Food recalls have reached their highest level since before the Covid pandemic happened in 2020, according to U.S. PIRG. During the pandemic, food recalls dropped precipitously. The lead poisoning outbreak linked to WanaBana cinnamon applesauce products and the Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupe helped drive those recalls. At least 500 children were sickened in the WanaBana outbreak, and in the cantaloupe outbreak, at least 407 people were sickened, 158 people were hospitalized, and six people died. That agency has released a report, "Food For Thought 2024," which found that food and beverage recalls increased by 8% in 2023. Meat, poultry and egg recalls issued by the USDA hit the highest levels since before the pandemic. FDA recalls have been about the same for the least … [Read more...]
Salmonella in Raw Breaded Stuffed Chicken Is an Adulterant
Salmonella in raw breaded stuffed chicken products is an adulterant, according to a policy finalized today by the USDA. These items have been linked to many outbreaks in the United States over the last few years. The proposal was released in April 2023. These items are declared adulterated when they exceed a specific threshold (1 colony forming unit per gram or higher) for Salmonella. This is part of a broader USDA effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with the raw poultry supply. Contamination in other raw poultry products will be addressed later this year. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement, "Under President Biden’s leadership, USDA is taking significant steps toward keeping American consumers safe from foodborne illness. This final determination … [Read more...]
Juewei Meats and Veggies Recalled For Possible Listeria
Juewei meats and vegetables are being recalled in Canada for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. No illnesses have been reported to the company to date in connection with the consumption of these products. The recalling firm is Jue Wei Food (Canada) Ltd. You can see the long list of recalled products at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website. The recalled products include Juewei meats including Spicy Duck Neck, Spicy Chicken Feet, Spicy Duck Head, Spicy Beef Tripe, Sweet and Spicy Duck Wings, and vegetables including Spicy Tofu Skin, Spicy Edamame, Mala Potato, Spicy Lotus Root, and Spicy Bean Curd, among others. You can also find the lot codes and package sizes there, along with pictures of the products. These foods were sold in British Columbia at the … [Read more...]
MK Cinnamon Powder Recalled For High Lead Levels
MK Cinnamon Powder is being recalled because it may have high levels of lead. Because this recall notice was posted on the FDA's Enforcement Reports page, and not the regular recall page, there is no information about whether or not any illnesses have been reported to the company to date in connection with the consumption of this product. The recalling firm is Mak Trading Company of Santa Fe Springs, California. There is no safe level of lead consumption. Those who are exposed to very low levels of lead for a short period of time may not have any symptoms at all. Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults over a longer time frame can include high blood pressure, headache, abdominal pain, difficulties with memory or concentration, mood disorders, and miscarriage or stillbirth. Symptoms of … [Read more...]
FDA Updates Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreak
The FDA has updated information about the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak (HPAI), which has spread to dairy cows. The virus can be transmitted by wild birds of domestic poultry and other animal species. Sporadic human infections have also occurs. The "highly pathogenic" definition revers to the effect on birds, not necessarily in people. The infection in cows is causing decreased lactation, low appetite, and other symptoms in cattle. Based on information that is currently available, the commercial milk supply is still safe, according to the FDA, because of the pasteurization process and the diversion of destruction of milk from sick cows. WebMD has stated that particles of the bird flu virus have been detected in pasteurized milk, but particles of the pathogen will not … [Read more...]
Stockmeyer Prosciutto Recalled For Lack of Inspection
Stockmeyer Prosciutto is being recalled for the lack of equivalent inspection. This item was not inspected in the country of Germany, and was then exported to the United States. No confirmed reports of adverse reactions have been received by the company to date in connection with the consumption of this item. The recalling firm is ConSup North America Inc. of Lincoln Park, New Jersey. The ready to eat sliced prosciutto ham was produced on various dates ranging from September 25, 2023 through March 6, 2024. The recalled product is Stockmeyer Prosciutto Product of Germany that is packaged in a 5.29 ounce box. The lot codes that are printed on the product are 09118-3A, 09118-3B, 09120-3A, 09120-3B, 13133-3A, 13133-3B, 13104-3A, 13104-3B, 13105-3A, 13105-3B, 13109-3A, and 13109-3B. And … [Read more...]
Cardona Tortillas Recalled For Undeclared Milk and Lard
Cardona Tortillas are being recalled because they were made with milk and lard. While milk is one of the nine major food allergens, lard is not, but since lard is an animal product, vegetarians will not want to eat these items. Anyone who is allergic to milk or who is lactose intolerant could have a serious reaction if they eat these products. This notice was posted on the FDA's Enforcement Reports page, so there is no information about whether any adverse reactions have been reported to the company. The recalling firm os Cardona Foods of Fort Worth, Texas. The recalled items were sold to restaurants in Texas and to one location in Oklahoma. The recalled items include Uncooked Tortillas with code FTC010. Flour Tortilla 6 Taco Casa, 18/20 Count 18/22oz 18/624 grams with code FTC030, … [Read more...]
Tranquility & Teachings William Monague Plate Set Recalled
Tranquility & Teachings William Monague plate set, brand Indigenous Collection by CAP, is being recalled because it may exceed the FDA's guidance level on leachable lead in products that hold food. Because this recall was posted on the FDA's Enforcement Reports page, and not the regular recall page, there is no information about whether or not any illnesses have been reported to date. the recalling firm is Canadian Art Prints of Richmond, in British Columbia, Canada. There is no safe level of lead consumption. Lead is especially dangerous to small children, since their bodies are smaller and they are growing. The recalled product is Tranquility & Teachings William Monague plate set, brand Indigenous Collection by CAP. Each box holds two plates, and each plate is 7.5 inch … [Read more...]
E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Cases Increase on FDA CORE Table
The E. coli O157:H7 outbreak cases have increased, according to the latest FDA CORE Outbreak Investigation Table. There are only two outbreaks currently being investigated, which is an unusually low number. That E. coli outbreak is not attached to any food yet. The case count has increased to 12 cases from nine, in the last update. The FDA has initiated traceback to try to isolate a product, but no recall has been initiated, no products have been sampled, and no inspection has taken place. For the other outbreak on the table, the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak that is linked to Infinite Herbs fresh organic basil, another real has been added. Melissa's Organic Basil, in two sizes, was sold at Dierberg's stores in Illinois and Missouri in February 2024. Check to make sure you do … [Read more...]
Consumer Reports Tracks Pesticides on Fresh Produce
Consumer Reports tracks pesticides on produce and has released the results of their research. They say that since the 1960s, some chemicals used on American crops have unacceptable health risks. Some pesticides are banned in the United States, but the government has been slow to act on banning others. And when a chemical is removed from the market, companies and growers may use others that can be just as hazardous to your health. Consumer Reports conducted a comprehensive review of pesticides in food by analyzing seven years of data from the Department of Agriculture. Every year, that agency tests a selection of conventionally grown and organic produce that is grown in the U.S. or imported. CR looked at 59 common fruits and vegetables, including the fresh version, canned, dried, and … [Read more...]
