More vegetables recalled over Listeria worry

By Bill Marler on November 24, 2019 in Listeria Recalls

Russ Davis Wholesale (RDW), a leading fresh produce processor and distributor, in an abundance of caution is voluntarily recalling multiple products due to possible contamination of Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

This recall is in response to Mann Packaging, Inc. initiating a recall late in the day November 3, 2019 as an ingredient provider to Russ Davis Wholesale.

To date, Russ Davis Wholesale has not received any reported illnesses related to this organism.

The affected products are:

See accompanying images of labels.

Affected product was delivered to retail stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

Retailers have been instructed to remove affected products from store shelves and inventory immediately. Consumers are urged to immediately throw product away and not consume.

Listeria Recall: McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Fuji, Jonamac and Red Delicious Apples

By Bill Marler on October 28, 2019 in Listeria Recalls

North Bay Produce of Traverse City is voluntarily recalling 2,297 cases and two bulk bins of fresh apples due to a potential Listeria contamination.

Recalled varieties include McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Fuji, Jonamac and Red Delicious apples.

Recalled apples were sold in plastic bags under the brands; Great Lakes, North Bay Produce Pure Michigan as well as unbranded in clear plastic tote bags, white paper tote bags, and individually from retailers display trays. They were shipped between Oct. 16 and Oct. 21 from one North Bay facility to wholesalers, retailers and brokers in Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin.

Spain Listeria outbreak over after over 200 sickened

By Bill Marler on October 19, 2019 in Listeria Recalls

Spain’s largest ever Listeria outbreak is over according to authorities with no new infections reported in the last 20 days.

La Consejería de Salud y Familias ended the listeriosis alert, which was started in mid-August, after confirming the risk of new infections was minimal and implicated products were not still being distributed. The incubation period of listeriosis, which can be up to seventy days, is about to expire.

The agency will maintain usual surveillance for a mandatory notifiable disease such as listeriosis.

In the space of two months, the outbreak from “La Mecha” brand chilled roasted pork meat produced by Magrudis caused three deaths in elderly people and five abortions. More than 200 cases were declared, of which 176 correspond to the same strain found in Magrudis products and 28 are pending analysis. Most were registered in Seville but people also fell sick in Cádiz, Granada, Huelva, and Malaga.

A total of 57 percent were women, with an average age of 45.5 years and the average age in men was 50 years. Almost 40 confirmed cases were found in pregnant women. Almost 80 percent of confirmed cases have had an incubation period of three days or shorter.

Four people are still in hospital compared to August 22, when the hospitalization peak was reached with 125 patients. There are no pregnant women affected in Andalusian hospitals or any patients in intensive care units.

High survival rate

The outbreak was reported by Spanish authorities to the World Health Organization, via the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) in late August.

The Minister of Health and Families, Jesús Aguirre, said that in the largest outbreak of listeriosis in Europe, the survival rate exceeds other similar incidents.

“In Andalusia, survival has been 98.6 percent, while in the United States outbreak it was 78 percent and in South Africa outbreak 73 percent,” he said.

The 2017-18 Listeria outbreak in South Africa affected 1,060 people with 216 deaths and was traced to polony made by Enterprise Foods, owned by Tiger Brands. The 2011 outbreak in the U.S. affected 147 people in 28 states with 33 deaths and was linked to whole cantaloupes from Jensen Farms.

More than 1,800 establishments have been inspected to verify the withdrawal of more than 8,000 kilograms of meat. The strain involved was characterized as serovar IVb, ST-388, CC388, CT-8466.

Most affected products from Magrudis were distributed in Andalusia, although Extremadura, Madrid, Castilla y León, and Castilla-La Mancha also received small quantities, according to the Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare (MSCBS). They were not sent outside Spain. Some had a shelf life of up to three months.

French authorities notified a confirmed case in an English citizen, diagnosed in France on August 16 and with a history of consuming cold pork in Seville on August 13. WHO officials had warned about the high number of tourists to Spain during the summer months meaning international travelers could have been exposed while the product was in the market.

La Consejería de Salud y Familias has created a group to coordinate alerts related to food safety that will be responsible for guiding the design of a new control plan against Listeria. An international scientific meeting to analyze the management of the food crisis will be held in the coming months.

Chicken Salad recalled over Listeria

By Bill Marler on October 07, 2019 in Listeria Recalls

Grand Strand Sandwich is recalling Lunch Box Chicken Salad Fresh Wedges with sell by 10/29/19 to 10/08/19, Lunch Box Chicken Salad Frozen Wedges with a julian date of , Fresh and Local Chicken Salad Croissants sell by date of 10/10/19 and 9/26/19 and due to a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, a Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

On October 3, 2019 the firm was notified by Star foods aka Mrs. Stratton’s that the chicken salad they make for Grand Strand Sandwich Company, Inc has chicken in it which is involved in a recall. Tip Top Poultry, Inc., initiated a recall and is an ingredient provider to Star Food who makes Grand Strand Sandwich Company’s Chicken Salad.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Products affected are:

The products were distributed between September 4, 2019 until October 2, 2019. These products were packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in convenience stores and vending machines located in the States of: North Carolina and South Carolina.

United States Canada Listeria Outbreak Sickens 31 with 2 Dead

By Bill Marler on August 23, 2019 in Listeria Recalls

Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

The CDC, several states, and federal partners (USDA/FSIS) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections. This investigation is ongoing and has not identified a specific food item, grocery store, or restaurant chain as the source of infections.  However, The Public Health Agency of Canada is also investigating a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak in several Canadian provinces linked to cooked diced chicken.

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) shows that the type of Listeria making people sick in Canada is closely related genetically to the Listeria making people sick in the United States. WGS gives investigators detailed information about the bacteria causing illness. In this investigation, WGS showed that bacteria isolated from ill people were closely related genetically. This means that people in this outbreak are more likely to share a common source of infection.

As of August 23, 2019, a total of 24 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes has been reported from 13 states.  Ill people range in age from 35 to 92 years, with a median age of 72. Sixty-three percent of ill people are female. Of 23 ill people with information available, 22 hospitalizations have been reported. Two deaths have been reported.

As of August 23 2019, there have been seven confirmed cases of Listeria monocytogenes illness in three provinces: British Columbia (1), Manitoba (1) and Ontario (5). Individuals became sick between November 2017 and June 2019. Six individuals have been hospitalized. Individuals who became ill are between 51 and 97 years of age. The majority of cases (86%) are female.

According to Health authorities in Canada, based on the investigation findings to date, Rosemount brand cooked diced chicken has been identified as a likely source of the outbreak. Rosemount cooked diced chicken was supplied to institutions (including cafeterias, hospitals and nursing homes) where many of the individuals who became sick resided, or visited, before becoming ill.  That product has now been recalled.

In the United States, Tip Top Poultry, Inc., a Rockmart, Ga. establishment, has recalled approximately 135,810 pounds of fully cooked poultry products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The frozen, diced, and mechanically separated ready to eat chicken was produced on January 21, 2019 and display “PACK DATE 01/21/19” on the labels. The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-17453” inside the USDA mark of inspection or on the case. These items were shipped to hotels, restaurants, and institutions nationwide.

The problem was discovered on August 17, 2019, when the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) notified FSIS that a sample of product produced by Tip Top Poultry, Inc. confirmed positive for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

Avocado Chunks recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

By Bill Marler on June 23, 2019 in Listeria Recalls

Nature’s Touch Frozen Foods Inc. is voluntary recalling “Signature Select Avocado Chunks” with a best before date of Oct 11, 2020, after an inspection test revealed Listeria monocytogenes in the product.

The company initiated the recall “based on strict precautionary measures after the company was informed by the FDA that a routine sampling program found a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes in one sample bag of the product,” according to the Nature’s Touch notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.

As of June 18, there hadn’t been any confirmed illnesses reported in association with the recalled frozen avocado product, the notice states. There is concern that some consumers may have the recalled frozen avocado chunks in their homes because the best-before date isn’t until Oct. 11, 2020.

Consumers can use the following label information to determine whether they have the recalled avocado in their homes:

• Signature Select brand avocado chunks, frozen
• 12-ounce plastic bags
• UPC number 2113009412 on the back
• Best-before date displayed as OCT 11 20 on the back of packages near the top

Nature’s Touch reports the avocado chunks were distributed in the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming, Texas and Utah.

Distribution also included the following banner stores:

• Albertsons
• Safeway
• Safeway Community Markets
• Carrs-Safeway
• Eagle
• Lucky
• Pak N Save
• Pavilions
• Vons

Snow Farm Creamery Cheese Recalled due to Listeria Risk

By Bill Marler on June 18, 2019 in Listeria Recalls

Cheese sold by Snow Farm Creamery at local markets has tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, according to a release from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Snow Farm Creamery Baby Swiss and Snow Farm Creamery Baby Swiss with Mustard Seed with a code “02 04 19” are all affected, but officials warn that if you do not know the code and purchased the cheese after April 24, you should not consume it.

The product is packaged in vacuum-sealed flexible plastic wrap of various sizes and was sold on and after April 25 at the Green Star Co-op on Buffalo Street in Ithaca; Brookton Market and the Brooktondale Farmers Market in Brooktondale; the Ithaca Farmers’ Market; and the Candor Daffodil Festival in Candor.

Samples of the cheese also were distributed at the Town of Caroline board meeting on June 12. Snow Farm Creamery is in Brooktondale.

A routine sample of the cheese taken by an inspector from the Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services on June 10 was tested by the New York State Food Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

On June 13, the manufacturer was notified of a preliminary positive test result. Test results were confirmed as positive for Listeria monocytogenes on June 17.

The cheese will be destroyed by the manufacturer.

Listeria-contaminated products may cause listeriosis, a disease that usually causes mild flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals.

However, state officials warn that in immune-compromised individuals, meningitis and blood poisoning can occur. Pregnant women are also considered a high-risk group, as listeriosis can result in stillbirths.

Seriously, do not eat sprouts

By Bill Marler on April 24, 2019 in Listeria Recalls

Golden Pearl Mushrooms Ltd. is recalling GPM brand Pea Shoots from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

Recalled products

Cheese Recall in Canada over Listeria

By Bill Marler on April 06, 2019 in Listeria Recalls

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency posted a recall of Oreinos Mylopotamos brand Cretan Dry Mizythra, a type of hard cheese, at the request of MFG Distribution Inc. The company cited possible Listeria contamination as the reason for the recall.

MFG Distribution Inc. distributed their Oreinos Mylopotamos brand hard cheese to unidentified stores located in Ontario and Quebec. No other details about how the possible contamination was discovered were included in the recall notice.

“The recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results,” according to the recall notice posted on the CFIA website. The agency is conducting an investigation and will post additional recalls as necessary.

“Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick,” the recall notice said.

Although no injuries or illnesses had been reported as of the April 2 recall, consumers are urged to discard the recalled cheese immediately or return it to the store of purchase. According to the recall notice, the recalled hard cheese has no identifiable “Best Before” date or UPC number, and “all codes” are subject to recall.

The recalled hard cheese was sold in “1.45 kg” packages and has the “Oreinos Mylopotamos” brand name printed on the front of the packaging.

Listeria infection can take up to 70 days for symptoms to develop. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems can develop serious and sometimes deadly infections from exposure to Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

Anyone who has eaten Cretan Dry Mizythra hard cheese and developed Listeria symptoms should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the possible exposure to the pathogen.

Wholesome Pantry Organic nut butters Recalled

By Bill Marler on April 04, 2019 in Listeria Recalls

These products were sold in ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer and Dearborn Market stores located in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, Rhode Island and Virginia.

Wakefern Food Corp. has initiated a voluntary recall of a variety of Wholesome Pantry Organic nut butters because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes , an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. No illnesses related to the recall have been reported.

Five varieties of nut butters, packed in 16 ounce plastic jars, with best by dates of June 2020 and earlier, have been recalled:

• Wholesome Pantry Organic Creamy Salted Almond Butter UPC: 04119006004
• Wholesome Pantry Organic Creamy Unsalted Almond Butter UPC: 04119006005
• Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsalted Sunflower Butter UPC: 04119005827
• Wholesome Pantry Organic Tahini Butter UPC: 04119005828
• Wholesome Pantry Organic Cashew Butter  UPC: 04119006006

Wakefern was made aware of the issue when their supplier, Oskri Organics Corporation of Lake Mills, WI, notified them that several nut butters produced in their facility had tested positive for Listeria bacteria.