In the news

CORE update as of August 09, 2023, the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes seven active cases. A new outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1172) in a not yet identified product has been added to the table. There are two cases in this outbreak. FDA has initiated traceback. For the outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis (ref #1171), the case count has increased from 47 to 55 cases.  The outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 (ref #1166) has ended, and the FDA has closed its investigation.  The outbreak of Salmonella Paratyphi B var. L(+) tartrate+ (ref #1157), the case count has increased from 36 to 37 cases. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) reported that Arizona dispensaries are voluntarily recalling marijuana gummies due to possible salmonella contamination, officials said. The product voluntarily recalled is grape-flavored Cloud 9 gummies from Nirvana Center, with batch number C9G04102023. To date, no illnesses have been reported. An ADHS marijuana licensing inspector discovered the potential contamination during a routine inspection after reviewing testing documentation kept at the establishment. Once ADHS discovered the potential contamination, they contacted the facility that produced the products. Officials said that the licensee immediately worked with all distribution and retail partners to remove any potentially impacted products from store shelves. There were previous recalls in Arizona in June and July; cannabis products have been recalled for Salmonella and Aspergillus in several other states, including California, Michigan, and Florida, as well as Canada. @ https://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/080723_marijuana_recall/az-dispensaries-recalling-marijuana-gummies-over-salmonella/

The FDA reported that David Oppenheimer and Company I LLC (Seattle, Washington) recalled all one-pound clamshells of organic green kiwifruit from the US market because they can potentially be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled organic green kiwifruit is grown in New Zealand, exported to North America, and repacked locally for sale in one-pound clear plastic clamshells bearing the Zespri brand. The organic green kiwifruit subject to the voluntary recall was shipped between June 14, 2023, and July 7, 2023, and sold in clamshells at retail locations in FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MI, NC, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX, VA, and WI.  The recall resulted from a routine sampling by the Kentucky Department for Public Health on July 7, 2023. Since being notified on August 3, David Oppenheimer and Company I LLC has worked with Zespri to trace the product through the supply chain to two grower lots and immediately ceased the distribution of organic green kiwifruit from the related grower lots as it continues its investigation in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration. No illnesses have been reported to date. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/david-oppenheimer-and-company-i-llc-voluntarily-recalls-organic-green-kiwifruit-due-possible-health

The USDA/ FSIS issued a public health alert due to concerns that ready-to-eat (RTE) salads and wraps with meat and poultry may contain contaminated lettuce. The lettuce, which is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), may be contaminated with deer feces. The RTE salad and wrap products were produced on August 1-2, 2023. The products include (i) 8.65-oz. plastic film packages containing “Chicken Caesar Wrap FRESH SEASONS Kitchen” ; (ii) 7.2-oz. plastic film packages containing “Chicken Caesar Wrap FRESH SEASONS Kitchen” ; (iii) 8.5-oz. plastic clamshell packages containing “Chicken Caesar Salad FRESH SEASONS Kitchen” ; (iv) 8.55-oz. plastic clamshell packages containing “Chef Salad FRESH SEASONS Kitchen”; and (v) 5.85-oz. plastic clamshell packages containing “Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Salad FRESH SEASONS Kitchen.” The products were shipped to retail locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The problem was discovered when an FSIS-regulated establishment notified FSIS that its supplier of FDA-regulated lettuce was conducting a recall because the lettuce may be contaminated with deer feces. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. @ 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-fresh-salads-and-wraps-meat-and-poultry-due-possible