Category Archives: FDA

USA – Cricket Creek Farm Recalls Sophelise and Tobasi Cheeses Because of Potential Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination

FDA

Image 1: Cricket Creek Farm square Tobasi Cheese front packaging/label

Image 2: Cricket Creek Farm circle Sophelise Cheese front packaging/label

Image 3: Cricket Creek Farm rectangle Tobasi Cheese front packaging/label

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Cheese/Cheese Product
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement:
Potential Contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:
Cricket Creek Farm, LLC
Brand Name:
Cricket Creek Farm
Product Description:
Sophelise Cheese and Tobasi Cheese

Company Announcement

Cricket Creek Farm of Williamstown, MA is recalling 165 units of Sophelise cheese and 149 pounds of Tobasi cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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.

Sophelise and Tobasi were distributed in Massachusetts and New York through Wild Oats, Williamstown, MA; Provisions Williamstown, Williamstown, MA; McEnroe Organic Farm Market, Millerton, NY; New Lebanon Farmers Market; New Lebanon, NY, at restaurants, and farmers markets.

Sophelise product code: 087055 is a washed, pasteurized milk cheese with a soft rind and pinkish hue; the circular cheese measures 4 inches in diameter and roughly 1 inch tall. It is sold in semi-transparent packaging with a round blue label. Sophelise was distributed between March 29, 2023 and May 26, 2023.

Tobasi with a product label of 315, 341, 048 is a washed raw-milk cheese with an orange rind and creamy interior. When sold retail by Cricket Creek Farm, it is wrapped in clear packaging with a gray and orange label. When sold at retail stores, it is sold in small rectangular cuts. When sold wholesale, the cheese is a square format roughly 8”x8” and 1.25 inches tall. These batches of Tobasi were distributed between March 26, 2023, to May 26, 2023.

One hospitalization due to Listeria monocytogenes has been reported to date. Following this customer notification of illness, products purchased by this individual were tested by Biotrax Testing Laboratory and the current batch of Sophelise was determined to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The three batches of Tobasi are being recalled due to their proximity during storage to the exposed product.

Consumers who have purchased Sophelise, with product code 087055 or Tobasi cheese 315, 341, 048 on or after March 26, should not consume or distribute the product, and they are urged to return any remaining product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company 8:00am – 5:00pm EST Monday – Friday at info@cricketcreekfarm.com or 413-458-5888.

USA – FDA – Core Outbreak Table Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

FDA

What’s New

  • An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (ref # 1156) linked to raw cookie dough has been added to the table. On 05/23/2023, FDA issued an Outbreak Advisory. Additionally, traceback, an onsite inspection, and sample collection and analysis have been initiated.
  • An outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis (ref # 1155) in a not yet identified product has been added to the table. Traceback has been initiated.
  • For the investigation of illnesses with a suspect vehicle of Morel mushrooms (ref # 1152), the FDA issued an advisory on 5/19/2023.
Date
Posted
Ref Pathogen
or
Cause of
Illness
Product(s)
Linked to
Illnesses

(if any)
Total
Case
Count

Status
5/24/2023 1156 Salmonella
Enteritidis
Raw Cookie Dough See
Outbreak
Advisory
Active
5/24/2023 1155 Cyclospora
cayetanensis
Not Yet
Identified
19 Active
4/26/2023 1152 Not Yet Identified Morel Mushroom
(suspect)
See Advisory Active
3/29/2023 1141 Salmonella Infantis Raw Flour See
Outbreak
Advisory
Active
3/1/2023 1143 Hepatitis A Virus Frozen Organic
Strawberries
See
Outbreak
Advisory
Active
2/15/2023 1123 Listeria
monocytogenes
Not Yet
Identified
See
CDC
Investigation
Notice
Active

USA – FDA – Core Outbreak Table – Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

FDA

What’s New

Date
Posted
Ref Pathogen
or
Cause of
Illness
Product(s)
Linked to
Illnesses

(if any)
Total
Case
Count

Status
4/26/2023 1152 Not Yet Identified Morel Mushroom
(suspect)
41 Active
3/29/2023 1141 Salmonella Infantis Raw Flour See
Outbreak
Advisory
Active
3/1/2023 1143 Hepatitis A Virus Frozen Organic
Strawberries
See
Outbreak
Advisory
Active
2/15/2023 1123 Listeria
monocytogenes
Not Yet
Identified
See
CDC
Investigation
Notice
Active

USA – Lancaster Foods Updates Voluntary Recall of Various Expired Kale, Spinach and Collard Green Products Due to Potential Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

FDA

Company Announcement

Lancaster Foods has updated their May 5, 2023 Recall notice to add one product (Lancaster Brand Spinach item #41714, “Best If Used By” date April 29, 2023).

Lancaster Foods is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of 3 brands of already-expired Robinson Fresh, Lancaster, and Giant brand Kale, Spinach and Collard Green products produced at the company’s Jessup, Maryland facility. This recall is due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. No related illnesses have been reported to date. The recalled products are beyond their “Best If Used By Date”.

Listeria monocytogenes 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 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. Consumers with these symptoms should immediately consult their health care provider.

The recall was initiated after notification that a random sample of a single bag of Chopped Kale Greens product with a “BEST IF USED BY May 1 2023” date collected by the New York Agriculture and Markets Food Safety Division tested positive for the Listeria pathogen.

A listing of products subject to this recall are summarized at the end of this announcement. Products can be identified by using the UPC or Item Number codes and the Best if Used by Dates outlined in the table below. These products were distributed through retailers and distributors in the states of Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Retailers and distributors have been instructed to ensure the recalled products are removed from all inventories. Consumers who might still have the recalled products in their refrigerators should discard the items and they should not be consumed.

No other products distributed by Lancaster Foods have been recalled. Lancaster Foods is working collaboratively with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on this recall.

The safety and integrity of products distributed by Lancaster Foods are a top priority and taken very seriously.  Lancaster Foods regrets any inconvenience and concern this recall may cause.

Customers who have any questions about the recall may contact Lancaster Foods Customer Service at 877-844-3441 Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM EDT.

AFFECTED PRODUCT:

Item Number

Brand

Pack/ Size

UPC Codes

Description

Best If Used By Date

00682 ROBINSON FRESH 8 /
16 OZ
0-95829-60015-9 KALE GREENS May 01 2023
00619 ROBINSON FRESH 6 /
32 OZ
0-95829-60016-6 KALE GREENS May 01 2023
55423 LANCASTER 20 / 4 OZ N/A CHOPPED KALE May 01 2023
78983 GIANT 12 / 8 OZ 6-88267-09813-0 CURLY LEAF SPINACH April 29 2023
00684 ROBINSON FRESH 8 /
16 OZ
0-95829-60006-7 COLLARD GREENS May 01 2023
01907 GIANT 8 /
16 OZ
6-88267-05311-5 COLLARD GREENS May 01 2023
41714 LANCASTER 12 / 10 OZ 8-13055-01145-3 SPINACH April 29 2023

Link to Initial Recall


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Lancaster Foods Customer Service
 877-844-3441

Product Photos

USA – CORRECTION NOTICE: New Hampshire Laboratory Error Incorrectly Resulted in Recall of lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens: Recall Canceled – E.coli O157

fda

Company Announcement

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that a laboratory error incorrectly caused last week’s recall announcement concerning lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens. The products from lēf Farms are safe and the recall has been canceled.

On May 5, a press release was issued regarding a potential contamination of Escherichia coli O157 bacteria of a specific lot of lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens. Upon being informed, lēf Farms voluntarily initiated a recall of the potentially affected products, prioritizing the health and safety of their customers. Subsequent whole genome sequencing was conducted, which determined that the control sample and the lēf Farms sample were nearly identical, indicating that the initial lab results were inaccurate due to a contamination error within the lab itself.

“I wish to apologize to lēf Farms, their customers and the public for this unfortunate event,” said Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) Director Tricia Tilley. “lēf Farms’ quick and decisive actions put the health of their customers first. Their products are safe for consumers. We appreciate that lēf Farms has been a willing partner in this process. While this situation is unprecedented, our dedicated staff will embrace all corrective actions to ensure it will not occur again.”

Shawn Jasper, State Commissioner of Agriculture, Markets and Food added: “After a two-day inspection of lēf Farms’ facility and products, what we discovered was a company that operates at the highest level of food safety and integrity. We are working closely with the FDA and lēf Farms to make this right.”

lēf Farms is a subsidiary of BrightFarms, a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, which is transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms.

“We are relieved to confirm that this was merely a lab mistake, and our product was never at risk. Customer health and safety remain our top priority. I’m immensely proud of our team’s swift response and effective collaboration with FDA and state officials,” said Steve Platt, CEO of BrightFarms.

With the recall canceled, lēf Farms “Spice” is returning to store shelves in Hannaford and Market Basket in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. There is no longer any need for consumers who have purchased the lēf Farms “Spice” products to discard them or seek refunds from their place of purchase. Consumers with questions are encouraged to call lēf Farms at 1-866-857-8745 between 8:00am-6:00pm EDT or email info@lef-farms.com with the subject line: Recall.

The PHL has not experienced a false positive from routine testing that resulted in a voluntary recall in more than twenty years. DHHS is working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to confirm the source of the contamination and will implement necessary protocol changes to ensure it is not repeated. DHHS has been in communication with lēf Farms, the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food, and the FDA. Based on the results of the investigation of the contaminated sample, the PHL will implement corrective actions to protect consumers, manufacturers and food producers, and the general public.

This is a correction to the press releaseExternal Link Disclaimer issued on May 4, 2023 with the headline: “lēf Farms Recalls “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens Because of Possible Health Risk.”

Original Press Release

USA- FDA -Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks Update

FDA

What’s New

  • For the outbreak linked to morel mushrooms (ref #1152), the case count has increased from 30 cases to 41 cases.
  • For the outbreak of hepatitis A virus (ref #1143), cases have increased from 8 to 9. This change has been made on the advisory for this outbreak.
Date
Posted
Ref Pathogen
or
Cause of
Illness
Product(s)
Linked to
Illnesses

(if any)
Total
Case
Count

Status
4/26/2023 1152 Not Yet Identified Morel Mushroom
(suspect)
41 Active
3/29/2023 1141 Salmonella Infantis Raw Flour See
Outbreak
Advisory
Active
3/1/2023 1143 Hepatitis A Virus Frozen Organic
Strawberries
See
Outbreak
Advisory
Active
2/15/2023 1123 Listeria
monocytogenes
Not Yet
Identified
See
CDC
Investigation
Notice
Active

USA – Chang Farm Expands Recalls Mung and Soy Bean Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

FDA

Company Announcement

Chang Farm, 301 River Road, Whatley, MA is expanding their recall to include ALL Mung Bean Sprouts and Soy Bean Sprouts within expiry because of the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. 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 headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The affected product is packaged in

  • Beans Sprouts 10lb bag and bag in box
  • Nature’s Wonder Premium Beans Sprouts 12oz bag (UPC: 815098001330)
  • Nature’s Wonder Premium Soybean Sprouts 12oz bag (UPC: 815098001347)

The product has been distributed to retail stores and wholesalers throughout MA, CT, NY, RI and NJ.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

We are expanding today’s recall in response to a notification by the Massachusetts Food Protection Agency that a Mung Beans Sprouts sample collected on May 4th, 2023, at Chang Farm by the agency tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Chang Farm is working closely with governing authorities as we conduct the root cause investigation to this contamination.

All retail stores and wholesalers who have this lot in MA, CT, NY, NJ, and RI should remove this product from their shelves. Consumers should not consume the products and should discard this product or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers should contact their healthcare provider with any illness concerns. Consumers with questions about the warning may contact Chang Farm at 413-522-0234 or 413-222-5519 which will be monitored Monday-Sunday 24 hours.

Initial Press Release


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Chang Farm
 413-522-0234 or 413-222-5519

Product Photos

USA – Lancaster Foods Announces Voluntary Recall of Various Expired Kale, Spinach and Collard Green Products Due to Potential Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

FDA

Company Announcement

Lancaster Foods is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of 3 brands of already-expired Robinson Fresh, Lancaster, and Giant brand Kale, Spinach and Collard Green products produced at the company’s Jessup, Maryland facility. This recall is due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. No related illnesses have been reported to date. The recalled products are beyond their “Best If Used By Date”.

Listeria monocytogenes 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 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. Consumers with these symptoms should immediately consult their health care provider.

The recall was initiated after notification that a random sample of a single bag of Chopped Kale Greens product with a “BEST IF USED BY May 1 2023” date collected by the New York Agriculture and Markets Food Safety Division tested positive for the Listeria pathogen.

A listing of products subject to this recall are summarized at the end of this announcement. Products can be identified by using the UPC or Item Number codes and the Best if Used by Dates outlined in the table below. These products were distributed through retailers and distributors in the states of Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Retailers and distributors have been instructed to ensure the recalled products are removed from all inventories. Consumers who might still have the recalled products in their refrigerators should discard the items and they should not be consumed.

No other products distributed by Lancaster Foods have been recalled. Lancaster Foods is working collaboratively with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on this recall.

The safety and integrity of products distributed by Lancaster Foods are a top priority and taken very seriously. Lancaster Foods regrets any inconvenience and concern this recall may cause.

Customers who have any questions about the recall may contact Lancaster Foods Customer Service at 877-844-3441 Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM EDT.

AFFECTED PRODUCT:

Item Number Brand Pack/Size UPC Codes Description Best If Used By Date
00682 ROBINSON FRESH 8/16 OZ 0-95829-60015-9 KALE GREENS May 01 2023
00619 ROBINSON FRESH 6/32 OZ 0-95829-60016-6 KALE GREENS May 01 2023
55423 LANCASTER 20/4 OZ N/A CHOPPED KALE May 01 2023
78983 GIANT 12/8 OZ 6-88267-09813-0 CURLY LEAF SPINACH April 29 2023
00684 ROBINSON FRESH 8/16 OZ 0-95829-60006-7 COLLARD GREENS May 01 2023
01907 GIANT 8/16 OZ 6-88267-05311-5 COLLARD GREENS May 01 2023

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Lancaster Foods Customer Service
 877-844-3441

Product Photos

USA – Chang Farm Recalls Mung Bean Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk

FDA

Company Announcement

Chang Farm, 301 River Road, Whatley, MA is issuing a voluntary recall of Mung Bean Sprouts; all 10lb bags (as some bags may not have sell-by dates), as well as 12 oz retail bags, both packaged on April 23rd, 2023 (distributed on April 24th, 2023), produced by Chang Farm, with the specific sell-by date of May 7th, 2023 because of the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. Monocytogenes) contamination. Listeria monocytogenes, 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 headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The affected product is packaged in 10 lb bags (bulk) with no specified “Sell By” dates and 12 oz plastic bags (retail), labeled under the Chang Farm Brand as Premium Bean Sprouts and have a “Sell By” date of May 7th, 2023.

The product has been distributed to retail stores and wholesalers throughout MA, CT, NY and NJ.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Sample analysis by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ (NYSDAM) Division of Food Safety and Inspection confirmed Listeria Monocytogenes.

All retail stores and wholesalers who have this lot in MA, CT, NY and NJ should remove this product from their shelves. Consumers should not consume the products and should discard this product or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers should contact their healthcare provider with any illness concerns. Consumers with questions about the warning may contact Chang Farm at 413-522-0234 or 413-222-5519 which will be monitored 24 hours EST from Monday – Sunday.


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Chang Farm
 413-522-0234 or 413-222-5519
Media:
Sidney Chang
 413-522-0234

Product Photos

USA – lēf Farms Recalls “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens Because of Possible Health Risk – E.coli O157

FDA

Company Announcement

lēf Farms of Loudon, N.H. is voluntarily recalling a single lot of the lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens (“best by” date 5/5/23, lot number SP10723- 1RGH1, UPC 8 50439 00709 1) produced in its Loudon, New Hampshire greenhouse because they have the potential to be contaminated with Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (E. coli) bacteria. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), E. coli causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

The product comes in a 4- oz, clear, plastic clamshell container. Information about the “best by” date, lot number and UPC can be found at the bottom of the package. Pictures to assist customers in identifying the recalled products are found at the end of this announcement.

No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall was initiated when the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture received a positive test result for E. coli 0157:H7 in a single package of lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens (4 oz) as part of routine testing.

lēf Farms “Spice” is the only product impacted to date and affected retailers include Hannaford and Market Basket in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

In addition to today’s voluntary recall, the company is proactively testing all products produced in its New Hampshire facility for E. coli 0157:H7 prior to distribution.

Retailers have been instructed to remove all recalled products from store shelves. Consumers who have purchased the affected lēf Farms “Spice” products should discard them or present a photo of the product or receipt to their place of purchase for a full refund and then discard.

Consumers with questions are encouraged to call 1-866-857-8745 between 8:00am-7:00pm EDT or email info@lef-farms.com with the subject line: Recall.


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
lēf Farms
 1-866-857-8745
 info@lef-farms.com

Product Photos

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