Source of Cesium-137 in Shipments of Indonesian Frozen Shrimp Determined

An article in Food Safety News state the the source of the Cesium-137 that was detected in a shipment of frozen shrimp that led to tightened controls for Indonesian products over the past few months.  According to this article, the "contamination was allegedly caused by steel manufacturer Peter Metal Technology, which uses imported scrap metal as its primary raw material. It is likely that the cesium was incorporated into the firm’s waste stream and then processed, releasing Cs-137 particles into the air, which may have spread to nearby shrimp packaging facility PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods), located approximately two kilometers away."

"The American Nuclear Society explained that the Cs-137 contamination likely began as cesium chloride, which, once smelted, would rise above its boiling point and enter the atmosphere in gaseous form, exposing BMS Foods' facility to the radioactive isotope."

"Additionally, the Indonesian government discovered 14 containers of scraps from the Philippines, which are contaminated by Cs-137, in Tanjung Priok Port, North Jakarta. This finding suggests that the radioactive contamination may also originate to containers used in export, as well as from the Cikande environment."

This explanation does not apply to the shipment of cloves that were also found to have Cesium-137 contamination.

Food Safety Magazine
https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10757-indonesian-officials-find-cause-of-cs-137-contamination-behind-radioactive-shrimp
Indonesian Officials Find Cause of Cs-137 Contamination Behind Radioactive Shrimp

October 6, 2025

Since August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has alerted the public to detections of radioactive isotope Cesium-137 (Cs-137) in shipments of shrimp sold at Walmart and other major retailers, and clove spices that did not enter commerce, imported from Indonesia. These detections led FDA to exercise for the first time a Congressional authorized power to require import certification for those commodities from certain regions of the country.

Raw Milk Cheese from Washington State Recalled After Linked to Three Cases of E. coli (STEC) Infection

A Washington cheese maker is recalling various cheese products made from raw and unpasteurized milk and aged at least 60 days, after the product was linked to illness from Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), specifically Escherichia coli O103.

Twin Sisters Creamery of Ferndale, Washington is voluntarily recalling Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn and Mustard Seed cheese products, which were made from raw and unpasteurized milk and aged at least 60 days, because it may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Escherichia coli O103

There have been three reports of STEC infections caused by E. coli O103 in OR and WA to date. The case in Oregon consumed the Twin Sisters Creamery Farmhouse cheese prior to becoming ill.  The recall was initiated after Twin Sisters Creamery was notified that the Farmhouse cheese sample analyzed by a third-party lab confirmed presence of E. coli O103 and E. Coli STEC was detected in Whatcom Blue samples analyzed by WSDA and FDA.

Peterson Company of Auburn, WA is voluntarily recalling Twin Sisters Creamery brand item# 28855 Whatcom Blue and item# 29608 Farmhouse Cheese products which were made by Twin Sisters.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/twin-sisters-creamery-recalls-whatcom-blue-farmhouse-peppercorn-and-mustard-seed-cheese-products

Twin Sisters Creamery Recalls Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed Cheese Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Summary

Company Announcement Date:  October 25, 2025

FDA Publish Date:  October 27, 2025

Product Type:  Food & Beverages

Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness - Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Escherichia coli O103

Company Name:  Twin Sisters Creamery, Inc.

Brand Name:  Twin Sisters Creamery

Product Description: Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn and Mustard Seed cheese products

Michigan Firm Recalls Chocolate Bars for Undeclared Nuts Due to Processing Error

Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory of Ann Arbor, Michigan is recalling Zingerman’s Peanut Butter Crush Full Size Bars with Lot#174250 because it may contain undeclared cashew and Zingerman’s Ca$hew Cow Full Size Bars with Lot#174250 because it may contain undeclared peanut.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Peanut Butter Crush Bars containing cashews were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of cashews. It was also discovered that Cashew Cow Bars may have been distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the production and packaging processes.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/zingermans-candy-manufactory-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanut-cashew-candy-bars
Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanut & Cashew in Candy Bars
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 24, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 27, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Undeclared Cashew and Peanut
Company Name:  Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory
Brand Name:  Zingerman’s Candy
Product Description:  Peanut Butter Crush and Ca$hew Cow candy bars

MN Establishment Recalls Frozen RTE Chicken Breast After Complaints for Metal Originating with Conveyor Belts

Hormel Foods Corporation, an Austin, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,874,815 pounds of foodservice ready-to-eat frozen chicken products that may be contaminated with pieces of metal,  The problem was discovered after the establishment received multiple complaints from foodservice customers finding metal in their frozen chicken breast and chicken thigh products. Hormel Foods determined that the metal originated from the conveyor belt used in production.

The affected chicken breast and thigh products were distributed to HRI Commercial Food Service locations nationwide on various dates from February 10, 2025, through September 19, 2025.  There have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of this product. 


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/hormel-foods-corporation-recalls-ready-eat-frozen-chicken-products-due-possible
Hormel Foods Corporation Recalls Ready-To-Eat Frozen Chicken Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, October 25, 2025 – Hormel Foods Corporation, an Austin, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,874,815 pounds of foodservice ready-to-eat frozen chicken products that may be contaminated with pieces of metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

SD Establishment Recalls Pork Jerky After Metal from Fraying Belt Found in Product

LSI, Inc., an Alpena, S.D. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,277,540 pounds of a ready-to-eat Korean barbecue pork jerky product that may be contaminated with pieces of metal.  The problem was discovered after the establishment received multiple complaints from consumers finding pieces of wiry metal in the pork jerky product. LSI, Inc. determined that the metal originated from the conveyor belt used in production. 

This item was shipped to Costco and Sam’s Club retail locations nationwide.  There have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of this product. 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/lsi-inc--recalls-bbq-pork-jerky-product-due-possible-foreign-matter-contamination
LSI, Inc. Recalls BBQ Pork Jerky Product Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

LSI, Inc.

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, October 24, 2025 – LSI, Inc., an Alpena, S.D. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,277,540 pounds of a ready-to-eat Korean barbecue pork jerky product that may be contaminated with pieces of metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Europe - Invesitigation into Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Tomatoes 2011 - 2024

An investigation report in Eurosurveillance details a Salmonella outbreak linked to cherry tomatoes occurring from 2011 to 2024 with 643 reported cases in 17 countries.   First notice that a common food, cherry tomatoes, was identified in 2023, but reported cases continued into 2024 with 132 occurring that year.   Eventually, tomatoes from Sicily were identified as the vehicle, but the exact source was not identified.

"Contamination of tomatoes can happen at various points from the farm-to-fork, such as farm, packinghouses, or fresh-cut processing facilities [26]. They can potentially become contaminated with faeces from wild animals [29] or migratory birds [30,31]. Since water used for irrigation does not need to be potable, this may be a further source of contamination. Additionally, during water restrictions, different types of water can be used. Surface waters, such as rivers, streams or lakes, are more susceptible to contamination than protected sources like wells. The sewage sludge isolates from Germany and Austria support the hypothesis that sewage water can carry harmful pathogens and could be transferred to crops when used for irrigation or applied as a fertiliser [21]."

Eurosurveillance Volume 30, Issue 41, 16/Oct/2025
https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.41.2500224
Insights into recurring multi-country outbreaks of Salmonella Strathcona associated with tomatoes, Europe, 2011 to 2024

Introduction

In 2023, non-typhoidal salmonellosis was the second most frequently reported gastrointestinal infection among humans in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries after campylobacteriosis, accounting for 78,307 cases reported by 30 EU/EEA countries with an incidence of 18.15 cases per 100,000 population [1]. Notification of non-typhoidal salmonellosis is mandatory in 27 EU/EEA countries [1], while in three countries (Belgium, France and the Netherlands), it is voluntary [2]. Non-typhoidal salmonellosis is characterised by diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever. In some cases, infections may become invasive causing bacteraemia and sepsis, requiring hospitalisation and antimicrobial treatment [3]. The most frequently notified Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica (S.) serovars in humans in the EU/EEA countries are Enteritidis and Typhimurium, including monophasic Typhimurium [2,4].

CA Establishment Recalls RTE Burrito Products After RTE Egg Ingredient Tests Positive for Listeria

M.C.I. Foods Inc., a Santa Fe Springs, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 91,585 pounds of specific lots of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast burrito and wrap products containing egg that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).  The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS of a positive Lm result in the scrambled egg component after the firm conducted routine sampling and testing of RTE ingredients from its external suppliers.

USDA does not require a Supply Chain Preventive Control as is required by FDA, however, the same types of controls need to be in place for suppliers of  RTE ingredients.  While testing was in place and did identify the contamination, which is good, however, the goal is prevention rather than reacting.  In this case, the product had been released and now has to be recalled.  In a preventive control's approach, the purchasing company would verify control through audits, prior testing communicated by a COA, or even an evaluation of that supplier's environmental monitoring program.

There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/m-c-i--foods-inc--recalls-ready-eat-breakfast-burrito-and-wrap-products-due-possible
M.C.I. Foods, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Breakfast Burrito and Wrap Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON, October 18, 2025 – M.C.I. Foods Inc., a Santa Fe Springs, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 91,585 pounds of specific lots of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast burrito and wrap products containing egg that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

CA Firm Recalls Cinnamon Powder After FDA Testing Detects Lead

Haitai, Inc of Cerritos, CA (Oct., 15, 2025) is recalling Haetae (HT) brand Cinnamon powder 8 oz because it has the potential to be contaminated with lead.  The recall was initiated after the FDA collected product samples and detected elevated levels of lead. The firm’s investigation indicates the problem might be caused by potentially adulterated raw material from the supplier or natural lead concentration in Cinnamon and its powder.

Product was distributed by Haitai, Inc. and sold at various supermarkets nationwide.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haitai-inc-recalls-haetae-ht-brand-cinnamon-powder-8-oz-possible-risk
Haitai, Inc. Recalls Haetae (HT) Brand Cinnamon Powder 8 oz of Possible Risk
Summary
Company Announcement 

Date: October 17, 2025

FDA Publish Date: October 17, 2025

Product Type: Food & Beverages

Reason for Announcement:  Potential Metal Contaminant - Lead

Company Name: Haitai, Inc

Brand Name:  Haetae

Product Description:  Ground cinnamon
Company Announcement

NY Firm Recalls Pecan Product for Undeclared Cashews

Nat’s Nuts of Rochester, NY is recalling 600 bags of Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans, because they may contain undeclared cashews. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashews run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.  The recall was initiated after a retailer opened a package of the Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans for sampling and discovered cashews mixed in with the pecans. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

So this appears to be an improper line cleanout, but could as well be an issue with in-process product or an even with addition where the wrong product was dumped.  Regardless, although both are nut products, they are different allergens and must be controlled as  such.

Product was distributed to 25 retail stores located in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, Florida, and Wisconsin.  Product was also sold online.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nats-nuts-issues-allergy-alert-potential-undeclared-cashews-nats-nuts-brand-cinnamon-whiskey-pecans
Nat’s Nuts Issues Allergy Alert on Potential Undeclared Cashews in Nat’s Nuts Brand Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 17, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 17, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared cashews
Company Name:  Nat’s Nuts
Brand Name:  Nat’s Nuts
Product Description:  Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans