Phil-Am recalls smoked fish after state issues botulism warning

Two days after New York officials posted a consumer alert warning about possible contamination of Phil-Am smoked mackerel the New Jersey-based Phil-Am Trading Inc. posted a recall with the FDA stating the fish could cause botulism poisoning.

“Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled,” according to the recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website. “Consumers who have purchased Phil-Am Smoked Mackerel (Hasa-Hasa) are urged to not consume it, and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.”

Phil-Am distributed the smoked mackerel — Hasa-Hasa — in New Jersey, New York, Georgia and Pennsylvania. It has a long shelf life, causing concern that consumers may have unopened packages in their homes. No illnesses had been reported in relation to the recalled mackerel as of Dec. 3.

The recalled fish is packaged in clear, flexible plastic pouches that are topped with a predominantly red label on the top seal. Consumers and retailers can identify the recalled products by the UPC number 814487015147.

The fish is a product of the Philippines and is sold by the Asian Supermarket Group Inc. of Albany, NY, according to the consumer alert from the New York Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball.

The smoked mackerel shipped to stores between February and November. Stores will be notified of their receipt of product and will be provided with recall instructions, according to the recall notice. New York officials have laboratory confirmation that the smoked mackerel was not eviscerated and could be contaminated with the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism.

“Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing,” according to the recall notice.

“Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distention and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.”

Consumers with questions may contact Phil-Am Trading Inc. at 201-420-8595.

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Smoked mackerel from Philippines could cause botulism

New York officials have warned the public to not eat Phil Am branded smoked mackerel — Hasa Hasa — because it was not eviscerated and could contain spores that cause botulism poisoning.

The fish is a product of the Philippines and is sold by the Asian Supermarket Group Inc. of Albany, NY, according to the consumer alert from the state’s Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball. No illnesses had been confirmed in connection with the Phil Am brand smoked mackerel as of the posting of the Dec. 1 alert.

Consumers can identify the implicated smoked mackerel, which is vacuum-packed in clear, flexible plastic pouches by the UPC number 814487015147. The fish is sold at refrigerated temperatures and is not otherwise coded.

“Uneviscerated processed fish is prohibited under New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera (organs and entrails) than any other portion of the fish. Because the fish is uneviscerated, the product may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause Botulism, a serious and potentially fatal foodborne illness,” according to the consumer alert.

“The ‘Phil AM brand Smoked Mackerel (Hasa Hasa)’ was found by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets food inspectors during a routine inspection of the retail firm. Subsequent analysis by New York State Food Laboratory personnel confirmed the product to be uneviscerated.”

Anyone who has eaten any of the implicated smoked mackerel and developed symptoms of botulism poisoning should immediately seek medical attention and inform their doctors of their potential exposure. Symptoms include blurred or double vision, general weakness, poor reflexes, difficulty swallowing and respiratory paralysis.

If consumers have any questions, they can call the state department at 518-457-4492.

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Ready-to-eat chicken recall expands to include 992 tons

National Steak and Poultry massively increased its Nov. 23 recall on Monday to now include a total of 1,993,528 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products or almost 992 tons of product. The addition of more products and production dates added 1,976,089 pounds to the initial recall of 17, 439.

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)  said the ready-to-eat chicken products are being recalled for possible undercooking, which might have allowed bacterial pathogens to survive in the product.

The expamded recall now includes a variety of ready-to-eat chicken products that were produced on various dates from August 20, 2016 through November 30, 2016.  A list of the additional products subject to recall is listed here.

The cases containing the products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-6010T” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to food service locations nationwide and were sold directly to retail consumers at the establishments’ monthly dock sale.

The basis for recalling additional product was discovered on Nov. 28, 2016, when a food service customer complained to the establishment that product appeared to be undercooked.

Below are the details of the originally recalled product:

• On November 23, 2016 – National Steak and Poultry recalled approximately 17,439 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products produced Oct. 4, 2016.  The products were packaged on Oct. 4 and Oct. 5, 2016. The following products are subject to recall:
• 5 lb. bags packed 2 bags per case; product labeled “Distributed by National Steak and Poultry, Owasso, OK Fully Cooked, Diced, Grilled Boneless Chicken Breast Meat with Rib Meat” with Lot code 100416, and Case Code: 70020.
• 5 lb. bags packed 2 bags per case; product labeled “Hormel Natural Choice 100% Natural No Preservatives Fully Cooked Roasted Chicken Breast Strips with Rib Meat Natural Smoke Flavor Added” with Lot code 100416, and Case code 702113.
• The cases containing the products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-6010T” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to food service locations nationwide and should not be in consumers’ possession. No other Hormel product is impacted. The original problem was discovered on Nov. 14, 2016, when a food service customer complained to the establishment that product appeared to be undercooked.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse health effects or illnesses due to consumption of any of the recalled products. Anyone concerned about a health effect 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.

Located in Owasso, OK, National Steak and Poultry is remembered for its Christmas 2009 recall of 240,000 beef steaks for E coli O157:H7 contamination, which led FSIS to impose rules on blade-tenderization.

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 warns against Apple Tree goat cheeses because of Listeria

A federal consumer advisory warns the public against eating goat cheese products made by Apple Tree Goat Dairy of Richfield, PA, because Listeria monocytogenes has been confirmed in the company’s products and production facility.

The cheeses were sold in Washington D.C. and Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia through the Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative and farmers markets, according to the Friday advisory from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. No illnesses had been reported in connection with the Apple Tree Goat Dairy products as of Friday.

To see labels for other recalled varieties of goat cheese from Apple Tree Goat Dairy, click on the image.

“FDA has concerns about Apple Tree’s goat cheese based on a recent inspection of the Apple Tree manufacturing facility, which identified a potentially deadly pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes, in the firm’s finished products and its production environment,” according to the consumer advisory.

Environmental samples and samples of finished product yielded 18 positive results for Listeria in the production facility and two positive results for Listeria in finished products. The company initiated a voluntary recall Sept. 20, which it posted with the FDA and publicized via other channels.

However, Apple Tree expanded the recall but was not as transparent, which spurred the FDA to issue Friday’s consumer advisory.

“Apple Tree expanded its recall to include all of its goat cheeses, but FDA is not aware of any public notification to consumers announcing the expanded recall. Accordingly, FDA is issuing this release and working with PDA (Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture) to monitor this situation and take appropriate actions to protect consumers from Apple Tree goat cheeses that may have been exposed to or contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,” the FDA reported in its advisory.

Advice for consumers, retailers, repackers
“Consumers who have Apple Tree goat cheeses should throw them away,” the FDA advisory states.

“In addition, the agency advises consumers to thoroughly disinfect the areas where they had the products, such as the refrigerator, plates, and utensils used to serve the cheese.”

In addition to distribution through the Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative, the cheeses were sold at West End Farmers Market in Alexandria, VA, Ambler (PA) Farmers Market, and Doylestown (PA) Farmers Market.

Retailers and foodservice operators should also check their records and inventories for the products and take immediate steps to clean and sanitize if they have had the products in stock in recent months.

“If they do not know the source of their goat cheeses, they should check with their distributor or Apple Tree,” FDA advises retailers and other commercial entities.

“Wash and sanitize display cases and refrigerators where potentially contaminated products were stored. Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils used to cut, serve, or store Apple Tree goat cheeses. Wash hands with warm water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.

“Retailers, restaurants and other foodservice operators who have processed and packaged any Apple Tree goat cheeses need to be concerned about cross-contamination of cutting surfaces and utensils through contact with the potentially contaminated products.

Listeriosis can take 70 days to develop
Anyone who has eaten or handled Apple Tree goat milk cheeses should monitor themselves for symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection for 70 days after exposure.

If symptoms develop, they should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Listeria monocytogenes.

Symptoms include fever and muscle aches, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms can appear from a few days up to a few weeks after eating contaminated food. Listeriosis primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems.

Listeriosis is the third leading cause of death from food poisoning. It hits high-risk groups the hardest, accounting for at least 90 percent of reported Listeria infections and resulting in higher rates of hospitalization and death than most other foodborne bacteria. In pregnant women, listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, and serious illness or death in newborn babies.

Consumers with questions may contact the Apple Tree Goat Dairy at 717-694-0146. The FDA also encourages consumers with questions about food safety to call 888-SAFEFOOD Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. EST.

For more information, please visit the Product Recall page for the Sept. 20 recall notice.

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FDA finds Listeria at Royal Seafood Baza Inc.; herring recalled

Royal Seafood Baza Inc. has stopped production and is recalling an undisclosed volume of 22 different herring products with shelf lives through February 2017 because federal inspectors found Listeria in the company’s plant.

To see all of the photos of recalled products provided by Royal Seafood Baza Inc., click on this image or the photos below.

The refrigerated, ready-to-eat herring products are packaged for retail sale to consumers and in bulk for wholesalers, according to the Staten Island, NY, company’s recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration website.

The company has been on FDA’s enforcement radar for more than a year, according to a warning letter issued in October 2015. As of Friday, when the recall was posted, the agency had not posted a closeout letter regarding the warning about problems documented in March 2015.

“The recall of the products was the result of environmental sampling by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during an inspection of the firm which revealed the presence of Listeria in the plant,” according to the recall notice, which did not indicate the date of the inspection or testing.

“The company has ceased production and distribution of the products and is working closely with FDA to monitor this situation to determine the source of the environmental contamination, and make the appropriate corrective actions.”

Royal Seafood Baza Inc.distributed the recalled herring in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Oregon, Texas and North Carolina, according to the recall notice. The notice did not reveal what specific wholesalers and retailers received the potentially contaminated herring or whether it may have been distributed to other states by Royal Seafood Baza customers.

As of the posting of the recall no illnesses had been reported in connection with the products. However, it can take up to 70 days for infection symptoms to develop after injection of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

The pathogen 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.

“Wholesale customers of bulk containers must discontinue sales of existing stock of these items immediately and destroy any returned product as soon as possible,” according to the recall notice.

The bulk products have pack dates of “11/2/16” – “11/30/16” while the products packaged in retail containers have “Best Before dates of: 11.30.2016 through 02.28.2017.” Recalled products in vacuum packaged bags include “Pack Dates of 11.09.16 – 11.30.16.”

“Herring products packaged in retail package have a 90-day shelf life, herring products in bulk buckets have a 28-day shelf life and herring products in vacuum packages have a 21-day shelf life,” according to the recall notice.

“Consumers who purchased any of the above listed products and still have them on-hand are urged not to consume them and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or to discard them. Consumers with questions can contact Royal Seafood Baza consumer relations at 718-318-1888.”

The recall is specific to the following products:

• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Brine with no brand name, packaged in bulk 25 lb. white plastic bucket and labeled in part “** 204250 ** HERRING ISLANDSKAYA JUMBO BY PC **” (label on the metal handle of bucket);
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Brine with no brand name, packaged in bulk 25 lb. white plastic bucket and labeled in part “** 204311 ** HERRING SUPER DUNAYSKAYA BY PC **” (label on the metal handle of bucket);
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Brine with no brand name, packaged in bulk 25 lb. white plastic bucket and labeled in part “** 204857 ** HERRING NORWAY SUPER JUMBO BY PC **” (label on the metal handle of bucket);
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Brine with no brand name, packaged in bulk 25 lb. white plastic bucket and labeled in part “ ** 204744 ** HERRING MALOSOLNAYA (20 in barrel) **” (label on the metal handle of bucket);
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Brine with no brand name, packaged in bulk 25 lb. white plastic bucket and labeled in part “** 204883 ** HERRING DUNAYSKAYA BY PC **” (label on the metal handle of bucket);
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Brine sold under ROYAL Baza label, vacuum packaged in a clear bag and labeled in part “** ROYAL baza ** HERRING SUPER DUNAYSKAYA IN VACUUM BY PC * UPC 204450 000263”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Brine sold under the ROYAL Baza label, vacuum packaged in a clear bag and labeled in part “** ROYAL baza ** HERRING MALOSOLNAYA IN VACUUM BY PC ** UPC 204874 000269”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Oil sold under the FRESH SEAFOOD label, packaged in a 10.9 oz. (310g) plastic retail container labeled in part ** FRESH SEAFOOD ** Herring Fillet in Oil “Forelka Style” ** Net Wt. 10.9 oz. (310g)** UPC 825512 004915”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Oil sold under the FRESH SEAFOOD label, packaged in a 16.2 oz. (460g) plastic retail container labeled in part “** FRESH SEAFOOD ** Herring Fillet in Oil “Forelka Style” ** Net Wt. 16.2 oz. (460g)** UPC 825512 004922”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Oil sold under the FRESH SEAFOOD label, packaged in a 10.9 oz. (310g) plastic retail container labeled in part “** FRESH SEAFOOD ** Pacific Herring Fillet in Oil ** Net Wt. 10.9 oz. (310g) ** UPC 825512 004939;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Oil sold under the FRESH SEAFOOD label, packaged in a 16.2 oz. (460g) plastic retail container labeled in part “** FRESH SEAFOOD ** Pacific Herring Fillet in Oil ** Net Wt. 16.2 oz. (460g)** UPC 825512 004946”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Brine sold under the FRESH SEAFOOD label, packaged in a 10.9 oz. (310g) plastic retail container labeled in part “** FRESH SEAFOOD ** Herring Fillet “Matjes” ** Net Wt. 10.9 oz. (310g) ** UPC 825512 004953”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Brine sold under the FRESH SEAFOOD label, packaged in a 16.2 oz. (460g) plastic retail container labeled in part “** FRESH SEAFOOD ** Herring Fillet “Matjes” ** Net Wt. 16.2 oz. (460g) ** UPC 825512 004960”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Oil sold under the FRESH SEAFOOD label, packaged in a 10.9 oz. (310g) plastic retail container labeled in part “** FRESH SEAFOOD ** Herring Fillet in Oil ** Net Wt. 10.9 oz. (310g)** UPC 825512 004977”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Oil sold under the FRESH SEAFOOD label, packaged in a 16.2 oz. (460g) plastic retail container labeled in part “** FRESH SEAFOOD ** Herring Fillet in Oil ** Net Wt. 16.2 oz. (460g)** UPC 825512 004984”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Oil sold under the FRESH SEAFOOD label, packaged in a 24 oz. (680g) plastic retail container labeled in part “** FRESH SEAFOOD ** Holland Herring in Oil ** Net Wt. 24 oz. (680g)** UPC 825512 008128”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Brine sold under the  FRESH SEAFOOD label, packaged in a 46 oz. (1275g) plastic retail container labeled in part “** FRESH SEAFOOD ** Herring in Spicy Brine ** Net Wt. 46 oz. (1275g)** UPC 825512 008166”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Brine sold under the  FRESH SEAFOOD label, packaged in a 46 oz. (1275g) plastic retail container labeled in part “** FRESH SEAFOOD ** Herring in Brine ** Net Wt. 46 oz. (1275g) ** ** UPC 825512 008173”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Oil sold under the  FRESH SEAFOOD label, packaged in a 16 oz. (454g) plastic retail container labeled in part “** FRESH SEAFOOD ** Herring Fillets in Oil ** Lightly Salted ** Net Wt. 16 oz. (454g) ** UPC 825512 014044”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Oil sold under the FRESH SEAFOOD label, packaged in a 28.2 oz. (800g) plastic retail container labeled in part “** FRESH SEAFOOD ** SUPER DUNAYSKAYA ** Herring Fillets in Oil ** Net Weight 28.2 OZ./800 g”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Oil sold under the FRESH SEAFOOD label, packaged in a 9.3 oz. (265g) plastic retail container labeled in part “** FRESH SEAFOOD ** Pacific Herring Fillet in Oil ** Net Wt. 9.3 oz. (265g) ** UPC 825512 110258”;
• Refrigerated, Ready to Eat Herring in Oil sold under the  FRESH SEAFOOD packaged in a 16.2 oz. (460g) in plastic retail container labeled in part “** FRESH SEAFOOD ** Pacific Herring Fillet in Oil ** Net Wt. 16.2 oz. (460g) ** UPC 825512 110265”.

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Louisville vending company recalls buffalo chicken sandwiches

Louisville’s Derby City Vending of Louisville, KY has recalled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich because it may contain undeclared milk, egg and soy product.  The problem was discovered by the Food and Drug Administration inspection of packaging that did not reveal the presence of these allergens.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, egg or soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.  The Buffalo Chicken Sandwich was distributed to Kentucky and Indiana through delivery to vending food machines.

This product is in a black square container with a clear lid with the Derby City Vending label. It is identified on the label as Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with a best buy date of up to 12/4/16. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The mistake  was caused by a change in the ingredients by the manufacturer when a different size of the chicken patty was purchased.

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Manufacturer issues recall for some Trader Joe’s hummus

Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc. has recalled Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Hummus (SKU #90642) and Trader Joe’s White Bean & Basil Hummus (SKU #91107) with “USE BY” date codes up through and including 12/15/2016, because these products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes 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 may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled products come in 16 ounce plastic tubs with SKU numbers printed on the top labels and “USE BY” date codes stamped on the bottom of the tubs, along with the plant identification code “C”.

No illnesses have yet been associated with the recall.

States Affected	Product	Code Date
IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH and WI	Trader Joe’s White Bean & Basil Hummus ONLY (SKU 91107)	USE BY dates up through and including “12/15/16” and plant identification code “C”
AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, NC, NM, NV, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA and WA	Trader Joe’s White Bean & Basil Hummus (SKU 91107) AND Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Hummus (SKU 90642)	USE BY dates up through and including “12/15/16” and plant identification code “C”

Testing by the company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in product manufactured on the same equipment. The company subsequently identified the source of the issue and has corrected the matter. All potentially affected products have been removed from store shelves and destroyed.

Consumers should discard the product immediately or return it to their point of purchase for a full refund.

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