Category Archives: CFIA

Canada – Recall Mould Mycotoxin Patulin

Posted on December 6, 2012 by | Leave a comment

CFIACIFA

Reference Number: 7623 Recalling Firm: CIDRERIE MICHEL JODOIN Date of Recall: 12/3/2012 Recall Classification: 3 Distribution : Quebec Extent of the Product Distribution : Retail

Product List

Brand Name Common Name Size Codes(s) on Product UPC Reason for Recall:
VISTA BELLA MICHEL JODOIN SPARKLING APPLE MUST NO ALCOHOL 750 mL LOT 1112 6 09780 01127 7 Chemical – Toxin – Patulin

If you require additional information about an individual recall, please contact us.

Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by a variety of molds, in particular, Aspergillus and Penicillium. It is commonly found in rotting apples, and the amount of patulin in apple products is generally viewed as a measure of the quality of the apples used in production. It is not a particularly potent toxin, but a number of studies have shown that it is genotoxic, which has led to some theories that claim that it may be a carcinogen, though animal studies have remained inconclusive.Patulin is also an antibiotic.Several countries have instituted patulin restrictions in apple products. The World Health Organization recommends a maximum concentration of 50 µg/L in apple juice.

In European Union, the limit is set to 50 micrograms per kilogram (µg/kg) in both apple juice and cider, and to half of that concentration, 25 µg/kg in solid apple products and 10 µg/kg in products for infants and young children. These limits came into force on 1 November 2003.

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Posted in Aflatoxin, CFIA, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Technology, Food Testing, Microbiology, Moulds, Pathogen, Patulin, Recall, Toxin

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Canada Research Advice – Preventing Botulism in Infants

Posted on December 6, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Health Canada

Health Canada is advising parents and caregivers not to feed honey to infants less than one year of age. Honey is the only food in Canada to which infant botulism has been linked. Healthy children over one year of age can safely eat honey because they have a very low risk of developing infant botulism.

Infant botulism is caused by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, which commonly exist in nature. Although the bacteria are unable to grow and produce toxins in honey, they may grow and produce toxins in the baby’s body should an infant consume honey and could cause paralysis.

Since the first reported case in 1979, there have been 42 reported cases of infant botulism in Canada. Parents and caregivers can prevent infant botulism by never feeding honey to infants less than one year of age. This includes never adding honey to baby food and never using honey on a soother.

Most honey produced in Canada is not contaminated with the bacteria that cause infant botulism, however you are better off playing it safe.

The bacteria that cause botulism are microscopic and do not change the colour, odour or taste of food. The bacteria are not destroyed by cooking or pasteurization.

For more information on infant botulism and food safety, please visit:

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Posted in CFIA, Clostridium botulinum, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, Pathogen, Research

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Canada Updated Recall Hazlenuts – Salmonella

Posted on December 6, 2012 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

The public warning issued on December 2, 2012 has been updated to include additional bulk filberts (hazelnuts).

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Loblaw Companies Ltd. are warning the public not to consume the in-shell filberts (hazelnuts) described below because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected product, Ennis variety filberts (hazelnuts), product of USA, was sold from bulk bins up to and including December 4, 2012.

This product was distributed through Loblaw banners as follows:

Ontario – Cash & Carry, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Fortinos, No Frills Quebec – Loblaws, Maxi & Cie, Maxi, Provigo Newfoundland and Labrador – Dominion

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Uncategorized

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Canada – Three Recall Walnuts / Hazelnuts/ Mixed Nuts – Salmonella

Posted on December 4, 2012 by | Leave a comment

CFIA CIFA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Compass Food Sales are warning the public not to consume Compass brand in-shell California Walnuts described below because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The following walnuts, product of USA, are affected by this alert:

Brand Product Size UPC Best Before
Compass California Walnuts (in-shell) 300 g 0 68297 20121 0 07MA2014

This product has been distributed nationally.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness. In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

The importer / packer, Compass Food Sales, Aurora, ON is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Loblaws Companies Ltd. are warning the public not to consume the in-shell filberts (hazelnuts) described below because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected filberts, product of USA, were sold in 454 g bags bearing UPC 7 75636 10004 1 and in bulk bins.

This product was distributed nationally in Loblaws banners – Real Canadian Super Store, Fortinos, Freshmart, Loblaws, No Frills, Valu-Mart, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs, Dominion, Red & White, Save Easy, Cash and Carry, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, AXEP, Group Distribution, Intermarché, Maxi & Cie, Maxi, Presto, Club Entrepôt, Provigo, Extra Foods, Shop Easy, Super Valu, Westfair.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

CFIA

The public warning issued earlier on December 2, 2012has been updated to include additional products containing filberts (hazelnuts).

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Loblaw Companies Ltd. are warning the public not to consume the in-shell Mixed Nuts described below because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The following mixed nuts, products of USA, are affected by this alert:

Product Size UPC
Mixed Nuts 454 g 6 28721 20678 7
Mixed Nuts 1.36 kg 0 33383 70401 2

These products were distributed nationally in Loblaw banners – Real Canadian Super Store, Fortinos, Freshmart, Loblaws, No Frills, Valu-Mart, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs, Dominion, Red & White, Save Easy, Cash and Carry, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Maxi & Cie, Maxi, Presto, Club Entrepôt, Provigo, Extra Foods, Shop Easy, Super Valu, Westfair, Affiliated Independents, Quick Mart.

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

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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Canada – Recall – Ham Sausages – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on November 23, 2012 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Capital Packers Inc. (EST 231) are warning the public not to consume Capital brand and Compliments brand Ham Sausages described below because the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The following products are affected by this alert:

Brand Product Size UPC Code
Capital Ham Sausage 300 g 0 64946 51100 6 2012 DE 26
Compliments Ham Sausage 375 g 0 68820 10061 4 2012 DE 26

The CFIA has suspended the licence to operate at Establishment 231, Capital Packers Inc. effective today. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation and the public warning may be updated if additional food products are identified which are deemed to be a health risk.

These products may have been distributed nationally.

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

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology, Pathogen

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Canada and USA – Cherry Tomato Recalls – Salmonella

Posted on November 22, 2012 by | Leave a comment

CIFA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the cherry tomatoes and store-made party trays containing cherry tomatoes described below because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The following products are affected by this alert:

Brand Product Size UPC Dates sold
Krown Cherry tomatoes 551 ml 0 33383 65520 8 November 13 to 21, 2012, inclusive
None – Sold at Safeway stores Various store-made party trays containing cherry tomatoes Various Various November 14 to 21, 2012, inclusive

These products have been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, North West Territories and Yukon and may have been distributed nationally.

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

FDA

Rio Queen Citrus, Inc. of Mission, TX is recalling 840 cartons of 12/1 Dry Pints of Mexican cherry tomatoes in “Karol” brand boxes, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections 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, infection with Salmonellacan result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The “Karol” cherry tomatoes were distributed through retail stores in the states of Texas & South Carolina.

The product was originally distributed in a bulk container of 12/1 Dry Pints in boxes labeled “Karol” with the Lot No. “01W45” stamped in the upper, right-hand corner on the face of the box. The box states “Distributed by Interstate Fruit & Vegetable”, which is an affiliated business of Rio Queen Citrus, Inc. These packages were distributed at the retail level between November 10th & November 19th, 2012. At the retail level, the tomatoes may have been packaged in an alternative container depending on the area and retailer.

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

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, Eurofins Laboratories, FDA, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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Canada – Pumpkin Butter – Clostridium botulinum

Posted on November 20, 2012 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Birtch Farms and Estate Winery are warning the public not to consume the Birtch Farms and Estate Winery brand Pumpkin Butter because it may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. Toxins produced by these bacteria may cause botulism, a life-threatening illness.

The affected product, Birtch Farms and Estate Winery brand Pumpkin Butter, was sold in 110 ml and 250 ml jars. All lot codes are affected by this alert.

This product has been distributed in Ontario.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with the toxin may cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headache, double vision, dry throat, respiratory failure and paralysis. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

The manufacturer, Birtch Farms and Estate Winery, Woodstock, ON, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, Clostridium botulinum, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

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Canada – Another Peanut Butter Product Recall

Posted on November 19, 2012 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume, sell or serve the food product described below because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

These recalls are part of an ongoing food safety investigation. This recall of peanut butter products in Canada is related to the expanding peanut butter product recall in the USA by Sunland Inc. due to possible Salmonella Bredeney contamination.

The following product is affected by this alert:

Brand Product Size UPC Lot Code Distribution
Sunland Inc. Organic Dark Chocolate Creamy Peanut Butter 375 g 0 48687 89829 9 100326 QC, possibly national

There have been no illnesses reported in Canada associated with the consumption of these peanut butter products. However, there are confirmed Salmonella Bredeney illnesses in multiple states in the United States.

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, outbreak, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

Canada – Recall – Sheeps Milk – Listeria monocytogenes.

Posted on October 30, 2012 by | 1 comment

CFIA 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Krinos Foods Canada Ltd. are warning the public not to consume Krinos brand Mini Kashkaval Cheese from Sheeps Milk because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected product, Krinos brand Mini Kashkaval Cheese from Sheeps Milk, product of Bulgaria, is sold in 470 g to 500 g packages bearing a Best Before date of 2013 SE 15. This product has been distributed in Ontario only.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

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Canada – Recall Curry Spices Salmonella

Posted on October 29, 2012 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the Clef Des Champs brand products described below because these products may be contaminated with Salmonellabacteria.

The following Clef Des Champs brand products are affected by this alert:

Product Size UPC Code
Organic Ginger Ground root 200 g 6 97026 92441 2 BF011441B08
BF011441B09
Organic Curry Spices Culinary Mix 35 g 6 97026 74967 1 CC0112 967B07
CC0812 967B01
Organic Curry Spices Culinary Mix 275 g 6 97026 69967 9 CC0112 967B08
CC0812 967B02
Organic Curry Spices Culinary Mix 500 g 6 97026 70967 5 CC0112 967B05
CC0112 967B06
CC0112 967B09
CC0812 967B03
Organic Spice Cake
Culinary mix		 45 g 6 97026 74974 9 CC0312 974B01
Organic Ginger
Root powder		 20 kg 6 97026 70441 0 BF011441B

These products have been distributed nationally.

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

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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