Category Archives: FDA

USA – Blue Ridge Beef Issues Voluntary Recall of Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Grind, Blue Ridge Kitten Mix and Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix Due to Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination

Posted on December 22, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

STATESVILLE, NC – December 21, 2023 – Blue Ridge Beef is recalling all lot numbers and used by dates between N24 1124 to N24 1224 of their 2 lb log of Kitten Grind UPC 8 54298 00101 6; 2lb log of Kitten Mix UPC 8 54298 00143 6 and their 2lb log of Puppy Mix UPC 8 54298 00169 6 due to contamination of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes 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.

Pets with Salmonella and Listeria 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.

On 12/15/2023 the firm was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that one lot of each of the products were sampled and tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. However, out of an abundance of caution the firm is recalling all lots with the used by dates between N24 1124 to N24 1224.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Products affected are:

Product Size UPC All Lot #/Use By Dates Between
Kitten Grind 2lbs 8 54298 00101 6 N24 1124 to N24 1224
Kitten Mix 2lbs 8 54298 00243 6 N24 1124 to N24 1224
Puppy Mix 2lbs 8 54298 00169 6 N24 1124 to N24 1224

The lot numbers and used by dates are located on the silver tabs at the end of the tubes.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to contact Blue Ridge Beef at blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com for a full refund and destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access. Do not sell or donate the recalled products. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. 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. Consumers with questions may contact Mr. Steven Lea at (704) 880-4500 Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

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Posted in Animal Feed Recall, FDA, food recall, Listeria monocytogenes, Pet Food, Pet Food Recall, Pet Food Salmonella, Pet Food Testing, product recall, Recall

USA – Houdini, Inc. Recalls Gift Baskets with Quaker Oats Chewy Granola Bars Because of Possible Health Risk – Salmonella

Posted on December 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Image #2: “Quaker Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bar”

Image #3: “Quaker Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bar”

Wine Country Gift Baskets / Houdini Inc. of Fullerton, CA is taking precautionary measures of voluntarily recalling all gift baskets produced with Quaker Chewy Granola bars due to a recall by the Quaker Oats company because it has 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 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. Wine Country Gift Basket/Houdini Inc. is committed to providing only the highest quality of product and is taking this action out of an abundance of caution in the interest of consumer protection.

Gift baskets were distributed throughout the US via online sales and through Amazon.com.

To determine if this recall item is in your basket, verify your gift basket is the item listed below. Then look for a white label with black print on the bottom of the basket. The Lot Code number will start with “LC” followed by six numbers. Example of the lot code label on bottom of basket is pictured below::

Gift baskets and lot codes affected by this recall:

#8700 Ministry of Snacks Sweet and Savory Collection: Gift lot codes LC 595922, LC 596339, LC 597305, LC 597306, LC 597910, LC601543 and LC 607376.

Following are pictures of the packaging for the Quaker Chewy Granola Bars.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

If you have any questions concerning this recall, please contact Houdini Customer Care Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at 866-712-5910. For further information, you can check our website at www.houdiniinc.com/recall/quakergranolabarExternal Link Disclaimer.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Houdini Customer Care
 866-712-5910

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

USA – Chang Farm Recalls Nature’s Wonder Mung Bean Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on December 18, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Labeling, Nature’s Wonder Premium Bean Sprouts

Chang Farm, Whatley, MA is recalling 12 oz Nature’s Wonder Mung Bean Sprouts, with the sell-by date of December 13th, 2023 because of the 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 product has been distributed to retail stores and wholesalers throughout MA, CT, NY and MD.

The affected product is packaged in 12 oz plastic bags (retail), ( the code for the product is 12/13 present in the back inside the white box) labeled under the Chang Farm Brand as Nature’s Wonder Premium Bean Sprouts and have a “Sell By” date of December 13th, 2023.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after a random sample was collected and analyzed by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), which resulted in confirmation of presence Listeria Monocytogenes in the product. Further analysis of the sample by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the same. The company has actively started investigating the root cause of the problem. All retail stores and wholesalers who have this lot in MA, CT, NY and MD 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

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

USA – Herolds Salads Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Assorted Deli Salads Due to Possible Contamination with Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on December 18, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Out of an abundance of caution Herold’s Salads of Cleveland is recalling assorted deli salads packaged in various sizes. Recalled products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

There have been no reported illnesses or adverse health effects reported to date, however, Herolds Salads Inc. is proactively recalling specific batches to which this risk applies. The products in the link should be disposed of immediately.

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Onions (October 2023) – CDC Outbreak is Over

Posted on December 14, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Sample Product Image from the Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Related to Onions (October 2023)

Product

Recalled Gills Onions-brand diced yellow onions, diced onions & celery, diced mirepoix, and diced red onions with use-by dates in August 2023.

The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) investigation is complete; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declares the outbreak over.

Stores Affected

  • Recalled Gills Onions were sold to foodservice and institutions nationwide and in Canada. The firm has directly notified foodservice customers who received recalled product.
  • Recalled product was sold to retailers in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, investigated an outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to recalled diced onions under the Gills Onions brand name.

As part of this investigation, FDA collected multiple water, environmental, and product samples from the farm that supplied the contaminated onions to Gills Onions. Six of the samples, three water and three environmental, were positive for Salmonella spp. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis confirmed that the strain of Salmonella found in isolates associated with three of the samples matched the same strain of Salmonella causing illnesses in this outbreak. Additional Salmonella isolates from the samples were detected, and CDC identified people who got sick with these strains of Salmonella. FDA and CDC partners reviewed the available data; however, there was not enough epidemiologic or traceback evidence to implicate a product or source of contamination for those illnesses.

As of December 4, 2023, CDC announced that the outbreak is over. CDC reports a total of 80 illnesses in 23 states. There has been a total of 18 hospitalizations and one death associated with this incident. The last illness onset was November 11, 2023. FDA’s investigation is complete.

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Posted in CDC, FDA, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, Salmonella, WGS

USA -FDA – Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

Posted on December 7, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

What’s New

  • A new outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1205) in a not yet identified food has been added to the table.
  • For the outbreak of Salmonella Sundsvall (ref #1203) linked to cantaloupe, the recall was expanded to include additional retailers and wholesalers who received the recalled melons. Additionally, the Oranienburg strain of Salmonella was added to this outbreak. See the Outbreak Advisory for additional information.
  • For the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #989) linked to peaches, plums, and nectarines, the advisory was updated to include international distribution of the recalled fruit to Canada, Mexico, and Taiwan.
  • For the investigation of elevated lead levels in Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (ref # 1198) the advisory was updated to include additional adverse event reports and Investigation updates.
  • For the outbreak of Salmonella Newport (ref# 1201) in a not yet identified food, the case count has increased from 42 to 43 cases.
  • For the outbreak of E. coli O121 (ref#1195) in a not yet identified food, an on-site inspection was initiated and sample collection and analysis was initiated.
  • For the outbreak of E. coli O103 (ref# 1192) in a not identified product, the investigation is complete and the outbreak has ended.

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Posted in CORE Investigation Table, E.coli O103, E.coli O121, FDA, food contamination, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, O103, Salmonella, Salmonella Cantaloupes, STEC, STEC E.coli

USA – Bix Produce Issues Safety Alert on Cut Cantaloupe Products Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Posted on December 1, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Image 1: “Photograph of label of Cantaloupe Fruit Cup, 5.75 oz.”

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Fruit/Fruit Product
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement:
Potential for Salmonella contamination
Company Name:
Bix Produce
Brand Name:
Multiple brands
Product Description:
Fruit Cups containing cantaloupe

Bix Produce of Little Canada, MN., is issuing a voluntary recall of Grab N’ Go containers of cut cantaloupe and mixed fruit cups due to the potential for Salmonella contamination in the products. These cantaloupe products were derived from cantaloupes that are involved in the recent Malachita cantaloupe recall.

  • Consumers, restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled cantaloupe or recalled products containing cantaloupe.
  • Consumers who may have frozen cantaloupe or cantaloupe products for later use should check their freezers and throw away any recalled products.
  • If you cannot tell if your cantaloupe is part of the recall, do not eat or use it. Throw it away.

The affected cantaloupe products were distributed from October 19th through October 20th, 2023, and were sold in the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin at convenience stores, delis, and business cafes. These products are beyond their usable shelf-life and are no longer expected to be in commerce.

Brand

Item Description

Item Number

Pack/Size

Lot Code
Created Fresh! CANTALOUPE FRUIT CUP GRAB N’ GO 19703 5.75 OZ EACH SELL BY DATES OF
10/25/2023 AND 10/26/2023
Created Fresh! MIXED FRUIT CUP GRAB N’ GO 19721 5.75 OZ EACH SELL BY DATES OF
10/25/2023 AND 10/26/2023
Jack & Olive MIXED FRUIT CUP J&O 23355 5.75 OZ EACH SELL BY DATES OF
10/25/2023 AND 10/26/2023

To date, there have been no illnesses reported related to products distributed by Bix Produce. No other products distributed by Bix Produce are being recalled. Bix Produce is working collaboratively with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on this recall.

The recall was initiated after a supplier notified Bix Produce that they had delivered recalled Malachita cantaloupes to Bix Produce and that those had been processed and distributed by Bix Produce.

Bix Produce takes the safety and integrity of the products it distributes seriously and regrets any inconvenience and concern this recall may cause.

Customers who have any questions about the recall may call: 651-487-8000

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Posted in FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, product recall, Recall, Salmonella, Salmonella Cantaloupes

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

Posted on November 30, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

What’s New

  • For the outbreak of Salmonella Newport (ref # 1201), the case count has increased from 40 cases to 42 cases.
  • For the outbreak of Salmonella Sundsvall (ref #1203) linked to cantaloupe, the recall was expanded to include additional retailers and wholesalers who received the recalled melons. See the Outbreak Advisory for additional information. 
  • For the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #989) linked to peaches, plums, and nectarines, the advisory was updated to include additional retailers impacted by this outbreak.
  • For the investigation of elevated lead levels in Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (ref # 1198) the advisory was updated to include additional adverse event reports and advice for consumers.

Date
Posted

Ref

Pathogen
or
Cause of
Illness

Product(s)
Linked to
Illnesses
(if any)

Total
Case
Count


Status

11/22/

2023

1201

Salmonella
Newport

Not Yet
Identified

42

Active

11/22/

2023

1203

Salmonella
Sundsvall

Cantaloupe

Advisory

Active

11/15/

2023

989

Listeria
monocytogenes

Peaches, Plums,
and Nectarines

Advisory

Active

11/15/

2023

1192

E. coli
0103

Not Yet
Identified

12

Active

11/8/

2023

1198

Elevated Lead
Levels

Apple
Cinnamon
Puree

Advisory

Active

11/1/

2023

1195

E. coli
O121:H19

Not Yet
Identified

37

Active

10/4/

2023

1190

Salmonella
Thompson

Onions

Advisory

Active

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Posted in Death, E.coli O103, E.coli O121, FDA, food bourne outbreak, food death, Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, Foodborne Illness Death, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, O103, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella Cantaloupes, Salmonella Oranienburg

USA – Agriculture Department Warns Consumers To Discard “Hilltop Meadow Farm” Brand Contaminated ‘60 Day Aged Pepper Jack Raw Milk Cheese’ – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on November 30, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture warns that consumers should discard “Hilltop Meadow Farm” brand ’60 Day Aged Pepper Jack Raw Milk Cheese’ with sell by dates of 9/21/2023 or earlier. Testing of this cheese confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The Pepper Jack Raw Milk Cheese from Hilltop Meadow Farm, 153 martin Road, Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, is being voluntarily recalled by the farm, and was sold in ½ lb, 1 lb, 2.5 lb, and 5 lb sizes at their on-farm store and at the following locations:

Meadow Run Farms, 727 Rettew Mill Road, Littitz, Lancaster County
Shady Acres Farm Market, 8514 Elizabethtown Road, Elizabethtown, Lancaster County
Willow Haven Farm, 7686 Herber Road, New Tripoli, Leigh County
Healthy Habits Natural Market, 1120 Center Turnpike, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County
Little Leaf Natural Products, 505 S Main Street, Montrose, Susquehanna County
Whole Earth Center, 360 Nassau St, Princeton, New Jersey
Healthy Way, 396 S Main St, Massena, New York
Northstar Bison Store, 225 Birch Avenue, Cameron, Wisconsin

The tainted Pepper Jack Raw Milk Cheese is labeled with the Hilltop Meadow Farm label and designations “From A2/A2 Milk” and “Made from 100% Grassfed Cow’s Milk” product descriptions.

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Posted in FDA, food recall, Listeria, Listeria in Cheese, Listeria monocytogenes, product recall, Recall

USA – Agriculture Department Warns Consumers To Discard “Hilltop Meadow Farm” Brand Contaminated ‘60 Day Aged Pepper Jack Raw Milk Cheese’ – Listeria moncytogenes

Posted on November 29, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Company Announcement

“When a Government Agency Partner announces a company’s recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the Government Agency Partner’s announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.”

11/22/2023

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture warns that consumers should discard “Hilltop Meadow Farm” brand ’60 Day Aged Pepper Jack Raw Milk Cheese’ with sell by dates of 9/21/2023 or earlier. Testing of this cheese confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The Pepper Jack Raw Milk Cheese from Hilltop Meadow Farm, 153 martin Road, Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, is being voluntarily recalled by the farm, and was sold in ½ lb, 1 lb, 2.5 lb, and 5 lb sizes at their on-farm store and at the following locations:

Meadow Run Farms, 727 Rettew Mill Road, Littitz, Lancaster County
Shady Acres Farm Market, 8514 Elizabethtown Road, Elizabethtown, Lancaster County
Willow Haven Farm, 7686 Herber Road, New Tripoli, Leigh County
Healthy Habits Natural Market, 1120 Center Turnpike, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County
Little Leaf Natural Products, 505 S Main Street, Montrose, Susquehanna County
Whole Earth Center, 360 Nassau St, Princeton, New Jersey
Healthy Way, 396 S Main St, Massena, New York
Northstar Bison Store, 225 Birch Avenue, Cameron, Wisconsin

The tainted Pepper Jack Raw Milk Cheese is labeled with the Hilltop Meadow Farm label and designations “From A2/A2 Milk” and “Made from 100% Grassfed Cow’s Milk” product descriptions.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an illness which has symptoms including fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. Listeriosis mainly affects pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and adults with impaired immune systems. Listeriosis in pregnant women can result in miscarriage, premature delivery, serious infection of the newborn, or stillbirth.

No reported illnesses have been attributed to the product, but people who consumed the Pepper Jack Raw Milk Cheese should consult their physicians if they become ill.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s food safety inspection services help to ensure that food sold in Pennsylvania is safe. For more information about food safety in Pennsylvania, visit agriculture.pa.gov.

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria in Cheese, Listeria monocytogenes