FDA CORE Releases Annual Report on Foodborne Investigation Outbreaks for 2023

The U.S. FDA Coordinated Outbreak Response & Evaluation (CORE) Network released its annual report summarizing the investigations of foodborne outbreaks and adverse events in FDA-regulated human foods for the 2023 calendar year.

"In 2023, CORE evaluated 69 incidents, responded to 25, and issued advisories for 10. These numbers remain similar to recent years, with 65 incidents evaluated, 28 responses, and 11 advisories issued in 2022. CORE investigations resulted in numerous public health actions, including recalls, public health advisories, a Warning Letter, FDA prevention strategies, and country-wide Import Alerts. These are further described in the report."
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/core-2023-annual-report

https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-releases-core-2023-annual-report-investigations-foodborne-outbreaks-and-adverse-events-fda?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
FDA Releases the CORE 2023 Annual Report: Investigations of Foodborne Outbreaks and Adverse Events in FDA-Regulated Foods
HFP Constituent Updates
Constituent Update
May 6, 2025

Imported Organic Pumpkin Seeds Recalled Due to Salmonella Concern

Advantage Health Matters of 5787 Steeles Ave W, North York, ON, Canada M9L 2W3, is recalling its 8-ounce packages of " Organic Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds " food treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  This recall was triggered by a recall of a supplier in another country.  No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recalled " Organic Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds " were distributed in states of New York, New Jersey and Virginia in retail stores and through mail orders.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/advantage-health-matters-inc-recalls-organic-jumbo-pumpkin-seeds-because-possible-health-risk
Advantage Health Matters Inc Recalls "Organic Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds" Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 08, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  May 08, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness - Salmonella
Company Name:  Advantage Health Matters Inc.
Brand Name:  Organic traditions
Product Description:  Organic Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds

Yesterday's Tractors - World Donkey Day

 Happy World Donkey Day (May 8)!

Donkeys have been an important part of early agriculture, long before tractors and pickup trucks.  Their ability to thrive on minimal food and water, carry and pull large payloads, durability and sure footedness made them a mainstay of farming in ancient times.

The donkey has not gone away.  Farms, especially those eco-friendly farms, have continued to be an important tool for farmers. "Donkeys are now integrated into modern small farms across Europe, Africa, Asia, and parts of the Americas for hauling compost, transporting produce, and maintaining vineyards and olive groves without disrupting delicate ecosystems. Their manure is a valuable source of organic fertilizer, and in some regions, donkey milk is being marketed for its nutritional and hypoallergenic qualities."  They can also act as loyal watchdogs on the farm where they bond with other farm animal species and provide protection against varmints.  And who doesn't like those donkey videos.

Courtesy: Tablas Creek Vineyard Blog: Photo of the Day: Donkeys on Guard

https://www.morningagclips.com/farmings-most-underrated-hero-the-donkey/
Farming’s Most Underrated Hero: The Donkey
Celebrating World Donkey Day with the history of donkeys

GREENWICH, N.Y. — For thousands of years, donkeys have quietly shaped the way we farm, transport goods, and survive in challenging landscapes. Although people often think of horses or oxen when they picture agriculture, the humble donkey has been the backbone of agriculture for years and will still be for years to come. Their small size, strength, and ability to thrive on minimal food and water made them an ideal partner for farmers long before tractors and machinery came into play.

USDA Issue Health Alert for Ground Beef Produced by GA Establishment After E. coli O103 Found in Sample

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for retail ground beef products sold by Bismillah Halal Meats, a retail market in Marietta, Ga., that may be contaminated with E. coli O103. The problem was discovered when a sample was collected and analyzed by FSIS during retail surveillance and the sampling results showed the presence of E. coli O103. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products.

A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-bismillah-halal-meats-ground-beef-due-possible-e-
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Bismillah Halal Meats Ground Beef Due to Possible E. Coli O103 Contamination

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for retail ground beef products sold by Bismillah Halal Meats, a retail market in Marietta, Ga., that may be contaminated with E. coli O103. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that these products should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.

Recall Notice Updated for Snack to State that Sesame is Not Listed on Contains Statement

New England Village Foods of Milford NH is updating its April 24, 2025 recall notice of all lots of 5 -ounce and 10 -ounce containers of New England Village Snacks “19th Hole Snack Mix”.  The initial recall was  due to undeclared almonds. This updated recall notices also states that sesame is not declared in the “Contains” statement. (Sesame is listed in the ingredient statement.)

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/new-england-village-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-almonds-and-sesame-19th-hole-snack-mix
New England Village Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds and Sesame in “19th Hole Snack Mix”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 06, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  May 06, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared almonds and sesame
Company Name:  New England Village Foods
Brand Name:  New England Village Snacks
Product Description:  19th Hole Snack Mix

NY Distribution Company Recalls Licorice Plum Due to Undeclared Sulfites and Unallowed Color Amaranth

East CK Trading, Inc. of Long Island City, NY, is recalling its 8-ounce packages of “Licorice Plum” food treats because they contained undeclared sulfites and unallowed color, Amaranth (E123). 

"The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the 8 ounce packages of “Licorice Plum” which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites. Analysis of the “Licorice Plum” revealed they contained 29.1 milligrams per serving."

Amaranth dye (FD&C Red No. 2, E123, C.I. Food Red 9, Acid Red 27) has been banned in the United States by the FDA since 1976.  It is a suspected carcinogen.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/east-trading-inc-issues-alert-undeclared-sulfites-licorice-plum
East Trading Inc., Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in “Licorice Plum”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 01, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  May 05, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – sulfites Unapproved color – Amaranth (E123)
Company Name:  Eats CL Trading, Inc.
Brand Name:  President Brand
Product Description:  Licorice plum

Co-Manufacturing Facility Recalls Bean Product Due to Undeclared Soy

Vietti Food Group of Nashville, TN is recalling 4,515 cases of its Yellowstone Brown Sugar Molasses Baked Beans (15 oz.) due to the presence of undeclared soy.  To date, no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported.

Yellowstone is a branded food distribution company (https://www.eatyellowstone.com/) and had this product backed for them by Vietti. .  Vietti Food Group is a subsidiary of the Holland based Zwanenberg Food Group; a privately held food organization with 12 production facilities located in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.  While Vietti has its own brands, it does pack private label product, such as in this case, with Yellowstone.

This is one of the challenges for private brands like Yellowstone, ensuring control over their co-manufacturing network.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/vietti-food-group-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-15-oz-yellowstone-brown-sugar-molasses-baked
Vietti Food Group Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy in 15-oz Yellowstone Brown Sugar Molasses Baked Beans
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 02, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  May 05, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen - Soy
Company Name:  Vietti Food Group
Brand Name:  Yellowstone
Product Description:  Baked Beans

FDA Planning for Unannounced Inspections at Foreign Manufacturing Facilities

The US FDA announced its intent to expand the use of unannounced inspections at foreign manufacturing facilities that produce foods, ensuring that foreign companies receive the same level of regulatory oversight and scrutiny as domestic companies.

"For too long, foreign companies have enjoyed a double standard—given advanced notice before facility inspections, while American manufacturers are held to rigorous standards with no such warning. That ends today. This is a key step for the FDA as part of a broader strategy to get foreign inspections back on track,” said FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D, M.P.H.

"The FDA conducts approximately 12,000 domestic inspections and 3,000 foreign inspections each year in more than 90 countries. While U.S. manufacturers undergo frequent, unannounced inspections, foreign firms have often had weeks to prepare, undermining the integrity of the oversight process. Despite the advanced warning that foreign firms receive, the FDA still found serious deficiencies more than twice as often than during domestic inspections."

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-announces-expanded-use-unannounced-inspections-foreign-manufacturing-facilities
FDA Announces Expanded Use of Unannounced Inspections at Foreign Manufacturing Facilities

For Immediate Release:
May 06, 2025

CDC Reports Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Backyard Chickens

As of April 24, a total of 7 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Mbandaka have been reported from 6 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from February 9, 2025, to March 24, 2025.

Of 4 people with information available, 2 (50%) reported purchasing or obtaining poultry before getting sick. People reported obtaining poultry from agricultural retail stores. Investigators continue to collect information about where sick people obtained poultry and what hatcheries supplied the retail stores that ill people purchased poultry from.

This outbreak strain has been linked to two hatcheries in past outbreaks, including one which is also linked to the poultry shipping material sample in the current outbreak. 

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/mbandaka-05-01/index.html
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Backyard Poultry
Key points

• Investigation status: Open
• Recall issued: No
• Public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella illnesses linked to contact with backyard poultry. Any backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs that can make you sick. Always take steps to stay healthy around your flock.

Fast Facts
Cases: 7
Hospitalizations: 0
Deaths: 0
States: 6