In the news

The CDC published an article in Morbidity Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) March 3, 2023 / 72(9);223–226 describing two infants with C. sakazakii meningitis in September 2021 and February 2022. WGS analysis links one case to contaminated opened powdered formula from the patient’s home and the other to contaminated breast pump equipment. The two cases of C. sakazakii infection in infants were not related. These cases illustrate the ubiquity of the pathogen in the environment and the importance of hygiene in preventing C. sakazakii infections. Although C. sakazakii infections are treatable with antibiotics, they often have devastating outcomes, with death occurring in nearly 40% of infants. Because C. sakazakii infection is not a nationally notifiable condition, the actual incidence is unknown. It is estimated that approximately 18 cases of invasive C. sakazakii infection in infants occur annually in the United States. In one case, the organism was isolated from environmental sources in the home, such as kitchen sink surfaces, pacifiers, bottles, household utensils, vacuum cleaning bags, and other foods. Because of the widespread presence of C. sakazakii in the environment, caregivers of infants should follow safe hygiene, preparation, and storage practices and learn steps to protect infants from infection.  @ https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7209a2.htm?s_cid=mm7209a2_w&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_485-DM102020&ACSTrackingLabel=Food%20Safety%20Updates%20From%20CDC&deliveryName=USCDC_485-DM102020

A massive recall of dozens of products from the “Eden Dairy, Tahina, Sweets, and Food Industries” factory in Israel due to suspected Salmonella. The recall is in coordination with the Israeli Ministry of Health. The “Eden Dairy, Tahina, Confectionery, and Food (1992) Ltd.” factory calls for the return of dairy and tahini products due to concerns about the presence of Salmonella. @ https://time.news/huge-recall-for-dozens-of-tahini-and-halva-products-may-cause-illness-and-death/

CDC published an article (in J. Food Protec 2023, (4)) on the prevalence of Salmonella in beef products. The CDC has identified nontyphoidal Salmonella as one of the top five pathogens contributing to foodborne illnesses in the United States. Despite implementing interventions at slaughter and processing facilities to reduce contamination of beef, Salmonella remains the main reason for outbreaks in the United States during 2012–2019. During 2012–2019, 27 Salmonella outbreaks were linked to beef consumption, resulting in 1,103 illnesses, 254 hospitalizations, and two deaths. The most common category of beef implicated was non-intact raw (12 outbreaks, 44%), followed by intact raw (6 outbreaks, 22%). Ground beef was responsible for the most illnesses (800, 73%). Both reported deaths and were the source of the largest outbreak. Antimicrobial Resistance data were available for 717 isolates from 25 (93%) outbreaks. Nine (36%) of these outbreaks had isolates resistant to one or more antibiotics, of which eight (89%) contained multidrug-resistant isolates. Several reported outbreaks highlight challenges during investigations, areas where further research may be warranted, and opportunities to prevent future outbreaks along the farm-to-fork continuum. @ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X23067431#s0020

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reported that Nuba brand Carob (drink) was recalled because the product could permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Carob drink is sold in 750 ml bottles with a best before date of Sept. 30, 2023. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. The recalled product has been sold in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Quebec and may have been distributed in other provinces or territories. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/nuba-brand-carob-drink-recalled-due-potential-presence-dangerous-bacteria-0