Flour Recalled for Salmonella After An Issue Identified by Company in Europe

Tiger Nuts Inc of Newburgh, New York is recalling 200 Kilo’s (440 lbs) of its Tiger Nuts Flour which was sold in 1 Kilo Boxes (2.2 lbs) at 1 retail store in Bend and Corvallis Oregon, 1 retail store in Liberty Missouri, and 3 online bakers, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella,  Tiger Nuts Inc was notified by their Spanish growers Tiger Nuts S.L. in Valencia Spain that a customer in Germany had reported Salmonella content in their Tiger Nuts extra fine flour. The supplier Tiger Nuts S.L. and the German customer are continuing to investigate the occurrence and are keeping us updated. The specific we received in November 2020 was completely sold through by January 2021. And at this time there have been zero illnesses reported to date, as of 5/27/2021.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tiger-nuts-inc-recalls-tiger-nuts-flour-kilos-22-lbs-because-possible-health-risk
Tiger Nuts Inc. Recalls Tiger Nuts Flour in Kilo’s (2.2 Lbs) Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 27, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 27, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Tiger Nuts Inc.
Brand Name:  Tiger Nuts
Product Description:  Tiger Nuts Flour

Microwave Popcorn Recalled Due to Undeclared Milk

Gilster-Mary Lee, 8366 North Highway 51, McBride, Missouri, is voluntarily recalling one lot of Full Circle Organic Microwave Popcorn Salted, because it may contain undeclared milk.  Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. became aware of the mispackaging after receiving an email from a customer warehouse. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this popcorn.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gilster-mary-lee-corp-issues-recall-undeclared-milk-allergen-full-circle-organic-microwave-popcorn
Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. Issues a Recall for Undeclared Milk Allergen in Full Circle Organic Microwave Popcorn Salted
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 25, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 26, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Gilster-Mary Lee
Brand Name:  Full Circle
Product Description:  Organic Microwave Popcorn Salted

Supplier Error on Missing Allergen Results in Taco Kit Recall

Giant Eagle, Inc. and HyVee have both issued recalls for Chicken Street Taco Kits due to the possibility the product may contain an undeclared egg allergen.  Giant Eagle and HyVee were made aware of the issue by its supplier partner, Reser’s Fine Foods, when they discovered the product was missing the egg allergen declaration in one of the ingredients, chipotle crema. There has been no reported illness associated with this recall.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/giant-eagle-voluntarily-recalls-chicken-street-taco-kit
Giant Eagle Voluntarily Recalls Chicken Street Taco Kit
Impacted Items Sold at Giant Eagle and Market District Locations
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 25, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 26, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared eggs
Company Name:  Giant Eagle, Inc.
Brand Name:  Giant Eagle
Product Description:  Chicken Street Taco Kits

Why People Lose Trust in Scientific Reporting - Mistakes with the COVID Pandemic

We have come back to what many thought,  that the COVID virus may have leaked form a laboratory, in this case, the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan China, and that the virus was a genetically manipulated virus.  But many experts in the US government and at WHO had told us for over a year that this was not the case.  And then we wonder why people do not trust science.

The signs were initially there for us to think there was more to this....a poor investigation by WHO, a string of changing explanations of where the virus came from...including imported frozen food, and a virus that was ready built for disease in humans.

Shame on all those scientists who stopped asking questions and bought into the narrative.  At this point with as much time has passed, we may never know what happened exactly.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/wuhan-lab-staff-sought-hospital-care-before-covid-19-outbreak-disclosed-wsj-2021-05-23/
Wuhan lab staff sought hospital care before COVID-19 outbreak disclosed - WSJ
May 24, 2021

USDA Issues Alert for Cooked Diced Chicken Potentially Contaminated with Listeria After Company's Failure to Reprocess

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert for approximately 130,860 pounds of frozen fully cooked, diced chicken products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  "The problem was discovered during routine FSIS inspection activities when inspection personnel observed products requiring recooking due to possible Lm contamination had been repackaged without being recooked. A subsequent FSIS investigation determined other affected product had been further distributed in commerce."

This serious case shows how a Corrective Action was not followed.  The product found to have potential Listeria contamination was supposed to be recooked according to the Corrective Action in order to eliminate any potential Listeria contamination. However, this product was  getting repacked without that process.  Further, as noted below, that product was going to local food banks, and with that, people considered high risk.

"The products bear establishment numbers "P-18237" or "P-45638" inside the USDA mark of inspection and were distributed by Big Daddy Foods, Inc., a Houston, Texas firm. These items were further distributed to consumers at local food banks in Florida through the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program in individual food boxes."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-cooked-diced-poultry-products-due-possible
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen, Cooked Diced Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
FSIS Announcement

May 24, 2021

NY Meat Processor Recalls Sausage Product After Using Trim Meat from Uninspected Retail Operation

Milan Provisions Co. Inc., a Corona, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,000 pounds of heat-treated, not fully cooked, not shelf stable chorizo sausage products made using a pork ingredient produced without the benefit of federal inspection.  The problem was discovered when FSIS determined that the firm received pork trim product from a retail butcher facility that is not federally inspected and used it in production of the chorizo product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/milan-provisions-co.-inc.-recalls-jalapeno-chorizo-sausage-products-formulated-pork

Milan Provisions Co. Inc. Recalls Jalapeno Chorizo Sausage Products Formulated With Pork Ingredients Produced Without the Benefit of Inspection
May 21, 2021

Backyard Poultry Continues to be an Issue for Salmonella Infections

CDC issued a report regarding their investigation into multiple outbreaks of Salmonella infection associated with backyard chickens.

Fast Facts

Illnesses: 163

Hospitalizations: 34

Deaths: 0

States: 43

Recall: No

Investigation status: Active

Of the 163 cases, 1/3 of them have been children under the age of 5.

Keeping children away from the chicks is one important control, but additional practices are needed:

• Don't track bird poop on one's shoes (or dog's paws) into the house where a child may be crawling on the floor.
• Washing hands after handling birds or after touching surfaces where the birds have been.
• Safe handling of raw eggs.

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0520-salmonella-infections-backyard-poultry.html
CDC Investigating New Outbreaks of Salmonella Infections Linked to Backyard Poultry
A CDC investigation notice regarding multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections has been posted: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/backyardpoultry-05-21/index.html

Minestrone Soup Labeled as Vegetable Beef and Barley Soup Results in Undeclared Egg and Milk Allergens

Kraft Heinz Foods Company, a Cedar Rapids, Iowa establishment, is recalling approximately 13,504 pounds of a frozen foodservice soup product due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the product contains milk and eggs, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered after the firm received foodservice customer complaints that the product labeled as vegetable beef and barley condensed soup contained minestrone condensed soup.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/kraft-heinz-foods-company-recalls-chef-francisco-soup-product-due-misbranding-and
Kraft Heinz Foods Company Recalls Chef Francisco Soup Product Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
KRAFT HEINZ FOODS COMPANY
FSIS Announcement
WASHINGTON, May 17, 2021 – Kraft Heinz Foods Company, a Cedar Rapids, Iowa establishment, is recalling approximately 13,504 pounds of a frozen foodservice soup product due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains milk and eggs, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

Ohio Canner Recalls All Canned Beans Due to Long-Running Manufacturing Deviation

Randall Foods, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio is recalling 'all' its Randall-brand beans because of manufacturing deviations that may have resulted in under processing.  This is approximately 1.6 million cases of affected products distributed between March 1, 2019 and May 15, 2021. [That is a lot of beans].

"The manufacturing deviations included a nonfunctioning temperature indicating device raising the possibility that the product was not effectively processed. Processing at temperatures below a required temperature could create a condition that could lead to premature spoilage or food borne illness; however, there have been no illnesses reported. The company is issuing this voluntary recall as a precaution."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/randall-foods-inc-initiates-voluntary-recall-all-randall-beans
Randall Foods Inc. Initiates Voluntary Recall of all Randall Beans
Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 19, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 20, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for underprocessing which could result in Clostridium botulinum contamination
Company Name:  Randall Foods Inc.
Brand Name:  Randall
Product Description:  Randall Beans

Chocolate Chip Cookies Recalled After Packaging Filled with Cookies from a Formulation Containing Eggs

Primary Colors Design Corp of Ashland, OH is recalling Chocolate Chip Cookies Gable Box with UPC 84512050159 because it may contain undeclared egg allergen.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Peppa Pig Chocolate Chip Cookie Gables were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by inadvertently filling the box with another chocolate chip cookie, potentially exposing consumers to an undeclared allergen: egg.

As part of the companies Allergen Preventive Control, there must be a preventive control component that matches the exact formulation and the label.  When a company had different formulations of a similar product, in this case, 2 different chocolate chip cookies, it is too easy to make a mistake, and a single control will not be enough to ensure the safety of that labeled product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/primary-colors-design-corp-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-peppa-pig-chocolate-chip-cookies
Primary Colors Design Corp Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg on Peppa Pig Chocolate Chip Cookies Gable Box
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 20, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 20, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared egg
Company Name:  Primary Colors Design Corp.
Brand Name:  Peppa Pig
Product Description:  Chocolate Chip Cookies

Jalapeno Cream Cheese Recalled Due to Potential Listeria Contamination

Interstate Food Products of Lakewood Colorado, is recalling its 14 ounce containers of Little Hatches Jalapeno Cream Cheese because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the FDA revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 14 ounce packages of Little Hatches Jalapeno Cream Cheese.

It will not be surprising to see the recall expanded beyond the one lot of production.  Often times, the source of Listeria contamination is some harborage site in the production process.  If this is the case, other lots of product are likely to have become contaminated as well.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/interstate-food-products-recalls-little-hatches-jalapeno-cream-cheese-because-possible-health-risk
Interstate Food Products Recalls Little Hatches Jalapeno Cream Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 18, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 20, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Interstate Food Products
Brand Name:  Little Hatches
Product Description:  Jalapeno Cream Cheese

One Date Code of Cat Food Recalled After State Testing Finds Salmonella

Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. of San Diego, CA, is recalling the  specific lots of cat food products after Salmonella was discovered from a routine state surveillance sample by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Often times, these types of recalls are not limited to one day of production.  If it is not limited to some one-time issue during that specific production, but rather a in-line point source contamination on that production line, then additional lots could be affected.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natural-balance-pet-foods-inc-voluntarily-recalls-lid-green-pea-chicken-dry-cat-formula-possible
Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls L.I.D. Green Pea & Chicken Dry Cat Formula for Possible Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 20, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 20, 2021
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary
Food & Beverages  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella Contamination
Company Name:  Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc.
 Brand Name: Natural Balance
Product Description:  L.I.D. Green Pea & Chicken Dry Cat Formula

Organic Dark Chocolate Blueberries Recalled for Potential Undeclared Almonds

Torn Ranch, LLC. is voluntarily recalling one lot code of Torn Ranch Organic Dark Chocolate Blueberries 18 oz. resealable bags sold only at Costco stores in WA, OR, ID, AK .  This recall is due to possible undeclared allergen, almonds (tree nuts) present in Torn Ranch Organic Dark Chocolate Blueberries 18oz bags sold in Costco stores located in WA, OR, ID, AK.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/torn-ranch-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-almonds-organic-dark-chocolate-blueberries
Torn Ranch, LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds in Organic Dark Chocolate Blueberries
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 19, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 19, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Snack Food Item
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared almonds
Company Name:  Torn Ranch, LLC
Brand Name:  Torn Ranch
Product Description:  Organic Dark Chocolate Blueberries

Company Extends Recall of Cans of Beans with Potentially Faulty Seals

Faribault Foods, Inc. is  extending their April recall of  15 ounce cans of S&W Organic Black Beans, 15 ounce cans of  beans that may have compromised hermetic seals. "The compromised hermetic seal may affect can integrity and may cause the cans to leak, bloat or allow bacteria to grow inside the product which could lead to serious illness. Clostridium botulinum poisoning in humans can begin from six hours to two weeks after eating food that contains the toxin."

The extension adds 10 additional lot codes (as designated by Best By dates) to the 6 that were previously listed.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/faribault-foods-inc-announces-extension-voluntary-recall-limited-quantity-sw-brand-organic-black
Faribault Foods, Inc. Announces Extension of Voluntary Recall of a Limited Quantity of S&W Brand Organic Black Beans, and O Organic Brand Black Beans and O Organic Brand Chili Beans Due to Compromised Hermetic Seal
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 14, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 17, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Compromised hermetic seal/Microbial growth
Company Name:  Faribault Foods, Inc
Brand Name:  S&W and O Organic
Product Description:  Organic Black Beans and Organic Chili Beans

Cicadas Posed to Return This Year in Northeast, Are You Ready to Make Them Into a Snack?

Many of the northeastern states will experience the reemergence of Brood X of Cicadas  this year after 17 years underground.  In those areas with high number of insects, the sound can be deafening.  However, some suggest that we look beyond their high pitched sound, their creepy red eyes, and their erratic flying (as they crash into your windshield), and consider them as a food.  You can fry them, grind them into flour, or put them on pizza.  Think of them if you will as flying shrimp.   While one chef describes them as having an asparagus flavor, another person said they have a "buttery texture, a delicious, nutty flavor" and suggest pairing with merlot.

So how about some volunteers prepare up some dishes and report back to us!  With pictures of course.

What is a cicada?  https://youtu.be/EWr8fzUz-Yw

https://apnews.com/article/eating-brood-x-cicadas-bfd249381c3947b3881a8f0bd19e6ead
Freaked by cicada swarms? You could just stick a fork in ’em
By MARK KENNEDY
May 19, 2021
NEW YORK (AP) — Cicadas are poised to infest whole swaths of American backyards this summer. Maybe it’s time they invaded your kitchen.

Swarms of the red-eyed bugs, who are reemerging after 17 years below ground, offer a chance for home cooks to turn the tables and make them into snacks.

Washington State Identifies Locally Produced Yogurt As Likely Link to E. coli Outbreak

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has identified PCC Community Market brand yogurt produced by Pure Eire Dairy as the likely source of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has 11 confirmed cases, including six children under the age of 10.

Research has show that E. coli can survive in yogurt.  The E. coli pathogen would likely have been in the milk prior to fermentation, and growing during the fermentation process.  The organism is acid tolerant and could survive for some time.

The producer is a small, local dairy.  Interestingly, this same dairy issued a recall in June of 2013 for pathogenic E. coli in their raw milk.  They also issued a recall in May of 2013 for improperly pasteurized milk.

Washington State DOH News Release
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom/Articles/ID/2787/State-health-officials-link-yogurt-to-multi-county-E-coli-outbreak
For immediate release: May 15, 2021 (21-126)

State health officials link yogurt to multi-county E. coli outbreak

OLYMPIA – During the ongoing investigation into an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has identified a likely link to PCC Community Market brand yogurt produced by Pure Eire Dairy.

Popcorn Recalled After Customer Notifies Company of Incorrect Product in Package

JOLLY TIME Pop Corn today issued a voluntary recall of select Healthy Pop® Kettle Corn 100’s (4 count) because they may contain undeclared milk ingredients.   The recall was initiated after JOLLY TIME was notified by a customer that certain cartons of Healthy Pop Kettle Corn 100’s (4 count) were inadvertently filled with another flavor of popcorn, potentially exposing consumers to undeclared allergen: milk.

Jolly Time Popcorn has been around for over 100 years, but what game show comes to mind with you think of Jolly Time Popcorn.....Let's Make a Deal with host Monte Hall.

JOLLY TIME® Pop Corn Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Healthy Pop® Kettle Corn 100’s (4 count) | FDA
JOLLY TIME® Pop Corn Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Healthy Pop® Kettle Corn 100’s (4 count)
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 12, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 13, 2021
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  JOLLY TIME Pop Corn
Brand Name:  Jolly Time
Product Description:  Kettle Corn

Pecan Pies Recalled After Supplier Has Cross-Contact Issue with Peanuts During Storage and Distribution

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery announced today the recall of specific lots of select Sara Lee, Chef Pierre and Devonshire pecan pies produced between March 4 and April 1, 2021, because the product may contain undeclared peanuts.  There have been no reports of illness or injury to date. This recall has been initiated due to the unintentional cross-contamination of raw pecans in shells with residual peanuts during agricultural transport and storage of pecans by a supplier. Immediate steps were taken to prevent recurrence.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sara-lee-frozen-bakery-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanuts-pecan-pies
Sara Lee Frozen Bakery Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in Pecan Pies
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 11, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 12, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Peanuts
Company Name:  Sara Lee Frozen Bakery
 Brand Name:  Sara Lee, Chef Pierre and more
Product Description:  Pecan pies

FDA Releases Report on 2020 Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Raw Onions

FDA issued their investigative report into the Salmonella Newport foodborne illness outbreak associated with consumption of red onions from the Southern San Joaquin Valley and Imperial Valley in California.

• In this outbreak, there were 1,127 reported domestic illnesses and 515 reported Canadian cases. It is the largest Salmonella outbreak in over a decade.
• This outbreak is also remarkable because the food vehicle, whole red onions, is a raw agricultural commodity that had not been previously associated with a foodborne illness outbreak.
• Salmonella Newport outbreak strain (specific whole genome sequence [WGS]) was not identified in any of the nearly 2,000 subsamples tested, but there were a total of 11 subsamples (10 water and 1 sediment) collected near one of the growing fields that were positive for Salmonella Newport, representing a total of three different genotypical strains (unique WGS patterns). [So the exact strain with the same genetic makeup was not found, but similar S. Newport strains were found]
• "A conclusive root cause could not be identified, several potential contributing factors to the 2020 red onion outbreak were identified, including a leading hypothesis that contaminated irrigation water used in a growing field in Holtville, California may have led to contamination of the onions."
• "Several plausible opportunities for contamination including irrigation water, sheep grazing on adjacent land, as well as signs of animal intrusion, such as scat and large flocks of birds which may spread contamination."
• "Visual observations and records review of packing house practices confirmed numerous opportunities for spread of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, including signs of animal and pest intrusion as well as food contact surfaces which had not been inspected, maintained, cleaned, or sanitized as frequently as necessary to protect against the contamination of produce."

Factors Potentially Contributing to the Contamination of Red Onions Implicated in the Summer 2020 Outbreak of Salmonella Newport

Full report - https://www.fda.gov/media/148440/download
05/13/2021

Article - Can Food Operations Achieve Zero Risk? - No

 A scientific article published in Current Opinion in Food Science states that zero risk does not exist in food processes.  There will be some residual risk even that that risk may be very small.

The authors state "Consumers, food industries and governments typically desire foods that are ‘free of any risk’. In practise this is not achievable. Microorganisms are present in most environments, including the raw materials required for making food, the tools and machinery used to process that food, and even at the humans that are employed in food processing facilities and other food establishments (e.g. restaurants).......However, it does not matter how stringent these measures are [processes and procedures implemented by food operations], they can never be perfect. Consequently, a residual risk always remains, making zero risk in foods – as in many other aspects of life – unattainable in practice"

Certainly operations strive to minimize risk the best they can, and operations will have varying risk depending on the processes they use and the product they make.  "In most food products, the risk per serving is virtually zero, resulting in a very low chance of the individual consumer contracting a disease. However, from a governmental perspective, the (expected) number of cases for products largely consumed can be relatively large, resulting in a relevant risk. Therefore, because zero risk does not exist for food products, the residual risk must be evaluated using the appropriate risk metrics."

Current Opinion in Food Science

https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S2214799320301739
All food processes have a residual risk, some are small,some very small and some are extremely small: zero risk does not exist

(Current Opinion in Food Science 2021, 39:83–92)

FDA Releases Report on Retail Food Deli Risk Factors

FDA released a report on risk factors associated with retail food delis as part of their 10 year initiative on foodborne illness risk factors.  They found in general that while deli operations did a good job with glove usage and cooking temperatures, the main issues were:

• ensuring employees practiced proper handwashing
• holding foods requiring refrigeration at the proper temperature
• cooling foods properly

Of course operations that had established food safety programs and trained and certified managers did a better job than those that did not.

The study can be found here.  https://www.fda.gov/media/148247/download

The surprising thing in the report was the large percentage of operations without a Certified Food Safety Manager (33%).  "66.2% of the delis in this study operated in jurisdictions that required a CFPM but only slightly more than half of delis were found to have a CFPM employed and present at the time of data collection"

FDA Releases Report on Foodborne Illness Risk Factors in Delis
https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-releases-report-foodborne-illness-risk-factors-delis
Constituent Update
May 7, 2021.

Raw Cashews the Source of Salmonella in Cheese-Like Product

FDA issued a report into the investigation of a Salmonella outbreak linked to fake cheese product (initially posted on April 23).  In this outbreak, 7 people were affected with 3 hospitalizations.  FDA had found the causative strain to be found in the raw cashews

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-duisburg-and-urbana-jules-cashew-brie-april-2021
Outbreak Investigations & Safety Advisories
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
The following is an update from FDA of concern to our subscribers.
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 7
Hospitalizations: 3
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: April 8, 2021
States with Cases: CA (4), FL (1), TN (2)
Product Distribution*: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas
*Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states

Beef Pasta Products Recalled After Potential Soy Cross Contamination Incident

Bellisio Foods, Inc., a Jackson, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 3,927 pounds of not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) spaghetti with meat sauce product due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the product contains soy which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered when the company determined soy-containing ingredients may have comingled with the recalled product that does not normally contain soy.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/bellisio-foods-inc.-recalls-beef-pasta-products-due-misbranding-and-undeclared
Bellisio Foods, Inc. Recalls Beef Pasta Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen
BELLISIO FOODS, INC.
FSIS Announcement

Almond Butter Recalled After Complaint That Jar Contained Peanut Butter

Natural Way of Fayetteville, AR, is recalling its 16 ounce jars of original almond butter because they may contain undeclared peanuts. The potential for contamination was noted after a customer notified Natural Way of a jar of peanut butter mislabeled as almond butter.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natural-way-recalls-almond-butter-due-undeclared-peanuts
Natural Way Recalls Almond Butter Due to Undeclared Peanuts
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 07, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 07, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared peanuts
Company Name:  Natural Way
Brand Name:  Natural Way
Product Description:  Original Almond butter

Protein Powder Recalled for Undeclared Soy After Packaging Error

Arizona Nutritional Supplements of Chandler, AZ is voluntarily recalling 13.9 oz. containers of “365 Everyday Value Whey Protein Powder Natural Vanilla Flavor” due to the potential of an undeclared soy allergen. Containers of 365 Everyday Value Whey Protein Powder Natural Vanilla Flavor were mistakenly packaged with Soy Protein Powder resulting in an undeclared Soy allergen. No illnesses have been reported to date.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/arizona-nutritional-supplements-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-allergen-365-everyday-value-whey
Arizona Nutritional Supplements Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy Allergen in 365 Everyday Value Whey Protein Powder Natural Vanilla Flavor
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 07, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 07, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared soy allergen
Company Name:  Arizona Nutritional Supplements
Brand Name:  365 Everyday Value
Product Description:  365 Everyday Value Whey Protein Powder Natural Vanilla Flavor

Potato Chip Company Recalls Product for Undeclared Allergen After Filling Wrong Bags

Frito-Lay today issued a voluntary recall of select 16 1/8 oz. bags of Ruffles All DressedPotato Chips because they may contain undeclared milk ingredients. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that certain bags of Ruffles All Dressed Potato Chips were inadvertently filled with another flavor of potato chips, potentially exposing consumers to undeclared milk.

As you may recall, Frito Lay was issued a Warning Letter in December of 2020 for multiple allergen mislabeling issues.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/frito-lay-issues-voluntary-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-ruffles-all-dressed-potato-chips
Frito-Lay Issues Voluntary Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk In Ruffles All Dressed Potato Chips Distributed Regionally to Sam’s Club
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 05, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 05, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Frito-Lay
Brand Name:  Ruffles
Product Description:  Ruffles all dressed flavored potato chips

Contract Packer Fills Wrong Product Resulting in Undeclared Almonds

The Hershey Company (Hershey) today announced a voluntary recall of a single lot of Hershey’s Chocolate Shell Topping in a 7.25-oz. (205g) bottle with UPC (346000) after learning that 1,700 bottles were incorrectly filled with Heath Shell Topping which is made with almonds.  The situation arose due to an isolated error at a contract manufacturing facility. Immediate steps were taken to prevent recurrence. Hershey is conducting this recall with the full knowledge and cooperation of the US Food and Drug Administration.

As part of a company's Food Safety Plan for manufacturing this product, allergen labeling would be covered by an Allergen Preventive Control.  As the purchaser of this finished product, the purchasing company would need to ensure that their contract manufacturer had labeling as part of their Food Safety Plan and that the components of this Preventive Control are sufficiently robust in order to prevent this.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hershey-voluntarily-recalls-hersheys-chocolate-shell-topping-due-undeclared-almonds
Hershey Voluntarily Recalls Hershey’s Chocolate Shell Topping Due to Undeclared Almonds
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 05, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 05, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared almonds
Company Name:  The Hershey Company
Brand Name:  Hershey's
Product Description:  Hershey’s Chocolate Shell Topping

Minnesota Distributor Recalls Veggie Pizza For Undeclared Soy From Crust Supplier

Russ Davis Wholesale of Wadena, Minnesota is voluntarily recalling Veggie Pizza under the Crazy Fresh and Quick & Easy brands as it may contain undeclared soy.  The recall was initiated after the crust supplier notified Russ Davis of the undeclared soy allergen.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/russ-davis-wholesale-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-veggie-pizza
Russ Davis Wholesale Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy in Veggie Pizza
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 04, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 04, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Undeclared soy
Company Name:  Russ Davis Wholesale
Brand Name:  Crazy Fresh and Quick & Easy
Product Description:  Veggie Pizza

Protein Shakes Recalled for Undeclared Soy Due to Supplier Cross Contamination Issue

CytoSport, Inc., the manufacturer of Evolve, today announced a voluntary recall of specific lots of Evolve Protein Shakes after a third-party supplier was found to have supplied ingredients cross-contaminated with soy protein.  

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/evolve-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-vanilla-bean-and-double-chocolate-4-pack-protein-shakes
Evolve Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy in Vanilla Bean and Double Chocolate 4 Pack Protein Shakes
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 01, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 03, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared soy
Company Name:  CytoSport, Inc.
Brand Name:  Evolve
Product Description:  Evolve Protein Shakes

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Importer After Remote Inspection Finds No FSVP

FDA issued a Warning Letter to EM Advisors LLC / Shop & Save Market of  Niles, IL after a remote FSVP inspection which found the firm had not developed or implemented a FSVP for imported
Bread Mix, Dough Bread Mix and Farmer’s Cheese..

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/nem-advisors-llc-shop-save-market-613666-04152021
NEM Advisors LLC / Shop & Save Market
MARCS-CMS 613666 — APRIL 15, 2021

FDA Warning Letter to Another Firm Experiencing Two Allergen Related Recalls

FDA issued a Warning Letter to George DeLallo company after the company experienced two allergen related recalls in a short period of time.   Here are two different operations, but experiencing a similar issue of placing the wrong labels on the machine.

Recalled "Holiday Cookie Platter product after notification from a customer that it was mislabeled. [The] recalled Holiday Cookie Platter product contains pecans that were not declared on the label. In documentation provided to the Office of Human and Animal Food Operations Division 2 East Recall Coordinator on December 5, 2020, [the firm] indicated that a supervisor placed the wrong roll of labels on the labeling machine and that the incorrect bottom label with the ingredients statement was used."

On November 24, 2020, [the firm] recalled Provolini Antipasti product labeled as Garlic Mushrooms after notification by a customer that it was mislabeled. [the] recalled Provolini Antipasti contains milk, but the label for Garlic Mushrooms that was applied to the bag does not declare milk. In documentation provided to the Division Recall Coordinator on December 1, 2020, [the firm]indicated that a line worker placed the wrong label on one side of the labeling machine.

Here is another example of FDA taking enhanced action against a firm experiencing two allergen-related recalls.

George DeLallo Company, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 612553 — MARCH 30, 2021

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Firm After Two Allergen Related Recalls

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Hanover Foods after the company had two allergen related recalls where each occurred in different operations.

One recall occurred when Baked Rice Pudding was labeled with the ingredient list for Red Chicken Chili with Beans.  The problem was a "duplicate database in your labeling software that was subsequently deleted".

The second recall which occurred at another subsidiary was for Cheddar Flavored Popcorn incorrectly labeled as Butter Flavored Popcorn.  The Cheddar Flavored Popcorn contains milk but the ingredient list for Butter Flavored Popcorn did not declare this allergen. The firm "indicated that the error occurred when bags containing Cheddar Flavored Popcorn were inadvertently labeled as Butter Flavored Popcorn."

The important takeaway from this is that FDA is taking a stand for allergen labeling and is elevating its response when the same firm has multiple issues, even if those issues are in different operations/divisions.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/hanover-foods-corporation-612551-03262021
Hanover Foods Corporation
MARCS-CMS 612551 — MARCH 26, 2021

Foodservice Provider Recalls Pork Product for Undeclared Soy

Hempstead Foodservice, a Hempstead, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 972 pounds of pork chop products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens in that it contains hydrolyzed soy protein, which is not on the box label.  The problem was discovered through routine FSIS verification activities.

The product is a foodservice item where the pork items are in unlabeled clear plastic bags and those bags are then packed into a cardboard box.  The box is labeled as to which food item it contains, but there is no allergen listing.  The hydrolyzed soy product was likely injected to meat.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/hempstead-foodservice-recalls-pork-products-due-misbranding-and-undeclared-allergens
Hempstead Foodservice Recalls Pork Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2021 – Hempstead Foodservice, a Hempstead, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 972 pounds of pork chop products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains hydrolyzed soy protein, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.