In the news

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

AB World Foods Ltd reclled Al’Fez Natural Tahini due to Salmonella found in some batches of the product. The product was sold at Tesco/ Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Asada supermarkets. The affected products are 160g jars with batch codes 3355, 4004, 4023, 4024, 4039, and 4040, and a best-before date of June 2025, July 2025, and August 2025. The FSA has issued an alert and says all jars should be returned to the retailer for a refund.  @ https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-34-2024

On July 5, 2024, the USDA/ FSIS announced that Al-Safa US LLC, the importer of record (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), recalled ~2,010 pounds of imported frozen ready-to-eat chicken products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. The frozen ready-to-eat chicken products were produced in Canada on June 5, 2024, and imported to the U.S. on June 13, 2024, and June 21, 2024. 12.1-oz. cardboard box package containing “Al Safa Halal Charcoal Grilled Chicken Seekh Kebab Grilled, Minced, Chicken Patty Kebab” with “NOV 30 25” and “0605404” printed on a sticker on the outside of the package and 14.11-oz. cardboard box package containing “Al Safa Halal Fully Cooked Chicken Chapli Kebab Seasoned Chicken Patty” with “NOV 30 25” and “0605416” printed on a sticker on the outside of the package. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide. The problem was discovered after FSIS performed routine product testing, and the results indicated the product may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/al-safa-us-llc-recalls-frozen-ready-eat-chicken-products-due-possible-listeria

The FDA reported that Urban River Spirits (Forest Grove, OR) recalled products due to shelf stability testing requirements by the Oregon Department of Agriculture. This recall is being conducted due to a potential safety concern. The alcoholic drink mixes were recalled due to being produced in an unlicensed and uninspected facility. The product safety is undetermined due to potential under-processing. The product is packaged in 750 mL glass bottles. No reports of illnesses related to these products were received. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/urban-spirits-issues-voluntary-recall-urban-spirits-non-alcoholic-drink-mixes-due-potential-under