Category Archives: Food Safety Regulations

UK – Aldi recalls Plant Menu Organic Super Firm Tofu because of poor temperature control

FSA

Aldi is recalling Plant Menu Organic Super Firm Tofu because of a temperature control issue that could potentially spoil the product, which may be unsafe to eat. The issue only affects product sold at a limited number of Aldi stores in the Midlands.

Product details

Plant Menu Organic Super Firm Tofu
Pack size 200 g
Use by 13 April 2023 and 14 April 2023

Risk statement

Insufficient temperature control may result in spoilage of the product which may be unsafe to eat.

Action taken by the company

Aldi is recalling the above product from affected stores only. Point of sale notices will only be displayed in affected Aldi stores that are selling this product. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tells them what to do if they have bought the product. Please see the attached notice.

Our advice to consumers

If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to the Aldi store from where it was bought for a full refund. A full list of affected stores is available on the Aldi website at Product Notices (aldi.co.uk). For further information please visit help.aldi.co.uk or contact customer services on 08000420800

Research – A Systematic Quantitative Determination of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Grape Seed Extract against Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens

MDPI

Abstract

Concerns regarding the role of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in disease outbreaks are growing due to the excessive use of antibiotics. Moreover, consumers are demanding food products that are minimally processed and produced in a sustainable way, without the use of chemical preservatives or antibiotics. Grape seed extract (GSE) is isolated from wine industry waste and is an interesting source of natural antimicrobials, especially when aiming to increase sustainable processing. The aim of this study was to obtain a systematic understanding of the microbial inactivation efficacy/potential of GSE against Listeria monocytogenes (Gram-positive), Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium (Gram-negative) in an in vitro model system. More specifically, for L. monocytogenes, the effects of the initial inoculum concentration, bacterial growth phase and absence of the environmental stress response regulon (SigB) on the GSE microbial inactivation potential were investigated. In general, GSE was found to be highly effective at inactivating L. monocytogenes, with higher inactivation achieved for higher GSE concentrations and lower initial inoculum levels. Generally, stationary phase cells were more resistant/tolerant to GSE as compared to exponential phase cells (for the same inoculum level). Additionally, SigB appears to play an important role in the resistance of L. monocytogenes to GSE. The Gram-negative bacteria under study (E. coli and S. Typhimurium) were less susceptible to GSE as compared to L. monocytogenes. Our findings provide a quantitative and mechanistic understanding of the impact of GSE on the microbial dynamics of foodborne pathogens, assisting in the more systematic design of natural antimicrobial-based strategies for sustainable food safety.

Finland – Mold toxin found in pistachios – Ochratoxin A

Epressi

Lidl has announced that it is recalling Alesto brand shelled pistachios; Alesto roasted and peeled pistachio nut and Alesto roasted, peeled and salted pistachio nut . The weight of both products is 70 g/bag. The recall applies to products with a best before date of 12.08.2023, 13.10.2023 and 14.10.2023.

In control samples taken in another country, ochratoxin A has been found in the products above the permitted limit. According to Lidl, the amount found does not pose an acute health risk, but prolonged exposure to high concentrations of ochratoxin A may cause adverse effects.

On its website, Lidl asks its customers to return the products in question to a Lidl store, where the price of the product will be refunded.

Consumer contacts: Lidl’s customer service website, phone 09 424 52 111

The matter is handled at the Food Agency by special expert Mika Varjonen, tel. 050 38 68 416, firstname.surname@ruokavirasto.fi .

Pictures of the products

(Photo: Lidl)

pistachio nuts-1.jpg

Ireland – Recall of a batch of Iceland Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts in Blankets due to the presence of Salmonella

FSAI

Summary
Category 1: For Action
Alert Notification: 2023.03
Product: Iceland Cook from Frozen Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts in Blankets; pack size: 410g; approval number: PL 22040305 WE
Batch Code: best before: 15/8/2023
Country Of Origin: Poland

Message:

The above batch of Iceland Cook from Frozen Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts in Blankets is being recalled due to the presence of Salmonella.

Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.

Nature Of Danger:

People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours.  The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody.  Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps.  The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Action Required:

Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers:

Retailers are requested to remove the implicated batch from sale and display recall notices at point of sale.

Consumers:

Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch. If the chicken has already been consumed, cooking should remove the risk. Raw chicken should always be handled hygienically when defrosting and preparing it, and also cooked thoroughly before eating it.

Iceland Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

 Belgium – Pistachios – “Pistazienkerne gerostet” (Roasted pistachios) and “Pistazienkerne gerostet & gesalzen” (Roasted and salted pistachios) – from Alesto brand – Ochratoxin A

AFSCA

Recall of Carl Wilhelm Clasen GmbH
Products: Pistachios – “Pistazienkerne gerostet” (Roasted pistachios) and “Pistazienkerne gerostet & gesalzen” (Roasted and salted pistachios) – from Alesto brand.
Problem: too high content of ochratoxin A.
In agreement with the FASFC, Carl Wilhelm Clasen GmbH withdraws pistachios – “Pistazienkerne gerostet” (Roasted pistachios) and “Pistazienkerne gerostet & gesalzen” (Roasted and salted pistachios) – from the Alesto brand from sale and recalls them from consumers due to an excessively high content of ochratoxin A.

Lidl Belgium asks its customers not to consume these products and to return them to the point of sale where they were purchased. You will be reimbursed even without presenting the receipt.

Description of the products:
– Product name: “Pistazienkerne gerostet” and “Pistazienkerne gerostet & gesalzen”
– Brand: Alesto
– Use-by dates (BDD) and sales periods:
           o “Pistazienkerne gerostet”:
               25/03/2023: from 5/07/2022 to 10/11/2022 inclusive
12/08/2023 and 15/10/2023: from 20/12/2022 to 24/02/2023 inclusive
           o “Pistazienkerne gerostet & gesalzen”:
               23/03/2023: from 5/07/2022 to 10/11/2022 inclusive
09/09/2023 and 16/10/2023: from 20/12/2022 to 24/02/ 2023 included
– Weight: 70g
– Type of packaging: plastic bag

The products were sold through Lidl stores in Belgium.

For any further information , contact Lidl customer service (+32 (0)2 320 6000)

France – ROAST PORK ORLOFF – Salmonella

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name AUCHAN
  • Model names or references ROAST PORK ORLOFF
  • Identification of products
    Batch
    All lots
  • Products List Reminder_poster.pdfAttachment
  • Marketing start/end date From 02/16/2023 to 02/23/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Further information The product (orloff roast pork) was sold in the ”traditional” section of the AUCHAN LEERS store between 02/16/2023 and 02/23/2023.
  • Geographic area of ​​sale AUCHAN LEERS STORE
  • Distributors AUCHAN LEERS STORE

Practical information regarding the recall

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

France – Rochefort Montagne farmhouse ovens Cheese – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Milk and dairy products
  • Product brand name Rochefort Montagne farmhouse ovens
  • Model names or references Batch of December 16, 2022
  • Identification of products
    Lot Date
    16/12/2022 Date of minimum durability 03/16/2023
  • Packaging All forms of packaging
  • Marketing start/end date From 01/24/2023 to 02/23/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark 6327406
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors– France Fresh Auvergne – Center E-Leclerc SA Sodicler Le Brezet

Practical information regarding the recall

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

Austria – ALESTO PISTACHIOS, ROASTED & SALTED, 70G – Ochratoxin A

AGES

The manufacturer Carl Wilhelm Clasen GmbH is currently calling the products “Alesto Pistachios, roasted & salted, 70 g” with the best before date September 9th, 2023 and lot number 30030/221213001 and with the best before date October 16th, 2023 and lot number 30030/230119001 as well as “Alesto Pistachios, roasted, 70 g” with the best before date 08/12/2023 and lot number 30031/221212001 and with the best before date 10/15/2023 and lot number 30031/230118001.

Elevated levels of ochratoxin A were detected in the products. Ochratoxin A is a mold toxin (mycotoxin) that can damage the kidneys if ingested over a long period of time. Customers should therefore pay attention to the recall and not consume the products under any circumstances.

The affected products ” Alesto Pistachios, roasted & salted, 70 g” with the best before date September 9th, 2023 and lot number 30030/221213001 and with the best before date October 16th, 2023 and lot number 30030/230119001 and also “Alesto Pistachios, roasted, 70 g” with the best before date 08/12/2023 and lot number 30031/221212001 and with the best before date 10/15/2023 and lot number 30031/230118001 were sold at Lidl Austria.

The products can be returned in all Lidl branches. The purchase price will be refunded, even without presenting the receipt.

Only the products explicitly mentioned are affected by the recall. Other products sold by Lidl Austria from the manufacturer Carl Wilhelm Clasen GmbH and other items from the Alesto brand are not affected by the recall.

If you have any questions, the Lidl Austria customer service is available on the toll-free number 0800 500 810 from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

original recall

Belgium – “NEUFCHATEL Artisanal Villiers” cheese -STEC E.coli

AFSCA

Recall from Kaasimport Jan Dupont
Product: “NEUFCHATEL Artisanal Villiers” cheese.
Problem: Possible presence of E.Coli (STEC).
In agreement with the FASFC, Kaasimport Jan Dupont, withdraws the cheese “NEUFCHATEL Artisanal Villiers” from sale and reminds consumers of it because of the possible presence of E.Coli (STEC).

Kaasimport Jan Dupont asks its customers not to consume this product and to return it to the point of sale.

Product description:
– Product name: NEUFCHATEL Artisanal Villiers
– Brand: NEUFCHATEL
– Date of minimum durability (BDD) (“best before (or end)”): 05/03/23
– Batch number: 601
– Sales period: from 01/20/2023 to 02/23/2023
– Type of packaging: paper packaging
– Weight: 200g

The product was distributed through various points of sale.

For any additional information , please contact: incident@dupontcheese.be .

USA – FDA Advises Restaurants, Retailers and Consumers to Avoid Raw Oysters from Baynes Sound, British Columbia, Canada Because They Are Potentially Contaminated with Norovirus

FDA

Eurofins

The FDA is advising consumers not to eat, and restaurants and food retailers not to sell, and to dispose of oysters that were harvested between January 16, 2023, and February 17, 2023, from Deep Bay, Baynes Sound subarea 14-8 or subarea 13-16 (landfile #140185) in British Columbia, Canada. Consumers who purchased oysters after January 16, 2023, should check the packaging to see if they were harvested in Baynes Sound subarea 14-8 or subarea 13-16 (landfile #140185). Contaminated shellfish can cause illness if eaten raw, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. Food contaminated with norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of norovirus illness should contact their healthcare provider, who should report their symptoms to their local Health Department.