In the news

The USDA/FSIS reported that Elkhorn Valley Packing (Harper, Kansas) recalled ~3,436 pounds of boneless beef chuck product that may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O103. The products were shipped to distributors, federal establishments, retail locations, and wholesale locations, which include hotels, restaurants, and institutions in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The problem was discovered when FSIS conducted routine testing of ground beef derived from this product, and the sample confirmed positive for STEC O103. @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/elkhorn-valley-packing-recalls-boneless-beef-chuck-product-due-possible-e–coli-o103

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A linked to frozen organic strawberries imported by a common supplier from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico. The frozen organic strawberries were sold to a variety of retailers under multiple brand labels. Five people got sick, and two were hospitalized. The FDA updated the status of its investigation of hepatitis A in frozen strawberries. Two companies recalled products. California Splendor recalled Kirkland Signature 4-lb. bag Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries in certain states with specific lot codes. Scenic Fruits recalled frozen organic strawberries. California Splendor supplied recalled product to Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and to two San Diego business centers. Scenic Fruit supplied recalled product to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in specific states, and to Trader Joe’s nationwide. On March 17, 2023, Meijer, recalled frozen organic strawberries from certain market store locations. Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, all people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-virus-infections-frozen-strawberries-february-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

On Wednesday, the Health Ministry of Israel announced a recall of all Telefrost green bean products after Listeria monocytogenes was found during an inspection at one of the manufacturer’s factories. This was the second recall of Telefrost products. In February, all Telefrost frozen vegetables were pulled from shelves after Listeria was found in several bags of product. In the latest inspection, Listeria was found in 800-gram bags of chopped green beans with an expiration date of January 1, 2025. @ https://www.timesofisrael.com/health-ministry-recalls-telefrost-green-beans-after-bacteria-spotted/amp/

The CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes 4 cases on March 22, 2023, the same as last week. For the outbreak of Salmonella Hartford (ref # 1144) in a yet unidentified product, the case count has increased from 47 to 50. FDA had initiated an onsite inspection and sample collection.  @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery