Category Archives: Microbiology

USA – Dog food product tested positive for Salmonella

FDA

Product Details

Product Description: Ranch Hound Maintenance Mini-Chunk Dog Food UPC 7 22304 39123 2, Manufactured for Atwood Distributing, L.P., Enid, OK. 40 lb. bag

Reason for Recall:Dog food product tested positive for Salmonella

Product Quantity:3 bags

Recall Number:

Code Information:Lots E1066 and E1067, best by 3/7/2022 and 3/8/2022

Classification:

Not Yet Classified

Event Details

Event ID:87553

Voluntary / Mandated:

Voluntary: Firm initiated

Product Type:Veterinary

Distribution Pattern:

Distributed to a distribution center in Texas

Recalling Firm:

Cargill, Inc Corporate Headquarters
15407 McGinty Rd W
Wayzata, MN 55391-2365
United States

Recall Initiation Date:3/17/2021

Germany and Tunisia – working together to improve food safety

bfr

Whether it be olive oil, dates or almonds, Tunisian food ought to become even safer. That is why the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL), both institutions in the portfolio of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), launched the project “Strengthening Food Safety and Consumer Protection in Tunisia”. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) provide in total 5 million euros for this over 5 years. The BMEL provides the necessary technical expertise through its two authorities. To begin with, high-ranking representatives of German and Tunisian ministries and authorities met today. The German Ambassador, Peter Prügel, opened the event. Under the chairmanship of Hichem Mechichi, the Tunisian Prime Minister and co-initiator, and in the presence of Dr. Maria Flachsbarth, Parliamentary State Secretary to the German Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, and Hans-Joachim Fuchtel, Parliamentary State Secretary to the German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture as well as Mohamed Fadhel Kraiem, acting Tunisian Minister of Agriculture, Hydraulic Resources and Maritime Fishing the BfR and the Tunisian Ministry of Health signed the implementation agreement for the project. “Building a functioning food safety system is a milestone for consumer health protection in Tunisia,” said BfR President Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel. “We are pleased that we can support Tunisia with the expertise of our institutions,” added his colleague BVL President Friedel Cramer.

In 2019, Tunisia adopted a new food safety law that allows the establishment of effective risk analysis structures. In the joint project, BfR and BVL are supporting the North African country in its implementation on the ground. The aim is to strengthen the administrative structures for food safety and consumer protection in Tunisia. The aim is to protect consumers and create better working conditions. In addition to regional trade, stable administrative structures and international standards are also important for the increasingly global and complex chain of goods.

Since the new law was passed, Tunisia has already set up a national Food Safety Authority (INSSPA) and a national risk assessment Agency (ANCSEP/ANER). Both are under the responsibility of the Tunisian Ministry of Health. As subsidiary bodies of the BMEL, BfR and BVL will advise the Tunisian sister authorities and provide training. Activities in the fields of policy advice, organizational development and training programmes for experts and managers are currently being planned together.

It is the first project to be based on the “Agreement on the involvement of BMEL business institutions in development cooperation projects”. The purpose of the agreement is to systematically integrate the expertise of institutions in the BMEL business area into BMZ’s development cooperation. The project is thus part of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Africa Strategy, which defines strengthening food security as a goal for Africa’s participation in regional and international trade.

Press Release in French

About the BfR

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in Germany. It advises the German federal government and German federal states (“Laender”) on questions of food, chemical and product safety. The BfR conducts its own research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks.

About the BVL

The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) is an independent federal supreme authority within the remit of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). BVL contributes to food safety through a wide range of measures. It issues approvals and coordinates monitoring programmes together with the Laender. Within the framework of the European rapid alert system, BVL ensures the flow of information between the EU and the Laender.

This text version is a translation of the original German text which is the only legally binding version.

USA – Pet foods in this huge Salmonella recall may also cause human illness from handling

Food Safety News

Human risk of illness is on the rise due to the handling of contaminated pet foods named in a massive recall by Evansville, IN-based Midwestern Pet Foods.

Specific cat and food brands including   CanineX, Earthborn Holistic, Venture, Unrefined, Sportmix Wholesomes, Pro Pac, Pro Pac Ultimates, Sportstrail, Sportmix, and Meridian brands produced at its Monmouth, IL production facility because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

A full list of recalled products is included in this announcement.  In addition to the risk to humans, Salmonella can affect animals eating the products.

Surfaces not thoroughly washed after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products are at risk.

People infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever.  Salmonella can result in serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. No human or pet illnesses have been reported to date.

Products were distributed to retail stores nationwide and to online retailers.

USA – Midwestern Pet Foods Voluntarily Recall Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk

FDA

Midwestern Pet Foods, Evansville, Indiana is issuing a voluntary recall of specific expiration dates of certain dog and cat food brands including CanineX, Earthborn Holistic, Venture, Unrefined, Sportmix Wholesomes, Pro Pac, Pro Pac Ultimates, Sportstrail, Sportmix and Meridian brands produced at its Monmouth, Illinois Production Facility because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. A full list of recalled products may be found at the end of this announcement.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. No human or pet illnesses have been reported to date.

Products were distributed to retail stores nationwide and to online retailers.

Lot code information may be found on the back of the bags with the following format:
“EXP AUG/02/22/M1/L#

See Example Image Below

This recall covers only certain products manufactured at Midwestern Pet Foods Monmouth, Illinois facility.  The unique Monmouth Facility identifier is located in the date code as an “M”.

The recall was as the result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that the finished products may contain the bacteria.

Retailers and distributors should immediately pull recalled lots from their inventory and shelves.  Do not sell or donate the recalled products.  Retailers are encouraged to contact consumers that have purchased the recalled products if the means to do so exists.

Do not feed the recalled products to pets or any other animals.  Destroy the food in a way that children, pets and wildlife cannot access them.  Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups and storage containers.  Always ensure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food.

Contact Midwestern Pet Foods Consumer Affairs at info@midwesternpetfoods.com or 800-474-4163, ext 455 from 8 AM to 5 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday for additional information.

This voluntary recall is being conducted in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration.  All other Midwestern Pet Foods products are unaffected by this recall.

Research – Risk of Legionella is high when offices reopen after lockdown

Digital Journal

Once more offices open up, following the easing of coronavirus measures, a new danger presents itself – Legionnaires’ disease. This arises because of poorly maintained water and air conditioning systems.

The number of cases of Legionella is increasing globally, with a marked change recorded in the U.S. The number of cases now stands, typically, at 10,000 cases per year. The disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria (L. pneumophila). These organisms can be inhaled into the lungs through water aerosols and droplet, suspended in the air when water is used. Signs and symptoms typically include fever, cough, and chest pain, and it can result in death in up to 10 percent of cases.

Rsearch – Saudi Arabia – INVESTIGATING RIYADH’S PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTORS’ ABILITY TO CONDUCT RISK-BASED FOOD INSPECTION, AND THEIR PROFESSIONAL NEEDS

Click to access Sultan%20Abdullah%20R_Alsaleh_Thesis.pdf

France – Recall Update – “mini Mont d’Or” raw milk cheese (cow) from the Mont de Joux brand – Listeria monocytogenes

AFSCA

03/26/2021 (update of the product recall of 03/24/2021)
Communication from the AFSCA
Product: “mini Mont d’Or” raw milk cheese (cow) from the Mont de Joux brand.
Problem: Presence of Listeria Monocytogenes.


Today, the AFSCA is recalling the “mini Mont d’Or” cheese from the Mont de Joux brand from consumers.

This recall follows a notification via the RASFF system (European Food and Feed Rapid Alert System) concerning the presence of Listeria Monocytogenes.

It was therefore decided to withdraw this product from sale and to recall it to consumers.

Product Description :

Product name: mini Mont D’or
Brand: Mont de Joux
Batch number: 3053
Expiration dates (BBD): 01/04/2021, 02/04/2021 and 08/04/2021
Weight: 460g

The product has been sold via:

La fromagerie Saint-Octave
• Rue Haute 254, 1000 Bruxelles
• Chaussée d’Alsemberg 54/1, 1060 Saint-Gilles
• Chaussée de Waterloo 1241/1, 1180 Uccle

La Fromagerie “Happiness is in the Meadow”: Rue Saint-Paul, 30, 4000 Liège

VDS Food Barchon: Rue Prés-champs, 4, 4671 Barchon

For any further information, you can contact the AFSCA contact point for consumers: 0800 / 13.550 orpointdecontact@afsca.be .

Denmark – Lack of heat treatment of raw materials used in smoothie

DVFA

Palæo Foods ApS is recalling a smoothie product because the raw materials are not heat-treated.
 
Recalled Foods , Published: March 16, 2021
Modified March 26, 2021
Updated 26.03.2021: Best before dates added
 
What food:
Smoothie Power Up – Strawberry Blueberry (see photo )
Net content: 330 ml
Last use date / best before date: 27.03.21, 28.03.2021 , 01.04.2021 , 05.04.21, 11.04.2021 and 12.04.21.  
EAN barcode no .: 5712889221340
 
Sold in:
7 Eleven stores nationwide
 
Calling company:
Palæo Foods ApS, Store Kongensgade 81 C, 1264 Copenhagen
 
 
Cause:
Lack of heat treatment of raw materials. 
 
Risk:
Risk of diarrhea.
 
Advice for consumers:
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration advises consumers to deliver the product back to the store where it was purchased or to discard it.

RASFF Alerts – Aflatoxin – Groundnuts – Shelled Pistachios – Sesame Seeds – Black Pepper – Nutmeg

European Food Alerts

RASFF

aflatoxins (B1 = 21; Tot. = 33 µg/kg – ppb) in groundnuts from Spain in the Netherlands

RASFF

aflatoxins (B1 = 69; Tot. = 70 mg/kg – ppm) in shelled pistachios from Iran, via Hong Kong in Italy

RASFF

aflatoxins (B1 = 32.6; Tot. = 36.0 µg/kg – ppb) in shelled pistachios from Iran, dispatched from Hong Kong in Italy

RASFF

aflatoxins (B1 = 38.0; Tot. = 40.0 µg/kg – ppb), Salmonella enterica ser. Chester (presence /25g) and Salmonella enterica ser. London (presence /25g) in sesame seeds from Iran in Finland

RASFF

aflatoxins (B1 = 9.5 µg/kg – ppb) in black pepper from Indonesia, via France in Switzerland

RASFF

aflatoxins (B1 = 43.4; Tot. = 48.8 µg/kg – ppb) in nutmeg from Indonesia in Germany

RASFF

aflatoxins (B1 = 25; Tot. = 30 / B1 = 40; Tot. = 50 µg/kg – ppb) in groundnuts from Egypt in the Netherlands

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Ealing (presence /25g), Salmonella enterica ser. Kiambu (presence /25g) and Salmonella enterica ser. Newport (presence /25g) in black pepper from Brazil in Germany

RASFF Alert – STEC E.coli – Chilled Beef Rump Tails

European Food Alerts

RASFF

shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli (O26 stx+ eae+ /25g) in chilled beef rump tails from Argentina in Germany