FDA Issues Health Alert on Cinnamon Product Due to Elevated Lead Content, Recalls Issued

"Following the October 2023 recall of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products due to elevated lead levels linked to the cinnamon in those products and the concern for lead toxicity in children, the FDA initiated a targeted survey of ground cinnamon products from discount retail stores and analyzed the samples for lead and chromium."

Companies producing product with elevated lead as determined by FDA testing issued recalls.

• El Chilar Rodriguez LLC of Apopka, FL is recalling 127 cases (12 bags/case) of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon “Canela Molida” (1.25 oz bag).
• Raja Foods LLC of Skokie, Il is recalling its 3.5 ounce package of "SWAD CINNAMON POWDER"
• Colonna Brothers of North Bergen, NJ is recalling its 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon & 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 
• Raja Foods LLC of Skokie, Il is recalling its 3.5 ounce package of "SWAD CINNAMON POWDER"
• La Fiesta Food Products, La Mirada California is recalling Cinnamon Ground .87oz 

First, this is a great reminder of why it is important to pay attention to recalls and health alerts.  If you are an importer of a product or ingredient, that that ingredient was involved in major outbreak, it is just a matter of time before regulatory authorities are taking a broader look at other issues.  It does not have to be from the same supplier or originate from the same country.

The levels were not anywhere as high in these implicated products compared to the levels in the cinnamon apple sauce involved in the lead poisoning outbreak.

"Based on results from the survey, the FDA is recommending recalls of ground cinnamon from six distributors whose products had elevated lead levels ranging from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million (ppm) (see table above for a full list of lead levels in these products). These levels are significantly lower than the levels of lead associated with the ongoing investigation into ground cinnamon from Ecuador supplied by Negasmart to Austrofoods, the manufacturer of the apple puree and applesauce products, which were between 2,270 ppm to 5,110 ppm in the cinnamon."

What level is unsafe?

FDA.gov - "Although no safe level for lead exposure has been identified, the FDA has calculated an IRL for lead based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) blood reference level of 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of whole blood (µg /dL). The blood reference level is the level at which the CDC recommends clinical monitoring of lead exposure in children."

"The IRL for lead includes a 10x safety factor. This means that it is nearly ten times lower than the amount of lead intake from food that would be required to reach the CDC’s blood reference level. The calculated IRLs are 2.2 micrograms (µg) per day for children and 8.8 µg per day for females of childbearing age. The IRL for females of childbearing age is to protect against possible fetal exposure in women who are unaware that they are pregnant and to protect against infant exposure during nursing:.

https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead
FDA Alert Concerning Certain Cinnamon Products Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead

March 6, 2024

What is the problem?

Through product testing, the FDA has determined that the ground cinnamon products listed in the table below contain elevated levels of lead and that prolonged exposure to these products may be unsafe.

The FDA is advising consumers to throw away and not to buy these ground cinnamon products. The FDA has recommended that the firms voluntarily recall these products, with the exception of the MTCI cinnamon. The FDA has been unable to reach MTCI to share our findings and request that the company initiate a recall. The FDA will update this notice with the communications from firms that voluntarily agree to recall as we receive them.

FDA Warning Letters Issued to Food Importer for FSVP - Jan/Feb 2024 Edition

FDA issued Warning Letters to several food importers.  While three of the five were the same old thing, no FSVP for importer food, the other two had FSVP programs (for some items) but these programs were improperly designed and/or implemented.

Pathogenic E. coli Outbreak with Ten Illnesses Linked to Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese

CDC and FDA are investigating an E.coli outbreak linked to raw cheddar cheese.  "As of February 16, 2024, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from four states [CA - 4, UT - 2, CO - 3, and TX - 1]. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 18, 2023, to January 29, 2024 (see timeline). Of 9 people with information available, 4 have been hospitalized and 1 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.

•  Of the 8 people interviewed, 6 (75%) reported eating RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese.
• WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from the same food.
• No product samples consumed by consumers or products available for sale have tested positive for E.Coli 0157:H7.
• Raw Farm, of Fresno CA is voluntarily recalling selected date codes of Raw Cheddar Cheese.

Because raw milk cheese is not pasteurized, the heat step is not present that would eliminate pathogens such as E. coli STEC.  Rather, aging along the presence of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are counted on.

Biological control of pathogens in artisanal cheeses - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958694623000316

From the Raw Farm website ( https://rawfarmusa.com/) 

TESTED.

We are deeply committed to the safe production of high-quality raw dairy products. We proudly meet and EXCEED all required California state testing and #dodairydifferent with our unique Test & Hold Protocol that tests for pathogens. 

Of course testing your way to safety is not full proof.

CDC Food Safety Alert
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/raw-milk-cheese-2-24/index.html
E. coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Cheese
Posted February 16, 2024

Fast Facts
Illnesses: 10
Hospitalizations: 4
Deaths: 0
States: 4
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active

Contaminated Food
RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese
Flavors include original and jalapeno
All sizes of blocks and shredded packages
Sold nationwide
Raw Farm LLC has agreed to recall products and is working with FDA

Coppa Meat from NJ Establishment, Source for Salmonella Outbreak, May Be Under-processed

Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., a Mount Olive, N.J. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat charcuterie products containing Coppa that may be under processed, which may have resulted in possible contamination with foodborne pathogens. FSIS and CDC continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella. that was linked to this product. FSIS collected unopened RTE Coppa product as part of the investigation, which tested positive for Salmonella, but that product was not released into commerce. After further investigation, FSIS determined that the product subject to the recall may be under processed. Further testing is ongoing to determine if the product sample that tested positive for Salmonella is related to the outbreak.

The company was linked to the Salmonella outbreak in early January and CDC released an update in mid-January at the case count continued to climb.

Coppa (also known as capicola, capocollo, cappacuolo or gabagool*) "is a traditional Italian cold cut made from a large cut of pork meat that starts at the solid muscle between the head (capo) and includes the fourth or fifth rib of the pork shoulder (collo), or neck and shoulder region.  A traditional Italian and Corsican pork cold cut, it is a whole-muscle salume, dry cured, and typically sliced very thinly.
(*gabagool is an Italian-American slang term popularized on the TV series, The Sopranos).

Capocollo is a dry-cured meat that requires a curing process to achieve its distinct flavor and texture. The curing process involves rubbing the meat with a mixture of salt, spices, and curing agents such as sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite. The cured meat is then hung to dry for several weeks to several months, depending on the desired level of dryness.  It does not have a heat kill step, but rather relies on curing agents (sodium nitrate / sodium nitrite), and a lengthy drying step.

From cookingwithanItalian.com, 

• The curing process is critical in producing a safe and flavorful capocollo. The salt and curing agents help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, while the spices and seasonings add flavor to the meat. It is important to use the correct amount of salt and curing agents to ensure that the meat is properly preserved.
• One common curing agent used in capocollo is Cure #2, also known as Prague Powder #2. This curing agent contains a mixture of sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria and adds a distinct pink color to the meat. It is important to use the correct amount of Cure #2, as too much can be harmful to human health. Keep in mind that Piero does it naturally so if you wish to not use it follow the video.
• During the curing process, the meat is rubbed with the salt and spice mixture, making sure to cover all areas of the meat. The meat is then placed in a curing chamber or hung in a cool, dry place to dry. The temperature and humidity levels must be carefully monitored to ensure that the meat dries properly.
• After several weeks to several months, the capocollo should be ready to eat. The meat should be firm and have a slightly salty and savory flavor. It is important to slice the capocollo thinly to fully appreciate its flavor and texture.
• Overall, the curing process is an essential step in making capocollo. It requires careful attention to detail and the use of proper curing agents to ensure that the meat is safe to eat and has a delicious flavor.

FSIS Announcement
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fratelli-beretta-usa-inc--recalls-ready-eat-charcuterie-meat-products-due-possible
Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Charcuterie Meat Products Due to Possible Under Processing

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2024 – Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., a Mount Olive, N.J. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat charcuterie products containing Coppa that may be under processed, which may have resulted in possible contamination with foodborne pathogens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Illinois Firm Recalls Veggie Pizza Due to Undeclared Milk

Richelieu Foods Inc. Wheeling Illinois has voluntarily recalled the 365 Whole Foods Market Vegan Ultimate Veggie Thin Crust Pizza, LOT CODE 06152024 with a best by date of 6/15/2024 because it may contain trace amounts of an undeclared Milk allergen.  This recall involves no more than 144 individual pizzas that inadvertently entered the supply chain. The product in question was distributed in some retail stores in the states of Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

Almost sounds like product-on-hold that somehow got shipped?

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/richelieu-foods-inc-wheeling-illinois-announcing-extension-voluntarily-recalling-1-lot-365-whole
Richelieu Foods Inc. Wheeling Illinois is Announcing an Extension of Voluntarily Recalling 1 Lot of 365 Whole Foods Market Vegan Ultimate Veggie Thin Crust Pizza Due to Potential Presence of Undeclared Milk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 06, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  February 07, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk allergen
Company Name:  Richelieu Foods Inc.
Brand Name:  365 Whole Foods
Product Description:  Ultimate Veggie Thin Crust Pizza

Multiple Recalls Issued After Using Recalled Cheese with Potential Listeria Contamination

With the expanded recall of Rizo-Lopez cheese products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination, there have been 15 additional recalls issued from FDA regulated companies and one USDA regulated company that used these cheese products as components in their own food products (salads, taco kits, etc).  (recalls listed below)

The cheese product from this company, Rizo Lopez Foods' has been linked to an multi-year Listeria outbreak.  This product was not only sold in retail channels, but was used by multiple manufactures as part of products that are considered RTE - ready to eat.  

From a downstream processor's perspective, this is not only an issue from direct use of a contaminated product, but also the fact that having this cheese in the operation serves as a source of cross contamination in the operation.

As part of these downstream processors Food Safety Plan, they would be required to have a Supply Chain Preventive Control in place for this supplier.  There would be a requirement for those companies to ensure that the supplier, Rizo Lopez Foods, had a robust environmental monitoring program and potentially, would have also been testing product as part of their verification procedures.  This is a lot of extra eyes that could have potentially caught this.

Granted, low level contamination issues can be difficult to catch through product testing.  The biggest verification control is that producers environmental monitoring program.  This should give companies pause to consider how robust a supplier's environmental monitoring program is with regard to Listeria for a high risk product application like soft cheese being used in RTE applications.


Rizo-López Foods, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Dairy Products Because of Possible Health Risk
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/rizo-lopez-foods-inc-voluntarily-recalls-dairy-products-because-possible-health-risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date :February 05, 2024

FDA Publish Date: February 06, 2024

Product Type: Food & Beverages  Dairy
Reason for Announcement:  Expanded recall for potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination

Company Name: Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc.

Brand Name: Rizo Brothers California Creamery 

Product Description:  Cheese, Yogurt, Sour cream

CA Firm Recalls Cheese Products After WGS Reveals Link to Ongoing Listeria Outbreak

The FDA and CDC are investigating illnesses in a multi-year, multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to queso fresco and cotija cheeses manufactured by Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc., of Modesto, California.    According to the notice, cases may date back to 2014. CDC investigated this outbreak in 2017 and 2021. Epidemiologic evidence in previous investigations identified queso fresco and other similar cheeses as a potential source of the outbreak, but there was not enough information to identify a specific brand.  Thus far there have bee 26 total illnesses with 23 hospitalizations and 2 deaths.

Interestingly, Hawaii State Department of Health tested and found Listeria in a sample of product, and a recall was issued on January 11, 2024.  Using whole genome sequencing, they were able to link these additional cases and show that this firm's product was responsible for many cases over many years.  

"A sample of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during sampling conducted by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch in January 2024.In response to that finding, Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. voluntarily recalled one batch of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija Mexican Grating Cheese (8oz) on January 11, 2024. CDC and FDA reopened the investigation in January 2024 after new illnesses were reported in December 2023 and whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of the cotija cheese sample showed that it is the same strain of Listeria that is causing illnesses in this outbreak."

Recalled products include all "Sell By” dates of cheese, yogurt, and sour cream (crema) sold under the brand names:

• Tio Francisco
• Don Francisco
• Rizo Bros
• Rio Grande
• Food City
• El Huache
• La Ordena
• San Carlos
• Campesino
• Santa Maria
• Dos Ranchitos
• Casa Cardenas
• 365 Whole Foods Market

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-queso-fresco-and-cotija-cheese-february-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese (February 2024)
Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled Rizo Lopez Foods dairy products. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 26
Hospitalizations: 23
Deaths: 2
Last Sample Collection Dates: June 15, 2014 - December 10, 2023
States with Cases: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, NV, NC, OR, TN, TX, WA
Product Distribution: Nationwide

CDC - Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Cantaloupes is Over, 407 Reported Cases

CDC released notice that the 2023 Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes is over.  Cases were first identified in October 2023, with recalls being issued in November, 2023 by SOFIA PRODUCE, LLC, of Nogales, Arizona which does business under the name “Trufresh”.

FDA testing did link the company to the outbreak, but little additional information from the investigation was found.





https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/index.html

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cantaloupes
January 19, 2024
This outbreak is over

Fast Facts
Illnesses: 407
Hospitalizations: 158
Deaths: 6
States: 44
Recall: Yes

Can Kiwifruit Improve Your Mood?

Can Kiwifruit improve your mood?  "In a study, published in The British Journal of Nutrition, researchers found the furry fruit improved vitality and mood in as little as four days."  Just two kiwifruit per day was better than the vitamin C placebo. 

"Vitamin C intake has been associated with improved mood, vitality, well-being, and lower depression, while vitamin C deficiency is associated with higher depression and cognitive impairment.  Participants took daily either a vitamin C supplement, placebo, or two kiwifruit. They then reported their vitality, mood, flourishing, sleep quality, sleep quantity, and physical activity using smartphone surveys.  The researchers found kiwifruit supplementation improved vitality and mood within four days, peaking around 14–16 days, and improved flourishing from day 14. Vitamin C, on the other hand, marginally improved mood until day 12."

This research was funded by the University of Otago [New Zealand University] and Zespri International [a kiwifruit grower cooperative].

https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/newsroom/furry-fruit-improves-mental-health-fast
Furry fruit improves mental health – fast
25 January 2024

Kiwifruit has proven itself as a powerful mood booster and new research from the University of Otago has shown just how fast its effects can be.

USDA Issues Health Alert After Additional Cases of Salmonella Infection Reported from Recalled Charcuterie Meat Products

USDA issued a Health Alert for charcuterie meats, Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler and Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta manufactured by Fratelli Beretta in Mount Olive NJ as CDC issued an update that shows there were additional new cases of Salmonella infection The recall was initially posted on January 5, 2024, but there are now 23 new cases, now totaling 47 cases in 22 different states.

The reason for ongoing cases is that many people still have the product.  Although the retailers pulled it from the shelf, many probably had it stowed away in their refrigerator or freezer.  





https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/charcuterie-meats-01-24/index.html
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Charcuterie Meats
Posted January 18, 2024

Fast Facts
Illnesses: 47 (23 new)
Hospitalizations: 10 (5 new)
Deaths: 0 (0 new)
States: 22 (8 new)
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active (first posted on January 5, 2024).

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to RTE Charcuterie Meats from NJ Establishment

CDC is reporting a Salmonella outbreak that has been linked to RTE charcuterie meat products produced by a NJ establishment.   As of January 3, 2024, 24 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 14 states. Of 20 people with information available, 5 have been hospitalized; no deaths have been reported.

Eleven people were interviewed and 6 reported eating RTE charcuterie meats. "One person from Minnesota reported becoming ill in December after eating one 9-oz. tray of the 18-oz. package of “Busseto Foods Charcuterie Sampler Prosciutto, Sweet Sopressata, and Dry Coppa.” On December 27, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture collected and tested a sample of the unopened 9-oz. tray sample from that ill person’s home. Testing identified Salmonella I 4:I:- in that sample, and WGS is being conducted to determine if the Salmonella in these recalled charcuterie samplers is the same as the outbreak strain."

Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., a Mount Olive, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 11,097 pounds of Busseto Foods brand ready-to-eat charcuterie meat products that may be contaminated with Salmonella.   The ready-to-eat (RTE) charcuterie sampler product was produced on October 30, 2023.

Unfortunately, this establishment was responsible for another Salmonella outbreak in August, 2021.  In that event, there were 36 reported cases linked to prepackaged uncured antipasto trays.  The company recalled  approximately 862,000 pounds of uncured antipasto products.

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/charcuterie-meats-01-24/index.html
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Charcuterie Meats
Posted January 5, 2024
Fast Facts
Illnesses: 24
Hospitalizations: 5
Deaths: 0
States: 14
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active (first posted on January 5, 2024)

Florida Firm Recalls Snack Bars With Undeclared Allergens Due to Improper Label Design

ToYou Snacks, of Winter Garden, Florida is recalling TOYOU branded snack bars in flavors Coconut Mocha, Chocolate Mango, Salted caramel dark chocolate, Mint Dark chocolate, Banana foster, Mango Yogurt because they contain undeclared soy.  "The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the wrappers were missing the soy allergen declaration in the flavors listed above. This issue was caused by mass printing wraps and not having anyone in the team previous to myself [the owner?] and my team with any knowledge on quality and control the company."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/toyou-snacks-issues-allergy-alert-toyou-snacks-snack-bars-due-undeclared-soy
TOYOU SNACKS Issues Allergy Alert On ToYou Snacks Snack Bars Due to Undeclared Soy
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 05, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  January 05, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Due to Undeclared Soy
Company Name:  ToYou Snacks
Brand Name:  ToYou
Product Description:  Snack Bars in a variety of flavors

Warning Letter to Cheese Operation Highlights Insufficient Cleaning and Listeria Contamination

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a NY Cheese processor.  In brief, they were found to have an ongoing Listeria issue as identified in 2023 recall situation for Listeria as well as an recall in 2017.  During a June 2023 inspection of the facility, FDA found Listeria in the facility as well as identified many GMP issues related to cleaning and poor equipment.  The identified cleaning issues are those types of things that can be easy to perhaps overlook, or more likely, just accept as normal after seeing it over a long period of time.  (This is where an outside audit can help - providing a different set of eyes to see those things we have become accustomed to).

Positive LM Findings

• FDA laboratory analysis of environmental samples collected at the facility on June 21, 2023 confirmed that four (4) of fifty (50) environmental swabs were positive for LM and those collected on June 26, 2023 confirmed that four (4) of fifty six (56) environmental swabs were positive for LM. Of the positive findings, one (1) of the L. monocytogenes positive swabs was collected from the food contact surface of a cutting board that was being used to cut RTE Jersey Girl cheese.
• Furthermore, in 2017, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) collected a finished product sample of your firm’s Toma Celena cheese (lot #51017) which tested positive for L. monocytogenes. In response to this finding, your firm tested (b)(4) lots of finished products and found two additional lots (lots #52417 and #60717) to be positive for L. monocytogenes.
• The environmental swabs collected at the facility during FDA’s most recent inspection and finished product samples from 2017 represent four (4) different strains of L. monocytogenes. None of them matched any clinical isolates. 
• Conclusion - "Our findings indicate that your firm is neither achieving satisfactory control against the presence of L. monocytogenes within your facility nor implementing effective methods and controls to eliminate this human pathogen or minimize exposure to food and food-contact surfaces. Once it is established in a production area, personnel or equipment can facilitate the pathogen’s movement and contamination of food-contact surfaces and finished product. It is essential to identify the harborage sites in the food processing plant and equipment where this organism is able to grow and survive and to take such corrective actions as are necessary to eradicate the organism."

Cleaning issues - the facility did not clean adequately clean environmental areas including food-contact surfaces

• "Old, white-yellow cheese/wax/salt-like residues from previous lots of cheese were observed on the stainless-steel and plastic tables in your waxing/drying room on June 21 and 26, 2023. These tables were being used to store wheels and blocks of drying cheese products. Thereafter on July 18, 2023, the same residues were observed on these tables.  The company stated they had cleaned and sanitized these tables three times and were unable to remove the residues, but the investigator was able to scrape off the residue from the table."
• "Investigators observed the underside of a stainless-steel table in the manufacturing room had a heavy buildup of black-brown mold-like or rust-like residues on its surface. This table is used to store raw milk cheese products."
• "Areas of black and black-brown mold-like residues on the walls and baseboards in the manufacturing room, where products are processed. Furthermore, environmental sub #62, which was taken from the floor/wall baseboard (containing these residues) in the manufacturing room on June 26, 2023, was found positive for L. monocytogenes."
• "Areas of black and black-brown mold-like substances on the door and around the door handle to the main cheese cave, where products are aged. Furthermore, environmental sub #57, which was collected from this door handle on June 26, 2023, was found positive for L. monocytogenes."
• "Areas of the floor in the manufacturing room, where your products are processed, were pitted, and had uneven and rough surfaces. Furthermore, environmental subs #61 and #91, which were taken from two different floor areas in the manufacturing room on June 26, 2023, were both found positive for L. monocytogenes."
• "The bottom of the door, inside the main cheese cave, where your products are aged, was flaking a tape-like material. Furthermore, environmental sub #2, which was collected from this surface on June 21, 2023, was found positive for L. monocytogenes."
• "Areas of the floor in the brine area in the main cheese cave, where products are aged, were pitted, and had uneven and rough surfaces. Furthermore, environmental sub #9, which was collected from this surface on June 21, 2023, was found positive for L. monocytogenes."
• "Buildup of water on the floor around the (b)(4) near the raw milk receiving room, where you intake the raw cow’s milk that is used to make your products. The company  stated that the (b)(4) has had a “constant leak”, and that this has been an ongoing issue."
•  "Areas of black and black-brown mold-like substances and exposed foam-like insulation on the ceiling in the (b)(4) cheese cave, which is where your products are aged."
• "A fan in the waxing/drying room that was blowing on cheese product was observed to be covered with a thick layer of dust."

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/cooperstown-cheese-company-llc-667551-11242023
WARNING LETTER
Cooperstown Cheese Company, LLC
MARCS-CMS 667551 — NOVEMBER 24, 2023

Whole Foods Frozen Beer-Battered Fish Recalled for Undeclared Soy Allergen

Tampa Bay Fisheries, Dover, FL, is recalling one lot of frozen Whole Foods Beer Battered Pollock Fillets after it was discovered that the label failed to declare soy on the label, thus an undeclared allergen.  Product was distributed nationwide. There have been no reported cases of illness.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tampa-bay-fisheries-inc-dover-florida-voluntarily-recalling-1-lot-365-whole-foods-market-beer
Tampa Bay Fisheries, Inc. Dover, Florida is Voluntarily Recalling 1 Lot of 365 Whole Foods Market Beer Battered Pollock Fillets and 2 Lots of 365 Beer Battered Cod Fillet Due to an Undeclared Soy Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 22, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  December 23, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Soy
Company Name:  Tampa Bay Fisheries, Inc.
Brand Name:  365 WHOLE FOODS MART
Product Description:  Beer Battered Pollock and Cod Fillets

WA State Establishment Recalls Beef Soup After Plant-based Chicken Label Applied

USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for ready-to-eat (RTE) product labeled as birria-inspired beef soup due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen due to mislabeling issue. The product labeled as birria-inspired beef soup may actually contain plant-based chicken noodle soup, which contains sesame,  an allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The issue was discovered by the retailer after a store employee identified a case of RTE Plant-Based Chicken Noodle Soup product bearing the correct top label but incorrect front and back labels. 

Strange that Plant-Based Chicken Noodle Soup contains no chicken.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-beef-soup-product-due-misbranding-and-undeclared
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Beef Soup Product due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

FRESH FOODS OF WASHINGTON LLC

Additional Recalls for Fruit Products Using Recalled Cantaloupes, CDC Provides Case Update

Updated 12/6/23

A number of food processor / distributors are recalling fruit / cantaloupe products that were derived from cantaloupes that are involved in the recent Malachita cantaloupe recall.  In an updated CDC report, there are now 117 cases with 61 hospitalizations and 2 deaths.

• TGD Cuts, LLC has initiated a voluntary recall of the specific fresh-cut fruit cup, clamshell and tray products
• Pacific Trellis Fruit, LLC is initiating a voluntary recall of 4,872 cases of Malichita brand whole cantaloupe
• Cut Fruit Express Inc. of Inver Grove Heights, MN, is recalling Caribou Coffee Fruit Mix CHPG 6.5oz, and Cut Fruit Express Brand of 6.5oz, 15oz, 16oz, 32oz packages of Fruit Mix contains Cantaloupes and Food service packages of 5lb tray, 10lb bag, 25lb Pail,
• Bix Produce of Little Canada, MN., is issuing a voluntary recall of Grab N’ Go containers of cut cantaloupe and mixed fruit cups 
• GHGA, LLC is voluntarily recalling select fresh-cut products made from whole cantaloupe subject to a previously announced product recall initiated by Sofia Produce, LLC dba Trufresh

CDC Provides Update on Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Cantaloupes, Now Close to 100 Infected

CDC provided an update on cases of Salmonella infection associated with cantaloupes. In the November 24th update, CDC states that there are now 99 cases of Salmonella infection with 2 deaths. This is 56 more cases than reported on November 20th. A recall of the cantaloupes from Sofia Produce of Arizona was first announced on November 9th, and then expanded on November 19th.  Additional recalls were posted on November 22nd and on November 24 for whole cantaloupes and cut cantaloups in trays (see below).

There are now 32 states with cases.



CDC Food Safety Alert
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/index.html
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cantaloupes
Fast Facts
Illnesses: 99 (56 new)
Hospitalizations: 45 (28 new)
Deaths: 2 (2 new)
States: 32 (17 new)
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active (first posted on November 17, 2023)

CDC Report on Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Cantaloupes

CDC is reporting on illness associated with contaminated cantaloupes that as of "November 17, 43 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 15 states . Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 17, 2023, to November 6, 2023 (see timeline). Of 30 people with information available, 17 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported."

Posted November 17, 2023
Fast Facts
Illnesses: 43
Hospitalizations: 17
Deaths: 0
States: 15
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active

Recalls have issued on product.

Stone Fruit Recalled After Linked to Listeria Outbreak with 11 cases

The HMC Group Marketing, Inc., based in Kinsburg, CA, which does business as HMC Farms, is voluntarily recalling peaches, plums and nectarines sold in retail stores between May 1 and November 15, 2022 and between May 1 and November 15, 2023. The fruit is being recalled because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The recalled peaches have been linked to an outbreak of Listeriosis that has resulted in eleven illnesses.  There has been one reported death.

The age range  is from 30 to 80 years    Median age of 69    73% are 65 years or older

The source of Listeria in these cases is likely to be the facility in which the product is packed.  Product in these packages will often be washed and dried prior to filling in the bag.  These washing / drying systems are areas where investigators will likely focus sampling.



https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hmc-farms-voluntarily-recalls-whole-peaches-plums-and-nectarines-sold-retail-stores-2022-and-2023
HMC Farms Voluntarily Recalls Whole Peaches, Plums and Nectarines Sold at Retail Stores in 2022 and 2023 Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 17, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  November 17, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Fruit/Fruit Product
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  The HMC Group Marketing, Inc.
Brand Name:  Multiple brands
Product Description:  Whole Peaches, Plums, and Nectarines

MA Seafood Company Recalls Salmon Burgers for Undeclared Sesame and Milk

Raw SeaFoods, Inc. of Fall River, MA is recalling Farm Raised Lightly Seasoned Atlantic Salmon Burgers due to undeclared sesame and milk allergens.   The recalled product was sold in the seafood department of Whole Foods Market stores nationwide from August 25, 2023 through November 15, 2023.  The problem was discovered after a vendor reported visible sesame seeds present on the product. An investigation is currently under way to discover the cause. No illnesses have been reported to date.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/raw-seafoods-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-sesame-and-milk-farm-raised-lightly-seasoned
Raw SeaFoods, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert for Undeclared Sesame and Milk in Farm Raised Lightly Seasoned Atlantic Salmon Burgers
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 16, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  November 16, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Sesame and Milk
Company Name:  Raw SeaFoods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Raw SeaFoods
Product Description:  Farm Raised Lightly Seasoned Atlantic Salmon Burgers