In the news

CORE update of August 23, 2023, the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes four active cases. There were no new cases this week. The outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1172) was updated to include state sampling results confirming that the recalled Soft Serve On The Go ice cream cups caused this outbreak. For the outbreak of Salmonella Paratyphi B var. L(+) tartrate+ (ref #1157), the outbreak has ended, and the FDA’s investigation has closed. Epidemiologic and traceback investigations identified Pico de Gallo as the outbreak’s source. FDA collected and analyzed product and environmental samples as part of the investigation, but all samples were reported as negative for Salmonella. Investigators were unable to determine a specific ingredient within the Pico de Gallo. This outbreak is over, and there is no risk to consumers. For the outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis (ref #1159), the case count has increased from 69 to 72 cases. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Food Poisoning reported that Freshly Foods (New Orleans, LA) recalled three varieties (Cantaloupe Cup, Mixed Fruit Cup, and Pineapple Cup) of Team Fresh & Go Fruit Cups due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The products were packaged in 12oz plastic cups with a lid. The recalled products were sold as a single unit in Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. About 500 of these products are included in this recall. According to the FDA, the recall was initiated on June 29, 2023. @ https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2023/team-fresh-go-fruit-cups-recalled-for-possible-listeria/

An E. coli outbreak in the UK killed one and hospitalized six others, with health officials puzzled at the source. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reportedly working with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to determine what started the outbreak, which is believed to have begun in May. 24 cases of the illness have been reported since May, including 19 in England and 4 in Northern Ireland, according to Food Safety News.“The outbreak’s source has not yet been identified, but we are working with partners, including the Food Standards Agency, to investigate,” she added. The current strain is the O183, a very rare strain of E.Coli, with only 15 reported cases in the UK since 2016.@ https://kswfoodmicro.com/2023/08/08/one-dead-and-six-in-hospital-after-mystery-e-coli-outbreak-in-uk/

Food Lion recalled multiple bags of store-brand frozen vegetables that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled frozen veggies include its Food Lion Mixed Vegetables and Food Lion Super Sweet Cut Corn, sold in stores over the past few months. The recalled Mixed Vegetables were sold in 16-ounce packages between January 19 and August 19, while the Super Sweet Cut Corn was sold between November 7, 2022, and August 19. No confirmed illnesses had been reported to the grocery chain. @ https://www.allrecipes.com/food-lion-frozen-vegetable-recall-listeria-7693404#:~:text=The%20recalled%20frozen%20veggies%20include,%2C%202022%2C%20and%20August%2019