FDA investigating 3 new outbreaks

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating three new outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. The outbreaks involve the Cyclospora parasite, Salmonella and Listeria.

For the Cyclospora outbreak, the FDA reports there are 72 patients. The outbreak apparently is not part of a larger 34-state Cyclospora outbreak being investigated by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

For the new Cyclospora outbreak, the FDA reports that a specific source of the parasite has not been identified. The agency is not reporting where the patients live. The FDA has begun traceback efforts, but is not reporting what food is being traced. For the larger outbreak, which has sickened thousands, the FDA has identified iceberg lettuce products produced by Taylor Farms as the source.

For the new outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections, the FDA is reporting 106 confirmed patients. The agency is not reporting the patients’ ages or where they live. The FDA has begun traceback efforts but is not reporting what food it is tracing.

For the new outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections, the FDA is reporting eight confirmed patients. The agency is not reporting the patients’ ages or where they live. The FDA has begun traceback and onsite inspections but is not reporting what food is being traced or what location is being inspected.

In other news, the FDA is reporting that the patient count for another Cyclospora outbreak has increased from eight to 10 patients. The agency is not reporting the patients’ ages or where they live. The FDA has begun traceback efforts but is not reporting what food it is tracing. The agency first reported the outbreak on July 8.

For outbreaks of Salmonella Oranienburg and Salmonella Enteritidis the patient counts have increased from 69 to 81 patients and from 91 to 96 patients, respectively. The source of the outbreaks has not been determined.

For the Salmonella Oranienburg outbreak, first reported on July 8, the FDA has begun traceback efforts but has not revealed what food it is tracing.

For the outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections, first reported June 10, the FDA has initiated traceback, onsite inspection and testing but it is not reporting what food is being traced, what location is being inspected, or what is being tested.

Coral Beach

Managing Editor Coral Beach is a print journalist with more than 35 years experience as a reporter and editor for daily newspapers, trade publications and freelance clients including the Kansas City Star and Independence Examiner.

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