Additional Recalls Announced as Processors Determine Usage of Recalled Cheese in Products

Two more recalls issued in response to the Rizo-López Foods, Inc. recall of cotija cheese.   Both of these recalls coming a week after Rizo Lopez Foods issued their recall of February 6, 2024.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bristol-farms-recalls-chicken-taco-kit-because-possible-health-risk
Bristol Farms Recalls Chicken Taco Kit Because of Possible Health Risk
February 14, 2024- Bristol Farms is recalling Chicken Taco Kit 9oz, Sell by 1/18/24, because the Chipotle Crema sauce cup has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The Chipotle Crema sauce cup in Chicken Taco kit was manufactured using the Rizo-López Foods, Inc recalled Cojita cheese.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mg-foods-voluntarily-recalls-ham-cotija-torta-sandwich-distributed-florida-due-possible-listeria
Mg Foods Voluntarily Recalls Ham & Cotija Torta Sandwich Distributed in Florida Due to Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination of Cotija Cheese
Melbourne, Fla. (February 13, 2024) - MG Foods is voluntarily recalling a Ham & Cotija Torta Sandwich on Telera Roll sold in Florida. This voluntary recall is being initiated as a result of the Rizo-López Foods, Inc. recall of cotija cheese

Pathogenic E. coli Outbreak with Ten Illnesses Linked to Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese

CDC and FDA are investigating an E.coli outbreak linked to raw cheddar cheese.  "As of February 16, 2024, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from four states [CA - 4, UT - 2, CO - 3, and TX - 1]. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 18, 2023, to January 29, 2024 (see timeline). Of 9 people with information available, 4 have been hospitalized and 1 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.

•  Of the 8 people interviewed, 6 (75%) reported eating RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese.
• WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from the same food.
• No product samples consumed by consumers or products available for sale have tested positive for E.Coli 0157:H7.
• Raw Farm, of Fresno CA is voluntarily recalling selected date codes of Raw Cheddar Cheese.

Because raw milk cheese is not pasteurized, the heat step is not present that would eliminate pathogens such as E. coli STEC.  Rather, aging along the presence of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are counted on.

Biological control of pathogens in artisanal cheeses - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958694623000316

From the Raw Farm website ( https://rawfarmusa.com/) 

TESTED.

We are deeply committed to the safe production of high-quality raw dairy products. We proudly meet and EXCEED all required California state testing and #dodairydifferent with our unique Test & Hold Protocol that tests for pathogens. 

Of course testing your way to safety is not full proof.

CDC Food Safety Alert
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/raw-milk-cheese-2-24/index.html
E. coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Cheese
Posted February 16, 2024

Fast Facts
Illnesses: 10
Hospitalizations: 4
Deaths: 0
States: 4
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active

Contaminated Food
RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese
Flavors include original and jalapeno
All sizes of blocks and shredded packages
Sold nationwide
Raw Farm LLC has agreed to recall products and is working with FDA

Purchasing Changes Ingredient But Misses Need to Update Label for Sesame

Capitol Distributing of Caldwell, Idaho is recalling 3,934 sandwiches because they may contain undeclared sesame.  Prepared turkey and cheese sandwiches included sesame that was not declared on the product label. Potential cross contact occurred when chicken salad on a croissant and egg salad sandwiches were prepared on the same surface as the turkey sandwiches.   A new bread source for sandwiches included sesame and the allergen was incorrectly left off of updated sandwich labels. The labels have been updated and any future possibility of cross contact has been eliminated.

The products were distributed in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. 

So what should have happened in the purchasing process to prevent this type of issue? Have an approval process for ingredients prior to purchase to ensure food safety parameters including allergens.  Linked to that, have ingredient specifications that identify risks needing controls including allergens..   Also, training those tasked with purchasing products on  food safety related issues including allergens in the ingredients being purchases AS WELL AS allergens handled by the supplier that may impact the ingredient purchased.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/capitol-distributing-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-sesame-product
Capitol Distributing Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sesame in Product
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 15, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  February 15, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared sesame
Company Name:  Capitol Distributing
Brand Name:  CK, Jacksons
Product Description:  Turkey and cheese sandwich, egg sandwich, chicken salad on a croissant

FL Establishment Recalls RTE Processed Meat Products After State Testing Finds Listeria

Don Novo & Son, a Miami, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,330 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 34257” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in Florida.  The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified that a sample collected by a state public health partner tested positive for the presence of L. monocytogenes.  There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/don-novo-son-recalls-ready-eat-meat-products-due-possible-listeria-contamination
Don Novo & Son Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2024 – Don Novo & Son, a Miami, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,330 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

FDA Issued Warning Letter to Indiana Bakery for Sesame Control Issue

FDA issued a Warning Letter to an Indiana bakery that did not have proper label controls in place for sesame.  The inspection was triggered by a reported illness.

• The firm recalled “Our Family” brand White Hot Dog Enriched Buns on March 21, 2023 after it was discovered that the product contained sesame, but the printed packaging did not declare sesame. The firm became aware of the undeclared sesame after being notified by a customer of an allergic reaction to sesame after a child consumed the buns.
• The owner indicated that the firm reformulated “Our Family” brand White Hot Dog Enriched Buns in January 2023 by adding sesame to the formulation. On February 9, 2023, the facility received printed plastic packaging for the buns which did not declare sesame in the ingredients statement. Between February 9, 2023 and March 20, 2023, the facility manufactured the “Our Family” brand White Hot Dog Enriched Buns using the incorrect label, which resulted in undeclared sesame in the product.
• On March 28, 2023, the company provided documents which indicated that they determined the root cause to be a “lack of label control,” as the receiver accepted incorrect packaging into the plant and the bagger operator used incorrect packaging that did not contain the correct allergen labeling. Owner stated that the action plan includes retraining “bag operators, break people, and supervisors” to check for correct allergen labeling “before being used at point of use”; updating policy to include the “QA manager or designated back-up visually verifying and documenting every receipt of bags before they can be received in (b)(4) and put in the warehouse”; creating a policy that future allergen labeling changes will require a new bag number, “making it impossible to receive old bag into plant”; and creating policy that will require new packaging proofs to be signed off by your company before new packaging can be printed. 
• FDA stated they will verify implementation of any corrective actions during FDA’s next inspection of the facility.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/perfection-bakeries-inc-dba-aunt-millies-bakeries-657559-09072023

WARNING LETTER

Perfection Bakeries Inc., dba Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
MARCS-CMS 657559 — SEPTEMBER 07, 2023

CA Processor of Fresh Noodle Product Issued Warning Letter for Everything...Close to Everything

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Lucky K.T. Co., Inc of El Monte, CA a processor of Fresh Rice Noodle and Rice Stick Noodle food product.

It is a huge Warning Letter, so in quick summary:

• Did not have a food safety plan with the required elements for any of the products manufactured at the  facility.
• Did not have proper controls in place for a cooked RTE product (w/pH > 4.6 and Aw close to 0.99) that could potentially support the growth of sporeforming pathogens such as B. cereus and C.botulinum.  Specifically time/temperature controls.
• Did not develop and implement controls for allergens or mycotoxins.
• A huge list of GMP violations were noted.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/lucky-kt-co-inc-659663-01262024
WARNING LETTER

Lucky K.T. Co., Inc.
MARCS-CMS 659663 — JANUARY 26, 2024

Oregon Case of Bubonic Plague (aka Black Death) Linked to Pet Cat

A case of bubonic plague in Oregon has been linked to the pet cat, which was suffering the illness.  This disease is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and is he same disease which ravaged Europe during the middle ages.  Today, the disease is treatable but can become deadly if medical treatment is not received.

This cat was not responsible.

LiveScience

https://www.livescience.com/health/viruses-infections-disease/oregons-1st-bubonic-plague-case-in-8-years-tied-to-patients-pet-cat
Oregon's 1st bubonic plague case in 8 years tied to patient's pet cat
By Emily Cooke

A person in Oregon has been diagnosed with bubonic plague — the first case of the illness reported in the state since 2015.

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