FDA Study Confirms Milk Pasteurization Will Inactivate Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza

FDA along with USDA announced that they completed a study that confirms pasteurization is effective at inactivating Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) virus in fluid milk and other dairy products made from pasteurized milk.  "The study – the only one to date designed to simulate commercial milk processing – found that the most commonly used pasteurization time and temperature requirements were effective at inactivating the H5N1 HPAI virus in milk. These results complement the FDA’s initial retail sampling study in which all 297 samples of dairy products collected at retail locations were found to be negative for viable H5N1 HPAI virus."

https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai
Updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

June 28, 2024

The FDA, along with our federal partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is announcing results from a first-of-its-kind study using the process typically used by commercial milk processors. The intention of this study was to further confirm that pasteurization is effective at inactivating Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) virus in fluid milk and other dairy products made from pasteurized milk.

Minnesota Establishment Recalls Egg Products for Undeclared Milk Due to Mis-packaging Issue

M.G. Waldbaum dba Michael Foods Inc., a Gaylord, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,620 pounds of liquid egg products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens...the product contains dairy (milk) which is not declared on the label.  The problem was discovered during a routine carton inventory evaluation. The establishment notified FSIS when it discovered that a limited amount of Whole Egg with Citric Acid cartons was unaccounted for, and there was a corresponding excess of Breakfast Blend Scrambled Egg carton in inventory. The establishment investigated and determined that the unaccounted Whole Egg with Citric Acid cartons were inadvertently utilized during a single short Breakfast Blend Scrambled Egg production run. The Breakfast Blend formulation contains an allergen, a dairy ingredient (milk), which is not declared on the Whole Egg with Citric Acid label.

USDA does not have the same allergen preventive control requirements as FDA, however, this is an example where those types of controls could prevent this type of issue.  However, it was an inventory check that informed the company that something was wrong.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/michael-foods-inc--recalls-fair-meadow-foundations-liquid-egg-products-due
Michael Foods Inc. Recalls Fair Meadow Foundations Liquid Egg Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

WASHINGTON, June 30, 2024 – M.G. Waldbaum dba Michael Foods Inc., a Gaylord, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,620 pounds of liquid egg products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains dairy (milk), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

CA Company Recalls Products with Mushroom Bioactive Compounds

Prophet Premium Blends of Santa Ana, California is recalling Diamond Shruumz Infused Cones, Chocolate Bars, and Gummies (Micro- and Mega/Extreme-Dose), because such products contain Muscimol, a chemical found in mushrooms of the genus Amanita; Muscimol could be a potential cause of symptoms consistent with those observed in persons who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz products. Reported symptoms have included those linked to seizures, agitation, involuntary muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting, abnormal heart rates, and hyper/hypotension.

At this time, there are 39 illnesses that have been reported to date. States with cases include: AL, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IN, IA, KY, MD, MN, MO, MT NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN. Reported symptoms have included those linked to central nervous system excitation (e.g., seizures, agitation, and involuntary muscle contractions), central nervous system depression (e.g., loss of consciousness, confusion, and sleepiness), gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea and vomiting), and cardiovascular involvement (e.g., abnormal heart rates and hyper/hypotension).

As posted earlier this month, FDA issued a health warning on this product.  The recall was not initally issued.  As stated in this posting, "To date, Prophet Premium Blends received two (2) complaints (on May 27, 2024), regarding consumers becoming ill after consuming the entire chocolate bar. Upon receiving the complaints, we reviewed the products’ Certificates of Analysis (COAs) which showed higher than normal amounts of Muscimol. Prophet Premium Blends initiated this Recall and has ceased the production and distribution of the Diamond Shruumz product line as the FDA and Prophet Premium Blends continues their investigation as to what is the cause of the serious adverse effects."

On Muscimol from Wikipedia, "Muscimol, a psychoactive compound derived from the ibotenic acid found in certain mushrooms, particularly Amanita muscaria, has garnered significant interest due to its unique effects on the nervous system. Muscimol binds to GABA receptors in the brain, resulting in its sedative and hallucinogenic properties.[39] Muscimol-based products are currently being investigated for their potential therapeutic applications, especially in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and other neurological disorders.[40][41] The psychoactive nature of muscimol necessitates stringent regulation and cautious usage to ensure safety.[42] However, ongoing research aims to harness its medicinal benefits in a controlled context, highlighting the broader scientific interest in natural compounds as potential sources for novel medical treatments.[43][44]"

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/prophet-premium-blends-recalls-diamond-shruumz-products-because-possible-health-risk
Prophet Premium Blends Recalls Diamond Shruumz Products Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 27, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 28, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Toxic levels of muscimol
Company Name:  Prophet Premium Blends
Brand Name:  Diamond Shruumz
Product Description:  Infused Cones, Chocolate Bars, and Gummies

NY Firm Recalls Raw Macadamia Nuts After Lab Test Finds Salmonella

Sunco and Frenchie LLC of Pine Brook, New Jersey is recalling Terrafina brand Macadamia in the Raw packed in 6 oz plastic containers, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The potential contamination of Salmonella was discovered through the State of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Laboratory through routine testing. The company is recalling this product as FDA and Sunco and Frenchie LLC continue their investigation.  The raw macadamia nuts were manufactured by SolCaribe, S.A., Costa Rica.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunco-frenchie-llc-recalls-terrafina-brand-macadamia-raw-because-possible-health-risk
Sunco & Frenchie LLC. Recalls Terrafina Brand Macadamia in the Raw Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 28, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 28, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella contamination
Company Name:  Sunco and Frenchie LLC
Brand Name:  terrafina
Product Description:  Macadamia in the Raw

NY Firm Recalls Salad Items for Listeria After Positive NY State Lab Test

Solata Foods LLC. of Newburgh, NY, is recalling its “Fresh Spinach” listed below because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.   The contamination was discovered after sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Market Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of L. monocytogenes in a 9-ounce package of Bogopa “Fresh Spinach.” Production of the product has been suspended

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/solata-foods-recalls-fresh-spinach-and-spinach-products-due-possible-health-risk
Solata Foods Recalls Fresh Spinach and Spinach Products Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 21, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 27, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Vegetable Products
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  Solata Foods LLC
Brand Name:  Solata, Gaia Organic, Full Circle Organic, Farmer Direct, Uncle Vinny’s, Bogopa
Product Description:  Spinach and salad mixes

Canadian Bakery's Mislabeling Issue Results in Recall for Undeclared Walnut Allergen

FGF Brands Inc of Toronto, Ontario is recalling 11830 cases of ALDI - Bakeshop Chocolate Chip Muffin 4 count, because it may contain undeclared Walnut.   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the walnut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of walnut. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fgf-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-walnuts-aldi-bakeshop-chocolate-chip-muffin-4-count
FGF Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Walnuts in “Aldi - Bakeshop Chocolate Chip Muffin 4 Count"
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 26, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 26, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Walnut allergen
Company Name:  FGF Brands Inc.
Brand Name:  Aldi Bake Shop Bakery
Product Description:  Chocolate Chip Muffin 4 count

CA Chocolate Company Recalls Chocolate Product for Undeclared Hazelnuts

Feve Artisan Chocolatier and Dandelion Chocolate of San Francisco, CA are voluntarily recalling a single lot code of Feve Artisan Chocolatier x Dandelion Chocolate Chocolate-Covered Cocoa Nibs because the product may contain undeclared hazelnuts.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing hazelnuts was distributed in Chocolate-Covered Cocoa Nibs packaging that did not reveal the presence of this allergen. This issue was isolated to a single lot.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/feve-artisan-chocolatier-and-dandelion-chocolate-issue-allergy-alert-undeclared-hazelnuts-chocolate
Feve Artisan Chocolatier and Dandelion Chocolate Issue Allergy Alert on Undeclared Hazelnuts in Chocolate-Covered Cocoa Nibs
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 24, 2024
FDA Publish Date: June 25, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared hazelnut allergen
Company Name:  Feve Artisan Chocolatier and Dandelion Chocolate
Brand Name:  Feve Artisan Chocolatier x Dandelion Chocolate
Product Description:  Chocolate-covered cocoa nibs, 4 oz

Imported Smoked Salmon Slices Recalled for Listeria Contamination

Foppen Seafood, of Harderwijk, The Netherlands is recalling Smoked Norwegian Salmon Slices – Toast sized, 8.1 oz, identified by lot number 412, sold in Kroger and Payless Supermarkets across 15 states in the USA.  The recall was issued after routine testing has revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/foppen-seafood-issues-recall-smoked-norwegian-salmon-slices-81oz-toast-sized-sold-kroger-and-payless
Foppen Seafood Issues a Recall of Smoked Norwegian Salmon Slices 8.1oz Toast Sized Sold at Kroger and Payless Supermarket Stores Due to Listeria Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 25, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 25, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages Fish
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  Foppen Paling En Zalm B.V.
Brand Name:  Foppen
Product Description:  Smoked Norwegian Salmon Slices – Toast sized, 8.1 oz
Company Announcement  Reason for Recall

Nut Packer Recalls Nut Mix for Undeclared Peanut

DSD Merchandisers LLC of Livermore, CA is voluntarily recalling UPC 6-51433-99651-6 Deluxe Roasted & Salted Mixed Nuts, Sell by: 10/09/24, due to the presence of undeclared peanut.  
The recall was initiated after a consumer contacted DSD merchandisers, LLC through the company website to report they purchased product and upon consuming, noticed that the product contained peanut, which they then noted the label did not declare Peanut on the Ingredient Statement nor the Allergen Statement portion of the label. The label just contained a packed on same equipment as product containing peanut statement. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's formulation change processes and packaging label change process.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dsd-merchandisers-llc-announces-voluntary-recall-deluxe-roasted-salted-mixed-nuts-due-undeclared
DSD Merchandisers, LLC Announces Voluntary Recall of Deluxe Roasted & Salted Mixed Nuts Due to Undeclared Peanut
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 24, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 24, 2024
Product Type: Food & Beverages  Nuts & Nut Products  
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Peanut
Company Name:  DSD Merchandisers, LLC
Brand Name:  DSD Merchandisers, Inc.
Product Description:  Deluxe Roasted & Salted Mixed Nuts