FDA investigating one new outbreak, continues to look for causes of others

The FDA is investigating a new Salmonella outbreak and continues to work on ongoing outbreaks, according to a new report from the agency.

Very few details are available on the new Salmonella outbreak, which has sickened at least 19 people, according to an announcement from the Food and Drug Administration. The agency did not report where the patients infected with the strain of Salmonella Javiana live. 

The FDA has not yet reported what food or foods are related to the Salmonella Javiana outbreak. The agency also has not yet begun traceback or sample testing.

An investigation continues into an outbreak of E. Coli infections that is linked to baby spinach and has sickened 10 people across seven states. Two of the patients have been so sick they had to be admitted to hospitals.

The FDA has begun product traceback, on-site inspections, and sample collection and analysis in the outbreak traced to the organic baby spinach, but no brand or producer has been named.  

The table below shows ongoing outbreak investigations being managed by FDA’s CORE Response Teams. The investigations are in a variety of stages. Some outbreaks have limited information with active investigations ongoing, others may be near completion. The table below has been abbreviated to show only active investigations.

The Food and Drug Administration will issue public health advisories for outbreak investigations that result in “specific, actionable steps for consumers — such as throwing out or avoiding specific foods — to take to protect themselves,” according to the outbreak table page.

Not all recalls and alerts result in an outbreak of foodborne illness. Not all outbreaks result in recalls.

Outbreak investigations that do not result in specific, actionable steps for consumers may or may not conclusively identify a source or reveal any contributing factors, according to CORE’s outbreak table page. If a source(s) and/or contributing factors are identified that could inform future prevention, FDA commits to providing a summary of those findings, according to CORE officials.

Click here to visit the FDA page that has a complete list of outbreak investigations and links to outbreak information.

Click on chart to enlarge.

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