Category Archives: Food Safety Regulations

USA – Five with Hepatitis A in Washington linked to tainted Mexican Strawberries

Posted on March 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

Key Facts:

As of March 13, 2023, there are:

  • 5 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A reported from 1 state (Washington).
  • Illnesses started on dates ranging from November 24, 2022, to December 27, 2022.
  • 2 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
  • Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicate that frozen organic strawberries are the likely source of this outbreak.

CDC, state public health and regulatory officials, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A linked to frozen organic strawberries imported from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico, by a common supplier.

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Belgium Grain Maize for Popcorn – Aflatoxin

Posted on March 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

AFSCA

Recall from FIDAFRUIT sa
Product: grain maize for popcorn.
Problem: high content of aflatoxins B1.
In agreement with the AFSCA, FIDAFRUIT withdraws grain maize for popcorn from sale and recalls it from consumers due to the high content of aflatoxin B1.
FIDAFRUIT asks its customers not to consume this product and to return it to the point of sale where it was purchased. You will be reimbursed even without presenting the receipt.

Product description Product

name: popcorn corn
Sale period: from January 1, 2023 to date

Jars Louis Delhaize 225g – LOT / DDM: 21/12/23
Match Lux trays. 250g – BATCH / DDM: 23/12/23
FIDAFRUIT trays 225g – LOT / DDM: 20/12/23
FIDAFRUIT jars 250g
– LOT / DDM: 29/12/23
Organic corn popcorn
BAGS in boxes of 25KG – LOT 2022-446 / DDM: 09/2024

The product was distributed by:

LOUIS DELHAIZE – SA DELFOOD NV
RUE DE L’ESPÉRANCE, 84 – 6061 MONTIGNIES-SUR-SAMBRE

ITM MUSKETEERS
RUE DU BOSQUET 4, 1348 LOUVAIN-LA-NEUVE BELGIUM

EUROGIJBELS
ACACIASTRAAT, 21 B2440 GEEL

NICOLAI FRUIT
NIJVERHEIDSLAAN 5100 BUS 1 – 3800 SINT-TRUIDEN

LEGU-FRUIT
MARCHE DE LIEGE G6 4020 LIEGE

TERRABIO SPRL
AVENUE DES TANNEURS 60, 1000 BRUSSELS

BEHERETE MARKET TERRABIO
AVENUE DES TANNEURS 58, 1000 BRUSSELS

For further information , contact: info@fidafruit.be

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LUXEMBOURG – POPCORN CORN OF DIFFERENT BRANDS (CORA, CORA NATURE BIO, VEGEDRY) AND BULK SALE – Aflatoxin

Posted on March 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

SAP

The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration is recalling the following products in Luxembourg:

Name Corn Popcorn
Brand Kora
Unit 320g
bar code 5400134407525
Dates of Minimum Durability (MDD) 08/30/2023; 09/13/2023; 12/10/2023; 10/18/2023
Name Corn Popcorn
Brand Cora Nature Organic
Unit 320g
bar code 5400134407969
Dates of Minimum Durability (MDD) 08/30/2023; 10/12/2023
Name Organic Popcorn Corn
Brand Vegetry
Unit 500g
bar code 5413612350190
Dates of Minimum Durability (MDD) 25/10/2023; 17/12/2023
Name Organic Popcorn Corn
Brand Bulk sale
Sale period from 02/01/2023 to 16/03/2023

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: Cora

A sale by other operators cannot be excluded.

Information Source: Cora Recall Notification

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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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Posted in FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Food Virus, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Hepatitis A, outbreak

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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