Recall/Crisis Management

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Despite having Listeria-positive samples that matched the outbreak strain via whole genome sequencing (WGS), which prompted an FDA Import Alert and a company recall for the suspected vehicle of illness, FDA did not disclose the specific product or any of the firms implicated.

FDA has declared the outbreak over with 48 confirmed and probable cases of illness. A root-cause investigation is still ongoing. FDA has also announced new “Operation Stork Speed” infant formula resources for families.

The STEC O26:H11 outbreak sickened 40 people and resulted in 19 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in children. Dried fruit was the probable vehicle of illness. Researchers underlined the importance of a weight-of-evidence approach in the outbreak investigation.

A total of 42 recalls comprising 71,420,721 pounds (lbs.) of product were issued between January and December.

Amid the ongoing global infant formula recall due to possible cereulide contamination, some countries have reported cases of mostly mild gastrointestinal illness in infants who had consumed infant formula, but confirming cereulide exposure is a challenge.

The moringa powder capsules are sold under the Rosabella brand name and are distributed by Ambrosia Brands LLC. The outbreak strain is resistant to all first-line and alternative antibiotics commonly recommended for salmonellosis treatment.

Affected products were sold under various brand names at numerous retailers. The products shared a single supplier of contaminated pasta, Nate’s Fine Foods Inc.

At present, FDA does not disclose the identity of companies involved in outbreaks without an associated recall because it considers a company name to be “confidential commercial information." Stop Foodborne Illness argues this practice is not legally consistent.

Boar’s Head has reopened its Jarratt, Virginia production facility, which was closed after being implicated in a fatal listeriosis outbreak in 2024. The company says the plant, which had exhibited serious food safety and hygiene violations, has undergone renovations and enhancements.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund’s newly published Food for Thought report outlines food recalls and foodborne illness outbreak investigations that occurred in 2025 and provides recommendations for improving the U.S. food recall system.