In the news

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

CORE update of July 3, 2024: the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes five activities. The outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses (ref #1234) was linked to an unidentified product, and the case count increased from 53 to 80. 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. On June 27, 2024, Prophet Premium Blends, LLC of Santa Ana, CA, initiated a recall of all flavors of Diamond Shruumz-brand products. For the outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup illnesses (ref #1227), the FDA has updated the advisory. While originally reported as two separate outbreaks, the CDC and FDA combined these outbreak investigations. Laboratory, epidemiological, and traceback data have determined that cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., of Boynton Beach, Florida, are a likely source of illnesses in this outbreak; however, this single grower does not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak. Additional information is available in the advisory. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

GNS Foods (Arlington, TX) recalled Drug Emporium Yogurt Flavored Pretzels due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Because this recall notice was posted on the FDA Enforcements Reports page and not on the regular recall page, there is no word on whether any illnesses have been reported to the company to date in connection with the consumption of this item. 

The recalled product was sold at the retail level in Texas and Louisiana. The recalled product is Drug Emporium Yogurt Flavored Pretzels, which are packaged in an 8 ounce (227 gram) container. The problem is a recall of lactose or lactose powder from Grande Ingredients in Wisconsin that were used to make the pretzels. The ingredient has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. @ https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2024/drug-emporium-yogurt-flavored-pretzels-recalled-for-salmonella/

In collaboration with state and local partners, the FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup. As of July 2, 2024thee were 449 illnesses in 31 states and the District of Columbia. These illnesses caused 215 people to be infected with the newly added Salmonella Braenderup.  While originally reported as two separate outbreaks, the CDC and FDA combined these outbreak investigations. They shared several similarities, including when and where illnesses occurred, the demographics of ill people, and the foods they reported eating before they became sick. Laboratory, epidemiological, and traceback data have determined that cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc. (Boynton Beach, Florida) are a likely source of illnesses in this outbreak; however, this grower does not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak. As part of the investigation, the FDA conducted an onsite inspection at Bedner Growers, Inc. As part of this inspection, the FDA collected samples, and Salmonella Braenderup was detected in samples of untreated canal water used by Bedner Growers. WGS determined that the Salmonella found in the water used by Bedner Growers, Inc. matches a strain of Salmonella Braenderup that is causing some of the illnesses in this outbreak. Based on traceback information collected, Bedner Growers, Inc. supplied cucumbers to multiple points of service where ill people reported purchasing or eating cucumbers. There is no product from this farm on the market, and there is likely no ongoing risk to the public. Additionally, this grower does not account for all the illnesses in the outbreak. These illnesses caused 215 people to be infected with the newly added Salmonella Braenderup. FDA’s investigation is ongoing. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cucumbers-june-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery