In the news

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 The recalled product is outdated and no longer available for sale.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

CORE update of April 17, 2024: the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes two activities. A new outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses linked to a product not yet identified (ref #1221) has been added to the table. FDA has initiated traceback. For the outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium (ref #1218) in a food that has not yet been identified, the case count has increased from 11 to 12 cases. For the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1214) linked to queso fresco and cotija cheese, the advisory was updated on April 10, 2024. The outbreak has ended, and the FDA’s investigation is closed. For the investigation of elevated lead levels in Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (ref # 1198), these products are off the market and no longer available for sale; however, they have a long shelf life. Consumers should check their pantries and discard any recalled products. The FDA has transitioned from this investigation to post-incident actions and activities.  @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA advises not to consume frozen, raw, half-shell oysters LotsB231126andB240103, harvested from Area No. 1 on 11/26/2023 and 1/3/2024, and LotB240214harvested from Designated Area No. 2 on 2/14/2024, and processed by JBR (KR 15 SP) in Tongyeongsi, Republic of Korea on 11/27/2023, 1/4/2024, and 2/15/2024. The oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in California and may have been distributed to other states. On 4/9/2024, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) notified the FDA of an outbreak of norovirus illnesses associated with consuming oysters from the Republic of Korea. On 4/15/2024, authorities at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in the Republic of Korea advised the firm to voluntarily initiate a recall of the distributed lots of frozen, raw, half-shell oysters due to possible norovirus contamination. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-restaurants-and-retailers-not-serve-or-sell-and-consumers-not-eat-certain-frozen-raw?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery