General Mills recalls flour because of 20-state E. coli outbreak

General Mills Inc. has initiated a nationwide recall of three brands of flour, totaling about 10 million pounds, in response to a 20-state E. coli outbreak that has sickened 38 people.

Although government officials have reportedly been investigating the outbreak, no state or federal agencies had released any information about it at the point Tuesday when the Minneapolis-based company announced the recall.

These are three of several varieties and brands of flour recalled by General Mills in relation to a multi-state outbreak of E. coli.

“State and federal authorities have been researching 38 occurrences of illnesses across 20 states related to a specific type of E. coli O121, between Dec.21, 2015, and May 3, 2016,” according to a news release from General Mills.

“While attempting to track the cause of the illness, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) found that approximately half of the individuals reported making something homemade with flour at some point prior to becoming ill. Some reported using a General Mills brand of flour.”

The recall includes six SKUs (stock keeping units or UPC codes) of Gold Medal branded flour, two SKU’s of Signature Kitchens branded flour and one SKU of Gold Medal Wondra branded flour.

Retailers that received shipments of the recalled flour include Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel, Shaws, Vons, United, Randalls, and Acme.

“To date, E. coli O121 has not been found in any General Mills flour products or in the flour manufacturing facility, and the company has not been contacted directly by any consumer reporting confirmed illnesses related to these products,” according to the news release.

“As a leading provider of flour for 150 years, we felt it was important to not only recall the product and replace it for consumers if there was any doubt, but also to take this opportunity to remind our consumers how to safely handle flour,” Liz Nordlie, president of General Mills Baking division, said in the release.

Some of the outbreak victims may have eaten raw dough or batter. Nordlie said in the news release and a separate blog posting that no one, especially young children, should ever eat raw dough or batter because of potential pathogens.

“Consumers are reminded to not consume any raw products made with flour. Flour is an ingredient that comes from milling wheat, something grown outdoors that carries with it risks of bacteria which are rendered harmless by baking, frying or boiling,” according to the news release.

“Consumers are reminded to wash their hands, work surfaces, and utensils thoroughly after contact with raw dough products or flour, and to never eat raw dough or batter.”

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

• 13.5-ounce Gold Medal Wondra — Package UPC 000-16000-18980; Better if Used by Dates 25FEB2017 thru 30MAR2017
• 2-pound Gold Medal All Purpose Flour — Package UPC 000-16000-10710; Better if Used by Dates 25MAY2017KC thru 03JUN2017K
• 5-pound Gold Medal All Purpose Flour — Package UPC 000-16000-10610; Better if Used by Dates 25MAY2017KC, 27MAY2017KC thru 31MAY2017KC, 01JUN2017KC, 03JUN2017KC thru 05JUN2017KC, 11JUN2017KC thru 14JUN2017KC
• 10-pound Gold Medal All Purpose Flour — Package UPC 000-16000-10410; Better if Used by Dates 02JUN2017KC,03JUN2017KC
• 10-pound Gold Medal All Purpose Flour Banded Pack — Package UPC 000-16000-10410; Better if Used by Dates 03JUN2017KC, 04JUN2017KC, 05JUN2017KC
• 5-pound Gold Medal Unbleached Flour — Package UPC 000-16000-19610; Better if Used by Dates 25MAY2017KC, 27MAY2017KC, 03JUN2017KC, 04JUN2017KC
• 5-pound Signature Kitchens All Purpose Flour Enriched Bleached — Package UPC 000-21130-53001; Better if Used by Dates BB MAY 28 2017
• 5-pound Signature Kitchens Unbleached Flour All Purpose Enriched —Package UPC 000-21130-53022; Better if Used by Dates BB MAY 27 2017
• 2-pound Gold Medal Self Rising Flour — Package UPC 000-16000-11710; Better if Used by Dates 23AUG2016KC

General Mills has a web page and hotline for consumers: 800-230-8103.

E. coli O121 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Seniors, the very young, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

“Any consumers concerned about an illness should contact a physician. Anyone diagnosed by a physician as having an illness related to E. coli O121 is also urged to contact state and local public health authorities,” according to the General Mills news release.

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Beach Beat: FSN à la ‘Night Gallery’ with a side of E. coli

Pondering the news from this week’s food safety beat, I found myself perplexed, paranoid and peeved. A terrifying trio of unrelated stories was begging for a beach beating. I was passionate enough to think I would not need to court the muse.

Three hours later, nothing worth reading had crossed my keyboard.

The “Pathogens’ Field of Dreams” concept was the first to be pitched in the general direction of the trashcan icon. When I got to “Triple Crown of Pathogens” and “Trifecta of Infections,” I started to panic.

Enter my new favorite muse, Rod Serling.

From 1970 to 1973, Serling — widely known for his work with “Twilight Zone” — provided the narration and no small part of the content for a weekly television series, “Night Gallery.” His weekly intro about a trio of unrelated pieces of art is the perfect start to this week’s triple threat from the world of food safety:

“Good evening and welcome to a private showing of three paintings, displayed here for the first time. Each is a collector’s item in its own way — not because of any special artistic quality, but because each captures on a canvas, suspended in time and space, a frozen moment of a nightmare.”

Here are three terrible tales from the food safety gallery this week.

The perplexing problem of pathogens and state boundaries
Once again, Organic Pastures Dairy Co., of Fresno, CA, was in the news, this week recalling unpasteurized, raw dairy products for the second time since May 9 because state inspectors found Salmonella contamination.

The May 23 recall was the result of follow-up testing the state was conducting in response to finding Salmonella in the organic dairy’s milk earlier in the month. State officials say the 500-cow dairy, operated by founder and CEO Mark McAfee, will be subject to increased inspections and testing for an unspecified period.

McAfee says if his dairy was in Pennsylvania, his milk would have been OK’d for sale. He contends the testing method used by California is too sensitive. He prefers a Dupont BAX brand test kit, which he says is adequate under Pennsylvania law.

“This is an issue regarding conflicts in testing methodology. The state (California) uses BAM ‘Moore Swab’ and our private state-approved third-party lab uses PCR-BAX,” McAfee said. “Our BAX PCR tests are negative and the state returns mostly negative and some positive tests. This level of bacteria is at the far bottom reaches of the detection limits.

“If (Organic Pastures Dairy Co.) was under Pennsylvania state law, we would not be under recall. In Penn State, PCR BAX is one of the approved methods for detection of salmonella.”

Here’s the perplexing part.

Leaving aside the arguments about the safety of consuming unpasteurized raw dairy products and leaving aside the scientific attributes of various testing methods, there is a major problem with this picture.

Does anyone really believe pathogens are aware of state boundaries? States’ rights are crucial to our democratic republic, but seriously, shouldn’t there be one set of rules for things like foodborne pathogen testing?

Consumers should be able to buy food in any state knowing that the same standards — and methods of checking and enforcing those standards — are uniform.

Just because you’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean the sky isn’t falling
Hundreds of news stories — from legitimate news outlets, not just fear mongers and mommy bloggers — have been published since the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reported this week that health officials had confirmed the first case of a person infected with a super-resistant form of E. coli.

Everyone in public health had been anticipating the finding since November 2015 when Chinese officials announced they had confirmed human as well as swine cases of colistin-resistant mcr-1 E. coli in their country. In fact, HHS and U.S. Department of Agriculture have been looking for the specific pathogen since the news in China broke.

Efforts are detailed in the HHS report “Proactive Efforts by U.S. Federal Agencies Enable Early Detection of New Antibiotic Resistance.”

USDA found the so-called superbug in the intestine of a domestic pig, proving that it is already present in both the human and animal food populations in the U.S. It has also been confirmed in Europe, Canada and other parts of Asia.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been an increasingly significant problem for decades, but this one is different, according to the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“It basically shows us that the end of the road isn’t very far away for antibiotics — that we may be in a situation where we have patients in our intensive care units, or patients getting urinary-tract infections for which we do not have antibiotics,” CDC Director Tom Frieden told the Washington Post.

Investigators are trying to determine how the Pennsylvania woman was exposed to the bug, which is proving difficult, especially since she had not traveled in recent months. The possibility of foodborne transmission routes have not been ruled out.

FDA apparently missed the memo about the internet
While the federal government jumped on the colistin-resistant mcr-1 E. coli situation quickly, it has not been so nimble when it comes to thinking outside the brick-and-mortar box regarding food recalls involving online retailers.

I was shocked and disappointed this week when I checked in with the people at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to learn that the agency does not have any procedures or notification requirements in place regarding online retailers and food recalls.

When I queried the agency, I fully expected to be directed to a link where I could find a rundown of who is supposed to do what to make sure that online retailers pull recalled food from their distribution centers. I also expected that some kind of consumer notification guidance — if not a full-blown rule — would have been developed in the more than 20 years since consumers started buying food online.

Garden of Life provided the label sample on the left to 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.

Ha. Why didn’t I know the round of Q&A would end with the consumer side of me peeved?

The whole question came up when public health officials in Wisconsin confirmed a new case of Salmonella Vichrow infection in an outbreak that CDC had declared ended on April 21. The new Wisconsin case and another 33 spread across 23 states were linked via DNA tests to Garden of Life brand Raw Meal supplement shake powders.

“The product, an organic shake and meal replacement, was recalled earlier this year by the company, but consumers have acquired recalled product from internet retailers such as eBay and Amazon,” according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

“Consumers should not consume this product if it is from the lot codes listed in the previous recall announcements found on the FDA recall website. Contaminated product may still be for sale from eBay, Amazon and other internet retailers.”

Wisconsin officials are to be commended for their diligence. FDA, not so much. Not only has the agency not updated its web posting on the outbreak since April 22, it apparently didn’t even have the topic of recall procedures for online retailers on its radar screen until this week.

“In light of this recent case, we are considering other ways to reach retailers and consumers to make sure they are aware of the recall,” was FDA’s response.

“In determining whether a recall is sufficient, FDA does not have different standards for products sold online versus through traditional ‘brick and mortar’ retailers, though we recognize that the steps needed to ensure that product has been accounted for may differ. We are still working with Garden of Life to determine the effectiveness of their recall.”

Apparently the agency didn’t get the memo about that information superhighway thingy. I hear tell the whole thing’s electronic.

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New Salmonella case has FDA pondering Internet recall issues

More than 20 years after consumers began buying food via the internet, federal officials are considering whether they should develop recall procedures and notification methods specific to online retailers.

Garden of Life provided the label sample on the left to the FDA for posting with its Jan. 29 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.

The novel course of contemplation at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is in response to a new Salmonella Virchow case reported by Wisconsin health officials in recent days. The new patient is victim number 34 in an outbreak declared over on April 21 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“At this time, CDC is not considering reopening the outbreak investigation,” agency spokeswoman Brittany Behm said this week.

Linked by DNA analysis to Raw Meal supplement powders marketed by Garden of Life LLC, the outbreak’s first confirmed case was Dec. 5, 2015. By the time the CDC declared the outbreak over, 33 people in 23 states had been sickened. Six of them had symptoms so severe that they required hospitalization.

The Palm Beach Gardens, FL, company recalled some if its organic Raw Meal products Jan. 29 and expanded that recall Feb. 13. In its recall notices posted on the FDA website, the company said it had “requested that retailers remove the lots of Raw Meal from sale” and offered consumers refunds.

“FDA has been working with CDC and Wisconsin to follow up on this case and to ensure that recalled products are not being offered for sale online,” an agency spokesperson said Thursday.

“In light of this recent case, we are considering other ways to reach retailers and consumers to make sure they are aware of the recall. We have reached out to online retailers about removing this recalled product from their websites and will continue to do so if we become aware that online sales are continuing.”

Wisconsin officials said definitively in their May 20 release that some consumers have received the recalled product from online retailers.

“The product, an organic shake and meal replacement, was recalled earlier this year by the company, but consumers have acquired recalled product from internet retailers such as eBay and Amazon,” according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

As of March 21, the CDC reported 27 people across 20 states with confirmed cases of Salmonella Virchow infections matching the outbreak strain found in organic Garden of Life Raw Meal shake and meal replacement powders. By the time the CDC declared the outbreak over on April 21, there were 33 confirmed victims in 23 states.

“Consumers should not consume this product if it is from the lot codes listed in the previous recall announcements found on the FDA recall website. Contaminated product may still be for sale from eBay, Amazon and other internet retailers.”

Amazon officials referred Food Safety News to the company’s product safety page when asked for comment on the Garden of Life Raw Meal recall. The site did not include information on specific product recalls, but provided links to recall roundup websites.

While the FDA considers whether to develop recall protocols for foods sold online, CDC officials do not plan any follow up action.

“As stated on our website, these products have a long shelf life. It is not unexpected to see additional illnesses reported after our investigation closes for outbreaks involving shelf-stable products” according to the CDC spokeswoman. “The ill person in Wisconsin reported eating a product that has already been recalled.”

Neither federal nor state officials indicated whether the new Wisconsin victim knew about the recall of the Garden of Life Raw Meal before buying or consuming it. They also did not indicate whether the online retailer had notified the consumer of the recall.

“In determining whether a recall is sufficient, FDA does not have different standards for products sold online versus through traditional ‘brick and mortar’ retailers, though we recognize that the steps needed to ensure that product has been accounted for may differ. We are still working with Garden of Life to determine the effectiveness of their recall,” the FDA spokesperson said.

Neither CDC nor FDA had added information about the new Wisconsin victim to their outbreak pages, which were last updated April 21 and 22, respectively. Thursday afternoon, after responding to Food Safety News, FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition tweeted three reminder messages about the Raw Meal recall and Salmonella outbreak on the @FDAfood Twitter account.

Salmonella is a life-threatening infection caused by eating food contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria. It is particularly dangerous to children younger than 5, adults over the age of 65, and people with weakened immune systems.

Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever between 12 and 72 hours after infection. Anyone who believes they may have become ill with Salmonella should contact their health care provider immediately.

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Pulled pork products recalled in Missouri for misbranding

Burger’s Ozark County Cured of California, MO, is recalling approximately 150 pounds of pulled pork products due to misbranding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on Friday, May 27.

The seasoned pulled pork items were produced and packaged on Jan. 26, 2016. The product has the correct label on the front but an incorrect label for a beef brisket product on the back. The following products are subject to recall:

• 1-lb. microwaveable tray packages containing “Burger’s Smokehouse Signature Sauce Seasoned Pulled Pork with Barbeque Sauce.”

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 1161” inside the USDA mark of inspection and contain case code P816W with a use by/freeze by date of Aug. 13, 2016. These items were shipped to retail locations in Missouri.

The problem was discovered through a customer who called the company’s service line.

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.

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.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Austin Mouse, the company’s director of quality assurance, at (573) 796-3134, ext. 344.

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Backroad Country brand nuts, nut mixes recalled for Listeria risk

Troyer Cheese Inc. of Millersburg, OH, is recalling a limited number of nuts and nut mix products which have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The following products sold under the Backroad Country brand are subject to the recall, according to a notice on the Food and Drug Administration website:

CODE	DESCRIPTION	SIZE	PRODUCT BARCODE	BEST IF USED BY
15359	CRANBERRY NUT DELIGHT MIX PPK	12/9 OZ	0 49646 11038 4	May 2017
15356	HONEY ISLAND CRUNCH MIX PPK	12/9 OZ	0 49646 10090 3	May 2017
15318	WALNUT HALVES/PIECES PPK	12/6 OZ	0 49646 12073 4	May 2017
15372	PRETZELS PEANUT BUTTER PPK	12/7 OZ	0 49646 12079 6	May 2017

This is one of the Backroad Country branded snack products under recall because of potential Listeria contamination. Photos of the other recalled products are available on the FDA website.

Recalled retail items were sold in packaged bags and are marked with best-by dates on the front or back of the packages.

The products were packaged at Amish Wedding Foods and distributed by Troyer Cheese Inc., between the dates of May 6, 2016, and May 24, 2016. Shipments were to the following states: AL, AR, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NJ, NY OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI & WV.

Troyer Cheese stated that no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall, and that it was being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Consumers are urged not to consume these products. Consumers who purchased these products may take them back to the store where purchased for a refund or simply discard them, according to the recall notice. Consumers seeking information may call 1-877-343-1614, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Retailers and wholesale customers should check their inventories and shelves to confirm that none of the products are present or available for purchase by consumers or in warehouse inventories.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, pregnant women 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.

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CA raw milk producer says conflicting testing methods are the problem

The owner of a California organic dairy is working with state officials to find the source of Salmonella that has twice this month caused recalls of his raw milk, even though he believes the state’s test results are not indicative of the safety of his unpasteurized dairy products.

The 500-cow operation, Organic Pastures Dairy Co. in Fresno, will remain under heightened scrutiny for the next several weeks, a spokesman for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) said Wednesday.

Late Monday, the department posted notice of a statewide recall of Organic Pastures brand raw milk, raw skim milk and raw cream with a “use by” date of June 1 because of positive Salmonella test results. State inspectors found the contamination during follow-up testing in response to similar findings earlier this month that also resulted in a statewide recall.

The first recall, posted May 9, was for Organic Pastures raw milk and raw cream that had a use- by date of May 18. CDFA inspectors found Salmonella contamination during product testing conducted as part of routine inspection and sample collection at the Fresno dairy.

California officials tested raw dairy products from Organic Pastures that were processed and packaged after the products recalled Monday were produced and all received negative results for Salmonella. No illnesses had been reported in connection to either batch of recalled unpasteurized products as of Wednesday, according to the department.

“However, CDFA will continue with an increased frequency of testing for pathogens over the next several weeks (at the dairy),” said department spokesman Steve Lyle.

“Increased testing will also include standard microbiological counts such as Standard Plate Count and Total Coliform Count. Those counts are done monthly on a routine basis and have not indicated a significant sanitation problem at the facility. The cause of the Salmonella remains unknown,” he added.

Organic Pastures founder and CEO Mark McAfee agreed that the cause of the Salmonella remains unknown and said Tuesday that he will continue to work with state officials to find possible sources, even though he believes his milk is clean.

“The coliform tests show extremely clean milk, some at less than 1 coliform,” McAfee said Tuesday. “There is no fecal contamination.

“This is an issue regarding conflicts in testing methodology,” he said. “The state uses BAM ‘Moore Swab,’ and our private, state-approved, third-party lab uses PCR-BAX. Our BAX PCR tests are negative and the state returns mostly negative and some positive tests. This level of bacteria is at the far bottom reaches of the detection limits.”

The BAM method refers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Bacteriological Analytical Manual modified Moore swab method, while the BAX tests referenced by McAfee are a trademarked line of rapid-result pathogen detection kits.

The CDFA’s Lyle did not comment on the testing methods. However, he did say that there aren’t any so-called “state-approved” private labs for testing dairy products for pathogens.

“CDFA is not aware of a state agency that issues approvals to private industry laboratories regarding the testing of dairy products for foodborne pathogens, and the commercial laboratory used by OPDC is not approved by CDFA to conduct official testing,” he said, adding, “While a commercial laboratory may be useful for a firm’s own quality control monitoring program, results from such testing do not supersede official CDFA sampling and laboratory findings.”

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Blurring the line between breakfast and snack

Consumers continue to embrace snacking—not only as viable daypart option but also as a paradigm through which to view eating in general (smaller, more frequent meals). This has caused and will continue to cause changes in consumers’ relationships with traditional breakfast foods, according to market research publisher Packaged Facts in the report “Breakfast: Retail Market Trends and Opportunities in the U.S.”

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FDA releases final guidance on labeling term ‘evaporated cane juice’

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a final guidance for industry stating FDA’s view that sweeteners derived from sugar cane should not be declared on food labels as “evaporated cane juice.”

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Monsanto rejects Bayer takeover offer of $62 billion

According to Reuters, Monsanto, the world’s largest seed company, has turned down Bayer AG’s $62 billion acquisition bid as “incomplete and financially inadequate,” but said it was open to engage further in negotiations.

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Nestlé joins other food giants in attempt to woo startups

Nestlé has announced that it is launching a new global open innovation platform called Henri@ Nestlé in order to build new partnerships with startups.

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Food waste bill targets confusing date labels

On May 20, lawmakers introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and House that would make expiration date labeling on packaged food items more consistent and coherent and, consequently, help reduce food waste.

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General Mills invests in Kite Hill

Kite Hill, the California-based manufacturer of artisanal nut milk cheeses and yogurts, has closed an $18 million fundraising round with lead investment from 301 INC, General Mills’ new business development and venturing unit, and CAVU Venture Partners, a leading consumer growth equity firm.

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Low FODMAP diet may improve quality of life for those with IBS

Research presented at Digestive Disease Week and published in Gastroenerology shows that a change in diet may improve the lives of those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

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U.S. organic food sales reached $39.7 billion in 2015

The booming U.S. organic industry posted new records in 2015, with total organic food product sales reaching $39.7 billion, up 11% from the previous year, according to the Organic Trade Association’s 2016 Organic Industry Survey.

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USDA offers $7 million in funding to prevent childhood obesity

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that six universities have been awarded nearly $4 million in funding by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) to help fight obesity and improve the health of our nation's children.

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FDA unveils the new Nutrition Facts label

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finalized the new Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods with changes that aim to make it easier for consumers to make informed choices about what they’re eating.

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Three more companies recall products containing sunflower kernels

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted three more recalls of food items containing sunflower kernels. Two of the recalls were posted Tuesday, May 24, and another was posted May 20. All three of the recalling firms indicated that no related illnesses have been reported to date.

The two most recent recalls involve a variety of snack items shipped to foodservice distributors, food banks and school meals programs by ES Foods of Woodbury, NY, and 50-pound bags and 30-pound cases of sunflower kernels distributed to four states by C.J. Dannemiller Co. of Norton, OH.

ES Foods

ES Foods stated that it was recalling 3,700 cases of the following Meal Breaks items containing individually packed Sunrich Natural Sunflower Kernels (Roasted & Salted), Net Wt 1 oz., because the sunflower seeds have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes:

Meal Breaks	Lot #	Best Used By	Item #
Cheese Stick w/ Beef Stick	6111	11/11/16	61406
	6124	09/02/16 12/10/16
Cheese Sauce	6126	03/01/17	61410
Cheese Stick	6112	12/09/16	61418
Chips & Dip	6116	12/01/16	61419
Lime Bean Dippers	6112	10/26/16	61420
Cheese Cup	6116	01/15/17	61430
Frosted Flakes w/Cheese Stick	6112	09/19/16	61438
Cinnamon Pop Tarts	6112	12/10/16	61439
PBJ w/Milk	6125	01/11/17	61602
Tuna Salad w/Milk	6126	02/09/17	61603
BBQ Chicken w/Milk	6125	02/09/17	61605

 

The Meal Breaks were distributed in CA, KS, KY, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA and WI to foodservice distributors, food banks, and school meal programs, between the dates of April 21 and May 13, 2016, according to the ES Foods recall notice.

Products are packed in a master case, and that master case contains the product code number, product description, “Best Used By” Date, and lot code.

ES Foods stated that the potential for contamination was noted after the company received notification from SunOpta, its sunflower kernel supplier, about positive Listeria monocytogenes results.

Customers with questions may contact ES Foods at 516-682-5484, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

C.J. Dannemiller Co.

The second recall was announced by C.J. Dannemiller Co., which is recalling SunOpta 50-pound bags and 30-pound cases of sunflower kernels roasted and salted and sunflower kernels roasted no salt because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria.

The company stated that the recalled Sun Opta Roasted Sunflower kernels roasted and salted and Sun Opta Roasted No Salt were distributed in AR, VA, IN and MI in bulk packaging between Feb. 22, 2016 and May 17, 2016.

The product comes in a 50-lb. white paper bag marked with the lot codes: 8B6M17, 8D6M12, 8D6M11. The lot code is located on the top center of the bag or in a 30-lb. brown corrugated case with MFG DATE of 3/21/16 or 3/28/16. MFG DATE is on the product label.

Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation into the source of the problem, according to the recall notice.

Consumers who have purchased 50-lbs. bags of the recalled product are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-624-8671, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

Hickory Harvest Foods

The third posted recall is an expanded one from Hickory Harvest Foods of Akron, OH. The company stated that, under advice from SunOpta, its sunflower kernel supplier, it was expanding its recall of a limited number of products that have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  These recalled items are in addition to the food items Hickory Harvest recalled on May 4, 2016.

The additional products were packaged at, or distributed from, Hickory Harvest between the dates of April 20, 2016 and May 18, 2016. Shipments were to the following states: AR, AZ, CA, CT, FL, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TX and VA.

Recalled retail items were sold in packaged bags and deli tubs and are marked with Best By Dates located on the front or back of the packages. Listed below are details regarding the additional recalled items:

Product Description	Size	UPC	Best By Date
Big Y Cranberry Nut Trail	20 oz	0-18894-00457-8	02/09/17
Hickory Harvest Cranberry Fitness Car Cup	7 oz	0-36232-06136-6	02/04/17
Hickory Harvest Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernel Car Cup	7 oz	0-36232-07716-9	02/03/17 02/05/17
Hickory Harvest Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernel	11 oz	0-36232-07702-2	05/02/17
Amish Farms Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernel	5.5 oz	8-55993-20018-6	04/20/17
Raylicious Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernels	1.5 oz	8-55291-00192-8	05/20/17
Liberty Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernels	3 oz	6-08819-35672-3	05/02/17 05/21/17 05/25/17
Sheetz Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernels	3.5 oz	7-59465-00784-9	04/20/17 04/25/17 05/02/17 05/03/17
Hickory Harvest Sweet and Salty Trail Car Cup	6 oz	0-36232-00511-7	01/20/17 01/21/17

 

Previously recalled items from Hickory Harvest are listed below:

Product Description	Size	UPC	Best By Date
Hickory Harvest Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernel	10 oz	0-36232-07703-9	11/18/16 01/07/17 01/08/17
Hickory Harvest Roasted No Salt Sunflower Kernel	10 oz	0-36232-07707-9	11/16/16 01/21/17
Hickory Harvest Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernel	7 oz	0-36232-07716-9	11/25/16 12/29/16
Hickory Harvest Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernel	11 oz	0-36232-07702-2	01/11/17
Hickory Harvest Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernel	5 oz	0-36232-07704-6	11/25/16 12/28/16 12/29/16
IM Good Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernel	1.6 oz	7-93724-80218-9	04/29/17
Sheetz Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernel	3.5 oz	7-59465-00784-9	03/01/17
Raylicious Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernel	1.5 oz	8-55291-00192-8	04/14/17 04/15/17
Liberty Roasted Sunflower Kernel	3 oz	6-08819-35672-3	04/16/17 04/29/17
Heinens Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernel	10 oz	0-36232-07703-9	12/28/16
Heinens Roasted No Salted Sunflower Kernel	10 oz	0-36232-07707-7	01/21/17 12/15/16
Amish Farms Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernel	5.5 oz	8-55993-20018-6	02/25/17

 

Consumers are urged not to consume these products but are advised to take them back to the store where they purchased them for a refund or to simply discard them. Consumers seeking information may email askus2@hickoryharvest.com or call 1-800-448-6887, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

These latest recalls of sunflower kernels, or food products containing them, are part of about two dozen such recalls FDA has announced since the first week of May.

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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Recall and quarantine targeted at Organic Pastures raw milk products –Again

For the second time this month, Organic Pastures Dairy of Fresno, CA is recalling raw milk products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Late Monday, California State Veterinarian Annette Jones announced that raw milk and cream produced by Organic Pastures with a code date of June 1, 2016 is the subject of a statewide recall and quarantine order.

The quarantine order followed the confirmed detection of Salmonella bacteria in raw whole milk and raw skim milk.  No illnesses have been reported at this time.

Under the recall, Organic Pastures Dairy brand raw milk, raw skim milk and raw cream labeled with a USE BY date of JUN 01 2016 is to be pulled immediately from retail shelves, and consumers are strongly urged to dispose of any product remaining in their refrigerators.

CDFA inspectors found the bacteria as a result of product testing conducted in follow up to a previous recall order on May 9, 2016 that was also due to the detection of Salmonella.

According to the California Department of Public Health, symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea which may be bloody. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop symptoms 12 to 72 hours after exposure. While most individuals recover in four to seven days without medical intervention, some may develop complications that require hospitalization. Infants, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for more severe illness.

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First Source Recalls Products With Sunflower Kernels due to Listeria Risk

First Source, a bulk distributor and packer of candy and other gourmet specialty items based in Tonawanda, NY, is recalling the following items because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes:

• 15 LBS Alpine Valley Fitness Mix with lot code BD 161021
• 15 LBS Alpine Valley Yogurt Fruit/Nut Mix with lot code BD 161261
• Alpine Tub “Roasted & Salted Sunflower Kernels” 10.25oz with Best By 03-24-17
• Alpine Tub “Roasted & Unsalted Sunflower Kernels” 10.25oz with Best By 3-23-17, 3-30-17, 5-3-17
• Wegmans square tub “Fitness Mix” 20oz with Best By 12-24-16
• Wegmans square tub “Sunshine Cranberry Delight” 20oz with Best By 12/15/16, 1-7-17, 2-9-17
• 15 LBS Alpine Valley Sunshine Cranberry Delight with Lot Code BD 161021 and BD 161261
• Flave Fitness Mix 8oz with Best By 4-20-17 and 05-02-17
• Flave Tropical Trail Mix 8oz with Best By 4-20-17
• Flave Oriental Mix 6oz with Best By 3-10-17 and 4-21-17
• Flave Sunflower Seeds 7.5oz with Best By 4-20-17
• Gonzo 2 Go “Sunshine Cranberry Delight” 4.5oz with Best By 2-10-17
• Gonzo 2 Go “Fitness Mix” 5oz with Best By 1-7-17
• Stewarts Sunshine Cranberry Delite 5oz with Best By 1-18-17
• Tops square tub “Roasted & Unsalted Sunflower Kernels” 10.25 with Best By 3-30-17, 5-3-17
• Tops square tub “Roasted & Salted Sunflower Kernels” 10.25 with Best By 1-28-17

The recalled items were distributed in the following states via retail stores: IN, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA,VA, WV and SC, between March 22, 2016, and May 21, 2016. The company stated that no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The company stated that the potential for contamination was noted after First Source received notification from its sunflower kernel supplier, SunOpta of Crookston, MN, regarding positive Listeria monocytogenes results.

Consumers who have purchased any of these items are urged to destroy the product. If customers have further distributed any of these items, please immediately contact your accounts, advise them of the recall situation, and have them return their outstanding recalled stocks to you and maintain and share your record of the destruction of these items. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (716) 389-0264, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

The First Source recall joins several other recent recalls involving sunflower kernels supplied by SunOpta. They include: Hy-Vee Inc. trail mix products, Papa John’s Oriental Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing and Citrus Kale Salad With Chicken, Dakota Style Food Inc., TreeHouse Foods Inc., and SunOpta’s own recall.

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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Hy-Vee Caught Up in Trail Mix Listeria Recall

Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling six trail mix products across its eight-state region due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The products include Hy-Vee Caramel Cashew Honey Crunch Trail Mix, Hy-Vee Dark Chocolate Cranberry Trail Mix, Hy-Vee Mountain Trail Mix, Hy-Vee Mountain Trail Mix To Go, Hy-Vee Berry Trail Mix and Hy-Vee Santa Fe Trail Mix. 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 monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with these products.

Out of an abundance of caution, Hy-Vee is recalling the following products from all of its stores:

• Hy-Vee Caramel Cashew Honey Crunch Trail Mix — sold in 24 oz. bags with the UPC number 75450040586 and with a “best by” date of April 5, 2017
• Hy-Vee Dark Chocolate Cranberry Trail Mix — sold in 24 oz. bags with the UPC number 75450041354 and with a “best by” date of April 14, 2017
• Hy-Vee Mountain Trail Mix — sold in 26 oz. bags with the UPC number 75450016796 and with a “best by” date of April 5, 2017, and April 15, 2017
• Hy-Vee Mountain Trail Mix To Go — sold in 1.75 oz. bags with the UPC number 75450040739 and with a “best by” date of March 23, 2017
• Hy-Vee Berry Trail Mix — sold in 7 oz. bags with the UPC number 75450040593 and with a “best by” date of March 19, 2017
• Hy-Vee Santa Fe Trail Mix — sold in 6.5 oz. bags with the UPC number 75450041101 and with a “best by” date of March 31, 2017

The potential for contamination was discovered after Hy-Vee’s supplier, SunOpta, announced they were recalling specific lots of sunflower kernels due to the potential for Listeria monocytogenes. The initial recall was limited to sunflower kernel products produced at SunOpta’s Crookston, Minnesota, facility; however, the recall was recently expanded to all products produced at the facility between Feb. 20 and April 20.

 

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Listeria Tainted Sunflower Kernels Prompt Salad Recall

Papa John’s Salad and Produce, Inc. is voluntarily recalling Oriental Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This voluntary action is being undertaken in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration because the recalled products contain sunflower kernels that are part of the recent SunOpta sunflower kernel recall expansion.

SunOpta’s recall can be found at: http://ift.tt/1NAWMzf

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that 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.

No illnesses as of 5/21/16 have been reported to Papa John’s Salads and Produce for the products involved in this voluntary recall.

Products covered by this voluntary recall were distributed in the following states AZ, CA, ID, MT, ND, NM, OR, WY. Specific retail stores affected include Albertson’s, Safeway, Bashas’, and Food 4 Less.

Brand	Container Size	UPC	Sell by Date
Albertsons/Safeway
Oriental Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing	10 oz.	78279602691	5/18, 5/ 19, 5/20, 5/21, 5/22, 5/23, 5/24, 5/25
Bashas
Oriental Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing	10 oz.	78279602691	5/18, 5/ 19, 5/20, 5/21, 5/22, 5/23, 5/24
Food 4 Less
Oriental Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing	13 oz.	78279602840	5/18, 5/ 19, 5/20, 5/21, 5/22, 5/23, 5/24, 5/25

 

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US Listeria Vegetable Recall Crosses “The Pond”

The UK’s Food Standards Agency announced that Costco Wholesale is updating its recall to include its Dr. Praeger’s brand Frozen Organic Veggie Burger because the products might contain Listeria monoctyogenes. The company has previously recalled its Organic by Nature brand Organic Vegetable Medley.

Brand name: Dr. Praeger’s
Product: Frozen Organic Veggie Burger
Pack size: 12-pack box
‘ Best before’ date: 11 December 2015
Lot code: W14BB

Brand name: Dr. Praeger’s
Product: Frozen Organic Veggie Burger
Pack size: 12-pack box
‘ Best before’ date: 26 May 2016
Lot code: F15CG

Brand name: Dr. Praeger’s
Product: Frozen Organic Veggie Burger
Pack size: 12-pack box
‘ Best before’ date: 20 April 2016
Lot code: R15CA

Brand name: Organic by Nature
Product: Vegetable Medley
Pack size: 2.5kg
‘Best before’ date: 7 February 2017

Costco Wholesale has recalled products with the affected batch codes and ‘best before’ dates as a precautionary measure. The recall is linked to an ongoing listeria outbreak in the US being investigated by the U.S Food and Drug Administration.

Costco Wholesale has sent a letter to all its member customers who have bought the product, explaining why the product has been recalled and the actions members or add-on members can take if they have bought the affected product.

 

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Cantran Meat Co. Recalls Pork over E. coli Worry

Cantran Meat Co. Ltd. is recalling raw pork and pork organ products from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Consumers should not consume and food service establishments, retailers, distributors and manufacturers in Alberta, should not serve, use, or sell these products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The affected raw pork and pork organ products, supplied by Cantran Meat Co. Ltd., may have been transformed into raw muscle meat cuts, ground pork, sausages, and raw ready-to-eat products. The products, which have been sold fresh, have only been distributed in Alberta.

The affected products are known to have been sold or distributed by the companies listed below from April 28, 2016 up to and including May 14, 2016. These products may have been sold pre-packaged or clerk-served, with or without a label. Consumers who are unsure if they have the affected products are advised to check with their retailer.

Company name	Address	City
Fat Kee Fresh Meat Market	1423 Centre Street N.W.	Calgary
Fat Kee BBQ & Meat	111 3 Avenue S.E.	Calgary
Wah Hing Meat Shop	108 3 Avenue S.E.	Calgary
Illichmann’s Sausage Shop	1840 36 Street S.E.	Calgary
My Tho BBQ & Fresh Meat	575 28 Street S.E.	Calgary

 

This recall was triggered by findings of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Alberta Health Services, and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry during the investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak in Alberta. The CFIA is continuing the food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled product from the marketplace.

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Even More Sun Flower Kernels Recalled Over Listeria

Dakota Style Foods, Inc. of Clark, South Dakota has expanded its voluntary recall to include 15,158 cases of sunflower kernels because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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.

The sunflower kernels were distributed to 34 customers nation-wide and are sold through retail outlets.

The products involved are Dakota Style 16 ounce Roasted and Salted Sunflower Kernels, 3.5 ounce Roasted and Salted Sunflower Kernels, 32 ounce Roasted and Salted Sunflower Kernels, 4 ounce Savory Bacon Sunflower Kernels, 8 ounce Savory Bacon Sunflower Kernels and 4 ounce Salted Caramel Sunflower Kernels that were shipped by Dakota Style Foods, Inc. between February 15, 2016 and May 17, 2016. The affected lots are identified by lot codes 8B6M02, 8B6M09, 8B6M17, 8B6M18, 8B6M24, 8B6M25, 8C6M02, 8C6M08, 8C6M10, 8C6M28, 8C6M31 and 8D6M01. The consumer packages are plastic packages bearing the company logo and product name with the lot code located on the back right hand panel of the consumer package.

No illnesses have been confirmed to date. The expanded recall resulted from notice by SunOpta, one of Dakota Style’s sunflower kernel suppliers, that SunOpta expanded a voluntary recall of certain lots of sunflower kernels. Dakota Style has identified the lots that may have included ingredients received from SunOpta and is actively working to return all affected products.

Consumers who have purchased Dakota Style 16 ounce Roasted and Salted Sunflower Kernels, 3.5 ounce Roasted and Salted Sunflower Kernels, 32 ounce Roasted and Salted Sunflower Kernels, 4 ounce Savory Bacon Sunflower Kernels, 8 ounce Savory Bacon Sunflower Kernels or 4 ounce Caramel Sunflower Kernels with lot code 8B6M02, 8B6M09, 8B6M17, 8B6M18, 8B6M24, 8B6M25, 8C6M02, 8C6M08, 8C6M10, 8C6M28, 8C6M31 or 8D6M01, located on the back right-hand panel of the consumer package, are urged to return the package to the place of purchase for a full refund.

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More Sunflowers Recalled Due to Listeria

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) today expanded its voluntary recall of products containing sunflower kernels which may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (L.mono).

This follows the announcement on May 18, 2016, by our supplier SunOpta of its expanded recall of sunflower kernels which have the potential to be contaminated with L. mono.

L.mono 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.

Product was distributed nationwide through retail stores. The additional products being recalled as part of the expansion are listed below. Consumers can find UPC codes and Best By/Date Codes on each package.

Description	UPC	Best by Date
Southern Grove Adventure Trail Mix	041498200190	3/28/2017
Southern Grove Chopped Walnuts	041498131500	3/22/2017
Southern Grove Cranberry & Nut Trail Mix	041498160982	3/24/2017
Southern Grove Cranberry & Nut Trail Mix	041498160982	4/15/2017
Southern Grove Mountain Trail Mix	041498148447	4/4/2017
Southern Grove Mountain Trail Mix	041498148447	4/26/2017
Southern Grove Nuts, Seeds & Raisins Trail Mix	041498177829	3/23/2017
Southern Grove Nuts, Seeds & Raisins Trail Mix	041498177829	4/13/2017
Southern Grove Oven Roasted Almonds with Sea Salt	041498132248	3/16/2017
Southern Grove PB & Pretzel Trail Mix	041498211004	3/28/2017
Southern Grove PB & Pretzel Trail Mix	041498211004	4/5/2017
Southern Grove Roasted & Salted Sunflower Kernels	041498206680	3/2/2017
Southern Grove Roasted & Salted Sunflower Kernels	041498206680	3/15/2017
Southern Grove Roasted & Salted Sunflower Kernels	041498206680	3/28/2017
Southern Grove Roasted & Salted Sunflower Kernels	041498206680	4/29/2017
Southern Grove Roasted & Salted Sunflower Kernels	041498206680	4/29/2017
Southern Grove Roasted & Unsalted Sunflower Kernels	041498206765	4/28/2016
Southern Grove Roasted & Unsalted Sunflower Kernels	041498206765	3/1/2017
Southern Grove Roasted & Unsalted Sunflower Kernels	041498206765	3/14/2017
Southern Grove Roasted & Unsalted Sunflower Kernels	041498206765	3/28/2017
Southern Grove Sliced Almonds	041498121686	3/21/2017
Southern Grove Sunny Cranberry Trail Mix	041498202057	3/28/2017
Southern Grove Tuscan Trail Mix	041498205379	4/28/2017
Southern Grove Unwind Trail Mix	041498200183	3/28/2017
Amport Foods Cranberry Nut Trail Mix	071725706133	3/18/2017
Amport Foods Cranberry Nut Trail Mix	071725706133	4/14/2017
Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted	071725241412	11/26/2016
Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted	071725241504	12/2/2016
Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted	071725241504	12/25/2016
Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted	071725241504	12/11/2016
Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Salted	071725241351	12/3/2016
Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Salted	071725241351	12/26/2016
Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Salted	071725241351	12/12/2016
Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Salted	071725748010	12/26/2016
Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Salted	071725748010	12/31/2016
Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Salted	071725748010	1/14/2017
Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Salted	071725241405	1/7/2017
Amport Foods Trail Mix Raisin & Nut	071725741042	4/4/2017
Amport Foods Chocolatey Nut Trail Mix	071725713124	1/8/2017
Amport Foods Dark Chocolate Almond	071725712387	1/7/2017
Amport Foods Dark Chocolate Cranberry Trail Mix	071725711854	1/2/2017
Amport Foods Milk Chocolate Peanuts	071725711939	1/7/2017
Amport Foods Raisin & Nut Trail Mix	071725714688	1/14/2017
Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Unsalted	071725748003	12/3/2016
Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Unsalted	071725748003	1/6/2017
Amport Foods Yogurt Almonds	071725748034	1/8/2017
Fresh Finds Dried Tropical Mix	411014937907	3/17/2017
Gold Emblem Roasted & Salted Sunflower Kernels	050428353240	1/14/2017
Naturally Select Chocolate & Nut Trail Mix	639277431417	3/23/2017
Naturally Select Fruit & Nut Trail Mix	639277431455	3/15/2017
Naturally Select Indulgent Trail Mix	639277187567	3/24/2017
Salted Sunflower Seeds in Shell distributed by Greenbrier International, Inc.	639277286208	2/25/2017
Salted Sunflower Seeds in Shell distributed by Greenbrier International	639277286208	2/28/2017
Salted Sunflower Seeds in Shell distributed by Greenbrier International	639277286208	3/17/2017
Salted Sunflower Seeds in Shell distributed by Greenbrier International	639277286208	3/21/2017
Salted Sunflower Seeds in Shell distributed by Greenbrier International	639277286208	4/13/2017
Family Gourmet Tropical Mix	032251046506	3/16/2017
Clover Valley Chocolatey Peanut Butter Trail Mix	071725750167	3/25/2017
Hy-Vee Berry Trail Mix	075450040593	3/19/2017
Hy-Vee Dark Chocolate Cranberry Trail Mix	075450041354	4/14/2017
Hy-Vee Mountain Mix Trail Mix	075450016796	4/5/2017
Hy-Vee Mountain Mix Trail Mix	075450016796	4/15/2017
Hy-Vee Mountain Trail Mix	075450040739	3/23/2017
Hy-Vee Santa Fe Trail Mix	075450041101	3/31/2017
Hy-Vee Caramel Cashew Honey Crunch Trail Mix	075450040586	4/5/2017
K&G Cranberry Trail Mix	708615110489	12/3/2016
Smart Sense Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernels	883967300013	3/16/2017
American Importing Company, Inc. Roasted No Salt Seeds	071725748003	1/6/2017
Delish Blueberry Nut Blend Premium Trail Mix	049022880641	3/17/2017
Delish Tropical Blend Premium Trail Mix	049022880634	3/17/2017
Nice! Peanut Lovers Trail Mix	049022846524	4/19/2017
Nice! Sunflower Salted in Shell	049022832275	4/15/2017
Delish Almond Berry Pistachio Premium Trail Mix	049022880627	3/18/2017
Nature’s Harvest Dark Chocolate Cranberry Trail Mix	071725749062	3/28/2017
Nature’s Harvest Southwest Trail Mix	071725711533	12/27/2016
Nature’s Harvest Southwest Trail Mix	071725711533	12/30/2016
Nature’s Harvest Southwest Trail Mix	071725711533	1/17/2017
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Honey Roasted	071715727510	12/20/2016
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Honey Roasted	071715727510	1/21/2017
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Ranch Flavored	071725728074	3/31/2017
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Ranch Flavored	071725728074	4/27/2017
Nature’s Harvest Afternoon Trail Mix	071725728166	1/14/2017
Nature’s Harvest Almond Dry Roasted Sea Salted	071725728791	3/16/2017
Nature’s Harvest Dark Chocolate Covered Cashews	071725749314	1/6/2017
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Salted	071725727497	12/19/2016
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Salted	071725727497	12/20/2016
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Salted	071725727497	12/25/2016
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Salted	071725727497	1/2/2017
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Salted	071725727497	1/3/2017
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Salted	071725727497	1/16/2017
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Salted	071725727497	1/20/2017
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted	071725727503	11/25/2016
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted	071725727503	11/26/2016
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted	071725727503	12/4/2016
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted	071725727503	12/18/2016
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted	071725727503	12/23/2016
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted	071725727503	1/2/2017
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted	071725727503	1/14/2017
Nature’s Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted	071725727503	1/15/2017
Nature’s Harvest Sweet Nut & Berry Munch Trail Mix	071725728203	12/27/2016

No illnesses have been confirmed to date.

Pictures of the products listed above will be available on the TreeHouse Foods website.

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Kale Recalled over Sunflowers with Listeria

Papa John’s Salads and Produce, a Tolleson, Ariz. establishment, is recalling approximately 373 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with chicken products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The Signature Café Citrus Kale Salad with Chicken items were produced from May 10 through May 17, 2016. The following products are subject to recall:

• 7.5-oz. plastic packages of “Signature Café Citrus Kale Salad with Chicken – Dress with Lemon, Salt and Pepper” with “Use By” dates of May 17 through May 24, 2016. The packages will have the following UPC code of 2113008148.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-40280” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming.

The problem was discovered on May 19, 2016, when the establishment was notified by SunOpta that its sunflower kernel products used in Papa John’s Salads and Produce products were involved in a recall due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

SunOpta’s recall can be found at: http://ift.tt/1NAWMzf

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Caramel Factory Recalls Candy

The Caramel Factory, LLC of Batesville, MS, is recalling the following products for undeclared allergens:

Chocolate covered candies with undeclared milk and soy

• white and dark chocolate cashew turtles and tortoises
• white and dark chocolate pecan turtles and tortoises
• white and dark chocolate pecan krispie clusters
• white and dark chocolate peanut clusters
• white and dark chocolate cashew clusters
• MS molded chocolate
• sugar free milk chocolate peanut cluster
• sugar free milk chocolate cashew cluster

Candies with undeclared milk and/or soy

• fudge
• pecan fudge
• peanut butter fudge
• sea salt caramel fudge
• salt water taffy
• Rice Krispcicles

Candies with undeclared tree nuts, soy, and/or milk

• pralines

Baked Goods with undeclared tree nuts, soy, milk, and wheat

• cocoons

Candy with undeclared eggs and milk

• sugar free salt water taffy

Chocolate coated baked Goods with undeclared eggs, soy, wheat and/or milk

• White Trash
• Oreos
• Rice Krispcicles
• chocolate covered Twinkies
• chocolate covered pretzels

Baked goods with undeclared eggs, soy, wheat and/or milk

• caramel sugar cookies
• caramel cakes

Baked goods with undeclared eggs, tree nuts, soy, wheat and/or milk

• turtle brownies
• praline cookies

People who have allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, and/or wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

These retail products were distributed from our retail store in Batesville, MS prior to May 11, 2016.

The products are packaged, clear plastic packages with the name of each product.

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Listeria Test Prompts Sunflower Recall

As a precaution, SunOpta expanded its voluntary recall of a limited number of sunflower kernel products that have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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.

The initial recall was limited to sunflower kernel products produced at SunOpta’s Crookston, Minn. facility between the dates of February 1, 2016 and February 19, 2016.  The expanded recall includes products produced February 20, 2016 through April 21, 2016, the date on which the facility ceased production of the products.  No illnesses have been confirmed related to the consumption of this product.

Recalled retail items were sold in clear printed plastic packages and are marked with Best By Dates located on the front or back of the packages. Listed below are details regarding the recalled items:

Product Description	Size	UPC	Lot #	Best By Date
Sunrich Naturals Sunflower Kernel	1 oz.	810304032122	37216074 37216075 37216076 37216077 37216078 37216081 37216082 37216083 37216084 37216085 37216088 37216090 37216091 37216092 37216095 37216096 37216098 37216099	14MAR17 15MAR17 16MAR17 17MAR17 18MAR17 21MAR17 22MAR17 23MAR17 24MAR17 25MAR17 28MAR17 30MAR17 31MAR17 01APR17 04APR17 05APR17 07APR17 08APR17
Planters Sunflower Kernels	3 oz.	029000012714	7072A3, 7072B3, 7072C3 7073A3, 7073B3, 7073C3 7074A3, 7074B3, 7074C3 7075A3	03/13/17 03/14/17 03/15/17 03/16/17

Recalled products were distributed to distribution centers during the months of March and April 2016 in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas and may be redistributed to other states nationwide.

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Dowdy receives $40,000 Arla Foods graduate fellowship

The Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science at the University of California, Davis has named Ryan Dowdy the recipient of the 2016 Arla Foods Graduate Fellowship.

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Ganeden promotes Bush to president

Ganeden, a supplier of probiotic ingredients, has promoted Michael Bush to president of the company.

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Listeria Recall Expands to Canada and Mexico

Ajinomoto Windsor, Inc. is voluntarily recalling various Not-Ready-To Eat frozen food items due to the potential for these products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This voluntary action is being undertaken in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration because the recalled products contain vegetables that are part of the recent CRF Frozen Foods recall.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that 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.

No illnesses to date have been reported to Ajinomoto Windsor, Inc. for the products involved in this voluntary recall.

Products covered by this voluntary recall were distributed in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and include only those products listed below currently in distribution and for sale.  Specific product names and product information are listed below.  We have modified the listing because we have identified five items that we determined are not impacted by the recall and have removed them from our list.

Other products regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that contain meat and poultry products are also affected by this recall and are subject to another recall announcement issued from that agency. No other Ajinomoto Windsor, Inc. retail or food service-branded products are impacted by this voluntary recall.

Product #	Description:	Pack Size
229650	WAHOO-BATTERED VEGGIE FRIES	6/2 lb. bags
241120	FRED’S BATTERED CORN NUGGET	6/2 lb. bags
241550	PONDEROSA BATTERED SWEET CORN NUGGET	6/2 lb. bags
241620	GOLDEN VALUE BATTERED CORN NUGGET	4/3 lb. bags
241720	FRED’S SPICY BREADED CORN NUGGET w/JALAPENO	6/2 lb. bags
672685	MOLLY’S KITCHEN BATTERED SWEET CORN NUGGETS	6/2 lb. bags
673692	MOLLY’S KITCHEN BATTERED VEGETABLE STICKS	6/2 lb. bags
864964	MOLLY’S KITCHEN SPICY BREADED CORN NUGGET w/JALAPENO	6/2 lb. bags
82070	TAI PEI MADE TO ORDER GARDEN VEGETABLE RICE	8/18 oz. pails
82072	TAI PEI PDQ SHRIMP FRIED RICE	9/12 oz. pails
7007700806	TAI PEI SHRIMP FRIED RICE	8/12 oz. pails
7007701048	VIP-CORN CUT	12/16 oz.
7007701065	VIP-QP PETITE PEAS	12/16 oz.
7007701248	VIP-CORN CUT	12/32 oz.
7007706448	VIP-STEAMWORKS ORGANIC SWEET CORN	6 pk./24 oz.
7007706464	VIP-STEAMWORKS ORGANIC PEAS	6 pk./24 oz.
7007706476	VIP-STEAMWORKS ORGANIC MIXED VEGETABLES	6 pk./24 oz.
7007706548	VIP-STEAMWORKS SWEET CUT CORN	12 pk./12 oz.
7007706576	VIP-STEAMWORKS MIX VEGETABLES	12 pk./12 oz.
56857	OLD PARK SOUTHWEST VEGETABLE SPRING ROLL	162 ct./1.5 oz.
5650053	AJINOMOTO VEGETABLE FRIED RICE	9 ct./3 lb. bags
5650203	MINH VEGETABLE FRIED RICE	4 ct./3 lb. bags
5650213	JADE MOUNTAIN VEGETABLE FRIED RICE	4 ct./3 lb. bags
5650233	TRADER JOE’S VEGETABLE FRIED RICE	24/1 lb. bags
5650243	FIRST STREET VEGETABLE FRIED RICE	12/1 lb. bags
5650263	HY VEE FRIED RICE-VEGETABLE	12/1 lb. bags
5650273	AJINOMOTO VEGETABLE FRIED RICE	9/3 lb. bags
275720	Fred’s Battered Green Beans  (limited to date code 0945280 on the master case)	6/2 lb. bags
671850	Molly’s Kitchen Battered Green Beans (limited to date code 0945280 on the master case)	6/2 lb. bags

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Eating seafood may help prevent cognitive decline

Older people who consume seafood or other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids at least once a week may experience a lesser cognitive decline than those who do not, according to research from Rush University Medical Center and Wageningen University published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

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FDA finalizes report on CRF Frozen Foods recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration revealed the findings of its inspection of CRF Frozen Foods in a report posted to its website on May 12.

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Montero Farms recalls habanero peppers for possible Salmonella

Montero Farms is recalling its Orange Habanero Peppers, which have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

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National food safety education conference calls for abstracts

The Partnership for Food Safety Education is accepting abstract submissions for its national consumer food safety education conference, Advancing Food Safety Through Behavior Change, which will take place Jan. 25–27, 2017, in Washington, D.C.

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Green Beans Added to Listeria Recall

Stahlbush Island Farms, Inc. (SIFI) of Corvallis, Ore., is voluntarily recalling 10 oz. Stahlbush® IQF Green Bean retail packages because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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.

The product was distributed throughout the United Stated and Canada. The green beans were packaged for Stahlbush Island Farms, Inc. by a co-packer into 10 oz. Stahlbush® IQF Green Bean paper retail packages. Product is frozen and has the UPC code 6 38882 00053 7.

The lot numbers are found on the back of the package and the affected lot numbers and best by dates are:

#16034001, with a “best buy” code date of 02/03/18.
#15097001, with a “best buy” code date of 04/07/17.
#14328001, with a “best buy” code date of 12/2016.
#15362001, with a “best buy” code date of 12/28/17.
#14310002, with a “best buy” code date of 11/06/16.

No other Stahlbush® products are affected by this recall. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with affected Stahlbush® products.

The recall was initiated after SIFI was notified by the supplier of the green beans that the supplier had issued a recall of the green beans.

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Fish, chicken and dairy — mostly raw milk — top outbreak list

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta is out with its annual report on foodborne disease outbreaks, showing 864 outbreaks involving 13,246 people, 712 hospitalizations and 21 deaths in 2014.

CDC also reported the outbreaks led to 21 recalls of food products in 2014.

Among the report’s other findings:

Single food categories associated with the most outbreak illnesses:

• Seeded vegetables, such as cucumbers or tomatoes — 428 illnesses;
• Chicken — 354 illnesses; and
• Dairy — 267 illnesses.

Single food categories associated with the most outbreaks:

• Fish — 43 outbreaks;
• Chicken — 23 outbreaks; and
• Dairy — 19 outbreaks, with 15 linked to unpasteurized, dairy products including raw milk.

There were 25 multi-state outbreaks, with specific types of foods determined in 16 outbreaks:

• Ground beef — five outbreaks;
• Fruits — five outbreaks;
• Seeded vegetables — three outbreaks; and
• Row crops, such as lettuce and cabbage — three outbreaks.

Most common locations
Restaurants accounted for 485 outbreaks, or 65 percent, of outbreaks reporting a single location of preparation. Specifically, 394 restaurants with sit-down dining, were the most commonly reported locations of food preparation.

According to the CDC report, foodborne diseases caused by known pathogens are estimated to result in about 9.4 million illnesses each year in the United States. Not all that many of the illnesses occur in the setting of a recognized outbreak. However, data collected during outbreak investigations provide insights into the pathogens and foods that cause illness.

Public health officials, regulatory agencies and the food industry use data to create control strategies along the farm-to-table continuum that target specific pathogens and foods.

As defined by CDC, an outbreak of foodborne disease is the occurrence of two or more cases of a similar illness resulting from ingestion of a common food. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories voluntarily submit reports of outbreaks investigated by their agencies using a Web-based reporting platform, the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS)

NORS also collects reports of enteric disease outbreaks caused by other transmission modes, including water, animal contact, person-to-person contact, environmental contamination and unknown modes of transmission.

More about the multi-state outbreaks
Of  the 864 outbreaks in 2014, only 25, or 3 percent, were multi-state outbreaks. The multi-state outbreaks resulted in 778 illnesses, or 6 percent, of all outbreak illnesses. Of multi-state victims, 194 of them, or 28 percent, required hospitalization. Multi-state outbreaks caused 11 deaths, which was 52 percent of all foodborne illness outbreak deaths.

Outbreaks involved a median of five states with a range of  2–29. Eleven outbreaks were caused by Salmonella. The serotypes of Salmonella identified were Baildon, Braenderup, Enteritidis, Javiana, Minnesota, Newport, Paratyphi B variant L(+) tartrate(+), Saintpaul, Stanley, Typhimurium, and multiple serotypes for one outbreak each. Ten multistate outbreaks were caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. The E. coli serogroups identified were O157 for six outbreaks, and O103, O111, O121 and O145 each with one outbreak. Three outbreaks were caused by Listeria and one by norovirus.

The foods implicated in Salmonella outbreaks were almond and peanut butter, cantaloupe (suspected), cashews (suspected), chia seed powder, cucumber, grapes (suspected), ground beef (suspected), mango (suspected), mini cucumbers (suspected), mini peppers (suspected), and mung bean sprouts.

For E. coli, implicated foods included ground beef in four outbreaks with one confirmed and three suspected.  Serogroups O157 and O145 were identified in three and one of those outbreaks, respectively. Other E. coli implicated foods were cabbage with serogroup O111, clover sprouts  with O121, leaf lettuce with O157, pre-packaged salad with O157, spinach (suspected) with O157, and an undetermined food from a Mexican- style chain restaurant with O103.

Foods implicated in the Listeria multistate outbreaks were apples, stone fruit and mung bean sprouts with one outbreak each. Raw oysters were implicated in the norovirus outbreak.

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Quinoa Recalled Over Listeria Concerns

The Quaker Oats Company, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, Inc., today announced a voluntary recall of a small quantity of Quaker Quinoa Granola Bars after an ingredient supplier was found to have distributed sunflower kernels that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (L.mono). There have been no reported illnesses to date. However, Quaker is initiating the voluntary recall in an abundance of caution to protect public health.

Listeria monocytogenes (L.mono) 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.

While the vast majority of potentially affected Quaker products were withheld from ever reaching retail shelves, the products being recalled were distributed nationwide and are as follows:

• 6.1 ounce boxes of Quaker Quinoa Granola Bars Chocolate Nut Medley with UPC code 30000 32241 and Best Before Dates of: 10/16/2016, 10/17/2016
• 6.1 ounce boxes of Quaker Quinoa Granola Bars Yogurt, Fruit & Nut with UPC 30000 32243 and Best Before Dates of: 10/10/2016, 10/11/2016

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