This Week in Mislabeled Product - Ending 10/13/17

Whole Foods Market stores is voluntarily recalling 365 Everyday Value Organic Raisin Bran because the product contains undeclared peanuts that were not listed on the product label.  The issue was discovered after Whole Foods Market determined the packaging contained Peanut Butter Cocoa Balls instead of Organic Raisin Bran.

A Tennessee firm is recalling 816 Premium Chicken Salad Wheatberry Sandwich Lot Number 17 198 because they have the wrong ingredient statement and contain undeclared eggs and soy.  The recall was initiated after Quality Assurance discovered that product containing the allergens was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the allergen. The ingredient statement on the affected product is for a different sandwich.

General Mills is voluntarily recalling two days of production of Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Raisin Granola cereal produced on July 15 and 16, 2017 because the product may contain almonds, an undeclared nut allergen. 

La Terra Fina is voluntarily recalling its 10 oz. containers of Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip & Spread with the date of BEST BY NOV-01-2017 due to undeclared egg.  The issue was discovered after receiving notification from a retailer that the ingredient statement and UPC code were for a different dip.

A PA firm is recalling Pennsylvania is voluntarily recalling one lot of Hannaford Supermarkets’ potato salad because it may contain undeclared egg.  "The recall was initiated after it was discovered that certain packages of the recalled product contained an ingredient and nutrition label from another product [Taste of Inspirations Rotini Salad] that did not reveal the presence of egg."


https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm579511.htm
Whole Foods Market Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in 365 Everyday Value Organic Raisin Bran
For Immediate Release
October 6, 2017

Black Peppercorns Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Sprout Farmers Markets and Frontier Organic Spices are recalling containers of black peppercorns after random testing completed by FDA came up positive for Salmonella.  The pepper was reportedly treated (steam pasteurization) and then tested before use by Frontier.  No illnesses have been reported.

 

So what questions could be asked?

• Did the steam pasteurization step perform to the level needed to eliminate Salmonella?  One could at microbial test results for other indicators such as generic E. coli, coliforms, and even APC?  Also, it is important to conduct large sample testing of the peppercorns from this and other lots.
• Was the product potentially contaminated after the processing, perhaps during handling and repackaging?  Are potential sources of contamination also handled within the peppercorn processing environment?  Is environmental testing done, and hopefully if so, did those results indicate any issues?  It will be important for the facility to conduct extensive testing of the processing environment including preoperational and in-process testing looking for Salmonella as well as indicators (coliforms and/or Enterobacteriaceae).
• Did the laboratory complete the verification testing correctly? 

  As we know, Salmonella can survive in dry environments (and products) for long periods of time.

 

FDA Recall Notice

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm391996.htm

Frontier Natural Products Co-op Initiates Voluntary Class 1 Recall Due to Possible Health Risk from Organic Black Peppercorns

 

Contact

Consumer:

1-800-669-3275

 Media:

Anne Rierson, anne.rierson@frontiercoop.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 4, 2014 - Frontier Natural Products Co-op is voluntarily recalling several of its products manufactured with organic black peppercorns that were sold under its Frontier and Simply Organic brands, Whole Foods Market 365 Everyday Value, and others due to potential Salmonella contamination. To date, no illnesses have been associated with these products.

 

Baby Spinach Recalled for Potential Salmonella Contamination

Satur Farms, 3705 Alvah's Lane, Cutchogue, NY 11935 is voluntarily recalling Baby Spinach and Mesclun with the specific lot numbers following routine sampling by Florida Department of Agriculture and New York State Department of Agriculture and markets that determined teh potential for Salmonella contamination.  The product package indicates the spinach originated in Florida.

Whole Foods also issued a recall notice for a multitude of product made with the recalled baby spinach.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm629755.htm
[Baby Spinach] Product Recall Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
January 23, 2019

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

Case of Intentional Contamination in Michigan - Man Sprays Salad Bars with Chemical Mixture

In Michigan, a person was arrested after intentionally contaminating salad bars in local restaurants with a chemical mixture that included mouse poison.  There have been no injuries reported.

This is a reminder that intentional contamination can occur and that employee in food establishments must always be on the lookout.

 

 

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development News Release

https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1572_3628-383985--,00.html

Advisory: Consumers Urged to Throw Away Potentially Contaminated Foods

Agency: Agriculture and Rural Development

Whole Food Supplier Recalls Crumb Cakes Due to Undeclared Pecans

BOSTON BAKING, Inc. of Boston, MA, is recalling its 3-ounce, individually wrapped packages "Boston Baking Mini Cinnamon Crumb Cakes" food snacks sold exclusively at Whole Foods Market stores because they may contain undeclared pecans.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered by Whole Foods Market team member that the pecan-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not include pecans in the ingredient list. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an isolated error in the company's production and packaging processes.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/boston-baking-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-pecans-boston-baking-mini-cinnamon-crumb-cakes
Boston Baking Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecans in "Boston Baking Mini Cinnamon Crumb Cakes"
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 14, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  November 14, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared pecans
Company Name:  Boston Baking, Inc.
Brand Name:  Boston Baking
Product Description:  Mini Cinnamon Crumb Cake

Creamy Caesar Dressing Recalled for Undeclared Allergens After Wrong Back Label Applied

Van Law Food Products Inc of Fullerton, California is issuing a voluntary recall of Whole Foods Market 365 Organic Creamy Caesar Dressing because it may contain undeclared Soy and Wheat allergens.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of Soy and Wheat allergen. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in Van Law Food Product’s labeling and packaging processes.    In this case, based upon the pictures posted on the FDA website, the wrong back label was applied...while the front label states Creamy Caesar, the back label is for Chunky Blue Cheese.   A difficulty may be that the product title back label has very small lettering placed near the bottom of the label.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/van-law-food-products-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-and-wheat-product
Van Law Food Products, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy and Wheat in Product
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 06, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  April 07, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared soy and wheat
Company Name:  Van Law Food Products, Inc.
Brand Name:  Whole Foods Market 365
Product Description:  Organic Creamy Caesar Dressing

Pizza Recalled for Mistaking Pork Pepperoni for Beef Pepperoni

Whole Foods is recalling over 70,000lbs of pepperoni pizza because instead of using beef pepperoni, which is stated on the label, they used pepperoni made from pork.  According to the FSIS Notice - "The problem was discovered by FSIS during a label review at the establishment and occurred as a result of a change in ingredient suppliers."

One item of note is that this occurred during a supplier change.....a purchasing issue.  Second is that this should have been identified during the inspection of incoming materials, specifically the evaluation of the label.

There were two other recalls within the past few days where pork was included in a product where it was not on the label.  One was a ravioli product and the other was knockwurst.

FSIS News Release
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-010-2016-release
Whole Foods Recalls Frozen Pizza Products Due to Misbranding
Class II Recall 010-2016
Health Risk: Low Jan 25, 2016

Congressional and Public Affairs   Richard J. McIntire  (202) 720-9113 

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2016 – Whole Foods/North Atlantic Kitchens, an Everett, Mass. establishment, is recalling approximately 73,898 pounds of pepperoni pizza products due to misbranding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product is labeled as containing uncured beef pepperoni. However, the pizzas contain uncured pork pepperoni, which is not declared on the product label. Some individuals have a sensitivity or intolerance to pork.

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Salad Dressing Bottler After Recall for Mislabeling

FDA issues a Warning Letter to Vanlaw Food Products after their Whole Foods 365 Organic Creamy Caesar Dressing sold in 10 fl. oz. clear glass bottles was mislabeled with the finished product back label having Classic Ranch Dressing and Dip and thus not declaring major food allergens, wheat and soy.
The company had similar recalls.  

• One being on September 19, 2022, where the expanded this recall after being notified by the customer of another lot of 365 Organic Creamy Caesar mislabeled with 365 Organic Classic Ranch Dressing and Dip back panel ingredient labels that do not declare wheat and soy. 
• On April 4, 2022, 365 Organic Creamy Caesar Dressing was recalled because of an incorrect back panel for Whole Foods Market Organic Blue Cheese applied to the product, which did not declare the allergens of wheat and soy

This is a pretty easy problem to fix if utilizing a properly designed Allergen Preventive Control for label application.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/vanlaw-food-products-inc-641010-01052023

Vanlaw Food Products, Inc
MARCS-CMS 641010 — JANUARY 05, 2023
Recipient:
Mr. Pablo Gallo Llorente
President
Vanlaw Food Products, Inc
1851 North Delilah St.
Corona, CA 93879
United States

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending 2/23/18

A Cheyenne, WY establishment is voluntarily recalling Tuscan Kale Pesto mislabeled with Artichoke & Garlic labels because the labels do not declare tree nuts (cashews). The recall was initiated after Seggiano USA, Inc. was notified of a mislabeled product by a sales agent who saw the product on a retail shelf. [Pesto often has nuts, usually pine nuts, in the formulation. So this would be a label creation / approval error]

Emerald® Nuts is initiating a voluntary recall for a limited amount of its 6.5oz Glazed Walnuts product, distributed nationwide, due to the potential presence of undeclared peanuts, almonds, cashews and pecans in the product. Recall was initiated after receiving consumer complaints. [Cross contact issue, likely from carryover from previous run indicating improper clean out / sanitation or mishandling error, or even dust flow movement. A good reminder that nut allergens are not the same. While people who are allergic to one may not be allergic to all. By regulation, nuts must be treated as separate allergens, and the specific nut must be on the label]

Market of Choice of Eugene, Oregon is recalling Sezam Kale Salad because it may contain undeclared EGG. This recall was initiated after it was discovered that Sezam Kale Salad dressing containing EGG but label did not reveal the presence of EGG. [This is an print-on-demand label for product sold in grocery stores, so this would be a error when inputting the information into the printer, specifically regarding the salad dressing component]

Sunneen Health Foods is voluntarily recalling mislabeled Whole Foods Market Vegan Buffalo Chicken Bites sold at 13 Whole Foods Market stores in New York and New Jersey because the products contained tree nut (pecan) allergens that were not listed on the product label. The issue was discovered at the distribution center. [label creation / approval error]

A Buda, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 167 pounds of frozen beef patty and gravy products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the product contains milk which is not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered on Feb. 19, 2018 when FSIS was notified that the firm received two consumer complaints of mislabeled products. The cartons actually contain beef patties, mashed potatoes and cheese [cheese being the item actually part of the product but not on the label....so probably someone grabbed the wrong cartons.].

A Corona, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 572 pounds of frozen pork and shrimp dumpling products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the product contains egg which is not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered on Feb. 20, 2018 during routine FSIS label verification activities. The dumpling wrapper ingredient label includes pasteurized liquid whole eggs and egg whites in the list of ingredients; however, the finished product label does not declare egg. [label creation / approval error]

La Pasta Inc. of Silver Spring, Maryland is recalling the private label Potato Gnocchi manufactured for Heinen’s supermarkets because it may contain undeclared milk.  This voluntary recall was initiated due to a consumer reporting feeling ill after consuming the Heinen’s Potato Gnocchi. Company officials compared packaging with approved recipe and confirmed that product did contain MILK as part of the recipe formula but was not declared on the label.  [label creation / approval error]


https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm597927.htm
Seggiano USA, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts
For Immediate Release
February 22, 2018

Canadian Food Conglomerate Shuts Down Listeria-laden CA Processed Produce Facility

McCain Foods has planned to shut down its California processed produce facility.  This facility was responsible for an extension recall in 2018 where numerous companies were forced to recall product after this facility had a Listeria issue.  According to an article in New Food Economy, "The total amount of product affected exceeds 100 million pounds, making McCain’s the largest recall of 2018."

As you may recall, the facility found presumptive positive results, but shipped product having never conducted confirmation.

Eliminating Listeria completely from a facility can be difficult, if not impossible.  At best, companies keep it under control and away from food and food contact surfaces.  It requires a large commitment of resources.  For older facilities or facilities that were poorly designed, more effort is required in cleaning to the 'microbiological' level.

The New Food Economy
https://newfoodeconomy.org/mccain-foods-closes-california-plant-whole-foods-trader-joes-listeria-recall/
McCain Foods closes the California facility responsible for 2018’s largest food safety recall

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending 1/20/17

Misprinting of Label Leaves Off Milk - Ottogi America, Inc. of Gardena, CA is recalling 6.40 ounce “Rice cake soup” food, because it may contain undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the milk-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a misprinting in the company's packaging processes.

Chicken Salad with Wrong Lid - Duke Sandwich Productions, Inc., an Easley, S.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 743 pounds of chicken salad products due to misbranding - the products were packaged with two different product names. The chicken salad was packaged in the pimento cheese container, but it had “Chicken Salad” listed on the lid.  The problem was discovered on Jan. 16, 2018, after the firm received a complaint from a retail store manager.

Chicken Salad with Wrong Label  Café Spice GCT Inc., a New Windsor, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 289 pounds of chicken salad products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, - the chicken salad was packaged with a chicken wrap label. The chicken salad contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the chicken wraps’ product labels.  The problem was discovered by a retail customer, who then notified the company. Following the company’s internal investigation, they contacted FSIS.

Almond Flour In Cheesecake Due to Supplier Error  - Nine Whole Foods Market stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are voluntarily recalling cheesecake bars because the product potentially contained a tree nut allergen (almond flour) that was not listed on the product label. The issue was discovered by Whole Foods Market after the incorrect product was shipped by the supplier to the distributor.

Inadequate Line Cleaning - Palmer Candy Company (www.palmercandy.com), is recalling Sea Salt Caramel Hearts (that were only sold at one store in the Midwest States) due to possible peanut allergen contamination.  "The issue was discovered by Palmer Candy Team Members. During the packing process a peanut was observed stuck to the outside of the Sea Salt Caramel Heart."  This may indicate that the processing line was inadequately cleaned after a peanut production run.

Wrong Package Label - Bellisio Foods, Inc., a Jackson, Ohio, manufacturer, is voluntarily recalling certain Michelina’s Fettuccine Alfredo due to the possibility some packages may contain undeclared chicken with soy that is not listed on packaging.  This recall was issued on 12/22/17, but FDA issued this report this week.  While details are limited, one would guess this was a packaging error when the Alfredo was placed on a chicken and soy containing product.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm592996.htm

Ottogi America, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Rice Cake Soup

For Immediate Release

January 19, 2018

FDA Warning Letter - Firm with Allergen Mislabeling Issue

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a Pennsylvania company for an allergen mislabeling issue.  It started with the employee putting the wrong label on the back of the bottles.  While the company did issue a recall for the product, FDA issued a Warning Letter that the company did not "identify and implement preventive controls to provide assurances that any hazard requiring a preventive control (i.e., undeclared allergens) will be significantly minimized or prevented, and the food manufactured, processed packed or held by your facility will not be adulterated under section 402 or misbranded under section 403(w) of the Act, as required by 21 CFR 117.135(a)(1) and (c)(2). Specifically, {the company] did not identify and implement food allergen controls at the labeling step adequate to significantly minimize or prevent the hazard of undeclared allergens, as evidenced by your firm’s mislabeling the back ingredient label of the Vodka Sauce. This incorrect labeling caused your product to contain an undeclared major food allergen."

According to the Letter, "On March 20, 2020, after being notified by your customer of the mislabeled product, your firm recalled the Whole Foods brand Vodka Sauce. The Vodka Sauce, which contains milk, was mislabeled with Puttanesca Sauce back panel ingredient labels that do not declare milk. In documentation provided to the Office of Human and Animal Food Operations Division 2 East Recall Coordinator on March 20, 2020, you stated, “The associate that was changing over the label machine did not properly check the new roll of labels.” On June 10, 2020, you provided an updated “Procedure for Proper Packaging and Labeling,” and records of employee training as evidence of corrective actions taken by your firm."

A Warning Letter issued for allergen mislabeling is not common, and while it is hard to know the specifics of the situation, this action seems to be somewhat heavy handed.   

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/winter-gardens-quality-foods-inc-608240-08052020
Winter Gardens Quality Foods, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 608240 — August 05, 2020
Recipient:
Thomas Bross, IV
President
Winter Gardens Quality Foods, Inc.
304 Commerce Street
New Oxford, PA 17350-1723
United States

Cheese recalled after it was linked to illness

UPDATE - April 4, 2014, CDC issued Notes from Field report.


Whole Foods is recalling Crave Brothers Les Frères cheese in response to a recall issued by the manufacturer, Crave Brothers, when their cheese was linked with 5 illnesses and one death.

 According to the company website, the type of cheese, Les Freres, is a semi-soft cheese.  

(http://www.cravecheese.com/our-cheese.php?Cheesecyclopedia-5)

Description
This European style farmstead cheese was developed with great care to reflect the Crave Brothers' Irish-French heritage. This one-of-a-kind washed-rind cheese has an earthy, mushroomy, fruity flavor and a creamy texture that is softer than Brie and has a nutty aftertaste. It is available in a small version-- Le Petit Frère®.

Appearance
It has a light-colored paste that does not become too runny, and holds its shape well.

Texture
Semi-soft.

Flavor
It is a rich, rind washed cheese with an earthy, fruity flavor. It has just a mildly mushroomy appeal.

The product sold at Whole Foods was packaged pre-cut wedges. Crave Brothers is also recalling - Les Frères (LF225 2/2.5#) with a make date of 7-1-13 or prior, packaged in white plastic with a green and gold label; Petit Frère (PF88 8/8 oz) with a make date of 7-1-13 or prior, packaged in small round wooden boxes; and Petit Frère with Truffles (PF88T 8/8 oz) with a make date of 7-1-13 or prior, packaged in small round wooden boxes.

FDA News Release
Whole Foods Market Recalls Cheese Because of Possible Health Riskhttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm359697.htm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 5, 2013 -Whole Foods Market announces that it is recalling Crave Brothers Les Frères cheese in response to a recall by the Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese Company of Waterloo, Wisconsin. The cheese is being recalled because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. To date, one illness and one death have been reported. Crave Brothers was informed by regulatory agencies of an ongoing investigation related to potential health risks associated with Listeria monocytogenes. The company immediately ceased the production and distribution of the products.

MI Cheese Company Recalls Brie and Camembert Cheese After Linked to Listeria Outbreak

FDA is investigating a Listeria outbreak that has been linked to Brie and Camembert soft cheese products manufactured by Old Europe Cheese, Inc. of Benton Harbor, MI, and sold at various retailers under multiple labels and brands, including Reny Picot.  According to CDC, there have been 6 cases so far, with 5 of those people being hospitalized.

The processor, Old Europe Cheese, Inc has recalled all Old Europe Cheese Brie and Camembert products with best by dates through 12/14/2022 . There are over 20 brand named products that were distributed from August 01, 2022 through September 28, 2022 and were available at supermarkets, wholesale and retail stores nationwide and Mexico; retailers include Albertsons, Safeway, Meijer, Harding’s, Shaw’s, Price Chopper, Market Basket, Raley’s, Save Mart, Giant Foods, Stop & Shop, Fresh Thyme, Lidl, Sprouts, Athenian Foods, Whole Foods." 


https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-brie-and-camembert-soft-cheese-products-september-2022
Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Brie and Camembert Soft Cheese Products (September 2022)
Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled Brie and Camembert soft cheese products from Old Europe Cheese, Inc. FDA’s outbreak investigation is ongoing.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 6
Hospitalizations: 5
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: August 5, 2022
States with Cases: CA, GA, MA, MI, NJ, TX
Product Distribution: Nationwide

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Two Weeks, Ending March 14, 2020

Incorrect Back Label - Pero Family Farms Food Company, LLC has initiated a voluntary product recall of its 11oz “Zucchini Spiral Pesto Side Dish Kit” with run number code 1196272F; Use By date of 03/20/2020 due to a product mislabeling which did not declare the allergens of egg and milk.

Someone Added Brazil Nuts Where They Shouldn't Have - Meijer is initiating a voluntary recall of 13,284 packages of mixed nuts due to the potential risk of an undeclared tree-nut allergen (Brazil nuts) sold at all Meijer stores, and is being issued to its customers in cooperation with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The recall was initiated after it was discovered the product contained Brazil nuts, which is not part of the product formulation or declared on package labeling. Subsequent investigation revealed an incorrect formulation was used to manufacture this product and should not have included the Brazil nuts.

Wrong Master Pack Label Used - Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. is initiating a limited voluntary recall of H-E-B-branded Tuscan Herb Chopped Salad due to possible undeclared allergens (peanut, wheat, soy and tree nuts) in H-E-B-branded Tuscan Herb Salad Kit, which was manufactured by Dole for H-E-B. The incorrect masterpack (kit with dressing and other toppings) was unintentionally used during the production of the salad.

Herring In Cream Sauce Mislabeled as Herring In Wine Sauce - Vita Food Products, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois is notifying the public that it is recalling up to 8,376 individual plastic jars of 32 ounce Vita Wild Herring in Wine Sauce that are potentially mislabeled because they may contain sour cream and, therefore, may contain undeclared milk. Mislabeled products that are subject to recall will be obvious to consumers because the recalled product’s white sour cream sauce can be seen through the clear plastic jar even though the label may state “Vita Wild Herring in Wine Sauce”.

Queso Product Labeled as Salsa Product Misses Milk and Soy - Stonewall Kitchen of York, Maine is voluntarily recalling 4,812 jars of its Ghost Pepper Queso with an Enjoy By date of 23MAY2021, as a small number of those were mislabeled as Ghost Pepper Salsa. Ghost Pepper Queso includes two allergens, milk and soy, that are not included in Ghost Pepper Salsa, and therefore don’t appear on the ingredient statement of the mislabeled jars. While Stonewall Kitchen believes that only a small number of jars were mislabeled out of the 4,812 which were manufactured that day, the company is recalling all of them out of an abundance of caution. Of note, the mislabeled jars should be very easy to spot: Ghost Pepper Queso product is a bright yellow-orange color, while Ghost Pepper Salsa is dark red.

Print-and-Apply Label Does Not List Milk Ingredient - Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling select Green Chile Chicken Tamales from stores across 24 states because they contain undeclared milk. A print-and-apply label did not have milk ingredient listed in the ingredient statement.

New Label Design Uses Incorrect Termonology Not Stating Milk - New Capstone, Inc. of Mooresville, NC is recalling their 22oz ReStructure Vanilla Protein Powder pouches, Lot 19211 Exp. 06/21 and their 27 gram individual serving pouch, Lot 19211 Exp. 06/21, because they may contain undeclared milk. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the new product pouch design omitted the clear statement that the product contained milk but rather just stated the product contained lactose. Subsequent to this discovery New Capstone, Inc. added a milk allergen warning sticker to all remaining packages in Lot 19211.

Salad Dressing Recalled for Allergens After Wrong Back Label Used

Van Law Food Products Inc. is recalling Whole Foods Market 365 Organic Creamy Caesar Dressing because it contains undeclared Soy and Wheat allergens.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of Soy and Wheat allergen. Subsequent investigation indicates that the problem was caused when the back label from another product was mistakenly put on the product being recalled.

We have seen a good number of this type of labeling issue resulting in a recall.  While the front label has the product name in large letters, the back label with the nutritional and allergen informaiton has the name in smaller type, thus making it easy to mess up.  This labeling activity (matching the front and back label against product in the bottle) needs to be an Allergen Preventive Control.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/van-law-food-products-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-and-wheat-product
Van Law Food Products Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy and Wheat in Product
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 26, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  August 26, 2022
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Soy and Wheat
Company Name:  Van Law Food Products Inc.
Brand Name:  Whole Foods Market 365
Product Description:  Organic Creamy Caesar Dressing

Organic Cheese Products Recalled After Linked to E. Coli Outbreak

Grassfield Cheese Company is recalling organic cheese products sold in Whole Foods and its own store in MI after the product was linked to an E. coli STEC outbreak where 7 people become ill.  Product was shipped into the Southeast and Midwest.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm514967.htm
Grassfields Cheese Recall Affects Select Whole Foods Market Locations; Grocer Recalls Product from Cheese Departments

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Ending 11/3/17

Five Whole Foods Market stores in Northern California are voluntarily recalling frosted Pumpkin Drop cookies because the products contained tree nut allergens (walnuts) that were not listed on the product label.   One reaction has been reported to date.

aylor Farms Florida, an Orlando, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 732 pounds of salads with chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.  The products contain fish (anchovies), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.   The problem was discovered on Oct. 26, 2017, when Taylor Farms Florida received a consumer complaint about the taste of the salad dressing. After conducting an internal investigation, the firm determined that the products incorrectly contained Caesar salad dressing instead of Bacon Ranch salad dressing. The Caesar salad dressing contains anchovies.


Allergy Alert Issued in Five Northern California Whole Foods Market Stores for Undeclared Walnuts in Pumpkin Drop Cookies
For Immediate Release
October 27, 2017

The Rise of the Grocerant and Addressing Food Safety Issues

An article in the Wall Street Journal addresses the food safety issues for grocers that are moving into more sophisticated prepared meals to-go.  These hybrid operations, dubbed 'grocerants' by some, are both grocery store and restaurant.  As consumers demand more of these fresh ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat offerings, store operations will  have to address the food safety challenges that comes with these types of processes.

According to the graphic in the article, sushi and soups are currently the type two types of foods.  But there is an increase in operations making more complex meals.
Here are some of the challenges: