Minnesota Company Recalls Refrigerated Products Due to Listeria

Parkers Farm, a Minnesota company, is recalling a number of refrigerated products, including peanut butter, cheese, salsa, and spreads, after some of the product tested positive for Listeria. No illnesses have been reported.

According to the FDA recall notice, products are distributed nationwide under the Parkers Farm, Parkers, Happy Farms, Central Markets, Hy-Top, Amish Classic, Say Cheez, Win Schuler, and Bucky Badger labels. These products were sold at several retail stores including but not limited to Hy-Vee, Cub, Rainbow, Byerly’s, Lunds, Target, Whole Foods, Price Chopper, Nash Finch, Costco, ALDI, Wal-Mart, and Brookshire stores.

What we can surmise: the company produced a line of refrigerated products including peanut butter – yes, refrigerated peanut butter, and cheese spreads. While it could be expected that Listeria would not grow in peanut butter because of low water activity (Aw), peanut butter could have become contaminated if that product was produced using shared equipment (that was not properly cleaned) or through bad handling and processing practices that led cross contamination. One would guess that the cheese spreads would also be unlikely to support the growth of Listeria (low Aw) and the same could be guessed about the salsa (low pH). But Listeria could be brought into the facility from the ingredients used to make the cheese products, or through other means, and then survived in a niche within the processing environment, especially f there was build-up of residual cheese ‘stuff’ in the processing environment or on the equipment. This notion is supported by the fact that this is the second recall due to Listeria (the last in 2010….of course this begs the question to what degree was the company putting the effort towards control).

It would be interesting to see if this was the same Listeria strain found in both recalls. I would be willing to bet it is the same strain. Work done at Penn State has shown Listeria’s ability to form a resistant state that can survive for long periods of time. In other recall situations, whole genome sequencing has verified that the same organism, outside of a few changes of base pairs in the whole genome, can re-emerge after years within that same processing environment.

So while none of the finished products may be viewed as risky for the growth of Listeria (due to low Aw or low pH), this does not preclude the organism from being present on the product. And here again, we have a scenario where a positive product test triggers a recall on what would probably be viewed as a lower risk product.



FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm390421.htm
Recall -- State Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and safety alerts from states as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA is not responsible for the content of these notices.


Parkers Farm Acquisition, LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Products Due to Listeria Contamination
Contact
Consumer:
800-869-6685

Media:
Margaret Hart, margaret.hart@state.mn.us,
651-201-6131

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 22, 2014 - The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is alerting consumers to avoid eating certain peanut butter, cheese, salsa, and spreads produced by Parkers Farm Acquisition, LLC of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, after state agriculture department product sampling determined some of the finished products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

There have been no reports of illness associated with consumption of the products. Parkers Farm Acquisition, LLC is cooperating with the MDA investigation and has issued a voluntary recall of all products with the “sell by” dates listed below. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase or discard them.

The list of recalled products includes:

Florida company recalls fresh basil due to Salmonella

A Florida company is recalling packaged fresh basil for potential Salmonella contamination.  A product sample was found to positive for Salmonella during FDA routine random sample testing.  Additional product testing conducted at the request of the packer was negative.  The product was shipped to 7 states  in the southeast US and is distributed by Trader Joe's.  There have been no reported illnesses.

It is conceivable that the basil, which is grown outdoors, may come up with that random positive sample of Salmonella while subsequent sampling results are negative.  Decontamination after harvesting is difficult since the product is highly perishable.  Normally the consumer should wash it immediately before use, especially when used in fresh applications.

This is not the first time basil has been found to be positive for Salmonella.  In 2011, an Indiana company recalled basil after FDA testing found a positive sample.



FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm389386.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.

Infinite Herbs, LLC Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of Basil Organic Clamshells Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact
Consumer:
305-599-9255
customer_service@infiniteherbs.com

Media:
Amy Philpott
(703) 472-6615
aphilpott@watsongreenllc.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 14, 2014 - Infinite Herbs LLC of Miami, Florida is voluntarily recalling one lot of its 2.5 ounce packages of Organic Basil because of potential contamination with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recall only affects one specific lot of Infinite Herbs brand Organic Basil packaged in 2.5 ounce clamshell bearing the "Date Packed 02/21 20422". The "Date Packed" information can be found on the back side label below the country of origin statement. The product was only distributed to Trader Joe's stores located in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Southern Virginia and Tennessee.

Backyard chickens and the higher risk of Salmonella infection

Research published in Clinical Infectious Diseases (CID) discusses the increase trend of Salmonella cases related to chickens in kept and raised in the home environment or backyard.  Many of these chickens come from mail-order hatcheries.

People, most those who are new to owning chicken, do not realize the risk with regard to the higher prevalence of Salmonella.  People often treat chickens as pets, and this can be problematic  when people fail to wash their hands afterward.  This is especially a problem in young children who are more susceptible and less likely to wash their hands afterwards.

Clinical Infectious Diseases (CID)
Backyard Poultry Flocks and Salmonellosis: A Recurring, Yet Preventable Public Health Challengehttp://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/02/20/cid.ciu067
Patricia M. Griffin, Section Editor Casey Barton Behravesh1, Denise Brinson2, Brett A. Hopkins3, and Thomas M. Gomez4 + Author Affiliations
1Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta
2United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Poultry Improvement Plan, Conyers, Georgia
3International Technical Animal Production and Processing Solutions (iTAPPS), Overland Park, Kansas
4Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA, Atlanta, Georgia
Correspondence: Casey Barton Behravesh, MS, DVM, DrPH, DACVPM, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS-A38, Atlanta, GA 30329 (cbartonbehravesh@cdc.gov).

Abstract

Poultry are well recognized as possible carriers of Salmonella species. As part of the local foods movement, backyard poultry flocks have increased in popularity in recent years. Between 1996 and 2012, 45 outbreaks of human Salmonella infections linked to live poultry from mail-order hatcheries were documented. This review examines the history of live poultry–associated salmonellosis in humans in the United States, the current status of the issue, and what can be done to help prevent these illnesses. An integrated One Health approach involving the mail-order hatchery industry, feed stores, healthcare providers, veterinarians, and backyard flock owners is needed to help prevent live poultry–associated salmonellosis.

Pouches of Dehydrated Sliced Fruit Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Oregon Freeze Dry in cooperation with Costco is recalling pouches of dehydrated sliced fruit due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The product, packed exclusively for Costco under the Kirkland brand, was shipped to over 35 states.  While the potentially contaminated product had been removed from Costco, there is the possibility that consumers may still have suspect product.  There have been no reported illnesses.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm389177.htm
Kirkland Signature Real Sliced Fruit Recalled Due to Possible Health Risk

Contact:Consumer:
1-888-641-2933
E-mail: recall@ofd.com
Media:
Pat Walsh
1-541-513-1236

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — March 13, 2014 – ALBANY, OR. – Oregon Freeze Dry, Inc. of Albany, OR has voluntarily recalled 59,780 cases of Kirkland Signature Real Sliced Fruit, produced exclusively for Costco Wholesale Stores. In cooperation with Costco, the company issued the recall after determining the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Precautionary recall measures began on Saturday, March 8, 2014. Consumers who may have purchased the product were contacted by phone and US. Mail, and a letter regarding the voluntary recall was posted on the Costco website. Furthermore, the affected product was removed from Costco floors. No confirmed cases of Salmonella poisoning from consumption of this product have been reported at this time, Any Kirkland Signature Real Sliced Fruit that is currently available for purchase has been rigorously tested and is safe for consumption. No other products made by Oregon Freeze Dry, Inc. are affected.

Kirkland Signature Real Sliced Fruit is sold in a red and white case containing 20 pouches of freeze-dried snacks. Consumers who have purchased Kirkland Signature Real Sliced Fruit with the following “Best Before Dates,” listed on the upper left corner of the front panel of the case, are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Best Before Date: FEB 14 2015 - MAR 11 2015 (which reads FEB142015 - MAR112015)

Dole Fresh Vegetables Recalls Bagged Salad Due to Potential Listeria Contamination

Dole Fresh Vegetables is recalled bagged salad product due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria.  The issue was discovered after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) found Listeria in a single random sample of product.  The limited number of cases were shipped to 15 different states and 3 Canadian provinces.   No illnesses have been reported.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm389296.htm
Dole Fresh Vegetables Voluntarily Recalls Limited Number of Bagged Salads Due to Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Consumer:
800-356-3111
Media:
William Goldfield
818-874-4647
William.Goldfield@Dole.com


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 13, 2014 - Dole Fresh Vegetables is voluntarily recalling a limited number of cases of bagged salad. The products being recalled are Dole Italian Blend (UPC 7143000819), Fresh Selections Italian Style Blend (UPC 1111091045), Little Salad Bar Italian Salad (UPC 4149811014) and Marketside Italian Style Salad (UPC 8113102780) coded A058201A or B, with Use-by date of March 12, 2014 due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. Dole Fresh Vegetables is coordinating closely with regulatory officials. No illnesses have been reported in association with the recall.

The product code and Use-by date are in the upper right-hand corner of the package; the UPC code is on the back of the package, below the barcode. The salads were distributed in 15 U.S. states (Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia) and 3 Canadian provinces (New Brunswick, Ontario & Quebec).

FDA Shuts Down Delaware Cheese Plant

FDA shut down the Roos Foods cheese plant, that had recently recalled product linked to a Listeria outbreak, after FDA found a number of findings in their investigation.
From the FDA report, the findings included:

• the roof leaking so badly that water was raining down into the cheese processing room, including onto the cheese processing equipment and storage tanks;
• standing water on the floor throughout the cheese curd processing room in proximity to the cheese vats and in the storage rooms;
• metal roof/ceiling and metal supports exhibiting a rusted appearance with metal flaking precluding effective cleaning and sanitizing;
• food residues found on equipment after cleaning had been performed;
• openings to milk storage tanks and transfer piping were not capped to prevent contaminants from entering or contaminating food contact surfaces; and
• floors, wall, and equipment that were deteriorated and in bad repair, including processing equipment and storage vats with rust holes and floors with rough concrete deterioration.

 

The conditions found in the inspection were sure issues for Listeria contamination....leaks contributing to excessive moisture into the processing environment and being a source of contamination, poor cleaning practices that allow for growth of Listeria within that environment, poor operating equipment that allows access of that contamination to the product, and finally the facility was in bad condition which prevented that contamination from being removed.  The

 

In short, Listeria contamination had access into the facility and to the product, the conditions within the plant supported growth of the organism and bad facility conditions prevented good cleanup.

 

It is also important to note that this is the second time that FDA used its new powers granted by FSMA to remove a facilities registration and thus shut down that facility.  The first case was the peanut butter facility that had Salmonella contamination.  After about a number of months of working with FDA, that peanut butter facility ended up closing for good.  If this is an indication, this cheese facility will have a long road to get to the point of reopening, if they survive at all.
.

FDA News Release

FDA Investigates presence of Listeria in some Hispanic-style Cheeses

http://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm386726.htm

Posted March 12, 2014 

Español1

 UPDATE

The FDA suspended the food facility registration of Roos Foods Inc.2 of Kenton Delaware on March 11, 2014 after the FDA determined there was a reasonable probability of food manufactured, processed, packed, or held by Roos Foods causing serious adverse health consequences or death to humans.

The FDA ordered the suspension after an investigation by the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local partners linked a multi-state outbreak of listeriosis to cheeses found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and manufactured by the company. Food facility registration is required for any facility engaged in manufacturing, processing, packing, or holding food for consumption in the United States, and if the registration of a facility is suspended, no person shall introduce food from such facility into interstate or intrastate commerce in the United States. The FDA inspected the company’s facility from February 18 – March 4, 2014. During the inspection, FDA investigators found insanitary conditions including:

• the roof leaking so badly that water was raining down into the cheese processing room, including onto the cheese processing equipment and storage tanks;
• standing water on the floor throughout the cheese curd processing room in proximity to the cheese vats and in the storage rooms;
• metal roof/ceiling and metal supports exhibiting a rusted appearance with metal flaking precluding effective cleaning and sanitizing;
• food residues found on equipment after cleaning had been performed;
• openings to milk storage tanks and transfer piping were not capped to prevent contaminants from entering or contaminating food contact surfaces; and
• floors, wall, and equipment that were deteriorated and in bad repair, including processing equipment and storage vats with rust holes and floors with rough concrete deterioration.

Additionally, the FDA collected environmental samples from different areas of the facility, including the cheese processing room and various pieces of equipment. FDA's testing identified 12 swabs that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis showed that 11 of those swabs had the same Listeria monocytogenes "DNA-fingerprint" as the outbreak strain.

In response to evidence collected during the investigation by the FDA, CDC, and state officials, the state of Delaware’s Division of Public Health issued a Cease and Desist Production and Distribution order to the firm on February 28, 2014.

The FDA will vacate the suspension order and reinstate Roos Foods’ facility registration when the FDA determines that food manufactured, processed, packed, or held at the facility no longer has a reasonable probability of causing serious adverse health consequences or death to humans.

Canned and Frozen Fruits and Vegetables - Cost Effective Nutrition

When you hear anything on proper nutrition, fresh fruit and vegetables are always part of that message.  But for many, fresh produce is not always available, or affordable.  But what about canned and frozen produce?  A recent study shows that canned and frozen are a nutritious and cost effective option, and need to be included in the choices for those families looking to prepare healthy meals.

Are there downsides - sure, some canned foods may have higher sodium levels.  There are also impacts on some of the heat sensitive vitamins and other bioactive components....but these will also be impacted by the consumer's handling and preparation practices.  However, in a world where the food dollar does not go as far, and we look to become more sustainable, canned and frozen produce are important options.


Medical Daily
Canned Fruits And Vegetables May Be As Nutritious As Their Fresh Counterparts
By Matthew Mientka | Mar 8, 2014 01:30 PM EDT
http://www.medicaldaily.com/canned-fruits-and-vegetables-may-be-nutritious-their-fresh-counterparts-270793

No one can deny the beauty of the native tomato. Yet in feeding a hungry world, canned fruits and vegetables are just as good as fresh or frozen produce, and in some cases even better, according to a new study.

Researchers at Michigan State University found that canned tomatoes deliver more B vitamins as well as lycopene, a carotene loosely tied to a lowered cancer risk. The canning process also makes fiber more soluble in vegetables such as beans, providing a value-added for the food staple.

Canned vegetables offer consumers a more affordable option at 20 percent of the cost of fresh vegetables — and half as much as frozen.

“Canned fruits and vegetables provide high quality nutrition to Americans regardless of income level and geography,” researcher Steven Miller said in a statement. “By increasing accessibility to key nutrients many Americans need, canned foods are a year-round solution to help families prepare healthier, balanced meals.”

Is Produce Safe from Pesticides? USDA Releases Pesticide Residue Testing Data

The USDA released its annual pesticide residue testing data http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=stelprdc5106521 for 2012.  In the report, over 99% of the products sampled had results that were within EPA tolerances.

Of course, 99.47% is not 100%, and there were a few samples that were above the established tolerance.    From a blog by Steve Savage who took the time to analyze the few high results.

The only crops with any significant number of above-tolerance detections were snap peas (32 from among 743 samples) and cherry tomatoes (24 from among 744 samples). However, even these unusual incidences were not enough above tolerance to be of major concern. For the snap peas, 97% of the samples with those higher detections were imported either from Guatemala, Peru or Mexico. For the cherry tomatoes, 83% of the above-tolerance samples came from Mexico. If the "group project" was divided into a US farmers team and a importers team, their respective "scores" would be 99.88% and 98.76% - different, but both still A+ grades.

 It is important to note that the tolerance levels that are set have a 100X or so safety factor.

So traditional produce purchased from your supermarket is safe (extremely low risk).  Of course, there are those who will continue to pay more for 'organic'.  Is it worth the added price?  This data suggests it is not. 

One issue I have is that USDA should provide a discussion of 'out of tolerance' samples in their report rather than just glossing it over.  They did issue "What Consumer Should Know".
 

 

What Consumers Should Know

2012 Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5091057

 

 

• This PDP data shows that overall pesticide residues found on foods tested are at levels below the tolerances established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and pose no safety concern.
• Each year, USDA and EPA work together to identify foods to be tested on a rotating basis. In 2012, surveys were conducted on a variety of foods including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, wheat, butter, baby food, and water.
• PDP data reflect actual residues present in food grown in various regions of the U.S. and overseas.
• EPA makes a safety evaluation for pesticides considering all possible routes of exposure through food, water, and home environments when setting the maximum residue (tolerance) level of pesticide that can remain in or on foods.
• Before a pesticide is available for use in the U.S., the EPA must determine that it will not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment.

Alton Brown with Food Safety Tips in the Kitchen

While food celebrity Alton Brown is big proponent of food safety in the kitchen, his Today Show presentation melds the lines between food spoilage and food safety.  Granted, we do not want to eat food that is spoiled, but that does not necessarily indicate that food pathogens are present.  And food can look and smell good, and even taste normal, and still contain pathogens that can make you ill.  So it is important to rely on safe handling and storage procedures to keep food safe.

Regardless, Alton gives a number of helpful hints for safely storing and handling food in the video clip.

Today
Smelly, sticky or slimy? Food safety rules you shouldn't ignore
Linda Carroll TODAY contributor

March 5, 2014 at 11:17 AM ET

http://www.today.com/health/smelly-sticky-or-slimy-food-safety-rules-you-shouldnt-ignore-2D79321828#

When it comes to figuring out whether the food in your cupboards and fridge are spoiled, it’s best to trust your gut.

Your eyes, nose and fingers can tell you if food has spoiled, according to Alton Brown, host of the Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen.”

“We all have the senses to know when food has gone bad,” Brown said. “Smell it. If it smells bad, odds are you shouldn’t eat it. Touch it. If it’s slimy or sticky, don’t eat it. If you look at a piece of meat and it’s got splotches of green on it, you shouldn’t eat it.”

Each year one in six Americans gets sick from eating contaminated food. The best way to avoid becoming one of those stats is to take care in how you store and handle your food — and trust your senses.

Foods will last longest in a refrigerator kept below 40 degrees F. But many refrigerators aren't as cold as they need to be, even at the lowest setting. Invest in a thermometer so you know it really is cold enough.

How you pack your foods in the fridge makes a difference, too.

“Stack it so you’re keeping the foods that could be dangerous away from everything else,” Brown said.
Place meats in the bottom compartments. Meats produce a lot of fluid and you don’t want those juices to drip onto cooked foods or veggies and fruits contaminating them. Beyond that, in most refrigerators, the lowest temperatures are in the bottom shelves.

Store fish on ice, even if it’s in the refrigerator. That’s because fish goes bad faster than any other meat.
Eggs be stored in the meat compartments rather than on the shelves in the door.

The biggest danger in your refrigerator is from contamination. “This may sound odd, but contaminated food will make you sick, but spoiled foods won’t necessarily make you sick,” Brown said.

When it comes to fruits and veggies, it’s OK to store them in the plastic bags you packed them up in at the store.

To keep them freshest, Brown suggests packing a paper towel in the bag before putting it into to the fridge. The towel will absorb any moisture from produce respiration.


When it comes to thawing meats, whenever possible it should be done in the refrigerator, Brown said. And put them in a plastic container so they don’t drip all over everything eIse.

If you need a quick thaw then put the meat in a plastic bag in the sink and run a thin stream of cold water over it.

Another important tip: Always wipe down food preparation surfaces. Brown suggests using a solution of ¼ teaspoon of bleach in a cup of water.

And when you’re prepping fruits and veggies always rinse with cold water. If the surface is bumpy, then use a brush to get them clean, Brown said.