In the news

According to the CFIA, Sun Global Imports & Exports Corp. (Mississauga, Ontario) has recalled Extra Hot Red Chilli Powder from the Canadian marketplace due to suspected Bacillus cereus contamination. The product was sold in 25 kilogram bulk containers. The recalled Red Chilli powder was sold in Ontario. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/red-chilli-powder-extra-hot-recalled-sun-global-due-bacillus-cereus

The FDA updated the status of the outbreak from frozen strawberries. California Splendor recalled Kirkland Signature 4-lb. bag of Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries in certain states. Scenic Fruit recalled frozen organic strawberries Simply Nature, Organic Strawberries, Best By 06/14/2024; Vital Choice, Organic Strawberries, BEST BY 05/20/2024; Kirkland Signature, Organic Strawberries, Best If Used By 10/08/2024; Made With, Organic Strawberries, Best Before 11/20/2024; PCC Community Markets, Organic Strawberries, Best By 29/10/2024; Trader Joe’s, Organic Tropical Fruit Blend with the following Best By dates: 04/25/24; 05/12/24; 05/23/24; 05/30/24; 06/07/24. California Splendor supplied recalled products to Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii and two San Diego business centers. Scenic Fruit supplied recalled products to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in specific states and Trader Joe’s nationwide. On March 17, 2023, Meijer also issued a press release to recall frozen organic strawberries from market store locations voluntarily. As of May 5, 2023, a total of 9 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported from 3 states. Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 9/9 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries.  As this investigation is ongoing, additional products may be included. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-virus-infections-frozen-strawberries-february-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported that Lancaster Foods recalled 3 brands of already-expired Robinson Fresh, Lancaster, and Giant brand Kale, Spinach, and Collard Green products produced at the company’s Jessup, Maryland facility. This recall is due to possible Listeria monocytogenes. No related illnesses have been reported to date. The recall was initiated after notification that a random sample of a single bag of Chopped Kale Greens product with a “BEST IF USED BY May 1, 2023” date collected by the New York Agriculture and Markets Food Safety Division tested positive for the Listeria. The products were distributed through retailers and distributors in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.  @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lancaster-foods-announces-voluntary-recall-various-expired-kale-spinach-and-collard-green-products

The FDA reported that Chang Farm (301 River Road, Whatley, MA) recalled Mung Bean Sprouts; all 10lb bags, as well as 12 oz retail bags, both packaged on April 23rd, 2023, produced by Chang Farm, with the specific sell-by date of May 7th, 2023 because of the possible presence of  Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The affected product is packaged in 10 lb bags (bulk) with no specified “Sell By” dates and 12 oz plastic bags (retail), labeled under the Chang Farm Brand as Premium Bean Sprouts and have a “Sell By” date of May 7th, 2023. The product has been distributed to retail stores and wholesalers throughout MA, CT, NY, and NJ. No illnesses have been reported to date. Sample analysis by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) Division of Food Safety and Inspection confirmed the presence of Listeria Monocytogenes. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/chang-farm-recalls-mung-bean-sprouts-because-possible-health-risk