Category Archives: food safety training

USA – Applesauce recalled over elevated patulin levels

Food Safety News

Motts LLP, of Frisco, TX, is recalling 9,593 cases of Motts applesauce because of elevated patulin levels.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), patulin is a mycotoxin produced by a variety of molds, particularly Aspergillus, Penicillium and Byssochlamys. Often found in rotting apples and apple products. The acute symptoms in humans include nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and vomiting.

According to the details posted online by the FDA, the recall was initiated on May 18, 2023, and is ongoing.

The recalled products were distributed in the U.S. in the following states: Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. It was also distributed in Bermuda and the Dominican Republic.

Research – Cool for the Summer: Keep Your Favorite Salads Chilled

USDA

Vegetable Bacteria Danger

At your next picnic, let the spotlight shine on your food — not on party crashers like Salmonella or Listeria. When temperatures rise and food safety steps aren’t followed, cold dishes at a cookout are at risk for unsafe bacteria levels. Avoid foodborne illness by following these steps:
Clean: Remember to clean and sanitize all dishes and utensils used to make your salad and wash your hands before and after food prep.
Separate: Use different cutting boards, plates and utensils to avoid spreading bacteria when preparing your raw foods and ready-to-eat cold dishes.
Cook: Make sure the main meat or poultry ingredients used in cold salads (egg salad, chicken salad, etc.) are cooked to safe internal temperatures before mixing:
Cook eggs to 160 F.
Cook chicken to 165 F.
Although most cold salads use mayonnaise, the danger of foodborne illness lies with the main ingredient, such as eggs or chicken. Make sure they are cooked and chilled at the proper temperature. If you use homemade mayonnaise, follow these guidelines.
Chill: Avoid the Danger Zone (temperatures between 40 F and 140 F) by refrigerating perishable food within two hours — one hour if it’s a hot day (above 90 F). Keep cold foods at an internal temperature of 40 F or below by nestling food in ice or keeping food in a cooler.
For more information about food safety, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov to reach a food safety specialist or chat live at ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Research – Microbiological Safety and Quality of Fermented Products

MDPI

Fermented foods, which have emerged fortuitously over the course of human development, have become an essential part of human history worldwide. These rich and diverse fermented foods not only have unique flavors and qualities that appeal to local preferences but also embody local cultures and play a significant role in human life. Despite the popularity of fermented foods globally, many traditional fermented foods are still produced using open fermentation methods where it is difficult to evaluate the safety or function of microorganisms, leading to inevitable challenges. Therefore, to advance the knowledge on the functional properties of microorganisms in fermented foods globally, and shed light on the impact of these microorganisms on the safety and quality of fermented foods, we present “Microbiological Safety and Quality of Fermented Products”, a Special Issue publishing 10 papers.
This Special Issue covers four pivotal research topics. First, the microbial safety of fermented products, where researchers have focused on identifying food-borne pathogens in particular fermented products through detection methods, thereby improving the safety levels and reducing the harms of fermented products. Second, the functions of microorganisms in fermented foods have been investigated. Third, researchers have explored the application of microorganisms in various stages of fermented food production, for example, in pre-treatment, fermentation, and post-fermentation processes. Fourth, researchers have analyzed the changes in microflora during the different stages of fermenting food, providing crucial evidence for understanding the role played by microbes in creating distinctive flavor and quality.

Research – Singapore Food Statistics 2022

SFA

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA)’s mission is to ensure and secure a supply of safe food for Singapore. Food security is an existential concern for Singapore.
We import more than 90% of the food we consume, making it impossible for us to insulate ourselves from global food supply shocks. In recent years, Singapore experienced first-hand the effects of supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, geopolitical disruptions and policy decisions taken by foreign governments.
SFA works closely with government agencies, businesses and consumers to manage food security risks, and transform the agri-food sector to be more productive, climate resilient and resource efficient.
To safeguard Singapore’s food security, SFA adopts a multi-pronged approach which includes diversifying food import sources, increasing local production and growing food overseas. SFA also has in place an integrated farm-to-fork food safety system to ensure that food for sale in Singapore is safe for consumption.
SFA’s food safety takes a risk-based approach that is guided by science and aligned to international standards. This Singapore Food Statistics publication describes the developments in Singapore’s food supply and food safety situation in 2022. 3SINGAPORE FOOD STATISTICS 2022

France – Herb chipolatas – Salmonella

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name THE MOTNLOUISIAN
  • Model names or references Chipolatas with herbs 90g
  • Identification of products
    Batch Date
    190323 Use-by date 05/26/2023
  • Marketing start/end date Since 05/10/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark EN 37.156.031 EC
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors PROMOCASH SAINT PIERRE DES CORPS and BUTCHER DESGROPPES

France – HALAL MERGUEZ 2.5kg – Salmonella

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name Unbranded
  • Model names or references HALAL MERGUEZ 2.5kg
  • Identification of products
    Batch Date
    970/231290016 Use-by date 05/27/2023
  • Packaging Tray
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark EN 35.353.003 EC
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors PROMOCASH

USA – Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. is Releasing this Notice Due to Recalled Infant Formula Being Distributed to its Nashville Division Retailers after the Initial Recall Notice was Published – Cronobacter

FDA

Company Announcement

On March 17, 2023, the Perrigo Company issued 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 was recalled out of an abundance of caution due to the potential presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is releasing this additional notice due to one of the recalled products being distributed to its Nashville Division retailers after the initial recall notice was published.

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.

AWG is a cooperative food wholesaler distributing to independently owned supermarkets. This recalled product was distributed from its Nashville Division only to independent retailers located in AL, GA, IN, KY, OH, TN, VA, and WV under the following retail banners: Belle Foods, Bellview Price Cutter, Booneville Shopwise, Brown County IGA, Buehler’s, Buehler’s Cash Saver, Buehler’s IGA, Camridge City Market, Campbell’s Market, Camron’s Foodliner, Cash Saver, Cash Saver Harlan, Chappell’s Hometown, Country Mart, Crossroads IGA, Food City, Food Giant, Food World, Foodland, Frabergs Foods, Fresh N Low, Gallion’s Market, Gregerson’s Cash Saver, Hilltop Cee Bee, Hometown IGA, Houchen’s, Howard’s IGA, Laurel Grocery Company, Liberty IGA, Market Place, Noble’s IGA, Parkview IGA, Noble’s IGA, Parkview IGA, Piggly Wiggly, Piggly Wiggly Warrior, Price Cutter, Price Less Foods, Price Less IGA, Quality Foods, Riesbeck’s, Rivertown IGA, Simpson’s Supermarket, Spencer Cash Saver, Stop to Save, Sureway, Sureway Henderson, Swafford and Sons IGA, Tietgens Mt. Pleasant IGA, Valu Market, Versailles IGA, Vevay IGA, Village Market & Café, Walnut Creek Country Market, Winburn Fruit Market, and Woodruff’s Supermarket.

Consumers who purchased this product through these retail locations in these states are urged to check any product they may have at home. Consumers who purchased the product should look for the following Lot Codes and “use by” dates, which can be found on the bottom of the package.

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

Any consumers who purchased product with matching codes should discontinue use and dispose of the product. 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.

For additional information, including photos of the recalled product, please visit the following FDA site: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/perrigo-announces-voluntary-recall-limited-quantity-gerberr-good-startr-sootheprotm-powdered-infant

Media Contact:

Lori Turner
Director of Communications
913.288.1211
corporate.communications@awginc.com

France – Selles-sur-cher PDO – STEC E.coli

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Milk and dairy products
  • Product brand name Jacquin
  • Model names or references Selles-sur-cher AOP traditional bare
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    3369640001011 J30670026 / J30670026 / J30670112 J30680003 /J30680018 / J30680087 / J30720024 / J30730021 / J30730094 / J30740091 / J30750088 Date of minimum durability between 04/27/2023 and 05/05/2023
    3369640001028 J30670014 / J30730119 / J30750022 Date of minimum durability between 04/27/2023 and 05/05/2023
    3369640013755 J30820011 / J30740033 / J30740034 Date of minimum durability between 04/26/2023 and 05/04/2023
  • Packaging Naked product
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark EN 36.233.001 EC
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors To be defined according to feedback from our customers. Wholesalers Creamers Resellers

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall Suspicion of E.coli STEC contamination,
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Toxigenic Shiga Escherichia coli (STEC)

USA – CORRECTION NOTICE: New Hampshire Laboratory Error Incorrectly Resulted in Recall of lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens: Recall Canceled – E.coli O157

fda

Company Announcement

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that a laboratory error incorrectly caused last week’s recall announcement concerning lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens. The products from lēf Farms are safe and the recall has been canceled.

On May 5, a press release was issued regarding a potential contamination of Escherichia coli O157 bacteria of a specific lot of lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens. Upon being informed, lēf Farms voluntarily initiated a recall of the potentially affected products, prioritizing the health and safety of their customers. Subsequent whole genome sequencing was conducted, which determined that the control sample and the lēf Farms sample were nearly identical, indicating that the initial lab results were inaccurate due to a contamination error within the lab itself.

“I wish to apologize to lēf Farms, their customers and the public for this unfortunate event,” said Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) Director Tricia Tilley. “lēf Farms’ quick and decisive actions put the health of their customers first. Their products are safe for consumers. We appreciate that lēf Farms has been a willing partner in this process. While this situation is unprecedented, our dedicated staff will embrace all corrective actions to ensure it will not occur again.”

Shawn Jasper, State Commissioner of Agriculture, Markets and Food added: “After a two-day inspection of lēf Farms’ facility and products, what we discovered was a company that operates at the highest level of food safety and integrity. We are working closely with the FDA and lēf Farms to make this right.”

lēf Farms is a subsidiary of BrightFarms, a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, which is transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms.

“We are relieved to confirm that this was merely a lab mistake, and our product was never at risk. Customer health and safety remain our top priority. I’m immensely proud of our team’s swift response and effective collaboration with FDA and state officials,” said Steve Platt, CEO of BrightFarms.

With the recall canceled, lēf Farms “Spice” is returning to store shelves in Hannaford and Market Basket in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. There is no longer any need for consumers who have purchased the lēf Farms “Spice” products to discard them or seek refunds from their place of purchase. Consumers with questions are encouraged to call lēf Farms at 1-866-857-8745 between 8:00am-6:00pm EDT or email info@lef-farms.com with the subject line: Recall.

The PHL has not experienced a false positive from routine testing that resulted in a voluntary recall in more than twenty years. DHHS is working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to confirm the source of the contamination and will implement necessary protocol changes to ensure it is not repeated. DHHS has been in communication with lēf Farms, the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food, and the FDA. Based on the results of the investigation of the contaminated sample, the PHL will implement corrective actions to protect consumers, manufacturers and food producers, and the general public.

This is a correction to the press releaseExternal Link Disclaimer issued on May 4, 2023 with the headline: “lēf Farms Recalls “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens Because of Possible Health Risk.”

Original Press Release

France – BANANA ECLAIR – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Cereals and baked goods
  • Product brand name UNBRANDED
  • Model names or references NAMELESS
  • Identification of products
    Date
    Use-by date 04/05/2023
  • Marketing start/end date From 02/05/2023 to 04/05/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark UNBRANDED
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Dijon and agglomerations
  • Distributors INTERMARCHE

Practical information regarding the recall

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