In the news

CDC, FDA, and local partners collected data on the source of the multistate outbreak of Salmonella infantis. As of March 30, 2023, 12 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 11 states (CA, IL, IA, MN, MO, NE, NY, OH, OR, TN, and VA). Illnesses started from December 6, 2022, to February 13, 2023. Of 12 people with information available, three have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate the week before they got sick. Of the seven interviewed, 6 (86%) reported eating raw dough or batter. Flour was the only common ingredient in the raw dough or batter people reported eating. Investigators are working to identify a brand of raw flour linked to illnesses.WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. Suggesting that people in this outbreak may have gotten sick from eating the same food. WGS of bacteria from 12 people’s samples did not predict resistance to any antibiotics.  @ https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/infantis-03-23/details.html

The CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events as of March 29, 2023, includes 5 cases. A new case was added to the list this week. A Salmonella Infantis (ref #1141) linked to a not yet identified product has been added to the table. FDA has initiated traceback. This investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available. For the outbreak of Salmonella Hartford (ref # 1144) in a yet unidentified product, the case count has increased from 50 to 53. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA released a national strategy outlining actions the agency will immediately ensure babies have access to safe, nutritious infant formula and to increase the resiliency of the US infant formula market and supply. The Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act of 2022 (FDORA) directed the FDA to develop this immediate strategy to increase the resiliency of the US infant formula market. The plans are intended to help the industry identify risks to the supply chains of infant formula and medical foods and to develop mitigation plans against potential disruptions that could impact production. The plan includes (i) enhancement of inspections of infant formula manufacturers; (ii) expediting review of premarket submissions for new infant formula; (iii) developing a forecasting model to enable FDA to prepare for and mitigate future supply disruptions; (iv)take action to sustain the safe, continuous production of infant formula;  (v) build resiliency within its Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The agency remains committed to improving the infant formula supply and ensuring that consumers have the utmost confidence that infant formula available in the US is safe and nutritious. The FDA strategy called for improving preparedness against infant formula shortages by outlining methods to improve information-sharing, recommending measures for protecting the integrity of the infant formula supply chain, and preventing contamination. The agency will incentivize entry of new infant formula manufacturers to increase supply and mitigate future shortages. @ https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-outlines-immediate-national-strategy-further-increase-resiliency-us-infant-formula-market

The FDA released a national strategy outlining actions the agency will immediately ensure babies have access to safe, nutritious infant formula and to increase the resiliency of the US infant formula market and supply. The Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act of 2022 (FDORA) directed the FDA to develop this immediate strategy to increase the resiliency of the US infant formula market. The plans are intended to help the industry identify risks to the supply chains of infant formula and medical foods and to develop mitigation plans against potential disruptions that could impact production. The plan includes (i) enhancement of inspections of infant formula manufacturers; (ii) expediting review of premarket submissions for new infant formula; (iii) developing a forecasting model to enable FDA to prepare for and mitigate future supply disruptions; (iv)take action to sustain the safe, continuous production of infant formula;  (v) build resiliency within its Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The agency remains committed to improving the infant formula supply and ensuring that consumers have the utmost confidence that infant formula available in the US is safe and nutritious. The FDA strategy called for improving preparedness against infant formula shortages by outlining methods to improve information-sharing, recommending measures for protecting the integrity of the infant formula supply chain, and preventing contamination. The agency will incentivize entry of new infant formula manufacturers to increase supply and mitigate future shortages. @ https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-outlines-immediate-national-strategy-further-increase-resiliency-us-infant-formula-market?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery