Food Recall Alerts

1. Listeria monocytogenes in cheese. FDA announced on November 21st two recalls of cheese due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Le Gourmet Connection recalled cheese that had been distributed in Ohio; Sweetwater Valley Farms, Inc. recalled product that had been shipped throughout the 48 contiguous US states. In both cases, the contamination was discovered during a routine inspection carried out by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. There have been no reported illnesses tied to these products.

2. A recall of Waitrose Wholesome Mixed Seeds was announced by the UK Food Standards Agency on November 21st, due to Salmonella contamination.

3. Pasteurized egg products manufactured in France and sold in the UK have been associated with two Salmonella outbreaks. The contaminated products were recalled on November 9th and November 20th. The recalled products were not distributed to retail outlets.

4. Canada announced on November 22nd an expanded recall of frozen burger patties produced by Cardinal Meat Specialists, Ltd. of Mississauga, Ontario. The patties, which may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, have not been tied to any reported illness outbreak.

All in all, a busy few days on the recall scene.