In the news

The FDA reported that Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc.(Modesto, CA) recalled 344 cases of Aged Cotija Mexican Grating Cheese (8oz) because it could potentially be contaminated with  Listeria monocytogenes. Aged Cotija Mexican Grating Cheese (8oz) was distributed nationwide through distributors. The product comes in a small 8oz. “puck” shape wrapped in clear plastic marked with red and black lettering on the bottom noted as “Cotija. The top shows “Cotija Aged Mexican Grating Cheese” with an orange background. The batch number is identified on the outer edge of the clear plastic with “SELL BY 05/12/24 BATCH 4DW-23318” in black lettering. To date, no confirmed illnesses related to this product have been reported. The recall resulted from a routine sampling program by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch on Wednesday, January 3rd, which revealed that the finished product contained the bacteria. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/rizo-lopez-foods-inc-recalls-aged-cotija-mexican-grating-cheese-8oz-because-possible-health-risk

CORE update of January 10, 2024: the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes five activity cases. This week, only a single outbreak was updated. For the investigation of elevated lead levels in Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (ref # 1198), the advisory was updated to include investigation and sample testing updates. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported in the annual report that CORE 2022 Activities include 65 Incidents Evaluated. Incidents evaluated include potential outbreaks, confirmed outbreaks, and adverse events that the CORE Signals and Surveillance Team evaluated. 28 Responses were initiated, and 11 Advisories were issued. In 2022, CORE investigated four adverse events reported in infant formula, a meal replacement drink, dry cereal, and a frozen food product. These adverse event report investigations rely on self-reported complaints submitted by consumers and health care practitioners and data voluntarily reported by industry to FDA consumer complaint coordinators and the CFSAN Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS). Noteworthy Outbreaks include (i) Two Enoki mushrooms linked to two recent multistate Listeria outbreaks, one from Korea and the other from China. (ii) Cantaloupe In August 2022, an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections linked to cantaloupe. Based on traceback information from the 2022 outbreak, FDA conducted investigations in Indiana at three farms, their common packinghouse, and nearby public lands. Salmonella positive environmental samples were found at each location, but none of the resulting Salmonella isolates conclusively matched the outbreak strain by whole genome sequencing (WGS). The outbreak vehicle was confirmed after the outbreak ended. No cantaloupes were recalled, and no public warning was issued as the implicated products were no longer on the market. (iii) Peanut Butter is a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Senftenberg infections linked to certain peanut butter products. Pathogens causing outbreaks: E. coli O157:H7 in packaged salad; Cronobacter in powdered infant formula; Salmonella Senftenberg in peanut butter;  Hepatitis A Virus I strawberries;  Listeria monocytogenes in ice cream; Listeria monocytogenes in Brie and Camembert; E. coli O121 in frozen falafel; Salmonella Litchfield in seafood; Listeria monocytogenes in Enoki Mushrooms; and Salmonella Typhimurium in sprouts. @ https://www.fda.gov/media/175176/download?attachment

The FDA reported that as of January 8, 2024, they had received 87 confirmed complaints/reports of adverse events potentially linked to the recalled pouches. CDC is conducting case finding efforts. 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 5, CDC has received reports of 86 confirmed cases, 209 probable cases, and 26 suspected cases for a total of 321 cases from 38 different states (AL (1), AR (1), CA (1), CT (1), FL (1), GA (2), IA (1), IL (5), IN (1), KY (3), LA (4), MA (3), MD (6), 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