Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recalled for Undeclared Milk

United Natural Trading LLC, Edison, NJ, is voluntarily recalling Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels due to the presence of an undeclared milk allergen.  The issue was discovered during an internal review of label management system as an action item from an internal nonconformance.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/united-natural-trading-llc-announces-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-fresh-direct-dark-chocolate
United Natural Trading LLC Announces Allergy Alert for Undeclared Milk in Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 30, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  January 30, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Snack Food Item
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  United Natural Trading LLC
Brand Name:  Fresh Direct
Product Description:  Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Some Media Headlines on Recalls Do Nothing More than Cause Confusion and Fear

Reading the daily headlines, I find that these new releases for recalls are just over the top.  Today, an article titled Why Lay’s Potato Chip Recall Was Elevated To FDA’s Deadliest Category was published in Forbes online.  To read this, you are thinking that these are some truly dangerous chips.  But then when actually read the article, you realize this is an milk allergen issue (and there were people affected) with the recall occurring over a month (Dec 18, 2024) ago and that product's distribution was limited to Oregon and Washington state.

As the recall category be classified Class 1, this is more of just an administrative function that sometimes takes longer to get applied.  So not like FDA had a revelation a month later.

From the FSPCA manual, Preventive Controls for Human Foods

Recalls are actions taken by a facility to remove a product from the market that may be adulterated, misbranded, or violate regulations in some way. In other words, a product for which the FDA or a state could take legal action against the facility would be subject to a recall. It is important to note that a recall is different from a market withdrawal and stock recovery. In a market withdrawal, it is the  company’s removal or correction of a distributed product which involves a minor violation that would not be subject to legal action by the FDA, or which involves no violation. A stock recovery is when the company corrects or removes a product where that product has not left direct control of the facility.

 The numerical designation (i.e., I, II, or III) [is] assigned by FDA to a particular product recall to indicate the relative degree of health hazard presented by the product being recalled (FDA Hazard Guide, Chapter 14, 2018).

(1) Class I is a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death (21 CFR 7.3(m)(1));

(2) Class II is a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or

medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious health

consequences is remote (21 CFR 7.3(m)(2)); and

(3) Class III is a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product is not likely to cause illness or injury (21 CFR 7.3(m)(3)).

https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephaniegravalese/2025/01/28/why-lays-potato-chip-recall-was-elevated-to-fdas-deadliest-category/
Forbes
Why Lay’s Potato Chip Recall Was Elevated To FDA’s Deadliest Category

Three Importers Issued Warning Letters for Failure to Develop FSVP for Imported Foods

Food imported into the United States must meet same standards as products produced in the United States.  The Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) is a regulation that must be complied with by importers of food into the US.   This ensures that someone here in the US has verified compliance of the foreign producer to US standards.  However, there has been a continuing issue where importers do not comply.    And this is not that they have a bad program, it is that they have no FSVP program.

Premium Fresh Growers LLC of McAllen, Texas did not develop an FSVP for any of the foods imported, including each of the following foods:
Limes imported from, (b)(4)
Cilantro imported from, Carlos Alberto Toto Cortes, located in Mexico
Carrots imported from, (b)(4)
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/premium-fresh-growers-llc-698646-12182024

Candymar Produce Inc of McAllen, TX did not develop an FSVP for any of the foods imported, including each of the following foods:
Carrots imported from (b)(4)
Squash imported from (b)(4)
Cabbage imported from (b)(4).
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/candymar-produce-inc-697780-12042024

George Food Specialties Inc. of Ballston Lake, NY did not develop an FSVP for any of the foods imported. Including each of the following foods:
Mayonnaise imported from (b)(4) located in (b)(4)
Mayonnaise imported from (b)(4) located in (b)(4)
Hot Sauce imported from (b)(4) located in (b)(4)
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/george-food-specialties-inc-697738-12232024

FDA Warning Letter to UT Bakery Highlights Preventive Control and GMP Misses Typical for Bakery

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Salt City Baking Company of Murray, Utah,  a baking company that produces ready-to-eat (RTE) bread products.  In the Preventive Controls for Human Foods training, these topics are covered, including the need to address controls associated with exposed RTE foods.

First the company "did not conduct a hazard analysis to identify and evaluate a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to determine whether it required a preventive control for your RTE bread products."

• Did not consider environmental pathogens, such as Salmonella, as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to determine whether it required a preventive control. [The] facility manufactures RTE bread products (such as White Cottage sliced bread) which are exposed to the environment after baking and handled by employees prior to packaging. 
• In addition, when contamination with environmental pathogens is a hazard requiring a preventive control, [one] must verify the effectiveness of this preventive control by performing environmental monitoring for an environmental pathogen or for an appropriate indicator organism, by collecting and testing environmental samples (see 21 CFR 117.165(a)(3)). [The company is] not performing environmental monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of  sanitation practices regarding employee practices and cleanliness of food-contact surfaces.
• Did not consider mycotoxins as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to determine whether it required a preventive control. [The] bread products (such as White Cottage sliced bread) contain wheat flour, which has been associated with mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON). Therefore, contamination with mycotoxins is a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard.
• A facility that identifies raw materials and other ingredients that require a supply-chain-applied control, such as mycotoxins, must establish and implement a risk-based supply-chain program for those raw materials and ingredients (see 21 CFR 117.405(a)(1)). The supply-chain program must include using approved suppliers and conducting supplier verification activities (see 21 CFR 117.410).
• The written allergen preventive controls do not include procedures, practices, and processes for ensuring protection of food from allergen cross-contact, including during storage, handling, and use; and for food labeling to ensure the food is not misbranded 
• The written Preventive Controls document indicates that the hazard of allergen cross-contact will be significantly minimized or prevented through scheduling and segregation practices. However, the allergen preventive control procedures do not cover sesame, nor do they include preventive control management components (monitoring, verification, and corrective action) for any allergens (see 21 CFR 117.140).
• In addition, the bread products are packaged in plastic bags and then the bags are placed into a cardboard case for distribution for use by foodservice establishments. The finished product labels are applied to the outside of the cardboard case. We note that you did not have adequate controls in place for undeclared allergens regarding monitoring and verification activities.

GMP Issues

USDA Issues Health Alert for Chicken Nugget Product for Potential Bone Fragments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, fully cooked Wegmans breaded chicken breast nuggets that may be contaminated with extraneous material, specifically bone fragments. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.  The product was produced on August 26, 2024.  FSIS was notified of the issue after Wegmans received multiple consumer complaints of bone fragments in the frozen fully cooked breaded chicken breast nugget product.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-wegmans-frozen-fully-cooked-chicken-nuggets-due
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Wegmans Frozen Fully Cooked Chicken Nuggets Due to Possible Extraneous Material Contamination

Perdue Foods LLC

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, fully cooked Wegmans breaded chicken breast nuggets that may be contaminated with extraneous material, specifically bone fragments. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.

California Firm Recalls Bread Crumbs for Undeclared Sesame

La Fiesta Food Products, LLC, La Mirada, CA is recalling 8 oz packages of La Fiesta brand Unseasoned Bread Crumbs (Pan Rayado) and Seasoned Bread Crumbs (Pan Rayado Sazonado). The products contain sesame as an undeclared allergen. Additionally, the labels do not include the allergen declaration in Spanish.  The recall was initiated after discovering that the product contained undeclared sesame. Further investigation revealed that the issue was caused by errors on the product labeling.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/recall-la-fiesta-brand-bread-crumbs-unseasoned-and-seasoned-undeclared-sesame
Recall of La Fiesta Brand Bread Crumbs (Unseasoned and Seasoned) for Undeclared Sesame
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 25, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  January 28, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared allergen (sesame)
Company Name:  La Fiesta Food Products, LLC.
Brand Name:  La Fiesta
Product Description: Breadcrumbs (pan Rayado)

CA Firm Expands Recall for Corn Puff Snack with Undeclared Milk Allergen

Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA is expanding its January 17, 2025 recall of 2.46 oz packages of Shirakiku brand Curvee Puffs Corn Puff Snack Curry Flavor. The expansion now includes two additional flavors; Sea Salt & Umami Flavor and Corn Potage Flavor. The product contains  undeclared milk.

The FDA Recall Notice was obviously not well reviewed prior to its issuance.  See the struck-out sections below where these were obviously not associated with this product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wismettac-asian-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-curvee-puffs-corn-puff-snack
Wismettac Asian Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Curvee Puffs Corn Puff Snack
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 28, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  January 28, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Snack Food Item
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk.
Company Name:  Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Shirakiku
Product Description:  Snack foods-Corn Puffs

Company Announcement

Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA is expanding its January 17, 2025 recall of 2.46 oz packages of Shirakiku brand Curvee Puffs Corn Puff Snack Curry Flavor. The expansion now includes two additional flavors; Sea Salt & Umami Flavor and Corn Potage Flavor. The product contains the undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume those products.

The product was distributed nationwide in AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI through retail stores, restaurants, online business. The product was also exported to Mexico and Peru.

The product is packaged in a 2.46 oz flexible bag. The UPC for the product is located on the back right side of the product package. This issue affected all lot codes or date codes.

The contamination was discovered after samples were collected from a store in Baltimore, Maryland and subsequent analysis by State of Maryland Department of Health Laboratories Administration revealed the presence of Listeria Monocytogenes in some 200g packages of Daily Veggies Enoki Mushroom form Korea. Remaining products in the warehouse had been destroyed.

Consumers who have purchased 200g packages of Daily Veggies Enoki Mushroom from October to November of 2024 are urged to destroy the products immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-808-1018.

Consumers who have purchased Dynacare Baby Powder (see products/lots below) should discontinue use immediately and return it for a full refund.

Item Number  Item Description  Packing Size  UPC Code
#78512  SNACK CURVEE PUFF CURRY SK  20/ 2.46 OZ  074410785123 #65155
SNACK CURVEE PUFFS SEA SALT & UMAMI SK
20/ 2.46 OZ
074410651558
#65156
SNACK CURVEE PUFFS CORN POTAGE SK
20/ 2.46 OZ
074410651565

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue.




The recall was initiated after discovering that the product contained an undeclared allergen (milk). The last distribution of the product in the marketplace was on January 10, 2025.




Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.




Consumers with questions may contact the company at recall@wismettacusa.com.

NY Wholesaler Recalls Herb Powder Due to Elevated Lead Levels

New York Wholesale Group of Hicksville, NY is recalling Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder, to the consumer/user level because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead. The recall is the result of an analysis conducted by Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; Food & Standards Division that revealed the product contained elevated levels of lead.

How did the lead get into the product?  To make an educated guess, the powder is derived from the plant root, so the lead would probably have been taken up from the soil / growth medium.

What is Shatavari powder?  I asked AI and this is what I got.

Shatavari is a herb that is a member of the asparagus family. It is also known as Asparagus racemosus and is a natural adaptogen, which means it helps the body cope with physical and emotional stress. Shatavari is considered a general health tonic to improve vitality and is a staple in ayurvedic medicine. Shatavari powder is a fine powder made from the dried roots of the shatavari plant and is commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to support the female reproductive system and promote overall health and wellness

So an important question is, will shatavari powder make one's urine smell similar to when one eats asparagus.  Well, according to a journal article, Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) does contain Asparagusic acid, the compound responsible for the asparagus-related pee odor, but this does not seem to be thing (of note).

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/new-york-wholesale-group-recalls-zaarah-herbals-shatavari-powder-because-possible-health-risk
New York Wholesale Group Recalls Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 27, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  January 27, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Contaminants
Reason for Announcement:  Product may be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.
Company Name:  New York Wholesale Group
Brand Name:   Zaarah Herbals
Product Description:  Shatavari Powder

WI Firm Recalls Bacon Seasoning Due to Undeclared Soy, A Result of a Supplier Substitution

TS Food Packaging, a Wisconsin firm, is recalling its “Rural King” and “Wabash Valley Farms” Bacon Seasoning due to the presence of an undeclared soy ingredient.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered via a manufacturing quality verification that the soy containing ingredient was a substitute provided by a supplier without notification of the presence of Soy. Subsequent investigation indicated the problem was caused by a substitution review process gap between the supplier and their customer base, corrective actions are in place to prevent recurrence.

There are two issues here.  One, the supplier made a substitution without notifying the customer, the receiving company, that a substituted product contained soy.   However, while this is a supplier oversight, the receiving company must have processes to prevent such issues.  For one, the purchasing department should have been on top of this.  I find it difficult to think that the supplier did not notify them of the need for a substitution.  With that, the purchasing department would then notify quality department of the need for a review. Second, the receiving company, (AKA, the customer), was not reviewing incoming ingredients close enough to detect the issue.  A simple product and label check of the incoming item would have caught this.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ts-food-packaging-recalling-its-rural-king-and-wabash-valley-farms-bacon-seasoning-due-presence
TS Food Packaging is Recalling its “Rural King” and “Wabash Valley Farms” Bacon Seasoning Due to the Presence of an Undeclared Soy Ingredient
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 24, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  January 24, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – soy
Company Name:  TS FOOD PACKAGING
Brand Name:  Wabash Valley Farms, Rural King
Product Description:  Bacon flavor popcorn seasoning

KY Establishment Recalls Chicken Product for Undeclared Allergens

Custom Food Solutions, a Louisville, Kentucky establishment, is recalling approximately 105,164 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) frozen drunken chicken product due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the product may contain egg and sesame, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.  FSIS discovered the problem during routine labeling review activities, when it found that the egg and sesame ingredients were not listed on the final product label.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/custom-food-solutions-recalls-ready-eat-frozen-drunken-chicken-product-due
Custom Food Solutions Recalls Ready-To-Eat Frozen Drunken Chicken Product Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2025 – Custom Food Solutions, a Louisville, Kentucky establishment, is recalling approximately 105,164 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) frozen drunken chicken product due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product may contain egg and sesame, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

NY Firm Recalls Raisons with High Level of Undeclared Sulfites

Apna Wholesale Inc of Hicksville, NY, is recalling its 7oz and 14oz “Paras Premium Golden Raisins” because they contain undeclared Sulphur Dioxide (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 personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in “Paras Premium Golden Raisins” which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites. Analysis of the “Paras Premium Golden Raisins” revealed they contained 56.8 milligrams per serving.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/apna-wholesale-issues-alert-undeclared-sulfites-paras-premium-golden-raisins
Apna Wholesale Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in “Paras Premium Golden Raisins
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 07, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  January 22, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Sulfites
Company Name:  Apna Wholesale Inc
Brand Name:  Paras
Product Description:  Premium Golden Raisins

NY Firm Recalls Imported Chocolate Chip Cookies for Undeclared Almonds

D. COLUCCIO & SONS, of  Brooklyn, NY, is recalling its 300 gram packages of “Colussi Cantuccini Chocolate Drops” chocolate chip cookies because they may contain undeclared almonds.  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 through a recall foreign recall notice from product manufacturer in Italy. Subsequent investigation indicated the problem was caused by temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging processes.

According to the company website, "D. Coluccio and Sons, Inc. is a family owned and operated Italian specialty food importer and retailer located in the heart of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn"  In this case, this importer would be under the FSVP which requires the importer to verify the supplier is operating under PCHF and with that, controlling hazards with preventive controls.  In this case, the foreign supplier would need to have allergen preventive controls because they are handling allergens other than what is going into this produce.  This is where the utilization of Appendix 1 for process / facility related hazards (as summarized in FSCPA's form 231) is a must.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/d-coluccio-sons-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-almonds-colussi-cantuccini-chocolate-drops-cookies
D. Coluccio & Sons, Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds in “Colussi Cantuccini Chocolate Drops” Cookies
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 21, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  January 21, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared almond
Company Name:  D. Coluccio & Sons
Brand Name:  Colussi
Product Description:  “Colussi Cantuccini Chocolate Drops” chocolate chip cookies

California Company Recalls Corn Puff Snack for Undeclared Milk

Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA is recalling 2.46 oz packages of Shirakiku brand Curvee Puffs Corn Puff Snack Curry Flavor. The product contains the undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated after discovering that the product contained an undeclared allergen (milk). The last distribution of the product in the marketplace was on January 10, 2025.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wismettac-asian-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-curvee-puffs-corn-puff-snack-curry-flavor
Wismettac Asian Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Curvee Puffs Corn Puff Snack Curry Flavor
Summary
Company Announcement Date: January 17, 2025
FDA Publish Date: January 20, 2025
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Undeclared milk.
Company Name: Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc.
Brand Name: Shirakiku
Product Description: Snack foods-Corn Puffs

USDA FSIS Issues Report on Boar's Head Listeria Outbreak

USDA-FSIS issued a report on the Boar's Head Listeria Outbreak that was linked to liverwurst product. The report provides information on facility findings as well as issues that need to be corrected within the FSIS inspection process.

For the facility findings, there is no specific issue is presented on how the specific product became contaminated, but rather generalized issues and trends noted by inspectors. The report states:

A notable contributing factor was the facility’s inadequate sanitation practices. Observations by VDACS inspection personnel documented in noncompliance records (NR) demonstrated multiple instances of noncompliance with Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures and Sanitation Performance Standards. While sanitary conditions were required to be restored for each documented noncompliance, repeated instances of insanitary conditions can present opportunities for growth or sustained presence of Lm. Documented instances of noncompliance included:

• Product Residue: Inspectors identified the presence of meat and fat residue from the previous day’s production on equipment, including packaging equipment and in the RTE processing area during preoperational sanitation checks. Residue can provide a substrate for Lm to survive and grow in the food processing environment and form biofilms, which can become more resistant to cleaning regimens. Biofilms are thin layers of bacteria that can form on equipment and other surfaces (similar to plaque on teeth). Once biofilms form, they must be removed by scrubbing or other mechanical action.
• Condensation: Inspectors identified multiple instances of condensation in the RTE environment (e.g., dripping condensate on exposed product and a fan blowing condensate directly on products).
• Structural and Facility Problems: Inspectors observed facility and structural-related issues (e.g., cracks, holes and broken flooring) that could hold moisture and contribute to wet conditions. Additional conditions documented included rust, beaded condensation and peeling caulk.

Additional considerations assessed by FSIS included the establishment’s construction activities, sampling history, sampling programs and raw and RTE separation practices.

The report briefly discusses inspectional notes at other Boar's Head facilities.

A good majority of the report goes into FSIS procedures and how they can improve procedures including those involving sampling, communication, and response, not only for FSIS personnel, but also state employees working as part of USDA-State agreements.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/Boars-Head-Public-Report-012025.pdf
Review of the Boar’s Head Listeria monocytogenes Outbreak

January 2025

FDA Requring Manufacturers of Raw Pet Food To Reanalyze Food Safety Plans for HPAI

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that it is necessary for manufacturers of cat and dog foods who are covered by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Preventive Controls for Animal Food (PCAF) rule and using uncooked or unpasteurized materials derived from poultry or cattle (e.g., uncooked meat, unpasteurized milk or unpasteurized eggs) to reanalyze their food safety plans to include Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus (specifically H5N1) as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard. Furthermore, the FDA is issuing this update to ensure that cat and dog food manufacturers are aware of information about the new H5N1 hazard associated with their pet food products, which is an additional reason that manufacturers must conduct a reanalysis of their food safety plans."

"The reanalysis is necessary to respond to the recent domestic cat illnesses and deaths described above and to scientific data indicating that cats and dogs have become ill from consuming H5N1 virus. Manufacturers that implement a preventive control for the H5N1 hazard as a result of their reanalysis will be taking an important step toward protecting cat and dog health and helping to prevent spread of H5N1. Addressing H5N1 will require a concerted effort across sectors, including by government, businesses, and consumers."


https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/cat-and-dog-food-manufacturers-required-consider-h5n1-food-safety-plans
Cat and Dog Food Manufacturers Required to Consider H5N1 in Food Safety Plans
January 17, 2025

Michigan Establishment Recalls Sausage Product for Undeclared Soy

UP Products, LLC, doing business as Meyer Wholesale, a Ewen, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 400 pounds of sausage products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the  products contain soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product labels.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/products-llc-dba-meyer-wholesale-recalls-ready-eat-and-raw-sausage-products-due
UP Products, LLC, DBA Meyer Wholesale Recalls Ready-To-Eat and Raw Sausage Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

FDA Revokes the Authorization for the Use of FD&C Red No. 3

 The FDA is amending its color additive regulations to no longer allow for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs in response to a 2022 color additive petition.  FD&C Red No. 3 is a synthetic food dye that gives foods and drinks a bright, cherry-red color. FD&C Red No. 3 has been primarily used in certain food products, such as candy, cakes and cupcakes, cookies, frozen desserts, and frostings and icings, as well as certain ingested drugs.  Manufacturers who use FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs will have until January 15, 2027 or January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products. 

"The dye, linked in studies to hyperactivity in children and the potential to cause cancer, has already been banned in cosmetics but remains legal in food products." https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2025/01/05/red-dye-3-fda-food-coloring/stories/202412260101

An article in Food Safety magazine (LINK) provided this:

"FDA made its decision in response to a 2022 color additive petition filed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Consumer Reports, and 22 others, which cited, among other data and information, two studies that showed cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of red dye 3 due to a rat-specific hormonal mechanism. Although FDA granted this petition, in its decision, FDA asserted that these studies are not necessarily relevant to human health; according to the agency, harmful exposure levels for male rats are much lower than for humans, and studies in humans and in other animals did not show carcinogenic effects. In a December 2024 Senate hearing, when asked why the agency still allows potentially harmful red dye 3 in food but not cosmetics, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones reiterated this position, explaining that the current scientific consensus is that the additive’s mode of carcinogenicity in animals is not applicable to humans."

"Regardless, beliefs that red dye 3 and other artificial food colorants are harmful to human health are widely held. In October 2024, Consumer Reports delivered another petition—with 80,000 signatures—urging the agency to ban red dye 3 in foods, citing, in addition to its potential carcinogenicity, that the dye is associated with hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral effects in children. A November letter from 23 Congress members also urging FDA to ban red dye 3 echoed the same concerns, and noted that the colorant is not allowed for food use by the EU, Australia, or New Zealand."

https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-revoke-authorization-use-red-no-3-food-and-ingested-drugs
FDA to Revoke Authorization for the Use of Red No. 3 in Food and Ingested Drugs
Constituent Update
January 15, 2025

California Establishment Recalls Taquito Products After Complaint for Metal Foreign Material

Bestway Sandwiches Inc., a Valencia, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 24,870 pounds of frozen chicken and cheese taquito products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal.  The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS that it received a consumer complaint reporting that a piece of metal was found in the frozen chicken and cheese taquito product. Another consumer reported to FSIS to have a dental injury from the product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/bestway-sandwiches-inc--recalls-frozen-chicken-and-cheese-taquito-products-due
Bestway Sandwiches Inc. Recalls Frozen Chicken And Cheese Taquito Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

USDA Issues Public Health Alert for Mislabeled Chicken Empanadas Resulting in Undeclared Milk

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen product labeled as Chicken Curry Empanadas due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen. The product labeled as Chicken Curry Empanadas may actually contain Apple Cinnamon Empanadas, which contain milk, a known allergen, that is not declared on the product label.  A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-chicken-empanada-products-due-misbranding-and
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Chicken Empanada Products Due To Misbranding And Undeclared Allergen

CA Firm Recalls BBQ Sauces for Undeclared Allergens

Monkey Spit, LLC, Nipomo, CA, is recalling its 12-ounce glass bottle of: 

• Monkey Mop BBQ Sauce - because it may contain undeclared milk. 
• Swamp Mob BBQ Sauce - because it may contain undeclared soy. 
• Atomic Mop BBQ Sauce - because it may contain undeclared milk and wheat. 

The recall was initiated after an FDA inspection. It was discovered that there were undeclared allergens not reveal on the product labels. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's packaging processes.

This appears to be an issue related to label design where the person developing the label did not properly understand allergen labeling.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/monkey-spit-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milkwheatsoy-monkey-spit-bbq-sauces
Monkey Spit, LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk/Wheat/Soy in Monkey Spit BBQ Sauces
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 17, 2025
FDA Publish Date: January 17, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Gravy/Sauces
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Milk, Soy, and Wheat
Company Name:  Monkey Spit, LLC.
Brand Name:  Monkey Spit
Product Description:  Barbecue sauces

Pancake Mix Recalled After Complaints for Undeclared Milk

The Quaker Oats Company today issued a recall of a limited number of two pound boxes of Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix that may contain undeclared milk, after being alerted by a retail partner. 

Pearl Milling was previously branded Aunt Jemima.  

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/quaker-issues-limited-recall-undeclared-milk-pearl-milling-company-original-pancake-waffle-mix
Quaker Issues Limited Recall on Undeclared Milk in Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix Distributed in 11 States
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 14, 2025
FDA Publish Date: January 15, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Milk
Company Name:  The Quaker Oats Company

Brand Name:  Pearl Milling Company
Product Description:  Pancake and Waffle Mix

Nutrition Bars Recalled for Undeclared Milk After 11 Suffer Allergic Reactions

Lifestyle Evolution Inc., based in Oakmont, PA is recalling select lots of NuGo Dark Chocolate Chip and Dark Chocolate Pretzel nutrition bars because they may contain undeclared milk.  This is the same recall announced by customers selling these products, including Amazon, Costco Wegmans, Giant Eagle, on December2, 2024 and not an expansion or different recall.  The recall was initiated after the firm received 11 consumer reports of allergic reaction experienced after consuming the product. As part of the firm’s ongoing investigation, the product was tested and found to contain milk, which is not indicated on the packaging. The firm’s investigation is ongoing

There is a precautionary statement that does include milk, but this of course will not prevent a recall.    Evidently, 11 people with allergies to milk still purchased and ate this product.



https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lifestyle-evolution-voluntarily-recalls-nugo-dark-chocolate-chip-and-nugo-dark-pretzel-due
Lifestyle Evolution Voluntarily Recalls NuGo Dark Chocolate Chip and NuGo Dark Pretzel Due to Undeclared Milk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 10, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  January 10, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Lifestyle Evolution Inc.
Brand Name:  NuGo
Product Description:  NuGo Dark Chocolate Chip Nutrition Bar and NuGo Dark Pretzel Chocolate Nutrition Bar

California Ice Cream Company Recalls Sorbet for Undeclared Egg

The Mochi Ice Cream Company LLC, Vernon, California is recalling 1350 cases of Peach Mango Sorbet, because it may contain undeclared pasteurized cooked egg white.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing (pasteurized egg white) was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of (the egg white). Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's packaging processes.  

There have been 2 reports of minor allergic response reported.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mochi-ice-cream-company-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-peach-mango-sorbet
The Mochi Ice Cream Company LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in Peach Mango Sorbet
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 09, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  January 10, 2025
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared egg
Company Name:  My Mochi Ice Cream Company LLC
Brand Name:  My Mochi
Product Description:  My Mochi Peach Mango Sorbet

Missouri Retail Operations Recalls Mashed Potato Product for Undeclared Wheat

Dierbergs, a retail operations based in Chesterfield, Missouri, is recalling all 16oz Premium Home-Style Mashed Potatoes with a Sell By Date of January 09, 2025. The product carries an undeclared allergen of Wheat.  This is a print-and-apply label and so information was not properly captured / input into the print system.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dierbregs-markets-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-product

Dierbregs Markets Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in Product
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 03, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  January 07, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared wheat
Company Name:  Dierbergs Markets
Brand Name:  Dierbergs Kitchen
Product Description:  Premium Home-Style Mashed Potatoes

Coconut No Longer Considered an Allergen Requiring Labeling and Other Items from Allergen Guidance

In FDA's guidance release, Q&A document - Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, Including the Food Allergen Labeling Requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Edition 5) that was released in early January (Link), FDA stated the nut allergens requiring labeling. Coconut, along with some other nut types, are not listed and with that, do not requiring allergen labeling.

We reached out to FDA and they provided this:

• Coconut is no longer considered a major food allergen: Coconut has been removed from the “tree nut list” (see Appendix 1, which is also at the end of this email) and is no longer considered a tree nut for allergen labeling purposes. This determination was made after a scientific evaluation was conducted using the scientific criteria outlined in FDA’s allergen framework guidance 

• Other changes to the tree nut list: [FDA] conducted a scientific review of tree nuts to determine if they are allergens of public health significance. [FDA] clarified that only the tree nuts listed in Appendix 1 are considered major food allergens. Other tree nuts not listed in the table should not be included in the “Contains” statement, even if they are used as ingredient, because the “Contains” statement is reserved for major food allergens. In addition to the removal of coconut, beech nut; butternut; chestnut; chinquapin; cola/kola nut; ginkgo nut; hickory nut; palm nut; pili nut; and shea nut were removed from the “tree nut list.”

• FDA expanded interpretation of "milk” as a major food allergen to include milk from goats, sheep, and other ruminants for food allergen labeling purposes. Milk from ruminant animals other than cows, when used as an ingredient, must be declared in the ingredient list by common or usual name, such as “goat milk”. For food allergen labeling purposes, milk and milk ingredient from animals other than cows, should also include the name of the animal source, such as “goat milk” and “whey (goat milk)” in the ingredient list or “Contains goat milk” in a separate Contains statement, or both.

• FDA expanded the definition of eggs to include eggs from ducks, quail and other fowl for food allergen labeling purposes. Eggs from birds other than chickens, when used as an ingredient, must be declared in the ingredient list by common or usual name, such as “duck egg”. For food allergen labeling purposes, egg and egg ingredients from birds other than chickens, should also include the name of the bird source, such as “duck egg” and “ovalbumin (duck egg)” in the ingredient list or “Contains duck egg” in a separate Contains statement, or both.

• Additional Information:

o  “Allergen-free” claims should not be accompanied by allergen advisory statements because this would be confusing for consumers, for example, “milk-free” and “may contain milk” should not appear on the same product label and labeling.

o Allergen declaration in an ingredients list or in a “Contains” statement should not also be accompanied by an allergen advisory statement for the same allergen, for example, “Contains milk” and “may contain milk”.

o FDA cannot change the list of major food allergens. Federal law defines “major food allergens,” but the law does not restrict our authority to require labeling for other food allergens by regulation.

USDA-FSIS Issue Health Warning for Foreign Material in Ground Beef Products Produced by Ohio Establishment

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert due to concerns of frozen, raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically hard plastic and metal.  The product was produced by Stockyard Packing of Oxford, OH.  The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS that it received a consumer complaint reporting that pieces of hard plastic and metal were found in the raw ground beef product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-raw-ground-beef-products-due-possible-foreign
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen, Raw Ground Beef Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns of frozen, raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically hard plastic and metal. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.

NJ Specialty Food Company Recalls Cheese After Supplier Notification of Potential Listeria Contamination

Abbey Specialty Foods of Fairfield, NJ is recalling Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive 5.2 oz product and Wicklow Gold Cheddar Tomato & Herb 5.2 oz product because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The recall was initiated after our supplier, Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese LTD. notified Abbey Specialty Foods they were recalling these products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/abbey-specialty-foods-recalls-wicklow-gold-cheddar-nettle-chive-52-oz-and-wicklow-gold-cheddar
Abbey Specialty Foods Recalls Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive 5.2 oz and Wicklow Gold Cheddar Tomato & Herb 5.2 oz Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 03, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  January 03, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Cheese/Cheese Product
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Abbey Specialty Foods
Brand Name:  Wicklow Gold
Product Description:  Cheddar style cheeses

NC Firm Recalls Raw Cat Food for Salmonella

Blue Ridge Beef .of Statesville, NC is recalling 1,350 lbs. of their 2 1b log Kitten Mix Lot N25-0716 UPC 8542980013436 due to a contamination of Salmonella. (Lot numbers are stamped in the clips on the end of the chubs/bags).  Due to a customer complaint of animal illness, a sample of the product was collected on 12/12/2024 by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources and tested by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory. The sampled product tested positive for Salmonella.

This company has had numerous recalls over the past several years (2024, 2024, 2023, 2023)

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-ridge-beef-recalls-blue-ridge-beef-kitten-mix-due-salmonella-contamination
Blue Ridge Beef Recalls Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Mix Due to Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: January 03, 2025
FDA Publish Date: January 03, 2025
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:  Blue Ridge Beef
Brand Name:   Blue Ridge Beef
Product Description:  Kitten mix pet food

FDA Release Draft Guidance on Sanitation Programs for Low-Moisture RTE Foods w/ Corrective Actions for Environmental Positives

FDA released a draft guidance on environmental control for manufacturers/processors of low-moisture, ready-to-eat (LMRTE) human foods, including:

• powdered infant formula (PIF), 
• peanut butter, 
• nut butters, 
• powdered drink mixes, 
• chocolate, 
• medical foods in powdered and paste forms, 
• processed tree nuts, 
• milk powders, 
• powdered spices, 
• snack foods such as chips and crackers, 
• granola bars, and
• dry cereal

The guidance is designed to help in "establishing a routine sanitation program for LMRTE foods that can help prevent pathogen contamination events and also sets forth recommendations for corrective actions, including corrective actions for remediation of contamination of food-contact surfaces (FCSs) if prevention fails.

 

Specifically, this guidance discusses:

• establishing and implementing a sanitation program and routine environmental  monitoring program; 
• conducting adequate root cause investigations (RCIs) following a pathogen contamination event; 
• applying a sanitizing7 treatment when remediating a pathogen contamination event; 
• taking steps to identify affected food; and
• the limitations of relying solely on a product testing program as verification that pathogen contamination has been eliminated

https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/draft-guidance-industry-establishing-sanitation-programs-low-moisture-ready-eat-human-foods-and
Draft Guidance for Industry: Establishing Sanitation Programs for Low-Moisture Ready-to-Eat Human Foods and Taking Corrective Actions Following a Pathogen Contamination Event
January 2025

FDA Releases 5th Edition of Q&A on Allergens and Allergen Labeling

FDA released final revision of the allergen Q&A document - Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, Including the Food Allergen Labeling Requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Edition 5)

https://www.fda.gov/media/117410/download

This is an important document for reference when food allergen control including labeling requirements.  It covers topics such as labeling bulk materials, spice mixes, and ingredients derived from those containing allergens.

FDA provided the list of tree nuts that must be labeled.  Note that coconut along with other nuts are not on this list, and with that, the allergen labeling does not apply.  Those tree nuts not listed in the table should not be included in the “Contains” statement, even if they are used as ingredient, because the “Contains” statement is reserved for major food allergens. In addition to the removal of coconut, beech nut; butternut; chestnut; chinquapin; cola/kola nut; ginkgo nut; hickory nut; palm nut; pili nut; and shea nut were removed from the “tree nut list.” 

Appendix I (from the updated guidance)

Tree Nuts FDA Considers as Major Food Allergens with their Common or Usual Names and Scientific Names.

Common or usual name	Scientific name (Family name is identified in parentheses.)
Almond	Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb (Rosaceae)
Black walnut	Juglans nigra L. (Juglandaceae)
Brazil nut	Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl. (Lecythidaceae)
California walnut	Juglans californica S. Watson (Juglandaceae)
Cashew	Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae)
Filbert/Hazelnut	Corylus spp. (Betulaceae)
Heartnut/Japanese walnut	Juglans ailantifolia Carriere var. cordiformis (Makino) Rehder (Juglandaceae)
Macadamia nut/Bush nut	Macadamia spp. (Proteaceae)
Pecan	Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch (Juglandaceae)
Pine nut/Pinon nut	Pinus spp. (Pineaceae)
Pistachio	Pistacia vera L. (Anacardiaceae)
Walnut (English, Persian)	Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae)

 

FDA also released a guidance document on how additional allergens may be added to the list of allergens.

https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/guidance-industry-questions-and-answers-regarding-food-allergen-labeling-edition-5
Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergen Labeling (Edition 5)
January 2025

Docket Number:
FDA-2022-D-0099

US Experiencing Increase in Norovirus Outbreaks

CDC data indicates there is a higher than normal number of Norovirus outbreaks.  "Data from the CDC's National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System show that 22% of norovirus tests were positive for the week ending December 21, which is also higher than seen during the same time period in recent years."

Cruise ships also have been having their issues. "Data released earlier this week by the CDC show that 16 cruise ship norovirus outbreaks were reported in 2024, including 5 in December that sickened 890 passengers and crew members."

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/norovirus/us-norovirus-outbreaks-are-cdc-data-show
US norovirus outbreaks are up, CDC data show
News brief January 2, 2025
Chris Dall, MA

Avian Influenza in Cats Linked to Raw Pet Food

In Oregon, the "Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) yesterday reported that a house cat has died from H5N1 avian flu after eating raw frozen pet food, which has prompted the voluntary recall of raw pet food that was sold nationwide through distributors in 12 states as well as in British Columbia."

"In a statement, the ODA said the house cat that tested positive for H5N1 died after eating raw food. Tests confirmed a genetic match between a sample from the cat and the virus from Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food."

In California, the "LADPH [Los Angeles Dept of  Health] said H5 avian flu from product samples of Monarch Raw Pet Food has been found in an investigation into an illness involving a house cat with a lab-confirmed infection after consuming the product. Four other cats from the same household have presumed H5 infections after eating the same food."  "Officials said an investigation is still under way into fatal illnesses of four cats from a separate household that had drunk raw milk."

"According to Monarch Raw Pet Food's website, the food was sold at farmer's markets in Laguna Niguel, Orange, San Jacinto, and Fountain Valley. The company said its raw meat pet food is made from raw ground chicken composed of muscle, organ meat, skin, fat, and bone and that it is sourced from human-grade free-range poultry raised in the San Joaquin Valley."


https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/california-probe-ties-cats-avian-flu-illness-raw-pet-food
California probe ties cat's avian flu illness to raw pet food
Lisa Schnirring January 2, 2025
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

California Produce Company Recalls Broccoli Florets After State Testing Finds Listeria

 Braga Fresh of Soledad, Calif. is voluntarily issuing a precautionary advisory of a single production lot of washed and ready-to-eat 12oz Marketside Broccoli Florets with best if used by date Dec 10, 2024.  This advisory is being initiated due to possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The potential for contamination was discovered during random sampling by Texas Health & Human Services from a Texas store location where one of multiple samples yielded a positive test result.  This product is past its best if used by date and is no longer in stores, but consumers may have frozen the item for later use.

Just to point out that this recall is for one lot of product due to Listeria being detected in that product.  As we have seen with other recalls involving Listeria, recalls can be expanded if it is determined that the facility did not have control of Listeria as determined from that company's internal controls.  Records of testing and cleaning as well as observation of practices may indicate issues, or may be viewed as suspect for not being sufficiently robust.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/braga-fresh-issues-voluntary-and-precautionary-advisory-due-possible-health-risk
Braga Fresh Issues Voluntary and Precautionary Advisory Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 27, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  December 31, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Produce
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Braga Fresh
Brand Name:  Marketside
Product Description:  Broccoli Florets

PA Candy Company Recalls Meltaway Bars After Mispackaging Issue With Cashew Containing Product

Gardners Candies of Tyrone, PA is recalling its 1.25 ounce packages of Gardners Candies brand Cappuccino Meltaway® Bars because they may contain undeclared tree nuts (cashews).   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the tree nut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of tree nuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.  Production of the product has been suspended until the company is certain that the problem has been corrected.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gardners-candies-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-tree-nuts-cappuccino-meltawayr-bars-and-gardners
Gardners Candies Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts in Cappuccino Meltaway® Bars and Gardners Meltaway Treat Boxes Containing Cappuccino Meltaway Bars
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 27, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  December 27, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Tree Nuts (Cashews)
Company Name:  Gardners Candies, Inc.
Brand Name:  Gardners Candies
Product Description:  Chocolate Candy Bars