In the news

The FDA, CDC, and state and local partners investigated four consumer complaints of infant illness related to products from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility received from 9/6/2021 to 12/18/2021. All cases are reported to have consumed powdered infant formula (IF) produced from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. These complaints include three reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one report of Salmonella Newport infection in infants. All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalized, and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case. FDA found several positive Cronobacter results from environmental samples. As a result, Abbott (NYSE: ABT) initiated a voluntary recall of powder formulas, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan. During testing in the facility, the company found Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas. We found no evidence of Salmonella Newport. The recalled products have a multidigit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, containing K8, SH, or Z2, and an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after. A total of 4 adverse events (3 Cronobacter, 1 Salmonella)I MN (1), OH (1), TX (2). All affected infants were hospitalized. One death has been reported but has not been confirmed as solely attributable to Cronobacter infection. Products made at the Sturgis facility were distributed across the United States and were likely exported to other countries. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/abbott-voluntarily-recalls-powder-formulas-manufactured-one-plant?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The USDA/FSIS issued the Enforcement report for 1Q 2022, covering the period of October 1, 20221 to December 31, 2021. The report summarizes the enforcement actions FSIS has taken to ensure that meat, poultry, and egg products reaching consumers are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled. This report is a snapshot in time of a dynamic process. In 1Q, 1.8 million inspections were performed, and 23,002 Noncompliance Records (NR) were issued (98.7%). An NR can be appealed. In 1Q, 457 appeals were filled, 102 granted and 190 denied, and 88 cases were pending when the period ended. Additional 77 appeals ended with modified NRs. FSIS also re-inspect 1,291,263,334 lb of imported meat and poultry in 1Q, and accepted 1,289,477,260 lb. Domestic inspections are also included.@ 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recalled the dog treats “Dog Gone Dog Treats” because three cases of Salmonella were linked to the dog treats. The three cases linked to the treats are two adults in their 70s and a child; all three are from Essex County. The treats are manufactured in Georgetown, Massachusetts. The flavors included in this recall are chicken chips, beef liver, and sweet potato chips. These treats were sold at Essex County Co-Op in Topsfield, New England Dog Biscuit Company in Salem, Gimme Chews and Moore in Haverhill, and Animal Krackers in Gloucester. One of the bags from a customer and multiple bags have been tested and came back positive with Salmonella by the state Public Laboratory. The treats are dehydrated and were not be fully cooked. @ https://www.wwlp.com/news/massachusetts/massachusetts-dph-recalls-dog-gone-dog-treats-due-salmonella-cases/amp/

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (“ACCC”) reports that Mortlake Organic Dairy (Mortlake, Victoria) recalls L’Artisan Cheese – Organic Marcel from the Australian marketplace due to suspected E. coli. The recalled L’Artisan Cheese – Organic Marcel is packaged in 180 gram plastic/paper wrapped mini-wheels with a batch/lot code of 11012022 and a best-before code of 08MAR2022. The products were sold in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. @ https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls/mortlake-organic-dairy-pty-ltd-%E2%80%94-lartisan-cheese-organic-marcel-180g