Recalls for March 25, 2011

Del Monte Fresh Produce Voluntarily Recalls Cantaloupes Because Of Possible Health Risk

FDA Release - March 22, 2011 - Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. (“Del Monte Fresh”) of Coral Gables, Florida is voluntarily recalling 4,992 cartons of cantaloupes, each containing 4 plastic mesh sleeves with 3 cantaloupes per sleeve, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella Panama. 

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm248103.htm

According to the CDC - As of March 22, 2011, 12 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Panama have been reported from Oregon (5 cases), Washington (4 cases), California (2 cases), and Maryland (1 case). R http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/panama0311/032211/map.html reported dates of illness onset range from February 5, 2011, to February 23, 2011.

Cantaloupes are harvested from the ground where they are subject to contamination, especially an issue in areas that do not follow GAPs with regard to natural fertilizers (aka manure) or where there is contaminated irrigation water.  Because the surface is difficult to clean, contamination may be left on the surface and then subsequently transferred to the edible part of the melon during slicing.

Pennsylvania Firm Recalls Lebanon Bologna Products Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_025_2011_Release/index.asp

CDC - As of March 22, 2011, 14 persons infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli serotype O157:H7 have been reported from Maryland (3 cases), New Jersey (2 cases), North Carolina (1 case), Ohio (2 cases) and Pennsylvania (6 cases). Reported dates of illness onset range from January 10, 2011 to February 15, 2011. Ill persons range in age from 1 to 70 years, with a median age of 13.5 years.

http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2011/O157_0311/index.html

The process for making Lebanon bologna requires a drop in pH followed by a low temperature cook (multiple hurdles – pH, temperature, and Aw).  The case count has been increased to 14, but interesting is the age rage – 1 to 70.  As might be expected, there is a much higher percentage of males – 79%.

Lakeside Foods Issues Recall of Nationwide Pickled Sliced Beets

FDA - March 21, 2011 - Lakeside Foods, Inc. of Manitowoc, Wisconsin is initiating a voluntary recall of 3000 cases of 105-ounce canned pickled sliced beets because some cans may have been under processed. While no illnesses have been reported, these cans have the potential to be contaminated with harmful organisms including Clostridium botulinum. Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing.

The product was distributed in the following states AL, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN and WI. The product was sold with the following labels: BOUNTIFUL HARVEST, CODE ELITE, COMSOURCE MEDAL, LAKESIDE, MONARCH, NUGGET BLACK, RESTAURANT PRIDE and SYSCO CLASSIC.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm248069.htm

There have been no reported illnesses.  According to the company report  the product may have been underprocessed – it did not receive a proper thermal process. Although called pickled, this is not an acidified product (pH<4.6), but is packed in a brine and must be processed under pressure.

 

 World Variety Produce, Inc. Recalls Serrano Peppers Because of Possible Health Risk

FDA - March 18, 2011 - WorldVariety Produce, Inc. of Los Angeles, CA is recalling Serrano Peppers, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  This recall extends only to Walmart stores in Wisconsin, Montana, Utah and Wyoming; in addition to Jewel-Osco stores in Illinois. The affected Serrano peppers were sold from bulk displays between the dates of March 1, 2011 through March 18, 2011.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm247761.htm

No illnesses reported.  This was discovered through USDA testing.  While one lot was recalled, makes you wonder about other lots from where the product was produced.

Recall, recalls, recalls

Over  the first two weeks of March, 2011, there were a number of recalls and one that wasn’t (see next-to-bottom).

Hazelnuts - Seven cases of E.coliO157:H7 in the upper midwest US related to In-shell hazelnuts.  More often, Salmonella is a concern in nuts, so this, while not totally unexpected, is unusual.

UPDATE March 10, 2011: Laboratory testing conducted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on in-shell hazelnuts recovered from a patient's home has identified E. coli O157:H7 matching patient isolates by DNA analysis. Please see the Minnesota Department of Health press release¹.

March 4, 2011 - DeFranco and Sons of Los Angeles, CA, is voluntarily recalling bulk and consumer-packaged in-shell, hazelnut and mixed nut products containing hazelnuts because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria (E. coli O157:H7). The recall was initiated after the nut products were linked to 7 illnesses in the states of MI, MN, and WI. To-date, no E. coli 0157:H7 has been detected in the nut products; however, we are notifying our valued consumers and customers out of an abundance of caution.

http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2011/hazelnuts0157/index.html

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm245902.htm

http://www.newberggraphic.com/news/2011/March/11/Local.News/george.packing.hazelnuts.suspected.in.e.coli.outbreak/news.aspx http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2011/03/oregon_hazelnuts_look_at_food.html

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches – Listeria monocytogenes – this is a case where LM was detected in a product where growth  of that organism is unlikely.

Mar 11, 2011 - Pierre Foods is voluntarily recalling one lot, 320 cases of Pierre^TM pb jamwich, crustless peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwiches, because they have 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.

The sandwiches were distributed to Giant-Carlisle stores in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

The PierreTM pb jamwich comes in a 12-count red carton and is sold in the freezer section of the grocery store. The product in question is stamped “Best if purchased by 03-11-2011” in the lower right hand corner. The UPC code is 7599921368.

This recall is being conducted out of an abundance of caution after Listeria monocytogenes was detected in one product sample. After discussions with the FDA, Pierre Foods elected to recall the product to ensure consumer safety. There have been no reported illnesses or consumer complaints.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm247000.htm

Bologna – staph toxin – product was not properly processed, so there was concern that Staph could grow and produce toxin

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2011 - Zweigle's Inc., a Rochester, N.Y., establishment, is recalling approximately 2,997 pounds of bologna products that may be contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_018_2011_Release/index.asp

Ground beef  - E.coli O157:H7

WASHINGTON, March 8, 2011 - Creekstone Farms Premium Beef, an Arkansas City, Kan., establishment, is recalling approximately 14,158 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.  Each case label bears the establishment number "EST. 27" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_017_2011_Release/index.asp

Lean Cuisine Meatballs – Meatballs have foreign material – discovered by company through receiving numerous consumer complaints.

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2011 -Nestle Prepared Foods Company, Gaffney, S.C., establishment, is recalling approximately 10,260 pounds of frozen spaghetti and meatball entrees that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products subject to recall include: [View Label]

• 9.5-oz. packages of “Lean Cuisine Simple Favorites, Spaghetti with Meatballs.”

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_021_2011_Release/index.asp

Skippy Peanut Butter  - Salmonella – potential, no illnesses

March 4, 2011 - Unilever United States, Inc. today announced a limited recall of Skippy® Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread and Skippy® Reduced Fat Super Chunk Peanut Butter Spread, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). No other Skippy® products are affected by this recall.

The product was distributed to retail outlets in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm245897.htm

Milk – Alkaline phosphatase is used as a marker to ensure that pasteurization was complete.

March 11, 2011 - Waco, Texas (March 11, 2011) – The Oak Farms Dairy plant in Waco is voluntarily recalling half gallon plastic bottles of whole chocolate milk, half pint paper cartons of whole chocolate milk, and half pint paper cartons of 1% chocolate milk due to the presence of Alkaline Phosphatase found in samples during routine testing. Oak Farms Dairy has received no reports of illnesses related to the affected product and is removing the product from the market out of an abundance of caution.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm246920.htm

Ga. Dept of Agriculture regrets ‘error' on Salmonella recall; McCormick does separate recall – This error did not get as much press as the initial recall notice.  Evidently, they reissued a recall from last year.  Georgia seems to have their issues.  However, McCormick did

http://www.ajc.com/business/ga-dept-of-agriculture-871124.html

Batter Mix However, McCormick did recall batter mix for allergens.
March 4, 2011 - McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC) has announced a voluntary recall of Golden Dipt® Tempura Seafood Batter Mix 8 OZ, with UPC Code 4123470132 and “BEST BY” date of OCT 08 12 H.  A very limited number of packages of Golden Dipt® Tempura Seafood Batter Mix with this date code contain an undeclared milk ingredient.  People who have an allergy to milk run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm245969.htm

Sick Food Workers a Concern

In a research article published in the February, 2011 edition of Journal of Food Protection, a survey was conducted among foodservice workers that found that about 12% said that they had come to work while sick, suffering from symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting.  This is alarming in that these people could have potentially spread disease to the people who consume the foods their establishments were serving.   Foodborne pathogens such as Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and Shigella are often spread by sick workers to the restaurant patrons through the food.

In July of 2009, a worker in Illinois continued to work at an Illinois fast food restaurant chain after she had been diagnosed with Hepatitis A.  In the week that she worked, she had potentially exposed up to 10,000 people to the virus.  Even though many of these patrons immediately went to get vaccinated when the news story was released, 20 patrons who had not became ill with that virus. 

Why do people still go to work while ill?  One issue is that many workers as well as their managers don’t fully understand the implications of foodborne illness, either on their patrons, or on the business where they work.  When an employee calls in sick and the restaurant is really busy, it is often the case that the employee is told to come to work anyway.

Another reason is that these are hard economic times and with so many people work paycheck to paycheck, it is financially difficult for those people to stay home from work.  They need the money so they come into work and try to hide the fact that they are ill.   I also think that many look at working while sick as a badge of courage.  They have this need to “tough it out”.  In reality, these folks may be doing far more harm than good.

It is important when someone has the symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, or jaundice that they stay away from the workplace, and if they have a sore throat and fever, they should be restricted from preparing and serving food.  Retail and foodservice establishments must make sure that employees know that when ill, they should not be working with food.  At the very least, they should contact their managers and inform them of their illnesses.

 It is important that managers include this as part of employee training, both when employees are new and then regularly after that as a reminder.   Managers should also be observant of their employees, looking out for any of these symptoms.  If illness is suspected, the employee should be sent home immediately.  After that, it is important to follow-up with the sick employee so that if it is indeed a foodborne pathogen, the manager will need to contact the local health department.

This recommendations are not just for the foodservice or retail food establishments, but also important for those who prepare food for their families, or those who work in childcare or elderly care facilities, and in food processing.  Children and elderly are especially susceptible to foodborne illness, so we need to take extra precautions when working with these groups.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/the-hot-button/restaurant-workers-often-handle-food-while-ill-study/article1913084/

Recall of Smoked Salmon due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination

According to an FDA press release, "St James Smokehouse Inc, is conducting a voluntary recall of Scotch Reserve Whiskey & Honey Smoked Scottish Salmon 4oz retails packs under Lot code:5797 & batch code: 4759 with UPC# 853729001151 due to potential contamination with Listeria Monocytogenes...... The 600lbs of product subject to recall were distributed and sold only in The Fresh Market stores located FL, NC, SC, TN, GA, VA,KY, AL, IN, IL, OH, LA, MD, AR, WI, MS, PA, MA, CT, NY.  "

The contamination was discovered through testing by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Listeria monocytogenes contamination has long been considered a potential risk in sliced smoked salmon.  

This product is imported from Scotland and is considered a premium product.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm242888.htm

Food Safety Interventions: Reducing Risk from Farm to Table

http://www.foodsafetymag-digital.com/foodsafetymag/20110203?folio=10#pg10

Food Safety Face-off in Men's Health

http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/food-safety/

Reportable Food Registry First Year Report

One of the major regulatory initiatives for preventing foodborne illness in the US is the Reportable Food Registry.  FDA regulated companies and regulatory officials are required to report food safety issues associated with food and feed.  For example, if  Company B receives a RTE ingredient from Company A, and this ingredient  has Listeria, Company B must report it.  This registry will certainly impact FDA’s ability to get involved in cases where there is probable contamination.
In this report, there were 2240 acceptable submissions. Of this number, 229 were primary reports and the rest were subsequent reports.    Of the 229, Salmonella and allergens accounted for the majority of cases. Import products accounted for 53 of the primary reports, and the report stated that additional emphasis will be placed in this area. One of the success stories was that this registry was responsible for the recall of HVP early last year when Salmonella was detected (There were no know illnesses.  )
The Reportable Food Registry was established by FDA and requires FDA regulated companies to report any “food/feed for which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, such article of food will cause serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals. All foods under FDA's jurisdiction, including animal feed/food (including pet food) may be reportable foods, except for dietary supplements and infant formula.”
The Reportable Food Registry is “an electronic portal by which reports about instances of reportable food must be submitted to FDA within 24 hours by responsible parties and may be submitted by public health officials. These reports may be primary, the initial submission about a reportable food, or subsequent, a report by either a supplier (upstream) or a recipient (downstream) of a food or food ingredient for which a primary report has been submitted.”


http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodSafetyPrograms/RFR/ucm200958.htm#pr

U.S. FDA to post environmental assessments of foodborne illness outbreaks

This is a great resource provided by FDA. From these investigations, we will be able to learn what led to the contamination.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodborneIllness/ucm235425.htm

In the first investigation posted, romaine lettuce contaminated with E. coli non-O157 STEC which led to 33 illnesses, investigators identified the irrigation water as the probably cause.

http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodborneIllness/ucm235477.htm

Outbreak of Salmonella Infection Related to Raw Spouts

According to CDC, there have been 30 outbreaks of salmonellosis related to raw sprouts in the last 15 years (http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/i4512i-/011411/index.html).  Most recently, an Illinois producer of alfalfa sprouts has been implicated for 125 illnesses.  This producerTiny Greens Organic Farm of Urbana, Illinois announced a recall on December 29, 2010 (http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm238188.htm).

Salmonella is a hazard associated with the raw beans.  During the sprouting process, the beans are watered in a warm environment for a number of days.  Unfortunately, these conditions also allow the Salmonella to multiply.   To control this hazard, bean sprouts are disinfected prior to beginning the sprouting process.  As history indicates however, there are still issues associated with sprouts.   Because of this, high risk populations including the elderly, the very young, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems should avoid consuming raw sprouts of any type.  Otherwise, sprouts should be cooked thoroughly.