Fw: [BITES-L] bites Aug.20/10

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Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:03:07 -0500

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bites Aug.20/10

Food safety nerds converge online: Schaffner and Chapman on The Conversation today

US: Investigation update: Multistate outbreak of human Salmonella enteritidis infections associated with shell eggs

Eggs in their shells may put consumers at risk for Salmonella

NORTH CAROLINA: Bullock's salmonella outbreak caused by recalled eggs

US: COUNTRY Eggs, Inc. initiates voluntary recall of Large AA loose 15 dozen fresh shell eggs because of possible health risk

LOUISIANA: Veron scraps product

OREGON: Umpqua Dairy temporarily stops production at Roseburg facility

OHIO: Restaurants answer to food safety violations

BANGLADESH: 38 fall sick being exposed to anthrax contaminated beef

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Food safety nerds converge online: Schaffner and Chapman on The Conversation today
20.aug.10
barfblog
Ben Chapman
http://barfblog.foodsafety.ksu.edu/blog/143751/10/08/20/food-safety-nerds-converge-online-schaffner-and-chapman-conversation-today
In an attempt to stay relevant to the online community, I'm going to be joining barfblog friend Don Schaffner (below, exactly as shown) on The Conversation today. The show airs live at 1pm EDT at http://5by5.tv/conversation.
I've been assured that the program will be archived for future viewing.

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US: Investigation update: Multistate outbreak of human Salmonella enteritidis infections associated with shell eggs
19.aug.10
CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/enteritidis/
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in multiple states, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service to investigate a nationwide increase of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infections with an indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern JEGXX01.0004. This is the most common PFGE pattern for SE in the PulseNet database. Investigators are using DNA analysis of Salmonella bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing to identify cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak. Because the outbreak PFGE pattern (outbreak strain) commonly occurs in the U.S., some of the cases identified with this outbreak strain may not be related to this outbreak.
Investigation of the Outbreak
In May 2010, CDC identified a nationwide increase in the number of Salmonella Enteritidis isolates with PFGE pattern JEGXX01.0004 uploaded to PulseNet, the national subtyping network made up of state and local public health laboratories and federal food regulatory laboratories that performs molecular surveillance of foodborne infections. This increase is evident in the epidemic curve, or epi curve. During May 1 to July 31, 2010, a total of 1,953 illnesses were reported. However, some of these cases may not be related to this outbreak. Based on the previous 5 years of reports to PulseNet, we would expect approximately 700 illnesses during this same period. Many states have reported increases of this pattern since May. Because of the large number of expected cases during this period, standard methods of molecular subtyping alone are not sufficient to determine which reported cases might be outbreak-associated. CDC is currently conducting testing using advanced molecular methodologies to help distinguish between outbreak-related cases and sporadic (or background) cases.
Illnesses that occurred after July 17, 2010 might not yet be reported due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 3 weeks for Salmonella. For more details, please see the Salmonella Outbreak Investigations: Timeline for Reporting Cases.
Epidemiologic investigations conducted by public health officials in 10 states since April have identified 26 restaurants or events where more than one ill person with the outbreak strain has eaten. Data from these investigations suggest that shell eggs are a likely source of infections in many of these restaurants or events. Preliminary information indicates that Wright County Egg, in Galt, Iowa, was an egg supplier in 15 of these 26 restaurants or events. A formal traceback conducted by state partners in California, Colorado, and Minnesota, in collaboration with FDA and CDC, found that shell eggs from five of these restaurants or events were from a single firm, Wright County Egg in Galt, Iowa. FDA is currently conducting an extensive investigation at the firm in Iowa. The investigation includes CDC participation and involves sampling, records review and looking for potential sources of contamination, such as feed. The investigation continues and updates will be made available.
Recall Information
On August 13, 2010, Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa conducted a nationwide voluntary recall* of shell eggs. On August 18, 2010, Wright County Egg expanded its recall.*
Clinical Features/Signs and Symptoms
A person infected with Salmonella Enteritidis usually has fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea beginning 12 to 72 hours after consuming a contaminated food or beverage. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without antibiotic treatment. However, the diarrhea can be severe, and hospitalization may be required. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems may have a more serious illness. In these patients, the infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. For more information, visit CDC's Salmonella Enteritidis website.
Advice to Consumers
Don't eat recalled eggs or products containing recalled eggs. Recalled eggs might still be in grocery stores, restaurants, and consumers' homes. Consumers who have recalled eggs should discard them or return them to their retailer for a refund.
Individuals who think they might have become ill from eating recalled eggs should consult their health care providers.
Keep eggs refrigerated at ≤ 45° F (≤7° C) at all times.
Discard cracked or dirty eggs.
Wash hands, cooking utensils, and food preparation surfaces with soap and water after contact with raw eggs.
Eggs should be cooked until both the white and the yolk are firm and eaten promptly after cooking.
Do not keep eggs warm or at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerate unused or leftover egg- containing foods promptly.
Avoid eating raw eggs.
Avoid restaurant dishes made with raw or undercooked, unpasteurized eggs. Restaurants should use pasteurized eggs in any recipe (such as Hollandaise sauce or Caesar salad dressing) that calls for raw eggs.
Consumption of raw or undercooked eggs should be avoided, especially by young children, elderly persons, and persons with weakened immune systems or debilitating illness.
Advice to Egg Producers
Flock-based SE-control programs that include routine microbiologic testing are mandatory for producers with more than 50,000 hens, as of July 9, 2010, under FDA's egg safety rule.*
Advice to Retail and Food Service Establishments and Institutional Settings
In retail and food service establishments, pasteurized egg products or pasteurized in-shell eggs are recommended in place of pooled eggs or raw or undercooked shell eggs. If used, raw shell eggs should be fully cooked. If shell eggs are served undercooked, a consumer advisory should be posted in accordance with the Food Code.
In hospitals, nursing homes, adult or childcare facilities, and senior centers, pasteurized egg products or pasteurized in-shell eggs should be used in place of pooled eggs or raw or undercooked eggs.
Eggs should be purchased or received from a distributor refrigerated and stored refrigerated at ≤ 45° F (≤7° C) at all times.
General Information
CDC FAQs: Salmonella Enteritidis
FoodSafety.gov*
Description of the Steps In a Foodborne Outbreak Investigation
CDC's Role During a Multi-State Foodborne Outbreak Investigation
Additional Resources
Wright County Egg Conducts Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Shell Eggs Because of Possible Health Risk (August 13, 2010)*
Wright County Egg Expands Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Shell Eggs (August 18, 2010)*
Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Salmonella from Eggs [PODCAST – 4:00 minutes]
CDC's Role in Food Safety
As an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), CDC leads federal efforts to gather data on foodborne illnesses, investigate foodborne illnesses and outbreaks, and monitor the effectiveness of prevention and control efforts. CDC is not a food safety regulatory agency but works closely with the food safety regulatory agencies, in particular with HHS's U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). CDC also plays a key role in building state and local health department epidemiology, laboratory, and environmental health capacity to support foodborne disease surveillance and outbreak response. Notably, CDC data can be used to help document the effectiveness of regulatory interventions.
Previous Updates
August 16, 2010

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Eggs in their shells may put consumers at risk for Salmonella
19.aug.10
FDA
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm223248.htm
Fast Facts:
* The current recall of eggs in their shells, or "shell eggs," is part of an ongoing and intensive investigation by local, state, and federal officials into the cause of recent cases of Salmonella Enteritidis.
* This recall affects shell eggs produced by Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa. The eggs are packaged under different brand names and distributed nationwide.
* The shell eggs may contain Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and may cause serious illness.
* Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
* Consumers should throw away the product or return the product to the store
What is the Problem?
An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) that has sickened hundreds of people across the country has led to a recall of shell eggs
What is Being Done about the Problem?
Working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners, the FDA reviewed epidemiologic and environmental investigation documents and identified 3 best-case clusters of Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses. Tracebacks revealed Wright County Egg in Iowa as the common shell egg supplier in these clusters.
On August 13, Wright County Egg voluntarily conducted a nationwide recall of shell eggs on 3 of its 5 farms. Further epidemiologic and traceback information led to Wright County Egg expanding its recall on August 18 to cover all 5 farms and 380 million eggs (according to company figures).
The Agency has activated its emergency operations command center with scientists, investigators, epidemiologists, and communication experts. In addition, the FDA deployed an initial team of 10 investigators to Wright County Egg in Iowa to inspect the farms and determine the source of the contamination. More investigators are being deployed to help on-site, looking to find the source of the contamination. Investigators are performing environmental assessments of farm conditions and practices including pest and rodent controls, biosecurity plans, environmental monitoring, sanitary controls, and feed sources..
The FDA is initiating effectiveness checks of the recall, conducting checks at retail stores, wholesalers and distributors to make sure the recalled shell eggs are being removed from the market.
The FDA is in ongoing communications with Wright County Egg to ensure that appropriate preventive measures are put in place to reduce the risk of recurrence.
What are the Symptoms of Illness?
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 (infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Who is at Risk?
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
What do Consumers Need to Do?
Don't eat recalled eggs. Consumers who have recalled eggs should discard them or return them to their retailer for a refund. Individuals who think they might have become ill from eating recalled eggs should consult their health care providers. If consumers are unsure about the source of their eggs, they are urged not to eat them and to discard them immediately.
What Does the Product Look Like?
Shell eggs under the August 13, 2010 recall are packaged under the brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph's, Boomsma's, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps. Shell eggs are packed in 6-egg cartons, 12-egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, and loose eggs with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 225 and plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946.
Recalled shell eggs affected by the expanded recall are packaged under the brand names: Albertsons, Farm Fresh, James Farms, Glenview, Mountain Dairy, Ralphs, Boomsma, Lund, Kemps and Pacific Coast. Eggs are packed in varying sizes of cartons (6-egg, 12-egg, and18-egg cartons, and loose eggs for institutional use and repackaging) with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 229 and plant numbers 1720 and 1942.
Dates and codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg carton or printed on the case label. The plant number begins with the letter P and then the number. The Julian date follows the plant number, for example: P-1720 223
Where is it Distributed?
The recall affects eggs shipped since May 16, 2010 were sent to food wholesalers, distribution centers and foodservice companies in California, Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Iowa.
Does FDA have the authority to inspect egg farms?
In the past, FDA has inspected egg farms under its broad authorities applicable to all food, focusing on farms linked to recalls. The egg rule, which just went into effect for large farms on July 9, 2010, provides specific requirements applicable to egg producers that will greatly facilitate compliance.
Generally, USDA is responsible for egg safety at what are called breaker plants or egg products processing facilities. In these facilities eggs are broken and pasteurized. FDA is responsible for shell egg safety and egg products once they leave the breaking facility.

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NORTH CAROLINA: Bullock's salmonella outbreak caused by recalled eggs
19.aug.10
abc11.com
WTVD
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=7619772
DURHAM -- The Durham County Health Department says the egg product used to make the meringue that caused April's salmonella outbreak at Bullock's Bar-B-Que restaurant, is the same as the recalled eggs.
Megan Davies with the department says that the PFGE Pattern , or the salmonella's "fingerprint," indicates that the eggs both came from the same farm.
According to a report released last month about the Bullock's outbreak, "the likely source of the bacteria was identified to be from a commercially manufactured egg white food product, used to make meringue, which was delivered to the establishment."
The food that contained salmonella was prepared at the restaurant between April 20 and April 24. Health officials say 65 customers, who ate at Bullock's during that time, were diagnosed with symptoms relating to the illness. Only seven were treated at a hospital.

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US: COUNTRY Eggs, Inc. initiates voluntary recall of Large AA loose 15 dozen fresh shell eggs because of possible health risk
19.aug.10
FDA
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm223328.htm
Los Angeles, California -- The following statement was released by officials of Country Eggs, Inc. regarding the voluntary recall of shell eggs supplied from Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa.
Country Eggs, Inc. is voluntary recalling specific Julian dates of shell eggs produced by Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa because they 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, 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, endocardiditis or arthritis.
Eggs affected by the recall were distributed to food wholesalers, distribution centers and foodservice companies in California, Arizona and Nevada. Eggs were packaged under the Country Eggs, Inc brand name in 15 dozen bulk pack with the identifying plant code of P 1946 and P 1026. Julian code dates are 216-221. Dates and codes can be found on the box label.
The FDA and CDC have reported confirmed cases of Salmonella enteritidis illnesses relating to the affected shell eggs and traceback investigations are ongoing. Country Eggs is fully cooperating with FDA's investigation by undertaking this voluntary recall. Our primary concern is keeping Salmonella out of the food supply and away from customers- this voluntary measure is consistent with our commitment to egg safety and it is our responsibility.
Consumers who believe they have purchased these shell eggs should not eat them but should either destroy or return them to the distributors where they were purchased for a full refund. This recall is of shell eggs only. Other fresh shell eggs and egg products sold by Country Eggs, Inc. are not affected. Consumers with questions should visit www.eggsafety.org9 or call Country Eggs, Inc. at (800) 722-3447 between the hours of (9:00-4:00 PST) for recall instructions.

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LOUISIANA: Veron scraps product
20.aug.10
2theadvocate
Kimberly Vetter
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/latest/101135284.html
Veron Foods, of Prairieville, will no longer sell its hog head cheese, a company official said Thursday.
The decision to discontinue the product was made after an 8-ounce package of the cheese tested positive for bacterial contamination, said Neal Sheets, Veron Foods general manager.
As a result of the test, the family-run business recalled a half-million pounds of the cheese and "ready to eat" sausage Saturday, Sheets said.
The sausage was recalled because it was packaged in the same area as the cheese.
"There was a concern of cross contamination," he said. "We couldn't risk that."
Sheets said he also couldn't risk the chance of another recall. That's why he and his business partners decided to discontinue the production of head cheese.
Head cheese is a jellied loaf of meat, typically made from the edible parts of a pig's head, feet, tongue and heart. It is generally eaten cold as a spread.
Veron Foods has sold the product for decades,
Sheets said, but it's "a small part of our business."
Three people got sick from eating the contaminated package of Veron Foods head cheese, said Dr. Raoult Ratard, an epidemiologist with Louisiana's Office of Public Health.

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OREGON: Umpqua Dairy temporarily stops production at Roseburg facility
18.aug.10
Umpqua Dairy
http://www.umpquadairy.com/content/article/umpqua-dairy-temporarily-stops-production-roseburg-facility
ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Umpqua Dairy Products Co. has issued a market withdrawal of fluid milk products from its Roseburg, Ore., facility because of a positive identification of Salmonella on some of its processing equipment. In addition, the company has temporarily closed its Roseburg milk processing facility to sanitize potentially contaminated areas; Umpqua Dairy's ice cream and other dairy processing operations remain open and those products are not being recalled. Umpqua Dairy has initiated this fluid milk withdrawal voluntarily and is working closely with the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Public Health Division to eliminate any contamination and ensure that its products are safe and free from any potential health risks.
The voluntary recall affects the following products purchased on or prior to Monday, Aug. 16, 2010:
• milk, half-and-half and cream with an expiration date of Sept. 5, 2010 under the Umpqua Dairy, Cascade, Great Value, Lady Lee, Market of Choice and Sherm's brand labels;
• buttermilk under the same brand labels with an expiration date of Sept. 10, 2010, or earlier;
• Umpqua Dairy brand gallon, quarts and pints of orange juice and fruit drink with an expiration date of Sept. 15, 2010, or earlier;
• and any fluid milk product stamped with a plant code 41-62.
Consumers should dispose of any remaining milk, orange juice or fruit drink, or return unopened products for a refund at the retail location of purchase. Ice cream and other dairy products, including sour cream and cottage cheese, are not being recalled. Umpqua Dairy has also established a toll-free hotline for questions and further information at (888) 672-MILK (6455); information is also available at www.umpquadairy.com.
Since October 2009, 23 cases of salmonellosis have been confirmed by the Oregon Public Health Division. No deaths have been reported. Umpqua Dairy Products has produced more than 20 million individual packages of fluid milk products in that time period. All Umpqua Dairy products are pasteurized. The pasteurization process is 100 percent effective at removing disease-causing organisms. Test results to date suggest that all positive cases of Salmonella relate to exterior product packaging.
In making the announcement, Umpqua officials stressed the company's 80-year history and its commitment to high quality, as well as to the health and safety of its customers. A member of the Quality Chekd organization, Umpqua welcomes regular inspections at all of its facilities to ensure that they comply with all state and federal regulations. Umpqua products are pasteurized and have been awarded numerous Quality Chekd accolades, including being named a finalist for the organization's most prestigious award, the Irving B. Weber Award for Total Quality Excellence. In eight decades of operations, officials said, Umpqua has never recorded a case of illness due to a known pathogen in its products.
About Umpqua Dairy Products Co.
Founded in 1931 with a mission to consistently deliver safe and wholesome products to customers, Umpqua produces the highest quality dairy products in the marketplace. Umpqua Dairy continued its commitment to quality in 2008 by undergoing extensive training, auditing and evaluation with the SQF Certification Program for Safe, Quality Dairy Products. Umpqua Dairy was the first dairy in Oregon to undergo the rigorous process to become certified SQF level III, the highest level of SQF certification, in December 2008. Its Grade "A" facility is inspected on a regular basis to make sure that it complies with all state and federal regulations, as well as by the national Quality Chekd Organization for compliance with its high standards. For more information, visit www.umpquadairy.com.

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OHIO: Restaurants answer to food safety violations
17.aug.10
NBC 4i
Denise Yost
http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2010/aug/17/restaurants-answer-food-safety-violations-ar-196441/
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Some Columbus-area restaurants are facing alleged food safety violations from health inspectors.
Dragon House International on Galloway Road faced several violations in July, including a dirty meat grinder, food slicer and dirty food-contact surfaces. Re-inspection this month showed no critical violations.
At Sunshine Wok on Roberts Road, inspectors found problems in June with cold food being well above the proper temperature. Inspectors said the owners have fixed the problem and re-inspection this month showed no critical violations.
Both restaurants are on increased monitoring for the next 120 days.
But Fortune Chinese on Olentangy River Road is still facing violations.
In June, inspectors said they found unsafe food not being discarded, food stored above the required temperature, including raw chicken, beef and seafood between 54 and 60 degrees.
Inspectors returned this month and found that some problems weren't fixed, so the restaurant's license has been suspended for three days.

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BANGLADESH: 38 fall sick being exposed to anthrax contaminated beef
20.aug.10
The Daily Star
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=25403
At least 38 people have fallen sick after being exposed to anthrax contaminated beef in Shahjadpur upazila of Sirajganj.
The people were affected after they came into contact with beef. Some of the victims might have eaten the contaminated beef, District Health Department said.
Two medical teams from Dhaka visited the area on Friday, reports our Sirajganj correspondent.

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