Category Archives: Food Hazard

USA – Update – Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Virus Infections: Frozen Strawberries (February 2023)

FDA

Product

California Splendor Recall: Kirkland Signature 4-lb. bag Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries in certain states with specific lot codes.

Scenic Fruit Recall: frozen organic strawberries with the following brand names and Best By Dates distributed to specific states:

  • Simply Nature, Organic Strawberries, Best By 06/14/2024
  • Vital Choice, Organic Strawberries, BEST BY 05/20/2024
  • Kirkland Signature, Organic Strawberries, Best If Used By 10/08/2024
  • Made With, Organic Strawberries, Best Before 11/20/2024
  • PCC Community Markets, Organic Strawberries, Best By 29/10/2024
  • Trader Joe’s, Organic Tropical Fruit Blend with the following Best By dates: 04/25/24; 05/12/24; 05/23/24; 05/30/24; 06/07/24

Stores Affected

California Splendor supplied recalled product to Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and to two San Diego business centers. Scenic Fruit supplied recalled product to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in specific states, and to Trader Joe’s nationwide.

On March 17, 2023, the retailer, Meijer, also issued press to voluntarily recall Made-WithExternal Link Disclaimer brand frozen organic strawberries from certain market store locations.

This is not an exhaustive list of products or stores. FDA is continuing to work with the firms to identify potential additional product information.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A

Illness usually occurs within 15 to 50 days after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Symptoms of hepatitis A virus infection include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale stool. In some instances, particularly in children under the age of six, hepatitis A infection may be asymptomatic.

Status

Ongoing

Recommendation

  • Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not sell, serve, or eat recalled frozen strawberries. These recalled products should be returned or thrown away.
  • If consumers purchased the recalled frozen organic strawberries and ate those berries in the last two weeks, and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, they should immediately consult with their healthcare professional to determine whether post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. PEP is recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus in the last two weeks because vaccination can prevent a hepatitis A virus infection if given within 14 days of exposure. Those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination or previous hepatitis A virus infection do not require PEP.
  • Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of a hepatitis A virus infection after eating these frozen organic strawberries, or if you believe that you have eaten these strawberries in the last two weeks.

Current Update

April 11, 2023

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections linked to frozen organic strawberries imported by a common supplier from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico. The frozen organic strawberries were sold to a variety of retailers under multiple brand labels.

Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 7/7 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries. FDA’s traceback investigation identified a common supplier of the frozen organic strawberries. Strawberries used by this supplier were imported from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico, in 2022. Additionally, the strain of hepatitis A virus causing illnesses this year is genetically identical to the strain that caused the outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections in 2022, which was linked to fresh organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico, and sold at various retailers.


Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 7
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: March 26, 2023
States with Cases: WA (5), CA (2)
Product Distribution: Nationwide

Ireland – Recall of a batch of Wrights of Howth Oak Smoked Irish Organic Salmon due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes

FSAI

Summary
Category 1: For Action
Alert Notification: 2023.07
Product: Wrights of Howth Oak Smoked Irish Organic Salmon; pack sizes: 120g, 240g, 350g; approval number: IE DN0022 EC.
Batch Code: P13; use by date: 15.04.2023.
Country Of Origin: Ireland

Message:

The above batch of Wrights of Howth Oak Smoked Irish Organic Salmon is being recalled due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

Nature Of Danger:

Symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection can include mild flu-like symptoms, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications. Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes infections, including pregnant women, babies, and people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly. The incubation period (time between initial infection and first symptoms appearing) is on average 3 weeks but can range between 3 and 70 days.

Action Required:

Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers:

Retailers are requested to remove the implicated batch from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.

Consumers:

Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch.

Salmon

Czech Republic – L’Chefs Baguettes – Mold/Mould

Potravinynapranyri

Illustrative photo #1

Illustrative photo #6

Place of inspection:
Brno ( Vídeňská 815/89a, 639 00 Brno )
ID: 44012373
Food group: Bakery products / Common pastries

L’Chefs Baguettes
Category: Dangerous foods
Invalid parameter:

fungi visible to the eye

In part of the package, visible mold was detected under the packaging on the surface of the food. Food is not considered safe if it shows signs of spoilage.

Unsuitable storage temperatures of this product were not detected during the inspection. The food did not have an expired minimum durability date.

Best before date: 13/04/23
Packaging: PP bag with seams and printing
Quantity of the product in the package: 0.3 kg
Date of sample collection: 13/03/2023
Reference number: 23-000185-SZPI-CZ
The sample was detected by the official control of the State Agricultural and Food Inspection.

France – SARDINE FILLET PACKED IN VACUUM TRAY – Histamine

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Fishery and aquaculture products
  • Product brand name TIDE COEFFIC
  • Model names or references sardine fillet packaged by the store
  • Identification of products
    Batch
    23.291.DZ
  • Packaging VACUUM TRAY – VARIABLE WEIGHT – APPROXIMATELY 300G
  • Marketing start/end date From 03/20/2023 to 03/25/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark FR-56.121.035-CE
  • Further information BLUE PLASTIC TRAYS – PACKED BY THE STORE
  • Geographic area of ​​sale SOMMIERES
  • Distributors SOMMIÈRES INTERMARKET

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall Presence of Histamine during a sample
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Endogenous toxins: histamine (fish, cheese, alcoholic beverages, meats)

France – Munster lc schuster Cheese – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Milk and dairy products
  • Product brand name n / A
  • Model names or references Munster lc schuster
  • Identification of products
    Batch Date
    0606 Use-by date between 08/03/2023 and 10/04/2023
  • Marketing start/end date From 08/03/2023 to 07/04/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors LARGE FRESH, FRESH., My Market

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall Unsatisfactory internal microbiological analysis: detection of listeria

France – Potato gnocchi 1kg METRO CHEF – Bacillus cereus

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Prepared meals and snacks
  • Product brand name METRO CHEF
  • Model names or references Potato gnocchi 1kg METRO CHEF
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    3439496603001 0613 Use-by date 01/05/2023
  • Marketing start/end date From 08/03/2023 to 04/04/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors METRO

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall Presence of Bacillus cereus above the alert threshold

Czech Republic – Albert Hazelnut kernels natural 200 g – Aflatoxins

Potravinynapranyri

Illustrative photo #1

Illustrative photo #2

Place of inspection:
Hrádek nad Nisou ( Liberecká 642, 463 34 Hrádek nad Nisou )
ID: 44012373
Food group: Nuts / Nuts

albert Hazelnut kernels natural 200 g
Category: Dangerous foods
Invalid parameter:

aflatoxin B1
sum of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2
appearance

The maximum limit for aflatoxin content was exceeded several times in the food.

The kernels were brown inside and were found to contain live pests.

Batch: L22015
Best before date: 13/04/2023
Packaging: PP bag with print, sealed with welds
Quantity of the product in the package: 0.2 kg
Manufacturer: Ing. Bohumil Kratochvíl – IBK Trade, Dolanská 7/337, 161 00 Prague 6
Country of origin:  Georgia
Date of sample collection: 7/11/2022
Reference number: 23-000005-SZPI-CZ
The sample was detected by the official control of the State Agricultural and Food Inspection.

Austria – Mayflower anchovy rings in olive oil 50 g – Histamine

AGES

AGES informs about a recall of the company IMGRO GmbH. The company recalled the Mayflower anchovy rings in olive oil 50 g product on April 11, 2023:
recall reason
increased histamine levels
Marketed by IMGRO Ltd
Manufacturer Mayflower
Batch number all

During an official sampling of Mayflower anchovy rings in olive oil 50g, marketed by IMGRO GmbH, Untere Donaustraße 11, A-1020 Vienna, elevated histamine levels were found. The corresponding batch R20E22 with a best-before date of November 20, 2023 was assessed as harmful and therefore not safe.

For safety reasons, we are recalling all batches with all BBDs of this article.

Mayflower anchovy rings in olive oil 50g

Batch: All

Best before date: All

The product is not suitable for consumption and can be returned by consumers (in all branches). Of course, customers will also be reimbursed the purchase price without proof of purchase.

The distributor IMGRO GmbH fulfills its responsibility according to the food law regulations and has therefore initiated a recall of the product.

This warning does not imply that the hazard was caused by the producer, manufacturer, importer or distributor.

original recall

Netherlands – Safety warning Hema fricandeau -E.coli O157

NVWA

Hema warns against the Hema fricandeau. E-Coli O157 was found in the Hema fricandeau. Contamination with this bacteria can cause stomach and intestinal complaints. Do not eat the product!

See the Hema website.

Which product is this?

  • Hema fricandeau
  • Item number: 27906111
  • Sales period: March 31, 2023 – April 7, 2023

Yours sincerely

The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority

USA – Meijer Recalls Select Premade Salads Due to Potential Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

FDA

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 7, 2023 — Meijer, in conjunction with its supplier, Revolution Farms, is announcing a voluntary recall of select Fresh From Meijer premade salads because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is 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 recall is part of a broader Revolution Farms lettuce recall and includes premade salads carried at Meijer stores in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. Meijer is not aware of any illnesses from Meijer brand salad products included in this recall.

The recalled premade salads have a Fresh From Meijer sticker on a clear plastic container. The following products are part of the recall:

UPC Recalled Product Name Sell By Date(s)
7-08820-30432-1 Fresh From Meijer Cranberry Spinach Shareable Salad (12 oz.) All
7-13733-07493-3 Fresh From Meijer Salad Bowl Spinach Dijon Salad (6.15 oz.) All
7-13733-24610-1 Fresh From Meijer Tomato Caprese Salad (6 oz.) All
7-13733-24611-8 Fresh From Meijer Avocado Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad (8 oz.) All
7-13733-24613-2 Fresh From Meijer Mediterranean Salad (6.5 oz.) All
7-13733-29537-6 Fresh From Meijer Shareable Garden Salad (11.5 oz.) All
7-19283-67929-1 Fresh From Meijer Michigan Harvest Salad (6.7 oz.) All
7-19283-67930-7 Fresh From Meijer Chicken BLT Salad (8.2 oz.) All
7-19283-67932-1 Fresh From Meijer Cobb Salad (8.8 oz.) All
7-19283-67933-8 Fresh From Meijer Chicken Caesar Shareable Salad (10 oz.) All
7-60236-11745-2 Fresh From Meijer Chicken Caesar Salad (6.4 oz.) All
7-60236-48832-3 Fresh From Meijer Southwest Chicken Salad (8.8 oz.) All

Customers who have purchased any of these products should immediately throw them away. A full refund can be requested at the Customer Service desk of the nearest Meijer store. Customers with questions regarding this recall can contact Meijer at 800-543-3704 from 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM (EDT) daily. Customers with questions or concerns about their health are encouraged to contact their primary care provider.

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 501 supercenters, neighborhood markets, Meijer Grocery and Express locations throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the “one-stop shopping” concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and electronics. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.comExternal Link Disclaimer. Follow Meijer on Twitter at twitter.com/MeijerExternal Link Disclaimer and twitter.com/MeijerPRExternal Link Disclaimer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijerExternal Link Disclaimer.

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Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Meijer
 800-543-3704