Cottage Cheese Recalled Due to Improper Pasteurization

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. (SUSA or Saputo), Milwaukee, WI, is voluntarily recalling select cottage cheese products produced by SUSA due to the possibility of liquid dairy ingredients used in the items not being fully pasteurized according to state regulatory standards. The issue was discovered during pasteurizer troubleshooting exercises conducted by SUSA in conjunction with the California Department of Food and Agriculture.  The impacted pasteurizer was returned to normal function and was verified and sealed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. No other products produced in the facility were affected.

The affected products were sold under the Great Value label and were distributed to Walmart stores and distribution centers in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and Wyoming between February 17 and February 20, 2026


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/saputo-usa-recalls-great-value-cottage-cheese-because-possible-health-risk
Saputo USA Recalls Great Value Cottage Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 24, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  February 25, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Cheese/Cheese Product  
Reason for Announcement:  Not fully pasteurized.
Company Name:  Saputo Cheese USA, Inc.
Brand Name:  Great Value
Product Description:  Cottage Cheese

Dog Treats, Dehydrated Chicken Pieces, Recalled After Testing Finds Presence of Salmonella

Elite Treats, LLC. of Boca Raton, FL, is recalling a single lot of "Elite Treats Chicken Chips for Dogs" 6-ounce bags because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.  The contamination was noted after testing performed by a third-party laboratory identified contamination in a related yet commercially unreleased lot of the same product.   No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recalled "Elite Treats Chicken Chips for Dogs" were sold to Florida Hardware, LLC which sold to feed stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

How can this situation arise?  One of two probable issues 1) survival of the organism during processing due to increased heat resistance of Salmonella or 2) post-process contamination.

1 - This product is made from chicken pieces that are dehydrated.  As we know, it is important to first heat the product to a sufficient temperature before drying.  If the product, and the organism, dry first, the organism can have higher heat resistance 

2 - In food facilities, Salmonella contamination can become an environmental contaminate if not controlled through good sanitary practices.  One the organism is in the post-process environment, which is going to be a dry environment, Salmonella can persist for long periods of time. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/elite-treats-llc-recalls-single-lot-chicken-chips-due-salmonella-contamination
Elite Treats LLC Recalls Single Lot of Chicken Chips Due to Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 24, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  February 24, 2026
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  May be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:  Elite Treats, LLC.
Brand Name:  Elite Treats
Product Description:  Chicken dog treats

Update on Botulism Outbreak Linked to Infant Formula - No Further Cases, But Investigation Continues

CDC has declared that the botulism outbreak linked to infant formula is over, as of February 26, 2026. At the close of the investigation, there have been 28 cases of confirmed infant botulism and 20 cases of probable infant botulism. Luckily, there were no reported deaths.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 48
Confirmed cases: 28
Probable cases: 20
Hospitalizations: 48
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: November 29, 2025
States with Cases: AZ, CA, ID, IL, KY, MA, MI, MN, NC, NJ, OR, PA, RI, TX, VA, WA, WI
Product Distribution: Online and nationwide (including Guam and Puerto Rico), and internationally

The source of the Clostridium botulinum spores was found to be the base whole milk powder.

"Two isolates from one lot of organic whole milk powder, collected and analyzed by FDA, have been shown by whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis to match a cluster of isolates reported by FDA on January 23, 2026. These two new isolates were collected by FDA at Dairy Farmers of America, the processor for Organic West Milk, which supplies ByHeart."

As for the root cause, it is still under investigation. 

"The detection of Clostridium botulinum in infant formula, or ingredients, is complex. To date, WGS analysis has identified 17 different strains of this bacterium in samples from patients, finished products, and ingredients. While these sample results add to the available evidence needed to investigate the root cause of this outbreak, due to the complexities of Clostridium botulinum and limited scientific evidence currently available, FDA has not yet determined a root cause(s). Additional sample analysis and research is being conducted and is necessary to inform possible conclusions about this outbreak."

FDA goes on to state:

"This is the first known botulism outbreak tied to infant formula anywhere in the world since infant botulism was first described as a distinct clinical entity almost 50 years ago. As a result of this outbreak, FDA is working with international experts and standard setting bodies to conduct a risk assessment on Clostridium botulinum in infant formula, which will consider all available data."

While much of the focus in infant formula is on vegetative pathogens such as Salmonella or Cronobacter, the sporeforming pathogen Clostridium botulinum has not been an issue.  We know that honey is a recognized source of Clostridium botulinum spores and we avoid feeding honey to infants because of this.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-infant-formula-november-2025
Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism: Infant Formula (November 2025)
CDC declares this outbreak over. FDA’s investigation into the root cause is ongoing.

NY Firm Recalls Cream Cheese Mixes After Mixer Unit Found with Listeria Contamination

Made Fresh Salads, Inc. of Bay Shore, NY is recalling assorted flavors of cream cheese because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that a part of the mixer used to manufacture finished products was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The company has ceased production using the mixer in question and removed it from service.

The cream cheese was distributed in Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and New York City area by direct delivery to retail stores and distributors. Products are distributed in 5 lb. white plastic tubs 


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/made-fresh-salads-inc-recalls-assorted-flavors-cream-cheese-because-possible-health-risk
Made Fresh Salads, Inc. Recalls Assorted Flavors of Cream Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 20, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  February 20, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Made Fresh Salads, Inc.
Brand Name:  Made Fresh Salad
Product Description:  Various Cream Cheeses and Tofu Spread

NY Establishment Recalls Frozen Meatballs After Complaint for Metal

Rosina Food Products, Inc., a West Seneca, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,462 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) frozen meatball products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal.  The problem was discovered after FSIS received a consumer complaint regarding metal fragments found within the product.

The affected products have a 15-month shelf-life and were shipped to Aldi supermarket locations nationwide.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/rosina-food-products-inc--recalls-ready-eat-frozen-meatball-products-due-possible
Rosina Food Products, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Frozen Meatball Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, FEB. 22, 2026 – Rosina Food Products, Inc., a West Seneca, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,462 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) frozen meatball products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Oregon Firm Recalls Chicken Fried Rice Meals After Complaints Received for Glass

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc., a Portland, Ore. establishment, is recalling approximately 3,370,530 pounds of frozen not ready-to-eat (NRTE) chicken fried rice products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically glass.  The problem was discovered after the establishment notified FSIS that it received four consumer complaints regarding glass found in product. There have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of this product.

Another rice dish recall for glass occurred in 2016.  https://pennfsqa.blogspot.com/2016/08/frozen-chicken-entees-recalled-due-to.html


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/ajinomoto-foods-north-america-inc--recalls-chicken-fried-rice-products-due-0
Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. Recalls Chicken Fried Rice Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, FEB. 19, 2026 – Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc., a Portland, Ore. establishment, is recalling approximately 3,370,530 pounds of frozen not ready-to-eat (NRTE) chicken fried rice 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 Skinny on GLP-1s

What are GLP-1s? What is the impact on the body? What is the impact on the food industry?

Based on an article in Food Technology (GLP-1s: The Next Wave of Weight Loss (Food Tech 2026), here is the skinny on GLP-1s.
https://www.ift.org/news-and-publications/food-technology-magazine/issues/2025/march/columns/nutraceuticals-glp1s-the-next-wave-of-weight-loss

Type - GLP-1s - glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist

Trade names - Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus

Function -

• "GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone in the body, released from the gut after eating. It boosts the amount of insulin the body makes to keep blood sugar within a normal range and also provides satiety."
• "The GLP-1 receptor agonist medications bind to GLP-1 receptors, triggering the effects of the GLP-1 hormone on insulin regulation and appetite." 
• "It boosts the amount of insulin the body makes to keep blood sugar within a normal range and also provides satiety."

Impact on health

• Reduces a person's appetite and weight during the first few weeks of taking GLP-1s
• Helps to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity and help prevent cardiovascular disease
• "With a decreased appetite, people taking GLP-1s need to prioritize their nutrient intake in smaller portions of food."  Reducing food intact can lead to muscle loss if protein intact is not maintained.  Can impact digestive system so fiber intake must be managed.  Water intact is increased.

Impact on food industry

• "Research revealed that GLP-1 weight loss users make fewer food and beverage purchases during the first three months of use and return closer to benchmark levels by the end of their first year on the medication."
• "GLP-1 weight loss users spend more on foods that support GLP-1 balance and make fewer purchases of products they’re recommended to avoid. Categories such as high-protein, ready-to-eat meals and portion-controlled snacks are well-positioned to meet the needs of GLP-1 users, showing potential for growth."
• People will buy less foods with high carbohydrates, and avoid fried, fatty foods and are more likely to focus on high protein and produce.

Recall for Foodservice Packaged Tater Tots Due to Plastic Pieces

McCain Foods, Burley ID issued a recall for tater tots due to the presence of foreign material in the form of small hard plastic fragments.

Because this was a foodservice item, a public recall was not issued.  The recall was posted on the FDA Enforcement Reports.
Product was distributed in AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, HI, ID, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NM, NV, OK, OH, OR, PA, TX, UT, WA, WI.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=98294
Event ID: 98294
Voluntary / Mandated:  Voluntary: Firm initiated
Product Type:  Food
Initial Firm Notification of Consignee or Public:  Two or more of the following: Email, Fax, Letter, Press Release, Telephone, Visit
Status:  Ongoing
Distribution Pattern:  Distributed in AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, HI, ID, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NM, NV, OK, OH, OR, PA, TX, UT, WA, WI.
Recalling Firm:  McCain Foods USA Inc  218 W Highway 30  Burley, ID 83318-5002 United States
Press Release URL(s):  Press Release Not Issued For This Recall
Recall Initiation Date:  1/12/2026
Center Classification Date:  2/10/2026
Date Terminated:  N/A

UT Pet Food Company Recalls Cat Food After Case of Thiamine Deficiency

Cottonwood Heights, Utah (February 17, 2026) Go Raw LLC is voluntarily recalling a single lot of Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried Nuggets because it may contain low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1).  This recall was initiated after the company received a report of illness potentially associated with the product. Product from the affected lot was submitted for testing by the treating veterinarian, and results indicated thiamine (B1) levels below the required amounts for a feline diet. The company conducted additional testing and determined that the lot may not meet thiamine requirements. The company has already implemented corrective actions to prevent this issue from recurring.

Cats fed diets low in thiamine over time may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is essential for cats and must be supplied in the feed.  Manufacturers have to ensure that Thiamine is present at the correct levels.

The recalled product was distributed nationwide through retail stores in the following states: CO, UT, WA, OR, PA, RI, MI, CA, TX, and IL.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/go-raw-llc-issues-voluntary-recall-single-lot-quest-cat-food-chicken-recipe-freeze-dried-nuggets-due
Go Raw, LLC. Issues Voluntary Recall of a Single Lot of Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried Nuggets Due to Low Levels of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 17, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  February 17, 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:  Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried Nuggets, 10oz bag

Idaho Establishment Recalls Foodservice Cases of Ground Meat After Testing Finds E. coli O145

CS Beef Packers, LLC, a Kuna, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 22,912 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O145.  The problem was discovered during FSIS testing at a downstream customer, and the sampling results showed the presence of E. coli O145.

E. coli O145, like the more common E. coli O157:H7, is a serovar of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). People can become ill from STECs 2–8 days (average of 3–4 days) after exposure to the organism.

 These items were shipped to distributors in California, Idaho, and Oregon for further distribution to foodservice locations.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/cs-beef-packers-llc-recalls-ground-beef-products-may-be-contaminated-e--coli-o145
CS Beef Packers, LLC Recalls Ground Beef Products That May be Contaminated With E. Coli O145

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2026 – CS Beef Packers, LLC, a Kuna, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 22,912 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O145, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.