BREAKING NEWS – FDA Identifies Probable Source of Salmonella-contaminated Red Onions

FDA traceback investigations have identified Thomson International, Inc. of Bakersfield, CA as a likely source of potentially contaminated red onions believed to be the source of a fulminating outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections in the United States and Canada.

The outbreak which began in mid-June in both countries, has infected 114 individuals in 5 Canadian provinces and 396 people across 34 US states.

Fifty-nine people have been hospitalized in the USA and 16 in Canada.

Thomson International has advised FDA that the company will be recalling all varieties of onions that could have come in contact with potentially contaminated red onions, including red, white, yellow, and sweet onions.

The contaminated onions were distributed in Canada by Sysco, which has already issued a recall for its IMPERIAL FRESH – Jumbo red onions.

Consumers, retailers and food service establishments should avoid eating, selling or serving red, white, yellow or sweet onions from Thomson International.

BREAKING NEWS – Red Onions from USA Blamed for Cross-border Salmonella Outbreak

Red onions grown in the United States and imported into Canada are the source of an outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections which has sickened 114 people in five Canadian provinces and more than 200 people in the United States.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the following provinces have reported illnesses associated with this outbreak: “British Columbia (43), Alberta (55), Manitoba (13), Ontario (2), and Prince Edward Island (1). The individual from Prince Edward Island reported travelling to Alberta before becoming ill. Saskatchewan has not reported any confirmed illnesses related to this outbreak, but provincial public health authorities are investigating some Salmonella Newport illnesses in the province.”

Sysco has recalled all IMPERIAL FRESH brand Red Onions – Jumbo (10-lb and 25-lb bags) imported into Canada from the United States since May 24th. The recalled onions were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan.

The Public Health Agency of Canada advises individuals in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario to not eat any red onions imported to Canada from the U.S., including any food products that contain raw red onions imported from U.S.. Retailers and restaurants in these locations are also advised not to use, sell or serve red onions imported from the U.S.. Red onions grown in Canada are not affected by this advice.

Although PHAC states that it has been exchanging information with the US, there has been no word yet today from CDC or FDA on these developments.

PHAC has offered the following guidance to consumers, retailers and the food service industry:

Individuals in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario are advised to not eat any red onions imported to Canada from the U.S., including any food products that contain raw red onions imported from U.S..

Retailers and restaurants in these locations are also advised not to use, sell or serve red onions imported from the U.S.. Red onions harvested in Canada are not affected by this advice.

Individuals are asked to check their homes for red onions, including whole, sliced, or chopped, as well as prepared foods that contain red onions as an ingredient, such as premade salads, sandwiches, wraps, or dips.

If you have red onions at home:
- Look for a label showing where the red onion was grown. It may be printed on the package or on a sticker.
- If the packaging or sticker shows that it is from the U.S., don’t eat it. Throw it away and wash your hands.
- If it isn’t labeled, don’t eat it. Throw it away and wash your hands.
- If you don’t know whether the red onion found in a premade salad, sandwich, wrap or dip contains red onion from the U.S., don’t eat it. Throw it away and wash your hands.
- Wash and sanitize drawers or shelves in areas (such as fridges and cupboards) where red onions were stored.
If you buy red onions at a store:
- Look for a label showing where the red onion was grown. It may be printed on the package or on a sticker.
- If the packaging shows that it is from the U.S., don’t buy it.
- If it is an unpackaged product, or is not labelled, ask the retailer whether the red onion comes from the U.S.
- If you can’t confirm that the red onion in stores is not from the U.S., don’t buy it.
If you order salad or any other food item containing red onions at a restaurant or food establishment, ask the staff whether the red onions come from the U.S. If they did, or they don’t know, don’t eat it.
Restaurants and retailers should check the label on bags or boxes of red onions, or ask their suppliers about the source of their red onions.
Suppliers, distributors and others in the supply chain should not ship or sell red onions imported from the U.S.
If you have been diagnosed with a Salmonella infection or any other gastrointestinal illness, do not cook food for other people.
Contact your local public health authority to report any food safety concerns at restaurants or grocery stores, or if you suspect food poisoning from a restaurant or other food establishments.

Recalls and Alerts: July 26-29, 2020

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

Food Safety Recall: Jamaican Tastee Patties, LLC recalls approximately 60,457 pounds of meat and poultry patty products that were repackaged, relabeled and redistributed without the benefit of federal inspection. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Canada

Food Safety Recall: Boulangerie & Pâtisserie Vova recalls ADAR brand Maquereau Fumé au Froid Cocher / cold-smoked mackerel (variable weights; Sold up to 29 July 2020) due to packaging that may not ensure product safety.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Italy): Lidl Italia s.r.l. a socio unico recalls Strada del gusto brand Pizzelle al gusto granchio / crab-flavored pizzelle (180g; Lots 00609 & 00610; Best before 31/12/2021) due to undeclared mustard.

Allergy Alert (Italy): COOP Italia S.C. recalls VICENZI SPA brand FROLLE RIPIENE CON CREMA DI CACAO / pastry filled with cocoa cream (200g; Lots 1070, 1500, 1690; Best before 16/10/20, 29/11/20, 17/12/20) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Italy): Vicenzi SPA recalls VICENZI SPA brand FROLLE RIPIENE CON CREMA DI CACAO / pastry filled with cocoa cream (200g; Lots 0690, 0770, 0910; Best before 09/09/20, 17/09/20, 30/09/20) due to undeclared milk.

Food Safety Recall (Austria): REWE International AG recalls Produkte clever Pizza-Kombi Pizzateig & Tomatensauce / Clever Pizza combi pizza dough and tomato sauce (600g; various Best before dates) and Penny Ready backfertiger Pizzateig mit fruchtiger Tomatensauce im Glas / Penny Ready-to-bake pizza dough with fruity tomato sauce in a glass (600g; various Best before dates) due to foreign matter (metal) in the tomato sauce. Please refer to the recall notice for additional information.

Food Safety Recall (Austria): Wewalka GmbH Nfg. KG and HOFER KG recall Cucina Nobile Pizza Dough and Cucina Nobile Rustic Pizza Dough with Tomato Sauce (600g; various Best before dates) due to foreign matter (metal) in the tomato sauce. Please refer to the recall notice for additional information.

Food Safety Recall (Austria): Spar recalls SPAR Backfertiger Pizzateig mit Tomatensauce / SPAR baker pizza dough with tomato sauce (600g; Best before from 22.07.2020 to 19.08.2020) due to foreign matter (metal) in the tomato sauce.

Food Safety Recall (Austria): Lidl Österreich recalls chef select & you Pizza Kombi (600g; Expiry 17.08.2020; various batch numbers) due to foreign matter (metal) in the tomato sauce. Please refer to the recall notice for additional information.

Food Safety Recall (Austria): Tante Fanny Frischteig GmbH recalls BACKINI Pizza-Kombi Pizzateig & fruchtige Tomatensauce / BACKINI pizza combination pizza dough & fruity tomato sauce (600g; Expiry date 21.08.2020; various batch numbers) due to foreign matter (metal) in the tomato sauce. Please refer to the recall notice for additional information.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Jumbo recalls Jumbo Pizzakit (600g; Lot #028171; Best before 06/08/2020) due to foreign matter (small metal fragments) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): POLAK recalls Bonduelle brand Fasolka po Bretońsku – fèves au lard / baked beans (425g; Lot RHG042510.14.L 07/05/2020 019; Best before 31/03/2024) due to defective can seams.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Naturenvie recalls Jardin Bio brand Ravioli au bœuf / beef ravioli (700g; Lot #E049; Expiry date 18/02/2023) due to foreign matter (pieces of glass) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Lidl Danmark K/S recalls Pizzadej med tomatsauce / Pizza dough with tomato sauce (600g; Best before dates from 25.07.20 to 24.08.20) due to foreign matter (small metal fragments) in the tomato sauce.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Coop Danmark recalls Wewalka Pizza Kit Classic + Tomato Sauce (600g; Best before 25.07.20, 01.08.20, 08.08.20, 11.08.20, 15.08.20) due to foreign matter (small metal fragments) in the tomato sauce.

Food Safety Recall (Finland): Gold & Green Foods Oy recalls Nyhtökaura® burger steaks (Best before 7.2020, 1.8.2020, 2.8.2020, 8.8.2020 and 9.8.2020) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Tante Fanny Frischteig GmbH recalls GUT&GÜNSTIG Pizza Box (600g; Best before 23.08.2020) due to foreign matter (small metal fragments) in the tomato sauce.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): I. Schroeder KG. (GmbH & Co) recalls Klostergarten brand Gurkenfässchen / Cucumber barrel pickles (720 ml; Lot #14607640819; Best before 31.12.2022) due to foreign matter (glass fragments) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Die Rostocker Wurst- & Schinkenspezialiäten GmbH recalls Streichmettwurst fein sausage and Teewurst sausage (125g; Best before 03.08.2020 to 11.08.2020) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Wewalka GmbH NFG. KG recalls Cucina Pizzateig mit Tomatensauce / pizza dough with tomato sauce (Best before 17.07.2020 – 16.08.2020) due to foreign matter (small metal fragments) in the tomato sauce.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Mars Food recalls Uncle Ben’s® Express Natur-Reis Basmati (220g; various Best before dates) due to foreign matter (glass) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected “Best before” date codes.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Wewalka GmbH Nfg. KG recalls chef select & you Pizza Kombi (600g; from 22.07.2020 up to and including 22.08.2020) due to foreign matter (small metal fragments) in the tomato sauce.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Tante Fanny Frischteig GmbH recalls various brands of Backfertiger Pizzateig mit Tomatensauce / ready-to-bake pizza dough with tomato sauce (600g) due to foreign matter (small metal fragments) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Uncle Ben’s recalls Uncle Ben’s Brown Basmati Rice (250g; Multiple Best before dates; Product of UK) due to foreign matter (glass) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected date codes.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): ABP Nenagh recalls Platinum Pride brand TOMAHAWAK di bovino adulto (0.9-1.1 kg; Lot NE20275998A; Best before 02-08-2020) due to shigatoxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Industry recalls Jardin Bio brand Ravioli au bœuf / beef ravioli (700g; Lot #E049; Expiry date 18/02/2023) due to foreign matter (pieces of glass) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Jumbo recalls Jumbo Pizzakit (600g; Best before dates from 06-08-2020) due to foreign matter (small metal fragments) contamination in the tomato sauce.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Tante Fanny recalls various brands of fresh pizza dough with tomato sauce (600g) due to foreign matter (small metal fragments) contamination in the tomato sauce. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Sweden): Bergendahls Food recalls FAVORIT PIZZAKIT WITH TOMATO SAUCE (600g; Best before 23.07.2020, 26.07.2020, 06.08.2020, 09.08.2020, 16.08.2020) due to foreign matter (small metal fragments) in the tomato sauce.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Mars Food UK recalls Uncle Ben’s Brown Basmati ready to heat rice pouches (250g; various Best before dates) due to foreign matter (glass) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected “Best before” date codes.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Allergy Alert (Israel): Osem- Nestlé Co. alerts the public that Smoky-flavored “Akh Shel Bisli” (70g; Batch codes 01552828L4, 01552828M4, 01552828N4, 01552828Y4; Best before 31.10.2020) may contain undeclared gluten.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (New Zealand): Leanne’s Kitchen Ltd recalls Leanne’s Kitchen brand Seafood and Veges Dumplings (250g; Best before 12/01/21) due to undeclared egg.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Pak’n Save Sylvia Park recalls specific batches of NZ Beef Premium Mince, NZ Beef Prime Mince, NZ Beef Mince, NZ Pork Mince and NZ Lamb Mince due to foreign matter (very fine metal pieces) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Mars New Zealand Ltd recalls Uncle Ben’s brand Brown Basmati ready-to-heat rice pouches (250g; Best before dates between and including 160221 and 011021; Product of UK) due to foreign matter (glass) contamination.