In the news

The CORE update list of outbreaks and adverse events includes seven postings. A new outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1220) linked to an unidentified product has been added to the table. FDA has initiated an inspection and sampling. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) reference number (2025-06) for the investigation has been added to the table. The outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (ref #1300) linked to an unidentified product, the case count has increased from 50 to 59 cases. The outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (ref #1301) linked to an unidentified product, the case count has increased from 22 to 24 cases. The FDA’s investigation of the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1292) has closed. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

In Belgium, AFSCA reported that following a notification by the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), they are withdrawing the product “Mousse au chocolat à l’ancienne” (400 g) from the Marie Morin brand due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The product was produced in France and exported to Belgium and other countries. @ https://favv-afsca.be/fr/produits/rappel-de-lafsca-74

The CDC estimated the average number of US foodborne illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths in 2019 caused by seven major pathogens: Campylobacter spp., Clostridium perfringens, invasive Listeria monocytogenes, norovirus, nontyphoidal Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and Toxoplasma gondii. The major pathogens, excluding Toxoplasma gondii, caused an estimated 9.9 million domestically acquired foodborne illnesses. An estimated 53,300 hospitalizations resulted from domestically acquired foodborne illnesses caused by the seven pathogens. An estimated 931 deaths resulted from domestically acquired foodborne illnesses caused by the seven pathogens. Norovirus was the leading cause of domestically acquired foodborne illnesses (5.5 million) and hospitalizations from these illnesses (22,400). Salmonella was the leading cause of domestically acquired foodborne illnesses resulting in death (238). The top five Salmonella serotypes causing foodborne illnesses were Enteritidis (23% of Salmonella infections), Newport (14%), Typhimurium (11%), I 4,[5],12:i- (7%), and Javiana (7%). These five Salmonella serotypes, in order from highest to lowest, also caused the most hospitalizations. Non-O157 serogroups caused 76% of STEC illnesses compared with 24% caused by O157 serotypes. Invasive Listeria caused 1,050 non-pregnancy-associated illnesses and 198 pregnancy-associated illnesses. @ https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/php/data-research/foodborne-illness-burden/index.html?ACSTrackingID=DM146199&ACSTrackingLabel=Food%20Safety%20Updates%20From%20CDC&deliveryName=DM146199

The CFIA reported that Marie Sharp’s  (Thunder Bay, Ontario ) recalls certain batches/lots of Marie Sharp’s branded Original Garlic Habanero Pepper Sauce from the Canadian marketplace due to reported spoilage. The recall notice did not state whether or not any illnesses have been reported to the company to date in connection with the consumption of this product. The notice did not state which microbes may have caused the spoilage. The recalled product was sold nationally at the retail level. It is Marie Sharp’s Garlic Habanero Pepper Sauce that is packaged in 148 milliliter containers. The best by date of the product is 11 DEC 2027.@ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/marie-sharp-s-brand-original-garlic-habanero-pepper-sauce-recalled-due-spoilage