Category Archives: FDA

USA – Cuisine Innovations Unlimited, LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Two Varieties of Earth Grown Frozen Falafel Due to Possible Health Risk -STEC E.coli

Posted on October 10, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Package, Earth Grown Vegan Garlic and Herb Falafel”

“Package, Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel”

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement:
Potential contamination with shiga toxin-producing E. Coli
Company Name:
Cuisine Innovations Unlimited LLC
Brand Name:
Earth Grown Vegan
Product Description:
Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel

Company Announcement

Cuisine Innovations Unlimited, LLC of 180 Lehigh Avenue, Lakewood, NJ, is voluntarily recalling its Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel Distributed & Sold Exclusively by Aldi, Batavia, IL due to the possible presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.

Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli is an organism that can cause foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. The illness primarily impacts elderly individuals, children, and people with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.

The voluntarily recalled Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel And Garlic & Herb Falafel Distributed & Sold Exclusively by Aldi, Batavia, IL were distributed in ALDI retail stores in the following states:  Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut,  Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The product comes in a bag in a box marked with any of the following Lot numbers: 1472, 1481, 1531, 1532, 1541, 1552, 1561, 1581, 1601, 1611, 1612, 1661, 1682, 1732, 1752, 1762, 1782, 1802, and 1812, and would have been shipped to stores after June 24, 2021.  The lot number can be found in the “Best if used by” area on the outside flap of the box.  There has been no further production of this product.

There have been 20 reported cases in six (6) states (FL, IA, KS, MI, OH and WI) with onset dates reported between July 24, 2022 and September 19, 2022 with 5 hospitalization and no deaths.

Consumers who have purchased Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel Distributed & Sold Exclusively by Aldi, Batavia, IL with any of the above lot numbers after June 24, 2021, are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time at 1-201-439-1036, Ext. 26.

Outbreak Advisory

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
 1-201-439-1036, Ext. 26

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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 Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Testing, Food Toxin, STEC, STEC E.coli

USA – Cut Fruit Express Recalls Caribou Coffee Fruit and Cheese Plate Because of Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on October 10, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

“Label, Caribou Coffee Fruit and Cheese Plate”

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Prepared Food
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement:
Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:
Cut Fruit Express
Brand Name:
Caribou Coffee
Product Description:
Fruit and Cheese plate 6.2 oz

Company Announcement

Cut Fruit Express of Inver Grove Heights, MN is recalling Caribou Coffee Fruit and Cheese Plate 6.2oz because of potential contamination 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.

Caribou Coffee Fruit and Cheese Plate, item #3818, was distributed from Caribou Stores at the MSP Airport Caribou locations in the MSP Airport, Minnesota. The product comes in a clear plastic package. The USED BY DATES are 9/30/2022, 10/2/2022, 10/4/2022, 10/7/2022 and 10/9/2022.

Cut Fruit Express learned that their supplier is issuing a recall on Brie Cheese for potential contamination of Listeria Monocytogenes. Cut Fruit Express is initiating a recall on the affected product that contains the recalled Brie Cheese. The affected products were shipped between September 26th through October 5th, 2022.

Consumers should immediately DESTROY THE PRODUCT if they have it in their possession. Please do not share or give it to anyone to eat. Consumers who have purchased 6.2oz snack packages of Fruit and cheese plate may return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact
Shelley M. Ryan
Partner | 952.746.2705 Hoff Barry, P.A.
100 Prairie Center Drive, Suite 200
Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952.941.9220 | hoffbarry.comExternal Link Disclaimer weekdays from 9:00 – 5:00 Central Time.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Shelley M. Ryan, Partner
 952.746.2705

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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 Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

USA – FSMA Final Rule on Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF)

Posted on October 7, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) final rule on Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) establishes a laboratory accreditation program for the testing of food in certain circumstances. Under the LAAF program, FDA will recognize accreditation bodies (ABs) that will accredit laboratories to the standards established in the final rule (referred to as LAAF-accredited laboratories).

The final rule specifies eligibility requirements that ABs and laboratories wishing to participate in the program will need to satisfy, as well as procedures for how the FDA will manage and oversee the program. In certain circumstances, owners and consignees will be required to use a LAAF-accredited laboratory for food testing. FDA will maintain an online public registry listing recognized accredited bodies and LAAF-accredited laboratories.

The establishment of the LAAF program is intended to improve the accuracy and reliability of certain food testing through the uniformity of standards and enhanced FDA oversight of participating laboratories.

Structures of the Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) Program

Enlarge in PDF (241KB)

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Posted in FDA, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, FSMA, Laboraotry, Laboratory, Laboratory Method, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk

Research – History of Food Poisoning Outbreaks Linked to Cantaloupe

Posted on October 7, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

In the latest update to the FDA‘s CORE Outbreak Investigation Table, that agency stated that a Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak that has ended is linked to cantaloupe. This is not the first time that this fruit has caused illnesses. What is the history of food poisoning outbreaks linked to cantaloupe?

While the outbreak is over, the FDA says that more information is forthcoming. We do not know the case count by state, but there are at least 87 people who are sick. We also do not know the patient age ranges, or illness onset dates.

History of Food Poisoning Outbreaks Linked to Cantaloupe

There have been six other multistate food poisoning outbreaks since 2011 that were linked to cantaloupe. Many of these outbreaks were deadly.

Read more in the link above.

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Posted in Decontamination Microbial, FDA, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk

USA – FDA Core Outbreak Investigation Table

Posted on October 6, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

What’s New

  • For the Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in a not yet identified product (reference #1105), the case count has increased from 28 cases to 29 cases.
  • For the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak (reference #1081) in a not yet identified product, CDC announced the outbreak is over on 10/4/2022. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
  • For the Listeria monocytogenes outbreak in Brie and Camembert cheese (reference #1106), an Outbreak Advisory was issued on 9/30/2022.
  • For the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak (reference #1095), one additional case was added, and the product linked to illnesses has been changed to cantaloupe. The vehicle of the outbreak was confirmed after the outbreak ended. Given the product(s) were no longer on the market, there was no ongoing risk to public health and no need to avoid eating cantaloupe. Additional information on this outbreak will be forthcoming.
  • For the outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis in a not yet identified product (reference #1080) the case count has increased from 81 to 84 and the outbreak has ended.
  • For the outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis in a not yet identified product (reference #1084) the outbreak has ended.
  • For Listeria monocytogenes adverse event in a not identified product (reference #1040), the outbreak has ended.

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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, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak

USA – Old Europe Cheese, Inc. Expands Voluntary Recall of Its Brie Cheeses Due to Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on October 6, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Culinary Tours Cranberry

Culinary Tours Plain Baked Brie

Reny Picot Plain baked Brie

Reny Picot Fig

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Cheese/Cheese Product
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement:
Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:
Old Europe Cheese, Inc.
Brand Name:
Multiple
Product Description:
Brie and Camembert Cheeses

Company Announcement

Old Europe Cheese, Inc. of Benton Harbor, MI is expanding its voluntary recall of Brie cheeses announced on September 30, 2022, because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, to include additional products, specifically baked brie cheeses. 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.

RECALL DETAILS

The following baked brie products are being added to the 9/30/2022 Old Europe Cheese voluntary recall. These are products with best by dates through 12/14/2022 and are subject to the voluntary recall. The products were distributed from August 01, 2022 through September 28, 2022 and were available at supermarkets, wholesale and retail stores nationwide and Mexico.

The following products being recalled are marked with Best By Dates ranging from September 28, 2022 to December 14, 2022.

Brand

Product Name

Packaging & size

UPC Code
CULINARY TOUR *8 oz Plain Baked Brie Clamshell 8 oz 011225005350
CULINARY TOUR *11 oz Cranberry Baked Brie Clamshell 11 oz 011225005367
LA BONNE VIE *8 oz Plain Baked Brie Clamshell 8 oz 820581678814
LA BONNE VIE *11 oz Cranberry Baked Brie Clamshell 11 oz 820581678821
LIDL * 8 oz Plain Baked Brie Clamshell 8 oz 4056489151203
LIDL *11 oz Cranberry Baked Brie Clamshell 11 oz 4056489151203
LIDL *11 oz Fig Baked Brie Clamshell 11 oz 4056489310907
PRIMO TAGLIO * 8 oz Plain Baked Brie Clamshell 8 oz 021130098460
Reny Picot *8 oz Plain Baked Brie Clamshell 8 oz 033421050088
Reny Picot *11 o zCranberry Baked Brie Clamshell 11 oz 033421051115
Reny Picot *11 oz Apple Baked Brie Clamshell 11 oz 033421500811
Reny Picot *11 oz Fig Baked Brie Clamshell 11 oz 033421053119

Consumers who have purchased the stated products are urged not to consume it and discard the product. FDA recommends in these cases that anyone who purchased or received any recalled products to use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.

Old Europe Cheese has set up a telephone line to answer any questions about this recall, The number is 269-925-5003 ext 335 and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am-12:30pm and 2:00pm-4:00pm ET.

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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 Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

USA – Swiss American Participates in Manufacturer Old Europe’s Recall of Brie and Camembert

Posted on October 5, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Picture of Saint Louis Brie wedge”

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Cheese/Cheese Product
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement:
Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:
Old Europe Cheese, Inc
Brand Name:
Saint Louis
Product Description:
Brie wedges and variable weights

Company Announcement

10/04/2022

Saint Louis, Missouri

Old Europe Cheese, Inc. of Benton Harbor, MI is issuing a voluntary recall of its Brie cheeses because of potential contamination 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.

Swiss American is recalling St Louis Brie products after being alerted by the manufacturer Old Europe Cheese, Inc. that the products could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This is part of a voluntary broader recall by the manufacturer.

Customers are urged to check for:
St Louis Domestic Brie Wedge
7 oz
UPC: 041563 263709
All dates up to and including 12/14/2022

St Louis Domestic Cut Brie Wedge-6 lb RW
Variable weight
UPC: 041563 370018
All dates up to and including 12/14/2022

St Louis Brie
Variable Weight
UPC: 21107100000
All dates up to and including 12/14/2022

ST LOUIS BRIE PRE CUT WEDGES
Code Date: best by dates through 12/14/2022
Size: 16.00 OZ
UPC: 00021565000000

ST LOUIS CW BRIE WHEEL
Code Date: best by dates through 12/14/2022
Size: 16.00 OZ
UPC: 00021171800000

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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 Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

USA – FDA Advises Consumers to Avoid Potentially Contaminated Raw Oysters from Oyster Kings in New Brunswick, Canada- Salmonella

Posted on October 4, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Audience

Consumers who have recently purchased and restaurants and retailers who have sold or served the below recalled brands of Oyster Kings Inc. oysters that were harvested on 9/8/2022 in New Brunswick, Canada.

Product

Brand Product Size UPC Codes
Acadian Gold Oysters Choice Oysters 50 pieces None Harvested: 2022/09/08
Packed: 2022/09/08
Harvest Zone: MS-0370/NB5G
Acadian Pearl Oysters Cocktail Oysters 24 pieces None Harvested: 2022/09/08
Packed: 2022/09/09
Harvest Zone: MS-0370/NB5G
Plant Code: 6009ss
Baccarat Cocktail Oysters 50 pieces Various Harvested: 2022/09/08
Packed: 2022/09/09
Harvest Zone: MS-0370/NB5G
Plant Code: 6009ss
Capitaine Barney Oysters Jewel Oysters with Firebarns brand Tequila Lime Hot Sauce 24 pieces 6 28250 88624 5 Harvested: 2022/09/08
Packed: 2022/09/09
Harvest Zone: MS-0370/NB5G
Plant Code: 6009ss
Coffret De L’Acadie Jewel Oysters
Cocktail Oysters
Choice Oysters		 18 pieces None Harvested: 2022/09/08
Packed: 2022/09/09
Harvest Zone: MS-0370/NB5G
Plant Code: 6009ss
Honeymoon Choice Oysters 18 pieces 6 28250 88604 7 Harvested: 2022/09/08
Packed: 2022/09/09
Harvest Zone: MS-0370/NB5G
Plant Code: 6009ss
No. 69 Jewel Oysters 18 pieces 6 28250 88608 5 Harvested: 2022/09/08
Packed: 2022/09/09
Harvest Zone: MS-0370/NB5G
Plant Code: 6009ss
Nuit Blanche Jewel Oysters 50 pieces None Harvested: 2022/09/08
Packed: 2022/09/09
Harvest Zone: MS-0370/NB5G
Plant Code: 6009ss
Opus Choice Oysters 18 pieces Not available Harvested: 2022/09/08
Packed: 2022/09/09
Harvest Zone: MS-0370/NB5G
Plant Code: 6009ss
Point. G Cocktail Oysters 12 pieces 6 28250 88607 8 Harvested: 2022/09/08
Packed: 2022/09/09
Harvest Zone: MS-0370/NB5G
Plant Code: 6009ss
Sex on the Bay Cocktail Oysters 100 pieces None Harvested: 2022/09/08
Packed: 2022/09/08
Harvest Zone: MS-0370/NB5G
Umami Choice Oysters 18 pieces 6 28250 88621 4 Harvested: 2022/09/08
Packed: 2022/09/09
Harvest Zone: MS-0370/NB5G
Plant Code: 6009ss

Purpose

The FDA is advising consumers not to eat and to dispose of the recalled Oyster Kings Inc. oysters from Canada due to possible Salmonella contamination. These oysters were sold in Ontario and Quebec and may have been distributed in other provinces, territories, and in the U.S. No illnesses are known to be linked to the recalled products as of 9/27/2022.

Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of salmonellosis should contact their healthcare provider, who should report their symptoms to their local Health Department.

Symptoms of salmonellosis

Salmonella species are bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever. Most people infected with Salmonella begin to develop symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. Symptoms usually last four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment.

Most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. More severe cases may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal.

Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe salmonellosis infections.

Summary of Problem and Scope

On 9/27/2022, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) notified the FDA of Oyster Kings Inc.’s oyster recall, that product had been distributed in the U.S., and that the U.S. distribution list is pending.

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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 Testing, Salmonella

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Brie and Camembert Soft Cheese Products (September 2022)

Posted on October 3, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Recalled brie and camembert cheese

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to Brie and Camembert soft cheese products manufactured by Old Europe Cheese, Inc. of Benton Harbor, MI, and sold at various retailers under multiple labels and brands, including Reny Picot.

Based on epidemiologic information provided by CDC, of the five patients with information available, four (80%) report eating Brie or Camembert cheese prior to illness. FDA, with assistance from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, initiated an inspection at the Old Europe Cheese, Inc. facility in Michigan, which included sample collection and analysis. Analysis of environmental samples collected at the facility showed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis determined that the Listeria strain found in the facility matches the Listeria strain causing illnesses in this outbreak.

Old Europe Cheese, Inc. has voluntarily recalled multiple brands of Brie and Camembert cheeses produced at their Michigan facility in response to investigation findings. The firm has also halted production and distribution of their Brie and Camembert products from the Michigan facility and is working with FDA on corrective actions. Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled products and should throw them away; this includes Best By Dates ranging from September 28, 2022 to December 14, 2022, and all flavors and quantities. A full list of recalled products and stores that potentially sold these products is available below and on the firm’s recall.

FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine if additional products are potentially contaminated. Updates to this advisory will be provided as they become available.

Recommendation

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled products and should throw them away; this includes Best By Dates ranging from September 28, 2022 to December 14, 2022, and all flavors and quantities. A full list of recalled products and stores that potentially sold these products is available below and on the firm’s recall.

Retailers may have repackaged bulk Old Europe Cheese items into smaller containers and sold this repackaged product to consumers. This repackaged product may not bear the original labeling and product information. If you are unsure where your Brie or Camembert cheese is from, ask your retailer or throw it away.

Listeria is most likely to sicken pregnant people and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have these symptoms after eating Old Europe Cheese Inc. or Reny Picot brand Brie and Camembert products:

  • Pregnant people typically experience only fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. However, Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
  • People who are not pregnant may experience headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches.

Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice and use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, including retailers who repackaged bulk recalled cheese. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.

Case Count Map Provided by CDC

CDC Case Count Map of Listeria monocytogenes: Brie and Camembert Soft Cheese Products

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 6
Hospitalizations: 5
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: August 5, 2022
States with Cases: CA, GA, MA, MI, NJ, TX
Product Distribution: Nationwide

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Posted in FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, 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 training, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak

USA – The Chai Box Announces Voluntary Recall of Chai Concentrate Mix and Chai Concentrate Unsweetened Mix Due to Potential Clostridium Botulinum Contamination

Posted on September 30, 2022 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Front product label, Chai Concentrate 16 oz

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:
Potential under-processing which may lead to Clostridium botulinum contamination.
Company Name:
The Chai Box
Brand Name:
The Chai Box
Product Description:
CHAI CONCENTRATE MIX AND CHAI CONCENTRATE UNSWEETENED MIX

Company Announcement

Marietta, GA, September 29, 2022 – The Chai Box announced a recall of 16 oz glass bottles Chai Concentrate Mix, UPC 7 93611 81925 2 and 64 oz plastic bottles of Chai Concentrate Mix UPC 7 93611 81926 9 and 16 oz glass bottles Unsweetened Chai Concentrate Mix, UPC 793611819252 and 64 oz plastic bottles of Unsweetened Chai Concentrate Mix UPC 793611819269 due to potential under-processing which may lead to Clostridium botulinum contamination. These deviations were part of the commercial sterilization process and could result in contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to life-threatening illness if consumed. No other production codes or products are affected by this recall.

It is important to note that there have been no reports of illness associated with this product to date.

The products subject to recall are 16 oz glass bottles and 64 oz plastic bottles with Best By dates between 09/22/2022 and 03/16/2023. Please see that attached photos for ease of identification of the products.

We were notified of the problem during a process review by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The products were shipped nationwide to consumers, retailers and wholesalers. Some product was also shipped to two consumers in Canada. Product is available online and via retail and wholesale facilities.

The Best By date is either etched on the bottles or on a sticker is located on the bottom or side of the bottles. If consumers have any product with the indicated “Best By” dates, they should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or exchange. Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling 844-242-4269, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Eastern Time or by emailing at recall@thechaibox.com.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
The Chai Box
 844-242-4269
 recall@thechaibox.com

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Posted in Clostridium, Clostridium botulinum, 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 Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Testing, Food Toxin