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Food Safety News reported that the FDA finally agreed that tara was the ingredient that caused illnesses in the Daily Harvest product French Lentils & Leek Crumbles. “Based on component ingredient analysis, FDA identified tara protein flour and sacha inchi powder as ingredients of interest,” the FDA reported in a 508-page document released recently through a Freedom of Information Act request. The document reported, “As of 10/18/2022, there were 393 adverse illness reports in 39 states with 133 hospitalization and 0 deaths. Based on reports, the estimated illness onset dates range from 4/19/2022 – 9/4/2022. Tara flour, the suspect ingredient in the crumbles, comes from the seeds of the tara plant grown in the higher altitudes of Peru. “Information from reported adverse illness events identified French Lentil and Leek Crumbles manufactured by Stone Gate Foods dba Second Bite Foods and distributed by Daily Harvest as the confirmed vehicle in this incident. However, the specific cause or route of contamination could not be determined.” After the CORE Outbreak Close, the FDA plans to inspect the tara protein flour and Sacha inch powder. According to the FDA report, “Between 7/5/2022 – 10/7/2022, FDA received nine CCs and 10 CAERS reports associated with Revive Superfoods products. “Of the 19 CCs and CAERS reports, 9 complaints referenced Revive Mango & Pineapple Smoothies, and 10 referenced multiple flavors of Revive smoothie products as a cause for their illness. The Revive Superfoods Mango & Pineapple Smoothie also contained tara protein flour as a component ingredient. The FDA tested individual ingredients, including tara flour, for the crumbles and found toxic metals. The toxic metals screen included the following metals above the reporting limit (200 ng/g): vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, arsenic, selenium, cadmium, mercury, thallium, and lead. @ https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/02/fda-says-tara-flour-was-likely-behind-illnesses-tied-to-daily-harvest-crumbles/

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recalled PC brand “Canadian Cheddar” cheese due to possible Listeria contamination. The recall is for PC brand Canadian Cheddar Cheese, aged one year and sold in 250 gram packages with a best before date of August 24, 2023. The cheese was sold nationwide at Loblaw Companies Limited stores, including Real Canadian Superstore locations. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/pc-brand-canadian-cheddar-cheese-recalled-due-listeria-monocytogenes?utm_source=gc-notify&utm_medium=email&utm_content=en&utm_campaign=hc-sc-rsa-22-23&

The USDA/FSIS issued a public health alert due to concerns that not-ready-to-eat meat products were subject to temperature abuse during storage at a distribution center before delivery to retailers. The included products are 7-oz. cardboard box packages containing(i) Signature SELECT BREAKFAST BOWL SAUSAGE POTATOES, EGGS, SAUSAGE & CHEDDAR CHEESE; (ii) Signature SELECT BREAKFAST BOWL BACON POTATOES, EGGS, BACON & CHEDDAR CHEESE; (iii) Signature SELECT BREAKFAST BOWL MEAT LOVERS POTATOES, EGGS, CHEDDAR CHEESE, SAUSAGE & BACON; and (iv) Signature SELECT BREAKFAST BOWL SAUSAGE & GRAVY POTATOES, COUNTRY STYLE GRAVY, EGGS, SAUSAGE & CHEDDAR CHEESE. The products were shipped to Albertsons Companies’ retail locations in Northern California and Northern Nevada. The Signature Select Breakfast Bowl products were available at Albertsons Companies banner stores: Andronico’s Community Markets, Pak’ N Save, Safeway, and Vons. FSIS found that the product was held at an incorrect temperature and then shipped into commerce. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products.  @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-not-ready-eat-signature-select-breakfast-bowl

The CDC reported a new outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes with an unknown source. The outbreak involves 11 illnesses, 10 hospitalizations in 10 states. The states are Arkansas (1), California (1), Colorado (1), Michigan (2), Missouri (1), New York (1), North Carolina (1), Pennsylvania (1), South Dakota(1), and Washington (1). A specific food item has not yet been identified as the source of this outbreak. The outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria. @ https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/monocytogenes-02-23/index.html