DC Establishment Recalls Tubs of Spicy Hummus for Undeclared Sesame After Incorrect Lid Applied

Cava Foods, Inc., a subsidiary of Cava Group, Inc. in Washington D.C., is issuing a voluntary recall of one lot of its packaged CAVA Spicy Hummus due to the potential for the product to contain undeclared sesame, which is a food allergen.   CAVA voluntarily initiated the recall after a single retail store notified the company that packaging lids for CAVA Spicy Labneh (which do not declare sesame as an ingredient) were applied to containers of Spicy Hummus, which contains sesame, a common allergen. The wrong lid was applied to a limited number of Spicy Hummus containers by a third-party supplier.

Here is another recall related to mislabeling where a lid label is applied to the wrong product.  Seems like an easy enough issue to prevent through development and implementation of a good Allergen Preventive Control.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cava-foods-inc-subsidiary-cava-group-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-sesame-cava-spicy-hummus
Cava Foods, Inc., a Subsidiary of Cava Group, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert for Undeclared Sesame in Cava Spicy Hummus
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 17, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  July 18, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages Prepared Food  
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared sesame allergen
Company Name:  Cava Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  CAVA
Product Description:  Spicy Hummus, 8 oz tub

Ohio Firm Recalls Cashew Butter After Product Found to Contain Peanuts or Almonds

Heinen’s of Warrensville Heights, OH is voluntarily recalling Heinen’s Fresh Ground Cashew Butter, due to the possibility that it may contain undeclared Peanuts or Almonds.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing Peanuts or Almonds was distributed in Fresh Ground Cashew Butter Containers that did not reveal the presence of additional allergens. Subsequent investigation indicates that this was isolated to a single distributed Sell By Date of 8/27/23

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/heinens-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanuts-and-almonds-heinens-fresh-ground-cashew-butter
Heinen’s Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts and Almonds in Heinen’s Fresh Ground Cashew Butter
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 13, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  July 17, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Butter/Butter Product
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared peanut and almond allergens
Company Name:  Heinen’s
Brand Name:  Heinen’s
Product Description:  Fresh Ground Cashew Butter

Ingredient Supplier of Batter Recalls 6 Million Pounds of Product Due to Salmonella Potential

Newly Wed Foods, an ingredient supplier is recalling 6 million pounds of batters/breaders due to Salmonella. This recall will not be listed on the normal recall page because it is not product that is sold to the consumer. Rather, it is posted on the Enforcement Report page - Enforcement Report (fda.gov). Batter and breader are used in breading applications for foods that will be cooked, generally fried.

California Recall of Asian Chopped Salad Due to Undeclared Allergens Packed With Wrong Condiment Pack

In California, Braga Fresh is recalling a single production run of 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Asian Inspired Chopped Salad Kit 12oz bag purchased from Whole Foods Markets stores.  The product is being recalled because it contains incorrect condiment ingredients resulting in undeclared milk and egg that was not listed on the product label.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/braga-fresh-issues-precautionary-recall-365-whole-foods-market-brand-organic-asian-inspired-chopped
Braga Fresh Issues Precautionary Recall of 365 By Whole Foods Market Brand Organic Asian Inspired Chopped Salad Kit 12oz Bag Due to Potential Presence of Undeclared Allergens
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 11, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  July 12, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Prepared Food  
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk and egg allergens
Company Name:  Braga Fresh
Brand Name:  365 By Whole Foods Market
Product Description:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen - milk and egg

Thinking of Taking a Cruise - Norovirus Cases from 1st Half of 2023 On Course for Most Cases in over a Decade

The Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) requires cruise ships to log and report the number of passengers and crew who say they have symptoms of gastrointestinal illness. Learn more about illnesses and outbreaks reported to VSP and find information about outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships.

In the first half of 2023, there were 13 reports of ships with Norovirus cases where roughly 3 to 5% of passengers and 1 to 2% of staff became infected.  In 2022, there were 4 cases and in 2021, there was only one case.  We would have to go back to 2012 where there were more cases for the entire year (16) to be more than seen in the first half of this year.

OR Food Establishment's Use of Outdated Packaging Leads to Unlabeled Sesame Issue

Betty Lou’s Inc., McMinnville, OR is recalling 1.5oz (42g) packages of Betty Lou’s Brand Paleo Java Nuts About Energy Balls with Cacao, Coffee & Pumpkin Seeds, BB 08MAY24 1283, due to undeclared sesame allergen. The recall was initiated after it was discovered by a regular Betty Lou’s Inc. internal review, an old version roll of packaging was used during production, and product containing sesame was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of sesame.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/betty-lous-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-sesame-paleo-java-nuts-about-energy-balls-cacao
Betty Lou’s Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared (Sesame) in Paleo Java Nuts About Energy Balls With Cacao, Coffee & Pumpkin Seeds
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 10, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  July 11, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Snack Food Item
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared sesame allergen
Company Name:  Betty Lou’s Inc.
Brand Name:  Betty Lou’s
Product Description:  Paleo Java Nuts About Energy Balls with Cacao, Coffee & Pumpkin Seeds

FDA Releases List of Chemicals Not Allowed in Foods and Chemicals Under Review

The FDA released a public inventory of certain food ingredients that the agency has determined to have unsafe uses in food because they are unapproved food additives and lists of select chemicals currently under the agency’s review.
 

This week, FDA issued Warning Letters to a number of companies that were selling products with Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8 THC), an isomer of Delta-9 THC, the intoxicating component found in marijuana. many of these products look like snacks or candies and can be an issue for children mistakenly eating. 

This is a good reference for chemicals in question.

Post-market Determinations that the Use of a Substance is Not GRAS

• 4-androstenedione
• Arimistane
• Betel nut (Areca catechu)
• Caffeinated alcoholic beverages (CABs)
• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol  (THC)
• 1,3-dimethylamylamine  (1,3-DMAA)
• Ginkgo biloba
• Kava
• Melatonin
• Picamilon

List of Select Food Ingredients and Food Contact Substances Currently Under FDA Review

• Authorized PFAS: Certain Short-Chain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Food Contact Substance
• Authorized PFAS: Uses of other Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in food contact applications Food Contact Substance
• Brominated-Vegetable-Oil (BVO)  - Food Additive
• Irgafos 168 - Food Contact
• Partially Hydrogenated Oil (PHO) - food additive
• Phthalates - Food contact
• Red Dye No. 3 - Color Additive
• Titanium Dioxide - Color Additive

List of Select Contaminants Currently Under FDA Review

• Arsenic - Environmental Contaminant
• Cadmium - Environmental Contaminant
• Lead - Environmental Contaminant
• 4-MEI Methylimidazole CAS Number 822-36-6 - Process contaminant in some caramel colors and flavors, and in some foods and beverages during the normal cooking process
• Mercury - Environmental Contaminant
• 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (MCPD) esters and Glycidyl Esters (GE)  - Process contaminants that can occur in refined edible oils, such as vegetable oils, and foods made with these oils, including infant formula
• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) - Environmental Contaminant
• Thallium - Environmental Contaminant

https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-update-post-market-assessment-certain-food-ingredients
FDA Update on Post-market Assessment of Certain Food Ingredients

Constituent Update

July 12, 2023

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a public inventory of certain food ingredients that the agency has determined to have unsafe uses in food because they are unapproved food additives and lists of select chemicals currently under the agency’s review. The FDA also released a Conversations with experts about the agency’s work to enhance the assessment of ingredients in foods on the market. These resources are intended to provide more insight on the FDA’s post-market assessments.

The New Food Safety Concern for Summer - Cyclospora

Cases of Cyclosporiasis (infection from the parasite Cyclospora) have been increasing in the US, and we have seen an increase coming from domestically grown produce, while imported produce has been historically the primary issue.  Last month, CDC reported a large outbreak of Cyclospora where imported broccoli may have been the source.

Currently, there is an ongoing outbreak in the Houston, TX area.  A source has not yet been identified, although one would expect it to be related to the consumption of fresh produce, especially those items that cannot be vigorously washed....items such as .fresh cilantro, pre-packaged salad mix, raspberries, basil, snow peas, and mesclun lettuce.

In CDC MMWR article released this week, an Florida outbreak of Cyclospora linked to bagged salad is covered with a discussion how cases have been increasing over the past year.

The symptoms They usually begin about 1 week after exposure. If the infection is not treated, symptoms can last for several weeks to a month or more. Symptoms may include the following:

• Frequent bouts of watery diarrhea (the most 
• common symptom)
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Cramping, bloating, and/or increased gas
• Nausea (vomiting is less common)
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever

https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Portals/27/Documents/News/Cyclosporiasis_SM.pdf
Harris County Public Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2023
Cyclospora Cases on the Rise in Harris County
HCPH urges residents to take protective measures to prevent gastrointestinal illness
HOUSTON — Harris County Public Health (HCPH), the Houston Health Department and Fort Bend
County Health & Human Services, have received reports of an increased number of Cyclospora
infections within their jurisdictions and urge people to use caution this summer while cooking and
spending time outdoors.

Imported Soup Base Recalled for Undeclared Milk

Ziyad Brothers Importing of Cicero, IL, is recalling its 35.2 fluid ounce packages of Ziyad Brand Jameed Soup Starter because it does not declare milk.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered during a routine internal company review that the product was distributed in packaging that disclosed the presence of “lactic casein powder” in the ingredient list but it did not further clarify that this ingredient is derived from “milk.”

The product itself is made with a sheep yogurt base, which is not dairy.  However the lactic casein powder was derived from milk.  Product was imported from Jordan.  The importer in this case, needs to conduct a hazard analysis as part of the FSVP - Foreign Supplier Verification Program, and should have determined this ingredient as an allergen as part of that analysis.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ziyad-brothers-importing-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-jameed-soup-starter
Ziyad Brothers Importing Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Jameed Soup Starter
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 07, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  July 07, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Soup
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Ziyad Brothers Importing
Brand Name:  Ziyad
Product Description:  Jameed Soup Starter