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As commercial cell-based food production continues to expand, the urgency increases to address the question of food safety. Therefore, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has developed a document. It includes a literature review of relevant terminology issues, principles of cell-based food production processes, and the global landscape of regulatory frameworks for cell-based food production. The document also shows case studies from Israel, Qatar, and Singapore. During the Expert Consultation, all potential hazards were discussed in the cell-based food production stages: 1) cell-sourcing; 2) cell growth and production; 3) cell harvesting; and 4) food processing. Experts agreed that the focus might need to be on the specific materials, inputs, ingredients (including potential allergens), and equipment unique to cell-based food production. The way forward will include more research and development to understand whether the alleged benefits of increased sustainability can be realized. @ https://www.fao.org/3/cc4855en/cc4855en.pdf

The FDA reported that Revolution Farms (Caledonia, Michigan) recalled products packed between 3/3/23 and 3/11/23 because they could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall was initiated when the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) received a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes in a random sample test of a single package of Revolution Farms Green Sweet Crisp – 5oz Retail with Best By date of April 2, 2023. The recalled products were sold to the following retailers and food service distributors in the states of MI, OH, IN, IL, KY, and WI: SpartanNash stores, Meijer stores, Bridge St. Market, Kingma’s Market, Fresh Thyme Market Grand Rapids, Fresh Thyme Market Kalamazoo, Horrocks Market Grand Rapids, Doorganics, Cherry Capital Foods, Gordon Food Service, Van Eerden Foodservice, Vine Line Produce, Luna restaurant, Russ’ Commissary, and Pearson Foods Corporation. All recalled products were distributed under the Revolution Farms brand name. 5oz Retail packages are clear plastic trays sealed with printed lidding film and have a Best By date stamped on the bottom of the tub. 6oz Salad Kits are clear plastic tubs with a wrap label and have a Sell By date stamped on the side of the container. 3lb Bulk packages are clear, plastic bags packed 1 bag to a case with a Packaged On date stamped on the case label. Pictures to assist customers in identifying the recalled products are found at the end of this announcement. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/revolution-farms-announces-voluntary-recall-lettuce-because-possible-health-risk

According to the CFIA, Les Aliments BCI (Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec) has recalled No Name branded and Selection Chicken Soup Products from the Canadian marketplace due to swollen and leaking cans and consequential risks of spoilage. The soups include No Name branded Chicken Noodle Condensed Soup, sold in 284 ml cans. No Name branded Cream of Chicken Condensed Soup sold in 284 ml cans,  Selection branded Chicken Noodle Condensed Soup sold in 284 ml cans, and Selection branded Cream of Chicken Condensed Soup Reduced Fat and Sodium. The recalled products were sold nationally in Canada. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/various-brands-chicken-soup-products-recalled-due-swollen-containers

The UK FSA reported the recall of Somerset Cheese Company (Shepton Mallet) Pennard Red Goats Cheese from the British market because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in a batch of this product. The goat cheese is sold in two (2) kilogram wheels and any cut-off pieces, a batch/lot code of 03/10/2022, and a best-before date of 28 April 2023. @ https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-09-2023