In the news

The CDC and public health officials in several states investigate multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to contact with backyard poultry. By May 20, 2021, 163 people were infected with one of the outbreak strains reported from 43 states. 34 people were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. One-third of sick people are young children under 5 years. WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. Backyard poultry is a known source of Salmonella, and therefore the actual number of infections is probably much higher. @ https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0520-salmonella-infections-backyard-poultry.html#:~:text=CDC%20and%20public%20health%20officials,No%20deaths%20have%20been%20reported.

The FDA announced that Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. (San Diego, CA) recalled cat food products due to possible contamination with Salmonella. The contamination was discovered from a routine surveillance sample from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Products were distributed nationwide in the US via both retail and online distribution. No customer complaints or illnesses have been reported to date, and no other Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. products are impacted by this recall. The affected products are 5 LB and 10 LB bags, Natural Balance LID. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Chicken Formula Dry Cat Food. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natural-balance-pet-foods-inc-voluntarily-recalls-lid-green-pea-chicken-dry-cat-formula-possible?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA announced that Interstate Food Products of Lakewood Colorado, recalled its 14-ounce containers of Little Hatches Jalapeno Cream Cheese because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled Little Hatches Jalapeno Cream Cheese was distributed in 6 Whole Foods stores in the Denver Colorado Metro area. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the FDA revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 14-ounce packages of Little Hatches Jalapeno Cream Cheese.  @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/interstate-food-products-recalls-little-hatches-jalapeno-cream-cheese-because-possible-health-risk

The FDA announced that Faribault Foods, Inc. recalled 15-ounce cans of S&W Organic Black Beans, 15-ounce cans of O Organic Brand Black Beans, and 15-ounce cans of O Organic Brand Chili Beans because the cans may have a compromised hermetic seal. The compromised hermetic seal may affect can integrity and may cause the cans to leak, bloat, or allow bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum to grow inside the product, leading to serious illness. The recalled products were distributed to CA, WA, UT, OR, AZ, CO, AK, HI, TX, GA, and ID in retail stores, including Costco. The recall was initiated after the firm had received consumer and customer complaints regarding the failure of the hermetic seal. The problem related to the hermetic seal failure was corrected, and no other product is affected. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/faribault-foods-inc-announces-extension-voluntary-recall-limited-quantity-sw-brand-organic-black