In the news

The USDA/ FSIS reported that the House of Raeford (Nesmith, S.C.) recalled ~76,961 pounds of corn dog products due to possible spoilage. The mini chicken corn dogs were produced on April 24, 2023. The product comes in a 1.83-lb. resealable bag containing “FOSTER FARMS MINI CORN DOGS BITE-SIZED CHICKEN FRANKS DIPPED IN BATTER HONEY CRUNCHY FLAVOR” with lot codes 123114 and 223114 and best if used by date of 4/23/24. The items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.  The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS that it received consumer complaints that the product had an odor, off appearance, and unpleasant taste. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.  @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/house-raeford-recalls-foster-farms-brand-mini-chicken-corn-dog-products-due-possible

A little over a year ago, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA) recalled several Kinder chocolate products manufactured at the Ferrero factory in Arlon, Belgium, because of salmonella infection. The Federal Agency then ordered the factory’s closure. The AFSCA found a case of salmonella at the Ferrero factory a few days ago. AFSCA has clarified that no food has tested positive, however. The detection is probably due to reinforced controls of factory personnel after the site’s closure last year. AFSCA spokesperson Aline Van den Broeck said that the factory staff had taken the necessary steps, and the risk is completely controlled. No end product intended for consumption has tested positive. @ https://www.brusselstimes.com/579340/new-case-of-salmonella-detected-at-ferrero-factory-in-arlon

On Thursday, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) voted to add Cronobacter sakazakii infections to the list of nationally notifiable conditions that health departments count and report to the CDC. The CDC said it would support the CSTE’s position and add Cronobacter to its national list next year. Cronobacter sakazakii causes a rare but potentially deadly infection in newborns. It is present in the environment and can contaminate powdered infant formula. Only two states – Minnesota and Michigan – require that doctors report Cronobacter infections to their health departments. In 2022, four cases of Cronobacter infections in infants – including two who died – triggered a nationwide recall of infant formula. The recall and the subsequent shutdown of the Sturgis, MI, infant formula manufacturing plant for cleaning worsened ongoing supply chain problems, sparking a prolonged infant formula shortage. “Stop Foodborne Illness (STOP) is confident that the vote today by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) to include Cronobacter sakazakii on the nationally notifiable diseases list will have a meaningful impact on infant mortality. @ https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/29/health/cronobacter-notifiable-diseases/index.html

FDA is advising consumers not to purchase or eat Everest Garam Masala, Everest Sambhar Masala, and Maggi Masala ae Magic spices because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products are Everest Garam Masala, 100 grams, coded U25D390373; Everest Sambhar Masala, 100 grams, coded U04D384296; and Maggi Masala ae Magic, 6 grams, 20640. The spices were sold at retail stores in GA, NC, OH, MD, TN, TX, MS, FL, VA, NJ, NY, and PA. Amin Trading Agency LLC, Edison, NJ, distributed Everest Garam Masala, Everest Sambhar Masala, and Maggi Masala ae Magic. Amin Trading Agency LLC purchased these spices, not labeled for distribution in the United States, at retail stores in India and imported and subsequently distributed in the United States. The FDA analyzed samples of the three products, Everest Garam Masala, Everest Sambhar Masala, and Maggi Masala ae Magic, and the results showed the products were contaminated with Salmonella. The products were manufactured in India and are not labeled for distribution in the United States. The FDA has contacted the manufacturer of Maggi Masala ae Magic, and they are investigating the situation. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/public-health-alert-concerning-recalled-everest-and-maggi-brand-spices-because-possible-health-risk?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery