Roos Foods is expanding the recall of their cheese products for the third time. The initial recall was shortly followed by an expansion. And within a week, it has been expanded yet again.
We have seen the 'ever-expanding recall' in the past when there is a Listeria contamination issue. In these cases, company officials failed to understand the extent of the Listeria contamination in their plant and on their products.
Listeria is an environmental contaminate for food processing plants. Without control, or adequate control, it can really spread out across a facility, from floors and drains to processing and packaging equipment. For facilities that manufacturer RTE meat and cheese products, control is essential. Part of a Listeria Control Program for a facility is monitoring. This is done through testing for Listeria in the processing environment.
When facilities have expanding recalls, it is often an indicator that they did not truly understand the extent of the contamination. With a stout environmental testing program, they would have understood the extent of the contamination....well, hopefully they would have seen and corrected the issue long before it got to this point.
It is also important to note that the product this company produced had increased risk factors: 1) they were producing soft cheeses - items more prone to Listeria growth, and 2) they were shipping these products long distances - which may provide more opportunities for temperature abuse and indicates that product has a longer shelf-life, which provides more opportunity for Listeria to grow.
FDA Recall Notice
UPDATE) EXPANDED - Roos Foods Voluntarily Recalls Variety of Cheeses (listed below) Due to Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Consumer:
302-653-0600
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 1, 2014 - Update: On February 23 and 25, 2014 Roos Foods issued press releases for the recall of our cheese products. This recall has been expanded to include all product sizes and containers of Santa Rosa de Lima Queso Duro Blando (hard cheese), and Mexicana Queso Cojito Molido. This update also serves as additional clarification that ALL sizes and containers of the cheese products previously identified are being recalled (Amigo, Anita, Mexicana, and Santa Rose de Lima brands of: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacer, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresco Round, and Queso Duro Viejo (hard cheeses), Requeson, Queso de Huerta and Quesco Fresco. These cheeses were packaged in various sized clear plastic wrapped Styrofoam trays, clear plastic wrapped, clear plastic vacuum package, and clear rigid plastic containers.
Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is voluntarily recalling the above products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and still births among pregnant women.
Out of an abundance of caution, Roos Foods is also recalling all product sizes and containers of Santa Rosa de Lima Crema Salvadorena Cultured Sour Cream, Santa Rosa de Lima Mantequilla de Bolsa Tradicion Centroamericana, Crema Pura Mexicana Cultured Sour Cream, La Chapina Crema Guatemalteca Guatemalan Style Cream, and Amigo Brand Crema Centroamericana Cultured Sour Cream. These sour creams were packaged in various sized white plastic tubs, clear plastic bags, clear plastic pouches, and clear plastic jars.
Products were distributed through retail stores in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and Washington, DC.
Customers should destroy all lots of the above listed brand named products. If you have any further questions please contact Virginia Mejia phone number 302-653-0600, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST.
Virginia Mejia
Controller
Roos Foods
Kenton, DE 19955
Monday, March 3, 2014
Friday, February 28, 2014
FDA has deadlines set for FSMA rules
We now have some deadlines set for FSMA final rules, with Preventive Controls for food in August of 2015 and Produce in October of 2015. So it will follow, that the deadlines for companies to implement those rules will also be kicked down the road even further.
But this is no reason for companies not to begin the development and implementation of food safety systems based upon best practices.
But this is no reason for companies not to begin the development and implementation of food safety systems based upon best practices.
The Packer
FDA agrees to firm food safety law deadlines
02/26/2014 03:14:00 PM
Tom Karst
The Food and Drug Administration has agreed to deadlines on final food safety rules mandated by the Food Safety Modernization Act.
The consent agreement (http://bit.ly/1o1bc8K), issued by the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California, appears to be the final chapter on a legal action brought against the FDA by consumer activist groups. The Center for Food Safety and the Center for Environmental Health filed a lawsuit in August 2012 charging that the FDA illegally missed deadlines for food safety rules set by Congress in the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act.
2012 Norovirus Outbreak in Germany Linked to Imported Frozen Strawberries
A report details the 2012 outbreak of Norovirus in Germany where approximately 11,000 cases were reported. The report concludes that fresh frozen strawberries imported from China were the food vehicle.
Because the fruit is fresh frozen, there are no destructive processes such as heat to remove or reduce Norovirus. Keys to prevention for the grower / packer are having good personal hygiene programs including employee health policies, and systems to maintain potable wash water.
For the broker or the purchaser, supplier control should include ways to ensure that the grower/packer have these programs in place, especially for these minimally processed RTE items. Testing for Norovirus in not commonly done.
Eurosurveillance
Volume 19, Issue 8, 27 February 2014
Surveillance and outbreak reports
Large multistate outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis associated with frozen strawberries, Germany, 2012
http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20719
H Bernard1,2, M Faber (
)1,2, H Wilking 1, S Haller1,3,4, M Höhle1, A Schielke1, T Ducomble1,4,5, C Siffczyk6, S S Merbecks7, G Fricke8, O Hamouda1, K Stark1, D Werber1, on behalf of the Outbreak Investigation Team9
From 20 September through 5 October 2012, the largest recorded food-borne outbreak in Germany occurred. Norovirus was identified as the causative agent. We conducted four analytical epidemiological studies, two case–control studies and two surveys (in total 150 cases) in secondary schools in three different federal states. Overall, 390 institutions in five federal states reported nearly 11,000 cases of gastroenteritis. They were predominantly schools and childcare facilities and were supplied almost exclusively by one large catering company. The analytical epidemiological studies consistently identified dishes containing strawberries as the most likely vehicle, with estimated odds ratios ranging from 2.6 to 45.4. The dishes had been prepared in different regional kitchens of the catering company and were served in the schools two days before the peaks of the respective outbreaks. All affected institutions had received strawberries of one lot, imported frozen from China. The outbreak vehicle was identified within a week, which led to a timely recall and prevented more than half of the lot from reaching the consumer. This outbreak exemplifies the risk of large outbreaks in the era of global food trade. It underlines the importance of timely surveillance and epidemiological outbreak investigations for food safety.
Because the fruit is fresh frozen, there are no destructive processes such as heat to remove or reduce Norovirus. Keys to prevention for the grower / packer are having good personal hygiene programs including employee health policies, and systems to maintain potable wash water.
For the broker or the purchaser, supplier control should include ways to ensure that the grower/packer have these programs in place, especially for these minimally processed RTE items. Testing for Norovirus in not commonly done.
Eurosurveillance
Volume 19, Issue 8, 27 February 2014
Surveillance and outbreak reports
Large multistate outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis associated with frozen strawberries, Germany, 2012
http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20719
H Bernard1,2, M Faber (
)1,2, H Wilking 1, S Haller1,3,4, M Höhle1, A Schielke1, T Ducomble1,4,5, C Siffczyk6, S S Merbecks7, G Fricke8, O Hamouda1, K Stark1, D Werber1, on behalf of the Outbreak Investigation Team9From 20 September through 5 October 2012, the largest recorded food-borne outbreak in Germany occurred. Norovirus was identified as the causative agent. We conducted four analytical epidemiological studies, two case–control studies and two surveys (in total 150 cases) in secondary schools in three different federal states. Overall, 390 institutions in five federal states reported nearly 11,000 cases of gastroenteritis. They were predominantly schools and childcare facilities and were supplied almost exclusively by one large catering company. The analytical epidemiological studies consistently identified dishes containing strawberries as the most likely vehicle, with estimated odds ratios ranging from 2.6 to 45.4. The dishes had been prepared in different regional kitchens of the catering company and were served in the schools two days before the peaks of the respective outbreaks. All affected institutions had received strawberries of one lot, imported frozen from China. The outbreak vehicle was identified within a week, which led to a timely recall and prevented more than half of the lot from reaching the consumer. This outbreak exemplifies the risk of large outbreaks in the era of global food trade. It underlines the importance of timely surveillance and epidemiological outbreak investigations for food safety.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Over addition of vitamin leads to illness associated with rice product
Earlier this February, Uncle Bens Rice product was recalled after there were a number of cases of illness. It appears that the issue was that the product had excessive niacin addition. "The FDA said overexposure to niacin can cause skin reactions, and very large doses can cause indigestion and nausea."
There are a number of chemicals that are added to food that can become hazards if these chemicals are not added in the right concentrations, including vitamins and minerals.
Along with Niacin (Vitamin B3), other vitamins that can be problematic from over addition include Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E. Certain minerals such as iron and zinc can also be a problem if there is excessive intake.
Over dosage can be a problem with gummy vitamins, where kids treat the vitamins like candy.
For food processing operations who add chemicals such as vitamins and minerals, it is important to include this in the hazard analysis. One needs to evaluate whether a chemical hazard could occur through over addition.
CBS News
Feds warn against eating some Uncle Ben's rice
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/feds-warn-against-eating-some-uncle-bens-rice/
WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration is warning against eating Uncle Ben's rice products served at schools, restaurants, hospitals and other food service institutions after children in three states had skin reactions and other symptoms that were linked to the rice.
Mars Foodservices, of Rancho Dominguez, Calif., is recalling 5- and 25-pound bags of the rice. The bags are mostly sold to food service establishments, but they are also available to consumers over the Internet and in some warehouse-type retailers.
Uncle Ben's ready-to-eat, boxed, bagged and cup products in grocery stores are not linked to the illnesses and have not been recalled.
The FDA said 34 students and four teachers in Katy, Texas, had experienced burning, itching rashes, headaches and nausea for 30 to 90 minutes after eating the rice on Feb. 6. The symptoms eventually went away.
The agency said it is still investigating the Texas incident. But FDA officials said they found an excess of niacin, also known as vitamin B3, in Uncle Ben's food service rice linked to similar reactions in 25 Illinois school children in December. That incident also prompted a recall, but the Texas illnesses were not related to those previously recalled lots.
The FDA said overexposure to niacin can cause skin reactions, and very large doses can cause indigestion and nausea. Children may be most susceptible, but the agency said the levels of niacin found in the Illinois rice samples probably were not high enough to cause serious health consequences.
There are a number of chemicals that are added to food that can become hazards if these chemicals are not added in the right concentrations, including vitamins and minerals.
Along with Niacin (Vitamin B3), other vitamins that can be problematic from over addition include Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E. Certain minerals such as iron and zinc can also be a problem if there is excessive intake.
Over dosage can be a problem with gummy vitamins, where kids treat the vitamins like candy.
For food processing operations who add chemicals such as vitamins and minerals, it is important to include this in the hazard analysis. One needs to evaluate whether a chemical hazard could occur through over addition.
CBS News
Feds warn against eating some Uncle Ben's rice
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/feds-warn-against-eating-some-uncle-bens-rice/
WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration is warning against eating Uncle Ben's rice products served at schools, restaurants, hospitals and other food service institutions after children in three states had skin reactions and other symptoms that were linked to the rice.
Mars Foodservices, of Rancho Dominguez, Calif., is recalling 5- and 25-pound bags of the rice. The bags are mostly sold to food service establishments, but they are also available to consumers over the Internet and in some warehouse-type retailers.
Uncle Ben's ready-to-eat, boxed, bagged and cup products in grocery stores are not linked to the illnesses and have not been recalled.
The FDA said 34 students and four teachers in Katy, Texas, had experienced burning, itching rashes, headaches and nausea for 30 to 90 minutes after eating the rice on Feb. 6. The symptoms eventually went away.
The agency said it is still investigating the Texas incident. But FDA officials said they found an excess of niacin, also known as vitamin B3, in Uncle Ben's food service rice linked to similar reactions in 25 Illinois school children in December. That incident also prompted a recall, but the Texas illnesses were not related to those previously recalled lots.
The FDA said overexposure to niacin can cause skin reactions, and very large doses can cause indigestion and nausea. Children may be most susceptible, but the agency said the levels of niacin found in the Illinois rice samples probably were not high enough to cause serious health consequences.
Food Workers Likely to Work When Sick
A recent study reports that many Americans will go to work while they are sick, unfortunately, many of those may be people who work with food.
Therefore, it is important that food workers, as well as their managers, understand the risks. Companies who work with food, whether they are food service, retail, or processing, need to have strict guidelines on how to handle sick workers. FDA provides a Health and Hygiene Handbook for food employees.
Therefore, it is important that food workers, as well as their managers, understand the risks. Companies who work with food, whether they are food service, retail, or processing, need to have strict guidelines on how to handle sick workers. FDA provides a Health and Hygiene Handbook for food employees.
LA Times
More than 1 in 4 Americans go to work while sick
By Shan Li
February 20, 2014, 11:56 a.m.
More than one in four Americans are so afraid of missing work that they head into the office even when sniffling and sneezing, a study says.
Many are worried about falling behind on their jobs, missing pay or facing the wrath of bosses who expect them to show up no matter what, according to a survey by NSF International, which tests and certifies public health products.
Michigan Farmer Sentenced for Selling Contaminated Apple Juice
A Michigan farmer was convicted for selling adulterated apple cider. In 2012, this farmer's juice was linked to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7, where 4 individuals became ill, two of those were children.
E. coli O157:H7 contamination in juice is the primary reason that HACCP regulations were enacted over 10 years ago. The Food Code details the requirements for the need of a HACCP plan. In complying, one would need to have a pathogen reduction step if they were going to sell bottled juice. This could be a heating step or a UV light treatment. See Penn State's Juice Resources for more information.
E. coli, a enteric pathogen associated with ruminant animals such as cows and deer, can contaminate apples through cross-contamination, especially when 'drop' apples are used (apples that are harvested after they have fallen to the ground.) E.coli O157:H7 is tolerant to the acidic conditions, and so can survive in apple juice.
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development News Release
Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth Receives First-Ever Felony Conviction Under Michigan's Food Law
Agency: Agriculture and Rural Development
http://michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1572_28248-322547--,00.html
For immediate release: February 21, 2014
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724 or holtonj@michigan.gov
Cider Producer Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth Receives First-Ever Felony Conviction Under Michigan’s Food Law
After nearly two years of investigation and legal action, James Ruster, owner of Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth, was sentenced on February 18, 2014, for one felony violation of Michigan’s Food Law, the first-ever felony conviction under this law.
E. coli O157:H7 contamination in juice is the primary reason that HACCP regulations were enacted over 10 years ago. The Food Code details the requirements for the need of a HACCP plan. In complying, one would need to have a pathogen reduction step if they were going to sell bottled juice. This could be a heating step or a UV light treatment. See Penn State's Juice Resources for more information.
E. coli, a enteric pathogen associated with ruminant animals such as cows and deer, can contaminate apples through cross-contamination, especially when 'drop' apples are used (apples that are harvested after they have fallen to the ground.) E.coli O157:H7 is tolerant to the acidic conditions, and so can survive in apple juice.
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development News Release
Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth Receives First-Ever Felony Conviction Under Michigan's Food Law
Agency: Agriculture and Rural Development
http://michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1572_28248-322547--,00.html
For immediate release: February 21, 2014
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724 or holtonj@michigan.gov
Cider Producer Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth Receives First-Ever Felony Conviction Under Michigan’s Food Law
After nearly two years of investigation and legal action, James Ruster, owner of Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth, was sentenced on February 18, 2014, for one felony violation of Michigan’s Food Law, the first-ever felony conviction under this law.
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Soft Cheese
UPDATE - 2/25/14 - Roos Foods has expanded their recall.
Soft cheese made by a Delaware company has been linked to a Listeria outbreak, with one death and seven ill. Product tested by VA Department of Agriculture was found to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company is recalling a variety of their cheeses.
Listeria monocytogenes has been related to other outbreaks in soft cheese. This organism is more likely to cause illness in those from high risk groups, such as elderly, infants and young children, and pregnant women. Once infected, the illness can be very serious, leading to septicemia (blood infection) and meningitis, and even death.
Roos Foods is a small family owned processor located in rural Kenton DE. From the company website, the facility appears to be small. They focus on producing South American type of cheeses.
EXPANDED - Roos Foods Voluntarily Recalls Variety of Cheeses (listed below) Due to Possible Health Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 25, 2014 - Update: Roos Foods has voluntarily expanded their February 23, 2014 recall to include all lots of Amigo and Mexicana brands of Requesón (part-skim ricotta in 15 oz. and 16 oz. plastic containers and all lots of Amigo, Mexicana and Santa Rosa De Lima brands of Queso de Huerta (fresh curd cheese).
Roos Foods, Kenton De Recalls ALL LOTS of the Following Cheeses:
Mexicana: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Amigo: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Santa Rosa De Lima: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses and Anita Queso Fresco Because Of Possible Health Risk.
Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is recalling the above cheeses because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Products were distributed in Maryland, Virginia and Washing ton D.C through retail stores.
The products are packaged in flexible plastic bags and rigid plastic clam shell packages in 12 oz. and 16 oz. sizes under the brand names: Mexicana, Amigo, Santa Rosa De Lima, and Anita.
As a follow-up to reported illness, samples of various intact/unopened cheeses produced or repacked by Roos Foods, Inc., collected by the Commonwealth of Virginia Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services and Maryland Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene found to contain Listeria monocytogenes which appear to be linked to the illnesses.
The company has ceased the production and distribution of the products as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
Customers should destroy all lots of the above listed products of the brand names Mexicana, Amigo, Santa Rosa De Lima and Anita. For any refund, please return recalled products to store.
If you have any further questions please contact Virginia Mejia phone number (302) 653-8458. Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 3 pm EST.
FDA News Release
Roos Foods Voluntarily Recalls Variety of Cheeses (listed below) Due to Possible Health Risk
Roos Foods, Kenton De Recalls ALL LOTS of the Following Cheeses Mexicana: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Amigo: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Santa Rosa De Lima: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses and Anita Queso Fresco Because Of Possible Health Risk
Contact
Media:
Virginia Mejia
302-653-8458
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 23, 2014 – Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is recalling the above cheeses because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Soft cheese made by a Delaware company has been linked to a Listeria outbreak, with one death and seven ill. Product tested by VA Department of Agriculture was found to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company is recalling a variety of their cheeses.
Listeria monocytogenes has been related to other outbreaks in soft cheese. This organism is more likely to cause illness in those from high risk groups, such as elderly, infants and young children, and pregnant women. Once infected, the illness can be very serious, leading to septicemia (blood infection) and meningitis, and even death.
Roos Foods is a small family owned processor located in rural Kenton DE. From the company website, the facility appears to be small. They focus on producing South American type of cheeses.
EXPANDED - Roos Foods Voluntarily Recalls Variety of Cheeses (listed below) Due to Possible Health Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 25, 2014 - Update: Roos Foods has voluntarily expanded their February 23, 2014 recall to include all lots of Amigo and Mexicana brands of Requesón (part-skim ricotta in 15 oz. and 16 oz. plastic containers and all lots of Amigo, Mexicana and Santa Rosa De Lima brands of Queso de Huerta (fresh curd cheese).
Roos Foods, Kenton De Recalls ALL LOTS of the Following Cheeses:
Mexicana: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Amigo: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Santa Rosa De Lima: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses and Anita Queso Fresco Because Of Possible Health Risk.
Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is recalling the above cheeses because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Products were distributed in Maryland, Virginia and Washing ton D.C through retail stores.
The products are packaged in flexible plastic bags and rigid plastic clam shell packages in 12 oz. and 16 oz. sizes under the brand names: Mexicana, Amigo, Santa Rosa De Lima, and Anita.
As a follow-up to reported illness, samples of various intact/unopened cheeses produced or repacked by Roos Foods, Inc., collected by the Commonwealth of Virginia Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services and Maryland Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene found to contain Listeria monocytogenes which appear to be linked to the illnesses.
The company has ceased the production and distribution of the products as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
Customers should destroy all lots of the above listed products of the brand names Mexicana, Amigo, Santa Rosa De Lima and Anita. For any refund, please return recalled products to store.
If you have any further questions please contact Virginia Mejia phone number (302) 653-8458. Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 3 pm EST.
FDA News Release
Roos Foods Voluntarily Recalls Variety of Cheeses (listed below) Due to Possible Health Risk
Roos Foods, Kenton De Recalls ALL LOTS of the Following Cheeses Mexicana: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Amigo: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Santa Rosa De Lima: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses and Anita Queso Fresco Because Of Possible Health Risk
Contact
Media:
Virginia Mejia
302-653-8458
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 23, 2014 – Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is recalling the above cheeses because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Rancho Meat recall leading to a cascade of recalls?
In light of the recall of meat produced by Rancho Feeding Corp, now comes the recalls of the products that were made with the meat from that facility. Nestle is recalling 2 brands of Hot Pockets. In Canada, beef and cheese taquitos were recalled (they were manufactured by a Californian processor).
One has to hope that these downstream recalls are tied to a real safety issue. To date, we have not seen any statement issued from USDA outside of the fact that the meat was produced without inspection. While that should not have happened, it is unclear at this point whether any product is actually harmful.
As for highly processed foods like Hot Pockets, heat treatment of the filling would have eliminated most all hazards, especially those of most concern, pathogens such as E. coli STEC and Salmonella. (What? Hot Pockets are highly processed?)
CNN
USDA closes school lunch supplier; some Hot Pockets recalled
By Ed Payne and Chandler Friedman, CNN
updated 3:30 PM EST, Wed February 19, 2014
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/health/hot-pockets-recall/
CNN) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has withdrawn its inspectors and suspended operations at a California meat company because of "insanitary conditions at the establishment," the department's Food Safety and Inspection Service said Wednesday.
The Central Valley Meat Co. in Hanford, California, supplies beef for federal school nutrition programs. In 2011, it provided nearly 21 million pounds of beef, or nearly 16% of the supply.
"The plant's suspension will be lifted once we receive adequate assurances of corrective action," a USDA statement said.
Meanwhile, Nestlé USA has issued a recall of two varieties of Philly Steak and Cheese Hot Pockets because they may contain meat the department has already recalled.
The two brands are Hot Pockets brand Philly Steak and Cheese in three different pack sizes, and Hot Pockets brand Croissant Crust Philly Steak and Cheese in the two-pack box.
For the exact batch code, please check this release.
Earlier, the USDA had recalled more than 8.7 million pounds of meat from the Rancho Feeding Corp. because it "processed diseased and unsound animals and carried out these activities without the benefit or full benefit of federal inspection."
No illnesses have been reported in relation to the recall.
One has to hope that these downstream recalls are tied to a real safety issue. To date, we have not seen any statement issued from USDA outside of the fact that the meat was produced without inspection. While that should not have happened, it is unclear at this point whether any product is actually harmful.
As for highly processed foods like Hot Pockets, heat treatment of the filling would have eliminated most all hazards, especially those of most concern, pathogens such as E. coli STEC and Salmonella. (What? Hot Pockets are highly processed?)
CNN
USDA closes school lunch supplier; some Hot Pockets recalled
By Ed Payne and Chandler Friedman, CNN
updated 3:30 PM EST, Wed February 19, 2014
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/health/hot-pockets-recall/
CNN) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has withdrawn its inspectors and suspended operations at a California meat company because of "insanitary conditions at the establishment," the department's Food Safety and Inspection Service said Wednesday.
The Central Valley Meat Co. in Hanford, California, supplies beef for federal school nutrition programs. In 2011, it provided nearly 21 million pounds of beef, or nearly 16% of the supply.
"The plant's suspension will be lifted once we receive adequate assurances of corrective action," a USDA statement said.
Meanwhile, Nestlé USA has issued a recall of two varieties of Philly Steak and Cheese Hot Pockets because they may contain meat the department has already recalled.
The two brands are Hot Pockets brand Philly Steak and Cheese in three different pack sizes, and Hot Pockets brand Croissant Crust Philly Steak and Cheese in the two-pack box.
For the exact batch code, please check this release.
Earlier, the USDA had recalled more than 8.7 million pounds of meat from the Rancho Feeding Corp. because it "processed diseased and unsound animals and carried out these activities without the benefit or full benefit of federal inspection."
No illnesses have been reported in relation to the recall.
Washington State firm recalls dried egg product due to the potential for Salmonella contamination
A Washington State company, Nutriom, is recalling 226,710 pounds of processed egg products due to potential salmonella contamination. The issue was discovered by Washington State Laboratories. To date, there have been no illnesses reported.
A processed egg product should not have Salmonella. Why no illnesses? For one, the contamination rate may be very low. From the report, we cannot tell to what degree the product was contaminated. Second, the eggs were probably used in applications that required further heating.
A processed egg product should not have Salmonella. Why no illnesses? For one, the contamination rate may be very low. From the report, we cannot tell to what degree the product was contaminated. Second, the eggs were probably used in applications that required further heating.
USDA News Release
Washington Firm Recalls Dried Egg Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Class I Recall 015-2014
Health Risk: High Feb 15, 2014
Congressional and Public Affairs
Joan Lindenberger
(202) 720-9113
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2014 – Nutriom LLC, a Lacey, Wash., establishment, is recalling approximately 226,710 pounds of processed egg products that may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
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