U.S. CDC Investigating a multi-state Salmonella Montevideo outbreak; over 180 ill

Food Safety Infosheet Highlights:
-Daniele brand pepper-coated Salami recalled after potential link to outbreak.
-184 Illnesses have been reported in 38 states since July 1, 2009. Reports suggest that pepper used in the product might be the source of the illnesses.
-Pepper and other dry spices have been linked to salmonella contamination in the past.
- A list of recalled products and labels are is attached.

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125 illnesses linked to church fundraiser

Food Safety Infosheet Highlights:
-Community dinners can be great fundraisers but because they may be held at temporary sites and staffed by volunteers special precautions are needed.
-BBQ plates prepared by volunteers likely contained Salmonella.
-14 individuals who ate the BBQ plates were hospitalized with symptoms including abdominal cramping, diarrhea and vomiting.

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Avoid foodborne illness during the holidays

Infosheet highlights:

Clean and sanitize utensils and work surfaces after preparing raw turkey for roasting.
Wash your hands after getting the turkey ready.
Cook your turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F.

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Five students ill from outbreak linked to Campylobacter at school in UK

Food Safety Infosheet highlights:
- Environmental health officers focus on cross-contamination practices of food handlers.
- Infections often are a result of cross-contamination, cooking to unsafe temperatures or contact with animals; Campylobacter is not often passed person-to person.
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces (cutting boards, counters) between raw and ready-to-eat food preparation.
- Use different utensils such as knives, tongs and lifters for raw and ready-to-eat foods, if cleaning and sanitizing between use isn't practical.

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Effects of E. coli O157:H7 linked to grilled burger leaves woman paralyzed

Food Safety Infosheet Highlights:
- Ground beef has been linked to at least 16 outbreaks since 2007.
- In 2009, this pathogen led to the recall of beef from nearly 3,000 grocers in 41 states.
- Cook all ground beef to 155°F for 15 seconds or 160°F for an instant kill.
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces (cutting boards, counters) where ground beef items were prepared.

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Over 70 children ill from E. coli O157:H7 in two separate petting zoo outbreaks

Food Safety Infosheet Highlights:
- 67 ill in UK outbreak linked to Godstone Farm in Surry; 13 ill in outbreak linked to the Pacific National Exhibition.
- Handwashing can reduce the risk of E. coli O157, but signs and sinks do not make people wash their hands.
- Be diligent in promoting the importance of handwashing with patrons and staff and compel folks with creative messages.

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Over 500 Ill from Norovirus linked to raw oysters

Food Safety Infosheet Highlights:
- Outbreak linked to shellfish, made worse by ill staff
- Fat Duck’s poor food safety practices may have led to further contamination
- Several weaknesses in procedures at the restaurant may have contributed to ongoing transmission including delayed response to the incident and ill staff members

Click here to download the food safety infosheet.