than 10 years old and the median age is 4 years. Fifty-five percent (55%) of patients are female. No deaths have been reported.