Norovirus Can Be Deadly

We usually think of Norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks as messy and inconvenient. It's easy to forget that the dehydration that results from a bout of this illness can prove deadly.

Fifty-one of the 200 guests at a wedding held in Aberdeenshire (United Kingdom) on November 1st came away with more than just a piece of wedding cake. They received a dose of Norovirus. For most of the 51 victims, this was no more than the usual "winter vomiting bug" – uncomfortable, inconvenient, and soon over. But for one elderly guest, the encounter with Norovirus proved to be a killer.

Fortunately, most encounters with this highly infectious virus produce a happier ending. Staff members in hospitals and retirement homes, where the population tends to be more susceptible to severe dehydration, have learned to impose extraordinary isolation and sanitation measures immediately in response to even a single suspect case. 

In the last 2-3 weeks, Norovirus outbreaks have prompted ward closures and restrictions on visitors in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. Earlier this fall – between mid-September and mid-October – nine clusters of Norovirus reported in the Netherlands, Italy, France and Ireland even struck down travelers who had become infected while visiting Lourdes.

Cruise ships are another favorite venue. In recent weeks, the virus struck 60 passengers on the Diamond Princess during its cruise of the Orient. And more than 14% of the 1,820 passengers on Holland America's Zuiderdam fell sick with Norovirus during a 17-day cruise that reached port on November 9th. Seventeen of the 794 crew members on that ship also were infected.

In short, Norovirus thrives on a captive audience – especially wherever a relatively large number of people are clustered in close quarters. The best defense against this highly infectious and very rugged virus is to pay extremely close attention to frequent and thorough hand washing, and to all other elements of personal hygiene. And as a friend discovered on a recent cruise, you might want to avoid the buffet. Think of how many different hands have touched the serving utensils.

Allergy Alert: Fresh 2 Go Tortellini Recalled in Ontario

AFC Food Group (Woodbridge, Ontario) is recalling all date codes of Fresh 2 Go brand Beef Tortellini due to the presence of undeclared milk. One reported illness has been associated with the recalled product.

Both package sizes of Fresh 2 Go brand Beef Tortellini are covered by this recall notice. The 350g package bears UPC 0 59749 87838 8, and the 700g package bears UPC 0 59749 87841 8. The tortellini was sold through A&P, Dominion, Loeb, Metro, The Barn and Ultra stores in the province of Ontario.

Individuals who are allergic to milk may suffer a severe reaction upon consuming the recalled product. CFIA and AFC Food Group urge anyone who has purchased Fresh 2 Go brand Beef Tortellini to return it to the store for a refund.

For more information on the recall, contact AFC Food Group's Customer Care line, toll-free, at 1-877-233-0040.

Allergy Alert: Seattle's Favorite Muffin Tops Recalled

Seattle's Favorite Gourmet Cookies & Dessert Co. (Tukwila, WA) has recalled Orange Cranberry Muffin Tops and Banana Nut Muffin Tops due to the presence of undeclared milk. The omission was discovered during a routine FDA inspection.

All packages of both varieties are included in the recall, regardless of production code. The Muffin Tops are individually wrapped in clear plastic, with a black product card that may or may not carry an expiry date or "best before" date. The recalled items were distributed nationally through coffee shops, espresso stands, and retail outlets.

Individuals who are allergic to milk may experience a severe reaction as a result of consuming a food item that contains even a small amount of milk. Consumers who purchased this product are urged to return it to the point of sale for a refund.

For more information on this recall, please contact Seattle's Favorite, toll-free, at 1-866-203-5588.

Southern Ontario E. coli O157:H7 - Is Lettuce The Link?

The Ontario Ministry of Health reported today that Southern Ontario's E. coli O157:H7 outbreak is responsible for as many as 148 illnesses in four health districts. These include:

• 56 cases in Niagara - 14 confirmed
  
• 31 cases in Halton - 6 confirmed
  
• 58 cases in Guelph - 7 confirmed
  
• 3 cases in Waterloo - 2 confirmed
  

By definition, a confirmed case is one in which the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 was recovered from the patient. Unconfirmed cases are either still under investigation, or match the epidemiological profile (time frame, location, symptoms) without the specific outbreak strain having been found.

As is often the case in this type of investigation, the MOH totals vary somewhat from those reported by the individual districts – probably because of the time lag involved in transmitting updates to the province. Halton reported yesterday that they were investigating as many as 73 cases, including the six cases that have been lab-confirmed.

The geographic scope and size of the outbreak, while adding to the regulatory complexity, is a boon to the investigation. Epidemiologists can look for common elements, not only among the victims, but also among the food service establishments linked to the outbreak. And, based on a news release from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, suspicion appears to have fallen on lettuce.

CFIA has not specified the type of lettuce, but a finger has been pointed at romaine. The federal agency is working on its traceback investigation while the provincial and district health authorities continue to follow up on interviews and lab confirmation of possible victims.

First Listeria monocytogenes, then E. coli O157:H7. Now all Canadians need is another Salmonella outbreak. Wonder whatever happened to the unexplained cases of Salmonella Poona that the Public Health Agency of Canada was worried about a few weeks ago?

The China Syndrome: Melamine Still Turning Up In US

UPDATED November 14, 2008

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture alerted consumers last Friday that Wonderfarm brand "Successful" biscuits may contain excessive levels of melamine and should be discarded.

The warning came after MDA detected more than 2.5ppm melamine in several samples of the biscuits, as part of an ongoing federal-state testing program.

The biscuits – manufactured by Interfood Shareholding Company in Vietnam – were being sold at Rochester Oriental Food and Jewelry in Rochester, MN.

Minnesota officials have advised FDA of their finding, and are investigating to determine whether the biscuits are available for sale elsewhere in the state.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has learned that these biscuits have been shipped to at least two Asian specialty markets in that state, and may be available for sale in various locations around the state. Wisconsin is advising consumers to check their pantries for the melamine-contaminated product. Added Nov 14th.

UK Dairy Company Recalls Rubbery Spread

The UK Food Standards Agency advised consumers yesterday that Dairy Crest Ltd. has recalled two batches of Country Life Spreadable after finding that some packs might contain pieces of white rubber.

The recall notice covers 250g and 500g package sizes of Country Life Spreadable, labeled with Best Before dates of 20 December 2008 and 21 December 2008 (batch codes 8285 and 8286, respectively).

According to Dairy Crest, the problem affected a small proportion of batch 8285. Nevertheless, the company took the precaution of recalling the entire production batch as well as the following day's production.

Dairy Crest is requesting consumers who purchased the recalled batches of Spreadable to contact the company at 0800 328 5344.

Allergy Alert: Amy's Kitchen Recalls Tofu Sandwich

UPDATED November 14, 2008

Amy's Kitchen Inc. (Santa Rosa, CA) has recalled a single production lot of its Tofu Scramble in a Pocket Sandwich, after determining that the product, which is labeled as non-dairy, contains milk. The problem was discovered as a result of a reported allergic reaction.

The recalled item is described as follows:

Amy’s Kitchen Pocket Sandwich Tofu Scramble
UPC No. 0-42272-00116-3
Amy’s Item No. 000116
Lot 10-H148 A,B,C, or D

The 4-ounce pocket sandwich is sold frozen, in an easy-open zipper package. The lot number is printed in white on the zipper end.

Individuals who are allergic to milk may experience a severe reaction as a result of eating the mislabeled sandwich. People who have purchased one of the recalled sandwiches and who are not allergic to milk can consume the sandwiches safely. Nevertheless, Amy's is inviting any consumer who purchased the recalled product to return it for an exchange or a refund.

The following retail chains have advised their customers of this recall:

• Kroger, King Soopers, Smith's, QFC, Ralphs and Dillons (The Kroger Company)
  
• Wegmans
• Price Chopper

For more information, please call Amy's Customer Service department (collect) at 707-568-4500, ext. 4571.

Mr Smoked Meat Recall Expanded in Québec

The Québec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) is advising consumers in the province that last week's recall of old fashioned smoked meat has been expanded to include additional production lots and formats.

All packages of Mr. Smoked Meat brand  sliced smoked meat bearing Best Before dates up to and including November 28, 2008 are being recalled due to the risk of contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. The smoked meat is sold in an unspecified number of retail outlets in the Montreal region.

Listeria monocytogenes typically causes mild flu-like or gastrointestinal illness in otherwise health adults. But it can be lethal to the elderly, immunocompromised individuals and young children. Pregnant women, if infected, can pass the infection to their unborn child, resulting in stillbirth, premature birth, or an infected newborn infant.

Anyone in the Montreal region who has purchased the recalled smoked meat should discard it out of reach of children or return it to the store. For more information on this recall, contact MAPAQ at 1-800-483-5023.

Allergy Alert: Canadian Recall of "Half & Half" Cream

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning consumers in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan that certain 1L cartons of Lucerne 10% Half & Half Cream may contain undeclared egg.

The Lucerne Foods division of Canada Safeway Limited (Calgary, AB) has recalled 1L cartons of its Half & Half, bearing a Best Before date of NO26 and UPC number 0 58200 07825 1. The affected cartons of 10% cream were distributed in Canada's three westernmost provinces, only.

Individuals who are allergic to egg proteins may experience a severe – possibly life-threatening – reaction upon consuming even a small amount of the egg-containing cream. Consumers who purchased the recalled product should return it to the store for a refund or exchange.

For more information about this recall, contact Bruce Bowman, Canada Safeway Limited at 403-730-3508.

Harvey's Reopens In North Bay

The North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit gave Harvey's the green light yesterday, and the restaurant has reopened for business. According to the North Bay Nugget, customers of the fast food outlet were standing in line by the time the restaurant opened its doors this morning.

Harvey's was ordered to close on October 12th, after it was linked to an outbreak of E. coli o157:H7 that sickened 251 individuals (50 lab-confirmed) in North Bay, 10 other Ontario health districts, Québec (1 case) and British Columbia (1 case). One of the victims, a seven-year old boy, is still hospitalized with in Toronto with hemolytic uremic syndrome. The source of the E. coli O157:H7 still has not been determined.

In what may be a coincidence – or perhaps a spurt of secondary infections – the district is investigating four possible cases of E. coli illness among four children in one Senior Kindergarten classroom at Sunset Park Public School. Children from that classroom have been asked to stay home while the classroom is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The Senior Kindergarten classes will resume tomorrow, but parents have been reminded to keep sick children at home.

While the District Health Unit says that its investigation into the Harvey's E. coli O157:H7 outbreak is continuing, chances are very slender that the source will ever be found – unless the same strain pops up again, either in North Bay or elsewhere.

UK Infused Oil Recall: Botulism Risk

The UK Food Standards Agency has alerted consumers to a recall of several infused olive oil products. The infused oils, manufactured by Seymours of Norfolk Ltd., are thought to be susceptible to the growth of Clostridium botulinum.

The recall includes all "best before" date codes up to and including March 2009. Both 250mL bottles and "oil from cask" are part of this recall. The following infused oil flavors are affected:

Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Garlic, Lime, Lemon, Chili

The company offered the following explanation:

A technical fault in the production of these products has led to a situation where some of the above products may contain a small amount of water which could lead to the growth of potentially dangerous bacteria.

Clostridium botulinum is capable of producing a deadly neurotoxin. Symptoms of botulism may include lassitude, weakness, vertigo, double vision and progressive difficulty in speaking and swallowing. If left untreated, the progressive paralysis can be fatal.

Under no circumstances should the recalled items be consumed. Seymours is requesting that consumers return the items to the store for refund or exchange for another product. If you have consumed one of the recalled oils and think that you may be experiencing one or more symptoms of botulism, seek medical attention immediately.

For answers to any questions about this recall, consumers are invited to call the Seymours Customer Careline at 01603 446522.

Allergy Alert: Frozen Shrimp From China

The Georgia Department of Agriculture is alerting consumers to the presence of undeclared sulfites in frozen shrimp imported from China.

The sulfites were detected in Sea Best brand "10 Raw Shrimp Skewers", distributed by Beaver Street Fisheries Inc. (Jacksonville, FL). The problem was found as a result of routine sampling on the part of the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

While sulfites are not allergens, they can provoke an allergic type response in sensitive individuals. People who are sensitive to sulfites should not consume this seafood product.

The state has alerted FDA to their findings, and state sanitarians are making the rounds of retailers to ensure that the mislabeled shrimp are removed from sale.

E. coli O157:H7 - Tying Outbreaks Together

The E. coli O157:H7 cases in four southern Ontario regions may be linked to some cases in the United States after all – just not the ones we thought.

Bill Marler reported this morning that some isolates of E. coli o157:H7 that were reported in southern California, New Jersey and South Dakota appear to be the same genetic strain as the one that has infected individuals in Niagara, Halton, Waterloo and Guelph.

The Ontario Ministry of Health, which is coordinating the results from the affected regions, has recognized a total of 88 cases as of this evening, 24 of which have been lab-confirmed. The totals reported by each health unit are somewhat different:

• Niagara (as of November 7): 55 cases, including 13 confirmed, 38 probable and 4 under investigation
  
• Halton (as of November 10, 12:00pm): 69 cases under investigation, including 4 confirmed
  
• Guelph (as of November 10): 5 cases, all of which are lab-confirmed
  
• Waterloo (as of November 7): 2 cases, both lab-confirmed
  

The same genetic strain of E. coli O157:H7 has been isolated from at least one patient in each of these regional outbreaks. This outbreak strain is different from the strain isolated in the North Bay outbreak, as well as being different from the strain isolated earlier in the Chatham-Kent outbreak. The Chatham-Kent strain was identical to the outbreak strain associated with Aunt Mid's bagged iceberg lettuce.

With the attention now focused on the southern Ontario outbreak, it's easy to overlook the North Bay situation. But the victims of the North Bay outbreak deserve our attention – especially the family of Carter MacDonald, the seven-year old boy who suffered severe complications from his brush with E. coli O157:H7.

Carter developed hemolytic uremic syndrome as a result of his infection. He was airlifted to Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children on October 24, and placed into intensive care in "critical" condition. His condition has improved, but Carter remains hospitalized – his family at his side.

Carter's family has been depleting its savings in order to remain in Toronto with him. A fund-raising effort has begun in North Bay to help the family. The first to donate was the president of Harvey's Restaurant – the fast-food eatery that was linked to the outbreak.

Our thoughts this evening are with Carter and his family, and with all of the other victims of these outbreaks. 

Nestlé Withdraws Brazilian Made Cereal

UPDATED November 10, 2008

Nestlé has announced a voluntary withdrawal from the US market of Nestlé Farinha Lactea cereal, made in Brazil, after the state of Connecticut reported finding traces of the pesticide pirimiphos-methyl in a sample of the cereal. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection investigated the product after an inspector noticed the absence of English labeling.

Pirimiphos-methyl is a grain fumigant that is used in some countries, but is not permitted for use on wheat in the United States. 

The cereal is sold mainly in Portuguese language communities in the United States. Certain Price Chopper store locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut stocked the recalled item, which bears UPC number 789100025260:

• Store 148 (221-223 Park Ave., Worcester, MA)
  
• Store 162 (240 East Main Street, Marlborough, MA)
  
• Store 179 (50 Cambridge Street, Worcester, MA)
  
• Store 203 (410 Queen Street, Southington, CT)
  
• Store 205 (35 Talcottville Road, Tri City Shopping, Vernon, CT)
  

All production codes, dates and package sizes of Nestlé Farinha Lactea have been withdrawn as a precaution. Consumers who purchased the product are asked to return it to the store for a refund.

Nesquik Strawberry Powder Recalled - Metal Particles

Nestlé has announced a voluntary recall of two production lots of Nesquik Strawberry Powder (21.8-ounce size) after it was discovered that some of the product may contain small fragments of aluminum.

The recall is specific to production codes 82255880 and 82265880, with a best by date of August 2010. The two recalled lots were manufactured on August 12 and 13, respectively, and were distributed in the United States (including Hawaii) and Puerto Rico through supermarket chains and other retail outlets.

National and regional chains that sold the two recalled production lots include, but are not limited to:

Smiths, Walmart, and Wegmans.

Anyone who purchased one of the recalled production lots should return it to the store for a refund. For more information about this recall, consumers can contact the Nestlé Consumer Services Center at 888-637-4345.

Allergy Alert: Milk in Non-Dairy Coffee Creamers

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning consumers who are allergic to milk that certain non-dairy coffee creamers and mixes imported from Korea may contain milk that is not declared on the package label.

The affected products, listed below, were distributed in Alberta and British Columbia. All production codes of these products have been recalled by the importer.

• Dongsuh Frima brand Coffee Creamer, 500 g, UPC 8 801037 000559
  
• Dongsuh Frima brand Coffee Creamer, 1 kg, UPC 8 801037 000627
  
• Maxim brand Original Coffee Mix, 240 g (12 g x 20), UPC 8 801037 010732
  
• Maxim brand Decaffeinated Coffee Mix, 240 g (12 g x 20), UPC 8 801037 010824
  
• Nescafé brand Coffee Mix, 240 g (12 g x 20), UPC 8 801055 161096
  

Individuals who are allergic to milk may experience a severe reaction after consuming one of these items. Anyone who has purchased one of these products should return it to the store for a refund.

E. coli O157:H7 Tours Ontario

Not content with wreaking havoc in North Bay, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Welland and Burlington, our old friend has also put in an appearance in Waterloo, Ontario. And, just for good measure, he has granted an encore at the University of Guelph.

Based on information released by the Ontario Ministry of Health, the illnesses in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Welland, Burlington and Waterloo all are due to the identical strain of E. coli O157:H7. So far, this multi-city outbreak comprises 91 cases, 20 of which have been confirmed. 

The two Waterloo victims are both described as "older children"; one has been hospitalized. Both of the Waterloo cases have been lab-confirmed.

The Little Red Rooster restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and M.T. Bellies in Welland, both of which closed for the outbreak investigation, have reopened after being given a go-ahead by the Niagara regional health authority. Johnathan's Family Restaurant in Burlington (Halton region) remains closed.

The University of Guelph outbreak may be completely unrelated to the other southern Ontario cases. It's still too early to tell. So far, four UoG students have fallen ill with E. coli O157; all of them ate at the Pita Pit in the University Centre. The University has closed the Pita Pit while the investigation into this outbreak is carried out.

The UoG campus was the scene of another E. coli O157 outbreak last July, when a group of international students was infected by the microbe. At least seven – possibly as many as 22 – of the Italian students became infected after eating food supplied by University Food Services. The source of that outbreak was never determined.

As for North Bay, that outbreak appears to be winding down. The last report, issued on Wednesday, indicated that no new lab-confirmed cases had been uncovered. And the source of the largest of the Ontario E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks remains a mystery.

Québec Recalls Improperly Processed Sauce

Espaces Gourmands Boutique "Pepperonata" sauce has been recalled after the Québec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) determined that it had not been processed in a way that rendered it safe for human consumption.

All lots of the Pepperonata sauce, packed in 500mL and 1L glass jars, are included in this recall. The items were sold only at Espaces Gourmands Boutique, 424, boulevard Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier, Mont-Saint-Hilaire, QC.

This product is not safe for human consumption. Anyone who purchased a 500mL or 1L jar of Espaces Gourmands Boutique Pepperonata sauce should return it to the store for a full refund.

Québec Recalls Old Fashioned Smoked Meat

The Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) is advising consumers not to eat Mr. Smoked Meat brand Old Fashioned Smoked Meat, due to the possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The contaminated meat, produced by Monsieur Smoked Meat Inc., 1053A rue Bernard Ouest, Outremont, QC, was sold in various retail stores in the province of Québec. The sliced smoked meat is distributed in 225g packages bearing an expiration date of 12 novembre 2008.

This has been a rough week for Old Fashioned Smoked Meat aficionados. Just two days ago, Les Salaisons Desco announced a second recall of Dunn's Famous brand Smoked Meat, sold in Costco stores in certain British Columbia locations.

Consumers are asked to return the recalled smoked meat packages to the store for a refund. For additional information, please call the Centre québécois d'inspection des aliments et de santé animale, toll free, at 1-800-463-5023.

Allergy Alert: Spice Blends Recalled in Australia

Country Cuisine Pty Ltd. has recalled two varieties of Malouf's Spice Mezza due to the presence of undeclared tree nuts in the spice blends. The products were distributed in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland

The recall covers 100g jars of Jordanian Za'atar and Cumin Za'atar spice blends, bearing a Best Before date of September 2010. Pictures of the recalled items can be seen on the Greg Malouf website.

Individuals who are allergic to nuts may experience a severe reaction upon consuming this product. Consumers are asked to return the mislabeled spice blends to the store for a refund.