Month / August 2018

by admin

New #foodsafety #recall possible #Ecoli #contamination of Ground Chuck Products from Publix Grocery stores in certain Florida counties

Publix Super Markets Inc., a Lakeland, Fla., retail grocery store chain is recalling an undetermined amount of ground chuck products that may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O26.

Publix Super Markets Inc. Recalls Ground Chuck Products Due To Possible E. coli O26 Contamination

Class I Recall 072-2018
Health Risk: High
Aug 30, 2018
Congressional and Public Affairs
Mitch Adams
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2018 – Publix Super Markets Inc., a Lakeland, Fla., retail grocery store chain is voluntarily recalling an undetermined amount of ground beef products made from chuck that may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ground chuck items were purchased by consumers from June 25, 2018, through July 31, 2018. The following products are subject to recall: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/330436d0-f5bb-4ee3-a3eb-cca6459bf014/072-2018-List-Products.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&useDefaultText=0&useDefaultDesc=0

These items were shipped to Publix Super Market retail locations in the following Florida counties: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/68f37b9e-2b95-45c9-8ba7-36500f13a6ac/072-2018-Affected-Counties-Florida.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&useDefaultText=0&useDefaultDesc=0

On Aug. 16, 2018, FSIS was notified of an investigation of E. coli O26 illnesses. FSIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state public health and agriculture partners determined that raw ground chuck was the probable source of the reported illnesses. The epidemiological investigation identified 18 case-patients, predominantly from Florida, with illness onset dates ranging from July 5 to July 25, 2018. Traceback information indicated that case-patients consumed ground chuck products purchased at various Publix Super Markets that was supplied by a yet-to-be determined source. As this investigation further develops, FSIS will continue to work with the supermarket, suppliers and public health partners, and will provide updated information should it become available.

E. coli O26, like the more common E. coli O157:H7, is a serovar of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). People can become ill from STECs 2–8 days (average of 3–4 days) after exposure to the organism.

Most people infected with STEC O26 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by testing of a stool sample. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the usual treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended. Most people recover within a week, but rarely, some develop a more severe infection. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, is uncommon with STEC O26 infection. HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old, older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately

FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160°F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, http://1.usa.gov/1cDxcDQ. Consumers should take proper precautions when handling raw meat products. Proper hand washing after handling raw meat, poultry and eggs can greatly reduce the risk of bacterial cross-contamination to other foods and kitchen surfaces. It is important to prevent cross-contamination by washing counter tops and sinks with hot, soapy water.

Media with questions can contact Maria Brous, Publix Super Market’s Director of Media and Community Relations, at (863) 680-5339. Consumers with questions can contact Publix Super Market’s customer care department at 1-800-242-1227 or visit their website at www.publix.com/contactus.

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Updated #foodsafety #recall possible #Salmonella #contamination of Empire Kosher Poultry

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Empire Kosher Poultry, Inc. Raw Chicken Products due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

EDITOR’S NOTE: This release was updated on August 29, 2018 to provide updated illness outbreak information.

Congressional and Public Affairs
Benjamin A. Bell (202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, August 24, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and Empire Kosher Poultry, Inc. are issuing a public health alert out of an abundance of caution due to concerns about Salmonella illnesses reported in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States that may be associated with raw chicken products.

The Empire Kosher brand raw chicken items, which may include raw whole chicken, raw chicken parts, were produced and sold to consumers from September 2017 to June 2018.

On June 18, 2018, FSIS was notified of multiple Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- illnesses within the northeastern  and mid-Atlantic United States. Working in conjunction with public health partners, FSIS determined that there is a link between Empire Kosher brand raw chicken products and this illness cluster. Based on available epidemiological information, 17 case-patients have been identified in 4 northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, many of whom reported consumption of Empire Kosher brand chicken products. Approximately half of affected case-patients have been hospitalized due to illness with illness onset dates ranging from September 2017 to June 2018. Additional information may be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/chicken-08-18/index.html. FSIS continues to work with the company and public health partners and will provide updated information should it become available.

 Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

 FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to properly handle, prepare, and cook these raw chicken products.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume chicken products that have been cooked to a temperature of 165°F. The only way to confirm that chicken is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature (http://1.usa.gov/1cDxcDQ). Consumers should take proper precautions when handling raw chicken products. Proper hand washing after handling raw poultry, meat and eggs can greatly reduce the risk of bacterial cross-contamination to other foods and kitchen surfaces. It is important to prevent cross-contamination from raw poultry juices by washing counter tops and sinks with hot, soapy water.

Consumers and members of the media with questions can contact an Empire Kosher Specialist at 1-877-627-2803.

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New #foodsafety #recall Undeclared #egg & #wheat #allergen in 75 lbs of beef & pork meatloaf products

Taylor Farms Illinois, Inc., is recalling approximately 75 pounds of beef and pork meatloaf products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The product contains eggs and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

Taylor Farms Illinois, Inc. Recalls Beef and Pork Meatloaf Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Class I Recall 070-2018
Health Risk: High
Aug 29, 2018
Distribution List PDF

Congressional and Public Affairs
Benjamin A. Bell
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2018 – Taylor Farms Illinois, Inc., a Chicago, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 75 pounds of beef and pork meatloaf products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains eggs and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

The beef and pork meatloaf was produced on August 22, 2018. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)]

  • 14-oz. plastic tray packages containing ready-to-eat “HOMESTYLE BEEF AND PORK MEATLOAF” with lot code “TFIL234A001” and a “USE-BY: 08/28/18” date on the label.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 21794” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee.

The problem was discovered on August 27, 2018, by a retail store employee, who then reported the issue to the firm.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers.  Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms are notifying their customers of the recall and that actions are being taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall should call the Taylor Farms Hotline at (855) 455-0098.

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New #foodsafety #recall possible #ecoli #contamination of 25,288 lbs of ground beef products

Cargill Meat Solutions, a Fort Morgan, Colo. establishment, is recalling approximately 25,288 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7

Cargill Meat Solutions Recalls Ground Beef Products due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Class I Recall069-2018
Health Risk: High
August 23, 2018
Congressional and Public Affairs

Felicia Thompson
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2018–Cargill Meat Solutions, a Fort Morgan, Colo. establishment, is recalling approximately 25,288 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ground beef items were produced on Aug. 16, 2018. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]

  • 10-lb. chubs of “EXCEL 93/7 FINE GRIND GROUND BEEF” with “Use/Frz. By Sep 05” on the chub label and a “PACK DATE 08/16/2018” on the box label.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 86R” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to warehouses in California and Colorado.

The problem was discovered on Aug. 22 by the establishment when they reviewed their records and determined that the product may be associated with product that was presumptive positive for E. coli O157:H7. The company then notified FSIS. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160°F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, http://1.usa.gov/1cDxcDQ.

Consumers with questions about the recall can call 1-844-419-1574. Members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Michael Martin, Cargill’s Director of Communications, at (316) 291-2126.

by admin

New #foodsafety #recall undeclared #fish & #milk #allergen in 62 lbs of ready-to-eat meatloaf products

Taylor Farms Northwest, LLC, a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 62 pounds of ready-to-eat meatloaf products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain fish (anchovies) and milk, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

Taylor Farms Northwest, LLC Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meatloaf Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Class I Recall 068-2018
Health Risk: High
Distribution List PDF
Congressional and Public Affairs
Felicia Thompson
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2018 – Taylor Farms Northwest, LLC, a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 62 pounds of ready-to-eat meatloaf products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain fish (anchovies) and milk, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

The products were produced on Aug. 19, 2018. The following product is subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)]

62 units of 16-oz clear containers with “Homestyle Meatloaf,” with a “Sell By: 8/25/2018” on the front packaging label.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 34834” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in Oregon and Washington.

The problem was discovered on Aug. 20, 2018, when a Taylor Farms Northwest, LLC employee conducted an inventory check and discovered the mislabeling of the Turkey Meatloaf with Kale as Homestyle Meatloaf, which is a beef product. The establishment then notified FSIS of the problem.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms are notifying their customers of the recall and that actions are being taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Taylor Farms Northwest, LLC at 1-855-455-0098. Members of the media with questions about the recall can contact the company at Press@taylorfarms.com.

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New #foodsafety #recall of 656 lbs of fully cooked, not shelf stable ready to eat pork and beef bologna products due to sodium nitrite and sodium erythorbate

StoneRidge Wholesale Division LLC., a Wautoma, Wis., establishment, is recalling approximately 656 pounds of fully cooked, not shelf stable ready to eat pork and beef bologna products due to misbranding. The products contain sodium nitrite and sodium erythorbate, which are not declared on the finished product label.

Recall Notification Report 067-2018 (Pork and Beef Bologna Products)

Class III Recall 067-2018
Aug 6, 2018
Congressional and Public Affairs
Maria Machuca
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2018 – StoneRidge Wholesale Division LLC., a Wautoma, Wis., establishment, is recalling approximately 656 pounds of fully cooked, not shelf stable ready to eat pork and beef bologna products due to misbranding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain sodium nitrite and sodium erythorbate, which are not declared on the finished product label.

The bologna items were produced on May 11, 2018 and packaged on May 15, 2018. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)]

14-oz. vacuum-sealed packages containing “OTTO’S Old-Fashioned Quality RING BOLOGNA” with a lot code of 18131 and a “Sell By: 08/09/2018” date.
14-oz. vacuum-sealed packages containing “OTTO’S Old-Fashioned Quality GARLIC RING BOLOGNA” with a lot code of 18131 and a “Sell By: 08/09/2018” date.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 33989” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to a retail location in Wisconsin.

The problem was discovered on Aug. 4, 2018 when an FSIS consumer safety inspector received a complaint from a consumer who purchased the product.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products can return them to the place of purchase if they choose to do so.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms are notifying their customers of the recall and that actions are being taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Trevor Diedrick, HACCP coordinator, StoneRidge Wholesale Division LLC, at 920-787-5444.

by admin

New #foodsafety #recall undeclared #soy & #milk #allergen and restricted item (sodium nitrate) in 20,000 lbs of pork sausage product

Star Natural Meats, LLC, an Astoria, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 20,000 pounds of raw, non-intact pork sausage products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The products contain milk and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. In addition, the products contain restricted ingredients, specifically sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate, which are not declared on the finished product label.

Star Natural Meats, LLC Recalls Raw Pork Sausage Products due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Class I Recall 066-2018
Health Risk: High Aug 3, 2018

Congressional and Public Affairs
Maria Machuca
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2018 – Star Natural Meats, LLC, an Astoria, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 20,000 pounds of raw, non-intact pork sausage products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain milk and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. In addition, the products contain restricted ingredients, specifically sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate, which are not declared on the finished product label.

The pork sausage items were produced on various dates from Feb. 23, 2017 to Aug. 3, 2018. The following products are subject to recall: [View Label (PDF only)]

• Individual packages of various weights of “LOUKANIKO GREEK BRAND – MADE IN THE U.S.A.” pork sausage.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 48109” inside the USDA mark of inspection and are not labeled with a lot code or expiration date. These items were shipped to retail locations in Astoria, N.Y.

The problem was discovered on Aug. 3, 2018 by FSIS Inspection Program Personnel while conducting routine label verification tasks.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms are notifying their customers of the recall and that actions are being taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Lena Psorakis, Star Natural Meats supervisor, at (510) 755-7545.

by admin

New #foodsafety #recall 10,385 lbs of pork egg rolls contaminated with soft plastic

Van Oriental Foods Inc. Recalls Pork Egg Rolls Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

Class II Recall065-2018

Health Risk: LowAug 3, 2018

Congressional and Public Affairs
Maria Machuca
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2018 – Van Oriental Foods Inc., a Dallas, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 10,385 pounds of heat treated but not fully cooked and not shelf stable pork egg rolls that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically soft plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The pork egg rolls were produced on May 30, 2018. The products have a shelf life of 12 months if frozen and 11 days if refrigerated. The following product is subject to recall: [View Label (PDF only)]

  • 5.4-oz. packages containing two pieces of “VAN’S KITCHEN 2 EGG ROLLS PORK GRAB AND GO” with lot code 18150, a Julian date of 18150A and various “FRESHNESS DATE/BEST IF USED BY” dates.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 13219” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered after the firm received two consumer complaints stating that a thin thread of plastic was found in the egg rolls products.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Amy Power, president/CEO of The Power Group, at (214) 693-2146. Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Theresa Motter, CEO of Van Oriental Foods Inc., at 972-685-0550.