In the news

The USDA/ FSIS issued a public health alert because Family Fare (Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin) produced ready-to-eat chili cheese wieners that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A recall was not requested because it is believed that the products are no longer in commerce. The ready-to-eat chili cheese wieners were produced on September 21, 2022. The 15-oz. vacuum-packed packages with “Our Local SMOKEHOUSE Chili Cheese flavored Wieners” with a use-by date of January 19, 2023. These items were shipped to a Family Fare retail location in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, where three packages of the wieners were sold. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture discovered the problem and reported that some product was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes during routine testing. No adverse reaction due to the consumption of the product e=was reported. @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ready-eat-chili-cheese-wieners-due-possible-listeria

The FDA reported that the Chai Box (Marietta, GA) announced a recall of 16 oz glass bottles of Chai Concentrate Mix, 64 oz plastic bottles of Chai Concentrate Mix, 16 oz glass bottles of Unsweetened Chai Concentrate Mix, and 64 oz plastic bottles of Unsweetened Chai Concentrate Mix due to potential under-processing which may lead to Clostridium botulinum contamination. These deviations were part of the commercial sterilization process and could result in contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to life-threatening illnesses if consumed. There have been no reports of illness associated with this product to date. The company was notified of the problem during a process review by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The products were shipped nationwide to consumers, retailers, and wholesalers. Some product was also shipped to two consumers in Canada. The product is available online and via retail and wholesale facilities.@ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/chai-box-announces-voluntary-recall-chai-concentrate-mix-and-chai-concentrate-unsweetened-mix-due?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA, CDC, and state and local partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to Brie and Camembert soft cheese products manufactured by Old Europe Cheese, Inc. (Benton Harbor, MI) and sold at various retailers under multiple labels and brands, including Reny Picot. There are 6 illnesses, 5 hospitalizations in 6 states (CA, GA, MA, MI, NJ, and TX) associated with the outbreak. Based on epidemiologic information, four (80%) report eating Brie or Camembert cheese before the illness. Analysis of environmental samples collected at the Old Europe Cheese facility showed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. WGS analysis determined that the Listeria strain found in the facility matches the Listeria strain causing illnesses in this outbreak. Old Europe Cheese, Inc. has voluntarily recalled multiple brands of Brie and Camembert cheeses produced at their Michigan facility in response to investigation findings.  @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-brie-and-camembert-soft-cheese-products-september-2022?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events as of September 28, 2022, does not include any identified food. In the Cyclospora outbreak (reference #1080), sample collection and analysis and an on-site inspection have been initiated. The investigation is closed in the Salmonella Mississippi outbreak (reference #1097), and the outbreak has ended. A new outbreak has been added to the table: Salmonella Litchfield (reference #1105). Traceback has been initiated. In the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak (reference #1095), the case count has increased from 84 cases to 86 cases. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery