Are you a fan of plant-based foods? Not only are they often touted for their health benefits, but they can also help prevent outbreaks! Take the case of a recent Salmonella outbreak, for example. Thanks to the unusual source of the bacteria, health officials were able to quickly identify the culprit and recall the product before the outbreak could spread across the country. The source? Cashew brie, a vegan alternative to traditional brie cheese. The outbreak affected just 20 cases across four states, but it could have been much worse if not for the rapid response. So, next time you’re looking for a healthy and safe food option, consider going plant-based!
A multi-state outbreak of E. coli linked to nut-based brie cheese has been reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This particular outbreak began on August 10 and has already affected 12 persons in seven states, including Arizona, California, Hawaii, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. All individuals experienced similar symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal cramping, with four of them requiring hospitalization.
In investigating this outbreak, the CDC discovered the deadly bacteria in a nut-based brie cheese imported from France. After a thorough inquiry, the source of the cheese was identified as Rachel’s Raw Dairy, a cheese producer based in Utah.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then launched an investigation, inspecting the company’s facilities and issuing a recall for any remaining product. The company was found to have violated the Food Safety Modernization Act, which prohibits the use of nut-based cheese made from raw milk.
To prevent any further spread of E. coli, the FDA has issued an additional recall of products from the same company, which have tested positive for the bacteria. The agency is also recommending that consumers avoid consuming any of the recalled products.
The CDC has warned consumers to be vigilant and to contact their local health department if they experience any of the symptoms associated with E. coli infection, such as severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Ultimately, this curious case of nut-based brie cheese is a reminder that even seemingly safe foods can carry dangerous bacteria. The CDC and FDA are both working hard to ensure the safety of food products and consumers, and their efforts should serve as a reminder that it is essential to practice safe food handling and consumption practices.
