Multiple Recalls Issued After Using Recalled Cheese with Potential Listeria Contamination

With the expanded recall of Rizo-Lopez cheese products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination, there have been 15 additional recalls issued from FDA regulated companies and one USDA regulated company that used these cheese products as components in their own food products (salads, taco kits, etc).  (recalls listed below)

The cheese product from this company, Rizo Lopez Foods' has been linked to an multi-year Listeria outbreak.  This product was not only sold in retail channels, but was used by multiple manufactures as part of products that are considered RTE - ready to eat.  

From a downstream processor's perspective, this is not only an issue from direct use of a contaminated product, but also the fact that having this cheese in the operation serves as a source of cross contamination in the operation.

As part of these downstream processors Food Safety Plan, they would be required to have a Supply Chain Preventive Control in place for this supplier.  There would be a requirement for those companies to ensure that the supplier, Rizo Lopez Foods, had a robust environmental monitoring program and potentially, would have also been testing product as part of their verification procedures.  This is a lot of extra eyes that could have potentially caught this.

Granted, low level contamination issues can be difficult to catch through product testing.  The biggest verification control is that producers environmental monitoring program.  This should give companies pause to consider how robust a supplier's environmental monitoring program is with regard to Listeria for a high risk product application like soft cheese being used in RTE applications.


Rizo-López Foods, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Dairy Products Because of Possible Health Risk
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/rizo-lopez-foods-inc-voluntarily-recalls-dairy-products-because-possible-health-risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date :February 05, 2024

FDA Publish Date: February 06, 2024

Product Type: Food & Beverages  Dairy
Reason for Announcement:  Expanded recall for potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination

Company Name: Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc.

Brand Name: Rizo Brothers California Creamery 

Product Description:  Cheese, Yogurt, Sour cream

Public Health Alert Issued After Consumers Find Rocks in Rice Pilaf Products

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert due to concerns of a frozen ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken pilaf product that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically rocks.  The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that it received multiple consumer complaints of rocks in the chicken pilaf. One consumer reported a dental injury from consuming the product.  The product was distributed to Trader Joe’s grocery stores nationwide.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-ready-eat-chicken-pilaf-products-due-possible
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Frozen Ready-To-Eat Chicken Pilaf Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
MAMA VICKY'S INC.

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns of a frozen ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken pilaf product that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically rocks. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.

Trader Joe’s Recalls Product Containing Recalled Cotija Cheese

Trader Joe’s of Monrovia, CA is recalling certain products containing the recalled cotija cheese that was linked to the outbreak of  Listeria monocytogenes.  These products include Trader Joes branded Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Cilantro Salad Dressing, Elote Chopped Salad Kit and Southwest Salad. 

It will be important for the facility (s) processing these Trader Joe's products to evaluate for the potential of cross contamination within the processing facility.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/trader-joes-recalls-certain-products-containing-cotija-cheese-because-they-may-be-contaminated
Trader Joe’s Recalls Certain Products Containing Cotija Cheese Because They May Be Contaminated With Listeria Monocytogenes
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 07, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  February 08, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Company Name:  Trader Joe’s Company
Brand Name:  Trader Joe’s
Product Description:  Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Cilantro Salad Dressing, Elote Chopped Salad Kit, Southwest Salad

FDA and CDC Provide Update on Lead and Cadmium in Imported Cinnamon Apple Sauce

FDA and CDC provided an update on lead contamination issue in cinnamon apple sauce imported from Ecuador.  As you know, they have identified the cinnamon as the source of the lead (and then later cadmium was identified as well), and the cinnamon was sourced from Sri Lanka.  Beyond that, there is no information on how the contamination got into the cinnamon.  

At this point, CDC states that there are 413 reported cases with 100 cases confirmed.

This shows how it is so important it is to work with your foreign supplier when they are controlling their suppliers.   As lawsuits arise from this, to what degree will those foreign suppliers shoulder the financial burden.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Investigation of Elevated Lead & Chromium Levels: Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (November 2023)
Do not eat, sell, or serve multiple brands of recalled apple cinnamon fruit pouches. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

Current Update
February 6, 2024

CA Firm Recalls Cheese Products After WGS Reveals Link to Ongoing Listeria Outbreak

The FDA and CDC are investigating illnesses in a multi-year, multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to queso fresco and cotija cheeses manufactured by Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc., of Modesto, California.    According to the notice, cases may date back to 2014. CDC investigated this outbreak in 2017 and 2021. Epidemiologic evidence in previous investigations identified queso fresco and other similar cheeses as a potential source of the outbreak, but there was not enough information to identify a specific brand.  Thus far there have bee 26 total illnesses with 23 hospitalizations and 2 deaths.

Interestingly, Hawaii State Department of Health tested and found Listeria in a sample of product, and a recall was issued on January 11, 2024.  Using whole genome sequencing, they were able to link these additional cases and show that this firm's product was responsible for many cases over many years.  

"A sample of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during sampling conducted by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch in January 2024.In response to that finding, Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. voluntarily recalled one batch of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija Mexican Grating Cheese (8oz) on January 11, 2024. CDC and FDA reopened the investigation in January 2024 after new illnesses were reported in December 2023 and whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of the cotija cheese sample showed that it is the same strain of Listeria that is causing illnesses in this outbreak."

Recalled products include all "Sell By” dates of cheese, yogurt, and sour cream (crema) sold under the brand names:

• Tio Francisco
• Don Francisco
• Rizo Bros
• Rio Grande
• Food City
• El Huache
• La Ordena
• San Carlos
• Campesino
• Santa Maria
• Dos Ranchitos
• Casa Cardenas
• 365 Whole Foods Market

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-queso-fresco-and-cotija-cheese-february-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese (February 2024)
Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled Rizo Lopez Foods dairy products. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 26
Hospitalizations: 23
Deaths: 2
Last Sample Collection Dates: June 15, 2014 - December 10, 2023
States with Cases: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, NV, NC, OR, TN, TX, WA
Product Distribution: Nationwide

Canadian Firm Recalls Humus Product Shipped to US Due to Undeclared Sesame

Summer Fresh Salads Inc. of Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada is recalling its Wegmans Harissa Hummus Topped With Harissa because they may contain undeclared sesame.  The recall was initiated when it was determined the sesame-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of sesame. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a labelling error.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/summer-fresh-salads-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-sesame-wegmans-harissa-hummus-topped-harissa
Summer Fresh Salads Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sesame in Wegmans Harissa Hummus Topped with Harissa
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 03, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  February 03, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Allergen-Sesame
Company Name:   Summer Fresh Salads Inc.
Brand Name:  WEGMANS
Product Description:  Harissa hummus topped with harissa

Minnesota Establishment Recalls Deli Meat Found To Contain Cheese

Hormel Foods, an Austin, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 945 pounds of ready-to-eat spiced deli ham products due to misbranding and undeclared allergen, in that the product may contain milk, an allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that retail deli employees observed cheese in the spiced deli ham product during slicing. The spiced deli ham product does not contain milk, a known allergen, therefore milk is not declared on the label.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/hormel-foods-recalls-ready-eat-spiced-deli-ham-products-due-misbranding-and
Hormel Foods Recalls Ready-To-Eat Spiced Deli Ham Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2024 - Hormel Foods, an Austin, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 945 pounds of ready-to-eat spiced deli ham 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 milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

Canadian Firm Recalls Frozen RTE Pork Products Shipped to US Without Import Reinspection

Macgregors Meat and Seafood Ltd, a Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 2,745 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat 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. The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that the product was not presented for FSIS import reinspection.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/macgregors-meat-and-seafood-ltd-recalls-frozen-ready-eat-pork-products-imported
Macgregors Meat and Seafood Ltd Recalls Frozen Ready-To-Eat Pork Products Imported Without Benefit of Import Reinspection

FSIS Announcement
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2024 - Macgregors Meat and Seafood Ltd, a Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 2,745 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat 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.

Super Bowl and Chicken Wings

According to the National Chicken Council, Americans will consume 1.5 billion chicken wings during the day of the Super Bowl.

"This year’s projection is flat compared to 2023, with USDA reporting chicken production levels are slightly down from last year and wing stocks in cold storage down 13% in November compared to the year prior. This could explain the higher demand and thus the higher wholesale prices we are seeing on wings. At the retail level, fresh chicken wing prices are down approximately 5%, and frozen wing prices are down 11% compared to January of 2023, according to Circana data."

At Wings Over here in State College, 50 wings will cost you $68. At Buffalo Wild Wings in King of Prussia, a similar price of $67.  Remember to pre-order your wings as many establishments will run out of supply.

If one wishes to cook their own wings, food safety is a must ensuring that the internal meat has reached a temperature of 165F.  Nothing worse than a raw, rubbery chicken wing.  USDA provides some alternate cooking methods (below).

Will you be eating wings?  If so, what is your favorite sauce?


National Chicken Council
https://www.nationalchickencouncil.org/americans-to-eat-1-45-billion-chicken-wings-for-the-big-game/
Americans to Eat 1.45 Billion Chicken Wings for the Big Game

January 31, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the second biggest eating day of the year after Thanksgiving upon us, there’s no hotter time for chicken wings. According to the National Chicken Council’s 2024 Wing Report, Americans will devour 1.45 billion wings while watching Kansas City and San Francisco battle for the championship trophy.