In the news

The Food Standards Australia reported that two of Australia’s biggest supermarkets have recalled some salad products due to fears of potential contamination with STEC. The agency has issued an alert about several Fresh Salad Co Baby Spinach products sold at Aldi stores due to potential microbial (STEC) contamination. The recalled products have been available for sale in ALDI Stores in QLD and some stores in Northern NSW (Tweed Heads South, Ballina, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Casino, Toormina, Armidale, Byron Bay, Goonellabah, Tweed Mall, Moonee Beach). A second alert for a selection of salad products sold at Woolworths was followed. The Aldi recall applies to products sold in Queensland and some stores in Northern NSW. @ https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/food-recalls/recall-alert/updated-280325-aldi-stores-fresh-salad-co-various-baby-spinach-products

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand reported that Woolworths recalled fresh cut salads. The product(s) have been available for sale online (QLD and Northern NSW) and in store. The products have been available for sale online and in-store in both Queensland and northern NSW. Also available at Woolworths Supermarkets and Woolworths Metro in QLD and Northern NSW (Tweed City, Tweed Heads, Ballina Fair, Ballina River Street, Byron Bay, Cabarita, Casino, Goonellabah, Kingscliff, Lennox Head, Lismore Central, Lismore Square, Mullumbimby). The recall is due to E. Coli STEC contamination. The products have been available for sale in independent retailers, including IGA in ACT, NSW, and Queensland, as well as Drakes stores in Queensland. @ https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/food-recalls/recall-alert/updated-260325-woolworths-various-fresh-cut-salad-products

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), in collaboration with the company Micro plants Robert (911, Rue Principale, in Batiscan), is advising the public not to consume the Microgreen full-bodied mix in a 60 g package due to generic E. coli bacteria (non-pathogenic serotype). The product was offered for sale in several establishments in Quebec. The product was packaged in a clear plastic container. It was sold refrigerated. It has been agreed upon with MAPAQ that this warning should be issued as a precautionary measure. @ https://www.quebec.ca/nouvelles/actualites/details/avis-de-ne-pas-consommer-de-micro-pousses-melange-corse-prepare-et-vendu-par-lentreprise-micro-plants-robert-61743

The CORE update list of outbreaks and adverse events includes four entries. The outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1286) linked to an unidentified product, the case count has increased from 28 to 30. The outbreak of Salmonella Newport (ref #1291) linked to an unidentified product, the case count was adjusted to 35 to include cases that were reported after the outbreak was declared over. The FDA’s investigation of the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref # 1285) has closed. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery