In the news

On May 31, 2024the FDA reported that Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. (Delray, Florida) recalled whole cucumbers shipped in bulk cartoons to states from May 17 through May 21, 2024, due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were shipped directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5 – 2.0 inches in diameter, and 5-9 inches long. Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall. The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for the bacteria. The FDA is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation. The FDA did not report if the cucumbers are the food infected with Salmonella Africana. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fresh-start-produce-sales-initiates-recall-whole-cucumbers-because-possible-health-risk

CORE update of May 29, 2024: the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes four activities. An outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref # 1232) linked to a not yet identified product has been added to the table. FDA has initiated traceback. For the outbreak of Salmonella Africana illnesses (ref # 1227) linked to a product that has not yet been identified, the case count has increased from 100 to 141. FDA’s investigation is ongoing. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Food Poisoning Bulletin reported that Fresh N Lean Crustless (Moosic, PA) recalled Chicken Pot Pie due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. There is no mention of whether or not any illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the consumption of this product because the recall notice was posted on the FDA’s Enforcement Reports page, not the regular recall page. The recalled product was sold nationwide at the retail level. Fresh N Lean Crustless Chicken Potato Pot Pie is packaged in plastic trays and vacuum sealed. The recall was initiated on April 25, 2024, and is ongoing. The products were distributed nationwide. @ https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2024/fresh-n-lean-crustless-chicken-pot-pie-recalled-for-listeria/

U.S. product recalls reached a five-year high in the first quarter of 2024, according to Sedgwick’s first-quarter U.S. Recall Index report. The report found recalls increased 8% quarter-over-quarter to 909 events across five key industries amidst stricter regulatory oversight and heightened consumer scrutiny. Some of the increase is due to the high rate of enforcement activity and the introduction of new regulations and rules to improve product safety. The food and beverage sector had 27.6% more FDA recalls, with 134 events, over half of which were due to undeclared allergens. In 2024, the FDA, USDA, and FTC are developing measures to keep consumers safe and provide more accurate information about the food they buy. Sedgwick said that expect a strong focus from regulators on consumer protection and transparency in the food and beverage sector. @ https://riskandinsurance.com/recalls-up-8-in-q1-as-regulators-ramp-up-product-safety-oversight/#:~:text=U.S.%20product%20recalls%20reached%20a,oversight%20and%20heightened%20consumer%20scrutiny.