In the news

The FDA reported that on 10/8/2021, Northeast Seafood Products (Denver, CO) recalled seafood products that were processed in their facility because they could be contaminated with Salmonella. FDA’s traceback investigation identified Northeast Seafood Products, Inc. as a common distributor among illness subclusters.  The items being recalled are: Haddock, Monkfish, Bone-in Trout, Grouper, Red Snapper, Red Rock Cod, Ocean Perch, Pacific Cod, Halibut, Coho Salmon, Atlantic Salmon Portions, Lane Snapper, Tilapia, All Natural Salmon Fillet, Pacific Sole, and Farm Raised Striped Bass. These items were distributed in Colorado from May 2021 to October 7, 2021 to restaurants and Albertsons, Safeway, and Sprout’s supermarkets. The recalled items would have sold out of their fresh seafood cases. The recall is the result of several positive samples revealed during an FDA inspection. FDA and CDC have reported that these positive samples are linked to an outbreak of Salmonella illness. A total of 102 got sick, 10 were hospitalized, and no death has been reported. States with Cases: AZ (1), CO (82), CT (1), IA (1), MN (2), MO (1), NE (2), NJ (2), PA (1), TX (2), VA (2), WA (2), WI (2), WY (2). CDC’s analysis of epidemiological information indicates that seafood is the leading hypothesis for the cause of illnesses linked to this outbreak. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-thompson-seafood-october-2021?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The USDA  Food Safety and FSIS announced that Nick’s Famous Bar-B-Q (Nashville, TN) recalled approximately 3,140 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) smoked pork barbecue products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The 20-lb. boxes of “Nick’s FAMOUS Hickory Smoked Pork Bar-B-Q” were produced on September 7, 2021, and September 8, 2021 and packaged on September 8, 2021. These items were distributed to institutions, including school locations in North Carolina. FSIS discovered the problem during an assessment of the establishment’s production records. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products. @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/nicks-famous-bar-b-q-recalls-ready-eat-pork-products-due-possible-listeria

According to the CFIA, Loblaw Companies (Brampton, Ontario ) has recalled President’s Choice branded Roasted Garlic Mayo, and President’s Choice branded Chipotle Mayo Sandwich Spreads from the Canadian marketplace due to bursting bottles and possible bacterial spoilage. The following spreads are subject to the recall: President’s Choice branded Roasted Garlic Mayo Sandwich Spreads, sold in 300 ml squeeze bottles, and President’s Choice branded Chipotle Mayo Sandwich Spreads, sold in 300 ml squeeze bottles. These Sandwich Spreads were marketed, distributed, and sold in all Canadian provinces.@ https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2021/76523r-eng.php

CDC declares the outbreak due to BrightFarm packaged greens over. On July 15, 2021, BrightFarms recalled packaged salad greens produced in its Rochelle, Illinois (Ogle County) greenhouse farm sold in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin. On July 21, 2021, Michigan was added to the list of states that received recalled products.  Interview data and shopper card records show that 15 people ate or bought multiple types of BrightFarms brand salad products before they got sick, including Sunny Crunch, 50/50 Spring & Spinach, Harvest Crunch, and Butter Crisp. FDA conducted a traceback investigation and identified the farm in Rochelle, IL, as the likely source of the BrightFarms brand salad bought by people who became ill. On July 28, 2021, following positive sample results, BrightFarms expanded their recall to include Baby Spinach packaged in clear, plastic clamshells with “Best By” dates through 7/26/2021. In total, 31 people got ill in four states (IL (18), MI (1), PA (2), and WI (10)). @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-typhimurium-brightfarms-packaged-salad-greens-july-2021?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery