Author: Phyllis Entis

Frozen corn recalls spread beyond Europe – Updated July 20, 2018

On July 2, 2018, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) advised consumers in the EU that an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to contaminated frozen corn was under active investigation.

Based on a genetic analysis of strains recovered from patients in five EU contries, the outbreak began in 2015. As of June 15, the contaminated corn was responsible for 47 cases of listeriosis in five EU member countries, including: Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Whole genome sequencing anaysis of 29 non-human L. monocytogenes isolates found them to be closely related to the multi-country human cluster of L. monocytogenes serogroup IVb, multi-locus sequence type 6 (ST6). The majority of the non- human isolates were obtained from 2017 season products: mainly frozen corn (13 samples), followed by frozen vegetable mixes including corn (8 samples), frozen spinach (1) and frozen green beans (1). Only one isolate was reported from a frozen vegetable mix produced in 2016, while three isolates were obtained from spinach products produced in 2018.

The probable source of the contaminated corn was traced to a production facility owned by Greenyard and located in Baja, Hungary. The corn was processed in Hungary and packed in Poland.

On 29 June 2018, the Hungarian Food Chain Safety Office banned the marketing of all frozen vegetable and frozen mixed vegetable products produced by the plant between August 2016 and June 2018, and ordered their immediate withdrawal and recall.

According to information obtained from the European Commissions’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), the recalled corn was distributed to the following countries: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, the United States of America and Vatican City.

An FDA spokesperson offered the following statement in response to a request for information regarding US distribution of the recalled products:

“The FDA was recently notified through INFOSAN of the Listeria outbreak in Europe and that potentially contaminated product may have been shipped to the U.S.  Federal health officials have no evidence of associated illnesses in the U.S and there are no associated recalls at this time. The FDA and CDC routinely monitor for outbreak signals across the country and we are investigating the supply chain provided by INFOSAN. If the FDA determines there is a risk to public health we will alert consumers and work to remove the product from the marketplace.”

The following partial list of recall notices will be updated as more information becomes available

Australia (sold at Woolworths, ALDI and IGA, Campbells and Independent grocery stores)

Woolworths – Essentials snap frozen mixed veg 1kg: Carrots, peas, corn, green beans & potatoes – National distribution Best Before 19 MAR 2020 through to 24 APR 2020
Woolworths – Bell Farms Steam Veggie Carrot Corn and Broccoli 3pk 450g – National distribution, all stock
IGA – Black & Gold Corn Kernels 500g – National distribution Best Before all dates
IGA – Black & Gold Mixed Vegetables 1kg: Carrots, peas, beans & corn – National distribution Best Before all dates
ALDI – Market Fare Peas, Carrots and Super Sweet Corn 1kg – National distribution
ALDI – Market Fare Corn Kernels 1kg QLD, VIC, WA and select NSW stores Product of Hungary (only)
ALDI – Market Fare Mixed Vegetables 1kg QLD, NSW, ACT, WA Packed in Belgium from Imported and Belgian Ingredients (only)
ALDI – Market Fare Quick Steam Carrot Broccoli and Cauliflower 450g – National distribution
ALDI – Market Fare Quick Steam Carrot Corn and Broccoli 450g – National distribution
ALDI: Only products with country of origin of Belgium, United Kingdom or Hungary, all other countries not affected.

Belgium

BONI – Petits pois extra fins, Petits pois très fins, Petits pois fins, Petits pois mi- fins, Haricots verts coupés, Petits pois très fins et jeunes carottes, 10 légumes pour potage, Minestrone, Mélange de légumes d’été, Fit mix, Paëlla aux fruits de mers et au poulet, Petit pois extra fins et jeunes carottes, Mélange de légumes pour soupe à la tomate, Nasi Goreng, Bami Goreng, Mix paysanne, BIO petits pois (all batch codes)
Delhaize – Petits pois extra fins, Petits pois très fins, Petits pois fins, Petits pois mi- fins, Haricots verts coupés, Petits pois très fins et jeunes carottes, 10 légumes pour potage, Minestrone, Mélange de légumes d’été, Fit mix, Paëlla aux fruits de mers et au poulet, Petit pois extra fins et jeunes carottes, Mélange de légumes pour soupe à la tomate, Nasi Goreng, Bami Goreng, Mix paysanne, BIO petits pois (all batch codes)
D’Lis – Petits pois extra fins, Petits pois très fins, Petits pois fins, Petits pois mi- fins, Haricots verts coupés, Petits pois très fins et jeunes carottes, 10 légumes pour potage, Minestrone, Mélange de légumes d’été, Fit mix, Paëlla aux fruits de mers et au poulet, Petit pois extra fins et jeunes carottes, Mélange de légumes pour soupe à la tomate, Nasi Goreng, Bami Goreng, Mix paysanne, BIO petits pois (various batch codes)
Everyday – Petits pois extra fins, Petits pois très fins, Petits pois fins, Petits pois mi- fins, Haricots verts coupés, Petits pois très fins et jeunes carottes, 10 légumes pour potage, Minestrone, Mélange de légumes d’été, Fit mix, Paëlla aux fruits de mers et au poulet, Petit pois extra fins et jeunes carottes, Mélange de légumes pour soupe à la tomate, Nasi Goreng, Bami Goreng, Mix paysanne, BIO petits pois (all batch codes)
Pinguin – Maïs (1kg & 2.5 kg; all lot codes and best before dates)
Pinguin – Maïs Super doux (1kg & 2.5 kg; all lot codes and best before dates)
Pinguin – Mexico Mix (1kg & 2.5 kg; all lot codes and best before dates)
Pinguin – Maya Mix (1kg & 2.5 kg; all lot codes and best before dates)
Pinguin – Petits pois extra fins, Petits pois très fins, Petits pois fins, Petits pois mi- fins, Haricots verts coupés, Petits pois très fins et jeunes carottes, 10 légumes pour potage, Minestrone, Mélange de légumes d’été, Fit mix, Paëlla aux fruits de mers et au poulet, Petit pois extra fins et jeunes carottes, Mélange de légumes pour soupe à la tomate, Nasi Goreng, Bami Goreng, Mix paysanne, BIO petits pois (various lot codes and best before dates)

Czech Republic

Lidl Czech Republic – “Freshona” Vegetable mixture with baby carrot (1000g; All best by dates)
MAKRO Cash & Carry – ARO frozen corn (2.5kg; All best by dates)
MAKRO Cash & Carry – ARO mixture containing frozen corn (2.5kg; All best by dates)
MAKRO Cash & Carry – HS / MC Mexico Mix, frozen (2.5 kg; All best by dates)
MAKRO Cash & Carry – HS / MC corn grain extra sweet, frozen (2.5kg; All best by dates)
MAKRO Cash & Carry – HS / MC Country mixture, frozen (2.5kg; All best by dates)
MAKRO Cash & Carry – HS mixture with corn (2.5kg; All best by dates)
Penny Market – Penny Frozen Broccoli (450g; All best by dates)
Penny Market – Penny Frozen Corn (450g; All best by dates)
Penny Market – Penny Frozen Peas (450g; All best by dates)
Tesco Stores CR

Denmark

Coop – Frozen Extrasweet Corn (650g; all batch codes)
Lidl – Freshona Frozen Cream Spinach (450g; all batch codes)
Lidl – Freshona Frozen Extrasweet Corn (450g; all batch codes)

Finland

Kesko – Menu Corn (2.5kg; Best before dates of 21.9.2018-7.5.2020)
Kesko – Menu Pea, corn, pepper (2.5kg; Best before dates of 21.9.2018-7.5.2020)
Kesko – Pirkka Mexican mixed vegetables (450g; Best before dates of 08.2018 – 04.2020)
Lidl Suomi – Freshona Sweetcorn Extra Sweet (450g; All batch codes and best by dates)
Lidl Suomi – Green Grocer’s Sweetcorn (450g; All batch codes and best by dates)
Lidl Suomi – Freshona Mixed Vegetables (450g; All batch codes and best by dates)
Lidl Suomi – Green Grocer’s Mixed Vegetables(450g; All batch codes and best by dates)
SOK – Rainbow Makea maissi (pakaste) / Rainbow frozen sweet corn (450g; Best before dates 06.01.2019 – 09.06.2019). Sold at S Group’s Prisma, S-market, Sale and Alepa stores throughout Finland.

France

Carrefour – Poelé de riz au poulet et champignons (900g; all batch codes and best by dates)
Claude Léger – Taboulé au poulet (1kg; sold between 25/06 and 13/07/2018)
D’Aucy – Mélange mexicain (1kg; Best by dates from 08/2018 through 06/2020)
D’Aucy – Mélange Caraïbe (1kg; Best by dates from 08/2018 through 06/2020)
E. Leclerc – Notre Jardin Légumes pour Potage (1kg; All best before dates)
Leader Price – Mélange mexicain (1kg; All batch codes and best by dates)
Gel Manche – Délice la mer (2.2 kg; various batch codes and best by dates)
Gel Manche – Salade camarguaise and salade landaise (3kg; best by dates from 13/07/2018 – 03/08/2018)
L’Assiette d’Antoine – Salade Riz Niçois (700g; best before 13/07/2018 – 03/08/2018)
L’Assiette d’Antoine – Salade Camarguaise (700g; best before 13/07/2018 – 03/08/2018)
L’Assiette d’Antoine – Salade Camarguaise (3kg; best before 13/07/2018 – 03/08/2018)
L’Assiette d’Antoine – Salade landais (3kg;  best before 13/07/2018 – 03/08/2018)
Lidl – Freshona Légumes Vapeurs Jeunes carottes, petits pois, haricots verts, maïs (All lots and Best before dates)
Lidl – Freshona Légumes Vapeurs Carottes, brocolis, maïs (All lots and Best before dates)
Loste Tradi France – Salade 4 saisons (sold 21/06/2018 – 12/07/2018)
Loste Tradi France – Salade Landaise et gésiers (sold 21/06/2018 – 12/07/2018)
Loste Tradi France – Salade 4 saisons aux tomates fraiches (250g; sold 21/06/2018 – 12/07/2018)
Monique RANOU (Intermarché) – Bol poulet crudités (250g; various batch codes and best by dates)
Pinguin – Petits pois très fins (2.5kg; Lots W171423 & CM8099H1; best by 05/2019 & 04/2020)
TLC – Salade printaniere au jambon superieur (sold 21/06/2018 – 12/07/2018)
Unbranded (Intermarché) – Riz niçois (1kg; sold between 25/06 and 13/07/2018)

Germany

Globus-Filianen – Frenzel Leipziger Allerlei (450g; Batch code M8 108 F3; Best by 04/2020)
Kaufland – Frenzel Leipziger Allerlei (450g; Batch codes M8 107 S3, M8 108 F3,  M8 108 S3; Best by MHD 04/2020, MHD 04/2020, MHD 04/2020, respectively)
Lidl Deutschland – Freshona Gemüsemix and Green Grocer’s Gemüsemix (1000g; all batch codes; all dates) 

Hong Kong

Growers Pride – Mixed Vegetables (450g; All best before dates to July 2021 inclusive)
Ross – Mixed Vegetables (1kg; All best before dates to July 2020 inclusive)
Ross – Sweetcorn (450g; All best before dates to July 2021 inclusive)
Sainsbury’s – Mixed Vegetables (1kg; All best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Waitrose – Love Life Vegetable Medley Steamers (4 x 160g; Best before May, July, September 2018)

Iceland

COOP – COOP Extra Sweet Corn (650g; all batch codes produced from August 2016 through November 2017)
Pinguin – Pinguin Sweet Corn Kernels, frozen (2.5kg; all batch numbers produced from 13 August 2016 through 20 June 2018)
Pinguin – Pinguin Mexican Mixed Vegetables (2.5kg; all batch numbers produced from 13 August 2016 through 20 June 2018)

Ireland

Brakes – Choice Mixed Vegetables (1kg; All dates up to Jan 2020)
Brakes – Garden Peas (2.5kg; All dates up to Jan 2020)
Brakes – Sweetcorn (2.5kg; Batch codes ending “Z or N” only; All dates up to Jan 2020)
Iceland – Mixed Vegetables (900g; All date codes between Jan 2020 and June 2020 inclusive)
Lidl – Green Grocer’s Supersweet Sweetcorn (1kg; All batches, all Best before Dates)
Lidl – Green Grocer’s Fragrant Golden Rice (400g/2 single-steam pouches; All batches, all Best before Dates)
Lidl – Green Grocer’s and Freshona Mixed Vegetables (1kg; All batches, all Best before Dates)
Lidl – Green Grocer’s and Freshona Steamers Carrots, Broccoli & Sweetcorn (4 x 160g; All batches, all Best before Dates)
Lidl – Green Grocer’s and Freshona Steamers Baby Carrots, Peas, Green Beans & Sweetcorn (4 x 160g; All batches, all Best before Dates)
Tesco – 4 Steam Bags Carrot, Broccoli & Sweetcorn (640g; All dates up to and including Jan 2020)
Tesco – 4 Steam Bags Peas, Broccoli, Spinach & Sweetcorn (640g; All dates up to and including Jan 2020)
Tesco – 4 Growers Harvest Steam Bags Carrot, Peas & Sweetcorn (640g; All dates up to and including Jan 2020)
Tesco – Mixed Vegetables with Red Peppers (1kg; All dates up to and including Jan 2020)
Tesco – Sweetcorn, resealable (1kg; All dates up to and including Jan 2020)
Tesco – Classic Mixed Vegetables, resealable ((1kg; All dates up to and including Jan 2020)
Tesco – Growers Harvest Sweetcorn (907g; All dates up to and including Jan 2020)
Tesco – Growers Harvest Mixed Vegetables (1.16kg; All dates up to and including Jan 2020)
Tesco – Everyday Value Sweetcorn (907g; All dates up to and including Jan 2020)

Italy

Findus – Minestrone tradizione NT (1kg; Lot #7311; Best by 31-07-2019)
Findus – Minestrone tradizione (400g; Lot #7327; Best by 31-07-2019)
Findus – Minestrone tradizione (400g; Lot 7304; Best by 30-11-2018)
Findus – Minestrone tradizione (400g; Lot 7303; Best by 30-11-2018)
Findus – Minestrone tradizione (400g; Lot 7326; Best by 31-07-2019)
Findus – Minestrone tradizione (1kg; Lot 7334; Best by 31-07-2019)
Findus – Minestrone tradizione (1kg; Lot 7251; Best by 31-10-2018)
Findus – Minestrone tradizione (1kg; Lot 7310; Best by 31-07-2019)
Findus – Minestrone tradizione (1kg; Lot 7308; Best by 31-12-2018)
Findus – Minestrone sapori orientali (600g; Lot 8011; Best by 31-01-2019)
Findus – Minestrone sapori orientali (600g; Lot 7318; Best by 30-11-2018)
Findus – Minestrone sapori orientali (600g; Lot 7292; Best by 31-10-2018)
Findus – Minestrone sapori orientali (600g; Lot 7257; Best by 30-09-2018)
Findus – Minestrone bontà di semi (600g; Lot 7306; Best by 30-11-2018)
Lidl Italia – GREEN GROCER’S / FRESHONA MIX DI VERDURE SURGELATE A BASE DI CAROTE, FAGIOLINI, PISELLI, MAIS (1000g; all batch codes and best before dates)
Lidl Italia – GREEN GROCER’S / FRESHONA Mais Surgelato (450g; all batch codes and best before dates)
Lidl Italia – FRESHONA MIX DI VERDURE SURGELATE A BASE DI CAROTE, FAGIOLINI, PISELLI, MAIS (1000g; all batch codes and best before dates)
Lidl Italia – FRESHONA Mais Surgelato (450g; all batch codes and best before dates)
Pinguin – Pinguin 4 Mixed Vegetables (2.5kg; Lot W171583 8G; Best before 06-07-2019)

Luxembourg

Boni – Boni Selection Bio petits poi9s très fins, frozen (600g; See recall notice for list of lot numbers and Best by dates)
Boni – Boni Selection Mix paysanne, frozen (1kg; See recall notice for list of lot numbers and Best by dates)
Delhaize – Delhaize Groentemix tomatensoep (600g; All lots and best by dates)
Delhaize – Delhaize Extra fijne erwten/jonge wortelen (600g; All lots and best by dates)
Everyday – Everyday bami goreng, frozen (750g; See recall notice for list of lot numbers and Best by dates)
Everyday – Everyday nasi gorent, frozen (750g; See recall notice for list of lot numbers and Best by dates)

Netherlands

Pinguin – Pinguin Frozen Peas, extra fine (1kg; All best by dates)

New Zealand

Bell Farms – Bell Farms brand Steam Veggies carrot, corn, and broccoli (450g; all batch codes and best by dates)
Pinguin – Pinguin brand 4 mixed vegetables (1000g; all batch codes and best by dates)

Sweden

COOP – COOP Frozen Corn Kernels (450g; Best by 2019-06-09). Sold at COOP stores.

Switzerland

Lidl – Freshona TK Vegetable Mix (1000g; all best by dates)

United Kingdom

Aldi – Four Seasons Frozen Carrots, Peas & Supersweet Sweetcorn Steamers (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Aldi – Four Seasons Frozen Carrots, Broccoli & Supersweet Sweetcorn Steamers (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Aldi – Frozen Four Seasons Mixed Vegetables (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Aldi – Four Seasons Supersweet Sweetcorn (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
basics – Mixed Vegetables (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Growers Pride – Supersweet Sweetcorn (750g; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Growers Pride – Supersweet Sweetcorn (450g; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2021 inclusive)
Growers Pride – Mixed Vegetables (750g; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Growers Pride – Mixed Vegetables (450g; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2021 inclusive)
Iceland – Frozen Mixed Vegetables (700g; all batch codes; all best before dates between January 2020 and June 2020 inclusive)
Independent – Mix Vegetables (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to July 2019, inclusive)
Lidl – Frozen Green Grocer’s Supersweet Corn (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Lidl – Frozen Freshona Vegetable Mix (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Lidl – Green Grocer’s Mixed Vegetables (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Lidl – Green Grocer’s Baby Carrots, Peas, Green Beans & Sweetcorn Steamers (640g; all batch codes and best before dates)
Lidl – Green Grocer’s Fragrant Golden Rice Steamers (400g; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
One Stop – Frozen Sweetcorn (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Oriental Express – Chinese Chicken (350g; all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Oriental Express – Chinese Prawns (350g; all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Oriental Express – Egg Fried Rice (350g; all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Pinguin – Frozen Sweetcorn (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Pinguin – Supersweet Sweetcorn (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Pinguin – frozen Golden Rice and Vegetables (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Pinguin – Mixed Vegetable (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Pinguin – Country Vegetable (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Pinguin – Frozen Cut Beans (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Ross – Mixed Country Vegetables (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Ross – Mixed Vegetables (450g; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2021, inclusive)
Ross – Mixed Vegetables (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Ross – Sweetcorn (450g; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2021, inclusive)
Ross – Sweetcorn (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Sainsbury’s – by Sainsbury’s Mixed Special Vegetables (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Sainsbury’s – by Sainsbury’s Mixed Vegetables (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Sainsbury’s – by Sainsbury’s White Rice, Broccoli, Supersweet Sweetcorn & Peas Microwaveable steam bags (540g (4x135g); all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Sainsbury’s – by Sainsbury’s Carrots, Broccoli & Sweetcorn Microwaveable steam bags (540g (4x135g); all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – frozen Mixed Vegetables and Peppers (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Broccoli Frozen Sweetcorn Peas and Spinach Steamer (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Growers Harvest Sweetcorn (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Frozen Growers Harvest Carrot Peas and Sweetcorn Steamer (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Frozen Growers Harvest Mixed Vegetables (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Frozen Broccoli, Carrot and Sweetcorn Steamer (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Frozen Every Day Value Sweetcorn (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Frozen Mixed Vegetables (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Growers Harvest Frozen Mixed Vegetables (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Frozen Sweetcorn (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Waitrose – Essential Supersweet Sweetcorn (E1kg; all batch codes; Best before Oct 2019, Nov 2019, and Aug 2019)
Waitrose – Essential Vegetable Mix (E1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to Dec 2019, inclusive)
Waitrose – Fine Cut Vegetable Steamer (E640g (4 x 160ge); all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Waitrose – Love Life Vegetable Medley Steamers (E640g (4 x 160ge); batch codes P6163, P7021, P7080; best before May 2018, Jul 2018, Sep 2018)

 

Evangers denied knowledge of horse meat despite its license

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

Even though the owners of Evanger’s Dog and Cat Food Co. Inc. had a state license to process horse meat from Feb. 14, 2016, through Aug. 17, 2017, they denied any knowledge of how horse meat found its way into their products.

The pet food company’s license application submitted to the Illinois Department of Agriculture described Evanger’s operations as “canning of pet food” and indicated the horse meat would be sold as “canned pet food” according to information obtained from the department in response to a Freedom of Information Act request.

It is not illegal to use horse meat as pet food in the United States, as long as it’s presence is disclosed on the labeling, a spokesperson for the Food and Drug Administration said.

Evanger’s horse meat processing activities predated the issuance of the state license.

In April 2015, the Illinois agriculture department received a complaint from the Wheeling, IL, fire marshal about improper food storage and disposal, clogged and maggot-filled grease traps, and other unsanitary conditions at Evanger’s Wheeling Road facility. The state initiated an inspection of the facility on May 27, 2015.

During the investigation of the company’s operations, inspectors noted the manufacture of a dog food with horse meat as an ingredient.

As a result of conditions observed during the May inspection, the state of Illinois filed a formal complaint against Evanger’s, charging the company with violations of the Illinois Commercial Feed Act of 1961, the Illinois Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the Illinois Horse Meat Act.

The complaint stated that Evanger’s “… canned, packed or otherwise processed or prepared for sale a pet food with horsemeat listed as its main ingredient” without having secured a license to do so, and that the company did so under unsanitary conditions.

According to information contained in the report on a follow-up inspection, conducted in January 2016, Evanger manufactured only canned dog and cat foods in the Wheeling facility, receiving raw and frozen pork, chicken, beef and horse meats. The horse meat was imported from foreign countries, the report stated.

One year later, in January 2017, FDA launched an investigation into pentobarbital contamination in a canned, wet dog food manufactured by Evanger’s in June 2016. The investigation was in response to a consumer complaint following the death of a dog who had been fed some “Evanger’s Hunk of Beef au Jus” dog food. 

During the investigation, FDA arranged for lab tests to determine the species of meats present in several samples of the same batch of food eaten by the dead dog. Traces of horse antigens were found in one of the samples.

As reported by Food Safety News in February 2017, those level of horse antigens would be consistent with incidental cross-contamination if horse meat was processed in the same facility as the beef-based dog food.

The owners of Evanger’s denied any knowledge of how horse meat had found its way into their products, and cast blame on their beef supplier, Bailey Farms LLC. On April 25, 2017, Evanger’s filed a lawsuit against Bailey, alleging that it had shipped pentobarbital-contaminated horsement instead of the “pet food quality beef” ordered by Evanger’s.

At the time the lawsuit was filed, and throughout the entire period during which the company manufactured dog food that was later found to be adulterated with pentobarbital, Evanger’s license to process horse meat was active and in force. 

Evanger’s horse meat license expired in August 2017 and has not been renewed.

Recalls and Alerts: July 16 – 18, 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.

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

OUTBREAK ALERT / Food Safety Recall: FDA and CDC are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Sandiego infections linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad. CDC reports that 21 people in 5 states (IA, MN, MO, NE, SD) have become ill. There have been 5 hospitalizations and no deaths. Hy-Vee, Inc. recalls Spring Pasta Salad (1-lb and 3-lb containers; produced between June 1, 2018, and July 13, 2018) due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recalled products were distributed to all of Hy-Vee’s 244 grocery stores across Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Allergy Alert: New Seasons Market recalls NEW SEASONS SESAME NOODLE CHICKEN SALAD (24-oz clear plastic container; Best by 07/18/2018) due to undeclared peanuts. The recalled product was shipped to retail locations in Oregon and Washington.

Allergy Alert: Portland French Bakery recalls Seattle Sourdough Pub Buns (16-oz 6-pack; Best before JUL- 03-18 and JUL-31-18) and Franz Premium Pub Buns (32-oz 12-pack; Best before JUL- 03-18 and JUL-31-18) due to undeclared soy.

Allergy Alert: The Pictsweet Company recalls Pictsweet Farms Steam’ables Baby Brussels Sprouts (12 oz; Production codes beginning with 1508K; Best if used by MAY 30, 2020; UPC 0 70560 97731 9) due to undeclared milk and soy. The recalled product was distributed are as follows: Alabama, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Food Safety Recall: Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp., doing business as Stefano Foods recalls Stefano’s Calzone PEPPERONI FIVE CHEESE STUFFED WITH PEPPERONI AND A FIVE CHEESE BLEND (8-oz. deli tray; Lot #14318B; Best by 1/18/2019) due to foreign matter (pieces of hard, sharp, clear plastic particles). The recalled product was shipped to retail stores nationwide.

Food Safety Recall: ALDI recalls AnnaSea Wasabi Ahi Poke Hawaiian Poke Kits and Limu Ahi Poke Hawaiian Poke Kits (best by dates of 5/23/2020. 6/11/2020, 6/12/2020, and 6/14/2020) sold in certain stores due to incorrect storage temperature. Please refer to the recall notice for details on the affected stores.

Canada

Food Safety Recall: Poissons frais des Îles inc. (Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC) recalls TOMALI DE HOMARD DES ÎLES-DE-LA-MADELEINE (120 ml; All lots sold up to July 16, 2018) due to improper processing.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Unilever recalls Frisco brand Vienetta Chocolate ice cream (650 ml; Lots L8047BA004, L8047CA004, L8047AA004 and L8048AA004; Best by 02/2020) due to undeclared hazelnuts.

Allergy Alert (Finland): Unilever Finland Oy recalls Frisco brand Vienetta Chocolate ice cream (650 ml; Lots L8047BA004, L8047CA004, L8047AA004 and L8048AA004; Best by 02/2020) due to undeclared hazelnuts.

Allergy Alert (France): Gruppo Fini spa recalls Le conserve della nonna Sauce with clams (Lot #12 LA017; Best by 31/07/2020) due to undeclared egg.

Allergy Alert (Italy): ANTAAR&S S.p.A. recalls Organic Babykiss Lenticchie (Lot #L05271; Best before  21 02 19) due to undeclared gluten.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Jan Linders recalls Corn Gold giant raisin currant buns (Best by 25-7-2018) due to undeclared oat flakes, almonds, hazelnuts and barley.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Capella Trading recalls Smoked salmon (250g; Lot #2134-188; Best before 8/8-2018) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Manufacturer recalls Gel Manche brand Seafood delight (2.2kg; various lot numbers and best before dates) due to Listeria contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected product.

Food Safety Recall (France): Intermarché recalls Monique Ranou brand Chicken bowl with vegetables (250g; various lot numbers and best before dates) due to Listeria contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected product.

Food Safety Recall (France): Carrefour recalls Carrefour brand part-skim milk (50 cl bottle; Lot #18 124 L9; Best before 04/09/2018) due to foreign matter (pieces of black plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): C.I.R. sas di Mecarelli C. & C. recalls Salsa fegato Take Away (1.2 kg; Batch codes/Best by dates 14/07/2018, 15/07/2018, 16/07/2018, 17/07/2018 and 10/08/2018) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Fresh Fruit Express recalls Veggie Express Green Smoothie mix (Batch codes L18068A1 & L18068B1; Best by 09-03-2020) and Veggie Express Red Smoothie mix (Batch code  L18123B2; Best by 03-05-2020) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Albert Heijn recalls AH Beenham (Best by 29-07-2018) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Health Leads UK Ltd recalls several batches of Bitter Apricot Kernels due to high levels of hydrocyanic acid (cyanide). Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): Sarric PTY Ltd trading as Serendipity Ice Cream recalls Serendipity Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (500 ml; Best before 14/06/19) due to undeclared milk and egg.

Allergy Alert (Australia): Jimmy Brings recalls Jimmy Brings Wine Mount Emmy Pinot Grigio – 2017 (750mL; all stock) and Jimmy Brings Wine Lily of the Valley Pinot Grigio  – 2018 (750mL; all stock) due to undeclared sulphites, milk and egg.

Food Safety Recall (Australia): Mushroom Exchange recalls Sliced Mushrooms – Brown and White (various brands) due to foreign matter (large pieces of white plastic) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for details on the affected products.