Belgian child sick; link to Salmonella in infant formula

This story by Joe Whitworth first appeared in Food Safety News and is reposted here with permission

Belgium has reported a case of Salmonella in an infant linked to an outbreak in France.

The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) said it was informed of two sick babies in Belgium who had, among other things, consumed infant nutrition products of the Modilac brand bought in France, a few hours before the onset of symptoms.

Following an investigation, it appears the consumption of Modilac branded products was the cause of symptoms in one of the two sick children.

Four babies were sickened in France by Salmonella Poona with a link to consumption of Modilac branded products, marketed by Sodilac, a subsidiary of Savencia SA. Three other cases remain under investigation with sequencing ongoing.

The four confirmed patients, aged between two months and 10 months, fell ill between August and the end of December 2018. For probable cases, the age range extends to 18 months and illness onset up to January 2019.

Lactalis recalled 16,300 boxes of Picot AR milk as it was made at the same Spanish factory as the Modilac products but no illnesses have been linked to any Lactalis products.

Implicated Modilac products are not distributed on the Belgian market. They are distributed in France in pharmacies only and via charitable associations or marketed via online sales. Items have also been sent to Vietnam, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

FASFC asked parents who bought the products in France or online not to use them. The agency has contacted French authorities and the situation is being monitored.

The agency advised consumers to be aware that online shopping abroad is not always safe and people should look out for possible risks by checking the websites of foreign health authorities.

Santé Publique France, the public health agency, reported the four cases of Salmonella in infants with genome sequences (cgMLST) belonging to the same cluster.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said it had not found matches with the French isolate in its database. No other countries have reported matches so far but genome sequencing analyses are ongoing and additional cases may be reported.

Salmonella Poona is the 36th most common serotype in the European Surveillance System (TESSy). It was reported by 23 EU countries in 2013-2017 with 147 to 206 cases per year. In the five-year period, France accounted for 34 percent of cases, followed by the UK with 26 percent and the most common age group were children 0-4 years old (37 percent of all cases).

Recalls and Alerts: January 30 – February 3, 2019

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: Taylor Farms TX, Inc. recalls approximately 2,100 pounds of chicken products incorrectly labeled as “Chile Relleno” products due to undeclared wheat. Please refer to the recall notice for detailed information on the recalled product.

Food Safety Recall: Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation recalls UNCOOKED POPCORN STYLE CHICKEN BREAST CHUNK FRITTERS WITH RIB MEAT (20-lb. boxes containing 8 clear bags; USE BY 10 01 2019; Lot codes 9004101012, 9004101013, 9004101014, 9004101015, 9004101016, 9004101017, 9004101018, 9004101019, 9004101020, 9004101021, 9004101022, 9004101000 and 9004101001) due to foreign matter (rubber) contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Publix Super Markets recalls Publix Deli Popcorn Chicken sourced from Pilgrim’s Pride (sold in both hot and refrigerated cases in the deli department in all Publix stores in Florida, and some stores in southern Georgia, southern and coastal South Carolina, and southern Alabama between January 17 – 31, 2019) due to foreign matter (rubber) contamination.

Pet Food Safety Recall: Hill’s Pet Nutrition is voluntarily recalling select canned dog food products due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Canada

Food Safety Recall: Herboristerie Fleur bleue recalls MIEL AUX AIGUILLES DE SAPIN / Honey with fir needles (320g; All units sold up to and including 24 January 2019) as the products were not prepared and packaged under conditions that ensure safety.

Food Safety Recall: Boucherie Les trois p’tits cochons inc recalls SAUMON FUMÉ MAISON / House smoked salmon (variable weights; all product sold up to and including 29 January 2019) because the products were manufactured and packaged in a way that may render them unsafe to consume.

Pet Food Safety Recall (Canada): Hill’s Pet Nutrition Ltd recalls a selection of its canned dog food because it may contain high levels of vitamin D which exceed the maximum recommended intake. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were manufactured in the USA.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Unifood Import A/S recalls Silk Road Tropical Mix (250 g, 1 kg and 2 kg; All best before dates) due to undeclared sulfites.

Allergy Alert (Denmark): Tenax Sild A/S recalls Fisherman’s Salmon-hunted herring (240g; Best before 19 / 8-2019) due to undeclared hazelnuts.

Allergy Alert (France): Geantcasino recalls Casino Saveurs d’Ailleurs brand 6 mini nems crevettes sauce Nuoc-mâm (200g; Lot #190155; Best before 30/01/2019) due to undeclared fish and soy.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Bonvita B.V. recalls various Bonvita Bon-Ice ice cream products due to undeclared milk. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (UK): The Village Bakery Markethill recalls numerous bakery products due to undeclared sesame, celery, milk, wheat (gluten), oats (gluten) or barley (gluten). Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Jin Long Trading SPRL recalls Golden Lily White Pepper (1Kg; Lot #30.10.2020; Best before 12.01.2019 – 25.01.2019) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): La Société CHARCUTERIE VALLE DE LA BRUCHE recalls Auchan brand Choucroute / sauerkraut (Lots 011015, 011024, 011029; Best before 09/02/19, 18/02/19, 23/02/19) due to foreign matter (rubber) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): JOAN DISTRIBUTION recalls JOAN brand Fuet Catalan (150g; Lot #18490008; Best before 08/07/2019) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): E.Leclerc recalls Nos régions ont du talent brand assorted deli meats (200g; Lot #9023; Best before 26/02/19) due to Listeria contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Intermarché recalls Mussels (2.8kg; Lot #T7562; Best before 26/01/2019, 27/01/2019) and Spanish Mussels (1.4kg; Lot #T7562; 6/01/2019, 27/01/2019) due to E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Hans Kupfer & Sohn GmbH & Co KG recalls GUT&GÜNSTIG Delikatess Hähnchenbrust-Filetroulade (150g; Best before 03.02.2019 up to and including 15.02.2019) due to foreign matter (metal pieces) contaminated.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Esselunga recalls Cannelloni di carne (Lot SC 29.01.19), Lasagna al forno (600g; Lot SC 30.01.19) and RAGU’ DI VITELLO TOP (200g; Lot SC 07.02.19) due to foreign matter (plastic pieces) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Industry recalls Modillac brand infant formula products (Product of France) due to possible Salmonella Poona contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for additional details.

Food Safety Recall (UK – England only): Yorkshire Fine Cheese recalls Barncliffe Brie cheese (200g and 1Kg; Batch codes 098, 099, 002; Best before 4 March 2019, 6 March 2019, 25 March 2019) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Pet Food Safety Recall (UK): Hill’s Pet Nutrition Ltd recalls a selection of its canned dog food because it may contain high levels of vitamin D which exceed the maximum recommended intake. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were manufactured in the USA.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Food Safety Recall (Israel): Hermes Fish Factory recalls smoked cold salmon fillet product (200g; Best by 16/02/2019) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Food Safety Recall (Australia): Organic Milk Group recalls OMG Organic Milk (1L; Best Before 04/02/2019) due to E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Australia): Mungalli Creek Dairy recalls Mungalli Creek Kefir (1 Litre; BB Date 22/2/2019) due to E. coli contamination.

Pet Food Safety Recall (Australia): Hill’s Pet Nutrition Ltd recalls a selection of its canned dog food because it may contain high levels of vitamin D which exceed the maximum recommended intake. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were manufactured in the USA.

Pet Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Hill’s Pet Nutrition Ltd recalls a selection of its canned dog food because it may contain high levels of vitamin D which exceed the maximum recommended intake. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were manufactured in the USA.

Recalls and Alerts: January 24 – 26, 2019

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: Mrs. Grissom’s Salads recalls Mrs. Grissom’s SELECT Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese (Best before MAR 13 2019) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert: Harvest Food Group, Inc. recalls yumnum global cuisine YAKITORI SEASONED CHICKEN FRIED RICE (9-oz pkgs; Lot codes C041A8K12 BEST BY 11/12/2019, C091A8L04 BEST BY 12/04/2019, and C091A8L05 BEST BY 12/05/2019) due to undeclared milk. The recalled items were shipped to retail locations in Illinois and Michigan.

Allergy Alert: Publix recalls Publix Deli Turkey, Cheddar & Bacon Pinwheels (Use by January 28) due to undeclared egg.

Food Safety Recall: Whole Foods Market recalls various prepared foods items prepared with baby spinach from Satur Farms, due to potential Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were sold in Whole Foods Market stores in Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.

Food Safety Recall: Jac. Vandenberg, Inc. recalls Fresh Peaches, Fresh Nectarines and Fresh Plums due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were distributed in Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia through ALDI, Costco, Fairway Market, Hannaford, Market Basket, Walmart and various small retail establishments.

Food Safety Recall: Thrive Market, Inc recalls various Thrive Market-branded nut butters 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: Sofina Foods Inc. recalls Crisp & Delicious brand Chicken Breast Nuggets – Uncooked Seasoned Breaded Chicken Cutlettes (1.6 kg; Product code 2019 JL 19; UPC 0 69299 11703 5) due to Salmonella contamination. This recall was triggered by findings by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak.

Allergy Alert: Industry recalls certain Ottogi brand noodle products due to undeclared egg. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Le Maître Boucher recalls Hummus Maison (Variable weights; Product sold January 13 – 24, inclusive) due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Boucherie 4 Saisons recalls Spaghetti sauce (500 mL and 1 L glass jars; product sold up to 25 January 2019) because the product may not be safe to consume.

Food Safety Recall: Karino gâteaux recalls Spaghetti sauce, vegetarian sauce and chili (500 mL and 1 L glass jars; product sold up to 23 January 2019) because the product may not be safe to consume.

Europe

OUTBREAK ALERT / FOOD SAFETY RECALL (France): Lactalis recalls Picot AR brand infant formula (sold in pharmacies from November 29, 2018 onward) due to possible contamination with Salmonella Poona. The product was manufactured in the same Spanish facility that manufactured product associated with 4 cases of Salmonella Poona in infants under two years of age.

OUTBREAK ALERT / FOOD SAFETY RECALL (France): SODILAC recalls various Modilac brand rice-protein based infant formula products due to Salmonella Poona contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products. The product has been linked to 4 cases of Salmonella Poona in infants and toddlers under two years of age.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Turk Food Impex SPRL recalls various Dr Oetker brand products due to undeclared milk, wheat (gluten), and soy. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (Finland): Gunz Warenhandels GmbH recalls Piacelli brand citrus juice concentrates due to undeclared sulfite. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (Iceland): Blomsterbergs recalls Blomsterbergs lemon fromage (116g; All batches and dates) due to undeclared almonds and other nuts.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Bonvita B.V. recalls Bonvita Bon-Ice Dark Chocolate (100g; Production code L8/78; Best before 31-3-2020) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Jan Linders recalls various Onze Trots and Jan Linders products due to undeclared sulfites. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (France): McCain recalls McCain brand La Noisette (1 kg; Lot LZ 25102018 manufactured between 16h00 and 19h00; Best before end 10/2020) due to foreign matter (small metal pieces) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Naturalia recalls L’Atelier V brand Red beet bean hummus (150g; Lot 90110022; Best before 12/03/2019) due to absence of high pressure processing, resulting in a shortened shelf life.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): OVO-Vertriebs-GmbH recalls various Bockwurst and Wiener sausages due to foreign matter (small black plastic pieces) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Bell Germany GmbH & Co. KG recalls Zimbo Spicy onion sausage (3x40g; Best before 03.02.2019; Lot #L926012-14) due to Salmonella contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert: So Real Natural Food Products Ltd recalls Soreal Natural Food brand Pork Buns Mini (all batches and all dates) due to undeclared soy.