Category: norovirus

Recalls and Alerts: November 8, 2012

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.

For current information on retail distribution of peanut butter products recalled due to Salmonella Bredeney, please consult the Trader Joe’s/Sunland Peanut Butter Recalls tab.

For current information on retail distribution of beef products containing Canadian beef recalled due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination please consult the Canada/USA Beef Recall tab.

United States

  • Allergy Alert: Giant Eagle recalls Spice Bars – Bakery (UPC 21972200000; All Sell by dates), due to the presence of undeclared soy.
  • Allergy Alert: Mayflower International, aka Fu Xiang Yuan Trading Inc. (Brooklyn, NY) recalls Fu Xiang Yuan Trading Inc. brand Lily Dry (3.5 oz/100g plastic and foil bag; UPC 6 944295 300176; Product of China), due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. The recalled product was distributed throughout the USA.
  • Food Safety Recall: Fresh Express Incorporated (Charlotte, NC) recalls Fresh Express Spinach (9 oz pkg; Product code S299B25; Use by November 7), due to possible contamination with Salmonella. The recalled spinach was distributed primarily in the Western region of the USA.
  • Food Safety Recall: Nestle USA recalls Nestle NESQUIK® Chocolate Powder (40.7 oz; UPC 0 28000 68230 9; Production codes 2282574810 & 2282574820; Best before Oct 2014), Nestle NESQUIK® Chocolate Powder (21.8 oz; UPC 0 28000 68090 9; Production codes 2278574810, 2278574820, 2279574810, 2279574820, 2284574820, 2284574830, 2285574810, 2285574820, 2287574820, 2289574810 & 2289574820; Best before Oct 2014) and Nestle NESQUIK® Chocolate Powder (10.9 oz; UPC 0 28000 67990 3; Production code 2278574810; Best before Oct 2014), because the products contains calcium carbonated supplied by Omya Inc., and may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products were manufactured during early October, 2012 and distributed nationally.
  • Outbreak Alert Update: CDC reports that a total of 41 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bredeney have been documented in 20 states; 63% are children under the age of 10 years. The illnesses were linked to the consumption of peanut butter manufactured by Sunland, Inc. of Portales, New Mexico. Ten of the outbreak victims were hospitalized.
  • Outbreak Alert: Food Safety News reports that unpasteurized, unlabeled apple cider may be the source of a number of E. coli infections in Antrim County, Michigan. The cider was produced at an unlicensed facility.

Canada

  • Food Safety Recall: Purity Life Health Products recalls Larabar Gluten Free Cashew Fruit & Nut Energy Bars (16 x 48g; Use by 30MAY2013; UPC 00021908455235) due to microbiological spoilage. The recalled bars were sold in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.

Europe

  • Allergy Alert (UK): Asda withdraws Asda Extra Special Syrup Sponge Puddings (300g; Best before 17 February 2013), due to the presence of undeclared soy.
  • Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Het Dischhof recalls Keiems Bloempje natuur – Petite Fleur Nature soft curd cheese (Expiry 06/12/12 (Lot 40.3 and 40.4), Expiry 13/12/12 (Lots 41.3, 41.4, 41.5) and Expiry 20/12/12 (Lots 42.2 and 42.4)), and Keiems Bloempje met kruiden – Petite Fleur aux herbes (Expiry 13/12/12; Lot 41/3), due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Outbreak Alert Update (Netherlands): An additional 31 cases of Salmonella Thompson infections were confirmed in the last week. In total, 1,094 people have been sickened in the Netherlands after consuming smoked salmon contaminated with the outbreak strain.
  • Outbreak Alert Update (Northern Ireland): The outbreak of E. coli O157 infections linked to Flicks restaurant in Cityside Mall, Belfast now comprises 137 confirmed cases and 164 probable cases.
  • Outbreak Alert (UK): Approximately 350 passengers on the Celebrity Cruise vessel Constellation were reported ill with vomiting and diarrhea, thought to be due to norovirus. The ship’s departure from Southampton was delayed to allow for extra cleaning and sanitizing, according to a BBC report.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Food Safety Recall (Hong Kong): The Centre for Food Safety advises the public that the following two peanut butter products, which were imported into Hong Kong, were recalled by Sunland Inc. due to potential contamination with Salmonella: Sunland Organic Valencia Peanut Butter Creamy (12 oz/340g; Bar code 4868732810; Best before May 23, 2013) and Sunland Organic Valencia Peanut Butter Crunchy (12 oz/340g; Bar code 4868731810; Best before July 20, 2013). The importer has recalled all affected products, and retail outlets have stopped their sale.
  • Food Safety Recall (Singapore): AVA alerts the public that the following product was recalled by the local importer after the manufacturer initiated a recall due to E. coli contamination: B.d Farm Paris Creek Organic Biodynamic Yoghurt Apricot (200g; Best before 14/11/2012; Product of Australia).
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Alert (Hong Kong): The Department of Health advises the public not to buy or consume the slimming product Ku Xiu Ba Xiang Jian Fei Wan, as it may contain undeclared and banned drug ingredients; namely sibutramine and phenolphthalein.
  • Outbreak Alert (Hong Kong): The Centre for Health Protection is investigating two suspected food poisoning outbreak involving 12 people who developed symptoms of diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and fever after having dinner at a restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui.

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: October 26, 2012

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.

For current information on retail distribution of peanut butter products recalled due to Salmonella Bredeney, please consult the Trader Joe’s/Sunland Peanut Butter Recalls tab.

For current information on retail distribution of beef products containing Canadian beef recalled due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination please consult the Canada/USA Beef Recall tab.

United States

  • Allergy Alert: Tropical Valley Foods recalls various Dark Chocolate, Organic Dark Chocolate and Trail Mix items (sold in bulk; shipped 09/26/2011 through 09/25/2012), due to the presence of undeclared wheat, soy and/or tree nuts. The recalled items (please consult the recall notice for a detailed list) were shipped to distributors and retailers in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Quebec City (Quebec, Canada), Hong Kong and Dubai (UAE).
  • Allergy Alert: Wegmans recalls Wegmans Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix (15.3oz; UPC 7789028333; All lot codes), Wegmans Gluten Free Honey Cornbread Mix (16 oz; UPC 7789030343; All lot codes) and Wegmans Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Mix (16 oz; UPC 7789030341; All lot codes), because the products may contain undeclared soy.
  • Food Safety Recall: Bumble Bar recalls Gluten Free Café Chocolate Sesame Bar (UPC 70795-03450; Lot codes 01MAY13, 30APR13, 18MAR13, 20OCT12, 19OCT12, 17OCT12, 16OCT12, 04JUL12, 26APR12, 21MAR12) and Gluten Free Café Cinnamon Sesame Bar (UPC 70795-03551; Lot codes 16APR13, 17APR13, 15MAR13, 22SEP12, 22AUG12, 23AUG12, 29JUN12, 24MAY12, 25APR12, 02MAR12), because the Sesame Bars contain Sunland peanut products and may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products were distributed nationwide from June, 2011 to October, 2012, and exported primarily to retail stores, and through internet orders.
  • Food Safety Recall: Bee Well Natural Foods, Inc. (Lakewood, OH) recalls WOW Wheatgrass Juice (7 x 1-oz frozen units; All packages available for sale prior to October 17, 2012), because the product has not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria. The recalled products were sold at grocery and health food stores in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, DC.
  • Outbreak Alert Final Update: CDC reports that a total of 195 persons infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Infantis, Salmonella Newport and Salmonella Lille were reported from 27 states. Epidemiologic, laboratory and traceback findings linked the outbreak to contact with live poultry from Mt. Healthy Hatchery in Ohio. This outbreak is now thought to be over.
  • Outbreak Alert Update: CDC reports that a total of 22 persons infected with Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 13 states and the District of Columbia; 20 people were hospitalized. Four deaths are associated with this outbreak, which has been traced to contaminated Frescolina Marte brand ricotta salata cheese imported from Italy.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: Tropical Valley Foods recalls various Dark Chocolate, Organic Dark Chocolate and Trail Mix items (sold in bulk; shipped 09/26/2011 through 09/25/2012), due to the presence of undeclared wheat, soy and/or tree nuts. The recalled items (please consult the recall notice for a detailed list) were shipped to distributors and retailers in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Quebec City (Quebec, Canada), Hong Kong and Dubai (UAE).
  • Allergy Alert: Les Aliments P.G. recalls various Les Aliments P.G. brand pizzas, subs and sandwiches, due to the presence of undeclared mustard, peanuts, egg, soy, sesame seeds, nuts, dairy protein and sulfites. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products. The recalled products were sold in certain establishments in the Abitibi-Témiscaminque region of Quebec.
  • Allergy Alert: L’Épi doré (Montreal, QC) recalls Pain de soya et millet/Soy & Millet Bread (550g; All product sold up to and including 10 October) and Pain de seigle et tournesol/Rye & Sunflower Bread (550g; All product sold up to and including 10 October), due to the presence of undeclared wheat.
  • Food Safety Recall: Herboristerie La Clef Des Champs Inc. (Val-David, QC) recalls Organic Ginger Ground Root (200g; UPC 6 97026 92441 2; Codes BF011441B08 & BF011441B09), Organic Curry Spices Culinary Mix (35g; UPC 6 97026 74967 1; Codes CC0112 967B07 & CC0812 967B01), Organic Curry Spices Culinary Mix (257g; UPC 6 97026 69967 9; Codes CC0112 967B08 & CC0812 967B02), Organic Curry Spices Culinary Mix (500g; UPC 6 97026 70967 5; Codes CC0112 967B05, CC0112 967B06, CC0112 967B09 & CC0812 967B03), Organic Spice Cake Culinary Mix (45g; UPC 6 97026 74974 9; Code CC0312 974B01) and Organic Ginger Root Powder (20 kg; UPC 6 97026 70441 0; Code BF011441B), because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products were distributed nationally.

Europe

  • Allergy Alert (UK): Sainsbury’s recalls Kids Chicken Curry by Sainsbury’s (225g; Use by up to and including 31 October 2012), due to the presence of undeclared wheat (gluten) and celery.
  • Food Safety Recall (UK): Cleone Foods Ltd. recalls Island Delight Jerk Chicken snack pack (6 x 50g; Best before 11 April 2014), due to an incorrect “best before” date. The product should have been labeled with a “use by” date of 31 October 2012.
  • Food Withdrawal (UK): Farmfoods withdraws all date codes of Farmfoods Cooked Ham (200g), Farmfoods Honey Roast Ham (300g), Farmfoods Lean Ham (300g), Farmfoods Lean Breaded Ham (300g), Farmfoods Pork Luncheon Meat (250g), Farmfoods Garlic Sausage (250g) and Farmfoods Wafer Thin Ham (400g), because the packaging incorrectly states ‘best before’ rather than ‘use by’.
  • Outbreak Alert Update (Northern Ireland): The outbreak of E. coli O157 linked to Flicks restaurant (Cityside Mall, Belfast) stands at 130 confirmed cases and 163 probable cases. The number of new illness reports is decreasing.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1498): Inadequate thermal processing of chilled paté of liver from Sweden; distributed to Sweden.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1499): Aflatoxins in raw chilled milk from Hungary; distributed to Slovenia.
  • Animal Feed Safety Notification (EU #2012.1500): Salmonella in meat meal from the Netherlands; distributed to Italy.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Allergy Alert: Tropical Valley Foods recalls various Dark Chocolate, Organic Dark Chocolate and Trail Mix items (sold in bulk; shipped 09/26/2011 through 09/25/2012), due to the presence of undeclared wheat, soy and/or tree nuts. The recalled items (please consult the recall notice for a detailed list) were shipped to distributors and retailers in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Quebec City (Quebec, Canada), Hong Kong and Dubai (UAE).

Australia and New Zealand

  • Food Safety Recall (Australia): Patties Foods Ltd. recalls Four’N Twenty Angus Beef Potato Pies (800g 4-pack; Best before 04 07 12 and 05 07 12), because of potential foreign matter contamination. The recalled product was sold nationally at Woolworths, Coles, Bi-Lo, IGA and other independent supermarkets.
  • Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Charlie’s Trading Company Ltd. recalls Phoenix Organics brand Apple & Orange Mango Juice (275mL glass bottle; Best before 12/09/13), Apple & Feijoa Juice (275mL glass bottle; Best before 12/09/13), Apple & Mango Passion Juice (275mL glass bottle; Best before 12/09/13), Apple & Pomegranate Juice (275mL glass bottle; Best before 12/09/13), Apple & Blackcurrant Juice (275mL glass bottle; Best before 12/09/13), and Apple & Guava Juice (275mL glass bottle; Best before 12/09/13), due to impact damage to the bottle cap that may result in potential chip in the glass thread of the bottle. The recalled juices were sold in cafés, corner stores and supermarkets throughout New Zealand.
  • Food Safety Alert (New Zealand): The Waikato District Health Board has issued a public health warning on shellfish harvested from Mohakatino in northern Taranaki, north to Manukau Harbour. The warning includes Kawhia, Aotea and Raglan harbours. According to The New Zealand Herald, shellfish samples taken from Kawhia and Raglan have shown levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin above the safe limit.
  • Outbreak Alert (New Zealand): Thirty-three elderly patients at Auckland Hospital have been isolated after thirteen patients and four staff members at the hospital developed symptoms of norovirus infections.

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: October 17, 2012

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.

For current information on retail distribution of peanut butter products recalled due to Salmonella Bredeney, please consult the Trader Joe’s/Sunland Peanut Butter Recalls tab.

For current information on retail distribution of beef products containing Canadian beef recalled due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination please consult the Canada/USA Beef Recall tab.

United States

  • Food Safety Recall: Torn and Glasser, Inc. (Los Angeles, CA) recalls Salted In-Shell Peanuts (Gless Ranch, Sun Harvest, Tom and Glasser, Sprouts, and unbranded; various packages sizes or bulk packaging; packaged after November 9, 2011) and Organic Peanut Butter (12/14 oz Tubs; Lot 0132; packaged January 13, 2012), because the products contain peanuts supplied by Sunland and may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products were distributed from November 9, 2011 to October 15, 2012 in CA, AZ, NV, TX, CO, ID, MO, NJ, NM, OK, UT. Please refer to the recall notice for additional product details.
  • Food Safety Recall: California Department of Public Health announces the recall of the following Preserved Plum products, after tests find that they contain lead in excess of state standards: Red Lantern Plum Candy (Imported from China by K.Y.L Trading Co., Inc. (Brisbane, CA); 3-oz/85g pkg), Chen Pui Mui Preserved Plum (imported from Hong Kong by QFCO, Inc. (Burlingame, CA); 14 oz/400g pkg) and Sanh Yuan Preserved Plum (Imported from Taiwan by CHO Fuku Group (USA), Inc. (El Monte, CA); 5 oz pkg).
  • Food Safety Alert: The South Dakota Department of Agriculture has found Campylobacter in a sample of raw milk from Black Hills Milk in Belle Fourche. The implicated milk is sold at a retail outlet in Spearfish, at Black Hills Farmers Market at Founder’s Park in Rapid City and other locations in the Black Hills. Consumers who purchased the milk should either discard or return the product.
  • Outbreak Alert Update: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports that the outbreak of E. coli infections has spread to include 61 attendees (38 children and 23 adults) at the Cleveland County Fair. One child has died as a result of the infection; eleven individuals have been or are currently hospitalized. Illnesses were reported in residents of Cleveland County (33), Gaston County (11, including the fatality), Lincoln County (10), Catawba County (1), Mecklenburg County (1) and Union County (2) in North Carolina, as well as York County (2) and Cherokee County (1) in South Carolina.
  • Food Safety Recall: Dole Fresh Vegetables recalls Dole American Blend salad (12 oz bags; UPC 7143000933; Use by October 17; Codes A275208A or A275208B), after Listeria monocytogenes was found in a random sample tested by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The recalled salads were distributed in Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
  • Pet Food Safety Recall: Kasel Associated Industries (Denver, CO) recalls Boots & Barkley Roasted American Pig Ears (12 ears/bag; UPC 647263899158; Best by 13SEP2014DEN) and Boots & Barkley American Variety Pack Dog Treats (32 oz plastic bag; UPC 490830400086; Best by 13SEP2014DEN), after routine sampling by the Colorado Department of Agriculture detected Salmonella in a sample of this lot code. The recalled products were distributed nationwide through Target stores in August 2012.
  • Food Safety Recall: Tops advises its customers that Ella’s Kitchen has recalled Ella’s Baby Cookies Apple/Ginger (3.8 oz; UPC 84590100053; Best by 5/16/13) and Ella’s Baby Cookies Milk/Vanilla (3.8 oz; UPC 84590100052; Best by 5/7/13 and 5/16/13) due to consumer reports of mold growth on some of the cookies.
  • Outbreak Alert (California): More than 100 students and staff members at Medea Creek Middle School (Oak Park, CA) developed symptoms of acute gastroenteritis consistent with Norovirus. Parents are advised not to send their children back to school until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. The virus may remain present in the stool for up to two weeks.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: Rich Products of Canada Limited (Fort Erie, ON) recalls Dorgel Hazelnut Gelato (1.65L; All dates), Dorgel Bacio Chocolate Gelato (1.65L; All dates), Dorgel Bacio Tartufo, 4 pk (125ml x 4; All dates), Dorgel Bacio Tartufo, 30 pk (125ml x 30; All dates) and Farmboy® Hazelnut Gelato (700 ml; All dates prior to 2012 11 30), because the products contain undeclared almonds. The recalled products were distributed to retailers across Ontario.
  • Food Safety Recall: Nestle Canada Inc. expands its earlier recall of Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream (11.4L) to include all lot/date codes, because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled ice cream was distributed to hotel, restaurants and institutional customers across Canada.

Europe

  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): 3-Stjernet A/S(Atria Denmark A/S) recalls Coop, Common Sense, and Irma’s Life brands of Potato Salami (115g; Package dates 03.10.2012, 08.10.2012 and 09.10.2012; Best before dates 01.01.2013, 06.01.2013 and 07.01.2013, respectively), because Salmonella was detected in the products.
  • Food Safety Recall (France): La Société Elivia Eloyes recalls PACK ÉCONOMIQUE Steaks hachés surgelés, 20% de matière grasse / Economy Pack Ground Beef Patties, 20% fat (25 x 100g patties/2.5kg carton; Carton lot #91630205; Individual package lot #630205; Best before 26 July 2013), due to contamination with E. coli O157:H7. The recalled product was sold at Carrefour and Carrefour Market.
  • Food Safety Recall (Germany): Panasia Handelsges.mbH recalls Dried Seaweed (80g pkg; Best before 01.11.2013; Lot #2012.11.01.F2), due to excessive iodine levels.
  • Food Fraud Alert (Sweden): BBC reports that Sweden’s National Food Agency is warning that as much as 20 tonnes of meat labelled as beef is actually colored pork. The dyed meat, which was imported by the Swedish company Heat AB from a supplier in Hungary (Filetto), was first sold in Sweden one year ago. One of the suspect batches of meat originated in Argentina.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Food Safety Recall (Israel): זנלכל recalls Canned Garden Peas (Expiry 4/2014 and 5/2014), because the product may contain small stones.

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.