Category Archives: FDA

USA – FDA Advises Restaurants in California to Stop Selling Min Jiang Food Store Inc. Koi Koi Trading Salmon Products due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Posted on March 30, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Audience

  • Restaurants in California that have received shipments of Min Jiang Food Store Inc. DBA Koi Koi Trading raw, ready-to-eat (RTE) salmon products between 3/9/2020 and 3/23/2020.
  • Consumers, especially women who are or could become pregnant, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems who have recently consumed raw, RTE salmon products from the listed restaurant locations and suspect they have food poisoning or other illness as a consequence of consumption contact a medical professional immediately.

The FDA is making available a list of restaurants that received recalled product between 3/17/2020 and 3/23/2020, as those products remain within the reported shelf-life of the recalled RTE salmon.

Product

  • Product: Min Jiang Food Store Inc. DBA Koi Koi Trading raw, RTE salmon products received between 3/9/2020 and 3/23/2020.  These recalled raw, RTE salmon products may be incorporated into sushi products for consumption. These products are likely to be labeled “J Foods”.
  • Packaging: Salmon fillets are first wrapped in green parchment paper and then in clear plastic wrap. Salmon heads and bones (per customer request) are placed in clear plastic bags. Bagged/wrapped salmon is then placed into a Styrofoam box labeled “J Foods”.
  • Distribution Information: These salmon products were distributed to restaurants in California between 3/9/2020 and 3/23/2020. These products are typically sold fresh and do not have a long shelf life, though they can be frozen to extend the shelf life. The FDA is making available a list of restaurants that received the recalled product between 3/17/2020 and 3/23/2020. Records from the recalling firm show that the restaurants included in the link below have received RTE salmon from Min Jiang Food Store Inc. DBA Koi Koi Trading. Note: This list comprises firms to which Min Jiang Food Store Inc. DBA Koi Koi Trading has reported to the FDA that it distributed recalled product. This list may be both over and under inclusive, and firms may be added or removed as more information becomes available. The FDA currently does not have information to suggest that these products were distributed to retail locations other than restaurants.

List of restaurants that may have received this product from Min Jiang Food Store Inc. DBA Koi Koi Trading

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, 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 Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Uncategorized

USA – Fuji Foods Sushi Facility Receives FDA Warning Letter For Listeria

Posted on March 27, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Fuji Foods sushi facility has received an FDA warning letter for Listeria contamination in their facility. That company, located at 121 Liberty Street in Brockton, Massachusetts, recalled ready-to-eat sushi, salads, and spring rolls under the brand names Trader Joes and Okami on November 27, 2019 for Listeria monocytogenes contamination. No illnesses were reported in connection with that recall.

 

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, food handler, 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 Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Uncategorized

USA – Guan’s Mushroom Co Recalls Enoki Because of Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on March 24, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Guan’s Mushroom Co of Commerce, CA is recalling all cases of its 200g/7.05 ounce packages of Enoki Mushroom (Product of Korea) 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 products were distributed from CA, NY, PA in retail stores through produce distributors or wholesalers.

The Enoki comes in a 200g/7.05ounces, clear plastic package with the description “Enoki Mushroom” in English, Korean and French, and Guan’s logo in the front. At the back, there are UPC code: 859267007013 and package code 14-1 at lower right corner.

The product is being shipped in a white cardboard box with 25 pcs of 200g. The box contains Guan’s logo in green color and #02473.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by State of California revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 200g package of Enoki.

The distribution of the product has been suspended.

Consumers who have purchased 200g packages of Enoki are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with question may contact the company at 323.223.1188.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Guan’s Mushroom Co.
 323.223.1188

Product Photos

  • Photo of Case – Guan’s, Product of Korea
  • Front Label – ENOKI MUSHROOMS
  • Back Label – ENOKI MUSHROOMS INGREDIENT LABEL

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, 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 Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Uncategorized

USA – Mountain Rose Herbs Recalls Organic Kudzu Root Herbal Supplement Due to Possible Health Risk

Posted on March 19, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Mountain Rose Herbs (MRH) of Eugene, Oregon is recalling all sizes of its Organic Kudzu Root Herbal Supplement from Lot #24247-X and #24247 because they have 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.

The product comes in a clear plastic or poly-woven bag, net weight ranges from 4 oz. to 50 lbs., marked with lot #24247-XExternal Link Disclaimer and #24247External Link Disclaimer. The lot number is located on the principal display panel on the lower left of the label (see linked label examples).

The recalled Organic Kudzu Root Herbal Supplement was distributed to customers who ordered from mountainroseherbs.com, purchased at the company’s retail shop in Eugene, Oregon, or placed mail orders by phone or fax between the dates of 6/17/2019 to 3/2/2020. It is possible MRH customers also resold the Kudzu Root to their own clientele.

Mountain Rose Herbs also distributed product directly to customers in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, British of Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec of Canada.

No illnesses have been reported to date. We are initiating this recall as a precautionary measure. The potential for contamination was noted after testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella in a portion of its ingredients in inventory. Production of the product has been suspended while we continue our investigation.

We conduct this recall with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Consumers who have purchased the affected Kudzu Root are urged not to consume and should return product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Mountain Rose Herbs at 1-800-879-3337 X.109, Mon-Fri, 8 am-4:30 pm PT, or at claims@mountainroseherbs.com.

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, 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 Testing, Salmonella, Uncategorized

USA – Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O103: Clover Sprouts (February 2020)

Posted on March 18, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

March 17, 2020

Recommendation

Chicago Indoor Garden is recalling all products containing Red Clover sprouts. FDA is recommending that consumers not eat the following recalled items with “Best By” dates between 12/1/2019 and 3/12/2020 that were distributed to Whole Foods throughout the Midwest, Coosemans Chicago Inc., Battaglia Distributing, and Living Waters Farms:

  • Red Clover 4oz. clamshell
  • Red Clover 2lb. boxes
  • Sprout Salad 6oz. clamshell
  • Mixed Greens 4oz. clamshell
  • Spring Salad 6oz. clamshell
Sample Labels of Chicago Indoor Garden Sprout Products

(PDF: 849 KB)

The FDA’s analysis of a sample of this firm’s product identified the presence of E. coli O103. Whole Genome Sequencing of this bacteria showed that it matches the outbreak strain.

Generally, it is recommended that children, the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with weakened immune systems should avoid eating raw sprouts of any kind.

Background

FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of 14 illnesses caused by E. coli O103 in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Texas and Utah likely linked to clover sprouts.

As the outbreak investigation progresses, the FDA will continue in its traceback investigation to determine where implicated sprouts have been distributed and will continue monitoring for additional illnesses associated with this outbreak.

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Posted in E.coli, E.coli O103, FDA, food contamination, 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 Testing, Food Toxin, STEC, STEC E.coli, Uncategorized

USA – Cooked Butterfly Tail-On Whiteleg Shrimp (Sushi Ebi), Lot #2019.10.02 – Vibrio

Posted on March 16, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

CDC Vibrio

Image CDC

AFC Distribution Corp. (“AFC”) of Rancho Dominguez, California is voluntary recalling Cooked Butterfly Tail-On Whiteleg Shrimp (Sushi Ebi), Lot #2019.10.02, utilized in various prepared menu offerings with sell-by dates ranging from 02/19/2020 to 03/13/2020, because this ingredient may have a potential to be contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an organism which can cause illnesses such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills.

The recalled ingredient, Cooked Butterfly Tail-On Whiteleg Shrimp (Sushi Ebi), was distributed to designated retail AFC sushi counters, where it is further processed into prepared sushi items, within grocery stores, cafeterias, and corporate dining centers in the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, AD, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WY.

To date there have been no confirmed illnesses.

While AFC has ceased using the recalled ingredient, we urge anyone who has any AFC product containing Cooked Butterfly Tail-On Whiteleg Shrimp to discard or return product to their point of purchase for a full refund.

 

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, 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 Temperature Abuse, Food Testing, Uncategorized, Vibrio, Vibrio parahaemolyticus

USA – Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O103: Clover Sprouts (February 2020)

Posted on March 16, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Recommendation

FDA is recommending that consumers not eat the following sprout-containing items from Chicago Indoor Garden, Chicago, IL, with Best By dates between December 1, 2019 and March 12, 2020: red clover (with and without non-GMO labels), sprout salad, mixed greens, and spring salad. Labels of the products are below.

Sample Labels of Chicago Indoor Garden Sprout Products

(PDF: 849 KB)

The FDA’s analysis of a sample of this firm’s product identified the presence of E. coli O103. Whole Genome Sequencing of this bacteria showed that it matches the outbreak strain.

Generally, it is recommended that children, the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with weakened immune systems should avoid eating raw sprouts of any kind.

Background

FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of 14 illnesses caused by E. coli O103 in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Texas and Utah likely linked to clover sprouts.

As the outbreak investigation progresses, the FDA will continue in its traceback investigation to determine where implicated sprouts have been distributed and will continue monitoring for additional illnesses associated with this outbreak.

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Posted in E.coli, E.coli O103, FDA, food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, 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 Testing, Food Toxin, Uncategorized

USA – Sun Hong Foods, Inc. Recalls Enoki Mushroom Because of Possible Health Risk

Posted on March 11, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Sun Hong Foods, Inc 1105 W Olympic Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640 is recalling All Cases Enoki Mushroom (Product of Korea) Net Wt 7.05/200g because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

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.

Product was distributed (CA, TX, OR, WA, TX, IL, FL).

Stores that maybe carry our brand: (Asian Supermarket), J&L Supermarket, Jusgo Supermarket, ZTao Market, New Sang Supermraket, Galleria Market.

Enoki mushroom is packaged in a White Cardboard Box, inside has 25 count of 200g.

Enoki mushrooms are white, with long stems and small caps. They’re usually sold in clusters. The affected products are sold in clear plastic bags with green panels: labeling in front of packaging will have 4 characters in korea, Enoki Mushrooms (orange front), Product of Korea, Net weight 7.05 oz/200g.

  • UPC 7 426852 625810
  • Brand name in back: Sun Hong Foods, Inc
  • Packaging: 7.05 oz/200g
  • Sold under refrigerated conditions

Sun Hong Foods became aware of this issue after notification by FDA that samples of the product tested by the State of Michigan were found to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

We are aware that ill persons who may have consumed the product are under investigation.

Consumers who have purchased Sun Hong Foods, Inc Enoki Mushrooms are urged not to eat and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-323-597-1112. Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM PST, Thank you.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
 1-323-597-1112

Product Photos

  • Picture of enoki mushroom case
  • Picture of back label, enoki mushrooms
  • Picture of front label, enoki mushrooms

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, 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 Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Uncategorized

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Hard-Boiled Eggs (December 2019) FDA’s investigation is complete. CDC announces outbreak is over.

Posted on March 6, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

March 4, 2020

Rainbow Farms Select Hard Cooked Peeled Eggs 20 lbs container

FDA, CDC, and state and local partners investigated an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to hard-boiled eggs produced by Almark Foods’ Gainesville, Georgia facility. Almark Foods announced an initial voluntary recall of hard-boiled and peeled eggs in pails on December 20, 2019, and then on December 23, 2019 expanded the recall to include all hard-boiled eggs produced at the Gainesville, Georgia facility. All recalled products are now past their “best by” dates.

CDC has announced this outbreak is over. FDA’s investigational activities, including an inspection, are complete. At this time, the firm is no longer producing products at this facility.

Recommendation

Recalled products are now past their “best by” dates and should be thrown away.

FDA recommends that food processors, restaurants and retailers who received recalled products use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that may have come in contact with these products, to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, food handler, 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 Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Uncategorized

USA – WARNING LETTER Sprouts Unlimited Inc MARCS-CMS 603883 — FEBRUARY 21, 2020 – E.coli O103

Posted on February 27, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Dear Mr. Beach:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected your sprouting operation located at 799 51st Street, Marion, Iowa, from December 31, 2019, to January 9, 2020.  FDA conducted this inspection because sprouts grown at your operation were linked by the state of Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Department of Public Health, and the (b)(4) to an outbreak of human infections with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O103 (E. coli O103) in the state of Iowa.  This outbreak sickened 22 people between November 21 and December 14, 2019.  Shiga toxin-producing E. coli is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause serious illness in humans, including diarrhea, 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.  This condition can lead to serious kidney damage and death.

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Posted in E.coli, E.coli O103, FDA, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, 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 Testing, Food Toxin, STEC, STEC E.coli, Uncategorized