Market View: The Return of Truly New New Products

The area of food marketing that fascinates me the most is new products. They are so important to the life of a company, but generally have a high failure rate. In many food companies more than 50 percent of the current revenue comes from products that were not in the product line five years earlier. New products are tied to the ability of a business to remain competitive and also to the longevity of such a business.

It is estimated that the failure rate for new products launched in the grocery sector is 70-80 percent. With smaller food businesses, the new product success rate is around 11 percent. These numbers represent significant lost resources in terms of both money and management time.

One of the areas I investigated in the past was "How are new products introduced?" After all, we all agree that we only get one chance to make a first impression. How do America's food companies make their first impression? Alternatively what are the various launch types used to introduce new food products? I also wondered whether the U.S. food industry introduced new products any differently than other parts of the world.

Using data from the Mintel Global New Product Database 2009 and 2011, I was able to identify the various types of new product launches used in the U.S. The launch types included:

New Product: This launch type is dependent on the brand. It is assigned when a new line of products is launched. An example is Goya making new frozen meals.New Variety/Line Extension: It is used to create an extension to an existing range of products. An example is Healthy Choice frozen meals getting into vegetarian meals.New Packaging: This is a launch type that has a New Look, New Packaging, or New Size written on pack. Example: Hellman's mayonnaise in a squeeze bottle, a pop top on a soup can, etc.New Formulation: This launch type is determined when terms such as New Formula, Even Better, Tastier, Now Lower in Fat, New and Improved, or Great New Taste are indicated on pack.Re-launch: This launch type depends entirely on secondary source information (trade shows, PR, websites, and press). It is using new media to get the same product to a new audience or the same audience via a new medium.

How frequently was each of these introduction methods used between 2009 and 2011? The most frequently used launch method for new products was New Product with 41 percent of all launches being basically new products. I think this is good news for the food industry because it implies that the R&D functions are working again, after years of relying primarily on line extensions to get new products into the market. My personal opinion is that some of our new product development has gotten a little stale as research budgets were cut, and simpler new product solutions were sought.

The second most popular launch method was the traditional brand extension, with 34 percent of the launches. I always think of this as the "lazy person's" route to new products. I am appropriately criticized for calling it this, because it's a lot of work to produce any new product, anyway you launch it. However in many cases this launch type is often a new variety of the same spaghetti sauce, a new flavor of a condiment, a new vegetable in a frozen meal, etc. The rush to put "new" on the package often leads a company to make the most modest changes to existing products.

New packaging is the third most frequently used launch method with 21 percent of the launches following that type. I believe that these new products are often more innovative and more focused on solving the customers' problems. I love the squeezable ketchup bottles, so that I no longer have my hands covered in the product as I reached the bottom of the bottle. I believe new packaging is a way to entice non-users into the brand family or to get existing users who use the product to use even more. I think we'll see new packaging become a more important launch type in the future as technology and new packaging materials make these more available.

You may find it interesting to know that most of the world also uses new products as the most frequent method of new product launches. The EU (48 percent ) and China (54 percent ) use the new product launch type even more frequently than we do in the U.S. Korea and Japan use the more traditional line extension (45 percent) as their primary new product launch method.

After years of having line extensions be the primary method of new product introduction with the highest failure rate of any method, the food industry has again focused its attention on R&D in an effort to create great new products for our great consumers. This means your competitors may be looking at new products and new packaging for the future. Maybe we all should be tooling up our R&D efforts.

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Market View: The Return of Truly New New Products
John Stanton, Contributing Editor
The food and beverage industry shows signs its R&D engines are revving again.

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Rich Products Corp. Introduces Three Regionally Inspired Flavorful Finger Foods

St. Simons Island, Ga.-based Farm Rich, a brand of Rich Products Corp., Buffalo, N.Y., introduces three flavorful finger foods -- Chili Cheese Bites, Crispy Dill Pickles and Toasted Ravioli -- to retail freezer cases. Each product embraces different tastes and traditions from favorite regional flavors around the U.S.

Inspired by the iconic St. Louis dish, the lightly breaded Toasted Ravioli are made with mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago and Romano cheeses. After 12 minutes in the oven, the ravioli are served crispy and golden brown with a warm, cheesy center.
Crispy Dill Pickles, a version of fried pickles, is an appetizer popular in the South. These round, crunchy kosher dill pickle slices are covered in a lightly seasoned breading. They're golden and warm after nine minutes in a conventional oven, ready to be served alone or enhanced with a cool dip such as ranch dressing.

Chili Cheese Bites have smooth cheddar cheese and mild chili sauce in each bite. The chili sauce recipe was inspired by the annual Terlingua International Chili Cook Off in Terlingua, Texas, where the secret to winning formulas tends to be the layering of different flavors and chilies. Suggested retail price is $5 per 20-oz. stand-up freezer pouch.

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March 29, 2013 [Initial Announcement]: Multistate Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 Infections Linked to Farm Rich Brand Frozen Food Products

This particular outbreak appears to be over. However, E. coli is still an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about E. coli, and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection, can be found on the CDC E. coli Web Page.

CDC collaborated with public health officials in several states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 (STEC O121) infections linked to Farm Rich brand frozen food products produced by Rich Products Corporation of Buffalo, New York.

Public health investigators used DNA "fingerprints" of E. coli bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to identify cases of illness that were part of this outbreak. They used data from PulseNet, the national subtyping network made up of state and local public health laboratories and federal food regulatory laboratories that performs molecular surveillance of foodborne infections.

A total of 35 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 were reported from 19 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state was as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), California (1), Colorado (1), Florida (2), Illinois (2), Indiana (2), Michigan (3), Missouri (1), Mississippi (1), New York (4), Ohio (6), Pennsylvania (1), South Dakota (1), Texas (3), Utah (1), Virginia (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (2).

Illness onset dates ranged from December 30, 2012 to April 15, 2013. Ill persons ranged in age from less than 1 year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-two percent of ill persons were 21 years of age or younger. Sixty percent of ill persons were female. Among 29 persons for whom information was available, 9 (31%) were hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths were reported.

This outbreak appears to be over. However, many of these products have a long shelf-life, and they may still be in peoples’ freezers. Consumers unaware of the recall could continue to eat these products and potentially get sick.

E. coli is an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about E. coli and steps people can take to reduce their risk for infection can be found on the CDC E. coli homepage.

Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies linked this outbreak to Farm Rich brand frozen food products.

State and federal public health officials interviewed ill persons to obtain information regarding foods they might have eaten and other exposures in the week before illness. Twenty-four (100%) of 24 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Thirteen (68%) of 19 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products.

The outbreak strain of STEC O121 was identified in two different Farm Rich brand frozen products collected from the homes of two ill persons in New York and Texas.

On April 4, 2013, Rich Products Corporation recalled all of its Farm Rich, Market Day, and Schwan’s brand frozen food products produced at its Waycross, Georgia plant between June 1, 2011 and March 29, 2013 due to possible contamination with E. coli O121.

USDA-FSIS and FDA investigated suppliers of the common ingredients in the various types of Farm Rich brand frozen products consumed by ill persons, but the source of contamination was not identified. Rich Products Corporation is not currently producing products at its Waycross, Georgia plant, while the company continues to work with USDA-FSIS to develop a plan to make food safety improvements.

A total of 35 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 were reported from 19 states. There were no new illnesses reported since the last update.

Illness onset dates ranged from December 30, 2012 to April 15, 2013. Ill persons ranged in age from less than 1 year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-two percent of ill persons were 21 years of age or younger. Sixty percent of ill persons were female. Among 29 persons for whom information was available, 9 (31%) were hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths were reported.

A total of 35 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 19 states. Three additional ill persons have been reported from Missouri (1) and Ohio (2).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to April 15, 2013. Ill persons range in age from one year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-two percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Sixty percent of ill persons are female. Among 29 persons with available information, 9 (31%) reported being hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths have been reported.

Illnesses that occurred after April 10, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

Twenty-four (100%) of 24 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Twelve (63%) of 19 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific types and sources of frozen food that might be linked with illness, as well as to determine which particular ingredients or components of these products may be contaminated.

A total of 32 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 18 states. Five additional ill persons have been reported from California (1), Colorado (1), Florida (2), and Ohio (1).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to April 2, 2013. Ill persons range in age from one year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-one percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Fifty-six percent of ill persons are female. Among 26 persons with available information, 9 (35%) reported being hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths have been reported.

Illnesses that occurred after March 30, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

A total of 27 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 15 states. Three new cases have been reported from Illinois (1), Michigan (1) and New York (1).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to March 18, 2013. Ill persons range in age from 2 years to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-one percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Fifty-six percent of ill persons are female. Among 23 persons with available information, 8 (35%) reported being hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths have been reported.

Illnesses that occurred after March 10, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

Twenty (100%) of 20 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Ten (63%) of 16 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific types and sources of frozen food that might be linked with illness, as well as to determine which particular ingredients or components of these products may be contaminated.

Testing conducted by the Outbreaks Section of the USDA-FSIS Eastern Laboratory identified the outbreak strain of STEC O121 from individually wrapped Farm Rich brand frozen mini pizza slices from an opened package collected from an ill person’s home in Texas. The frozen mini pizza slices were included in the products that were recalled on March 28, 2013.

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CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 (STEC O121) infections. Public health investigators are using DNA "fingerprints" of E. coli bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, or PFGE, to identify cases of illness that could be part of this outbreak. They are using data from PulseNet, the national subtyping network made up of state and local public health laboratories and federal food regulatory laboratories that performs molecular surveillance of foodborne infections.

The type of bacteria responsible for this outbreak is among those referred to as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or STEC. Some types of STEC frequently cause severe disease, including bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is a type of kidney failure. STEC bacteria are divided into serogroups (e.g., O157 or O121). E. coli O157 is the STEC serogroup found most commonly in U.S. patients. Other E. coli serogroups in the STEC group, including O121, are sometimes called "non-O157 STECs." Because clinical laboratories typically cannot directly identify non-O157 STEC serogroups, they must first test stool samples for the presence of Shiga toxins.  Then, the positive samples must be sent to public health laboratories to look for non-O157 STEC. In recent years, the number of clinical laboratories that test for Shiga toxin has increased greatly, but some laboratories still do not perform these tests. Because of these complexities, many non-O157 STEC infections are probably not identified. The STEC O121 PFGE pattern in this outbreak is rare. In the past it has been seen less than 30 times in PulseNet.

A total of 24 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 15 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), Illinois (1), Indiana (2), Michigan (2), Mississippi (1), New York (3), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (1), South Dakota (1), Texas (3), Utah (1), Virginia (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (2).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to March 9, 2013. Ill persons range in age from 2 years to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Seventy-eight percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Sixty-three percent of ill persons are female. Among 21 persons with available information, 7 (33%) reported being hospitalized. One ill person developed HUS, and no deaths have been reported.

The outbreak can be visually described with a chart showing the number of people who became ill each day or week. This chart is called an epi curve. Illnesses that occurred after March 1, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 3 weeks. For more details, please see Timeline for Reporting E. coli Cases.

Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies indicate that Farm Rich brand frozen food products are one likely source of this outbreak of STEC O121 infections.

In interviews, ill persons answered questions about food consumed and other exposures during the week before becoming ill. Eighteen (100%) of 18 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Eight (57%) of 14 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific types and sources of frozen food that might be linked with illness, as well as to determine which particular ingredients or components of these products may be contaminated.

The New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center Laboratory, identified the outbreak strain of E. coli O121 in an opened package of Farm Rich brand frozen mini chicken and cheese quesadillas from an ill person’s home.

CDC and state and local public health partners are continuing laboratory surveillance through PulseNet to identify additional ill persons and to interview ill persons about foods eaten before becoming ill. FSIS and FDA are continuing to work closely with CDC and state partners during this investigation.

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May 30, 2013 [Final Update]: Multistate Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 Infections Linked to Farm Rich Brand Frozen Food Products

This particular outbreak appears to be over. However, E. coli is still an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about E. coli, and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection, can be found on the CDC E. coli Web Page.

CDC collaborated with public health officials in several states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 (STEC O121) infections linked to Farm Rich brand frozen food products produced by Rich Products Corporation of Buffalo, New York.

Public health investigators used DNA "fingerprints" of E. coli bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to identify cases of illness that were part of this outbreak. They used data from PulseNet, the national subtyping network made up of state and local public health laboratories and federal food regulatory laboratories that performs molecular surveillance of foodborne infections.

A total of 35 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 were reported from 19 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state was as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), California (1), Colorado (1), Florida (2), Illinois (2), Indiana (2), Michigan (3), Missouri (1), Mississippi (1), New York (4), Ohio (6), Pennsylvania (1), South Dakota (1), Texas (3), Utah (1), Virginia (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (2).

Illness onset dates ranged from December 30, 2012 to April 15, 2013. Ill persons ranged in age from less than 1 year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-two percent of ill persons were 21 years of age or younger. Sixty percent of ill persons were female. Among 29 persons for whom information was available, 9 (31%) were hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths were reported.

This outbreak appears to be over. However, many of these products have a long shelf-life, and they may still be in peoples’ freezers. Consumers unaware of the recall could continue to eat these products and potentially get sick.

E. coli is an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about E. coli and steps people can take to reduce their risk for infection can be found on the CDC E. coli homepage.

Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies linked this outbreak to Farm Rich brand frozen food products.

State and federal public health officials interviewed ill persons to obtain information regarding foods they might have eaten and other exposures in the week before illness. Twenty-four (100%) of 24 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Thirteen (68%) of 19 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products.

The outbreak strain of STEC O121 was identified in two different Farm Rich brand frozen products collected from the homes of two ill persons in New York and Texas.

On April 4, 2013, Rich Products Corporation recalled all of its Farm Rich, Market Day, and Schwan’s brand frozen food products produced at its Waycross, Georgia plant between June 1, 2011 and March 29, 2013 due to possible contamination with E. coli O121.

USDA-FSIS and FDA investigated suppliers of the common ingredients in the various types of Farm Rich brand frozen products consumed by ill persons, but the source of contamination was not identified. Rich Products Corporation is not currently producing products at its Waycross, Georgia plant, while the company continues to work with USDA-FSIS to develop a plan to make food safety improvements.

A total of 35 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 were reported from 19 states. There were no new illnesses reported since the last update.

Illness onset dates ranged from December 30, 2012 to April 15, 2013. Ill persons ranged in age from less than 1 year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-two percent of ill persons were 21 years of age or younger. Sixty percent of ill persons were female. Among 29 persons for whom information was available, 9 (31%) were hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths were reported.

A total of 35 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 19 states. Three additional ill persons have been reported from Missouri (1) and Ohio (2).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to April 15, 2013. Ill persons range in age from one year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-two percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Sixty percent of ill persons are female. Among 29 persons with available information, 9 (31%) reported being hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths have been reported.

Illnesses that occurred after April 10, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

Twenty-four (100%) of 24 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Twelve (63%) of 19 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific types and sources of frozen food that might be linked with illness, as well as to determine which particular ingredients or components of these products may be contaminated.

A total of 32 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 18 states. Five additional ill persons have been reported from California (1), Colorado (1), Florida (2), and Ohio (1).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to April 2, 2013. Ill persons range in age from one year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-one percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Fifty-six percent of ill persons are female. Among 26 persons with available information, 9 (35%) reported being hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths have been reported.

Illnesses that occurred after March 30, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

A total of 27 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 15 states. Three new cases have been reported from Illinois (1), Michigan (1) and New York (1).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to March 18, 2013. Ill persons range in age from 2 years to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-one percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Fifty-six percent of ill persons are female. Among 23 persons with available information, 8 (35%) reported being hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths have been reported.

Illnesses that occurred after March 10, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

Twenty (100%) of 20 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Ten (63%) of 16 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific types and sources of frozen food that might be linked with illness, as well as to determine which particular ingredients or components of these products may be contaminated.

Testing conducted by the Outbreaks Section of the USDA-FSIS Eastern Laboratory identified the outbreak strain of STEC O121 from individually wrapped Farm Rich brand frozen mini pizza slices from an opened package collected from an ill person’s home in Texas. The frozen mini pizza slices were included in the products that were recalled on March 28, 2013.

Top of Page

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 (STEC O121) infections. Public health investigators are using DNA "fingerprints" of E. coli bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, or PFGE, to identify cases of illness that could be part of this outbreak. They are using data from PulseNet, the national subtyping network made up of state and local public health laboratories and federal food regulatory laboratories that performs molecular surveillance of foodborne infections.

The type of bacteria responsible for this outbreak is among those referred to as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or STEC. Some types of STEC frequently cause severe disease, including bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is a type of kidney failure. STEC bacteria are divided into serogroups (e.g., O157 or O121). E. coli O157 is the STEC serogroup found most commonly in U.S. patients. Other E. coli serogroups in the STEC group, including O121, are sometimes called "non-O157 STECs." Because clinical laboratories typically cannot directly identify non-O157 STEC serogroups, they must first test stool samples for the presence of Shiga toxins.  Then, the positive samples must be sent to public health laboratories to look for non-O157 STEC. In recent years, the number of clinical laboratories that test for Shiga toxin has increased greatly, but some laboratories still do not perform these tests. Because of these complexities, many non-O157 STEC infections are probably not identified. The STEC O121 PFGE pattern in this outbreak is rare. In the past it has been seen less than 30 times in PulseNet.

A total of 24 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 15 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), Illinois (1), Indiana (2), Michigan (2), Mississippi (1), New York (3), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (1), South Dakota (1), Texas (3), Utah (1), Virginia (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (2).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to March 9, 2013. Ill persons range in age from 2 years to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Seventy-eight percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Sixty-three percent of ill persons are female. Among 21 persons with available information, 7 (33%) reported being hospitalized. One ill person developed HUS, and no deaths have been reported.

The outbreak can be visually described with a chart showing the number of people who became ill each day or week. This chart is called an epi curve. Illnesses that occurred after March 1, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 3 weeks. For more details, please see Timeline for Reporting E. coli Cases.

Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies indicate that Farm Rich brand frozen food products are one likely source of this outbreak of STEC O121 infections.

In interviews, ill persons answered questions about food consumed and other exposures during the week before becoming ill. Eighteen (100%) of 18 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Eight (57%) of 14 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific types and sources of frozen food that might be linked with illness, as well as to determine which particular ingredients or components of these products may be contaminated.

The New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center Laboratory, identified the outbreak strain of E. coli O121 in an opened package of Farm Rich brand frozen mini chicken and cheese quesadillas from an ill person’s home.

CDC and state and local public health partners are continuing laboratory surveillance through PulseNet to identify additional ill persons and to interview ill persons about foods eaten before becoming ill. FSIS and FDA are continuing to work closely with CDC and state partners during this investigation.

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View the original article here

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April 26, 2013 [Investigative Update]: Multistate Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 Infections Linked to Farm Rich Brand Frozen Food Products

This particular outbreak appears to be over. However, E. coli is still an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about E. coli, and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection, can be found on the CDC E. coli Web Page.

CDC collaborated with public health officials in several states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 (STEC O121) infections linked to Farm Rich brand frozen food products produced by Rich Products Corporation of Buffalo, New York.

Public health investigators used DNA "fingerprints" of E. coli bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to identify cases of illness that were part of this outbreak. They used data from PulseNet, the national subtyping network made up of state and local public health laboratories and federal food regulatory laboratories that performs molecular surveillance of foodborne infections.

A total of 35 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 were reported from 19 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state was as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), California (1), Colorado (1), Florida (2), Illinois (2), Indiana (2), Michigan (3), Missouri (1), Mississippi (1), New York (4), Ohio (6), Pennsylvania (1), South Dakota (1), Texas (3), Utah (1), Virginia (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (2).

Illness onset dates ranged from December 30, 2012 to April 15, 2013. Ill persons ranged in age from less than 1 year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-two percent of ill persons were 21 years of age or younger. Sixty percent of ill persons were female. Among 29 persons for whom information was available, 9 (31%) were hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths were reported.

This outbreak appears to be over. However, many of these products have a long shelf-life, and they may still be in peoples’ freezers. Consumers unaware of the recall could continue to eat these products and potentially get sick.

E. coli is an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about E. coli and steps people can take to reduce their risk for infection can be found on the CDC E. coli homepage.

Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies linked this outbreak to Farm Rich brand frozen food products.

State and federal public health officials interviewed ill persons to obtain information regarding foods they might have eaten and other exposures in the week before illness. Twenty-four (100%) of 24 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Thirteen (68%) of 19 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products.

The outbreak strain of STEC O121 was identified in two different Farm Rich brand frozen products collected from the homes of two ill persons in New York and Texas.

On April 4, 2013, Rich Products Corporation recalled all of its Farm Rich, Market Day, and Schwan’s brand frozen food products produced at its Waycross, Georgia plant between June 1, 2011 and March 29, 2013 due to possible contamination with E. coli O121.

USDA-FSIS and FDA investigated suppliers of the common ingredients in the various types of Farm Rich brand frozen products consumed by ill persons, but the source of contamination was not identified. Rich Products Corporation is not currently producing products at its Waycross, Georgia plant, while the company continues to work with USDA-FSIS to develop a plan to make food safety improvements.

A total of 35 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 were reported from 19 states. There were no new illnesses reported since the last update.

Illness onset dates ranged from December 30, 2012 to April 15, 2013. Ill persons ranged in age from less than 1 year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-two percent of ill persons were 21 years of age or younger. Sixty percent of ill persons were female. Among 29 persons for whom information was available, 9 (31%) were hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths were reported.

A total of 35 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 19 states. Three additional ill persons have been reported from Missouri (1) and Ohio (2).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to April 15, 2013. Ill persons range in age from one year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-two percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Sixty percent of ill persons are female. Among 29 persons with available information, 9 (31%) reported being hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths have been reported.

Illnesses that occurred after April 10, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

Twenty-four (100%) of 24 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Twelve (63%) of 19 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific types and sources of frozen food that might be linked with illness, as well as to determine which particular ingredients or components of these products may be contaminated.

A total of 32 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 18 states. Five additional ill persons have been reported from California (1), Colorado (1), Florida (2), and Ohio (1).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to April 2, 2013. Ill persons range in age from one year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-one percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Fifty-six percent of ill persons are female. Among 26 persons with available information, 9 (35%) reported being hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths have been reported.

Illnesses that occurred after March 30, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

A total of 27 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 15 states. Three new cases have been reported from Illinois (1), Michigan (1) and New York (1).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to March 18, 2013. Ill persons range in age from 2 years to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-one percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Fifty-six percent of ill persons are female. Among 23 persons with available information, 8 (35%) reported being hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths have been reported.

Illnesses that occurred after March 10, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

Twenty (100%) of 20 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Ten (63%) of 16 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific types and sources of frozen food that might be linked with illness, as well as to determine which particular ingredients or components of these products may be contaminated.

Testing conducted by the Outbreaks Section of the USDA-FSIS Eastern Laboratory identified the outbreak strain of STEC O121 from individually wrapped Farm Rich brand frozen mini pizza slices from an opened package collected from an ill person’s home in Texas. The frozen mini pizza slices were included in the products that were recalled on March 28, 2013.

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CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 (STEC O121) infections. Public health investigators are using DNA "fingerprints" of E. coli bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, or PFGE, to identify cases of illness that could be part of this outbreak. They are using data from PulseNet, the national subtyping network made up of state and local public health laboratories and federal food regulatory laboratories that performs molecular surveillance of foodborne infections.

The type of bacteria responsible for this outbreak is among those referred to as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or STEC. Some types of STEC frequently cause severe disease, including bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is a type of kidney failure. STEC bacteria are divided into serogroups (e.g., O157 or O121). E. coli O157 is the STEC serogroup found most commonly in U.S. patients. Other E. coli serogroups in the STEC group, including O121, are sometimes called "non-O157 STECs." Because clinical laboratories typically cannot directly identify non-O157 STEC serogroups, they must first test stool samples for the presence of Shiga toxins.  Then, the positive samples must be sent to public health laboratories to look for non-O157 STEC. In recent years, the number of clinical laboratories that test for Shiga toxin has increased greatly, but some laboratories still do not perform these tests. Because of these complexities, many non-O157 STEC infections are probably not identified. The STEC O121 PFGE pattern in this outbreak is rare. In the past it has been seen less than 30 times in PulseNet.

A total of 24 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 15 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), Illinois (1), Indiana (2), Michigan (2), Mississippi (1), New York (3), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (1), South Dakota (1), Texas (3), Utah (1), Virginia (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (2).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to March 9, 2013. Ill persons range in age from 2 years to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Seventy-eight percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Sixty-three percent of ill persons are female. Among 21 persons with available information, 7 (33%) reported being hospitalized. One ill person developed HUS, and no deaths have been reported.

The outbreak can be visually described with a chart showing the number of people who became ill each day or week. This chart is called an epi curve. Illnesses that occurred after March 1, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 3 weeks. For more details, please see Timeline for Reporting E. coli Cases.

Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies indicate that Farm Rich brand frozen food products are one likely source of this outbreak of STEC O121 infections.

In interviews, ill persons answered questions about food consumed and other exposures during the week before becoming ill. Eighteen (100%) of 18 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Eight (57%) of 14 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific types and sources of frozen food that might be linked with illness, as well as to determine which particular ingredients or components of these products may be contaminated.

The New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center Laboratory, identified the outbreak strain of E. coli O121 in an opened package of Farm Rich brand frozen mini chicken and cheese quesadillas from an ill person’s home.

CDC and state and local public health partners are continuing laboratory surveillance through PulseNet to identify additional ill persons and to interview ill persons about foods eaten before becoming ill. FSIS and FDA are continuing to work closely with CDC and state partners during this investigation.

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May 10, 2013 [Investigative Update]: Multistate Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 Infections Linked to Farm Rich Brand Frozen Food Products

This particular outbreak appears to be over. However, E. coli is still an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about E. coli, and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection, can be found on the CDC E. coli Web Page.

CDC collaborated with public health officials in several states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 (STEC O121) infections linked to Farm Rich brand frozen food products produced by Rich Products Corporation of Buffalo, New York.

Public health investigators used DNA "fingerprints" of E. coli bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to identify cases of illness that were part of this outbreak. They used data from PulseNet, the national subtyping network made up of state and local public health laboratories and federal food regulatory laboratories that performs molecular surveillance of foodborne infections.

A total of 35 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 were reported from 19 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state was as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), California (1), Colorado (1), Florida (2), Illinois (2), Indiana (2), Michigan (3), Missouri (1), Mississippi (1), New York (4), Ohio (6), Pennsylvania (1), South Dakota (1), Texas (3), Utah (1), Virginia (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (2).

Illness onset dates ranged from December 30, 2012 to April 15, 2013. Ill persons ranged in age from less than 1 year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-two percent of ill persons were 21 years of age or younger. Sixty percent of ill persons were female. Among 29 persons for whom information was available, 9 (31%) were hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths were reported.

This outbreak appears to be over. However, many of these products have a long shelf-life, and they may still be in peoples’ freezers. Consumers unaware of the recall could continue to eat these products and potentially get sick.

E. coli is an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about E. coli and steps people can take to reduce their risk for infection can be found on the CDC E. coli homepage.

Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies linked this outbreak to Farm Rich brand frozen food products.

State and federal public health officials interviewed ill persons to obtain information regarding foods they might have eaten and other exposures in the week before illness. Twenty-four (100%) of 24 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Thirteen (68%) of 19 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products.

The outbreak strain of STEC O121 was identified in two different Farm Rich brand frozen products collected from the homes of two ill persons in New York and Texas.

On April 4, 2013, Rich Products Corporation recalled all of its Farm Rich, Market Day, and Schwan’s brand frozen food products produced at its Waycross, Georgia plant between June 1, 2011 and March 29, 2013 due to possible contamination with E. coli O121.

USDA-FSIS and FDA investigated suppliers of the common ingredients in the various types of Farm Rich brand frozen products consumed by ill persons, but the source of contamination was not identified. Rich Products Corporation is not currently producing products at its Waycross, Georgia plant, while the company continues to work with USDA-FSIS to develop a plan to make food safety improvements.

A total of 35 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 were reported from 19 states. There were no new illnesses reported since the last update.

Illness onset dates ranged from December 30, 2012 to April 15, 2013. Ill persons ranged in age from less than 1 year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-two percent of ill persons were 21 years of age or younger. Sixty percent of ill persons were female. Among 29 persons for whom information was available, 9 (31%) were hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths were reported.

A total of 35 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 19 states. Three additional ill persons have been reported from Missouri (1) and Ohio (2).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to April 15, 2013. Ill persons range in age from one year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-two percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Sixty percent of ill persons are female. Among 29 persons with available information, 9 (31%) reported being hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths have been reported.

Illnesses that occurred after April 10, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

Twenty-four (100%) of 24 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Twelve (63%) of 19 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific types and sources of frozen food that might be linked with illness, as well as to determine which particular ingredients or components of these products may be contaminated.

A total of 32 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 18 states. Five additional ill persons have been reported from California (1), Colorado (1), Florida (2), and Ohio (1).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to April 2, 2013. Ill persons range in age from one year to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-one percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Fifty-six percent of ill persons are female. Among 26 persons with available information, 9 (35%) reported being hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths have been reported.

Illnesses that occurred after March 30, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

A total of 27 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 15 states. Three new cases have been reported from Illinois (1), Michigan (1) and New York (1).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to March 18, 2013. Ill persons range in age from 2 years to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Eighty-one percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Fifty-six percent of ill persons are female. Among 23 persons with available information, 8 (35%) reported being hospitalized. Two ill people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths have been reported.

Illnesses that occurred after March 10, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

Twenty (100%) of 20 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Ten (63%) of 16 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific types and sources of frozen food that might be linked with illness, as well as to determine which particular ingredients or components of these products may be contaminated.

Testing conducted by the Outbreaks Section of the USDA-FSIS Eastern Laboratory identified the outbreak strain of STEC O121 from individually wrapped Farm Rich brand frozen mini pizza slices from an opened package collected from an ill person’s home in Texas. The frozen mini pizza slices were included in the products that were recalled on March 28, 2013.

Top of Page

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 (STEC O121) infections. Public health investigators are using DNA "fingerprints" of E. coli bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, or PFGE, to identify cases of illness that could be part of this outbreak. They are using data from PulseNet, the national subtyping network made up of state and local public health laboratories and federal food regulatory laboratories that performs molecular surveillance of foodborne infections.

The type of bacteria responsible for this outbreak is among those referred to as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or STEC. Some types of STEC frequently cause severe disease, including bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is a type of kidney failure. STEC bacteria are divided into serogroups (e.g., O157 or O121). E. coli O157 is the STEC serogroup found most commonly in U.S. patients. Other E. coli serogroups in the STEC group, including O121, are sometimes called "non-O157 STECs." Because clinical laboratories typically cannot directly identify non-O157 STEC serogroups, they must first test stool samples for the presence of Shiga toxins.  Then, the positive samples must be sent to public health laboratories to look for non-O157 STEC. In recent years, the number of clinical laboratories that test for Shiga toxin has increased greatly, but some laboratories still do not perform these tests. Because of these complexities, many non-O157 STEC infections are probably not identified. The STEC O121 PFGE pattern in this outbreak is rare. In the past it has been seen less than 30 times in PulseNet.

A total of 24 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 15 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), Illinois (1), Indiana (2), Michigan (2), Mississippi (1), New York (3), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (1), South Dakota (1), Texas (3), Utah (1), Virginia (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (2).

Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 30, 2012 to March 9, 2013. Ill persons range in age from 2 years to 75 years, with a median age of 17 years. Seventy-eight percent of ill persons are 21 years of age or younger. Sixty-three percent of ill persons are female. Among 21 persons with available information, 7 (33%) reported being hospitalized. One ill person developed HUS, and no deaths have been reported.

The outbreak can be visually described with a chart showing the number of people who became ill each day or week. This chart is called an epi curve. Illnesses that occurred after March 1, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 3 weeks. For more details, please see Timeline for Reporting E. coli Cases.

Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies indicate that Farm Rich brand frozen food products are one likely source of this outbreak of STEC O121 infections.

In interviews, ill persons answered questions about food consumed and other exposures during the week before becoming ill. Eighteen (100%) of 18 ill persons interviewed reported consuming frozen food products. Eight (57%) of 14 ill persons reported consuming Farm Rich brand frozen food products. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific types and sources of frozen food that might be linked with illness, as well as to determine which particular ingredients or components of these products may be contaminated.

The New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center Laboratory, identified the outbreak strain of E. coli O121 in an opened package of Farm Rich brand frozen mini chicken and cheese quesadillas from an ill person’s home.

CDC and state and local public health partners are continuing laboratory surveillance through PulseNet to identify additional ill persons and to interview ill persons about foods eaten before becoming ill. FSIS and FDA are continuing to work closely with CDC and state partners during this investigation.

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View the original article here

Read More