NY State Ag Commissioner Issues Alert for High Sulfite Levels in Licorice Flavored Olives and Dried Plums

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today alerted consumers that A&C Best Food Trading Inc., of Long Island City, New York 11101, is recalling “Licorice Flavor Olive” and Wife Plum due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. Routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets food inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by New York State Food Laboratory personnel revealed the product contained high levels of sulfites which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions, including anaphylactic shock, in some asthmatics and sensitive individuals.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/consumer-alert-undeclared-sulfites-licorice-flavor-olive
Consumer Alert: Undeclared Sulfites in "Licorice Flavor Olive"
Summary
Company Announcement Date: March 22, 2022
FDA Publish Date: March 23, 2022
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Undeclared Sulfite
Company Name: A&C Best Food Trading Inc.
Brand Name: A&C Best Food Trading Inc.
Product Description: Licorice Flavor Olive

Company Recalls Airborne Gummies Due to Container Caps Going Airborne

Reckitt is recalling over 3 million bottles of their famous Airborne Gummies after receiving 70 reports of the seals and caps popping off when opening.  This has resulting in 18 minor injuries.  It seems the jars are over pressurized resulting in the seals and caps popping off the bottles.

Airborne is formulated to support the immune system, but the immune system is not much help against a flying cap (unless to fight infection from the infliction caused by the flying cap).

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Reckitt-Recalls-More-than-Three-Million-Bottles-of-Airborne-Gummies-Due-to-Injury-Hazard
Reckitt Recalls More than Three Million Bottles of Airborne Gummies Due to Injury Hazard

Name of Product: Airborne Gummies (63 and 75 count bottles)  
Hazard: When opened for the first time, pressure build up in the bottle can cause the cap and underlying seal to pop off with force, posing an injury hazard.

FDA Warning Letter for Raw Dog Food Operation For Not Controlling Pathogenic Bacteria

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a California based manufacturer of 'raw dog food'.  In a nutshell, the facility was not really controlling pathogens such as Salmonella or Listeria...in the raw product or from the environment.  Their supposed control for the raw product was intermittently spraying a chemical on the frozen meat at the chipper.  There was improper validation support for efficacy of this procedure (what they were doing was different than the study parameters).  In the environment, Salmonella and Listeria were recovered including from product contact surfaces. 

You can read more about OC Raw Dog from their website. https://ocrawdog.com/testimonials/faqs/

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/oc-raw-dog-llc-615550-02232022

WARNING LETTER
OC Raw Dog LLC
MARCS-CMS 615550 — FEBRUARY 23, 2022

FDA Releases 483 Reports for Infant Formula Manufacturer of Recalled Dried Powder Formula

FDA released its recent inspectional report (FDA 483 Inspectional Observations) dated 1/31-22 to 3/18-22 for Abbott Laboratories' Sturgis Michigan facility. This facity recently recalled baby formula after being linked to 4 infant deaths due to Cronobacter sakazakii. C. sakazakii is a bacterial hazard in baby formula because it can lead to severe infection in death in infants, especially those born prematurely.

From the CDC: "Cronobacter germs can cause a dangerous blood infection (sepsis) or make the linings surrounding the brain and spinal cord swell (meningitis). Infants 2 months of age and younger are most likely to develop meningitis if they get sick from Cronobacter. Other infants more likely to get sick are those born prematurely and those less able to fight germs and sickness because of illness or medical treatment, such as infants receiving chemotherapy for cancer."

A few items from the 483 Report

• FDA found C. sakazakii in the medium and high cares areas on Zone 2 and 3 samples, (with Zone 2 being surfaces adjacent to product contact surfaces and Zone 3 being further away such as floor samples).
• The firm also had positive environmental samples and finished product over a 2.5 year period.
• During inspection, there was a water leak issue in the dryer area, which is supposed to be a dry area. Water issues had been a long identified issue in the facility
• Product contact surfaces were not adequately protected from contamination. (Obs 2)
• Inadequate follow up on consumer complaints (Obs 3)
• Poor adherence to Personal Hygiene program for wearing protective gear (Obs 4) including people failing to sanitize designated work (captive) shoes as they move from area to area.

If you are unfamiliar with a 483 report and the type of issues noted on a report, you may want to check this out.

One thing that stands out is the lack of root cause analysis for issues experienced over time coupled with lax protocols.

More Food Importers Failing to Meet Regulatory Requirements for FSVP- March 22 Version

Over the past two weeks, FDA has issued Warning Letters to a half dozen food importers for not have the required FSVP in place for the items those companies were importing.

Euphrates Foods, LLC dba Labeeb Alani Inc. of Elk Grove Village, IL.did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP as required by section 805 of the FD&C Act and 21 CFR 1.502(a) for their imported food including Roasted white pumpkin seeds and nuts in-shell imported from (b)(4)  and Pistachio toffee imported from (b)(4)

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/euphrates-foods-llc-dba-labeeb-alani-inc-618723-12232021

FELLA GROUP LLC, of  Irvine, CA did not develop an FSVP for each of the following foods:  Mayocoba Beans imported from (b)(4)  Chick Peas (Garbanzo Beans) imported from (b)(4), Rustic Salad Dressing imported from (b)(4) and other imported foods

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/fella-group-llc-625512-02252022

Keeler Family Farms of  Deming, NM.did not develop an FSVP for any foods imported, including whole, fresh onions imported from foreign suppliers, (b)(4), located in Chihuahua, Mexico.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/keeler-family-farms-624666-03022022

Global LC Inc DBA Rice Chicken, of San Diego, CA 9212  did not develop an FSVP for any of the  imported food, including  Batter mix imported from (b)(4) located in (b)(4) and b. Yang Neum sauce (Mild taste marinade) and roasted seasoning imported from (b)(4) located in (b)(4)

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/global-lc-inc-dba-rice-chicken-623004-02042022

SERGIO CARRANZA DBA MR CHESCOS, of Houston, Texas. did not develop an FSVP for any of the imported foods, including the following:

• Cola flavored carbonated soft drinks imported from foreign supplier (b)(4)

• Grape flavored carbonated soft drinks imported from foreign supplier (b)(4)

• Banana flavored carbonated soft drinks imported from foreign supplier (b)(4)

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/sergio-carranza-dba-mr-chescos-619398-02032022

All Good Foods, Inc. of Industry, CA 91745-1814. did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP for any of the imported foods, including each the following food products:

Frozen Tiny Red Chili imported from your foreign supplier, (b)(4) in (b)(4)

Frozen Chopped Lemon Grass imported from your foreign supplier, (b)(4) in (b)(4)

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/all-good-foods-inc-624303-02072022

NY Firm Recalls All Fresh Cut Fruit and Vegetable Products and RTE Dips After Sampling Program Discovers Listeria On Equipment Surfaces

Fruit Fresh Up, Inc. is voluntarily recalling from the market all fresh cut fruit and vegetable products and ready to eat dips, as listed below, processed at its Depew, NY production facilities, due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes.  Products subject to the voluntary recall of fresh cut fruits and vegetables are packaged in clear plastic containers with a tamper evident seal and identified with a “Best if Used By” date between March 5, 2022, and March 23, 2022. Ready-to-eat dips are provided in 7oz clear plastic clamshell containers with a Best if Used By date of March 15, 2022 to March 31, 2022.  This voluntary recall notification is being issued after results from the environmental program found surfaces where products are packaged into containers to contain Listeria monocytogenes.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fruit-fresh-inc-recalls-products-due-possible-health-risk
Fruit Fresh Up, Inc Recalls Products due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 20, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  March 20, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Fruit Fresh Up, Inc.
Brand Name:  

• Wegmans
• Fresh Harvest
• Lexington Co-op
• Tops

Product Description: Fresh cut fruit and vegetable products

CA Firm Recalls French Vanilla Yogurt After Mislabeling Issue Results in Undeclared Egg Allergen

St. Benoit Creamery of Sonoma, CA is recalling French Vanilla Yogurt, lot code # 2054, best by date 8/22/2022, because it may contain undeclared EGG allergen.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the Organic Desserts Pot De Crème Vanilla was mis-labeled as French Vanilla Yogurt and it did not reveal the presence of the EGG allergen.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/st-benoit-creamery-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-french-vanilla-yogurt
St. Benoit Creamery Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in French Vanilla Yogurt
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 19, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  March 19, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared egg
Company Name:  St. Benoit Creamery
Brand Name:  St. Benoit Creamery
Product Description:  French Vanilla Yogurt

More Enoki Mushrooms Recalled Due to Listeria Risk

(Updated 3-22-22) Four companies are recalling enoki mushrooms due to Listeria.

Jan Fruits Inc. of VERNON, CA is recalling all its cases of its 200g/7.05oz packages of ENOKI MUSHROOM (Product of Taiwan) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled Enoki Mushroom product was distributed in CA to produce distributors or wholesalers for further distribution to retail stores.

T Fresh Company of City of Industry, CA is recalling its 5.25oz (150g) enoki mushrooms, Lot #6021053 grown in China & 7.5oz (200g) Lot # 6021052 grown in China, because it has the potential to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes Lot #6021053 was distributed from California and Texas to retail stores through produce distributors.

Farm Fresh Produce LLC of Vernon, CA, is recalling all of the 14.11 ounce packages of "TWA AGRICULTURE MIXED MUSHROOMS" [which contain enoki mushrooms)

Top Quality Produce of Irwindale CA is recalling all cases of 200g/7.05oz package of Enoki Mushroom, product of Taiwan sold during 3/1/22-3/16/22 due to the Listeria contamination of Enoki mushrooms was discovered.

In all cases, the potential for contamination was discovered after a retail sample collected and analyzed by California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 7.05 oz. package of Enoki mushroom.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/jan-fruits-inc-recalls-enoki-mushrooms-because-possible-health-risk-0
Jan Fruits Inc. Recalls Enoki Mushrooms Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: March 18, 2022
FDA Publish Date: March 18, 2022
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Jan Fruits, Inc.
Brand Name: Taiwan Best Quality
Product Description: Enoki Mushrooms

Gluten-Free Coconut Flour Tortillas Recalled After Wheat-containing Product in Packages

The Salsa Texan of Flower Mound, Texas is voluntarily recalling its regular and burrito sized packages of Coconut Flour Tortillas because they may contain undeclared wheat. The voluntary recall was initiated after it was discovered that the wheat containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of wheat. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/salsa-texan-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-contamination-gluten-free-coconut-flour-tortillas
The Salsa Texan Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat Contamination in “Gluten Free Coconut Flour Tortillas”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 18, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  March 18, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared wheat
Company Name:   The Salsa Texan
Brand Name:  The Salsa Texan
Product Description:   Coconut Flour Tortillas