FDA investigates coconut-linked outbreak

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of salmonella typhimurium illnesses that are linked to dried coconut.

CDC reports 13 cases in eight states — including one in Connecticut — with three hospitalizations and no deaths. Testing by the FDA has confirmed salmonella found in two retail product samples of dried coconut collected from Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Market and International Harvest are a match to the outbreak strain.

As a result of this testing, Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets has recalled Natural Grocers Brand Coconut Smiles Organic, and International Harvest has recalled Go Smiles Dried Coconut Raw and International Harvest Brand Organic Go Smile! Dried Coconut Raw. If anyone has these coconut products in their home, they should not eat them. Stores reporting they have sold the products include Food Works stores in Cheshire and Old Saybrook.

People who think they might have become ill from eating possibly contaminated coconut should talk to their health care providers, especially if they have diarrhea that lasts for more than three days or is accompanied by high fever, blood in the stool, or so much vomiting that liquids cannot be kept down.

Those with questions about food safety can call 888-SAFEFOOD or visit fda.gov.

Off-road vehicles recalled for fire hazard

Polaris has recalled about 107,000 recreational off-highway vehicles due to a fire hazard. According to the company, if the exhaust silencer fatigues and cracks, the heat shield may not manage heat, which may lead to melting of nearby components or fire. Polaris has received 30 reports of cracked exhaust silencers, including 3 reports of fire. No injuries have been reported.

The vehicles were sold at Polaris dealers nationwide since 2013. A full list of the recalled vehicles is available at bit.ly/2H4Grli.

Consumers should immediately stop riding the affected vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer for a free repair. Call 800-7652747 or visit polaris.com and click on “Off Road Safety Recalls” at the bottom of the page for information. In addition, check your vehicle identification number on the “Product Safety Recalls” page to see if your vehicle is included in any recalls. Polaris is contacting all known affected consumers directly.