FDA Issues Warning Letter to a Small California Pita Baking Company for GMP Violations

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Middle East Baking Co. a pita and bagel manufacturing facility located in Burlingame, CA .

The biggest issue was excessive insect activity, primary beetles, which were found throughout the facility.  There was also some rodent poop.  Along with this, as one would expect, was a lack of cleaning was also sited.  This resulting excessive food material buildup is what the beetles are feeding on.  There were some other GMP issues.  Surprisingly, not much mention of the post-processing area where post-process contamination seems like it could be a huge Salmonella risk.

Also of note,  this "facility meets the definition of a “qualified facility” under 21 CFR § 117.3; therefore, therefore not subject to having a food safety plan, and only "subject to the modified requirements in 21 CFR § 117.201 of the CGMP & PC rule.".

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/middle-eastsolis-baking-company-inc-dba-middle-east-baking-co-708017-07252025
Middle East/Soli's Baking Company, Inc. dba Middle East Baking Co.
MARCS-CMS 708017 — July 25, 2025

USDA Releases Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary

Each year, USDA-AMS releases its annual report on its Pesticide Data Program that summarizes data data on pesticide residues in food.  This report covers the data collected in 2024.

As seen in the past, data is generally good.  "In 2024, over 99 percent of the samples tested had residues below the tolerances established by the EPA with 42.3 percent having no detectable residue."   

And as seen in past years, domestic samples have less issues than imported.  "Residues exceeding the tolerance were detected in 0.77 percent (76 samples) of the total samples tested (9,872 samples). Of these 76 samples, 12 were domestic (15.8 percent), 63 were imported (82.9 percent), and 1 was of unknown origin (1.3 percent)." 

Where were the issues?  From page 23 and 24:

"Pesticides exceeding the tolerance were detected in 0.77 percent (76 samples) of the total samples tested (9,872 samples). Of these 76 PTV exceeder samples, 12 were domestic (15.8 percent), 63 were imported (82.9 percent), and 1 was of unknown origin (1.3 percent). PTV exceeder samples represented 0.2 percent of the total domestic  samples, 1.6 percent of the total imported samples, and 1.1 percent of unknown origin samples. The samples  containing pesticides that exceeded established tolerances included: 1 sample of avocados, 22 samples of fresh  blackberries, 8 samples of cherry tomatoes, 5 samples of cucumbers, 3 samples of fresh sweet corn, and 37 samples of tomatillos. Tomatillos accounted for 48.7 percent of all exceeder PTV samples in 2024. Commodities that did not have any samples exceeding the established tolerances were the following: almonds, apples, canned pumpkin, frozen blackberries, fresh/frozen pineapples, frozen sweet corn, head lettuce, leaf lettuce, onion, orange, potatoes, and salmon."

"Residues with no established tolerance were found in 3.7 percent (361 samples) of the total samples tested (9,872 samples). Of these 361 samples, 118 were domestic (32.7 percent), 230 were imported (63.7 percent), and 13 were of unknown origin (3.6 percent). PTV no-tolerance-established samples represented 2.0 percent of  the total domestic samples, 6.0 percent of the total imported samples, and 14.1 percent of the total unknown  origin samples. These samples included 356 fresh and processed fruit and vegetable samples and 5 almond samples. There were 337 samples that contained 1 pesticide for which no tolerance was established, 23 samples with 2 pesticides for which no tolerance was established, and 1 sample that contained 3 pesticides for which no tolerance was established. Fifty-eight of the 361 samples also contained 1 or more pesticides that exceeded an established tolerance. In most cases, the pesticides with no established tolerance were detected at low levels. Some pesticide residues may have resulted from unintentional spray drift in the field; planting of crops in fields previously treated with the pesticide; transfer of pesticide residues, postharvest fungicides, or other growth 

regulators applied to other commodities kept in the same storage facilities; or exposure to pesticides during transportation through the distribution chain. Commodities that did not have any samples with pesticides for which no tolerance was established were frozen sweet corn, oranges, potatoes, and salmon."

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/PDPAnnualSummary.pdf
Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary
Calendar Year 2024

Executive Summary

In 1991, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) was charged with designing and implementing the Pesticide Data Program (PDP) to collect data on pesticide residues in food, and Congress mandated the program in the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). PDP provides high-quality data on pesticide residues in food, particularly foods most likely consumed by infants and children. This 34th Pesticide Data Program summary presents results for samples collected in 2024.

Recall Reissued for Tuna with Bad Lids After Third Party Distributor Reships Product

A seafood company is reissuing a recall for product that was recalled in February and then accidently reshipped.

Tri-Union Seafoods is cautioning consumers that a third-party distributor inadvertently released quarantined product that was associated to a February 2025 recall. The initial voluntary recall was conducted following notification from our supplier that the “easy open” pull tab can lid on limited products had a manufacturing defect that may compromise the integrity of the product seal (especially over time), causing it to leak, or worse, be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.  This current recall was initiated after Tri-Union Seafoods discovered that quarantined cases, associated with the initial recall, were inadvertently shipped by a third-party distributor. 

When recalled product is being held, there has to be tight controls in place so this type of thing, reshipping product, does not occur.  This can be especially a concern when third-party companies are the ones holding that product.  One could question why product from February with troublesome lids were still being held for close to a year later.  The longer something is not handled, the longer it sits, the greater the risk that it will escape.  This falls on the processor as much as the third party distributor.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tri-union-seafoods-identifies-additional-quantities-recalled-genovar-tuna-limited-retailers-due
Tri-Union Seafoods Identifies Additional Quantities of Recalled Genova® Tuna at Limited Retailers Due to Inadvertent Distribution of Previously Recalled Product
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 16, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  January 19, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum
Company Name:  Tri-Union Seafoods
Brand Name:  Genova
Product Description:  Yellowfin Tuna

Georgia Establishment Recalls Frozen, Fully Cooked Chicken Breast After Lab Finds Listeria

Suzanna’s Kitchen, a Norcross, Ga., establishment, is recalling approximately 13,720 pounds of ready- to-eat grilled chicken breast fillet products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The problem was discovered when a third-party laboratory sample reported a positive Listeria monocytogenes result in the ready-to-eat fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets product.

The ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast fillet items were produced on October 14, 2025.   These  items (2 units of 5lb bags) were shipped to distribution centers for foodservice sales in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Ohio.

This is the type of situation that a robust environmental monitoring program is designed to prevent. Not only is USDA testing product, but so are customers, only done through outside contract laboratory services.  Unfortunately, the food establishment does not get to decide which outside laboratory a customer uses (if this is the case in this situation).

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/suzannas-kitchen-recalls-ready-eat-grilled-chicken-breast-fillet-products-due
Suzanna’s Kitchen Recalls Ready-To-Eat Grilled Chicken Breast Fillet Products due to Possible Listeria Contamination

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2026 – Suzanna’s Kitchen, a Norcross, Ga., establishment, is recalling approximately 13,720 pounds of ready- to-eat grilled chicken breast fillet products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Super Greens Dietary Supplement Powder Recalled After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

FDA and CDC are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections linked to Live it Up-brand Super Greens dietary supplement powder produced by Superfoods, Inc. doing business as (dba) Live it Up of New York, NY. There have been 45 cases with 12 hospitalizations to date.  The company is recalling all Live it Up-brand Super Greens dietary supplement powder, including original and wild berry flavors, with lots beginning with the letter "A" and all stick pack products within expirations dates from 08/2026 to 01/2028 

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 45
Hospitalizations: 12
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: December 30, 2025
States with Cases: AL, CT, DE, IA, IL, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, NE, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, UT, VT, WA, WI
Product Distribution: Nationwide


https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-dietary-supplement-january-2026
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Dietary Supplement (January 2026)
Do not eat, sell or serve recalled Live it Up-brand Super Greens dietary supplement powder. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Product
All Live it Up-brand Super Greens dietary supplement powder, including original and wild berry flavors, with lots beginning with the letter "A" and all stick pack products within expirations dates from 08/2026 to 01/2028 have been recalled.

Cheese Recall Reposted a Month After It Was Issued

FDA is issuing a recall notice that was reissued last month regarding Ambriola Company's recall of select cheese products after routine testing confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was initially posted at the end of November, but it was reissued on December 3 to include additional product identification.  It seems that FDA did not post this at that time, and so are posting it now.  However, the main stream press is reporting this again which makes it seem as if it is a new recall.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ambriola-company-issues-recall-cheese-products-because-listeria-health-risk
The Ambriola Company Issues Recall of Cheese Products Because of Listeria Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 03, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  January 15, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:   The Ambriola Company
Brand Name:   Ambriola, Locatelli, Member’s Mark, Pinna, and Boar’s Head
Product Description:  Cheese

NY Firm Recalls Traditional Indian Sweets for Undeclared Milk

Karison Foods & Snacks Inc of Port Washington, NY 11050 is recalling 12 oz containers of ‘PANJIRI’, ‘ALSI PINNI’, ‘PUNJABI PINNI’, ‘BESAN LADDOO’, and ‘NO SUGAR ADDED BESAN LADDOO’ due to undeclared milk allergen.   During a routine inspection conducted at the firm, it was found that the milk allergen is undeclared on labels.

These items are traditionally made with ghee, a type of clarified butter.  This may be the case here that ghee was used.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/food-business-karison-foods-snacks-inc-recalls-panjiri-alsi-pinni-punjabi-pinni-besan-laddoo-and-no
Food Business Karison Foods & Snacks Inc Recalls ‘PANJIRI’, ‘ALSI PINNI’, ‘PUNJABI PINNI’, ‘BESAN LADDOO’, and ‘NO SUGAR ADDED BESAN LADDOO’ Due to Undeclared Milk Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 12, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  January 12, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Milk
Company Name:  Karison Foods & Snacks Inc
Brand Name:  Karison
Product Description:  Panjiri, pinni, and laddoo

California Firm Recall Sea Moss Gel for Improper Process Controls Resulting in Botulism Risk

Diva Fam Inc. ("Diva Fam" or the "Company") today (January 9, 2026) announced a voluntary recall of all lots and flavors of Sea Moss Gel Superfood due to lack of required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for pH-controlled food products.  The matter was identified during a California Department of Public Health inspection that raised questions regarding regulatory authorization and related production records for certain distributed products. The Company is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities and has initiated this voluntary recall to ensure regulatory alignment.

The company is making a sea moss gel, which if not adjusted for pH after heating to set the gel, could become essentially a petri dish for growing organisms, specifically Clostridium botulinum.  


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/diva-fam-inc-announces-voluntary-recall-sea-moss-gel-superfood-products-due-possible-health-risk
Diva Fam Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall Of Sea Moss Gel Superfood Products Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 09, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  January 12, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness - Botulism
Company Name:  Diva Fam Inc.
Brand Name:  True Sea Moss
Product Description:  Sea Moss Gel Superfood in various flavors (16 FL OZ glass jars)

Colorado Firm Recalls Bread Crumbs for Undeclared Allergens

VH Foods Inc. DBA Outside The Breadbox of Colorado Springs, CO is recalling its 8 ounce packages of "Bread Crumbs" because they may contain undeclared egg and milk.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the egg and milk product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of eggs or milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.  

One could guess that the wrong bread crumbs were added to the prelabeled package.  Here, proper labeling of in-process product and then selection of that product is so important.  Allergen Preventive Controls need to address these elements.    Note that the label does have the precautionary statement, but that does nothing to prevent this recall.

This was an isolated incident occurring on one production date.  The recalled "Bread Crumbs" were distributed in Colorado retail stores and through mail orders.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/vh-foods-inc-dba-outside-breadbox-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-and-milk-bread-crumbs
VH Foods Inc. DBA Outside The Breadbox Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg and Milk in "Bread Crumbs"
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 12, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  January 12, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Egg and Milk
Company Name:  VH Foods Inc. DBA Outside The Breadbox
Brand Name:  Outside the Breadbox
Product Description:  Bread Crumbs