Frozen Cut Spinach Recalled Due to Listeria Positive Product Samples

An AZ retailer is recalling its branded frozen cut spinach after random sampling revealed that finished products contained Listeria monocytogenes.  The product was manufactured by National Frozen Foods of Oregon.  One date code for both organic and conventional spinach was recalled.  Product was shipped to 19 states (AZ, CA, NV, UT, NM, CO, TX, KS, OK, MO, TN, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, PA, MD, and VA)

As we have seen with so many of these recalls in the past, one may expect additional lots recalled if the company finds that additional product lots have contamination, thus indicating inadequate controls were in place.

While freezing restricts growth and proper cooking would eliminate the Listeria risk, the concern would be the use of spinach in applications where heating is limited or product is not heated at all (smoothies, spinach dip) or where there is the chance of cross contamination in the kitchen.

This is not National Frozen Foods first Listeria related recall.  In 2016, this company had the extensive recall with frozen peas and in 2018, there was a recall of frozen green beans.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sprouts-farmers-market-recalls-frozen-cut-leaf-spinach-and-frozen-organic-cut-leaf-spinach-16oz
Sprouts Farmers Market Recalls Frozen Cut Leaf Spinach and Frozen Organic Cut Leaf Spinach 16oz. Packages Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date :June 14, 2019
FDA Publish Date: June 17, 2019

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Ice Cream Facility for Inadequate Listeria Control

FDA issued a warning letter to an Ohio ice cream facility after finding Listeria monocytognes on consecutive inpections still in the facility.  From FDA's perspective, the facility had not done sufficient corrective action to reduce this environmental bacterial pathogen.

FDA stated "Nine environmental swabs collected by FDA during our most recent inspection were positive for L. monocytogenes. Furthermore, environmental swabs collected during our 2018 inspection revealed L. monocytogenes in nine swabs within your facility and environmental swabs collected during our 2017 inspection revealed L. monocytogenes in three swabs within your facility."  Further,  "FDA laboratory analysis of the environmental swabs found the presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes),...... including the same strain found during FDA’s 2018 inspection."

The facility conducted had their own testing and from their results,  "Listeria spp. [was found] in your environment seven times on surfaces adjacent to Zone 1 locations and other non-food contact surface locations within your processing environment including areas within your RTE room. Review of your records finds that your written corrective action procedures were followed each time a positive swab was found in your facility; however, these repeated findings of Listeria in your environment are further evidence that additional measures may be needed in your facility to address Listeria."

Along with this, the inspection noted items of risk including improper use of high pressure hoses which can cross contaminate back onto food surfaces.  "[FDA] investigators observed an employee using a high-pressure hose to spray the floor with water while performing sanitation operations. They observed overspray from the floor onto equipment reported as having been cleaned and from the floor onto unopened buckets of ingredients that were going to be used to produce ice cream the next day."

The other issue was poor drainage from the processing floor - "the design of the production floor does not allow for the proper drainage of water. Water used in the cleaning of equipment pools in various locations throughout the production area of your facility, which can provide harborage areas for pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria."

Once Listeria becomes established in a facility, it can become difficult to eliminate.  The level of positive Listeria swabs are clear indication that corrective actions were not sufficient. The Blue Bell Listeria contamination issue where corrective action to Listeria positive findings were also inadequate. .


FDA WARNING LETTER
Velvet Ice Cream Company 
MARCS-CMS 575444 — 06/05/2019
  Delivery Method:VIA UPSProduct:Food & Beverages
Dairy
Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) 

Smoked Salmon Recalled in Florida After Positive Listeria Testing

Seven Seas International USA, LLC of St. Petersburg, Florida is recalling its 4 oz. Biltmore Smoked Sockeye Salmon after routine sampling program by the Florida Department of Agriculture revealed that some of the finished product samples tested positive for Listeria.  The 4 oz. Biltmore Smoked Sockeye Salmon was distributed only in Florida by Publix Grocery stores.

According to the recall, only products with Production Code 41CM and a sell by date of 23rd May 2019 are subject to this recall.  According to the notice, "All subsequent production codes were tested and found not to contain the bacteria."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/seven-seas-international-usa-llc-recalls-biltmore-smoked-sockeye-salmon-because-possible-health-risk
Seven Seas International USA, LLC Recalls Biltmore Smoked Sockeye Salmon Because of Possible Health Risk

Company Announcement Date: May 14, 2019
FDA Publish Date: May 15, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Fish Reason for Announcement: Food & Beverage Safety, Potential Foodborne Illness, Listeria
Company Name: Seven Seas International USA, LLC
Brand Name: Biltmore
Product Description:  Wild Smoked Sockeye Salmon

NY Establishment Recalls Raw Milk Cheese After Positive Listeria Test

Mecox Bay Dairy, LLC, is recalling their Mecox Sunrise washed-rind Tomme style cheese after routine testing by New York State Agriculture and Markets Division of Milk Control revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of Mecox Sunrise cheese.

Mecox Dairy is a NY establishment.  According to the label, the cheese is a raw milk cheese which has been aged for more than 60 days.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mecox-bay-dairy-llc-recalls-mecox-sunrise-cheese-because-possible-health-risk
Mecox Bay Dairy, LLC Recalls “Mecox Sunrise” Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk

Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 09, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  May 09, 2019
Product Type:  Food & Beverages   Cheese/Cheese Product
Reason for Announcement:  Food & Beverage Safety, Potential Foodborne Illness, Listeria
Company Name:  Mecox Bay Dairy, LLC
Brand Name:  Mecox Bay Dairy
Product Description:  Mecox Sunrise Cheese

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli-Sliced Meats and Cheeses

CDC is investigating a Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat and cheese that has 8 cases with one death in 4 different states - MI, PA, NJ, and NY.  Listeria specimens from ill people were collected from November 13, 2016 to March 4, 2019.

One would expect that Listeria coming in on deli meat or cheese can be spread through the slicer.  Slicer, if not regularly cleaned, can allow build up on the slicer and slicer blade, and then transfer that to other products.  Heat generated by the slicer, and the fact that the slicer sitting at room temperature, can allow for growth of the organism over the day.

CBS News 
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/listeria-outbreak-linked-to-deli-meats-turns-deadly/
Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats turns deadly
By Ashley Welch
April 18, 2019 / 5:20 PM/ CBS News

Avocados from CA Recalled After Environmental Samples Positive for Listeria

A California avocado packing house is recalling avocados "due to positive test results on environmental samples taken during a routine government inspection at its California packing facility."  Henry Avocado Corporation is voluntarily recalling California-grown whole avocados sold in bulk at retail stores.

"The recalled products – California-grown conventional and organic avocados -- were packed at Henry Avocado’s packing facility in California and distributed in Arizona, California, Florida New Hampshire, North Carolina and Wisconsin. All shipments from the packing facility are subject to the recall (Henry Avocado did not begin packing there until late January 2019). Avocados imported from Mexico and distributed by Henry Avocado are not subject to the recall and may continue to be sold and consumed."

Is the risk high?  Hard to tell because we don't know whether the avocados themselves were contaminated and if so, to what degree the contaminate on the outside of the avocado would be transferred to the internal flesh.  The concern is that someone making a product like guacamole would not properly wash the avocado and the contaminate would be transferred to the internal flesh as the person sliced and prepared the guacamole.  The potential for growth increases risk as the guacamole is more neutral in pH and would not inhibit growth.  Long storage even at refrigeration temperature also increases risk in that Listeria can grow at refrigeration temperatures albeit slower than if the product were temperature abused.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm634230.htm
Henry Avocado Recalls Whole Avocados Because Of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
March 23, 2019

One Lot of Organic Bean Sprouts Recalled for Listeria

A Florida establishment is voluntarily recalling Organic Bean Sprouts because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,  This recall was issued after the Florida Department of Agriculture pulled a sample from a store shelf and found Listeria (we assume).  Product was shipped to Whole Foods Markets in Florida and Freedom Fresh (a Miami distributor) on February 18, 2019 and had a sell by date of February 28, 2019, so unlikely to be in Marketplace.

Like many other recalls involving Listeria where only the tested positive lot is recalled,  these recalls are often expanded as it is discovered that the facility did not have adequate controls in place.  For ensuring public health, recalls of these natures should initially begin with a broad recall unless the company can show that they have had adequate controls in place.   Hard to say in this case, unless over this recall is expanded over the next week.

Fullei Fresh Recalls Organic Bean Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
March 8, 2019

Florida Establishment Recalls Chicken Salad Products After Listeria Positive Test Result

"Lean Culinary Services, LLC, a Hollywood, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 223 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken salad products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes....... The problem was discovered on February 18, 2019 when FSIS inspection program personnel verified the status of product that had tested positive for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes."

Commercially made chicken salad is one of those products that screams for tight Listeria control.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-016-2019-release
Lean Culinary Services, LLC Recalls Ready To Eat Chicken Salad Products due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall 016-2019
Health Risk: High 

Feb 19, 2019

WI Firm Recalls All Nut Butter Products Due to Listeria Contamination

After a series of recalls related to Listeria (1, 2 3)  Oskri Corporation, a Wisconsin establishment, is recalling all of the product they manufactured.  "This recall has been initiated due to positive test results for Listeria monocytogenes found in multiple Oskri Corporation manufactured nut butters".

Unfortunately, this is a typical scenario for Listeria related recalls when the manufacturing facility never had Listeria controls in place.

Oskri Organics Corporation Recalls All Nut Butters because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
January 28, 2019

Nut Butters Recalled for Listeria After Co-packer Issues Recall Due to Listeria

A California company is recalling all lots of their branded nut butter after their co-packer issued recall.  Recall dates cover a year's production although it seems that tests were on recent lots.

This comes after December's recall for nut butter due to Listeria that was manufactured by Oskri of Wisconsin.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm629819.htm
SL: Recall of Thrive Market Nut Butters Due to Potential Health Risk
For Immediate Release
January 24, 2019

Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums Recalled After Positive Listeria Test

Jac. Vandenberg, Inc. of Yonkers, New York is recalling produce from Chile -  1,727 cartons of Fresh Peaches, 1,207 cartons of Fresh Nectarines and 365 cartons of Fresh Plums - after testing indicated the presence of  Listeria monocytogenes.  The produce was distributed in 18 different states through small and large retailers including Walmart.

"The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the packing house which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem."

This is a difficult situation.  Bulk product passing through the packing house is sampled and tests positive with the results taking a few days to come.  In the meantime product has entered a vast system for distribution.  Control is best applied at the point of origin, which in this case, is in Chile.  If there are no controls, or inadequate controls, testing becomes a gamble.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm629797.htm
Jac. Vandenberg, Inc. Recalls Fresh Peaches, Fresh Nectarines and Fresh Plums Because They May Be Contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes
For Immediate Release
January 24, 2019

Wisconsin Manufacturer Recalls Sunflower Butter and Tahini Butter After Copack Customer Issues Recalls Due to Listeria

A Wisconsin firm, Oskri Organics, is recalling sunflower butter and tahini butter after other product it produced for another company, Inspired Organics, issued two recalls of butter products due to Listeria positive tests.  Oskri has "ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and Oskri continue their investigation as to what caused the problem."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm629246.htm
Oskri Organics Corporation Recalls Oskri Organic Sunflower Butter Lot #099, Oskri Tahini Butter Lot #193 and Thrive Sunflower Butter Lot #233 Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
January 2, 2019

Company Expands Recall of Salads After Additional Listeria Found, but Limits Amount of Product Recalled

A California company is expanding a voluntary recall of single-serve salad bowls. The recall comes after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) informed the company that another random sample of their salad with a (5.5oz) with Best Before Date of Dec 29, 2018, so as" a precautionary measure, [the company] is recalling all products produced on the same day, same production line, as the one sample that tested positive by CFIA."  The last recall was issued after CFIA found Listeria on product produced with a Best Before Dec 14th, and the company recalled the product produced on that date.

So will this company just wait for CFIA to find more positives before expanding the recall again?  Having an agency found two product positive should be a clear indication that this company probably does not have Listeria under control.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm629152.htm
Apio Inc. Expands Voluntary Recall of Eat Smart Salad Shake Ups Single-Serve Bowls
For Immediate Release
December 26, 2018

Inspired Organics Now Recalling All Lots of Almond, Peanut and Tahini Butters Due to Listeria

After an initial recall and an expanded recall (6 days later), Inspired Organics is now recalling all lots of their Almond, Peanut, and Tahini Butters when testing found that the Listeria contamination went beyond the product involved in the initial recalls.

The product was produced by Oskri Corporation, a Wisconsin establishment.  This company produces a line of their own butters, so it will be interesting to see whether this company will be recalling their own branded product  (unless there are some major processing differences or other reason why not, one would wonder why more products are not yet involved).

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628989.htm
Inspired Organics Issues Voluntary Recall of Organic Nut & Seed Butters Due to Potential Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 20, 2018

Company Issues Another Recall for Nut Butter Product After Conducting Further Testing

Inspired Organics, LLC is recalling Organic Almond Butter due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.   This comes a week after the company had issued a recall for Sunflower Butter, due to Listeria which was the result of testing conducted by Mich. Dept of Ag.  This lot of Almond Butter is now being recalled because of additional tests conducted by Inspired Organics after they had the  Sunflower Butter contamination issue.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628680.htm
Inspired Organics Issues Voluntary Recall of Organic Almond Butter Due to Potential Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 17, 2018

California Company Recalls Salad Due to Listeria Positive Sample

Apio, Inc. of Guadalupe, California is recalling salad bowls after after informed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that one random sample of salad bowl product with Best Before of Dec 14, 2018 tested positive for Listeria Monocytogenes. The are currently only recalling products produced on the same day and same production line as the one that tested positive by the CFIA. 

Hopefully this company has faith in thier controls that the Listeria is limited to one lot, which would mean that the contamination is more an incidental, transient issue rather than an endemic, process-source contamination.  In the past, recalls start off small with companies assuming contamination was a one day event, only to expand as they discover the issue is much bigger.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628566.htm
Apio, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Five Skus of Eat Smart Single-Serve Salad Shake Ups™
For Immediate Release
December 15, 2018

Natural (Raw) Pet Food Recalled Due to Listeria Positive Test

Columbia River Natural Pet Foods of Vancouver, WA is voluntarily recalling 933 packages of Cow Pie fresh frozen meats for dogs and cats, produced in August 2017, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.   The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in one package.  Cow Pie is a fresh frozen meats product intended to feed raw to dogs and cats. Cow Pie was distributed in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington through retail stores and direct delivery. The product comes frozen in 2 lbs. purple and white plastic bags. 

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm627721.htm
Columbia River Natural Pet Foods Inc. Recalls Cow Pie Fresh Frozen Meats for Dogs and Cats Because of Possible Listeria monocytogenes Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 5, 2018

NY Cheese Producer Issues Recall After Listeria Found in Environment

Sprout Creek Farm of Poughkeepsie, New York is recalling 4 wheels of “Kinkead” cheese, raw semi-firm, washed natural rind cheese, made on 5-10-18, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.   The issue was discovered as part of the corrective action when Listeria monocytogenes was discovered during routine testing earlier this month. "Sprout Creek Farm voluntarily ceased all production of cheese immediately following that recall initiated on November 6. Additionally since the November 6 recall, there has been no production or distribution of any cheese by the farm.

The same firm had issued a recall on 11/7/18 for 132 wheels of cheese after product tested positive.  NY regulators also issued an alert on 10/8/18 after issues with pasteurization were discovered.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm627077.htm

Sprout Creek Farm Recalls “Kinkead” Cheese due to Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
November 28, 2018

Michigan Company Recalls Ackawi Cheese After State Inspection Discovers Listeria Issue

Green Cedar Dairy of Michigan is recalling Ackawi cheese after a Listeria issue was discovered on November 9, 2018 during a routine inspection by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Food & Dairy Division (MDARD) and by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

From www.cheese.com, Ackawi cheese is "a Middle Eastern cheese named after the Aker region of Palestine, where it first originated. In Arabic, akkawi means "from akka". It is soft unripened brine cheese with a chewy, smooth consistency and a very mild, slightly salty flavour. The cheese is widely popular across most of the Levant where it is used as a table cheese, eaten as it or paired with a fruit."

Further, "The cheese is commonly made using pasteurized cow's milk, but can be made with goat or sheep's milk as well. It is produced on a large scale in Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Cyprus where people typically eat it with a soft flatbread at lunch and dinner. Its texture can be compared to that of a Mozzarella, Feta or a Mizithra, as it does not melt down very well. The resistance to melting makes it an excellent frying cheese, because it holds its shape very well. The cheese can be stored for up to a year."
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm626134.htm
Recall of Green Cedar Dairy Ackawi Cheese Bearing a Sell by Date of March 26, 2019 or Later
For Immediate Release
November 16, 2018

Chicken Salad Product Recalled for Potential Listeria Contamination

A Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 6,912 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken salad products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The problem was discovered on November 13, 2018 during routine record review by FSIS inspection program personnel.

No exact reason was listed in the announcement.  It could be a Listeria positive test result on an environmental food contact surface sample or something similar.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-111-2018-release
Ron's Home Style Foods Recalls Ready to Eat Chicken Salad Products due to Possible Listeria Contamination 
Class I Recall 
111-2018 
Health Risk: High 
Nov 14, 2018