Norovirus Loves New Zealand – And Other Places, Too

If I didn't know better, I'd think that Norovirus had a special affinity for New Zealand – especially for the country's hospitals. 

Dunedin Hospital, the scene of a major Norovirus outbreak last August, has just been hit with another outbreak of gastroenteritis. Five patients and one staff member have been stricken with what is believed to be an infection with Norovirus, forcing the closure of orthopedic surgery ward. Some surgeries have been postponed. Although it will take a few days before lab tests confirm that Norovirus is the culprit, hospital staff and administrators aren't taking any chances.

Hutt Hospital, also, has been working to contain a suspected Norovirus outbreak. Seven patients in two adjacent medical wards were isolated after suffering from vomiting and diarrhea. Lab results are expected tomorrow, and the outbreak appears to have been contained.

In additional to these hospital outbreaks, the hospital section of St. Andrew's Village retirement home in Auckland was struck by a Norovirus outbreak that killed two elderly patients; nearly 20 patients and several staff members were infected by the virus and suffered typical symptoms of gastroenteritis. The two elderly patients were already ill when they became infected, and probably succumbed to the dehydration and debilitation that resulted from their symptoms. 

New Zealand's Norovirus outbreaks aren't limited to hospitals and retirement homes. Recently, the virus has been responsible for an outbreak of gastroenteritis linked to contaminated raw oysters, and fifteen students at Lincoln University (Canterbury) fell ill just in time to avoid sitting exams.

Norovirus, however, hasn't limited its activities to New Zealand. This month alone, outbreaks of gastroenteritis due to this virus have been reported in Australia (Shepparton's public hospital), Ireland (Ennis General Hospital in Co. Clare), the UK (Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, and the Alex Hospital in Redditch) and the United States (Denison University in Granville, OH).

Norovirus is a highly infectious and very durable virus. The best way to contain an outbreak is confinement, cleaning and decontamination. The best way to prevent an outbreak – especially in a hospital setting or where large numbers of people congregate – is scrupulous attention to sanitation, safe food handling, and personal hygiene.

Roast Beef Sandwiches Recalled: Listeria monocytogenes

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning consumers in the province of Québec not to eat certain Plaisirs Gastronomiques (PG) brand roast beef sandwiches. The sandwiches were made using roast beef from Les Salaisons Desco Inc. (Est 501) that was found to contain Listeria monocytogenes.

All date codes – up to and including 2008 OC 26 – of the following sandwiches have been recalled:

• Bistro Fresh Submarine Roastbeef & Monterey Jack, 255 g (UPC 6 23798 00533 2)
  
• Pita Roastbeef Monterey Jack, 250 g (UPC 6 23798 00543 1)
  
• Sandwich Beef Garlic & Chili on Flax Bread, 180 g (UPC 6 23798 00562 2)
  

This is the second recall of a meat product from Les Salaisons Desco so far this month. On October 8th, we reported that the company had recalled two batches of Dunn's Famous brand Smoked Meat, also due to contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. It's likely that CFIA has been conducting a systematic investigation of the Desco facility and products since that initial recall.

If you think that you may have eaten one of the recalled sandwiches, and you begin to experience symptoms of listeriosis, contact your health care provider immediately. While an infection with Listeria monocytogenes usually produces only mild gastroenteritis or flu-like symptoms, some people – the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and immuno-compromised individuals – are liable to experience severe, life-threatening illnesses as a result of an infection with this pathogen.

For more information on this recall, consumers can contact CFIA, toll-free, at 1-800-442-2342, between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (EDT) Monday to Friday.

Happy Valley Dairies (New Zealand) Recalls Milk

This morning, the New Zealand Food Safety Authority advised consumers not to drink milk produced by Happy Valley Dairies on or after October 15th, as the milk may be contaminated with E. coli, a normal inhabitant of the large intestine. Most E. coli are innocuous, but a few serotypes – E. coli O157:H7 and E. coli O111, among others – may cause serious gastrointestinal illnesses.

NZDSA has directed the dairy to recall all milk produced on or after October 15th, and is investigating the dairy's other products to determine whether the contamination is more widespread. Consumers who purchased the recalled milk – identified by batch dates of 151008 and later, and use by dates on or after 28 October 2008 – should return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

Happy Vally Dairies is a small, vertically integrated dairy company, owned and operated by Frans and Jeanine Venekamp. The couple owns and milks their own dairy herd, and processes the milk right next door to the milking shed. In fact, the milking shed and processing areas, while physically separated from each other, are both under the same roof. The Venekamp's received approval from NZFSA for this unusual physical arrangement in May 2007. 

As it is killed easily by pasteurization, the presence of E. coli in pasteurized milk indicates either contamination of the milk after pasteurization, or a breakdown in pasteurization controls. It's easy to imagine contamination being carried from the milking shed into a processing area that is located in the same structure.

The Venekamp's take great pride in the quality of their dairy products. Five of their butter and yogurt products were short-listed for the prestigious 2008 Massey University Food Awards. But quality – taste, texture, aroma, etc. – and safety are not synonymous. Safety requires assiduous attention to critical control points (pasteurization time and temperature), equipment maintenance, and proper sanitation.

In the face of two different recalls in the space of a week, NZFSA can be expected to review all aspects of the Happy Valley operation very carefully. I would expect that the dairy will be "asked" to shut down temporarily while the review is carried out. NZFSA probably will allow Happy Valley to resume operations under more stringent conditions – perhaps requiring that the milking shed be located in a completely separate structure, for example.

Encouraging boutique food processing operations such as the Happy Valley Dairies is commendable. But a small operation has the same responsibility to produce a safe food item as a large processor. Let's hope the Venekamp's and NZFSA learn the appropriate lessons from this recall.

Hartz and Wal-Mart Recall Rawhide Treats

FDA released a recall notice this evening covering the Hartz Mountain recall that we reported on yesterday.

To reiterate: Hartz has recalled one production lot of Hartz Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips due to the possibility that one or more bags of the dog treats may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recalled Rawhide Chips were packaged in 2-pound bags, marked with lot code JC23282, and UPC number 3270096463. The recalled product was supplied to Wal-Mart stores. Wal-Mart has posted a recall notice on its web site, and Hartz has taken steps to have the product withdrawn from retail stores and distribution centers.

Dog owners who purchased these treats are requested to discontinue their use and to discard them in a safe manner. Consumers can contact Hartz toll-free at 1-800-275-1414 for more information on this recall, or to arrange for reimbursement for the recalled treats.

North Bay Shrinks; Snohomish Grows

The magnitude of the North Bay E. coli O157:H7 outbreak has decreased slightly, according to today's news release from the North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit. The district now puts the tally at 141 cases, 28 of which are lab-confirmed for E. coli O157:H7. The 18-case reduction came after health investigators determined that those individuals were not part of the outbreak.

The daily releases from the District Health Unit are frustratingly vague. Notably, the definition of "confirmed" and "suspect" is unclear. No mention has been made of genetic fingerprinting of the E. coli O157:H7 isolated from patients. Were the 18 cases eliminated, for example, because they were infected with a different strain of E. coli O157:H7, or were they suffering from a completely unrelated cause of gastroenteritis?

All of the illnesses appear to be linked to the same North Bay restaurant, although some of the cases may be secondary infections transmitted to a family member or care-giver. There has not yet been a breakthrough in the investigation into the source of the outbreak. And, as was the case in the Oklahoma E. coli O111 outbreak, the longer it takes, the less likely it is that a probable source will be found. The District Medical Officer of Health already has cautioned the public that we may never know what caused the outbreak.

While the North Bay investigation limps along, there is a growing outbreak of suspected E. coli gastroenteritis in Snohomish County, Washington. 

The Snohomish Health District reported today that it is investigating a cluster of 14 possible cases of E. coli infection. All of the victims fell ill in a one-week period between October 7 and October 14. No common source has been determined yet, and lab confirmation of the infections is still in progress. 

Victims have reported symptoms of bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps, with little or no fever. These symptoms are consistent with E. coli O157:H7. They can also be the result of an infection with other E. coli serotypes that generate similar toxins – E. coli O111, for example. 

The outbreaks – like the microbes that cause them – keep multiplying.

The China Syndrome: Australia Announces Product Withdrawals

The Australian importers of two more dairy based food items from China have withdrawn products from sale.

Orion brand Tiramisu Italian Cake with Cheese Cream and Dali Yuan brand First Milk vanilla flavoured drink both have been withdrawn from sale after the Australian government detected low levels of melamine in samples of the items. All production lot codes and date codes have been withdrawn, and retailers have been advised to remove the products from sale.

No consumer-level recall has been announced. Consumers are asked to dispose of these products safely in a manner that will prevent their consumption by children or pets.

These latest withdrawals bring the total number of withdrawn or recalled Chinese-produced food items to six, including White Rabbit candy, Cadbury Eclairs, Lotte Koala biscuits, and Kirin milk tea.

The China Syndrome: Beyond Dairy

USA Today reports that 1,500 dogs in northeast China have died as a result of kidney stones after consuming melamine-contaminated animal feed. The cause of death was determined by necropsy (animal autopsy); kidney stones removed from the dogs were composed of 25% melamine by weight.

This story will resonate with pet owners in the US and Canada. Melamine-adulterated wheat gluten and rice protein imported from China was responsible for the deaths of more than 300 cats and dogs, and the illness of thousands more in 2007. Menu Foods – a major manufacturer and co-packer of pet food – and the pet food companies that it serviced were forced to recall hundreds of production lots of pet foods as a result of the adulteration.

Taiwan has reported melamine in ammonium bicarbonate – a leavening agent – imported from mainland China. Ammonium bicarbonate is used in the manufacture of baked goods such as crackers, cookies, and some breads. It is also added to seaweed and octopus to make them more chewy. 

The Hebei Province (China) supplier of the ammonium bicarbonate said that it was looking into how its product might have become contaminated. It appears, though, that the problem is not limited to just one chemical company. The China Post report indicates that ammonium bicarbonate from a second manufacturer also has been found to contain melamine.

Mitsui & Co. (Japan) has detected melamine in egg powder that it imported from mainland China. The Japanese company carried out its tests after being informed by its Chinese supplier that there was melamine in the egg powder and also in the company's poultry feed. Egg powder is used to produce mayonnaise and salad dressings. It is also an ingredient in a wide variety of baked goods and other foods. The Japanese Health Ministry also detected melamine in frozen fried chicken from China.

On October 18th, Hong Kong reported finding melamine in two varieties of Munchy's Mini Crackers. The baked crackers, manufactured by Munchy Food Industries, were imported from Malaysia. But the CEO of Munchy, C.K. Tan, insists that his company does not use any Chinese dairy products to manufacture their crackers and wafers. 

Could ammonium bicarbonate, a common leavening agent for crackers and wafers, be the culprit here, too? The Malaysian Health Ministry, concerned about the possible contamination of buns and breads, reportedly is looking into this newly recognized source of melamine contamination.

So far, very little notice has been taken of this expanded melamine threat outside of Asia. Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, and the United States are all focusing their attention on products that contain a dairy ingredient. Last Friday, though, Canada announced that it was extending its Border Alert to include "... dairy ingredients and soybean meal originating from China intended for use as livestock feed..." 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will detain these items at the Port of Entry unless the importer can provide a clean certificate of analysis – no detectable melamine or cyanuric acid – from a lab accredited by the Standards Council of Canada. Shipments that are not accompanied by such a certificate will be held until CFIA carries out its own lab analysis.

China's melamine adulteration problem clearly has spread its tentacles well beyond the dairy sector. It's time for countries that import foods, food ingredients, and animal feeds from the People's Republic of China to recognized the risk and act to protect their citizens by following Canada's lead, and by extending this approach to encompass all imports from China that are destined for animal feed or human consumption.

Based on past experience, there is no reason to believe that China will clean up its act, unless it is pressured to do so by its international customers.

Hartz Mountain Recalls Rawhide Chips

The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that Hartz Mountain Corporation has recalled one batch of chicken-based rawhide chips for dogs due to the possibility that some bags may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recalled treats, which were distributed to a national retail customer, are packaged in 2-pound bags bearing lot code JC23282 and UPC 32700 96463.

According to the story carried in the Inquirer, Hartz Mountain's own testing, carried out by an independent lab, did not detect Salmonella in the finished product. But a separate test, carried out by a different lab, found the pathogen in a bag of the rawhide chips. Hartz is investigating the discrepancy in test results.

This is the second Salmonella-related recall initiated by Hartz Mountain this year. The company recalled two production lots of its "Vitamin Care for Cats" in March 2008, after FDA detected Salmonella in the vitamin product. Hartz initiated a lawsuit against its vitamin supplier last month, claiming that the manufacturer, UFAC (USA) Inc. had supplied it with a Salmonella-contaminated product. Hartz is seeking $1 million in damages from UFAC in the lawsuit.

Hartz has not identified the "national retail customer" who received the recalled rawhide chips, nor has it explained why a second laboratory analyzed a sample of the product. FDA has not yet released any information on this recall.

If you have purchased the recalled lot code of Hartz chicken-based rawhide chips, please do not feed them to your dog. They should be returned to the place of purchase for a refund. If you learn the name of the retail store chain that stocks this item, please leave a comment at the end of this post.

E. coli O157:H7 – North Bay And Elsewhere

The  number of cases in the North Bay, Ontario E. coli O157:H7 outbreak has increased to 159 confirmed and suspected cases, according to a news release from the North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit. This is up from yesterday's reported total of 146 cases.

Twenty-six of the cases have been lab-confirmed as E. coli O157:H7, and the 159 cases are now spread over seven health districts, including North Bay-Parry Sound, Algoma, Sudbury, Timmins, Simcoe and Toronto. 

A CBC news report suggests that the location of North Bay at the intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy 17 – two branches of the Trans Canada Highway – may have contributed to the dissemination of this outbreak to other parts of Ontario.

As we hinted at yesterday, the North Bay news releases are starting to take on the same tone as the daily news updates in last month's Oklahoma E. coli O111 outbreak. In today's update, the District Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Catherine Whiting, offered the following caution.

"We are doing everything we can to look for the specific source of the E. coli. However, in the majority of these types of outbreaks, despite everyone’s best efforts, the specific source is never found.”

This fall has produced a bumper crop of E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks in the United States and Canada. In addition to recent outbreaks in Michigan, Illinois, Colorado, Vermont and North Bay, health officials in Snohomish County, Washington and Lee County, Iowa also are investigating flare-ups.

As for the North Bay outbreak, the District Health unit points out that the rate of new cases seems to have fallen, signaling that the outbreak may have passed its peak. That's the good news. The bad news is that the shorter-lived the outbreak, the harder it can be to pinpoint the source.

Bottled Water, Fruit Drinks Recalled In France

The French Ministry of Health announced on Friday the recall of several brands and varieties of bottled water, and fruit-based sodas due to the presence of low levels of ethyl-tert-butyl-ether, a gasoline additive.

The additive was detected by the beverage manufacturer in spring water used to produce the bottled water and sodas. According to the Ministry of Health, while the risk to public health is low, consumers should not drink the following recalled beverages. 

• Eau de Source "Source des Oliviers" – "Source des Oliviers" Spring Water: Best before dates of 02/10/2009 to 15/10/2009 inclusive, followed by the hour of production and the code "G6"
  
• Oasis Tropical (2 litres): Best before dates of 30/04/2009 to 15/05/2009 inclusive, followed by the hour of production and the letter "G"
  
• Oasis Tropical (box): Best before dates of 06/10/2009 to 15/10/2009 inclusive, followed by the hour of production and the letter "G"
  
• Oasis Agrumes – Oasis Citrus (2 litres): Best before date of 30/03/2009, followed by the hour of production and the letter "G" 
  
• Oasis Orange (2 litres): Best before dates of 30/03/2009 to 11/04/2009 inclusive, followed by the hour of production and the letter "G"
  
• Oasis Ananas – Oasis Pineapple (2 litres): Best before date of 31/03/2009, followed by the hour of production and the letter "G"
  
• OASIS Pomme/Cassis/Framboise – Oasis Apple/Black-current/Raspberry (box): Best before dates of 07/10/2009 to 10/10/2009 inclusive, followed by the hour of production and the letter "G"
  
• Oasis Pomme/Cassis/Framboise – Oasis Apple/Black-current/Raspberry (2 litres): Best before dates of 10/04/2009 to 11/04/2009 inclusive, followed by the hour of production and the letter "G"
  
• Oasis Multifruit (2 litres): Best before date of 05/04/2009, followed by the hour of production and the letter "G"
  
• Oasis Pêche/Abricot – Oasis Peach/Apricot (2 litres): Best before date of 06/04/2009, followed by the hour of production and the letter "G"
  
• Grand Jury Agrumes – Grand Jury Citrus (2 litres): Best before date of 31/03/2009, followed by the hour of production and the letter "G"
  
• Champion Agrumes – Champion Citrus (2 litres): Best before date of 31/03/2009, followed by the hour of production and the letter "G"
  
• Taillefine Fiz Pêche Orange – Taillefine Fiz Peach Orange (1,5 litres): Best before date of 04/04/2009, followed by the hour of production and the code "L3". This beverage is sold only at Auchan markets
  
• Taillefine Fiz Fruits Rouges – Taillefine Fiz Red Fruits (1,5 litres): Best before date of 04/04/2009, followed by the hour of production and the code "L3". This beverage is sold only at Auchan markets.
  
• Taillefine Thé Vert Menthe – Taillefine Mint Green Tea  (1,5 litres): Best before date of 03/04/2009, followed by the hour of production and the code "L3" 
  
• Taillefine Thé Pêche – Taillefine Peach Tea (1,5 litres): Best before date of 03/04/2009, followed by the hour of production and the code "L3"
  

Brands, flavors, dates and codes not mentioned above are not part of this recall. 

The source of the contamination is still under investigation by the company and by the appropriate government authorities.

North Bay, Ontario: E. coli Déjà Vu?

A large number of patrons of a single restaurant fall ill within a short time window. A broad range in victims' ages – 1 year to 90 years. Water supply has been checked and cleared. No answers on the source.

If this is starting to sound familiar, you probably were reading my posts last month on the Oklahoma restaurant-associated outbreak of E. coli O111. Except that, this time, we are dealing with E. coli O157:H7, and the outbreak is taking place in and around North Bay, Ontario.

The North Bay outbreak has expanded to include 146 confirmed and suspect cases. The illnesses have been linked to a Harvey's restaurant outlet in North Bay. But that's as far as the District Health Office's epidemiologists have progressed.

Samples of municipal drinking water – the restaurant did NOT use well water – have been tested and cleared. The employees are being questioned, and have cooperated in the investigation; stool samples are being analyzed. Victims have been interviewed. No clear source of the pathogen has yet emerged.

Of the 146 victims, 24 have been lab-confirmed for E. coli O157:H7. Some have been hospitalized, but most are recovering at home. Six other Ontario health units – including Algoma, Porcupine, and Sudbury – are now investigating cases of gastroenteritis that may be linked to the North Bay outbreak. 

Unless the genetic fingerprint of the North Bay outbreak strain is matched to a strain of E. coli O157:H7 that was isolated elsewhere – perhaps, Aunt Mid's lettuce? – the North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit might have no more success in tracing the source of the outbreak strain than did the investigators of the Oklahoma E. coli O111 outbreak.

Québec Recalls Creamed Carrots

The Québec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) is advising consumers that "crème de carottes"/creamed carrots, produced and sold by Les Jardins de la Colline SENC (1032, rue Pierre-Laporte, Brigham, QC) is contaminated with Bacillus cereus and should not be eaten.

The creamed carrots were sold in 16 oz. plastic containers at Les Jardins de la Colline's Brigham location. All lot codes and production dates are affected by this recall.

Bacillus cereus produces two different toxins, one of which causes rapid onset of nausea and vomiting (similar to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin), while the other causes less rapid onset of watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps (similar to Clostridium perfringens).

Consumers should return the recalled product to Les Jardins de la Colline for a refund. Under no circumstances should the creamed carrots be consumed.

The China Syndrome: Lotte USA Recalls Biscuits

FDA advised consumers yesterday evening that Lotte USA, Inc. (Battle Creek, MI) recalled all Koala March cookies on September 29th, because of the possibility of melamine contamination. The cookies were distributed in the United States and Canada through wholesale distributors and retail stores.

The following list of products has been recalled:

• Koala March King Size Chocolate: 1.8 oz/50 grams; UPC 0 81900 00001 7
  
• Koala March King Size Strawberry: 1.8 oz/50 grams; UPC 0 81900 00007 9
  
• Koala March King Size White Chocolate: 1.8 oz/50 grams; UPC 0 81900 00011 6
  
• Koala March Family Pack Chocolate: 9.5 oz/270 grams; UPC 0 81900 08001 9
  
• Koala March Family Pack Strawberry: 9.5 oz/270 grams; UPC 0 81900 08002 6
  
• Koala March Family Pack White Chocolate: 9.5 oz/270 grams; UPC 0 81900 08011 8
  
• Koala March Family Pack Chestnut: 9.5 oz/270 grams; UPC 0 81900 08010 1
  
• Koala March Family Hawaii Chocolate: 9.5 oz/270 grams; UPC 0 81900 08003 3
  
• Koala March Family Hawaii Pineapple: 9.5 oz/270 grams; UPC 0 81900 08004 0
  

By the way, we predicted the North American recall of Koala March cookies on September 28th – the day before Lotte USA, Inc. made its announcement. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency advised Canadians of this recall on September 30th. 

What took FDA so long to alert US consumers to this nationwide recall of melamine-contaminated biscuits?

North Bay, Ontario E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Grows

The E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in North Bay, Ontario has grown to 131 cases. Twenty-two people have been confirmed by lab analysis to have been infected with E. coli O157:H7. An additional 22 people are still under investigation. It's unclear from the most recent reported posted released by the North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit what the status is of the other 87 cases.

While most of the victims are in North Bay, an unspecified number of the 131 cases have been reported from four other health districts. The Algoma, Porcupine and Sudbury Health Units all are investigating illnesses that may be related to this outbreak.

Although the outbreak has been traced to a specific restaurant – Harvey's – in North Bay, there is no news yet as to the source of the E. coli O157:H7. The restaurant has been closed since Sunday evening, and restaurant employees are cooperating in the investigation. 

Although most healthy adults can shrug off an infection with E. coli O157:H7 as an unpleasant inconvenience, children are especially at risk of both short-term complications – hemolytic uremic syndrome – and long-term chronic aftereffects. 

E. coli O157:H7 is not to be taken lightly, especially when it strikes children and the elderly. A follow-up study of victims of the Walkerton, Ontario E. coli O157:H7 outbreak was just released. The seven-year study found that 22 children who were infected in 2000 developed permanent kidney damage. Anyone who experiences symptoms consistent with E. coli O157:H7, including diarrhea – especially bloody diarrhea – stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, should be seen by a doctor without delay.

The China Syndrome: UK Recalls Kinky Candies

The Food Standards Agency is advising consumers that several novelty products imported from China are contaminated with melamine at levels as high as 256ppm, and have been recalled.

The novelty products, which were manufactured in China and imported by Scobie (Llarn) Ltd., were sold to a number of Ann Summers locations. Ann Summers is a purveyor of sex toys, lingerie and other novelty items.

The recalled items are described as follows:

I Love you' pen set containing:

• Chocolate body pen, 40g (Best before end: May 2010)
  
• Strawberry body pen, 40g (Best before end: May 2010)
  
• Chocolate flavoured willy spread, 40g (Best before end: May 2010)
  
• Chocolate flavoured nipple spread, 40g (Best before end: May 2010)

These items should be discarded or returned to the store for a refund.

Allergy Alert: Canadian Veggie Burgers Recalled

New World Natural Foods (Burnaby, BC) is recalling 340-gram packages of Tofu Burgers, Vegi Burgers and Lentil Burgers, due to the presence of undeclared sesame seeds or soy in the burgers. The recalled burgers were distributed in Vancouver, BC.

The recall covers the following items:

• Tofu Burger (undeclared sesame seed): UPC 0 59443 00656 8; Lot code 3406
  
• Vegi Burger (undeclared soy): UPC 0 59443 00652 0; no lot code
  
• Lentil Burger (undeclared soy): UPC 0 59443 00651 3; no lot code
  

Individuals who are allergic to soy or sesame may experience a severe – even life-threatening – reaction shortly after consuming one of these products. 

For more information on this recall, consumers can contact Kulwant Bagga, of New World Natural Foods at (778) 989-5840.

Vermont Processor Recalls Contaminated Meat

Vermont Livestock, Slaughter and Processing Co., LLC (Ferrisburg, VT) has recalled 2,758 pounds of ground beef that has been linked to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in the state. The ground beef was distributed to restaurants and institutions in Vermont and in Plattsburgh, NY. The meat was not shipped to retail stores.

The investigation began after the Vermont Department of Health received reports in early October of E. coli O157:H7 infections among residents in, and visitors to, Chittenden and Washington counties. Analysis by state epidemiologists pointed investigators to undercooked ground beef eaten at several different restaurants.

At last count, ten people have been confirmed to have been infected by E. coli O157:H7. At least seven of the ten were infected by the same strain, based on genetic fingerprinting of the pathogen. 

The recalled meat was processed on  Sept. 5, 8, 12, 19 and 22. It is labeled with Est. 9558 inside the USDA inspection seal, and with lot codes  "090508A," "090808A," "091208A," "091908A" or "092208A." The meat is shipped two packages per box, and each package bears the following description:

• 5-pound approximate weight vacuum packages of "VT BURGER CO GROUND BEEF."
  

Neither the state of Vermont nor USDA has released the names of the restaurants that purchased and served the recalled beef. Anyone who has consumed a burger – especially one that was underdone – at a restaurant in Vermont or in Plattsburgh, NY since late September, and who has experienced symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection, should contact a medical practitioner and the Vermont or New York State Department of Health immediately.

E. coli O157:H7 - A Peripatetic Pathogen

We now have at least five outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 with overlapping time frames. One has to wonder how much of this is coincidence, and how much is due to a common food item.

The Michigan, et al. Outbreak

This outbreak, which has involved at least 50 people (38 in Michigan, 9 in Ohio and 3 in Canada), was linked epidemiologically to bagged, pre-washed iceberg lettuce grown in California and supplied by Aunt Mid's Produce Company of Detroit. Outbreak victims consumed the chopped or shredded lettuce in restaurants and food service outlets – including dining facilities on the campus of Michigan State University. Aunt Mid's, in spite of abundant epidemiological evidence, denies that their lettuce was the source of the outbreak. The Company bases its denial on the inability of investigators to detect the outbreak strain in packages of their lettuce, or in their processing environment. The Michigan Department of Community Health has given Aunt Mid's the go-ahead to resume operations.

The Boulder, Colorado Outbreak

The Boulder Public Health Department has traced an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 to the Boulder franchise location of Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches. The sub and sandwich shop has been fingered as the most likely source of the outbreak, which has sickened 18 people, according to recent reports. One of the outbreak victims – a University of Colorado student who was hospitalized twice as a result of her infection – has launched a lawsuit against Jimmy John's.

The Kansas Outbreak

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is investigating the deaths of two children in different parts of the state. Both children were infected with E. coli O157:H7, but the infections were unrelated to each other – each was due to a different strain of the pathogen. The state has not yet established the source of either infection.

The Vermont Outbreak

We reported yesterday that the State of Vermont was investigating ten cases of E. coli O157:H7, at least seven of which are all due to the same strain. A report in today's Burlington Free Press indicates that two more cases have been identified – bringing the total to 12 – and that the outbreak has been traced to a single source of ground beef, which was distributed to a few restaurants in the state.

The North Bay, Ontario Outbreak

The North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit is dealing with an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that has grown to include 93 victims – 15 of them lab-confirmed – so far. Seventy-five of the victims ate at the same Harvey's Restaurant outlet in North Bay. Harvey's is a Canadian fast food burger franchise, with outlets in seven provinces. The Health Unit has not yet identified a probable food source for the outbreak.

Coincidence or Correlation?

There's a reasonable chance that the Michigan and Colorado outbreaks are related. In fact, we suggested that possibility last Friday. Lettuce is an ingredient in many – if not most – sandwiches and subs, while it would be less likely for Jimmy John's to serve undercooked beef. The Kansas outbreak clearly is coincidental – two isolated cases caused by two different strains – as is the Vermont outbreak, which now has been linked to undercooked ground beef from a single source. 

As for the Harvey's outbreak in North Bay, Ontario, the jury is still out. Undercooked ground beef is an obvious possibility – this is a burger chain, after all. But Harvey's also offers a garden salad side dish. Hold the lettuce, anyone?

The China Syndrome: Canada Recalls Mengniu Milk

Haofine International Trading Inc. (Edmonton, AB) is recalling Mengniu brand Strawberry Flavour Sour Milk Beverage, because it contains melamine.

There is no English or French labeling on the packaging. The recalled product was sold only in the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and is described as follows:

Mengniu strawberry flavour sour milk beverage; 250 mL; Production date code 20071113/X 20205//kcf; UPC 6 923644 242930

The recall comes as a result of CFIA's ongoing investigations into milk-derived products from China.

For more information on this – and other – food safety issues, consumers can contact CFIA toll-free at 1-800-442-2342 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, EDT, Monday through Friday.

Sandhill Cranes, Campylobacter and Alaskan Peas

A little more than one month ago, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reported that they were investigating an outbreak of Campylobacter gastroenteritis. The outbreak, which had sickened 32 people in July and August, was limited to the area in and around Anchorage.

According to the final outbreak report, released one week ago today, at least 99 people either were lab-confirmed to be infected with Campylobacter, or were diagnosed clinically as suffering from Campylobacter gastroenteritis, without lab confirmation. During the course of being interviewed, outbreak victims reported having eaten raw peas from an Alaskan producer no more than 10 days before developing their first symptoms.

Alaska has just one pea producer – Mat-Valley Peas – and the peas eaten by outbreak victims were traced back to this farm. According to an article in the Anchorage Daily News, Mat-Valley sells shelled peas in 5-lb and 10-lb bags, with appropriate cooking instructions. But some retailers apparently repackaged the peas into smaller packages, and omitted the cooking instructions.

Mat-Valley, however, isn't off the hook. An inspection of the farm and packaging operation uncovered some serious problems. The field in which the peas were grown also was home to a flock of Sandhill Cranes. Several strains of Campylobacter were isolated from Sandhill Crane feces recovered from the field, from fresh-picked peas from the field, and from a mound of peas piled outside the processing building. And the water used in the pea shelling/processing operation contained no residual chlorine.

Operations at Mat-Valley were shut down and any remaining product was recalled. The state is working with the operator of Mat-Valley to correct the problems that were uncovered during the investigation.

While Campylobacter is one of the most common food-borne pathogens, this outbreak was unusual in a couple of respects:

• The outbreak involved a normally cooked vegetable that was eaten raw by the outbreak victims;
  
• The traceback was simplified by the presence of just a single local producer of the implicated food; and
  
• Unlike most outbreaks, which involve just a single outbreak strain, there were several distinct strains of Campylobacter recovered both from victims and from the Crane feces.
  

All of the victims of this outbreak recovered from their illnesses, although one person developed Guillain-Barré syndrome, a secondary illness that occasionally follows a Campylobacter infection.