Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Outbreaks & Recalls,Salmonella on February 18, 2025
A new Salmonella outbreak has joined the FDA’s current active investigation table. And it is not alone. In addition to three other active outbreak investigations, an E. coli outbreak that has been on the books since October has finally closed.
Here’s what we know about the new Salmonella outbreak and a bit about what is keeping the FDA so busy right now.
A new Salmonella outbreak was added to the FDA’s active outbreak investigation table on February 5, 2025. This Salmonella Enteritidis includes at least 18 cases. Though the true number of people sickened in this outbreak is likely much higher.
This is because only the most severe cases usually seek medical attention. During this time, their sample is tested to diagnose their illness.
Those with mild illnesses generally treat the symptoms or wait the illness out. This group of people are never tested for Salmonella and are therefore not included in the outbreak statistics.
The investigation is still early for this outbreak, but a traceback activities have been initiated to find the source of the outbreak.
The source of the outbreak has recently been announced as imported mini pastries. Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries imported from Importations Piu Che Dolci Inc. of Quebec, Canada. More information will be available soon.
Many different foods are known for potential Salmonella contamination. Namely meats like chicken or pork. Vegetables, like lettuce and cucumber. Fruits like mangoes and strawberries. Even spices and nuts have been traced back as the source of Salmonella outbreaks.
Just about anything can be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.
The most common form of Salmonella illness is called salmonellosis.
Symptoms usually involve nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, and fever that last a few days and then taper off within a week.
But a more serious form of Salmonella infection comes in the form of Enteric fever. A broad term for typhoid or paratyphoid fever. This type of infection is usually associated with drinking water contaminated with sewage.
Symptoms of Enteric fever include high fever, diarrhea or constipation, aches, headache, and drowsiness.
Enteric fever is serious. Up to 10% of those with this type of Salmonella illness who do not receive treatment may die.
Two Listeria outbreaks remain on the active investigation table. Both have made significant progress through the outbreak investigation process. Sampling and inspection activities have been initiated for both outbreaks. But no food source has been identified.
The first Listeria outbreak was announced on December 26, 2024. A recent update increased the case count from 32 to 34. Though, just like the new Salmonella outbreak on the table, countless other cases are not accounted for.
Another Listeria outbreak was recently announced on January 15, 2025. A recent update increased the case count from 34 to 35. Also likely to have additional uncounted cases.
The most commonly associated food involving Listeria infections is raw (or unpasteurized) dairy products. However, leafy greens, deli meat, and other veggies have been commonly associated with Listeria outbreaks.
A Listeria illness is quite complicated to diagnose.
For the most part, a listeria infection causes intestinal illness. Common symptoms of this type of listeriosis involve nausea, vomiting, aches, fever, and sometimes diarrhea. Most people with intestinal listeriosis get better on their own and do not need medical intervention.
The complicated invasive listeriosis is a whole other story. While this form of listeriosis is not all that common, it remains the leading cause of death from foodborne illness.
Invasive listeriosis happens when the bacteria leave the digestive system and enter other parts of the body. This can result in blood infections, brain infection, and other serious complication. For those who are pregnant, an invasive Listeria infection can impact the pregnancy. There is a high risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, and severe illness or death of the newborn.
There is one active E. coli O157:H7 outbreak on the FDA investigation table. This outbreak, originally announced on December 4, 2024 has been linked to at least 88 illnesses. Though, like all outbreaks, the true number of affected people is likely much higher.
The source of the outbreak has been traced back to romaine lettuce. A food often associated with E. coli contamination. Usually due to contaminated irrigation water.
Other common sources associated with E. coli outbreaks include meats, unpasteurized juices, raw dairy products, and vegetables.
Symptoms of E. coli infections often involve severe abdominal cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes fever below 101° F. Not everyone experiences severe symptoms, but for those in higher risk groups, E. coli infections can become life-threatening.
One E. coli outbreak investigation that was originally announced on October 30, 2024 has recently closed.
The E. coli O26:H11 outbreak associated with at least 10 illnesses was finally linked to alfalfa or clover sprouts.
Despite identifying these sprouts as the source of the outbreak, a specific producer could not be narrowed down.
As part of the outbreak investigation, the FDA collected samples. However, all tests were negative for the presence of E. coli bacteria. This is likely because of the limited shelf-life of these products and a small batch of contaminated product.
The FDA has officially closed this outbreak investigation because there is no longer a risk to consumers.
If you have recently experienced foodborne illness and believe you may be a part of a current or closed outbreak investigation, there are a few things to consider.
If your illness is associated with an investigation where the source has not yet been identified, your information could help those searching for the cause.
Report your illness. Either report your illness to your local health department or directly to the FDA’s tip line.
Make a list. You will likely be asked what you ate and where you ate it in the weeks prior to becoming sick. Make that list as soon as possible so that the details are more fresh in your mind.
Get advice. If you have been seriously impacted by your foodborne illness, you may want to get legal advice. Medical bills, lost wages, and other burdens associated with you illness add up. You may have a legal case.
If you have become seriously ill with a Salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli infection and wish to make a legal claim for compensation, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a food poisoning lawyer that can help.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully won millions of dollars in products liability and food poisoning cases and they can help you too!
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)