Federal agencies begin joint investigation of new Listeria outbreak

The FDA and USDA have launched a joint investigation into a new outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections. The source of the pathogen has not yet been found.

For the agencies to work together on an outbreak investigation is relatively rare and generally signals they suspect a source that is made from products under the jurisdiction of both, such as a pizza with meat on it. The meat is under the jurisdiction of the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service while the other ingredients are under the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration.

As of the posting of the outbreak notice on April 30, there have been 10 people confirmed as patients. The FDA has not reported where the patients live or how old they are. The agency has begun an onsite inspection and sample testing but has not revealed what location is being inspected or what is being tested.

In other outbreak news, the cause of an outbreak of infections from Salmonella Enteritidis has not yet been identified. The patient count has increased to 59, up from 50 a week ago. The FDA has not reported the patients’ ages or where they live. The agency first posted the outbreak on April 23. 

There are likely more patients infected than are reflected in the current count because as many as 29 patients are sick for every one reported during Salmonella outbreaks. This is because some patients do not seek medical attention and others are not specifically tested for the pathogen, which can mimic other illnesses.

For another outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections, a source still has not been found. The FDA first reported the outbreak on April 23. The patient count has increased to 24, up from 22 a week ago. The FDA has not reported the patient’s ages or where they live.

For an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections, the FDA has closed the investigation without finding the source of the pathogen. The agency first reported the outbreak on March 5. Three patients were confirmed, but the FDA did not report their ages or where they live. The agency initiated traceback, onsite inspection and sample testing but did not provide any information on those efforts.

Another outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections continues to be under investigation. The FDA first reported the outbreak on April 13 with 30 patients. The agency has begun an onsite investigation and sample testing, but has not reported what location is being inspected or what is being tested.

For an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes first reported April 9, the patient count stands at 15. The FDA has begun traceback efforts, as well as an onsite inspection and sample testing. The agency has not released any specific details on those efforts.

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