In the news

The FDA advised restaurants and retailers in Florida (FL), Massachusetts (MA), Maryland (MD), Maine (ME), Pennsylvania (PA), and Virginia (VA) not to serve or sell, and consumers in FL, MA, MD, ME, PA, or VA., not to eat oysters harvested from Future Seafoods, Inc. (PE 4217 SP) based in Bedeque, Prince Edward Island, Canada, due to the possible presence of Salmonella and E. coli. On 10/10/2023, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) tested oysters and discovered the presence of Salmonella and unacceptable levels of generic E. coli. On 10/18/2023, the CFIA informed the FDA of the testing results from the contaminated product. Canada is investigating the cause of the food safety problem. Future Seafoods, Inc. has not yet initiated a recall. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-restaurants-and-retailers-not-serve-or-sell-and-consumers-not-eat-oysters-future?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

In Canada, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), in collaboration with the company (Fromagerie du Vieux St-François, Laval, Quebec), warned not to consume The Ashen Bell cheeses because this food is likely to contain Staphylococcus aureus. The cheese was sold at the company location. It came in white packaging with a black label on it. The product was sold refrigerated. The company agreed with MAPAQ to broadcast this warning as a precautionary measure. No cases of illness associated with the consumption of this food have been reported to MAPAQ to date. @ https://www.quebec.ca/nouvelles/actualites/details/avis-de-ne-pas-consommer-le-fromage-la-cloche-cendree-prepare-et-vendu-par-lentreprise-fromagerie-du-vieux-st-francois-51264

CORE update of October 18, 2023, the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes two activity cases and only a single change. Salmonella Thompson (ref #1190) in not yet identified food, the case count increased from 67 to 72. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The USDA/ FSIS announced that Phu Huong Food Company (Rosemead, California) is recalling approximately 602 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef and chicken meatball products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The fully cooked RTE beef and chicken meatballs were produced on Oct. 2, 2023, and packaged on Oct. 3, 2023. 11-oz. vacuum-sealed packages containing “BÒ VIÊN PHÙ-HƯƠNG GÂN BEEF MEATBALLS (WITH BEEF TENDONS) (Chicken added / Cô Gá)” with lot codes 200101 through 200124. The products were shipped to retail locations in California. The problem was discovered when FSIS performed routine product testing, and the results identified Listeria monocytogenes in the product. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/phu-huong-food-company-recalls-ready-eat-beef-and-poultry-meatball-products-due