T. Marzetti Company Recalls Listeria Tainted Biscuits

In this image from the Pasteur Institute, Listeria monocytogenes (shown in red) is in the process of infecting tissue cells.

T. Marzetti Company is voluntarily recalling all “Best By” dates of the following product that was distributed in California, United States, because it may have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Consumers should not consume this product.  No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled item.

All “Best By” dates of the following products are included in this recall:

Item # Full UPC	Description	Count per pkg
7229200025	MARSHALLS OLD FASHIONED SOUTHERN STYLE BISCUITS	12 ct

Although this product is not ready-to-eat items and has baking instructions which, if followed, will reduce consumer risk, there remains some risk that the mishandling of this product prior to or without adequate baking may cause illness.

We are working in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and our supplier on this recall.

All affected distributors and retail customers are being notified and the affected products are being removed from store shelves.

Affected product should be destroyed.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

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Listeria Prompts Biscuit Warning

A voluntary recall has been issued for two kinds of SEG biscuits sold in Winn-Dixie grocery stores amid concerns of “possible” listeria, according to a Friday (Dec. 29) announcement by Southeastern Grocers (SEG), the Jacksonville, Fla.-based parent company of Winn-Dixie and other grocery chains.

The voluntary recall was issued due to the “possible presence of listeria monocytogenes,” the company said in the news release.

The recall includes the following products at all Winn-Dixie stores:

*SEG Buttermilk Biscuits – UPC code 3825911726 (25 oz. /12-pack case)

*SEG Southern Style Biscuits – UPC code 3825911892 (44 oz. /eight-pack case)

The recall also includes SEG and Southern Home-brand biscuits at all BI-LO and Harveys Supermarket stores, which are operated by Southeastern Grocers.

The products, regardless of the “best by” date, should be thrown away or returned to any Winn-Dixie store for a full refund, according to Southeastern Grocers.

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State with biggest apple crop girds against more Listeria

Shaken by apple recalls back East for Listeria contamination, Washington State’s large apple industry has pinned its hopes for staying pathogen free on research.

Ines Hanrahan, the post-harvest physiologist at the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, told the Capital Press that studies currently underway should help the state apple industry get the maximum bacterial reduction.

Her comments came after the Dec. 12, and Dec. 13 recalls by the Kroger and Aldi grocery store chains of apples grown in Michigan and the Southeast over concerns about possible Listeria contamination.

Hanrahan says that’s something the Washington State apple industry wants to avoid. “We are very concerned in Washington about Listeria and have been trying to do everything possible to set up processes to avoid problems,” she said.

Every state in the United States grows apples, and 29 states raise apples commercially, but Washington State produces about 70 percent of the apples in the United States. And, the Evergreen State manufacturers about 40 percent of all U.S. apple juice products.

Hanrahan says the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, Washington State University, and the Center for Produce Safety at the University of California Davis are all involved in apple studies. She says these efforts will help the industry determine the best operating procedures to “get the maximum bacterial reduction.”

A Washington State apple grower, Crunch Pak, recalled sliced apples in 2013 for Listeria contamination. Then in late 2014 and early 2015, caramel apples all sourced to fresh apples from Bidart Brothers in Bakersfield, CA caused a major Listeria outbreak.

A total of 35 individuals in 12 states were sickened. All but one case required hospital care and seven people died. Bidart recalled Granny Smith and Gala apples after environmental testing found Listeria contamination in the firm’s apple-packing facility.

Hanrahan says apple growers “have no way of controlling or knowing when a potentially deadly strain enters our post-harvest environment,” but adds that they can set up extensive systems to make sure they are alerted as soon as Listeria enters storage and packing. Then she says: “we can eradicate them by thorough cleaning and sanitation programs for equipment.”

The Washington State growers are looking into various interventions–continuous flow ozone generators to controlled atmosphere storage–to bring about the highest bacteria reductions.

The apple recalls by Aldi, and Kroger so far has not been associated with any illnesses. Aldi’s removals of Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp apples involved sales after Dec. 13 at stores in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

Kroger recalled Fuji and Gala apples sold between Dec. 12 and 19 at stores in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. It’s recall included 5-pound bags of Michigan-grown apples.

Listeria is a deadly pathogen with a fatality rate as high as 40 percent with its most significant threat to young children, the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women. In the caramel apple outbreak 11 of the 35 victims where “pregnancy-related” involving either pregnant women or new-born baby, and one resulted in the loss of an unborn baby.

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JBS recalls beef stew products made in Cactus, TX

On Christmas Eve,  HEB grocery stores in San Antonio opened boxes of multi-vac packages of stew meat only to find them contaminated with pieces of plastic and metal.  HEB pulled all the stew meat from its shelves in all stores and to be sure locked any sales out of its registers.

On Tuesday, the day after Christmas,  about 4,702 pounds of stew meat was recalled from the Swift Beef-JBS USA plant in Cactus, TX because of the foreign matter contamination.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said the boneless stew items found with plastic and metal contamination by HEB on Dec. 24 were produced at Cactus on Dec. 13, 2017.  Subject to the recall, according to FSIS, are:

• Cases containing six 5-lb. bulk plastic bags containing fresh beef stew meat intended for HEB grocery store retailer re-package.  The affected case code is 69404.
• Re-packaged various weight beef stew meat trays that also contain separately wrapped vegetables. The meat trays are marked with establishment 7231 on the side of the tray.
• Re-packaged various weight beef stew labeled as HEB brand: Beef Stew Meat Tenderized RP, Beef Stew Meat RP, Beef Stew Meat VP, Beef Stew Meat-CR VP, Beef Stew Meat Tenderized VP, Beef Stew Meat CP, and Beef Stew Kit.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 3D” next to the USDA mark of inspection or Est. 7231 on the side of the tray. Only  HEB retail stores in Texas received shipments of the product.

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

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

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Smoked Salmon Recalled After Listeria Test

Nodine’s Smokehouse, Inc. of Torrington, Connecticut is recalling Smoked Salmon 1.5 lbs, 8 oz packages. Lot numbers 40173 and 33173 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, with high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea as its primary symptoms. In rare cases, listeriosis is fatal; it can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention. Pregnant women the very young, elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are
the most susceptible.

The Smoked Salmon was distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders. The product comes in 1.5 lb and 8 oz packages with lot numbers 40173 and 33173.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated as a result of environmental and product sampling by the Rachael’s Food Corporation. It revealed the presence of Listeria moncytogenes
in some Smoked Salmon 1.5 lob and 8 oz packages. Distribution has been suspended while Rachael’s Food Corporation continues their investigation into the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased Smoked Salmon in 1.5 lb and 8 oz packages are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Nodine’s Smokehouse, Inc. at 1-800-222-2059, Monday through Friday between 9 am and 4 pm.

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Listeria Recall for Fresh Pac Apple Slices

Fresh Pak Inc. of Detroit, MI is announcing a voluntary Lot specific recall of red/green apple slices. Jack Brown Produce, Inc. (supplier) requested Fresh Pak Inc. to perform a recall for the reason that they could have potentially been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short‐term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this problem.

The recalled apples slices were distributed in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin in retail stores and through distributors. A potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company Nyblad Orchards revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a random single sample that was taken from related gala apple products.

We ask retailers to remove this product immediately from your shelves and/or inventory staging areas. After removal, we ask that you destroy this product immediately.

Consumers that are in possession of any of the recalled products are urged to discard or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For any questions or concern contact Josue Cortez at (313) 841-7911 Mon-Fri 7am-2pm eastern time.

The products come in a 2.2, 2.5, 9, and 7 ounce bags and or plastic packages as well as 3 Lb. bags and are marked as follows:

Item Description	Brand Name	Lot Number	UPC	Use BY Range:
3lb Bag Dice Red Apples	None	312544,312807	None	Dec 29‐ Jan 2
3lb Bag Slice Red Apples	None	312542	None	Dec 28‐ Jan 1
(5/2.2oz) Slice Apple Bags in clamshells	Michigan Apples‐ Aunt Mid’s	312547, 312806	7122817430	Dec 28‐ Jan 1
(5/2.5oz) Slice Apples w/ grapes bags in clamshells	Aunt Mid’s	312546	7122817431	Dec 31
9oz Slice Apples Container	Fresh Pak Inc	312447, 312537, 312666, 312780, 312943	7122817686	Dec 17‐21
9oz Mix (red/green) Slice Apples Container	Fresh Pak Inc	312448, 312538, 312781, 312944,312667	7122817687	Dec 17‐21
7oz Fruit and cheese Snacks	None	312422, 312511, 312641,312755, 312918	7122817684	Dec 17‐21

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Listeria is the latest pathogen to rock Scotland’s Errington Cheese

Two days before Christmas, Scotland’s troubled Errington Cheese Ltd. recalled all batches, all sizes, and all date codes of its Dunsyre Blue cheese because the product contains Listeria monocytogenes.

The recall notice puts Errington’s Dunsyre Blue back in the news just two months after the Crown decided not to prosecute the company for the product. Health Protection Scotland found Dunsuyre Blue was the source for a 2016 E. coli O157 outbreak that killed a 3-year old girl and sickened 25 others.

The latest Dunsyre Blue problem surfaced on Dec. 12 when Errington recalled a single batch (J9) because “routine customer testing” found Listeria in a pasteurized sample. “We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused,” Errington said.

But on Dec. 23, the Food Standards Agency of the United Kingdom and Food Standards Scotland announced that because further testing by Errington found Listeria in other batches, it was all recalled.

Errington put up a point of sale notices in every location selling the award-winning cheese. It asked customers to dispose of any Dunsyre Blue cheese they’d purchased and offered refunds.

Listeria causes symptoms that are much like the flu, including high temperatures, muscle aches, chills, diarrhea, and feeling sick. Rare cases of the infection can cause more severe complications, including meningitis. The elderly, pregnant women and unborn babies, infants, and people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk.

Errington, based in Lanarkshire, has never accepted that it’s unpasteurized Dunsyre Blue was the cause of the deadly E. coli outbreak.

When it expanded the current recall to include all batches of the Dunsyre Blue product, it posted a statement on the company’s website saying it was “terribly sorry” to have made the decision “amid Listeria fears.”

Since the Health Protection Scotland report that linked them to the E. coli outbreak, Errington has produced Dunsyre Blue with pasteurized milk on new equipment.

The Dunsyre Blue cheeses involved in this recall have not yet caused any illnesses.

While it escaped criminal prosecution, Errington still has a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) and civil actions to deal with from the E. coli outbreak. The company reports spending more than $1 million to restore its name to where it was before the E. coli outbreak.

Food Standards Scotland’s management of that investigation has come in for its share of criticism. Professor Hugh Pennington, one of Britains best-known food safety experts, called that probe “a mess.” And a Committee for the Defense of Artisan Food was formed to defend Errington and prevent future injustices.

Errington was a pioneer in artisanal cheese-making in Scotland.

The incident management team investigating the outbreak found E. coli bacteria was about to contaminate Errington’s cheese production.

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Venison, ‘exotic meat’ jerky generates public health alert

A variety of jerky produced by Katie’s Snack Foods LLC and made from venison and “exotic meats” is the subject of a public health alert from the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

The company, based in Hilliard, OH, distributed the products through its online outlet at http://ift.tt/2gL0TJn and potentially retail outlets, according to the Thursday alert.

“Consumers should be aware that the products were produced outside ODA protocols for such products and supporting documentation for safe production could not be established,” according to the alert from the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA).

The implicated products carry labels including the Katie’s Snack Foods LLC label and were packaged in 1.7-ounce packages with various product codes.

Products subject to this alert include:

• Alligator Jerky Original

• Alligator Jerky Cajun Spicy

• Bison Jerky Original

• Bison Jerky Half Heat

• Bison Jerky Garlic Spicy

• Elk Jerky

• Elk Jerky Spicy

• Venison Jerky Original

• Venison Jerky Teriyaki

• Venison Jerky Spicy

There have been no reports of illness involving products addressed in this alert. Individuals exhibiting signs or symptoms of foodborne illness are encouraged to contact a physician immediately. Consumers with questions about food safety can contact the ODA’s Division of Food Safety at 614‐728‐6250.

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Darwin’s Pet Food pathogen problems ongoing for 14 months

Judy, who owns Blitz the German shepherd, took this photo of Darwin’s brand raw dog food when she opened it and noticed it was off-color.

Since October 2016, Darwin’s Natural Pet Food has recalled eight production lots of raw pet food. In all, the manufacturer recalled more than 23 tons of cat and dog food during a 14-month period.

The recalls include seven dog foods and one cat food. Customers who purchased the recalled products were notified of the recalls by email — two to three months after the production dates of each batch. No recall notices were posted for the general public on the company’s website or the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

Darwin’s has not responded to a request for comment on their recalls or their follow-up actions.

The company, incorporated under the name Arrow Reliance Inc., recalled the pet foods because of positive test results showing Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes. The bacteria can cause serious infections in people who handle the pet food. It can also contaminate surfaces, containers and utensils, which can spread the bacteria to foods, hands and anything coming into contact with the contaminated items.

Several of Darwin’s customers say there were product safety and package quality issues that predate the latest round of recalls.

Blitz

Judy’s story
Judy adopted Blitz, an abandoned German shepherd, from an Orange County, California rescue organization in June 2012. Described by his owner as a gentle giant, he is thought to be 7 to 9 years old. About a year ago, he became partially paralyzed after developing inter-vertebral disk disease. He gets around with the aid of a special wheelchair and loves to swim.

Judy has been a customer of Darwin’s since 2012-2013. The food agreed with Blitz. His coat was soft, his stools were normal, and he didn’t itch.

About a year ago, Judy noticed a change in the Darwin’s products. The packaging was leaky, and the meat quality appeared to have deteriorated. She reported her concern to a company representative, who offered to reimburse her for the leaky packages of dog food.

According to Judy, Blitz began to suffer bad bouts of diarrhea in April 2017. He was treated with antibiotics on the assumption he was infected with giardia. Despite treatment, Blitz continued to suffer cycles of diarrhea, and was recently lab-diagnosed with a Salmonella infection.

Judy was never notified of the recalls, as she had not received any of the recalled production lots. Upon contacting the company by email after learning about the recalls, she was assured that leaky and off-color packages of meat she had been sold were “good to use.” She is now working directly with the Food and Drug Administration regarding the situation.

“I just want good, healthy food for my dog,” Judy said. “Is that so much to ask?”

Jerry’s story
Jerry volunteers at the German shepherd rescue center where Blitz was adopted. His 7-year-old German shepherd, Yavol, was 4-months-old when Jerry rescued her.

Yavol has been eating Darwin’s products for more than a year. She has suffered many bouts of lethargy, lack of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. Yavol has been treated multiple times with generic flagyl and, on a few occasions, with antibiotics, but her digestive problems have persisted.

For the past six months or more, the Darwin’s products Jerry has been getting have had leaking packages and off-colored meat. He reported the issues to the company on multiple occasions. After being told at first that the product was safe to use, he persisted and was eventually supplied with replacement packages as compensation for the off-color and leaky packages.

Jerry did not receive notification of any recalls from the company.

Darwin’s recalled products as of Dec. 21, 2017

Darwin’s Natural Selections brand, frozen, raw Turkey with Organic Vegetable Meals for Dogs

• Package size: 2 lbs.
• Number of packages recalled: 1192
• Date recall initiated: 10/17/2016
• Manufacturing date: 7/20/2016
• Lot number: 3142070
• Reason for recall: Listeria monocytogenes

Darwin’s Natural Selections brand, frozen, raw Beef with Organic Vegetables Meals for Dogs

• Package size: 2 lbs.
• Number of packages recalled: 2391
• Date recall initiated: 10/17/2016
• Manufacturing date: 7/21/2016
• Lot number: 3146070
• Reason for recall: Listeria monocytogenes

ZooLogics brand, frozen, raw Turkey with Vegetable Meals for Dogs

• Package size: 2 lbs.
• Number of packages recalled: 1337
• Date recall initiated: 10/17/2016
• Manufacturing date: 7/25/2016
• Lot number: 3155070
• Reason for recall: Listeria monocytogenes

Natural Selections Duck Meals for Cats, frozen

• Package size: 2 lb. net weight flexible film, partitioned into 4 quadrants
• Number of packages recalled: 1560
• Date recall initiated: 9/8/2017
• Manufacturing date: 06/01/2017
• Lot number: 38277
• Reason for recall: Salmonella

Natural Selections Chicken with Organic Vegetables Meals for Dogs

• Package size: 2 lb. net weight flexible film, partitioned into 4 quadrants
• Number of packages recalled: 6,306
• Date recall initiated: 12/4/2017
• Manufacturing date: 09/26/2017
• Lot number: 40727
• Reason for recall: Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes

Natural Selections Duck With Organic Vegetables Meals for Dog

• Package size: 2 lb. net weight flexible film, partitioned into 4 quadrants
• Number of packages recalled: 3,924
• Date recall initiated: 12/4/2017
• Manufacturing date: 09/29/2017
• Lot number: 40487
• Reason for recall: Salmonella

Natural Selections Turkey With Organic Vegetables Meals for Dogs

• Package size: 2 lb. net weight flexible film, partitioned into 4 quadrants
• Number of packages recalled: 7123
• Date recall initiated: 12/4/2017
• Manufacturing date: 08/24/2017 and 09/20/2017
• Lot number: 39937 and 40507
• Reason for recall: Salmonella

What consumers need to know
Consult the list of recalled products and do not feed your pet any food that has been recalled by the manufacturer.

Do not feed your pet any food that appears to be spoiled, off-color, off-odor, or otherwise defective.

Take special care to avoid any drippings from thawed food that could contaminate your work surfaces.

If your pet is suffering from diarrhea, be extra careful about washing your hands before handling or preparing food.

FDA tips on using raw pet food
Because raw pet food is more likely than other types of pet food to contain Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and other pathogens, the single best thing consumers can do to prevent infection is to not feed pets a raw diet. However, the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine is aware that some people prefer to feed their pets this type of diet.

If you choose to feed raw pet food to your pet, be aware that you can infect yourself with Salmonella or Listeria by spreading microscopic amounts of the bacteria from the contaminated food to your mouth.

For instance, you may accidentally ingest the bacteria if you touch your mouth while preparing the raw food or after handling a contaminated utensil. If you get Salmonella or Listeria on your hands or clothing, you can’t see it or smell it, but you can spread the bacteria to other people, objects and surfaces.

To prevent infection with Salmonella and Listeria

• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling raw pet food, and after touching surfaces or objects that have come in contact with the raw food. Potential contaminated surfaces include countertops and the inside of refrigerators and microwaves. Potential contaminated objects include kitchen utensils, feeding bowls and cutting boards.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces and objects that come in contact with raw pet food. First wash with hot soapy water and then follow with a disinfectant. A solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach to 4 cups of water is an effective disinfectant. For a larger supply of the disinfectant solution, add ¼ cup bleach to 1 gallon water. You can also run items through the dishwasher after each use.

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Springfield expands smoked fish recall to 6 months of products

Springfield Smoked Fish Co. has expanded its Listeria-related recall of Smoked Salmon to include an additional brand name, a private label name, and various package sizes, fish meats and cuts, as well as spreads that were distributed nationwide; including online sales, dozens of retail and wholesale establishments and an undisclosed list of restaurants and other foodservice operations.

According to the recall notice on the FDA’s website, Springfield Smoked Fish sold the products online to consumers nationwide. It also distributed the implicated products in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, Colorado, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The expanded recall “includes product produced between May 22, 2017, and December 12, 2017, the date the facility ceased production of the products.”

The Springfield, MA, based company initially recalled 1-pound, pre-sliced “Nova Salmon” produced Nov. 24 after environmental and product sampling tests by the firm returned positive results for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

“The company is working diligently to determine the root cause and continues working with food safety experts to implement corrective actions and preventative measures,” according to the recall notice posted on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

Products added to the recall this week includes the following items sold under the brand names “Springfield Smoked Fish” and “Rachael’s Springfield Smoked Fish”:

Product Description	Sizes	Lot #’s	UPC#
Smoked Salmon – all species	4 oz.	15171 through 45172	045049113342, 045049113250, 045049113359
	8 oz.		045049113083, 045049113274, 045049113304
	1 lb.		045049112086, 811907018018
	5lb.		045049112079
	1 1/4.lb		n/a
	3 lb.		045049150613, 045049111065
	Sliced sides (catch weight)		n/a
	unsliced sides (catch weight)		n/a
	trimmings/chips		045049113212
	wings and bellies		045049111256
	ground/spreadable		045049113236, 045049112413
Whitefish Meat	5 lb. bag	18171 through 43171	045049117111
Belly Lox	4 oz. and sliced sides	13171 through 33171	045049113311
Smoked Chubs	Catch weight	34171 through 46171	n/a
Smoked Bluefish	Catch weight	34171	045049117357
Smoked Trout	6 oz.	17171 through 42171	045049117258
Smoked Whole Whitefish	Catch weight	17171 through 46171	n/a
Smoked Sable	Catch weight	20171 through 33171	n/a
Kippered Salmon	Catch weights	22171 through 41171	045049117012
Hot Smoked Salmon Steaks	Catch weights	43471	n/a
Smoked Whitefish Spread	8 oz. & 4lb	25171 through 46171	045049117432
		25171 through 46171	045049117418
Cream Cheese Spreads	8 oz. & 5lb	Use by 12/15/17  through 2/9/18
Spreadable Plain			045049117708
Lox			045049117760
Scallion			045049117746
Veggie			045049117739
Strawberry			045049117784
Hot and Spicy			045049117920
Whitefish Salad	8 oz. & 5lb	use by 12/15/17 through 2/9/18	045049117425
			045049117425

Additionally, two cream cheese spreads produced under the private label “Boston Salads” include the following recalled items:

Scallion Cream Cheese Spread	5lb	use by 12/15/17 through 2/9/18	611140151721
Veggie Cream Cheese Spread	5lb	use by 12/15/17 through 2/9/18	611140151714

The Springfield Smoked Fish recall notice did not include names or locations of restaurants or other foodservice operators that received the fish products.

Advice to consumers
Although the recall notice states that “No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem,” there is still concern that people may have unused portions of the original and additional recalled fish products in their homes.

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

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled fish products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about their possible exposure to the pathogen. Also, people who have eaten the recalled fish products and not become ill should monitor themselves in the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days for symptoms to develop.

Listeria monocytogenes is a microscopic organism that can cause serious infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, sometimes causing death. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 413-737-8693.

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Ground beef recalled for undeclared soy and misbranding

PFP Enterprises LLC,  doing business as Texas Meat Packers in Fort Worth is recalling approximately 7,570 pounds of ground beef products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The products contain soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The raw, frozen, ground beef items were produced on Sept. 28, 2017. The recalled products include:

• 40-lb. cases containing four 10-lb. bags of “85/15 Ground Beef Bulk” with item code 4013 and Patterson Food Processors printed on the label.
• 10-lb. cases containing two 5-lb. bags of “85/15 Ground Beef Bulk” with item code 4012 and Patterson Food Processors printed on the label.

The recalled products bear the establishment number “EST. 34715” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to a distributor and institutional locations in Texas.

The problem was discovered when FSIS received a complaint from a school about the product’s packaging. FSIS laboratory testing confirmed that the product contained soy and added water. 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.

Institutions and 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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Frozen raspberry problems cross border to Canada in 2017

Individually Quick Frozen raspberries imported from China were the source of 615 confirmed cases of Norovirus in Quebec between March and July of this year, and of 15 cases in Minnesota in August of 2016.

Photo illustration

The Quebec outbreak encompassed clients and staff of seven seniors’ residences, two daycare centers and one hotel conference in four separate administrative regions of the province, according to a spokesperson for Quebec’s Ministry of Health and Social Services.

Confirmed cases were documented in Mauricie at six seniors’ residences, Laurentides at a hotel conference, Chaudieres-Appalaches at a daycare center, and Capitale-Nationale at a daycare center and a seniors’ residence.

Of the 615 outbreak victims, 141 were employees of at least two different seniors’ residences, and four were employees at one of the affected daycare centers. Citing privacy concerns, the health ministry declined to provide any further breakdown of the data by gender, age or geographic location. However, extrapolation of the venue data provided by the provincial health agency suggests that approximately 250 of the outbreak victims were seniors, and 33 were children.

In Minnesota
The Minnesota outbreak was linked to ice cream manufactured by Sebastian Joe’s, a Minneapolis-based company, according to a spokesperson from the Minnesota Department of Health. The ice cream was supplied to multiple venues within the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

Raspberry chocolate chip flavor ice cream consumed at two Sebastian Joe’s venues, one private gathering, and one Twin Cities area restaurant was identified as the source. Of the 15 confirmed cases, 10 were female. One person was hospitalized.

The ice cream contained frozen raspberries imported from China. Analyses conducted by the Food and Drug Administration confirmed the presence of norovirus matching the case specimens in samples of the raspberries.

Product recalls
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a total of 14 recall notices related to the implicated raspberries — the first on June 20 and the last on Aug. 21. Eleven of the notices were disseminated only to the food industry, with no public warning released.

Only the recall notices dated Aug. 11, 16 and 21 were released to the public. They alluded to the existence of “… reported illnesses associated with the consumption…” of the recalled products.

From June 23 to Aug. 14 Quebec’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food issued a series of six public alerts and product recalls, which included numerous bakery products manufactured with the individually quick frozen (IQF) raspberries. Each of those alerts warned of “many” illnesses associated with the consumption of products containing IQF raspberries.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration carried out analytical sampling and laboratory analysis when advised of the Minnesota outbreak, according to a spokesperson from FDA. As a result of the FDA investigation, the agency added IQF raspberries from Taian Runko Industry International Trade Co. Ltd. to the Import Alert 99-35 requiring “Detention Without Physical Examination.” The “Red List” status was effective May 2, and has not been changed.

Sebastian Joe’s initiated a product withdrawal as a result of the 2016 Minnesota outbreak.

Public health alerts
The Public Health Agency of Canada never issued a public health alert in conjunction with the norovirus outbreak linked to the IQF raspberries. A spokesperson for health agency said the agency’s silence was due to the outbreak having been confined to a single province.

The provincial health department responsible for investigating the 5-month outbreak, did not issue any news releases or public health alerts either. According to a provincial spokesperson, food recalls are the responsibility of the ministry of agriculture and the federal food inspection agency. The spokesperson added that health ministry worked with those agencies on the investigation.

The first public notice of the Quebec outbreak was contained in a public warning and recall notice issued by the agriculture ministry on June 23. The Canadian Food inspection Agency (CFIA) did not post a similar warning with its recall notices until Aug. 11.

The Minnesota Department of Health website did not post any alerts regarding the norovirus-related ice cream recall in that state.

Timeline
August 4-14, 2016: Norovirus illnesses associated with consumption of raspberry chocolate chip ice cream at four Minneapolis-St. Paul area venues.

March-May 2017: Three separate outbreak clusters involving six seniors’ residences, all of which were serviced by a single central kitchen.

May 2, 2017: Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) red raspberries from Taian Runko Industry International Trade Co. Ltd. (Taian, Shandong CHINA) is added to the FDA’s “Red List” one the Import Alert 99-35, citing norovirus GII contamination.

May 31, 2017: CFIA is notified by Quebec authorities that norovirus outbreak clusters are linked to raspberries, and it initiates a food safety investigation.

June 2017: Two additional outbreak clusters occur, one at a daycare center and the other at a hotel.

June 20, 2017: CFIA issues first product recall notice for IQF raspberries imported from China.

June 23, 2017: Quebec’s health ministry issues first Consumer Alert and recall notice for IQF raspberries and some products containing the raspberries, reporting for the first time the existence of “many” illnesses associated with consumption of IQF raspberries.

July 2017: Two additional outbreak clusters are reported, one at a daycare center and the other at a seniors’ residence.

Canadian, U.S. outbreaks unrelated
The Minnesota and Quebec outbreaks occurred more than six months apart and appear to have been independent of each other. Taian Runko, the company identified by FDA during its analytical sampling, was not involved in the Quebec outbreak, according to CFIA.

Consumer information
Norovirus is the leading cause of outbreaks from contaminated food in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accounting for approximately 50 percent of all food-related illnesses.

Symptoms of norovirus infection include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. The symptoms usually develop within 12-24 hours after exposure to the virus and last one to three days.

Most cases of norovirus are self-limiting, and do not present a long-term health risk. Nevertheless, seniors and children are at heightened risk of severe dehydration if infected with the virus.

Most cases of norovirus illness in the population at large are shrugged off as “stomach flu.” Victims are usually not seen by doctors, and the infections go unreported.

A national survey carried out in the United Kingdom in 2011 determined that only 1 in every 23 people with norovirus consulted a physician. Only one case was reported to national surveillance for every 12.7 patients. Overall, for every 288 cases of norovirus occurring in the general population, only one was reported to national surveillance authorities.

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Woman draws jail sentence for contaminating chicken in 2016

Faye Slye
Stearns County Jail photo

Faye Slye, a 37-year old Cold Spring, MN, woman, was sentenced to 90 days in the Stearns County Jail after being convicted of two felony counts of causing damage to property in the first degree.

She also has to pay $200,000 in restitution to GNP Company, which in June 2016 had to recall almost 28 tons of chicken products because of contamination with extraneous materials.

Pilgrim’s Pride bought GNP Co. in late 2016. Pilgrim’s is owned by Brazil-based JBS S.A.

At the time of the recall, GNP said some of the “Gold’n Plump” and “Just BARE” branded products, produced between June 6 and 9, 2016, were found with sand and black soil contamination. It immediately called in the Cold Spring-Richmond Police Department, which was assisted by the FBI in investigating the incident.

Slye confessed after the investigation turned up both surveillance footage and forensic evidence implicating her. GNP’s surveillance footage for both June 7 and 8 pointed to her suspicious behavior.

Slye said she collected sand and dirt from the parking lot in a plastic bag before using it to contaminate the chicken. Her sleeves also contained the substance.

The former poultry worker can serve the 90-day jail term in 30-day increments during the next three years. She will be on probation for five years.

The chicken products contaminated by Slye were shipped nationwide for both foodservice operations and retail distribution. The company initiated the recall after the second time in 2016 that ash or dirt turned up in tubs of chicken meat.

The Minnesota court did not prohibit Slye’s future employment in the food industry.

The incident at GNP Company occurred about one month after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule on food defense to protect food from acts of intentional adulteration like Slye initiated.

The final rule on Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food Against Intentional Adulteration with requirements for covered facilities to prepare and implement food defense plans is intended to help avoid such threats in the future.

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Listeria finding prompts recall of apples from Michigan grower

A Michigan grower is urging consumers to check apples in their homes and immediately discard them if their packaging has specific codes that identify apples recalled today because of possible Listeria contamination.

Jack Brown Produce Inc. is recalling certain lots of Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp and golden delicious apples, packaged under the brand name “Apple Ridge” according to the recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

The company has stopped distribution of the apples, which it sent to retailers in Michigan, Georgia, Missouri, Indiana and Ohio. The apples shipped from Dec. 11 through Dec. 16.

“Jack Brown Produce Inc. said it has stopped distribution of any further products processed at Nyblad Orchards of Kent City as the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem,” according to the recall notice.

“The recall was the result of a routine sampling program which revealed that finished products contained listeria monocytogenes. The tests were conducted at a Nyblad Orchards Inc. processing facility.”

The notice did not specifically say if the recall includes freshcut apples in addition to whole apples. However, photos posted with the recall notice show a package of what appears to be fresh, sliced apples.

Recalled apples, as listed in the notice, are:

• Honeycrisp apples in two-pound clear plastic bags;
• Gala apples in 3-pound clear plastic bags,
• Fuji and Golden Delicious apples in 3-pound clear plastic bags;
• Fuji and Gala apples in 5-pound red-netted mesh bags; and
• Gala, Fuji and Honeycrisp apples that were tray-packed and individually sold.

Consumers can identify the recalled apples by looking for lot numbers on the bag labels and/or bag-closure clips:

• Honeycrisp — NOI 159, 160, 173
• Gala — NOI 164, 166 on either the product labels and/or bag-closure clip.
• Fuji — NOI 163, 165, 167, 169, 174
• Golden Delicious — NOI 168

“Consumers who have purchased Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious Apples under the brand name “Apple Ridge” on or after Dec. 11, 2017 are urged to destroy the product and contact Jack Brown Produce Inc. for a full refund,” according to the recall notice.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 616-887-9568 or toll-free at 1-800-348-0834, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST and ask for Lisa Ingalls.

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Dairy recalls eggnog for Salmonella; sell-by dates increase risks

Arruda’s Dairy Farms of Tiverton, RI, is recalling eggnog that has sell-by dates well into 2018 because a sample was found to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recall was announced Monday after routine testing, according to WPRI-TV Channel 12. The owners of Arruda’s Dairy Farms have suspended production of the eggnog while they and the Rhode Island Department of Health continue to investigate the source of the Salmonella.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products, however, public health officials are concerned that consumers may have unused portions of the eggnog in their homes. The recall includes Arruda’s brand eggnog in pints, quarts and half-gallons.

Sell-by dates of “2-3-18” and “2-10-18” are stamped on the recalled eggnog. Arruda’s distributed the eggnog to retail stores and home-delivery customers throughout eastern Rhode Island and the Fall River area.

Customers who purchased the recalled eggnog can return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

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

Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the infection can be fatal. Infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system are at greatest risk.

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Speck prosciutto and salami recalled for Salmonella contamination

Piller’s Fine Foods in Waterloo is recalling approximately 1,076 pounds of ready-to-eat salami and speck products that may be adulterated with Salmonella, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The ready-to-eat speck prosciutto and salami items were produced on Sept. 22 and Oct. 12, 2017, respectively. The recalled products include:

• Vacuum-sealed random weight plastic packages containing “Black Kassel Piller’s Dry Aged D’Amour Salami” with Best Before date of May 12, 2018
• Vacuum-sealed random weight plastic packages containing “Black Kassel Piller’s Dry Aged Speck Smoked Prosciutto” with Best Before date of May 12, 2018.

These items were produced in Canada and were shipped to distribution centers in California, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey and New York.

The contamination was discovered when an FSIS sample of the ready-to-eat salami product was confirmed positive for Salmonella. There has not yet been any confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days.

Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen and held 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.

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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Dairy recalls raw milk for E. coli; best-by dates through Dec. 23

Anyone who has whole, raw milk on hand from Old Silvana Creamery should not consume it, according to the dairy owner, because samples of it have tested positive for E. coli, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal illnesses.

Jim Sinnema, owner, issued the recall today for the milk, which has best-by dates between Dec. 15 and Dec. 23. The dairy has voluntarily and temporarily ceased sales, according to state officials.

“The recall includes both of the firm’s retail raw milk brands, ‘Jim’s Jerseys’ and ‘Guernsey Goodness,’ which were bottled in half-gallon and one-gallon plastic jugs with orange or green caps. Recalled product was sold at the on-farm store, directly to private customers, and at retail stores in Western Washington,” according to the recall notice.

“Consumers who have purchased Old Silvana Creamery retail raw milk with ‘Best By dates’ of  12/15 through 12/23 are urged not to drink the product and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 425-268-7961.”

Anyone who has consumed any of the recalled milk and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should immediately seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the possible exposure. Specific tests are required to diagnose E. coli infections. No illnesses had been reported as of today, according to a spokesman with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).

However, it can take up to 10 days for symptoms of E. coli infection to develop. Consequently, anyone who has consumed the recalled raw milk or served it to their children or others should watch for symptoms in the coming days.

Symptoms often begin slowly with mild belly pain or non-bloody diarrhea that worsens over several days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other symptoms can include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not very high, less than 101 degrees F.

A life-threatening complication — hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) — impacting the kidneys can occur, especially in children. It develops an average of seven days after the first symptoms appear, often when the diarrhea is improving.

This is at least the third time Old Silvana Creamery has recalled its raw milk because of contamination issues. In January 2015 the dairy recalled unpasteurized milk when Campylobacter bacteria were detected. In 2013 the dairy recalled raw milk because of antibiotic residues, according to records at WSDA.

“Old Silvana Creamery LLC and WSDA continue to work jointly to address the source of the problem while conducting additional product testing through the WSDA laboratory as well as Old Silvana Creamery’s independent laboratory,” according to the dairy’s recall notice.

It is within the law to sell unpasteurized milk and other dairy products at retail locations, according to Washington state law, but state health officials caution that it carries significant risks, especially for young children, the elderly, pregnant and nursing women and anyone with a suppressed immune system, such as cancer patients.

State law requires unpasteurized, raw milk and raw dairy products to carry warning labels.

“The potential health risks are serious,” according to state officials. “Consumers should read the warning label on the retail raw milk container carefully and ask their retailer to verify the milk was produced and processed by a WSDA-licensed operation.”

There are currently only 32 licensed raw milk operators in the state.

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Springfield Smoked Fish recalls salmon after Listeria detected

A Massachusetts company has suspended operations and is recalling some of its pre-sliced smoked salmon because federal inspectors confirmed Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of the product.

Springfield Smoked Fish of Springfield, MA, distributed an undisclosed amount of the implicated “Nova Salmon” to retailers in Rhode Island and Connecticut, according to the recall notice posted Wednesday on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

Consumers are urged to check their homes for the recalled smoked salmon and either discard it or return it to the place of purchase. Any surfaces, such as countertops, dishes or utensils used to prepare or serve the recalled fish should be throughly washed and disinfected.

To identify the recalled fish, which is packaged in clear plastic, consumers should look for the following label information: lot number 42173 on the back of the package, an expiration date of Dec. 22, 2017, and a UPC number of 811907018018.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled fish and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about their possible exposure to the pathogen. Also, people who have eaten the recalled fish and not become ill should monitor themselves in the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days for symptoms to develop.

“No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem,” according to the recall notice. “This issue was identified after FDA product sampling identified Listeria monocytogenes in the product. The production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem.”

Listeria monocytogenes is a microscopic organism that can cause serious infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, sometimes causing death. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

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Dog food recalled for Salmonella; pet owners also at risk

Darwin’s Natural Pet Products has recalled specific production lots of its Natural Selections brand Meals for Dogs after laboratory testing detected Salmonella in samples of the products.

People who have handled the dog food are at risk of Salmonella infection and are advised to seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms of salmonellosis. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea that is watery or bloody, fever and headache.

Countertops, utensils and pet food and water bowls should be throughly washed to prevent cross-contamination.

According to a Darwin customer service representative, the following four production lots have been recalled:

• Natural Selections Turkey Meals for Dogs, net wt. 2 lb. Lot #39937 (manufactured 08/24/17)
• Natural Selections Turkey Meals for Dogs, net wt. 2 lb. Lot #40507.
• Natural Selections Duck Meals for Dogs, net wt. 2 lb. Lot #40487 (manufactured 09/29/17)
• Natural Selections Chicken Meals for Dogs, net wt. 2 lb. Lot #40727

Darwin sells and ships its products directly to customers. The product is not available in stores, nor is it sold to distributors, according to the company. The recalled products were shipped to customers in September and early October.

Customers who were supplied with the affected products were notified of the recalls by email, with telephone follow-up where necessary, according to the company. No public recall notice was issued, although some information regarding the recall has been posted on Darwin’s Facebook page.

According to information posted on Darwin’s Facebook page, the company does not test “each and every batch of product” at present, but is re-evaluating its current processes in light of the current situation.

The Food and Drug Administration is aware of the recall, according to an agency spokesperson. No further information was available from FDA.

Between October 2010 and July 2012, FDA surveyed more than 1,000 samples of pet foods and pet treats for the presence of food-borne disease bacteria, including Salmonella. Of the 196 samples of raw pet food tested during the study, 15 were positive for Salmonella.

On July 16, 2013, FDA issued a “Compliance Policy Guide for Salmonella in Food for Animals,” affirming a zero-tolerance policy for Salmonella in pet food due to the risk to human health.

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Pork salami recalled after customer finds metal shavings

A customer complaint about metal shavings in pork salami has led to a small recall — just 143 pounds — by Santa Fe Importers Inc. of Long Beach, CA. The recall was issued Tuesday.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the recalled pork salami products were produced on Aug. 3. Products subject to the recall are:

• 3.5 to 4.0-lbs. (random weight)  of plastic-wrapped packages of “MARISA PREMIUM QUALITY GENOA SALAMI ITALIAN BRAND,” with a packaging date of Sept. 14, 2017, with a  lot of code of 257-100161 in the upper right-hand corner.

The recalled products bear establishment number “EST. 4118” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label. The pork salami was shipped to retail locations in California. FSIS was notified by a Santa Fe customer about the metal shavings problem on Monday.

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.

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Briefly: Baby milk not in U.S. — Salmonella up — Steam heat

Every hour of every day people around the world are living with and working to resolve food safety issues. Here is a sampling of current headlines for your consumption, brought to you today with the support of Alchemy Systems.

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EU salmonella rates on the rise
Over the past three years the European Union has experienced a 3 percent increase in salmonella food poisoning cases; a “worrying reversal of a decade-long declining trend,” according to a recent report.

In 2016, Salmonella bacteria caused 94,530 human cases of salmonellosis in the EU. Of those, a total of 1,766 people were hospitalized, and 10 people died.

Mike Catchpole, chief scientist of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, said that the increase shown by their surveillance data “is worrying and a reminder that we have to stay vigilant.”

“Salmonella was the most commonly detected causative agent – with one out of six outbreaks due to S. Enteritidis – followed by other bacteria, bacterial toxins and viruses. Salmonella in eggs continued to represent the highest risk agent/food combination,” according to the report.

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Massive baby milk recall; 26 infants sick  
Lactalis, a French baby milk producer, is recalling certain batches of baby milk for Salmonella. The recall came after 26 infants became sick with Salmonella Agona, known to cause diarrhea and fever that is particularly dangerous for babies.

“Despite the fact that all the batches exported were conformed to the local rules, Lactalis has decided to remove batches produced since the 15th of February 2017,” according to the recall notice.

The recalled products were not distributed in the United States, though Lactalis does have a robust U.S. operating unit. Countries known to have received the recalled products include: Britain, Greece, Morocco, Sudan, Peru, Colombia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China. Click here for the full list of recalled products, which includes brand names such as Milumel, Celia, and Picot.

One of the largest dairy groups in the world, Lactalis recommended “not to consume these batches or, in case of absence of alternative, to boil the recombined milk during 2 minutes and bring back it at the consumption temperature.”

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Superheated steam could boost melon safety 
New research on the effectiveness of superheated steam (SHS) on watermelon and cantaloupe shows a 10- to 30-second blast can greatly reduce foodborne pathogens on their surfaces.

The specific pathogens involved in this study were E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Cantaloupe’s so-called netted rind provides the perfect hiding place for pathogens, which are difficult to wash off and easy to drag into the flesh of the fruit during cutting.

In 2011 a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections was linked to whole cantaloupes from Jensen Farms in Colorado. Out of the 147 ill people confirmed infected, 33 died and one pregnant woman miscarried. Additionally, 99 percent of the victims required hospitalization.

“The results of this study suggest that SHS treatment can be used as an antimicrobial intervention for cantaloupes and watermelons without inducing quality deterioration,” according to the research abstract.

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Food bank recalls candy for chemical risk; two people sick

Federal officials and local police are warning the public about “Bibi Frutix” candy in small plastic containers shaped like baby bottles because it is expected of containing a chemical substance that has sickened at least two people. Food banks distributed at least some of the implicated candy.

The Wamego (KS) Police Department posted this photo of the implicated candy on its Facebook with a public warning after receiving reports of illnesses.

The Wamego (Kansas) Police Department posted its warning Dec. 5 after receiving several reports about the candy, including two about people who had “adverse reactions.” The department posted a photo of the implicated candy, saying its label indicates it is a product of Mexico.

“While this is an isolated report it is unknown where the candy has been distributed as the candy was not purchased at a local store,” according to the Wamego Police Department warning.

“The powdery substance — normally sugar — has not been analyzed at this time. However several people who sampled contents reported the powder had a chemical taste and two people had adverse reactions.”

A similar warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, dated Dec. 8, included similar information, but referenced only one reported illness.

“A partner food pantry agency in Wamego, KS, notified Harvesters — The Community Food Network of potentially contaminated Bibi Frutix candy product it received through Harvesters’ distribution program,” according to the warning posted Dec. 9 on the FDA’s website.

“Harvesters followed recall procedures, including issuing a recall notice to all of its food pantry partners and checking to see if any product remained in its warehouses. To date, no product has been found beyond what was involved in the initially reported incident in Wamego, KS.”

It was not clear from the police and FDA notices whether the implicated candy, which was donated to Harvesters, had been distributed to retailers, wholesalers or other charitable food distribution entities. Harvesters officials estimated they received six or fewer cases of the candy.

However, the FDA reported that Harvesters agencies in a 19-county area in Kansas and Missouri, including the Kansas City metro area, could have received the candy.

Harvesters’ agencies that could have received the product are located in the following 19 counties of Harvesters’ service area in Kansas and Missouri are:

• Kansas — Johnson, Wyandotte, Miami, Franklin, Douglas, Jefferson, Shawnee, Nemaha, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee; and
• Missouri — Jackson, Platte, Clay, Ray, Lafayette, Johnson and Bates. Harvesters continues to cooperate with local and state authorities to determine the potential scope of the distribution.

The FDA has advised, if a member of the community has possession of the candy product, do not consume the product and dispose of it immediately.

People who experience symptoms should contact their health care provider for treatment. If you believe product you received was contaminated, you may file a complaint with the FDA consumer complaint coordinator for Kansas and Missouri at 800-202-9780.

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Report shows only half of European food recalls made public

All too often there is a lag between the time European governments know about unsafe food and when public warnings go out about recalls, a new report says.

After the public notice of last summer’s European egg recall because of insecticide contamination, Berlin-based Foodwatch decided to look into just how often such delays occur. The European consumer rights organization, which specializes in food quality issues, found recall information is only getting out about half the time.

Dutch egg producers last summer were found using fipronil, a banned insecticide, as a cleansing agent. Supermarkets in 18 European countries removed millions of eggs for destruction.

The European Union runs a food safety alert system, which is activated when a member state makes an official report. Belgium filed the first notice on July 20, and the Netherlands and Germany followed.

However, according to Foodwatch, the EU let 10 days pass before going public with the news on Aug. 1.

In its new report, Foodwatch says news about recalls of unsafe food often gets to European consumers late or not at all. The organization formed by Thilo Bode, former Greenpeace executive director, is calling for improved recall procedures in Europe.

“The flawed communication about fipronil-contaminated eggs is not an isolated case,” according to the Foodwatch report. “Consumers routinely don’t know about important food warnings. Often the companies and authorities decide on recalls too late, or sometimes not at all.”

The summer’s massive egg recall showed the flaws in the EU’s food alter the system, according to the report.

Germany has been the center of much of the public criticism over the incident. Foodwatch says over the year, only 53 percent of the 92 recalls were posted for consumers on the government’s food safety website.

One example cited was a mushroom recall for Listeria that did not get posted for three days, apparently because officials were off for the New Year’s holiday.

Foodwatch found the EU’s food safety recall regulations are “too vague” and leave too much to interpretation as to when a recall is required. It also said too much is left up to food producers who it says have a “clear conflict of interest” when it comes to getting unsafe products off the market.

Finally, the report says Europe needs to use additional means to get the word out about recalls, including social media, press releases, and supermarket signage. “Food producers almost never use all the communication tools available to warn about unsafe products,” it said.

The millions of eggs caught up in the fipronil-related recall were all destroyed. Dutch egg producers suffered a loss totaling 33 million euros.

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Kroger recalls ‘Comforts For Baby’ water because of mold

The Kroger Co. is recalling almost six months worth of its Comforts For Baby brand purified water with fluoride because samples have tested positive for mold contamination. Various grocery chains in 14 states are recalling the implicated infant water.

“The FDA is issuing this consumer alert to reach parents and caregivers who may have bought the product, which is intended for infants,” according to the alert posted on the Food and Drug Administration’s website today.

Kroger testing identified Talaromyces penicillium mold in the water after consumers complained about mold in the product. Although the water is sold in clear containers, consumers may not be able to see mold that is present. Anyone with the recalled water is urged to throw away any unused portions or return to the place of purchase for a refund.

The 1-gallon plastic jugs of the “Comforts For Baby Purified Water with Fluoride” are labeled with “DISTRIBUTED BY THE KROGER CO, CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202.” The affected products also bear the plant code 51-4140 and the UPC number 0 41260 37597 2. Consumers can also identify the recalled water by looking for “sell by” dates between April 26, 2018, and Oct. 10, 2018.

According to the consumer alert, Kroger distributed the recalled water to retailers including Food 4 Less, Jay C, Jay C Food Plus, Kroger, Kroger Marketplace, Owen’s, Payless Super Market, and Ruler stores. Those retailers with locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia have been ordered to recall the infant water.

Symptoms of exposure to mold, including Talaromyces penicillium, can cause immediate or delayed allergic reactions from inhaling or touching the mold or microscopic mold spores. Allergic reactions can include including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin rash and anaphylactic shock.

Mold can also cause asthma attacks. Molds can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, even in people who aren’t allergic to them, according to FDA.

“Drinking water or other products contaminated with Talaromyces penicillium may affect infants who have HIV or other conditions that cause immune compromise,” according to the alert.

“These individuals may become infected and this may lead to serious health consequences.”

Consumers should consult a health care professional if they believe their infant has consumed any of the recalled water.

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Ruth’s salad maker warned for Listeria in production facility

B & H Foods in North Carolina is on notice from the FDA because the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes has been confirmed repeatedly during the past five years at its facilities.

“Based on FDA’s analytical results for the environmental sample and inspectional findings documented during the inspection, we have determined that your RTE (ready-to-eat) food products are adulterated within the meaning of section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act),” according to a warning letter the Food and Drug Administration sent to the company on Nov. 14.

The violations render the firm’s food products adulterated in that they have been prepared, packed, or held under conditions whereby they may have become contaminated with filth, or whereby they may have been rendered injurious to heath. The FDA previously sent the company a warning letter in October 2012, citing many of the same problems.

In February this year the company recalled Ruth’s brand pimento and cream cheese spreads because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes causes serious, sometimes fatal, infections when people ingest it. Young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are particularly at risk.

Staff from the FDA inspected the Charlotte, NC, location of B & H Foods on May 9 through 31. Environmental samples collected from facility returned positive results during laboratory testing for Listeria monocytogenes.

To see photos of the Ruth’s products that B & H Foods recalled in February, please click on the photo.

“The presence of L. monocytogenes in your facility is significant in that they demonstrate your cleaning and sanitation practices are inadequate to effectively control pathogens in your facility to prevent contamination of food,” according to the letter sent to Stanley C. Bracey, president, and Bill R. Rudisill, general manager.

“Once established in a production area, personnel or equipment can facilitate the pathogen’s movement and contamination of food-contact surfaces and finished product.”

Although the firm responded to the FDA in June and July with several letters including a narrative description of the corrective actions taken, the FDA noted unresolved, significant violations.

A second strain of Listeria found in the firm’s facility was identical to WGS database isolates from FDA’s February 2017 sample of the Chester, SC, facility’s pimento spread, the state of North Carolina’s 2017 sample of your pimento cheese and old fashioned spread, and FDA environmental swabs collected from your Chester, SC, facility in May 2012, August 2013 and April 2015.

“This evidence demonstrates that L. monocytogenes has maintained a presence in your Chester, SC, facility from 2012-2015 and an identical strain of L. monocytogenes has been isolated in your Charlotte, NC, processing environment,” the warning letter stated.

The FDA noted that it cannot assess the adequacy of the firm’s corrective actions because the firm did not provide documentation of the steps taken to eliminate Listeria from the processing environment or to effectively prevent it from contaminating finished products manufactured there in the future.

According to the warning letter, the firm also failed to manufacture, package, and store foods under conditions and controls necessary to minimize the potential for growth of microorganisms and contamination.

Problems the FDA cited in its warning letter included failure to ensure controls necessary to minimize the potential for growth of microorganisms and contamination. “Investigators observed the soiled garments of employees, including hair nets, arm guards, and aprons, coming into direct contact with raw ingredients and in-process finished product.”

Inspectors also noted that the firm failed to ensure all equipment, containers and utensils are constructed, handled and maintained during manufacturing or storage in a manner protecting against contamination.

“Further, two pallets of canned pimentos and one pallet of canned jalapenos were observed to be stored in the maintenance shop. The pallet of jalapenos had opened motor oil containers and lubricants stored on top. The front pallet of pimento had a viscous black liquid spilled onto the middle cans on the pallet. Chemical drums stored adjacent to the rear kitchen were observed to be leaking onto open boxes of finished product containers.”

The firm’s facility is not constructed in such a manner that floors, walls, and ceilings may be adequately cleaned and kept clean and in good repair and that drip or condensate from fixtures, ducts and pipes does not contaminate food, food-contact surfaces, or food-packaging materials, according to the warning letter.

“During the inspection condensate was observed dripping onto packaged product, exposed raw materials such as relish and cabbage, and food contact surfaces. Condensate was also observed pooling where sanitized production equipment was being stored.”

The firm also lacked proper glove, hand washing, sanitizing, and drying operations, therefore failing to ensure that all personnel working in direct contact with food, food contact surfaces, and food packaging materials conform to hygienic practices while on duty to the extent necessary to protect against contamination of food.

Additionally, the firm’s plumbing constitutes a source of contamination to food, equipment, and utensils as “the equipment washing sink in the front kitchen was observed to be directly plumbed into the sewer system without an air break or a backflow prevention device.”

Food companies are given 15 working days to respond to FDA warning letters. Failure to take prompt action to correct the violations in warning letters can result in regulatory action by FDA without further notice, including, without limitation, seizure and injunction, according to the warning letter.

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Chicken shish kabobs recalled for allergens and misbranding

Detroit’s Rafedain Shish Kabob Restaurant, Inc., is recalling approximately 813 pounds of chicken patty shish kabob products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The products contain milk, wheat, and soy, all known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

The chicken patty shish kabob items were produced on various dates between Feb. 7, 2017, and Nov. 27, 2017. The following products are subject to recall:

• 9-oz. vacuum-packed tray packages containing four pieces of “RAFEDAIN FULLY COOKED CHICKEN PATTY SHISH KABOB.”

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST 44196” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distributors and retail locations in Massachusetts, North Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

The mistake was discovered by FSIS inspection program personnel during routine in-plant labeling 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 will be posted on the FSIS website.

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