Meat Company Recalls RTE Beef Patties Due to Metal Detected by Down Stream Processor

OSI Industries, LLC, a Fort Atkinson, Wisc. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,218 pounds of ready-to-eat beef patty products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal.  The problem was discovered during further processing activities at another federal establishment.  There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

So they made RTE beef patties for another company, and that customer company found metal in the product as they were using it to make their own product.  So did this RTE beef patty maker have a metal detector in place?  This is how the customer company probably found it.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-104-2019-release
OSI Industries, LLC Recalls Ready-To-Eat Beef Patty Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I Recall
104-2019
Health Risk: High
Oct 28, 2019

Fresh Apples Recalled After Positive Listeria Test in Finished Product

North Bay Produce, Inc. of Traverse City, Michigan is voluntarily recalling 2,297 cases and 2 bulk bins of fresh apples due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.   The recall was initiated as a result of a finished product test that indicated the presence of the organism. Upon notification, [the company] immediately ceased the production and distribution product from the identified facility and continue [the] investigation as to what caused the issue, in cooperation with FDA.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/north-bay-produce-voluntarily-recalls-fresh-apples-because-possible-health-risk
North Bay Produce Voluntarily Recalls Fresh Apples Because of Possible Health Risk 
Company Announcement
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 25, 2019
FDA Publish Date:October 28, 2019 .
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:North Bay Produce, Inc.
Brand Name:  Great Lakes, more
Product Description:  Fresh apples varieties:

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending 10/26/19

Dried Fruit with Sulfites - Shivam Distributors of Longwood, FL is recalling its 7 ounce and 14 ounce packages of PARIVAR brand Dry Dates with batch # 125/BIBT because they contain high sulfite content,  The recall was the result of a surveillance testing done by FL Dept of Agriculture that revealed high sulfite level in the 7 ounce packages of “Dry Dates” with batch # 125/BIBT.

Labels Missing Milk and Soy - MawMaw’s Chicken Pies, a Kernersville, N.C. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of chicken pie and meatloaf products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the products contain milk and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered by FSIS inspectors during routine label verification activities.

Canada - E. coli Associated Recall of Raw Meat Products Expanded

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced an increase in the amount of beef product being recalled by Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd. and St. Ann's Foods Inc./Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd. due to potential E. coli O157:H7.  Some of this product was shipped into the US.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/accountability/food-safety-investigations/est-99-and-est-639-e-coli-/eng/1570137688624/1570137910930#a1
Food safety investigation: Various beef and veal products may contain E. coli O157:H7

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation on E. coli O157:H7 in various beef and veal products sold by Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd. (Establishment 99) and St. Ann's Foods Inc./Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd. (Establishment 639). Should there be a recall of additional products, CFIA will notify the public through additional Food Recall Warnings.
To date, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

The complete list can be found here.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/accountability/food-safety-investigations/est-99-and-est-639-e-coli-/eng/1570137688624/1570137910930#a1

FDA Warning Letter - Manufacturer of Vitamin Premix Ingredient with Elevated Vitamin D Levels

FDA issued a warning letter to an ingredient manufacturer responsible for recalls if pet food associated with high Vitamin D levels in finished product. The ingredient made was a vitamin premix and the levels were 3900% higher on the particular lot, and that high level than carried over to another lot that had levels 307% more.

It is interesting in that the company stated in the hazard analysis that although Vitamin D was identified as a hazard in the formulation, it would be controlled through prerequisite programs. This of course failed with high Vitamin D levels getting into their premix and thus their customer's finished product and then finally that product impacting dogs.

Another interesting point to note is that the responses provided by the company to FDA were viewed as inadequate. Although the company stated that they took corrective action after the incident, including making hazardous ingredient addition a preventive control, they did not provide FDA sufficient documentation for the control of their process.    The FDA response states, the company "did not provide sufficient supporting documentation, such as revised standard operating procedures, test results, or other documentation, to show that you have implemented these proposed corrective actions. For example, your supporting documentation for (b)(4) reconciliation includes only the record of a (b)(4) reconciliation on June 21, 2019. We are unable to determine the adequacy of relabeling, (b)(4), and (b)(4) at controlling the hazard because the batches with elevated levels of vitamin D occurred despite a (b)(4) process and (b)(4). With respect to your preventive control, you have identified (b)(4) per lot as the allowable variance for your process control. It is unclear whether that variance would ensure that vitamin levels would result in an animal food for which nutrient toxicity or deficiency is controlled. FDA will verify the adequacy of your corrective actions during the next inspection of your firm."


Warning Letter

DSM Nutritional Products, LLC
MARCS-CMS 578300 — October 11, 2019

FDA Warning Letter - Another Bakery Unaware of the Need to Comply with Preventive Controls Regulation

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a bakery / central kitchen in Alabama.  The bakery had no Preventive Control Plan, and with that, had no controls for hazards one would expect in that type of operation.  Additionally, they had GMP issues, primarily filth insects, facility issues, and sanitation issues.  Finally, there were labeling issues including not properly identifying allergens.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/pollmans-bake-shops-inc-586422-10092019
WARNING LETTER
Pollman's Bake Shops, Inc. 
MARCS-CMS 586422 — October 09, 2019

Florida Establishment Recalls Raw Beef Product After Positive E. coli Test Results

Pride of Florida, a Raiford, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 64,797 pounds of raw beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The raw ground beef items were produced on various dates from Sept. 23, 2019 to Oct. 10, 2019. "The problem was discovered when the firm was notified by their third-party laboratory that a sample was positive for E. coli O157:H7, but the products associated with the sample had already been shipped into commerce. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-101-2019-release
Pride of Florida Recalls Beef Products due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination
Class I Recall
101-2019
Health Risk: High
Oct 18, 2019

Egg Rolls Recalled for Being Produced Under Unsanitary Conditions, Recall Then Expanded

A St. Louis establishment is recalling 126,000 lbs of egg roll products for being produced under unsanitary conditions. The problem was discovered while FSIS was conducting routine food inspection activities.  Product was shipped to institutional locations in Georgia and Missouri.

On 10/25, a week after initial recall, the recall was expanded from 118,00 to 126,000 lbs.

Additional information was difficult to find on the types of conditions inspectors found. In fact, it was difficult to find any information on the company outside of an address in St. Louis that was in the back of some older building complex with no signage posted.

Makes you wonder how one selects this company to supply product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-100-2019-release
T & R Enterprise USA Inc. Recalls Meat and Poultry Products Due to Insanitary Conditions
Class I Recall
100-2019
Health Risk: High
Oct 18, 2019

Sausage Patties Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

George’s Prepared Foods, a Caryville, Tenn. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,444 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork sausage patty and turkey sausage patty products that may be contaminated with Salmonella.  The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that the firm’s third-party cold storage facility had inadvertently shipped the ready-to-eat products to commerce.

So one could guess that the product had been placed on hold and then was accidently shipped?

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-102-2019-release
George's Prepared Foods Recalls Ready-To-Eat Pork and Turkey Products due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Class I Recall
102-2019
Health Risk: High
Oct 18, 2019

Imported Meat from Canada Recalled Due to Potential Pathogenic E. coli Contamination

The USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for raw non-intact beef products derived from imported beef from Ontario, Canada that has been recalled by Ryding-Regency Meat Packers, Ltd. because it may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

"The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is conducting a food safety investigation and determined that certain products produced by the company may be contaminated. While Canada is the recalling authority, FSIS is amplifying the recall through this public health alert."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2019/pha-101619-01
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Beef Products due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Ohio Meat Establishment Recalls Taco Bell Meat After 3 Complaints of Foreign Material, Metal

Kenosha Beef International, a Columbus, Ohio establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of Taco Bell seasoned beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal shavings.  The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS on Oct. 12, 2019, that it received three customer complaints.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-097-2019-release
Kenosha Beef International Recalls Seasoned Beef Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall
097-2019
Health Risk: High
Oct 14, 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending October 19, 2019

More Dried Fruit Recalled Due to Sulfites - Peekay International Inc. 56 12 56th Street, Maspeth, NY is recalling its 7 ounce and 14 ounce packages of “KESHAV Dry Apricot” food treats because they contained undeclared sulfites. The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the 14 ounce packages of “KESHAV Dry Apricot” which were not declared on the label.

Fish Missed as Part of Furikake Seasoning - Samurai, Inc. of Honolulu, Hawaii is conducting a voluntary recall on 16,660 packages of Furikake Popcorn, because it may contain undeclared Fish.   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing fish was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the allergen. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a breakdown in the company's Food Safety Allergen Control Program.  ("Furikake  is a dry Japanese seasoning meant to be sprinkled on top of cooked rice, vegetables, and fish. It typically consists of a mixture of dried fish, sesame seeds, chopped seaweed, sugar, salt, and monosodium glutamate - Wikipedia)

Natural Pork Casings Used, But Not Listed -  YOUBITE, LLC, a Camarillo, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 7,197 pounds of raw and ready-to-eat, pork sausage and turkey sausage products that contain either natural sheep or natural pork casings that were not declared on the product label,  The problem was discovered by FSIS during routine inspection activities.  There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Seafood Company Expands Recall for Frozen Tuna Due to Histamine Levels

A Florida distributor of frozen tuna is expanding its October 2nd recall to include two additional weeks of production.  Initially, the recall included all product from 04/2/19 thru 5/14/19, but now have expanded that recall from 4/1/19 thru 5/31/19.  The initial recall started after there were 4 cases of scombroid poisoning which is a reaction to high histamine levels in the product.  No reason was stated on why the recall was expanded.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mical-seafood-inc-voluntarily-expands-tuna-recall-possible-scombroid-poisoning
Mical Seafood Inc. Voluntarily Expands Tuna Recall for Possible Scombroid Poisoning
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 10, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  October 15, 2019
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Fish
Reason for Announcement:  Elevated levels of histamine
Company Name:  Mical Seafood, Inc.
Brand Name:  Mical Seafood
Product Description:  Yellowfin Tuna loins, poke, steaks, ground meat and saku

Ukraine - Massive Salmonella Outbreak at Wedding

With much on Ukraine in our national news, why not a Ukrainian food safety news story.  This comes to us from our friend Volodymyr Gerainmovych.

Close to 130 people came down with salmonellosis after attending a wedding in a western Ukrainian village.  Many of the ill were children.  From testing, it appears that the Salmonella strain was in many of the foods served, thus indicating heavy cross contamination in the food preparation area.  And many of the other foods had other types of bacterial contamination.
Toasting with vodka , no matter how many shots, will not help.

UNN
https://www.unn.com.ua/uk/news/1828623-masove-otruyennya-na-vesilli-na-bukovini-zakhvorilo-mayzhe-130-osib
Mass poisoning at a wedding in Bukovina: nearly 130 people fell ill

KIEV. October 7. UNN. After eating at a wedding in the village of Putyla, Bukovina poisoned 129 people, including 36 children. This UNN reported referring to the Chernivtsi Regional Laboratory Center MoH.

Britain - Man Dies After Eating Really Hot Fish Cake

In Britain, a man died after eating an overly hot fish cake that later caused his throat to swell to a point where he couldn't breath, resulting in death from asphyxiation.


Fox News
https://www.foxnews.com/health/british-man-dies-fish-cake
Man died after 'very hot' fish cake burned his throat so badly he couldn’t breathe: report
By Madeline Farber | Fox News

10/10/19

A new report says a 51-year-old British wedding planner died earlier this year after he reportedly ate a fish cake so hot it burned his throat, causing swelling to his airways that ultimately impeded his breathing.

This Week in Allergen Related Recalls for Week Ending October 12, 2019

Mislabeled Shrimp Product - Fisherman’s Pride Processors Inc. of Vernon, CA is recalling 100 bags of Schwan’s Brand “Garlic Herb Shrimp” with date code 4A924608xx-B1 due to undeclared milk and soy.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Schwan’s Garlic Herb Shrimp #567 was found in cases labeled Schwan’s Shrimp Scampi #530. Subsequent investigation found packaging of Schwan’s Garlic Herb Shrimp #567 was used to package Schwan’s Shrimp Scampi #530.

Labeling Misses Nuts - California New Foods has expanded its voluntary recall of frozen cookie dough products due to a lack of labeling that addresses the potential for the products to contain peanut and walnut allergens.

Missing Milk and Egg on Label - Four Whole Foods Market stores in the Midwest region are voluntarily recalling White Parkerhouse Rolls because they may contain undeclared milk and egg

Marinated Feta and Olives Recalled Due to Temperature Abuse

UNFI, a food distributor, is recalling packages of olives after discovering they may have been temperature abused during distribution or storage.  They state it may be a Clostridium botulinum risk.

UNFI is voluntarily recalling cases of Arla Apetina Marinated Feta & Olives in Oil, Pitted distributed by UNFI. The product requires refrigeration to ensure food safety and we have learned that some product distributed to retail customers from 2 UNFI distribution centers may have been exposed to temperatures above refrigeration during storage and/or distribution by UNFI’S customers. Extended exposure to above-refrigerated temperatures may allow growth of bacteria such as Clostridium Botulinum to reach unsafe levels, which if consumed can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. 

Generally, refrigerated packaged products like this will have a secondary barrier to Clostridium botulinum growth in addition to Clostridium botulinum, often times acidification as part of the marination process.  So this is surprising to see.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/unfi-voluntarily-recalls-arla-apetina-marinated-feta-olives-oil-pitted-because-possible-health-risk
UNFI Voluntarily Recalls Arla Apetina Marinated Feta & Olives in Oil, Pitted Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 10, 2019
FDA Publish Date: October 10, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages Fruit/Fruit Product
Reason for Announcement: Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum
Company Name: UNFI
Brand Name: Arla
Product Description: Apetina Marinated Feta & Olives in Oil, Pitted

Ice Cream Recalled After Complaint of Plastic Tool Piece in Product

Blue Bell Ice Cream is recalling one specific lot of half gallon Butter Crunch Ice Cream produced on a specific line on August 26, 2019 in its Sylacauga, AL plant after being notified by a consumer of the presence of a piece of a plastic tool in a half gallon of Butter Crunch Ice Cream. "The company investigation revealed the broken tool was inadvertently incorporated into the production process in a small amount of product."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-bell-ice-cream-recalls-select-lot-butter-crunch-half-gallons-possible-foreign-object
Blue Bell Ice Cream Recalls a Select Lot of Butter Crunch Half Gallons for Possible Foreign Object
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 08, 2019
FDA Publish Date: October 09, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages Ice Cream/Frozen Dairy
Reason for Announcement: Foreign object
Company Name: Blue Bell Ice Cream
Brand Name: Blue Bell
Product Description: Butter Crunch Ice Cream

CDC Report: Tuberculosis in Deer Can Be Transmitted to Hunters During Field Dressing

A CDC report reviews a case of pulmonary tuberculosis in an elderly man that was linked to wild deer.  It serves as a reminder to deer hunters to take this into consideration as they field dress their deer.

Penn State Extension has a guide for safely field dressing your deer.

Penn Live
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/09/deer-can-transmit-tuberculosis-to-hunters-warns-cdc.html
Deer can transmit tuberculosis to hunters, warns CDC
Posted Sep 26, 2019
By Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com 

A 77-year-old Michigan hunter apparently contracted tuberculosis from an infected wild deer that he killed and field-dressed, providing further evidence that deer with TB can transmit the disease to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

RTE Chicken Processor Reissues Recall to Retail Delis for Product Potentially Tainted with Listeria

Tip Top Poultry reissued their recall of RTE frozen cooked, diced or shredded chicken products to notify that retailers may have purchased this product and used it for chicken salad sold in various store delis and foodservice operations.  Stores include Food Lion, IGA, Harris Teeter, Piggly Wiggly, Giant, Aldi, Kroger, as well as others   The initial recall was issued on September 28, 2019.

Another sandwich processor, Jumbo Foods Inc. of Mukilteo, WA issued a recall of its Tuscan Sun (TS) brand chicken salad sandwiches.  Jumbo Foods Inc began shipping these frozen or refrigerated sandwiches products between March 11, 2019 and September 27, 2019. Frozen sandwiches have no sell by or use by date printed on packages and have 8 months shelf life.  (mmm...what's more tasty than an 8 month old frozen chicken salad sandwich).

The issue began in August when the Canadian Food Inspection Agency investigated an outbreak in Canada where 7 people became infected. The CFIA then linked the outbreak to this GA establishment.

In terms of supplier control of a RTE item which would be considered high risk, some state that it should be sufficient for control that a supplier is operating under USDA inspected and that the product is stamped as such.  This is a great example why that in of itself may not be enough.

Next step will be to determine whether this product sold in the US has resulted in any Listeria cases.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-094-2019-release
Tip Top Poultry, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall
094-2019
Health Risk: High
Sep 28, 2019

FDA Warning Letter - RTE Salad Company

FDA issued a warning letter ready-to-eat RTE prepared foods manufacturing facility that produced RTE salads.  There are issues with the Preventive Control Plan as well as GMP issues.  One of the interesting items regarding their plan was that they were not following it.  Item number 3 below points out how many people write up a plan, and in that plan, they overstate what they do.

1) Listeria was found in the facility, the same strains of Listeria that were found in previous inspections - "FDA collected environmental samples from various areas of your processing facility. FDA laboratory analysis of the environmental swabs found the presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), a human pathogen, in your facility, including the same strain found during FDA’s 2017 and 2018 inspections".  "Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of isolates detected in the FDA environmental samples identified six (6) isolates with the same strain of L. monocytogenes. Specifically, the same strain of L. monocytogenes was identified in three (3) isolates from environmental samples collected during the 2019 inspection, one (1) isolate collected from your facility in April 2018, and two (2) isolates collected from your facility in September 2017."

Because of this it can be stated that Sanitation Preventive Controls were not adequate -
The facility "identified environmental pathogens as a hazard requiring preventive controls and identified sanitation controls to address the hazard. However, as evidenced by environmental findings that indicate a resident strain of L. monocytogenes in your facility, you did not implement sanitation controls adequate to ensure that your facility is maintained in a sanitary"

2) FDA identified SSOPs that were not being followed - The company "did not implement the written sanitation control procedures identified in your SSOP entitled "

3) The company did not follow their own Supplier Preventive Controls - the Plan "states that Certificate of Analysis (CoA) “must be received prior to or on the date of ingredient delivery for all ingredients unless expressly exempted by Hans Kissle QA” and must contain “physical, chemical and microbiological test results for the specific lot number or code of the product.” It was observed that you do not receive CoA’s for RTE/refrigerated diced vegetables and RTE/refrigerated feta cheese that are used in the production of RTE Aegean Greek Pasta Salad. Although you indicated that you have an “exempt list,” these suppliers were not named on this list.  Additionally, no further kill step is applied to the diced vegetables and feta cheese in the production of RTE Aegean Greek Pasta Salad.  Note that when a hazard in a raw material or other ingredient will be controlled by the supplier and is one for which there is a reasonable probability that exposure to the hazard will result in serious adverse health consequences or death to humans, the appropriate default supplier verification activity is an onsite audit of the supplier"

4) GMP issue- Food stored directly on ground - "bags of RTE vegetables, including one (1) open bag of RTE carrots and one (1) torn bag of cucumbers, were staged on the floor of the hallway (b)(4) room.  This area was observed to be a high employee and equipment traffic area.  These bags of RTE vegetables are removed from their outer boxes in the hallway and placed onto plastic pallets or plastic totes adjacent to this area, (b)(4) was being washed and sanitized using (b)(4) that occasionally sprayed beyond the (b)(4) into the area where the vegetables were stored.

5) GMP issue - leaking valves through the facility - "during the most recent inspection of your facility, the following equipment conditions were observed in areas where there is significant handling of RTE product and employee movement"


https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/hans-kissle-company-llc-584080-09242019
WARNING LETTER
Hans Kissle Company, LLC
MARCS-CMS 584080 — September 24, 2019

Company Recalls Ham Sandwiches Due to Listeria Contamination.

Lipari Foods has issued a voluntary recall of Premo Ham & Cheese Wedge Sandwiches and Fresh Grab Ham & Cheese Wedge Sandwiches due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.   Lipari Foods is expanding its recall from 10/2/19 to include one lot of Ham & Cheese Wedge Sandwiches produced by JLM Manufacturing due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. The potential for contamination of this particular lot was brought to our attention during an FDA investigation of the previous recall.

The initial issue was the chicken used for chicken salad.  One could guess that during the FDA recall, they found that the ham sandwich product was packed in same area where the recalled chicken was handled and there was no complete clean step between handling the recalled product and the ham product.  Because of that, there would be the risk that the ham sandwich product became contaminated.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lipari-foods-issues-recall-ham-cheese-wedge-sandwiches-due-potential-contamination-listeria
Lipari Foods Issues Recall of Ham & Cheese Wedge Sandwiches Due to Potential Contamination of Listeria Monocytogenes
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 07, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  October 08, 2019
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Prepared Food 
Reason for Announcement:  Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Lipari Foods
Brand Name:  Premo and Fresh Grab
Product Description:  Ham and cheese wedge sandwiches

This Week in Allergen Related Recalls for Week Ending October 5, 2019

Peanuts in Peppermint Ice Cream - Ample Hills Manufacturing of Brooklyn, New York is recalling all half pints of Peppermint Pattie Ice Cream (lot code 19169, all time stamps with Best by Date 6/18/20) (80z) (236ml) because they may contain undeclared peanut.   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Peppermint Pattie ice cream (lot code 19169) containing peanut allergen was inadvertently discovered in a tub packaging and as a preventative caution, we are recalling all products made that day with that specific lot code as the ingredient statement on this ice cream does not reveal the presence of peanut allergen. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in allergen control processes.

Label Missing Sulfites - Super World Trading Inc. of Brooklyn, New York is recalling 10 cases of 12 oz Dried Date with incorrect label as shown below, because it may contain undeclared sulfites.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing sulfite was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of sulfite. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a mislabeled in the packaging.

Undeclared Milk and Egg - RONG SHING NY Trading Inc. of Brooklyn, NY, is recalling its 6-ounce packages of GLAM DAY NOUGAT CANDY because they may contain undeclared milk and egg allergens.  The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of undeclared milk and eggs in the product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ample-hills-manufacturing-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanut-peppermint-pattie-ice-cream
Ample Hills Manufacturing, LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanut in Peppermint Pattie Ice Cream

FDA Releases New Draft Guidance Chapter - Recall Plan

FDA released a new guidance document on 'recalls' as part of a series of chapters on the FSMA regulation. This new document titled - Chapter 14: Recall Plan provides FDA's current thinking on what you need to do when writing your company's recall plan.
That document can be found here - https://www.fda.gov/media/131287/download

It would be a good idea to review this document to ensure your current plan reflects what FDA states for each of the elements.

NIH Report - 40% Household Bleach Deactivates CWD Prions

A 5-minute soak in a 40% solution of household bleach (6% sodium hypochlorite) decontaminated stainless steel wires coated with chronic wasting disease (CWD) prions, according to a new study by National Institutes of Health scientists. The scientists used the wires to model knives and saws that hunters and meat processors use when handling deer, elk and moose – all of which are susceptible to CWD.

All bleach concentrations tested are based on undiluted Purebright brand bleach considered as 100%, which contains 6% sodium hypochlorite.   So a 40% solution was 20,000 ppm.

Link to study - https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223659

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/household-bleach-inactivates-chronic-wasting-disease-prions
Household Bleach Inactivates Chronic Wasting Disease Prions
Strategy Appears Feasible for Decontaminating Hunting, Meat Processing Equipment

Indiana Company Recalls RTE Pork Product After FSIS Samples Test Positive for LM

Fisher Packing Company, a Redkey, Ind. establishment, is recalling approximately 744 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that a sample of product produced by Fisher Packing Company confirmed positive for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-095-2019-release
Fisher Packing Company Recalls Ready-To-Eat Pork Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall
095-2019
Health Risk: High
Sep 28, 2019

Frozen Blackberries Recalled After FDA Testing Finds Norovirus

Cornerstone Premium Foods of Syracuse, New York is recalling a specific lot of product containing frozen blackberries (noted below) due to the potential of being contaminated with Norovirus. FDA testing of frozen blackberries was reported to have tested positive for Norovirus.

This is a concern because many will use berries in RTE applications, including making fruit smoothies.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cornerstone-premium-foods-voluntarily-recalls-frozen-blackberries-due-possible-health-risk-norovirus
Cornerstone Premium Foods Voluntarily Recalls Frozen Blackberries Due to Possible Health Risk of Norovirus
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 04, 2019
FDA Publish Date: October 04, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages Fruit/Fruit Product
Reason for Announcement: Norovirus
Company Name: Cornerstone Premium Foods
Brand Name: Cornerstone
Product Description: Frozen Blackberries

King Arthur Expands Recall of Flour After Testing Finds E. coli Contamination

In association with ADM Milling Company, King Arthur Flour, Inc.,is expanding its recall to include specific lots of its Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (5 lb. & 25 lb.) after sampling found E. coli 026. King Arthur Flour has not received any confirmed reports of illnesses related to this product.  No illness have been reported.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/association-adm-milling-co-king-arthur-flour-inc-expands-recall-unbleached-all-purpose-flour-5-lb-25
In Association with ADM Milling Co, King Arthur Flour, Inc. Expands Recall of Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (5 Lb & 25 Lb)
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 03, 2019
FDA Publish Date: October 03, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages Bakery Product/Mix
Reason for Announcement: E. coli O26
Company Name: King Arthur Flour, Inc.
Brand Name: King Arthur Flour
Product Description: Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

Company Expands Recall of Salmon Product Due to Listeria

A NY based company, Euphoria Foods is expanding a recall issued on 9/24/19 to now include all lots of the Captain K tuna product.  The initial recall was only for the lot that tested positive, but like many Listeria recalls, it is found that additional lots must be recalled because the production facility had inadequate controls for Listeria.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/euphoria-fancy-food-inc-recalls-capitan-k-salmon-fillet-due-possible-health-risk-update
Euphoria Fancy Food Inc Recalls “Capitan K Salmon Fillet” Due to Possible Health Risk Update
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 02, 2019
FDA Publish Date: October 02, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Euphoria Fancy Food Inc.
Brand Name: CAPITAN K
Product Description: Salmon slightly salted piece

Company Recalls Tuna After Four Cases of Scombroid Poisoning

Mical Seafood, Inc. of Cooper City, FL, voluntarily initiated a recall of frozen, wild-caught yellowfin tuna poke cubes, tuna loins, tuna ground meat and 6oz tuna steaks because of potentially elevated levels of histamine.

Elevated levels of histamines can produce an allergic reaction called scombroid fish poisoning that may result in symptoms that can generally appear within minutes to several hours after eating the affected fish.

Four reported illnesses have been confirmed as of 10/01/2019. While Mical Seafood feels these were isolated incidents, it has initiated this voluntary recall to take every precautionary measure when it comes to customers’ health and safety.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mical-seafood-inc-recalls-tuna-products-possible-scombroid-poisoning
Mical Seafood Inc Recalls Tuna Products for Possible Scombroid Poisoning
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 01, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  October 02, 2019
Product Type:  Food & Beverages   Fish
Reason for Announcement:  Elevated levels of histamine
Company Name:  Mical Seafood, Inc.
Brand Name:  Mical Seafood
Product Description: Yellowfin Tuna

Sandwich Companies Recall Premade Chicken Salad Sandwiches After Supplier of Cooked Chicken Finds Listeria Issue

A number of  companies that make and markets sandwiches are recalling their chicken salad sandwiches due to a Listeria contaminated ingredient.  Northern Tier Bakery of Saint Paul Park, Minnesota, Mrs. Stranttons's,  E.A. Sween,  Coborn's, Inc , Lipari Foods, and Grand Strand Sandwich  are voluntarily recalling chicken salad sandwiches after the cooked chicken supplier, Tip Top Poultry, Inc., a Rockmart, GA, establishment, informed these companies of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

"The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that multiple samples of product produced by Tip Top Poultry, Inc. confirmed positive for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes after being tested in Canada. The firm decided to recall all cooked, diced or shredded, RTE chicken products produced from January 21, 2019 through September 24, 2019 with product codes ranging from 10000 to 19999 and 70000 to 79999. Tip Top expanded the dates and the scope of the recall out of an abundance of caution."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-094-2019-release
Tip Top Poultry, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall
094-2019
Health Risk: High
Sep 28, 2019

VT Cheese Company Recalls Cheese Due to Listeria

Consider Bardwell Farm, Whole Foods Market stores in the Northeast and North Atlantic regions are voluntarily recalling Dorset cheese because of a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.

According to the company's own recall notice, the recall was conducted for a number of product types and was done after Listeria was found on product as well as in the processing environment.  No illnesses have been reported.

On the company website, they state that all production has been halted.  Consider Bardwell Farm is located in VT.

Dorset Cheese Voluntarily Recalled by North Atlantic and Northeast Whole Foods Market Stores Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: September 30, 2019
FDA Publish Date: September 30, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Whole Foods Market
Brand Name: Whole Foods Market
Product Description: Dorset cheese