Category Archives: Uncategorized

USA – Legionnaires’ Disease cases in people who attended NC Mountain State Fair

Posted on September 25, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Outbreak News

CDC legionella

Image CDC

North Carolina state and local health officials report investigating multiple cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported in individuals who attended the NC Mountain State Fair in Fletcher, NC, Sept. 6–15, 2019.

“We don’t yet know whether people might have been exposed to Legionella bacteria at the NC Mountain State Fair,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore. “As a precaution, we are recommending that anyone who went to the fair and has symptoms of pneumonia, like cough, fever or shortness of breath, see a doctor right away and talk with them about Legionnaires’ disease.”

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of bacterial pneumonia (lung infection). A person may develop Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in mist or accidentally swallow water into the lungs that contains Legionella bacteria.

In North Carolina, more than 150 cases of Legionnaires’ disease are reported each year. Symptoms typically begin two to 10 days after exposure and can include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches. Legionnaires’ disease is a serious illness but can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Legionella bacteria can also cause a milder flu-like illness called Pontiac fever, which resolves without treatment.

Most healthy people exposed to Legionella bacteria do not get sick. The people at highest risk for Legionnaires’ disease include individuals 50 years or older, current or former smokers, and those who have a chronic lung disease or a weakened immune system.

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Posted in Contaminated water, Legionella, Uncategorized, Water, water microbiology

USA – Gramco, Inc. Recalls Hog Grower Pellets because of Elevated Vomitoxin Levels

Posted on September 25, 2019 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Company Announcement

Gramco, Inc. of Springville, New York is recalling bags of Hog Grower Pellets because it contains levels of vomitoxin (a mycotoxin) that could be harmful to swine growth and potentially fatal to young swine.

This product has a lot number of 47284 and it was produced on July 8, 2019. The FDA tested a product sample and has determined that the levels of vomitoxin in this lot exceeds its guidelines for swine feed. The FDA notified us of the results and that they were considered too high for swine feed and we took action as soon we learned of it. This product was sold to a retailer in the Bradford, Pa. area and other than that, it was sold to end-users who either had it delivered to their farms for use or picked it up at the plant for use at home. At this point, we have not had any complaints of animal refusal for intake, nor have we had any complaints of animal health issues or worse.

The product in question all went into 50 pound bags that would have the Gramco, Inc. logo on them.

Vomitoxin (Deoxynivalenol) is known to cause vomiting (emesis), ulcer in the mouth, feed refusal, and decreased body weight gain in swine of all age classes. Swine exposure to elevated levels of vomitoxin in feed for extended period may lead to intestinal and liver damages, kidney failure, immune system failure, and eventually death.

Working with the FDA, we are instituting a revised testing program to help prevent this in the future. We look forward to working with you and we apologize for any inconveniences brought on by this incident.

If you have any of these bags left please do not feed them and please contact John Wallace at 716-592-2845 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

Here is a copy of the tag that would be on the bags with a rubber date stamp of July 8th, 2019 near the top.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
John Wallace
 716-592-2845

Product Photos

  • Gramco Brand Hog Grower Pellet, Net Wt, 50 lbs

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Posted in Animal Feed, FDA, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Toxin, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Mycotoxin, Toxin, Uncategorized

USA – Euphoria Fancy Food Inc. Recalls “Capitan K Salmon Fillet” Due to Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on September 25, 2019 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Company Announcement

Euphoria Fancy Food Inc of Brooklyn, NY is recalling its 7.05 oz packages of “CAPITAN K” salmon slightly salted pieces because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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 persons 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 recalled “ CAPITAN K ” salmon slightly salted pieces were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders. The product comes in 7.05 oz, vacuum package marked with container code of 070519 and with a best by date of 01/30/20. The product UPC code is 607059000362.

No illnesses have been reported to date and connection with this problem.

The contamination was discovered after sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Market Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenesin some 7.05 oz vacuum packages of “CAPITAN K” salmon slightly salted pieces.

Consumers who have purchased 7.05 oz vacuum packages of “CAPITAN K” salmon slightly salted pieces are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-768-3400.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Michael Briskin
 718-768-3400

Product Photos

  • Salmon slightly salted pieces, front package

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Uncategorized

Australia – The Flagstaff Group Ltd t/as Flagstaff Fine Foods — Frozen Meals 360g – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on September 25, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Gov Au

Product description

Single portion frozen meals 360g

Chicken Schnitzel with Gravy
Use By 17/07/2020, 24/07/2020, 25/07/2020, 05/08/2020, 06/08/2020, 18/08/2020, 13/08/2020, 27/08/2020 and 03/09/2020

Lamb Chop
Use By 17/07/2020, 18/07/2020, 25/07/2020, 30/07/2020, 06/08/2020, 18/08/2020, 20/08/2020, 22/08/2020, 27/08/2020, 09/09/2020 and 12/09/2020

Honey Mustard Beef
Use By 28/07/2020 and 25/08/2020

Pork in BBQ Sauce
Use By 25/07/2020 and 18/08/2020

Apricot and Fig Chicken
Use By 15/08/2020

Vienna Schnitzel
Use By 22/07/2020, 05/08/2020, 18/08/2020, 29/08/2020 and 10/09/2020

Pork Apple and Cranberry Casserole
Use By 12/08/2020 and 01/09/2020

Roast Beef
Use By 21/07/2020, 25/07/2020, 01/08/2020, 06/08/2020, 18/08/2020, 22/08/2020, 29/08/2020, 05/09/2020 and 12/09/2020

Photograph of Flagstaff Frozen Meals

Identifying features

Other
See attached list of batch numbers
Identifying numbers.pdf (7.52 KB)

What are the defects?

The recall is due to potential microbial contamination (Listeria monocytogenes).

What are the hazards?

Listeria may cause illness in pregnant women and their unborn babies, the elderly and people with low immune systems.

What should consumers do?

Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For further information, contact Flagstaff Fine Foods by phone on 02 4272 0280 or at https://www.flagstaffgroup.com.au

Supplier
The Flagstaff Group Ltd t/as Flagstaff Fine Foods
Traders who sold this product

Meals on Wheels and community organisations

Where the product was sold
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Queensland
South Australia
Dates available for sale
  • 16 May 2019 – 20 September 2019

Recall advertisements and supporting documentation

Recall advertisement.pdf (89.62 KB)

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Uncategorized

Canada – Food Recall Warning – Randsland brand Super Salad Kit and Randsland brand Kale recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on September 25, 2019 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, September 24, 2019 – Randsland Farms Inc. is recalling Randsland brand Super Salad Kit and Randsland brand Kale from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

Recalled products

Brand Name Common Name Size UPC Code(s) on Product
Randsland Super Salad Kit 454 g 0 57225 00005 6 2919071
100119
Randsland Kale 340 g 0 57225 00006 3 2919071
100119

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. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

Background

This recall was triggered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) inspection activities. 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

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • Randsland - Super Salad Kit
  • Randsland - Kale

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Posted in CFIA, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Uncategorized

UK – Factory put uncooked sausages in pre-packed sandwiches posing ‘danger to health’ – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on September 25, 2019 by | Leave a comment

The Mirror

Middlesbrough factory Café Class Ltd extended the use-by dates of boiled eggs, cheddar cheese and streaky bacon, in ‘listeria outbreak risk’

A factory has been ordered to stop making food after it put uncooked sausages into pre-packed sandwiches.

The Middlesbrough-based factory has been told by health authorities it risked causing a listeria outbreak.

Café Class Ltd has been served with a hygiene emergency prohibition order for food safety practices that posed an “immediate danger to human health”.

A court this week heard how the company extended the use-by dates of boiled eggs, cheddar cheese and streaky bacon, putting consumers’ health at risk.

The risk to the public was so severe that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued an immediate product recall on sandwiches, wraps and salads made by the company.

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Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Uncategorized

USA – University of Maryland – Salmonella Outbreak

Posted on September 24, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Health UMD

kswfoodworld Salmonella

Image CDC

As of today, we are aware of three UMD students who have been identified with Salmonella, two confirmed at outside medical facilities and one at the University Health Center. The source of the infection is not yet clear – two of the three individuals have eaten at a variety of campus dining facilities and one has not eaten on campus at all.  The three students who were identified with this infection have fully recovered without incident.  The Prince George’s County Health Department and the Maryland Department of Health are looking into these incidents to form a better understanding of any potential source.

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, outbreak, Salmonella, Uncategorized

USA -Roland Foods, LLC Initiates a Voluntary Recall of Roland Red Lumpfish Caviar and Roland Black Lumpfish Caviar Due to Possible Health Risk – Clostridium botulinum

Posted on September 24, 2019 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Company Announcement

Roland Foods, LLC of New York, New York is initiating a voluntary recall of its red and black lumpfish caviar products, which were manufactured at Ora ehf in Iceland, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

The Red Lumpfish Caviar and Black Lumpfish Caviar, sold in glass jars, were distributed nationwide to retailers and foodservice distributors across the United States. The UPC code is located on the back of the label, under the bar code.

The following products are subject to the voluntary recall:

Affected Product
Product Name Roland® Black Caviar Whole Grain Lumpfish Roland® Black Caviar Whole Grain Lumpfish Roland® Black Caviar Whole Grain Lumpfish Roland® Black Caviar Whole Grain Lumpfish
Item # 20002 20004 20020 20040
Batch # 206 J018803, J019622, J020834 226 223
Pack Size 2×48/2 oz 48/2 oz 2×24/3.5 oz 12X12 oz
UPC #s
Item UPC 41224200029 41224200029 41224200203 41224200401
Outside Case UPC 10041224200026 10041224200040 10041224200200 10041224200408
Carton Markings
Product Name Roland Caviar Roland Caviar Roland Caviar Roland Caviar
Item # 20002 20004 20020 20040
Batch # 206 J018803, J019622, J020834 226 223
UPC # 10041224200026 10041224200040 10041224200200 10041224200408
Other Relevant Info This product is sold as 2 cases tie wrapped together This is a repack therefore product UPC is different than item # This product is sold as 2 cases tie wrapped together
Affected Product
Product Name Roland® Red Caviar Whole Grain Lumpfish Roland® Red Caviar Whole Grain Lumpfish Roland® Red Caviar Whole Grain Lumpfish Roland® Red Caviar Whole Grain Lumpfish
Item # 20202 20204 20220 20240
Batch # 154, 155 J018821, J020767 168 175
Pack Size 2×48/2 oz 48/2 oz 2×24/3.5 oz 12×12 oz
UPC #s
Item UPC 41224202023 41224202023 41224202207 41224202405
Outside Case UPC 10041224202020 10041224202044 10041224202204 10041224202402
Carton Markings
Product Name Roland Caviar Roland Caviar Roland Caviar Roland Caviar
Item # 20202 20202 20220 20240
Batch # 154, 155 J018821, J020767 168 175
UPC # 10041224202020 10041224202044 10041224202204 10041224202402
Other Relevant Info This is sold as 2 cases tie wrapped together This is a repack therefore product UPC is different than item # This is sold as 2 cases tie wrapped together

No other sizes or lots of red and black caviar or Roland® products are affected by this voluntary recall.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing found that the product experienced a processing issue.

Production and distribution of the product has been suspended as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers can visit our website at www.rolandfoods.comExternal Link Disclaimer, or contact our 24-Hour Consumer Hotline at 800.221.4030 ext. 222 for further information about this voluntary recall and for further instructions.

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Posted in Clostridium botulinum, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Uncategorized

USA – Worker Diagnosed With Hepatitis A At Yumcious Donuts in Philadelphia

Posted on September 23, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

A food worker at Yumcious Donuts at the Quick Stop at 3001 Kensington Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, according to news reports. That person worked at that location between August 20, 2019 and September 4, 2019.

While the risk of contracting the illness is “very low” according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, they are recommending that anyone who ate there within the last two weeks get vaccinated against the pathogenic virus. Unfortunately, at this time everyone who ate there when the worker was contagious is past the two week window when the vaccine is effective.

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Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Virus, Hepatitis A, Uncategorized, Virus

USA – Philadelphia mystery E. coli outbreak adds 19th Victim

Posted on September 23, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

ecoli

Image CDC

According to Food Safety News, Philadelphia officials have added more people to the patient list in an E. coli outbreak that is associated with “shared restaurant exposure.”

Earlier this month the Philadelphia Department of Public Health reported the outbreak but did not name a specific restaurant or restaurants. The department continues to decline to provide that information.

“A total of 19 cases were identified in this cluster. The last report was received on Sept. 6, and our investigation into the source continues,” department spokesman James Garrow told Food Safety News.

Outbreak investigations typically involve interviews with patients to find out what they ate and where they ate it in the days before becoming ill.

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Posted in E.coli, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Research, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Uncategorized