In the news

Amy’s Kitchen Enchilada Verde Whole Meal is being recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. It was made with cheese from Rizo Lopez Foods, according to a Publix website notice. Some Rizo Lopez products are linked to a deadly Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that has sickened at least 26 people in 11 states and hospitalized 23. Two people who lived in California and Texas died. No illnesses have been reported to the company to date in connection with the consumption of this product. The recalling firm is Amy’s Kitchen. The recall is based on a notice by Rizo-Lopez telling Amy’s Kitchen about the possible presence of Listeria in the cheese used to produce the meal.  @ https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2024/amys-kitchen-enchilada-verde-whole-meal-recalled-for-listeria/

On April 20, 2024 – USDA/ FSIS issued a health alert for ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available. The raw ground beef was produced on March 28, 2024, with a use/freeze by April 22, 2024. These items were shipped to food service institutions and retail locations nationwide. The establishment discovered the problem because it was found positive for E. coli O157:H7. The company notified FSIS that they inadvertently used a portion of the contaminated beef to produce ground beef products that they subsequently shipped into commerce. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 F. @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e–coli-o157h7-0

The FDA reported that on April 19, 2024Infinite Herbs LLC (Miami, Florida) expanded its April 18th recall to include Melissa’s brand fresh organic basil in 2.0 oz ( 96 packages, UPC 0 45255 14142 9) and 4.0 oz packages (24 packages, UPC 0 45255 14439 0) available for sale at Dierberg’s stores in Illinois and Missouri between February 10th and 20th (see photos below). This product is part of the previously recalled lot and, therefore, could be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled product is outdated and no longer available for sale. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/infinite-herbs-llc-expands-recall-fresh-organic-basil-include-melissas-brand-organic-basil-received?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported that with the CDC, state and local partners are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections linked to Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil packed in 2.5-oz clamshell packaging and sold at Trader Joe’s stores in AL, CT, D.C., DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, and WI. Based on epidemiological information collected by the CDC, 12 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from seven states. Seven of eight cases with information available reported exposure to fresh organic basil purchased from Trader Joe’s before becoming ill. Traceback data collected by the FDA determined that Infinite Herbs, LLC (Miami, FL) was the supplier of the 2.5-oz packages of organic basil sold at Trader Joe’s stores. In response to this investigation, Trader Joe’s has voluntarily removed all Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil packed in 2.5-oz clamshell packaging from their stores. An ongoing investigation is being conducted to determine the source of contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-organic-basil-april-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery