Food Companies Issue Recalls After Using Eggs Recalled for Listeria

A number of food companies have issued recalls after using eggs recalled as part of the Almark egg recall due to Listeria.

• Meijer Recalls Diced Hard Boiled Eggs Due to Potential Health Risks Product Bought at Two Stores in Grand Rapids Affected
• Veggie Noodle Co., LLC is voluntarily recalling its Cece’s® Veggie Co. brand Fresh Veggie Ramen with Chicken Broth (11.5 oz, UPC 5228700653), all expiration dates, sold at retail stores nationally, 
• Reichel Foods Inc. is voluntarily recalling Pro2Snax to the Max Sliced Apples, Hard Boiled Egg, Mild Cheddar Cheese, Cashews & Dried Cranberries and Pro2Snax to the Max Sweet Gala Apples, Hard Boiled Egg, White Cheddar Cheese, Almonds & Dried Cranberries.
• Great American Deli of Ooltewah, Tennessee is recalling GAD #114 Egg Salad Sandwich 4.8 oz. 
• Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc. is voluntarily recalling Trader Joe’s Egg Salad, 6 oz and Trader Joe’s Old Fashioned Potato Salad, 20 oz with “USE BY” date codes up through and including 12/27/19 

As part of the hazard analysis for receiving eggs, Listeria would be a hazard of concern and would be handled by Supplier Preventive Control.  After this recall, a more substantive system will be need for RTE peeled eggs.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/meijer-recalls-diced-hard-boiled-eggs-due-potential-health-risks-product-bought-two-stores-grand
Meijer Recalls Diced Hard Boiled Eggs Due to Potential Health Risks Product Bought at Two Stores in Grand Rapids Affected
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 31, 2019
FDA Publish Date: December 31, 2019
Product Type:  Food & Beverages Egg/Egg Product Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement: Product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:Meijer
Brand Name: None
Product Description:  Hard-boiled eggs

CDC Alert on Listeria Outbreak Associated with Hard-boiled Peeled Eggs from GA Processor

CDC issued a food safety alert regarding hard boiled eggs from Alamark Foods as a potential source of Listeria.   "As of December 17, 2019, a total of seven people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from five states...... Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicates that bulk hard-boiled eggs produced by Almark Foods of Gainesville, Georgia, are a likely source of this outbreak." 

These eggs are hard-boiled, peeled, and packaged in plastic pails of various sizes.  It is during the peeling and packaging process where the eggs can become contaminated with Listeria.  Being a RTE product, the eggs will generally be eaten without further preparation, or certainly without preparation that would provide bacterial reduction (deviled eggs for example).  With a 49 day shelf-life at refrigeration temperatures, that is plenty of time to allow for the growth of this psychrotropic pathogen (capable of growth at refrigeration temperatures).


CDC Food Safety Alert
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/eggs-12-19/index.html
Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Hard-boiled Eggs
Posted December 18, 2019 at 6:30 PM ET

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Two Egg Facilities - NY and AL

FDA issued Warning Letters to two different egg production facilities with a focus on inadequate controls for Salmonella enteriditis.  For one of the facilities, the investigation came after a Salmonella outbreak.

Our handling and cooking of eggs has become dependent on egg farmers controlling Salmonella in their flocks.  We generally eat eggs with minimal cooking (over easy, poached, or we go Rocky), but there is a risk.  For facilities with good controls in place, the Salmonella risk is minimal, but for those farms that don't have good controls, Salmonella can be present in the eggs.

Gravel Ridge Farms, Alabama - Because of a Salmonella outbreak associated with eggs in September, FDA conducted an inspection of egg facility in Alabama.  The issues were:

• There was not control program for Salmonella Enteritidis (SE).
• Inadequate cleaning to prevent cross contamination.
• There were no biosecurity measures in place
• There was no pest control program
• They did not clean the facility to remove pest harborage sites.

In the Notice it was noted that the facility was shut down by owners with no plans on reopening.

FDA issued a warning letter to  Pitcher Road Farm of Ovid, NY, 14521 after an inspection that took place from August 1 through August 2, 2018.  The farm had failed to implement thier SE plan including not testing the environment for SE or implementing measures for preventing cross contamination.

Cincinnati District Office
6751 Steger Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45237
Telephone: (513) 679-2700
FAX: (513) 679-2772

February 12, 2019

WARNING LETTER 566836

FDA Issues 483 Report on Facility Issues at Egg Farm Responsible for Salmonella Outbreak

FDA issued a 483 Report for Inspectional Observations for the Rose Acre Farm facility in light of the 23 cases of salmonellosis related to thier eggs and associated recall of 207 million eggs.

The issues indicate the facility had a rodent issue as well as sanitation issues.  Records indicate a rodent issue and this was verified in that numerous rodents had been spotted during the inspection.  Issues with sanitation were also noted including improper cleaning practices, placement of food contact surfaces on the ground, and excessively filthy equipment.

It is not uncommon to have mice in the manure pit, and that is where most of the mice sightings were made.  The more important issue was to what degree was Salmonella within the laying flocks and in the the environments where chicken were housed.  Uncontrolled movement of mice and poor cleaning could be factors, but hard to determine the impact of them on the prevalence of Salmonella in chickens and in environment. 

FDA 483 Report - Rose Acre Farms
https://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OfficeofGlobalRegulatoryOperationsandPolicy/ORA/ORAElectronicReadingRoom/UCM604794.pdf

FEI NUMBER 2000023438
NAME AND TITLE OF INDIVIDUAL TO WHOM REPORT IS ISSUED TO:
Nathan K. Nickolisen, Complex Manager
FIRM NAME Rose Acre Farms -Hyde County Egg
CITY, STATE AND ZIP CODE Pantego, NC 27860
STREET ADDRESS 1560 Hyde Park Canal Road
TYPE OF ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTED Shell Egg Producer

FDA 483 Report
Date of Inspection 3/26 - 4/11/18

207 Million Whole Shells Eggs Recalled After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

An Indiana company is voluntarily recalling approximately 207 million whole shell eggs after they were linked to 22 cases (reported) of infection from Salmonella Braenderup.  The eggs were distributed from the farm in Hyde County, North Carolina and reached consumers in the following states: Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia through retail stores and restaurants via direct delivery.  Brands include Food Lion, Great Value, Glenview, Country Daybreak, Coburn Farms, Sunshine Farms, Crystal Farms, Nelms, and Waffle House.  The recall after a number of Salmonella cases were reported.

Rose Acre Farms is a family-owned company headquartered in Seymour, Ind., and has 17 facilities in eight states.  The Hyde County farm produces 2.3 million eggs a day and has 3 million laying hens.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm604640.htm
Rose Acre Farms Recalls Shell Eggs Due to Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
April 13, 2018

Europe - Eggs Contaminated with Pesticide Removed from Shelves

In Europe, eggs (and products made from eggs) from farms in the Netherlands and Belgium are being pulled from store shelves after it was found that those farms used a banned pesticide, Fiponil, a substance used to kill lice and ticks in chickens.  Product was shipped to  countries that have received the eggs are the UK, Sweden, Austria, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Denmark and Switzerland.

Brittan’s Food Standards Agency says it is "very unlikely" there is any health risk.  However it is caused quite a stir throughout the EU.

BBC News
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40896899
Eggs containing fipronil found in 15 EU countries and Hong Kong
8/11/17

Executives of Egg Company Ordered to Begin Serving Sentences for 2010 Salmonella Outbreak

A father and son, owners of an Iowa egg company, have been mandated to report to prison.  They were found guilty in 2014 to the 2010 Salmonella outbreak associated with eggs where close to 2000 people became infected.  They appealed their sentences, but those were upheld.

According to the news release, business groups had supported the appeal, arguing "that it is unfair to send corporate executives to prison for violations that they were either unaware of or that were committed by subordinates. The groups said it's highly unusual to attach a criminal penalty and prison time to executives when there is no proof of intention or knowledge of wrongdoing."  If you believe that food safety starts at the top, which I do, then it is important the executives should not only be aware, but also support food safety.

WRCBTV / Associated Press
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/35760192/egg-executives-in-salmonella-case-must-report-to-pris
Egg executives in salmonella case must report to prison

Posted: Jun 27, 2017 12:53 PM EDT
Updated: Jun 27, 2017 1:13 PM

Eggs from Small Producer Recalled After Link to Salmonella Infections

Good Earth Egg company is issuing a recall of shell eggs after they were linked to a Salmonella outbreak.  In this outbreak, 8 individuals have become infected with Salmonella Oranienburg 

 

 Good Earth had also issued a recall in January of this year, again for Salmonella.   A warning letter issued by FDA in February indicates that the company did not have a Salmonella control program in place and faced sanitary issues including rodent control.

 

If Salmonella is not controlled within the flocks and the facility, the eggs will have Salmonella. It would be fine if eggs were handled and cooked by the consumers, but consumer don't.  Eggs are often served undercooked such as sunny side up.  They are not handled in a way that protects against cross contamination.  As studies have shown, eggs from small producers are more likely to have Salmonella present.

 

 

CDC Outbreak

http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/Oranienburg-10-16/index.html

Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg Infections Linked to Shell Eggs

Posted October 3, 2016 5:45 PM ET

  

At A Glance

Case Count: 8  (http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/oranienburg-10-16/epi.html)

States: 3  (http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/oranienburg-10-16/map.html)

Deaths: 0

Hospitalizations: 2

Recall: No

Highlights

Read the Advice to Consumers and Retailers >>(http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/oranienburg-10-16/advice.html)

Backyard Chickens and Eggs - Beware of the Salmonella Risk

In two news stories this week - one on raising chickens at home and the other on eggs from small chicken flocks - there is discussion on the higher risk for Salmonella.

In the Post article, people raising chickens at home threat the chickens more like pets.  Many people will cuddle or kiss baby chicks and nearly half of the patients who contracted Salmonella from the chickens allowed the chickens into the house (and some into the bedroom).

Penn State conducted a large survey looking at the prevalence in Salmonella in eggs which were purchased from farm stands across the state.  These eggs were from small chicken flocks and fall outside of regulations for controlling Salmonella.  The survey found that 2% of the eggs tested were positive for Salmonella.  The contamination was primarily found inside the egg.  For commercial egg producers, this number is less than 0.5%.

Salmonella is a natural contaminate of chickens, and unless carefully controlled, it can be passed to humans through handling of the chickens or through mishandling or undercooking of the eggs.   Commercially, Salmonella is controlled through diet (including probiotics), house maintenance procedures, and Salmonella testing.  With backyard flocks, these controls are normally not in place.  Another risk, not discussed in these articles, is Campylobacter.  This has been shown to have a higher prevalence in small flocks as well.

This is not saying that people should not raise chickens or consume their eggs, but people have to be aware of the risk.  Keep chicken in the coup.  Wash your hands after handling the chicken.  Cook the eggs and the chicken to the proper temperature.  No Rocky breakfast drink with these eggs, not unless you plan your next bout at the American Standard Bowl.

Penn State News
http://news.psu.edu/story/425880/2016/09/14/research/eggs-small-flocks-just-likely-contain-salmonella-enteritidis
Eggs from small flocks more likely to contain Salmonella enteritidis
By Jeff Mulhollem
September 14, 2016

Egg Shortage - US Opens Door To Imported Eggs

The bird flu outbreak has caused an egg shortage in the US.  According to reports, some 47 million birds, 35 million hens have been affected.   To keep egg prices down and eggs available for commercial use, the US has permitted the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Spain and France (in Europe), and Chile and Argentina (in Latin America) to ship egg products to the US.


 Wall Street OTC
http://www.wallstreetotc.com/u-s-food-producers-trying-to-defuse-egg-crisis-with-dutch-imports/219030/
US Food Producers Trying to Defuse Egg Crisis with Dutch Imports

Jun 12, 2015 By David Warren

The U.S. Department of Agriculture had given the approval to five egg producers from the Netherlands to sell egg products to the U.S. amid efforts to alleviate egg shortage caused by the recent bird flu outbreak.

It is the first time in nearly two decades the U.S. decides to imports egg products from Netherlands. The only non-domestic egg supplier for food processors and bakeries considered safe by the USDA was Canada. Yet, egg shortage resulted in a jump in prices, so the federal government is looking for alternate solutions.

Imported egg products would be used in processed foods and bakeries, and states hope that imports would prevent prices from further rising. In Texas, a supermarket even put a limit to shell egg purchases.

Eggs from Free Range Chickens - No Sunny Side Up

It is the scene from Rocky....he is preparing for the big fight, and he starts his day by knocking back a half dozen raw eggs in a glass.   Well, hopefully those where conventionally produced eggs and not eggs from free range chickens.

In a study published in Food Control, chicks were separated after hatch...some went to live the life on the open range while the other half were stuck in conventional cages.  And as you might predict, the eggs from free range chickens had higher levels of Salmonella (2.6% vs 0 for conventional) and Campylobacter (26.1% versus 7.6% for conventional).  This is because free range chickens are more apt to come into contact with biological contaminants and pass those contaminates to the eggs.  (Additionally, conventional eggs are washed with a high pH solution, which would further reduce the level of contamination.)

This is not a beat down on Free Range eggs, but people need to recognize the higher risk for eggs from free range chickens, which are often purchased at farmers's markets, farm stands, and such.  If buying eggs that are not conventionally produced, you can reduce the risk of illness by properly cooking (over hard or scrambled) and proper handling the eggs.

Food Control 
Volume 47, January 2015, Pages 161–165
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956713514003673
Microbiological contamination of shell eggs produced in conventional and free-range housing systemsM.A. Parisia, J.K. Northcutta, , , D.P. Smithb, E.L. Steinberga, P.L. Dawsona

Execs of Egg Company Plead Guilty to Selling Contaminated Eggs

 The executives of the Iowa Egg Producer that was responsible for selling eggs that sickened thousands with Salmonella pleaded guilty.  The company will pay 6.8 million in fines and the executives face up to a year in prison and additional fines.

The Iowa Egg Salmonella Outbreak occurred back in 2010.  CDC reported in December of 2010 that 1,939 individuals became infected with Salmonella.  In addition to causing the illnesses, the company ,Quality Egg, pleaded guilty to "giving cash bribes to a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector to approve and allow poor-quality chicken eggs to be sold to the public; introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce, according to the DOJ" and selling eggs mislabeled to hide how old they were by having its employees affix labels to egg shipments that had false expiration dates with the "intent to mislead state regulators and retail egg customers regarding the true age of the eggs,"

Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/03/usa-lawsuit-foodpoisoning-idUSL1N0OK13P20140603
UPDATE 1-Quality Egg admits to selling tainted eggs, bribing official

Tue Jun 3, 2014 2:54pm EDT
By P.J. Huffstutter

CHICAGO, June 3 (Reuters) - Quality Egg LLC and two top executives on Tuesday admitted to selling substandard eggs containing a "poisonous" substance and bribing a federal inspector in a food-safety scandal that sickened tens of thousands, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

The Iowa-based company, once among the United States' largest producers of shelled chicken eggs, along with owners Austin and Peter DeCoster, pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges in connection with the massive nationwide salmonella outbreak in 2010.

Organic Eggs Recalled Due to Salmonella Contamination

A firm is recalling certified organic eggs distributed in Colorado after their own testing found the presence of Salmonella in some of the eggs.
To control Salmonella in eggs, careful attention must be given to controlling Salmonella in the laying flocks.  Just because they are certified organic does not automatically exempt the chickens or the eggs from Salmonella contamination.


FDA Recall Notice
 Sixdog Investments Voluntarily Recalls Eggs Because of Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm396074.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Contact
Consumer:
(970) 286-0080

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 1, 2014 - Sixdog Investments, LLC is voluntarily recalling some cases of their certified organic eggs, because of the potential they are contaminated with Salmonella. This voluntary field action was initiated because of routine testing results, and not because of illness to date from consumption.

Additional egg products recalled in light of FSIS investigation

 Updated 4/1/14

USDA issued a public health alert for egg products due to the fact they were unfit for human consumption. This comes as FSIS investigates a recall that occurred by the Washington state company, Nutriom for a recall they had last month.

It has come to light in this notice that "FSIS issued the original recall because the company allegedly recorded false laboratory results. The company allegedly produced negative laboratory results for Salmonella when the results were actually positive, or reported that sampling had occurred when, in fact, no microbial testing was performed". 

This recall expands the previous recall by an additional 118,500 lbs from the original 226,710 lbs. However, the company refused to recall the additional amount and so now FSIS will remove it.

Based upon the letter written by Nutriom in response to the USDA, Nutriom disagreed with the USDA. Further, it indicates the record keeping irregularities were the responsibility of one individual who is no longer with the company. 

So it appears from that statement that this is not a system wide issue, but rather a rouge employee issue.

Nutriom produces a dried egg product using a new technology. Salmonella is an issue in egg products and in dried products, so it is important for the process to be sufficient to rid the eggs of pathogens like Salmonella, but it is also important to prevent recontamination of the eggs in the post process environment. Salmonella can survive in dry products and dry process environments for long periods of time, and so can become a environmental contaminate if not controlled.

Nutriom LLC Response to USDA-FSIS Announcement
Nutriom products found to be safe by USDA-FSIS laboratory. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/03/prweb11713376.htm

Lacey, WA (PRWEB) March 29, 2014

Nutriom LLC is a small, family-owned and operated company, founded by an immigrant who came to this country more than 30 years ago looking for opportunity. Nutriom has developed a new technology for dehydrating eggs using its unique, patent-pending drying technology. Nutriom produces a dehydrated egg (“Egg Crystals™”) that when mixed with water and cooked, functions and tastes just like fresh eggs. It is 100% all-natural, pure egg with no added chemicals or preservatives.

Washington State firm recalls dried egg product due to the potential for Salmonella contamination

A Washington State company, Nutriom, is recalling 226,710 pounds of processed egg products due to potential salmonella contamination.  The issue was discovered by Washington State Laboratories.  To date, there have been no illnesses reported.

A processed egg product should not have Salmonella.   Why no illnesses?  For one, the contamination rate may be very low.  From the report, we cannot tell to what degree the product was contaminated.  Second, the eggs were probably used in applications that required further heating.

 USDA News Release

Washington Firm Recalls Dried Egg Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Class I Recall 015-2014

Health Risk: High Feb 15, 2014

 http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2014/recall-015-2014-release

Congressional and Public Affairs

Joan Lindenberger

(202) 720-9113

 

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2014 – Nutriom LLC, a Lacey, Wash., establishment, is recalling approximately 226,710 pounds of processed egg products that may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

 

Recall of Cooked Eggs Highlights Need for Tight Food Safety Control of RTE Foodservice Product

The Cooked Egg recall this month once again shows how one glitch in a food safety system at one facility can have a ripple effect throughout the food chain. In this case, positive test results for Listeria on cooked eggs necessitated that the company recall up to 1 million cooked eggs. This in turn, has resulted in a dozen or so associated product recalls where these eggs were used as an ingredient as well as the removal of eggs from salad bars where eggs were served sliced, diced, or crumbled.

Consumers demand fresh, already-prepared foods, and so refrigerated ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are now a staple in many retail and convenience food stores. Most stores would be hard pressed to prepare every prepared RTE food item from scratch. They rely on their suppliers to pre-prepare many of these items, such as cooked eggs, to be mixed in as an ingredient to make a product or directly served as the finished product. Even many restaurants now use pre-prepared food items, some fully cooked, some partially cooked. Because of this, suppliers of these pre-prepared RTE items must have excellent food safety systems in place. These systems must account for the shipping, handling, and serving of foods without any additional cook step by the retail or foodservice company. Throw in the fact that consumers also want foods without preservatives , including lower salt, and one can see the increased challenges.

Listeria is one hazard associated with ready-to-eat refrigerated foods. This organism grows at refrigeration temperatures, so it can be found in the food plant environment that is not adequately cleaned. In addition to Listeria, there can be other hazards if there is temperature abuse of the product, such as Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium botulinum, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Hopefully this case raises the flag to all those who prepare RTE foods or food components as well as those who buy them. A small glitch in the system, such as this case where there was a repair in the packaging area, can produce a chain reaction of issues downstream, and more importantly, have the potential to produce illness in those who consumer the contaminated food.


Recall Reveals An Egg's Long Path To The Deli Sandwich

by Nancy Shute NPR February 9, 2012

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/02/07/146540839/recall-reveals-an-eggs-long-path-to-the-deli-sandwich

Recall of cooked eggs due to Listeria postive test results

Recall of cooked eggs and products made from those eggs due to Listeria contamination. Eggs were sold by Michael Foods under the brand names Columbia Valley Farms, GFS, Glenview Farms, Papetti's, Silverbrook and Wholesome Farms. These were institutional sized pails sold to other companies to be used in further packaging or used in foodservice. They were not sold directly to consumers. There have been no associated illnesses.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal (link below), “

"The recall was initiated after lab testing revealed that some of the eggs within the recalled lot dates may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A recall of three lot dates was announced on Thursday, January 26. As a precautionary measure, the recall was expanded today to include additional lot dates. Michael Foods reached the decision to expand this recall after a thorough investigation which indicated a specific repair project that took place in the packaging room as the likely source of the contamination. The company has taken a number of corrective steps to address the issue and prevent recurrence"

Interesting to note was that work was done in the packaging room. This is a common issue – repair work either introduces Listeria, or releases it from some location where it has been in an inactive state, probably for some time. Whenever work is done, in a kitchen or a processing room, extra attention must be paid to cleaning and sanitizing the area where the work occurred. Additionally, heavy verification testing is recommended to ensure that an organism like Listeria is not present.

 Also, this is another case where positive results obtained through a third party testing laboratory, perhaps done on behalf of a customer, has triggered a recall that has affected a widening number of other customers.


FDA recall notices:
Michael Foods, Inc. is recalling specific lot dates of hard-cooked eggs in brine sold in 10- and 25-pound pails for institutional use that were produced at its Wakefield, Nebraska facility because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm289920.htm
Allison’s Gourmet Kitchens Recalls Prepared Salads that Contain Hard Cooked Eggs - The recalled Prepared Salads that contain hard cooked eggs were distributed in Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Kansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee and Missouri.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm290212.htm

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is recalling hard-cooked eggs, as well as prepared foods that contain hard-cooked eggs, sold between January 23 and February 1, 2012 because the eggs have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. …products sold in Wegmans prepared foods and deli departments….
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm290198.htm