Raw pet food producer hit with FDA Warning Letter

G & C Raw, LLC (G & C) needs to clean up its act according to a December 12, 2019 Warning Letter from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

G & C is a manufacturer of raw pet food and is based in Versailles, Ohio.

FDA inspected the G & C manufacturing facility in April and May 2019, and found several instances of insanitary practices, potential for cross-contamination, inappropriate and uncontrolled thawing conditions for frozen ingredients, and inadequate preventative controls.

Some of the practices and deficiencies highlighted in the Warning Letter include:
1. Frozen beef hearts were set out at room temperature to thaw on April 22nd, and remained at room temperature until April 24th, when they were used in the manufacture of raw Beef Veggie and Fruit Dog Food. This extended exposure to room temperature would have allowed bacteria to proliferate in the raw beef hearts.
2. An employee wearing gloves lifted a barrelG that had been resting on the floor, grabbing the bottom of the barrel with one gloved hand. Without changing to a fresh pair of gloves, that employee then used both hands to handle the raw meat ingredients, potentially transfering contaminants from the floor to the ingredients
3. An employee was observed using a cell phone while weighing open containers of raw Beef Veggie and Fruit Dog Food. The employee continued to handle the raw dog food without changing to a fresh pair of gloves.
4. An employee used a hose connected to a processing area sink to wash down a van in the parking lot, then returned the hose to the processing area for inside use.
5. Two finished product samples collected during the inspection were found to contain Listeria monocytogenes, a human and animal pathogen. One environmental sample contained Listeria grayi and Listeria innocua, non-pathogenic species that are indicators of insanitary conditions.

In addition to the problems identified during the 2019 inspection, the Warning Letter also noted that G & C pet foods analyzed in 2018 by the Ohio Department of Agriculture were found to contain Listeria monocytogenes in one instance, and Salmonella in another.

While the contaminated products were recalled by the company, FDA considered this an indication of an ongoing problem.

The FoodBugLady weighs in

Some pet food bloggers, and many consumers, are inclined to give raw pet food manufacturers the benefit of the doubt whenever a product recall is announced or an enforcement action is undertaken against such a company by FDA.

“FDA is discriminating against raw pet food,” and “FDA is discriminating against small companies who can’t fight back,” are two rallying cries I have seen in recent years.

In my opinion and experience, this is nonsense.

Conditions such as those described in the Warning Letter issued to G & C would not be tolerated in the manufacture of human food, regardless of the size of the company. Equally, they should not be tolerated in the manufacture of pet food, regardless of whether the finished product is raw, canned, or kibble.

Insanitary practices are insanitary practices, no matter where they occur or by whom they are perpetrated. There is no excuse for sloppy handling, poor supervision of employees, or unsafe holding temperatures.

Anyone who undertakes to produce a commercial food for human or for animal use must bear full responsibility for the safety of the finished products.

Consumers should – and must – demand no less.

Recalls and Alerts: December 19 – 21, 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.

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United States

OUTBREAK ALERT: CDC is investigating a deadly outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to hard-boiled eggs produced by Almark Foods of Gainesville, Georgia. Seven cases have been reported from five states; 4 people have been hospitalized, and one person has died. See below for a link to the Almark Foods recall notice.

Allergy Alert: Whole Foods Market recalls 365 Everyday Value Dark Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cremes (Best by dates through May 1, 2020; UPC 9948247605) and 365 Everyday Value Dark Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Sandwich Cremes (Best by dates through May 9, 2020; UPC 9948247606) due to undeclared milk or coconut.

Food Safety Recall: Advance Pierre Foods recalls approximately 15,739 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef patty products due to possible foreign matter (small, green soft plastic pieces) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected product.

Food Safety Recall: Ashland Sausage Co. recalls BERKSHIRE NATURAL CASING SAUSAGE (12-oz. plastic packages containing 5 pieces; Lot code S318) due to possible foreign matter (hard, dark plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Emesa Foods recalls Premium Sesame Tahini (800g; Expiration date 2/25/2021; UPC 850005298267) due to potential Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Alli & Rose, LLC recalls approximately 21,930 pounds of Siluriformes (catfish) products that were not presented for import re-inspection. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Montpak International Inc recalls approximately 2,804 pounds of veal and lamb products that were not presented for import re-inspection into the United States. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Almark Foods recalls Hard-Boiled and Peeled Eggs in white plastic pails with white plastic lids due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Canada

OUTBREAK ALERT UPDATE: PHAC reports 25 E. coli O157:H7 illnesses across 7 provinces linked to Fresh Express brand Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits. The salad kits contain romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California growing area.

Allergy Alert: Whole Foods Market recalls 365 Everyday Value Dark Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Crèmes (220g; All Best By dates up to and including May 1, 2020; UPC 0 99482 47605 2) and 365 Everyday Value Dark Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Sandwich Crèmes (220g; All Best By dates up to and including May 9, 2020; UPC 0 99482 47606 9) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert: Speers Meats & Delicatessen recalls Mealie Pudding (150-250g; All Packed On dates after 19.SE.17) due to undeclared gluten.

Food Safety Recall: La Panchita (MDC International) recalls various soups that were not processed or packaged under conditions that ensure product safety. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Albert Heijn recalls mini gourmet groenteburgers / vegetarian burgers (180g; Best before 06/01/2020 & 16/01/2020) due to undeclared mustard.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): SoFine recalls SoFine brand SOCHICKEN STICKS (160g; Best before 30/12/2019) due to undeclared mustard.

Allergy Alert (Germany): Sofine Foods B.V. recalls three SoFine brand vegetarian products due to undeclared mustard. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Sacla UK recalls various pesto products due to undeclared peanuts. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): SuperValu recalls SuperValu Fruit Cake (450g; Batch code 352; Best before 26.02.2020) due to undeclared almonds.

Allergy Alert (Luxembourg): SoFine recalls SoFine brand SoChicken Sticks (160g; Best before 14/01/2020) and SoFine brand Veggie Nuggets (160g; Lots 301219 & 030120) due to undeclared mustard.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Molenaartje recalls Molenaartje volkoren spelt biscuit (200g; Best before 01/12/2020) and Molenaartje volkorenbiscuit (200; Best before 01/12/2020) due to undeclared mustard.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): SoFine Foods BV recalls ProLaterre® Vegan Nuggets (Best before 14-01-2020) due to undeclared mustard.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): SoFine recalls three SoFine brand vegetarian products due to undeclared mustard. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (UK): Sacla’ recalls various pesto products due to undeclared peanuts. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Industry recalls Baltique saumon fumé and Traiteur saumon fumé (200g; Best before 21/12/2019, 22/12/2019, 25/12/2019, 26/12/2019, 27/12/2019, 28/12/2019, 29/12/2019, 31/12/2019 & 02/01/2020) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Fleischerei Blässe recalls various sausage products due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): MACELLERIA PERUCCHETTI GIUSEPPE & C SNC recalls SALAME (400/500g; Lot #B03-10-19) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Oudwijker Kaas recalls certain batches of Oudwijker Fiore cheese and Oudwijker Stella cheese due to Listeria contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected batch codes.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Food Safety Recall (Hong Kong): Classic Fine Foods (Hong Kong) Limited recalls Saumon Fume Ecosse T. Main Ficelle (1.8kg; Best before December 31, 2019; Product of France) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): David Jones Pty Limited recalls David Jones Almond Roughs (Best before 9th June 2020) due to undeclared peanuts and David Jones Peanut Caramel Clusters (Best before 9th June 2020) due to undeclared almonds.

Allergy Alert (Australia): Babilhara Lebanese Pastries and Sweets recalls Baklava and Pistachio Baklava (250g; Best before 16/10/2020) due to undeclared peanuts.

Allergy Alert (Australia): Coal River Farm Investments Pty Ltd recalls various chocolates (All products, all November/December Batches – dates up to 15 Dec 2019) due to undeclared milk and soy. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Recalls and Alerts: December 8 – 12, 2019

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United States

OUTBREAK ALERT: CDC, FDA and the Pennsylvania Department of Health report 11 confirmed cases of Salmonella Javiana illness associated with consumption of Tailor Cut Produce Fruit Mix in Pennsylvania and Minnesota. At least 20 additional cases are under investigation. See below for a link to the product recall.

OUTBREAK ALERT: CDC, FDA and their Canadian counterparts are investigating a cross-border outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits. Eight confirmed illnesses have been reported from 3 US states. Please see below for a link to the product recalls.

Food Safety Recall: CATSMO LLC recalls Cold Smoked Salmon (various package sizes, cuts, and expiration dates) due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Ruiz Food Products Inc. recalls EL MONTEREY Signature BURRITO EGG, SAUSAGE & CHEESE, frozen, NRTE (3.38-lb. Value Pack, containing 12 individually wrapped, 4.5-oz. burritos; Lot #19288; Best if used by 01/15/2021) due to possible foreign matter (pieces of plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Tailor Cut Produce recalls Fruit luau, cut honeydew, cut cantaloupe and cut pineapple products (2/1 gallon cases; Production dates November 15 – December 1, 2019) due to possible Salmonella contamination. See OUTBREAK ALERT, above, for additional information.

Canada

OUTBREAK ALERT: PHAC and CFIA are investigating an outbreak of 24 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in Ontario (11), Quebec (3), New Brunswick (4), Nova Scotia (4), Prince Edward Island (1), and Newfoundland and Labrador (1). The outbreak has been linked to consumption of Fresh Express brand Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits. Additional outbreak cases have been reported in the USA (see link, above). Please also see below for a link to the product recall.

OUTBREAK ALERT: PHAC is investigating an outbreak of 92 Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses across Canada linked to contact with pet snakes, pet rodents and feeder rodents. Illnesses have been reported from British Columbia (4), Ontario (16), Quebec (52), New Brunswick (9), Nova Scotia (5) and Newfoundland and Labrador (6).

Allergy Alert: Sobeys Inc. recalls Pete’s Fine Foods brand Large Cranberry Vanilla Cardamom Granola (500g; Best Before: 2020.JA.20; UPC 0 202638 212996) and Pete’s Fine Foods brand Small Cranberry Vanilla Cardamom Granola (85g; Best Before: 2020.JA.20; UPC 0 202631 702500) due to undeclared pecans.

Food Safety Recall: Industry recalls Fresh Express brand Sunflower Crisp Chopped Kit (315g; All packages bearing a Best Before dates up to and including 07DE19, and a lot code beginning with “Z”, and indicating “Salinas” as a source of Romaine lettuce) due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination. This product has been linked to an outbreak (see above).

Food Safety Recall: Loblaw Companies Limited recalls PC brand Cranberry Goat’s Milk Cheese (300g; Best before 2020 MR 19 & 2020 MR 24; UPC 0 60383 01013 3) due to foreign matter (pieces of plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Rejuice! recalls various soups due to improper storage temperature and absence of label instruction regarding correct storage. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Colruyt recalls SAUCE FINE CHAMPAGNE (500g; Best before 9/01/2020) due to undeclared wheat (gluten) and soy.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Mora recalls Mora brand Burgers de poulet / chicken burgers (4X70g; Lots L9246, L9288 & L9289; Best before 09-2020 & 10-2020) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Boerinneke recalls Boerinneke brand pâte à tartiner bio Noir (400g; Lot 8262; Best before 19/12/2019) due to undeclared milk and soy.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Boerinneke recalls various spreads due to undeclared nuts. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Zuger recalls Ambachtelijke choco Zuger / Artisanal chocolate (250g; All “Best before” dates between 09/12/2019 and 09/05/2020) due to undeclared soy and milk.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): VAJRA recalls VAJRA brand gluten powder (400g; Lot #0219/141119; Best before 20.07.21) due to undeclared mustard.

Allergy Alert (France): Industry recalls Abbot Kinney’s brand Coco Frost Cacao (various sizes and batch codes) due to undeclared gluten. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected batch codes.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Hipp UK Ltd. recalls Hipp Organic Combiotic First Infant Milk Starter Pack (6x90ml: Batch codes L-099191, L-162192, L-186191; Best before 09 January 2020, 11 March 2020, 5 April 2020) due to undeclared fish oil.

Allergy Alert (Luxembourg): Delhaize recalls Boerinneke brand Pâte à tartiner aux noisettes 13% (200g & 400g; All lot codes and Best before dates) due to undeclared nuts.

Allergy Alert (Luxembourg): Colruyt recalls SAUCE FINE CHAMPAGNE (500g; Best before 9/01/2020) due to undeclared wheat (gluten) and soy.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Mora recalls Mora brand Burgers de poulet / chicken burgers (4X70g; Lots L9246, L9288 & L9289; Best before 09-2020 & 10-2020) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (UK): Hipp UK recalls Hipp Organic Combiotic First Infant Milk Starter Pack (6x90ml: Batch codes L-099191, L-162192, L-186191; Best before 09 January 2020, 11 March 2020, 5 April 2020) due to undeclared fish oil.

Allergy Alert (UK): Sainsbury’s recalls by Sainsbury’s 18 Mini Egg Bites (186g; Use by 17th December) due to undeclared egg and mustard.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): ALDI recalls Excellence brand Rôti de dinde farci aux pommes et raisins secs (surgelé) / Roast turkey stuffed with apples and raisins, frozen (800g; Lots 410933, 410377, 410925; Use by 30/01/2021) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Dagrofa recalls Gestus Madsalat med Solsikkekerner og Hasselnødder / Gestus salad with sunflower seeds and hazelnuts (500g; Best before 11/12-2019) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Società Agricola Locatelli Guglielmo & C. S.S. recalls Stracchino all’antica (Lot code 12/10/2019 – 41a Settimana) due to shigatoxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): ALDI recalls Excellence brand Rôti de dinde farci aux pommes et raisins secs (surgelé) / Roast turkey stuffed with apples and raisins, frozen (800g; Lots 410933, 410377, 410925; Use by 30/01/2021) due to Salmonella contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (New Zealand): Food Hub Pakuranga Ltd recalls Guangxiang brand Pork Won Ton and Vege Pork Won Ton (all batches and dates of both products) due to undeclared gluten (wheat), sesame and soy.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Neat Meat Global Ltd recalls Harmony Free-Range Boneless Ham (1 to 3.5kg; Use by 27/1/2020, 28/1/2020, 29/1/2020, 30/1/2020) and Harmony Free-Range Champagne Ham (4 to 5 kg; Use by 30/1/2020, 31/1/2020) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Tegel Foods Ltd recalls Tegel brand Crumbed Chicken Burgers (1kg; Batch code 19259; Best before Sep 2020) due to foreign matter (small pieces of metal wire) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Lion recalls Lindauer brand Fraise (Lindauer & strawberry) (200ml x 4 pack; Batch codes L9164 PW374 20:27 to 20:39 & L9165 PW374 07:41 to 07:58) due to possible foreign matter (pieces of glass) contamination.