A Hepatitis A infected kitchen worker at a New Jersey restaurant has caused hundreds to get vaccinated. However, at this point, the only person to be diagnosed is that employee.
CBS Philadelphia
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/12/04/as-hundreds-try-to-avoid-become-sick-from-exposure-to-hepatitis-a-in-a-popular-nj-restaurant-health-officials-fear-2nd-person-has-the-virus/
Health Officials Rule Out Possible Second Case Of Hepatitis A In Hamilton Township, NJ
December 4, 2014 5:10 PM
By Cleve Bryan
HAMILTON Twp., NJ (CBS) – Fear of contracting hepatitis A drove hundreds of people to a vaccination clinic Thursday after learning a kitchen worker at Rosa’s Restaurant and Catering is severely ill from the virus and may have been contaminating customer’s food for weeks.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Yogurt Recall - FDA Claims State Inspectors Knew of Issue Prior to Recall
Last year, Chobani recalled yogurt due to extensive mold contamination. The recall was issued after numerous consumer complaints. According to the FDA Inspection report (page 6 if you really want to see), the Idaho Department of Agriculture knew about the mold issue 2 months before the recall. Idaho DofA denies this claim.
MagicValley.com
http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_686ede3a-0735-5e15-90be-0eb801c48c87.html#.VIMXFpr9qOE.twitter
State Knew Chobani Yogurt was Tainted Months before Recall, FDA Says
December 05, 2013 2:00 am • By Joe Cadotte - jcadotte@magicvalley.com
TWIN FALLS • The Idaho Department of Agriculture saw moldy yogurt during a routine inspection at Chobani two months before the company issued a voluntary recall, says a U.S. Food and Drug Administration report obtained by the Times-News under a Freedom of Information Act request.
The state denies the FDA claim.
MagicValley.com
http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_686ede3a-0735-5e15-90be-0eb801c48c87.html#.VIMXFpr9qOE.twitter
State Knew Chobani Yogurt was Tainted Months before Recall, FDA Says
December 05, 2013 2:00 am • By Joe Cadotte - jcadotte@magicvalley.com
TWIN FALLS • The Idaho Department of Agriculture saw moldy yogurt during a routine inspection at Chobani two months before the company issued a voluntary recall, says a U.S. Food and Drug Administration report obtained by the Times-News under a Freedom of Information Act request.
The state denies the FDA claim.
Virginia Company Issues 2nd Recall for Sprouts Due to Listeria
A Virginia company is issuing another recall after the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services found Listeria in the samples they had tested. This is the 2nd recall for this company, the other recall occurring in 2012.
The Packer
http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/Sprout-investigation--32-months-and-counting-284786261.html
Sprout investigation — 32 months and counting
12/04/2014 01:41:00 PM
Coral Beach
Criminal charges may be the next step in Virginia’s efforts to protect the public from Henry’s Farm, a fresh sprout grower that has been on officials’ food safety radar because of listeria since April 2012. Courtesy Virginia Department of AgriculturePositive tests for listeria in fresh sprouts from Henry's Farm, Woodford, Va., spurred recalls in April 2012 and November this year. A warning letter from FDA states the labels on the packages violate federal law.
The Packer
http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/Sprout-investigation--32-months-and-counting-284786261.html
Sprout investigation — 32 months and counting
12/04/2014 01:41:00 PM
Coral Beach
Criminal charges may be the next step in Virginia’s efforts to protect the public from Henry’s Farm, a fresh sprout grower that has been on officials’ food safety radar because of listeria since April 2012. Courtesy Virginia Department of AgriculturePositive tests for listeria in fresh sprouts from Henry's Farm, Woodford, Va., spurred recalls in April 2012 and November this year. A warning letter from FDA states the labels on the packages violate federal law.
Frozen Enchiladas Recalled Due to Potential Of Salmonella Due to Cilantro Ingredient
A California Company is recalling their frozen chili cheese enchilada product due to the potential for Salmonella. The recall came after the supplier of the organic cilantro ingredient used in the product notified the producer that they had found Salmonella in their routine testing of the cilantro.
This frozen product appears to be cooked by the processor, at least partially. Although we can't tell whether the cilantro was added before or after the thermal process.
Another item to notice is that the package has cooking instructions that direct the consumer to fully cook this product before consuming. These process steps would help to lower the risk of Salmonella in the product, however, if an issue were to arise, then it be a disaster for the manufacturer. The likelihood of under cooking by the consumer must also be taken into account.
FDA Recall Notice - Dec 3, 2014
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm425648.htm
Recall -- Firm Press Release
FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
Overhill Farms Voluntarily Recalls Open Nature Chile Cheese Enchiladas Sold At Safeway Stores Nationwide Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination
Contact: Consumer: 1-323-582-9977
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — December 3, 2014 — Overhill Farms, Inc. of Vernon, California is voluntarily recalling the frozen food product Open Nature Chile Cheese Enchiladas due to potential Salmonella contamination. The supplier for the organic cilantro contained in such product notified Overhill Farms that the organic cilantro may have Salmonella contamination based on routine testing conducted. The product is sold nationwide at all Safeway-owned stores, including Safeway, Carrs, Genuardi’s, Pak ‘N Save, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb and Vons.
This frozen product appears to be cooked by the processor, at least partially. Although we can't tell whether the cilantro was added before or after the thermal process.
Another item to notice is that the package has cooking instructions that direct the consumer to fully cook this product before consuming. These process steps would help to lower the risk of Salmonella in the product, however, if an issue were to arise, then it be a disaster for the manufacturer. The likelihood of under cooking by the consumer must also be taken into account.
FDA Recall Notice - Dec 3, 2014
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm425648.htm
Recall -- Firm Press Release
FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
Overhill Farms Voluntarily Recalls Open Nature Chile Cheese Enchiladas Sold At Safeway Stores Nationwide Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination
Contact: Consumer: 1-323-582-9977
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — December 3, 2014 — Overhill Farms, Inc. of Vernon, California is voluntarily recalling the frozen food product Open Nature Chile Cheese Enchiladas due to potential Salmonella contamination. The supplier for the organic cilantro contained in such product notified Overhill Farms that the organic cilantro may have Salmonella contamination based on routine testing conducted. The product is sold nationwide at all Safeway-owned stores, including Safeway, Carrs, Genuardi’s, Pak ‘N Save, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb and Vons.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Raw Sprouts Linked to Salmonella Outbreak, 87 in 11 States
Update - As of 12/2/14, CDC reports 87 cases in 11 states.
Raw bean sprouts have been linked to 63 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis infection. The bean sprout product was produced by Wonton Foods, based in Brooklyn, NY. According to CDC, about 1/4 of those infected have been hospitalized. The cases have been seen in 10 states, mostly in the Northeast and New England.
Bean and seed sprouts are considered high risk food items. While beans and seeds are normally sanitized prior to beginning the sprouting process, any remaining pathogens on the beans or seeds, such as Salmonella or STEC E. coli, can grow under the conditions that are used to allow the beans or seeds to sprout and grow.
There have been a large number of outbreaks related to sprouts (clover sprouts and E. coli - June, 2014, bean sprouts and E. coli, 2011, sprouts and Salmonella, 2011 to name just a few).
CDC Outbreak Notice
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/enteritidis-11-14/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Infections Linked to Bean Sprouts
Posted November 21, 2014 9:00 PM ET
Highlights
Read the Advice to Consumers and Retailers »
As of November 21, 2014, a total of 63 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Enteritidis have been reported from 10 states.
Raw bean sprouts have been linked to 63 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis infection. The bean sprout product was produced by Wonton Foods, based in Brooklyn, NY. According to CDC, about 1/4 of those infected have been hospitalized. The cases have been seen in 10 states, mostly in the Northeast and New England.
Bean and seed sprouts are considered high risk food items. While beans and seeds are normally sanitized prior to beginning the sprouting process, any remaining pathogens on the beans or seeds, such as Salmonella or STEC E. coli, can grow under the conditions that are used to allow the beans or seeds to sprout and grow.
There have been a large number of outbreaks related to sprouts (clover sprouts and E. coli - June, 2014, bean sprouts and E. coli, 2011, sprouts and Salmonella, 2011 to name just a few).
No recall was conducted because the product was past the shelf-life date.
CDC Outbreak Notice
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/enteritidis-11-14/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Infections Linked to Bean Sprouts
Posted November 21, 2014 9:00 PM ET
Highlights
Read the Advice to Consumers and Retailers »
As of November 21, 2014, a total of 63 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Enteritidis have been reported from 10 states.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Controversy Over the Safety of Reusable Food Containers
A battle has begun between the corrugated container provides and the reusable plastic container (RPC) providers with regard to safety for handling produce. The corrugated container people cite two studies (that they paid for) that show contains can carry bacteria, while the RPC cite a history of use where there has been no documented cases of food safety issues related to these reusable plastic containers.
I guess my approach is more simplistic. If food surfaces are contaminated, they can be the source of contamination to the food the carry. That contamination can be pathogens or even spoilage organisms depending upon the application. So if you are willing to properly clean those containers, then that is great, but you better be able to validate that cleaning process. If not, there is the possibility of issues (depending on the application of use). Or you can consider using one-time-use corrugated containers that eliminate the risk.
Having worked in the industry for many years, I have seen reusable plastic containers that are down right disgusting. And I think the RPC industry is doing itself a disservice by not stating that these containers need to be properly cleaned and sanitized, especially in applications where that contamination can be harmful (for example, in refrigerated RTE applications where Listeria biofilm formation can lead to contamination).
In a world where sustainability is becoming a necessity, reusable containers will become an important part for reducing waste. But we cannot give those containers a pass because they are considered 'more sustainable'. For operations that wish to go in this direction, part of that investment must be the means for cleaning and sanitizing.
Even done to the consumer level where people have used reusable plastic containers for storing food. One company is selling reusable zip lock bags (bottom). That is great, as long as the consumers can adequately clean them.
The Packer
http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/RPC-corrugated-groups-spar-over-food-safety-283218931.html?llsms=1051551&c=y
RPC, corrugated groups spar over food safety
11/19/2014 11:56:00 AM
Tom Karst
Two recent studies of bacteria on reusable plastic containers — both sponsored by corrugated carton groups — question the cleaning process used on RPCs before they enter the supply chain again. RPC supplier IFCO and the Reusable Packaging Association has countered that no foodborne illness outbreak has been traced to RPCS. Keith Warriner, professor of food safety at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, said the study of RPCs — commissioned by the Canadian Corrugated and Containerboard Association — was an extension of one he performed in 2013. The first study tested 50 RPCs, while the 2014 study involved 160 RPCs. In the 2014 study, RPC samples from five Canadian packing facilities were pulled from different lots of trays that had been delivered on pallets wrapped with plastic film. Corrugated cartons from those facilities were not tested for comparison, Warriner said.
I guess my approach is more simplistic. If food surfaces are contaminated, they can be the source of contamination to the food the carry. That contamination can be pathogens or even spoilage organisms depending upon the application. So if you are willing to properly clean those containers, then that is great, but you better be able to validate that cleaning process. If not, there is the possibility of issues (depending on the application of use). Or you can consider using one-time-use corrugated containers that eliminate the risk.
Having worked in the industry for many years, I have seen reusable plastic containers that are down right disgusting. And I think the RPC industry is doing itself a disservice by not stating that these containers need to be properly cleaned and sanitized, especially in applications where that contamination can be harmful (for example, in refrigerated RTE applications where Listeria biofilm formation can lead to contamination).
In a world where sustainability is becoming a necessity, reusable containers will become an important part for reducing waste. But we cannot give those containers a pass because they are considered 'more sustainable'. For operations that wish to go in this direction, part of that investment must be the means for cleaning and sanitizing.
Even done to the consumer level where people have used reusable plastic containers for storing food. One company is selling reusable zip lock bags (bottom). That is great, as long as the consumers can adequately clean them.
The Packer
http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/RPC-corrugated-groups-spar-over-food-safety-283218931.html?llsms=1051551&c=y
RPC, corrugated groups spar over food safety
11/19/2014 11:56:00 AM
Tom Karst
Two recent studies of bacteria on reusable plastic containers — both sponsored by corrugated carton groups — question the cleaning process used on RPCs before they enter the supply chain again. RPC supplier IFCO and the Reusable Packaging Association has countered that no foodborne illness outbreak has been traced to RPCS. Keith Warriner, professor of food safety at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, said the study of RPCs — commissioned by the Canadian Corrugated and Containerboard Association — was an extension of one he performed in 2013. The first study tested 50 RPCs, while the 2014 study involved 160 RPCs. In the 2014 study, RPC samples from five Canadian packing facilities were pulled from different lots of trays that had been delivered on pallets wrapped with plastic film. Corrugated cartons from those facilities were not tested for comparison, Warriner said.
Taco Seasoning Product Recalled for Peanut Allergen Due to Supplier Error
This is a great example where a supplier's poor allergen control program can lead to a recall by the company purchasing that used that contaminated ingredient in their products. In this case, a Mexican food processor purchased spice that was contaminated by peanut allergens that originated in the supplier's operation.
When purchasing ingredients, companies must rely on their supplier for controlling allergens, especially when that supplier handles a wide range of allergen containing ingredients. Spice and flavoring companies are two types of ingredient suppliers that often fit this description, but this can also includes most companies that have multiple ingredients (breading, processed meat products, etc), Purchasers need to know the types of allergens their suppliers are handling and the ability to control those allergens within their operation. In this particular case, peanut is a type of allergen where even a little amount can be very harmful to a person how is allergic.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm423216.htm
B&G Foods Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Peanut And Almond In Product
Contact
Consumer: 877-929-2576 www.ortega.com
Media: Ernest DelBuono 202-973-1318
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 14, 2014 – B&G Foods announced today it is voluntarily recalling certain Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix, Ortega Taco Sauce, Ortega Enchilada Sauce and Ortega Taco Kit products and certain Las Palmas Taco Seasoning Mix and Las Palmas Taco Sauce products after learning that one or more of the spice ingredients purchased from a third party supplier contain peanuts and almonds, allergens that are not declared on the products’ ingredient statements. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts and almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. There is no health risk associated with these products for individuals without an allergy to peanuts or almonds.
This recall affects the following products: See List
The recalled products were distributed in retail stores and foodservice outlets nationwide.
This recall does not apply to any other sizes or varieties of Ortega Seasoning Mix or to any Ortega Seasoning Mixes in canisters, all of which are correctly labeled. For example, this recall does not include Ortega Fajita Seasoning Mix, Ortega Fish Taco Seasoning Mix, Ortega Chili Seasoning Mix, Ortega Chipotle Seasoning Mix or Ortega Burrito Seasoning Mix, all of which are correctly labeled. This recall also does not include any Las Palmas Enchilada Sauce, which is correctly labeled.
“The safety of our consumers is our number one priority. We are committed to providing safe, quality products while observing the highest ethical standards in the conduct of our business,” said William Wright, Executive Vice President of Quality Assurance and R&D at B&G Foods. “The core values that we’ve embodied since the company was founded in the 1800s — honesty, integrity and accountability — guide our actions as we take the appropriate measures to address this issue.”
This recall was initiated in consultation with the FDA after it was discovered that ingredients from a single supplier used in the affected products were contaminated with peanut and almond allergens. B&G Foods has since terminated its relationship with this supplier and is receiving these ingredients from other sources in anticipation of resuming production shortly.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company’s recall hotline at 877-929-2576 from 8:00 a.m. ET to 8:00 p.m. ET, or visit www.ortega.com for additional information.
About B&G Foods
B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE: BGS) and its subsidiaries manufacture, sell and distribute a diversified portfolio of high-quality, branded shelf-stable foods across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Based in Parsippany, New Jersey, B&G Foods’ products are marketed under many recognized brands, including Ac’cent, B&G, B&M, Baker’s Joy, Bear Creek Country Kitchens, Brer Rabbit, Canoleo, Cary’s, Cream of Rice, Cream of Wheat, Devonsheer, Don Pepino, Emeril’s, Grandma’s Molasses, JJ Flats, Joan of Arc, Las Palmas, MacDonald’s, Maple Grove Farms, Molly McButter, Mrs. Dash, New York Flatbreads, New York Style, Old London, Original Tings, Ortega, Pirate’s Booty, Polaner, Red Devil, Regina, Rickland Orchards, Sa‑són, Sclafani, Smart Puffs, Spring Tree, Sugar Twin, Trappey’s, TrueNorth, Underwood, Vermont Maid and Wright’s. B&G Foods also sells and distributes two branded household products, Static Guard and Kleen Guard.
When purchasing ingredients, companies must rely on their supplier for controlling allergens, especially when that supplier handles a wide range of allergen containing ingredients. Spice and flavoring companies are two types of ingredient suppliers that often fit this description, but this can also includes most companies that have multiple ingredients (breading, processed meat products, etc), Purchasers need to know the types of allergens their suppliers are handling and the ability to control those allergens within their operation. In this particular case, peanut is a type of allergen where even a little amount can be very harmful to a person how is allergic.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm423216.htm
B&G Foods Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Peanut And Almond In Product
Contact
Consumer: 877-929-2576 www.ortega.com
Media: Ernest DelBuono 202-973-1318
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 14, 2014 – B&G Foods announced today it is voluntarily recalling certain Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix, Ortega Taco Sauce, Ortega Enchilada Sauce and Ortega Taco Kit products and certain Las Palmas Taco Seasoning Mix and Las Palmas Taco Sauce products after learning that one or more of the spice ingredients purchased from a third party supplier contain peanuts and almonds, allergens that are not declared on the products’ ingredient statements. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts and almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. There is no health risk associated with these products for individuals without an allergy to peanuts or almonds.
This recall affects the following products: See List
The recalled products were distributed in retail stores and foodservice outlets nationwide.
This recall does not apply to any other sizes or varieties of Ortega Seasoning Mix or to any Ortega Seasoning Mixes in canisters, all of which are correctly labeled. For example, this recall does not include Ortega Fajita Seasoning Mix, Ortega Fish Taco Seasoning Mix, Ortega Chili Seasoning Mix, Ortega Chipotle Seasoning Mix or Ortega Burrito Seasoning Mix, all of which are correctly labeled. This recall also does not include any Las Palmas Enchilada Sauce, which is correctly labeled.
“The safety of our consumers is our number one priority. We are committed to providing safe, quality products while observing the highest ethical standards in the conduct of our business,” said William Wright, Executive Vice President of Quality Assurance and R&D at B&G Foods. “The core values that we’ve embodied since the company was founded in the 1800s — honesty, integrity and accountability — guide our actions as we take the appropriate measures to address this issue.”
This recall was initiated in consultation with the FDA after it was discovered that ingredients from a single supplier used in the affected products were contaminated with peanut and almond allergens. B&G Foods has since terminated its relationship with this supplier and is receiving these ingredients from other sources in anticipation of resuming production shortly.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company’s recall hotline at 877-929-2576 from 8:00 a.m. ET to 8:00 p.m. ET, or visit www.ortega.com for additional information.
About B&G Foods
B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE: BGS) and its subsidiaries manufacture, sell and distribute a diversified portfolio of high-quality, branded shelf-stable foods across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Based in Parsippany, New Jersey, B&G Foods’ products are marketed under many recognized brands, including Ac’cent, B&G, B&M, Baker’s Joy, Bear Creek Country Kitchens, Brer Rabbit, Canoleo, Cary’s, Cream of Rice, Cream of Wheat, Devonsheer, Don Pepino, Emeril’s, Grandma’s Molasses, JJ Flats, Joan of Arc, Las Palmas, MacDonald’s, Maple Grove Farms, Molly McButter, Mrs. Dash, New York Flatbreads, New York Style, Old London, Original Tings, Ortega, Pirate’s Booty, Polaner, Red Devil, Regina, Rickland Orchards, Sa‑són, Sclafani, Smart Puffs, Spring Tree, Sugar Twin, Trappey’s, TrueNorth, Underwood, Vermont Maid and Wright’s. B&G Foods also sells and distributes two branded household products, Static Guard and Kleen Guard.
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