In the news

The FDA reported that Roland Foods, LLC of New York, New York, recalled Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds) 16 oz. because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The product was distributed to many states through retail stores and food service outlets. Roland Foods distributed the product from September 2023 through January 2024. This recall applies only to Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds) 16 oz. with a Best By Date of October 19, 2024. Roland Foods has received no reports of illness related to the recalled product. The recall resulted from a routine sampling program by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which revealed that the product tested positive for Salmonella. The company has ceased product distribution and initiated an investigation in partnership with the manufacturer as to the root cause of the problem. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/roland-foods-llc-recalls-rolandr-tahini-100-ground-sesame-seeds-16-oz-because-possible-health-risk#:~:text=The%20product%20was%20distributed%20by,the%20top%20of%20the%20bottle.

As of March 26, 2024, the FDA’s CORE Network has reviewed 90 confirmed complaints/reports of adverse events potentially linked to recalled products. CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health is conducting case finding efforts in collaboration with state and local health departments. As of March 22, CDC has received reports of 136 confirmed cases, 345 probable cases, and 38 suspected cases for a total of 519 cases from 44 different states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico through their reporting structure.  CDC and FDA have different data sources, so the counts reported by each agency will not directly correspond. In addition, some people affected by the contaminated product might be reflected in both the numbers reported by the FDA and the numbers reported by the CDC, so the numbers should not be added together. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, investigated a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 linked to all sizes of RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar cheese blocks (with best by dates through 10/4/2024) and shredded cheese (with best by dates through 5/10/2024). As part of this investigation, CO, CA, and UT officials collected various RAW FARM-brand products for testing, and all samples were negative for E. coli. While E. coli has not been found in product samples, epidemiologic evidence shows that RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar cheese made by RAW FARM, LLC is the likely source of this outbreak.   As of March 26, 2024, the CDC announced that the outbreak is over. CDC reports 11 illnesses in five states (CA, CO, NJ, TX, and UT). There have been a total of five hospitalizations, two of which developed HUS. No deaths were reported. The last illness onset date was February 5, 2024. FDA’s outbreak investigation is closed. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-raw-cheddar-cheese-february-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FSA reported that Morrisons is taking precautionary action by urgently recalling The Best Taleggio because Listeria monocytogenes have been found in the product. The supermarket chain has had to take The Best Taleggio off its shelves because it was found that some packs may contain Listeria monocytogenes. The product recalled is 200g and has the best before date of April 14, 2024. @ https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-11-2024