A Wisconsin company is recalling walnut pieces after a sample of the product was found to be positive for Salmonella, discovered during FDA routine retail testing.
FDA recall notice
The Morning Call
http://www.mcall.com/business/mc-candy-sold-in-pa-recalled-for-possible-salmonella-contamination-20150106-story.html
Candy sold in Pa. recalled for possible salmonella contamination
By Morning Call staff
Walnut candies sold in 27 states including Pennsylvania were recalled Monday for possible salmonella contamination. Eillien's Candies Inc. said in a press release issued through the Food and Drug Administration that it is voluntarily recalling Walnut Pieces candy because some of the products may be contaminated with salmonella.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Monday, January 5, 2015
Update - Listeria Contaminated Caramel Apples
The CDC reports as of January 1, 32 people have become ill with 6 deaths related to Listeria contaminated caramel apples.
The FDA investigation traced the apples to Bidert Brothers Packing of CA. Their Granny Smith and Gala Apples appear to be the likely source. Companies which received apples from Bidert Bros issued recalls.
Happy Apple
California Snack Foods
Pacific Coast Fruit
Merb’s Candies
.
FDA completed sampling of the Bidert facility, but has not yet issued a report of their findings.
The FDA investigation traced the apples to Bidert Brothers Packing of CA. Their Granny Smith and Gala Apples appear to be the likely source. Companies which received apples from Bidert Bros issued recalls.
FDA completed sampling of the Bidert facility, but has not yet issued a report of their findings.
Quat Sanitizer - a Review of Efficacy
A review article, Quaternary Ammonium Biocides: Efficacy in Application, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, looks at the use of quat, or quaternary ammonium, sanitizers and the fact that some organisms may be more tolerant than others. It states that this is a tolerance issue, not a resistance issue. So while the use of quat sanitizers are important, more information is needed in field application to understand real efficacy and survival.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
http://aem.asm.org/content/81/2/464.abstract?etoc
Quaternary Ammonium Biocides: Efficacy in Application
Charles P. Gerba
Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
ABSTRACT
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
http://aem.asm.org/content/81/2/464.abstract?etoc
Quaternary Ammonium Biocides: Efficacy in Application
Charles P. Gerba
Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
ABSTRACT
Bacteria in the Restroom - Pondering Succession and Stability
Did you ever wonder about the bacteria on the surfaces in the restroom? Well, you probably figured there were bacteria there (and thus you use your foot to flush the commode), but hopefully you pondered deeper thoughts rather than postulating bacterial succession on the floor as well as the seat in which you sit.
Well some did ponder such questions, completed a study and published those results (Ecological Succession and Viability of Human-Associated Microbiota on Restroom Surfaces). They showed that the ecological succession of bacterial populations does occur and that in general, a stable community does occur after 8 hours, and is made up of skin and environmental organisms rather than gut microorganisms.
Well some did ponder such questions, completed a study and published those results (Ecological Succession and Viability of Human-Associated Microbiota on Restroom Surfaces). They showed that the ecological succession of bacterial populations does occur and that in general, a stable community does occur after 8 hours, and is made up of skin and environmental organisms rather than gut microorganisms.
"The prevalence of skin-associated, rather than feces-associated taxa, in the late-successional community suggests that organisms are selected for their ability to persist in a dry, aerobic environment, which is a very different environment from the gut. Human-associated microbiota, including Staphylococcus strains, can remain viable on BE surfaces for many hours after their dispersal [cleaning] agents are removed. This suggests that common BE surfaces may be significant fomites for viable human pathogens."
Recall Summary for the 2014 Holiday Season
To catch up on the recalls over the holiday 12/23/14 to 1/4/15), here is a quick summary (minus Carmel Apples)
1) First, there were ice cream recalls in ice cream products due to Listeria. They are linked to one supplier, Snoqualmie Gourmet.
FDA Recall Notice - 1/3/15
Full Tilt Ice Cream Recalls All Dairy Based Ice Cream Products Except Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts Because of Possible Health Risk
WA based company recalls ice cream due to Listeria. The product contained an ingredient that was recalled by another company.
FDA Recall Notice - 1/3/15
Pink’s Ice Cream Recalls All Ice Cream Flavors Except the Coconut Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Because of Possible Health Risk
This is another Washington based company recalling because of an ingredient was recalled.
FDA Recall Notice
Great Feeling Foods, LLC Recalls Groove Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Because of Possible Health Risk
FDA Recall Notice
Updated Release By Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Ice Cream, Gelato, Custard And Sorbet Because Of Possible Health Risk
2) Cheese products were also recalled due to Listeria.
One set was related to Bleating Heart Cheese.
FDA Recall Notice - 12/31/14
Whole Foods Market Voluntarily Recalls Cut, Wrapped and Weighed Bleating Heart-Brand Cheeses in Arizona, California and Hawaii Because of Possible Health Risk
"Whole Foods Market is recalling cheese sold in Arizona, California and Hawaii that came from its supplier Bleating Heart Cheeses because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes......"
And Bleating Heart Cheese is expanding their recall.
Bleating Heart Cheese Expanding Voluntary Recall To Include All Cheese Produced Between February 14, 2014 To September 19, 2014
And another recall was a raw milk cheddar product recalled in MI.
Farm Country Cheese House Recalls Raw Milk Cheddar Because Of Possible Contamination With Listeria Monocytogenes
3) There were two separate recalls of pet treats due to Salmonella.
FDA Recall Notice - 12/31/14
Jump Your Bones, Inc. Recalls Roo Bites (Cubes) Pet Treats Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination
These pet treats are being recalled due to the potential to be contaminated by Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported.
FDA Recall Notice - 12/24/14
Barkworthies® Issues Nationwide Recall of Chicken Vittles Dog Chews
This recall was initiated after CO Department of Ag found a sample positive for Salmonella.
4) And there was a recall of nut products due to the potential for Salmonella.
FDA Recall Notice 12/30/14
John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Fisher Brand 8 oz. Chopped Walnuts and Fisher Brand 8 oz. Pecan Cookie Pieces Because of Possible Health Risk
5) A recall of Bruschetta due to the potential for glass.
American Roland Food Corp. Recalls Two Lots of Roland(R) Bruschetta
6) There were some allergen recalls as well for Hummus, Bread Crumbs, Superfoods Rice, and spice products.
1) First, there were ice cream recalls in ice cream products due to Listeria. They are linked to one supplier, Snoqualmie Gourmet.
FDA Recall Notice - 1/3/15
Full Tilt Ice Cream Recalls All Dairy Based Ice Cream Products Except Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts Because of Possible Health Risk
WA based company recalls ice cream due to Listeria. The product contained an ingredient that was recalled by another company.
FDA Recall Notice - 1/3/15
Pink’s Ice Cream Recalls All Ice Cream Flavors Except the Coconut Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Because of Possible Health Risk
This is another Washington based company recalling because of an ingredient was recalled.
FDA Recall Notice
Great Feeling Foods, LLC Recalls Groove Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Because of Possible Health Risk
FDA Recall Notice
Updated Release By Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Ice Cream, Gelato, Custard And Sorbet Because Of Possible Health Risk
2) Cheese products were also recalled due to Listeria.
One set was related to Bleating Heart Cheese.
FDA Recall Notice - 12/31/14
Whole Foods Market Voluntarily Recalls Cut, Wrapped and Weighed Bleating Heart-Brand Cheeses in Arizona, California and Hawaii Because of Possible Health Risk
"Whole Foods Market is recalling cheese sold in Arizona, California and Hawaii that came from its supplier Bleating Heart Cheeses because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes......"
And Bleating Heart Cheese is expanding their recall.
Bleating Heart Cheese Expanding Voluntary Recall To Include All Cheese Produced Between February 14, 2014 To September 19, 2014
And another recall was a raw milk cheddar product recalled in MI.
Farm Country Cheese House Recalls Raw Milk Cheddar Because Of Possible Contamination With Listeria Monocytogenes
3) There were two separate recalls of pet treats due to Salmonella.
FDA Recall Notice - 12/31/14
Jump Your Bones, Inc. Recalls Roo Bites (Cubes) Pet Treats Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination
These pet treats are being recalled due to the potential to be contaminated by Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported.
FDA Recall Notice - 12/24/14
Barkworthies® Issues Nationwide Recall of Chicken Vittles Dog Chews
This recall was initiated after CO Department of Ag found a sample positive for Salmonella.
4) And there was a recall of nut products due to the potential for Salmonella.
FDA Recall Notice 12/30/14
John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Fisher Brand 8 oz. Chopped Walnuts and Fisher Brand 8 oz. Pecan Cookie Pieces Because of Possible Health Risk
5) A recall of Bruschetta due to the potential for glass.
American Roland Food Corp. Recalls Two Lots of Roland(R) Bruschetta
6) There were some allergen recalls as well for Hummus, Bread Crumbs, Superfoods Rice, and spice products.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Nutrition Bars Recalled Due to the Potential to Be Contaminated with Salmonella
A California company is recalling nutrition bars after their testing found the product may contain Salmonella. The product, labeled Perfect Bar, was distributed nationwide. There have been no reported illnesses.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm427672.htm
Perfect Bar & Company Recalls Peanut Butter and Cranberry Crunch Nutrition Bars Due to Possible Health Risk
Contact: Consumer: 866-628-8548, ext 3
Media: 619-316-8494
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 19, 2014 – SAN DIEGO, CA – After Perfect Bar’s routine product testing, the company is issuing a nationwide recall of specific lot numbers of its Peanut Butter and Cranberry Crunch flavor recipes due to potential contamination of Salmonella.
While no illnesses to date have been associated with any of the recalled products, Salmonella bacteria 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, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. Consumers with the above symptoms should consult their physician.
Perfect Bar’s recalled Peanut Butter and Cranberry Crunch products have packaging and/or wrappers with the expiration date and lot codes listed below. The recalled product has reached the distributor, retail and end user level.
Consumers who have any products associated with this recall should dispose of them immediately. Consumers who have any questions about the recalled products are encouraged to contact Perfect Bar Monday through Saturday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM PST at 866-628-8548, extension 3. Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their doctor or health care provider.
Media with questions regarding the recall can contact P.J. Roustan, Director of Marketing and PR for Perfect Bar, Monday through Saturday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM PST at 619-316-8494 or pj@perfectbar.com.
###
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm427672.htm
Perfect Bar & Company Recalls Peanut Butter and Cranberry Crunch Nutrition Bars Due to Possible Health Risk
Contact: Consumer: 866-628-8548, ext 3
Media: 619-316-8494
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 19, 2014 – SAN DIEGO, CA – After Perfect Bar’s routine product testing, the company is issuing a nationwide recall of specific lot numbers of its Peanut Butter and Cranberry Crunch flavor recipes due to potential contamination of Salmonella.
While no illnesses to date have been associated with any of the recalled products, Salmonella bacteria 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, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. Consumers with the above symptoms should consult their physician.
Perfect Bar’s recalled Peanut Butter and Cranberry Crunch products have packaging and/or wrappers with the expiration date and lot codes listed below. The recalled product has reached the distributor, retail and end user level.
| BRAND | FLAVOR | SIZE | UPC CODE | EXP DATE | LOT CODE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Bar | Peanut Butter | 2.5 oz | 8-55569-00302-9 | 09-02-15 | 02814 |
| Perfect Bar | Cranberry Crunch | 1.6 oz | 8-55569-00311-1 | 09-02-15 | 02814 |
| Perfect Bar | Variety Pack (Costco) | 1 lb 9.6 oz | 8-55569-00313-5 | 09-02-15 09-01-15 11-24-15 | 02814V 02914V 03714V |
Consumers who have any products associated with this recall should dispose of them immediately. Consumers who have any questions about the recalled products are encouraged to contact Perfect Bar Monday through Saturday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM PST at 866-628-8548, extension 3. Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their doctor or health care provider.
Media with questions regarding the recall can contact P.J. Roustan, Director of Marketing and PR for Perfect Bar, Monday through Saturday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM PST at 619-316-8494 or pj@perfectbar.com.
###
Friday, December 19, 2014
Caramel Apples Linked to Listeria Outbreak, 5 Reported Deaths
Caramel Apples, commercially produced and prepackaged, are being linked to a Listeria outbreak that has caused 5 deaths and 21 hospitalizations in 10 states.
While we have recently seen recalls related to Listeria being detected on apple slices, this is one of the first cases of a Listeria outbreak related to apples. Considering that there are as many illnesses and deaths, this is the type of outbreak that will have a huge impact on fruit packers and processors.
At this point, there is little information on the circumstances, but certainly more will follow.
Melted caramel is liquid in the 125F to 150F range, so depending on how fast it cooled, Listeria could survive on the surface. It also could be forced into the apple via the wooden stake.
At this point, it may be wise to avoid caramel apples.
CDC Outbreak Notices
While we have recently seen recalls related to Listeria being detected on apple slices, this is one of the first cases of a Listeria outbreak related to apples. Considering that there are as many illnesses and deaths, this is the type of outbreak that will have a huge impact on fruit packers and processors.
At this point, there is little information on the circumstances, but certainly more will follow.
Melted caramel is liquid in the 125F to 150F range, so depending on how fast it cooled, Listeria could survive on the surface. It also could be forced into the apple via the wooden stake.
At this point, it may be wise to avoid caramel apples.
Well here is a scenario….
- Apples that were probably washed, but in less-than-sanitary quality water contaminates the apple, and most importantly the calyx.
- Apples were stored prior to adding caramel, providing a greater chance for biofilm formation at the calyx end.
- The stick, when shoved into the calyx of the apple, drags the inoculum into the center of the apple.
- The core, perhaps not having as low a pH compared to the cells in the pulp, may be more apt to support the growth of Listeria.
- Growth is further supported by the storage of those apples at room temperature..and that temperature may even be higher in that those apples were dipped in the warm caramel.
- If the processor used bulk storage apples, the conditions for supporting biofilm would probably be greater.
- Caramel apples can have a sell-by-date as long as one month, and this will provide more opportunity for growth, even if that growth is slow.
Potential Controls for Consideration:
- Using tree run fruit that is sorted for fresh sales.
- Sanitizing apples followed by proper drying. Sanitizer concentration must be controlled.
- Storage of fresh apples at refrigerated temperature in boxes with separators.
- Pre-dip the sticks in an acid sanitizing solution.
- Chilling apples after dipping in caramel,
- Storage of the caramel apples at refrigeration temperature.
- Limit shelf-life of caramel apples.
- Can the calyx of the apple be removed?
We will need to see what the conditions for processing these caramel apples were to get a better idea of what happened.
CDC Outbreak Notices
Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Commercially Produced, Prepackaged Caramel Apples
Posted December 19, 2014 9:30 AM ET
Highlights
- Read the Advice to Consumers and Retailers>>(http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/caramel-apples-12-14/advice-consumers.html)
- CDC is collaborating with public health officials in several states and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections (listeriosis) linked to commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples. Listeria can cause a serious, life-threatening illness.
- The information CDC has at this time indicates that commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples may be contaminated with Listeria and may be causing this outbreak.
- Out of an abundance of caution, CDC recommends that U.S. consumers do not eat any commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples, including plain caramel apples as well as those containing nuts, sprinkles, chocolate, or other toppings, until more specific guidance can be provided.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
As US Poultry Industry Braces for the Potential of Avian Flu, H5N2, People Not at Risk
Avian influenza has been found in wild birds on the US border. USDA has not found it in in US poultry, but the strains H5N2 and H5N8 have been found in Canadian and European flocks. While these strains are highly pathogenic to birds, they are not considered a risk to people.
Migratory birds such as ducks are a risk factor for spreading the virus to the US poultry population. Once infected, the flock is often culled to eliminate further risk of spreading the virus.
Just this past year, the pork industry suffered the fate of the PED virus, or Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. PEDV causes severe diarrhea in pigs and has a high lethality in piglets, but poses no risk to other animals or humans. PED and Influenza are different types of viruses. PED is from the Coronaviridae family of enveloped, positive-stranded RNA viruses. Influenza is an Orthomyxovirus.
CIDRAP
H5N2, H5N8 avian flu viruses surface in US
Robert Roos | News Editor | CIDRAP News
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2014/12/h5n2-h5n8-avian-flu-viruses-surface-us
Dec 16, 2014
US authorities today reported finding wild birds in Washington state infected with two different highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, H5N2 and H5N8, raising questions about possible connections with recent H5N2 outbreaks across the border in Canada and with an Asian H5N8 strain that is now hitting European poultry farms.
In reports to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said H5N2 was found in a wild pintail duck, while H5N8 was found in a captive wild gyrfalcon that was fed on hunter-killed birds. Both birds were in Whatcom County, Washington, which borders the Abbotsford area of British Columbia, the site of recent H5N2 outbreaks in poultry.
Migratory birds such as ducks are a risk factor for spreading the virus to the US poultry population. Once infected, the flock is often culled to eliminate further risk of spreading the virus.
Just this past year, the pork industry suffered the fate of the PED virus, or Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. PEDV causes severe diarrhea in pigs and has a high lethality in piglets, but poses no risk to other animals or humans. PED and Influenza are different types of viruses. PED is from the Coronaviridae family of enveloped, positive-stranded RNA viruses. Influenza is an Orthomyxovirus.
CIDRAP
H5N2, H5N8 avian flu viruses surface in US
Robert Roos | News Editor | CIDRAP News
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2014/12/h5n2-h5n8-avian-flu-viruses-surface-us
Dec 16, 2014
US authorities today reported finding wild birds in Washington state infected with two different highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, H5N2 and H5N8, raising questions about possible connections with recent H5N2 outbreaks across the border in Canada and with an Asian H5N8 strain that is now hitting European poultry farms.
In reports to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said H5N2 was found in a wild pintail duck, while H5N8 was found in a captive wild gyrfalcon that was fed on hunter-killed birds. Both birds were in Whatcom County, Washington, which borders the Abbotsford area of British Columbia, the site of recent H5N2 outbreaks in poultry.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Catered Office Party Is the Site of Staph Aureus Intoxication
Approximately 60 people became ill after attending an office party in Florida. About 25 were taken to the hospital. The catered event served turkey, ham, stuffing and green bean to some 700 people. The caterer was identified as Kitchen Divas, which from the website, appears to be a legitimate operation.
The illness appears to be Staphylococcus aureus intoxication, and one would guess the level of toxin formed in the food would be pretty high because of the short duration from the time the product was eaten to the point when people become ill, and the fact they had to cart people to the hospital.
If this is the case, it would mean that one of the foods served was drastically temperature abused.
It sucks when staff parties turn into 'staph' parties. We highlighted a similar event within the past month in North Carolina where more than a dozen postal workers become ill. Makes you reconsider attending your company's holiday party, doesn't it?
WKMG Local 6 Orlando
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/orange-county-fire-rescue-investigating-report-of-sick-people-in-office-building/30164136
Dozens sickened at office holiday party in Maitland
Officials say 30 taken to hospital for apparent food poisoning
Author: Shaun Chaiyabhat, Reporter, schaiyabhat@clickorlando.com
Michelle Dendy, ClickOrlando.com Web Editor, mdendy@clickorlando.com
Published On: Dec 10 2014 04:48:18 PM EST Updated On: Dec 12 2014 06:41:14 AM EST
MAITLAND, Fla. -
Authorities are investigating what caused nearly 60 people to fall ill at a large holiday party in a Maitland office building Wednesday afternoon.
Orange County Fire Rescue, Seminole County Fire Rescue and Winter Park Fire Department were called to the office building at 2301 Lucien Way roughly two hours after the building-wide catered luncheon.
The illness appears to be Staphylococcus aureus intoxication, and one would guess the level of toxin formed in the food would be pretty high because of the short duration from the time the product was eaten to the point when people become ill, and the fact they had to cart people to the hospital.
If this is the case, it would mean that one of the foods served was drastically temperature abused.
It sucks when staff parties turn into 'staph' parties. We highlighted a similar event within the past month in North Carolina where more than a dozen postal workers become ill. Makes you reconsider attending your company's holiday party, doesn't it?
WKMG Local 6 Orlando
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/orange-county-fire-rescue-investigating-report-of-sick-people-in-office-building/30164136
Dozens sickened at office holiday party in Maitland
Officials say 30 taken to hospital for apparent food poisoning
Author: Shaun Chaiyabhat, Reporter, schaiyabhat@clickorlando.com
Michelle Dendy, ClickOrlando.com Web Editor, mdendy@clickorlando.com
Published On: Dec 10 2014 04:48:18 PM EST Updated On: Dec 12 2014 06:41:14 AM EST
MAITLAND, Fla. -
Authorities are investigating what caused nearly 60 people to fall ill at a large holiday party in a Maitland office building Wednesday afternoon.
Orange County Fire Rescue, Seminole County Fire Rescue and Winter Park Fire Department were called to the office building at 2301 Lucien Way roughly two hours after the building-wide catered luncheon.
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