Friday, October 31, 2025

Idaho Firm Recalls Kratom Product After State Lab Finds Salmonella

Vanguard Enterprises, LLC. DBA Bedrock MFG of Boise, Idaho is recalling Monarch Premium Kratom brand Bali Gold, Red Bali, Green Maeng Da, and White Elephant powder because product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  This recall is the result of a retail sample collected and analyzed by the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) which revealed that the finished product contained Salmonella

The affected Monarch Premium Kratom brand Bali Gold, Red Bali, Green Maeng Da, and White Elephant powder were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders via the company website https://bedrockbotanicals.com between April 2023 to September 2023.

From the DEA https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kratom-2020_0.pdf
What is Kratom - Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Consumption of its leaves produces both stimulant effects (in low doses) and sedative effects (in high doses), and can lead to psychotic symptoms, and psychological and physiological dependence. Kratom leaves  contain two major psychoactive ingredients (mitragynine and  7-hydroxymytragynine). These leaves are crushed and then smoked, brewed with tea, or placed into gel capsules. Kratom has a long history of use in Southeast Asia

Mostly abused by oral ingestion in the form of a tablet, capsule, or extract. Kratom leaves may also be dried or powdered and ingested as a tea, or the kratom leaf may be chewed.

Kratom is not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act; however, there may be some state regulations or prohibitions against the possession and use of kratom. The FDA has not approved kratom 
for any medical use. In addition, DEA has listed kratom as a Drug and Chemical of Concern.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/vanguard-enterprises-llc-dba-bedrock-mfg-recalls-monarch-premium-kratom-powder-because-possible
Vanguard Enterprises, LLC. dba Bedrock MFG Recalls Monarch Premium Kratom Powder Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 30, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 31, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:  Vanguard Enterprises, LLC. DBA Bedrock MFG
Brand Name:  Monarch Premium
Product Description:  Bali Gold, Red Bali, Green Maeng Da, and White Elephant Kratom powder

CA Fruit Packer is Recalling Fresh Peaches After Listeria Found in Packing Facility

Moonlight Companies, Reedley, CA  is voluntarily recalling California-grown conventional yellow and white peaches because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This recall is being conducted because Listeria monocytogenes was identified in the packing facility environment.

The recalled peaches were sold at retail stores nationwide between September 16, 2025 and October 29, 2025. 

This is a very big production window of time leading one to believe it was the time interval of sampling in the facility.  This is where a well thought out sampling strategy is so important. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/moonlight-companies-voluntarily-recalls-california-grown-conventional-yellow-and-white-peaches
Moonlight Companies Voluntarily Recalls California-Grown Conventional Yellow and White Peaches Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 29, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 30, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Company Name:  Moonlight Companies
Brand Name:  Moonlight/Kroger
Product Description:  Yellow and white peaches

Thursday, October 30, 2025

FDA and CDC Provide Update (Oct 30 2025) on Listeria Outbreak Linked to Pre-cooked Pasta

FDA issued an update on the Listeria outbreak linked to pre-cooked pasta produced by Nate's Fine Foods of Roseville, CA and which was used as an ingredient by a number of other companies in making RTE dishes.  As of 10/30/25, there have been 27 reported cases with 25 hospitalizations and 6 deaths.
From the CDC report of 10/30/25, the age range of those infected is from 4 to 92 years, with a median age of 74.  From the CDC, "Of 26 people with information available, 25 have been hospitalized and 6 deaths have been reported. One death from each of the following states: Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. One pregnancy-associated illness resulted in a fetal loss."

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 27
Hospitalizations: 25
Deaths: 6
Last Illness Onset: October 16, 2025
States with Cases: CA, FL, HI, IL, IN, LA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NV, OH, OR, SC, TX, UT, VA, WA
Product Distribution: Nationwide

The outbreak was first reported in June with the last report coming in September, 2025 with 7 new cases and 2 additional deaths.  

An investigative report has not been issued yet, but we did overview where some of controls were needed.

FDA
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-prepared-pasta-meals-june-2025
Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Prepared Pasta Meals (June 2025)
Do not eat or serve certain pasta salads or meals containing pre-cooked pasta. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Current Update
October 30, 2025

FDA Issues Warning Letters for Improper Implementation of FSVP

FDA issued Warning Letters to two importers for failure to properly implement FSVP.  The Turkana Foods case below is a great example of failure to complete corrective action once a foodborne illness outbreak occurs from a given supplier.

V & L Produce, Inc. ,Vernon, CA did not develop an FSVP for any of the foods imported, including each of the following foods:
  • Jalapeno Pepper, imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
  • Green Onions, imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
  • Husk Tomatoes (Tomatillos), imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
The imported fresh produce that may be considered “covered produce” as defined in 21 CFR 112.3. If after review of the fresh produce that is imported, one determines that they importer covered produce, one must have an FSVP that demonstrates that the supplier is producing the food in compliance with processes and procedures that provide at least the same level of public health protection as those required under section 419 of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 350h) (regarding standards for produce safety) and the implementing regulations in the Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption (21 CFR part 112).

Turkana Food Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, was not in compliance with the requirements of 21 CFR part 1, subpart L for the following imported foods: Tahini, Halva with Vanilla, Halva with Cocoa and Halva with Pistachio from (b)(4), Tahini from (b)(4), and Crushed Hot Red Pepper Spice
Corrective Actions in Response to a Salmonella Outbreak -  The firm failed to properly respond to product that was involved in a salmonella outbreak.  
  • The firm recalled Tahini manufactured by (b)(4) in (b)(4) that was found to contain Salmonella in February 2025, but  did not provide any documentation to show that it took corrective actions as a result of the Salmonella finding. Under 21 CFR 1.508(a), the appropriate corrective actions will depend on the circumstances but could include discontinuing use of the foreign supplier until the cause or causes of noncompliance, adulteration, or misbranding have been adequately addressed.
  • Did not provide any documentation of your investigation to determine if the FSVP is adequate after Tahini manufactured by (b)(4) in (b)(4) was recalled in February 2025.
  • After Tahini from (b)(4) was recalled in February 2025, the company continued to import product including Halva with Pistachio, Halva with Vanilla, and Halva with Cocoa which all contain Tahini on April 8, 2025, from the same foreign supplier. 
  • There were additional elements of corrective action that were also not taken.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/v-l-produce-inc-717804-10092025
V & L Produce, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 717804 — October 09, 2025

NY Firm Recalls Dried Uneviscerated Fish

New Hoque & Sons Inc. of Maspeth, NY, is recalling its packages of “Dry Ghoinnya Fish” because the product was found to be uneviscerated.  The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory staff revealed the product was not properly eviscerated prior to processing.  The sale of uneviscerated fish is prohibited under New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/new-hoque-sons-inc-issues-alert-uneviscerated-dry-ghoinnya-fish
New Hoque & Sons Inc Issues Alert on Uneviscerated “Dry Ghoinnya Fish”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 29, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 29, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Product was found to be uneviscerated. Uneviscerated fish have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.
Company Name:  New Hoque & Sons Inc.
Brand Name:  Hoque
Product Description:  Dry Ghoinnya Fish

Company Announcement

New Hoque & Sons Inc. of Maspeth, NY, is recalling its packages of “Dry Ghoinnya Fish” because the product was found to be uneviscerated.

The recalled “Dry Ghoinnya Fish” were distributed nationwide in retail stores. The product comes in a 10-12 pound, clear plastic package marked with an expiration date of 5/19/25 stamped on the bottom. The product UPC code is 908172635412.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory staff revealed the product was not properly eviscerated prior to processing.

The sale of uneviscerated fish is prohibited under New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning. Symptoms of botulism include dizziness, blurred or double vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension, and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Consumers who have purchased the “Dry Ghoinnya Fish” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (718) 391-0992.

Massachusetts Firm Misses Allergen on Print-on-Demand Label

Hampton Farms, Springfield, Mass.,  is recalling Mixed Nuts Roasted Unsalted 8 oz. lot 23025  and Mixed Nuts Roasted and Salted 8oz. lot 23825 due to an undeclared hazelnut allergen.  On September 15, 2025, the firm discovered through routine paperwork review that the label failed to include the allergen (hazelnuts) in the allergen warning statement.

Here is another case related to print-on-demand labels where there is an allergen mistake.  The information input on these labels needs a sufficient amount of review / verification instead of relying on one person.

The products were distributed between September 2, 2025 and September 9, 2025 of this year. These products were packaged in clear plastic tubs and sold in Stop&Shop stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hampton-farms-recalls-mixed-nuts-roasted-unsalted-8-oz-and-mixed-nuts-roasted-and-salted-8-oz
Hampton Farms Recalls Mixed Nuts Roasted Unsalted 8 oz and Mixed Nuts Roasted and Salted 8 oz Packages Due to Undeclared Hazelnuts
Summary
Company Announcement Date:   September 26, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 28, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared hazelnut allergen
Company Name:  Hampton Farms
Brand Name:  Hampton Farms
Product Description:  Mixed Nuts

TX Firm Recalls Taco Kits After Supplier Mislabels Cocoa Packets As Seasoning Packet

Teasdale Foods, Inc., Carrollton, TX, is recalling certain Taco Dinner Kits, because they may contain undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated after the company received consumer complaints the Taco Dinner Kits contained cocoa mix packets containing milk instead of taco seasoning packets and were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by mislabeling of the taco seasoning packets by the third party that provides the seasoning.

In this case, the supplier of the taco seasoning packets mislabeled cocoa packets as taco seasoning.  Here is a great example of the need to ensure suppliers have tight allergen control programs in place.  Clearly this supplier is handling a wide variety of foods containing different allergens.

Product was distributed to Giant, Martin’s, and Aldi retail stores located in Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/teasdale-latin-foods-issues-allergy-alert-potential-undeclared-milk-certain-taco-dinner-kits
Teasdale Latin Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Potential Undeclared Milk in Certain Taco Dinner Kits
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 25, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 28, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared milk.
Company Name:  Teasdale Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Martin’s and Giant/Casa Mamita
Product Description:  Taco Dinner Kits

CA Distributor Recalls Parsley After Sample Tests Positive for Salmonella

Pacific International Marketing (“Pacific”), a Salinas, California distributor, is recalling 474 cases of bulk Italian Parsley because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.  The company was recently notified that a sample taken on October 6 tested positive. This product should no longer be available directly to the consumer, only if the product is frozen.

The Italian Parsley was shipped to wholesalers in AZ, CA, FL, MN, MI, GA, OH and NV between September 22 and September 25, 2025. 


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/pacific-international-marketing-recalls-fresh-italian-parsley-because-possible-health-risk
Pacific International Marketing Recalls Fresh Italian Parsley Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 28, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 28, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Salmonella contamination
Company Name:  Pacific International Marketing
Brand Name:  Pacific
Product Description:  Italian Parsley

WA State Company Recalls Cinnamon Powder After FDA Finds Lead Contamination

Homeneeds Inc. of Bellevue, WA is recalling 140/100gram packets of Devi brand Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini Powder), batch #2502315, 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 into the problem is ongoing.

The affected Devi brand Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini Powder) packages were distributed by Homeneeds Inc. of Bellevue, WA and was sold at Apna Bazar in WA from 05/15/2025 to 10/21/2025


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/homeneeds-inc-recalls-devi-brand-ground-cinnamon-dalchini-powder-because-possible-health-risk
Homeneeds Inc. Recalls Devi Brand Ground Cinnamon (Dalchini Powder) Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 27, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 28, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Metal Contaminant - Lead
Company Name:  Homeneeds Inc.
Brand Name:  DEVI
Product Description:  Ground Cinnamon