In the news

Not much has changed in the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events. Like last week, it still has three active investigations. (1) Listeria monocytogenes in Enoki mushrooms ref 1127, from November 9, 2022; (2) Salmonella Typhimurium Alfalfa Sprouts ref 1137 from December 28, 2022; and new addition (3) Listeria monocytogenes in an unidentified product ref 1123 from February 15, 2023. The only addition is that the FDA had initiated a traceback investigation of Listeria in an unidentified product. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported that Reckitt, a producer of nutrition products, announced that, out of an abundance of caution, it has chosen to recall two select batches of ProSobee 12.9 oz voluntarily. Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula due to a possibility of cross-contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula in 12.9 oz containers was manufactured between August 2022 and September 2022. The products were distributed through retail stores nationwide in the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico. No illnesses or adverse events have been reported. The recalled batches tested negative for Cronobacter and other bacteria. After a thorough investigation, Reckitt has identified the root cause, linked to material from a third party. @https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/reckitt-recalls-two-batches-prosobee-129-oz-simply-plant-based-infant-formula-because-possible

The CFIA reported that the recall warning issued on 2023-02-15 had been updated to include additional products. The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to Listeria contamination. The products have been sold in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.@ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/1001-fondues-brand-cheese-fondues-recalled-due-listeria-monocytogenes#wb-auto-21

Reuters report that dairy giant Lactalis is under criminal investigation in France on charges of failure to recall, fraud, and negligent bodily harm, the company said. The investigation, which will also look into the smaller company Celia Laiterie de Craon, is linked to a major scandal in 2017 involving Salmonella agona contamination of infant formula, according to French media reports. The Salmonella agona outbreak caused the production at the Craon site in France to be suspended in December 2017. The outbreak caused 36 babies in France, two in Spain, and one in Greece to be sick. 18 infants were hospitalized. “In the coming weeks, we will have access to all the elements in the case, and we will be able to respond specifically to the totality of the points raised in this investigation,” Lactalis said. Lactalis, a privately held firm, is the world’s largest producer of cheese and one of the world’s largest dairy groups. Founded in 1933, the company has expanded steadily over generations. Its takeover of Italy’s Parmalat in 2011 made it a significant global player. Powdered milk in more than 80 countries was affected by the outbreak. @ https://www.reuters.com/business/dairy-giant-lactalis-under-criminal-investigation-france-company-2023-02-16/