In the news

The FDA reported on January 03, 2024, that analysis has determined that certain dietary supplements labeled as tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) root are adulterated because they were tested and found to be substituted with yellow oleander (Cascabela thevetia), a poisonous plant native to Mexico and Central America. The tested products are labeled as tejocote but are actually toxic yellow oleander. Ingestion of yellow oleander can cause adverse neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular health effects that may be severe or even fatal. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac changes, dysrhythmia, and more. These products are typically sold online through third-party platforms. In September 2023, the CDC published a report of several tejocote root products found to be substituted with toxic yellow oleander. Based on this report, the FDA initiated an investigation to sample and test additional tejocote root products. The FDA has tested nine samples representing the nine different products and found them to contain yellow oleander. Additional sample analysis is pending. Based on the FDA’s sampling and testing results thus far, the FDA is also concerned that other products marketed as tejocote (including with other names such as Crataegus mexicana, Raiz de Tejocote, and Mexican Hawthorn) may contain yellow oleander. Consuming yellow oleander can cause severe adverse health effects and be potentially fatal. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-issues-warning-about-certain-tejocote-root-supplements-substituted-toxic-yellow-oleander?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

On January 3, 2024, The FDA reported that a previous version of the recall was issued on 12/22/2023. The present release is updated to include all states that may have received the recalled product. Blue Ridge Beef is expanding its recall to include additional lot numbers. This recall includes all lot numbers and used by dates between N24 1114 to N24 1224 of their 2 lb log of Kitten Grind UPC 8 54298 00101 6, 2lb log of Kitten Mix UPC 8 54298 00143 6, and their 2lb log of Puppy Mix UPC 8 54298 00169 6 due to contamination of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. On 12/15/2023, Blue Ridge was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that one lot of each of the products were sampled and tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been reported to date. The products were distributed between 11/14/2023 – 12/20/2023. These products were packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in retail stores in CT, FL, IA, IL, MA, MD, MI, NC, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, VA & WI. The Blue Ridge Beef pet food company said on January 3 that it was “expanding their recall to include additional lot numbers,” thus encompassing additional states that said lots—of the 2lb Kitten Grind, 2lb log of Kitten Mix and 2lb log of Puppy Mix—were distributed to. Products, the recall order says, were “packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in retail stores” in Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. Previously, the recalled products were listed as being in Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and Virginia. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/expanded-affected-states-blue-ridge-beef-issues-voluntary-recall-blue-ridge-beef-kitten-grind-blue?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FSA reported that ‘Reckitt has taken the precautionary step of recalling Nutramigen LGG stage 1 and stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula powders because of the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. Both products are foods used for special medical purposes for infants. The products are mainly prescribed but are also available without a prescription. Reckitt is recalling the above products and has contacted all stores and pharmacies that are supplying these products. The company has also issued a recall notice to its customers. The products affected are the Nutramigen LGG Stage 1 Hypoallergenic Formula and the Nutramigen LGG Stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula in 400 g containers. @ https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-01-2024

January 3, 2024: The USDA and FSIS reported that Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc.(Mount Olive, NJ)recalled approximately 11,097 pounds of Busseto Foods brand ready-to-eat charcuterie meat products that may be contaminated with Salmonella. The ready-to-eat (RTE) charcuterie sampler product was produced on October 30, 2023. The 18-oz. plastic tray packages containing “BUSSETO FOODS CHARCUTERIE SAMPLER Prosciutto, Sweet Sopressata, and Dry Coppa” with “BEST IF USED BY APR 27 24.” The products are sold as a twin pack with two 9-oz. packages. These items were shipped to Sam’s Club distribution centers in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas. The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified that a sample collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture tested positive for Salmonella. @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fratelli-beretta-usa-inc–recalls-busseto-foods-brand-ready-eat-charcuterie-meat