Category Archives: FDA

USA – FDA Two Recalls – Dog Treats/Food – Salmonella

Posted on March 9, 2013 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Diggin’ Your Dog™ announced today that they are voluntarily withdrawing one lot of its Strippin’ Chicks™ Pet Treats produced on 8-30-12 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The sample was obtained in Colorado and the company has accounted for its distribution in Colorado of this lot.

No other Diggin’ Your Dog™ products, lots, or production dates are affected.

The lot being voluntarily withdrawn is: Strippin’ Chicks™ Pet Treats 5 oz Bag. Lot Code 250322 Use By Date: 2-23-14.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Animals with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some animals will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your animals have consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

FDA

Steve’s Real Food of Murray, Utah is recalling its 5 lb. bags of “Turducken
Canine Diet – 8oz. Patties due to potential contamination of
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.

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Posted in Bacteria, FDA, Food Hygiene, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Recall

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USA – FDA Recalls – More Pet Food Salmonella – Chocolate Cream Eggs Salmonella

Posted on February 28, 2013 by | 3 comments

FDASalmonella

United Pet Group, Inc., announces that it has voluntarily withdrawn a limited
quantity of the products “Ultra Blend Gourmet Food for Parakeets,” “ēCotrition
Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Parakeets,” “ēCotrition Grains
& Greens Nutritional Supplement for Canaries and Finches,” and “ēCotrition
Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Cockatiels.” These products
contain small quantities of dried parsley flakes supplied to United Pet Group by
Specialty Commodities, Inc. On February 11, 2013, Specialty Commodities, Inc.
initiated a voluntary product recall of parsley flakes distributed to United Pet
Group and other pet food suppliers because the products may have the potential
to be contaminated with Salmonella. Specialty Commodities, Inc.
distributed the products to United Pet Group on May 30, 2012, and August 29,
2012. Above listed products were distributed throughout the USA and Canada
between Oct 2012 and Feb 2013.

FDA

Zachary Confections, Inc., today announced a voluntary recall of certain
production lots of its Zachary Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Eggs 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.

No other Zachary Confections products are involved in this recall.

To date Zachary Confections has not received any consumer illness complaints associated with its products. As part of its priority to ensure the safety and quality of all of its products, Zachary Confections is issuing the voluntary recall.

Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the potential problem.

 

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USA – FDA Recall – Cucumbers – Salmonella

Posted on February 26, 2013 by | Leave a comment

FDAcucumber

Cucumbers, 44 lbs/box. Brand: Malichita (green, yellow, red and white background color on each cartons)
Recall Number F-0984-2013
Classification Class I
Code Info Lot #MA012304.
Product Distributed Qty 343 units
Reason For Recall Altiza is recalling Malichita brand cucumbers because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

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Posted in Bacteria, FDA, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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USA – FDA – Recalls – More Pet Food Salmonella – Fish Spreads Listeria

Posted on February 22, 2013 by | Leave a comment

FDAFDA

GoldCoast Salads, a Naples Florida firm, is voluntarily recalling Blue Crab Spread, Maine Lobster Spread, Lobster and Shrimp Spread, and Smoked Salmon Spread that may be contaminated with Listeria.

The Blue Crab Spread being recalled is coded EXP 2/14/13 B. The Maine Lobster Spread being recalled is coded EXP 2/16/13 LA. The Lobster and Shrimp Spread being recalled is coded EXP 2/23/13 L&S1 and EXP 3/30/13 L&S1. The Smoked Salmon Spread being recalled is coded 3/10/13 S2.

The following products are being recalled: Blue Crab Spread in containers with a weight of 1 pound and containers with a weight of 8 ounces, Maine Lobster Spread in containers with a weight of 1 pound and containers with a weight of 8 ounces, Lobster and Shrimp Spread in containers with a weight of 1 pound and containers with a weight of 8 ounces, and Smoked Salmon Spread in containers with a weight of 1 pound and containers with a weight of 8 ounces.

The products in question were produced 12/17/12, 12/19/12, 12/26/12, 1/31/13, and 1/25/13 respectively and distributed to stores in the North East and South East United States.

Because of the potential for food borne illness, we urge consumers who have purchased the suspect products not to eat them, but to return them to the point of purchase.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact GoldCoast Salads by calling (239) 513-0430.

FDA

The Honest Kitchen today announced that it is voluntarily recalling five lots of its Verve, Zeal and Thrive pet food products produced between August and November 2012 and sold nationwide in the US and Canada via retail stores, mail order and online after August 2012 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No other Honest Kitchen batches, production dates or products are affected.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Animals with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some animals will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your animals have consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The Company is taking this action after learning that one of its raw ingredients suppliers has recalled a batch of human-grade parsley that may contain Salmonella. The batch of parsley was shipped to the Company in 2012 and used in the production of five lots of finished Honest Kitchen products.

The Honest Kitchen regularly tests for Salmonella and other pathogens as part of its quality control process and has not received to date any reports of illness associated with these lots of products. Nonetheless, the Company is proceeding with this action in order to ensure the full safety and quality of its products.

“We are committed to providing the highest-quality human-grade food available to our customers’ pets,” said Lucy Postins, founder, CEO and CMO of The Honest Kitchen. “While our quality control tests did not find evidence of Salmonella in any of our finished products, we are accountable for everything we make, and are taking precautionary action to ensure the safety and integrity of our products.”

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Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, FDA, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Recall, Salmonella

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USA Recall – FDA- Smoked Salmon – Listeria monocytogenes –

Posted on February 20, 2013 by | Leave a comment

FDAlisteria-hp

MKG Provisions of Miami, FL is recalling Atlantic Smoked Salmon Batch# 1768
consisting of several brands of products listed below which have 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.

 

 

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Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, FDA, Food Hygiene, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

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USA -FDA Recall – Salted Fish – Clostridium botulinum

Posted on February 14, 2013 by | 1 comment

FDAClost

ZIP International Group LLC is recalling Dry Salted Fish (bream) because the product was found to be uneviscerated, and has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

The recalled product, Dry Salted Fish (bream) was distributed by East Coast Foods Inc. Brooklyn, NY via delivery to retail stores and wholesalers in September 2012.

The recalled product, Dry Salted Fish (bream) is packaged in vacuum sealed packaging labeled “Astrakhansky Lesh” (Dry Salted Fish Eviscerated) weight 14.2oz. Bar Code 835856001228 is located on the top right corner of the package. The recalled product, Dry Salted Fish (bream) is a product of Russia.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Dry Salted Fish(bream) was sampled by the New York State Department of Agriculture during inspection. Subsequent analysis of the product by New York State Food Laboratory personnel confirmed that the Dry Salted Fish (bream) was not properly eviscerated prior to processing.

The sale of uneviscerated fish is prohibited under New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish have been linked to outbreaks of botulinum poisioning.

Consumers that have purchased Dry Salted Fish (bream) are advised not to eat it and should return it to the place of purchase or discard for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company East Coast Foods Inc. at (718) 371-1113, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm Eastern Standard Time.

 

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Posted in Bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, FDA, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Hygiene, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

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USA – FDA – Recall Organic Baby Spinach Products- EHEC E.coli

Posted on February 13, 2013 by | Leave a comment

FDAEcoli Istock

Out of an abundance of caution, Taylor Farms Retail, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of select Organic Baby Spinach products with the potential to be contaminated with (EHEC) Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli.

Symptoms of the diseases caused by EHEC include abdominal cramps and diarrhea that may in some cases progress to bloody diarrhea. Fever and vomiting may also occur.

See Link Above for Product List

No other products or code dates are affected by this recall. The company is cooperating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regarding this recall. There have been no reported illnesses attributed to the recalled items.

Customers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume the products and should dispose of them. Consumers may contact Taylor Farms Retail, Inc. for further information at 855-293-9811. Consumers with concerns about an illness from consumption of this product should contact a health care provider.

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Posted in Bacteria, E.coli, EHEC, Eurofins Laboratories, FDA, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

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Research – FDA Risk Assessment of Listeria monocytogenes in Cheese

Posted on February 10, 2013 by | 2 comments

FDA FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a draft quantitative assessment of the risk of listeriosis from soft-ripened cheese consumption in the United States and Canada. The risk assessment is a joint effort between FDA and Health Canada. View the Federal Register Notice for the assessment.

The new FDA/Health Canada draft risk assessment found that the risk of listeriosis from soft-ripened cheeses made with raw milk is estimated to be 50 to 160 times higher than that from soft-ripened cheese made with pasteurized milk. This finding is consistent with the fact that consuming raw milk and raw milk products generally poses a higher risk from pathogens than do pasteurized milk and its products.

While raw milk and raw milk products put all consumers at risk, the bacteria they may contain can be especially dangerous to people with weakened immune systems, older adults, pregnant women and children. View guidelines for avoiding illness by choosing milk and milk products carefully.

FDA invites comments that can help FDA and Health Canada improve:

  • the approach used;
  • the assumptions made;
  • the modeling techniques;
  • the data used; and
  • the clarity and transparency of the draft quantitative risk assessment documentation.

To submit comments electronically, go to docket FDA-2012-N-1182 on regulations.gov. The comment period opens February 11, 2013 for 75 days.

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Posted in Bacteria, FDA, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Technology, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Methods, Microbiology, Pathogen, Research

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USA – FDA Expanded Recall Sprouted Seeds – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on February 8, 2013 by | Leave a comment

FDAEurofins

Sprouters Northwest is voluntarily recalling all varieties of sprouts products, wheatgrass and pea shoots due to the 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. There have been no illnesses reported to date.

All varieties of sprouts products including 3-Bean Munchie, Alfalfa, Bean, Broccoli, Brocco Sandwich sprouts, Clover, Deli, Spicy; Wheatgrass and Pea Shoots that were distributed through 1/30/2013 in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada through retail stores and food service distribution chain.

The affected products are sold under the Sprouters Northwest, LifeForce and Brassica brand names and are packaged in plastic clamshell containers, plastic cups, plastic trays in 3 oz., 4 oz., 5 oz., and in plastic 1 lb. 2lb, or 5lb. bags. The Best by Dates are including all and up to 2/17/2013. Trader Joe’s Organic Pea Shoots (SKU 92756), packaged in a 4 oz. clamshell offered only in Oregon and Washington state are also affected. The Best by Dates are through 02/16/13. The Best by Date sticker is located in the top right hand corner, front of the package.

The problem was identified through surveillance finished products samples collected at retail locations and at the firm by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Sprouters Northwest is working with WSDA and the Food & Drug Administration on this recall.

Consumers who have purchased a specific lot of items mentioned above are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of it. Consumers with questions may contact the Sprouters Northwest at 1-253-872-0577 from 7AM to 2PM PST.

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Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, FDA, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

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USA – The Listeria monocytogenes Issues keep Coming – Crab – Sea Salmon – Sprouted Seedss

Posted on February 4, 2013 by | Leave a comment

PR Newswire

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC, following a recall by GoldCoast Salads, announced it removed from sale Gold Coast Fresh Crab Spread due to possible contamination by listeria monocytogenes.

The following product is included in this recall:

  • Gold Coast Fresh Crab Spread, UPC 83355500325, 8 oz., expiration date of 1/31/2013

To date, Stop & Shop has received no reports of illness. Customers who have purchased the product should discard any unused portions and bring their purchase receipt to Stop & Shop for a full refund.

Listeria is a common organism found in nature.  Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis.  However, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy.

FDA

Whole Foods Market is recalling four items made with Circle Sea Salmon Lox Trim sold in Oregon and Washington state store seafood departments due to possible Listeria Monocytogenes contamination. Listeria is an organism which can cause a sometimes fatal infection in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer short term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headaches, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled products were sold before Jan. 29, 2013 in all Whole Foods Market stores in Oregon and Washington. No illnesses have been reported related to the recalled products.

The salmon lox trim products (cold smoked salmon lox trim — PLU 97629, Bagel Half with Lox Cream Cheese w/Capers – PLU 92811, Whole Bagel with Lox Cream Cheese with Capers – PLU 98437, Gravlox Cream Cheese Spread – PLU 95307) were sold in clear plastic containers or plastic wrapped with the label “Whole Foods Market.” The recall includes all of these products sold before Jan. 29, 2013.

Signage is posted in Whole Foods Market stores to notify customers of this recall. Consumers who have purchased these products in these two states should discard them, and may bring their receipt to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact 206-854-9880 Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm PST.

FDA – This recall extends to Canada and CFIA also has a recall out

Sprouters Northwest of Kent, Washington is voluntarily recalling all varieties of sprouts products, wheatgrass and pea shoots due to the 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.

All varieties of sprouts products including 3-Bean Munchie, Alfalfa, Bean, Broccoli, Brocco Sandwich sprouts, Clover, Deli, Spicy; Wheatgrass and/or Pea Shoots were distributed through 1/30/2013 in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and British Columbia, Canada through retail stores and food service distribution chain.

The affected products are sold under the Sprouters Northwest and LifeForce brand names and are packaged in plastic clamshell containers, plastic cups, plastic trays in 3 oz., 4 oz., 5 oz., and in plastic 1 lb. 2lb, or 5lb. bags. The Best by Dates are including all and up to 2/17/2013.

The problem was identified through surveillance finished products samples collected at retail locations and at the firm by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Sprouters Northwest is working with WSDA and the Food & Drug Administration on this recall.

Consumers should not consume the recalled sprouts product, wheatgrass, pea shoots and are advised to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-253-872-0577 from 7AM to 2PM PST.

 

 

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Posted in Bacteria, FDA, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

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