In the news

The CORE update list of outbreaks and adverse events includes five entries. A new outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1292) in an unidentified product has been added to the table. FDA has initiated a traceback and sample collection. For the outbreak of Salmonella Newport (ref #1291), the case count has increased from 29 to 31. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported that AKT Trading Inc.(Torrance, California) recalled vegetable products manufactured by Choshiya Honten Co., Ltd. due to a potential risk of Clostridium botulinum. The products lack the necessary “Keep Refrigerated” statement, which could lead to hazardous bacterial growth if stored at room temperature. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. This issue was discovered on 2/18/2025 at the Tokyo Central / Marukai retail store. The missing “Keep Refrigerated” label likely contributed to this issue. The product was immediately removed from sale at this location. Consumers who have purchased the affected product with the specified expiration date are urged not to consume it. AKT Trading Inc. is committed to the safety and quality of its products and is taking this action out of an abundance of caution. An initial report was issued on February 11, 2025. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/akt-trading-inc-recalls-prepared-vegetable-products-because-possible-health-risk#:~:text=AKT%20Trading%20Inc.%20of%20Torrance,life%2Dthreatening%20illness%20or%20death

Food Safety News reported that Willow Marsh Farm has ceased sales of its unpasteurized, raw milk after tests showed it was positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The dairy had been awaiting confirmation test results, which it received on March 4. All milk sold between February 26 and March 2 should not be consumed and should be thrown away, according to the statement. “We are now replacing milking equipment parts just in case it is there,” according to the dairy’s statement. @ https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/03/raw-milk-from-new-york-dairy-tests-positive-for-listeria-monocytogenes/

The FDA reported that Wild Coast LLC dba Wild Coast Raw (Olympia, WA)  is recalling lots of frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats because it has the potential to be contaminated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1. H5N1 can be transmitted to animals eating contaminated products. The product, 16oz, and 24oz frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats, was distributed to pet food retailers in Washington State and Oregon. The product is frozen in a small round white plastic container with a green label. The affected lots are identified by a sticker on the lid with numbers #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, and #22664 with a Best Buy date of 12/25. The recall is widened to include any raw material sharing similar production dates and lot codes as #22660 and #22664. These two lot codes were included in the WSDA’s public health alert on 2/14. The recall was initiated after sampling conducted by the Oregon Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of the same strain of H5N1 in the affected cats and these products, as well as sampling by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Wild Coast Raw and the Washington State Department of Agriculture continue to work collaboratively to address the source of the problem. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/voluntary-recall-wild-coast-raw-boneless-free-range-chicken-formula-raw-pet-food-because-possible