Food Recall Tracker : Defending Food Safety

Nationwide Recall of Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Triggered By Salmonella Concerns

Posted on March 4, 2010 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Basic Food Flavors (of Las Vegas, Nevada) has announced a recall of hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) paste and powder. HVP is a common ingredient used most frequently as a flavor enhancer in many processed foods, including soups, sauces, chilis, stews, hot dogs, gravies, seasoned snack foods, dips and dressings.

The recall of HVP was announced following the discovery of Salmonella Tennessee in certain product samples, along with other samples reportedly collected at the company’s processing facility. In turn, Basic Food Flavors announced a recall all HVP in powder and paste produced and distributed by the company since Sept. 17, 2009. Click on the following links to view a copy of the FDA News Release and FDA Recall Information.

Although, to date, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of any food products affected by the recall, the FDA and CDC report that they are currently assessing and closely monitoring the potential risks of illness from affected products.

The FDA is also advising industry that any recalled bulk HVP product should be destroyed or reconditioned according to FDA-approved procedures. Click on the following link for Product Handling And Reconditioning Information. Under the guidelines, FDA is allowing companies to recondition potentially affected HVP if thier processing contains protocols validated to inactivate Salmonella.

Additionally, according to FDA, companies will not be required to recall any food products containing HVP if the products have validated cooking instructions which are sufficient to inactive Salmonella, FDA is recommending that any down-stream food companies that used HVP as an ingredient in food products which might be eaten by consumers without any further processing or cooking to address the potential risk, however, consider recalling such products. Under new FDA guidelines, certian companies may also have reporting obligations under the Reportable Food Registry.

In any event, additional information relating to potentially affected products can be found at www.foodsafety.gov.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Basic Food Flavors Recall, CDC, Cooking Instructions, FDA, FDA Reportable Food Registry, HVP, HVP Kill Steps, HVP Recall, HVP Recall Information, HVP Reconditioning, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Salmonella, Salmonella Tennessee

Salmonella Concerns Prompt Recall Of French Dip Powdered Au Jus Products

Posted on February 27, 2010 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Johnny's Fine Foods (of Tacoma, Washington) has announced a precautionary and voluntary recall of various French Dip Powdered Au Jus Products distributed to retail outlets nationwide.

The products subject to the recall include: (1) French Dip Powdered Au Jus in 6oz bottles; and (2) French Dip Powdered Au Jus in 1.1oz foil packets.

The Johnny's French Dip Powdered Au Jus 6oz is packaged in a clear plastic bottle with a red, white and blue label. The expiration date for this product is 0332. The Johnny's French Dip Powdered Au Jus 1.1oz is packaged in a red, white and blue foil packet. The expiration date for this product is 02212. Both of these products had been distributed nationwide and are sold in retail stores. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FDA Recall Release.

The recalled products were made using hydrolyzed vegetable protein manufactured by Basic Food Flavors (located in Las Vegas, Nevada). Basic Food Flavors initiated a recall of the hydrolyzed vegetable protein following discovery of Salmonella contamination during testing. It is also important to note, despite the issuance of a precautionary recall, that to date there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

According to the company, the recalled products should be discarded. Additionally, consumers with any questions may contact Johnny's Fine Foods at 1-800-962-1462, Monday through Friday (8am to 3pm Pacific Standard Time).

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Au Jus Recall, Basic Food Flavors, FDA, French Dip Powdered Au Jus, French Dip Salmonella Recall, Johnny's Fine Foods, Salmonella, hydrolyzed, protein", vegetable

Salmonella Outbreak Traced To Red Pepper

Posted on February 25, 2010 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Wholesome Spice (of New York) has announced a recall of crushed red pepper because of a potential link to illnesses associated with an ongoing nationwide Salmonella Montevideo Outbreak. As of February 24, there had been as many as 238 individuals from 44 states infected with the outbreak strain. Click on the following link to view a copy of the most recent CDC Outbreak Report.

Wholesome Spice manufactured and then distributed the crushed red pepper to Daniel International for use in the production of various sausage and salami products which had been previously recalled by Daniel. Click on the following link to view Previous Daniel Recall Updates. According to reports, a broad investigation into the source of the contamination was ongoing, and FDA recently discovered that samples of Wholesome Spice crushed red pepper had tested positive for the outbreak strain. In response, Wholesome Spice immediately announced a recall of all potentially affected products.

The Wholproducts subject to the recall include all lots of 25 pound boxes of Crushed Red Pepper sold by Wholesome Spice between April 6, 2009 and January 20, 2010.

The Crushed Red Pepper was packaged in a clear plastic bag, which was then placed inside a cardboard box marked with an adhesive white label containing a blue border and blue and black lettering. The brand name on the product labels is WHOLESOME SPICES. The product name is listed as CRUSHED RED PEPPER. The 25 pound boxes of Crushed Red pepper were distributed throughout the Northeastern United States. The product was not sold at the retail level or directly to consumers. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FDA Wholesome Spice Recall Release.

In a separate news release posted on the Rhode Island Department of Health website, David R. Gifford, Rhode Island's health director, noted that the recall “confirms that the source of the Salmonella was from outside of Daniele's manufacturing plants." According to additional reports, Wholesome Spice is currently working closely with FDA to determine how the contamination occurred.

In any event, manufacturers who may have purchased any of the recalled products are being urged not to use the products, and to recall any other products which may have used red pepper as an ingredient. Manufacturers with questions may contact Wholesome Spice via telephone at (718) 388-1549, Monday to Friday between 8:30-4:30pm EST.

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, 2010 Salmonella Montevideo Investigation, CDC, Daniel Sausage Recall, Daniele International, FDA, FSIS, Pepper, Red Crushed Pepper, Red Pepper Recall, Salmonella, Salmonella Montevideo, Salmonella Sausage Recall, USDA, Wholesome Spice, Wholesome Spice Pepper Recall

Nationwide Salmonella Concerns Trigger Precautionary Sausage Recall

Posted on January 23, 2010 by Shawn Stevens

According to the USDA, Daniele International (with operations in Pascoag and Mapleville, Rhode Island) has announced a voluntary and precautionary recall of approximately 1,200,000 pounds of sausage products which had been distributed nationwide.

The recall was announced as a precautionary matter, during the course of an ongoing CDC investigation into the source of a Salmonella Montevideo outbreak which has sickened hundreds in over 40 states.

Based upon analysis of preliminary epidemiological data, the CDC and FSIS believed there was a possible association between limited numbers of these illnesses and the consumption of certain sausage products. Some illnesses, however, showed no connection to Daniels or the products it processed. Nevertheless, although the investigation is ongoing, the CDC has posted information about the multi-state outbreak on its website. Click on the following link to view the most recent CDC Outbreak Report.

Because of speculation that the potential source of the salmonella in sausage products may be linked to contaminated pepper, the company elected to recall all products which may be potentially affected. Click on the following link to view the FSIS Recall Release. As the investigation continues, Daniels is working closely with state and federal agencies to help determine the most likely source.

JANUARY 31, 2010 UPDATE:

As the investigation continues into the source of the national Salmonella Montevideo outbreak, Daniels has announced an expansion of its original January 23, 2010 recall. The expanded recall, involving approximately an additional 17,000 pounds of sausage products, was announced after the finding of Salmonella in certain samples of sausage not included in the original recall. Click on the following link to view the January 31, 2010 FSIS Recall Release.

FEBRUARY 4, 2010 UPDATE:

As the investigation continues into the source of the national Salmonella Montevideo outbreak, Daniels announced a second expansion of its ongoing recall. The expanded recall, involving approximately an additional 23,000 pounds of sausage products. Click on the following link to view the February 4, 2010 FSIS Recall Update. FSIS has also published a list of all the retail locations to which these products were distributed and sold. Click on the following link to view the FSIS Retail List.

FEBRUARY 16, 2010 UPDATE:

The FSIS has announced another expansion of the recall originally issued on January 23, 2010. The expanded recall was triggered after a finding by FSIS of salmonella in an unopened salami product, and involves an additional 115,000 pounds of products. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FSIS Expanded Recall Release.

According to the CDC, the outbreak currently involves over 230 people from 44 states. Ove these, approximately 44 people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. As noted above, however, some individuals have reported no exposure to Daniels or any of its products. For this reason, the CDC, FSIS, countless state and local health officials, as well as Daniels representatives, are continuing to work tirelessly to determine the most likely original source of the contamination. Click on the following link to view the most recent CDC Outbreak Report.

We, of course, wish them luck in their continuing endeavors.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, 2010 Salmonella Montevideo Investigation, CDC, Daniel Sausage Recall, Daniele International, FSIS, Pepper, Salmonella, Salmonella Montevideo, Salmonella Sausage Recall, USDA

E. Coli Concerns Prompt Ground Beef Recall

Posted on January 17, 2010 by Shawn Stevens

According to the USDA, Huntington Meat Packing (of Montebello, California) has announced a voluntary and precautionary recall of approximately 864,000 pounds of ground beef products.

The following products, produced between February 19, 2008 and May 15, 2008, and January 5, 2010 and January 15, 2010, are subject to the recall:

40 lb. boxes of "Huntington Meats Ground Beef"
40 lb. boxes of "HUNTINGTON MEAT PKG. INC. BEEF GROUND FOR FURTHER PROCESSING"
40 lb. boxes of "BEEF BURRITO FILLING MIX"
10 lb. boxes of "IMPERIAL MEAT CO. GROUND BEEF PATTY"
20 lb. boxes of "IMPERIAL MEAT CO. GROUND BEEF PATTY"
10 lb. boxes of "El Rancho MEAT & PROVISION ALL BEEF PATTIES"

Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 17967" inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label. The products were shipped to distribution centers, restaurants, and hotels within the State of California. Click on the following link to view the FSIS Recall Release.

The problem was discovered during a Food Safety Assessment (FSA) by FSIS personnel. During a review of the establishment's records, FSIS determined that these products could potentially be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. While these products are normally used fresh, the establishment announced a broader recall because of the possibility that some products could still be frozen and in commerce. Media and consumer questions regarding the recall should be directed to the company owner, Robert Glenn, at (888) 894-8242.

To date, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. FSIS also reminds consumers that thoroughly cooking raw beef products to an internal temperature of 160 degrees will destroy any pathogens that may be present, and will render the products safe.

FEBRUARY 12, 2010 UPDATE:

Based upon the results of an ongoing FSIS Food Safety Investigation, the agency has announced that the recall originally announced on January 18, 2010 has been expanded to include approximately 4.9 millions pounds of beef and veal products produced at the plant between January 22, 2009 and January 4, 2010. Click on the following link to view the FSIS Expanded Recall Release.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, 2010 Ground Beef E. coli. O157:H7 Recall, California, E. coli O157:H7, Expanded Beef Recall, Huntington Expanded Recall, Huntington Meat Packing

Listeria Concerns Prompt Recall Of Numerous Peanut Butter, Cheese, Salsa And Other Products

Posted on January 15, 2010 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Parkers Farm, Inc. (of Coon Rapids, Minnesota) has announced an expanded recall of various peanut butter, cheese and salsa and other products, to include all date codes, because they have the potential to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.

The recall, originally announced January 8, 2010, affected product with sell by dates of specific ranges. The expanded recall now includes all products and all sell by dates.

The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the following retail stores: Hy-Vee, Cub, Rainbow, Byerlys, Lunds, Target, Whole Foods, Jewel, Dominicks, Marsh, Price Chopper, Shop Rite, Nash Finch, Sams Club, Costco, Safeway, Kroger, Wal-Mart, Aldi. Click on the following link to view the FDA Recall Release and list of affected products.

The recall was a result of a sampling done by the state of Wisconsin and the state of Minnesota which revealed that some finished products contained the bacteria. The state of Minnesota, FDA, and the company continue their investigation into what, exactly, caused this potential problem.

It is also important to note that, to date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the consumption of these products. Nevertheless, the company is urging consumers who may have purchased these products to return them to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions can also contact the company at (800) 869-6685.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Cheese Products, Listeria monocytogenes, Nationwide 2010 Listeria Recall, Parkers Farms, Parkers Farms 2010 Listeria Recall, Peanut Butter Products, Salsa Products

Botulism Concerns Prompt Boiled Fish Recall

Posted on January 6, 2010 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Bao Ding Seafood of New York has issued a voluntary and precautionary recall of Boiled Horse Mackerel products because they have the potential to be contaminated with clostridium botulinum.

The processed products subject to the recall include Boiled Horse Mackerel packaged in a vacuum packed plastic bag, net weight 450g. The products were sold throughout New York State, and consumers should not use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. Click on the following link to view the FDA Recall Release.

The potential problem was discovered during a routine inspection and subsequent analysis of product by food lab personnel, which confirmed that certian fish had not been properly eviscerated prior to processing. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the consumption of these products. Nevertheless, consumers who may have bought the recalled products are being advised to return them to the place of purchase.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Bao Ding Seafood, Boiled Horse Mackerel, Botulinum Mackerel Recall, FDA, Mackerel Recall, New York, clostridium botulinum

Potential E. coli Concerns Prompt Voluntary Steak Recall

Posted on December 25, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to the USDA, National Steak and Poultry announced a voluntary a precautionary recall of approximately 248,000 pounds of beef products.

Based upon preliminary epidemiological data, the CDC and FSIS believed there was a possible association between limited numbers of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses and the consumption of certain steak products. Many illnesses, however, showed no connection to National Steak or the beef products it processed.

Nevertheless, in an abundance of caution, the company announced a precautionary recall of certain products. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FSIS Recall Release. The investigation is continuing, and the original source of the contamination has yet to be determined.

FSIS also reminds consumers that thoroughly cooking raw beef products to an internal temperature of 160 degrees will destroy any pathogens that may be present, and will render the products safe.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, 2009 E. coli Steak Recall, E. coli O157:H7, FSIS, National Steak Recall, National Steak and Poultry, USDA

Salmonella Concerns Prompt Hazelnut Recall

Posted on December 19, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Willamette Shelling has announced a recall of 114,350 pounds of shelled hazelnuts. To date, additional companies affected by the recall include Willamette Filbert Growers, Kunze Farms, and numerous other distributors and grocers nationwide.

The Willamette Shelling hazelnuts subject to the recall were shelled at a facility (located in Newberg, Oregon) for distribution to numerous down-stream hazelnut processors. Specifically, shelled hazelnuts distributed by the company were sent to various Oregon processors, along with a Canadian processor, and then further distributed by those firms.

All products subject to the initial Willamette Shelling recall were packed in 25 and 50 pound corrugated boxes, and marked with lot code numbers 296091A, 299091A, 300091A, VH3696BO, and 310091A. The corrugated boxes were also marked with the following brand names: Kunze Farms, Evonuk Oregon Hazelnuts, Canadian Hazelnuts, and Firestone Farms. It is important to note, however, that Willamette Shelling unshelled hazelnuts are not affected by this recall. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FDA Recall Releas (Willamette Shelling).

Willamette Shelling announced the recall immediately after learning that routine, random sampling confirmed positive for Salmonella in one of its hazelnut production lots. In turn, in an abundance of caution, and to ensure consumer safety, the company elected to voluntarily recall all shelled hazelnuts processed at its facility between October 12, 2009 and November 25, 2009. Thus, any hazelnut processors who used potentially recalled product are urged to return the product directly to Willamette Shelling.

As noted, the additional following downstream companies affected by the recall included Willamette Filbert Growers (of Newberg, Oregon), Kunze Farms (of Dayton, Oregon), and additional distributors and grocers located in Colorado:

Contemporaneous with the announcement of the original recall, Willamette Filbert Growers announced its own recall of 29,861 pounds of potentially affected Shelled Hazelnuts and Shelled Organic Hazelnuts. The Willamette Filbert products subject to the recall were packed in 25 pound corrugated boxes, labeled with “Willamette Filbert Growers” or “Meridian Organic Hazelnuts,” and lot code numbers 289091A and 311091A. The hazelnuts were distributed in Oregon and California through wholesale distributors and for direct delivery. Here too, unshelled hazelnuts are not subject to the recall. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FDA Recall Release (Willamette Filbert).

Any customers who may have purchased Willamette Filbert Shelled Hazelnuts or Meridian Organic Hazelnuts are being urged by the company to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Ben Mitchell at (503) 538-9256.

Following the original recall announcement by Willamette, Kunze Farms also announced its own recall of 32,950 pounds of potentially affected hazelnut kernels. The Kunze Farms product was packed in 25 pound cartons, under the product brand name of Kunze Farms, ‘Select Shelled Hazelnuts’ Dayton, Oregon, with the code numbers 289091A or 299091A. The hazelnut kernels were distributed to several different processors and wholesaler’s in the following areas: Dayton, Oregon; Milton-Freewater, Oregon; Hauppauge, New York; Mesa, Arizona; Cottonwood, Arizona; Seattle, Washington; Ogden, Utah; San Antonio, Texas.; and Parker, Colorado. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FDA Recall Release (Kunze Farms).

In turn, consumers who may have purchased Kunze hazelnuts affected by the recall are being urged by the company to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Kurt Kunze at (503) 864-2102.

The Colorado Department of Public Health has also identified additional companies that have been affected by the recall. Click on the following link to view the CDPH Hazelnut Recall Notice.

In Colorado, the recalled hazelnuts were sold by Mountain Man Nuts and Fruits Co. via the Internet, to numerous stores and sales distributors. Additionally, the product was distributed in Colorado to a variety of retail firms for bulk sale, including Whole Food Markets, Ft. Collins Food Co-op, Mountain Mama Natural Foods in Colorado Springs, and Healthy Solutions, in Denver.

All firms receiving recalled product have reportedly been notified, and the product is being pulled from shelves. Currently, the following additional products and lot codes are being recalled:

Filberts, 289091A, 299091A;

Natural Mixed Nuts, 32009, 33809;

Fancy Mixed Nuts, 8- and 16-oz. bags, 30909, 31309, 31709, 32009, 32309, 32909, 33509, 33709 34209, 34309, 34809, 34909 35009;

Choice Mixed Nuts, 16-oz. bags, 31309, 32709, 33609, 34909;

Dry Roast Mixed Nuts,16-oz. bags, 30909;

Sweet Simplicity™ Trail Mix, 32909;

Mountain Jubilee® Trail Mix, 8- and 16-oz. bags, 31309, 32409, 33709, 34909;

Cinnamon Almond Appleanche™ Trail Mix, 31009;

Fancy Mixed Nut Gift Packs, 1.75 lb., all product, except 35009; and

Fancy Mixed Nut Gift Packs, 1 lb., all product, except 35009.

According to the CDPH, products with these lot codes may also have been used as a component in certian gift baskets, including the 12 Tastes Basket, Bounty Basket and Half-Pound Sample Baskets. Moreover, given the potentially wide distribution of recalled product, additional recalls will likely be announced.

DECEMBER 23, 2009 UPDATE:

In addition to the specific recalls identified above, additional downstream companies have announced or expanded recalls of potentially affected products. These include the following:

Evonuk Oregon Hazelnuts: View the FDA Recall Release.

Harry and David: View the FDA Recall Release.

Whole Foods Market®: View the FDA Recall Release.

Burnt Ridge Orchards: View the FDA Recall Release.

Market of Choice: View the FDA Recall Release.

Mountain Man Nut & Fruit Co.®: View the FDA Recall Release.

Finally, it is important to note that, to date, there have been no reports of illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. Nevertheless, Willamette has ceased production and is working closely with FDA to investigate the issue, and will resume production and shipment when any potential concerns have been resolved.

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Bacillus Cereus Concerns Prompt Precautionary Recall Of Canned Slim-Fast Products

Posted on December 4, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Unilever has announced a precautionary and voluntary nationwide recall of all Slim-Fast® ready-to-drink (RTD) products in cans.

The products affected by the recall are packaged in paperboard cartons containing four, six or 12 steel cans that are 11 FL OZ (325 mL) each. Individual cans are also sold in certain retail outlets. The recall involves all Slim-Fast® RTD products in cans, regardless of flavor, Best-By date, lot code or UPC number. Click on the following link to view a List of Recalled Products.

No other Slim-Fast® products, including Slim-Fast® powdered shakes, meal bars or snack bars, have been affected by the recall.

The recall was initiated after the company conducted quality testing on Slim-Fast® RTD products in cans. Because possible issues involving Bacillus cereus, the company announced, in an abundance of caution, a precautionary recall of all RTD products in cans that are currently in distribution centers, on-shelf or in back rooms in retail outlets or in consumers’ homes. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FDA Recall Release.

It is also important to note that, to date, there have been no reports of any illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. And, although Bacillus cereus in some instances can cause diarrhea and nausea, the possibility of serious illness or other significant health consequences is remote. Nevertheless, the company working to identify and correct any potential processing issues, and plans to resume production once they have been fully addressed and corrected.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, 11 Ounce Cans, Bacillus Cereus Recall, FDA, Nationwide Slim-Fast Recall, Ready-To-Drink, Slim-Fast, Slim-Fast Drinks, Slim-Fast Recall, Unilever, bacillus cereus

Meat Company Forced To Recall Ground Beef May Have Been Wrongfully Accused

Posted on December 1, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

On November 17, 2009, Fairbury Steaks issued a voluntary and precautionary recall of fresh ground beef. The recall followed an announcement by FSIS that routine regulatory samples collected from the processor had tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. But, did FSIS make a mistake? And, was Fairbury wrongfully accused?

The sample collected by FSIS was taken from a 90 pound batch of finished product. The finished product was processed by Fairbury using frozen beef from another supplier. The frozen beef was sold to Fairbury with a certificate of analysis, documenting that it had been tested for E. coli, and that all tests were negative. In turn, all 90 pounds, once ground, were destined for a single Nebraska restaurant.

According to Dennis Brown, Fairbury’s owner, the ground beef collected for the routine FSIS sampling was collected from a single bag. The contents of the bag were then split in half – one half for FSIS and one half for Midwest Laboratories of Omaha (Fairbury’s own, third-party lab). According to Brown, Fairbury learned on November 14, 2009 that its sample was negative. Three days later, however, the USDA reported that its sample was positive.

What to do? Well, based solely upon its own testing, FSIS urged Fairbury to recall all 90 pounds of ground beef shipped to the Nebraska restaurant. Click on the following link to view the FSIS Recall Release. And, although the company followed FSIS’ recommendation, Fairbury was not convinced that its meat was contaminated with E. coli.

To satisfy its own concerns, Fairbury recovered all 90 pounds of ground beef it had shipped to the Nebraska restaurant. The company then took samples from each of the nine packages that were returned, and had all nine samples tested by Midwest.

To assure the integrity of sampling, two FSIS representatives watched Brown cut open the nine packages of recalled beef, collect the nine samples, and then ship the samples to Midwest. In turn, all the samples from all the packages, plus a sample from a replacement shipment to the customer (which was included in the collection), tested negative for E. coli.

Although a negative result does not necessarily prove the absence of the pathogen, the numerous and multiple negative test results from the recalled product raise significant questions about the reliability and limits of regulatory testing, the potential for mistakes in governmental laboratories, and the amount of safe product companies are, in some instances, being asked to destroy. Although this recall involved only 90 pounds, the next may involve 900,000.

When asked about the contradictory test results, Brown admitted he's a bit confused. Given the number of negative samples from the recalled product, Brown believes that FSIS either had a false positive or there was cross-contamination in the government's lab.

Unfortunately, Neil Gaffney, a spokesman for FSIS, declined to comment on either possibility – including the history or extent of FSIS false positives.

Thus, in the absence of any response, it appears that the real answer in this case, like the ground beef that was recalled, could potentially have been a bit too much (for at least some) to swallow...

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, 2009 E. coli Ground Beef Recall, E. coli O157:H7, FSIS, FSIS Cross-Contamination, FSIS E. coli Testing, FSIS False Positives, FSIS Routine Testing, Fairbury Negative Samples, Fairbury Steaks, Midwest Laboratories, Regulatory Samples, USDA

Possible Salmonella Concerns Prompt Voluntary And Precautionary Watermelon Recall

Posted on November 24, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Timco Worldwide Inc. (based in Davis, California) has announced a voluntary recall of a limited number of Large Seedless Watermelons.

The Large Seedless Watermelons affected by the precautionary recall contain the “MelonUp!” sticker label, with a PLU (Price Look Up) # 4032 and UPC # 0 33383 40240 6. The watermelons were distributed to select grocers, wholesalers and processors in California and Texas. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FDA Recall Release.

Timco announced the recall immediately after learning that routine, random sampling by a distribution company confirmed positive for Salmonella. In turn, the company announced, in an abundance of caution, a recall of all potentially affected products.

It is also important to note that, to date, there are no reports of illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. Nevertheless, consumers who may have purchased watermelons in the markets noted above (with the MelonUp! label) are being urged by the company to return them to the place of purchase for a refund. In turn, consumers with questions, or who need additional information, are invited to contact the company at 1-530-757-1000 (press “4” for Food Safety).

As with all fresh fruits and vegetables, Timco also recommends that fresh melons be thoroughly washed and rinsed before cutting and/or consuming them.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, 2009 Salmonella Watermelon Recall, California, Davis, California, FDA, Large Seedless Watermelon, MelonUp, Salmonella, Texas, Timco, Timco Worldwide, Watermelon Recall

Possible Salmonella Concerns Prompt Voluntary and Precautionary Cantaloupe Recall

Posted on November 22, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Five Crowns Marketing (based in Brawley, California) has announced a voluntary and precautionary recall of select cantaloupes packed under the Majesty label.

The cantaloupes affected by the precautionary recall were packed in various sizes with and without individual “Majesty” stickers. All cartons carry the label "Majesty," and are further identified with lot numbers 198 2 or 198 3, and pack dates of Nov 4, Nov 6, and Nov 10. Additionally, the cantaloupes in the identified lots were harvested and shipped to wholesalers, retailers, and food service operators in the states of Alabama, California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Click on the following link to view the FDA Recall Release.

Five Crowns Marketing announced the recall immediately after learning that routine testing on a lot of cantaloupes packed on November 4, 2009 confirmed positive for Salmonella. In turn, the company announced, in an abundance of caution, a recall of all cantaloupe from the same lot.

It is also important to note that, to date, there have been no reports of illness associated with the consumption of these products. According to the company, most of the cantaloupes have likely already passed through the distribution chain. Nevertheless, the company continues to work with its customers to ensure that all of the potentially affected cantaloupes have been accounted for.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, 2009 Cantaloupe Salmonalla Recall, Alabama, California, Cantaloupe, Cantaloupe Recall, FDA, Five Crowns Marketing, Illinois, Majesty, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Salmonella, Tennessee

Listeria Concerns Prompt Smoked Fish Recall

Posted on November 20, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Service Smoked Fish Corp. (based in Brooklyn, New York), has announced a voluntary recall of certain Brooklyn's BEST brand SMOKED NOVA SALMON.

The Smoked Nova Salmon affected by the recall was vacuum-packed in clear, plastic bags of various size packages including 3 oz., 4 oz., 8 oz., 12 oz., 16 oz., and random weight sides with the brand name "Brooklyn's BEST" appearing on a circular label inside the vacuum bag. A "Use-By" date appears on the bottom of the gold board. Units with "Use-By" dates of 12/03/09 through 12/19/09 are being recalled. The product was also air-packed in bulk boxes. Air-packed units with lot numbers 060 through 043 are being recalled. No other use-by dates or lots numbers are involved in this recall. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FDA Recall Release.

The Smoked Nova Salmon was distributed in the greater New York area, New Jersey, Connecticut, and the areas of Baltimore, MD, Los Angeles, CA, and Portland, Oregon. Consumers may have purchased the product from retail food stores.

The company announced the recall following the discovery of Listeria monocytogenes during routine product sampling. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product, and is working with the FDA to investigate the potential source of the problem.

It is also important to note that, to date, there have been no illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. Nevertheless, consumers who may have purchased the above "Use-By" dates or lot codes of "Brooklyn's BEST" brand SMOKED NOVA SALMON are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions, or who need additional information, are invited to contact the company at 718-388-4067.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Baltimore, Brooklyn's BEST, California, Connecticut, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Los Angeles, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Portland, Recall", SMOKED NOVA SALMON, Salmon, Service Smoked Fish Corp, Smoked Salmon Recall

New Nationwide System Could Speed Product Recalls

Posted on September 30, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and GS1 US have announced the launch of a new online service designed to facilitate the prompt exchange of accurate recall information between retailers, wholesalers and suppliers. When recalls are announced, the new system, known as the Rapid Recall Exchange (“RRE”), will allow suppliers to send specific, targeted information to retailers and wholesalers on how to remove recalled products, handle them safely and address reimbursement requirements.

According to the FMI, the new system was designed by the industry for the industry. The RRE replaces the existing Product Recall Portal, improves ease of use and adds numerous capabilities. In addition to complimenting existing recall practices and complying with the requirements of the FDA Reportable Food Registry, the RRE also features:

Secure user-authentication;

Two-way messaging between trading partners;

Internet access anywhere, anytime;

Email alerts about new information;

Comprehensive, prioritized information with U.P.C. bar codes and product images for easy identification;

Verification of notification;

Universal notification of Class 1 recalls;

Targeted notification to specific customers;

Consistent, reliable communications; and

Standardized forms, processes and instructions applying industry best practices

According to Bob Carpenter, CEO of GS1 US, the new system “will ultimately benefit the public as well as the companies that use it.” In turn, access to the Rapid Recall Exchange is available for a nominal fee imposed only to cover operating expenses.

To encourage quick and widespread adoption of the system, FMI and GS1 US are also offering free trial subscriptions to retailers and wholesalers that sign up by Oct. 30. The trial period runs through Dec. 31, 2009.

More information is available at www.rapidrecallexchange.org.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, FMI, Food Marketing Institute, GS1 US, Internet Recall Information, Online Recall System, RRE, Rapid Recall Exchange, Recall Portal

Possible Salmonella Concerns Prompt Voluntary And Precautionary Spinach Recall

Posted on September 18, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to the California Department of Public Health, Ippolito International (based in Salinas) has announced a voluntary and precautionary recall of select “Queen Victoria” and “Tubby” bunched spinach.

The spinach affected by the precautionary recall was packed in 12-count and 24-count spinach bunches in cardboard boxes with “Spinach” printed on the side panel, in wire bound crates or reusable plastic containers. The cartons of recalled spinach were also labeled with the following Code Date Stickers which can be located on the outside edge panel of the carton:

10522441 5 205 (harvested September 1, 2009);

10522451 5 205 (harvested September 2, 2009);

10522461 5 205 (harvested September 3, 2009).

The Tubby label was packed only on Code Date 10522451 5 205.

In turn, the individual 12-count and 24-count spinach bunches were bound with a twist tie which says “PLU 4090 UPC 33383-65200.” The twist tie associated with the “Queen Victoria” label has the Queen Victoria logo on it. The twist tie for the Tubby label has a generic spinach band on it.

Of the 1,715 cartons of bunched spinach recalled, a total of 1,515 cartons were packed under the “Queen Victoria” label and distributed to California, Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and to British Columbia, Ontario, and Manitoba in Canada. The remaining 200 cartons were packed under the “Tubby” label and distributed in California and New York. The recalled spinach was distributed to retail, food service and wholesale buyers.

Ippolito International immediately announced the precautionary recall following the discovery of Salmonella during routine product testing. It is also important to note that, to date, there have been no illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. Nevertheless, consumers who purchased these products should discard them or return to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions, or who need additional information on where the recalled products were sold, are also invited to contact Ippolito International at 1-831-772-9991.

Salmonella Concerns Prompt Parsley Recall

Posted on September 14, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Muranaka Farms has announced a voluntary recall of 1005 cases of 60 count bunched Parsley because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recall was trigged as a result of a voluntary sampling program conducted by the California company in cooperation with the FDA, which revealed that certain finished products could potentially contain the bacteria. Click on the following link to view the FDA Recall Release.

The specific products affected by the recall include 60 count fresh bunched parsley Lot Code 0023909. The products were shipped in a brown wax carton under the Muranaka Label with a parsley silhouette on the side. In turn, individual parsley bunches were banded using a red rubber band. The lot code 0023909 is on a sticker on the outside of the carton.

The affected products were distributed in the following 10 states: Arizona (30 cases), California (574 cases), Colorado (35 cases), Florida (60 Cases), Iowa (3 cases), Illinois (1 case), Missouri (7 cases), Tennessee (5 cases), Texas (278 cases) and Wisconsin (12 cases). These cases were distributed within both retail and foodservice outlets.

Because of Muranaka Farm's trace recall program the company was able to immediately determine which customers purchased the product in question. Muranaka's food safety protocols also ensure the company was able to determine the amount of cases harvested, the crew harvesting the product, and the field on which the parsley was grown and harvested. The company is continuing to work with the FDA to determine a potential cause.

It is also important to note that, to date, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. Moreover, although the product is over two weeks old, and likely past its useable shelf-life, the company is nevertheless working diligently with customers to ensure that the products are fully accounted for and out of the supply chain.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Arizona, California, Colorado, FDA, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Muranaka Farm, Muranaka Parsley Recall, Parsley, Parsley Recall, Salmonella, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin

Listeria Concerns Prompt Voluntary and Precautionary Waffle Recall

Posted on September 9, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Kellogg has announced a voluntary and precautionary recall of various waffle products produced at its Atlanta facility.

During routine sampling of a product that had not been distributed into commerce, Listeria was discovered in a product sample. In turn, Kellogg elected, in an abundance of caution, to issue a voluntary and precautionary recall of a limited number of products produced at the same facility. Click on the following link to view the FDA Recall Release.

The following waffle products are affected by the precautionary recall:

Kellogg's® Eggo® Cinnamon Toast waffles, 10-count package, UPC code 3800040440 with Best If Used Before" dates beginning with:NOV22 10 EA, NOV23 10 EA and NOV24 10 EA.

Kellogg's® Eggo® Toaster Swirlz™ Cinnamon Roll Minis eight-count package, UPC code 3800023370 with a "Best If Used Before" date beginning with NOV15 10 EA.

Following the discovery of the single positive sample, Kellogg also immediately and voluntarily ceased production at its Atlanta facility, began an investigation to determine a possible cause of the contamination, and also initiated a regimen of cleaning and sanitizing. According to reports, Kellogg plans to fully execute its hygienic restoration plan under GDA before it resumes any production at the facility.

It is also important to note that the recall is a precautionary measure and, to date, no reported illnesses have been associated with the consumption of any Kellogg waffle products.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Cinnamon Toast Waffles, Eggo, Kelloggs Waffle Recall, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Toaster Swirlz Cinnamon Roll Minis, Waffle Recall

Salmonella Concerns Prompt Green Onion Recall

Posted on September 8, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Ocean Mist Farms has announced a precautionary and voluntary recall of 1,746 cases of iceless green onions. The announcement follows confirmation from federal regulators of a positive test for Salmonella on iceless green onions.

Although no Ocean Mist Farms’ product was identified, the positive sample did come from onions supplied by Circle Produce to several shippers, including Ocean Mist Farms. Thus, in an abundance of caution, the company elected to initiate a precautionary and voluntary recall. Click on the following link to view the FDA Recall Release.

The specific recalled iceless green onion pack styles and code dates are as follows:

4 x 12 count

2 x 24 count

24 count 5.5oz Cello Bag

36 count 5.5 oz Cello Bag

40 count 5.5 oz Cello Bag

Trace Back Code: 95ONCP7G

Production Dates: 80309; 80709; 80809; 81109; 81209; 81309

Because it is possible that a small amount of this product may have already been purchased by consumers, anyone who may have purchased onions with the trace back codes listed below should dispose of the product.

It is also important to note that, to date, there have not been any reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. Nevertheless, according to Ed Boutonnet, President of Ocean Mist Farms, “[t]he health and safety of our customers and their consumers always comes first. As soon as we learned of the positive test, it became our immediate responsibility to begin a voluntary recall of the product in the interest of protecting public health.”

The company also announced that it has suspended receiving any Circle Produce green onions. Instead, Ocean Mist Farms will continue to provide green onions from its own growing and packing operation.

Ultimately, Ocean Mist noted that the current inspection scheme is “having a positive effect in ensuring food safety.” In turn, following the positive sample in this case, the company was able to quickly and effectively trace back and recall all potentially affected products.

For additional information, consumers can also visit www.oceanmist.com.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Circle Produce, Green Onion Recall, Iceless Green Onions, Ocean Mist Farms, Ocean Mist Farms Recall, Salmonella, Salmonella Onion Recall

Salmonella Concerns Prompt Voluntary And Precautionary Cantaloupe Recall

Posted on August 30, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Melon Acres has announced a voluntary and precautionary recall of cantaloupes because they may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The cantaloupes affected by the voluntary recall were distributed through Farm-Wey Produce (of Lakeland, Florida) between August 13 and 14, 2009. The cantaloupes, identified as 41 MG 10, Bin Numbers 4753-4980, were shipped to Aldi's in Greenwood, Indiana and to Meijer in Lansing, Michigan, Newport, Michigan, and Tipp City, Ohio. Click on the following link to view the FDA Recall Release.

The recall was issued following routine testing by the FDA on Tuesday, August 11, 2009, which revealed that a single sample (from twenty cantaloupes taken by the Agency) tested positive for Salmonella. The FDA reported the positive test to Melon Acres on Friday, August 21, 2009.

In turn, the FDA and Melon Acres worked together to identify the field in which the positive sample was grown. According to the company, no further shipments will be made from the source field. Additionally, on August 7, 2009, Primus Labs, a third party food safety auditing firm specializing in produce, inspected Melon Acres' fields and facilities regarding its food safety practices. Melon Acres received grades of excellent/good respectively, in this audit.

It is also important to note that, to date, there have been no reported of illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. Further, the company wishes to assure the public that stringent Food Safety Programs are in place at its shipping locations and fields, and is working closely with the FDA to identify the potential source of contamination.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Aldi's, Cantaloupe, Cantaloupe Recall, FDA, Farm Way Recall, Farm-Wey Produce, Indiana, Meijer, Melon Acres, Melon Acres Recall, Michigan, Newport, Ohio, Salmonella

Listeria Concerns Prompt Voluntary Recall Of Select Cheese Products

Posted on August 28, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, Quesos Mi Pueblito has announced a voluntary recall of certian cheese products because they may have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Click on the following link to view the FDA Recall Reslease.

The specific products affected by the recall, with "sell by dates" from February 2, 2009 to the present, are as follows:

LA FE OAXACA STRING CHEESE: [USP: 0 23545 40115 6] 14 oz. pack (plastic package);

EL VIEJITO OAXACA CHEESE: [USP: 7 18122 18071 4] 14 oz. pack, 10 lb. ball (plastic package);

MI PUEBLITO COTIJA/AñEJO: [USP: 0 24077 10221 4] vacuum packed in plastic wrap by specific weight (plastic wrapped);

MI PUEBLITO CUAJADA FRESCA: [USP: 0 24077 10216 0] 14 oz. pack (plastic wrapped);

MI PUEBLITO QUESO COLOMBIANO DE ARRIERO: [USP: 0 24077 10219] 1 / 8 oz. pack (plastic package);

MI PUEBLITO QUESO MOLIDO: [USP: 0 24077 10211 5] 14 oz. pack (plastic package);

MI PUEBLITO QUESO COTIJA TRIANGULO: [USP: 0 24077 10220 7] 14 oz. pack (plastic package);

MI PUEBLITO QUESO FRESCO: [USP: 0 24077 100258] 14 oz. pack, 10 lb. ball (plastic package);

MI PUEBLITO QUESO FRESCO DE RANCHO: [USP: 0 24077 10215 3] 14 oz. pack (plastic clam shell container, plastic wrap);

MI PUEBLITO QUESO CASERO: [USP: 0 24077 10222 1] 14 oz. pack (plastic clam shell container, plastic wrap);

MI PUEBLITO QUESO OAXACA: [USP: 0 24077 10224 5] 14 oz. pack (plastic package);

MI PUEBLITO REQUESON: [USP: 0 24077 10200 9] 15 oz. pack (plastic package); and

MI PUEBLITO SERRANO: [USP: 0 24007 10200 0] 16 oz. pack (plastic package).

The recalled products (produced by the company in Passaic, New Jersey) were distributed through Puebla Foods, Inc. to retail stores and wholesalers in New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Click on the following link to view the affected Product Labels. The potential problem was discovered through routine sampling and analyses conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health.

It is also important to note that, to date, no illnesses have been associated with the consumption of these products. Nevertheless, consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Listeria Concerns Prompt Precautionary Macaroni And Cheese Recall

Posted on August 19, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, SUPERVALU has announced a voluntarily recall of frozen Culinary Circle Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese products because they may have the potential to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.

The products affected by the recall include Culinary Circle Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese (a frozen product) sold in 38 oz. packages with a UPC# of 41130 38704. The products were sold at numerous SUPERVALU-owned stores including Acme, Albertsons, biggs, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Hornbacher’s, Jewel-Osco, Lucky, Shaw’s/Star Market, Shop ‘n Save, and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy. Click on the link to view the FDA Recall Release.

It is important to note that there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. Rather, the possibility for contamination was identified through routine microbiological sampling at the manufacturing facility.

In turn, because the safety of its customers is a top priority of the company, SUPERVALUE has elected, in an abundance of caution, to issue a precautionary and voluntary recall of these products. Health officials also remind consumers that thoroughly cooking all raw foods will typically destroy any pathogens that may be present, and render such products safe

Customers who have purchased the affected product can bring it back to their SUPERVALU-owned store for a full refund or exchange.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Acme, Albertsons, Cub Foods, Culinary Circle Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese, FDA, Farm Fresh, Hornbacher's, Jewel-Osco, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Lucky, Macaroni and Cheese Recall, SUPERVALU, Shaw's/Star Market, Shop 'n Save, Shoppers Food & Pharmacy, biggs

E. Coli Concerns Prompt Ground Beef Recall

Posted on August 14, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to FSIS, Sterling Pacific Meat Co. has announced a voluntary recall of approximately 3,516 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The ground beef products affected by the voluntary recall were produced by the company (located in California) on May 18, 2009, and were distributed at the wholesale level to food service companies, who further distributed the product to restaurants in California and Arizona. FSIS has no reason to believe that the products are available for sale in commerce. Click on the following link to view the FSIS Recall Release.

The specific products subject to recall include:

Fatburger Brand:

20-pound packages of "8 oz. PUCK (80/20) GROUND BEEF PATTIES."

10-pound "2.5 oz. BABY GROUND BEEF PATTIES."

Cattleman's Choice Brand:

12-pound packages of "6 oz ROUND 80 % LEAN PURE GROUND BEEF PATTIES." Each package bears the identifying case code "13627."

12-pound packages of "(3/1) ROUND 80% LEAN PURE GROUND BEEF PATTY." Each package bears the identifying case code "13582."

12-pound packages of "(3/1) ROUND 80% LEAN GROUND BEEF PATTIES." Each package bears the identifying case code "10457" and the pack date "05/18/2009."

12-pound packages of "GROUND BEEF PATTY (8/1) SLIDER 80% LEAN." Each package bears the identifying case code "13657" and the pack date "05/18/2009."

12-pound packages of "(4/1) ROUND 85% LEAN PURE GROUND BEEF PATTY." Each package bears the identifying case code "13575" and the pack date "05/18/2009."

12-pound packages of "PURE GROUND BEEF PATTY 7oz WIDE PATTY 80% LEAN." Each package bears the identifying case code "13520" and the pack date "05/18/2009."

12-pound packages of "PURE GROUND BEEF PATTY (7/1) ROUND PATTY 80% LEAN." Each package bears the identifying case code "13577" and the pack date "05/18/2009."

11.80-pound packages of "PURE GROUND BEEF PATTIES 7 oz ROUND 80% LEAN." Each package bears the identifying case code "13520" or "13561" and the pack date "05/18/2009."

The packages also bear the establishment number "EST. 550" within the USDA Mark of Inspection and advise "KEEP REFRIGERATED" and/or "KEEP FROZEN."

The problem was discovered by FSIS during a review of the establishment's records. To date, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. FSIS also reminds consumers that thoroughly cooking raw beef products to an internal temperature of 160 degrees will destroy any pathogens that may be present, and will render the products safe.

AUGUST 15, 2009 UPDATE:

Please note that the FSIS Recall Release was on updated Aug 15, 2009 to correct a product description in the original release. The updated release makes it clear that one of the recalled brands is "Cattleman's Choice," not "Stock Yards Brand." "Stock Yards Brand" products are not subject to this recall. Please note that product labels subject to recall are similar, but recalled products would read "Cattleman's Choice" instead of "Stock Yards Brand."

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Arizona, California, Cattleman's Choice, E. coli O157:H7, Fatburger, Ground Beef Recall, Sterling Pacific Meat

Salmonella Concerns Prompt Precautionary Recall Of Green Onions

Posted on August 13, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

NewStar Fresh Foods (based in California) has announced a precautionary recall of 772 cartons of iced jumbo green onions (under the brand names Omo and Fu Choy) which could potentially be contaminated with Salmonella.

According to the FDA, The onions were distributed from three locations, R.A.M. Produce Distributors of Detroit, Michigan, Franzella Distributing of San Francisco, California, and United Food Service of East Point, Georgia. Click on the following link to view the FDA Recall Release.

The product was packaged in a 48-count iced carton, with item numbers 02487403 and 02487452, product lot numbers 40550707 and 40510707, and production dates of July 20th and July 21st 2009. No other food service distributors or products are involved in this recall. Notably, all affected product within the foodservice channel has already been accounted for and destroyed.

58 cartons were shipped from two distributors to small grocery outlets in the Detroit and San Francisco areas. Consumers in California may have purchased the product from Larry’s Produce in Fairfield, La Loma Produce, Good Life Grocery and El Grande, all San Francisco, and Valley Produce & Meat Market, San Pablo. Consumers in Michigan may have purchased the product from Confers Supermarket in New Lothrop, Ryan’s Food in Detroit, Brothers Supermarket and Al Jazeera Market in Dearborn and Sahara Market in Warren.

Although it is likely that the jumbo green onions are now beyond their usable life, the voluntary recall is being issued by the company out of an abundance of caution for consumer well-being in the possible event some consumers might have purchased from the listed retail outlets and still have the product in their home refrigerators.

The company is working closely with regulatory authorities at the state and federal levels to inform consumers in Detroit and San Francisco areas who may have purchased the product. To date, there have been no illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, California, Fu Choy, Georgia, Jumbo Green Onions, Michigan, New Star Fresh Produce, New Star Recall, NewStar Onion Recall, Omo, Onion Recall, Onion Salmonella Recall

Salmonella Concerns Prompt Recall Of Various Spice Products

Posted on August 10, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

Adams Extract and Spice has announced a voluntary recall of various spice products following the discovery of Salmonella during routine product testing.

The spice products being recalled were processed using a specific lot of ground red pepper supplied by Van de Vries Spice Corporation (located in New Jersey). Although the lot of ground red pepper initially tested negative for Salmonella, a second sample drawn from the same lot reportedly confirmed positive for the pathogen.

The products affected by the voluntary recall were distributed in Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico through retail stores, mail order, internet sales and direct delivery.

Click on the following link to view a copy of the FDA Recall Release. The specific products subject to the recall include:

Items in clear plastic (PET) bottles with yellow caps:

Adams Cayenne Pepper 2.61 oz Best by date 060311-060711, 062711-070111, 071811-072211, 080111-080511;

Adams Brisket Rub 13.47 oz Best by date 062111-062511, 062711-070711;

Adams Brisket Rub 8.5lbs Best by date 062811-070211;

Adams Multi-Season Seasoned Salt 14.46 oz. Best by date 070511-070911;

Adams Multi-Seasoning 30 oz. Best by date 071111-071511;

REX Cayenne Pepper Ground 6.98 oz. Best by Date 072111-072511, 071111-071511; and

REX Cayenne Pepper 16 oz. Best by Date 071111-071511.

Items in french square glass bottles with silver-tone caps:

Adams Reserve Cajun Seasoning 4.93oz. Best by date 061011-061711, 071311-071711.

Items in translucent polypropylene jars with translucent caps:

Carniceria Texas Red All Purpose Seasoning Adams 14.25oz. Best by date 061711-062111; and

Carniceria B-B-Q Seasoning Adams 15.07oz. Best by date 061611-062011.

Items in red trimmed "cello" packages:

REX Crab Boil Ready Mix 64 oz.

Items in green trimmed "cello" packages:

REX Fish Fry 10 oz.

To date, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the use of these products. Consumers who have purchased these products, however, are being urged by the company to return them to the place of purchase.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Adams Brisket Rub, Adams Cayenne Pepper, Adams Multi-Season Seasoned Salt, Adams Multi-Seasoning, Carniceria B-B-Q Seasoning, Carniceria Texas Red All Purpose Seasoning, Internet Sales, Louisiana, New Mexico, REX Cayenne Pepper, REX Crab Boil Ready Mix, REX Fish Fry, Salmonella Spice Recall, Spice Product Recall, Texas, Van de Vries Spice Corporation

Salmonella Outbreak Investigation Prompts Precautionary Ground Beef Recall

Posted on July 24, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to FSIS, King Soopers has announced a voluntary recall of various ground beef products after learning the products could potentially be linked to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak. The possible association is being investigated by the Colorado Department of Health.

Approximately 466,236 pounds of ground beef chubs, tray packs and patties (processed in Denver, Colorado) are affected by the voluntary and precautionary recall. The products were processed on various dates between May 23, 2009 and June 13, 2009, and bear Establishment Number "EST. 6250." In turn, the ground beef chub products bear a use-by/sell-by date between "05/31/09" and "06/21/09;" the tray packs of ground beef bear a use-by/sell-by date between "06.02.09" and "06.23.09;" and the ground beef patty products bear a use-by/sell-by date between "06.01.09" and "06.22.09." The products were distributed to retail establishments in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The products (produced in Denver, Colorado). Click on the following link to view the FSIS Recall Release.

The specific products subject to recall include:

1-pound chubs of (93/7) ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "69558."

1 - 1.25-lb. tray packs of (96/4) ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "67164."

1 - 1.25-lb. tray packs of (96/4) ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "67664."

1 - 1.25-lb. tray packs of (93/7) ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "67663."

1 - 1.25-lb. tray packs of (93/7) ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "67163."

2.5 - 3-lb. tray packs of (93/7) ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "67654."

6-pack trays of (93/7) ground beef patties. Each package bears the identifying case code "67106."

4-pack trays of (93/7) ground beef patties. Each package bears the identifying case code "67115."

As a result of an ongoing investigation into an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 potentially associated with ground beef, the Colorado Department of Public Health notified FSIS of the problem. Epidemiological investigations, and a case control study, conducted by Colorado Department of Health and CDC determined that there may be an association between the fresh ground beef products and 14 illnesses reported in Colorado.

Although the FSIS has no reason to believe that the products are still available for sale in commerce, the agency is nevertheless advising consumers that may have purchased the fresh ground beef between May 23 and June 23, 2009, and who may still have the products in their freezers, to look for and discard any potentially affected products.

As always, FSIS also reminds consumers that thoroughly cooking raw beef products to an internal temperature of 160 degrees will destroy any pathogens that may be present, and will render the products safe.

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, Colorado, Denver, Colorado, Ground Beef Recall, Kansas, King Soopers, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Salmonella, Salmonella Ground Beef Recall, Salmonella Typhimurium DT104, Utah, Wyoming

Salmonella Testing Prompts Nationwide Lettuce Recall

Posted on July 22, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

Tanimura & Antle (located in Salinas, California) has announced a voluntary recall of various romaine lettuce products following a finding of Salmonella in a random sampe taken by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. Immediately after being informed of the positive test result, the company initiated comprehensive trace-back efforts, and was able to contact all customers within hours. Those buyers have been told to destroy the lettuce.

The recalled lettuce, which had been distributed to retail, foodservice and wholesale customers in 29 states, was harvested between June 25 and July 2, 2009. The specific products affected by the recall include cartons of bulk and wrapped lettuce with a lot code 531380. Click here to view a copy of the Company Press Release.

According to Tanimura & Antle, the affected products were distributed to the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Chief executive officer Rick Antle stated that Tanimura & Antle practices strict food safety guidelines. Additionally, despite the lettuce being past its shelf life, he cited an "abundance of caution" in issuing the recall. "We will continue to review opportunities for improvement," Antle said. “Although the recalled product is well beyond the 14-16 day shelf life, we are voluntarily issuing this recall because we want to ensure that we minimize even the slightest risk to public health.”

To date, there have been no reports of illness associated with the lettuce. Moving forward, the company also stated that it will continue to update its website with more information. Consumers with questions, or who need information, may call Tanimura & Antle at 1-877-827-7388.

AUGUST 3, 2009 UPDATE:

On August 3, 2009, Tanimura & Antle expanded the geographic scope of its original recall to include product distributed to all 50 states. Although the volume of cases from the single recalled lot (which is identified above) has not changed, the company recognizesd the possibility that some customers may have distributed the romaine in states beyond the original 29 -- thus, prompting the expansion. Click on the following link to view a copy of the Updated Recall Release.

Listeria Concerns Prompt Sprout Recall

Posted on July 15, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

Chang Farms (of Whatley, Massachusetts) has announced a voluntary recall of select Soy Bean Sprouts following the discovery of Listeria monocytogenes during FDA product testing.

The affected products were labeled under the Chang Farm Brand as “Soy Sprouts,” and have a “Sell By” date of July 17, 2009. The soy bean sprouts, packaged in 10 lb bags (bulk) and 12 oz plastic bags (retail), were distributed to retail stores and wholesalers throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. To date, no illnesses have been associated with the consumption of these products. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FDA Recall Release.

According to the FDA, retail stores and wholesalers who have received these products should remove them from shelves. In turn, consumers are being instructed to either discard any affected products, or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Chang Farm Brand Soy Sprouts, Chang Farms, Chang Farms Sprout Recall, Connecticut, Listeria, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Soy Bean Spouts, Sprout Recall

Illinois Firm Recalls Ground Beef Due To Possible E. Coli Contamination

Posted on July 14, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to FSIS, the Edward S. Miller Packing Company has announced a voluntary recall of approximately 219 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The ground beef products affected by the voluntary recall were produced by the company (located in Montgomery, Illinois) between July 7 and July 10, 2009, and were distributed to consumers and restaurants in northern Illinois. Click on the link to view the FSIS Recall Release.

The specific products subject to recall include:

10-pound vacuum-packed bags of bulk "Edward S. Miller Packing Co. Ground Beef." Each bag bears the establishment number "EST. 34342" inside the USDA mark of inspection, and the case codes of "070709," "070809," "070909" or "071009."

12- and 15-pound boxes of "Edward S. Miller Packing Co. Ground Beef Patties." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 34342" inside the USDA mark of inspection and case codes of "070709," "070809," "070909" or "071009."

The problem was discovered through FSIS microbiological sampling. According to FSIS, there have been no reports of illnesses associated with these products. FSIS also reminds consumers that thoroughly cooking raw beef products to an internal temperature of 160 degrees will destroy any pathogens that may be present, and will render the products safe.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, E. coli O157:H7, E.S. Miller Packing, Edward S. Miller Packing Company, FSIS, Ground Beef Recall, Illinois, Montgomery, Illinois

Sprouts Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

Posted on July 8, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

Mike’s Produce, Inc. (d/b/a. Kowalke Family Sprouts) has announced a voluntary recall of all Kowalke Family Sprouts Brand Alfalfa Products with sell-by dates from June 18, 2009 through June 30, 2009. The recall was announced after the company received notification that a sprout sample (taken from a retail location) had tested positive for Salmonella.

After being notified of the positive sample, Kowalke Family Sprouts (located in Los Angeles, California) promptly informed the FDA of its actions. It is not clear how Salmonella may have been introduced into the sprouts, and the company is cooperating fully with the agenciy's continuing investigation.

According to reports, Kowalke Family Sprouts met all FDA disinfection, processing, and pathogen testing guidelines. In addition, although the FDA tested for the presence of Salmonella on sprout growing equipment, food contact surfaces, walls, floors, and drains at the Kowalke Family Sprouts facility, all tests results were negative. Despite extensive efforts, the FDA found no Salmonella at the Kowalke Family Sprouts facility.

Even though all environmental samples were negative, and although the alfalfa sprouts tested negative prior to being shipped to retailers, the firm (given the positive retail finding – and, in an abundance of caution) decided to recall all sprouts from the potentially affected lot.

Kowalke alfalfa products are sold in 4 oz, 8 oz, 1 pound and 5 pound clear plastic, clam shell packages. Two other Kowalke products also contain alfalfa sprouts - the Dinner Salad in a 6 oz package and the Onion/Alfalfa Mix in a 4 oz package.

These products were sold to distributors in Los Angeles and to retail stores in Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona. It is possible, however, that the sprouts may have been transported to other states. Click on the following link to view the FDA Recall Release.

To date, no illnesses have been reported from these products.

Tags: Food Safety News, Pathogen Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, Alfalfa Sprout Recall, Arizona, California, FDA, Kowalke Family Sprouts, Kowalke Family Sprouts Recall, Mike's Produce, Inc., Nevada, Salmonella, Sprout Recall

Salmonella Concerns Prompt Recall Of Various Milk Products

Posted on June 29, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to the FDA, the Plainview Milk Products Cooperative has announced a voluntary recall of various milk products following the discovery of potential Salmonella contamination. The recall includes all instant nonfat dried milk, whey protein, fruit stabilizers, and gums (thickening agents) produced by the company during the past two years at its facility in Plainview, Minnesota. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FDA News Release.

The investigation which led to the recall is an interesting example of the ways in which the governmental agencies, which oversee the food industry, can and do work together to identify any potential problems which may arise. The investigation began when the USDA found Salmonella in 100-gram pouches of Dairyshake powder that were not for retail sale. The USDA then alerted the FDA, who later discovered salmonella on some of the processing equipment used in the Plainview plant. The FDA conducted the investigation in collaboration with USDA, CDC, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and various state and local health departments.

The products which were voluntarily recalled have not been linked to any illnesses, nor did they reach consumers directly. Rather, they were sold to other downstream companies, which then used the ingredients to process other foods.

We will, of course, continue to report on continuing developments.

Colorado Firm Expands Recall To Include 380,000 Pounds Of Beef Products

Posted on June 28, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

On June 24, 2009, the JBS Swift Beef Company announced a voluntary recall of approximately 41,280 pounds of beef products. After consultation with the FSIS, and following a thorough review of its own records, the company has voluntarily expanded its initial recall to include an additional 380,000 pounds of select intact beef primal products. Click on the following link to view the FSIS Recall Release.

According to FSIS, the expanded recall was initiated voluntarily by JBS Swift, in an abundance of caution, as a result of an ongoing investigation by the CDC of numerous E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in multiple states. According to the company, the FSIS had indicated that some of these illnesses could potentially be associated with ground beef products further processed (by JBS Swift’s customers) from whole intact cuts. Click on the following link to view the JBS Release.

The beef products affected by the expanded recall were produced in Greeley, Colorado on April 21, 2009, and were distributed both nationally and internationally. Click on the following link to view a list of those products subject to the expanded recall.

Each box of recalled product bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, an identifying package date of "042109," and a time stamp ranging from "0618" to "1130." The recalled products include intact cuts of beef, such as primals, sub-primals, or boxed beef typically used for steaks and roasts (rather than for ground beef). As noted, however, because some of these products may have been further processed by downstream customers into ground beef, the final packaging may not bear the establishment number "EST. 969." As a result, FSIS is advising customers with concerns to contact their point of purchase.

FSIS also reminds consumers that, whether beef products are ground or intact, cooking beef products to 160 degrees will destroy any pathogens that may be present, and will render the products safe.

Colorado Firm Recalls Intact Beef Products

Posted on June 26, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

The JBS Swift Beef Company has announced a voluntary recall of approximately 41,280 pounds of beef products, following the discovery of E. coli O157:H7 during FSIS microbiological sampling, and an investigation involving the distribution of all potentially affected products.

The products affected by the recall were produced by JBS Swift (in Greeley, Colorado) on April 21 and 22, 2009, and were distributed to distributors and retail establishments in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.

The specific products subject to recall include:

Boxes of "USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "21852."

Boxes of "USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "21853."

Boxes of "Swift, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "31852."

Boxes of "Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "31853."

Boxes of "Swift, USDA SELECT, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "33852."

Boxes of "USDA SELECT, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "33853."

Boxes of "BLACK ANGUS, Swift Premium, BEEF, USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "41853."

Boxes of "BLACK ANGUS, Swift Premium, BEEF, USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "41853."

Boxes of "Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, an identifying package date of "042109" and a case code of "79852."

Boxes of "Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, an identifying package date of "042109" and a case code of "79853."

Boxes of "USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "90853."

All raw meat products carry federally-mandated safe-handling labels. In turn, FSIS reminds consumers that thoroughly cooking raw beef products will destroy any pathogens that may be present, and will render the products safe.

E. Coli O157:H7 Prompts Ground Beef Recall

Posted on June 23, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

A voluntary recall of approximately 6,152 pounds of ground beef has been announced by the International Meat Company following the discovery of E. coli O157:H7 during routine FSIS product sampling.

The ground beef products affected by the recall were processed by the company (located in Chicago, Illinois) between June 17, 2009 and June 19, 2009. In turn, the products were shipped to distributors and restaurants throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.

The specific products subject to recall include:

5-pound, plastic-lined boxes of "International Meat Co., PURVEYOR OF FINE MEATS TO HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS, BEEF PATTIES." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 22080" inside the USDA mark of inspection and identifying package codes of "061709," "061809" or "061909."

"5- and 10-pound bags of bulk "International Meat Co., BEEF PATTIE MIX." Each bag bears the establishment number "EST. 22080" inside the USDA mark of inspection and identifying package codes of "061709," "061809" or "061909."

"10-pound bags of "International Meat Co., GROUND BEEF." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 22080" inside the USDA mark of inspection and identifying package codes of "061709," "061809" or "061909."

"10-pound bags of "Packed For, Purely Gourmet & Organic, Ground Beef." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 22080" inside the USDA mark of inspection and identifying package codes of "061709," "061809" or "061909."

The problem was discovered through routine FSIS microbiological sampling. FSIS has confirmed, as well, that have not been any illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. FSIS also reminds consumers that thoroughly cooking raw beef products to an internal temperature of 160 degrees will destroy any pathogens that may be present, and will render the products safe.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Chicago, Illinois, E. coli, E. coli O157:H7, Ground Beef E. coli Recall, Ground Beef Recall, International Meat Company, International Meat Recall

Ongoing E. Coli Outbreak Prompts Precautionary Recall Of Raw Cookie Dough

Posted on June 19, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

Defending food-borne illness cases throughout the country, we understand better than anyone the uncertianty surrounding recent reports that raw Nestle cookie dough may be the source of an ongoing nationwide E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. Although, historically, E. coli has been linked to outbreaks involving water, spinach, lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, fruit juices, salami, cheese, and raw (or, undercooked) meat, cookie dough has never been implicated.

Nevertheless, since March 2009, federal and state investigators have been attempting to identify the likely source of a nationwide E. coli outbreak which has affected about 66 people in 28 states. To date, about 25 individuals have been hospitalized.

Although the true source of the ongoing outbreak remains uncertain, health officials recently announced that a number of cases associated with the outbreak reportedly consumed raw Nestle Toll House cookie dough prior to the onset of their illnesses.

In Colorado, for example, of five cases recently linked to the nationwide outbreak, four reported eating raw cookie dough. Nevertheless, although such reports may suggest an association with a particular food, epidemiology alone (without the added benefit of microbiological confirmation in an implicated product) is often insufficient to determine the cause of an outbreak. For this reason, Alicia Cronquist, an epidemiologist with the Colorado Department of Health (“CDH”), stated further that, although we want consumers to be aware, "[w]e can't be certain that raw cookie dough is the source of these infections." Click on the following link to view the CDH Press Release.

Despite lingering uncertainty, these reports prompted an immediate response from Nestle. Noting that the safety of consumers is paramount, and although E. coli has not been isolated from any of its products, the company elected, in an abundance of caution, to issue an immediate, voluntary and precautionary nationwide recall of refrigerated Nestlé Toll House cookie dough products. In turn, Nestle spokeswoman Roz O'Hearn confirmed that "this has been a very quickly moving situation." O'Hearn highlighted further that, after learning of a potential problem, "the company took action in less than 24 hours." Click on the following link to view the Nestle Press Release.

Thus, as the investigation continues, both Nestle and health officials have asked consumers not to eat prepackaged refrigerated cookie dough. The precautionary recall includes refrigerated cookie bar dough, cookie dough tub, cookie dough tubes, limited edition cookie dough items, seasonal cookie dough and Ultimates cookie bar dough. It does not, however, affect any other Toll House products. Click on the following link to view the FDA Recall Release (and list of affected products).

While Nestle is working closely with the FDA to determine whether any of its products are indeed implicated, the Minnesota Department of Health (“MDH”) is testing products collected from retail stores and from ill consumers' homes. Currently, the MDH is investigating six cases with onset dates between May 3 and June 11. Click on the following link to view the MDH News Release.

Finally, it should be noted that, regardless of the ultimate source of the outbreak, consumers should never eat raw cookie dough. According to Carlota Medus, an epidemiologist with the MDH, “cookie dough, whether purchased in a tub from the store, or made at home from scratch, should not be eaten raw.” This, of course, is because many raw products can potentially carry pathogens that might cause illness if improperly handled and prepared. This is also why the labels on raw cookie dough clearly state that the products should always be baked before consumption. When properly handled and prepared (and cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees), cookies make from raw dough are perfectly safe for consumption.

In any event, the safety and quality of its products, says Nestle, is a non-negotiable priority. For this reason, the company has apologized for any inconvenience caused by the precautionary recall.

And, until a source is conclusively determined, we of course will continue to provide updates on the continuing investigation.

Ground Beef Products Voluntarily Recalled Due To Possible Presence Of E. coli O157:H7

Posted on June 3, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

A voluntary recall of approximately 39,973 pounds of ground beef products was announced today by SP Provisions, following the discovery of E. coli O157:H7 during routine product sampling.

The ground beef products affected by the recall were processed by the company (located in Portland, Oregon) on various dates between April 8, 2009 and May 28, 2009. In turn, the products were distributed to retail establishments, hotels, restaurants and other institutions in Oregon and Washington. Click on the following link to view the FSIS Recall Release. The ground beef products subject to recall include:

Cascade Natural Beef Brand:

5-pound and 10-pound bags of ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "13-016G."
5-pound and 10-pound bags of chili grind. Each package bears the identifying case code "13-016C."
15-pound boxes of ground beef patties. Each package bears the identifying case code "13-016GP.

SP Provisions Brand:

5-pound and 10-pound bags of ground beef. Each package bears the identifying case code "01-136."
5-pound and 10-pound bags of chili grind. Each package bears the identifying case code "01-136C."
15-pound boxes of ground beef patties. Each package bears the identifying case code "01-136P."

All of the ground beef products affected by the recall, which had been produced from the same source materials, were shipped into commerce prior to May 29, 2009. Each identifying case code is preceded by the date code "040809" through "052809," signifying the production date in "month/date/year" format (i.e. April 8, 2009 through May 28, 2009). Additionally, each of the affected products bears the establishment number "EST. 2866" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Notably, FSIS has has confirmed that have not been any illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. FSIS also reminds consumers that thoroughly cooking raw beef products to an internal temperature of 160 degrees will destroy any pathogens that may be present, and will render the products safe.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Beef", Cascade Natural Beef Brand, E. coli, E. coli O157:H7, E. coli ground beef recall, Ground, Ground Beef Recall, Oregon, Portland, Provisions, Raw Beef, SP, SP Provisions Brand, SP Provisions Recall, Washington

Sprouts Recalled Because Of Possible Listeria Contamination

Posted on May 29, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

Chang Farm, a Massachusetts company, has issued a voluntary recall of various bean and soy sprouts because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The sprouts were distributed to restaurants and retail stores throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. Click on the following link to view the FDA Recall Notice.

According to the FDA, the contamination was discovered after a product sample (obtained from a retail store in New York) tested positive for Listeria. To date, no illnesses have been associated with the recalled sprouts.

The affected products, labeled as Chang Farm Brand soy sprouts and bean sprouts, are packaged in 10-pound bags (bulk) and 12-ounce plastic bags (retail). The soy sprouts have a “Sell By” date of May 23, 2009 or May 24, 2009, and the bean sprouts have a “Use By” date of May 23, 2009 or May 24, 2009.

All grocery stores, food services, and other retailers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey are being advised to remove the recalled products from their shelves. In turn, consumers should either discard the products, or return them to the place of purchase.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Bean Sprouts, Chang Farm Sprouts Recall, Chang Farm, River Road, Whatley, Chang Farms, Connecticut, FDA, Food Safety and Sprouts, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Soy Sprouts, Sprout Recall

Outbreak Investigation Prompts Ground Beef Recall

Posted on May 22, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

The Ohio Department of Health is currently investigating a potential E. coli O157:H7 outbreak involving numerous cases in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

In turn, Valley Meats LLC (a Coal Valley, Illinois, company) announced a precautionary and voluntarily recall of certain ground beef products after learning the products could potentially be associated with reported illnesses. This possible association was announced by the Ohio Department of Health as part of its ongoing epidemiological investigation.

Approximately 95,898 pounds of ground beef were affected by this voluntary and precautionary recall. The products at issue were produced on March 10, 2009, bear establishment number “EST. 5712,” and were sold nationwide to numerous distributors. Several Valley Meats brands were included in the recall, including 3S, Grillmaster, J & B, Klub, Thick 'N Savory and Ultimate. Click on the following link to view a complete list of products affected by the recall.

Because all raw ground beef products can potentially carry harmful bacteria, the USDA instructs consumers to only eat ground beef patties that have been thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 160°. Thoroughly cooking raw beef will destroy any pathogens that might be present, and render the products perfectly safe.

Arkansas Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products

Posted on May 12, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

Bob's Food City, a retailer in Hot Springs, Arkansas, has voluntarilly recalled approximately 375 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The ground beef products subject to recall were sold as tray packs of varying weights bearing a "Sell By" date of "05/09/09." The products subject to recall include:

1-pound through 5-pound tray packs of "GROUND BEEF CHUCK," "GROUND ROUND" or "REGULAR GROUND BEEF." Each pack bears a sell by date of "05/09/09." There is no USDA mark of inspection on the tray packs.

The ground beef was produced on May 7, 2009, and was sold to customers of the Bob's Food City retail store located at 800 Malvern Avenue, in Hot Springs, Ark. The problem was discovered through FSIS routine sampling procedures. Click on the following link to view the FSIS Recall Release.

To date, there have not been any reports of alleged illness due to the consumption of these products. To be sure, thouroughly cooking ground beef patties to an internal temperature of 160 degrees will kill any pathogens that might potentially be present, and render the product perfectly safe.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Bob's Food City, E. coli O157:H7, Ground Beef Recall, Hot Springs, Arkansas

Seeds Implicated In Salmonella Sprout Outbreak Reportedly Imported From Italy

Posted on May 6, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

The source of the multi-state Salmonella Outbreak linked to fresh alfalfa sprouts has likely been determined.

According to reports, the Salmonella strain implicated in the outbreak likely originated from seeds sold by the Caudill Seed Company of Louisville, Kentucky. In turn, Lyle Orwig, a company spokesman, stated that the offending seeds were imported by Caudill from Italy. As reported previously, Caudill has withdrawn all seed batches with six-digit lot numbers starting with “032”; the recalled seeds are packaged in 50-pound white bags marked with a white or yellow label.

Although testing did not reveal any Salmonella at Caudill’s facilities, Orwig reports that, “what [the FDA] has said to us, is the cases all led to sprouts, from multiple growers, and the common link is seeds.” Seeds, anyway, from Italy...

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, Alfalfa Sprout Seeds, Alfalfa Sprouts, Caudill Seed Company, FDA, Imported from Italy, Itally, Raw Sprouts, Salmonella, Salmonella And Sprout Seeds, Salmonella Saintpaul, Seed Imports, Sprout Advisory, Sprout Recall, Sprout Salmonella Advisory, Sprout Salmonella Outbreak

Recalled Spinach Distributed In Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota

Posted on May 1, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

Working closely with the FDA, KLEEN-PAK FOODS refined its spinach recall, originally announced yesterday, to include spinach products distributed to Minnesota. The precautionary recall was announced following the discovery of Salmonella in limited product samples during routine testing.

The precautionary recall involves 10 ounce and 1 pound packages of fresh spinach distributed in retail stores and food wholesalers in Wisconsin, the Chicago area, and Minnesota. The products are marked with a use by date of 4/29, 4/30, and 5/01.

No illnesses have been reported, and KLEEN-PAK is continuing to work closely with the FDA to determine the original source of the potential contamination.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, FDA, Illinois, Kleen-Pak, Kleen-Pak Brand Fresh Spinach, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Prepackaged Spinach, Salmonella", Spinach Recall, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

Prepackaged Spinach Recalled In Wisconsin And Illinois

Posted on April 30, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

Wisconsin health officials have announced that bags of Kleen-Pak brand fresh spinach are being recalled after Salmonella was discovered during routine food safety testing. Kleen-Pak, of Milwaukee, is working closely with health officials to facilitate the recall.

The precautionary recall involves approximately 8,000 packages distributed to grocery stores in the Milwaukee, southern Wisconsin, and parts of Illinois. An additional 1,200 pounds of spinach were distributed to food wholesalers and restaurants. Jane Larson, spokeswoman for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, confirmed that the recall was prompted by routine testing, and there have not been any reports of illness.

Jerry Kowaleski, vice president of Kleen-Pak of Milwaukee, confirmed that the spinach had been packaged almost two weeks ago. As a result, "people may [still] have a package of it in their refrigerator at home," he said. In turn, consumers are advised to either discard any 10-ounce bags of Kleen-Pak curly-leaf fresh spinach with the listed "use by dates" of April 29, April 30 and May 1, or return the bags to the store where they made the purchase.

The precautionary recall is NOT associated with the ongoing national investigation of salmonella contamination of peanut butter products, pistachios or alfalfa sprouts.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, "Kleen-Pak, Illinois, Kleen-Pak Brand Fresh Spinach, Milwaukee, Prepackaged Spinach, Salmonella, Spinach Recall, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

Salmonella Saintpaul Sprouts In . . . Sprouts

Posted on April 27, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

As a result of an ongoing Salmonella outbreak being investigated by the CDC and FDA, the FDA has warned consumers to avoid eating raw alfalfa sprouts until further notice.

To date, 31 cases of illnesses with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Saintpaul have been confirmed in Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah and West Virginia. In turn, most of the individuals who became ill reported eating raw alfalfa sprouts. While some cases reported eating raw sprouts at restaurants, others reported purchasing raw sprouts at the retail level. According to the FDA, the outbreak appears to be an extension of an earlier outbreak in February and March (which involved cases Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota). Click on the following link to view the FDA Alfalfa Sprout Notice.

Interestingly, the ongoing investigation has indicated that the Salmonella contamination in harvested sprouts may be may have originated from contaminated alfalfa sprout seeds. Thus, because suspected seed lots have been sold and grown throughout the country, and because washing the harvested products will likely not help, the FDA and CDC have warned consumers not to eat any raw sprouts from any source until further notice.

According to the FDA, governmental investigators are working closely with the alfalfa sprout industry to identify which alfalfa seeds and sprouts are not affected, so that the current advisory can be refined as quickly as possible.

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, Alfalfa Sprouts, FDA Sprout Advisory, Raw Sprouts, Salmonella, Salmonella Saintpaul, Sprout Salmonella Advisory, Sprout Salmonella Outbreak

Setton Pistachio Clarifies Product Codes For Recalled Wholesale Products

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

As pistachio recalls continue to expand, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. (“Setton”) has issued a clarification to wholesale customers regarding the identification codes for wholesale bulk pistachio products originally recalled on April 6, 2009. The clarification does not concern product codes on retail products sold to consumers (search for recalled products using the FDA Pistachio Recall database found on the left-hand side of our blog).

The April 6 voluntary recall included all roasted shelled pistachios and roasted in-shell pistachios from the 2008 crop (and a small amount from the 2007 crop that was packaged alongside the 2008 crop) due to potential contamination with Salmonella. The recall also included raw shelled pistachios from the 2008 crop (and a small amount from the 2007 crop that was packaged alongside the 2008 crop) that were not subsequently roasted prior to retail sale. Setton’s raw in-shell pistachio shipments were NOT affected by the recall.

For bulk packages received by wholesale customers, products with either "7" or "8" as the 4th digit of the FMO number, and packaged between Julian dates 245 through 366 and 001 through 084 and shipped after September 1, 2008, are included in the recall. Thus, wholesale customers should check their stocks to determine if they have any of the affected products on hand.

If wholesale customers do have products covered by the April 6 recall, they should discontinue distributing them and contact the Company at (559) 535-6050 to make arrangements for the return or appropriate destruction of the affected products. If recalled products were distributed to other firms that further mixed, repackaged or distributed the bulk products, those customers should be informed of the recall, and should be directed to contact the FDA.

A list of pistachio products NOT affected by the ongoing recalls can be found at www.pistachiorecall.org.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, FDA, Identification Codes, Pistachio Recall, Salmonella, Salmonella Pistachio Recall, Setton Farms, Setton Pistachios, Terra Bella, Wholesale Recall Clarification

Pistachios Unable To Escape The Peanut Jar

Posted on April 7, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

Nuts. Following one of the largest food recalls in history (involving peanut products distributed by PCA), the pattern may be repeating. Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. (in California), is expanding its earlier recall of 2,000,000 pounds of pistachios to include ALL pistachios produced in 2008.

That’s a lot of pistachios. Setton, reportedly, is the second largest pistachio distributor in the nation.

As the FDA and the California Department of Public Health continue to investigate Salmonella contamination in pistachios, Setton voluntarily expanded its March 30, 2008 recall to include all lots of roasted in-shell pistachios and roasted shelled pistachios produced from nuts harvested in 2008. The Company is also recalling all raw shelled pistachios from the 2008 crop that are not subsequently roasted prior to retail sale.

Because the pistachios were sold to numerous downstream customers, and used as ingredients in a wide variety of foods, the expanded recall will likely affect many additional products, and is expected to result in numerous additional recalls. Click on the following link for a searchable database of recalled products. This database is updated continuously by the FDA, and will likely grow as potentially affected products are identified and new recalls are announced.

In the meantime, the FDA is advising wholesalers, retailers, restaurants and food service establishments not to sell or serve any pistachios (or pistachio-containing products) until the original source of the pistachios can be determined. Companies should check with their suppliers to determine whether the source of the pistachios is Setton. Additionally, consumers should not eat pistachios or food products containing them (such as pistachio bakery goods and pistachio ice cream) until they determine that the products are not affected by the recall. Visit the following link for a list of those products NOT believed to be affected by the current recalls.

As noted, the recalls triggered earlier this year by investigations into PCA were some of the largest in history. Thousands of products and hundreds of companies were affected. In turn, as the current pistachio investigation continues, we will wait patiently to see whether, and to what extent, pistachios can distinguish (or, at the very least, unstick) themselves from peanut butter . . .

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, California, California Department of Public Health, Expanded Pistachio Recall, FDA, Pistachio Recall, Salmonella, Salmonella Pistachio Recall, Setton Farms, Setton Pistachios, Terra Bella

Pistachios (Like Peanuts) May Have Been Plagued By Salmonella For Months

Posted on April 3, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to recent reports, Setton Pistachio, the California company that recalled nearly 2,000,000 pounds of pistachios in recent days, had received positive Salmonella test results in various products for as long as five months. Despite such findings in its own, internal testing, none of the results had been shared (until recently) by the company.

Following the discovery of Salmonella by a Setton customer, the FDA was promptly notified and the company issued a recall of their products. In turn, the FDA launched its own investigation, and discovered that Setton’s own internal testing had previously detected the presence of Salmonella in its products.

Although it appears, at this point, that any lots testing positive had been destroyed by the company (we are waiting for confirmation), the root cause of the contamination remains a mystery. Because the pistachios are roasted to a temperature that should kill any Salmonella that may be present, the positive test results suggest the pistachios may have been contaminated post-intervention.

In any event, as the investigation continues, we will, of course, continue to report on emerging developments.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, California, Pistachio Recall, Salmonella, Salmonella Pistachio Recall, Setton Farms, Setton Pistachios, Terra Bella

Salmonella "Spreads" To Mayonnaise

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

These guys are everywhere. And, proving to be a bit nimble, as well.

Following recent Salmonella recalls involving peanuts, peanut butter, pepper and pistachios, we can now add mayonnaise to the list. After receiving word from an outside supplier of possible salmonella contamination in an egg product used to make Kroger brand mayonnaise, the grocery chain promptly announced a recall of all potentially affected products.

The recall involves 32-ounce plastic jars of Kroger Lite Mayo, sold in Kroger stores in three states (Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeast Indiana). The suspect jars have a "Sell by" date of "SEP-25-09."

According to Kroger, the precautionary recall was prompted as a result of the raw material testing and, to date, no illnesses have been reported. Nevertheless, customers are being advised not to eat the mayo, and to return any unused portions to the store.

Special thanks to Kroger and its suppliers for robust protocols to catch this potential problem early. Once again, the system worked as it should.

And, although some of our most favorite spreads are, well, spread a bit thin, don’t despair. When life serves you peanuts (or mayo), there’s always jelly.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Kroger Mayonnaise Recall, Salmonella

"P" Is For Pathogens And, Now, Potentially 1,000,000 Pounds Of Pistachios

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

Gone are the days when Salmonella was associated with a few, select food products. Recent Salmonella outbreaks and recalls have involved popular foods such as poultry, pot pies, peppers, pepper (the spice), peanut butter, peanuts and now . . . pistachios.

Following the discovery of Salmonella in its products, California-based Setton Farms (the second-largest pistachio producer in the nation) announced a voluntary recall of up to 1,000,000 pounds of pistachios. The nuts originated from Terra Bella, California, about 75 miles south of Fresno. Although raw pistachios are roasted to a temperature that will typically kill the pathogen, the positive test results suggest that the pistachios may have been contaminated post-intervention.

The products were distributed from California to a plethora of places throughout the United States. The bulk pistachios, typically shipped in 2,000-pound containers, were either repackaged by customers for resale or incorporated into other food products such as ice cream and trail mix. Popular foods, all.

On March 24, 2009, Kraft Foods (one of about three dozen companies that purchase pistachios from Setton Farms) notified the FDA that it discovered Salmonella in the products during routine probing. Working closely with health officials, Setton Farms quickly issued a recall of all potentially affected products. In this case, it would appear, the system worked Perfectly.

To date, there have been no confirmed illnesses associated with these products. Although the FDA has reportedly received two complaints from two people (on the East and West coasts) who allegedly felt poor after eating pistachios, a link to Setton Farms, while possible, has not yet been proven.

As an aside, the Setton Farms voluntary recall is not in any way related to the recent PCA recalls associated with peanuts or peanut butter (from Blakely or . . . Plainview).

So, what’s the potential link between pathogens and popular foods starting with the letter “P”? Probing Question. Given past Salmonella issues associated with other popular purchases -- from Pets (including Parrots and Pythons) to Pet Foods (some made with Pork) -- we all remain a bit, well, Perplexed . . .

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Pistachio Recall, Salmonella, Salmonella Pistachio Recall, Setton Farms, Setton Farms Pistachios, Terra Bella, California

Salmonella Continues To Pepper Our food Supply

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

On the heels of one Salmonella outbreak comes word of yet another. This time, a variety of spices manufactured by the Union International Food Company (and distributed under the Lian How brand name) have been identified as the likely culprits. Investigators with the Oregon Department of Human Services reacted quickly, and were able to isolate the outbreak strain from a sample of ground black pepper. Congratulations for a job well done.

Although Union International has announced a recall of its products, the ultimate origin of the spices has yet to be identified. Could it have come from outside of the United States, we wonder? It will be interesting to find out. In the meantime, we are being told that consumers – especially patrons of Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants – should avoid adding ground pepper or other spices to their prepared dishes. So far, the company has recalled White Pepper, Whole White Pepper, Black Pepper, Whole Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Chopped Onion, Onion Powder, Garlic (chopped, minced, powder and granulated), Curry Powder, Mustard Powder and Wasabi Powder.

In related news, the CDC evidently couldn’t wait, in the midst of a pepper recall, to warn us that we’re all eating too much salt. In a new study, released at about the same time as the recalls were being announced, the CDC complained that Americans on average eat twice the daily "recommended" sodium levels. Thanks.

Thus, in addition to not eating pepper, we must also cut back on salt.

So, next time you sit down for a meal, instead of passing the salt and pepper, you might be well advised to just . . . “pass.”

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, CDC, CDC Salt Report, Lian How Spices, Salmonella Spice Outbreak, Salmonella Spice Recall, Union International Food Company, Union International Spices

Questions Raised About The Quality Of Third-Party Food Safety Audits

Posted on March 20, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

As industry continues to announce recalls of peanut butter products affected by the ongoing Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak, Congressman Waxman held hearings focused on shortcomings in the third-party food safety audits perfomed on behalf of the Peanut Corporation of America (“PCA”). The hearings were triggered after the American Institute of Baking (“AIB”), a private auditing company hired by PCA, was accused of failing to identify various sanitary problems during food safety audits of PCA's facility. Click on the link to view a copy of Congressman Waxman's Opening Remarks.

On March 5, 2009, Michael Moss and Andrew Martin of the New York Times were the first to critique the AIB audits in their article, “Food Safety Problems Slip Past Private Inspectors.” We similarly reported about various inconsistencies found in AIB's reports involving PCA’s plants. On March 27, 2008, for instance, an AIB Food Safety Audit gave PCA credit for developing and implementing a HACCP program “for all processes and product lines.” On April 29, 2008, however, a NSF Cook & Thurber Audit found “[no] documented . . . Hazard Analysis for each of the process steps.”

During the hearings, held by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, it was also revealed that at least one food company, Nestle USA, used its own inspectors to audit PCA’s facilities. Following a 2002 Nestle Audit, the company concluded that PCA failed to meet its minimum requirements for suppliers. In turn, Nestle elected not to purchase peanut butter products from PCA. In a separate 2006 Nestle Audit of PCA’s Plainview, Texas facility, the company once again concluded that PCA failed to satisfy its food safety standards. While Nestle’s own audits identified numerous key food safety and sanitary issues in this facility, AIB in 2008 awarded PCA a certificate for "superior quality” following its own audit of the plant:

As we reported previously, PCA voluntarily closed its Plainview facility in February 2009 (only months after this certificate was issued), after governmental investigators discovered numerous sanitary issues existing in the plant. As a result of its own, continuing investigation, Texas health officials eventually ordered a recall of all products ever produced at the facility since it opened in March 2005. Click on the link to view photos of the insanitary conditions of PCA's facilities.

Many companies that purchased peanut butter from PCA, of course, relied upon the inspections and conclusions of auditors like AIB. Kellogg, one of the companies which relied upon such third-party reports, lost $70 million after having to recall millions of packages of peanut butter crackers manufactured using PCA raw materials. In turn, David Mackay, Kellogg’s chief executive officer, recently joined the growing ranks of responsible food companies seeking tighter food safety laws. Click on the link to view a copy of Mackay's Statement. Also providing statements were Martin Kanan (President and CEO of Kanan Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a King Nut), and Heather Isely (Vice President of Vitamin Cottage Natural Foods). On January 6, 2009, Salmonella was isolated from King Nut peanut butter manufactured using raw materials from PCA's Blakely, Georgia facility. As recalls of King Nut peanut butter were announced, the source of the pathogen was quickly traced to PCA. In turn, Vitamin Cottage peanut butter products, made from raw materials from PCA's Plainview, Texas facility, were also found to contain Salmonella.

During testimony today, the committee also released numerous emails exchange before and during the ongoing recalls. In one email, written before the source of the outbreak was identified, Pete Hatfield (an AIB Auditor) tells Sammy Lightsey (a PCA plant manager) that he’s “lucky” Hatfield is performing his annual food safety audit. Click on the link to view the Lightsey email.

In a second email, written as the source of the emerging outbreak was discovered, Stewart Parnell (the President of PCA) tells Joe Valenza (the Vice President of King Nut) that he “[was] sure it's something we did." Recognizing that recalls could not be avoided, Parnell concludes: "now my heart is really in my throat. I think I'm going to church tonight." Click on the link to view the Parnell email.

In the third email, written as hundreds of recalls had already been announced, NSF representatives discuss the concerns raised by the AIB audits, the lack of micro data made available by PCA to auditors, and the potential implications for third-party auditing firms. Click on the link to view the NSF / Slawinski email.

Debate has begun and will surely continue regarding the quality of third-party food safety audits. Although most audits are valuable, and play an important role in our food safety system, we trust that, moving forward, all auditors, and the companies that rely upon their conclusions, will not repeat the mistakes of a select few.

An Updated Overview of the 2009 Salmonella Outbreak Investigation and Recalls

Posted on March 2, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

As fallout continues from the peanut butter recalls originally announced in early January 2009 by the Peanut Corporation of America ("PCA"), some have wondered why the original Salmonella outbreak investigation took so long, and why recalls are still continuing. Unfortunately, most food-borne outbreaks take weeks (and, sometimes months) to identify because of the complexity of the issues involved. Incubation periods (the delay between food consumption and symptom onset) can range from hours to many weeks depending upon the pathogen at issue (Learn about common pathogen incubation periods). Once a pathogen has been isolated from a patient, additional time is needed to perform genetic testing on the samples to determine whether other cases are potentially linked. In turn, if numerous cases are identified and a food-borne illness investigation is initiated, additional days or weeks can be added as state and local health officials attempt to identify a single food (or other) source that is common to all the cases (Learn how food-borne illnesses and outbreaks are investigated and tracked).

This process, of course, becomes exceeding difficult in outbreaks involving common foods – or, as demonstrated in the Salmonella peanut butter outbreak, foods that used the same raw materials but do not appear on their face to have any link (i.e., ice cream, candies, granola bars and even dog biscuits). Thus, although the ongoing salmonella outbreak took significant time to identify, hats off to the CDC and FDA for being able to conclusively establish a common source. Click on the following link to download a PDF of the FDA’s Salmonella outbreak investigation timeline:

After illnesses are reported and confirmed, a common source is found, and recalls are initiated, investigators and industry must then work to remove all potentially implicated product from distribution. Here too, this process becomes extremely difficult when a recalled product is used as a raw material in countless common foods. In this outbreak, the process was confounded further because what began as a recall from a single facility (and involving product produced during a relatively limited period of time) quickly morphed into a recall involving years of production from multiple plants. Following the expended recall at PCA’s Blakely, Georgia production facility (involving all products produced at the plant since January 1, 2007) and the subsequent recall from PCA’s Plainview, Texas facility (involving all products produced at the facility since it opened in March 2005), FDA and industry alike quickly found themselves overwhelmed with the task of determining what downstream food products might potentially be implicated. Click on the link below to download a PDF of the FDA’s “simplified” PCA peanut product distribution flowchart:

As demonstrated by the FDA timeline and distribution chart, investigating the outbreak, and coordinating what will likely be remembered as one of the largest recalls in history, proved extremely complex. To date, more than 2,700 consumer products have been affected, and the recalls are continuing (search for affected food products using the FDA Recall Interface located on the left-hand column of our blog). Thus, despite the overwhelming frustration experienced by FDA, industry and consumers as a result of the ongoing outbreak, investigation and recalls, we once again express our gratitude to all of those working tirelessly to bring this matter to its closure.

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, 2009 Salmonella Outbreak, CDC, FDA, PCA, PCA Recalls, PCA plainview, Peanut Butter Distribution Flowchart, Peanut Butter Recall Timeline, Peanut Butter Recall Update, Peanut Corporation of America, Plainview Peanut Company, Salmonella Typhimurium

Salmonella Outbreak Strain Found In PCA's Plainview Facility

Posted on February 26, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

As recalls continue following the discovery in early January 2009 of Salmonella Typhimurium in peanut butter produced by the Peanut Corporation of America (“PCA”) in Blakely, Georgia, the Texas Department of State Health Services (“TDSHS”) has now confirmed that Salmonella was also isolated from peanut meal produced at PCA’s Plainview, Texas facility. Doug McBride, a spokesman for the TDSHS, also confirmed that the sample was the same strain as the ongoing nationwide outbreak.

PCA voluntarily closed its Plainview facility weeks ago, after a private lab sample showed likely Salmonella contamination. Soon thereafter, Texas health officials ordered a recall of all products ever produced at the facility since its opening in March, 2005.

As we reported earlier, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment had previously linked as many as six illnesses (that were associated with the national outbreak) to products distributed from PCA's Plainview facility. Additionally, an open container of Vitamin Cottage fresh ground peanut butter, made from raw materials produced at the Texas plant, had previously tested positive for the outbreak strain as well.

PCA also recently announced, in its latest Press Release, that because of continuing bankruptcy proceedings, it is no longer able to communicate with customers of recalled products. As a result, PCA customers should contact FDA Recall Coordinators regarding the proper disposition of any recalled products.

To date, over 2,600 consumer products have been affected by the continuing recalls. The national outbreak is believed to have sickened over 650 people in 45 states, and is suspected of contributing to as many as nine deaths. For the latest information, visit the FDA Peanut Butter Recall Website. We, of course, will continue to report additional developments as well.

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, 2009 Salmonella Outbreak, Bankruptcy, CDC, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, FDA, PCA, PCA Recalls, PCA plainview, Peanut Corporation of America, Plainview, Plainview Peanut Butter Recalls, Plainview Peanut Company, Salmonella Typhimurium, Vitamin Cottage

Salmonella Outbreak Investigation Continues As Reported Cases Decline

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

As the CDC outbreak investigation continues, and thousands of products are recalled, reported cases are on the decline.

In early January 2009, the CDC and public health officials determined that peanut butter products were the likely source of the ongoing national Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak. Product testing eventually prompted recalls of various peanut butter products produced by the Peanut Corporation of America (“PCA”). Crisis management efforts, at all levels, then began in earnest. On January 28, 2009, PCA recalled all peanuts, peanut meal, peanut paste and peanut butter, distributed from its Blakely, Georgia facility since January 1, 2007. Following additional governmental investigations, PCA also recalled all products, including peanut meal, granulated peanuts and dry roasted peanuts, produced and distributed from its Plainview, Texas facility since the plant opened in March 2005.

PRODUCTS AFFECTED:

Although the majority of products produced by PCA were not distributed for direct consumer sale, most products were distributed to downstream manufacturers for use as ingredients in many other products. As a result, the PCA recalls prompted hundreds of these manufacturers to recall their own products as well. Given the expansive scope of the recalls, and diverse use of PCA’s products as raw materials in many consumer foods, the FDA and industry are continuing their efforts - even to this day - to determine what additional products might potentially be affected. So far, more than 2,000 consumer products have been recalled. To find products affected, use the searchable FDA Recall Interface on our blog (just scroll down the left-hand column).

PRODUCTS NOT AFFECTED:

According to the CDC, major national brands of jarred peanut butter found in grocery stores are NOT affected by the recall. As we reported previously, Girl Scout Cookies are also Not affected. For a list of additional products not affected by the ongoing recalls, please visit the American Peanut Council Website.

CDC INVESTIGATIVE UPDATES:

The following are highlights from the CDC’s most recent investigation update:

Case count is 642 in 44 states with latest confirmed, most recent reported illness beginning on January 28, 2009;

Although the outbreak is continuing, the numbers of new cases have declined modestly since December. Many recently ill persons report eating peanut butter and other recalled peanut-containing products; and

Consumers should continue to check at home for recalled peanut butter containing products, and discard them.

As noted, as of February 15, 2009, 642 persons believed to be infected with the outbreak strain have been reported from 44 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (2), Arizona (13), Arkansas (6), California (76), Colorado (15), Connecticut (10), Florida (1), Georgia (6), Hawaii (4), Idaho (16), Illinois (9), Indiana (9), Iowa (3), Kansas (2), Kentucky (3), Maine (5), Maryland (8), Massachusetts (48), Michigan (35), Minnesota (39), Missouri (14), Mississippi (7), Nebraska (1), New Hampshire (13), New Jersey (23), New York (28), Nevada (6), North Carolina (6), North Dakota (17), Ohio (94), Oklahoma (4), Oregon (12), Pennsylvania (19), Rhode Island (4), South Dakota (4), Tennessee (13), Texas (9), Utah (6), Vermont (4), Virginia (21), Washington (18), West Virginia (2), Wisconsin (5), and Wyoming (2). Additionally, one ill person was reported from Canada (learn how food-borne illness outbreaks are tracked).

Oregon public health officials also recently confirmed, in a press release, that the ongoing outbreak may have also affected some pets. One laboratory-confirmed case of Salmonella in a dog from an Oregon household was reported, and further characterization of this Salmonella isolate is pending. Salmonella resembling the outbreak strain was also reportedly isolated by a private laboratory from recalled Happy Tails dog biscuits from the dog’s household.

We, of course, will continue to report new developments.

As Many As Six Outbreak Cases May Be Linked To PCA's Plainview Facility

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

As many as six cases associated with the ongoing Salmonella outbreak may have been traced to products produced at PCA's Plainview, Texas production facility. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, these individuals reported exposure to peanut butter distributed by the Lakewood-based Vitamin Cottage. In turn, an open container of Vitamin Cottage fresh ground peanut butter, made from peanuts distributed from the Texas facility, tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella. Because the container was opened, however, it is not yet known if the peanut butter was potentially contaminated at the Texas facility, or if the product was cross-contaminated with the outbreak strain after distribution (learn how food-borne illnesses and outbreaks are tracked). Vitamin Cottage, in a Recall Notice, announced last week that it was recalling these products.

It is estimated that, since opening in March 2005, PCA's Plainview, Texas facility produced and distributed about one-third of the volume of products that were distributed from the company's Blakely, Georgia plant. Although Salmonella has not yet been isolated from any non-opened products distributed from the Plainview facility, it has been reported that truck loads of raw peanuts from PCA's Georgia facility were previously sent to the Texas plant. Currently, the FDA is still waiting on lab confirmation from numerous product and environmental samples taken from the facility determine the extent, if any, of potential contamination.

In addition to operating plants in Georgia and Texas, PCA also operated a facility in Virginia. The FDA has completed a comprehensive inspection of the Virginia plant, and has reported that all lab results were negative for Salmonella. Although PCA closed this facility following its bankruptcy announcement on February 13, 2009, the FDA has not taken any action against the Virginia plant or any of the products produced there.

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, 2009 Salmonella Outbreak, CDC, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, FDA, PCA Bankruptcy, PCA Recalls, PCA Virginia Plant, PCA plainview, Peanut Corporation of America, Plainview, Plainview Cases, Plainview Peanut Butter Recalls, Plainview Peanut Company, Vitamin Cottage

Recalls Spread To PCA's Plainview Facility

Posted on February 13, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

On Monday, February 9, 2009, the Plainview Peanut Co., a subsidiary of Peanut Corporation of America (“PCA”), voluntarily halted operations at its Plainview, Texas production facility pending the resolution of continuing governmental investigations.

On Thursday, February 12, 2009, the Texas Department of State Health Services announced, in a News Release, that it has ordered a recall of all products ever produced at the facility. The order followed the discovery of various sanitary issues identified in the plant. The following day, on Friday, February 13, 2009, PCA formally declared bankruptcy.

The newest recall follows PCA's announcement, on January 28, 2009, that it was recalling all peanuts, peanut meal, peanut paste and peanut butter, distributed from it's Blakely, Georgia facility since January 2007. PCA has now recalled all products, including peanut meal, granulated peanuts and dry roasted peanuts, produced and distributed from the Plainview, Texas facility since March 2005.

Earlier, investigators reported that the Plainview facility had been operating for years without any inspections or licensure from the state. As the FBI continues its criminal probe into PCA's operations, we will continue to report new developments.

Tags: Food Safety News, Food Recall Tracker, Bankrupt, Criminal Investigation, Expanded Recalls, FBI, FDA, PCA, PCA Bankruptcy, PCA plainview, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Recalls, Peanut Corporation of America, Plainview, Plainview Peanut Company, Plainview Recalls, Salmonella, Texas Department of State Health Services

PCA Peanut Butter Facility Closes In Plainview

Posted on February 10, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

As the investigation into the Peanut Corporation of America (“PCA”) continues, it has been reported that salmonella was isolated from various product samples manufactured by a PCA subsidiary in Plainview, Texas. The facility, operated by the Plainview Peanut Company, issued a press release following its closure yesterday at the request of the FDA and Texas Department of State Health Services. Early reports indicate that the facility agreed to halt operations ahead of an announcement that salmonella may have been found at the site. Although the pathogen was reportedly isolated from certain product samples, officials have also stated that, at this point, it does not appear that any of the tested products reached consumers. The Plainview production facility, like PCA’s Blakely, Georgia facility, produces peanut meal, granulated peanuts and dry roasted peanuts.

As we reported previously, federal officials are continuing their criminal investigation into PCA operations. The closing of PCA’s Plainview facility comes only one day after the FBI executed search warrants at both PCA’s production facility in Blakely, Georgia, and and its headquarters in Lynchburg, Virginia. To date, the ongoing outbreak may have sickened as many as 550 people, and may have contributed to as many as eight deaths. The recalls which followed (and continue to this day) have affected more than 1,800 consumer products.

Congressional hearings on the outbreak and recalls are scheduled to occur tomorrow, and we will continue to report on emerging developments.

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, Company", Food Safety, PCA, Peanut, Peanut Butter Recalls, Peanut Corporation of America, Plainview, Salmonella

Recall Tracker: Peanut Butter Recall Updates

Posted on February 7, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

The salmonella peanut butter recall, which is still expanding, will likely be remembered as one of the largest in history. On January 28, 2009, the Peanut Corporation of America ("PCA") announced a recall of all peanuts (dry and oil roasted), peanut meal, peanut paste and peanut butter that had been produced at its Blakely, Georgia facility since January 1, 2007. Although none of the products involved in the expanded recall were distributed for direct consumer sale, the products were supplied to downstream manufacturers for use as ingredients in many other foods. To date, more than 1,500 consumer products have been recalled, and hundreds of companies (including manufacturers, distributors, grocers and retailers) have been directly impacted. Find products affected by the ongoing recall using the searcheable FDA Recall Interface. (just scroll down the left-hand column of our blog). We will continue to keep the interface, which is updated coninuously, running until the outbreak has concluded and recalls have been closed.

As you may recall, the salmonella outbreak was first identified by the CDC in late 2008. On January 13, 2009, following the discovery of salmonella in its products, PCA announced the initial recall of peanut butter and peanut paste. On January 28, 2009, following an extensive governmental investigation into the manufacturing procedures utilized by the company, PCA expanded the recall to include all peanuts (dry and oil roasted), peanut meal, peanut paste and peanut butter produced at the facility since January 1, 2007.

Given the expansive scope of the recall, and diverse use of PCA’s products as raw materials in many consumer foods, the FDA is continuing to work closely with industry to determine what additional products might potentially be affected. As continuing recalls are announced, the searchable interface will be updated automatically.

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, Affected Food Products, FDA, PCA, Peanut Corporation of America, Salmonella, peanut butter recall

In Defense of the Rule of Law: Peanut Recall

Posted on February 1, 2009 by Ralph A. Weber

As we follow the PCA recalls, we are reminded that in matters of great public concern, some resort to rhetorical extremes. Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, Richard Hofstadter, described this tradition in his 1964 essay, “The Paranoid Style in American Politics,” which essay was recently revisited in “Politics for Grown Ups,” by Paul Hond, Columbia (Winter 2008-09).

While such tactics garner attention – Joe McCarthy was front-page news – there is a price to be paid, and not just by those who are the targets of a “cruelly reckless character assassin.” As Hond explains, the paranoid advocate damages his campaign, as he “doesn’t so much invent wild ideas, then, as undermine sound ones, alienating people with his exaggerations and ultimately discrediting his own cause.”

We are seeing examples of the paranoid style in recent writings about the PCA recall. Even before the facts are fleshed out, some insist that first-degree murder (or perhaps only manslaughter) occurred, with executives, technicians, customers and regulators acting as aiders and abettors of these murderous acts. Moreover, whatever happened at PCA, say these advocates, is replicated in each company throughout the food industry.

Thus, it should not surprise that today a PCA critic reminded us of the recent Chinese executions of food safety regulators, and suggested that something similar (“figuratively”) should be done here.

Let’s allow the rule of law and its procedural safeguards to play out. Sometimes speculation is simply wrong. News that a peanut shipment had been rejected by Canada led to the supposition that this product had been sold in the United States. It wasn’t. The FDA has confirmed that the shipment at issue was rejected because of small metal fragments – and the product was destroyed.

While the recall proceeds, we should allow the regulators and prosecutors to do their work. Facts will be gathered and disclosed and we’ll see who knew what, and when they knew it. Until then, fanning the flames of outrage with unfounded inferences and broadsides against entire industries causes thoughtful readers – the people we need to reach – to step back from our message.

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, Criminal Investigation, Food Regulation, Peanut Butter Recalls, Peanut Corporation of America, Salmonella

Congress Contemplates Hearings As Precautionary Recalls Continue To Expand

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to reports, Congress will likely hold public hearings on the ongoing salmonella outbreak and recalls. Representative Henry Waxman (D-California) stated recently that the hearings, anticipated within the coming weeks, will likely focus on the Blakely, Georgia facility owned and operated by the Peanut Corporation of America (“PCA”).

As the FDA continues its investigation into the ongoing outbreak, early reports have suggested that salmonella was isolated, on various dates in 2007 and 2008 from certain PCA products, by private labs PCA employed for routine testing. These reports have also indicated, however, that subsequent testing resulted in negative findings. Because the specific protocols followed by PCA and the labs in question (along with the specific circumstances surrounding the sampling and testing of such products) are not yet fully understood, all parties will need to wait for the investigation to be completed before any final conclusions can be made regarding the ultimate merits or implications of these reports. Additional information may also be learned from the proposed hearings, during which it is anticipated that representatives of PCA and the laboratories in question may be called to testify.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2009, PCA expanded its initial recalls (announced on January 13, 2009 and January 18, 2009 respectively) to include additional products produced at the facility since January 1, 2007 (see our reports below). For continuing updates regarding the growing list of products affected by the expanded recall, please visit the FDA Peanut Butter Recall Website. The American Peanut Council has also published a list of products reportedly not affected by the ongoing recalls.

To date, more than 500 people may have become sick, and as many as eight people may have died, in connection with the ongoing outbreak. Although most of these illnesses are presumed to be associated with peanut butter, not all cases may be directly linked. Early reports have indicated that at least one person from Wyoming (who was carrying the outbreak strain) did not appear to have any known exposure to peanut butter products.

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, FDA, Food Liability, Food Regulation, Peanut Butter Recalls, Peanut Corporation of America, Salmonella, congressional hearings

Salmonella News: Peanut Butter Recalls Continue To Expand

Posted on January 28, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

The Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), in a press release, has announced an expanded recall of peanut butter products produced at its Blakely, Georgia facility. The expanded recall covers products produced at the facility since January 1, 2007 (the previous recalls only involved peanut butter and peanut paste products distributed from the facility since July 1, 2008). In addition to peanut butter and peanut paste, the expanded recall includes all peanuts (dry roasted and oil roasted), granulated peanuts, peanut meal and similar products.

PCA reports that, although none of the products involved in the expanded recall were distributed for direct consumer sale, the products were distributed to downstream manufacturers for use as ingredients in many other products. Amended lists of products potentially affected by the expanded recall have not yet been released, and will likely be announced in the coming days.

For more information on recent developments associated with the ongoing recalls, please visit our Food Recall Tracker, or the FDA Peanut Butter Recall Website.

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, Expanded Peanut Butter Recall, FDA, PCA, Peanut Corporation of America Expanded Recall, Peanut Corporation of America Press Release, Salmonella News, Salmonella Typhimurium

The 2008-2009 Salmonella Outbreak: An Overview Of The Investigation And Precautionary Recalls

Posted on January 24, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

Beginning in August and September 2008, a few, sporadic cases of Salmonella Typhimurium started to appear on the CDC PulseNet radar screen. This was not unexpected, as numerous cases will exist at any given time throughout any given year. Through October and November 2008, however, the number of cases believed to be associated with this pathogen began to increase. Using Pulse-Field Gel Electrophoresis (“PFGE”) testing of culture-confirmed isolates (taken from various stool samples), the CDC determined that many of the newly-reported cases appeared to be related. In turn, these findings led to the first national case-control study, conducted on January 3 and 4, 2009, associated with the outbreak (learn how food-borne outbreaks are tracked).

According to the CDC, preliminary analysis of the study led investigators to suspect that peanut butter was a likely source of the outbreak. Following the preliminary findings, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture then began testing various peanut butter products, and eventually reported it had isolated the outbreak strain from an open 5-pound container of King Nut creamy peanut butter. On January 10, 2009, after test results were shared with King Nut, it immediately initiated the first voluntary recall of peanut butter in the investigation. Soon thereafter, the Connecticut Department of Public Health reported that it had isolated salmonella from an unopened 5-pound container of King Nut peanut butter. According to officials in Connecticut, the salmonella found in the container also appeared, by PFGE, to match the outbreak strain.

Relying on trace-back efforts, investigators discovered that the King Nut peanut butter at issue was manufactured by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) in Blakely, Georgia. These preliminary findings prompted PCA, on January 13, 2009, to initiate the second voluntarily recall in the investigation - this recall included various peanut butter and paste products produced at the facility after July 1, 2008 (as additional information was developed and shared by investigators, this initial recall was later expanded on two occasions). Although these products were not sold directly to consumers, they had been distributed to numerous institutions, food service providers, food manufacturers and distributors. In turn, because some of these products were also reportedly used, in part, as ingredients in other products (including cookies, crackers, cereal, candy, ice cream, pet treats, and other foods), additional precautionary recalls followed. The following list outlines the progression of the subsequent voluntary and precautionary recalls (and, some expanded recalls), as industry worked very closely with the CDC and FDA to determine what raw materials and products could potentially be affected:

Friday, January 16, 2009:

Saturday, January 17, 2009:

Sunday, January 18, 2009:

Monday, January 19, 2009:

Tuesday, January 20, 2009:

Wednesday, January 21, 2009:

Thursday, January 22, 2009:

Friday, January 23, 2009:

Saturday, January 24, 2009:

ShopRite (Select ShopRite Peanut Butter on Toasty Crackers and ShopRite Peanut Butter and Cheese Cracker Snacks).

Although the list of precautionary recalls has been extensive (and could still increase as new information is discovered and shared by investigators), it is important to recognize that all of the recalls were voluntary, and most were precautionary. Although many of the recalled products likely did not carry the bacteria at issue, most recalls were nevertheless announced in an abundance of caution because, at the very least, the possibility was there. Additionally, as to those samples in which the pathogen was isolated, there is a good chance that the bacteria was not evenly distributed; thus impacting only limited products, but not others. For this reason, all parties will need to wait for the investigation to conclude to determine whether only a very few or potentially more of these products actually carried trace elements of the pathogen at issue.

Additionally, as an aside, you may recall that we reported (early on) that at least one American staple - Girl Scout Cookies - was not in any way associated with the ongoing outbreak and recalls. To learn more about additional products not implicated, please visit the American Peanut Council, which has published a (still growing) list of peanut butter products and brands NOT affected in any way be the current recall.

In the coming days, we will of course continue to watch and report as this investigation winds down. We anticipate this will likely be soon, as illnesses associated with the outbreak appear, at this point, to be declining. For this and many other reasons, we also once again express our gratitude to both industry and public health officials, scattered throughout the country, working collectively to bring this outbreak and investigation to its closure.

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, Food Liability, Pulsenet, Salmonella Typhimurium, food poisoning, food-borne illness, foodnet, outbreak management, peanut butter recall

Outbreak Management Continues As Additional Precautionary Recalls Are Announced

Posted on January 23, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

For nearly a decade, our food safety team has worked closely with food companies managing outbreaks and defending claims. In most cases, outbreaks and recalls can be effectively managed by working closely with governmental agencies to gain a complete picture of an ongoing investigation, while at the same time encouraging investigators to freely and rapidly share developing information

Unfortunately, however, accurate information regarding the potential sources or scope of an outbreak can sometimes be extremely difficult for companies to obtain. This is because, once illnesses are identified, the CDC and FDA (along with state and local health departments) are the only entities who have real time access (via PulseNet and OutbreakNet) to the most current and important information regarding the developing outbreak.

As a result, until developing outbreak information is actually shared by investigative agencies, food companies in the supply chain often have no idea what specific upstream companies, suppliers, product lines and/or lots might potentially be implicated in the ongoing investigation. This is especially true when multiple companies are involved in the production of a product, and where lots are, in some instances, defined by hours or days. In turn, most companies must wait for information to be shared by governmental investigators before even becoming aware that their products might potentially be involved - let alone to be in a position to determine whether to issue a precautionary recall of select foods. This is also why, in our view, it is extremely important for consumers and industry alike to understand fully how food-borne illnesses and outbreaks are identified and tracked.

In the current salmonella outbreak investigation, these efforts, of course, are continuing. Since our last update, an additional six companies have announced precautionary and voluntary recalls of select products manufactured with raw materials potentially associated with the current outbreak. These companies include Landies Candies (select peanut butter filled chocolates), Lovin Oven (certain Peanut Crunch Chewy Granola Bars), Best Brands Corp. (peanut butter frozen cookie dough), Aspen Hills (certain cookie dough products), Nash Finch (select bakery products), and Chef Jay's Food Products (select peanut butter bars, cookies and brownies). In turn, following the expanded recall by the South Bend Chocolate Company (which included various candies containing peanut butter), the Rain Creek Baking Corporation announced a voluntary and precautionary product withdrawal of select Peanut Butter Turtles, Baskets and Princesses.

Although the CDC reports that it is still working to determine whether any additional food products might be affected, it confirms (as we reported previously) that these and other product manufacturers are working very closely with the agency to identify the existence and scope of any additional potentially affected foods. We appreciate their joint and continuing efforts. We also, of course, will continue to report as additional news develops.

Tags: Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, CDC, FDA, FSIS, Pulsenet, Salmonella, food recall, outbreaknet, peanut butter recall

Girl Scout Cookies - An American Staple

Posted on January 22, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

According to Girl Scouts of the USA, Girl Scout cookies are not affected by the current salmonella recall associated with peanut butter. The organization recently announced, in a press release, that neither of the two licensed bakers of the iconic cookies, ABC Interbake and Little Brownie Bakers, source their peanut butter from Peanut Corporation of America, the supplier reportedly associated with the current recall.

Girl Scout Cookies are, of course, a familiar part of American culture. For more than 80 years, Girl Scouts have sold Samoas, Tagalongs and Do-si-dos to help Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors support their local activities. We've already bought a few boxes of the Caramel deLites and Dos-si-dos, and will likely buy more. For more information on where to get your own, go to www.girlscoutcookies.org.

It is, after all, "Girl Scout Cookie time."

Tags: Food Safety News, Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, girl scout cookies, peanut butter recall

Precautionary Recalls Continue To Expand

Posted on January 22, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

As the FDA and CDC continue what has been described as "a very active and dynamic investigation into the source of the current Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak," more companies, in an abundance of caution, are proactively (and voluntarily) recalling potentially implicated products. In just the last two days, additional recalls were announced for select products produced by Evening Rise Bread, Ready Pac, Country Maid, Nature's Path, NutriSystems, Premier Nutrition, Boca Grande, Blanton's Candies, and Weis Markets. The investigation has even led to the recall of pet treats, as PetSmart, announced yesterday a recall of "Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits."

Despite the seeming expansive scope of the ongoing recalls, we should remember that the recalls are being being voluntarily initiated by companies who are working extremely closely with governmental investigators. In many cases, products are being recalled not because they have been shown to be contaminated, but as a precautionary measure because the potential exists. Outbreak investigations (whether they involve tomatoes, peppers or peanuts), tend to be very fluid and dynamic and, in most instances, decisions are made moment-to-moment based upon the best available information.

In turn, we continue to wish the best to both investigators and industry working tirelessly to bring this outbreak to closure. As I've stated many times in the past, although our food safety system is not perfect, there are countless Americans at all levels striving even as we speak to make it better.

Tags: Outbreak Tracker, Food Recall Tracker, food product outbreaks, food product recalls

RECALL TRACKER: Keep Abreast Of Current Food Product Recalls

Posted on January 20, 2009 by Shawn Stevens

Every year, millions of pounds of food products are recalled for the suspected presence of food-borne pathogens. While the fact remains that most recalled products may not be contaminated, neither responsible companies nor the public want to take any chances with a product that might potentially contain pathogens. For this reason, when problems are suspected, many food companies, in an abundance of caution, will work closely with governmental agencies, such as the FDA and FSIS, to identify potential problems and define the parameters of voluntary recalls.

In the coming days, for instance, we will continue to watch as peanut butter recalls associated with the current Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak unfold. Currently, the list of potentially involved companies, selling products which reportedly utilized raw materials manufactured by the Peanut Corporation of America, include:

King Nut Company (various bulk and other peanut butter products);
Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products (peanut butter cookies);
South Bend Chocolate Comapny (various candy products);
Kellogg Company (select peanut butter sandwich crackers and cookies);
McKee Foods (Little Debbie peanut butter toasties and sandwich crackers);
Perry's Ice Cream Company (select peanut butter ice cream products);
Abott Nutrition (various chocolate peanut butter and toffee bars);
Cliff Bar and Company (CLIF and LUNA branded snack bars);
Kroger (certian peanut butter bars, cookies and ice cream);
Mejjer (select crackers and ice cream); and
Hy-Vee, Inc. (select bakery products).

Although time will tell whether only a few or more of these products may have potentially carried trace elements of the pathogen at issue, we should be thankful to the dedicated public health officials and responsible companies for proactively and quickly identifying this emerging issue, and voluntarily removing these products from commerce. Stay tuned as additional news develops.

Tags: Food Recall Tracker, PCA, Peanut Butter, food product recalls, recalls

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