Category Archives: Foodborne Illness

Extra Peanut Butter Recalls – Salmonella

Posted on October 1, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Justin’s has announced a recall of some lots of its peanut butters because they were made with Sunland products that have been recalled for Salmonella. Other Justin’s products are not involved in this recall. Fresca Foods in Colorado notified Justin’s that Sunland peanuts were used to make their products in the past, so the company is voluntarily participating in the recall.

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Fairytale Brownies is recalling Peanut Butter Sprites and Peanut Butter Cookies because they were made with recalled products from Sunland, Inc. and may be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were mainly sold through mail order, although some were sold at retail outlets. These products have not been associated with any illnesses, although there is a Salmonella Bredeney outbreak associated with Sunland Products and Trader Joe’s peanut butter that has sickened 30 people in 19 states.

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Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, outbreak, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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Even More Peanut Butter Product Recalls – Salmonella

Posted on September 29, 2012 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Whole Foods Market is recalling Peanut Butter Power Chews and Treasure Trove Mix, both sold as bulk items, in seven stores in Florida and one store in southern California due to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

No illnesses have been reported related to the bulk bin items. This recall is in response to a recall by Sunridge Farms/Falcon Trading who was supplied peanut butter by Sunland, Inc which has been connected to 30 illnesses in 18 states.

FDA

Jer’s™ Chocolates announced today that it has taken the precautionary measure of issuing a voluntary limited recall of some of its Gourmet Peanut Butter Bars and Gourmet Jer’s Squares produced from July 9, 2012 to September 24, 2012. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

SUNLAND, Inc. has stated that twenty-nine people have reported Salmonella Bredeney PFGE matching illnesses in approximately 18 states. These illnesses were associated with Almond Butter, Peanut Butter, Cashew Butter, Tahini and Roasted Blanched Peanut Products produced by Sunland, Inc.

Jer’s™ Gourmet Peanut Butter Bars and Jer’s™ Squares HAVE NOT been associated with any of the reported illnesses and ALL of Jer’s Chocolates products have passed its internal quality control tests and procedures

“Our customers’ health and safety is paramount. This precautionary step is to protect our customers and their families from any, even if remote, possible risk”, says Jerry Swain, Founder/CEO of Jer’s Chocolates.

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Posted in Bacteria, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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CFIA Recall – Steaks E.coli O157

Posted on September 26, 2012 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the Kirkland brand beef steaks described below because they may be contaminated with E. coliO157:H7.

All beef steaks including the Strip Loin Grilling Steak prepared and sold in variable weight packages from Costco Wholesale store #156, located at 13650, 50th street, Edmonton, Alberta are affected by this alert. These steaks were sold during the period September 4 through 7, 2012 and bear one of the following Packed On dates:

  • 12 / SE / 04
  • 12 / SE / 05
  • 12 / SE / 06
  • 12 / SE / 07

Consumers are advised to contact the above Costco Wholesale store to determine if the beef products in your home freezer are affected.

There have been several confirmed illnesses associated with the consumption of the Kirkland brand Strip Loin Grilling Steaks purchased from the Costco Wholesale store #156 in Edmonton, Alberta.

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, E.coli, E.coli O157, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Foodborne Illness, Hygiene, Illness, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

Australian Report on Salmonella – Ready to Eat Nuts

Posted on September 25, 2012 by | Leave a comment

NSW Food Authority

Nuts have traditionally been considered a microbiologically safe product because of their low moisture content (low water activity). However, there have been a number of documented foodborne illness outbreaks and recalls caused by Salmonella in nuts and nut products.

This survey was conducted to gather information on the prevalence of Salmonella and E. coli in ready-to-eat (RTE) nuts and their products sold in Australia, both imported and domestically produced products.

Between January and June 2011, a total of 915 samples were collected from retailers, manufacturers and growers in New South Wales (NSW), the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Queensland (QLD), Tasmania (TAS), and Western Australia (WA).

Products sampled included pre-packaged and unpackaged, plain and salted nuts and nut products such as flavoured nuts, bars, spreads and sauces.

Excluded were items where nuts were not the major component such as breakfast cereals, dairy products, chocolate covered nuts, fruit and nut mix, and seeds and seed products such as pine nuts.

Nut types included almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, mixed nuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts.

Survey Results

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Posted in Bacteria, E.coli, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Hygiene, Illness, Microbiology, Pathogen, Salmonella

FDA Reort Multi State Outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in Cheese

Posted on September 21, 2012 by | Leave a comment

FDA

The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to imported Marte brand Frescolina Ricotta Salata cheese distributed by Forever Cheese Inc. of Long Island City, New York. 

Forever Cheese has initiated a voluntary recall of this cheese which may be identified with a lot number (T9425) and/ or a production code (441202).
 

The FDA has placed the maker of the recalled cheese,Fattorie Chiarappa S.R.L.of Conversano, Italy, on Import Alert1. This means that Fattorie Chiarappa cheese will be denied admission into the United States unless the importer shows that the cheese is not contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, such as by using private laboratories to test the cheese.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a total of 14 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes from 11 states and the District of Columbia. Nationwide, 14 persons have been hospitalized. Three deaths have been reported. The CDC2 says that listeriosis contributed to at least one of those deaths. 

 The investigation into this outbreak continues, in order to determine whether there are other possible sources of the outbreak.

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Posted in Bacteria, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Hygiene, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology, outbreak, Pathogen, Recall

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FSA Scotland Food Survey Report

Posted on September 20, 2012 by | Leave a comment

FSAS

The results from the analysis of food samples collected from Scottish businesses in 2011 have shown a slight increase in the levels of satisfactory samples in comparison with the previous year.

The report has shown that 80% of samples collected in 2011 by local authorities in Scotland and submitted to the UK Food Surveillance System (UKFSS) were satisfactory, a rise of 3% on 2010. Areas where improvements could be made in relation to food handling practices in retail and catering businesses were also identified in the report (see attached).

During 2011, almost 9,200 food samples were collected from Scottish businesses and analysed by the Public Analyst Laboratories in Scotland. More than 5,000 samples were examined microbiologically and a further 4,188 underwent chemical analysis, including tests for contaminants, additives and labelling inaccuracies.

As in previous years, the results of sampling in 2011 show that there were very few issues relating to foodborne pathogens (illness causing organisms). The majority of failures in microbiological testing (83%) were due to the elevated levels of hygiene indicators (bacteria that can be used as indicators of general hygiene practices in food premises) and total bacterial counts (total number of bacteria on a food sample). These are not inherently a hazard but can indicate poor hygiene practices during food preparation and handling.

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Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Spoilage, Food Standards Agency, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Hygiene, Illness, Microbiology, Research

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UAE – One Death Food Poisoning

Posted on September 18, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Kaleej Times

A Pakistani man died and 15 people, including 10 children, were hospitalised due to food poisoning in two difference cases.

The condition of the victims who were rushed to Al Qasimi and Al Kuwaiti hospitals have been described to be between serious and minor. The victims ate food from two different places, including an Asian traditional food joint and a fast food outlet at one of the shopping centres in Sharjah.

Dr Yousif Al Serkal, Director of Al Kuwaiti Hospital, said four patients with suspected food poisoning were received at the emergency room of the hospital and were provided necessary treatment. But, despite the efforts of the medical staff, one of the patients, aged 40, died. The other three are still receiving treatment at the hospital and their condition are stable.

The ages of the patients range between 40 and 55 years and all are from Pakistan. The hospital management notified the authorities concerned, including the police and the municipality, for action against the Asian food outlet.

In the second incident, Dr Khalid Khalfan bin Sabt, Deputy Technical Director of Al Qasimi Hospital, said the hospital received 12 food poisoning cases on Friday, including 10 children of ages ranging from five to 13 years, and two men — a 38-year-old Arab and a 30-year-old Asian.

They ate at a fast food joint in one of the shopping centres. Six patients were discharged after they received necessary treatment and six are under medical supervision, but their condition is not critical except that of a little child who is five years old.

Officials at the municipality said inspectors were sent to the particular restaurant and food samples have been collected and are being analysed at the central food laboratory.

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Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Hygiene, Microbiology, outbreak, Pathogen

FDA – Cheese Recall – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on September 18, 2012 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Peterson Company is recalling Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand cheese that came from its supplier Forever Cheese of Long Island City, NY. Forever Cheese recalled this cheese product due to possible Listeria monocytogenescontamination, 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 headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The cheese was sold to distributors, retailers and restaurants in Washington and Oregon states between July 17 and September 10, 2012.

The cheese is Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand, cut into 7 ounce pieces, with manufacturer codes 7022, 7212, 7272 and 7432. There is a total of 390 pounds in distribution.

The potential for contamination was noted after an illness was reported in connection with eating the cheese. Each and every distributor, retailer and restaurant has been contacted in an effort to recall any and all remaining product in the marketplace.

If you believe that you have purchased any of this cheese please contact your distributor or retailer for a full refund. If you have any questions please call Peterson Company 253-249-2453, contact Scott Williams or Kelly Beale Monday through Friday 9 am – 5pm PST and mention Recall, or email Recall@petersoncheese.com.

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Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, FDA, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Poisoning, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Hygiene, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

US Fresh Fruit Salad (Cantaloupe) – Salmonella

Posted on September 15, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

A Minnesota-based company is recalling sits fresh cut fruit products because they contain cantaloupes that may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Cut Fruit Express, Inc. of Inver Grove Heights, MN issued a voluntary recall of products distributed through September 5, 2012, because they were made with cantaloupes recalled by Fresno, CA-based DFI Marketing Thursday after a federal testing program revealed the presence of the bacteria in a sample.
 
The fresh cut fruits subject to this recall were sold in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
 
As many as half a million cantaloupes are included in the DFI recall.
 
Only products with certain use-by dates are subject to this recall, according to the company, however those dates are not currently listed in the recall notice.  
 
Customers with questions are encouraged to call the company at 651-438-8834. 
 
Symptoms of Salmonella infection usually begin between 6 and 48 hours after infection and include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
 
If you think you may have contracted a Salmonella infection, contact your healthcare provider. 

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Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Hygiene, Illness, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

Mexican Mangoes Linked to Salmonella Alert

Posted on September 15, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Mangoes from Mexico linked to a nationwide Salmonella outbreak have been added to the federal import alert list – meaning that districts can detain them without inspection.

Mangoes produced by Sinaloa, MX-based Agricola Daniella and imported by Splendid Products of Burlingame, CA were recalled August 30 after they were named as the potential source of a Salmonella Braenderup outbreak that has sickened 104 people in 16 states, according to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
 
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration added Daniella brand mangoes to its import alert listings Wednesday. 

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Posted in Bacteria, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella