In the news

The FDA, CDC, and state and local partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to Brie and Camembert soft cheese products manufactured by Old Europe Cheese, Inc. (Benton Harbor, MI) and sold at various retailers under multiple labels and brands, including Reny Picot. There are 6 illnesses, 5 hospitalizations in 6 states (CA, GA, MA, MI, NJ, and TX) associated with the outbreak. Based on epidemiologic information, four (80%) report eating Brie or Camembert cheese before the illness. Analysis of environmental samples collected at the Old Europe Cheese facility showed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. WGS analysis determined that the Listeria strain found in the facility matches the Listeria strain causing illnesses in this outbreak. Old Europe Cheese, Inc. has voluntarily recalled multiple brands of Brie and Camembert cheeses produced at their Michigan facility in response to investigation findings.  @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-brie-and-camembert-soft-cheese-products-september-2022?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events as of September 28, 2022, does not include any identified food. In the Cyclospora outbreak (reference #1080), sample collection and analysis and an on-site inspection have been initiated. The investigation is closed in the Salmonella Mississippi outbreak (reference #1097), and the outbreak has ended. A new outbreak has been added to the table: Salmonella Litchfield (reference #1105). Traceback has been initiated. In the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak (reference #1095), the case count has increased from 84 cases to 86 cases. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Keswick Creamery (Newburg, PA) recalled Calverley Cheese, Vulkwin’s Folly Cheese, Vermeer Cheese, Havarti Cheese, Wallaby Cheese, Cider Washed Tomme Cheese, Feta Cheese, Whole Milk Ricotta, Bovre Cheese (plain, oregano and garlic, herbes de provence, cranberry and honey) and Quark Cheese (plain, dill, and onion), due to potential Listeria monocytogenes. All Cheeses were distributed at Dupont Circle Freshfarm Market in Washington, D.C.; Takoma Park Farmers Market in Takoma Park, Maryland; Smith Meadows Farm Store in Berryville, Virginia; Oylers Organic Farms and Market in Biglerville, Pennsylvania; and Talking Breads Farm Store in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall resulted from a routine sampling program conducted by the FDA which revealed some finished products contained Listeria monocytogenes. Keswick Creamery has ceased producing and distributing all products as the FDA, and the company continues investigating what caused the problem. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/keswick-creamery-carrock-farm-llc-recalls-cheese-because-possible-health-risk#:~:text=Keswick%20Creamery%20has%20ceased%20the,urged%20to%20discard%20the%20product.

The Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute) of Italy reported that there had been an increase in cases of listeriosis in various Italian regions due to contamination of food by Listeria monocytogenes. As a result of the outbreak, 3 people died, and 66 were sickened in the Listeria outbreak. After sampling the plant, a link was found between the sick people and the presence of Listeria in sausages made with poultry meat produced by Agricola Tre Valli. The AIA Wudy and Pavo brands with dates until Nov. 30, 2022, are affected. The products were withdrawn from the marketplace. Listeria was also detected during factory environmental sampling, so products made before Sept. 12 have been recalled. Chicken and turkey sausages with cheese have been distributed to 30 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. A statement from Agricola Tre Valli said the voluntary withdrawal procedure involves some hot dogs with the CE mark IT 04 M but added production was continuing.@ https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2022/09/poultry-sausages-linked-to-deadly-listeria-outbreak-in-italy/?utm_source=Food+Safety+News&utm_campaign=35faa5268b-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f46cc10150-35faa5268b-40253059