In response to the infant formula supply crisis in 2022 and the deadly infections that led to it, the FDA has updated its infant formula compliance program.
An outbreak of Cronobacter infections in five infants, two of whom died, started in the fall of 2021 and stretched into early 2022. Abbott Nutrition initiated a recall of Similac infant formula powder and other brands in February 2022. The recall led to a nationwide shortage and left parents driving for hours in search of formula for their babies.
During its investigation, the Food and Drug Administration found Cronobacter contamination in Abbott’s production plant in Sturgis, MI. The agency also discovered that the company had tested product and received positive outcomes for Cronobacter, which Abbott had not reported to the FDA.
In May 2022, after grueling congressional hearings, FDA officials launched an internal investigation that included review of issues raised by a whistleblower complaint. The new compliance program is in response to that investigation. The program covers FDA investigators, laboratory analysts, and compliance officers.
“The infant formula compliance program is designed to comprehensively outline the agency’s approach for inspections, sample collection, sample analysis, and compliance activities to help ensure that infant formula products in the U.S. food supply are safe and nutritious,” according to a statement from FDA.
“The FDA has now published its updated compliance program, which builds on lessons learned over the last several years to elaborate on our approaches for inspections, sampling, laboratory analysis, and imported infant formula products.”
Going forward, to be in compliance entities must follow updated instructions for annual environmental sampling at powdered infant formula production facilities. Those sampling tests must include Cronobacter and Salmonella. If testing shows either of the pathogens the FDA must be notified. The agency also must be notified if testing shows nutrients that are above or below required levels per the FDA’s infant formula regulation.
The compliance program also includes instructions for how product or environmental positives identified during records reviews should be immediately escalated to the appropriate subject matter expert within the Human Foods Program at the Food and Drug Administration.
Additional background on the risks associated with Salmonella and Cronobacter in infant formula products, and the conditions that could lead to environmental contamination within the manufacturing facilities, is included in the updated compliance program.
In addition, it further elaborates on new infant formula related requirements that were included in the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act of 2022.
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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Allergy Alert: Albertsons Companies recalls ReadyMeals Chicken Salad Quad and Chicken Salad Sandwich Club Tray products prepared in store at certain Albertsons and Safeway stores due to undeclared cashews. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Allergy Alert: Hammond’s Candies recalls Hammond’s Salted Caramel Cookies (5-oz; Best by 6/29/2023A; UPC 6 91355 89889 5) due to undeclared peanuts.
Canada
Food Safety Recall: Goldenway Import and Export recalls Enoki Mushroom (200g; Product code YH22081713013; Date coe 2022.10.31; UPC 6 950319 388815) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recalled product was sold in British Columbia and Manitoba and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.
Food Safety Recall: Abbott Laboratories Co. recalls Pedialyte Unflavored (59 mL; Lot 34589N200) due to possible defective seals.
Europe
OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION NORWAY: The Norwegian Institute of Public Health is investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes involving four confirmed cases and one suspect case in individuals ranging in age between 50 and 90 years old. All four of the confirmed victims are hospitalized. Following interviews with outbreak victims who reported having eaten smoked salmon or smoked trout from the same manufacturer, an inspection of the manufacturing facility revealed the outbreak strain in environmental samples. Please see recall details below.
Allergy Alert (France):COOPERATIVE U recalls Langoustine cuite cal. 20/30 pêche Atlantique Nord Est / Cooked langoustine from the North East Atlantic fishery, size 20/30 (1kg tray; Lot 220802TD283; Use by 20/10/2022) due to undeclared sulphur dioxide.
Allergy Alert (UK): Lidl GB recalls Birchwood 2 Breaded Katsu Kiev (260g; Use by 24 October 2022) due to undeclared milk.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium):Lima Bio Food BV recalls Lima brand Galettes fines de riz complet / Thin brown rice cakes (130g; Lot R22182B; Best before 02/07/2023) due to elevated aflatoxin levels.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): CONTINENTAL BAKERIES HAUSTrecalls Carrefour BIO brand Galettes 4 céréales / 4-grain thin cakes (Lots H22154J and H22153J; Best before 04/06/2023 and 03/06/2023) due to elevated levels of mycotoxins.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Carrefour recalls Carrefour brand Cacahuètes grillées au miel / Honey-roasted peanuts (125g; Lots 1114039 and 113976; Best before 22/03/2023 and 17/03/2023) due to foreign matter contamination (metal).
Food Safety Recall (France): MONOPRIX recalls Monoprix brand Jambon cuit supérieur avec couenne / Superior cooked ham with rind (All Lots; Use by 17/ 10/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): BCT 500 recalls SAUCISSON CUIT À L’AIL FUMÉ / Cooked sausage with smoked garlic (210g; Lot U271047; Use by 30/10/2022 & 04/11/2022) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):LE FROMAGER DES HALLES recalls LA PERELLE brand Petit Pont l’Evêque cheese (240g; Lot 030922LI5; Use by 17/11/2022) due to E. coli contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):HENRI RAFFIN recalls LE PETIT SAVOYARD brand BRINDILLES NATURES / Pure pork dry sausage (240g; Lot 22772006; Best by 02/01/2023) due to foreign matter contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):DROME ARDECHE TRADITION recalls Drôme Salaisons brand Pâté en croûte cocktail aux Amandes / Cocktail pâté with almonds in pastry shell (400g; Lot 2222713; Use by dates between 03/11/2022 and 06/11/2022) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):DROME ARDECHE TRADITION recalls Drôme Salaisons brand Pâté en croûte cocktail aux Noix / Cocktail pâté with nuts in pastry shell (400g; Lot 2222724; Use by dates between 02/11/2022 and 03/11/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):DROME ARDECHE TRADITION recalls Drôme Salaisons brand Pâté en croûte cocktail aux Pistaches / Cocktail pâté with pistachios in pastry shell (400g; Lot 2222724; Use by 02/11/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):DROME ARDECHE TRADITION recalls Drôme Salaisons brand Pâté en croûte cocktail aux Olives noires / Cocktail pâté with black olives in pastry shell (400g; Lot 2222713; Use by dates between 30/10/2022 and 06/11/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):CARREFOUR FRANCE recalls Carrefour BIO brand Galettes riz complet / Brown rice cakes (100g; Lots H22151J & H22152J; Best before 01/06/2023 & 02/06/2023) due to possible aflatoxin contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):CARREFOUR FRANCE recalls Carrefour BIO brand Galettes 4 céréales/ 4-grain cakes (100g; Lot H22154J; Best before 04/06/2023) due to possible aflatoxin contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):CARREFOUR FRANCE recalls LE MARCHE CARREFOUR brand MERGUEZ VERITABLES BOEUF MOUTON / Genuine mutton & beef merguez sausage (330g 6-pack; Lot C2285324; Use by 22/10/2022) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Germany): Lima Natuurvoeding BV recalls Lima brand Reiswaffeln Dünn / Thin rice cakes (130g; Lot R22182B; Best before 02/07/2023) due to aflatoxin contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Germany): frostkrone Tiefkühlkost GmbH recalls la finesse MAC ‘N‘ CHEESE CUBES (250g; Best before 30.07.2023, 30.08.2023, 30.09.2023, 30.10.2023) foreign matter contamination (plastic).
Food Safety Recall (Italy): Motta S.R.L. recalls Sapori di cascina brand Prosciutto cotto alta qualita’ / Superior cooked ham (150g; Lot 223467; Use by 20-10-2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Italy): Borges Agricultural & Industrial Nuts, S.A. recalls Sol & Mar brand Mandorle fritte con zucchero, miele e sale / Roasted almonds with sugar, honey and salt (150g; Lots 1114186, 1114407 & 1114543; Use by 05/04/2023, 02/05/2023 & 19/05/2023, respectively) due to possible foreign matter contamination (metal).
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Auchan recalls Lima brandGalettes de riz 100%/ 100% rice cakes (Best before 02/07/2023) due to aflatoxin contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Norway): Troll Salmon AS recalls multiple batches of smoked salmon and smoked trout due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products. See also the Outbreak Investigation notice, above, for information on the reason for the recall.
Food Safety Recall (Spain): Manufacturerrecalls multiple brands and varieties of fried nuts due to possible foreign matter contamination (metal). Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall (UK): Charlie Bigham’s recalls Charlie Bigham’s Vegetable Lasagne for 1 (365g; Batch code 5033665214326; Use by 24 Oct 2022) and Charlie Bigham’s Vegetable Lasagne for 2 (730g; Batch code 5033665212568; Use by 24 Oct 2022) due to foreign matter contamination (plastic).
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.
Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations? Click on the TAINTED menu at the top of the page to read or listen to a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital, print or audio copy to your personal library.
TAINTED is now available FREE to Kindle Unlimited subscribers
Listen to an excerpt of the new audiobook edition right here
Public Health Alert: USDA/FSIS issues consumer alert for FRANK’S BUTCHER SHOP GROUND BEEF (1-lb. plastic vacuum-packed packages; Packed on dates 10-07-2022 and 10-09-2022) due to possible E. coli O103 contamination. The products are no longer available for purchase, but consumers may still have the product stored in their freezer.
Infant Formula Safety Recall:Abbott recalls Ready-to-Feed liquid products for infants and children, including the brands Similac® Pro-Total ComfortTM, Similac® 360 Total Care®, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive, Similac® Special Care® 24, Similac Stage 1, Similac® NeoSure®, Similac Water (Sterilized) and Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution (2 fl oz/59 ml bottles; multiple lot codes) because a small percentage of bottles (less than 1%) in the recalled lots have bottle caps that may not have sealed completely, which could result in spoilage. The recalled products were manufactured in Columbus, Ohio and were distributed primarily to hospitals and to some doctors’ offices, distributors and retailers in the U.S., including Puerto Rico; one lot of products was sent to Barbados, Bermuda, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Croix and St. Thomas; and two lots were sent to Canada, Curacao, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago. Please refer to the Abbott recall website for additional information about the affected products.
Food Safety Recall: Nestlé USA recalls NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® STUFFED Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Fudge Filling products (8 oz; produced between June and September 2022) due to potential foreign matter contamination (white plastic pieces). The recalled products were distributed in the continental United States and Puerto Rico.
Canada
Infant Formula Safety Recall:Abbott recalls Ready-to-Feed liquid products for infants and children, including the brands Similac® Pro-Total ComfortTM, Similac® 360 Total Care®, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive, Similac® Special Care® 24, Similac Stage 1, Similac® NeoSure®, Similac Water (Sterilized) and Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution (2 fl oz/59 ml bottles; multiple lot codes) because a small percentage of bottles (less than 1%) in the recalled lots have bottle caps that may not have sealed completely, which could result in spoilage. The recalled products were manufactured in Columbus, Ohio and were distributed primarily to hospitals and to some doctors’ offices, distributors and retailers in the U.S., including Puerto Rico; one lot of products was sent to Barbados, Bermuda, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Croix and St. Thomas; and two lots were sent to Canada, Curacao, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago. Please refer to the Abbott recall website for additional information about the affected products.
Food Safety Recall: Abbott recalls Abbott brand Similac Sterilized Water (48 x 59 ml; Lot 39398N200; Expiry 01-OCT-2023) due to spoilage. The recalled product was sold nationally.
Food Safety Recall: Aristo Cuisine recalls multiple Circle K / Couche Tard brand sandwiches (Best before 22-OC-12, 22-OC-13 & 22-OC-14) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were sold in Quebec and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.
Europe
OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION UPDATE (Sweden): The Swedish Food Agency and the Public Health Agency are continuing to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium that has now sickened 54 people from 20 different regions in the country since September 17, 2022. The source of this outbreak has not yet been identified, but is suspected to be a food with wide distribution in Sweden.
Allergy Alert (Belgium): Albert Heijnrecalls AH Koolhydraat verlaagd bollen volkoren / Low-carb whole wheat buns (4 x 60g; Best before 14/10/2022) due to undeclared sesame.
Allergy Alert (Denmark): Candynavia A/S recalls Slikposer – SSC Børnepose / Candy bags – SSC Children’s bag (Best before 31.07.2023) due to undeclared milk.
Allergy Alert (Ireland): FSAI alerts consumers to presence of undeclared sesame seeds in Heera Rewdi (Sugar & Sesame Sweet) (300g; Batch 2G1201221; Best before May 2024)
Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Albert Heijnrecalls AH Koolhydraat verlaagd bollen volkoren / Low-carb whole wheat buns (4 x 60g; Best before 14/10/2022) due to undeclared sesame.
Allergy Alert (Spain): PepsiCo España recalls Lay’s Horno al punto de Sal / Lay’s Oven Baked crisps, salted (150g; Batches BV 51501 256, BV 51504 256 and BV 51501 257; Best before 02/04/2023; Product of Belgium) due to undeclared milk, soy and wheat.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium):Borges Agricultural & Industrial Nuts S.A. recalls Sol&Mar brand Almendras fritas con miel y sal – AMANDES frites au miel et au sel / Fried almonds with honey and salt (150g; Lots 1114186, 1114543 & 1114673; Use by 05/04/2023, 19/05/2023 & 01/06/2023, respectively) due to possible foreign matter contamination (metal particles).
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Delhaizerecalls Delhaize brand amandes décortiquées Bio / Organic shelled almonds (250g; Best before 17/02/2023) due to excessive hydrocyanic acid.
Food Safety Recall (Denmark): REMA Distribution A/S recalls several batches of kidney beans in brine, kidney beans in chilli sauce, and white beans in tomato sauce, as small perforations in the cans may lead to microbial contamination, resulting in fermentation. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall (Finland): Lidl Suomi recalls Sol & Mar paahdetut ja hunajalla ja suolalla kuorrutetut mantelit/ Sol & Mar almonds roasted and glazed with honey and salt (150g; Best before 2.5.2023 and 3.5.2023) due to possible foreign matter contamination (metal).
Food Safety Recall (France): ETABLISSEMENTS MASSARDIER SALAISONS MASSARDIER recalls Salaisons Massardier brand tête roulée pistachée / Rolled pork with pistachios (Various package formats; Lots 22620004, 2262005, 22620024, 22620023; Use by 19/10/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):ROLAND MONTERRAT recalls various varieties of Pâtés en croûte / Pàtés in pastry crust (Sold by the slice; Use by dates between 29/10/2022 and 12/11/2022) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall (France):AUCHAN RETAIL SERVICES recalls AUCHAN PATE EN CROUTE RICHELIEU / Pàté in pastry crust (2 slices (190g); Lots 227201, 227301, 227701 & 227801; Use by 03/11/2022, 04/11/2022, 08/11/2022 & 09/11/2022, respectively) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): ROUFFIAC DISTRIBUTION LECLERC recalls Jambon d’AUCH AC SUPERIEUR cuit / Superior cooked ham (Sold by the slice from 09/09/2022 to 23/09/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): LE FROMAGER DES HALLES recalls LA PERELLE brand Petit Pont l’eveque cheese (240g; Lot 120922LI8; Use by 26/11/2022) due to E. coli contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): MARIUS BERNARD recalls Les pêcheurs des Calanques brand Aïoli BIO / Organic Aïoli (90g; Lot 1209F1189; Best before 12/09/2024) due to suspected microbial growth.
Food Safety Recall (France):ETABLISSEMENTS FASSIER SA recalls FASSIER brand JAMBONNEAU SUPERIEUR CUIT AU BOUILLON / Superior ham cooked in broth (Lot 2490503000092; Use by 11/10/2022) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): SCAMARK E.LECLERC recalls COTE TABLE brand SPAGHETTI BOLOGNAISE (415g can; Lot LU097; Best before 30/04/2026) due to possible can perforations that could result in microbial contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): AUCHAN RETAIL SERVICES recalls AUCHAN brand PERSIL FLOCONS / Parsley flakes (10g; Lot LF2243CA; Best before 31/10/2024) due to possible foreign matter contamination (glass particles).
Food Safety Recall (Germany): Borges Agricultural & Industrial Nuts, S.A. recalls Sol&Mar Frittierte Mandelhälften mit Zucker, Honig und Salz / Fried almonds with sugar, honey and salt (150g; Lot 1114724; Best before 20.06.2023) due to possible foreign matter contamination (metal).
Food Safety Recall (Italy): Gelmini Carlo SRL recalls Pascoli Italiani brand Gorgonzola Dolce DOP / Sweet gorgonzola cheese (300g; Lot 21846252; Best before 08.11.2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Italy): Alicos SRLrecalls Alicos brand Pesto al finocchietto selvatico / Wild fennel pesto (190g; Lot 15ST22; Use by 15 September 2024) due to risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Italy): SUPERMERCATI IPERAL S.p.A recalls PORCHETTA D’ARICCIA IGP / Pork roast (90g; Lots V232134, V232703, V233395, V234224, V234230, V235970 & V236047; Use by 30/10/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Delhaizerecalls Delhaize brand amandes décortiquées Bio / Organic shelled almonds (250g; Best before 17/02/2023) due to excessive hydrocyanic acid.
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Salaisons MEYER recalls Meyer brand Pâté au poivre / Pepper pâté (250g; Lot 80-20220913-25; All Use by dates from 15/10/2022 to 22/10/2022) and Meyer brand Pâté au poivre en bloc / Pepper pâté block (Variable weights; Lot 80-20220913-22; All Use by dates from 15/10/2022 to 22/10/2022) due to foreign matter contamination (pieces of rigid black plastic).
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg):AUCHAN recalls AUCHAN PATE EN CROUTE RICHELIEU / Pàté in pastry crust (2 slices (190g); Lots 227201, 227301, 227701 & 227801; Use by 03/11/2022, 04/11/2022, 08/11/2022 & 09/11/2022, respectively) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Food safety authority recalls Boni brand Purée de pommes de terre surgelée / Frozen potato purée (1 kg; Lot BL221757; Best before 23/06/2024) and Boni brand Purée de pommes de terre aux épinards surgelée / Potato and spinach purée, frozen (1 kg; Lot L222107; Best before 28/07/2024) due to foreign matter contamination (glass).
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Borges Agricultural & Industrial Nuts, S.A. recalls Sol & MarbrandAmandes au sucre, miel et sel/ Almonds with sugar, honey and salt (150g; Lots 1114186, 1114543 & 1114673; Best before 05/04/2023, 19/05/2023 & 01/06/2023, respectively) due to possible foreign matter contamination (metal).
Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Layenberger Nutrition Group GmbH recalls multiple varieties of Layenberger Fit+Feelgood Slim Shakes (396g; multiple lot codes and expiration dates) due to possible foreign matter contamination (metal particles).
Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Hoogvliet recalls Casa del Sud ravioli Bolognese (400g can; Expiration date 30-09-2026) due to possible damaged containers that may develop microbial spoilage.
Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Lidlrecalls Kania erwtensoep / Pea soup (800ml; Expiration date 09-2025) due to possible foreign matter contamination (stones).
Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Jumbo recalls Ferrero Kinder Schokobons / Chocolate candies (300g; Best before 05-10-2022) due to possible Salmonella contamination. This product was recalled by Ferrero in April; however some of the product was shipped by Jumbo to a limited number of stores in error.
Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
Allergy Alert (Israel): Stone Mill Industries Ltd recalls multiple snack products due to undeclared milk. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall (Singapore): Importersrecall Fresh shell eggs (Farm code CEJ027; All batches; Product of Malaysia) due to Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. The farm is also suspended and will not be allowed to export their eggs to Singapore until the contamination problem has been rectified.
Australia and New Zealand
Food Safety Recall (Australia): Murray River Smokehouse recalls Murray River Smokehouse salami mild (180g; Best before 25FEB2023) and Murray River Smokehouse salami pepper (180g; Best before 06MAR2023) due to Salmonella contamination.
Latin America and the Caribbean
Infant Formula Safety Recall:Abbott recalls Ready-to-Feed liquid products for infants and children, including the brands Similac® Pro-Total ComfortTM, Similac® 360 Total Care®, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive, Similac® Special Care® 24, Similac Stage 1, Similac® NeoSure®, Similac Water (Sterilized) and Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution (2 fl oz/59 ml bottles; multiple lot codes) because a small percentage of bottles (less than 1%) in the recalled lots have bottle caps that may not have sealed completely, which could result in spoilage. The recalled products were manufactured in Columbus, Ohio and were distributed primarily to hospitals and to some doctors’ offices, distributors and retailers in the U.S., including Puerto Rico; one lot of products was sent to Barbados, Bermuda, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Croix and St. Thomas; and two lots were sent to Canada, Curacao, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago. Please refer to the Abbott recall website for additional information about the affected products.
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