Coppa Meat from NJ Establishment, Source for Salmonella Outbreak, May Be Under-processed

Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., a Mount Olive, N.J. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat charcuterie products containing Coppa that may be under processed, which may have resulted in possible contamination with foodborne pathogens. FSIS and CDC continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella. that was linked to this product. FSIS collected unopened RTE Coppa product as part of the investigation, which tested positive for Salmonella, but that product was not released into commerce. After further investigation, FSIS determined that the product subject to the recall may be under processed. Further testing is ongoing to determine if the product sample that tested positive for Salmonella is related to the outbreak.

The company was linked to the Salmonella outbreak in early January and CDC released an update in mid-January at the case count continued to climb.

Coppa (also known as capicola, capocollo, cappacuolo or gabagool*) "is a traditional Italian cold cut made from a large cut of pork meat that starts at the solid muscle between the head (capo) and includes the fourth or fifth rib of the pork shoulder (collo), or neck and shoulder region.  A traditional Italian and Corsican pork cold cut, it is a whole-muscle salume, dry cured, and typically sliced very thinly.
(*gabagool is an Italian-American slang term popularized on the TV series, The Sopranos).

Capocollo is a dry-cured meat that requires a curing process to achieve its distinct flavor and texture. The curing process involves rubbing the meat with a mixture of salt, spices, and curing agents such as sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite. The cured meat is then hung to dry for several weeks to several months, depending on the desired level of dryness.  It does not have a heat kill step, but rather relies on curing agents (sodium nitrate / sodium nitrite), and a lengthy drying step.

From cookingwithanItalian.com, 

• The curing process is critical in producing a safe and flavorful capocollo. The salt and curing agents help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, while the spices and seasonings add flavor to the meat. It is important to use the correct amount of salt and curing agents to ensure that the meat is properly preserved.
• One common curing agent used in capocollo is Cure #2, also known as Prague Powder #2. This curing agent contains a mixture of sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria and adds a distinct pink color to the meat. It is important to use the correct amount of Cure #2, as too much can be harmful to human health. Keep in mind that Piero does it naturally so if you wish to not use it follow the video.
• During the curing process, the meat is rubbed with the salt and spice mixture, making sure to cover all areas of the meat. The meat is then placed in a curing chamber or hung in a cool, dry place to dry. The temperature and humidity levels must be carefully monitored to ensure that the meat dries properly.
• After several weeks to several months, the capocollo should be ready to eat. The meat should be firm and have a slightly salty and savory flavor. It is important to slice the capocollo thinly to fully appreciate its flavor and texture.
• Overall, the curing process is an essential step in making capocollo. It requires careful attention to detail and the use of proper curing agents to ensure that the meat is safe to eat and has a delicious flavor.

FSIS Announcement
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fratelli-beretta-usa-inc--recalls-ready-eat-charcuterie-meat-products-due-possible
Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Charcuterie Meat Products Due to Possible Under Processing

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2024 – Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., a Mount Olive, N.J. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat charcuterie products containing Coppa that may be under processed, which may have resulted in possible contamination with foodborne pathogens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Michigan Firm Recalls Brownies After Customer Finds Walnut in Product Labeled Without Nuts

Zingerman’s Bakehouse of Ann Arbor, MI is recalling Zingerman's Bakehouse Black Magic Brownie Individually Packaged & Zingerman's Bakehouse Black Magic Brownie 4 Pack because they may contain undeclared WALNUTS.  The recall was initiated after a consumer reported finding a walnut in a Zingerman’s Bakehouse Black Magic Brownie, Individually Packaged which did not list walnut on label. Investigation into the source of the walnut is ongoing.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/zingermans-bakehouse-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-walnuts-zingermans-bakehouse-black-magic
Zingerman’s Bakehouse Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Walnuts in Zingerman's Bakehouse Black Magic Brownie Individual Packages & Zingerman's Bakehouse Black Magic Brownie 4 Pack
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 08, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  February 09, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared walnut allergen
Company Name:  Zingerman’s Bakehouse
Brand Name:  Zingerman’s Bakehouse
Product Description:  Black Magic Brownie

Illinois Firm Recalls Veggie Pizza Due to Undeclared Milk

Richelieu Foods Inc. Wheeling Illinois has voluntarily recalled the 365 Whole Foods Market Vegan Ultimate Veggie Thin Crust Pizza, LOT CODE 06152024 with a best by date of 6/15/2024 because it may contain trace amounts of an undeclared Milk allergen.  This recall involves no more than 144 individual pizzas that inadvertently entered the supply chain. The product in question was distributed in some retail stores in the states of Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

Almost sounds like product-on-hold that somehow got shipped?

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/richelieu-foods-inc-wheeling-illinois-announcing-extension-voluntarily-recalling-1-lot-365-whole
Richelieu Foods Inc. Wheeling Illinois is Announcing an Extension of Voluntarily Recalling 1 Lot of 365 Whole Foods Market Vegan Ultimate Veggie Thin Crust Pizza Due to Potential Presence of Undeclared Milk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 06, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  February 07, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk allergen
Company Name:  Richelieu Foods Inc.
Brand Name:  365 Whole Foods
Product Description:  Ultimate Veggie Thin Crust Pizza

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