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The report of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) presents the results of zoonoses monitoring and surveillance activities carried out in 2021 in 27 MSs, the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) and nine non MSs. Countries. Zoonoses are illnesses that can be spread between animals and people. Overall, MSs reported more foodborne outbreaks and cases in 2021 than 2020. In 2021, the first and second most reported human zoonoses were campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis, respectively. Cases of campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis increased compared to 2020 but decreased compared with previous years. In 2021, data collection and analysis at the EU level were still impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the control measures adopted in the MSs. Salmonella samples from carcasses of various animal species and samples for Campylobacter quantification from broiler carcasses were more frequently positive when performed by the competent authorities than when own-checks were conducted. Yersiniosis was the third most reported zoonosis in humans, followed by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Listeria monocytogenes infections. L. monocytogenes and West Nile virus infections were the most severe zoonotic diseases, with the most hospitalizations and highest case fatality rates. S. Enteritidis remained the most frequently reported causative agent for foodborne outbreaks. Outbreaks linked to ‘vegetables and juices and their products rose considerably compared with previous years.@ https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7666

According to the FSA, Osem UK has recalled Yarden Tahina, Salad of Sesame Paste with Garlic and Parsley, from the British marketplace due to suspected Salmonella contamination.  The product was sold in 250 gram plastic tubs with a batch/lot code of 2306196504 and a best-before date code of 01 January 2023. @ https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-64-2022

The FDA sent a warning letter to Big Olaf Creamery after an inspection resulting from the infections linked to ice cream supplied by their facility. According to the CDC, 28 ill people, 27 hospitalized, from 11 states were infected with the outbreak strain of L. monocytogenes. On July 13, 2022, Big Olaf recalled all ice cream products, lots, and expiration dates of Big Olaf brand ice cream through June 30, 2022, because they could potentially be contaminated with L. monocytogenes. Based on the epidemiological data and WGS matches between clinical and environmental and finished product samples, the CDC and FDA determined that ice cream manufactured at this facility was the source of this multistate L. monocytogenes outbreak. During the inspection of your facility, FDA found serious violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice. The FDA has determined that the RTE ice cream products manufactured in your facility are adulterated. Product samples and environmental samples produced isolates that matched the outbreak isolates. The FDA wrote that the presence of L. monocytogenes in the facility and products is significant because it demonstrates that your sanitation efforts are inadequate to effectively control pathogens. @ https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/big-olaf-creamery-llc-dba-big-olaf-642758-12092022#:~:text=On%20July%2013%2C%202022%2C%20your,being%20contaminated%20with%20L.%20monocytogenes

The FDA is investigating the multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium. The traceback investigation is ongoing. It has identified the Sun Sprouts brand of alfalfa sprouts grown by CW Sprouts inc., DBA SunSprouts Enterprises of Fremont, NE, as the likely source of the outbreak. Based on the CDC’s epidemiologic information and interviews conducted by state and local public health officials, the individuals identified in this outbreak reported consuming alfalfa sprouts before their illness onset. Preliminary traceback evidence indicates that the restaurants and grocery stores identified in this outbreak received alfalfa sprouts from SunSprout Enterprises. Additionally, two individuals identified in this outbreak confirmed they had purchased Sun Sprout’s brand alfalfa sprouts from their local grocery store. WGS conducted on clinical samples collected from ill individuals identified 15 isolates that matched the outbreak strain in OK (1), NE (8), and SD (6). On December 29, 2022, SunSprout Enterprises recalled two lots (# 4211 and 5211) of raw alfalfa sprouts due to potential contamination with Salmonella. On the same day, SunSprout Enterprises expanded their recall to include two additional lots (# 3212 and 4212) of raw alfalfa sprouts. The raw alfalfa sprouts for all recalled lots (#4211, 5211, 3212, and 4212) are packaged in 4-ounce clamshells and 2.5 lb packages with best sold by dates between 12/10/2022 and 1/7/2023. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-sprouts-december-2022?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery