In the news

The FDA, CDC, and local partners updated the status of the multi state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infection linked to Brie and Camembert soft cheese products, including all of their baked Brie cheeses manufactured by Old Europe Cheese Inc. (Banton Harbor, MI). The products were sold to retailers under multiple labels and brands. The outbreak is linked to six illnesses and five hospitalizations in six states (CA, GA, MA, MI, NJ, and TX). On September 30, 2022, Old Europe Cheese, Inc. voluntarily recalled multiple brands of Brie and Camembert cheeses produced at their Michigan facility. On October 5, 2022, the recall was expanded to include multiple brands of baked Brie products. On November 4, 2022, the recall was updated to include an expanded retail establishment that received recalled bulk Brie and Camembert cheese from Old Europe Cheese, Inc. FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine if additional products are potentially contaminated. Updates to this advisory will be provided as they become available. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-brie-and-camembert-soft-cheese-products-september-2022?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The CDC, the USDA-FSIS, the FDA, and several state public health and regulatory officials are investigating a Listeria outbreak. The Information collected by November 9, 2022, shows that deli meat and cheese purchased at deli counters in multiple states are the likely sources of this outbreak. The CDC reported 16 illnesses associated with this outbreak in six states (California (1), Illinois (2), Maryland (3), Massachusetts (2), New Jersey (1), and New York (7)). Thirteen hospitalizations and one death. It is difficult for investigators to identify a single food as the source of outbreaks linked to deli meats and cheeses. This is because Listeria spreads easily between food and the deli environment and can persist for a long time in deli display cases and on equipment. A contaminated food likely introduced the outbreak strain of Listeria into delis in multiple states. Investigators are working to identify any specific products or delis that may be contaminated with the outbreak strain. @ https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/deli-11-22/index.html

The FDA reported that Seven Seas International USA, LLC of St. Petersburg, Florida, is voluntarily recalling 540 cases of Giant Food Private Label Sockeye Smoked Salmon because it can potentially be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The product was distributed by Giant Food in Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Delaware. The Giant Brand Wild Caught Sockeye Smoked Salmon, 4 oz. is packaged in a fully printed cardboard sleeve with a sleeve window to display the fish. It is a refrigerated item. The issue was discovered through routine regulatory testing conducted by the Maryland Department of Health. No illnesses have been reported to date. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/seven-seas-international-usa-llc-voluntarily-recalls-giant-food-private-label-wild-caught-alaskan?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported that Comercializadora PepsiCo S. de R.L. de C.V. issued a voluntary recall for 15.5 oz, 6 count box of Gamesa Arcoiris Marshmallow Cookies due to the potential contamination with Salmonella. The recall was initiated as the result of a routine sampling program by the company, which revealed the finished product might contain Salmonella. The product was distributed to warehouses in California and Texas and may have reached consumers through select retail stores. No illnesses related to Salmonella have been confirmed to date. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/comercializadora-pepsico-s-de-rl-de-cv-issues-voluntary-recall-gamesar-arcoiris-marshmallow-cookies?permalink=05FBC9793324838277FE7B505FA125FF2B9082A0BF1E5668F3905DB4E2F945CD