Store Caramel Apples At Refrigeration Temperatures

Unfortunately, we are still seeing caramel apples at retail being displayed at room temperature.  Less than two years ago, a Listeria outbreak was linked to caramel apples.  It was later determined that if those apples had been stored at refrigeration temperatures, there would not likely have been an issue.

Penn State News
http://news.psu.edu/story/490097/2017/10/24/impact/caramel-apples-stored-room-temperature-extended-periods-can-pose-risk
Caramel apples stored at room temperature for extended periods can pose risk
October 24, 2017

Trader Joe's Chicken Salad Products Recalled After Complaints of Glass-like Foreign Material

Green Cusine, a CA establishment, issued a recall for 36,854 pounds of Trader Joe's chicken and turkey salad after the company received consumer complaints of glass shards / silica foreign material.

News Release
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-125-2017-release
Green Cuisine Recalls Poultry Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 

125-2017
Health Risk: High 

 Nov 18, 2017

Dairy Calves Linked to Outbreak of Antibiotic Resistant Strain of Salmonella

CDC has identified an ongoing Salmonella outbreak associated with dairy calves.  The calves originated in Wisconsin.  The ongoing outbreak has progressed for some time, dating back to January 2015, with now 54 people in 15 states.  It is a multidrug resistant strain of Salmonella Heidelberg.

Dairy Herd Management
https://www.dairyherd.com/index.php/article/cdc-links-salmonella-outbreak-contact-dairy-calves
CDC Links Salmonella Outbreak to Contact with Dairy Calves
John Maday
November 16, 2017 10:18 AM

CA Firm Recalls Guacamole Product Due to Listeria Positive Sample

A California firm is recalling its 9-ounce containers of "Real Guacamole" because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This issue was identified after FDA product sampling identified Listeria monocytogenes in the product.

Initially (11/15), one lot was recalled.  But with many Listeria related recalls, they get expanded.
Two days later (11/17), the company issued an expanded recall.  In the later recall notice, it stated, "The recall was necessitated by positive test results for Listeria monocytogenes on two packages out of many samples collected for the U. S. Food and Drug Administration random sample testing program."

Casa Sanchez Foods Recalls "Real Guacamole" Because Of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
November 15, 2017

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Ending 11/17/17

Chicken Wraps with Undeclared Peanut and Soy - A Swedesboro, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 46 pounds of chicken wrap products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens  The product contains peanut and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label  The problem was discovered on Nov. 15, 2017 by the firm’s quality assurance supervisor while performing verification activities. After discovering the issue, the firm immediately notified FSIS.

More Dark Chocolate Products Recalled Due to Undeclared Milk - A Marshfield, WI company is recalling 2 gingersnap products that are related to the GKI FOODS LLC Dark Chocolate Products recall because it may contain undeclared milk allergen.
Lipari Foods, LLC has also issued voluntary recall of specific dark chocolate products packaged by sister company JLM due to an undeclared milk allergen.  Products were distributed under the Weis and All Natural brand names or as generic product without branding.

Chocolates With Almonds Getting in with Non-Almond Product - A Washington firm is recalling 127 cases of Costco item # 2335, Dilettante Chocolates Espresso Blend, Espresso Beans in Semisweet, Milk and White Chocolate, because it may contain undeclared almonds. The recall was initiated after the firm discovered the chocolate covered almonds were mixed and packaged with the Dilettante Espresso Blend.  Product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of almonds.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm584663.htm
Figi’s Issues Recall Alert Due to Undeclared Allergen (Milk) in Dark Chocolate Gingersnaps
For Immediate Release
November 9, 2017

Frozen Corn Recalled Due to the Potential for Listeria Contamination

Two supermarket chains are recalling frozen corn after their supplier, Bonduelle, a French food conglomerate, had discovered a Listeria issue in the frozen corn.

According to the Enforcement Report, the product was from Canada.  The Listeria testing was conducted by the Virginia Department of Agriculture.  The recall was classified as Class 2.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm585550.htm
Stop & Shop Alerts Customers to Voluntary Recall of Store Brand Frozen Whole Kernel Sweet Corn
For Immediate Release
November 15, 2017

NH Firm Expands Listeria Related Recall to Include All Products

A NH company is now recalling all of its products due to the potential to be contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes.  Earlier this week, Yorgo's recalled products with the same date code.  But like all Listeria recalls, rarely is one lot involved unless there is substantial evidence that controls were in place and the one day in question represented an event out of the ordinary.  The company also produces product for Trader Joe's (of course).

As we have seen in many past Listeria-related recalls, recalls are expanded after regulators investigate and discover that there is likely a lack of sufficient control.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm585420.htm
Yorgo’s Foods Inc Is Recalling All Flavored and Unflavored Food Products (Hommus; Tahini Sauces; Yogurt Dip, Salads, Tzatziki, Grape Leaves; Taboule) Due to Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
November 15, 2017

CA Establishment Ships Product Sampled by USDA, and Recalls After Positive Listeria Test

A Hayward, Calif. establishment specializing in Indian foods, is recalling approximately 264 pounds of cooked chicken tikka masala products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes  According to the recall notice, the problem was discovered on Nov. 13, 2017 when the UDSA district office received notification that the firm shipped product that USDA had earlier sampled (Nov 7) and confirmed to be positive with Listeria monocytogenes (Nov 13). 

In this case, the company should have held product that was sampled by USDA until the results came back.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-121-2017-release
Sukhi's Gourmet Indian Foods Recalls Chicken Tikka Masala Products Due To Possible Listeria Contamination 
Class I Recall 
121-2017 
Health Risk: High 
Nov 14, 2017 

PA Beef Slaughter Facility Shutdown Because of Pests

A PA slaughter facility has been temporarily shut down because of 'pests'. 

Hard to know exactly the extent of the situation, but pests like mice and rats can become incredibly embedded within facility structures if not promptly handled.  Once tunnels, runways, and nesting sites are put in place in the bowels of the structure, it creates opportunities for reinfections over time.

Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-jbs-beef/pests-force-temporary-shutdown-of-jbs-pennsylvania-beef-plant-idUSKBN1D8379
Pests force temporary shutdown of JBS Pennsylvania beef plant
Theopolis Waters
November 8, 2017 / 5:45 PM