In the news

A publication in Clinical Microbiology entitled “Zoonotic Escherichia coli and urinary tract infections in Southern California” claims that emerging evidence suggests that animal-derived foods may serve as an underrecognized reservoir for extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). The study found that approximately 18% of E. coli UTIs were likely attributable to food animals. Individuals living in high-poverty neighborhoods had a 1.6-fold increased risk of zoonotic UTIs compared to those in low-poverty areas. These findings highlight zoonotic transmission as an important driver of UTIs and suggest that reducing ExPEC in food-animal reservoirs could help lower disease burden and address health disparities. Zoonotic ExPEC strains accounted for 18% of UTIs overall, rising to 21.5% in high-poverty neighborhoods. Women had a higher zoonotic proportion than men (19.7% vs 8.5%, P < 0.001). @ https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.01428-25

The CORE update list of outbreaks and adverse events includes eleven postings. The outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg (ref #1311) linked to pistachio cream products was reported. The Executive incident summary abstract shows that on 6/10/2025, OII OHFI Central 3 notified CORE Signals about a cluster of Salmonella Oranienburg illnesses associated with a single restaurant exposure in MN. All three cases in Minnesota (MN) and one case in New Jersey reported consuming similar food items that included pistachio cream. WGS analyzed retail samples of Emek Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream with Kaday, identifying a total of 28 positive samples belonging to 6 different serovars/strains of Salmonella, including S. Oranienburg. The investigation was moved to the closed table. The outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg (ref #1316) occurred, but the source was not identified, and the investigation is now closed. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks

Kenvue Brands LLC initiated the voluntary recall on September 19, 2025, and it affects 1,312 cases of 25-count plant-based, compostable Neutrogena makeup remover wipes (LOT 1835U6325A). The recall follows the detection of Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria in the product. The products were distributed to Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. According to the FDA’s recall database, the wipes tested positive for Pluralibacter gergoviae during internal quality checks.  @ https://www.globalcosmeticsnews.com/fda-classifies-neutrogena-makeup-remover-wipes-recall-as-class-ii-health-risk-over-bacterial-contamination/

The CFIA has recalled a Roquefort cheese from Maison Gabriel Coulet Roquefort La Cave because it might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The Roquefort  La Cave cheese was sold in 100-gram packages with an expiry date of Nov. 3, 2025. The recall was initiated after government testing showed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The product was sold in Quebec and Ontario. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. The cheese was sold in slices and wedges, each in packages weighing 100 grams. The packages are black plastic with a window so you can see the cheese. A beige banner is across the top of the package with the words “Au Lait Cru De Brebis.” @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/maison-gabriel-coulet-brand-roquefort-cave-recalled-due-listeria-monocytogenes