Category Archives: Food Hygiene

UK – Update 3 – SFC recalls SFC Chicken products because of the presence of Salmonella

Posted on March 11, 2021 by | Leave a comment

FSA

SFC are recalling SFC Chicken Poppets and Take-Home Boneless Bucket because Salmonella has been found in the products. Batch codes starting with an L are displayed on the inner packaging inside the box. This update extends the recall of SFC Chicken Poppets to include all batch codes for the products with best before dates of 24 September and 31 October 2021.

Further investigations are ongoing for this brand, should more product be identified, a further update will be provided. We have also issued advice to consumers on cooking and good hygiene to avoid cross contamination and reduce the risk of food poisoning. If followed correctly, the cooking instruction on the label is enough to kill any salmonella present.

Product details

SFC Take-Home Boneless Bucket
Pack size 650g
Batch code All codes
Best before 28 November 2021
SFC Chicken Poppets
Pack size 190g
Batch code All codes
Best before 24 September 2021 31 October 2021
SFC Chicken Poppets
Pack size 190g
Batch code L:25820
Best before 28 February 2022

Risk statement

The presence of Salmonella in the products listed above.

Symptoms caused by Salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.

Action taken by the company

SFC is recalling the above products. Further investigations are ongoing at SFC to identify if further products are affected. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. Please see the attached notice.
Customer notice: SFC chicken products(Opens in a new window)

Our advice to consumers

If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund or alternatively, email a photo of the product packaging clearly showing the best before date and the batch code information printed on the inner bag of the products to customerservices@sfcwholesale.co.uk for a refund and then safely dispose of the product at home.

We are encouraging consumers to follow cooking instructions and practise good hygiene to avoid cross contamination and contracting salmonellosis, to protect themselves and their families. If followed correctly, the cooking instruction on the label is enough to kill any salmonella present. Please see above for a link to this advice.

Related alerts

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Germany – “Fuet Extra – Original Spanish raw sausage with noble mold, air-dried” -Salmonella

Posted on March 11, 2021 by | Leave a comment

LMW

Warning type:Food
Date of first publication:03/09/2021
Product name:“Fuet Extra – Original Spanish raw sausage with noble mold, air-dried”
Product pictures:

Spanish raw sausage.jpg

Manufacturer (distributor):Konecke company

The manufacturer of the goods is: Koenecke Fleischwarenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG Nordenhamer Strasse 141 D-27751 Delmenhorst The distributor of the goods is: Aldi-Süd

Reason for warning:

Salmonella was found in the product as part of the self-inspection.

Packaging Unit:150 g packs
Durability:07.03.2021 to 04.04.2021
Further information:Salmonella

Salmonella disease manifests itself within a few days after infection with diarrhea, abdominal pain and occasionally vomiting and a slight fever. The symptoms usually subside on their own after several days. Infants, toddlers, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system in particular can develop more severe disease courses. People who have eaten this food and develop severe or persistent symptoms should seek medical attention and advise them of a possible salmonella infection. Seeking preventive medical treatment without symptoms does not make sense.

Homepage of the manufacturer:

http://www.zurmuehlengruppe.de
Contact to the responsible authorities:
Bavaria:poststelle@lgl.bayern.de
Lower Saxony:poststelle@ml.niedersachsen.de
North Rhine-Westphalia:poststelle@mulnv.nrw.de
Press releases and information
title Attachment or web link
Customer information Aldi Süd
Poster_PP_Orig._Fuet_ZMG_Aldi Sued.pdf

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Salmonella, Uncategorized

India – Evolution of Organic Food Safety Standards in India

Posted on March 10, 2021 by | Leave a comment

FNB News

Food safety is the key to achieve better public health. The high incidence of foodborne illness is a burden on public health and contributes significantly to the cost of health care. Though most of the foodborne illnesses are rare and often not reported in India, however, a nationwide study reported an alarming 13.2 per cent prevalence at the household level. Therefore there is a need for a comprehensive approach for safer and nutritious food for Indian citizens. Safer food promises a healthier lifestyle, longer lives, less costly healthcare and more resilient food industry.
The Indian food industry is regulated by the number of legislations covering licensing, sanitation, and permits. Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, established by the Government of India, was a vital step in the direction of developing the standards for food and regulating and monitoring the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food to ensure the availability of safe and nutritious food for human consumption.

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USA – Enforcement Report March 10th – Salmonella – Cyclospora

Posted on March 10, 2021 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Class I Food Event
Event ID:
87321
Product Type:
Food
Status:
Ongoing
Date Terminated:
Recall Initiation Date:
02/11/2021
Voluntary / Mandated:
Voluntary: Firm initiated
Center Classification Date:
03/01/2021
Initial Firm Notification of Consignee or Public:
Two or more of the following: Email, Fax, Letter, Press Release, Telephone, Visit
Recalling Firm:
Thompson Chocolate Company
80 S Vine St
Meriden CT United States
Distribution Pattern:
CA – all on hold, none distributed into commerce for availability to consumers.

Associated Products

Product Description:
1. See’s Candies brand chocolate 4.5 oz Sitting Bunny (SKU 600738) 2. See’s Candies brand 1 oz Bunny (SKU 600741) 3. Gold Foil Balls (SKU 600144) (note: firm also uses the term ‘rabbit’ interchangeably with ‘bunny’ however product labeling states bunny or bunnies)
Product Quantity:
4.5oz. bunny – 96 cases (36 pc per case)/ gold foil balls – 180 – 10 lbs. cases / 1 oz. Rabbit 24 piece display (12 displays per case) – 2652 cases
Reason for Recall:
Products are potentially contaminated with Salmonella.
Recall Number:
F-0325-2021
Code Information:
1. 4.5oz Sitting Bunny – Lot 02521 2. 1 oz Bunny – Lot 02621 3. Gold Foil Balls – Lot 02621
Class II Food Event
Event ID:
87294
Product Type:
Food
Status:
Ongoing
Date Terminated:
Recall Initiation Date:
02/05/2021
Voluntary / Mandated:
Voluntary: Firm initiated
Center Classification Date:
03/02/2021
Initial Firm Notification of Consignee or Public:
Two or more of the following: Email, Fax, Letter, Press Release, Telephone, Visit
Recalling Firm:
Shenandoah Growers, Inc.
3158 N Valley Pike
Rockingham VA United States
Distribution Pattern:
Distributed to distribution centers in IN, OH, MI, IN, MN, and MO. Further distributed to retail stores in IL, IN, IO, IA, MI, MN, MS, MO, TN, and WI.

Associated Products

Product Description:
Organic fresh cut basil packaged in plastic clamshell containers. Shenandoah Growers by Thats Tasty, 0.75 oz UPC: 7-68573-00101-4 Shenandoah Growers by Thats Tasty, 2.0 oz UPC: 7-68573-02143-2 Shenandoah Growers by Thats Tasty 4.0 oz UPC: 7-68573-00141-0 Shenandoah Growers by Thats Tasty 0.75 oz UPC: 7-68573-00101-4 Shenandoah Growers by Thats Tasty 4 oz Shenandoah Growers by Thats Tasty 1 lb. Thats Tasty (Pasta Blend) 0.5 oz UPC: 7-68573-52008-9 Thats Tasty 0.5 oz UPC: 7-68573-50502-4 Thats Tasty 3.0 oz UPC: 7-68573-53001-9 Thats Tasty 0.25 oz UPC: 7-68573-02515-7 Simple Truth 3.0 oz UPC: 0-11110-00876-3
Product Quantity:
3240 units
Reason for Recall:
Possible contamination with Cyclospora in basil
Recall Number:
F-0327-2021
Code Information:
PV40515 1 034 PV40515 3 034 PV40515 4 034 PV40515 3 035
Class II Food Event
Event ID:
87303
Product Type:
Food
Status:
Ongoing
Date Terminated:
Recall Initiation Date:
02/05/2021
Voluntary / Mandated:
Voluntary: Firm initiated
Center Classification Date:
03/02/2021
Initial Firm Notification of Consignee or Public:
Two or more of the following: Email, Fax, Letter, Press Release, Telephone, Visit
Recalling Firm:
VALLARTA ORGANIC LLC
1 S Prospect Dr
Coral Gables FL United States
Distribution Pattern:
Domestic distribution only (Virginia).

Associated Products

Product Description:
ALBAHACA ORGANICA/BASIL, 460 gm x Bag, 15 Bags
Product Quantity:
46 boxes/15 lbs each
Reason for Recall:
Organic Basil contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanensis
Recall Number:
F-0326-2021
Code Information:
Lot LP889 and Lot LP890

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Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, FDA, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Protozoan, Salmonella

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes – Hispanic-style Fresh and Soft Cheeses (February 2021) – Update

Posted on March 10, 2021 by | Leave a comment

FDA

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to queso fresco cheeses made by El Abuelito Cheese, Inc.

On 2/19/2021, El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. announced their initial recall of products, and on 2/27/2021, they announced the expansion of their recall to cover additional products that are manufactured or handled in the same facility as the Queso Fresco products linked to this outbreak.

On 3/9/2021, the FDA received confirmation that recalled cheeses were also distributed to Rhode Island. States with confirmed distribution now include: AL, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, NE, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, and WI. View additional recall information.

Recommendation

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve any recalled Queso Fresco, Quesillo (Oaxaca, string cheese), or Requeson (ricotta) cheeses.

Recalled brands by cheese type include:

  • Queso Fresco: El Abuelito, Rio Grande, Rio Lindo
  • Quesillo: El Abuelito, El Viejito, El Paisano, El Sabrosito, La Cima, Quesos Finos, San Carlos, Ideal Brands
  • Requeson: El Abuelito, El Viejito

FDA recommends that anyone who purchased or received any recalled Queso Fresco, Quesillo, or Requeson cheeses use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.

Some of the recalled cheeses were sold in bulk quantities and could have been repackaged by retailers. Ask your retailer if any Queso Fresco or Quesillo cheese you buy was repackaged from the cheeses recalled by El Abuelito. If you are unable to obtain an answer, do not buy it and throw away the potentially recalled cheese you have at home.

If you are at higher risk for severe Listeria infection (if you are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments), call your healthcare provider right away if you have these symptoms after eating any Queso Fresco, Quesillo, or Requeson cheeses produced by El Abuelito:

  • Pregnant people typically experience only fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. However, Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
  • People who are not pregnant may experience headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches.

Follow these five steps to clean your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched the cheeses. Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.

Product Images

Sample Product Label from the Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes in Hispanic-style Fresh and Soft Cheeses (February 2021) - Rio Grande
Sample Product Label from the Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes in Hispanic-style Fresh and Soft Cheeses (February 2021) - Rio Grande
Sample Product Label from the Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes in Hispanic-style Fresh and Soft Cheeses (February 2021) - Rio Lindo
Sample Product Label from the Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes in Hispanic-style Fresh and Soft Cheeses (February 2021) - El Abuelito
Sample Product Label from the Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes in Hispanic-style Fresh and Soft Cheeses (February 2021) - Chirilagua, Yorito

Recall Information

On 2/19/2021, El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. announced their initial recall of products, and on 2/27/2021, they announced the expansion of their recall to cover additional products. The recall announcements include the full product list and descriptions.

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve any recalled Queso Fresco, Quesillo (Oaxaca, string cheese), or Requeson (ricotta) cheeses.

The firm’s recall does not include any additional products with the El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. label because they are not manufactured or handled in the same facility; this includes El Abuelito Meat, Inc., panela cheese, cotija cheese, mole, crema centroamericana, and crema mexicana. Updates will be provided as they become available.

FDA has posted lists of retailers that may have received Hispanic-styles cheeses from the El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. facility in Paterson N.J.  It is possible that these lists may not include all retailers who have received these cheeses; however, these lists represents the best information currently available to the FDA.

Map of U.S. Distribution of Recalled Queso Fresco, Quesillo, and Requeson Cheeseso

Map of U.S. Distribution of Recalled Queso Fresco, Quesillo, and Requeson Cheeseso as of March 9, 2021

Case Count Map Provided by CDC

CDC Case Count Map for the Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes in Hispanic-style Fresh and Soft Cheeses - 2/24/2021

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 11
Hospitalizations: 10
Deaths: 1
Last Illness Date: 2/14/2021
States with Cases: CT (1), MD (4), NY (4), and VA (2)
Product Distribution*: AL, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, NE, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, WI
*States with confirmed distribution; product could have been distributed further

Useful Links

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Australia – Preserved Chilli Beancurd 350g Le Couple – Bacillus cereus

Posted on March 10, 2021 by | Leave a comment

FSANZ

Date published: 09 March 2021

Product information

Le Couple Trading Corporation Pty Ltd is conducting a recall of Preserved Chilli Beancurd 350g Use By EXP 24.12.2022.  The product has been available for sale at Asian grocery stores in NSW.

Date markings

Use By EXP 24.12.2022.

Preserved chilli beancurd jar

Problem

The recall is due to microbial (Bacillus cereus) contamination

Food safety hazard

Food products contaminated with (Bacillus cereus) may cause illness if consumed.

Country of origin

China

What to do​

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

For further information please contact:

Le Couple Trading Corporation Pty Ltd
0431 640 229

​​

Related links:

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USA – Mediterranean Food Inc. Recalls “Alqosh Sesame Oil” Because of Possible Health Risk -Salmonella

Posted on March 9, 2021 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Mediterranean Food Inc. of Warren, MI, is recalling its 2Lb plastic jar of “Alqosh Sesame Oil” 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.

The recalled “Sesame Oil” were distributed in Michigan retail stores and distributors through our company’s staff. The Product was distributed in the period from 11/06/2020 to 12/10/2020.

The product comes in a 2Lb, clear plastic jar marked with lot # 16082020 on the side of the jar and with a Production date of 08/16/2020 stamped on the side.

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

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) at one of the retailers sold the product to which revealed the presence of Salmonella in some of the 2 Lb plastic jars of “Sesame Oil.”

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

Consumers who have purchased Alqosh Sesame Oil “Tahin” 2Lb plastic jar with lot # 16082020 should not consume the product and are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund in the hours from 9:00Am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-586-777-3460.

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Thailand – Thailand warns food poisoning and diarrhea from ice cubes in summer season

Posted on March 9, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Pattaya Mail

The Department of Disease Control of Thailand (DDC) is advising people to be careful with what they eat this summer to avoid food poisoning and diarrhea.

DDC director-general Dr Opas Karnkawinpong warns people not to consume certain foods to avoid food poisoning, as 915,289 food poisoning and diarrhea cases were reported during summer in 2020.

He said diners must ensure the food they are served is hot and clean, adding that ice cubes are also carriers of germs.

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Taiwan – TFDA Initiated 2021 Inspection Project for Ice Cube – Food Safety

Posted on March 9, 2021 by | Leave a comment

TFDA

Ice cubes are usually used to cooling drinks and foods during the summer and hot weather days in Taiwan. In order to continuously ensure the sanitation and safety of ice cube product for consumers, Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) will initiate the 2021 Inspection Project for Ice Cube, and will be conducted with local government health bureaus to improve food safety and sanitation management.

The inspection items will focus on the registration requirements for food businesses, the Regulation on Good Hygiene Practice for Food (GHP), the product liability insurance, the self-management, the product traceability, the transport control, the food practitioner sanitation management. And the ice cube products will be checked of labeling and hygiene compliance. Violating provisions of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation will be punished by law.

TFDA strongly recommends food businesses effectively implementing the self-management following the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation to ensure ice cubes safety and sanitation to protect the health of consumers.

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Norway – Norway reports Salmonella outbreak, 10 people hospitalised

Posted on March 9, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Outbreak News Today

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) is reporting a Salmonella outbreak which is geographically spread over large parts of country.

Twenty cases have been reported–12 confirmed and 8 suspected cases. The same genetic profile have been detected in all 12 confirmed cases. Preliminary analyzes of samples from the 8 suspected cases indicate that these also carry the outbreak strain.

Those affected are aged from 11 to 91 years, median age is 59 years. 60% are women. The infected live in Viken (9), Oslo (3), Innlandet (2), Vestfold and Telemark (1), Agder (1), Rogaland (1), Vestland (1), Møre og Romsdal (1) and Nordland (1). 10 of the cases have been hospitalized.

“The infected live in many different counties. Therefore, we believe that they are infected through a food that is widely distributed”, says doctor Hilde Marie Lund at the department of infection control and emergency preparedness.

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