Seafood Salad Recalled for Undeclared Soy After Label Printer Ships Wrong Labels

Danvers, Massachusetts. R. Walters LLC dba Elevation Foods is recalling 1,668 units of mislabeled Hannaford Seafood Salad 12oz because it contains an undeclared Soy allergen.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the printer of the labels for Hannaford Seafood Salad had provided Elevation Foods with labels that did not match the current product formulation. These labels were created for an upcoming formulation change and were shipped to Elevation Foods in error.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/elevation-foods-issues-recall-due-undeclared-soy-hannaford-seafood-salad
Elevation Foods Issues Recall Due to Undeclared Soy in Hannaford Seafood Salad
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 31, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 31, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Contains an undeclared soy allergen.
Company Name:  R. Walters LLC dba Elevation Foods
Brand Name:   Hannaford
Product Description:  Seafood Salad

Baby Powder with Talc Recalled Due to Potential Asbestos Contamination

Dynarex Corporation is expanding the recall initiated on September 19, 2024 to include an additional 373 cases of item number 4875, Dynacare Baby Powder, 14 oz., as well as 647 cases of item number 4874, Dynacare Baby Powder, 4 oz., because they have the potential to be contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is often found near talc, an ingredient in many cosmetic products. Asbestos, however, is a known carcinogen and its health risks are well-documented. If talc mining sites are not carefully chosen or if proper steps are not taken to adequately purify the talc ore, it may contain asbestos.

From the American Cancer Society:

• Talc is mined from the earth. In this natural form, some talc contains asbestos, a substance known to cause cancers in and around the lungs when inhaled.
• In 1976, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrances Association (CTFA), the trade association representing the cosmetic and personal care products industry, issued voluntary guidelines stating that all talc used in cosmetic products in the United States should be free from detectable amounts of asbestos according to their standards.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dynarex-corporation-expands-recall-include-additional-products-due-possible-health-risk
Dynarex Corporation Expands Recall to Include Additional Products Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 28, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 28, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Metal or Chemical Contaminant
Company Name:  Dynarex Corporation
Brand Name:  dynacare
Product Description:  Baby Powder

Maryland Firm Recalls Tarts Due to Undeclared Almond

Atwater’s of Baltimore, MD, is recalling its clam shell packages of spider web tarts sold 10/19/24 and 10/20/24 because they contain undeclared almond flour.   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the almond containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of almonds, see below for photos of both the product and packaging in question. Subsequent investigation indicated the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and labeling processes.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/atwaters-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-tree-nuts-spider-web-tart
Atwater’s Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts in “Spider Web Tart”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 28, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 28, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Allergens
Company Name:  One Roof, LLC.
Brand Name:  Atwater’s
Product Description:  Tarts

Costco Smoked Salmon Recalled Due to Listeria

Acme Smoked Fish Corporation is issuing a recall of 111 cases of Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon in twin 12oz package, UPC 0 96619 25697 6, Lot# 8512801270, Best-by-Date 11/13/2024 due to laboratory testing confirming Listeria monocytogenes on October 21, 2024.   There are no illnesses reported, so it is likely this recall was issued due to testing.

Smoked salmon has a history of Listeria monocytogenes contamination, especially when it is sliced.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/acme-smoked-fish-corporation-recalls-kirkland-signature-smoked-salmon-due-listeria-monocytogenes
Acme Smoked Fish Corporation Recalls Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon Due to Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 25, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 26, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Fish
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria monocytogens
Company Name:  Acme Smoked Fish Corporation
Brand Name:  Kirkland Signature
Product Description:  Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon

Frozen Pie Crust and Products Made With Pie Crust Recalled Due to Undeclared Eggs

Grand Central Bakery Portland, OR and Seattle, WA is recalling U- Bake frozen pie products and frozen pie dough because they may contain undeclared egg.  The recall was initiated after an employee noted that egg was added to the above pie dough products and distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/grand-central-bakery-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-u-bake-pie-crust-u-bake-apple-pie-u-bake
Grand Central Bakery Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in U-Bake Pie Crust, U-Bake Apple Pie, U-Bake Marionberry Pie, and U-Bake Chicken Pot Pie
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 25, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 26, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Egg
Company Name:  Grand Central Bakery
Brand Name:  Grand Central
Product Description:  U-Bake Pie Crust, U-Bake Apple Pie, U-Bake Marionberry Pie, U-Bake Chicken Pot Pie

Two Additional Recalls Linked to Recalled Chicken Product

Sprouts Farmers Market has voluntarily recalled select lots of our Chicken Street Taco kits supplied by Fresh Creative Foods on 10/11/2024, due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This recall follows a recall issued by a recall initiated by Fresh Creative Foods, a division of Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc which is related to the recalled RTE chicken meat recalled by BrucePac, of.

Fresh Express is voluntarily recalling a limited number of Gourmet Café Chicken Caesar Salad Bowls due to the inclusion of recalled chicken items from BrucePac, an outside ingredient supplier. The BrucePac recall is due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The fresh vegetable components are not impacted by this recall.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sprouts-farmers-market-has-voluntarily-recalled-select-lots-our-chicken-street-taco-kits-supplied
Sprouts Farmers Market has Voluntarily Recalled Select Lots of Our Chicken Street Taco Kits Supplied by Fresh Creative Foods, Due to Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 11, 2024
FDA Publish Date: October 24, 2024
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria monocytogens
Company Name: Sprouts Farmers Market
Brand Name: Sprouts
Product Description: Chicken Street Taco Meal Kit

CA Noodle Company Received FDA Warning Letter for Failure to identify Hazards and Implement Controls

FDA issues a Warning Letter to Alfred Louie Inc, a sprouting operation and noodle manufacturing facility, located in Bakersfield, CA.  The items noted in the Letter include:

• Did not conduct a hazard analysis to identify and evaluate known or reasonably foreseeable hazards for each type of food manufactured,
• Did not identify and evaluate allergens as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to determine whether allergens are a hazard requiring a preventive control.  The company processes products containing different allergen profiles on the same equipment (e.g., bowl mixer, noodle sheet maker, sheet rollers, former/cutter, and finished product conveyor) and using shared utensils on the same production day.
• Did not identify and evaluate mycotoxins as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to determine whether they require a preventive control. The company manufactures Pan Fry Fresh Noodles and Deep Fry Fresh Noodles products, which contain wheat flour as an ingredient. Wheat flour has been associated with mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON)
• Did not identify and evaluate metal as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to determine whether it requires a preventive control. Product is manufactured with processing equipment (e.g., (b)(4) noodle cutters) with metal-to-metal contact. The company does not have metal detectors and are not implementing any other programs, such as visual inspection, to control the metal hazard.
• Misbranding the finished product labels fail to accurately declare major food allergens, as required by section 403(w)(1) of the Act. 

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/alfred-louie-inc-680624-09112024
Alfred Louie, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 680624 — September 11, 2024

Another Biological Hazard of Concern for People on Cruise Ships

A report in CDC MMWR this week looks at two recent Legionnaires Disease outbreaks that were linked to hot tubs on cruise ships.  "Legionnaires disease is a serious pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Hot tubs can be a source of Legionella growth and transmission when they are inadequately maintained and operated."

The rapid spread of norovirus on cruise ships has been an ongoing risk, and cruise ships lines have established tight procedures for this including extensive cleaning and quarantining those with symptoms.   Now we can add the need to properly maintain hot tubs to that list.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7342a3.htm
Two Outbreaks of Legionnaires Disease Associated with Outdoor Hot Tubs for Private Use — Two Cruise Ships, November 2022–July 2024
Weekly / October 24, 2024 / 73(42);950–954
Sooji Lee, MSPH1; Chris Edens, PhD1; Troy Ritter, PhD2; Luis O. Rodriguez, MS2; Kara Tardivel, MD3; Natalia A. Kozak-Muiznieks, PhD1; Melisa Willby, PhD1; Nancy Ortiz, PhD3; Adam L. Cohen, MD1; Jessica C. Smith, MPH1 (View author affiliations)

Update - E. coli Outbreak Linked to Quarter Pounders, Onions Recalled

CDC provided an update of the E. coli outbreak linked to McDonalds quarter pounders. There are now 77 cases with 22 hospitalizations and 1 death across 13 states. With the federal inspectors focusing in on sliced onions, the supplier, Taylor Farms has recalled whole peeled and diced onions.

This is not the first foodborne illness outbreak linked to onions. 

In 2023, there was a Salmonella outbreak linked to chopped fresh onions from a CA processor. (link)

In 2021, a Salmonella outbreak with 652 was linked to imported onions. (link)

In 2020, a Salmonella outbreak with 1,127 cases (link) 

FDA published their investigation into the 2020 outbreak, and stated potential causes.  If considering how contamination events can occur to an item like onions, one can reflect on this.

While our investigation did not occur during any harvesting activities, visual observations of the implicated red onion growing fields suggested 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. Similarly, the investigation did not occur while packing activities were ongoing. However, 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. 

CDC information on this outbreak.

Fast Facts
Cases: 75 (26 new)
Hospitalizations: 22 (12 new)
Deaths: 1 (0 new)
States: 13 (3 new)

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-mcdonalds-quarter-pounders-october-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Outbreak Investigations & Safety Advisories

FDA Human Foods Program

Waffle Recall Expanded to Include All Pancakes and Waffle Products

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) is expanding its voluntary recall (initially posted on 10/18) to include all products manufactured at one facility and still within their shelf-life. The recall is expanded to include frozen toaster waffle, Belgian waffle and pancake products, due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This recall was expanded based on additional testing at the manufacturing facility.  There have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the recalled products to date. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/treehouse-foods-announces-expansion-voluntary-recall-include-all-waffle-and-pancake-products-due
TreeHouse Foods Announces Expansion of Voluntary Recall to Include All Waffle and Pancake Products Due to the Potential for Listeria monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 22, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 23, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  TreeHouse Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Multiple brand names
Product Description:  Frozen toaster waffles, Belgian waffles and pancakes

PA Firm Recalls Spice Kit After Package Mix-up Results in Undeclared Soy and Wheat

The Con Yeager Spice Company of Zelienople, PA, is recalling its TRAIL BOLOGNA MEAT PROCESSING KITS, because they may contain undeclared soy and wheat.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered by a customer that their box of Hickory Jerky Kits contained Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits. Hickory Jerky kit contents were inadvertently packaged inside of Trail Bologna Meat Processing kit pouches.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/con-yeager-spice-company-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-and-wheat-trail-bologna-meat-processing
Con Yeager Spice Company Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy and Wheat in Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 21, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 21, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Allergens
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Wheat and Soy
Company Name:  Con Yeager Spice Company
Brand Name:  Trail Bologna
Product Description:  Meat Processing Kit

E. coli Outbreak with 49 Reported Cases Linked to McDonald Quarter Pounders, Slivered Onions Possible Culprit

The FDA, USDA-FSIS and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating  a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections.  A specific ingredient has not yet been confirmed as the source of the outbreak, but most sick people report eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burger varieties.  Slivered onions or the beef patties are the two items under investigation.

The FDA Update stated "Preliminary traceback and distribution information reviewed by FDA shows that slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders are a likely source of contamination. FDA is working quickly to confirm that these onions are a source of this outbreak and to determine if these onions were served or sold at other businesses. McDonald’s has temporarily stopped using this type of onion in these states. Diced onions used at McDonald’s are not implicated in this outbreak."

So far there have been 49 illness in 10 states with 10 hospitalizations and 1 death.  CDC added a list of states where McDonald's removed slivered onions and beef patties. States: Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma

Case Count
Total Illnesses: 49
Hospitalizations: 10
Deaths: 1
Last Illness Onset: October 11, 2024
States with Cases: CO, IA, KS, MO, MT, NE, OR, UT, WI, and WY

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-mcdonalds-quarter-pounders-october-2024

Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: McDonald’s Quarter Pounders (October 2024)
Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders served in certain states. Investigators are working to confirm the source of the outbreak.

Companies Issue Recalls of Products Made with Recalled Meat

Two recalls were issued related to the BrucePac recall of ready-to-eat meat products.

Following a recall initiated by Fresh Creative Foods, a division of Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc., Albertsons Companies has voluntarily recalled 12 types of ReadyMeals and store-made deli items, supplied by Fresh Creative Foods, due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall was initiated because these products contain a recalled ready-to-eat chicken ingredient supplied by BrucePac of Durant, Okla., which was found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches Corsica, SD is voluntarily recalling our Pepperjack Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger and The Gambler due to the burger patty being included in a recall from an outside supplier (BrucePac).

BrucePac issued recalls, beginning on Oct 9, 2024 for meat products after FSIS testing found Listeria.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/albertsons-companies-voluntarily-recalls-12-readymeals-and-store-made-deli-items-containing-recalled
Albertsons Companies Voluntarily Recalls 12 ReadyMeals and Store-Made Deli Items Containing a Recalled Chicken Ingredient Supplied by Fresh Creative Foods Due to Possible Listeria monocytogenes Contamination

Frozen Waffles of Various Store Brands Recalled for Potential Listeria

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) is voluntarily recalling certain frozen waffle products listed below due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes.  This issue was discovered through routine testing at the manufacturing facility.  There have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the product at this time.

In an evaluation of the recall dates, it appears that a year of production has been recalled.  While there is nothing stated why this much product was recalled, based upon past recalls, this is often an indication that a there is no evidence for a clean break within this time frame and the issue could have been ongoing.

The recalled products were distributed throughout the United States and Canada and packed in various formats under the brand names including:

Always Save        Best Choice     Bettergoods       Breakfast Best        Clover Valley        

Essentials            Food Lion        Food Hold         Giant Eagle            Good and Gather

Great Value        Hannaford         Harris Teeter     HEB                        Kodiak Cakes

Price Chopper    Publix                Schnucks          SE Grocers                Simple Truth

Tops                    Western Family

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/treehouse-foods-announces-voluntary-recall-certain-waffle-products-due-potential-listeria

TreeHouse Foods Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Waffle Products Due to the Potential for Listeria monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 18, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 18, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  TreeHouse Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Multiple brand names
Product Description:  Frozen Waffle Products

California Company Recalls Green Onions Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Church Brothers, LLC (“Church Brothers Farms”) , of Salinas, CA, is voluntarily recalling 1271 cases of green onions because of the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  This recall is the result of a single product sample collected by Canadian Food Inspection Agency that indicated the presence of Salmonella. The Company promptly reported this issue to Food & Drug Administration. To the knowledge of Church Brothers Farms, no illnesses have occurred or been reported to date.

Distribution was limited to a small number of retail and foodservice customers in Canada and USA (Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia). 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/church-brothers-farms-recall-green-onions-due-possible-health-risk
Church Brothers Farms Recall Green Onions Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 18, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 18, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Church Brothers, LLC
Brand Name:  Multiple brand names
Product Description:  Green Onions

Oklahoma Establishment Continues to Update Recall of RTE Meat and Poultry Products

BrucePac, a Durant, Okla. establishment, has issued subsequent expansions of their recall to include additional products. The initial recall, posted on October 9, was expanded on October 15 for the  addition of 1,779,040 pounds of product subject to recall, increasing the weight from 9,986,245 to 11,765,285 pounds .  On October 17,  a list of schools were updated that received the RTE meat products.  The release stated, "The products that went to these schools were not part of USDA’s National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs; schools also purchase food directly from other vendors. FSIS will continue to update this and the retail product list as it receives more information."

The problem was discovered after FSIS performed routine product testing of finished product containing RTE poultry products produced by BrucePac and confirmed those products positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company had identified RTE chicken as the product that tested positive. There have been no reported illnesses to date.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/brucepac-recalls-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due-possible-listeria
BrucePac Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

BrucePac

FSIS Announcement

Editor’s Note: October 17, 2024 – FSIS is working diligently to identify all recalled products that were distributed to consumers, including those purchased by schools. A preliminary list of schools that received products that include BrucePac recalled ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry have been added. The products that went to these schools were not part of USDA’s National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs; schools also purchase food directly from other vendors. FSIS will continue to update this and the retail product list as it receives more information.

Caramel Apples and Listeria - Controlling Safety in Light of a New Development

After a 2014 Listeria outbreak linked to caramel apples that caused 5 deaths and 21 hospitalizations, there was a recognition, based on research, that caramel apples need to be refrigerated.  Since that time, product developers came up with a bioprotective treatment specific to caramel that utilizes a treatment employing four species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB).  This treatment allows the caramel apples to be safety stored at room temperature.  

This is great, but how does one know whether the caramel apples have received this treatment or not?  Does the produce manager in your average supermarket know they need to refrigerate caramel apples, and then there are some that don't require refrigeration?  Perhaps it is stated on the outer case. What about the consumer?





https://www.producebusiness.com/tastee-apple-inc/
CARAMEL APPLES — New Technology Keeps Safe Without the Need for Refrigeration

There’s nothing like the nostalgic ooey-gooey goodness of biting into a caramel apple in the fall. First invented in the 1950s, crunchy fresh harvested apples covered with sweet soft caramel and skewered on a stick for easy eating are staples in produce departments nationwide from late August through the end of October. Now, Tastee Apple, Inc., a Newcomerstown, OH-headquartered company that has been making these seasonal staples since the early 1970s, has employed trendsetting bioprotective technology to assure this long-time treat is as safe to eat as it is scrumptious.

Eleven People Ill After Eating Poisonous Mushrooms in Lancaster County, PA

Eleven people were hospitalized after eating wild and apparently toxic mushrooms.  The victims were members of an Amish family who said they found the mushrooms in the woods and ate them, making them ill, fire officials told local media.   A report stated that, "Once people started getting sick, one family member had to walk a half mile to call 911 from a telephone booth, since the family did not have a phone due to their beliefs.  When first responders got to the scene, they only found 10 people who were ill. The 11th was the person who walked to call 911, WHP reported.  In all, 11 people — a man, a woman and nine children — were taken to an area hospital to confirm what type of mushroom they ate. They ranged from the age of 1 to 39, officials said."

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/11-hospitalized-pennsylvania-eating-wild-mushrooms-rcna175230
11 hospitalized in Pennsylvania after eating wild mushrooms
Story by Dennis Romero

Seasoned Seaweed Product Recalled Because Wrong Outer Package Does Not List Sesame Allergen

Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA is recalling 3.52 oz packages of Shirakiku brand Korean Seasoned Seaweed. The product contains the undeclared allergen of sesame. The product is packaged in a 3.52 oz, illustrated plastic bag, containing 5 inner packages. Each inner packages has the correct allergen information, but he outer package has an incorrect allergen declaration due to the unintentional use of incorrect packing material, which also displays the wrong UPC: 074410495534.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wismettac-asian-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-sesame-seasoned-seaweed
Wismettac Asian Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sesame in Seasoned Seaweed
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 10, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 11, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen - Sesame
Company Name:  Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Shirakiku
Product Description:  Korean Seasoned Seaweed

US Grown Enoki Mushrooms Recalled for Listeria

Enoki King Mushroom Farm of Ventura, CA is recalling lot 4877 of its 5.3-ounce (150g) packages of Enoki Mushroom (Product of USA) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by Maryland State Department of Health revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 5.3 oz package of Enoki.  The distribution of the product has been suspended.

There has been a long string of Listeria related recalls over the past several years involving imported enoki.  In this case, it is domestic product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/enoki-king-mushroom-farm-recalls-enoki-because-possible-health-risk
Enoki King Mushroom Farm Recalls Enoki Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 11, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 11, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:   Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  Enoki King Mushroom Farm
Brand Name:  Enoki King
Product Description:  Enoki Mushroom 5.3 oz

Florida Distributor Recalls Corn Pancakes for Undeclared Wheat

TIPICAL LATIN FOOD CORP of Miami, FL is recalling Cachapa de Maiz sweet corn pancakes labeled under Los Andes Foods, because it may contain undeclared wheat.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing wheat was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of wheat. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a labeling issue during the company's labeling process. 

On the label, flour is listed (in addition to corn flour).  The label should have identified this as wheat flour. The label was improperly designed.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tipical-latin-food-corp-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-cachapa-de-maiz
Tipical Latin Food, Corp. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in Cachapa de Maiz
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 11, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 11, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen - Wheat
Company Name:  Tipical Latin Food Corp.
Brand Name:  Los Andes Foods
Product Description:  Cachapa de Maiz sweet corn pancakes

Oregon Firm Recalls Meal Kits Made with Recalled Chicken Ingredient with Listeria

Reser’s Fine Foods is recalling a limited number of meal kits due to the inclusion of recalled chicken from their ingredient supplier (BrucePac) which had issued a recall of its RTE chicken product due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.  Reser’s Fine Foods is no longer using any ingredients from the ingredient supplier’s (BrucePac) impacted facility.

This is interesting from a supplier control perspective.  To what degree did they rely on USDA inspection?  

Reser’s Fine Foods Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Number of Meal Kits Due to Recalled Chicken from Ingredient Supplier (BrucePac)
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 10, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 11, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  Reser’s Fine Foods
Brand Name:  Bistro 28, Don Pancho
Product Description:  Meal kits containing chicken

Oklahoma Establishment Recalls RTE Meat and Poultry Products For Listeria

Update October 11 - 

Editor's Note: Oct. 11, 2024 - FSIS wants to make sure consumers are aware that some of the recalled products could bear a different establishment number on the label due to further distribution and processing by other establishments. Consumers are urged to carefully review the information, including the product and label information, included in the BrucePac Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Recall Press Release.

Editor's Note: Oct. 10, 2024 - The list has been updated with additional products that used the recalled ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Please check back frequently as additional products could be added. 

BrucePac, a Durant, Okla. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,986,245 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The ready-to-eat meat and poultry items were produced from June 19, 2024, to October 8, 2024. These products were shipped to other establishments and distributors nationwide then distributed to restaurants and institutions.

The problem was discovered after FSIS performed routine product testing of finished product containing RTE poultry products produced by BrucePac and confirmed those products positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Subsequent FSIS investigation identified BrucePac RTE chicken as the source of the Listeria monocytogenes.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/brucepac-recalls-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due-possible-listeria
BrucePac Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

FSIS Announcement

Editor's Note: Oct. 9, 2024 - Details of this recall were updated to include the product list of items with a best by date from 6/19/25-10/8/25.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2024 – BrucePac, a Durant, Okla. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,986,245 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

USDA Issues Health Alert for Undeclared Allergen in Already Expired Salad

USDA-FSIS issued a public health alert for chicken salad products labeled as Cranberry Chicken Salad due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The product labeled as Cranberry Chicken Salad may actually contain Classic Chicken Salad, which contains wheat that is not declared on the product label. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase.  The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that it received a customer complaint that packages labeled as Cranberry Chicken Salad contained Classic Chicken Salad.

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

Hans Kissle Company, LLC
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for chicken salad products labeled as Cranberry Chicken Salad due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The product labeled as Cranberry Chicken Salad may actually contain Classic Chicken Salad, which contains wheat, a known allergen, that is not declared on the product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with allergies to wheat are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase..

CDC Report - 2023 Trichinellosis Outbreak in NC Linked to Bear Meat

A 'presumed' outbreak of trichinellosis occurred in western North Carolina in November, 2023, resulting in 10 cases of parasitic infection. All cases were linked to a gathering where attendees consumed undercooked bear meat.

"Because black bears are common hosts for Trichinella spp., communicating methods for properly cooking and preparing wild game meat is important. Cooking game meat to a safe internal temperature (≥165°F [≥74°C]) will kill Trichinella spp. and prevent infection, whereas freezing might not be sufficient."

Very similar to an outbreak of Trichinella in 2022 that was linked to undercooked raw bear meat.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7340a4.htm
Notes from the Field: Suspected Outbreak of Trichinellosis Associated with Undercooked Bear Meat — North Carolina, November 2023
Weekly / October 10, 2024 / 73(40);906–907

Bread Company Takes Allergen Labeling Stand Against FDA and Consumer Groups

An article this week about Bimbo Bakeries holding off against FDA on an allergen labeling issue.

Meeting allergen labeling requirements can be difficult for some operations that handle formulations with different allergens.  Sesame, a allergen recently added to the list of allergens requiring labeling, has been a challenge for some companies like Bimbo Bakeries.  To address this, Bimbo along with some other companies have started adding  small amounts of sesame to foods that didn't have it previously — and then listing it as an ingredient.  These companies said "they did that because it was too difficult and expensive to keep sesame used in one part of a baking plant out of another and they wanted to avoid liability and cost. The FDA has said that such actions are legal, although they violate the spirit of the law [Allergen Labeling}"

But CSPI and other food safety advocates said the standoff [by Bimbo] continues a practice that misleads the estimated 33 million Americans with food allergies and results in limited choices for the more than 1.6 million who are allergic to sesame.

What are your thoughts on this practice?




https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2024/10/09/fda-sesame-warning-bimbo-bakeries/75585660007/
Bakery that makes Sara Lee and Entenmann's pushes back on FDA sesame warning
by Jonel Aleccia
Associated Press
October 9, 2024

A top U.S. commercial bakery is pushing back on a Food and Drug Administration warning to stop using labels that say its products contain sesame — a potentially dangerous allergen — when they don't.

California Co-manufacturer Recalls Bottled Juice That Missed the High Pressure Processing Step

Youngstown Grape Distributors Inc., Reedely, CA co-manufacturer for Happy Moose Juice, is voluntarily recalling Happy Moose Tropical Roots Juice (Lot# H240903-E BEST BY 12/02/2024) and Happy Moose Strawberry Fields (Lot# H240903-H, BEST BY 12/02/2024) because a portion of the production made did not complete the High Pressure Processing (HPP) treatment, which is used to prolong the product shelf-life, prevent spoilage, and significantly reduce the risk of pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and diarrheagenic E. coli.

Youngstown Grape Distributors Inc. Recalls Happy Moose Juice Tropical Roots and Happy Moose Strawberry Fields Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 04, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 07, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Juice
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness
Company Name:  Youngtown Grape Distributors Inc
Brand Name:  Happy Moose
Product Description:  Tropical Roots and Strawberry Fields, 12 oz bottles

Minnesota Firm Recalls Dip Product After Mold Found in Product

Lunds & Byerlys, of Edina, Minn., is voluntarily recalling approximately 500 containers of L&B Lone Star Dip because of potential mold growth contamination.  No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall. This product concern was first noticed by store employees, and they notified the company’s Quality Assurance team.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lunds-byerlys-voluntarily-recalls-lb-lone-star-dip-due-potential-mold
Lunds & Byerlys Voluntarily Recalls L&B Lone Star Dip Due to Potential Mold
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 04, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 04, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential mold contamination
Company Name:  Lunds & Byerlys
Brand Name:  L&B
Product Description:  Lone Star Dip

Wisconsin Sprout Operation Recalls Product After Positive Listeria Test

Jack and the Green Sprouts, Inc. of River Falls, WI is recalling its 5 ounce packages of Alfalfa and Alfalfa Onion sprouts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The produce was sold in MN, WI and Iowa at grocery store and local Co-ops.  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 5 ounce packages of Alfalfa sprouts.  The production of the product has been suspended while the company continues to investigate the source of the problem.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/jacks-and-green-sprouts-recalls-alfalfa-and-alfalfa-onion-sprouts-because-possible-health-risk
Jacks and the Green Sprouts Recalls Alfalfa and Alfalfa Onion Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 04, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 04, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Jack and the Green Sprouts, Inc.
Brand Name:  Jack & the Green Sprouts
Product Description:  Alfalfa and Alfalfa & Onion Sprouts

FDA Reorganizes to Create Human Foods Program; Introduces Updated Complaint Portal

The FDA announced the reorganization creating the Human Foods Program, "a new model for field operations and other modernization efforts is now in effect."  According to the release, this "is is the single largest reorganization in the agency’s modern history, as it impacts more than 8,000 employees and touches almost every facet of the FDA."

The goal is to better "zero in on those issues where intervention has the greatest opportunity for the prevention of disease and for the promotion of wellness."  FDA states that "An important part of this reorganization also includes restructuring and renaming our field operations unit to focus on inspections, investigations and imports as its core mission. Restructuring the Office of Inspections and Investigations, formerly known as the Office of Regulatory Affairs, extends beyond foods and has an impact on how the FDA oversees all FDA-regulated products. We have created an enterprise-wide structure that will enhance collaboration between our field investigators and other subject matter experts throughout the agency and modernize and strengthen the entire agency to work more cohesively and collaboratively in accomplishing our collective public health mission."

FDA also announced "a new, streamlined approach for processing complaints, including whistleblower complaints, that will improve the Agency’s ability to detect and respond to problems related to FDA-regulated products and better protect public health. A complaint may be about an illness, injury, allergic reaction, or other health-related issue or about defects in the quality or safety of an FDA-regulated food, dietary supplement, or cosmetic product. Now, the public will be able to direct complaints about foods and dietary supplements to HFP by using our online reporting forms."

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fdas-unified-human-foods-program-new-model-field-operations-and-other-modernization-efforts-go
FDA’s Unified Human Foods Program, New Model for Field Operations, and Other Modernization Efforts Go into Effect
The following is attributed to Robert M. Califf, M.D., FDA Commissioner, and Jim Jones, Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods and Michael Rogers, Associate Commissioner for Inspections and Investigations

For Immediate Release:
October 01, 2024