McCain’s contaminated vegetables trigger massive food recalls

Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination in several vegetable products supplied food processors by McCain Foods USA, Inc. (McCain) has triggered more than one dozen separate voluntary recalls, with the end not yet in sight.

More than 1,986 tons of food have been recalled so far.

The US Food and Drug Administration issued an alert on October 19th, warning consumers to avoid all of the recalled food items.

According to the FDA notice, McCain recalled the implicated vegetables on October 14th. No public recall notice has been issued as of this writing.

The implicated vegetables were produced in McCain’s Colton, California location, according to a spokesperson for FDA. The facility is not currently in operation.

FDA is investigating the contamination in collaboration with USDA, as most of the potentially contaminated vegetable items were incorporated into foods that contain meat or poultry. Meat- and poultry-containing foods fall under USDA’s jurisdiction.

The list of implicated vegetables includes: corn, onions, tomatillos and carmellized mushrooms. Some of the products were repackaged for retail sale under various brand names, according to the FDA spokesperson.

The following list of recalled products will be updated as more information becomes available.

Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc.
HARRIS TEETER FRESH FOODS MARKET DELI-BAKERY brand BBQ STYLE CHICKEN ARTISAN PIZZA – 16-oz. plastic-wrapped with paperboard sleeve packages; “Use By” from 01/07/19 through 04/11/19 (inclusive) printed on the case packaging.
HARRIS TEETER FRESH FOODS MARKET DELI-BAKERY brand CHICKEN SAUSAGE, EGG WHITE and CHEESE BREAKFAST BURRITO – 8-oz. butcher-paper wrapped packages; “Use By” from 01/24/18 through 10/25/18 (inclusive) printed on the case packaging.
HARRIS TEETER FRESH FOODS MARKET DELI-BAKERY brand BACON, EGG and CHEESE BURRITO – 8-oz. butcher-paper wrapped package; “Use By” from 01/24/18 through 10/25/18 (inclusive) printed on the case packaging.
TRADER JOE’S CARNITAS WITH SALSA VERDE Burrito – 10-oz. butcher-paper wrapped packages; “Use By” from 10/08/17 through 10/24/18 (inclusive) printed on the retail packaging.

Buddy’s Kitchen, Inc. (Institutional customers)
Provolone and Roasted Peppers Omelet with Sicilian Potatoes & Italian Chicken Sausage (Bulk Pack) – 7.95-lb. bulk cases containing 16 pieces; lot codes 01/02/18, 01/15/18 and 05/09/18, and case code 70578.
Chicken Chorizo & Montamore Scramble – 11.02-lb. bulk cases containing 24 pieces; lot codes 04/30/18 and 07/09/18, and case code 70658.
Chicken Chorizo & Montamore Scramble – 9.52-lb. bulk cases containing 24 pieces; lot codes 10/30/17, 11/04/17, 12/05/17, 12/19/17, 01/16/18, 02/22/18 and 04/24/18, and case code 70630.
PANCETTA STYLE CRUMBLE & SMOKED FONTINA SCRAMBLE – 9.75-lb. bulk cases containing 24 pieces; lot codes 10/19/17, 10/31/17, 11/20/17, 12/04/17, 01/03/18, 01/10/18, 02/12/18, 02/27/18, 03/30/18, 04/09/18, 05/07/18, 05/29/18, 06/13/18, 07/09/18, 08/06/18 and 09/07/18, and case code 70620.
Provolone and Roasted Peppers Omelet with Sicilian Potatoes & Italian Chicken Sausage (Pop-Put) – 11.93-lb. bulk cases containing 24 pieces; lot codes 01/02/18, 01/05/18, 01/15/18, 01/25/18, 04/30/18, 05/08/18, 05/09/18, 05/16/18, 05/17/18, 05/24/18, 05/31/18, 07/24/18, 08/01/18, 08/06/18, 08/27/18, 09/05/18, 09/18/18 and 10/09/18, and case code 70577.

Caito Foods, LLC (Retail distribution list)
good & deLISH sante fe style salad with chicken – 11.5-oz. plastic clamshell packages; “ENJOY BY” dates 10/13/18 through 10/21/18 (inclusive).
Santa Fe Style Salad with Chicken – 8.75-oz. plastic clamshell packages; “Sell By” dates 10/13/18 through 10/21/18 (inclusive).
FRESH Garden HIGHWAY SALADS SANTA FE STYLE SALAD WITH CHICKEN – 11.25-oz. plastic clamshell packages; “Best If Sold By” dates 10/12/18 through 10/20/18 (inclusive).
good to go! Chipotle Chicken Bowl – 12-oz. plastic bowl packages; “Sell By” dates 10/11/18 through 10/19/18 (inclusive).
FRESH Garden HIGHWAY Santa Fe Style Salad with Chicken – 8.75-oz. plastic clamshell packages; “Best if Sold By” dates 10/13/18 through 10/21/18 (inclusive).

Envolve Foods (Retail distribution list)
simple truth, Chicken Bibimbap – 22-oz. plastic bags; case code 011110890108; use by/sell by dates 11/2/18 through 3/12/20.
simple truth, Thai Style Green Curry – 22-oz. plastic bags; case code 011110816382; use by/sell by dates 3/13/19 through 1/24/20.
simple truth, Chicken Tikka Masala – 22-oz. plastic bags; case code 011110890092; use by/sell by dates of 3/22/19 through 4/12/19.
CADENCE GOURMET, Steak Fajitas – 10-lb. cases; item number SS00024; expiration dates 11/1/2018 through 01/18/19.
CADENCE GOURMET, Tuscan Tomato Basil Chicken & Sausage – 10-lb. cases; item number SS00032; expiration dates 10/20/18 through 01/09/19.
CADENCE GOURMET, Rustic Toasted Tomato Basil Chicken & Vegetables – 10-lb. cases; item number SS00047; expiration dates 2/05/19 through 10/12/19.

GH Foods CA, LLC (Retail distribution list)
Santa Fe Style Salad with Chicken – 9.75-oz. clear plastic clamshell packages; Best If Sold By from 10/17/18 to 10/18/18.
365 BY WHOLE FOODS MARKET BBQ STYLE CHOPPED SALAD WITH CHICKEN – 10-oz. clear plastic clamshell packages; Best If Sold By from 10/17/18 to 10/20/18.
BBQ Style Salad Kit with White Chicken – 6-lbs. bagged kit; Use By from 10/17/18 to 10/22/18.
365 BY WHOLE FOODS MARKET CHICKEN FAJITA SALAD – 8-oz. clear plastic clamshell packages; Best If Sold By from 10/17/18 to 10/20/18.

GHSE, LLC
“Marketside™ FIESTA SALAD WITH STEAK” – 15.25-oz. clear plastic clamshell packages; use by from 10/17/2018 through 10/20/2018.

GHSW, LLC (Retail Distribution List)
365 BY WHOLE FOODS MARKET BBQ STYLE CHOPPED SALAD WITH CHICKEN – 10-oz. plastic tray packages; “Best if Sold By” 10/18/18 through 10/21/18 (inclusive).
365 BY WHOLE FOODS MARKET CHICKEN FAJITA SALAD – 8-oz. plastic tray packages; “Best if Sold By” 10/18/18 through 10/21/18 (inclusive).
TRADER JOE’S BBQ SEASONED WHITE CHICKEN SALAD – 13-oz. plastic tray packages; “Best By” 10/18/18, 10/19/18 and 10/20/18.
TRADER JOE’S FIELD FRESH CHOPPED SALAD WITH GRILLED WHITE CHICKEN – 10.7-oz. plastic tray packages; “Best By” 10/18/18, 10/19/18 and 10/20/18.
TRADER JOSÉ’S MEXICALI INSPIRED SALAD WITH CHILI SEASONED CHICKEN – 10.7-oz. plastic tray packages; “Best By” 10/18/18, 10/19/18 and 10/20/18.

Hy-Vee, Inc.
Hy-Vee Bacon Wrapped Cowgirl Chicken Grillers – 8 ounce each; “Best If Used By” Oct. 22, 2018, or sooner; UPC Code 023092600000
Hy-Vee Fire Roasted Tomato, Spinach, Mozzarella Twice Baked Potato – 5 ounce each; “Best If Used By” Oct. 22, 2018, or sooner; UPC Code 023755400000
Hy-Vee Cowgirl Chicken Griller Patty – 6 ounce each; “Best If Used By” Oct. 22, 2018, or sooner; UPC Code 023100200000
Hy-Vee Gourmet Steakhouse Mushroom & Swiss Burger – 6 ounce each; “Best If Used By” Oct. 22, 2018, or sooner; UPC Code 023168400000
Hy-Vee Ground Beef Sliders Mushroom & Swiss – 2 ounce each; “Best If Used By” Oct. 22, 2018, or sooner; UPC Code 023164300000
Hy-Vee Ground Beef Sliders Mushroom & Swiss – 12 count, 30 ounces; “Best If Used By” Oct. 22, 2018, or sooner; UPC Code 023266600000

Mary’s Harvest Fresh Foods, Inc. (Retail distribution list)
MARY’S HARVEST Southwest Chicken Wrap w/ Rib Meat – 7-oz. clear plastic wrapped packages; “Use By” from 10/15/18 through 10/23/18.
TRADER JOSE’S MEXICALI INSPIRED SALAD WITH CHILI SEASONED CHICKEN – 11-oz. clear plastic clamshell packages; “BEST BY” from 10/15/18 through 10/19/18.

Prime Deli Corporation (Retail distribution list)
7-ELEVEN™ BISTRO SOUTHWEST STYLE SALAD WITH BACON – 11.2-oz. clear plastic clamshell packages; best by “Tuesday 1016”.
7-ELEVEN™ BISTRO SOUTHWEST STYLE SALAD WITH BACON – 9.6-oz. clear plastic clamshell packages; best by “Tuesday 1016”.

Ruiz Food Products, Inc.
Go-Go Taquitos “Beef Taco & Cheese Taquitos” – 4.5-lbs. cardboard cases containing 24-count; case code 86183.
Go-Go Taquitos “Buffalo Style Cooked Glazed Chicken Taquitos” – 4.5-lbs. cardboard cases containing 24-count; case code 86006.
Go-Go Taquitos “Chipotle Chicken Wrapped in A Battered Flour Tortilla” – 4.5-lbs. cardboard cases containing 24-count; case code 86019.

SK Food Group (Retail distribution list)
JENNY CRAIG CHICKEN WRAP WITH BBQ SAUCE – 4.5-oz. plastic packages; lot codes WO0096753S10, WO0097880S10, WO0098216S10, WO0098565S10, WO0098923S10, WO0100691S10, WO0100692S10, WO0101746S10, WO0101861S10, WO0102176S10, WO0102469S10, WO0102758S10, WO0103920S10, WO0104247S10, WO0104353S10, WO0104615S10, WO0104995S10, WO0106312, WO0106312S10, WO0106945S10, WO0107556S10, WO0108694S10, WO0108695S10, WO0096753S02, WO0097880S02, WO0098216S02, WO00982416S02, WO0098565S02, WO0098923S02, WO0100691S02, WO0100692S02 and WO0101746S02.

Taylor Farms Northwest LLC (Retail distribution list)
PORK CARNITAS BOWL – 11-oz. clear plastic wrapped bowls; sell by 10/15/18 through 10/19/18.

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.

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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.

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

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.

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.