In the news

The USDA/ FSIS issued a public health alert due to concerns that ready-to-eat (RTE) ham products produced by Sunnyvalley Smoked Meats (Manteca, California) may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A recall was not requested because it is believed that the affected products are no longer in commerce. The RTE ham products were produced on Sept 25, 2023, with 4-lb. (average weight) vacuum-packed clear plastic packages containing “Kirkland Signature Applewood Smoked MASTER CARVE HALF HAM Boneless With Natural Juices” with Use / Freeze by date Jan 20 24. The products were shipped to retail locations in California and Nevada. The problem was discovered after the establishment’s laboratory testing indicated the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The establishment notified FSIS that some affected product was distributed into commerce. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of the products. FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-kirkland-signature-ready-eat-ham-products-due

According to the CFIA, Fresh Start Foods (Richmond, British Columbia) has recalled Fresh Start Foods Cantaloupe from the Canadian marketplace due to suspected Salmonella contamination.  The Fresh Start Foods branded cantaloupe, sold in three (3) count packages. The products were sold in Alberta and British Columbia. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/fresh-start-foods-brand-cantaloupe-recalled-due-salmonella

Food poisoning reported that Kirkland Signature Master Carve Half Ham recalled the products from Costco stores for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recalling firm is Sunnyvale Smoked Meats Inc. The recalled product was sold only in the Northern California/Bay Area and in western Nevada at Costco stores. The recalled item is Kirkland Signature Master Carve Half Ham, Natural Juices Boneless Smoked Half Ham. The ham was available for purchase between September 26 and September 29, 2023. The Use/Freeze by date is January 20, 24, stamped on the sticker on the front of the package. @ https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2023/kirkland-signature-master-carve-half-ham-recalled-for-listeria/

An article in J. Food Protection (“Persistence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica ser. Javiana, Listeria monocytogenes, and Listeria innocua in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution” Dhulappanavar et.al. Vol 86, 10, October 2023) investigated the persistence of Salmonella Javiana, Listeria monocytogenes, and Listeria innocua in nonsterile, hydroponic nutrient solution (NS) at 15, 25, 30, and 37°C over 21 days to mimic time from seedling to mature lettuce. A mixed model was used to determine the effect of bacteria type, time (day), and temperature on bacteria concentration (log CFU/mL). Statistical analysis indicated that a 3-way interaction effect between temperature, time, and bacteria type significantly impacted bacterial persistence in NS (P < 0.0001). At all temperatures, S. Javiana persisted in NS throughout the 21-day study period. L. innocua and L. monocytogenes were persistent for only  1 and 14 days. Decimal reduction values (D-values) of S. Javiana indicated longer persistence in NS than L. innocua and L. monocytogenes at most temperatures. Data indicate that the temperature of NS has a differential effect on the persistence of S. Javiana and Listeria spp. This study furthers understanding of potential food safety risks associated with hydroponic systems. It will contribute to further refinement of further studies to aid in developing operation-specific risk profiles. @ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X23068382