FL Company Recalls Biscotti for Undeclared Walnut Due to Mislabeling Issue

Sotto I Trulli INC/DBA Bombolo Biscotti, is recalling its Assorted Italian Cookies, because it contains Italian Wedding Cookies with undeclared walnut ingredient.  The recall was initiated after one of the store employees discovered that Italian Wedding Cookies were incorrectly labeled as Assorted Italian Cookies in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the walnut allergen. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sotto-i-trulli-inc-dba-bombolo-biscotti-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-walnut-product
Sotto I Trulli, Inc. DBA Bombolo Biscotti Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Walnut in Product
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 24, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  October 25, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Bakery Product/Mix  
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared walnuts
Company Name:  Sotto i Trulli Inc. DBA Bombolo Biscotti
Brand Name:  Bombolo Biscotti
Product Description:  Assorted Italian Cookies

Sausage Products Recalled Due to Thin Blue Rubber Pieces

Bob Evans Farms Foods, Inc., a Xenia, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 7,560 pounds of Italian pork sausage products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically thin blue rubber.  The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS it had received consumer complaints reporting thin blue pieces of rubber in the product.  (A glove perhaps?)

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/bob-evans-farms-foods-inc--recalls-italian-pork-sausage-products-due-possible
Bob Evans Farms Foods, Inc., Recalls Italian Pork Sausage Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2022 – Bob Evans Farms Foods, Inc., a Xenia, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 7,560 pounds of Italian pork sausage products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically thin blue rubber, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

CO Company Recalls Sauce Made with Tamari Due to Undeclared Soy Allergen

Seed Ranch Flavor Co. of Boulder, CO, is voluntarily recalling its 5 fl ounce bottles of "Umami Everyday Sauce" and “Everything But The Sushi & Dumplings” sauce because they contain undeclared soy.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the soy-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not explicitly reveal the presence of soy. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes during a label redesign. Production of the products with incorrect labels have been suspended and allergen information clearly disclosed on corrected labels.

The product contains tamari...which is a fermented soybean product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/seed-ranch-flavor-co-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-umami-everyday-sauce-and-everything-sushi
Seed Ranch Flavor Co Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy in "Umami Everyday Sauce" and “Everything But The Sushi & Dumplings” Sauce
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 23, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  October 24, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared soy
Company Name:  Seed Ranch Flavor Co.
Brand Name:  Seed Ranch Flavor Co.
Product Description:  Various sauces

Vegan Drumsticks and Nuggets Recalled for Undeclared Egg Due to Wrong Ingredient Addition

Da Cheng Vegetarian Food Inc. of El Monte, CA, is expanding its recall of Da Cheng Vegan Drumsticks and Vegan Golden Nuggets because it was found to contain the undeclared allergen of egg.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the egg-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by manufacturer’s negligence on the production assembly line. Their employee used the wrong ingredient when mixing the materials together that caused this issue. The employee is no longer with the manufacturer’s company anymore.  One case of an allergic reaction to egg was reported.

Having the responsible employee leave does not mean the issue is fixed.  An Allergen Preventive Control must be implemented to prevent the issue from occurring.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/da-cheng-vegetarian-food-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-protein-vegan-drumsticks-expansion
Da Cheng Vegetarian Food Inc Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg Protein in Vegan Drumsticks Expansion
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 19, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  October 22, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Egg Protein
Company Name:  Da Cheng Vegetarian Food Inc.
Brand Name:  Da Cheng
Product Description:  Vegan Drumsticks and Vegan Golden Nuggets

Chicken Salad Products Recalled for Missing Allergen on Label

Albertsons Companies has voluntarily recalled ReadyMeals Chicken Salad Quad and Chicken Salad Sandwich Club Tray products prepared in store at certain Albertsons and Safeway stores, due to an undeclared allergen not listed on the ingredient statement. The products contain tree nuts (cashews), which are known allergens. The issue was discovered after a customer reported having an adverse reaction.

This is a print-and-apply label, where we can guess that someone incorrectly input the information.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/albertsons-companies-voluntarily-recalls-chicken-salad-products-due-undeclared-allergen
Albertsons Companies Voluntarily Recalls Chicken Salad Products Due to an Undeclared Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date:October 18, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  October 19, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Prepared Food
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Tree Nuts (Cashews)
Company Name:  Albertsons Companies
Brand Name:  Ready Meals and Safeway Inc.
Product Description:  Chicken Salad Quad & Chicken Salad Sandwich Club Tray

Misleading News - Deli Meat as the Leading Agent for Listeria Infection

A recent news article "Study finds deli meat is connected to more than 90 percent of U.S. listeria cases" states that "90 percent of listeriosis cases in the U.S. come from deli meat, followed by ready-to-eat (RTE) salads at just less than 5 percent."  This article was based on a recently published research publication, "Quantitative risk assessment model to investigate the public health impact of varying Listeria monocytogenes allowable levels in different food commodities: A retrospective analysis". (,International Journal of Food Microbiology, 2022).

What is not clear in this new article is that the research that serves as the basis looks at 30 years of data using metanalysis.  Has control of Listeria improved dramatically in the last 30 years?  Absolutely.  Even the research publication mentions this.  Yes, deli meats are a risk, but there have been far less cases over the past decade with the last notable case in 2020 .  But there are items like salads and cheese that stand out.  

Doing a metanalysis over the past 30 years does not take into account the factor of time and improvement that has occurred in that period.  Secondly, the technology for identification (WGS) and tracking has improved dramatically. 

Looking that the CDC website for the listed outbreaks over the past decade:

2022

Brie and Camembert Cheese – Listeriosis

Ice Cream – Listeriosis

2021

Dole Packaged Salads – Listeriosis

Fresh Express Packaged Salads – Listeriosis

Fully Cooked Chicken – Listeriosis

Queso Fresco – Listeriosis

2020

Deli Meats – Listeriosis

Enoki Mushrooms – Listeriosis

2019

Hard-boiled Eggs – Listeriosis

Not Identified - Listeria monocytogenes Infections

Deli-Sliced Meats and Cheeses – Listeriosis

2018

Pork Products – Listeriosis

Deli Ham – Listeriosis

2017

Vulto Creamery Soft Raw Milk Cheese – Listeriosis

2016

Frozen Vegetables – Listeriosis

Raw Milk – Listeriosis

Packaged Salads – Listeriosis

2015

Soft Cheeses – Listeriosis

Ice Cream – Listeriosis

2014

Commercially Produced, Prepackaged Caramel Apples – Listeriosis

Bean Sprouts – Listeriosis

Cheese – Listeriosis

Dairy Products – Listeriosis

2013

Cheese – Listeriosis

2012

Ricotta Salata Cheese – Listeriosis

2011

Cantaloupes – Listeriosis

International Journal of Food Microbiology

Volume 383, 16 December 2022, 109932

Quantitative risk assessment model to investigate the public health impact of varying Listeria monocytogenes allowable levels in different food commodities: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Invasive listeriosis is a potentially fatal foodborne disease that according to this study may affect up to 32.9 % of the US population considered as increased risk and including people with underlying conditions and co-morbidities. Listeria monocytogenes has been scrutinized in research and surveillance programs worldwide in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food commodities (RTE salads, deli meats, soft/semi-soft cheese, seafood) and frozen vegetables in the last 30 years with an estimated overall prevalence of 1.4–9.9 % worldwide (WD) and 0.5–3.8 % in the United States (US). Current L. monocytogenes control efforts have led to a prevalence reduction in the last 5 years of 4.9–62.9 % (WD) and 12.4–92.7 % (US). A quantitative risk assessment model was developed, estimating the probability of infection in the US susceptible population to be 10–10,000× higher than general population and the total number of estimated cases in the US was 1044 and 2089 cases by using the FAO/WHO and Pouillot dose-response models. Most cases were attributed to deli meats (>90 % of cases) followed by RTE salads (3.9–4.5 %), soft and semi-soft cheese and RTE seafood (0.5–1.0 %) and frozen vegetables (0.2–0.3 %). Cases attributed to the increased risk population corresponded to 96.6–98.0 % of the total cases with the highly susceptible population responsible for 46.9–80.1 % of the cases. Removing product lots with a concentration higher than 1 CFU/g reduced the prevalence of contamination by 15.7–88.3 % and number of cases by 55.9–100 %. Introducing lot-by-lot testing and defining allowable quantitative regulatory limits for low-risk RTE commodities may reduce the public health impact of L. monocytogenes and improve the availability of enumeration data.

Current Investigation of Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Salmon Used in Sushi Type Foods

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Litchfield infections linked to fresh, raw salmon supplied to restaurants in California and Arizona by Mariscos Bahia, Inc.  To this point, there have been 33 total illnesses with 13 hospitalizations.

"...FDA collected an environmental sample that included multiple swabs at Mariscos Bahia, Inc. (Pico Rivera, CA). Multiple environmental swabs collected at the facility are positive for Salmonella and subsequent Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis is ongoing. The WGS completed to date indicates the Salmonella detected in at least one of the swabs from the facility matches the outbreak strain. While epidemiological evidence indicates that ill people consumed fresh, raw salmon processed at this firm, the presence of Salmonella in the processing environment indicates that additional types of fish processed in the same area of the facility could also be contaminated which includes fresh, raw halibut, Chilean seabass, tuna, and swordfish. Salmon, halibut, Chilean seabass, tuna, and swordfish processed in Marisco Bahia Inc.’s Pico Rivera, CA, facility could have also been sent to the Mariscos Bahia, Inc. facilities in Phoenix, AZ and then sent to restaurants."

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-seafood-october-2022
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Seafood (October 2022)
Restaurants should not sell, or serve multiple types of seafood from Mariscos Bahia, Inc. FDA's investigation is ongoing.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 33
Hospitalizations: 13
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: September 18, 2022
States with Cases: AZ (11), CA (21), IL (1)
Product Distribution*: AZ, CA

Cross Contamination in the Kitchen - Remember to Clean the Spice Containers

A study published in Journal of Food Protection tackles the question, can spice containers be the source of cross contamination. Yep, as you probably could have guessed, the spice containers can be the source of cross contamination.  The study looked at a number of surfaces, and these surfaces all could be the source of cross contamination, but the spice containers where found to be more likely a source.  A good reminder to clean as you prepare meals, including washing hands after handling raw product and before touching items like spice containers, and then to sanitize surfaces of spice containers.

https://meridian.allenpress.com/jfp/article-abstract/doi/10.4315/JFP-22-060/486035/Cross-Contamination-to-Surfaces-in-Consumer?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Cross-Contamination to Surfaces in Consumer Kitchens Using MS2 as a Tracer Organism in Ground Turkey Patties
Margaret Kirchner; Rebecca Goulter; Savana Everhart; Lindsey Doring; Caitlin Smits; Jeremy Faircloth; Minh Duong; Lydia Goodson; Lisa Shelley; Ellen Thomas Shumaker; Sheryl Cates; Christopher Bernstein; Aaron Lavallee; Lee-Ann Jaykus; Benjamin Chapman; Don Schaffner
J Food Prot (2022)
https://doi.org/10.4315/JFP-22-060

CO Candy Company Recalls Salted Caramel Cookie Product After Incorrect Packaging of Peanut Containing Cookies

Hammond’s Candies of Denver, CO is recalling 5-ounce boxes of Hammond’s Salted Caramel Cookies, because they may contain undeclared peanuts. The recall was initiated after a routine product check revealed that peanut-containing product had been packed and distributed in incorrect packaging, which did not declare the presence of peanuts. Further investigation has determined the root cause to be a temporary failure of the manufacturer’s packing and product release process.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hammonds-candies-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanut-salted-caramel-cookies
Hammond’s Candies Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanut in Salted Caramel Cookies
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 17, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  October 17, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Peanuts
Company Name:  Hammond’s Candies
Brand Name:  Hammond’s
 Product Description:  Salted Caramel Cookies

Nestle Recalls Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough After Complaints Involving Small White Plastic

Nestlé USA is initiating a voluntary recall of ready-to-bake refrigerated NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® STUFFED Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Fudge Filling products due to the potential presence of white plastic pieces.  The company took the recall action out of an abundance of caution after a small number of consumers contacted Nestlé USA about this issue.  This voluntary recall is isolated to NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® STUFFED Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Fudge Filling products that were produced between June and September 2022. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nestle-usa-announces-voluntary-recall-nestler-toll-houser-stuffed-chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-fudge
Nestlé USA Announces Voluntary Recall of NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® STUFFED Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Fudge Filling Products Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 13, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  October 17, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Foreign Object
Company Name:  Nestle USA
Brand Name:  NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE®
Product Description:  STUFFED Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Fudge Filling

FDA Warning Letters Issued to Food Importers for Lack of FSVP - Oct 2022

DF Global, Inc. of Commerce, CA not in compliance with the requirements of 21 CFR part 1, subpart L for the following imported foods: Honey Hallabong Tea, Agave Ginger Lemon Tea, and Walnut Almond Adlay Tea
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/df-global-inc-633242-08012022

C. Liberatore LLC, of Hartford, CT did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP for any of the imported foods ; Peppers imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4), Peppers imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4) and Tomato on the Vine imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/c-liberatore-llc-634519-09122022

Vero USA Corporation located at 90 Dayton Ave Ste 14, Passaic, NJ did not develop an FSVP for any of thier imported foods:  Paprika Chips from (b)(4), located in (b)(4). Snacks (Corn Puffs) from (b)(4), located in (b)(4) and Pasteurized White Cheese- Feta from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/vero-usa-corporation-639180-09262022

Mena Produce LLC, of McAllen, TX did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP for any of their imported  foods including each of the following: Anaheim peppers imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4) ; Tomatillos imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4); and Poblano peppers imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/mena-produce-llc-637641-09202022

El Salvador Products Inc. of Sugarland, TX  did not develop an FSVP for any foods their imported foods:  Salsa & Queso Chips and Sweet Bread imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4), and Pineapple Pastry imported from foreign supplier (b)(4), located in (b)(4).
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/el-salvador-products-inc-640532-09022022

OK Establishment Recalls Pork Fritter Product After Receiving Complaints for Hard Plastic

AdvancePierre Foods Inc., an Enid, Okla. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,137 pounds of pork loin steak fritter product that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically hard pieces of plastic.  The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS that it had received two complaints from restaurant staff reporting they found hard pieces of plastic in the product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/advancepierre-foods-inc--recalls-pork-fritter-product-due-possible-foreign-matter
AdvancePierre Foods Inc. Recalls Pork Fritter Product Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
ADVANCEPIERRE FOODS, INC.

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2022 – AdvancePierre Foods Inc., an Enid, Okla. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,137 pounds of pork loin steak fritter product that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically hard pieces of plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

USDA Issues Health Alert for WY Produced Ground Beef with Pathogenic E. coli

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that a specific ground beef product may be contaminated with E. coli O103. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.  The raw ground beef items were produced at FBS Hudson in WY on October 4, 2022  in 1-lb. plastic vacuum-packed packages containing “FRANK’S BUTCHER.  The problem was discovered when FBS Hudson alerted FSIS that its routine microbial testing results found Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O103 in a sample of the ground beef. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ground-beef-due-possible-e--coli-o103-contamination
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ground Beef Due to Possible E. Coli O103 Contamination

Abbott Recalls RTF (ready-to-feed) Liquid Products for Infants After Cap Sealing Issue

Abbott is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of certain lots of 2 fluid ounce/59 milliliter bottles of Ready-to-Feed liquid products for infants and children. The products included in the recall were manufactured at our Columbus, Ohio, manufacturing facility.  These products are being recalled because a small percentage of bottles (less than 1%) in the recalled lots have bottle caps that may not have sealed completely, which could result in spoilage. If spoiled product is consumed, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting may occur.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/abbott-voluntarily-recalls-certain-lots-2-fl-oz59-ml-bottles-ready-feed-liquid-products-recall-not

Abbott Voluntarily Recalls Certain Lots of 2 Fl. Oz./59 mL Bottles of Ready-to-Feed Liquid Products; Recall Is Not Expected to Impact U.S. Infant Formula Supply
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 14, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  October 14, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages Infant Formula & Foods  

Reason for Announcement:  Potential for spoilage
Company Name:  Abbott
Brand Name:  Multiple brand names
Product Description:  Ready-to-feed liquid products for infants and children

MI Firm Recalls Pasta Due to Supplier's Supplier-related Issue of Undeclared Allergens

Craftology, LLC dba Dutch Treat Foods of Zeeland, MI, is recalling its 14 ounce containers of “Craftology This Is My Happy Place Pasta Salad” because they may contain undeclared cashews.
This recall is not arising out of a food safety hazard caused by Craftology, LLC dba Dutch Treat Foods (“Company”). Company sources sunflower seeds from Lipari Foods Operating Company (“Lipari”), [which conducted its own recall of products] which sources that ingredient from Shah Trading Company Limited (“Shah Trading”). On October 5, 2022, Lipari, a distributor of Shah Trading products, initiated a recall of sunflower seeds that Company uses in the above referenced product due to an undeclared allergen, Cashew, which was discovered in a case of the Sunflower Seeds Oil RS bulk product produced by Shah Trading. Accordingly, Company is issuing a voluntary recall of product that contain the affected lot of the Shah Trading sunflower seeds. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of Company’s product


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/craftology-llc-dba-dutch-treat-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-cashews-craftology-my-happy
Craftology, LLC DBA Dutch Treat Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Cashews in “Craftology This is My Happy Place Pasta Salad”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 11, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  October 12, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Prepared Food  
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared cashews
Company Name:  Craftology, LLC dba Dutch Treat Foods
Brand Name:  Craftology
Product Description:  Pasta Salad

MI Firm Recalls Sesame Sticks Mix and Roasted and Salted Sunflower Meat Tub Products Due to Supplier-related Undeclared Cashews

 Lipari Foods of Warren, MI  has issued a voluntary recall of specific lots of sesame sticks mix and roasted and salted sunflower meat tub products packaged by sister company JLM due to an undeclared cashew (tree nut) allergen.  This was brought to our attention by our sister company, JLM after they discovered cashews (tree nuts) in the bulk Oil Roasted and Salted Sunflower Seeds product from their bulk supplier, Shah Trading Co. The bulk product was used to package the Sesame Sticks Mix and Roasted/Salted Sunflower Meat Tub products. Lipari Foods non-branded products are being recalled as they may contain an undeclared allergen. 

So basically, this company is repacking bulk nut mixes and the supplier of those mixed nuts did not have good controls to prevent incorrect mixing and/or poor line cleanout.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lipari-foods-issues-voluntary-product-recall-specific-sesame-sticks-mix-and-roastedsalted-sunflower
Lipari Foods Issues Voluntary Product Recall of Specific Sesame Sticks Mix and Roasted/Salted Sunflower Meat Tubs Due to Undeclared Cashew Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 07, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  October 11, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared cashews
Company Name:  Lipari Foods
Brand Name:  JLM TUB
Product Description:  sesame sticks mix and roasted and salted sunflower meat tub products

USDA Proposes Changes to Poultry Processing Industry to Reduce Salmonella

USDA proposed changes to the poultry processing industry to reduce the level of Salmonella in birds, with a focus on 3 specific serotypes.  The proposed actions include:

• First "testing incoming flocks of chickens and turkeys for the bacterial disease that commonly affects the intestinal tract and affects 1.3 million people annually with symptoms that may include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting which could last for several days. Officials hope testing chickens and turkeys before they enter the slaughterhouse will encourage farmers to adopt practices that reduce the bacterial infection on the bird before they reach the point of meat processing."
• "A second measure would require enhanced monitoring for salmonella during processing by adopting sampling for the bacteria at multiple stages inside the processing facility."
• "The third major change would be to establish a maximum level of bacterial contamination allowed and possibly limiting the three specific types of salmonella that can make people sick. Meat that would exceed the limits or that would contain the types of salmonella prohibited could be withheld from the market."

This is not an easy get.  It will add costs to the system beyond that involved with testing.  First, it will need to push back control to the farmer where there will be costs of testing and potentially culling of birds or diversion of flocks to less attractive processing alternatives.  It may lead to supply chain issues  associated with the tight planning systems used in many farm-to-processor arrangements.

To this point, this appears to be primarily driven by consumer advocates.  It will take a cooperative effort with industry to make it work.

USDA’s FSIS wants to curtail salmonella cases by starting with the farmers that raise the birds
PUBLISHED ON OCTOBER 16, 2022
DAVID PITT Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday proposed sweeping changes in the way chicken and turkey meat is processed that are intended to reduce illnesses from food contamination but could require meat companies to make extensive changes to their operations.

Mislabeled Tomato Basil Soup Results in Undeclared Milk Allergen

Bakkavor USA of Jessup, Pennsylvania, is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of the 32-ounce Meal Simple Tomato Basil Soup as it has been mislabeled and may contain undeclared dairy.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the front label was mislabeled for the 32-ounce Meal Simple Tomato Basil Soup, produced on 9/15/2022 with best by date of 12/2/2022 and does not contain an allergen declaration of milk, which is found in the product. The root cause investigation is ongoing and there have been no known reports of adverse reactions.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bakkavor-usa-issues-allergy-alert-32-ounce-meal-simple-tomato-basil-soup-mislabeling-and-undeclared
Bakkavor USA Issues Allergy Alert for 32 Ounce Meal Simple Tomato Basil Soup for Mislabeling and Undeclared Dairy
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 06, 2022
FDA Publish Date: October 07, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Soup
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Milk Allergen
Company Name: Bakkavor USA
Brand Name: H-E-B Meal Simple
Product Description: Tomato Basil Soup

Glazed Snack Pies Recalled for Undeclared Soy

Flowers Foods, Inc. is voluntarily recalling Tastykake® and Mrs. Freshley’s® glazed pies due to undeclared soy.   The recall was initiated after discovering that certain pies were made with an ingredient containing soy, which is not listed on the product label. No related illnesses or incidents have been reported to date.

Flowers Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy in Certain TastyKake and Mrs. Freshley’s Glazed Pies | FDA
Flowers Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy in Certain TastyKake and Mrs. Freshley’s Glazed Pies
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 07, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  October 07, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Snack Food Item
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Soy Allergen
Company Name:   Flowers Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Tastykake, Mrs. Freshleys
Product Description:  Glazed Pies

Fruit and Cheese Plates Recalled After Using Recalled Cheese

Cut Fruit Express of Inver Grove Heights, MN is recalling Caribou Coffee Fruit and Cheese Plate 6.2oz after their cheese supplier issued a recall due to potential Listeria contamination.  So this is linked to the Old Europe cheese recall.


Cut Fruit Express Recalls Caribou Coffee Fruit and Cheese Plate Because of Possible Health Risk | FDA
Cut Fruit Express Recalls Caribou Coffee Fruit and Cheese Plate Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 07, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  October 07, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Prepared Food   
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Cut Fruit Express
Brand Name:  Caribou Coffee
Product Description:  Fruit and Cheese plate 6.2 oz

Outbreak of E. coli O121:H19 Infections Linked to Earth Grown Frozen Falafel

Cuisine Innovations Unlimited, LLC of Lakewood, NJ, is recalling its Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel due to the possible presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.  This comes as FDA and CDC investigate a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121:H19 infections with 20 cases with 5 of those resulting in hospitalizations, in 6 different states.  The product was distributed by Aldi in 36 states and DC.

The preparation instructions listed on the label fall for fully cooking to 165F.  So as normal procedure by the manufacturer, this product may, or may not have been, fully cooked prior to frying and freezing because the customer is being asked to cook it fully.  In this case, we can guess it was not fully cooked, but cooked enough to set the product, but leaving the inside raw.  Then the consumer undercooked it allowing the pathogen to survive.  Undercooking by the manufacturer wouldn't be viewed as a huge risk like a meat product, but with chickpeas, onion, dill, cilantro, garlic and spices, the incidence of enteric pathogens like E. coli should be low.  However, there are a number of ingredients here that could carry it in if basic controls like GAPs or GMPs are not tight.

From Wikipedia, "Falafel (/fəˈlɑːfəl/; Arabic: فلافل, [fæˈlæːfɪl] (listen)) is a deep-fried ball or patty-shaped fritter in Middle Eastern cuisine (especially in Levantine and Egyptian cuisines) made from ground chickpeas, broad beans, or both. Nowadays, falafel is often served in a pita, which acts as a pocket, samoon, or wrapped in a flatbread known as taboon; "falafel" also frequently refers to a wrapped sandwich that is prepared in this way. The falafel balls may be topped with salads, pickled vegetables, hot sauce, and drizzled with tahini-based sauces. Falafel balls may also be eaten alone as a snack or served as part of a meze tray (assortment of appetizers)."

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o121h19-frozen-falafel-october-2022
Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O121:H19 Frozen Falafel (October 2022)

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 20

Hospitalizations: 5

Deaths: 0

Last illness onset: September 13, 2022

States with Cases: FL (2), IA (1), KS (1), MI (11), OH (1), WI (4)

Product Distribution*: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV, WI

*Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states

RTE Chili Cheese Wieners Recalled After State Lab Finds Listeria in Sample

USDA FSIS is issuing a public health alert because Family Fare, a Chippewa Falls, Wisc. establishment, produced ready-to-eat chili cheese wieners that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A recall was not requested because it is believed that the products are no longer in commerce.  The ready-to-eat chili cheese wieners were produced on Sept. 21, 2022.  The problem was discovered when the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture reported to FSIS that some product was found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes during routine testing.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ready-eat-chili-cheese-wieners-due-possible-listeria
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-To-Eat Chili Cheese Wieners Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Swiss American Recalls Cheese That is Part of Old Europe Cheese Recall

Swiss American is recalling St Louis Brie products after being alerted by the manufacturer Old Europe Cheese, Inc. that the products could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This is part of a voluntary broader recall by the manufacturer Old Europe.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/swiss-american-participates-manufacturer-old-europes-recall-brie-and-camembert
Swiss American Participates in Manufacturer Old Europe’s Recall of Brie and Camembert
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 04, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  October 04, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Cheese/Cheese Product
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Old Europe Cheese, Inc
Brand Name:  Saint Louis
Product Description:  Brie wedges and variable weights

Whole Foods Market Recalls Zerto Fontal Cheese for Undeclared Egg

Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling Zerto Fontal cheese from fifty-four stores in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York because the product contains egg lysozyme, an egg white protein, which is not declared on the product label. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/whole-foods-market-issues-allergy-alert-zerto-fontal-cheese-sold-connecticut-new-jersey-and-new-york
Whole Foods Market Issues Allergy Alert for Zerto Fontal Cheese Sold in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York
Company Announcement Date:September 30, 2022
FDA Publish Date:September 30, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Product labeling fails to declare eggs
Company Name:  Whole Foods
Brand Name:  Zerto Fontal
Product Description:  “Zerto Fontal”, Cheese

Chicago Company Recalls Chocolate Frozen Bananas After Discovery of Undeclared Peanuts in the Form of Peanut Butter

Diana’s Bananas, LLC of Chicago is announcing an allergy alert and voluntary recall of its 10.5-ounce packages of Milk Chocolate Banana Babies dipped frozen bananas that may contain undeclared peanuts.  The voluntary recall comes after it was discovered that the product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanut butter.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dianas-bananas-issues-allergy-alert-undelcared-peanuts-milk-chocolate-banana-babies
Diana’s Bananas Issues Allergy Alert on Undelcared Peanuts in Milk Chocolate Banana Babies
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 29, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  September 30, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Peanut
Company Name:  Diana’s Bananas, LLC
Brand Name:  Diana’s
Product Description:  
Milk Chocolate Banana Babies, 10.5 oz

Bottles of Chai Concentrate Mix Recalled for Under-processing Issue

The Chai Box announced a recall of 16 oz glass bottles Chai Concentrate Mix, UPC 7 93611 81925 2 and 64 oz plastic bottles of Chai Concentrate Mix UPC 7 93611 81926 9 and 16 oz glass bottles Unsweetened Chai Concentrate Mix, UPC 793611819252 and 64 oz plastic bottles of Unsweetened Chai Concentrate Mix UPC 793611819269 due to potential under-processing which may lead to Clostridium botulinum contamination. These deviations were part of the commercial sterilization process and could result in contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to life-threatening illness if consumed. 

"We were notified of the problem during a process review by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The products were shipped nationwide to consumers, retailers and wholesalers. Some product was also shipped to two consumers in Canada. Product is available online and via retail and wholesale facilities."


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/chai-box-announces-voluntary-recall-chai-concentrate-mix-and-chai-concentrate-unsweetened-mix-due
The Chai Box Announces Voluntary Recall of Chai Concentrate Mix and Chai Concentrate Unsweetened Mix Due to Potential Clostridium Botulinum Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: September 29, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  September 29, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential under-processing which may lead to Clostridium botulinum contamination.
Company Name:  The Chai Box
Brand Name:  The Chai Box
Product Description:  CHAI CONCENTRATE MIX AND CHAI CONCENTRATE UNSWEETENED MIX

Old Europe Cheese Expands Recall of Its Brie Cheeses Due Listeria

Old Europe Cheese, Inc. of Benton Harbor, MI is expanding its voluntary recall of Brie cheeses announced on September 30, 2022, because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, to include additional products, specifically baked brie cheeses

This action was triggered after a full environmental audit of 120 samples, both of products and of the company’s facilities. None of the products showed contamination, but one of the facility’s samples tested positive. The strain from that positive case has been linked to 6 cases of Listeriosis dating from 2017 to 2022. These cases were not previously linked to this company’s products, but Old Europe Cheese decided to issue this voluntary recall in order to avoid any risk to their customers

The Company has decided to voluntarily initiate the product recall based on these results and with a focus on their consumers’ health. The source of potential contamination has been identified and Old Europe Cheese is taking active measures to eliminate it. Production of these products has been stopped and will not restart until the Company has full confidence in the effectiveness of the applied measures


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/old-europe-cheese-inc-expands-voluntary-recall-its-brie-cheeses-due-possible-health-risk
Old Europe Cheese, Inc. Expands Voluntary Recall of Its Brie Cheeses Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 05, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  October 05, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Cheese/Cheese Product
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Old Europe Cheese, Inc.
Brand Name:  Multiple
Product Description:  Brie and Camembert Cheeses

OR Company Recalls Dark Chocolate Product After Determining Product Contains Milk

Momyer Distribution Inc of Salem, Oregon is recalling Dark Chocolate Almonds because they may contain undeclared milk.   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/momyer-distribution-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-dark-chocolate-almonds
Momyer Distribution Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Dark Chocolate Almonds
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 28, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  September 28, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Milk
Company Name:  Momyer Distribution Inc
Brand Name:  PRODUCE, Holly Hill
Product Description:  Dark Chocolate Almonds, 9.5 oz container

MI Cheese Company Recalls Brie and Camembert Cheese After Linked to Listeria Outbreak

FDA is investigating a Listeria outbreak that has been linked to Brie and Camembert soft cheese products manufactured by Old Europe Cheese, Inc. of Benton Harbor, MI, and sold at various retailers under multiple labels and brands, including Reny Picot.  According to CDC, there have been 6 cases so far, with 5 of those people being hospitalized.

The processor, Old Europe Cheese, Inc has recalled all Old Europe Cheese Brie and Camembert products with best by dates through 12/14/2022 . There are over 20 brand named products that were distributed from August 01, 2022 through September 28, 2022 and were available at supermarkets, wholesale and retail stores nationwide and Mexico; retailers include Albertsons, Safeway, Meijer, Harding’s, Shaw’s, Price Chopper, Market Basket, Raley’s, Save Mart, Giant Foods, Stop & Shop, Fresh Thyme, Lidl, Sprouts, Athenian Foods, Whole Foods." 


https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-brie-and-camembert-soft-cheese-products-september-2022
Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Brie and Camembert Soft Cheese Products (September 2022)
Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled Brie and Camembert soft cheese products from Old Europe Cheese, Inc. FDA’s outbreak investigation is ongoing.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 6
Hospitalizations: 5
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: August 5, 2022
States with Cases: CA, GA, MA, MI, NJ, TX
Product Distribution: Nationwide

Parasite - Incidence of Anisakis in Japan

 An interesting report in this month's Emerging Infectous Disease involves Anisakis, a parasite commonly linked with raw or undercooked seafood, and its incidence in Japan, a country that consumes a large amount of raw seafood in the form of sushi and sashimi.  Researchers estimated that the annual incidence is close to 20,000 cases per year.  I think that many people assume that sushi and sushimi represents zero risk, especially when we think of Japan.  This is not the case.

"In Japan, A. simplex s.s. nematodes are responsible for the highest incidence of anisakiasis, whereas the species A. pegreffii is the leading cause of anisakiasis in Europe and South Korea (2). A. simplex s.s. nematodes penetrate the muscles of various fish species at a higher rate than A. pegreffii (11), which could partly explain the smaller proportion of A. pegreffii anisakiasis cases in Japan because A. pegreffii nematodes are often removed with fish viscera during the preparation of sushi and sashimi. Furthermore, fish habitat can corroborate the difference in predominant anisakid nematode species between South Korea and Japan; A. simplex s.s.–carrying fish are predominant in the Pacific side of Japan, whereas A. pegreffii–carrying fish are more common in the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, located between South Korea and Japan (11)"

"As preventive measures, the government of Japan has repeatedly instructed local establishments (e.g., restaurants, fish mongers, and grocery stores) and consumers to freeze seafood at −20°C for at least 24 hours before consuming it raw or to remove anisakid nematodes during cooking."   In the US, there is no regulated standard for 'sushi grade seafood' but this term generally means that that the seller has determined that the fish is acceptable for eating raw based on several factors, including if that the fish has been frozen according to a validated freezing schedule for parasite reduction.

Anisakiasis, the disease caused by infection of this worm.  According to the CDC, "when certain infected marine mammals (such as whales or sea lions) defecate into the sea, eggs are released and become infective larvae while in the water. These larvae are ingested by crustaceans, which are then eaten by fish or squid. When humans eat raw or undercooked infected fish or squid, they ingest nematode larvae. Once inside the human body, the larvae can invade the gastrointestinal tract. Eventually, the parasite dies and produces an inflamed mass in the esophagus, stomach, or intestine."

"Some people experience a tingling sensation after or while eating raw or undercooked fish or squid. This is actually the worm moving in the mouth or throat. These people can often extract the worm manually from their mouth or cough up the worm and prevent infection. Also, some people experience vomiting as a symptom and this can often expel the worm from the body."

Anisakiasis Annual Incidence and Causative Species, Japan, 2018–2019 - Volume 28, Number 10—October 2022 - Emerging Infectious Diseases journal - CDC
ISSN: 1080-6059
Emerging and Infectious Disease Journal
Volume 28
Number 10—October 2022
Anisakiasis Annual Incidence and Causative Species, Japan, 2018–2019
Hiromu SugiyamaComments to Author , Mitsuko Shiroyama, Ikuyo Yamamoto, Takashi Ishikawa, and Yasuyuki Morishima

Author affiliations: National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan (H. Sugiyama, I. Yamamoto, Y. Morishima); Azabu University, Kanagawa, Japan (M. Shiroyama); BML, Inc., Saitama, Japan (T. Ishikawa)

Abstract

Using data from 2018–2019 health insurance claims, we estimated the average annual incidence of anisakiasis in Japan to be 19,737 cases. Molecular identification of larvae revealed that most (88.4%) patients were infected with the species Anisakis simplex sensu stricto. Further insights into the pathogenesis of various anisakiasis forms are needed.

Ill. Establishment Recalls 2 Months of Production After USDA Testing Finds Listeria

Behrmann Meat and Processing Inc., an Albers, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 87,382 pounds of various ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The various RTE meat items were produced from July 7, 2022, to Sept. 9, 2022.  The problem was discovered through product and environmental testing performed by FSIS and the establishment, which identified Listeria monocytogenes in the processing environment and in products produced by the establishment.

With a wide time frame of recalled products and the fact that FSIS testing "identified Listeria monocytogenes in the processing environment and in products produced by the establishment", one could guess that this is not just an incidental contamination issue.  The company website indicates the establishment operates a retail store as well as producing product for wholesale.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/behrmann-meat-and-processing-inc--recalls-various-ready-eat-meat-products-due
Behrmann Meat and Processing Inc. Recalls Various Ready-to-Eat Meat Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

BEHRMANN MEAT & PROCESSING, INC.

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2022 – Behrmann Meat and Processing Inc., an Albers, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 87,382 pounds of various ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. FSIS expects there to be additional product labels added in the near future and urges consumers to check back frequently to view updated labels.

Florida Foodservice Establishment Recalls Empanada Products When Discovered Not USDA Inspected

Empanadas Valrico Inc., a Sarasota, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,247 pounds of beef and chicken empanada products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection.  The products subject to recall do not bear the USDA mark of inspection because Empanadas Valrico Inc. is not a federally inspected establishment. These items were shipped to retail locations in Florida.  The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the Florida Department of Agriculture that the frozen empanada products did not have the USDA mark of inspection and were produced in an establishment that was not inspected by USDA.

Another example of a small restaurant / catering operation that starts to distribute products without realizing that federal regulations apply.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/empanadas-valrico-inc--recalls-beef-and-chicken-empanada-products-produced-without
Empanadas Valrico Inc. Recalls Beef and Chicken Empanada Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2022 – Empanadas Valrico Inc., a Sarasota, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,247 pounds of beef and chicken empanada products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Salad Dressing Recalled After Mislabeling Issue Results in Undeclared Allergens

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) is voluntarily recalling one lot of Restaurant Style Italian Dressing sold under the brand name Tuscan Garden.  This recall is being conducted because the product is labeled as Restaurant Style Italian Dressing, while some of the bottles may contain Asian Sesame Dressing. The Restaurant Style Italian Dressing label indicates the allergens egg and dairy are in the product while the Asian Sesame Dressing product contains the allergens soy and wheat.  TreeHouse Foods discovered the issue after receiving two complaints from the store level. At this time, TreeHouse has not received any reports of an allergic reaction associated with this product.

With recalled product limited to one lot code date, this would appear to be a mistake made at the point of label application...perhaps the wrong labels were mixed in with the others, or the wrong pack of labels were added to the spool.  An Allergen Preventive Control at this point would include a verification procedure to ensure that correct labels were being run.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/treehouse-foods-announces-voluntary-recall-certain-tuscan-garden-restaurant-style-italian-dressing
TreeHouse Foods Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Tuscan Garden Restaurant Style Italian Dressing Due to Undeclared Wheat and Soy
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 24, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  September 24, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Allergen/Wheat and Soy
Company Name:  TreeHouse Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Tuscan Garden
Product Description:  Restaurant Style Italian Dressing

Recall of Salad Dressing Due to Undeclared Allergen Recall Expanded

VanLaw Food Products Inc. is expanding its recall (in late August) of Whole Foods Market 365 Organic Creamy Caesar Dressing because it contains undeclared Soy and Wheat allergens. The recall is being expanded to include Whole Foods Market 365 Organic Creamy Caesar Dressing with a BEST IF USED BY DATE of SEP 21 22 through JUN 06 23 and incorrect UPC Code 99482-49027.  The recalls were initiated when it was discovered the products were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of Soy and Wheat allergen. The problem was caused when the back label from another product was mistakenly put on the products being recalled.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/van-law-food-products-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-and-wheat-product-expanded
Van Law Food Products Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy and Wheat in Product Expanded
Summary
Company Announcement Date: September 23, 2022FDA 

Publish Date:September 23, 2022

Product Type:Food & Beverages

Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Soy & Wheat

Company Name:VanLaw Food Products Inc.

Brand Name:  Whole Foods Market 365Product 

Description:  Organic Creamy Caesar Dressing

MA Company Recalls Candy Corn for Undeclared Egg

Arcade Snacks of Auburn, MA is recalling its 15 ounce packages of Candy Corn because they may contain undeclared egg.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the egg-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg.

So is there an candy corn formulation that contains egg or was this a completely different product that was mislabeled?

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/arcade-snacks-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-candy-corn
Arcade Snacks Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in Candy Corn
Summary
Company Announcement Date: September 23, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  September 23, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Egg
Company Name:  Arcade Snacks
Brand Name:  Arcade Snacks
Product Description:  Candy Corn

CA Produce Processor Recalling Potato Product Because of Undeclared Egg

World Variety Produce, Inc. of Verona CA is recalling specific lots of Melissa’s Brand Dutch Red Potatoes with Dijon Mustard Sauce due to an undeclared allergen egg.  It appears that the wrong sauce packet was placed in the master package.

World Variety Produce, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Select Lots of Melissa’s Dutch Red Potatoes with Dijon Mustard Sauce Because it Contains Undeclared Egg Allergens | FDA
World Variety Produce, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Select Lots of Melissa’s Dutch Red Potatoes with Dijon Mustard Sauce Because it Contains Undeclared Egg Allergens
Summary
Company Announcement Date: September 21, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  September 21, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Gravy/Sauces
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Egg
Company Name:  World Variety Produce Inc.
Brand Name:  Melissa’s
Product Description:  Dutch Red Potatoes with Dijon Mustard Sauce

GA Company Recalls Various Fresh Salad Items After Positive Listeria Test

GHGA is recalling various products (see chart below) due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. On 9/16/22 the firm was notified by their laboratory that a single sample of a product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

These products were packaged in clear plastic containers and sold primarily in Kroger stores on 9/11/22 in the produce or deli sections in the states of: Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia. The Sell-by Date has expired, and products were previously removed from store shelves and are no longer for sale. However, products could still be in possession of consumers.

Renaissance Food Group, which operates under the name GH Foods, is located in Conley, Georgia. This organization primarily processes fresh refrigerated salads.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ghga-recalls-various-ready-eat-vegetable-products-due-possible-listeria-monocytogenes-contamination
GHGA Recalls Various Ready-To-Eat Vegetable Products Due to Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 20, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  September 20, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  GHGA
Brand Name:  GHGA
Product Description:  Ready-To-Eat Vegetable Products

CA Sprout Operation Cited for Lack of Listeria Control

The FDA inspected a sprout growing, harvesting, packing, and distributing facility, located in Sacramento, California.  FDA issued a Warning Letter with the following identified issues:

• Did not establish and implement a written environmental monitoring plan that is designed to identify Listeria species or Listeria monocytogenes if it is present in the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding environment 
• FDA "identified Listeria seeligeri in 1 of 102 environmental swabs (INV1177912, Sub 28). Sub 28 was collected from a joint surface between your metal sprout wash tank and metal exterior surface within your sprout growing room"
• Did not establish and implement a written sampling plan to test spent sprout irrigation water (SSIW) or in-process sprouts for pathogens as specified in 21 CFR 112.147 
• Did not appropriately clean and sanitize food contact surfaces you use to grow, harvest, pack, or hold sprouts before contact with sprouts or seeds or beans used to grow sprouts as required by 21 CFR
• Had inadequate sanitation practices and use of a sanitizing agent in place of conducting cleaning activities
• Personnel at the firm did not use hygienic practices 
• Did not appropriately train personnel who handle (contact) covered produce or food contact surfaces, and personnel who conduct covered activities,

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/sun-sen-co-inc-631981-08172022
Sun Sen Co., Inc.

FDA Issues Warning Letter to RTE Produce Processor With Positive Listeria Environmental Samples

FDA issued a Warning Letter after inspection and environmental sampling of  a ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh-cut fruit and vegetable processing facility located in Wakefield, MA.  This "facility receives fruit and vegetables, some of which are RTE, including cantaloupe and apples, that are processed into RTE sliced, diced, and/or cubed fruit and vegetable products (e.g., cubed cantaloupe and sliced apples). The RTE fruit and vegetable products are exposed to the environment prior to packaging, where they may become contaminated with environmental pathogens such as L. monocytogenes. As evidenced by the findings of L. monocytogenes in your production environment and current inspectional findings, you did not identify and implement sanitation controls adequate to ensure that your facility is maintained in a sanitary condition to significantly minimize or prevent the hazard of the environmental pathogen L. monocytogenes" 

"FDA laboratory analysis of the environmental sample 1119291 collected on February 8, 2022, from various areas in your processing facility confirmed eight (8) of fifty-six (56) environmental swabs were positive for L. monocytogenes. Of the positive findings, three (3) swabs were collected from food-contact surfaces where RTE cantaloupe and RTE sliced apples were being prepared, including:

• Surface of the stainless-steel fruit table used for coring apples
• Blade of the yellow knife used to cut cantaloupe
• Green squeegee used for wiping the surface of the stainless-steel table where cantaloupes were being processed
• In addition, L. monocytogenes was found on a tote used for holding bulk/whole cantaloupe.

GMP issues identified during the  inspection: 

• Investigators observed employee handling practices which could lead to cross-contamination of food-contact surfaces and RTE food products including "an employee used a high-pressure hose that had contacted the floor before use and sprayed the rear wall of the main production facility during production of RTE romaine lettuce. The spray from the hose was observed contacting the floor several times and creating an aerosol and mist within the production area that was also visible in the air several feet away from the RTE romaine that was processed."
• Condensate was observed dripping from the overhead ceiling and refrigeration unit in the main production room to the floor, approximately 10 feet from where RTE diced red onion was being processed. We have previously notified you of our concerns related to condensate during FDA inspections conducted in 2018 and 2019.
• The plastic conveyer belt used for production of r butternut squash product was damaged, with rough surfaces and missing teeth.
• Several areas of flooring and surfaces around drains in the main production area were damaged, with exposed rough aggregate.
• Plastic bins/barrels used to hold RTE finished products, vegetable and fruit waste, and garbage were damaged, cracked, and chipped, with rough surfaces.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/banks-square-market-corp-dba-produce-connection-631118-09022022

Banks Square Market Corp. dba The Produce Connection

MARCS-CMS 631118 — SEPTEMBER 02, 2022

Kansas Feed Mill Cited for Preventive Controls Violations in Response to Copper Toxicity Issue

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a KS feed processor after inspected by Kansas Dept of Ag.  The "KDA inspections were conducted in response to consumer complaints regarding suspected copper poisoning from sheep food that resulted in multiple sheep deaths. A sample of your “Lamb Builder 16% Lamb Creep 80869” sheep food collected by KDA on November 19, 2021 and analyzed by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture contained an elevated level of copper at 31.0 parts per million (ppm), which is a level that would cause acute toxicity in sheep.1 The recognized maximum tolerable level of copper in food for sheep is 15 ppm on a dry matter basis, assuming normal concentrations of molybdenum and sulfur".

FDA stated, "Your facility failed to sufficiently assess the probability that a hazard will occur in the absence of preventive controls, as required by 21 CFR 507.33(c)(1).  Specifically, your reliance on your prerequisite program failed to reduce the probability that an elevated level of copper will occur in your animal food in the absence of a preventive control."

FDA had issue with mycotoxin control of incoming ingredients as well as those that may form during storage.

• The "company did not identify the known or reasonably foreseeable hazards of fumonisin and deoxynivalenol (DON or vomitoxin) for all grains and their co-products you receive and use as ingredients at your facility that are susceptible to fumonisin and vomitoxin. Also, you did not evaluate the severity of the illness or injury if the hazards were to occur, or the probability that the hazards would occur in the absence of preventive controls, to determine whether the hazards require a preventive control.  Furthermore, your “Aflatoxin Testing Procedure” only includes steps for sampling and testing of corn and does not include steps for other grains and grain co- products you receive, store, and use as ingredients at your facility."

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Food Importers for Lack of FSVP

FDA issued a number of Warning Letters to food importers for not having FSVP in place for their imported products.  These are for the first two weeks in September, 2022.

Kuzmir Imports Inc., of  Hillburn, New York was not in compliance with the requirements of 21 CFR part 1, subpart L for the following importee foods: mini soup croutons onion garlic from your foreign supplier (b)(4) located in (b)(4); nougat spread from your foreign supplier (b)(4) located in (b)(4); and cashews from your foreign supplier (b)(4) located in (b)(4).
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/kuzmir-imports-inc-633082-08022022

Mexia Pallets LLC of  San Juan, Texas did not develop, maintain, and follow a FSVP as required by section 805 of the FD&C Act and 21 CFR 1.502(a). Specifically, did not develop an FSVP for any of the imported food products, including each of the following food products:
Persian limes imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
Apple soft drink imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
Orange soft drink imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/mexia-pallets-llc-633369-08162022

Visvita Corporation of Santa Fe Springs, CA did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP as required by section 805 of the FD&C Act and 21 CFR 1.502(a). Specifically, did not develop an FSVP for any foods that the company import, including the following foods:
Visvita Chia Drink - Guanabana Flavour imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4).
Aloe Vera Drink - Pomegranate Flavor imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4).
Cold Brew Coffee Powder imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4).
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/visvita-corporation-633747-08232022

Mercado Hispano Distributors, pf Tucker, GA did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP as required by section 805 of the FD&C Act and 21 CFR 1.502(a). Specifically, the firm did not develop an FSVP for any of the foods they import, including each of the following:
(b)(4) Cola and (b)(4) Manzana imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
(b)(4) Grapefruit imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/mercado-hispano-distributors-llc-634708-08022022

Mina Global Trading Corp, of  Matawan - "As a very small importer, for each food you import, you did not obtain written assurance in accordance with 21 CFR 1.512(b)(3), before importing the food and at least every two years thereafter, that your foreign supplier is producing the food in compliance with processes and procedures that provide at least the same level of public health protection as those required under section 418 or 419 of the FD&C Act, if either is applicable, and the implementing regulations, and is producing the food in compliance with sections 402 and 403(w) (if applicable) of the FD&C Act"
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/mina-global-trading-corp-636140-08082022

Bharat Ratan LLC. of  Renton, WA id not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP as required by section 805 of the FD&C Act and 21 CFR 1.502(a). Specifically. the company did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP for any of the foods imported, including:
Fenugreek leaves, Gur Rewri (Sesame Brittle), and Punjabi Biscuit, imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
Meat Masala (Curry Spice Mix) imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/bharat-ratan-llc-634674-08222022

BLUE STONE IMPORT USA INC of Manhasset, NY did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP as required by section 805 of the FD&C Act and 21 CFR 1.502(a). Specifically, the company did not develop an FSVP for any of the food products imported, including each of the following foods:
(b)(4) Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen ((b)(4)) from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
Wheat Flour from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/blue-stone-import-usa-inc-636668-08032022

Jones Affiliated IncCerritos, CA did not develop an FSVP for any of the foods  imported, including:
Wild Yam Flavor Powder, imported from (b)(4) located in (b)(4)
Premium White Gourd Jam, imported from (b)(4) located in (b)(4)
Red Bean Paste, imported from (b)(4) located in (b)(4)
Black Sesame Powder, imported from (b)(4) located in (b)(4)
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/jones-affiliated-inc-639035-0823202

CT Ice Cream Company Issued A Warning Letter for Lack of Listeria Control

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Royal Ice Cream Company of  Manchester, CT 06040-6534.  FDA 
determined that the RTE ice cream products manufactured by this facility are adulterated within the meaning of section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) [21 U.S.C. § 342(a)(4)], in that they were prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have been rendered injurious to health.

FDA state that the company had multiple and repeat findings of L. monocytogenes in the production environment, and thus, the company did not identify and implement preventive controls adequate to ensure that they were significantly minimizing or preventing the hazard of the environmental pathogen L. monocytogenes.  

The company had issued a recall of ice cream after FDA sampling had found positive samples.  This recall was in February, 2022.

"FDA’s inspection included the collection of environmental swabs on January 19, 2022, during production and found that two (2) of seventy-eight (78) swabs were confirmed positive for L. monocytogenes. Of the positive findings, one (1) swab was collected from the food-contact surface of a filler head where RTE ice cream was being dispensed into pint-sized finished packages and one (1) swab was collected from the stainless-steel table where RTE ice cream sandwiches were being prepared. This was not the first time L. monocytogenes was found in environmental samples collected at your facility. In 2017, FDA detected L. monocytogenes in three (3) environmental swabs, including two (2) from areas adjacent to food-contact surfaces. Furthermore, in response to our 2022 environmental sample findings and your voluntary recall initiated in February 2022, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) collected retail finished product samples which confirmed L. monocytogenes in one (1) finished product sample of salted caramel ice cream."

These same strains were found to have been present in the facility in past sampling.  "The presence of the same strain of L. monocytogenes over multiple years is indicative of a resident pathogen or harborage site in your facility since 2017. We first advised you of the importance of these WGS results on March 4, 2022, and subsequently provided updates to the WGS analysis on the following dates: March 17, 2022, April 7, 2022, and June 30, 2022."

FDA stated that the "hazard analysis did not identify pathogens at your processing step of “(b)(4)” as requiring a preventive control because “Pathogens are unlikely to grow in the low temperature present in the freezer.” However, during the inspection, employees were observed transferring an RTE cookie dough sandwich sheet to the (b)(4), where the ice cream sheet was cut into 4 oz. bars and was exposed to the environment prior to packaging. L. monocytogenes is a known or reasonably foreseeable pathogen associated with RTE foods, including RTE ice cream products, exposed to the environment at steps such as (b)(4), and L. monocytogenes does not require growth to present a hazard."

FDA found a number of issues during inspection that included employees touching non-contact surfaces and then touching food, improper high pressure house use (employees were observed using a high-pressure hose to rinse a stainless-steel pail and to spray the processing room floor, and overspray was aerosolizing immediately adjacent to uncovered flavor vats containing RTE (b)(4), uncovered RTE ingredients on the production table, and near the food-contact surfaces of the filler in the ice cream production area. FDA collected environmental sample (b)(4), swab (b)(4), from head of this filler and detected L. monocytogenes.), 

They had issues with their environmental monitoring system - "did not collect your environmental swabs at the frequency identified within your “Environmental Monitoring Procedures”" and the " environmental monitoring procedure did not identify the locations from which samples will be collected."

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/royal-ice-cream-company-inc-630433-07282022
The Royal Ice Cream Company Inc.

MARCS-CMS 630433 — JULY 28, 2022

TX Establishment Recalls Chicken Bowls Labeled as Beef Bowls Creating Allergen Mislabeling

Valley International Cold Storage Acquisition, LLC, a Harlingen, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 22,061 pounds of frozen beef products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the product contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered when the producing establishment notified FSIS that it had received consumer complaints that the Korean-Style Beef cartons contained a chicken-based product.

Valley International Cold Storage is a repack facility.  A reminder of the importance of controls for those operations that are repacking product where there may not be visible product to check, but rather a matching of product code to outside packaging.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/valley-international-cold-storage-acquisition-llc-recalls-frozen-beef-products-due
Valley International Cold Storage Acquisition, LLC, Recalls Frozen Beef Products Due To Misbranding And Undeclared Allergens
VICS ACQUISITION, LLC

USDA Issues Health Alert for Chicken Product Due to Undeclared Allergens After Back Label Error

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that the raw, ready-to-cook chicken entrée products may contain egg, a known allergen, which is not declared on the finished product label. "The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that they received notification from their customer that an incorrect label was on the back of the plastic wrapped metal container. The label on the back of the product contains information related to a chicken cordon bleu product, which does not contain egg. The bacon cheddar chicken product contains egg."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-chicken-entree-products-due-misbranding-and
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Chicken Entree Products Due To Misbranding And An Undeclared Allergen
TAMPA BAY FISHERIES

Expanded Recall for Family Dollar and Their Distribution System - Storing Product Outside of Temperature Requirements

Family Dollar expanded a July 21, 2022 recall for certain FDA regulated products that were stored outside of the required temperature. "This notice covers the recall of Over-the-Counter Medical Devices. An earlier notice issued July 21, 2022 covered a related recall of Over-the-Counter Pharmaceutical Products."

As you may recall, In February of this year, Family Dollar also had a massive recall of products handled by their Arkansas distribution center that had a heavy rat infestation.

Voluntary Recall of Certain Over-the-Counter Products Sold at Family Dollar Stores Because They Were Stored Outside of Temperature Requirements
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 05, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  September 16, 2022
Product Type:  Medical Devices
Reason for Announcement:  Product was stored outside of labeled temperature requirements.
Company Name:  Family Dollar
Brand Name:  Multiple brand names
Product Description:  Various OTC medical products

Employees Provide Statements on Facility that Produced Frozen Pizza That Was Linked to E. coli Outbreak

This is an interesting read involving an E.coli outbreak in France related to frozen pizza.  The outbreak occurred earlier this year where more than 70 people came down with infections from pathogenic E.coli.  In the article below, employees provided testimonials to how the facility was run.   One could see that food safety was not the primary driver for operating decisions.   

While the cause of the outbreak was not found, the investigation revealed deficiencies in the management of the plant.  This included the "presence of mold, rust and peeling paints was then discovered in the factory, as well as food moths on the production line of Fraîch'Up pizzas."

What employees stated:

"In 2012, Nestlé introduced a new way of managing the site. This is called the Lean method, explains Maryse Tréton of the CGT federation of agri-food. The goal is to minimize all times that are not dedicated to production. We reduce cleaning times and preventive maintenance times to make production as possible."

"Three years later, in 2015, this reduction in cleaning time will be included in a so-called "competitiveness" plan. "Until 2015, the plant operated with 16 hours of production and 8 hours of cleaning per day," say Patrick and Pierre. After 2015, we almost double the production time to 27 hours a day (in three 9-hour shifts) and we almost halve the cleaning time from 8 hours to 4 hours 45.""

"According to them, the consequences of this reorganization are not long in coming: "For us, it meant going faster on cleaning. So, the priority was to clean the production line and the machines. But not what was around, such as the walls and ceilings. It was no longer possible to do everything." Asked about this, the management of Nestlé France confirms that the cleaning time is now less than 5 hours. But it specifies that it has "systematic microbiological samples carried out in different strategic areas of the site"."

"This reduction in cleaning time would have had other consequences. According to the employees whom Radio France's Investigation Unit met, some areas of the factory that were cleaned at least once a year before 2015 would no longer be cleaned. "Before," explains one of them, "we closed the factory for three weeks in August. Meanwhile, the cleaning company that had a contract with the factory could do bottom cleaning. Since then, Nestlé only wants to stop the factory for one week in the summer. So the general condition has deteriorated.""

Some of the outcomes:

• The air conditioning (filtering) system was not cleaned at necessary frequency.
• Flour silos not cleaned for seven years.
• Presence of rodents
• Change of flour to untreated flour where facility had been using pasteurized flour.

What is difficult to tell is to what degree the plant culture, being in France, resisted to more of a US based way of manufacturing.  That is, you can run a lean system provided the necessary procedures are still completed.  Clearly, important activities were not completed and employees had not bought into the lean manufacturing approach.

ICI - France
https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/faits-divers-justice/affaire-buitoni-de-nouveaux-temoignages-accablent-la-direction-1662724306
Buitoni case: new testimonies overwhelm management

Saturday September 10th, 2022 at 6:07 AM - Par Laetitia Cherel, France Bleu, France Bleu Nord

The testimonies of several employees of the Buitoni factory in Caudry shed light on the health deficiencies observed in their factory. They denounce a reduction in cleaning time imposed in 2015 and a change of flour in 2021. Investigation by Laetitia Cherel, investigation unit of Radio France.