Category Archives: Food Testing

Canada – Updated Food Recall Warning – Red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions grown by Thomson International Inc. and imported from the USA recalled due to Salmonella

CFIA

Recall date:August 1, 2020

Reason for recall:Microbiological – Salmonella

Hazard classification:Class 1

Company / Firm:Industry

Distribution:Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Possibly National, Saskatchewan, Yukon

Extent of the distribution:Retail

Ottawa, August 1, 2020 – The food recall warning issued on July 30, 2020 has been updated to include additional distribution and product information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.

Industry is recalling red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions grown by Thomson International Inc., Bakersfield, California, and imported from the USA from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below or foods containing these raw onions. Retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, and nursing homes should not serve, use, or sell the recalled products described below.

These products may also have been purchased on-line or through various restaurant locations. They may also have been sold in bulk or in smaller packages with or without a label and may not bear the same brand or product names as described below. The CFIA will continue its investigation into other possible importers and additional recalls may follow.

Recalled product

Brand Product Size UPC Codes Additional information
  • El Competidor
  • Imperial Fresh
  • Onions 52
  • Tender Loving Care
  • Thomson International
  • Thomson International Premium
  • Thomson Premium
  • Yellow Onions
  • Red Onions
  • White Onions
  • Sweet Yellow Onions
All sizes including bulk Variable All products imported since May 1, 2020
  • Mesh Sack
  • Carton
  • Box

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. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased. If you are unsure of the identity of the onions in your possession, check with your place of purchase.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

Background

This recall was triggered by the CFIA during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak followed by a recall in the United States by Thomson International Inc. located in Bakersfield, California. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak of human illness. Please refer to the Public Health Notice for further details on this active outbreak investigation.

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • El Competidor Onions
  • Tender Loving Care Onions
  • Thomson International Fresh Onions – 4.54 kg
  • Thomson International Premium Onions – 2.27 kg
  • Thomson International Premium Onions 1
  • Thomson International Premium Onions 2
  • Thomson International Premium Onions 3
  • Thomson International, Inc.

Public enquiries and media

Public enquiries
Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.)
Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international)
Email: cfia.enquiries-demandederenseignements.acia@canada.ca
Media relations
Telephone: 613-773-6600
Email: cfia.media.acia@canada.ca

 

 

UK -Bread Spread recalls all sandwiches, wraps, rolls and baguettes containing chicken because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes

FSA

Bread Spread Ltd is taking the precautionary step of recalling all sandwiches, wraps, rolls and baguettes containing chicken because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the chicken filling product.

Product details

Chicken and Mayo sandwich
Pack size 160g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken Mayo crusty baguette
Pack size 200g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken salad Torpido
Pack size 230g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken salad French stick
Pack size 250g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken Salad tortilla
Pack size 240g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken salad special baguette
Pack size 200g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken and Bacon sandwich
Pack size 160g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken and Bacon crusty baguette
Pack size 200g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken and Bacon roll
Pack size 150g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken and Bacon Torpido
Pack size 230g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken and Bacon French stick
Pack size 250g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken and Bacon Tortilla
Pack size 240g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken Mayo roll
Pack size 150g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken and Bacon special baguette
Pack size 200g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken Mayo Torpido
Pack size 230g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken Mayo French stick
Pack size 250g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken Mayo Tortilla
Pack size 240g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken Mayo special baguette
Pack size 200g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken salad sandwich
Pack size 160g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken salad crusty baguette
Pack size 200g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken salad roll
Pack size 150g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020

Risk statement

The products listed above might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Symptoms caused by this organism can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.

Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.

Action taken by the company

Bread Spread Ltd is recalling the above products. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. Please see the attached notice.

Our advice to consumers

If you have bought any of the above products, do not eat them. Instead return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund or contact Bread Spread Ltd on 07792254298 or by emailing breadspread2501@gmail.com to arrange a refund.

Luxembourg – RAY OF 2 ORGANIC CHICKEN FILLETS S / AT – POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF SALMONELLA THYPHIMURIUM

SAP

The Luxembourg food safety authorities are informing about the following reminder:

Last name Tray of 2 organic chicken fillets S / AT
Use by date (DLC) 08/06/2020
Lot 2020035938

Danger  : Possible presence of Salmonella thyphimurium

 

Salmonella can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever and headache within 6 to 72 hours after consumption. These symptoms may be aggravated in young children, immunocompromised individuals and the elderly. People who have consumed these products and who present these symptoms are advised to consult a doctor, notifying him of this consumption.

 

 

Sale in Luxembourg by: Cora Foetz

A sale by other operators cannot be excluded.

Source of information: Cora recall notification

Communicated by: Government Commission for Quality, Fraud and Food Safety .

Belgium – Recall of Cora Product: tray of 2 organic chicken fillets from the Nature Bio brand. Problem: presence of the salmonella typhimurium bacteria.

AFSCA

As part of a control carried out by our supplier, the presence of salmonella typhimurium was detected in:

TRAY OF 2 ORGANIC CHICKEN FILLETS
Brand
 : NATURE BIO
Batch number : 2020035938
Expiration date ( BBD ) : 06/08/2020

The product was distributed via the Cora of La Louvière, Chatelineau, Hornu, Woluwé, Anderlecht.

CORA has decided, in agreement with the AFSCA (Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain), to withdraw these products from sale.

Customers who have purchased this product are requested not to consume them and return them to the point of sale, where they will be refunded.

People who have consumed the above-mentioned product and who have gastrointestinal disturbances, diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain are invited to consult their doctor, notifying him of this consumption. The incubation period can range from 6 to 72 hours.

The risk of infection is higher in the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

In the meantime, the product has been removed from the shelves of our wind points and a ‘Customer reminder’ poster is displayed in them.

We sincerely apologize to our customers for this inconvenience and assure them of taking the most effective measures to avoid this type of incident.

Any customer wishing for additional information can contact our Quality Department and contact the number 071.69.95.24 or by email at the address: ALERTES-RETRAITS@CORA.BE .

CORA Quality Department

Netherlands – Important safety warning Albert Heijn French free-range chicken products – Salmonella

NVWA

Albert Heijn has decided to bring back the AH French Free-range chicken, AH French free-range chicken fillet, AH French free-range chicken fillet cubes, AH French free-range chicken fillet fillets and AH French free-range chicken thigh fillet. Salmonella has been found in the 5 free-range chicken products. 

It is: 

  • AH French free-range chicken THT 07-08-2020 and 08-08-2020
  • AH French free-range chicken fillet THT 06-08-2020 and 07-08-2020
  • AH French free-range chicken fillet cubes THT 30-07-2020 and 01-08-2020
  • AH French free-range chicken fillets THT 07-08-2020
  • AH French free-range chicken thigh fillet THT 28-07-2020, 30-07-2020, 03-08-2020 and 04-08-2020

Consuming free-range chicken products with these expiry dates can be a health hazard if not heated properly, especially for young children, the elderly, people with a weakened immune system and pregnant women. 

Customers are requested not to eat the AH French free-range chicken products and to return them to an Albert Heijn store, where they will be reimbursed the purchase price when the product is returned. 

For more information, customers can visit www.ah.nl or contact Albert Heijn Customer Service 0800 – 03 05. 

Download “Important safety warning Albert Heijn French free range chicken products”

PDF document | 1 page | 144 KB

Warning | 07/31/2020

Pre-packed chicken

© Albert Heijn

Canada – Food Recall Warning – Red onions imported from the USA by Sysco in Western Canada recalled due to Salmonella

CFIA

Recall date:
July 31, 2020
Reason for recall:
Microbiological – Salmonella
Hazard classification:
Class 1
Company / Firm:
Sysco
Distribution:
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan
Extent of the distribution:
Consumer

Recall details

Ottawa, July 31, 2020 – Sysco is recalling red onions imported from the USA from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below or foods containing these raw red onions. Food service establishments, institutions, retailers, distributors and manufacturers should not serve, use, or sell the recalled products described below. These may also have been purchased from Sysco on-line or through various restaurant locations.

Sysco is recalling red onions in Western Canada through the following Sysco locations: Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Regina. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will continue its investigation into other possible importers and additional recalls may follow.

Recalled products

Brand Product Size Codes Additional information
IMPERIAL FRESH Red Onions – Jumbo 10 lb. Product code 8399925 All products imported since May 24, 2020
IMPERIAL FRESH Red Onions – Jumbo 25 lb. Product code 8313967 All products imported since May 24, 2020

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, restaurant or institution. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased. If you are unsure of the identity of red onions in your possession, check with your place of purchase.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

Background

This recall was triggered by findings by the CFIA during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak of human illness. Please refer to the Public Health Notice (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2020/outbreak-salmonella-infections-under-investigation.html) for further details on this active outbreak investigation.

Public enquiries and media

Public enquiries
Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.)
Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international)
Email: cfia.enquiries-demandederenseignements.acia@canada.ca
Media relations
Telephone: 613-773-6600
Email: cfia.media.acia@canada.ca

Jordan – One child dead, 700 sick due to mass food poisoning in Jordan restaurant

Alarabiya

A five-year-old child is dead and 700 other people have been hospitalized in Jordan with mass food poisoning after eating shawarma at a restaurant in the town of Ain al-Basha, north of the capital Amman, the Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday.

Investigations revealed that the meat and chicken shawarma had been prepared without using a refrigeration unit in an “unhealthy environment and without adhering to the health requirements and the minimum levels of general safety,” the official Jordan News Agency reported citing a ministry press release.

Laboratory tests also found that bacteria in meat and poultry products at the restaurant, according to the ministry’s statement.

UK – Report into international foodborne disease rates published

FSA

A report published by the FSA has found it is not possible to compare foodborne disease rates effectively between countries. This is due to the hugely different methodologies and recording systems employed.

Researchers compared the ways different countries estimate how many people suffer from food poisoning each year, in an effort to determine whether these rates can be reliably compared.

The study, commissioned by the FSA and carried out by Public Health England, uncovered three broad approaches used globally:

  1. Prospective cohort studies – a sample population is recruited in advance, then report weekly on any symptoms of illness and may also submit samples so specific causes can be determined.
  2. Surveillance pyramid studies – an estimation of the number of cases missed through under-diagnosis and under-reporting, by using multipliers to extrapolate from laboratory confirmed illnesses.
  3. Retrospective cross-sectional surveys – a representative sample of the population is contacted and asked about their symptoms in the recent past.

Countries need to calculate foodborne disease estimates due to under-reporting, as not everyone who suffers from infectious intestinal disease (IID) will seek medical help and those who do will not always get a confirmed diagnosis. The data can then inform a country’s own food policy and prioritisation of resources.

Researchers concluded that the UK is using the most accurate approach available (prospective cohort studies).

FSA Head of science, evidence and research, Rick Mumford, said:

“The report concludes that attempting to accurately compare different countries’ foodborne disease rates is an almost impossible task. The only way you could attempt this would be for different countries to have the same type of study with the exact same study specifications, over the same time period. Even then, differences in underlying surveillance data available in each country could cause issues, particularly in terms of determining what proportion of IID cases are due to food.

“We have a much greater understanding of the different approaches taken across the globe and will continue to look and learn from this.”

Read the full report here.

FSA EXPLAINS

Rick Mumford, Head of Science, Evidence & Research Directorate, has provided an analysis of the report and what it means for comparing international food standards (Opens in a new window).

RASFF Alert – Bacillus cereus – Spicy Smoked Paprika Powder

RASFF-Logo

RASFF – Bacillus cereus (up to 23000 CFU/g) in spicy smoked paprika powder from Spain in Austria

RASFF Alert – Norovirus – Razor Clams

RASFF-Logo

RASFF – norovirus (presence /25g) in frozen razor clams (Solen spp) from the Netherlands in Spain