In February and March 2023, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found Clostridium botulinum (a non-toxic strain) and Clostridium beijerinckii in previously unopened plastic jars of ready-to-eat baby food products manufactured by Oceanitan, Inc. (Los Angeles, CA) after a consumer reported a case of infant botulism.
Oceanitan manufactured the baby foods under contract for a third party. There was no product recall, and the name of the third party was not released.
The FDA responded to the consumer complaint by initiating an inspection of Oceanitan’s manufacturing facility, located at 2937 E Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.
During the course of a seven-week investigation, FDA inspectors identified multiple serious violations of federal regulations, including failure to identify known or reasonably foreseeable hazards, inadequate temperature control, insanitary conditions, and misbranding (ie., labeling violations).
According to information contained in a Warning Letter issued on September 7, 2023, and posted on the FDA website on September 29th, the baby food products “…do not receive a treatment lethal to nonproteolytic or proteolytic C. botulinum before or after packaging, and their formulation does not control for the growth and/or toxin formation of C. botulinum.”
Furthermore, management’s reliance on uncalibrated and inaccurate dial thermometers to monitor air temperature in the company’s coolers resulted in conditions that would have been able to support growth and toxin formation by Clostridium botulinum in the baby food products prior to shipment.
Inspectors also observed water dripping from the condenser unit in one of the coolers in close proximity to where jars of baby food were filled, and standing water on the floor where uncovered jars of food were stored.
On April 6, 2023, FDA inspectors issued a FDA Form 483, Inspectional Observations, listing all of the violations documented during the seven-week investigation.
The company responded in writing to the list of observations on April 27, 2023, describing the measures it had taken or planned to take to address the various deficiencies.
According to the FDA, the company’s planned actions were inadequate to address all of the indicated violations.
Oceanitan has been given fifteen working days from receipt of the Warning Letter to respond in writing to the FDA with details of the steps taken to address all outstanding issues or, if necessary, to provide a timeline for completion of its corrective measures.
“Reads like a true crime novel” – Food Safety News
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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.
TOXIC
From Factory To Food Bowl PET FOOD IS A RISKY BUSINESS
Available from all major on-line retailers, including:
Enjoy the slideshow as you listen to a sample of TOXIC, narrated by the author.
“A complete and compelling account of the hidden and not-so-hidden ways the food we give our beloved pets can be contaminated.” – JoNel Aleccia, Health Reporter, Food & Nutrition, The Associated Press.
United States
Allergy Alert:FSIS issues Public Health Alert for KIRKLAND Signature CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP WITH WHITE CHICKEN MEAT (2-lb tubs; Lot 1394066; Use by 11/23/23) due to undeclared gluten.
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Canada
OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION UPDATE (Calgary, Albert): Alberta Health Services reports 264 lab-confirmed cases of E. coli O157 as of September 12, 2023, in an outbreak linked to the central kitchen supplying food to eleven daycare centers in the Calgary area. Twenty-two of the victims are being treated for hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Allergy Alert:Terrines et Pâtés (Montréal, QC) recalls three products due to undeclared allergens. Please refer to the recall notice for detailed information on the recalled products.
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Europe
OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION (France): Santé publique Francereports a deadly outbreak of botulism linked to the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar in Bordeaux, France. Restaurant-prepared sardines canned in oil are believed to be the source of the illnesses. Ten illnesses have been reported, including 8 hospitalizations and one death. The suspect food was served in the restaurant between September 4th and September 10th. Anyone who ate at the restaurant during this time period and who is experiencing any symptoms of botulism is urged to seek medical attention.
Allergy Alert (France): LA CHAMBRE AUX CONFITURES recalls LA CHAMBRE AUX CONFITURESbrand Olive noire & Tomate séchées / Black olive and dried tomatoes preserves (Lot 13723; Best before 17/05/2025) due to undeclared allergens.
Allergy Alert (Germany): Frank Juice GmbH recalls frank. MISTER WHITE (330 ml; Best before 06.11.2023) due to undeclared almond.
Allergy Alert (Italy): Fruttital Srl recalls Orsero brand estratto mela spinaci sedano / Apple, spinach, celery extract (250 ml; Lots L34234 & 35242; Best before 07/10/23 & 14/10/23) due to undeclared celery.
Food Safety Recall (France): ETABLISSEMENTS FASSIER recalls SA FASSIER brand PATE CAMPAGNE A L’ANCIENNE AU SEL DE GUERANDE / Old-fashioned country pâté with Guerande salt (3 kg; Lots 2372407070083, 2372407070063, 2411899799083, 2422499779083; Use by dates between 04/10/2023 and 09/10/2023) due to foreign matter contamination (aluminum ink marker pieces).
Food Safety Recall (France): VIVIERS DE SAINT-COLOMBAN ET DE KEROMANrecalls CREVETTES CUITES REFRIGEREES VRAC CALIBRE 40/ 60 LABEL ROUGE – MADAGASCAR / Refrigerated cooked shrimp, 40/60 size (bulk; Lot 323511; Use by 04/09/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): SUNAY superu recalls A l’ossaloise Mr Pomme Saint Gaudens brand boudin béarnais (Lot 2331; Use by dates between 05/08/2023 and 14/09/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): LE COMPTOIR COLONIALrecalls La touche du chef brand Noix de muscade en poudre / Nutmeg powder (150g; Lot 504773000; Best before 31/08/2025) due to elevated aflatoxin.
Food Safety Recall (France): LE COMPTOIR COLONIALrecalls La touche du chef brand Noix de muscade en poudre / Nutmeg powder (150g; Lot 504834000; Best before 30/09/2025) due to elevated aflatoxin.
Food Safety Recall (France): LE COMPTOIR COLONIALrecalls Un jour une épices brand Noix de muscade en poudre / Nutmeg powder (1 kg; Lots 504773000, 504807000 & 504834000; Best before 31/08/2025, 30/09/2025 & 30/09/2025, respectively) due to elevated aflatoxin.
Food Safety Recall (France): LIORAVI recalls LIORAVIbrand SAUCE PESTO VERT / Green pesto sauce (125g; Lot 06092023 618F0; Use by 16/10/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): LAGARDERE TRAVEL RETAIL FRANCE recalls Kayser brand Sandwich jambon emmental beurre moutardé / Ham and emmental cheese sandwich with butter and mustard (Use by 21/08/2023) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): LDC SABLE recalls Le Gaulois Les Accessibles brand Haut de cuisse de poulet / Chicken thighs (1 kg; Lot 3013018292; Use by 20/08/2023, 21/08/2023 & 24/08/2023) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): LDC SABLE recalls Le Gaulois brand Cuisses de poulet / Chicken legs (900g; Lot 3013018233; Use by 21/08/2023 & 22/08/2023) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
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.
TOXIC
From Factory To Food Bowl PET FOOD IS A RISKY BUSINESS
Available from all major on-line retailers, including:
Enjoy the slideshow as you listen to a sample of TOXIC, narrated by the author.
“A complete and compelling account of the hidden and not-so-hidden ways the food we give our beloved pets can be contaminated.” – JoNel Aleccia, Health Reporter, Food & Nutrition, The Associated Press.
United States
Allergy Alert: Custom Made Meals, LLC recalls Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Seasoned Chicken Grillers (variable weights; Use by 21-SEPT-23) due to undeclared milk.
Allergy Alert:Sheng Kee of California, Inc. recalls varieties of Mooncake Gift Boxes due to undeclared egg. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
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Canada
OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION UPDATE (Calgary, Alberta): Alberta Health Services has confirmed 190 cases of E. coli O157 as of September 10, 2023, in a daycare-linked outbreak that has sent 34 victims to hospital. Seven of the patients have been discharged, and 27 remain hospitalized. Twenty children are suffering from haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) as a result of their infections. The outbreak is believed to be connected to a central kitchen that supplied eleven daycare centres. Illnesses have been reported among attendees of seven of the centres. The outbreak is believed to be due to a contaminated food item, but the specific source has not yet been identified.
Food Safety Recall: Amplify Snack Brands Inc. recalls Paqui brand 2023 One Chip Challenge (6g; UPC 8 10002 65040 6; All batch codes) due to reported adverse reactions. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation.
Food Safety Recall: Les brasseurs de légumes (Tingwick, QC) recalls Pesto de Basilic / Basil pesto (150 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml; Sold up to 6 September 2023) due to risk of Clostridium botulinumgrowth.
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Europe
Food Safety Recall (France): MAISON MILHAU recalls MAISON MILHAU brandBarquette Véritables Merguez boeuf, mouton / Beef and mutton merguez sausages (300g, 600g and by the piece; Various lot codes and use by dates) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected date and lot codes.
Food Safety Recall (France): LILY TOQUES recalls LILY TOQUESbrand Préfou du terroir curé nantais (Lot 23235 TPCN; Use by 17/09/2023) due to possible E. coli contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): AUCHAN RETAIL SERVICES AUCHAN recalls CREVETTES ENTIERES CUITES LABEL ROUGE 40/60 – MADAGASCAR / Whole, cooked Madagascar shrimp, 40/60 size (Sold from 23/08 to 04/09/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): UNIMA DISTRIBUTION UD recalls Crevettes cuites réfrigérées vrac calibre 40/60 Label Rouge / Cooked, refrigerated shrimp, 40/60 size (2 kg; Lot 323511; Use by 04/09/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): CHARCUTERIE COSME recalls CHARCUTERIE COSMEbrand PATE DE FOIE TRANCHE S/AT / Liver pâté slice (Lot 233550; Use by dates between 21/09/2023 and 24/09/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): CHARCUTERIE COSME recalls CHARCUTERIE COSMEbrand GALANTINE DE VOLAILLE FORESTIERE X5 S/AT / Poultry galantine (5 slices/pack; Lot 233550; Use by 19/09/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France):ARDAN SAS ARDAN E. LECLERC recalls E.LECLERC PLEUVEN brand Farce de porc fabrication maison / Home-style pork stuffing (Lot Aout Saucisse 2023; Use by 30/08/2023) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): SCAMARK E.LECLERC recalls L’ATELIER TRAITEUR brand SALADE STRASBOURGEOISE / Strasbourg salad (300g; Use by 21/09/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): SILVE NETTO recalls NETTO brand hauts de cuisse de Poulet Jaune / Chicken thighs (Lot 032292304000; Use by 01/09/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): SILVE INTERMARCHE recalls TOP BUDGET brand hauts de cuisse de Poulet Jaune / Chicken thighs (Lot 032292304000; Use by 29/08/2023, 31/08/2023 & 01/09/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): SNACKING SERVICE recalls Bien FaitbrandSandwich triangle Poulet rôti avec tomates marinées / Roast chicken sandwich with marinated tomatoes (160g; Lot 336153; Use by 17/09/2023) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Romania): Ocean Fish S.RL.recalls multiple lot codes of two Norwegian smoked salmon products due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
Allergy Alert (Israel): Ecogreen Derech Yeroka recalls NATURE’S PATH ORGANIC brand flax apple, homemade flavor, brown sugar and maple instant oatmeal (Use by 07 SEP 2023 and 07 AUG 2024) due to undeclared pecans and gluten (wheat and oats).
“Reads like a true crime novel” – Food Safety News
Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations?
Click on the link to listen to a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital, print or audio copy to your personal library.
eFoodAlert 