Monthly Archives: March 2021

USA – Sabra Dipping Company Issues Limited Voluntary Recall of a Single SKU of Classic Hummus – Salmonella

Posted on March 31, 2021 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Today Sabra Dipping Company, LLC announced that, in partnership with the FDA, it is voluntarily recalling approximately 2,100 cases of 10 oz Classic Hummus because it was potentially contaminated with Salmonella, that was discovered by a routine screen of a single tub by the FDA. The recall is limited to 1 SKU of 10 oz Classic Hummus produced on Friday, February 10, 2021 between the hours of 6:00 PM and 12:00 midnight with a “Best Before” date of April 26.

The voluntary recall is limited only to 10 oz Classic Hummus. No other Sabra products are affected by this recall. This product was distributed to 16 states. The product is over halfway through its shelf life. It’s unlikely you’ll find this product on the shelf. No illnesses or consumer complaints have been reported to date in connection with this recall.

The recalled product is listed below. Consumers can find time stamp and “Best Before” date on the top of each package.

UPC Item Best Before PRODUCTION DATE/TIME STAMP
300067 Classic Hummus, 10oz 4/26/21 On: Feb 10
Between: 18:00:27 and 23:49:00

The product was distributed in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Indiana, Mississippi, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Jersey, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Consumers can contact Sabra Consumer Relations at 1-866-265-6761 for additional information Monday – Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Standard Time. Additionally, consumers who have purchased the specific recalled product are urged to return it to the place of purchase or visit www.sabrahummusrecall.comExternal Link Disclaimer for product reimbursement.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating a contaminated product. Most people recover without treatment. In rare circumstances, infection can produce more severe illness and require hospitalization. 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.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Sabra Consumer Relations
 1-866-265-6761

Product Photos

  • Top label, Sabra Classic Hummus, 10 oz.
  • Side label, Sabra Classic Hummus, 10 oz

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Salmonella

Canada- Updated Food Recall Warning – Kolapore Springs brand and North Shore brand smoked trout products recalled due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria – Clostridium botulinum

Posted on March 31, 2021 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Recall date:
March 30, 2021
Reason for recall:
Microbiological – Clostridium botulinum
Hazard classification:
Class 1
Company / Firm:
North Shore Specialty Foods
Distribution:
Ontario
Extent of the distribution:
Consumer

Contents

Recall details

Ottawa, March 30, 2021 – The food recall warning issued on March 26, 2021 has been updated to include additional product information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.

North Shore Specialty Foods is recalling Kolapore Springs brand and North Shore brand smoked trout products from the marketplace because they may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

Recalled products

Brand Product Size UPC Codes
Kolapore Springs Smoked Trout Variable 6 27987 16383 4 All best before dates up to and including 2021 MR 31
Kolapore Springs Smoked Trout, Peppercorn Variable 6 27987 16383 4 All best before dates up to and including 2021 MR 31
North Shore Smoked Rainbow Trout Fillet Variable None All best before dates up to and including 2021 MR 31

What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.

Symptoms in adults can include facial paralysis or loss of facial expression, unreactive or fixed pupils, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking, including slurred speech, and a change in sound of voice, including hoarseness.

Symptoms of foodborne botulism in children can include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, generalized weakness and paralysis. In all cases, botulism does not cause a fever. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

Background

This recall was triggered by CFIA test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

Related recalls

2021-03-26 – Kolapore Springs brand smoked trout products recalled due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • Kolapore Springs - Smoked trout
  • Kolapore Springs - Smoked trout, Peppercorn
  • North Shore: Smoked Rainbow Trout Fillet - Variable

Public enquiries and media

Company information
North Shore Specialty Foods: 1-705-606-1377 (Sean)
Public enquiries
Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.)
Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international)
Email: cfia.enquiries-demandederenseignements.acia@canada.ca
Media relations
Telephone: 613-773-6600
Email: cfia.media.acia@canada.ca

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Posted in botulism, CFIA, Clostridium, Clostridium botulinum, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin

Ireland – Public health investigating E.coli outbreak at childcare facility in Mid-West

Posted on March 31, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Irish Examiner

The Department of Public Health in the Mid-West is handling an E.coli outbreak at a childcare facility and is reminding the public of the danger this bacteria can pose.

Verotoxigenic E.coli (VTec) is a powerful strain of E.coli bacterium that lives in the gut of healthy cattle and sheep and can cause serious illness in the elderly and in children aged under five.

The Mid-West public health department said the outbreak was under control but the incidence highlights the importance of hand hygiene and proper water treatment. 

VTec can be a source of food poisoning and can cause bowel inflammation leading to bloody diarrhoea and severe stomach cramps.

While some people may experience no symptoms, severe diarrhoea from VTec can last as long as nine days.

Public Health Mid-West said a hospital laboratory can confirm the presence of VTec if a person provides a stool sample to their doctor.

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Posted in E.coli, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli, VTEC

Germany and Tunisia – working together to improve food safety

Posted on March 31, 2021 by | Leave a comment

bfr

Whether it be olive oil, dates or almonds, Tunisian food ought to become even safer. That is why the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL), both institutions in the portfolio of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), launched the project “Strengthening Food Safety and Consumer Protection in Tunisia”. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) provide in total 5 million euros for this over 5 years. The BMEL provides the necessary technical expertise through its two authorities. To begin with, high-ranking representatives of German and Tunisian ministries and authorities met today. The German Ambassador, Peter Prügel, opened the event. Under the chairmanship of Hichem Mechichi, the Tunisian Prime Minister and co-initiator, and in the presence of Dr. Maria Flachsbarth, Parliamentary State Secretary to the German Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, and Hans-Joachim Fuchtel, Parliamentary State Secretary to the German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture as well as Mohamed Fadhel Kraiem, acting Tunisian Minister of Agriculture, Hydraulic Resources and Maritime Fishing the BfR and the Tunisian Ministry of Health signed the implementation agreement for the project. “Building a functioning food safety system is a milestone for consumer health protection in Tunisia,” said BfR President Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel. “We are pleased that we can support Tunisia with the expertise of our institutions,” added his colleague BVL President Friedel Cramer.

In 2019, Tunisia adopted a new food safety law that allows the establishment of effective risk analysis structures. In the joint project, BfR and BVL are supporting the North African country in its implementation on the ground. The aim is to strengthen the administrative structures for food safety and consumer protection in Tunisia. The aim is to protect consumers and create better working conditions. In addition to regional trade, stable administrative structures and international standards are also important for the increasingly global and complex chain of goods.

Since the new law was passed, Tunisia has already set up a national Food Safety Authority (INSSPA) and a national risk assessment Agency (ANCSEP/ANER). Both are under the responsibility of the Tunisian Ministry of Health. As subsidiary bodies of the BMEL, BfR and BVL will advise the Tunisian sister authorities and provide training. Activities in the fields of policy advice, organizational development and training programmes for experts and managers are currently being planned together.

It is the first project to be based on the “Agreement on the involvement of BMEL business institutions in development cooperation projects”. The purpose of the agreement is to systematically integrate the expertise of institutions in the BMEL business area into BMZ’s development cooperation. The project is thus part of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Africa Strategy, which defines strengthening food security as a goal for Africa’s participation in regional and international trade.

Press Release in French

About the BfR

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in Germany. It advises the German federal government and German federal states (“Laender”) on questions of food, chemical and product safety. The BfR conducts its own research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks.

About the BVL

The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) is an independent federal supreme authority within the remit of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). BVL contributes to food safety through a wide range of measures. It issues approvals and coordinates monitoring programmes together with the Laender. Within the framework of the European rapid alert system, BVL ensures the flow of information between the EU and the Laender.

This text version is a translation of the original German text which is the only legally binding version.

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Posted in Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Safety, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology

USA – Maryland recalls cheeses due to Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) and E.coli

Posted on March 29, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) is warning consumers not to eat the following cheeses under the brand names La Cieba, La Colonia, and Selectos Latinos until further notice, as they may be contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) and E.coli bacteria:

  • Cuajada el Terron
  • Queso Morolique con Chile
  • Queso Con Loroco
  • Queso Con Chile
  • Queso Frijolero
  • Queso Duro Blando Salvadoreno
  • Queso Salvadoreno
  • Queso Seco Salvadoreno

Marylanders are advised not to consume these products. If you have purchased one or more of these products, throw them away. If you consumed one or more of these products, watch for symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, or fever. If symptoms occur, contact your healthcare provider.

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Posted in E.coli, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Staphylococcus aureus

USA – Pet foods in this huge Salmonella recall may also cause human illness from handling

Posted on March 29, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Human risk of illness is on the rise due to the handling of contaminated pet foods named in a massive recall by Evansville, IN-based Midwestern Pet Foods.

Specific cat and food brands including   CanineX, Earthborn Holistic, Venture, Unrefined, Sportmix Wholesomes, Pro Pac, Pro Pac Ultimates, Sportstrail, Sportmix, and Meridian brands produced at its Monmouth, IL production facility because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

A full list of recalled products is included in this announcement.  In addition to the risk to humans, Salmonella can affect animals eating the products.

Surfaces not thoroughly washed after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products are at risk.

People infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever.  Salmonella can result in serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. No human or pet illnesses have been reported to date.

Products were distributed to retail stores nationwide and to online retailers.

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Posted in Animal Feed, Animal Feed Testing, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Pet Food, Pet Food Testing, Salmonella, Salmonella Dog Food

Sri Lanka – Company importing unrefined coconut oil fails second Aflatoxin test

Posted on March 29, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Adaderana

A company that imported unrefined coconut oil containing the carcinogen Aflatoxin has failed its second quality test as well, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) stated.

The company in question has failed due to its test reports indicating an overdose of Aflatoxin in the imported oil.

Accordingly, the company will have to re-export the relevant oil stocks.

Meanwhile, 03 more companies have appealed for a second test of their samples and their reports are due tomorrow (29).

Several companies are currently re-testing samples of imported unrefined coconut oil containing the potent carcinogen Aflatoxin.

These tests are carried out by the SLSI, the Food Safety Unit of the Ministry of Health, and the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI).

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Posted in Aflatoxin, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Toxin, Mold Toxin, Mould Toxin, Mycotoxin

Canada – Food Recall Warning – Kolapore Springs brand smoked trout products recalled due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria – Clostridium botulinum

Posted on March 29, 2021 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Recall date:
March 26, 2021
Reason for recall:
Microbiological – Clostridium botulinum
Hazard classification:
Class 1
Company / Firm:
North Shore Specialty Foods
Distribution:
Ontario
Extent of the distribution:
Consumer

Contents

Recall details

Ottawa, March 26, 2021 – North Shore Specialty Foods is recalling Kolapore Springs brand smoked trout products from the marketplace because they may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

Recalled products

Brand Product Size UPC Codes
Kolapore Springs Smoked trout Variable 6 27987 16383 4 All best before dates up to and including 2021 MR 31
Kolapore Springs Smoked trout, Peppercorn Variable 6 27987 16383 4 All best before dates up to and including 2021 MR 31

What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.

Symptoms in adults can include facial paralysis or loss of facial expression, unreactive or fixed pupils, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking, including slurred speech, and a change in sound of voice, including hoarseness.

Symptoms of foodborne botulism in children can include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, generalized weakness and paralysis. In all cases, botulism does not cause a fever. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

Background

This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. this active outbreak investigation.

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • Kolapore Springs - Smoked trout
  • Kolapore Springs - Smoked trout, Peppercorn

Public enquiries and media

Company information
North Shore Specialty Foods: 1-705-606-1377 (Sean)
Public enquiries
Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.)
Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international)
Email: cfia.enquiries-demandederenseignements.acia@canada.ca
Media relations
Telephone: 613-773-6600
Email: cfia.media.acia@canada.ca

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Posted in CFIA, Clostridium, Clostridium botulinum, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin

USA – Midwestern Pet Foods Voluntarily Recall Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Posted on March 29, 2021 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Midwestern Pet Foods, Evansville, Indiana is issuing a voluntary recall of specific expiration dates of certain dog and cat food brands including CanineX, Earthborn Holistic, Venture, Unrefined, Sportmix Wholesomes, Pro Pac, Pro Pac Ultimates, Sportstrail, Sportmix and Meridian brands produced at its Monmouth, Illinois Production Facility because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. A full list of recalled products may be found at the end of this announcement.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. No human or pet illnesses have been reported to date.

Products were distributed to retail stores nationwide and to online retailers.

Lot code information may be found on the back of the bags with the following format:
“EXP AUG/02/22/M1/L#

See Example Image Below

This recall covers only certain products manufactured at Midwestern Pet Foods Monmouth, Illinois facility.  The unique Monmouth Facility identifier is located in the date code as an “M”.

The recall was as the result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that the finished products may contain the bacteria.

Retailers and distributors should immediately pull recalled lots from their inventory and shelves.  Do not sell or donate the recalled products.  Retailers are encouraged to contact consumers that have purchased the recalled products if the means to do so exists.

Do not feed the recalled products to pets or any other animals.  Destroy the food in a way that children, pets and wildlife cannot access them.  Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups and storage containers.  Always ensure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food.

Contact Midwestern Pet Foods Consumer Affairs at info@midwesternpetfoods.com or 800-474-4163, ext 455 from 8 AM to 5 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday for additional information.

This voluntary recall is being conducted in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration.  All other Midwestern Pet Foods products are unaffected by this recall.

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Posted in Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Pet Food, Pet Food Testing, Salmonella, Salmonella Dog Food

USA – Kareem Mart Recalls “Halva” Because of Possible Health Risk -Salmonella

Posted on March 29, 2021 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Kareem Mart of Garden City, MI,is recalling its 1lb and 2lb Kareem Chef brand “Halva”, “Halva with Pistachio”, and “Halva with Chocolate” food treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, producing more severe illnesses infections.

The recalled “Halva” were distributed through Mediterranean food stores and wholesalers in Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, New York, Ohio, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.  Between March 2020 to Feb 2021.

Please do not consume the product and immediately dispose of the product or return to 32816 Manor Park Garden City MI 48135. Or to the place of purchase. And send us a note to the email: recalls@kareemmart.com with the return receipt and product purchase date for a full refund.

The products come in 1lb and 2lb plastic tubs. There is only one lot distributed.

With Best Before 07-01-2022.

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

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing from samples in the stores by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

Production of the product has been suspended while the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Thank you.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Distributing Department
 (313)651-4600
 recalls@kareemmart.com

Product Photos

  • “Kareem Chef, Halva With Chocolate, 1 lb.”
  • “Kareem Chef, Halva, 1 lb.”
  • “Kareem Chef, Halva With Pistachio, 1 lb.”

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Salmonella