UK Company Recalls Cheese Sold In USA

January 31, 2009

Cropwell Bishop Creamery Limited of England has recalled specific lot numbers and date codes of Blue Stilton and Shropshire Blue Cheese, because the cheese may contain Listeria monocytogenes.

The recall comes after earlier recalls announced by vendors of the cheese, both in the United States and Canada.

Cropwell has recalled the following products:

• Ilchester Shropshire Blue (12 oz): Lot #3052822700; Exp date, 2/10/09
  
• Ilchester Shropshire Blue (7 to 9 oz): Lot #3052828700; Exp date, 4/19/09
  
• Ilchester Shropshire Blue (1/8 lb): Lot #3052835200; Exp date, 4/27/09
  
• Ilchester Shropshire Blue (1/16 lb): Lot #3375821700; Exp date, julian code 8217
  
• Ilchester BabyBlue Stilton (2/5 lb): Lot #3375834000 and 3375829500; Exp date, julian codes 8340 and 8295
  
• Ilchester Blue Stilton (1/8 lb): Lot #3375828400; Exp date, julian code 8284
  
• Ilchester Blue Stilton  (2/9 lb): Lot #3375828400, 3375821700, 3375833300, 3375829400, 3375827800, 3375824500 and 3357816400; Exp date, julian codes 8284, 8217, 8333 , 8294, 8278, 8245 and 8164
  
• Ilchester Blue Stilton (1/9 lb): Lot #3375833600, 3375829400, 3375824500, 3758162000 and 3375825200; Exp date, julian codes 8336, 8294, 8245, 8162 and 8252
  
• Ilchester Blue Stilton (1/16 lb): Lot #3375825400; Exp date, julian code 8254
  
• Ilchester Blue Stilton (18/1 lb):  Lot #3052829500 and 3052830800; Exp dates, 4/19/09 and 5/2/09
  
• Ilchester Blue Silton (6/3.5 oz crock): Lot #2216832300; Exp date, 3/26/09
  
• Global Cheese Market Stilton (7 to 9 oz):  Lot #714568 and 714720; Exp dates, 3/22/09 and 3/29/09
  
• Global Cheese Market Stilton (1/5 lb): Lot #713939, 715973 and 716368; Exp dates 3/9/09, 5/3/09 and 5/17/09
  
• Trader Joe’s Blue Stilton: purchased on or before 12/31/08. Film-wrapped. 
  
• Trader Joe’s Shropshire Blue Cheese: purchased on or before 1/4/09. Film-wrapped. 
  
• Cropwell Bishop Creamery Blue Stilton: purchased on or before 12/31/08
  
• Cropwell Bishop Creamery Shropshire Blue Cheese: purchased on or before 12/31/08

The cheeses were sold in grocery stores and retail stores across the United States, including the following. Please use the live links to navigate to the store web sites for details.

• Costco Canada
  
• Kroger/Dillons
  
• Sam's Club
  
• ShopRite
  
• Trader Joe's
  

According to Cropwell, the decision to recall the cheese came as a result of "recent testing" that detected the potential for contamination. The first Canadian recall of Cropwell Blue Stilton was announced on December 10th, and affected cheese sold through Costco across Canada. UK authorities advised other countries in the European Union about the contamination on December 31, 2008.

Perhaps FDA was otherwise occupied with peanut butter, but it seems to have taken a very long time for this potentially contaminated cheese to be recalled from the US marketplace.

Allergy Alert: French-made Chocolate Recalled in UK

January 31, 2009

The UK Food Standards Agency advised consumers yesterday that a single date code of Bovetti Dark Chocolate with Cocoa Beans (100g) contains undeclared casein, a milk protein, and is being recalled.

The chocolate was made in France and imported into the UK by Trans Manche Food Ltd. The recalled bars were sold in Waitrose, and may also have been available in other retail stores in the UK.

The recalled item is described as:

• Bovetti Dark Chocolate with Cocoa Beans, 100g: Best before 30 September 2009; Product code: L246
  

Individuals who are allergic to milk protein may experience severe symptoms shortly after consuming the recalled chocolate. Consumers should return the recalled Bovetti chocolate to the store for a refund.

The UK Food Standards Agency is working with its French counterpart to determine whether any additional actions are needed.

Anatomy of a Peanut Butter Outbreak: The Investigation

January 30, 2009

The Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak began officially on September 1, 2008, when the first victim began to feel ill. Three cases were recorded in September. But the outbreak got underway in earnest in October.

According to CDC's Epidemic Curve, the number of cases began to increase during the first week of October, reaching a peak around Thanksgiving and into early December. As of January 28th, the most recent onset date for a victim's symptoms was January 16, 2009.

CDC received the first whisper of an outbreak on November 10th, when staff members received reports of 13 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium infections in 12 states. All 13 cases were caused by the identical strain. Something definitely was in the wind. But what?

By November 25th, the number of cases had grown to 35, and CDC began an epidemiological assessment of the case reports. A second cluster of 41 cases was reported on December 2nd. The two cluster strains were a genetic match. CDC compared the genetic profile of the outbreak strains to other strains in its data bank, including Salmonella Typhimurium strains isolated from cases of human and animal illnesses, and those isolated from raw meat and poultry products in the United States.

The strain of Salmonella Typhimurium responsible for this new outbreak was unique. It had never before been reported in the United States. Not from people. Not from animals. Not from food samples.

The epidemiological detective work – carried on both by CDC and by state agencies – continued. The break in the case came from Minnesota's formidable Team Diarrhea, which keyed in on small clusters of cases in two long-term care institutions and one school. Team Diarrhea determined that the only food common to all three institutions was King Nut creamy peanut butter. By January 9th, Minnesota identified outbreak cases in six additional institutions. In all cases, King Nut creamy peanut butter was served to residents.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture sampled peanut butter from an open jar of King Nut found at one of the institutions and, on January 12th, announced that the state lab had recovered the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium from the open jar.

While the Minnesota finding pointed strongly to King Nut peanut butter as a source of the outbreak – especially when combined with epidemiological data gathered by CDC and other state agencies – some significant loose ends still needed to be secured. King Nut distributed its peanut butter to a limited number of states; yet the outbreak already had spread to 43 states. 

King Nut, however, did not manufacture the peanut butter. It simply distributed peanut butter manufactured for it by Peanut Corporation of America. PCA sold peanut butter, peanut paste, and other peanut products to institutions, to distributors, to food service operations and to food processors across the United States. And the company exported some products to Canada and elsewhere.

Peanut Corporation of America issued a press release on January 10th that acknowledged the outbreak, highlighted the company's cooperation with federal and state agencies in the outbreak investigation, and emphasized:

"To date, the only conclusive testing linking salmonella to PCA's product was done on an open container of the peanut butter in a large, institutional kitchen. The history of the handling of that open container is unknown at this time."

This statement was made obsolete less than one week later. Georgia's Department of Agriculture announced on January 16th that it had discovered Salmonella in a previously unopened jar of peanut butter collected from PCA's Blakely, GA processing plant. And Connecticut removed the last shred of lingering doubt on January 20th, when the state's Department of Consumer Protection announced having recovered the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium from an unopened 5-pound tub of King Nut peanut butter found in the warehouse of a West Haven distributor.

The evidence linking the outbreak to peanut butter from the Blakely plant was compelling, but it didn't account for nearly all of the reported cases. CDC initiated a further epidemiological study in mid-January. The results of that study pointed to Keebler® and Austin® brands of peanut butter sandwich crackers. The crackers contained peanut butter manufactured at PCA's Blakely facility.

Kellogg reacted with admirable haste, placing a precautionary hold on these products as soon as they came under suspicion, and initiating a full recall when that suspicion was confirmed.

PCA acted more slowly, recalling tranches of production, as additional information on the Blakely operation and history was uncovered by FDA. This piecemeal recall, doubtless, complicated the work of PCA's customers, who based their own recall decisions on PCA's announcements.

As of January 29th, CDC has received reports of 529 confirmed cases of salmonellosis caused by the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium. At least 116 people have been hospitalized. The outbreak may have contributed to the death of eight outbreak victims – all of them at least 59 years old. Five states have reported outbreak-associated deaths: Minnesota (3), Virginia (2), Idaho (1), North Carolina (1), and Ohio (1).

The agency believes that this outbreak is not yet over. It takes more than two weeks from the time an individual is infected until CDC has the genetic fingerprint of the Salmonella in its hands. This delay is due to the incubation period of the infection, the patient's delay in seeking treatment, and the time required to recover Salmonella from the patient's stool and perform the lab tests that confirm the genetic match. 

Continued in Anatomy of a Peanut Butter Outbreak: The Aftermath

Anatomy of a Peanut Butter Outbreak: The Build-Up

January 29, 2009

Peanut Corporation America is a privately held company, with operations in Texas, Virginia and Georgia. The Company was incorporated in 1983 as J.R. Britt Peanut Co., Inc. 

The following year, J.R. Britt changed its name to Georgia Food & Nut Processors, Inc. Five years later, in 1989, the name changed again – to Casey's Food Products, Inc. In 2001, the Company renamed itself once more, and became Peanut Corporation of America.

In 2006, FDA contracted with the Georgia Department of Agriculture to inspect PCA's Blakely, GA processing facility on behalf of the federal government. One assumes that FDA paid Georgia for this service.

An inspector from the GDA visited the Blakely facility twice yearly, beginning in January 2006. The inspections could hardly be called in-depth. The longest visit lasted four hours; the shortest "routine" inspection, carried out in October 2008, lasted just one hour and 40 minutes. The state drew samples for lab analysis on one occasion only – August 29, 2007. Salmonella was not detected in those samples.

During her October 2008 visit, state inspector Donna Adams recorded only two violations:

• Totes returned from a customer were intended for reuse by this customer. The totes appeared to have residual peanut butter and a black buildup.
  
• Mildew and possible static dust buildup on ceiling of peanut butter storage room.
  

The first violation was corrected on-site – the intended tote refill operation was suspended. PCA was instructed to correct the mildew and dust buildup by November 5, 2008.

Between June 2007 and continuing through September 2008, PCA received Salmonella-positive lab reports from the company's independent testing lab on 12 occasions. In all cases, the company arranged for a retesting of the contaminated product. On receiving a negative result from the repeat test, PCA shipped the product to its customer(s). 

The most recent Salmonella-positive result, obtained from a sample of peanut paste manufactured on September 25, 2008, was reported as Salmonella Typhimurium – the same serotype as the microbe responsible for the outbreak. 

There is no indication whether or not this Salmonella Typhimurium strain was a genetic match for the outbreak strain. But, according to CDC, the first outbreak victims became ill at the beginning of September 2008.

Continued in Anatomy of a Peanut Butter Outbreak: The Outbreak Investigation

Peanut Corporation of America Throws in the Towel

Company recalls all peanuts and peanut products processed in Blakely since January 1, 2007

January 28, 2009

Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) announced this evening that the company has recalled all peanuts and peanut products processed and shipped from the company's Blakely, Georgia production facility since January 1, 2007.

Today's action follows the publication of FDA's investigation report that described unsanitary conditions in the Blakely plant.

Salmonella-contaminated peanut butter processed in the Blakely plant is blamed for an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections that has sickened more than 500 victims in 43 states, and one Canadian. Twenty-two percent of the victims have been hospitalized and the outbreak may have contributed to eight deaths.

PCA supplied its products to distributors and food processors across the United States, in Canada, Haiti, Korea and Trinidad. Some of the products that were manufactured using PCA products were exported to Canada and may also have been distributed overseas. Some pet treat manufacturers also purchased peanut butter products from PCA.

PCA's recall includes all styles, all sizes, and all lot codes that begin with '7', '8' or '9' of Peanut Butter, Peanut Paste, Peanut Meal, Peanut Granules and Peanuts.

We can expect a new series of consumer recalls to follow.

Allergy Alert: Undeclared Walnuts In Hannaford Ice Cream

January 28, 2009

House of Flavors Ice Cream Company (Ludington, MI) has recalled lot code SR L1 26-426 08319 of Hannaford Chocolate Chip Ice Cream due to the presence of undeclared walnuts in the product.

The recalled ice cream was sold through Sweetbay Supermarkets in the state of Florida, only.

 

The problem arose when cartons of Chocolate Chip ice cream were inadvertently filled at the production plant during or after a run of Maple Walnut ice cream. 

Individuals who are allergic to nuts may experience a life-threatening allergic reaction as a result of consuming even a small amount of the walnut-contaminated ice cream. Consumers are urged to return the product to a Sweetbay Supermarket store.

Peanut Butter Roulette

January 28, 2009

The FDA today released a report summarizing the observations made by agency inspectors during their review of the operations, plant records, and compliance status of Peanut Corporation of America's Blakely production facility. 

The complete report, which has not yet been posted on FDA's web site, is available on Bill Marler's blog site.

Two weeks ago, we offered some thoughts as to how peanut butter might become contaminated with Salmonella. We mentioned poor sanitation, poor maintenance, cross-contamination, and rodent or bird infestation. According to the FDA report, all of these elements were present in the Blakely plant. And more.

FDA discovered that PCA never validated the ability of its roasting process to kill Salmonella. Nor did the company maintain proper temperature control records, making verification impossible.

PCA also routinely engaged in data shopping. On a dozen occasions, beginning in January 2008, the private lab engaged by PCA to analyze peanuts, peanut paste and peanut butter reported having found Salmonella in a sample. Each time, management retested the contaminated product, obtained a "negative" result and shipped the product – probably accompanied by a "Certificate of Analysis" giving the production batch a clean bill of health.

In all, FDA investigators noted ten adverse observations.

1. Failure to manufacture foods under conditions and controls necessary to minimize the potential for growth of microorganisms and contamination - 12 Salmonella-positive lots retested and shipped to customers
   
2. Failure to maintain equipment, containers and utensils used to convey, hold, and store food in a manner that protects against contamination - Salmonella was found in peanut paste by the company's lab in September. The company did not clean the peanut paste production line after receiving the Salmonella-positive report, and continued to manufacture peanut paste on this line until the plant ceased operations on January 9, 2009.
   
3. Failure to perform mechanical manufacturing steps so as to protect food against contamination - Effectiveness of roasting temperature/time parameters was not validated, and proper roasting temperature records not maintained.
   
4. Failure to store finished food under conditions that would protect against microbial contamination - Raw peanuts and roasted peanuts were stored next to each other. Salmonella was detected by FDA in two environmental swab samples taken in the finished product storage area, and mold was observed on the walls and ceiling of the cooler used for storing finished product.
   
5. The plant is not constructed in such a manner as to allow ceilings to be kept in good repair - There were open gaps at the air conditioner intakes on the roof, and water stains and streaks around the skylights in areas directly over the production/packaging room.
   
6. The design of equipment and utensils fails to preclude the adulteration of food with contaminants - Felt material that cannot be cleaned or sanitized on the final roller at the roaster's discharge.
   
7. Proper precautions to protect food and food-contact surfaces from contamination with microorganisms cannot be taken because of deficiencies in plant construction and design - Ventilation system does not prevent cross-contamination; raw and finished products handling areas are not segregated from one another.
   
8. Devices and fixtures are not designed and constructed to protect against recontamination of clean, sanitized hands - The hand-washing sink is also used to wash utensils and floor mops.
   
9. Failure to conduct cleaning and sanitizing operations for utensils and equipment in a manner that protects against contamination of food - Dirt build-up of various sorts on equipment, conveyors, walls and floors.
   
10. Effective measures are not being taken to protect against the contamination of food on the premises by pests - Roaches (live and dead) in the wash room adjacent to the production facility.
    

When Peanut Corporation of America announced its initial voluntary recall, the company had this to say about its corporate philosophy:

"The company prides itself on the quality and freshness of its products and strives constantly to maintain an environment in compliance with federal, state and local regulations and guidelines to provide a clean, safe product."

The statement should have read:

 "Peanut Corporation of America prides itself on hiding contamination from its customers and from federal, state and local regulators, and trusts to blind luck that its products will not cause harm to consumers."

Hygaard Recalls More Sub Sandwiches

Updated January 28, 2009

Original article posted January 27, 2009

Hygaard Fine Foods (EST 318, Sherwood Park, Alberta) has recalled two more sub sandwiches, according to a Health Hazard Alert issued today by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The recalled products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Today's recall is an expansion of an initial recall, announced by Hygaard earlier this month.

The following products, distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and the Northwest Territories, were recalled by Hygaard today:

• Hygaard Lumberjack Sub (312g): UPC #0 65504 49413 7; Best before January 30, 2009
  
• Hygaard Little John Sub (387g): UPC #0 65504 49446 5; Best before January 30, 2009
  
• Hygaard Mini Pizza Sub family pack (798g): UPC #0 65504 49760 2 and 0 65504 49762 6; Best before March 06, 2009
• Hygaard Mini Ham Sub family pack (738g): UPC #0 65504 49759 6 and 0 65504 49763 3; Best before March 06, 2009
• Hygaard Mini Hoagie family pack (822g): UPC #0 65504 49765 7; Best before March 06, 2009

The Best Before dates may appear in different formats – for example, JAN 30, JA 30, or 30 01 09 – on the sandwich label.

Listeria monocytogenes causes mild flu-like or gastrointestinal illness in otherwise healthy individuals. But the elderly, the very young, and people with weakened immune systems or debilitated by a pre-existing illness may suffer very severe – possibly fatal – illness as a result of becoming infected by Listeria monocytogenes. A pregnant woman may transmit the infection to her unborn child, resulting in possible premature birth, stillbirth, or the birth of a seriously ill infant.

Anyone who may have eaten one of the recalled sandwiches and who begins to suffer symptoms of listeriosis should seek immediate medical attention.

Starbucks Drops All Peanut Butter Products

Company says its products not part of Salmonella recall

January 27, 2009

In a mysterious development, Starbucks has pulled all peanut butter products from its US and Canadian stores, even though Peanut Corporation of America is not a Starbucks supplier. According to Reuters, the company withdrew its peanut butter products as a "safety precaution."

It might be just coincidental that a Canadian customer of Starbucks claims to have suffered a near-fatal allergic reaction last spring after eating a Starbucks Peach Yogurt Parfait. The parfait contained undeclared nuts. CBC reported earlier today that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is investigating the incident, including Starbucks' labeling practices.

Kroger Recalls Stilton Cheese

January 27, 2009

Kroger has listed two separate recall notices for Stilton Cheese that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

This recall follows a similar recall of Stilton Cheese announced earlier this month by ShopRite, and a Canadian recall of Stilton Cheese initiated in December 2008.

The Kroger and ShopRite recalls do not mention the origin of the cheese. But the Canadian recall identified the contaminated Stilton as Cropwell Bishop Creamery Finest Blue Stilton Cheese, manufactured in the United Kingdom. The UK Food Standards Agency advised other European Union countries in the first week of January of a batch of Stilton Cheese that was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The Kroger recalls cover the following product formats and store chains:

• ILCHSTR STILTON WEDGE (8 OZ.), SWRS STILTON CHEESE WHEEL (8 LB.): in Dillons stores; in Kroger stores located in Greater Louisville (including Indiana), Lexington, and Nashville, TN, North Carolina, Virginia, Eastern WV, Eastern Kentucky, Indiana (except SE IN, -Evansville-), Illinois, Eastern Missouri, Texas and Louisiana
  
• STILTON CHEESE - STORE CUT & WRAPPED, SWRS STILTON CHEESE WHEEL (8 LB.): in Dillons stores; in Kroger stores located in Greater Louisville (including Indiana), Lexington, and Nashville, TN, North Carolina, Virginia, Eastern WV, Eastern Kentucky, Indiana (except SE IN, -Evansville-), Illinois, Eastern Missouri, Texas and Louisiana
  

Customers who purchased the recalled cheese should return it to the store for a refund.

Botulism Risk Prompts Dessert Sauce Recall

Updated January 27, 2009 with new retail distribution information

Original article posted January 25, 2009

Stonewall Kitchen (York, ME) has recalled seven of its dessert sauces after discovering that the pH (acidity) and water activity levels did not meet the company's food safety standards. Products with a pH of 4.6 or higher, or with elevated water activity, may promote the growth of Clostridium botulinum and the production of a potent neurotoxin by the microbe.

The company has recalled all product codes and expiration dates of the following items:

• Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce (SKU 161312) – round glass jar, 12 oz.
  
• Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Peanut Butter (SKU 161211) – round glass jar, 12 oz.
  
• Stonewall Kitchen Coffee Caramel Sauce (SKU 161204) – round glass jar, 13 oz.
  
• Stonewall Kitchen Dulce de Leche Sauce (SKU 161214) – round glass jar, 12.5 oz.
  
• Barefoot Contessa Espresso Dulce de Leche (SKU 542313) – round glass jar, 10.5 oz
  
• Simply Enjoy Coffee Caramel Sauce – square glass jar, 13 oz.
  
• Simply Enjoy Chocolate Peanut Butter Sauce – square glass jar, 12 oz.
  

The two Simply Enjoy items were distributed through A-Hold Corporation, the parent of Stop & Shop and Giant stores, and were sold nationally in both chains.

The Stonewall Kitchen and Barefoot Contessa sauces were also available nationally, through Stonewall Kitchen stores, through the Company's direct-sales division (catalog and internet sales) and through wholesale distribution. The Stonewall Kitchen and Barefoot Contessa sauces may have been purchased either in gift baskets or individually.

Recalled items also were available in the following retail store chains:

• Harris Teeter: Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Peanut Butter (12 oz.), UPC #0071138102546
  
• QFC (a Kroger chain): Stonewall Kitchen Coffee Carmel Sauce
  

The Company has received no complaints or illness reports linked to these products. Nevertheless, consumers should not even taste one of the sauces, as a minuscule quantity of botulinum toxin is capable of producing severe neurological symptoms. Anyone who has sampled one of these sauces and begins to experience even mild symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

Stonewall Kitchen asks consumers to return these products to the store for a full refund. Customers with questions can contact Stonewall Kitchen Premier Services at 1-800-826-1735.

Bits & Pieces: Black Diamond Mozzarella Slices Recalled

January 26, 2009

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced that Parmalat has recalled one date code batch of Black Diamond brand Fat-free Mozzarella processed cheese slices after receiving reports from two consumers, who complained of small pieces of embedded plastic mesh.

The 500g packages of processed cheese slices were produced by Parmalat in Belleville, ON and distributed across Canada. The packages are labeled with a code and Best Before date of 09 AU 09 REG1411, and UPC #0 68200 88837 8.

The plastic mesh pieces represent a choking hazard. Consumers should either discard the recalled packages of cheese slices or return them to the store for a refund.

Sliced Leeks Recalled In Canada

Updated January 26, 2009

Original article posted January 21, 2009

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency advises that Les Cultures de Chez Nous Inc. (Sainte-Brigitte-des Saults, QC) has recalled two sliced leek products. The company announced the recall after learning that the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The following two items – distributed in Québec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick – have been recalled:

• Sliced, Washed Leeks, 250g: UPC #6 61999 00250 7; Best before 27-01-09
  
• Sliced Leeks, 750g: UPC #6 61999 00750 2; Best before 27-01-09
  

No illnesses have been reported. Nevertheless, the consumption of a product contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes represents a serious health risk to the elderly, the very young, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

Anyone who has purchased the recalled items should either discard them or return them to the store. Consumers with questions about this recall are invited to contact the company at 819-336-4846.

S. Bourassa Recalls Sliced Leeks

January 26, 2009

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency advises residents in the Province of Québec that S. Bourassa (St-Sauveur) Limited has recalled sliced leeks that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recalled items contain sliced leeks supplied – and recalled last week – by Les Cultures de Chez Nous, Inc.

S. Bourassa has recalled sliced leeks sold in various weight packages (approximately 250g to 400g) bearing "EMP. LE 13/01/2009 (January 13, 2009) to 20/01/2009 (January 20, 2009)", "MEIL. AV. 20/01/2009 (January 20, 2009) to 27/01/2009 (January 27, 2009)", and code 160305X.

The recalled S. Bourassa Sliced Leeks were sold only in Québec.

No illnesses have been reported. Nevertheless, Listeria monocytogenes is an especially dangerous pathogen, and is capable of causing serious – even fatal – illnesses in susceptible individuals. Consumers are urged to either discard the recalled product or return it to the store for a refund.

Allergy Alert: Marché Esposito Recalls Three Products

January 26, 2009

The Québec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) has announced a recall of three Marché Esposito brand items due to the presence of undeclared allergens.

All packages carrying a packaging date up to and including 20 janvier 2009 (January 20, 2009) of the following items were recalled:

• Halvah pistache (Pistachio halvah): undeclared nuts and peanuts
  
• Salade de pomme de terre (Potato salad): undeclared eggs and sulfite
  
• Salade macaroni (Macaroni salad): undeclared eggs
  

The products were sold only at Marché Esposito, 340 Marcel Laurin, St-Laurent, QC.

Individuals who are allergic to eggs, peanuts or other nuts, or who are sensitive to sulfites, may experience a severe reaction after eating even a small quantity of these products. Consumers should either discard the items, or return them to Marché Esposito for a refund.

Allergy Alert: Végé-Pâté Recalled in Québec

January 26, 2009

The Québec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) announced a recall of Bio-Bon brand Végé-Pâté, due to the presence of gluten in the product. The pâté was labeled "Sans Gluten" (gluten-free).

The vegetarian pâté was packaged in 200g containers and sold in a number of unspecified retail stores in the province. The recall covers packages labeled with a "Best before" date of 4 février 2009 (February 4, 2009), and packages that do not show a "Best before" date.

Individuals who are sensitive to gluten may experience severe gastrointestinal discomfort after eating a food that contains gluten. Consumers who purchased this mislabeled pâté should return it to the store for a refund.

Allergy Alert: Heinz BBQ Sauce Recalled in Australia

January 25, 2009

Heinz Australia has recalled a single batch of Heinz BBQ Sauce with Honey and Black Pepper due to the presence of undeclared wheat and soy.

The recalled BBQ sauce was packaged in 370 mL plastic bottles, labeled as Best Before 19/11/10. It was distributed throughout Australia.

While most individuals can consume the BBQ sauce without risk, people who are allergic to wheat or soy may experience a severe allergic reaction after consuming even a small quantity of the BBQ sauce.

Consumers are requested to return the recalled items to the store for a full refund.

Bits & Pieces: Barber Foods Recalls Frozen, Stuffed Chicken

January 25, 2009

Barber Foods (Portland, ME) announced on January 20th that the Company was recalling approximately 6,050 pounds of frozen, stuffed chicken products after learning that the food items may contain pieces of plastic. The problem was discovered as a result of a consumer complaint.

The following items were recalled by Barber:

• Market Day® Stuffed Chicken Breast Roast with Rib Meat, with Cranberry and Sage Stuffing (2.5-pound packages): Est. No. P-276, Product Code 1037, Cat. C, Date code 31881 (located at the top of the ingredient statement on the box).
  
• BARBER FOODS DISTINCTIONS Barber Carver with Cranberry and Sage Stuffing (10-pound cases): Est. No. P-276, Product Code 031484, Date code 31881 or 31882 (located on the top of the case)
  

The two recalled items were produced on November 13th. They were distributed by Market Day in the Midwest and Eastern United States, and by Barber Foods to institutional food service establishments and as samples nationwide.

As this is a Class II recall, USDA will not be posting a retail distribution list. Consumers can contact Market Day (1-877-632-7753) and Barber Foods (1-800-577-2595) directly to request more information.

Canada Recalls Sub Sandwiches

January 20, 2009

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has advised consumers that certain Hygaard brand sub sandwiches may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and have been recalled.

The following sandwiches, sold only in Saskatchewan and northern Alberta, are included in this recall:

• Hygaard Mini Pizza Sub, 140 g: UPC 0 65504 49440 3, Best before February 10, 2009
  
• Hygaard Little John Sub, 387 g: UPC 0 65504 49446 5, Best before February 10, 2009
  

The Best before date may appear on the label as FEB 10, FE 10 or 10 02 09.

No illnesses have been reported, but Listeria monocytogenes can cause a life-threatening illness among susceptible populations, including the elderly, the very young, and individuals with weakened immunity. Pregnant women may transmit their infection to their infants in utero, resulting in premature delivery, stillbirth or the birth of an already-contaminated baby.

Any individual who has consumed one of the recalled sandwiches and begins to experience symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection, including mild gastrointestinal or flu-like symptoms, should seek medical advice.

Uneviscerated Mackerel Recalled in New York

January 19, 2009

K-Fat Inc. (Brooklyn, NY) has announced a recall of Golden Dragon Fish brand Frozen Cooked Mackerel Fish because the fish had not been eviscerated prior to processing.

Processing uneviscerated fish exposes consumers to a risk of Clostridium botulinum.

The problem was discovered during a routine inspection carried out by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

The fish is a product of Vietnam and is packaged in uncoded 250g plastic bag and basket. It was distributed in New York and New Jersey, only.

Salmonella Found In Austin® Sandwich Cracker

January 19, 2009

FDA has just announced having confirmed the presence of Salmonella in a sample of Austin® Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter. This variety of sandwich cracker was one of the peanut butter products recalled by The Kellogg Company. Genetic fingerprint information was not released – probably because the analysis is still in progress.

Kellogg Company, which has behaved admirably throughout this peanut butter ordeal, released the following statement from the Company's President and CEO, David Mackay:

"We apologize to our consumers and customers, and we can't emphasize enough our disappointment and deep regret about this situation. The food industry upholds certain operating standards and we are proud that we exceed these standards in our facilities. Events of the last week suggest there was a breach in this supplier's process that is unacceptable to Kellogg, our customers and our consumers."

"Based on our learnings from this experience and consistent with our 100-year commitment to quality and food safety, Kellogg will evaluate its processes to ensure we take necessary actions to reassure consumers and rebuild confidence in these products."

This outbreak, which has been linked to peanut butter products processed and sold by Peanut Corporation of America, has grown to at least 474 confirmed cases as of January 17th. Twenty-three percent of the victims have been hospitalized. Six have died.

The list of recalled peanut butter products is growing day by day, and most of the recalled items probably are still on store shelves.

Please monitor Peanut Butter Recalls & Alerts for updated information.

PCA Peanut Butter Shipped to Canada, Korea & Haiti

January 19, 2009

In the most recent of a series of recall announcements, Peanut Corporation of America has expanded its recall once again, to include all peanut butter and peanut paste produced in its Blakely, Georgia facility on or after July 1, 2008.

According to the news release, PCA shipped the recalled products to North American customers in 24 states and the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, as well as to overseas customers in Haiti and Korea. PCA supplies its products to food service operations, institutions, distributors and food processors. 

While PCA is not sold in retail stores, snack foods that were made using the recalled peanut butter and peanut paste is widely available to consumers in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and even in vending machines.

These lot numbers of the following products have been recalled:

8183 8184 8185 8186 8187 8188 8189 8190 8191 8192 8193 8194 8195 8196 8197 8198 8199 8200 8201 8202 8203 8204 8205 8206 8207 8208 8209 8210 8211 8212 8213 8214 8215 8216 8217 8218 8219 8220 8221 8222 8223 8224 8225 8226 8227 8228 8229 8230 8231 8232 8233 8234 8235 8236 8237 8238 8239 8240 8241 8242 8243 8244 8245 8246 8247 8248 8249 8250 8251 8252 8253 8254 8255 8256 8257 8258 8259 8260 8261 8262 8263 8264 8265 8266 8267 8268 8269 8270 8271 8272 8273 8274 8275 8276 8277 8278 8279 8280 8281 8282 8283 8284 8285 8286 8287 8288 8289 8290 8291 8292 8293 8294 8295 8296 8297 8298 8299 8300 8301 8302 8303 8304 8305 8306 8307 8308 8309 8310 8311 8312 8313 8314 8315 8316 8317 8318 8319 8320 8321 8322 8323 8324 8325 8326 8327 8328 8329 8330 8331 8332 8333 8334 8335 8336 8337 8338 8339 8340 8341 8342 8343 8344 8345 8346 8347 8348 8349 8350 8351 8352 8353 8354 8355 8356 8357 8358 8359 8360 8361 8362 8363 8364 8365 8366 9001 9002 9003 9004 9005 9006 9007 9008 9009 9010 9011 9012 9013 9014 9015 9016.

• Stock #551000: 6 ct / 5 lb; Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551000 AZ: 6 ct / 5 lb; Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter with Sugar
  
• Stock #551006: 6 ct / 5 lb; Crunchy Stabilized Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551020: 35 lb; Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551022: 35 lb; Natural Course Peanut Paste
  
• Stock #551025: 35 lb; Old Fashioned Creamy Peanut Butter w/ 1% Salt
  
• Stock #551026: 35 lb; Old Fashioned Crunchy Peanut Butter w/ 1% Salt
  
• Stock #551034: 35 lb; Crunchy Stabilized Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551035: 35 lb; Crunchy Natural Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551040: 35 lb; Creamy Natural Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551049: 50 lb; Sugar Free Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551050: 50 lb; Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551050-PO: 50 lb; Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter with Palm Oil
  
• Stock #551050-D: 50 lb; Dark Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551050-XS: 50 lb; Creamy Extra Stabilized Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551051: 50 lb; Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter with Monodiglyceride
  
• Stock #551053: 50 lb; Crunchy Stabilized Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551053-OS: 50 lb; Extra Crunchy Stabilized Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551059: 475 lb; Creamy Natural Peanut Butter with Stabilizer
  
• Stock #551060: 35 lb; Organic Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551061: 35 lb; Organic Old Fashioned Crunchy Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551062: 35 lb; Organic Crunchy Natural Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551063: 35 lb; Organic Old Fashioned Creamy Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551064: 35 lb; Organic Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551072: 45 lb; Peanut Butter Variegate
  
• Stock #551080: 475 lb; Creamy Natural Redskin Peanut Butter with Salt
  
• Stock #551082: 475 lb; Creamy Natural Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #551082-DR: 475 lb; Dark Roasted Creamy Natural Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #561000: 35 lb; Pet Food Paste
  
• Stock #561000: 475 lb; Feed Grade Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #100TPASTE: 1700 lb; Creamy Natural Peanut Butter
  
• Stock #RM-PASTE: 1700 lb; Peanut Paste
  

The following lot numbers of PCA Stock #561058 (Tanker load; Coarse Natural Paste) have been recalled:

8169 8170 8172 8173 8174 8184 8185 8186 8187 8203 8204 8205 8206 8214 8215 8216 8217 8219 8220 8221 8222 8223 8225 8226 8227 8228 8259 8260 8261 8262 8263 8264 8280 8281 8282 8283 8302 8303 8304 8305 8308 8309 8310 8311 8343 8344 8345 8346 8347 8350 8351 8352.

For up-to-date information on recalls of consumer items manufactured using these PCA products, please monitor eFoodAlert's Peanut Butter Recalls and Alerts.

ShopRite Recalls Stilton Cheese

January 18, 2009

ShopRite has recalled all sizes and date codes of Global Cheese Market brand Stilton Cheese due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

No illnesses have been reported, and there is no indication of where the cheese was produced.

Last month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency alerted Canadian consumers to a recall of Cropwell Bishop Creamery Finest Blue Stilton Cheese, manufactured in the United Kingdom. That recall, also, was due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. 

Our email inquiry to Cropwell Bishop Creamery went unanswered. But the United Kingdom notified other countries in the European Union of a batch of blue Stilton cheese that was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes at a level of 100 per gram.

Customers of ShopRite who purchased Global Cheese Market brand Stilton Cheese should return it to the store for a refund.

Peanut Butter-Related Recalls Multiply

January 17, 2009

Peanut Corporation of America has expanded its initial voluntary recall of peanut butter – announced just 3 days ago – to include "... all peanut butter produced on or after August 8, 2008 and peanut paste produced on or after September 26, 2008..." in its Blakely, Georgia facility.

The expanded recall comes after the states of Connecticut and Georgia both reported recovering Salmonella from previously unopened jars of King Nut peanut butter, and after Kellogg Company – to which PCA supplied peanut paste – announced its own recall of 16 Keebler®, Famous Amos® and Austin® products.

Hy-Vee Inc., a regional commercial bakery that purchased peanut butter from PCA also has initiated a recall of several items.

PCA has halted all production in its Blakely plant, and is notifying all customers who purchased peanut butter or peanut butter paste during the August 8 to September 26 time period to recall and retain all affected products.

The investigation, and the series of recalls it has spawned, was triggered by a national outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections that has sickened at least 453 people so far and has caused – or been associated with – six deaths.

Many more recalls are certain to follow, as customers of PCA receive notification of the recall. Please watch the eFoodAlert Peanut Butter Recalls & Alerts for updates as more information becomes available.

Kellogg Recalls Peanut Butter Snacks

Recall Includes Famous Amos®, Keebler® and Austin® Products

January 17, 2009

The Kellogg Company has initiated a voluntary recall of peanut butter sandwich crackers and cookies due to the possibility that they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

This action follows on the heels of Salmonella having been confirmed yesterday in unopened jars of King Nut peanut butter by the states of Connecticut and Georgia. 

Peanut Corporation of America, the manufacturer of King Nut peanut butter, supplied Kellogg with peanut butter paste used as an ingredient in the recalled products.

The recall announced by Kellogg covers all batches of the following products manufactured since July 1, 2008:

• Austin® Quality Foods Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter - all sizes
  
• Austin® Quality Foods Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – all sizes
  
• Austin® Quality Foods Mega Stuffed Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter – all sizes
  
• Austin® Quality Foods PB & J Cracker Sandwiches – all sizes
  
• Austin® Quality Foods Super Snack Pack Sandwich Crackers
  
• Austin® Quality Foods Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – all sizes
  
• Austin® Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter – all sizes
  
• Austin® Quality Foods Reduced Fat Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
  
• Austin® Quality Foods Reduced Fat Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
  
• Austin® Quality Foods Cookie/Cracker Pack
  
• Austin® Quality Foods Variety Pack
  
• Keebler® Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – all sizes
  
• Keebler® Toast & PB 'n J Flavored Sandwich Crackers – all sizes
  
• Keebler® Toast & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – all sizes
  
• Famous Amos® Peanut Butter Cookies (2- and 3-ounce)
  
• Keebler® Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookies (2.5-ounce)
  

Consumers are urged to destroy or return any of these recalled products. To arrange for a refund, contact the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 877-869-5633.

Sixth Death Reported In Peanut Butter Outbreak

Salmonella found in unopened peanut butter jars in Georgia and Connecticut

January 16, 2009

North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services reported today that a Catawba County resident died of "...a blood infection caused by Salmonella..." in November 2008. The victim was infected by the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium that has been linked to contaminated peanut butter manufactured at the Blakely, Georgia facility owned and operated by Peanut Corporation of America.

This report brings the death toll in the current outbreak to six – two each in Virginia and Minnesota, one in Idaho and one in North Carolina.

The state did not release any other details about the victim, but reported that there are now four confirmed outbreak cases of salmonellosis in North Carolina.

Ohio, also has released an updated list of outbreak cases, summarized by county. That state has now logged a total of 64 confirmed cases in 25 counties. Eighteen victims have been hospitalized; fortunately, there have been no fatalities.

CDC reported this evening that the number of confirmed cases has risen to 453. This new tally does not reflect the increased number of cases in Ohio, which stands at 57 in the CDC totals. Nor does today's summary include the death just reported by North Carolina.

Salmonella contamination has now been confirmed in unopened jars of peanut butter in two separate states. The Georgia Department of Agriculture, which reported a presumptive positive result yesterday, has now confirmed Salmonella in "... an unopened five-pound tub of King Nut Creamy Peanut Butter with 'Best Before 1/07/10." Additional samples are still being analyzed, and testing is underway to determine whether the genetic fingerprint of this isolate matches the outbreak strain.

Connecticut, too, has found Salmonella in an unopened container of peanut butter. The state's Department of Consumer Protection detected Salmonella Type B (the group to which Typhimurium belongs) in a jar of King Nut peanut butter obtained from City Line distributors (West Haven, CT). 

The contaminated five-pound tub was labeled with lot #8234 and a production date of 8/21/2008. Genetic fingerprinting of the isolate is underway and additional samples are being analyzed. The peanut butter is believed to have been shipped by City Line to customers in Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. City Line has provided its distribution lists to the state and is cooperating in the investigation.

There has been no further word from Kellogg on the progress of their internal investigations. The company announced a "precautionary hold" of several Austin and Keebler peanut butter sandwich cracker varieties two days ago. Nor has any other food processor announced a hold or recall of products that contain peanut butter.

According to a report carried by Associated Press, FDA is contacting approximately 30 food processing companies that may have received contaminated peanut butter or peanut butter paste from PCA, and advising those companies to test their products.

This investigation, undoubtedly, will generate a plethora of recalls, and new pressure to review and reform the country's food safety system.

Who Manufactured Aflatoxin-Contaminated Optima Dog Food?

January 16, 2009

So far, no one has owned up to having produced the aflatoxin-contaminated Optima brand dog food that has been linked to at least 20 dog deaths in China.

Media reports have variously described the dog food as having been manufactured in Australia by Doane International Pet Products, or having been imported into China from the United States via a Taiwan company.

China's government agency denies having authorized the importation of Optima pet food, and the Australian government has corroborated China's claim. Australia states that Optima pet food never was exported from Australia to China. Furthermore, there is no Australian corporate registration record for Doane International Pet Products. This confirms our Wednesday report that Doane is not registered in Australia.

Was the Optima dog food manufactured in the United States? Mars denies having manufactured the offending dog food – or having authorized manufacture by a third party. We have had no response from Mars to our emailed request for comment.

Perhaps this "imported" dog food actually was "Made in China."

Toxin Alert: Arsenic in Fangocur mineral drink

January 16, 2009

The UK Food Standards Agency has alerted consumers to the presence of dangerous levels of arsenic in Fangocur mineral supplement drink, a product of Austria.

Fangocur is sold only over the Internet, and is not available in stores in the UK.

The UK government has received two reports of illness in the Chelsea area that appear to be linked to consumption of these drinks. Reported symptoms included dizziness, heart palpitations and stomach cramps.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring mineral with several industrial uses. Acute arsenic poisoning can produce gastrointestinal upsets, kidney failure and liver damage. Arsenic also is a know carcinogen. 

The Food Standards Agency offers the following advice to consumers:

"You should not drink this product. If you have consumed this product and feel ill as a result, contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or speak to your doctor."

Singapore Recalls Canned Broth From Thailand

January 16, 2009

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AFVS) has announced a recall of New Moon Brand Premium Abalone Broth (Concentrated), imported from Thailand by Goh Joo Hin Pte Ltd.

Singapore took this action after receiving information that the product had a "bad smell" on opening. AFVS is investigating the cause of the problem.

The agency warns that the public should avoid consuming the following product:

• New Moon brand Premium Abalone Broth (Concentrated), 400-gram can
  
• Product of Thailand
  
• Identification codes: SPF PRO: 10/10/2008, ABB EXP: 09/10/2011
  

There are several possible explanations for off-smell in a canned product, including the use of spoiled or substandard ingredients, inadequate heat-processing, and leaky can seams. Any of these conditions may result in food that is hazardous to health.

Sliced Apples Contaminated With Listeria monocytogenes

January 15, 2009

Sunset Orchards/Richland Hills (Richland Center, WI) has recalled several sliced apple products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to information released today by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

The sliced apple products, which are labeled with "Use By" dates of Jan 26-30, were distributed mainly to restaurants and to institutions such as schools, nursing homes and hospitals.

The company has recalled the following list of sliced apple products:

• Richland Hills Sliced Apples in 2-ounce, 2.4-ounce, 3-ounce, 2-pound and 10-pound packages
  
• Richland Hills Honeycrisp Sliced Apples in 4-ounce packages
  
• Richland Hills Organic Sliced Apples in 4-ounce and 6-ounce packages
  
• Crunch Pak Organic Sliced Apples in 6-ounce packages
  
• Richland Hills Apple Nibblers in 2-ounce packages
  
• Richland Hills Diced Apples in 2-pound and 10-pound packages
  
• Richland Hills Quartered Apples in 10-pound packages
  
• Richland Hills Half Apples in 10-pound packages
  

Additionally, the company has recalled Pearson Foods fruit trays with sell-by dates of Jan. 19 and earlier and containing 6.5-ounce, 12-ounce, 24-ounce, 36-ounce and 48-ounce packages of apples.

There also was limited retail distribution of the recalled items, including Crunch Pak Organic Sliced Apples, which were recalled by Costco on January 12th.

Listeria monocytogenes usually produces only a mild infection. But the pathogen can cause life-threatening illness in susceptible individuals, including the elderly, the very young, chronically ill persons, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women. 

The dangers inherent in Listeria monocytogenes outbreaks were demonstrated with lethal results in last summer's Canadian outbreak that killed twenty of its victims. Fortunately, no illnesses have been reported so far in conjunction with the sliced apple products.

Institutions who purchased the recalled items are asked to contact their suppliers for instructions. Consumers are requested to return the recalled products to the store for a refund. For more information, contact the company toll-free at 1-800-811-8088.

Georgia Lab Reports Preliminary Salmonella Finding in Recalled Peanut Butter

January 15, 2009

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has made a "presumptive" finding of Salmonella in two samples of peanut butter from Peanut Corporation of America's Blakely processing facility.

Peanut butter from this facility was recalled by PCA earlier this week, after Minnesota researchers confirmed the recovery of the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium from an opened jar of peanut butter manufactured by PCA and distributed by King Nut.

The Georgia lab has initiated "confirming" tests to verify that the bacteria they isolated are Salmonella. Assuming a positive outcome, the isolates will be genetically typed to establish whether or not they match the outbreak strain. The results of these additional tests may be available as early next week.

If the confirming tests are positive, this will represent the first isolation of Salmonella from a previously unopened container of peanut butter during this outbreak investigation.

Earlier today, CDC released another update of the statistical profile of this national outbreak. As of 9pm EDT Wednesday evening, the number of confirmed cases stood at 448 infected individuals in 43 states. Twenty-two percent of the victims have been hospitalized for treatment, and five of the victims have died.

While the peanut butter produced in Blakely was distributed to commercial food processors, only one company so far – Kellogg Company – has announced a precautionary product hold to remove possibly affected consumer products from the market.

What are PCA's other commercial customers waiting for?

Québec Company Recalls Chocolate Spreads

Updated January 15, 2009

Original article posted December 6, 2008

Verger Duhaime Inc. (St. Germain, QC) has recalled all date codes of several varieties of Duhaime Chocolaté brands spreads. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Allergy Alert (updated January 15, 2009 with additional distribution information), these spreads may contain milk which is not declared on the label.

The recall encompasses the following items (UPC numbers in brackets), distributed in Québec, Ontario, New Brunswick and British Columbia, and possibly in other parts of Canada as well:

• Banana and Bourbon Vanilla (7 63026 00215 0)
  
• Black Tea and Vanilla Bourbon (7 63026 00615 8)
  
• Cranberry and Lemon (7 63026 00715 5)
  
• Fig and Port (7 63026 00515 1)
  
• Lychee, Ginger and Lemon (7 63026 00815 2)
  
• Orange and Cardamom (7 63026 00415 4)
  
• Pear and Dark Rum (7 63026 00915 9)
  
• Red Pepper, Honey and Paprika (7 63026 01115 2)
  
• Santos Bourbon Coffee (7 63026 00315 7)
  
• Strawberry and Kiwi (7 63026 00115 3)
  

While there have been no reported illnesses, individuals who are allergic to milk proteins may suffer a severe allergic reaction after eating the recalled items. Consumers who wish to avoid consuming milk-containing products should either discard these spreads or return them to the store for a refund.

Bits & Pieces: New Zealand Savouries Recalled

January 15, 2009

Couplands Bakeries (ChristChurch, NZ) has recalled packages of their "2 dozen frozen Assorted Savouries" due to the risk that some items may be contaminated with plastic fragments.

The recalled packages are labeled with Best Before dates of 29/12/09, 30/12/09 and 5/1/10. The products were sold on the South Island in Couplands Bakeries stores, and at Prime Cut Meats in Wanaka, South Island.

Consumers are requested to return the recalled savouries to the store for a replacement or refund.

Allergy Alert: ShopRite Kosher Bread Crumbs

January 15, 2009

ShopRite has recalled 15-ounce (425 g) packages of ShopRite brand Kosher Bread Crumbs (UPC #41190-04486) due to the presence of undeclared sesame seeds.

Individuals who are allergic to sesame seeds could experience a severe allergic reaction after consuming the bread crumbs.

Consumers with questions about this recall should contact the ShopRite Customer Care Center at 1-800-746-7748.

Salmonella Typhimurium: Confirmed Cases "Tip of the Iceberg"

January 15, 2009

In every major food poisoning outbreak, whether Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes or E. coli O157:H7, the confirmed cases represent only a fraction of the actual number of outbreak victims. This outbreak will be no different.

Yesterday, the Kellogg Company announced a precautionary product hold on several varieties of Austin and Keebler peanut butter sandwich crackers while it determined whether the snacks were made using peanut butter paste recalled by Peanut Corporation of America.

Here is what a reader of eFoodAlert had to say:

"I purchase the toasted PB and the cheese and pb at CVS Division and State Streets in Chicago. I got sick the beginning of Thanksgiving week. I thought I had the "flu." I used Immodium and then a probiotic because the immodium wasn't working. I continued to purchase these products even through this week, after going off the probiotic the "flu" symptoms reoccurred.

Stupid me, 'did not go to a doctor, thought the problem would "pass." CVS keeps of a record of purchases made on the CVS card accounts. They should be able to track the users who got sick. I'd say the chances of Austin brand using the tainted peanut butter is almost 95% but most people don't die from intestinal salmonella but my reactive arthritis sure is doing a number on me."

Please avoid all "filled" cookies, crackers, candies and other snacks that contain peanut butter – including ice creams. Baked peanut butter-flavored items should be safe, as the Salmonella should be killed by oven baking. 

And watch eFoodAlert updates for the latest recall information.

Salmonella Typhimurium: 434 People Infected; 5 Dead

January 15, 2009

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported late yesterday evening that the number of confirmed cases of salmonellosis attributed to the national outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium has risen to at least 434 people, five of whom have died. One New Brunswick (Canada) resident who visits the United States frequently also has been infected with the outbreak strain.

While there is no way of knowing to what extent Salmonella was responsible for these deaths, all five of the deceased were infected with the Salmonella Typhimurium strain that has been found in peanut butter. One of the dead victims was a resident of Idaho, two were from Virginia and two from Minnesota. Three were over 65 years of age – two of them older than 70.

Twenty-eight percent of the confirmed cases have needed hospital care – a high, but not unheard-of proportion of cases, based on data from US Salmonella outbreaks reported in the last several years. The number of victims is almost evenly split between genders – 49% are female; the oldest victim is over 98 years of age, and the youngest under one year. The most recent reported onset date was December 31, 2008.

The distribution of confirmed cases by state is as follows:

Alabama (1), Arizona (8), Arkansas (4), California (57), Colorado (9), Connecticut (8), Georgia (6), Hawaii (1), Idaho (10), Illinois (5), Indiana (3), Iowa (1), Kansas (2), Kentucky (3), Maine (4), Maryland (7), Massachusetts (40), Michigan (20), Minnesota (33), Missouri (8), Mississippi (1), Nebraska (1), New Hampshire (10), New Jersey (16), New York (17), Nevada (5), North Carolina (1), North Dakota (10), Ohio (57), Oklahoma (2), Oregon (5), Pennsylvania (13), Rhode Island (4), South Dakota (2), Tennessee (8), Texas (6), Utah (3), Vermont (4), Virginia (19), Washington (13), West Virginia (2), Wisconsin (3), and Wyoming (2).

Epidemiological detective work by the Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture linked the outbreak last week to peanut butter distributed by King Nut to nursing homes and other institutions in the states. Salmonella recovered from an opened jar of peanut butter taken from one of the facilities was a genetic match for the outbreak strain.

King Nut and Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) – the manufacturer of the peanut butter – have both initiated product recalls. And yesterday, the Kellogg Company announced a precautionary "product hold" on several Austin and Keebler varieties of peanut butter sandwich crackers. The company, which may have used PCA's peanut butter paste in the filling for some of the sandwich crackers took this step to protect consumers while it traces the ingredients used in its outstanding stock of these products.

While the peak in the number of new cases may have occurred in late November and the first part of December, there is a risk of a second spurt of new cases as products made with some of the contaminated peanut butter reach retail consumers. Kellogg's responsible action may have forestalled some of this, but we haven't yet heard from other commercial customers of PCA.

Let's hope that PCA's other customers take their cue from Kellogg and put consumer protection first.

Kellogg Puts Hold on Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers

January 14, 2009

The Kellogg Company has placed a precautionary hold on its Austin and Keebler brands of peanut butter sandwich crackers, and is asking consumers to not eat these products until the investigation surrounding the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) peanut butter recall has been completed.

PCA is one of several suppliers of peanut butter paste used in the fillings of these sandwich crackers.

Kellogg has put an inventory hold on the products, and has instructed that they be removed from store shelves. The company has not issued a recall notice, but is using the "product hold" mechanism as a safety precaution while it determines whether any of the following Austin or Keebler products contain recalled peanut butter:

• Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
  
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Crackers
  
• Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
  
• Peanut Butter-Chocolate Sandwich Crackers
  

Kellogg has not received reports of any illnesses associated with these products. And, while the company has not initiated a recall, any consumer who wishes to return one of the sandwich cracker products for a refund can call the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 1-888-314-2060.

Five Dead in Peanut Butter Outbreak

January 14, 2009

According to the Associated Press, the death toll among victims of the national Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak has risen to five – two each in Minnesota and Virginia, and one in Idaho.

The five people whose deaths may be due to their having becoming infected with Salmonella Typhimurium after eating contaminated peanut butter include:

• A man over the age of 65 from eastern Idaho
  
• Two adults in Virginia (no other details released)
  
• A Minnesota man in his 70s
  
• A Minnesota woman in her 70s
  

As of January 12th, CDC was reporting 410 confirmed cases of salmonellosis due to the outbreak strain in 43 states, and 3 deaths. According to Marler Blog, the total number of victims has now surpassed 425.

Anyone who followed the progress of last summer's Listeria monocytogenes outbreak in Canada can be excused for experiencing a feeling of déjà vu. The contaminated peanut butter was served to people in nursing homes and long term care facilities – a group of individuals with weakened immune systems. This population is highly susceptible to suffering severe dehydration as a result of gastroenteritis.

Tragically, we can expect the death rate from this Salmonella outbreak to be higher than is usually the case for Salmonella. 

Optima Dog Food Accused of Poisoning Dogs in China

January 14, 2009

At least 20 dogs – including 3 in Shanghai – have apparently died from aflatoxin-induced liver failure in the Peoples Republic of China after being fed imported dog food, according to Dong Hui of the Shanghai Daily on-line. Additional dogs are ill.

The illnesses reportedly are linked to a batch of Optima Puppy Lamb and Rice Dry Dog Food that was manufactured sometime in August/September 2008. The Shanghai dealer has recalled the offending batch.

According to both the Shanghai Daily report and CNN Asia, the imported dog food was manufactured in Australia by Doane International Pet Products and distributed in the PRC by Natural Pet Corporation, a Taiwan company. But, neither we nor our Australian contacts were able to find a listing for Doane in the Australian Business Register. Nor, to our knowledge, is Optima available on the Australian market (although Mars offers "Optimum" brand dog food in Australia).

Optima brand pet food is manufactured by Doane International Pet Products LLC of Brentwood, TN (USA). Doane was acquired in 2006 by Mars, Inc. and operates under the Mars Petcare umbrella. When contacted by Associated Press, Mars issued the following statement:

"To the best of its current knowledge, the Optima-branded pet food which appears to have caused these reported incidents in the People's Republic of China was not manufactured by, or under the authority of, Mars or any of its affiliated companies."

The Natural Pet Corporation website lists Optima as one of its products, but does not indicate the country of manufacture. We have queried both Optima (Mars Petcare) and Natural Pet Corporation seeking clarification of the confusion.

Will Mars determine, on further investigation, that the offending batch of Optima was manufactured in the United States? Or is there another explanation, such as unauthorized use of the Optima name and packaging design by an unscrupulous overseas pet food manufacturer?

Dead dogs tell no tales. But someone should.

Peanut Corporation of America Initiates Massive Recall

January 14, 2009

Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) has initiated a voluntary nationwide recall of 21 lots of peanut butter, sold to institutional and commercial customers in containers ranging from 5 to 50 pounds. All of the recalled peanut butter was produced on or after July 1, 2008.

The recall comes on the heels of a report from the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health that tied the strain of Salmonella isolated from an opened jar of King Nut peanut butter to the national Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak that has sickened at least 410 people in 43 states. PCA was the manufacturer of King Nut peanut butter.

All of the peanut butter recalled by PCA was manufactured in its Blakely, GA facility for institutional and commercial distribution – to food service operations, cafeterias, long term care facilities, hospitals, and food processors. PCA does not package its peanut butter for retail distribution.

The following lot numbers and products have been recalled. PCA is asking its customers to remove all of these products from distribution, and has set up a special toll-free hotline (1-877-564-7080) to respond to questions from its customers.

Lot Numbers

8193, 8194, 8197, 8233, 8234, 8235, 8241, 8255, 8256, 8275, 8276, 8282, 8283, 8284, 8296, 8316, 8330, 8331, 8336, 8345, 8354

Product List

Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter: Stock #551000, Pack Size 6 ct / 5 lb
Crunchy Stabilized Peanut Butter: Stock #551006, Pack Size 6 ct / 5 lb
Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter: Stock #551020, Pack Size 35 lb
Natural Course Peanut Paste: Stock #551022, Pack Size 35 lb
Old Fashioned Creamy Peanut Butter with 1% Salt: Stock #551025, Pack Size 35 lb
Crunchy Natural Peanut Butter: Stock #551035, Pack Size 35 lb
Creamy Natural Peanut Butter: Stock #551040, Pack Size 35 lb
Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter: Stock #551050, Pack Size 50 lb
Dark Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter: Stock #551050-D, Pack Size 50 lb
Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter with Monodiglyceride: Stock #551051, Pack Size 50 lb
Crunchy Stabilized Peanut Butter: Stock #551053, Pack Size 50 lb
Peanut Butter Variegate: Stock #551072, Pack Size 45 lb

PCA is continuing to cooperate with FDA, CDC and state agencies in their investigation of this outbreak.

The company has not identified any of its customers by name, except for King Nut, which recalled all peanut butter manufactured for it by PCA even before Minnesota confirmed that the Salmonella it found in an opened jar of peanut butter was identical genetically to the outbreak strain.

We can expect additional recalls as PCA's other customers begin to chime in. While the two recalls announced so far have been limited to institutions and commercial customers, the next tier of announcements could easily include some retail products.

Peanut Corporation of America Silent on Latest Peanut Butter Outbreak News

January 13, 2009

Yesterday, CDC announced that the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak now encompasses 43 states and has sickened at least 410 people. The only unaffected states are Alaska, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, and South Carolina.

Yesterday, the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health announced that the strain of Salmonella recovered from an opened jar of King Nut peanut butter found at a long-term care facility in that state was identical genetically to the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium.

Yesterday, Martin Kanan, President and CEO of King Nut Companies, clarified that his company only distributed peanut butter in 7 states – Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota, Arizona, Idaho and New Hampshire. The company has already recalled all King Nut peanut butter with lot codes beginning with "8" and all Parnell's Pride peanut butter.

Yesterday, Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) – the manufacturer of the peanut butter – said . . . nothing.

PCA's official position is stated in its January 10th Press Release:

"To date, the only conclusive testing linking salmonella to PCA's product was done on an open container of the peanut butter in a large, institutional kitchen. The history of the handling of that open container is unknown at this time."

While PCA is cooperating with FDA and CDC in their outbreak investigation, it's clear that the company does not intend to recall any products unless and until Salmonella is found either in an unopened jar of its peanut butter, or the outbreak strain is found in its production environment.

The wide gulf between the number of states in which King Nut distributed peanut butter and the number of states affected by this outbreak is manifest evidence that there is other contaminated product in circulation. Whether the contamination is limited to institutional jars of peanut butter, or whether other products that contain peanut butter – cookies, candies, ice cream – are also affected, remains to be determined.

Costco Recalls Crunch Pak Organic Apple Slices

January 13, 2009

Costco Wholesale Corporation has recalled all lots of Crunch Pak Organic Apple Slices (Costco Item #32858) purchased in its Mid-West stores between December 26, 2008 and January 12, 2009, due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

No illnesses have been reported, but Costco advises that environmental cross-contamination with Listeria monocytogenes may have taken place.

Costco urges anyone who purchased Crunch Pak Organic Apple Slices between the specified dates should return the package to the store for a full refund.

Please contact Tony Freitag at (509) 782-7753 or your local Costco warehouse for more information.

Bits & Pieces: Price Chopper Recalls Artisan Bread

January 13, 2009

Price Chopper has recalled Fresh Artisan Bread that was baked in its Highland Park, Wilkes-Barre, PA store (store #222) after small particles from the oven's ceiling were found on the surface of a few loaves of bread.

All varieties of Fresh Artisan Bread sold in the Highland Park store from January 5th to January 8th are included in the recall notice.

Customers who purchased these breads are asked to return them to the store for a full refund.

Allergy Alert: UK Zabaglione Ice Cream Recalled

January 13, 2009

Lakenham Creamery Ltd. has withdrawn two batches of Norfolk County Zabaglione Ice Cream (500mL) due to the presence of undeclared peanut oil, according to the UK Food Standards Agency.

The affected Ice Cream bears batch codes 03/01/2010 and 04/05/2010, and a Best Before date of 04/05/2010.

Individuals who are allergic to peanuts are at risk of experiencing a severe allergic reaction if they consume even a small quantity of the recalled ice cream.

Consumers who purchased one of the recalled batches Norfolk County Zabaglione should check the notice posted at their retail store for instructions on how to return or dispose of the product.

Café Favorite Sandwiches Recalled

January 12, 2009

Café Favorites has recalled Day Code 08343 of its Whole Grain 5" Super Sub sandwiches after FDA determined that the sandwiches might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall followed a routine FDA inspection of the company's production facility.

The sandwiches are labeled with Product Code 02384 and a Day Code beginning with 08343, and are packaged in 5.4 ounce portions, 84 sandwiches/case. They were sold to distributors in Maryland, Florida, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. 

The Maryland distributor sold some of the sandwiches to one school in the Washington, DC area. None of the other sandwiches left the distribution facilities.

Listeria monocytogenes is especially dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, very young children and people with impaired immune systems. Students and staff in DC-area schools who brought home a sandwich matching this description should discard the sandwich if the day code begins with 08343.

This is the second recall of a ready-to-eat food since the beginning of January due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Last week, burritos manufactured by Home Fresh Sandwich Distributors were recalled after USDA detected the pathogen in a sample.

Breaking News: Minnesota Confirms Outbreak Strain in Peanut Butter

January 12, 2009

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Department of Health announced late today that the strain of Salmonella isolated from an opened jar of King Nut peanut butter is a genetic match for the Salmonella Typhimurium that has sickened at least 399 people in 42 states.

State investigators obtained the 5-pound jar of peanut butter from the food service department of a long-term care facility in Minnesota. A resident of that facility is one of the victims of this outbreak. 

King Nut already had initiated a precautionary and voluntary recall of their peanut butter, which was manufactured for them by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). Neither King Nut nor PCA has commented on this latest finding as yet.

Federal and state agencies are still working to find the outbreak strain in an unopened jar of the implicated peanut butter, in order to eliminate the remote possibility that the Minnesota finding might be due to cross-contamination in the food service kitchen.

What Goes Into Peanut Butter – Besides Salmonella?

January 12, 2009

The first recorded Salmonella outbreak to be linked to commercial peanut butter occurred in Australia in 1998. The peanut butter, which was contaminated with Salmonella Mbandaka, infected 15 individuals in South Australia. Roasted peanuts were implicated as the source of the contamination.

In 2001, contaminated "Asian style" peanuts were the culprit in an international outbreak of salmonellosis. Australia recorded more than 100 illnesses due to the imported peanuts; cases also were reported in Canada, Scotland, Wales and England. The peanuts were contaminated with several different types of Salmonella.

Peanut butter manufactured by ConAgra (Peter Pan and Great Value) was the source of a seven-month long Salmonella Tennessee outbreak that sickened at least 425 people in 44 US states during 2006/2007. ConAgra blamed the contamination on a leaky roof and faulty sprinklers.

And now, investigators are once more pointing the finger at peanut butter as the source of a national Salmonella outbreak. The Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture have presumptively identified King Nut brand peanut butter, manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America, as the culprit. The state expects confirming lab test results to be available early this week.

How does a shelf-stable, practically indestructible food such as peanut butter become a reservoir for Salmonella? To answer that question, we need to follow the progress of a batch of peanuts from farming the nuts to filling the jars.

Growing, harvesting and drying

The peanut flower is shy. After it blooms and wilts, the flower buries its head in the soil, where the peanut forms – underground. The nuts are harvested mechanically, and then mechanically dried.

Cleaning and storage

The peanuts, still in their shells, are cleaned mechanically. Some of the dirt and debris are removed using blowers; some is removed using mechanical filters, graders, and magnets. The raw peanuts are stored in silos and warehouses.

Shelling and grading

The peanuts are passed through a series of rollers to crack and separate the shells. The nuts are shaken, sieved and blown to separate the broken shells from the nuts. Next, the nuts are graded based on size, color, defects, spots and broken skin, and are transferred into bulk containers or sacks for shipment to peanut butter manufacturers.

Roasting, cooling and blanching

Nuts that are destined for peanut butter are dry roasted at temperatures that are more than adequate to kill Salmonella. After roasting, the nuts are air-cooled and passed through a gravity separator to remove any debris. Then they are blanched either by heat or water to remove the skin. Water-blanched nuts must be dried before mechanical screening and inspection; heat-blanched nuts proceed immediately to this step.

Grinding and packaging

Blanched nuts are fed into a grinder, along with other ingredients permitted under FDA's standard of identity for peanut butter – usually salt, hydrogenated oil and dextrose – and ground in two stages to obtain the desired consistency. The ground mixture – now peanut butter – feeds into a hopper for cooling and further mixing, before being automatically packed into jars.

There are several on-ramps by which Salmonella can gain access to the road that leads from harvest to hopper.

• The peanuts, which grow underground, may become contaminated during growth or harvest if Salmonella-infected animals gain access to the fields or if contaminated manure is used as fertilizer.
  
• Rodents and birds could gain access to the peanuts while they are stored in bulk silos or warehouses, and contaminate the nuts with their droppings.
  
• Dust generated during mechanical grading and cracking can spread from the "raw" side of a production operation to the "roasted" side, contaminating the roasted nuts.
  
• Rodent or bird infestation in the production facility.
• Poor equipment or building maintenance, as apparently happened in the ConAgra incident.
• One of the other ingredients – added to the peanuts during grinding – may be a source of contamination.
  

Regardless of how Salmonella enters the production environment, once there, it can be difficult to eliminate during routine cleaning and disinfection. A small amount of food debris or oil, – lodged in a small crevice or dead end of production equipment – can harbor Salmonella, shedding a few cells sporadically into the peanut butter as it passes the contaminated area. 

Finding the source of the contamination in the production plant may be a tough nut to crack, but there's a good chance it will be found. Where the contaminant originated, and how long it's thought to have been lurking, will be a major determinant of the scope of any additional recalls.

Bits & Pieces: Minced Lamb Recalled in Australia

January 12, 2009

Woolworths Limited has recalled some packages of Woolworths label Regular Minced Lamb due to the possible presence of plastic bits in the meat.

The minced lamb was sold in variable weight Styrofoam trays covered with plastic cling film. The contents of each package weigh approximately 700 grams.

The minced lamb was packaged in the Woolworths Meat Department at Brookside Supermarket, Osborne Road, Mitchelton, Qld 4053 on Thursday, January 8th, and bears a Use by date of 10/01/09. 

The recall affects minced lamb from this one location only. Customers who purchased the recalled item should return it to the store for a refund.

Allergy Alert: Charlie's Yogurt Parfait Recalled

January 11, 2009

The manufacturer of Charlie's brand yogurt parfait products, Triple B Corporation (dba S.T. Produce, Seattle, WA) has recalled several varieties of Charlie's brand Yogurt Parfait due to the presence of undeclared walnuts and almonds.

The following products have been recalled:

• Peach and Pineapple Yogurt Parfait: UPC 0-45009-06747-0
  
• Pineapple Blueberry Yogurt Parfait: UPC 0-45009-06748-7
  
• Mixed Berry Parfait: UPC 0-45009-06766-1
  
• Strawberry Blueberry Yogurt Parfait: UPC 0-45009-06787-6
  
• Pineapple Strawberry Yogurt Parfait: UPC 0-45009-06788-3
  
• Mixed Pack Parfait: UPC 0-45009-08084-4, contains 6/8.5 oz yogurt parfaits – 2 each of mixed berry, strawberry & blueberry, and pineapple & peach.
  

The individual yogurt parfait flavors are packaged under the Charlie's label in 8.5 ounce, clear plastic package cups with a Use by date of 1-12-09 through 1-15-09 stamped on the side. The Mixed Pack parfaits are sold in a cardboard carton variety pack.

The recalled products were distributed in Washington and Oregon in retail stores and delis, including Kroger's QFC stores.

No illnesses have been reported so far. Nevertheless, individuals who are allergic to nuts may experience a severe allergic reaction as a result of consuming these yogurt parfaits.

According to the recall notice the problem arose due to a "... temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes." Production has been suspended until the problem is corrected to the satisfaction of the company and the FDA.

Consumers who have purchased the Charlie's products mentioned in this recall notice are encouraged to return them to the store for a full refund. For more information, please contact the company directly at (206) 625-1412.

Peanut Corporation Expresses "Deep Concern" Over Salmonella Outbreak

January 11, 2009

Peanut Corporation of America, the manufacturer of the King Nut peanut butter that has been linked through epidemiological evidence to the national Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak, released the following statement late yesterday evening:

"Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) today expressed its deep concern about the apparent finding of salmonella in a container of one of its products distributed in Minnesota, and its commitment to continue working with U.S. government and independent laboratories on a thorough investigation.

PCA is the manufacturer of the peanut butter distributed by King Nut to institutions in Minnesota. The salmonella was found in an open container of King Nut peanut butter at a nursing facility, which leaves open the possibility of cross contamination from another source. PCA is working with the U.S Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other agencies to determine whether the current illness outbreak could be at all related to products made in the PCA facility. None of this product is sold at retail or available to the general public.

PCA's facility and products are frequently and rigorously tested for salmonella and other microbiological contamination, including hourly sampling during processing and subsequent analysis by an outside, independent laboratory. No salmonella has ever been found in any of PCA's product.

PCA is cooperating fully with U.S government agencies and independent laboratories in this investigation. To date, the only conclusive testing linking salmonella to PCA's product was done on an open container of the peanut butter in a large, institutional kitchen. The history of the handling of that open container is unknown at this time.

Neither the Food and Drug Administration nor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is prepared at this time to state definitively that PCA's product is the source of the salmonella incident. This investigation is still in its very earliest stage.

PCA will continue to provide updates on its website as this investigation continues."

As we reported yesterday, King Nut already has initiated a voluntary recall for all King Nut brand peanut butter lots beginning with the number "8" and for Parnell's Pride peanut butter, which it also distributes. The Company took this action as a result of the epidemiological data generated by the Minnesota Department of Health, combined with the finding of Salmonella in an opened jar of King Nut peanut butter at a nursing home by the Minnesota investigators. Detailed genetic fingerprinting of the Salmonella should be available early this week.

Efforts are, no doubt, continuing through the weekend to find Salmonella in an unopened jar of King Nut peanut butter. Unless these efforts are successful, or unless FDA detects the outbreak strain in an environmental sample from the PCA manufacturing facility, the agency will have difficulty convincing PCA management to recall its peanut butter based on epidemiological evidence alone.

When it comes to taking responsibility for food poisoning outbreaks, most companies seem to be from Missouri – the "Show Me" state.

King Nut Recalls Contaminated Peanut Butter: Update

January 10, 2009

King Nut has released additional information about its just-announced recall of peanut butter.

The company is contacting all of its customers to request that they stop distributing all King Nut brand peanut butter identified by lot codes beginning with "8". The peanut butter, which was manufactured for King Nut by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), has been implicated in the national Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak.

King Nut also distributes PCA's Parnell's Pride brand of peanut butter, and has asked its customers to remove this brand from circulation as well. King Nut is not the sole distributor of Parnell's Pride.

King Nut has cancelled its orders with PCA, effective immediately. Peanut Corporation of America has not yet issued a statement regarding these developments.

Allergy Alert: EnviroKidz Penguin Puffs

Updated January 10, 2009

Original article posted December 20, 2008

Nature's Path has issued a voluntary product recall notice for certain batches of EnviroKidz Penguin Puffs cereals, because the labeling does not clearly indicate that one of the ingredients – Kamut – is a type of wheat.

The Company is concerned that individuals who are allergic to wheat or sensitive to gluten may consume this cereal without realizing the health risk. People who are allergic to wheat may suffer a life-threatening allergic reaction as a result of eating this cereal, while those who are sensitive to gluten could experience potentially severe gastrointestinal discomfort.

The recall includes 10-ounce cereal packages (UPC 0-58449-86015-0) with the following expiration dates stamped across the top panel:

09 Dec 08, 23 Feb 09, 27 March 09, 28 March 09, 19 May 09

The Penguin Puffs were sold in Kroger's QFC stores, Wegmans Food Markets and Tops Friendly Markets, and may also have been available in other retail food stores and supermarkets. NEW Jan 10

Consumers who purchased the recalled cereal should return the packages to the store for a refund.

For additional information, contact Nature's Path toll-free at 1-866-880-7284.

King Nut Recalls Contaminated Peanut Butter

January 10, 2009

In a press release issued today and first reported by Bill Marler of Marlerblog, King Nut has announced a voluntary recall of 5-pound tubs of Salmonella-contaminated peanut butter.

The peanut butter was manufactured for King Nut by Peanut Corporation of America of Lynchburg, VA (PCA), and was distributed by King Nut to food service and institutional customers across the United States.

King Nut should be commended for the speed with which it has acted in initiating the recall even though, according to the Company's press release, the Salmonella was isolated from an open jar of peanut butter. King Nut has recalled all jars of peanut butter manufactured for it by PCA, regardless of date code or batch number.

King Nut and FDA are carrying out additional testing on unopened containers to confirm the extent of the contamination.

We can be sure that FDA also will be inspecting the PCA production facility to search for the source of the contamination. The problem could be rodent or bird droppings, as suggested by Marler. Alternatively, there might be cross-contamination of roasted peanuts by dust or debris from the raw nuts. And Salmonella can remain alive in crevices of the production line for a very long time, if those hard-to-clean places are missed by the sanitation crew.

FDA will be working to obtain answers to the following questions:

• How did the peanut butter become contaminated?
  
• How long has the problem been incubating?
  
• What other products have been manufactured in the same facility that might also be contaminated?
  

While the King Nut recall only involves institutional-sized tubs of peanut butter, PCA manufactures peanut butter to be used as an ingredient by other food processors. 

One or more additional recalls might be in the offing.

Toxin Alert: Ciguatera Toxin in Frozen Leatherjacket

January 10, 2009

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public that some School of Fish brand Frozen Leatherjacket may contain ciguatera toxin and should not be consumed.

The following items, which are products of China, have been recalled by the importer, Frobisher International Enterprise Ltd.

• Production code HI04; Size 100/200; UPC 8 74718 00074 0
  
• Production code HI04; Size 200/400; UPC 8 74718 00073 3
  

The fish was distributed in British Columbia and Ontario.

According to CFIA, ciguatera poisoning is caused by "... an accumulation of marine biotoxins in fish." Symptoms may include gastroenteritis, itching, and cold inversion (i.e., hot items feel cold and cold items feel hot), begin 1-12 hours after consumption of toxin-contaminated fish, and can persist for several months. The toxin is not destroyed by heating.

Two illnesses have been associated with consumption of the recalled Leatherjacket.

Consumers should discard or return the recalled fish to the store. For more information, contact the importer at 604-523-8108.

Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak: CDC Names 42 States

January 10, 2009

Late yesterday evening, after eFoodAlert posted a list of 29 of the states affected by the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak, CDC finally released its list of 42 states, along with an update of the outbreak statistics.

According to CDC's latest numbers, 399 people in 42 states have been infected by the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium. The illnesses have fallen with the time period of September 3, 2008 and December 31, 2008. Most of the illnesses began after October 1, 2008. Eighteen percent of the patients for whom information is available have been hospitalized.

The youngest victim is a 2-month old infant living in California; the oldest is 98 years of age.

The list of cases by state is as follows:

Alabama (1), Arizona (8), Arkansas (3), California (55), Colorado (9), Connecticut (6), Georgia (5), Hawaii (1), Idaho (10), Illinois (4), Indiana (3), Iowa (1), Kansas (2), Kentucky (3), Maine (3), Maryland (7), Massachusetts (39), Michigan (20), Minnesota (30), Missouri (8), Nebraska (1), New Hampshire (10), New Jersey (13), New York (12), Nevada (6), North Carolina (1), North Dakota (10), Ohio (53), Oklahoma (2), Oregon (5), Pennsylvania (12), Rhode Island (3), South Dakota (2), Tennessee (9), Texas (5), Utah (3), Vermont (4), Virginia (12),Washington (11), West Virginia (2), Wisconsin (3), and Wyoming (2)

Yesterday evening, we reported that North Carolina was the 43rd state affected by this outbreak. Our report was based on the wording of the North Carolina news release. In fact, North Carolina is among the 42 states listed by CDC.

Minnesota's Department of Health investigators have linked the outbreak cases in that state to King Nut peanut butter, based on the results of epidemiological analysis. The state lab has detected Salmonella in a 5-pound jar of peanut butter; detailed genetic analysis of the isolate is pending. The state has issued an advisory, but no recall has been announced so far. 

King Nut is a privately owned company, with headquarters in Solon, OH. The company's web site does not mention peanut butter among its wholesale or retail product lines. Minnesota's advisory did not state the King Nut brand peanut butter manufacturer's name or location.

The contaminated peanut butter was distributed nationally to food service institutions, including those in hospitals, nursing homes, and school cafeterias. Minnesota authorities have advised food service institutions in the state to avoid serving the peanut butter pending receipt of further instructions. 

Mini-Jelly Cups Pose Choking Hazard

Updated January 10, 2009

(Original article posted December 25, 2008)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has posted a series of Consumer Alerts in the past week, warning about the choking hazard associated with mini-jelly cups that contain konjac, a gelling agent.

The contents of the mini-jelly cups – popular in Asian communities – are liable to become lodged in the throat, due to the size and consistency of the jelly. According to CFIA, swallowing the jelly without breaking it into smaller pieces has, in the past, resulted in fatalities.

Consumers should be aware of the potential hazard associated with the following products, especially when consumed by children. 

• Nata De Coco in Konnyaku Jelly, Lychee Flavor. Sold in plastic bags with Japanese text and a bilingual sticker. Each bag contains 12 mini cups approximately the size of individual-serving coffee creamers, and bears UPC 4 560124 220389.
  
• Three Fish Bidrico coconut/fruit jelly cups. Sold in 1 Kg bear-shaped plastic jar containing assorted flavors of mini-cups. The jars are labeled with UPC 4 560124 220389.
  
• Three Fish Bidrico Assorted Flavor Coconut Jelly. Sold in 1 Kg bear-shaped plastic jars labeled with UPC 6 92948 03009 8. NEW Jan 10
• Rau Câu Bidrico Assorted Flavours Mixed Fruit Jelly. Sold in 500 g flexible plastic pouch labeled with UPC 8 935051 800571. NEW Jan 10

The Nata de Coco was imported by Daiso Store Canada Ltd. (Richmond, BC) and was sold only in the Daiso Store at Hazel Bridge Way, Richmond, BC. Daiso has initiated a recall of the product from the marketplace.

The Three Fish cups were imported from Vietnam by Seng Fung Distribution & Marketing Ltd. (Vancouver, BC) and sold in stores in Alberta and British Columbia. The importer has initiated a voluntary product recall.

The choking hazard associated with jelly cups that contain konjac has been known for many years. FDA issued a series of consumer alerts on these products in 2001 and 2002.

To minimize the risk of choking when eating the mini-jelly cups, consumers should break the jelly into small pieces, according to CFIA.

Mini-jelly cups that are produced using gelling agents other than konjac are not covered by this Consumer Alert. For more information, contact CFIA at 1-800-442-2343, Monday to Friday (except holidays), between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, EST.

Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak: Peanut Butter Now #1 Suspect

January 9, 2009

The Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Agriculture have found Salmonella in a 5-pound container of King Nut brand creamy peanut butter. King Nut is a privately owned company based in Solon, OH.

According to an advisory issued by the state of Minnesota this evening, the peanut butter has been linked epidemiologically to Minnesotans who are victims of the national Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak. Genetic profiling of the Salmonella from the peanut butter is not yet available; those results are expected early next week.

The institutional-size containers of peanut butter are distributed to food service establishments, including those in schools, hospitals, universities, restaurants, and long-term care facilities. The peanut butter is not known to be available in retail grocery stores.

The Minnesota DOH is advising food establishments to avoid serving the peanut butter, pending receipt of further instructions.

Aflatoxin-contaminated Pistachios Recalled in UK

January 9, 2009

Julian Graves Ltd., an independent natural foods retail chain, is recalling a batch of chili and lemon roasted pistachios after tests detected aflatoxin at levels more than 600 times the legal limit, according to an advisory issued by the UK Food Standards Agency.

The affected batch of nuts, identified as Lot number LF02454, Best before APR2009, was withdrawn from sale on January 2, 2009.

Aflatoxin is a natural toxin produced during the growth of the mold species Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The toxin is a carcinogen, and its permitted levels in food and in animal feeds are severely restricted in most countries.

Consumers who purchased the recalled pistachios are urged to return them to the store for a refund.

Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak: 43 States Now Affected

January 9, 2009

North Carolina has just reported its first case of salmonellosis caused by the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, bringing the number of affected states to 43, and the number of victims to 389.

CDC has chosen not to identify the states affected so far by the nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium. Only California, North Carolina and Ohio have posted information on their respective websites. A number of other state health departments, though, have been releasing information to their local news media.

Based on information posted by the three states, and on media reports across the United States, the following 29 states have reported confirmed cases of Salmonella Typhimurium that are linked genetically to the national outbreak.

• Arkansas: 3 cases 
  
• Arizona: 8 cases
  
• California: 53 cases in 10 counties; 15 or more victims hospitalized
  
• Colorado: 9 cases; 1 victim hospitalized
  
• Connecticut: 6 cases
  
• Georgia: 5 cases; 1 victim hospitalized
  
• Iowa: 1 case
  
• Idaho: 10 cases
  
• Illinois: 4 cases
  
• Maine: 2 cases
  
• Massachusetts: 39 cases
  
• Maryland: 7 cases
  
• Michigan: 20 cases in 13 counties; 7 victims hospitalized
  
• Minnesota: 30 cases; 11 victims hospitalized and 1 possible death
  
• Missouri: 8 cases; 4 victims hospitalized
  
• North Carolina: 1 case
• North Dakota: 7 cases
  
• New Hampshire: 10 cases
  
• Nevada: 1 or more cases (state declined to release information on number of cases)
  
• New Jersey: 13 cases (unclear whether suspect or confirmed)
  
• New York: 1 or more cases on Long Island
  
• Ohio: 50 cases
  
• Pennsylvania: 12 cases in 10 counties
  
• Rhode Island: 3 cases
  
• Tennessee: 9 cases; 1 or more victims hospitalized
  
• Texas: 5 cases
  
• Vermont: 3 cases
  
• Virginia: 12 cases; 7 victims hospitalized
  
• Wisconsin: 3 cases
  

These 29 states account for 335 of the 389 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium infection, assuming that the New Jersey cases have been confirmed.

No cases have been reported in Delaware or South Carolina.

We'll continue to update this list until CDC gets around to publishing a complete list of affected states.

Singapore Recalls Pere Ocean Mineral Water

Updated January 9, 2009

(Original article posted January 8, 2009)

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore has instructed the importer and retailers of Pere Ocean Mineral Water to recall all 500 mL bottles with an expiry date of 09.12.10 from the retail market.

The action came after AVA detected unspecified foreign matter in the mineral water. Consumers who purchased the recalled water are advised to discard it.

Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety has alerted retailers in the Territory to the recall and has requested additional information from AVA. NEW Jan 9

Foreign matter is a catch-all phrase. It includes everything from particles of dirt to insect fragments.

Consumers with questions about this recall should call the AVA hotline at 1800-2262250.

Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak: A Trickle Of Information

January 8, 2009

Ohio, Georgia, Minnesota and California are among the 42 states  impacted by the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak that is currently under investigation by CDC, FDA, USDA and state agencies, according to a report in today's New York Times.

CDC has confirmed that a single strain of Salmonella Typhimurium is responsible for 388 cases of salmonellosis, but has not identified which states are affected. That information is coming from the individual states, either directly or via the news media. 

Very little information has been released, either by CDC or by the states. Here is what we have learned so far from CDC.

• Number of confirmed cases: 388
  
• Date of onset of symptoms: September 3, 2008 to December 29, 2008
  
• Ages of victims: less than 1 to 103 years old
• Number hospitalized: 18% of victims for which that information is available
  
• Number of deaths: none
  

Based on the numbers reported in the New York Times article, Georgia (5), Ohio (51), California (51) and Minnesota (30) account for approximately one-third of the confirmed cases. One victim in Georgia was hospitalized, as were at least 12 in Ohio – the only state, as of this evening, to post information about the outbreak on its web site.

The piecemeal way in which CDC released news of this outbreak has led to some inaccuracies in media reports, according to information obtained by the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy (CIDRAP). Contrary to yesterday's published reports, CDC has NOT activated its emergency response network. CDC spokesperson, Lola Russell, also told CIDRAP News that a report suggesting that chicken was suspected of being the source of the outbreak was incorrect.

CIDRAP reports that 11 of the 30 Minnesota victims were hospitalized and 10 were in nursing homes, according to information it received from the Minnesota Department of Health. One outbreak victim in the state – a woman in her 70's with other health issues – has died. It's unclear, though, to what extent salmonellosis contributed to her death.

CDC is promising an update on this outbreak investigation on January 15th. 

Allergy Alert: Dried Sweet Potato

January 8, 2009

Domega International Ltd., Inc. (Brooklyn, NY) has recalled Guangdayuan brand Dried Sweet Potato due to the presence of undeclared sulfites in the product.

The product is sold in an un-coded clear 200 gram vacuum packed plastic bag. The Dried Sweet Potato is a product of China and was distributed across the United States.

The recall came after the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets detected sulfites in a sample of the product as part of a routine testing program. Consumption of sulfite-containing food can cause severe allergy-like symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Consumers who purchased Guangdayuan brand Dried Sweet Potato should return it to the retailer for a refund.

7-ELEVEN Burritos Recalled in Colorado

Updated January 8, 2009 with retail distribution link

Origin post date December 31, 2008

Home Fresh Sandwich Distributors, Inc. (Denver, CO) has recalled approximately 172 pounds of burrito products after the USDA found Listeria monocytogenes in a sample during a routine testing program.

The recall covers 5.3-ounce packages of 7-ELEVEN Fresh to Go BURRITO WITH POTATOES, BACON, EGGS, & MONTEREY JACK CHEESE, Best By date of Thursday 1225. The packages are labeled with establishment number EST. 19496 inside the USDA inspection seal.

The burritos were produced on December 23rd and sold in 7-ELEVEN retail convenience stores in the state of Colorado on December 24th and 25th.

There have been  no reports of illness, but anyone who consumed one of these sandwiches and who begins to experience symptoms of listeriosis should seek medical attention. Listeria monocytogenes infections can produce severe illness in the elderly, the very young, people with impaired immune systems and pregnant women.

For more information about this recall, consumers can contact the company's General Manager, Deena Rowland, at (303) 370-6766.

Salmonella Typhimurium Sickens 388 People In 42 US States

January 7, 2009

A multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium, which has been incubating in the United States since October 2008, has sickened at least 388 people so far, sending 18% of them to hospital. 

The victims of this outbreak are spread across 42 states, including Minnesota (30 confirmed cases) and Ohio (50 confirmed cases). As of this evening, federal and state investigators have no leads on the source of the contamination. 

All 388 confirmed victims of this outbreak were infected by a single strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, indicating a common source for the outbreak. But finding the source won't be easy. 

Recent food poisoning outbreaks suggest several possible scenarios.

1. The 2008 Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak was traced to imported produce that was distributed across much of the United States. Other multi-state outbreaks of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 have been linked to contaminated lettuce and spinach from the Salinas Valley of California.
   
2. There have been several Salmonella outbreaks traced to frozen, raw or partly cooked chicken entrées that were undercooked by the consumer. Banquet brand pot pies were the source of a strain of Salmonella that infected at least 272 people in 35 states in 2007.
   
3. A contaminated, ready-to-eat processed food may be the source, as was the case in the 2007 Veggie Booty outbreak.
   
4. A contaminated pet food could spark an outbreak. Mars Petcare's dog food was the source of a prolonged Salmonella Schwarzengrund outbreak in 2006 and 2007 that affected 62 people in 18 states.
   

In October 2008, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) received one or more consumer complaints of dogs becoming ill after consuming pet food purchased at Wal-Mart. The state conducted lab tests on pet food from Wal-Mart and found Salmonella contamination in a sample of cat food and in a sample of dog food. 

WVDA issued a "stop sale" order on both products and reported its findings to FDA. The cat food eventually was recalled by Mars Petcare, the manufacturer. Although FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine investigated the dog food contamination report, no recall notice was ever issued. According to WVDA, the dog food sample contained Salmonella Typhimurium.

This could be nothing more than coincidence. The genetic fingerprint information for the dog food contaminant was never released by WVDA. Nor has the profile of the current outbreak strain been published by CDC. But the timing is right. 

Dry dog food has a one-year shelf life, which would be consistent with an outbreak that lasts for several months. And Mars Petcare already has closed one production facility permanently because the company could not rid itself of a chronic Salmonella contamination.

Let's hope that the state of West Virginia, the CDC and the Center for Veterinary Medicine are comparing notes.

Allergy Alert: Waitrose Chicken Curry

January 7, 2009

Waitrose has recalled certain date codes of its Low Saturated Fat Chicken Tikka Masala with Pilau Rice (400g) due to the presence of undeclared nuts, according to an Allergy Alert issued today by the UK Food Standards Agency.

The company has recalled all packages bearing "use by" dates of 14th Jan and 16th Jan.

While the products are safe for most individuals, people who are allergic to nuts may suffer a severe reaction upon consuming the recalled items. Waitrose has requested consumers to return the chicken products to the store for a refund.

Please contact the Waitrose Customer Services Department at 0800 188884 for answers to any questions about this recall.

Québec Recall of Listeria-contaminated Sliced Sausage

January 7, 2009

The Québec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) is advising the public that Nordest – Mont-Laurier brand Chipotle Fire sliced sausage (Best Before January 2 and January 5, inclusive) may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and should not be consumed.

The sausage was distributed by Distribution de la Lièvre, 3816 route Eugène-Trinquier, Montréal, QC and was sold in variable sized packages in the following two locations:

• Kiosque de vente de la Ferme Le Nordest du Marché Jean-Talon, Montréal
  
• Boucherie Le Nordest, 5 rue de l'Église, St-Sauveur
  

Consumers are advised to return the recalled sausage to the retail location where it was purchased.

The China Syndrome: Topaz Wafer Rolls Recalled – Melamine

January 7, 2009

National Brands, Inc. (Spring Valley, NY) has recalled four varieties of Topaz Wafer Rolls after FDA confirmed the presence of melamine in the sweets. Consumers first were alerted to the melamine contamination in late November by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.

Topaz Wafer Rolls are manufactured in China and distributed in the United States by National Brands to retail stores across the country. The following flavors and lot numbers, packaged in 4.76oz (135 gm) and 12.3oz (350 gm) metal cans, have been recalled by the distributor:

• Topaz Wafer Rolls with Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling: Lot numbers L8085A, L8219A, L8245A
  
• Topaz Wafer Rolls with Hazelnut Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling: Lot numbers L8085D, L8219D, L8245D
  
• Topaz Wafer Rolls with Vanilla Flavored Cream Filling: Lot numbers L8085B, L8219B, L8245B
  
• Topaz Wafer Rolls with Mocha Cappuccino Flavored Cream Filling: Lot numbers L8085C, L8219C, L8245C
  

While FDA has not indicated the level of melamine that it found in these products, Connecticut reported finding 5 ppm in the wafer and 7 ppm in the cream when it tested the Hazelnut Chocolate Flavored variety. Melamine concentrations higher than 2.5 ppm (1 ppm in infant formulas and foods meant for infants and children younger than 36 months) are considered excessive by FDA.

The recall notice – dated December 19, 2008 – was posted to the FDA web site on January 5, 2009. There was no reason given for the delay in making this national recall public.

Listeria monocytogenes In Wisconsin Bacon Bits

January 6, 2009

Patrick Cudahy (Cudahy, WI) has recalled 3,590 pounds of bacon bit products after a customer who received a shipment of bacon bits found Listeria monocytogenes in a sample.

The following two items have been recalled:

• 10-pound cases of "Golden Crisp APPLEWOOD SMOKED PRECOOKED BACON TOPPINGS." The products bear the establishment number "EST. 28" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a printed Julian date of "8318."
  
• 10-pound cases of "John Morrell APPLEWOOD SMOKED PRECOOKED BACON TOPPINGS." The products bear the establishment number "EST. 28" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a printed Julian date of "8318."
  

The bacon bits were distributed to restaurants and institutional customers in California, Colorado, Florida, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin. The recalled items were not sold in stores.

While no illnesses have been reported, Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe illness in the elderly, the very young, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. Anyone in these at-risk population groups who begins to experience symptoms of listeriosis should seek immediate medical advice.

Customers who have questions about this recall should contact Mike Reitz, Cuhady's Director of Customer Service, at (414) 744-2000.

Allergy Alert: St-Hubert BBQ Sauce Recalled

January 6, 2009

Groupe St-Hubert, Division Détail (Anjou, QC) has recalled certain cans of St-Hubert brand Bar-B-Q Sauce due to the presence of undeclared milk in the sauce. 

The recalled 398 mL cans of sauce are labeled with UPC UPC 0 66701 00100 5 and lot code beginning with EXP OC 2011 0 2718BA. The sauce was distributed in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.

While most individuals can consume this sauce without risk, people who are allergic to milk or dairy products may suffer a severe – possibly life-threatening – reaction after ingesting even a small amount of the Bar-B-Q sauce. One allergic reaction has been associated with the consumption of this product, according to the Allergy Alert released by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

For more information on this recall, including how to return the recalled items, consumers can contact Josée Vaillancourt, Communications, Groupe St-Hubert, at 514-913-3741.