Category Archives: FDA

USA – Wiers Farm, Inc Issues a Voluntary Recall on Whole and Salad Cucumbers Due to Possible Contamination with Listeria

Posted on July 17, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Image of salad cucumber sticker label , pack date 6/5/2024 and 6/6/2024

Willard, OH (July 12, 2024) – Out of an abundance of caution, Wiers Farm Inc. of Willard, OH, is voluntarily recalling a limited number of whole cucumbers with a pack date of June 5, 2024 and bagged salad cucumbers with a pack date of June 5, 2024 and June 6, 2024 due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This product was not grown or harvested by Wiers Farm. It was sourced from out of state, then handled and distributed by Wiers Farm. Wiers Farm Inc. is coordinating closely with regulatory officials in connection with the recall.

The potential contamination was discovered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) through routine sampling.

Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the illness and symptoms may last from days to several weeks. Consumers who have consumed the affected product and are experiencing symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues should seek medical attention. For more information about Listeria monocytogenes, consumers can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

There have been no illnesses or consumer complaints reported to date.

Product Details

Product Name: Whole Cucumbers
Size: 1.5-2.5 inch diameter, 6-9 inch length

Product Name: Wiers Farm 2 lb bagged Salad Cucumber
Packaging: clear bag with blue base

Distribution: Select Walmart stores in MI, IN and OH

Consumers should discard product. The product involved is past its shelf life and should already be out of distribution, but if consumers have any product they question, do not consume it, but rather discard it. For any questions or concerns, consumers may contact us at (419) 933-2161 or email us at customercare@wiersfarm.com.

“Wiers Farm operates to the highest standards of health and food safety. We have taken immediate steps to address this isolated incident and we are collaborating closely with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) to ensure a swift resolution.”

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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 – FDA Enforcement Report – Solata Foods – Spinach – Greens – Recall – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on July 16, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Event ID:

94895

Voluntary / Mandated:

Voluntary: Firm initiated

Product Type:

Food

Initial Firm Notification of Consignee or Public:

Two or more of the following: Email, Fax, Letter, Press Release, Telephone, Visit

Status: Completed

1. Greens Solata Spinach; 10×9 bag; UPC: 854311007391 /2. Greens Full Circle Organic Baby Spinach; 6×10 Clamshell; UPC: 036800490512 /3. Greens Solata Baby Spinach 6×10 clamshell; UPC: 85002149475 / 4. Greens Gaia Organic Baby Spinach 6×10 clamshell; UPC: 850021494837 /5. Greens Full Circle Organic Baby Spinach; 6×16 clamshell; UPC: 036800288251 more…

F-1476-2024

Class I

Expiration dates 6/20/24 and 6/24/24

4382 lbs total

Product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

2

1. Greens Gaia Organic Spring Mix; 6×1.7 clamshell; UPC: 850039434075 /2. Greens Gaia Organic Spring Mix; 6×1.7 clamshell; UPC: 850039434082 /3. Greens Full Circle Organic Spring Mix; 6×10 clamshell; UPC: 036800490529 /4. Greens Solata Spring Mix; 6×10 clamshell; UPC: 85002149475 /5. Greens Gaia Organic Spring Mix 6×10 clamshell; UPC: 850021494858 more…

F-1477-2024

Class I

Expiration dates 6/20/24 and 6/24/24

4382 lbs total

Product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

3

1. Greens Full Circle Organic Power Greens; 6×10 Clamshell; more…

F-1478-2024

Class I

Expiration dates 6/20/24 and 6/24/24

4382 lbs total

Product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

4

1. Greens Solata 5050; 6×10 clamshell; UPC: 850021494766 / 2. Greens Gaia Organic 5050; 6×10 clamshell; UPC: 850021494827 /3. Greens Gaia Organic more…

F-1479-2024

Class I

Expiration dates 6/20/24 and 6/24/24

4382 lbs

Product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

5

1. Greens Farmer Direct Organic Chopped Kale Spinach; 6×9 bag; UPC: 854311007377 /

F-1480-2024

Class I

Expiration dates 6/20/24 and 6/24/24

4382 lbs

Product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

6

1. Greens Gaia Organic Spring Mix Herb; 8×45 clamshell; UPC: 850021494896 / 2. Greens Solata Spring Mix Herb; 8×5 clamshell; UPC: 854311007063 / 3. Greens Uncle Vinny’s Spring Mix Herb; 8×5 clamshell; UPC: 804879459965

F-1481-2024

Class I

Expiration dates 6/20/24 and 6/24/24

4382 lbs

Product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

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Posted in FDA, FDA Enforcement Report, food recall, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, product recall, Recall

USA – AB World Foods US, Inc. Recalls Al’Fez Natural Tahini Because of Possible Health Risk

Posted on July 15, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

AB World Foods US, Inc. of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling Al’Fez Natural Tahini in 5.6oz glass jars 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.

The recalled Al’Fez Natural Tahini was distributed nationwide in retail stores beginning 05/26/23. The recalled Al’Fez Natural Tahini was sold in 5.6oz glass jars, UPC 711464506778, and with a “BEST BEFORE” of “2024 JL 11” or later. The specific codes being recalled are: Lot Numbers “3031”, “3080”, “3270”, “3297” with corresponding BEST BEFORE: “2024 JL 31”; “2024 SE 09”; “2025 MR 27”; “2025 AL 04”. The recall only applies to these codes, the codes are located on the back of the jar as depicted in the pictures below.

To date, AB World Foods US, Inc. has received no reports of illness related to the recalled product from consumers in the United States.

The potential for contamination was noted after testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella. The company has ceased distribution of the product as the company continues their investigation.

Consumers who have purchased Al’Fez Natural Tahini 5.6oz with the affected lot codes are advised to discontinue use immediately and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. If a consumer experiences the symptoms listed above and believes they may have been exposed to Salmonella, they are urged to contact a medical provider.

The wellbeing of its customers is paramount to AB World Foods US, Inc. Consumers who have questions may contact Adifi Burman, info@alfez.us, 647 218 0081. Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

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

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Posted in FDA, Salmonella, Salmonella Sesame Seeds, Salmonella Tahini

USA – Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

Posted on July 11, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

What’s New

  • A new outbreak of Salmonella Irumu (ref #1235) linked to a not yet identified product has been added to the table. FDA has initiated traceback.
  • For the outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses (ref #1234) linked to a not yet identified product, the case count has increased from 80 to 83.
  • For the outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses (ref #1221) linked to organic walnuts, the outbreak is over, FDA’s investigation is complete, and the advisory has been updated.
Date
 Ref Pathogen
or
Cause of
Illness		 Product(s)
Linked to
Illnesses
(if any)		 Total
Case
Count		 Status Outbreak/
Event
Status
7/10/

2024

 1235 Salmonella
Irumu		 Not Yet
Identified		 26 Active Ongoing
See
Advice
6/19/

2024

 1234 Salmonella
Typhimurium		 Not Yet
Identified		 83 Active Ongoing
See
Advice
5/22/

2024

 1227 Salmonella
Africana
&
Braenderup		 Cucumbers See
Advisory		 Active Ongoing
See
Advisory
5/22/

2024

 1232 Listeria
monocytogenes		 Not Yet
Identified		 2 Active Ongoing
See
Advice

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Posted in CORE Investigation Table, FDA, food bourne outbreak, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak, Salmonella

USA – CDC Outbreak Over – Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: Bulk Organic Walnuts (April 2024)

Posted on July 10, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Current Update

July 9, 2024

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners,  investigated illnesses in a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to organic walnuts from Gibson Farms, Inc. of Hollister, California that were distributed to multiple natural food and co-op stores in AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, OR, SD, TX, and WA and sold in bulk bins.

As of July 9, 2024, CDC reports that the outbreak is over. CDC reports a total of 13 cases in two states. There has been a total of seven hospitalizations and zero deaths associated with this incident. The last illness onset was April 4, 2024. FDA’s outbreak investigation is closed.

Case Count Map Provided by CDC

Case Count Map Provided by CDC

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Posted in CDC, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, FDA, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli

USA -Cucumbers sicken 449 in 31 States with two strains of Salmonella

Posted on July 4, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup infections. Epidemiologic, traceback and laboratory data show that cucumbers were contaminated with Salmonella and made people sick.

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

USA – Untreated water was found to be a source of the Salmonella outbreak that has sickened hundreds

Posted on July 4, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

According to the Food and Drug Administration, Bedner Growers Inc., of Boynton Beach, FL, is the source of cucumbers implicated in an outbreak of Salmonella infections.

According to FDA investigators, untreated canal water is the most likely source of the pathogen.

The outbreak, which involves two strains of Salmonella — Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup — has sickened 449 people across 31 states and the District of Columbia. Of the 188 patients interviewed, 129 reported eating cucumbers before becoming ill.

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

USA – FDA – Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

Posted on July 4, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

What’s New

  • For the outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses (ref #1234) linked to a not yet identified product, the case count has increased from 53 to 80.
  • For the investigation of illnesses (ref #1233) linked to Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies, the advisory has been updated to include additional illnesses. On June 27, 2024, Prophet Premium Blends, LLC of Santa Ana, CA, initiated a recall of all flavors of Diamond Shruumz-brand products.
  • For the outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup illnesses (ref #1227), FDA has updated the advisory. While originally reported as two separate outbreaks, CDC and FDA combined these two outbreak investigations. Laboratory, epidemiological, and traceback data have determined that cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., of Boynton Beach, Florida, are a likely source of illnesses in this outbreak; however, this single grower does not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak. Additional information is available in the advisory.

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Posted in CORE Investigation Table, FDA, food bourne outbreak, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Salmonella

USA – FDA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cucumbers (June 2024)

Posted on July 4, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

July 2, 2024

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup infections with 449 illnesses in 31 states and the District of Columbia. While originally reported as two separate outbreaks, CDC and FDA combined these two outbreak investigations as they shared several similarities, including when and where illnesses occurred, the demographics of ill people, and the foods they reported eating before they became sick. Laboratory, epidemiological, and traceback data have determined that cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., of Boynton Beach, Florida, are a likely source of illnesses in this outbreak; however, this grower does not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak.

As part of the investigation, FDA conducted an onsite inspection at Bedner Growers, Inc., a grower that supplies Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. FDA collected samples as part of this inspection and Salmonella Braenderup was detected in samples of untreated canal water used by Bedner Growers, Inc. Whole Genome Sequencing analysis determined that the Salmonella found in the water used by Bedner Growers, Inc. is a match to a strain of Salmonella Braenderup that is causing some of the illnesses in this outbreak. Additional types of Salmonella were detected in both soil and water samples collected at Bedner Growers, Inc. CDC and FDA are looking to see if these strains have caused illness in people.

Additionally, based on traceback information collected, Bedner Growers, Inc. supplied cucumbers to multiple points of service where ill people reported purchasing or eating cucumbers. FDA is continuing to conduct traceback to identify other possible points of contamination.

As of July 1, 2024, a total of 449 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup have been reported from 31 states and the District of Columbia. Of these illnesses, 215 people were infected with the newly added Salmonella Braenderup. Of the 188 people interviewed, 129 (69%) reported eating cucumbers.

Bedner Growers, Inc.’s cucumber growing and harvesting season is over. There is no product from this farm on the market and likely no ongoing risk to the public. Additionally, this grower does not account for all the illnesses in the outbreak.

FDA’s investigation is ongoing. This advisory will be updated as additional information becomes available.

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

USA – Expanded – Vitakraft Sun Seed Recall of Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Posted on July 2, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. of Weston, OH is working closely with our colleagues at the FDA and MN Department of Agriculture and out of an abundance of caution has elected to expand the recall to include the following lots of Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food and Vitakraft Vita Smart Hedgehog Food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella 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.

Vitakraft Sun Seed was notified on June 18, 2024, by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture that Salmonella was detected in an inspection sample of product from Lot Number 417429. The tests which discovered the bacteria were part of random testing performed by the State of Minnesota on consumer products, and not prompted by any consumer concerns.

Products matching the specific lot number below are being recalled:

UPC #:

DESCRIPTION

LOT

EXP
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 417429 10/18/2025
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 406118 5/04/2025
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 407265 5/22/2025
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 407849 6/09/2025
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 409133 6/20/2025
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 410999 7/17/2025
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 415624 9/21/2025
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 419647 11/20/2025
0-51233-34792-9 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 409175 6/28/2025
0-51233-34792-9 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 411084 7/20/2025
0-51233-34792-9 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 412635 8/18/2025
0-51233-34792-9 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 415713 10/09/2025
0-51233-34792-9 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 417491 10/18/2025

Pets with Salmonella 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.

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Posted in Animal Feed, Animal Feed Recall, Animal Feed Salmonella, Animal Feed Testing, FDA