Author: Phyllis Entis

Recalls and Alerts: February 25 – 28, 2019

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.

United States

Allergy Alert: Russ Davis Wholesale – Crazy-Fresh recalls approximately 702 pounds of chicken Caesar salad products due to undeclared milk and anchovies. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to retail locations in Iowa, Mich., Minn., Mont., Neb., N.D., S.D., Wis., and Wyo.

Allergy Alert: Joy Gourmet Foods Inc. recalls Joy Brand Chutneys and Pastes products due to undeclared sulfites. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were sold in retail stores in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Allergy Alert: Utz Quality Foods, LLC. recalls Bachman Twist Pretzels (10 oz; Expiry JUL 22 199 ED; UPC 0-77817-10580-8) due to undeclared milk.

Food Safety Recall: Southern Specialties Inc. recalls certain batches of Marketside brand bagged green beans and bagged butternut squash due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which may have been sold in retail stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Food Safety Recall: McAllen Cold Storage, Ltd. recalls approximately 51,942 pounds of frozen Siluriformes fish products, specifically Basa fillets (product of Vietnam), that were not presented for import re-inspection into the United States. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Sahlen Packing Company, Inc. recalls MARKET 32 BY PRICE CHOPPER BLACK FOREST HAM with natural juices caramel color added 97% FAT FREE (Varying weights of whole hams sliced and sold by weight at retail deli counters; Sell by 4/8/19) due to foreign matter (plastic) contamination.

Canada

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION (Update): PHAC has received reports of 59 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis illness in ten provinces linked to this active outbreak: British Columbia (4), Alberta (13), Saskatchewan (1), Manitoba (4), Ontario (22), Quebec (4), New Brunswick (2), Nova Scotia (5), Prince Edward Island (3) and Newfoundland and Labrador (1). Frozen raw breaded chicken products have been identified as a source. As of this date, two products manufactured by Sofina Foods Inc. have been linked to the outbreak.

Allergy Alert (Update): Leu’s Country Market recalls Brewer’s Yeast (All products sold from November 13, 2018 up to and including February 21, 2019) due to undeclared peanut.

Allergy Alert (Update): Industry recalls additional Debittered Brewer’s Yeast due to undeclared peanut. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert: Souk Michelet recalls Lean ground beef (variable weights; all product sold up to and including February 25, 2019) due to undeclared sulfites.

Food Safety Recall: Le Maître gourmet recalls various smoked salmon and smoked trout products, which were manufactured and packaged under conditions that may cause the items to be unfit for human consumption. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Marché Solaire (Montreal, QC) recalls all food products sold up to and including February 27, 2019, as the items were manufactured and packaged under conditions that may cause them to be unfit for human consumption.

Food Safety Recall (Update): Sofina Foods Inc. recalls Compliments brand Chicken Nuggets – Breaded Chicken Cutlettes – Uncooked (1.5 kg; Product code – Outer package 2019 JL 18, Product code – Inner package 1998M; UPC 0 55742 33690 0) due to Salmonella contamination. This updated recall is linked to an outbreak investigation.

Food Safety Recall: Boffo’s recalls Boffo’s brand Applewood Smoked Rainbow Trout (Variable weights; All products sold up to and including February 27, 2019) because it may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): STONEMANOR INTERNATIONAL LTD recalls WAITROSE COOKS INGREDIENTS DARK CHOCOLATE CHUNKS (100g; All best before dates) and WAITROSE COOKS INGREDIENTS DARK CHOCOLATE CHIPS (100g; All best before dates) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert Update (Denmark): Slagter Lund recalls frozen ready-made chili con carne (500g; All lots with best before date up to and including 16-11-2019) due to undeclared barley malt.

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Tavukcu recalls Tyrkisk Scones Baklava (800g; Best before 19.03.19 and 23.03.19) due to undeclared peanut.

Allergy Alert (France): Monoprix recalls Monoprix brand Salade Falafels boulgour fruits secs (Best before 26/02/2019 & 27/02/2019) due to undeclared sulfites and wheat gluten.

Allergy Alert (France): Industry recalls KUTUCUOGLU brand Baklava (Best before 09/02/2019 to 19/03/2019 inclusive) due to undeclared peanuts.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Boots recalls Boots Shapers Teriyaki Houmous Chips (20g; Best before 8 June 2019) due to undeclared mustard.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Food Innovations UK recalls Create a Cake Home Bake Dark Chocolate Chips (100g; All batches) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Italy): MOLINO ROSSETTO recalls Selex Farina di Grano Tenero Tipo OO (1 kg; Lot #L 19 009; Best before 09-02-2020) due to undeclared soy.

Allergy Alert (Italy): MOLINO ROSSETTO recalls CUORE MEDITERRANEO FARINA GRANO TENERO TIPO 00 (1 kg; Lot #L 19 008; Best before 08-02-2020) due to undeclared soy.

Allergy Alert (Sweden): Orkla Foods Sverige recalls several Felix Små Delikatess’s meatballs due to undeclared eggs. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (UK): Boots recalls Boots Shapers Teriyaki Houmous Chips (20g; Best before 8 June 2019) due to undeclared mustard.

Allergy Alert (UK): Food Innovations UK recalls Create a Cake Home Bake Dark Chocolate Chips (100g; All batch codes and Best before dates) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (UK): Asda recalls Sweet Potato & Red Chilli Soup (600g; Use by 2 March 2019, 3 March 2019, 7 March 2019, 9 March 2019, 10 March 2019, 12 March 2019, 13 March 2019, 15 March 2019, 16 March 2019, 17 March 2019, 20 March 2019, 23 March 2019 and 27 March 2019) due to undeclared mustard.

Allergy Alert (UK): Waitrose recalls Waitrose Cooks’ Ingredients Dark Chocolate Chips (100g; All best before dates) and Cooks’ Ingredients Dark Chocolate Chunks (100g; All best before dates) due to undeclared milk.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Colruyt et OKay recall Pochat & Fils reblochon de Savoie cheese (±230g; Lot #195046768) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): AFSCA recalls Chtoura Garden Ground Sesame Paste (800g; Lot #B0010503) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Hilton Foods A/S recalls Marie’s Medister sausage (400g; Best before 18/02/2019) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Salling Group recalls ØGO Glutenfri Majspasta Fusilli (500g; All best before dates) due to elevated ochratoxin A levels.

Food Safety Recall (France): La société fromagère d’Eteaux and la Société fromagère d’Annecy recall En Cuisine (Promocash) brand Reblochon de Savoie AOP cheese (450g; Lots 195046118, 195046218 & 195046318; Best before 08/04/2019) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): La société fromagère d’Eteaux et la Société fromagère d’Annecy recall Nos régions ont du talent (E. Leclerc) brand Reblochon de Savoie AOP (450g; Lot 195046438; Best before 08/04/2019) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): La société fromagère d’Eteaux et la Société fromagère d’Annecy recall Les Hauts de Savoie brand Reblochon de Savoie AOP (450g; Lots 95046238 & 195046338; Best before 08/04/2019) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): La société fromagère d’Eteaux recalls Reel Savoy brand Reblochon de Savoie AOP (Lots 195046218, 195046318, 195046438, 195046418, 195046215; Best before 08/04/2019 and 15/04/2019) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): La société fromagère d’Eteaux recalls Pochat & Fils brand Reblochon de Savoie AOP fruitier (450g; Lots 195046218, 195046318, 195046438, 195046418, 195046215; Best before 08/04/2019 and 15/04/2019) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): La société fromagère d’Eteaux et la Société fromagère d’Annecy recalls Nos régions ont du talent (E. Leclerc) brand Reblochon de Savoie AOP (450g; Lot #195046438; Best before 08/04/2019) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Thalassa Excellence recalls Fumage du val de lys brand Flétan fumé tranché / Smoked sliced halibut (150g; Lot #19039025; Best before 28/02/19) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Capitaine Houat recalls Capitaine Houat brand Dos de Cabillaud / Cod fillet (Sold between 12/02/2019 and 16/02/2019) due to Listeria contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Colruyt recalls Pochat et fils brand Reblochon de Savoie (230g; Lot #195046768) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Auchan recalls Tandoori Marinade Paste (270g jar; Lot 811170; Best before Nov 2021) due to foreign matter (glass) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK): The Condiment Company Ltd recalls Hunter & Gather Avocado Oil Mayonnaise (250g; Batch code 25/09/19; Best before 25 September 2019) due to lack of procedures to control Clostridium botulinum.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Allergy Alert (Hong Kong): PARKnSHOP (HK) Limited recalls Waitrose Cooks’ Ingredients brand Dark Chocolate Chunks (100g; All dates; Product of UK) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Singapore): Importer recalls Totally Devoted brand Feeding Cookies with Chocolate Chips (230g; All batches; Product of New Zealand) due to undeclared milk.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (New Zealand): Loukoumi recalls Loukoumi brand dark chocolate products (All batches and dates) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (New Zealand): Totally Devoted recalls Totally Devoted brand Feeding Cookies with Chocolate Chips (230g; All batches and dates) due to undeclared milk.

Cause of increased canine, feline DCM incidence remains a mystery

The following story by Phyllis Entis first appeared in Food Safety News and is reposted here with permission.

Between Jan. 1, 2014, and Nov. 30, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration received reports of 325 cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) involving dogs, and 10 involving cats, according to an investigation update released Feb. 19. Two of the cats died, as did 74 of the dogs.

In some cases, more than one pet in a household was affected. 

In July 2018, FDA announced that it had begun investigating reports of DCM in pets who were fed certain pet foods containing high proportions of peas, lentils, pulses and/or potatoes. Many of the implicated pet foods are advertised as “grain-free.” Most of the reports, 276 out of 300, were received following the FDA’s announcement.

The investigation update does not include data from December 2018 or January 2019, as the partial government shutdown prevented FDA from continuing its investigation during that time period.

DCM is a recognized genetic condition in some dog breeds, including doberman pinschers, great danes, and Irish wolfhounds. It also has been reported in cocker spaniels.

Animals suffering from DCM develop an enlarged heart and may display symptoms such as decreased energy, cough, difficulty breathing and episodes of collapse. If caught early, the condition can be partially reversed with appropriate treatment and diet modifications.

The current spate of DCM reports is not limited to dog breeds known to have a genetic predisposition to the disease, but includes the following breeds, in descending order by frequency of reports: golden retrievers, mixed breed dogs, Labrador retrievers, great danes, Australian shepherds, German shepherds, pit bulls, boxers, doberman pinschers, mastiffs, American cocker spaniels, standard poodles, Shetland sheepdogs, weimaraners, French bulldogs, Australian cattle dogs, Boston terriers, bulldogs, samoyeds, and shih-tsus.

Other breeds with more than one case report include: Afghan hound, beagle, dalmatian, English springer spaniel, flat-coated retriever, unspecified hounds, Maltese, miniature schnauzer, pomeranian, Portuguese water dog, pug, unspecified retriever, Rhodesian ridgeback, rottweiler, saluki, vizsla, and Yorkshire terrier.

Ages of affected dogs range between less than 6 months to 16 years. Dogs suffering from DCM weighed between 8 pounds and 212 pounds. More male dogs than female dogs have been affected.

In contrast, genetically related DCM tends to involve middle-aged to older aged male dogs of large and giant breeds.

The majority of cases reported to FDA, 269 of 325, involved dogs fed dry foods, approximately 90 percent of which were reported to be “grain-free.” Although most of the diets included an animal protein, such as fish, eggs, lamb or chicken, no single source predominated.

Since beginning its investigation, FDA’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), has tested various products for minerals and metals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, selenium and iodine. They also tested for amino acids, including taurine, cysteine and methionine. Cysteine and methionine are required for the body to manufacture taurine.

In addition, Vet-LIRN has tested both grain-free and grain-containing products for protein, fat, moisture, crude fiber, total dietary fiber, soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, total starch, and resistant starch. Grain-free products were higher in fiber and lower in starch than grain-containing products. Otherwise, there was very little difference between the grain-free and grain-containing products.

FDA has received lab reports, diagnostic records such as echocardiograms, and necropsy reports from some of the affected dogs. In addition, the agency is collaborating with Chesapeake Veterinary Cardiology Associates (CVCA) on a prospective study of DCM-diagnosed dogs. 

CVCA is collecting medical records, owner interviews, diagnostic samples from each of the diagnosed animals, and is archiving feces and DNA samples for possible future testing.

FDA also has been working with Drs. Lisa Freeman of Tufts University, Joshua Stern of the University of California-Davis, and Darcy Adin of the University of Florida. Stern has been studying the increases in DCM cases in golden retrievers. Many of these cases are associated with taurine deficiency.

The FDA reported it is not aware of similar DCM illness reports or investigations in other countries, according to a spokesperson for the agency, adding that FDA would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with international counterparts on diet-related DCM. 

A number of researchers in Canada and the United States, led by W.D. Mansilla of the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, recently issued a report on the association between DCM and pulse ingredients in pet food. They suggested L-carnitine deficiency as another possible avenue of investigation into the cause of non-hereditary DCM.

L-carnitine, an amino acid, occurs naturally in animal protein, but is absent from plant protein. It is present at highest concentration in red meats such as lamb and beef, and at a lower level in pork, poultry and fish.

When asked whether FDA was examining the possible effect of L-carnitine on the development of DCM, an agency spokesperson said the agency and its investigative partners “. . . are considering or open to considering any science and evidence-backed theory.”

Guidance to pet owners and veterinarians
If a dog is showing possible signs of DCM or other heart conditions, including decreased energy, cough, difficulty breathing and episodes of collapse, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. If the symptoms are severe and your veterinarian is not available, you may need to seek emergency veterinary care. Be prepared to provide your veterinarian with a thorough dietary history, including all the foods (including treats) the dog has eaten.

The FDA encourages veterinary professionals to report well-documented cases of DCM in dogs suspected of having a link to diet by using the electronic Safety Reporting Portal or calling their state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.

The more information veterinarians provide, particularly feeding history, medical records, and diagnostic testing, the better. Detailed instructions can be found on “How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.” Technical veterinary information that may aid veterinarians can be found in the agency’s Vet-LIRN Update – February 2019.

Recalls and Alerts: February 22 – 24, 2019

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.

United States

Allergy Alert: B&G Foods recalls Victoria Marinara Sauce (40-oz jars; Best before 03/06/2022; UPC 0-70234-00411-2) due to undeclared cashew.

Food Safety Recall: Bellisio Foods recalls BOSTON MARKET Home Style Meals BONELESS PORK RIB SHAPED PATTY WITH BBQ SAUCE & MASHED POTATOES (14-oz. black cardboard box packages; Best by 12/07/2019, 01/04/2020, 01/24/2020, 02/15/2020; Lot codes 8341, 9004, 9024, 9046 respectively) due to foreign matter pieces of glass or hard plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall: TV Food LLC recalls approximately 27,956 pounds of Siluriformes, specifically Yellow Hito (catfish), products due to lack of federal inspection. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Fulton Seafood Inc. recalls River Catfish Wild USA (60-lb. brown cardboard boxes (produced on various dates from Jan. 1, 2018 through Feb. 21, 2019) due to lack of federal inspection.

Canada

Allergy Alert: Marché Riendeau Saint-Hubert inc recalls two prepared foods due to undeclared sesame seeds and milk. Please refer to the recall notice for additional details on the recalled products.

Allergy Alert: Industry recalls various brands of debittered brewer’s yeast due to undeclared peanut. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Delhaize recalls Delhaize brand SAUCISSON SEC REBLOCHON (200g; Lots #90427047 and 22-04-19) due to undeclared nuts.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Tartes et Quiches recalls Tartes et Quiches brand Tartelettes aux pommes, Tartelettes framboises (2 x 100g; Lot #20-02-19; Best before 25-02-2019) due to undeclared gluten.

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Slagter Lund Øko recalls Organic Chili con carne (725g glass jar; All lots up to and including 22-02-2019) due to undeclared barley malt.

Allergy Alert (Germany): Kutucuoglu Backwaren GmbH & Co. KG recalls all baklava products due to undeclared peanut. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Dirk Rossmann GmbH recalls Babydream Baby-Muesli (Best before 18.12.2019) and Babydream Kinder-Früchtemüsli (Best before 19.12.2019) foreign matter (pieces of apple stalks) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Tema Fine Foods BV recalls Chtoura Garden Ground Sesame Paste (800g; Lot #270-O PT O-TF; best before 10/2021) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Dirk Rossmann GmbH recalls various products due to foreign matter (metal splinter) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Lidl recalls Kania Sea Salt Ceramic Grinders (110g; Batch codes 9032AA, 9032BA, 9032CA, 9032CB, 9033AB, 9033AC; Best before end 2024) and Kania Black Peppercorns Ceramic Grinder (50g; Batch code 02/2024; Best before end 2024) due to foreign matter (small pieces of glass) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK): EH Booths recalls various prepared vegetable products due to foreign matter (small pieces of metal) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Food Safety Recall (Singapore): Sing Long Foodstuff Trading recalls Singlong brand peanut puffs (350g; Expiry date 30/12/2019; Product of Malaysia) due to foreign matter (small metal fragment) contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

OUTBREAK ALERT UPDATE (South Australia): The investigation into a Salmonella outbreak linked to three Angkor Bakery stores has found the likely source of contamination was related to handling of raw egg products.

Allergy Alert (New Zealand): Ma Cherie French Pastry recalls Ma Cherie brand Maple & Choco Biscuits (125g clear plastic bags; All batches and dates) due to undeclared milk.