Cider Product Recalled Due to Post-Bottling Fermentation

Angry Orchards is recalling bottled cider after two lots began undergoing post-bottling fermentation.  The fermentation produces gas which can cause product to overflow when opened, in some cases the caps to pop, or may even result in broken bottles.



FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm457397.htm
Angry Orchard Cider Company Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Cases of Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider

Contact: Consumer: 1-800-362-7110
Media: Jessica Paar, Angry Orchard Cider Company 617-368-5060
Jessica.Paar@angryorchard.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 4, 2015 – Cincinnati, Ohio – Angry Orchard Cider Company, LLC, Cincinnati, Ohio, today announced that it is conducting a voluntary recall of select cases (24/12oz bottles), 12-packs and 6-packs of Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider.

The precautionary action comes after the Company received inquiries from consumers that had experienced broken bottles or bottles overflowing when opened. After conducting follow-up quality testing, the Company determined that the affected cider is limited to two batches, produced on June 15 and June 29, 2015.

Food Safety and Small Companies

by Martin Bucknavage

Three recent food safety issues have been noted in the press (links to related articles below each).

·         FDA, CDC, and Costco warn consumers to avoid Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese

FDA, CDC, and Costco warn consumers to avoid Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese

·         Baugher's apple cider recalled over potential E. coli

DHMH Issues Consumer Alert Regarding Recall of Baugher's Apple Cider

·         Texas produce supplier, Sanger, and listeriosis

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/releases/20101020.shtm

The first is an aged raw milk cheese made by a small company and distributed by Costco linked to E.coli.  The second is a small cider mill making unpasteurized cider linked to E. coli, and lastly, last month’s case of Listeria related illness linked to chopped celery.

What is interesting in these cases is that they are all small, regional companies who have experienced issues, and were then written-up by the press. Two of the companies have nice websites that give you a positive impression of the company. (Bravo Farms http://www.bravofarms.com/, Baugher’s http://www.baughers.com/farm.html).  The third was shut down.

Here are some items to note:

1)     There is much attention  on outbreaks related to large companies, but even small companies can, and will, have issues. (as in the insurance commercial – mayhem can happen – as a result from the smallest distraction or oversight).  Further, small companies no longer fly under the radar of the investigations, or the press.  With enhanced capabilities, local and state health agencies in conjunction with the CDC can track event the smallest outbreaks to the source.  Therefore, companies of all sizes must have necessary food safety policies and procedures in place, records to show they are being completed, and verification procedures, such as testing, to show their success.

2)     Retailers looking to find small niche products must know their potential suppliers capabilities before they begin selling these products.  There is a trend for retailers, looking to enhance their offerings, to find small companies making unique products, similar to Costco selling Bravo Farm products.  Diligence must be taken to ensure these smaller suppliers have robust quality and food safety systems.

3)     Consumers should not assume that local product is free of risk just because it is local.  If a consumer buys unpasteurized apple juice, there is an increased risk over pasteurized product.

4)     There is help available through associations, government agencies (USDA’s Small and Very Small Plant Outreach), and the Universities (Cooperative Extension and PennTAP) to assist with training and development.