The FDA has opened two new outbreak investigations involving listeria infections and E. coli infections.
In the Listeria monocytogenes outbreak, the Food and Drug Administration reported 11 cases. The agency did not report the age range or place of residence of the patients.
The FDA has begun collecting and testing samples for the Listeria investigation, but reports that the source of the pathogen remains unknown. The agency did not report what types of samples were being tested. Sample collection and testing has begun, but the FDA has not begun follow-up or on-site testing.
Regarding the new E. coli 0103 outbreak, the FDA reports more than a dozen confirmed cases. The agency does not report patient information, such as the patient’s place of residence.
The agency has begun tracking the E. coli investigation, but has not reported what foods are being tracked.
In other outbreak news, the FDA continues to investigate three other outbreaks.
An outbreak of Salmonella Thompson linked to Gill’s brand chopped onions has sickened 73 people, with 15 requiring hospitalization. The FDA first reported the outbreak on October 4th. The FDA last posted an update on the investigation on October 24th. The latest patient became ill on September 25th.
E. coli O121:H19 outbreak The source of infection has not been determined and 37 bodies are under investigation. The FDA first reported the outbreak on November 1, but the agency has not reported any patient information, including where the patients live. The agency has begun tracking efforts, but has not reported what foods are being tracked.
The lead-induced adverse reactions were traced to applesauce pouches manufactured by WanaBana. As of November 15, 22 children have reported symptoms. WanaBana has recalled its products. Grocery chains Schnucks and Wyeth also recalled their own brands of applesauce in pouches made by WanaBana.
Consumers are warned not to give recalled products to children or eat them themselves. Although lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of all ages and health conditions, children are especially susceptible to lead toxicity. Lead poisoning can cause several long-term problems, including developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and brain damage.
“These products have a long shelf life. Consumers should check their homes and dispose of these products. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms of lead exposure,” according to the FDA’s latest warning. No. “If parents suspect their child may have been exposed to lead, they should talk to their child’s health care provider about getting a blood test.”
Short-term exposure to lead can cause symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain/colic, vomiting, and anemia. Long-term exposure may result in additional symptoms such as irritability, lethargy, fatigue, muscle pain or tingling/burning, constipation, difficulty concentrating/weakness, tremors, and weight loss.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News,click here)
