In the news

The CDC reported that at least 701 people from 14 states had been infected with Cyclospora cayetanensis that had trace evidence to bagged salad mixes containing iceberg lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage manufactured at Fresh Express facility in Streamwood, IL. On June 19, 2020, the company recalled the bagged salad mixes. The PHA of Canada is also investigating an outbreak of cyclosporiasis infections occurring in three Canadian provinces in which Fresh Express brand salad products. As a result, the FDA inspected the facility. The FD issued the facility a Form FDA 483. During the outbreak, environmental samples tested by the FDA detected the presence of Cyclospora in the surface water of a canal near a farm suspected of being a source of the red cabbage in your bagged salad mix. The FDA requested that Fresh Express improve traceability to get timely information as required. @ https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/fresh-express-inc-609899-div-chiquita-brands

As of November 4, 2020, the CDC declared that this outbreak is over. On September 23, 2020, Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc. recalled Shirakiku brand imported dried fungus. This product was labeled as Shirakiku brand Black Fungus (Kikurage) with UPC Code 00074410604305, imported from China. The product caused 55 illnesses with 6 hospitalizations, and no death was reported. States with Cases: AZ (1), CA (33), CT (1), GA (1), IL (5), LA (1), NJ (2), NY (1), OR (1), PA (2), WI (2). The product was distributed in six-packs of five-pound bags to restaurants in AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, and WI. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-stanley-wood-ear-mushrooms-dried-fungus-september-2020?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA announced on its website that Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc. (Lakewood, Colorado-based natural grocery retailer) Recalled Natural Grocers Brand 4-ounce Organic Whole Elderberries after being notified by its supplier of the potential presence of Salmonella. After initially certifying that this product had tested negative for Salmonella, their supplier subsequently reported the company of the possible presence of Salmonella in specific lots of organic elderberries. The recalled product is packaged in clear plastic bags weighing 4-ounces and bearing the “Natural Grocers” label. Only packages bearing the following pack dates are being recalled at this time: 20-216, 20-225, 20-246, 20-265, & 20-281. The product was distributed to 159 Natural Grocers stores located in Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. To date, the company has not received any reports of illness or injury. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natural-grocers-issues-voluntary-recall-organic-elderberries-due-potential-presence-salmonella?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FSA issues Product Withdrawal, and recall notices to let consumers and local authorities know about Bettine Blanc Goat’s Cheese (produced by Bettinehoeve NV, an Etten-Leur, Netherlands establishment) from the British market because the product might contain Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled products have been sold at Waitrose & Partners stores in the deli counters from Sept 04– Oct 29, 2020. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling the product. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought it. @ https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-52-2020