Category Archives: Food Inspections

Research – International outbreak of salmonellosis in young children linked to the consumption of Kinder brand products. Update on May 4, 2022.

Sante Publique

Following the investigations carried out by the Belgian health authorities, together with their English, European and in particular French counterparts, the company Ferrero proceeded on April 5, 2022 to the recall of several Kinder range products manufactured in a factory in Belgium due to suspected contamination by Salmonella Typhimurium . On April 8, 2022, the recall finally affected all Kinder products from this factory, regardless of their expiry date. On April 14, 2022, an update of the recalled products, including the 2021 Christmas Advent Calendars, was released.

Case of salmonellosis in France: update on May 4, 2022

In total, as of 05/04/2022: 81 cases of salmonellosis with a strain belonging to the epidemic have been identified by the National Reference Center (CNR) for salmonella at the Institut Pasteur in France.

The 81 cases are spread over 12 regions (Grand-Est (14 cases), Ile-De-France (13 cases), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (13 cases), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (11 cases), Hauts-de-France (8 cases), Normandy (5 cases), Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (4 cases), New Aquitaine (4 cases), Occitanie (4 cases), Brittany (3 cases), Pays de la Loire (1 case) and Corsica (1 case)), with a median age of 4 years, and concern 42 girls and 39 boys.

Fifty-one cases were interviewed by Public Health France. All the cases, except 1, report, before the onset of their symptoms (which occurred between 20/01 and 04/04/2022), the consumption of chocolates of the brand cited here.

Twenty-two people were hospitalized for their salmonellosis, all since discharged. No deaths were reported.

The foods in question having been identified and the management measures taken, the weekly situation updates are drawn up. Public Health France continues to monitor the reporting of cases by the NR, which are expected due to the different delays inherent in monitoring ( see the infographic dedicated to food alerts ).

The successive withdrawals and recalls of the Kinder brand products concerned, produced by the Belgian factory with its closure by the Belgian authorities, should limit the occurrence in France of new cases of salmonellosis in connection with these chocolates.

The possible identification of new cases with dates of isolation at a distance from the recall withdrawal measures will be the subject of investigations if necessary.

To find out the list of products concerned by the withdrawal-recall: https://rappel.conso.gouv.fr/

People who have consumed the products mentioned above and who present symptoms (gastrointestinal disorders, fever within 72 hours of consumption), are invited to consult their doctor without delay, notifying him of this consumption.

In order to limit person-to-person transmission (especially in households with young children), it is recommended to wash your hands well with soap and water after using the toilet, after changing your child, and before to cook.

International situation

See the previous points

Research – Investigation of grouped cases of haemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) and shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections linked to the consumption of Buitoni® brand Fraîch’Up pizzas. Update on May 4, 2022.

Sante Publique

Public Health France and the National Reference Center (CNR) E. coli and its associated laboratory (Institut Pasteur, Paris, and Microbiology Laboratory of the Robert Debré Hospital, Paris), in conjunction with the Directorate General for Food, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention, and in coordination with the Directorate General for Health, have been investigating since 02/10/2022 an increase in the number of cases of haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) pediatric infections and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections.

The epidemiological, microbiological and traceability investigations carried out since that date have confirmed a link between the occurrence of these grouped cases and the consumption of frozen pizzas from the Buitoni brand Fraîch’Up range contaminated with STEC bacteria. On 03/18/2022, the company proceeded with the withdrawal-recall of all the pizzas in the Fraîch’Up range, marketed since June 2021 and the authorities asked the people who hold these pizzas not to consume them and to destroy them.

The total number of HUS cases linked to the consumption of these pizzas has stabilized since the withdrawal-recall. Other reports of STEC infection are investigated as part of routine surveillance. To date, these reports are not linked to grouped cases or consumption of Fraîch’Up pizzas.

Case of SHU in France: update on 04/05/22

As of 04/05/2022, 56 confirmed cases have been identified, of which 54 are linked to STEC O26 strains, and 2 to STEC O103 strains.

These 56 cases occurred in 55 children and 1 adult, who presented symptoms between 18/01/2022 (week 3) and 05/04/2022 (week 14) (Figure 1). The epidemic peak is in week 7 (14/02 to 20/02) and week 9 (28/02 to 06/03), with 10 cases each of these weeks.

These 56 cases occurred in 12 regions of metropolitan France: Hauts-de-France (12 cases), Ile-de-France (9 cases), New Aquitaine (8 cases), Pays de la Loire (7 cases), Brittany ( 6 cases), Grand Est (3 cases), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (3 cases), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (2 cases), Occitanie (2 cases), Center Val-de-Loire (2 cases) , Bourgogne Franche-Comté (1 case) and Normandy (1 case) (Figure 2).

The 55 sick children are aged from 1 to 17 years old with a median age of 6 years; 25 (45%) are female; 48 (87%) presented with HUS, 7 (13%) with STEC gastroenteritis. Two children died. The adult did not present with HUS.

Figure 1: Epidemic curve: number of confirmed cases of HUS and STEC infections, by week of onset of symptoms – metropolitan France, weeks 3 to 14, 2022 (N=54: week of onset of symptoms not specified for 2 cases )
Figure 1: Epidemic curve: number of confirmed cases of HUS and STEC infections, by week of onset of symptoms - metropolitan France, weeks 3 to 14, 2022 (N=54: week of onset of symptoms not specified for 2 cases )
Figure 2: Geographical distribution of confirmed cases of HUS and STEC infections (N=56) linked to the consumption of Buitoni® brand Fraîch’Up pizzas, by region of residence in metropolitan France, weeks 3 to 14, 2022
Figure 2: Geographical distribution of confirmed cases of HUS and STEC infections (N=56) linked to the consumption of Buitoni® brand Fraîch'Up pizzas, by region of residence in metropolitan France, weeks 3 to 14, 2022

Italy – LATTERIA VALCONTADINO – Listeria monocytogenes

Salute

Brand : CIRESA SRL

Name : LATTERIA VALCONTADINO

Reason for reporting : Recall due to microbiological risk

Publication date : 10 May 2022

Documentation

Documentation

Italy – WURSTEL POLLI MPACK 3X100 GR -Salmonella

Salute

Brand : FIORUCCI

Name : WURSTEL POLLI MPACK 3X100 GR

Reason for reporting : Recall due to microbiological risk

Publication date : 10 May 2022
Documentation

Documentation

UK – Aldi recalls Eat + Go Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap and Eat + Go Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap Triple because of the possible presence of Salmonella

FSA

Aldi is recalling Eat + Go Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap and Eat + Go Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap Triple because of the possible presence of salmonella in these products.

Product details

Eat + Go Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap
Use by 11 May 2022
Eat + Go Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap
Use by 12 May 2022
Eat + Go Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap
Pack size Triple
Use by 11 May 2022
Eat + Go Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap
Pack size Triple
Use by 12 May 2022

Risk statement

The possible presence of salmonella in the products listed above.

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

Action taken by the company Aldi is recalling the above products. 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 products. Please see the attached notice.
Our advice to consumers If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them. Instead, return them to the nearest store for a full refund. For further information please visit http://www.aldi.co.uk and https://customerservice.aldi.co.uk/contact

Belgium – Abbey cheese 230g from the Carrefour brand – Listeria monocytogenes

AFSCA

Recall from Carrefour
Product: Abbey cheese 230g from the Carrefour brand.
Problem: suspicion of the presence of listeria monocytogenes.

Brussels, 09/05/2022 – Following an inspection and as a precautionary measure to guarantee consumer safety, the MILCOBEL company is requesting that the 230g Carrefour brand Abbey cheese sold in the CATERER section of certain stores be withdrawn from the market Carrefour and Mestdagh in Belgium and remind consumers of this following the possible presence of listeria.

Name: Fromage d’Abbaye 230g
EAN code: 3060921462469
Date of minimum durability: All DDM between 05/12/2022 and 05/14/2022
Batch numbers: 5404454I, 5500955I, 5903159I and 5A0735AI.

This product was marketed in the packaged fresh section of your Carrefour or Mestdagh store

from 04/15/2022 to 05/04/2022.

Carrefour has decided, in collaboration with the AFSCA (Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain), to recall these products from consumers.

All products have been withdrawn from sale. Some of these products were, however, marketed on the Belgian market before the withdrawal measure. It is therefore recommended that people who hold the products described above do not consume them and destroy them or bring them back to the point of sale where they will be refunded to you.

People who have consumed the products mentioned above and who have a fever, isolated or accompanied by headaches, are invited to consult their doctor and report this consumption. These symptoms may be aggravated in young children, immunocompromised subjects and the elderly. These symptoms may suggest listeriosis, a disease with an incubation period of up to eight weeks.

For any additional information , you can contact the Carrefour Belgium consumer service by dialing the free number 0800.9.10.11, from 8.30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on working days and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The MILCOBEL Company apologizes to the customers of Carrefour and Mestdagh for the inconvenience caused.

Belgium – Chocolate products (chocolate, chewing gum, sweets, cookies, waffles) of the STRAUSS ELITE brand – Salmonella

AFSCA

Recall of Amandex
Products: Chocolate products (chocolate, chewing gum, sweets, cookies, waffles) of the STRAUSS ELITE brand
Problem: Possible presence of Salmonella.


In collaboration with the FASFC, AMANDEX is withdrawing chocolate products (chocolate, chewing gum, sweets, biscuits, waffles) from the STRAUSS ELITE company from sale and recalling them from consumers due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

AMANDEX asks its customers not to consume these products and to return them to the point of sale where they were purchased.

Description of products

– Chocolate products: chocolate, chewing gum, candies, cookies, waffles
– Brand: Elite Strauss
– Regardless of expiry date, batch number and nature of packaging

Complete list of recalled products (PDF) – UPDATE

The products were distributed in different points of sale:

Point of sale name /

Distribution chain name

Street + number Postal code Commune (city)
GROSZ CENTER BV J.JORDANSTRAAT 64 2018 ANTWERPEN
BAK. GOTTESFELD BV MERCATORSTRAAT 20 2018 ANTWERPEN
KATZ-HERSHKOVITZ ISABELLALEI 47 2018 ANTWERPEN
MANDL LAMORINIERESTRAAT 136 2018 ANTWERPEN
Super shop BV BELGIËLEI 151 2018 ANTWERPEN
BRAUN-HERSTIK DEVORA VAN DIEPENBEECKSTRAAT 63 2018 ANTWERPEN
CONVENIENCE LAMORINIÈRESTRAAT 199 2018 ANTWERPEN
Klein’s Voeding MERCATORSTRAAT 22 2018 ANTWERPEN
HOFFMAN ELIEZER LANGE KIEVITSTRAAT 58 2018 ANTWERPEN
PEREL SIMONSTRAAT 22 2018 ANTWERPEN
KING FOOD MANDEL LAMORINIERESTRAAT 25 2018 ANTWERPEN
HUIS VOOR DE JEUGD VZW. BRIALMONTLEI 48 2018 ANTWERPEN
FRESH FOOD (GROSZ). CHARLOTTELEI 25 2018 ANTWERPEN
FREEZE TOV VANDERKINDEREN STREET 381 1180 BRUSSELS
HAMAKOM SRL HENRI WAFELAERTS STREET 12 1060 BRUSSELS
HERCZL&GOLD BV Provincestraat 216 2018 ANTWERPEN
BE.H PRINS BOUDEWIJENLAAN 9/4A 2550 KONTICH

For any additional information , please contact:
Madame MANDEL via GSM: 0476 447259 or via e-mail: AMANDEX.77@GMAIL.COM

Italy – Veal in Sauce – VITEL TONNE – Listeria monocytogenes

Salute

Brand : GASTRONOMIA SOMASCA

Name : VITEL TONNE ‘200g

Reason for reporting : Recall due to microbiological risk

Publication date : 9 May 2022

France – Tellines – DSP marine biotoxins – Diarrhoeic Shellfish Poisoning

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Food
  • Product subcategory Fishery and aquaculture products
  • Product brand name Unbranded
  • Model names or references Tellines shipped between 03 and 05 May 2022
  • Identification of products
    Batch
    All lots
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored at room temperature
  • Health markFR.29.158.500.CE
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors Wholesalers / Independents

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall Prefectural decree – Closure of fishing area
  • Risks incurred by the consumer DSP marine biotoxins (diarrheal toxins)

Australia – Nutricia comments on Australian Cronobacter test result

Food Safety News

The Nutricia company has spoken out after Cronobacter was found during Australian testing of infant formula made in Europe.

A batch of KetoCal 3:1 was positive for Cronobacter spp. after being sampled at the border by Australian customs officials as part of random routine testing. There have been no known related illnesses. Nutricia said the batch was negative before leaving the production plant and additional testing also did not find Cronobacter.

The implicated formula is a specialized medical nutrition product intended for the dietary management of drug resistant epilepsy, or where a ketogenic diet is indicated by a healthcare professional. It is manufactured in Europe and not sold to the general public but is available by prescription.

Affected tins are batch number 101101598 with best before July 8, 2023.

In a letter to healthcare professionals in Australia dated April 29, Nutricia, which is owned by Danone, said there were 600 tins of the affected batch available in Australia and the next shipment of 800 tins from this batch was scheduled to arrive around May 23. A new batch from Europe has been ordered with an expected arrival of May 7.

A Nutricia spokesperson told Food Safety News it was committed to providing customers with the highest quality products.