Two Additional Recalls Linked to Recalled Chicken Product

Sprouts Farmers Market has voluntarily recalled select lots of our Chicken Street Taco kits supplied by Fresh Creative Foods on 10/11/2024, due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This recall follows a recall issued by a recall initiated by Fresh Creative Foods, a division of Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc which is related to the recalled RTE chicken meat recalled by BrucePac, of.

Fresh Express is voluntarily recalling a limited number of Gourmet Café Chicken Caesar Salad Bowls due to the inclusion of recalled chicken items from BrucePac, an outside ingredient supplier. The BrucePac recall is due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The fresh vegetable components are not impacted by this recall.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sprouts-farmers-market-has-voluntarily-recalled-select-lots-our-chicken-street-taco-kits-supplied
Sprouts Farmers Market has Voluntarily Recalled Select Lots of Our Chicken Street Taco Kits Supplied by Fresh Creative Foods, Due to Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 11, 2024
FDA Publish Date: October 24, 2024
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria monocytogens
Company Name: Sprouts Farmers Market
Brand Name: Sprouts
Product Description: Chicken Street Taco Meal Kit

CA Noodle Company Received FDA Warning Letter for Failure to identify Hazards and Implement Controls

FDA issues a Warning Letter to Alfred Louie Inc, a sprouting operation and noodle manufacturing facility, located in Bakersfield, CA.  The items noted in the Letter include:

• Did not conduct a hazard analysis to identify and evaluate known or reasonably foreseeable hazards for each type of food manufactured,
• Did not identify and evaluate allergens as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to determine whether allergens are a hazard requiring a preventive control.  The company processes products containing different allergen profiles on the same equipment (e.g., bowl mixer, noodle sheet maker, sheet rollers, former/cutter, and finished product conveyor) and using shared utensils on the same production day.
• Did not identify and evaluate mycotoxins as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to determine whether they require a preventive control. The company manufactures Pan Fry Fresh Noodles and Deep Fry Fresh Noodles products, which contain wheat flour as an ingredient. Wheat flour has been associated with mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON)
• Did not identify and evaluate metal as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to determine whether it requires a preventive control. Product is manufactured with processing equipment (e.g., (b)(4) noodle cutters) with metal-to-metal contact. The company does not have metal detectors and are not implementing any other programs, such as visual inspection, to control the metal hazard.
• Misbranding the finished product labels fail to accurately declare major food allergens, as required by section 403(w)(1) of the Act. 

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/alfred-louie-inc-680624-09112024
Alfred Louie, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 680624 — September 11, 2024

Another Biological Hazard of Concern for People on Cruise Ships

A report in CDC MMWR this week looks at two recent Legionnaires Disease outbreaks that were linked to hot tubs on cruise ships.  "Legionnaires disease is a serious pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Hot tubs can be a source of Legionella growth and transmission when they are inadequately maintained and operated."

The rapid spread of norovirus on cruise ships has been an ongoing risk, and cruise ships lines have established tight procedures for this including extensive cleaning and quarantining those with symptoms.   Now we can add the need to properly maintain hot tubs to that list.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7342a3.htm
Two Outbreaks of Legionnaires Disease Associated with Outdoor Hot Tubs for Private Use — Two Cruise Ships, November 2022–July 2024
Weekly / October 24, 2024 / 73(42);950–954
Sooji Lee, MSPH1; Chris Edens, PhD1; Troy Ritter, PhD2; Luis O. Rodriguez, MS2; Kara Tardivel, MD3; Natalia A. Kozak-Muiznieks, PhD1; Melisa Willby, PhD1; Nancy Ortiz, PhD3; Adam L. Cohen, MD1; Jessica C. Smith, MPH1 (View author affiliations)

Update - E. coli Outbreak Linked to Quarter Pounders, Onions Recalled

CDC provided an update of the E. coli outbreak linked to McDonalds quarter pounders. There are now 77 cases with 22 hospitalizations and 1 death across 13 states. With the federal inspectors focusing in on sliced onions, the supplier, Taylor Farms has recalled whole peeled and diced onions.

This is not the first foodborne illness outbreak linked to onions. 

In 2023, there was a Salmonella outbreak linked to chopped fresh onions from a CA processor. (link)

In 2021, a Salmonella outbreak with 652 was linked to imported onions. (link)

In 2020, a Salmonella outbreak with 1,127 cases (link) 

FDA published their investigation into the 2020 outbreak, and stated potential causes.  If considering how contamination events can occur to an item like onions, one can reflect on this.

While our investigation did not occur during any harvesting activities, visual observations of the implicated red onion growing fields suggested several plausible opportunities for contamination including irrigation water, sheep grazing on adjacent land, as well as signs of animal intrusion, such as scat and large flocks of birds which may spread contamination. Similarly, the investigation did not occur while packing activities were ongoing. However, visual observations and records review of packing house practices confirmed numerous opportunities for spread of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, including signs of animal and pest intrusion as well as food contact surfaces which had not been inspected, maintained, cleaned, or sanitized as frequently as necessary to protect against the contamination of produce. 

CDC information on this outbreak.

Fast Facts
Cases: 75 (26 new)
Hospitalizations: 22 (12 new)
Deaths: 1 (0 new)
States: 13 (3 new)

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-mcdonalds-quarter-pounders-october-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Outbreak Investigations & Safety Advisories

FDA Human Foods Program

Waffle Recall Expanded to Include All Pancakes and Waffle Products

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) is expanding its voluntary recall (initially posted on 10/18) to include all products manufactured at one facility and still within their shelf-life. The recall is expanded to include frozen toaster waffle, Belgian waffle and pancake products, due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This recall was expanded based on additional testing at the manufacturing facility.  There have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the recalled products to date. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/treehouse-foods-announces-expansion-voluntary-recall-include-all-waffle-and-pancake-products-due
TreeHouse Foods Announces Expansion of Voluntary Recall to Include All Waffle and Pancake Products Due to the Potential for Listeria monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 22, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 23, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  TreeHouse Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Multiple brand names
Product Description:  Frozen toaster waffles, Belgian waffles and pancakes

PA Firm Recalls Spice Kit After Package Mix-up Results in Undeclared Soy and Wheat

The Con Yeager Spice Company of Zelienople, PA, is recalling its TRAIL BOLOGNA MEAT PROCESSING KITS, because they may contain undeclared soy and wheat.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered by a customer that their box of Hickory Jerky Kits contained Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits. Hickory Jerky kit contents were inadvertently packaged inside of Trail Bologna Meat Processing kit pouches.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/con-yeager-spice-company-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-and-wheat-trail-bologna-meat-processing
Con Yeager Spice Company Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy and Wheat in Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 21, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 21, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Allergens
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Wheat and Soy
Company Name:  Con Yeager Spice Company
Brand Name:  Trail Bologna
Product Description:  Meat Processing Kit

E. coli Outbreak with 49 Reported Cases Linked to McDonald Quarter Pounders, Slivered Onions Possible Culprit

The FDA, USDA-FSIS and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating  a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections.  A specific ingredient has not yet been confirmed as the source of the outbreak, but most sick people report eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burger varieties.  Slivered onions or the beef patties are the two items under investigation.

The FDA Update stated "Preliminary traceback and distribution information reviewed by FDA shows that slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders are a likely source of contamination. FDA is working quickly to confirm that these onions are a source of this outbreak and to determine if these onions were served or sold at other businesses. McDonald’s has temporarily stopped using this type of onion in these states. Diced onions used at McDonald’s are not implicated in this outbreak."

So far there have been 49 illness in 10 states with 10 hospitalizations and 1 death.  CDC added a list of states where McDonald's removed slivered onions and beef patties. States: Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma

Case Count
Total Illnesses: 49
Hospitalizations: 10
Deaths: 1
Last Illness Onset: October 11, 2024
States with Cases: CO, IA, KS, MO, MT, NE, OR, UT, WI, and WY

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-mcdonalds-quarter-pounders-october-2024

Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: McDonald’s Quarter Pounders (October 2024)
Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders served in certain states. Investigators are working to confirm the source of the outbreak.

Companies Issue Recalls of Products Made with Recalled Meat

Two recalls were issued related to the BrucePac recall of ready-to-eat meat products.

Following a recall initiated by Fresh Creative Foods, a division of Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc., Albertsons Companies has voluntarily recalled 12 types of ReadyMeals and store-made deli items, supplied by Fresh Creative Foods, due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall was initiated because these products contain a recalled ready-to-eat chicken ingredient supplied by BrucePac of Durant, Okla., which was found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches Corsica, SD is voluntarily recalling our Pepperjack Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger and The Gambler due to the burger patty being included in a recall from an outside supplier (BrucePac).

BrucePac issued recalls, beginning on Oct 9, 2024 for meat products after FSIS testing found Listeria.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/albertsons-companies-voluntarily-recalls-12-readymeals-and-store-made-deli-items-containing-recalled
Albertsons Companies Voluntarily Recalls 12 ReadyMeals and Store-Made Deli Items Containing a Recalled Chicken Ingredient Supplied by Fresh Creative Foods Due to Possible Listeria monocytogenes Contamination

Frozen Waffles of Various Store Brands Recalled for Potential Listeria

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) is voluntarily recalling certain frozen waffle products listed below due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes.  This issue was discovered through routine testing at the manufacturing facility.  There have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the product at this time.

In an evaluation of the recall dates, it appears that a year of production has been recalled.  While there is nothing stated why this much product was recalled, based upon past recalls, this is often an indication that a there is no evidence for a clean break within this time frame and the issue could have been ongoing.

The recalled products were distributed throughout the United States and Canada and packed in various formats under the brand names including:

Always Save        Best Choice     Bettergoods       Breakfast Best        Clover Valley        

Essentials            Food Lion        Food Hold         Giant Eagle            Good and Gather

Great Value        Hannaford         Harris Teeter     HEB                        Kodiak Cakes

Price Chopper    Publix                Schnucks          SE Grocers                Simple Truth

Tops                    Western Family

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/treehouse-foods-announces-voluntary-recall-certain-waffle-products-due-potential-listeria

TreeHouse Foods Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Waffle Products Due to the Potential for Listeria monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 18, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 18, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  TreeHouse Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Multiple brand names
Product Description:  Frozen Waffle Products