In the news

The FDA reported that GHGA, LLC (CONLEY, GA) is voluntarily recalling select fresh-cut products made from whole cantaloupe subject to a previously announced product recall initiated by Sofia Produce, LLC dba Trufresh, due to potential Salmonella contamination. All GHGA fresh-cut fruit products associated with the recalled whole cantaloupe associated with the outbreak have expired. However, consumers who have purchased these items and may have frozen them for later use are urged not to consume them. As of November 29, no illnesses related to GHGA fresh-cut products have been reported. According to the CDC, several illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the whole cantaloupe recalled by Sofia Produce, LLC dba Trufresh. However, as of November 29, no illnesses have been confirmed to be associated with GHGA products. The fresh-cut fruit products containing recalled cantaloupe were distributed to Kroger stores in Alabama and Georgia, Sprouts stores in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and Trader Joe’s retail stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The products are packaged in clear square or round plastic containers. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ghga-llc-coordination-sofia-produce-llc-dba-trufresh-voluntarily-recalls-select-fresh-cut-fruit

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