Showing posts with label salad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salad. Show all posts

Thursday, May 19, 2016

A Salmonella Outbreak in MN Linked to Bagged Salad

Bagged salad produced by Taylor Farms are being linked to a Salmonella outbreak in Minnesota where six people have been infected.  The illness occurred in the month of April and product had been pulled from the store where purchased (Sam's Club).   The strain of Salmonella enteritidis was identified by a unique DNA fingerprint.


The Packer
http://www.thepacker.com/news/taylor-farms-linked-salmonella-outbreak
Taylor Farms linked to salmonella outbreak
By Andy Nelson May 19, 2016 | 4:45 pm EDT

A salmonella outbreak has been linked to bagged salads shipped by Taylor Farms.

In early May, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture alerted the Food and Drug Administration about salmonella infections it had linked with Organic Kale Medley Power Greens bags shipped by Salinas, Calif.-based Taylor Farms and sold at Sam’s Club stores in Minnesota, according to an FDA spokesperson.

Friday, May 13, 2016

Kale Edamame Salad Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination in Kale

Trader Joe's is recalling Kale and Edamame Salad after the supplier of the kale notified the salad manufacturer, WCD Kitchens, that the kale may have Salmonella.

Retails such as Trader Joe's, who utilize a lot of small firms to provide their stores unique products seem to have more than their share of recalls.  This is certainly the challenge of working with firms that may have supplier issues of their own.

Another issue here is testing of product with short shelf-life.  By the time tests are taken and then confirmed, that product is already out in the market.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm500286.htm
World Class Distribution Issues Voluntary Recall on Kale & Edamame Salad Due to Possible Health Risk
May 10, 2016

Contact
Consumers WCD Kitchen, LLC  (909) 574-4140 
Media Paul Mestas (909) 574-4140
Announcement
View Product Photos

WCD Kitchen, LLC of Fontana, California is voluntarily recalling Trader Joe’s Kale & Edamame Salad (UPC 00967112), sold only in the Midwest, with a “USE BY May 05, 2016 through May 14, 2016”, because the product may be contaminated withSalmonella. No illnesses have been reported to date.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Justice Department Investigates Salad Plant After Listeria Outbreak

 The US Justice Department is investigating the Dole with regard to the Salad / Listeria outbreak.  The question being raised is 'what did they know'?  This comes after an FDA inspection of the facility found Listeria monocytogenes.

The outcome of this investigation is important for processors who manufacturer products that can be affected by Listeria, especially those that had been regarded as lower risk (do not support appreciable growth).  Why?  Many manufacturers have Listeria Control Programs that have verification monitoring that focuses on Listeria species testing before production, or pre-operational, on non-food-contact environmental surfaces.  If found, then corrective action focuses on cleaning that area.

The concern is that this may not be aggressive enough.  We have now seen that Listeria can be an issue in product that supports minimal to no growth.  For one, we do not know how the consumer is going to handle products - perhaps using them as an ingredient in foods that better support growth, and in light of the Blue Bell outbreak, what minimal levels can cause illness in those at highest risk.  A more aggressive sampling would look at sampling during production and looking more at food contact surfaces.

Can you fault the plant?  Not based upon the current FDA Listeria Control Guidance.  What will it look like going further?

Wall Street Journal
http://www.wsj.com/articles/dole-food-under-investigation-over-listeria-outbreak-linked-to-salads-1461966955#:tqCQf4DgV4N9hA
Business
U.S. Probes Dole Food Over Listeria Outbreak Linked to Salads
Samples suggest Dole had evidence of bacteria at Ohio plant a year earlier

Friday, April 29, 2016

FDA Inspection Report from Salad Facility Responsible for Listieria Outbreak

Earlier this year, bagged salads produced by Dole in their Ohio facility, were involved in a Listeria outbreak.  According to the CDC Final Report, issued March 31 2016, 19 people became infected and there was 1 death.  In Canada, the CFIA reported 14 cases  and 3 deaths, although stated that the deaths may or may not be related to Listeria monocytogenes (LM).

FDA conducted an investigation of the facility and during that investigation, completed environmental sampling.   A 483 report was issued, and thanks to the Marler Blog, that report was posted (a 2014 report was also included there, but was not included here).  In reviewing this 483 report, there were some important findings.   A summary of those below as well as reports.
(An FDA 483 Report 'lists observations made by the FDA representative(s) during the inspection of your facility. They are inspectional observations, and do not represent a final Agency determination regarding your compliance')

OBSERVATION 1
Failure to perform microbial testing where necessary to identify sanitation failures and possible food contamination.

Friday, February 26, 2016

NY Firm Recalls Chicken Salad Products Due to Listeria Positive Sample

A NY firm is recalling ready-to-eat chicken salad after they product tested positive for Listeria.  The unit size is 4 lbs which would be considered foodservice size.


FSIS Recall Notice
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-021-2016-release
Sally Sherman Foods Firm Recalls Chicken Salad Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall 021-2016
Health Risk: High Feb 25, 2016

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Dole Withdrawals Salad Items Linked to Listeria Outbreak

Dole is conducting a voluntary withdrawal of salad products made in their Springfield, OH facility after being linked to a Listeria outbreak.  In this outbreak, 12 people have been infected with one death.  

According to the CDC, the evidence indicates that packaged salads produced at the Dole processing facility in Springfield, Ohio  are the likely source.   From the CDC report:
  • Five (100%) of the five ill people who were asked about packaged salad reported eating packaged salad in the month before becoming ill. Two (100%) of two ill people who specified a brand of packaged salad reported eating various varieties of Dole brand packaged salads. 
  • The Ohio Department of Agriculture collected a Dole brand Field Greens packaged salad from a retail location and isolated Listeria. Laboratory tests showed that the Listeria isolate from the packaged salad was highly related genetically to isolates from ill people. This packaged salad was produced at the Springfield, Ohio Dole processing facility.
 CDC began investigating this in September of 2015, but as can be seen, there has been only a few cases coming in at a time, making the investigation process more difficult with providing a specific source.

At this point, it is difficult to comment too much without knowing more information.  Did the plant have an active Listeria control program?  Was it comprehensive in terms of evaluating washing systems and food contact surfaces including buildup/biofilms in those washing systems.  In many facilities, there is a focus on noncontact surfaces (zones 2 and 3) and conducting of preoperational samples rather than operational, but if there was indeed an issue in the process, would it have been identified if the facility was not looking deeper?  Did they know that they had an issue?

 
CDC Outbreak Notice
Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Packaged Salads Produced at Springfield, Ohio Dole Processing Facility 
Posted January 25, 2016 4:15 PM ET 
   
At a Glance:
  • Case Count: 12
  • States: 6
  • Deaths: 1
  • Hospitalizations: 12
  • Recall: No
Highlights

Monday, November 30, 2015

Bagged Celery / Salad Items Recalled after Linked to E. coli in Costco Chicken Salad

UPDATE 12/8/15 - FDA was not able to culturally confirm the E. coli in the Taylor Farms Product that was associated with the Costco Chicken Salad Product.   While the PCR results were positive, the FDA was not able to isolate the organism and confirm that it was actually there (cultural confirmation).  So basically, certain genes were present, but the organism was not able to found.


11/30/15
Taylor Farms is recalling a number of celery and other bagged lettuce items after chopped celery those items were identified as the source of E. coli O157:H7 in the Costco chicken salad E. coli outbreak.  There have been at least 19 cases reported with two of those developing HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure).

Taylor Farms prepares these ready-to-eat salad items for retail as well as foodservice use.  Operations such as Costco use bagged chopped celery in their food preparation area rather than having to wash and chop their own celery.  Taylor Farms would be responsible for ensuring the safety of the items, often utilizing multiple wash steps with some type of sanitizer.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm474601.htm
Recall: Firm Press Release
Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc. Recalls Celery Products Because Of Possible Health Risk

For Immediate Release
November 26, 2015
Contact  Consumers  Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc.  (209) 830-3141

Firm Press Release

Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc. of Tracy, CA, is recalling the products listed below because they may include celery which could potentially contain E. coli 0157:H7. The products listed below are being recalled out of an abundance of caution due to a Celery and Onion Diced Blend testing positive for E. coli 0157:H7 in a sample taken by the Montana Department of Health. The Celery and Onion Diced Blend tested by the state of Montana was used in a Costco Rotisserie Chicken Salad that has been linked to a multi-state E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Chicken Salad Recalled Due to Potential Link to E. coli Illnesses

 Costco is recalling chicken salad in several western states due to a state health department E. coli outbreak investigation that is focusing on chicken salad purchased in its Colorado stores.

While E. coli O157:H7 has not been associated with chickens, cross contamination can occur in facilities that also handle higher risk items such as beef.  It can also be found in produce items that were subject to contamination.

Colorado Department of Public Health
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe
Chicken salad pulled from Colorado Costco shelves for E.coli
Mark Salley| 303-692-2013 |mark.salley@state.co.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 23, 2015
 
DENVER – The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is working with other western states and the CDC to investigate illnesses due to E. coli O157:H7 from chicken salad purchased at Colorado Costco stores in late October.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Grocery Chain Recalls Deli Salad Items Due to Listeria Positive Samples

Whole Foods recalled various deli salads including chicken and pasta salad made at their central kitchen in Massachusetts.  Product was made on the 16th with a sell-by-date of the 23rd.
At the time of the recall, the product had already reached its expiration date.

A few things to note - the notice states that a sampling of the products tested positive which indicates more than one product.  Whether or not that is the case, they do have Listeria within the facility and there should be a question of whether it is under control.  Commissary operations may or may not do extensive testing for Listeria, mainly because the shelf-life is so short.  Since this product is one day beyond the Food Code limitation of 7 days (day one is the day product is made), there should be controls in place.  Also, since this is a dual jurisdiction plant (both FDA and USDA have oversight), from a USDA perspective of a facility with RTE product and post-lethality exposure, some testing should be taking place.

When Listeria is found on product, there is a high probability that it will still be in the environment unless there is a good explanation why contamination was limited to that day.  Hopefully before this facility restarts, they conduct ample cleaning and verification testing prior to starting production.

No illnesses have been reported...yet.  With Whole Genome Sequencing, further analysis of the LM found in the facility can now be matched against cases of Listeria infection that have occurred throughout the region.


USDA Recall Notice
Link
Whole Foods Market Recalls Curry Chicken Salad Product Due To Possible Listeria Adulteration
Class I Recall 131-2015
Health Risk: High Oct 24, 2015

En Español
Congressional and Public Affairs  Julie Schwartz   (202) 720-9113

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2015 – A Whole Foods Market establishment located in Everett, Mass. is recalling approximately 234 pounds of curry chicken salad products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The chicken curry salad was packaged on Oct. 16, 2015, and was sold prepackaged, in salad bars, in store's chef's cases, and in sandwiches and wraps prepared in the stores. The following products are subject to recall: [Labels (PDF Only)]

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Pasta Salad Recalled Due to Use of Recalled Frozen Vegetables

 Hy-Vee is recalling pasta salad due to the fact that they used recalled frozen vegetables in their salad items.  The frozen vegetables are potentially contaminated with Listeria and are part of the Inventure frozen vegetable recall.

Even though it states that the vegetables are to be cooked on the label, this retail store operation appears to be using the product as a fresh ingredient item.  An interesting question is to what agreement was made, if any, on the purchase of these vegetables for a ready-to-eat application.

Ingredients produced for ready-to-eat applications must be produced in a facility that is controlling to a higher level of safety, including strict sanitation and monitoring and the incorporation of high hygiene standards.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm444946.htm
Hy-Vee Recalls Summer Fresh Pasta Salad
Hy-Vee pulls pasta salad from stores due to potential threat of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria contamination


Contact:
Consumer:
1-800-772-4098

Media:
Tara Deering-Hansen, Assistant Vice President
tdeering-hansen@hy-vee.com
515-559-5770

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 28, 2015 – West Des Moines, Iowa – On April 27, 2015, Hy-Vee, Inc. issued a recall for Hy-Vee Summer Fresh Pasta Salad that is sold in its stores' kitchen department cold cases and salad bars. The pasta was recalled after Hy-Vee was notified the frozen vegetables used to make the ready-to-eat pasta were potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The frozen vegetables were produced by Inventure Foods, Jefferson, Georgia.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Reser's Expands Salad Recall Again

Reser’s is again expanding its recall of refrigerated salad items due to the potential for Listeria contamination to include products made up include product made between Oct 10 and Oct 25,. The initial recall on October 23rd/26th, included product made between Sept 5 and Oct. 9.

Both FDA and USDA issued recalls in the the responsible plant in Kansas is a dual jurisdiction facility (having both FDA and USDA related products). Affected brands include Safeway, Sysco, US Food Service, and Walmart, and encompass both retail and foodservice sizes. 

Like other recalls, there seems to be this ever on-going reissuance of the recall to include additional product. In defining the time limits of what production dates should be included in this recall, initially there must have been sufficient evidence to say after October 9th, conditions were different that would have prevented contamination on product made on October 10th and after. Was something found that refuted that and thus additional product also posed a risk…or was the decision based upon other factors? Regardless, continual reissuance of the recall had kept the company’s negative issue in the news.


USDA Recall Notice
Kansas Firm Recalls Chicken, Ham and Beef Products Due To Potential Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination 
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2013/recall-059-2013-expansion-2

Class I Recall 059-2013
Health Risk: High Nov 4, 2013
Distribution List PDF

WASHINGTON, Nov. 04, 2013 – Reser’s Fine Foods, a Topeka, Kan. establishment, is expanding its recall of chicken, ham and beef products to include all products produced between Oct. 10 and Oct. 25, 2013. The company previously expanded its recall on Oct. 26, 2013, to include product produced between Sept. 5 and Oct. 9, 2013. This is in addition to the 22,800 pounds of product recalled on Oct. 22, 2013. The products are being recalled due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The company announced that these products are being recalled in conjunction with other foods regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A full list of products being recalled in this expansion can be found on FDA’s website here. Products regulated by FSIS bear the establishment number “EST. 13520” or “P-13520” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Only products made at the Topeka, Kansas salad facility, also designated by the plant code #20 after the code date “Use By Nov 03 13 #20” are affected by this recall. No other Reser’s facilities are involved in this action.

USDA Product Recall List This release is being reissued to reflect additional products produced on dates not included in the Oct. 22, 2013, or Oct. 26, 2013, releases.
FDA Product List

The products were distributed to retailers and distributors nationwide.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Another recall of salad products due to the potential for Listeria

A Massachusetts manufacturer is recalling a variety of chicken salads due to the potential to contain Listeria. The contamination was found through testing conducted by New Hampshire and Massachusetts Public Health Departments. No illnesses were reported. The containers were primarily foodservice sized units. Distribution is limited to NH and MA.

This is the second recall announced within the last week for these salad based products, the other being the Reser’s recall

In September, Garden Fresh of Wisconsin also issued a recall for similar products (chicken and ham salads) .  On 10/25/13, that recall was expanded to include 103,000 additional pounds.

These items are problematic for two reasons…the amount of processing after the cooking step (chopping / slicing / blending) and the fact the products are stored and shipped refrigerated with presumably a long shelf-life. So if Listeria is there, the potential exists for the organism to grow at refrigeration temperatures during storage.

Many of us love those types of products – especially chicken and potato salad - but with these recalls, I think I will be searching out ‘freshly made’.



USDA Recall Notice
Massachusetts Firm Recalls USDA-Regulated Ready-To-Eat Products for Possible Listeria Contamination

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2013/recall-061-2013-release
Class I Recall 061-2013
Health Risk: High Oct 24, 2013

En Español


WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2013 – Boston Salads and Provisions Company, Inc., a Boston, Mass., establishment, is recalling approximately 222,959 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken salad products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products were produced between Aug. 23, 2013, and Oct. 14, 2013, and shipped to wholesalers for further distribution to retail locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The products subject to recall include: [label]
Complete List of Products