In the news

The FDA reported that the Chai Box (Marietta, GA) announced a recall of 16 oz glass bottles of Chai Concentrate Mix, 64 oz plastic bottles of Chai Concentrate Mix, 16 oz glass bottles of Unsweetened Chai Concentrate Mix, and 64 oz plastic bottles of Unsweetened Chai Concentrate Mix due to potential under-processing which may lead to Clostridium botulinum contamination. These deviations were part of the commercial sterilization process and could result in contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to life-threatening illnesses if consumed. There have been no reports of illness associated with this product to date. The company was notified of the problem during a process review by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The products were shipped nationwide to consumers, retailers, and wholesalers. Some product was also shipped to two consumers in Canada. The product is available online and via retail and wholesale facilities.@ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/chai-box-announces-voluntary-recall-chai-concentrate-mix-and-chai-concentrate-unsweetened-mix-due?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA, CDC, and state and local partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to Brie and Camembert soft cheese products manufactured by Old Europe Cheese, Inc. (Benton Harbor, MI) and sold at various retailers under multiple labels and brands, including Reny Picot. There are 6 illnesses, 5 hospitalizations in 6 states (CA, GA, MA, MI, NJ, and TX) associated with the outbreak. Based on epidemiologic information, four (80%) report eating Brie or Camembert cheese before the illness. Analysis of environmental samples collected at the Old Europe Cheese facility showed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. WGS analysis determined that the Listeria strain found in the facility matches the Listeria strain causing illnesses in this outbreak. Old Europe Cheese, Inc. has voluntarily recalled multiple brands of Brie and Camembert cheeses produced at their Michigan facility in response to investigation findings.  @ 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 CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events as of September 28, 2022, does not include any identified food. In the Cyclospora outbreak (reference #1080), sample collection and analysis and an on-site inspection have been initiated. The investigation is closed in the Salmonella Mississippi outbreak (reference #1097), and the outbreak has ended. A new outbreak has been added to the table: Salmonella Litchfield (reference #1105). Traceback has been initiated. In the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak (reference #1095), the case count has increased from 84 cases to 86 cases. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Keswick Creamery (Newburg, PA) recalled Calverley Cheese, Vulkwin’s Folly Cheese, Vermeer Cheese, Havarti Cheese, Wallaby Cheese, Cider Washed Tomme Cheese, Feta Cheese, Whole Milk Ricotta, Bovre Cheese (plain, oregano and garlic, herbes de provence, cranberry and honey) and Quark Cheese (plain, dill, and onion), due to potential Listeria monocytogenes. All Cheeses were distributed at Dupont Circle Freshfarm Market in Washington, D.C.; Takoma Park Farmers Market in Takoma Park, Maryland; Smith Meadows Farm Store in Berryville, Virginia; Oylers Organic Farms and Market in Biglerville, Pennsylvania; and Talking Breads Farm Store in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall resulted from a routine sampling program conducted by the FDA which revealed some finished products contained Listeria monocytogenes. Keswick Creamery has ceased producing and distributing all products as the FDA, and the company continues investigating what caused the problem. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/keswick-creamery-carrock-farm-llc-recalls-cheese-because-possible-health-risk#:~:text=Keswick%20Creamery%20has%20ceased%20the,urged%20to%20discard%20the%20product.