In the news

CORE update of December 06, 2023: the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes seven activity cases. A new outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1205) in a not yet identified food has been added to the table. In the outbreak of Salmonella Sundsvall (ref #1203) linked to cantaloupe, the recall was expanded to include additional retailers and wholesalers who received the recalled melons. Additionally, the Oranienburg strain of Salmonella was added to this outbreak. The advisory was updated to include international distribution of the recalled fruit to Canada, Mexico, and Taiwan for the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #989) linked to peaches, plums, and nectarines. For the investigation of elevated lead levels in Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (ref # 1198), the advisory was updated to include additional adverse event reports and Investigation updates. For the outbreak of Salmonella Newport (ref# 1201) in a not yet identified food, the case count has increased from 42 to 43 cases. For the outbreak of E. coli O121 (ref#1195) in a not yet identified food, an on-site inspection and sample collection and analysis were initiated. For the outbreak of E. coli O103 (ref# 1192) in a not yet identified product, the investigation is complete, and the outbreak has ended. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported that TGD Cuts, LLC has initiated a voluntary recall of the specific fresh-cut fruit cup, clamshell, and tray products because they contain cantaloupe from TruFresh, which can potentially be contaminated with Salmonella. Due to the expanded recall of fresh, whole cantaloupes by TruFresh on November 28, 2023, TGD Cuts, LLC is issuing this recall. Cantaloupes recalled by TruFresh were used as a raw material in TGD Cuts, LLC fruit cup, clamshell, and tray products listed below. This recall includes fresh-cut fruit cups, clamshells, and tray products containing cantaloupe listed in the table below with use-by dates of November 2, 2023, through November 24, 2023. Products were distributed to retail and food service locations in Maryland, D.C., Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, and South Carolina. No other products are affected. No reported illnesses have been associated with the fruit cup, clamshell, and tray products. These products are beyond their usable shelf-life and are no longer expected to be in commerce. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tgd-cuts-llc-recalls-certain-fresh-cut-fruit-cup-clamshell-and-tray-products-due-possible-health?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA updated the status of its investigation of cinnamon apple sauce pouches as of December 5, 2023. The FDA has initiated an onsite inspection at the Austrofoods facility located in Ecuador. The Ecuadorian authorities report that Negasmart’s cinnamon had higher levels of lead than allowed by Ecuador and that Negasmart, the supplier of cinnamon to Austrofoods. As of December 5, 2023, the FDA has received 64 reports of adverse events potentially linked to recalled products. States with Adverse Illness Events: AL (1), AR (1), CA (1), CT (1), FL (1), GA (2), IA (1), IL (3), KY (3), LA (4), MA (3), MD (6), MI (3), MO (1), NC (5), NE (2), NH (1), NM (1), NY (8), OH (3), PA (1), SC (2), TN (1), TX(3), VA(2), WA (3), WI (1). To date, confirmed complainants, or people for whom an adverse event was submitted, are under 6 years of age. As of December 1, CDC has received reports of 18 confirmed cases, 30 probable cases, and 4 suspected cases from 13 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 CFIA recalled numerous brands of caffeinated energy drinks due to various non-compliances related to caffeine content and labeling requirements. The recalls are part of an ongoing investigation. Most recalled products were neither manufactured nor intended for sale in Canada and have been imported by third parties and sold in stores across Canada. Consumers may have also purchased the products online. In Canada, energy drinks must not contain over 180 mg of caffeine in a single serving. These products also require cautionary statements to protect vulnerable populations, including children, and to provide information on the safe number of daily servings. The CFIA warns against consuming various Caffeinated Energy Drinks from the Canadian marketplace due to reported failure to properly comply with Canada’s Caffeine content and labeling requirements, leading to possible ingestion of excess Caffeine levels with consequential risks of anxiety, sleeplessness, agitation, palpitations, diarrhea, and restlessness. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/various-brands-caffeinated-energy-drinks-may-be-unsafe-due-caffeine-content-and