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The FDA has updated its Infant formula compliance program for FDA investigators, laboratory analysts, and compliance officers. The compliance program is designed to comprehensively outline the agency’s approach for inspections, sample collection, sample analysis, and compliance activities to help ensure that infant formula products in the U.S. food supply are safe and nutritious. The updates include instructions for annual environmental sampling of Cronobacter and Salmonella at powdered infant formula facilities. The compliance program provides instruction for FDA notification should a sample test positive for Cronobacter or Salmonella or if a sample has nutrients above or below required levels per the FDA’s infant formula regulation. The compliance program also includes instructions for how product or environmental positives identified during records reviews should be immediately escalated to the appropriate subject matter expert within the Human Foods Program. The program further elaborates on new infant formula-related requirements included in the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act of 2022. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-issues-updated-compliance-program-infant-formula

The USDA/ FSIS issued a public health alert due to concerns that ready-to-eat (RTE) ham products produced by Sunnyvalley Smoked Meats (Manteca, California) may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A recall was not requested because it is believed that the affected products are no longer in commerce. The RTE ham products were produced on Sept 25, 2023, with 4-lb. (average weight) vacuum-packed clear plastic packages containing “Kirkland Signature Applewood Smoked MASTER CARVE HALF HAM Boneless With Natural Juices” with Use / Freeze by date Jan 20 24. The products were shipped to retail locations in California and Nevada. The problem was discovered after the establishment’s laboratory testing indicated the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The establishment notified FSIS that some affected product was distributed into commerce. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of the products. FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-kirkland-signature-ready-eat-ham-products-due

According to the CFIA, Fresh Start Foods (Richmond, British Columbia) has recalled Fresh Start Foods Cantaloupe from the Canadian marketplace due to suspected Salmonella contamination.  The Fresh Start Foods branded cantaloupe, sold in three (3) count packages. The products were sold in Alberta and British Columbia. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/fresh-start-foods-brand-cantaloupe-recalled-due-salmonella

Food poisoning reported that Kirkland Signature Master Carve Half Ham recalled the products from Costco stores for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recalling firm is Sunnyvale Smoked Meats Inc. The recalled product was sold only in the Northern California/Bay Area and in western Nevada at Costco stores. The recalled item is Kirkland Signature Master Carve Half Ham, Natural Juices Boneless Smoked Half Ham. The ham was available for purchase between September 26 and September 29, 2023. The Use/Freeze by date is January 20, 24, stamped on the sticker on the front of the package. @ https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2023/kirkland-signature-master-carve-half-ham-recalled-for-listeria/