Tag: Health

Recalls and Alerts: February 1, 2012

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.

United States

  • Allergy Alert: How Sweet It Is Fudge and Candy Company Inc. (East Lansing, MI) recalls Peanut Butter Buckeye and Peanut Butter Smoothie (7″x7″x2″ box; All date codes 01/23/2012 and earlier), due to the presence of undeclared milk. The recalled products were distributed to wholesale distributors, service stations and convenience stores in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana, Virginia and New York from December 1, 2011 to January 23, 2012.
  • Allergy Alert: President Global Corp (Buena Park, CA) recalls Bin-Bin Snow Rice Crackers (5.3 oz/150g; All codes) and Bin-Bin Rice Crackers (15.8 oz/450g; All codes), due to the presence of undeclared egg. The recalled products were distributed to grocery stores nationwide between January 1, 2011 and January 31, 2012.
  • Food Safety Recall: Michael Foods, Inc. recalls Hard-Cooked Eggs Packed in Brine (10-lb and 25-lb pails for institutional use; Lot codes 1 LOT 1350W through 1 LOT 2025W (only codes immediately preceded by “1” and ending in “W” are affected); Expiration dates from 1/30/2012 to 3/10/2012), because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled eggs were produced at Michael’s Wakefield, Nebraska facility and purchased by food distributors and manufacturers in 34 states – AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI, and WV – and are sold under the brand names Columbia Valley Farms, GFS, Glenview Farms, Papetti’s, Silverbrook, and Wholesome Farms. None of the eggs were sold directly to consumers or retailers; however, some of the eggs may have been used in products that were sold to retailers or used in food service settings.
  • Pharmaceutical Product Safety Recall: Pfizer Inc. recalls 14 lots each of  Lo/Ovral®-28 (norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) Tablets and Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets (generic) after the company determined that some packs may contain an inexact count of inert or active ingredient tablets and that the tablets may be out of sequence. Please refer to the recall notice and to Pfizer’s Statement for additional information, including a list of the affected production lots.
  • Food Recall/Withdrawal: Food City reports the recall/withdrawal of Borden Applewood Bacon Cheddar Singles Sensations Cheese Slices (8 oz). No additional details are given.
  • Food Withdrawal: Kraft Foods withdraws Tassimo Gevalia Cappuccino Espresso T Disc (14.72 oz; UPC 4300001322), due to “relatively rare” consumer reports of hot liquid or coffee grounds spraying from the brewers when these T Discs are used.
  • Outbreak Alert Update: CDC issues its Final Investigation Update into an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium linked to ground beef from Hannaford Supermarkets. In all, 20 illnesses were confirmed in seven states.
  • Outbreak Alert Update: The Patriot-News reports that the Campylobacter outbreak believed to be linked to consumption of raw milk from The Family Cow dairy has grow to 20 people, including 16 from Pennsylvania and 4 from neighboring Maryland.
  • Outbreak Alert: The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has received and investigated 16 reports of gastroenteritis outbreaks since the end of December 2011. One of those was confirmed to be due to Norovirus Genotype II.
  • Outbreak Alert: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has received multiple reports of norovirus outbreaks from several local health departments across the state during January.
  • Outbreak Alert: The Lake County (Illinois) Health Department has logged nine outbreaks of norovirus illness since the beginning of 2012. Eight of the outbreaks were in long-term care facilities, and one was in a day-care facility, according to the Chicago Tribune.
  • Outbreak Alert: St. Ignatius College Preparatory School (San Francisco, CA) was closed for cleaning after 50 students called in sick with an outbreak of “stomach flu” last week.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: Canada Six Fortune Enterprise Co. Ltd. recalls Bin Bin brand Snow Rice Crackers (150g; UPC 8 852098 700124), due to the presence of undeclared egg. The product was distributed in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba, and may have been distributed nationally.
  • Food Safety Recall: Phoenicia Group (St-Laurent, QC) recalls Alkanater brand Tahina (454g; UPC 6 92551 00002 0; Exp. 5/7/2013 (May 7, 2013)), because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled product was distributed nationally.
  • Pet Food Safety Recall: Tri-V Pet Foods Ltd. (Chilliwack, BC) recalls Lean Cuts Dog Food (24/400g; Production code T22L1; Costco Item #21246), because of swelling of the can lids and a concern in the production process. The affected cans of pet food were sold between December 30, 2011 and January 29, 2012 at British Columbia Costco locations in Richmond, Abbotsford, Nanaimo, Courtney, Kelowna, Prince George and Kamloops.
  • Outbreak Alert: A third patient at the Greater Niagara General Hospital has died after contracting Clostridium difficile while undergoing treatment in the hospital. The victim had multiple health issues, and also tested positive for hospital-associated C. difficile.

Europe

Australia and New Zealand

  • Outbreak Alert (Australia): The Flying Fox Park in Winnererremy Bay (NSW) has been closed for a third time in six months, because a child was diagnosed with a Salmonella Java infection after playing in the park. New South Wales Health has recovered Salmonella Java in two out of eight samples taken from the playground’s bark soft fall material in the climbing net area.

Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket’s recall web site.

*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.
**Includes Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Dominick’s, Genuardi’s, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Carrs and Pak N’ Save.

Taco Bell Named In Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak

On January 19th, the US CDC reported a multi-state outbreak of 68 confirmed cases of Salmonella enteritidis gastroenteritis associated with eating food from “Restaurant A,” which the Investigation Announcement described as a Mexican-style fast food restaurant chain. Forty-three of the confirmed cases were reported by Texas, and 16 by Oklahoma. Outbreak illnesses also were reported by Kansas (2), Iowa (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (1), Nebraska (1), New Mexico (1), Ohio (1), and Tennessee (1).

Ever since the Investigation Announcement was released, CDC has ignored, dodged, and declined to answer repeated requests from the media – including an Open Letter published on eFoodAlert – to identify Restaurant A. In a recent interview with JoNel Aleccia of MSNBC, Dr. Robert Tauxe, CDC’s deputy director of the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, explained the agency’s policy.

“The longstanding policy,” Tauxe told Aleccia, “is we publicly identify a company only when people can use that information to take specific action to protect their health. On the other hand,” he added, “if there’s not an important public health reason to use the name publicly, CDC doesn’t use the name publicly.”

Fortunately, the state of Oklahoma takes a broader view than CDC of the public’s right to know the identity of Restaurant A.

I have just learned, courtesy of the Oklahoma State Department of Health Acute Disease Service, that “Restaurant A” is Taco Bell. Following is the summary I was given of Oklahoma’s participation in the outbreak investigation.

Oklahoma State Department of Health
Acute Disease Service 

Summary of Supplemental Questionnaire Responses Specific to
Taco Bell Exposure of Oklahoma Outbreak-associated Cases
Multistate Salmonella Enteritidis Outbreak Investigation
November 2011 – January 2012 

Summary Demographic information

  • 16 cases in 5 Oklahoma counties
    • Cleveland (10), Bryan (2), Lincoln (2), Pottawatomie (1), and Greer (1)
  • Onset date range: 10/21/2011 – 11/18/2011
    • 1 onset date unknown but believes around Thanksgiving
  • Hospitalizations: 4
  • Gender distribution: 10 (63%) females and 6 (37%) males
  • Age range: 5 to 78 years (median 23 years)

Taco Bell exposure summary of Oklahoma cases from supplemental case-control questionnaire responses

  • Total Oklahoma cases: 16
  • Total interviewed: 12/16 (4 refused or were lost-to-follow-up)
  • Consumed food from Taco Bell: 8/11

CDC  reported that it was unsuccessful in determining the food source for this outbreak; however, the agency took pains to add that ground beef was an unlikely source, due to the restaurant chain’s handling and cooking processes. Patrons of the Taco Bell chain can draw some comfort from CDC’s assessment that its outlets follow appropriate handling and cooking procedures for raw ground beef.

Perhaps now that the Salmonella Enteritidis has hit the fan, CDC will deign to confirm the identity of the mysterious Restaurant A.

Recalls and Alerts: January 31, 2012

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.

United States

  • Allergy Alert: Gemini Food Corporation (City of Industry, CA) and Tong Enterprises (Hayward, CA) recall Bin-Bin Snow Rice Crackers (5.3 oz/150; all codes) and Bin-Bin Rice Crackers (15.8oz/450g; all codes) due to the presence of undeclared eggs. The recalled product was distributed nationwide.
  • Pediatric Medical Food Safety Recall: Vitaflo USA recalls Renastart (14.11-oz/400g cans; Batch No. 12832), because some of the product shipped throughout the USA from December 29, 2011 through January 26, 2012 has been incorrectly labeled. Renostart is a powdered medical food used in the dietary management of pediatric renal disease, for patients one year and older in the United States. The company urges all patients (or their caregivers) “…who have consumed any Renastart from this batch should contact their health care professional immediately to determine next steps, including nutritional management alternatives.”
  • Food Safety Recall: The Kroger Company recalls Deli Country Potato Salad, RW and Bakers Country Potato Salad, 5-lb because the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled potato salads were sold in Dillons, Baker’s, Gerbes and Food4Less Fremont stores.
  • Food Safety Recall: Super1Foods & Discount Pharmacy recalls Deli Fresh Gourmet Mustard Potato Salad (3 lb; Batch 3/19/12), because the potato salad contains hard-cooked eggs recalled by Michael Foods due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Food Safety Recall: Brookshire’s food & pharmacy recalls Brookshire’s brand Southern Mustard Potato Salad (1 lb and 3 lb; Batch 3/19/12), and Deli Fresh Gourmet Mustard Potato Salad (3 lb; Batch 3/12/12), because the potato salad contains hard-cooked eggs recalled by Michael Foods due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Food Withdrawal: Topco Associates withdraws Spartan Pasteurized Processed Cheese Food Individually Wrapped Slices (3-lb; Date code April 3, 2012; Manufactured by Great Lakes Cheese), because the cheese slices cannot be peeled cleanly from the wrapper. This is NOT a food safety issue. The withdrawn product was sold through the Spartan family of stores, including VG’s grocery, Spartan, Valu Land, VG’s Fresh Market, Glen’s Markets, Glen’s Fresh Market, Family Fare Supermarkets, and D&W Fresh Market.
  • FDA Enforcement Action: FDA has asked a U.S. District Court to issue a permanent injunction agains Mexicali Cheese (Woodhaven, NY) and two of its officers, because the firm has a history of unsanitary conditions and of producing cheese in a facility that is contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Mexicali Cheese manufactures and distributes soft Mexican cheeses to grocery stores and supermarkets in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Douty Brothers, Inc. (Portland, ME) that a December 2011 inspection of the company’s seafood processing facility revealed serious violations of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulation, and the Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulation for foods.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Negocios Industriales Real “N.I.R.S.A.”, S.A. (Guayaquil, Ecuador) that an August 2011 inspection of the company’s seafood processing facility revealed serious deviations from the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point regulation.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Flavors from Florida, Inc. (Bartow, FL) that a September 2011 inspection of the company’s juice processing facility revealed inspection revealed serious violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulation for food.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Pacific Cheese Company, Inc. (Hayward, CA) that a follow-up inspection conducted during February-March 2011 of the company’s cheese processing facility revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in samples of cubed and shredded cheddar cheese collected from a third-party warehouse. In addition, FDA found the company’s response to the agency’s FDA Form 483-Inspectional Observations to be inadequate.
  • Outbreak Alert Update: The outbreak of Campylobacter illnesses in Pennsylvania and Maryland believed to be associated with the consumption of raw milk from The Family Cow farm in Pennsylvania has grown to 12 cases.
  • Outbreak Alert: Health officials in Louisville, Kentucky report an unusually high number of cases of shigellosis. There have been 84 lab-confirmed cases in the last 13 weeks, including 18 cases during the week of January 23rd. The metropolitan area has averaged just 62 confirmed cases per year over the past five years. Shigellosis is a highly contagious diarrhea caused by Shigella bacteria.
  • Outbreak Alert Update: The outbreak of Norovirus gastroenteritis linked to the Harbor Inn Seafood restaurant in Conover, NC has grown to 128 complaints. Most of the victims report having eaten at the restaurant on January 13th or 14th.
  • Outbreak Alert: Norovirus has been fingered as the probable cause of an outbreak of gastroenteritis at the Lytton Gardens senior living center in downtown Palo Alto, CA. The illnesses have affected 10 residents and 2 staff members between January 5th and 18th.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency warns the individuals who are allergic to egg not to consume the following Bin Bin Rice Crackers, which have been recalled by the importers because the products contain undeclared egg: Snow Rice Crackers (150g; UPC 8 852098 700124), Rice Crackers Jumbo Bag (450g; UPC 8 852098 701510), and Rice Crackers (450g; UPC 6 84431 00113 5). The recalled products were distributed across Canada.
  • Allergy Alert: Walmart Canada Corp. recalls Original Gourmet brand Passion Cookies (0.88 oz/25g pkg; Product of Turkey; Best before 11 05 2012 LH 031), because the product contains undeclared hazelnuts and may also contain other undeclared tree nuts. The recalled products were distributed across Canada.
  • Allergy Alert: Eurotrade Import-Export recalls Nutrafruit Plum Butter (750mL; All codes), due to the presence of undeclared sulphites. The recalled product was distributed in Ontario.
  • Outbreak Alert: One unit of the Colchester Regional Hospital (Truro, NS) has been shut down due to an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness that has affected 15 patients and staff members.

Europe

  • Allergy Alert (UK): Asda withdraws Asda Layered Prawn Salad (440g; Use by 2 February 2012), because the product is labeled incorrectly as Asda tuna layered salad and, therefore, does not mention prawns.
  • Food Safety Withdrawal (Ukraine): Agromars has withdrawn several batches of  poultry meat after Salmonella was found in the products during a scheduled government inspection. As many as 30,000 tonnes of chicken may be affected.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall (Spain): Spanish health authorities order the recall of Doimas Capsules, because they were found to contain the illegal and undeclared ingredient nitrosoprodenafil.
  • Outbreak Alert (Scotland): A norovirus outbreak struck staff and patrons of Troon Restaurant, overlooking Troon Yacht Haven (Ayrshire) last weekend.
  • Outbreak Alert (Kyrgyzstan): Nine cases of botulism were reported in Bishkek during January. Two patients are in intensive care. The source of the outbreak was determined to be homemade preserves.
  • Outbreak Alert (Russia): Twenty-seven kindergarten children and three adults from one school and one child from a different preschool in Kolosok were diagnosed with Salmonella infections after consuming substandard. Six of the children were hospitalized.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0154): Salmonella Amsterdam in teff meal from the Netherlands; distributed to Sweden.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0155): Lead in pig fat from Poland; distributed to Hungary.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0156): Parasitic infestation with Acanthocephalus (in muscle) of canned natural saury in oil or in own juice from Russia; distributed to Lithuania.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Latin America and the Caribbean

Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket’s recall web site.

*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.
**Includes Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Dominick’s, Genuardi’s, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Carrs and Pak N’ Save.