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.