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The CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to bagged salad mix containing iceberg lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage produced by Fresh Express. The products were purchased at ALDI, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, and Walmart stores in the Midwestern United States. 206 laboratory-confirmed Cyclospora infections were reported from 8 Midwestern states (Illinois (57), Iowa (74), Kansas (1), Minnesota (25), Missouri (10) Nebraska (20), North Dakota (6), and Wisconsin (13). Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 11, 2020, to June 17, 2020. 23 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. The investigation indicates that the bagged salad mix produced by Fresh Express is a likely source of this outbreak. @ https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/2020/index.html

The FDA announced on its website that Jewel-Osco is voluntarily recalling bagged Signature Farms Garden Salad sold in its stores in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa due to Cyclospora cayetanensis infections.  The recall is in cooperation with the Fresh Express.  The recalled Signature Farms Garden Salad was sold in 12-ounce bags in the Produce section. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/jewel-osco-voluntarily-recalls-bagged-signature-farms-garden-salad-due-possible-cyclospora?utm_campaign=Jewel-Osco%20Voluntarily%20Recalls%20Bagged%20Signature%20Farms%20Garden%20Salad&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

The CDC reported that since the last update on May 20, 2020, 368 more ill people and six additional Salmonella serotypes (Agona, Anatum, Enteritidis, Infantis, Mbandaka, and I 4,[5], 12:i:-) were added to this investigation of raw poultry. As of June 23, 2020, a total of 465 people infected with Salmonella have been reported from 42 states. One death in Oklahoma has been reported. Epidemiological data shows that contact with backyard poultry (such as chicks and ducklings) is the likely source of these outbreaks. @ https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/backyardpoultry-05-20/index.html

China suspended imported poultry from Tyson and poultry plants in the United Kingdom and Germany, after recent COVID-19 outbreaks at or near the plants. As a result of the suspension, the USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue and FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn issued a joint statement addressing food export restrictions tied to COVID-19, emphasizing that there is no evidence that people can contract the virus from food or food packaging. “Efforts by some countries to restrict global food exports related to COVID-19 transmission are not consistent with the known science of transmission,” the USDA and FDA said Wednesday. “There is no evidence that people can contract COVID-19 from food or food packaging. The U.S. food safety system, overseen by our agencies, is the global leader in ensuring the safety of our food products, including products for export.” Tyson signed certification requested by China, saying that meat shipments are free of the novel coronavirus. The statement from USDA and FDA reiterates previously published guidelines from the CDC stating there is a lack of evidence to suggest handling or consuming food is associated with COVID-19. @ https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/92866