US Experiencing Increase in Norovirus Outbreaks

CDC data indicates there is a higher than normal number of Norovirus outbreaks.  "Data from the CDC's National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System show that 22% of norovirus tests were positive for the week ending December 21, which is also higher than seen during the same time period in recent years."

Cruise ships also have been having their issues. "Data released earlier this week by the CDC show that 16 cruise ship norovirus outbreaks were reported in 2024, including 5 in December that sickened 890 passengers and crew members."

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/norovirus/us-norovirus-outbreaks-are-cdc-data-show
US norovirus outbreaks are up, CDC data show
News brief January 2, 2025
Chris Dall, MA

Avian Influenza in Cats Linked to Raw Pet Food

In Oregon, the "Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) yesterday reported that a house cat has died from H5N1 avian flu after eating raw frozen pet food, which has prompted the voluntary recall of raw pet food that was sold nationwide through distributors in 12 states as well as in British Columbia."

"In a statement, the ODA said the house cat that tested positive for H5N1 died after eating raw food. Tests confirmed a genetic match between a sample from the cat and the virus from Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food."

In California, the "LADPH [Los Angeles Dept of  Health] said H5 avian flu from product samples of Monarch Raw Pet Food has been found in an investigation into an illness involving a house cat with a lab-confirmed infection after consuming the product. Four other cats from the same household have presumed H5 infections after eating the same food."  "Officials said an investigation is still under way into fatal illnesses of four cats from a separate household that had drunk raw milk."

"According to Monarch Raw Pet Food's website, the food was sold at farmer's markets in Laguna Niguel, Orange, San Jacinto, and Fountain Valley. The company said its raw meat pet food is made from raw ground chicken composed of muscle, organ meat, skin, fat, and bone and that it is sourced from human-grade free-range poultry raised in the San Joaquin Valley."


https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/california-probe-ties-cats-avian-flu-illness-raw-pet-food
California probe ties cat's avian flu illness to raw pet food
Lisa Schnirring January 2, 2025
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

California Produce Company Recalls Broccoli Florets After State Testing Finds Listeria

 Braga Fresh of Soledad, Calif. is voluntarily issuing a precautionary advisory of a single production lot of washed and ready-to-eat 12oz Marketside Broccoli Florets with best if used by date Dec 10, 2024.  This advisory is being initiated due to possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The potential for contamination was discovered during random sampling by Texas Health & Human Services from a Texas store location where one of multiple samples yielded a positive test result.  This product is past its best if used by date and is no longer in stores, but consumers may have frozen the item for later use.

Just to point out that this recall is for one lot of product due to Listeria being detected in that product.  As we have seen with other recalls involving Listeria, recalls can be expanded if it is determined that the facility did not have control of Listeria as determined from that company's internal controls.  Records of testing and cleaning as well as observation of practices may indicate issues, or may be viewed as suspect for not being sufficiently robust.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/braga-fresh-issues-voluntary-and-precautionary-advisory-due-possible-health-risk
Braga Fresh Issues Voluntary and Precautionary Advisory Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 27, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  December 31, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Produce
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Braga Fresh
Brand Name:  Marketside
Product Description:  Broccoli Florets

PA Candy Company Recalls Meltaway Bars After Mispackaging Issue With Cashew Containing Product

Gardners Candies of Tyrone, PA is recalling its 1.25 ounce packages of Gardners Candies brand Cappuccino Meltaway® Bars because they may contain undeclared tree nuts (cashews).   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the tree nut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of tree nuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.  Production of the product has been suspended until the company is certain that the problem has been corrected.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gardners-candies-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-tree-nuts-cappuccino-meltawayr-bars-and-gardners
Gardners Candies Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts in Cappuccino Meltaway® Bars and Gardners Meltaway Treat Boxes Containing Cappuccino Meltaway Bars
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 27, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  December 27, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Tree Nuts (Cashews)
Company Name:  Gardners Candies, Inc.
Brand Name:  Gardners Candies
Product Description:  Chocolate Candy Bars