Category Archives: Eurofins Laboratories

European Recalls – Salmonella, Virus Update

Denmark – Salmonella in Salad with Salmon

France – The company Asselot Andouille de Vire recalls Andouilles brand Andouille Asselot – Salmonella

Germany Virus Update – Now 8,365 Cases English Translation

 

 

Research – Listeria Diversity in Estonian Foods

Science Direct

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence and serotype diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in various foods of Estonian origin such as meat, milk, fish, pastry, crop, culinary, fruit and vegetable with special reference to ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. In 2008–2010, a total of 554 (2.6%) of 21,574 food samples were positive for L. monocytogenes in Estonia. L. monocytogenes contamination was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in raw meat and raw meat products (18.7%), raw mixed salads (18.5%) and in raw milk (18.1%) compare to raw fish products (8.8%). Among RTE fish products, cold-smoked fish products were most frequently contaminated with L. monocytogenes (32.9%). Generally, the counts of L. monocytogenes in tested products remained under 10 colony forming units (CFU) per gram of product. Only 2.9% and 0.8% of the RTE fish products contained L. monocytogenes in range of 100–1000 CFU/g and >1000 CFU/g at the end of shelf life. The majority of tested isolates (73.6%) belonged to serotype 1/2a, followed by 1/2b (7.4%), 1/2c (7.4%), 4b (7.7%) and 4d (3.5%). Our findings showed that the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in various RTE food categories, in spite of higher prevalence among raw products, was generally low in Estonia.


Extra Peanut Butter Recalls – Salmonella

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Justin’s has announced a recall of some lots of its peanut butters because they were made with Sunland products that have been recalled for Salmonella. Other Justin’s products are not involved in this recall. Fresca Foods in Colorado notified Justin’s that Sunland peanuts were used to make their products in the past, so the company is voluntarily participating in the recall.

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Fairytale Brownies is recalling Peanut Butter Sprites and Peanut Butter Cookies because they were made with recalled products from Sunland, Inc. and may be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were mainly sold through mail order, although some were sold at retail outlets. These products have not been associated with any illnesses, although there is a Salmonella Bredeney outbreak associated with Sunland Products and Trader Joe’s peanut butter that has sickened 30 people in 19 states.

RTE Poultry Products Recall – Listeria monocytogenes

Food Safety News

Reichel Foods in Minnesota is recalling approximately 15,880 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products subject to recall include: [View Labels]

-5.6 oz. packages of “Armour Active Packs Turkey & Cheese Wrap” Package Code 1026090112 or Case Code 27815-17994

-5.6 oz. packages of “Armour Active Packs Ham & Cheese Wrap” Package Code 1026090112 or Case Code 27815-17995
  
All the products were produced between July 23, 2012, and July 26, 2012, and have a “sell by” date of Sept. 1, 2012. The packages bear the establishment number “P-19941” or “Est. 19941” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were shipped to distribution centers in Indiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Texas. When available, the retail distribution list will be posted on FSIS’ website.

US – Popcorn Recall – Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria Blog

Dale and Thomas Popcorn is voluntarily recalling a limited number of ready-to-eat bags of select flavors of Popcorn, Indiana-brand popcorn products (listed below) because of possible contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which 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 who is concerned about a possible health problem or illness should contact a healthcare provider immediately.

The potential for contamination was noted after testing by the company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in some ready-to-eat bags of Popcorn, Indiana-brand products.

Peanut Butter Products Recall – Possible Salmonella

FDAPeanut Butter Salmonella

Harry and David, LLC is taking the precautionary measure of voluntarily recalling its 12 oz. jars of Harry & David® Crunchy Almond and Peanut Butter, Harry & David® Creamy Banana Peanut Spread, and Harry & David® Creamy Raspberry Peanut Spread with “Best By” dates of 01MAY13 through 24SEPT13, as well as the following multi-component food items which included the above-named peanut butter products as components: Harry & David® Apple Snack Box, Wolferman’s® Bee Sweet Gift Basket, Wolferman’s® Hearty Snack Gift Basket, Wolferman’s® All-Day Assortment Gift Basket, and Wolferman’s® Father’s Day Basket. The “Best By” date is located on the upper part of the peanut butter product jar near the lid. The recalled peanut butter products were produced by Sunland, Inc.

This voluntary recall was initiated by Harry and David, LLC upon learning that Sunland, Inc. had recalled products, including the above-named Harry & David brand peanut butter products, manufactured between May 1, 2012 and September 24, 2012, due to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is 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 Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis. Consumers who believe they have contracted a Salmonella infection should contact a healthcare provider.

Products subject to this recall were sold nationwide through Harry & David and Wolferman’s catalogs and websites, as well as through Harry & David stores, between May 1, 2012 and September 25, 2012. Individual jars of the recalled peanut butter products sold through Harry & David stores have UPC numbers of 8099473871, 8099473872, or 8099473873 printed on the Bar Code. The recalled multi-component food items have lot code numbers of 1212M through 2372M, 1212H through 2372H, or 1212C through 2372C.

This recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To date, there have been no illnesses or injuries reported in connection with the Harry & David brand recalled products, and no other Harry & David products are being recalled at this time.

CFIA – Sliced Mushroom – Listeria monocytogenes

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Champ’s Mushrooms are warning the public not to consume the Champ’s Mushrooms Sliced Crimini Mushrooms described below because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The following Champ’s Mushrooms brand Sliced Crimini Mushrooms are affected by this alert:

Size UPC Codes
200 g 6 78286 99933 4 260 S4189
227 g 6 78286 88877 5 PO 15SEP2012 or PO 16SEP2012
454 g 6 78286 88881 2 PO 15SEP2012

These products have been distributed in Alberta and British Columbia and may have been distributed in other provinces as well.

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

RASFF/European Alerts – Salmonella, Histamine, Listeria, Ochratoxin

RASFF – Salmonella in Clams from Italy

RASFF – Histamine in Tuna Loin in Italy sourced in Sri Lanka

RASSF – Salmonella in Moringa Powder in Germany sourced in India

RASSF – Salmonella in Beef Meat in Sweden sourced in Germany

RASSF – Salmonella in Raw Milk Cheese in France

Danish Alert – Histamine in Herring Fillets

Danish Alert – Listeria in RTE Salads

Ireland Further Recall Information – Ochratoxin

 

 

 

Canada More E.coli O157 Recalls – Beef Products

CFIA These are both long lists of recalled products;

Reference Number: 7447
Recalling Firm: JD SWEID FOODS LTD.
Date of Recall: 9/26/2012
Recall Classification: 1
Distribution : Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Extent of the Product Distribution : Hotel/Restaurant/Institutional

CFIA

Reference Number: 7436
Recalling Firm: CENTENNIAL FOODSERVICE
Date of Recall: 9/18/2012
Recall Classification: 1
Distribution : Alberta
Extent of the Product Distribution : Hotel/Restaurant/Institutional

More Romaine Lettuce Issues – Listeria monocytogenes

Business WireListeria monocytogenes

LAKELAND, Fla. Publix Super Markets is issuing a voluntary recall for 10 ounce plastic bags of Publix Hearts of Romaine (Chopped Hearts of Romaine) due to the fact that they may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. Ready Pac is the supplier of the private label product for the company. The UPC found on the back right-hand corner of the package is 41415 03886.

PRNewswire

Fresh Express Incorporated is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of expired18 oz. Hearts of Romaine salad with the expired Use-by Date of September 26, 2012 and Product Code H256A08 as a precaution due to a possible health risk.

No consumer complaints have been received by Fresh Express Consumer Response Center in association with this recall.  No other Fresh Express products are being recalled.

The product was distributed primarily in Northeast and Midwest of the United States.