In the news

A study (Richardson et al., J Food Prot (2021) 84 (5): 869–875) explores the relationship between foodborne disease outbreaks and food consumption by the U.S. population. The study identified single-ingredient foods in the aquatic animal (fish, mollusks, and other aquatic animals), land animal (beef, chicken, eggs, pork, and turkey), and plant (herbs, seeded vegetables, and sprouts) categories that were implicated in outbreaks significantly more often than expected based on the frequency of their consumption. In contrast, pasteurized dairy, fruits, grains and beans, oils and sugars, and underground vegetables were less frequently implicated in outbreaks. It is the first study in which a broad range of foods consumed by the U.S. population was compared with food categories frequently implicated in foodborne illness outbreaks. It provides a better understanding of which foods are over-and underrepresented in outbreaks relative to their consumption frequency. These findings could assist with setting priorities for focused interventions used to reduce outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. @ https://meridian.allenpress.com/jfp/article/84/5/869/450808/Foods-Implicated-in-U-S-Outbreaks-Differ-from-the

According to the FSA, From Our Farm Ltd. (Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales) has recalled batch/lots of From Our Farm branded Biltong Beef Snack products from the British marketplace due to suspected Mold contamination. The products involved are Original Biltong Beef Snacks, processed dried and salted meat products, Chilli Biltong Beef Snacks, processed dried, salted and chilli seasoned meat products, Tomato and Basil Beef Biltong Snacks, processed dried, salted and tomato and basil seasoned meat products, and Blazing Biltong Beef Snacks, processed dried, salted and spicy seasoned meat products. All products were packaged in 35-gram bags. @ https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-30-2021

Food Safety News reports that melons linked to Salmonella Braenderup have affected 200 people in more than 10 countries (Denmark (27), Belgium (42), Finland (5), France (1), Germany (49), Ireland (4), the Netherlands (13), Norway (5), Sweden (22), the United Kingdom (52), Canada (1) and Switzerland (15)). The Czech Republic and Spain have also recorded recent Salmonella Braenderup infections, but it is unclear if they belong to this outbreak. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) reported that the source could be whole honeydew, cantaloupe, and galia melons from Costa Rica, Honduras, or Brazil. @ https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2021/06/large-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-melons/?utm_source=Food+Safety+News&utm_campaign=b0cc10bfa0-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f46cc10150-b0cc10bfa0-40253059

The FDA reported on another Enoki mushroom recall. Rainfield Marketing Group, Inc. (Vernon, CA) recalled all cases of its 150g packages of Enoki Mushrooms (Product of Korea) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled products were distributed to CA, MD, and TX through produce distributors or wholesalers to retail stores nationwide. The product comes in a 150g, clear plastic and orange packaging with the description “Enoki Mushroom” in English and labeled “Product of Korea” along with “Must be cooked enough for a minimum of 3-10 minutes at 70°C, DO NOT CONSUME RAW. No illnesses have been reported to date. The contamination was noted after routine testing by the California Department of Public health revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 150g package of Enoki. The distribution of the product has been suspended. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/rainfield-marketing-group-inc-vernon-ca-recalling-enoki-mushrooms-product-korea-because-it-has