Recalls and Alerts: June 14 – 16, 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

Outbreak Alert / Food Safety Recall: Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. recalls limited quantity of 6 oz., 12 oz. and 28 oz. vegetable trays containing fresh broccoli, cauliflower, celery sticks, carrots, and dill dip after the products were linked to an outbreak of Cyclosporiasis in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of recalled products, which were sold to select retailers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. CDC reports a total of 78 confirmed cases, including four victims who required hospitalization. The recalled products were distributed to: Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Demond’s, Sentry, Potash, Meehan’s, Country Market, Food Max Supermarket and Peapod in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and bear “Best If Enjoyed By” dates of June 17, 2018 or earlier.

Outbreak Alert / Food Safety Recall: The Kellogg Company recalls Kellogg’s® Honey Smacks® cereal (15.3-oz and 23-oz pkgs; Best JUN 14, 2018 through JUN 14, 2019; UPC 3800039103 and 3800014810) due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled products have been linked to an outbreak of 73 Salmonella Mbandaka illnesses in 31 states, according to CDC. The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the USA. The 15.3-oz packages also were distributed in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, the Caribbean, Guam, Tahiti and Saipan.

Allergy Alert: World Variety Produce, Inc. recalls Melissa’s Spicy Edamame (7-oz cardboard sleeve; Best by 5/29/18 through 07/02/18; UPC 0-45255-14637-0) due to the undeclared shellfish/crustacean allergen “Oyster Extract.” The recalled product was distributed through retailers in Arizona, California, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

Food Safety Recall: Stap Dairy Inc. (Pine Bush, NY) recalls Pasteurized Creamline Chocolate Milk (half-gallon plastic container; Container code 6 18 8) due to improper pasteurization. The recalled product was sold at the Stap Dairy Farm Store in Orange County, NY.

Food Safety Recall: St. John Creamery (Monroe, WA) recalls whole retail raw goat milk (1-pt. and 0.5-gal containers; Best By dates of 061718 (6/17) through 062118 (6/21)) due to possible contamination with toxin-producing E. coli. The recalled product was sold at the on-farm store, directly to private customers via drop groups, and at retail stores in Western Washington.

Food Safety Recall Update: Venda Ravioli, Inc. recalls approximately 738 pounds of frozen meat ravioli products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection while the establishment was under suspension. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to retail locations in Rhode Island.

Food Safety Recall: HF Food Distributors recalls JAMON COCIDO REBANADO (1-lb plastic-wrapped pkgs; Sell by May 25, 00) because it was produced without the benefit of federal inspection. The recalled product was shipped wholesale to Head Start centers in Puerto Rico.

Food Recall: Winter Sausage Manufacturing Co. recalls approximately 28,346 pounds of poultry, pork, and beef products due to misbranding. The poultry products were slaughtered under religious exemption, which is not declared on the product label. The recalled products were shipped to retail locations and distributors in Illinois, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Canada

Allergy Alert: Marché Blainville (Sainte-Thérèse, QC) recalls various prepared foods due to undeclared mustard seed, sulfite, soy, fish, wheat and barley. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert: Mrakovic Meat & Deli recalls The Original Mrakovic Burger (1.1 kg/5 burgers; All codes where egg, rye, sesame, soy, and wheat are not declared on the label; UPC 8 14945 00005 2) due to undeclared egg, rye, sesame, soy, and wheat. The recalled product was sold to consumers in Ontario.

Food Safety Recall: Puresource Inc. recalls Now Real Food brand Zesty Sprouting Mix (454g; Lot 3031259 and 3038165; UPC 7 33739 07271 9; Product of USA) due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled product was supplied to consumers nationwide. According to the recall notice, the action was triggered by a recall “in another country.”

Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Colruyt recalls Boni Selection Summer Salad with carrots and celery (350g; Best by 6/7/2018) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Luxembourg): Namur recalls Pistachio ice cream (450 mL; All date codes) due to undeclared egg.

Allergy Alert (UK): Moon Sweets Couture UK Ltd recalls various flavors of Fizz Wizz Fruit Chews (250g pkgs; Batch code #01; Best before January 2019) due to undeclared sulfites. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): IDPAK S.A. recalls various Delhaize brand and Louis brand products due to Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Delitraiteur recalls Delitraiteur brand nems poulet/crevettes (227g tray containing 5 pieces and a packet of sauce; Best before dates on or after 02/06/2018) due to foreign matter (pieces of glass) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Coop Danmark A/S recalls X-tra Party sausages and Party sausages (500g; Best before 19/06/2018) due to foreign matter (pieces of blue plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Iglo Deutschland recalls frozen parsley and various products containing frozen parsley due to potential contamination with shiga-toxin producing E. coli. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Sweden): Findus recalls Våra Finaste Persilja / Our Finest Parsley (30g; Lot codes L7333AV005; L7333BV005; L7333CV005 (Best before 05.2019) and Lot codes L8029AV005; L8030BV005; L8030CV005 (Best before 07.2019); article #3134) due to possible contamination with shiga-toxin producting E. coli.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Food Safety Recall: The Kellogg Company recalls Kellogg’s® Honey Smacks® cereal (15.3-oz and 23-oz pkgs; Best JUN 14, 2018 through JUN 14, 2019; UPC 3800039103 and 3800014810) due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled products have been linked to an outbreak of 73 Salmonella Mbandaka illnesses in 31 states, according to CDC. The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the USA. The 15.3-oz packages also were distributed in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, the Caribbean, Guam, Tahiti and Saipan.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Food Safety Recall: The Kellogg Company recalls Kellogg’s® Honey Smacks® cereal (15.3-oz and 23-oz pkgs; Best JUN 14, 2018 through JUN 14, 2019; UPC 3800039103 and 3800014810) due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled products have been linked to an outbreak of 73 Salmonella Mbandaka illnesses in 31 states, according to CDC. The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the USA. The 15.3-oz packages also were distributed in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, the Caribbean, Guam, Tahiti and Saipan.

Raw milk, farm animals likely cause of new E. coli outbreak among children

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

Unpasteurized, raw milk and a visit to an unrelated agricultural animal operation are most likely the causes of an outbreak of E. coli infections among children in Knox County, TN. At least four of the victims are in kidney failure.

Health department spokeswoman Katharine Killen told Food Safety News this afternoon that all of the confirmed illnesses have been caused by the same serotype of E. coli bacteria. During a press conference with local media today, Dr. Joe Childs of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital also reported that all of the cases at that hospital are from one serotype.

Knox County Health Department epidemiologists are working with investigators from the state’s health department and other local and state agencies, including agriculture officials to pinpoint the source of the bacteria.

Childs said the ongoing E. coli outbreak is the largest he has seen in his 30 years at the hospital. Killen said the county averages only about 19 cases on an annual basis. Both said some of the sick children had consumed unpasteurized milk in the days before their symptoms began.

Other victims visited a farm unrelated to the raw milk dairy before becoming ill. Cows and other animals carry E. coli that can cause serious infections in humans. Swimming pools, however — especially public pools — are not a likely source because chemicals used to treat the water are very effective at killing E. coli bacteria, Childs said.

Officials have not specified what kind of agricultural animals victims of the current E. coli outbreak came into contact with before becoming ill. Goats are among the animals that can carry E. coli. Photo illustration

Neither the doctor nor the county spokeswoman would identify the dairy or animal farm. Killen said she wasn’t sure if the dairy was still selling its unpasteurized milk as of this afternoon. A conference call set today could provide more details.

The county started receiving reports about a cluster of E. coli infections among children last week, Killen said. She did not provide the total number of cases or the age range of the patients. However, there are “several” cases and all are children, according to county information.

The East Tennessee Children’s Hospital started hearing about the cluster of E. coli illnesses about 10 days ago, Childs said. He said the hospital is “approaching” 10 cases. Some children who were admitted have recovered enough to go home. Other’s are more seriously ill. Children started being admitted to intensive care units at the hospital about four days ago. Four of the children have developed a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Tennessee is one of the states that allows sales of unpasteurized raw milk. Federal law prohibits the interstate sale of raw milk because of its high risk for causing foodborne illnesses. Young children, elderly people, pregnant women and people with depleted immune systems are at the highest risk of developing life-threatening complications, according to a wide variety of health care providers and other entities.

Among those recommending against consumption of unpasteurized, raw milk are the American Academy of Pediatrics, state health departments, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to 161 degrees F for 15 seconds. It kills bacteria, viruses and parasites commonly carried by dairy cows. Those pathogens include E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Brucella.

Photo illustration

Advice to consumers
Anyone in the Knox County area — including people who consumed raw milk from the area or visited an animal operation — who develops symptoms of E. coli infection should immediately seek medical attention.

People should make sure their doctors know about their possible exposure to the pathogen so the proper diagnostic testing and treatment can be provided, Childs said.

Antibiotics generally should not be used for E. coli infections because the bacteria die off and release even more toxins into the body. This complicates diagnosis because the symptoms of E. coli infections are similar to other illnesses that should be treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms usually begin one to eight days after ingesting the bacteria, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention. Symptoms can include diarrhea that can range from mild and watery to severe and bloody; abdominal cramping, pain or tenderness; nausea; and vomiting in some people.

Healthy adults usually recover from E. coli O157:H7 infections within a week. Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems have a greater risk of developing a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Recalls and Alerts: May 27 – June 4, 2018

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United States

Outbreak Alert Update: CDC reports that the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with consumption of romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Arizona growing region has claimed 5 lives. A total of 197 consumers from 35 states have been infected by the outbreak strain, and 89 of the outbreak victims required hospitalization.

Allergy Alert: Shearer’s Foods, LLC recalls Meijer brand Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips (9.5-oz bags; Sell by dates between 07/16/18 and 08/13/18; UPC 719283594365) due to undeclared milk. The recalled product was shipped to Meijer distribution centers.

Allergy Alert: SDQ Trading Inc. recalls Cheese Biscuits (16.5-oz pkg; UPC 6926145712902) due to undeclared milk. The recalled product was distributed in New York State in retail stores.

Allergy Alert: Sanders recalls Milk Chocolate Covered Fudge Mini Bites (3.75-oz pkg; Lot #8109 FL; Best by January 31, 2019) due to undeclared almonds. The recalled product was distributed throughout several Michigan retail stores.

Food Safety Recall: Goodman Food Products, Texas, Inc. recalls approximately 34,400 pounds of fully cooked ground beef products due to potential foreign matter (hard, white plastic) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to institutional locations in Maine and Connecticut.

Food Safety Recall: H-E-B recalls certain flavors and container sizes of EconoMax and Hill Country Fare ice creams and Creamy Creations sherbets due to broken metal in processing equipment found during routine maintenance. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were distributed to stores in Texas and Mexico.

Food Safety Recall: Ruiz Food Products, Inc. recalls approximately 50,706 pounds of frozen breakfast burritos due to possible foreign matter (white, semi-rigid plastic pieces) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a detailed description of the affected items, which were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

Food Safety Recall: Eddy Packing Co., Inc. recalls CARL’S PORK AND BEEF SMOKED SAUSAGE WITH A STICK (10-lb case; Lot code 8073; Case code PS9319; Sell by March 14, 2019) due to possible foreign matter (soft plastic) contamination. The recalled product was shipped to food service businesses in Texas.

Food Safety Recall: Supermercado Selectos recalls approximately 15,315 pounds of various raw, frozen beef, pork and poultry products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were shipped to DGA Food Service, LLC, who further distributed the items to Head Start Child and Adult Care Food Programs in Puerto Rico.

Dietary Supplement Safety Recall: Pious Lion recalls Pure Premium Potent Limited Release Pink Bali (1-oz clear plastic pouches) and Pure Premium Potent White Maeng DA, Bright Uplifting Energy (4-oz clear plastic pouches) due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recalled products were sold primarily directly to consumers or in retail stores located in the States of North Carolina and Tennessee.

Canada

Outbreak Alert/Food Safety Recall: Loblaw Companies Limited recalls no name Chicken Burgers (1 kg; Outer package code 2019 FE 06; Inner package code 0378M; UPC 0 60383 16636 6) due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled product, which was distributed to retailers nationwide, is believed to be the source of 59 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis illness in eight provinces: British Columbia (6), Alberta (8), Manitoba (9), Ontario (14), Quebec (19), New Brunswick (1), Nova Scotia (1), and Newfoundland and Labrador (1).

Allergy Alert: Marché Bellemare (Brossard, QC) recalls GALETTE DE BOEUF HACHÉ / Lean ground beef patty (125g/2-pack; UPC 0227598703988; All lots sold on or before 30 May 2018) due to undeclared mustard seed.

Allergy Alert: Yeh-ho Trading Ltd. recalls Oh Green brand Red Cereal (500g; Expiry 2019.12.27; UPC 4 715409 892076) due to undeclared milk. The recalled product was supplied to retailers in Alberta and British Columbia.

Food Safety Recall: Industry recalls select Love Child Organics brand and PC Organics brand baby food pouches from the marketplace due to packaging defects that may allow the entry of spoilage microorganisms. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were distributed to retailers nationwide.

Food Safety Recall: Messinger Meats recalls Italian Center Shop brand Veal –Ground Alberta 13095 (variable size; Best before MA.28.18 and JN.04.18) due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The recalled product was supplied to retailers in Alberta.

Food Safety Recall: Paradise Island Foods Inc. recalls Paradise Island Cheese brand Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese (variable size; Best before Best Before 2018 OC 19; UPC 245189 XXXXXX) due to generic E. coli. The recalled product was supplied to retailers in British Columbia.

Europe

Outbreak Alert/Food Safety Recall Update (France): The recall of cheese manufactured by Chabert has been expanded following the identification of another E. coli O26 outbreak victim who consumed cheese manufactured at the implicated Chabert facility, but cut and repackaged at a different location. Please refer to the recall notice for additional details.

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Flensted Snitgrønt A/S recalls Easy Tasty Coleslaw med sød chilidressing / Easy Tasty Coleslaw with sweet chili dressing (325g; Best by 03/06/18) due to undeclared sesame.

Allergy Alert (France): Jean Stalaven recalls RÉGAL DU CHEF brand omelette crème aux fines herbes et dès de chèvre (260g; Lot 8143/01; Best by 20/06/2018) due to undeclared soy and gluten.

Allergy Alert (Iceland): Krónan recalls Lasagna, Kjúklingalasagna, mexíkóskt lasagna (1 kg; All dates) due to undeclared egg, mustard and celery.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Lidl Ireland recalls Milbona Cheese Triangles XXL (533g; all batches and codes not labelled in English) due to undeclared egg and milk.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Chicken Masters of Belgium recalls Vol au vent Super (750g; Best before 7/6/2018 – 27/6/2018; Lot code 180810011) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Løgismose recalls Chicken Breast (Lot 1391800921; Best by 04/06/2018) due to Campylobacter contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Jean Rozé (Intermarché) recalls Jean Rozé brand Chipolatas -25% de sel (Best by 01/06/2018; Lot #T81380317) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Jean Rozé (Intermarché) recalls Jean Rozé brand Saucisses de Toulouse -25% de sel (Best by 01/06/2018; Lot #T81380321) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Frankonia Schokoladenwerke GmbH recalls Power Protein Bar, raspberry flavor (Best before 22.5.2019) due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): dennree GmbH recalls Porto Muinos Kombu (25g; Lot #LK 211217; Best before 04/2020) due to high levels of iodine.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): iglo GmbH recalls iglo Parsley (40g; Batch No. L8030CR005 / time 14:00 – 22:00; Best before 01/2019) due to shiga-toxin producing E. coli (VTEC).

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Giba Gewürze GmbH & Co. KG Ibrahim Bagbasi recall Sahra and Hira brands Paprika Edelsüss (various sizes and packaging; Lot L.218.G.B; Best before 31.12.2021) due to ochratoxin contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): NUSWEET GmbH recalls NUSWEET Nuss-Nougat-Creme (180 g; Best before 09.10.2019) due to foreign matter (metal particle contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Addo Food Group recalls batches of chilled pastry products, including sausage rolls, pasties, pastry pies and slices due to potential foreign matter (small pieces of metal wire) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Red Star Brands recalls Fulfil White Chocolate & Cookie Dough Vitamin & Protein Bars (55g; Lot #L7318/J; Best before 15 February 2019) due to possible foreign matter (small pieces of clear plastic) contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): Open Side Investments Pty Ltd trading as Ronda Food Products recalls French Style Duck Pate, Wild Mushroom and Cracked Pepper (150g; Use by dates 24/07/18 and 26/07/18) due to undeclared soy and dairy.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): New World Rototuna recalls Made In-Store Lamb Sausages (various weights; Best before 15.05.18) due to possible plastic foreign matter contamination.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Wilson Consumer Products Ltd recalls Hormel brand Luncheon Meat (340g; Batch F143 EST 199N; Packed on 09/02/2018) due to possible metal foreign matter contamination.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Drury Church Trust recalls Drury Church Trust raw (unpasteurised) milk (various sizes; Batch Nos. 170518 & 180518) due to Campylobacter contamination.