Foodborne Ilness Concerns in August 2024

Food poisoning-related terms, salmonella, listeria, etcS

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August 2, 2024: Metro Produce Distributors Inc announced a voluntary recall of all Lunds & Byerlys fresh guacamole products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected products include Lunds & Byerlys Fresh Guacamole (14 oz), Lunds & Byerlys Fresh Smokin’ Guacamole (10 oz), Lunds & Byerlys Fresh Spicy Guacamole (10 oz), Lunds & Byerlys Pico de Gallo/Guacamole Tray (18 oz), and Lunds & Byerlys Deli Guacamole (56 oz). These items were sold at Lunds & Byerlys stores and select Taco Mas food bars in the Twin Cities and St Cloud, MI between July 27 and 31, and are packaged in clear plastic containers. The recall was initiated following a routine sampling that detected the potential presence of listeria. To date, no illnesses have been reported. Production and distribution of the products have been halted as the investigation continues under the oversight of the US Food & Drug Administration and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

August 4, 2024: Thal Golden Spices Inc recalls Bikano Moong Dal due to Salmonella risk

Thal Golden Spices Inc is recalling 640 packs of Bikano Moong Dal (350g) due to potential contamination with Salmonella. The affected product, distributed in California retail stores, is identified as Bikano Moong Dal Plain, with a best used by date of June 25, 2025. No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall follows an FDA inspection that revealed discrepancies in batch numbers and an oversight in the distribution process. The product was released without proper lab results.

August 8, 2024: North Fish USA Inc. recalls “Cold Smoked Capelin” due to Clostridium botulinum risk

North Fish USA Inc is recalling 9-ounce packages of “Cold Smoked Capelin” due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause botulism, a severe and potentially fatal foodborne illness. The recall affects products distributed in New York and Georgia and includes packages with UPC code 4811527003360 and best-before dates of 7.13.2024 and 1.5.2025. Consumers are advised not to use the product, even if it appears unaffected, and to return it for a full refund. The potential contamination was identified during a routine inspection by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. No illnesses have been reported.

August 28, 2024: Boar’s Head ongoing listeria outbreak

The CDC updated its report on the listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meat, which has now resulted in 9 deaths, 57 hospitalizations, and cases across 18 states. The outbreak is associated with Boar’s Head Ready-to-Eat Liverwurst produced between June 11 and July 17, 2024, with sell-by dates ranging from July 25 to August 30, 2024. The affected products include 3.5-pound loaves and various sliced packages, labeled with “EST. 12612” or “P-12612.” Boar’s Head has clarified that the recall specifically involves certain deli-sliced products and some pre-packaged items from one plant, while most of their products are unaffected. Businesses are advised to clean and sanitize all surfaces and discard any opened recalled products. Consumers should not consume the recalled items but instead, return or discard them.

References

1. Metro Produce Distributors Inc. Recalls Fresh Guacamole Because of Possible Health Risk. FDA. August 2, 2024. Accessed August 30, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/metro-produce-distributors-inc-recalls-fresh-guacamole-because-possible-health-risk

2. Thal Golden Spices Inc. Recalls Product Because of Possible Health Risk. FDA. August 4, 2024. Accessed August 30, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/thal-golden-spices-inc-recalls-product-because-possible-health-risk

3. North Fish USA Inc. Recalls “Cold Smoked Capelin” Because of Possible Health Risk. FDA. August 8, 2024. Accessed August 30, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/north-fish-usa-inc-recalls-cold-smoked-capelin-because-possible-health-risk

4. Listeria Outbreak Linked to Meats Sliced at Delis. CDC. August 28, 2024. Accessed August 30, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeats-7-24.html