Pork Chicharrones Imported from USDA-Ineligible Country of Honduras Recalled

Del Valle Import and Export, LLC, a distributor and importer located in Kenner, La., is recalling approximately 1,271 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork chicharrones product (fried pork rind) that was imported from Honduras, a country ineligible to export pork products to the United States.  The problem was discovered during a routine FSIS surveillance activity at a retail store where the agency found the pork chicharrones product from Honduras. Honduras is not eligible to export pork products to the U.S.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/del-valle-import-and-export-llc-recalls-ineligible-pork-chicharrones-product
Del Valle Import and Export, LLC, Recalls Ineligible Pork Chicharrones Product Imported From Honduras

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2023 – Del Valle Import and Export, LLC, a distributor and importer located in Kenner, La., is recalling approximately 1,271 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork chicharrones product that was imported from Honduras, a country ineligible to export pork products to the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

AZ Distributor Recalls Whole Cantaloupes After FDA Testing Finds Salmonella

Eagle Produce LLC Scottsdale, AZ is initiating a voluntary recall of 6,456 cases of whole cantaloupe with the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella following a test conducted on cantaloupe in a distribution center by the FDA.  The products were distributed between September 5th -16th in California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington D.C. and sold in various retail supermarkets.  There have been no reported illnesses attributed to the recalled items as of September 27th, 2023


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/eagle-produce-llc-recalls-whole-cantaloupe-because-possible-health-risk
Eagle Produce LLC Recalls Whole Cantaloupe Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 27, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  September 28, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness
Company Name:  Eagle Produce, LLC
Brand Name:  Kandy
Product Description:  Whole Cantaloupe

Diced Butternut Squash Recalled After Testing Finds E. coli O45

Safeway Fresh Foods of Vineland, NJ, is recalling its 32-oz. Diced Organic Butternut Squash product as it has the potential to be contaminated with Escherichia coli O45.  The 32-oz. diced Butternut was distributed only to Costco in the following states, Washington DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company detected the presence of E. coli O45.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/safeway-fresh-foods-recalls-sunnyside-farms-organic-butternut-squash-because-possible-health-risk
Safeway Fresh Foods Recalls Sunnyside Farms Organic Butternut Squash Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 25, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  September 25, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Escherichia coli O45 contamination
Company Name:  Safeway Fresh Foods
Brand Name:  Sunnyside Farms
Product Description:  Diced Organic Butternut Squash

The Brain-infecting Rat Lungworm Identified in Georgia Rats

The CDC is reporting  (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/29/10/23-0706_article) that the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis, aka, Ratlung worm, has been identified in dead rats at the Atlanta Zoo. Originating in Asia, this parasite cycles between rats and snails and may have made its way here through rats or snails.  People can become infected with the parasite if they come in contact with it, in which case, it can cause eosinophilic meningoencephalitis, an infection of the brain.

Researchers are concerned that the parasite may be established in the SE US.  It has already been found in other SE locations including TX, FL, and LA.

CDC recommendation - "Prevention of A. cantonensis infections involves educating persons residing in or traveling to areas where the parasite is found about not ingesting raw or undercooked snails and slugs, freshwater shrimp, land crabs, frogs, and monitor lizards, or potentially contaminated vegetables, or vegetable juice. Removing snails, slugs, and rats found near houses and gardens should also help reduce risk. Thoroughly washing hands and utensils after preparing raw snails or slugs is also recommended. Vegetables should be thoroughly washed if eaten raw."  

Also, do not drink out of a garden house where a snail may have crawled in.

https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2023/09/27/parasitic-brain-worm-found-rats-zoo-atlanta-cdc-study-says/
Parasitic brain worm found in rats at Zoo Atlanta, CDC study says
By Hope Dean
Published: Sep. 27, 2023 at 3:52 PM EDT|Updated: 13 hours ago

FDA Releases Guidance on Allergen Management as Part of Hazards Guide

The FDA Hazards Guide is a document intended to help with the compliance of meeting specific Preventive Controls for Human Food regulations. It has been an ongoing effort, with FDA releasing sections as they are completed. This week, FDA released two new sections, one of those focused on allergen control. Chapter 12, Food Allergen Program, sets out to "is to explain how to establish and implement a food allergen program".

The Guidance can be found here - https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/draft-guidance-industry-hazard-analysis-and-risk-based-preventive-controls-human-food

From this Draft Guidance [https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/draft-guidance-industry-hazard-analysis-and-risk-based-preventive-controls-human-food]:

A food allergen program could include, as appropriate to the facility and its food products:

• CGMP measures that you take to comply with the requirements of part 117, subpart B, to prevent allergen cross-contact due to personnel, design and construction of the plant, sanitary operations, equipment and utensils, raw materials and other ingredients, manufacturing operations, and warehousing and distribution. Your hazard analysis should consider how your CGMP measures prevent allergen cross-contact, and the preventive controls that you establish and implement to address a food allergen hazard should complement and enhance your CGMP measures for preventing allergen cross-contact.
• Food allergen controls to provide assurances that any food allergen hazards requiring a preventive control will be significantly minimized or prevented. (See 21 CFR 117.135(a) and (c)(2).) Food allergen controls include procedures, processes, and practices that are: 
• Allergen cross-contact controls – i.e., procedures, practices, and processes employed for ensuring protection of food from allergen cross-contact, including during storage, handling, and use (21 CFR 117.135(c)(2)(i)); and 
• Label controls – i.e., procedures, practices, and processes employed for labeling the finished food, including ensuring that the finished food is not misbranded under section 403(w) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 343(w)). (21 CFR 117.135(c)(2)(ii).)
• A supply-chain program as required by part 117, subpart G for those raw materials and other ingredients for which a manufacturing/processing facility has identified a food allergen hazard that is controlled before its receipt. (See 21 CFR 117.405(a)(1).) See Chapter 15 for comprehensive guidance on how to comply with the requirements of part 117, subpart G for all hazards, not just food allergen hazards.

Breaking this down
A facility will have GMP measures that will mitigate, or apply basic control. One would take these into account as they conduct the hazard analysis. These measures will taken into account as one conducts their hazard analysis.

The Food Allergen Program
There are four primary areas to address.

Oregon - State Agency Rules that Cannabis Can Be Sold with Mold (Aspergillus)

An Oregon State Court ruled that cannabis product that was being withheld from sale due to mold fungus (Aspergillus) contamination, could be sold.  

https://www.opb.org/article/2023/09/25/oregon-cannabis-products-marijuana-mold-recall/
Oregon cannabis products recalled over Aspergillus contamination will soon be sold
By Nathan Wilk (KLCC)
Sept. 25, 2023 1:36 p.m.
Oregon cannabis products recalled over a pathogenic mold will soon be approved for sale.

Last month, a court suspended state restrictions on four strains of the fungus Aspergillus in marijuana. The cannabis industry had argued that the mold was too common to avoid.

The decision left over 2,000 pounds and 60,000 pre-rolls of recalled cannabis in limbo, as the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission awaited further guidance from the Oregon Health Authority.

On Sept. 20, the OLCC announced it would begin clearing those recalled products for sale.

“OLCC is working to coordinate the release of any such items that have been on hold in [the state’s Cannabis Tracking System],” the agency wrote in a press release.

Mike Getlin, the Board Chair for the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon, celebrated the news but said the wait has been frustrating.

“This should have been done within a matter of days, if not, frankly, hours of the judge’s ruling,” Getlin said. “There are potentially businesses failing even though the court has ordered that this impediment be lifted.”

The suspension of the state’s restrictions will expire in February, giving the Oregon Court of Appeals time to review arguments.

Aspergillus spores can cause fungal infections in the immunocompromised, but no cases in Oregon have been linked to cannabis.

Supermarkets Dealing with Pest Infestation Issues

Within the past month, there were serious reports of three different supermarkets facing pest infestation issues.  I find these things shocking.

• A Harris Teeter store in Baltimore reopened after a thorough cleaning and implementing enhanced sanitation protocols after temporarily closing  last week due to an ongoing mouse infestation.
• A Lucky grocery store in Novato, Calif., was shut down by the Marin County Health Department after evidence of rats.  "Public health officials reportedly received complaints about rodents and rodent droppings throughout the store, including the pet food aisle, deli section, produce section, and behind items in the office and restroom areas."
•  An Atlanta Kroger - the "Georgia Department of Agriculture identified rodent droppings and urine spots in the storage area of a Kroger store in the Atlanta area. The inspector also identified where rats had been gnawing on products, creating burrows. After the inspection, workers were reportedly cleaning the loading dock area and patching up drain holes to keep out the rodents."
  

I wonder to what point does this get to before action is taken. When rodent activity is at a point where customers are seeing signs of rodents, or actually seeing rodents, it has gone too far.  Are employees not aware, or not concerned, or not empowered?   

Progressive Grocer
https://progressivegrocer.com/harris-teeter-baltimore-reopens-after-dealing-mouse-infestation
Harris Teeter in Baltimore Reopens After Dealing With Mouse Infestation
Kroger banner closed last week to initiate thorough cleaning and enhanced sanitation protocols

Recent USDA Research on Consumer Food Safety Shows Lack of Proper Food Safety Behaviors

A recently released study funded by USDA shows that consumers still struggle with food safety basics.

Handwashing -  The "data shows that 87% of participants self-reported they washed their hands before starting to cook in the test kitchen. However, only 44% of participants were observed doing so before meal preparation. Additionally, handwashing was not attempted 83% of the time when it should have been done (e.g., touching raw sausage and unwashed cantaloupe, cracking eggs, contaminated equipment or surfaces). Throughout the study, 96% of handwashing attempts did not contain all necessary steps."  It is important to note that this is self-reporting...how many are actually going to claim that they do not wash their hands.

Thermometer Use - "50% of participants used a food thermometer to check the doneness of the sausage patties".  My guess is that this number is higher than what occurs for consumers in general.

Cross-Contamination - Using a bacterial tracer, investigators found that of the "surfaces tested, the kitchen sink was most often contaminated, with 34% of participants contaminating the sink during meal preparation. The next highest was the cantaloupe, with 26% of participants introducing contamination when cutting the cantaloupe during meal preparation." 

This and other consumer based studies can be found at the USDA Consumer Research page.

https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/09/19/new-usda-study-consumer-kitchen-behavior-underscores-importance
New USDA Study on Consumer Kitchen Behavior Underscores the Importance of Food Safety Education Month
Lack of Handwashing Continues to be a Concern

Release & Contact Info
Press Release
Release No. 0189.23
Contact: USDA Press
Email: press@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is releasing during Food Safety Education Month the results from the final year of a five-year study that observed how consumers prepared meals. The study was produced by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) as part of their efforts to highlight the importance of safe food handling practices.

Chicago Taqueria Source of Salmonella Outbreak with Over 50 Infected

A Chicago taqueria, Carniceria Guanajuato, has been shut done after being identified as the source of a Salmonella outbreak.  To date, there have been 56 cases of Salmonella infection with Of those, 17, or 30%, have been hospitalized

From the news report, "The restaurant and grocery store were inspected on Sept. 8 after a report of food poisoning, according to city records. Inspectors reported raw beef and raw shelled eggs were stored above ready-to-eat sliced lettuce and found other items stored at improper temperatures.  The restaurant was instructed to clean and sanitize certain food preparation areas, install working thermometers inside restaurant coolers, and correct labeling of prepared foods, among other fixes, city records showed. "

ABC News & - Chicago
https://abc7chicago.com/salmonella-outbreak-chicago-carniceria-guanajuato-poisoning-avondale/13814359/
Salmonella outbreak Chicago: Avondale taqueria facing lawsuits after 56 fall ill
Sun-Times Media Wire
Friday, September 22, 2023 11:48AM

NY Ag and Markets Issues Warning for NY Raw Milk Cheese After Product Tests Positive for Listeria

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets  warned consumers not to consume Connecticut Hill Melter raw milk cheese from Nathaniel Thompson, doing business as (DBA) Remembrance Farm, due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.  This product was sold and distributed to members of Full Plate Farm Collective Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Ithaca, NY.

A sample of the cheese collected by an inspector from the Department was discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. On September 15, 2023 the producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result. Further laboratory testing, completed on September 19, 2023, confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the cheese sample.

https://www.morningagclips.com/listeria-contamination-in-remembrance-farm-connecticut-hill-melter-raw-milk-cheese/
Listeria Contamination in Remembrance Farm Connecticut Hill Melter Raw Milk Cheese
Remembrance Farm is located at 6294 Searsburg Road, Trumansburg in Tompkins County

PUBLISHED ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

ALBANY — New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball warned consumers not to consume Connecticut Hill Melter raw milk cheese from Nathaniel Thompson, doing business as (DBA) Remembrance Farm, due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Remembrance Farm is located at 6294 Searsburg Road, Trumansburg in Tompkins County. To date, no illnesses have been reported to the Department associated with this product.

ND Establishment Recalls Frozen Meat Pizza Products For Undeclared Soy

Green Valley Foods, a Devils Lake, N.D. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,062 pounds of frozen meat pizza products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the product contains soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS testing when in-plant personnel identified and verified that the product contained soy, which was not declared on the label.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/green-valley-foods-recalls-frozen-meat-pizza-products-due-misbranding-and-undeclared
Green Valley Foods Recalls Frozen Meat Pizza Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
GREEN VALLEY FOODS

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2023 – Green Valley Foods, a Devils Lake, N.D. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,062 pounds of frozen meat pizza products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

SC Firm Expands Recall Ice Cream Product After State Lab Detects Listeria in Additional Lot

Life Raft Treats is expanding their recall of their Not Fried Chicken 64 oz bucket, Not Fried Chicken 2.5 oz bar UPC 8 60006 18210 6 and Life Is Peachy 6 count box ice cream products, to include the BEST BY DATES up to and including AUG 08282024 due to a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. 

 The initial recall was issued on Sept 6 and included all with BEST BY DATES up to and including AUG 8212024.

On September 18, 2023, the firm was notified by South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) that they needed to include an additional lot of their Not Fried Chicken ice cream treat which also test positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The firm also decided to recall their Life Is Peachy Ice Cream treats because both products were manufactured in the same room.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/life-raft-treats-has-expanded-their-recalls-ice-cream-products-not-fried-chicken-and-life-peachy-due
Life Raft Treats has Expanded their Recalls of Ice Cream Products, Not Fried Chicken And Life Is Peachy, Due to Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 19, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  September 22, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness
Company Name:  Life Raft Treats
Brand Name:  Life Raft Treats
Product Description:  Ice Cream Products

FL Firm Recalls Cachapas de Maiz Paisa Due to Undeclared Allergens and Yellow #5

Tama Corp. of Doral, FL, is recalling its 24-ounce packages of "Cachapas de Maiz Paisa" because they contain undeclared wheat, soy and Yellow #5. The recall was initiated after it was discovered during an inspection that the allergens-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of them, due to a labeling error.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tama-corporation-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-soy-and-yellow-5-cachapas-de-maiz-paisa
TAMA Corporation Issues Allergy Alert for Undeclared Wheat, Soy and Yellow #5 in "Cachapas de Maiz PAISA"
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 21, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  September 21, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared wheat and soy allergens; undeclared yellow #5
Company Name:  TAMA Corporation
Brand Name:  PAISA
Product Description:  Sweet Corn Pancakes "Cachapas de Maiz"

Individually Wrapped Sliced Cheese Product Recalled After Packaging Machine Error Leaves Potential for Plastic Hazard

Kraft Heinz is announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 83,800 cases of individually-wrapped Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices for the potential for film to remain adhered to the cheese slice after the wrapper has been removed.  The issue occurred on one of the wrapping machines, where it became possible for a thin strip of the individual film to remain on the slice after the wrapper has been removed. If the film sticks to the slice and is not removed, it could be unpleasant and potentially cause a gagging or choking hazard.  The issue was discovered after we received several consumer complaints about finding the plastic stuck to a slice, including six complaints of consumers saying they choked or gagged in connection with the issue. No injuries or serious health issues have been reported.

This is not the first time for this company to have this issue.  A similar issue occurred in 2015.  In this 2015 recall, 335,000 cases of product were recalled.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kraft-heinz-issues-voluntary-recall-select-kraft-singles-american-processed-cheese-slices
Kraft Heinz Issues Voluntary Recall of Select Kraft Singles American Processed Cheese Slices
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 19, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  September 20, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Packaging defect causes potential for film to remain adhered to the cheese slice after the wrapper has been removed.
Company Name:  Kraft Heinz
Brand Name:  Kraft
Product Description:  American Processed Cheese Slices

Cake Product Recalled for Undeclared Peanut After Incorrect Sticker Label Applied

David’s Cookies is recalling 960 units of “Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake” lot # BS23212 that has been sold in Walmart retail stores across the country after the company mislabeled the Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake  as “Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake” a name that does not depict peanut as a key ingredient and does not declare the peanut allergen warning on the label.  Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused at the labeling & packaging stage.

An Allergen Preventive Control for labeling, which would include labeling monitoring and verification, if properly implemented, would have prevented this issue.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/allergen-alert-undeclared-peanuts-cake
Allergen Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in "Cake"
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 19, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  September 19, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared peanuts
Company Name:  David’s Cookies
Brand Name:  Marketside
Product Description:  Chocolate Cake

USDA Issues Public Health Alert for Canned Meat Which May Have Not Been Properly Processed

USDA FSIS is issuing a public health alert for canned meat product due to under processing.  The product, SPAM Classic, is produced by Hormel.  The problem was discovered when the firm reported that they inadvertently shipped product that may not have been adequately processed to reach commercial sterility.  

So it appears that product inadvertently shipped would indicate that the product had been recognized as suspect, or deviated, and was, or should have been, on Hold status.  As part of a facility's Corrective Action procedures, it is imperative to capture suspect product. 

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.  A recall was not requested because it is believed that the product is no longer available for consumers to purchase.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-canned-meat-product-due-possible-under-processing
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Canned Meat Product Due to Possible Under Processing
HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for canned meat product due to under processing. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because it is believed that the product is no longer available for consumers to purchase.

WI Establishment Recalls Ground Beef After Testing Positive or E. coli (STEC) O103

American Foods Group, LLC, doing business as Green Bay Dressed Beef, LCC, a Green Bay, Wis. establishment, is recalling approximately 58,281 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O103.  The raw, ground beef items were produced on Aug. 14, 2023.  The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified that a sample collected by a state public health partner tested positive for the presence of E. coli O103. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.


American Foods Group, LLC Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O103 Contamination
GREEN BAY DRESSED BEEF, LLC
FSIS Announcement


WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2023 - American Foods Group, LLC, doing business as Green Bay Dressed Beef, LCC, a Green Bay, Wis. establishment, is recalling approximately 58,281 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O103, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

MI Firm Recalls Hamburger Buns for Undeclared Milk

Knickerbocker 365, Inc. of Madison Heights, MI, is recalling its 16-ounce packages of "Homestyle Hamburger Buns" because they contain undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the milk-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.  The problem was corrected immediately.  

A complaint of illness was reported to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/knickerbocker-365-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-homestyle-hamburger-buns
Knickerbocker 365 Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in “Homestyle Hamburger Buns”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 14, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  September 14, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen/Milk
Company Name:  Knickerbocker 365, Inc.
Brand Name:  Knickerbocker
Product Description:  Homestyle Hamburger Buns

France - Botulism Outbreak Linked to Homemade Preserved Sardines

Homemade sardine preserves served at a wine bar in the southwestern city of Bordeaux are being linked a botulism outbreak that has affected a dozen people and causing the death of one woman.  According to the NY Times article, "One woman who lives in the Paris region died after returning home and checking into a hospital, doctors said on Wednesday. Her partner was also hospitalized. Eight of the other victims are still at a hospital in Bordeaux. Most of them are in intensive care and receiving respiratory assistance."  Botulism pensioning is caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum as it grows in improperly processed food products.  When consumed, the toxin shuts down the autonomic nervous system, paralyzing muscles including those muscles needed for breathing.

"The restaurant owner acknowledged that some of the preserves had a “bad smell” when he opened them, but he said the ones he served to his customers appeared safe, according to local officials."

NY Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/13/world/europe/france-botulism-sardines.html
One Dead in Botulism Outbreak Traced to Sardines at Bar in France
At least a dozen people became ill after eating at a popular organic wine bar in Bordeaux. Health officials blamed contaminated homemade preserves.

USDA Issues Health Alert for Gluten-Free Soup After Gluten Detected

USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for a ready-to-eat (RTE) Kirkland Signature chicken tortilla soup product due to misbranding. The label declares the product as gluten-free, but gluten was detected in the product, thus a false negative claim.   A recall was not requested because the affected products are no longer available for purchase.  The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that laboratory testing found gluten in the chicken tortilla soup, which is labeled as gluten-free.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-kirkland-signature-chicken-tortilla-soup-product-due
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Kirkland Signature Chicken Tortilla Soup Product Due to Misbranding

KETTLE CUISINE MIDCO, LLC

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for a ready-to-eat (RTE) Kirkland Signature chicken tortilla soup product due to misbranding. The label declares the product as gluten-free, a false negative claim. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with reactions to gluten are aware that these products should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the affected products are no longer available for purchase.

Youth Death Potentially Linked to Consumption of Hot Pepper Product, Part of Social Media Challenge

Paqui, an Austin, Texas-based chip company is pulling its One Chip Challenge from the store shelves after the death of a 14-year old Massachusetts boy which may be related to eating the chip. The company's product has promoted its "One Chip Challenge" on social media.  According to the challenge, a person would see how long they can wait before having something to drink after eating a chip.

The chip is seasoned "with Carolina Reaper Peppers roughly 1.7 million Scoville Units and the Naga Viper Pepper at roughly 1.4 million Scoville Units, a unit used to measure the heat of peppers. A jalapeño registers between 2,500 and 8,000 Scoville Units, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology."

.The product is said to be made for adults, but of course children are going to eat this.  According to one expert, "....if saliva-laden capsaicin gets into the lungs, it can cause pneumonitis — an inflammation that can be serious, especially for people with preexisting conditions". (Yahoo)

CA Firm Recalls Mooncakes Due to Undeclared Egg Allergen

Sheng Kee of California, Inc. is voluntarily recalling varieties of Mooncake Gift Boxes for customers that have any issues because they may contain undeclared egg wash.  The recalled Mooncakes were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders. We are working with our wholesalers and retailers to relabel and refit the current boxes.  The voluntary recall was initiated after it was discovered that the egg-containing products were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg. 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/sheng-kee-california-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-following-traditional-mooncake-products
Sheng Kee of California, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in the Following Traditional Mooncake Products
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 11, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  September 11, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Snack Food Item 
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared egg.
Company Name:  Sheng Kee of California, Inc.
Brand Name:  Sheng Kee of California
Product Description:  Assortment of flavored mooncakes in gift boxes.

SC Firm Recalls Ice Cream Product After State Lab Detects Listeria

Life Raft Treats is recalling their Not Fried Chicken 64 oz bucket, Not Fried Chicken 2.5 oz bar UPC 8 60006 18210 6 and Life Is Peachy 6 count box ice cream products, all with BEST BY DATES up to and including AUG 8212024 due to a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.   On September 5, 2023 the firm was notified by South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) that their Not Fried Chicken ice cream treat test positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The firm also decided to recall their Life Is Peachy Ice Cream treats because both products were manufactured in the same room.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/life-raft-treats-recalls-ice-cream-products-not-fried-chicken-and-life-peachy-due-possible-listeria
Life Raft Treats Recalls Ice Cream Products, Not Fried Chicken And Life Is Peachy, Due to Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 06, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  September 06, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness
Company Name:  Life Raft Treats
Brand Name:  Life Raft Treats
Product Description:  Ice Cream Products

Colorado Establishment Recalls Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Product for Undeclared Allergen Due to Mislabeling

 Custom Made Meals, LLC, a Denver, Col. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,345 pounds of bacon wrapped jalapeno product due to misbranding and undeclared allergen - 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 a retail store informed them the product had the incorrect label affixed to the packaging.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/custom-made-meals-llc-recalls-bacon-wrapped-jalapeno-product-due-misbranding-and
Custom Made Meals, LLC Recalls Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Product Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

CUSTOM MADE MEALS

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Sep. 09, 2023 – Custom Made Meals, LLC, a Denver, Col. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,345 pounds of bacon wrapped jalapeno product due to misbranding and undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

TX Importer Recalling Frozen Pork Products Produced in Mexico That Were Not Re-inspected Upon Entry to US

Empacadora Frape, USA LLC, the importer of record located in Houston, Texas, is recalling approximately 20,455 pounds of frozen, not ready to eat (NRTE) pork chicharron and pork carnitas products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States.  The products subject to recall bear Mexican establishment number “TIF No. 681” inside the Mexican mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in California.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS surveillance activities of imported products, and it was determined that the products were not presented for reinspection.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/empacadora-frape-usa-llc-recalls-pork-products-imported-without-benefit-import
Empacadora Frape, USA LLC, Recalls Pork Products Imported Without Benefit of Import Reinspection

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2023, Empacadora Frape, USA LLC, the importer of record located in Houston, Texas, is recalling approximately 20,455 pounds of frozen, not ready to eat (NRTE) pork chicharron and pork carnitas products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

GA Importer Recalls Canadian Meat Product Which Was Not Reinspected for Import

AJC International, Inc., the importer of record located in Atlanta, Ga., is recalling approximately 17,428 pounds of frozen, raw pork products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States.  The products subject to recall bear Canadian establishment number “391” inside the Canadian mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distributors in Hawaii, American Samoa and exported to the country of Palau.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS surveillance activities of imported products, and it was determined that the products were not presented for reinspection.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/ajc-international-inc--recalls-frozen-raw-pork-products-imported-without-benefit
AJC International, Inc. Recalls Frozen, Raw Pork Products Imported Without Benefit of Import Reinspection

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2023 - AJC International, Inc., the importer of record located in Atlanta, Ga., is recalling approximately 17,428 pounds of frozen, raw pork products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

MO Company Recalls Smoked Sausage After Complaints of Bone Fragments

Hillshire Brands Company, a St. Joseph, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 15,876 pounds of blended meat and poultry smoked sausage products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically bone fragments.  The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that it received consumer complaints regarding bone fragments in the product. Also, FSIS received one consumer complaint regarding this issue.

Recalled product was shipped to retail stores in California, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/hillshire-brands-company-recalls-smoked-sausage-products-due-possible-foreign-matter
Hillshire Brands Company Recalls Smoked Sausage Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2023 - Hillshire Brands Company, a St. Joseph, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 15,876 pounds of blended meat and poultry smoked sausage products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically bone fragments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Chicken Strip Entree Product Recalled After Complaint of Plastic in Product

Conagra Brands, Inc, a Marshall, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 245,366 pounds of frozen chicken strips entree products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of plastic.

The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that it received a consumer complaint of plastic in the chicken strip portion of the product, which resulted in an oral injury associated with consumption of this product.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/conagra-brands-inc--recalls-banquet-brand-frozen-chicken-strips-entree-due-possible
ConAgra Brands Inc. Recalls Banquet Brand Frozen Chicken Strips Entree Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2023 - Conagra Brands, Inc, a Marshall, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 245,366 pounds of frozen chicken strips entree products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Ice Cream Recalled for Undeclared Egg Due to Processing Error

Weis Markets Inc. of Sunbury, PA today said it is recalling containers of Weis Quality Brownie Moose Tracks Ice Cream (48oz) because the product may contain undeclared EGG.   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product may contain trace amounts of EGG due to processing on shared equipment in error.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/weis-markets-issues-allergy-alert-weis-quality-premium-brownie-moose-tracks-ice-cream-due-undeclared
Weis Markets Issues an Allergy Alert for Weis Quality Premium Brownie Moose Tracks Ice Cream Due to Undeclared Egg Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 31, 2023
FDA Publish Date: August 31, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages Ice Cream/Frozen Dairy
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared egg
Company Name:  Weis Markets Inc.
Brand Name: Weis Quality
Product Description:  
Brownie Moose Tracks Ice Cream

NY Company Recalls Packaged Soft-Serve Ice Cream Linked to Listeria Outbreak

Ice Cream House of Brooklyn, NY, is recalling all dairy and non-dairy products bearing the Ice Cream House logo that were manufactured in the Brooklyn, NY, facility.   This was initiated after being linked to a Listeria outbreak where 2 people have been hospitalized.  FDA is "investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to Soft Serve On The Go cups produced by Real Kosher Ice Cream of Brooklyn, NY".   The Ice Cream House has temporarily halted production and ceased retail service at this facility.

Product sampling was conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets at Real Kosher Ice Cream’s manufacturing location. Five finished product samples of Soft Serve On The Go Vanilla Chocolate ice cream were reported as positive for Listeria monocytogenes. WGS analysis confirmed that the strain of Listeria found in these products matches the outbreak strain.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-ice-cream-august-2023
Outbreak Investigation of Listeria: Ice Cream (August 2023)
Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled Soft Serve On The Go cups and Ice Cream House products. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 2
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
Last Patient Sample Collection Date: June 29, 2023
States with Cases: PA, NY
Ice Cream House Product Distribution: NJ, NY, OH
Real Kosher Soft Serve On the Go Distribution: CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, IL, MA, MD, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, VA, WV

FDA Issues Advisory on Canadian Mussels Positive for Salmonella and Generic E. coli

FDA issued a Health Advisory on cultured mussels from East River Shellfish, Inc. from harvest location PE 4-C, harvested on 8/14/2023, shipped on 8/15/2023, and distributed to retailers in IL, MA, and NY.  This comes based " on 8/21/2023, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) tested mussel meats and discovered the presence of Salmonella and high levels of generic E. coli. On 8/23/2023, the CFIA informed the FDA of the testing results from the contaminated product. The CFIA food safety investigation into the cause of the problem is ongoing."

https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-restaurantsretailers-not-servesell-and-consumers-not-eat-certain-cultured-mussels-east
FDA Advises Restaurants/Retailers Not to Serve/Sell and Consumers Not to Eat Certain Cultured Mussels from East River Shellfish, Inc. Potentially Contaminated with Salmonella/E. coli

TX Establishment Recalls Ground Beef After Positive STEC E.coli Testing Result

 Dean & Peeler Meatworks, LLC, a Poth, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 1,835 pounds of fresh ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  The issue was reported to FSIS after the ground beef product was submitted to a third-party laboratory for microbiological analysis and the sample tested presumptive positive for E. coli O157:H7. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/dean-peeler-meatworks-llc-recalls-fresh-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e--coli
Dean & Peeler Meatworks, LLC, Recalls Fresh Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

DEAN & PEELER MEATWORKS

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2023 - Dean & Peeler Meatworks, LLC, a Poth, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 1,835 pounds of fresh ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

USDA FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Packages of Chicken Noodle Soup Containing Wrong Product Resulting in Undeclared Allergen

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for fresh, fully cooked, ready-to-eat (RTE) ShopRite brand chicken noodle soup products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The product labeled as chicken noodle soup may actually contain Italian-style wedding soup, which contains milk.  A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.  The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that a retail store employee who was stocking refrigerated store shelves found soups labeled as chicken noodle and Italian-style wedding soup in the same shipping box. The retailer reported the issue to the producing establishment.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-shoprite-brand-bowl-basket-chicken-noodle-soup-due
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Shoprite Brand Bowl & Basket Chicken Noodle Soup Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Public Health Alert for Marinated Chicken Product Due to Undeclared Allergens Caused by Equipment Malfunction

USDA FSIS is issuing a public health alert for Wegmans Jamaican Jerk-style, raw, marinated chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The marinade in the chicken products may contain milk, soy, and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase. The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that it identified an equipment malfunction that may have led to potential cross-contamination with milk, soy, and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product labels.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-wegmans-jamaican-jerk-style-chicken-products-due
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Wegmans Jamaican Jerk Style Chicken Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Packages of Black Bean Tamales Recalled for Milk Allergen After Mislabeling Issue

Texas Tamale Co. located in Houston, Texas, is instituting a recall for one lot of Texas Tamale Black Bean Tamales due to the potential presence of an undeclared milk allergen. Hatch Green Chile and Cheese Tamales were mistakenly packaged in Black Bean Tamale Bags.   The decision to recall these products was prompted by a consumer complaint that the items containing milk allergens were disseminated in packaging that failed to disclose the presence of milk. Subsequent investigative efforts have identified a temporary lapse within our packaging processes as the source of this issue.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/texas-tamale-co-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-texas-tamale-black-bean-tamales
Texas Tamale Co. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Texas Tamale Black Bean Tamales
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 25, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  August 25, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk allergen
Company Name:  Texas Tamale Co.
Brand Name:  Texas Tamale
Product Description:  Black Bean Tamales

WA Frozen Food Company Recalls Frozen Veggies After Listeria Found

Twin City Foods, Inc. of Stanwood, Washington, is recalling lots of Not-Ready-To Eat Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) Super Sweet Cut Corn and Mixed Vegetables in retail bags, due to a potential for these products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  Brands include Kroger and Food Lion.  To date, there have been no actual consumer reports of human illness or other complaints associated with this product.  The recall has been initiated because finished products may potentially be contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes, based on one customer’s 3rd party lab results for the IQF sweet cut corn.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/twin-city-foods-inc-recalls-frozen-super-sweet-corn-and-mixed-vegetables-because-possible-health
Twin City Foods, Inc., Recalls Frozen Super Sweet Corn and Mixed Vegetables Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 22, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  August 23, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:   Potential Foodborne Illness
Company Name:  Twin City Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Food Lion, Kroger and more
Product Description:  Frozen sweet corn and mixed vegetables

Logistics Provider Recalls Products Held at TX Warehouse Facility Due to Rodent Activity

Inmar Supply Chain Solutions, LLC, a third-party logistics provider, is recalling products stored in their Arlington TX facility after it was found that the facility had rodent and temperature control issues.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/inmar-supply-chain-solutions-llc-issues-voluntary-recall-product-stored-its-arlington-texas-facility
Inmar Supply Chain Solutions, LLC, Issues a Voluntary Recall of Product Stored at its Arlington, Texas Facility Due to Conditions at the Facility
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 23, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  August 23, 2023
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Drugs Food & Beverages  Medical Devices  Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement: Potential Salmonella contamination and presence of rodent activity at the distribution center & temperature abuse
Company Name:  Inmar Supply Chain Solutions
Brand Name:  Numerous brand names
Product Description:  Numerous human food, animal (pet) food, medical devices, and drug products

MN Importer Recalls Brazilian Pork Products Not Reinspected Upon Entry

 Bellboy Import Corporation, the importer of record located in Saint Charles, Minn., is recalling approximately 551 pounds of frozen, raw pork products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States.  The products subject to recall bear Brazilian establishment number “BRASIL INSPECIONADO 3548 S.I.F” inside the Brazilian mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail and restaurant locations in Minnesota.  FSIS discovered the problem during routine surveillance activities of imported products and found that the products were not presented for reinspection.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/bellboy-import-corporation-recalls-frozen-raw-pork-products-produced-without-benefit
Bellboy Import Corporation Recalls Frozen, Raw Pork Products Produced Without Benefit of Import Reinspection

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2023 – Bellboy Import Corporation, the importer of record located in Saint Charles, Minn., is recalling approximately 551 pounds of frozen, raw pork products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

CA Winery Forced to Destroy Wine Illegally Aged in the Ocean

A California winery had to destroy 2,000 bottles of ocean-aged wine (aging bottles of wine in the ocean) after found guilty for...never getting permission to put wine bottles in the ocean, and then selling wine without proper licensing.

People were paying $500 per bottle for this wine.  "In an interview with the Santa Barbara Independent, Hahn was still hopeful that Ocean Fathoms could eventually return — and get back to aging its wines in the ocean (with the proper permits this time). “The demand has never been higher,” he told the outlet. “The environment is perfect, and it’s a nice day trip [to Santa Barbara].” "


Wine and Spirits
A California Wine Company Had to Destroy 2,000 Bottles of Wine After Illegally Aging Them at the Bottom of the Ocean
Story by Jelisa Castrodale •
8/15/23

On its website, California wine company Ocean Fathoms praises the waters of the Santa Barbara channel as “the perfect environment” for aging its wines. “[T]he set of special characteristics of the Channel Islands’ environment gives Ocean Fathoms a superior product,” the company claims, before praising the abundant underwater flora and fauna that attach itself to each bottle.

Maine Firm Recalls Peanut Butter Malt Balls After Incorrect Ingredient Label Applied

Stonewall Kitchen of York, Maine is recalling a limited amount of their Peanut Butter Maltballs (6oz.) because the product contains undeclared allergens: Soy, Wheat, Peanuts.  The issue was discovered by a Stonewall Kitchen store staff member.  From the picture posted on the FDA website, it appears the back ingredient label was incorrect in that it did not match the front label or more importantly, the product inside the package.

This rookie mistake is way too common.  An Allergen Preventive Control for label application would need to implement robust monitoring and verification of this operation.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/stonewall-kitchen-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-wheat-and-peanuts-peanut-butter-maltballs-6oz
Stonewall Kitchen Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy, Wheat, and Peanuts in Peanut Butter Maltballs (6oz.)
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 14, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  August 14, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared soy, wheat, peanut allergens
Company Name:  Stonewall Kitchen
Brand Name:  Stonewall Kitchen
Product Description:  Peanut Butter Maltballs

NJ Establishment Recalls Meat Products Produced Without Inspection

E.N.A. Meat Packing Inc., a Paterson, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 58,721 pounds of frozen, raw halal beef tripe, beef feet, and lamb tripe products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection.  The problem was discovered during FSIS surveillance activities. FSIS determined that the firm produced the beef and lamb products without the benefit of federal inspection.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/e-n-a--meat-packing-inc--recalls-frozen-raw-beef-and-lamb-products-produced-without
E.N.A. Meat Packing Inc. Recalls Frozen, Raw Beef and Lamb Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
E.N.A. MEAT PACKING INC.

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2023 – E.N.A. Meat Packing Inc., a Paterson, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 58,721 pounds of frozen, raw halal beef tripe, beef feet, and lamb tripe 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.

Chocolate Cookie Dough Recalled for Foreign Material - Wood Fragments

Nestlé USA is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough “break and bake” Bar (16.5 oz) products due to the potential presence of wood fragments.  Nestle stated that they "are confident that this is an isolated issue and we have taken action to address."  

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nestle-usa-announces-voluntary-recall-limited-quantity-nestler-toll-houser-chocolate-chip-cookie
Nestlé USA Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Quantity of NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar (16.5 Oz) Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 10, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  August 11, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential presence of wood fragments
Company Name:  Nestle USA
Brand Name:  NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE®
Product Description:  Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Company Announcement

ARLINGTON, VA., August 10, 2023 — Nestlé USA is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough “break and bake” Bar (16.5 oz) products due to the potential presence of wood fragments.

Soup Mix Packets Recalled for Undeclared Egg

Unilever United States Inc. is voluntarily recalling select Knorr Sopa Soup Mix products because the products may contain egg, which is not listed as an ingredient on the label.  The recalled products were distributed nationwide. No other Unilever or Knorr products are affected by this recall. To date, the company has not received any reports of consumer complaints or allergic reactions associated with this product

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/unilever-us-voluntarily-recalls-select-knorr-sopa-soup-mix-products-due-potential-undeclared-egg
Unilever U.S. Voluntarily Recalls Select Knorr Sopa Soup Mix Products Due to Potential Undeclared Egg Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 10, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  August 10, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared egg
Company Name: Unilever United States Inc.
Brand Name:  Knorr
Product Description:  Knorr Sopa Soup Mix products

NY Firm Recalls Ice Cream After Two Ill from Listeria

Real Kosher Ice Cream of Brooklyn, NY is recalling soft serve on the go ice cream and sorbet cups, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  To date, two cases of illness have been reported in this outbreak in two states (NY and PA). Both individuals were hospitalized but no deaths have been reported to date.   The recall is the result of an individual becoming ill and reporting to have eaten this product. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture tested samples of product and one sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/real-kosher-ice-cream-recalls-soft-serve-go-cups-because-possible-health-risk
Real Kosher Ice Cream Recalls Soft Serve on the Go Cups Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 09, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  August 09, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name: Real Kosher Ice Cream
Brand Name: Soft serve on the go
Product Description: Soft serve ice cream and sorbet cups

Articles on Shelf-life Dating Fail to Educate

Expiration dates and food waste....the current arguments that food expiration dates lead to food waste is one that is so singular in focus that blame food company practices for being  responsible instead of purchaser of the food who fails to manage properly.  In an article Is It Really Expired? The Truth About Food ‘Expiration’ Dates, we see many of the same complaints about code dating, but a failure to recognize the real issue...failure to manage according to those dates.

Face it, when you spend $3.00 on a bag of chips, your expectation is that the bag of chips within code date is going to meet your expectations...100% of the time.  Not 50% of the time.  A manufacturer does not want to disappoint a customer and have them return the product (which in the end costs the manufacturer for that bag... at retail price, and the potential of a lost customer).  The date that is set is that guarantee of that quality.  But there are those that say....well, that bag of chips is still safe past that date, but may not be as good.  What is that probability?  Maybe 5 days past the code date it is 90%....two weeks 80%.   Quality continues to deteriorate by the day, and while still safe, 80% quality was certainly not worth 100% of the $3.00 you spent on the bag of chips.

Products, and the processes that produce these products, are all different.  The conditions in which products are distributed and then stored also vary greatly, impacting the deterioration of product.  The manufacturer has an interest to set that code date out as far as they can, for distribution purposes, but to a point where they can guarantee that the quality is still acceptable 100% of the time.  There are  numerous factors taken into account when setting a date.  No one can do this but the manufacturer because in the end, their livelihood is dependent upon it.

But instead of us focusing on educating people on using food in a timely fashion, we look to force companies to potentially sell products that have a chance to fail before they are consumed.   Food is a expensive resource that must be used wisely.  Along with that, we should have a system that can capture any remaining value for product that is not exactly at the standard it was when paid for at full price.  

For the consumer, it should come down to managing the resource properly.  Use food before it gets close to date...buy only what you can use in a reasonable time period....only prepare what you plan to consume immediately or within a few days if not adverse to eating leftovers.

Do not make me buy something at full price that does not meet 100% of my expectations.  Do not put in regulations forcing companies to set dates where product failure is a possibility just because somebody may misplace a food item on the shelf only to find it 3 months later.

There is agreement that there needs to be better adherence to code dating standards. A standard was initiated by Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA, now the CBA).  "The new voluntary initiative streamlines the myriad date labels on consumer products packaging down to just two standard phrases. “BEST If Used By” describes product quality, where the product may not taste or perform as expected but is safe to use or consume. “USE By” applies to the few products that are highly perishable and/or have a food safety concern over time; these products should be consumed by the date listed on the package – and disposed of after that date."

Educate people on the correct reason for these dates and for the need to use food wisely.  And then give them a way to handle this product if it has not used wisely to start (with the understanding that it is not as good from a quality perspective as it once was).  In the end, it comes down to the consumer for managing their food and using that resource in a mindful way.

EcoWatch
https://www.ecowatch.com/food-expiration-labels-dates-safety-ecowatch.html

Is It Really Expired? The Truth About Food ‘Expiration’ Dates

Forgot about that container of yogurt in the back of the fridge? A bag of granola lost in the pantry? A glance at the expiration date might tell you that it’s time to toss it, but in fact, “expired” food might still be perfectly safe and enjoyable to eat..

CDC MMWR - 2021 Salmonella Outbreak in Canada Linked to RTE Tofu

In CDC MMWR, a report on a 2021 Salmonella outbreak linked to tofu.  "During May–July 2021, an outbreak of S. Typhimurium involving 38 cases in 10 public health districts in Ontario, Canada was linked to consumption of tofu, suggesting a novel outbreak-associated S. Typhimurium food vehicle. Lapses in sanitation and recommended heat processing likely resulted in product contamination."

While tofu had not previously been the source of a Salmonella outbreak, it is not a stretch to think it could be.  So with that, a food safety plan would need to address Salmonella on the soybeans used to make the tofu, and then as a contaminant in the environment.  For the latter, sanitation controls, hygienic controls, and verification by environmental monitoring.

From the report:

• "Food safety investigations revealed that seasoned tofu from the same manufacturer was served across all 14 restaurants. The tofu was identified as a ready-to-eat food product that was produced by a manufacturer in Ontario and commercially sold in 250-g (8.8-oz) and 500-g (17.6-oz) packages. Restaurants purchased the product as a 500-g vacuum-sealed package."
• "Food safety investigations identified the absence of a heat treatment process after the addition of seasoning to the packaged 500-g product, which was also sold online to other provinces including Quebec; the 250-g packaged product did undergo additional heat treatment. No illnesses were linked to the 250-g packaged product. Several infractions were observed at the manufacturing plant, including poor sanitation of the processing equipment and the absence of a food safety plan or a food sampling program."
• "Tofu was identified as the source of an outbreak of S. Typhimurium in Ontario in 2021. Investigators hypothesized that unsanitary conditions at the production facility could have led to contamination of the tofu after production and before packaging, but the absence of an additional heating step during production likely resulted in failure to eliminate the pathogen. "
• "Tofu is a novel outbreak-associated food vehicle for this pathogen and has not been implicated in previous outbreaks. Soy products, including tofu, are uncommon vehicles for foodborne illnesses. Among previously published outbreaks linked to soy products, only one outbreak involved Salmonella (Salmonella enterica paratyphi) (2). "
• "Although tofu has been implicated in outbreaks associated with other pathogens, there are no published reports of tofu-associated nontyphoidal Salmonella outbreaks (3,4); however, the growth or presence of S. Typhimurium on soy products has been detected in microbiological food studies (5,6)."

CDC - MMWR

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7232a1.htm
An Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Linked to Ready-To-Eat Tofu in Multiple Health Districts — Ontario, Canada, May–July 2021
Weekly / August 11, 2023 / 72(32);855–858