In the news

The FDA reported that Caesar’s Pasta, LLC of Blackwood, NJ recalled 5,610 lbs. of frozen manicotti, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The frozen manicotti was sold to various foodservice distributors, distributing to restaurants in the Philadelphia, PA; Harrisburg, PA; Southeastern NY State; Northeastern PA; and San Juan, PR markets. Product did NOT enter retail commerce. Frozen manicotti was packaged in 10 lb. bulk boxes under the brand names Orefresco and Caesar’s Pasta with a “Best By” date of September 28, 2024. No illnesses have been reported to date. The product is categorized as “Not-Ready-To-Eat” and cooking instructions on the product label clearly state that product must be cooked to 160 degrees, which would effectively kill Listeria. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/caesars-pasta-llc-recalls-frozen-manicotti-because-possible-health-risk?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported that SunSprout Enterprises is voluntarily recalled two lots (#4211 and 5211) of raw alfalfa sprouts in 4-ounce clamshells, with best by dates between 12/10/22 and 12/27/22, due to potential contamination with Salmonella. The company distributed 808 pounds of product to five foodservice and grocery customers in Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa between late November and early December 2022. The raw alfalfa sprouts are packaged in 4-ounce clamshells with best buy dates between 12/10/2022 and 12/27/2022 and lot codes #4211 and 5211. SunSprout has received no complaints or reports of illness due to this recalled product. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunsprout-enterprises-voluntarily-recalls-two-lots-alfalfa-sprouts-due-potential-contamination

The Food Code represents the FDA’s best advice for a uniform system of provisions that address the safety and protection of food offered at retail and in food service. The 2022 edition reflects the input of regulatory officials, industry, academia, and consumers participating in the 2020 biennial meeting of the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) (held in 2021). The 2022 Food code guides state and local authorities and retailers to help alleviate foodborne illness risks at retail and offers uniform national standards for retail food safety. The 2022 Food Code clarified that food stored, prepared, packaged, displayed, and labeled according to Food Code safety provisions can be donated to eliminate food waste. Another change is adding sesame as a major food allergen and notifying consumers of allergens in unpacked foods. The benefits of widespread adoption of the Code include Reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses, uniform standards for retail food safety reducing the complexity and better ensure compliance, eliminating redundant processes, and establishing a more standardized approach to inspections and audits of food establishments. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/fda-food-code/food-code-2022#:~:text=The%20Food%20Code%20is%20a,retail%20and%20in%20food%20service

The CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events as of December 28, 2022, is as follows. A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium (reference #1137) has been added to the table. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture issued an advisory regarding illnesses in their state. Preliminary information gathered by state partners indicates that patients consumed alfalfa sprouts before becoming ill. The FDA’s investigation is underway to confirm the product causing illnesses; additional information will be provided when it becomes available. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery