FDA Issues Warning Letter to Produce Packer for Noncompliance In Providing Toilet Facilities in the Fields

FDA conducted a domestic investigation at your papaya packing and holding operation.  FDA issued a Warning Letter to the company for not providing personnel with adequate, readily accessible toilet facilities, including toilet facilities readily accessible to growing areas during harvesting activities,
FDA investigators observed inaccessible toilets. During this inspection, the person stated that the toilet facility, located approximately 0.30 miles away from the picking location, was too far. He also stated that harvest employees urinate in the bush area adjacent to the papaya field because the toilets are too far away. (b)(4) noted that the toilet facility is provided and maintained by the packer.

The packer in this case contracts the farms, and with that, the company stated they "have committed to not only provide all of your contracted growers and harvesters with adequate, readily accessible toilet facilities, but also to provide the supplies and maintenance for those facilities."

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/calavo-growers-inc-687785-10252024
Calavo Growers, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 687785 — October 25, 2024

USDA FSIS Issues Health Alert for Pork Products Imported from Ineligible Country, Ecudador

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen ready-to-eat pork mortadella products that may have been illegally imported from Ecuador, a country ineligible to export meat and poultry products to the United States. 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ineligible-pork-products-imported-ecuador
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Pork Products Imported From Ecuador
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen ready-to-eat pork mortadella products that may have been illegally imported from Ecuador, a country ineligible to export meat and poultry products to the United States. FSIS is continuing to investigate the origins of this product, and there may be additional products affected.

Georgia Facility Recalls Mustard Greens After State Lab Testing Finds Listeria

Baker Farms, Norman Park, GA, is recalling their Baker Farms Curly Mustard, 16 oz. plastic bags with BEST BY 11-21-2024, UPC: 8 13098 02018 4, Lot Code: bak144-6806 due to contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.  On 11-29-2024 the firm was notified by the Texas Department of State Health Services that the product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The product was packed on 11/4/2024 and distributed between 11/5/2024 – 11/9/2024. This product was packaged in clear plastic bags and sold to distribution centers located in the states of: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, TN & TX.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/baker-farms-recalls-baker-brand-curly-mustard-due-listeria-monocytogenes-contamination
Baker Farms Recalls Baker Brand Curly Mustard Due to Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 02, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  December 02, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Produce  
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Baker Farms
Brand Name:  Baker Farms
Product Description:  Curly Mustard Greens

Producer of Raw Pet Food Issues Product Recall Due to Salmonella..Again

Blue Ridge Beef of Statesville, NC is recalling 9,60lb of their 2 lb log Puppy Mix Lot #08/06/N25 & 08/16/N25 UPC 854298001696 due to a contamination of Salmonella.  The problem was discovered when a customers litter of puppies became ill and reported the issue to VDACS.  On 11/27/24 the firm was notified by the FDA that these products tested positive for Salmonella.

Blue Ridge Beef has issued previous recalls for Salmonella contamination.  In December of 2023, a state lab found Salmonella / Listeria in the product for which the company issued a recall (which was expanded in Jan of 2024).  The company issued a recall in October of 2023 after the dog food tested positive for Salmonella.  There was also a recall in 2018.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-ridge-beef-issues-voluntary-recall-blue-ridge-beef-puppy-mix-due-salmonella-contamination
Blue Ridge Beef Issues Voluntary Recall Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix Due to Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 02, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  December 02, 2024
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Pet Food 
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness - Salmonella
Company Name:  Blue Ridge Beef
Brand Name:  Blue Ridge Beef
 Product Description:  Puppy Mix

Company Announcement

STATESVILLE, NC – December 2, 2024 – Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 9,60lb of their 2 lb log Puppy Mix Lot #08/06/N25 & 08/16/N25 UPC 854298001696 due to a contamination of Salmonella. (Lot numbers are stamped in the clips on the end of the chubs/bags)

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The problem was discovered when a customers litter of puppies became ill and reported the issue to VDACS

On 11/27/24 the firm was notified by the FDA that these products tested positive for Salmonella.

The products were distributed between Augus 6 2024 August 23 2024 2024. These products were packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in retail stores located in the States of: [Virginia ,North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts New York State] . Image of product below:
Products affected are:
Product  Size  UPC  Lot Numbers
Puppy Mix 2 lb 854298001696 08/06/N25 (lot)  08/16/N25 (lot)

Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return to place of purchase or destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access. Do not sell or donate the recalled products. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Always ensure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food. For more information contact blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com or 704-873-2072

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

Additional Companies Recall Cucumber Products Due to Shared Supplier

Baloian Farms of Arizona Co., Inc. (Baloian) is recalling all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers packaged in bulk cardboard containers labeled with the “Pamela” brand, a generic white box with a sticker that provides the implicated grower’s name, “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.,” or a clear PamPak branded bag of 6 individual cucumbers with the UPC 8 2540107010 6 (photos below). The recalled cucumbers were sold between October 12, 2024, through November 26, 2024, and are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. initiated this recall after learning from SunFed Produce, LLC, that its supplier of American cucumbers, “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.,” may be associated with reported salmonellosis illnesses between October 12 – and November 15, 2024. Discussions with the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) confirmed this.

Russ Davis Wholesale of Wadena, MN, is recalling multiple products out of an abundance of caution because they contain recalled cucumbers from Baloian Farms which have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/baloian-farms-arizona-co-recalls-whole-fresh-american-cucumbers-because-possible-health-risks-due
Baloian Farms of Arizona Co., Recalls Whole Fresh American Cucumbers Because of Possible Health Risks Due to Salmonella

Summary

Company Announcement Date:  November 29, 2024

FDA Publish Date: December 02, 2024 

Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Produce

Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness - Salmonella

Company Name:  Baloian Farms of Arizonia Co., Inc.

Brand Name:  PAM PAK 

Product Description:  Whole Fresh American Cucumbers

Recall of Fresh Vegetable Packs Containing Recalled Carrots

4Earth Farms of Commerce, California, is recalling multiple brands of Organic Vegetable Medley, Conventional Vegetable Medley, and Organic Whole Carrots because it may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19.  The recall was initiated after 4Earth Farms was notified by Grimmway Farms, Inc. that carrots used in the Vegetable Medleys and Whole Organic Carrots may have been contaminated with E. coli O121:H19.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/4earth-farms-llc-recalls-organic-and-conventional-vegetable-medleys-and-organic-whole-carrots
4Earth Farms, LLC. Recalls Organic and Conventional Vegetable Medleys and Organic Whole Carrots, Containing Grimmway Farms Carrots, Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 27, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  November 29, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness - Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19
Company Name:  4Earth Farms
Brand Name:  Multiple brand names
Product Description:  Vegetable Medleys and Whole Organic Carrots

CT Firm Recalls RTE Fruit and Vegetable Products After Enviromental Sampling Finds Listeria

Gracie’s Kitchens of New Haven, CT is recalling all ready-to-eat fruit and vegetable products manufactured at the facility from 11/4-11/13/24, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall is being initiated after sampling indicated that Listeria monocytogenes was found in the environment. The firm is working with the FDA.

The recalled products were distributed to various grocery stores located in Connecticut and New York. Products will have sell by dates located on the labels with range of 11/9/24-11/24/24.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gracies-kitchens-inc-recalls-read-eat-products-manufactured-between-114-and-111324-because-possible
Gracie’s Kitchen’s Inc. Recalls Read-To-Eat Products Manufactured Between 11/4 and 11/13/24 Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 28, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  November 28, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness/Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Gracie’s Kitchens Inc.
Brand Name:  Gracie’s Kitchens, King Kullen, Wild By Nature
Product Description:  RTE fruit and vegetables

Salmonella Outbreak Due to Whole Cucumbers; Product Recalled

CDC, FDA, and state partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections that has linked to cucumbers. Epidemiologic and traceback data show that cucumbers grown by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico, including recalled cucumbers from SunFed Produce, LLC. may be contaminated with Salmonella and may be making people sick.

As of November 26, 2024, a total of 68 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 19 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 12, 2024, to November 16, 2024. Of the 50 people for whom information is available, 18 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Fast Facts

Cases: 68

Hospitalizations: 18

Deaths: 0

States: 19

SunFed Produce, LLC (SunFed) is recalling all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers packaged in bulk cardboard containers labeled with the “SunFed” label or in a generic white box or black plastic crate with a sticker that provides the implicated grower’s name, “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.,” (photos below). The recalled cucumbers were sold between October 12, 2024, thru November 26, 2024, and are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. SunFed initiated this recall after the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) notified SunFed that the cucumbers described above were associated with reported salmonellosis illnesses between October 12 – November 15, 2024.

The whole fresh American cucumbers were sold by SunFed and other importers and shipped to customers located in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington & Wisconsin and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Calgary, Saskatchewan, & Ontario. The cucumbers would have reached consumers through foodservice and retail outlets that may be located in states other than those listed above.

CDC Food safety alert
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/cucumbers-11-24/index.html
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers

Organic Eggs Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella After Inadvertent Distribution

Handsome Brook Farms is voluntarily recalling 10,800 retail units of the Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs sold under the Kirkland Signature brand name (Costco) because these eggs have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The recall was initiated after the company determined that eggs not intended for retail distribution were instead packaged and distributed in retail packaging. Additional supply chain controls and retraining are being put in place to prevent recurrence.

Eggs were distributed into 25 Costco stores in the States of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee beginning November 22, 2024.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/handsome-brook-farms-issues-recall-kirkland-signature-organic-pasture-raised-24-count-eggs-because
Handsome Brook Farms Issues Recall of Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 27, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  November 27, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Egg/Egg Product
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness/Salmonella
Company Name:  Handsome Brook Farms
Brand Name:  Kirkland Signature
Product Description:  Organic eggs