September is ‪‎National‬ ‪#‎Foodsafety‬ ‪‎Education‬ month #NFSM. Today’s lesson: What is Bacillus cereus gastroenteritis (Bacillus cereus bacteria)?

Bacillus cereus is a bacteria found in the soil that is spore-forming. When the bacteria senses danger, it forms into a spore that can make it resistant to cooking temperatures. It would then revert back to its bacteria form when conditions are more favorable for it. If allowed to grow, the bacteria can create two different toxins which in turn can cause two different types of illnesses.
The foods most commonly linked to this bacteria are:
Diarrhea illness: Cooked vegetables, meat products, and milk.
Vomiting illness: Cooked rice dishes, including fried rice and rice pudding
The most common symptoms:
Diarrhea illness: watery diarrhea with no vomiting
Vomiting illness: Nausea & vomiting
The main prevention method for this bacteria is to control time and temperature of your products. Other prevention methods include:
1. Cook Foods to minimum internal temperatures.
2. Hold food at the right temperatures.
3. cook food correctly.
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 Clostridium perfringens gastroenteritis (Clostridium perfringens bacteria)?

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)?

New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #soy #allergen in Atherstone Foods Greens & Grains Southwestern Style White Chicken Wrap with chimichurri sauce

Atherstone Foods Recalls Poultry Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Class II Recall076-2016
Health Risk: LowSep 1, 2016
Congressional and Public Affairs
Allie Ryan (202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov
(202) 720-9113
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2016 – Atherstone Foods, a Richmond, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 422 pounds of chicken wrap 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, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. 
The southwestern style white chicken wrap items were produced on August 29, 2016. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels(PDF only)]
  • 31.2 oz. packages containing 3 packages of 10.4 oz. “Greens & Grains Southwestern Style White Chicken Wrap with chimichurri sauce” with “Use By” date of 090616.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-34221” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in California.           
The problem was discovered by the firm during routine label verification. 
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 and media with questions about the recall can contact Tom Atherstone, President/Owner, at (510) 236-3500.

New #foodsafety #recall possible #Salmonella #contamination of Yu Yee Brand Black Pepper Powder

Summit Import Corporation Recalls Yu Yee Brand Black Pepper Powder Because of Possible Health Risk

August 31, 2016

Contact

Consumers

Summit Import Corp.
 1-800-888-8228, Ext. 132

Announcement

Summit Import Corp., at 100 Summit Place, Jersey City, New Jersey, is recalling Yu Yee brand Black Pepper Powder packed in clear plastic 19.4oz bottles under lot No. WH76 because it was found contain Salmonella an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected withSalmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
The recalled product Yu Yee brand Black Pepper Powder 19.4 oz bottle was distributed to some Asian retail stores in East Coast States.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recall was initiated after FDA lab testing found the product contaminated withSalmonella.
Consumers are urged to return this recalled product to the place of purchase.  Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-888-8228, Ext. 132, EST M-F from 10:00AM – 5:30PM Attention: Tony Lee.
###

New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #Allergens in Magic Gourmet “Koi Palace Mooncakes” #milk #peanuts #eggs #wheat #gluten plus others

Magic Gourmet Trading Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Allergens in “Koi Palace Mooncakes”

August 31, 2016

Contact

Consumers

Joey Ng
650-239-9069

Announcement

Magic Gourmet Trading Inc. of Millbrae, CA is recalling all Koi Palace Mooncake products purchased in August 2016 because these items do not contain proper labeling of ingredients and possible allergens. Mooncake products manufactured by Magic Gourmet contain possible allergens such as wheat, gluten, eggs, milk, peanuts, pine nuts, almonds, walnuts, and/or sesame. For those who are susceptible to allergic reactions, allergens can cause itchiness, cramps, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and possibly anaphylaxis. Though rare, anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and is potentially fatal.
The recalled “Koi Palace Mooncakes” were distributed at Koi Palace restaurant locations in Daly City, CA, Dublin, CA, and Milpitas, CA and Uwajimaya supermarkets in OR and WA. The products that are recalled include:
  • Mini Egg Yolk in White Lotus Seed Paste
  • Fresh Five Nuts with Smoked Ham
  • Five Nuts with Smoked Ham & Egg Yolk
  • Single Box – Mini Rose Paste
  • Single Box – Mini Pumpkin Seed Paste
  • Single Box – Mini Jasmine Paste
  • Single Box – Mini Oolong Tea Paste
  • Single Box – Mini Walnut, Red Bean Paste
  • Luxury Single Mooncake – Mini Bird’s Nest, Black Sesame & Coconut Paste
  • Luxury Single Mooncake – Mini White Lotus Seed Paste w/ Egg Yolk
  • Luxury Single Mooncake – Mini Fresh Five Nuts with Smoked Ham
  • Mini Wolfberry & Dates Paste
  • Black Truffle with Five Nuts
  • 8 Mini Treasures Combo
  • Seven Stars Reunion
  • Dalmaji with Happy Family
The products are packaged in a rectangular burgundy paper box with a koi fish logo and/or a circular golden paper box with a koi fish logo. (Pictures attached below).
No illnesses or incidences have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted Magic Gourmet to the improper labeling. Magic Gourmet has currently stopped its seasonal sale of mooncakes and is working to label new products under FDA regulations. Consumers who have purchased the recalled “Koi Palace Mooncakes” may return the unopened products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1 (650) 239-9069 from Monday to Friday between 9PM-6PM PST.
###

New #foodsafety #recall possible #plastic #contamination of certain Entenmann’s brownies and muffins

Voluntary Recall of Cartons of Entenmann’s Little Bites Fudge Brownies 5 Pack (Best By Date Oct 8, 2016), Chocolate Chip Muffins 5 Pack and 10 Pack (Best By Date Oct 8, 2016) and Variety  20 Pack – Fudge Brownies, Chocolate Chip Muffins and Blueberry Muffins (Best By Date Sep 24, 2016) due to Choking and/or Cutting Hazard from Presence of Small Pieces of Plastic

August 31, 2016

Contact

Consumers

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc.
 1-800-984-0989

Announcement

HORSHAM, PA – Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc. has initiated a voluntary recall of Entenmann’s Little Bites Fudge Brownies (5 pack), Chocolate Chip Muffins (5 pack and 10 pack boxes) and Variety Pack (20 pack) due to the presence of small pieces of plastic caused by a manufacturing failure at a contract manufacturer’s bakery in Illinois. The product being recalled has “Best By” dates, UPC codes and was distributed in the states identified below. In each case, the code number “3098” is printed next to the Best By date on the outside of the box.
Product Best By Date UPC Code States of Distribution
Entenmann’s Little Bites Fudge Brownies – 5 pack (Net Weight 9.75 oz.) October 8, 2016/3098 7203001342 AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
Entenmann’s Little Bites Chocolate Chip Muffins – 5 pack (Net Weight 8.25 oz.) October 8, 2016/3098 7203001353 CT, DE, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, WI WV
Entenmann’s Little Bites Chocolate Chip Muffins – 10 pack (Net Weight 1 lb. 0.5 oz.) October 8, 2016/3098 7203002111 IA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, MO, ND, OH, WI
Entenmann’s Little Bites Variety – 20 pack (Fudge Brownies, Chocolate Chip Muffins and Blueberry Muffins – Net Weight 2 lb. 2.5 oz.) September 24, 2016/ 3098 7203001799 AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, OH, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV
The product was distributed to retail stores in the last two weeks.
The company announced the recall after receiving consumer reports of plastic in product. One injury was reported. FDA has been notified on this voluntary recall.
All recalled products are being removed from store shelves. No other Entenmann’s products are affected.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled product should dispose of it or they can return the product to its place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-984-0989 at any time 24 hours a day.
###

September is ‪‎National‬ ‪#‎Foodsafety‬ ‪Education‬ month #NFSM. Today’s lesson: Hepatitis A is a foodborne Illness.

Hepatitis A is a virus that is found in the feces of infected individuals. It can contaminate many types of food in addition to water, and is commonly linked with ready-to-eat foods; however, it has also been linked to shellfish that has been contaminated by sewage.

The virus is primarily transmitted to food when an infected foodhandler touches food or equipment with fingers that have feces on them. While eating only a small amount of the virus can make a person sick, the symptoms may not show for weeks even though the person can be very infections. Cooking DOES NOT destroy Hepatitis A.

The most common symptoms of Hepatitis A are: fever, general weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice (appears later).

Aside from the most important prevention measure (practicing good person hygiene), other prevention methods include:

1. Keep employees who have jaundice out of the operation.
2. Keep employees who have been diagnosed with Hepatitis A out of the operation.
3. Wash Hands.
4. Minimize bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat food.
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 Norovirus gastroenteritis?

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

This year’s theme for National Food Safety Month is “Notorious Virus”!
I will give lessons on the two leading causes of food borne illness – Norovirus and Hepatitis A! 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 #NotoriousVirus.
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.

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

This year’s theme for National Food Safety Month is “Notorious Virus”!
I will give lessons on the two leading causes of food borne illness – Norovirus and Hepatitis A! 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 #NotoriousVirus.
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.

New #foodsafety #recall possible #Salmonella #contamination of certain Diamond of California #Macadamia Nuts

Snyder’s-Lance Issues Voluntary Recall of 4oz Diamond of California® Chopped Macadamia Nuts and 2.25oz Diamond of California® Macadamia Halves & Pieces Because of Possible Health Risk

August 30, 2016

Contact

Consumers

Consumer Affairs
http://diamondfoods.com/contact/
 503-364-0399

Announcement

Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of Diamond of California® Macadamia Nuts, distributed in retail stores nationwide, due to possible Salmonellacontamination.
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
There have been no reported illnesses to date.
This voluntary recall is the result of testing by a FDA-contracted laboratory which revealed that a 4oz package of Diamond of California® Chopped Macadamia Nuts contained Salmonella.
This voluntary recall covers only the following products:
  • 4oz Diamond of California® Chopped Macadamia Nuts
  • 2.25oz Diamond of California® Macadamia Halves and Pieces
The voluntary recall is limited to multiple production codes of the two products listed below. To locate the production code on the package, consumers should look on the front of the package. No other production codes, sizes or varieties of Diamond of California® products are affected by this recall.
Product Name UPC Code Lot Number Best Before Date
Diamond of California® Chopped Macadamia Nuts, 4oz 010300345848 16137D331S
16138D331S
16158D331S
16 NOV 2017
17 NOV 2017
06 DEC 2017
Diamond of California® Macadamia Halves & Pieces, 2.25oz 070450743918 16137D331S
16159D331S
16 NOV 2017
07 DEC 2017
Consumers who may have purchased the product listed above should not consume it but should contact Consumer Affairs for a full refund online athttp://diamondfoods.com/contact/ or by calling 503-364-0399 between 8am and 5pm Pacific Time, Monday – Friday.
The quality and safety of our products is the top priority for our company. We apologize to our retail customers and consumers and sincerely regret any inconvenience. We are working and cooperating fully with the U. S. Food & Drug Administration on this voluntary recall.
###