Author: Phyllis Entis

Recalls and Alerts: October 1, 2011

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

  • Food Safety Recall: Manning Beef LLC (Pico Rivera, CA) recalls BroPack Inc. Beef Manufacturing Trimmings (Combo bins; “65/35, 50/50 or 85/15” produced on Sept. 23, 2011), Paso Prime Beef Manufacturing Trimmings (Combo bins; “65/35, 50/50 or 85/15” produced on Sept. 23, 2011) and primal cuts, subprimal cuts and boxed beef (30 and 60 lb. boxes; produced Sept 23, 2011), because the beef may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The recall was triggered by “…an unusually high number of confirmed positive E. coli O157:H7 test results conducted by the establishment on the manufacturing trimmings.” The recalled beef was shipped to retail establishments and food service centers in Ariz. and Calif. and to another federally regulated establishment in Nebraska.
  • Outbreak Alert: The Georgia Division of Epidemiology is investigating an outbreak of Cyclospora gastroenteritis that may be linked to the consumption of catered food supplied by Wolfgang Puck at the Georgia Aquarium over the summer. More than 100 guests and staff at the Aquarium have developed week-long bouts of diarrhea during the summer.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: Importers recall Chongga Kimchi Richi, 80g, Daesang FNF Corporation Gat Kimchi, 500g and Daesang FNF Corporation Godulbbaegi, 200g, due to the presence of undeclared fish, shrimp, sesame or nuts (depending on the product. All of the recalled kimchi products were imported from Korea, and may have been distributed nationally.
  • Food Safety Recall: Northern Lights Produce Network Ltd. (Edmonton, AB) recalls True Leaf Farms brand Chopped Romaine Lettuce (Product of USA; 6 x 2-lb bags; MFC codes A256-46452-8, B256-46454-8, and B256-46438-8; Best before 09/29/11), because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled Romaine lettuce was distributed to food service accounts in Calgary and Edmonton.
  • Food Safety Recall: Fumoir Grizzly (St-Augustin, QC) recalls Grizzly Smoked Coho Salmon, sliced (70g packages; Lot codes 20890115 and 20890125), because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled smoked salmon was distributed in Quebec.

Europe

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Food Safety Alert (Taiwan): Health authorities report that raw oysters recalled in the USA due to possible contamination with Vibrio parahaemolyticus were imported into Taiwan and sold to restaurants.. These oysters probably already have been consumed.

Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket’s recall web site.

*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.
**Includes Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Dominick’s, Genuardi’s, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Carrs and Pak N’ Save.

Recalls and Alerts: September 30, 2011

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

  • Food Safety/Outbreak Alert: The New York State Department of Health and Department of Agriculture and Markets warn consumers in and around Tompkins County not to consume raw milk produced at Jerry Dell Farm (39 Fall Creek Rd, Freeville), because the unpasteurized milk may be contaminated with Campylobacter. The State has received two reports of Campylobacter enteritis from people who consumed raw milk purchased from Jerry Dell Farm. The farm has voluntarily suspended milk sales. Tests carried out by the New York State Food Laboratory confirmed the presence of Campylobacter in unpasteurized milk produced at Jerry Dell Farm.
  • Food Safety Recall: Kraft Foods Global, Inc. recalls three varieties of Velveeta Shells & Cheese Single Serve Microwaveable Cups, due to the possible presence of small, thin wire bristle pieces. Please refer to the recall notice for a detailed list of recalled products and affected Use By dates.
  • Food Safety Recall: True Leaf Farms recalls Bagged, Chopped Romaine Lettuce (Use by 9/29/11), because the lettuce may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The product was shipped to wholesale food service distributors in Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Vermont, as well as in Alberta (Canada). The bagged Romaine also was sold directly to retail customers at Unified Grocers, Inc. Cash & Carry Smart Food Service stores in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
  • Food Safety Recall Update: Andrew Williamson Fresh Produce expands its earlier recall notice of Organic Grape Tomatoes to include additional distribution information. The Organic Grape Tomatoes (Product of Mexico), may have been distributed to all 50 US states. In addition, the produce was exported to Canada. The recalled tomatoes were recalled due to Salmonella contamination.
  • Food Recall: Top Food & Drug announces the recall of San Juan Salsa, Traditional 12/14 oz (Lot 10/19/2011/2013), due to “product bloating.”
  • Food Recall: Price Chopper recalls Central Market Classics Bear Foot Brownie Ice Cream (0.5gal), because the product in the container does not match what is stated on the container.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert Update: Solo Fruit Inc. expands its earlier recall of Solo Fruit brand Dark Chocolate Sorbet to include lot codes 1111116, 1111165, 1111040, 1110346 or 1111062. The recalled product, which may contain undeclared milk, was distributed in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia, but may also have been sold in other Canadian provinces and territories.
  • Allergy Alert: Raphaville Int’l Ltd. recalls Erom Dr. Hwang’s Premium Soy Drink (Product of Korea; 102.8 fl. oz/3040 mL bulk package), because the product contains undeclared peanuts and milk. The recalled product was distributed only in the Greater Toronto Area.
  • Food Safety Recall: Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce (San Diego, CA) recalls Limited Edition Organic Grape Tomatoes (Product of Mexico; 10.5-oz/298g plastic clam shell containers), because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. Canadian importers of this product are recalling the product from the marketplace. The recalled tomatoes were distributed in British Columbia and Ontario, and may have been sold elsewhere in Canada.
  • Food Safety Recall Update: Les Cuisines Gaspésiennes de Matane Ltée has updated its earlier recall of Compliments brand Sensations Old-Style Smoked Ham (175g pkgs; Lot codes 230 87 and 230 9487; Best before 2011NO13) to correct distribution information. The recalled product, which may contain Listeria monocytogenes, was distributed in Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Sobeys Store #6554, Marché Alain Viau, located in Embrun, Ontario.
  • Food Safety Alert: Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health warn Ontarians not to consume Strubs brand Smoked Salmon (250g vacuum pkg; Lot 09192011) because the product may be contaminated with Listeria. The recalled product was sold in supermarkets, grocery stores and delicatessens. The extent of distribution across Ontario is unknown.
  • Food Safety Recall: Deep Canada Inc. recalls Deep brand Amba Haldar (fresh turmeric) Pickle in Brine (283g; Code MFG 06/11 B.NO:11168 B.B. 05/2013), because the product may contain glass particles. The recalled product was distributed through retailers in Ontario.

Europe

  • Food Safety Recall (France): Roussillon Salaisons recalls Regal Catalan chez Leader Price Cooked Pork Ears (Product of Spain; Vacuum packed; Lot 07072011, Best by 05/10/2011 and 27062011, Best by 25/09/2011), because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Food Safety Recall (Sweden): Axfood recalls Spice Field brand Provençal Spice Mix (Expiration/Lot code 30-08-2014 1072 912th), after Salmonella was found in a sample.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Danish Supermarket Shopping recalls Luxusgront Baersymfoni berry mixture  containing raspberries from Serbia (350g; Lot No. L1173.3 22:10; Packaged in Belgium), because the raspberries may be contaminated with norovirus.

Australia and New Zealand

  • Food Safety Recall (Australia): Parmalat Australia recalls Pura Milk (2L; Use by 12 OCT) and Daisy Fresh Milk (3L; Use by 12 OCT), because the products may contain a small amount of food grade dairy caustic cleaning solution.

Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket’s recall web site.

*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.
**Includes Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Dominick’s, Genuardi’s, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Carrs and Pak N’ Save.

Profiling Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a deadly pathogen. Outbreaks of this disease can carry death rates exceeding 20% – higher than Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7 or Campylobacter. It targets the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems – the most vulnerable sectors of the population. So, why do so many people know so little about it?

Perhaps, because most Listeria monocytogenes infections pass under the radar screen – rarely causing symptoms in healthy people.

Some history

Though identified in 1926 and recovered from a newborn in 1936, the pathogen wasn’t linked to foodborne disease until the early 1980s. The earliest recorded outbreaks of Listeria monocytogenes were traced to cole slaw (in Canada), Mexican-style cheese (in the USA), and pasteurized milk (in the USA).

What is Listeria monocytogenes, and where is its natural habitat?

Listeria monocytogenes is widely distributed in nature – in soil, in coastal waters, and in a variety of animals and birds. While it prefers oxygen for growth, it can grow in the presence of just a minimal amount of oxygen. It is able to survive high salt levels and dry conditions. And it grows in refrigerated foods.

How is Listeria monocytogenes transmitted? What is the incubation period of the infection?

Most infections with Listeria monocytogenes develop as a result of eating a contaminated food. A healthy adult may develop very mild symptoms – muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea – within 48 hours of having become infected, or may not experience any symptoms at all. A pregnant women, even though only mildly ill herself, may transmit her infection to her baby in the womb; or, the baby can become infected during delivery as it passes through her birth canal. Listeria monocytogenes also can be spread person-to-person (e.g., from a patient to a caregiver).

What is listeriosis? How long does it take to develop?

The consequences of a Listeria monocytogenes infection are far more serious for vulnerable individuals. In these people, the pathogen can invade organs and systems beyond the digestive system, causing a syndrome known as listeriosis. It can take two to six weeks for listeriosis to develop in a susceptible adult – even longer in a few cases. Infants who contract the infection in the womb will show symptoms within a week of birth; newborns who are infected during delivery usually take 2-3 weeks to develop signs of illness.

What are the symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infections and listeriosis?

Gastrointestinal symptoms:- In most individuals, an infection with Listeria monocytogenes is limited to the digestive system. Symptoms – if they occur at all – are very mild, and consist mainly of nausea, diarrhea and muscle aches.

Invasive listeriosis:- The elderly, the newborn, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune systems (including cancer patients undergoing therapy and people infected with HIV) are susceptible to invasive listeriosis, in which the microbe escapes from the digestive tract and infects other organs and systems in the body. In this case, the pathogen may cause bacteremia (bloodstream infection). Symptoms of invasive listeriosis can include fever and muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Newborn infants who became infected in the womb or during delivery may develop meningitis.

What is the prognosis of Listeria monocytogenes infections?

The mild form of gastrointestinal infection usually is self-limiting and needs no treatment to ensure a full recovery. The story is far different for invasive listeriosis. The death rate in Canada’s 2008 Listeria monocytogenes outbreak topped 35%; the death rate in the Jensen Farms cantaloupe outbreak is 18%, based on CDC’s most recent data. Some pregnant women miscarry; others give birth to infected babies. Historically, approximately one-half (50%) of babies infected in the womb or during delivery are stillborn or die as a result of the disease – usually from meningitis.

What foods carry Listeria monocytogenes?

In theory, any food may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Historically, most outbreaks have been traced to smoked seafood, ready-to-eat meats, other ready-to-eat dishes, cheeses (often, but not always, made from unpasteurized milk), and milk. Salads and produce items also can carry the microbe and have been the source of outbreaks. And now we know that cantaloupes may carry the pathogen.

How can susceptible people protect themselves from infection?

First, by paying attention to food recall announcements and immediately discarding any recalled food or returning it to the store. Secondly, by avoiding foods that are most likely to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

CDC offers the following recommendations for people at high risk of contracting invasive listeriosis:

  • Meats
    • Do not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, cold cuts, other deli meats (e.g., bologna), or fermented or dry sausages unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving.
    • Avoid getting fluid from hot dog and lunch meat packages on other foods, utensils, and food preparation surfaces, and wash hands after handling hot dogs, luncheon meats, and deli meats.
    • Do not eat refrigerated pâté or meat spreads from a deli or meat counter or from the refrigerated section of a store. Foods that do not need refrigeration, like canned or shelf-stable pâté and meat spreads, are safe to eat. Refrigerate after opening.
  • Cheeses
    • Do not eat soft cheese such as feta, queso blanco, queso fresco, brie, Camembert, blue-veined, or panela (queso panela) unless it is labeled as made with pasteurized milk. Make sure the label says, “MADE WITH PASTEURIZED MILK.”
  • Seafood
    • Do not eat refrigerated smoked seafood, unless it is contained in a cooked dish, such as a casserole, or unless it is a canned or shelf-stable product. Refrigerated smoked seafood, such as salmon, trout, whitefish, cod, tuna, and mackerel, is most often labeled as “nova-style,” “lox,” “kippered,” “smoked,” or “jerky.” These fish are typically found in the refrigerator section or sold at seafood and deli counters of grocery stores and delicatessens. Canned and shelf stable tuna, salmon, and other fish products are safe to eat. “

You can find information on the Jensen Farms cantaloupe recall at: Did Your Supermarket Sell Colorado Cantaloupes?

For more information on Listeria monocytogenes and other food-borne pathogens, visit the CDC website or read Food Safety: Old Habits, New Perspectives.