Category Archives: Food Inspections

USA – WSDA – Recall Raw Milk – STEC E.coli ?

Posted on February 27, 2013 by | Leave a comment

WSDAWSDA

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is
warning consumers not to drink Dungeness Valley Creamery brand raw Jersey whole milk, raw Jersey skim milk, and raw Jersey cream because the products may be contaminated with Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli) that can cause serious illness.

Dungeness Valley Creamery raw Jersey cream, raw Jersey whole
milk and raw Jersey skim milk with any Best Buy dates of 03/02 or later may be
contaminated. The firm sells its products in gallon, half gallon, quart and pint
containers. Today’s health alert includes all container sizes of the unpasteurized milk products.

The health alert is being initiated after routine sampling by WSDA found toxin-producing E. coli in a sample of raw cream. Based in Sequim, the Dungeness Valley Creamery and WSDA are continuing their investigation into the source of the problem. Currently, no human illnesses have been linked with these products.

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Posted in Bacteria, E.coli, EHEC, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, STEC

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Canada – Further Tea Products Recalled – Salmonella

Posted on February 26, 2013 by | Leave a comment

CFIASalm

Health Hazard Alert – Certain tea products may contain Salmonella bacteria

Recall date: February 24, 2013

Reason for recall: Microbiological – Salmonella

Hazard classification: Class 2

Distribution: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan

Extent of the distribution: Retail

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Methods, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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USA – FDA Recall – Cucumbers – Salmonella

Posted on February 26, 2013 by | Leave a comment

FDAcucumber

Cucumbers, 44 lbs/box. Brand: Malichita (green, yellow, red and white background color on each cartons)
Recall Number F-0984-2013
Classification Class I
Code Info Lot #MA012304.
Product Distributed Qty 343 units
Reason For Recall Altiza is recalling Malichita brand cucumbers because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

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Posted in Bacteria, FDA, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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Canada – CFIA Recalls – Gorgonzola – Listeria – Seasame Paste – Salmonella

Posted on February 26, 2013 by | Leave a comment

CFIA CIFA

Health Hazard Alert – Certain Mauri brand Gorgonzola may contain Listeria monocytogenes

Recall date: February 25, 2013

Reason for recall: Microbiological – Listeria

Hazard classification: Class 1

Recalling Firm: Arla Foods Incorporated

Distribution: Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec

Extent of the distribution: Consumer

Health Hazard Alert – Certain Clic brand Sesame Paste Tahina may contain Salmonella bacteria

Recall date: February 25, 2013

Reason for recall: Microbiological – Salmonella

Hazard classification: Class 2

Recalling Firm: Clic International Inc.

Distribution: National

Extent of the distribution: Consumer

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Methods, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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USA – Two Pet Food Recalls – Aflatoxin – Salmonella

Posted on February 25, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Hy-Vee, Inc. is recalling certain bags of dog food due to elevated levels of aflatoxin, a chemical contaminant found in corn. Consumers who have purchased these products should not feed them to their dogs.

Aflatoxins cause cancer in animals, but are allowed at extremely low levels in nuts, seeds and legumes because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers them “unavoidable contaminants” that pose little risk if small amounts are eaten over a lifetime. The problem with the dog food products was discovered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture. At the time if the recall no illnesses had been reported in association with the recall.

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Honest Kitchen today is recalling five lots of its Verve, Zeal and Thrive pet food products for possible contamination with Salmonella. The recalled products were produced between August and November 2012 and sold nationwide in the U.S. and Canada in retail stores, online and through mail order.

Pets who have Salmonella infections may have symptoms including lethargy, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some may only have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pets have consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms,  contact your veterinarian.

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Posted in Aflatoxin, Bacteria, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Recall

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USA – Alaskan Raw Milk Outbreak Expands – Campylobacter

Posted on February 24, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Alaskan Government

Campylobacter Outbreak Associated with Consumption of Raw Milk Kenai Peninsula, January – February 2013

The purpose of this Health Advisory is to inform you of a recent and potentially ongoing outbreak of Campylobacter infections that have been associated with consuming raw milk.

What is the outbreak?

Campylobacter infection is reportable by state regulations to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services’ Section of Epidemiology (SOE). Since late January, 2013, four people with confirmed Campylobacterinfection and at least one person with probable infection reported consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk in the few days preceding illness. One infant with close contact to a confirmed case-patient is also suspected of having Campylobacter infection. All six reside on the Kenai Peninsula. The Campylobacter isolated from the four lab-confirmed cases are a match by molecular techniques (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, or PFGE). This strain of Campylobacter has not been previously identified in Alaska.

What is Campylobacter and how do people become infected?

Campylobacter are bacteria that can cause diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramping/pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever within 2 to 5 days after exposure. The illness typically lasts from several days to over a week, with variable severity. Some people, especially young children or individuals with compromised immune systems, can develop severe or even life-threatening illness. Infrequently, Campylobacter infection leads to long-term consequences. Some people with Campylobacter infection develop arthritis, and rarely, some develop a life-threatening disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome that inflames the nerves of the body beginning several weeks after the onset of diarrhea.

Outbreaks of Campylobacter are often associated with consumption of unpasteurized milk —one such outbreak, traced to a Mat-Su Valley farm, resulted in 18 illnesses in Alaska in 2011. Other sources ofCampylobacter infection include consumption of undercooked meat, consumption of food or water cross-contaminated by raw meat, or contact with feces from infected animals. Human to human transmission can also occur.

 

 

 

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Posted in Campylobacter, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, outbreak

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Canada – CFIA – Recall – Organic Herbal Tea – Salmonella

Posted on February 24, 2013 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Health Hazard Alert – Certain TEGA brand ORGANIC LEMON HIBISCUS GREEN ROOIBOS HERBAL TEA may contain Salmonella bacteria

Recall date:
February 23, 2013

Reason for recall:
Microbiological – Salmonella

Hazard classification:
Class 2

Recalling Firm:
Nu-Tea Company Ltd.

Distribution:
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan

Extent of the distribution:
Consumer

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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USA – FDA – Recalls – More Pet Food Salmonella – Fish Spreads Listeria

Posted on February 22, 2013 by | Leave a comment

FDAFDA

GoldCoast Salads, a Naples Florida firm, is voluntarily recalling Blue Crab Spread, Maine Lobster Spread, Lobster and Shrimp Spread, and Smoked Salmon Spread that may be contaminated with Listeria.

The Blue Crab Spread being recalled is coded EXP 2/14/13 B. The Maine Lobster Spread being recalled is coded EXP 2/16/13 LA. The Lobster and Shrimp Spread being recalled is coded EXP 2/23/13 L&S1 and EXP 3/30/13 L&S1. The Smoked Salmon Spread being recalled is coded 3/10/13 S2.

The following products are being recalled: Blue Crab Spread in containers with a weight of 1 pound and containers with a weight of 8 ounces, Maine Lobster Spread in containers with a weight of 1 pound and containers with a weight of 8 ounces, Lobster and Shrimp Spread in containers with a weight of 1 pound and containers with a weight of 8 ounces, and Smoked Salmon Spread in containers with a weight of 1 pound and containers with a weight of 8 ounces.

The products in question were produced 12/17/12, 12/19/12, 12/26/12, 1/31/13, and 1/25/13 respectively and distributed to stores in the North East and South East United States.

Because of the potential for food borne illness, we urge consumers who have purchased the suspect products not to eat them, but to return them to the point of purchase.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact GoldCoast Salads by calling (239) 513-0430.

FDA

The Honest Kitchen today announced that it is voluntarily recalling five lots of its Verve, Zeal and Thrive pet food products produced between August and November 2012 and sold nationwide in the US and Canada via retail stores, mail order and online after August 2012 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No other Honest Kitchen batches, production dates or products are affected.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Animals with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some animals will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your animals have consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The Company is taking this action after learning that one of its raw ingredients suppliers has recalled a batch of human-grade parsley that may contain Salmonella. The batch of parsley was shipped to the Company in 2012 and used in the production of five lots of finished Honest Kitchen products.

The Honest Kitchen regularly tests for Salmonella and other pathogens as part of its quality control process and has not received to date any reports of illness associated with these lots of products. Nonetheless, the Company is proceeding with this action in order to ensure the full safety and quality of its products.

“We are committed to providing the highest-quality human-grade food available to our customers’ pets,” said Lucy Postins, founder, CEO and CMO of The Honest Kitchen. “While our quality control tests did not find evidence of Salmonella in any of our finished products, we are accountable for everything we make, and are taking precautionary action to ensure the safety and integrity of our products.”

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Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, FDA, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Recall, Salmonella

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European – RASFF Alerts – E.coli O157 – E.coli – Salmonella – Histamine – Norovirus

Posted on February 21, 2013 by | Leave a comment

RASFF– E.coli O157 in Frozen Hamburgers in Sweden raw material source in the Netherlands

RASFF – Salmonella in Paan Leaves in the UK sourced in India

RASFF – E.coli in Fresh Basail leaves in Norway sourced in Vietnam

RASFF – Histamine in Chilled Tuna Products in Italy sourced in Spain

RASFF – Norovirus in Oysters in the Netherlands sourced in France

RASFF – E.coli in Boneless Beef in the Netherlands sourced in Brasil

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Posted in E.coli, E.coli O157, EHEC, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Technology, Foodborne Illness, Histamine, Hygiene, Microbiology, Norovirus, Pathogen, RASFF, Recall, Salmonella, Virus

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Canada – Recall Frozen Burgers E.coli O157

Posted on February 21, 2013 by | Leave a comment

CFIACIFA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Canada Safeway Limited are   warning the public not to consume The Gourmet Meat Shoppe and The Butcher’s Cut brands of Frozen Beef  Burgers described below because these products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.

The following products are affected by this Alert:

               Brand                Product                Size UPC                Code
               The Gourmet                Meat Shoppe Big & Juicy Burger                1.13 kg                0 58200 10650 3                BEST BEFORE                              2013 AU 14 EST 752
               The Gourmet                Meat Shoppe Prime Rib Burger                907 g                0 58200 10733 3                BEST BEFORE                              2013 AU 14 EST 752
               The Butcher’s Cut                Pure Beef Patties                               10 Patties                1.13 kg                0 58200 21604 2                BEST BEFORE                              2013 AU 14 EST 752
               The Butcher’s Cut                Pure Beef Patties                               20 Patties                2.27 kg                0 58200 21592 2                BEST BEFORE                              2013 AU 14 EST 752
               The Butcher’s Cut                Pure Beef Patties                               40 Patties                4.45 kg                0 58200 21594 6                BEST BEFORE                              2013 AU 14 EST 752

These products have been distributed in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and  Northwest Territories. Canada Safeway Limited, Calgary, Alberta, is voluntarily recalling the affected  products from the marketplace. The CFIA is  monitoring the effectiveness of the recall. This recall is the result of E. coli O157:H7 product testing by the CFIA related to an ongoing outbreak investigation. The CFIA is currently conducting a food safety         investigation at the producing facility to determine if any additional products may be affected.

Food contaminated with E. coli  O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause serious         and potentially life-threatening illnesses. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. Some  people may have seizures or strokes and some may need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis. Others may live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.     For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:

Canada Safeway Limited at (403) 730-3511;

CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.         Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, E.coli, E.coli O157, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

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