In the news

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157 (ref #1280) infections linked to an iceberg and romaine lettuce blend served at catering events, restaurants, and a school. Based on epidemiological information collected by the CDC, 69 people infected with the same strain of E. coli O157 have been reported from 10 states. FDA’s traceback investigation has identified an iceberg and romaine lettuce blend from a common supplier as the source of this outbreak; however, the impacted product identified to date appears to have past shelf life and is no longer on the market. FDA is continuing to work with the supplier to determine if any additional product could be impacted. At this time, there does not appear to be any ongoing risk to public health, and consumers are not recommended to avoid iceberg or romaine lettuce. FDA’s investigation is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.@ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

According to the CFIA, Baloian Farms of Arizona Co., Inc. (Nogales, Arizona) recalled Pamela branded Whole Fresh American Cucumbers from the Canadian marketplace due to suspected Salmonella contamination. The Whole fresh American cucumbers were packaged in a “Pamela” brand bulk cardboard container, a box with a sticker indicating “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.,” or a clear “PamPak” brand bag of 6 cucumbers. The products were sold in all Canadian provinces.@ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/baloian-farms-arizona-co-inc-recalls-whole-fresh-american-cucumbers-due-salmonella

The FDA reported that following the recall initiated by SunFed Produce, LLC, its cucumbers, Walmart Inc. has voluntarily recalled Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices, produced in select stores, due to the potential for Salmonella contamination. The recall was initiated because this product may contain recalled whole cucumbers supplied by SunFed Produce, LLC of Rio Rico, AZ, which recalled its product after the FDA notified SunFed that the cucumbers were associated with reported salmonellosis illnesses between October 12 – November 15, 2024.@ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/walmart-inc-recalls-marketside-fresh-cut-cucumber-slices-34-texas-stores-because-possible-health?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes eight activities. A new outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 (ref #1280) not yet linked to a product has been added to the table, and the FDA has initiated traceback. For the outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium (ref #1277) linked to imported American or Slicer type cucumbers, the FDA has issued an advisory. SunFed Produce LLC initiated a voluntary recall of all sizes of fresh American/slicer cucumbers that were grown at Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Mexico and sold between October 12, 2024, and November 26, 2024. The outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 (ref #1269) not yet linked to a product, the case count has increased from 25 to 26 cases. The outbreak of E. coli O121:H19 (ref #1273) linked to organic whole and baby carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms, the outbreak advisory was updated on November 29, 2024, to include additional downstream recalls initiated by 4Earth Farms of Commerce, California. The outbreak of E. coli O26:H11 (ref #1272) was linked to an unidentified product. The case count increased from nine to 10 cases. The outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1268) linked to yet unidentified product has ended. The outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 (ref #1249) has ended, and the FDA’s investigation has closed. CDC, FDA, and state partners conducted epidemiologic and traceback investigations and identified spinach as the likely source of the outbreak. Investigators could not determine a specific product or source of contamination while the outbreak was considered ongoing. Environmental and product samples were collected during the investigation, and all tested negative for E. coli. There is no ongoing risk to public health. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery