New Ebola Outbreak in Africa with 81 Confirmed Cases

This is not a food related issue, but of interest from a microbiology / communicable disease perspective.  

There is a new Ebola outbreak that has been identified in the Republic of the Congo.  "This outbreak began with a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted to hospital on August 20 and died five days later. Two health workers who treated her also became infected and died. By September 15, there were 81 confirmed cases and 28 deaths, including four health workers."

"Why are health authorities worried?  The largest Ebola epidemic on record began in Guinea in 2013 and spread into Liberia and Sierra Leone. It infected more than 28,000 people and killed more than 11,000."

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/ebola-outbreak-2025-symptoms-africa-congo-b2827210.html
A new Ebola outbreak has been declared. Here’s what we know
This outbreak began with a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted to hospital and died five days later
C Raina MacIntyre The Conversation Ashley Quigley Mohana Priya Kunasekaran Noor Jahan Begum Bari
Tuesday 16 September 2025 05:00 BST

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has declared a new Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province. It’s caused by the most severe strain: the Zaire Ebola virus.

This outbreak began with a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted to hospital on August 20 and died five days later. Two health workers who treated her also became infected and died. By September 15, there were 81 confirmed cases and 28 deaths, including four health workers.

The DRC has had 15 prior Ebola epidemics, with the largest in 2019 and the most recent in 2022.

NY Firm Recalls Smoked Fish After Testing Finds Listeria

Haifa Smoked Fish of Jamaica, NY is recalling “COLD SMOKED SALMON” 8 OZ., LOT # 219 and “COLD SMOKED SEABASS” 8 OZ., LOT # 212, because it may be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes.  The contamination was discovered after sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis of Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the Haifa” COLD SMOKED SALMON” 8 OZ., LOT # 219 and “COLD SMOKED SEABASS” 8 OZ., LOT # 212

Haifa Smoked Fish, Inc. imports fresh fish and then smokes those products in their production facility in Queens, New York.    Currently there is only two items from same lot (212) that are being recalled.  As with many Listeria-related recalls, these recalls are often expanded when the investigation finds that Listeria controls were not adequate meaning other lots may be contaminated.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haifa-smoked-fish-recalls-cold-smoked-salmon-and-cold-smoked-seabass-due-possible-health-risk
Haifa Smoked Fish Recalls “Cold Smoked Salmon” and “Cold Smoked Seabass” Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 16, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  September 17, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Haifa Smoked Fish
Brand Name:  Haifa
Product Description:  Cold Smoked Salmon and Cold Smoked Seabass

Europe - Ongoing Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Italian Tomatoes

There has been an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella linked to tomatoes from Sicily. "Between 1 January 2023 and 30 August 2025, 289 confirmed cases of Salmonella Strathcona ST2559 have been reported in 19 EU/EEA countries and three countries outside the EU/EEA (the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada)."  However, this specific strain appears to have been an issue since 2011.

This seems incredible that an outbreak of this magnitude continues over three growing seasons.  I know many see the outbreaks occurring in the US and think there are issues with our food supply, but it is not better in Europe as many think it is.  In fact, issues like this in Europe would receive far more press and regulatory action in the US.

ECDC
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Communicable
Multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Strathcona

• Between 1 January 2023 and 30 August 2025, 289 confirmed cases of Salmonella Strathcona ST2559 have been reported in 19 EU/EEA countries and three countries outside the EU/EEA (the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada).
• Isolates genetically closely related to the outbreak strain have been detected since 2011, indicating a recurring public health concern.
• Epidemiological, microbiological, and traceability investigations in 2023 and 2024 identified small tomatoes from the Sicily region of Italy as the vehicle of infection.
• The risk for new infections remains if seasonal deliveries of contaminated produce continue. In 2025, several countries have reported more than 30 additional cases, mainly between June and August, with Italy reporting the highest number. ECDC is liaising with FWD-Net and EFSA to monitor and coordinate response efforts

NJ Firm Recalls Sauce Pouches Due to Elevated Lead Content

Sprout Organics of Montvale, NJ, has initiated a voluntary recall of one lot of Sprout Organics® Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach because it may contain elevated levels of lead.  The product, a 3.5-ounce pouch, was sold in Walgreens and some independent stores in the US South region with most sales occurring between September and December 2024. The product was not sold in any other large grocery chain besides Walgreens.

No information was provided in the recall notice on how the lead was detected.   The company states on their website that they use a third-party laboratory to test their products, so perhaps this testing detected elevated lead levels.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sprout-organics-voluntarily-recalls-one-lot-sweet-potato-apple-and-spinach-due-possible-health-risk
Sprout Organics Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 16, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  September 16, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Product may contain elevated levels of lead
Company Name:  Sprout Organics
Brand Name:  Sprout Organics
Product Description:  Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach, 3.5-ounce pouch

Health Alert Issued for Marinated Meat Products with Incorrect Back Label That Missed Allergens

USDA-FSIS issued a public health alert for raw sirloin beef tip product, produced by Bianco Co, Medford, MA, due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The product contains sesame and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. 

The problem was discovered by a retailer that identified “Sweet Heat Sirloin Beef Tips” bearing the correct front label but incorrect back label for “Garlic and Ginger Sirloin Beef Tips.” The retailer reported the issue to the producing establishment, and the establishment notified FSIS

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-raw-sirloin-beef-tip-product-due-misbranding-and
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Raw Sirloin Beef Tip Product Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for raw sirloin beef tip product due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The product contains sesame and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with allergies to sesame and wheat are aware that these products should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the affected products are no longer available for purchase.

CA Firm Recalls Pasta Products for Undeclared Allergens Identified Through Customer Complaints

Gooder Foods, Inc., Santa Cruz, CA, is recalling 5 lots of Vegan Is Believin’ – Plant Based White Cheddar with Spirals produced as they may contain milk, which is not listed on the label, and 3 lots of Here Comes Truffle – Creamy Truffle Flavored Cheddar and Shells, as they may contain cashew which is not listed on the label. The recalled lots were produced between April 7 and April 15, 2025.

The issue was discovered through consumer feedback . The company is recalling the affected product and notifying all distributors, retailers, and consumers who may have received the impacted lots. There have been six reported allergic reactions in connection with Here Comes Truffle and two reported allergic reactions in connection with Vegan is Believin’.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gooder-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-and-cashews-goodles-vegan-believin-plant-based
Gooder Foods Issues Allergy Alert On - Undeclared Milk and Cashews in Goodles Vegan is Believin’ – Plant Based White Cheddar with Spirals and Goodles Here Comes Truffle – Creamy Truffle Flavored Cheddar and Shells
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 10, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  September 11, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk and cashews
Company Name:  Gooder Foods, Inc
Brand Name:  Goodles
Product Description:  Flavored pasta

Company Expands Salmonella Related Recall for Vegetable Products Produced on Same Equipment

Collectively (“Chetak”) is expanding its voluntary recall, initiated July 16, 2025, to include several lots of Deep-branded frozen vegetables and fruit products due to possible Salmonella contamination.   Chetak has decided to expand its voluntary recall to include additional frozen vegetable and fruit products that were manufactured on the same equipment from December 18, 2024 – August 18, 2025.

While there have been no cases linked to the product in the expanded recall, the initial recall was issued after CDC linked product from this company to 11 cases of Salmonella infection.

Interesting in that this is quite a delay in time from the initial recall.


https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/sproutedbeans-07-25/index.html
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Deep Brand Frozen Foods

Recalled food

On September 8, 2025, Chetak LLC Group recalled additional Deep branded products. Recalled frozen foods include sprouted mat (moth) and moong (mung) beans, surti undhiu mix, and fruits and vegetables.

CT Firm Recalls Cookies for Undeclared Allergenic Ingredients Due to Improperly Designed Label

Gina Marie Bakery of Waterbury, CT is recalling 1lb and 2 lb packages of the various cookies because they contain undeclared allergens.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the various products were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of allergens..

So while the regular allergens were on the label, Almonds, Sesame, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 , Red 40, Red 3, and Blue 1 were not in the 'Contains' statement.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gina-marie-bakery-waterbury-issues-recall-cookies-due-undeclared-almonds-sesame-and-food-dyes
Gina Marie Bakery of Waterbury Issues Recall of Cookies Due to Undeclared Almonds, Sesame and Food Dyes
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 10, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  September 10, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared almonds, sesame, Red 40, Red 3, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Red 40, Yellow 6
Company Name:  Gina Marie Bakery
Brand Name:  No Brand
Product Description:  Cookies 

NY Firm Recalls Burrito Bowls After Undeclared Shrimp Found by Customers

One Frozen, LLC of Rochester, NY, is voluntarily recalling certain lots of Good & Gather™ Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl Blend (frozen, 12oz bags) because the product may contain shrimp (crustacean shellfish) that was not declared on the ingredient label of the product.  The recall is being initiated after three consumer complaints were received indicating the possible presence of shrimp in this product. No illnesses have been reported as of September 10, 2025.

Good & Gather™ Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl Blend were distributed through Target retail stores nationwide, in all 50 states. The distribution from One Frozen, LLC to Target began on 4/17/2025.

This is where a Sanitation Preventive Control, if properly applied, prevents this type of issue.  A thorough recheck of the equipment occurring after sanitation and prior to the next production run with a focus on those areas where shrimp can get hung up in the equipment.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/one-frozen-llc-voluntarily-recalls-good-gathertm-southwest-style-burrito-bowl-blend-frozen-12oz-bags
One Frozen, LLC Voluntarily Recalls Good & Gather™ Southwest Style Burrito Bowl Blend, Frozen, 12oz Bags Due to Undeclared Shrimp Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 10, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  September 10, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared shrimp (shellfish)
Company Name:  One Frozen, LLC
Brand Name:  Good & Gather
Product Description:  Frozen Burrito Bowl