Notable Recalls in 2020
While we have seen a reduction in the overall number of food and beverage recalls in 2020, this does not diminish the impact to public health. There are many notable recalls, and the most severe of these recalls deserve mentioning for the impact they had to public health. A few of them are:
Enoki mushrooms for risk of Listeria monocytogenes
On March 9, 2020, Sun Hong Foods of Montello, CA and on March 23, 2020, Guan’s Mushroom Co of Commerce, CA recalled all cases of Enoki Mushroom (Product of Korea) due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Traceback investigation from the CDC showed that enoki mushrooms supplied by Green Co. LTD, located in the Republic of Korea, were the likely source of this outbreak. This outbreak resulted in 36 people infected with Listeria monocytogenes from 17 states. There were 31 hospitalizations reported, 4 deaths, and 6 pregnancy-related cases with 2 of those resulting in fetal loss. As of June 9, 2020, the outbreak appeared to be over.
Sprouts for risk of E.coli O103
On March 16, 2020, Chicago Indoor Garden recalled all products containing red clover sprouts. The CDC reported that 51 people were infected from 10 states and 3 people were hospitalized. As a result of this outbreak, Jimmy John’s LLC temporarily stopped serving clover spouts in all its restaurants. As of April 22, 2020, the outbreak was considered over.
Bagged salad mix for risk of Cyclospora
On June 27, 2020 Fresh Express issued a recall of branded and private label salad products produced at its Streamwood, IL facility due to the possible risk of Cyclospora. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 701 people from 14 states with laboratory confirmed Cyclospora infections associated with this outbreak including 38 people who were hospitalized. As of September 24, 2020, the outbreak appeared to be over according to the CDC.
Deli meats for risk of Listeria monocytogenes
The CDC is investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes with epidemiological evidence showing deli meats as the likely source. As of November 30, 2020, 11 illnesses have been reported from 3 States. All 11 infected people were hospitalized, and 1 death reported from Florida. As of December 4, investigators are working to identify a specific type of deli meat or a common supplier linked to the illness.
Onions for risk of Salmonella
August 1, 2020, Thomson International, Inc. of Bakersfield, California, recalled red, yellow, white and sweet yellow onions due to the possible risks of Salmonella. These onions were distributed to wholesalers, restaurants and retail stores in all 50 states and Canada under several brand names.
The recall quickly expanded to retail outlets and restaurants for whole onions and products made with onions. The FDA and CDC warned against eating, selling or serving onions and advised to throw out the onions or any food product prepared with them. The FDA reported that 1012 people from 47 states became ill and at least 136 people hospitalized for Salmonella infections linked to onions. The FDA closed the recall at the end of September.
Peaches for risk of Salmonella
On August 22, 2020, bagged, bulk, or loose peaches supplied to retailers nationwide by Prima Wawona or Wawona Packing Company were recalled due to an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections. Investigation of the outbreak to the company through WGS. Products containing these peaches were also part of the recall. The peaches recalled caused at least 101 cases of illness and 28 hospitalizations that were reported from 17 states.
