NC Firm Expands Recall of Spreads Potentially Contaminated with Listeria

A North Carolina company is expanding its recall of spreads due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  Ruth's Salad posted the initial recall on February 2nd for 5 lots of product after NC Department of Agriculture sampled and found Listeria in one lot of product.  But like many other Listeria related recalls, there is good chance of expansion, primarily when the company discovers they may not have as good control as the thought (or they never knew).

Listeria monocytogenes is an environmental pathogen.  It can become persistent if it finds niches that are not adequately cleaned and sanitized.  These niches can be on equipment, or can be on floors, drains, etc.  It moves throughout the facility via a number of vectors including water, personnel, and movable equipment.  

Finding it in a product means the facility either had an ingredient with the organism (where that ingredient was added with no further kill step such as heating) or the organism made its way to a product contact area (located downstream from a kill step) such as piping, filling equipment, etc.. Recently, we saw where an ingredient supplier had an issue in their facility (cookie dough).  But in many of these cases where product is positive, it is within the facility's own environment.  In these cases, and especially when the facility does not have an active Listeria control program, it is hard to know the extent of the risk, and with that, are forced to expand the recall.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm540897.htm
Ruth’s Salad Charlotte NC Expands Recall of Ruth’s Salads Pimento Spreads due to Possible Health Risk. May Contain Listeria monocytogenes
For Immediate Release
February 9, 2017

NC Company Recalls Pimento Spread for Listeria Contamination

A North Carolina company is recalling it's pimento spread after NC Department of Agriculture discovered Listeria monocytogens in a random sample.  Product was shipped to 5 different states and there have been no reported illnesses.

At this time, the company is recalling only the lot where the State found the positive sample.  As seen in so many cases where there was Listeria monocytogenes contamination, the company will need to expand the recall if the facility is found not to have good controls in place.  If the issue is related to a specific ingredient used in this specific lot, then it may be just this lot.  However, if it is a equipment contamination issue or a contaminated ingredient used in multiple products, then there may be an expansion of this recall.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm539701.htm
Ruth’s Salad Charlotte NC is Recalling Ruth’s Original Pimento Spread 7 oz Because of Possible Health Risk. May Contain Listeria Monocytogenes
For Immediate Release
February 2, 2017

Gourmet Spreads from Maryland Processor Found to be Positive for Listeria

 A boutique food manufacturer in Maryland has been notified by Maryland Department of Health that their gourmet spreads were found to be contaminated with Listeria.   This product, produced by Picnic Gourmet Foods, is sold through Whole Foods and other boutique food shops.

 These types of product must be produced under tight controls to prevent Listeria contamination.  According to the company website, "All of our spreads are all natural, hormone & preservative free"...too bad they were not Listeria free.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm463535.htm
Picnic Gourmet Spreads Issues Recall for Potential Health Risks

Contact:  Consumer: info@picnicspreads.com
Media:  Brady Marz, Picnic Gourmet Spreads  301-983-1241 brady@picnicspreads.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Sept. 21, 2015 - Potomac, MD - Out of an abundance of caution, Picnic Gourmet Spreads is issuing a recall on their yogurt cheese spreads. These spreads could potentially be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.