In the news

The J. M. Smucker Company today announced a voluntary recall of one lot of Natural Balance® Ultra Premium Chicken & Liver Paté Formula canned cat food due to health concerns likely associated with elevated levels of choline chloride. If pet parents have any product matching the following description in their possession, they should stop feeding it to their cats and dispose of the product. These products are most commonly sold in pet specialty retailers and online throughout the US and Canada. No other Natural Balance® products are impacted by this recall. The Company has received reports of adverse reactions. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/j-m-smucker-company-issues-voluntary-recall-one-lot-natural-balancer-ultra-premium-chicken-liver?utm_campaign=The%20J.%20M.%20Smucker%20Company%20Issues%20Voluntary%20Recall%20of%20One%20Lot%20of%20Natural%20Balance&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

Sandra Eskin (The Pew Charitable Trusts) wrote an opinion article stating that reducing the risk on E. coli in romaine lettuce require a coordinated action from farmers, ranchers and government and no single entity can achieve it alone.  FDA concluded that the recent outbreaks of E. coli in lettuce came from cattle that grazed in fields near the romaine lettuce. The FDA findings make clear that growers, ranchers, and local, state, and federal agencies must work together to prevent contamination of leafy greens by pathogens commonly present in animal fecal matter. This food safety problem cannot be solved by a single industry or regulatory authority. Allowing cattle to graze near fields that grow romaine lettuce or other leafy greens creates an unacceptable risk to consumers. To solve the problem, produce farmers and cattle ranchers should be at the table, along with federal, state, and local authorities. FDA should lead an effort to find comprehensive solutions to the public health problems created when cattle and produce farms operate in proximity. Without such solutions, Americans may see still more outbreaks linked to romaine lettuce and other leafy greens in the years ahead. @ https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2020/07/02/fda-says-cattle-likely-source-of-e-coli-that-contaminated-romaine-in-2019

Garland Ventures Ltd of Garland, Texas, recalled 1095 cases of Five Cheese Stuffed Shells trays because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled “Five Cheese Stuffed Shells” 10.76 oz containing shells with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and parsley, and packed in an aluminum foil container with clear lid was distributed nationwide in limited number of retail stores. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The potential for contamination was noted after samples tested through certified laboratory revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in “Five Cheese Stuffed Shells.” Garland Ventures Ltd ceased the further production and distribution of products immediately. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/garland-ventures-ltd-voluntary-recalls-five-cheese-stuffed-shells-because-possible-health-risk

Norpac Fisheries Export recalled all fresh shrimp poke distributed in Hawaii on The Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai through its retail customers, specifically Safeway Stores between May 11, 2020, and June 25, 2020, because it has potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been reported to date. Norpac Fisheries became aware of this problem during their routine Food Safety monitoring procedures, work areas, equipment, surfaces, drains, raw materials, and completed product. As a result of their routine random product and materials testing, the company tested the shrimp used to make the shrimp poke, by having a sample sent to an independent lab for analysis. The results were received on June 25, 2020, indicating a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product using this shrimp. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/norpac-fisheries-export-recalls-shrimp-poke-due-possible-health-risk