Monday, May 22, 2023

Canadian Establishment Recalls Mortadella Deli Meat for Undeclared Tree Nuts - Pistachio

Sofina Foods Inc., a Markham, Ontario, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 15,165 pounds of ready-to-eat mortadella deli meat products due to misbranding and undeclared allergen, the product may contain pistachio (tree nuts), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that a customer observed pistachio nut in ready-to-eat regular mortadella deli meat product during slicing.  There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Pistachio is commonly added to mortadella.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/sofina-foods-inc--recalls-ready-eat-mortadella-deli-meat-products-due-misbranding
Sofina Foods Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Mortadella Deli Meat Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2023 - Sofina Foods Inc., a Markham, Ontario, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 15,165 pounds of ready-to-eat mortadella deli meat products due to misbranding and undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product may contain pistachio (tree nuts), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

Colostrum Product Recalled After Failing to State Contains Milk

Nature’s Energy Children’s Chewable Colostrum is being recalled after it was discovered that the Colostrum containing product was distributed in packaging that did not indicate the presence of milk proteins.  A quick search on the internet revealed that this is not the only product in this category that failed to post a 'Contains' statement for Milk.

Colostrum is milk.   From Healthline -  Bovine colostrum is made from the milky fluid a cow secretes after giving birth. It may help improve immunity, fight germs, and promote gut health. It appears safe for people, but more research is necessary.  Colostrum is a breast fluid produced by humans, cows, and other mammals before breast milk is released.  It’s very nutritious and contains high levels of antibodies, which are proteins that fight infections and bacteria.  Colostrum promotes growth and health in infants and newborn animals, but research shows that taking bovine colostrum supplements may promote immunity, help fight infections, and improve gut health throughout life."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natures-energy-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-childrens-chewable-colostrum-products
Nature’s Energy Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Children’s Chewable Colostrum Products
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 18, 2023
FDA Publish Date: May 18, 2023
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Undeclared milk
Company Name: Nature’s Energy
Brand Name: Nature’s Energy
Product Description: Children’s Chewable Colostrum
Company Announcement
Nature’s Energy of Pleasant Grove, UT is voluntarily recalling Children’s Chewable Colostrum because it may contain undeclared milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Imported Peanut Product Fails to List Peanuts on Label

Werner Gourmet Meat Snacks in Tillamook, OR is voluntarily recalling 14,682 packages of Chile Cacahuates Japones, 5oz Value Size, because it may contain undeclared peanut.  Werner Gourmet Meat Snacks in Tillamook, OR is voluntarily recalling 14,682 packages of Chile Cacahuates Japones, 5oz Value Size, because it may contain undeclared peanut.

Chile Cacahuates Japones are Japanese Spicy Peanuts...but the ingredient statement forgot to mention peanuts as an ingredient.  The product is imported from China, so the importer of this product would be responsible for ensuring proper labeling as part of the FSVP.





https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/werner-gourmet-meat-snacks-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanut-chile-cacahuates-japones
Werner Gourmet Meat Snacks Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanut in Chile Cacahuates Japones
Summary

Company Announcement Date:  May 18, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  May 18, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared peanut
Company Name:  Werner Gourmet Meat Snacks
Brand Name:   Werner
Product Description:  Chile Cacahuates Japones

Chocolate Bar Recalled After Incorrect Ingredient Addition Results in Undeclared Allergens

Hu Products announced today a voluntary recall in the United States of a single production lot of Vanilla Crunch Dark Chocolate Bar product (2.1 oz bar) because some packages may potentially contain undeclared hazelnut, cashew, and/or almond that were inadvertently added to the product during manufacturing. 

Appears to be a case of misformulation.  Application of a preventive control at the point of ingredient addition should be considered. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hu-products-issues-voluntary-allergy-alert-undeclared-tree-nuts-hazelnut-cashew-andor-almond-vanilla
Hu Products Issues Voluntary Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts (Hazelnut, Cashew, and/or Almond) in Vanilla Crunch Dark Chocolate Bar Product in the U.S.
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 18, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  May 18, 2023
Product Type:   Food & Beverages  Snack Food Item
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared tree nuts (hazelnut, cashew, and almond)
Company Name:  Hu Products
Brand Name:  Hu
Product Description:  Vanilla Crunch Dark Chocolate Bar

Pasta Sauce Recalled for Undeclared Anchovy

LiDestri Foods is recalling 24-ounce jars of Wegman’s Italian Classics Diavolo pasta sauce, because it may contain undeclared fish (anchovy).  The recall was initiated after it was discovered via consumer complaint that the Wegman’s Italian Classics Diavolo Pasta Sauce containing anchovies was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of anchovies. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in LiDestri Foods’ packaging processes.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lidestri-food-co-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-fish-anchovy-24-oz-jars-wegmans-italian-classics
LiDestri Food Co. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Fish (Anchovy) In 24-Oz Jars of Wegman’s Italian Classics Diavolo Pasta Sauce
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 17, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  May 17, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared fish (Anchovy)
Company Name:  LiDestri Food Co.
Brand Name:  Wegmans
Product Description:  Italian Classics Diavolo Sauce

FDA Updates Investigation of Illnesses Associated with Mushrooms in MT

FDA issued a report on illness that occurred in a Montana restaurant and may be associated with toxic mushrooms.  There have been a total of 50 cases with 3 hospitalizations and 2 deaths.  The last report was issued on May 3, 2023.
  • "As of May 15, 2023, the investigation has identified 50 ill people who ate at the restaurant between March 28 and April 17, 2023, of whom 44 people reported eating morel mushrooms. There have been three hospitalizations and two deaths associated with this incident. A sample of leftover mushrooms were collected from the restaurant and laboratory analysis determined that the sampled mushrooms were true morels."
  • "Currently, no pathogen, toxin, pesticide, or heavy metal has been identified; however, state and local partners have collected consumer samples from the restaurant and testing and analysis are ongoing. Although epidemiological evidence indicates that morel mushrooms consumed at the restaurant are likely the cause of illnesses, mushroom poisonings can be difficult to diagnose as the exact chemical nature of some toxins found in wild-type mushrooms are currently unknown."
  • "Although the mushrooms sampled from the restaurant were found to be true morels, there are varieties of “false morels” that may be mistaken for a true morel due to a similar appearance. “False morels” are toxic and should not be consumed, cooked or uncooked. Gyromitrin is a toxin found in some varieties of false morel mushrooms and it has been linked to several cases of mushroom poisoning and can be fatal even in relatively small amounts. Gyromitrin poisoning can cause symptoms such as headache, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of coordination, and in severe cases, seizure, heart failure, liver and kidney damage and death. Gyromitrin toxin can be partially broken down by high temperature; however, even with cooking, toxins may remain and can lead to illness or toxicity."
  • "Wild-type mushroom poisonings can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from mild illness to death. Symptoms of wild-type mushroom poisoning depend on the specific toxin, the amount ingested, and the individual. The presence and levels of toxins in any individual species of mushrooms can change over time and by geographic location of where the mushroom was harvested."
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-illnesses-morel-mushrooms-may-2023
Investigation of Illnesses: Morel Mushrooms (May 2023)
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 50
Hospitalizations: 3
Deaths: 2
Last Illness Onset: April 17, 2023
States with Cases: MT

Monday, May 15, 2023

Recall Notice Reissued for Infant Formula With Potential Cronobacter to Account for Additional Distribution

"On March 17, 2023, the Perrigo Company issued a voluntary recall of certain lots of Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula in the U.S., that were manufactured at the Company’s Gateway Eau Claire, Wisconsin manufacturing facility from January 02, 2023 to January 18, 2023. This product was recalled out of an abundance of caution due to the potential presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is releasing this additional notice due to one of the recalled products being distributed to its Nashville Division retailers after the initial recall notice was published."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/associated-wholesale-grocers-inc-releasing-notice-due-recalled-infant-formula-being-distributed-its
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. is Releasing this Notice Due to Recalled Infant Formula Being Distributed to its Nashville Division Retailers after the Initial Recall Notice was Published.
Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 13, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  May 14, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Cronobacter sakazakii contamination
Company Name:  Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc.
Brand Name:  Gerber Good Start
Product Description:  Powdered Infant Formula

Recall for Product from Indoor Farm Cancelled After State Laboratory Discovers It Made Error

A recall issued by lēf Farms on May 4th was cancelled after NH Dept of Health determined that they made a laboratory error.  "On May 5, a press release was issued regarding a potential contamination of Escherichia coli O157 bacteria of a specific lot of lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens. Upon being informed, lēf Farms voluntarily initiated a recall of the potentially affected products, prioritizing the health and safety of their customers. Subsequent whole genome sequencing was conducted, which determined that the control sample and the lēf Farms sample were nearly identical, indicating that the initial lab results were inaccurate due to a contamination error within the lab itself."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/correction-notice-new-hampshire-laboratory-error-incorrectly-resulted-recall-lef-farms-spice
CORRECTION NOTICE: New Hampshire Laboratory Error Incorrectly Resulted in Recall of lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens: Recall Canceled
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 11, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  May 12, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Recall Cancellation Due to False Positive
Company Name:  lēf Farms
Brand Name:  lēf Farms
Product Description:  “Spice” packaged salad greens

Friday, May 12, 2023

Canadian Firm Has Pork Recalled After Shipping to US Without Import Reinspection

Eastern Meat Solutions, Inc., the importer of record located in Ontario, Canada, is recalling approximately 40,763 pounds of raw, boneless pork products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States.  The problem was discovered by FSIS inspection personnel who determined that the products were not presented for FSIS import reinspection.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/eastern-meat-solutions-inc--recalls-raw-boneless-pork-products-imported-without
Eastern Meat Solutions, Inc. Recalls Raw, Boneless Pork Products Imported without Benefit of Import Reinspection

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2023 – Eastern Meat Solutions, Inc., the importer of record located in Ontario, Canada, is recalling approximately 40,763 pounds of raw, boneless pork products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.