Category Archives: Food Illness

USA -Spokane Produce Inc. Issues Recall of Products Containing Onions Because of Possible Health Risk – Salmonella

Posted on August 12, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Spokane Produce, Inc. of Spokane, WA is voluntarily recalling salsa products containing onions as a result of the expanded onion recall initiated by Thomson International, Inc., which resulted in a recall by Spokane Produce’s onion supplier. These recalls are due to concerns of the potential for contamination by Salmonella spp.

Salmonella is 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.

Product was distributed in ID, MT, OR, WA states and it reached consumers only through retail stores. The recalled products were distributed from 05/13/20 to 08/10/20. Retail products were packaged in 15oz. plastic tubs and institutional size one gallon plastic containers.

Spokane Produce’s products subject to the recall are listed in the table below.

ITEM NUMBER PRODUCT NAME SIZE BEST BY DATE
83260 Saddlin’ Up Salsa Hot 15 oz 8/16/2020
83259 Saddlin’ Up Salsa Medium 15 oz 9/30/2020
83259 Saddlin’ Up Salsa Medium 15 oz 8/5/2020
83258 Saddlin’ Up Salsa Mild 15 oz 8/11/2020
84032 Salsa Verde 15 oz 8/26/2020
84044 Salsa Verde Gallon 9/28/2020
84044 Salsa Verde Gallon 8/11/2020

No other Spokane Produce’s products are impacted by this recall.

No illnesses have been reported in association with these salsa products to date.

Out of an abundance of caution, as a service to the general consuming public at large, product is being recalled in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Consumers who purchased any of the products/best buy dates cited above are advised not to eat any product and should destroy or return the product to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions should call Spokane Produce, Inc., 10am-4pm (PST) at 509-710-8301.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Spokane Produce, Inc.
 509-710-8301

Product Photos

  • Label, Saddlin’ Up Salsa
  • Label, Saddlin’ Up Salsa Verde
  • Label, Spokane Produce Salsa Verde

 

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USA – Progressive Produce Voluntarily Recalls Red and Yellow Onions Because of Possible Health Risk – Salmonella

Posted on August 11, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Progressive Produce LLC is voluntarily recalling a very limited quantity of red and yellow onions as a result of a recall initiated by Thomson International, Inc., which supplied affected onions to Progressive Produce. This recall is being made out of an abundance of caution due to the potential for contamination with Salmonella.

The recalled products were sold on the West Coast, at Trader Joe’s (conventional red onions sold only in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah stores) and Ralph’s (conventional yellow onions sold only in California stores). The onions are sold loose in bulk bins. The red onions have a PLU sticker with the brand name Pacific Gold. No other Progressive Produce onions or other products are impacted by this recall.

Salmonella is 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.

Retailers that received recalled product from Progressive Produce have been instructed to remove any recalled product from their shelves and to dispose of any product that is remaining in their inventory.

Consumers who have purchased recalled products are urged not to consume them and to dispose of them immediately or to return them to the store for a full refund. Consumers may email Progressive Produce for further information at foodsafety@progressiveproduce.com. Consumers with concerns about an illness from consumption of the recalled products should contact a health care provider.

Progressive Produce has not received any reports of illnesses to date associated with these recalled items, although a current illness outbreak appears to be associated with certain onions supplied to a number of companies by Thomson International.

Progressive Produce is cooperating fully with FDA to facilitate the efficient recall of these onions. A photo of the red onion label is attached.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Progressive Produce
 foodsafety@progressiveproduce.com

Product Photos

  • PLU Sticker - Pacific Gold Red Onion 4082 USA

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USA – Southern Taste of Kernersville recalls cole slaw after tests show presence of Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on August 10, 2020 by | Leave a comment

The Coastland times 

Southern Taste of Kernersville is recalling 16-ounce containers of its Southern Taste Deli Cole Slaw distributed at retail supermarkets in North Carolina. Southern Taste has ceased the manufacture of this product and is fully cooperating with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as the cause of the contamination is investigated, stated NCDA&CS in a Friday press release.

“The company launched the recall after cole slaw sampled during a routine inspection conducted by the Food and Drug Protection Division tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, which may cause life-threatening illness. No illnesses have been reported to date,” stated the release. The product is sold in round plastic containers labeled as “Southern Taste Deli Cole Slaw” with a sell by date of 8/27/20.

“This recall is a direct result of our routine inspection and testing of ready-to-eat products to protect consumers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “These products are tested at our Food and Drug Protection Lab for common pathogens such as Listeria, Salmonella and E coli.”

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USA – Outbreak of Salmonella Newport Infections Linked to Onions

Posted on August 10, 2020 by | Leave a comment

CDC

Graphic of the U.S. map with persons infected by state of residence as of August 6, 2020.

Recall and Advice to Consumers, Restaurants, and Retailers
Illustration of a clipboard with check marks on it.
At A Glance
Various onions on a wooden table.

Do not eat, serve, or sell recalledexternal icon onions from Thomson International, Inc., or food made with these onions. Onion types include red, white, yellow, and sweet yellow varieties. Other companies have also issued recalls of foods, like chicken salads, made with recalled onions.

  • At home, check your refrigerator and kitchen for recalled onions or foods made with them, such as salads, wraps, tacos, sandwiches, etc.
    • Check the package or look for a sticker on the onion to see if it is from Thomson International, Inc., or one of the brand names below. If it is, don’t eat it. Throw it away.
      • Other brand names that may be on labels include: Thomson Premium, TLC Thomson International, Tender Loving Care, El Competitor, Hartley’s Best, Onions 52, Majestic, Imperial Fresh, Kroger, Utah Onions, and Food Lion.
      • See the recall noticeexternal icon to check for further details and pictures of the products.
    • Some foods made with recalled onions, such as deli salads and vegetable mixes, have also been recalled. Check your homes for the recalled products listed below.
    • If you can’t tell where your onions are from, don’t eat them. Throw them away.
    • If you used onions to make any other food and don’t know where the onions were from, don’t eat the food. Throw it away, even if some of it was eaten and no one got sick.
    • Wash and sanitize any surfaces that may have come in contact with onions or their packaging, such as countertops, storage bins, refrigerator drawers, knives, and cutting boards.
  • When you order food from a restaurant or shop for food, check with the restaurant or grocery store to make sure they are not serving or selling recalled onions from Thomson International, Inc., or any foods prepared with recalled onions, including foods such as salads, sandwiches, tacos, salsas, and dips.
    • If they don’t know where their onions are from, don’t buy the product.
    • People sickened in this outbreak reported eating onions in freshly prepared foods, including salads, sandwiches, tacos, salsas, and dips.

Advice to Restaurants, Retailers, and Suppliers

  • Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell recalled onions from Thomson International, Inc., or food prepared with these onions.
    • If you don’t know where your onions are from, don’t serve or sell them.
    • Clean and sanitize all surfaces that onions have come in contact with, including cutting boards, countertops, slicers, utensils, and storage bins.
  • Suppliers, distributors, and others in the supply chain should not ship or sell recalled onions from Thomson International, Inc.
    • Suppliers and distributors that repackage raw onions should clean and sanitize any surfaces and storage bins that may have come in contact with recalled onions.

Recalls

  • On August 1, 2020, Thomson International, Inc., voluntarily recalled red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
    • Onions were distributed to wholesalers, restaurants, and retail stores in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
    • Onions were distributed in bulk cartons and mesh sacks ranging from 2 to 50 pounds under these brand names: Thomson Premium, TLC Thomson International, Tender Loving Care, El Competitor, Hartley’s Best, Onions 52, Majestic, Imperial Fresh, Kroger, Utah Onions, and Food Lion.
    • See the recall noticeexternal icon to check for universal product codes (UPC) and pictures of the products.
  • On August 1, Giant Eagle recalledexternal icon onions and foods made with recalled onions sold in stores across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Maryland.
  • On August 1, Publix recalled onions sold in bulk at stores in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
  • On August 5, 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) issued a public health alertexternal icon for products made with recalled onions. Check the alert for product details and pictures. USDA-FSIS will update the public health alert as more information becomes available.
  • On August 6, 2020, Taylor Farms issued a recallexternal icon of foods that were made from recalled onions.
  • There may be additional recalls related to this outbreak. Please refer to the FSISexternal icon and FDAexternal icon websites for the latest recall information.

Take these steps if you have symptoms of a Salmonella infection:

  • Talk to your healthcare provider.
  • Write down what you ate in the week before you started to get sick.
  • Report your illness to your local health department.
    • The health department will likely call you for an interview to ask you about foods you ate in the week before you got sick.
  • Assist public health investigators by answering their questions when they contact you.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Illustration of a person with stomach pain.
  • Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
  • The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
  • In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body.
  • Children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
  • For more information, see Symptoms of Salmonella Infection.
Latest Outbreak Information
Illustration of a megaphone.
  • Since the last case count update on July 31, 2020, an additional 244 ill people have been reported in this outbreak, including 15 from 10 new states: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, West Virginia.
  • On August 1, Giant Eagle recalledexternal icon produce and prepared foods sold in stores across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Maryland.
  • On August 1, Publix recalled onions sold in bulk at stores in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
  • On August 5, 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) issued a public health alertexternal icon for products made with recalled onions. Check the alert for product details and pictures. USDA-FSIS will update the public health alert as more information becomes available.
  • On August 6, 2020, Taylor Farms issued a recallexternal icon of foods that were made from recalled onions.
  • A total of 640 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Newport have been reported from 43 states.
    • 85 hospitalizations have been reported. No deaths have been reported.
  • Epidemiologic and traceback information showed that red onions are a likely source of this outbreak.
  • This investigation is ongoing. CDC will provide more information as it becomes available.
Investigation Details

August 7, 2020

As of August 6, 2020, a total of 640 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Newport have been reported from 43 states. A list of the states and the number of cases in each can be found on the Map of Reported Cases page.

Illnesses started on dates ranging from June 19, 2020, to July 23, 2020. Ill people range in age from less than 1 to 102 years, with a median age of 39. Fifty-four percent of ill people are female. Of 343 ill people with information available, 85 hospitalizations have been reported. No deaths have been reported.

Illnesses might not yet be reported due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks. Please see the Timeline for Reporting Cases of Salmonella Infection for more details.

Whole genome sequencing analysis of 48 isolates from ill people did not predict any antibiotic resistance. Standard antibiotic susceptibility testing by CDC’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) laboratory is underway.

Whole genome sequencing analysis shows that an outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections in Canada is related genetically to this outbreak in the United States. This means that people in both of these outbreaks are likely to share a common source of infection.

Investigation of the Outbreak

On July 10, 2020, CDC’s PulseNet identified an outbreak of 13 Salmonella Newport infections in three states. Since being identified, the outbreak has rapidly grown to a total of 640 infections in 43 states.

State and local public health officials are interviewing ill people to determine what they ate and other exposures in the week before their illness started.

Many ill people were identified as part of illness clusters. An illness cluster is defined as two or more people who do not live in the same household who report eating at the same restaurant location, attending a common event, or shopping at the same location of a grocery store in the week before becoming ill. Investigating illness clusters can provide critical clues about the source of an outbreak. If several unrelated ill people ate or shopped at the same location of a restaurant or store within several days of each other, it suggests that the contaminated food item was served or sold there. Twenty-five illness clusters have been identified in nine states. Information from these clusters shows that many ill people ate red onions. The traceback information collected from these illness clusters identified Thomson International, Inc., of Bakersfield, Calif., as a likely source of red onions. Due to the way onions are grown and harvested, other onion types, such as, white, yellow, or sweet yellow, may also be contaminated. Additional traceback is ongoing to determine if other onions are linked to the outbreak.

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections in Canada that is related by whole genome sequencing to the U.S. outbreak. On July 30, PHAC’s outbreak investigationexternal icon identified U.S. red onions as a likely source of its outbreak.

On August 1, 2020, Thomson International, Inc., voluntarily recalledexternal icon red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

On August 1, Giant Eagle recalledexternal icon onions and foods made with recalled onions sold in stores across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Maryland.

On August 1, Publix recalled onions sold in bulk at stores in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

On August 5, 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) issued a public health alertexternal icon for products made with recalled onions. Check the alert for product details.

On August 6, 2020, Taylor Farms issued a recallexternal icon of foods that were made from recalled onions.

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, serve, or sell recalled onions from Thomson International, Inc., of Bakersfield, California, or other foods made with recalled onions.

CDC will provide updates when more information is available.

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Canada – Updated Food Recall Warning – Various products made with onions grown by Thomson International Inc. recalled due to Salmonella

Posted on August 8, 2020 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Recall date:
August 7, 2020
Reason for recall:
Microbiological – Salmonella
Hazard classification:
Class 1
Company / Firm:
Industry
Distribution:
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Extent of the distribution:
Hotel/Restaurant/Institutional, Retail

Contents

Recall details

Ottawa, August 7, 2020 – The food recall warning issued on August 1, 2020 has been updated to include additional product information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.

Industry is recalling various products made with onions grown by Thomson International Inc., Bakersfield, California (USA), from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below. Retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, and nursing homes should not serve, use, or sell the recalled products described below.

These products may also have been purchased on-line or through various restaurant or convenience store locations. The CFIA will continue its investigation into other possible importers and additional recalls may follow.

Ongoing investigation

See complete list of recalled products associated with this ongoing investigation.

Recalled products: Consumer

Brand Product Size UPC Codes Additional information
Fresh is Best Salsa & Co. Mild Fresh Salsa 375 mL 6 28130 03751 4 BBD:
21 SEP 2020
25 SEP 2020
28 SEP 2020
02 OCT 2020		 Distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
Fresh is Best Salsa & Co. Medium Fresh Salsa 375 mL 6 28130 03752 1 BBD:
21 SEP 2020
25 SEP 2020
28 SEP 2020
02 OCT 2020
05 OCT 2020		 Distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
Fresh is Best Salsa & Co. Hot Fresh Salsa 375 mL 6 28130 03753 8 BBD:
21 SEP 2020
25 SEP 2020
28 SEP 2020
02 OCT 2020		 Distributed in British Columbia
Fresh is Best Salsa & Co. Extra Hot Fresh Salsa 375 mL 6 28130 03754 5 BBD:
21 SEP 2020
25 SEP 2020
28 SEP 2020
02 OCT 2020		 Distributed in British Columbia
Fresh is Best Salsa & Co. Salsa Fresca 2.2 L 6 28130 00221 5 BBD:
28 SEP 2020
05 OCT 2020		 Distributed in British Columbia
Fresh is Best Salsa & Co. Savory Southwestern Black Bean & Corn Salsa 220 mL 6 28130 02204 6 BBD:
15 AUG 2020
21 AUG 2020
28 AUG 2020		 Distributed in Alberta and British Columbia
Fresh is Best Salsa & Co. Tropical Fruit Salsa 220 mL None BBD:
06 AUG 2020		 Distributed in British Columbia
Skeena Select BBQ Beef Sub 295 g 0 204157 706994 All best before dates up to and including AU.11.20 Distributed in British Columbia
Skeena Select Pizza Sub 405 g 0 204109 706997 All best before dates up to and including
AU.10.20		 Distributed in British Columbia
Skeena Select Broccoli Salad Variable Starts with
0 205116		 All best before dates up to and including
AU.11.20		 Distributed in British Columbia
Skeena Select Chicken Quesadilla 280 g 0 205153 105996 All best before dates up to and including
AU.11.20		 Distributed in British Columbia
None Greek Salad Variable Starts with
0 205106		 All best before dates up to and including
AU.11.20		 Distributed in British Columbia
None Greek Pasta Salad Variable Starts with
0 205130		 All best before dates up to and including
AU.11.20		 Distributed in British Columbia
None Curried Quinoa Kale Salad Variable Starts with
0 205117		 All best before dates up to and
including AU.11.20		 Distributed in British Columbia
None Gourmet Sandwiches Entertaining Variable Starts with 257369 All packed on dates up to and including August 7, 2020 Distributed at various IGA, Safeway, Sobeys and Thrifty Foods locations in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
None Gourmet Sandwiches Sm Variable Starts with
240060		 All packed on dates up to and including August 7, 2020 Distributed at various IGA, Safeway, Sobeys and Thrifty Foods locations in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba

Recalled products: Hotel /Restaurant/ Institution:

Brand Product Size UPC Codes Additional information
None Butter Chicken Sauce (Frozen) 100 g None All units sold up to and including August 7, 2020 Distributed in British Columbia

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 or establishment. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased. If you are unsure of the source of the onions in your product, check with your place of purchase.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

Background

This recall was triggered by the CFIA during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak followed by a recall in the United States by Thomson International Inc. located in Bakersfield, California. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak of human illness. Please refer to the Public Health Notice for further details on this active outbreak investigation.

Related recalls

2020-08-07 – Red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions grown by Thomson International Inc. and imported from the USA recalled due to Salmonella

2020-08-06 – Freshpoint Foodservice brand red and jumbo onions grown by Thomson International Inc. and imported from the USA recalled due to Salmonella

2020-08-01 – Red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions grown by Thomson International Inc. and imported from the USA recalled due to Salmonella

2020-07-30 – Red onions imported from the USA by Sysco in Western Canada recalled due to Salmonella

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • inspection
  • inspection
  • inspection
  • inspection
  • inspection
  • inspection
  • inspection
  • inspection
  • inspection
  • inspection
  • inspection
  • inspection
  • inspection
  • inspection

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Canada – Updated Food Recall Warning – Red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions grown by Thomson International Inc. and imported from the USA recalled due to Salmonella

Posted on August 8, 2020 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Recall date:
August 7, 2020
Reason for recall:
Microbiological – Salmonella
Hazard classification:
Class 1
Company / Firm:
Industry
Distribution:
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Possibly National, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Extent of the distribution:
Retail

Contents

Recall details

Ottawa, August 7, 2020 – The food recall warning issued on August 1, 2020 has been updated to include additional distribution information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.

Industry is recalling red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions grown by Thomson International Inc., Bakersfield, California, and imported from the USA from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below or foods containing these raw onions. Retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, and nursing homes should not serve, use, or sell the recalled products described below.

These products may also have been purchased on-line or through various restaurant locations. They may also have been sold in bulk or in smaller packages with or without a label and may not bear the same brand or product names as described below. The CFIA will continue its investigation into other possible importers and additional recalls may follow.

Ongoing investigation

See complete list of recalled products associated with this ongoing investigation.

Recalled product

Brand Product Size UPC Codes Additional information
  • El Competidor
  • Imperial Fresh
  • Onions 52
  • Tender Loving Care
  • Thomson International
  • Thomson International Premium
  • Thomson Premium
  • Yellow Onions
  • Red Onions
  • White Onions
  • Sweet Yellow Onions
 All sizes including bulk Variable All products imported since May 1, 2020
  • Mesh Sack
  • Carton
  • Box

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 or establishment. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased. If you are unsure of the identity of the onions in your possession, check with your place of purchase.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

Background

This recall was triggered by the CFIA during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak followed by a recall in the United States by Thomson International Inc. located in Bakersfield, California. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak of human illness. Please refer to the Public Health Notice for further details on this active outbreak investigation.

Related recalls

2020-08-07 – Various products made with onions grown by Thomson International Inc. recalled due to Salmonella

2020-08-06 – Freshpoint Foodservice brand red and jumbo onions grown by Thomson International Inc. and imported from the USA recalled due to Salmonella

2020-08-01 – Red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions grown by Thomson International Inc. and imported from the USA recalled due to Salmonella

2020-07-30 – Red onions imported from the USA by Sysco in Western Canada recalled due to Salmonella

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • El Competidor Onions
  • Tender Loving Care Onions
  • Thomson International Fresh Onions – 4.54 kg
  • Thomson International Premium Onions – 2.27 kg
  • Thomson International Premium Onions 1
  • Thomson International Premium Onions 2
  • Thomson International Premium Onions 3
  • Thomson International, Inc.

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

Taiwan – Over 100 people fall ill with suspected food poisoning at Yilan hotel

Posted on August 7, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Focus Taiwan

Taipei, Aug. 6 (CNA) More than 100 people who dined at a hotel buffet in Yilan County have fallen ill with suspected food poisoning, but source of the contamination has not yet been identified, the county’s Public Health Bureau said Thursday.

As of 3:30 p.m., 121 visitors who had eaten at Hotel Royal Chiao Hsi had reported symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, with 77 of them seeking medical attention, the bureau said.

The problem was first reported Aug. 1 by a group of hotel guests on a company trip, but public health officials were not informed until three days later, according to the bureau.

After an inspection of the hotel restaurant on Aug. 4, the public health officials sent kitchen utensils and water samples to the Food and Drug Administration for testing, the bureau said, adding that the results will become available in few days’ time.

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Poisoning, Uncategorized

Kenya – Kebs raises concern on high levels of aflatoxin in maize

Posted on August 7, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Daily Nation 

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) and consumers have raised concern on high levels of aflatoxin in maize, the staple food for most Kenyan households.

The complaints come even as processors experience acute shortage of the produce.

The millers say their stocks were exhausted two months to the harvest of this season’s crop in the North Rift, the country’s grain basket.

Many millers in western Kenya are getting maize from schools and other learning institutions that were closed in March to stop the spread of coronavirus.

 

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Posted in Aflatoxin, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Mould Toxin, Mycotoxin, Toxin, Uncategorized

USA – Giant Eagle Voluntarily Issued August 1st Recall of Onions and Prepared Foods Using Onions as an Ingredient Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Posted on August 7, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Company Announcement

After receiving notification from onion supplier, Onion 52, that the vendor had sourced onions affected by the recent salmonella-related Thomson International, Inc. onion recall for Giant Eagle, the company pulled all impacted product on Saturday, August 1.

Giant Eagle recalled red, yellow and white onions sold in produce departments across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Maryland. The recall also includes select prepared foods items that included the affected onions as ingredients sold across the same five states. The recall announcement is regarding potential salmonella contamination of the onions.

Out of an abundance of caution, Giant Eagle promptly removed these products on Saturday, August 1, from its produce and prepared foods departments as soon as it became apparent that some of its onion product may have been affected by the ongoing salmonella outbreak investigation by the FDA and CDC. Three are no reported illnesses among Giant Eagle customers to date associated with this recall.

Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, can cause salmonellosis. Salmonellosis is one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses, and some symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and a fever anywhere between 12 to 72 hours after consumption. This illness can last between four to seven days.

Recalled Onions Sold in Giant Eagle Produce Departments

Giant Eagle has recalled all bulk and bagged red, yellow and white onions sold in its produce department since June 6, 2020.

Customers who have purchased the affected product and are still in possession of it should dispose of it. Customers may also bring in the qualifying receipt to their local Giant Eagle or Market District location to receive a refund on their purchase of the impacted product.

For questions, customers may contact Onions52 at (801) 773-0630 or by email at customerservice@onions52.com.

Recalled Prepared Foods Items with Onion as Ingredient

Giant Eagle’s onion recall also included select prepared foods items purchase since July 25, 2020 that include onion as an ingredient.  Items listed in the link above.

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USA – FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Containing FDA-Regulated Onions that have been Recalled due to Possible Salmonella Newport Contamination

Posted on August 7, 2020 by | Leave a comment

USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products containing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated onions that have been recalled by Thomson International Inc., due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with Salmonella Newport. FSIS is issuing this public health alert out of the utmost of caution to ensure that consumers are aware that these products, which bear the USDA mark of inspection, should not be consumed. As more information becomes available, FSIS will update this public health alert.

The following products are subject to the public health alert:

RTE meat and poultry items produced by Taylor Farms on July 30 and 31, 2020: [View Label (PDF only)]

  • 7.25-oz. plastic sealed container labeled as “Sausage Breakfast Scramble Bowl” with lot code TFD212AU8 and TFD213AU8.
  • 6.2-oz. plastic sealed container labeled as “Taylor Farms Cheddar Cheese & Chicken Salad Snack Tray” with use by date 08/06/20 or 08/07/20 and lot code TFD212AU7 and TFD213AU7.
  • 41.35-oz. plastic bags containing “Chicken Salad” with use by date 08/04/20 or 08/05/20 and lot codes TFD212AU8 and TFD213AU8.
  • 10-oz. plastic sealed container labeled as “Chicken Salad Deli Snack” with lot codes TFD212AU3 and TFD213AU3 with best by dates 08/06/2020 or 08/07/2020.
  • 7.75-oz. plastic sealed container labeled as “H.E.B. Shake Rattle Bowl SOUTHWEST SALAD with CHICKEN” and a best if used by date of “Aug 10/2020 and lot code TFD213AU20.
  • 17.25-oz. plastic sealed container labeled as “Marketside SOUTHWEST STYLE SALAD WITH CHICKEN” with a best if used by date of 08/11/20 or 08/12/2020 and lot codes TFD212AU26 or TFD213AU26.

The products bear the establishment number “P-34733″ or “34733” inside the USDA mark of inspection or printed on the container. These products were shipped to retail locations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas

 RTE meat items produced by Amana Meat Shop and Smokehouse on May 14, 2020, June 2, 18, and 29, 2020 and July 2, 9, 21, 2020:

  • 1.25-lb quart jar containing “AMANA MEAT SHOP AND SMOKEHOUSE HAM WATER ADDED IN VINEGAR PICKLE” and lot codes E2620, F0320, F3720, F5420, G0620, G1720 and G3920.

The products bear the establishment number “EST. 2357” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were shipped to retail locations in California, Illinois, Iowa, and South Carolina, and were also available for mail orders.

CDC, FDA and public health and regulatory officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to onions produced by Thomson International, Inc. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of the FSIS-regulated products produced containing these onions. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Salmonella 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.

Consumers with questions can contact Kim Earnshaw or Elizabeth Llanes with Thomson International, Inc., at (661) 845-1111.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

 

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