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Advantage Health Matters (5787 Steeles Ave W, North York, ON, Canada M9L 2W3), recalled its 8-ounce packages of ” Organic Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds ” food treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled ” Organic Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds ” were distributed in the states of New York, New Jersey, and Virginia in retail stores and through mail orders. The product comes in an 8 ounce, clear plastic package marked with lot # L250320200 on the back and with an expiration date of 05/02/2027 stamped on the side. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. A recall of the supplier in Canada triggered this recall. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/advantage-health-matters-inc-recalls-organic-jumbo-pumpkin-seeds-because-possible-health-risk?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

According to new data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there were 179 cases of listeriosis reported in England and Wales in 2024. The 179 cases reported in 2024 are comparable to the previous year’s figures (177 cases in 2023) and levels seen in the years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest data show that while listeriosis can affect people of all ages, it poses a significantly greater risk to vulnerable groups, with the highest numbers seen in people aged 80 and over. Of the 28 deaths reported among 142 non-pregnancy cases, 12 were aged 80 years and over. Pregnancy associated infections accounted for around a fifth of all reported cases, and 43.7% of pregnancy associated cases (where known) resulted in stillbirth or miscarriage. In England, London had the highest levels of listeriosis (0.39 cases per 100,000 population), whilst the East of England had the lowest (0.23 cases per 100,000 population). In 2024, UKHSA investigated 7 listeriosis outbreaks across England and Wales, linked to various food products, including smoked fish, chocolate, strawberry mousse, garlic sausage, and pre-packed sandwiches. @ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/listeria-monocytogenes-surveillance-reports/listeriosis-in-england-and-wales-summary-for-2024

The J. Food Protec. 8 May 2025 published an article on 18 outbreaks linked to melons in the US between 2012 and 2021. Outbreak investigations continue to identify melons as an important source of outbreak-associated illness. The article characterized the epidemiology of outbreaks, summarized public health responses, and identified potential opportunities for prevention efforts and interventions. During 2012–2021, 18 outbreaks were linked to melons. The median number of outbreaks per year was 2 (range: 0–3); no melon-associated outbreaks were reported in 2015. These 18 outbreaks resulted in 821 illnesses, 251 hospitalizations, and 10 deaths. Outbreak illnesses clustered in the US Midwest and in outbreaks where the growing area was known, most were produced domestically (4/7, 57%), and were frequently grown in Indiana. Traceback and epidemiologic investigations demonstrated that contamination can occur at all points along the farm-to-fork continuum, requiring pathogen control at every step. Pre-cutting melons introduces an opportunity for cross-contamination. Contamination can occur at all points along the farm-to-fork continuum. @ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X25000882

The CDC reported that 109 people from 29 states have gotten sick from Salmonella after touching or caring for backyard poultry. 33 people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. In this outbreak, 43% of the people infected with Salmonella are under 5 years old. Backyard poultry can carry Salmonella  even if they look healthy and clean. The bacteria can easily spread to anything in the areas where the poultry live and roam. @ https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0523-salmonella-poultry-flocks.html