In the news

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FDA is asking shareholders for innovative tools for food traceability and dialogue on advancing food safety

On June 1, the FDA will launch low-cost or no-cost technology-enabled traceability. They ask stakeholders, including technology providers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, to develop traceability tools that can be implemented in a scalable, cost-effective way for food operations of all sizes. The affordability of such technologies can be a barrier to adaptation. The FDA would like to encourage the development of creative financial models that are low to no-cost solutions and act as catalysts for change. The goal of the FDA is to reduce foodborne illness in this country by doing everything we can to prevent the contamination of foods. Their way of doing so is to tap into the wealth of expertise and information found in government, industry, academia, and other resources in the public and private sectors. @ https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices/fda-seeks-innovative-food-traceability-tools-and-opens-dialogue-advancing-food-safety-technology

FDA Seeks Innovative Food Traceability Tools and Opens a Dialogue

FDA is working differently to enhance food traceability and support the use of technology to strengthen the food safety system.

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Metro brand Enoki Mushrooms recalled in Canada due to Listeria monocytogenes

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (“CFIA”) warns against the consumption of Metro Brands Enoki Mushrooms from the Canadian marketplace due to suspected Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Metro Brands (packed for) Enoki Mushrooms were sold in 99-gram packages; all units sold up to and including May 14, 2021, with a UPC of 0 59749 94854 8. The recalled Enoki Mushroom products have been marketed, distributed, and sold in Quebec. The Canadian recall came after last month similar mushroom recall in the US. No illnesses were reported. @ https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2021/75613a-eng.php

 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the Enoki Mushrooms described below due to Listeria monocytogenes.

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Yogurt recalled due to connection to E. coli outbreak

Food Safety News reports that Pure Éire Dairy recalls yogurt because Washington state officials reported it could be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The dairy announced the recall on its Facebook page, saying that it has requested retailers to remove all PCC Markets brand and Pure Éire brand yogurt from sales. This container of PCC Market’s yogurt was in the home of one of the outbreak patients. 11 people across four counties are in the State of Washington are sick, and all but one are children. Food safety attorney Bill Marler is representing three of the patients. The yogurt subject to recall is PCC organic grass-fed yogurt in 8- and 16-ounce containers. According to the notice on the PCC Markets website, all flavors and all best-by dates are included in the recall. Additional products are listed in the recall as possibly containing the recalled yogurt. The additional products are yogurt on the salad bar, Butter Chicken from the hot bar and to-go casseroles, Spicy Yellow Curry Chicken from the hot bar and to-go casseroles, Tzatziki Sauce from grain bowl bar to-go spreads, and Sticky Toffee Pudding with the refrigerated desserts. @ https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2021/05/dairy-recalls-yogurt-because-of-likely-connection-to-outbreak/#:~:text=Pure%20%C3%89ire%20Dairy%20is%20recalling,E.%20Coli%20infections%20in%20Washington.&text=The%20company%20is%20also%20advising,have%20it%20in%20their%20homes

Dairy recalls yogurt because of likely connection to E. coli outbreak

Pure Éire Dairy is recalling certain yogurt because state officials reported it could be contaminated with E. Coli O157:H7. The health department is

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Outbreak investigation of Listeria monocytogenes in Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses (February 2021)

The investigation of the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to queso fresco cheeses made by El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. is over. On 2/19/2021, El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. announced their initial recall of products, and on 2/27/2021, they announced the extended recall to cover additional products. 

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve any recalled Queso Fresco, Quesillo (Oaxaca, string cheese), or Requeson (ricotta) cheeses. In this outbreak, there were 13 ill people, 12 hospitalizations, and one death. States with Cases: CT (1), MD (5), NY (4), and VA (3). The products were distributed in AL, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, NE, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, WI @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-hispanic-style-fresh-and-soft-cheeses-february-2021?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

FDA’s investigation is complete. CDC declares outbreak over.