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                Outbreaks of Foodborne Illness

Outbreaks of Foodborne Illness

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                        Foodborne Pathogens Home
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          Outbreaks of Foodborne Illness
          Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O121:H19 Frozen Falafel (October 2022)Outbreaks of Foodborne Illness Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O121:H19 Frozen Falafel (October 2022)
  
  					FDA’s investigation is complete. CDC declares outbreak over.
	
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    PrintThe FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, investigated a multistate outbreak of *E. coli* O121:H19 infections linked to Earth Grown frozen falafel.

As of December 1, 2022, CDC announced that the outbreak is over. There have been a total of 24 illnesses in six states. The last illness onset was October 24, 2022.

On October 7, 2022, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development collected Earth Grown frozen falafel for testing from a sick person’s home. Whole Genome Sequencing done at the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services showed that the *E. coli* strain in the falafel sample was closely related to the strain causing illness in this outbreak.

On October 6, 2022, the manufacturer of Earth Grown frozen falafel, Cuisine Innovations, initiated a voluntary recall. Recalled products include Earth Grown vegan traditional falafel and garlic & herb falafel distributed and sold exclusively by ALDI. Additional information on recalled products is available in the firm’s recall notice.

Recommendation

These items are no longer available for sale but were sold frozen and have a long shelf-life of 18 months, so consumers should check their freezers for any recalled Earth Grown vegan traditional falafel and garlic & herb falafel that was sold by ALDI. If you have recalled frozen falafel in your freezer, do not eat or serve them.


Product Images

Outbreak Investigation E.coli Frozen Falafel October 2022 - Sample Product Images
Map of U.S. Distribution

Outbreak Ecoli Falafel Distribution Map
Case Count Map Provided by CDC

Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O121: Frozen Falafel (October 2022) - CDC Case Count Map as of December 1, 2022
Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 24
Hospitalizations: 5
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: October 24, 2022
States with Cases: FL (2), IA (2), KS (1), MI (13), OH (1), WI (5)
Product Distribution: Nationwide
Useful Links

What Products are Recalled?
	What is *E. Coli*?
	Food Safety Tips for Consumers & Retailers During an Outbreak
	Who to Contact
	CDC Outbreak Page


Previous Updates

**October 11, 2022**

Based on epidemiologic information provided by CDC and interviews conducted by state and local public health officials, of 18 people interviewed, 15 reported shopping at ALDI stores. Among these 15 people who reported shopping at ALDI stores, 6 reported eating Earth Grown brand frozen falafel purchased from ALDI in the week before getting sick.

On October 6, 2022, the manufacturer of Earth Grown frozen falafel, Cuisine Innovations, initiated a voluntary recall. Recalled products include Earth Grown vegan traditional falafel and garlic & herb falafel distributed and sold exclusively by ALDI. Additional information on recalled products is available in the firm’s recall notice.

On October 6, 2022, ALDI removed any remaining Earth Grown frozen falafel from stores.

Who to Contact

**Consumers who have symptoms**should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.

To report a **complaint**or **adverse event**(illness or serious allergic reaction), you can

Call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator if you wish to speak directly to a person about your problem.
	Complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.
	Complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to FDA.Submit Questions/Get Assistance

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                                                                                  Content current as of:
      12/05/2022
              
              
Regulated Product(s)
		 Food & BeveragesOutbreaks of Foodborne Illness

          
                        Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks
          Public Health Advisories from Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks
          Food Safety Tips for Consumers & Retailers During an Outbreak of Foodborne Illness
          Food Safety Resources for Produce Shippers and Carriers During a Foodborne Illness Outbreak
          Outbreak Investigation Reports
          How to Report Seafood-Related Toxin and Scombrotoxin Fish Poisoning Illnesses
          About the CORE Network
          CORE Annual Reports
          CORE Publications


                        Foodborne Pathogens
 
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