Further Developments Regarding Jule’s Cashew Brie Salmonella Outbreak
The multistate Salmonella Outbreak linked to Jule’s Cashew Brie products, first announced on April 22nd, 2021, remains under investigation as two new cases of related illness have emerged, bringing the total number of illnesses caused by the outbreak to seven. Initial laboratory testing revealed the presence of a rare strain of Salmonella known as Salmonella Duisburg. Subsequent Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), DNA fingerprinting, and selective testing conducted independently by Tennessee and California public health departments and the FDA have revealed the presence of a second strain, Salmonella Urbana, in ingredients, in aging products, and in finished cashew products at Jule’s Foods facilities. Consequently, health officials have concluded that contaminated cashews in Jule’s cashew-based products are the most likely cause of the Salmonella Duisburg and Salmonella Urbana Outbreak.
The recalled Jule’s brand products were distributed in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Texas. Of the seven confirmed cases of illness, four have been in California, one in Florida, and two in Tennessee. Three of the seven reported cases of illness have led to hospitalization due to serious onset of Salmonellosis symptoms. The last reported date of illness onset, due to the Salmonella Outbreak linked with Jule’s Foods, was on April 8, 2021.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria which can cause a gastrointestinal illness known as Salmonellosis which is generally contracted by consuming contaminated food or drink. The most common symptoms of Salmonellosis are stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever, which manifest themselves within 12 to 72 hours of consuming contaminated food or drink. Healthy individuals typically recover without medical intervention, however, those with compromised immune systems, the elderly, or infants may contract more serious onset of symptoms which can require hospitalization, most commonly due to severe dehydration.
When the initial recall was announced on April, 22, 2021, Jule’s Foods promptly discontinued the selling and production of its Cashew Brie products. The FDA and local and state health departments are working with the cashew supplier of Jule’s Foods to determine the source of the contamination in order to prevent its recurrence. Consumers, restaurants, and retailers are advised not to sell, serve, or consume any Jule’s Food products at this time. In addition, anyone who believes they have come into contact with Jule’s Foods products should exercise particular caution by sanitizing any surfaces which may have come into contact with any of the concerned products.
