Category Archives: Food Quality

FDA – Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Virus Infections: Frozen Strawberries (February 2023)

Posted on March 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Hepatitis A kswfoodworld

Product

California Splendor Recall: Kirkland Signature 4-lb. bag Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries in certain states with specific lot codes.

Scenic Fruit Recall: frozen organic strawberries with the following brand names and Best By Dates distributed to specific states:

  • Simply Nature, Organic Strawberries, Best By 06/14/2024
  • Vital Choice, Organic Strawberries, BEST BY 05/20/2024
  • Kirkland Signature, Organic Strawberries, Best If Used By 10/08/2024
  • Made With, Organic Strawberries, Best Before 11/20/2024
  • PCC Community Markets, Organic Strawberries, Best By 29/10/2024
  • Trader Joe’s, Organic Tropical Fruit Blend with the following Best By dates: 04/25/24; 05/12/24; 05/23/24; 05/30/24; 06/07/24

Stores Affected

California Splendor supplied recalled product to Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and to two San Diego business centers. Scenic Fruit supplied recalled product to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in specific states, and to Trader Joe’s nationwide.

This is not an exhaustive list of products or stores. FDA is continuing to work with the firms to identify potential additional product information.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A

Illness usually occurs within 15 to 50 days after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Symptoms of hepatitis A virus infection include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale stool. In some instances, particularly in children under the age of six, hepatitis A infection may be asymptomatic.

Status

Ongoing

Recommendation

  • Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not sell, serve, or eat recalled frozen strawberries. These recalled products should be returned or thrown away.
  • If consumers purchased the recalled frozen organic strawberries and ate those berries in the last two weeks, and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, they should immediately consult with their healthcare professional to determine whether post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. PEP is recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus in the last two weeks because vaccination can prevent a hepatitis A virus infection if given within 14 days of exposure. Those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination or previous hepatitis A virus infection do not require PEP.
  • Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of a hepatitis A virus infection after eating these frozen organic strawberries, or if you believe that you have eaten these strawberries in the last two weeks.

Product Images

Sample Product Images from the Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Virus Infections Related to Frozen Strawberries (February 2023)

Current Update

March 17, 2023

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections linked to frozen organic strawberries imported by a common supplier from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico. The frozen organic strawberries were sold to a variety of retailers under multiple brand labels.

Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 5/5 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries. FDA’s traceback investigation identified a common supplier of the frozen organic strawberries. Strawberries used by this supplier were imported from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico, in 2022. Additionally, the strain of hepatitis A virus causing illnesses this year is genetically identical to the strain that caused the outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections in 2022, which was linked to fresh organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico, and sold at various retailers.

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Belgium – Corn Popcorn from the Pit & Pit brand.

Posted on March 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

AFSCA

Recall by Pit & Pit
Product: Corn Popcorn from the Pit & Pit brand.
Problem: too high aflatoxin content.
In agreement with the FASFC, Pit & Pit is withdrawing the Pit & Pit brand’s “Popcorn Maize” product from sale and recalling it from consumers because of an excessively high aflatoxin content.

Pit & Pit asks its customers not to consume this product and to return it. A free return label can be requested by sending an email with the photo of the label to help@pit-pit.com. Upon receipt of the return, the product will be refunded.

Product description:

– Product name: Corn Popcorn
– Brand: Pit & Pit
– Type of packaging: transparent jar with black lid
– Expiry date (BDD): 30/09/2024
– Weight and batch numbers:

o 450g – Lot: ULTGVTF8 o 1.3kg – Lot: ULTGVTF9

The product was sold online, via the website www.pit-pit.com .

For any additional information, please contact: help@pit-pit.com .

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Luxembourg – MATCH BRAND POPCORN CORN – Aflatoxin

Posted on March 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

SAP

Fidafruit *  is recalling the following product in Luxembourg:

Name Popcorn grain corn
Brand Match
Unit 250g
bar code 5410781251068
MDD 23/12/2023
Sale period from 03/01/2023 to 03/16/2023

Danger  : Too high aflatoxin content

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by certain species of Aspergillus molds which develop when the temperature and humidity level of the food is high. Aflatoxins are considered genotoxic and carcinogenic by the European Food Safety Authority and can be dangerous with high and repeated consumption.

Sale confirmed in Luxembourg by: Match/Smatch

Information Source: Match Recall Notification

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Luxembourg – SMALL CAMEMBERT WITH RAW MILK 150G FROM THE GILLOT BRAND – STEC E.coli

Posted on March 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

SAP

Gillot SAS is recalling the following product in Luxembourg:

Nom Small Camembert with raw milk
Marque GILLOT
Unit  150g
Code barre 3 26703 1 60101 0
Date of minimum durability (MDD) 23/03/2023
Lot 018551

Danger: Possible presence of E. coli STEC – Escherichia coli likely to produce toxins (shigatoxins)

E. coli STEC can cause food poisoning which can occur within a week after consumption and result in gastrointestinal disorders often accompanied by cramps. These symptoms may be aggravated in young children, immunocompromised subjects and the elderly. People who have consumed these products and have these symptoms are invited to consult a doctor and report this consumption to him.

Click to access prp10-cen-rf21-communiqu-de-presse-recall-gillot-petit-camembert-bio-fr.pdf

Confirmed sale in Luxembourg by: Delhaize

A sale by other operators cannot be excluded.

Source of information: Gillot SAS recall notification

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Nigeria – Public Alert No:007/2023 – Kawasho Foods USA Inc. Announces a Voluntary Recall Of A Single Lot Of GEISHA Medium Shrimp 4oz. Because Of Possible Health Risk

Posted on March 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is notifying the public that Kawasho Foods USA Inc. of New York, NY, is voluntarily recalling one lot of canned GEISHA Medium Shrimp 4oz. because of reported swelling, leaking, or bursting cans.

There is a possibility that the product has been under processed, which could lead to the potential for spoilage organisms or pathogens.

The Product was distributed to retail stores in USA (Walmart, Associated Food Stores, Stater Bros Markets, Safeway, Albertsons) in California, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado.

Recalled Product Details

Brand Name Pack Size Expiry Date Lot no UPC No
GEISHA Medium Shrimp 4oz. metal can May 12/2026 LGC12W12E22 071140003909

Product Photo

Although the products are not in NAFDAC database, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the recalled lot of canned GEISHA Medium Shrimp.

Consumers should not use this product, even if it does not look or smell spoiled. No illnesses or other adverse consequences have been reported to date in connection with this product.

Consumers are advised to report any suspicion of substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng

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France – Merguez – Salmonella

Posted on March 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name without
  • Model names or references Merguez sold at the traditional stand Merguez sold in trays of 5/6 pieces (+-500gr) at the self-service counter
  • Identification of products
    Batch Date
    Merguez sausage sold at the traditional stand Use-by date between 07/03/2023 and 12/03/2023
    Merguez sausage sold in trays of 5/6 pieces (+-500gr) in the self-service department Use-by date between 07/03/2023 and 12/03/2023
  • Products ListMerguez_sold_at_the_traditional_stand.pdfAttachment
  • Packaging Merguez sold by kg at the traditional stand Merguez sold in trays of 5/6 pieces (+-500gr) at the self-service counter
  • Marketing start/end date From 07/03/2023 to 12/03/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark without
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Jeumont
  • Distributors Intermarché Jeumont

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall presence of salmonella
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Salmonella spp (causative agent of salmonellosis)

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Canada – Nestlé Good Start – Soothe (infant formula) recalled due to possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii

Posted on March 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Summary

Product
Nestlé Good Start Soothe (infant formula)
Issue
Food – Microbial Contamination – Other
What to do

Do not consume, use, sell, serve, or distribute recalled products

Nestlé Good Start - Soothe (infant formula) - 942 g - Front
Nestlé Good Start - Soothe (infant formula) - 942 g - Back
Nestlé Good Start - Soothe (infant formula) - 942 g - Bottom

Affected products

Issue

The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Cronobacter sakazakii contamination.

The recalled product has been sold nationally.

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
  • Do not consume the recalled products
  • Do not serve, use, sell, or distribute the recalled products
  • Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased

Food contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Although Cronobacter sakazakii is not commonly linked to human illness, in rare cases it can cause serious or fatal infections. Cronobacter sakazakii can cause rare bloodstream and central nervous system infections and has been associated with severe intestinal infection (necrotizing enterocolitis) and blood poisoning (sepsis), especially in newborns.

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 Italy – Beef Shredded 80g atm – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on March 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Salute

Brand : very fresh

Denomination : beef shredded 80g atm

Reason for reporting : Remind for microbiological risk

Date of publication : 18 March 2023

Documentation

Documentation

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USA – Perrigo Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Quantity of Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula – Cronobacter?

Posted on March 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Gerber® Good Start® SoothePro Powdered Infant Formula, Product photo

Company Announcement

Dublin, Ireland – March 17, 2023 – Perrigo Company plc is issuing a voluntary recall of certain lots of Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula in the U.S., that were manufactured at the Company’s Gateway Eau Claire, Wisconsin manufacturing facility from January 02, 2023 to January 18, 2023. This product is being recalled out of an abundance of caution due to the potential presence of Cronobacter sakazakii

Importantly, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of this bacteria, no adverse events have been reported and no other products manufactured at this facility or any other of Perrigo’s facilities are affected by this recall.

Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacteria commonly found in the environment. In most people it causes no symptoms but in some, particularly premature infants, infants under 2 months of age or infants with weakened immune systems fever, poor feeding, excessive crying or low energy as well as other serious symptoms can occur.

This product is sold at retailers across the U.S. Consumers who purchased the product after March 5, 2023 should look for the following Lot Codes and “use by” dates, which can be found on the bottom of the package. No other lot codes are impacted by this recall. Any consumers who purchased product with matching codes should discontinue use and dispose of the product.

Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM 12.4 oz:
300357651Z – USE BY 04JUL2024
300457651Z – USE BY 05JUL2024
300557651Z – USE BY 06JUL2024
300557652Z – USE BY 06JUL2024
300757651Z – USE BY 08JUL2024
300857651Z – USE BY 09JUL2024
301057651Z – USE BY 11JUL2024
301057652Z – USE BY 11JUL2024
301157651Z – USE BY 12JUL2024

Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM 30.6 oz:
301357652Z – USE BY 14JUL2024
301457652Z – USE BY 15JUL2024
301557651Z – USE BY 16JUL2024

Gerber Good® Start® SootheProTM 19.4 oz:
301557652Z – USE BY 16JUL2024I

Consumers can request refunds for impacted products and find more information about Gerber® Good Start® by contacting the Gerber Parent Resource Center on behalf of Perrigo at 1-800-777-7690 anytime 24/7. Consumers with any health-related questions should contact their healthcare provider.

This recall is being conducted in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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USA – Updated – Scenic Fruit Company Recalls Frozen Organic Strawberries and Frozen Organic Tropical Blend Because of Possible Health Risk – Hepatitis A

Posted on March 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Company Announcement

‘The company has issued a correction to the previous announcement’.

March 17, 2023, this press release is updated to include the states that Aldi sold Simply Nature frozen organic strawberries.

Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon is recalling frozen organic strawberries sold to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, PCC Community Markets and frozen organic tropical blend sold to Trader Joe’s due to an outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from exposure to the Hepatitis A virus, including from food. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. In rare cases, particularly consumers who have a pre-existing severe illness or are immune compromised, Hepatitis A infection can progress to liver failure.

Illness occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure and includes fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool. Hepatitis A vaccination can prevent illness if given within two weeks of exposure to a contaminated food. Persons who may have consumed affected product should consult with their health care professional or local health department to determine if a vaccination is appropriate, and consumers with symptoms of Hepatitis A should contact their health care professionals or the local health department immediately.

The following products are subject to this recall. The lot codes and best by dates are found on the back of each bag (see attached pictures below):

Brand Name Product Name Net Wt. UPC Best By Dates
Best If Use Dates
Best Before Date		 Distributed in States
Simply Nature Organic Strawberries 24 oz. 4099100256222 6/14/2024 Arizona,
Arkansas,
California,
Illinois, Iowa,
Michigan,
Minnesota,
Missouri, North
Dakota, South
Dakota, Ohio,
Wisconsin
Vital Choice Organic Strawberries 16 oz. 834297005024 5/20/2024 Washington
Kirkland Signature Organic Strawberries 4 lbs. 96619140404 10/8/2024 Alaska, Idaho, Montana,
Oregon, Utah, Washington.
Made With Organic Strawberries 10 oz. 814343021390 11/20/2024 Illinois, Maryland
PCC Community
Markets		 Organic Strawberries 32 oz. 22827109469 10/29/2024 Washington
Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit
Blend Pineapple,
Bananas, Strawberries &
Mango		 16 oz 00511919 04/25/24
05/12/24
05/23/24
05/30/24
06/07/24		 Nationwide

Although Hepatitis A has not been detected on this product, out of an abundance of caution, consumers should stop consuming the product and return it to their local store for a refund. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

All inventories of the affected lot should be removed from sale. Consumers who have purchased the products are urged to destroy or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at customer.service@scenicfruit.com

FDA Outbreak Advisory

Organic Strawberries Hepatitis A Outbreak | CDC

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