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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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 a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital or print copy to your personal library.
Food Safety Recall: Le Valet Épices (Montréal, QC) recalls LE VALET MARINADE (500 ml; Sold up to 18 February 2022) because the product may not be safe to consume.
Powdered Infant Formula Safety Recall (Ireland): Abbott recalls Elecare Similac and Alimentum Similac powdered infant formulas (400g; Multiple batch codes and Best-before dates; Product of USA) due to potential for Salmonella and Cronobacter sakazakii contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Powdered Infant Formula Safety Recall (UK): Abbott recalls Elecare Similac and Alimentum Similac powdered infant formulas (400g; Multiple batch codes and Best-before dates; Product of USA) due to potential for Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall (Austria): Baron International D.O.O. recalls BILLA BIO FRUIT BITES HIMBEERE-KAKAO / FRUIT BITES RASPBERRY-COCOA (100g) due to possible foreign matter (plastic parts) contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): PRODUITS DE LA CIGOGNE recalls PRODUITS DE LA CIGOGNE brand Magret de canard fumé entier / Whole smoked breast of duck (Lot 301604; Use by 29/04/ 2022) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): Auchan recalls Auchan – Les Bouchées Jambon Fumé Ail et Fines Herbes / Garlic and fine herbs bite-sized smoked ham (100g; Lot 229; Use by 24/03/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): CARREFOUR-MARKET ESSARS recalls crème de foie / creamy liver (Sold by the slice between 8 February 2022 and 9 February 2022) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): ETS VAISSAIRE PAPON recalls L’ARVERNE brand SAINT NECTAIRE FERMIER cheese (Lot 63VBM040122; Best before 24/ 03/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg):LT Foods recalls Golden SunRiz Basmati / Basmati rice (1 kg; Use by 06/10/2023) due to aflatoxin contamination.
Food Safety Recall (UK): Freshers Foods Ltd. recalls various pork snack products due to Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
Powdered Infant Formula Safety Recall (Israel):Abbott recalls Alimentum and Human Milk Fortifier powdered infant formula products (Expiration date 1.09.2023) due to potential contamination with Cronobacter and/or SalmonellaNewport.
Powdered Infant Formula Safety Recall (Singapore): Abbott Laboratories (S) Pte Ltd recalls Abbott Alimentum powdered infant formulas (400g; The first two digits of the code are “22” through “37” and the code on the container contains “K8”, “SH” or “Z2”; Expiration date 1 Apr 2022 or later; Product of USA) due to potential contamination with Cronobacter and/or SalmonellaNewport.
Australia and New Zealand
Powdered Infant Formula Safety Recall (Australia): Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd and Abbott US recall some EleCare, Similac and Alimentum infant formula products due to potential contamination with Cronobacter and/or Salmonella. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Powdered Infant Formula Safety Recall (New Zealand): Abbott Laboratories NZ Ltd recalls specific batches of its Similac, Alimentum and EleCare brands of infant formula products due to potential contamination with Cronobacter and/or SalmonellaNewport. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
On February 17, 2022, the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) advised the public that it was working with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local agencies to investigate four consumer complaints of illnesses in infants.
The infants were fed powdered infant formulas manufactured by Abbott Nutrition in Sturgis, Michigan.
The FDA received the illness reports between September 6, 2021, and December 18, 2021, from Minnesota (1), Ohio (1) and Texas (2).
All four of the infected infants were hospitalized. One of the Cronobacter-infected babies died, although it is uncertain whether the infant’s death was solely attributable to the infection.
As a result of the illness reports, the FDA initiated an inspection of the Sturgis production facility. In the course of their investigation, inspectors noted several unspecified adverse inspectional observations. In addition, several positive Cronobacter results were reported from environmental samples taken by FDA.
In response to the FDA’s findings, Abbott Nutrition has initiated a recall of multiple powdered infant formula products sold under the Similac, Alimentum and EleCare brand names. The affected products were manufactured in the Sturgis plant.
The products under recall have a multidigit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, contains K8, SH, or Z2 and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after.
This image shows where to find important lot code information on the container.
The recalled products were distributed across the United States and may also have been exported to multiple countries around the world, including: Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Guam, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Oman, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Vietnam ANI South.
The recall notices
To access detailed information on the recalled products in your country, please click on the appropriate links. For countries not listed below, navigate to Abbott’s website to access additional information.
Cronobacter was suspected to be a cause of meningitis in infants as long ago as the early 1960s.
In 1981, researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine were able to confirm the link between Cronobacter sakazakii and a case of fatal meningitis.
In 1983, Dutch researchers were the first to suggest the connection between infant formula and Cronobacter infections. Their hypothesis was proven to be correct in a 1989 report of an Icelandic outbreak of meningitis in three newborn infants.
In 2001, the death of an eleven-day old infant in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a Tennessee hospital was traced to the use of Portagen powdered infant formula manufactured by Mead Johnson. Cronobacter was recovered from nine of forty-eight infants in the NICU.
The following year, a five-day old Belgian baby died shortly after being released from the hospital. The infant, who was infected with Cronobacter, had been fed Beba powdered formula manufactured by Nestlé.
These incidents prompted the FDA to increase its surveillance of infant formula manufacturers, with special emphasis on the possibility Cronobacter in powdered infant formulas. The agency updated its Compliance Guidance for infant formulas in 2018.
Abbott’s inspection history
Abbott’s infant formula production facility in Sturgis, Michigan, has undergone twenty-seven FDA inspections since October 2008, according to the FDA’s inspection database.
Twenty-four of the twenty-seven inspections resulted in the company’s operations receiving a clean bill of health.
In October 2010, the FDA inspector cited the company for three issues, specifically:
Effective measures are not being taken to exclude pests from the processing areas
There is no assurance that raw materials which are susceptible to contamination with extraneous materials comply with current FDA standards and defect action levels
Failure to manufacture foods under conditions and controls necessary to minimize contamination.
These issues were apparently corrected, as subsequent inspections that same year and for several years did not result in any adverse reports.
The situation changed in September 2019, when the FDA inspector cited Abbott for a single issue, stating:
You did not test a representative sample of a production aggregate of a powdered infant formula at the final product stage and before distribution to ensure that the production aggregate meets the required microbiological quality standards.
Once again, the company corrected its procedures to the FDA’s satisfaction.
There were no inspections carried out for two full years. Then, in September 2021, the FDA returned. This time, the inspection uncovered several issues:
Personnel working directly with infant formula, its raw materials, packaging, or equipment or utensil contact surfaces did not wash hands thoroughly in a handwashing facility at a suitable temperature after the hands may have become soiled or contaminated.
You did not maintain a building used in the manufacture, processing, packing or holding of infant formula in a clean and sanitary condition
An instrument you used to measure, regulate, or control a processing parameter was not properly maintained.
You did not monitor the temperature in a thermal processing equipment at a frequency as is necessary to maintain temperature control.
You did not install a filter capable of retaining particles 0.5 micrometer or smaller when compressed gas is used at a product filling machine.
In its recall notice, Abbott acknowledged having found “evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas,” but denied having found the bacterium in finished product.
This would appear to be in direct contradiction to the FDA’s revelation that the company had recorded the destruction of product in the past due to the presence of Cronobacter.
FDA advice to consumers
If you want to check if your powdered formula is part of the recall, you can enter the product lot code on the bottom of your package on the company’s website.
If your infant is experiencing symptoms related to Cronobacteror Salmonellainfection, such as poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, abnormal movements, lethargy, rash, or blood in the urine or stool; contact your health care provider to report their symptoms and receive immediate care.
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 a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital or print copy to your personal library.
United States
OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION:FDA reports three cases of Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one case of Salmonella Newport infection in infants who were fed powdered infant formula manufactured by Abbott Nutrition (Sturgis, MI). The infections were reported in Minnesota (1), Ohio (1) and Texas (2). All four infants were hospitalized and one has died. The manufacturer has initiated a voluntary recall (see notice below).
OUTBREAK ALERT: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) is investigating an outbreak of three cases of Salmonella infections in individuals who handled Dog Gone Dog Treats. All three outbreak victims are residents of Essex County, MA. Two of the victims are adults in their 70s and the third is a child. The MDPH lab has recovered Salmonella from opened and unopened packages of the dog treats.
Allergy Alert: Lehi Valley Trading Company recalls three brands of Yogurt Raisins due to undeclared peanut. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall: Family Dollar, Inc. recalls certain products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that were stored and shipped to 404 stores from Family Dollar Distribution Center 202 in West Memphis, Arkansas from January 1, 2021 through the present due to the presence of rodents and rodent activity at Family Dollar Distribution Center 202. Products covered by this retail level recall include all: (i) drugs; (ii) medical devices; (iii) cosmetics; (iv) dietary supplements; and (v) human and animal (pet) food products. Please refer to the recall notice for additional information, including a list of affected stores.
Food Safety Recall:Corfu Foods, Inc. recalls PACIFIC DYNASTY SWAI FILLETS (15-lb bulk corrugated box packages; Lot code VN 461 VI 354; Product of Vietnam) because the product was not presented for import reinspection into the United States.
POWDERED INFANT FORMULA SAFETY RECALL: Abbottrecalls certain production lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas after four illnesses were associated with consumption of these products (see FDA Outbreak Investigation notice). The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the USA and also exported to Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Guam, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Oman, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Vietnam ANI South.
Canada
POWDERED INFANT FORMULA SAFETY RECALL: Abbott recalls multiple Abbott brand (Similac) powdered infant formula products from the marketplace due to possible Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella contamination. These products were distributed across Canada. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products. There have been reported illnesses associated with consumption of these products in the USA, but no illnesses have been reported in Canada.
Allergy Alert: Frobisher International Enterprises Ltd.recalls 3Fish brand Sauerkraut Fish (Szechuan Style) (400g; UPC 8 74718 00529 5; All codes that do not declare milk on the label) and Tilapia Soup with Pickled Vegetables (400g; UPC 8 74718 00534 9; All codes that do not declare milk on the label) due to undeclared milk.
Food Safety Recall: Las Olas Traiteur (Longueuil, QC) recalls Las Olas traiteur BŒUF BOURGUIGNON (380g; Sold from 17 January 2022 to 21 January 2022), because the product was prepared and packed in a manner that may render it unsafe to consume.
Europe
POWDERED INFANT FORMULA SAFETY RECALL: Abbottrecalls certain production lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas after four illnesses were associated with consumption of these products (see FDA Outbreak Investigation notice). The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the USA and also exported to the United Kingdom.
Allergy Alert (Belgium): AFSCA orders recall of Sau Tao Bean Stripnoodles (All Best before dates for 2022) due to undeclared soy.
Allergy Alert (Belgium): Brasserie de Silenrieux recalls Cuvée des Lacs de l’eau d’Heure beer (Lot 229A; Best before end of 2022) due to undeclared gluten.
Allergy Alert (Denmark): Lidl Danmark recalls Pistachio Mix (200g) due to undeclared wheat flour and eggs.
Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Liroy B.V. recalls Sau Tao Amoy Bean Strip (250g; (All Best before dates for 2022) due to undeclared soy.
Allergy Alert (Spain): Food Safety Authority reports that SANAVI brand Harifen Vanilla Cookies (200g; Lot 35L & 29J; Expiration dates 04.30.2023 & 02.28.2023, respectively) contain undeclared soy.
Allergy Alert (UK): Liroy B.V. recalls Sau Tao (Sun Shun Fuk) ST Amoy Bean Strip (250g; All dates) due to undeclared soy.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): LT Foods recalls Golden Sun brand Riz Basmati / Basmati rice (1 kg; Best before 06/10/2023) due to aflatoxin contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Jumbo recalls Jumbo biologische kipdijlapjes / Organic chicken thighs (220g; Best before 19-02-2022 and 21-02-2022) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Albert Heijn recalls Albert Heijn brand Basmati rijst Aromatisch / Aromatic basmati rice (400g; Best before 10/08/2023) due to ochratoxin contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): AFSCA orders recall of Matias brand Farinha de Milho Amarela / Yellow corn flour (500g; Lot 070621D2; Best before 01/04/2022) due to fumonisin contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): GAEC LA BAROTIERE recalls several varieties of GAEC LA BAROTIERE brand FROMAGE DE CHEVRE FERMIERS / Farmer’s goat cheese due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall (France): CARREFOUR ANTIBES recalls SALADE DE MUSEAUX VINAIGRETTE (Sold from 6 February 2022 to 7 February 2022 at the Charcuterie stand of CARREFOUR ANTIBES) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): Fromagerie Le Pic recalls Le Pic brand SAPIC BLANC LS cheese (Lot 15012224; Best before 23/02/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Germany): LSP Sporternährung GmbH recalls Oat King Haferriegel “Milk & Honey” / Oat bar (95g; Lot 777; Best before20.09.2022) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Germany): Dirk Rossmann GmbH recalls enerBio Pistaziencreme / Pistachio cream (200g; Best before 08.03.2023) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Iceland): Fiskvinnslan Hrefna recalls Ísfirðingur brand Smoked Salmon (Expiry dates 14.1.02022, 14.02.2022 and 08.03.2022) and Ísfirðingur brand Smoked Rainbow (Expiry date 08.03.2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Food Safety Authority orders recall of Oat King Haferriegel “Milk & Honey” / Oat bar (95g; Lot 777; Best before20.09.2022) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Jumbo recalls Jumbo biologische kipdijlapjes / Organic chicken thighs (220g; Best before 19-02-2022 and 21-02-2022) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Bio+ recalls Bio+ kipdijfilet / Organic chicken thighs, deboned (220g; Best before 21-02-2022) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Odin Groothandel BV recalls multiple products containing chicken due to possible Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall (Romania): SC MONTANA POPA SRL recalls Salam Picantella / Salami (Lot L155627012022; Expiry date 27.04.2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Romania): SC La Meseni SRL recalls Salam Verona / Raw, dried salami (300g; Lot 13; Expiry date 01.05.2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Pet Food Safety Recall (UK): Dogs Choice UK recalls Frozen Chicken and Beef, Frozen Chicken and Beef Ready Meal, and Frozen Chicken Liver raw dog foods (500g; Batch code 080222+2; Best before 08 August 2022) due to Salmonella contamination.
Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
POWDERED INFANT FORMULA SAFETY RECALL: Abbottrecalls certain production lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas after four illnesses were associated with consumption of these products (see FDA Outbreak Investigation notice). The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the USA and also exported to Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Guam, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Oman, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Vietnam ANI South.
Australia and New Zealand
POWDERED INFANT FORMULA SAFETY RECALL: Abbottrecalls certain production lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas after four illnesses were associated with consumption of these products (see FDA Outbreak Investigation notice). The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the USA and also exported to Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Guam, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Oman, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Vietnam ANI South.
Allergy Alert (New Zealand): Functional Whole Foods New Zealand Ltd recalls specific batches and dates of its Waihi Bush Organic Farm brand Flax Fibre – Original, Waihi Bush Organic Farm brand Flax Fibre Balancing Greens, Waihi Bush Organic Farm brand Flax Fibre Detoxalin, and Waihi Bush Organic Farm brand Women’s Support due to undeclared gluten. Please refer to the recall notice for complete details for the affected products.
Latin America and the Caribbean
POWDERED INFANT FORMULA SAFETY RECALL: Abbottrecalls certain production lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas after four illnesses were associated with consumption of these products (see FDA Outbreak Investigation notice). The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the USA and also exported to Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Guam, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Oman, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Vietnam ANI South.
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