CA Company Recalls Muffin Mix After Copacker Formulation Error Leads to Undeclared Milk

ONO LLC of San Diego, CA, issuing a voluntary recall of its 2.75 ounce packages of ONO Vegan Blueberry Muffin Protein Overnight Oats, with lot number 11923, because it may contain undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated immediately 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 an accidental ingredient mix up by the copacking facility.

Note that milk is included in the "Produced in a facility that uses peanuts, wheat, and milk products", but that does not comply with allergen labeling regulations.

From brand owners perspective, ensuring the co-packer facility has well developed and implemented Allergen Preventive Controls is critical.  In this case, control at the point of formulation / ingredient addition is needed.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ono-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-vegan-blueberry-muffin-lot-number-11923
ONO LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Vegan Blueberry Muffin with Lot Number 11923
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 18, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  July 19, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk allergen
Company Name:  ONO LLC
Brand Name:  ONO
Product Description:  Vegan Blueberry Muffin Protein Overnight Oats

CDC MMWR - 2022 E.coli (STEC) Outbreak Among Farm Camp Participants at Goat Farm

In CDC MMWR, a report on a 2022 E.coli (STEC) outbreak linked to a farming camp in Tennessee where children got to interact with baby goats.  There were 12 ill camp attendees.  "TDH concluded that this outbreak was associated with STEC O157:H7-infected kids and involved secondary transmission. Hand-to-mouth contact has been observed to occur almost three times per hour among children aged 6–10 years,** supporting the potential for STEC ingestion from contaminated environmental surfaces."

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7229a6.htm
Notes from the Field: An Outbreak of Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 Associated with a Farming Camp — Tennessee, 2022
Weekly / July 21, 2023 / 72(29);805–806
Lindsey Ferraro, MPH1; D. J. Irving, MPH1; Jack Marr, MPH1; Kelly Orejuela, MPH1; Erin Murray1; Mugdha Golwalkar, MPH1; Lisa M. Durso, PhD2; Julie Viruez, MLS3; Robin Rasnic, MT3; Katie Garman, MPH1; John Dunn, DVM, PhD1 (VIEW AUTHOR AFFILIATIONS)

FDA Updates Ongoing Investigation into Hepatitis A Associated with Frozen Strawberries

FDA provided an update of the Hepatitis A outbreak that was linked to frozen strawberries. As of July 18, 2023, there are now ten cases of Hepatitis A linked to frozen strawberries with 4 of those hospitalized. All cases are on the West Coast of the US. The last reported case was on June 4, 2023.

FDA last reported on this outbreak in mid-June. At the time, there was one less case than was reported now.  The problem is of course, with frozen product, people may still have these frozen strawberries in their freezer.


https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-virus-infections-frozen-strawberries-february-2023
Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Virus Infections: Frozen Strawberries (February 2023)
Do not eat recalled Frozen Strawberries. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

Current Update
July 20, 2023

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 10
Hospitalizations: 4
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: June 4, 2023
States with Cases: CA (2), HI (1), OR (1), WA (6)

Product Distribution: Nationwide

As of July 18, 2023, a total of 10 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported from four states. Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 10/10 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries.

FDA Completes Investigation into Illness Outbreak Related to Mushrooms in MT (May 2023)

FDA announced that the investigation of illness related to mushrooms sold by MT restaurant.

"Morel mushrooms are a type of edible mushroom that are commonly foraged from the wild and are sometimes cultivated for commercial sale. Morel mushrooms are generally considered safe to eat, but they may contain some toxins that can cause health problems. The toxins in morel mushrooms that may cause illness are not fully understood; however, using proper preparation procedures, such as cooking can help to reduce toxin levels."

"Although the mushrooms sampled from the restaurant were found to be true morels, there are varieties of “false morels” that may be mistaken for a true morel due to a similar appearance. “False morels” are toxic and should not be consumed, cooked or uncooked. Gyromitrin is a toxin found in some varieties of false morel mushrooms and it has been linked to several cases of mushroom poisoning and can be fatal even in relatively small amounts. Gyromitrin poisoning can cause symptoms such as headache, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of coordination, and in severe cases, seizure, heart failure, liver and kidney damage and death. Gyromitrin toxin can be partially broken down by high temperature; however, even with cooking, toxins may remain and can lead to illness or toxicity."

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 51
Hospitalizations: 3
Deaths: 2
Last Illness Onset: April 21, 2023
States with Cases: MT

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-illnesses-morel-mushrooms-may-2023
Investigation of Illnesses: Morel Mushrooms (May 2023)

FDA assisted Montana state partners with an investigation of multiple illnesses at a single restaurant. FDA’s investigation is complete.

Recall of Beef Jerky Product Sold Online By Non-inspected TN Firm

 Suya Slice, LLC, a Memphis, Tenn. establishment, is recalling approximately 445 pounds of ready-to-eat beef products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection.  Products were sold online as well as at retail.  The problem was discovered when FSIS followed up on a referral from the Illinois Department of Agriculture and observed beef products that did not have the USDA mark of inspection at a retail location. Upon further investigation, FSIS determined that the products were not produced in an FSIS-inspected establishment.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/suya-slice-llc-recalls-ready-eat-beef-products-produced-without-benefit-inspection
Suya Slice LLC, Recalls Ready-to-Eat Beef Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2023 – Suya Slice, LLC, a Memphis, Tenn. establishment, is recalling approximately 445 pounds of ready-to-eat beef products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

MD Facility Recalls Pork Dumplings Not Produced Under USDA Inspection

Mulan Dumpling, LLC, a Hyattsville, Md. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,560 pounds of frozen meat and poultry dumpling products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection
Although the products subject to recall bear the USDA mark of inspection, they were produced in an establishment without a federal grant of inspection. These items were shipped to retail grocery store locations in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.  The problem was discovered when FSIS received a referral from the Maryland Department of Health and observed that the meat and poultry dumpling products were produced and sold by an establishment that was not inspected by FSIS.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/mulan-dumpling-llc-recalls-frozen-meat-and-poultry-dumpling-products-produced
Mulan Dumpling, LLC, Recalls Frozen Meat and Poultry Dumpling Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2023 – Mulan Dumpling, LLC, a Hyattsville, Md. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,560 pounds of frozen meat and poultry dumpling products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Lunch Kits Recalled After Supplied Ingredient Was Subject to Cross Contact with Allergen

"The USDA FSIS is issuing a public health alert for Never Any! brand ready-to-eat (RTE) ham and cheese lunch kits containing chocolate chip cookies that may contain peanut, a known allergen, which is not declared on the finished product label. A recall was not requested because the products are believed to no longer be available for purchase.  The problem was discovered when the producing establishment was notified by their chocolate chip cookie supplier that the chocolate chip cookies may contain peanut residue, a known allergen, which is not declared on the label. "  The product was made in Canada by Maple Leaf Foods and was distributed by Aldi retail chain. 

This is an issue which is getting more attention - an ingredient supplier's allergen control program. In this case, the supplier of the chocolate chip cookie item allowed allergen cross contact with peanuts. While this is a USDA product, the FDA covers this as part of the Preventive Control regulation under Supply Chain Preventive Control.  In the upcoming update to the FSPCA training curriculum that covers this regulation, there will be added attention to this issue.

 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-never-any-brand-ready-eat-ham-and-cheese-lunch-kits
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Never Any! Brand Ready-To-Eat Ham and Cheese Lunch Kits Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for Never Any! brand ready-to-eat (RTE) ham and cheese lunch kits containing chocolate chip cookies that may contain peanut, a known allergen, which is not declared on the finished product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with an allergy to peanut are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the products are believed to no longer be available for purchase.

March '23 Explosion at PA Chocolate Plant Result of Discontinued, But Leaking Gas Line

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has found evidence of two natural gas leaks that may have caused the March 24, 2023, explosion and fire at the R.M. Palmer Co. chocolate plant in West Reading, Pa., that killed seven people, injured 11 and destroyed Building 2 of the facility.  The NTSB investigation indicates that natural gas was leaking from a DuPont Aldyl A service tee that was installed by the natural gas service provider in 1982 and later determined to be susceptible to performance failures by pipeline industry guidance.  They replaced this service tee in 2021 with a new service line, however, the old 1982 tee remained connected to the natural gas supply.

Food Processing
https://www.foodprocessing.com/workforce/worker-safety/news/33008440/ntsb-crack-in-retired-gas-service-tee-may-have-led-to-rm-palmer-chocolate-plant-explosion
NTSB: Crack in Retired Gas Service Tee May Have Led to R.M. Palmer Chocolate Plant Explosion
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation reveals crack in service tee retired from service in 2021, but not disconnected from the natural gas supply.
Andy Hanacek
July 19, 2023

PA Ag Issues Warning for Raw Goat Milk After Campylobacter Detected

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture warns that consumers should immediately discard raw goat milk sold from Dove Song Dairy doe to possible contamination with Campylobacter. Three people who consumed this product and became ill with campylobacteriosis were reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Raw milk samples tested by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture are presumptively positive for Campylobacter.

People with Campylobacter infection usually have diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. Nausea and vomiting may accompany the diarrhea. Symptoms usually begin two to five days after infection and last about one week

Daily Review
https://www.thedailyreview.com/news/consumers-should-discard-dove-song-dairy-brand-raw-goat-milk-due-to-possible-contamination-pa/article_fb94a95c-dc8b-5de3-8449-ad2ac629785d.html
Consumers should discard Dove Song Dairy brand raw goat milk due to possible contamination: Pa. Ag. Dept.

For The Review Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Jul 19, 2023