There is an ongoing public health threat from frozen, shredded
coconut linked to a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened people in the
United States and Canada.
In the U.S., 25 people from nine states have been confirmed with
infections from two outbreak strains of Salmonella. In Canada, one
person has salmonellosis from a strain matching one of the outbreak
strains identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Six of the U.S. victims had symptoms so severe that they
required hospitalization.
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The FDA posted this product photo with the recall notice Jan. 3.
Evershing International Trading Co. recalled
all Coconut Tree brand frozen shredded coconut packaged in 16-ounce
plastic bags on Jan. 3, but the product’s long shelf life prompted a
warning from the CDC on Tuesday.
“The frozen shredded coconut linked to this outbreak was used as an
ingredient in Asian-style dessert drinks served at restaurants. The
product was also sold in grocery stores and markets in
several states,” according to the CDC in its initial outbreak notice.
“Frozen shredded coconut can last for several months if kept frozen
and may still be in retail stores or in people’s homes. CDC recommends
that retailers not sell, restaurants not serve, and consumers not eat
recalled Coconut Tree brand frozen shredded coconut.”
The outbreak, which began in May 2017, could be ongoing. As of Jan.
12, the CDC had confirmed outbreak cases in nine states. The most recent
U.S. victim’s symptoms began on Nov. 4. The confirmed outbreak
serotypes are Salmonella I 4,[5],12:b:- and Salmonella Newport.
However, additional product testing since the first of the year by
Massachusetts public health officials has identified “several” other
strains of Salmonella in packages of Coconut Tree brand frozen shredded
coconut.
“Laboratory testing of other several types of Salmonella bacteria,
including Salmonella Javiana, Salmonella Rissen, and Salmonella
Thompson. These samples were from unopened packages of Coconut Tree
Brand Frozen Shredded Coconut sold before Jan. 3,”
the CDC reported.
“CDC is reviewing the PulseNet database to determine if the other
Salmonella isolates from the frozen shredded coconut are linked to any
illnesses.”
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health identified the outbreak
in December 2017 while investigating a single case of Salmonella
infection. Investigators collected food items from a restaurant where
that ill person had consumed Asian-style dessert drinks. Tests showed
Salmonella in the coconut used in the drink.
State and federal disease investigators have interviewed 16 of the
outbreak patients. Of those, 10 reported eating or maybe eating coconut.
Of those 10 people, 8 reported having an Asian-style dessert drink that
contained frozen shredded coconut before becoming ill.
In addition to linking coconut used in the dessert drink to the
salmonellosis patient, the department’s epidemiologists also identified a
strain of Salmonella that is new to the CDC’s PulseNet database.
“The fact that we have detected this strain of Salmonella that caught
the attention of the U.S. government is a testament to the work of our
dedicated staff, whom I applaud,” said Massachusetts Public Health
Commissioner Monica Bharel in a news release.
Advice to consumers The CDC recommends that retailers not
sell, restaurants not serve, and consumers not eat the Coconut Tree
brand recalled frozen shredded coconut.
“If you have recalled frozen shredded coconut in your home, you can
return it to the place of purchase for a refund,” according to the CDC’s
outbreak
consumer advice page.
“If you aren’t sure if the frozen coconut you bought is Coconut Tree
brand frozen shredded coconut, you can ask the place of purchase.
Restaurants and retailers can ask their supplier. When in doubt, don’t
eat, sell, or serve it. Throw it out.”
Consumers who have had the recalled coconut in their homes should
wash and sanitize countertops as well as drawers or shelves in
refrigerators or
freezers where frozen shredded coconut was stored.
Anyone who has eaten the recall coconut, or foods or beverages made
with it, and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should
immediately seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the
possible exposure to the pathogen.
Most people infected with Salmonella develop symptoms within 12 to 72
hours after being exposed to the bacteria. Symptoms can include fever,
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
In severe cases, the infection can be fatal. Infants, young children,
the elderly, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system
are at greatest risk.
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Source:
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2018/01/cdc-says-contaminated-coconut-could-still-be-in-homes-stores/
