In the news

The CFIA reported that Pi’ara Functional Foods Ltd. (Calgary, Alberta) recalled Haskalife branded Pure Haskap Berry Super Shot Nutritional Supplements from the Canadian marketplace due to reported spoilage and possible bacterial and/or viral infection. The product was sold in 60 ml bottles. The recalled product has been sold in Alberta and online. https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/haskalife-brand-pure-haskap-berry-super-shots-recalled-due-possible-spoilage

FSIS conducted a non-scientific study to determine the presence of Salmonella in these products. As a result, Laboratory Quality Assurance, Response, and Coordination Staff (LQARCS) issued a report that claims that while the prevalence of Salmonella contamination in regulated poultry products has decreased by more than 50% in recent years, there has not been a reduction in human illnesses attributable to poultry. Over one million Salmonella illnesses occur annually, with more than 23% of foodborne salmonellosis attributed to poultry consumption. From 1998 to 2021, FSIS and public health partners investigated 14 Salmonella illness outbreaks associated with the consumption of not ready-to-eat breaded and stuffed chicken products. FSIS investigated the presence of Salmonella and sanitary indicator aerobic organism counts using the current validated methods employed by 11 state public health and agriculture laboratories from July 1, 2022, to September 30, 2022. In total, 58 of the 487 samples were positive for the presence of Salmonella. A noticeable positive rate difference was seen between laboratories that ran methods like FSIS (36 of 135, 27%) using larger test portions and laboratories that ran methods different from FSIS (22 of 352, 6%) using smaller test portions. Small amounts of Salmonella present in the product or uneven distribution of Salmonella contamination could account for the lower positivity rates when smaller sample portions were tested. Total aerobic counts were similar across the products tested. Whole genome sequencing of Salmonella detected Salmonella Enteritidis (18/58), Salmonella Infantis (22/58), Salmonella Kentucky (15/58), and Salmonella Typhimurium (3/58). 

The USDA/ FSIS reported that the House of Raeford (Nesmith, S.C.) recalled ~76,961 pounds of corn dog products due to possible spoilage. The mini chicken corn dogs were produced on April 24, 2023. The product comes in a 1.83-lb. resealable bag containing “FOSTER FARMS MINI CORN DOGS BITE-SIZED CHICKEN FRANKS DIPPED IN BATTER HONEY CRUNCHY FLAVOR” with lot codes 123114 and 223114 and best if used by date of 4/23/24. The items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.  The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS that it received consumer complaints that the product had an odor, off appearance, and unpleasant taste. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.  @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/house-raeford-recalls-foster-farms-brand-mini-chicken-corn-dog-products-due-possible

A little over a year ago, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA) recalled several Kinder chocolate products manufactured at the Ferrero factory in Arlon, Belgium, because of salmonella infection. The Federal Agency then ordered the factory’s closure. The AFSCA found a case of salmonella at the Ferrero factory a few days ago. AFSCA has clarified that no food has tested positive, however. The detection is probably due to reinforced controls of factory personnel after the site’s closure last year. AFSCA spokesperson Aline Van den Broeck said that the factory staff had taken the necessary steps, and the risk is completely controlled. No end product intended for consumption has tested positive. @ https://www.brusselstimes.com/579340/new-case-of-salmonella-detected-at-ferrero-factory-in-arlon