An International Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis Infections in the United States and Canada Linked to Peaches – 2020

Abstract

During August–October 2020, United States federal, state, and Canadian partners investigated an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections, in the U.S. and Canada, linked to fresh, whole peaches packed and supplied by a grower and packer with multiple orchards (Farm A). In the U.S., a total of 101 ill people and 28 hospitalizations were reported in 17 states, while in Canada, 57 ill people and 12 hospitalizations were reported in two Canadian provinces. The U.S. traceback investigation included 14 points of service (POS), representing 18 illnesses in eight states. Multiple distributors, packinghouses, and orchards supplied bagged and loose peaches during the timeframe of interest to identified POS, with peaches and packinghouses linked to Farm A being the primary source. Orchards of interest were identified for peach fruit, orchard tree leaf, and soil drag swab sample collection using traceback and geospatial analysis. Geospatial analyses showed that several orchards were in proximity to animal operations. While none of the Salmonella isolates recovered matched the outbreak strain, Salmonella Alachua was recovered from peaches and leaf samples, and Salmonella Montevideo was recovered from orchard tree leaves. Whole genome sequencing indicated that these Salmonella isolates were closely related to historical poultry and cattle isolates. Farm A voluntarily recalled loose peaches sold from June 1 to August 3, 2020, and bagged Brand A conventional and organic peaches sold from June 1 to August 19, 2020. Recalled products were likely distributed to at least 14 different countries. Findings suggest that adjacent animal operations may be a potential contributing factor to Salmonella contamination of peaches, with windborne or fugitive dust as a possible route. The findings from this first reported international outbreak of Salmonella linked to peaches grown in the U.S. highlight the importance of grower awareness of adjacent land use.