In August, an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O:157 (STEC) infections at Belgian long-term care facilities sickened more than 70 people, resulting in nine deaths. Raw ground beef is the probable vehicle of illness.
An ongoing outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to prepared pasta meals has expanded to 15 states, causing 20 illnesses, 19 hospitalizations, and four deaths. The meals were sold under various brand names at Walmart, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s stores.
FDA detected radioactive isotope Cesium-137 (Cs-137) in a shipment of Indonesian cloves, due to heightened surveillance efforts initiated after radioactive shrimp was detected in another Indonesian import. Additionally, the radioactive shrimp recall has been expanded, and now affects Walmart, Kroger, and other retailers nationwide.
Although gluten is not one of the Big 9 major food allergens, USDA inspectors will now verify that establishments producing meat, poultry, and egg products are accurately controlling and labeling gluten similar to the Big 9 major food allergens.
A CDC analysis of multistate foodborne illness outbreak investigation data for 2023 reveals the foods and pathogens that caused the greatest number of outbreaks and illnesses. A single salmonellosis outbreak linked to cantaloupe accounted for 407 illnesses.
The UK Food Standards Agency’s (FSA’s) Market Authorization Innovation Research Program (IRP) is aimed at helping UK authorities efficiently regulate emerging food production technologies—especially precision fermentation—while supporting businesses and innovation.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has proposed to suspend registered approvals for dimethoate products on berries after new dietary exposure estimates suggested a potential human health risk.
By joining the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness, the Meat Institute will promote food safety best practices and engage in other efforts to prevent foodborne illness on behalf of meat and poultry companies.
A “Frozenomics” survey conducted by SmartSense shows that consumers are increasingly relying on frozen food purchases to stretch their grocery budgets, despite having mistrust in frozen food safety.