Publisher’s Platform: The CDC is MIA in Listeria and Salmonella outbreaks

— OPINION —

Two multi-state foodborne illnesses outbreaks have been reported by the FDA since the beginning of the year. However, against how it has been done for decades, the CDC has remained silent. Why?

Last month, the FDA announced that it, the CDC, in collaboration with state, local, and international partners, were investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries manufactured in Italy and exported into the United States by Importations Piu Che Dolci Inc. of Quebec, Canada.

On January 21, 2025, FDA was notified about an outbreak of Salmonella in the United States, which is the same strain investigated in Canada. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) informed FDA that their investigation linked their outbreak to Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries, and Importations Piu Che Dolci Inc. initiated a recall of all Sweet Cream-brand mini pastry products with best by dates from 2025/06/17 through 2025/11/15 (June 17- November 15, 2025).

The recalled products were imported by two distributors in the U.S. who were contacted about the recall. One distributor had no product on hand, and the second distributor quarantined all product on hand and informed all of their downstream customers of the recall. As part of this investigation, FDA conducted traceback for one of the U.S. cases and identified that they were served recalled Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries at a restaurant prior to becoming sick. The restaurant received the pastries from one of the U.S. distributors.

The FDA reported as of January 29, 2025, a total of 18 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from seven states – California, Illinois, Massachusetts North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Of the 18 people for whom information is available, one person has been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Of the 5 people interviewed, 3 (60%) reported eating pastries.

In Canada there are 69 ill in the following provinces: British Columbia (4), Alberta (3) , Ontario (24), Quebec (37) and New Brunswick (1). Twenty-two have been hospitalized.

Yesterday, the FDA announced that it the CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes.

On November 25, 2024, FDA was notified about an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in the United States, with many ill people residing in long-term care facilities (LTCF) prior to illness onset. FDA’s traceback investigation identified that each of the LTCF who supplied invoice information for review from 2024 to present received a frozen supplemental shake of either Lyons ReadyCare or Sysco Imperial brand. As part of this investigation, FDA collected environmental samples and found the outbreak strain of Listeria.

According to FDA, this outbreak includes cases dating back to 2018, with 20 cases across 2024 and 2025, and is currently ongoing. Epidemiologic evidence in previous investigations were unable to identify a source of the outbreak. As of February 21, 2025, a total of 38 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 21 States – Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and West Virginia.. Of the 38 people for whom information is available, 37 people have been hospitalized. Eleven deaths have been reported. Of the 38 people for whom information is available, 34 (89%) reported living in long term care facilities or were hospitalized prior to becoming sick. Records reviewed from facilities indicated nutritional shakes were available to residents.

FDA has been informed that certain Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes are being voluntarily recalled. FDA is working with the recalling firms. FDA’s investigation is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

Here is what is on the CDC website about these two outbreaks as of this morning: