Month: June 2023

Recalls and Alerts: June 24–26, 2023

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.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the sidebar link.

TOXIC

From Factory to Food Bowl,
PET FOOD IS A RISKY BUSINESS

“A complete and compelling account of the hidden and not-so-hidden ways the food we give our beloved pets can be contaminated.” – JoNel Aleccia, Health Reporter, Food & Nutrition, The Associated Press.

Available from all major on-line retailers, including:

Amazon
Apple
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

United States

Food Safety Recall: FMA International recalls SAS Fromagerie Ottavi Tome Corse Sheep Milk Cheese (~6 lb wheels; Lot VC349; Expiration 07/08/2023; Product of France) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This cheese is associated with an ongoing outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections in Europe.

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Canada

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION: The Public Health Agency of Canada is tracking an outbreak of Cyclospora infections in Ontario (66 cases) and Quebec (2 cases). The infections are not related to travel. The PHAC and its partners are investigating possible sources of this outbreak.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Unilever Belgium recalls Conimex brand Nasi Goreng boemboe / Bombay fried rice spice blend (95g; All expiration dates up to the end of May 2024) due to undeclared shrimp.

Allergy Alert (Luxembourg): Unilever recalls Conimex brand Nasi Goreng boemboe / Bombay fried rice spice blend (95g; All expiration dates up to the end of May 2024) due to undeclared shrimp.

Allergy Alert (Switzerland): ALDI SUISSE recalls Aldi Natur Aktiv organic almond butter, cashew butter and peanut butter (250g; All products) due to undeclared peanuts, cashews and almonds.

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Food Safety Recall (France): ETABLISSEMENTS ALLARD SOCIETE ALLARD recalls multiple cheese varieties due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the Rappel Conso website for details on the affected products.

Food Safety Recall (France): CHILLET recalls CHILLET brand VERITABLE ROSETTE DE LYON AU JAMBON / Real Lyon rosette dry sausage with ham (Lot PRF 23 03 02; Best before 31/07/2023) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): LAIT BIO DU MAINE recalls Saint Paulin Fromage Pâte pressée au lait cru / Raw milk cheese (250g; Lot 390532; Best before 06/08/2023) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): L’ATELIER DU FROMAGE recalls Saint Nectaire AOP fermier – pré -emballé / Pre-packaged farm cheese (Multiple lot codes and Use by dates) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): REYMOND STEPHANE La Ferme du Mont d’Epy recalls la Ferme du mont d’Epy brand fromages lactiques frais et faisselles de brebis / Fresh lactic cheeses and sheep cheese (Lot 150623; Use by 27/06/2023) due to Salmonella contamination.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Allergy Alert (Israel): Importer Lehi Adi recalls Undercover – dark chocolate quinoa and currant bars (57g; Production code 22272/0301; Best if used by 29/ 12/2024) due to undeclared milk.

Food Safety Recall (Israel): Dodi Ltd. recalls Spiced and frozen ground beef patty and hamburger patty, Spiced and frozen ground beef patty – entrecote kebab, and Frozen ground beef (Expiration dates from 09.08.2023 to 22.08.2023, inclusive) due to Salmonella contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Food Safety Recall (Australia): Jalna Dairy Foods Pty Ltd recalls Jalna Lactose Free Vanilla Yoghurt (1 kg; Use by 28 Jul 23) and Jalna Sweet & Creamy Greek Coconut Yoghurt (1 kg; Use by 02 AUG 23) due to possible E. coli contamination.

TAINTED formats 3
“Reads like a true crime novel” – Food Safety News

Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations?

Click on the link to listen to a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital, print or audio copy to your personal library.

Chapter 6. Birth of a Pathogen

TAINTED is available in digital format from all major on-line retailers. Press the button to go directly to your preferred digital bookstore.

Amazon
Apple
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Smashwords
Chapters/Indigo
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Recalls and Alerts: June 22–23, 2023

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.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the sidebar link.

TOXIC

From Factory to Food Bowl,
PET FOOD IS A RISKY BUSINESS

“A complete and compelling account of the hidden and not-so-hidden ways the food we give our beloved pets can be contaminated.” – JoNel Aleccia, Health Reporter, Food & Nutrition, The Associated Press.

Available from all major on-line retailers, including:

Amazon
Apple
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

United States

Allergy Alert: Santo’s Frozen Foods, Inc. recalls Deviled Crabs (100 count, 36 count, and 24 count boxes; six digit Lot # starting with 23 and ending with 03 or 04 or 05) due to undeclared milk and sesame seeds.

Food Safety Recall: Scenic Fruit Company recalls Cadia brand Organic Pineapple, frozen (10 oz; Lot #B2243316 & C0305067; Best by 05/12/2024 & 09/08/2024, respectively; UPC 815369014540) and Trader Joe’s brand Organic Tropical Fruit Blend, frozen (16 oz; Lot #B22098297, C20171035, C20450103 & C20511124; Best by 04/24/24, 08/04/24, 10/13/24 & 11/04/24, respectively; UPC 00511919) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall: FMA International recalls SAS Fromagerie Ottavi Tome Corse Sheep Milk Cheese (~6 lb wheels; Lot VC349; Expiration date 07/08/2023) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This cheese is associated with an ongoing outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections in Europe.

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Canada

Allergy Alert: Lactalis Canada recalls Black Diamond brand Lactose Free Marble Cheddar Cheese Natural Cheese Slices (220g; Best before 2023SE16; UPC 0 68200 81171 0) due to undeclared lactose.

Food Safety Recall: Industry recalls 365 Whole Foods Market brand Organic Blackberries, frozen (284g; Batch code FED225911; Best if used by 09/16/2024) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall: l’épicerie Chez Gaby (Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac, QC) recalls New Alasko brand FRAMBOISES ENTIÈRES SURGELÉES / Whole frozen raspberries (1 kg; Sold up to 21 June 2023; Product of China) due to Norovirus contamination.

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Europe

Allergy Alert (Austria): HOFER and HMF Food Production GmbH & Co KG recall three NATUR aktiv brand organic nut butters due to undeclared peanuts, cashews and almonds. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (Hungary): Mondelez Hungária Kft. (Budapest) recalls 7 Days Croissant strawberry (60g; Item #OKC0431831; Best before 2023.08.31) due to undeclared peanuts and milk.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Albert Heijn recalls AH Wrap Vegan Kebab (Best before 25 June 2023) due to undeclared almonds.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Dirk recalls Bolletje Kaas Pepsels / Cheese snacks (115g; Lot LO27770; Best before 01-02-2024) due to undeclared peanut.

Food Safety Recall (France): LIMOUZIN recalls multiple varieties and brands of goat cheese due to possible shiga toxin-producting E. coli contamination. Please refer to the Rappel Conso website for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (France): BOURGES DIS LECLERC recalls charcuteries issoldunoises brand saucisson à l’ail courbé / garlic sausage ring (Lot SAU053011; Use by 23/06/2023) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Coopérative Lait Bio Du Maine recalls Pont aux Moines brand Fromage Pâte pressée au lait cru / Raw milk cheese (250g; Lot 390532; Best before 06/08/2023) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): A PIGNATTA NUSTRALE recalls several varieties of meat and sausage products due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the Rappel Conso website for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (France): DELBE TRAITEUR recalls Hachis de viande nature / Plain minced meat (Lot 16062023) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): MARMITE & CIE Conserverie Artisanale recalls Conserverie Artisanale Terroir Pyrénées brand Paté au piment d’Espelette / Paté with Espelette pepper (180g; Lot 3250 & 3251; Best by 30/05/2027) due to inadequate sterilization.

Food Safety Recall (France): MARMITE & CIE LES RECETTES DE MAMIE recalls Les Recettes de Mamie brand Paté au piment d’Espelette / Paté with Espelette pepper (180g; Lot 3250 & 3251; Best by 30/05/2027) due to inadequate sterilization.

Food Safety Recall (France): LDC BOURGOGNE VDR – GUILLOT recalls multiple brands of POULET NU / Raw whole chicken due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the Rappel Conso website for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Fleisch- und Wurstwaren Schmalkalden GmbH Thüringen recalls Thüringer Landstolz brand Thüringer Fleischsalat / Meat salad (200g; Lots 20230614 & 20230620; Best before 28.06.2023 & 04.07.2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Jomi S.p.A. recalls FRESCHI PER TE brand MORTADELLA DELICATA (150g; Lot 20.07.23B; Best before 20-07-2023) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Food Safety Recall (Hong Kong): Noja Fine Trade Limited recalls Maison Duculty brand Saucisson Sec / Dry sausage (300g; Lot 2310801; Best before August 26, 2023; Product of France) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): Ef​oodz Pty recalls Roast Beef with 3 Veg (Use by 23 June 23, 27 June 23, 28 June 23, 29 June 23 and 30 June 23) due to undeclared gluten.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): New World Hutt City recalls New World Hutt City brand NZ Beef Prime Mince (Use by 24.06.23) due to foreign matter contamination (white plastic).

TAINTED formats 3
“Reads like a true crime novel” – Food Safety News

Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations?

Click on the link to listen to a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital, print or audio copy to your personal library.

Chapter 6. Birth of a Pathogen

TAINTED is available in digital format from all major on-line retailers. Press the button to go directly to your preferred digital bookstore.

Amazon
Apple
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Smashwords
Chapters/Indigo
Advertisements

It’s Publication Day!

Calling All Pets
(and Pet Parents, Too)

Five years after the idea for a book on the pet food industry first took hold of me during a walk on Carmel Beach, I am proud to announce the official launch of TOXIC. From Factory to Food Bowl, Pet Food Is a Risky Business.

If you share your life with a companion animal—especially a dog or cat—you owe it to your pet to educate yourself about the practices that take place behind the scenes in the factories and kitchens where raw, canned, and kibbled pet foods are manufactured.

The reality behind the appetizing package labels and enticing website advertising may shock you. It will certainly disillusion you, as it did me.

The stories and investigations described in TOXIC are drawn from interviews with pet owners, public records, published articles, and FDA inspection reports. 

FULL DISCLOSURE: My husband and I are very fortunate to share our home with our 7½ year old Australian Cobberdog, Rutlands Shalom. She thrives on a home-cooked diet that I prepare for her myself.

Word On the Street

As part of the run-up to the publication of TOXIC, I supplied Advance Review copies to a number of colleagues in the writing community. Several of these individuals have already posted their reviews, and I am proud to share a few of their comments here. If you wish to read a complete review, please click on the reviewer’s name or handle.

“As the former global pathogen product manager at a major testing manufacturer, I found this book a fantastic companion to Tainted by Phyllis Entis.” – George Nagle (Amazon USA reviewer)

“TOXIC provides an eye-opening look at the pet food industry’s failures.” – Amy M. Reade (Amazon USA reviewer)

“Well, wow! As with Entis’s first book, TAINTED, this new installment is frighteningly eye opening.” – PeaceLoveHope (an Amazon USA Vine Voice reviewer)

“My thanks to the author for this meticulous insight – would that it weren’t necessary to hold those responsible constantly to account, but it is … and this book does that with aplomb.” – MeandtheMutts (Amazon UK reviewer)

A Peek Inside the Book

If you have read this far, please let me entice you further with a short excerpt from Chapter 9: Pentobarbital’s Pervasive Presence. I interviewed Mark Johnson via email for this story.

Mark was a California cattleman and his dogs were his workforce. He maintained a string of Border Collies and Australian Shepherd mixes to help with herding. Mark first purchased Gravy Train canned dog foods in 2015, using the products as supplemental feedings and as rewards for his dogs. In January 2018, when disaster struck, Mark owned thirteen dogs, ranging from ten months to approximately seven years old. One of his six female dogs was pregnant.

Typically, Mark purchased five cases of dog food weekly, patronizing the local Walmart and Big Lots stores for his supplies. In early January 2018, he replenished his supply of canned food with a purchase of two Gravy Train varieties: Chunks in Gravy with Beef Chunks, and Chunks in Gravy with T-Bone Flavor Chunks. On or about January 12th, all thirteen dogs fell sick within hours after eating the Gravy Train dog food. He took all of the dogs to his local veterinarian. Within two days of having consumed the dog food, all thirteen dogs were showing signs of kidney failure and were euthanized at the veterinarian’s recommendation.

Although the veterinarian performed a necropsy on one of the dogs, neither he nor Mark reported the dog deaths to the FDA. According to Mark, the veterinarian died shortly after the incident, and Mark was unable to retrieve his files. As of November 2018, Mark was still searching for replacement herding dogs that were in need of a good home.

How To Order TOXIC

TOXIC. From Factory to Food Bowl, Pet Food Is a Risky Business is available in digital format from all major ebook retailers, and can be purchased in paperback on Amazon. 

Alternatively, you can have your favorite bookstore order a copy of TOXIC for you.

If you prefer to borrow your reading material from a local library, please consider asking your librarian to add TOXIC to the library’s collection.