FDA Issues Health Alert Regarding Hepatitis A Linked to Fresh Strawberries

FDA is investigating an outbreak of Hepatitis A virus that has been linked to strawberries that was sold at various retail store chains.  The product has already exceeded its shelf-life, so there are not likely to be any fresh product, but the concern would be if someone froze the strawberries.

To this point, there have been 17 cases with 12 hospitalizations. Illness onset dates range from March 28 – April 30, 2022.

The product was sold as FreshKampo or HEB brand organic strawberries purchased between March 5, 2022, and April 25, 2022. 

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-virus-strawberries-may-2022
Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Virus: Strawberries (May 2022)

Case Counts
Total U.S. Illnesses: 17
Hospitalizations: 12
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: April 30, 2022
States with Cases: CA (15), MN (1), ND (1)

CDC and FDA Provide Update on Peanut Butter Recall (5/26/22)

CDC and FDA provided an update to the JIF peanut butter recall due to Salmonella related cases. There are now 16 reported illnesses with 2 hospitalizations in 12 different states. The recall was initially announced on May 21 with 14 reported cases. From the CDC, "Since the last update on May 21, 2022, two more illnesses have been reported. As of May 25, 2022, a total of 16 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Senftenberg have been reported from 12 states (see map). Illnesses started on dates ranging from February 19, 2022, through May 2, 2022 (see timeline)."

Multiple companies have issued recalls after using the recalled peanut butter as part of their product.


Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Peanut Butter | CDC
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Peanut Butter
Posted May 26, 2022

Fast Facts
Illnesses: 16
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
States: 12
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active

FDA Issues Warning Letter to NC Sprout Growing Facility

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a sprout growing company for issues involving pathogen control as well as making unsubstantiated medical claims regarding the benefits of sprouts.

The company did not discontinue the use of all seeds from a lot which were known to had reason to  believe may have been contaminated with a pathogen, and did not ensure that sprouts grown from that lot of seeds did not enter commerce as required by 21 CFR 112.142(b)(1). Specifically, when spent sprout irrigation water (SSIW) samples corresponding to specific seed lots tested positive for pathogens, the company did not discontinue the use of seeds from those lots. 

The company did not clean and sanitize food contact surfaces used to grow, harvest, pack, or hold sprouts before contact with seeds or beans used to grow sprouts, as required by 21 CFR 112.143(b)). for example, after treatment the bags are rinsed and reused with no additional cleaning or sanitization performed prior to further contact with seeds or beans.

The environmental monitoring plan did not specify sample collection sites including appropriate food contact and non-food contact surfaces of equipment, and other surfaces within the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding environment, as required by 21 CFR 112.145(c)(3). The HACCP Manager stated that swab locations are determined at random, and the time of sampling varies and may include times when production is not occurring.

FDA reviewed the website listed for Broccoli Sprouts, Deli Blend, and Salad Blend product labels at the internet address, www.sunnycreekfarm.com, in November 2021. The claims on the website establish that the products are drugs under section 201(g)(1)(B) of the Act [21 U.S.C. 321(g)(1)(B)] because they are intended for use in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. As explained further below, introducing or delivering these products for introduction, into interstate commerce for such uses violates the Act.


https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/sunny-creek-farm-inc-617664-02022022
Sunny Creek Farm, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 617664 — FEBRUARY 02, 2022

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Five Different Food Importers for Noncompliance to FSVP Rule

FDA issued Warning Letter to five different importers for not being incompliance with the FSVP rule that requires that companies develop FSVP for each product they import.

Allure Foods LLC of Brooklyn, NY did not develop an FSVP for cashews imported from foreign supplier (b)(4) located in (b)(4); and roasted/salted fava beans and Natural wasabi peas imported from the foreign supplier
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/allure-foods-llc-625478-04272022

Las Dos Californias Inc DBA Dulceria Los Cuates of  San Diego, CA did not develop an FSVP for the foods  including each of the following imported foods:  (b)(4) (tamarind flavor candy) imported from (b)(4) located in (b)(4) and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds imported from (b)(4) located in (b)(4)
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/las-dos-californias-inc-dba-dulceria-los-cuates-625844-04012022

A.N.N. Imports LLC, of  North Hollywood, CA you did not develop an FSVP for any of the foods imported, including the following:  Marinated Chervil imported from (b)(4)  Solomon’s Seal imported from (b)(4)Peach Compote imported from (b)(4)  Peach Nectar imported from (b)(4)

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/ann-imports-llc-626441-05022022

Subhlaxmi Grocers of  Houston, Texas did not develop an FSVP for the following imported foods including:  summer squash imported from (b)(4), sweet goods imported from (b)(4), cereal preparations imported from (b)(4), snack foods imported from (b)(4), cake prepared dry mix imported from (b)(4), 
corn flakes, puffs, krispies, loops imported from (b)(4), potato snacks and vegetable snacks imported from (b)(4), 

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/subhlaxmi-grocers-628829-05022022

Coastal Fresh Farms, Inc. of Westlake Village, CA did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP for any imported foods, including:  Coriander imported from (b) (4) ; Green onion imported from (b) (4) ;
and  Parsley curly imported from (b) (4)
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/coastal-fresh-farms-inc-629333-05112022

UT Company Recalls Ice Cream After Labeling Nut Containing Product as Vanilla

Casper’s Ice Cream of Richmond Utah is voluntarily recalling its 56 ounce tubs of "Red Button Vintage Creamery Canadian Vanilla Ice Cream” because a limited number were mispackaged with Burnt Almond Fudge Ice Cream containing undeclared almonds.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the Burnt Almond Fudge-containing product was distributed in packaging of Canadian Vanilla. 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/caspers-ice-cream-issues-allergy-alert-mispackaged-red-button-canadian-vanilla-product-lot-344-21
Casper’s Ice Cream Issues Allergy Alert on Mispackaged Red Button Canadian Vanilla Product Lot 344-21-946
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 25, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  May 25, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Ice Cream/Frozen Dairy
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared almonds
Company Name:  Casper’s Ice Cream
Brand Name:  Red Button Vintage Creamery
Product Description:  Canadian Vanilla Ice Cream

TX Company Recalls Fresh Peaches After State Laboratory Detects Listeria in Sample

Brookshire Grocery Company of Tyler, Texas has issued a voluntary recall of bulk Yellow Flesh Peaches available in stores between 4/15/22 and 5/17/22, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The Yellow Flesh Peaches are a product of Chile.  The recall is a result of random sampling conducted at Brookshire’s distribution center by the Texas Department of State Health Services after potentially affected product was shipped to stores and which revealed a positive test for Listeria monocytogenes.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/brookshire-grocery-company-recalls-yellow-flesh-peaches-because-possible-health-risk
Brookshire Grocery Company Recalls Yellow Flesh Peaches Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 25, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  May 25, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Fruit/Fruit Product
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Brookshire Grocery Company
Brand Name:  No brand name
Product Description:  Yellow Flesh Peaches

Multiple Companies Issue Recalls for Products Where Recalled Peanut Butter Was Used

There have been over a dozen recall notices issued by companies who used recalled JIF peanut butter.  This is just FDA announced recalls, but there are additional ones issued locally where product was made and sold through direct retail channel.

One lesson that can be learned for this is the need for small companies to track ingredient usage including lot numbers.  We are often questioned by small businesses why there is the need to be diligent about tracking lot numbers of ingredients they use.  Besides being required to do it, it is issues like this that allow a company to recognize whether their products may be linked to a recall of one of their ingredients.

Three Giant Eagle Stores Recall Bakery Items with Peanut Butter Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

May 28, 2022Giant Eagle, Inc. has issued a voluntarily recall of multiple bakery items containing peanut butter sold at three Pennsylvania supermarkets in Ebensburg, Indiana and Northern Cambria due to potential salmonella contamination.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/three-giant-eagle-stores-recall-bakery-items-peanut-butter-due-potential-salmonella-contamination

Safeway Fresh Foods (dba Sunnyside Fresh) of Vineland New Jersey is Issuing a Voluntary Class 1 Recall of Quick Chek Branded Apple and Peanut Butter Snack Trays Sold in New Jersey Because the JIF Peanut Butter Portion has the Potential to be Contaminated with Salmonella

5/28/22 Safeway Fresh Foods (dba Sunnyside Fresh) of Vineland New Jersey is issuing a voluntary Class 1 Recall of Quick Chek branded Apple and Peanut Butter Snack trays sold in New Jersey

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/safeway-fresh-foods-dba-sunnyside-fresh-vineland-new-jersey-issuing-voluntary-class-1-recall-quick

Albanese Confectionery Group, Inc. Recalls Select Peanut Butter Products Because of Possible Health Risk

5/27/22 Albanese Confectionery Group, Inc. of Merrillville, Indiana is voluntarily recalling Albanese® Mini and Giant Peanut Butter Cups because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella,

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/albanese-confectionery-group-inc-recalls-select-peanut-butter-products-because-possible-health-risk

A G Specialty Foods Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Food Products Containing Jif and Smuckers Peanut Butter Due to the Potential Salmonella Contamination
5/26/2022 - A G Specialty Foods Inc of Happy Valley, Oregon is initiating a voluntary recall of perishable products “The Goods” Snack Pack, We Be PB & Jammin’ Snack Box, Peanut Butter Strawberry Jam Old Fashioned White Bread, and Peanut Butter Strawberry Jam White Bread containing the Jif Creamy Peanut Butter, Jif Creamy Peanut Butter To Go 1.5oz cups, Jif Natural Creamy Peanut Butter To Go 1.5oz cups, and Smuckers Peanut Butter 3/4oz cups due to a potential Salmonella contamination.
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/g-specialty-foods-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-food-products-containing-jif-and-smuckers-peanut

  

Bix Produce Company Recalls "Egg and Cheese Curds Power Box" Because of Possible Health Risk
Bix Produce Company of Little Canada, MN, is recalling its 5 ounce packages of "Egg and Cheese Curds Power Box" and “Egg and Cheese Curds snack box”
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bix-produce-company-recalls-egg-and-cheese-curds-power-box-because-possible-health-risk

Euphoria Chocolate Company Issues Voluntary Recall of Peanut Butter Classic Truffles, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaways and Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaways Because of Possible Health Risk
05/26/2022 – Euphoria Chocolate Company of Eugene,OR is initiating a voluntary recall of Peanut Butter Classic Truffles, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaways, and Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaways
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/euphoria-chocolate-company-issues-voluntary-recall-peanut-butter-classic-truffles-dark-chocolate

Supplier J.M. Smucker Co.’s Jif Recall Prompts Fresh Del Monte to Voluntarily Recall Select Ready-To-Eat Products Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Fresh Del Monte is recalling the following products, which were sold to retailers nationwide: Del Monte Apples with Peanut Butter (5 ounce) Peanut Butter Snack Pack (4.25 ounce), Apples and Peanut Butter (6 ounce, and 5.5 ounce), and Sandwich with Peanut Butter Cup.
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/supplier-jm-smucker-cos-jif-recall-prompts-fresh-del-monte-voluntarily-recall-select-ready-eat

Fudgeamentals Recalls Fudge Made With Jif Peanut Butter Because of Possible Health Risk
Fudgeamentals of Melville, New York is voluntarily recalling fudge made with Jif Peanut Butter, packaged in 8 oz. plastic containers and 16 oz. plastic trays
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fudgeamentals-recalls-fudge-made-jif-peanut-butter-because-possible-health-risk

Garden Cut, LLC Recalls Snack Cups Containing Jif® Peanut Butter Due to the Potential for Salmonella Contamination
Garden Cut, LLC, Indianapolis, Indiana, is recalling Garden Cut Apple Wedges and Celery Bites with Peanut Butter products containing 0.750z JifPeanut Butter
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/garden-cut-llc-recalls-snack-cups-containing-jifr-peanut-butter-due-potential-salmonella

Mary’s Harvest Fresh Foods, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Celery Peanut Butter Cup G&G and Apple Peanut Butter Cup G&G Because of Possible Health Risk
5/24/2022- Mary’s Harvest Fresh Foods Inc, of Portland, Oregon is initiating a voluntary recall of perishable Celery Peanut Butter Cup G&G and Apple Peanut Butter Cup G&G
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/marys-harvest-fresh-foods-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-celery-peanut-butter-cup-gg-and-apple-peanut

Coblentz Chocolate Company Recalls Select Peanut Butter Products Because of Possible Health Risk
Coblentz Chocolate Company of Walnut Creek, Ohio is recalling certain Peanut Butter Products
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/coblentz-chocolate-company-recalls-select-peanut-butter-products-because-possible-health-risk

Albertsons Companies, in Cooperation with The J. M. Smucker Co., Voluntarily Recalls Select Store-Prepared Items Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
May 21, 2022 – Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI), in cooperation with its supplier The J. M. Smucker Co., has voluntarily recalled 11 store-prepared items due to possible Salmonella contamination
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/albertsons-companies-cooperation-j-m-smucker-co-voluntarily-recalls-select-store-prepared-items

Country Fresh, in Cooperation with the J. M. Smucker Co., Voluntarily Recalls Select Items Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Country Fresh is voluntarily recalling select fresh-cut fruit snack trays and fruit snack cups containing Jif® peanut butter
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/country-fresh-cooperation-j-m-smucker-co-voluntarily-recalls-select-items-containing-peanut-butter

Cargill Voluntarily Recalls 795, 8oz Boxes of Product Containing Jif® Peanut Butter Due to the Potential for Salmonella Contamination
Lititz, Pa.(May 23, 2022) – Cargill is voluntarily recalling select lots of Milk and Dark Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Ritz® Crackers, Peanut Butter Meltaways, Peanut Butter Eggs and Fudge sold locally through the Wilbur Chocolate Retail Store in Lititz, Pa. and online at Wilburbuds.com.
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cargill-voluntarily-recalls-795-8oz-boxes-product-containing-jifr-peanut-butter-due-potential

Taher, Inc Recalls “Fresh Seasons Power Packs”
Taher Inc. of Plymouth, MN, is recalling its 6.3 ounce packages of "Fresh Seasons Power Packs" because they contain Jif Peanut Butter, and have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/taher-inc-recalls-fresh-seasons-power-packs

Wawa Removes Two Products Containing Jif® Peanut Butter Due to Voluntary Recall by the J.M. Smucker Co. of Select Jif Products Sold in the U.S.
Wawa has removed two products containing Jif Peanut Butter from all stores throughout our operating area. The product was removed following a voluntary recall by the J.M. Smucker Co. of select products sold in the U.S. due to the potential food safety concern.
Of the products covered in the J.M. Smucker Co. recall, Wawa stores carried only two (2) items as follows:
Wawa Apple & Peanut Butter Dipper 4.9 oz (all codes) – All Wawa Stores
JIF Creamy Peanut Butter 16 Oz | UPC: 00051500255162 | Lot codes: 1274425 thru 2140425
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wawa-removes-two-products-containing-jifr-peanut-butter-due-voluntary-recall-jm-smucker-co-select

Company Recalls Artichoke Parmesan Dip for Nut Allergens Due to Mislabeling

Blue Moose of Boulder (Colorado) is voluntarily recalling Blue Moose Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Dip, 7oz. as the dip contains undeclared tree nut (Cashew) and soy allergens.  This recall has been initiated due to mislabeling issue where a small run Spinach Artichoke Cashew Dip was labeled as Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Dip. Improperly labeled units were discovered at the store level when stocking products.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-moose-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-tree-nuts-cashew-and-soy-spinach-artichoke-parmesan-dip
Blue Moose Issues Allergy Alert for Undeclared Tree Nuts (Cashew) and Soy in Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Dip, 7oz.
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 22, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  May 22, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Tree Nut (Cashew) and Soy Allergens
Company Name:  Blue Moose of Boulder LLC
Brand Name:  Blue Moose
Product Description:  Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Dip

JIF Peanut Butter Recalled After Being Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

FDA and CDC issued a health alert for JIF peanut butter after the product was linked to a Salmonella outbreak.  The J.M. Smucker Company issued a recall for product manufactured at their Kentucky facility.  "J.M. Smucker Company has voluntarily recalled certain Jif brand peanut butter products that have the lot code numbers between 1274425 – 2140425, only if the first seven digits end with 425 (manufactured in Lexington, KY)."

"As of May 21 2022, a total of 14 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella senftenberg have been reported from 12 states."

The CDC report stated "State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the five people interviewed, five (100%) reported eating peanut butter. Four of five (80%) sick people reported Jif brand peanut butter. Two people reported Jif Creamy Reduced Fat peanut butter, one person reported Jif Natural Creamy Low Sodium peanut butter, and one person reported Jif Natural Creamy peanut butter. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating peanut butter."

I had some problem figuring out if my jar was included, which it was not.  So here is a pic of what to look for regarding the code.

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/senftenberg-05-22/details.html

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Peanut Butter
May 21, 2022

Fast Facts
Illnesses: 14
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
States: 12
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active
Outbreak Investigation

May 21, 2022
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Senftenberg infections.