CA Firm Recalls Co-packed Chocolate Powder Mix Due to Ingredient Supplier Concern for Salmonella

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company of San Leandro, California is voluntarily recalling certain powdered beverage mixes because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. This action follows a California Dairies, Inc. milk powder recall due to a concern of potential Salmonella contamination, which was supplied to a third-party manufacturer and used as an ingredient in powdered beverage mixes.

The affected beverage mixes are packaged in large formats intended for food service and institutional customers, but some powdered beverage mixes may also have been available for purchase by consumers through e-commerce platforms.

Comment - This is essentially a supplier's supplier issue, where the product was co-packed for the brand owner, and it was the co-packer's powder milk supplier.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ghirardelli-chocolate-company-recalls-powdered-beverage-mixes-because-possible-health-risk
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company Recalls Powdered Beverage Mixes Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 27, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  April 28, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness - Salmonella
Company Name:  Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
Brand Name:  Ghirardelli
Product Description:  Powdered beverage mixes

NY Firm Recalls Chocolate Product for Undeclared Allergens Due to Improper Listing on Label

We R Nuts of Port Washington, New York is recalling 254 Uncle Giuseppe’s branded 11oz containers of milk chocolate bridge mix, because it may contain undeclared Milk, Soy and Cashews.  The recall was initiated after a discrepancy in the label’s ingredient list was discovered during an inspection of the facility’s products. Once We R Nuts Management was made aware of the allergens missing from our ingredient label, we started a formal recall.

Comment:   This is a label design issue that did not specifically state milk (although it was milk chocolate, soy (that was listed as lecithin), and cashews. 




https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/we-r-nuts-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-soy-cashews-milk-chocolate-bridge-mix
We R Nuts, Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk, Soy & Cashews in Milk Chocolate Bridge Mix
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 24, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  April 27, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared milk, soy, and cashews
Company Name:  We R Nuts, LLC.
Brand Name:  Uncle Giuseppe’s
Product Description:  Chocolate covered nuts and raisins

FDA Cites CA Seafood Processor for Listeria Issues in RTE Processing Facilities

FDA inspected four seafood processing facilities of the Ocean Group of California. These facilities process RTE salmon and tuna.  This product is sold for use by sushi restaurants. 

This is a very lengthy report, but to summarize, the facilities have Listeria issues.  This was determined through environmental sampling.  There are also poor practices relating to Listeria control.   A bit scary when you think about the type of product being produced.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/ocean-group-inc-715467-03032026
Warning Letter
Ocean Group Inc.
MARCS-CMS 715467 — March 03, 2026
Warning Letters

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Arkansas Warehouse for Rodents and Filth

FDA issued a Warning Letter to JZ Wholesale, Fort Smith, AR, for a high amount of excessive rodent activity and overall filth.  

One example of an evaluation from a case of product is enough to give you an idea...."REPs (AKA rodent poop), gnawing, and apparent rodent grease trails on cases of Slime Licker strawberry sour-filled milk chocolate candy bars,"

While there is plenty of rodent and roach items, they had pest chemicals, unfortunately they were not where they should be.   Here are two examples of poor chemical storage practices:

• "In Room (b)(4) there was a case of Zevo Pest Spray stored directly on top of a pallet of Slime Licker Chocolate Candy Bars in aisle (b)(4).:
• "In the Seasonal Room, you stored cases of antifreeze and insect spray directly next to Kellogg’s Elf on the Shelf Sugar Cookies."

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/jz-wholesale-inc-724047-03092026
WARNING LETTER
JZ Wholesale, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 724047 — March 09, 2026

FDA Issued a Warning Letter to a Oregon Farm Packing House Under the Produce Safety Regulations

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a farm packing house under the Produce Safety regulations.

The issues involve lack of pest control (birds and bird poop in the onion packing area), inadequate cleaning and the lack of a employee who has taken Produce Safety training.

1. "FDA investigators observed bird feces, too numerous to count, throughout your onion packing shed, including on the wooden rafters directly above the packing line and on (b)(4) box fans mounted in the walls on the (b)(4) side of the onion packing shed. These box fans lacked protective coverings, allowing for pest (e.g., bird) entry when the fans are not operating."
2. "FDA investigators observed accumulated bird feces on (1) grating on the in-line top-tailer machine, directly above where onions were being topped and de-rooted; (2) a light fixture directly over two packing lines where onions were being sorted; and (3) a hand rail on the (b)(4) wall used by employees walking on stairs and elevated platforms along the packing line.
3. FDA investigators observed numerous bird feces on food contact surfaces, including two conveyor belts on your onion pallet line and the (b)(4) onion bagging line elevator conveyor. Onions were observed contacting these areas while being packed."
4. "FDA investigators observed soiled carpeting being used on your (b)(4) onion bagging line and making direct contact with onions as they moved through the line. Additionally, FDA investigators observed onions making contact with (1) fraying duct tape on a pole at the end of the palleting line, and  2) frayed, knotted bundles of braided rope on your (b)(4) packing line."
5. The company "did not employ at least one supervisor or responsible party that has successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by FDA, as required by 21 CFR 112.22(c)."
6. "The company "confirmed records have not been established and maintained to document the cleaning and sanitizing of food contact surfaces for equipment used in the harvesting and packing of ready-to-eat onions, including your onion packing line, “(b)(4) Machine,” onion harvester machine, 3 dump trailer trucks used for onion transport, and your “(b)(4) Equipment” used to transfer onions from the dump trailers to wooden bins for storage."

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/schlechter-farms-inc-722153-03182026
Schlechter Farms Inc.
MARCS-CMS 722153 — March 18, 2026

FDA Issues a Warning Letter to a Maryland Nut Processor

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Barcelona Nut Company Inc, .Baltimore, MD, a ready-to-eat (RTE) foods manufacturing and repacking facility for nuts, seeds, candies and trail mixes.  FDA issued the Warning Letter after receiving the company's response to items listed on the investigation report.  This included issues with allergen control with roasting oil, insufficient critical limit for roasting nuts, issues with pest control, poor cleanout when conducting product changeovers, potential cross contamination potential associated with a very old facility, and 

1) Issues with roaster oil used for different nuts with insufficient controls for allergens.

• The "facility operates a (b)(4) oil roaster, which is used to roast products with different allergen profiles, including cashews, peanuts, almonds, and sunflower kernels in the same oil."
• The "written response shows your revised hazard analysis now includes allergen cross-contact as a hazard with the control measure, “(b)(4)” and a revised roasting log with the instruction to “(b)(4).” However, filtration using a (b)(4) inch ((b)(4) μm) pore-size wire cloth would not sufficiently remove peanut or tree nut proteins that may be present in the roasting oil. Roasting even small quantities of peanuts or cashews in oil can result in significant protein transfer to the oil, and the amount of protein transferred increases with the number of batches processed. Given that your facility processes up to (b)(4) lbs. of product in the same oil before replacement, substantial amounts of allergen proteins could accumulate in the oil over multiple production runs. Therefore, your proposed corrective action would not significantly reduce the risk of allergen cross-contact. More effective control measures, such as oil replacement between different allergen products or the use of filtration treatments that have been demonstrated to remove allergen proteins1 would be necessary to adequately address this hazard."

2) The critical limit for roasting nuts was not sufficient.

• The "CCP Monitoring and Frequency revised March 13, 2019, for the roasting of peanuts shows the critical limits “(b)(4)” with “(b)(4)”, which is not sufficient for the reduction of Salmonella on peanuts. Your July 3, 2025, written response shows that your revised CCP Monitoring and Frequency dated July 3, 2025, included roasting times of a minimum of (b)(4) minutes and a maximum of (b)(4) minutes, and temperatures of “(b)(4)” Fahrenheit; however, these parameters still do not ensure an adequate lethality treatment for the reduction of Salmonella. You did not provide any validation data for your roasting process or scientific justification demonstrating that your process parameters are adequate to ensure a safe product."

3) Issues with pest control.

• The company "did not take effective measures to exclude pests from your facility to protect against contamination of food, as required by 21 CFR 117.35(c). Specifically, FDA Investigators observed a dead rodent, insects, and apparent rodent excreta pellets (REPs) too numerous to count (TNTC) on food-contact surfaces, equipment, and food production areas."

4) Poor cleanout of the lines when changing products.

• The company "package products with different allergen profiles on the same packaging machine and after cleaning was confirmed as completed on the Tron packaging line prior to changing from cashews to chocolate products on June 18, 2025, cashew residues remained in the hopper and on the flexible tube that delivers product to the packaging film."

5) Issues with old facility that could lead to cross contamination.

• "FDA investigators observed food containers being opened with in-process product outside the area protected by overhead canopy shields, prior to filling the hopper. Additionally, floors were not constructed in a manner that they are adequately cleanable and kept in good repair, as required by 21 CFR 117.20(b)(4). On the second floor, the wooden floors were observed to have holes and to be heavily splintered, preventing adequate cleaning and creating potential sources of contamination."

6 Employee hygiene issues.

• "Employees working in direct contact with food, food-contact surfaces, and food-packaging materials did not conform to hygienic practices while on duty to the extent necessary to protect against allergen cross-contact and against contamination of food. Specifically, the following employee practices were observed:
• On June 18, 2025, an employee with a beard was observed not wearing a beard net while filling hoppers with in-shell peanuts.
• On June 11, 2025, two employees were observed wearing necklace in the production area while your facility was packaging unsalted cashews."

FDA Warning Letter
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/barcelona-nut-company-inc-721619-03032026

WARNING LETTER
Barcelona Nut Company Inc.
MARCS-CMS 721619 — March 03, 2026

North Carolina Firm Recalls Chocolates Products Due to Error in Tasting Notes

French Broad Chocolates PBC, Asheville, NC, is recalling Bette’s Bake Sale Bonbon Collection in 6pc, 12pc, and 24pc boxes with batch numbers 260414 and 260417 due to the potential to contain undeclared walnuts.   On April 20, 2026, the firm was notified by a French Broad Chocolates team member that there was a labeling error on our tasting notes insert that failed to name a tree nut allergen (walnuts).  The Walnut Fudge bonbon, which contains walnuts, is incorrectly identified in the printed tasting notes included with the product. The Walnut Fudge and Peach Cobbler bonbons are switched in the guide, which means a consumer relying on the printed materials could mistakenly consume a nut-containing piece.

Comment - The issue is that the tasting notes (the map for helping you determine which chocolate to eat first and avoid the less tasty ones*) was designed incorrectly, so the product containing walnuts could be mistaken for one not containing walnuts, the peach cobbler.   My guess is that someone with nut allergens is not buying a box of mixed chocolates anyway since it is likely that some small amount of allergen may be on the others.

*I would have been upset to get the peach cobbler instead of the walnut.   Many of you probably play chocolate roulette where you and others take turns choosing without the guide, seeing who gets the best chocolate.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/french-broad-chocolates-pbc-recalls-bettes-bake-sale-bonbons-due-undeclared-walnuts
French Broad Chocolates PBC Recalls Bette’s Bake Sale Bonbons Due to Undeclared Walnuts
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 23, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  April 24, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Tree Nuts
Company Name:  French Broad Chocolate Factory
Brand Name:  French Broad Chocolate
Product Description:  Bette's Bake Sale Bonbon Collection in 6pc (2.5oz), 12pc (5oz), and 24pc (10oz) boxes

Michigan Firm Recalls Trail Mix for Undeclared Allergens Due to Packing Error

Ferris Coffee & Nut Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan is recalling a single lot of Frederik’s by Meijer Vanilla Bourbon Trail Mix 9 oz. because it may contain undeclared wheat and soy.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the wheat and soy-containing chocolate-covered pretzel balls were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of wheat or soy, instead of the listed bourbon-flavored caramels. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the production and packaging processes at Ferris Coffee & Nut Co.

Comment:  This appears to be a mispacking issue where pretzel balls were packed/labeled with a different product.  This type of situation can be a problem for confectioners who are handling many different products with different allergen profiles.  An Allergen Preventive Control should be developed that has a higher level of verification for ensuring the product and the package are correct.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ferris-coffee-nut-co-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-and-soy-frederiks-meijer-vanilla-bourbon
Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat and Soy in Frederik’s By Meijer Vanilla Bourbon Trail Mix
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 23, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  April 23, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Wheat & Soy
Company Name:  Ferris Coffee & Nut Co.
Brand Name:  Frederik’s by Meijer
Product Description:  Vanilla Bourbon Trail Mix

IA Firm Recalls Canine Milk Replacement Due to Inconsistent Vitamin D Levels

Revival Animal Health of Orange City, IA is recalling Breeder’s Edge® Foster Care® Canine and Shelter’s Choice® Canine Milk Replacers due to variable levels of Vitamin D resulting in both low and elevated levels in some of the canine milk replacers.  The recall was initiated after an investigation determined that the product had variable levels of Vitamin D, resulting in both low and elevated levels in some of the canine milk replacer.  Two complaints of rickets have been reported to date.

Comment - There continues to be a number of dog food items recalled because of issues related to Vitamin D addition.  This addition needs to be managed as a Process Preventive Control.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/revival-animal-health-llc-voluntarily-recalls-canine-milk-replacers-due-elevated-levels-vitamin-d
Revival Animal Health, LLC Voluntarily Recalls Canine Milk Replacers Due to Elevated Levels of Vitamin D
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 17, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  April 17, 2026
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Variable levels of Vitamin D
Company Name:  Revival Animal Health
Brand Name:  Breeder’s Edge, Shelter’s Choice
Product Description:  Canine milk replacer

CA Ice Cream Company Recalls Retail Packages Due to Absence of Allergen Labels

Silver Moon, LP dba Loard’s Ice Cream of San Leandro, CA is voluntarily recalling all products sold in retail-sized packaging because they were distributed without ingredient labeling and therefore they contain undeclared allergens, sulfites, and added colors.  The recall was initiated after it was determined during FDA inspection that the product’s retail packaging did not include the required ingredient statement and allergen declarations.

Comment - This company has been in ice cream business since the 50's, so hard to imagine how they missed allergen labeling or ingredient listing on their retail cartons.  The company had approximately 40 different items, all with no allergen declarations.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/silver-moon-lp-dba-loards-ice-cream-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-eggs-tree-nuts-peanuts-soy
Silver Moon LP DBA Loard’s Ice Cream Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk, Eggs, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Soy, Wheat, Sulfites, and Food Color Additives in Ice Cream Products
Summary

Company Announcement Date:  April 16, 2026

FDA Publish Date:  April 16, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages Ice Cream/Frozen Dairy
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Milk, Eggs, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Soy, Sulfites, and Colors
Company Name:  Silver Moon LP dba Loard’s Ice Cream
Brand Name:  Loard’s
Product Description:  Ice Cream

NY Firm Recalls Brain Tonic Due to Botulism Concern

Liquid Blenz Corp of Rockville Center, NY is recalling all codes of Good Brain Tonic because of Botulism potential.  The Botulism potential was discovered through analysis by the Cornell Food Venture Center and field testing by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors.

Comments:  In products such as this, pH is generally the critical factor for controlling C. botulinum growth.  If the pH was not sufficiently low,  it would result in a botulism concern.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/liquid-blenz-corp-recalls-product-due-possible-health-risk
Liquid Blenz Corp. Recalls Product Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: April 06, 2026
FDA Publish Date: April 14, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Carbonated Soft Drinks
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness -Botulism
Company Name:  Liquid Blenz Corp
Brand Name:  Good Brain Tonic
Product Description:  Good Brain Tonic 16 oz & 32 oz

USDA Issues Health Alert for Meat Products with Undeclared Sesame Allergen Associated with Sesame Oil

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert for raw beef and pork products produced by Sky Ranch Meat LLC of Jessup, MD, due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen. The products may contain sesame, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.   The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel during a routine label review. FSIS personnel noticed the use of sesame oil in the products, but sesame was not declared as an ingredient on the label.

Comment - While highly refined oils such as soybean oil do not contain soy allergens, sesame oil can contain sesame allergen. From FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education):

"Studies show that most people with specific food protein allergies can safely eat highly refined oils made from those foods (examples include highly refined peanut and soybean oil). However, sesame oil is not highly refined and should be avoided by people who are allergic to sesame."

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-beef-and-pork-products-due-misbranding-and
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-beef-and-pork-products-due-misbranding-and
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Beef and Pork Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

FDA Publishes Investigation Report on 2025 Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Mangos

FDA listed a Salmonella outbreak linked to mangos on its Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks Table (12/3/25) where 56 cases were reported. A recall was not issued. The investigation identified one importer / distributor, but because of the difficulty associated with the supply chain, investigators were not able to pinpoint the source. The investigation was closed.

There has been some pushback on FDA because the report was heavily redacted (see below), leaving out information on the the company that was involved.

https://www.fda.gov/media/191770/download
Salmonella Saintpaul/Mango/Nov 2025 - CARA ID 1353

USDA Retracts Health Alert for Lead in Chicken Nuggets After Additional Testing Finds Initial Testing Error

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is retracting the public health alert issued on April 1, 2026, for Walmart Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets with “Best If Used By” date “Feb 10 2027” produced by Dorada Foods after confirming that the product does not pose a public health concern.

The public health alert was originally issued based on routine surveillance sampling conducted by the New York State Department of Public Health that indicated elevated trace levels of lead.  Additional sampling was conducted by the New York State Department of Public Health and the producing establishment, Dorada Foods. As part of that process, the original lot of product was tested as well as additional lots.

All follow‑up testing, including testing of the original lot, found no elevated levels of lead in the product.  FSIS subsequently reviewed the underlying laboratory data in coordination with the New York State Department of Health and determined that the initial result was a false positive, caused by sporadic lead contamination at the laboratory during analysis, not contamination of the product itself. Follow up testing confirmed no elevated levels of lead were present in any of the products tested.

Comment - The initial alert was posted on April 1...April Fools Day.  Seriously, this had been a head-scratcher looking at the ingredients that were used and the levels.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-dinosaur-shaped-ready-eat-chicken-nuggets-due
FSIS Retracts Public Health Alert for Frozen, Ready-to-Eat Chicken Nuggets Due to Updated Laboratory Result

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, April 6, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is retracting the public health alert issued on April 1, 2026, for Walmart Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets with “Best If Used By” date “Feb 10 2027” produced by Dorada Foods after confirming that the product does not pose a public health concern.

PA Convenience Store Recalls Bottled Drinks Due to Potential Allergen Cross-Contact

Wawa, of Media PA, is recalling its 16 oz pints of Wawa Iced Tea Lemon, Wawa Iced Tea Diet Lemon, Wawa Diet Lemonade and Wawa Fruit Punch produced by the Wawa Beverage Company for sale in a limited number of Wawa stores located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia because they may contain an undeclared milk allergen.   The recall was initiated after Wawa identified and corrected a temporary equipment issue that may have resulted in the presence of an undeclared milk allergen in these products.

Comment:  This would be categorized as potential allergen cross-contact.  Most allergen-related recalls are due to mislabeling.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Wawa’s primary concern is always for the health and safety of our customers and associates. In the public’s interest, we have removed this product from sales at all of the impacted stores and activated this recall.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wawa-issues-product-recall-16-oz-wawa-brand-iced-tea-lemon-iced-tea-diet-lemon-diet-lemonade-and
Wawa Issues Product Recall on 16-oz. Wawa Brand Iced Tea Lemon, Iced Tea Diet Lemon, Diet Lemonade and Fruit Punch Due to Possible Undeclared Milk Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 03, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  April 03, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Undeclared Milk
Company Name:  Wawa
Brand Name:  Wawa
Product Description:  Iced Tea Lemon, Iced Tea Diet Lemon, Diet Lemonade and Fruit Punch

PA Firm Recalls Chocolates After Product Mix-up Leads to Undeclared Nut Allergens

Karns Foods, Mechanicsburg, PA, is voluntarily recalling its approximate 8-ounce packages of "Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups" because they may contain undeclared peanuts.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts as an active ingredient. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's packaging processes.

Comment:  This is a mispackaging issue where likely, some peanut containing chocolates were mixed in the with the dark chocolate raspberry cups.   Operations handling multiple chocolates have to have controls in place to properly identify and segregate different chocolates to prevent this type of product mix-up.

The recalled "Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups" were distributed to Karns Foods locations in Pennsylvania.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/karns-foods-issues-voluntary-recall-mini-dark-chocolate-raspberry-cups-due-undeclared-peanuts
Karns Foods Issues Voluntary Recall of Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups Due to Undeclared Peanuts
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 02, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  April 03, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared peanut allergen
Company Name:  Karns Foods
Brand Name: Karns Foods
Product Description:  Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups

CA Firm, Under Protest, Voluntarily Recalls Cheese Linked to E. coli Outbreak

Raw Farm, Fresno CA, has decided to voluntarily recall cheese product that FDA and CDC have linked to an E. coli outbreak.   CDC had initially posted this on February 16, 2026.  At that time, the report stated that there were 10 cases.  As of March 30, there agencies are stating that there are 9 cases that are linked to the cheese.   The company had declined to recall product stating their product was not involved, but on April 2, the company recalled the product under protest.

"Of the eight (8) people interviewed, seven (7) had brand information available. One (1) person drank raw milk but didn’t know the brand. Of the seven (7) people interviewed who knew a brand, seven (7) (100%) reported RAW FARM-brand dairy products. In 2026, five (5) people reported consuming or being served RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese. In 2025, two (2) sick people reported consuming RAW FARM-brand raw milk. Affected RAW FARM-brand raw milk from 2025 should no longer be for sale."

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 9 

Hospitalizations: 3

HUS: 1

Deaths: 0

Last Illness Onset: February 20, 2026

States with Cases: CA, FL, TX

Product Distribution: Nationwide

Comment:  FDA can recall product, but it is better for the company to voluntarily recall product where they can more control over that recall process.  In this case, the product may already be off the store shelf, however with many of the shelf life dates extending from May until September, some of this product may still be in people's refrigerators.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/voluntary-recall
Voluntary Recall
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 02, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  April 02, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – E. coli
Company Name:  Raw Farm
Brand Name:  RAW FARM
Product Description:  Raw milk cheddar cheese, shredded and block
Company Announcement

• No pathogens have been found in RAW FARM-brand cheese products.
• No pathogens have been found in FDA samples collected directly or samples collected by state Health Department officials.
• RAW FARM continues to contest the epidemiological links provided by the FDA.
• This Voluntary Recall is being performed under protest.
• This Voluntary Recall is performed as a path forward.

NY Firm Recalls Processed Garlic Cloves for C. botulinum Concern

Tops Friendly Markets of Williamsville, NY is recalling all codes of Christopher Ranch Peeled Garlic and Garland Peeled Garlic because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum due to the product being kept at insufficient temperatures.  This issue was discovered during a routine store inspection where it was observed that the recalled product was not held at sufficient temperatures to control the hazard. There are no known illnesses to date.

Comment:  Spores of Clostridium botulinum, the causative agent of botulism, can be associated with items from the soil such as garlic.  Once garlic is processed, it may create conditions for C. botulinum growth and toxin production, so there must be conditions that prohibit this such as refrigeration and/or preservatives.

Studies  and past history has shown that chopped garlic in oil can be problematic.

Outgrowth and Toxin Production by Clostridium botulinum in Bottled Chopped Garlic (1988)

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X22089980

However, this occurred when stored in oil. 

Product was distributed through Tops Markets in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. 

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tops-issues-recall-christopher-ranch-peeled-garlic-garland-fresh-peeled-garlic-because-possible
Tops Issues Recall of Christopher Ranch Peeled Garlic & Garland Fresh Peeled Garlic Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 01, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  April 01, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Clostridium Botulinum
Company Name:  Tops Friendly Markets
Brand Name:  Christopher Ranch, Garland
Product Description:  Peeled Garlic

FSPCA Releases Training Curriculum for the FDA Food Traceability Rule

FSPCA released the training curriculum (including manual) for understanding and complying with the Food Traceability Rule. The training was developed with input from FDA. "This curriculum was developed to support the food industry in understanding and meeting the requirements of the FDA’s Final Rule on Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods, or Food Traceability Rule (FTR)."

The manual is available online at no cost. It can be found here:
https://www.fspca.net/_files/ugd/38787b_aebc868b0c2a4ca39c60bb89ee19a41f.pdf

What I find useful in the training is the examples that are provided.  For manufacturing operations, much of the information required to be captured is already part of normal lot tracking protocols.  It can be more of a challenge at the farm level and for those who are distributing from that level.

USDA Issues Health Alert for Elevated Lead Levels in Frozen Breaded Dino Shaped Chicken Nuggets

Update - Alert Cancelled on April 6, 2026 - https://pennfsqa.blogspot.com/2026/04/usda-retracts-health-alert-for-lead-in.html

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert for frozen, dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets that may be contaminated with unsafe levels of lead.   The product was produced by Dorada Foods, Ponca City, OK on Feb. 10, 2026 for the Great Value brand.  The problem was discovered during routine surveillance sampling conducted by a state partner.

Comment - There was nothing in the FSIS news release regarding the amount of lead present or which ingredient may be responsible.  

Ingredients listed: Chicken breast with rib meat, water, wheat flour, textured soy protein concentrate, contains 2% or less of: caramelized sugar, dried garlic, dried onion, extractives of paprika (color), food starch, maltodextrin, salt, sodium phosphates, spices, sugar, sunflower oil, yeast, yeast extract, yellow corn flower, breading set in vegetable oil.

In January of 2025, FDA released their action levels for lead in food intended for infants and young children: Guidance for Industry: Action Levels for Lead in Processed Food Intended for Babies and Young Children (January 2025)

"The action levels for processed foods intended for babies and young children are as follows:

• 10 parts per billion (ppb) for fruits, vegetables (excluding single-ingredient root vegetables), mixtures (including grain- and meat-based mixtures), yogurts, custards/puddings, and single-ingredient meats;
• 20 ppb for single-ingredient root vegetables;  and
• 20 ppb for dry infant cereals."

A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.


USDA FSIS Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-dinosaur-shaped-ready-eat-chicken-nuggets-due
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Frozen, Dinosaur-Shaped, Ready-To-Eat Chicken Nuggets Due To Traces Of Lead

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets that may be contaminated with unsafe levels of lead. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase. However, FSIS is concerned that some product may still be in consumers’ freezers.