In the news

The FDA reported that Baker Farms of Norman Park, GA, recalled a single production run of Kroger 16-ounce bagged Collard Greens due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. To date, there have been no reports of illness related to the consumption of this bagged collard green product. The recalled product,16-ounce bags of Kroger Collard Greens, was sold in the produce department. All potentially affected products have been removed from store shelves. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture discovered the issue while conducting routine product testing. The product was distributed to various Kroger retail locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The recall also impacts parts of Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. Baker Farms is a family-owned produce business established in 1970. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/baker-farms-issues-voluntarily-recall-16-ounce-kroger-bagged-collard-greens-due-possible-listeria

The FDA advised restaurants and retailers in Florida (FL), Massachusetts (MA), Maryland (MD), Maine (ME), Pennsylvania (PA), and Virginia (VA) not to serve or sell, and consumers in FL, MA, MD, ME, PA, or VA., not to eat oysters harvested from Future Seafoods, Inc. (PE 4217 SP) based in Bedeque, Prince Edward Island, Canada, due to the possible presence of Salmonella and E. coli. On 10/10/2023, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) tested oysters and discovered the presence of Salmonella and unacceptable levels of generic E. coli. On 10/18/2023, the CFIA informed the FDA of the testing results from the contaminated product. Canada is investigating the cause of the food safety problem. Future Seafoods, Inc. has not yet initiated a recall. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-restaurants-and-retailers-not-serve-or-sell-and-consumers-not-eat-oysters-future?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

In Canada, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), in collaboration with the company (Fromagerie du Vieux St-François, Laval, Quebec), warned not to consume The Ashen Bell cheeses because this food is likely to contain Staphylococcus aureus. The cheese was sold at the company location. It came in white packaging with a black label on it. The product was sold refrigerated. The company agreed with MAPAQ to broadcast this warning as a precautionary measure. No cases of illness associated with the consumption of this food have been reported to MAPAQ to date. @ https://www.quebec.ca/nouvelles/actualites/details/avis-de-ne-pas-consommer-le-fromage-la-cloche-cendree-prepare-et-vendu-par-lentreprise-fromagerie-du-vieux-st-francois-51264

CORE update of October 18, 2023, the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes two activity cases and only a single change. Salmonella Thompson (ref #1190) in not yet identified food, the case count increased from 67 to 72. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery