Recalls and Alerts: December 14–15, 2023

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.



“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.

“An invaluable resource for busy pet owners” – Food Safety News

Available from all major on-line retailers, including:


United States

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION UPDATE: The CDC has received reports of 302 lab-confirmed Salmonella cases in 42 US states linked to contaminated cantaloupes imported from Mexico. Four people have died and 129 have been hospitalized.

Allergy Alert: Valley View Candies recalls All Fudge products – Peanut Butter Fudge, Maple Nut Fudge, Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Walnut Fudge (8 oz clear, plastic, clam shell containers) due to undeclared egg.

Food Safety Recall: Simmons Prepared Foods Inc. recalls TGI FRIDAYS BONELESS CHICKEN BITES HONEY BBQ CHICKEN (15-oz. cartons; Lot code KL3K03; Best by 12/26/2024) due to foreign matter contamination (pieces of clear, hard plastic).

Food Safety Recall: The Quaker Oats Company recalls specific granola bars and granola cereals (Best before dates up to and including Aug- 02-24) due to potential Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice and supplementary list for complete details on the recalled products, which were distributed nationwide in the United States and also sold in Puerto Rico, Guam and Saipan.

Food Safety Recall: Stop & Shop recalls Trufresh Cantaloupe (Sold to customers from Oct. 23 to Nov. 11, 2023) due to potential Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Fresh Express recalls Fresh Express Spinach (8 oz; Use by Dec 15, 2023; UPC 0 71279 13204 4) and Publix Spinach (9 oz; Use by Dec 14, 2023; UPC 0 41415 00886 1) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Chang Farm recalls Nature’s Wonder Mung Bean Sprouts (12 oz; December 13th, 2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

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Canada

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION UPDATE: The PHAC has received reports of 153 lab-confirmed Salmonella cases in eight provinces linked to consumption of cantaloupes imported from Mexico. Six people have died and 53 were hospitalized.

Allergy Alert: Boucherie Forget (Berthierville, QC) recalls COQUILLE FRUITS DE MER / Seafood coquille (2-pack) due to undeclared soy and wheat.

Allergy Alert: Le Richmond Marché Italien (Montréal, QC) recalls Tourtière maison / Home-style meat pie due to undeclared milk and egg.

Allergy Alert: Les mets Lucas (Sainte-Hélène-de-Bagot, QC) recalls Tourtières (2 x 625 g) due to undeclared soy.

Food Safety Recall: Les mets Lucas (Sainte-Hélène-de-Bagot, QC) recalls SAUMON FUMÉ / Smoked salmon (4 x 65 g; Sold up to 13 December 2023) due to possible food safety risk.

Food Safety Recall: Marché Blais inc (Chandler, QC) recalls four smoked fish products that may represent a food safety risk. Please refer to the recall notice for a list of recalled products.

Food Safety Recall: Baby Gourmet Foods Inc. recalls Little Gourmet Organic brand Mealtime Bowls – Veggie Chicken Pasta (130g; Best before 2024 FE 21, 2024 MR 03 & 2024 SE 12: UPC 6 28619 88103 4) and Little Gourmet Organic brand Mealtime Bowls – Veggie Beef Lasagna (130g; Best before 2024 FE 22, 2024 MR 06 & 2024 SE 13; UPC 6 28619 88102 7) due to possible foreign matter contamination (pieces of wood).

Food Safety Recall: Goldenway International Trade Co. Ltd.  recalls Golden Mushroom brand Enoki Mushroom (200g; Batch code CE057D; UPC 8 809201 000039) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Centennial General Partner Inc. recalls Centennial Food Service brand Meat products due to foreign matter contamination (pieces of metal). Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

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Europe

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION (France): French authorities report six confirmed cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) due to infection with a shiga toxin-producing E. coli. All six victims attended a nursery/daycare facility in Toulouse. The infections were associated with consumption of Morbier cheese produced by Route des Terroirs.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): INEX S.A. recalls Bambix brand Groeidrink rijst 1-3A / Rice growth drink, 1-3 years (1 L; Lot 534695; Best before 15/11/24) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Germany): Fleischhof-Rasting GmbH recalls multiple My Veggie brand products due to undeclared soy. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): FSAI advises that Abad Royal Shrimp Black Tiger Shrimps (2 kg; Batch code TIC4422AF; Best before 28/10/24 and 31/10/24; Product of India) contains undeclared sulphur dioxide and sulphites.

Allergy Alert (Luxembourg): Food safety authority advises that Naturalia brand Raisins Sultanines / Sultana raisins (500g; Lot 350019796-02-167; Best before 12/07/2024) contains undecliared sulphites.

Allergy Alert (UK): Charlie Bigham’s recalls Thai Green Chicken Curry & Fragrant Rice (805g; Use by 21 December 2023) due to undeclared mustard.

Food Safety Recall (France): ENTREMONT ALLIANCE recalls ENTREMONT brand Plateau duo de Raclette & Morbier / Cheese (350g; Multiple lot codes; Best before dates between 01/12/2023 and 13/1/2024) due to possible shiga toxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): ALCOBA DISTRIBUTION E.LECLERC SAINT LOUIS recalls Baechler brand Raclette Ail des Ours / Wild garlic raclette (Lot 230185; Best before 16/01/2024) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): ACHERES EXPANSION E.Leclerc recalls Jambon cuit supérieur découenné dégraisse torchon / Defatted, rindless superior cooked ham (Sold by the slice; Lot 34705363; Use by 18/01/2024) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Manufacturer recalls Ballottine Belle Epoque brand Galantine de Volaille / Poultry galantine (Sold by the slice; Lot 296292; Use by 15/12/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): LA CHEVRE RIEUSE recalls LA CHEVRE RIEUSE brand Fromage de Chèvre Lait Cru / Raw goat’s milk cheese (Lot 2711233; Best by 27/01/2024) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): SILVE INTERMARCHE recalls PAQUITO brand MELANGE CROQUANT / Crunchy mix (500g; Lot L5; Best before 30/08/2024) due to elevated aflatoxin level.

Food Safety Recall (France): MONTS & TERROIRS recalls Maison MONTS et TERROIRS brand PLATEAU RACLETTE TRIO GOURMAND / Sliced cheese platter (600g; All lots; Best before dates between 25/11/2023 and 19/01/2024) due to shiga toxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): TOURIS INTERMARCHE recalls SVA JEAN ROZE brand Viande hachée / Ground meat (Lot B146000005810) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): TRELIDIS E.LECLERC recalls Crépinette de porc provencale / Pork meatballs (Sold from 08/12/2023 to 09/12/2023) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): ARGIBEX INTERMARCHE recalls TOMME DE BAZAS Cheese (~200g; Use by 10/12/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): FKS Frischkonzept Service GmbH recalls Morbier Stücke / Morbier cheese wedges (180-200g; Multiple best before dates) due to shiga toxin-producing E. coli contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): ROUTE DES TERROIRS recalls Morbier Cheese (7 kg; All best before dates up to and including 17/01/24) due to shiga toxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Norway): Nestlé Norge AS recalls Morsmelkerstatning «NAN EXPERTPRO HA 1» / Infant formula (Batch code 33120742C1; Best before 29.11.2025) due to possible Cronobacter sakazakii contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Sweden): Norrköpings mejeri recalls Basimo brand vitost / White cheese (900g; Best before 09022024, 08032024, 15032024) due to Listeria contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Princes Group recalls a number of canned bean products due to possible foreign matter contamination (small rubber balls). Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (New Zealand): Life Health Foods NZ Ltd recalls Lisa’s brand Hummus Chargrilled Capsicum (200g; Use by 07.01.2024) due to undeclared cashew.


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“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.

Chapter 6. Birth of a Pathogen

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Recalls and Alerts: December 12–13, 2023

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.



“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.

“An invaluable resource for busy pet owners” – Food Safety News

Available from all major on-line retailers, including:


United States

FOOD SAFETY INVESTIGATION UPDATE: FDA is conducting an onsite inspection at the Austrofoods facility located in Ecuador, including collection of cinnamon samples for lead testing. The agency has received reports of 65 adverse events to date, potentially linked to Cinnamon Applesauce Products manufactured in Ecuador.

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION UPDATE: CDC reports a total of 80 lab-confirmed Salmonella illnesses linked to consumption of Gill’s Onions brand Fresh Diced Onions. One person has died, and 18 were hospitalized. The outbreak is now over, according to the federal agency.

Allergy Alert: Bobo’s recalls Bobo’s Peach Oat Bars (3-oz bars; Lot 3J21111 or 3K01111; Best by 7/17/2024 and 7/28/2024, respectively; UPC 829262000203) due to undeclared coconut.

Public Health Advisory: FDA advises consumers not to eat, and restaurants and food retailers not to sell, and to dispose of Red’s Best chopped clams likely harvested from prohibited waters in Massachusetts (Lots #331 and #333; Shuck dates 23/331 and 23/333) because they may be contaminated with human pathogens, toxic elements or poisonous or deleterious substances.

Food Safety Recall: WS Global, INC recalls Himalayan Pain Relief Tea (6 tea packets/box; All lots; Bar code 0841920015) due to presence of hidden drug ingredients, Diclofenac and Dexamethasone.

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Canada

Food Safety Recall: Dans Mon Bocal Ste-Adèle inc. (Sainte-Adèle, QC) recalls BICARBONATE DE SOUDE / Sodium bicarbonate (Bulk; Sold from 30 October to 12 December 2023) due to mislabeling. The product is actually sodium percarbonate, a strong irritant.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Germany): Nadi Holding GmbH recalls Grüne Rosinen extra lang / Extra long green raisins (400g; Best before 01.06.2025) due to undeclared sulphur dioxide.

Allergy Alert (Germany): Nadi Holding GmbH recalls Aprikosen Chapa Namak / Salted apricots (400g; Best before 31/12/2024) due to undeclared sulphur dioxide.

Allergy Alert (Iceland): Ósnes ehf recalls Karrísíld / Curry chicken (2.25 kg; All lots) due to undeclared egg and mustard.

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Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Carrefour recalls Carrefour Classic brand Fond de Boeuf / Beef stock (190 ml; Lots 23058 301 & 23058 201; Best before 28/02/2026) due to possible foreign matter contamination (pieces of glass).

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Nestlé Danmark A/S recalls NAN EXPERTPRO HA 1 modermælkserstatning / Infant formula (Batch code 33120742C2; Expiry date 11/2025) due to a risk of Cronobacter sakazakii in one of the raw materials included in the product.

Food Safety Recall (France): SUPERMARCHES MATCH recalls METKA PETITE Sausages (Sold from 08/12/2023 to 12/12/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Industry recalls Maison Prunier brand Galantine de Volaille / Poultry galantine (Lot 296292; Use by 15/12/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): ATELIER FOREZIEN DU FRAIS recalls AFFRAIS brand SAUCISSE SECHE SACHET / Dry sausage (Lot 338/9003; Use by 02/02/2024) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): ATELIER FOREZIEN DU FRAIS recalls DESPI LE CHARCUTIER brand SAUCISSE SECHE PP VPF SACHET / Dry sausage (Multiple lot codes and use-by dates) due to Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (France): Manufacturer recalls multiple lots and varieties of cheeses due to shiga toxin-producing E. coli contamination. Please refer to the master recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (France): RENE MEYER SARL recalls multiple Volailles René MEYER products due to insufficient process control that could result in food safety hazard. Please refer to the Rappels Conso page for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (France): DELBE TRAITEUR recalls Hachis de viande nature / Unseasoned ground meat (Lot 06122023) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): PRESTIGE DE LA SARTHE recalls prestige de la sarthe brand jambon persille de bourgogne / Parsleyed ham (1.5 kg & 9 kg; Lot 43298; Use by 15/12/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): CARREFOUR FRANCE recalls Carrefour SIMPL brand Queues de crevettes crues avec carapace / Raw shrimp tails, with shell (450g; Lot AI/22204 (3A06); Best before 05/01/2025) due to Vibrio vulnificus contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): CORA recalls cora brand Saumon fumé Norvège / Norwegian smoked salmon (210g; Lot G3380374P; Use by 03/01/2024) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): BROCELIANDE recalls GRAL and unbranded Rouleau de mousse de canard au Porto de Qualité supérieur / Superior Quality duck mousse roll with Port (Lot 1217857; Best before dates between 20/01/2024 and 22/01/2024) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes and/or Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): SFW Schildauer Fleisch- und Wurstwaren GmbH recalls Putenlachsfilet / Turkey salmon filet (~300g; Lot 234605; Best before 18.12.2023) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Sweden): Axfood recalls Garant brand Strimlad rökt skinka / Shredded smoked ham (180g & 450g; Best before 2023-12-29) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Allergy Alert (Hong Kong): NGAR YAT IND CO LTD recalls NEW MOON BRAND FRESH BEAN CURD STICKS (200g; Use by April 25, 2024; Product of China) due to undeclared sulphur dioxide.

Allergy Alert (Israel): A.L. Production and Marketing of Spices Ltd. recalls Tablini Maimon brand Seasoning Mixture for Steak (100g; Batch code 166565; Best if used before end 02/2025) due to undeclared peanut.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): Stuart Alexander & Co Pty Ltd recalls Hershey’s Caramel Syrup (623g; Best before 08 2025) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (New Zealand): New World Remuera recalls Clonbern Kitchen brand Truffle & Parmesan Flavour Made in Store Beef Sausages (Best before 29.08.23 up to and including 18.12.23) due to undeclared gluten (wheat) and soy.


TAINTED formats 3
“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.

Chapter 6. Birth of a Pathogen

TAINTED is available in digital format from all major on-line retailers. Press the button to go directly to your preferred digital bookstore.

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FDA issues new compliance measures for infant formula testing and reporting

This report by Coral Beach first appeared in Food Safety News and is reposted here with permission.


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.

All updates related to the FDA’s oversight of infant formula can be found on the FDA’s Infant Formula webpage.


TAINTED formats 3
“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.

Chapter 6. Birth of a Pathogen

TAINTED is available in digital format from all major on-line retailers. Press the button to go directly to your preferred digital bookstore.