Popped Water Lilly Seeds Recalled for Undeclared Milk

Karma Spices and Trading Company, LLC of Walled Lake, Michigan is recalling White Cheddar Cheese Popped Water Lily Seeds, because it may contain undeclared Milk.  The recalled White Cheddar Cheese Popped Water Lily Seeds were sold at retail stores in Michigan stores and online at www.karmawellnesskitchen.com.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing Milk was distributed in packaging that did not list “Contains:Milk” as a common allergen.

Yes, the cheddar cheese is a milk product.

So what is a popped water lily seed?  It is a snack derived from the seeds of the white lily plant, a native to Eastern Asia.  Seeds are collected and then roasted over high heat.  The high heat makes them 'pop'.  Some call these a super food in that it is high in protein and minerals such as magnesium and potassium.  

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/karma-spices-and-trading-company-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-white-cheddar-cheese
Karma Spices and Trading Company, LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in White Cheddar Cheese Popped Water Lily Seeds
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 05, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  April 05, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Karma Spices and Trading Company, LLC
Brand Name:  Karma
Product Description:  White Cheddar Cheese Popped Water Lily Seeds

MI Cheese Producer Issued Warning Letter for Food Safety Plan Misses That Led to 2022 Listeria Outbreak

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Old Europe Cheese, a Michigan cheese producer.  The inspection was prompted by a 2022 Listeria outbreak linked to their cheese where six (6) ill people from six (6) states were infected with the outbreak strain of L. monocytogenes.

Here is a summary of that report highlighting the big misses that occurred within the Company's Preventive Control Program.  This is an excellent example why a proper Food Safety Plan is needed.

• Presence of Outbreak Strain of Listeria "FDA collected samples (environmental swabs) of the production environment and confirmed that (1) swab collected from a hole in the (b)(4) floor was positive for L. monocytogenes.  WGS analysis was conducted of the above referenced L. monocytogenes isolate and it was determined that the environmental isolate matched the six (6) clinical isolates that were part of an illness outbreak cluster.
• Presence of Listeria Indicator Organisms - In addition to L. monocytogenes, the presence of Listeria innocua (L. innocua) was also found in your facility during the FDA environmental swabbing that occurred on September 13 and 14, 2022. L. innocua was detected in two (2) environmental swabs taken from the floor in the (b)(4) Room and a floor drain between the (b)(4) Room and (b)(4) Hallway where the cheese products are RTE (post-pasteurization) and exposed to the environment. The presence of non-pathogenic Listeria species suggests that conditions are suitable for survival and/or growth of L. monocytogenes which, as noted above, has been found in your facility.
• Hazard Analysis Does Not Consider Environmental Contamination by Pathogens a Significant Hazard - "The "hazard analysis for soft and semi-soft cheese products determined that “Post-Pasteurization Contamination” did not require a preventive control because it was “Unlikely to occur as purity plating of production samples is performed and plant performance history indicates good process control.” In addition, your hazard analysis determined that “Environmental Contamination (Listeria)” did not require a preventive control because an “Environmental program is in place to test for listeria spp. Finished product testing is also performed with positive release program.” However, RTE soft and semi-soft cheese products manufactured in your facility were exposed to the environment at various post-pasteurization processing steps (e.g., (b)(4))"
• Hazard Analysis Does Not Consider Finished Product Cooler Temperature as a Process Preventive Control - "Hazard analysis did not require a preventive control at the “Cooler Storage” step because a “Program for Cooler Temperature [sic] Control is in place. Plant does not have a history of problematic room temperatures.” However, if not properly time/temperature-controlled, the RTE soft and semi-soft cheese products stored in your facility are likely to support the growth and toxin formation of bacterial pathogens (such as ingredient-related pathogens either surviving pasteurization or added post-pasteurization, or environmental pathogens introduced in your facility). "
• Deviation to Cooler Temperature - "Through record review during the inspection, we detected two (2) dates where temperatures were recorded as 51.2°F, 52°F and 53.1°F with no record of a corrective action documented. Soft cheeses can support the growth of pathogens, including L. monocytogenes, when not stored at proper refrigeration temperatures."
• The Hazard Analysis Does Not Properly Address Post-Process Ingredient Additions with Supply Chain Preventive Controls  - The "hazard analysis for soft and semi-soft cheese products determined that bacterial pathogens in many ingredients added after pasteurization (e.g., peppercorns, 1/8” flaked tomato, chives, basil, garlic salt, and parsley) did not require a preventive control because “Product is tested for Salmonella – COA Received per lot.” These ingredients did not undergo a kill step in your facility. A knowledgeable person manufacturing/processing food in your circumstances would identify bacterial pathogens as a hazard requiring a preventive control (i.e., supply-chain program)."
• Sanitation Procedures Not Fully Implemented - with respect to the production of soft cheeses when they are RTE (post-pasteurization). For example:
• The "sanitation procedures, as described in the document titled, “GMP Manual,” instructed employees to wash their hands “following practices that may compromise hand cleanliness.” However, on September 13, 2022, our investigators observed two (2) different employees’ hands come into contact with unclean surfaces (e.g., a hose that had been in contact with the floor); these employees (b)(4) their hands into a (b)(4) and returned directly to handling RTE brie cheese without washing their hands."
• The "Master Sanitation Schedule directed employees to clean-in-place (CIP) the brie vats with both (b)(4) solution according to the production schedule. However, our investigators observed during the CIP on September 15, 2022, that the vat was only filled to approximately (b)(4) of its volume, which resulted in the food-contact surfaces inside not being fully submerged, as would be needed to facilitate effective cleaning. One of your employees also indicated that (b)(4) solution is not always used in the vats during the week, contrary to the instructions in the Master Sanitation Schedule."
• Not Following the Environmental Monitoring Program - "Environmental Swabbing program required collection of a minimum of (b)(4) samples from designated zone 2-4 locations every (b)(4). However, you collected ten (10) swabs on or around May 25, 2022, and then you stated that you did not collect any more swabs until the week of this inspection, on or around September 14, 2022."
• Improper Cleaning - "did not conduct cleaning and sanitizing of utensils and equipment in a manner that protects against contamination of food, food-contact surfaces, or food-packaging materials, as required by 21 CFR 117.35(a). Specifically, on September 13, 2022 employees were observed spraying the outside of brie vats and the floor around the vats with a hose in such a manner that spray from the hose was observed contacting the floor and subsequently contacting the adjacent cheese molding machine."
• Condensation Issues - "Condensation was observed throughout the facility including on areas above cheese molding equipment and RTE brie cheese. For example, condensation and dark reddish-brown stains were observed on the ceiling directly over at least ten racks of stacked food-contact cheese molds stored in the Clean Room. Clear condensation was also observed on pipes and the ceiling within two feet of exposed RTE brie cheese in (b)(4) Room (b)(4). Condensation was also visible on the walls and windows near the ceiling of the (b)(4) Room where food-contact cheese molds were observed sitting on racks exposed to the environment in this room for approximately three hours before being moved to the (b)(4) Room."

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/old-europe-cheese-inc-644539-03172023
WARNING LETTER

Eyedrops Recalled Due to Contamination Leading to Severe Eye Infections, 483 Report Details QC Horrors At Foreign Manufacturer

Global Pharma Healthcare recalled all lots of their Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, distributed by /EzriCare, LLC- and Delsam Pharma, due to possible contamination.  This product was identified by CDC as the source of "Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) infections possibly associated with the use of the artificial tears manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare. To date, there are 55 reports of adverse events including eye infections, permanent loss of vision, and a death with a bloodstream infection."

The 483 Report (obtained from www.marlerblog.com) details an extremely bad operation.  

(https://www.marlerblog.com/files/2023/04/Global-Pharma-Healthcare-Ltd.-Tamilnadu-India-3.2.23-483.pdf)

This is an imported product.  We often wonder why some items are less expensive than branded products that are produced in the US.  Products produced in the US have to meet established sanitary standards.   

Observations from the report include:

Obs 1A.  Lack of validation support for demonstrating the equipment can be reliably sterilized.  And with that, the procedures were not followed for the required sterility filters.

Obs 1B. Improper filter testing

Obs 1C. Did not perform container closure integrity test adequately.

Obs 1D. Formulation not followed, specifically with inadequate preservatives.

Obs 1E Aseptic process lacked sterility assurance

Obs 1F. Airflow patterns insufficient (to demonstrate air control in aseptic environment)

Obs 1G Floors, walls, and ceilings were not appropriate for aseptic processing - cracks, holes, etc

Obs 1H Employees not qualified, did not follow appropriate procedures for aseptic environment.

Obs 2 - Test methods not established for accuracy, sensitivity, and reproducibility.
Obs 3 - Equipment does not have appropriate deisgn for how it is being used.

Obs 4 - Aseptic processing areas are deficient regarding the system for cleaning and disinfecting the room to produce aseptic products.  Including (C) surfaces that contact the container closures is not cleaned.

Obs 5 - Failed to conduct test to verify identity of each component of the eye products.

Obs 6 - Failed to establish written procedures for cleaning and maintaining the equipment.

Obs 7 - Defient environmental monitoring.

Obs 8 - Laboratory controls  do not have specifications for conformance - what is acceptable.

Obs 9 - REcord reviews not completed and approved by QC 

Obs 10 - Stability samples not stored according to written procedures

Obs 11 - QC does not have responsibility and authority to approve, reject.

Yikes.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/global-pharma-healthcare-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-artificial-tears-lubricant-eye-drops-due
Global Pharma Healthcare Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops Due to Possible Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 02, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  February 02, 2023
Product Type:  Drugs
Reason for Announcement:  Potential microbial contamination
Company Name:  Global Pharma Healthcare
Brand Name:  EzriCare & Delsam Pharma
Product Description:  Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops

CDC - Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Flour - Investigation Notice 3-30-23

CDC and State partners are investigating a Salmonella outbreak that has been linked to raw flour. As of March 30, 2023, 12 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 11 states (see map). Illnesses started on dates ranging from December 6, 2022, to February 13, 2023 (see timeline).

While an exact source is yet to be identified, it is important to follow proper practices when handling raw flour.

• Do not eat raw dough or batter.
• Clean surfaces and utensils that have residual raw flour with warm water or soap.
• Wash hands after handling raw flour, dough, or batter.
• Handle raw flour in a way that prevents it from cross contaminating surfaces that will not be cleaned immediately.
• Store raw flour properly, preventing it from getting over other surfaces or food.

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Flour

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/infantis-03-23/index.html
Fast Facts
Illnesses: 12
Hospitalizations: 3
Deaths: 0
States: 11
Recall: No
Investigation status: Active

FDA Issues Warning Letter to CA Seafood Processor for Salmonella Contamination

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a CA seafood processing operation after an inspection was initiated as part of a multistate foodborne outbreak investigation of Salmonella Litchfield (S. Litchfield) infections linked to seafood, including fresh, raw salmon, supplied by the facility.  "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 39 people from 4 states were infected with the outbreak strain of S. Litchfield. "

"FDA laboratory analyses found the presence of the outbreak strain of S. Litchfield and two additional Salmonella strains, Salmonella Mbandaka (S. Mbandaka) and Salmonella Oranienburg (S. Oranienburg), which are human pathogens, in [the] facility. On October 20, 2022, [the] firm recalled various types of fresh fish processed at [the] facility and distributed between June 14, 2022 and October 17, 2022, because they had the potential of being contaminated with Salmonella. FDA and CDC have determined, based upon the epidemiologic, traceback evidence, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) matches between clinical and FDA environmental samples, that fresh salmon processed at [the]  facility was the likely source of this multistate S. Litchfield outbreak"

Salmonella was found throughout the facility, which indicates poor sanitation among other poor practices.  Even though this is raw fish, Salmonella should not be present.

"Salmonella species are not endemic to seafood; therefore, FDA expects zero or non-detectable levels of Salmonella in seafood regardless of whether it is intended to be cooked before consumption or it is ready-to-eat (RTE). Salmonella in seafood is the result of human or animal fecal contamination of the harvest waters and/or fecal contamination during post-harvest handling and processing. The contamination can also be exacerbated by temperature abuse. Raw RTE seafood must have appropriate controls from harvest to consumption."

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/mariscos-bahia-inc-646401-02072023
WARNING LETTER

Mariscos Bahia, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 646401 — FEBRUARY 07, 2023

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Salad Dressing Bottler After Recall for Mislabeling

FDA issues a Warning Letter to Vanlaw Food Products after their Whole Foods 365 Organic Creamy Caesar Dressing sold in 10 fl. oz. clear glass bottles was mislabeled with the finished product back label having Classic Ranch Dressing and Dip and thus not declaring major food allergens, wheat and soy.
The company had similar recalls.  

• One being on September 19, 2022, where the expanded this recall after being notified by the customer of another lot of 365 Organic Creamy Caesar mislabeled with 365 Organic Classic Ranch Dressing and Dip back panel ingredient labels that do not declare wheat and soy. 
• On April 4, 2022, 365 Organic Creamy Caesar Dressing was recalled because of an incorrect back panel for Whole Foods Market Organic Blue Cheese applied to the product, which did not declare the allergens of wheat and soy

This is a pretty easy problem to fix if utilizing a properly designed Allergen Preventive Control for label application.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/vanlaw-food-products-inc-641010-01052023

Vanlaw Food Products, Inc
MARCS-CMS 641010 — JANUARY 05, 2023
Recipient:
Mr. Pablo Gallo Llorente
President
Vanlaw Food Products, Inc
1851 North Delilah St.
Corona, CA 93879
United States

CR - 10 Risky Recalled Foods

Consumer Reports lists the 10 Foods Linked to Serious Recalls and Outbreaks and provides an explanation why each ended up there. They also provide some practical handling procedures

1. Leafy Greens
2. Cheeses and Deli Meat
3. Ground Meat 
4. Onions
5. Turkey
6. Chicken
7. Papayas
8. Peaches
9. Cantaloupe
10. Flour

While we can argue about what should be in the Top Ten, the information provided in this report is okay. 

The danger of any list like this is that people will avoid products because it is on 'the list'.   Onions for example...one should not avoid using onions, but follow practical handling procedures.  On the avoidance of pre-cut fruit...certainly if you are extremely risk averse, you would want to avoid pre-but fruit, otherwise, the overall risk is small when purchasing from a reputable producer.

A much better write-up than done in the past by this organization.

10 Risky Recalled Foods You Should Know About - Consumer Reports

Chocolate Bars From Costco Recalled Due to Undeclared Tree Nuts - Cashews

Wellness Natural USA Inc. of Wilmington, DE is voluntarily recalling a single lot of its SimplyProtein® Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Bar in the United States, which is sold in a 15-count variety pack that contains two other flavors, because it may contain an undeclared trace of tree nuts (cashews).   The recalled products were distributed in the United States in limited Costco stores in Arkansas, California, Washington DC, Kansas, Maryland, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.  The recall was voluntarily initiated due to a consumer complaint, which is the only reported reaction to date, and a determination that the lot may have the potential to contain trace levels of undeclared cashew. The cause of the contamination is being investigated.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wellness-natural-usa-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-cashews-simplyproteinr-peanut-butter
Wellness Natural USA Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Cashews in SimplyProtein® Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Bars
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 31, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  April 03, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared tree nuts (cashew)
Company Name:  Wellness Natural USA Inc.
Brand Name:  SimplyProtein
Product Description:  Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Bar

FL Company Recalls Smoked Salmon After State Testing Finds Listeria

Seven Seas International USA, LLC of St. Petersburg, Florida is voluntarily recalling 295 cases of Biltmore Smoked Sockeye Salmon with production lot R4058 because Listeria monocytogenes may be present in some product. The issue was discovered through routine regulatory testing conducted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  This product was distributed through Publix Supermarket.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/seven-seas-international-usa-llc-voluntarily-recalling-biltmore-smoked-sockeye-salmon-because
Seven Seas International USA, LLC is Voluntarily Recalling Biltmore Smoked Sockeye Salmon Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 14, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  March 31, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Fish
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness/Listeria
Company Name:  Seven Seas International USA, LLC.
Brand Name:  Biltmore
Product Description:  Biltmore Smoked Wild Sockeye Salmon
Company Announcement  Date: March 14, 2023