Aflatoxin B1 (53±13 µg/kg) and sum of aflatoxin (60±15 µg/kg) in pistachios in shell salted and roasted imported from Ukraine, raw material – Iran in Poland
Withdrawal of live scallops (Aequipecten operculatis) harvested in France because of possible contamination with Diarrhoeic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) toxins from Spain in France
Listeria monocytogenes was detected in 25 g of one sample of the RTE product Mon. Hot Smoked Bacon, Number of Listeria monocytogenes <10 CFU / g from Poland in Estonia
Between 15 March and 6 July 2021, 348 confirmed S. Braenderup sequence type 22 (ST22) cases were reported in 12 European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries and the United Kingdom (UK). The cases were spread throughout the countries and only two reported travel. A total of 68 cases were hospitalised. No deaths were reported.
The case interviews and an analytical epidemiological study suggested small melons (in particular Galia melons) as the possible vehicle of infection. S. Braenderup ST22 matching the outbreak strain was isolated in the UK in two imported Galia melons from one batch from Honduras, and in Austria from a pooled sample of melons (unknown origin) including Galia melons.
Based on epidemiological, microbiological and traceability investigations, the vehicles of infection are presumed to be melons imported from outside the EU/EEA and the UK. Galia melons from the batch imported from a Honduran producer are probable vehicles of infection, at least in those cases reporting having consumed Galia melons. Further investigation is needed to identify the point of contamination along the production chain.
The first cases in the EU/EEA and the UK were detected in March 2021, before the batch found to be contaminated had been harvested. This indicates that contaminated food vehicles had been circulating in these countries earlier. This is confirmed by the detection of the outbreak strain in melons in Austria in April 2021.
Control measures have been implemented for imported melons distributed on the EU market. The Honduran producer finished harvesting melons in April 2021. These melons are no longer on the market. No additional exports from Honduras are foreseen until the new season starts in December. These measures reduce the risk of new infections. Given delays in reporting and the possibility of secondary cases, further cases may still be reported, but with decreasing frequency.
BrightFarms today initiated a voluntary recall of packaged salad greens produced in its Rochelle, Illinois (Ogle County) greenhouse farm sold in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana and Michigan because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The affected BrightFarms-branded products were sold by the following retailers:
Wisconsin: Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, Copps, Tadych’s, Walmart (select stores)
Iowa: Walmart (select stores)
Indiana: Strack Van Till
Michigan: Tadych’s
Additional retailers may be affected.
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis
The recall includes the below salad products packaged in clear, plastic clamshells with “best by” dates through 7/29/2021:
BrightFarms NutrigreensTM (3 oz. package)
BrightFarms Butter CrispTM (4 oz. Package)
BrightFarms Harvest Crunch ® (4 oz. package)
BrightFarms Mighty RomaineTM (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
BrightFarms 50/50 Spring & Spinach (4 oz. package)
BrightFarms Spring Crunch (4 oz. package)
BrightFarms Spring Mix (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
BrightFarms Sunny Crunch ® (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
BrightFarms Sunny Crunch ® (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
PRODUCT NAME
PACKAGES
UPC
BrightFarms NutrigreensTM
3 oz. package
5706200458
BrightFarms Butter Crisp TM
4 oz. package
5706200484
BrightFarms Harvest Crunch ®
4 oz. package
5706200486
BrightFarms Mighty Romaine TM
4 oz. package 8 oz. package
5706200452
5706200491
BrightFarms 50/50 Spring & Spinach
4 oz. package
5706200440
BrightFarms Spring Crunch
4 oz. package
5706200479
BrightFarms Lakeside CrunchTM
4 oz. package
5706200479
BrightFarms Spring Mix
4 oz. package
8 oz. package
5706200441
5706200451
BrightFarms Sunny Crunch ®
4 oz. package
8 oz. package
5706200460
5706200485
The recall is limited to these specific products grown at the company’s Rochelle, Illinois indoor farm. BrightFarms products from other BrightFarms greenhouses are not affected.
BrightFarms is taking this action out of an abundance of caution after being notified of illnesses among eight consumers, some of whom purchased or consumed the above products during the month of June.
Affected retailers have been instructed to remove all affected products from store shelves.
BrightFarms is committed to providing wholesome products, and the health and safety of consumers is the company’s number one priority. In addition to today’s voluntary recall, the company has already begun taking steps to enhance their already rigorous food safety protocols, including testing all products produced in its Rochelle facility for exposure to Salmonella prior to distribution.
Consumers who have purchased the affected products should discard them or return them to their place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions are encouraged to call 1-866-857-8745 8am – 11pm EDT. Consumers can also email info@brightfarms.com with the subject line: Recall.
