Dried Coconut Linked to Multistate Salmonella Outbreak

Federal health officials have announced a recall for certain grated coconut products, amid a multi-state salmonella food poisoning outbreak that has sickened at least 13 people across eight states, resulting in three hospitalizations. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the Buenas Brand frozen grated coconut recall on April 4, after routine testing by California health officials discovered the presence of salmonella containing similar strains of bacteria as those found in sickened consumers. It is the latest of several such recalls involving dried coconut.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) opened a multi-state salmonella outbreak investigation on March 21, after receiving 13 reports of consumers falling ill with salmonella across eight states. Following whole genome sequencing tests, officials were able to identify the strains of salmonella among the sickened individuals were closely related.

Interviews with sickened patients discovered that 88% reported eating dried coconut from grocery stores within a week of becoming ill, with four of the individuals reporting having consumed dried coconut products from Natural Grocers store locations.

The FDA in conjunction with the CDC began performing random sample testing from the known distributors of frozen coconut products and discovered products tested from International Harvest Inc., tested positive for salmonella, with similar strains of bacteria.

In March, International Harvest Inc. recalled bags of Organic Go Smile! Raw Coconut and bulk packages of Go Smiles Dried Coconut Raw. The products were sold online and in stores in 9-ounce bags with sell-by dates from January 1, 2018 through March 1, 2019. Recalled bulk Go Smiles Dried Coconut Raw was sold in a 25-pound cases labeled with batch or lot numbers OCSM-0010, OCSM-0011, and OCSM-0014.

Shortly after, Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets Inc., began recalling packages of Natural Grocers Coconut Smiles Organic labeled products with barcode 8034810 that were distributed in 10-ounce bags with the Natural Grocers label.

After backtracking the source of the recalled products, the FDA was able to determine the grated coconut products were distributed by Global Commodities Corporation of Hayward, California.

The California Department of Public Health discovered the presence of salmonella in the Buenas Brand grated coconut products while assisting the FDA and CDC in random sample testing to discover the source of the outbreak.

The Buenas Brand grated coconut products with UPC number 806514650443 or lot number 10BAAGA were distributed to various retailers and grocers for repackaging and further distribution in 16 oz. plastic bags.

CDC officials determined the products were shipped to retail locations in northern California beginning in February 2018 and believe some of the products could be on store shelves, in restaurants, or in consumer’s possession.

The FDA is recommending consumers stop consuming any grated coconut products that could have been redistributed and included in the recall. Customers are being asked to contact Global Commodities Corporation at 510-785-8885 for a proper credit.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis and seriously sicken the affected person. Salmonellosis is one of the most common food borne illnesses. Symptoms of the illness include, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever typically within 12 to 72 hours after eating the tainted product and may last for up to 4 to 7 days. While most patients recover without needing medical treatment, in some more serious cases, patient’s diarrhea may be so severe the patient needs hospitalization and IV fluids.

The illness can be especially problematic for older adults, infants and people with weakened immune systems. These patients are more likely to become severely ill, in which the FDA and CDC warn those concerned about Salmonellosis should contact their doctor.