CDC Provides Update on Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meat

CDC provided an update of the Listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meat.  Since the last update on August 8, 14 more illnesses and six more deaths have been reported. As of August 27, a total of 57 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 18 states. S Of 57 people with information available, all 57 have been hospitalized.   There have been 9 deaths.

CDC Food safety alert
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeats-7-24.html
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Meats Sliced at Delis
August 28, 2024

Investigation start date: July 19, 2024
Investigation status: Open
Recall issued: Yes

Latest update: More illnesses and deaths have been reported in this outbreak. Listeria is a hardy germ that can remain on surfaces, like meat slicers, and foods, even at refrigerated temperatures. It can also take up to 10 weeks for some people to have symptoms of listeriosis. Do not eat recalled deli meats. Some of the products have sell by dates into October 2024.

Fast Facts
Cases: 57 (14 new)
Hospitalizations: 57 (14 new)
Deaths: 9 (6 new)
States: 18 (5 new)

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Small Sprout Operation

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a small sprout farm operation located in Pennsylvania.  The facility operates as a qualified facility under modified requirements.  However, FDA does tell the facility that the application of modified requirements can be removed by the FDA is warranted, then it would be subject to all relevant requirements in the Produce Safety Rule

Issues noted in the Warning Letter:

• FDA investigators observed gray sludge falling from the railing where the automatic sprinkler system is mounted and accumulating in sprouts growing below. The company told our investigator that this gray sludge was food-grade oil. However, the company was not able to provide FDA investigators the container or labeling of the apparent oil. Further, the substance appeared dirty.  Further, during the inspection closeout meeting, the company stated that the sprouts that may have become contaminated would be discarded, however, the company had introduced into commerce the sprouts observed on that date. In addition, the company did not address how to prevent the contamination of in-process sprouts in the future.
• FDA observed apparent rodent excreta pellets underneath a table in the packaging room, where packaging material used for ready to eat (RTE) mung bean sprouts was being stored.  This finding demonstrates that rodents have access to food contact surfaces and may have directly or indirectly contaminated the sprouts with feces. The third-party pest control company documented rodent activity on November 28, 2023, December 26, 2023, and January 23, 2024, and recommended actions to prevent recurrence, however, the company did not implement any of these recommended actions.
• Facility issues included a) The ceiling in the sprout processing area has peeling and chipped paint, and apparent cobwebs and insect frass directly above the open sprout harvesting machine. b) The floor directly under the sprout harvesting machine in the sprout processing area was wet, pitted, and cracked. This may cause the floor to be a harborage site for pathogens.
• On January 31, 2024, and February 1, 2024, FDA investigators observed a pressurized hose used to rinse food contact surface equipment and in-process sprouts frayed and stored on the floor in the sprout production room. This may have resulted in the contamination of your sprouts with any substances, including any pathogens, from the floor.  Furthermore, the hose described above was used without being cleaned or sanitized. An employee with gloved hands touched the circuit breaker, cleaned a seed bed, handled the hose, and then returned to handling sprouts without either changing their gloves or removing the gloves and handling the sprouts with clean hands. This may have resulted in the gloves contaminating the sprouts with any substances contacting the gloves prior to hose handling.
• During the inspection, we observed that an exit door is in poor repair and unable to fully close to exclude pests from entering the facility. Additionally, there were harborage conditions around the perimeter of the facility that potentially attract pests, including sprouts around the external cement block of the unplugged trash receptacle and empty plastic containers behind the building.

WARNING LETTER
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/pl-bean-sprout-farm-680777-07312024

P&L Bean Sprout Farm
MARCS-CMS 680777 — July 31, 2024

NY Firm Recalls Dough Based Products for Undeclared Wheat

M&P Food Production Ltd. of Brooklyn, NY is recalling multiple flavors of blintzes, pirozhki, and vareniki, because it may contain undeclared wheat, milk, and/or sesame.  The recall was initiated during an FDA inspection where it was discovered that the products containing wheat, milk, and/or sesame were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the specific allergens.

The company obviously did not know allergen labeling regulations.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mp-food-production-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-and-milk-vareniki-pirozhki-and-blintzes
M&P Food Production Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat and Milk in Vareniki, Pirozhki, and Blintzes
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 29, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 29, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared wheat and milk
Company Name:  M&P Food Productio. Ltd.
Brand Name:  M&P Food Productio. Ltd.
Product Description:  Blintzes, pirozhki, and vareniki

NJ Firm Recalls Raisins for Undeclared Sulfites

Sunco & Frenchie LLC of Pine Brook, New Jersey is recalling its 10oz Terrafina Golden Raisins because they may contain undeclared sulfites.  The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory revealed that the sulfite containing product was distributed in packages that did not reveal the presence of sulfites.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunco-frenchie-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-sulfites-golden-raisins
Sunco & Frenchie Issues an Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in Golden Raisins
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 26, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 26, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Allergen-Undeclared Sulfites
Company Name:  Sunco & Frenchie LLC
Brand Name:  terrafina
Product Description:  Golden Raisins

Imported Murukku Product Recalled for Improperly Identified Allergens

Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Overseas LLC of Edison, New Jersey is recalling the following products because Bliss Tree Butter Snacks may contain undeclared milk and/or sesame seeds. The presence of undeclared milk and/or sesame were discovered during the FDA review of the product labels.

The primary issue was the non-identification of milk in the form of butter.

According to Wikipedia,  "Muṟukku is a savoury, crunchy snack originating from the Indian subcontinent. The name muṟukku "twisting" refers to its shape. In India, murukku is especially common in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. It is called murkulu or janthukulu in Andhra Pradesh."


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sri-lakshmi-narasimhar-overseas-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-and-sesame-seeds-bliss-tree
Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Overseas LLC Issues an Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk and Sesame Seeds in Bliss Tree Butter Snacks
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 23, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 23, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Allergen-Undeclared milk, sesame
Company Name:  Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Overseas LLC
Brand Name:  Bliss Tree
Product Description:  Butter Snacks

Canadian Firm Recalls Fudge Product After Packages Found to Have Mold Growth

Authentik Fudge of Sainte-Julie, Quebec, Canada, is recalling 840 units of Chocolate Fudge with Nuts branded MONTREAL FUDGE, due to potential mold growth contamination.  The company initiated this recall after a consumer complained about some mold pieces inside the purchased box and also found also some remaining unpacked sealed products at the manufactured place that had beginning signs of mold.

Fudge generally has a low water activity level.  If higher, than preservatives can be added.  So if a product does mold where it normally does not, then it may have been mis-formulated.  Another possibility is that the product could have been exposed to excessive moisture from the environment where that moisture condensed on the product surface. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/authentik-fudge-recalls-fudge-nuts-because-potential-mold-growth
Authentik Fudge Recalls Fudge with Nuts Because of Potential Mold Growth
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 21, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 22, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential mold growth contamination
Company Name:  Authentik Fudge
Brand Name: Montreal Fudge
Product Description:  Chocolate Fudge with Nuts

NJ Firm Recalls Cinnamon Due to Elevated Lead Levels in Product

Gutierrez Distributor of Passaic, NJ is recalling El Servidor Corp and Gutierrez brand ground cinnamon because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.  This recall, issued on August 23 expands recall issued on August 19, 2024.  The recall was the result of a sample analysis conducted by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSAGM) that revealed the product contained elevated levels of lead. The Company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continues their investigation as to what caused the problem.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gutierrez-distributor-expands-recall-ground-cinnamon-because-possible-health-risk
Gutierrez Distributor Expands Recall of Ground Cinnamon Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 23, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 23, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Spices, Flavors & Salts
Reason for Announcement:  Elevated lead
Company Name:  Gutierrez Distributors, LLC
Brand Name:  El Servidor Corp
Product Description:  Ground cinnamon

Popsicles Recalled for Undeclared Milk After Two Reports of Allergic Reaction

Unilever in the United States is recalling approximately 137,000 cases of Popsicle Jolly Rancher Frozen Confection Pop products (single serve offerings) because the products may contain milk, which is not listed as an ingredient on the label.

This recall has been initiated as a result of findings which indicate there may be a presence of milk allergens in the product which is not disclosed on the packaging. There have been two reported allergic reactions in connection with the use of this product

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/unilever-us-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-popsicle-jolly-rancher-singleserve-frozen
Unilever U.S. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Popsicle Jolly Rancher SingleServe Frozen Confection Pops
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 21, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 21, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Unilever US
Brand Name:  Popsicle
Product Description:  Jolly Rancher Green Apple, Blue Raspberry, Grape Frozen Confection Pop

Nut Processor Recalls Walnut Product for Containing Other Nuts Due to Mislabeling

Flagstone Foods, LLC., manufacturer of Emerald Nuts, is issuing a voluntary recall of 6.5oz Emerald Kettle Glazed Walnut lot 2EE06284 because packages contain undeclared Peanuts, Almonds and Pecans.  This recall was initiated after consumers reported finding peanuts, almonds and pecans within packages labelled Emerald Kettle Glazed Walnuts. An investigation identified a limited number of incorrectly labelled packages were produced during the manufacturing process.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/flagstone-foods-llc-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanuts-almonds-and-pecan-emerald-kettle-glazed-walnuts
Flagstone Foods, LLC. Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts, Almonds and Pecan in Emerald Kettle Glazed Walnuts
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 16, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 20, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared peanuts, almonds, pecans
Company Name:  Flagstone Foods, LLC
Brand Name:  Emerald
Product Description:  Emerald Kettle Glazed Walnuts

Georgia Establishment Recalls RTE Chicken Nuggets After Two Complaints for Metal Contamination

Perdue Foods LLC, a Perry, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,171 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nugget and tender products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal.  The frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nugget and tender items were produced on March 23, 2024.  The problem was discovered after the firm received consumer complaints about metal wire embedded in the product and notified FSIS of the issue.  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/perdue-foods-llc-recalls-frozen-ready-eat-chicken-breast-nugget-and-tender-products
Perdue Foods LLC, Recalls Frozen, Ready-To-Eat Chicken Breast Nugget and Tender Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

Perdue Foods LLC

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2024 – Perdue Foods LLC, a Perry, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,171 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nugget and tender products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

USDA FSIS Issues Health Alert on Illeagally Imported Meat Products from Myanmar

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for various meat and poultry products that were illegally imported from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Myanmar is a country ineligible to export meat and poultry products to the United States.

The problem was discovered when FSIS was performing routine surveillance activities at a retailer and found meat and poultry products from Myanmar that are not eligible to be exported to the U.S.   FSIS is continuing to investigate how these products entered the country.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ineligible-meat-and-poultry-products-illegally-0

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ineligible Meat and Poultry Products Illegally Imported From the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for various meat and poultry products that were illegally imported from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Myanmar is a country ineligible to export meat and poultry products to the United States. FSIS is continuing to investigate how these products entered the country.

Recent Food Safety Issues with Raw Milk and Raw Milk Cheese in PA, NY, WA and ID

There have been five recent food safety warnings issued by state regulators for raw milk and raw milk cheese.

• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture issued a warning for raw milk produced by Meadow View Jerseys brand raw milk after testing confirmed that the milk was contaminated with Shigatoxin-producing E. coli bacteria
• PA Department of Ag issued a warning for raw milk cheese  distributed by BeiHollow Farm, Elizabethville, PA, after testing confirmed that the cheese was contaminated with listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
• Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, reported that 18 people have tested positive for campylobacteriosis, after 17 reported drinking raw milk produced by Paradise Grove Dairy in Jefferson County, Idaho.
• New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets issued a Warning about unpasteurized raw milk from HuHill Farm after samples of that product tested positive for Campylobacter jejuni contamination Fort Plain, New York.
• The Washington Department of Health reported that two people were infected with the same, highly related strain of Campylobacter jejuni after both drank Jim’s Jerseys raw milk produced by Old Silvana Creamery (Arlington, WA).

https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/pda/newsroom/agriculture-department-warns-consumers-to-discard-contaminated-r.html
Agriculture Department Warns Consumers to Discard Contaminated Raw Milk from Meadow View Jerseys Dairy
August 14, 2024
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture warns consumers to immediately discard Meadow View Jerseys brand raw milk purchased between August 5 and 12, 2024, with a sell-by date of August 19, 2024. Routine testing for pathogens confirmed that the milk was contaminated with Shigatoxin-producing E. coli bacteria.

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Ecuadorian Company That Produced Lead-contaminated Apple Sauce

FDA issued a Warning Letter to the company that was responsible for producing the cinnamon apple sauce that was contaminated with lead.  As you may remember, the cinnamon used had been contaminated with lead chromate in what FDA believed to be a case of economically-motivated intentional adulteration.  CDC reported over 300 cases of potential lead poisoning.

The Warning Letter states the obvious about shipping contaminated product to the US, and then provides suggestions on the company's corrective action.


https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/austrofood-sas-679052-08092024
WARNING LETTER
AUSTROFOOD S.A.S.
MARCS-CMS 679052 — August 09, 2024

FDA Warning Letter to NV Spice Company for Inadequate Supply Chain Preventive Controls

FDA issued a Warning Letter to High Quality Organics, a ready-to-eat (RTE) spice facility, located in Reno, NV.  The company processes and packages RTE organic herbs, spices, dried fruit and peels, and dried vegetables.  The main issue was the company relies on others to process products so that they are considered RTE, but does not manage this through the Supply Chain program.

The supply-chain program does not provide assurance that a hazard requiring a supply-chain-applied control has been significantly minimized or prevented, as required per 21 CFR 117.410(c). 

• The company receives untreated herbs, spices, dried fruits and peels, and dried vegetable products and then directs the untreated products to (b)(4) third-party providers that apply a lethality process. 
• The "preventive control measure is “Validated lethality ‘kill step’ with Treatment Certificate”, however, the company's supply chain program does not verify that the parameters selected and applied by 3rd party treatment providers are adequate to control the hazard of vegetative pathogens such as Salmonella. 
• There is no review of the process parameters identified in the treatment certificate from the (b)(4) providers, as identified as a preventive control measure required within Hazard Analysis, and you 
• Did not comprehensively evaluate whether the parameters are appropriate for all your products undergoing the treatment. 
• Did not maintain documentation that the untreated spices you purchase and send to the third-party (b)(4) providers are treated under a validated process that delivers an appropriate destruction of Salmonella.

The company did not conduct a reanalysis of your food safety plan when needed after Ground Organic Parsley, lot # 62868 and lot # 63196, tested positive for the pesticide Chlorpyrifos ((b)(4)).

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/high-quality-organics-inc-677503-07082024
WARNING LETTER
High Quality Organics, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 677503 — July 08, 2024

Are Food Safety Issues Getting Worse? No, Not Really.

This week, I was asked by a reporter why food safety issues are getting worse...whether that be recalls or outbreaks.  The conversation was in light of the Boar's Head deli meat recall after being linked to a large Listeria outbreak.  Why this outbreak is awful, it is one of the first Listeria outbreaks that have been linked to meat products in the last two years.  

A few things to consider when addressing this question.

• After looking at food-related outbreaks posted on CDC and FDA's website, there is no real increase in the number when looking at cases for the past several years, but there does seem to be a higher percentage of outbreaks where the causative agent has been identified.  Our regulatory agencies are doing a admirable job in improving the determination of the source of outbreaks.  At the same time, I have seen companies doing a better job to be in compliance with the HACCP-based regulations or 3rd party audit standards..
• Technology has improved identification and tracking of outbreaks.  Twenty years or more ago, many of these outbreaks would not have been identified as outbreaks.  CDC working with State partners utilize improved technology for identification of pathogens and communication to link related cases.
• Most recalls are not linked to outbreaks, but that is not always clear when announcements get published in the news..  There are normally a number of recalls each week, but they are most often related to things such as undeclared allergens which are most often discovered in the supply chain through observation, and not injury.
• Risk is not adequately addressed in news releases, and in many cases, overblown. For example,  many people will not be allergic to the undeclared allergen in a product, but one would not know that in the headline.  For example, Salad Recall Update as FDA Sets Highest Risk Level, ad the article states, "On August 7, the recall was classified by the FDA as Class I, which is the highest risk level.  These are issued when there is a "reasonable probability" that the use of, or exposure to, a product could "cause serious adverse health consequences or death.""  However, the issue is that the product contains undeclared almond and soy, certainly an issue for those who are allergic to these items, but not for others.
• Headlines used by the news media, including social media, present these outbreaks and recalls with a certain shock value.  Take this headline for example  - "FDA reclassifies nut recall to highest risk warning after testing positive for listeria" (article below) that was published on August 13th.   The recall was posted on the FDA website on 7/22/24.  There were no illnesses, but it seems that FDA reclassified this to Class I, which it should have been to start.  In this case, the product was walnuts, not a product that will not support the growth of Listeria and so poses.
• Recalls are often limited in scope in terms of distribution but receive national attention.  The walnut recall mentioned was limited to two states but receive national attention.
• We see recalls are posted and then reposted for weeks.  Many times, it is an online news source that posts recalls weeks after the initial posting.  This can make it seem like it is a new recall.  Without investigation by the reader, one may assume it is a new recall.  
• The regulatory agencies will often provide updates to an outbreak listing additional cases or announcing that the outbreak is now over, and this information may get picked up as news providers and posted as if this is a new issue.

In general, we are bombarded with notices on food safety, and without careful investigation by the reader, one may think that food safety issues are out of control.

There are over 330 million people in the US, and if we consider that people are hopefully eating 2 to 3 meals each day, the reported number of cases of foodborne illness are pretty small.  This is not to say it is unimportant, because all food should be safe.  However, to worry that our food supply is not safe...well, there are many other, more things to worry more about.

https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/fda-reclassifies-nut-recall-highest-risk-warning-after-testing-positive-listeria
FDA reclassifies nut recall to highest risk warning after testing positive for listeria
Shelled walnuts voluntarily recalled last month tested positive for listeria, FDA says

More Cinnamon Powder Recalled After State Lab Testing Finds Lead

El Chilar HF, LLC on 03/06/2024 issued a recall of 2 lots of El Chilar “Cinnamon Ground” (1.25 oz bag), because it may contain traces of lead. Further investigation indicates that the issue could be caused by a potentially adulterated raw material from the supplier.  The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) collected samples in February 2024 from Lot: E-054, EX 0225 and D-181, EX 0624 El Chilar Ground Cinnamon, which tested high in lead. These additional lots of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon have been added to the original recall.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/el-chilar-hf-llc-expands-recall-el-chilar-ground-cinnamon-due-elevated-levels-lead
El Chilar HF, LLC. Expands Recall of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon Due to Elevated Levels of Lead
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 13, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 13, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Spices, Flavors & Salts
Reason for Announcement:  Due to Elevated Levels of Lead
Company Name:  El Chilar HF, LLC.
Brand Name:  El Chilar
Product Description:  “Canela Molida” Ground Cinnamon

Canada - Recall of Plant-based Milk Products Due to Listeria

Canada - Silk and Great Value brands of Almond, Coconut, and Oat milks are being recalled after being linked to 20 cases of listeriosis with 15 hospitalizations and 3 deaths.  According to one report, "The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Danone Canada and its Pickering-based third-party manufacturer, Joriki Inc., “immediately halted production and distribution of all implicated products” after becoming aware of the bacteria being found in various Silk and Great Value brand plant-based refrigerated beverages."

CFIA - Recalls and Safety Alerts
https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/various-silk-and-great-value-brand-plant-based-refrigerated-beverages-recalled-due
Food recall warning
Various Silk and Great Value brand plant based refrigerated beverages recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

Update on Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers

FDA provided an update on the Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers. To this point in time, there have been 449 reported cases with 125 hospitalized. The date of onset of the last illness was June 4, 2024.

CDC and FDA combined two outbreak investigations because of similarities, "including when and where illnesses occurred, the demographics of ill people, and the foods they reported eating before they became sick. Laboratory, epidemiological, and traceback data have determined that cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Thomas Produce Company, of Boca Raton, Florida, are likely sources of illnesses in this outbreak; however, these growers do not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak."

"Based on traceback information collected, Thomas Produce Company supplied cucumbers to multiple points of service where ill people reported eating cucumbers. As part of the investigation, FDA conducted an onsite inspection at Thomas Produce Company and collected samples. Salmonella Braenderup was detected in samples of canal water used by Thomas Produce Company. Whole Genome Sequencing analysis determined that the water used by Thomas Produce Company contained the Salmonella that is a match to a strain of Salmonella Braenderup that is causing some of the illnesses in this outbreak."

"Additional types of Salmonella were detected in both soil and water samples collected at both Bedner Growers, Inc. and Thomas Produce Company. Multiple other strains of Salmonella, unrelated to this outbreak investigation, found at Bedner Growers, Inc. matched clinical isolates from illnesses in the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s (NCBI) database that occurred in previous years."

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 449
Hospitalizations: 125
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: June 4, 2024
States with Cases: AL, AR, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cucumbers-june-2024
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cucumbers (June 2024)
Cucumbers linked to illnesses of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup.
Current Update
August 14, 2024

Additional Cases in CDC Update on Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meat

CDC issued an update of the Listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meat products.  As of August 8, a total of 43 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 13 states, which is 9 more than the July 26th report. All 43 people have been hospitalized. Three deaths have been reported, including one in Illinois, one in New Jersey, and, as of this update, one in Virginia.

CDC Food Safety Alert
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeats-7-24/index.html
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Meats Sliced at Delis
Posted August 8, 2024

Fast Facts
Illnesses: 43 (9 new)
Hospitalizations: 43 (10 new)
Deaths: 3 (1 new)
States: 13 (0 new)
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active (First posted on July 19, 2024)

CA Firm Recalls Cookie Product Due to Label Design Error That Missed Milk Allergen

Too Good Gourmet of San Lorenzo, CA is announcing a recall of Meijer Dunking Cookies Chocolate Chip because they contain undeclared milk.  The product contains a milk allergen that was mistakenly not listed in the ingredient declaration and Contains statement. Meijer was not notified of the label inaccuracy.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/too-good-gourmet-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-meijer-dunking-cookies-chocolate-chip-10oz
Too Good Gourmet Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Meijer Dunking Cookies Chocolate Chip 10oz
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 09, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 09, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Too Good Gourmet
Brand Name:  Meijer
Product Description:  Dunking Cookies Chocolate Chip

NY Firm Recalls Steam Buns for Undeclared Sesame

Prime Foods Processing LLC of Brooklyn, NY is recalling 477 cases of 2 varieties of Egg Custard Steamed Buns because they may contain undeclared Sesame.  The mislabeling was identified internally. No customer complaints or illnesses have been reported to date. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that 6 cases of Sesame Steamed Buns may have been packaged in Egg Custard Steam Bun packaging. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's packaging processes, which has been corrected.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/prime-food-processing-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-sesame-steam-buns-egg-custard-added-and
Prime Food Processing LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sesame in Steam Buns with Egg Custard Added and Steam Buns with Egg Custard and Coconut Added
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 09, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 09, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared sesame
Company Name:  Prime Foods Processing LLC
Brand Name:  Prime Foods
Product Description:  Steam Buns with Egg Custard Added & Steam Buns with Egg Custard and Coconut Added

Michigan Firm Recalls Infant Formula with Elevated Vitamin D Levels

Perrigo Company plc is issuing a voluntary recall at the retailer and warehouse level of three lots within one batch, or 16,500 cans, of store brand Premium Infant Formula with Iron Milk-Based Powder due to levels of Vitamin D above the maximum level permitted. The recalled product was shipped to H-E-B Grocery Company, LP in TX ; and CVS in the following states: TX, FL, CA, SC, VA, IN, TN, NJ, MI, PA, RI, MO. No other products or retailers are impacted by this recall.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/perrigo-issues-voluntary-recall-one-batch-premium-infant-formula-iron-milk-based-powder-due-elevated
Perrigo Issues Voluntary Recall of One Batch of Premium Infant Formula with Iron Milk-Based Powder Due to Elevated Levels of Vitamin D
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 08, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 08, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Infant Formula & Foods
Reason for Announcement:  Product contains levels of Vitamin D above the maximum level permitted
Company Name:  Perrigo Company plc
Brand Name:  CVS Health, H-E-B Baby
Product Description:  Premium Infant Formula with Iron Milk-Based Powder

Florida Firm Recalls Cold Smoked Fish with C. botulinum Concern

North Fish USA Inc of Hallandale, FL is recalling the imported 9-ounce packages of "Cold Smoked Capelin," because the product was found to be over 5” in length and uneviscerated, as such having potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.  The notice states "the sale of uneviscerated fish over 5” in length may contain Clostridium botulinum spores as they are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/north-fish-usa-inc-recalls-cold-smoked-capelin-because-possible-health-risk
North Fish USA Inc. Recalls “Cold Smoked Capelin” Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 05, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 08, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum
Company Name:  North Fish USA INC
Brand Name:  North Fish Inc.
Product Description:  Cold Smoked Capelin

NJ Firm Recalls Frozen Desert After Consumer Has Questionable Reaction For Undeclared Dairy

Yummy Foods, In Edison, NJ is recalling their Yummy Swirly Ices line because it may contain traces of milk.   The recall was initiated after an allergen sensitive consumer complained about feelings of discomfort after consuming the Swirly Ices. The reason for the cross contamination is under investigation.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/yummy-foods-issues-allergy-alert-traces-milk-allergen-non-dairy-ices
Yummy Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Traces of Milk Allergen in Non-Dairy Ices
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 07, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 07, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Milk Allergen
Company Name:  Yummy Foods
Brand Name:  Yummy
Product Description:   Yummy Swirly Ices, various flavors

Florida Firm Recalls Cashewmilk Frozen Desert Product After Filling Error Into Coconutmilk Product Containers

G.S. Gelato & Desserts, Inc. of Fort Walton Beach, FL is recalling a limited amount of Full Circle Market Coconutmilk Chocolate Almond Crunch Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert 1 Pint/16 fl.oz. paper cartons, Lot 041624L2 BBD 10/15/2025, UPC 0 36800 46964 8, because it contains undeclared cashew.  G.S. Gelato was notified by one of the retail stores that the product carton and lid stated two different products. The firm conducted an investigation which determined that a single lot of pints of cashewmilk product was dispensed into the Full Circle Market brand Coconutmilk pints during the manufacturing process.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/urgent-food-recall-full-circle-market-coconutmilk-chocolate-almond-crunch-non-dairy-frozen-dessert
Urgent Food Recall of Full Circle Market Coconutmilk Chocolate Almond Crunch Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Due to Undeclared Cashew
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 06, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 06, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Cashew Allergen
Company Name:  G.S. Gelato & Desserts, Inc.
Brand Name:  Full Circle Market
Product Description:  Coconutmilk Chocolate Almond Crunch Frozen Dessert

CA Company Recalls Moong Dal After Mix-up of Lot Test Results

Thal Golden Spices Inc. of Hayward, CA is recalling 640 Packs of “Bikano Moong Dal 350g because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  Moong dal is split and skinned mung beans.

Thal Golden Spices Inc recently discovered an oversight in the distribution process of one of the  products. Unfortunately, the product was released without proper lab results. This issue came to light during an FDA inspection when inspectors 'identified discrepancies in the batch numbers slated for destruction'. [The company is] actively addressing this situation to ensure compliance and rectify the error."

So it seems that due to a mix-up of batches, the company shipped product that was was supposed to be destroyed?

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/thal-golden-spices-inc-recalls-product-because-possible-health-risk
Thal Golden Spices Inc. Recalls Product Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 04, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 04, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Contamination with Salmonella
Company Name:  Thal Golden Spices Inc.
Brand Name:  Bikano
Product Description:  Moong Dal, Crunchy Green Gram

Minnesota Firm Recalls Fresh Guacamole After Sampling Finds Listeria

Metro Produce Distributors Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is voluntarily recalling all Lunds & Byerlys fresh guacamole products with a use-by date of August 2, 2024, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The fresh guacamole was sold at Lunds & Byerlys grocery stores located throughout the Twin Cities area and St. Cloud.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the company, which revealed that the finished products could potentially contain the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the products as they continue their investigation. This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/metro-produce-distributors-inc-recalls-fresh-guacamole-because-possible-health-risk
Metro Produce Distributors Inc. Recalls Fresh Guacamole Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 02, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 02, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  Metro Produce Distributors Inc.
Brand Name:  Lunds & Byerlys
Product Description:  fresh guacamole products

NY Company Recalls Chocolate Bar Because of Undeclared Nuts and Wheat

BonBon - A Swedish Candy Co. of New York, NY is recalling every Marabou Sea Salt chocolate bar, because it may contain undeclared almonds, wheat, and nuts.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that batches of Marabou Sea Salt contained almonds, wheat and nuts outside of its allergen profile. The packaging disclosed the product contained “traces of nuts and wheat.”   But as we know, saying it contains traces of nuts and wheat is not compliant with regulation.

On May 8, 2024, BonBon was informed of the recall by our distributor, Ert Godis, and the product was removed from the sales floor and subsequently destroyed at every retail location.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bonbon-swedish-candy-co-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-almonds-wheat-and-nuts-marabou-sea-salt-200g
Bonbon - A Swedish Candy Co.. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds, Wheat and Nuts in Marabou Sea Salt 200g Chocolate Bar
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 02, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 02, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Allergen-Undeclared Almond, Wheat and nuts
Company Name:  BONBON - A SWEDISH CANDY CO.
Brand Name:  Marabou
Product Description:  Sea Salt chocolate bar