This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending July 31, 2020

Whole Foods issued two allergen-related recalls this week, both with print-on-demand labels going onto product in plastic clamshell packaging.

• Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling Kouign-amann pastries in 35 stores across Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas and Utah due to undeclared eggs. 
• Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling Chantilly Key Lime Tartlets from stores in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island due to an undeclared tree nut (almond) allergen.

While no reason was listed, one would guess that the ingredient statement had not been properly added into the database from which the label machine pulls the data.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-kouign-amann-pastries-issued-select-whole-foods-market-stores-seven
Allergy Alert for Undeclared Egg In Kouign-Amann Pastries Issued By Select Whole Foods Market Stores In Seven States
Summary

Canada - Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Red Onions from the USA

According to a release from Canadian Government,  there have been 114 confirmed cases of Salmonella Newport illness linked to raw red onions imported into Canada from the US.

While this outbreak is in Canada, the report states that the "U.S. CDC is also investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Newport illnesses that have a similar genetic fingerprint to illnesses reported in this outbreak."

Onions have been rarely an issue regarding foodborne illness outbreaks.  In a 2015 study (below), inoculated Salmonella did not penetrate into the onion from the outer layers and the level of organism generally decline, more so at ambient temperatures versus refrigeration temperatures, although Salmonella was recoverable after  7 weeks of refrigerated storage.  With diced onions. Salmonella number did increase somewhat when the product was refrigerated.  "Populations of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella did not decline at 4uC and increased by 0.2 to 0.3 log CFU/g/h at ambient conditions in diced onions."  So based on this..if Salmonella did survive on the onions that were kept cool and then if those onions are diced, then there could be some growth if held at ambient temperature.  Hard to know exactly what happened.  My guess is that the Salmonella never read this research paper.

Reason for concern with the onions you bought from the store....unless those onions are part of the recalled onions, there is still very low risk when you peel the outer layers away and then rinse the onions under running water before use.

Government of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2020/outbreak-salmonella-infections-under-investigation.html

Public Health Notice: Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to red onions imported from the United States
July 30, 2020 – Update

Naturally Occurring Lithium in Drinking Water Linked to Lower Suicide Rates

Lithium is a akali metal that is found in trace amounts in the environment including plants and animals.  It can be found in food sources including grains and vegetables, and, in some areas, drinking water.  The amounts humans take in depends on their location and their diet.  

Lithium has been long used to treat mental disorders including bipolar disorder and depression, so it comes as no surprise that in areas where lithium is found in drinking water that those areas have lower suicide rates.

From the article -  "In these unprecedented times of COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent increase in the incidence of mental health conditions, accessing ways to improve community mental health and reduce the incidence of anxiety, depression and suicide is ever more important."

"Lithium, sometimes referred to as the ‘Magic Ion’, is widely and effectively used as a medication for the treatment and prevention of manic and depressive episodes, stabilising mood and reducing the risk of suicide in people with mood disorders. Its anti-aggressive properties can help reduce impulsivity, aggression, violent criminal behaviour and chronic substance abuse."

Perhaps we need a little lithium in our water.

Kings College
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/lithium-in-drinking-water-linked-with-lower-suicide-rates
Lithium in drinking water linked with lower suicide rates
Naturally occurring lithium in public drinking water may have an anti-suicidal effect – according to a new study from Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London.
27 July 2020

Historical Perspective on Food Standards - Butter vs Margarine

Is soy milk really milk?  No, it is not.  It may look like milk, but it is not milk.  Is margarine butter?  Clearly not.  But the labeling of margarine as such did not come easily.  Back in 1886 it took an Act of Congress to make it so. So one of the first Standards of Identity was not put in place by regulation, but rather by legislation.  A news release from the National Milk Producers Federation reviews the history of how that legislation.

There are a lot of things that the Federal Government should do, and should not do.  Establishing standards for what things are and what they aren't is more helpful than constantly changing the nutrient panels on products.  As discussed previously, names should mean something.  Perhaps today. labeling liquid expressed from soy as milk does not seem bad. however, where does it stop.  Celery milk?  Onion milk?  And at what point does it become the margarine of the 1880's where you wonder how anyone could have considered that butter?

National Milk Producers Federation
https://www.nmpf.org/dairy-defined-how-the-fight-against-bogus-butter-changed-the-world/
Dairy Defined: How the Fight Against “Bogus Butter” Changed the World
July 27, 2020

FDA and CDC Update Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Salad Items, Source Not Yet Determined

FDA issued an update on the Cyclospora outbreak related to Fresh Express salads.  As of July 22, 2020, there are now 641 cases across 11 states, with majority of cases in Illinois and Iowa.  The last update was issued on July 9, 2020.  The actual food source of the outbreak has still not been determined.

FDA Outbreak Investigation
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-cyclospora-bagged-salads-june-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Cyclospora: Bagged Salads (June 2020)
FDA’s traceback investigation continues. CDC reports additional cases.
07/24/2020
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 641
Hospitalizations: 37
Deaths: 0
Illness Onset Date Range: 5/11/2020 – 7/5/2020

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending July 24, 2020

Supplier Packaging Error - Giant Eagle, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of Giant Eagle Dried Island Fruit Mix due to the possibility the product may contain undeclared Peanut, Almond, Milk and Soy allergens.  Giant Eagle was made aware of the issue by a guest who purchased the product and the company has since learned that the cause was a packaging error made by the product manufacturer.

Incorrect Label - Winter Gardens Quality Foods, Inc., is voluntary recalling one of its products: Whole Foods Market Spinach Artichoke Dip carrying the lot code 248 and Use By: 07/26/20, because of an undeclared allergen (Egg).   The recall was initiated following an internal review of records identified the incorrect label.

Snack Cakes Recalled Due to the Potential for Mold

Hostess is recalling Raspberry Zinger snack cakes due to the potential for mold.  The release does not say what specific issue led to the recall, perhaps it was a misformulation issue where insufficient anti-molding agents were added?

I always thought these types of snack cakes were bullet proof.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hostess-brands-llc-issues-voluntary-recall-certain-hostessr-raspberry-zingersr-due-potential-mold
Hostess Brands, LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Certain Hostess® Raspberry Zingers® Due to the Potential for Mold
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 20, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  July 21, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to contain mold
Company Name:  Hostess Brands LLC
Brand Name:  Hostess
Product Description:  Raspberry Zingers

Parasite Taxoplasma gondii Found in Scotish Venison Meat

A recently published study looked at the prevalence of Taxoplasma gondii in retail meat samples in Scottland. (Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in retail meat samples in Scotland, FWP 2020).  Results were that "Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 0/39 (0%) beef samples, 1/21 (4.8%) chicken samples, 6/87 (6.9%) lamb samples, 3/71 (4.2%) pork samples and 29/82 (35.4%; Sampling Period 1) and 19/67 (28.4%; Sampling Period 2) venison samples."  The researchers state "This is the first study to report the presence of T. gondii in retail meat products in Scotland and has highlighted venison as a potentially high risk meat."

So, what is the risk for those eating venison?  In 2017, a Wisconsin outbreak was investigated at a hunting camp and in that invesigation, it was believed to be related to undercooked venison.  In this paper, the author points out other outbreaks involving venison, "In 4 other studies of suspected venison-transmitted toxoplasmosis, consumption of undercooked or raw venison was reported [

28–31]. In a follow-up study of the coworkers of the patients in one report, T. gondii seropositivity was significantly associated with having eaten raw or rare venison [31]. Another of the reports describes a toxoplasmosis outbreak among a group of healthy male Canadian hunters who consumed undercooked venison in Illinois, USA [28]. The Canadian outbreak is almost identical to this outbreak in attack rate, incubation period, symptom severity, and the inclusion of one seronegative but presumed exposed individual. As Wisconsin and Illinois share a border, it is possible that similar strains of T. gondii caused the outbreaks. "

Taxoplasma gondii tissue cysts are not overly heat resistance. (link).  "At 61 C (142F) the cysts were generally inac tivated instantaneously as a result of the come up time (2 min) and come-down time (1.5 min)."

But if people follow the recommendation for cooking meats, especially wild meats where the potential for contamination may be higher in that the diet is not controlled, cooking to medium should easily achieve this goal.

FDA Warning Letters - Two Importers Without FSVP For Imported Goods

FDA issued two Warning Letters this week to food importer for lack of FSVP programs for items that they were importing for sale in the USA.

Tiao Peng Trading, Inc.of Hayward, CA did not have an FSVP for these imported items a) Canned black beans, canned red beans, and canned fruit, b) Fish snack foods, and  c)Custard cake.  They also did bit gave documentation that thermally processed low‐acid foods packaged in hermetically sealed containers (low-acid canned foods) was produced in accordance with Low Acid Food Requirements (21 CFR part 113).

Express Trading International Inc.of San Diego did not have an FSVP for a) Canned Coconut Milk and b)  Aloe Vera Drink Pomegranate.

FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Program) are required by importers to demonstrate that product had been produced to US food safety standards.


FDA Warning Letter
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/tiao-peng-trading-inc-603865-05192020
Tiao Peng Trading, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 603865 — May 19, 2020

Does The Amount of COVID Virus Impact Severity - The Importance of Infecting Dose or Viral Load

There has not been much written about the impact of infecting dose  - the amount of virus (viral load) that a person encounters during an infection event - has on severity of illness.  Or whether a high infecting dose (high viral load received when infected) is more likely to lead to illness in someone not considered high risk.  But that concept would certainly make sense.  A person being infected with hundreds of thousands of viral particles at one time (and all contained in a aerosolized droplet) would be harder for the body to fend off than a few viral particles, and this would also lead to a shorter time needed to reach a critical mass in the body.

While this is not an easy to conduct research, a group at Oxford discusses viral load with regard to healthcare workers based upon case histories....cases where those people working with those who are seriously sick and thus these workers are more likely to encounter high loads of virus spewed out by the highly infected.  The paper shows a number of cases where healthcare workers become sick themselves when working with severely ill.

Could this be why in some cases where those people who become infected and end up at the point of hospitalization, but are seemingly in good immune shape?  Could they have taken in a viral load so large it just overcomes the body's defenses, or in this case, triggers that cytokine storm?

Interesting, a Chinese study found that infected people had the highest viral load in their throat before the onset of symptoms.

More reason for everyone to wear masks.  Masks can reduce how much virus a person emits and then can reduce the amount of virus a healthy person takes in.  People will argue that cotton masks do not prevent a virus from getting through...and that is not the goal.  The goal is reduction.

https://covid19-evidence.paho.org/handle/20.500.12663/1368
SARS-CoV-2 viral load and the severity of COVID-19

CDC - Studies on COVID Seroprevalence Indicate Higher Rates of Past Infection

Two reports were posted by CDC MMWR that look at how many people may have actually been infected with the virus versus cases that are actually reported.  By looking at seroprevalence, whether people had antibodies to the virus, both studies showed that at the time of sampling, the actual level or percent of people infected is far higher than what what had actually been reported.   The Indiana study showed that the actual rate may be close to 10 times higher than reported.

• These studies were conducted in late April / early May, and so, if this same rate of non-reported cases of infection is similar, than we do have a much larger population that has encountered the virus.
• These studies show that the mortality rate is lower when looking at the total number of actual cases versus reported.
• They do not know for sure that the presence of antibodies means the people are actually immune.
• The issue of asymptomatic people spreading the virus is a concern, so precautions like mask wearing and social distancing still must be in place.  Protection of high risk populations is also a must.

It is unfortunate that we do not have more information regarding actual rate of infection.  Knowing this would allow better decision making.  This could impact school and business operations.

However, mitigation strategies are still important.  Even though a larger percentage of the population may be infected than we know, there is even a larger percentage that has not been infected.

At this point, reporting negative cases of current infection tells us little.  Not to say testing is not important, but reporting how many people tested negative is not as important as percent positives there are.  Throw in the length of time it is taking to get results back, in same cases 3 to 7 days...or even longer, then the benefit of testing drops, and the reporting becomes less meaningful.

Have you already been infected?

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6929e1.htm
Population Point Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Based on a Statewide Random Sample — Indiana, April 25–29, 2020
Early Release / July 21, 2020 / 69

Nasty - Fancy LA Restaurant Scrapes Mold Off of Jams

An LA restaurant was called out for being nasty, including scrapping off mold from improperly preserved jams.   In an LA Times report, 

"Most prominent among the allegations was the claim that Koslow had instructed employees to scrape layers of mold from refrigerated jam buckets, serving the remainder to guests at the restaurant or packaging it in jars for retail distribution"

The owner was evidently a high flyer in the LA restaurant scene, and had taken a Master Food Preserver class.  She even wrote a cookbook on making jams?

Koslow has been nominated for a James Beard Award for her work at Sqirl and was in the second class of the Master Food Preserver cohort in Los Angeles, a program run by the University of California’s Cooperative Extension. She is slated to release her second cookbook, covering the topic of jam making, on July 21.

“All of the retail jam we have ever sold — which is to say the jam in jars that is bought from us and at stores — is pasteurized and canned with the “hot pack” method that makes the growth of mold basically impossible. That same recipe is used in the restaurant, but because the jam is low in sugar and we don’t use chemicals or preservatives, there were occasional instances where mold would develop on the surface."

"The restaurant’s social media statement said that the process for dealing with mold growth was done “under the guidance of preservation mentors and experts like Dr. Patrick Hickey, by discarding jam several inches below the mold, or by discarding containers altogether.”

When contacted, Dr. Hickey backed out of that claim.    In the end, not a good idea to scrape mold off of food surfaces.

The restaurant was said to also have sanitary issues in addition to the mold scraping, including poor cleanliness and vermin.

LA Times
https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2020-07-14/sqirl-moldy-jam-safety-allegations
Sqirl owner Jessica Koslow addresses moldy jam and food safety allegations as former employees speak out

By GARRETT SNYDERSTAFF WRITER
JULY 14, 20203 AM

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending July 17, 2020

Printing Error on Packaging Results in Missed Milk - Happy Colon Foods, LLC of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is recalling Happy Colon YUM Shortbread Cookie and Happy Colon Mmmm Chocolate Chip Cookie, because they may contain undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Happy Colon YUM Shortbread Cookies and Happy Colon Mmmm Chocolate Chip Cookies containing milk were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a printing error on labeling.

Undeclared Nuts in Product - Operational or Supplier Issue?  Flagstone Foods LLC, of Robersonville, NC, is recalling its 16-ounce packages of Wegmans Pecan Blend Trail Mix because they may contain undeclared almonds and walnuts. The recall was initiated after a customer notified the firm that the product contained almonds and walnuts that are not listed in the ingredient statement on the packaging.

This Week in Mislabeled Allergens for Week Ending July 11, 2020

Old Formulation in New Package that Misses Sesame Seed - KIND Healthy Snacks (KIND) is voluntarily recalling a limited number of Oats & Honey Granola with Toasted Coconut pouches due to the presence of sesame seeds, which is not listed as an ingredient in the product. The label does list "sesame seeds" under the "May Contain" statement. KIND recently decided to transition away from using sesame seeds in its Oats & Honey Granola recipe. This limited recall was initiated after KIND discovered that the product's previous recipe was used and placed into new packaging that did not disclose sesame seeds as an ingredient. (The product is mislabeled, although Sesame Seed is not currently included in the allergens that have to be identified on the label)

FDA and CDC Provide Update on Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Salad with Additional Cases Reported

FDA and CDC updated the ongoing Cyclospora Outbreak linked to Fresh Express's Illinois facility.  In the last update regarding this outbreak issued on June 29, there were 206 cases.  With this latest reporting, there are now 509 cases.  While product had been recalled, the latest sell-by-date was July 14th.  Work continues to make sure all of the product is off of the shelf.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-cyclospora-bagged-salads-june-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Cyclospora: Bagged Salads (June 2020)
FDA’s traceback investigation continues. CDC reports additional cases.
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 509
Hospitalizations: 33
Deaths: 0
Illness Onset Date Range: 5/11/2020 – 7/1/2020
States with Cases: IA (160), IL (151), KS (5), MN (63), MO (46), NE (48), ND (6), WI (30)

After Watching a Food Safety Video, Some People Still Don't Get It

A research article in J. Food Protection looks at trying to get more people to use a thermometer when cooking ground turkey patties. Yep, if people watch a 3 minute USDA food safety video, they were more likely to use a thermometer.

 "Participants who viewed the video were twice as likely to use a thermometer to check the doneness of the turkey patties compared with the participants who were not exposed to the video (75 versus 34%) and twice as likely to place the thermometer in the correct location (52 versus 23%). Sixty-seven percent of participants who watched the video reported that it influenced their behavior in the kitchen.

I think the kicker is the other side of this....in that 25% of the people who watch the video were still not going to use a thermometer, and if they did 48% were not going to do it correctly.  And 33% were not influenced at all regarding kitchen behavior.  Probably the same people who don't wear masks.

https://meridian.allenpress.com/jfp/article-abstract/83/7/1167/426199/An-Observational-Study-of-Thermometer-Use-by?redirectedFrom=fulltext
An Observational Study of Thermometer Use by Consumers When Preparing Ground Turkey Patties
MINH DUONG; ELLEN THOMAS SHUMAKER; SHERYL C CATES; LISA SHELLEY; LYDIA GOODSON; CHRISTOPHER BERNSTEIN; AARON LAVALLEE; MARGARET KIRCHNER; REBECCA GOULTER; LEE-ANN JAYKUS; BENJAMIN CHAPMAN
J Food Prot (2020) 83 (7): 1167–1174.
https://doi.org/10.4315/JFP-19-594

Halloween Planning in the Time of COVID

An article in AdAge discusses a candy makers plan for Halloween 2020 considering we have a COVID issue.  For candy makers, Halloween represents an event that is planned for years in advance, and now, the COVID issue throws a wrench into the whole process.

AdAge
https://adage.com/article/podcast-marketers-brief/mars-wrigley-chief-halloween-officer-tim-lebel-dishes-years-holiday-planning/2266336
Mars Wrigley Chief Halloween Officer Tim LeBel dishes on this year's holiday planning
With COVID-19 reshaping shopping and gatherings months before Halloween, candy marketers must prepare for one of their biggest times of the year
     
By Jessica Wohl. Published on July 08, 2020.

Dog Aging Compared to Humans - A Scientific Evaluation

A recent study looked at how dogs age compared to humans. It turns out that the old adage - one year of a dog life is equal to 7 years for humans. This is not true. It is not a linear progression. Rather dogs mature quickly compared to humans initially, and then that levels out with dogs living the life of an adult for a longer period of their life.

Allergen Removal from Foodservice Counters and Tables

In foodservice establishments, whether at the table or the counter, it is common to see staff dry wipe surfaces, especially when the debris on the surface is dry in nature. However, this is not sufficient to remove allergens from that surface.  A study published in J. Food Protection shows that these surfaces have to be more than dry wiped.

"Although dry wipes and cloths were not effective for removing allergenic foods, terry cloth presoaked in water or sanitizer solution, use of multiple quat wipes, and the wash–rinse–sanitize–air dry procedure were effective in allergen removal from surfaces. Allergens present on dry wipes were transferred to wiped surfaces. In contrast, minimal or no allergen transfer to surfaces was found when allergen-contaminated terry cloth was submerged in sanitizer solution prior to wiping surfaces. The full cleaning method (wash–rinse–sanitize–air dry) and soaking the terry cloth in sanitizer solution prior to wiping were effective at allergen removal and minimizing allergen transfer."

Journal of Food Protection
https://meridian.allenpress.com/jfp/article/83/7/1248/429977/Allergen-Removal-and-Transfer-with-Wiping-and
Research Article| March 19 2020
Allergen Removal and Transfer with Wiping and Cleaning Methods Used in Retail and Food Service Establishments

This Week in Mislabeled Food Products for Week Ending July 4, 2020

Carrot Cake Labeled as Red Velvet Cheesecake - Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling Red Velvet Cheesecake Slices from 36 stores in California, Boise, Idaho, and Reno, Nevada, due to an undeclared tree nut (walnut) allergen. The recall was initiated when a store began individually packaging the product and discovered the manufacturer had mislabeled the product as Red Velvet Layered Cheesecake when it contained Carrot Cake Layered Cheesecake instead. The product was sold by the slice in plastic clamshell containers with Whole Foods Market scale labels,

Dairy Free Ice Cream Contains Real Ice Cream - Beyond Better Foods, LLC, is recalling select pints from a single production run of Enlightened brand Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream pints because they may have been packaged in Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter containers and thus contain undeclared milk ingredients. This recall is the result of mislabeled product. Specifically, one lot of Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream was mistakenly filled in pint sized Enlightened brand Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter pint containers. These packages have a base container labeled “Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter” and a lid labeled “Chocolate Peanut Butter” without a “Dairy-Free” callout.

Supplier Mixes Peanuts into Pretzels - Mount Franklin Foods, LLC dba Azar Nut Company of El Paso, TX is voluntarily recalling its 5-ounce packages of "7-Select Yogurt Pretzels" because they may contain undeclared peanuts. The recall was initiated after discovering a peanut-containing product mixed with pretzels from a third-party supplier during the repackaging process of the "7-Select Yogurt Pretzels" which does not include peanuts in the declared allergens. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an isolated incident whereby inclusion occurred during the sample inspection process. Production of the "7-Select Yogurt Pretzels” has been suspended until FDA and the company are certain that the problem has been corrected.

Label Missing Egg - Trident Seafoods is recalling Gordon Choice® Imitation Crab Supreme Style, because it may contain undeclared egg white. The recall was initiated after it was discovered through internal product and label review that product containing egg white was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of eggs.

Chicken Nuggets Recalled After Complaint for Rubber Piece in Product

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Waco, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 59,800 pounds of fully cooked chicken breast nugget products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically flexible rubber material.  The problem was discovered after the firm received a consumer complaint reporting rubber pieces in the chicken breast nuggets product.  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. 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2020/recall-014-2020-release
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Recalls Chicken Breast Nugget Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall
014-2020
Health Risk: Low
Jun 28, 2020

Hand Sanitizer Recalled Because it May Contain Methanol

A company is recalling Saniderm brand of hand sanitizer because it may contain methanol (wood alcohol.   This comes "In response to a recent news alert by the Food and Drug Administration advising consumers of potentially toxic hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico, Saniderm has proactively taken necessary precautions to ensure the safety of consumers.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/saniderm-products-voluntarily-issues-regional-virginia-maryland-new-jersey-recall-1-l-saniderm
Saniderm Products Voluntarily Issues Regional (Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey) Recall of 1 L Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer bottles produced by Eskbiochem SA de CV Due to the Potential Presence of Undeclared Methanol (Wood Alcohol)
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 26, 2020

FDA Publish Date: June 27, 2020 

Product Type: Drugs 

Reason for Announcement: May contain methanol (wood alcohol) 

Company Name: Saniderm 

Products Brand Name:   Saniderm 

Product Description: Advanced Hand Sanitizer

Fresh Shrimp Poke Recalled for Listeria

Norpac Fisheries Export is recalling all fresh shrimp poke distributed in the Hawaiian Island between May 11, 2020 and June 25, 2020 because it has potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, "We became aware of this problem during our routine Food Safety monitoring procedures, as we perform laboratory analysis of our work areas, equipment, surfaces, drains, raw materials and completed product. As a result of our routine random product and materials testing, we tested the shrimp used to make the shrimp poke, by having a sample sent to an independent lab for analysis. The results were received June 25, 2020 indicating a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes. We are proceeding under the cautious assumption that all of the shrimp from our supplier is contaminated. Our company has ceased the production and distribution of the product using this shrimp, as the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the exact source of the problem. '

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/norpac-fisheries-export-recalls-shrimp-poke-due-possible-health-risk
Norpac Fisheries Export Recalls Shrimp Poke Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 28, 2020
FDA Publish Date: June 29, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages Shellfish
Reason for Announcement: Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Norpac Fisheries Export
Brand Name: Garlic Shrimp Poke
Product Description: Garlic Shrimp Poke

Texas Company Recalls Stuffed Shells After Testing Finds Listeria monocytogenes

Garland Ventures Ltd of Garland, Texas is voluntary recalling 1095 cases of Five Cheese Stuffed Shells trays because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, The potential for contamination was noted after samples tested through certified laboratory revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in “Five Cheese Stuffed Shells”. Garland Ventures Ltd ceased the further production and distribution of product immediately.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/garland-ventures-ltd-voluntary-recalls-five-cheese-stuffed-shells-because-possible-health-risk
Garland Ventures LTD Voluntary Recalls Five Cheese Stuffed Shells Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 30, 2020
FDA Publish Date: June 30, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Garland Ventures Ltd.
Brand Name: Garland Ventures Ltd.
Product Description: Five Cheese Stuffed Shells

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending June 20, 2020

Fresh Express is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of Fresh Express 11.5-ounce Southwest Chopped Kit with production codes G163B10A and G163B10B, UPC code 0 71279 30602 5 and use-by date of June 29 due to the presence of undeclared wheat, soy, cashews, and coconut.  The recall was necessitated when Fresh Express learned that, during a single production run, incorrect condiment packets were placed into Southwest Chopped Kit bags and, as a result, the allergens wheat, soy, cashews, and coconut are not properly declared.

H-E-B is voluntarily issuing a recall for gallon-sizes of Hill Country Fare Pink Lemonade, Citrus Punch, Fruit Drink and Grape Drink for the potential presence of a milk allergen

Rusty’s Seafood Market of Lorida, Florida, is recalling all five of its Captain Rusty’s Seafood Dips due to the presence of undeclared allergens. People who have allergies to fish (mahi, salmon, whiting, pollock, threadfin bream), crustacean shellfish (crab, lobster, shrimp), wheat, eggs, soy or milk  The recall was initiated after the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) determined, during routine inspection, that the product containing allergens was distributed in packaging that did not identify the presence of fish (mahi, salmon, whiting, pollock, threadfin bream), crustacean shellfish (crab, lobster, shrimp), wheat, eggs, soy or milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a breakdown in the company’s labeling process.

CDC and FDA Update on Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Bagged Salad

FDA and CDC released an update on the Cyclospora outbreak associated with bagged salad sold which is linked to a facility in Illinois.  As of June 29, 2020, there have been 206 reported cases of Cyclospora infection.  The previous update was on June 19, 2020.

"The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections potentially linked to salad products that were made by Fresh Express containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots and that were sold in several regions of the United States. The investigation includes Fresh Express branded products as well as products made by Fresh Express for retail store brands sold at ALDI, Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, ShopRite, and Walmart. Investigators continue to look into whether other retail brands may be impacted."

"Currently, the epidemiologic and traceback information collected by federal and state investigators indicates that a likely cause of this outbreak is product made at the Fresh Express production facility in Streamwood, Illinois."

FDA

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-cyclospora-bagged-salads-june-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Cyclospora: Bagged Salads (June 2020)
Fresh Express recalls products made in its Streamwood, Illinois production facility with either iceberg lettuce, red cabbage or carrots
06/29/2020

FDA Issues Warning Letter to NJ Cheese Processor - No Preventive Control Plan and No Listeria Control Program

FDA issued a Warning Letter to El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. of Patterson NJ for not having a Preventive Control Plan in place for each type of food processed.  They also did not have a Listeria control program in place.  While investigators found Listeria in the processing facility, the strains they found were not pathogenic.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/el-abuelito-cheese-inc-605472-06042020
WARNING LETTER
El Abuelito Cheese, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 605472 — June 04, 2020

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Three Firms for Non-compliance for FSVP for Imported Goods

FDA issued Warning Letters to three firms for not being in compliance with the FSVP regulations.  These firms did not have FSVP in place for products they imported.

Global Commodities Corp., of  Hayward, CA 94545 was not in compliance with the FSVP  for Buenas Kaong Red Sugar Palm Fruit in Syrup and Macapuno String in Syrup preserves imported from (b)(4), Philippines; and Boy Bawang Mixed Nuts Snacks – Garlic imported from KSK Food Products, Philippines. The firm did not have FSVPs for these products.

H & C Food Inc., located at 1300 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY was found not to be in compliance with the FSVP requirements for  Enoki Mushroom imported from Green Co., Ltd, South Korea and Teriyaki Kimnori Roasted seaweed Snack (b)(4). The firm did not have FSVPs for these products. 

Diamond Rock Food Imports, Inc.of Copiague, NY was not in compliance with the requirements of FSVP regulations for Tomato Sauce and Refried Red Beans products imported from (b)(4) and the Grape Soft Drink product imported from your (b)(4). The firm did not have an FSVP for these products or any other products imported by your firm.