Category: Vibrio

Recalls and Alerts: May 12, 2011

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

  • Food Safety Recall Update: Publix Supermarkets recalls Shell On Oysters harvested from Area 1642 in Apalachicola Bay, FL between March 21 and April 6th, because the raw oysters have been linked to eight confirmed and one possible case of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O75 infection (cholera).
  • Food Safety Enforcement Action: FDA seeks permanent injunction against American Mercantile Corp., Ingredients Corporation of America, and Damon S. Arney, owner and president of the companies. According to FDA’s complaint, the companies – which deal in a variety of products, including spices, herbs and sauces – and their owner “…violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by preparing, packing and holding food under insanitary conditions where it may have become contaminated with filth.”
  • Food Recall: Tri-City Cheese and Meats (Kawkawlin, MI) recalls Troll Smokehouse Kippered Beef Original Flavor (1-lb and 5-oz. pkgs; Sell by June 9, 2011 through Sept. 2, 2011) because the ingredient label does not mention sodium nitrate.
  • Water Contact Health Advisory (Oregon): The Oregon Department of Health has issued public health advisories were issued Thursday due to higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Nye Beach in Lincoln County and Sunset Bay State Park Beach in Coos County.
  • Outbreak Alert (Michigan): An increase in the number of Norovirus illnesses has been reported across Kalamazoo County, with cases recorded in nursing homes, schools and in the community. Spring Arbor University postponed its commencement for one week and canceled all nonacademic activities after more than 170 students fell ill with norovirus or “norolike” virus.

Canada

  • Food Safety Recall: Alimentarus Import Export Inc. (Montreal, QC) recalls Dar Al Assala brand Piment doux moulu (Mild ground paprika; Imported from Morocco; Lot code PD17-F278; Best before 05/10/2012). because the  product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled product was sold to various retail stores in Quebec in 5-kg bags.

Europe

  • Food Safety Recall (UK): Lidl recalls St. Maarten Classic Belgian Cheese Slices (200g; Imported from Belgium; all date codes), because the cheese may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled cheese was manufactured by Belgomilk and is part of a larger recall.
  • Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Delhaize Belgique recalls Delhaize brand Nazareth Sliced Cheese (180g; all dates), Delhaize brand Belgo-Français Cheese Platter (400g; Best if used by dates prior to 18/04/2011 and 02/05/2011), Nazareth Brick Cheese (250g; all dates), and Brugge Kaas Cheese Platter (450g; Best if used before 13/04/2011) because the cheeses, which were produced by Belgomilk scrl, may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): The Colruyt Group recalls a number of Grimbergen, Affligem, Nazareth, Bruges d’Or and Kievit Light cheeses (all dates) produced by Belgomilk scrl, because the cheeses may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled cheeses were available for sale in Colruyt, Collivery, OKay and Spar stores.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall (Sweden): The National Food Administration warns consumers that the dietary supplement Redux Retinalin 500mg has been found to contain unacceptably high levels of the B vitamin, nicotinic acid. Several reports of adverse reactions have been received.
  • Outbreak Alert (Norway): Bagged salad mix containing radicchio rosso (Italian chicory) was flagged as the probable source of an outbreak of 21 cases of Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 illnesses between February and April 2011. The implicated DOLE brand salad mixes were recalled from the market by Bama.
  • Animal Feed Safety Notification (EU #2011.0623): Dioxins in complementary feed for calves from France; distributed to Switzerland.
  • Allergy Alert Notification (EU #2011.0624): Undeclared milk ingredient in vegetable product resembling Edam cheese from Belgium; distributed to Cyprus.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0626): Parasitic infestation with Anisakis of chilled catfish fillets from Iceland; distributed to France.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0627): Salmonella in cardamon seed from Guatemala; distributed to Sweden.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Pharmaceutical Product Safety Alert (Philippines): The public is warned not to use glutathione IV as a skin whitening agent, as its use is unsafe and may result in serious health consequences, including kidney failure.
  • Outbreak Alert (Guam): A total of 274 school children – most of them from Marcial Sablan Elementary School in Agat – were either sent home or taken to hospital with symptoms of food poisoning after consuming breakfast at the school. Other affected schools were Harry S. Truman Elementary, Southern High, Oceanview Middle, and J.P. Torres Alternative School. The implicated meal consisted of an egg sandwich, milk and a slice of fresh melon, and was supplied by King’s Restaurant. A sample of the breakfast meal was taken for testing.
  • Outbreak Alert (India): A cholera outbreak has been reported from five villages in the Sonitpur district of Assam; 245 people have been diagnosed with the illness so far. Officials suspect contaminated water as the source of the outbreak.
  • Outbreak Alert (Singapore): An air-con maintenance technician has died of food poisoning a couple of days after eating fish ball noodles from a food stand near the Joo Koon MRT station.
  • Food Safety Labeling Infractions (PRC): Staff members of a Shanghai location of the Carrefour supermarket chain were found replacing changing production dates on meat to extend the apparent shelf life of the products. Separately, the Spanish-based supermarket chain, Dia, was found selling expired dairy products.

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.

Recalls and Alerts: May 11, 2011

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: Doctor’s CarbRite Diet (New Brunswick, NJ) recalls certain 2-ounce Doctor’s CarbRite Diet Bars and 3-ounce Universal Hi Protein Bars (Expiry dates on or before June 30, 2012), because the bars may contain undeclared peanuts. The recalled bars were distributed nationwide through a variety of channels, including health food stores, gyms, and e-commerce sites. Please refer to the recall notice for a list of affected products.
  • Allergy Alert: Oberweis Dairy, Inc. (North Aurora, IL) recalls Brownie Fudge Twirl Ice Cream (qt-size; Plant #17-61; all dates) because the product contains undeclared eggs. The recalled ice cream was distributed mostly through the company’s retail stores and through its home delivery service with limited distribution through seven grocery locations in Illinois and Wisconsin.
  • Allergy Alert/Recall Update: USDA releases retail distribution list forSmithfield Packing Company’s recent recall of Portobello Mushroom Pork Loin products due to the presence of undeclared whey.
  • Food Safety Recall: Goodness Gardens, Inc. (New Hampton, NY) recalls Goodness Gardens Chives (various sizes and packaging; Lot #0201111; Sell by date of May 6) after the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection detects Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of the product. The recalled chives were distributed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Alabama, Illinois and Virginia, primarily to retail stores, and to one wholesaler in Pennsylvania.
  • Food Safety Recall: Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc. (Horsham, PA) recalls Entenmann’s bagged Pop’Ems donuts (Powdered, Cinnamon, and Rich Frosted varieties) and Bimbo 8-pack Donitas donuts (Sugared, Powdered, and Chocolate Frosted varieties). The Entenmann’s donuts (Code dates: May 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26, 29, 2011 and June 1, 2, 6, 2011) were distributed in Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah. The Bimbo products (Code dates: May 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26, 29, 2011 and June 1, 2, 6, 2011) were shipped to Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.
  • Food Safety Recall: Mountain Pure Water Company is advised by the Arkansas Department of Health to recall Great Value bottled water (16.9 fl. oz.; Sell by date of 10-06-11) after the agency finds  a biological contaminant in the product.
  • Food Safety Recall (EU): Belgomilk scrl (Moorslede, Belgium) recallsBelgolight, Bocholter fromage à pain, Brugge d’Or, Nazareth Light & Classic, Affligem Tranches and Belgolight Jeune cheeses (all product sold before May 11, 2011), after Listeria monocytogenes is detected in certain production lots. At least some of the recalled cheeses were distributed in the USA.
  • Outbreak Alert – Cholera: FDA advises consumers, restaurant operators, commercial shippers and processors of shellfish not to eat, serve, purchase, sell or ship oysters from Area 1642 in Apalachicola Bay, FL, because the oysters may be contaminated with toxigenic Vibrio cholerae serogroup O75. Nine persons have been reported with illness. For eight, the illness was confirmed as caused by toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O75; laboratory confirmation is pending in the other person. All nine people reported consumption of raw or lightly steamed oysters that were traced back to Area 1642. The oysters were distributed initially in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and North Carolina; however, secondary distribution to other states may have taken place.
  • Outbreak Alert – Salmonella: Kane County Health Department, the Illinois Dept. of Public Health Laboratories and other local health departments are investigating 10 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses with a matching genetic pattern, which have been reported in the state in the past two weeks. Two additional cases are awaiting lab confirmation. Cases in other states also have been identified. Seven of the affected people reported having eaten at Portillo’s in St. Charles, IL, during April. No specific food item has been identified. Portillo’s is a chain of casual dining restaurants with more than 30 locations in Illinois, one in Indiana and two in California.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: Gagan Foods International Limited recalls Haldiram’s Nagpur brand Gulab Jamun Indian Sweets (1-kg; All codes), due to the presence of undeclared gluten. The recalled product was distributed in Alberta, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
  • Food Safety Recall (EU): Belgomilk scrl (Moorslede, Belgium) recallsBelgolight, Bocholter fromage à pain, Brugge d’Or, Nazareth Light & Classic, Affligem Tranches and Belgolight Jeune cheeses (all product sold before May 11, 2011), after Listeria monocytogenes is detected in certain production lots. At least some of the recalled cheeses were distributed in Canada.

Europe

  • Food Safety Recall (EU): Belgomilk scrl (Moorslede, Belgium) recalls Belgolight, Bocholter fromage à pain, Brugge d’Or, Nazareth Light & Classic, Affligem Tranches and Belgolight Jeune cheeses (all product sold before May 11, 2011), after Listeria monocytogenes is detected in certain production lots. At least some of the recalled cheeses were sold in Colruyt, OKay, Alvo and Spar retail stores. Please refer to the recall notices for additional details. The recalled cheeses also were distributed in Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russian Federation, Spain, the United Kingdom and the USA (EU #2011.0619).
  • Pet Food Safety Recall (Belgium): B.K. SA (Versele-Laga) recalls Nutritional Balance Lamb & Rice all breeds Growth (1-kg: Lots OW 246, OW 320, OW 321; 3-kg: Lots OW 221, OW 320, OW 321, OX 039, OX 040; 15-kg: Lots OW 222, OW 249, OW 291, OW 312, OW 336, OW 356, OX 025, OX 055) after receiving reports that some puppies who were fed Lamb & Rice Growth experienced behavioral problems and, in some cases, epileptic seizures. According to the company’s web site, its animal food products are marketed in more than 75 countries.
  • Outbreak Alert (Russia): As many as 202 people in Izhevsk have been infected with Salmonella after eating food in from the cafeteria and vending operations at Izhevsk City Electric Transport Enterprise. Nineteen of the victims are cafeteria workers; 158 are employed by Izhevsk Electric Transport, and an additional 25 people simply ate at the cafeteria.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0617): Altered organoleptic characteristics of frozen pike perch filets from Estonia; distributed to Finland.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Notification (EU #2011.0618): Excessive selenium in food supplement from the United Kingdom; distributed to Austria, Germany the Netherlands and Switzerland.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0620): Dimethoate in fresh cucumbers from Greece; distributed to Greece.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0621): Formetanate and clofentezine in fresh peppers from Turkey; distributed to the Czech Republic.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0622): Aflatoxins in pistachio paste from Italy; distributed to Spain.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Food Safety Enforcement Action (PRC): Food safety authorities in Dongguan (Guangdong Province) raided two plants producing illegal cooking oil, known as “gutter oil” after receiving tips from the public. The illegal oil is made from leftover oil that is dredged from gutters behind restaurants, processed and resold to other restaurants.
  • Outbreak Alert (Hong Kong): The Centre for Health Protection is investigating two suspected cases of ciguatoxin poisoning that affected four people who consumed coral reef fish that was purchased from a fish stall in a wet market in Fanling.
  • Outbreak Alert (Fiji): The Ministry of Health has imposed a temporary ban on all public gatherings in Bua province after recording 41 cases of typhoid in the province since January.

Australia and New Zealand

  • Outbreak Alert (New Zealand): Health officials in Northland are monitoring an outbreak of Norovirus gastroenteritis that has been confirmed in one Northland rest home; four rest homes in Whangarei are under public health surveillance. As many as 283 people have either been confirmed or are suspected to be suffering from the viral infection.

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.

Recalls and Alerts: May 5, 2011

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: Smithfield Packing Company (Clinton, NC and Tar Heel, NC) recalls Smithfield Portobello Mushroom Pork Loin Filet (Est. 413 with use by date ranging from 12/26/10 to 6/03/11; Est 18079 with use by date ranging from 1/16/11 to 4/24/11), because the product may contain undeclared whey (a milk protein). The recalled products were distributed to retail outlets in Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
  • Food Safety Recall: Taylor Farms Pacific (Tracy, CA) recalls certain ready-to-eat fresh salad products containing grape tomatoes supplied by Six L’s that may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products include: Marketside Chef Salad (6.5-oz plastic trays; Use by 5/2/11), Marketside Cobb Salad (5.25-0z plastic trays; Use by 5/6/11), Signature Cafe BLT Salad with Chicken (12-oz. plastic trays; Use by 4/27/11), Signature Cafe Cobb Salad (12-oz. plastic trays; Use by 4/27/11 or 4/28/11) and Signature Cafe Chef Salad (11-oz. plastic trays; Use by 4/27/11). The recalled items were shipped to distribution centers in Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and Washington State for further distribution to retail stores.
  • Food Safety Recall: Mastronardi Produce (Kingston, ON) recalls grape tomatoes that are associated with a recall by Six L’s Packing Company (Immokalee, FL) and may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products include: Aldi “From the Vine” Grape Tomatoes (1 pt clamshell; Lot #41141, 41144, 41149; shipped to IL, MI, WI), Sunset Grape Tomatoes (1 pt. clamshell; Lot #40665, 40667, 40673, 40883, 40955, 40986, 40989, 40990, 40991, 41148, 41154, 41155 41160; shipped to FL, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, TX, WI), Sunset Grape Tomatoes (2 lb. clamshell; Lot #40680; shipped to NJ) and Trader Joe’s Splendido Little Tomatoes (12 oz. clamshell; Lot #40675, 40676, 41142; Eastern Seaboard & Midwest locations only).
  • Outbreak Alert: The New York State Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of 19 cases of Clostridium difficile infections – including 3 deaths – among patients at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, NY. The outbreak began on February 28th.
  • Outbreak Alert: The Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary School (Mitchell, SD) cancelled classes for the remainder of the week in an effort to control an outbreak of “stomach flu” that has sickened 130 students (out of a student body of 400) and seven staff members.
  • Red Tide Alert (Massachusetts): The Massachusetts Department of Public Health urges consumers to discard shellfish harvested and sold after April 29th from the southern sections of the Nauset Marsh estuary, including waters on the border of Eastham and Orleans due to a local outbreak of red tide.
  • Outbreak Alert: Five cases of E. coli illness have been confirmed in Bell County, TX. No other details are available.
  • Consumer Product Safety Recall: G.A. Gertmenian and Sons, LLC (Los Angeles, CA) recalls Toy Story 3 Bowling Game (Made in China; Batch #JA 148: sold in Walmart Stores in the USA between September 1, 2010 and September 25, 2010), because the red paint used on some of the pins contains lead in excess of the maximum allowable level.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: McCall’s Bakers Warehouse (Mississauga, ON) recalls #1 Gluten Free brand Chocolate Cake Mix and #1 Gluten Free brand White Cake Mix (5-lb; Lot #33310-4), because the products contain undeclared milk. The cake mixes were recalled in the USA by the manufacturer, Raymond-Hadley Corporation, and distributed nationally by McCall’s.
  • Allergy Alert: Quality Natural Foods Ltd. ( Scarborough, ON) recalls Quality brand Punjabi Wadi Spicy Lentil Chunks (200g and 400g sizes), because the product contains undeclared wheat.  The recalled product was distributed nationally.

Europe

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Food Safety Recall (Philippines): Nestlé Philippines, Inc. recalls MAGGI Rich Mami Noodles Beef & Chicken Flavors (Lot codes #11020598A2 and 11030598A1) after routine testing uncovers Salmonella in the Beef Flavor. Nestlé has suspended production of all MAGGI Rich Mami Noodles pending completion of their investigation into the source of the contamination.
  • Outbreak Alert (Japan): A fourth death – a 70-year-old woman – has been confirmed in an enterohemorrhagic E. coli outbreak that has been linked to eating yakiniku, a raw meat dish, at outlets of the Foods Forus Co. restaurant chain based in Kanazawa. More than 30 people have been hospitalized in this outbreak; 20 are reported to be in serious condition. According to Japan Times, both E. coli O111 and E. coli O157 strains have been detected in many of the cases.
  • Food Safety Alert (Taiwan): The Consumers Foundation warns consumers that more than 90% of randomly tested cakes sold online lacked clear expiration date and nutritional information labels. None of the cakes offered information on food additives that might be present.

Australia and New Zealand

  • Food Safety Recall (Australia): Accord United Pty Ltd. recalls Yummy Brand Lychee Flavoured Fruit Jelly and Mango Flavoured Fruit Jelly (Manufactured by Han Shuo Food Co. Ltd, Taiwan; Expiry 10/2011), due to a choking hazard. The mini jelly cups contain conjac, which is banned in Australia.

Latin America and the Caribbean

  • Cholera Outbreak Report (Haiti): The United Nations has released the Final Report from an Independent Panel of Experts who investigated the cholera outbreak in Haiti. The experts concluded that “. . .the 2010 Haiti cholera outbreak was caused by bacteria introduced into Haiti as a result of human activity; more specifically by the contamination of the Meye Tributary System of the Artibonite River with a pathogenic strain of the current South Asian type Vibrio cholerae.”

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.