Frozen corn recalls spread beyond Europe

On July 2, 2018, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) advised consumers in the EU that an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to contaminated frozen corn was under active investigation.

Based on a genetic analysis of strains recovered from patients in five EU contries, the outbreak began in 2015. As of June 15, the contaminated corn was responsible for 47 cases of listeriosis in five EU member countries, including: Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Whole genome sequencing anaysis of 29 non-human L. monocytogenes isolates found them to be closely related to the multi-country human cluster of L. monocytogenes serogroup IVb, multi-locus sequence type 6 (ST6). The majority of the non- human isolates were obtained from 2017 season products: mainly frozen corn (13 samples), followed by frozen vegetable mixes including corn (8 samples), frozen spinach (1) and frozen green beans (1). Only one isolate was reported from a frozen vegetable mix produced in 2016, while three isolates were obtained from spinach products produced in 2018.

The probable source of the contaminated corn was traced to a production facility owned by Greenyard and located in Baja, Hungary. The corn was processed in Hungary and packed in Poland.

On 29 June 2018, the Hungarian Food Chain Safety Office banned the marketing of all frozen vegetable and frozen mixed vegetable products produced by the plant between August 2016 and June 2018, and ordered their immediate withdrawal and recall.

According to information obtained from the European Commissions’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), the recalled corn was distributed to the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

The following partial list of recall notices will be updated as more information becomes available

Australia (sold at Woolworths, ALDI and IGA, Campbells and Independent grocery stores)

Woolworths – Essentials snap frozen mixed veg 1kg: Carrots, peas, corn, green beans & potatoes – National distribution Best Before 19 MAR 2020 through to 24 APR 2020
Woolworths – Bell Farms Steam Veggie Carrot Corn and Broccoli 3pk 450g – National distribution, all stock
IGA – Black & Gold Corn Kernels 500g – National distribution Best Before all dates
IGA – Black & Gold Mixed Vegetables 1kg: Carrots, peas, beans & corn – National distribution Best Before all dates
ALDI – Market Fare Peas, Carrots and Super Sweet Corn 1kg – National distribution
ALDI – Market Fare Corn Kernels 1kg QLD, VIC, WA and select NSW stores Product of Hungary (only)
ALDI – Market Fare Mixed Vegetables 1kg QLD, NSW, ACT, WA Packed in Belgium from Imported and Belgian Ingredients (only)
ALDI – Market Fare Quick Steam Carrot Broccoli and Cauliflower 450g – National distribution
ALDI – Market Fare Quick Steam Carrot Corn and Broccoli 450g – National distribution
ALDI: Only products with country of origin of Belgium, United Kingdom or Hungary, all other countries not affected.

Belgium

Pinguin – Maïs (1kg & 2.5 kg; all lot codes and best before dates)
Pinguin – Maïs Super doux (1kg & 2.5 kg; all lot codes and best before dates)
Pinguin – Mexico Mix (1kg & 2.5 kg; all lot codes and best before dates)
Pinguin – Maya Mix (1kg & 2.5 kg; all lot codes and best before dates)

Denmark

Coop – Frozen Extrasweet Corn (650g; all batch codes)
Lidl – Freshona Frozen Cream Spinach (450g; all batch codes)
Lidl – Freshona Frozen Extrasweet Corn (450g; all batch codes)

Finland

SOK – Rainbow Makea maissi (pakaste) / Rainbow frozen sweet corn (450g; Best before dates 06.01.2019 – 09.06.2019). Sold at S Group’s Prisma, S-market, Sale and Alepa stores throughout Finland.

France

Lidl – Freshona Légumes Vapeurs Jeunes carottes, petits pois, haricots verts, maïs (All lots and Best before dates)
Lidl – Freshona Légumes Vapeurs Carottes, brocolis, maïs (All lots and Best before dates)

Sweden

COOP – COOP Frozen Corn Kernels (450g; Best by 2019-06-09). Sold at COOP stores.

Switzerland

Lidl – Freshona TK Vegetable Mix (1000g; all best by dates).

United Kingdom

Aldi – Four Seasons Frozen Carrots, Peas & Supersweet Sweetcorn Steamers (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Aldi – Four Seasons Frozen Carrots, Broccoli & Supersweet Sweetcorn Steamers (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Aldi – Frozen Four Seasons Mixed Vegetables (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Aldi – Four Seasons Supersweet Sweetcorn (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
basics – Mixed Vegetables (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Growers Pride – Supersweet Sweetcorn (750g; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Growers Pride – Supersweet Sweetcorn (450g; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2021 inclusive)
Growers Pride – Mixed Vegetables (750g; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Growers Pride – Mixed Vegetables (450g; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2021 inclusive)
Iceland – Frozen Mixed Vegetables (700g; all batch codes; all best before dates between January 2020 and June 2020 inclusive)
Independent – Mix Vegetables (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to July 2019, inclusive)
Lidl – Frozen Green Grocer’s Supersweet Corn (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Lidl – Frozen Freshona Vegetable Mix (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Lidl – Green Grocer’s Mixed Vegetables (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Lidl – Green Grocer’s Baby Carrots, Peas, Green Beans & Sweetcorn Steamers (640g; all batch codes and best before dates)
Lidl – Green Grocer’s Fragrant Golden Rice Steamers (400g; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
One Stop – Frozen Sweetcorn (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Oriental Express – Chinese Chicken (350g; all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Oriental Express – Chinese Prawns (350g; all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Oriental Express – Egg Fried Rice (350g; all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Pinguin – Frozen Sweetcorn (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Pinguin – Supersweet Sweetcorn (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Pinguin – frozen Golden Rice and Vegetables (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Pinguin – Mixed Vegetable (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Pinguin – Country Vegetable (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Pinguin – Frozen Cut Beans (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Ross – Mixed Country Vegetables (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Ross – Mixed Vegetables (450g; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2021, inclusive)
Ross – Mixed Vegetables (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Ross – Sweetcorn (450g; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2021, inclusive)
Ross – Sweetcorn (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to July 2020, inclusive)
Sainsbury’s – by Sainsbury’s Mixed Special Vegetables (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Sainsbury’s – by Sainsbury’s Mixed Vegetables (1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Sainsbury’s – by Sainsbury’s White Rice, Broccoli, Supersweet Sweetcorn & Peas Microwaveable steam bags (540g (4x135g); all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Sainsbury’s – by Sainsbury’s Carrots, Broccoli & Sweetcorn Microwaveable steam bags (540g (4x135g); all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – frozen Mixed Vegetables and Peppers (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Broccoli Frozen Sweetcorn Peas and Spinach Steamer (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Growers Harvest Sweetcorn (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Frozen Growers Harvest Carrot Peas and Sweetcorn Steamer (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Frozen Growers Harvest Mixed Vegetables (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Frozen Broccoli, Carrot and Sweetcorn Steamer (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Frozen Every Day Value Sweetcorn (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Frozen Mixed Vegetables (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Growers Harvest Frozen Mixed Vegetables (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Tesco – Frozen Sweetcorn (all sizes and batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Waitrose – Essential Supersweet Sweetcorn (E1kg; all batch codes; Best before Oct 2019, Nov 2019, and Aug 2019)
Waitrose – Essential Vegetable Mix (E1kg; all batch codes; all best before dates to Dec 2019, inclusive)
Waitrose – Fine Cut Vegetable Steamer (E640g (4 x 160ge); all batch codes; all best before dates to Jan 2020, inclusive)
Waitrose – Love Life Vegetable Medley Steamers (E640g (4 x 160ge); batch codes P6163, P7021, P7080; best before May 2018, Jul 2018, Sep 2018)

Recalls and Alerts: July 6 – 8, 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: Tillamook Country Smoker, LLC recalls Tillamook Country Smoker Teriyaki Beef Jerky (0.48 lbs; Lot code 11588; Best by 03/09/19) due to undeclared monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Allergy Alert (Update): LL’s Magnetic Clay, Inc. recalls Prescript-Assist Dietary Supplement (All lots still within expiration date) due to undeclared almonds, crustaceans, milk, casein, eggs, and peanuts.

Pet Food Safety Recall: Radagast Pet Food, Inc recalls Rad Cat Raw Diet Free-Range Chicken Recipe (Lot codes 63057, 63069, 63076; Best by 10/9/2019, 10/23/2019, 10/31/2019, respectively) due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination and Rad Cat Raw Diet Pasture-Raised Venison Recipe (Lot code 63063; Best by 10/15/2019) due to potential E. coli O121 contamination.

Personal Care Product Safety Recall: Saje Natural Wellness recalls Splish Splash Gentle Baby Wash (8.5 fl. oz. and 1.7 fl. oz. (found in the Wee and Well Gentle Baby Care Kit); Lot #814020; All expiry dates) due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination. The recalled product was distributed Saje retail locations in California, New Jersey, and New York and through on-line sales in the USA and internationally.

Canada

Allergy Alert: AJ International Trading recalls Wulama brand Fish Tofu (95g; All codes; UPC 6 936158 282279) due to undeclared egg and sesame. The recalled product was supplied to retailers in Ontario.

Food Safety Recall: Marché des Aulnaies (Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies, QC) recalls Vegetable Soup (1L mason jars; All lots lacking ‘keep refrigerated’ on the label), because the product may not be safe for human consumption.

Food Safety Recall: Importations Mini – Italia Inc. recalls Tuttolatte brand Burratina Tartufo (2 x 100g; Lot code 202; Best before 05-07-18; UPC 8014745143818) due to generic E. coli. The recalled product was supplied to hotels, restaurants, institutions and retailers in Quebec.

Europe

Allergy Alert (France): Gamme Food to Go recalls Monoprix – Le Wrap brand bacon crudités (Best before 08/07/2018) due to undeclared fish.

Allergy Alert (Italy): Pedon S.p.A. recalls Prepared tarts and cookies (Lots 131219 – 300120; Best by 13/12/2019 – 30/01/2020) due to undeclared pistachios and cashews.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Albert Heijn recalls AH Gele couscous falafel (Best before 10-07-2018) due to undeclared mustard and sulphites.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Lidl Danmark K/S recalls Freshona frozen creamed spinach (450g; All packages purchased before July 7, 2018) due to possible Listeria contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Coop Danmark recalls Coop Extra deep-frozen sweet corn (650g; Produced August 2016 through November 2017) due to possible Listeria contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Sovivo recalls various Sovivo brand ground beef and ground steak products due to E. coli O26:H11 stx1 eae contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (France): Cesare Fiorucci SpA recalls Roasted Italian Herb Ham – Italian cooked salted specialty (100g; Lots 8278001620 (DLC : 13/07/2018) and 8278001650 (DLC : 16/07/2018)), Italian ham – Italian cured salting specialty (120g; Lots 8278001590 (DLC : 11/07/2018), 8278001620 (DLC : 14/07/2018), and 8278001650 (DLC : 17/07/2018)), Rostello brand Italian salting specialty cooked with herbs (140g; Lots 8278001580 – DLC : 12/07/2018
and 8128001650 – DLC : 19/07/2018)), ROSTELLO ALLE HERBE brand Prosciutto (250g; Lot 8278001630 – DLC : 12/07/2018), Rostello Herbes sliced meat (140g; Best before dates from July 6, 2018 through August 2, 2018) and Cooked Culatello slices (130g; Best before dates of July 9 – 30, 2018) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Lidl recalls Freshona brand Légumes vapeur mixed vegetables containing corn (all lot codes and best before dates) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Greenyard Frozen Belgium N.V. recalls Freshona Vegetable Mix containing frozen corn (1000g; All best before dates) due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Kreyenhop & Kluge GmbH & Co. KG recalls Wakame dried kelp (100g; Best before 08/30/2019) due to excessive levels of iodine.

Food Safety Recall (Iceland): Samkaup recalls COOP Extra Sweet Corn, frozen (650g; Manufactured August 2016 through November 2017) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Dunnes Stores and Spar recall various pesto products due to possible Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Greenyard Frozen UK Ltd. recalls various frozen vegetable products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Please refer to the recall notice for complete details.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Compagnia Surgelati Italiana SPA recalls various Findus brand mixed frozen vegetables containing corn due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notices for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Ca’ del Botto srl recalls Bocconcini stagionato salame non confezionato , legato in file (Lot 14910; Best before 09-12-2018) because the product does not conform to microbiological standards.

Food Safety Recall/Outbreak Alert (Italy): Frantoi Cutrera Srl recalls Segreti di Sicilia brand Pesto di finocchietto (Lot #19071701; Best before 07/2019) due to suspected botulism intoxication (Clostridium botulinum toxin).

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Lidl Nederland recalls Baresa Green Olive Tapenade (150g; Best by dates up to and including 05-10-2018) due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall Update (UK): Greenyard Frozen UK Ltd recalls various frozen vegetable products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Please refer to the recall notice for complete details.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Allergy Alert (Hong Kong): SpiceBox Organics Limited recalls SpiceBox brand Organic Ginger Powder (50g; Best before March 30, 2019; Product of India) due to aflatoxin contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): Loving Earth recalls Loving Earth Coconut Chocolate Butter (175g; Best Before 15/9/2019) due to undeclared tree nuts.

Recalls and Alerts: June 28 – July 2, 2018

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United States

Allergy Alert: Nueske’s Meat Products, Inc. recalls approximately 12,946 pounds of pork products due to undeclared brown rice flour and glycerin. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped directly to consumers nationwide via internet and mail order sales.

Allergy Alert: Whole Foods Market recalls Whole Foods Market brand oatmeal raisin cookies (18-count plastic container; Sell by dates June 4 through July 8, 2018; PLU begins with 23209) due to undeclared soy. The recalled cookies were sold in Whole Foods Market stores in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

Allergy Alert: L&D Market, Inc. recalls approximately three pounds of chicken wrap products due to undeclared milk. Please refer to the recall notice for a list of affected products, which were shipped to retail locations in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Allergy Alert: LL’s Magnetic Clay, Inc. recalls certain lots of Prescript-Assist dietary supplement due to undeclared almonds, crustaceans, dairy, casein, eggs, and peanuts. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected production lots.

Allergy Alert: Pinnacle Foods Inc. recalls Wish Bone House Italian Salad Dressing (15 oz.; Best by Jan 13 19; Case lot code 4913019S51) due to undeclared milk and egg.

Allergy Alert: May Flower International Inc. recalls 3+2 Soda Crackers (4.4-oz pkg) due to undeclared milk.

Food Recall: Talking Rain® recalls specific lot codes of bottles of its Sparkling Ice® Cherry Limeade beverage due to consumer complaints of off-taste and off-odor. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected lot codes.

Dietary Supplement Safety Recall: Blissful Remedies recalls specific products containing kratom due to potential Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall:

Canada

Allergy Alert: Edel Weisz recalls étagé de porc effiloché (small and large sizes; all product sold through 27 June 2018) due to undeclared gluten.

Allergy Alert: AJ International Trading recalls Certain Nanfang brand, Want Want brand and Chencun brand products due to undeclared peanut, walnut, and milk. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were distributed to retailers in Ontario.

Food Safety Recall: BOUCHERIE & CHARCUTERIE TRADITION A (Côte-Saint-Luc, QC) recalls rosette de Lyon (variable weight; sold between 14 May 2018 and 29 June 2018) due to E. coli O157 contamination.

Food Safety Recall: The Butcher’s Blend recalls certain extra-lean ground beef products due to E. coli O157 contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were distributed through retailers in Ontario.

Food Safety Recall: Boulangerie Andalos inc. (Saint-Laurent, QC) recalls various pastry products that were not prepared and held under conditions that would ensure their safety.

Food Safety Recall: Goodleaf Community Farms Ltd. recalls Goodleaf brand Daikon Radish microgreens (75g; Best before JN 30; Lot #MR088; UPC 6 28451 71410 1) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recalled product was sold through retailers in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): AFSCA advises of recall of Garden of Life brand Bouteille de Raw Organic Protein Chocolate (820g; Lot 7150-1c1; Best by 30/05/2019) due to undeclared gluten.

Allergy Alert (France): Chef Select to go recalls Bulgar, quinoa, roast chicken and tomato salad (250g; Lot K5P; Best by 01/07/2018K6P – 02/07/2018) due to undeclared egg.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Mullaghmore Bakery recalls Mullaghmore Bakery Fruit Scones, Cherry Scones and Wheaten Scones (4 pack; All best before dates up to and including 04 July 2018) due to undeclared egg.

Allergy Alert (UK): Mullaghmore Bakery recalls various scone products due to undeclared egg. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Wholefoodsa recalls Pit & Pit brand Roasted, salted pistachios (250g, Lot #L1518468010, Expiration 07/10/2018 and 750g, Lot #L1521401936, Expiration 21/11/2018) due to elevated ochratoxin levels.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Geia Food A/S recalls Downtown Chunky Cool Brownie (400 g / 500 ml; 27/03/2020) due to foreign matter (blue plastic pieces) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Carrefour recalls Terrinne de campagne, 25% less salt (150g; Lot #131; Best by 13 JUN) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Tablier blanc recalls Leclerc, Auchan, Cora, and Systeme U brands of Shredded coconut (125g pkg; Lot #F044; Best by 25/01/2019) due to Salmonella weltevreden contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Il Ceppo Srl recalls Vitello tonnato (200g; Lot #181485005; Best by 08-07-2018) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Outbreak Alert (Australia): South Australia is experiencing an outbreak of 21 recent confirmed cases of Salmonella havana, including seven people who were hospitalised. The illnesses have been linked to consumption of SA Sprouts alfalfa sprouts products. The implicated sprouts were recalled by the manufacturer.

Allergy Alert (Australia): Han Ga Wee Pty Ltd recalls PORK BBQ SPICY (All best before dates up to and including 07 Jun 19) due to undeclared shellfish.