CDC Issues Investigation Report on 2024 Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Charcuterie-style Meats

CDC issued a report on a 2023/2024 Salmonella outbreak associated with charcuterie meats manufactured by Fratelli Beretta in Mount Olive NJ.   The recall was initially announced in January of 2024 and in the end, there were 104 illnesses with 27 hospitalizations in 33 states.

"USDA-FSIS conducted for-cause food safety assessments (FSA) (i.e., a comprehensive review of an establishments’ food safety system because of a specific reason, including a foodborne illness outbreak) at the two company A production facilities and collected 179 product, food contact, and environmental samples (1). Two samples of an RTE product that contained coppa yielded two nonoutbreak strains of Salmonella. FSAs conducted in company A’s production facilities identified the potential for inadequate salt-curing and drying (underprocessing) of coppa during production, which could result in the presence of Salmonella species in the finished product."

In conclusion, USDA stated, "This report describes the largest U.S. infectious outbreak associated with charcuterie-style meats since 2010.†† Charcuterie-style meats are typically produced using either fermentation and drying or salt-curing and drying rather than cooking. Although the production process should control bacteria that can cause illness in consumers, if the procedures are not followed carefully, charcuterie-style meats could be underprocessed and presence of bacteria poorly controlled. Facilities are required by USDA-FSIS to demonstrate sufficient scientific evidence that production processes for charcuterie-style meats will result in a 5-log reduction of Salmonella or an alternative pathogen lethality and will achieve shelf-stability among other controls§§ (2)."

Notes from the Field: Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella enterica I 4:I:- Infections Linked to Charcuterie-Style Meats — United States, 2023–2024
Weekly / May 15, 2025 / 74(17);293–295
Angelo Lodato, MPH1,2; Andrea Cote, DVM3; Joshua Rounds, MPH4; Laurie K. Stewart, MS5; Anna E. Pickett5; Megan E. Cahill, PhD6,7; Lorrie L. B. Martin, MS6; Jennifer K. Adams2,8; Lauren Gollarza, MHS2; Zachary D. McCormic, MPH2 (View author affiliations)

Summary
What is already known about this topic?
Three multistate U.S. outbreaks of salmonellosis linked to charcuterie-style meats have been reported since 2010.

USDA Issues Health Alert for Chicken Wraps from MA Establishment Due to Listeria Concerns

The USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken and bacon wrap products Rachael's Food Corp of Chicopee, MA after a state public health partner notified FSIS of a product sample that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The food items were shipped to distributors in Massachusetts and New York and further distributed to retail locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.

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




https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ready-eat-chicken-and-bacon-wrap-products-due
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-To-Eat Chicken and Bacon Wrap Products Due to Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken and bacon wrap products due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A recall was not requested because the affected products are no longer available for purchase.

PA Firm Recalls Yogurt Parfait Cups for Undeclared Almonds in Granola Portion

Knockroe Inc., of Elizabeth, PA, is recalling its Bonya-branded yogurt parfait products due to an undeclared almond. Specifically, the granola component in some of these products contains almonds, which were not listed on the label.   The recalled yogurt parfaits were distributed nationwide in retail stores. They come in a 12-ounce, clear plastic cup and expire on May 5th, 2025

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the almond-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of almonds. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

If one had to guess, this was a label design issue, not recognizing that the granola had almonds in it.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/knockro-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-almonds-bonya-yogurt-parfaits

Knockro Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds in Bonya Yogurt Parfaits
Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 12, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  May 12, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Yogurt/Yogurt Product
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Allergen – Tree Nuts (almonds)
Company Name:  Knockroe Inc.
Brand Name:  Bonya
Product Description:  Low Fat Yogurt Parfaits

Listeria Outbreak on West Coast Linked to RTE Sandwich-Type Products, CA Company Recalls Product

CDC and FDA issues notices on a Listeria outbreak associated with ready-to-eat sandwiches and protein snacks produced by Fresh & Ready Foods, a CA firm.   "As of May 9, 2025, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from two states. Sick people's samples were collected on dates ranging from December 3, 2023, to September 9, 2024. Of 10 people with information available, all 10 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported."

The outbreak occurred in two states (CA and NV) with product being recalled from  Arizona, California, Nevada and Washington.  

"FDA and CDC began investigating this cluster in 2024, however, there was not enough evidence in the previous investigation to identify a source for the outbreak. The investigation was reopened in April 2025 after FDA investigators found Listeria in environmental samples collected from Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC during a routine surveillance inspection. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis confirmed that the strain of Listeria found at Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC matches the strain of Listeria causing illnesses in this outbreak."

"Records reviewed from facilities indicated that ready-to-eat foods made by Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC were confirmed to have been served in at least three of these facilities. As of May 9, 2025, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from two states. All 10 people have been hospitalized."


CDC Food Safety Alert
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/ready-to-eat-foods-may-2025/index.html
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Ready-to-Eat Foods
Food safety alert
Investigation start date: May 10, 2025
Investigation status: Open
Recall issued: Yes

CDC and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to ready-to-eat foods made by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC. Foods include items like sandwiches and protein snacks. If you have any of these recalled products in your home or business, do not eat or serve them.

Utah Bakery Recalls Bakery Items for Undeclared Allergens

New Grains Gluten Free Bakery is recalling a variety of products, including breads, bagels, cookies, and croutons, because they may contain undeclared eggs, soy, and milk.   These products were distributed between 04/07 and 04/21 under lot numbers 90–107 in the state of Utah through retail stores. The breads and croutons were packaged in clear vacuum-sealed plastic bags, while the cookies were packaged in regular clear plastic bags. The affected products have labels that indicate they are "gluten-free" and display the New Grains brand name.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that products containing eggs, soy, and milk were distributed in labels that did not reveal the presence of eggs, soy, and milk

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/new-grains-gluten-free-bakery-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-eggs-soy-and-milk-bakery-products
New Grains Gluten Free Bakery Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Eggs, Soy, and Milk in Bakery Products
Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 08, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  May 09, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Products may contain undeclared eggs, soy, and milk
Company Name: New Grains Gluten Free Bakery
Brand Name:  New Grain Gluten Free Bakery
Product Description:  Breads, bagels, cookies and croutons

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.