In the news

On January 17, 2024, BrightFarms (Selinsgrove, PA) issued a voluntary recall of spinach grown by its supplier Element Farms (Pompton Plains, New Jersey)and distributed under the BrightFarms brand because the spinach has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled products were distributed to retailers in seven states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The products come in 4-oz, clear plastic containers. No illnesses have been reported to date. As a result of today’s recall, the company has temporarily suspended the distribution of Element Farms-grown spinach. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/brightfarms-recalls-spinach-and-salad-kits-because-possible-health-risk-result-supplier-element

As of January 16, 2024, the FDA has received 89 confirmed complaints/reports of adverse events potentially linked to recalled products. The CDC 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 12, the CDC has received reports of 93 confirmed cases, 233 probable cases, and 28 suspected cases for 354 cases from 41 states. Report Date Ranges: October 17, 2023 – January 9, 2024 States with Complaint/Report: 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 (2), 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

The USDA and FSIS reported that Scanga Meat Company (Salida, Colorado) recalled approximately 563 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O103. The raw ground beef products were produced on December 11, 2023. The following products are subject to recall: (i) 6-lb. plastic tubes containing “It’s a treat to eat Scanga Meat OUR REGULAR GROUND BEEF” and may have lot code 3345 represented on the label. (ii) 6-lb. plastic tubes containing “It’s a treat to eat Scanga Meat OUR X-L GROUND BEEF” may have lot code 3345 on the label. (iii) 1-lb. plastic chubs containing “SCANGA MEAT HAMBURGER” and may have lot code 3345 represented on the label. (iv) 1-lb. plastic trays containing “It’s a treat to eat Scanga Meat GROUND ROUND” may have lot code 3345 on the label.  The items were sold at the establishment’s retail location and shipped to restaurant locations in Colorado. The problem was discovered during routine FSIS testing, and the sampling results showed the presence of E. coli O103. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/scanga-meat-company-recalls-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e–coli-o103

The Strauss food products company in Israel, the official importer of Quaker brand products from the US, has announced a recall of some of the Quaker breakfast cereal brands. The recall is based on suspicions of salmonella in Oatmeal Squares and Oats and Brown Sugar breakfast cereal, reported by the manufacturing facility in the US. Customers who purchased the product with an expiration date between January 11th and June 4th are requested not to consume it. Strauss apologizes to its customers and is working to collect the affected products from the shelves in connection with the Ministry of Health. @ https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/383555