Recalls and Alerts: October 19 – 21, 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

Allergy Alert: Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods recalls Cedar’s Chickpea Salad (8 oz. plastic container; Sell by dates from 9/23/18 – 11/9/18; UPC 044115337767) due to undeclared edamame (soy). The recalled product was distributed to retailers in AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, TX, UT, VT, and WI.

Food Safety Recall: Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc. recalls approximately 795,261 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that contain an onion ingredient that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

Food Safety Recall: SK Food Group recalls approximately 174,207 pounds of chicken wrap products that contain vegetables that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped directly to consumers through catalog sales in California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Food Safety Recall: Buddy’s Kitchen, Inc recalls approximately 212,746 pounds of ready-to-eat pork and chicken products that contain vegetables that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to institutional locations in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and New Jersey.

Food Safety Recall: GHSW, LLC recalls approximately 1,786 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with chicken products that contain a corn ingredient that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to retail locations in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

Food Safety Recall: Ruiz Food Products, Inc. recalls approximately 2,490,593 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry taquitos that may be adulterated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to distributors nationwide.

Food Safety Recall: Caito Foods, LLC recalls approximately 1,532 pounds of ready-to-eat salad and bowl products made with chicken that contain a corn ingredient that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to retail locations in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Missouri.

Food Safety Recall: Envolve Foods recalls approximately 292,764 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken and beef products that contain a vegetable ingredient that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which wereshipped to distribution warehouses nationwide.

Food Safety Recall: Hy-Vee, Inc. recalls six of its meat and potato products across its eight-state region due to possible contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes after Hy-Vee’s supplier, McCain Foods, announced it was recalling its caramelized mushrooms and fire-roasted tomatoes, which are ingredients that are used in six Hy-Vee products.

Food Safety Recall (Update): Working Cow Homemade, Inc. recalls all ice cream manufactured from August 29, 2017 – October 11, 2018, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Working Cow customers include ice cream parlors, independent living facilities and restaurants throughout the state of Florida.

Canada

OUTBREAK ALERT: The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Infantis infections that appear to be associated with consumption of fresh cucumbers. As of October 19th, federal and provincial health agencies have confirmed 45 cases in five provinces: British Columbia (37), Alberta (5), Saskatchewan (1), Manitoba (1), and Quebec (1). The Quebec victim reported having traveled to British Columbia before becoming ill.

Allergy Alert: Uhrenholt Group/Richstone Fine Foods recalls Emborg brand Pizza Style Dairy Free Shreds (200g; Best Before: 2019/FE/10; UPC 5 704025 031869) due to undeclared milk. The recalled product was distributed to retailers in Alberta , British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan.

Allergy Alert: Nora’s Non-Dairy Ltd. recalls certain Nora’s brand Dairy-Free Frozen Desserts due to undeclared milk. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were distributed to retailers in Alberta and British Columbia.

Allergy Alert: Salamico Saint-Eustache (Saint-Eustache, QC) recalls various fruit pies due to undecalred milk, sulfites and soy. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Boulangerie Mariano (Montreal, QC) recalls various bread loaves due to foreign matter (wood splinters) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Dépanneur Lunch Express (Saint-Zénon, QC) recalls Spaghetti Sauce with spices (250 mL glass jar; Lots dated 26 September 2018 and 5 October 2018) as the product was not prepared and packaged in such a way as to ensure its safety.

Food Safety Recall: Charcuterie Varsovie inc. (Montreal, QC) recalls Smoked Mackerel (all product sold up to October 18, 2018) as the product was not prepared and packaged in such a way as to ensure its safety.

Europe

OUTBREAK ALERT (UK): Food Standards Agency is reporting a rise in the incidence of a particular strain of Salmonella Typhimurium infections linked to raw meat, with 165 new cases reported sincle June 2018. Consumers are reminded to take proper care when storing, handling, and cooking raw meat, including lamb and mutton.

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Hanegal A / S recalls Bio Lever Organic Svine/Okse Leverpostej (200g; Best before date 09/12/2018 (note – should be 02/11/2018)) due to undeclared lactose-free milk and mustard flour.

Allergy Alert (Luxembourg): La Provençale recalls various pâtés due to undeclared egg. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Bleuzé Interfood recalls Les Mouettes d’Arvor brand Sardines de saison à l’huile d’olive Millésime 2018 (115g can; Expiry end 2028) due to risk of delamination of can lining.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Healthy Powerfood GbR recalls various sprout products due to contamination with Shigatoxin-producing E. coli. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): ECO-BIO ALIMENTARE DI MIHAI VASILE recalls BAULE VOLANTE brand CIOCCOBI’ FONDENTE CON RISO SOFFIATO (25g; Best before 12-01-20) due to foreign matter (hard plastic pieces) contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): John’s Rice Noodle Manufacturing Co recalls John’s Rice Noodle Banh Pho (1kg; Use By 20/11/18) due to undeclared gluten.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Pak’n Save Botany recalls Pak’n Save brand minced meats and all serve over meat counter minced meats (Best Before 20.10.18) due to contamination with foreign matter (soft blue plastic).

 

 

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.

Fresh salad bar

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

Temperature reading 6.9ºC
Temperature reading 0ºC

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.

Temperature display not functioning

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.