Europe - Invesitigation into Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Tomatoes 2011 - 2024

An investigation report in Eurosurveillance details a Salmonella outbreak linked to cherry tomatoes occurring from 2011 to 2024 with 643 reported cases in 17 countries.   First notice that a common food, cherry tomatoes, was identified in 2023, but reported cases continued into 2024 with 132 occurring that year.   Eventually, tomatoes from Sicily were identified as the vehicle, but the exact source was not identified.

"Contamination of tomatoes can happen at various points from the farm-to-fork, such as farm, packinghouses, or fresh-cut processing facilities [26]. They can potentially become contaminated with faeces from wild animals [29] or migratory birds [30,31]. Since water used for irrigation does not need to be potable, this may be a further source of contamination. Additionally, during water restrictions, different types of water can be used. Surface waters, such as rivers, streams or lakes, are more susceptible to contamination than protected sources like wells. The sewage sludge isolates from Germany and Austria support the hypothesis that sewage water can carry harmful pathogens and could be transferred to crops when used for irrigation or applied as a fertiliser [21]."

Eurosurveillance Volume 30, Issue 41, 16/Oct/2025
https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.41.2500224
Insights into recurring multi-country outbreaks of Salmonella Strathcona associated with tomatoes, Europe, 2011 to 2024

Introduction

In 2023, non-typhoidal salmonellosis was the second most frequently reported gastrointestinal infection among humans in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries after campylobacteriosis, accounting for 78,307 cases reported by 30 EU/EEA countries with an incidence of 18.15 cases per 100,000 population [1]. Notification of non-typhoidal salmonellosis is mandatory in 27 EU/EEA countries [1], while in three countries (Belgium, France and the Netherlands), it is voluntary [2]. Non-typhoidal salmonellosis is characterised by diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever. In some cases, infections may become invasive causing bacteraemia and sepsis, requiring hospitalisation and antimicrobial treatment [3]. The most frequently notified Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica (S.) serovars in humans in the EU/EEA countries are Enteritidis and Typhimurium, including monophasic Typhimurium [2,4].

CA Establishment Recalls RTE Burrito Products After RTE Egg Ingredient Tests Positive for Listeria

M.C.I. Foods Inc., a Santa Fe Springs, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 91,585 pounds of specific lots of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast burrito and wrap products containing egg that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).  The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS of a positive Lm result in the scrambled egg component after the firm conducted routine sampling and testing of RTE ingredients from its external suppliers.

USDA does not require a Supply Chain Preventive Control as is required by FDA, however, the same types of controls need to be in place for suppliers of  RTE ingredients.  While testing was in place and did identify the contamination, which is good, however, the goal is prevention rather than reacting.  In this case, the product had been released and now has to be recalled.  In a preventive control's approach, the purchasing company would verify control through audits, prior testing communicated by a COA, or even an evaluation of that supplier's environmental monitoring program.

There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/m-c-i--foods-inc--recalls-ready-eat-breakfast-burrito-and-wrap-products-due-possible
M.C.I. Foods, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Breakfast Burrito and Wrap Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON, October 18, 2025 – M.C.I. Foods Inc., a Santa Fe Springs, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 91,585 pounds of specific lots of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast burrito and wrap products containing egg that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

CA Firm Recalls Cinnamon Powder After FDA Testing Detects Lead

Haitai, Inc of Cerritos, CA (Oct., 15, 2025) is recalling Haetae (HT) brand Cinnamon powder 8 oz because it has the potential to be contaminated with lead.  The recall was initiated after the FDA collected product samples and detected elevated levels of lead. The firm’s investigation indicates the problem might be caused by potentially adulterated raw material from the supplier or natural lead concentration in Cinnamon and its powder.

Product was distributed by Haitai, Inc. and sold at various supermarkets nationwide.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haitai-inc-recalls-haetae-ht-brand-cinnamon-powder-8-oz-possible-risk
Haitai, Inc. Recalls Haetae (HT) Brand Cinnamon Powder 8 oz of Possible Risk
Summary
Company Announcement 

Date: October 17, 2025

FDA Publish Date: October 17, 2025

Product Type: Food & Beverages

Reason for Announcement:  Potential Metal Contaminant - Lead

Company Name: Haitai, Inc

Brand Name:  Haetae

Product Description:  Ground cinnamon
Company Announcement

NY Firm Recalls Pecan Product for Undeclared Cashews

Nat’s Nuts of Rochester, NY is recalling 600 bags of Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans, because they may contain undeclared cashews. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashews run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.  The recall was initiated after a retailer opened a package of the Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans for sampling and discovered cashews mixed in with the pecans. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

So this appears to be an improper line cleanout, but could as well be an issue with in-process product or an even with addition where the wrong product was dumped.  Regardless, although both are nut products, they are different allergens and must be controlled as  such.

Product was distributed to 25 retail stores located in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, Florida, and Wisconsin.  Product was also sold online.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nats-nuts-issues-allergy-alert-potential-undeclared-cashews-nats-nuts-brand-cinnamon-whiskey-pecans
Nat’s Nuts Issues Allergy Alert on Potential Undeclared Cashews in Nat’s Nuts Brand Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 17, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 17, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared cashews
Company Name:  Nat’s Nuts
Brand Name:  Nat’s Nuts
Product Description:  Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans

Florida Firm Recalls Ice Cream with Mismatched Lid and Carton Resulting In Undeclared Allergen

Publix, Lakeland, FL, has initiated a voluntary recall on one lot of Publix Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream, UPC 41415 03043, that may contain an undeclared egg allergen.  The Publix Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream half gallon container with a sell by date of “June 19, 2026 A” may contain Publix Rich & Creamy French Vanilla Ice Cream with a mismatch French Vanilla container lid.

Here is another instance of a mis-match between the lid and the container.  As part of an Allergen Preventive Control, there would need to be controls to ensure the carton matches the lid which matches the product.

The product was distributed to stores located in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida, except for stores in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Tampa and Sarasota.  There have been no reported cases of illness to date.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/publix-rich-creamy-vanilla-ice-cream-voluntarily-recalled-select-areas
Publix Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream Voluntarily Recalled in Select Areas
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 14, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 17, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared egg allergen
Company Name:  Publix
Brand Name:  Publix
Product Description:  Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream

Cheddar Popcorn Recalled Due to Undeclared Peanuts - The Risk of Licensing Brand Name

Jody’s Inc. of Norfolk, VA is recalling Cabot Creamery Sea Salt Caramel Cheddar Popcorn 6 oz (170 g) bag, lot number 2519907B1, Best If Enjoyed By: 07 15 26  due to presence of undeclared peanuts.  On October 15, 2025, the firm was notified by The Farmer Companies, Inc. that they received two customers complaints of peanuts found in their bags of the product.

In this case, Cabot Creamery licensed the use of its brand name to Jody's Inc, a popcorn company, through The Farmer Companies.   All good until the popcorn company fails to control allergens within their facility, resulting in a recall that impact the Cabot brand.  We are not told much beyond that, but it does bring up an important issue of co-branding and the need for the brand owner to ensure those that use that brand are top notch with regard to food safety and quality systems.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/jodys-inc-recalls-cabot-creamery-sea-salt-caramel-cheddar-popcorn-due-undeclared-peanuts
Jody’s Inc. Recalls Cabot Creamery Sea Salt Caramel Cheddar Popcorn Due to Undeclared Peanuts
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 17, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 17, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  
Reason for Announcement:  Due to presence of undeclared peanuts
Company Name:  Jody's Inc.
Brand Name:  Cabot Creamery
Product Description:  Sea Salt Caramel Cheddar Popcorn

WA Firm Recalls Frozen Shrimp Linked to FDA Advisory on Cesium in Indonesian Shipments

AquaStar (USA) Corp of Seattle, WA is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of frozen shrimp imported from Indonesia because they may have been prepared, packed, or held under conditions whereby they may have become exposed to very low levels of cesium-137 (Cs-137).  This product is linked to the FDA Consumer Advisory issued in September for shrimp imported from Indonesia.  

Product was packed under the Best Yet, Waterfront Bistro, Aquastar, and Publix brand labels.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/aquastar-usa-corp-recalls-shrimp-because-possible-health-risk
Aquastar (USA) Corp Recalls Shrimp Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 17, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 17, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Shellfish
Reason for Announcement:  Product may have been prepared, packed, or held under conditions whereby they may have become exposed to very low levels of cesium-137 (Cs-137)
Company Name:  AquaStar Corp
Brand Name:  AquaStar, Best Yet, Waterfront Bistro, Publix
Product Description:  Frozen Raw Shrimp

TX Firm Recalls Eggs After Salmonella Found in Processing Environment

Kenz Henz of Santa Fe, TX, is recalling its 12 count packages of "Grade AA Large Pasture Raised eggs" because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  This comes after FDA inspected a processing facility and through environmental sampling, found extensive Salmonella contamination.

Current update as of September 29, 2025: FDA initiated an inspection at Black Sheep Egg Company’s egg processing facility and collected environmental samples. Of the samples collected, 40 environmental samples were positive for Salmonella including seven different strains of Salmonella. Some of these strains are known to cause human illness. FDA does not have information available at this time to suggest that this firm is the source of an ongoing outbreak.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recalled "12 Count Pasture Raised eggs" in retail stores in Houston, TX.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kenz-henz-recalls-pastured-raised-eggs-because-possible-health-risk
Kenz Henz Recalls "Pastured Raised Eggs" Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 16, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 17, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:  Kenz Henz
Brand Name:  Kenz Henz
Product Description:  Grade AA Large Pasture Raised Eggs

Health Warning Issued for Ready-To-Eat Meals Containing Riced Cauliflower That May Be Contaminated With Listeria

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert for FSIS-inspected ready-to-eat meals produced by FreshRealm containing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated ingredient, specifically riced cauliflower, that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).  The problem was discovered when FreshRealm notified FSIS that the riced cauliflower used in these products tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ready-eat-meals-containing-riced-cauliflower-may-be
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ready-To-Eat Meals Containing Riced Cauliflower That May Be Contaminated With Listeria

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for FSIS-inspected ready-to-eat meals produced by FreshRealm containing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated ingredient, specifically riced cauliflower, that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). Based on current evidence, the products included in this public health alert are not related to any ongoing outbreak investigations. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.