Beef Jerky Recalled for Undeclared Anchovies

Top Notch Jerky LLC., a Sugar City, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 107 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef jerky due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the product contains anchovies, a known allergen, in the form of Worcestershire sauce.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS label verification activities when it was determined that the labels did not accurately list all sub-ingredients.

FSIS Announcement
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/top-notch-jerky-llc.-recalls-beef-jerky-products-due-misbranding-and-undeclared
Top Notch Jerky LLC. Recalls Beef Jerky Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

2019 Outbreak Investigation - Yersinia Outbreak Linked to Milk from Local PA Dairy

In July of 2019, an outbreak of Y. enterocolitica occurred in northeastern PA with 109 cases (48 confirmed and 61 probable). Ninety-two cases (84%) occurred among ∼535 campers and camp staff who were at a youth summer camp, and 17 (16%) occurred among community members. Onset dates were June 7 to July 26 (Fig. 2).

The cases were linked to a local dairy that pasteurized its own milk. "Y. enterocolitica was isolated from all three unpasteurized milk samples collected from the bulk milk tank. Nine isolates from the three samples were confirmed Y. enterocolitica bioserotype 1B/O:8. Y. enterocolitica was not isolated from any of the unopened pasteurized milk, environmental, or well water samples."

The dairy is "a small independent producer certified by PDA to produce grade A pasteurized milk. The dairy milked 75 cows and produced 17,500–24,500 pounds of milk per week. About 3,500 pounds (∼15%–20%) of milk per week were pasteurized on site with a high-temperature short-time pasteurizer that was purchased used 10 years previously. The dairy produced whole, 2%, skim, flavored milk, and heavy cream. Products pasteurized on site were bottled in single-use gallon, half-gallon, and pint-sized plastic bottles."

"The primary reservoir of Y. enterocolitica bioserotype 1B/O:8 is unknown, but isolates have been recovered from pigs (Doyle et al., 1981), a wild boar (Syczyło et al., 2018), and wild rodents (Hayashidani et al., 1995). This bioserotype was found in two similar outbreaks in the United States related to pasteurized milk from small dairies in New England (Ackers et al., 2000) and Pennsylvania (Longenberger et al., 2014). In the New England outbreak, nonpathogenic strains of Y. enterocolitica, including bioserotype 1A/O:8, were isolated from pigs at the dairy, and pigs were hypothesized to be the outbreak source. In the 2011 Pennsylvania outbreak, pigs were not present in the dairy, but milk crates might have been contaminated during home deliveries at the farms of several people reporting direct contact with pigs. 

"Although [investigators] could not determine the pathogen's origin at Dairy A, the possibility exists that the pigs or wildlife near the dairy provided a potential source of Y. enterocolitica. Unfortunately, [investigators] were unable to test the pigs before their removal from Dairy A."

From the FDA Bad Bug Book

• Y. enterocolitica is psychotropic (i.e., a microorganism that grows well at low temperature) and has the ability to grow at temperatures below 4°C. 
• Has been isolated from animals, such as pigs, birds, beavers, cats, dogs, frogs, flies, and fleas. Y. enterocolitica has been detected in environmental sources, such as soil and water (e.g., ponds and lakes).
• Yersinia enterocolitica has been linked to illness from consumption of pork (including 'chitlins') unpasteurized milk and oysters.
• Symptoms start from one day to two weeks after infection and include high fever and stomach pain with diarrhea (in some cases bloody) and sometimes vomiting.  Some people will get arthritis-like symptoms.  Symptoms may last from a few days to several weeks.
• People in high risk categories are at .......a higher risk.  

Foodborne Pathogens and DiseaseVol. 18, No. 7

Yersinia enterocolitica Outbreak Associated with Pasteurized Milk | Foodborne Pathogens and Disease (liebertpub.com)
Yersinia enterocolitica Outbreak Associated with Pasteurized Milk
Joann F. Gruber, Sheri Morris, Kimberly A. Warren, Kelly E. Kline, Betsy Schroeder, Lisa Dettinger, Brigitte Husband, Kerry Pollard, Carina Davis, Judith Miller, Andre Weltman, Mia Mattioli, Logan Ray, Cheryl Tarr, and Allison H. Longenberger
Published Online:9 Jul 2021https://doi.org/10.1089/fpd.2020.2924

Bagged Carrot Products Recalled After Company Sampling Finds Salmonella Positive Sample

Grimmway Farms has voluntarily issued a recall of certain carrot products because they may have been contaminated with Salmonella as a result of a routine, internal company test.  "In addition to the retail-packed products listed in the table at the end of this press release, the company recalled certain shredded carrots and chopped (chunk) carrots that were sold to food manufacturers and food service distributors."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/grimmway-farms-voluntarily-recalls-certain-retail-packaged-carrots-due-potential-salmonella
Grimmway Farms Voluntarily Recalls Certain Retail-Packaged Carrots Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 21, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 22, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Produce
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Grimmway Farms
Brand Name:  Grimmway Farms and others
Product Description:  Carrot products

Packaged Muffins Recalled After Listeria-Positive Environmental Sample

Give and Go Prepared Foods (U.S.A.) Corp. announced today a voluntary nationwide recall of certain muffin products due to the potential for the products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

The company "became aware of this issue as part of our environmental monitoring program. To date, we have received no reports of illness related to this issue and are taking this action out of an abundance of caution."

Muffins and Listeria?

Give and Go Prepared Foods (U.S.A.) Corp. Conducts Voluntary Recall of Certain Muffin Products Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 19, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 20, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Bakery Product/Mix
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  Give and Go Prepared Foods Corp.
Brand Name:  Uncle Wally's and multiple other brands
Product Description:  muffin products

Dried Apricots Recalled Due to Undeclared Sulfites

Lipari Foods of Warren, Michigan is recalling 86 cases of Troyer Manufacturing Backroad Country Dried Apricots because it may contain undeclared sulfites.  This recall was initiated due to Florida’s Department of Agriculture performing an inspection. It was observed during the inspection that the Backroad Country Dried Apricots with the lot code of 440021117 and expiration date of 12/2021 contained sulfites that were not declared on the label.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lipari-foods-recalling-dried-apricots-because-they-may-contain-undeclared-sulfites
Lipari Foods is Recalling Dried Apricots Because They May Contain Undeclared Sulfites
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 20, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 20, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Sulfites
Company Name:  Lipari Foods
Brand Name:  Backroad Country
Product Description:  Dried Apricots

Frozen Pork Dumplings Recalled Due to Undeclared Milk and Coconut

Green Dining Table, Inc., an Alhambra, CA establishment, is recalling approximately 183,330 pounds of frozen pork dumplings due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the product contains milk and coconut.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS in-plant verification activities where FSIS discovered that the milk and coconut ingredients were not listed on the product labels.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/green-dining-table-inc.-recalls-frozen-pork-dumplings-due-misbranding-and-undeclared
Green Dining Table, Inc. Recalls Frozen Pork Dumplings Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
GREEN DINING TABLE, INC.

Packaged Salad Greens Recalled After Potential Link To Salmonella Outbreak

BrightFarms today initiated a voluntary recall of packaged salad greens produced in its Rochelle, Illinois (Ogle County) greenhouse farm sold in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  BrightFarms is taking this action out of an abundance of caution after being notified of illnesses among eight consumers, some of whom purchased or consumed the above products during the month of June.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/brightfarms-announces-voluntary-recall-packaged-salad-greens-sold-illinois-wisconsin-iowa-and
BrightFarms Announces Voluntary Recall of Packaged Salad Greens Sold in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 15, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 16, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  BrightFarms
Brand Name:  BrightFarms
Product Description:  Salad greens

USDA FSIS Issues Guidance Updates for Control of Salmonella and Campylobacter in Poultry Processing Operations

USDA FSI issued two guidance documents to assist establishments that slaughter or process raw 

poultry products to prevent and minimize the risk of Salmonella and Campylobacter in their operations.   These documents are a reissuance of earlier guidance (2015 Draft Compliance Guideline for Controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter in Raw Poultry (4th Edition) for the control of these two pathogens.

FSIS Guideline for Controlling Salmonella in Raw Poultry
This guideline helps poultry establishments, including those that are small and very small, to identify and implement pre- and post-harvest interventions to control Salmonella as part of their HACCP system. Additionally, the guideline helps poultry establishments utilize microbial testing results to monitor the performance of the HACCP system and inform decision-making. This guideline relates to 9 CFR 381, 416, and 417.
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/2021-07/FSIS-GD-2021-0005.pdf

FSIS Guideline for Controlling Campylobacter in Raw Poultry
This guideline helps poultry establishments, including those that are small and very small, identify and implement pre- and post-harvest interventions to control Campylobacter as part of their HACCP system. Additionally, it helps poultry establishments utilizes microbial testing results to monitor the performance of the HACCP system and inform decision making. This guideline relates to 9 CFR 381, 416, and 417.
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/2021-07/FSIS-GD-2021-0006.pdf

Kimchi Products Recalled After FDA Sampling Finds Listeria Positive Samples in Facility

5000 YEARS FOODS, INC. of Chicago, IL is recalling because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The recalled product was sold in 5GAL plastic tubs, and 128 oz, 64 oz, 32 oz, & 16 oz glass jars under the 5000 Years Foods brand name with code information “09052021” through “09252021” printed on the top of the lid.  While no illnesses have been reported, the recall was the result of sampling by the FDA that found Listeria monocytogenes in the production facility. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/5000-years-foods-inc-recall-cabbage-kimchi-because-possible-health-risk
5000 Years Foods, Inc. Recall Cabbage Kimchi Because of Possible of Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 13, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 14, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  5000 Years Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  5000 Years Foods, Inc.
Product Description:  Kimchi Products

Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recalled After Using Recalled Chicken

LSG Sky Chefs announced today that it is issuing a voluntary recall of its Chicken Salad Sandwich because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,  The chicken used in this product is subject to a national recall issued by Tyson Foods Inc., Dexter, MO. To date, LSG Sky Chefs has received no reports of illnesses associated with this product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lsg-sky-chefs-recalls-circle-k-brand-chicken-salad-sandwich-because-possible-health-risk
LSG Sky Chefs Recalls Circle K Brand Chicken Salad Sandwich Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 07, 2021
FDA Publish Date: July 08, 2021
Product Type: Food & Beverages  Prepared Food
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  LSG Sky Chefs
Brand Name:  Circle K
Product Description:  Chicken Salad Sandwich

Frozen Cooked Chicken Products Recalled After Linked to Listeria Cases

Tyson Foods Inc., a Dexter, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 8,955,296 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken products (e.g., oven roasted chicken breast, grilled chicken breast strips, etc) that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.  These frozen, fully cooked chicken products were produced between December 26, 2020 and April 13, 2021.

"On June 9, 2021, FSIS was notified of two persons ill with listeriosis. Working in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners, FSIS determined there is evidence linking the Listeria monocytogenes illnesses to precooked chicken produced at Tyson Foods Inc. The epidemiologic investigation identified three listeriosis illnesses, including one death, between April 6, 2021 and June 5, 2021. During routine sample collection, FSIS collected two precooked chicken samples from two establishments that are closely related genetically to Listeria monocytogenes from ill people. One of the samples was collected at Tyson Foods Inc. FSIS is continuing to work with federal and state public health partners to determine if there are additional illnesses linked to these products."

FSIS Announcement
Tyson Foods Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov)
Tyson Foods Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

July 13, 2021, Editor’s Note: The release is being updated to alert consumers that the recalled ready to eat products were used in additional products produced by other establishments and retailers. Some products bear a different establishment number on the label due to further processing and some products may have been served from the deli counter in retail stores. Labels for the products made with the recalled chicken are available here. We encourage consumers to check the FSIS website frequently while we continue to update the press release and/or the labels if we become aware of additional products that used the recalled chicken.

Are Ghost Kitchens Here to Stay? Food Safety Concerns?

Ghost Kitchens - Food establishments that provide food for delivery-only service.  With the advent of delivery apps and fostered by the COVID pandemic, ghost kitchens have established a foothold in the foodservice sector.

There are many advantages for these kitchens:

• They can work out of any space, often choosing cheaper space (cost per sq ft) such as in industrial parks.
• There is no need for a seating area or for service staff (although some may employ their own delivery service).
• Multiple brands can operate out of the same space.  Some enterprising owners can establish a high end menu for one brand and another for typical fast food such as chicken wings and cheese steaks.  The customer ordering on an app will never know.

So are there any food safety concerns?  We've not heard of any issues to this point.  Like restaurants, these kitchens must be inspected, so that helps to ensure that the facilities have the necessary requirements.   

For the customer, there is no opportunity to see the establishment like there is with a dine-in restaurant, so customer don't have that chance to judge with your eyes. (How many restaurants have you skipped over because of the way they looked?)  There is also not as much a history associated with the establishment, which is another factor used to judge.

We are just in the beginning of this new evolutionary development.  We have yet to see the degree to which consumers will continue to want their readied meals delivered.   It is easy to suspect that some percent will continue.   And if so, to what degree will ghost kitchens be able to complete against established restaurants with dine-in services.  

 Over time, bad operators will shake out, whether that be from inefficiency or from poor quality.  Operators who remain will continue to define their  brands, refine their menus, and configure their delivery systems.  Hopefully along the way, operators will have a focus on food safety, sparring the public from foodborne illness.

To establish a recognized brand, ghost kitchens will be wise to establish a social media presence with pictures of the operation highlighting the cleanliness and sophistication of well run kitchen.  Presentation is also important with sharp packaging with well wrapped product delivered at appropriate temperatures.  Quality and safety of product of course are paramount, so there can never be cutting of corners, such as cutting corners to meet periods of high demand, or creatively recycling 'old' product during periods of low demand.


https://www.morningagclips.com/whats-a-ghost-kitchen-a-food-industry-expert-explains/
What's a ghost kitchen? A food industry expert explains
Ghost kitchens are physical spaces for operators to create food for off-premises consumption

Unknown Wild Bird Disease Spreading in Eastern US, Time to Take Down the Bird Feeders

An unknown disease is spreading among wild birds in the mid-Atlantic and midwestern states.  "Characterized by conjunctivitis, as well as neurological signs such as erratic flight, the unidentified disease first became prevalent in Ohio and Washington, D.C."  In hard hit areas,  scores of dead birds have been found.

Experts are asking people to remove bird feeds and bird baths, congregation sites for birds, until more is known about this disease.  Areas where birds accumulate together allows the disease to spread more rapidly.  For anyone who feeds birds, it would be awful to find a yard full of dead birds.

Pennsylvania Game Commission
https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/game-commission-details.aspx
MYSTERIOUS SONGBIRD DEATHS INVESTIGATED
07/01/2021

HARRISBURG, PA - Wildlife health experts from the Wildlife Futures Program (WFP) at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) and officials from the Pennsylvania Game Commission are investigating more than 70 general public reports of songbirds that are sick or dying due to an emerging health condition that is presently unknown.

NY City Establishment Stopped from Selling Uninspected Pork Products

The Federal authorities stopped a NY establishment from distributing pork products made from uninspected meat.  As we know, meat going into distribution to retail and foodservice establishments must be made from USDA inspected meat.

Hopefully, USDA can hogtie this operation.  You think people buying this product could have porcine what was going on, but that is not always easy to determine.   This establishment was probably making some pretty good dough selling these dumplings, not just chitlins.   Hopefully proper justice is rendered.

Meatingplace

Meatingplace.com : Feds order NYC business to stop sales of uninspected pork
Feds order NYC business to stop sales of uninspected pork

A business in New York City's Chinatown acknowledges selling hundreds of pounds of uninspected pork to retailers in the state and elsewhere, according to a consent decree announced by federal prosecutors.

Snacks for Backyard Ducks Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella

Manna Pro Products, LLC, St. Louis, Missouri, is  recalling a single lot of Flock Party Quack Snacks (poultry treat) with a Best By date of 12/2023, packaged in 1.68 pound bags because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Manna Pro Products LLC was informed by the State of West Virginia of a positive Salmonella spp. result in a routine surveillance sample of Flock Party Quack Snacks.


Daffy Duck during happier times.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/manna-pro-products-llc-issues-limited-voluntary-recall-flock-party-quack-snacks-sold-united-states
Manna Pro Products LLC Issues Limited Voluntary Recall of Flock Party Quack Snacks Sold in the United States Because of Possible Health Risk Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 28, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 29, 2021
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary
Food & Beverages  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:  Manna Pro Products, LLC
Brand Name:  Flock Party
 Product Description:  Duck treats

Foodservice Chain Fights Against Bogus Claims After DNA Testing Unable to Identify Tuna

A lawsuit was filed against Subway for not using tuna in its Tuna sandwiches.  This claim is based upon DNA testing of the sandwich meat to determine if it was tuna, and this testing was not able to detect tuna DNA.  The news media piles on Subway with the damaging claim.

Guess what?  It's canned tuna, where the tuna undergoes a pressure canning process that utilizes high temperatures for long periods of time....a process that would make it difficult if not impossible to recover identifiable DNA.  

In the NY Post article below "In an amended complaint from June, the plaintiffs toned down their allegations, saying that Subway claims to sell sustainably caught skipjack and yellowfin tuna, but was in fact selling “anything less than healthy stocks.”  So, okay it is tuna, but it is not good tuna?  So now we are moving to the 'pink slime' mode?

https://nypost.com/2021/06/23/lab-tests-reportedly-find-no-identifiable-tuna-dna-in-subway-sandwich/
Lab tests reportedly find no identifiable tuna DNA in Subway sandwich — again
By Will FeuerJune 23, 2021 | 10:05am | Updated
Something is fishy about Subway’s “tuna” sandwich.

Commercial lab tests again found no identifiable tuna DNA in the sandwich that purports to contain the fish.

The New York Times bought Subway tuna sandwiches from three different locations in Los Angeles, and then sent frozen samples to an unidentified commercial food testing lab after two California women filed a class-action lawsuit against the company in January alleging that Subway’s tuna sandwiches aren’t actually made of the fish.

FDA Testing Finds No Risk from PFAS in Food Samples

FDA provided an update on testing for PFAS in foods.  They sampled 94 items and only one product, cod, had a detectable level, and this level did not represent a human health concern.

So what are PFAS.  Applicable selections from the EPA website:

• "Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals. PFAS have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries around the globe, including in the United States since the 1940s. PFOA and PFOS have been the most extensively produced and studied of these chemicals. Both chemicals are very persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they don’t break down and they can accumulate over time. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects."
• "Although PFOA and PFOS are no longer manufactured in the United States, they are still produced internationally and can be imported into the United States in consumer goods such as carpet, leather and apparel, textiles, paper and packaging, coatings, rubber and plastics."
• "People can be exposed to low levels of PFAS through food, which can become contaminated through:
• Contaminated soil and water used to grow the food,
• Food packaging containing PFAS, and
• Equipment that used PFAS during food processing."
• "People can also be exposed to PFAS chemicals if they are released during normal use, biodegradation, or disposal of consumer products that contain PFAS. People may be exposed to PFAS used in commercially-treated products to make them stain- and water-repellent or nonstick. These goods include carpets, leather and apparel, textiles, paper and packaging materials, and non-stick cookware."
• "Studies indicate that PFOA and PFOS can cause reproductive and developmental, liver and kidney, and immunological effects in laboratory animals. Both chemicals have caused tumors in animal studies. The most consistent findings from human epidemiology studies are increased cholesterol levels among exposed populations, with more limited findings related to: infant birth weights, effects on the immune system, cancer (for PFOA), and thyroid hormone disruption (for PFOS)."
• "GenX is a trade name for a technology that is used to make high performance fluoropolymers (e.g., some nonstick coatings) without the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). HFPO dimer acid and its ammonium salt are the major chemicals associated with the GenX technology. GenX chemicals have been found in surface water, groundwater, finished drinking water, rainwater, and air emissions in some areas.  As part of EPA’s draft toxicity assessment, EPA has developed draft oral reference doses (RfDs) for GenX chemicals."

FDA Issues Update on Recent Activities Pertaining to PFAS in Food | FDA
FDA Issues Update on Recent Activities Pertaining to PFAS in Food
Constituent Update
June 30, 2021

Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups Recalled Due to Potential Peanut Allergen

Bazzini LLC, Allentown, PA is recalling three lot codes (SELL BY date codes of APR 05 2022, APR 06 2022, and APR 07 2022) of 1.4 ounce Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups because it may contain peanut protein.  While the label states that the product "May contain traces of ... peanut," following reports of allergic reactions, all potentially affected product was removed from sale.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bazzini-llc-voluntarily-recalls-trader-joes-dark-chocolate-almond-butter-cup-2-pak
Bazzini LLC Voluntarily Recalls Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cup 2-Pak
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 23, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 28, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared peanut protein
Company Name: Bazzini LLC
Brand Name:  Trader Joe’s
Product Description:  Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups

Cooked Shrimp Linked to Salmonella Illnesses

The FDA, CDC and state agencies are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Weltevreden infections linked to the consumption of frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods of India.  "A positive import sample combined with epidemiological and traceback evidence indicate that this outbreak is linked to frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods. FDA’s traceback investigation identified a common shipment of shrimp that could have been consumed by ill people."  There have been 6 illnesses with 2 resulting in hospitalization.

Basically, one shipment was found positive for a specific Salmonella strain.  That shipment was destroyed.   A few months later, the specific Salmonella strain was involved in cases of Salmonella.  It was found that these people had eaten shrimp from a common shipment from the same company.  The company has conducted a recall for product.

"On January 26, 2021, an import sample of Avanti Frozen Foods shrimp was collected as a routine part of the FDA’s Imported Seafood Compliance Program. Analysis of the sample showed the presence of Salmonella Weltevreden. At the time, there were no known associated illnesses or closely related isolates of this strain. In March 2021, as a result of the positive test, this shipment was refused admission into the U.S. and was destroyed, and the importing firm was added to Import Alert 16-81, which allows the FDA to detain product without physical examination due to the presence of Salmonella."

In April 2021, three clinical isolates collected from ill people were reported to be closely related to the isolates collected from the import sample. As of June 25, 2021, there are now 6 clinical isolates from ill people that are genetic matches to the Salmonella collected from the import sample. Five of the six ill people were interviewed to determine the foods they ate before becoming sick, and all five ill people report eating shrimp. Based on purchase locations and purchase dates available for four ill people, FDA’s traceback investigation identified a common shipment of shrimp that could have been consumed by ill people. The product from this shipment was all sold thawed at retail. This thawed product is past expiration and no longer available for sale.

[TIP - Buy fresh frozen (not thawed) and cook it yourself, unless you can buy fresh, just caught]

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-weltevreden-shrimp-april-2021
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Weltevreden: Shrimp (April 2021)

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 6
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: April 25, 2021
States with Cases: AZ (2), NV (4)
Product Distribution: Nationwide

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Weltevreden infections linked to the consumption of frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods of India.

Three Texas Importers Issued Warning Letters for Not Having FSVP for Imported Food Items

FDA issue Warning Letters to the following food importers for issues involving FSVP - Foreign Supplier Verification Program. The FSVP regulation requires that importers perform certain risk-based activities to verify that human and/or animal food they import into the United States has been produced in a manner that meets applicable U.S. food safety standards.

• Jaramillo Spices Corp of McAllen, TX.id not have FSVPs for these products or any of the food products you import.   https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/jaramillo-spices-corp-614760-06082021
• Mr Lukas LLC of McAllen, TX did not develop FSVPs as required for the imported foods.   https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/mr-lukas-llc-613441-04092021
• Tuty Usa LLC of Conroe, Texas did not have FSVPs for these products or for any other products you import.     https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/tuty-usa-llc-614625-06092021

Fresh Packed Blueberries Recalled Due to Potential Cyclospora

Dole Diversified North America, Inc. is recalling a limited number of cases of Dole™ Fresh Blueberries packaged in a variety of clamshell sizes for potential Cyclospora contamination.
This voluntary recall is due to possible Cyclospora contamination on Dole™ Fresh Blueberries. Dole Diversified North America, Inc. is coordinating closely with regulatory officials. No illnesses have been reported to date in association with the recall.  The impacted products were distributed in four US states (IL, ME, NY, and WI), and two Canadian provinces (Alberta and British Columbia).

With no reported illnesses, one could guess that this was triggered by testing.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dole-diversified-north-america-inc-announces-limited-recall-doletm-fresh-blueberries-potential
Dole Diversified North America, Inc. Announces Limited Recall of Dole™ Fresh Blueberries for Potential Cyclospora Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 24, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 25, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Cyclospora contamination
Company Name:  Dole Diversified North America, Inc.
Brand Name:  Dole™
Product Description:  Fresh Blueberries

VA Company Recalls Egg-like Product for Containing Egg

Cuisine Solutions, Sterling, VA is initiating a voluntary recall of its JUST Egg flavored plant-based “bites” products due to undeclared allergens. A limited number of 2-pouch retail packages may contain an incorrect sealed pouch containing whole-egg and milk products. 

 

The egg recall occurred when a packaging error was made where product containing actual egg was put into the box.

  

From the company website, we can see this is a supplier related issue "We use third-party facilities to manufacture our products, so we cannot guarantee that our allergen-free products are made on designated allergen-free lines or in allergen-free facilities. For example, JUST Egg is egg-free but is made in a facility where egg is present. In order to lower the risk of incidental contact with allergens from other products manufactured in the same facility, we require that our third-party manufacturers employ rigorous sanitation, inspection, and good manufacturing practices."  

The label JUST Egg, but it is egg flavored and does not contain egg (not sure why it is not called NO Egg).  So what does the properly labeled product contain?

Ingredients

Water, Mung Bean Protein Isolate, Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil, Contains less than 2% of Dehydrated Onion, Gellan Gum, Natural Carrot Extractives (color), Natural Flavors, Natural Turmeric Extractives (color), Potassium Citrate, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Sugar, Tapioca Syrup, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Transglutaminase, Nisin (preservative). (Contains soy.)

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cuisine-solutions-issues-voluntary-recall-flavored-plant-based-bites

Cuisine Solutions Issues Voluntary Recall of Flavored Plant-Based Bites
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 19, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 20, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk and egg
Company Name:  Cuisine Solutions
Brand Name:  Just Egg
Product Description:  Egg flavored plant-based “bites”
Company Announcement

CA Company Recalls Milk Powders Due to Infant-related Labeling Issue

DESIGNED BY NATURE of California is recalling Goat’s Milk Powder, Cow’s Milk Powder and Base Milk Powder formulas beacuse the labels to not make it clear that these products are not intended to be used as infant formula.

The label state Developed for all life stages, and thier website states, "Designed by Nature offers only 100% nutritious, clean, simple and wholesome formulas. Our formulas are made from real food whole ingredients that are nutritionally complete and easy to digest."

However, "The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) defines infant formula as "a food which purports to be or is represented for special dietary use solely as a food for infants by reason of its simulation of human milk or its suitability as a complete or partial substitute for human milk" (FFDCA 201(z)). FDA regulations define infants as persons not more than 12 months old.  All infant formulas sold in the United States must meet the requirements of the Infant Formula Act (section 412 of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act).  Designed by Nature formulas are not intended or approved for infants."


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/designed-nature-voluntarily-recalls-goats-milk-cows-milk-and-base-milk-formulas-due-possible-health
Designed By Nature Voluntarily Recalls Goat’s Milk, Cow’s Milk and Base Milk Formulas Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 14, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 14, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages Milk/Milk Product  

Reason for Announcement:  Products are not intended to be used as infant formula
Company Name:  Designed by Nature
 Brand Name:  Designed by Nature
Product Description:  Goat Milk, Cow Milk, and Base Mix Formulas

FDA Warning Letter - Allergen Recalls Initiates Inspection of Oregon Facility

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Market of Choice, LLC  after inspecting their food manufacturing facility located in Eugene, Oregon.  The inspection was initiated as a result of a Class I recall of one of the company's products because of undeclared tree nut (almond) allergen on the product label printed and applied at the retail stores. 

Allergens

• The company did not appropriately identify undeclared allergens as a hazard requiring a preventive control in allergen-containing products.  Although the facility receives, stores, and uses allergens such as tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, and wheat in production, the hazard analysis indicated that the allergen hazard was not significant due to low likelihood.   [This is a common error that FDA finds...facilities think that the prerequisite programs are sufficient, but FDA is finding that this is not the case].
• The company submitted  a “New Product Label Verification Checklist” , however, this procedure for new product development does not appear to address the root cause of the recall – failure to make electronic allergen labeling revisions after reformulations that add or change the allergens in a product. In addition, the procedure does not include monitoring, corrective action, or verification procedures to ensure control of the undeclared allergen hazard.

 Other items - Of course, if FDA is there, they will conduct a broader inspection.

• The company did not appropriately identify contamination with environmental pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella for the RTE fresh salads which are exposed to the environment prior to packaging and do not receive a lethal treatment or otherwise include a control measure that would significantly minimize these environmental pathogens
• The company did not take appropriate Corrective Action  after obtaining "six Salmonella positive swab results in rooms adjacent to the main production room where ready-to-eat products are exposed to the environment prior to packaging.  The company had not established and implemented written corrective action procedures that must be taken to address the presence of an environmental pathogens.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/market-choice-llc-613557-06012021
WARNING LETTER

Market of Choice, LLC
MARCS-CMS 613557 — JUNE 01, 2021
Recipient:
Richard L. Wright Jr.
President
Market of Choice, LLC
2862 Willamette Street, Suite B
Eugene, OR 97405
United States

FDA Issues Report on Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Peaches

FDA issued a report on an August, 2020 outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to 

peaches packed or supplied by a large grower/producer. In total, in the U.S. there were 101 reported 

illnesses across 17 states.

• 'The traceback investigation identified multiple distributors, packing facilities, and orchards that supplied bagged and/or loose peaches during the timeframe of interest to the identified points of service, with a large grower/producer’s peaches and packing facilities supplying the majority of peaches associated with points of service during the timeframe of interest; however, a single point or source of contamination was unable to be determined by the traceback investigation.'
• 'In total, over 700 tests were conducted, including: approximately 180 tests of peach leaves and approximately 20 tests of peaches collected from multiple orchards, approximately 480 tests of environmental samples and approximately 20 tests of peach products collected from three peach packing/holding facilities, and approximately 20 tests of peach products collected from two additional distribution centers (one in Iowa and one in Illinois) for testing. While no test results matched the 2020 outbreak strain, four tests returned positives for Salmonella Alachua and two tests returned positives for Salmonella Montevideo.'
• 'Isolates from one peach test and three leaf tests, each collected from an orchard adjacent to a poultry facility, were positive for Salmonella Alachua.'
• 'Salmonella Montevideo was detected in two tests of orchard canopy leaves collected during this follow-up investigation, each collected from an orchard with adjacent or nearby cattle operations.'
  
• 'We [FDA] hypothesize that the adjacent animal operations (both poultry and cattle) were a likely contributing factor to the Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak – with fugitive dust as one possible route of product contamination. In addition, almond orchards were also identified to be in the vicinity of several identified peach orchards and almond operations have the capacity to generate significant dust due to the nature of their harvesting method in a relatively dry growing environment – as well as having the documented potential to harbor Salmonella populations'

In light of these findings, FDA encourages all farms (including growers, harvesters, etc.) to:

• Be cognizant of and assess risks that may be posed by adjacent and nearby land uses,  especially as it relates to fugitive dust exposure from adjacent or nearby livestock and poultry.
• Assess growing operations to ensure that appropriate science- and risk-based preventive  measures are in place, including applicable provisions of the FDA Food Safety  Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule and good agricultural practices. 
• Consider additional tools such as pre-harvest and/or post-harvest sampling and testing of  products to help inform the risk assessment and clarify the need for specific prevention  measures.
• When pathogens are identified through microbiological surveys, pre-harvest testing of  produce, or post-harvest testing of produce implement industry-led root cause analyses to  determine how the contamination likely occurred and then implement appropriate prevention and verification measures. 
• Improve traceability through increased digitization, interoperability, and standardization of  traceability records which would expedite traceback and help remove contaminated  product from the marketplace more quickly, thereby preventing further illnesses. This is  not only important for growers, but also critical for shippers, manufactures, and retailers as  well, to improve overall traceability throughout the supply chain. 

Personally, the fugitive dust guess is a bit of a stretch considering the number of cases.  There are so many factors that could have played a major role, but would have been impossible for inspectors to see at the time of inspection with time passing and operations changing.

Factors Potentially Contributing to the Contamination of Peaches Implicated in the Summer 2020 Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (fda.gov)
Investigation Report: Factors Potentially Contributing to the Contamination of Peaches Implicated in the Summer 2020 Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis

Chick Feed Recalled Due to Deficiently Low Salt Level

Hubbard Feeds is voluntarily recalling EASY FEED ORGANIC CHICK STARTER/GROWER ORG with batch number B01785781. The product has been found to contain deficient levels of salt.   Low sodium may cause abnormal nerve impulses so chicks’ muscles will not move well. Low sodium can also affect the cell’s normal internal pressure which can affect cardiac output due to deflated muscle not working well. The growth of birds may also be negatively impacted.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hubbard-feeds-voluntarily-recalls-easy-feed-organic-chick-startergrower-org
Hubbard Feeds Voluntarily Recalls Easy Feed Organic Chick Starter/Grower Org
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 08, 2021
FDA Publish Date: June 08, 2021
Product Type: Animal & Veterinary
Reason for Announcement:  Contains deficient levels of salt
Company Name: Hubbard Feeds
Brand Name: Hubbard Feeds
Product Description: EASY FEED ORGANIC CHICK STARTER/GROWER ORG

Dog Food Recalled After This Deviated Product Inadvertently Is Shipped

Freshpet Inc. is announcing a voluntary recall of a single lot of Freshpet® Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food (1 LB bags), with Sell by Date 10/30/2021,due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Our Freshpet Team had designated this single lot for destruction, but it was inadvertently shipped to retailers in limited geographic markets between June 7 to June 10, 2021.

These are those types of recalls that occur when 'held' product  inadvertently gets shipped.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/freshpet-voluntarily-recalls-one-lot-freshpetr-select-small-dog-bite-size-beef-egg-recipe-dog-food
Freshpet Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of Freshpet® Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 13, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 13, 2021
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Salmonella
Company Name:  Freshpet Inc.
Brand Name:  Freshpet
Product Description:  Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food

Kimchi Aioli Sauce Recalled After Putting Incorrect Back Label on Bottles Resulting in Mislabeled Allergens

Tulkoff Food Products Inc. of Baltimore Maryland is recalling Kimchi Aioli 18 fl. oz. squeeze bottles with lot code 09.18.2021M for the presence of undeclared wheat and soy allergens.  The recall was initiated after Tulkoff discovered that the incorrect back label had been affixed to the product. This error was confined to one specific product, and one specific lot.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tulkoff-food-products-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-and-wheat-kimchi-aioli
Tulkoff Food Products, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared (Soy and Wheat) in Kimchi Aioli
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 08, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 08, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Soy and Wheat Allergens
Company Name:  Tulkoff Food Products Inc.
Brand Name:  Tulkoff
Product Description:  Kimchi Aioli

Baby Food Manufacturer Recalls Rice Cereal, Decides to Discontinue Product Line

"Beech-Nut Nutrition today has issued a voluntary recall of one lot of Beech-Nut Stage 1, Single Grain Rice Cereal. This recall is a result of a routine sampling program by the State of Alaska which found that samples from that production lot of Beech-Nut Stage 1, Single Grain Rice Cereal tested above the guidance level for naturally occurring inorganic arsenic set by the FDA in August 2020, though the rice flour used had been tested and confirmed as being below the FDA guidance level for inorganic arsenic."

"FDA has recognized that trace elements such as these are widely present in the environment, including water, soil and food; and has also stated that exposure to elevated levels of naturally occurring inorganic arsenic can pose a health hazard to young children."

"In addition to issuing the voluntary recall, Beech-Nut has also decided to exit the market for Beech-Nut branded Single Grain Rice Cereal. Beech-Nut is concerned about the ability to consistently obtain rice flour well-below the FDA guidance level and Beech-Nut specifications for naturally occurring inorganic arsenic."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/beech-nut-nutrition-company-issues-voluntary-recall-one-lot-beech-nut-single-grain-rice-cereal-and
Beech-Nut Nutrition Company Issues a Voluntary Recall of One Lot of Beech-Nut Single Grain Rice Cereal and Also Decides to Exit the Rice Cereal Segment
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 08, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 08, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Presence of Inorganic Arsenic above Guidance Levels
Company Name:  Beech-Nut
Brand Name:  Beech-Nut
Product Description:  Stage 1, Single Grain Rice Cereal

Fish Dip Recalled After Using Recalled Smoked Fish Product

Smilin’ Bob’s, a Florida establishment, is voluntarily recalling Smilin’ Bob’s Original Smoked Fish Dip and Smilin’ Bob’s All Natural Smoked Fish Dip after using recalled product from Banner Smoked Fish, Inc. which recalled smoked fish due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/smilin-bobs-voluntarily-recalls-smilin-bobs-smoked-fish-dip-products-because-possible-health-risk
Smilin’ Bob’s Voluntarily Recalls Smilin’ Bob’s Smoked Fish Dip Products Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 07, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 08, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Smilin’ Bob’s
Brand Name:  Smilin’ Bob’s
Product Description:  Smoked Fish Dip

Determining the Impact of Cyber Attacks on Food Safety in Light of the JBS Event

An article in Huffington Post (below) discusses the recent cyber attack on JBS, the world's largest meat supplier.  While this resulted in a momentary hold up of the meat supply and not a food safety risk, it does show the vulnerability of a company's digit control system to an attack.

But what if this was impacted the controls for formulation or temperature control, there could be a food safety issue, and certainly a food quality issue.

A white paper titled "Adulterating More Than Food The Cyber Risk to Food Processing and Manufacturing" developed by the Food Protection and Defense Institute (link below) outlines cyber risk and some actions that food companies can take.  One of those actions is to extend your Food Defense and Food Safety programs to address cybersecurity.  

This begins with a risk analysis of the operations involving maintenance and IT staff to understand the involvement of digital control systems within the work flow and then developing practices that would mitigate potential issues.

Huffington Post
What The JBS Meat Hack Means For Consumers, Pricing And Food Safety | HuffPost Life
What The JBS Meat Hack Means For Consumers, Pricing And Food Safety
Will prices go up? Will the meat make us sick? Here's what to know for both the present and the future.
By Heide Brandes
06/04/2021 05:45am EDT

Organic Coriander Recalled After Sampling Finds Salmonella

Olde Thompson LLC. Oxnard, CA in cooperation with the FDA is recalling Olde Thompson and Sun Harvest Organic Ground Coriander in 1.5oz glass jar with flip top closure, Lot # 23632 and 23631 due to possible contamination by Salmonella.  The bacterium was discovered during routine sampling of raw materials.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/olde-thompson-llc-issues-voluntary-recall-olde-thompson-and-sun-harvest-organic-ground-coriander-due
Olde Thompson LLC Issues A Voluntary Recall of Olde Thompson And Sun Harvest Organic Ground Coriander Due to Possible Salmonella Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 04, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 04, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella Contamination
Company Name:  Olde Thompson, Sun Harvest
Brand Name:  Olde Thompson, Sun Harvest
Product Description:  Organic Ground Coriander

USDA Issues Health Alert for Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products Due to Salmonella

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert due to concerns about illnesses caused by Salmonella Enteritidis that may be associated with frozen, raw, breaded and pre-browned, stuffed chicken products. These items may be labeled "chicken cordon bleu", chicken with “broccoli and cheese”, or "chicken Kiev".

FSIS is investigating a Salmonella Enteritidis illness cluster with the CDC and state partners. FSIS suspects that there may be a link between the frozen, raw, breaded, and pre-browned stuffed chicken products and this illness cluster based on information gathered in conjunction with the CDC and state partners. Cases have been identified with illness onset dates ranging from February 21, 2021 to May 7, 2021.As part of the investigation, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture collected frozen, raw, breaded, stuffed chicken products from a retail store for testing. The raw product samples tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis. At this time, the production lots tested in Minnesota are not known to have been purchased by any of the case patients. FSIS has not received any purchase documentation, shopper records, or other traceable information at this time. 

The products of concern may appear to be ready-to-eat but are in fact raw and need to be fully cooked before consumption. Many of these stuffed chicken products were labeled with instructions identifying that the product was uncooked (raw). The labels also identified cooking instructions for preparation in an oven. Some of the patients reported that they did not follow the cooking instructions and reported microwaving the product, cooking it in an air fryer or cooking it in the oven for less than the recommended time and without using a meat thermometer to confirm the recommended temperature was achieved. 

This is a similar issue faced by Canadian producers who manufactured similar products as well as in the US.

Penn State Food Safety Blog: Canada - Another Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Uncooked Breaded Chicken (2019)

https://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2018/09/canada-warning-of-risk-associated-with.html

(2018)

Penn State Food Safety Blog: Barber Foods Expands Recall of Chicken Kiev After Additional Illnesses Reported (2015)

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-raw-breaded-stuffed-chicken-products-due
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen Raw Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

WA Company Recalls Meatballs and Pork Patties Due to Unlabeled Allergens

King's Command Foods, LLC., a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 20,025 pounds of fully cooked, not shelf stable meat and poultry meatballs and pork patties due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains egg, milk, and/or wheat, known allergens, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered when the establishment determined that allergen-containing ingredients may have comingled with the recalled products that do not normally contain the identified allergens.  There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/kings-command-foods-llc.-recalls-meat-and-poultry-meatballs-and-pork-pattie-products
King's Command Foods, LLC. Recalls Meat and Poultry Meatballs and Pork Pattie Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
KING'S COMMAND FOODS, LLC
FSIS Announcement
WASHINGTON, May 28, 2021 - King's Command Foods, LLC., a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 20,025 pounds of fully cooked, not shelf stable meat and poultry meatballs and pork patties due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains egg, milk, and/or wheat, known allergens, which is not declared on the product label.

CA Company Recalls Beef Jerky for Undeclared Sesame Oil

Legacy Food Company, Inc., a Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 67,895 pounds of beef jerky due to misbranding and an undeclared ingredient-  contains sesame oil, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS label verification activities when it was determined that the labels did not accurately list all sub-ingredients.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/legacy-food-company-inc.-recalls-beef-jerky-products-due-misbranding-and-undeclared
Legacy Food Company, Inc. Recalls Beef Jerky Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Ingredient
LEGACY FOOD COMPANY INC,
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2021 – Legacy Food Company, Inc., a Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 67,895 pounds of beef jerky due to misbranding and an undeclared ingredient, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains sesame oil, which is not declared on the product label.

Company Recalls Pet Food After State Testing Lab Finds Salmonella Positive Sample

Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of certain dog food products because of the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The potential for contamination was noted after the firm was notified by the distributor, Fleet Wholesale Supply Company, who was informed by Minnesota Department of Agriculture when a sample of 5 lbs. Sprout Sporting Dog Food product was collected and tested positive for Salmonella during routine surveillance.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunshine-mills-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-certain-dog-food-products-because-possible-salmonella
Sunshine Mills, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Certain Dog Food Products Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination.

Summary

Company Announcement Date:  June 02, 2021

FDA Publish Date:  June 03, 2021

Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Pet Food

Reason for Announcement: Salmonella contamination

Company Name: Sunshine Mills, Inc.

Brand Name: Sportsman’s Pride, Sprout Sporting, Intimidator, FRM Gold Select

Product Description: Dog Food Products

NY Food Company Recalls All Smoked Fish Products After FDA Inspection Determines Unsanitary Conditions

Banner Smoked Fish, Inc. of Brooklyn, NY is voluntarily expending recalling its SMOKED FISH, SALADS, PICKLED FISH PRODUCTS, and CREAM SAUCE PRODUCTS (product names and photos of labels are listed below) of all products within expiry, in all package sizes, all package types and all lots.   There are 85 different products included in the final recall which was initially issued on June 2nd, expanded on June 3rd and then expanded again.  According to the report, "The products were found to be processed under unsanitary condition. The problem was discovered through FDA routine inspection. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/banner-smoked-fish-expends-recalls-smoked-fish-products-salads-pickled-fish-products-and-cream-sauce
Banner Smoked Fish Expends Recalls Smoked Fish Products, Salads, Pickled Fish Products, And Cream Sauce Products Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 04, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 04, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  Banner Smoked Fish, Inc.
Brand Name:  Banner and multiple other brands
Product Description:  Smoked Fish Products (Salmon, Lox, Trout, and more)

Five Companies Issue Recalls for Imported Mushrooms Due to Listeria

Three food companies/distributors are recalling mushroom product after testing determined the presence of Listeria.

• California Terra Garden Inc. of Commerce, CA is recalling all cases of its 150g/5.3-ounce packages of Seafood Mushroom (Product of China)
• CONCORD FARMS of Vernon, CA is recalling enoki mushrooms grown in Korea
• Sun Hong, Inc 1105 W Olympic Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640 is recalling All Cases of Seafood Mushroom (Product of China) Net Wt 5.3 oz./150g
• Marquis Worldwide Specialty Inc of City of Industry, CA is recalling All of the Organic Enoki Mushroom 200g,
• Rainfield Marketing Group, Inc. of Vernon, CA is recalling all cases of its 150g packages of Enoki Mushrooms (Product of Korea)

There has been a large number of recalls for imported mushrooms due to Listeria.  It will not be surprising to see a larger action from FDA regarding these products.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/california-terra-garden-inc-recalls-seafood-mushroom-because-possible-health-risk
California Terra Garden Inc. Recalls Seafood Mushroom Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 28, 2021
FDA Publish Date: May 29, 2021
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name: California Terra Garden Inc.
Brand Name: Guan’s
Product Description: Seafood mushrooms

Colorado Food Company Expands Recall of Cheese Product Due to Potential Listeria Contamination

Interstate Food Products of Lakewood Colorado, is recalling Jalapeno Cream Cheese, Queso,and Spicy Queso, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This is an expansion of the initial recall (as predicted).  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the FDA revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 13.5-ounce packages of Little Hatches Jalapeno Cream Cheese, Queso and Spicy Queso.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/interstate-food-products-recalls-little-hatches-jalapeno-cream-cheese-sell-date-521-and-queso-spicy
Interstate Food Products Recalls Little Hatches Jalapeno Cream Cheese, Sell by Date Is 5/21 and Queso, Spicy Queso, Sell by Date of 5/28 Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 28, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 28, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Interstate Food Products
Brand Name:  Little Hatches
Product Description:  Jalapeno Cream Cheese, Queso and Spicy Queso Dip

Flour Recalled for Salmonella After An Issue Identified by Company in Europe

Tiger Nuts Inc of Newburgh, New York is recalling 200 Kilo’s (440 lbs) of its Tiger Nuts Flour which was sold in 1 Kilo Boxes (2.2 lbs) at 1 retail store in Bend and Corvallis Oregon, 1 retail store in Liberty Missouri, and 3 online bakers, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella,  Tiger Nuts Inc was notified by their Spanish growers Tiger Nuts S.L. in Valencia Spain that a customer in Germany had reported Salmonella content in their Tiger Nuts extra fine flour. The supplier Tiger Nuts S.L. and the German customer are continuing to investigate the occurrence and are keeping us updated. The specific we received in November 2020 was completely sold through by January 2021. And at this time there have been zero illnesses reported to date, as of 5/27/2021.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tiger-nuts-inc-recalls-tiger-nuts-flour-kilos-22-lbs-because-possible-health-risk
Tiger Nuts Inc. Recalls Tiger Nuts Flour in Kilo’s (2.2 Lbs) Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 27, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 27, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Tiger Nuts Inc.
Brand Name:  Tiger Nuts
Product Description:  Tiger Nuts Flour

Microwave Popcorn Recalled Due to Undeclared Milk

Gilster-Mary Lee, 8366 North Highway 51, McBride, Missouri, is voluntarily recalling one lot of Full Circle Organic Microwave Popcorn Salted, because it may contain undeclared milk.  Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. became aware of the mispackaging after receiving an email from a customer warehouse. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this popcorn.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gilster-mary-lee-corp-issues-recall-undeclared-milk-allergen-full-circle-organic-microwave-popcorn
Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. Issues a Recall for Undeclared Milk Allergen in Full Circle Organic Microwave Popcorn Salted
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 25, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 26, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Gilster-Mary Lee
Brand Name:  Full Circle
Product Description:  Organic Microwave Popcorn Salted

Supplier Error on Missing Allergen Results in Taco Kit Recall

Giant Eagle, Inc. and HyVee have both issued recalls for Chicken Street Taco Kits due to the possibility the product may contain an undeclared egg allergen.  Giant Eagle and HyVee were made aware of the issue by its supplier partner, Reser’s Fine Foods, when they discovered the product was missing the egg allergen declaration in one of the ingredients, chipotle crema. There has been no reported illness associated with this recall.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/giant-eagle-voluntarily-recalls-chicken-street-taco-kit
Giant Eagle Voluntarily Recalls Chicken Street Taco Kit
Impacted Items Sold at Giant Eagle and Market District Locations
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 25, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 26, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared eggs
Company Name:  Giant Eagle, Inc.
Brand Name:  Giant Eagle
Product Description:  Chicken Street Taco Kits

Why People Lose Trust in Scientific Reporting - Mistakes with the COVID Pandemic

We have come back to what many thought,  that the COVID virus may have leaked form a laboratory, in this case, the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan China, and that the virus was a genetically manipulated virus.  But many experts in the US government and at WHO had told us for over a year that this was not the case.  And then we wonder why people do not trust science.

The signs were initially there for us to think there was more to this....a poor investigation by WHO, a string of changing explanations of where the virus came from...including imported frozen food, and a virus that was ready built for disease in humans.

Shame on all those scientists who stopped asking questions and bought into the narrative.  At this point with as much time has passed, we may never know what happened exactly.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/wuhan-lab-staff-sought-hospital-care-before-covid-19-outbreak-disclosed-wsj-2021-05-23/
Wuhan lab staff sought hospital care before COVID-19 outbreak disclosed - WSJ
May 24, 2021

USDA Issues Alert for Cooked Diced Chicken Potentially Contaminated with Listeria After Company's Failure to Reprocess

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert for approximately 130,860 pounds of frozen fully cooked, diced chicken products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  "The problem was discovered during routine FSIS inspection activities when inspection personnel observed products requiring recooking due to possible Lm contamination had been repackaged without being recooked. A subsequent FSIS investigation determined other affected product had been further distributed in commerce."

This serious case shows how a Corrective Action was not followed.  The product found to have potential Listeria contamination was supposed to be recooked according to the Corrective Action in order to eliminate any potential Listeria contamination. However, this product was  getting repacked without that process.  Further, as noted below, that product was going to local food banks, and with that, people considered high risk.

"The products bear establishment numbers "P-18237" or "P-45638" inside the USDA mark of inspection and were distributed by Big Daddy Foods, Inc., a Houston, Texas firm. These items were further distributed to consumers at local food banks in Florida through the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program in individual food boxes."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-cooked-diced-poultry-products-due-possible
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen, Cooked Diced Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
FSIS Announcement

May 24, 2021

NY Meat Processor Recalls Sausage Product After Using Trim Meat from Uninspected Retail Operation

Milan Provisions Co. Inc., a Corona, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,000 pounds of heat-treated, not fully cooked, not shelf stable chorizo sausage products made using a pork ingredient produced without the benefit of federal inspection.  The problem was discovered when FSIS determined that the firm received pork trim product from a retail butcher facility that is not federally inspected and used it in production of the chorizo product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/milan-provisions-co.-inc.-recalls-jalapeno-chorizo-sausage-products-formulated-pork

Milan Provisions Co. Inc. Recalls Jalapeno Chorizo Sausage Products Formulated With Pork Ingredients Produced Without the Benefit of Inspection
May 21, 2021

Backyard Poultry Continues to be an Issue for Salmonella Infections

CDC issued a report regarding their investigation into multiple outbreaks of Salmonella infection associated with backyard chickens.

Fast Facts

Illnesses: 163

Hospitalizations: 34

Deaths: 0

States: 43

Recall: No

Investigation status: Active

Of the 163 cases, 1/3 of them have been children under the age of 5.

Keeping children away from the chicks is one important control, but additional practices are needed:

• Don't track bird poop on one's shoes (or dog's paws) into the house where a child may be crawling on the floor.
• Washing hands after handling birds or after touching surfaces where the birds have been.
• Safe handling of raw eggs.

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0520-salmonella-infections-backyard-poultry.html
CDC Investigating New Outbreaks of Salmonella Infections Linked to Backyard Poultry
A CDC investigation notice regarding multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections has been posted: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/backyardpoultry-05-21/index.html