Category Archives: FDA

USA – FDA Core Outbreak Table – Update

Posted on March 2, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

What’s New

  • A new outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections (ref # 1143) linked to a not yet identified product has been added to the table. FDA has initiated traceback.
  • For the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref # 1123), FDA has initiated an onsite inspection, sample collection, and analysis. This investigation is ongoing and additional information will be provided as it become available.
  • The outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium (ref # 1137) linked to alfalfa sprouts has ended and the FDA investigation is closed.

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Posted in Decontamination Microbial, FDA, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Hepatitis A, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak, Salmonella

USA – Lidl Voluntarily Recalls 7 oz Tapas Branded Cocktail Shrimp by Lidl Due to Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on March 2, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Labeling, Tapas Cocktail Shrimp by Lidl, 7 oz.

Company Announcement

Lidl US has announced a voluntary recall of ready-to-eat Tapas branded Cocktail Shrimp by Lidl, 7 oz., due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The product was distributed to all Lidl US store locations. Lidl US has store locations in Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia.

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 monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

This voluntary recall includes all units of the ready-to-eat Tapas branded Cocktail Shrimp by Lidl, packaged in 7 oz. containers, that may still be in customers’ possession. Affected products will have a UPC of 4056489411499. All product codes currently on the market are subject to the recall.

The recall was issued as a result of routine testing, which revealed that the finished product contained the bacteria. Lidl performs this testing on an ongoing basis to help ensure safe and quality products for our customers. Lidl US has ceased the production and distribution of the product as we continue our investigation in conjunction with the FDA to resolve the issue. Lidl US has received no reports or complaints of illness related to this product to date.

If customers have purchased this product, they should not consume the product, and immediately return it to their nearest Lidl store for a full refund. Customers who have questions about this voluntary recall should call the Lidl US Customer Care Hotline at (844)-747-5435 (8 am-8 pm ET, Monday-Saturday).

The health and safety of our customers is our top priority. Lidl US regrets any inconvenience related to this voluntary recall. Our Quality Assurance Department is constantly working to ensure that all products on our shelves meet the high-quality standards that we would expect when feeding our own families. We are grateful for all our Lidl US customers who choose to shop with us every day.

About Lidl

Lidl operates more than 12,000 stores and is active in 32 countries, employing more than 360,000 employees globally. Lidl offers customers high quality fresh produce, meat, bakery items, and a wide array of household products at unbelievably low prices. Lidl first established its U.S. headquarters in Arlington County, Virginia, in June 2015, and today sells its award-winning products in more than 170 stores across nine east coast states and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.Lidl.comExternal Link Disclaimer.

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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 – Kawasho Foods USA Inc. Announces a Voluntary Recall of a Single Lot of GEISHA Medium Shrimp 4oz. Because of Possible Health Risk

Posted on February 28, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Picture of GEISHA Medium Shrimp, 4 oz can

Company Announcement

Kawasho Foods USA Inc. of New York, NY, is voluntarily recalling one lot of canned GEISHA Medium Shrimp 4oz. because of reported swelling, leaking, or bursting cans. There is a possibility that the product has been under processed, which could lead to the potential for spoilage organisms or pathogens.

The Product was distributed to retail stores (Walmart, Associated Food Stores, Stater Bros Markets, Safeway, Albertsons) in California, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado.

The GEISHA Medium Shrimp is packaged in a 4oz. metal can, with UPC 071140003909. The one lot being recalled is LGC12W12E22; BEST BY: MAY/12/2026 and this code appears on the bottom of the product can.

Consumers should not use this product, even if it does not look or smell spoiled. No illnesses or other adverse consequences have been reported to date in connection with this product.

Consumer who have purchased this product are urged to return to place of puchase for a full refund. If you have any question regarding this recall, please contact us at (212)841-7400 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST) or via email at info@geishabrand.com.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
 (212) 841-7400
 info@geishabrand.com

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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 Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Spoilage, Food Testing, Pathogen, pathogenic

USA- Jan Fruits Inc. Recalls Enoki Mushrooms Because of Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on February 28, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Company Announcement

FEBRUARY 24, 2023, Jan Fruits Inc. of VERNON, CA is recalling all its cases of its 200g/7.05oz packages of ENOKI MUSHROOM (Product of Taiwan) 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.

The recalled Enoki Mushroom product was distributed in CA to small local produce distributors or wholesalers for further distribution to retail stores within CA and HI.

The Enoki Mushroom comes in a 200g/7.05oz clear plastic package with the following description “Taiwan Best Quality Enoki Natural Mushroom***Manufacturer: Changhua County Mushrooms Production Cooperative” in English. There is a green lettered “Premium” Printed with two QR scan codes and UPC 8 51084 00835 8 on the back side of a package There is a Lot Code #3779 outside of box.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The distribution of the product is suspended.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the State of Hawaii which revealed that the finished products contained Listeria monocytogenes. We have ceased the production and distribution of the product as we continue our investigation as to what caused the problem.

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

Although safety measures were taken to prevent the following risk, the safety of consumers is our top priority. We urge to return enoki package to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with question may contact the company at 323-923-2879 Ext. 3. Monday – Friday 7:00am – 3:00pm.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Jan Fruits Inc.
 323-923-2879 Ext. 3

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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 Enoki Mushrooms, Listeria monocytogenes

USA – FDA Core Food Outbreak Table Update

Posted on February 23, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Date
Posted		 Ref Pathogen
or
Cause of
Illness		 Product(s)
Linked to
Illnesses
(if any)		 Total
Case
Count
Status
2/15/2023 1123 Listeria
monocytogenes		 Not Yet
Identified		 See CDC
Investigation
Notice		 Active
12/28/2022 1137 Salmonella
Typhimurium		 Alfalfa Sprouts See
Outbreak
Advisory		 Active
11/9/2022 1127 Listeria
monocytogenes		 Enoki
Mushrooms		 See
Outbreak
Advisory		 Active

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Posted in FDA, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria Enoki Mushrooms, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella in Sprouts

USA – Reckitt Recalls Two Batches of Prosobee 12.9 oz Simply Plant Based Infant Formula Because of Possible Health Risk – Cronobacter

Posted on February 22, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Company Announcement

‘The company has issued a correction to the previous announcement’.

Product tested and confirmed negative for contaminants.

No reported adverse consumer reactions to date.

Reckitt, a producer of nutrition products, announced today that, out of an abundance of caution, it has chosen to voluntarily recall two (2) select batches of ProSobee 12.9 oz. Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula due to a possibility of cross-contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. All product distributed went through extensive testing and tested negative for the bacteria.

ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula in 12.9 oz containers was manufactured between August 2022 and September 2022. The products were distributed through retail stores nationwide in the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico. The batches in question can be identified by the number on the bottom of the can. Recalled product batches are ZL2HZF and ZL2HZZ both with a UPC Code of 300871214415 and a “Use By Date” of “1 Mar 2024.”  The recall involves approximately 145,000 cans.

No other ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula batches or other Reckitt products are impacted. 

No illnesses or adverse events have been reported. If parents have any questions, they should consult with their pediatrician or contact us at 1-800-479-0551 24/7 or by email at consumer.relations@rb.com

We are committed to the highest level of quality and safety and it is for this reason that we have taken this extraordinary measure. The batches in question tested negative for Cronobacter and other bacteria and this is an isolated situation. After a thorough investigation, we have identified the root cause, which was linked to a material from a third party. We have taken all appropriate corrective actions, including no longer sourcing this material from the supplier.

The health and safety of infants is our highest priority. All of our products undergo rigorous and industry leading quality tests and checks to ensure that they meet or exceed all standards set by regulatory bodies, including the World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is for this reason that we have the highest level of confidence in the safety and quality of every infant formula we make.

What Consumers Should Do if They Purchased This Product

Consumers who purchased ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula should check the bottom of the can to identify whether the batch number is affected. Product with batch codes ZL2HZF and ZL2HZZ both with a UPC Code of 300871214415 and a “Use By Date” of “1 Mar 2024” should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase for a total refund. You can also contact us at 800-479-0551 or by email at consumer.relations@rb.com and we will help verify if this product was impacted.

If you have any concerns, contact your health care provider. For more information please visit us at www.enfamil.com

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, cross contamination, 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 recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing

USA – Xin Ao International Group Corp. Recalls “Sss Enoki Mushroom” & “K-Fresh Mushroom” Because of Potential Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on February 22, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Company Announcement

Xin Ao International Group Corp of Linden, NJ, is recalling its 200 grams packages of “Sss Enoki Mushroom” and “K-Fresh Mushroom”, 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.

“Sss Enoki Mushroom” & “K-Fresh Mushroom” were sold at 99 Ranch Supermarket retail stores in MD. The product comes in 200 grams, clear plastic package marked with lot # 6953150100677 for “Sss Enoki Mushroom” & 4892742010234 for “K-Fresh Mushroom” on the top and with an expiration date of 02/15/2023 stamped on the side.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by Maryland Department of Health which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased 200 gram package of “Sss Enoki Mushroom” & “K-Fresh Mushroom” should not consume them and are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 908-260-3061 M-F 9 am – 4 pm EST.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Xin Ao International Group Corp.
 908-260-3061

Product Photos

  • Sss Enoki Mushroom, 200 gms
  • K-Fresh Mushroom, 200 gms

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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 recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria Enoki Mushrooms, Listeria monocytogenes

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

Posted on February 16, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Date
Posted

Ref
#

Pathogen
or
Cause of
Illness

Product(s)
Linked to
Illnesses
(if any)

Total
Case
Count


Status

2/15/2023

1123

Listeria
monocytogenes

Not Yet
Identified

See CDC
Investigation
Notice

Active

12/28/2022

1137

Salmonella
Typhimurium

Alfalfa Sprouts

See
Outbreak
Advisory

Active

11/9/2022

1127

Listeria
monocytogenes

Enoki
Mushrooms 

See
Outbreak
Advisory

Active

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Posted in Decontamination Microbial, FDA, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak, Salmonella

USA – FDA – Enforcement Report – Fiber Powder, Dietary Supplement – Raw material tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii.

Posted on February 15, 2023 by | 1 comment

FDA

Product Description:

Fiber Powder, Dietary Supplement, Apple Cinnamon Flavored, packaged under the following brands and sizes. 1. Ortho Molecular Products Fiber Plus, Product #608445, Net Wt. 15.9 oz (450 Grams) UPC 6 15033-00608 2. Ortho Molecular Products, Inc., 3017 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482. 2. Utzy Naturals, Daily Fiber Drink Mix. Net Wt 5.95 oz (168.75 Grams), UPC 8 56420-00632 6. Manufactured for Utzy Naturals, 623 West Main St., Lake Geneva, WI 53147. 3. Ortho Molecular Products Fiber Plus, Product #608445CAN, 450 g, UPC 6 15033-04608 8. Ortho Molecular Products, Inc. 54482 United States. Product is sold in Canada. 4. Ortho Molecular Products Fiber Plus, Product #608445C, Net Wt. 15.9 oz (450 Grams) UPC 6 15033-01608 1. . Ortho Molecular Products, Inc., 3017 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482. Contains CA Prop 65. 5. Unbranded bottled product in 1000cc bottle to be given out by healthcare provider. 608.008J UPC 6 15033 60608 4. 6. Unbranded bottled product in 1000cc bottle to be given out by healthcare provider. 608C.009H UPC 6 15033 61608 3. Contains CA Prop 65.

Raw material tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii.

Recalling Firm:

Ortho Molecular Products, Inc.
3017 Business Park Dr
Stevens Point, WI 54482-8835
United States

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, cross contamination, Decontamination Microbial, FDA, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk

Research – Is Airplane Food as Dangerous as its Reputation?

Posted on February 10, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning News

Food served on an airplane is handled differently and has fewer regulations due to the constraints of space, time, and oversight. The FDA typically inspects airline caterers only every three to five years and inspects airplanes whenever it is convenient. Although it is entirely possible for the food to be contaminated from the source, studies have shown that bacteria is most likely to develop from improper storage or handling on board. Flight attendants prioritize time efficiency to serve hundreds of passengers which creates an environment where food safety may not be the prime concern. Bacteria are more likely to spread when there is a general lack of sanitation and preparation areas including a limited availability of hot water and hand washing facilities. The standard design of bathroom sinks on board airplanes typically requires one hand to constantly depress the faucet, thus promoting the spread of bacteria. A lack of sanitation space is a growing concern as newer airplanes are being reconfigured to create more seats per aircraft.

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, FDA