Recalls and Alerts: October 6-7, 2022

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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.

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 or listen to a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital, print or audio copy to your personal library.

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Chapter 6. Birth of a Pathogen

United States

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION: FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121:H19 illnesses linked to frozen falafel. The outbreak has affected 20 individuals in 6 states, including Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Five people have been hospitalized. The illnesses have been linked to Earth Grown brand frozen falafel purchased from ALDI. The manufacturer has recalled the implicated products and ALDI has removed remaining products from its store shelves. Please refer to the recall notice below.

Allergy Alert: Bakkavor USA recalls 32-ounce Meal Simple Tomato Basil Soup (Best by 12/2/2022) due to undeclared milk. The recalled product was sold at H-E-B stores in Texas.

Allergy Alert: Flowers Foods, Inc. recalls various Tastykake® and Mrs. Freshley’s® glazed pies due to undeclared soy. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were sold in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Food Safety Recall: Cuisine Innovations Unlimited, LLC recalls Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel (Lot numbers 1472, 1481, 1531, 1532, 1541, 1552, 1561, 1581, 1601, 1611, 1612, 1661, 1682, 1732, 1752, 1762, 1782, 1802, and 1812; shipped to stores after June 24, 2021) due to possible shigatoxin-producing E. coli contamination. These products have been linked epidemiologically to an outbreak of 20 illnesses in six states (see outbreak notice, above).

Food Safety Recall: Cut Fruit Express recalls Caribou Coffee Fruit and Cheese Plate (6.2 oz; Use by 9/30/2022, 10/2/2022, 10/4/2022, 10/7/2022 and 10/9/2022) due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Canada

Food Safety Recall: Dépanneur du Parc (Roberval, QC) recalls LANIÈRE DE POULET PANÉES / Breaded chicken strips (650g; Sold up to 6 October 2022) due to absence of cooking instructions and lack of labeling to indicate this is a raw product.

Food Safety Recall: Marché Mon Village (Montréal, QC) recalls various spices, nuts, and dried fruits (Sold up to 6 October 2022) because the products were not preserved in a way that would ensure their safety.

Food Safety Recall: Aristo Cuisine recalls Circle K / Couche Tard brand Chicken Salad Club Sandwich (white) (255g; Best before 08-OCT-2022; UPC 8 74111 00969 2) and Circle K / Couche Tard brand Ham Salad Club Sandwich (white) (265g; Best before 08-OCT-2022; UPC 8 74111 00970 8) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recalled products were sold in Quebec and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.

Food Safety Recall Update: Gaton’s Foods Dairy recalls certain Nature’s Best brand and Zavat Chalav brand cheddar and mozzarella cheese products due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were sold in Ontario and Quebec and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.

Food Safety Recall: Bright Cheese & Butter Mfg. Company Limited recalls Low-Fat Mozzarella Cheese (20 kg; Vat #22116) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recalled product was sold only in Québec.

Food Safety Recall: Le Verger à Ti-Paul Inc. recalls Le Verger à Ti-Paul brand Ciders due to lead contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products, which were sold in Québec.

Europe

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION (Denmark): Danish health and food safety authorities are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium cases that has infected 14 people in Denmark between August 15, 2022, and September 16, 2022. The source of the outbreak is under investigation.

Allergy Alert (Denmark): P. Taabbel A/S recalls Navito Indbagt laks med spinat og ostesovs / Baked salmon with spinach and cheese sauce (250g; Best before 04.07.2023) due to undeclared shellfish.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): FSAI warns consumers that To Øl X Omnipollo Brewtrance beer (375 ml; Batch #24F281B; Best before 08/10/2031) contains undeclared hazelnuts.

Allergy Alert (Luxembourg): Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Authority orders recall of Chtoura Garden brand Cooked Fava Beans (475g; Lot #29; Best before 31/01/2025) due to undeclared sulphites.

Allergy Alert (Sweden): Järvsö Kebab AB recalls färdiggrillade kebabstrimlor / pre-grilled kebab strips (300g; Best before 2022-09-11) due to undeclared soy.

Allergy Alert (UK – England and Scotland): Lidl GB recalls Select and Go Sushi Box Salmon and Shrimp (330g; All use by dates up to and including 11 October 2022) due to undeclared crustaceans, fish, mustard, sesame, soya, egg, wheat (gluten), milk, and sulphites.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Danish Crown Foods A/S recalls Den Gode Frikadelle brand Minifrikadeller / Fried mini-meatballs (800g; Lot 12.10.22; Best before 12.10.2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Layenberger Nutrition Group GmbH recalls several varieties of Layenberger Fit+Feelgood Slim Shake (396g) due to possible foreign matter contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Romania): Producătorul Pak Rampart d.o.o. recalls Tastino Napolitane cu 72% cremă cu aromă de alune de pădure / Napolitan wafers with hazelnut flavoured cream (800g; All use by dates) due to Salmonella Typhimurium contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): United Foods (VIC) Pty. Ltd recalls United Foods brand Italian Soup Mix (Best before 14/05/2023) due to undeclared barley (gluten).

Good news for fans of Ferrero chocolates

On September 16, 2022, Belgium’s food safety authority (AFSCA) issued a final authorization for production for Ferraro’s manufacturing facility, located at Arlon.

The Arlon plant produces Kinder Surprise and other novelty chocolate products, and has been operating under a conditional authorization since June.

What happened?

On April 2, 2022, the UK Food Standards Agency alerted consumers to potential Salmonella contamination in certain batches of Kinder Surprise chocolates.

On April 8th, Belgium announced its decision to withdraw Ferrero’s authorization to manufacture food products at its Arlon plant, where the Kinder Surprise chocolates were made.

The decision, according to AFSCA, was due to the presence of Salmonella in the plant’s environment, the agency’s dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency on the part of the company regarding its Salmonella problem, and reports of Salmonella illnesses associated with the products from that plant.

In response to the AFSCA action, Ferrero expanded its initial recall to encompass all products manufactured in the Arlon facility. In doing so, the company also acknowledged that it had been aware of a Salmonella contamination problem in its production plant since December 15, 2021.

According to the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC), as of July 15th, 401 confirmed (n=399) and probable (n=2) cases of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium had been reported in 13 EU member countries and the UK. An additional 54 cases were reported in Canada (n=4), Switzerland (n=49), and United States (n=1).

Specific chocolate products from a Belgian chocolate factory were identified as likely vehicles of infection in the ECDC report, although the agency did not mention the company by name.

A new beginning

Following extensive cleaning, testing, and updates to product safety protocols, trainings, and sampling in the plant, conducted by Ferrero in concert with the AFSCA, the Belgian agency granted Ferrero conditional authorisation to restart its production lines on June 17, 2022.

After three months of probationary production, the authorization has now been finalized.

In announcing the authorization, Ferrero expressed its gratitude with AFSCA’s close collaboration and its assistance, and promised to do better going forward.

“We have learned a lot during this period and have quickly put these learnings into practice,” the company said in its news release. “The granting of our production licence means everything is in place for our factory to produce with confidence and we will continue to do everything we can to prevent this from happening again.”


You can find additional background information on a prior Salmonella outbreak associated with chocolate novelty products in Chapter 15 of TAINTED. From Farm Gate to Dinner Plate, Fifty Years of Food Safety Failures. Available in digital, print, and audiobook editions.

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“Reads like a true crime novel” – Food Safety News

Recalls and Alerts: May 14-18, 2022

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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.

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 or listen to a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital, print or audio copy to your personal library.

Listen to an excerpt of the new audiobook edition right here

Chapter 6. Birth of a Pathogen

United States

Allergy Alert: Dierbergs Markets recalls Fresh Garden Spiral Pasta Salad (12 oz & 2 lb family pack; Sell by 5/31/22) due to undeclared egg.

Food Safety Recall: America New York Ri Wang Food Group Co., Ltd. recalls approximately 14,635 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) sausage sticks and luncheon loaf products due to possible foreign matter contamination (metal). Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Public Health Alert: USDA/FSIS issues Public Health Alert for Great Value Black Forest Ham Water Added (1 lb resealable pkg; Best if used by 07/15/22) because the product may be underprocessed. A recall was not requested because it is believed that the product is no longer available for consumers to purchase.

Canada

Allergy Alert: Royal Import & Export Ltd. recalls Jumbo brand Melk Chocopasta (Milk Chocolate Spread) (400g; Lot 17921B; Best before 08/2022; UPC 8 718452 449873) due to undeclared hazelnuts.

Allergy Alert: GB Foods recalls various GB Foods brand sausage products due to undeclared gluten and/or wheat. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Le Centre d’action bénévole aux 4 vents (Waterloo, QC) recalls Saumon fumé / Smoked salmon (Sold up to 17 May 2022) due to lack of storage temperature specification on product label.

Food Safety Recall: Le Caveau FRUITS ET LÉGUMES (Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, QC) recalls MAQUEREAU FUMÉ / Smoked mackerel (Sold up to 17 May 2022) due to lack of storage temperature specification on product label.

Food Safety Recall: Canadian Choice Wholesalers recalls Suzie’s brand Organic Cocktail Sauce (237 ml; Best by 10/07/22; UPC 0 47281 20142 9) due to spoilage.

Food Safety Recall: Mantab Inc. recalls Below Zero brand Whole Raspberries IQF (1 kg; Lot XT21253; Best before 2023-SE-09; UPC 0 69821 06020 4) due to Norovirus contamination.

Europe

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION UPDATE (Multiple countries): ECDC reports 324 cases (266 confirmed and 58 probable) of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium infections in twelve EU countries and the UK have now been associated with consumption of Kinder – Ferrero chocolate products manufactured in Arlon, Belgium. Cases have also been identified in Canada (1 case), Switzerland (43 cases) and the United States (1 case), bringing the total to 369 cases.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Traindevie recalls multiple products due to undeclared milk. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (France): Monoprix recalls Monoprix brand La Baguette Jambon Emmental / Ham and Emmental cheese baguette (Use by dates between 16/05/2022 and 21/05/2022 due to undeclared sesame.

Allergy Alert (Iceland): Kjöt & Pylsumeistarinn recalls Steikarpylsa / Steak sausage (400-480g pkgs and in bulk; All best before dates up to 18.05.2022) due to undeclared mustard.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Industry recalls Just Free Gluten Free Black Pudding (260g; Batch 041-22; Use by 20/05/2022) and Just Free Gluten Free White Pudding (260g; Batch 041-22; Use by 20/05/2022) due to undeclared gluten.

Allergy Alert (Luxembourg): Food Safety Authority recalls several Vó Elisa brand products due to undeclared sesame. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (Spain): Mulitple brands of chocolate products contain undeclared peanuts. Please see AESAN notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (UK): Asian Traders Ltd recalls Parle Premium Rusk (200g; Batch code PA ATL/3694; Best before 04 June 2022) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (UK): SP Wholesale recalls Wonka Bar (Milk Chocolate) (100g; Batch codes 18121P & 33421P; Best before 30 June 2023 & 30 November 2023, respectively) due to undeclared almonds and peanuts.

Allergy Alert (UK – Northern Ireland): Lidl NI recalls Just Free Gluten Free Black Pudding (260g; Batch 041-22; Use by 20/05/2022) and Just Free Gluten Free White Pudding (260g; Batch 041-22; Use by 20/05/2022) due to undeclared gluten.

Allergy Alert Update (UK): Lidl GB recalls Starovice Czech Lager 5.0% (500 ml; All Best Before dates up to and including 23 December 2022) due to undeclared sulphur dioxide.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Detry sa recalls AUBEL brand Boulettes Rôties / Roasted meatballs (6+1 / 595g; Lot 7732; Use by 11/06/2022) due to defective package seals.

Food Safety Recall (France): PERIGORD FARINES MINOTERIE ALLAFORT recalls FARINE DE BLE NOIR SARRASIN FLUIDE / Buckwheat flour (1 kg; Lot 118CS11; Best before 29/10/2022) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Auchan recalls ESCALOPES DE POULET / Chicken breasts (Sold between 11 and 16 April) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): SCEA DU CERISIER EARL du Cerisier recalls SCEA du Cerisier brand pâté croute moutarde ancienne / Old-fashioned mustard pâté with crust (Use by 01/06/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): AUCHAN RETAIL SERVICES AUCHAN NANCY TOMBLAINE  recalls POITRINE DE PORC MARINEE TEX-MEX / marinated pork breast meat (Sold between 3 and 17 May 2022) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): AUCHAN RETAIL SERVICES AUCHAN SUPERMARCHE VOUVRAY  recalls JAMBON TRADITIONNEL PERE CHAMPAIN / Traditional ham (Sold from 05/05/2022 to 17/ 05/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Salaisons Michel Loge recalls saucisson sec / Dry sausage (Lot SA220701) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): DISTRIBUTION CASINO FRANCE CASINO – Produits Frais Traditionnels recalls Salade de Pieds de Bovins Emincés / Sliced cow’s food salad (Sold from 27/04/2022 to 09/05/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): JIRD INTERMARCHE recalls SIEBERT brand CUISSE DE POULET / Chicken leg (Lot 3160422922; Use by 27/04/2022) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Lidl recalls Baguette Céréales Rustique / Rustic seeded baguette (Baked on site) due to foreign matter contamination (metal).

Food Safety Recall (France): J.C.David recalls La Cuisine du Poissonnier brand Filets de hareng doux fumé / Mild smoked herring fillets (200g; Lot 119; Use by 03/06/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Maggi GmbH recalls MAGGI 5 Minuten Terrine Kartoffelbrei mit Steinpilzen / 5-minute mashed potato with porcini mushroom terrine (Lots 21270703Z, 21280703Z, 21290703Z; Best before 31.05.2023) and MAGGI 5 Minuten Terrine Kartoffelbrei mit Röstzwiebeln & Croûtons +25% / 5-minute mashed potato terrine with roasted onions and croutons +25% (Lot 21280703Z; Best before 31.05.2023) due to foreign matter contamination (metal).

Food Safety Recall (Iceland): John Ross Junior ltd recalls John Ross brand Scottish smoked salmon (340g; Best before 28.05.22) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Industry recalls Villani Cacciatore Italiano salami (170g; Batch code 240222; Best before 15.07.22; Product of Italy) due to Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Villani SpA recalls Villani salame cacciatore (170g; Lots 240222 & 26/01/22; Best before 15/07/2022) due to Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): DekaMarkt recalls 1 de beste Baguettes wit 2 stuks (two-pack; Best before 14-08-2022) due to possible foreign matter contamination (metal).

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Food Safety Recall (Israel): Israel Ministry of Health has instructed Tnuva to recall powdered milk manufactured between 9/8 and 25/8/2021 due to possible Salmonella contamination. The milk powder was supplied to food manufacturers and not distributed on the retail market.