In the news

The FDA, the CDC, and state and local partners investigated illnesses in a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to organic walnuts from Gibson Farms, Inc. (Hollister, California) that were distributed to multiple natural food and co-op stores in AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, OR, SD, TX, and WA and sold in bulk bins. As of July 9, 2024, CDC reports that the outbreak is over. CDC reports a total of 13 cases in two states. There have been a total of seven hospitalizations and zero deaths associated with this incident. The last illness onset was April 4, 2024. FDA’s outbreak investigation is closed.@ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-bulk-organic-walnuts-april-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The CFIA reported a recall of a selection of plant-based Silk and Great Value plant-based drinks after discovering they could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Stores across Canada are being told not to sell, serve, or distribute the products from the Silk and Great Value brands. Findings triggered this recall during an investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. There have been reported illnesses associated with consuming these products, but did not specify how many people had been infected. Danone Canada manufactured the recalled products. The CFIA recall applies to Silk brand almond milk, coconut milk, almond-coconut milk, oat milk, and Great Value brand almond milk. The products were distributed nationally in Canada. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/various-silk-and-great-value-brand-plant-based-refrigerated-beverages-recalled-due?utm_source=gc-notify&utm_medium=email&utm_content=en&utm_campaign=hc-sc-rsa-22-23

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Food (MAPAQ), in collaboration with the company Pastina, advises the public not to consume Pastina products since they have not been prepared and packaged in a way that cannot ensure their safety. These products could promote the growth of Clostridium botulinum. The products subject to this warning were offered for sale until July 4, 2024, in several regional stores. The products were packaged in a sealed, transparent plastic container and sold refrigerated. No cases of illness associated with consuming these foods have been reported to MAPAQ to date. @ https://www.quebec.ca/nouvelles/actualites/details/avis-de-ne-pas-consommer-divers-pestos-prepares-et-vendus-par-lentreprise-pastina-57175

As of 3 July, 13 more cases have been associated with the recent outbreak of STEC O145 since the last update on 27 June, the total number of confirmed cases is 288 in the UK. All currently confirmed cases had symptom onset dates before 10 June. The total number of cases confirmed in England was 191, in Scotland 62, Wales 31, and Northern England 4 (infection acquired in England). Based on information from 263 cases, 49% were admitted to hospital. As cases linked to this outbreak are now low and continue to decline, this week’s update (5 July) will be the final weekly report on case numbers unless there is a significant change. @  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/e-coli-advice-issued-amid-rise-in-cases