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The European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control present the results of the zoonoses monitoring and surveillance activities carried out in 2022 in 27 Member States (MSs), the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland), and 11 non-MSs. In 2022, the first and second most reported human zoonoses were campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis, respectively. The number of cases of campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis remained stable compared to 2021. Salmonella samples from carcasses of various animal species and samples for Campylobacter quantification from broiler carcasses were more frequently positive when performed by the competent authorities than when their checks were conducted. Yersiniosis was humans’ third most reported zoonosis, followed by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Listeria monocytogenes infections. L. monocytogenes and West Nile virus infections were the most severe zoonotic diseases, with the most hospitalizations and highest case fatality rates. The number of reported foodborne outbreaks, cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the EU was higher in 2022 than in 2021. The number of deaths from outbreaks was the highest ever reported in the EU in the last Salmonella. In particular, S. Enteritidis remained the most frequently reported causative agent for foodborne outbreaks. @ https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8442

FDA is conducting an onsite inspection at the Austrofoods facility located in Ecuador. Cinnamon samples collected from the lots used in recalled products will undergo laboratory analysis. As of December 12, 2023, the FDA has worked with Ecuadorian authorities to gather information about Negasmart, the supplier of cinnamon to Austrofoods, including whether the cinnamon in the recalled products was used in other products exported to the United States. Working with Ecuadorian authorities, the FDA has confirmed that, of Negasmart’s direct customers, only Austrofoods ships products to the US. In addition, the FDA has confirmed that Negasmart does not directly export products to the US. As of December 11, 2023, the FDA has received 65 reports of adverse events potentially linked to recalled products. To date, confirmed complainants, or people for whom an adverse event was submitted, are under 6 years of age. As of December 8, the CDC has received reports of 46 confirmed cases, 68 probable cases, and 11 suspected cases for 125 cases from 22 different states through their reporting structure. FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine the point of contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA advised consumers not to eat, restaurants and food retailers not to sell, and to dispose of Red’s Best chopped clams that were illegally harvested from prohibited waters in MA on 11/25/2023 and 11/26/2023 with lot numbers # 331 and # 333 and shuck dates of 23/331 and 23/333, because they may be contaminated. The chopped clams were directly distributed to distributors and retailers in CT, MA, NY, and RI and may have been distributed further from these states. Clams harvested illegally may be contaminated with human pathogens, toxic elements, or poisonous or deleterious substances and can cause illness if consumed. All chopped clams were packed in one-gallon (8 lbs) plastic containers with “Red’s Best” printed on the sidewall. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-restaurants-and-retailers-not-serve-or-sell-and-consumers-not-eat-chopped-clams?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The ripple effect due to contaminated cantaloupes continues. According to the CFIA, Loblaw Companies Limited (Brampton, Ontario) has recalled Fresh-Cut Fruit Cups and fruit Trays from the Canadian marketplace due to suspected Salmonella contamination. The Loblaw Fresh-Cut Fruit Cups and Fruit Trays containing Cantaloupe were known to be marketed, distributed, and sold in all Canadian provinces. The recall was initiated after an expanded recall of Fresh, Whole Cantaloupe, the primary ingredient supplier to Loblaw for these products, was found to be contaminated with Salmonella. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/fresh-cut-cantaloupe-products-recalled-due-salmonella-0