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The CDC reports a decreased incidence of infections caused by food pathogens during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Before 2020, the incidence of foodborne infections transmitted by food had not declined for many years. New research published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report shows that during 2020, FoodNet identified 26% fewer infections compared with the average annual number during 2017–2019. Indicating that the 2020 number of cases of food poisoning and their frequency dropped significantly. Infections associated with international travel decreased markedly. FoodNet conducts active, population-based surveillance of laboratory-diagnosed infections caused by Campylobacter, Cyclospora, Listeria, Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia. The results were reported from 10 sites covering approximately 15% of the U.S. population (approximately 50 million persons per U.S. Census Bureau estimates in 2019). @ 

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7038a4.htm?s_cid=mm7038a4_w#suggestedcitation

Decreased Incidence of Infections...

This report describes decreases in transmission of foodborne diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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CFIA reported that European Butcher Smoked Pork Hock was recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

According to the CFIA, European Butcher (Nobleton, Ontario) has recalled European Butcher branded Smoked Pork Hock meat products from the Canadian marketplace due to suspected Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This recall is an extension of the recall issued on September 8, 2021, that has been updated to include additional product information. The recalled product is European Butcher branded Smoked Pork Hocks, sold in variable-size, clear plastic vacuum packages of approximately 250 grams each with a batch/lot of 33228. The products were sold in Ontario. @ https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2021/76503r-eng.php

European Butcher is recalling European Butcher brand Smoked Pork Hock from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

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The CDC declares that the outbreak of Salmonella Weltevreden in frozen pre-cooked shrimp is over

A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Weltevreden infections linked to the consumption of frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods of India is over. As of September 21, 2021, CDC announced that the outbreak was over. There are a total of nine illnesses in four states (AZ (2), MI (2), NV (4), RI (1)). The last illness onset date was July 17, 2021. On August 13, 2021, Avanti Frozen Foods of India expanded its recall of frozen cooked shrimp to include frozen cooked shrimp products imported into the U.S. from November 2020 to May 2021. Since Avanti Frozen Foods expanded its recall, downstream recalls have been initiated for sushi products containing recalled shrimp, sold in the state of California in Genji Pacific, Mai Cusine, and Mai Franchising. The expanded recall from August 17, 2021, includes the following brands BIG RIVER, 365, AHOLD, CENSEA, COS, CWNO BRAND, FIRST STREET, NATURE’S PROMISE, HARBOR BANKS, HOS, MEIJER, SANDBAR, SEA COVE, WATERFRONT BISTRO, WELLSLEYFARMS, WFNOBRANDS, FOODLION, and HANNAFORD. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-weltevreden-frozen-pre-cooked-shrimp-april-2021?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

FDA’s investigation is complete. CDC declares outbreak over.

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Shredded pork rind and shredded pork skin sold in the Greater Toronto Area recalled due to Salmonella

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Ministry of Health (Ontario) are warning restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) not to purchase, use, or serve Shredded Pork Rinds, sold frozen in clear un-weighed plastic bags, and Shredded Pork Skins. The recall is due to possible Salmonella contamination. These products were sold frozen to restaurants in clear plastic bags with no labels, no lot codes, no identifiers, and no cooking instructions. There is no evidence of these products being sold directly to consumers and they do not appear to be available or sold at supermarkets. These Unbranded Shredded Pork Rinds and Unbranded Shredded Pork Skins distributed and sold in the Greater Toronto Area (“GTA”) that serves Vietnamese and/or other Asian-style foods. There have been reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. @ https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2021/76463a-eng.php

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Ministry of Health (Ontario) are warning restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) not to purchase, use, or serve the products described below due to possible Salmonella contamination.