Category Archives: Food Inspections

RTE Poultry Products Recall – Listeria monocytogenes

Food Safety News

Reichel Foods in Minnesota is recalling approximately 15,880 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products subject to recall include: [View Labels]

-5.6 oz. packages of “Armour Active Packs Turkey & Cheese Wrap” Package Code 1026090112 or Case Code 27815-17994

-5.6 oz. packages of “Armour Active Packs Ham & Cheese Wrap” Package Code 1026090112 or Case Code 27815-17995
  
All the products were produced between July 23, 2012, and July 26, 2012, and have a “sell by” date of Sept. 1, 2012. The packages bear the establishment number “P-19941” or “Est. 19941” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were shipped to distribution centers in Indiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Texas. When available, the retail distribution list will be posted on FSIS’ website.

US – Popcorn Recall – Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria Blog

Dale and Thomas Popcorn is voluntarily recalling a limited number of ready-to-eat bags of select flavors of Popcorn, Indiana-brand popcorn products (listed below) because of possible contamination by 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. Anyone who is concerned about a possible health problem or illness should contact a healthcare provider immediately.

The potential for contamination was noted after testing by the company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in some ready-to-eat bags of Popcorn, Indiana-brand products.

Even More Peanut Butter Product Recalls – Salmonella

FDA

Whole Foods Market is recalling Peanut Butter Power Chews and Treasure Trove Mix, both sold as bulk items, in seven stores in Florida and one store in southern California due to possible Salmonella contamination. 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.

No illnesses have been reported related to the bulk bin items. This recall is in response to a recall by Sunridge Farms/Falcon Trading who was supplied peanut butter by Sunland, Inc which has been connected to 30 illnesses in 18 states.

FDA

Jer’s™ Chocolates announced today that it has taken the precautionary measure of issuing a voluntary limited recall of some of its Gourmet Peanut Butter Bars and Gourmet Jer’s Squares produced from July 9, 2012 to September 24, 2012. 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.

SUNLAND, Inc. has stated that twenty-nine people have reported Salmonella Bredeney PFGE matching illnesses in approximately 18 states. These illnesses were associated with Almond Butter, Peanut Butter, Cashew Butter, Tahini and Roasted Blanched Peanut Products produced by Sunland, Inc.

Jer’s™ Gourmet Peanut Butter Bars and Jer’s™ Squares HAVE NOT been associated with any of the reported illnesses and ALL of Jer’s Chocolates products have passed its internal quality control tests and procedures

“Our customers’ health and safety is paramount. This precautionary step is to protect our customers and their families from any, even if remote, possible risk”, says Jerry Swain, Founder/CEO of Jer’s Chocolates.

Peanut Butter Products Recall – Possible Salmonella

FDAPeanut Butter Salmonella

Harry and David, LLC is taking the precautionary measure of voluntarily recalling its 12 oz. jars of Harry & David® Crunchy Almond and Peanut Butter, Harry & David® Creamy Banana Peanut Spread, and Harry & David® Creamy Raspberry Peanut Spread with “Best By” dates of 01MAY13 through 24SEPT13, as well as the following multi-component food items which included the above-named peanut butter products as components: Harry & David® Apple Snack Box, Wolferman’s® Bee Sweet Gift Basket, Wolferman’s® Hearty Snack Gift Basket, Wolferman’s® All-Day Assortment Gift Basket, and Wolferman’s® Father’s Day Basket. The “Best By” date is located on the upper part of the peanut butter product jar near the lid. The recalled peanut butter products were produced by Sunland, Inc.

This voluntary recall was initiated by Harry and David, LLC upon learning that Sunland, Inc. had recalled products, including the above-named Harry & David brand peanut butter products, manufactured between May 1, 2012 and September 24, 2012, due to possible Salmonella contamination. 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. Consumers who believe they have contracted a Salmonella infection should contact a healthcare provider.

Products subject to this recall were sold nationwide through Harry & David and Wolferman’s catalogs and websites, as well as through Harry & David stores, between May 1, 2012 and September 25, 2012. Individual jars of the recalled peanut butter products sold through Harry & David stores have UPC numbers of 8099473871, 8099473872, or 8099473873 printed on the Bar Code. The recalled multi-component food items have lot code numbers of 1212M through 2372M, 1212H through 2372H, or 1212C through 2372C.

This recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To date, there have been no illnesses or injuries reported in connection with the Harry & David brand recalled products, and no other Harry & David products are being recalled at this time.

CFIA – Sliced Mushroom – Listeria monocytogenes

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Champ’s Mushrooms are warning the public not to consume the Champ’s Mushrooms Sliced Crimini Mushrooms described below because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The following Champ’s Mushrooms brand Sliced Crimini Mushrooms are affected by this alert:

Size UPC Codes
200 g 6 78286 99933 4 260 S4189
227 g 6 78286 88877 5 PO 15SEP2012 or PO 16SEP2012
454 g 6 78286 88881 2 PO 15SEP2012

These products have been distributed in Alberta and British Columbia and may have been distributed in other provinces as well.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

RASFF/European Alerts – Salmonella, Histamine, Listeria, Ochratoxin

RASFF – Salmonella in Clams from Italy

RASFF – Histamine in Tuna Loin in Italy sourced in Sri Lanka

RASSF – Salmonella in Moringa Powder in Germany sourced in India

RASSF – Salmonella in Beef Meat in Sweden sourced in Germany

RASSF – Salmonella in Raw Milk Cheese in France

Danish Alert – Histamine in Herring Fillets

Danish Alert – Listeria in RTE Salads

Ireland Further Recall Information – Ochratoxin

 

 

 

Canada More E.coli O157 Recalls – Beef Products

CFIA These are both long lists of recalled products;

Reference Number: 7447
Recalling Firm: JD SWEID FOODS LTD.
Date of Recall: 9/26/2012
Recall Classification: 1
Distribution : Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Extent of the Product Distribution : Hotel/Restaurant/Institutional

CFIA

Reference Number: 7436
Recalling Firm: CENTENNIAL FOODSERVICE
Date of Recall: 9/18/2012
Recall Classification: 1
Distribution : Alberta
Extent of the Product Distribution : Hotel/Restaurant/Institutional

More Romaine Lettuce Issues – Listeria monocytogenes

Business WireListeria monocytogenes

LAKELAND, Fla. Publix Super Markets is issuing a voluntary recall for 10 ounce plastic bags of Publix Hearts of Romaine (Chopped Hearts of Romaine) due to the fact that they may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. Ready Pac is the supplier of the private label product for the company. The UPC found on the back right-hand corner of the package is 41415 03886.

PRNewswire

Fresh Express Incorporated is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of expired18 oz. Hearts of Romaine salad with the expired Use-by Date of September 26, 2012 and Product Code H256A08 as a precaution due to a possible health risk.

No consumer complaints have been received by Fresh Express Consumer Response Center in association with this recall.  No other Fresh Express products are being recalled.

The product was distributed primarily in Northeast and Midwest of the United States.

Canada – Recall Energy Nuggets – Salmonella Risk

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the Sunridge Farms brand Energy Nuggets described below because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected product, Energy Nuggets, was sold from the Organic Bulk section of Fortino’s located at 55 Mountainash Road, Brampton, Ontario between September 5 and September 26, 2012.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

This recall is part of an ongoing food safety investigation. The CFIA is working with various parties to identify and recall all affected products from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

Norovirus – Wales and New Zealand

BBC News

A total of 74 people have become ill after visiting a hotel in Newport.

An investigation is being carried out after 51 guests and 23 staff were affected by a viral infection, which is probably norovirus, at the Hilton Hotel in Langstone.

They started to become ill last Tuesday and suffered diarrhoea and vomiting.

Hilton Worldwide said the wellbeing of guests and staff was of “paramount importance” and it had brought in “stringent” health and safety measures.

Public health officials say the outbreak is not linked to a particular function or event, but the virus was passed by someone originally infected.

Newport council alerted Public Health Wales two days after the first illnesses.

TVNZ

Virus outbreak hits Wellington childcares, resthomes

Outbreaks of norovirus and rotavirus have been reported at Wellington childcare centres and resthomes.

Regional Public Health had responded to outbreaks of gastroenteritis at four childcare centres and two rest homes since the beginning of the month, medical officer of health Jill McKenzie said.

The number of outbreaks was higher than usual and indicated stomach bugs were circulating in the community.

“The nature of these bugs is they don’t tend to infect one person because their viruses are quite infectious.