FDA Issues Warning Letter to Feed Company Responsible for Cattle Death Due to Super Potent Concentration of Monensin

FDA issued a Warning Letter after an investigation "conducted as a follow-up to a Reportable Food Registry (RFR) report regarding suspected monensin poisoning from a medicated feed that resulted in numerous cattle deaths". Analysis of a sample of the feed found that it contained a super potent concentration of monensin.

• Failed to properly identify, handle, and control drugs in the mixing areas to maintain their integrity and identity, as required by 21 CFR 225.42(b)(4).
• Did not perform a daily comparison of the actual amount of drug used with the theoretical drug usage, as required by 21 CFR 225.42(b)(7).
• Did not prepare, or have prepared, and did not implement a written food safety plan, as required by 21 CFR 507.31(a).
• Failed to evaluate and use raw materials and other ingredients susceptible to contamination with mycotoxins or other natural toxins in a manner that does not result in animal food that can cause injury or illness to animals or humans, as required by 21 CFR 507.25(b)(2).  Specifically, [the company] receives, stores, and uses grain and grain co-products susceptible to mycotoxin contamination, including corn, dried distillers grain, and wheat midds, in animal food at the facility. However, [the company] did not have procedures or conduct testing to determine whether mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin, fumonisin, or deoxynivalenol (DON), are present in these ingredients or in your finished product. During the inspection, the staff confirmed that the company does not have procedures for mycotoxins, including that you do not test for them.

Suther Feeds, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 653966 — AUGUST 21, 2023.

Another Recall of Pork Chicarrones Imported from USDA-ineligible Country

Capitology, LLC, the importer of record located in Charlotte, N.C., is recalling approximately 4,679 pounds of pork chicharrones products. The products were imported from Honduras, a country ineligible to export pork products to the United States.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS surveillance activities. 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/capitology-llc-recalls-ineligible-pork-chicharrones-products-imported-honduras
Capitology, LLC Recalls Ineligible Pork Chicharrones Products Imported from Honduras

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2023 - Capitology, LLC, the importer of record located in Charlotte, N.C., is recalling approximately 4,679 pounds of pork chicharrones products. The products were imported from Honduras, a country ineligible to export pork products to the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Just Another Enoki Mushroom Recall Due to Listeria Positive Test

Utopia Foods Inc of Glendale, NY, is recalling all lots within expiry of Qilu Enterprise branded 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms” because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The potential contamination was noted by a routine sampling conducted by the State of West Virginia on products which were further distributed by Utopia’s customers bearing expiration date 10/26/2023. The products tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.  Utopia Foods had suspended the distribution of the products and initiated a full-range recall for all expiration dates.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/utopia-foods-recalls-enoki-mushrooms-because-possible-health-risk-0
Utopia Foods Recalls “Enoki Mushrooms” Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 23, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  October 23, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Utopia Foods Inc.
Brand Name:  Qilu Enterprise
Product Description:  Enoki Mushrooms

FDA Issues Warning on Chopped Fresh Onions from CA Processor After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Thompson infections linked to fresh diced onions from Gills Onions of Oxnard, California.  Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 14 of 19 cases with information available reported exposure to fresh diced onions before becoming ill. Additionally, based on traceback data collected by FDA, FDA determined that onions processed at Gills Onions were available at points of service where people ate prior to becoming ill.

Gill Onions issued a recall of numerous lots of fresh diced onion product.

As you may recall, Gill Onion had a large recall of onions in 2012 after Listeria was detected in product.  The company had implemented an aggressive program to prevent Listeria.  
Check out the company's food safety page that has an accompanying video. 

https://gillsonions.com/food-safety/

https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-onions-october-2023
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Onions (October 2023)
Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled diced onion products. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 73
Hospitalizations: 15
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: September 25, 2023
States with Cases: AZ, CA, CO, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, MA, MI, MT, NY, ND, OH, OR, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI, WY
Foodservice Product Distribution*: Nationwide and Canada
Retail Product Distribution*: AZ, CA, ID, MT, OR, WA
*Distribution has been confirmed for locations listed, but product could have been distributed further.

Current Update
October 24, 2023

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Thompson infections linked to fresh diced onions from Gills Onions of Oxnard, California.

FDA Issues Warning for Oysters from Prince Edward Island, Canada Due to Salmonella and E. coli

FDA issued Health Warning about imported oysters from Canada due to potential Salmonella and E. coli.  According to the report, "On 10/10/2023, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) tested oysters and discovered the presence of Salmonella and unacceptable levels of generic E. coli. On 10/18/2023, the CFIA informed the FDA of the testing results from the contaminated product. Canada is investigating the cause of the food safety problem. Future Seafoods, Inc. has not yet initiated a recall."


https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-restaurants-and-retailers-not-serve-or-sell-and-consumers-not-eat-oysters-future
FDA Advises Restaurants and Retailers Not to Serve or Sell and Consumers Not to Eat Oysters from Future Seafoods, Inc., Potentially Contaminated with Salmonella and E. coli

10/20/2023

The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to sell and to dispose of oysters and consumers not to eat oysters from Future Seafoods, Inc. (PE 4217 SP), Prince Edward Island, Canada, from harvest area PE9B on 10/10/2023, and shipped on 10/10/2023 to importers in FL, MA, MD, ME, PA, and VA, due to the possible presence of Salmonella and E. coli.

Audience
Restaurants and food retailers in Florida (FL), Massachusetts (MA), Maryland (MD), Maine (ME), Pennsylvania (PA), and Virginia (VA) that have recently purchased oysters harvested from Future Seafoods, Inc. (PE 4217 SP) based in Bedeque, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Consumers who have recently purchased oysters from Future Seafoods, Inc. (PE 4217 SP) in FL, MA, MD, ME, PA, or VA.

LA Establishment Recall Pork Chorizo Product with Fake USDA Stamp

Del Valle Import and Export LLC, a Kenner, La. establishment, is recalling approximately 21,105 pounds of raw pork chorizo products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection.  The products subject to recall were produced in the owner's home and bear a false mark of inspection with establishment number "EST. 1150," which does not exist. Some products were sold in retail displays without a label. These items were shipped to retail locations in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.  The problem was discovered during FSIS surveillance activities. FSIS determined that the firm produced the pork chorizo products without the benefit of federal inspection.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/del-valle-import-and-export-llc-recalls-pork-chorizo-products-produced-without
Del Valle Import and Export LLC Recalls Pork Chorizo Products Produced without Benefit of Inspection

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2023 – Del Valle Import and Export LLC, a Kenner, La. establishment, is recalling approximately 21,105 pounds of raw pork chorizo products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

TX Pet Food Processing Facility Recalls Single Lot of Dog Food Due to Salmonella Positive Sample

TFP Nutrition of Nacogdoches, TX announced today that it is issuing a voluntary recall of Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food due to potential Salmonella contamination.  This voluntary recall is being issued due to a single sample of Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food that tested positive for Salmonella in a random sample test conducted by the Office of the Texas State Chemist.

This recall is currently for a single lot.  This is a case where depending on the investigation, the recall can be expanded if it is found that the strain of Salmonella is endemic, or established, within the facility, in which case, more than one lot would be impacted.  Salmonella is a significant environmental hazard in the post-process environment.  Salmonella can survive for an extended time in this dry environment, posing a contamination threat to exposed product prior to packaging.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tfp-nutrition-initiates-voluntary-recall-50-lb-bags-retriever-all-life-stages-mini-chunk-chicken
TFP Nutrition Initiates Voluntary Recall of 50 lb. Bags of Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 21, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  October 21, 2023
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella contamination
Company Name:  Texas Farm Products Company dba TFP Nutrition
Brand Name:  Retriever
Product Description:  Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food

GA Produce Company Recalls Bagged Collard Greens After State Lab Detects Listeria in Sample

Baker Farms of Norman Park, GA is voluntarily recalling a single production run of Kroger 16-ounce bagged Collard Greens, due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.  The issue was discovered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture while conducting routine product testing.  To date, there have been no reports of illness related to the consumption of this bagged collard green product.

As we have seen in past Listeria-related recalls, there is always potential for an expansion from the single lot.  Much of this will come as the investigation determines the degree to which Listeria control was insufficient, allowing an established a strain of Listeria to become established in the facility.  In this case, it is likely that more than the one lot was affected.

Here is a look at the facility...about 1 minute into the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gzJbWLqZr4


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/baker-farms-issues-voluntarily-recall-16-ounce-kroger-bagged-collard-greens-due-possible-listeria
Baker Farms Issues Voluntarily Recall on 16-Ounce Kroger Bagged Collard Greens Due to Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 20, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  October 20, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Produce
Reason for Announcement:  Possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  Baker Farms
Brand Name:  Kroger
Product Description: Bagged Collard Greens

Maine Seafood Company Recalls Cooked Lobster Meat After Positive Listeria Environmental Sample

Greenhead Lobster Products of Bucksport, ME, is voluntarily recalling all frozen and refrigerated cooked lobster meat products produced from May 9, 2023, through October 19, 2023, due to the potential for the product to be contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes.  Although none of the recalled product has tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, the recall is being conducted based on the presence of the organism in the processing environment. No other Greenhead Lobster retail products are impacted by this recall, including raw products.

Greenland has a company video worth checking out.

https://greenheadlobster.com/wholesale/

They use HPP (high pressure process) to improve extraction of meat from the shell, followed by a steam cook step.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/greenhead-lobster-products-recalls-refrigerated-and-frozen-cooked-lobster-products-because-possible
Greenhead Lobster Products Recalls Refrigerated and Frozen Cooked Lobster Products Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 20, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  October 20, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Seafood/Seafood Product
Reason for Announcement:  Possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  Greenhead Lobster Products LLC
Brand Name:  Greenhead Lobster
Product Description:  Refrigerated and Frozen Cooked Lobster