In the news

The FDA, CDC, and state and local partners investigated a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Litchfield infections linked to fresh, raw salmon supplied to restaurants in California and Arizona by Mariscos Bahia, Inc. As of December 14, 2022, the CDC announced that the outbreak is over. CDC reports a total of 39 illnesses in four states. The last illness onset was October 23, 2022. The CDC reported that WGS of samples collected in Mariscos Bahia, Inc., Pico Rivera, CA facility yielded multiple positive environmental samples. Salmonella detected in at least one of the swabs from the facility matched the strain causing illnesses in this outbreak. The presence of Salmonella in the processing environment also indicated that additional types of fish processed in the same area of the facility could have been contaminated. On October 20, 2022, Mariscos Bahia, Inc., Pico Rivera, CA, initiated a voluntary recall. Recalled products included fresh, raw salmon and all other types of fresh fish processed in the same area as the salmon, including fresh, raw halibut, Chilean seabass, tuna, and swordfish. Recalled seafood was sold fresh and is now past shelf-life unless frozen after purchase. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-seafood-october-2022?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported on another Enoki mushroom contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  Utopia Foods Inc of Glendale, NY, recalled its 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms,” imported from China and distributed nationwide in the US, due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled “Enoki Mushrooms” were distributed nationwide in produce wholesale companies. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The potential contamination was noted by a routine sampling conducted in the State of Missouri revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the 200g product. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/utopia-foods-recalls-enoki-mushrooms-because-possible-health-risk#:~:text=Utopia%20Foods%20Inc%20of%20Glendale,in%20young%20children%2C%20frail%20or

EFSA and ECDC issued a report in EFSA Journal 2022; 20(12):7666 on Annual EU one Health Zoonoses report. This 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 European Union countries (Mss.), the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) and nine non‐MSs. In 2021, the first most reported zoonosis in humans was campylobacteriosis, followed by salmonellosis. Cases of campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis increased in comparison with 2020. However, it did not reach the pre-pandemic levels. 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, including partial or total lockdowns. EFSA and ECDC reported that in 2021 there were 4,005 foodborne outbreaks in the EU – a 29.8% increase compared with 2020. Salmonella samples from carcasses 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. Overall, MSs reported more foodborne outbreaks and cases in 2021 than 2020. S. Enteritidis remained the most frequently reported causative agent for foodborne outbreaks. Outbreaks linked to vegetables and juices rose considerably compared with previous years.  @ https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/7666

The FSA notified customers that Osem UK had taken the precautionary step of recalling Yarden Tahina, a Salad of Sesame Paste with Garlic and Parsley, because it may contain Salmonella. Yadden Tahina, a salad of Sesame Paste with Garlic and Parsley, sold in a 250g container with t a batch code 2306196504 and expiry date Q1 Qt 2023 due to possible Salmonella contamination. @ https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-64-2022