Recalls and Alerts: April 26 – 29, 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: Van’s Foods recalls Van’s Gluten Free Original (BEST BY AUG 22 2018; Lot #A640234710-WL2 (WL1 not affected by recall)) and Van’s Belgian HS WF 12/8 (BEST BY AUG 22 2018; Lot #A640234710-WL2) due to undeclared gluten and milk). The products were distributed solely to food retailers in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

Allergy Alert: Ethnic Foods Inc. recalls Bhavnagri Mix snack mix (19 oz; Lot # 28517, 31917, 33817, 35317, 01118, 02318, 02918, 05118, 07318) due to undeclared peanut.

Food Safety Recall: Pinnacle Foods Inc. recalls approximately 32,479 pounds of heat-treated, shelf stable beef products due to a possible processing deviation that may have led to staphylococcal enterotoxin and clostridial toxin contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

Food Safety Recall: Greenbelt Greenhouse Ltd. (British Columbia, Canada) recalls all Greenbelt Microgreen products (All best before dates from 4/24/18 and 4/30/18) due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The affected Greenbelt Microgreens brand microgreens were distributed to Whole Foods stores in Washington between 04/11/18 and 04/24/2018.

Canada

Allergy Alert: Legend Q Trading Inc. recalls Golden Ocean Inc. brand and Liao Bu De brand fish products due to undeclared egg. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert: Pan Asia Food Co. Ltd. recalls Wang Korea brand Seafood Dumpling (Gyoza) (680g; Product code JUL.05 2018, SEP.16 2018, SEP.15 2019; UPC 087703022843) and Wang Korea brand Vegetable Dumpling (Pimiento) (680g; Product code APR.08 2019; UPC 087703023352) due to undeclared egg.

Food Safety Recall: Industry recalls certain Rimbey Foods Ltd. brand and Fuge Fine Meat brand pork products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Update): The Meat Shop at Pine Haven recalls certain pork products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Real Deal Meats Ltd. recalls Real Deal Meats pork products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

Food Safety Recall: K&K Foodliner recalls K&K Foodliner brand pork products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Irvings Farm Fresh Ltd. recalls certain Irvings Farm Fresh brand pork products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): La société Purasana NV recalls Chlorella Bio (200g; OCH-DF-160330/10; Best by 30/10/19) due to undeclared sulfite.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): MARMA SPRL recalls Marma chlorella poudre bio (200g; LOT 6286 THT 30/05/18) and Marma spiruline poudre bio (200g; LOT 7254 THT 30/04/19) due to undeclared sulfite.

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Lidl Danmark recalls Bifteki and Mini Bifteki (750g) due to undeclared milk, eggs, wheat flour and mustard.

Allergy Alert (France): Monoprix recalls Le Wrap Poulet Basilic (Best before 29/04/2018) due to undeclared fish and mustard.

Allergy Alert (Germany): Heidemark GmbH Ahlhorn recalls K-Purland Lets BBQ Turkey Minced Steaks (Lot #9111002; Best by 04.05.2018) due to undeclared milk, lactose, celery and gluten.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Tesco recalls Hearty Food Company Cottage Pie (400g; Best by 24 April 2018, 27 April 2018, 28 April 2018, 30 April 2018, 01 May 2018, 02 May 2018, 03 May 2018, 04 May 2018, 05 May 2018) and Hearty Food Company Sausage and Mash (400g; Best by 25 April 2018, 26 April 2018, 29 April 2018, 01 May 2018, 02 May 2018) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Sweden): ICA recalls ICA punch roll, chocolate ball and arrax ball due to undeclared egg. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of recalled products.

Allergy Alert (UK): Runwick Roastery Ltd recalls Cupsmith Truly Magnificent White Hot Chocolate (240g; Best before 31 December 2018 & 31 March 2019) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (UK): Tesco recalls Hearty Food Company Cottage Pie (400g; Best by 24 April 2018, 27 April 2018, 28 April 2018, 30 April 2018, 01 May 2018, 02 May 2018, 03 May 2018, 04 May 2018, 05 May 2018) and Hearty Food Company Sausage and Mash (400g; Best by 25 April 2018, 26 April 2018, 29 April 2018, 01 May 2018, 02 May 2018) due to undeclared milk.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): La ferme de la Bourgade recalls Raw Milk Farm Butter (Lot #08/05/2018; Best by 08/05/2018) due to Listeria contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Fromagerie du Plessis recalls La Petite Normande brand Camembert petite normande AOP (250g; Lot #260218DS0; Best before 08/05/2018) due to E. coli O26:H11 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Hygiena S.A. recalls Prémibio brand PREMIBIO Prémilait 1er age 900g (0-6 mois) BIO à base de lait de vache (Lot #257; Best before 14/09/2020) due to Cronobacter sakazakii contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Les Artisans du bio recalls Fromage brebis affinée au lait cru bio (150g; Lot #182058; Best before 14,15,16,21 and 22/05/2018) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Fromagerie du Plessis recalls Fromagerie du Plessis brand Camembert de Normandie AOP (Lot #260218DS0; Best before 11 mai 2018) due to E. coli O26:H11 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Fleischwarenfabrik Vertriebs GmbH & Co. KG recalls Marten Poultry Salami Sticks (Best before 14.06.2018) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Kräutergarten Pommerland recalls Elfentraum (50g; Batch 10042019; Best before 10.04.2019) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Société fromagère de la Brie recalls Le Coulommiers 45% mg French Soft Cheese (500g; Batch #77432-5B057; Best before 05.05.2018) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Inter Ovo recalls Gutsglück Free-range Eggs (Best before 29.04.2018) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Döllinghareico GmbH & Co. KG recalls Hareico Bratwurst trad (500g; Best before 21.08.2018) due to foreign matter (6mm-large, red plastic foreign body) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Avoca Stores recalls Camembert de Normandie Cheese made from raw milk (250g; Batch #260218DS0; Use by 02.05.18) due to E. coli O26 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Fromagerie du Plessis recalls Fromagerie du Plessis brand Camembert de Normandie AOP (Lot #260218DS0; Best before 11 mai 2018) due to E. coli O26:H11 contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): EMTÉ recalls various ground beef products due to potential contamination with Shiga-toxin producing E. coli.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Coop Supermarkten recalls Coop lean minced beef due to potential contamination with Shiga-toxin producing E. coli.

Food Safety Recall (UK): GB Poultry Ltd recalls Breaded Chicken Escalops with Sweet Chilli Mayo (850g; Lot code MFWH15IE; Use by 26 April 2018 and 27 April 2018) due to foreign matter (plastic pieces) contamination.

Pet Food Safety Recall (UK): Sainsbury’s recalls a range of pet food pouch selections due to high levels of Vitamin D. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

E. coli outbreak growing; source of romaine remains unknown

One field linked to 8 illnesses; industry records complicate search for source of 90 other illnesses

The following story by Coral Beach first appeared on April 27, 2018 in Food Safety News and is reposted here with permission.

Almost 100 people have been infected in an outbreak involving romaine lettuce, and more cases are expected. Federal officials said today they have identified one grower’s romaine as the source of eight of the infections, but a tangled web of supply chain records has significantly slowed their investigation into the other illnesses.

The ongoing outbreak is the largest of its kind since the deadly 2006 E. coli outbreak traced to fresh spinach, public health officials said. There are at least two dozen romaine growers who are being reviewed as federal officials work to pinpoint the source of the current outbreak.

As of today, there are 98 confirmed cases across 22 states, up from the 84 cases reported Wednesday. All of the victims are infected with the same strain of E. coli O157:H7, and it is a particularly dangerous one, said CDC’s Robert Tauxe. Ten of the sick people have developed kidney failure, including three children.

More than half of the ill people, 46, have required hospitalization. The illness onset dates range from March 13 to April 20.

The specific bacteria involved is referred to as an “STX2 only” form of E. coli O157:H7. It aggressively attacks blood vessels, particularly in the kidneys, digestive system and brain.

No one should eat, serve or sell any form of romaine lettuce “under any circumstances” until further notice unless they can confirm is not from the Yuma, AZ, growing region, said Matt Wise, deputy branch chief for Outbreak Response at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That warning is the same that the CDC posted April 20. Initially, only pre-chopped romaine was implicated.

Wise said the specific E. coli O157:H7 bacteria causing the illnesses is so dangerous that all people, not just the traditional high-risk groups, should avoid Yuma-grown romaine.

Known and unknown
The CDC knows quite a bit about the confirmed victims, including the fact that 96 percent of those interviewed so far, 67 of 98, reported eating romaine during the week before they got sick. They know that all but eight of the 98 ate pre-chopped romaine from bagged or other packaged mixed salads and at restaurants.

The eight who consumed romaine from whole heads are inmates at a prison in Alaska that received the lettuce from Harrison Farm in Yuma, said Stic Harris, director of the FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network. However, inspectors from the Food and Drug Administration have not yet visited the farm and have not been provided details such as the specific location of the field where the implicated romaine was grown.

The FDA’s and CDC’s outbreak specialists discussed the ongoing public health threat involving romaine lettuce during a telephone news conference this afternoon.

Other than identifying the Yuma area in general and Harrison Farm in particular, FDA officials answered many of the media’s questions today with: “We don’t know yet.” That lack of knowledge is not for a lack of trying, according to FDA’s Harris.

The current federal law requires entities in the food supply chain to only maintain shipping and receiving records that are referred to as “one step forward, one step back.” That means every link, from growers to retailers and restaurants, don’t have to know where fresh produce ultimately goes or comes from.

Consequently, traceability during outbreak and recall investigations requires the FDA to contact each link in the supply chain to work its way back to the source of fresh produce commodities like romaine lettuce.

Harris said, “more descriptive” labeling would greatly help in traceback situations. Even basic requirements for uniformity of records would help. Some businesses have handwritten records and others have electronic files. Either way, the records are often incomplete.

Many in the fresh produce industry have not implemented the labeling designed by their own industry’s Produce Traceability Initiative. A common reason is that the labels would cost more.

Questions that remain unanswered as of this afternoon’s news conference, many because of the traceability problems, include:

Q. Is the outbreak over?
A. More cases are expected to be identified because of the lag time of two to three weeks between when a person becomes sick and the time it takes for lab tests, confirmation tests, reporting to local and state officials, and finally reporting to the CDC. There may also be new infections developing from unknown and possible ongoing distribution of Yuma-area romaine.

Q. Can you guarantee that the Yuma harvest is finished and no romaine is being shipped from that area?
A. No. Industry tells us the Yuma season is over and harvest has moved to California, but we haven’t been able to confirm that yet.

Q. Are any of the two dozen other growers’ fields adjacent to the Harrison Farm romaine field?
A. We don’t have those records yet.

Q. Is there a common irrigation water source for any of the fields?
A. We don’t have those records yet.

Q. What is the specific location of the Harrison Farm field that is implicated?
A. We don’t have that information yet.

Q. Is Harrison Farm growing or shipping any other fresh produce or more romaine?
A. The FDA does not have any information at this point to suggest that any other produce in involved. Harrison Farm is currently growing grass in its romaine field.

Q. Are there any common processors or shippers among the other farms you are investigating?
A. We haven’t received all of those records yet. We are looking at all points in the supply chain, from growers to the restaurants and retailers, as is the practice for all outbreak investigations.

Recalls and Alerts: April 23 – 25, 2018

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United States

Allergy Alert: Labrada Nutrition recalls Leanpro8 Protein Powder due to undeclared egg. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Ziegenfelder Company recalls certain Budget $aver Cherry Pineapple Monster Pops and Sugar Free Twin Pops due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Canada

Outbreak Alert/Food Safety Recall: The Meat Shop at Pine Haven recalls certain pork products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The recall was triggered by a CFIA investigation of an Edmonton, Alberta outbreak. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Greenbelt Microgreens recalls Greenbelt Microgreens brand microgreens due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Bonte Foods Ltd. recalls Eastcoast Kitchen brand sandwiches due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

OTC Pharmaceutical Product Safety Recall: Traditional Medicinals recalls Throat Coat Lemon Echinacea (Lot #019; Expiry date February 2021) due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Bryggeriet Skands A/S recalls Magasin 150 Years Jubilee’s beer due to undeclared barley malt. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Lidl Danmark recalls Gyrosspyd med svinekød / Gingerbread with pork (1000g) due to undeclared mustard and yoghurt powder (lactose) and can contain traces of allergens gluten and celery.

Allergy Alert (Finland): SOK recalls Tesco Free From’s Toffee & Vanilla Ice Cream product range due to undeclared soy lecithin.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Biona recalls Biona Organic Spelt Pasta Lasagne Sheets (250g; Best by 12.10.2020 and 18.01.2021) due to undeclared gluten.

Allergy Alert (Italy): Molini Spigadoro SpA recalls Mix Farina Dolce Soffica (1KG; Lot #31800714; Best by 19-07-2019) due to undeclared soy.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Albert Heijn recalls AH Italiaanse Grillworst (Best before 04-05-2018) due to undeclared soy, mustard and celery.

Allergy Alert (Sweden): HKScan recalls Grillbacon Sw.Chili & Ginger (Best before 26.05.2018) due to undeclared mustard and lactose.

Allergy Alert (UK): Windmill Organics Ltd recalls Biona Organic Spelt Lasagne Sheets (250g; Best before 12 October 2020 and 18 January 2021) due to undeclared wheat.

Allergy Alert (UK): Unisnacks recalls Lotte Choco Pie (168g & 363g; 12 December 2018 & 20 December 2018) due to undeclared almonds.

Food Safety Recall (France): PREMIBIO recalls Premibio brand Prémilait canned infant formula powder 1er âge (Lot #257; Expiry date 14-09-2020) due to possible Enterobacter sakazakii contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Val d’Ormèze recalls Val d’Ormèze brand Tommette de brébis / sheep milk cheese rounds (300g; Lot #182058; Best by 12/06/2018 et 16/06/2018) due to potential Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Mühlen Gruppe Markenvertriebs GmbH recalls two salami products due to potential Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): IHLE GmbH & Co KG recalls certain products due to possible foreign matter (metal pieces) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Natsu Foods GmbH & Co. KG recalls Rewe To Go and Natsu brands of Wrap Falafel & Hummus (Best before 26.04.2018, 27.04.2018, 28.04.2018 & 29.04.2018) due to possible foreign matter (plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Fromagerie du Plessis recalls Fromagerie du Plessis brand camembert de normandie tradition (250g; Lot #260218; Best by 29.04.2018; 02.05.2018; 05.05.2018) due to toxic E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Willowbrook Foods Newtownards Northern Ireland recalls various salad products containing bacon due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Dirk van den Broek recalls 1 de Beste Tartaar (2 pieces; Best before 30-04-2018) due to possible Listeria contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): DekaMarkt recalls DekaMarkt brand Slagers Beste tartaar (3 pieces; Best before 29-04-2018) due to possible Listeria contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Willowbrook Foods recalls certain salad products with bacon due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Food Safety Recall (Israel): Marcel Brothers Ltd recalls Salami Hertz Dry fermented salami sausage due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for additional details concerning the affected product.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (New Zealand): Seriously Healthy Ltd recalls Serious Smoothies brand Fighting Fit smoothie mix (250g; Best before 08-02-19) due to undeclared milk.