CA Distributor Recalls Imported Wood Ear Mushrooms After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

CDC and FDA are investing a Salmonella outbreak linked to imported wood ear mushrooms distributed by Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc.  As of September 24, 2020, a total of 41 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Stanley have been reported from 10 states after eating wood ear mushrooms or ramen noodles containing wood ear mushrooms (aka Black Fungus or Kikurage)

Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA recalled Shirakiku brand imported Dried Fungus (also known as Black Fungus or Kikurage).  Product was distributed to a multitude of States across the country and Canada.

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/stanley-09-20/index.html
Outbreak of Salmonella Stanley Infections Linked to Wood Ear Mushrooms
Updated September 24, 2020 at 5:10 PM ET
At A Glance
Reported Cases: 41
States: 10
Hospitalizations: 4
Deaths: 0
Recall: Yes

FDA Issues Final Guidance on Conducting Recalls

FDA issued a final guidance document on conducting recalls - Public Warning and Notification of Recalls Under 21 CFR Part 7, Subpart C Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff.  The document can be found here:  LINK

Your own recall procedures should reflect what is in the guidance.

A few key items to note:

Frozen Vegetables from Canadian-based Frozen Food Company Responsible for Multiple Recalls in US

Numerous US companies have issued recalls after using frozen vegetables recalled by the supplier, McCain Foods, a Canadian based company at their California facility.  The products are being recalled for Listeria and Salmonella.    According to one news report, "As McCain Foods explained in a Friday e-mail to The Miami Herald, the company “recently identified a potential health risk related to its fire roasted, caramelized or sautéed frozen vegetable and fruit products produced at its Colton facility, California. As a result, we have made the decision to voluntarily recall all products produced at this facility."

Read more here: https://www.heraldsun.com/news/state/north-carolina/article220428265.html#storylink=cpy

• Product recalled include both RTE products and products that have cooking instructions.
• Recalled product includes various store brands produced by further processing companies including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Marketside.
• The statement does not indicate how the potential contamination issue was there.  One would guess testing because the statement indicates, 'out of an abundance of caution.
• Another indication the recall was found by testing is that it was for both Listeria and Salmonella...so this may indicate that a screening test was done
• There have been no illnesses to date.

Recalls posted thus far:

• Hy-Vee Voluntarily Recalls Several Meat and Potato Products - Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling six of its meat and potato products across its eight-state region
• 103-2018 Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc. Recalls Meat and Poultry Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Onions - Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc., a firm with establishments located in Carson, Calif., Charlotte, N.C. and Jessup, Penn., is recalling approximately 795,261 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that contain an onion ingredient
• SK Food Group Recalls Chicken Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Vegetables - WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2018 – SK Food Group, a Groveport, Ohio and Reno, Nev. establishment, is recalling approximately 174,207 pounds of chicken wrap products that contain vegetables
• Buddy’s Kitchen, Inc. Recalls Pork and Chicken Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Vegetables - WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2018 – Buddy’s Kitchen, Inc., a Burnsville, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 212,746 pounds of ready-to-eat pork and chicken products that contain vegetables
• Envolve Foods Recalls Chicken and Beef Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Vegetables - Envolve Foods, a Corona, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 292,764 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken and beef products that contain a vegetable 
• Caito Foods, LLC Recalls Salad And Bowl Products Made With Chicken Due To Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn - Caito Foods, LLC, an Indianapolis, Ind. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,532 pounds of ready-to-eat salad and bowl products made with chicken that contain a corn ingredient
• Ruiz Food Products, Inc. Recalls Beef and Poultry Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Onion Ingredient -  Ruiz Food Products, Inc., a Denison, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 2,490,593 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry taquitos
• GHSW, LLC Recalls Salad Products Due To Possible Salmonella And Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn - GHSW, LLC, a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 1,786 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with chicken products that contain a corn ingredient 
• GHSE, LLC Recalls Salads Containing Meat Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn - GHSE, LLC, a Green Cove Springs, Florida establishment, is recalling approximately 738 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with meat products that contain a corn ingredient 
• Taylor Farms Northwest LLC Recalls Pork Carnitas Bowl Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Tomatillos -  Taylor Farms Northwest LLC, a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 276 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork carnitas bowl products that contain tomatillos
• Mary’s Harvest Fresh Foods, Inc. Recalls Wrap and Salad Meat Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn - Mary’s Harvest Fresh Foods, Inc., a Portland, Ore. establishment, is recalling approximately 916 pounds of ready-to-eat wrap and salad products that contain a corn ingredient 
• GH Foods CA, LLC Recalls Salads Containing Chicken Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn  - GH Foods CA, LLC, a Sacramento, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 987 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with chicken products that contain a corn ingredient
• Prime Deli Corporation Recalls Salads Containing Meat Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Corn -  Prime Deli Corporation, a Lewisville, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 217 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with bacon products that contain a corn ingredient

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/SafetyAlertsAdvisories/ucm623828.htm
FDA Alerts the Public Regarding Recalled Vegetable Products
October 19, 2018

Not-Fully-Cooked Meat Entrees Recalled Due to Spoilage Organisms

Valley Fine Foods, a Forest City, N.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 35,516 pounds of heat-treated, not fully cooked meat and poultry products that may be adulterated due to presence of spoilage organisms that have rendered it unwholesome and unfit for human food.  The problem was discovered on Oct. 4, 2018 by the establishment’s research and development department during routine internal testing. FSIS was notified on Oct. 10, 2018.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-090-2018-release
Valley Fine Foods Recalls Meat and Poultry Products due to Possible Adulteration
Class II Recall 

090-2018
Health Risk: Low 

Oct 11, 2018

Canned Chicken Recalled After Two Complaints on Foreign Objects - Hard Plastic

A Madelia, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 96,384 pounds of canned chicken products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically hard plastic.  According to the report, "The thermally processed, commercially sterile canned chunk chicken breast items were produced on Nov. 28 and Nov. 29, 2017. The problem was discovered on March 27, 2018 after the firm received two consumer complaints regarding extraneous material contamination."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-026-2018-release
Tony Downs Food Company, Inc. Recalls Chicken Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I Recall 
026-2018 
Health Risk: High 
Mar 28, 2018 

Organic Coconut Flour Recalled after Testing Reveals Positive Test Result

King Arthur Flour issued a voluntary recall for Organic Coconut Flour (16 oz.) after testing revealed the presence of Salmonella in 1 pouch of Organic Coconut Flour (16 oz.).

It is not stated if this recall is related to the ongoing investigation of dried coconut that has been linked to a Salmonella outbreak, or whether testing was done as a result of that FDA news release.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm602489.htm
King Arthur Flour Company, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Organic Coconut Flour (16 Oz.) Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
March 23, 2018

CA Establishment Recalls RTE Processed Meat Products After Positive Listeria Test by CFIA

A California establishment is recalling close to 4,000 lbs of RTE processed meat products for potential Listeria contamination after product was tested and found to be positive by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.  There have been no reported illnesses.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-018-2018-release
Olli Salumeria Americana Firm Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat Products due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall 

018-2018
Health Risk: High 

Mar 2, 2018

Recall Data from Past Five Years - What is Changing?

Each quarter, Stericycle Expert Solutions releases their Recall Index which analyzes the frequency, volume, and causes of U.S. product recalls.   This week they issued a 5 year summary of making these reports. From this article,  Reflections on Recalls: Five Years of the Stericycle Expert Solutions Recall Index

"The food and beverage industry experienced the most dramatic spike in units recalled over the past five years. Food products recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) skyrocketed 92.7 percent since 2012, and recalled pounds regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which largely oversees meat production, jumped 83.4 percent in the same period.  Technological improvements in food testing, combined with factory farming and growing automation in food production were major drivers of the increases. "

Many have interpreted this report to make it seem like things are out of control.  Not really.  Increased testing, improved testing, and a risk-averse public have more to do with the number of recalls.  Our systems of supply have not changed as much as our testing requirements and capabilities and with that, our threshold for the issues that are found.  Because of this, our food supply is becoming more safe, not less safe.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reflections-on-recalls-five-years-of-the-stericycle-expert-solutions-recall-index-300594063.html
Reflections on Recalls: Five Years of the Stericycle Expert Solutions Recall Index 
Q4 2017 Recall Index Reveals Zero Fines for Consumer Products, Continued Decreases in Medical Device Recalls, and Severity of Drug Recalls Continuing to Rise, Among Other Findings 

Panera Recalls Cream Cheese Products After Positive Listeria Sample

Panera Bread is conducting a recall of all 2 oz. and 8 oz. cream cheese products sold in its U.S. bakery-cafes. This recall was initiated after samples of one variety of 2 oz. cream cheese from a single production day showed a positive result for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The company is recalling all varieties of unexpired 2 oz. and 8 oz. cream cheese products with an expiration date on or before 4/2/18, even though it was found in only one production run.

Recalling all unexpired product is a preemptive move. Too often with Listeria related recalls, companies try to minimize the recall to the one date only to have to recall additional product when they find they did not have sufficient control on Listeria in the processing environment.

FDA Recal Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm594219.htm
Panera Bread Preemptively Recalls All 2 oz. and 8 oz. Cream Cheese ProductsFor Immediate Release
January 28, 2018

France - Company Conducts International Recall of Baby Milk Product after 26 Ill from Salmonella

A French owned dairy conglomerate, Lactalis, is conducting an international recall of baby milk after there have been 26 reported cases of Salmonella infection. The cases have been reported since Dec 1.
 "The company said a possible source of the outbreak has been identified in a tower used to dry out the milk at a production site in May. Disinfection and cleaning measures have been put in place at the suspected site in western France." 

So did the cases come from product produced before the clean-out / disinfection, and if so, were those conditions sufficient to warrant retrieving product produced before that clean-out /disinfection?

ABC News / Associated Press

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/baby-milk-maker-orders-global-recall-salmonella-fears-51712320
Baby milk maker orders global recall over salmonella fears
By The Associated Press
PARIS — Dec 11, 2017

NH Firm Expands Listeria Related Recall to Include All Products

A NH company is now recalling all of its products due to the potential to be contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes.  Earlier this week, Yorgo's recalled products with the same date code.  But like all Listeria recalls, rarely is one lot involved unless there is substantial evidence that controls were in place and the one day in question represented an event out of the ordinary.  The company also produces product for Trader Joe's (of course).

As we have seen in many past Listeria-related recalls, recalls are expanded after regulators investigate and discover that there is likely a lack of sufficient control.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm585420.htm
Yorgo’s Foods Inc Is Recalling All Flavored and Unflavored Food Products (Hommus; Tahini Sauces; Yogurt Dip, Salads, Tzatziki, Grape Leaves; Taboule) Due to Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
November 15, 2017

Firm Recalls RTE Sausage After Accidentally Shipping Product on Hold for Listeria

A Wisconsin firm is recalling fully cooked sausage patties after product being held for potential listeria contamination was accidentally shipped.  "The problem was discovered when firm’s routine testing indicated positive results for Listeria monocytogenes. The products were on hold at a distribution center, however, the products were inadvertently shipped. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products."


USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-094-2017-release
News Release
Fair Oaks Farms, LLC Recalls Pork Sausage Patties Due to Possible Listeria Contamination 
Class I Recall  094-2017
Health Risk: High
Aug 22, 2017
En Español
Congressional and Public Affairs  Mitch Adams  (202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

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

Miami Company Recalls Queso Fresco Cheese Due to Listeria

A Miami company is recalling Queso Fresco cheese due to the potential for Listeria.   Queso Fresco, or 'fresh cheese' is a Mexican style soft cheese normally made from unpasteurized milk.   Listeria contamination has been a problem with this style of cheese.  CDC has a fact sheet warning pregnant women to avoid this type of cheese because of the Listeria concern.  Over time, there has been a number of recalls associated with this and similar types of cheese.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm561927.htm
Global Garlic Inc. Recalls "Queso Freso/Whole Milk Cheese" Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
May 30, 2017

Breakfast Sausage Recalled Due to the Potential for Metal Foreign Material

A Kansas establishment is recalling 90,000 lbs of RTE breakfast sausage for metal pieces after "another FSIS-regulated establishment that pieces of metal were embedded in a fully cooked sausage product".

Over the past year, there has been an increasing amount of recalls due to foreign objects.  While these foreign objects may not result in any major injuries, the cost of conducting a recall warrants companies putting in more effort in foreign object control.  This goes beyond just having a metal detector installed into the process.

First, many metal detectors do not get the attention they need.  A really nice guide for metal detectors is "The Guide to Reducing Metal Contamination in the Food Processing Industry" published by Safeline.  

X-ray equipment is much more affordable than it once was, and it can pick-up items metal detectors can't, such as glass, hard plastic, stones, etc.  They are even suitable for metal and foil containers.

But detection is just one part of a foreign object control program.  Other important elements include raw material inspection, preventive maintenance, employee training to prevent accidental drops, and controls at ingredient addition steps to prevent foreign material from packaging and inline preventive devices such as magnets and sifters.

All of these systems need to be properly maintained and verified for performance.  Additionally, consumer complaints must be reviewed with an investigation and appropriate corrective action for any foreign material issues.

USDA / FSIS Recall Notice

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-054-2017-release
Armour Eckrich Meats, LLC Recalls Ready-To-Eat Sausage Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall 054-2017
Health Risk: Low 

May 24, 2017

Fresh Bagged Spinach Recalled for Listeria Contamination

A KY company is recalling bags of fresh spinach after being notified by their supplier partner that the spinach may have Listeria contamination.  According to the report, "The products were distributed in North Carolina, Illinois, Kentucky and West Virginia and distributed through retail stores, wholesale and foodservice distributors."

FDA Recall notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm558398.htm
The Horton Fruit Company, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Fresh Spinach Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
May 12, 2017

Spinach Dip Recalled after Complaints of Small Glass Fragments

Publix Super Markets is recalling deli packs of artichoke and spinach dip after receiving complaints of small glass fragments in the product.  Product was distributed to 6 states in the Southeast US.

We have not seen many glass related outbreaks recently outside of product packed in glass containers.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm557582.htm
Publix Recalls Private Label Brand of Deli Artichoke and Spinach Dip Due to Possible Health Risk
Release
May 8, 2017

Chicken Sausage Products Recalled Due to Plastic Foreign Material

Perdue Foods LLC of Gainesville, GA is recalling chicken sausage products due to the potential for plastic pieces.  According tot the report, "The problem was discovered on May 5, 2017, when FSIS was notified by the firm that they had received three consumer complaints of blue plastic materials in the sausage."  No injuries have been reported.

USDA / FSIS Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-045-2017-release
Perdue Foods LLC. Recalls Poultry Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 045-2017
Health Risk: High

May 6, 2017

RTE Chicken Breasts Recalled After Complaints That Product May Be Undercooked

An Alabama company is recalling over 20 tongs of ready-to-eat chicken breasts after receiving complaints that the product appeared to be under-cooked.  The product is packed for and sold to foodservice establishments.  

While there have been no illnesses reported, the issue would be that if the product is truly undercooked, pathogens such as Salmonella or Campylobacter could be present..

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-037-2017-release
WFSP Foods LLC. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Breast Products That May Be Undercooked
Class I Recall 037-2017
Health Risk: High Apr 24, 2017

Soylent Product Recalled Again, This Time for Allergen Issues

The LA company that sells the meal replacement called Soylent is recalling product due to undeclared allergen, in this case, milk in the form of whey powder. It seems that a small amount of whey powder may have been incorporated into a one lot of product. This occurred during manufacturer by their third party facility (contract manufacturer).

This company recalled product seven months ago after a number of illnesses were reported which may have been linked to the product.

FDA Recall Notice

https://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2016/10/venture-capitalist-start-up-soylent.html
Soylent Issues Allergy Alert On Potential Undeclared Milk in Soylent 1.8 Powder
For Immediate Release
April 24, 2017