Author Archives: KSW

USA – Albertsons Companies Voluntarily Recalls Five Ready Meals and Store-Made Taco Kits Containing a Recalled Cheese Ingredient Due to Possible Listeria monocytogenes Contamination

FDA

BOISE, Idaho — Feb. 8, 2024 — Albertsons Companies has voluntarily recalled five ReadyMeals and store-made taco kits supplied by Fresh Creative Foods due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The select meals and kits contain a recalled cheese ingredient supplied by Rizo-López Foods, Inc., of Modesto, California.

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multi-year, multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to queso fresco and cotija cheeses manufactured by Rizo-Lopez Foods. Rizo-López Foods’ recall announcement can be found here.

Listeria monocytogenes is 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. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these items are urged not to consume these products and to dispose of them or return the items to their local store for a full refund. The FDA recommends in these cases that anyone who purchased or received any recalled products to use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Listeria monocytogenes can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.

The ReadyMeals and store-made taco kits and meals were available for purchase at the following banner stores: Albertsons, Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Lucky, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw’s, Star Market, Tom Thumb and Vons in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming.

Consumers with questions should contact Albertsons Companies’ Customer Service Center at 1-877-723-3929 Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST.

Product Recall Details:

Product Name UPC Size Sell Thru
Dates
Store Banners States
READY MEALS CHICKEN STREET TACOS 271316

00000

24 OZ; 22

OZ (SHAW’S ONLY)

All Sell Thru dates up to and including Feb. 10, 2024 Albertsons, Safeway, Eagle, Carrs-Safeway, Pavilions, Vons, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market AK, AR, CA, CO, ID, LA, MA, ME, NE, NH, NM, OR, RI, SD, TX, VT, WA, WY
READY MEALS CHICKEN STREET TACOS MEAL 271796

00000

9 OZ; 10

OZ (SHAWS/ SOUTHWEST ONLY)

All Sell Thru dates up to and including Feb. 10, 2024 Albertsons, Safeway, Lucky, Shaw’s, Star Market, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Vons AR, AZ, CO, ID, LA, MA, ME, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, OR, RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, WY
CHICKEN MINI STREET TACO MEAL KIT 211925

00000

22 OZ All Sell Thru dates up to and including Feb. 10, 2024 Albertsons, Safeway, Eagle, Carrs-Safeway AK, ID, WA
CHICKEN ASADA STREET TACO MEAL 299393

00000

16 OZ All Sell Thru dates up to and including Feb. 10, 2024 Albertsons, Safeway, Eagle, Carrs-Safeway, Pavilions, Vons AK, CA, ID, WA
READY MEALS ASADA STREET TACO MEAL 299391

00000

22 OZ All Sell Thru dates up to and including Feb. 10, 2024 Shaw’s, Star Market, Albertsons, Vons, Safeway, Pavilions AZ, CA, MA, ME, NH, NM, NV, RI, TX, UT, VT

FDA Outbreak Investigation


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Albertsons Companies’ Customer Service Center
 1-877-723-3929

USA -Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Number of Salad Kits Due to Possible Health Risk from Listeria Monocytogenes

FDA

Inc. is voluntarily recalling from the market a limited number of Dole-branded and private label salad kits described below, which were processed on the same line as a cheese that has been recalled by the manufacturer, Rizo-Lopez Foods, for the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. (https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/rizo-lopez-foods-inc-voluntarily-recallsdairy-products-because-possible-health-risk)

Listeria monocytogenes is 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.

This recall notification is being issued due to the potential for cross-contamination of cheese contained in certain masterpacks by cheese potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes from our packaged cheese supplier. At this time, we are unaware of any specific illnesses associated with our products. or by other purchasers of their recalled cheese.

A listing of products subject to this recall is set forth below and includes Dole, President’s Choice, and Marketside brands. The product lot codes are located in the upper-right-hand corner of the package. Consumers who still have any of these products in their refrigerators or freezers are urged not to consume the product and to discard it immediately.

Recalled salad items were distributed in the states of AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NV, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, UT, VA, WA and WI. Additionally, these salads were distributed in the following Canadian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec.

No other Dole products are part of these voluntary recalls.

Dole retailers have been advised to check store shelves and warehouse inventories to confirm that no recalled product is available for purchase by consumers.

Retailer and consumer questions about the voluntary recalls should be directed to the Dole Consumer Response Center at 800-356-3111, Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 3:00pm Pacific Time.

Dole Fresh Vegetables is coordinating closely with regulatory officials.

Brand

Product Description

UPC

Lot Code Starting With

BIUB

Dole Chopped Kit Avocado Ranch 71430000915 W019- W036 02/03/2024-02/20/2024
N019-N036 02/03/2024-02/20/2024
Dole Chop Kit Avocado Ranch Chop Kit Ranch A L’Avocat 71430000922 W022- W036 2024 FE 06 – 2024 FE 20
Dole Premium Kit Southwest Salad 71430017012 W022- W036 02/04/2024-02/18/2024
N022- N036 02/04/2024- 02/18/2024
Dole Cajun Ranch Chopped Kit 71430002063 W029- W036 02/11/2024- 02/18/2024
N022- N036 02/04/2024- 02/18/2024
Dole Premium Kit Endless Summer 71430010730 W022- W036 02/04/2024- 02/18/2024
N023- N036 02/05/2024-02/19/2024
Dole Supreme Kit Southwest Salad
Supreme Kit Salade Du Sud-Ouest
71430017111 W020- W036 2024 FE 03 – 2024 FE 18
President’s Choice Southwest Salad Kit
Sud-Ouest Kit de Salade
60383023195 W034-W036 2024 FE 17 – 2024 FE 18
B018- B024 2024 FE 03 – 2024 FE 09
Marketside Chopped Salad Kit Bacon Ranch Crunch 681131305440 B020- B036 02/05/2024- 02/21/2024

FDA Outbreak Investigation


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Dole Consumer Response Center
 800-356-3111
Media:
Bil Goldfield – Director, Corporate Communications, Dole Food Company, Inc.
 818-874-4647

Italy – SALAME NAPOLI – Salmonella

Salute

Brand : /

Name : SALAME NAPOLI

Reason for reporting : Recall due to microbiological risk

Publication date : 9 February 2024

Documentation

Documentation

Quebec – Notice not to consume chicken sandwiches prepared and sold by the company Avril located at Place de la Cité in Quebec – E.coli

Quebec

QUEBEC , February 8 2024 /CNW/ – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), in collaboration with the company Avril, located at 2600, boulevard Laurier , local 005, in Quebec, advises the population not to consume the product indicated in the table below, because this food may contain E. coli bacteria .

Product name 

Format 

Target lot 

“Sand.” whole wheat nut chicken » 

Unitary 

Lot with a “best before” date 
of February 11, 2024  

The product which is the subject of this warning was offered for sale until February 8, 2024, and only at the establishment designated above. The product was sold in transparent plastic packaging. It was offered in a refrigerated state.

The operator is recalling the product in question. He agreed with MAPAQ to broadcast this warning as a precautionary measure. In addition, people who have this product in their possession are advised not to consume it. They must return it to the establishment where they purchased it or throw it away. Food contaminated with E. coli bacteria does not necessarily show visible spoilage or a suspicious odor, but can still make a person who consumes it sick. Possible symptoms are: nausea, vomiting, more or less acute abdominal cramps and watery or bloody diarrhea.

It should be noted that no cases of illness associated with the consumption of this food have been reported to MAPAQ to date.

Research – Investigating bacteriophages as a novel multiple-hurdle measure against Campylobacter: field trials in commercial broiler plants

Nature

Abstract

Campylobacter mitigation along the food production chain is considered effective for minimizing the public health burden of human campylobacteriosis. This study is the first combining different measures in a multiple-hurdle approach, using drinking water additives and feed additives in single and combined application schemes in commercial broiler plants. Broiler chickens in the study groups were naturally contaminated with Campylobacter. Application of an organic acid blend via drinking water, consisting of sodium propionate, potassium sorbate, and sodium diacetate, resulted in significant reductions of up to 4.9 log10 CFU/mL in fecal samples and in cecal samples at slaughter. The application of a phage mixture, consisting of Fletchervirus phage NCTC 12673 and Firehammervirus phage vB_CcM-LmqsCPL1/1, resulted in reductions of up to 1.1 log10 CFU/mL in fecal samples 1 day after dosing. The sole administration of curcumin via feed resulted in small and inconsistent reductions. In the group receiving a combination of all tested measures, reductions of up to 1.1 log10 CFU/mL were observed. Based on the results of our field trials, it was shown that both the sole application and the combined application of mitigation measures in primary production can reduce the Campylobacter load in broiler chickens, while no synergism could be observed.

Research – Antibacterial action of slightly acidic electrolytic water against Cronobacter sakazakii and its application as a disinfectant on high-risk contact surfaces

Frontiers In.org

Powdered infant formula (PIF) is prone to Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii) contamination, which can result in infections that endanger the lives of newborns and infants. Slightly acidic electrolytic water (SAEW) has shown antibacterial effects on a variety of foodborne pathogens and has a wide applicability in the food industry. Here, the antibacterial activity of SAEW against C. sakazakii and its use as a disinfectant on contact surfaces with high infection transmission risk were investigated. The inactivation of SAEW on C. sakazakii was positively correlated to the SAEW concentration and treatment time. The antibacterial effect of SAEW was achieved by decreasing the intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), K+, protein, and DNA contents of C. sakazakii, reducing the intracellular pH (pHin) and destroying the cell morphology, which led to inactivation of C. sakazakii ultimately. To test the applicability of this study, the results showed that approximately 103 CFU/cm2 of C. sakazakii were successfully inactivated on stainless steel and rubber surfaces after a 30 mg/L SAEW treatment for 20 s. These results indicate the antibacterial mechanism and potential application of SAEW against C. sakazakii, as well as a new strategy for the prevention and control of C. sakazakii on stainless steel and rubber surfaces.

Research – Troubleshooting high laboratory pasteurization counts in organic raw milk requires characterization of dominant thermoduric bacteria, which includes non-spore formers as well as spore formers

Science Direct

ABSTRACT

Laboratory Pasteurization Count (LPC) enumerates thermoduric bacteria and is one parameter used to assess raw milk quality. While there is currently no regulatory limit for LPC, LPC data are used by some dairy processors and cooperatives to designate raw milk quality premiums paid to farmers and may also be used for troubleshooting bacterial contamination issues. Despite occasionally being used as a proxy for levels of bacterial spores in raw milk, there is limited knowledge of the types of organisms that are enumerated by LPC in contemporary raw milk supplies. While historical studies have reported that thermoduric bacteria quantified by LPC may predominantly represent Gram-positive cocci, updated knowledge on microbial populations enumerated by LPC in contemporary organic raw milk supplies is needed. To address this gap, organic raw milk samples from across the United States (n = 94) were assessed using LPC, and bacterial isolates were characterized. LPC ranged from below detection (<0.70 log cfu/mL) to 4.07 log cfu/mL, with a geometric mean of 1.48 log cfu/mL. Among 380 isolates characterized by 16S rDNA sequencing, 52.6%, 44.5%, and 2.4% were identified as Gram-positive sporeformers, Gram-positive non-sporeformers, and Gram-negatives, respectively, and 0.5% that could not be categorized into those groups because they could only be assigned a higher level of taxonomy. Isolates identified as Gram-positive sporeformers were predominantly Bacillus (168/200) and Gram-positive non-sporeformers were predominately Brachybacterium (56/169) and Kocuria (47/169). To elucidate if the LPC level can be an indicator of the type of thermoduric (e.g., sporeforming bacteria) present in raw milk, we evaluated the proportion of sporeformers in raw milk samples with LPC of ≤100 cfu/mL, 100 to 200 cfu/mL, and ≥200 cfu/mL (51%, 67%, and 35%), showing a trend for sporeformers to represent a smaller proportion of the total thermoduric population when LPC increases, although overall linear regression showed no significant association between the proportion of sporeformers and the LPC concentration. Hence, LPC level alone provides no insight into the makeup of the thermoduric population in raw milk and further characterization is needed to elucidate the bacterial drivers of elevated LPC in raw milk. We therefore further characterized the isolates from this study using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), a rapid microbial identification tool that is more readily available to dairy producers than 16S rDNA PCR and sequencing. While our data indicated agreement between 16S and MALDI-TOF MS for 66.6% of isolates at the genus level, 24.2% and 9.2% could not be reliably identified or were mischaracterized using MALDI-TOF, respectively. This suggests that further optimization of this method is needed to allow for accurate characterization of thermoduric organisms commonly found in raw milk. Ultimately, our study provides a contemporary perspective on thermoduric bacteria selected by the LPC method and establishes that the LPC alone is not sufficient for identifying the bacterial drivers of LPC levels. Further development of rapid characterization methods that are accessible to producers, cooperatives, and processors will support milk quality troubleshooting efforts and ultimately improve outcomes for dairy industry community members.

Research – The Science of Shiga Toxin-Producing (Verotoxin-Producing) Escherichia coli (STEC): An Ongoing One Health Journey toward Improved Health and Food Safety—Editorial Summary

MDPI

Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC), also termed Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), is a human pathogen transmitted by food, water, animals, and their environment, and from one person to another [1]. The pathogen typically causes diarrheal illness but can also cause severe systemic disease, particularly in children and the elderly [1]. Virulence is associated with a type III secretion system, which enables injection of bacterial effector proteins into host cells [2]. In addition, Shiga toxins can damage the kidneys and lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). No specific treatment is available for STEC infection. To date, there have been advances in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and genomics of STEC, many of which are discussed in this Special Issue: “The Science of Shiga Toxin-Producing (Verotoxin-Producing) Escherichia coli (STEC): An Ongoing One Health Journey toward Improved Health and Food Safety”, with new data and novel methodologies and technologies to enhance our understanding. In the present day, dangerous outbreaks still occur. In September 2023, Canada experienced an outbreak linked to children daycares which resulted in 446 cases of the disease, with 38 children hospitalized and 23 diagnosed with HUS; fortunately, there were no fatalities [3].
In order to reduce the incident of human illness, a better understanding of the pathogenesis and epidemiology of STEC infection is needed, with an emphasis on a One Health-approach solution to the disease. This Special Issue of Microorganisms gathers six articles addressing various aspects of STEC research, related to its pathogenesis and epidemiology (1–3), metagenomics (4), host interactions (4), and the persistence of STEC in the environment (5). Much of this work answers critical questions related to the complex interactions between pathogen, humans, animals, and the environment.
Future STEC research should focus on (i) strengthening integrated surveillance systems that encompass human, animal, and environmental monitoring to better understand STEC epidemiology; (ii) investigating host immune responses to different STEC strains to identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions; (iii) continued research on reservoirs and transmission dynamics; (iv) studying antimicrobial resistance patterns in STEC strains and understanding their implications for treatment and control measures, (v) investing in research for the development of vaccines against STEC to prevent infections or reduce the severity of disease; (vi) fostering international collaboration to share data, resources, and expertise for a more comprehensive global understanding of STEC . Scientific meetings, for example, the International Symposium on Shiga Toxin (Verocytoxin) Producing E. coli Infections (VTEC 2023) held in May 2023 in Banff, Alberta, Canada, should continue. This meeting is linked to the current Special Issue and enabled over 200 researchers from around the world to share data, collaborate, and develop solutions regarding STEC. The next triennial conference is scheduled in Aberdeen, the UK, in 2026.

UK – Update 3: Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese Ltd recalls Lancashire Cheese because of possible contamination with E. coli

FSA

Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese Ltd has updated the precautionary recall of various Lancashire Cheese products because the products might contain Shiga-toxin producing E. coli.
The implicated cheeses may be in several retail formats, including cut-to-order and wrapped in plain waxed paper from a deli counter, prepacked pieces of cheese purchased or gifted to you that was purchased on or prior to the 5th of February. The recalled products may have been included in a hamper or been sold as part of a charcuterie grazing platter. It may not always be clear whether you have purchased an affected product. If in doubt, you are advised to not eat the product and ensure it is stored safely, fully wrapped and not in contact with other foods if returning the product to the place it was purchased or dispose of it at home.
Update 3 – This Product Recall Information Notice (PRIN) replaces updates 1 and 2 and has been updated to refine the batches of recalled products implicated.

Product details

Mrs Kirkham’s Mild & Creamy Lancashire
Pack size All sizes
Use by All dates up to and including 05 February 2024.
Mrs Kirkham’s Tasty Lancashire
Pack size All sizes
Use by All dates up to and including 05 February 2024.
Mrs Kirkham’s Mature Lancashire
Pack size All sizes
Use by All dates up to and including 05 February 2024.
Mrs Kirkham’s Smoked Lancashire
Pack size All sizes
Use by All dates up to and including 05 February 2024.
No 1 Waitrose and Partners, Farmhouse Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese
Pack size All sizes
Use by All dates up to and including 05 February 2024.

Risk statement

The products listed above might be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, (STEC).

Symptoms caused by STEC organisms include severe diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea), abdominal pain, and sometimes haemolytic uremic syndrome, (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.

Action taken by the company

Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese Ltd is recalling the above products. Point of sale notices will be displayed where the products were sold. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products.

US Hepatitis A Outbreaks have sickened 44,947, hospitalized 27,469 and killed 424 – all preventable by a Vaccine

Marler Blog

Since the outbreaks were first identified in 2016, 37 states have publicly reported the following as of January 12, 2024:

  • Cases: 44,947
  • Hospitalizations: 27,469 (61%)
  • Deaths: 424

Hardly a week goes by that there is not yet another announcement of a hepatitis A positive employee putting co-workers, customers and the restaurant brand at risk. There have been illnesses, deaths, thousands of customers have had to stand in long lines to get preventative vaccines, some restaurants have shuttered and there certainly have been lawsuits.