FDA Updates E.coli Outbreak Linked to Romaine Lettuce, At Least One Farm Identified

Updating the ongoing investigation into the E.coli O157:H7 contamination in romaine lettuce, FDA announced that one farm so far has been linked so far as a source of product.  FDA "identified a positive sample result for the outbreak strain in the sediment of a local irrigation reservoir used by a single farm owned and operated by Adam Bros. Farms in Santa Barbara County."    With that, they are leaving the romaine warning in place for "Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Barbara Counties".  While the E.coli organism found in the sediement matched the outbreak strain via Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), the traceback analysis indicates that more than this one farm are probably involved.

They went on to state, "It’s important to note that although this is an important piece of information, the finding on this farm doesn’t explain all illnesses and our traceback investigation will continue as we narrow down what commonalities this farm may have with other farms that are part of our investigation. While the analysis of the strain found in the people who got ill and the sediment in one of this farm’s water sources is a genetic match, our traceback work suggests that additional romaine lettuce shipped from other farms could also likely be implicated in the outbreak. Therefore, the water from the reservoir on this single farm doesn’t fully explain what the common source of the contamination."

"As of Dec. 13, our investigation yielded records from five restaurants in four different states that have identified 11 different distributors, nine different growers, and eight different farms as potential sources of contaminated romaine lettuce. Currently, no single establishment is in common across the investigated supply chains. This indicates that although we have identified a positive sample from one farm to date, the outbreak may not be explained by a single farm, grower, harvester, or distributor."

Also as of the December 13th report, there have been 59 people infected in 15 states, with the last reported illness onset date being Nov. 16.

The farm with the positive E.coli sample in the sediment, Adams Brothers, has been cooperating.   They are a fifth generation farm.

FDA Statement
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm628400.htm
Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. and FDA Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas on new findings and updated consumer recommendations related to the romaine lettuce E. coli O157:H7 outbreak investigation
For Immediate Release
December 13, 2018

RTE Sausage Links Recalled Due to Metal Complaints

An Owingsville, Ky. establishment is recalling approximately 29,028 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat (RTE) pork and poultry sausage links products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of metal.  The problem was discovered on Dec. 10, 2018, when FSIS received notification that the establishment had received five consumer complaints of metal pieces in the RTE sausage links.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-120-2018-release
CTI Foods LLC, Recalls Ready-To-Eat Pork and Poultry Sausage Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I Recall
120-2018
Health Risk: High
Dec 10, 2018

Sunflower Butter Recalled After Listeria Positive Test

Inspired Organics, LLC has issued a voluntary recall of Organic Sunflower Butter due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.   "This was brought to [the company's]attention by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) after product testing returned positive test results for potential for Listeria monocytogenes."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628186.htm
Inspired Organics Issues Voluntary Recall of Organic Sunflower Butter Due to Potential Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 11, 2018

Canned Corn Recalled Due to Under-processing Concerns

Del Monte Foods Inc. announced a recall of 64,242 cases of FIESTA CORN Seasoned with Red & Green Peppers due to under-processing which were the result of  deviations in the commercial sterilization process.

Based on the fact that it was a single product produced on multiple production days, one would guess that this was a scheduling issue (not having the right time or the right blend of product) rather than an equipment issue.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628259.htm
Del Monte Foods Announces Limited Recall of Canned Fiesta Corn Seasoned with Red & Green Peppers Due to Under Processing
For Immediate Release
December 11, 2018

Cat Food Recalled for Potential Low Levels of Thiamine

The J.M. Smucker Company is recalling specific lots of 9Lives® Protein Plus® wet, canned cat food due to possible low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1). No illnesses related to this issue have been reported to date and the product is being recalled out of an abundance of caution.  The potential for low thiamine levels was identified internally by finished product testing.

Cats have to be supplied two chemicals - the amino acid taurine and the vitamin thiamine, or Vitamin B1.  A cat eating a diet low in thiamine can result in a thiamine deficiency  which can result gastrointestinal issues as well as neurological problems.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628058.htm
The J.M. Smucker Company Issues Voluntary Recall of Specific Lots of 9Lives® Protein Plus® Wet, Canned Cat Food Due to Low Levels of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
For Immediate Release
December 7, 2018

Natural (Raw) Pet Food Recalled Due to Listeria Positive Test

Columbia River Natural Pet Foods of Vancouver, WA is voluntarily recalling 933 packages of Cow Pie fresh frozen meats for dogs and cats, produced in August 2017, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.   The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in one package.  Cow Pie is a fresh frozen meats product intended to feed raw to dogs and cats. Cow Pie was distributed in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington through retail stores and direct delivery. The product comes frozen in 2 lbs. purple and white plastic bags. 

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm627721.htm
Columbia River Natural Pet Foods Inc. Recalls Cow Pie Fresh Frozen Meats for Dogs and Cats Because of Possible Listeria monocytogenes Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 5, 2018

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending December 8, 2018

State Sampling Finds Milk Allergen in Candy - Fine Land Corp is recalling it’s 12 ounce (340 g) Meiqili Durian Candy in plastic bag with clear window because it contains undeclared milk allergens.  The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York States Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of undeclared milk allergens.

Breaded Chicken Missing Milk, Soy, and Egg - Amboy Group, LLC, a Woodbridge, N.J. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of raw boneless and skinless poultry products because the products are misbranded and may contain milk, egg, and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the finished product label.  The problem was discovered on Dec. 5, 2018 by FSIS inspection program personnel while conducting a routine label verification task.

State Sampling Finds Peanut in BBQ Sauce - Accra Super Market of Worcester MA, is recalling 0.53 lbs packages of "Suya Barbecue Seasoning" because it may contain undeclared peanuts. The recall was initiated after routine testing conducted by the State of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets found undeclared peanuts in the product.  Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

Wrong Topper Lid - Danone North America is voluntarily recalling 3,521 cases of Light & Fit® Greek Crunch Nonfat Yogurt & Toppings S’Mores Flavor due to some of the toppers sold on the product contain peanuts and are improperly labeled.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that some of the products include the wrong topper.

Whole Chocolate Milk with Eggnog Contamination - Hiland Dairy is announcing a voluntary recall of half-gallon premium whole milk chocolate that is produced at the Kansas City, Missouri facility, over concerns the products may contain eggnog that could affect those individuals that have sensitivity to egg allergens.  Hiland Dairy initially learned of a potential issue and then confirmed after internal quality control testing at the Kansas City facility. 1,151 one-half gallon units of Hiland Whole Chocolate Milk were affected.

Dark Chocolate with Undeclared Milk - Chukar Cherries of Prosser, WA expands a recall on Ultra Dark Chocolate product because it may contain undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that ultra dark chocolate containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk.

Raw Beef Recall for Potential Salmonella Expanded to 12.1 Million Pounds

JBS Tolleson, Inc's establishment in Tolleson, Ariz. is expanding it's Oct 4 Recall  of 6.5 million pounds to now approximately 12.1 million pounds.

CDC's epidemiological investigation has identified 246 confirmed case-patients from 25 states with illness onset dates ranging from August 5, 2018 to October 16, 2018.  Three cases (of 16 cases evaluated)  were from beef not included in the initial Oct 4 recall.  This additional product was  produced and packed from July 26, 2018 to Sept. 7, 2018.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-085-2018-EXP-release
JBS Tolleson, Inc. Recalls Raw Beef Products due to Possible Salmonella Newport Contamination
Class I Recall

085-2018 EXP
Health Risk: High 

Dec 4, 2018

This week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending December 1, 2018

Supplier Issue has Cashews and Almonds in Granola Mix - Kwik Trip, Inc. located in La Crosse, WI is recalling Kitchen Cravings Strawberry and Mixed Berry Parfaits in an 8.25 oz. cup because they may contain undeclared traces of cashews or almonds. This recall was initiated after a chocolate covered cashew or almond was discovered in granola mix from an outside supplier.

Egg Missing on Label - Ottogi America, Inc. of Gardena, California announced today it is recalling 1lb 5.16ounce of Jin Ramen Mild 5pk. (Best Before Aug. 19th 2019) and Jin Ramen Spicy 5pk. (Best Before Aug. 20th 2019) due to undeclared egg as an ingredient on the packages.   Canadian Food Inspection Agency(CFIA) announced that the products may contain egg which is not declared on the label.

FSIS Label Check Finds Missing Allergens - Chunwei, Inc., a Huntington Park, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 65,023 pounds of various ready-to-eat and raw meat and poultry products because the products are misbranded and may contain soy, wheat, dairy, egg, and sesame, known allergens, as well as monosodium glutamate (MSG), which are not declared on the finished product label.  The problem was discovered by FSIS Inspection Program Personnel while conducting a routine label verification task.

Tree Nuts Missing from Label - First Source of Tonawanda, NY, is voluntarily recalling Chocolate and Nut Tray because it contains undeclared tree nuts, pecan and cashew. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing pecan and cashews was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the pecan and cashew. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s labeling process.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm626868.htm
Allergen Alert: Kitchen Cravings Strawberry and Mixed Berry Parfaits with Trace Tree Nuts
November 27, 2018

MI RTE Food Establish Closes After Unwilling to Comply with FDA to Fix Compliance Issues

A Michigan processor of RTE foods decided to shut down completely after it was unwilling to fix the issues identified in federal inspections.  The company had received a Warning Letter in 2016 when FDA inspectors found Listeria in the facility along with a number of issues that would potentially spread that listeria to food.  After further inspection, FDA was moving to block operations until the issues were resolved.

"The company, under its legal filing, agreed to a consent decree under which it cannot again operate at its facility until it develops a listeria monitoring program, creates a food safety employee training program, and meets other training and safety requirements."  The company responded that they "have always placed great importance on producing high-quality food and on food safety. We are well aware of the Complaint and Consent Decree that was recently filed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We agreed to enter the Consent Decree to resolve outstanding compliance issues raised by the FDA rather than in response to any known health concerns."

MI Live
https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2018/11/ionia_county_food_processor_sh.html
Ionia County food processor shutting down in response to safety, compliance issues
Updated Nov 30; Posted Nov 30
By Brian McVicar,   bmcvicar@mlive.com