FDA released three recall notices for walnuts after FDA testing found a sample positive for Listeria at the supplier, Golden State Foods. Walnuts from California, were sold in MO, KS, and IL.
Walnuts would not be considered high risk for Listeria - walnuts are shelf stable - dry (low moisture) are stored at ambient temperatures. It is unlikely that Listeria would support the growth of Listeria, but if walnuts were used an ingredient in a higher moisture product, such as a salad, then the walnuts could be a source of Listeria.
It is hard to tell why walnuts were tested in the first place outside the fact that it may be used as an ingredient in a moister refrigerated RTE product.
What we don't know was the level of contamination on the walnuts to start. Generally absence/presence testing is done. Do the level of contamination may have been low and thus the associated risk would be low. According the FDA Risk Assessment for Listeria , there would be very low risk, even for susceptible populations, when the contamination rate is less than 100 CFU/meal. Certainly testing will be able to detect below this level
FDA Recall Notices
Sherman Produce Recalls Bulk and Packaged
Walnuts Due to Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm398734.htm
Contact Consumer: 314-231-2896
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 21, 2014 - St. Louis-based Sherman Produce is voluntarily recalling walnuts comprising of 241 cases of bulk walnuts packaged in 25 lb bulk cardboard boxes and Schnucks brand 10 oz trays with UPC 00338390032 with best by dates 03/15 and 04/15 because the products are potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is 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.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Friday, May 23, 2014
Using Yelp Reviews to Help Fight Foodborne Illness
A study was done to use Yelp, a restaurant review website, as a way to identify restaurants that may have caused foodborne illness. Investigators went through about 300,000 reviews using word identification software to identify roughly 500 that may have had an illness. From this, investigators further refined the list to 129, of which 27 individuals agreed to answer a survey.
Great? I am not seeing it that way.
No one will report unless that really feel the restaurant was truly at fault. In fact, a person reading the reviews and seeing a claim of illness could see if someone was truthful enough to actually report the illness to authorities....now that is something you would take that pretty seriously when reading reviews. I am sure that the review websites (Yelp, TripAdvisor, UrbanSpoon, etc) would be happy to help.
MMWR Report
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6320a1.htm?s_cid=mm6320a1_e
Using Online Reviews by Restaurant Patrons to Identify Unreported Cases of Foodborne Illness — New York City, 2012–2013
Weekly
May 23, 2014 / 63(20);441-445
Cassandra Harrison, MSPH1,2, Mohip Jorder, MS3, Henri Stern3, Faina Stavinsky, MS1, Vasudha Reddy, MPH1, Heather Hanson, MPH1, HaeNa Waechter, MPH1, Luther Lowe4, Luis Gravano, PhD3, Sharon Balter, MD1 (Author affiliations at end of text)
While investigating an outbreak of gastrointestinal disease associated with a restaurant, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) noted that patrons had reported illnesses on the business review website Yelp (http://www.yelp.com
) that had not been reported to DOHMH. To explore the potential of using Yelp to identify unreported outbreaks, DOHMH worked with Columbia University and Yelp on a pilot project to prospectively identify restaurant reviews on Yelp that referred to foodborne illness. During July 1, 2012–March 31, 2013, approximately 294,000 Yelp restaurant reviews were analyzed by a software program developed for the project. The program identified 893 reviews that required further evaluation by a foodborne disease epidemiologist. Of the 893 reviews, 499 (56%) described an event consistent with foodborne illness (e.g., patrons reported diarrhea or vomiting after their meal), and 468 of those described an illness within 4 weeks of the review or did not provide a period. Only 3% of the illnesses referred to in the 468 reviews had also been reported directly to DOHMH via telephone and online systems during the same period. Closer examination determined that 129 of the 468 reviews required further investigation, resulting in telephone interviews with 27 reviewers. From those 27 interviews, three previously unreported restaurant-related outbreaks linked to 16 illnesses met DOHMH outbreak investigation criteria; environmental investigation of the three restaurants identified multiple food-handling violations. The results suggest that online restaurant reviews might help to identify unreported outbreaks of foodborne illness and restaurants with deficiencies in food handling. However, investigating reports of illness in this manner might require considerable time and resources.
Great? I am not seeing it that way.
- People are not always truthful when writing reviews, especially if they had a bad experience. What a better way to exact revenge on a mean restaurant owner then to complain that you got ill from eating there. Could this explain the low level of people willing to answer a survey? Seriously, if you had gotten sick from eating at a restaurant, and then authorities asked me if you would answer a survey, I think most would be more than willing to provide some information.
- Competitors will also write fake reviews.
- People attribute illness to the last thing they ate, or an memorable event where they ate, but this is not necessarily what made them ill. Granted the survey tries to take this into account, but not may miss one way or the other.
- Yelp is just one of the review websites...so investigators would need to expand the search to include a number websites.
No one will report unless that really feel the restaurant was truly at fault. In fact, a person reading the reviews and seeing a claim of illness could see if someone was truthful enough to actually report the illness to authorities....now that is something you would take that pretty seriously when reading reviews. I am sure that the review websites (Yelp, TripAdvisor, UrbanSpoon, etc) would be happy to help.
MMWR Report
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6320a1.htm?s_cid=mm6320a1_e
Using Online Reviews by Restaurant Patrons to Identify Unreported Cases of Foodborne Illness — New York City, 2012–2013
Weekly
May 23, 2014 / 63(20);441-445
Cassandra Harrison, MSPH1,2, Mohip Jorder, MS3, Henri Stern3, Faina Stavinsky, MS1, Vasudha Reddy, MPH1, Heather Hanson, MPH1, HaeNa Waechter, MPH1, Luther Lowe4, Luis Gravano, PhD3, Sharon Balter, MD1 (Author affiliations at end of text)
While investigating an outbreak of gastrointestinal disease associated with a restaurant, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) noted that patrons had reported illnesses on the business review website Yelp (http://www.yelp.com
) that had not been reported to DOHMH. To explore the potential of using Yelp to identify unreported outbreaks, DOHMH worked with Columbia University and Yelp on a pilot project to prospectively identify restaurant reviews on Yelp that referred to foodborne illness. During July 1, 2012–March 31, 2013, approximately 294,000 Yelp restaurant reviews were analyzed by a software program developed for the project. The program identified 893 reviews that required further evaluation by a foodborne disease epidemiologist. Of the 893 reviews, 499 (56%) described an event consistent with foodborne illness (e.g., patrons reported diarrhea or vomiting after their meal), and 468 of those described an illness within 4 weeks of the review or did not provide a period. Only 3% of the illnesses referred to in the 468 reviews had also been reported directly to DOHMH via telephone and online systems during the same period. Closer examination determined that 129 of the 468 reviews required further investigation, resulting in telephone interviews with 27 reviewers. From those 27 interviews, three previously unreported restaurant-related outbreaks linked to 16 illnesses met DOHMH outbreak investigation criteria; environmental investigation of the three restaurants identified multiple food-handling violations. The results suggest that online restaurant reviews might help to identify unreported outbreaks of foodborne illness and restaurants with deficiencies in food handling. However, investigating reports of illness in this manner might require considerable time and resources.Trichinella Case Study 2013 - Wild Boar
In this incident, a group of 9 people became infected with Trichinella after eating undercooked sausage made with ground meat from wild boar.
Trichnella infection used to be more common before the 1950s and was usually caused by ingestion of undercooked pork. The number of cases decreased beginning in the mid-20th century because of legislation prohibiting the feeding of raw-meat garbage to hogs, commercial and home freezing of pork, and the public awareness of the danger of eating raw or undercooked pork products. Commercially raised pork are fed controlled diets and the meat is inspected.
Today, infection is relatively rare. During 2008–2010, 20 cases were reported per year on average. Cases were related to eating undercooked meat from meat eating animals such as bear, cougar, and wild boar.
Abdominal symptoms can occur 1-2 days after infection after the parasite attaches to the lining of the intestine. These symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, and abdominal discomfort.
Further symptoms usually start 2-8 weeks after eating contaminated meat as the eggs develop into immature worms, travel through the arteries, and are transported to muscles. Within the muscles, the worms curl into a ball and encyst (become enclosed in a capsule). These include headaches, fevers, chills, cough, swelling of the face and eyes, aching joints and muscle pains, itchy skin, diarrhea, or constipation may follow the first symptoms. If the infection is heavy, patients may experience difficulty coordinating movements, and have heart and breathing problems. In severe cases, death can occur.
USDA recommends cooking wild game (whole cuts and ground) o at least 160° F (71° C).
Source http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/trichinellosis/gen_info/faqs.html
MMWR Report
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6320a4.htm?s_cid=mm6320a4_e
Notes from the Field: Trichinellosis Caused by Consumption of Wild Boar Meat — Illinois, 2013
MMWR Weekly
May 23, 2014 / 63(20);451
Yoran Grant Greene, PhD1,2, Thomas Padovani3, Jo Ann Rudroff4, Rebecca Hall, MPH5, Connie Austin, DVM, PhD2, Michael Vernon, DrPH2 (Author affiliations at end of text)
On March 6, 2013, the Cook County Department of Public Health (Chicago, Illinois) contacted the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding a diagnosis of trichinellosis in a patient who had consumed wild boar and deer meat obtained by hunting at a Missouri ranch January 16–18. Trichinellosis is a parasitic infection caused by consumption of undercooked infected meat, most commonly from carnivorous or omnivorous animals (1).
Trichnella infection used to be more common before the 1950s and was usually caused by ingestion of undercooked pork. The number of cases decreased beginning in the mid-20th century because of legislation prohibiting the feeding of raw-meat garbage to hogs, commercial and home freezing of pork, and the public awareness of the danger of eating raw or undercooked pork products. Commercially raised pork are fed controlled diets and the meat is inspected.
Today, infection is relatively rare. During 2008–2010, 20 cases were reported per year on average. Cases were related to eating undercooked meat from meat eating animals such as bear, cougar, and wild boar.
Abdominal symptoms can occur 1-2 days after infection after the parasite attaches to the lining of the intestine. These symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, and abdominal discomfort.
Further symptoms usually start 2-8 weeks after eating contaminated meat as the eggs develop into immature worms, travel through the arteries, and are transported to muscles. Within the muscles, the worms curl into a ball and encyst (become enclosed in a capsule). These include headaches, fevers, chills, cough, swelling of the face and eyes, aching joints and muscle pains, itchy skin, diarrhea, or constipation may follow the first symptoms. If the infection is heavy, patients may experience difficulty coordinating movements, and have heart and breathing problems. In severe cases, death can occur.
USDA recommends cooking wild game (whole cuts and ground) o at least 160° F (71° C).
Source http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/trichinellosis/gen_info/faqs.html
MMWR Report
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6320a4.htm?s_cid=mm6320a4_e
Notes from the Field: Trichinellosis Caused by Consumption of Wild Boar Meat — Illinois, 2013
MMWR Weekly
May 23, 2014 / 63(20);451
Yoran Grant Greene, PhD1,2, Thomas Padovani3, Jo Ann Rudroff4, Rebecca Hall, MPH5, Connie Austin, DVM, PhD2, Michael Vernon, DrPH2 (Author affiliations at end of text)
On March 6, 2013, the Cook County Department of Public Health (Chicago, Illinois) contacted the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding a diagnosis of trichinellosis in a patient who had consumed wild boar and deer meat obtained by hunting at a Missouri ranch January 16–18. Trichinellosis is a parasitic infection caused by consumption of undercooked infected meat, most commonly from carnivorous or omnivorous animals (1).
Hummus and Dip Products Recalled for Potential Listeria Contamination
A MA based company is recalling 14.000 pounds of hummus and dip products after the Texas Department of Health found Listeria during routine testing of one of the containers. Product was shipped to Target (Archer Farms brand), to Giant Eagle, and to Trader Joes. No illnesses have been reported.
Listeria is an organism that can become a hazard in these foods if controls are not in place. These products are most likely cold filled, and thus have post-lethality exposure. That is, after the product is processed, it is filled into containers. Environmental contaminates like Listeria, if present through the absence of control, can get into containers during this time. Because Listeria can grow at refrigeration temperatures, it can grow in the humus essentially from the time the product is shipped until the time the product is consumed.
Here again, we find a private label company having a negative impact on a larger brand, including Trader Joe's. The processor in the case, Lansal Inc, (d.b.a. Hot Momma's Foods) had bought a hummus filler two years ago for their MA facility (according to the MassLive.com release below).
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm398106.htm
Lansal, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Hummus & Dip Products Due to Possible Health Risk
Contact: Consumer: (877) 550-0694 from 8:00A.M. to 8:00P.M.
Media: Mark Kretzinger (847) 288-9183 ext. 113
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 19, 2014 - Prepared Foods manufacturer, Lansal, Inc.( d.b.a Hot Mama’s Foods), announced today that as a precaution it is voluntarily recalling approximately 14,860 pounds of hummus and dip products due to concerns about possible 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.
Listeria is an organism that can become a hazard in these foods if controls are not in place. These products are most likely cold filled, and thus have post-lethality exposure. That is, after the product is processed, it is filled into containers. Environmental contaminates like Listeria, if present through the absence of control, can get into containers during this time. Because Listeria can grow at refrigeration temperatures, it can grow in the humus essentially from the time the product is shipped until the time the product is consumed.
Here again, we find a private label company having a negative impact on a larger brand, including Trader Joe's. The processor in the case, Lansal Inc, (d.b.a. Hot Momma's Foods) had bought a hummus filler two years ago for their MA facility (according to the MassLive.com release below).
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm398106.htm
Lansal, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Hummus & Dip Products Due to Possible Health Risk
Contact: Consumer: (877) 550-0694 from 8:00A.M. to 8:00P.M.
Media: Mark Kretzinger (847) 288-9183 ext. 113
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 19, 2014 - Prepared Foods manufacturer, Lansal, Inc.( d.b.a Hot Mama’s Foods), announced today that as a precaution it is voluntarily recalling approximately 14,860 pounds of hummus and dip products due to concerns about possible 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.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Ground Beef Recalled After Linked to E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak
USDA News Release
Michigan Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7
Class I Recall 030-2014
Health Risk: High May 19, 2014
Congressional and Public Affairs Lauren Kotwicki (202) 720-9113
WASHINGTON, May, 19, 2014 – Wolverine Packing Company, a Detroit, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 1.8 million pounds of 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.
MERS - A Quick Primer
There have been three cases of MERS found in the US. MERS, a severe respiratory infection, is caused by a virus and can be spread person-to-person. It originates in the Middle East, and cases found so far have been related to two who traveled to the Middle East and one who had contact with one of those travelers.
According to CDC, there is very low risk to the general public here is the US.
According to CDC, there is very low risk to the general public here is the US.
USDA to Begin Testing Ground Beef for Salmonella
USDA will begin testing for Salmonella in addition to E. Coli (STEC) in ground beef this summer. Samples found to be Salmonella positive will be analyzed for antibiotic resistance.
It will be interesting to see if any recalls are issued due to antibiotic resistant Salmonella strains.
USDA Website - Blog
http://blogs.usda.gov/2014/05/16/food-safety-scientists-double-up-on-ground-beef-testing-this-summer/
Food Safety Scientists Double Up on Ground Beef Testing This Summer
Posted by Brian Ronholm, Acting Under Secretary for Food Safety, on May 16, 2014 at 1:00 PM
As grilling season heats up, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is enhancing our food safety testing program for ground beef. While FSIS has a range of safeguards to reduce E. coli in ground beef, this summer we will begin new testing to improve the safeguards against Salmonella as well. Salmonella is commonly found in ground beef and, in fact, caused an illness outbreak in January 2013 in six states. Salmonella is an especially difficult bacteria for food safety experts to address because it is so prevalent in almost all food sources.
It will be interesting to see if any recalls are issued due to antibiotic resistant Salmonella strains.
USDA Website - Blog
http://blogs.usda.gov/2014/05/16/food-safety-scientists-double-up-on-ground-beef-testing-this-summer/
Food Safety Scientists Double Up on Ground Beef Testing This Summer
Posted by Brian Ronholm, Acting Under Secretary for Food Safety, on May 16, 2014 at 1:00 PM
As grilling season heats up, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is enhancing our food safety testing program for ground beef. While FSIS has a range of safeguards to reduce E. coli in ground beef, this summer we will begin new testing to improve the safeguards against Salmonella as well. Salmonella is commonly found in ground beef and, in fact, caused an illness outbreak in January 2013 in six states. Salmonella is an especially difficult bacteria for food safety experts to address because it is so prevalent in almost all food sources.
Kraft Products Recalled Due to Inadequate Storage Temperature of Ingredients
Kraft is recalling cottage cheese products due to the fact that some of the ingredients were not stored at the proper temperature. It appears that about 10 weeks of production are being recalled, which is a reported 1.2 million cases.
While there is little information to say what happened in this case, clearly the issue was identified after the product was shipped. Many factors can lead to this....improperly placed refrigerated ingredients in an ambient temperature warehouse, a cooler that was not operating correctly so that the temperatures were not below 41 deg F, or ingredients were received at a higher incoming temperature. Regardless, when food products and/or ingredients are stored at an incorrect temperature for a given period of time, corrective action must be taken. If that refrigerated food is determined to be temperature abused, there is often little recourse except for disposal.
This case is a good reminder for being firm on SOPs (standard operation procedures) regarding refrigerated food ingredients - regularly monitoring refrigeration temperature to ensure proper conditions are maintained, and ensuring that ingredients are received at the right temperature and then stored in the proper location.
Kraft Food Group News Release
http://ir.kraftfoodsgroup.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=848618
May 17, 2014
Kraft Foods Group Voluntarily Recalls Select Cottage Cheese Products Due To Out-Of-Standard Storage Temperatures
Certain Knudsen Cottage Cheese, Breakstone's Cottage Cheese, Simply Kraft Cottage Cheese and Daily Chef Cottage Cheese Products Included in the Recall
NORTHFIELD, Ill., May 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Kraft Foods Group is voluntarily recalling select Knudsen Cottage Cheese, Breakstone's Cottage Cheese, Simply Kraft Cottage Cheese, and Daily Chef Cottage Cheese products. Some ingredients used in these products were not stored in accordance with Kraft's temperature standards. While unlikely, this could create conditions that could lead to premature spoilage and/or food borne illness; therefore, the company is issuing the recall as a precaution. The affected products all have code dates from May 9, 2014 through July 23, 2014.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Raw Pet Food Recalled Due to Postive Listeria Testing
A pet food company is recalling its raw pet food products after product testing indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
This is not the first case of a recall being issued on raw pet food products. Bravo recalled raw pet food in 2013, in that case, it was due to Salmonella (below).
It is hard to tell whether there are interventions in place, but clearly the company acknowledges there may be harmful bacteria present. So if people want to buy raw pet food, and they know there are pathogens present, why is the product being tested for pathogens. It is raw, and thus the potential for pathogens will be there.
On the other side, consumers don't always read the packaging, and if they did, would not necessarily follow instructions.
From the Bravo website:
Handling
Some raw food products may contain bacteria that could cause illness to you or the animals you are feeding if mishandled. (Note all Bravo! Raw Diet products are tested by an independent lab prior to leaving our plant for the presence of selected bacteria.)
For your protection, please follow these instructions for safest use.
Keep frozen until ready to use. Keep meat and poultry separate from other foods. Wash working surfaces, utensils (including cutting boards, preparation and feeding bowls), hands, and any other items that touch or contact raw meat or poultry with hot soapy water. Refrigerate leftovers immediately.
Thawing
Bravo! 2 lb. and 5 lb. and 10 lb. chubs.
2 lb. chub: Allow 24 hours to defrost a 2 lb chub in refrigerator and 3-4 hours to defrost a 2 lb chub on the countertop at room temperature.
5 lb. or 10 lb. chub: Allow 36 hours to defrost it in the refrigerator and 4-6 hours to defrost it on the counter at room temperature.
Please defrost any Bravo! chub or any packaged product on a plate or in a sealed container to avoid having any meat juices etc. come in contact with other food or contents of your refrigerator.
Thawing Tips:
If need be you can use the cold water fast thaw method on a chub:
Allow 45-60 minutes in a cold water bath for a 2 lb chub and up to 2 hours for a 5 lb. or 10 lb. chub.
Remember to place the thawing chub in a bowl or non-plastic covered container or on a plate. Do not leave the chub on the counter where the defrosting meat and juices might leak on to the counter.
We do not recommend using a microwave to defrost any size chub.
Full-size - 4oz. or 8 oz. Burger:
Generally a 4 oz. or 8 oz. burger will thaw and be ready to serve 6-8 hours after being placed in the refrigerator from the freezer.
Remember to place the thawing burgers on a plate or in a non-plastic covered container.
Do not remove the burger from the EZ Peel overwrap vacuum sealed package while it thaws.
Serve immediately after removing the overwrap.
Once thawed, product should be served within 1-2 days.
Carefully wash bowl or plate or any plate or storage device with hot, soapy water before reuse.
If you have thawed the burger, please do not leave it out at room temperature after it has thawed. You should be careful to serve it immediately or keep it in the refrigerator for safe storage.
If you need to do a fast thaw, do not use a microwave. Run cold tap water over the burger while it is still sealed in the package for about 5-10 minutes and serve it when it is thawed, but still chilled.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm397362.htm
Bravo® Issues Nationwide Recall of Pet Food for Dogs and Cats
Contact: Consumer: (866) 922-9222
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 14, 2014 - Manchester, CT – Bravo is recalling select lots and product(s) of Bravo Pet Food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeria monocytogenes is 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.
However, healthy cats and dogs rarely become sick from Listeria. Animals ill with Listeria will display symptoms similar to the ones listed above for humans. People who have concerns about whether their pet has Listeria should contact their veterinarian.
The recalled product was distributed nationwide to distributors, retail stores, internet retailers and directly to consumers. The product can be identified by the batch ID code (best used by date) printed on the side of the plastic tube or on a label on the box.
The recalled products are as follows:
1) These products are being recalled because they may have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! BEEF BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
All 2lb., 5lb., and 10lb. tubes
Product Numbers: 52-102, 52-105, 52-110
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier
PRODUCT: BRAVO! BALANCE PREMIUM TURKEY FORMULA (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
3 lb. box with (12) 4oz. burgers
Product Number: 31-401
Best Used By Dates: 1/07/16 and 2/11/16
2) These products are being recalled out of an abundance of caution because while they did not test positive for pathogens, they were manufactured in the same manufacturing facility or on the same day as products that did test positive.
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
All 2lb., 5lb., and 10lb. tubes
Product Numbers: 42-102, 42-105, 42-110
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BASIC FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
2lb. tubes
Product Number: 42-202
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! BEEF & BEEF HEART FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
5lb. tubes
Product Number: 53-130
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! 100% PURE & NATURAL PREMIUM GRASS-FED BUFFALO FOR DOGS AND CATS (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
NET WT 2LBS (32 OZ) .91KG (Tubes)
Product Number: 72-222
Best Used By Date: 1/7/16
PRODUCT: BRAVO! TURKEY BALANCE FORMULA (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
NET WT 2 LBS (32 OZ) .09KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 31-402
Best Used By Dates: 1/7/16 and 2/11/16
NET WT 5 LBS (80 OZ) 2.3KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 31-405
Best Used By Dates: 1/7/16 and 2/11/16
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
5 LBS (80 OZ) 2.3KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 42-105
Best Used By Date: 2/11/16
This voluntary recall has been issued because the FDA has reported an independent lab detected the bacteria in a sample during a recent review. The company has received a limited number of reports of dogs experiencing nausea and diarrhea that may be associated with these specific products. The company has received no reports of human illness as a result of these products.
Bravo discontinued all manufacturing in New Zealand on October 10, 2013. Bravo will immediately start working with distributors and retailers to properly dispose of any affected product left on freezer shelves. The company will also be announcing the recall to pet owners to ensure they dispose of any affected product that has been purchased.
Bravo is issuing this action out of an abundance of caution and sincerely regrets any inconvenience to pet owners as a result of this announcement.
The recalled product should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners who have the affected product at home should dispose of this product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle). They can return to the store where purchased and submit the Product Recall Claim Form available on the Bravo website www.bravopetfoods.com for a full refund or store credit. More information on the Bravo recall can also be found at www.bravopetfoods.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222.
*Image of product labels for recalled items is attached.
FDA News Release - 2013
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ArchiveRecalls/2013/ucm343716.htm
Bravo! Recalls 2 lb Tubes of Chicken Blend-Raw Frozen Food Diet for Dogs and Cats (One Lot Code) Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Contact:Consumer: David Bogner 866-922-9222
E-mail: info@bravorawdiet.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 13, 2013 - Bravo! is voluntarily recalling its 2 lb tubes of Bravo! Raw Food Diet Chicken Blend for Dogs and Cats, product code: 21-102, batch ID code 6 14 12, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recall involves 2 lb. Bravo! Chicken Blend frozen raw diet tubes (chubs) made on June 14, 2012 only; no other products or sizes are involved. The recalled product should not be sold or fed to pets. This batch tested negative by a third party independent laboratory prior to release for distribution to consumers, however routine testing by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of product collected from a single retail location tested positive for presence of salmonella. While the testing discrepancy is unclear, in an abundance of caution Bravo is issuing this recall.
The company has received no reports of illness in either people or animals associated with this product.
The recalled product is distributed nationwide to distributors, retail stores, internet retailers and directly to consumers, and can be identified by the batch ID code 6 14 12 located on the white hang tag attached to the bottom of the plastic film tube.
Pet owners should return unopened frozen tubes of food to the store where purchased for a full refund. Pet owners should dispose of opened tubes of product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle) and return the washed plastic batch ID tag to the store where purchased for a full refund.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048182.htm.
For more information on the Bravo recall, please visit www.bravorawdiet.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST).
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This is not the first case of a recall being issued on raw pet food products. Bravo recalled raw pet food in 2013, in that case, it was due to Salmonella (below).
It is hard to tell whether there are interventions in place, but clearly the company acknowledges there may be harmful bacteria present. So if people want to buy raw pet food, and they know there are pathogens present, why is the product being tested for pathogens. It is raw, and thus the potential for pathogens will be there.
On the other side, consumers don't always read the packaging, and if they did, would not necessarily follow instructions.
From the Bravo website:
Handling
Some raw food products may contain bacteria that could cause illness to you or the animals you are feeding if mishandled. (Note all Bravo! Raw Diet products are tested by an independent lab prior to leaving our plant for the presence of selected bacteria.)
For your protection, please follow these instructions for safest use.
Keep frozen until ready to use. Keep meat and poultry separate from other foods. Wash working surfaces, utensils (including cutting boards, preparation and feeding bowls), hands, and any other items that touch or contact raw meat or poultry with hot soapy water. Refrigerate leftovers immediately.
Thawing
Bravo! 2 lb. and 5 lb. and 10 lb. chubs.
2 lb. chub: Allow 24 hours to defrost a 2 lb chub in refrigerator and 3-4 hours to defrost a 2 lb chub on the countertop at room temperature.
5 lb. or 10 lb. chub: Allow 36 hours to defrost it in the refrigerator and 4-6 hours to defrost it on the counter at room temperature.
Please defrost any Bravo! chub or any packaged product on a plate or in a sealed container to avoid having any meat juices etc. come in contact with other food or contents of your refrigerator.
Thawing Tips:
If need be you can use the cold water fast thaw method on a chub:
Allow 45-60 minutes in a cold water bath for a 2 lb chub and up to 2 hours for a 5 lb. or 10 lb. chub.
Remember to place the thawing chub in a bowl or non-plastic covered container or on a plate. Do not leave the chub on the counter where the defrosting meat and juices might leak on to the counter.
We do not recommend using a microwave to defrost any size chub.
Full-size - 4oz. or 8 oz. Burger:
Generally a 4 oz. or 8 oz. burger will thaw and be ready to serve 6-8 hours after being placed in the refrigerator from the freezer.
Remember to place the thawing burgers on a plate or in a non-plastic covered container.
Do not remove the burger from the EZ Peel overwrap vacuum sealed package while it thaws.
Serve immediately after removing the overwrap.
Once thawed, product should be served within 1-2 days.
Carefully wash bowl or plate or any plate or storage device with hot, soapy water before reuse.
If you have thawed the burger, please do not leave it out at room temperature after it has thawed. You should be careful to serve it immediately or keep it in the refrigerator for safe storage.
If you need to do a fast thaw, do not use a microwave. Run cold tap water over the burger while it is still sealed in the package for about 5-10 minutes and serve it when it is thawed, but still chilled.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm397362.htm
Bravo® Issues Nationwide Recall of Pet Food for Dogs and Cats
Contact: Consumer: (866) 922-9222
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 14, 2014 - Manchester, CT – Bravo is recalling select lots and product(s) of Bravo Pet Food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeria monocytogenes is 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.
However, healthy cats and dogs rarely become sick from Listeria. Animals ill with Listeria will display symptoms similar to the ones listed above for humans. People who have concerns about whether their pet has Listeria should contact their veterinarian.
The recalled product was distributed nationwide to distributors, retail stores, internet retailers and directly to consumers. The product can be identified by the batch ID code (best used by date) printed on the side of the plastic tube or on a label on the box.
The recalled products are as follows:
1) These products are being recalled because they may have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! BEEF BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
All 2lb., 5lb., and 10lb. tubes
Product Numbers: 52-102, 52-105, 52-110
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier
PRODUCT: BRAVO! BALANCE PREMIUM TURKEY FORMULA (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
3 lb. box with (12) 4oz. burgers
Product Number: 31-401
Best Used By Dates: 1/07/16 and 2/11/16
2) These products are being recalled out of an abundance of caution because while they did not test positive for pathogens, they were manufactured in the same manufacturing facility or on the same day as products that did test positive.
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
All 2lb., 5lb., and 10lb. tubes
Product Numbers: 42-102, 42-105, 42-110
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BASIC FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
2lb. tubes
Product Number: 42-202
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! BEEF & BEEF HEART FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
5lb. tubes
Product Number: 53-130
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! 100% PURE & NATURAL PREMIUM GRASS-FED BUFFALO FOR DOGS AND CATS (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
NET WT 2LBS (32 OZ) .91KG (Tubes)
Product Number: 72-222
Best Used By Date: 1/7/16
PRODUCT: BRAVO! TURKEY BALANCE FORMULA (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
NET WT 2 LBS (32 OZ) .09KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 31-402
Best Used By Dates: 1/7/16 and 2/11/16
NET WT 5 LBS (80 OZ) 2.3KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 31-405
Best Used By Dates: 1/7/16 and 2/11/16
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
5 LBS (80 OZ) 2.3KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 42-105
Best Used By Date: 2/11/16
This voluntary recall has been issued because the FDA has reported an independent lab detected the bacteria in a sample during a recent review. The company has received a limited number of reports of dogs experiencing nausea and diarrhea that may be associated with these specific products. The company has received no reports of human illness as a result of these products.
Bravo discontinued all manufacturing in New Zealand on October 10, 2013. Bravo will immediately start working with distributors and retailers to properly dispose of any affected product left on freezer shelves. The company will also be announcing the recall to pet owners to ensure they dispose of any affected product that has been purchased.
Bravo is issuing this action out of an abundance of caution and sincerely regrets any inconvenience to pet owners as a result of this announcement.
The recalled product should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners who have the affected product at home should dispose of this product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle). They can return to the store where purchased and submit the Product Recall Claim Form available on the Bravo website www.bravopetfoods.com for a full refund or store credit. More information on the Bravo recall can also be found at www.bravopetfoods.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222.
*Image of product labels for recalled items is attached.
FDA News Release - 2013
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ArchiveRecalls/2013/ucm343716.htm
Bravo! Recalls 2 lb Tubes of Chicken Blend-Raw Frozen Food Diet for Dogs and Cats (One Lot Code) Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Contact:Consumer: David Bogner 866-922-9222
E-mail: info@bravorawdiet.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 13, 2013 - Bravo! is voluntarily recalling its 2 lb tubes of Bravo! Raw Food Diet Chicken Blend for Dogs and Cats, product code: 21-102, batch ID code 6 14 12, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recall involves 2 lb. Bravo! Chicken Blend frozen raw diet tubes (chubs) made on June 14, 2012 only; no other products or sizes are involved. The recalled product should not be sold or fed to pets. This batch tested negative by a third party independent laboratory prior to release for distribution to consumers, however routine testing by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of product collected from a single retail location tested positive for presence of salmonella. While the testing discrepancy is unclear, in an abundance of caution Bravo is issuing this recall.
The company has received no reports of illness in either people or animals associated with this product.
The recalled product is distributed nationwide to distributors, retail stores, internet retailers and directly to consumers, and can be identified by the batch ID code 6 14 12 located on the white hang tag attached to the bottom of the plastic film tube.
Pet owners should return unopened frozen tubes of food to the store where purchased for a full refund. Pet owners should dispose of opened tubes of product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle) and return the washed plastic batch ID tag to the store where purchased for a full refund.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048182.htm.
For more information on the Bravo recall, please visit www.bravorawdiet.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST).
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