Buffets and Bacteria – A cautionary tale

My husband and I returned home from Israel a few days ago, having survived a bout of food poisoning (him) and some serious jet lag (both of us). It had been several years since we had last undertaken such an ambitious voyage, and our trip was a sharp reminder of the need to be vigilant about food safety while away from home.

Shakshuka on offer at the Leonardo Plaza Hotel, Eilat

As I mentioned in my October 5th post, generous buffet breakfasts are the norm in Israeli hotels. In addition to eggs cooked to order, guests can help themselves to a variety of salads, cheeses, hot dishes, smoked fish and breakfast pastries, in addition to a dish known as ‘shakshuka’.

According to Wikipedia, shakshuka consists of eggs poached in a tomato-based sauce that may also contain a variety of other ingredients, including peppers, onion, cheese, and various cooked vegetables. Although it can be made with meat, the concoction we were offered was meatless.

The buffet at the Leonardo Plaza Hotel in Eilat was typical of Israeli breakfast offerings we had experienced during our previous visit to Israel in 1995.

The salad bar was located adjacent to the dining room entrance. The food was entirely exposed; susceptible to contamination from any airborne bacteria or viruses propelled by a sneeze or cough.

Some of the cold prepared dishes were better protected, in refrigerated displays

These cheesecakes were displayed in what was nominally a refrigerated case, yet the temperature display was dark. Defective display or no refrigeration? Also, note the individual servings of custard – a perishable food – resting unprotected and unrefrigerated on the counter next to the “refrigerated” cheesecakes.

The hot items were under better temperature control, as the various casserole pans rested on hot plates. These dishes were shielded, and also were warmed by heat lamps from above.

Some of the items, including the shakshuka, were heated only from below, and were exposed to the open air.

Alas, after my husband’s nasty food poisoning episode on the first morning of our trip, this ‘sumptuous’ buffet was wasted on us. We were both especially cautious for the rest of the trip, limiting our breakfasts to fresh-cooked omelets, bread, breakfast pastries, and halvah.

Whether in Israel, Myanmar, Europe or the USA, whether in a hotel, in a restaurant, or on a cruise ship, it pays to eat defensively. Don’t let your salivary glands rule your selections. Choose your food wisely to stay healthy.

Recalls and Alerts: October 17-18, 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: CDC and state agencies are investigating an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Infantis infections linked to raw chicken products. As of October 15th, the outbreak has sickened 92 individuals in 29 states. Twenty-one of the victims have been hospitalized. According to CDC, the outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis is present in live chickens and in many types of raw chicken products, indicating it might be widespread in the chicken industry.

Allergy Alert: New Nan Fong Trading Inc. recalls Source Day Natural Treasures Dried Liquorice Slice (16-oz pkg; Product of China) due to undeclared sulfites. The recalled product was distributed in New York City.

Allergy Alert: P. East Trading Corp. recalls Fruits Du Sud Golden Seedless Raisins (30-lb box; Lot No. FDS T499/18; Production date April 2018; Product of South Africa) due to undeclared sulfites.

Allergy Alert: Stewart’s Shops Corp. recalls Stewart’s Shops brand Cranberry Apple Refresher (16 fluid oz; Expiry Nov 19; UPC 0 82086 31014 3) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert: Faribault Foods, Inc. recalls S&W White Beans (15 oz; can code Best By AUG 23 2020 1310 F2 236 17 XXXX (time stamp)) due to undeclared sulfites. The recalled product was distributed in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.

Food Safety Recall: Taylor Farms Northwest LLC recalls PORK CARNITAS BOWL (11-oz bowls; Sell by 10/15/18 through 10/19/18) due to possible Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recalled product was shipped to retail locations in Oregon and Washington.

Food Safety Recall: GHSE, LLC recalls Marketside™ FIESTA SALAD WITH STEAK (15.25-oz. clear plastic clamshell packages; Use by dates 10/17/2018 through 10/20/2018) due to possible Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recalled product was shipped to retail locations in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Food Safety Recall: GH Foods CA, LLC recalls approximately 940 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with chicken products due to possible Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to retail locations in California.

Food Safety Recall: Mary’s Harvest Fresh Foods, Inc recalls approximately 916 pounds of ready-to-eat wrap and salad products due to possible Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to retail locations in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Canada

Allergy Alert: Supermarché Laurier (Metro) (Montreal, QC) recalls SAUCISSES ORIENTALES (all lots sold up to October 18, 2018) due to undeclared mustard and milk.

Allergy Alert: Maple Leaf Foods Inc. recalls Schneiders brand Country Naturals Wieners (375g; Best Before 2018 OC 15; UPC 0 62000 10879 7) due to undeclared milk. The recalled product was sold in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and may have been distributed nationwide.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Carletti A/S recalls Irma Bridge Blanding (180g; Best before 24/02/2020, 27/02/2020) due to incorrect labeling for hazelnuts.

Allergy Alert (Finland): Lantmännen Cerealia AB recalls Simply Great mustikka, taateli ja kardemumma -granolaa / Simply Great blueberry, dandelion and cardamom granola (475g; Best before 2.6.2019) due to undeclared almond.

Allergy Alert (Iceland): Lantmännen Cerealia recalls Axa Granola Blueberry & Cardamom (475g; Lot #1358840; Best before 2.6.2019) due to undeclared almond.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): FROM-UN recalls Baskalia Yaourt brebis pistache poire / Sheep-milk yogurt, pistachio & pear (1 x 140g; Lot #26/10/2018W; Expiry date 26/10/2018) due to foreign matter (glass splinters) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Auchan recalls several Atelier Blini products due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (France): Monoprix recalls Monoprix Gourmet brand Quenelles natures (320g; Best before 19/10/2018) due to Listeria contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Baskalia recalls Baskalia Yaourt brebis pistache poire / Sheep-milk yogurt, pistachio & pear (1 x 140g; Lot #26/10/2018W; Expiry date 26/10/2018) due to foreign matter (glass splinters) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Jürgen Würth Lebensmittelgroßhandel e.K. recalls Petite Fleur Kräuter brand Belgian soft cheese made from raw milk (approx 300g; Best before 8.11.2018) due to Verotoxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Gut Sambach GmbH Sozialtherapie & ökologischer Landbau Gutsstr. recalls Hoflaibchen sliced cheese made from raw milk (100-200g; Best before 28.10. – 02.11.2018) due to Verotoxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Dunnes Stores recalls slow roasted turkey slices (120g; Batch code 8253B2; Use by 22 November 2018) due to the product being labeled with an incorrect ‘Use by’ date.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Parmareggio SpA recalls CUOR DI FETTE brand COOP SCAMORZA BIANCA FETTE (140g; Lot #25L8345; Best before 12/11/2018) due to Shigatoxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK-Northern Ireland): Dunnes Stores recalls slow roasted turkey slices (120g; Batch code 8253B2; Use by 22 November 2018) due to the product being labeled with an incorrect ‘Use by’ date.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): Formulite Pty Ltd recalls various flavors of Formulite Lupin Soup due to undeclared gluten. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recalls: October 1 – 16, 2018

The FoodBugLady is back after a two-week holiday, and it’s time to play catch-up.

Here is a list of recalls relating to food safety issues for the first half of October. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices containing detailed information for each 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.

USA

October 16th: Prime Deli Corporation (Lewisville, Texas) is recalling approximately 217 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with bacon products that contain a corn ingredient that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

October 15th: A La Carte Foods Properties, LLC (Belle Rose, LA) is recalling approximately 30,438 pounds of meat and poultry products that contain meat produced without the benefit of federal inspection.

October 11th: Valley Fine Foods (Forest City, N.C.) is recalling approximately 35,516 pounds of heat-treated, not fully cooked meat and poultry products that may be adulterated due to presence of spoilage organisms that have rendered it unwholesome and unfit for human food.

October 11th: Jerky Boyz Chicken Jerky (Pigeon Forge, Tenn) is recalling approximately 23 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken jerky products due to a processing deviation that may have led to underprocessing of products.

October 10th: Malone’s Fine Sausage Inc. (Milwaukee, WI) is recalling approximately 26,323 pounds of ready-to-eat pork head cheese product that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.

October 6th: Bazzini LLC (Allentown, PA) is recalling 4,000 pounds of Roasted and Salted Colossal Natural, Super Colossal Natural and Rams Head Natural In Shell Pistachios received from one of its suppliers because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

October 5th: Ladyfingers Caterers is voluntarily recalling its Signature Shaved Country Ham Rolls as a result of the Johnston County Hams recall. The rolls were made with ham produced by Johnston County Hams, which recently initiated a recall of its ham products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

October 5th: Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods (Richmond, VA) is recalling approximately 18,296 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry deli-sliced products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.

October 5th: Randsland Farms Inc. recalls Randsland brand Broccoli Florets and Broccoli Salad Kit due to Listeria contamination.

October 4th: Working Cow Homemade Ice Cream, Inc. (St. Petersburg, FL) is conducting a voluntary recall of No Sugar Added Vanilla and No Sugar Added Chocolate ice cream manufactured in three-gallon tubs during the month of May 2018 due to a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

October 4th: Callie’s Charleston Biscuits, LLC is issuing a voluntary product recall for two products that may contain Johnston County Hams recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 4th: JBS Tolleson, Inc. (Tolleson, AZ) is recalling approximately 6,937,195 pounds of various raw, non-intact beef products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Newport.

October 3rd: Johnston County Hams (Smithfield, N.C.) is recalling approximately 89,096 pounds of ready-to-eat ham products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Canada

October 15th: Abbott is recalling certain Abbott brand formulated liquid nutrition products in 235 mL metal cans from the marketplace due to possible bacterial contamination. One illness has been reported.

October 12th: Fromagerie Les Rivières recalls various cheeses that may not be safe to consume.

October 12th: Le Petit Magasin recalls Bolognaise Tomato sauce that may not be safe to consume.

October 11th: Euro-Balkan Specialty Foods recalls Euro-Balkan Specialty Foods brand Balkan Style Kajmak Cream Cheese Product due to Staphylococcus enterotoxin contamination.

October 9th: La Granja Foods recalls The Farm La Granja brand Queso ranchero fresco from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

October 5th: Ferme Écologique Coop d’Ulverton recalls cheeses made with raw (unpasteurized) goat milk due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

October 4th: Sobeys Inc. is recalling certain Sobeys brand packaged vegetable products from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 3rd: Monsieur Émile Smokehouse is recalling Monsieur Émile Smokehouse brand and unbranded Smoked Salmon, sold refrigerated, from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 2nd: Loblaw Companies Limited is recalling certain $10 Chicken Fries from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled product is associated with an outbreak investigation.

Europe

October 13th (Belgium): Albert Heijn recalls AH brand Mackerel fillets due to Listeria contamination.

October 15th (Denmark): Løgismose recalls Løgismose brand chicken due to Campylobacter contamination.

October 15th (Denmark): Aldi Danmark Aps recalls “Landlyst” turkey breast due to Salmonella contamination.

October 10th (Denmark): Himmerlandskød recalls Champion chopped beef due to Salmonella and E. coli contamination.

October 3rd (Denmark): Naturesource ApS recalls organic goji berries and organic chocolate coated goji berries due to foreign matter (metal pieces) contamination.

October 5th (Finland): SOK recalls POPCORN MAISSINJYVISSÄ Rainbow Popcorn due to foreign matter (metal pieces) contamination.

October 16th (France): CASINO recalls CASINO CA VIENT D’ICI brand Quenelles Lyonnaises Nature pur beurre due to Listeria contamination.

October 12th (France): Intermarché recalls Jean Rozé brand Picada due to Salmonella contamination.

October 10th (France): Auchan recalls Atelier Blini brand 8 falafels (pois chiches, carottes & coriandre) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 8th (France): Geantcasino recalls Casino Bio brand crêpes moelleuses au sucre de canne et au lait frais due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 5th (France): EARL Les Poulettes brand shell eggs recalled due to Salmonella contamination.

October 12th (Germany): Bur Sales GmbH recalls Tunas brand Sesame paste and Sesame paste with pistachios due to Salmonella contamination.

October 12th (Germany): HOFKÄSEREI VETTER recalls BLAUSCHIMMEL RAW MILK CHEESE, soft cheese at least 50% fat due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 5th (Ireland): The Raw Chocolate Company recalls Raw Chocolate Goji Berries due to foreign matter (small metal pieces) contamination.

October 15th (Italy): Mareblus recalls Tuna in Olive Oil due to a potential processing error.

October 8th (Italy): AZIENDA AGRICOLA BOSI LUIGI recalls Fresh Eggs from Free-range Hens due to Salmonella Enteritidis contamination.

October 4th (Italy): Macelleria Partenzi di Partenzi Francesco recalls Salsiccia stagionata / Seasoned sausage due to Salmonella contamination.

October 3rd (Italy): Nutravant recalls Protein+ White 31% (gusto Crema-Limone) due to Salmonella contamination.

October 3rd (Italy): Bauli SpA recalls CROISSANT A LIEVITAZIONE NATURALE CON CREMA AL LATTE due to Salmonella contamination.

October 3rd (Italy): SOCIETA AGRICOLA F.LLI PONTI recalls FORMAGGELLA due to STEC E. coli contamination.

October 12th (Luxembourg): Atelier Blini brand 8 falafels (pois chiches, carottes & coriandre) recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 10th (Luxembourg): Ochsen-Ziemerenden pet food product recalled due to foreign matter (small metal pieces) contamination.

October 13th (Netherlands): Albert Heijn recalls AH brand Mackerel fillets due to Listeria contamination.

October 5th (Netherlands): PLUS Supermarkets recalls PLUS Lamsspies piri piri due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E.coli bacterium.

October 2nd (Netherlands): DekaMarkt and Poiesz recalls Jong Belegen Boerenkaas due to contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E.coli bacterium.

October 1st (Sweden): Lidl Sverige recalls Guldgrytan brand Nötfärs 6% due to Salmonella contamination.

October 5th (UK): The Raw Chocolate Company are recalling their Chocolate Goji Berries because they may contain small pieces of metal.

October 1st (UK): Montezuma’s Chocolates Ltd is recalling its ‘Great British Puddings Truffle Collection’, because it may contain small pieces of plastic in the lemon meringue truffle.

Australia and New Zealand

October 11th (Australia): Drakes Supermarkets recalls Drakes Gourmet Premium Selection Silverside due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

October 5th (New Zealand): FSL Foods Ltd is recalling a specific batch of its Fruzio brand premium mixed berries as the product may contain foreign matter (metal).

Asia, Africa and the Middle East

October 3rd (Israel): Maadaney Hagalil recalls various kebab products due to Salmonella contamination.