In the news

The CFIa reported that Orasta brand organic pumpkin seeds, joined other brands like Fine Goods Wholesome, Raw European Pumpkin seed Organic, and unbranded organic European pumpkin seeds, have been recalled in Canada due to possible Salmonella contamination. Three recall notices for different brands of pumpkin seeds have been issued within four days by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The product was sold from April 17, 2025, to May 10, 2025 @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/pumpkin-seeds-recalled-due-salmonella?utm_source=gc-notify&utm_medium=email&utm_content=en&utm_campaign=hc-sc-rsa-22-23

The FDA reported that First Quality Produce (2445 S Gearhart Ave, Fresno, CA) recalled various cucumber products due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recalled products include “Cucumber Coins” (sliced cucumbers) under the “Snack Buddies” brand, “Cucumber Spears”, and “Cucumber Diced” in 5-pound trays. The recall was initiated on December 2, 2024, and the FDA classified it as a Class I recall. The packages of cucumbers were initially recalled last month amid fears they may be contaminated with Salmonella. Now, the FDA officials have assessed the nature of the threat posed by eating the products and ruled that the risk is severe. The cucumbers were distributed across California by Fresno-based First Quality Produce. @ https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=95943

The FSA reported that SPAR Northern Ireland recalled three chicken products due to Listeria monocytogenes, which was found in one of the products, after the UK’s FSA issued a food alert. This alert was published on 12 May 2025 and updated on 13 May 2025 with a minor change to the wording. The recalled products are SPAR Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken Slices (150 g), SPAR Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken Pieces (150 g), and SPAR Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken Fillets (300 g). Spar’s fillets had tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The products were only sold in Northern Irish branches of the chain. @ https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-23-2025

The FDA reported that Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC has recalled Ready-to-Eat (RTE) foods, or products that do not need additional cooking, including sandwiches and snack items. The recalled products are identified by the “Use By” dates from 4/22/2025 to 05/19/2025 and include brand names such as Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away. The recalled products were distributed between 04/18/2025 and 04/28/2025 and sold in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington at a variety of locations, including retailers and food service locations such as hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, airports, and airlines. The FDA and CDC began investigating this cluster in 2024. However, there was not enough evidence in the previous investigation to identify a source for the outbreak. The investigation was reopened in April 2025 after FDA investigators found Listeria in environmental samples collected from Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC during a routine surveillance inspection. WGS analysis confirmed that the strain of Listeria found at Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC matches the strain of Listeria causing illnesses in this outbreak. Records reviewed from facilities indicated that ready-to-eat foods made by Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC, were confirmed to have been served in at least three of the facilities. As of May 9, 2025, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from two states. All 10 people have been hospitalized. The recalled products were distributed between 04/18/2025 and 04/28/2025 and sold in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington at a variety of locations, including retailers and food service locations such as hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, airports, and airlines. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-ready-eat-foods-may-2025#:~:text=Fresh%20%26%20Ready%20Foods%2C%20LLC%20has,Fresh%20%26%20Ready%20Foods