Five Recalls Issued Due to Foreign Material

There were 5 recalls this past week due to foreign material.

1. Soft Green Plastic in Smoked Sausage- A Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 18,390 pounds of smoked sausage that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically soft plastic,  The problem was discovered after the company received a customer complaint about soft, green plastic material found in the product.
2. White Plastic in Burritos - A Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 50,706 pounds of frozen breakfast burritos that may be contaminated with extraneous material,  The problem was discovered after the company received complaints from consumers who reported finding white, semi-rigid plastic pieces in the product. 
3. Metal in Canned Meat - Hormel Food Corp., a Fremont, NE establishment, is recalling approximately 228,614 pounds of canned pork and chicken products that may be contaminated with foreign matter, specifically pieces of metal. The problem was discovered after the firm received four consumer complaints stating that metal objects were found in the canned products. FSIS was notified on May 25, 2018.  There have been reports of minor oral injuries associated with consumption of the products. 
4. Metal Found on Ice Cream Production Line - H-E-B is voluntarily issuing an all-store recall for certain flavors and container sizes of EconoMax and Hill Country Fare ice creams and Creamy Creations sherbets for broken metal in processing equipment found during routine maintenance.
5. Glass in Jars of Sliced Olives - H-E-B is voluntarily issuing an all-store precautionary recall for H-E-B Ode to Olives Sliced Salad Olives in 10-ounce glass jars with a best by date of Nov. 3, 2019 due to the possible presence of glass in the product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-043-2018-release
Eddy Packing Co., Inc. Recalls Smoked Sausage Product due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

Ground Meat Recalled After a Complaint of Foreign Material in the Form of Hard Plastic

A N.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 35,464 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically hard plastic.  The problem was discovered after the firm received a complaint from a consumer [one complaint?] who found blue, hard plastic pieces in one of the products. 

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-035-2018-release
JBS USA, Inc. Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall 

035-2018
Health Risk: Low 

May 2, 2018

Two Massive Recalls of Meat Products Due to Complaints of Foreign Material

There were two massive recalls of meat products for foreign Material this week.  In the past month, USDA has announced 5 recalls due to foreign matter contamination.

• Koch Foods, Inc., a Fairfield, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 119,480 pounds of beef rib-shaped patty products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically thin blue plastic pieces.  There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.  The problem was discovered when the firm received notification from "a" customer,
• Conagra Brands, Inc., a Russellville, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 135,159 pounds of Salisbury steak products (poultry, pork, and beef) that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically bone.  The problem was discovered after the firm received several consumer complaints and three reports of minor oral injury associated with consumption of this product.

The rib-shaped beef patties with thin blue plastic pieces (gloves or wrapping?) was a Class II recall and was the result of "a" complaint...so one complaint.  Back in the day, someone would just throw it out...now, a recall of 60 tons of produce, close to 3 full tractor trailer loads.  But we get it, it shouldn't be there.

The Salisbury steak recall was classified as a Class I recall since there were actual injuries.  Sounds like the bone collection system on the grinder may not have been working well enough?  (how a bone collection system works)  This recall was for 67 tons of product. Salisbury steak is that wonderful concoction of meat and other ingredients (Mechanically Separated Chicken, Pork, Water, Beef, Textured Vegetable Protein (Soy Flour, Caramel Color), Breader (Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour [Bleached Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Durum Flour, Leavening [Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate], Yeast), 2% or less of the following: Soy Protein Concentrate, Salt, Dehydrated Onion, Caramel Color, Flavoring, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Dextrose, Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Soy Lecithin.) smothered with gravy.   Grill marks added for added pleasure.

So that is over 120 tons of meat product....that's a lot of meat. 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-032-2018-release
Koch Foods Inc. Recalls Beef Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall

032-2018
Health Risk: Low 

Apr 11, 2018

Barbequed Beef Recalled After Two Foreign Material Complaints - Rubber Pieces

An Ohio establishment is recalling approximately 14,525 pounds of fully cooked not shelf stable pulled barbequed beef products after receiving two complaints for foreign material contamination in the form of rubber pieces.  There have been no reports of injury.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-030-2018-release
J.T.M. Provisions Company Recalls Beef Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall

030-2018
Health Risk: Low 

Apr 7, 2018

Canned Chicken Recalled After Two Complaints on Foreign Objects - Hard Plastic

A Madelia, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 96,384 pounds of canned chicken products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically hard plastic.  According to the report, "The thermally processed, commercially sterile canned chunk chicken breast items were produced on Nov. 28 and Nov. 29, 2017. The problem was discovered on March 27, 2018 after the firm received two consumer complaints regarding extraneous material contamination."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-026-2018-release
Tony Downs Food Company, Inc. Recalls Chicken Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I Recall 
026-2018 
Health Risk: High 
Mar 28, 2018 

Jalapeno Cheddar Smoked Sausage Recalled Due to Three Complaints for Green Hard Plastic Pieces

Johnsonville, LLC, a Sheboygan Falls, Wis. establishment, is recalling approximately 109,603 pounds of smoked pork sausage products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials. The problem was discovered after the firm received three consumer complaints for pieces of hard, green plastic identified in the sausage product.  The recall is limited to one date code of the “JALAPEÑO CHEDDAR Smoked Sausage”.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-021-2018-release
Johnsonville, LLC Recalls Smoked Pork Sausage Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall
021-2018
Health Risk: High
Mar 15, 2018

RTE Chicken Patties Recalled for Foreign Matter, Rubber

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., a Waco, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 101,310 pounds of ready-to-eat breaded chicken patties that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically rubber.  According to the notice, "The problem was discovered after the firm received a customer complaint on Feb. 13, 2018. Pilgrim's Pride distributed the product to institutions, including schools. Although the product was sold through the USDA commodity program, the introduction of the foreign material was due to an equipment failure at the facility. "

That is a heck of a lot of chicken to be wasted due to a maintenance issue.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-011-2018-release
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Recalls Ready-to-Eat Chicken Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall

011-2018
Health Risk: High 

Feb 16, 2018

Washington Establishment Recalls Pepperoni After Receiving Metal Complaints

A Washington establishment is recalling over 4000 pounds of pepperoni sticks products after receiving 3 consumer complaints for extraneous material, specifically small metal pieces.   There have been no "confirmed" reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-001-2018-release
Hempler Foods Group, LLC Recalls Pepperoni Products due to Possible Extraneous Material Contamination
Class I Recall
001-2018
Health Risk: High
Jan 4, 2018

Protein Bars Recalled After Single Complaint of Foreign Material in the Form of Plastic

Leclerc Foods has initiated a limited voluntary recall of a single lot of Fit & Active Chocolatey Chip Protein Meal Bars The recall was initiated as a precautionary measure after a small piece of yellow plastic was discovered by a consumer.


https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm586503.htm
Leclerc Foods Issues Limited Voluntary Recall of Fit & Active Chocolatey Chip Protein Meal Bars – Due to Presence of Plastic Piece
For Immediate Release
November 23, 2017

Trader Joe's Chicken Salad Products Recalled After Complaints of Glass-like Foreign Material

Green Cusine, a CA establishment, issued a recall for 36,854 pounds of Trader Joe's chicken and turkey salad after the company received consumer complaints of glass shards / silica foreign material.

News Release
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-125-2017-release
Green Cuisine Recalls Poultry Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 

125-2017
Health Risk: High 

 Nov 18, 2017

PA Establishment Recalls Raw Poultry Product for Foreign Metal Contamination

A Mifflintown, Pa. poultry establishment, is recalling approximately 10,839 pounds of raw poultry products that may be contaminated with metal pieces.  According to the report, "The problem was discovered on November 2, 2017 by an establishment employee who observed metal foreign material in a chicken breast while performing routine duties. The establishment took corrective actions to recover products before reaching commerce."  So not sure why a recall needed to be issued since it appears the product did not leave the building.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-119-2017-release
Empire Kosher Poultry Inc. Recalls Chicken Products Due To Possible Extraneous Material Contamination 
Class I Recall
119-2017
Health Risk: High
Nov 9, 2017

Supermarket Chain Recalls Chili and Soup Items due to the Potential for Foreign Material Contamination - Hard Plastic

A Wisconsin retailer is recalling over 16,000 lbs of ready-to-eat (RTE) chili and soup items due to potential foreign material contamination, specifically hard plastic.  The issue was discovered by the company's food safety team

USDA / FSIS News Release
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-112-2017-release
Roundy's Supermarkets, Inc., Recalls Chili and Soup Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 

112-2017
Health Risk: High 

Oct 17, 2017

NY Establishment Recalling Luncheon Meats Due to Foreign Material - Aluminum

A NY establishment is "recalling approximately 22,630 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) Genoa Salami and Capocollo products that may have been contaminated with foreign matter, specifically aluminum.   The problem was discovered when the company notified FSIS of an incident where an aluminum clip was found in the product shipped to a retailer. The issues were found during preparation and slicing of product at the retail level."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-110-2017-release
Battistoni Italian Specialty Meats, LLC, Recalls Salami and Capocollo Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall 

110-2017
Health Risk: Low 

Oct 13, 2017

Another Recall for Foreign Material in Meat Products

A Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 12,816 pounds of fully cooked shredded beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically plastic.  The problem was discovered on October 11, 2017, when the company received notification from their consignee that a consumer complaint had been received regarding foreign material, specifically plastic, in the product.

Here is another recall for foreign material in the form of plastic.  It appears from this notice there was one complaint, but hard to tell the extent of the issue.  Still, probably a small error that will be costly for a small private company.

USDA / FSIS Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-109-2017-release
J & B Sausage Company, Inc. Recalls Fully Cooked Shredded Beef Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall 

109-2017
Health Risk: Low 

Oct 12, 2017

A NC Establishment Recalls Ground Turkey for Foreign Material - Metal Fragments

A N.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 38,475 pounds of ground turkey that may be contaminated with extraneous materials.  The problem was discovered on September 27, 2017, when FSIS was notified by plant employees performing sanitation on processing equipment. On the same day, one of the retail locations involved noticed metal shaving in a package of ground turkey from the recalling firm, and notified the company.  Good job to these sanitation guys for catching this!

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-104-2017-release
Prestage Foods, Inc. Recalls Turkey Products Due To Possible Extraneous Material Contamination
Class II Recall 104-2017
Health Risk: Low 

Oct 2, 2017

NC Establishment Recalls Ground Beef Due to Foreign Material Complaints of Styrofoam Pieces

JBS of North Carolina is recalling 5,000 lbs of ground beef after receiving complaints of foreign material in the form of styrofoam pieces.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/rc-086-2017
JBS USA Inc. Recalls Beef Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class III Recall  086-2017
 Aug 1, 2017

NY Establishment Recalls 7.2 Million Pounds of Hot Dog Product After Complaints of Bone Material

  A NY establishment is recalling approximately 7.2 million pounds of hot dog products after complaints of bone material were received.  This covers about 3.5 months of production.  According to the USDA recall notice, "The problem was discovered through FSIS’ Consumer Compliant Monitoring System (CCMS) on July 10, 2017. Complaints stated that extraneous material, specifically pieces of bone, were found within the product.    There has been one reported minor oral injury associated with consumption of this product. FSIS has received no additional reports of injury or illness from consumption of these products."

The brand of product, Sabrett, is sold in the locally in the NY area to deli's and foodservice operations, but in large part to street vending carts.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-082-2017-release
Marathon Enterprises Inc. Recalls Hot Dog Products Due to Possible Extranous Material Contamination
Class I Recall 082-2017
Health Risk: High
Jul 15, 2017

Chicken Tenders Recalled After Complaints of Bone Fragments

A California company is recalling over 50,000 lbs of chicken bites because the firm received consumer complaints involving foreign objects in the form of bone.  There have been no injuries.

The primary target market for this product is children.



USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-078-2017-release
Overhill Farms, Inc. Recalls Chicken Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 078-2017
Health Risk: High
Jun 24, 2017

Bakery Recall Pepperoni Rolls After Receiving Foreign Object Complaints

An Ohio establishment is recalling 3.000 lbs of frozen, ready-to-eat, beef and pork pepperoni rolls  a bakery product, after receiving three complaints of clear meat casings in the product.  So did someone not remove the casing from the pepperoni before slicing?

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-058-2017-release
P&S Bakery, Inc. Recalls Pepperoni Product Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 058-2017
Health Risk: High Jun 2, 2017
En Español

Congressional and Public Affairs Gabrielle N. Johnston (202) 720-9113 Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2017– P&S Bakery, Inc., a Poland, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 2,959 pounds of pepperoni product that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically clear meat casing utilized in food production, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Breakfast Sausage Recalled Due to the Potential for Metal Foreign Material

A Kansas establishment is recalling 90,000 lbs of RTE breakfast sausage for metal pieces after "another FSIS-regulated establishment that pieces of metal were embedded in a fully cooked sausage product".

Over the past year, there has been an increasing amount of recalls due to foreign objects.  While these foreign objects may not result in any major injuries, the cost of conducting a recall warrants companies putting in more effort in foreign object control.  This goes beyond just having a metal detector installed into the process.

First, many metal detectors do not get the attention they need.  A really nice guide for metal detectors is "The Guide to Reducing Metal Contamination in the Food Processing Industry" published by Safeline.  

X-ray equipment is much more affordable than it once was, and it can pick-up items metal detectors can't, such as glass, hard plastic, stones, etc.  They are even suitable for metal and foil containers.

But detection is just one part of a foreign object control program.  Other important elements include raw material inspection, preventive maintenance, employee training to prevent accidental drops, and controls at ingredient addition steps to prevent foreign material from packaging and inline preventive devices such as magnets and sifters.

All of these systems need to be properly maintained and verified for performance.  Additionally, consumer complaints must be reviewed with an investigation and appropriate corrective action for any foreign material issues.

USDA / FSIS Recall Notice

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-054-2017-release
Armour Eckrich Meats, LLC Recalls Ready-To-Eat Sausage Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall 054-2017
Health Risk: Low 

May 24, 2017