FDA continues outbreak investigations | Food Safety News

The number of confirmed patients in several foodborne outbreaks has increased during the past week.

The Food and Drug Administration is currently investigating nine outbreaks caused by parasites and bacteria. There are four main tools the agency uses to investigate outbreaks: patient interviews, food traceback, onsite inspection and sample testing.

Updates on ongoing outbreaks

For the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes caused by an unknown source, FDA has initiated traceback. There are 25 confirmed patients, but the agency has not released any specific information about them such as their ages or where they live. The FDA first posted the outbreak on Sept. 4.

For an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis first posted on Aug. 27 the FDA has initiated sample testing. The patient count has increased from 34 to 39 cases since a week ago. The FDA has not reported where the patients live or how old they are. The FDA is also conducting traceback and onsite inspection, but has not reported what food is being traced or tested or what site is being inspected.

For an outbreak of Salmonella Oraninburg the FDA is reporting that the outbreak is over, but the agency has initiated an onsite inspection and sample testing as part of its ongoing investigation. The FDA first posted the outbreak on Aug. 20 with five patients confirmed. The agency did not report where the patients live or what their ages are.

For an outbreak caused by the parasite Cyclospora the FDA has initiated sample testing. The patient count has increased to 51, up from 46 a week ago. The agency has not reported the patients’ ages or where they live. The FDA has not yet determined a source of the parasite, but in addition to testing it has initiated traceback efforts and an onsite inspection. The agency has not reported what food is being traced or what facility is being inspected. The FDA first posted the outbreak on Aug. 13.

For an outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg the FDA has closed its investigation without determining a source of the bacteria. The final patient count is 25. The FDA did not report the patients’ ages or where they live. During its investigation the FDA traced food but did not report what food. The agency first posted the outbreak on July 16.

For an outbreak of Salmonella Anatum traced to frozen sprouted beans the FDA has updated its advisory with additional product recall information. There are 11 patients spread across 10 states. Four patients have been hospitalized. Chetak LLC Group expanded its recall to include fruit and mixed vegetable products. The products were sold in stores nationwide and through mail order services. For information and photos of the recalled frozen products click here. The FDA first posted the outbreak on July 9.

For an outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg traced to pistachio cream, the FDA has reported that the outbreak is over. A total of four patients were confirmed in Minnesota and New Jersey. Emek Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream with Kadayif and Emek Pistachio Cream were recalled and should no longer be available for purchase. The FDA first posted the outbreak on June 13.

For an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritis traced to cage-free brown eggs from Country Eggs LLC of Lucerne Valley, CA, the FDA has begun product sampling. The outbreak has sickened 95 people across 14 states. Eighteen of the patients have been hospitalized. The patients range in age from 1 to 95 years old. For photos of the recalled Golden Yolk and Omega 3 Golden Yolk brand eggs, click here.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here)