In the news

The FDA reported that AB World Foods US, Inc.(Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois) recalled Al’Fez Natural Tahini in 5.6oz glass jars because it could be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled Al’Fez Natural Tahini was distributed nationwide in retail stores beginning 05/26/23. To date, AB World Foods US, Inc. has received no reports of illness related to the recalled product from consumers in the United States. The potential for contamination was noted after testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella. The company has ceased distribution of the product as it continues its investigation. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ab-world-foods-us-inc-recalls-alfez-natural-tahini-because-possible-health-risk?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

An article in AIP Advanced (June 2024, Vol 14, issue 6, by S. Feng et al. from Guangzhou University in China describes a new method to detect food pathogens. The current foodborne pathogen detection methods are slow, expensive, and require well-trained operators. In this study, the authors utilized a 3D printer to develop a novel chip with an aptamer-based nanointerferometer capable of identifying four distinct foodborne pathogens: Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus. The aptamer sensor on the chip achieved a limit of detection of 10 colony forming units (CFU)/ml. With its high sensitivity and specificity, this chip offers a cost-effective platform for distinguishing and screening different foodborne pathogens. The system detection is based on observing optical signal shifts corresponding to the concentrations of the different foodborne pathogens. The sensor has demonstrated the ability to detect concentrations as low as 10 CFU/ml of each pathogen in a buffer solution, which is significantly lower than the concentration that can cause illness. The research used a 3D printer to create a chip with an array of optical aptamer-based sensors called the NanoFPI sensor and a 3D stop-valve system for autonomous pathogen transfer. @ https://pubs.aip.org/aip/adv/article/14/6/065033/3299200/3D-printed-microfluidic-chip-integrated-with

The CDC, the FDA), America’s Poison Centers, and state and local partners are investigating reports of severe acute illnesses potentially associated with consuming Diamond ShruumzTM brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies marketed as containing a proprietary blend of mushrooms. CDC and FDA have received reports of severe acute illnesses and other adverse effects following consumption of Diamond ShruumzTM brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies reported to multiple poison control centers across the United States. As of July 8, 2024, 58 total illnesses, including 30 hospitalizations, have been reported in 27 U.S. states (AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, IA, KY, MD, MN, MO, MT, NV, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA) with ongoing efforts to identify other potential cases. There is one (1) potentially associated death under investigation. @ https://www.cdc.gov/environmental-health-studies/outbreak-investigation-diamond-shruumz-products/index.html

CORE update of July 10, 2024: the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes five activities. A new outbreak of Salmonella Irumu (ref #1235) in an unidentified product has been added to the table. FDA has initiated traceback. For the outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses (ref #1234) in unidentified product, the case count has increased from 80 to 83. The advisory has been updated to include additional illnesses for the investigation of illnesses (ref #1233) linked to Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies. The outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses (ref #1221) linked to organic walnuts is over, the FDA’s investigation is complete, and the advisory has been updated. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery