USDA Issues Alert for Cooked Diced Chicken Potentially Contaminated with Listeria After Company's Failure to Reprocess

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert for approximately 130,860 pounds of frozen fully cooked, diced chicken products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  "The problem was discovered during routine FSIS inspection activities when inspection personnel observed products requiring recooking due to possible Lm contamination had been repackaged without being recooked. A subsequent FSIS investigation determined other affected product had been further distributed in commerce."

This serious case shows how a Corrective Action was not followed.  The product found to have potential Listeria contamination was supposed to be recooked according to the Corrective Action in order to eliminate any potential Listeria contamination. However, this product was  getting repacked without that process.  Further, as noted below, that product was going to local food banks, and with that, people considered high risk.

"The products bear establishment numbers "P-18237" or "P-45638" inside the USDA mark of inspection and were distributed by Big Daddy Foods, Inc., a Houston, Texas firm. These items were further distributed to consumers at local food banks in Florida through the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program in individual food boxes."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-cooked-diced-poultry-products-due-possible
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen, Cooked Diced Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
FSIS Announcement

May 24, 2021

Investigation Begins into Listeria Outbreak Associated with Hispanic-style Fresh and Soft Cheeses

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections potentially linked to Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses that has caused 7 illnesses so far.  "No specific type or brand of cheese has been confirmed as the source of illness. CDC reported that seven people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported in Connecticut, Maryland, New York, and Virginia. Six of the seven ill people are Hispanic. Of the four people interviewed, three reported eating at least one type of Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses, and all three reported eating queso fresco."

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-hispanic-style-fresh-and-soft-cheeses-february-2021
Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes – Hispanic-style Fresh and Soft Cheeses (February 2021)
FDA begins investigation; early CDC data indicates link to Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 7
Hospitalizations: 7
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Date: 1/22/2021
States with Cases: MD (4), CT (1), NY (1), and VA (1)

Two Companies Recall Butternut Squash Products Due to Listeria

Pero Family Farms Food Company, LLC of Delray Florida and Lancaster Foods LLC of Jessup MD are recalling Butternut Squash products due to Listeria.  There is no information on how the Listeria presence was detected.  The two recalls are probably related, but there isn't any further information on how.  The Pero Family Farm recall notice does state that the butternut squash was purchased through a distributor Race West Company, of Clarks Summit, PA.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/pero-family-farms-food-co-issues-voluntary-recall-due-possible-health-risk
Pero Family Farms Food Co. Issues Voluntary Recall Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 15, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  January 19, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Pero Family Farms Food Company, LLC
Brand Name:  Pero Family Farms
Product Description:  Butternut squash cubes, chunks, and spirals.

Report on Persistent Listeria Contamination Issue in a Swiss Cheese Facility

An article published in Emerging Infectious Diseases titled Listeriosis Caused by Persistence of Listeria monocytogenes Serotype 4b Sequence Type 6 in Cheese Production Environment discusses an ongoing Listeria outbreak in Switzerland that occurred in two waves, 2018 and 2020.

"Of the 34 human isolates, 30 were from blood samples and 1 each from an abscess, ascites, maternal placenta tissue, or stool sample (Table). One case of perinatal transmission and 10 deaths (29%) were reported."

A Swiss cheese manufacturer had reported the detection of Listeria monocytogenes in the facility and this was matched to the outbreak strain using whole genome sequencing.  "These findings prompted extensive environmental sampling on the production site of the manufacturer. A total of 50 swab specimens from locations, such as vats, cheese harps, skimming devices, sink drains, brushes, scrub sponges, trays, door handles, ripening cellar floors, and walls were obtained....L. monocytogenes was identified in 11 (22%) of 50 environmental samples, and all 5 sequenced isolates matched the outbreak strain CT (Table; Figure 2). These results lead to a recall on May 5, 2020, of 26 items, including brie, sheep and goat cheese, and organic cheeses; production was stopped immediately. " 

In conclusion, the report states "This outbreak highlights the risk for recontamination of pasteurized cheese products during manufacturing and emphasizes the need for routine sampling of products, manufacturing equipment, and the production environment. Routine quality controls should include WGS typing of environmental L. monocytogenes isolates to enable early recognition of potential food contamination and to ultimately mitigate the risk for listeriosis."

Imported Herring Product Recalled Due to Listeria

B&I Overseas Trading Inc from Van Nuys, CA is recalling frozen “Veladis herring in oil with Italian spices” because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,  The product was imported from Ukraine.  There was no information on how the Listeria was determined to potentially be in the product.

Listeria would have contaminated the product during handling.  Although frozen which would prevent growth during frozen storage, the directions of  "Defrost before use and keep refrigerated for up to 30 days", would have provided opportunity for growth.  This product would then be consumed as a ready-to-eat product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bi-overseas-trading-recalls-product-due-potential-contamination-listeria-monocytogenes
B&I Overseas Trading Recalls Product Due to Potential Contamination with Listeria Monocytogenes
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 23, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  December 24, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Fish
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria Monocytogenes
Company Name:  B&I Overseas Trading, Inc
Brand Name:  Veladis
Product Description:  Herring in oil 

Fresh-Pack Chopped Vegetable Packs Recalled for Listeria

Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling two of its Hy-Vee Short Cuts vegetable mix products across its eight-state region (IL, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, SD, and WI) due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The potential for contamination was discovered during routine safety sampling at Hy-Vee’s Short Cuts production facility. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with these products.

This is a fresh vegetable mix that is designed to be used in a cooking application.  In the case here, either for use as grilled or in a stew.  Those processes, if properly cooked, would eliminate the Listeria organism.  But it is hard to know whether the consumer will actually do that.  

In chopping/slicing operations, Listeria can be a challenge.  While there will be sanitizing steps in place for the vegetables, the sheer amount of moisture and organic material that is generated within that processing environment as well as the intricate nooks and crannies in the processing equipment (choppers and slicers), can create opportunities for this organism to become established.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hy-vee-voluntarily-recalls-two-short-cuts-vegetable-mix-products-because-possible-health-risk
Hy-Vee Voluntarily Recalls Two Short Cuts Vegetable Mix Products Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 24, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  November 24, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Hy-Vee, Inc.
Brand Name:  HyVee
Product Description:  Short Cuts vegetable mix products

CDC Outbreak Notice - Listeria in Unidentified Deli Meat Linked to 10 Cases of Listeria with One Death

The CDC issues a notification of an ongoing outbreak of Listeria that has been linked to Italian style deli meat.  "As of October 22, 2020, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from three states", Florida, Massachusetts, and New York, with those cases occurring from August thru October.  Deli meat were reported as both pre-packaged and deli-sliced.

CDC Outbreak Notice
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeat-10-20/index.html
Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Deli Meats
Posted October 23, 2020 at 4:45 PM ET

At A Glance
Reported Cases: 10
States: 3
Hospitalizations: 10
Deaths: 1

Latest Outbreak Information

• 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from Florida, Massachusetts, and New York.
• All 10 ill people were hospitalized. One death has been reported from Florida.
• Epidemiologic evidence shows that deli meat is a likely source of this outbreak.
• In interviews with 9 ill people, all reported eating Italian-style meats, such as salami, mortadella, and prosciutto. They reported purchasing prepackaged deli meats and meats sliced at deli counters at various locations.
• A specific type of deli meat and common supplier have not yet been identified.

Research Study - Prevalence of Listeria in Frozen Produce in England

A study out of the UK looked at the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in frozen fruits and vegetables sold at retail. Of the 1050 samples tested, "There were 78 samples (7%) from which L. monocytogenes was detected and 101 (10%) from which other Listeria species were detected. Neither L. monocytogenes nor other Listeria species were detected at levels of >100 cfu/g in any samples."

While these samples would be acceptable in the EU because the levels are not greater than 100 cfu/gm, these products would be not be acceptable in the US. Cooking would eliminate the pathogen, but the risk would arise if these items were used in a ready-to-eat application, and through preparation and storage, the organism was able to grow to higher levels.

This demonstrates the importance of control of Listeria in these types of operations. From a consumer perspective, there is the importance of following label instructions which normally requires cooking.

International Journal of Food Microbiology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168160520303433
Occurrence of Listeria and Escherichia coli in frozen fruit and vegetables collected from retail and catering premises in England 2018–2019

Watermelon Chunks Recalled After FDA Finds Listeria on Packing Equipment

Country Fresh is recalling watermelon chunks sold at Walmart and RaceTrac in several southcentral states after FDA found Listeria on packaging equipment.  The testing was conducted as part of an inspection.  There have been no illness reported to date.

Processors of fresh cut produce must have tight controls on Listeria in the processing environment.  At this point, this facility will need to detail clean its operation and conduct a root cause analysis on how the organism was able to get onto the equipment.  We may see additional products recalled after further investigation by FDA.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/country-fresh-voluntary-product-recall
Country Fresh Voluntary Product Recall
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 01, 2020
FDA Publish Date: October 01, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Country Fresh
Brand Name:  Walmart  RaceTrac
Product Description:  Watermelon Chunks

FDA Issues Warning Letter to South Carolina RTE Sandwich Company for Failure to Control Listeria

FDA Issued a Warning Letter to Grand Strand Sandwich Shop after investigators found Listeria in the processing environment.  This strain was the same strain that was found in previous inspections.

"Environmental swabs collected during each of the past three FDA inspections revealed L. monocytogenes in your facility as follows:

- 2020: four (4) swabs collected from locations adjacent to food contact surfaces.

- 2018: seventeen (17) swabs primarily collected from food contact surfaces and locations adjacent to food contact surfaces.

- 2017: five (5) swabs within your facility primarily collected from locations adjacent to food contact surfaces.

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was conducted on the above referenced L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from the FDA environmental samples. The current WGS analysis determined that the isolates derived from the samples collected at your facility during our 2020, 2018, and 2017 inspections represent a single strain of L. monocytogenes0".

FDA indicated that the company's corrective action when finding Listeria was not adequate in that FDA found Listeria in the same locations that the company had found Listeria.

"Your firm implemented corrective actions, which included cleaning and sanitizing, followed by conducting environmental swabbing on that location to determine these were effective. On February 24, 2020, FDA’s environmental swabbing isolated L. monocytogenes from a (b)(4) in your (b)(4), which appears to be the same location of your January 6, 2020 finding."

The company also failed to recognize a hazard for an ingredient they purchased...more specifically L. monocytogens in the purchased RTE ingredients used in making sandwiches.

There were additional issues associated with verification and allergen control.

FDA Warning Letter

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/grand-strand-sandwich-company-inc-607559-08042020
Grand Strand Sandwich Company, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 607559 — August 04, 2020

Firms Recall Citrus and Potatoes After Finding Listeria monocytogenes on Food Contact Surface

Freshouse II LLC of Salisbury, NC, and Wegmans is recalling Valencia oranges, lemons, limes, organic limes, and red B potatoes after the company’s routine internal testing identified Listeria monocytogenes on a piece of equipment in one of the packing facilities.

This would be considered a low risk in that the items 1) will not support the growth of Listeria, although organisms may survive 2) items are likely to be washed (cirtus) or cooked (potatoes) before use and 3) the Listeria was found on equipment and not the products.  To find Listeria on fresh produce is not uncommon (Heisick etal 1989), but once you find it on a food contact surface, you have to follow your corrective action.  For this facility, it will be important to understand whether this is a transient organism or is it an established strain.

The Produce News
https://www.theproducenews.com/news-dep-menu/29719-listeria-risk-prompts-citrus-potato-recall
Listeria risk prompts citrus, potato recall 

Ice Cream with Added Spinach Recalled After Listeria Positive Test

Ramar Foods of Pittsburg, CA, is recalling its 14 ounce packages of Peekaboo branded Mint Chocolate Chip with Hidden Spinach Ice Cream product because of the potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes, The potential for contamination was discovered after internal routine testing by Ramar Foods revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in some packages of the ice cream.

First, it seems that "hiding" vegetables in ice cream is just wrong.

In the hazard analysis, one would need to recognize that cooked or blanched vegetables would have a Listeria monocytogenes risk. The report does not indicate whether the spinach was cooked/blanched at the establishment or by the supplier. As a post-process addition, the vegetables would need sufficient controls to prevent contamination by Listeria.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ramar-foods-recalls-mint-chocolate-chip-hidden-spinach-ice-cream-because-possible-health-risk
Ramar Foods Recalls Mint Chocolate Chip With Hidden Spinach Ice Cream Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 14, 2020
FDA Publish Date: May 14, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages Ice Cream/Frozen Dairy
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Ramar Foods
Brand Name:  Peekaboo
Product Description:  Mint Chocolate Chip with Hidden Spinach Ice Cream

Virginia Company Recalls Butter After Positive Listeria Test

Homestead Creamery Inc of Wirtz, VA, is recalling our unsalted butter because of the potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes,  There have been no reported illnesses.  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by Homestead Creamery and revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in our unsalted butter.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/homestead-creamery-recall-unsalted-butter-because-possible-health-risk
Homestead Creamery Recall “Unsalted” Butter Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: April 01, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  April 17, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages   Butter/Butter Product
Reason for Announcement:  Foodborne Illness Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Homestead Creamery Inc.
Brand Name:  Homestead Creamery
Product Description:  Unsalted Butter

FDA Warning Letter - Bakery with Listeria Issues

FDA issued a warning letter to an Indiana bakery after "investigators found serious violations of the [GMPs and Preventive Controls Regulations]. Additionally, FDA collected environmental samples (i.e., swabs) from various areas in [the] processing facility. FDA laboratory analysis of the environmental swabs found the presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), a human pathogen, in your facility, including the same strains found during FDA inspections in 2018 and 2016"

The facility was producing croissants, and not that those have a history as a vehicle of Listeria, never the less, the organism had been found in the facility in subsequent inspections as well as the current.  It appears that the cleaning of the facility was not very good, thus allowing the Listeria to persist over time.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/cafe-valley-bakery-llc-603875-03182020
WARNING LETTER
Cafe Valley Bakery, LLC
MARCS-CMS 603875 — March 18, 2020

Another Recall of Enoki Mushrooms from Korea Due to Listeria

Guan’s Mushroom Co of Commerce, CA is recalling all cases of its 200g/7.05 ounce packages of Enoki Mushroom (Product of Korea) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by State of California revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 200g package of Enoki.  This comes 10 days after another recall was issued for Enoki mushrooms from Korea by a California company.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/guans-mushroom-co-recalls-enoki-because-possible-health-risk
Guan’s Mushroom Co Recalls Enoki Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 23, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  March 23, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes  Foodborne Illness
Company Name: Guan's Mushroom Co.
Brand Name:  Guan's Mushroom Co.
Product Description:  Enoki Mushroom

Imported Korean Mushrooms Linked to Listeria Outbreak With 36 Affected Including 6 Deaths

Mushrooms imported from Korea have been linked to a serious Listeria outbreak where 36 cases have been reported with 4 deaths.  Six of the cases  were pregnant women where two of the deaths were fetal.

Sun Hong Foods, Inc 1105 W Olympic Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640 is recalling All Cases Enoki Mushroom (Product of Korea) due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  Consumers are warned not to even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

Sun Hong Foods became aware of this issue after notification by FDA that samples of the product tested by the State of Michigan were found to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/enoki-mushrooms-03-20/index.html
Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Enoki Mushrooms
Posted March 10, 2020 at 4:30 PM ET
At A Glance
Reported Cases: 36
States: 17
Hospitalizations: 30
Deaths: 4
Recall: Yes

Frozen Smoothie Products Recalled Due to Potential Listeria

Blendtopia Products, LLC is voluntarily recalling 29,078 cases of 7 ounce frozen Blendtopia brand Superfood Smoothie Kits because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The company discovered the issue through its quality control processes. The issue is believed to be isolated to a supplied ingredient.

So what is a smoothie kit? From the website -
What is in one smoothie kit/pouch?
"Each smoothie kit contains organic frozen fruit and veggies as well as 1.5oz of frozen superfood chips. The superfood chips are comprised of our proprietary organic superfood blend + organic banana puree. All you have to do is empty the contents of the smoothie pouch into your blender, add 12oz of blending liquid and give your blender a whirl! One smoothie pouch/kit will make (1) 18oz or (2) 9oz smoothies."
Shipping
"We ship our smoothies in insulated packaging on dry ice so they stay frozen throughout the entire trip. Make sure to pop them in the freezer as soon as they arrive."

Blending Instructions:

"Remove superfood packet from pouch! Blend pouch + superfoods with 12oz liquid of choice. Plant-based milks such as almond milk or coconut milk are preferred."

An interesting concept.  As a product with no reduction step performed by the consumer, the ingredients must be free of any biological hazards and those ingredients must be assembled / handled in a way that does not contribute contamination to the finished product.  And if Listeria were present, such as in this case, the organism would not likely grow on the items in the packet, especially if frozen.  The risk would be proliferation occurring once the smoothie was made.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blendtopia-products-llc-voluntarily-recalls-frozen-smoothie-products-due-possible-health-risk
Blendtopia Products, LLC Voluntarily Recalls Frozen Smoothie Products Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: February 10, 2020
FDA Publish Date:February 10, 2020
Product Type:Food & Beverages Milk/Milk Product
Reason for Announcement: Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:Blendtopia Products, LLC
Brand Name: Blendtopia
Product Description: Frozen smoothie products

RI Establishment Recalls Nut Butter After Testing Detects Listeria

Nuts ‘N More of East Providence, RI. is recalling 4143 jars of plain Peanut Spread because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria species and to protect the public from a potential health hazard. The recall was a result of potential Listeria species in a finished product found through routine testing conducted by an outside laboratory. The company has ceased the production and distribution of this product as State of Rhode Island and the company continue their investigation.

There was a similar issue last year involving Listeria in nut butter where a Wisconsin company detected Listeria in nut butter.   That recall expanded as it was found the company did not have control.  It will be seen if this recall is expanded beyond the one lot recalled.

How the Listeria got into the product is hard to know without knowing the process. This product is a concoction of ingredients including peanuts, pea powder, peanut oil, palm oil, flax, vanilla, maple flavor, sea salt and sunflower lecithin. It may lack a thermal process, thus having ingredients free of pathogens and having a clean process is critical.  While growth would not be expected in the product thus reducing the risk, we can never be certain how much of the organism may be present or how someone will use the product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nuts-n-more-llc-recalls-plain-peanut-spread-because-possible-health-risk
Nuts ‘N More LLC. Recalls: Plain Peanut Spread Because Of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: February 07, 2020
FDA Publish Date: February 07, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential contamination with Listeria sp,
Company Name: Nuts ‘N More LLC
Brand Name: Nuts ‘N More LLC
Product Description: Plain Peanut Spread

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Manufacturer of RTE Ingredient

FDA issued a Warning Letter to an Ohio firm that manufacturers RTE ingredients.  The problem was that the firm had a Listeria issue (discovered by their customer who tested the product and probably reported via the Reportable Food Registry).  Upon inspection by the FDA, the firm did not have good cleaning procedures and was not responding to Listeria positive samples.  The firm did not not implement effective corrective action procedures to include that root cause analysis, specifically - "did not perform an investigation to locate a potential source of contamination or make any changes to your sanitation practices."  The firm also had some poor practices including the use of high pressure hoses as well as improper cleaning of transfer pipes.

From the Letter

• "Specifically, your food safety plan identified environmental pathogens as a hazard requiring preventive controls and identified sanitation controls to address the hazard, but you did not fully implement your “Sanitation Standard Operating procedure (SSOP), We also gathered documentation that one of your customers tested and found your aji amarillo paste to be positive for L. monocytogenes." 
• "In addition, a review of records of your weekly environmental monitoring program for Listeria spp. shows that (b)(4).  (b)(4) collected by FDA during our most recent inspection were positive for L. monocytogenes. Furthermore, your finished aji amarillo paste product was found to be positive for L. monocytogenes (b)(4)."
• "Whole genome sequencing analysis showed the L. monocytogenes isolates from the environmental swabs collected by FDA were the same strain as that in the finished product aji amarillo paste tested by your customer. Your environmental testing results and these findings demonstrate that your sanitation procedures have been inadequate to significantly minimize or prevent the hazard of L. monocytogenes in your facility"
•  "You did not implement your written corrective action procedures to address the presence of an environmental pathogen or appropriate indicator organism detected through your environmental monitoring, as required by 21 CFR 117.150(a)(1)(ii). Specifically, in your food safety plan, you identified (b)(4). (Environmental monitoring is a verification activity for preventive controls as reflected in 21 CFR 117.165(a)(3).) Your environmental monitoring program lists the following corrective actions after a presumptive positive for Listeria spp.: (b)(4). Your weekly environmental monitoring program for Listeria spp. (b)(4). Each time, your corrective actions were limited to (b)(4). You did not perform an investigation to locate a potential source of contamination or make any changes to your sanitation practices."
• "You did not clean and sanitize utensils and equipment in a manner that protects against allergen cross-contact and against contamination of food, food-contact surfaces, or food-packaging materials, as required by 21 CFR 117.35(a). On March 28, 2019, our investigator observed an employee using a high-pressure hose to spray the mezzanine floor with water while performing sanitation operations. Water overspray created a mist surrounding the open medium ribbon blender used to manufacture aji amarillo paste. On April 2, 2019, our investigator observed water overspray around the blue (b)(4) pallets on which employees were cleaning product transfer hoses, (b)(4) blades, a (b)(4), (b)(4) hopper, and (b)(4) fixtures used in the manufacture of the aji amarillo paste. Our investigator also observed an employee cleaning a product transfer pipe without cleaning the full interior of the pipe."

FDA Warning letter
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/yost-foods-inc-581473-09102019
Yost Foods, Inc 
MARCS-CMS 581473 — September 10, 2019

Sandwich Company Expands Recall Again

Lipari Foods is yet again expanding its recall of Premo and Fresh Grab sandwiches due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.  The issue started when their supplier notified them. The initial recall was on January 6, 2020 and second on January 13, 2020 . 

This is a typical type of a scenario where a company finds that they never had Listeria under control.  They may have not had a sufficiently robust program to find it....doing testing, but not really looking for it.  Hard to say for sure what occurred, but further expansion of a recall is never what you want to see.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lipari-foods-issues-voluntary-recall-expansion-additional-sandwiches-due-potential-contamination-0
Lipari Foods Issues Voluntary Recall Expansion on Additional Sandwiches Due to Potential Contamination of Listeria Monocytogenes
Summary
Company Announcement Date: January 22, 2020 

FDA Publish Date: January 22, 2020 

Product Type:Food & Beverages Prepared Food Foodborne Illness 

Reason for Announcement:  Due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes

Company Name:Lipari Foods

Brand Name:  Premo, Fresh Grab

Product Description:  Sandwiches