In the news

The FDA, CDC, Gallatin City-County Health Department, and Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services are investigating illnesses at a single restaurant in Montana. The restaurant temporarily closed following the illnesses. However, there is no further risk to the public. Preparation and storage methods at the restaurant continue to be examined as part of the investigation into the cause of illnesses, and this advisory will be updated as information becomes available. As of May 15, 2023, 50 ill people ate at the restaurant between March 28 and April 17, 2023, of whom 44 reported eating morel mushrooms. There have been three hospitalizations and two deaths associated with this incident. A sample from the restaurant showed that the sampled mushrooms were true morels. Although epidemiological evidence indicates that morel mushrooms consumed at the restaurant are likely the cause of illnesses, mushroom poisonings can be difficult to diagnose as the exact chemical nature of some toxins found in wild-type mushrooms are currently unknown. Edible mushroom species can be difficult to identify, even by mushroom experts. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-illnesses-morel-mushrooms-may-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

CORE update as of May 17, 2023, the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes 5 active cases. Only one case was added, the illnesses linked to morel mushrooms (ref #1152), preliminary information reported by Gallatin City-County Health Department and the Montana Department of public health and Human Services indicates that a food containing imported morel mushrooms consumed at a single restaurant in Montana may be the exposure of concern. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The CFIA triggered a recall of enoki mushrooms from the Canadian market due to Listeria monocytogenes. As a result, Goldenway International Trade Co. Ltd. recalled the Enoki from the marketplace. The recalled product has been sold in Ontario and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories. No illnesses have been reported due to the consumption of the Enoki. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/golden-mushroom-brand-enoki-mushroom-recalled-due-listeria-monocytogenes-1?utm_source=gc-notify&utm_medium=email&utm_content=en&utm_campaign=hc-sc-rsa-22-23

The FDA reported that Lancaster Foods had updated their May 5, 2023 Recall notice to add one product (Lancaster Brand Spinach item #41714, “Best If Used By” date April 29, 2023). Lancaster Foods voluntarily recalls a limited quantity of 3 brands of already-expired Robinson Fresh, Lancaster, and Giant brand Kale, Spinach, and Collard Green products produced at the company’s Jessup, Maryland facility. This recall is due to possible Listeria monocytogenes. No related illnesses have been reported to date. The recalled products are beyond their “Best If Used By Date.” The products were distributed through retailers and distributors in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lancaster-foods-updates-voluntary-recall-various-expired-kale-spinach-and-collard-green-products-due?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery