In the news

The FDA reported that Scenic Fruit Company (Gresham, Oregon) recalled frozen organic pineapple and fruit blends containing organic pineapple as the product could potentially be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Recalled products were sold nationwide at Trader Joe’s and Health Food stores in CA, IL, IN, FL, MD, OR, and TX. The recall is being initiated in response to Sunrise Growers Inc.’s recall due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes. To date, there have been no illnesses associated with this voluntary recall. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/scenic-fruit-company-recalls-organic-pineapple-because-possible-health-risk?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The CDC reported that as of June 20, 2023, a total of 210 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in people who had not traveled outside the United States during the 14 days before they got sick had been reported from 23 jurisdictions, including 22 states and New York City. Of 207 people with information available, 30 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. While no specific food items have been identified as the source of most of these illnesses, broccoli is suspected for some of the illnesses. The total number of laboratory-confirmed cases reported since April 1, 2023, includes 20 cases in Georgia and Alabama linked to an outbreak associated with raw imported broccoli.  Although FDA and state and local partners conducted traceback investigations, there was not enough information to identify a specific type or producer of broccoli. @ https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/2023/index.html

The CFIA reported that 365 Whole Foods recalled organic frozen blackberries from the Canadian marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This recall was triggered by a large recall in the US by Sun Opta Inc., a subsidiary of Sunrise Growers. The product was sold at Whole Foods Market stores in British Columbia and Ontario. The Organic blackberries were sold frozen in 284 gram plastic bags. No illnesses have been reported to the company to date in connection with the consumption of this item. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/365-whole-foods-market-brand-organic-blackberries-frozen-recalled-due-possible?utm_source=gc-notify&utm_medium=email&utm_content=en&utm_campaign=hc-sc-rsa-22-23

The FDA reported that SunOpta Inc’s subsidiary, Sunrise Growers Inc., has issued a voluntary recall of specific frozen fruit products linked to pineapple provided by a third-party supplier due to the potential for these products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The products were distributed via the following retailers: Walmart: Great Value Mixed Fruit, Great Value Dark Sweet Cherries, and Great Value Mango Chunks sold at stores in AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, VA, WV, and WY from January 19, 2023, to June 13, 2023. Whole Foods: 365 Organic Tropical Fruit Medley, 365 Organic Pineapple Chunks, 365 Pineapple Chunks, 365 Organic Whole Strawberries, 365 Organic Slice Strawberries and Bananas, and 365 Organic Blackberries distributed to select stores throughout the US from November 1, 2022, to June 21, 2023. Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend distributed to select distribution centers or stores in AK, AL, CT, CO, DE, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, and Washington DC from March 28, 2023, to April 11, 2023. Target: Good & Gather Organic Cherries and Berries Fruit Blend, Good & Gather Dark Sweet Whole Pitted Cherries, Good & Gather Mango Strawberry Blend, Good & Gather Mixed Fruit Blend, Good & Gather Mango Chunks, Good & Gather Blueberries, and Good & Gather Triple Berry Blend distributed nationwide from October 14, 2022, to May 22, 2023. Aldi: Season’s Choice Tropical Blend distributed to select distribution centers or stores in AL, AR, CT, FL, GA, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT and WV from October 11, 2022, to May 22, 2023. AWG (Associated Wholesale Grocers): Best Choice Pitted Red Tart Cherries Unsweetened distributed to select distribution centers or stores in KS, MO, NE, and OK from April 5, 2023, to May 4, 2023. To date, there have been no illnesses associated with this voluntary recall. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/voluntary-recall-specific-frozen-fruit-products-due-possible-contamination-listeria-monocytogenes