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Email Alerts
Sacramento Restaurant Linked to Norovirus Outbreak
Thu, 03/21/2013 - 11:16am — SRutledgePossible Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Mulvaney’s Restaurant in Sacramento
Source: The Sacramento Bee (www.sacbee.com).
A possible Norovirus outbreak involving Mulvaney’s, a popular restaurant in midtown Sacramento, CA, is being investigated by Sacramento County public health officials.
Norovirus is a highly infectious virus with symptoms that include diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.
Read more in The Sacramento Bee article here.
Recalls for ProtiDiet Bars + Natura Pet Dry Pet Foods
Tue, 03/19/2013 - 10:12am — SRutledge
ProtiDiet Chocolate Dream Bars Recalled for Salmonella (U.S./Multistate)
Natura Pet Recalls Dry Pet Foods for Salmonella (U.S. & Canada/Pets)
ProtiDiet Chocolate Dream Bars Recalled for Salmonella (U.S./Multistate)
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov)
Distributed in: AL, AR, CA, CT, FL, MA, NH, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TX VA.
And sold via the Internet.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the following recall:
Fast Facts
- Pro-Amino International Inc., of Saint-Eustache, Quebec, Canada, is recalling the ProtiDiet High Protein Chocolate Dream Bars described below.
- The recalled product may contain Salmonella.
- Salmonella is a public health risk and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness. Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.
- This product has been distributed in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia. It was also sold via the Internet.
- Consumers should avoid eating the potentially contaminated High Protein Chocolate Dream Bars and discard the product or return it to the point of sale.
What is the Problem?
Pro-Amino International Inc. is recalling protein bars which may contain Salmonella. The product is the ProtiDiet High Protein Chocolate Dream Bar, sold in 210 gram (7.4 oz.) packages, 7 bars per package, bearing UPC 6 21498 42238 1, lot code CR 18 13B, and Best Before date of 2015-08.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Pro-Amino International are warning people not to consume these high protein bars, which may contain Salmonella.
What are the Symptoms of Illness/Injury?
Salmonella is a public health risk and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness. Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.
Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the Pro-Amino product subject to this recall should contact their health care provider immediately.
Who is at Risk?
Consumers who have purchased or received the ProtiDiet High Protein Chocolate Dream Bars are at risk. They should not eat this product.
What Do Consumers Need To Do?
Consumers should avoid eating the potentially contaminated High Protein Chocolate Dream Bars and discard the product or return it to the point of sale.
Consumers who think they may have become ill from eating these High Protein Chocolate Dream Bars should consult their health care providers.
Where is it Distributed?
The Canadian-manufactured ProtiDiet High Protein Chocolate Dream Bars were sent to distributors and retail outlets in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia.
It was also available for sale on the Internet.
Have There Been Any Illnesses Reported?
There have been no illnesses reported at this time.
What is Being Done about the Problem?
FDA is monitoring the problem in collaboration with the CFIA and public health agencies in the states where this product was distributed.
Who Should Be Contacted?
For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342/TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00p.m. EST, Monday through Friday). Consumers may also call the Pro-Amino International customer service line at 1-800-555-2170, extension 227.
Natura Pet Recalls Dry Pet Foods for Salmonella (U.S. & Canada/Pets)
Source: www.NaturaPet.com
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling specific lots of dry pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No Salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.
The affected products are sold in bags through veterinary clinics, select pet specialty retailers, and online in the United States, Canada, Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Costa Rica.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
These products were made in a single production facility during a two week window in December 2012. Routine testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture collected from a single retail location tested positive for the presence of Salmonella. As a precautionary measure, Natura is voluntarily recalling all products from this production window.
Product expiration dates range from 12/17/2013 – 1/2/2014. Product was distributed by Natura Pet Products between December 18, 2012 through March 15, 2013. No other dry food, canned food, biscuits, bars or treats are affected by this announcement.
A complete list of products in the scope of this recall can be viewed here.
Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them.
For further information or a product replacement or refund call Natura toll-free at 800-224-6123 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CST).
Read more on the Natura Pet site here.
E-Alert: Recalls Walnuts, Bar Clams in Canada; Dog Treats in US + More
Mon, 03/18/2013 - 10:13am — SRutledge
Jones Natural Chews Recalls Woofers Dog Treats for Salmonella (Multistate/Pets)
Bulk In-Shell Walnuts Recalled for Salmonella(Canada: ON)
St. Thomas Brand Bar Clams Recalled for Botulism (Canada: NB, PE, QC)
Final Update: Salmonella Ground Beef Outbreak Sickened 22, CDC Reports
Jones Natural Chews Recalls Woofers Dog Treats for Salmonella (Multistate/Pets)
Source: www.JonesNaturalChews.com
Jones Natural Chews Co of Rockford, IL is recalling 245 boxes of Woofers (beef patties) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.
The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by Colorado Department of Agriculture Feed Program which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria.
The Jones Natural Chews Woofers were distributed in AZ, CA, CO, PA, VA, and WI.
They were shipped to distributors and retailers between November 1, 2012 and November 12, 2012 where they were available for purchase.
Product and distribution details are as follows:
• Jones Natural Chews Co Woofers (beef patties) bulk 50 count box, Item UPC 741956008169, Lot 2962GPS-Best By 10/22/15 and Lot 2892PAL-Best By 10/15/15
***Woofers in bulk 50 count box may be sold individually***
• Jones Natural Chews Co Woofers (beef patties) 1 pack shrink-wrap, 50 count box, Item UPC 741956008657, Lot 3102, Best By 11/05/15.
• Jones Natural Chews Co Woofers (beef patties) 1 pack shrink-wrap, 50 count box, Item UPC 741956008183, Lot 2892BF-Best By 10/15/15, Lot 2962PWV-Best By 10/22/15, Lot 2962ASC-Best By 10/22/15, and Lot 3032ASL-Best By 10/29/15.
• Jones Natural Chews Co Woofers (beef patties) 2pack shrink-wrap, 25ct box, item UPC 741956008190, Lot 2962ASC-Best By 10/22/15 and Lot 3032ASL-Best By 10/29/15.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Consumers who have purchased any of these woofers are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-481-2663, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Central Standard Time.
Read more on the Jones Natural Chews site here.
Bulk In-Shell Walnuts Recalled for Salmonella (Canada: ON)
Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (www.inspection.gc.ca)
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the walnuts described below because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The affected walnuts were sold in bulk from Produce Depot, 2446 Bank St., Ottawa, ON between February 26 and March 15, 2013, inclusive.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness. In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.
For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).
Read the CFIA Consumer Advisory here.
St. Thomas Brand Bar Clams Recalled for Botulism (Canada: NB, PE, QC)
Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (www.inspection.gc.ca)
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and St. Thomas Fish Market are warning the public not to consume the Bar Clams described below because they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. Toxins produced by these bacteria may cause botulism, a life-threatening illness.
The recalled product has been distributed in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Quebec (retail distribution only).
Following are details on the affected product:
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with the toxin may cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headache, double vision, dry throat, respiratory failure and paralysis. In severe cases of illness, people may die.
The manufacturer, St. Thomas Fish Market Inc., Saint-Thomas-De-Kent, New Brunswick, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace.
The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:
• St. Thomas Fish Market Inc., Marie Leger at 506-743-5965;
• CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).
Read the CFIA Health Hazard Alert here.
Final Update: Salmonella Ground Beef Outbreak Sickened 22, CDC Reports
Source: Food Safety News (www.foodsafetynews.com)
An outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium linked to ground beef that started in early December of 2012 is now thought to have ended in mid-February after sickening a total of 22 people, announced the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Friday.
The 22 illnesses linked to the outbreak occurred in 6 states: Arizona (1 case), Illinois (2 cases), Iowa (1 case), Michigan (9 cases), Pennsylvania (1 case), and Wisconsin (8 cases).
Among the 14 outbreak victims for whom information was available, half were hospitalized, according to CDC’s final outbreak report. No deaths were connected to the outbreak.
The type of Salmonella Typhimurium that caused this outbreak is uncommon, according to CDC.
“This PFGE (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis) pattern has rarely been seen before in PulseNet and in the past typically caused 0-1 cases per month,” said the agency in its outbreak report.
Ground beef products made by two companies – Jouni Meats and Gab Halal Foods – are considered the likely source of the outbreak, according to CDC.
Jouni recalled approximately 500 pounds of product on January 24, 2013, and Gab Halal recalled approximately 550 pounds of its ground beef the following day.
CDC urged consumers to check their freezers for the products linked to the outbreak and discard any ground beef subject to either of the recalls.
“While the use-by date of the recalled ground beef products has passed, consumers might still have recalled ground beef in their homes if the ground beef was frozen at home.”
Read the Food Safety News article here.
E-Alert: Recalls of Chicken Sausage (US) and Meat Products (Canada) + More
Wed, 03/13/2013 - 10:25am — SRutledge
Arkansas Firm Recalls Chicken Sausage Products for Listeria
Costco Recalls Formaggio Meat Products for Listeria in Canada (ON, QC, NB, NS, NL
Minnesota Issues Salmonella Consumer Advisory for Raw Pet Food
Arkansas Firm Recalls Chicken Sausage Products for Listeria
Source: U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (www.fsis.usda.gov)
Hot Springs Packing Co., Inc., a Hot Springs, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,120 pounds of chicken polish sausage and chicken breakfast link products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced.
The products subject to recall include:
• 30-lb. packages of "DOUBLE D INTERNATIONAL FOOD CO., INC., 4/1 CHICKEN POLISH SAUSAGE, REDUCED SODIUM" with lot code numbers of "05013A" or "05013B" stamped on the box.
• 30-lb. packages of "DOUBLE D INTERNATIONAL FOOD CO., INC., 16/1 CHICKEN BREAKFAST LINK, REDUCED SODIUM" with a lot code number of "05013B" stamped on the box.
The products subject to recall bear the establishment number "P-10695" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The products were produced on February 19, 2013, and distributed to an institution in Jackson, Michigan.
The problem was discovered by Hot Springs Packing Co., Inc., through samples collected by the firm. The affected product was shipped prior to receiving the final results.
Listeria 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.
FSIS and the company have not received reports of illnesses due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks (including at restaurants) to ensure that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.
Consumers and members of the media with questions regarding the recall should contact the company's owner, John Stubblefield, at (501) 767-2363.
Costco Recalls Formaggio Meat Products for Listeria in Canada (ON, QC, NB, NS, NL)
Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (www.inspection.gc.ca)
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. are warning the public not to consume Formaggio brand Artisan Wraps Italian Style Meats around Fresh Mozzarella because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Following are details on the affected products:
The product has been distributed in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador (retail distribution only).
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. The Importer, Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd., Ottawa, Canada is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this bacteria may cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness, however, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:
• Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. at 1-800-463-3783
• CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday)
Minnesota Issues Salmonella Consumer Advisory for Raw Pet Food
Source: Food Poison Journal (www.foodpoisonjournal.com)
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is alerting consumers to avoid feeding or handling two separate brands of poultry-based raw pet food after the MDA laboratory found Salmonella bacteria in routine sample tests.
The brand varieties include:
• Bravo! Raw Food Diet 2 lb. Chicken Blend for Dogs and Cats manufactured by Bravo!, LLC, of Manchester, Connecticut.
This is a frozen pet food product with the production code of 06/14/12, which is located on the white tag on the end of the package. This advisory is for the 2 lb. size of Bravo! Chicken Blend with the “best used by date” of 6/12/14 only.
No other products, sizes, or production dates are involved.
• Turducken Canine Diet 8oz. Patties, manufactured by Steve’s Real Food, Inc., of Murray, Utah. This is a frozen pet food product with the “Use By” date code of 10/27/13 B209, which is located on the lower front panel of package.
There are no reports of human or animal illnesses associated with consumption of these products. Consumers are asked to discard any of these products they may have.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the product, and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated products. People handling contaminated raw pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product.
Pets with Salmonella infections may exhibit decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed this product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Human symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps and fever. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 72 hours after exposure, but can begin up to a week after exposure. Salmonella infections usually resolve in 5-7 days, but approximately 20 percent of cases require hospitalization. In rare cases, Salmonella infection can lead to death, particularly in the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. Anyone who has become ill after handling this product should see their health care provider.
Read the Food Poison Journal article here.
E-Alert: Oklahoma Restaurant Salmonella Outbreak + More
Tue, 03/12/2013 - 9:03am — SRutledge
Oklahoma Mexican Restaurant Was Source of Salmonella Outbreak
Cruise Ships Rocked by Stomach Illnesses Last Week, Norovirus Suspected
Oklahoma Mexican Restaurant Was Source of Salmonella Outbreak
Source: Food Safety News (www.foodsafetynews.com)
A Mexican restaurant in Grady County, Oklahoma has been pinpointed as the source of a Salmonella outbreak that sickened six people over the last two months.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health announced Friday that Temazcal, an eatery located in Chickasha, was the most likely origin of the Salmonella Enteriditis that caused the outbreak, reported the Express-Star.
All six victims were infected with matching strains of the bacteria, as revealed by DNA testing.
The establishment had closed four days previous to this announcement after health inspectors discovered that its walk-in cooler was not functioning effectively.
The restaurant is working to fix existing sanitation problems and come into compliance with health code so that it can reopen, according to Dr. Laura Smithee, chief of acute diseases for OSDH, according to the Express-Star.
Read the Food Safety News article here.
Cruise Ships Rocked by Stomach Illnesses Last Week, Norovirus Suspected
Source: Food Safety News (www.foodsafetynews.com)
Nearly 400 passengers and crew aboard 2 different cruise ships were throwing up last week — but not from seasickness.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday that at least 121 people traveling on Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas and 276 people aboard Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess fell ill with gastrointestinal symptoms last week.
Illnesses were characterized by diarrhea and vomiting, likely caused by Norovirus, which infects the intestines and most commonly affects people in enclosed spaces such as cruise ships, daycares and nursing homes.
The Vision of the Seas, which was returning from an 11-day voyage to the Caribbean, docked Friday in Port Everglades, Florida. A total of 118 out of the 1,991 passengers were sickened on that trip, as were 3 of the 765 crew members.
Patients were treated for symptoms with over-the-counter medication available on the ship, according to a statement from Royal Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean staff collected stool samples from 5 ill passengers and crew and submitted them to the CDC for laboratory analysis.
Staff also increased onboard sanitation measures during the outbreak.
“During the sailing, we conduct enhanced cleaning onboard the ship, to help prevent the spread of the illness,” said Royal Caribbean in a statement.
The boat left for its next voyage the same day it arrived, after undergoing sanitization both onboard and at the cruise terminal, according to the company. Embarking passengers were notified of the illnesses that had occurred on the last trip.
The Ruby Princess returned from a 7-day voyage to the Eastern Caribbean Sunday, docking in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. On that vessel, 266 of the 3,129 passengers fell ill, along with 10 of the 1,189 crew members.
“At the first sign of higher-than-expected cases of illness aboard the Ruby Princess, the highest level of sanitation procedures were implemented, and these continued throughout the day before the next group of passengers boarded the ship (Sunday) afternoon,” said Princess Cruises representative Karen Candy in an emailed statement to Food Safety News. “These pro-active procedures will continue throughout the subsequent cruise as well.”
CDC reports that staff “attempted collection of stool specimens from passenger and crew gastrointestinal illness cases” onboard the Ruby Princess while people were ill.
The Ruby Princess, which also departed for another voyage the day she arrived, left a bit behind schedule Sunday after she was thoroughly disinfected and sanitized, noted Candy.
Passengers boarding the ship for the next cruise were given a letter notifying them of the outbreak on the previous voyage, according to the CDC.
Both vessels are scheduled to report to CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program daily on their next voyages.
Last year, CDC documented seven different Norovirus outbreaks on Princess Cruises’ boats. Two of these occurred on the Ruby Princess.
Two Norovirus outbreaks were reported on Royal Caribbean cruises in 2012; one of them was on the Vision of the Seas.
Cruise ships have been working on improving sanitation methods to protect against Norovirus, which is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and spreads quickly among concentrated groups of people.
Candy described Princess Cruises’ sanitation plan in the event of an outbreak:
- High-touch surfaces like railings, door handles and elevator buttons are thoroughly disinfected.
- Passengers are encouraged to use correct hand-washing procedures. To enhance this, hand sanitizing gels are placed throughout the ship.
- Ill passengers and affected crew should be isolated in cabins until non-contagious.
- Passengers are encouraged to use their own cabin’s bathroom facilities.
- Self-serve buffets are converted to full service.
- Staff make regular announcements and written communications to passengers outlining precautions to take while onboard.
Read the Food Safety News article here.
E-Alert: Nationwide Chicken of the Sea Tuna Recall Expands + More
Mon, 03/11/2013 - 9:33am — SRutledge
Nationwide Chicken of the Sea Tuna Recall Expands
Multistate Recall of Turducken Canine Diet for Possible Salmonella (Pets)
Diggin’ Your Dog Strippin’ Chicks Recalled in Colorado for Salmonella (Pets)
Nationwide Chicken of the Sea Tuna Recall Expands
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov)
Tri-Union Seafoods LLC, which previously announced a voluntary recall, is now expanding it to include a limited amount of Chicken of the Sea brand 5-ounce chunk light tuna in oil. This is in addition to the limited amount of Chicken of the Sea brand 5-ounce chunk white albacore tuna in water announced March 6, 2013.
The seams on the lids of the cans do not meet the standard for seam quality. Cans that do not meet seam standards could result in product contamination by spoilage organisms or by pathogens, which could lead to illness if consumed.
There have been no reported illnesses to date, and Tri-Union Seafoods is issuing this voluntary recall to ensure the highest margin of safety and quality.
The UPC code (also known as the bar code) is found on the label of the product. The Best By date is printed on the bottom of the can. The product lot codes that are part of this voluntary recall can also be found on the bottom of the can.
The specific products being recalled are as follows:
Chicken of the Sea 5-Ounce Chunk Light Tuna in Oil
Chicken of the Sea Brand 5-ounce chunk light tuna in oil sold at retail nationwide in single cans between January 23, 2013 and March 6, 2013.
The UPC code is 0 48000 00195 5 and the Best By date is 01/15/17. The product lot codes that are part of this voluntary recall include:
Chicken of the Sea 5-Ounce Chunk White Albacore Tuna
Chicken of the Sea Brand 5-ounce chunk white albacore tuna in water sold at retail nationwide in single cans between February 4, 2013 and February 27, 2013.
The UPC code is 0 48000 03355 0. The Best By date is 01/18/17. The product lot codes that are part of this voluntary recall include:
The UPC code (also known as the bar code) is found on the label of the product. The Best By date is printed on the bottom of the can. The product lot codes that are part of this voluntary recall can also be found on the bottom of the can.
"The health and safety of our consumers is paramount. As soon as we discovered the issue, we took immediate steps to issue this voluntary recall by alerting our customers who received the product and by asking them to remove it from store shelves," said Shue Wing Chan, President of Tri-Union Seafoods.
No other codes of this product or other Chicken of the Sea products are affected by this voluntary recall.
Consumers looking for additional information can call our 24-hour Recall Information line at 1-800-597-5898.
Multistate Recall of Turducken Canine Diet for Possible Salmonella (Pets)
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov)
Steve’s Real Food of Murray, Utah is recalling its 5 lb. bags of "Turducken Canine Diet – 8oz. Patties due to potential contamination of Salmonella.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The recalled Turducken Canine Diet – 8oz Patties in a 5 lb. bag were distributed from October 2012 to January 2013 in retail stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York , California, Minnesota and Tennessee.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The potential for contamination was noted after a routine sampling of one 5 lb. bag by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Production of the product has been suspended while the company and the FDA continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.
The product comes in 5 lb. green and cream colored biodegradable film bags with lot number 209-10-27-13 with an expiration date of October 27, 2013.
Consumers who have purchased 5 lb. bags of Steve’s Real Food Turducken Canine Recipe are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions should contact the company at 801-540-8481 or gary@stevesrealfood.com
Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm MST.
Diggin’ Your Dog Strippin’ Chicks Recalled in Colorado for Salmonella (Pets)
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov)
Diggin' Your Dog™ announced that they are voluntarily withdrawing one lot of its Strippin' Chicks™ Pet Treats produced on 8-30-12 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The sample was obtained in Colorado and the company has accounted for its distribution in Colorado of this lot.
No other Diggin' Your Dog™ products, lots, or production dates are affected.
The lot being voluntarily withdrawn is:
Strippin' Chicks™ Pet Treats
5 oz Bag
Lot Code: 250322
Use By Date: 2-23-14
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Animals with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some animals will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your animals have consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Customers who have purchased this lot code are urged to stop feeding the product to their pet, remove the lot code from the packaging, and discard the contents.
A full refund, plus $1.00 to cover postage will be received by mailing the UPC and lot code to: Diggin Your Dog, LLC, PO Box 17306 Reno, NV 89511. All refunds will be processed within ten business days (plus postage time).
For questions or more information, contact Diggin' Your Dog™ by phone at 775-742-7295 Mon-Fri 8:30AM - 4:00PM Pacific Standard Time or email us at info@dydusa.com.
E-Alert: Bumble Bee Expands Tuna Recall + More
Fri, 03/08/2013 - 11:03am — SRutledge
Bumble Bee Expands Tuna Recall Due to Loose Seals (US)
Seattle Restaurant Tied to E. coli Outbreak
Bumble Bee Expands Tuna Recall Due to Loose Seals (US)
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov), 3/7/13
Bumble Bee Foods, LLC, is expanding a voluntary recall on specific codes of 5-ounce Chunk White Albacore and Chunk Light Tuna products. The recall has been issued because the products do not meet the company's standards for seal tightness.
Loose seals or seams could result in product contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens and lead to illness if consumed.
There have been no reports to date of any illness associated with these products.
Bumble Bee initially announced the voluntary recall on Wednesday, March 6 after identifying an issue on a manufacturing line, which has been corrected.
Click here to see the company's final assessment of all products affected.
The affected products were distributed for retail sale nationwide between January 17, 2013 and March 6, 2013.
Bumble Bee Foods SVP of Technical Services and Corporate Quality Assurance Steve Mavity said: "Due to can integrity concerns, our top priority at this time is to remove these recalled products from distribution as soon as possible. We are working closely with our sales team and with retailers to help expedite the recall.
"We must assure our consumers and retailers of a safe and quality product so we very much appreciate everyone's part in disposing of the products with the specific codes indicated. We're voluntarily recalling products to ensure the highest margin of safety and quality," Mavity said.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should discard them by disposing in the garbage. Consumers should also direct any questions on the recall or reimbursement by contacting the 24-hour dedicated recall line at (888) 820-1947.
Seattle Restaurant Tied to E. coli Outbreak
Source: Food Safety News (www.foodsafetynews.com), 3/7/13
Washington State’s King County Public Health agency shut down an Ethiopian restaurant in Seattle’s central district on Wednesday afternoon after connecting the establishment to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7, health agency spokeswoman Kathryn Ross has confirmed to Food Safety News.
At least two people have fallen ill in the outbreak, and Ross said the likelihood of others being sickened is uncertain.
In its closure notification the agency cited Ambassel Ethiopian Cuisine & Bar with five safety violations, including the outbreak.
Other violations included foods not being protected from cross-contamination, improperly sanitized equipment, and poor personal hygiene among employees due to inadequate hand washing facilities.
Ross said that the specific cause of the outbreak was not yet known, and the agency would have more information soon on when or whether the restaurant will reopen.
Read the Food Safety News article here.
Tuna Recall: Bumblebee and Chicken of the Sea
Thu, 03/07/2013 - 11:28am — SRutledge
Loose Seams on Tuna Can Lids Prompts Recall
Source: Food Safety News (www.foodsafetynews.com), 3/7/13
Two brands of tuna—Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea—were recalled Wednesday for loose lids or at least seams that didn’t meet standards, risking contamination from spoilage organisms or pathogens.
It’s too early to know if the mistake is going to make anybody sick.
Tri-Union Seafoods LLC recalled its 5-ounce Chicken of the Sea brand with chunk white albacore tuna in water sold in single cans between Feb. 4 and Feb. 27, 2013. A complete list of codes and dates for the cans is available on the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.
” As soon as we discovered the issue, we took immediate steps to issue this voluntary recall by alerting our customers who received the product and by asking them to remove it from store shelves,” said Shue Wing Chan, President of Tri-Union Seafoods.
Bumble Bee Foods issued a recall for its 5-ounce Chunk White Albacore and Chunk Light Tuna products, also for cans with seals that do not meet standards. The Bumble Bee products were distributed for retail sale nationwide between Jan. 17 and February 28, 2013.
Bumble Bee Foods SVP of Technical Services and Corporate Quality Assurance Steve Mavity said: “Due to can integrity concerns, our top priority at this time is to remove these recalled products from distribution as soon as possible.”
Read the Food Safety News article here.
Proti Diet Chocolate Bar Recalled in Canada (Ontario & Quebec)
Tue, 03/05/2013 - 10:42am — SRutledgeProti Diet Chocolate Bar Recalled in Canada (Ontario & Quebec)
Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (www.inspection.gc.ca), 3/4/13
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Pro-Amino International Inc. are warning the public not to consume the Proti Diet High Protein Chocolate Dream Bar described below because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Following are details on the affected product:
|
Brand Name |
Common Name |
Size |
Codes(s) on Product |
UPC |
Additional Info |
|
Proti Diet |
High Protein Chocolate Dream Bar |
210 g packages (7 bars per package) |
CR 18 13B |
6 21498 42238 1 |
Best Before: 2015-08 |
The recalled product has been distributed in Ontario and Quebec (retail distribution only).
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
Pro-Amino International Inc, Saint-Eustache, QC, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness. In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.
For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).
Read the CFIA Health Hazard Alert here
E-Alert: No Salmonella in Marshmallow Eggs + More
Mon, 03/04/2013 - 10:35am — SRutledge
More Mauri Gorgonzola Cheese Recalled for Listeria in Canada
Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Eggs Free of Salmonella, Company Says
More Mauri Gorgonzola Cheese Recalled for Listeria in Canada
Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (www.inspection.gc.ca)
The public warning issued on February 25, 2013 has been updated to include additional Best Before date codes of the product.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Arla Foods Inc. are warning the public not to consume the Mauri brand Gorgonzola cheese, product of Italy, described below because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Following are details on the affected products:
| Brand Name | Common Name | Size | Codes(s) on Product |
| Mauri | Gorgonzola | Approximately 1.5 kg |
13/04/13 & 21/04/13 |
The product has been distributed in Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec (retail distribution only).
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness, however, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
The importer, Arla Foods Inc., Concord, ON, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
For more information consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:
* Carl Choueiri of Arla Foods Inc. at 905-669-9393 Ext. 438
* Christine Picheca, Jesson and Company Communications Inc., at 416-992-1092 or 416-323-7828
* CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday)
Read the CFIA Health Hazard Alert here.
Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Eggs Free of Salmonella, Company Says
Source: Food Safety News (www.foodsafetynews.com), 3/2/13
Zachary Confections today announced that the company’s Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Eggs, which were previously recalled for potential Salmonella contamination, do not contain Salmonella and are safe for consumption.
According to a company press release, Zachary Confections recalled its Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Eggs with code dates D3245D, D3145E, F3145E and D3245E after a lab test indicated that they were potentially positive for Salmonella. Zachary Confections initiated the product recall to prevent them from reaching consumers while conducting further tests on the marshmallow eggs. Those additional tests returned negative for Salmonella.
In a press release, Jack Zachary praised his team’s efficiency in conducting the earlier recall: “I am proud of the swift responsible actions taken by our team. I am comfortable with our decision to communicate with our Retail Partners and the FDA about this possible issue. We are confident that our efforts as well as those of our retail partner, to remove the suspect product from the distribution channels, resulted in insuring that the American consumer was protected at all times.”
The company’s original recall was announced on February 28.
Read the Food Safety News article here.
