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CDC Investigating Multistate Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Deli Meats

2024-07-21 15:01:51.006000

Three brands of pet food, Quaker Oats, and Quaker Oatmeal Squares have issued recalls for their products due to concerns of salmonella contamination. Mid America Pet Food is recalling three lots of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula. TFP Nutrition is recalling Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food. Breeders Choice is recalling Breeders Choice dog food. The recalled pet food products were sold in various states across the US. Salmonella can sicken pets and humans who come in contact with it, causing symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Consumers can contact the respective companies for refunds or replacement products.

Quaker Oats, owned by PepsiCo, has issued a recall for several of its granola products, including granola bars and cereals. The affected products have been sold in all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories. Salmonella infections can cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Quaker Oats has not received any reports of salmonella infections related to the recalled products. The company is urging customers to throw away the recalled products and contact their customer support line for more information and reimbursement.

Quaker Oatmeal Squares are also being recalled in Hong Kong due to salmonella contamination. The Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong has warned people not to consume three types of Quaker Oatmeal Squares - honey nut, cinnamon, and original flavor - in 14.5-ounce sizes. The products were imported by PepsiCo Beverages (HK) and have expiry dates ranging from January 11 to October 1, 2024. PepsiCo is recalling the products and removing them from shelves. The warning comes after the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a notification about the potential salmonella contamination. The FDA had previously recalled over 40 Quaker products on December 15 and an additional 23 products on January 11. Consumers can contact the importer's hotline for inquiries about the recall. Salmonella infection can cause fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and can be more severe for infants, young children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.

Tyson Foods has also issued a recall for 30,000 pounds of chicken nuggets due to possible contamination. The recall is for 29-ounce plastic bag packages containing frozen, fully cooked fun nuggets breaded shaped chicken patties. The affected products have a 'best if used by date' of September 4, 2024, and were sold in several states. There has been one minor oral injury reported, but no other harm has been reported. Consumers are advised to discard or return the product immediately. Tyson has provided a hotline number for purchasers and consumers to call for more information.

A recall has been issued for certain eggs possibly contaminated with salmonella in Saskatchewan. The recall was triggered by test results, and the affected brands include Compliments, Harman, Star Egg, and no name. Only products with certain lot codes on the egg packaging are affected. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is investigating and warning that there could be more affected products in the future. While healthy people may experience minor symptoms from salmonella, young children, pregnant women, and elderly people could face deadly infections. There have been no reported cases of people falling ill from the eggs. The food inspection agency recommends either throwing out the affected eggs or returning them, and stores are removing the recalled items.

Some Planters nut products are being recalled over concerns they may have been contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. Hormel Foods has initiated a voluntary recall of two Planters brand products, honey roasted peanuts and mixed nuts, sold in 5 states due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall is limited to 4-ounce packages of Planters Honey Roasted Peanuts and 8.75-ounce cans of Planters Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts. The affected products have specific 'Best if Used By' dates and UPC codes. The recall impacts two retailers, Publix and Dollar Tree, in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. There have been no reports of illness related to this recall, and all retailers that received the affected product have been notified. Customers can discard the product or return it to the store for a refund. Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe illness, especially in pregnant people, those aged 65 or older, or individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may include diarrhea, fever, and in severe cases, hospitalization and death. No other varieties of Planters branded products are included in this recall.

A batch of peanuts, specifically Value Pack Roasted Salted Peanuts, were released for sale in error by Prolife Foods in New Zealand. The recall was prompted by concerns that the peanuts could contain levels of aflatoxins above the allowable level. The affected products were sold at New World, FreshChoice, Pak'nSave, and Four Square stores. New Zealand Food Safety is investigating how the release of the recalled products happened and will review Prolife's recall system to prevent it from happening again. Consumers who purchased the affected peanuts are urged to check their pantry, not consume them, and return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Aflatoxins are naturally occurring in many food products and are produced by a group of molds that grow on foods produced in hot and tropical climates. While the health risk is low in this case, any release of recalled products is of concern. New Zealand Food Safety has not received any notifications of associated illness.

Health Canada has issued a warning about Western Family brand milk chocolate- and yogurt-covered pretzels due to possible salmonella contamination. The products sold in 240-gram clear plastic containers are being recalled from the marketplace. The pretzels are sold in British Columbia and possibly other provinces and territories. Food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Illness for healthy people could include fever and vomiting, although for children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems symptoms could be serious and sometimes deadly.

Shucks, a company in Texas, has issued a voluntary recall on cheese products due to concerns of possible salmonella contamination. The recalled products include whipped cream spread, strawberry spread, and cream cheese spread. Salmonella is a common bacteria disease that affects the intestinal tract and can be dangerous for individuals with weak immune systems. Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, chills, blood in stool, and vomiting. Antibiotics are used to treat the illness, and extra fluids should be consumed to stay hydrated. The recall has not been lifted at this time.

In addition to the aforementioned recalls, there have been several other food safety recalls and alerts. These include an outbreak of Typhimurium illnesses in Denmark linked to minced beef, an outbreak of Salmonella Africana illnesses associated with whole cucumbers in the United States, and a cluster of illnesses associated with Diamond Shruumz Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones & Gummies. The FDA has also issued a warning letter to Midwest Foods, LLC for violations of food regulations. TDBBS, LLC has issued a pet treat safety recall due to foreign matter contamination. An animal feed safety recall has been issued due to elevated levels of certain minerals. Various brands of cheese have been recalled due to Staphylococcus aureus contamination. Panchvati Supermarket brand Black Pepper Powder Coarse has been recalled in Canada due to foreign matter contamination. YUET WO brand PRESERVED BEANCURD has been recalled in Hong Kong due to excessive levels of Bacillus cereus. Fresh and Frozen Ready Meals have been recalled in New Zealand due to incomplete information on process controls.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections. Sixteen out of 18 sick people reported eating meats sliced at deli counters. Two individuals have died and at least 28 others have been hospitalized. New York and Maryland have reported the highest number of cases. The outbreak was first detected on July 5th and the infection count has been steadily rising. The source of contamination is still unknown and there have been no product recalls. Pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to Listeria. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system. New Jersey and Illinois have reported fatalities, and individuals in other affected states continue to require medical care. The CDC advises consumers to avoid deli meats unless thoroughly heated. The investigation is ongoing and the CDC has not identified specific products or brands. Listeria is resistant to freezing and can enter food handling systems without raising immediate red flags. The CDC recommends reheating deli meats until steaming and avoiding cross-contamination. DNA fingerprinting techniques have helped trace the outbreak and understand its impact. The FDA and USDA may enforce more stringent measures in the processing and handling of deli meats. For updates and information, the CDC advises referring to state health departments or their dedicated website.

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