Tag: Salmonella

Recalls and Alerts: March 21-22, 2023

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

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION: The FDA has determined that the frozen organic strawberries linked to a current outbreak of Hepatitis A virus infections in the state of Washington originated on certain farms in Baja California (Mexico). The outbreak strain is identical to the strain of Hepatitis A that was responsible for a 2022 outbreak, that was linked to fresh organic strawberries grown in Baja California.

Allergy Alert: Perfection Bakeries D/B/A Aunt Millie’s recalls Our Family® White Hot Dog Buns (8 ct; Best by 4-9-2023 and earlier; UPC 0-70253-75107-3) due to undeclared sesame.

Allergy Alert: Mutual Trading Co., Inc. recalls three Kagome brand sauces due to undeclared soy. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Made-With Foods recalls Made-With Frozen Strawberries (10 oz; Use by 11/20/2024; 8-14343-02139-0) due to possible Hepatitis A virus contamination. The recalled product was sold in certain Meijer stores.

FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Mariscos Bahia Inc that an October 6 to October 21, 2022 inspection of its facility, conducted as part of an investigation into a multistate Salmonella outbreak, found multiple violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food regulation.

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Canada

Allergy Alert: McGarroch of Micksburg recalls Fresh Pork Breakfast Sausage (approx 1 lb; No code or date information) due to undeclared mustard. The recalled product was sold in Ontario.

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Europe

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION (Finland): Raw oysters have been linked to 170 cases of Norovirus in Finland, according to a report in Food Safety News.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): De Winning recalls De Winning brand Chocoladekoekjes / Chocolate cookies (250g; Best before from 01/03/2023 to 20/05/2023) due to undeclared soy, wheat, eggs and mustard.

Allergy Alert (France): SCAMARK E.LECLERC recalls PECHE OCEAN brand QUEUES DE CREVETTES DECORTIQUEES CUITES SURGELEES / Frozen cooked shrimp, without shells (300g; Lot VN325VI013; Best before 18/04/2024) due to undeclared sulphites.

Allergy Alert (France): SILVE INTERMARCHE  recalls Monique Ranou brand Mini pâté en croûte noisettes / Mini hazelnut pâté (450g; Lot 304101; Use by 18/03/2023) due to undeclared pistachios.

Allergy Alert (Germany): Bursam e.K recalls Bursam Gegrillte Fleisch Gewürze / Grilled meat spices (150g; Lot 0430; Best before 01.2025) due to undeclared mustard.

Food Safety Recall (France): CARREFOUR FRANCE recalls REFLETS DE FRANCE brand COULOMMIERS AU LAIT CRU / Raw milk cheese (350g; Lot 018 551; Best before 24/03/2023) due to possible shigatoxin-producting E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): ANNELAURE INTERMARCHE recalls STEAK HACHE A LA DEMANDE / Ground beef (Use by 10/03/2023) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): T.L.C.  recalls Plat de côte cuit en gelée / Ribs cooked in jelly (approx. 2.8 kg & 3.6 kg; Lot 23074; Use by 19/04/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): SCAMARK E.LECLERC recalls NOS REGIONS ONT DU TALENT brand CREPES DE BRETAGNE / Crèpes from Brittany (4/pkg, 180g; Lots 4AA2069 & 4BB2069; Use by 05/04/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): BRISSON CHARCUTIER DU TERROIR recalls Fromage de tête persillé au Bourgogne Aligoté / Marbled head cheese (All lots; Use by dates between 08/03/2023 and 10/04/2023 and between 01/03/2023 and 06/04/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): MAISON LEFEBVRE recalls cochon des prés brand boudin noir / Blood sausage (2-pack and 10-pack; Lot M30670014 and M30670002; Use by 27/03/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): MAISON LEFEBVRE recalls cochon des prés brand boudin noir brasse / coiled blood sausage (Lot M30670006; Use by 27/03/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): MAISON LEFEBVRE recalls Kérandou brand boudin noir / Blood sausage (2-pack; Lot M30670002; Use by 27/03/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): AUCHAN RETAIL SERVICES recalls BULOTS CUITS NATURE VENDUS A L’ETAL POISSONNERIE / Cooked whelks (Sold from 3 March 2023 to 7 March 2023) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): GILLOT SAS recalls Marie Harel brand Petit camembert au lait cru BIO / Organic raw milk cheese (150g; Lot 018551; Best before 19/03/2023) due to possible shigatoxin-producting E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): CORICO recalls Neutre / Id’halal / Medina Halal brands Saucisse de volaille corizo Saucisses de volaille fromage Saucisse merguez de volaille / Chorizo poultry sausage, Cheese poultry sausages and Merguez poultry sausages (5kg, 2.6kg, 1kg, 600g; Lot 9773000072; Use by 27/03/2023) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): LAITERIE DE LA VOUEIZE LV recalls Saint-Chabret goat milk cheese (~550g; Lot 50.31.22; Use by dates between 22/02/2023 and 06/05/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): LAITERIE LE GALL recalls Le Gall brand Motte d’Antan au sel de mer de Guérande / Butter with sea salt (250g; Lot 037; Best before 27/04/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Iceland): Matfugl ehf recalls IKEA kjúklinganaggar / Chicken nuggets (1000g; Lot 174080-3-08-1; Best before 21.12.2023) due to possible foreign matter contamination (hard plastic).

Food Safety Recall (Italy): coppiello giovanni srl recalls sfilaccio di equino / Horse sfilaccio (100g; All lots; Use by dates between 02/06/2023 and 13/08/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): coppiello giovanni srl recalls sfilaccio di equino top selection / Horse sfilaccio (100g; All lots; Use by dates between 02/06/2023 and 13/08/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): coppiello giovanni srl recalls sfilaccio di manzo / Beef sfilaccio (100g; Multiple lots; Use by dates between 18/06/2023 and 06/08/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Norway): Pers Kjøkken AS recalls Salami (skivet og skalk), Fårepølse (skivet og skalk) og Blokksalami skalk / Salami (sliced and rind), Fårepølse (sliced and rind) and Block salami rind due to possible Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Allergy Alert (Israel): Davidov Confectionery recalls Bernoulli Bakery Boutique brand Parmesan crackers (230g; All expiration dates up to and including 30.7.2023) due to undeclared milk.

Australia and New Zealand

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): The Gateau House recalls The Gateau House brand Trio Chocolate Mousse Cakes (Mini, Medium and Standard; Purchased between 15 March 2023 up to and including 20 March 2023) due to possible foreign matter contamination (glass)

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Chapter 6. Birth of a Pathogen

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Recalls and Alerts: March 18-20, 2023

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

Food Safety Recall: WOW Frozen Food LLC recalls approximately 488 pounds of meat and poultry sfihas products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Pet Food Safety Recall: Kaytee Products Inc. recalls Kaytee® Wild Bird Food Birders’ Blend (8 lb; Lot PennPak1 102022 933; Best by 041224) due to potentially elevated levels of aflatoxin above the acceptable limit.

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Canada

Infant Formula Safety Recall: Perrigo Company plc recalls Nestlé Good Start brand Soothe (infant formula) (942g; Batch no. 301757651Z, 301757652Z & 301857651Z; Expiration dates 2024 JL 18, 2024 JL 18 & 2024 JL 19, respectively; UPC 0 55000 38369 1) due to possible Cronobacter sakazakii contamination.

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Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Holland & Barrett recalls Pulsin brand Keto Choc Fudge Peanut Bar (50g; Lot 23046) due to undeclared soy.

Allergy Alert (France): MONOPRIX recalls MINI BRIOCHETTES CHEVRE MIEL / Honey goat cheese mini briochettes (8/pack, 96g; Lots 22074074, 22074072 & 22355072; Use by 13/04/2023, 11/04/2023 & 11/04/2023, respectively) due to undeclared gluten, milk and egg.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Holland & Barrett recalls Pulsin brand Keto Choc Fudge Peanut Bar (50g; Lot 23046) and Pulsin brand Orange Chocolate Keto Bar (50g; Lots 23027 & 23053) due to undeclared soy.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): FIDAFRUIT recalls multiple brands and package sizes of popping corn due to elevated aflatoxin levels. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (France): LE FROMAGER DES HALLES recalls KER ARGOET brand Beurre motte aux cristaux de sel / Butter with salt crystals (250g; All lots; Use by 17/04/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): STE COOP FRUITIERE VAL D ARLY recalls Coopérative du Val d’Arly brand Reblochon de Savoie AOP raw milk cheese (Lot 331128; Best before 01/04/2023) due to possible Staphylococcus aureus contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): ROCABILLI INTERMARCHE  recalls Merguez sausages (Sold in trays or by the kg between 07/03/2023 and 12/03/2023) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Nathan & Olsen recalls Krónan brand Orkublanda – blanda af jarðhnetum, rúsínum, kasjúhnetum og möndlum í hýði / Energy mix – a mixture of peanuts, raisins, cashews and almonds in the skin (Best before 29.09.2023) due to foreign matter contamination (hard plastic).

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Coppiello Giovanni srl recalls sfilaccio di manzo / beef tenderloin (100g; Multiple lot codes; All dates between 18/06/2023 and 06/08/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Coppiello Giovanni srl recalls freschissimi brand sfilaccio di bovino / beef sfilaccio (80g; Lots 2301135 & 2303063; All dates between 25/06/2023 and 13/08/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall Update (UK): The Old Cheese Room extends its recall of Baronet, Baby Baronet and Mini Baronet Soft Cheeses to include additional batches due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

TAINTED formats 3
“Reads like a true crime novel” – Food Safety News

Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations?

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

Chapter 6. Birth of a Pathogen

TAINTED is available in digital format from all major on-line retailers. Press the button to go directly to your preferred digital bookstore.

Amazon
Apple
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Smashwords
Chapters/Indigo
Advertisements

Sunday Supplement: Primal Pet ignores pathogen problem

Between August 2021 and August 2022, Primal Pet Foods, Inc.’s internal finished product testing program found forty-nine (49) pathogen-positive finished product samples, according to a Warning Letter released this week by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Primal Pet Foods, Inc. (Primal) is a manufacturer of raw frozen and raw freeze-dried dog and cat foods, toppers, and treats based in Fairfield, California.

On July 6, 2022, Primal announced a recall of a single production lot of Raw Frozen Primal Patties for Dogs, Beef Formula (Lot #W10068709) after routine sampling by the FDA found Listeria monocytogenes in the product.

As a follow-up to the recall, the FDA visited the company’s Fairfield manufacturing facility on July 14, 2022, to begin an inspection that continued until October 11th.

During the course of the inspection, FDA investigators documented a large number of troubling issues

What the FDA found

The failures summarized in the Warning Letter and on the FDA Inspections Database include problems with preventive controls, supplier verification, record keeping, and inadequate monitoring.

Preventative controls that did not prevent pathogens

Primal’s food safety program includes adding a probiotic to its freeze-dried products as a preventative control for Salmonella.

Probiotics are so-called “good” bacteria found in the digestive system. They play an important role in digestion and also help to prevent pathogens from taking up residence in the large intestine.

When the FDA reviewed Primal’s documentation purporting to validate the effectiveness of the probiotic, they found significant flaws in the validation study, including the use of a relatively insensitive method for detecting residual Salmonella.

The FDA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for Salmonella and other pathogens in all pet foods, and the standard method used by government and industry labs is able to find a single living Salmonella cell in 25 grams of sample. Yet the method used by Primal’s lab to support their validation study was only able to find Salmonella if it was present at a level of 10 or more Salmonella cells per gram.

Furthermore, the company offered no evidence that its probiotic control would have any effect at all on other pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes or E. coli O157:H7.

As further proof that the probiotic control was not working, the FDA cited Primal’s own records of 49 pathogen-positive production lots over a one-year period. An average of just under one contaminated batch per week.

Inadequate response to contaminated and out-of-compliance products

Primal’s standard operating procedure specified a maximum level for Vitamin D of 3000 International Units per kilogram (IU/kg). Yet the company shipped a batch of freeze-dried dog food containing 3410 IU/kg–more than 10% above the maximum specified level. And it did so before the sample of this batch even reached its third-party lab for testing.

Primal’s standard operating procedure also specified a minimum level for thiamine–an essential vitamin for cats–of 5.6 mg/kg in its feline diets. Yet the company shipped a batch of freeze-dried cat food containing only 3.96 mg/kg. Again, the product was shipped even before the sample reached the lab.

Primal found Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes in its finished products on 49 occasions during a one-year period, according to the company’s own records. There is no information in the Warning Letter as to what happened to those 49 contaminated production batches.

The only publically announced product recall occurred as a result of the FDA having found Listeria monocytogenes in a routine surveillance sample.

After learning of the FDA’s findings, the company issued a public recall. Yet it took no steps to evaluate the safety of other pet foods manufactured on the same production line immediately before and after the recalled batch.

Unhelpful response to records requests

Primal did not promptly provide all required records when requested to do so by the FDA investigator, impeding the ability of the FDA to complete its inspection and evaluation in a timely fashion.

It is unclear from the limited information available in the Warning Letter and the FDA Inspections Database whether or not the company eventually supplied all of the requested documentation.

What happens next?

The Warning Letter was dated February 21, 2023.

The company was been given the standard fifteen (15) working days following receipt of the letter in which to respond in writing with specific steps taken to correct the list of violations, including copies of related documentation to support its corrective measures.

The ball is now in Primal’s court.

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