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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 Salmonella Weltevreden: Frozen Pre-cooked Shrimp (April 2021)Outbreaks of Foodborne Illness Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Weltevreden: Frozen Pre-cooked Shrimp (April 2021)
  
  					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 *Salmonella* Weltevreden infections linked to the consumption of frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods of India.

As of September 21, 2021, CDC announced that the outbreak is over. There are a total of nine illnesses in four states. The last illness onset date was July 17, 2021.

Based on FDA’s completed traceback investigation and sample results, the frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods of India were linked to this outbreak. The FDA worked with Avanti Frozen Foods of India to ensure that potentially contaminated frozen cooked shrimp were removed from the market.

On August 13, 2021, Avanti Frozen Foods of India expanded its recall of frozen cooked shrimp to include frozen cooked shrimp products imported into the U.S. from November 2020 to May 2021. Since Avanti Frozen Foods expanded its recall, downstream recalls have been initiated for sushi products containing recalled shrimp, sold in the state of California:

Genji Pacific LLC.
	Mai Cuisine Inc.
	Mai Franchising Inc.Recommendation

Recalled frozen shrimp should no longer be available for sale; however, these products have a long shelf life, and consumers, restaurants, and retailers should check their freezers and should throw away recalled shrimp. The expanded recall from August 17, 2021 includes the following brands:

BIG RIVER
	365
	AHOLD
	CENSEA
	COS
	CWNO BRAND
	FIRST STREET
	NATURE’S PROMISE
	HARBOR BANKS
	HOS
	MEIJER
	SANDBAR
	SEA COVE
	WATERFRONT BISTRO
	WELLSLEYFARMS
	WFNOBRANDS
	FOODLION
	HANNAFORDPlease check the expanded recall announcement for full product descriptions.

Previously recalled shrimp should no longer be available for sale; however, these products have a long shelf life, and consumers, restaurants, and retailers should check their freezers and should throw away any previously recalled shrimp. The initial recall includes the following brands:

CENSEA
	CHICKEN OF THE SEA
	HONEST CATCH
	CWNO
	HANNAFORD
	WATERFRONT BISTRO
	OPEN ACRES
	365
	MEIJERPlease check the initial recall announcement for full product descriptions.

Anyone who received recalled shrimp should use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that may have come in contact with the recalled product, to reduce the risk of cross contamination.


Case Count Map Provided by CDC

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Weltevreden in Shrimp - CDC Case Count Map - August 11, 2021
Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 9
Hospitalizations: 3
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: 7/17/2021
States with Cases: AZ (2), MI (2), NV (4), RI (1)
Product Distribution: Nationwide
Useful Links

What is *Salmonella*?****
	Food Safety Tips for Consumers & Retailers During an Outbreak
	Who to Contact
	CDC Outbreak Page
	Avanti Frozen Foods Recall
	Avanti Frozen Foods Expanded Recall
	Genji Pacific LLC.
	Mai Cuisine Inc.
	Mai Franchising Inc.


Previous Updates

**August 17, 2021**

Since July 21, 2021, additional cases have been identified in this outbreak and this investigation was reopened. At least one ill person consumed shrimp that were not a part of the Avanti Frozen Foods of India’s initial recall. Due to this new information, on August 10, 2021 the FDA asked the firm to expand its initial recall to prevent additional illnesses. On August 13, 2021, Avanti Frozen Foods of India expanded its recall of frozen cooked shrimp to include frozen cooked shrimp products imported into the U.S. from November 2020 to May 2021. Since Avanti Frozen Foods expanded its recall, downstream recalls have been initiated for sushi products containing recalled shrimp, sold in the state of California:

Genji Pacific LLC.
	Mai Cuisine Inc.
	Mai Franchising Inc.**August 11, 2021**

Since July 21, 2021, additional cases have been identified in this outbreak. At least one ill person consumed shrimp that are not a part of the current recall. Due to this new information, on August 10, 2021 the FDA asked the firm to expand their current recall to prevent additional illnesses, but. As of August 11, 2021, the firm has not initiated an expanded recall.  FDA is continuing discussions with the firm and will provide more updates when available.

The current recall includes the following brands: CENSEA, CHICKEN OF THE SEA, HONEST CATCH, CWNO, HANNAFORD, WATERFRONT BISTRO, OPEN ACRES, 265, and MEIJER. Please check the recall announcement for full product descriptions.

FDA will share additional product information as soon as it becomes available, including if there are additional products and production dates to avoid.

**July 21, 2021**

On 7/21/2021, the CDC announced that this outbreak is over. Recalled shrimp should no longer be available for sale; however, these products have a long shelf life, and consumers, restaurants, and retailers should check their freezers and should throw away any recalled shrimp. Anyone who received recalled shrimp should use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that may have come in contact with the recalled product, to reduce the risk of cross contamination.

**June 25, 2021**

A positive import sample combined with epidemiological and traceback evidence indicate that this outbreak is linked to frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods. FDA’s traceback investigation identified a common shipment of shrimp that could have been consumed by ill people. The product from this shipment was all sold thawed at retail and is no longer available for sale. Due to the potential for contamination with *Salmonella*, on June 25, 2021, Avanti Frozen Foods recalled certain frozen cooked, peeled, deveined shrimp products imported into the U.S. from December 2020 to February 2021. Recalled shrimp were sold under various brand names and package sizes, including shrimp packaged with cocktail sauce. A full list of recalled brands and product information is available in the recall announcement.

The FDA is working with the firm to determine if there are additional shrimp that have been affected and should be recalled. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

On January 26, 2021, an import sample of Avanti Frozen Foods shrimp was collected as a routine part of the FDA’s Imported Seafood Compliance Program. Analysis of the sample showed the presence of *Salmonella* Weltevreden. At the time, there were no known associated illnesses or closely related isolates of this strain. In March 2021, as a result of the positive test, this shipment was refused admission into the U.S. and was destroyed, and the importing firm was added to Import Alert 16-81, which allows the FDA to detain product without physical examination due to the presence of *Salmonella*.

In April 2021, three clinical isolates collected from ill people were reported to be closely related to the isolates collected from the import sample. As of June 25, 2021, there are now 6 clinical isolates from ill people that are genetic matches to the *Salmonella* collected from the import sample. Five of the six ill people were interviewed to determine the foods they ate before becoming sick, and all five ill people report eating shrimp. Based on purchase locations and purchase dates available for four ill people, FDA’s traceback investigation identified a common shipment of shrimp that could have been consumed by ill people. The product from this shipment was all sold thawed at retail. This thawed product is past expiration and no longer available for sale.

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 Coordinatorif 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:
      09/21/2021
              
              
Regulated Product(s)
		 Food & Beverages
			  			     			  						              
			
			
			
			
			
						  Seafood/Seafood ProductOutbreaks 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


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