Trader Joe's Recalls Walnut Pieces Due To Salmonella

Trader Joe's is recalling walnut pieces due to the potential to be contaminated by Salmonella.  The contamination was found through routine testing by a laboratory contracted by FDA.  To date, no illnesses have been reported.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm438472.htm
Trader Joe’s Recalls Raw Walnuts Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact: Consumer: (626) 599-3817
Media: (626) 599-2843

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — March 17, 2015 — Monrovia, CA — Trader Joe’s Company is recalling Raw Walnuts because these products have 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.

The recalled Trader Joe’s Raw Walnuts were distributed to Trader Joe’s stores nationwide.

Macadamia Nuts Recalled Due To Salmonella Positive Sample

Whole Foods is recalling raw macadamia nuts after an FDA contract laboratory found a sample of the product to be positive for Salmonella.

Macadamia nuts are often eaten raw.  The processing is fairly simple - Dehusking, drying, de-shelling, and further drying to a moisture level of 1.5%.  Contamination can occur from the point when the nut is de-shelled until when it is packaged.

There have been a number of recalls of macadamia nuts due to Salmonella (Nov 1, 2014, 2010 and 2009).

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm432870.htm
Whole Foods Market Recalls Raw Macadamia Nuts from Stores in AL, GA, MS, NC, SC and TN Due to Possible Health Risk

Contact: Consumer: 512-477-5566 ext. 20060

Media Contact: Darrah Gist Darrah.Gist@wholefoods.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — February 3, 2015 — ATLANTA, GA — Whole Foods Market is recalling packaged raw macadamia nuts due to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is 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.

Georgia Firm Recalls Pecans Due to Salmonella

A small Georgia firm is recalling pecan products after the state of Georgia tested and found product to be positive for Salmonella.

The recall was limited to one lot.  This would indicate that it was a lot specific issue in the heating step (blanching or roasting).  If this step was adequate, that would indicate an environmental issue.  If that were the case, one may expect to have contamination across multiple lots and then consideration would be made for recalling multiple lots.

As we know, Salmonella is an issue with nut products.  One reason is that the organism survives for long periods of times in dry environments, such as seen with typical nut roasting operation.  The other issue is that Salmonella has an increased heat resistance in the dry state.  While 160F or 165F is sufficient for eliminating Salmonella in beef or poultry, according the GMA Handbook for Safe Processing of Nuts (pg 40), temperatures of 180F - 190F are needed for blanching, while roasting requires temperatures greater than 248F.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm432479.htm
Georgia Company Recalls Certain Pecan Products Due to Possible Health Risk

Contact: Consumer: 770-207-6486

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — January 30, 2015 — Atlanta, Ga. — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black is alerting Georgians to the recall of certain pecan products for potential health risk. The products were distributed only in the State of Georgia, directly to consumers at the retail level from the Stone Mountain Pecan Company, located in Monroe.

Walnut Pieces Recalled After Retail Sample Tests Positive or Salmonella

A Wisconsin company is recalling walnut pieces after  a sample of the product was found to be positive for Salmonella, discovered during FDA routine retail testing.

 FDA recall notice

The Morning Call
http://www.mcall.com/business/mc-candy-sold-in-pa-recalled-for-possible-salmonella-contamination-20150106-story.html
Candy sold in Pa. recalled for possible salmonella contamination
By Morning Call staff
   
Walnut candies sold in 27 states including Pennsylvania were recalled Monday for possible salmonella contamination. Eillien's Candies Inc. said in a press release issued through the Food and Drug Administration that it is voluntarily recalling Walnut Pieces candy because some of the products may be contaminated with salmonella.

Recall Summary for the 2014 Holiday Season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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


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

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

NJ Company Recalls Cashew Pieces for Potential Salmonella Contamination

A NJ food company is recalling bags of cashew pieces after FDA testing found the potential for Salmonella. There have not yet been any reported illnesses.

It is hard to see from the notice whether the product actually tested positive "The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing conducted by the FDA."   Never comes out to say 'A sample of the product tested positive for Salmonella',

 
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm420689.htm
Chetak New York L.L.C. Recalls 7 Oz., 14 Oz., & 28 Oz. Packages of "Deep Raw Cashew Pieces" Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:  Consumer:  1-973-835-1906

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — October 27, 2014 — Edison, NJ — Chetak New York L.L.C. of Edison, NJ is recalling its 5560 packages of 7oz., 3840 packages of 14oz., & 1920 packages of 28oz. "DEEP RAW CASHEW PIECES" because they have 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.

FDA Investigation of Almond Butter Facility Involved in Salmonella Outbreak

The FDA Investigation report on the nSpired Natural Foods facility was issued. The facility was responsible for a Salmonella outbreak in August of this year where 4 people were reported to have fallen ill. The company subsequently conducted a recall of almond butter and peanut butter products.

For ease of reading, the contents of the FDA investigation were reprinted below.  If you had to summarize it, one would say that the facility floors and equipment was not cleanable due to cracks and poor welds.  Build up on equipment was noted and other procedures such as handwashing and sanitation were lax.   Of course, Salmonella was discovered in environmental samples.

This is a good learning tool for facilities where post process contamination can be a concern.

 

OBSERVATION 1

Failure to manufacture foods under conditions and controls necessary to minimize the potential for growth of microorganisms and contamination.

Specifically,

Two environmental sub-samples (INV 858387) collected on 7/16/2014 within Bakery ____ during tbe manufacturing of dried pasteurized almonds lot 5461, were determined to be positive for Salmonella. The locations of the sub-samples are listed below:

                Sub 175 Floor below cooling tower, east side, northern floor surface
                Sub 188 Floor below cooling tower, west side, southern floor surface

Natural Almond Butter and Peanut Butter Recalled Due to Salmonella

 nSPIRED Natural Foods is recalling various brands of nut butter due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The contamination was discovered through FDA testing.  FDA reports that there may be 4 illnesses related to this product.

This comes one year after another nut butter - Salmonella contamination issue.  In 2013, Sunland Foods recalled, nut butter products due to Salmonella contamination.  It is interesting that some of the same brands recalled in that case were also recalled in this latest outbreak - Trader Joe's and Arrowhead Mills.  Is it bad luck or the lack of supplier control?

Salmonella has been a historical issue in nut products.  For one, Salmonella is much more heat resistant in dry products compared to moist products.  Cooking chicken to 165F will eliminate Salmonella, but in nut products, such as Almonds, 260F for 1.6 minutes is needed to achieve a 4 log reduction (GMA Industry Guideline for Safe Processing of Nuts).  Second, Salmonella can survive in the dry processing environment for years.  So the keys - process them correctly and put in measures to prevent cross contamination.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm410533.htm
nSPIRED Natural Foods, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Certain Retail Lots Of Arrowhead Mills® Peanut Butters, Maranatha® Almond Butters And Peanut Butters And Specific Private Label Nut Butters Because Of Possible Health Risk

Contact:   Consumer:  1-800-937-7008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 19, 2014 - nSpired Natural Foods, Inc. is voluntarily recalling certain retail lots of Arrowhead Mills® Peanut Butters, MaraNatha® Almond Butters and Peanut Butters and specific private label nut butters (listed below) packaged in glass and plastic jars because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Walnuts Recalled Due to Positive Listeria Test

 FDA released three recall notices for walnuts after FDA testing found a sample positive for Listeria at the supplier, Golden State Foods.  Walnuts from California, were sold in MO, KS, and IL.

 Walnuts would not be considered high risk for Listeria - walnuts are shelf stable - dry (low moisture) are stored at ambient temperatures.  It is unlikely that Listeria would support the growth of Listeria, but if walnuts were used an ingredient in a higher moisture product, such as a salad, then the walnuts could be a source of Listeria.

It is hard to tell why walnuts were tested in the first place outside the fact that it may be used as an ingredient in a moister refrigerated RTE product.

 What we don't know was the level of contamination on the walnuts to start.  Generally absence/presence testing is done.  Do the level of contamination may have been low and thus the associated risk would be low.  According the FDA Risk Assessment for Listeria , there would be very low risk, even for susceptible populations, when the contamination rate is less than 100 CFU/meal.  Certainly testing will be able to detect below this level

FDA Recall Notices

Sherman Produce Recalls Bulk and Packaged
Walnuts Due to Possible Health Risk

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm398734.htm

Contact Consumer: 314-231-2896

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 21, 2014 - St. Louis-based Sherman Produce is voluntarily recalling walnuts comprising of 241 cases of bulk walnuts packaged in 25 lb bulk cardboard boxes and Schnucks brand 10 oz trays with UPC 00338390032 with best by dates 03/15 and 04/15 because the products are potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Pistachios Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

 A California company, Western Mixers Produce and Nut Company, is recalling pistachios due to the potential for the presence of Salmonella.    No illnesses have been reported.


FDA News Release
Western Mixers Produce & Nuts, Inc. Recalls Pistachios Because of Possible Health Risk

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm360343.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 10, 2013 - Western Mixers Produce & Nut Company of Los Angeles, California is recalling ARO and/or Treasured Harvest Pistachios, 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.

Sunland Recall Expands Again, Now Includes In-shell Peanuts

The Sunland Food Recall was once again expanded to include in-shell peanut products produced at their Peanut Processing Facility.  This expansion was done as part of the on-going investigation.  According to the CDC, there have been 35 illnesses linked to the Trader Joe brand of peanut butter.(http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/bredeney-09-12/index.html).  No other products have been found to have caused illness, so the expansion of the recall is due to what investigators are discovering in the two plants.

Other companies also continue to recall products with products supplied by Sunland. (below)
 
Sunland, Inc. Announces Voluntary Extension of Ongoing Recall To Include Raw and Roasted Shelled and In-Shell Peanuts Due to Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm323824.htm?source=govdelivery


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 12, 2012 - Sunland, Inc. today announced that it is extending its ongoing voluntary recall to include raw and roasted shelled and in-shell peanuts processed in its Peanut Processing Plant because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Specifically, the recall is being extended to include raw and roasted peanuts, both in-shell and shelled, which were processed in its Peanut Processing Plant located in Portales, New Mexico, and which are within their current shelf life or have no stated expiration date.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and those 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.

The original recall initiated by the Company on September 24, 2012, included peanut butter and other nut butter products produced in a separate building from where raw and roasted peanuts are processed. The reason for the initial voluntary recall was the potential for the recalled products to be contaminated with Salmonella. At that time, twenty-nine (29) people had reported Salmonella Bredeney PFGE matching illnesses in approximately eighteen (18) states, and of those who had been interviewed at that time, twelve of fourteen reported having eaten the same single product made by the Company. Since the recall was announced, additional confirmed illnesses have been reported. As of October 5, 2012, the total number of confirmed illnesses reported was thirty-five (35). The most current information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regarding confirmed illnesses is available at their website: http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/bredeney-09-12/index.html1

The extension being announced today is the result of the continued joint investigation by the Company and FDA. The Company has ceased the production and distribution of all products from both its Peanut Butter Plant and its Peanut Processing Plant while FDA and the Company continue their investigation.

The raw and roasted peanuts available to retail customers were distributed primarily under the Company’s own label and were distributed primarily to produce houses and nationally to numerous large supermarket, grocery and retail chains. The products also were available for purchase on the internet. The roasted and roasted/salted peanuts being recalled were distributed during the six month period prior to the recall date (April 12, 2012 – October 12, 2012), and will have best by/expiration dates on the packaging from October 12, 2012 through April 12, 2013. The raw peanuts being recalled (shelled and in-shell), were distributed during the twelve months prior to the recall date (October 12, 2011 – October 12, 2012), and will have either best by dates from October 12, 2012 through October 12, 2013 on the packaging, or a “Crop Year” marking on the package of 2011 or 2012, up to and including October 12, 2012.

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are urged not to eat them and to return products to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them immediately. The “Best-If-Used-By” date or product expiration date is printed on the packaging. The UPC used to identify the recalled products is located below the bar code on all products. In-shell peanuts that were sold in 2, 5 and 10 pound mesh bags (raw, roasted and salted/roasted), do not include an expiration date on the mesh bags. All such products should not be eaten and should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund or disposed of immediately. All expired products should be discarded. Customers who purchased products directly from the Company’s website should discard the products and contact the Company at 1-866-837-1018.

Consumers can contact the Company at 1-866-837-1018 for information on the recall. This toll-free number is operational 24 hours a day.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The most current information available from FDA is posted at the following website: http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm320413.htm2

The specifics of the affected products are set forth below. Products being added to the list for the first time appear in the first table. All previously identified products follow in the second table.

Creative Energy Foods, Inc. Recalls Ridgebar Brand Nutrition Bars Due to Possible Health Risk Associated With Sunland Inc. Peanut Products
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm323818.htm?source=govdelivery

Due to Sunland Peanut Butter Recall, AdvancePierre Foods Initiates Voluntary Recall of Select Frozen Peanut Butter Products
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm323800.htm?source=govdelivery

Lin-Mar Partners Recalls Roasted Peanut With Chocolate and Peanut Butter Trail Longhorn Bars Because of Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm323803.htm?source=govdelivery

Purefit Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Purefit Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm323825.htm?source=govdelivery

General Mills Voluntarily Recalls Limited Number of Cascadian Farm Snack Bars Containing Peanuts
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm323308.htm?source=govdelivery

Recalls - April 5, 2011

Industry News – PM
Turkey burger recall due to antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strain -
By Chris Scott on 4/5/2011 Meatingplace

The recall of Jennie-O frozen raw turkey burger products is due to the presence of Salmonella Hadar, a strain of the bacteria that is resistant to many commonly prescribed antibiotics.

The Centers for Disease Control is working with USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to identify any other illnesses that may be related to the recall, but have not yet been connected with it, according to documents posted on the CDC website.

Authorities are using DNA analysis to identify cases of illness linked to the outbreak, which has affected 12 people ranging in age from 1 year to 86 years old in 10 states. Jennie-O Turkey Store in Willmar, Minn., has recalled nearly 55,000 pounds of frozen raw turkey burger products mainly sold in Sam’s Club stores (See “Turkey burgers recalled on salmonella concerns related to illnesses,” on Meatingplace, April 4, 2011.)

Because the specific strain of Salmonella is resistant to antibiotics, the risk of hospitalization or being unable to treat the resulting illnesses is higher than instances of other outbreaks. The FSIS may also recall additional turkey products as it continues its investigation with the CDC and public health officials in all 10 states, according to the documents

For more information

http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/hadar0411/040411/index.html

MB - This is a raw product that that is labeled to be cooked by the consumer before consumption. In the cases where illness has occurred, there would need to be a breakdown in consumer handling and preparation practices, either cross-contamination or undercooking. Since this Salmonella strain is resistant to antibiotics, it poses a bigger risk to those who become infected.


As seen with earlier outbreaks, people tend to undercook patties, especially frozen patties where it takes longer for heat penetration to occur into the center of the patty. And as is often done, there are many who rely on color rather than a thermometer for the end-point of the cooking process.



CERTAIN BULK AND PREPACKAGED RAW SHELLED WALNUTS MAY CONTAIN E. coli O157:H7 BACTERIA

Related alerts: 2011-04-04 | 2011-04-03

OTTAWA, April 3, 2011 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Amira Enterprises Inc. are warning the public not to consume certain bulk and prepackaged raw shelled walnut products described below because these products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

All raw shelled walnuts sold from bulk bins, all package sizes and all lot codes / Best Before dates of the following raw shelled walnuts and products containing walnuts are affected by this alert. The affected products were available for purchase from January 1, 2011, up to and including April 4, 2011. The raw shelled walnuts are imported from the USA.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/2011/20110403e.shtml
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Public-Advisory-E-coli-Outbreak-1422244.htm

MB - The Canadian consumer advisory advises to cook the walnuts. Surely this opens the opportunity for cross contamination with a highly pathogenic organism. It may have better to advise individuals to throw-out all suspect product.



Salmonella numbers tied to RI bakery rise to 56

Associated Press - April 1, 2011 5:15 PM ET

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Fifty-six people have reportedly fallen ill with suspected cases of salmonella amid an outbreak that may be linked to a Rhode Island bakery.

That's up from 39 people as of 3 days ago. The Rhode Island Department of Health said Friday that 26 of those who have reported illness have been hospitalized and 24 have laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonella.

A man in his 80s who had tested positive for salmonella died on March 23.

Officials say many of the affected people ate doughnut-like pastries called zeppoles (ZAY'-puh-luhz) made by DeFusco's Bakery in Johnston.

The pastries also were sold at other stores around the state and have been recalled. The bakery has voluntarily shut down until further notice.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

MB - There must have been some heavy contamination in this bakery since this product is not one that would should allow for growth.



The Smokehouse LLC Recalls One Batch Of Portier Fine Foods Norwegian Smoked Salmon Because Of Possible Health Risk
FDA Release
Contact:
The Smokehouse
1-914-630-4788

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 29, 2011 -The Smokehouse LLC of Mamaroneck, New York, is conducting a voluntary recall of PORTIER FINE FOODS Norwegian Smoked Salmon of various size packages including 4 oz., 8 oz., 16 oz. and random weight sizes, Batch Code 066 only, due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

PORTIER FINE FOODS Norwegian Smoked Salmon with code 066 was distributed and sold on March 7, 2011 to retailers in NY, NJ, CT.

Batch Code 066 (represents Julian date of March 7, 2011) is located on a white label on the rear of gold boards, which are in clear, vacuum packed packages. This is the only batch code affected. The product was also labeled with an “EXPIRES ON” date of 3/21 (3/21/11). Since the product may be stored frozen, the likelihood exists that the affected code (066) may still be available in consumers’ homes.


Thomas Produce Recalls Jalapeno Peppers Because of Possible Health Risk

Thomas Produce of Boca Raton, FL, is recalling 320 boxes of Jalapeno Peppers because they have 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.
Product: Jalapeno peppers from Thomas Produce
Distributed: Sold to distributors in Florida, New York, North Carolina, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania from 2/15/2011 to 2/18/2011.
Why: Possble Salmonella contamination
Illnesses reported: None
For more information: Contact Richard Wilson of Thomas Produce Company at 1-561-482-1111 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST.

Recall, recalls, recalls

Over  the first two weeks of March, 2011, there were a number of recalls and one that wasn’t (see next-to-bottom).

Hazelnuts - Seven cases of E.coliO157:H7 in the upper midwest US related to In-shell hazelnuts.  More often, Salmonella is a concern in nuts, so this, while not totally unexpected, is unusual.

UPDATE March 10, 2011: Laboratory testing conducted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on in-shell hazelnuts recovered from a patient's home has identified E. coli O157:H7 matching patient isolates by DNA analysis. Please see the Minnesota Department of Health press release¹.

March 4, 2011 - DeFranco and Sons of Los Angeles, CA, is voluntarily recalling bulk and consumer-packaged in-shell, hazelnut and mixed nut products containing hazelnuts because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria (E. coli O157:H7). The recall was initiated after the nut products were linked to 7 illnesses in the states of MI, MN, and WI. To-date, no E. coli 0157:H7 has been detected in the nut products; however, we are notifying our valued consumers and customers out of an abundance of caution.

http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2011/hazelnuts0157/index.html

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm245902.htm

http://www.newberggraphic.com/news/2011/March/11/Local.News/george.packing.hazelnuts.suspected.in.e.coli.outbreak/news.aspx http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2011/03/oregon_hazelnuts_look_at_food.html

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches – Listeria monocytogenes – this is a case where LM was detected in a product where growth  of that organism is unlikely.

Mar 11, 2011 - Pierre Foods is voluntarily recalling one lot, 320 cases of Pierre^TM pb jamwich, crustless peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwiches, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The sandwiches were distributed to Giant-Carlisle stores in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

The PierreTM pb jamwich comes in a 12-count red carton and is sold in the freezer section of the grocery store. The product in question is stamped “Best if purchased by 03-11-2011” in the lower right hand corner. The UPC code is 7599921368.

This recall is being conducted out of an abundance of caution after Listeria monocytogenes was detected in one product sample. After discussions with the FDA, Pierre Foods elected to recall the product to ensure consumer safety. There have been no reported illnesses or consumer complaints.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm247000.htm

Bologna – staph toxin – product was not properly processed, so there was concern that Staph could grow and produce toxin

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2011 - Zweigle's Inc., a Rochester, N.Y., establishment, is recalling approximately 2,997 pounds of bologna products that may be contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_018_2011_Release/index.asp

Ground beef  - E.coli O157:H7

WASHINGTON, March 8, 2011 - Creekstone Farms Premium Beef, an Arkansas City, Kan., establishment, is recalling approximately 14,158 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.  Each case label bears the establishment number "EST. 27" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_017_2011_Release/index.asp

Lean Cuisine Meatballs – Meatballs have foreign material – discovered by company through receiving numerous consumer complaints.

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2011 -Nestle Prepared Foods Company, Gaffney, S.C., establishment, is recalling approximately 10,260 pounds of frozen spaghetti and meatball entrees that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products subject to recall include: [View Label]

• 9.5-oz. packages of “Lean Cuisine Simple Favorites, Spaghetti with Meatballs.”

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_021_2011_Release/index.asp

Skippy Peanut Butter  - Salmonella – potential, no illnesses

March 4, 2011 - Unilever United States, Inc. today announced a limited recall of Skippy® Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread and Skippy® Reduced Fat Super Chunk Peanut Butter Spread, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that 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.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). No other Skippy® products are affected by this recall.

The product was distributed to retail outlets in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm245897.htm

Milk – Alkaline phosphatase is used as a marker to ensure that pasteurization was complete.

March 11, 2011 - Waco, Texas (March 11, 2011) – The Oak Farms Dairy plant in Waco is voluntarily recalling half gallon plastic bottles of whole chocolate milk, half pint paper cartons of whole chocolate milk, and half pint paper cartons of 1% chocolate milk due to the presence of Alkaline Phosphatase found in samples during routine testing. Oak Farms Dairy has received no reports of illnesses related to the affected product and is removing the product from the market out of an abundance of caution.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm246920.htm

Ga. Dept of Agriculture regrets ‘error' on Salmonella recall; McCormick does separate recall – This error did not get as much press as the initial recall notice.  Evidently, they reissued a recall from last year.  Georgia seems to have their issues.  However, McCormick did

http://www.ajc.com/business/ga-dept-of-agriculture-871124.html

Batter Mix However, McCormick did recall batter mix for allergens.
March 4, 2011 - McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC) has announced a voluntary recall of Golden Dipt® Tempura Seafood Batter Mix 8 OZ, with UPC Code 4123470132 and “BEST BY” date of OCT 08 12 H.  A very limited number of packages of Golden Dipt® Tempura Seafood Batter Mix with this date code contain an undeclared milk ingredient.  People who have an allergy to milk run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm245969.htm