In the news

The FDA reported that Grimmway Farms had issued a recall of carrot products because they may have been contaminated with Salmonella. The recall was initiated as a result of an internal test. The products recalled include Organic Cut and Peeled Baby (Bunny LUV, 1 lb), Organic Premium Petite Bunny LUV 3 lb), Organic Petite Carrots (Cal-Organic 12 Oz), Shredded Carrots (Grimmway Farms 10 Oz), Organic Peeled Baby-Cut Carrots (O Organic 1 lb), and Organic Baby Rainbow Carrots. In addition to the retail-packed products, the company recalled shredded carrots and chopped (chunk) carrots sold to food manufacturers and foodservice distributors. All affected food manufacturers, foodservice distributors, and retail customers have been notified, with much of the product were recaptured before being available for consumption. To date, no illnesses have been linked to this recall. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/grimmway-farms-voluntarily-recalls-certain-retail-packaged-carrots-due-potential-salmonella?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

On 7/21/2021, the CDC announced that the outbreak of Salmonella Weltevreden linked to the consumption of frozen cooked shrimps manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods of India is over. On January 26, 2021, an imported sample of Avanti Frozen Foods shrimp showed the presence of Salmonella Weltevreden. In March 2021, due to the positive test, this shipment was refused admission into the U.S. and was destroyed. In April 2021, three clinical isolates collected from ill people were reported to be closely related to the isolates collected from the import sample. As of June 25, 2021, there were 6 clinical isolates from ill people that are genetic matches to the Salmonella collected from the import sample. The cases were in 2 states, AZ (2) and NV (4). Two people were hospitalized. FDA’s traceback investigation identified an expected shipment of shrimp that ill people could have consumed. The product from this shipment was all sold thawed at retail. This thawed product is past expiration and is no longer available for sale. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-weltevreden-shrimp-april-2021?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The Washington State Health Department reported an outbreak of vibriosis in the state. The state has initiated a recall of live oysters harvested from the Samish Bay growing area due to multiple cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus illnesses associated with oysters harvested in the area.  The outbreak has already surpassed the highest number of cases ever recorded by the state for July. The state reported 52 lab-confirmed cases, of which 46 were foodborne Vibrio parahaemolyticus cases. In 2020 there were only 5 cases, and in 2018 there were a high number of 25 cases. Recent high temperatures and low tides in Washington State are likely to blame for the increased rate of illness associated with eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters that are contaminated with Vibrio.  “Another effect of the recent heatwave is the perfect storm of conditions for Vibrio infections. It’s important that when enjoying shellfish, we follow simple steps to stay healthy,” said Todd Phillips, Director of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.@ https://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom/Articles/ID/2867/

The FDA reported that Give and Go Prepared Foods (U.S.A.) Corp. voluntarily recalled various muffin products nationwide due to the potential contamination of products with Listeria monocytogenes. Environmental Listeria monitoring resulted in the discovery of the organism. It resulted in the recall of more than two dozen kinds of muffin products from retailers nationwide, including from Walmart and 7-Eleven stores. The muffins were sold under various brands and packaged in various configurations ranging from single muffins to cases. The recalled Give & Go products under recall were not sold outside of the United States. To date, no reports of illness were reported. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/give-and-go-prepared-foods-usa-corp-conducts-voluntary-recall-certain-muffin-products-due-possible