In the news

CORE update of November 29, 2023: the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes seven activity cases. In the outbreak of Salmonella Newport (ref # 1201), the case count has increased from 40 to 42 cases. 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. In the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #989) linked to peaches, plums, and nectarines, the advisory was updated to include additional retailers impacted by this outbreak. In the investigation of elevated lead levels in Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (ref # 1198), the advisory was updated to include additional adverse event reports and advice for consumers. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks

The Pennsylvania State Department of Agriculture said that Hilltop Meadow Raw Pepper Jack Cheese is recalled due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Hilltop Meadow Farm is located in Schuylkill County at 153 Martin Road in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. No illnesses have been reported to the company to date concerning the consumption of the raw milk cheese. The cheese was sold in 1/2 pound, 1 pound, 2 pound, and 5 pound sizes at the on-farm store and in stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Wisconsin. @ https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2023/hilltop-meadow-raw-pepper-jack-cheese-recalled-for-listeria/

The FDA reported that Kwik Trip, Inc. (La Crosse, Wisconsin) recalled three varieties of fresh-cut fruit cup and tray products because they contain cantaloupe from TruFresh, which can potentially be contaminated with Salmonella. Due to the now expanded recall of fresh, whole cantaloupes by TruFresh, Kwik Trip, Inc. is issuing this recall. Cantaloupes recalled by TruFresh were used as a raw material in Kwik Trip, Inc. fruit cup and tray products (i) Kwik Trip branded Mixed Fruit Cups, sold in six (6)-ounce containers with a sell-by date ranging between 11/4/2023 to 12/3/2023; (ii) Kwik Trip branded Cantaloupe Cups, sold in six (6)-ounce containers with a sell-by date ranging between 11/4/2023 to 12/3/202; and  (iii) Kwik Trip branded Fruit Trays, sold in sixteen (16)-ounce containers with a sell-by date ranging between 11/4/2023 to 12/3/2023. The products were distributed to Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Stop-N-Go, Tobacco Outlet Plus Grocery, and Tobacco Outlet Plus convenience stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Illinois, and South Dakota. No reported illnesses have been associated with the fruit cup and tray products listed above. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kwik-trip-inc-recalls-specific-fruit-cups-and-trays-due-potential-salmonella-contamination

The FDA updated the information on the outbreak of Salmonella in cantaloupes. The whole cantaloupe associated with the outbreak are from the following brands: “Malichita” or “Rudy,” “4050”, and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique.” On November 24, Pacific Trellis initiated a recall of whole fresh cantaloupes distributed between October 18 – 26 in California, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin and sold in various retail supermarkets. On November 22, 2023, Crown Jewels Produce issued a recall of whole fresh cantaloupes, Sofia Produce expanded their recall of fresh whole cantaloupe, and CF Dallas initiated a recall of fresh cut fruit products made from whole cantaloupe subject to the Sofia Produce recall. As of November 24, 2023, the CDC reported 99 cases with 45 hospitalizations from 32 states, with the latest onset date of November 10, 2023. Retailers and wholesalers would have received recalled whole melons from Crown Jewels Produce in boxes labeled “Malachita/Z Farms” or from Sofia, Produce doing business as TrueFresh in boxes labeled “Malichita” or “Rudy,” or from Pacific Trellis in corrugated cartons with certain lot codes. As a result of the cantaloupe recall, products made from the cantaloupe were also recalled. The cut produce was sold in ALDI, Viyard, and Freshness Guaranteed.  @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cantaloupes-november-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery