Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) is recalling a particular lot of its Hunt’s Tomato Paste No Salt Added six ounce cans after complaints were received for mold. According to the FDA release, "After the canning process, the final product could have been damaged, creating the potential for mold. Conagra Brands became aware of the issue after receiving calls from consumers."
So it appears the can had damage which provided the opportunity for mold (and air) to get into the can. Since the product is high acid (low pH), mold is the type type of organism that would be most likely to grow. The damage does not have to be something that is noticeable, even as small as a pin hole will provide enough for microorganisms to get inside.
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm635309.htm
Conagra Brands Announces Recall of a Limited Amount of Hunt’s Tomato Paste Cans Due to Potential Presence of Mold
For Immediate Release
April 4, 2019
Showing posts with label mold. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mold. Show all posts
Sunday, April 7, 2019
Monday, December 8, 2014
Yogurt Recall - FDA Claims State Inspectors Knew of Issue Prior to Recall
Last year, Chobani recalled yogurt due to extensive mold contamination. The recall was issued after numerous consumer complaints. According to the FDA Inspection report (page 6 if you really want to see), the Idaho Department of Agriculture knew about the mold issue 2 months before the recall. Idaho DofA denies this claim.
MagicValley.com
http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_686ede3a-0735-5e15-90be-0eb801c48c87.html#.VIMXFpr9qOE.twitter
State Knew Chobani Yogurt was Tainted Months before Recall, FDA Says
December 05, 2013 2:00 am • By Joe Cadotte - jcadotte@magicvalley.com
TWIN FALLS • The Idaho Department of Agriculture saw moldy yogurt during a routine inspection at Chobani two months before the company issued a voluntary recall, says a U.S. Food and Drug Administration report obtained by the Times-News under a Freedom of Information Act request.
The state denies the FDA claim.
MagicValley.com
http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_686ede3a-0735-5e15-90be-0eb801c48c87.html#.VIMXFpr9qOE.twitter
State Knew Chobani Yogurt was Tainted Months before Recall, FDA Says
December 05, 2013 2:00 am • By Joe Cadotte - jcadotte@magicvalley.com
TWIN FALLS • The Idaho Department of Agriculture saw moldy yogurt during a routine inspection at Chobani two months before the company issued a voluntary recall, says a U.S. Food and Drug Administration report obtained by the Times-News under a Freedom of Information Act request.
The state denies the FDA claim.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Moldy Yogurt Can Make You Sick
In September of 2013, a manufacturer of Greek yogurt recalled product in September of 2013 due to the fact that consumers were complaining of mold in the product. While it was claimed to be a spoilage mold, there were reported illnesses.
Researchers discovered that the mold found in yogurt, Mucor circinelloides f. circinelloides, can cause illness. While this organism is traditionally looked upon as a opportunistic pathogen, it can survive through the GI tract, as was seen in mice studies. The researchers also indicated the potential to produce harmful metabolites, although Mucor circinelloides has not been known to produce mycotoxins. According to the report, "This study demonstrates that M. circinelloides can spoil food products and cause gastrointestinal illness in consumers and may pose a particular risk to immunocompromised patients."
Now, it is hard to tell from this report whether there was an gastrointestinal infection associated with these cases or people are just reacting to the metabolites produced by the mold. Generally in past cases where infections have occurred in people, there have normally been underlying health issues in the person.
So from a more simplistic viewpoint, when one eats food that has mold that shouldn't be there, there is a good possibility it is going to give one an upset stomach, at the least. Molds will produce metabolites within the food, or even in the gut, that can cause an adverse reaction. Certainly some molds will be worse than others...some can produce really bad metabolites, some that have been categorized as mycotoxins, while others can cause infections, especially in high risk individuals.
It is interesting to point out, that manufacturer of the yogurt product has been critical of this report.
Consumers - Don't eat food that has mold that shouldn't be there, especially if you are in a high risk group.
Producers and processors - prevent food from unwanted mold...most of this can be prevented through good sanitation, but processing controls may also be needed.
MBio
http://mbio.asm.org/content/5/4/e01390-14
Analysis of a Food-Borne Fungal Pathogen Outbreak: Virulence and Genome of a Mucor circinelloides Isolate from Yogurt
Researchers discovered that the mold found in yogurt, Mucor circinelloides f. circinelloides, can cause illness. While this organism is traditionally looked upon as a opportunistic pathogen, it can survive through the GI tract, as was seen in mice studies. The researchers also indicated the potential to produce harmful metabolites, although Mucor circinelloides has not been known to produce mycotoxins. According to the report, "This study demonstrates that M. circinelloides can spoil food products and cause gastrointestinal illness in consumers and may pose a particular risk to immunocompromised patients."
Now, it is hard to tell from this report whether there was an gastrointestinal infection associated with these cases or people are just reacting to the metabolites produced by the mold. Generally in past cases where infections have occurred in people, there have normally been underlying health issues in the person.
So from a more simplistic viewpoint, when one eats food that has mold that shouldn't be there, there is a good possibility it is going to give one an upset stomach, at the least. Molds will produce metabolites within the food, or even in the gut, that can cause an adverse reaction. Certainly some molds will be worse than others...some can produce really bad metabolites, some that have been categorized as mycotoxins, while others can cause infections, especially in high risk individuals.
It is interesting to point out, that manufacturer of the yogurt product has been critical of this report.
Consumers - Don't eat food that has mold that shouldn't be there, especially if you are in a high risk group.
Producers and processors - prevent food from unwanted mold...most of this can be prevented through good sanitation, but processing controls may also be needed.
MBio
http://mbio.asm.org/content/5/4/e01390-14
Analysis of a Food-Borne Fungal Pathogen Outbreak: Virulence and Genome of a Mucor circinelloides Isolate from Yogurt
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Cheese Product Recalled Due to Low Preservative Levels
Kraft is recalling a small amount of cheese product due to the fact it did not contain a sufficient amount of the preservative, sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is effective in preventing the growth of yeast and mold. With inadequate amounts, there would be a greater chance that the product would spoil due to mold or yeast growing on the product during the expected shelf-life of the product. By recalling this product, Kraft prevents a bigger issue down the road if there were to be numerous complaints of moldy product.
Could this be a safety issue....probably not since it is unlikely that people would eat cheese with mold on it, however some people can have allergic reactions to mold and some molds due produce mycotoxins (which can be harmful).
FDA News Release
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm402337.htm
Kraft Foods Group Voluntarily Recalls Small Quantity of Velveeta Original Pasteurized Recipe Cheese Product Due to Low Levels of Preservative Ingredient
Contact
Consumer: 800-310-3704 news@kraftfoods.com
Media: Russ Dyer 847-646-4538
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 19, 2014- Kraft Foods Group is voluntarily recalling 260 cases of Velveeta Original Pasteurized Recipe Cheese Product because it does not contain appropriate levels of sorbic acid, a preservative ingredient. While unlikely, the affected product could spoil prematurely and/or lead to food borne illness. Therefore, the company is issuing this recall as a precaution.
This recall affects one batch of product made on one manufacturing line during a few hours of production. The product was shipped to three Walmart distribution centers and may have been redistributed to stores in up to 12 Midwest states. The affected products may have been shipped to Walmart stores in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. These products were not shipped outside of the U.S.
The following specific batch of product is being recalled:
Consumers can find the case code date on the side of the package. No other products outside this time period on this case code date are affected by this recall, nor are any other Kraft or Velveeta products affected.
The affected product was identified during a review of finished product samples. The company is taking action to ensure it doesn't happen again.
Consumers who purchased any of these products should not eat them. They should return them to the store where they purchased them for an exchange or full refund. Consumers also can contact Kraft Foods Consumer Relations at 1-800-310-3704 between 9 am and 6 pm {Eastern).
Could this be a safety issue....probably not since it is unlikely that people would eat cheese with mold on it, however some people can have allergic reactions to mold and some molds due produce mycotoxins (which can be harmful).
FDA News Release
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm402337.htm
Kraft Foods Group Voluntarily Recalls Small Quantity of Velveeta Original Pasteurized Recipe Cheese Product Due to Low Levels of Preservative Ingredient
Contact
Consumer: 800-310-3704 news@kraftfoods.com
Media: Russ Dyer 847-646-4538
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 19, 2014- Kraft Foods Group is voluntarily recalling 260 cases of Velveeta Original Pasteurized Recipe Cheese Product because it does not contain appropriate levels of sorbic acid, a preservative ingredient. While unlikely, the affected product could spoil prematurely and/or lead to food borne illness. Therefore, the company is issuing this recall as a precaution.
This recall affects one batch of product made on one manufacturing line during a few hours of production. The product was shipped to three Walmart distribution centers and may have been redistributed to stores in up to 12 Midwest states. The affected products may have been shipped to Walmart stores in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. These products were not shipped outside of the U.S.
The following specific batch of product is being recalled:
| Product Size | Name of Product | Units / Case | Case Code Date/Time Tange | Case UPC Code | Consumer Package Code Date/Time Range | Consumer Package UPC Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 OZ(2 LB) | VELVEETA ORIGINAL PASTEURIZED RECIPE CHEESE PRODUCT | 12 | 17 DEC 2014 10:54 - 14:35 ONLY | 10021000611611 | 17 DEC 2014 09:34 - 13:15 ONLY | 021000611614 |
Consumers can find the case code date on the side of the package. No other products outside this time period on this case code date are affected by this recall, nor are any other Kraft or Velveeta products affected.
The affected product was identified during a review of finished product samples. The company is taking action to ensure it doesn't happen again.
Consumers who purchased any of these products should not eat them. They should return them to the store where they purchased them for an exchange or full refund. Consumers also can contact Kraft Foods Consumer Relations at 1-800-310-3704 between 9 am and 6 pm {Eastern).
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Problems at NECC facility that led to meningitis outbreak
This is not food related, but the issues seen at this facility that made the contaminated epidurals that led to the fungal meningitis outbreak provide lessons in product and environmental control.
· Firm shipped product before receiving sterility results (results were negative however).
· Firm didn't follow established standards for autoclaving and didn't keep products in the autoclave for the minimum 20 minutes needed to ensure sterility
· Firm didn't thoroughly clean powder hoods used to protect pharmacists while they prepare compounded substances. Investigators observed residual powder within the hood, which could lead to contamination of medications
· Mats designed to trap dirt and other contaminants were visibly soiled, and a leaking boiler next to the clean room caused water to pool around it and adjacent walls, creating conditions that could support contaminant growth, according to the findings.
In the report below, Massachusetts Governor Patrick states that over the years, some pharmacies have evolved from neighborhood drug stores to large-scale manufacturers that sell products across state lines, and that regulations in Massachusetts and at the federal level have not kept pace with the changes. He said that he had directed the pharmacy board to start making unannounced inspections of compounding pharmacies that make sterile injectable medications and strengthen penalties for pharmacies that don't comply with rules.
Not sure I want my local pharmacy making medicine, especially ones that can be injected in me. Dispensing medicine is one thing, but making it, no thanks.
We see this type of thing in food companies as well…the firm expands into a niche outside of their core competency and grow the business, but never become technically competent in that new business. They fail to spend the capital on the facility needed to meet the requirements of producing that product. Then, as more product is shipped, the inevitable production error occurs, impacting far too many.
Report airs problems at firm linked to fungal meningitis outbreak
Lisa Schnirring Staff Writer
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/other/news/oct2412fungal2-jw.html
Oct 24, 2012 (CIDRAP News) – Massachusetts officials yesterday said New England Compounding Center (NECC), the firm linked to a multistate fungal meningitis outbreak, sent shipments from two of the recalled lots before it received sterility testing results.
Investigators also found black particulate matter in several unopened vials of the recalled methylprednisolone acetate, which was used in epidural injections for back pain and injections for peripheral joint problems, according to a report of preliminary investigation findings.
Federal officials have said that as many as 14,000 patients could have been exposed to the recalled injections.
Nine more infections have been reported in the outbreak, raising the number of infections to 317, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today in its latest update. One more death was reported, putting that total at 24, and the number of affected states held steady at 17.
The CDC reported one more joint infection linked to the contaminated steroids, raising that number to five, and it said 54 cases have now been confirmed with lab tests. So far all but two of the infections involve Exserohilum rostratum, a type of black mold that hadn't previously been known to cause meningitis.
In a press conference with reporters yesterday, Madeleine Biondolillo, MD, who directs the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality, said the investigation began on Sep 25 and involves collaboration with their colleagues at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since Oct 1. She said the investigation is ongoing and that authorities have obtained evidence, reviewed NECC's standard operating procedures, probed the company's records, and interviewed its employees.
NECC didn't label the medications for specific patients, a violation of Massachusetts licensing regulations for compounding pharmacies, Biondolillo said.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) investigation report, NECC's sterility tests on the shipments sent before results came in didn't show contamination. However, investigators said they were still exploring the adequacy of NECC's testing methods.
In addition, authorities found that the company didn't follow established standards for autoclaving and didn't keep products in the autoclave for the minimum 20 minutes needed to ensure sterility.
The report also says NECC didn't thoroughly clean powder hoods used to protect pharmacists while they prepare compounded substances. Investigators observed residual powder within the hood, which could lead to contamination of medications.
Mats designed to trap dirt and other contaminants were visibly soiled, and a leaking boiler next to the clean room caused water to pool around it and adjacent walls, creating conditions that could support contaminant growth, according to the findings.
At the media briefing, Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick said federal officials have launched a criminal investigation into NECC's actions and he announced more steps the state and its Board of Pharmacy have taken in response to the steroid contamination, including permanently revoking NECC's operating license and those of its three principal pharmacists.
"Those whose laboratory practices caused this outbreak should never practice pharmacy or manufacture in Massachusetts again," he said.
Patrick said that, over the years, some pharmacies have evolved from neighborhood drug stores to large-scale manufacturers that sell products across state lines, and that regulations in Massachusetts and at the federal level have not kept pace with the changes. He said that he had directed the pharmacy board to start making unannounced inspections of compounding pharmacies that make sterile injectable medications and strengthen penalties for pharmacies that don't comply with rules.
The state will now require compounding pharmacies in Massachusetts to submit annual production, volume, and distribution reports to make it easier for authorities to flag operations that are acting more like manufacturers, which require federal licensing and extra scrutiny, Patrick said. He added that the state will require compounding pharmacies to report interactions with federal regulators and will form a special commission to examine best practices in other states and what changes may be needed at the federal level.
· Firm shipped product before receiving sterility results (results were negative however).
· Firm didn't follow established standards for autoclaving and didn't keep products in the autoclave for the minimum 20 minutes needed to ensure sterility
· Firm didn't thoroughly clean powder hoods used to protect pharmacists while they prepare compounded substances. Investigators observed residual powder within the hood, which could lead to contamination of medications
· Mats designed to trap dirt and other contaminants were visibly soiled, and a leaking boiler next to the clean room caused water to pool around it and adjacent walls, creating conditions that could support contaminant growth, according to the findings.
In the report below, Massachusetts Governor Patrick states that over the years, some pharmacies have evolved from neighborhood drug stores to large-scale manufacturers that sell products across state lines, and that regulations in Massachusetts and at the federal level have not kept pace with the changes. He said that he had directed the pharmacy board to start making unannounced inspections of compounding pharmacies that make sterile injectable medications and strengthen penalties for pharmacies that don't comply with rules.
Not sure I want my local pharmacy making medicine, especially ones that can be injected in me. Dispensing medicine is one thing, but making it, no thanks.
We see this type of thing in food companies as well…the firm expands into a niche outside of their core competency and grow the business, but never become technically competent in that new business. They fail to spend the capital on the facility needed to meet the requirements of producing that product. Then, as more product is shipped, the inevitable production error occurs, impacting far too many.
Report airs problems at firm linked to fungal meningitis outbreak
Lisa Schnirring Staff Writer
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/other/news/oct2412fungal2-jw.html
Oct 24, 2012 (CIDRAP News) – Massachusetts officials yesterday said New England Compounding Center (NECC), the firm linked to a multistate fungal meningitis outbreak, sent shipments from two of the recalled lots before it received sterility testing results.
Investigators also found black particulate matter in several unopened vials of the recalled methylprednisolone acetate, which was used in epidural injections for back pain and injections for peripheral joint problems, according to a report of preliminary investigation findings.
Federal officials have said that as many as 14,000 patients could have been exposed to the recalled injections.
Nine more infections have been reported in the outbreak, raising the number of infections to 317, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today in its latest update. One more death was reported, putting that total at 24, and the number of affected states held steady at 17.
The CDC reported one more joint infection linked to the contaminated steroids, raising that number to five, and it said 54 cases have now been confirmed with lab tests. So far all but two of the infections involve Exserohilum rostratum, a type of black mold that hadn't previously been known to cause meningitis.
In a press conference with reporters yesterday, Madeleine Biondolillo, MD, who directs the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality, said the investigation began on Sep 25 and involves collaboration with their colleagues at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since Oct 1. She said the investigation is ongoing and that authorities have obtained evidence, reviewed NECC's standard operating procedures, probed the company's records, and interviewed its employees.
NECC didn't label the medications for specific patients, a violation of Massachusetts licensing regulations for compounding pharmacies, Biondolillo said.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) investigation report, NECC's sterility tests on the shipments sent before results came in didn't show contamination. However, investigators said they were still exploring the adequacy of NECC's testing methods.
In addition, authorities found that the company didn't follow established standards for autoclaving and didn't keep products in the autoclave for the minimum 20 minutes needed to ensure sterility.
The report also says NECC didn't thoroughly clean powder hoods used to protect pharmacists while they prepare compounded substances. Investigators observed residual powder within the hood, which could lead to contamination of medications.
Mats designed to trap dirt and other contaminants were visibly soiled, and a leaking boiler next to the clean room caused water to pool around it and adjacent walls, creating conditions that could support contaminant growth, according to the findings.
At the media briefing, Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick said federal officials have launched a criminal investigation into NECC's actions and he announced more steps the state and its Board of Pharmacy have taken in response to the steroid contamination, including permanently revoking NECC's operating license and those of its three principal pharmacists.
"Those whose laboratory practices caused this outbreak should never practice pharmacy or manufacture in Massachusetts again," he said.
Patrick said that, over the years, some pharmacies have evolved from neighborhood drug stores to large-scale manufacturers that sell products across state lines, and that regulations in Massachusetts and at the federal level have not kept pace with the changes. He said that he had directed the pharmacy board to start making unannounced inspections of compounding pharmacies that make sterile injectable medications and strengthen penalties for pharmacies that don't comply with rules.
The state will now require compounding pharmacies in Massachusetts to submit annual production, volume, and distribution reports to make it easier for authorities to flag operations that are acting more like manufacturers, which require federal licensing and extra scrutiny, Patrick said. He added that the state will require compounding pharmacies to report interactions with federal regulators and will form a special commission to examine best practices in other states and what changes may be needed at the federal level.
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