In the news

CDC, state and federal health, and regulatory officials updated the cases of Cyclosporiasis in the US. Many cases of cyclosporiasis cannot be directly linked to an outbreak, partly because of the lack of validated laboratory “fingerprinting” methods needed to link cases of Cyclospora infection. From May to July 2022, the number of reported cases of domestically acquired cyclosporiasis illnesses has increased by 323 cases since the last update on June 30, 2022. Cases continue to be reported. Since July 26, 2022, 384 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported to CDC by 23 jurisdictions, including 22 states and New York City, since May 1, 2022. At least 30 people have been hospitalized; 0 deaths have been reported. @ https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/2022/seasonal/index.html

According to the FSA, John West Foods (Liverpool, England) has recalled batch/lots of John West Sardine Fish products packed in Oil from the British marketplace due to suspected unspecified microbiological contamination.  The recalled products are West Boneless Sardines in Sunflower Oil and John West Sardines in Olive Oil. @ https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-45-2022

The Israeli Ministry of Health announces the recall of frozen broccoli florets and frozen corn kernels of the Telfrost Company due to Listeria monocytogenes. In an inspection conducted by the food service at the Jerusalem Health Bureau, Listeria monocytogenes was found in these products. @ https://news.middleeast-24.com/news/329388.html

August 1, 2022 – The USDA/ FSIS announced that it would declare Salmonella an adulterant in breaded and stuffed raw chicken products. By declaring Salmonella an adulterant in these products, FSIS will be able to ensure that highly contaminated products that could make people sick are not sold to consumers. Since 1998, breaded and stuffed raw chicken products have been associated with up to 14 outbreaks and approximately 200 illnesses. The products appear cooked, but they are heat-treated only to set the batter or breading, and the product contains raw poultry. Breaded and stuffed raw chicken products will be considered adulterated when they exceed a very low level of Salmonella contamination and would be subject to regulatory action. FSIS will propose setting the limit at 1 colony forming unit (CFU) of Salmonella per gram for these products, a level the agency believes will significantly reduce the risk of illness from consuming these products. The notice is expected to publish in the Federal Register in the fall, and FSIS will seek public comments addressing the standard. The action is part of FSIS’ broader efforts to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry. @ https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2022/08/01/usda-announces-action-declare-salmonella-adulterant-breaded-stuffed#:~:text=WASHINGTON%2C%20August%201%2C%202022%20%E2%80%93,said%20Agriculture%20Secretary%20Tom%20Vilsack