In the news

On January 20, 2023, the CDC issued an update on the Salmonella outbreak linked to pet bearded dragons. The CDC first reported the outbreak on October 12, 2022. However, by now, it has affected at least 32 people, with 12 people being infected with Salmonella Vitkin and 20 with Salmonella IIIb 61:z52:z53, and ten people were hospitalized in 20 different states. 47% of the cases have been children under five, and 11 of those affected have been under one. Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella in their droppings. @ https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/beardeddragon-10-22/index.html

At its 52nd session in 2022, the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) requested FAO/WHO Expert Meeting on Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA) to collate the relevant scientific information on Salmonella and Campylobacter in chicken meat in preparation for an update of the existing Guidelines for the Control of Campylobacter and Salmonella in Chicken Meat. Salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis are among the most frequently reported foodborne diseases worldwide. For Campylobacter spp., JEMRA has conducted risk assessments in broiler chickens and evaluated intervention measures used in producing chicken meat. WHO estimated that in 2010 Campylobacter spp. And Salmonella spp. caused more than 95 million illnesses, 21 374 deaths, and nearly 2 142 000 disability-adjusted life year (DALY). While numerous potential transmission vehicles exist, commercial poultry meat has been identified as one of the most important food vehicles for non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. An expert meeting will be convened on the control of Campylobacter spp. in poultry meat from 6 – 10 February 2023 in Rome, Italy. A separate expert meeting on the control of non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. was held from 12 – 16 September 2023. @ https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2023/02/06/default-calendar/joint-fao-who-expert-meeting-on-the-pre-and-post-harvest-control-of-campylobacter-spp.-in-poultry-meat

In Canada, the FSIA reported that Aliments Tousain Inc. recalled Dubon brand Mixed Forest Mushrooms recalled due to insects and mold. Inset and molds are considered “non-harmful (quality or spoilage)” issues. The product is packaged in 454 gram containers. The recalled product was sold in Quebec. There is concern that consumers may have the products in their homes because of the long shelf life, which reaches to 2026. The recall notice did not state whether or not any illnesses have been reported to date.  @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/dubon-brand-mixed-forest-mushrooms-recalled-due-insects-and-mold

Reuters report that the Wall Street Journal reported that Abbott Laboratories Sturgis Michigan plant, which was at the center of the U.S. baby formula shortage last year, faces a criminal investigation by the Justice Department. The WSJ report said that attorneys with the Justice Department’s consumer-protection branch are conducting the criminal investigation, citing people familiar with the matter. “DOJ has informed us of its investigation, and we’re cooperating fully,” an Abbott spokesman told Reuters. The DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The FDA found “shocking” results during an inspection, such as cracks in vital equipment, inadequate hand-washing, and evidence of previous bacterial contamination. The regulator and the company later reached an agreement that allowed the plant to reopen. @ https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/abbott-faces-criminal-probe-over-baby-formula-wsj-2023-01-20/