Recalls and Alerts: October 23-25, 2021

TAINTEDHere 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: CDC is investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to Citterio brand Salame Sticks. Twenty illnesses have been confirmed in eight states. Three people have been hospitalized. The implicated product is primarily sold at Trader Joe’s grocery stores.

Allergy Alert: Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods recalls Cedar’s Organic Mediterranean Hommus (10 oz; Sell by DEC 12, 2021 (32I21); UPC 044115403028) due to undeclared pine nuts.

Food Safety Recall: HelloFresh recalls all products containing onions delivered from July 7, 2021 through September 8, 2021 due to potential Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected production dates and product codes.

Food Safety Recall: Potandon Produce L.L.C. recalls Green Giant Fresh whole yellow onions in 2 lb. bags, 3 lb. bags, and 5 lb. bags; whole white onions in 2 lb. bags; and whole red onions in 2 lb. bags delivered directly to three UNFI retail distribution centers (DCs) in Fargo, North Dakota; Bismarck, North Dakota and Hopkins, Minnesota between July 9 and Aug 6, 2021. The onions were sourced from ProSource Produce LLC and may contain Salmonella.

Food Safety Recall: EveryPlate recalls all products containing onions delivered from July 7, 2021 through September 8, 2021 due to potential Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected production dates and product codes.

Food Safety Recall: Taylor Farms recalls TAYLOR FARMS MUSHROOM STIR FRY BLEND (9 oz; All codes; UPC 30223 – 11232) due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Canada

Allergy Alert: Charcuterie L. Fortin Ltée. recalls Charcuterie Fortin brand Salami (175g; Best before 2021NO13; Lot code 22732; UPC 6 28555 04100 4) due to undeclared wheat.

Food Safety Recall Update: Gwillimdale Farms recalls Gwillimdale Farms brand Onions, Product of Mexico due to potential Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Carleton Mushroom recalls Sliced White Mushrooms prepared for Metro Brands (227g; Best before 2021 OCT 25; UPC 0 59749 86872 3) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Pet Food Safety Recall Update: Mars Petcare recalls multiple Whiskas® Dry Cat Food products that were made with raw ingredients that do not meet the company’s internal quality specifications. Please refer to the updated recall notice for a complete list of affected products. The company has not specified in what way the raw ingredients were deficient.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Traicar BV recalls METRO PREMIUM brand CROQUETTES AU FROMAGE DE L’ABBAYE GRIMBERGEN (ARTISANALE) / Artisanal cheese croquettes (20g & 65g; Lot #B01511; Best before 24/12/2022) due to undeclared shellfish, fish and celery.

Allergy Alert (Italy): BONAZZA S.P.A. recalls BONA DIE brand WURSTEL DI PURO SUINO / Pure pork sausages (100g / 4 pieces; Lot 23523; Best before 22/12/2021) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Italy): BONAZZA S.P.A. recalls BONAZZA brand WURSTEL DI PURO SUINO CLASSICO / CLASSIC PURE PORK SAUSAGES (250g / 3 pieces; Lot 23523; Best before 22/12/2021) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Italy): BONAZZA S.P.A. recalls BECHER brand WURSTEL DI PURO SUINO / Pure pork sausages (250g / 3 pieces; Lot 23523; Best before 22/12/2021) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Bergfood recalls CHEF Besciamella Parmalat (200 ml; Lot P1AX108230; Best before 21-03-2022) due to undeclared allergens.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): AFSCA orders recall of MAMA brand Instant Noodles Tom Yum Pork (60g; Best before 28-04-2022) due to foreign matter (glass fragments) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Aldi recalls LES PÂTISSADES brand BRIOCHETTES NATURE / Plain small rolls (480g / 12 pieces; Lot L09N292; Best before 15/11/2021) due to foreign matter (metal pieces) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): La Fromagerie du Thouet recalls fromagerie du thouet brand fromage de chèvre au lait cru / raw goat-milk cheese (Best before 05/12/2021) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Warning (Germany): Consumers are warned to avoid buying or using Löslicher Kaffee im Glasbehälter / Instant coffee in glass container (Lot #60820814B1 9:15; Use by 10-21) as this is a counterfeit product and may be contaminated.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Asia Express Food recalls MAMA brand Instant Noodles Tom Yum Pork (60g; Best before 28-04-2022) due to foreign matter (glass) contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Food Safety Recall (Australia): Knoll Consultants and Investments Pty Ltd recalls Barossa Fine Foods brand No Added Nitrite Ham (100g; Use by 03/11/2021) and Barossa Fine Foods Brand Double Smoked Ham (100g; Use by 10/11/2021) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

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Recalls and Alerts: October 21-22, 2021

TAINTEDHere 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 UPDATE: CDC and FDA have identified ProSource Produce LLC and Keeler Family Farms as potential suppliers of raw onions linked to an outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg illness in 37 US states. The investigation into possible additional suppliers is ongoing. See recall notices below for additional information.

Allergy Alert: Smilin’ Bob’s recalls Smilin’ Bob’s Key West Style Original Smoked Fish Dip (8 oz; Best if used by Dec 19, 2021) due to undeclared egg.

Food Safety Recall: ProSource Produce LLC recalls Whole Raw Red, Yellow, and White Onions Shipped From Chihuahua, Mexico, Between July 1, 2021, and August 31, 2021 due to potential Salmonella contamination. The onions may be linked to an outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg illnesses across the United States. Please refer to the recall notice for additional details on the recalled products.

Food Safety Recall: Keeler Family Farms recalls red, yellow, and white onions shipped from July 1, 2021 through August 25, 2021 that were imported from Chihuahua, MX due to potential Salmonella contamination. The onions may be linked to an outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg illnesses across the United States. Please refer to the recall notice for additional details on the recalled products.

Food Safety Recall: AFFCO USA recalls approximately 24,461 pounds of frozen raw lamb shoulder products that were imported without benefit of inspection. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Canada

Food Safety Recall: Industry recalls whole raw onions (red, yellow, and white) exported by Prosource Produce LLC of Hailey, Idaho, produce of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico due to potential Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products. The recalled onions have been identified as one possible source of a major outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg illnesses in the United States.

Food Safety Recall: Gwillimdale Farms recalls Gwillimdale Farms brand Onions, Product of Mexico (multiple pack sizes and date codes) due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recalled products have been sold in Ontario and Quebec and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): PepsiCo BeLux B.V. recalls Lay’s Oven Baked Roasted Paprika (150g; Best before 01/01/2022) due to undeclared soy.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Jumbo recalls Jumbo brand Maaltijdsalade – Gerookte zalm / Smoked salmon salad (450g; Use by 22-10-2021) due to undeclared celery.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): AFSCA orders recall of Italia Tartufi brand Sauce blanche à la Truffe / White sauce with truffle (90g; Lot L.2421) due to undeclared peanuts.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Jumbo recalls Jumbo brand Maaltijdsalade – Gerookte zalm / Smoked salmon salad (450g; Use by 22-10-2021) due to undeclared celery.

Allergy Alert (UK): JK Foods (UK) recalls Flying Goose Sriracha Mayo Sauce (445 ml; Best before 28 August 2022) due to undeclared mustard and soy.

Allergy Alert (UK): Asda recalls Asda Maple Flavour Pork Belly Slices (400g; Use by 29 October 2021) due to undeclared gluten and soy.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Aldi recalls Délipain brand Pains au chocolat (6 x 45g; Lot 214221315090 & 214221315076; Best before 21/11/2021) due to possible foreign matter contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Conway recalls The Bread Office brand Sandwich à la viande hachée / Chopped meat sandwich (122g; Use by 15/10/2021 to 20/10/2021) and The Bread Office brand Petit pain à la viande hachée / Chopped meat roll (156g; Use by 15/10/2021 to 24/10/2021) due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Coop Danmark A/S recalls Coop Chili Flager / Chili flakes (30g; Lots 0025044, 0030027, 0032608, 0034358, 0036729; Best before 06.05.2024, 16.06.2024, 27.07.2024, 24.08.2024, 23.09.2024) due to mold contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): GAEC DES PRAIRIES recalls FROMAGES DE CHEVRES brand FROMAGES DE CHEVRE AU LAIT CRU / raw milk goat cheese (Multiple lot codes; Use by dates between 29/10/2021 and 06/11/2021) due to possible E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): GAEC DES PRAIRIES recalls LE DELICE DES PRAIRIES brand FROMAGES DE VACHES AU LAIT CRU / raw milk cow cheese (Multiple lot codes; Use by dates between 07/12/2021 and 06/01/2022) due to possible E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): GAEC DU MOLLARD recalls GAEC DU MOLLARD brand Fromage Mi-chèvre mi-vache au lait cru / raw milk cheese made with a mix of cow and goat milk (Sold between 02 October 2021 and 16 October 2021) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Au Panier vert recalls Carré d’agneau au poivre vert / Rack of lamb with green pepper (Lot 41.4; Use by 17/10/2021) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Cora recalls Cora brand 100% coeur de frisée en sachet / 100% curly lettuce heart, bagged (200g; Lot 37512631; Use by 14/10/2021) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Asia Express Food NL recalls MAMA Instant noodles with tom yum pork flavour (60g; Lot #1D4SD11; Best before 28.04.2022) due to foreign matter (glass fragments) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Industry recalls MAMA Oriental Style Instant Noodles with Tom Yum Pork Flavour (60g; Best before 28/04/2022; Product of Thailand) due to foreign matter (glass fragments) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Gastronomia Valdarnese recalls Gastronomia Valdarnese brand Pesce spada affumicato / Smoked swordfish (100g; Lot 63 E 31; Best before 23/10/2021) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Sgattoni Surgelati SRL recalls veliero brand / Shelled and frozen pre-cooked Pacific clams (100g; Lot L.13ES; Best before 05/23) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg) Industry recalls MAMA Instant noodles with tom yum pork flavour (60g; Lot #1D4SD11; Best before 28.04.2022) due to foreign matter (glass fragments) contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): Unilever Australia Limited recalls Weis Dairy Free Dark Chocolate & Coconut Multipack (280ml; Best before 9 Aug 2022 and 10 Aug 2022) due to undeclared soy.

Allergy Alert (New Zealand): Industry recalls Seasoned Seaweed Salad/Goma Wakame (All batches and dates) due to undeclared soy.

Massive onion recall sparked by Salmonella outbreak

ProSource Produce LLC of Hailey, Idaho is recalling whole raw onions imported from Mexico due to potential Salmonella contamination.

The recall comes after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified ProSource as a source of onions linked to a large multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg illnesses that has sickened 652 people so far, sending 129 of them to hospital.

To date, no onions marketed through ProSource have tested positive for Salmonella, according to the company.

The Recall

The recall encompasses red, yellow, and white whole raw onions shipped to the United States from Chihuahua, Mexico, between July 1, 2021, and August 31, 2021, and includes the following brand names:

  • Big Bull
  • Peak Fresh Produce
  • Sierra Madre
  • Markon First Crop.
  • Markon Essentials
  • Rio Blue
  • ProSource
  • Rio Valley
  • Sysco Imperial

The onions were distributed to wholesalers, broadline foodservice customers, and retail stores in 50 lb., 25 lb., 10 lb., 5 lb., 3 lb., and 2 lb. mesh sacks; and 50 lb., 40 lb., 25 lb., 10 lb., and 5 lb. cartons in:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Iowa
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Massachusetts
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Minnisota
  • Missouri
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • Nebraska
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

Some of the recalled product also was shipped to Ontario and Québec, Canada.

The Outbreak

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first identified an outbreak of 20 confirmed cases of Salmonella Oranienburg illnesses on September 2, 2021. By September 15th, the date of CDC’s initial outbreak investigation announcement, the number of cases had risen to 127 people from twenty-five states.

On September 24th, the CDC reported having found the outbreak strain in a sample taken from a takeout condiment cup containing cilantro and lime. The outbreak victim who supplied the condiment cup reported that it also had contained onions, but none were left in the cup at the time of sampling.

As of October 18th, the CDC had amassed reports of 652 confirmed outbreak cases from 37 US states. Thirty-one percent (31%) of the outbreak victims required hospitalization.

Salmonella Oranienburg illnesses caused by the outbreak strain have been reported by the following states:

  • Alabama (3)
  • Arkansas (12)
  • California (9)
  • Colorado (1)
  • Connecticut (4)
  • Florida (5)
  • Georgia (2)
  • Illinois (37)
  • Indiana (1)
  • Iowa (3)
  • Kansas (14)
  • Kentucky (9)
  • Louisiana (5)
  • Maryland (48)
  • Massachusetts (12)
  • Michigan (9)
  • Minnesota (23)
  • Mississippi (2)
  • Missouri (21)
  • Nebraska (8)
  • New Jersey (5)
  • New Mexico (8)
  • New York (12)
  • North Carolina (14)
  • North Dakota (4)
  • Ohio (7)
  • Oklahoma (98)
  • Oregon (2)
  • Pennsylvania (7)
  • South Carolina (3)
  • South Dakota (8)
  • Tennessee (10)
  • Texas (158)
  • Utah (3)
  • Virginia (59)
  • West Virginia (1)
  • Wisconsin (25)

Déjà Vu

In the summer of 2020, the CDC and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) identifed a cross-border outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections that sickened more than 1100 people in 48 US states and 515 in seven Canadian provinces.

The source of the 2020 outbreak was traced to onions supplied by Thomson International Inc. of Bakersfield, California. Although, the outbreak strain was never recovered from Thomson’s onions, the FDA found eleven different Salmonella serotypes from various environmental samples.

What You Need To Know

Illness subclusters investigated in this outbreak are currently associated with restaurants and food service locations.

The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and if additional products or firms are linked to illness.

The FDA is working to determine if these onions were available to consumers through grocery stores.

Meanwhile, the CDC advises businesses and individuals to take the following precautions:

  • Businesses should not sell or serve fresh whole red, white, or yellow onions that were imported from Chihuahua, Mexico and distributed by ProSource Inc.
  • Do not buy or eat any whole fresh red, white, or yellow onions if they were imported from Chihuahua, Mexico and distributed by ProSource Inc.
  • Throw away any whole red, white, or yellow onions you have at home that do not have a sticker or packaging.
  • Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms:
    • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
    • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
    • Bloody diarrhea
    • So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
    • Signs of dehydration, such as:
      • Not peeing much
      • Dry mouth and throat
      • Feeling dizzy when standing up
TAINTED
TAINTED. From Farm Gate to Dinner Plate, Fifty Years of Food Safety Failures

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TAINTED. From Farm Gate to Dinner Plate, Fifty Years of Food Safety Failures.

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