Category Archives: food contamination

USA – Lancaster Foods Recalls All Conventional Butternut Squash Items That Were Processed between the Dates of 12/22/20 and 01/08/21 Due to Possible Health Risk

FDA

Lancaster Foods LLC has initiated a voluntary product recall of its processed butternut squash items because they 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.

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

The recalled items were distributed in NC, VA, DC, MD, PN, NY, NJ, CT, RI, MA, NH, and VT mainly through retail stores.

The products noted:

  1. 16 oz Autumn Medley – UPC 8 13055 01115 6; with the expiration dates of 01/05/21, 01/07/21, and 01/09/21 noted on the bottom scan label. The brand name is Lancaster Foods and the package is a clear plastic tamper-evident clamshell.
  2. 12 oz Butternut Squash Noodles – UPC 8 13055 01749 3; with the expiration date of 01/10/21 noted on the bottom scan label. The brand name is Lancaster Foods and the package is a clear plastic tamperevident clamshell.
  3. 12 oz Butternut Squash Noodles – UPC 8 13055 01864 3; with the expiration dates of 01/05/21, 01/08/21, 01/10/21, 01/11/21, 01/12/21, 01/15/21, and 01/17/21 noted on the bottom scan label. The brand name is Lancaster Foods and the package is a clear plastic tamper-evident clamshell.
  4. 12 oz Butternut Squash Noodles – UPC 6 88267 17259 5; with the expiration dates of 01/08/21, 01/10/21, 01/12/21, 01/13/21, 01/14/21, 01/15/21, and 01/17/21 noted on the bottom scan label. The brand name is Store Brand and the package is a clear plastic tamper-evident clamshell.
  5. 21 oz Butternut Squash Planks – UPC 8 13055 01272 6; with the expiration dates of 01/02/21, 01/08/21, 01/12/21, 01/15/21, and 01/17/21 noted on the bottom scan label. The brand name is Lancaster Foods and the package is a clear plastic tamper-evident clamshell.
  6. 20 oz Squash Noodle Medley – UPC 8 13055 01836 0; with the expiration dates of 01/05/21, 01/08/21, 01/13/21, 01/14/21, and 01/16/21 noted on the bottom scan label. The brand name is Lancaster Foods and the package is a clear plastic tamper-evident clamshell.
  7. 20 oz Squash Noodle Medley – UPC 6 88267 18585 4; with the expiration dates of 01/03/21, 01/08/21, 01/11/21, 01/17/21, 01/18/21, and 01/19/21 noted on the bottom scan label. The brand name is Store Brand and the package is a clear plastic tamper-evident clamshell.
  8. 2.5# Butternut Squash Chunks – UPC 8 13055 01596 3; with the expiration dates of 01/04/21, 01/12/21, 01/15/21, and 01/18/21 noted on the bottom scan label. The brand name is Lancaster Foods and the package is a clear plastic tamper-evident clamshell.
  9. 20 oz Butternut Squash Chunks – UPC 8 13055 01150 7; with the expiration dates of 01/05/21, 01/08/21, 01/09/21, 01/13/21, and 01/16/21 noted on the bottom scan label. The brand name is Lancaster Foods and the package is a clear plastic tamper-evident clamshell.
  10. 24 oz Butternut Squash Chunks – UPC 8 13055 01300 6; with the expiration dates of 01/12/21, 01/13/21, 01/15/21 noted on the bottom scan label. The brand name is Lancaster Foods and the package is a clear plastic tamper-evident clamshell.
  11. 12 oz Butternut Squash Chunks – UPC 8 13055 01391 4; with the expiration dates of 01/04/21, 01/05/21, 01/07/21, 01/11/21, 01/12/21, 01/15/21, 01/17/21, and 01/20/21 noted on the bottom scan labels. The brand name is Lancaster Foods and the package is a clear plastic tamper-evident clamshell.
  12. 15 oz Veggie Rice Blend – UPC 8 13055 01014 2; with the expiration dates of 01/07/21 and 01/09/21 noted on the bottom scan labels. The brand name is Lancaster Foods and the package is a stand-up steam pouch with ‘grab & steam’ printed on the header.

Out of an abundance of caution, Lancaster Foods has temporarily halted production of these items as the FDA and the company investigate the source of the issue. Consumers who have purchased units noted above are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-410-799-0010, extension 1530. The hours are from 0800 to 1700 in the Eastern time zone on the days of Monday through Sunday. Voicemails received after hours will be returned the next day.


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Lancaster Foods, LLC
 1-410-799-0010, extension 1530

Product Photos

New Zealand – Pestell’s confirmed as source of listeria in ham products in December 2020 food recall

MPI

A New Zealand Food Safety and Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service investigation has confirmed the source of listeria contamination last month that resulted in illness for 4 people and led to recalls of ham products from a number of South Island supermarkets, and 3 stores in the greater Wellington region.

The contamination originated at meat supplier Pestell’s Rai Bacon Company Ltd, where it was discovered in products and in the processing environment. This was confirmed through the results of DNA testing, received this week.

As a result of the recall in December, Pestell’s have stopped producing and selling ready-to-eat ham products.

Investigations into the source of listeria involved followup with the suppliers of the cooked ready-to-eat meats to the supermarket, including Pestell’s.

In October, routine testing by Pak’n Save Blenheim detected listeria in some packaged meat products and the affected products were recalled. It was identified after genome testing that the listeria found as a result of the testing, had the same sequencing as the listeria found in Pestell’s products.

New Zealand Food Safety’s food compliance services national manager, Melinda Sando, says, “We knew where the supermarket was getting its stock from. We went to Pestell’s and took samples for testing from their processing environment and their products. Listeria was detected in product and environment samples.

“These samples were then sent to ESR, and they did genome sequencing. The sequencing of those isolates (cells) showed they were identical, which means they are from a specific source.

“Nobody wants to put their customers at risk. We worked quickly to minimise the risk to the public and resolve the issues.

“There was good cooperation from the supplier and retailers,” Ms Sando says.

Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service medical officer of health, Dr Andrew Lindsay, says: “Listeriosis infection can be serious among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborn babies, people with weakened immune systems and elderly people.

“We will continue to work closely with New Zealand Food Safety should any more cases emerge. To date, no further cases associated with the recalled products have been identified. However, as listeria can survive freezing, consumers are reminded to check food in their fridges and freezers and if they have any of the recalled product follow the advice from New Zealand Food Safety.”

For information about the recalled product, including dates, and batches, refer to:

Pestell’s brand ham products food recall

Research – Bacillus cereus food poisoning with fatal multi-organ failure.

BMJ

bacillus

This case represents a rare fulminant course of fried-rice associated food poisoning in an immunocompetent person due to pre-formed exotoxin produced by Bacillus cereus, with severe manifestations of sepsis, including multi-organ (hepatic, renal, cardiac, respiratory and neurological) failure, shock, metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis and coagulopathy. Despite maximal supportive measures (continuous renal replacement therapy, plasmapheresis, N-acetylcysteine infusion and blood products, and broad-spectrum antimicrobials) and input from a multidisciplinary team (consisting of infectious diseases, intensive care, gastroenterology, surgery, toxicology, immunology and haematology), mortality resulted. This case is the first to use whole genome sequencing techniques to confirm the toxigenic potential of B. cereus. It has important implications for food preparation and storage, particularly given its occurrence in home isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Australia – O’Brien’s Wholesale Meats Pty Ltd — O’Brien’s Leg Hams (Various Weights) – Listeria monocytogenes

Product Safety Australia

Photograph of O'Brien's Leg Hams (Various Weights)

O’Brien’s Full Boneless Leg Ham
Use by: 24 March 2021, 1 April 2021 and
6 April 2021

O’Brien’s Champagne Leg Ham
O’Brien’s Half Leg Ham
O’Brien’s Full Leg Ham
Use by: 1 April 2021 and 6 April 2021

O’Brien’s Half Boneless Leg Ham
O’Brien’s Third Leg Ham
Use by: 6 April 2021

Leg Ham in plastic vacuum packing bag

Identifying features

Other
Batch codes: 20493, 20505 and 20513

What are the defects?

The recall is due to microbial (Listeria monocytogenes) contamination.

What are the hazards?

Listeria may cause illness in pregnant women and their unborn babies, the elderly and people with low immune systems.

What should consumers do?

Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For further information, consumers can contact O’Brien’s Wholesale Meats on 08 8280 3911 or https://www.obriensmeat.com.au

Traders who sold this product

Independent food retailers including IGA and butcher shops in SA, NT, NSW and Vic, and Foodlands in SA

Where the product was sold
New South Wales
Northern Territory
South Australia
Victoria
Dates available for sale
  • 1 December 2020 – 19 January 2021

Recall advertisements and supporting documentation

Coordinating agency

Food Standards Australia New Zealand is the coordinating agency for this recall.

Research – Genetic insights could help tackle food bug

Roslin

Scientists have identified regions in the genetic makeup of chickens that are linked to resistance to Campylobacter  ̶  the leading bacterial cause of food-borne gastroenteritis worldwide.

Data obtained in the study inform the extent to which parts of the chicken genetic code can be linked to the prevalence of Campylobacter in the chicken gut.

A study led by researchers from the Roslin Institute, in collaboration with the poultry breeding company Aviagen, investigated the genetic make-up of 3,000 chickens bred for meat, to discover whether parts of their genetic code were associated with resistance to Campylobacter colonisation.

This was achieved by looking for variation at specific positions in the chickens’ genome and their association with numbers of Campylobacter in the gut of the birds.

Scientists combined this with analyses of the expression of genes in chickens that were resistant or susceptible to colonisation by the bacteria.

All the chickens were naturally exposed to Campylobacter present in their environment, which mimics how chickens are exposed on a commercial farm.

Campylobacter infections are common in people, who can develop diarrhoea and severe complications after handling or eating contaminated chicken meat.

Each year, it is estimated that more than 500,000 people in the UK are infected, costing the country approximately £50 million.

These results show that whilst there are genetic factors that influence Campylobacter colonisation, these factors play a minor role and therefore it is crucial to characterise and understand the role of the non-genetic and environmental factors to further reduce Campylobacter levels in poultry.

France – Wholefoods – Seed of Paradise brand Pit & Pit – Salmonella

AFSCA

Recall Wholefoods
Product: Seed of Paradise brand Pit & Pit.
Problem: possible presence of Salmonella.
In agreement with the AFSCA, Wholefoods is withdrawing the product “Seeds of Paradise” from sale and is recalling it to consumers because of the possible presence of Salmonella.

Wholefoods asks its customers not to consume this product and to return it. A free return label can be requested by sending an email with the photo of the label to help@pit-pit.com . Upon receipt of the return, the product will be refunded to you.

Product description
– Product name: Seeds of paradise
– Brand: Pit & Pit
– Type of packaging: Transparent
jar with black lid – Lot: LTR98NFYX
– Expiry date (DDM): 05/01/2023
– Weight: 75g

The product was sold online via the website www.pit-pit.com .

For any further information , please contact: help@pit-pit.com

France – Chipolata Poultry Brand Kok O’Rell – Salmonella

AFSCA

Product: chipolata poultry brand Kok O’Rell.
Problem: possible presence of Salmonella.
In agreement with the AFSCA, EUROKIP is withdrawing from sale the product CHIPOLATAS DE POULTRY of the KOK O’RELL brand and is recalling it to consumers because of the possible presence of Salmonella.

EUROKIP asks its customers not to consume this product and to bring it back to the point of sale where it was purchased. It will be refunded even without a receipt.

The product is, at the same time, withdrawn from sale.

Product description

– Product name: POULTRY CHIPOLATA
– Brand: Kok O’Rell
– Use by date (DLC) (“To be consumed until”): 21/01/2021
– Batch number: 139950
– Period of sale: from 15/01/2021 to 18/01/2021
– Type of packaging: transparent / black plastic tray -: 0.250kg – 0.500kg

The product was sold through the following outlets:

TINE HEIRWEGH – Koningin Fabiolapark 3, 9100 ST-NIKLAAS.
NIETVELT JAN BV – Dennestraat 10, 2440 GEEL.
BV UNIC HERENT – Broekveldstraat 34, 3020 HERENT.
AGENTUREN DE CLERCQ BV – Beekstraat 21, 3051 OUD-HEVERLEE.
PROOST SUPERMARKT – Lange Leemstraat 145, 2018 ANTWERPEN 1.
BV MATOCO – Diestsesteenweg 359, 3202 RILAAR (AARSCHOT).
PAUWELS-ASSELMAN BV – Dorpstraat 14, 2811 LEEST.

For any further information , contact:
Madame Tina Vanschoubroek
03/771 14 35 or tina@eurokip.be

Netherlands – Lidl Smoked Bacon Strips -Salmonella

NVWA

Important safety warning for smoked bacon strips Lidl

Lidl Netherlands is carrying out a recall for the product smoked bacon strips with an expiration date 03-03-2021 and 04-03-2021 and barcode 4056489052647.

Salmonella was found during a quality check at the producer. Consuming the smoked bacon strips can potentially pose a health hazard, especially to young children, the elderly, people with a weakened immune system and pregnant women. Consult your doctor or general practitioner if you have any questions about health problems.

Customers are requested not to eat the smoked bacon strips and to return them to a Lidl store, where they will be reimbursed for the purchase price upon return of the product.

See also Lidl website

Download ‘Important safety warning for smoked bacon strips Lidl’

PDF document | 1 page | 201 KB

Warning | 19-01-2021

smoked bacon strips

Italy – Knife-Tip Salami – Microbiological Risk – Salmonella

Salute

Brand : Lovison spa

Name : Knife-tip salami

Reason for reporting : Recall due to microbiological risk

Publication date : 18 January 2021

Documentation

Documentation

Taiwan – 106 hospitalized in Chiayi with suspected food poisoning

Focus Taiwan

Taipei, Jan. 15 (CNA) A total of 106 students and staff from a New Taipei elementary school were taken to hospitals in Chiayi City late Thursday after developing symptoms of food poisoning on the second day of their graduation trip, authorities said on Friday.

As of press time, 74 people — six adults and 68 students — who were sent to St. Martin de Porres Hospital suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea, had been discharged.

One student who was among 32 people — five adults and 27 students — taken to Chiayi Christian Hospital, remained hospitalized for further observation, Chiayi City Public Health Bureau Director Liao Yu-wei (廖育瑋) said.

Specimens taken from the patients are being analyzed by local health officials and the results will be available within a week, Liao added.