In the news

The CFIA reported that the Saladitos brand Lupini Beans was recalled from the Canadian marketplace because it may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. CFIA test results triggered the recall. The products were distributed in Quebec. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/saladitos-brand-lupini-beans-recalled-due-potential-presence-dangerous-bacteria?utm_source=gc-notify&utm_medium=email&utm_content=en&utm_campaign=hc-sc-rsa-22-23

The FDA reported that additional companies were identified that received contaminated products linked to frozen organic strawberries imported from Baja, California, Mexico. There were nine illnesses, and three hospitalizations, in 3 states (WA (6), CA (2), and OR (1)). The FDA has been working with these firms to ensure that any potentially contaminated product is removed from the market.  Wawona Frozen Foods of Clovis, California, initiated a recall of Wawona brand Organic DayBreak Blend 4-lb. bag with “Use By” dates of 9/23/2023, 9/29/2023, 9/30/2023 and 10/18/2023. California Splendor recalled Kirkland Signature 4-lb. bag of Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries in certain states with specific lot codes. The recalled products were supplied to Costco stores in Los Angeles, Hawaii, and two San Diego. Scenic Fruit recalled brands include Simply Nature, Vital Choice, Kirkland Signature, Made With, PCC Community Markets frozen organic strawberries, and Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend. Wawona Frozen Foods distributed recalled packages of Organic DayBreak Blend to Costco Wholesale stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, and Washington. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-virus-infections-frozen-strawberries-february-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA, CDC and state and local partners investigated a multistate outbreak of  Salmonella  Infantis infections linked to Gold Medal (General mills Minneapolis, MN)unbleached and bleached flour with “Better if Used by” dates of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024.  CDC reports a total of 14 illnesses in 13 states (CA (1), IL (2), IA (1), MN (1), MO (1), NE (1), NJ (1), NY (1), OH (1), OR (1), TN (1), VA (1), and WA (1)). The last illness onset was May 2, 2023. FDA’s investigation is complete. Five of nine cases report exposure to raw Gold Medal brand flour and seven of eight cases report consuming raw dough or batter. FDA initiated an inspection at the General Mills Kansas City, MO facility and collected retain product samples. One sample was found to be positive for Salmonella, and subsequent analysis by WGS found that the Salmonella in the positive sample matched the strain of Salmonella making people sick in this outbreak. On April 28, 2023, General Mills announced a voluntary nationwide recall of two-, five- and 10-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour. The CDC announced that the outbreak is over.@ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-flour-april-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and local health departments, the CDC, and USDA/FSIS are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to ground beef. A source of ground beef has not yet been identified, but public health officials urge Illinois residents to follow safe food handling steps when preparing and eating ground beef. Illinois public health officials have identified 26 confirmed cases in Illinois. Cases are reported in Chicago and Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties. The illness onset dates of the cases ranged from April 25 to May 18. A small number of cases in other states are also under investigation by the CDC and state health departments. Some of the ill people reported eating undercooked ground beef. @ https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.26563.html