In the news

The FDA reported that Prophet Premium Blends (Santa Ana, California) recalled Diamond Shruumz Infused Cones, Chocolate Bars, and Gummies (Micro- and Mega/Extreme-Dose) because such products contain Muscimol, a chemical found in mushrooms of the genus Amanita; Muscimol could be a potential cause of symptoms consistent with those observed in persons who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz products. The products were distributed nationwide through retail stores and mail orders. All lots or best buy dates and all flavors of Diamond Shruumz Infused Cones, Chocolate Bars, and Gummies (Micro- and Mega/Extreme-Dose) are included in the recall. There are currently 39 illnesses that have been reported by June 27, 2024. States with cases include AL, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IN, IA, KY, MD, MN, MO, MT, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, and TN. Reported symptoms have included those linked to central nervous system excitation (e.g., seizures, agitation, and involuntary muscle contractions), central nervous system depression (e.g., loss of consciousness, confusion, and sleepiness), gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea and vomiting), and cardiovascular involvement (e.g., abnormal heart rates and hyper/hypotension). Prophet Premium Blends received two complaints (on May 27, 2024) regarding consumers becoming ill after consuming the chocolate bar. Prophet Premium Blends initiated this recall and has ceased the production and distribution of the Diamond Shruumz product line as the FDA and Prophet Premium Blends continue investigating the cause of the serious adverse effects. Retailers and wholesalers should discontinue use, stop distribution, quarantine the product immediately, and contact their sales representatives to initiate the return and refund.  @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/prophet-premium-blends-recalls-diamond-shruumz-products-because-possible-health-risk?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the CDC to investigate the suspected multi-person case of botulism in the Fresno area. It is believed that the botulism is related to two families getting together in Clovis, CA, and Caruthers, CA, and eating contaminated food on Friday, June 21, in Caruthers and Saturday, June 22, in Clovis. The FCDPH and the CDPH collaborate to ensure that local hospitals are adequately supplied to treat botulism. They are asking the community to contact their healthcare provider if they or a family member attended the family event and presented with botulism symptoms. @ https://thebusinessjournal.com/with-a-botulism-outbreak-in-fresno-county-health-department-urges-residents-to-practice-safe-food-handling/

The FDA reported that Solata Foods LLC. (Newburgh, NY) recalled its “Fresh Spinach” because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled “Fresh Spinach” was distributed locally in retail stores. The product comes in various sizes with an expiration date of 6/20/24 and 6/24/24 stamped on the side. The brands associated with the recall include Solata, Gaia, Full Circle, Farmer Direct, Uncle Vinny’s, Bogopa, and Bulk. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The contamination was discovered after sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Market Food Inspectors, and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of L. monocytogenes in a 9-ounce package of Bogopa “Fresh Spinach.” Production of the product has been suspended @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/solata-foods-recalls-fresh-spinach-and-spinach-products-due-possible-health-risk

Health authorities in Great Britain have been working to investigate an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O145 identified through the analysis of WGS data in May 2024. A potential outbreak was first identified in England on 22 May 2024 through UKHSA’s routine surveillance, with a rapid ten-fold increase in fecal samples from patients testing positive. On 24 May, reference laboratory PCR test results indicated a strain of STEC likely drove the increase. Concurrent increases in similar surveillance indicators were reported in Wales and Scotland. A national incident was declared on 24 May. WGS analysis from 28 May showed that most of these probable cases had an illness caused by STEC serotype O145. Between 25 May and 24 June, 275 confirmed cases were reported (273 primary cases and 2 secondary cases). The cases of England (182), Scotland (58), Wales (31), and Northern Ireland (4) have no notable geographic clustering. There have been 2 reported deaths in patients. Sandwiches containing lettuce were the likely main cause of the outbreak. On June 14-16 voluntary withdrawal and recall of all potentially associated ready to eat products (sandwiches, wraps and salads) occurred. As of 24 June, newly reported confirmed cases have now markedly declined. @ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shiga-toxin-producing-e-coli-outbreak-o145-may-to-june-2024/investigation-into-an-outbreak-of-shiga-toxin-producing-e-coli-stec-o145-in-great-britain-may-to-june-2024