Food Safety Humor

FSPCA - Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Raw Can Be Risky When it Comes to Nuts and Sprouts - Salmonella Related Recalls

Within the last week, there have been recalls of raw nuts and raw sprouts and raw sprout products due to the potential for Salmonella after those products were tested and found to be Salmonella positive.  Surprising....not really.  Makes you feel like that infant in the e-trade commercial feigning a sense of shock at a very predictable outcome.


Raw sprouts and raw nuts are a risk for pathogenic organisms like Salmonella.  There are no significant pathogen reduction steps.  And although some may suggest testing as a control, it is hit or miss when there are low levels of contamination - so testing as verification but not as control.

Alfalfa Sprouts - http://www.thepacker.com/news/sprouts-ks-ok-linked-salmonella-illnesses

Raw Macadamia Nuts - http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm487338.htm

Spouted Chia and Flaxseed - http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm487043.htm

Raw pistachios http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm486489.htm
                        http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm487019.htm

The Packer
http://www.thepacker.com/news/sprouts-ks-ok-linked-salmonella-illnesses
UPDATED: Sprouts in KS, OK linked to salmonella illnesses
By Doug Carder February 22, 2016 | 1:11 pm EST

A Kansas sprouts grower-shipper has issued a voluntary recall of some of its alfalfa sprouts after the product was possibly linked to a salmonella outbreak in Kansas and Oklahoma.

Five people in Kansas and three in Oklahoma became ill after eating sprouts between early December and late January from Sweetwater Farms, Inman, Kan., according to a Kansas Department of Health and Environment news release.

KDHE and Food and Drug Administration officials inspected Sweetwater Farms and FDA collected irrigation water. Sprouts tested positive for salmonella bacteria, although the strain has not yet been identified, according to the KDHE release. Sweetwater Farms recalled alfalfa sprouts in lot No. 042016, according to the release. KDHE is recommending people not consume sprout products from Sweetwater Farms.

Alfalfa sprouts in lot No. 042016 were distributed by wholesalers to retail and foodservice outlets in an unknown number of states, health officials said. Sweetwater Farms shipped the alfalfa sprouts to wholesale buyers in Oklahoma and the Kansas City area, who then distributed the product to their customers, John Hershberger, Sweetwater's owner, said.

KDHE officials declined to say if the illnesses resulted in hospitalizations, citing confidentiality issues, but the spokeswoman said the first cases were reported in early December in Kansas. Three cases in Oklahoma subsequently were linked to the same outbreak, she said. The last case was reported Jan. 21 in Kansas, according to the release.

KDHE is working with FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Oklahoma Department of Health to investigate the outbreak, according to the KDHE news release.

FDA Recall Noticehttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm487338.htm
Marathon Ventures, Incorporated Announces Voluntary Recall of Raw Macadamia Nuts Due to Possible Health Risk

For Immediate Release
February 23, 2016

Contact Consumers Marathon Ventures, Inc. 402-934-8223

Announcement
View Product Photos

BELLEVUE, NEBRASKA - Marathon Ventures, Inc. announced today that it is voluntarily recalling various retail and bulk packages containing raw macadamia nuts as a precautionary measure because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella, 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, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), 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.

The recalled products were sold between July 2, 2015 and February 3, 2016, through grocery, foodservice, other retail outlets, and direct mail orders via company website nationwide. Affected products are packaged as follows:

UPCBRANDPRODUCT DESCRIPTIONUNIT WTCODE DATE / LOT NUMBERLOT CODE LOCATION0 15400 86635 4 Shurfine Macadamia Diced Nuts 5oz / 142g Best By:
2 SEP 2016 Front of bag - top right
0 15400 16635 5 Western Family Macadamia Diced Nuts 5oz / 142g Best By:
3 AUG 2016 Front of bag - top right
Best By:
4 AUG 2016 Front of bag - top right
Best By:
2 SEP 2016 Front of bag - top right
0 75450 13287 8 HyVee Macadamia Nuts 2oz / 57g Best By:
10 JUL 2016 Back of bag - mid right
0 85239 52108 3 Market Pantry Chopped Macadamia Nuts 2.25oz / 64g Best By:
13 AUG 2016 Back of bag - right side
Best By:
11 SEP 2016 Back of bag - right side
0 75049 42186 4 Pear's Gourmet Macadamia Nuts Raw 16oz / 454g Best By:
11 SEP 2016 Front of bag - near top
Best By:
25 SEP 2016 Front of bag - near top
06509 Cash-Wa Distributing Macadamia Nuts Raw 5lbs / 2.27kg 15204 Bot right on case label
15260 Bot right on case label
Bulk Case Nutpro C.C. Macadamia Nuts Style #5 25lbs 79818 Case label

The issue was brought to the Company's attention by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following a Salmonella positive product found during routine product sampling.

There have been no illnesses or injuries reported to-date affiliated with these products. Anyone concerned about an injury/illness should contact a physician immediately. Marathon Ventures, Inc. has informed the FDA of its actions and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

Consumers who have purchased the items listed above should not consume this product and should return it to the store of purchase for a full refund or replacement.

Consumers may direct their questions regarding the recalled items to Marathon Ventures, Inc. at (402) 934-8223 Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30PM Central Time or via e-mail at qa@marathonventuresinc.com


http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm487043.htm
Health Matters America Inc. Issues Nationwide Recall of Sprouted Flax Seed Powder and Sprouted Chia & Flax Seed Powder Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
February 20, 2016

Contact ConsumersHealth Matters America Inc.  1-888-343-3278

Announcement
View Product Photos

Health Matters America of Cheektowaga, NY, is recalling specific lots of Organic traditions SPROUTED FLAX SEED POWDER and Organic traditions SPROUTED CHIA & FLAX SEED POWDER because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, 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.

Organic traditions Sprouted Chia Seed Powder and Organic traditions Sprouted Chia & Flax Seed Powder were distributed nationwide in flexible plastic bags.

Here is a list of the recalled products and lots:
Organic traditions SPROUTED FLAX SEED POWDER, NET WT. 8 oz./227g, UPC barcode 854260006261; Lots AHM626151103 Exp. 09/2017, AHM626151229 Exp.10/2017 (lot number located near UPC barcode on back of bag);
Organic traditions SPROUTED CHIA & FLAX SEED POWDER, NET WT. 8 oz./227g; UPC barcode 854260006216; Lots AHM621151217 Exp. 10/2017; AHM621151229 Exp. 10/2017 (lot number located near UPC barcode on back of bag);
Organic traditions SPROUTED CHIA & FLAX SEED POWDER, NET WT. 16oz./454g bag, UPC barcode 854260005479; Lot AHM547151217 Exp. 10/2017 (lot number located near UPC barcode on back of bag).

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Random samples taken by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) from retail stores in Canada tested positive for Salmonella. CFIA then notified the supplier. Health Matters America Inc. had received the affected lots. As soon as Health Matters America was made aware of this situation by their supplier, the company ceased packaging and distribution of the lots. The FDA, CFIA and Health Matters America continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers who purchased the affected products/lots should return them to place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company by phone at 1(888) 343-3278, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, or by e-mail at: orders@healthmattersamerica.com.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm487019.htm
Country Life Natural Foods Recalls Raw Pistachios Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
February 19, 2016

Contact Consumers 800-456-7694

Announcement
View Product Photos


Country Life Natural Foods of Pullman, MI is recalling shelled raw pistachios, sold in 2 lb bags and 30 lb boxes, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, 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.

The shelled raw pistachios were distributed in AR, CA, FL, IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OK, SC, SD, TN, and WI through retail stores, mail order, and direct delivery.

The 2 pound bags will bear the batch number 1357 in the lower left corner of the Country Life Natural Foods Label.

The 30 lb boxes will bear the name “SAM International” lot number 102914, and best by date of April 29, 2016.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This recall was initiated when FDA contract testing laboratory analysis revealed the presence of Salmonella in one of the 19 samples obtained from SAM International. As a precaution, additional products are being recalled as they may be contaminated since they were packed from the master lot that came to our facility. We are working closely with FDA to determine the cause of this situation.

Consumers who have purchased this recalled product should not consume it. They should return it to the point of purchase. Consumers with questions should call Country Life Natural Foods at 800-456-7694, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm EST Friday.


http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm486489.htm
Lipari Foods Issues Voluntary Recall of Various Retail And Food Service Raw Pistachio Products Due to Potential Salmonella Risk
For Immediate Release
February 16, 2016

Contact Consumers Customer Service  1-800-729-3354

Announcement
View Product Photos


Lipari Foods, LLC, of Warren, Michigan, has issued a voluntary recall of various raw pistachio products packaged by sister company JLM due to potential Salmonella risk. Salmonella is an organism that 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 can 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.

The products were distributed to food service and retail stores throughout Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

Products were distributed under the following brand names: Blue Goose Market, Hollywood Market, Market Fresh Fine Foods, Roger's Foodland, Marv & Alison's Marketplace, Long Lake Market, Martin's, Holiday Market, The Purple Onion, Trentwood Farms, Angeli Foods, Market Square, Village Food Market, Martha's Vineyard, Remke Market or as generic product without branding.

The affected products can be identified by:

ProductLipari Product #Lot #WeightBest Buy DateUPCFancy Fruit & Nut Mix (Blue Goose Market, Hollywood Market, Market Fresh Fine Foods, Market Square, Roger’s Foodland,Trentwood Farms) 583524 26201508 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 8/25/2016 094776144594
Fancy Fruit & Nut Mix (Blue Goose Market, Hollywood Market, Market Fresh Fine Foods, Market Square, Roger’s Foodland,Trentwood Farms) 583524 07201510 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 10/6/2016 094776144594
Fancy Fruit & Nut Mix (Blue Goose Market, Hollywood Market, Market Fresh Fine Foods,Market Square, Roger’s Foodland,Trentwood Farms) 583524 04201512 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 12/3/2016 094776144594
Fancy Fruit & Nut Mix(Blue Goose Market, Hollywood Market, Market Fresh Fine Foods, Market Square, Roger’s Foodland, Trentwood Farms) 583524 13201601 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 1/12/2017 094776144594
Fancy Fruit & Nut Mix (Generic) 582164 26201508 26201508 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 8/25/2016 094776144594
Fancy Fruit & Nut Mix (Generic) 582164 07201510 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 10/6/2016 094776144594
Fancy Fruit & Nut Mix (Generic) 582164 04201512 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 12/3/2016 094776144594
Fancy Fruit & Nut Mix (Generic) 582164 13201601 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 1/12/2017 094776144594
Fancy Fruit & Nut Mix (Generic) 464677 12201508 25 Pound Bag 8/11/2016 094776129195
Fancy Fruit & Nut Mix (Generic) 464677 01201509 25 Pound Bag 8/31/2016 094776129195
Pistachio Raw Whole Shelled (Generic) 481966 22201508 5 Pound Bag 8/21/2016 094776132119
Pistachio Raw Whole Shelled (Generic) 481966 14201509 5 Pound Bag 9/13/2016 094776132119
Pistachio Raw Whole Shelled (Generic) 333803 25201511 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 11/24/16 760208123818
Pistachio Raw Whole Shelled (Generic) 333803 21201510 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 10/20/16 760208123818
Pistachio Raw Whole Shelled (Generic) 333803 26201508 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 8/25/16 760208123818
Pistachio Raw Whole Shelled (Generic) 333803 29201601 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 1/28/17 760208123818
Pistachio Raw Whole Shelled (Generic) 333803 04201601 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 1/3/17 760208123818
Pistachio Meat Raw (Marv & Alison’s Marketplace, Long Lake Market, Martin’s, Holiday Market, The Purple Onion, Trentwood Farms, Angeli Foods, Market Square, Village Food Market, Martha’s Vineyard, Remke Market) 206661 25201511 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 11/24/16 760208123818
Pistachio Meat Raw (Marv & Alison’s Marketplace, Long Lake Market, Martin’s, Holiday Market, The Purple Onion, Trentwood Farms, Angeli Foods, Market Square, Village Food Market, Martha’s Vineyard, Remke Market) 206661 21201510 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 10/20/16 760208123818
Pistachio Meat Raw (Marv & Alison’s Marketplace, Long Lake Market, Martin’s, Holiday Market, The Purple Onion, Trentwood Farms, Angeli Foods, Market Square, Village Food Market, Martha’s Vineyard, Remke Market) 206661 26201508 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 8/25/16 760208123818
Pistachio Meat Raw (Marv & Alison’s Marketplace, Long Lake Market, Martin’s, Holiday Market, The Purple Onion, Trentwood Farms, Angeli Foods, Market Square, Village Food Market, Martha’s Vineyard, Remke Market) 206661 29201601 9oz (254.7g) Tubs 1/28/17 760208123818


There are no reported illnesses in connection with these products to date.

This was brought to our attention by our supplier, International Foodsource, LLC who recalled raw pistachios after testing performed by an FDA contract testing laboratory revealed the presence of Salmonella. As a precaution, Lipari Foods products are being recalled as they have the potential to be contaminated due to the fact that they were packed from an affected lot that was received from International Foodsource, LLC. We are working closely with International Foodsource, LLC and the FDA to understand the cause of the situation and ensure that all affected product has been pulled from commerce.

Consumers who have purchased this recalled product should not consume it. They should return it to the point of purchase.

Consumers with questions should call Customer Service at 1-800-729-3354, 8:15 am – 4:30 pm, EST, Monday through Friday.

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