Recalls and Alerts: May 10 – 12, 2019

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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United States

OUTBREAK ALERT: CDC reports 16 cases of foodborne illnesses in 5 states linked to oysters imported from Mexico. One US distributor has initiated a recall (see below).

Allergy Alert: Novartis recalls Promacta® 12.5 mg for oral suspension due to potential peanut contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for additional details on affected production lots.

Food Safety Recall: DiCarlo Seafood recalls raw oysters harvested from Estero El Cardon in Baja California Sur, Mexico. The recalled raw oysters, which have been linked to 16 cases of foodborne illnesses in 5 states, were distributed to three restaurants in Southern California.

Canada

Food Safety Recall: Marché Al-Rehab recalls KHLEA (variable size; Best before up to and including 10 May 2019) because the product was manufactured under conditions that do not ensure safety.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): PEDON S.p.A recalls More Than Pasta brand Yellow Lentil Lasagna (250g; Lot #0587; Expiration date 23/02/2020) due to undeclared gluten.

Allergy Alert (Czech Republic): Z.P.H.U. “Vangusto” recalls Vangusto brand MANDARINKOVÉ MARSHMALLOW (Best before 12. 06. 2019) due to undeclared gluten.

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Biogan A / S recalls organic shelled hemp seeds (400g; Best before 1/12/2019, 30/3/2020 and 21/3/2020) due to undeclared spring barley.

Allergy Alert (Luxembourg): Delhaize recalls More Than Pasta brand Yellow Lentil Lasagna (250g; Lot #0587; Expiration date 23/02/2020) due to undeclared gluten.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Intersnack recalls POM-BÄR Original (90g; Lot codes L13024c 06:22 through L13024c 06:32; Best before 28-09-2019) due to undeclared lactose and gluten.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Prime Ocean A / S recalls Ocean King, Smoked sliced salmon (200g; Lot #C6E5; Best before 13.05.2019) due to incorrect ‘Best before’ dating. The recalled product was sold in Aldi stores.

Food Safety Recall (France): Magasins Match recalls FROMI brand Fromage Chaource AOP (250g; Lot #227078; Best Before 18/05/2019) due to E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): La Société FRANPRIX recalls Leader Price brand Sandwich Club thon crudités (145g; Best before 22/05/2019) due to foreign matter (white plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Casino recalls Casino brand Sandwich Club thon crudités (145g; Best before 22/05/2019) due to foreign matter (white plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): LINCET recalls Tradition Emotion, Cremier, Tradition brands of Chaource cheese (250g; Best before 18/05/2019, 20/05/2019, 23/05/2019) and Chaource cheese (500g; Best before 16/05/2019) due to shigatoxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Pak’nSave Tamatea recalls Pak’nSave Tamatea brand NZ Beef Prime Mince (800-900g; Best before 05.05.19) due to foreign matter (small soft blue and black plastic pieces) contamination.

Recalls and Alerts: May 1 – 9, 2019

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United States

Public Health Alert: FDA Alerts the public to a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination of l’Explorateur soft ripened cheese. This pasteurized, cow’s milk cheese was made by in St. Simeon, France and distributed throughout the U.S. The FDA advises consumers and retailers to not eat, sell, or serve cheese labeled as l’Explorateur. The sell by dates on the package include May 7, 2019 and May 14, 2019. Product lot codes are 7742-H 057 and 77432-H 064. Cheese labeled as such should be thrown away immediately.

Allergy Alert: Santa Fe Importers, Inc. recalls Lemonade CHICKEN THAI STYLE MEATBALL (Packaging date 04/24/2019; Case code 114-102130) due to undeclared soy.

Allergy Alert: ICCO Cheese Company, Inc. recalls Gia Russa Unseasoned Whole Grain Bread Crumbs and Gia Russa Italian Seasoned Whole Grain Bread Crumbs (10 oz; 08/21/2019, 09/21/2019, 10/04/2019, 11/09/2019, 11/12/2019, 12/05/2019) due to undeclared walnuts and pecans.

Allergy Alert: Conagra Brands, Inc. recalls approximately 2,094,186 pounds of frozen entrees due to undeclared milk. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Tyson Foods, Inc. recalls approximately 11,829,517 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken strip products due to foreign matter (pieces of metal) contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Mecox Bay Dairy, LLC recalls Mecox Sunrise washed-rind Tomme style cheese due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Canada

OUTBREAK ALERT (UPDATE): PHAC reports having now received reports of 76 confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses in 7 provinces: British Columbia (27), Alberta (13), Saskatchewan (10), Manitoba (10), Ontario (13), Quebec (2), and Newfoundland and Labrador (1). Three people have died. The outbreak has been linked to Celebrate brand profiteroles and mini-eclairs imported from Thailand.

Allergy Alert: Yamnuska Backcountry Kitchen recalls Yamnuska Backcountry Kitchen Vegetarian Chili (454g; No codes; No UPC) and Yamnuska Backcountry Kitchen Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie (454g; No codes; No UPC) due to undeclared soy.

Allergy Alert: Elman’s Food Products Ltd. recalls Elman’s brand Dressing (454g; All date codes; UPC 0 59392 90004 7) due to undeclared sesame, wheat and gluten.

Allergy Alert: Vogel’s Fine Meats & Sausages recalls Vogel’s Fine Meats & Sausages brand Krainer Sausages (Best before JUN 20 2019) and Vogel’s Fine Meats & Sausages brand Fine Bratwurst (Best before JUN 18 2019) due to undeclared mustard.

Food Safety Recall: Loblaw Companies Limited recalls certain President’s Choice brand and PC Black Label brand sauces due to potential foreign matter (glass pieces) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: FeedingChange Canada recalls Feeding Change brand Young Thai Coconut Meat (454g; All Best By dates from MAY 25 2020 up to and including JUN 26 2020; UPC 0 91037 12927 7) due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled product was distributed through retailers in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Possibly National, Saskatchewan, Yukon.

Food Safety Recall: Toppits Foods Ltd. recalls Toppits brand Cooked Salmon Pieces, Cooked, Boneless, Skinless – Pink (4.5 kg; Product codes 8186, 8200, 8248, 8261, 8263; UPC 10068689124629) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall: DOM International Limited recalls DOM RESERVE brand Atlantic Salmon Strips (Hot Smoked) Cracked Black Pepper (150g; Product code 002451; Various Best before dates; UPC 7 72945 11150 8) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Golden Pearl Mushrooms Ltd. recalls GPM brand Pea Shoots (100g, 230g, 455g; Product code 11021) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Boulangerie Malraux – Alimentation CBCL recalls Spaghetti sauce (500mL and 1L; Best before 29 June 2019) due to incorrect storage temperature.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): C DU BELGE SPRL recalls NOUGAT CARAMEL BEURRE SALE SACHET (130g; All best before dates) due to undeclared wheat (gluten).

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Gadus nv recalls products containing shrimp due to presence of undeclared shellfish. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (France): Gastronome Professionnels recalls Gastronome Professionnels brand Cordon Bleu de Poulet (1.5 Kg; Lot 10791759 – Best before 11/05/2019 and Lot 10991759 – Best before 13/05/2019) due to undeclared soy.

Allergy Alert (Italy): ASIANTRADE SRL recalls NUVOLE DI DRAGO – PRAWN CRACKERS (227g; All lots and date codes) due to undeclared shellfish.

Allergy Alert (Luxembourg): Delhaize recalls Delhaize brand Dim Sum crevettes frites panées (±220g; Lots 80920011, 80910011, 80900011, 80910111, 80700011, 80860011, 80850011, 80840011, 80920011, 80800011, 80830011, 80840011, 80820011; Best before 30/04/2019 – 12/05/2019) due to undeclared shellfish.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Vomar Voordeelmarkt B.V. recalls various products due to undeclared allergens. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (Sweden): ICA recalls ICA Oumph Tikka Masala (380g; All best before dates) due to undeclared celery.

Allergy Alert (Sweden): Coop recalls Tex Mex Mix with Taco Chips (295g) due to undeclared traces of nuts in the taco chips.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Carrefour recalls Viande de cheval fumée / Smoked horse meat (135g; Best before 22-05-2019) due to foreign matter (pieces of glass) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): l’Hypermarché Carrefour de Soignies recalls various ground meat products due to possible foreign matter (pieces of plastic) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Albert Heijn recalls Little Willies brand vegetarian sausages (160g; Best before 10/04/2019 – 07/05/2019) due to foreign matter (small plastic pieces) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Match recalls Fromi brand Fromage de Champagne Chaource AOP Trademo (250 g; Lot #227 078; Best before 18/05/2019) due to shigatoxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Skare Meat Packers K/S recalls Chopped beef 8-12% (500g; Best before 09.05.2019) due to foreign matter (blue plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Pursana recalls Pursana brand Powdered Royal Mix d’Herbes, Légumes et Algues (200g; Lot 1803139; Best before 30/09/2021) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): La société Renaud Saveur recalls Renaud Saveur brand Petit salé en gelée (Sold between 25/04/2019 and 07/05/2019) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): La Société Fromagère ALPINE recalls La Fromagerie Alpine brand Duo Saint Marcellin – Saint Félicien products (Lots L032 – lot L116) due to E. coli O26 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): La société Fromageries de l’Etoile recalls Auchan MMM! brand Brochettes de fromage frais & Saumon fumé (Lot 70988449; Best before 25/05/2019) due to Listeria contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Industry recalls Tournon brand Sainte Maure de Touraine au lait cru (250g; Lot Y 19100; Best before 09/06/2019) due to E. coli O26 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Industry recalls Saveurs de nos régions (LIDL) brand Sainte Maure de Touraine au lait cru (250g; Lot Y 19100; Best before 09/06/2019) due to E. coli O26 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Industry recalls ZOLOTOI VEK brand Halva (Lot 20.08.2019) due to foreign matter (metal wire) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): La société EURIAL recalls Valcrest brand Sainte Maure de Touraine AOP au lait cru (250g; Lot Lot Y 19100; Best before 09/06/2019) due to E. coli O26 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): La société EURIAL recalls Itinéraire des saveurs (Intermarché – Netto) brand Sainte Maure de Touraine AOP au lait cru (250g; Lot Y 19100; Best before 09/06/2019) due to E. coli O26 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): PROLAIDIS recalls Pierre de Seillac brand Plateau de 5 fromages La Cave du Gourmet (Best before 30/03/2019 to 05/05/2019) due to E. coli O26 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Francia Mozzarella GmbH recalls Kase Primo Sale mit schwarzem Pfeffer / Sheep cheese with black pepper (Lot 070319Y; Best before 06.08.2019) due to shigatoxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): SFW Schildauer Fleisch- und Wurstwaren GmbH recalls Schildauer brand Räucherlende / Smoked loin (150g; Lot #191601; Best before 09.05.2019) due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Manufacturer recalls Lackmann Tuschonka Konskaya Canned Horse Meat (400g; best before 08.07.2019; Product of Germany) due to uncertainty as to traceability of the meat.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Fromagerie Alpine recalls various Saint-Marcellin unpasteurised cheeses (80g pack size) due to possible E. coli O26 contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Tesco recalls Tesco Finest St Félicien Du Dauphiné Unpasteurised Cheese (180 g; All use by dates; Product of France) due to possible shigatoxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Fromagerie Alpine recalls BISU’ formaggio morbido a latte crudo (180g; Lot 19066, 19087, 19102; Various dates) due to E. coli O26 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Match recalls Fromi brand Fromage de Champagne Chaource AOP Trademo (250 g; Lot #227 078; Best before 18/05/2019) due to shigatoxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Yona Specerijen recalls Ground Turmeric (85g; Expiry 26-02-2022) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Holland & Barrett recalls Purasana Chlorella powder (Batch #CB045I17/12; Best before 30/12/2020) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Jumbo recalls Jumbo Chef’s tip lamb chops (Best before 3-5-2019) due to possible shigatoxin-producting E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): De Vegetarische Slager recalls The Vegetarian Butcher Little Willies Lincolnshire Style Sausages (160g; All Use By dates between 10-4-2019 and 07-05-2019) due to foreign matter (plastic pieces) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Fromagerie Alpine recalls St. Marcellin cheese (80g; Best before dates 29-04-19, 06-05-19, 13-05-19, 20-05-19, 27-05-19, 03-06-19) due to E. coli O26 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): La societé Fromagerie Alpine recalls St. Marcellin cheese (80g; Best before 29-04-19, 06-05-19, 13-05-19, 20-05-19, 27-05-19, 03-06-19) and Saint-Félicien cheese (180g; Best before 29-04-19, 06-05-19, 13-05-19, 20-05-19, 27-05-19, 03-06-19) due to E. coli O26 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Sweden): Fromagerie Alpine recalls Fromagerie Alpine, Xavier David, Pierre Seillac brands of Saint-Marcellin, Saint-Felicien cheeses due to E. coli O26 contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for additional details and affected lot codes.

Food Safety Recall (Sweden): Fromageriet recalls Xavier David and La Tradition Du Bon Fromage brands St Marcellin cheese (manufactured in France) due to E. coli O26 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Sweden): HKScan recalls BBQ sausage (960g; Best before 190530), Barbecue sausage (640; Best before 190530) and Grill sausage Cheese & bacon (best-before 190530) due to possible Listeria contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Sweden): Fromagerie Alpine recalls Saint-Marcellin and Xavier David Saint-Marcellin cheeses (80g; All batches from 1/2 2019 – 26/4 2019) due to E. coli O26 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK): The Vegetarian Butcher recalls The Vegetarian Butcher Little Willies Lincolnshire Style Sausages (160g; All Use By dates between 22 April 2019 and 15 May 2019) due to foreign matter (plastic pieces) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Fromagerie Alpine recalls Saint Félicien raw cow’s milk cheese (180g; All lot numbers from 032 to 116; All date codes) and Saint Marcellin raw cow’s milk cheese (80g; All lot numbers from 032 to 116; All date codes) because the products might contain E. coli.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Food Safety Recall (Hong Kong): The Dairy Farm Company Limited recalls Tyson fully cooked Crispy Chicken Strips (25 oz; Use by November 5, 2019; Product of USA) and Tyson fully cooked Buffalo Style Chicken Strips (25 oz; Use by October 15, 2019, and October 31, 2019; Product of USA) due to foreign matter (metal pieces) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Singapore): Importer recalls Xavier David Saint Marcellin raw milk cheese (Best before 13/3/2019, 10/4/2019, 8/5/2019; Product of France) due to E. coli O26 contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): Ingham’s recalls Ingham’s Turkey Breast Roast (Best before 01/10/2020) due to undeclared milk

Food Safety Recall (Australia): Port Stephens Eggs recalls Port Stephens Eggs Country Fresh Eggs Just Free to Range Eggs and Port Stephens Eggs 12 Free Range Eggs Jumbo (Egg stamp NSW 219; Up to and including Best Before 8 Jun 19) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Australia): Bettalife Distributors Pty Ltd recalls three varieties of Mountain Mist Eclairs and Profiteroles (Best before 01/02/20; Product of Thailand) due to Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for additional details on the affected products.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): New World Dannevirke recalls specific batches of its New World Dannevirke brand NZ Beef Prime Mince, NZ Beef Premium Mince and NZ Pork Mince due to possible foreign matter (pieces of plastic) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for complete details on the affected product.

Caito’s response to earlier FDA inspection observations did not prevent Salmonella problem

This story by Phyllis Entis first appeared in Food Safety News and is reposted here with permission

On June 8, 2018, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised the public of an outbreak of Salmonella Adelaide that eventually sickened 77 people in nine states.

Most of the outbreak victims reported eating pre-cut cantaloupe, watermelon or a fruit salad mix with melon purchased from grocery stores.

According to the CDC, epidemiologic and traceback evidence pointed to consumption of pre-cut melon supplied by Caito Foods LLC of Indianapolis.

In response to the evidence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) performed a three-week long investigation, including a comprehensive inspection of Caito’s production facility and analysis of several environmental and cut fruit samples.

FDA lab analysis did not reveal Salmonella in any of the samples taken during the course of the investigation. However, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) found Salmonella Adelaide after testing samples of cut cantaloupe and watermelon.

Although FDA did not confirm the presence of Salmonella in Caito’s production facility during the inspection, investigators noted several sanitation and maintenance issues, according to the Establishment Inspection Report, obtained by Food Safety News as part of a Freedom of Information Act request.

The plant was not designed to facilitate maintenance and sanitary operations. There was condensation from the cooling units and on electric cords located directly above the pineapple line, where fresh, ready-to-eat pineapples were being peeled and cut.
The firm did not conduct operations under conditions and controls necessary to minimize the potential for contamination of food. Five employees were observed neglecting appropriate personal sanitizing procedures when entering the production area.
The firm did not take a reasonable measure and precaution related to personnel practices. Employees were seen handling containers and packing materials and then returning to cut watermelon without first cleaning and sanitizing their hands.
The cooling units’ fans appeared to be dirty.
The firm used a lower concentration of sanitizing chemical than called for on the package label. Management explained that the sanitizer was used to ensure the safety of the water, and not to provide a sanitizing step for the fruit.

During the current inspection the firm on June 14, 2018, Caito Foods LLC voluntary destroyed all the melons and watermelons that they had in their warehouse and diverted any shipments that they had coming. The firm also destroyed any products containing melon or watermelon.

FDA never found the source of the Salmonella Adelaide contamination.

In its official response to FDA’s observations, Caito management detailed corrective actions intended to eliminate the condensation problem and prevent a recurrence. The company developed a new procedure regarding management, sanitation, and handling of all food contact containers, and completed a retraining program for employees on handling procedures and hand sanitizing requirements.

Caito also adjusted the concentration of sanitizing chemical.

Despite its corrective actions, Caito is once again the apparent source of a Salmonella outbreak. As of April 24, CDC had received confirmed reports of 117 cases of Salmonella Carrau infections in 10 states. Thirty-two people have been admitted to hospitals.

Epidemiologic and traceback evidence has identified Caito as the likely source of the outbreak.

According to FDA, Salmonella Carrau is rare, and has historically been seen in imported melons. Caito has acknowledged that imported melons were used in the suspect pre-cut melon mixes.

FDA is examining shipping records to establish a country of origin and, if possible, a farm of origin for the melons.

Caito recalled all of the implicated pre-cut melons and fruit mixes containing pre-cut melons on April 12.

Public health officials from CDC and FDA advise consumers to check their homes for recalled products and either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. Consumers who believe they have become ill as a result of consuming pre-cut melon should consult their healthcare provider.