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The CFIA reported that Ultimate Imports recalls “Soft Serve on the Go” brand frozen dessert cups. The Soft serve ice cream cups produced by Real Kosher Ice Cream of Brooklyn, New York, have been recalled by the FDA in the US after being linked to a Listeria outbreak in the US. There have been no reported illnesses associated with consuming these products in Canada. The ice cream was sold in Ontario and Quebec at the retail level. The recalled products are Soft Serve on the Go cups packaged in 8 ounce clear plastic cups. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/soft-serve-go-brand-frozen-dessert-cups-recalled-due-listeria-monocytogenes?utm_source=gc-notify&utm_medium=email&utm_content=en&utm_campaign=hc-sc-rsa-22-23

The CDC added some details to the FDA information about the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in Real Kosher “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups. Two illnesses were reported; both patients were hospitalized in two states (NY and PA). Listeria was found in a “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cup collected from a sick person’s freezer, and laboratory scientists are working to determine if it is the outbreak strain of Listeria. The flavors included are Vanilla chocolate, Caramel, Parve vanilla chocolate, Peanut butter lite, Razzle, and Sorbet strawberry mango. The products were sold nationwide at Grocery stores, Convenience stores, and Canteens and to Long-term care facilities, Nursing homes, Schools, and Camps. The product was also sold internationally to Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. @ https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/ice-cream-08-23/index.html#:~:text=On%20August%209%2C%20Real%20Kosher,the%20outbreak%20strain%20of%20Listeria.

An article in MMWR (Osasah et al., MMWR August 2023vol 72, 855-858) describes an outbreak of S. Typhimurium involving 38 cases in 10 public health districts in Ontario, Canada. The outbreak was linked to tofu consumption, suggesting a novel outbreak-associated S. Typhimurium food vehicle. Lapses in sanitation and recommended heat processing likely resulted in product contamination. Five (13%) patients were hospitalized; no deaths were reported. Isolates from the seasoned tofu were within one or fewer allele differences to the outbreak strain by whole genome sequencing. Evidence from food safety investigations conducted by local public health authorities and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) revealed that unsanitary conditions could have led to cross-contamination of the tofu, and insufficient heating of the tofu at the production level likely resulted in failure to eliminate the pathogen. The CFIA issued a food recall for the tofu at hotel, restaurant, and institution levels. Tofu was identified as a novel outbreak-associated food vehicle for S. Typhimurium in this outbreak. Interventions targeting the production level and all parts of the supply chain and including additional safeguards that minimize microbial growth are important. @ https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7232a1.htm?s_cid=mm7232a1_w#suggestedcitation

The FDA reported that Real Kosher Ice Cream (Brooklyn, NY) recalled soft serve on the go ice cream and sorbet cups because they could potentially be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. SOFT SERVE ON THE GO CUPS were distributed in CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, IL, MA, MD, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, VA, and WV. The recalled product reached consumers through Canteens, Grocery, and Convenience stores. The recalled product is packaged in an 8 fl oz., clear plastic cup with a clear plastic cover, seal, and spoon attached. Two cases of illness have been reported in this outbreak in two states (NY and PA). Both individuals were hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. The recall results from an individual becoming ill and reporting to have eaten this product. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture tested product samples, and one tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company has ceased producing and distributing the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/real-kosher-ice-cream-recalls-soft-serve-go-cups-because-possible-health-risk