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2007-7-16 19:17:19 |
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An association between Salmonella illnesses and consumption of Veggie Booty snack food, which triggered a recall of the product, was confirmed by laboratory results, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed Friday. A strain of Salmonella Wandsworth bacteria was found in Veggie Booty snack food, which is responsible for the disease outbreak that occurred between March and June 2007, the FDA said. "Epidemiological testing conducted by the Minnesota Agricultural Lab previously implicated Veggie Booty snack food as the source of the outbreak. The results of FDA’s own testing added confirmation," The FDA said in its statement. Early on June 28, Robert’s American Gourmet, the maker of the snack food and the FDA issued a warning that consumers should not eat Veggie Booty flavor of snack food due to then unconfirmed, yet possible contamination with Salmonella Wandsworth, bacteria that cause gastrointestinal illness. That warning came after the FDA was notified on June 27 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of 52 reports of illness across 17 states, beginning in March 2007. Almost all the illnesses have occurred in children under 10 years old, with the most cases in toddlers. Most persons had reported bloody diarrhea. The FDA released a statement Friday saying that the CDC has identified 61 children from 19 states who have become ill, compared to 52 cases from 17 states reported on June 27. Six children were hospitalized, compared to four reported on June 27. But no death from the Salmonella illness has been reported. States reporting illnesses include: California (seven cases), Colorado (five), Connecticut (two), Georgia (one), Illinois (two), Indiana (one), Massachusetts (four), Minnesota (two), New Hampshire (two), New Jersey (two), New York (15), Oregon (one), Pennsylvania (four), Tennessee (one), Texas (two), Virginia (one), Vermont (three), Washington (four), and Wisconsin (two), according to the CDC. Veggie Booty is marketed by Robert’s American Gourmet, of Sea Cliff, N.Y. FDA continues to advise consumers not to eat any Veggie Booty and to throw away product they have. FDA also advises consumers not to eat Super Veggie Tings Crunchy Corn Sticks, and to throw out any supplies they have, because this product also may be contaminated. No illnesses have been associated with any other Robert's American Gourmet products. Salmonella typically causes diarrhea (may be bloody), often accompanied by abdominal cramps and fever. Symptoms typically begin within one to four days after exposure to the bacteria. In infants and persons with poor underlying health and those with weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections. Individuals who have recently eaten Veggie Booty or Super Veggie Tings Crunchy Corn Sticks and who have experienced any of the symptoms described below should contact a doctor or other health care provider immediately. Both products may appeal to children, so parents should be especially vigilant and seek medical care if they observe signs of illness. FDA, the States, and CDC are continuing the investigation. Preliminary testing suggests that the seasoning mix used in Veggie Booty may be the source of the contamination. FDA will continue to trace back the ingredients and processing methods used for the seasoning mix, seeing to determine whether the seasoning actually is the source of the problem. Veggie Booty is sold in a flexible plastic foil bag in four ounce, one ounce and one-half ounce packages. Some gift baskets available for purchase on the internet include Veggie Booty or Super Veggie Tings Crunchy Corn Sticks. Robert’s American Gourmet ceased distributing Veggie Booty and began recalling the product on June 28. The company has also voluntarily recalled all lots and sizes of Super Veggie Tings Crunchy Corn Sticks snack food because the same potentially contaminated seasoning may have been used in making that product, too. In addition, the manufacturer of Veggie Booty and other products for Robert’s has ceased production until this investigation is complete. Robert's American Gourmet and its contract manufacturer are fully cooperating with FDA's investigation into the cause of the contamination. FDA will provide additional updates as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available. Wellbaskets.com Is Alerting Customers of the Veggie Booty Voluntary Recall Issued on June 28, 2007 by Robert's American Gourmet (July 2, 2007) For more information, visit |
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