Never a major player in the FDA heirarchy, the CVM has been formally excluded from the Human Foods Program, with only a dotted line connecting it to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner.
Although the CVM will report directly to the Office of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, its relatively small budget and political profile will leave this essential element of food safety and nutrition with little voice or influence at the table.
Why does this matter?
The CVM is responsible for oversight of animal feed, pet foods and veterinary medicines.
If animal feeds are not properly regulated and supervised, animal nutrition–and ultimately human nutrition–suffers.
If veterinary medicines are not properly regulated and supervised, the health of livestock and the safety of the human diet suffers.
If pet foods are not properly regulated and supervised, the health of companion animals suffers.
Pet health matters
Pets play an important role in the mental and physical health of their human companions.
Those of us who have lost a dog, cat, or other pet to illness, accidents, or simply old age, understand the grief that this loss entails.
In addition, if an animal develops a gastrointestinal illness such as salmonellosis as a result of contaminated pet food, this illness can be passed along to people in the same household.
This is not speculation.
Kibble, raw pet foods, and pet treats contaminated with Salmonella have caused several outbreaks of human illness large enough to attract the attention of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Without a strong voice at the budget table, the CVM will not have the resources to oversee the pet food industry.
We have seen what has happened in the past when a pet food manufacturer has been allowed to operate on a “voluntary compliance” basis. More often than is healthy, the emphasis is on voluntary, and compliance falls by the wayside.
Can this be fixed?
I realize that the CVM has elements both of food and of pharmaceuticals in its regulatory portfolio.
Nevertheless, every component of the CVM’s mandate–animal feed, animal medications, pet food–indirectly supports the safety and nutriton of human or animal food.
I would propose that the scope of the proposed new directorate be expanded to include the CVM, and that the word “Human” be dropped from the title of the new Deputy Commissioner.
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“Reads like a true crime novel” – Food Safety News
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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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OUTBREAK ALERT & RECALL (Horses – botulism): Manzanola Feeds recalls Top of the Rockies Alfalfa Cubes (~1-inch cubes) (50 lb bags; Lot codes 111222, 111322, 111422, 111522 and 111622) due to potential Clostridium botulinumcontamination. There have been 45 horse deaths associated with this issue to date. The recalled product was distributed in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin, and may also have been distributed in other states.
Public Health Alert: FDA advises restaurants and retailers not to serve or sell and consumers not to eat product labeled as Sun Hong Foods, Inc. Enoki Mushrooms Sourced from China due to possible Listeria contamination.
Canada
Allergy Alert: Miso Brothers, Inc. dba Alpha Foods recalls alpha brand Plant-Based Breakfast Sandwich – Meatless Sausage (156g; Lot 020722MSS; Expiry date 02/07/2024; UPC 8 10070 35037 6) due to undeclared milk. The recalled product was sold nationwide.
Allergy Alert: Power Life Nutrition recalls Power Life by Tony Horton brand High Impact Plant Protein Chocolate Flavor (445g (15.7 oz); Lot #0914922; UPC 8 50010 86301 6) due to undeclared milk. The recalled product was sold online.
Allergy Alert: Gaspor (Saint-Jérôme, QC) recalls FEUILLETÉ D’EFFILOCHÉ DE PORCELET / Pulled piglet puff pastry (820g; Lots 4458.00, 4478.00, 4492.00 & 4510.00; Sold up to 16 December 2022) due to undeclared milk.
Food Safety Recall: Jan K. Overweel Limited recalls Igor brand Gorgonzola Dolce cheese (Lots 2774015 & 2775033; Best before 23/FE/01) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recalled product was sold British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.
Europe
Allergy Alert (France): LES BIOLONISTES recalls ibo! brand Sève de fleur de cocotier cristallisée non raffinée dit “Sucre de coco” biologique / Unrefined crystallized coconut blossom sap called organic “coconut sugar” (250g; Lots 040-22-1 & 138-22-10) due to undeclared sulphites.
Allergy Alert (France): ARCHI’V recalls archiv brand Vinaigre de cidre avec sa mère / Apple cider vinegar with its mother (200 ml and 500 ml; Lot #31) due to undeclared sulphites.
Allergy Alert (France):NOVANDIE recalls Bonne Maman brand Riz au lait Vanille / Vanilla rice pudding (8 x 100g; Lot 08/01; Use by 08/01/2023) due to undeclared eggs and gluten.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): FIERS J&B NV recalls Fiers brand Filet américain de bœuf / Ground beef (variable weights; Lots 62171, 62187, 62076, 62303, 62279, 62372, 62431 & 62383; Use by 19/12/22, 20/12/22 & 21/12/22) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Albert Heijn recalls AH Speciaal Bakkersbrood Stevig Spelt / Spelt bread (whole and half loaves; Best before 16/12/2022) due to foreign matter contamination (small pieces of metal).
Food Safety Recall (France):CARREFOURFRANCE recalls EXTRA CARREFOUR brand JAMBON CUIT SUPERIEUR AVEC COUENNE / Superior cooked ham with rind (2 slices – 80g; Lot 1127870; Use by 02/01/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):LES FERMIERS DE L’ARDECHE recalls Le Gaulois Professionnel brand CHAPON S/OS A/P S/ V / Sliced boneless capon (2.5 kg; Lot 0362011368; Use by 14/12/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):LES FERMIERS DE L’ARDECHE recalls Le Gaulois Professionnel brand CHAPON S/OS A/P 50-70 S/V / Sliced boneless capon (2.5 kg; Lot 0362011538; Use by 14/12/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):LES FERMIERS DE L’ARDECHE recalls Le Gaulois Professionnel brand SAUTE CHAPON 40-60 S/ V NC (2.5 kg; Lots 0362011291 & 0362011368; Use by 10/12/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):LES FERMIERS DE L’ARDECHE recalls Découpe de chapon brand CUISSES CHAPON 450-550 / Capon legs (4-pack; Lots 0362011290 & 0362011369; Use by 13/12/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):LES FERMIERS DE L’ARDECHE recalls Découpe de chapon brand Cuisses de chapon S/V x2 Halal / Halal Capon legs (2-pack; Lot 0362011290; Use by 13/12/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):LES FERMIERS DE L’ARDECHE recalls Cuisses de chapon nu / Unpackaged (bulk) capon legs (Lot 0362011292; Use by 08/12/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): AUCHAN RETAIL SERVICES AUCHANrecalls AUCHAN brand JAMBON SUPERIEUR DECOUENNE DEGRAISSE / Superior ham, rindless and defatted (4 slices; Lot 1129104; Use by 31/12/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Germany): Anklamer Fleisch- und Wurstwaren GmbH recalls Anklamer Meisterqualität Filetwurst / Filet sausage (100g; Lot #330825112201716; Best before 20.12.2022 to 27.12.2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Germany): dennree recalls dennree Pfeffer, schwarz, ganz / Whole black peppercorns (65g; Best before 25.10.2025 and 08.11.2025) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Norway): EDELGARD AS recalls RIBBERULL SKIVET / Rib roll disc (80g; Batch #22481; Use by 07.01.2023) due to Listeria contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Norway): EDELGARD AS recalls SYLTE HÅNDLAGT SKIVET / Pickled hand-cut slice (100g; Batch #22434; Use by 15.01.2023) due to Listeria contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Sweden): Almondy recalls Almondy Mandeltårta / Almond cake (400g; Lot L2140; Best before 18.11.2023; Sold at IKEA stores) due to possible foreign matter contamination (piece of metal).
Food Safety Recall (UK): Almondy AB recalls Almondy Almond cake with Daim (400g; Lot L2140; Best before 18 November 2023) due to possible foreign matter contamination (piece of metal). The recalled product was sold in IKEA stores.
Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
Allergy Alert (Hong Kong): Vendor recalls NATURE brand Square Bamboo Shoot (500g; Best before September 1, 2023; Sourced from China) due to undeclared sulphur dioxide.
Australia and New Zealand
Food Safety Recall (Australia): Coles Supermarkets recalls multiple Coles spinach products due to potential contamination with unsafe plant material. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
TAINTED is available in digital format from all major on-line retailers. Press the button to go directly to your preferred digital bookstore.
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.
Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations? Click on the TAINTED menu at the top of the page to read a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital or print copy to your personal library.
United States
Allergy Alert: Bokhary Foods Inc. recalls GODAVARI brand dried apricots (7 oz and 14 oz clear plastic-film bags; distributed in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut through retail stores between 7/10/2021 and 11/24/21; UPC 0 03658 50001 4 & 0 03657 5001 5, respectively) due to undeclared sulphites.
Canada
OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION UPDATE: The Public Health Agency of Canadanow has received reports of 79 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis illness investigated in British Columbia (34), Alberta (28), Saskatchewan (4), Manitoba (11) and Ontario (2). The Ontario cases reported travel to Alberta and British Columbia. Although the source of the outbreak has not yet been confirmed, many of the outbreak victims reported having consumed fresh avocados purchased from grocery stores or served at restaurants before their illness. The avocados were distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Allergy Alert: Belmont Meat Products Ltd. recalls Great Value brand Chicken Burgers (904g / 8 x 113g; All Best Before dates up to and including 2022 JL 27; UPC 6 28915 82529 9) and Belmont Meats brand Chicken Burgers (852g / 6 x 142g; All Best Before dates up to and including 2022 JL 27; UPC 0 60597 38361 0) due to undeclared egg.
Allergy Alert: Exclusive Candy & Novelty Ltd. recalls multiple Twinkle Baker Décor brand frosting tubes and icing gels due to improperly declared milk. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall: La Champignonerie Abitibi (Gallichan, QC) recalls multiple products packed in 250-ml and 500-ml glass jars due to improper processing/packing conditions. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Europe
OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION UPDATE:FSA reports that since 2015, there have been almost 900 cases of Salmonella infections linked to the handling of specific frozen mice products used for the feeding of reptiles. The recall listed below is linked to this outbreak investigation. The FSA is instructing reptile owners and others who have a supply of the affected frozen mice to return them to the place of purchase so they can be carefully disposed of. The FSA and partners are also warning people to be extra careful when handling any frozen rodents including mice product and packaging, not just the batches identified, due to the risk of Salmonella from other batches linked to this recall.
Allergy Alert (France): AGIS recalls AGIS brand Nems au porc / Pork spring rolls (280g; Lot 21/327; Use by 23/12/2021) due to undeclared soy and gluten.
Allergy Alert (France): BIOCOOP recalls BIOCOOP brand CHORIZO FORT SANS SEL NITRITE / Strong chorizo, nitrite-free (~1 kg; Lot 121285223; Best before 20/12/2021) due to undeclared nuts.
Allergy Alert (Italy): CASEIFICIO PUGLIESE F.lli Radicci S.p.A. recalls SELEX Vivi Bene brand RICOTTA SENZA LATTOSIO/ Lactose-free ricotta (250g; Lot #L21307; Best before 18/12/2021) due to excessive lactose levels.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Delhaize recalls Delhaize brand Chipolata de poulet / Chicken sausages (Lot #211130036 & 211130025; Expiry date 10/12/2021) and Delhaize brand Burger de poulet nature / Chicken burgers (Lot 211130036; Expiry 10/12/2021) due to foreign matter (metal fragments) contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Aldi recalls Burger de poulet / Chicken burgers (250g; Lots 211130024 & 211130036; Expiry 10/12/2021) due to foreign matter (metal fragments) contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): AFSCA orders recall of Fromage St Nectaire / cheese (220g & 230g; Multiple lot codes and Best before dates) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Cora recalls Saint-Nectaire AOP Laitier cheese (Lots GF042GFA + GF042GGA; Use by 22/12/2021, 25/12/2021 & 26/12/2021) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Colruyt recalls Colruyt brand Choucroute de Champagne-Ardenne à la graisse d’oie / Sauerkraut with goose fat (600g; Lot 21050611; Best before 14/1/2022) due to foreign matter (metal fragments) contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): AFSCA recalls Henglein brand Frische Knöpfle Eierspätzle / Egg dumplings (400g; All lots beginning with 42442; Best before 09/12/2021) due to foreign matter (pieces of blue plastic) contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): DENOUAL ROLAND SARL recalls Les Délices de la Belle Noë brand Saucisson sec / Dry sausage (All Best before dates between 31/01/2022 and 27/02/2022) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): DENOUAL ROLAND SARL recalls Les Délices de la Belle Noë brand Saucisse sèche / Dry sausage (All Best before dates between 31/01/2022 and 15/02/2022) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): SICA SICODIS recalls SICOLY brand Préparation de fruits à l’abricot / Apricot preserves (360g; Lots 525121/01, 525121/02, 525121/03, 525121/04; Best before 23/03/2023) due to foreign matter (glass splinters) contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): FROMAGERIE LE CENTURION recalls Saint Nectaire AOP laitier cheese (190g; Lot #GF044GFA; Best before dates from 25/12/2021 to 29/12/2021) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): COOPERATIVE U recalls U SAVEURS brand Cantal Entre Deux AOP au Lait cru / Raw milk cheese (220g; Lots 16821443 & 16821452; Use by 07/12/2021 and 12/12/2021, respectively) due to shigatoxin-producing E. coli contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): SA SODIMON Systeme U recalls Normanville lait cru sur paille 23%mg FE / Raw milk cheese on straw, 23% butterfat (Use by dates from 06/11/2021 to 09/12/2021) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): FROMAGERIE LE CENTURION recalls Saint Nectaire AOP laitier cheese (190g; Multiple lot codes and Best before dates) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall (France): TREO recalls TREO brand TORRONE/NOUGAT MIX (amande, noix, noix de cajou, pistache) / Torrone / nougat mix with almonds, walnuts, cashews and pistachios (150g; Lot 190921; Best before 30/08/2022) due to aflatoxin contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): Société Fromagère du Livradois recalls Nouaille brand Cantal entre deux au lait cru / raw milk cheese (Various package formats, lot codes and Best before dates) due to E. coli O26:H11 contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall (France): Société Fromagère du Livradois recalls Livradois brand Cantal Entre Deux lait cru / raw milk cheese (Intact wheels; Lot 16821; Best before dates between 02/01/2022 and 02/02/2022) due to E. coli O26:H11 contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): MONOPRIX recalls MONOPRIX GOURMET brand Cantal Entre Deux and Gourmet Cantal Entre Deux / raw milk cheese (Lots 16821451 & 16821; Use by 28/11/2021 & 07/12/2021, respectively) due to E. coli O26:H11 contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): Carrefour recalls CARREFOUR Classic brand DUO HARICOTS VERTS & FLAGEOLETS / Stringbeans and green beans (720g; Lots 1470 L:U2M281B07 & 1470 L:U2M272A07; Best before 30/09/2025) due to foreign matter (insect larvae) contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Germany): Fleischerei Beier recalls Bratwurst mit Knoblauch, geräuchert & Bratwurst mit Kümmel / Smoked bratwurst sausage with garlic and Bratwurst sausage with caraway seeds (Produced 22.11.2021) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Germany): Gut von Holstein recalls Gut von Holstein Weihnachtskäse 60% Fett i.Tr. / Christmas cheese, 60% fat (Lots 12102021T6, 13102021T6, 14102021T6, 20102021T2, 21102021T2, 26102021T3, 27102021T1; Use by 12.03.2022, 13.03.2022, 14.03.2022, 20.03.2022, 21.03.2022) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Italy): ENTREMONT ITALIA SRL recalls CF G300 PLATEAU FORM FRANCESI / French cheese (300g; Mulitple lot codes; Best before 4, 5 & 6 January 2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Colruyt recalls Choucroute de Champagne-Ardenne à la graisse d’oie / Sauerkraut with goose fat (600g; Lot 21050611; Best before 14/1/2022) due to foreign matter (metal fragments) contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Delhaize recalls Delhaize brand Chipolata de poulet / Chicken sausages (Lot #211130036 & 211130025; Expiry date 10/12/2021) and Delhaize brand Burger de poulet nature / Chicken burgers (Lot 211130036; Expiry 10/12/2021) due to foreign matter (metal fragments) contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Industry recalls Les Fromageries occitanes brand Fromage Saint-Nectaire AOP Laitier cheese (220g; Lots GD013GDA, GD013GDY, GD013GF4, GF017GFA, H0027H0A; Use by dates from 24/12/2021 to 31/12/2021, inclusive) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Pet Food Safety Recall (UK): Monkfield Nutrition recalls all batches of frozen feeder mice products for feeding reptiles due to Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION (South Africa): The Department of Health is investigating possible food poisoning in Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and Gauteng Provinces, following the deaths of an unspecified number of children who allegedly consumed noodles.
eFoodAlert 