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September is ‪‎#National‬ ‎#Foodsafety‬ #‪‎Education‬ month #NFSM. Today’s lesson: What is Norovirus gastroenteritis?

Norovirus gastroenteritis is the illness caused by the virus known as Norovirus. Like Hepatitis A, it is commonly linked with ready-to-eat foods and contaminated water, and is passed from foodhandlers to food or equipment by hands that have feces on them.
While eating only a small amount of the Norovirus can make a person sick, this virus is also very contagious, with people becoming contagious within a few hours after eating it. The virus is often still found in the feces of individuals for days after symptoms have ended.
This virus is most commonly linked to ready-to-eat foods, contaminated water, and shellfish from contaminated water. The most common symptoms of this illness are: Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps.
In addition to maintaining proper person hygiene, other prevention methods include:
1. Keep employees with diarrhea and vomiting out of the operation.
2. Keep employees who have been diagnosed with Norovirus out of the operation.
3. Wash hands.
4. Minimize bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
5. Purchase shellfish from approved, reputable suppliers.
If you have any questions about anything that I present in these lessons, or have a question about anything regarding food safety, please feel free to contact me.
Tomorrow’s lesson: What is Bacillus cereus gastroenteritis (Bacillus cereus bacteria)?
by admin

September is #National #Foodsafety Month #NFSM. Follow this blog for great lessons on #foodsafety.

This year’s theme for National Food Safety Month is “The Culture of Food Safety”!
I will give lessons exploring the causes of food borne illness.
I will also provide lessons in all areas of food safety.
Don’t forget to join the conversation on social media by using #NFSM and #foodsafetyculture.
From ServSafe: National Food Safety Month was created in 1994 to heighten the awareness of food safety education. Each year, we feature a new theme and create free training activities and posters for the restaurant and foodservice industry to help reinforce proper food safety practices and procedures.
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New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #milk #allergen in 32,228 lbs of fully cooked chicken sausage product

Demakes Enterprises, Inc. Recalls Chicken Sausage Product Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Class I Recall099-2017
Health Risk: HighAug 30, 2017
Congressional and Public Affairs
Julie Schwartz
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2017 – Demakes Enterprises, Inc., a Lynn, Mass. establishment, is recalling approximately 32,228 pounds of fully cooked chicken sausage product due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
The buffalo-style chicken sausage item was produced and packaged between Jan. 20, 2017 and Aug. 10, 2017. The following product is subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)] 
  • 10 oz. vacuum-sealed packages containing 5 pieces of “Thin ‘n Trim Fully Cooked Chicken Sausage Buffalo Style” and “Use By” dates from MAY:17-2017 through DEC: 06-2017.
The product subject to recall bears establishment number “P-8891” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The problem was discovered by FSIS Inspection Program Personnel during routine label verification activities.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.
Consumers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume them. This product 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.
Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Andrew Demakes, Sales and Production Manager, at (781) 417-1127.
by admin

New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #almond #allergen in Rajbhog Distributors, JALEBI

Rajbhog Distributors GA Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds in JALEBI

August 30, 2017

Contact

Consumers

 (678) 924-1440

Media

Rupesh Bhatt
 (678) 924-1440
Fax – (678) 924-1441

Announcement

View Product Photos
Rajbhog Distributors GA. Inc. of Tucker GA-30084 is recalling 1467  packets of Jalebi because it may contain undeclared Almond pcs. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Almonds run the risk of serious or life- threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
These Jalebi packets (Code number-P026 and P027) were distributed to the grocery stores located in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It might have reached the consumers through retail stores.
These products can be identified by visibly looking at the Jalebi packets packed in clear containers as Almonds are used as a toppings to garnish the Indian sweet, Jalebi.
As of today, there has not been single complaint reported.
This problem was highlighted by FDA inspectors while inspecting our food distribution facility. The problem was caused due to recent change in the packing of the product to enhance the appearance of the product.
The consumers who have purchased clear containers of Rajbhog brand Jalebi are urged to return to the place of purchase for a full refund.
The consumers with questions may contact the above company at (678) 924-1440 from Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
 
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New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #milk #allergen in certain “Butter Flavored Popcorn”

Dedinas Franzak Enterprises Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Milk In “Butter Flavored Popcorn”

August 30, 2017

Contact

Consumers

 mballard@cksnacks.com
 616-784-6095, Ext. 22

 

Announcement

Dedinas Franzak Enterprises of Grand Rapids MI, is recalling several brands of butter flavored popcorn because they may contain undeclared milk. People who have allergies to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The recalled butter flavored popcorn brands are:
30NOV2017 – UPC 614156061992 distributed in Michigan. Gourmet Select 12oz 24NOV2017 – UPC 899788002432 distributed in Wisconsin. Gold Emblem 5oz 24NOV2017, 01DEC2017 and 30DEC2017 – UPC 05042844879 distributed in California, Indiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Texas, Alabama, New Jersey, South Carolina, and Florida retail stores. Spartan 8oz 01SEP2017 – UPC 011213027395 distributed in Michigan.
The product comes in a Poly and/or poly metalized film package marked with lot codes on the top right front panel.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recall was initiated after a non-illness consumer complaint in relation to flavor.
Consumers who have purchased any of the above products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-616-784-6095 EXT 22.
Link to the Initial Recall.
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by admin

New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #milk #allergen in Big Win Butter Popcorn

Dedinas-Franzak Enterprises Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Milk In Big Win Butter Popcorn

August 28, 2017

Contact

Consumers

 mballard@cksnacks.com
 616-784-6095

Announcement

Dedinas-Franzak Enterprises is recalling Big Win, Butter Popcorn Artificially Flavored 5 OZ, UPC #0-11822-58492-0, This product is artificially flavored and milk is not specifically called out in the Allergen Statement. The product may contain milk and people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Milk may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. The concern was identified through a non-illness consumer complaint in relation to flavor.
Approximately 3,000 units of Big Win, Butter Popcorn Artificially Flavored product were distributed throughout the Rite Aid chain; this product is sold in the snack aisle. Product Expiration Dates included in the recall are the following: 16FEB2018. These date codes can be found in black ink printed on the front top right of the package.
There have been no injuries or illnesses reported to date associated with this product.
Customers who purchased the recalled product should return it to the point of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact: Dedinas-Franzak Enterprises, 616-784-6095 extension 22 Monday through Friday 8AM to 4PM EST. Via email at mballard@cksnacks.com.
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by admin

New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #soy & #wheat #allergen in 15,092 lbs of beef, chicken and pork products

Blossom Foods, LLC Recalls Frozen Meat Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Class I Recall098-2017
Health Risk: HighAug 26, 2017
En Español
Congressional and Public Affairs
Julie Schwartz
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2017 – Blossom Foods, LLC, an Oakland, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 15,092 pounds of beef, chicken and pork 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 soy and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. 
The frozen assorted meat and poultry items were produced from Aug. 23, 2016 to Aug. 23, 2017 and bear an expiration date that is one year from the date of packaging. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)]
  • 6.6-lb. case of “Barbequed Beef, Corn, Baked Beans”
  • 5.5-lb. case of “Barbeque Beef”
  • 10-lb. case of “Savory Beef”
  • 5.5-lb. case of “Sesame chicken
  • 10-lb. case of “Spanish Beef”
  • 5.5-lb. case of “Barbeque Pork”
  • 5.5-lb. case of “Breakfast Sausage”
  • 10-lb. case of “Beef”
  • 6.5-lb. case of “Chicken and Dumplings, Peas, Rutabaga”
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 51200” or “P-51200” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to institutional locations in California and Ohio.
The problem was discovered on Aug. 22, 2017 when FSIS Inspection Program Personnel observed that the establishment utilizes a soy protein concentrate in the production of several products, but the finished product labels do not declare soy. In addition, some of the same products contain wheat flour and wheat is also not declared on the finished product labels.  
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 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
Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Sue Adams, CEO, at (510) 893-3244.
by admin

New #foodsafety #recall 12,169 lbs of #uninspected skinless pork belly products

Ronald A. Chisholm, Ltd. Recalls Pork Belly Products Produced Without Benefit of Import Inspection

Class I Recall097-2017
Health Risk: HighAug 26, 2017
En Español
Congressional and Public Affairs
Julie Schwartz
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2017 – Ronald A. Chisholm, Ltd., a Toronto, Ontario establishment, is recalling approximately 12,169 pounds of skinless pork belly products that were not presented at the U.S. point of entry for inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. Without the benefit of full inspection, a possibility of adverse health consequences exists.
The products were produced and packaged from June 27, 2017 to July 20, 2017. The following products are subject to recall: [Label]
  • Approximately 40-lb. cardboard box containing “FLANC PORC, PORK BELLY.”
The products subject to recall bear case code “815157” and establishment number “10” inside the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) mark of inspection. These items were shipped to restaurants in Hawaii.
The problem was discovered on Aug. 23, 2017 by FSIS while conducting routine failure to present monitoring activities. FSIS discovered that a shipment of skinless pork belly products had entered the United States from Canada on or about July 29, 2017 and did not receive import inspection. The products were distributed to single distributor and three federal establishments.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.  
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.
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Steve Needham, Vice President, Trading Division, at (818) 770-3903. Media with questions about the recall can contact Gavin Hoey, Operations Manager, North American Meat Trade Division, at (416) 967-8258.
by admin

New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #soy #allergen in 3,448 lbs of chicken breakfast sausage products

DiLuigi Foods Inc. Recalls Chicken Sausage Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Class II Recall096-2017
Health Risk: LowAug 25, 2017
En Español
Congressional and Public Affairs
Julie Schwartz
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov
EDITOR’S NOTE: This recall notice has been updated to specify the states to which product has been distributed.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2017 – DiLuigi Foods Inc., a Danvers, Mass. establishment, is recalling approximately 3,448 pounds of chicken breakfast sausage 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 soy lecithin, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. 
The chicken breakfast sausage items were produced and packaged from Aug. 10, 2017 to Aug. 24, 2017. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)]
  • 1-lb. vacuum-sealed packages containing 5 pieces of “TRADER JOE’S CHICKEN BREAKFAST SAUSAGE.”
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-4398” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to Trader Joe’s retail locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington D.C..
The problem was discovered during routine FSIS label verification activities.
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 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.
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact John Carroll, QA Manager, at (978) 750-9700 ext. 5805. Media with questions about the recall can contact Bill Morris, VP of Operations, at (978) 750-9700 ext. 5764.
by admin

New #foodsafety #recall possible #Listeria #contamination of 20,446 lbs of imported chicken skewer products

Expresco Foods Inc. Recalls Chicken Skewer Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Class I Recall095-2017
Health Risk: HighAug 23, 2017
En Español
Congressional and Public Affairs
Mitch Adams
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2017 – Expresco Foods, Inc., a Montréal, Québec establishment, is recalling approximately 20,446 pounds of imported chicken skewer products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The fully cooked chicken skewer items were packaged on August 9 and 15, 2017. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)]
  • 1.31-lb. packages of “WEST END CUISINE GRILLED MEDITERRANEAN STYLE CHICKEN SKEWERS HAND-MADE WITH CHICKEN BREAST” containing the UPC code 621588314947 with lot codes: 172562, 172640, 172571 and 172704.
  • 1.09-lb. packages of “EXPRESCO GRILLED Garlic & Herb CHICKEN SKEWERS” containing the UPC code 621588315555 with lot codes: 172563, 172668, 172669 and 172670.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “36” inside the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan and Texas.
The problem was discovered by the FSIS import inspector during routine inspection of foreign shipments. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.
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.
FSIS and the company are 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.
Media and consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Garry Arpin, Expresco Foods, Inc. Principal Communications Director at (514) 843-2353.