Wednesday, May 6, 2026

CA Firm Recalls Kimchi Due to Undeclared Fish

Ocinet, Inc., of Downey, California, is recalling all “…And Kimchi” branded sliced kimchi, UPC 8541200408, UPC 8541200409, and UPC 8541200411 (the “Product”) because the Product contains undeclared fish (anchovies).   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the Product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of fish. Distribution of the Product has been suspended until the company is certain that the problem has been corrected.

Comment - This may have been a label design issue where the ingredient statement on the label did not capture the addition of the fish containing ingredient, such as fish sauce, a common kimchi ingredient.





https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ocinet-inc-recalls-and-kimchi-branded-sliced-kimchi-because-product-contains-undeclared-fish
Ocinet, Inc., Recalls “…And Kimchi” Branded Sliced Kimchi Because the Product Contains Undeclared Fish (Anchovies)
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 04, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  May 05, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Product contains undeclared fish (anchovies)
Company Name:  Ocinet, Inc.
Brand Name:  And Kimchi
Product Description:  Kimchi

Monday, May 4, 2026

Illinois Establishment Recalls Ravioli Product After Incorrect Product in Package Results in Undeclared Allergens

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert for ravioli pasta products produced by Rana Meal Solutions, LLC Bartlett, IL, due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The ravioli labeled as beef and burrata may actually contain shrimp filling in lobster sauce. The shrimp and lobster, known allergens (shellfish), are not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that they received two consumer complaints reporting the beef sauce and burrata ravioli actually contained shrimp ravioli.  

The ravioli pasta items were produced between March 10, 2026, and April 21, 2026.  A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.  There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.





https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ravioli-pasta-beef-sauce-due-misbranding-and
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ravioli Pasta With Beef Sauce Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Rana Meal Solutions, LLC Bartlett, IL

FSIS Announcement

Potato Chips Recalled After Ingredient Supplier Issues Recall for Potential Salmonella

Utz Quality Foods, LLC, a subsidiary of Utz Brands, Inc., is issuing a voluntary recall in the United States of certain limited varieties of Zapp’s® and Dirty® potato chips. This voluntary recall follows notification to Utz that a seasoning containing dry milk powder, sourced from California Dairies, Inc. and supplied by a third-party supplier, may contain the presence of Salmonella. The affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella prior to use; however, out of an abundance of caution, Utz is recalling the limited varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips identified below.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/utz-quality-foods-llc-issues-voluntary-recall-certain-limited-varieties-zapps-and-dirty-potato-chips
Utz Quality Foods, LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Certain Limited Varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty Potato Chips
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 04, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  May 04, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness - Salmonella
Company Name:  Utz Quality Foods LLC
Brand Name:  Zapp’s, Dirty
Product Description:  Potato chips

Infant Formula Recalled Due to Potential Bacillus Toxin

The a2 Milk Company (“a2MC”),  a New Zealond company with a base in Boulder, CO, has voluntarily recalled three specific batches of its imported a2 Platinum Premium USA label infant formula 0-12 months (“Product”) due to the presence of cereulide.  The recall was initiated by a2MC after cereulide was detected through additional testing of the Product conducted in response to new guidance issued by New Zealand's food regulatory authority. The probable source of cereulide is an ingredient in the Product.

Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced by some strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus. Illness occurs through the consumption of food contaminated with the toxin and preparing formula with hot water does not eliminate it.

From CIDRAP - https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/foodborne-disease/infant-formula-voluntarily-recalled-after-testing-positive-heat-stable-toxin
"The World Health Organization (WHO) says the symptoms of cereulide illness usually appear within 30 minutes to six hours after ingestion. It can include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain with risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can be particularly severe in infants."
"From December 2016 to February 2026, at least 99 countries and territories have received infant formula products that were subject to recalls because of cereulide contamination. The WHO said in a March 13 press release that at least 144 suspected and confirmed cases were reported across 10 countries."
What is A2 milk?  From the company website (https://www.a2milk.com/truea2):
What is the difference between A1 and A2 protein types?
All cows originally produced only the A2 protein, but a natural change occurred over a thousand years ago, which caused the A1 protein to appear as a genetic variation. Today, most milk comes from cows that produce both A1 and A2 protein in their milk. But a2 Milk comes from cows that only produce A2 protein.
Why do people drink A2 milk?  Publication - Benefits of A2 Milk for Sports Nutrition, Health and Performance (Front Nutr. 2022) Jul  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9326461/ 
Abstract 
"Bovine milk is one of the best pre-and pro-workout sources for athletes owing to its rich nutritional content. Even though bovine milk consumption significantly benefits athletes' health and performance, many athletes cannot consume bovine milk since they struggle with gastrointestinal problems caused after milk consumption. Especially, the consumption of regular milk, which contains A1 β-casein, is associated with a variety of diseases ranging from gastrointestinal discomfort to ischemic heart diseases. The main reason behind this is related to β-casomorphine 7 (BCM-7), which is derived from A1 β-casein during the digestion of A1 milk. A1 β-casein is formed as a result of a point mutation in the position of 67th in the amino acid sequence A2 β-casein by changing proline to histidine. Therefore, this mutated form of β-casein in regular milk cannot easily be digested by the human-associated digestion enzymes. A2 milk, which includes A2 β-casein instead of A1 β-casein, is the best substitute for regular milk with the same nutritional content. This natural form of milk positively affects the athlete's health as well as performance without causing any gastrointestinal discomfort or more serious problems which are seen in the consumption of regular milk. In this review, A2 milk and its potential health effects in comparison to diseases related to A1 milk consumption are discussed."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/a2-platinum-usa-label-infant-formula-recalled-because-possible-health-risk
a2 Platinum USA Label Infant Formula Recalled Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 02, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  May 02, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Infant Formula & Foods
Reason for Announcement:  Presence of cereulide toxin produced by some strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus
Company Name:  A2 Milk Company
Brand Name:   a2
Product Description:  a2 Platinum Premium Infant Formula 0-12 months USA label

Michigan Firm Recalls Trail Mix for Undeclared Allergens Due to Incorrect Product in Package

Second Nature Brands of Madison Heights, MI, is voluntarily recalling certain 10-ounce packages of SECOND NATURE KETO CRUNCH SMART MIXTM because the product may contain undeclared cashews, pistachios, and cherries.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing cashews, pistachios, and cherries was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of these allergens. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

Comment - The wrong product was packed into the package.  This can be due to an incomplete line cleanout, or the wrong product was mixed into the process flow.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/second-nature-brands-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-cashews-pistachios-and-cherries-keto-crunch
Second Nature Brands Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Cashews, Pistachios, and Cherries in Keto Crunch Smart Mix
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 01, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  May 02, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared Cashews, Pistachios, and Cherries
Company Name:  Second Nature Brands
Brand Name:  Second Nature
Product Description:  Keto Crunch Smart Mix

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

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

Sunday, April 26, 2026

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