Oysters linked to Canadian norovirus outbreak distributed in USA

Raw oysters from British Columbia linked to an outbreak of Norovirus in Canada were also distributed in the USA, according to information just released by the FDA.

Since mid-March, the Public Health Agency of Canada has been investigating reports of an outbreak of gastrointestinal illnesses in three provinces: British Columbia (132 cases), Alberta (15 cases), and Ontario (25 cases).

Most of the outbreak victims reported eating raw oysters from the south and central parts of Baynes Sound, British Columbia. Several of the illnesses have been confirmed to be due to Norovirus.

Four shellfish farms in British Columbia linked to the outbreak have been closed.

Typically, people infected with Norovirus develop diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Diarrhea tends to be watery and non-bloody. Diarrhea is more common in adults and vomiting is more common in children. Symptoms usually develop within 24-48 hours of consuming the contaminated food.

FDA has confirmed that potentially contaminated raw oysters harvested in the south and central parts of Baynes Sound, British Columbia, Canada, were distributed in California, Illinois, Massachusetts and Washington. The oysters may also have entered other states, either directly from Canada or through further distribution within the US.

Retailers in the US are being advised to avoid serving raw oysters harvested from the following harvest locations within Baynes Sound: #1402060, #1411206, #1400483, and #278757.

What consumers should know
People who think they might have become ill from eating possibly contaminated oysters should talk to their health care providers. Contact your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days, or is accompanied by high fever, blood in the stool, or so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down and you pass very little urine.

Year-long investigation of euthanasia drug in pet food over

Reinspection of Evanger’s-Nutripack production plant shows no ‘imminent public health’ concerns

by Phyllis Entis

On Feb. 16 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a close out letter, officially putting an end to its investigation of a manufacturing plant operated by Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Co. Inc.

The FDA action followed the transfer of all manufacturing operations from the troubled pet food production operation in Markham, IL, to a plant operated by Nutripack LLC in June 2017. The FDA’s investigation began after a consumer complained that the company’s canned dog food had made her dogs severely ill, killing one of them.

Photo illustration

Lab samples taken during an autopsy of the dog and from the can of food it had eaten showed the presence of a significant quantity of pentobarbital, a barbiturate used to euthanize animals. Animal food is considered to be adulterated under federal law if it contains even a trace amount of pentobarbital, according to FDA.

Subsequent tests carried out by FDA confirmed the presence of pentobarbital at varying concentrations in 13 out of 14 Evanger’s dog food samples tested. The barbiturate was present at levels as high as 81 parts per million.

In 1998 and 2000, FDA conducted a pair of surveys to determine whether and to what extent dry dog food contained pentobarbital. The highest concentration they found in any sample was 32 parts per billion.

The amount found in the most heavily contaminated Evanger sample was more than 2,500 times the highest level found in dry dog food during a 2000 FDA survey.

The lethal oral dose of pentobarbital for a dog is about 85 milligrams of the drug per kilogram (2.2 lbs) of body weight. A healthy 10-pound dog would need to consume approximately its own body weight in food in order to receive a lethal dose of pentobarbital, if the food was contaminated at a level of 81 parts per million.

The pentobarbital finding triggered an FDA inspection both of the Evanger and of the Nutripack manufacturing facilities in January-February 2017. As reported in February 2017 by Food Safety News, inspectors documented several violations at both locations.

Both Evanger’s and Nutripack are owned and operated by members of the Sher family.

Joel Sher, vice president and co-owner of Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Co. Inc., describes the company’s products during a trade show.

In October 2017, FDA carried out a “comprehensive, compliance follow-up inspection” at Nutripack, according to information contained in an Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) obtained by Food Safety News under the Freedom of Information Act.

Inspectors found several objectionable conditions, which they discussed with the company’s management at the end of the multi-day investigation. These included:

No evidence of any heat or temperature distribution studies on any of the retorts used to process the company’s low-acid canned pet food product, and no data to support that the venting schedule used by the company was sufficient to ensure that all air is removed from the retorts prior to processing.
No accuracy tests performed on the retort temperature-indicating devices. These devices are required to be tested for accuracy at least once a year.
The plant was not maintained in good repair to prevent the animal food from becoming adulterated. Water was observed to be dripping directly from the ceiling onto various packaged and palletized finished products, on raw ingredients stored in a plastic drum and on empty cans stacked on top of pallets in the warehouse.
Measures to exclude pests from the plant were ineffective. A live mouse was observed running through the production area while it was in operation and there were “too numerous to count” rodent-like pellets along one wall behind the retorts.
The grounds around the building were not maintained in a condition that would protect against pests that might penetrate into the facility.

Management made the following corrections during the course of the inspection, and promised to respond to all of the observations in writing within 15 business days:

Dual check valves were installed on a hand washing sink next to a hand pack line after FDA inspectors noted the lack of proper back-flow prevention devices
In-process products were labeled during production to monitor traceability
Documentation was provided regarding planned installation of insulating material above the production area to prevent condensate.

According to the October 2017 EIR, the issues cited by FDA investigators during the two Nutripack inspections “…were observed to be corrected by the firm or [were considered] to pose no imminent public health concerns.”

On the company’s website, the Sher family highlights its efforts to “create an exceptional level of quality control system and production in a new state of the art manufacturing facility in Markham, IL,” and pledges to “work closely and in full cooperation with the FDA.”

Nevertheless, upon the arrival of the FDA investigators at Nutripack on Oct. 11, 2017, Joel Sher, identified as manager/president in the FDA report, shut down production on the “Hand Pack” pet food line. When one of the investigators asked for a reason, Sher replied that he “did not want a write up.”

During the October 2017 inspection, FDA investigators were refused permission to document their observations by photography. Sher permitted investigators to photograph only certain company-provided documents that were not able to be copied using the firm’s printer.

Sher also refused to read, to have read to him, or to sign, a one-page affidavit. The unsigned affidavit was appended to the EIR as an exhibit, but the contents of the document were not revealed in FDA’s response to the Freedom of Information Act request.

The FDA encourages consumers to report complaints about pet food products electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling their state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.

This story first appeared in Food Safety News and is reposted here with permission.

Recalls and Alerts: April 26 – 29, 2018

Here is today’s list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

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United States

Allergy Alert: Van’s Foods recalls Van’s Gluten Free Original (BEST BY AUG 22 2018; Lot #A640234710-WL2 (WL1 not affected by recall)) and Van’s Belgian HS WF 12/8 (BEST BY AUG 22 2018; Lot #A640234710-WL2) due to undeclared gluten and milk). The products were distributed solely to food retailers in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

Allergy Alert: Ethnic Foods Inc. recalls Bhavnagri Mix snack mix (19 oz; Lot # 28517, 31917, 33817, 35317, 01118, 02318, 02918, 05118, 07318) due to undeclared peanut.

Food Safety Recall: Pinnacle Foods Inc. recalls approximately 32,479 pounds of heat-treated, shelf stable beef products due to a possible processing deviation that may have led to staphylococcal enterotoxin and clostridial toxin contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

Food Safety Recall: Greenbelt Greenhouse Ltd. (British Columbia, Canada) recalls all Greenbelt Microgreen products (All best before dates from 4/24/18 and 4/30/18) due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The affected Greenbelt Microgreens brand microgreens were distributed to Whole Foods stores in Washington between 04/11/18 and 04/24/2018.

Canada

Allergy Alert: Legend Q Trading Inc. recalls Golden Ocean Inc. brand and Liao Bu De brand fish products due to undeclared egg. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert: Pan Asia Food Co. Ltd. recalls Wang Korea brand Seafood Dumpling (Gyoza) (680g; Product code JUL.05 2018, SEP.16 2018, SEP.15 2019; UPC 087703022843) and Wang Korea brand Vegetable Dumpling (Pimiento) (680g; Product code APR.08 2019; UPC 087703023352) due to undeclared egg.

Food Safety Recall: Industry recalls certain Rimbey Foods Ltd. brand and Fuge Fine Meat brand pork products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Update): The Meat Shop at Pine Haven recalls certain pork products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Real Deal Meats Ltd. recalls Real Deal Meats pork products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

Food Safety Recall: K&K Foodliner recalls K&K Foodliner brand pork products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Irvings Farm Fresh Ltd. recalls certain Irvings Farm Fresh brand pork products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): La société Purasana NV recalls Chlorella Bio (200g; OCH-DF-160330/10; Best by 30/10/19) due to undeclared sulfite.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): MARMA SPRL recalls Marma chlorella poudre bio (200g; LOT 6286 THT 30/05/18) and Marma spiruline poudre bio (200g; LOT 7254 THT 30/04/19) due to undeclared sulfite.

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Lidl Danmark recalls Bifteki and Mini Bifteki (750g) due to undeclared milk, eggs, wheat flour and mustard.

Allergy Alert (France): Monoprix recalls Le Wrap Poulet Basilic (Best before 29/04/2018) due to undeclared fish and mustard.

Allergy Alert (Germany): Heidemark GmbH Ahlhorn recalls K-Purland Lets BBQ Turkey Minced Steaks (Lot #9111002; Best by 04.05.2018) due to undeclared milk, lactose, celery and gluten.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Tesco recalls Hearty Food Company Cottage Pie (400g; Best by 24 April 2018, 27 April 2018, 28 April 2018, 30 April 2018, 01 May 2018, 02 May 2018, 03 May 2018, 04 May 2018, 05 May 2018) and Hearty Food Company Sausage and Mash (400g; Best by 25 April 2018, 26 April 2018, 29 April 2018, 01 May 2018, 02 May 2018) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Sweden): ICA recalls ICA punch roll, chocolate ball and arrax ball due to undeclared egg. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of recalled products.

Allergy Alert (UK): Runwick Roastery Ltd recalls Cupsmith Truly Magnificent White Hot Chocolate (240g; Best before 31 December 2018 & 31 March 2019) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (UK): Tesco recalls Hearty Food Company Cottage Pie (400g; Best by 24 April 2018, 27 April 2018, 28 April 2018, 30 April 2018, 01 May 2018, 02 May 2018, 03 May 2018, 04 May 2018, 05 May 2018) and Hearty Food Company Sausage and Mash (400g; Best by 25 April 2018, 26 April 2018, 29 April 2018, 01 May 2018, 02 May 2018) due to undeclared milk.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): La ferme de la Bourgade recalls Raw Milk Farm Butter (Lot #08/05/2018; Best by 08/05/2018) due to Listeria contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Fromagerie du Plessis recalls La Petite Normande brand Camembert petite normande AOP (250g; Lot #260218DS0; Best before 08/05/2018) due to E. coli O26:H11 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Hygiena S.A. recalls Prémibio brand PREMIBIO Prémilait 1er age 900g (0-6 mois) BIO à base de lait de vache (Lot #257; Best before 14/09/2020) due to Cronobacter sakazakii contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Les Artisans du bio recalls Fromage brebis affinée au lait cru bio (150g; Lot #182058; Best before 14,15,16,21 and 22/05/2018) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Fromagerie du Plessis recalls Fromagerie du Plessis brand Camembert de Normandie AOP (Lot #260218DS0; Best before 11 mai 2018) due to E. coli O26:H11 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Fleischwarenfabrik Vertriebs GmbH & Co. KG recalls Marten Poultry Salami Sticks (Best before 14.06.2018) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Kräutergarten Pommerland recalls Elfentraum (50g; Batch 10042019; Best before 10.04.2019) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Société fromagère de la Brie recalls Le Coulommiers 45% mg French Soft Cheese (500g; Batch #77432-5B057; Best before 05.05.2018) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Inter Ovo recalls Gutsglück Free-range Eggs (Best before 29.04.2018) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Döllinghareico GmbH & Co. KG recalls Hareico Bratwurst trad (500g; Best before 21.08.2018) due to foreign matter (6mm-large, red plastic foreign body) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Avoca Stores recalls Camembert de Normandie Cheese made from raw milk (250g; Batch #260218DS0; Use by 02.05.18) due to E. coli O26 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Fromagerie du Plessis recalls Fromagerie du Plessis brand Camembert de Normandie AOP (Lot #260218DS0; Best before 11 mai 2018) due to E. coli O26:H11 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): EMTÉ recalls various ground beef products due to potential contamination with Shiga-toxin producing E. coli.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Coop Supermarkten recalls Coop lean minced beef due to potential contamination with Shiga-toxin producing E. coli.

Food Safety Recall (UK): GB Poultry Ltd recalls Breaded Chicken Escalops with Sweet Chilli Mayo (850g; Lot code MFWH15IE; Use by 26 April 2018 and 27 April 2018) due to foreign matter (plastic pieces) contamination.

Pet Food Safety Recall (UK): Sainsbury’s recalls a range of pet food pouch selections due to high levels of Vitamin D. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.