In the news

CORE update of January 24, 2024: the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes four activity cases. An outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1214) in a not yet identified food has been added to the table. The outbreak of Salmonella Newport (ref #1201) in an unidentified food has ended, and the FDA’s investigation has closed. For the outbreak of Salmonella Sundsvall and Oranienburg (ref #1203) linked to cantaloupe, the advisory was updated on January 19, 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), the complaints/adverse event reports in the advisory were updated. Refer to the advisory for additional information.@ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

As of January 22, 2024, the FDA has received 90 confirmed complaints/reports of adverse events potentially linked to recalled products. The CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health is conducting case finding efforts in collaboration with state and local health departments. CDC’s case definition for state partners includes a blood lead level of 3.5 µg/dL or higher measured within 3 months after consuming a recalled WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis brand fruit puree product after November 2022. As of January 19, through their reporting structure, the CDC has received reports of 97 confirmed cases, 253 probable cases, and 35 suspected cases for 385 cases from 42 different states. States with Complaint/Report are AL (1), AR (1), AZ (1), CA (1), CT (1), FL (1), GA (2), IA (1), IL (5), IN (1), KY (3), LA (4), MA (3), MD (7), MI (8), MO (3), NC (6), NE (2), NH (1), NJ (1), NM (1), NY (8), OH (3), OK (1), PA (2), SC (2), TN (3), TX (3), VA (2), WA (4), WI (2), WV (3), Unknown (3) @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

In collaboration with Canadian, state, and local partners, the FDA and CDC reported on January 19, 2024, that the outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to recalled cantaloupe is over. As part of the investigation, FDA and industry partners collected and analyzed cantaloupe samples. Two samples were positive for Salmonella Sundsvall, and WGS analysis confirmed that the strain of Salmonella found in isolates associated with these two samples matched the same strain of Salmonella found in ill people. One isolate tested positive for Salmonella Newport but was not associated with the outbreak. As of January 19, 2024, the CDC announced that the outbreak is over. CDC reports a total of 407 illnesses in 44 states. There have been a total of 158 hospitalizations and 6 deaths associated with this incident. The last illness onset was December 25, 2023. FDA’s investigation is complete. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cantaloupes-november-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

According to the CFIA, the Pattison Food Group (Lethbridge, Alberta) has recalled Urban Fare branded Fruit Parfait Desserts and Yogurt Parfait Desserts from the Canadian marketplace due to suspected Salmonella contamination. The Urban Fare branded UF Chia Tropical Fruit Parfait Desserts sold in ~385 gram containers. Urban Fare-branded yogurt parfait desserts are sold in 330-gram containers. This Canadian recall was initiated as a direct result of an earlier recall initiated in the United States by the Quaker Oats Company. The dessert products contain granola and other cereal recalled by Quaker Oats Canada. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/urban-fare-brand-uf-chia-tropical-fruit-parfait-and-yogurt-parfait-recalled-due