Multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising consumers and retailers not to eat, serve, or sell pork products produced by Long Phung Food Products, which is linked to a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections.
There have been four people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria reported from four states (Louisiana, Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas). All four people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
On November 20, 2018, Long Phung Food Products in Houston, TX recalled ready-to-eat pork products because they might be contaminated with Listeria bacteria.
Vietnamese pork patty rolls recalled due to possible Listeria contamination
E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce statements
We received two updates from high level federal health officials to E. coli outbreak and romaine lettuce.
E. coli outbreak affects dozens in 11 states, CDC advises against eating romaine lettuce
In a statement from CDC Director, Robert R. Redfield, M.D.:
“CDC continues to investigate a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157 infections linked to romaine lettuce. We understand this outbreak is of concern to many Americans – especially with so many gathering for meals this Thanksgiving week. CDC’s disease detectives are working with federal regulatory partners to investigate and determine the source of contamination as quickly as possible. We will continue to provide more information as it becomes available. The good news is we were able to detect and identify the outbreak quickly through our disease surveillance system, which can prevent further illness.
“However, until we know more, it’s crucial that Americans continue to follow the guidance that CDC issued. There are no exceptions – all romaine lettuce must be discarded, regardless of brand, type, or if it is in a mixture. We also continue to urge people to follow our tips to help prevent E. coli illness. In addition, we remind clinicians that antibiotics are not recommended for patients in whom E. coli O157 is suspected until diagnostic testing rules out this infection.”
Also today we received some statements via Twitter from FDA Commissioner Dr Scott Gottlieb which points to California:
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