In the news

The FDA reported that Fruit Fresh Up, Inc. recalled all fresh cut fruit and vegetable products and ready to eat dips processed at its Depew, NY production facilities, due to possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. Products subject to the voluntary recall of fresh cut fruits and vegetables are packaged in clear plastic containers with a tamper evident seal and identified with a “Best if Used By” date between March 5, 2022, and March 23, 2022. Ready-to-eat dips are provided in 7oz clear plastic clamshell containers with a Best if Used by March 15, 2022, to March 31, 2022. No illnesses have been reported, with the products being recalled to date. This voluntary recall notification is being issued after results from the environmental program found surfaces where products are packaged into containers to contain Listeria monocytogenes. Recalled items from the facility were distributed in NY and surrounding states. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fruit-fresh-inc-recalls-products-due-possible-health-risk

A study conducted in UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine by Dr. Shariathas found that salmonella populations in freshwater are more diverse than previously thought. The study uncovered hidden populations that have, until now, gone undetected. Using CRISPR-SeroSeq tool developed in their lab 

 Shariat and her team of students used next-generation sequencing to dive deep and reveal entire salmonella populations in a sample. In 78% of samples from the Susquehanna River Basin containing salmonella, the team discovered eight of the CDC’s top 10 human-illness-causing serotypes. Sx of these serotypes was often entirely hidden by more abundant, less clinically relevant types of salmonella. 

Some samples contained up to 10 serotypes of salmonella—many of which are associated with animal agriculture. The research has found that the traditional method only scratches the surface of a broad and diverse salmonella population. Using CRISPR-SeroSeq, the team can classify and characterize all identifiable serotypes in a single sample. Over 80% of salmonella samples included more than one type of salmonella. @ https://news.uga.edu/new-technology-reveals-hidden-salmonella/

The FDA reported that Jan Fruits Inc. (Veronica, CA) recalled all its cases of 200g/7.05oz packages of ENOKI MUSHROOM (Product of Taiwan). The recall is due to the potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled Enoki Mushroom product was distributed in CA to produce distributors or wholesalers for further distribution to retail stores. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The distribution of the product has been suspended. The potential for contamination was discovered after a retail sample was collected and analyzed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 7.05 oz. package of Enoki mushroom. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/jan-fruits-inc-recalls-enoki-mushrooms-because-possible-health-risk-0

The USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) study studied the number of U.S. import refusals caused by pathogen/toxin contamination and which pathogens accounted for those safety violations. From 2002 to 2019, 22,460 pathogen/toxin violations were discovered among imported shipments. Salmonella was the most frequently identified agent among imported foods during the period with 80%, or 17,922 of total violations. Listeria recorded the second largest number of violations at 2,463, accounting for 11%. It was followed by histamine with 804 violations (3.6%), aflatoxin with 663 violations (3%), and bacteria other than Salmonella or Listeria with 455 violations (2%). The five most frequently detected pathogens and toxins accounted for 99.3% of the total violations from imported foods. @ https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/gallery/chart-detail/?chartId=103529#:~:text=Salmonella%20accounted%20for%20nearly%2080,illness%20risks%20for%20U.S.%20consumers