Import Alert 23-12

"Detention Without Physical Examination of Coconut Due to the Presence of Microbiological Contamination"

On September 6, 1991, Baltimore District was informed by the Maryland State Department of Health of an outbreak of Cholera. Three individuals became ill and were found to be infected with Cholera. The strain was confirmed by CDC as Vibrio Cholerae, 01, Ogawa, El Tor, Toxigenic N. The product implicated in this outbreak was a dessert made with coconut milk.

A number of different products were collected by Baltimore district as a result of a follow-up investigation; laboratory analysis of a sample of fresh frozen coconut milk identified the presence of V. Cholerae, 01, Ogawa, Toxigenic, which was confirmed by CFSAN. The product was also found to contain Salmonella.

The product contaminated with V. Cholerae is Asian Best Brand of frozen fresh coconut milk packed in 8 oz. plastic bags. The manufacturer is identified as CHAMP GROUP ENTERPRISE CO., LTD., Bangkok, Thailand. The product was distributed in Asian specialty markets along the east coast and in the midwest by b(4)                                       . Other shippers and/or distributors have not been identified.

A separate sample of a different product, from the same manufacturer, coconut candy was found to contain Salmonella.

In 2008, A sample of shredded coconut from an Indian firm was collected and analyzed and found to contain Listeria monocytogenes Type 4.

Districts may detain, without physical sampling and analysis, all shipments of the specified coconut product(s) from the manufacturers/shippers listed in the Red List below due to the presence of microbiological contamination, using the appropriate charges as noted.

All fresh, frozen and dried products containing coconut milk or coconut meat. NOTE: This does not include thermally processed canned products.

"The article is subject to refusal of admission pursuant to Section 801(a)(3) in that it appears to contain Vibrio Cholerae, a poisonous and deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health. [Adulteration, Section 402(a)(1)]."

OASIS charge code: VIBRIO

and/or

The article is subject to refusal of admission pursuant to Section 801(a)(3) in that it appears to contain Salmonella, a poisonous and deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health. [Adulteration, Section 402(a)(1)]."

OASIS charge code: SALMONELLA

and/or

The article is subject to refusal of admission pursuant to Section 801(a)(3) in that it appears to contain Listeria, a poisonous and deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health.[Adulteration, Section 402(a)(1)]."

OASIS charge code: LISTERIA