Canada - Salmonella Outbreak Likely Associated with Cucumbers

In Canada, there have been around 45 cases of Salmonella infection, mostly in the western provinces, that are being linked to cucumbers.  There have also been six cases in Washington State.

Government of Canada

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2018/outbreak-salmonella-infections-under-investigation.html
Public Health Notice - Outbreak of Salmonella infections under investigation
October 19, 2018
Why you should take note

FDA Reminds Facilities to Renew Registration as Part of Biennial Renewal Requirement

FDA is reminding FDA-regulated companies of the need to renew their facility registrations. This renewal registration process occurs every two years. FDA has the Biennial Registration Renewal open from October 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FoodFacilityRegistration/ucm324780.htm
2018 Food Facility Biennial Registration Renewal
October 1, 2018 12:01AM through December 31, 2018 12:59PM

FDA Issues Warning Letter to NY Processor for Nastiness

The U.S. FDA issued a Warning letter to a NY firm that manufacturers Ready-to-Eat (RTE) single serve condiment manufacturing and has a warehouse facility.  Based on FDA’s findings during the inspection, the FDA determined that the food products were adulterated within the meaning of regulation in that they were prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have been contaminated with filth or rendered injurious to health.

The issues were too numerous to detail, so in summary:

• Were packing product that had a pH above 4.6 without proper controls for this low acid product.
• Lots of dead rodents and lots of rodent poop (REP -rodent excreta pellets)
• Roaches
• Unclean surfaces and equipment
• Condensation issues
• Improper processing and cleaning procedures

Elwood International has a website. From the website about the company:

30 years ago, Elwood began making dietetic portion controlled products exclusively for hospital service. Today, Elwood is a recognized leader in the dietetic food industry; with a complete line of Salad Dressings, Jellies and Condiments specifically formulated for diabetics and others who must follow modified and restricted diet meal plans.
Elwood manufactures a complete line of great tasting sucrose-free foods that diabetics can trust, such as:
Salad Dressings, Jellies, Sauces, Condiments and Pancake Syrup. Some of our exciting flavors are Russian, Oil & Vinegar, Thousand Island and Blue Cheese Salad Dressings, Cranberry, Tartar, Barbecue and Seafood Cocktail Sauces, Strawberry, Grape, Apricot, Raspberry and Apple Jelly, Pancake Syrup and Condiments like Mayonnaise and Mustard.  

So great, this product is going to people likely to be considered high risk.

FDA Warning Letter

https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm623049.htm
Elwood International, Inc. 9/27/18

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending October 20, 2018

Sulfites Detected by State - #1 Bronx, NY is recalling Fruits Du Sud Golden Seedless Raisins (Lot No. FDS T499/18) 30 lbs Box, because they contain undeclared SULFITES.  The recall was initiated after routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by the Department’s Food Laboratory Personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the product, which were not declared on the label.

Sulfites Detected by State - #2 New Nan Fong Hong Trading Inc. is recalling its 16 oz (454g) packages of Source Day Natural Treasures Dried Liquorice Slice because they contain undeclared sulfites. The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by the New York State Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfite allergens in packages of Source Day Natural Treasures Dried Liquorice Slice which did not declare sulfites as an ingredient on the label.

Residual Milk in Processing Lines - Saratoga Springs, NY - Stewart’s Shops Corp. is recalling units of Stewart’s Shops brand Cranberry Apple Refresher 16 fluid oz. because the product may contain undeclared milk. The recall was initiated after routine quality control testing discovered that a milk allergen was in the product.

Edamame is Soy - Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods, of Ward Hill, MA is voluntarily recalling Cedar’s Chickpea Salad 8 oz. because it may contain undeclared edamame (soy). Cedar’s initiated the recall when it was discovered that misprinted labels omitted the edamame ingredient and allergy statement.

Wrong Beans - Faribault Foods, Inc. of Faribault, MN is recalling its 15 ounce S&W White Beans because it contains undeclared sulfites.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered via consumer feedback that the contents in the can are garbanzo beans and were mislabeled as white beans. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s packaging processes.

Wrong Label Angel Food Caked Labeled as Cornbread - Clackamas Bakery has recalled Fred Meyer Bakery Angel Food Cake Bar (12 oz.) sold in its retail stores because the product may contain milk and soy not listed on the label. Clackamas Bakery initiated the recall when it was discovered that the Fred Meyer Bakery Angel Food Cake Bar label had been incorrectly applied to packages of cornbread.

Formula Changed Not Reflected on Label - Feel Good Foods Inc. of Brooklyn, NY is recalling six lots of “Vegetable Fried Rice” frozen meals, UPC 00899039002129 because they may contain undeclared egg.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that egg-containing product was distributed in packaging, which did not declare egg as an ingredient.  This problem was a result of the manufacturer failing to remove egg from the product formula as instructed. The manufacturer continued to include egg in the formula, while applying revised ingredient labels to packaging, which did NOT call out egg.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm623694.htm
P. East Trading Corp. Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites In Fruits Du Sud Golden Seedless Raisins
For Immediate Release
October 17, 2018

Frozen Vegetables from Canadian-based Frozen Food Company Responsible for Multiple Recalls in US

Numerous US companies have issued recalls after using frozen vegetables recalled by the supplier, McCain Foods, a Canadian based company at their California facility.  The products are being recalled for Listeria and Salmonella.    According to one news report, "As McCain Foods explained in a Friday e-mail to The Miami Herald, the company “recently identified a potential health risk related to its fire roasted, caramelized or sautéed frozen vegetable and fruit products produced at its Colton facility, California. As a result, we have made the decision to voluntarily recall all products produced at this facility."

Read more here: https://www.heraldsun.com/news/state/north-carolina/article220428265.html#storylink=cpy

• Product recalled include both RTE products and products that have cooking instructions.
• Recalled product includes various store brands produced by further processing companies including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Marketside.
• The statement does not indicate how the potential contamination issue was there.  One would guess testing because the statement indicates, 'out of an abundance of caution.
• Another indication the recall was found by testing is that it was for both Listeria and Salmonella...so this may indicate that a screening test was done
• There have been no illnesses to date.

Recalls posted thus far:

• Hy-Vee Voluntarily Recalls Several Meat and Potato Products - Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling six of its meat and potato products across its eight-state region
• 103-2018 Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc. Recalls Meat and Poultry Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Onions - Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc., a firm with establishments located in Carson, Calif., Charlotte, N.C. and Jessup, Penn., is recalling approximately 795,261 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that contain an onion ingredient
• SK Food Group Recalls Chicken Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Vegetables - WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2018 – SK Food Group, a Groveport, Ohio and Reno, Nev. establishment, is recalling approximately 174,207 pounds of chicken wrap products that contain vegetables
• Buddy’s Kitchen, Inc. Recalls Pork and Chicken Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Vegetables - WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2018 – Buddy’s Kitchen, Inc., a Burnsville, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 212,746 pounds of ready-to-eat pork and chicken products that contain vegetables
• Envolve Foods Recalls Chicken and Beef Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Vegetables - Envolve Foods, a Corona, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 292,764 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken and beef products that contain a vegetable 
• Caito Foods, LLC Recalls Salad And Bowl Products Made With Chicken Due To Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn - Caito Foods, LLC, an Indianapolis, Ind. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,532 pounds of ready-to-eat salad and bowl products made with chicken that contain a corn ingredient
• Ruiz Food Products, Inc. Recalls Beef and Poultry Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Onion Ingredient -  Ruiz Food Products, Inc., a Denison, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 2,490,593 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry taquitos
• GHSW, LLC Recalls Salad Products Due To Possible Salmonella And Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn - GHSW, LLC, a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 1,786 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with chicken products that contain a corn ingredient 
• GHSE, LLC Recalls Salads Containing Meat Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn - GHSE, LLC, a Green Cove Springs, Florida establishment, is recalling approximately 738 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with meat products that contain a corn ingredient 
• Taylor Farms Northwest LLC Recalls Pork Carnitas Bowl Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Tomatillos -  Taylor Farms Northwest LLC, a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 276 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork carnitas bowl products that contain tomatillos
• Mary’s Harvest Fresh Foods, Inc. Recalls Wrap and Salad Meat Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn - Mary’s Harvest Fresh Foods, Inc., a Portland, Ore. establishment, is recalling approximately 916 pounds of ready-to-eat wrap and salad products that contain a corn ingredient 
• GH Foods CA, LLC Recalls Salads Containing Chicken Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination In Corn  - GH Foods CA, LLC, a Sacramento, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 987 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with chicken products that contain a corn ingredient
• Prime Deli Corporation Recalls Salads Containing Meat Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Corn -  Prime Deli Corporation, a Lewisville, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 217 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with bacon products that contain a corn ingredient

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/SafetyAlertsAdvisories/ucm623828.htm
FDA Alerts the Public Regarding Recalled Vegetable Products
October 19, 2018

Scrapple - Pork Scrap in a Loaf....A SE PA Favorite

Scrapple....what's not to like.  A recent article reviews the long tradition of scrapple in Pennsylvania.  For those not familiar with scrapple, it is a mixture of pork scraps (every part but the oink), flour and spices.  It is made into a load by the manufacturer and then sliced and fried in oil by the consumer.  It is often served with ketchup (a lot of ketchup).

Growing up in northeastern part of the state, scrapple was not common. But for our friends in the Philly area, it is a favorite.

LNP
https://www.morningagclips.com/scrapple-is-pennsylvania-dutch-mystery-meat/
Scrapple is Pennsylvania Dutch mystery meat

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, scrapple is a meaty comfort food

PUBLISHED ON October 17, 2018
ERIN NEGLEY, LNP newspaper

RTE Food Items Recalled After Corn Supplier Has Salmonella and Listeria Issue

Five recalls were posted by USDA for RTE products after a corn supplier notified the processing companies that their corn may potentially be contaminated with Listeria and/or Salmonella.  From the notices it is not possible to tell how the corn supplier identified the issue (or who the supplier was).

• a Lewisville, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 217 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with bacon products 
• a Sacramento, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 940 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with chicken products that contain a corn ingredient that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes
• a Portland, Ore. establishment, is recalling approximately 916 pounds of ready-to-eat wrap and salad products that contain a corn ingredient that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes,
• a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 276 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork carnitas bowl products that contain tomatillos that may be adulterated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes
• a Green Cove Springs, Florida establishment, is recalling approximately 738 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with steak that contain a corn ingredient that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

It is interesting that the mass media (1,  2) is not as specific to the issue, leading to the possibility of consumers looking at all salads as opposed to those containing corn.  And how many salads have you purchased containing corn?   However, with that in mind, a further concern for those packing salads will be to what degree could cross contamination have occurred in these facilities leading to other salads being contaminated?

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-092-2018-release

Prime Deli Corporation Recalls Salads Containing Meat Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Corn
Class I Recall
092-2018
Health Risk: High
Oct 16, 2018

Retail Meat Products with Cooking Instructions Recalled after Supplier Notification of Contamination

"Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling six of its meat and potato products across its eight-state region due to possible contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.....The potential for contamination was discovered after Hy-Vee's supplier, McCain Foods, announced it was recalling its caramelized mushrooms and fire-roasted tomatoes, which are ingredients that are used in six Hy-Vee products.

This is a supplier related contamination issue which may be related to product and/or environmental testing.   It is interesting in that the recalled products are not ready-to-eat products, but rather have cooking instructions.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm623808.htm
Hy-Vee Voluntarily Recalls Several Meat and Potato Products
For Immediate Release
October 18, 2018

Raw Milk Sold in NW PA Recalled After Linked to Nine Salmonella Cases

Raw milk is being recalled by a dairy in the northwestern part of PA after it was linked to nine cases of Salmonella.  It was sold at local markets in 5 PA counties in the northern corner of the state.

Erie News Now
http://www.erienewsnow.com/story/39280081/milk-sold-in-northwestern-pennsylvania-linked-to-cases-of-salmonella
Milk Sold in Northwestern Pennsylvania Linked to Cases of Salmonella
Nine cases of salmonella have been reported. This is reportedly only linked to the raw whole milk product.
Saturday, October 13th 2018, 1:42 AM EDT
Updated: Saturday, October 13th 2018, 9:38 AM EDT