In the news

Utopia Foods Inc of Glendale, NY, recalled its 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms” imported from China. The recalled products were distributed nationwide in produce wholesale companies. The product comes in a clear blue plastic package with the name “Utopia” and barcode # 8928918610017 marked on the packaging. The initial recall includes all products within expiration, and the expanded recall includes products with clear markings of “Best before 03/02/2023” or “Best before 03.09.23”. Products included in the expanded recall were distributed between January 6, 2023, and January 13, 2023. On November 17, 2022, two illnesses were included in the outbreak. Both patients consumed Enoki mushrooms. A sample of Enoki mushroom of Utopia Foods, collected by the FDA, tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. WGS analysis determined that the Listeria found in the sample matched the strain linked to the illnesses in the outbreak. As a result, Utopia expanded its recall on December 13, 2022, to include 200 g packages. These products were distributed in NY, NJ, and CT. The investigation is ongoing. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-enoki-mushrooms-november-2022?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The CFIA reported that La Vache à Maillotte Mélo-Dieux surface-ripened soft cheese was recalled due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The product was produced by Fromagerie la Vache à maillotte and packaged in 275 gram clear plastic wrapper. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. The recalled product has been sold in Quebec and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/vache-maillotte-brand-melo-dieux-surface-ripened-soft-cheese-recalled-due-listeria?utm_source=gc-notify&utm_medium=email&utm_content=en&utm_campaign=hc-sc-rsa-22-23&

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recalled cheese from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The class one recall was flagged on January 14, 2023, and was triggered by Le Fromage au Village Inc. The recalled product has been sold in Quebec and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories. Le Cendré de Notre-Dame — Semi-soft Surface-ripened Cheese is packaged in approx. 150 g with Best by January 22, 23, 27, 28, and 29, 2023. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.@ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/cendre-notre-dame-brand-semi-soft-surface-ripened-cheese-recalled-due-listeria?utm_source=gc-notify&utm_medium=email&utm_content=en&utm_campaign=hc-sc-rsa-22-23&

The FDA announced that the intended enforcement discretion period for the harvest and post-harvest agricultural water provisions for covered produce (other than sprouts) in the Produce Safety Rule ends on January 26, 2023, for all businesses other than small and very small businesses. To help prepare growers, the FDA has released a fact sheet with questions and answers on the requirements. The FDA proposal rule from December 2021 did not include changes to agricultural water harvest and post-harvest requirements. Subsequently, the FDA issued a supplemental notice to extend the compliance dates for the pre-harvest requirements and announced end dates for the intended enforcement discretion. The key dates are January 26, 2025, for very small businesses; January 26, 2024, for small businesses; and January 26, 2023, for all other businesses. During the first year after the end of the intended enforcement discretion period, the FDA will work closely with international, state, and industry partners to advance training, technical assistance, educational visits, and on-farm readiness reviews to prepare farmers and regulators for implementing these provisions. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-releases-fact-sheet-reminds-produce-stakeholders-upcoming-end-intended-enforcement-discretion