Allergen Removal from Foodservice Counters and Tables

In foodservice establishments, whether at the table or the counter, it is common to see staff dry wipe surfaces, especially when the debris on the surface is dry in nature. However, this is not sufficient to remove allergens from that surface.  A study published in J. Food Protection shows that these surfaces have to be more than dry wiped.

"Although dry wipes and cloths were not effective for removing allergenic foods, terry cloth presoaked in water or sanitizer solution, use of multiple quat wipes, and the wash–rinse–sanitize–air dry procedure were effective in allergen removal from surfaces. Allergens present on dry wipes were transferred to wiped surfaces. In contrast, minimal or no allergen transfer to surfaces was found when allergen-contaminated terry cloth was submerged in sanitizer solution prior to wiping surfaces. The full cleaning method (wash–rinse–sanitize–air dry) and soaking the terry cloth in sanitizer solution prior to wiping were effective at allergen removal and minimizing allergen transfer."

Journal of Food Protection
https://meridian.allenpress.com/jfp/article/83/7/1248/429977/Allergen-Removal-and-Transfer-with-Wiping-and
Research Article| March 19 2020
Allergen Removal and Transfer with Wiping and Cleaning Methods Used in Retail and Food Service Establishments

This Week in Mislabeled Food Products for Week Ending July 4, 2020

Carrot Cake Labeled as Red Velvet Cheesecake - Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling Red Velvet Cheesecake Slices from 36 stores in California, Boise, Idaho, and Reno, Nevada, due to an undeclared tree nut (walnut) allergen. The recall was initiated when a store began individually packaging the product and discovered the manufacturer had mislabeled the product as Red Velvet Layered Cheesecake when it contained Carrot Cake Layered Cheesecake instead. The product was sold by the slice in plastic clamshell containers with Whole Foods Market scale labels,

Dairy Free Ice Cream Contains Real Ice Cream - Beyond Better Foods, LLC, is recalling select pints from a single production run of Enlightened brand Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream pints because they may have been packaged in Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter containers and thus contain undeclared milk ingredients. This recall is the result of mislabeled product. Specifically, one lot of Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream was mistakenly filled in pint sized Enlightened brand Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter pint containers. These packages have a base container labeled “Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter” and a lid labeled “Chocolate Peanut Butter” without a “Dairy-Free” callout.

Supplier Mixes Peanuts into Pretzels - Mount Franklin Foods, LLC dba Azar Nut Company of El Paso, TX is voluntarily recalling its 5-ounce packages of "7-Select Yogurt Pretzels" because they may contain undeclared peanuts. The recall was initiated after discovering a peanut-containing product mixed with pretzels from a third-party supplier during the repackaging process of the "7-Select Yogurt Pretzels" which does not include peanuts in the declared allergens. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an isolated incident whereby inclusion occurred during the sample inspection process. Production of the "7-Select Yogurt Pretzels” has been suspended until FDA and the company are certain that the problem has been corrected.

Label Missing Egg - Trident Seafoods is recalling Gordon Choice® Imitation Crab Supreme Style, because it may contain undeclared egg white. The recall was initiated after it was discovered through internal product and label review that product containing egg white was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of eggs.

Chicken Nuggets Recalled After Complaint for Rubber Piece in Product

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Waco, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 59,800 pounds of fully cooked chicken breast nugget products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically flexible rubber material.  The problem was discovered after the firm received a consumer complaint reporting rubber pieces in the chicken breast nuggets product.  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. 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2020/recall-014-2020-release
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Recalls Chicken Breast Nugget Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall
014-2020
Health Risk: Low
Jun 28, 2020

Hand Sanitizer Recalled Because it May Contain Methanol

A company is recalling Saniderm brand of hand sanitizer because it may contain methanol (wood alcohol.   This comes "In response to a recent news alert by the Food and Drug Administration advising consumers of potentially toxic hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico, Saniderm has proactively taken necessary precautions to ensure the safety of consumers.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/saniderm-products-voluntarily-issues-regional-virginia-maryland-new-jersey-recall-1-l-saniderm
Saniderm Products Voluntarily Issues Regional (Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey) Recall of 1 L Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer bottles produced by Eskbiochem SA de CV Due to the Potential Presence of Undeclared Methanol (Wood Alcohol)
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 26, 2020

FDA Publish Date: June 27, 2020 

Product Type: Drugs 

Reason for Announcement: May contain methanol (wood alcohol) 

Company Name: Saniderm 

Products Brand Name:   Saniderm 

Product Description: Advanced Hand Sanitizer

Fresh Shrimp Poke Recalled for Listeria

Norpac Fisheries Export is recalling all fresh shrimp poke distributed in the Hawaiian Island between May 11, 2020 and June 25, 2020 because it has potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, "We became aware of this problem during our routine Food Safety monitoring procedures, as we perform laboratory analysis of our work areas, equipment, surfaces, drains, raw materials and completed product. As a result of our routine random product and materials testing, we tested the shrimp used to make the shrimp poke, by having a sample sent to an independent lab for analysis. The results were received June 25, 2020 indicating a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes. We are proceeding under the cautious assumption that all of the shrimp from our supplier is contaminated. Our company has ceased the production and distribution of the product using this shrimp, as the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the exact source of the problem. '

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/norpac-fisheries-export-recalls-shrimp-poke-due-possible-health-risk
Norpac Fisheries Export Recalls Shrimp Poke Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 28, 2020
FDA Publish Date: June 29, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages Shellfish
Reason for Announcement: Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Norpac Fisheries Export
Brand Name: Garlic Shrimp Poke
Product Description: Garlic Shrimp Poke

Texas Company Recalls Stuffed Shells After Testing Finds Listeria monocytogenes

Garland Ventures Ltd of Garland, Texas is voluntary recalling 1095 cases of Five Cheese Stuffed Shells trays because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, The potential for contamination was noted after samples tested through certified laboratory revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in “Five Cheese Stuffed Shells”. Garland Ventures Ltd ceased the further production and distribution of product immediately.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/garland-ventures-ltd-voluntary-recalls-five-cheese-stuffed-shells-because-possible-health-risk
Garland Ventures LTD Voluntary Recalls Five Cheese Stuffed Shells Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 30, 2020
FDA Publish Date: June 30, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Garland Ventures Ltd.
Brand Name: Garland Ventures Ltd.
Product Description: Five Cheese Stuffed Shells

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending June 20, 2020

Fresh Express is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of Fresh Express 11.5-ounce Southwest Chopped Kit with production codes G163B10A and G163B10B, UPC code 0 71279 30602 5 and use-by date of June 29 due to the presence of undeclared wheat, soy, cashews, and coconut.  The recall was necessitated when Fresh Express learned that, during a single production run, incorrect condiment packets were placed into Southwest Chopped Kit bags and, as a result, the allergens wheat, soy, cashews, and coconut are not properly declared.

H-E-B is voluntarily issuing a recall for gallon-sizes of Hill Country Fare Pink Lemonade, Citrus Punch, Fruit Drink and Grape Drink for the potential presence of a milk allergen

Rusty’s Seafood Market of Lorida, Florida, is recalling all five of its Captain Rusty’s Seafood Dips due to the presence of undeclared allergens. People who have allergies to fish (mahi, salmon, whiting, pollock, threadfin bream), crustacean shellfish (crab, lobster, shrimp), wheat, eggs, soy or milk  The recall was initiated after the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) determined, during routine inspection, that the product containing allergens was distributed in packaging that did not identify the presence of fish (mahi, salmon, whiting, pollock, threadfin bream), crustacean shellfish (crab, lobster, shrimp), wheat, eggs, soy or milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a breakdown in the company’s labeling process.

CDC and FDA Update on Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Bagged Salad

FDA and CDC released an update on the Cyclospora outbreak associated with bagged salad sold which is linked to a facility in Illinois.  As of June 29, 2020, there have been 206 reported cases of Cyclospora infection.  The previous update was on June 19, 2020.

"The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections potentially linked to salad products that were made by Fresh Express containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots and that were sold in several regions of the United States. The investigation includes Fresh Express branded products as well as products made by Fresh Express for retail store brands sold at ALDI, Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, ShopRite, and Walmart. Investigators continue to look into whether other retail brands may be impacted."

"Currently, the epidemiologic and traceback information collected by federal and state investigators indicates that a likely cause of this outbreak is product made at the Fresh Express production facility in Streamwood, Illinois."

FDA

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-cyclospora-bagged-salads-june-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Cyclospora: Bagged Salads (June 2020)
Fresh Express recalls products made in its Streamwood, Illinois production facility with either iceberg lettuce, red cabbage or carrots
06/29/2020

FDA Issues Warning Letter to NJ Cheese Processor - No Preventive Control Plan and No Listeria Control Program

FDA issued a Warning Letter to El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. of Patterson NJ for not having a Preventive Control Plan in place for each type of food processed.  They also did not have a Listeria control program in place.  While investigators found Listeria in the processing facility, the strains they found were not pathogenic.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/el-abuelito-cheese-inc-605472-06042020
WARNING LETTER
El Abuelito Cheese, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 605472 — June 04, 2020

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Three Firms for Non-compliance for FSVP for Imported Goods

FDA issued Warning Letters to three firms for not being in compliance with the FSVP regulations.  These firms did not have FSVP in place for products they imported.

Global Commodities Corp., of  Hayward, CA 94545 was not in compliance with the FSVP  for Buenas Kaong Red Sugar Palm Fruit in Syrup and Macapuno String in Syrup preserves imported from (b)(4), Philippines; and Boy Bawang Mixed Nuts Snacks – Garlic imported from KSK Food Products, Philippines. The firm did not have FSVPs for these products.

H & C Food Inc., located at 1300 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY was found not to be in compliance with the FSVP requirements for  Enoki Mushroom imported from Green Co., Ltd, South Korea and Teriyaki Kimnori Roasted seaweed Snack (b)(4). The firm did not have FSVPs for these products. 

Diamond Rock Food Imports, Inc.of Copiague, NY was not in compliance with the requirements of FSVP regulations for Tomato Sauce and Refried Red Beans products imported from (b)(4) and the Grape Soft Drink product imported from your (b)(4). The firm did not have an FSVP for these products or any other products imported by your firm.