In the news

The FDA has issued a new warning to consumers about high levels of lead in one ground cinnamon brand (El Servidor). Product testing conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and confirmed by the FDA has determined that the ground cinnamon product contains elevated levels of lead and that exposure to this product may be unsafe. Based on the FDA’s assessment, consuming this product will likely contribute to elevated lead levels in the blood, especially in babies and young children.  @ https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-public-health-alert-additional-ground-cinnamon-product-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The CFIA reported that Rambrich Farms (Bradford, Ontario) recalled brand Mint due to generic E. coli. The company recalls certain batches/lots of Fresh Mint Leaves from the Canadian marketplace due to suspected contamination of Escherichia Coli (“E. Coli”). Rambrich Farms Mint Herbs were sold in variable weight bunches and distributed to retailers and distributors on or about July 9 and 10, 2024. The Fresh Mint Leaves were distributed and sold in the Canadian province of Ontario. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/rambrich-farms-brand-mint-recalled-due-generic-e-coli

The Flathead City-County Health Department (FCCHD) reports that their preliminary investigation has found ground beef containing E. coli may be the source of an outbreak. While many of the cases showed moderate symptoms, one person died. State partners continue to test clinical and food samples for laboratory confirmation. The initial investigation by FCCHD and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services shows that the E. coli outbreak may have come from ground beef sold to several area restaurants. The restaurants were not named in the release. A news release notes that the last known date the ground beef consumed was July 14. The ground beef was not sold in grocery stores. The investigation has identified at least 13 individuals associated with the outbreak. @ https://www.kpax.com/news/local-news/flathead-county/1-person-dies-several-sickened-in-flathead-county-e-coli-outbreak

The FDA reported that Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese (Austin, Ky) recalled St. Jerome cheese, batch 231129, because it could potentially be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled St. Jerome cheese was distributed via wholesale customers, retail storefront, and Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese website. The cheese has been distributed in two sizes, an 8-ounce wedge in a clear plastic package and a full 15-pound wheel in a clear plastic package, marked with a logo sticker with ingredients listed on the top and with the lot number 231129 on a white label on the side. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recalled lot. The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Kentucky Department of Public Health revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a package of St. Jerome batch 231129. The production of the product has been suspended while the FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kennys-farmhouse-cheese-recalls-st-jerome-cheese-lot-231129-because-possible-health-risk