Evanger’s sues supplier; says beef included tainted horse meat

Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company Inc. is suing Bailey Farms LLC, claiming that the meat supplier was at fault for a euthanasia drug found in Hunk of Beef and Against the Grain dog foods made by Evanger’s.

The suit, filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County in Illinois on April 25, names Bailey Foods LLC as the sole supplier of meat for Evanger’s Hunk of Beef canned dog food. Holly and Joel Sher, owners of the Wheeling, IL, Evanger’s want $20 million in punitive damages from Bailey Foods, which is based in Marshall, WI.

Beef supplied by Bailey Foods contained horse meat, according to Evanger’s lawsuit. The company further claims the horse meat was the source of the pentobarbital contamination that sickened several dogs earlier this year, killing at least one.

Evanger’s is seeking unspecified damages, to be proven at trial, recovery of attorney’s fees and costs, and punitive damages of $20 million.

The lawsuit alleges that Evanger’s ordered more than 21 tons of “Hand Deboned Beef” from Bailey Foods in November 2015, and an additional 21 tons of “Inedible Hand Deboned Beef” in late May 2016.

“Inedible” beef is unfit for human consumption according to federal law; however, if not contaminated or adulterated, it may be used in the manufacture of pet food.

As recently as Feb. 9, Evanger’s claimed to use “human-grade USDA inspected meats” in its products. The company updated its website shortly thereafter, dropping the reference to “human-grade” from the description.

The November shipment was used to manufacture Against the Grain Hand Pulled Beef”and the May 2016 order was used in the production of approximately 50,000 cans of Hunk of Beef.

On Feb. 3, Evanger’s recalled five production lots of Hunk of Beef canned dog food after the Food and Drug Administration found pentobarbital, a euthanasia agent, in a sample of the food. Pentobarbital is a barbiturate that is used by veterinarians and animal shelters to euthanize animals.

On Feb. 14, Evanger’s recalled a single production lot of Against the Grain Hand Pulled Beef canned dog food after FDA detected pentobarbital in a sample of the product.

On March 3, 2017, Evanger’s recalled all “chunk beef” products manufactured between December 2015 and January 2017, due to the possible presence of pentobarbital in these products. All of the recalled products contained meat from a single supplier, according to the company.

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Dip Trio Mix recalled for possible Salmonella contamination

Canton, TX-based Phoenix Food, LLC has recalled  select Dip Trio Mixes due to the potential presence of Salmonella in the seasoning packet.

The recall is the direct result of a supplier’s recent recall of jalapeno powder that could contain Salmonella.  Although no Salmonella was found in the jalapeno powder supplied to Phoenix Food, the company has decided to recall these products out of an abundance of caution.

The Dip Trio Mix contains a dry mix packaged in a plastic barrier bag labeled “Jalapeno Bacon”. The bag is inserted into a red box entitled Dip Trio Mix.  Specific lot codes: K110420161, K111220161 & K111120161, located on the top of the box, are the products affected by this recall.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections especially in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Others  infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

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Ginger Powder recalled for possible Salmonella contamination

California-based Lords Organics LLC has recalled Organic Veda Ginger Powder sold on Amazon because it might be  contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections especially in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Others  infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The Organic Veda Ginger Powder  was distributed through by internet sales on amazon.com and then delivered through mail order postal delivery.

The contamination may involve  the Organic Veda’s Ginger Powder product that has Batch No: A324DGRP, MFD: AUG 2015, Best Before: July 2017 in 16 Oz clear jar with red color lid, manufactured by AGF Ltd.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall came after  sampling found finished products that contained the bacteria in that batch.  The company has ceased distribution of the product as precautionary measure and the company continues an investigation as to what caused the problem.

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Halal beef recalled by Nashville’s Baraka Bakery and Grocery

Nashville’s Baraka Bakery and Grocery has recalled an undetermined amount of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, according to  the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The Halal ground beef items were processed and packaged on various dates from April 19 through April 26.  Recalled products are:

• Packages containing butcher ground to order “HALAL GROUND BEEF.”

These items were sold to consumers at the firm’s retail location in Tennessee.

The problem was discovered through routine FSIS retail sampling.  No confirmed reports of illnesses  due to consumption of these products have been received.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps for two to eight days, usually three to four days on average, after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

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

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

 

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Organic pesto recalled after test shows Listeria contamination

Routine pathogen testing revealed Listeria contamination in The Farming Fish brand of organic basil pesto with watercress, spurring the Oregon company to recall the product, which was distributed to retailers in the state.

In addition to recalling the implicated lot, the company is recalling additional production runs as a precautionary measure and changing the way it packages the pesto, according to the recall notice on the  Food and Drug Administration website.

“Consumers who have purchased affected products should not consume the product and are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, according to the recall notice.

“The Farming Fish apologizes for any inconvenience experienced by our valued consumers and retail customers and will refund not only this date code but any product in an 8.5-ounce plastic deli container to bring full peace of mind to all customers. The pesto will be packaged in a glass container moving forward.”

The specific product under recall is The Farming Fish brand “Organic Basil Pesto with Watercress” produced by Our Local Bounty of Rogue River, OR. It is in 8.5-ounce plastic containers with the UPC number 7 23175 33586 8 with any of the following “enjoy or freeze by dates” of:

• 4/30/2017;
• 5/6/2017;
• 5/13/2017; and
• 5/20/2017.

“We take the safety of our products very seriously,” company co-owner Olivia Hittner said in the recall notice. “Immediately after being notified of the potential health concern, we took action to identify the products implicated in the recall and we discontinued shipment of all affected product. We are working quickly with distributors and retailers to remove the product from shelves and eliminate any risk to consumers.”

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled pesto and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors of the possible exposure to the pathogen so that the proper diagnostic tests can be performed.

It can take up to 70 days for symptoms to develop after exposure, so anyone who has eaten any of the recalled pesto should monitor themselves in the coming weeks for symptoms.

Symptoms of listeriosis infection, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In healthy adults the symptoms may be mild and short term. However, it can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Listeria infection can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

 

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Chicken patty products recalled after plastic material discovery

Foster Poultry Farms in Farmerville, LA, has recalled 131,880 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat breaded chicken patty products that may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically plastic, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The frozen, ready-to-eat breaded chicken patty items were produced on February 15, 2017. Subject to recall are:

• 5-lb. bags containing 20 pieces of “FOSTER FARMS Chicken Patties BREADED CHICKEN BREAST PATTIES WITH RIB MEAT” with Best By date of 02/15/18.

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

The company learned of the plastic from  three consumer complaints on March 22, April 3, and April 15, which reported the foreign materials in the chicken patty products. The foreign materials were pieces of clear, soft plastic that originated from the establishment’s packaging materials.

No reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products have been confirmed.  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.

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Great Value, other pie and tart shells recalled for tainted flour

Another food recall in Canada is underway in the midst of an E. coli outbreak as several brands of pie and tart shells made with flour linked to 28 illnesses are being pulled from retailers across the country.

Harlan Bakeries of Edmonton and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are warning consumers to check their homes for the recalled products, according to the recall notice posted on the CFIA’s website. Products included in the Harlan Bakeries recall include Great Value and other brands listed here:

Brand Name	Common Name	Size	Code(s) on Product	UPC
no name	Deep Dish Pie Shells	380 g	Best before dates: 2017 NO 24 2017 DE 01	0 60383 05599 8
no name	Sweetened Tart shells	570 g	Best before dates: 2017 DE 01 2017 DE 08	0 60383 10429 0
no name	Tart Shells	570 g	Best before dates: 2017 NO 28 2017 NO 29 2017 DE 05 2017 DE 19 2017 DE 20	0 60383 68840 0
Great Value	Deep Dish Pie Shells	380 g	Best before dates: 2017 NO 24 2017 DE 01	6 28915 08589 1
Great Value	Tart Shells	228 g	Best before date: 2017 DE 21	6 28915 08590 7
Great Value	Tart Shells	570 g	Best before dates: 2017 NO 29 2017 NO 30 2017 DE 06	6 28915 08591 4
Apple Valley	2″ Sweet Tart Shells	640 g	Best before date: 2017NO24	6 87415 17100 8
Apple Valley	3″ Tart Shells	570 g	Best before dates: 2017 NO 30 2017 DE 09	6 87415 17103 9
Western Family	12 Tart Shells	228 g	Best before date: 2017 DE 07	0 62639 30952 7

 

“Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased,” according to the recall. “It is not safe to taste or eat raw dough or batter regardless of the type of flour used, as raw flour can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli O121. Food contaminated with E. coli O121 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.”

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the possible exposure to the pathogen so the proper diagnostic tests can be performed.

Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea. In severe cases of illness, some people may have seizures or strokes, need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis or live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die, according to the recall notice.

“This recall was triggered by findings by the CFIA during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak,” the recall notice states. “There have been reported illnesses associated with flour; however, at this time, there have been no confirmed illnesses associated with the products identified in this Food Recall Warning.”

The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed 27 cases of E. coli O121 infections across five Canadian provinces since November 2016 that have been linked to flour produced by Ardent Mills Canada. A 28th victim was a visitor to the country.

Seven of the outbreak victims were hospitalized, but are recovering. No deaths have been reported in relation to the outbreak.

The previous recalls of the implicated flour and products made with it are:

• 2017-04-16 – Various brands of flour and flour products recalled due to E. coli O121
• 2017-04-12 – Various brands of flour and flour products recalled due to E. coli O121
• 2017-04-04 – Robin Hood brand All Purpose Flour, Original recalled due to E. coli O121
• 2017-03-28 – Robin Hood brand All Purpose Flour, Original recalled due to E. coli O121

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Listeria concern brings recall of ham by Memphis company

Memphis-based Fineberg Packing Co. Inc. has recalled 8,822 pounds of ready-to-eat ham products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

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

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 ready-to-eat hickory smoked and BBQ ham items were packaged on Jan. 16. The recalled products can be identified by the following label information:

• 14-lb. vacuum-sealed packages containing “FINEBERG’S Finest Danish Brand BBQ Flavored Ham” with Sell by date 03/26/2017 and case code 17016.
• 30.6-lb. boxes containing 2 vacuum-sealed packages of “Holly Brand hickory smoked fully cooked HAM” with case code 17016.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 428” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distributors in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.

The problem was discovered during a Food Safety Assessment conducted by an FSIS employee. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

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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Consumers complain; 21 tons of undercooked chicken recalled

Just over 21 tons of ready-to-eat chicken breasts were recalled nationwide late Monday by WFSP Foods LLC in Decatur, AL, because they were undercooked and could be contaminated with bacterial pathogens, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Multiple customers complained that the ready-to-eat chicken products appeared to be undercooked, according to the recall notice. No confirmed reports of illness or adverse reactions due to consumption of these products had been reported to authorities as of the posting of the recall.

Anyone who develops symptoms of pathogenic infections such as E. coli or Salmonella should contact a healthcare provider and tell them of their possible exposure so the proper diagnostics can be performed. Symptoms can include fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea that is often bloody, and vomiting.

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 ready-to-eat grilled chicken breasts were produced on March 29 and April 7 this year.  Subject to the recall are:

• 9-lb. foodservice cases containing 8 poly film packages of “CHEF’S LINE ALL NATURAL FIRE GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST” with product code 22586, produced on 04/07/17, and Best by date 06/14/17.
• 9-lb. foodservice cases containing 8 poly film packages of “saladworks FULLY COOKED FLAME GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST FILLETS” with product code 22500, produced on 03/29/17 and Use by date 06/05/17.

The recalled products bear establishment number “P-45411” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to a distribution center in Illinois and further distributed to hotel, restaurant and institution locations nationwide.

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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Magnet found in sausage; Uncle John’s Pride recalls 70 tons

Tampa-based Uncle John’s Pride LLC is recalling 139,909 pounds of ready-to-eat smoked meat and poultry sausage that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The problem was discovered when a metal magnet was found in the beef trim source product of the processed sausage products. As of the posting of the recall notice on Monday there hadn’t been any 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, according to the recall notice.

The products were shipped to foodservice and retail locations in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

The recalled ready-to-eat smoked meat and poultry sausage items were produced on various dates from March 8 through April 8. They can be identified by the following labeling information:

• 10-lb. bulk boxes containing 26-28 pieces of “GARCIA BRAND SMOKED SAUSAGE, 9˝” with case code 0-54912-20040-9.
• 10-lb. bulk boxes containing 36-40 pieces of “GARCIA BRAND SMOKED SAUSAGE, 7˝” with case code 0-54912-17020-7.
• 10-lb. bulk boxes containing 26-30 pieces of “GARCIA BRAND BEEF SMOKED SAUSAGE, 9˝” with case code 0-54912-17050-4.
• 1.75-lb. boxed packages of “GARCIA BRAND SMOKED SAUSAGE” with case code 0-54912-20010-2.
• 1.75-lb. boxed packages of “GARCIA BRAND SMOKED HOT SAUSAGE” with case code 0-54912-20050-8.
• 1.75-lb. boxed packages of “GARCIA BRAND CHICKEN SMOKED SAUSAGE” with case code 0-54912-15020-9.
• 1.75-lb. boxed packages of “GARCIA BRAND BEEF SMOKED HOT SAUSAGE” with case code 0-54912-20030-0.
• 1.75-lb. boxed packages of “GARCIA BRAND BEEF SAUSAGE” with case code 0-54912-20020-1.
• 3-lb. boxed packages of “GARCIA BRAND BEEF SMOKED SAUSAGE” with case code 0-54912-21010-1.
• 5-lb. boxed packages of “GARCIA BRAND BEEF SMOKED SAUSAGE” with case code 0-54912-18020-6.
• 10-lb. bulk boxes of “EMA’S BEEF & CHICKEN BREAKFAST SAUSAGE Bulk, Manufactured By: Uncle John’s Pride, LLC” with case code 0-41085-01536-7.

The recalled products bear establishment number “EST. 9179″ or “P-9179” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

 

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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FDA report shows cheese maker knew of Listeria in facility

The owner of Vulto Creamery, whose raw milk cheese has killed at least two people in a multi-state Listeria outbreak, had been getting positive results for the pathogen from his equipment and production plant for at least 20 months before he initiated a recall in March.

Inspections of Johannes H. Vulto’s cheese-making operation in Walton, NY, by the Food and Drug Administration in late February and early March showed multiple and long-standing food safety problems. Those violations are documented in an FDA Form 483 report issued to the company March 22 and obtained by Food Safety News this week.

Violations documented by inspectors included:

• Vulto and an employee who had visible cuts on his arms, both reaching elbow-deep into vats of cheese to use their bare hands and arms to separate cheese curds;
• The buildup of what appeared to be black and green mold on multiple pieces of equipment and surfaces in the facility;
• Lack of temperature alarm systems for freezers, coolers and cheese storage rooms;
• An admission by the owner that the company does not calibrate and never has calibrated the thermometers located in the cheese aging room and walk-in cooler;
• Multiple plumbing problems related to blackflow prevention and drains; and
• Insect strips overloaded with dead flies.

And, although Vulto was conducting regular swab tests of equipment and surfaces, a more than 27 percent positive rate for Listeria species did not induce him to conduct adequate follow-up testing after cleaning and sanitizing, according to the FDA inspection report.

Inspectors were in the facility on Feb. 28 and March 1, 2, 7, 13, 17, 22. Their work included a review of the Vulto Creamery records, which showed 54 out of 198 swab tests on equipment and the wall, floors, drains and other surfaces collected between July 2014 and February this year were positive for Listeria.

“You have not conducted an investigation to provide identification of the Listeria spp. to genus and species and you have also failed to identify its source or point of entry/harborage in your facility,” the FDA inspectors wrote in their report.

“A total of 10 of the 54 positive results were found on food contact surfaces between 10/30/2014 and 4/28/2015. You did not conduct microbial testing of finished products to confirm that your finished products were not contaminated with the organism found by your environmental testing program.

“… The procedure used for cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and utensils has not been shown to provide adequate cleaning and sanitizing treatment.”

Both the FDA and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets have confirmed Listeria monocytogenes in samples of raw milk cheese made by Vulto Creamery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention matched the “DNA fingerprint” of the Listeria in the cheese with that of samples from six people hospitalized with Listeria infections from Sept. 1, 2016, through Jan. 22 this year.

All six victims consumed raw milk cheese before becoming sick. Their ages range from less than one year to 89 years old. Two of them died.

Additional victims may be identified because it can take up to 70 days after exposure for symptoms of Listeria infection to develop.

The FDA notified Vulto about the positive results for Listeria monocytogenes on March 3, but the company did not publicly post a recall until March 7. On  March 11 the company expanded the recall to include all of its raw milk cheeses and suspended operations pending the outcome of the FDA’s investigation.

“The raw milk cheeses were distributed nationwide, with most being sold at retail locations in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic States, California, Chicago Illinois, Portland Oregon and Washington D.C.,” according to the recall notice on the FDA website.

In addition to continuing to produce and sell raw milk cheeses even though there was Listeria present in the facility, Vulto failed to submit a “reportable food report” to FDA as required by federal law.

“Specifically, you were notified via telephone on 3/3/2017 that your firm’s Ouleout soft raw milk cheese product bearing lot #617 was found to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen, and that you would need to file a reportable food reported to the FDA within 24 hours,” according to the FDA’s Form 483 report dated March 22.

“At this present time, you still have not filed a reportable food report with the FDA.”

To view photos of the recalled cheeses, please click on the image.

The man behind the cheese
Although he is listed as Johannes H. Vulto in the FDA report, the owner of Vulto Creamery refers to himself as Jos Vulto on his company website.

“Jos had been making cheese in his apartment for about five years, aging it under the Brooklyn sidewalk. He had never set out to become a cheese maker but after half a year of experimenting and favorable reception of some of his creations, he started to explore the possibility of starting a creamery,” according to the company website.

“He started construction of the creamery in 2010 and after some tragic delays, finally produced the first legal batch in 2012.”

Vulto is originally from Holland, according to a profile in the cheese industry publication Culture Magazine. He has not responded to requests for comment from Food Safety News.

“Vulto came to the United States in 1990 on a Dutch government–sponsored grant. For two years he was an artist-in-residence at P.S. 1, the famed contemporary art center in New York City, and by the time his grant ran out, Vulto had decided to stay,” the magazine reported.

To read previous Food Safety News coverage of the outbreak and recall, please see:

• 2 dead in multi-state Listeria outbreak traced to Vulto cheese
• Widow names raw milk creamery in wrongful death lawsuit

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E. coli outbreak strain in several flour brands from Ardent Mills

The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed 27 cases of E. coli O121 infections across five Canadian provinces since November 2016 that have been linked to flour produced by Ardent Mills Canada. A 28th victim was a visitor to the country.

These are three of the recalled flour products. To read the most recent recall expansion notice please click on the image, which will take you to the CFIA page that has links to all of the recalls and photos of the other recalled products.

Seven of the outbreak victims were hospitalized, but are recovering. No deaths have been reported in relation to the outbreak.

E. coli O121 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain of E. coli. In recent years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it has been responsible for outbreaks associated with flour, frozen foods and raw clover sprouts.

Provinces reporting illnesses and the number of cases in each are:

• British Columbia, 12;
• Saskatchewan 4;
• Alberta 5;
• Ontario 1; and
• Newfoundland and Labrador 5.

The country of origin of the affected visitor was not released. The 14 male and 14 female victims range in age from 8 years to 79 years, with an average of 24 years.

On March 28 the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), in concert with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), informed the public that “Original Robin Hood All Purpose Flour” was confirmed to be contaminated with the outbreak strain of E. coli O121.

Smucker Foods of Canada Corp. recalled an undisclosed amount of the Robin Hood branded flour on March 28. Robin Hood has been a member of the Smucker family of brands in Canada since 2004. Consumers and others can identify the recalled 10-kilogram bags of flour by looking for the following label information:

• UPC number 0 59000 01652 8; and
• Product code containing BB/MA 2018 AL 17 and 6 291 548

Ardent Mills Canada is the manufacturer of Robin Hood Flour. In a statement released April 16, the company acknowledged that it was “… aware of one illness associated with the consumption of flour,” but emphasized that no illnesses were linked to the additional products included in subsequent recall notices.

The additional recalls are a result either of the detection of E. coli O121 in a sample of the production lot or a determination that the product was manufactured using the same source material as a product that tested positive for E. coli O121, according to CFIA.

“One specific product has been directly linked to a case of illness,” a CFIA spokesperson told Food Safety News. “Other products with specific production dates, while not linked to specific cases of illness, have been analyzed by our laboratory and found to contain the same type of E. coli that is of concern in the outbreak.”

So far, CFIA has not carried out environmental sampling in the production facility, but has focussed of sampling flour products on the market.

The genetic pattern of the Canadian outbreak strain is unrelated to the strain of E. coli O121 that was responsible for an outbreak of more that 60 illnesses in the U.S. in 2016. That outbreak was traced to flour produced by a General Mills facility in Kansas City, MO.

All of the recalled Ardent Mills products were manufactured in one facility, during a three week period from Oct.14 to Nov.3, 2016.

Some of the products were distributed to retailers, including Costco Canada, while others were supplied to hotels, restaurants, and institutional customers. Additional brand names of the recalled flour include: Arrezzio, BakerSource, Brodie, Creative Baker, GFS, Golden Temple, Great Canadian Bagel, Kitchen Essentials, Robin Hood, and Sunspun.

A consolidated list of recalled products is available at eFoodAlert.

What consumers need to know
Symptoms of infection with shiga-toxin producing strains of E. coli, including E. coli O121, usually appear from one to 10 days following initial infection, and may include severe stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and headache. Typically, there is little or no fever.

Some individuals develop no symptoms whatsoever, while others can become severely ill and require hospitalization. Those at greatest risk of developing serious complications are pregnant women, individuals with compromised immune systems, young children and older adults.

The PHAC advises consumers to check their homes to see if they have any of the contaminated flour and take the following precautions if they have it. If you have any of the recalled products in your home or place of business:

• Do not use or eat recalled flour or flour products. If you have a recalled flour product in your home, secure the recalled product in a plastic bag and throw it out or return it to the store where it was purchased for a refund.
• If you have flour without its original packaging and are unsure if it is included in the food recall, throw it out just to be safe.
• Thoroughly wash any containers that were used to store the recalled product before using them again.
• If you suspect you may have used recalled flour to make baked goods or a non-baked product, such as children’s play-dough, throw it out. Wash all surfaces or containers where the product may have been used or stored.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water immediately following any contact with the recalled product.
• Do not taste raw dough, batter or any other product containing uncooked flour. Eating a small amount could make you sick.
• Bake or cook items made with raw dough or batter before eating them.
• Always use hot water and soap to wash any bowls, utensils, or surfaces that flour was used on.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water immediately after touching flour, raw dough or batter.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you think you have become ill from eating raw dough or batter or from consuming or handling a flour product and tell them about the possible exposure to pathogens so the proper diagnostic tests can be done.

 

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McCain recalls Roundy’s, Harris Teeter potatoes for golf balls

McCain Foods USA Inc. is recalling retail, frozen hash brown products that may be contaminated with extraneous golf ball materials.

The company posted the recall notice with the Food and Drug Administration, stating “despite our stringent supply standards (the golf balls) may have been inadvertently harvested with potatoes used to make this product. Consumption of these products may pose a choking hazard or other physical injury to the mouth.”

The recalled products are:

• Roundy’s brand 2-pound bags of “Frozen Southern Style Hash Browns” with the UPC number 001115055019; and
• Harris Teeter brand, 2-pound bags of “Frozen Southern Style Hash Browns” with the  UPC number 007203649020.

The Roundy’s products were distributed at Marianos, Metro Market, and Pick ‘n Save supermarkets in the states of Illinois and Wisconsin.

The Harris Teeter products were distributed in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia and Maryland. Distribution occurred after Jan. 19.

The products being recalled were manufactured on Jan. 19. The production code date is B170119 and can be found on the back of the packaging. Any product with a different production code date is not impacted by this recall.

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.

There have been no reported injuries associated with the consumption of this product.

“Food safety remains a top priority for McCain Foods USA Inc. and we have full confidence that all appropriate steps are being taken to protect our consumers,” according to the recall notice. “McCain is working cooperatively with the Food and Drug Administration and the respective supermarkets to ensure the affected products are removed from the marketplace.”

Consumers with concerns or questions about the recall should contact McCain Foods USA Inc. at 630- 857-4533.

 

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Campbell’s recalls chicken soup for undeclared milk allergen

Consumer complaints spurred Campbell Soup Co. to recall 4,185 pounds of chicken soup products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Saturday. The products contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The chicken with whole grain pasta soup items were produced on Feb. 13, according to the recall notice. They can be identified by the following label information:

• 18.6-oz. cans of “Campbell’s Homestyle Healthy Request Chicken with Whole Grain Pasta” with Best By date of Feb. 13, 2019, on the bottom of the cans.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 4R” on the bottom of the cans. These items were shipped to retail locations in Florida.

The problem was discovered on April 20 when the firm received notification from their corporate office of multiple consumer complaints of the wrong product noticed inside the cans. The products were labeled as “Campbell’s Homestyle Healthy Request Chicken with Whole Grain Pasta” but actually contain “Campbell’s Homestyle Healthy Request Italian-Style Wedding Spinach & Meatballs in Chicken Broth” soup.

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

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Campbell’s at 866-400-0965.

 

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Lay’s, Miss Vickies chips recalled for Salmonella risk

Frito-Lay is recalling several varieties of Lay’s and Miss Vickie’s chips nationwide because the seasoning on them has been recalled because of Salmonella.

“This action is the direct result of a supplier’s recent recall of a seasoning blend which includes jalapeño powder that could contain Salmonella,” according to the recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

“Although no Salmonella was found in the seasoning supplied to Frito-Lay, the company has decided to recall these products out of an abundance of caution.”

No illness related to this matter had been confirmed as of the Friday posting of the recall notice. The products covered by this recall were distributed in retail stores and via foodservice, vending and other channels throughout the U.S.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled chips and snacks and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the possible exposure to the pathogen so the proper diagnostic tests can be done.

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 people 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, endocarditis and arthritis.

The specific products recalled can be identified by the following packaging information:

• Jalapeño Flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked potato chips, all sizes with a “guaranteed fresh” date of JUL 4 or prior;
• Jalapeño Flavored Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked potato chips, all sizes with a “guaranteed fresh” date of JUL 4 or prior;
• 12-count Lay’s Kettle Cooked Multipack Sack, “use by” date of JUN 20 or prior on the multipack package and a “guaranteed fresh” date of JUL 4 or prior on the front upper panel of the individual packages;
• 20-count Frito-Lay Bold Mix Sack, “use by” date of JUN 20 or prior on the multipack package and a “guaranteed fresh” date of JUL 4 or prior on the front upper panel of the individual packages;
• 30-count Miss Vickie’s Multipack Tray, “use by” date of JUN 20 or prior on the multipack package and a “guaranteed fresh” date of JUL 4 or prior on the front upper panel of the individual packages;
• 30-count Lay’s Kettle Cooked Multipack Tray, “use by” date of JUN 20 or prior on the multipack package and a “guaranteed fresh” date of JUL 4 or prior on the front upper panel of the individual packages; and
• 32-count Miss Vickie’s Multipack Box, “use by” date of JUN 20 or prior on the multipack package and a “guaranteed fresh” date of JUL 4 or prior on the front upper panel of the individual packages.

No other products or flavors contained in the multipacks are being recalled. No other flavors of Lay’s Kettle Cooked potato chips or Miss Vickie’s potato chips are impacted or being recalled. Jalapeño Cheddar Flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked 40 percent Less Fat potato chips are not impacted or being recalled.

Consumers who have purchased these recalled products are advised not to consume them. Frito-Lay is working with the FDA on this recall to ensure the recalled products are removed from store shelves and are no longer distributed.

Consumers can contact Frito-Lay consumer relations at 866-272-9393 for additional information. Representative product images can be found at fritolay.com. For product reimbursement, consumers can visit http://ift.tt/2of1BqA.

 

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H-E-B, Hill Country Fare bread recalled because of rubber

San Antonio-based HEB Grocery Co. is recalling H-E-B and Hill Country Fare sandwich bread because of the possibility that it has extraneous rubber in it.

“H-E-B, committed to the quality of its products, is voluntarily issuing a precautionary recall for H-E-B and Hill Country Fare sandwich bread with a best-by date of April 29 or earlier due to the possible presence of a single piece of rubber in the product. This was an isolated incident,” according to the recall notice posted on the company’s website and the Food and Drug Administration website.

Bread purchased in the San Antonio area, Rio Grande Valley, Laredo and Corpus Christi stores is not impacted by this recall.

Customers who bought the recalled bread can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers with any questions or concerns may contact H-E-B customer service at 855-432-4438.

The recall is for the following products with the “Best By” date of 4/29 or earlier:

Product	UPC number	Tie Color
Hill Country Fare Thin	4122046090	orange, green, blue
Hill Country Fare Extra Thin	4122064420	orange, green
Hill Country Fare Wheat	4122078985	orange, green, blue
H-E-B Extra Thin	4122084868	orange, green, blue
H-E-B Round Top White	4122035774	orange, green, blue
H-E-B Split Top White	4122088001	orange, green, blue
H-E-B Texas Toast	4122062888	orange, green
H-E-B 100% Whole Wheat	4122003278	orange, green, blue
H-E-B Split Top Honey Wheat	4122003108	orange, green, blue

 

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55 tons of frozen meals recalled for brownie Salmonella risk

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is alerting consumers nationwide that the brownie mix dessert included in breaded chicken nugget meals produced by Conagra Brands Inc., in Marshall, MO, may be contaminated with Salmonella. FSIS is issuing this alert, which affects 110,817 pounds of frozen meals, out of an abundance of caution after the company notified FSIS that the source material used in the brownie mix may be contaminated with Salmonella.

This public health alert applies to the following breaded chicken nugget, macaroni and cheese, and chocolate brownie meal tray ­produced on Jan. 26:

7.4-ounce vacuum-packed trays containing “Banquet Chicken Nuggets with Mac & Cheese” with code 3100080921 and a “BEST IF USED BY” date of July 20, 2018.

The products bear the FSIS establishment number “P-9” printed on the side of the box. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered when Conagra Brands Inc. received notification from a supplier that an ingredient used in the brownie mix may be contaminated with Salmonella.

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

Consumers with questions about the public health alert can contact Conagra Brands Consumer Affairs at 800-289-6014.

 

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Atkins chicken, cheese, bean burritos recalled for eggs, sausage

Holland, MI-based Request Foods Inc. has recalled about 30,500 pounds of burrito products because of misbranding and undeclared allergens, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The products are mislabeled as a chicken with cheese and bean burrito but contain an egg and sausage burrito product. The product contains egg and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

The frozen burrito items were produced on Dec. 19, 2016. Subject to the recall are:

• 6-ounce plastic packages containing “ATKINS CHICKEN WITH CHEESE AND BEAN BURRITO” with a “Best By” date of Dec. 19, 2017.

The recalled product  bears establishment number “P-17644” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

A consumer discovered the problem and filed a complaint. No confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products are associated with the recall.

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 routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that 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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Mango flavored popsicles recalled in 4 states for Salmonella

La Granja Inc. of Doraville, GA, is recalling 4,000 units of “hand-crafted Paleteria Mango Flavored” ice cream treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella enteritidis.

The popsicles were distributed in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina through retail stores by direct delivery.

“The recall was a result of a routine sampling program by The Georgia Department of Agriculture. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what cause the problem,”according to the recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

The popsicles are packaged individually in clear bags with La Granja logo and the following label details:

• “Mango Flavor Ice Cream”
• Expiration dates of 210218 or 280218
• UPC number 0010439212

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers who bought the recalled La Granja product are urged to return it to the place of purchased for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact La Granja Inc. at 770-263-1060.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled popsicles and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the possible exposure to the pathogen.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms including pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications can include severe arthritis.

 

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TP Food recalls Lemongrass and Shrimp Satay Sauces

TP Food Processing, Inc. of Westminster, CA has recalled Lemongrass Satay; and Shrimp Satay, both with 2016 lot codes.  The recall was because  the acidified sauces were not being properly produced making them susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum.  No illnesses or customer complaints have been reported to date.

The recalled products are TPF Lemongrass satay, 9 oz hexagon glass jar with red lid, and TPF Shrimp Satay, 6 oz & 9 oz hexagon glass jar with red lid.  The sauces were distributed at supermarkets located in California.

Symptoms of Clostridium botulinum typically begin with blurred or double vision followed by trouble speaking and swallowing, then progress to muscle weakness starting in the upper body and moving downward.  Botulism can lead to life-threatening paralysis of breathing muscles requiring support with a breathing machine (ventilator) and intensive care.

People experiencing these symptoms who have recently eaten Lemongrass Satay and Shrimp Satay should seek immediate medical attention.

TP Food Processing, Inc. immediately segregated its entire inventory of Lemongrass Satay and Shrimp Satay is notifying consumers and customers not to consume them.  In a statement, the company said it  wants to ensure its products are safe.  Consequently, in addition to its ongoing cooperation with the California Department of Public Health, TP Food Processing, Inc. voluntarily recalled all Lemongrass Satay and Shrimp Satay from its customers.  Consumers in possession of these products should not eat them, rather the product should be returned to the place of purchase.

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Updated Food Recall Warning – Wholesome Farms brand Sundae Cup products recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

State oyster recall underway on Pacific Northwest coast over Norovirus

Due to multiple reports of oyster-associated Norovirus-like illnesses, Washington State is conducting a recall for all shellfish harvested from 3/15/17 to 4/11/17 from the implicated portion of the Hammersley Inlet growing area.   The area of the recall has been closed.

At this time the following companies are identified in this recall include:  Calm Cove Shellfish Company, Clearwater Shellfish, Gomez Shellfish, Goodro Shellfish, National Fish and Oyster Company, Navy Yard Oyster Company, Padden Seafood, Rivera’s Shellfish, Russ Shellfish, S and B Shellfish Company, Salazar Shellfish, Schreiber Shellfish, and Sea Fresh Farms.

State officials believe  that the implicated shellfish companies are in the process of contacting their customers. The state will provide additional information and details of distribution as it becomes available.  Local health jurisdictions are aware of the recall, but are not being asked to participate in formal recall verification activities at this time.

Following reports of norovirus-like illnesses in people who report eating raw oysters from several areas in Washington and elsewhere, public health officials at the Washington State Department of Health have tracked down areas where some of the illness-linked oysters were harvested.

Over the past several weeks, small harvest closures and recalls have been ordered, the largest of which is in Hammersley Inlet in Mason County, where a recall has been issued for any shellfish harvested there since March 15.  Smaller portions of the shellfish harvesting area were closed and shellfish recalled on March 2, April 4 and April 5.

The three-mile stretch of commercial shellfish growing beds is about two-thirds of the Hammersley Inlet growing area and is harvested by 31 shellfish companies. Shellfish harvested from the area is typically shipped to many states and countries. Shellfish growers and the Department of Health are working with local health jurisdictions and other states to track down all harvested product to make sure it is not available to be consumed.

“We are actively evaluating all potential pollution sources in the area to determine what is causing the contamination. The area will remain closed until we can assure that public health is protected,” said Rick Porso, Director of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. “This issue underscores the importance of protecting our marine water, especially in areas where shellfish are grown.”

Norovirus is a common stomach virus that spreads easily. It can be transmitted through contaminated food or surfaces and person-to-person contact. The source of norovirus is people — specifically, the feces and vomit of infected individuals. The virus can be present in marine water indirectly through boat discharges, failing septic systems, malfunctioning wastewater treatment plants, or directly from an infected person. Because shellfish are filter feeders, they can concentrate the virus and infect individual that consume them raw or undercooked.

Norovirus symptoms include watery diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. Most people get better within two days. Dehydration can be a problem among some people, especially the very young, the elderly, and people with other illnesses. For those consumers concerned about the increased risk of illness, ordering and eating cooked shellfish is an effective way to prevent norovirus illness.

The Department of Health is responsible for the safety of commercial shellfish harvested in the state. The agency’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety uses national standards to classify all commercial shellfish harvesting areas. People who gather their own shellfish should always check the Shellfish Safety Map to learn about closures or health warnings.

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Ardent Mills recalls flour and flour products identified in CFIA investigation

Allergy alert for Whole Foods yogurt and granola parfaits

The Whole Foods Market®  store in Dedham, MA  has issued an allergy alert on single-serve organic vanilla yogurt parfait cups with strawberries and granola, because the granola contained almonds, which were not declared on the label. One allergic reaction has been reported.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The parfaits were packaged in single-serve clear plastic containers and varied by weight. They were labeled as “Organic Vanilla Yogurt Strawberries and Granola”, PLU number 25826 with a “Sell by” date between April 2, 2017 and April 11, 2017.

Signage is posted to also notify customers of the recall. Consumers who have purchased this product may bring their receipt to the store for a full refund.

Whole Foods Market is headquartered in Austin, TX with more than 465 locations, throughout the U.K., Canada, and in 42 U.S. states.

Those include:  Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi,  Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,  South Carolina,  Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.

With sales during 2016 reaching $15.7 billion, Whole Foods Market is the tenth largest grocery retailer with 87,000 employees.  It has been involved in 21 recalls this year.

 

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Pride and Joy Creamery again filling retail orders for raw milk

Pride & Joy Creamery was back to bottling its organic grass-fed raw milk on or about  April 4 after the Toppenish, WA dairy handled the scare resulting from E. coli being found in its plastic jugs collected from retail shelves.

“We want to assure everyone that no one has been sick from drinking our milk,” said Allen and Cheryl Voortman and Ricky and Cindy Umipig, co-owners of the business officially named Pride & Joy Puget Sound, LLC.

In their letter to customers, they said: “The only time a problem showed up was at the WSDA lab,” referring to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Pride and Joy sent samples taken on its own to WSU labs in Puyallup and to Silliker, Inc a Mérieux NutriSciences company, in California.

The owners said those samples sent to outside labs all “came up clean.” It then enlisted the lawyers at the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund, which sent WSDA a letter on March 22nd claiming the positive test results does not mean the raw milk was adulteration under Washington law.

The Falls Church, VA-based law shop argued the WSDA test did not prove the shiga toxin was actually in the raw milk.

WSDA is responsible for regulating 465 licensed dairies, 124 milk processing plants, and 39 retail raw milk operations. “We inspect all of them, though retail raw milk inspections also involve additional testing for pathogens since they are not pasteurized,” said WSDA spokesman Hector Castro.

As for WSDA labs, Castro says collection and sampling protocols are extensive and closely followed. It meets global standards for testing and calibration, and is accredited and used extensively by FDA for food outbreak investigations in the Pacific Northwest.

Pride & Joy Creamery invited WSDA inspectors back and 12 additional samples were collected for the lab. All of those came back clean and the state green-lighted the dairy to resume operations.

The incident was definitely costly for the dairy. It recalled all its production from Feb. 10 to Feb. 24 after the E. coli contamination was found in plastic jugs on retail shelves. At the time the E. coli showed up, WSDA was investigating Samonella infections in two people who reported drinking Pride & Joy raw milk before becoming ill.

At that time Cheryl Voortman claimed the contamination was caused by others in the supply chain or state inspectors.

However, before it resumed operations, Pride & Joy also engaged a third-party sanitation specialist and an attending veterinarian to help them “develop a herd health action plan,” Casto told Food Safety News. “We confirmed that certain remediation efforts were taken to address sanitation concerns and one of our vets is working with the attending veterinarian to finalize their herd health plan,” he said.

In its letter to customers, Pride & Joy said it will work over the next week and half to get everyone back in stock. It will start by fulfilling orders with drop off groups that  already paid the week it shut down, and then getting back on store shelves.

“We didn’t want to stress out the cows while all of this was happening , so we didn’t tell them was was going on,” they told customers.

The Pride & Joy owners thanked those who supported them “spiritually, financially and through the power of numbers defending us to the WSDA, and writing letters to our State Representatives. We cannot stress enough to you much it means to see the passion you have for our product.”

At the time they removed their product from the market, Pride & Joy was fetching $10 per gallon for raw milk sold over the internet and $13 per gallon at retail stores.

Editor’s Note: Food Safety News Managing Editor Coral Beach  contributed significantly  to this story.

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Consumers claim dead bat found in recalled Fresh Express salad mix

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention late Saturday said it had received a dead bat from a consumers who claimed it was found in a packaged salad mix, sparking an investigation that has prompted the Atlanta-based agency to recommend post-exposure rabies treatment for two people.

CDC said the deteriorated condition of the bat did not permit it to definitely rule out that the bat rabies.

The dead bat is alleged to have been found in a bag of Fresh Express Organic Marketside Spring Mix. The CDC said the risk of rabies transmission was extremely low, but could not be ruled out. It therefore recommended the two people who ate the salad mix get the post-exposure rabies treatment as a necessary precaution. Neither of the individuals shows any signs of rabies.

The salad mix were sold by Walmart stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Fresh Express has recalled the product. It has the production code G089B19 and best-if-used-by date of Apr 14, 2017 on the front label, and UPC code 6 8113132897 5 on the bottom of the container.

“Upon receiving notification, both Walmart and Fresh Express food safety and rapid response teams, in close coordination with regulatory authorities, acted immediately to review all relevant records, launch an intensive investigation and initiate product removal and recall procedures,” Fresh Express said.

There have been no other reports of animal matter.

The Florida Department of Health, US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) and CDC are part of the investigation into the dead bat.

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Baby greens with turkey and mango salad recalled by Mibo Fresh Foods

Fort Worth-based Mibo Fresh Food has recalled approximately 3,434 pounds of ready-to-eat salad products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The product contains wheat, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The Baby Greens with Turkey and Mango Salad items were produced on various dates from March 28, 2017- April 6, 2017 and have “best-by” dates from April 7, 2017- April 16, 2017. The recalled product is:

• 2 7.2-oz. tray packages containing “Mibo Fresh Baby Greens with Turkey and Mango Salad with Sweet Onion Dijon Dressing.”

The recalled products bear establishment number “P-27399” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to Costco retail locations in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

The inaccurate labeling was discovered during routine in-plant verification activities. 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 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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Season’s Choice sweet peas recalled by ALDI stores for listeria

ALDI, based in Batavia, IL, has recalled  Season’s Choice Frozen Sweet Peas in cooperation with Lakeside Foods, Inc. over fear  that the products may be contaminated with listeria.

No illnesses have been associated with the products, which were sold in ALDI stores in Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

 

The frozen sweet peas were packaged in 16 oz. bags with a UPC code 041498164294, a best-by date of August 2018 and the following packaging codes:

• DC17038PLAB6176,
• DC27038PLAB6176,
• DC27038BNAF7286,
• DC37038BNAF7286,
• DC47038PLAC6216,
• DC57038PLAC6216.

Those with the affected products may return them to the stores for a refund.  ALDI operates more than 1,600 grocery stores in 35 states, serving more than 36 million customers each month.

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Chicken cous cous recalled for undeclared allergens

Food Evolution LLC in Schiller Park, IL, has recalled 150 pounds of Mediterranean-style chicken cous cous salad products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The product contains tree nuts, specifically pecans, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The ready-to-eat Mediterranean-style chicken cous cous salad items were packaged on March 31 and have a use-by date of April 7. The following product is subject to recall:

• 12.01-ounce clear plastic containers containing “Mediterranean Style Cous Cous Salad with Sweet Basil Dressing, Distributed by Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc.”

The recalled products bear establishment number “P-34309” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to Roundy’s Supermarket locations in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The mistakes were discovered by Roundy’s Supermarkets. 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 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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Robin Hood flour recall expands amid E. coli outbreak

Additional lots of Robin Hood brand flour are under nationwide recall in Canada by Smucker Foods of Canada Corp. Samples of the flour have tested positive for E. coli contamination and victims of a nationwide outbreak have reported having contact with the implicated flour.

In the expanded recall notice, posted Tuesday by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), officials again urged people to check their homes to see if they have the recalled flour on hand. The original recall was posted March 28.

The specific product recalled is Robin Hood “All Purpose Flour, Original” in 10 kilogram bags. Consumers, retailers and restaurant operators can identify the recalled flour by looking for the following codes on the packaging:

• Lot codes containing BB/MA 2018 AL 17 and 6 291 548 that also have  the UPC number 0 59000 01652 8; and
• Lot codes containing BB/MA 2018 AL 17 and 6 291 548 that also have the UPC number 0 59000 01652 8.

Although the food inspection agency recall notice only referenced one reported illnesses, the Public Health Agency of Canada reports 25 E. coli O121 cases across the country.

“There have been 25 cases of E.coli O121 with a matching genetic fingerprint reported in four provinces: British Columbia (12), Saskatchewan (4), Alberta (4) and Newfoundland and Labrador (5). The illness onset dates range from November 2016 to late February 2017. Six individuals have been hospitalized. These individuals have recovered or are recovering” according to the health agency notice. “The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a food recall warning for Robin Hood All Purpose Flour, Original linked to this outbreak.

“During the food safety investigation, samples of Robin Hood flour were collected and did test positive for E.coli O121. Several individuals who became ill reported having contact with Robin Hood flour. The investigation is ongoing and it is possible that additional products linked to the outbreak investigation may be identified.”

Anyone who has handled the recalled flour or eaten anything made with it and then developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the possible exposure to the pathogen.

“Food contaminated with E. coli O121 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick,” according to the CFIA recall notice.

“Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea. In severe cases of illness, some people may have seizures or strokes, need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis or live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.”

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Recall of ice cream cups expands; Listeria found by CFIA

A recall of Wholesome Foods brand ice cream cups made for multi-national foodservice supplier Sysco Corp. is being expanded to include a second flavor because government tests showed Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Central Smith Creamery of Selwyn, Ontario, recalled Wholesome Farms brand “Vanilla Sundae Cup” products Friday, and expanded it Tuesday to include strawberry sundae cups.

“Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below. Food service institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes, should not serve or use the recalled product described below,” according to the recall notice on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.

“Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.”

The specific products now being recalled are all Wholesome Farms brand. Consumers and foodservice operators can identify the recalled ice cream cups by looking for the following label information on cups and cases:

• Individual “Strawberry Sundae Cup” in 115 ml containers with the product code 03204 and no UPC number.
• Cases of “Strawberry Ice Cream Sundae Cup” with 48 individual 115 ml containers, and the product codes 7382200018032042 and 2/1/17, and the UPC number 00074865915038.
• Individual “Vanilla Sundae Cup” in 115 ml containers with the product code 017032 and no UPC number; and
• Cases “Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae Cup” with 48 individual 115 ml containers with product codes 7382200017032029 and 2/1/17 and a UPC number of 00074865915427.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled ice cream and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the possible exposure to the pathogen.

It can take up to 70 days after exposure for symptoms of Listeria infection to develop, so anyone who has eaten the recalled ice cream should monitor themselves for the coming weeks for symptoms.

“Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness,” according to the original recall notice and the expanded notice.

“Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. In severe cases of illness, people may die.”

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Undeclared allergens a leading cause of food recalls in U.S.

Food recalls related to illness outbreaks tend to get a lot of headlines, but undeclared allergens in foods continue to be a leading cause of recalls.

To read a report from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Food Allergy Research and Resource Program about the number of FDA and USDA recalls related to undeclared allergens, please click on the image.

In the past 60 days, there have been 44 food recalls posted by the Food and Drug Administration, with 19 of them for undeclared allergens. That would have by far accounted for the majority of food recalls, had it not been for 10 cheese recalls that involved one manufacturer.

For 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports 34 of the 122 food recalls under its jurisdiction were because of undeclared allergens. That’s more recalls than E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria contamination caused in 2016, which combined accounted for 27 recalls of meat, poultry and catfish in 2016.

The next five-year report is not due from FDA’s Reportable Food Registry until September 2019, but the most recent report posted in 2014 showed undeclared allergen recalls increased from 30 percent of all food recalls in Year 1 to 47 percent in Year 5. The report covered the years from Sept. 8, 2009, through Sept. 7, 2014.

Annually, people in the U.S. made more than 30,000 emergency room visits because of food allergy anaphylaxis, according to the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). About 150 people die annually because of food allergies.

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 requires that packaged food labels include declarations of the eight major food allergens: eggs, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, tree nuts, fish and crustacean shellfish.

In an ongoing effort to reduce the impact of food allergies in the U.S., the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced Friday that is intends to award almost $43 million in the next seven years to the Consortium of Food Allergy Research.

“An estimated 4 percent of adults and 5 percent of children in the United States have food allergy, a condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a component of a food,” according to a news release from NIH.

“Allergic symptoms can range from mild reactions, such as hives or stomach cramps, to severe and life-threatening anaphylaxis, characterized by swelling of the larynx, difficulty breathing, and fainting from low blood pressure. The prevalence of food allergy is rising without a known cause, and no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for food allergy is yet available.”

Since its establishment in 2005, the Consortium of Food Allergy Research has made progress on treating egg and peanut allergies with immunotherapy. The consortium has also identified genes associated with an increased risk for peanut allergy among Americans of European descent.

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