Whey Protein Drink Powder Recalled for Not Declaring Milk Allergen on Label

Nature’s Sunshine Products Inc. of Spanish Fork, UT is announcing that it initiated a voluntarily recall of two AIVIA Whey Protein & Power Herbs meal replacement products because labels do not declare milk.  Nature’s Sunshine Products Inc. of Spanish Fork, UT is announcing that it initiated a voluntarily recall of two AIVIA Whey Protein & Power Herbs meal replacement products because labels do not declare milk.  

While whey is listed on the label, this does not comply with allergen labeling regulations that require the word milk be listed.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natures-sunshine-products-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-aivia-whey-protein-power-herbs
Nature’s Sunshine Products Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in AIVIA Whey Protein + Power Herbs Meal Replacement Shakes
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 22, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 23, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Meal Replacements  
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Nature’s Sunshine Products Inc.
Brand Name:  Aivia
Product Description:  Whey Protein & Power Herbs

Amaranth Grain Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc., a Lakewood, Colorado-based natural grocery retailer, is voluntarily recalling Natural Grocers® Brand 1-pound Organic Amaranth Grain due to potential Salmonella contamination.   This recall was initiated when the company received a notification by its supplier of the potential presence of Salmonella in specific lots of Organic Amaranth. The company has received no reports of illness or injury to date.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natural-grocersr-issues-voluntary-recall-organic-amaranth-grain-due-potential-presence-salmonella
Natural Grocers® Issues Voluntary Recall on Organic Amaranth Grain Due to Potential Presence of Salmonella
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 22, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 22, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella contamination
Company Name:  Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc.
Brand Name:  Natural Grocers
Product Description:  Organic Amaranth Grain

Recall Expanded for Cookies with Potential Presence of Plastic Pieces

Enjoy Life Natural Brands LLC expanded its June 30th voluntary recall, to add one product and add additional Best By dates for four products to the list of recalled products. This recall is due to the potential presence of hard plastic pieces in the products.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/enjoy-life-natural-brands-llc-expands-voluntary-recall-select-bakery-products-due-potential-presence
Enjoy Life Natural Brands, LLC Expands Voluntary Recall of Select Bakery Products Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 20, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 22, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Snack Food Item  
Reason for Announcement:  Potential presence of plastic pieces
Company Name:  Enjoy Life Natural Brands, LLC
Brand Name:  Enjoy Life & Trader Joe’s
Product Description:  Soft Baked Cookies

CA Company Recalls Salad with Egg-like Product After An Inhouse Product Tests Positive for Listeria

Eat Just, Inc. (“Eat Just”), located in Alameda, CA, is voluntarily recalling select lots of JUST Egg Chopped Spring Greens products from a limited number of retail stores located in five states, due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes.  The recalled lots tested negative for Listeria monocytogenes before leaving the manufacturing facility. However, another lot that shares ingredients with the recalled lots has tested positive. The lot that tested positive has not been released to the public. Out of an abundance of caution, Eat Just is voluntarily recalling the three lots identified below.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/eat-just-inc-recalls-just-egg-chopped-spring-greens-because-possible-health-risk
Eat Just, Inc. Recalls Just Egg Chopped Spring Greens Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 20, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 21, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Eat Just, Inc.
Brand Name:  Spring Green Flavor
Product Description:  Chopped Egg and Vegetables

Toxic Metals in Baby Food - What is Achievable?

FDA rolled out its Total Diet Study Report and the news stories are full of fear-generating titles, such as this one, FDA finds toxic arsenic, cadmium, lead in many baby foods. They quote a clinical nurse ""There's not supposed to be lead or arsenic or cadmium in any foods. So the fact they make it seem like a victory is very troubling,"

FDA is working to determine what levels are achievable. But is zero achievable?  Can an action level be set that provides a sufficient level of safety?

The action level for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereals that FDA considers achievable with the use of such practices is 100 microgram per kilogram (µg/kg), or 100 parts per billion (ppb)

The action level for lead in apple juice for infants is 10ppb, other juices 20ppb.

These passages from the report:

"The TDS has collected and analyzed baby foods since 1975. In the modernized TDS, baby foods are considered national foods (i.e., not expected to vary by region) and therefore are collected once per year as part of the national collection. In FY2019 FDA collected additional samples of baby foods to obtain information about baby foods with unique ingredients and baby foods with higher consumption (per NHANES/WWEIA). The FY2019 additional baby food sampling was conducted in tandem with select regional collections, and therefore also provided an opportunity to compare certain baby foods collected regionally and nationally. In general, the region and season did not have an impact on the analytical results for elements in baby foods. For a summary of analytical results for elements for each food, see the TDS website (FDA, 2022c), where the summary is available to download. The additional baby food sampling contributed to a total of 384 baby food samples in the FY2018-FY2020 reporting cycle. Of the 1536 analytical results for toxic elements, 995 (65%) were non-detects and 541 (35%) had detectable levels."

"Approximately 51% of the baby food samples analyzed had detectable levels of total arsenic. The highest levels of total arsenic were found in infant cereals and snacks like teething biscuits and puffed snacks. These results agree with historical TDS data as well as sampling performed to support the Arsenic in Rice and Rice Products Risk Assessment (FDA, 2016). Six baby foods containing rice and/or juice exceeded a specified level of total arsenic and were therefore further analyzed to determine the levels of inorganic arsenic. These results are provided in Table 4 below (further information on the total arsenic levels that result in speciation can be found in Appendix B, Table 10 and additional details on arsenic speciation results can be found on the TDS website [FDA, 2022c], where the summary of analytical findings for each food is available to download)."

"Cadmium was not detected in 35% of the 384 baby food samples. The highest level (49 ppb) of cadmium was in a sample of baby food containing spinach as an ingredient. The baby food products containing spinach had levels of cadmium which align with the TDS results for cadmium in raw spinach. The second highest result for cadmium was 41 ppb in baby food carrots. However, the mean concentration of cadmium was 20 ppb across the 14 baby food carrot samples." 

"Lead and mercury were not detected in 79% and 97%, respectively of the 384 baby food samples. The highest baby food lead result (38 ppb) was found in a sample of baby food sweet potatoes. There were only 13 samples with detectable results for mercury and all 13 were less than 3 ppb."

https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2022/07/18/Food-and-Drug-Administration-FDA-foods-nutrients-toxins-total-dietary-study-report/2291658150535/
HEALTH NEWS
JULY 18, 2022 / 3:23 PM / UPDATED JULY 18, 2022 AT 5:18 PM
FDA finds toxic arsenic, cadmium, lead in many baby foods
By Judy Packer-Tursman

Supermarket Chain Recalls Seafood Meals After Discovering Print-and-Apply Labels Forgot to List the Seafood Ingredient

Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) has voluntarily recalled three ReadyMeals seafood items prepared in store due to allergens not listed on the ingredient labels. The recall was initiated after an internal technical review identified missing ingredients containing allergens.  The missing items in all cases was the fish, as well as sauce in one of them.

Albertsons Companies Voluntarily Recalls Select ReadyMeals Seafood Products Due to Undeclared Allergens | FDA

Albertsons Companies Voluntarily Recalls Select ReadyMeals Seafood Products Due to Undeclared Allergens
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 19, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 19, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Seafood/Seafood Product
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared allergens (fish, crustacean, egg, wheat, soy)
Company Name:  Albertsons Companies
Brand Name:  Ready Meals
Product Description:  Seafood Items

NY Company Recalls Gluten Free Cookies for Containing Gluten Due to Ingredient

Sweet Loren’s of New York, NY is voluntarily recalling a single lot code of Sweet Loren’s Sugar Cookie Dough 12oz, because it may contain traces of gluten in product labeled as gluten free.   This issue was identified through testing of the product in-house. The oat flour used was determined to have traces of gluten despite having documentation (COA) declaring it to be gluten free.

Can you rely just on a COA (certificate of analysis)?  Too often, receiving an acceptable COA is the extent of a company's supplier control program.  Clearly, this ingredient needs to be addressed with a Supplier Preventive Control.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sweet-lorens-inc-issues-voluntary-allergy-alert-undeclared-gluten-product
Sweet Loren’s, Inc Issues Voluntary Allergy Alert On Undeclared Gluten in Product
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 16, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 18, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Bakery Product/Mix  
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared gluten
Company Name:  Sweet Loren’s
Brand Name:  Sweet Loren’s
Product Description:  Sugar cookie dough

Another Family Dollar Warehouse Issue Results in Recall of OTC Drugs

Family Dollar is recalling certain over-the-counter drugs that require temperature controlled storage because it was found the were held at inappropriate temperatures.  Stated in the recall notice, the company is recalling "certain products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that were stored and inadvertently shipped to certain stores on or around May 1, 2022 through June 10, 2022 due to product being stored outside of labeled temperature requirements."

In February of this year, the company had to recall all products stored in their Arkansas warehouse that was found to be rat infested.  


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/voluntary-recall-certain-over-counter-products
Voluntary Recall of Certain Over-the-Counter Products
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 21, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 21, 2022
Product Type:  Drugs
Reason for Announcement:  Products stored outside of temperature requirements
Company Name:  Family Dollar
Brand Name:  Multiple brands
Product Description:  Multiple OTC Medical Products

TX Copacker Recalls Soup Mix After Detecting Undeclared Milk Allergen in Finished Product

MSI Express Inc., a Grand Prairie, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 16,498 pounds of chicken and rice soup mix products, due to misbranding and undeclared allergen.  The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that it performed allergen testing validation on finished soup. It was determined that the finished soup tested positive for dairy, an allergen that was not declared on the product label, due to the establishment receiving the incorrect ingredient component.

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/recalls-alerts/msi-express-inc--recalls-unilever-food-solutions-u-s--knorr-curry-chicken-and-rice
MSI Express Inc. Recalls Unilever Food Solutions U.S. Knorr Curry Chicken and Rice Soup Mix Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

Product Shelf-life Dating - A National Standard to Reduce Food Waste?

An article on CNN decries how food companies put shelf-life dates on their product.  The article states, "There's no national standard for how those dates should be determined, or how they must be described. Instead, there's a patchwork system — a hodgepodge of state laws, best practices and general guidelines."  Should there be a national standard?  Can there be a national standard?

The answer on both accounts is no.  For one, food companies determine their own shelf-life, and it behooves them to put it out as long as possible, but that end point is one often based on quality.  And for me as a consumer, when I buy something, or more importantly eat something, I want it to be good quality.  I realize that it is on me then, to use that food within the stated date.  I paid good money for it and how wise is it to let that food get past that date so I am eating something less than good.

Secondly, food shelf-life can vary greatly depending on ingredients used, type of packaging, how it was processed, etc.   Foods that are minimally process, or contain little to no preservatives will have a shorter shelf-life than more processed foods.  Companies must determine what date they can achieve on individual product types, which takes into account the ingredients, processing, packaging, and storage.  This is not something that can be dictated in a cookie cutter approach.

We seldom see articles that reinforce good consumership....buying what you need, using it in a timely fashion, preparing and serving an amount that will be used, utilizing left-overs, etc.  I want to use food at its best quality, not having to choke something down that is on the verge of spoilage.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/17/business/sell-by-dates-food-safety/index.html
The truth, and strategy, of food expiration dates
By Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN Business

Updated 4:38 AM ET, Sun July 17, 2022

New York (CNN Business)When you walk into a supermarket and pick up an item — anything from milk to cereal to a can of beans — you'll likely see a little date on the package preceded by "enjoy by," "sell by," or a similar phrase.

You might think that date is the absolute last day that food is safe to eat. You'd be wrong. But you wouldn't be alone in coming to that mistaken conclusion, because the system behind food label dates is an absolute mess.

Report Survival of COVID Virus Surrogates in Frozen Meat....Is This Concerning...Not Really

A recent study published in Enviromental Microbiology evaluated the ability of SARS-CoV-2 viral surrogates (viruses shown to behave the same way as COVID viruses) to survive in frozen meat. The research concluded, "Viral surrogates differed in survival, depending on food product and temperature, but overall, viruses survived for extended periods of time at high concentrations at both refrigerated and frozen temperatures."

But hold the mass media presses. There is no reason for everyone to wig out. In this study, the viral particles were injected into the raw meat. Guess what, the meat will be cooked. An internally placed enveloped virus will be more likely survive, but externally, on the outside of the package, survival is not likely. and this is how a consumer would be more likely to encounter a viable virus.

Second consideration, the viral particle is unlikely to become airborne when it is inside the meat. Not unless someone is cool vaporizing raw meat juices.

So their statement "The ability of SARS-CoV-2 viral surrogates like Phi 6 and animal coronaviruses to survive for varying extents on some meat and fish products when stored refrigerated or frozen is a significant and concerning finding." This is a media grabbing statement that needs to be drastically qualified.

https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aem.00504-22
Applied and Environmental Microbiology 7 June 2022
Persistence of Coronavirus Surrogates on Meat and Fish Products during Long-Term Storage
Authors: Emily S. Bailey https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1292-0771 ebailey@campbell.edu, Marina Curcic, Mark D. Sobsey

Florida Company Recalls Frozen Pepperoni Pizza Products Because Company Was Not USDA Inspected

Ready Dough Pizza Inc., a Hialeah, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 10,584 pounds of pepperoni pizza products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS surveillance activities when it was determined that the pepperoni pizza products did not have the USDA mark of inspection and were produced in an establishment that was not inspected by USDA. The agency also found that some products had the wrong ingredient label or no ingredient labels at all.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/ready-dough-pizza-inc--recalls-pepperoni-pizza-products-produced-without-benefit
Ready Dough Pizza Inc. Recalls Pepperoni Pizza Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection and also Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

USDA Issues Health Alert for Salad Items Produced with the Wrong Dressing Packet Resulting in Undeclared Allergen

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that the salad dressing component of ready-to-eat (RTE) Caesar salad with chicken may contain egg, a known allergen.  The problem was discovered when the producing establishment notified FSIS that they were informed by a store that the salad dressing packets in the Caesar salad product appeared incorrect. The dressing packets with the salad contain Sweet and Spicy Vinaigrette and not the Creamy Caesar Dressing. These dressing packets are unlabeled and contain egg, which is not declared on the finished product packaging.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ready-eat-caesar-salad-chicken-due-misbranding-and
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-to-Eat Caesar Salad with Chicken Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that the salad dressing component of ready-to-eat (RTE) Caesar salad with chicken may contain egg, a known allergen, which is not declared on the finished product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with an allergy to eggs are aware that these products should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.

Another Company Recalls Canned Smoked Clams from China Due to FDA Testing Results for PFAS

CROWN PRINCE, INC. is recalling 3 oz. canned Crown Prince Natural Smoked Baby Clams in Olive Oil because FDA testing found detectable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).  Crown Prince decided to issue the recall out of an abundance of caution after learning of the test results from FDA.  The recalled product was distributed nationwide to natural food stores, grocery stores and online retailers. Crown Prince Natural Smoked Baby Clams in Olive Oil Product of China 3 oz can Can UPC – 0 73230 00853 5

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/crown-prince-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-smoked-baby-clams-olive-oil-due-presence-detectable-levels
Crown Prince, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Smoked Baby Clams in Olive Oil Due to the Presence of Detectable Levels of PFAS Chemicals
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 15, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 15, 2022
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Detectable levels of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Company Name:  Crown Prince
Brand Name:  Crown Prince
Product Description:  Smoked Baby Clams in Olive Oil

Freeze Dried Blueberries Recalled For High Lead Content Linked to Source In Lithuania

BrandStorm Inc. announced it is voluntarily recalling 2 lots of Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberry (lot # 2021363-1 & 2022026-1) pouches because of the presence or potential presence of lead above the FDA's recommended limits; per the serving size specified on the nutritional facts panel.  Natierra Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberries 1.2oz were distributed in the United States through retail and online stores services. The issue is isolated of two batches of Natierra Freeze-Dried Blueberries.

The concern was identified upon testing conducted by a lab in Maryland. An investigation was conducted by the packing site. The original heavy metal reports received for the crop year showed no presence of lead and-or cause for batch testing. After further investigation it was found that the products county of Origin is Lithuania and aggressive monitoring of heavy metals may be deemed necessary. As an immediate action the packing site is actively working to enhance food safety system by implementing mandatory batch testing for heavy metal.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/urgent-nationwide-voluntary-recall-natierra-organic-freeze-dried-blueberry-lot-2021363-1-2022026-1
URGENT: Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Natierra Organic Freeze- Dried Blueberry (lot # 2021363-1 & 2022026-1) Due to levels of Lead
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 14, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 14, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Freeze Dried Blueberry
Company Name:  BrandStorm Inc.
Brand Name:  Natierra
Product Description:  Freeze Dried Blueberry

Florida Ice Cream Facility Recalls Ice Cream Linked to Listeria Outbreak

Big Olaf Creamery of Sarasota, Florida is recalling all flavors and all lots of Big Olaf brand ice cream products because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This comes as FDA and CDC identified the ice cream as being linked to an outbreak with 23 people infected  from 10 states. 

From one website that shared FL Dept of Health results of testing, 16 of the 17 product samples tested by the State were positive for Listeria.  This would indicate a serious post-process contamination source...perhaps a valve or gasket? 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/big-olaf-creamery-recalls-ice-cream-because-possible-health-risk
Big Olaf Creamery Recalls Ice Cream Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 13, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 13, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Big Olaf Creamery, LLC
Brand Name:  Big Olaf
Product Description:  Ice cream

KS Dairy Recalls Chocolate Ice Cream Due to Undeclared Peanuts

Belfonte Dairy is announcing a recall of the 1.5 quarts (1.41 L)“Chocolate to Die For” Premium Ice Cream produced at its Kansas City ice cream manufacturing facility. The product may contain undeclared peanuts.  Belfonte initiated the recall after receiving a consumer complaint, where it was discovered that the Chocolate to Die For cartons of ice cream were distributed in packages that did not declare the presence of peanuts.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/belfonte-dairy-announces-recall-belfonte-premium-ice-cream-chocolate-die-15-quart-package
Belfonte Dairy Announces Recall of Belfonte Premium Ice Cream “Chocolate to Die For” 1.5 Quart Package
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 13, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 13, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Ice Cream/Frozen Dairy
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared peanuts 
Company Name:  Belfonte Dairy
Brand Name:  Belfonte
Product Description:  Chocolate to Die For Premium Ice Cream

Cookies Recalled Due to Potential Plastic Pieces in Product

Enjoy Life Natural Brands LLC announced today a voluntary recall, out of an abundance of caution, of a limited quantity of a select list of baked snacks products due to the potential presence of hard plastic pieces. The company became aware of this issue as a result of internal quality assurance surveillance.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/enjoy-life-natural-brands-llc-conducts-nationwide-voluntary-recall-select-bakery-products-due
Enjoy Life Natural Brands, LLC Conducts Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Select Bakery Products Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 30, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 12, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Product may contain hard plastic pieces
Company Name:  Enjoy Life Natural Brands, LLC
Brand Name:  Enjoy Life
Product Description:  Baked snacks

Chicken-based Dog Treats Recalls After State Laboratory Finds Salmonella

Stormberg Foods is recalling various sizes and batches of our Beg & Barker Chicken Breast Strips Dog Treat, Billo’s Best Friend Chicken Breast Strips Dog Treat, and Green Coast Pets Chicken Crisps Dog Treat products due to a potential contamination of Salmonella. On July 6, 2022, the firm was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA & CS) that a sample they collected tested positive for Salmonella spp.

Stormberg Foods LLC Recalls Chicken Strips and Chicken Crisps Products for Dogs Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination | FDA
Stormberg Foods LLC Recalls Chicken Strips and Chicken Crisps Products for Dogs Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 12, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 12, 2022
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name: Stormberg Foods
Brand Name:  Beg & Barker, Billo’s Best Friend, and Green Coast Pets
Product Description:  Chicken dog treats

Chicago Company Recalls Gochujang-Glazed Pork Chop Bowls Sold Online Due to Undeclared Peanut

Tovala of Chicago, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling Gochujang-Glazed Pork Chop Bowl and Gochujang-Glazed Salmon Bowl prepared meals, because they may contain undeclared peanuts.  The Gochujang-Glazed Pork Chop Bowl and Gochujang-Glazed Salmon Bowl meals were distributed through Tovala’s weekly direct-to-consumer meal delivery service to customers across the continental United States who selected the meals for delivery the week of July 4, 2022. Tovala directly notified customers by email and push notifications who were shipped the affected meals, as well as disabled the QR codes used for cooking the meals.  This recall was initiated after Tovala discovered that an ingredient sourced from a third-party supplier contained an undeclared peanut allergen. The ingredient was used in the Gochujang Glaze, which was included in the recalled meals. To date, the company has received one report of an adverse reaction.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tovala-issues-voluntary-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanuts-prepared-meals
Tovala Issues a Voluntary Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in Prepared Meals
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 12, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 12, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared peanuts
Company Name:  Tovala
Brand Name:  Tovala
Product Description:  Gochujang-Glazed Salmon and Pork Bowls

Slow Laboratory Confirmation Forces Company to Recall Product on Presumptive Results

Hy-Vee, Inc. is voluntarily withdrawing all varieties and all sizes of its Hy-Vee Potato Salad and Mealtime Potato Salad due to a presumptive positive microbial result on the line that the potatoes were processed on. While final test results are not expected for approximately 7-10 days, due to the holiday weekend Hy-Vee elected to withdraw all product today from its shelves and service cases pending final test results.

Would love to get a better understanding of the delay here.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hy-vee-voluntarily-withdraws-all-potato-salad-varieties-due-presumptive-positive-microbial-test

Hy-Vee Voluntarily Withdraws All Potato Salad Varieties Due to Presumptive Positive Microbial Test Result
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 01, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 08, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Presumptive positive microbial test
Company Name:  Hy-Vee, Inc.
Brand Name:  Hy-Vee, Inc. and Mealtime
Product Description:  Potato Salad

FDA Outbreak Investigation of Listeria Linked to Small Ice Cream Processor

FDA, CDC and local agencies are investigating a Listeria outbreak linked to ice cream sold by Big Olaf Creamery, a Sarasota, Florida ice cream processor. .   To this point, there have been a total of 23 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes reported from 10 states with 1 death and one fetal death.

There are many small ice cream processors throughout the country.  This should serve warning that the operations need to review their Food Safety Plan with an eye on Listeria control.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-ice-cream-july-2022
Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Ice Cream (July 2022)
Do not eat, sell, or serve ice cream products from Big Olaf Creamery of Sarasota, FL. FDA’s outbreak investigation is ongoing.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 23
Hospitalizations: 22
Deaths: 1
Fetal Loss: 1
Last illness onset: 6/12/2022
States with Cases: CO (1), FL (12), GA (1), IL (1), KS (1), MA (2), MN (1), NJ (1), NY (2), PA (1)
Product Distribution*: FL
*Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states

FDA Survey of PFAS Chemicals in Seafood - Is There a Bigger Concern?

FDA conducted a limited survey of seafood for PFAS.  FDA tested 81 samples of clams, cod, crab, pollock, salmon, shrimp, tuna, and tilapia (most of which were imported to the United States).   The goal was to determine if a wider survey is needed.

The FDA determined that samples of canned clams, which were from China, had sufficent level so that "the estimated exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a type of PFAS,[would be] a likely a health concern. For these canned clam samples with the two highest levels of PFOA, there would be a potential health concern for consumers who eat more than approximately 10 ounces (oz) of these clams per month, except for young children, who should limit consumption to 2 oz per month."  This product was recalled.

"The FDA initiated this seafood survey based on our prior testing of foods from the general food supply obtained from the FDA’s Total Diet Study (TDS), which found relatively low levels of PFAS in a few seafood samples. The percentage of seafood samples with detectable PFAS, the types of PFAS detected, and the levels detected in multiple samples are higher in this survey than we have found in the overall TDS samples. This is not unexpected, as seafood may be at increased risk for PFAS contamination from the environment. Therefore, we tested more samples of specific types of seafood, and in this survey our researchers tested for certain types of PFAS that have been identified in the literature as being more prevalent in seafood. Additionally, other studies in the scientific literature on clams from China and Europe have reported a range of levels of PFOA, including elevated levels."


https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-shares-results-pfas-testing-seafood
FDA Shares Results on PFAS Testing in Seafood

Constituent Update
July 6, 2022

Cans of Smoked Clams Recalled After FDA Testing Finds Detectable Levels of PFAS Chemicals

Bumble Bee Foods, LLC has issued a voluntary recall on a specific SKU of smoked clams after FDA testing found detectable levels of PFAS chemicals in samplings of the product. The recall only applies to a 3.75 can of Bumble Bee Smoked Clams with the UPC Label 8660075234 which came from a third-party manufacturer in China.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of human-made chemicals used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. PFAS do not easily breakdown and some types have been shown to accumulate in the environment and in our bodies. Available studies suggest associations between PFAS exposure and several health outcomes including but not limited to increased cholesterol levels, increases in high-blood pressure and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, developmental effects, decreases in immune response, change in liver function, and increases in certain types of cancer.

 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bumble-bee-foods-llc-issues-voluntary-recall-375-oz-smoked-clams-due-presence-detectable-levels-pfas

Bumble Bee Foods, LLC Issues Voluntary Recall on 3.75 Oz Smoked Clams Due to the Presence of Detectable Levels of PFAS Chemicals
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 06, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 06, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Shellfish  
Reason for Announcement: Contains Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Company Name:  Bumble Bee Foods, LLC
Brand Name:  Bumble Bee Foods, LLC
Product Description:  Smoked Clams

Raw Frozen Beef Patties for Dogs Recalled After FDA Testing Finds Listeria

Primal Pet Foods is voluntarily recalling a single lot (#W10068709) of Raw Frozen Primal Patties for Dogs Beef Formula (6-pound), with best by date of 05/22/23, due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  This voluntary recall is a result of routine sampling by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which revealed a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes in one sample from one lot of Raw Frozen Primal Patties for Dogs Beef Formula.

The company states: " The company uses a “test and hold” protocol to ensure that all products test negative for harmful bacteria before being released for sale. Primal Pet Foods confirmed that all testing results on this single lot of recalled product were negative for Listeria monocytogenes – both raw materials and finished product – before it left its production facility."

Primal Pet Foods Voluntary Recalls a Single Lot of Raw Frozen Patties Beef Formula Due to Potential Contamination with Listeria Monocytogenes | FDA
Primal Pet Foods Voluntary Recalls a Single Lot of Raw Frozen Patties Beef Formula Due to Potential Contamination with Listeria Monocytogenes
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 06, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 06, 2022
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Primal Pet Foods Inc.
Brand Name:  Primal Pet Foods Inc.
Product Description:  Raw Frozen Primal Patties for Dogs Beef Formula

Packages of Shortbread Cookies Recalled After Customer Discovers Chocolate Chip Cookies Inside

J&M Foods of Little Rock, Arkansas,  is initiating a voluntary recall because a select number of the Lavender Shortbread Cookies were erroneously packed with Chocolate Chip Cookies. As a result, the packaging does not list the presence of a possible allergen (soy or eggs).  The company  was made aware of this issue via a consumer contact. To date, there have been no illnesses reported.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/jm-foods-issues-voluntary-recall-select-lot-number-lavender-shortbread-cookies-due-packages-contain
J&M Foods Issues a Voluntary Recall on a Select Lot Number of Lavender Shortbread Cookies Due to the Packages Contain Chocolate Chip Cookies That Do Not Disclose the Correct Allergens
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 30, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 05, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Bakery Product/Mix  
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Undeclared Soy or Eggs
Company Name:  J&M Foods
Brand Name:  Favorite Day
Product Description:  Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Vegan Protein Powder Recalled for Undeclared Milk After Wrong Flavor Ingredient Used

Natreve is voluntarily recalling specific batches of its Vegan Protein Powder French Vanilla Wafer Sundae flavor, because it contains trace amounts of undeclared milk due to an external manufacturing production error.  The issue was identified as a result of one illness having been reported to date. An investigation was conducted by the contract manufacturer indicating the problem was caused by a production process error for these two impacted lots. A whey-derived flavoring ingredient was inadvertently used in the blend for Natreve Vegan Protein Powder French Vanilla Wafer Sundae flavor, leading to trace amounts of whey being found in the above batches. Whey is derived from milk and may trigger an allergy, posing a potential risk to people with milk allergies.

No Canadian products nor other products or lots within the U.S. Natreve product offering are impacted by this voluntary recall.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natreve-issues-voluntary-recall-limited-us-batches-natreve-vegan-protein-powder-french-vanilla-wafer
Natreve Issues Voluntary Recall on Limited U.S. Batches of Natreve Vegan Protein Powder French Vanilla Wafer Sundae Flavor Due to Undeclared Milk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 03, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 03, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Natreve
Brand Name:  Natreve
Product Description:  Vegan Protein Powder French Vanilla Wafer Sundae flavor

Public Perception of Gene Edited Foods

A recent study, Who Trusts in Gene-Edited Foods? (Front. Food. Sci. Technol., 01 June 2022) looks to see if people would buy or avoid.   In the end, it comes down to what a person's disposition is regarding the science, more than the benefits. The study demonstrates "that individuals’ willingness to eat, and purposeful avoidance of GEFs are primarily driven by their existing social values about food, science and technology, institutional trust, and awareness of GE foods."

Gene-edited foods - Gene editing makes targeted changes to the genome of a plant or animal to produce some desired trait. Gene editing is done using techniques like CRISPR and TALENs   that can copy, delete, or rearrange specific genes to improve the plant or animal such as to increase food nutrition, food shelf life, and resistance to disease and drought.  (Awareness and Understanding of Gene Edited Foods | SOC 3095 Iowa State)

G in nature.2

GEFs are distinct from the more familiar genetically modification organism (GMO) foods. GMOs involve the transfer of genes from one species into another species to create an organism not found in nature while GEFs make genetic changes within the same species, creating a new variety immediately

"At present, there is only one commercialized GEF, a soybean used to create an oil that has less saturated fat. Other GEFs in the development stage include high fiber wheat, high yield tomatoes, non-browning mushrooms and potatoes, drought tolerant wheat and corn, and disease resistant tomatoes, grapes, rice, and soybeans."

Front. Food. Sci. Technol., 01 June 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/frfst.2022.858277
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frfst.2022.858277/full
Who Trusts in Gene-Edited Foods? Analysis of a Representative Survey Study Predicting Willingness to Eat- and Purposeful Avoidance of Gene Edited Foods in the United States.

FDA Issues Companies Warning Letters to Importers for Not Having FSVP for Imported Foods

FDA issued Warning Letters to the following Importers for not having FSVP for imported foods.

SDJJ Distributors of National City, CA did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP for any of the food imported products including: Tamarind-Mango Flavored Soft Candy, Caramelo Mix and Jilote.
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/sdjj-distributors-626282-06062022

Winfull Corporation of Houston, TX id not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP for any of the company's imported foods including: AA Grade Grass Jelly Drink Beverage Base, Passion Fruit with Pulp Syrup from (b)(4), and Kidney Beans.
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/winfull-corporation-629870-06092022

Fresh Imports International LLC, of Hidalgo, TX did not develop an FSVP for any of the company's imported foods including Fresh avocados, Fresh pineapples, and Fresh avocados
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/fresh-imports-international-llc-627330-05042022

Daxa Foods, Inc. dba India Grocers of Edison, NJ you did not develop an FSVP for any of the imported foods including Puffed Rice, Rice flour and Shredded Coconut.
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/daxa-foods-inc-dba-india-grocers-631619-05312022

Parmesan Salami Sticks Recalled for Undeclared Egg, a Minor Ingredient in the Cheese

Creminelli Fine Meats, a Salt Lake City, Utah establishment, is recalling approximately 4,207 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) parmesan salami sticks due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen.  The RTE salami stick with parmesan items were packaged on various dates from October 26, 2021 through April 26, 2022.  The problem was discovered by inspection personnel during a routine label verification review. Egg white lysozyme, a component of the parmesan cheese ingredient, is not declared on the final product label.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/creminelli-fine-meats-recalls-mini-parmesan-salami-stick-products-due-misbranding
Creminelli Fine Meats Recalls Mini Parmesan Salami Stick Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen
CREMINELLI FINE MEATS

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2022 – Creminelli Fine Meats, a Salt Lake City, Utah establishment, is recalling approximately 4,207 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) parmesan salami sticks due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains egg lysozyme, an egg white protein and known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

Vidalia Onions Recalled After Positive Listeria Environmental Sample on Pack Line

A&M Farms of Lyons, Georgia, is voluntarily recalling select whole Vidalia onions packed on one pack line between June 20 - June 23, 2022, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The recalled Vidalia Onions are sold in bulk in the produce section of retail stores. The recalled Little Bear onions were available for sale to consumers on June 23 and 24 at Wegmans stores in the Rochester-area, Massachusetts, and at the Erie West and Erie Peach Street Wegmans stores in Pennsylvania. The onions were also available for sale June 22 – 24, 2022 at Publix stores in the state of Florida and in Publix stores in Georgia.

The recall comes after internal company testing detected Listeria on a single pack line. Although the company cleans and sanitizes its pack lines regularly, it is recalling onions packed on the implicated packing line before and after June 21 out of an abundance of caution. No other products grown, packed, or sold by A&M Farms are affected by this recall.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/am-farms-initiates-recall-specific-little-bear-brand-whole-vidalia-onions-sold-pound-retail-because
A&M Farms Initiates a Recall Of Specific Little Bear Brand Whole Vidalia Onions Sold By The Pound at Retail Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 30, 2022
FDA Publish Date: June 30, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  A&M Farms
Brand Name:  Little Bear
Product Description:  Whole Vidalia onions