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

Retailer Recalls Yogurt for Potential Glass Contamination

Meijer is recalling of their Greek and Low-fat yogurt as a precautionary measure due to the potential risk of a small glass particles after customer returned a yogurt cup containing two small pieces of glass.  "Upon investigation at the retailer’s manufacturing facility, there may have been a possible risk of contamination."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm596050.htm
Meijer Recalls Select Meijer Greek and Low Fat Yogurt Products
For Immediate Release
February 8, 2018

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

Spinach Dip Recalled after Complaints of Small Glass Fragments

Publix Super Markets is recalling deli packs of artichoke and spinach dip after receiving complaints of small glass fragments in the product.  Product was distributed to 6 states in the Southeast US.

We have not seen many glass related outbreaks recently outside of product packed in glass containers.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm557582.htm
Publix Recalls Private Label Brand of Deli Artichoke and Spinach Dip Due to Possible Health Risk
Release
May 8, 2017

Trader Joe's Unsweetened Apple Sauce Recalled After Complaints for Glass

A California company is recalling three types of Trader Joe's Unsweetened Apple Sauce after the company received three complaints for glass.

The problem with packing in glass is the potential for breakage.  Manufacturing companies go to great lengths to prevent the risk of broken glass in the jars.  The biggest risk comes when jars break in the manufacturing process.  Commonly, jars within an potentially affected radius are removed from the manufacturing line when breakage occurs, and the whole area is cleaned and inspected.

Many manufacturers have moved away from glass to plastic.  Although glass is generally considered superior to plastic in terms of preserving flavor (cooling is faster, no oxygen transmission, etc), plastic does remove the broken glass risk.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm543337.htm

Manzana Products Co., Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Apple Sauces Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material
For Immediate Release
February 25, 2017

Bottled Beer Recalled for Potential for Broken Glass

Sierra Nevada is recalling a number of beer types in 36 states that are supplied out of their North Carolina processing facility after a glass defect was discovered that could result in glass pieces in the bottle.

There are a number of issues that can occur in glass, although they are very rare and are using inspected out by the glass manufacturer. The defect can be in the finish area where the cap is applied. The diameter may be small where the filler nozzle cracks the glass as it enters the bottle, or the finish may be weak or cracked, allowing it to chip during filling or capping. There can be glass inclusions - spikes or swings - that can break during the filling or handling process. Glass bottle manufactures have a number of quality checks in place to prevent these types of issues.

With an issue of loss carbonation and chipping, the issue would probably be in the finish area where the cap is applied.

Sierra Nevada Company Website

http://sierranevada.com/qualitymatters

January 22, 2017 | 12:40PM PT

Frozen Breaded Okra Recalled for Potential Glass Contaminate

Pictsweet is recalling bagged frozen breaded okra after the company received complaints of glass contamination.  One injury has been reported.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm537117.htm
The Pictsweet Company Announces Voluntary Recall of Pictsweet Farms 12oz Breaded Okra due to Risk of Glass Contamination
For Immediate Release
January 13, 2017

Cashew Products Recalled for Potential for Small Glass Pieces

Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. is recalling for a limited amount of Emerald® 100 Calorie Pack Roasted & Salted Cashew Halves & Pieces product,  due to the possible presence of small glass pieces.  The glass pieces were believed to have come in on the incoming product. 

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm493872.htm
Snyder's-Lance Announces Voluntary Recall of a Limited Number of Emerald® Cashew Roasted & Salted Halves & Pieces Due to Potential Presence of Glass
For Immediate Release
April 1, 2016

Contact
Consumers Consumer Affairs  http://www.emeraldnuts.com/contact-emerald/  503-364-0399
Announcement
View Product Photos


Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall for a limited amount of Emerald® 100 Calorie Pack Roasted & Salted Cashew Halves & Pieces product, distributed nationwide, due to the possible presence of small glass pieces. This voluntary recall covers only specific production codes of the following product:

Emerald® 100 Calorie Pack Roasted & Salted Cashew Halves & Pieces 7 Packs / 0.62oz

No injuries have been reported to date. We are recalling these products because they may contain small pieces of glass that could potentially cause injury. Although our investigation is ongoing, we believe the source of the glass to be the raw cashews received from one of our suppliers under a specific lot code.

We are taking this action out of an abundance of caution after receiving a consumer complaint.

Consumers who may have purchased the product listed above should not consume it but should contact Consumer Affairs for a full refund online at http://www.emeraldnuts.com/contact-emerald/ or by calling 503-364-0399 between 8am and 5pm Pacific Time, Monday – Friday.

The voluntary recall is limited to the production codes listed below. To locate the production code on the carton or inner package, consumers should look next to the nutrition facts panel. No other production codes, sizes or varieties of Emerald products are affected by this recall.

Information regarding Emerald product affected by this recall:

Product NameRetail Carton UPC CodeRetail Carton Best Before DateInner Package UPC CodeInner Package Production Code
Emerald 100 Calorie Packs Roasted & Salted Cashew Halves & Pieces 0 10300 33324 1 12 DEC 16
13 DEC 16
18 DEC 16
21 DEC 16 0 10300 33399 9 15346D346S
15347D346S
15352D346S
15355D346S


The quality and safety of our products are the top priority for our company. We apologize to our retail customers and consumers and sincerely regret any inconvenience created by this recall. We are working and cooperating fully with the U. S. Food & Drug Administration on this voluntary recall.

Frozen Dinners and Pizza Products Recalled for Potential Contamination with Glass Pieces

Nestle is recalling frozen dinners and pizza products that spinach because that spinach may have had glass pieces.  The products are under the DiGiorno®, Lean Cuisine®, and Stouffer’s® brands.

 

This appears to be a supplier related issue.  Unfortunately, so many national brands were affected.  This is a great example of how a single supplier source of a somewhat minor ingredient can a huge impact. 

   

FDA News Release

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm490200.htm

Nestlé USA Announces Voluntary Recall of a Limited Number of DiGiorno® Pizzas, Lean Cuisine® and Stouffer’s® Products Due to the Potential Presence of Foreign Material

 

Beverage Drinks Recalled Due to Potential Bottle Breakage

Trader Joe's is recalling its Triple Ginger Brew product due to  'reports of unopened bottles potentially bursting."   This bottle uses a swing cap closure which is anchored into the glass.  If the product in the bottle becomes contaminated - either before closure or afterwards due to a poor seal (which can be the case if that rubber seal isn't seated properly against the glass during closure), then when that contamination grows, most likely in the form of yeast, the pressure formed due to the gas produced has a more difficult time releasing because of the metal clamp holding the cap down.

Another issue is when someone opens the bottle, takes a swig, and then clamps the lid shut.  They put the bottle on the counter and forget about it.  The problem is that they have introduced yeast into the bottle and those yeast go to town....multiplying and producing gas.  Again, with a clamp anchored into the glass, that pressure has no way to go but boom.

These closures are cool, popularized by Grolsh Brewery as well by home brewers who use this type of bottle with 'swing-cap-closure' because of ease of closing the bottle.  So it is easy to see why a commercial product trying to capture that 'home brewed' look would use this bottle.  But it appears now it may not have been a good choice for a product such as this.  If the cap cannot come off easily do to potential spoilage issues, then it probably shouldn't be used.

 


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm477562.htm
Trader Joe's Issues Voluntary Recall of Triple Ginger Brew
For Immediate Release
December 15, 2015

Organic Tea Company Recalls Glass-Bottled Product Due to Glass Complaints

 Sweet Leaf Tea Company (a Nestle Waters own company) is recalling tea beverage in glass bottles due to four consumer complaints of glass in the product. 
Glass is a great food package for protecting the food, but the downside is breakage.  Companies packaging in glass must have tight control on glass breakage in the bottling plant - because glass breakage does happen.  Even the best designed lines, those engineered to prevent breakage, can still have breakage.  Detail standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be carried out anytime breakage occurs. 




FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm476672.htm
The Sweet Leaf Tea Company Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Tea in Glass Bottles
For Immediate ReleaseDecember 10, 2015

Contact Consumers Sweet Leaf  1-877-832-5323
Firm Press Release

The Sweet Leaf Tea Company announced today that it is voluntarily recalling Sweet Leaf® Tea in 16 ounce glass bottles out of an abundance of caution because of the possible presence of glass fragments. This was the result of glass breakage during the filling process. Consumers could potentially be cut or injured if ingested. The company has received 4 complaints of glass in the product. No injuries were reported.

Bottles of Sparkling Beverage Recalled Due to Potential for Glass Fragments

Martinelli, a California bottler of sparkling fruit juice is recalling certain lots of Martinelli’s 8.4 oz. mini glass bottles of cider and sparkling grape juice due to the possibility of small glass chips at the top of the bottles occurring when opening the bottle, which could possibly enter the beverage and cut or injure the consumer.
The company discovered the issue through their own internal testing.

 FDA Notice - Recall: Firm Press Release
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm467264.htm
Notice of Voluntary Recall of Certain Martinelli's 8.4 oz. Sparkling Beverages Due to Potential for Glass Fragments

For Immediate Release
October 15, 2015

Contact Consumers  S. Martinelli & Company   1-800-662-1868

S. Martinelli & Company of Watsonville, California, today announced a voluntary nationwide recall of certain lots of Martinelli’s 8.4 oz. mini glass bottles of Gold Medal Sparkling Cider, Sparkling Cider Northwest Blend, Sparkling White Grape, and Sparkling Red Grape, due to the possibility of small glass chips at the top of the bottles occurring when opening the bottle, which could possibly enter the beverage. Consumers could potentially be cut or injured if a chip occurs.

Bread Recalled After Complaints of Broken Glass

A bread company is recalling loaves of bread after receiving complaints of broken glass on the outside of bread.  The company said the glass is from a broken light bulb.

In today's audit-ready world, having unshielded light bulbs is very uncommon, let alone to have one break in an area where product is exposed.  Being that the complaints state the glass was located on the outside of the loaves, the bulb breaking event would have had to occur after panning somewhere through baking on through to packaging.

Recognizing a bulb had broke in that area, immediate corrective action that would have included putting any product that had the potential for exposure, would have prevented this massive recall.

This is a great learning opportunity to be shared with employees on 1) keeping an eye open for anything that can present a hazard and 2) the importance of taking immediate action.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm460059.htm
Bimbo Bakeries Voluntary Regional Recall of Certain Limited Breads Produced Under the Sara Lee, Great Value, Kroger, Bimbo, Nature’s Harvest and L’Oven Fresh Brands

Contact:   Consumer:  1-800-984-0989

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — August 26, 2015 — HORSHAM, PA — Bimbo Bakeries USA has initiated a voluntary regional recall of certain bread products under the Sara Lee®, Kroger®, Bimbo®, Nature’s Harvest®, Great Value and L’Oven Fresh® brands due to the possible presence of fragments of glass caused by a broken light bulb at one of its bakeries.

Baby Food Recalled After A Complaint for Glass in Product

Beech-nut is recalling  1920 lbs (estimated 7680 jars) of baby food - Stage 2 Beech-Nut CLASSICS sweet potato & chicken” in 4 oz jars after receiving a complaint about glass in a jar, and it appears that this resulted in injury.

Baby food issues get extensive media.  Even this one glass complaint in baby food can cause a great stir.  The resultant recall has already received national coverage.

Baby food manufacturers go to great lengths to prevent glass from getting into their baby food, but when packing in glass, it remains a significant hazard that must be controlled from the time the glass is made until the time it is filled and closed/sealed.  The greatest area of control is from the time the glass is washed through filling and to closure.

USDA News Release
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2015/recall-061-2015-release
Beech-Nut Nutrition Recalls Baby Food Product Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 061-2015
Health Risk: High Apr 14, 2015

En Español
Congressional and Public Affairs  Katherine Scheidt (202) 720-9113 

WASHINGTON, April 14, 2015 – Beech-Nut Nutrition, an Amsterdam, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,920 pounds of baby food products that may be contaminated with small pieces of glass, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The baby food product was produced on December 12, 2014. The following product is subject to recall: [View Labels]
4-oz. glass jars containing “Stage 2 Beech-Nut CLASSICS sweet potato & chicken”

Recall Summary for the 2014 Holiday Season

To catch up on the recalls over the holiday 12/23/14 to 1/4/15),  here is a quick summary (minus Carmel Apples)

1) First, there were ice cream recalls in ice cream products due to Listeria.  They are linked to one supplier, Snoqualmie Gourmet.
 
FDA Recall Notice - 1/3/15
Full Tilt Ice Cream Recalls All Dairy Based Ice Cream Products Except Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts Because of Possible Health Risk

WA based company recalls ice cream due to Listeria. The product contained an ingredient that was recalled by another company.

FDA Recall Notice - 1/3/15
Pink’s Ice Cream Recalls All Ice Cream Flavors Except the Coconut Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Because of Possible Health Risk
This is another Washington based company recalling because of an ingredient was recalled.

FDA Recall Notice
Great Feeling Foods, LLC Recalls Groove Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Because of Possible Health Risk

FDA Recall Notice
Updated Release By Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Ice Cream, Gelato, Custard And Sorbet Because Of Possible Health Risk

 
2) Cheese products were also recalled due to Listeria.
One set was related to Bleating Heart Cheese.
 
FDA Recall Notice - 12/31/14
Whole Foods Market Voluntarily Recalls Cut, Wrapped and Weighed Bleating Heart-Brand Cheeses in Arizona, California and Hawaii Because of Possible Health Risk
"Whole Foods Market is recalling cheese sold in Arizona, California and Hawaii that came from its supplier Bleating Heart Cheeses because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes......"

And Bleating Heart Cheese is expanding their recall.
Bleating Heart Cheese Expanding Voluntary Recall To Include All Cheese Produced Between February 14, 2014 To September 19, 2014

And another recall was a raw milk cheddar product recalled in MI.
Farm Country Cheese House Recalls Raw Milk Cheddar Because Of Possible Contamination With Listeria Monocytogenes


3) There were two separate recalls of pet treats due to Salmonella.

FDA Recall Notice - 12/31/14
Jump Your Bones, Inc. Recalls Roo Bites (Cubes) Pet Treats Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination
These pet treats are being recalled due to the potential to be contaminated by Salmonella.  No illnesses have been reported.

FDA Recall Notice - 12/24/14
Barkworthies® Issues Nationwide Recall of Chicken Vittles Dog Chews
This recall was initiated after CO Department of Ag found a sample positive for Salmonella.


4) And there was a recall of nut products due to the potential for Salmonella.

FDA Recall Notice 12/30/14
John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Fisher Brand 8 oz. Chopped Walnuts and Fisher Brand 8 oz. Pecan Cookie Pieces Because of Possible Health Risk


5) A recall of Bruschetta due to the potential for glass.
American Roland Food Corp. Recalls Two Lots of Roland(R) Bruschetta

6) There were some allergen recalls as well for Hummus, Bread Crumbs, Superfoods Rice, and spice products.