Trader Joe's Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup is being recalled because the frozen broccoli florets used to make the soup are contaminated with insects. Because this recall is posted on the FDA's Enforcement page and not on 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 Winter Gardens Quality Foods Inc. of New Oxford, Pennsylvania. The recalled product was distributed in these states: Florida, Illinois, California, Texas, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut at the retail level. The recalled product is Trader Joe's Unexpected Broccoli cheddar Soup that contains sharp cheddar cheese and unexpected cheddar cheese. The package … [Read more...]
Dubon Mixed Forest Mushrooms Recalled For Insects and Mold
Dubon Mixed Forest Mushrooms are being recalled in Canada because they may be contaminated with insects and mold. These are considered "non harmful (quality or spoilage)" issues, although mold can make you sick and insects can carry E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The recall notice did not state whether or not any illnesses have been reported to date. The recalling firm is Aliments Tousain Inc. The mushrooms were sold in Quebec at the retail level. The recalled product is Dubon Mixed Forest Mushrooms that are packaged in 454 gram containers. The UPC number that is printed on the label is 0 60897 01206 7. There are two code and best by date combinations: 2204580 with the best before date of 10/08/26 (October 8, 2026), and 2205007, with the best before date … [Read more...]
Tim Hortons Chicken Noodle Soup Base Recalled For Insects
Tim Hortons Chicken Noodle Soup Base is being recalled in Canada because it may contain insects, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). It was sold in Ontario and Alberta at the hotel, institution, and restaurant level. The recalling firm is La Cie McCormick Canada. The recalled product is Tim Hortons Chicken Noodle Soup Base that is packaged in 3.56 kg containers. The UPC number that is printed on the label is 000 66200 02329 4. The best before dates that are stamped on the product are: MR1323, AL1723, AL1823, AL2123, AL2223, AL2323, AL2423, AL2523, AL2923, and AL3023. The TDL number is 10017643. The soup base was sold up to and including October 20, 2022. The issue with insects in food is that they can carry pathogens such as E. coli and Campylobacter. They … [Read more...]
Heinz Turkey Stew Baby Food Recalled in Canada For Insects
Kraft Heinz Canada is recalling Heinz Turkey Stew baby food from the marketplace "due to the presence of insects," according to the recall notice posted on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website. No illnesses have been reported in connection to this problem. The recalled product is Heinz Turkey Stew 8+ Months Baby Food that is packaged in 213 ml containers. The UPC number on the product is 0 572200 6, and the code on the package is 2021JN04. This product was sold in British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. There is no picture of the product available on the CFIA web site. The recall was triggered by a consumer complaint. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of more products. The public will be … [Read more...]
Warning in Canada for Iron Cross Blister Beetles in Salads
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is investigating the presence of Iron Cross Blister Beetles in imported leafy vegetables. Consumer complaints have alerted the agency to this issue. No illnesses or injuries have been reported at this time. The Iron Cross Blister beetle releases a chemical called "cantharidin" that can cause blisters on the skin. It has a bright red head and bright yellow markings on the wings, separated by a glass cross. This beetle should be treated with caution. Public health officials are waring consumers to wash and carefully look over their leafy vegetables throughly before serving and eating them. The beetle should be removed without touching it or crushing it. If you do find one, contact your local CFIA office. The beetle was found in pre-packaged salads … [Read more...]
Beware the Common House Fly
As anyone who has ever eaten outdoors knows, house flies are very annoying and can ruin a picnic. We've developed methods for controlling them that range from bug zappers to screen shields that cover food. But now there's even more reason for concern. A new study conducted at Kansas State University and published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology has found that flies may be transferring antibiotic resistant bacteria from farms to people. This troubling finding turns flies from a nuisance into a health threat. Since we know farm animals carry antibiotic resistant bacteria, primarily because they are fed sub therapeutic doses of antibiotics for growth promotion and disease prevention, it makes sense that insects could transfer those pathogens to people. And it turns out that … [Read more...]
FDA Releases Risk Profile on Pathogens and Filth in Spices
Over the years, there have been recalls for pathogens and filth in spices. The USDA recently completed a report about the risk of Salmonella in imported spices. In that report, scientists found that about 14% of spices from Mexico were contaminated. The FDA has now released a draft profile on the risk of contamination in spices and the steps it plans to take to improve safety. Pathogens found in spices range from Salmonella, Bacillus, Clostridium perfringens, Cronobacter, Shigella, and Staphylococcus aureus. Filth adulterants include insects, excrement, hair, and other materials such as decomposed parts, wood slivers, twigs, staples, stones, plastic, and rubber bands. During the time period of 1973 - 2010, fourteen illness outbreak were attributed to the consumption of … [Read more...]
Starbucks to Phase out Cochineal Extract
Starbucks announced on April 19, 2012 that they are going to phase out the use of "natural cochineal extract" in their products. That is a colorant made from ground up insects. It's used in Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino®, Strawberry Banana Smoothie, Raspberry Swirl Cake, Birthday Cake Pop, Mini Donut with pink icing, and Red Velvet Whoopie Pie. The company is going to use lycopene, the nutrient that makes tomatoes red, in their beverages, and will use another as yet unspecified ingredient in the baked products. Food Poisoning Bulletin talked to Dr. Ted Labuza of the Food Science and Nutrition Department at the University of Minnesota about this issue. He said, "the pigment is extracted from the insect's exoskeleton. It's used in food products because it’s a water-stable red. … [Read more...]
