Monday, October 29, 2018

Organic Chicken Products Recalled Due to Low Levels of Thallium

Suzanna’s Kitchen, Inc., a Peachtree Corners, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 15,363 pounds of grilled chicken products due to an unapproved substance -the product contains concentrations of thallium.   "The problem was discovered when the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services tested retail packages of Nature Raised Farms Organic Gluten Free Grilled Chicken Strips produced by Suzanna’s Kitchen, Inc. and found concentrations of thallium in the product. The concentration levels do not present an immediate health hazard; however, FSIS is recommending this Class II recall out of an abundance of caution because prolonged ingestion of contaminated product in sensitive populations could cause some health effects. FSIS is working with the involved parties to identify the source of the contamination and prevent any further product from going into commerce."

From Wikipdia, "Commercially, thallium is produced not from potassium ores, but as a byproduct from refining of heavy-metal sulfide ores.  Soluble thallium salts (many of which are nearly tasteless) are toxic, and they were historically used in rat poisons and insecticides. Use of these compounds has been restricted or banned in many countries, because of their nonselective toxicity. Thallium poisoning usually results in hair loss, although this characteristic symptom does not always surface. Because of its historic popularity as a murder weapon, thallium has gained notoriety as "the poisoner's poison" and "inheritance powder" (alongside arsenic)."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-105-2018-release
Suzanna’s Kitchen, Inc., Recalls Poultry Products due to an Unapproved Substance 
Class II Recall 
05-2018 
Health Risk: Low 
Oct 26, 2018 

This Week in Mislabeled Products - Week Ending October 27, 2018

No Allergens Listed on Label - Red Square Foods, Inc., a Somerset, N.J. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of various frozen meat and poultry ravioli and blintzes products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the products contain eggs, milk, and/or wheat, all known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered by FSIS inspectors during routine label verification activities.

Wrong Label - Shirley’s Cookie Company Inc. of Claysburg, PA, is recalling its 16 ounce packages of "Chocolate Whoopie Pie" because they may contain undeclared peanuts.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

Tamari Sauce Contains Soy - New Seasons Market is recalling 193 jars of New Seasons Market Hot & Sour Broth because it contains undeclared soy.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the broth containing soy was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of soy. The product contains Tamari sauce, which is made from soy beans.[Tamari sauce is similar to soy sauce, but contains little to no wheat, while soy sauce does have wheat]

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-106-2018-release
Red Square Foods, Inc., Recalls Frozen Not-Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens 
Class I Recall 
106-2018 
Health Risk: High 
Oct 27, 2018 

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Ongoing Outbreak of Salmonella Associated with Raw Chicken Products

CDC reported on an ongoing Salmonella outbreak associated with raw chicken products.  There have been 92 cases reported in 29 different states, but no single source has been identified.

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/infantis-10-18/index.html
Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Infections Linked to Raw Chicken Products
Posted October 17, 2018 at 12:00 PM ET

CDC Updates Case Counts of Salmonella Infections Associated with Raw Ground Beef From AZ Processor

CDC updated information on a Salmonella outbreak associated with ground meat produced by a Arizona processor, JBS Tolleson, Inc. The company had issued a recall earlier this month. There are now 120 reported cases of salmonellosis in 22 different states, primarily in the western part of the country. Thirty-three of those cases have resulted in hospitalizations.

Although this is a raw product, it shows the difficulty when a product like ground meat has a level of pathogens that increase the risk during handling or insufficient cooking (you know who you are non-thermometer users).  Manufacturers must do their part to provide sufficient reduction of pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli.

CDC Food Safety Alert
Posted October 23, 2018 at 3:00 PM ET
A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections linked to ground beef produced by JBS Tolleson, Inc.

At A Glance

  • Reported Cases: 120
  • States: 22
  • Hospitalizations: 33
  • Deaths: 0
  • Recall: Yes


Monday, October 22, 2018

Canada - Salmonella Outbreak Likely Associated with Cucumbers

In Canada, there have been around 45 cases of Salmonella infection, mostly in the western provinces, that are being linked to cucumbers.  There have also been six cases in Washington State.

Government of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2018/outbreak-salmonella-infections-under-investigation.html
Public Health Notice - Outbreak of Salmonella infections under investigation
October 19, 2018
Why you should take note

FDA Reminds Facilities to Renew Registration as Part of Biennial Renewal Requirement

FDA is reminding FDA-regulated companies of the need to renew their facility registrations. This renewal registration process occurs every two years. FDA has the Biennial Registration Renewal open from October 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FoodFacilityRegistration/ucm324780.htm
2018 Food Facility Biennial Registration Renewal
October 1, 2018 12:01AM through December 31, 2018 12:59PM

FDA Issues Warning Letter to NY Processor for Nastiness

The U.S. FDA issued a Warning letter to a NY firm that manufacturers Ready-to-Eat (RTE) single serve condiment manufacturing and has a warehouse facility.  Based on FDA’s findings during the inspection, the FDA determined that the food products were adulterated within the meaning of regulation in that they were prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have been contaminated with filth or rendered injurious to health.

The issues were too numerous to detail, so in summary:
  • Were packing product that had a pH above 4.6 without proper controls for this low acid product.
  • Lots of dead rodents and lots of rodent poop (REP -rodent excreta pellets)
  • Roaches
  • Unclean surfaces and equipment
  • Condensation issues
  • Improper processing and cleaning procedures
Elwood International has a website. From the website about the company:
30 years ago, Elwood began making dietetic portion controlled products exclusively for hospital service. Today, Elwood is a recognized leader in the dietetic food industry; with a complete line of Salad Dressings, Jellies and Condiments specifically formulated for diabetics and others who must follow modified and restricted diet meal plans.
Elwood manufactures a complete line of great tasting sucrose-free foods that diabetics can trust, such as:
Salad Dressings, Jellies, Sauces, Condiments and Pancake Syrup. Some of our exciting flavors are Russian, Oil & Vinegar, Thousand Island and Blue Cheese Salad Dressings, Cranberry, Tartar, Barbecue and Seafood Cocktail Sauces, Strawberry, Grape, Apricot, Raspberry and Apple Jelly, Pancake Syrup and Condiments like Mayonnaise and Mustard.  
So great, this product is going to people likely to be considered high risk.

FDA Warning Letter
https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm623049.htm
Elwood International, Inc. 9/27/18

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending October 20, 2018

Sulfites Detected by State - #1 Bronx, NY is recalling Fruits Du Sud Golden Seedless Raisins (Lot No. FDS T499/18) 30 lbs Box, because they contain undeclared SULFITES.  The recall was initiated after routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by the Department’s Food Laboratory Personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the product, which were not declared on the label.

Sulfites Detected by State - #2 New Nan Fong Hong Trading Inc. is recalling its 16 oz (454g) packages of Source Day Natural Treasures Dried Liquorice Slice because they contain undeclared sulfites. The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by the New York State Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfite allergens in packages of Source Day Natural Treasures Dried Liquorice Slice which did not declare sulfites as an ingredient on the label.

Residual Milk in Processing Lines - Saratoga Springs, NY - Stewart’s Shops Corp. is recalling units of Stewart’s Shops brand Cranberry Apple Refresher 16 fluid oz. because the product may contain undeclared milk. The recall was initiated after routine quality control testing discovered that a milk allergen was in the product.

Edamame is Soy - Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods, of Ward Hill, MA is voluntarily recalling Cedar’s Chickpea Salad 8 oz. because it may contain undeclared edamame (soy). Cedar’s initiated the recall when it was discovered that misprinted labels omitted the edamame ingredient and allergy statement.

Wrong Beans - Faribault Foods, Inc. of Faribault, MN is recalling its 15 ounce S&W White Beans because it contains undeclared sulfites.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered via consumer feedback that the contents in the can are garbanzo beans and were mislabeled as white beans. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s packaging processes.

Wrong Label Angel Food Caked Labeled as Cornbread - Clackamas Bakery has recalled Fred Meyer Bakery Angel Food Cake Bar (12 oz.) sold in its retail stores because the product may contain milk and soy not listed on the label. Clackamas Bakery initiated the recall when it was discovered that the Fred Meyer Bakery Angel Food Cake Bar label had been incorrectly applied to packages of cornbread.

Formula Changed Not Reflected on Label - Feel Good Foods Inc. of Brooklyn, NY is recalling six lots of “Vegetable Fried Rice” frozen meals, UPC 00899039002129 because they may contain undeclared egg.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that egg-containing product was distributed in packaging, which did not declare egg as an ingredient.  This problem was a result of the manufacturer failing to remove egg from the product formula as instructed. The manufacturer continued to include egg in the formula, while applying revised ingredient labels to packaging, which did NOT call out egg.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm623694.htm
P. East Trading Corp. Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites In Fruits Du Sud Golden Seedless Raisins
For Immediate Release
October 17, 2018

Frozen Vegetables from Canadian-based Frozen Food Company Responsible for Multiple Recalls in US

Numerous US companies have issued recalls after using frozen vegetables recalled by the supplier, McCain Foods, a Canadian based company at their California facility.  The products are being recalled for Listeria and Salmonella.    According to one news report, "As McCain Foods explained in a Friday e-mail to The Miami Herald, the company “recently identified a potential health risk related to its fire roasted, caramelized or sautéed frozen vegetable and fruit products produced at its Colton facility, California. As a result, we have made the decision to voluntarily recall all products produced at this facility."

Read more here: https://www.heraldsun.com/news/state/north-carolina/article220428265.html#storylink=cpy

  • Product recalled include both RTE products and products that have cooking instructions.
  • Recalled product includes various store brands produced by further processing companies including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Marketside.
  • The statement does not indicate how the potential contamination issue was there.  One would guess testing because the statement indicates, 'out of an abundance of caution.
  • Another indication the recall was found by testing is that it was for both Listeria and Salmonella...so this may indicate that a screening test was done
  • There have been no illnesses to date.

Recalls posted thus far:


https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/SafetyAlertsAdvisories/ucm623828.htm
FDA Alerts the Public Regarding Recalled Vegetable Products
October 19, 2018