Category Archives: Food Safety Regulations

USA – Raw Milk recalled over Listeria Risk

Food Poison Journal

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The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture warns that consumers should immediately discard “A Joy” brand raw milk products sold in Susquehanna County. Tests following a report of potential bacteria contamination confirmed the presence of listeria monocytogenes bacteria in half gallon and gallon plastic jugs at the A Joy Farm store at 21 Lalor Lane in Little Meadows, Susquehanna County.

The tainted raw milk may be unlabeled and undated, or may bear the A Joy label and A2 or “A2/A2” product description. The producer refused to issue a recall, post a notice, or supply a customer list for direct notification.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an illness which has symptoms including fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Listeriosis mainly affects pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and adults with impaired immune systems. Listeriosis in pregnant women can result in miscarriage, premature delivery, serious infection of the newborn, or stillbirth.

No reported illnesses have been attributed to the product, but people who consumed the milk should consult their physicians if they become ill.

Australia – Korea Connections Enoki Mushrooms – Listeria monocytogenes

FSANZ​​​

​Date published: 09/05/2023

Product information

Korea Connections is conducting a recall of Enoki Mushrooms 300G. The product has been available for sale at independent/Asian grocery stores in WA.​

Date markings

Best Before 17.08.2023

Problem

The recall is due to the contamination of Listeria monocytogenes and no instructions to cook the product prior to consumption.

Food safety hazard

Listeria monocytogenes may cause severe illness in pregnant women, unborn babies, neonates, the elderly, and individuals who are immunocompromised. The general population can also become ill from consuming food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

For more information about Listeria monocytogenes and enoki mushrooms please visit Listeria monocytogenes and imported fresh enoki mushrooms (foodstandards.gov.au).

Country of origin

South Korea

What to do​

Consumers should not eat this product. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
For further information contact:
Korea Connections (WA)
Ph: 0433 888 639​

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Related links:

USA – Lancaster Foods Announces Voluntary Recall of Various Expired Kale, Spinach and Collard Green Products Due to Potential Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

FDA

Company Announcement

Lancaster Foods is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of 3 brands of already-expired Robinson Fresh, Lancaster, and Giant brand Kale, Spinach and Collard Green products produced at the company’s Jessup, Maryland facility. This recall is due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. No related illnesses have been reported to date. The recalled products are beyond their “Best If Used By Date”.

Listeria monocytogenes 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 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. Consumers with these symptoms should immediately consult their health care provider.

The recall was initiated after notification that a random sample of a single bag of Chopped Kale Greens product with a “BEST IF USED BY May 1 2023” date collected by the New York Agriculture and Markets Food Safety Division tested positive for the Listeria pathogen.

A listing of products subject to this recall are summarized at the end of this announcement. Products can be identified by using the UPC or Item Number codes and the Best if Used by Dates outlined in the table below. These products were distributed through retailers and distributors in the states of Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Retailers and distributors have been instructed to ensure the recalled products are removed from all inventories. Consumers who might still have the recalled products in their refrigerators should discard the items and they should not be consumed.

No other products distributed by Lancaster Foods have been recalled. Lancaster Foods is working collaboratively with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on this recall.

The safety and integrity of products distributed by Lancaster Foods are a top priority and taken very seriously. Lancaster Foods regrets any inconvenience and concern this recall may cause.

Customers who have any questions about the recall may contact Lancaster Foods Customer Service at 877-844-3441 Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM EDT.

AFFECTED PRODUCT:

Item Number Brand Pack/Size UPC Codes Description Best If Used By Date
00682 ROBINSON FRESH 8/16 OZ 0-95829-60015-9 KALE GREENS May 01 2023
00619 ROBINSON FRESH 6/32 OZ 0-95829-60016-6 KALE GREENS May 01 2023
55423 LANCASTER 20/4 OZ N/A CHOPPED KALE May 01 2023
78983 GIANT 12/8 OZ 6-88267-09813-0 CURLY LEAF SPINACH April 29 2023
00684 ROBINSON FRESH 8/16 OZ 0-95829-60006-7 COLLARD GREENS May 01 2023
01907 GIANT 8/16 OZ 6-88267-05311-5 COLLARD GREENS May 01 2023

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Lancaster Foods Customer Service
 877-844-3441

Product Photos

USA – Chang Farm Recalls Mung Bean Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk

FDA

Company Announcement

Chang Farm, 301 River Road, Whatley, MA is issuing a voluntary recall of Mung Bean Sprouts; all 10lb bags (as some bags may not have sell-by dates), as well as 12 oz retail bags, both packaged on April 23rd, 2023 (distributed on April 24th, 2023), produced by Chang Farm, with the specific sell-by date of May 7th, 2023 because of the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. Monocytogenes) contamination. Listeria monocytogenes, 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 headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The affected product is packaged in 10 lb bags (bulk) with no specified “Sell By” dates and 12 oz plastic bags (retail), labeled under the Chang Farm Brand as Premium Bean Sprouts and have a “Sell By” date of May 7th, 2023.

The product has been distributed to retail stores and wholesalers throughout MA, CT, NY and NJ.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Sample analysis by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ (NYSDAM) Division of Food Safety and Inspection confirmed Listeria Monocytogenes.

All retail stores and wholesalers who have this lot in MA, CT, NY and NJ should remove this product from their shelves. Consumers should not consume the products and should discard this product or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers should contact their healthcare provider with any illness concerns. Consumers with questions about the warning may contact Chang Farm at 413-522-0234 or 413-222-5519 which will be monitored 24 hours EST from Monday – Sunday.


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Chang Farm
 413-522-0234 or 413-222-5519
Media:
Sidney Chang
 413-522-0234

Product Photos

France – Garlic Prefou – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Others
  • Product brand name PASO
  • Model names or references Garlic Prefou 350g
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    3760114570062 131220017 Use-by date 05/28/2023
  • Packaging 350g
  • Marketing start/end date From 03/05/2023 to 28/05/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors CocciMarket, Auchan, Cora, Match, Intermarché, System U, Leclerc, Casino

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall Suspicion of Listeria monocytogenes
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Listeria monocytogenes (causative agent of listeriosis)

Hong Kong – Food Safety Tips for Travellers

CFS

Food Safety Tips for Travellers

With summer approaching, many of you may well be planning to travel abroad. Travelling can be exciting and rewarding, but can also carry potential risks. Contaminated water or food can cause a variety of diseases that range from mild and short-lived symptoms (e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea) to longer and more severe diseases (e.g. cholera, hepatitis A). Travellers should remain vigilant when abroad and take the following precautionary measures to prevent food- or water-borne illness.

Keep Clean

Dangerous microorganisms are present in the environment and can be carried on hands and transferred to food.

  • Wash hands thoroughly before handling and consuming food.
  • Wash food with safe water.

Choose Safe Beverages and Food

Water (including ice) and raw food can be contaminated with dangerous microorganisms. Toxins may also be formed in damaged and mouldy food.

Water and Beverages

  • Drink only boiled water and beverages made with boiled water whenever possible.
  • If boiling is not possible, other methods to purify water may be considered.
  • Ice should be avoided in drinks if in doubt about its source or hygienic conditions.
  • Beverages which are either bottled or otherwise packed are usually safe to drink. Wipe clean and dry the packaging before opening.

Food

  • Buy food from hygienic and reliable premises. Do not buy food from street vendors or other food outlets with poor environmental sanitation or seen with improper food handling.
  • Make sure food has been thoroughly cooked and is still hot when served.
  • Avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.
  • Peel fruits and vegetables if they are to be eaten raw. Avoid those with damaged skin.
  • Avoid unpasteurised milk and milk products (e.g. cheeses).
  • Pay attention to expiry date when purchasing food.

Keep Food at Safe Temperatures

Food held at room temperature for long hours allow pathogens to grow and produce toxin.

  • Avoid cooked food or ready-to-eat food that has been kept at room temperature for several hours.
  • Avoid food at buffets, markets, restaurants and street vendor if they are not kept hot (above 60 ºC) or refrigerated (at or below 4 ºC).
  • Keep perishable food at 4 ºC or below if they are not consumed immediately.
  • Read and follow storage instructions on food labels.

France – Lamb skewer – Salmonella

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name1958 The Pertuisienne
  • Model names or references LAMB PROVENCAL SKEWER X 10 LAMB THYME ROSEMARY SKEWER X 10
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    3434590828145 260423 Use-by date 05/05/2023
    3434590828459 260423 Use-by date 05/05/2023
  • Products List Product_list.pdfAttachment
  • Marketing start/end date From 04/27/2023 to 04/29/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark EN 84.089.001 CE
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Regions: Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur
  • Distributors Intermarché, Leclerc.
  • List of points of saleList_clients_reminder_1-1.pdf

Practical information regarding the recall

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

France – EMMENTAL HAM PAVE – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Prepared meals and snacks
  • Product brand name CHICKEN
  • Model names or references EMMENTAL HAM PAVE
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    3581084129001 111523 Use-by date 04/05/2023
  • Packaging Individually wrapped in plastic film
  • Marketing start/end date From 04/26/2023 to 05/04/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors TOTAL MOTORWAY STATIONS
  • List of points of sale POINTS_DE_VENTE_-_PAVE_JAMBON_EMMENTAL_TOTAL_-_03.05.23.pdf

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall Presence of Listeria monocytogenes
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Listeria monocytogenes (causative agent of listeriosis)

USA – lēf Farms Recalls “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens Because of Possible Health Risk – E.coli O157

FDA

Company Announcement

lēf Farms of Loudon, N.H. is voluntarily recalling a single lot of the lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens (“best by” date 5/5/23, lot number SP10723- 1RGH1, UPC 8 50439 00709 1) produced in its Loudon, New Hampshire greenhouse because they have the potential to be contaminated with Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (E. coli) bacteria. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), E. coli causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

The product comes in a 4- oz, clear, plastic clamshell container. Information about the “best by” date, lot number and UPC can be found at the bottom of the package. Pictures to assist customers in identifying the recalled products are found at the end of this announcement.

No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall was initiated when the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture received a positive test result for E. coli 0157:H7 in a single package of lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens (4 oz) as part of routine testing.

lēf Farms “Spice” is the only product impacted to date and affected retailers include Hannaford and Market Basket in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

In addition to today’s voluntary recall, the company is proactively testing all products produced in its New Hampshire facility for E. coli 0157:H7 prior to distribution.

Retailers have been instructed to remove all recalled products from store shelves. Consumers who have purchased the affected lēf Farms “Spice” products should discard them or present a photo of the product or receipt to their place of purchase for a full refund and then discard.

Consumers with questions are encouraged to call 1-866-857-8745 between 8:00am-7:00pm EDT or email info@lef-farms.com with the subject line: Recall.


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
lēf Farms
 1-866-857-8745
 info@lef-farms.com

Product Photos

France – Roast Provencal -Salmonella

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name Vallegrain
  • Model names or references Roast Provencal
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    3467980061501 2311605601 Use-by date 06/05/2023
  • Packaging Tray under modified atmosphere of about 1kg.
  • Marketing start/end date From 04/26/2023 to 05/04/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark FR-28-111-020-CE
  • Further information Roast pork elaborated about 1kg. Roast stuffed with Provencal stuffing, covered with tomato slices and herbs, all wrapped in strainer.
  • Geographic area of ​​saleDepartments: VAL-DE-MARNE (94)
  • Distributorslocal trade
  • List of points of sale DHQUALCP_-_roti_provençal_LS.pdf

Practical information regarding the recall

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