Category Archives: Microbiology

Peanut Butter Product Recalls – Canada – Salmonella

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume, sell or serve the food products described below because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

These recalls are part of an ongoing food safety investigation. This recall of peanut butter products in Canada is related to the expanding peanut butter product recall in the USA by Sunland Inc. due to possible Salmonella Bredeney contamination.

The following products are affected by this alert:

Brand Product Size UPC Best By dates /
Lot Codes
Distribution
Sunland Inc. Raw In Shell Peanuts 25 lb Bulk Item# 10108 Oct.12, 2012 to Oct.12, 2013 ON (Certain stores)
PureFit Peanut Butter Crunch bars 56.7 g 8 12787 00100 8 1 March 2013*;
12 July 2013
National
PureFit Peanut Butter Crunch Box of 15 8 12787 00200 5 1 March 2013*;
12 July 2013
National

China 110 Students Ill After School Dinner – Cause Unknown

China DailyFood Poisoning

Yunnan – More than 100 students in southwest China’s Yunnan province contracted infectious diarrhea from a school meal on Thursday, local authorities have confirmed.

Some 365 students from the Nationality Middle School in the Dai Autonomous Prefecture of Xishuangbanna developed symptoms of fever and diarrhea after their supper at 6 pm and were sent to hospital, and 110 of them have been confirmed as suffering from infectious diarrhea, said an official with the prefecture government.

The local government has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.

 

Dutch Smoked Salmon and Salmonella

Food Safety News

At least 950 people in the Netherlands are now known to have fallen ill in a Salmonella Thompson outbreak linked to salmon. Three elderly victims have died.

The outbreak was first reported October 1 after more than 200 Salmonella illnesses were linked to smoked salmon sold by Netherlands-based Foppen. Subsequent environmental testing revealed the presence of the outbreak strain of the bacteria in one of the company’s manufacturing plants in Greece.

Now the outbreak has grown to include almost 1,000 Dutch victims, three of whom have died, reported the Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) Thursday, according to MedicalXPress.

Meanwhile, health officials have identified a cluster of Salmonella Thompson infections in the U.S. The genetic fingerprint of this bacteria is indistinguishable from that of the strain causing the Dutch outbreak; however, patient interviews have revealed that Foppen smoked salmon was not a likely source of infection for these cases, according to Lola Russell, spokesperson for the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

European Food Alerts – Salmonella, Campylobacter, Aflatoxin, Yeast

RASFF – Salmonella in Frozen Beef Fat in Italy sourced in Lithuania

RASFF – Aflatoxin in Ogi in the UK sourced in Nigeria.

RASFF – Salmonella in Turkey Breast Fillets in Denmark sourced in Poland

Denmark– Yeast Growth in Lactose Free Youghurts causing blowing

Denmark – Campylobacter in Frisee Salad

France – Salmonella in Ham Burgers in France

Daily Peanut Butter Products Update – Salmonella – USA – Canada

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume, sell or serve the food products described below because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

These recalls are part of an ongoing food safety investigation. This recall of peanut butter products in Canada is related to the expanding peanut butter product recall in the USA by Sunland Inc. due to possible Salmonella Bredeney contamination.

There have been no illnesses reported in Canada associated with the consumption of these peanut butter products. However, there are confirmed Salmonella Bredeney illnesses in multiple states in the United States.

CFIA

Reference Number: 7491
Recalling Firm: NESTLE CANADA INC.
Date of Recall: 10/15/2012
Recall Classification: 1
Distribution : National
Extent of the Product Distribution : Hotel/Restaurant/Institutional

Product List

Brand Name Common Name Size Codes(s) on Product UPC Reason for Recall:
NESTLE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER ICE CREAM 11.4 L All codes None / Aucun Microbiological – Salmonella

FDA

Natural Selection Foods is voluntarily recalling Earthbound Farm Baby Spinach Grab & Go Salad Kits with Peanuts. The product is sold in a 3.5 ounce clamshell with UPC 0-32601-08875-0. All “Use By” dates are affected.

This is the result of the expanded recall of peanut butter, nut butters and peanut products by Sunland because of potential contamination with Salmonella. The peanuts in the packets were chopped by Sunland then supplied to a third party contract packer to Natural Selection Foods as a sealed package of chopped peanuts, sealed again within another package that includes dressing and a fork.

The salad kits were distributed to retail supermarkets and foodservice operators in the following states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, British Columbia (Canada) and Ontario (Canada). They are packaged in clear plastic clamshell containers with a blue label.

Salmonella bacteria 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 cramps. Consumers with the above symptoms should consult their physician.

While no illnesses associated with any of these products have been reported to Natural Selection Foods to date, our unwavering commitment to the safety and quality of our products dictates that we voluntarily recall these products as a precaution.

 

61 Now Ill in North Carolina E. coli Outbreak

Food Safety News

The deadly E. coli outbreak linked to the Cleveland County Fair in North Carolina grew to 61 cases by Wednesday. At least 10 people have been hospitalized.

This latest figures comes less than a week after 2-year-old Gage Lefever died from his infection last Friday. His funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon.

FSN Link

 

Inhibitory Effect of Carob on Listeria monocytogenes

Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry

In recent years, there has been great development in the search for new natural compounds for food preservation aimed at a partial or total replacement of currently popular antimicrobial chemicals. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) offers a natural promising alternative for food safety and bioconservation. In this work, the methanolic extract of carob leaves (MECL) was tested for the ability to inhibit the growth of a range of microorganisms. MECL inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes at 28.12 μg/mL by the broth microdilution method. The effect of this bacteriostatic concentration on the growth of this bacterium revealed a pattern of inhibition characterized by (a) a resumed growth phase, which showed a lower rate of growth if compared with controls; and (b) first a lag and then a stationary phase at a lower bacterium concentration. The study of the chemical composition of MECL by high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry showed the presence of gallic acid, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, myricitrin, isoquercitin, catechin, chlorogenic acid, and malic acid. L. monocytogenes growth inhibition was recorded for myricitrin and gallic acid at 450 μg/mL and for (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate and isoquercitin, respectively, at 225 and 112.5 μg/mL. Taking into account that proline is a ligand of proline dehydrogenase (PDH), the use of this compound leads us to hypothesize the mode of action of MECL constituents.

Peanut Butter Products Roll On – Animal and Human Foods – Salmonella

FDA

Torn and Glasser, Inc of Los Angeles, CA 90021 is voluntarily recalling Salted in-shell product (packaged after November 9, 2011), and one lot of Organic Peanut Butter (packaged January 13, 2012) because it has the potential to be contaminated withSalmonella.

To date, Torn and Glasser, Inc. has not received any complaints concerning illness on any of these lot numbers. Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are urged not to eat them and to return products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

FDA

Natural Selection Foods is voluntarily recalling Earthbound Farm Baby Spinach Grab & Go Salad Kits with Peanuts. The product is sold in a 3.5 ounce clamshell with UPC 0-32601-08875-0. All “Use By” dates are affected.

This is the result of the expanded recall of peanut butter, nut butters and peanut products by Sunland because of potential contamination with Salmonella. The peanuts in the packets were chopped by Sunland then supplied to a third party contract packer to Natural Selection Foods as a sealed package of chopped peanuts, sealed again within another package that includes dressing and a fork.

The salad kits were distributed to retail supermarkets and foodservice operators in the following states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, British Columbia (Canada) and Ontario (Canada). They are packaged in clear plastic clamshell containers with a blue label.

Salmonella bacteria 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 cramps. Consumers with the above symptoms should consult their physician.

While no illnesses associated with any of these products have been reported to Natural Selection Foods to date, our unwavering commitment to the safety and quality of our products dictates that we voluntarily recall these products as a precaution.

FDA

Trifecta Foods, LLC in Pacoima, CA is voluntarily recalling products containing IN-SHELL ROASTED SALTED AND UNSALTED PEANUTS supplied to Trifecta Foods by SUNLAND, INC. because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.  SUNLAND, INC. advised Trifecta Foods that it was declaring a recall of its peanuts and, although in-shell peanuts is a small part of its business, Trifecta Foods moved immediately to withdraw the products from the public containing peanuts from SUNLAND, INC.

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are urged not to eat them and to return products to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them immediately. The “Best By” date or product expiration date is printed on the packaging.

Consumers can contact the Company at 1-888-232-4242 for information regarding this recall. This toll-free number is operational Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PST).

No FreshPak, Energy Club, or other brands products, other than those listed above, are affected by the recall and the recalled products make up a very small fraction of our total offerings. All products leaving our plant as of October 15, 2012 are NOT affected by the SUNLAND, INC. recall.

FDA

Buck’s Ice Cream of Milford, CT, co-pack manufacturer for Iskream, Inc. of , is voluntarily recalling all lot codes of Iskream Brand Peanut Butter and Jelly No Sugar Added Ice Cream, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The decision was made as the result of the expanded recall of peanut butter, nut butters and peanut products by Sunland because of potential contamination with Salmonella.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

FDA

TBD Brands, LLC, announced today that it is issuing a voluntary recall of Yoghund brand Organic Banana & Peanut Butter flavor, frozen yogurt dog treats. This is a cautionary action, as these products contain organic peanut butter linked to recent recalls of Sunland, Inc.of Portales, NM, for possible Salmonellacontamination.

Although there have been no reported incidents of human or animal illnesses in connection with their product, the company has elected to recall all case product of Lot Code 268 12 and earlier, cup and four pack Best By Date of 9.24.14 or earlier.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic, have diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. 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.

Individuals handling the frozen yogurt product can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. People who believe they may have been exposed to Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control, people who are more likely to be affected by Salmonella include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS and people receiving treatment for cancer.

Product was distributed through retailers nationwide.

Pet owners who are unsure if the product they purchased is in the recall or have additional questions may call us at 603-775-7772 x1007 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 Finally still Salmonella but not to do with Peanut Butter another Pet Food Recall

FDA

Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO is voluntarily recalling its BOOTS & BARKLEY ROASTED AMERICAN PIG EARS AND BOOTS & BARKLEY AMERICAN VARIETY PACK DOG TREATS product because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can sicken animals that eat these products and humans are at risk for salmonella poisoning from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the pet products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

No illnesses have been reported to date in animals or humans in connection with this product.

Dole Fresh Lettuce Recall – Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria Blog

Dole Fresh Vegetables is voluntarily recalling a limited number of cases of Dole American Blend salad in 12 oz. bags, coded A275208A or B, with Use-by date of October 17 and UPC 7143000933, due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. Dole Fresh Vegetables is coordinating closely with regulatory officials. No illnesses have been reported in association with the recall.

The product code and Use-by date are in the upper right-hand corner of the package; the UPC code is on the back of the package, below the barcode. The salads were distributed in 10 U.S. states (Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin).

No illnesses have been reported in association with the recall.

 

Campylobacter Founb in US Raw Milk

Hot Springs Star

PIERRE – The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) is reporting campylobacter bacteria was found in a sampling of raw (unpasteurized) milk from Black Hills Milk in Belle Fourche.

SDDA advises consumers that raw milk recently purchased from this business may contain harmful bacteria that can lead to campylobacter infection. Symptoms of this infection include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and can sometimes progress to more serious illness, such as kidney failure and other complications.

The implicated milk is sold at a retail outlet in Spearfish, Black Hills Farmers Market at Founder’s Park in Rapid City and other locations in the Black Hills. If you have purchased this raw milk, SDDA advises the product be discarded or returned.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), pasteurized milk that is correctly handled in the dairy, bottled, sealed and refrigerated after pasteurization, and that is properly handled by the consumer, is very unlikely to contain illness-causing bacteria.

The SDDA requires producers selling raw milk to be permitted through the state, inspected once or twice a year depending on grade of milk and provide a monthly quality analysis.