Archives
-
Join 348 other subscribers
KSWFoodWorld
Blog Stats
- 457,660 Views
Category Archives: Food Illness
US Factory Listeria Control Sampling Once Every Four Years!
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has told producers of ready-to-eat foods not to veer from their regular manufacturing, sanitation and food-safety procedures when federal inspectors test for Listeria monocytogenes in their processing plants.
According to the notice published Wednesday, routine sampling to test for Listeria is conducted about once every four years at most facilities that make ready-to-eat foods, such as hot dogs and luncheon meats, or after a problem is suspected.
I am just amazed that it is only once every four years no wonder that there are so many US recalls for Listeria monocytogenes.
Third Infant Infected by Chronobacter in Infant Formula in the USA
A third infant in the United States has tested positive for the infection that led to the death of one infant, sickened another and spurred a probe of baby formula, including Enfamil by Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.
A baby in Oklahoma tested positive for Cronobacter, a bacteria that has sometimes been linked to rare illnesses in newborns and has been found in milk-based powdered baby formula.
The baby had not consumed Enfamil formula, according to Leslea Bennett-Webb of the Oklahoma Department of Health. The baby, less than a month old, has been treated and discharged from the hospital, she said.
This is a third Cronobacter case in recent weeks, after a baby in Missouri died and another child is now recovering in Illinois, both confirmed to have been infected with Cronobacter.
US – Cheese Recall – Listeria monocytogenes
Kradjian Imp Co. of Glendale, CA is recalling 231 cases of cheese distributed in Southern California to Mediterranean specialty markets because the cheese may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

US – Spinach Recall- E.coli O157
Avon Heights Mushrooms is recalling certain packages of fresh packaged spinach because they may be contaminated with E. coli.
During routine surveillance sampling, one package of Better Brand 10 oz. spinach tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. The company said it is recalling all packages produced on the affected day.
No illnesses have been associated with the recalled spinach.
This is quite an interesting recall as I am not aware of many producers regularly testing produce for E.coli O157 in the UK
US Alfalfa Sprouts Recalled – Salmonella
Green Valley Food Corp. is recalling 650 cases of alfalfa sprouts that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
In a news release, the company said a random sample of the sprouts collected on Dec, 12 from a customer tested positive for Salmonella. There so far have been no illnesses confirmed in connection with the sprouts, according to Green Valley Food Corp.
Histamine Illnesses Lead to Sushi Tuna Recall- USA
Three illnesses due to elevated histamine levels in sushi have prompted Osamu Corporation of Gardena, CA to recall up to 1,800 cases of frozen ground tuna.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported Thursday that it found elevated histamine levels in samples of the company’s tuna taken from one retail location, and said several samples of the ground tuna showed signs of decomposition.
The recall announcement did not disclose the name or location of the retail establishment, nor did it provide further details about the three people sickened.
According to the company, the cause of the elevated histamine levels found in the ground tuna isn’t known. But decomposition can promote formation of histamine in seafood. Histamine in food can cause a tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, facial swelling, rash, hives and itchy skin, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Individuals may react to histamine differently. People developing these symptoms should seek medical attention.
The recalled frozen ground tuna was in lot number 7013 shipped to three distributors — AFC Corporation, Red Shell Foods and Pacific Fresh Fish Company — from Aug. 8 to Sept. 8 this year.
Red Shell Foods has sushi franchises in grocery markets in California in Calabasas, Century City, Dana Point, Encino, Hollywood, Irvine, Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, North Hollywood, Northridge, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Barbara, Sherman Oaks, Silverlake, Tarzana, West Hollywood, and Westlake Village.
AFC has sushi franchises at counters in grocery stores in nearly every state.
Pacific Fresh Fish Company of Los Angeles is a cash-and-carry establishment.
Posted in Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Food Testing, Histamine, Recall
CIFA – Serrano Peppers – Recall – Salmonella
The public warning issued on December 20, 2011has been expanded to include an additional product.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to consume the Serrano peppers described below because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The affected fresh Serrano peppers, imported from the USA, were sold as follows:
Unlabelled from bulk at Safeway stores and various independent grocery stores in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Yukon, between December 5 and 20, 2011, inclusively.
Consumers who have purchased bulk, unlabelled Serrano peppers are advised to check with their place of purchase to determine if they have the affected product.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these peppers.
FSA – Recall Ground Cumin – Salmonella
Natco Foods Ltd is recalling specific batch codes of ground cumin, as salmonella has been detected in some parts of the affected batch. Investigations into the source of contamination are ongoing.
Novel Offering From a US Yoghurt Bar – Hepatitis A
Patrons of the Fruitti Yogurt in Goldsboro, N.C. are being advised to receive a free protective shot against hepatitis A.
The Wayne County Health Department says anyone who ate at the 317 Spence Ave. restaurant on Dec. 7 needs to visit a free clinic at 301 North Herman St.
The exposure might have occurred on Dec. 7 because of an infection in an employee who was diagnosed on Dec. 14.
The hepatitis A vaccine reduces the risk of the disease when given within 14 days of exposure.
If you’ve been previously vaccinated, then there are no problems.
Posted in Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Food Safety Alert, Food Virus
CIFA – Jalapeno Pepper – Recall Salmonella
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to consume the jalapeno peppers described below because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The affected fresh jalapeno peppers, imported from the USA, were sold as follows:
- Unlabelled from bulk at Safeway stores and various independent grocery stores in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Yukon, between December 3 and 20, 2011, inclusively.
- Unlabelled from bulk or in 4.5 kg Cal Fresco brand cases at Loblaws banners (Extra Foods, No Frills, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Shop Easy, SuperValu, Real Canadian Superstore, Lucky Dollar and Your Independent Grocer) in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, between December 3 and 20, 2011, inclusively.
Consumers who have purchased bulk, unlabelled jalapeno peppers are advised to check with their place of purchase to determine if they have the affected product.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these peppers.

