Category Archives: food contamination

UK – Aldi Tackling Campylobacter

Aldi

Facing up to the challenge

We understand that we have a role to play to reduce the level of Campylobacter in the supply chain and to help raise awareness with our customers as to how they can handle fresh poultry in a safe manner.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has identified Campylobacter as a key priority and is working with those directly in the industry to tackle it. Aldi is dedicated to supporting the FSA in this goal, which is why we are a signatory of the Acting on Campylobacter Together (ACT) campaign.

As well as working with the FSA (and other industry bodies), we understand that we need to take a lead with our suppliers to deliver against the FSA target.

Aldi monitors the levels of Campylobacter carefully by compiling regular sets of independently verified data which is shared with the FSA via the BRC for the purposes of industry reporting. The results for Q2 2021 (April to June) show that 4.2% of birds were in the >1,000 cfu/g category. Our results are below the FSA target of less than 7% of birds in the >1,000 cfu/g category.

Research – Prevalence of Listeria Species and Listeria monocytogenes on Raw Produce Arriving at Frozen Food Manufacturing Facilities

Journal of Food Protection

The ubiquity of Listeria monocytogenes in the environment affects the food industry and presents concerns for frozen food facilities. This study determined the prevalence and numbers of Listeria species and L. monocytogenes on raw produce arriving at frozen food facilities. Raw produce was collected using multilevel blinding protocols to ensure anonymity of participants and avoid traceback. Five raw vegetables were selected: corn, carrots, green beans, peas, and spinach. Raw products were collected after arrival at the facilities but before cleaning or other preprocessing steps that are typically performed inside the facility. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Bacteriological Analytical Manual method for detection of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes was followed, with PCR screening followed by selective plating methods. Listeria numbers were estimated from positive samples using the most-probable-number (MPN) methodology. A total of 290 samples were collected, with 96 and 17 samples positive for Listeria spp. (33.1%) and L. monocytogenes (5.9%), respectively. Enumeration data for the 96 Listeria spp. samples indicated 82 samples had greater than 100 MPN of Listeria spp. per g and 14 samples had less than 100 MPN Listeria spp. per g. The prevalence of Listeria spp. varied by commodity: spinach (66.7%), peas (50%), corn (32.2%), green beans (22.2%), and carrots (13%). L. monocytogenes prevalence was determined in corn (13.6%), peas (6.3%), and green beans (4.2%) arriving at processing facilities. Such data were previously unavailable to frozen vegetable processors and are valuable in implementing process control standards. The prevalence and pathogen concentration data from raw commodities found in this study can provide the industry with information to conduct more accurate quantitative risk assessments and a baseline to model and target appropriate pathogen reduction steps during processing.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Prevalence of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes in raw produce was determined.
  • 96 Listeria spp. and 17 L. monocytogenes samples were found from 290 produce samples.
  • 82 produce samples had >100 MPN/g and 14 samples had <100 MPN/g for Listeria spp.

USA – International Golden Foods, Inc (IGF) Recalls Tahini Because of Possible Health Risk – Salmonella

FDA

Photo – Labeling, Al Kanater brand tahini

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:
Salmonella
Company Name:
International Golden Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:
Al Kanater
Product Description:
Tahini

Company Announcement

International Golden Foods, Inc (IGF) of Bensenville, IL is voluntarily recalling certain lot codes of the Al kanater brand tahini 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 system. 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 was distributed nationwide and is sold in 16 Oz. jars. The jars are labelled “Al kanater Tahini.” Lot codes are printed on the jar. Product code, description, lot code, and UPC information are noted below.

Product Code Product Description & Size Lot # UPC
AT1LB Al kanater Tahini Sesame Paste 1 lb. (454 gr) TT4N‐201127 6‐92551‐00002‐0

No illnesses have been reported to-date in connection with the Al Kanater Brand Tahini.

This problem was revealed as a result of a random sampling by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Although we have not received the final laboratory reports, IGF is recalling product with the lot codes listed above. Consumers who have purchased Al kanater Tahini with these lot codes should discontinue use and return it to the store of purchase for a full refund. Retailers that may have further distributed the recalled lot codes should share this notice with their customers. Retailers or consumers with questions may contact IGF at 630-860-5552. Please see attached a sample product picture. Company Contact Information: ‐630‐860‐5552, 800‐343‐7423., info@goldenfood.com,

Please return all product back to us.

Mansour Amiran 11/29/21
International Golden Foods, Inc.
819 Industrial Dr.
Bensenville, IL 60106.


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
IGF
 630-860-5552
 info@goldenfood.com
 

Ireland – Lidl Recalls a Batch of Deluxe Stuffed Dates Due to the Presence of Salmonella

FSAI

Lidl Dates

Tuesday, 30 November 2021

Summary
Category 1: For Action
Alert Notification: 2021.100
Product: Deluxe Stuffed Dates; pack size: 240g
Batch Code: 21301/196, best before date: 21/01/2022
Country Of Origin: uk

Message:

Lidl is recalling the above batch of Deluxe Stuffed Dates due to the presence of Salmonella.  Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in Lidl stores supplied with the implicated batch.

Nature Of Danger:

People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody.  Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Action Required:

Consumers:

Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch.

Canada – Great Lakes Goat Dairy brand Herb & Garlic Goat Cheese and Aged Cheddar Goat Cheese recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

CFIA

Aged Cheddar Goat Cheese, 175 g - front

Aged Cheddar Goat Cheese, 175 g - back

Herb & Garlic, 175 g - front

Herb & Garlic, 175 g - back

Summary

Product
Herb & Garlic Goat Cheese, Aged Cheddar Goat Cheese
Issue
Food » Microbial Contamination » Listeria
What to do

Do not consume the recalled products

Affected products

Brand Product Size UPC Codes
Great Lakes Goat Dairy Herb & Garlic Goat Cheese 175 g 6 28055 40020 2 Best Before
2022 JL12
210411
Great Lakes Goat Dairy Aged Cheddar Goat Cheese 175 g 6 28055 40017 2 Best Before
2022 JL26
12059

Issue

Great Lakes Goat Dairy is recalling Great Lakes Goat Dairy brand Herb & Garlic Goat Cheese and Aged Cheddar Goat Cheese from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The recalled products have been sold in Ontario.

What you should do

  • If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor
  • Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home
  • Do not consume the recalled products
  • Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

UK – Lidl recalls Deluxe Stuffed Dates because of the presence of Salmonella

FSA

Lidl is recalling Deluxe Stuffed Dates because salmonella has been found in the product.

Product details

Deluxe Stuffed Dates
Pack size 240g
Batch code 21301/196
Best before 21 January 2022

Risk statement

The presence of salmonella in the product listed above.

Symptoms caused by salmonella typically include fever, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps.

Action taken by the company

Lidl is recalling the above product. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. Please see the point of sale notices attached.

Our advice to consumers

If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. Any customers with queries or concerns can contact Customer Services on 0370 444 1234.

Chad – Hepatitis E outbreak reported in Chad

Outbreak News Today

Hepatitis E virus capsid structure. HEV infection causes viral h

Hepatitis E virus capsid structure. HEV infection causes viral hepatitis. Atomic-level structure.

A Hepatitis E outbreak had been declared by Chadian health authorities in mid-November 2021 in Sategui health area, Lai health district in the Tandjile region.

As of November 20, there have been 377 suspected cases and 2 deaths (CFR 0.5%) reported. Among those affected, the majority have been men with 216 cases (57%) and the most affected age group has been less than 10 years of age with 90 cases (23.8%).

Hepatitis E is endemic in Chad, particularly in the Tangile region, which previously experienced large-scale outbreaks in 2017 and 2018. Poor hygiene and sanitation conditions coupled with limited access to safe water are risk factors for outbreaks in this region.

Belgium – American prepared, American prepared martino, American Filet Plain, Beef burger – Salmonella

AFSCA

Recall of Norenca
Products: American prepared, American prepared martino, American Filet Plain, Beef burger.
Problem: possible presence of Salmonella.

As a precautionary measure, Norenca NV is withdrawing the following items from the market and is recalling them to consumers due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

1. American prepared
– Batch number 02147327 – DLC 11/30/21
– Batch number 02147328 – DLC 01/12/21
– Batch number 02147329 – DLC 02/12/21
– Weight: +/- 175gr, + / -350gr in +/- 850gr
2. American prepared martino
– Batch number 02147327 – DLC 11/30/21
– Batch number 02147328 – DLC 01/12/21
– Batch number 02147329 – DLC 02/12/21
– Weight: +/- 175gr, + / -350gr in +/- 850gr
3. Plain American Fillet
– Batch number r 02147327 – DLC 11/30/21
– Batch number 02147328 – DLC 01/12/21
– Batch number 02147329 – DLC 02/12/21
– Weight: +/- 150gr, +/- 350gr, +/- 0.500gr, +/- 1kg, +/- 2.5kg
4. Beef burger
– Lot number 02147327 – DLC 11/30/21
– Lot number 02147328 – DLC 01/12/21
– Lot number 02147329 – DLC 02/12/21
– Pieces: 1pcs, 2pcs, 3pcs, 4pcs

Sale period: since 11/24/2021
Sold through various points of sale including: Makro, Metro and Spar.
Information for consumers
Norenca asks its customers not to consume this product and to return it to the point of sale.
Possible symptoms of foodborne illness caused by Salmonella are fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea within 12 to 48 hours of consuming the contaminated food. The risk of infection is higher in the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
People who have consumed these products and who present this type of symptoms are invited to consult their doctor without delay, notifying him of this consumption.
For any further information , please contact NORENCA NV:
2440 GEEL
info@norenca.be
014 / 58.45.11

Czech Republic – Marinated thigh chicken steak – Salmonella

Potravinynapranyri

Place of inspection:
Prague 10 ( Přátelství 1613/121, Uhříněves, 10400 Prague 10 )
Company ID: 25013165
Food group: Meat and meat products / Meat semi-finished product

Marinated thigh chicken steak
Category: Dangerous food
Unsatisfactory parameter:

Salmonella Montevideo

The pathogenic bacterium Salmonella Montevideo was detected in the meat preparation . This bacterium can cause a condition called Salmonellosis.

Expiration date: 10/5/2021
Packaging: unpacked
Producer: PMU CZ, as
Country of origin:  Czechia
Sampling date: 4. 10. 2021
Reference number: 21-000078-SVS-CZ
The sample was found by an official inspection of the State Veterinary Administration.

Czech Republic – Chicken china curry – Salmonella

Potravinynapranyri

Place of inspection:
Jicin ( Husova 1112, Valdicke Predmesti, 50601 Jicin )
Food group: Meat and meat products / Meat semi-finished product

Chicken china curry
Category: Dangerous food
Unsatisfactory parameter:

Salmonella enterica serum. Enteritidis

The presence of the pathogenic bacterium Salmonella enterica serum was detected in the meat preparation . Enteritidis . This bacterium can cause a condition called Salmonellosis.

Expiration date: 10/6/2021
Packaging: unpacked
Producer: ZEMAN meat – sausages
Sampling date: 5. 10. 2021
Reference number: 21-000080-SVS-CZ
The sample was found by an official inspection of the State Veterinary Administration.