Salmonella outbreak from Tailor Cut Produce fruit over

An outbreak of Salmonella Javiana traced to a fresh-cut fruit salad from Tailor Cut Produce is over, according to agencies investigating the outbreak.

Although the illnesses were found to have originated in the salad from Tailor Cut Produce, the source of the contamination was not identified.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were 165 cases confirmed in the outbreak through whole genome sequencing, according to a mid-February news release from the Food and Drug Administration. The cases were in 14 states, with Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania each having about 50 illnesses.

The North Brunswick, N.J.-based Tailor Cut Produce recalled the salad, called Fruit Luau, on Dec. 7. The salad contained fresh-cut honeydew, cantaloupe and pineapples, and grapes.

The salad went to foodservice operators, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, hotels and schools. Some people interviewed by health authorities also reported buying the salad at a retailer, and a review of records showed that company received the salad from Tailor Cut Produce, according to the FDA release.

The FDA did find “general deficiencies” at Tailor Cut Produce:

• A hazard analysis did not identify a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard that required a preventive control;
• The firm did not identify a preventive control for a hazard when one was needed; and
• The firm did not maintain the plant in a clean and sanitary condition and keep the plant in repair.

Tailor Cut Produce is working with the FDA to address the deficiencies, according to the release.

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