Republic of Tea recalls organic turmeric ginger green tea for Salmonella risk

The Republic of Tea is recalling its Organic Turmeric Ginger Green Tea in response to a possible health risk. The Novato, CA-based company stated April 29, 2016, that it was notified by a supplier of the possibility that one lot of its organic ginger ingredient may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

There have been no illnesses reported in connection with this voluntary recall, and no other company teas are impacted by this recall, the statement noted.

The organic ginger supplier reported this finding from another customer, the tea company stated. The Republic of Tea and the organic ginger supplier have conducted their own investigations and have tested numerous samples of organic ginger by accredited independent third-party laboratories and confirmed the absence of Salmonella.

Despite the fact it was confirmed that there was no Salmonella in the organic ginger that was tested, The Republic of Tea is recalling the following Organic Turmeric Ginger Green Tea:

• Organic Turmeric Ginger Green Tea – 50 CT Tin
  • UPC: 7-42676-40355-5 – Best Sipped by March 23, 2018
• Organic Turmeric Ginger – 250 CT Bulk Bag
  • UPC: 7-42676-30655-9 – Best Sipped by March 23, 2018
• Organic Turmeric Ginger – 250 CT Bulk Bag
  • UPC: 7-42676-30655-9 – Best Sipped by April 13, 2018
• Organic Turmeric Ginger – 50 CT Refill Bag
  • UPC: 7-42676-42155-9 – Best Sipped by March 23, 2018

Customers may return the recalled Organic Turmeric Ginger Green Tea to The Republic of Tea for a replacement tea, or for a full refund.

Todd B. Rubin, company president, said this recall was a first for The Republic of Tea. The company’s website description of the product does not mention the recall but states that the tea “is temporarily unavailable and will be back in stock on May 20, 2016.”

For questions and concerns, email teasafety@republicoftea.com or call 1-800-298-4832, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT.

Salmonella bacteria 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, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

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Foster Farms recalls chicken nuggets for possible plastic and rubber materials

Foster Poultry Farms of Farmerville, LA, is recalling approximately 220,450 pounds of fully cooked frozen chicken nuggets that may be contaminated with extraneous blue plastic and black rubber materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The fully cooked frozen chicken breast nuggets were produced on Feb. 22, 2016, and March 8, 2016. The following products are subject to recall (see labels here):

• 5-lb. bags containing FOSTER FARMS “Breast Nuggets – Nugget Shaped Breaded Chicken Breast Patties with Rib Meat.” The bags exhibit best by dates of 2/21/17 and 3/8/17.
• 10-lb. bulk boxes containing FOSTER FARMS “Fully Cooked Breast Nuggets – Nugget Shaped Chicken Breast Patties with Rib Meat Fritters.” The boxes contain package code 6053 and 6068.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-33901” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distributors in Alaska, Arizona, California, Utah, and Washington state.

The problem was discovered after the company received several consumer complaints and immediately notified FSIS on April 29, 2016.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact the Foster Farms Recall hotline at 1-800-338-8051.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at http://ift.tt/1gO8Ec3.

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Meat and poultry wraps, salad items recalled for lack of federal inspection

Greencore USA Inc., of North Kingstown, RI, is recalling approximately 1,341 pounds of meat and poultry wraps and salad items that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection and outside inspection hours, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The meat and poultry wraps and salad items were produced on April 7, 14, 18, 21 and 25, 2016. The following products are subject to recall (see labels here):

• 7.7-oz. packages of “STARBUCKS SOUTHWEST STYLE STEAK WRAP” with use-by dates of 4/10/2016 and 4/24/2016.
• 8.2-oz. packages of “STARBUCKS THAI-STYLE PEANUT CHICKEN WRAP” with use-by dates of 4/10/2016 and 4/17/2016.
• 9.5-oz. packages of “STARBUCKS ZESTY CHICKEN & BLACK BEAN SALAD BOWL” with a use-by date of 4/28/2016.
• 7.8-oz. packages of “HANNAFORD ITALIAN PESTO WRAP” with a use-by date of 4/25/2016.
• 7-oz. packages of “HANNAFORD ASIAN-STYLE SALAD” with a use-by date of 4/30/2016.
• 9.9-oz. packages of “TURKEY HILL FRESH TO GO GRILLED CHICKEN RANCH WRAP” with a use-by date of 4/23/2016

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-45540” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distributors for retail sale in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

FSIS inspectors discovered the problem while reviewing establishment records during verification activities.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at http://ift.tt/1gO8Ec3.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Greencore USA’s food recall coordinator at (978) 716-2530, ext. 2543.

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Company recalls 7-Eleven cookies for undeclared peanuts

In the third recall this week of 7-Eleven FRESH TO GO cookies for undeclared peanuts, Orlando-based Bakery Express of Central FL Inc. announced today that it is recalling some two-cookie packages distributed to 7-Eleven convenience stores in Florida.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products, this latest recall stated. Earlier this week similar cookies were recalled in New York and California.

The affected cookies are packed in a clear package film, two cookies per package, labeled “Fresh To Go” and have “best buy” date codes Friday, 04/22/16, Saturday, 04/23/16, Sunday, 04/24/16 on the front label, the company stated. These recalled products are as follows:

7-Eleven Fresh To Go Sugar Cookie made with M&M chocolate candy, UPC: 052548558765

Product Description	Lot Code	Best By Dates
2 pack cookies	041916	4/24/16
	042016	4/24/16
	012116	4/24/16

 

7-Eleven Fresh To Go Peanut Butter Cookie, UPC: 052548585570

Product Description	Lot Code	Best By Dates
2 pack cookies	041916	4/24/16
	042016	4/24/16
	042116	4/24/16

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This recall was initiated after one of the Florida company’s suppliers, CSM Bakery Solutions, reported that three different pre-bagged dry cookie mix bases may contain undeclared peanuts. The cookie bases were used in production and distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. The company and the ingredient supplier continue their investigation to determine the cause of the problem, according to the recall notice.

Consumers who have purchased the above “best buy” date codes of the affected cookies are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-255-0711, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.

The two other related cookie recalls were announced by Fullerton-based Bakery Express of Southern California on Wednesday and Glenn Wayne Wholesale Bakery of Bohemia, NY, on Tuesday.

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FDA report shows Dole officials knew about Listeria in facility

Company officials knew a Dole salad plant was contaminated with Listeria for a year and a half before they shut it down — then they only took action after the U.S. and Canadian governments traced a deadly outbreak to the facility.

Inspection reports obtained by Food Safety News revealed the timeline of positive Listeria results and inaction. Dole Fresh Vegetables Inc. finally suspended production at its salad plant in Springfield, OH, on Jan. 21 this year after a random test by state officials showed a bagged salad contained Listeria monocytogenes.

By that time, at least 33 people in the U.S. and Canada had been sickened with the same strain of Listeria as was found when Ohio inspectors tested the Dole salad they collected from a retailer. All 33 victims had such severe symptoms they required hospitalization. Four of them died.

Dole restarted production at the plant in Springfield, OH, on April 21. Company officials won’t say what was done to clean the plant or how they plan to prevent future contamination there.

Inspectors from FDA checked the production plant three times in January and twice in February after genetic fingerprinting showed the undeniable link between the sick people and salads from the facility. They collected swab samples, unfinished product samples, testing records and other documents and information.

The FDA won’t comment on open investigations and would not make public the inspection reports on the Springfield processing plant. Thirty days after Food Safety News filed an FOIA request, the FDA mailed out the reports.

Who knew and when did they know it
According to the FDA’s inspection reports, in July 2014 Dole did swab tests of surfaces in the Springfield plant. The tests returned positive results for Listeria, but the facility kept producing salads, shipping them to dozens of states and at least five Canadian provinces.

At least five more times in 2014 and three times in late 2015 Dole’s internal tests showed Listeria contamination, but Dole kept the salad lines kept rolling until January this year.

The FDA inspection report states that Dole’s vice president for quality assurance and food safety, as well as the company’s quality assurance manager, were aware internal tests on Jan. 5 and 7 this year showed Listeria on equipment and other surfaces in the plant. But Dole continued to produce and ship salads.

The plant kept operating until Jan. 21. The following day Dole posted a recall notice with the FDA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for salads produced at the Springfield facility. Dole branded salads and house brands for WalMart, Kroger, Loblaws and Aldi were included in the recall.

Connecting the dots with DNA fingerprints
Outbreak investigators in the U.S. and Canada had been trying to find the source of the wide-reaching Listeria outbreak since September 2015. Scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were working with FDA and CFIA. In January this year they happened upon the answer.

Samples of Listeria from outbreak victims — who became sick between May 2015 and January 2016 — had been subjected to genetic fingerprinting and added to pathogen databases. When the Listeria from the bagged salad randomly collected by Ohio inspectors was compared to the victims’ samples, the outbreak investigators had the break they needed.

The salad production facility in Springfield, OH, was highlighted in Dole’s 2010 corporate report.

As part of the outbreak investigation, FDA officials inspected the Dole plant on Jan. 16, 19 and 26, and again on Feb. 2 and 5

On Jan. 16 FDA collected a sample of finished product in the form of a “Dole Salad Kit-Ultimate Caesar” and 16 sub-samples containing “in-process romaine lettuce used in the product from various stages of production, raw material through finished product packaging,” according to the inspection report.

“The finished product sample as well as the in-process and sub-samples collected from the water knife, the trans-slicer, and the metal tray beneath the cross-conveyor, all on Trim Line (redacted) were found by FDA laboratory analysis to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes.”

Not a new problem
Federal officials were apparently aware of problems at the Dole salad processing plant since at least March 2014. During inspections on March 17, 18 and 20 that year FDA personnel cited 16 problems that could contribute to food safety problems.

Those 16 specific problems were covered by three main observations:

• Failure to maintain food contact surfaces to protect food from contamination by any source, including unlawful indirect food additives;
• The plant is not constructed in such a manner as to allow floors and walls to be kept in good repair; and
• Failure to provide adequate screening or other protection against pests.

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Combo deals gain popularity in QSRs

After spending time focused on weaning consumers off of the steep dealing used to drive visits during the recession, the major quick-service (QSR) hamburger chains are back to their roots of offering combo meal deals and consumers are responding, finds The NPD Group, a global information company.

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GM crops planted on 2 billion hectares over 20 years

The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA) has released its annual report—“20th Anniversary of the Global Commercialization of Biotech Crops (1996-2015) and Biotech Crop Highlights in 2015”—which shows that the global increase in biotech crop hectarage has increased from 1.7 million hectares in 1996 to 179.7 million hectares in 2015.

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McCormick’s Faridi receives Ellis Island Medal of Honor

McCormick has announced that Hamed Faridi, McCormick’s chief science officer, will receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor at a ceremony in Ellis Island, N.Y., on May 7 for his research on the culinary health benefits of herbs and spices.

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Nestlé, R&R create ice cream, frozen food joint venture

Nestlé and R&R, an ice cream company based in the United Kingdom, have agreed to set up Froneri—a joint venture with sales of around CHF 2.7 billion in more than 20 countries employing about 15,000 people.

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Pinnacle Foods names Clouse CEO, board director

Pinnacle Foods has announced that its board of directors has named Mark A. Clouse as the company’s new chief executive officer, effective May 23, 2016, replacing Bob Gamgort, who is leaving the company at the end of this month.

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U.S. childhood obesity has not decreased

A study published in Obesity shows that rates of childhood overweight and obesity have not decreased in the United States in recent years, and severe obesity is on the rise, especially for minority children.

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Dole restarts salad facility; mum on Listeria cleaning process

The salad production facility in Springfield, OH, was highlighted in Dole’s 2010 corporate report.

Dole Fresh Vegetables Inc. has resumed production at a salad facility that was linked to a deadly nine-month Listeria outbreak without revealing what was done to clean the plant or to prevent future contamination of food processed there.

A statement on Dole’s website says investigations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been completed, but neither agency has reported the investigations have concluded.

Tuesday a spokesman for Dole declined to provide details on what cleaning or sanitizing procedures were conducted at the Springfield, OH, facility. He said Dole did not have any comments, other than the posted statement. That statement, in its entirety, says:

“Dole Fresh Vegetables Inc. announced that the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have completed their investigations of the Springfield, Ohio plant.

“After fully coordinating with these regulators, limited production has restarted and will expand in the coming weeks.

“ ‘We’re grateful for the support of all our employees and the town of Springfield,’ said Howard Roeder, president of Dole Fresh Vegetables. ‘Their commitment has been, and will always be, the cornerstone of the Dole Fresh Vegetables organization.’

“Dole Fresh Vegetables will provide further updates as the plant resumes normal operations.”

Outbreak detection and investigation
The CDC reported on March 31 that the outbreak “appears to be over,” but that update did not indicate that the CDC’s investigation was concluded.

A spokesman at FDA cited agency policy prohibiting the discussion of open investigations, but did confirm that the FDA had not closed its investigation into the Dole facility and outbreak.

The CDC and the Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed with laboratory tests that the outbreak sickened at least 33 people — 19 in the U.S. and 14 in Canada. One person in the U.S. died. Three in Canada died.

Public health officials in the U.S. were able to interview 14 of the 19 confirmed outbreak victims. All but one of those 14 victims reported eating bagged salad products before becoming ill. Of the nine victims who reported a specific brand, all nine reported eating brands produced at Dole’s Springfield, OH, facility.

Dole distributed salads from the facility to at least 24 states, according to a Jan. 27 recall notice on the FDA’s website. Illnesses were confirmed in nine states and five Canadian provinces.

The illnesses in Canada began in May 2015, with the first confirmed case in the U.S. dating to July 2015. The final case in the U.S. was confirmed in January this year. Canada’s final case was confirmed in February.

The CDC linked the listeria victims to the Dole produced salads of various brands after the Ohio Department of Agriculture collected a Dole brand “Field Greens” packaged salad from a retail location and isolated Listeria monocytogenes. The DNA fingerprint of the Listeria from that sample matched Listeria monocytogenes isolated from samples collected from sick people.

“In January 2016, WGS (whole genome sequencing) … helped link the illnesses to Dole brand packaged salads produced at the Dole processing facility in Springfield, Ohio. Additionally, the Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed the presence of Listeria in packaged salads produced at the Dole Springfield, Ohio processing facility,” according to the CDC.

Dole ceased production at the Ohio processing plant on Jan. 21. The company’s recall on Jan. 27 included all salads produced at the facility under the brands:

• Dole;
• Fresh Selections, a Kroger brand;
• Simple Truth, a Kroger brand;
• Marketside, a WalMart brand;
• The Little Salad Bar, sold at Aldi; and
• President’s Choice Organics, a Loblaws brand.

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Undeclared Peanuts Prompt Cookie Recall

Glenn Wayne Wholesale Bakery of Bohemia, NY, is recalling select 7-ELEVEN FRESH TO GO brand cookies because they may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have an allergy to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The select 7-ELEVEN FRESH TO GO Cookies were sold at 7-ELEVEN stores located throughout New York State.

The affected cookies are packed in a clear, plastic film, two cookies per package, NET WT. 4 OZ., with Best By dates codes: Friday 0422, Saturday 0423, and Sunday 0424 on the front label.

• 7-ELEVEN FRESH TO GO CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIE, UPC 052548558741; Manhattan UPC: 052548570668;
• 7-ELEVEN FRESH TO GO OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIE, UPC 052548558758; Manhattan UPC: 052548570651;
• 7-ELEVEN FRESH TO GO SUGAR COOKIE WITH M&M CHOCOLATE CANDY, UPC 052548558765; Manhattan UPC: 052548570644

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after one of our suppliers reported that three different cookie mixes may contain undeclared peanuts. These potentially contaminated cookie mixes were used in production and distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. The company and the ingredient supplier continue their investigation to determine the cause of the problem.

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CRF Frozen Foods recalls frozen vegetables due to possible Listeria contamination

CRF Frozen Foods, Pasco, Wash., is voluntarily recalling 15 frozen vegetable items that have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

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DSM to expand plants in China; establish hydrocolloid innovation center

Royal DSM, a global science-based company active in health, nutrition, and materials, has announced two major plant expansions in China to boost gellan gum and pectin capacities.

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EFSA sets five-year food safety plan

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published the “EFSA Strategy 2020” that maps out a course for the next five years to make the agency a stronger, more agile organization that is closely connected to its stakeholders and the public and which is equipped to answer the increasingly complex food-related questions of the modern age.

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Pilgrim’s Pride expands poultry recall due to foreign matter contamination

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., Waco, Texas, is recalling approximately 4.56 million lb of fully cooked chicken products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, including plastic, wood, rubber, and metal.

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Private equity firm to acquire Diamond Crystal Brands from Hormel

An affiliate of Peak Rock Capital, a private equity firm, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Diamond Crystal Brands (DCB), a manufacturer and distributor of portion-control and single-serve food and beverage products, from Hormel Foods.

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Tetra Pak debuts bio-based plastic water bottle

Tetra Pak has announced that a new version of its Tetra Top package, more than 80% of which comes from plant-based materials, will make its global debut in the United States with JUST water.

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AIDP to distribute Cypress Systems’ nutritional yeast products

Cypress Systems, a manufacturer of nutritional yeast products, has signed a sales and marketing distribution agreement with functional ingredients distributor AIDP.

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FDA agrees to reconsider safety of ortho-phthalates

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed to consider withdrawing its approval of 30 chemicals known as ortho-phthalates from use in food packaging and food handling equipment.

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Hershey acquires barkTHINS

Hershey has purchased Ripple Brand Collective, a privately-held company based in Congers, N.Y., that owns the barkTHINS snacking chocolate brand.

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IFT members elected to RCA officer, board roles

The Research Chefs Association (RCA) has announced the results of its recent board of directors election for the 2016–2017 term that began immediately following the association’s 19th Annual Conference in Denver in March.

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Nellson Nutraceutical appoints Better as CEO

Nellson Nutraceutical, a nutrition bar and powder manufacturer, has appointed Jamie Better as chief executive officer.

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Store brands’ sales growth continues

Store brands’ sales reached $118.4 billion in 2015, an all-time record and an increase of $2.2 billion over the previous year.

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Cereal sales continue to decline; bars, yogurt on the rise

Ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast cereals are seeing a continued and accelerating decline in sales, indicating a secular downtrend rather than a mere blip, as consumer eating habits continue to evolve, according to Lux Research.

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IUFoST addresses the aflatoxin food safety issue

The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) has released its latest Scientific Information Bulletin (SIB), which provides a summary of the most recent information on aflatoxins for the global food science and technology community.

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Bockmann to succeed Dello Sbarba as Saputo president, COO in 2017

Saputo has announced that Dino Dello Sbarba, the company’s president and chief operating officer, will retire effective April 1, 2017, after 27 years with the company.

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Entrepreneurs: Enter the Food Innovation Challenge competition

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and National Foodworks Services (NFS) have announced the official launch of the first annual Food Innovation Challenge—a contest designed to provide new food entrepreneurs with access to resources and industry mentors to evaluate their product ideas, and ultimately the opportunity to win $50,000 in seed funding and $50,000 of in-kind services to bring their product to market.

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Pilgrim’s Pride recalls 4.5 million pounds of chicken products

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. is recalling more than 4.5 million pounds of fully cooked chicken products after consumer complaints and federal confirmation that they contain extraneous material including metal and plastic.

The nationwide recall includes more than 20 products and three brands: Gold Kist Farms, Pierce Chicken and Sweet Georgia Brand. As of Tuesday it was not known if the chicken nuggets, patties and tenderloins were sold at retail locations, according to the recall notice on the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website.

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. does not reference the recall on its website, which states that one in five chickens in the U.S. is from the company.

“Pilgrim’s has the capacity to process more than 34 million birds per week for a total of more than 7 billion pounds of live chicken annually,” according to the corporate website. “JBS S.A. (a Brazilian company), the world’s largest protein company, owns 75.5 percent of our outstanding common stock.”

Second recall this month for same problem
Earlier this month Pilgrim’s Pride recalled more than 40,000 pounds of chicken nuggets because of similar consumer complaints. Those products were not sold at retail.

“These items were shipped for institutional use nationwide. According to Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. records, schools have purchased products through the company’s commercial channels,” the FSIS reported regarding the 40,000-pound April 7 recall.

This week’s recall of 4,568,080 pounds of fully cooked chicken products “includes a variety of chicken products associated with extraneous material contamination,” FSIS reports.

“The chicken products were produced on various dates between Aug. 21, 2014, to March 1, 2016.”

Consumer complaints to Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. spurred the company to initiate the April 7 recall. The company notified the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s FSIS of the complaints on April 6.

“FSIS personnel identified more affected product types and dates of production after investigating additional consumer complaints of foreign material contamination received by the recalling firm,” according to the recall notice. “There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

“Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”

In addition to metal and plastic, the recalled chicken products may contain wood and rubber. The more than 20 products were distributed nationwide in 10-, 20- and 30-pound boxes packed with 5- and 10-pound clear plastic bags of chicken products.

The products’ “Use By/Sell By” dates range from 2015 to 2017.

Additional identifying information including production dates, case codes and specific “Use By/Sell By” dates for each recalled product can be found here.

Products recalled April 7 were all produced on Oct. 5, 2015. They were labeled as Gold Kist Farms “Fully Cooked Whole Grain Popcorn Style Chicken Patty Fritters” and shipped in 20-pound cardboard boxes, each with two 10-pound clear plastic bags of fully cooked chicken products. They can be identified by establishment number “EST. 20728” inside the USDA mark of inspection and by package codes of 5278105021, 5278105022, 5278105023, 5278105000, and 5278105001.

The list of Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. products recalled Tuesday, as posted on the FSIS recall notice, is as follows:

•30-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “6116 Gold Kist Farms Fully CookedWhole Grain Breaded Chicken Nuggets Nugget Shaped Chicken Patties” with use by/sell by dates of 10/23/2016 and 03/01/2017, and packaging dates of 10/23/2015 and 03/01/2016.

•20-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “6145 Gold Kist Farms Menu Right Fully Cooked Whole Grain Breaded Chicken Nuggets Breaded Nugget Shaped Chicken Patties” with use by/sell by dates of 05/28/2016, and 04/27/2016 and packaging dates of 05/28/2015 and 04/27/2015.

•30-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “6253 Gold Kist Farms Fully Cooked Whole Grain Homestyle Breaded Strip Shaped Chicken Patties” with use by/sell by dates of 04/27/2016 and 08/06/2016, and packaging dates of 04/27/2015 and 08/06/2015.

•30-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “6353 Gold Kist Farms Fully Cooked Whole Grain Homestyle Breaded Breakfast Chicken Patties” with use/by sell by dates of 09/17/2016 and 09/21/2016 and packaging dates 09/17/2015 and 09/21/2015.

•30-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “6654 Gold Kist Farms Fully Cooked Whole Grain Homestyle Breaded Chicken Patty” with use by/sell by dates of 05/11/2016, 06/05/2016, and 08/21/2015, and packaging dates of 05/11/2015, 06/05/2015, and 08/21/2014.

•30-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “66660 Gold Kist Farms Fully Cooked Whole Grain Hot & Spicy Breaded Chicken Patty” with use by/sell by date of 07/18/2016 and packaging date of 07/18/2015.

•20-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “69160 Gold Kist Farms Fully Cooked Whole Grain Popcorn Style Chicken Patty Fritters” with use/by sell by dates of 08/19/2016 and 09/25/2016, and packaging dates of 8/19/2015 and 09/25/2015.

•10-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “70340 Pierce Chicken Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Tenderloins” with a use by/sell by dates of 09/28/2016, 09/25/2016, and 11/09/2016, and packaging dates of 09/28/2015, 09/25/2015, and 11/09/2015.

•30-lb boxes containing of 5-lb clear bags of “612100 Gold Kist Farms Fully Cooked Whole Grain Breaded Chicken Nuggets Nugget Shaped Chicken Patties” with use by/sell by dates of 07/11/2016, 11/09/2016, and 11/25/2016 and packaging dates of 07/11/2015, 11/09/2015, and 11/25/2015.

•30-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “615300 Gold Kist Farms Fully Cooked Whole Grain Home-style Breaded Chicken Nuggets Nugget Shaped Chicken Patties” with  use by/sell by dates of 10/08/2016, 10/09/2016, 10/03/2016, 10/20/2016, 11/24/2016, 10/01/2016, 10/16/2016, 10/14/2016, and packaging dates of 10/08/2015, 10/01/2015, 10/16/2015, 10/09/2015, 10/03/2015, 10/20/2015, 11/24/2015, and 10/14/2015.

•30-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “625300 Gold Kist Farms Fully Cooked Whole Grain Home-style Breaded Chicken Strip Shaped Chicken Patties” with a use by/sell by date of 10/16/2016, and a packaging date of 10/16/2015.

•20-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “633100 Gold Kist Farms Fully Cooked Whole Grain Home-style Breaded Breakfast Chicken Breast Patties with Rib Meat” with a use by/sell by date of 10/03/2016, and a packaging date of 10/03/2015.

•30-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “662100 Gold Kist FarmsFully CookedWhole Grain Breaded Chicken Patties” with  use by/sell by dates of 10/07/2016 and 08/13/2016, and packaging dates of 10/07/2015 and 08/13/2015.

•30-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “665400 Gold Kist Farms Fully CookedWhole Grain Home-style Breaded Chicken Patties” with  use by/sell by dates of 10/06/2016, 07/24/2016, 07/01/2016, 07/25/2016, 08/29/2016, 09/12/2016, 12/02/2016, 12/21/2016, and packaging dates of 10/06/2015, 07/24/2015, 07/01/2015, 07/25/2015, 08/29/2016, 09/12/2016, 12/02/2016, 12/21/2016.

•30-lb boxes containing of 5-lb clear bags of “666600 Gold Kist Farms Fully Cooked Whole Grain Hot & Spicy Breaded Chicken Patties” with use by/sell by dates of 10/08/2016, 09/29/2015, 09/30/2016, and packaging dates of 10/08/2015, 09/29/2015, 09/30/2015.

•10-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “92105Sweet Georgia Brand FULLY COOKED WHOLE GRAIN BREADED CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS BREADED NUGGET SHAPED CHICKEN PATTIES WITH RIB MEAT” with a use/by sell by date of 05/28/2016, and a packaging date of 05/28/2015.

•10-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “92430Sweet Georgia BrandFULLY COOKED BREADED CHICKEN TENDERLOINS” with use by/sell by dates of 09/28/2016, 11/09/2016, and packaging dates of 09/28/2016, 11/09/2016.

•10-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “93406 Sweet Georgia BrandFULLY COOKED WHOLE GRAIN POPCORN STYLE CHICKEN PATTY FRITTERS” with a use by/sell by date of 05/28/2016 and a packaging date of 05/28/2015.

•10-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “94208 Sweet Georgia Brand FULLY COOKED WHOLE GRAIN HOT AND SPICY BREADED CHICKEN PATTY” with a use by date of 07/18/2016 and a packaging date of 07/18/2015.

•10-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “96965 Sweet Georgia Brand FULLY COOKED WHOLE GRAIN BREADED CHICKEN NUGGETS NUGGET SHAPED CHICKEN PATTIES” with a use by/sell by date of 10/14/2016 and a packaging date of 10/14/2015.

•10-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “96971 Sweet Georgia BrandFULLY COOKED WHOLE GRAIN BREADED CHICKEN BREAST PATTIES WITH RIB MEAT” with a use by/sell by date of 10/08/2016 and a packaging date of 10/08/2015.

•10-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “96973 Sweet Georgia Brand FULLY COOKED WHOLE GRAIN BREADED CHICKEN PATTIES”with use by/sell by dates of 07/24/2016, 07/01/2016, 12/02/2016, 09/12/2016, and packaging dates of 07/24/2015, 07/01/2015, 12/02/2015,09/12/2015.

•10-lb boxes containing 5-lb clear bags of “96978 Sweet Georgia BrandFULLY COOKED WHOLE GRAIN HOT AND SPICY BREADED CHICKEN PATTIES” with use by/sell by dates of 10/08/2016 and 9/30/2016, and packaging dates of 10/08/2015 and 9/30/2016.

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NYC importer recalls dried fish from retailers on both coasts

A Brooklyn importer that asked New York City for a $2.5 million tax break a year ago — and was put on warning by the FDA this past fall for food safety violations — is recalling dried fish because it could cause botulism poisoning.

Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc. of Brooklyn, NY, is recalling Vobla (Roach) Dry Eviscerated Salted Fish and Bream Dry Eviscerated Salted Fish because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life threatening illness or death, according to a recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

“Consumers are warned not to use the products even if they do not look or smell spoiled,” the recall notice states.

“Botulism, a potential fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, blurred or double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing weakness of other muscles abdominal distention and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.”

The products were imported from Russia and sold to retail stores in New York and California from February through April this year.

The products are sold in un-coded clear, vacuum pack plastic bags, each weighing 5.29 ounces. Labeling states:

• “VOBLA (ROACH) DRY EVISCERATED SALTED FISH, UPC 4606495-001308”
• “BREAM – DRY EVISCERATED SALTED FISH, UPC 4606495001346”

The potential for contamination was noted after routine sampling and inspection by the US Food and Drug Administration and subsequent analysis of the Bream fish by the FDA confirmed that the Bream fish was not properly eviscerated prior to processing.

No illnesses had been reported as of Monday in connection with this problem.

Consumers who have purchased Vobla Dry Eviscerated Salted Fish and Bream Dry Eviscerated Salted Fish are advised not to eat them, but should return them to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-858-6720.

FDA warning cited temperature controls, record problems
On Nov. 4, 2015, the FDA sent a warning letter to Grigoriy Katsura, president of Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc., listing three “significant violations” at the company’s operation at Sunset Industrial Park.

FDA inspectors observed the violations of the federal food code while at the seafood processing and importing business on June 15-16 and Aug. 5 and 7 in 2015.

“Accordingly, your dried salted sprats, dried salted horse mackerel fillets, refrigerated vacuum packaged salted dried bream fish and refrigerated vacuum packaged salted dried Caspian roach (vobla) are adulterated, in that they have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have been rendered injurious to health,” the warning letter stated.

Specific violations observed by FDA inspectors were:

• The HACCP plan (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan) for refrigerated vacuum packaged salted dried bream fish and refrigerated vacuum packaged salted dried Caspian roach (vobla) was not adequate to control the hazard of Clostridium botulinum toxin formation.

• The company could not provide receiving records for refrigerated vacuum packaged salted dried bream fish and refrigerated vacuum packaged salted dried Caspian roach (vobla). Also unavailable were records of corrective actions when the company’s cooler temperatures exceeded critical limits on August 1, 3 and 4, 2015.

• Federal law requires certain records to be maintained in English, but the company had records that are not in English.

April 2015 tax break request
In an application for $2.5 million in tax breaks from New York City, Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc. is described by owners as “a leading importer and wholesale distributor of Russian ethnic confectioneries, candy and ethnic foods to grocery stores all over the country.”

The request for a mortgage recording tax waiver of $80,000 and 25-year tax abatements and extensions totaling $2.44 million was part of a $5 million expansion plan the importing company was working on.

Company officials estimated the city would see a benefit of $4.7 million generated in direct and indirect taxes by the importer during its proposed 25-year tax break.

The status of the application and expansion plans were not immediately known Monday when the recall notice was filed.

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CVS recalls organic herbal tea because of Salmonella

Organic spiced herbal tea is under a nationwide recall by CVS Pharmacy because one of the ingredients is potentially contaminated with Salmonella.

The recalled Gold Emblem Abound branded organic spiced herbal tea was distributed nationwide, according to a recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website. It can be identified by the UPC number 0 50428 541043 and a “Best By” date of March 18, 2018. It is packaged in 1.4-ounce cartons.

“An ingredient produced by the manufacturer’s raw material supplier tested positive for Salmonella in another company’s product. CVS Pharmacy’s Gold Emblem product also contains this ingredient,” according to the recall notice.

Because of the long shelf life and nationwide distribution of the product in the CVS chain, which has 9,600 stores, public health officials are concerned that consumers may have the recalled product in their homes. Any customer who purchased the recalled product should immediately discontinue use and return the item to CVS Pharmacy for a refund. Contact the company at 800-SHOP-CVS for additional details.

“The company is not aware of any reported cases of illness to date related to this product and it has issued this voluntary recall as a matter of precaution,” according to today’s recall notice.

“CVS Pharmacy has removed the affected products from its stores and the manufacturer has notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A ‘do not sell’ block has also been placed in the company’s store register system to prevent further sale of these recalled items.”

Salmonella is a microscopic organism that 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 that 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, endocarditis and arthritis.

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Costco Canada caught up in recall of frozen organic vegetables

Possible listeria contamination in organic peas has caused Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. to issue its second frozen organic food recall in eight days.

Organic by Nature brand frozen sweet peas are the implicated food this time, following Costco’s April 15 recall of Nature’s Touch brand organic berry cherry blend. The frozen organic fruit is linked to a Hepatitis A outbreak that has sickened at least 13, according to Canadian health officials.

Costco’s recall of the Organic by Nature frozen peas from locations in British Colombia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan comes a day after CRF Frozen Foods of Pasco, WA, recalled 15 frozen vegetable products in the U.S. and Canada.

The CRF initiated the recall, which includes the Organic by Nature peas sold at Canadian Costco stores, after Ohio officials detected Listeria monocytogenes in a samples of frozen peas and frozen corn in CRF products collected at the retail level.

Consumers can identify the recalled Organic by Nature brand frozen organic sweet peas by looking for the following label information:

• 2.5 kg
• Best by dates: 10-22-17; 12-03-17; 03-16-18
• UPC number 8 46355 00061 9

Because of the long shelf life of the frozen organic peas, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is encouraging consumers to check their freezers to make sure they do not have the recalled vegetables in their homes.

“Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased,” the CFIA recall notice states. “Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.”

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly young children and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

The broader recall
CRF’s recall includes four brands: Schwans, True Goodness by Meijer; Wellsley Farms Organic; and Organic by Nature. The recall is for various varieties of peas, corn and mixed vegetables.

“We know the recalled frozen vegetables were distributed to retailers and distribution centers between Sept. 13, 2015, and March 16 in the following states, and may be redistributed in other states nationwide: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan of Canada,” according to the company’s recall notice on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.

For additional information, consumers may call 844-551-5595 Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT.

No illnesses had been reported as of Friday in connection with the frozen organic vegetables.

The recalled vegetables were sold in plastic bags and are marked with “Use By Dates” located on the back of the package. All of the dates are in 2017 or 2018.

A complete list of the specific vegetables being recalled and product codes on their packages is available in the CRF recall notice.

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Frozen vegetables recalled in U.S., Canada because of listeria

Fifteen frozen organic vegetable products distributed to retailers in at least 35 states and four Canadian provinces are under voluntary recall because of potential contamination with listeria monocytogenes.

CRF Frozen Foods of Pasco, WA, posted the recall Friday because random samples of frozen organic peas and corn tested by Ohio health officials returned positive results for the foodborne pathogen.

At least three brands are included in the frozen vegetable recall: True Goodness by Meijer; Wellsley Farms Organic; and Organic by Nature. Vegetables recalled are various varieties of peas, corn and mixed vegetables.

“We know the recalled frozen vegetables were distributed to retailers and distribution centers between Sept. 13, 2015, and March 16 in the following states, and may be redistributed in other states nationwide: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan of Canada,” according to the company’s recall notice.

“Consumers are urged not to consume these products. Consumers who purchased these products may take them back to the store where they purchased them for a refund or simply discard them.”

For additional information, consumers may call 844-551-5595 Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT.

No illnesses have been reported as of Friday, but the company is recalling the products as a precaution.

The recalled frozen organic vegetables were sold in plastic bags and are marked with “Use By Dates” located on the back of the package. All of the dates are in 2017 or 2018.

A complete list of the specific vegetables being recalled and product codes on their packages is available in the CRF recall notice.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

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Buffalo butcher recalls frozen Lorigo brand ground beef patties

A butcher shop in Buffalo, NY, has recalled Lorigo brand frozen ground beef patties because of positive test results for E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

The Meating Place shipped 325 pounds of the frozen hamburger patties to retailers and institutional food service operations in the Buffalo area, according to the recall notice on the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service website.

Shipped in 5-pound boxes, the recalled meat can be identified by the package code of 120106 and label language that reads: “LORIGO BRAND BEEF PATTIES KEEP FROZEN THE MEATING PLACE INC.” The labels also have the establishment number “Est. 8631” printed inside the USDA’s inspection mark.

Federal inspectors discovered the E. coli contamination during “routine in-plant review of testing results,” according to the recall notice. As of Thursday, there had not been any confirmed illnesses associated with the recalled beef.

The Meating Place produced the recalled ground beef patties on April 15, but federal officials are concerned that consumers may still have the meat in their homes because it was sold frozen and has a long shelf life.

“Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,” according to the recall notice.

“FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at http://ift.tt/1gO8Ec3.”

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Vincent Lorigo, company president, at 716-885-3623.

Symptoms of food poisoning caused by E. coli O157:H7 bacteria generally begin two to eight days after exposure. Common symptoms include dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

While most victims recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among people of any age, but is most common in children younger than 5 years and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

The FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160° F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature.

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Investigation ends; Garden of Life powders pose ongoing threat

Federal officials have concluded their investigation into a Salmonella Virchow outbreak traced back to Garden of Life brand organic shake and meal replacement powders, warning that additional people could become ill.

Garden of Life provided the label sample on the left to the FDA for posting with its recall notice. As the outbreak linked via DNA to its “Organic Raw Meal” powders spread across the country, the company redesigned its labels and changed the word order in the product name to “Raw Organic Meal” as shown on the right.

Laboratory tests confirmed that at least 33 people in 23 states were infected with the outbreak strain, according to an update posted Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The victims ranged in age from 1 year to 84 years old. Six had such severe symptoms they required hospitalization.

State and federal public health labs confirmed Garden of Life brand Raw Meal Organic Shake & Meal Replacement powdered mixes were contaminated with the same strain of Salmonella Virchow as the sick people. Samples of the products collected from outbreak victims’ homes revealed the connection between the illnesses and the organic powders.

“Of the 30 ill people who were interviewed, 28 reported consuming powdered supplements or meal replacement powders in the week before illness onset; 27 of these 28 ill people specifically reported consuming RAW Meal products made by Garden of Life LLC,” according to the CDC update.

“This outbreak investigation is over. However, the recalled Garden of Life RAW Meal Organic Shake & Meal products have a long shelf life and may still be in people’s homes. Consumers unaware of the recalls could continue to eat the products and get sick.”

Among people for whom information was available, illnesses started on dates ranging from Dec. 5, 2015, to March 18 this year.

Garden of Life, headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, posted its first recall of 30 lots of RAW organic products Jan. 29. The company expanded the recall Feb. 13 to include 31 more lots. All of the recalled lots have expiration dates in 2017.

Ultimately tests by the Food and Drug Administration traced the Salmonella Virchow contamination to organic moringa leaf powder in the RAW products.

“Because other Garden of Life products containing moringa use different suppliers, only Raw Meal is exposed,” according to the expanded recall notice.

Garden of Life products are sold throughout the nation, both online and in retail stores.

In late March the Florida company renamed the recalled products, transposing the words “Meal” and “Organic” and redesigned labels. The recalled “Raw Meal Organic Shake & Meal Replacement” products are now marketed as “Raw Organic Meal Shake & Meal Replacement”

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Costco offers vaccines denies liability and declares dividend

To curb an ongoing Hepatitis A outbreak traced to frozen organic fruit sold at Costco stores in Canada, the retailer is offering free vaccinations to consumers, as it did in 2013 when a similar outbreak sickened an estimated 25,000 people.

The current outbreak linked to Nature’s Touch brand frozen organic “Berry Cherry Blend” includes at least 13 people from three provinces, according to a Monday update from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Costco locations in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador received the frozen fruit mix

“If you have Nature’s Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend frozen fruit in your home, do not eat this product. If you are unsure whether a frozen fruit product you have in your home is part of the food recall warning, do not consume it. Secure the product in a plastic bag, throw it out and wash your hands with warm soapy water,”  recommends Canada’s Public Health.

“If you suspect you have been exposed to the recalled product, or have symptoms consistent for Hepatitis A, see your health care provider immediately. Vaccination can prevent the onset of symptoms if given within two weeks of exposure.”

The health agency’s Monday update indicated Costco is providing free vaccinations.

Wednesday Costco officials posted a notice on the company’s website stating vaccine “supply and capacity is limited.”

“If you have eaten the product within the last 14 days, it is advised that you contact your local public health department or personal health care provider to determine if a hepatitis A vaccination is required; they will provide the vaccine if necessary. Costco will also offer a hepatitis A vaccine, but supply and capacity is limited. Please visit your local Costco Pharmacy for more information on vaccine availability,” according to the Costco website.

The retailer has additional instructions for Quebec residents: “If you have eaten the product within the last 14 days, you should visit the pharmacy located at the Costco closest to you to determine if a hepatitis A vaccination is required. If the pharmacy at your local Costco cannot provide the vaccine, or if there is no Costco with a pharmacy close to you, please visit your CLSC or CSSS.”

Long shelf life, long incubation period
Canadian Costco stores sold the frozen organic fruit beginning Dec. 11, 2015, and continuing through April 15 this year when the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled it.

The recalled Nature’s Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend has “best before” dates through March 15, 2018.

The CFIA is concerned that consumers may still have the recalled product in their homes. It can be identified by the following label information:

• Nature’s Touch brand Organic Berry Cherry Blend
• 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
• Best Before dates up to 2018 MR 15
• UPC 8 73668 00179 1

“Food contaminated with Hepatitis A virus may not look or smell spoiled,” according to the CFIA recall notice.

“Consumption of food contaminated with this virus may cause hepatitis and produce a self-limited disease that does not result in chronic infection or chronic liver disease. The illness is usually mild and starts about 15 to 50 days after the contaminated food is eaten.”

The public health agency reported that additional outbreak cases could be identified because of the long time it takes for symptoms to develop and the lag time between illness onset and laboratory confirmation.

People infected with Hepatitis A can have a wide range of symptoms according to the public health warning. Some do not get sick at all, though they can still spread the infection to others. The PHAC reports most people with Hepatitis A develop the following symptoms two to seven weeks after being infected with the virus:

• fever
• loss of appetite
• stomach cramps
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• dark urine
• fatigue.

Symptoms are usually mild, and the illness usually lasts one to two weeks. Although severe cases can last several months.

Class action still pending from 2013 outbreak
When a Hepatitis A outbreak in 2013 was traced back to frozen fruit sold at Costco stores in the U.S., the retailer offered free vaccinations, but that wasn’t enough to stop consumers from filing suit in federal court.

That outbreak was linked to pomegranate arils in “Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend” by investigators at the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC reported 165 people in 10 states with confirmed cases of Hepatitis A, with 71 people having symptoms so severe that they had to be admitted to hospitals.

As many as 25,000 people are estimated to have been sickened by the Townsend Farms brand fruit, according to a certified class action pending in federal court in California.

Attorneys for Costco and Townsend Farms contend the companies are not liable for the 2013 outbreak. Among their arguments:

• the number of bags containing contaminated pomegranate arils … was very small compared to the total production during the relevant time period;
• for plaintiffs, aka consumers, to prove that the recalled product was “defective” they must show that each bag of the recalled product was actually contaminated with Hepatitis A virus;
• most of the product sold by Costco was apparently uncontaminated and perfectly fit for human consumption;
• in the parlance of product liability law, most of the mixed berries sold were not defective; and
• each plaintiff must prove contamination in the package of berries he or she consumed.

On April 14, Costco posted a news release announcing a quarterly cash dividend on Costco common stock and approving a quarterly increase from $.40 to $.45 per share, or $1.80 per share on an annualized basis.

Costco currently operates 703 warehouses, including 492 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 90 in Canada, 36 in Mexico, 27 in the United Kingdom, 24 in Japan, 12 in Korea, 12 in Taiwan, eight in Australia and two in Spain, according to the news release.

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Mars Food launches health wellbeing program

Mars Food has announced a new global Health & Wellbeing Ambition to create and promote healthier food choices and to encourage consumers to cook and share healthier meals with others.

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McCormick acquires chilled herb manufacturer for $114 million

McCormick has purchased 100% of the shares of Botanical Food, a privately-held company based in Australia that manufactures and sells the Gourmet Garden brand of packaged herbs, for $114 million.

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AB InBev buys Devils Backbone sells SABMiller beer brands

According to Yahoo! Finance, Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has agreed to acquire Virginia-based craft brewer Devils Backbone Brewing.

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General Mills makes progress in nutrition sustainability animal welfare

General Mills has released its 2016 Global Responsibility Report, which outlines the company’s goals and progress in the areas of health and wellness, sustainability, workplace, and community engagement.

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GMA Battelle launch tool to fight food fraud

To help combat economically motivated adulteration (EMA), the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and Battelle have partnered to provide EMAlert, a web-based software tool that allows food manufacturers to rapidly analyze and understand their individual, company-specific EMA vulnerabilities in the manufacturing process.

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Senator Stabenow addresses food policy issues

U.S. Senator Deborah Stabenow (D-Mich.) discussed several food policy issues during a keynote address at the 2016 National Food Policy Conference (April 6–7, 2016), organized by the Consumer Federation of America.

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Americans are nuts for almond milk

Almond milk is now America’s favorite milk substitute, boasting sales growth of 250% over the past five years, according to Nielsen.

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Lowering cholesterol with vegetable oils may not curb heart disease risk

A study published in The BMJ shows that replacing saturated fats with vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid lowers blood cholesterol, but may not curb heart disease risk or help you live longer.

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Millennials demand more customization mashups

Demanding what they want, how they do and don’t want it, and when they want it are hallmarks of Millennials—the 69 million U.S. adults currently aged 18–34.

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Nestlé reformulates ice cream; expands South African coffee plant

Nestlé Dreyer’s Ice Cream has announced key ingredient improvements to six brands including Edy’s, Häagen-Dazs, Outshine, Skinny Cow, Nestlé Ice Cream, and Nestlé Drumstick.

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Interpol seizes largest haul of fake food beverages

A joint Interpol and Europol public health and safety operation resulted in the seizure of more than 10,000 tons and one million liters of hazardous fake food and drink across 57 countries.

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IRI: Most successful food beverage brands of 2015

IRI has announced 2015’s most successful consumer packaged goods (CPG) launches in its 2015 “New Product Pacesetters” report, a benchmark analysis of exceptional first-year CPG sales success for newly launched products.

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Where the U.S. presidential hopefuls stand on food policy

Despite the looming food policy issues being debated in states across America, the candidates for the 2016 presidential primary races have focused predominantly on traditional policy issues such as abortion, foreign policy, government spending, employment, gay rights, and poverty.

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Vegetable soup recalled because of botulism potential

Vegetable soup distributed to retailers and farmers markets in three states is under recall because laboratory tests showed it could be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism poisoning.

Mary’s Home Canning of Lancaster, PA, produced the vegetable soup, which is sold in glass jars with plain black and white labels that do not include any traceability  or expiration codes, according to the recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

“Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled,” according to the recall notice.

“Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distention and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.”

Retailers and farmers markets in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware received the Mary’s Homemade Vegetable Soup. The labels read, in part: “Mary’s Home Made Vegetable Soup … Heat and Serve … 829-A Strasburg Road, Paradise, PA 17562.”

Inspectors with the FDA discovered the potential for Clostridium botulinum contamination when lab tests on a sample of the soup showed high pH levels, indicating inadequate time and temperature during its production.

“Anyone with a product fitting the above description should return the product to where it was purchased, if possible, or call Mary’s Home Canning at 717-442-8349 for return instructions,” according to the recall notice.

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Americans still eat three meals a day

Contrary to popular belief, Americans aren’t just snacking all day long; they still do eat three main meals a day, reports The NPD Group, a global information company.

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Barentz Parabel partner to distribute plant protein

Parabel USA and Barentz have signed an exclusive worldwide distribution agreement for Parabel’s range of plant-based protein ingredients for food and feed, as well as for plant-based personal care ingredients.

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Diagnostic test may pose challenge in tracking foodborne illness

Changes in the tests that diagnose foodborne illness are helping identify infections faster but could soon pose challenges to finding outbreaks and monitoring progress toward preventing foodborne disease, according to a report published in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Week Report.

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FDA approves folic acid fortification of corn masa flour

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved folic acid fortification of corn masa flour.

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New wheat line eliminates discoloring in foods

A study published in AgResearch magazine explains how a new wheat line may help get rid of the gray discoloring in foods such as fresh noodles, breads, and refrigerated biscuits.

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RPC develops milk bottle made from sugar cane

RPC Promens Consumer Nordics has developed a one liter milk bottle made entirely from a non-oil-based bio polymer produced from sugar cane.

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USDA makes $4.7 million in grants available for food safety training outreach

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the availability of $4.7 million in grants for food safety education, training, and technical assistance projects that address the needs of owners and operators of small to mid-sized farms, beginning farmers, socially-disadvantaged farmers, small processors, small fresh fruit and vegetable merchant wholesalers, food hubs, farmers’ markets, and others.

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Consumers are willing to spend more on healthy artisan foods beverages

IRI has introduced a new quarterly Consumer Connect survey to gauge consumers’ financial confidence and understand how their financial situation is impacting the way they shop for, purchase, and consume consumer packaged goods (CPG) products.

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Corbion Caravan promotes Stinson to manager

Corbion Caravan has promoted Jesse Stinson to application manager of the Sweet Bakery Goods division.

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FDA issues import alert on shrimp prawns from Malaysia

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that its District Offices may detain, without physical examination, imports of shrimp and prawns from peninsular Malaysia due to testing that found that approximately one-third of imports from peninsular Malaysia contained residues of nitrofurans and/or chloramphenicol.

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Symrise opens facility in Iran

Symrise has opened Symrise Parsian, a new facility in Tehran, Iran, to strengthen its presence in the Middle East.

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Nice! brand fruit in jars pulled from Walgreens nationwide

Glass pieces in peach slices and possibly mixed fruit sold under the Nice! brand in Walgreens stores have spurred a nationwide recall of the products.

“Consumers could potentially be cut or injured if ingested. To date there has been one complaint on the peaches and no complaints on the mixed fruits,” distributor Milky Way International Trading Corp. reports.

Milky Way International Trading Corp. also reported the jars of fruit have been pulled from Walgreens stores in its recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration website.

Consumers could still have the potentially dangerous products in their homes and are urged to check their cupboards for the jars of sliced peaches and mixed fruit, which have expiration dates in December 2017.

The recalled jars of fruit can be identified by the following label information:

• Nice! Peach Slices in Light Syrup, 8-ounce jars, Item # 80894, 12/15/2017, UPC number 0-49022-80894-2 with Lot number 3700/01069 on the neck of the jars
• Nice! Mixed Fruit in Light Syrup, 8-ounce jars, Item # 80896,12/08/2017, UPC number 0-49022-80896-6 with Lot number 3700/01069 on the neck of the jars

“If you have any of the affected product(s) on hand, please do not consume and return/refund to place of purchase. For any questions, please contact Milky Way International immediately at 888-496-9187 Monday to Friday between 8am to 5pm PST” according to the recall notice.

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Hepatitis outbreak linked to frozen organic fruit sold at Costco

Canadian officials have linked an ongoing Hepatitis A outbreak to a frozen organic fruit blend of berries and cherries sold exclusively at Costco stores.

Nature’s Touch is recalling its “Organic Berry Cherry Blend” because of the outbreak. Canadian health officials are particularly concerned that consumers may have the product, which has a “Best Before” date of March 15, 2018, in their homes.

As of noon today Costco did not have the recall listed on its website. It is not known if the recalled Nature’s Touch frozen organic fruit was distributed in the United States.

“Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased. Food contaminated with Hepatitis A virus may not look or smell spoiled,” according to a recall notice posted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

“This recall was triggered by findings of the CFIA during the investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak.”

The recalled product can be identified by the following label information:

• Nature’s Touch brand Organic Berry Cherry Blend
• 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
• Best Before dates up to and including 2018 MR 15
• UPC 8 73668 00179 1

Costco stores in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador received the recalled frozen fruit. Distribution dates were not provided in the recall notice.

As of Friday, the Public Health Agency of Canada reported 12 people as confirmed with Hepatitis A. Three people have required hospitalization. There are nine cases in Ontario, two in Quebec and one in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Individuals became sick in February and March of this year. Some of the individuals who became ill have reported eating the recalled product,” the public health agency reported Friday when it warned consumers to not eat the recalled Nature’s Touch frozen organic fruit.

“If you are unsure whether a frozen fruit product you have in your home is part of the food recall warning, do not consume it. Secure the product in a plastic bag, throw it out and wash your hands with warm soapy water.”

Onset of symptoms usually begins 15 to 50 days after exposure to Hepatitis A, according to the recall and public health warning. Hepatitis A can cause inflammation of the liver in some cases.

“Hepatitis A can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. You can get the Hepatitis A virus by eating contaminated food or water or through contact with an infected person’s stool,” the public health agency reported.

“If you suspect you have been exposed to the recalled product, or have symptoms consistent for Hepatitis A, see your health care provider immediately. Vaccination can prevent the onset of symptoms if given within two weeks of exposure.”

Some people infected with Hepatitis A do not develop symptoms, but they can spread the infection to others.

Symptoms include:

• fever;
• loss of appetite;
• stomach cramps;
• jaundice — yellowing of the skin and eyes;
• dark urine; and
• fatigue.

The illness usually lasts one to two weeks. Although severe cases can last several months, most people recover without treatment.

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Norven brand herring recalled in 10 states for Listeria concerns

A Brooklyn, NY, company is recalling Norven branded herring in oil because a sample tested by U.S. officials showed Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Two sizes of plastic containers from a single lot are included in the recall by OLMA-XXI Inc. of Brooklyn. The company reports shipping the recalled fish to distributors and retailers in 10 states. Distributors in those states could have sent the fish to additional states.

The recalled Norven brand herring in oil can be identified by the following label information:

• Net Wt. 17.6 oz. (500g), UPC barcode 856687004196; Lot # 530611, Best before: 10/27/16 (stamped on bottom label)
• Net Wt. 10.6 oz. (300g), UPC barcode 856687004189; Lot # 530611, Best before: 10/27/16 (stamped on bottom label)

States that received the herring directly from OLMA-XXI Inc., according to the recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration website, are: California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland and Virginia.

Listeria monocytogenes is a microscopic organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children and the frail, elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

No illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled herring as of Friday when FDA posted the notice.

“FDA’s sampling program revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the 17.6-ounce packages of Lot # 530611. The distribution of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem,” according to the recall notice.

Consumers who have purchased plastic containers of Norven herring in oil, Lot 530611, are urged not to consume this product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-675-0706, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT.

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Mustard relish recalled because of botulism concerns

Mustard relish from HardyWares Preserves in Nova Scotia is under recall by Canadian authorities because of possible contamination with the bacteria that causes botulism poisoning.

The recalled relish, sold in 250 ml jars, can be identified by the HardyWares logo on the label and a “Packaged on” date of Dec. 3, 2015, according to the recall notice on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s website. No other traceability information is available.

Laboratory test results spurred the recall. No illnesses had been linked to the recalled mustard relish as of Wednesday. Canadian authorities warn that consumers should not eat the recalled mustard relish.

“Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased,” according to the recall notice.

“Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, blurred or double vision, dry mouth, respiratory failure and paralysis. In severe cases of illness, people may die.”

The HardyWares Preserves website describes the company as a home-based business that has been producing jellies, jams, garnishes and pickled foods since 2008.

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Recall goes international; Pictsweet, FDA not talking

Recalled salads in British Columbia, Canada, can be identified by these labels.

While Reser’s Fine Foods Inc. has gone public with the recall of some of its products because of possible Listeria contamination from onions, Pictsweet Co. has not been similarly forthcoming, leaving retailers who sell its frozen vegetables to issue a string of recalls.

The recall of refrigerated deli-type salads from Reser’s went international Tuesday when the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) posted a recall of Reser’s and Sysco branded salads. Two days earlier Reser’s recalled salads distributed to 29 states in the U.S.

Reser’s produces salads for the Houston-based international foodservice supplier Sysco, which distributed them to foodservice operators including hotels, restaurants and institutional kitchens in British Columbia. The long shelf life of the salads means Sysco’s customers could still have some of the salads in stock.

“Check to see if you have recalled products in your hotel, restaurant or institution,” the CFIA recall notice advises.

“Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the supplier. Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.”

The recalled salads in Canada can be identified with the following label information:

• Classic SYSCO brand “Elbow Macaroni Salad” distributed in 3.63 kg containers with codes of MAY-07-16, #10, UPC 0 74865 08459 8
• Reser’s brand “Deviled Egg Potato Salad” distributed in 3.63 kg containers with codes of APR-28-16, #10W, UPC 71117 00225

Reser’s U.S. recall came after one of its onion suppliers notified Reser’s officials that it was recalling one lot of its onions because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

That lot was used by Reser’s only at its Hillsboro, OR, salad facility, a company spokeswoman said Monday.

“Due to this supplier recall, we are issuing a Class I Recall for the salad items manufactured at the Hillsboro Salad facility with this lot of onions. The supplier has assumed responsibility for the issue and we are no longer using onions from this source,” Reser’s spokeswoman Daniele Katcher said.

Reser’s did not name the onion supplier. However, the company did coordinate its recall with the Food and Drug Administration, which posted its recall notice Sunday.

Pictsweet, FDA leave recall actions to retailers

Onions are also being named as the Listeria contamination source in a string of recalls by grocery retailers who stock frozen vegetables from the Pictsweet Co.

St. Louis area grocer Schnucks issued the first of those recalls Sunday for two varieties of Pictsweet frozen vegetable blends.

“Pictsweet has issued a recall on select items because one its ingredient suppliers, Oregon Potato Company DBA Freeze Pack, has recalled IQF (individually quick frozen) onions processed at their facility because the products may be contaminate with Listeria monocytogenes,” according to the Schnucks recall notice.

Repeated requests for comment this week have gone unanswered by Pictsweet and Oregon Potato Co.

Pictsweet does not have recall information on its website, although several retailers have said the Bells, TN, company has notified them of a recall of its “Seasoned Blends” and “Steamable Spring Vegetables” frozen vegetable products.

Retailers that have issued recall notices for Pictsweet frozen vegetable blends include Giant Food, Wegmans, Martin’s, Tops, Stop & Shop, Food Lion and Dillons. The retailers stores stretch across many states. The recalled frozen vegetable products are:

• Pictsweet Seasoning Blend, 12-ounce, UPC: 7056096902, Best by date: 4/2/2018; and
• Pictsweet Steamable Spring Vegetables,10-ounce, UPC: 7056097826 Best by date: 3/19/2018.

As of end of business Wednesday, the FDA had not posted a recall notice from Pictsweet Co. An FDA spokesman said early Wednesday that the agency would have information available by noon, but nothing was available as of end of business.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with any of the products recalled because of the potential Listeria-contaminated onions. Federal health officials in the U.S. and Canada cautioned consumers and foodservice operators that they should discard or return any unused portions of the recalled salads and frozen vegetables to the place of purchase.

Symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection can take up to 70 days to appear after exposure to the pathogen. Refrigeration and freezing do not kill Listeria.

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. In severe cases of listeriosis, people can die.

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WHO study: Diabetes cases reach 422 million worldwide

A World Health Organization (WHO) study published in The Lancet shows that the number of adults with diabetes has quadrupled worldwide in under four decades to 422 million, and the condition is fast becoming a major problem in poorer countries.

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Evaluating the differences in pecan cultivars

A study in the Journal of Food Science examines the sensory differences among eight different pecan cultivars in raw and roasted forms.

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How we feed the world is unsustainable, reports IFPRI

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has released its “2016 Global Food Policy Report,” which provides an in-depth look at major food policy developments and events in the past year, and examines key challenges and opportunities for the coming year.

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USDA announces $1.2 million in available funding for aquaculture research

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) has announced more than $1.2 million in available funding to support the development of environmentally- and economically-sustainable aquaculture in the United States.

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AIDP, Plandaí Biotechnology sign distribution agreement

AIDP, a manufacturer of functional ingredients, has signed a sales and marketing agreement with biopharmaceutical products manufacturer Plandaí Biotechnology to market and distribute Phytofare Catechin Complex to the functional foods and nutraceutical industries.

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Global demand for fresh food exceeded 2.2 billion tons in 2015

Euromonitor International has published data on the global fresh food market in 2015, which experienced a 2% volume growth over 2014 to reach 2.2 billion tons.

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ICL Food Specialties opens expanded facility in St. Louis

ICL Food Specialties has opened its newly expanded research and development center in St. Louis.

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Prinova to distribute Lycored’s natural colors in U.S., Canada

Prinova, a supplier of ingredients, flavors, and value-added nutrient fortification products, has announced a new partnership with Lycored.

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Private equity firm acquires pork rind snack manufacturer

Wind Point Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm, has acquired Evans Food Group, a global manufacturer of branded and private label pork rind snacks.

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Frozen vegetables recalled; onions in them could carry Listeria

At least two frozen vegetable blends produced by the Pictsweet Co. are under recall because chopped onions in the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Officials from Pictsweet in Bells, TN, were not immediately available for comment today. A recall notice from a regional grocery chain in St. Louis states the implicated onions came from Oregon Potato Co., doing business as Freeze Pack.

The Schnucks grocery chain recall of Pictsweet brand “Seasoning Blend” and “Steamable Spring Vegetables” today, just one day after Reser’s Fine Foods recalled 19 refrigerated salads from 29 states because of possible listeria contamination from chipped onions. The Reser’s recall did not name the onion supplier.

Corporate officials with Reser’s and Oregon Potato Co. did not immediately respond to calls for comment. The April 10 recall by Reser’s stated certain Safeway and Walmart branded salads were made with the potentially contaminated onions.

As of this afternoon, no recall notices for the onions or other products containing them had been posted by Pictsweet Co., the Oregon Potato Co. or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Listeria monocytogenes is a microscopic organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, pregnant women, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.

Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infections can cause miscarriage and stillbirths among pregnant women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The recalled frozen vegetable products are:

• Pictsweet Seasoning Blend, 12-ounce, UPC: 7056096902, Best by date: 4/2/2018; and
• Pictsweet Steamable Spring Vegetables,10-ounce, UPC: 7056097826 Best by date: 3/19/2018.

Schnucks is offering refunds to customers who return the recalled products. Customers can contact the Schnucks consumer affairs department at 314-994-4400 or 1-800-264-4400.

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