In the news

The FDA is warning consumers not to purchase or use any Neptune’s Fix products or other products with tianeptine. Tianeptine is a potentially dangerous substance that is not FDA-approved for any medical use but is illegally sold with claims to improve brain function and treat anxiety, depression, pain, opioid use disorder, and other conditions. FDA has received severe adverse event reports after the use of Neptune‘s Fix products, including seizures and loss of consciousness leading to hospitalization. Neptune Fix’s labels state the product contains tianeptine but may contain other harmful ingredients not listed on the label. Like other tianeptine products, these products can be purchased online and at gas stations, vape or smoke shops, or other locations. FDA is testing these products and will provide more information as it becomes available. @ https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-neptunes-fix-or-any-tianeptine-product-due-serious-risks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to peaches, plums, and nectarines (stone fruit). Samples from sick people were collected from August 22, 2018, to August 16, 2023. According to a case-case analysis conducted by the CDC, people in this outbreak were 18 times more likely to eat peaches, plums, or nectarines. This suggests that peaches, plums, and nectarines are a likely source of this outbreak.  On October 23, 2023, the FDA collected samples of 2lb bagged peaches at The HMC Group Cold Storage, Inc. (Kingsburg, CA), and on November 7, 2023, the samples were reported positive and matched to the outbreak strain by WGS.  As a result, HMC Farms has voluntarily recalled peaches, plums, and nectarines sold in retail stores from May 1, 2022, through November 15, 2022, and from May 1, 2023, through November 15, 2023. The recalled fruit was sold at retail stores as individual pieces bearing PLU stickers or in consumer packaging. The outbreak contains 11 illnesses, 10 hospitalizations, and one death. States with Cases are CA, CO, FL, IL, KS, MI, and OH. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-peaches-plums-nectarines-november-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported that Wilcox Ice Cream (East Arlington, VT) extended their recall to include all flavors of Wilcox brand ice cream, yogurt, and ice cream bars, as well as Leonardo’s brand gelato after being notified by the Vermont Department of Agriculture on 11/14/23 that one lot of the Super Premium Mint Chip manufactured that day may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The company recalls ALL other products manufactured at their facility during the same period. Wilcox Premium Product Line – All Flavors – All Sizes with Best By/Sell By dates of 9/14/24 to 11/14/24. Products were distributed in retail stores and Co-Ops in VT, NH, MA, and NY. The SUPER PREMIUM Products are packaged in yellow containers. The Premium Products are packaged in containers with a picture of an ice cream truck. The Leonardo’s Gelato is packaged with the Leonardo’s logo prominently displayed. The yogurt products are packaged in a beige container that says Wilcox Yogurt. The ice cream bars are packaged individually in clear plastic wrap with a sticker. Best by dates for all products can be found either on the sticker or on the side of the packaging. No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date. As part of the company investigation, it was determined that preliminary testing showed that the ice cream mix purchased to make our products may contain Listeria monocytogenes. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wilcox-ice-cream-recalls-multiple-ice-cream-products-because-possible-health-risk

The CFIA has ordered a recall of many brands of fresh-cut fruit sold across Canada, including Central Foods Co., Save on Foods, Fresh Start Foods, and others due to salmonella contamination. The initial recall happened in October 2023 and involved cantaloupes. The current recall has been extended to include numerous fresh-cut fruit containers sold at grocery stores across Canada. Almost 70 products sold under various brands were recalled. The recalled products include cantaloupe, fruit mixes, pineapple, honeydew melon, and watermelon in various cuts. The newly recalled fruit may have been distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and perhaps other parts of Canada. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/various-brands-fresh-cut-fruit-recalled-due-salmonella?utm_source=gc-notify&utm_medium=email&utm_content=en&utm_campaign=hc-sc-rsa-22-23