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FDA’s strategy to help prevent Listeriosis and Salmonellosis outbreaks in imported Enoki and Wood Ear mushrooms

In 2020, the FDA investigated a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to consuming imported enoki mushrooms that sickened 26 people. Testing identified a matching strain of L. monocytogenes in enoki mushrooms from the Republic of Korea. The outbreak resulted in 4 deaths and 31 hospitalizations and cost an estimated $127 million in consumer health-related losses. Also, in 2020, an outbreak of Salmonella Stanley linked to imported wood ear mushrooms imported from China with a total of 55 illnesses was reported in 12 states. The FDA will engage food safety authorities in the ROK, China, Canada, and Japan to better understand the potential sources of contamination in enoki and wood ear mushrooms and prevention methods. Research will be conducted to understand better. The FDA will be researching to understand better the survival of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella the mushrooms. The FDA will optimize its border surveillance by targeting the highest-risk products for sampling at a port of entry, a shipment positive for pathogens may be prevented from entering domestic commerce. An increasing sampling of specialty mushrooms in the U.S. This could result in potentially contaminated products being recalled and removed from the market. The FDA will encourage and support research efforts to broaden the body of scientific knowledge about measures that can be taken to reduce future incidences of foodborne illness related to specialty mushrooms. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/new-era-smarter-food-safety/summary-fdas-strategy-help-prevent-listeriosis-and-salmonellosis-outbreaks-associated-imported-enoki

 

FDA’s Strategy to Help Prevent Listeriosis and Salmonellosis Outbreaks

The FDA believes it is imperative that we share data, knowledge, and information, and work collaboratively to enhance food safety and advance the goals and objectives of FDA’s Strategy for the Safety of Imported Food

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Behrmann Meat and Processing recalled various Ready-to-Eat meat products Due to Listeria Contamination

The USDA/FSIS reported on September 24, 2022, that Behrmann Meat and Processing Inc. (Albers, Illinois) recalled approximately 87,382 pounds of various ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. FSIS expects additional product labels to be added in the near future and urges consumers to check back. The various RTE meat items were produced from July 7, 2022, to September 9, 2022. The products were shipped to retail locations and wholesale distributors in Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri. The problem was discovered through product and environmental testing performed by FSIS and the establishment, which identified Listeria monocytogenes in the processing environment and products produced by the establishment. There have been no reports of illness or adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/behrmann-meat-and-processing-inc–recalls-various-ready-eat-meat-products-due

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GHGA Recalled ready-to-eat vegetables due to Listeria Monocytogenes

The FDA reported that GHGA (Conley, GA) recalled products due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The company is not aware of any illnesses linked to this recall. On 9/16/22, their laboratory notified the firm that a single product sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The products were sold to Kroger and distributed to retail stores on 9/11/22. The recall involves, among other things, Asparagus Saute, Diced Bell Pepper and White Onion, Diced Red Onion, Hamburger Fixins, Large Medium Salsa, Large Mild Salsa, Mango Habanero Blender, Mexican Style Layered Bean Dip, Mild Guacamole Blender, Mushroom Stir Fry Blend, Seasoned Squash Onion & Dill, Snacking Peppers, Spicy Guacamole Blender, Steak Topper, and Vegetable Bowl. The Sell-by Date has expired, and products were previously removed from store shelves and are no longer for sale. However, products could still be in consumers’ possession. These products were packaged in clear plastic containers and sold primarily in Kroger stores in the produce or deli sections in the states of Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ghga-recalls-various-ready-eat-vegetable-products-due-possible-listeria-monocytogenes-contamination?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

GHGA is recalling various products (see chart below) due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. No other GHGA products are affected by this recall. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elder

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CFIA reports that “Fresh and Local” brand Turkey Bacon Sub recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

The CFIA reported that CLS Catering Services Ltd. recalled “Fresh and Local” brand turkey and bacon sub sandwiches from the marketplace due to Listeria monocytogenes. The company triggered the recall. The recalled product has been sold in British Columbia. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/fresh-and-local-brand-turkey-bacon-sub-recalled-due-listeria-monocytogenes?utm_source=gc-notify&utm_medium=email&utm_content=en&utm_campaign=hc-sc-rsa-22-23&