USDA FSIS Issues Health Alert for Meat Products Produced with False Establishment Number and Thus No Inspection

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for various raw beef and pork products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection and may bear a false mark of inspection. The first four products include the unauthorized use of establishment number "EST. 1996" inside a false USDA mark of inspection.

Comment: The product was produced by Blackwing Meats of Antioch, IL, which is not an inspected facility. The number used is associated with another Illinois meat processor located about 100 miles away.

These items were shipped to wholesale and retail locations nationwide


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-beef-and-pork-products-produced-without-benefit
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Beef and Pork Products Produced Without the Benefit of Inspection

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for various raw beef and pork products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection and may bear a false mark of inspection. Food produced without inspection may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria, or other contaminants that put consumer health and safety at risk. FSIS is continuing to investigate and may add additional products to this alert as more information is obtained.

WI Firm Recalls Almond Cream Cheese After Container Mismatch Results in Undeclared Almond Allergen

Schreiber Foods, Inc of Green Bay, WI is voluntarily recalling 144 Cases of Honey Almond Cream Cheese Spread, because it may contain undeclared almonds. This voluntary recall was initiated after shipment of product with mismatched lid and cup was discovered. The lid correctly identifies the product as Honey Almond, but the cup incorrectly identifies the product as Plain (containing no almonds). Subsequent investigation indicates there was a limited packaging staging issue that was corrected, and review confirmed the issue was contained to this product only.

Comment:  An Allergen Preventive Control must ensure that label of top matches the bottom label.  In this case, a small amount of the incorrect bottoms were used, so a 30 minute visual check may miss this small amount.  The key may be reviewing product in the staging process.

Product was distributed to store locations in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming through Einstein Bros. Bagel locations.  No illnesses have been reported to date.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/schreiber-foods-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-tree-nuts-almonds-product
Schreiber Foods, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts (Almonds) in Product
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 27, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  March 28, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared almonds
Company Name:  Schreiber Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Einstein Bros Bagels
Product Description:  Honey Cream Cheese

CT Firm Recalls Dietary Supplements Due to Undeclared Allergens

Blueroot Health of Middletown, Connecticut is voluntarily recalling two lots of Vital Nutrients Aller-C dietary supplements due to the potential to contain undeclared egg, hazelnut, and soy.  The allergens were discovered as part of routine internal testing and promptly reported by the company to the FDA. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product.

Comment: The product labels list that the product is hypoallergenic. so these must be a sub-ingredient.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blueroot-health-issues-voluntary-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-hazelnut-and-soy-vital-nutrients-aller
Blueroot Health Issues Voluntary Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg, Hazelnut, and Soy in Vital Nutrients Aller-C Dietary Supplements
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 27, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  March 27, 2026
Product Type:  Dietary Supplements  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared egg, hazelnut and soy
Company Name:  Blueroot Health
Brand Name:  Vital Nutrient
Product Description:  Aller-C Dietary Supplement

CA Importer Recalls Bean Product After Testing Finds Pesticides

Falcon Trading Company, Inc. of Royal Oaks, CA issued a recall on organic black bean items due to pesticide residues.  Falcon Trading Company has discovered through routine testing, that the Organic Black Beans purchased from a certified organic handler contained pesticide residue. Due to the presence of pesticide residue in an organic product, we are initiating a product recall.

These items were sold in bulk resulting in the lot numbers mixed in the sales bin, therefore all lot numbers of the items are being recalled. 

Falcon Trading Company is an importer affiliated with SunRidge Farms Royal Oaks, CA.  While the Recall Notice does not state it, the bean product was likely imported.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/falcon-trading-company-inc-issues-recall-following-organic-black-bean-items-contain-pesticide
Falcon Trading Company, Inc. Issues a Recall on a the Following Organic Black Bean Items, that Contain Pesticide Residue
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 24, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  March 26, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Product contains pesticide residue
Company Name:  Falcon Trading Company, Inc.
Brand Name: Falcon Trading Company
Product Description:  Black Beans Organic
Chili Bean Blend Organic
Sunset Soup Mix Organic

Company Announcement

Falcon Trading Company, Inc. Issues a Recall on a the Following Organic Black Bean Items, that Contain Pesticide Residue

Falcon Trading Company, Inc. of Royal Oaks CA is recalling the three items listed below. Because these items are sold in bulk, the lot numbers can be mixed in the sales bin. Therefore, we are recalling all lot numbers of the following items:

FTC item # 003040 Black Organic, UPC 086700930403, 25 Pound sack
SRF item # 003056 Chili Bean Blend Organic, UPC 086700030561, 15 Pound Box
SRF item # 013000 soup Mix Organic, UPC 086700130001, 25 Pound Box

There have been no illnesses reported to date.

Falcon Trading Company has discovered through routine testing, that the Organic Black Beans we purchased from a certified organic handler contained pesticide residue. Due to the presence of pesticide residue in an organic product, we are initiating a product recall.

Consumers who have purchased any of the products listed above are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Falcon Trading Company, Inc directly at (831) 786-7000, or info@sunridgefarms.com.

Finland - Improperly Formulated Tortillas Cause Gastrointestinal Outbreak Due to Excessive Preservative Level

In Finland, an outbreak of gastrointestinal impacted over 700 children and school staff.  The source was improperly formulated tortillas having excessive levels of calcium propionate.  The tortillas were found to have 10X of the amount found in properly formulated product.

• "Calcium propionate (E 282) is an organic salt of propionic acid [23] commonly used in bakery products to inhibit moulds and prolong shelf life. It is authorized as a food additive in the EU [10], and its specific purity criteria have been defined in the EU legislation"
• "The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources Added to Food re-evaluated the safety of propionates in 2014 and concluded that the available toxicity data did not allow for the allocation of an acceptable daily intake value [23]. Also, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considered calcium propionate as safe to be used in foods [25]. Our investigation suggests that the ingestion of large amounts of calcium propionate can cause gastrointestinal irritation."

Comment:  Does the addition of those preservatives that have a long history of safe use need to be viewed as a preventive control?  It does warrant discussion when conducting the hazard analysis.  If one had to gauge the likelihood of occurrence, it would probably be unlikely with having good standard procedures in place.


Eurosurveillance
https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2026.31.11.2600185
Calcium propionate in tortillas – a likely cause of a large outbreak of acute gastrointestinal illness, Finland, 2023

Warning Letter Issued to Raw Pet Food Company for Lack of Proper Controls Leading to Pathogen Survival

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Raw Bistro Inc., Cannon Falls, MN for failure to have a process that controls pathogens.   FDA was able to state this about the process because samples they pulled had Salmonella.

"On September 24, 2025, concurrent with the inspection, FDA conducted sampling of your Raw Bistro Dog Fare Grass-Fed Beef Entrée, best by 08/27/2026, lot 239. The unopened samples were collected from a third-party retailer to assist FDA in evaluating the effectiveness of your preventive controls. Analysis revealed the finished product contained Salmonella Paratyphi." 

Because of the presence of pathogens, FDA can state that the wash dip process the company used as a process preventive control (aka critical control point) was not effective.

"You established and implemented a preventive control through your procedure titled, “SOP-(b)(4) Wash/Dip Process,” in which you dip your in-process meat and poultry ingredients in a (b)(4) wash ((b)(4) preventive control). However, your preventive control is not adequate, as evidenced by FDA sample 1235454 of your Raw Bistro Dog Fare Grass-Fed Beef Entrée, best by 08/27/2026, lot 239, which tested positive for Salmonella Paratyphi."

Further, FDA noted that this wash step will do nothing for exposed product after the wash step with regard to environmental pathogens, including organisms like Listeria. 

The "preventive control is not adequate to prevent recontamination with environmental pathogens. You must perform an evaluation of environmental pathogens whenever animal food is exposed to the environment prior to packaging and the packaged animal food does not receive a treatment or otherwise include a control measure that would significantly minimize the pathogen, as required by 21 CFR 507.33(c)(2). After the application of your (b)(4) preventive control during manufacturing, your products go through several processing steps such as (b)(4), that further manipulate the products and expose them to the environment prior to packaging. During the inspection, you provided the investigator with results from environmental swabbing conducted at your facility by the (b)(5). The results show (b)(5) found L. monocytogenes and Listeria welshimeri on food contact surfaces within your manufacturing environment. Although L. welshimeri is not pathogenic, its presence can be an indicator of poor sanitation and that conditions may be suitable for the presence and growth of L. monocytogenes."

The wash dip process preventive control was not a properly validated procedure, that is, is it going to be effective at eliminating bacterial pathogens.

"your hazard analysis identified a (b)(4) wash for your meat and poultry ingredients as a preventive control for the hazard of pathogens. The FDA reviewed your (b)(4) Validation Protocol with associated sampling records and determined this documentation does not validate that (b)(4) is an effective preventive control for pathogens for your manufacturing process."

"The proposed validation protocol instructs your firm to collect (b)(4) subsamples, (b)(4). The protocol only identifies Salmonella as a pathogen of concern even though your hazard analysis determined other pathogens such as L. monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 require preventive control. Additionally, the protocol does not identify your intended log reduction. The analytical results you provided for (b)(4) indicate neither your (b)(4) samples contained Salmonella or L. monocytogenes. In order to determine a log reduction, an established level must be present before implementation of your proposed preventive control."

This last one is an item that often gets overlooked when it comes to less knowledgeable people making pet food - proper nutrition.  The animal is counting on this food to provide all of its nutrients, and that it is properly balanced so that nothing will be harmful.

The "written hazard analysis does not identify or evaluate the known or reasonably foreseeable hazard of nutrient deficiency or toxicity for the dog food you manufacture. For pet food intended to provide a complete nutritional diet for dogs, a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard is nutrient deficiencies and toxicities that could result from the manufacturing processes, including the addition of a vitamin and mineral mix."

FDA WARNING LETTER
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/raw-bistro-inc-719038-02172026
Raw Bistro Inc.
MARCS-CMS 719038 — February 17, 2026

Two Food Importers Issued Warning Letters for Failure to Have FSVP for Their Imported Foods

FDA issued Warning Letters to two food importers for failure to have FSVP in place for the foods they imported.   This is the common issue we continue to see for imported foods - the importers have not made the effort to develop and implement a FSVP for the foods they import.

A TO Z Distributor Inc. located at 2445 E 65th Street, Brooklyn, NY, did not develop an FSVP for any of the imported foods, including each of the following foods:

- Cucumbers In Brine imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)

- Original imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)

-  Roasted Sesame Seeds imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)

-  Spread imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)

Trangs Group USA Incorporated located at 12881 Knott St Ste 219, Garden Grove, CA, did not develop an FSVP for any of the imported foods, including the following foods:
Frozen Bao Mini Mushroom Teriyaki Bun, imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4).
Frozen Bao Mini Mushroom Teriyaki Bun, imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4).


FDA Warning Letter
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/z-distributor-inc-722245-02102026
A TO Z Distributor Inc
MARCS-CMS 722245 — February 10, 2026

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Three Seafood Processors for HACCP Related Issues

FDA issued Warning Letters to three seafood processors with issues related to development and implementation of HACCP plans.

El Rey USA Meats & Seafood Inc., Chicago, IL, an importer of Tilapia, Frozen Shrimp and Frozen Shrimp Hoso did not have or have not implemented written verification procedures and an affirmative step for ensuring that fish and fishery products imported are processed in compliance with the US Seafood HACCP regulation.  All fish and fishery products offered for entry into the United States have been processed under conditions that comply with 21 CFR Part 123. If assurances do not exist that the imported fish or fishery product has been processed under conditions that are equivalent to those required of domestic processors under 21 CFR Part 123, the fish or fishery products will appear to be adulterated under Section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act), 21 U.S.C. § 342(a)(4) and will be denied entry.

Rio Verde Food Service Inc. Des Moines, IA , a processor of fish or fishery products, specifically live oysters, for failure to have and implement a HACCP plan that complies with this section or otherwise operate in accordance with the requirements. The HACCP plan for Live Oysters lists a critical limit in the plan for receiving and storage of the refrigerated product that does not control the pathogen hazard. Processors of seafood intended to be eaten raw must ensure the temperature of the product was held at or below an ambient temperature of 40°F (4.4°C) throughout transit. There were issues with the corrective action procedures as well.

Feng Foods Trading Inc. New Hyde Park, NY did not have an implemented an affirmative step for ensuring that fish and fishery products imported are processed in compliance with the Seafood HACCP regulation, as required by 21CFR123.12(a)(2)(ii).  Specifically, the firm did not implement an affirmative step for ensuring that the following fish and fishery products you import are processed in compliance with the Seafood HACCP regulation:

Granular Ark, Yellow Croaker, and Razor Clam from (b)(4) located in (b)(4)

Frozen Anchovy from (b)(4) located in (b)(4)

Fish Roe Prawn Paste from (b)(4) located (b)(4)

FDA Warning Letter
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/el-rey-usa-meats-seafood-inc-722157-02192026
El Rey USA Meats & Seafood Inc.
MARCS-CMS 722157 — February 19, 2026

UDSA Issues Public Health Alert for Ground Beef from Georgia Establishment Due to Metal Complaints

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert for a ground beef product produced by White Oak Pastures,
Bluffton, GA, that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal. The problem was discovered by the establishment after receiving two complaints from consumers.

This item was shipped to a distributor, and Mom's Organic Markets retail locations in D.C., Mass., Md., N.J., Pa. and Va.  There have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of this product.   A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ground-beef-products-due-possible-foreign-material
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ground Beef Products Due to Possible Foreign Material Contamination

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for a ground beef product that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Contaminated Ice from Unclean Beer Cooler

CDC published an investigation into a Salmonella outbreak that was linked to a improperly cleaned ice cooler that held beer.   Investigators used AI to help them deduce the obvious.  Important to point out that this occurred in Illinois (important to know it was not in your state).

"In August 2024, at an Illinois county fair, 13 cases of Salmonella enterica serotype Agbeni infection (seven confirmed and six probable) were linked to ice that was contaminated during handling of beverage cans in a beer cooler; ice is an uncommon vehicle for Salmonella transmission at public events."

"All 13 persons who became ill reported 1) spending time in the infield area and 2) drinking canned beer from the beer tent. No illnesses were identified among persons who did not access the beer tent."

"Fair organizers reported that the large improvised cooler in the beer tent consisted of a 10-ft length of non–food-grade corrugated black plastic farm drainage tile with four internal compartments. The cooler was only meant to contain ice and cans of beer. The ice for the fair was provided by a single local company and produced from a municipal water supply, and all fair vendors had access to the same ice for use in their vendor stalls. The cooler was rinsed out with a hose once at the beginning of the week. The cooler was not rinsed again and was never cleaned with soap, and no means for monitoring the cooler’s internal temperature was available. Staff members handled the ice and cans with their bare hands. Handwashing stations were not available inside the beer tent. Cans were kept submerged in ice, and the melted ice was replenished daily. The cooler was designed to drain through a single spigot; however, standing water was reported, suggesting incomplete drainage. Different staff members worked at the beer tent each night, including two persons who later received test results positive for salmonellosis; both reported drinking beer at the beer tent and were the only staff members who reported illness. The standing water in the cooler was not reported until after the fair had concluded and was not available for testing, nor was the cooler itself. No standardized cleaning or sanitization procedures for the cooler were reported."

"Because the investigation began >1 week after the fair concluded, the ice and water were no longer available for testing, nor was the cooler. In the absence of other common food or environmental exposures, contamination of the ice used for beer storage was considered a plausible source for the outbreak."

Conclusion - "In this outbreak of S. Agbeni among attendees at a county fair, persons who became ill had purchased food from different vendors on different days, and four patients had not eaten at the fair at all, suggesting that an exposure other than food was the source of infection. The outbreak was linked to ice water used to store and chill beverages, which was likely contaminated. Transmission through improper ice- or beverage-handling practices is rarely reported (4). Because all the ice used at the fair was produced by a single local vendor, used a municipal water supply, and was distributed uniformly to all vendors, contamination at the source was considered unlikely. A more plausible explanation is that the ice became contaminated secondarily through improper handling practices, such as direct contact with contaminated food stored in coolers or via fecal-oral transmission from inadequate hand hygiene. Use of improvised beverage storage equipment that could not be adequately drained likely contributed to this outbreak; consequently, routine sanitization of ice coolers is now required. These pathways are consistent with known transmission routes for Salmonella spp. and highlight the importance of strict food safety and hygiene protocols during mass gatherings. Although consumption of contaminated food is the most common route for the spread of Salmonella, this investigation highlights the importance of considering uncommon exposures (7)."

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7507a1.htm
Multicounty Outbreak of Salmonella Agbeni Linked to Ice in a Cooler at a County Fair — Illinois, August 2024
Weekly / February 26, 2026 / 75(7);93–97
Katherine E. Houser1 (View author affiliations)

Texas Firm Recalls Tortilla Product with Improperly Designed Labels Due to Missing Allergens

Mama Grande Tortilla Factory of Mission, Texas is recalling Gorditas de Azucar and Doraditas de Azucar because they may contain undeclared wheat and soy.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered during a U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspection on March 5, 2026, that the products were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of wheat and soy allergens. The issue occurred because the allergens were not properly declared on the product label. [So basically, an improperly designed label.]


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mama-grande-tortilla-factory-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-and-soy-gorditas-de-azucar-and
Mama Grande Tortilla Factory Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat and Soy in Gorditas de Azucar and Doraditas de Azucar
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 17, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  March 18, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Wheat and Soy
Company Name:  Mama Grande Tortilla Factory
Brand Name:  Mama Grande
Product Description:  Gorditas de Azucar and Doraditas de Azucar

Health Alert Issued for Mispackaged Meat Stuffed Pastry Product

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert for frozen ready-to-eat turkey stuffed pastry products, produced by Shaw Bakers LLC of San Leandro, CA , due to misbranding.  Some boxes of the turkey, pesto, and cheese stuffed pastries contain ham and cheese instead.   The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that it received two consumer complaints regarding turkey and cheese stuffed pastry boxes containing ham and cheese instead.

The products bear establishment number “P-51243A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to Costco locations across the Midwest.  A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-ready-eat-turkey-stuffed-pastry-products-due
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Frozen Ready-To-Eat Turkey Stuffed Pastry Products Due To Misbranding

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen ready-to-eat turkey stuffed pastry products due to misbranding. Some boxes of the turkey, pesto, and cheese stuffed pastries contain ham and cheese instead. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.

The turkey, pesto, and cheese stuffed pastries were packaged on Feb. 18, 2026, and may contain ham and cheese stuffed pastry items. The following product is subject to the public health alert [view labels]:

25.4-oz. boxes containing eight pieces of “LA BOULANGERIE TURKEY PESTO & SWISS CHEESE POCKETS” with lot code 04926 and “best by” date 02/18/27 printed on the packaging.

The products bear establishment number “P-51243A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to Costco locations across the Midwest.

The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that it received two consumer complaints regarding turkey and cheese stuffed pastry boxes containing ham and cheese instead.

There have been no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a health care provider.

FSIS is concerned that some mislabeled product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who purchased this product should check their packaging to see if they have the affected item. The product may be returned to the place of purchase.

Media and consumers with questions regarding the public health alert can contact Shaw Bakers LLC, at Complaints@shawbakers.com

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

Raw Cheddar Cheese Linked to E. coli Outbreak Impacting 7 Including 4 Preschool Aged Children

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. RAW FARM- brand raw cheddar cheese  As of March 14, 2026, a total of 7 confirmed infections have been reported from three states, including CA (5), FL (1), and TX (1).  4 of 7 cases are 3 years old or younger. Two patients have been hospitalized. No deaths or HUS cases have been reported.

FDA has recommended that RAW FARM, LLC, located in Fresno CA, voluntarily remove their raw cheese products from the market, and the firm has declined.  As part of this investigation, state partners initiated collection of product samples for testing and analysis, but results are not yet available. FDA will update this advisory should additional information become available


https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-raw-cheddar-cheese-march-2026
Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: Raw Cheddar Cheese (March 2026)
RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar Cheese linked to ongoing outbreak. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Content current as of: 03/15/2026

Product: RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar Cheeses
Some sick people reported eating RAW FARM-brand block and shredded cheddar cheeses.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 7
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: February 13, 2026
States with Cases: CA, FL, TX
Product Distribution: Nationwide

Imported Chocolate Confection Recalled for Undeclared Hazelnut Due to Improper Allergen State

Lidl US is recalling all lots of their Favorina Chocolate Ladybugs - German-Style Nougat 3.52 oz box UPC 20304492 due to undeclared hazelnut allergen. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product containing tree nuts was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of hazelnuts.

The label of the product lists tree nuts, but fails to specifically list hazelnut in the ingredient listing and then does not list anything about tree nuts in the 'Contains' statement.  The ingredient statement and the Contains statement must list the specific tree nut.

Nougat is an aerated confection made by mixing nuts and sometimes fruit pieces in a sugar paste, the composition of which is varied to give either a chewy or brittle consistency.  German style often uses hazelnuts.  



The products were distributed between 01/28/2026 - 03/11/2026. The product was distributed to all Lidl US store locations in Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lidl-us-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-hazelnuts-favorina-chocolate-ladybugs-german-style-nougat
Lidl US Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Hazelnuts in Favorina Chocolate Ladybugs – German-Style Nougat
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 12, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  March 12, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared hazelnut allergen
Company Name:  Lidl US
Brand Name:  Favorina

Product Description:  Chocolate Ladybugs - German-Style Nougat Candy

Research - Heat Inactivation of Norovirus

Research out of New Zealand determined the temperature at which norovirus is inactivated. They found that "heating to a temperature exceeding 60 °C (140F) is critical for norovirus inactivation."

Studying inactivation of norovirus is difficult, but using a special assay, they were able to evaluate norovirus infectivity using human intestinal enteroids (HIEs).

Food Control  Volume 185, July 2026, 112076  

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956713526001210#sec2
Temperature-dependent inactivation of human norovirus infectivity

Abstract

Human norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis and foodborne illness, with significant public health and economic impacts. Strategies to understand human norovirus persistence and inactivation in foods are essential to reduce risks. While there is emerging data on norovirus infectivity following intervention strategies such as heating, robust quantitative infectivity data remains limited. In this study, human intestinal enteroids (HIEs) were used to evaluate norovirus infectivity following heat treatments between 50 and 60 °C, for 1, 5, and 10 min. A capsid-viability assay using PMAxx™ with reverse transcription quantitative PCR (PMAxx-RT-qPCR) was also evaluated for its ability to distinguish infectious from non-infectious norovirus following exposure to 55, 63 and 90 °C. Using HIEs, an exponential rate of degradation of human norovirus at temperatures above 54 °C was observed. A 3-log10 reduction in infectivity was observed at 60 °C after 1, 5, and 10 min of exposure with no significant difference between these times. No detectable reduction in norovirus infectivity at temperatures below 54 °C. In comparison, PMAxx-RT-qPCR data indicated an underestimation of heat-induced viral inactivation at ≥ 55 °C. This study provides evidence on heat-inactivation of human norovirus at temperatures relevant for food processing.

4. Conclusion

Heating to a temperature exceeding 60 °C is critical for norovirus inactivation. The data from this study provides important data to inform improved thermal processing recommendations aimed at reducing norovirus transmission and mitigating the public health burden of foodborne disease.

Oregon Establishment Expands Recall for Cooked Rice Product Due to Glass Foreign Material, Carrots Likely Source

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc., a Portland, Ore., establishment, is expanding its Feb. 19, 2026, recall of frozen not ready-to-eat (NRTE) chicken products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically glass.  The establishment is recalling approximately 33,617,045 additional pounds of various ready-to-eat (RTE) and NRTE chicken and pork fried rice, ramen, and shu mai dumpling products, for a combined total of 36,987,575 pounds subject to recall.  This expansion includes 16 products produced between October 21, 2024, and February 26, 2026, roughly5 months of production.

The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that it received multiple consumer complaints involving glass found in product. Upon further investigation, the establishment determined that a vegetable source ingredient, specifically carrots, was the likely source of the glass contamination, which also impacted the additional products subject to this expanded recall

There have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of this product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/ajinomoto-foods-north-america-inc--expands-recall-chicken-and-pork-fried-rice-ramen
Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. Expands Recall for Chicken and Pork Fried Rice, Ramen, and Shu Mai Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

WASHINGTON, March 3, 2026 – Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc., a Portland, Ore., establishment, is expanding its Feb. 19, 2026, recall of frozen not ready-to-eat (NRTE) chicken products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically glass, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The establishment is recalling approximately 33,617,045 additional pounds of various ready-to-eat (RTE) and NRTE chicken and pork fried rice, ramen, and shu mai dumpling products, for a combined total of 36,987,575 pounds subject to recall.

Firm Recalls Jerky for Failure to Claim Soy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for beef jerky products produced by Punahele Jerky Company, Inc., Hilo, HI, due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The products may contain soy lecithin, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. 

These items were distributed to retail stores in Hawaii and sold via online sales nationwide.  A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ready-eat-beef-jerky-products-due-misbranding-and
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-To-Eat Beef Jerky Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

WASHINGTON, March 1, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for beef jerky products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The products may contain soy lecithin, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Food Importers for Failure to Implement FSVP

Over the month of March, FDA released Warning Letters issued to four importers for failure to develop and implement an FSVP for ensuring the safety of foods these companies import.

FSVP is a FDA regulatory requirement for companies to determine the hazards for foods they import and that the company has enacted the appropriate controls (compliance with FSMA).

Las Americas Supermercado#2 Inc.  Tulsa, OK  did not develop an FSVP for any of the foods you import, including each of the following foods: 

• Cabbage, imported from, (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
• Green Prickly Pear, imported from, (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
• Fresh Cilantro, imported from, (b)(4), located in (b)(4)

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/las-americas-supermercado2-inc-716877-09242025

Popular Brand of Potato Chips Recalled for Undeclared Allergens Due to Packaging Error

Frito-Lay is recalling select 8 oz. bags of Miss Vickie’s Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Chips that could include jalapeño-flavored potato chips and therefore may contain undeclared milk.

Frito-Lay has experienced a number of issues with allergen mislabeling to the point they were issued a Warning Letter in 2020.

The products covered by this recall may have been distributed as early as January 15, 2026, to a mix of retailers including grocery, convenience, and drug stores, as well as local digital retailers in the following six states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/frito-lay-issues-voluntary-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-miss-vickies-spicy-dill-pickle-potato-chips
Frito-Lay Issues Voluntary Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Miss Vickie’s Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Chips
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 03, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  March 04, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk allergen
Company Name:  Frito-Lay
Brand Name:  Miss Vickie’s
Product Description:  Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Chips

GA Firm Recalls Honey Product for Allergens After Mislabeling Mistake

Savannah Bee Company, Savanah, GA, is recalling their HONEY BBQ SAUCE- MUSTARD, 16FL OZ B1L1360525 Best Before 05/16/27 UPC 8 50033 93758 9 due undeclared wheat and soy.   The recall was initiated after the company was notified by a customer that the Honey BBQ Sauce - Sweet was mis-labeled with a “Honey BBQ Sauce-Mustard” label. Subsequent investigation discovered the mislabeled products failed to include the allergens wheat and soy in the ingredient statement that is contained in the Honey BBQ Sauce-Sweet.

This product was shipped nationwide to distribution centers, retail stores and consumers between 7/30/2025- 2/26/2026.   


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/savannah-bee-company-recalls-honey-bbq-sauce-mustard-due-undeclared-wheat-and-soy
Savannah Bee Company Recalls Honey BBQ Sauce-Mustard Due to Undeclared Wheat and Soy
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 27, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  February 27, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared wheat and soy
Company Name:  Savannah Bee Company
Brand Name:  Savannah Bee Company
Product Description:  BBQ sauce

Colorado Firm Expands Recall of Raw Cat Food for Thiamine Deficiency

Go Raw LLC, Cottonwood Heights, Utah, is expanding its February 17, 2026, recall of a freeze-dried product to add two lots of select Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe frozen products due to potentially low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1).  In early February, the company became aware of low thiamine levels in the Quest Chicken Diet. Upon discovery, an immediate and comprehensive investigation was launched, including a review of formulation specifications, raw ingredient suppliers, and processing procedures.

The two lots of Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Frozen (MCD25350 BB 5/17/2027 and MCC25321 BB 6/16/2027) are sold in beige, zip-lock, 2lb packages and distributed nationwide. The company has also decided to stop the sale of all Quest products at all retailers until the issue of thiamine content in the products is addressed.  The expanded recalled products were distributed through retail stores in the following states: CO, UT, WA, OR, PA, RI, MI, CA, TX, IL, GA, NC, SC, FL, MN, NY, OH, WI, PA, ID & MT.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/go-raw-llc-expands-voluntary-recall-quest-diet-cat-food-products-due-low-thiamine-levels-and-enacts
GO Raw LLC. Expands Voluntary Recall of Quest Diet Cat Food Products Due to Low Thiamine Levels and Enacts Stop Sale of All Quest Products
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 26, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  February 26, 2026
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  May contain low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Company Name:  Go Raw LLC.
Brand Name:  Quest
Product Description:  Cat Food Chicken Recipe Frozen

Research Article - Dispersal characteristics of five food powders for avoiding unintentional food allergen cross-contact during food processing

In food operations, allergen-containing powders can disperse into the surrounding area leading to opportunities for allergen cross-contact. A recent research article published in the Journal of Engineering discusses allergen dispersal in food processing. As one would guess, it is a problem especially as ingredient power addition to the process is done over a greater height from the process.

The "food powders should be added from as low a position as possible to control redispersion. Among the properties, dispersibility can be a useful tool for simulating the dispersal distance and hygienic control of food powders. This could help reduce the risk of cross-contact due to unintentionally dispersed food allergens.

Journal of Engineering
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0260877425003826?via%3Dihub
Analysis of dispersal characteristics of five food powders for avoiding unintentional food allergen cross-contact during food processing

ABSTRACT

When using allergenic food powders, unintentional cross-contact of food powders potentially occurs due to their dispersibility. This study compared the dispersibility of five food powders—skim milk, infant formula, wheat flour, buckwheat flour, and soybean flour—to identify the parameters for improving the hygienic control of cross-contact. In a drop-dispersal experiment, 50 g of each food powder was dropped from a height of 1.2 m and allowed to settle for 5 min. Using immunochromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, each dispersed food powder was detected in order of higher distance from dropping point: skim milk and buckwheat flour, infant formula, wheat flour, and soybean flour. To clarify the cause of the differences, the dispersed food particles were visualized using laser irradiation in the drop-dispersal experiment. The powder properties were also analyzed. The results showed that skim milk, buckwheat flour, infant formula, and wheat flour rose due to redispersion until reaching near the starting position of the fall. Subsequently, they became a cloud of particles on the experimental table and diffused into the surrounding area. Contrarily, for soybean flour, no rise due to redispersion after dropping and no diffusion to the surrounding area could be confirmed. Thus, food powders should be added from as low a position as possible to control redispersion. Among the properties, dispersibility can be a useful tool for simulating the dispersal distance and hygienic control of food powders. This could help reduce the risk of cross-contact due to unintentionally dispersed food allergens.