FDA is investigating dozens of new outbreaks of infections caused by Cyclospora.
Little information has been released, but the FDA reports that 51 people have been diagnosed with the infection. The agency has not released any specific information about the patients, such as their age or where they live.
FDA outbreak information indicates that a traceback investigation has been initiated, but no food or food is being traced to report. The agency has yet to initiate any on-site inspections or tests.
In another outbreak whose cause remains undetermined, the FDA reported Salmonella paratyphi B var. The source of L(+) tartrate+ has not been found. The outbreak status is listed as over, with 14 people confirmed to be infected. FDA is conducting ongoing investigations and traceability efforts for unspecified foods.
As of July 27, there are seven more FDA outbreak investigations underway. They include:
- Investigation of adverse effects associated with Daily Harvest brand frozen chives and lentil crumbs. The company has received more than 470 illness complaints, and as of July 14, the FDA had received 277 complaints. Some patients developed liver failure and at least 25 had to have their gallbladder removed. The FDA is working on traceability and has begun on-site inspections and product testing.
- Outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup infection in 70 confirmed patients. The reason is unclear, but the FDA has begun a retrospective effort. The agency has not disclosed which foods are being tracked.
- An outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infection has infected 12 people. The FDA has initiated traceability efforts, but has not yet reported which foods or foods are being traced.
- An outbreak of hepatitis A infection traced to fresh strawberries sickened at least 19 people, Thirteen of them were hospitalized. The potentially contaminated strawberries were imported from Baja California in northern Mexico and sold nationwide under the FreshKampo and HEB brands. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to investigate the outbreak. There have also been reports of sick patients in Canada.
- An “adverse event” broke out involving 558 patients who ate Lucky Charm cereal. The investigation is ongoing, and the FDA is conducting on-site inspections and testing.
- Infection outbreak traced from Listeria monocytogenes to Big Olaf ice cream produced in Florida. A total of 23 confirmed patients were reported, including 1 death and 1 fetal loss. The patients are spread across 10 states, and many have reportedly traveled to Florida before becoming ill. Tests showed the presence of Listeria in 16 of the manufacturing plants and 17 flavors of Big Olaf ice cream. The company has been shut down by the state until further notice.
- Outbreak of Cronobacter infection in four infants, one of whom died. The CDC has determined the outbreak is over, but is still investigating. The babies were fed infant formula produced at the Abbott Nutrition facility in Sturgis, Michigan.
Other outbreak information
The following table shows information about outbreak investigations administered by FDA’s CORE Response Team. The investigation is at various stages. Some outbreaks have limited information and are under active investigation, others may be nearing completion. The table below has been abbreviated to show only positive surveys.
According to FDA, a public health advisory will be issued for consumers to take specific, actionable steps to protect their investigations. Please follow these pages for the latest information on investigations and consumer protector of information.
Outbreak and adverse event investigations that do not lead to specific, actionable steps for consumers may or may not conclusively identify the source or reveal any contributing factors. Adverse event investigations rely on self-reported data. While these reports may name specific products, the FDA will only identify product categories in the form and will not publicly name specific products until there is sufficient evidence that the product was the cause of the disease or adverse event. If causes and/or contributing factors are identified that may inform future prevention, FDA commits to provide summaries of those findings.
Click here to go to a page with links to specific outbreak information.
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