http://marlerclark.com/ en cmoore@marlerclark.com Copyright 2012 2012-01-18T17:23:21+00:00 http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/houghton-mi-e.-coli-outbreak-linked-to-ambassador-restaurant/ http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/houghton-mi-e.-coli-outbreak-linked-to-ambassador-restaurant/#When:17:23:21Z The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department has linked at least seven E. coli O157:H7 illnesses to The Ambassador Restaurant in Houghton, Michigan. The illnesses occurred over the 2011 Christmas holiday.  Health officials have stated that a ill food handler working at The Ambassador is to blame for the outbreak.  The restaurant has remained open and health officials do not anticipate any further risk of contamination. Four of the seven confirmed cases had to be hospitalized, though it is unclear if any had hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).  No deaths have occurred. 2012-01-18T17:23:21+00:00 http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/cozy-vale-creamery-raw-milk-e.-coli-outbreak/ http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/cozy-vale-creamery-raw-milk-e.-coli-outbreak/#When:16:57:55Z In November of 2011, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) announced that raw milk sold by the Cozy Vale Creamery, previously known as Cozy Valley Farms, of Tenino, Washington, was being recalled for potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination.  The unpasteurized milk products, including Whole, Skim, and Cream were distributed through retail outlets in Thurston and Pierce Counties.  The recall was announced after WSDA discovered E. coli O157:H7 in the dairy’s milking parlor and processing environments in response to an E. coli outbreak investigation.  At least three Cozy Vale Creamery customers became ill with E. coli infections after drinking the dairy’s raw milk products between August and November, 2011.  Locations where Cozy Vale Creamery Raw Milk was sold Cozy Vale Creamery on-farm store Marlene’s Market  Olympia Food Co-op Olympia Food Co-op Olympia Local Foods Yelm Co-op Mt. Community Co-op Marlene’s Market Retail raw milk is legal to buy and sell in Washington, but there are serious potential health risks.  Consumers should read the warning label on the retail raw milk container carefully and ask their retailer to verify the milk was produced and processed by a WSDA-licensed operation. For more information about the risks associated with drinking raw milk, visit RealRawMilkFacts.com. 2011-11-24T16:57:55+00:00 http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/organic-pastures-raw-milk-e.-coli-outbreak-2011/ http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/organic-pastures-raw-milk-e.-coli-outbreak-2011/#When:16:49:15Z An E. coli O157:H7 outbreak prompted a quarantine and recall of Organic Pastures raw milk products in November, 2011.  According to California health officials, at least 5 children became ill with E. coli infections between August and October after drinking Organic Pastures raw milk.  The same strain of E. coli O157:H7 was isolated from the five children, who are residents of Contra Costa, Kings, Sacramento, and San Diego counties.  Three of the five children who developed E. coli infections after consuming Organic Pastures raw milk were hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication of E. coli infection that can lead to kidney failure.  Organic Pastures Products Recalled for Potential E. coli Contamination Under the recall, all Organic Pastures raw dairy products with the exception of cheese aged a minimum of 60 days are to be pulled immediately from retail shelves and consumers are strongly urged to dispose of any products remaining in their refrigerators. Until further notice, Organic Pastures may not produce raw milk products for the retail market. The order also affects Organic Pastures raw butter, raw cream, raw colostrum, and a raw product labeled “Qephor.” While laboratory samples of Organic Pastures raw milk have not detected E. coli 0157:H7 contamination, epidemiologic data collected by the California Department of Public Health link the illnesses with Organic Pastures raw milk. According to a California Department of Food and Agriculture press release issued November 15, 2011, CDFA milk and dairy foods safety experts have begun a complete inspection at Organic Pastures dairy.  All aspects of operations, from the cows to the bottling plant, will be inspected.  Before the quarantine may be lifted, the facility must meet all sanitation requirements under state law. Additionally, raw milk products will be tested to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Prior E. coli Outbreak Linked to Organic Pastures Raw Milk Products In In September of 2006, the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) determined that Organic Pastures raw milk products were the source of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak among six children; two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).  2011-11-16T16:49:15+00:00 http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/schnucks-salad-bar-e.-coli-outbreak/ http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/schnucks-salad-bar-e.-coli-outbreak/#When:00:36:41Z At least 60 people fell ill with confirmed E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to romaine lettuce found in the salad bars of multiple Schnucks supermarket locations in October of 2011.  Though primarily centered in the greater St. Louis-area, the outbreak has affected people in the following 10 states: Arizona (1), Arkansas (2), Georgia (1), Illinois (9), Indiana (2), Kansas (3), Kentucky (1), Minnesota (3), Missouri (37), and Nebraska (1).  In addition to Schnucks, illnesses have been linked to universities in both Missouri and Minnesota. The early suspected source of the E. coli outbreak was fresh produce served at Schnucks stores in the St. Louis area, but all tests on food samples from Schnucks salad bars returned negative for E. coli contamination.  Interviews with E. coli patients did not point to a specific food served at Schnucks that was the source of the outbreak. However, on December 7,  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report pointing to romaine lettuce from a single producer and distributor as the source of the outbreak. Investigators believe the contamination occurred prior to lettuce entering the Schnucks stores.  The report does not name the producer or distributor. The unnamed producer also sold romaine lettuce to both the University of Minnesota and University of Missouri, where a total of three students were confirmed ill. According to the CDC at least 30 people have been hospitalized and two have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome.  Symptoms of E. coli infection include bloody diarrhea and painful stomach cramps.  In about 10 percent of cases, E. coli infection leads to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication that can cause kidney failure.  2011-11-01T00:36:41+00:00 http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/north-carolina-state-fair-e.-coli-outbreak-2011/ http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/north-carolina-state-fair-e.-coli-outbreak-2011/#When:00:04:01Z The North Carolina Division of Public Health and North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services traced an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak among 2011 N.C. State Fair attendees to the Kelley Building located at the fairgrounds.  The Kelley Building is a permanent structure where sheep, goats and pigs were housed, and where livestock shows took place during the 2011 State Fair. Residents of 8 North Carolina counties became ill with E. coli infections during the fair.  As of November 9, 2011, the E. coli case-count included cases from Wake (13), Sampson (6), Cleveland (1), Durham (2), Johnston (1), Lenoir (1), Orange (2), and Wilson (2) counties.  At least 5 people - 4 children and 1 adult - were hospitalized due to the severity of their E. coli infections.  Approximately 10 percent of children infected with E. coli require hospitalization for hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication of E. coli infection that can lead to kidney failure. Prior E. coli Outbreaks In 2004, the Crossroads Farm Petting Zoo was the source of an E. coli outbreak among attendees of the N.C. State Fair.  Contact with animals and hand-to-mouth activity were the source of the 2004 E. coli outbreak. In 2002, an E. coli outbreak at the Lane County Fair in Oregon was thought to have been caused by E. coli in dust and on surfaces.  2011-11-01T00:04:01+00:00 http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/tyson-ground-beef-ecoli-0157-outbreak-and-recall/ http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/tyson-ground-beef-ecoli-0157-outbreak-and-recall/#When:17:09:20Z On September 27, 2011 the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall of approximately 131,000 pounds of ground beef product produced by Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.  The Ohio Department of Health notified FSIS on September 26 that it had detected multiple E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in Butler County with illness onset dates of September 8 - September 11, 2011.  During the investigation, health officials recovered leftover hamburger patties from the homes of the victims which ultimately tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.  The following products are subject to recall and have a “BEST BEFORE OR FREEZE BY” date of “SEP 12 2011” and an establishment number of “245D” printed on the seam of the package: 5-pound chubs of Kroger-brand “GROUND BEEF 73% LEAN - 27% FAT,” packed in 40-pound cases containing eight chubs. Cases bear an identifying product code of “D-0211 QW.” These products were produced on Aug. 23, 2011 and were shipped to distribution centers in Ind. and Tenn. for retail sale. 3-pound chubs of Butcher’s Brand “GROUND BEEF 73% LEAN - 27% FAT,” packed in 36-pound cases each containing 12 chubs. Cases bear an identifying product code of “D-0211 LWIF.” These products were produced on Aug. 23, 2011 and were shipped to distribution centers in N.C. and S.C. for retail sale. 3-pound chubs of a generic label “GROUND BEEF 73% LEAN - 27% FAT,” packed in 36-pound cases each containing 12 chubs. Cases bear an identifying product code of “D-0211 LWI.” These products were produced on Aug. 23, 2011 and were shipped to distribution centers in Del., Fla., Ga., Md., Ill., Ind., Mo., N.Y., Ohio, Tenn., Texas and Wis. for retail sale. A retailer list has yet to be released by the FSIS. 2011-09-28T17:09:20+00:00 http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/e-coli-outbreak-cincinnati-ohio/ http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/e-coli-outbreak-cincinnati-ohio/#When:21:19:50Z J.B. Meats recalled over 70,000 pounds of ground beef that had been distributed to restaurants in the Cincinnati, Ohio for potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination on August 18, 2011 after public health officials determined that ground beef produced by J.B. Meats on July 15, 2011 was the likely source of two E. coli illnesses in the Cincinnati area.  According to a press release, J.B. Meats recalled 5 and 10 pound clear packages of ground beef and ground beef patties that were processed between August 18, 2010 and August 18, 2011.  Each clear plastic bag and label bear the establishment number “EST. 1188” within the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s mark of inspection. The E. coli-contaminated ground beef was distributed to restaurants in the Cincinnati area that were not identified. 2011-08-18T21:19:50+00:00 http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/oregon-strawberry-farm-e.-coli-outbreak/ http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/oregon-strawberry-farm-e.-coli-outbreak/#When:17:30:46Z On August 8, 2011, Oregon Public Health officials announced that they had linked strawberries to at least 15, possibly 18, E. coli O157:H7 cases, including 7 hospitalizations and one death. According to an announcement by Oregon Public Health, the strawberries were produced in July at Jaquith Strawberry Farm located at 23135 SW Jaquith Road in Newberg, Oregon.  They were sold primarily at roadside stands and farmers markets.  The strawberries were not labeled and possibly mixed with other fruit when sold. Officials are advised people who purchased unmarked strawberries from stands during this time period to throw them out. Ten people have confirmed E. coli O157:H7 infection caused by the outbreak strain. They include residents of Washington, Clatsop, and Multnomah Counties. Six other people in northwest Oregon also have recently developed E. coli O157:H7 infection and appear to be part of the strawberry-related outbreak. Of the confirmed cases, seven have been hospitalized, and one elderly woman in Washington County died from kidney failure associated with E. coli O157:H7 infection. There were 11 females and four males among the cases, and their ages ranged from 4 to 85. They fell ill between July 10 and July 29. 2011-08-10T17:30:46+00:00 http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/mcnees-meats-wholesale-ground-beef-e.-coli-outbreak/ http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/mcnees-meats-wholesale-ground-beef-e.-coli-outbreak/#When:17:13:38Z On August 9, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that McNees Meats and Wholesale LLC of North Branch, Michigan was recalling approximately 360 pounds of ground beef products for potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination.  FSIS and Michigan public health officials had traced three E. coli O157:H7 infections among Michigan residents to the consumption of ground beef produced by McNees Meats in July of 2011.  By August 10, the number of Michigan residents suspected to be part of the E. coli outbreak tied to McNees Meats had grown to nine.  A total of five confirmed Shiga-toxin producing E. coli cases and four probable cases were reported in Lapeer, Genesee, Isabella, and Sanilac counties. Illness onset dates range from July 18-30. Those affected range in age from 15-88.  At the time of the announcement, 6 E. coli outbreak victims had been hospitalized. On August 11, McNees Meats increased the recall from 360 pounds of ground beef to approximately 2,200 pounds. The recall includes the following products which were sold to restaurants and retail establishments in Armada, Lapeer and North Branch, Michigan, and at the McNees Meats and Wholesale LLC retail establishment: • 1 and 10-lb. clear packages of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk.” • 1 to1.5-lb., approximate weight clear plastic bags of “McNees Ground beef patties.” • 1-lb. packages of “McNees Ground Round.” • 1 and 2-lb packages of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk” sold in red and white plastic bags. 2011-08-10T17:13:38+00:00 http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/camp-lutherhaven-e.-coli-o26-outbreak/ http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_outbreaks/view/camp-lutherhaven-e.-coli-o26-outbreak/#When:20:22:46Z On July 1, the Panhandle Health District in Idaho confirmed that it was investigating an E. coli O26 outbreak among kitchen staff at Camp Lutherhaven on Lake Coeur d’Alene.  According to news reports, five kitchen workers had been confirmed ill with E. coli and three more staff members had become ill.  According to the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington, the E. coli outbreak investigation and health inspection showed that the kitchen workers may have contracted E. coli O26 in their living quarters.  E. coli O26 E. coli O26 is one of the six most common serogroups of E. coli bacteria reported to cause foodborne illness in the United States.  It is a Shiga toxin-producing strain of E. coli, or STEC, and is often referred to as a “non-O157 STEC.”  Symptoms of E. coli O26 infection include painful abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea.  In some cases, E. coli O26 infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can result in kidney failure.    2011-07-01T20:22:46+00:00