Specific kratom brands recalled amid nationwide outbreak

An Oregon company is recalling three brands of kratom powder products because samples have tested positive for Salmonella and an illness has been reported in connection with one of the products.

PDX Aromatics of Portland, OR, sold the recalled products directly to consumers via websites between Jan. 18 and Feb. 18, according to the company’s recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

The  company does business as three entities, which bear the same names as the three brands of product subject to recall: Kraken Kratom, Phytoextractum, and Soul Speciosa.

At least 10,000 “units” of the kratom powder products are subject to the recall. They are packaged in plastic heat sealed pouches and sold in weights of 28 grams 56 grams and 112 grams.

“Consumers who may be in possession of potentially contaminated products are advised not to consume products labeled with the above product descriptions and lot codes,” according to the recall notice.

“PDX Aromatics has identified a supplier in our supply chain as the source of Salmonella. The company has removed that supplier from our supply chain and all associated products from our facility. We have ceased distribution of products in order to perform a facility audit … Working in cooperation with the FDA, the company will destroy all recalled product upon return.”

The Salmonella contamination was discovered by California inspectors. The California Department of Public Health notified the Oregon company of the Salmonella contamination and the infected person, PDX Aromatics reported.

Several states are investigating illnesses among people who have ingested various brands of kratom powders. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA are also investigating the substance.

The CDC says an ongoing nationwide outbreak has sickened at least 40 people across 27 states since October 2017.

The FDA has been investigating the substance for several years and is assisting the CDC and states with the current outbreak as well as continuing its general review of the substance. The FDA has reported that it has evidence of more than 40 deaths in the United States that have been linked to kratom.

Kratom is a plant consumed for its stimulant effects and as an opioid substitute. Kratom is also known as Thang, Kakuam, Thom, Ketom, and Biak.

The specific products subject to the recall by Oregon-based PDX Aromatics are:

Brand	Product name	Weights
Kraken Kratom	Red Dragon Kratom Powder	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Kraken Kratom	Red Vein Borneo Kratom Powder	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Kraken Kratom	Red Vein Sumatra Kratom Powder	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Kraken Kratom	Red Vein Thai Kratom Powder	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Kraken Kratom	Super Indo Kratom Powder	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Phytoextractum	Maeng Da Thai Kratom Powder (Horn Red)	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Phytoextractum	Red Dragon Kratom Powder	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Phytoextractum	Red Vein Borneo Kratom Powder	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Phytoextractum	Red Vein Sumatra Kratom Powder	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Phytoextractum	Red Vein Thai Kratom Powder	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Phytoextractum	Super Indo Kratom Powder	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Soul Speciosa	Maeng Da Thai Kratom Powder (Horn Red)	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Soul Speciosa	Red Dragon Kratom Powder	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Soul Speciosa	Red Vein Sumatra Kratom Powder	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Soul Speciosa	Red Vein Thai Kratom Powder	28 g, 56 g, 112 g
Soul Speciosa	Super Indo Kratom Powder	28 g, 56 g, 112 g

 

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Recalled products have any of the following LOT codes (represent packaging dates):
LOT 20180118	LOT 20180125	LOT 20180201	LOT 20180207	LOT 20180214
LOT 20180119	LOT 20180126	LOT 20180201	LOT 20180208	LOT 20180215
LOT 20180120	LOT 20180127	LOT 20180202	LOT 20180209	LOT 20180216
LOT 20180121	LOT 20180128	LOT 20180203	LOT 20180210	LOT 20180217
LOT 20180122	LOT 20180129	LOT 20180204	LOT 20180211	LOT 20180218
LOT 20180123	LOT 20180130	LOT 20180205	LOT 20180212
LOT 20180124	LOT 20180131	LOT 20180206	LOT 20180213

 

Advice to consumers
Anyone who has taken any products containing kratom powder and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the possible exposure to the bacteria.

Symptoms of a Salmonella infection, called salmonellosis, typically start 6 to 72 hours after exposure to Salmonella bacteria. However, in some people it takes two weeks for symptoms to develop.

Symptoms include fever, chills, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms usually last for four to seven days. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection, but infants, children, seniors and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness.

It is possible for some people to be infected with the bacteria and not get sick or show any symptoms, but they are still be able to spread the infection to others.

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Warning: Organic, raw goat milk cheese positive for Listeria

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball warns consumers not to eat The Maiden’s Creamery “Wild Meadow” raw goat milk cheese made in South New Berlin because of possible Listeria contamination.

So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the goat cheese made by by Mark Harvey, 1277 Copes Corner Road.

The product is sold in various sizes of sealed flexible plastic packaging, displaying the plant number 36-1315, with a code of 101. The state’s  consumer warning affects all packages with this code. The goat cheese  was sold at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market in Cooperstown, NY, in late December 2017 and early January 2018, and at the Sunflower Natural Foods Market starting on Jan. 10.

A routine sample of the cheese taken by an inspector from the Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services on Feb. 20 was tested by the New York State Food Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. On Feb. 23, the manufacturer was notified of a preliminary positive test result and voluntarily recalled the product.

Test results were confirmed March 2, and the cheese will be destroyed by the manufacturer.

Anyone who has eaten any of the cheese and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should immediately contact their doctors and tell them of the potential exposure. It can take up to 70 days after exposure for symptoms to develop, so people who have eaten the unpasteurized cheese should monitor themselves for symptoms.

Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. In high-risk groups the pathogen can cause serious infections leading to complications including meningitis, blood poisoning and death. High risk groups include pregnant women, newborns, children younger than 5, adults older than 65 and anyone with impaired immune systems, including cancer patients, diabetics and HIV/AIDS patients. It can also cause stillbirths.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a standing warning about the dangers of contracting infections, viruses and parasites from raw milk and raw milk products such as cheese. Its data particularly supports the finding that children younger than 5 are a high-risk group because their immune systems are not fully developed.

Consumers with questions about the recalled goat milk cheese can call Mark Harvey at 607-859-2227.

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Smucker confirms euthinasia drug in popular dog food brands

Photo illustration

The FDA has posted notice of a voluntary recall by The J.M. Smucker Company Inc. of canned dog food after the company confirmed pentobarbital in tallow used to manufactured the affected products.

In all, the recall covers more than 107 million cans of dog food in several flavors sold under the Gravy Train, Kibbles ’N Bits, Skippy and Ol’ Roy brands. Big Heart Pet Brands distributed the Gravy Train, Kibbles ’N Bits and Skippy dog food to retailers nationwide. Walmart Stores Inc. distributed the Ol’ Roy dog food.

Initially, the Food and Drug Administration FDA had agreed to allow Smucker to issue a “product withdrawal,” pending the results of lab tests. Once pentobarbital contamination was confirmed by the company itself, Smucker agreed to a voluntary recall.

Pentobarbital is a chemical sedative used by veterinarians to euthanize animals. The presence of it at any level in a pet food is illegal, and renders the product adulterated under federal law.

The recalled dog food is sold in individual cans and multi-can packs. Smucker products included in the recall are:

• Gravy Train With Lamb & Rice Chunks, packaged in metal cans with Net WT 13.2 OZ; UPC: 7910005430 on flat case and 7910052543 on cans. Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021; Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803.
• Gravy Train; With T-Bone Flavor Chunks; packaged in metal cans with Net WT 13.2 OZ; UPC: 7910005410 on flat case and 7910052541 on cans. Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021; Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803
• Gravy Train With Beef Chunks; packaged in metal cans with Net WT 22 OZ and UPC: 7910051647 on flat case and 7910051647 on cans; or with Net WT 13.5 OZ and UPC: 7910052457 on flat case and 79100034417 on cans. Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021; Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803
• Gravy Train With Chicken Chunks; packaged in metal cans; Net WT 22 OZ with UPC: 7910051645 on flat case and 7910051645 on cans; and Net WT 13.2 OZ with UPC: 7910052458 on flat case and 7910034418 on cans. Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021; Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803
• Gravy Train With Strips In Gravy; packaged in metal cans with Net WT 13.2 OZ; UPC: 7910005420 on flat case and 7910052542 on cans. Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021; Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803
• Ol’ Roy Dog Food Strips in Gravy With Turkey & Bacon; packaged in metal cans with Net Wt 13.2 OZ; UPC: 7910017570 on flat case and 8113117570 on cans. Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803; Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021
• Kibbles ‘n Bits brand Dog Food; Chef’s Choice Homestyle Tender Slices With Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy; packaged in metal cans with Net Wt. 13.2 OZ; UPC: 7910052489A on flat case and 7910010380 on cans. Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803; Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021
• Kibbles ‘n Bits brand Dog Food; Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts With Real Turkey, Bacon & Vegetables; packages in metal cans with Net Wt. 13.2 OZ; UPC: 7910052488A on flat case and 7910010378 on cans. Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803; Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021
• Kibbles ‘n Bits brand Dog Food; Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts With Real Beef & Vegetables In Gravy; packaged in metal cans with Net Wt. 13.2 OZ; UPC: 7910052486A on flat case and 7910010375 on cans. Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803; Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021
• Skippy Premium Chunks in gravy; Chunky Stew; packaged in metal cans with Net Wt. 13.2 OZ; UPC: 7910052469 on flat case and 7910050249 on cans. Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803; Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021
• Skippy Premium Chunks in gravy; With Beef; packaged in metal cans with Net Wt. 13.2 OZ; UPC: 7910052508 on flat case and 7910050250 on cans. Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803; Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021
• Skippy Premium Strips in Gravy; With Beef; packaged in metal cans with Net Wt. 13.2 OZ; UPC: 7910052509 on flat case and 7910050245 on cans. Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803; Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021
• Kibbles ‘n Bits 12 Can Variety Pack; Chef’s Choice Bistro, containing 4 cans of Hearty Cuts with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables In Gravy; Chef’s Choice Homestyle, 4 cans of Meatballs & Pasta Dinner with Real Beef in Tomato Sauce; Chef’s Choice Bistro, and 4 cans of Bistro Tender Cuts With Real Turkey, Bacon & Vegetables in Gravy; packaged in metal cans with 12 – 13.2 OZ Cans per case; Total Net Wt 9 LB 14 OZ; Variety Pack paper box UPC: 7910027750; These packages are not meant for individual can sales and are sold as a 12 can Variety Pack. Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803; Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021
• Kibbles ‘n Bits 12 Can Variety Pack; containing 4 cans of Chef’s Choice Bistro, Hearty Cuts with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables In Gravy; 4 cans of Chef’s Choice Homestyle, Meatballs & Pasta Dinner with Real Beef in Tomato Sauce; and 4 cans of Chef’s Choice Bistro, Bistro Tender Cuts With Real Turkey, Bacon & Vegetables in Gravy; packaged in metal cans with 12 – 13.2 OZ Cans per case; Total Net Wt 9 LB 14 OZ; Variety Pack paper box UPC: 7910027750. These packages are not meant for individual can sales and are sold as a 12 can Variety Pack. Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803; Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021
• Kibbles ‘n Bits 12 Can Variety Pack; containing 6 cans of Chef’s Choice American Grill, Burger Dinner With Real Bacon & Cheese Bits In Gravy; and 6 cans of Chef’s Choice Bistro, Tender Cuts With Real Turkey, Bacon & Vegetables In Gravy; packages in metal cans with 12 – 13.2 OZ cans per case; Total Net Wt 9 LB 14 OZ; Variety Pack paper box UPC: 7910027685. These packages are not meant for individual can sales and are sold as a 12 can Variety Pack. Code range: 6299 through 8040, each with the suffix plant number 803; Best By range 10 25 19 thru 02 09 2021

Excluded from Friday’s voluntary recall are a number of products reported previously by Food Safety News to have been withdrawn from the market, based on information obtained directly from the company. FDA has not yet resolved this discrepancy, an agency spokesperson said.

Test results are still pending on finished product samples collected by FDA, and the agency is continuing its investigation.

What consumers should know
Pets should not be fed any of the recalled products. Consumers should safely dispose of the recalled cans of pet food and/or contact the company or the place of purchase for information about returning the products.

Pets that consume a food containing pentobarbital can experience drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea, inability to stand and nystagmus, which causes the eyes to move back and forth in a jerky manner. Consuming high levels of pentobarbital can cause coma and death. However, low levels of pentobarbital are unlikely to pose a health risk to pets, according to FDA.

People who think their pets have become ill after consuming pet food contaminated with pentobarbital should contact their veterinarians.

The FDA encourages consumers to report complaints about this and other pet food products electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling their state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.

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Salami, pepperoni recalled in U.S., Canada for Listeria risk

To view photos of other products included in this recall, please click on the above or below images.

A California company is recalling two tons of meat products including salami and pepperoni from U.S. retailers and businesses in Canada because of Listeria contamination discovered during routine testing.

Olli Salumeria Americana of Oceanside, CA, reported the ready-to-eat meat products were packaged on Jan. 19, according to the recall notice posted on the website of the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

“Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,” the recall notice warns.

The Gusto and Olli-branded meat products are not heat-treated, but they are considered shelf-stable, so there is concern that consumers may have unused portions in their homes. Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. It can take as many as  70 days after exposure to the bacteria for symptoms of infection to develop.

No information on best-by or sell-by dates was included in the recall notice. Photos of product labels posts with the notice did not show any date codes.

The recalled products have the establishment number “M-45334” printed inside the USDA mark of inspection on their wrappers. Consumers can identify the recalled meat products by looking for the following product names, package weights and lot numbers.

•  6 oz. packages of “Gusto Napoli Applewood-Smoked Salame” with the lot code 1000012821
• 6 oz. packages of “Gusto Chorizo Smoked Paprika” with the lot code 1000012812
• 6 oz. packages of “Gusto Sopressata Black Peppercorn Salame” with the lot code 1000012811
• 6 oz. packages of “Gusto Toscano Fennel Pollen Salame” with the lot code 1000012805
• 6 oz. packages of “Gusto Pepperoni Classically American” with the lot code 1000012804
• 175-gram packages of “Olli Molisana Pepper + Garlic Salami” with the lot code 1000012808;
• 175-gram packages of “Olli Napoli Applewood-Smoked Salami” with the lot code 1000012810; and
• 175-gram packages of “Olli Calabrese Spicy Salami” with the lot code 1000012807

When available, the retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

“These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide and exported to Canada,” according to the recall notice from the USDA’s subagency.

“The problem was discovered when the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) performed routine Listeria monocytogenes sampling. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.”

Groups at high risk of developing listeriosis after eating or drinking something contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes include older adults, children younger than 5, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women and their newborns.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. When invasive, infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract.

In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

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Breakfast turkey sausages recalled for undeclared allergens and misbranding

Lititz, PA-based Sensenig Turkey Farm LLC  recalled approximately 1,925 pounds of turkey sausage products Thursday due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The products contain wheat and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

The raw breakfast turkey sausage items were produced on various dates from Sept. 25, 2017, to Feb. 26, 2018. The recalled products include:

• 10-lb. cases, each case containing two 5-lb. bulk packages of “Sensenig Turkey Farm LLC BREAKFAST TURKEY SAUSAGE.”
• 1-lb. vacuum-sealed packages containing “Chestnut Farms BREAKFAST TURKEY SAUSAGE.”

The recalled products bear establishment number “P-38466” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The turkey was shipped to retail locations in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The mistakes were discovered by FSIS inspection personnel during routine inspection 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 lists will be posted on the FSIS website.

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Customer complaint brings recall of 4,050 pounds of chicken sausage

After a customer complaint, J Bar B Foods in Waelder, TX on Thursday recalled approximately 4,050 pounds of chicken sausage products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall.

The chicken sausage contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The ready-to-eat chicken sausage items were produced on Feb. 3, 2018. Here’s the product subject to recall:

• 12-oz. vacuum-sealed plastic packages containing “simple truth Chicken Sausage Links SPINACH GRUYERE,” with lot code 8034, case code 90394 and “SELL BY” date of APR 16 2018.

The recalled products bear establishment number “P-7066” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The chicken sausage was shipped to retail locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, and Virginia.

Since the customer complaint,  there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

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

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Heinen’s potato gnocchi recalled for undeclared allergen

Maryland’s La Pasta Inc. in  Silver Spring Friday recalled the private label Potato Gnocchi manufactured for Heinen’s supermarkets because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The product was distributed throughout Heinen’s stores in Ohio and Illinois. Heinen’s Potato Gnocchi is sold in 9 oz. clear film plastic trays with the label. Product tray measures 8 x 6 x 1 ¾ inches.

Product LOT# is composed of a four digit number and can be found on the side of the tray printed in black ink. LOT codes involved in this recall are:

1119-1120 / 1121-1122 / 1132-1133 / 2016-2017 / 2027-2028 / 2034-2035 / 2038-2039 / 2130-2131 / 2139-2140 / 2221-2222 / 2231-2232

This voluntary recall was initiated due to a consumer reporting feeling ill after consuming the Heinen’s Potato Gnocchi. Company officials compared packaging with the approved recipe and confirmed that product did contain MILK as part of the recipe formula but was not declared on the label.

The affected product was immediately removed from all stores and it will be replaced with a corrected label version that includes all allergens in the formula.

Consumers who have purchased the HEINEN’S POTATO GNOCCHI 9 oz pack UPC# 02060141062 are urged to return it to your nearest store for a full refund.

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