111 Illnesses as Peach Salmonella Outbreak Grows: Additional Recalls and Increased Illnesses of Salmonella Enteritidis Identified in the U.S. and Canada
The Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak due to contaminated peaches has caused 78 reported illnesses, requiring 23 hospitalizations, in 12 states (CT, IA, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, PA, VA, and WI). The outbreak has also hit Canada, causing 33 confirmed illnesses and three hospitalizations in two provinces: Ontario (22) and Quebec (11). The products were distributed nationwide in the United States from June 1, 2020, to approximately August 19, 2020, though additional recalls are still being ordered. National Food Safety Attorney Ron Simon believes that many more illnesses will be reported, “…due to the length of time and breadth of area over which the peaches were distributed…,” with increased recalls being reported every day. Simon urges victims of the outbreak to seek medical and legal assistance, and has set up a Salmonella Help-Line at 1-888-335-4901 for those with questions. Ron Simon and Associates recently filed the first red onion Salmonella lawsuit in the nation in Riverside California against Thomson International and expects to file more as the peach outbreak continues.
Bagged, bulk, and loose Wawona peaches have been recalled from ALDI, Hannaford, Target, Walmart, Wegmans, Kroger and affiliated stores Jay-C, King Soopers, City Market, Fry’s, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Foods Co., and Smiths. The peaches were sold under the following brand names and product codes: Wawona Peaches – 033383322001, Wawona Organic Peaches – 849315000400, Prima® Peaches – 766342325903, Organic Marketside Peaches – 849315000400, Kroger Peaches – 011110181749, and Wegmans Peaches – 077890490488. Retailers have also recalled store made items containing the peaches, such as bakery items. Russ Davis Wholesale has also initiated a recall on peach salsa and gift baskets that contain the contaminated Prima Wawona peaches. Consumers who have purchased the contaminated peaches or peaches with unknown origins should not ingest them, rather dispose of them immediately and sanitize all surfaces in proximity to avoid cross contamination. The FDA, CDC, and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are currently collaborating to find the source of contamination and identify any additional contaminated products.
