Yogurt Covered Cranberries Recalled Due to Undeclared Almonds

Hickory Harvest Foods of Akron, OH is recalling Vanilla Flavored Yogurt Covered Cranberries manufactured under the brand of Sprouts Farmers Market because they may contain undeclared Almonds.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing Almonds may have been distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of Almonds.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hickory-harvest-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-almonds-sprouts-vanilla-flavored-yogurt
Hickory Harvest Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds in Sprouts Vanilla Flavored Yogurt Covered Cranberries
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 09, 2021
FDA Publish Date: February 09, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Almonds
Company Name:  Hickory Harvest Foods
Brand Name:  Sprouts
Product Description:   Vanilla Yogurt Covered Cranberries

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

Ohio Company Recalls Nut Products After Positive Listeria on Production Equipment

An Ohio company is recalling bags and tubs of nut products for Listeria monocytogenes.  "This recall was initiated after Hickory Harvest staff performed routine in house environmental testing, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes on a piece of production equipment."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm608230.htm
Hickory Harvest Recalls Certain Island Fruit Mix and Organic Nut Mix Products Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
May 10, 2018

Nut Butter Recalled in March for E. coli Contamination Still in Marketplace

FDA issued a news release to remind the public and retailers that the I.M. Healthy Soy Nut Butter Products have been recalled and must not be available for sale.  These products were recalled back in March after being linked to a dozen cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection.  The problem is that these products are still being sold, both online and in retail stores.  The packer was suspended.

The occurrence of recalled product, and dangerous product at that, still being in the marketplace shows the difficulty of recall compliance in smaller retailers and online venues where niche product like this is likely to sell.

FDA Outbreak Notice

https://www.fda.gov/food/recallsoutbreaksemergencies/outbreaks/ucm544964.htm
FDA Reminds Public that All I.M. Healthy Soy Nut Butter Products Are Recalled
October 13, 2017

NY Nut and Fruit Processor Source of Listeria Related Recalls

Over the past several days, many of the listeria - nut/dried fruit recalls have been linked to a company called HVF, Inc. AKA - Hudson Valley Farms. This includes the recent hummus recall due to pine nuts from HVF as well as other recalls such as protein bars from GoMarco, granola products from New England Bakers, and Protein Bars and Bits from Bulletproof 360. It is hard to tell what the ultimate source of these recalls, but clearly HVF is a major link, if not the primary source.

Here again is what appears to be an ingredient supply issue that triggers recalls among a number of further processing facilities.  In this case, the ingredient was produced by a very small processing facility - what kind of supplier controls were in place?  How legitimate is this supplier?

One concern was that the supplier information was not readily available online.  No website was present - was it there and taken down, or was there never one to start?  Wouldn't it be better to have a supplier who is there when there is an issue and to state the nature of the issue on their website?

It was difficult to tell the scope of the operation. According to a story in the Miami Herald, HVF is a company of 10 people or less. Looking further, it appears to be part of a larger group with the parent appearing to be a company called Bedemco, an importer of nut and fruit products.  HVF may just be a packing facility for this family run company.

Various Nut Based Products Recalled Due to Listeria

There have been a number of recalls over the past week for nut based products for Listeria.  All recalls state that there was a supplier issue.  One would guess that most, if not all recalls are related to the same supplier.

• NOW Health Group, Inc. (NOW), of Bloomingdale, Illinois, is expanding the voluntary recall of various nut butters.
• NEW ENGLAND NATURAL BAKERS of Greenfield MA, is issuing a voluntary recall of various granola products.
• The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced it has expanded the recall of its 12 oz. packages of Simple Truth Dry Roasted Macadamia Nuts
• Wildway LLC is voluntarily recalling certain grain-free granola
• GoMacro, of Viola, Wis., is recalling a limited number of MacroBars and Thrive Bars
• Bulletproof 360, Inc. (“Bulletproof”) of Bellevue, Washington is recalling five Collagen Protein Bar and Bite products

Another recall that may be related is one for dry fruit products.

• Publix Super Markets is issuing a voluntary recall for Publix Tropical Medley Mix because it may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. Publix received notification of the potential contamination from our supplier of dried apricot.

Dry products listed here will not support the growth of Listeria, so then the question of risk is based on the amount of Listeria present.  Therefore, this probably represents a low risk.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm563399.htm
NOW Health Group Inc. Expands Voluntary Recall of Ellyndale® Nutty Infusions™ Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
June 16, 2017

Cashew Butter Recalled Due to Potential for Listeria

An Illinois firm is recalling its Nutty Infusions Cashew Butter products for Listeria after "Evidence of contamination was noted after a routine FDA inspection of the Nutty Infusions supplier".

From the labels, the only ingredients in common to both products are the roasted cashews.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm556745.htm

Now Health Group Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Select Ellyndale® Nutty Infusions™
For Immediate Release
May 4, 2017

Company Considers Changes After Sunflower Seed Recall

The company responsible for the sunflower seed / Listeria recall, SunOpta, is looking at long term options for the company. One immediate change was to move the Quality function out of operations.

 
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/pressed-by-big-shareholder-sunopta-taps-adviser-to-review-options/384758211/
Pressed by big shareholder, SunOpta selects adviser to review options
Firm shifts quality assurance duties, hires strategic adviser in wake of sunflower nut troubles.
By Kristen Leigh Painter Star Tribune
June 28, 2016 — 9:08pm

SunOptima, Source of Sunflower Seed Recall for Listeria, Expands Original Recall, Forces Downstream Packers to Expand Recalls

SunOptima is expanding their sunflower seeds w/ Listeria recall. The initial recall was produced at their Minnesota facility in the month of February. The time frame of production recall now extends from February through April 21, the date at which the plant was closed.

 

It never seems to be a Listeria recall without having an expansion of that recall. This occurs when companies realize that they did not have real control of the organism, whether that is a contaminate within the processing environment or within purchased raw materials. Since sunflower seeds are roasted and de-hulled, it would lead one to believe it was post roasting contamination.

 

The process of making sunflower seed is similar to other processing of nut. For a nice review of the process, you can visit 'How Products are Made.  Here are the highlights from that review"

Sunflower seed production begins in early spring when the fields are prepared and the seeds are planted.

1. Sunflowers are ready to harvest when the black part of their heads turns brown. In the United States this is generally in late September or October. A special device collects the sunflower heads          
2. The seeds are rapidly dried to under 10% moisture content and then stored in grain elevators.
3. At the processing plant, they are emptied onto wire screens and shaken to remove dirt, inspected, and further cleaned.
4. The seeds are then passed on to sizing screens which separate them by size.
5. Large sized seeds go to snack food sunflower seeds are transferred through large ovens to dry roasted, reducing the moisture level in the seed further. The medium sized seeds are first sent through de-hulling machines which remove their shells. They are then roasted in oil
6. The seeds are then flavored as desired. This can be done by an enrobing process - running the warm seeds from the roasters into a large, rotating container where combined with oil the flavoring ingredients.
7. The seeds are then packaged with a focus on reducing oxidation that would promote rancidity.

The interesting thing is that one would expect that this would be a dry process, not noted for being the typical environment where Listeria would be found.

 

FDA Recall Noticehttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm502184.htm
Expanded Recall Period of Certain Sunflower Kernel Products Due to Possible Contamination By Listeria monocytogenes
For Immediate Release
May 18, 2016

Recall Cascade Continues for Frozen Produce, Walnuts, and Sunflower Seed Due to Listeria

The cascade of recalls continues...for Listeria in frozen produce, for Listeria in sunflower seeds, and Listeria in Walnuts.

LISTERIA IN FROZEN PRODUCE

Updated: Ajinomoto Windsor Recall of Products Related to CRF Frozen Vegetable Recallhttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm499858.htm
Ajinomoto Windsor, Inc. is voluntarily recalling various Not-Ready-To Eat frozen food items due to the potential for these products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This voluntary action is being undertaken in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration because the recalled products contain vegetables that are part of the recent CRF Frozen Foods recall.

Updated: Stahlbush Island Farms, Inc. Recalls IQF Green Beans Because of Possible Health Riskhttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm499775.htm
Stahlbush Island Farms, Inc. (SIFI) of Corvallis, Ore., is voluntarily recalling 10 oz. Stahlbush® IQF Green Bean retail packages because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

Hy-Vee Voluntarily Recalls Frozen Hy-Vee Vegetable Fried Rice and Frozen Hy-Vee Chicken Fried Rice Due to Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm501017.htm
Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling its frozen Hy-Vee Vegetable Fried Rice and frozen Hy-Vee Chicken Fried Rice products across its eight-state region due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The potential for contamination was discovered after Ajinomoto Windsor, Hy-Vee’s supplier, announced they were recalling specific frozen foods due to the potential for Listeria monocytogenes.

Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Various Dr. Praeger's and Ungar's Products Related to CRF Frozen Vegetable Recall for Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm501243.htm
Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods, Inc. is voluntarily recalling various not-ready-to-eat frozen food items due to the potential for these products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This voluntary action is being undertaken in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration because the recalled products contain vegetables that are part of the recent CRF Frozen Foods recall.

Voluntary Recall on Piggly Wiggly Brand Yellow Cut Corn
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm500859.htm
As part of the CRF Frozen Foods recall, McCall Farms Incorporated is notifying consumers that it is recalling Piggly Wiggly brand frozen Yellow Cut Corn due to the potential risk that it may contain Listeria monocytogenes. McCall Farms was notified by its supplier, CRF Frozen Foods, of this potential contamination. No other McCall Farms products have been affected by this recall.

LISTERIA IN WALNUTS

HMSHost Recalls Multiple Brands of Cape Cod Cranberry Trail Mix Because of Possible Health Riskhttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm501041.htm
HMSHost of Bethesda, Maryland is recalling multiple brands of trail mix, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. HMSHost was recently notified by one of its snack manufacturers, Woodstock Farms Manufacturing, that during their routine testing, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes was revealed in two lots of walnuts used in one of its trail mixes

 LISTERIA IN SUNFLOWER SEEDS

The Quaker Oats Company Issues Voluntary Recall of Quaker Quinoa Granola Bars Due to Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm501248.htm
The Quaker Oats Company, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, Inc., today announced a voluntary recall of a small quantity of Quaker Quinoa Granola Bars after an ingredient supplier was found to have distributed sunflower kernels that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (L.mono).

Walnuts Recalled Due to Listeria

A Woodstock, NJ company is recalling various Walnut products purchased from Gibson Farms after a sample of that product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.   This comes after another recall last week for sunflower seeds, although there does not appear to be any real connection.

Makes you wonder whether people will start testing the heck out of nut products for Listeria?  These products, because of low moisture / water activity, will not support the growth of Listieria.  And because they are produced in a dry environment, one would expect that environmental contamination would be minimal.  That being said, one would expect levels to be very low.

The biggest risk for these nuts would be if they were added as an ingredient to a product that supported growth.  And depending on the level, which would be expected to be very low, would only be a risk to those with a highly impaired immune system.

With two recalls, more research is needed to understand how Listeria is getting onto nuts, the levels present, and what real risk it poses.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm500345.htm
United Natural Trading LLC Announces Voluntary Recall of Walnuts
For Immediate Release
May 10, 2016

Sunflower Seed Recall Forces a Large Cascade of Recalls

After SunOptima issued a recall for Listeria in sunflower seed, a number of their customers issued recalls.  Probably more to come?

One this that would be good to know is how the sampling / testing occurred after product had shipped and was utilized by their customers.

Recalls listed below:

Nut Products Recalled After Sunflower Seed Supplier Notifies of Potential Listeria Contamination

Tree House Foods is recalling a wide variety of snack bars and nut / trail mixes after receiving notification from their supplier that the sunflower seed may contain Listeria monocytogenes.  Sun Optima, a Canadian firm, is also recalling sunflower seed products.

Sunflower seed would be considered a low risk product since they would not support growth, however the ingredient would be added as a RTE ingredient.

 
PRN Newsire
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/treehouse-foods-issues-voluntary-product-recall-due-to-possible-health-risk-300262111.html
TreeHouse Foods Issues Voluntary Product Recall Due to Possible Health Risk

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.

Raw Can Be Risky When it Comes to Nuts and Sprouts - Salmonella Related Recalls

Within the last week, there have been recalls of raw nuts and raw sprouts and raw sprout products due to the potential for Salmonella after those products were tested and found to be Salmonella positive.  Surprising....not really.  Makes you feel like that infant in the e-trade commercial feigning a sense of shock at a very predictable outcome.

Raw sprouts and raw nuts are a risk for pathogenic organisms like Salmonella.  There are no significant pathogen reduction steps.  And although some may suggest testing as a control, it is hit or miss when there are low levels of contamination - so testing as verification but not as control.

Alfalfa Sprouts - http://www.thepacker.com/news/sprouts-ks-ok-linked-salmonella-illnesses

Raw Macadamia Nuts - http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm487338.htm

Spouted Chia and Flaxseed - http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm487043.htm

Raw pistachios http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm486489.htm
                        http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm487019.htm

The Packer
http://www.thepacker.com/news/sprouts-ks-ok-linked-salmonella-illnesses
UPDATED: Sprouts in KS, OK linked to salmonella illnesses
By Doug Carder February 22, 2016 | 1:11 pm EST

Raw Nut Spread Product Recalled After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

An small Oregon food company is recalling their organic raw sprouted nut spreads after the product was linked to 11 cases of salmonellosis. 
 The process entailed sourcing organic almond nuts, sprout them, dry them, grind them, and add flavors inspired by 'superfoods'.  Sounds good, doesn't it.  But, no reduction step for Salmonella.  In fact, in sprouting the seeds, they may be encouraging growth.

Their website has all the key phrases...artisans, organic, yoga, and of course...SUPERFOODS.  The nuts....handselected, and "free from pesticides, gluten, dairy, soy and processed sugar".   (Oops, might be some Salmonella).

How would the consumers of this product recognize there may be risk?  Nuts are a know source for Salmonella.  But throw in some sprouting time...it multiples the risk.  Drying does nothing to Salmonella, except to prepare it for the long journey in the jar until it reach's someone stomach.


FDA Website
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm475341.htm
JEM Raw Chocolate LLC Voluntarily Recalls Nut Butter Spread Products Due To Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 2, 2015

Contact Consumers JEM Raw Chocolate, LLC  (541) 728-3844
Firm Press Release
View Product Photos


JEM Raw Chocolate, LLC (JEM Raw) of Bend, Oregon announced a voluntary recall of its full line of all nut butter spreads within expiry because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Walnuts, Spices, Raw Pet Food and Sushi-Grade Seafood Recalled Due to Positive Salmonella Tests

What do nuts, spices, raw pet food, and chunk/ground seafood used for sushi have in common - recalls.  Clearly, government agencies are paying some attention to these items by sampling and testing.

Fisher brand chopped walnuts are being recalled due to Salmonella.  The recall was issued after FDA routine testing found a sample to be positive.

Kroger recalls spices due to Salmonella - The store is recalling Kroger Ground Cinnamon, Kroger Garlic Power, Kroger Coarse Ground Black Pepper and Kroger Bac'n Buds after FDA testing found the products positive for salmonella.

 Raw pet food recalled due to Salmonella - Two companies, Nature's Variety and Bravo, are both recalling raw pet food after government testing found product from both companies positive for Salmonella. (Just so it is said - if there are kids in the house, feeding your dog a raw diet may not be a good idea.)

 Osamu Corporation of Gardena, CA is recalling Frozen Yellow Fin Tuna Chunk Meat (Lot #68568) after the sampled product was found to be positive for Salmonella by the Minnesota Department of Health. The product, sold to AFC Corporation, was sourced from one processing plant in Indonesia. 

Stories and links below:

Recall Summary for July 2, 2015

Here is a summary of recent recalls.

FDA Recall Notice
Boulder Dog Food Company, L.L.C. Voluntarily Recalls Seven Bags of Turkey Sprinkles, 3 oz with A "Best By" Date of "05/18/16, 05/28/2016 and 05/30/2016" Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm453661.htm
July 2, 2015

7 bags of turkey sprinkles were recalled after FDA testing found a positive test for Salmonella. So what is a turkey sprinkle?….Well it is an item you add to dog food to make it tastier for ole Chopper....well being a sprinkle, I guess it is developed for Sparkles.

USDA Recall Notice
Barber Foods Recalls Kiev Stuffed Chicken Product Due to Possible Salmonella Enteritidis Contamination
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2015/recall-096-2015-release
July 2, 2015
Barber Foods of Maine is recalling 58,320 lbs of its frozen Chicken Kiev because of a link to Salmonella illnesses. Here is a product that looks like it is fully cooked, but it is not.


A stream of recalls related to nuts due to Salmonella because of FDA sampling found product positive….a big surprise.

 FDA Recall Notices

Natural Grocers® issues recall on 10oz. Caribbean Nut & Fruit Mix due to possible health risk
lhttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm453516.htm
July 1, 2015

Grand BK Corp. Recalls Goodies By Nature Raw Cashews, Net Wt. 9oz Because Of Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm453006.htm.
June 27, 2015

Rocky Mountain Foods, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Free Range Snack Co. Brand 16 oz. Island Fruit and Nut Trail Mix and Bulk Macadamia Nuts Because of Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm453116.htm

Whole Foods Market Voluntarily Recalls Packaged Raw Macadamia Nuts Due To Possible Health Risk
June 25, 2015
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm452905.htm

Food Safety Quick Hits - Hyperlinking the News for May 29th, 2015

An Ohio firm is recalling jars of salsa after discovering jars were not properly sealed. The titles of the various news articles call it a potential botulism concern, unsealed jars are more likely to be a spoilage issue.

The FDA issued a recall notice for a Colorado company that is recalling raw Macadamia nuts due to the presence of Salmonella.  The Salmonella was found by FDA through routine product testing.  No illnesses have been reported.

A California company is recalling candy - coconut chews because of the potential to contain small stainless steel wire.  It looks to be that a screen within the manufacturing process is the source.  Perhaps a screen broke or was fraying?

In California, patrons filed a lawsuit against a Mexican restaurant that reportedly made them ill.   The LA County Health Department investigated after seeing a number of complaints on Yelp, the social media site for restaurant reviews.

The CDC is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella paratyphi B that may be linked to raw tuna used for sushi.  The epicenter for the cases is in the Southeast US.  As of May 21, 2015, a total of 53 people from 9 states have reported being ill.    CDC is still investigating the source.
Interesting, this variant does not cause parahyphoid fever, which would be characterized by high fever, but is more similar to the symptoms of normal Salmonella  which includes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after being exposed.

In Wisconsin, 60 people report becoming ill from a Salmonella infection after eating pork carnitas served by a local market.  According to Wikipedia, "Carnitas, literally "little meats," is a dish of Mexican cuisine originating from the state of Michoacán. Carnitas are made by braising or simmering pork in oil or preferably lard until tender. The process takes three or four hours and the result is very tender and juicy meat, which is then typically served with chopped coriander leaves (cilantro) and diced onion, salsa, guacamole, tortillas, and refried beans (frijoles refritos)."  Sounds delicious except for the Salmonella part.

Finally, some reasons why not to take a cruise.  In a report issued by some group that supports journalism in the public interest, they call attention to all the bad stuff that can happen on a cruise ship.  From the report: "Last year over 1,700 passengers and crew members fell sick from gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus. Since 2012 at least seven children have drowned or nearly drowned in cruise ship pools that rarely have full-time lifeguards. This year, a 21-year-old college student fell overboard and was never found -- one of at least two dozen incidents in the last two years in which cruise passengers or crew have gone overboard, according to media reports." 
Stay home and make your own pork carnitas.

Packing Nuts....Controlling Salmonella?

Nuts and Salmonella.....over the month of April, there have been a number of recalls involving nuts.  The recalls are due to FDA testing and finding samples positive for Salmonella.  There have been no reported illnesses. 

FDA has a concern about salmonella in nuts, so companies packing nuts need to have controls in place or better be ready to use that recall plan.

FDA Recall Notices

Waymouth Farms, Inc. Recalls Raw Pine Nuts Because of Possible Health Risk - April 27, 2015 – New Hope, MN – Waymouth Farms, Inc. of New Hope, MN is recalling RAW PINE NUTS in various sizes, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella....
The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the FDA revealed the presence of Salmonella in a 4 ounce package.
Production of the Pine Nuts has been suspended while Waymouth Farms, Inc. continues their investigation as to the source of the problem.