Bimbo Bakeries recalls brownies, muffins in 34 states

The American arm of the Mexican multinational bakery company Grupo Bimbo is recalling Entenmann’s brand brownies and muffins because of a “choking and/or cutting hazard” that has injured at least one person.

The recall by Bimbo Bakeries USA Inc. of Horsham, PA, includes Entenmann’s brand Little Bites Fudge Brownies, Little Bites Chocolate Chip Muffins and Little Bites Variety packs of brownies, chocolate chip muffins and blueberry muffins.

The company distributed various combinations of the recalled products to 34 states, according to its recall notice posted on the Food and Drug Administration’s website. To see a chart of where specific products were distributed, click here.

“The company announced the recall after receiving consumer reports of plastic in product. One injury was reported,” according to the recall notice and a news release from the company.

Small pieces of plastic are present in the recalled products because of  “a manufacturing failure at a contract manufacturer’s bakery in Illinois,” the company reported.

To determine whether products are included in the recall, consumers and retailers should look for the code number 3098 printed next to the “Best By” date on the outside of the boxes. The product was distributed to stores in the past two weeks.

Four products are implicated. They can be further identified by the following information:

• Entenmann’s Little Bites Fudge Brownies – 5 pack, Net Weight 9.75 oz., Best By Oct. 8, 2016, UPC number 7203001342;
• Entenmann’s Little Bites Chocolate Chip Muffins – 5 pack, Net Weight 8.25 oz., Best By Oct. 8, 2016, UPC number 7203001353;
• Entenmann’s Little Bites Chocolate Chip Muffins – 10 pack, Net Weight 1 lb. 0.5 oz. October 8, 2016, UPC number 7203002111; and
• Entenmann’s Little Bites Variety – 20 pack, Fudge Brownies, Chocolate Chip Muffins and Blueberry Muffins – Net Weight 2 lb. 2.5 oz., Sept. 24, 2016, UPC number 7203001799.

“Consumers who have purchased the recalled product should dispose of it or they can return the product to its place of purchase for a full refund,” according to the recall notice. “Consumers with questions may contact the company at 800-984-0989 at any time 24 hours a day.”

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Diamond macadamia nuts recalled because of Salmonella

Diamond brand macadamia nuts distributed to retail stores nationwide are under recall after an FDA-contracted lab confirmed Salmonella in a package of the nuts.

Snyder’s-Lance Inc. distributed the “Diamond of California” macadamia nuts and is working with the Food and Drug Administration to find the cause of the contamination, according to a recall notice posted Tuesday evening.

The production codes are printed on the front of the nut packages. The recalled nuts may not look or smell bad even if they are contaminated with Salmonella.

“Consumers who may have purchased the product listed (below) should not consume it but should contact Consumer Affairs for a full refund online at http://ift.tt/2cpYmrn or by calling 503-364-0399,” according to the recall notice.

No illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled nuts as of Tuesday.

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 can 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 such as infected aneurysms, endocarditis and arthritis.

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

Product Name	UPC Code	Lot Number	Best Before Date
Diamond of California® Chopped Macadamia Nuts, 4oz	010300345848	16137D331S 16138D331S 16158D331S	16 NOV 2017 17 NOV 2017 06 DEC 2017
Diamond of California® Macadamia Halves & Pieces, 2.25oz	070450743918	16137D331S 16159D331S	16 NOV 2017 07 DEC 2017

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Rising Life tablets suspected in elevated lead cases, 2 deaths

Local, state and federal officials are investigating Ton Shen Health in relation to elevated lead levels in children and two deaths that occurred after people took a Life Rising brand dietary supplement.

The Chicago-based Ton Shen Health company recalled one lot of Rising Life brand “DHZC-2” tablets on Aug. 11 after testing by the Food and Drug Administration showed the tablets have 56 times the amount of lead that would pose a health risk for children. That recall has been expanded.

“During an FDA assessment of the effectiveness of the recall, the agency learned of additional adverse events linked to the consumption of the product,” according to a consumer warning posted Monday by the FDA.

“On Aug. 25, following a call with the FDA, Ton Shen Health/Life Rising expanded their recall to include all lots of DHZC-2 tablets.”

The company’s owners agreed during the Aug. 25 call to cease distribution of all Life Rising products until Sept. 1.

“FDA is reviewing regulatory options to remove all potentially unsafe Life Rising dietary supplement products from the market,” according to the Monday warning.

Danger reaches back three years
The FDA is urging retailers to contact any customers who bought the Life Rising HHZC-2 tablets in the past three years to inform them about the recall.

“Retailers are encouraged to discontinue the sale of other Life Rising products from Ton Shen Health/Life Rising while the investigation is ongoing,” the FDA warning states.

The recalled product is sold in 1.6-ounce white plastic bottles. The UPC number 616042102727 is on all recalled DHZC-2 bottles. The product was sold nationwide in stores and online.

Staff from the city of Chicago, Cook County (IL) Department of Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health are working with federal officials on the investigation. All entities are urging the public to not take the recalled supplements and to avoid all Life Rising brand products from Ton Shen Health.

“Lead poisoning can occur when a person is exposed to high levels of lead over a short period of time,” said Illinois Health Director Dr. Nirav D. Shah in a public warning.

“We urge people not buy the recalled supplement if they see it in stores, and for people who have purchased this product, to return it for a refund. The health effects of lead poisoning can be serious, and in some cases deadly.”

As of Monday’s warning, FDA reported a total of six “adverse events” under investigation, including two deaths. It is not clear if the deaths are related to the supplement, but the people who died had taken the DHZC-2 tablets, FDA reported.

“Three adverse event reports involve children who may have consumed the recalled dietary supplement, two with elevated lead levels,” FDA reported Monday.

“Since Aug. 26, the FDA has learned of two more adverse events. The events were reported during FDA’s continued assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s recall. The newly reported adverse events bring the total to six cases possibly associated with the consumption of DHZC-2 tablets.”

Watch for symptoms, seek help, report problems
Anyone who has become ill after consuming the DHZC-2 tablets or any other Ton Shen Health products should immediately seek medical attention, according to the FDA warning.

Lead poisoning can affect nearly every bodily system, but its effects depend on the amount and duration of lead exposure and the age of the person exposed.

Symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, weakness, behavior or mood changes, delirium, seizures and coma.

However, infants, young children and developing fetuses can be affected by chronic exposure to amounts of lead that may not result in obvious symptoms of lead poisoning. A child with lead poisoning may not look or act sick.

Lead poisoning in children can cause:

• learning disabilities;
• developmental delays; and
• lower IQ scores.

Consumers and health care professionals are encouraged to report any adverse events potentially related to the use of any Ton Shen Health/Life Rising brand products to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. To file a report, use the MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form. The completed form can be submitted online or via fax to 800-FDA-0178.

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Possible pasteurization failure sparks cottage cheese warning

Wisconsin officials are warning of a possible pasteurization failure and advising the public to not eat a specific lot of cottage cheese made by Westby Cooperative Creamery.

The consumer alert is for 4 percent cottage cheese from the cooperative in Westby, WI. The implicated lot was sold on or before Aug. 26 in plastic containers in 16-, 22- and 24-ounce sizes under the Westby Cooperative Creamery, Food Club, Oberweis and Shurfine brand names. The containers have the lot code 10-6-16 cc.

Nearly 700 cases of implicated cottage cheese from Westby Cooperative Creamery were distributed statewide in Wisconsin and to Aurora, IL. Consumers in possession of this product should not consume it, but should return it to the place of purchase or discard it, according to Wisconsin officials.

“The presence of active alkaline phosphatase was discovered in samples during routine testing and may indicate that the product was not adequately pasteurized,” according to the Friday evening warning from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Division of Food and Recreational Safety.

“Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme naturally present and active in raw milk that is not active in milk that has been sufficiently pasteurized. Raw milk can be contaminated by pathogenic bacteria like E. coli O157, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria. If these pathogens were present in the raw milk that was inadequately pasteurized, they may have survived and, if ingested, could cause illness.”

No illnesses had been reported in relation to consumption of the implicated cottage cheese as of Friday evening, according to the state warning.

Anyone who has eaten the implicated cottage cheese and developed symptoms of foodborne illness is urged to contact a physician.

Symptoms for most foodborne illnesses likely to occur from consuming raw or improperly pasteurized dairy products develop within a few hours or a fews days after exposure. However, infections from Listeria can take up to 70 days before causing symptoms.

Pathogens in raw or improperly pasteurized dairy products usually cause diarrhea and/or vomiting, typically lasting 1-7 days. Other symptoms might include abdominal cramps, nausea, fever, joint/back aches and fatigue.

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Listeria prompts recall of fresh-cut vegetables in 9 states

A Texas company is recalling 30,000 cases of fresh-cut vegetable products from eight retail chains — including Wal-Mart, QuikTrip and Publix — after a random sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

Country Fresh LLC of Conroe, TX, distributed various combinations of 45 different fresh-cut vegetable products to retailers in nine states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

The recalled vegetables have best-by dates between Aug. 7 and Aug. 19, according to the recall notice that was posted Aug. 26 on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

“The company has ceased distribution of the affected product as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Country Fresh continue their investigation as to what caused the problem,” according to the recall notice.

“Consumers who have purchased any of these products are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 281-453-3305.”

Eight retailers received the fresh-cut vegetables, which are packaged in clear plastic “clamshell” containers and Styrofoam trays overwrapped with clear plastic film. The retailers are:

• BI-LO;
• Fresh Point;
• Harris Teeter Supermarkets;
• Publix Supermarkets Inc.;
• QuikTrip;
• The Spinx Company;
• Wal-Mart Stores Inc.; and
• Winn Dixie.

No illnesses had been reported in connection with the fresh-cut vegetables as of the posting of the recall notice on the FDA’s website. Listeriosis, the infection caused by the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, can take up to 70 days after exposure before causing symptoms.

The company initiated the recall after a sample collected from a retail store by officials with the  Georgia Department of Agriculture tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Dates for the sample collection and lab tests were not provided in the recall notice on the FDA’s website.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled vegetables and develops symptoms of Listeria infection is urged to see a doctor immediately.

Listeria monocytogenes 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. 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.

Following are the specific fresh-cut vegetables included in the recall:

Description	Store	Description of Packaging	Use by Date Range		States Distributed
CFC Celery/Onion Dice 6oz	BI-LO	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/15/2016	SC, NC, GA, AL
CFC Creole Mix 6oz	BI-LO	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, GA, AL
CFC Fajita Mix 6oz	BI-LO	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, GA, AL
CFC Pico De Gallo 8oz	BI-LO	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/15/2016	SC, NC, GA, AL
CFC Tri-Pepper Dice 6oz	BI-LO	Clamshell	8/13/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, GA, AL
CFC Yellow Onion Dice 6oz	BI-LO	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/15/2016	SC, NC, GA, AL
CF Diced Onion 4/3lb	Fresh Point	Clamshell	8/11/2016	8/17/2016	FL
Farmers Market  Diced Green Peppers 8oz	Harris Teeter Supermarkets	Clamshell	8/13/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, VA
Farmers Market  Diced Tri-Pepper 6 oz	Harris Teeter Supermarkets	Clamshell	8/13/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, VA
Farmers Market  Diced Yellow Onions 8oz	Harris Teeter Supermarkets	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/15/2016	SC, NC, VA
Fajita Mix 10oz	Harris Teeter Supermarkets	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, VA
Fajita Mix 12oz	Harris Teeter Supermarkets	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, VA
Green Bean Sauté 10oz	Harris Teeter Supermarkets	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/15/2016	SC, NC, VA
Farmers Market Mirepoix 12oz	Harris Teeter Supermarkets	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/15/2016	SC, NC, VA
Grilling Vegetables 14oz	Harris Teeter Supermarkets	Overwrap	8/13/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, VA
Jal Ched Stuff Mushrooms 7oz	Harris Teeter Supermarkets	Overwrap	8/8/2016	8/15/2016	SC, NC, VA
Kabob Kit 23oz	Harris Teeter Supermarkets	Overwrap	8/13/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, VA
Stir Fry Vegetable 10oz	Harris Teeter Supermarkets	Overwrap	8/8/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, VA
SW Stuff Mushrooms 7oz	Harris Teeter Supermarkets	Overwrap	8/8/2016	8/15/2016	SC, NC, VA
Tri-Color Peppers 12oz	Harris Teeter Supermarkets	Overwrap	8/13/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, VA
Veggie & Fruit Kabob Kit 23oz	Harris Teeter Supermarkets	Overwrap	8/13/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, VA
Kabob Sensations Veggie Kabob 23oz	Publix Supermarkets, Inc.	Overwrap	8/12/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, FL,GA, AL
Diced Yel Onion Condiment 8oz	QuikTrip	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/15/2016	SC, NC, GA
Diced Yellow Onion 40oz	QuikTrip	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/15/2016	SC, NC, GA
Green Pepper 40oz	QuikTrip	Clamshell	8/13/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, GA
Regular Pico Condiment 10oz	QuikTrip	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/15/2016	SC, NC, GA
Sliced Green Bell Pepper 4lb	QuikTrip	Clamshell	8/13/2016	8/19/2016	SC, NC, GA
Diced Onion 16oz	The Spinx Company	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/15/2016	SC, NC
Pico de Gallo 18oz	The Spinx Company	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/15/2016	SC, NC
Diced Yellow Onion 8oz	Wal-Mart Stores Inc.	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/17/2016	MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, MD
Marketside Pico de Gallo 10oz	Wal-Mart Stores Inc.	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/17/2016	MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, MD
Marketside Spicy Pico de Gallo 10	Wal-Mart Stores Inc.	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/17/2016	MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, MD
Sliced Bell Peppers 7oz	Wal-Mart Stores Inc.	Clamshell	8/7/2016	8/19/2016	MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, MD
Marketside Fajita Mix 9.5oz	Wal-Mart Stores Inc.	Overwrap	8/8/2016	8/19/2016	MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, MD
Marketside Veggie Kabobs 23oz	Wal-Mart Stores Inc.	Overwrap	8/9/2016	8/19/2016	MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, MD
Portabella Griller 12.5oz	Wal-Mart Stores Inc.	Overwrap	8/7/2016	8/19/2016	MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, MD
Celery/Onion Dice 6oz	Winn Dixie	Clamshell	8/9/2016	8/17/2016	LA, MS, AL, GA, FL
Creole Mix 6oz	Winn Dixie	Clamshell	8/9/2016	8/19/2016	LA, MS, AL, GA, FL
Fajita Mix 6oz	Winn Dixie	Clamshell	8/9/2016	8/19/2016	LA, MS, AL, GA, FL
Pico De Gallo 8oz	Winn Dixie	Clamshell	8/8/2016	8/17/2016	LA, MS, AL, GA, FL
Tri-Pepper Dice 6oz	Winn Dixie	Clamshell	8/9/2016	8/19/2016	LA, MS, AL, GA, FL
Yellow Onion Dice 6oz	Winn Dixie	Clamshell	8/9/2016	8/17/2016	LA, MS, AL, GA, FL
Mush & Garlic Herb Steak 7.5oz	Winn Dixie	Overwrap	8/9/2016	8/17/2016	LA, MS, AL, GA, FL
Stuffed Mushrooms 7oz	Winn Dixie	Overwrap	8/8/2016	8/17/2016	LA, MS, AL, GA, FL
Tuscan Stuffed Mushrooms 8oz	Winn Dixie	Overwrap	8/8/2016	8/17/2016	LA, MS, AL, GA, FL

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Consumer complaints spark recall of frozen chicken entrées

Consumer complaints have spurred Sentry Foods Solutions LLC to recall more than 10 tons of frozen chicken entrées that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically glass or hard plastic.

The Tucker, GA, company produced and packaged the 21,570 pounds of frozen chicken products on March 17, March 18, April 30, and May 13, according to the recall notice on the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The following products are subject to recall:

• 10-oz. tray pack in box of Saffron Road “LEMONGRASS BASIL CHICKEN WITH BASMATI RICE” with a “Best By” date of “08-19-2017” and lot number 0219-00207-016.
• 10-oz. tray pack in box of Saffron Road “LEMONGRASS BASIL CHICKEN WITH BASMATI RICE” with a “Best By” date of “10-29-2017” and lot number 0429-00258-016.
• 10-oz. tray pack in box of Saffron Road “LEMONGRASS BASIL CHICKEN WITH BASMATI RICE” with a “Best By” date of “10-29-2017” and lot number 0429-00207-016.

The recalled products also have the establishment number “EST. P-19031” inside the USDA mark of inspection or printed on the side of the container. Sentry Foods shipped the products to retail locations in Indiana, Texas and Pennsylvania.

“The problem was discovered through consumer complaints reported to the company who then contacted FSIS. No injuries were reported with the complaints,” according to the recall notice, which was posted Thursday evening.

“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 John William Morris, Assistant Vice President, at (470) 268-8440.

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Adding acorns to the human diet

An article published in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety explores the benefits—both from a sustainability and nutrition aspect—of integrating acorns into the human diet.

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Edible food packaging made from milk proteins

In a presentation at the 252nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) scientists explained that they are developing a novel packaging film made from milk protein that would prevent spoilage and even be edible.

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American Heart Association sets new added sugar limits for children

The American Heart Association (AHA) has announced a new standard for how much added sugar children should consume a day.

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FDA extends compliance dates on FSMA, releases new guidance

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a final rule for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) that extends and clarifies the compliance dates for certain provisions in four of the seven foundational rules.

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Genome sequencing reveals evolution of fungal disease in bananas

Using genome sequencing, researchers at the University of California, Davis, and in the Netherlands have discovered how three fungal diseases have evolved into a lethal threat to the world’s bananas.

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Scallops recalled after hundreds contract hepatitis A

Sea Port Products is voluntarily recalling a batch of its scallops after at least 206 people became sick with hepatitis A, prompting an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Survey of store recall notification policies shows efforts are ‘inadequate’

A new survey of 32 leading grocery chains about their in-store recall notification practices reveals policies so “woefully inadequate” that consumers may or may not hear about recalled food items, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should move quickly to adopt a standardized recall notification system as required by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

That’s according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit group formed in 1971.

Some stores routinely post recall notices where shoppers are likely to see them. Yet others, such as Pittsburgh, PA-based Giant Eagle, do not, according to CSPI’s survey. The group noted that still others, such as Whole Foods and Aldi, would not reveal their recall notification policies.

Most chains responding to the CSPI survey post product recall notices in their stores, but the placement varies. Some post recalls at store entrances, some at cash registers, and some where the recalled product had been removed from store shelves, CSPI reported.

FSMA requires FDA to put together recall notices using producer information, which grocery chains of 15 stores or larger would then post in easily visible locations for two weeks. However, CSPI states that FDA has yet to adopt this notification system even though FSMA was signed into law in January 2011.

In a letter sent Wednesday to FDA Deputy Commissioner Stephen Ostroff, CSPI’s senior staff attorney, David W. Plunkett, wrote that FDA has so far only conducted one public hearing and issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking about the recall notification process.

“We surveyed the leading chains for the report and found that most already post notices in the store. The practice, however, is not universal, demonstrating that voluntary actions, while laudable, cannot replace mandatory rules,” Plunkett told Ostroff in the letter.

The survey, detailed in CSPI’s report “Building a Food Recall System that Really Protects Consumers,” also asked retailers if they use data collected by loyalty cards or other programs to directly notify consumers who have purchased recalled foods.

The top three — Walmart, Kroger and Costco — said that they do directly notify consumers. Others, such as Publix, H-E-B and Whole Foods, don’t have loyalty cards or frequent shopper programs that collect data. Food Lion, Cub Foods and Winn-Dixie, which indicated that they do collect such data, didn’t disclose whether they use it to notify consumers about recalls, CSPI reported.

CSPI recommended that consumers keep an eye out for recall notices in supermarkets and safely dispose of, or return, recalled products. Consumers should also make sure that grocery stores with membership cards or customer loyalty programs have their accurate contact information on file.

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Brains sent to California recalled for ‘specified risk material’

Almost 7,500 pounds of beef brain products sent to a distributor in California are under recall because they may be contaminated with “specified risk materials” that are inedible and prohibited for use as human food.

Green Bay Dressed Beef LLC, doing business as American Foods Group LLC, of Green Bay, WI, produced the beef brains on various dates between April 24 and Aug. 11, according to the recall notice from the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service. The notice did not name the California distributor that received the beef brains.

The only products implicated in the recall are 15-unit cases labeled  as “AMERICAN FOODS GROUP BEEF BRAINS <30” and bearing packaging code 06400. The recalled brains also have the establishment number “EST. 410” inside the USDA mark of inspection on their labels.

“The problem was discovered while FSIS inspectors were conducting verification activities. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions or injuries due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider,” according to the FSIS recall notice.

“ 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 Jennifer Dibbern at 800-829-2838.

The Code of Federal Regulations definition of “specified risk materials” exempts “cattle from a country that can demonstrate that its bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) risk status can reasonably be expected to provide the same level of protection from human exposure to the BSE agent as prohibiting specified risk materials for use as human food does in the United States.”

Parts of cattle carcasses considered “specified risk materials” are, as defined in the federal code:

(1) The brain, skull, eyes, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, vertebral column  — excluding the vertebrae of the tail, the transverse processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, and the wings of the sacrum — and dorsal root ganglia from cattle 30 months of age and older; and

(2) The distal ileum of the small intestine and the tonsils from all cattle.

“Specified risk materials must be removed from the carcasses of cattle, segregated from edible materials, and disposed of in accordance with § 314.1 or § 314.3 of this subchapter. The spinal cord from cattle 30 months of age and older must be removed from the carcass at the establishment where the animal was slaughtered,” the federal code states.

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Enough meat and vegetables for record 2nd quarter recall stew

Stericycle Inc., the Indianapolis business-to-business services company that tracks all sorts of recalls, including food, does its counting and comparisons by lots. Other ways of counting might be better for food. USDA, for example, has long used pounds of meat in reporting recalls.

In the second quarter of 2016, however, recall activity for both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration foods had what analysts are calling a “whopping spike,” all because of just a couple of recalls.

The first came on May 2 when CRF Frozen Foods of Pasco, WA recalled fruit and vegetables that had already made it into packaging for 42 separate brands. Ten days later Ajinomoto Windsor, Inc. announced almost 50 million pounds of its meat products also contained the vegetable and fruit products that CRF had recalled because of Listeria contamination.

Together, the CRF and Ajinomoto Windsor recalls fueled an 82 percent increase in FDA recalls and a 12 percent bump in USDA recalls, according to Stericycle Inc.’s tracking. “Each regulatory body saw one large recall that caused recalled units to reach new records,” it reported.

The U.S. and Canada were both impacted by the CRF recall. Eight illnesses have been associated with the recalled products. Stericycle reported 120 million units were recalled during the quarter under FDA regulation.

A 78 percent increase in allergen recalls, accounting for a 225 percent increase in units recalled, is still only the fourth leading recall, based on units.

And the CRF-related meat products recall accounted for 88 percent of the pounds recalled during the second quarter by USDA.

Overall, recall activity in the second quarter was up 167 percent over the first quarter and it marked higher levels than experienced in any other period of 2014 or 2015.

“It’s not that there’s necessarily more contamination, it’s that the industry is getting better at detecting what’s there,” said Stericycle’s Kevin Pollack, vice president. “These recalls increased when genome testing gave companies and regulators better tools for detecting bacteria.”

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Oysters recalled in Canada because of Salmonella

Device may help lower fat, sugar in new food formulations

A study presented at the 252nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) shows that a new device may be able to help food manufacturers create delicious foods with less sugar, fat, and salt.

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FDA delays salt guidelines

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced it is extending the comment period for its sodium draft guidelines, which were issued in June.

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Improved testing, tighter regs drive increase in recalls

According to a new recall report from Stericycle ExpertSOLUTIONS, new testing methods and tighter regulation helped drive double-digit increases in food product recalls in the second quarter of this year.

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Florida company recalls 3 brands of meat/poultry products

A Florida company is recalling almost a ton of meat and poultry products including several varieties of empanada because they were produced with being inspected by the federal government.

For photos of all of the recalled products, click the image.

Panna Café Express To Go Inc. in North Miami Beach, FL, recalled the 18 products Sunday. The 1,951 pounds of heat-treated, not-fully-cooked products were produced and packed between June 2 and Aug. 17, according to the recall notice from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

“These items were shipped to food service, distributors, and retail locations in Florida. The problem was discovered when FSIS personnel visited the uninspected facility following their application for a federal grant of inspection that had not yet been approved,” according to the recall notice.

“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.”

The products were shipped to foodservice operations, distributors and retail locations in Florida.

The recalled products can be identified by the establishment number “EST. 40245 or P-40245” inside the USDA mark of inspection and the following label information:

• 

  To view photos of all of the recalled products, click this image.

  7.6-lb. tray packages containing 20 units of raw “ZERPA’S ANTOJOS CRIOLLOS CACHITOS HAM FILLED BREAD” with best by dates of Feb. 15, 16, 17, or 23, 2017 and bearing UPC code 854631003448.

• 2.2-lb. tray packages containing 6 units of heat and serve “PANNA NEW LATINO FOOD EMPANADA VENEZOLANA POLLO CHICKEN” with best by dates of Dec. 2, 3, 8, 2016, or Feb. 15, 16, 17, 2017 and bearing UPC code 820103507561.
• 1.4-lb. tray packages containing 6 units of heat and serve “PANNA NEW LATINO FOOD EMPANADA
  

  To view photos of all of the recalled products, click the image.

  ARGENTINA POLLO CHICKEN” with best by dates of Feb. 15 or 17, 2017 and bearing UPC code 820103507509.

• 1.25-lb. tray packages containing 3 units of heat and serve “MISTER FOOD CACHITOS HAM/JAMON” with best by dates of Feb. 15, 16, or 17, 2017 and bearing UPC code 856305006038.
• 1.25-lb. tray packages containing 3 units of heat and serve “PANNA TO GO CACHITO DE JAMON Y QUESO HAM AND CHEESE CACHITO” with best by dates of Feb. 15, 16, or 17, 2017 and bearing UPC code 815026020174.
• 60-unit cases of raw “MISTER FOOD CACHITO DE JAMON Y QUESO HAM & CHEESE WRAPPED IN DOUGH” with best by dates of Feb. 15, 16, 17, or 23, 2017 and bearing UPC code 856305000006.
• 30-unit cases of pre-baked “MISTER FOOD CACHITO DE JAMON Y QUESO HAM & CHEESE WRAPPED IN DOUGH” with best by dates of Feb. 15, 16 or 17, 2017 and bearing UPC code 856305000013.
• 30-unit cases of pre-baked “PANNA TO GO CACHITO DE JAMON Y QUESO HAM & CHEESE WRAPPED IN DOUGH” with best by dates of Feb. 15, 16 or 17, 2017 and bearing UPC code 815026020013.
• 30-unit cases of pre-baked “ZERPA’S ANTOJOS CRIOLLOS CACHITO DE JAMON Y QUESO HAM & CHEESE WRAPPED IN DOUGH” with best by dates of Feb. 15, 16 or 17, 2017 and bearing UPC code 854631000013.
• 60-unit cases of raw “PANNA TO GO CACHITO DE JAMON Y QUESO HAM & CHEESE WRAPPED IN DOUGH” with best by dates of Feb. 15, 16, 17, or 23, 2017 and bearing UPC code 815026020006.
• 30-unit cases of pre-fried “PANNA TO GO PASTEL DE POLLO TIPO VENEZOLANO VENEZUELAN BRAND CHICKEN PASTEL” with best by dates of Dec. 2, 3, 8, 2016 or Feb. 15, 16, 17, 2017 and bearing UPC code 815026020976.
• 30-unit cases of pre-fried “MISTER FOOD PASTEL DE POLLO TIPO VENEZOLANO VENEZUELAN BRAND CHICKEN PASTEL” with best by dates of Dec. 2, 3, 8, 2016 or Feb. 15, 16, 17, 2017 and bearing UPC code 856305000976.
• 60-unit cases of pre-baked “PANNA TO GO EMPANADA DE POLLO TIPO ARGENTINA ARGENTINIAN BRAND CHICKEN EMPANADA” with best by dates of Feb. 15 or 17, 2017 and bearing UPC code 815026020686.
• 30-unit cases of pre-baked “MISTER FOOD EMPANADA DE POLLO TIPO ARGENTINA ARGENTINIAN BRAND CHICKEN EMPANADA” with best by dates of Feb. 15 or 17, 2017 and bearing UPC code 856305000068.
• 30-unit cases of pre-baked “PANNA TO GO EMPANADA DE POLLO TIPO ARGENTINA ARGENTINIAN BRAND CHICKEN EMPANADA” with best by dates of Feb. 15 or 17, 2017 and bearing UPC code 815026020068.
• 25-unit cases of pre-baked “PAN & PLUS EMPANADA DE POLLO CHICKEN EMPANADA” with best by dates of Feb. 15 or 17, 2017 and bearing UPC code 815026021423.
• 6-unit cases of raw “ZERPA’S ANTOJOS CRIOLLOS CACHITO DE JAMON Y QUESO HAM & CHEESE WRAPPED IN DOUGH” with best by dates of Feb. 15, 16, 17, or 23, 2017 and bearing UPC code 854631003431.
• 60-unit cases of raw “ZERPA’S ANTOJOS CRIOLLOS CACHITO DE JAMON Y QUESO HAM & CHEESE WRAPPED IN DOUGH” with best by dates of Feb. 15, 16, 17, or 23, 2017 and bearing UPC code 854631000006.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Luis Villegas, Plant Manager, at 786-218-1802.

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3 brands of frozen corn recalled in 15 states because of Listeria

A Pennsylvania company is recalling three brands of its frozen corn that were distributed to 15 states because a package sampled from a retail store tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

Cambridge Farms LLC of Lancaster, PA, has ceased the production and distribution of the frozen corn and is working with the Food and Drug Administration to find out what caused the problem, according to the recall notice posted early this evening.

Three brands — Laura Lynn, Key Food and Better Valu — are included in the recall. There is concern that consumers may have the product in their home freezers because of its long shelf life, which reaches well into 2018.

The recalled corn can be identified by specific information on the back of retail packages.

Laura Lynn frozen cut corn in 16-ounce plastic bags with the UPC number 8685401734 and any of the following codes:

• SWFF/R10312, Best by 4/11/18
• SWFFR/10452, Best by 5/09/18
• SWFF/R10609, Best by 6/6/18

Laura Lynn frozen cut corn in 32-ounce plastic bags with the UPC number 8685401717 and code SWFF/R 10482, Best by 5/10/18

Key Food frozen cut corn in 16-ounce plastic bags with the UPC number 7329607091 and either of the following codes:

• SWFF/R10320, Best by 4/11/18
• SWFF/R10405, Best by 5/2/18

Better Valu frozen cut corn in 14-ounce plastic bags with the UPC number 7980124561 and code SWFF/R10308, Best by 4/11/18

The recalled corn was distributed to 15 states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland and Florida.

Cambridge Farms initiated the recall after receiving results from a routine sampling program by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture that  revealed that the finished product they sampled from a retail store contained the bacteria.

“Consumers who have purchased any of the above items are urged to not consume it and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund,” according to the recall notice. “Consumers with questions may contact the company at 717-945-5178.”

Listeria monocytogenes is a microscopic organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, 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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FDA confirms Hepatitis A in scallops; multi-state recall begins

Federal officials have confirmed Hepatitis A in frozen, imported scallops that have been linked to an outbreak in Hawaii and are working with Sea Port Products Corp. to recall the shellfish from three states.

None of the implicated scallops were sold direct to consumers, according to a notice posted today by the Food and Drug Administration, but they were distributed restaurants and retailers in California, Hawaii and Nevada.

The scallops were produced by De Oro Resources Inc., located in Suba Basbas, Philippines, according to the Hawaii Department of Health

As of Wednesday, 206 people had been confirmed with Hepatitis A infections. All victims are adults and about one in four have required hospitalization, Hawaii health officials said in their weekly update.

About 70 percent of the victims reported eating at Genki Sushi restaurants on Oahu and Kauai Islands before becoming sick. Monday evening the Hawaii Department of Health ordered the chain to close those 11 restraints, which it did.

“On Aug. 17, FDA laboratory analysis of two scallop samples, which were collected on Aug. 11, were confirmed positive for Hepatitis A. These samples were imported by Sea Port Products Corp.,” according to FDA’s outbreak notice.

The frozen bay scallops, which Genki Sushi restaurants served raw, were produced in the Philippines on Nov. 23 and 24 in 2015.

“FDA advises consumers not to eat the recalled bay scallops. Consumers should ask the restaurant or retailer where their scallops came from to make sure they do not eat recalled bay scallops from Sea Port Products Corp.,” the outbreak notice states.

FDA warned company in 2006
Sea Port Products Corp., which has offices in California and Washington, received a warning letter from the FDA in November 2006 related to its imported seafood.

FDA inspectors visited the company’s San Mateo, CA, facility in September 2006 and found a “significant violation” related to frozen mahimahi fish. The name of the company that produced the mahimahi was redacted from the warning letter that is posted online.

“You must implement an affirmative step which ensures that the fish and fishery products you import are processed in accordance with the seafood HACCP regulation, to comply with (U.S. laws),” the warning letter states.

“We may take further action if you do not promptly correct these violations. For instance, we may-take further action to refuse admission of your imported fish or fishery products … including placing them on ‘detention without physical examination,’ seize your products and/or enjoin your firm from further violating the (law).”

As is standard with FDA, Sea Port Products had 15 days to respond to the 2006 warning letter in writing. Neither that response nor an FDA close-out letter had been posted by the agency as of this afternoon.

Steps for restaurants and retailers
Because of the robust nature of the Hepatitis A virus — which can survive long periods in fresh and sea water, as well as freezing temperatures for long periods of time — FDA is advising businesses that received the recalled scallops to take special precautions.

Those precautions include:

• Washing and sanitizing display cases and refrigerators where potentially contaminated products were stored;
• Washing and sanitizing cutting boards, surfaces and utensils used to prepare, serve or store potentially contaminated products; and
• Ensuring that employees wash their hands with hot water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.

Water, shellfish, and salads are the most frequent foodborne sources of Hepatitis A, according to FDA. Thorough cooking kills the virus in foods.

Hepatitis A can also be transmitted from person to person. Proper hand-washing is considered crucial to avoid transmission, which usually occurs via the fecal-oral route. People should always thoroughly wash their hands before preparing food and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.

Previous coverage of the outbreak investigation

• Hepatitis A outbreak tops 200; state seeks help from public
• New Hepatitis A cases likely in Hawaii despite scallop embargo
• Scallops at sushi restaurants blames in Hepatitis A outbreak
• Letter From the Editor: Sometimes you get what you need

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Miami company recalls 188.5 tons of curry spices because they contain lead

Miami’s Oriental Packing Co., Inc. late Friday recalled roughly 188.5 tons  of  blended seasoning curry products because it is contaminated with lead. Lead can accumulate in the body over time and can cause serious and sometimes permanent adverse health consequences.

The New York State Health Department discovered the lead contamination in the finished products during routine sampling.   Oriental Packing Co., Inc. has ceased the production and distribution of the product and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has launched  investigation as to what caused the problem.

The recalled products were  distributed in New York and Florida and  sold through internet sales and retail stores nationwide.  There are no reports of lead poisoning from the spice products.

Here are ether products included in the recall:

Blue Mountain Brand

• Blue Mountain Country Mild Curry Powder
• Blue Mountain Country Hot Curry Powder
• Blue Mountain Country Hot Jamaican Jerk Curry Seasoning

Jamaica Choice Brand 

• Jamaica Choice Mild
• Jamaica Hot Curry Powder

 

Ocho Rios Brand 

• Ocho-Rios Jamaican Nice Mild Curry Powder
• Ocho Rios Spicy Curry Powder
• Ocho Rios Jerk Curry Seasoning Mild
• Ocho Rios Jerk Curry Seasoning Spicy

Oriental Brand

• Oriental Mild Curry Powder
• Oriental Hot Curry Powder

Grace Brand

• Grace Mild Curry Powder
• Grace Hot Curry Powder
• Grace Caribbean Curry Powder
• Grace Caribbean Tradition Hot Curry Powder

The products can be further identified by the label bearing the above names in glass and plastic bottles. The sizes including 2oz, 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, 22oz and 5 lb. Product can be identified by the lot numbers and best before date listed below. This information can be found on the top of the cap or at the bottom of the bottle.

HOT/SPICY LOT NUMBERS BEST BEFORE DATE: 11/1/18 through 6/29/19

12516	21616	31616	40216	42116	51816	60316	62416	111915
12616	21716	31916	40816	42216	51916	61316	62716
12716	22216	32319	41216	42716	52316	61416	62916
12916	30116	32416	41316	42816	53116	61516	120115
20316	30516	32516	41416	42916	60116	61616	120215
20916	30716	32616	42016	51716	60216	62316	120315

MILD LOT NUMBERS BEST BEFORE DATE: 11/1/18 through 6/29/19

12516	20316	21716	31516	40216	41916	51516	60716	62716
12616	20416	22216	31816	40316	41416	51616	61316	62816
12716	20516	22616	31916	40416	42016	52716	61416	120316
12816	20816	30216	32216	40516	42116	53116	61516	120315
13016	20916	30516	32416	40716	42216	60216	61616	112015
20116	21216	30716	32516	41216	42516	60316	62216	112315
20216	21316	31416	32916	41316	50316	60616	62316

HOT/SPICY JERK LOT NUMBER BEST BEFORE DATE: 11/1/18 through 6/29/19

013016

MILD HEAT JERK LOT NUMBER BEST BEFORE DATE: 11/1/18 through 6/29/19

041416

Consumers are urged to dispose unused product following EPA and/or state and county regulations or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

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Baking mixes recalled nationwide because of E. coli in flour

A Kansas company has issued a nationwide recall of baking mixes packaged under more than a dozen brands because they were made with flour from General Mills that has been recalled because it has been linked to an ongoing E. coli O121 outbreak.

“The recalled dry mixes were distributed nationwide in retail stores and online sales December 2015 through February 2016,” according to the recall notice from Rabbit Creek Products of Louisburg, KS.

These are three of the Rabbit Creek branded products under recall. The company also produced baking mixes under more than a dozen other brands that are also recalled because they were made with flour potentially contaminated with E. coli.

“Please destroy any affected product and return the label to Rabbit Creek, P.O. Box 1059, Louisburg, KS 66053 for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 800-837-3073.”

The recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration does not indicate when suppliers notified Rabbit Creek officials that they had been sent some of the 45 million pounds of flour General Mills has recalled since May 31.

Because of the long shelf life of the baking mixes — which have best-by dates well into 2017 — company and FDA officials are concerned consumers may have the mixes in their homes.

Consumers can identify the recalled baking mixes, produced by Rabbit Creek under various brand names, by checking for specific labeling information provided in lists posted on the FDA’s website at the following links:

• Bread List, 15 brands;
• Brownie List, 12 brands; and
• Muffin List, 4 brands.

No illnesses had been reported to Rabbit Creek as of Thursday in connection with any of the recalled baking mixes it produced.

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

However, dozens of people across 21 states are confirmed to have been infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O121 that health officials isolated from bags of General Mills flour collected from victims’ homes.

Thirteen of the 46 confirmed outbreak victims have been hospitalized and one has developed a type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is often fatal. The first confirmed case began Dec, 21, 2015, with the most recent victim becoming ill June 25, according to the most recent update, which was posted July 25.

Since the initial General Mills recall on May 31, FDA reported, as of July 25, it had “facilitated at least four recalls of firms that received recalled flour.” Those recalls were:

• July 9, Krusteaz brand pancake mix;
• July 11, Betty Crocker cake Mix;
• July 12, Golden Dipt breading mix; and
• July 13, Marie Callender’s cheese biscuit mix.

Anyone who has developed symptoms of E. coli infection after consuming any of the recalled products or flour should consult with a doctor.

“People usually get sick from E. coli O121, also referred to as STEC O121, 2-8 days after swallowing the bacteria,” according to the Rabbit Creek recall notice.

“Most people develop diarrhea, often bloody, and abdominal cramps. Most people recover within a week. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe, resulting in a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).”

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FSIS announces expanded meat recall for misbranding and undeclared allergens

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced an expansion of the Aug. 6 recall by South River, NJ-based Al Shabrawy Meat Inc. of an undetermined amount of baster, sausage, soujouk, salami, mortadella, makanek, and bologna products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.

The expansion of the recall is based on evidence provided by FSIS that all package sizes and brands of the products produced during the initial recall dates of Jan. 1, 2015, to Aug. 4, 2016, are misbranded as described in the initial recall.

Some of the products contain pistachio nut and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

The basterma, sausage, soujouk, salami, mortadella, makanek, bologna, Lahmajun (meat pie) and other sausage-like items were produced on various dates between Jan. 1, 2015, and Aug. 4, 2016. The following products are subject to recall:

• “TAZAH, SULTAN, & YORUK SLICED BASTERMA” – cryovaced and weighed at the time of sale
• “AL MARAAI, AL HALU, BAROODY, & AL SHABRAWY SLICED AND WHOLE BASTERMA” – cryovaced and weighed at the time of sale
• “AL SHABRAWY, TAZAH, & BAROODY MAKANEK” – cryovaced and weighed at the time of sale
• “TAZAH EGYPTIAN STYLE FRESH SAUSAGE” – cryovaced and weighed at the time of sale
• “AL SHABRAWY FRESH SAUSAGE” – cryovaced and weighed at the time of sale
• “BAROODY & SULTAN DRIED SOUJOUK” – cryovaced and weighed at the time of sale
• “SEVAN LAHMAJUN” – cryovaced and weighed at the time of sale
• 1-lb. plastic tubes (chubs) of “AL SHABRAWY PLAIN, OLIVE, & BLACK PEPPER SALAMI”
• 5-lb. plastic tubes (chubs) of “AL SHABRAWY PLAIN, OLIVE, & BLACK PEPPER SALAMI”
• 1-lb. plastic tubes (chubs) of “AL SHABRAWY OLIVE & PISTACHIO MORTADELLA”
• 5-lb. plastic tubes (chubs) of “AL SHABRAWY OLIVE & PISTACHIO MORTADELLA”

The recalled products bear establishment number “EST. 19160” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations and wholesalers in California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

The problem was discovered during an ongoing FSIS investigation at the establishment following a complaint to the agency. The major public health concerns include listing hydrolyzed plant protein in the ingredient statement of the beef bologna and beef mortadella, but not specifying that soy, an allergen, is the source of that protein.

Also, the beef mortadella products did not declare pistachio nut, an allergen, on individual package ingredient statements, although some cases of the product display a sticker stating “Pistachio” was in the product.

FSIS also found that beef salami and beef bologna products contained poultry ingredients and a sausage product tested positive for Red Dye #40, which is not declared on product labels. Additionally, raw beef trim, designated for cooking only, was used in raw non-intact finished products.

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. FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers.

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.

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30 tons of ground beef recalled because of metal fragment

A Texas beef processor is recalling more than 30 tons of meat after a consumer reported finding a metal fragment of Hill Country Fare brand ground beef.

Sam Kane Beef Processors LLC of Corpus Christi recalled the 60,350 pounds of ground beef today, reporting that all of the implicated meat was shipped to three H-E-B grocery distribution centers in Texas.

Sam Kane Beef Processors LLC has recalled 3-pound, 5-pound and 10-pound chubs of ground beef because of possible contamination with metal fragments.

The final retail destinations that received the ground beef were not included in the recall notice posted by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, but will be posted when they become available.

All of the recalled ground beef was produced on July 26. They all have the establishment number “EST. 337” printed inside the USDA mark or on the product packaging seam.

Specific label information for the recalled ground beef is as follows:

10-pound chubs containing “Hill Country Fare Ground Beef” 73% Lean/27% Fat with a Packed On date of 7/26/2016, a Use-By date of 8/15/2016, and bearing case code number 00090180;

5-pound chubs containing “Hill Country Fare Ground Beef” 73% Lean/27% Fat with a Packed On date of 7/26/2016, a Use-By date of 8/15/2016, and bearing case code number 00090150; and

3-pound chubs containing “Hill Country Fare Ground Beef” 73% Lean/27% Fat with a Packed On date of 7/26/2016, a Use-By date of 8/15/2016, and bearing case code number 00090170.

“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. “Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Mysti Richardson, director of marketing, at 361-241-5000, Ext. 241.”

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Cookies recalled for metal fragments; sugar connection unclear

Cookies sold at ShopRite stores are being recalled because they may contain small metal fragments.

A recall alert — dated Aug. 5 but not emailed until today by the Food and Drug Administration — does not indicate whether the cookie recall is related to an ongoing recall by a sugar supplier that has spurred a number of secondary recalls.

“Country Home has initiated a voluntary recall of Gourmet Chocolate Chunk Salted Caramel Cookies sold at ShopRite stores in its Fresh Bake department,” according to the company’s recall notice.

“These cookies were sold in 12- and 24-count containers and may also be part of the 12- and 24-count variety packages of cookies. The cookies were sold between July 19 and Aug. 4.”

Cookies included in the recall can be identified by the following label information:

• Gourmet Chocolate Chunk Salted Caramel Cookies with the UPC number 28978500000 or UPC number 28977600000; and
• Gourmet Variety Pack Cookies with the UPC number 38978600000 or UPC number 28977200000.

No injuries related to the recalled cookies had been reported as of Aug. 5, according to the recall notice.

Details of the cookie recall are similar to those reported in July recall notices from ConAgra for almost 1,000 tons of P.F. Chang’s frozen entrées and from Weis Markets for 30 bakery products. Both of those recalls cited metal fragments in sugar supplied by an unnamed company and used in the production of the frozen foods and fresh baked goods.

ShopRite did not immediately respond Wednesday to questions about the cookie recall and whether it is related to the recalled sugar.

“We are advising customers who purchased 12- and 24-count Gourmet Chocolate Chunk Salted Caramel Cookies and Gourmet Variety Pack Cookies at ShopRite between July 19 and Aug. 4 to return them for an immediate refund or replacement,” said ShopRite spokeswoman Karen Meleta.

ShopRite is one of the retail grocery banners owned by Wakefern Food Corp. of Keasbey, NJ. There are more than 260 ShopRite supermarkets in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland, serving more than six million customers each week, according to the recall notice.

The company has called and emailed ShopRite Price Plus Club customers whose loyalty card records show they bought the cookies to alert them about the recall.

“ShopRite urges its customers to keep their Price Plus Club information updated, so they can be contacted in case of such events. Customers wishing to update their information can call 1-800-SHOPRITE or visit ShopRite.com,” according to the recall notice.

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Amplify Snack Brands purchases Tyrrells

Amplify Snack Brands and Crisps Topco have executed a definitive agreement under which Amplify will acquire Tyrrells, an international, premium “better-for-you” snack food business.

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Cott acquires S&D Coffee

S&D Coffee, of Concord, N.C., has accepted an offer made by Cott to be acquired.

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Davidson wins Freezing Research Award

The Frozen Food Foundation, in conjunction with the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), has presented Mike Davidson, professor at the University of Tennessee’s Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), with the 7th annual Frozen Food Foundation Freezing Research Award.

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Replacing saturated fats with oleogels in cream cheese

A study published in Food Research International shows that oleogels may be able to replace a majority of the saturated fat in cream cheese while providing a similar texture.

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Researchers develop 3-D food printer

In the past year, Columbia University mechanical engineering professor Hod Lipson and his students have been developing a 3-D food printer that can fabricate edible items through computer-guided software and the actual cooking of edible pastes, gels, powders, and liquid ingredients—all in a prototype that looks like a coffee machine.

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TreeHouse Foods elects Sliva as president

TreeHouse Foods has announced that Christopher Sliva has been elected president of TreeHouse Foods.

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Frutarom buys Redbrook of Ireland

Frutarom Industries, a manufacturer of flavors and specialty fine ingredients, has signed an agreement to purchase 100% of the shares of the Irish company Redbrook Ingredients Services for approximately $44.8 million.

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Hearthside Food Solutions acquires Oak State Products

Hearthside Food Solutions has announced the acquisition of Oak State Products, a privately held contract manufacturer of cookies, bars, and other baked foods located in Wenona, Ill.

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Kent Precision Foods acquires PouchTec Industries

Kent, a family-owned food products and animal feed manufacturer, and PouchTec Industries have announced that Kent subsidiary Kent Precision Foods Group (KPFG), headquartered in St. Louis, has acquired PouchTec effective July 29, 2016.

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Stone receives OSU award

Ohio State University has named Herbert Stone the recipient of the 2016 Harris Award, which is given annually to recognize excellence in and contributions to the discipline of food science.

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Six brands of tumeric added to recall for excessive lead

A New Jersey company has expanded its recall of ground tumeric to include additional brands distributed nationwide. Excessive lead, which is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, infants and children, has been confirmed in the spice.

Gel Spice Inc. of Bayonne, NJ, initially recalled its Fresh Finds branded ground tumeric the last week of July.

“Routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ food inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by the New York State Food Laboratory revealed the elevated level of lead,” according to the company’s July 28 recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

In its expanded recall notice, Gel Spice added six brands of ground tumeric.

“The products were distributed by various retailers throughout the United States,” according to the new notice. “Sampling and testing of another product, produced from the same bulk turmeric, revealed the elevated level of lead.”

The additional tumeric being recalled by Gel Spice Inc. can be identified by the label information in the table below.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled ground turmeric should discard the product, according to Gel Spice Inc. Consumers with questions about the recalled product may call 201-564-0435.

Lead can accumulate in the body over time. Too much can cause health problems, including delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies, Gel Spice warned in its recall notices. Pregnant women, infants and young children especially should avoid exposure to lead. People concerned about blood lead levels should contact their physician or health clinic to ask about testing.

The Fresh Finds brand ground turmeric powder recalled by Gel Spice Inc. is packaged in 3.75-ounce jars and has a UPC number of 81026-01230. The recalled product also has the codes of “B/B 03/08/19” or “B/B 05/18/19” on the neck of the jars. The recalled spice was distributed to Big Lots stores nationwide.

Brand/Description and Net Weight	Lot/BB code	UPC NUMBER
Spice Select/8 oz	03/18/19	076114007730
Market Pantry/0.95 oz	05APR2019	085239211038
Gel/15 oz	04/18/19	076114800867
Gel/15 oz	05/16/19	076114800867
Clear Value /0.75oz	04/27/19	036800354920
Lieber’s/2 oz	05/13/19	043427006361
Spice Supreme/2 oz	05/17/19	076114364628

 

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Fresh sprouts from Denver linked to 9-state outbreak

At least 30 people across nine states have fallen ill in an outbreak of Salmonella infections traced to “Living Alfalfa Sprouts” supplied by Sprouts Extraordinaire of Denver.

A number of the victims reported eating fresh sprouts at several different restaurants before becoming ill, according to the Friday afternoon outbreak announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Five ill people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported,” the CDC reported. “Epidemiologic and traceback evidence available at this time indicate that alfalfa sprouts supplied by Sprouts Extraordinaire of Denver are the likely source of this outbreak.”

The 30 confirmed victims are infected with strains of Salmonella Reading or Salmonella Abony. Traceback investigation as of Friday showed several victims had eaten fresh sprouts on sandwiches from restaurants supplied by the Sprouts Extraordinaire company.

“Federal, state and local health and regulatory officials performed a traceback investigation from five restaurants where ill people reported eating alfalfa sprouts. This investigation indicated that Sprouts Extraordinaire supplied alfalfa sprouts to all five of these locations,” according to the CDC.

The CDC reported the Denver-based sprout grower had initiated a recall, but no such notice had been posted from the company on the Food and Drug Administration website as of 6 p.m. EDT Friday.

The recalled alfalfa sprouts were sold in 5-pound boxes and labeled “Living Alfalfa Sprouts,” according to the CDC.

No other identifying information for the sprouts was provided in the CDC outbreak notice. However, the agency did recommend that retailers should not sell or serve the sprouts, suggesting some may have shipped to grocery stores for repackaging or use with in-store delis.

The CDC did not have information on distribution patterns or dates.

Illnesses onset dates for the outbreak victims range from May 21 to July 20. Illnesses that occurred after July 12 might not yet be reported because of the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is confirmed and reported by local and state officials. This takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks.

Victims of the ongoing outbreak range in age from less than 1 year to 72, with a median age of 30. Fifty-three percent of ill people are female.

Federal, state, and local health and regulatory officials performed a traceback investigation from five restaurants where ill people reported eating alfalfa sprouts. This investigation indicated that Sprouts Extraordinaire supplied alfalfa sprouts to all five of these locations.

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Whole Foods, restaurants sold cheese linked to E. coli outbreak

E. coli that is infecting restaurant diners in Michigan matches bacteria found in recalled Grassfields Cheese products and has spurred public health officials to warn consumers nationwide because the cheese was also sold at retail stores and online.

Grassfields Cheese LLC of Coopersville, MI, issued a nationwide recall Wednesday of 20,000 pounds of its cheeses because of the E. coli. Whole Foods Markets has augmented that action, specifically recalling Grassfields Cheese products sold at its stores in 13 states.

Grassfields officials did not include a list of wholesalers, retailers or other any other entities that received the cheese in its recall notice. Federal officials are prohibited from revealing that information because of corporate confidentiality clauses in federal law.

Michigan officials provided an update on the investigation Friday, warning consumers to check cheese in their homes to determine if it is included in the recalls.

“Anyone who has recently eaten Grassfields Cheese products and is experiencing (E. coli infection) symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and their local health department,” according to the Friday afternoon update from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The state health department is working with the state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and local health departments on the investigation. The agriculture department’s lab tested Grassfields Cheese products and confirmed E. coli matching the outbreak strain isolated in samples from sick people.

“(The) departments are investigating an outbreak of six cases of non-O157:H7 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections in Michigan residents from five counties: Calhoun, Kent, Livingston, St Clair and Wayne; a seventh case is from out of state. All six cases have been laboratory confirmed at (the department) and have the same of strain of E coli,” the state health department reported.

Illness caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can include symptoms of acute diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and little or no fever. The illness usually lasts one week.

In some people, especially young children, the elderly, or those who are immunocompromised, a more severe illness, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and even death, is possible. People with HUS have kidney failure and often require dialysis and transfusions.

The CSI of an E. coli outbreak
Using standard practices of epidemiology — which merge techniques similar to those used by police investigators and forensics experts — Michigan’s health and agriculture departments have been interviewing outbreak victims, conducting lab tests and compiling data.

As of Friday, public health officials knew that several of the outbreak patients reported eating meals containing Grassfields brand cheese products at multiple restaurant settings.

The first patient got sick March 13, with the most recent patient becoming ill on July 13. They range in age from 15 to 37 years old. One patient had symptoms so severe that hospitalization was required, but the patient has since been discharged, according to the Michigan health department.

“Our foodborne team works closely with (agriculture department), which has a Food Safety Rapid Response Team (RRT),” said state health department spokeswoman Jennifer Eisner.

“Once our foodborne team identified a suspect food vehicle after reviewing the cases, our RRT liaison conveyed the information about restaurant meals back to (the ag department) to first determine if the restaurants were using Grassfields cheese as an ingredient and second, to conduct a visit to Grassfields Cheese. A number of samples have been collected – both from restaurants and Grassfields. Further testing is underway.”

At least one sample of the Grassfields cheese contained bacteria matching the E coli strain found in the ill individuals, the state health department reported in Friday’s update.

How to identify the recalled organic cheese
All types and sizes of organic cheeses manufactured by Grassfields between Dec. 1, 2015, and June 1 this year are included in the recall.

They were packaged for retail sales, online sales to individual consumers and for bulk sale to be used by restaurants or repackaged by retailers.

Recalled flavors and varieties identified in the Grassfields recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website are:

• Gouda;
• Onion ’n Garlic;
• Country Dill;
• Leyden;
• Edam;
• Lamont Cheddar;
• Chili Cheese;
• Fait Fras;
• Polkton Corners; and
• Crofters.

The Whole Foods Markets recall
Whole Foods reports its stores in 13 states sold the recalled organic cheese. Those states are: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Not all products were sold in all stores.

“The recall includes the following types of Grassfields Cheeses: Gouda, Onion ‘n Garlic, Country Dill, Leyden, Edam, Lamont Cheddar, Fait Gras and Polkton Corners,” according to the Whole Foods recall notice on the FDA website.

The cheeses sold at Whole Foods locations were cut and packaged in clear plastic wrap with scale labels beginning with PLU codes that ranged from 0206151 to 0206159. They have sell-by dates through Sept. 2.

Consumers are urged to not eat the recalled cheese. Discard it and throughly wash all containers, surfaces, utensils and hands that came into contact with the cheese.

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Ingredient supplier recalls frozen green beans for Listeria

A Pennsylvania frozen produce company has recalled an undisclosed volume of frozen, cut green beans because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recall notice from JML Ingredients Inc. of  East Petersburg, PA, is dated July 22, but it was just posted on the Food and Drug Administration’s website Thursday evening.

“The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by a manufacturer who used the product in their finished product,” according to the recall notice. “JML Ingredients has ceased the distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.”

Although the ICAPP brand frozen green beans are packaged in 20-pound cases and were distributed to “manufacturers in Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania,” the recall notice references refunds for consumers who bought the product.

“Consumers who have purchased ICAPP (individually quick frozen cut green beans) are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund,” according to the recall notice. “Consumers with questions may contact JML Ingredients at 717-569-2141.”

The company did not name the supplier of the green beans or indicate if the recall is related to ongoing recalls of frozen vegetables because of Listeria contamination.

Listeria monocytogenes is a microscopic organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, 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.

Products being recalled are as follows:

Brand	Product	Lot Number	Expiration Date	Product size/container
ICAPP	IQF CUT GREEN BEANS	110815 / 15649	August 10, 2017	20 lb. / 9.070 kg. bulk case
ICAPP	IQF CUT GREEN BEANS	120815 / 15650	August 11, 2017	20 lb. / 9.070 kg. bulk case
ICAPP	IQF CUT GREEN BEANS	050915 / 15651	September 4, 2017	20 lb. / 9.070 kg. bulk case
ICAPP	IQF CUT GREEN BEANS	200915 / 15652	September 19, 2017	20 lb. / 9.070 kg. bulk case

 

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More tumeric recalled because of lead; supplier not named

An Alabama company is recalling ground tumeric because samples from an unnamed supplier have been found to contain excessive levels of lead.

JM Exotic Foods Inc. of Moody, AL, did not indicate in its recall notice how much of its tumeric is involved or where it was distributed.

The recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website also did not indicate if the recall is related to a June 28 ground tumeric recall by a New York company that was also spurred by excessive lead.

The JM Exotic Foods recalled ground tumeric is packaged in 4-ounce, clear plastic clamshell containers. The implicated containers have the item number 1153 and one of the following lot numbers: 16131185 or 16165184.

“Customers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume the product and should return it for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact customer service at 205-699-2889,” according to the company’s recall notice.

“While the (FDA) has not set a specific limit on lead in spices, there is a limit of 0.1 ppm (parts per million) in candy. The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that lead levels of 0.015 ppm in drinking water require treatment. Lead can accumulate in the body over time, and too much of it can cause serious and sometimes permanent adverse health consequences.”

Children are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning, which can cause developmental problems and life-long implications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Listeria found throughout Washington onion processing plant

Inspectors from the Food and Drug Administration recently found Listeria monocytogenes in an onion processing facility in Washington state that shipped some wholesale vegetable products, recalled in April, that may be linked to several illnesses.

The Oregon Potato Co., doing business as Freeze Pack, was told in a July 15 warning letter from FDA’s Seattle District Office that, following a March inspection of its processing plant in Pasco, WA, a number of environmental swabs taken there tested positive for the pathogen.

FDA’s laboratory analysis of samples collected  March 8 and 9 confirmed that 19 out 106 environmental swabs tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

The warning letter noted that seven positive environmental swabs were collected from direct food contact surfaces in the plant’s processing and packaging rooms during the production of individually quick frozen (IQF) diced onions. Those direct food contact surface areas included:

• The chiller water and the interior north wall of the water chiller. Water from this chiller is not treated and is recirculated back to the blancher/chiller and used directly on blanched diced onions as a coolant;
• A white nylon strip in the tunnel discharge chute between the IQF freezer and the finished product packaging room. Blanched, finished onions are conveyed and come into direct contact with the nylon strip; and,
• The metal arm on the chain conveyor belt between the IQF freezer and packaging room where blanched, finished product is conveyed directly on this conveying system and comes into contact with the metal arm.

The remaining 12 positive environmental swabs were collected from locations in the plant’s processing room and the packaging room in areas adjacent to food contact surfaces and non-direct food contact surfaces, FDA stated.

The 19 environmental samples were also analyzed using whole genome sequencing (WGS), which FDA noted can establish direct links between clinical isolates from sick people and food or environmental sources. The analysis found links between the isolates from the production plant and sick people, the agency stated.

“The WGS phylogenetic analysis establishes that there are at least two different strains of L. monocytogenes present in the facility, with one strain containing 17 isolates and the second strain containing two isolates,” FDA stated.

“Specifically, the WGS analysis of the strain with 17 isolates showed that the isolates are identical to each other. WGS analysis of the strain with two isolates showed that the isolates are identical to eight cases of human illness dating back to 2013, and to six isolates from finished products. These finished products included onions, with two isolates in 2014,  and green beans with three isolates in 2015, tested by a third party laboratory, and a single isolate from white sweet corn collected and tested by the state of Ohio in 2016. Additional investigation established that at least six individuals were hospitalized as a result of related L. monocytogenes associated illness,” according to the warning letter.

Violations of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations were also observed at the facility, FDA told the company. These problems included accumulated food debris and grime on some food contact surfaces, insufficient measures to keep drip or condensate from contaminating food or food contact surfaces or food packaging materials, and inadequate ventilation or control equipment to minimize vapors — including steam — from contaminating food items.

Oregon Potato Co. contacted FDA after receiving the warning letter and detailed corrective actions it was taking. The company also ceased production in order to clean and sanitize all surfaces in the facility, FDA noted, and submitted environmental testing samples taken alongside those taken by the agency, which were negative for Listeria.

However, FDA responded that it was unable to evaluate the adequacy of the measures to be taken without further information and that there was no timeline submitted for completion or for resuming operations.

As for the negative Listeria results the company submitted, FDA questioned the firm’s sample testing.

“Given that FDA’s sampling revealed 19 environmental swabs that tested positive for L. monocytogenes, we are concerned with the adequacy of your sampling program. Your response included the general protocol reference guide for the method utilized by your laboratory. However, your firm did not provide detailed documents on the actual laboratory method that was performed to provide a comprehensive review of this issue,” the warning letter stated.

The letter also mentioned the company’s recalled frozen vegetables:

“FDA acknowledges that your firm conducted a voluntary recall and considers the following IQF and fresh onion products, manufactured from March 8, 2016, to April 8, 2016, that your firm recalled beginning on April 6, 2016, to have posed an acute, life-threatening hazard to health: IQF 1/4″ Yellow Onion Dice- Frozen; IQF 3/8″ Yellow Onion Strip; IQF 3/8″ Unblanched Yellow Onion Dice- Frozen; IQF 3/4″ Yellow Onion Dice- Frozen; IQF 1/4″ Frozen White Onion Dice; Fresh 3/8″ White Onion Dice; Fresh 3/8″ White Onion Strip; IQF 1/4 x 1/4 Yellow Onion Dice; and IQF 3/8″ Yellow Onion Dice.”

The Oregon Potato Co. recall led to numerous secondary recalls of frozen vegetables by other companies and brands, including Reser’s Fine Foods, Pictsweet and Schnucks. It is associated with a large recall of frozen vegetables initiated by CRF Frozen Foods Inc.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, consumption of the recalled vegetable products was linked to nine cases of listeriosis reported from four states between September 2013 and May of this year. CDC officially declared that outbreak over on July 15.

According to its website, Oregon Potato Co. is a private grower and processor of vegetables, operates in Oregon and Idaho as well as Washington state, and processes and roasts IQF potatoes, carrots, corn, onions, beans, peas, root vegetables, asparagus, squash, zucchini, peppers, and some fruit, including apples, cherries, blueberries and pineapple.

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