CDC and several states are investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections (listeriosis). Listeria can cause a serious, life-threatening illness.

Collaborative investigative efforts of state, local, and federal public health and regulatory officials indicate that raw milk produced by Miller’s Organic Farm in Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania is the likely source of this outbreak. Raw milk is

dole_manufacturing_codeEighteen people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from nine states since July 5, 2015. The number of ill people reported from each state is as follows: Connecticut (1), Indiana (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (4), Missouri (2), New Jersey (1), New York (5), Ohio (2), and Pennsylvania (1).

Ill people range

In the United Sates, eighteen people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from nine states since July 5, 2015. The number of ill people reported from each state is as follows: Connecticut (1), Indiana (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (4), Missouri (2), New Jersey (1), New York (5), Ohio (2), and Pennsylvania

The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with federal and provincial public health partners to investigate an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections in five provinces. To date, the source of this outbreak has not been confirmed. However prepackaged leafy greens, salad blends, and salad kits are food items being investigated.

Currently, there are seven

map-09-17-2015On September 16, 2015, Karoun Dairies, Inc. voluntarily recalled and ceased production of certain cheeses that the company distributes due to possible contamination with Listeria. The recall includes several brands and types of cheeses that were distributed to retail outlets in the United States. Products were sold under the following brands: Karoun, Arz, Gopi,

General Mills recalled a “limited quantity” of Cascadian Farm frozen green beans after a package of the product tested positive for listeria.

No illnesses have been reported, General Mills said. Listeria is a bacteria that causes listeriosis, a serious infection with symptoms including fever and gastrointestinal problems.

General Mills, based in suburban Minneapolis, said the

cold_smoked_salmonThe California Department of Public Health is reporting that cold smoked salmon is being recalled for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

There is no word on whether or not any illnesses have been reported. Illnesses caused by this bacteria can take up to 70 days to appear.

The recalled products are Cold Smoked Salmon Deli Trays

Good Seed Inc. of Springfield, VA, is recalling all packages of soybean sprouts and mung bean sprouts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The company announced a similar recall last month, also for potential Listeria contamination.

The most recent problem was discovered through surveillance monitoring coordinated by the Virginia Rapid

The three Blue Bell “483’s” – FDA Inspection Reports are here:

Broken Arrow, OK

Observation #1:  Failure to manufacture and package foods under conditions and controls necessary to minimize the potential for growth of microorganisms and contamination.

Observation #2:  Failure to perform microbial testing where necessary to identify sanitation failures and possible food contamination.

Observation

Blue Bell Ice Cream of Brenham, Texas, is voluntarily recalling all of its products currently on the market made at all of its facilities including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and frozen snacks because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in