An Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Weltevreden Illnesses in the United States Linked to Frozen Precooked Shrimp Imported from India – 2021

Abstract

In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state partners investigated a multistate sample-initiated retrospective outbreak investigation (SIROI) consisting of a cluster of nine Salmonella Weltevreden illnesses associated with frozen, precooked shrimp imported from India. Import surveillance testing identified Salmonella Weltevreden recovered from a cooked shrimp sample from Supplier B. In total, nine patients with clinical isolates highly related via whole genome sequencing were reported in four states with illness onset dates between February 26 and July 17, 2021. Epidemiologic data were gathered by state partners for seven patients, who all reported exposure to shrimp. Five patients reported consuming shrimp cocktail from the same retailer. A traceback investigation for five of the six patients converged on Supplier B. This evidence demonstrated that the outbreak of Salmonella Weltevreden illnesses was caused by the consumption of cooked, ready-to-eat shrimp manufactured by Supplier B. At the time of the investigation, outbreak and recall information was shared with Indian competent authorities. In March 2022, a follow-up inspection of Supplier B’s facility in India was conducted, and insanitary conditions and practices were observed. This outbreak investigation highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary national and international public health partnerships. The lessons learned from this investigation should continue to inform investigational activities and food safety guidance for the industry.

Keywords

• Foodborne illness outbreaks
• Imported food
• Salmonella Weltevreden
• Shrimp