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In 2021, the FDA collected domestic ready-to-eat (RTE) refrigerated dips and spreads to test for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. The assignment was established due to the five recalls of hummus products and six recalls of multi-commodity dips due to contamination with L. monocytogenes or Salmonella from FY2017 through FY2020. In FY2019, there were two outbreaks of Salmonella linked to Tahini (12 confirmed cases, 1 hospitalization). In FY2017, two outbreaks of L. monocytogenes were linked to hummus (31 confirmed cases, 26 hospitalizations, 3 fetal losses); one of the outbreaks may have contributed to 3 deaths. The result of the assignment suggests that Salmonella spp. And L. monocytogenes were not widespread in the multi-commodity RTE dips and spreads collected nationwide. From FY2017 through FY2022, there were a total of 22 recalls of dips and spreads due to potential Salmonella or L. monocytogenes contamination; of these, hummus and cheese dips and spreads make up 64% of the recalls (10 hummus recalls, 4 cheese dips and spread recalls). The FDA detected Salmonella spp. in one sample and L. monocytogenes in three samples out of the 747 collected. The FDA found 23 positive environmental samples, all from one firm, indicating that the firm’s established controls were ineffective. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/sampling-protect-food-supply/fy21-22-sample-collection-and-analysis-domestic-refrigerated-rte-dips-and-spreads

The CFIA reported that Phoenicia Group (Montreal, Quebec) has recalled Al Kanater branded Tahini Spread products from the Canadian marketplace due to suspected Salmonella contamination. The Al Kanater Tahini Spread was sold in 330 gram bottles with a best-before date code of 2025 JA 31. The recalled product has been sold in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/al-kanater-brand-tahini-recalled-due-salmonella

The CFIA reported that Hafner Canada Inc. recalled Sélection du Pâtissier brand, and WOW! Factor Desserts brand Berry Burst Slab Cake due to the potential of raspberries used in the products being contaminated with norovirus. The two products were sold nationwide. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/selection-du-patissier-brand-framboisier-cake-and-wow-factor-desserts-brand-berry?utm_source=gc-notify&utm_medium=email&utm_content=en&utm_campaign=hc-sc-rsa-22-23

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) reported that Tacos del GNAR had an outbreak of Cyclospora that sickened at least 45 people in Colorado. As of June 15, 2023, 62 cases of Cyclospora are reported in that state. Colorado averages 63 cases a year. No one has been hospitalized as a result of this outbreak. All 45 people likely ate at Tacos del GNAR, 630 Sherman Street in Ridgway, Colorado, before they got sick. The patients said they had eaten there since May 1, 2023. The restaurant is partnering with the health department in all aspects of the investigation. When they were told about the outbreak, Tacos del GNAR got rid of all their produce. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which often contaminates fresh produce.  @ https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2023/tacos-del-gnar-cyclospora-outbreak-sickens-45-in-colorado/