The FDA has suspended the food facility registration of SM Fish Corporation of Far Rockaway, New York after finding Listeria monocytogenes at that location during three different inspections. In addition, whole genome sequencing (WGS) matched one of the strains found at SM Fish to isolates from four people sickened with listeriosis. Anyone with un-expired ready to eat food manufactured by SM Fish should not eat those products. This is an expansion of the July 29, 2016 recall of Ossie's Herring Salads to include all RTE foods from that facility. Ossie's ready to eat seafood salads were also recalled on September for possible Listeria contamination. Listeria was first fond in the facility in 2015 and found Listeria bacteria in 15 of 105 locations swabbed throughout the building. An … [Read more...]
FDA Too Slow To Issue Recalls, HHS Audit Says
The FDA is too slow to get food companies to recall contamianted products, according to an audit by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In some cases, firms waited for months before they recalled their products that caused many illnesses. The HHS Office released a report that states "we found that the FDA did not have an efficient and effective food recall initiation process that helps ensure the safety of the Nation's food supply. Specifically, FDA did not have policies and procedures to ensure that firms or responsible parties initiated voluntary food recalls promptly. This issue is a significant matter and requires FDA's immediate attention." FDA relies on firms to recall food that can be harmful to the public health. The government did not have the authority to … [Read more...]
Neilson Chocolate Milk Recalled in Canada; Outbreak Investigation
Saputo Inc. is recalling Neilson brand Party Skimmed Chocolate Milk from the marketplace in Canada because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. There are illnesses that have been reported associated with the consumption of this product. The first recall, issued June 3, 2016, was for the Milk in 4 liter containers with one expiration date. The second recall, issued June 5, 2016, expands the recall to include more products. The recalled products are all Neilson Partly Skimmed Chocolate Milk, 1%, with all best before dates up to and including JN22. The 4 liter container has the UPC number 0 66800 00047 3. The 2 liter container has UPC number 0 66800 00042 8. The 1 liter container has UPC number 0 66800 00043 5. The 750 ml container has UPC number 0 66800 10068 5. … [Read more...]
Should You Be Worried About the Listeria Recalls?
A multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to CRF Frozen Foods products was first discovered in March 2016. Since then, the company has recalled al of its organic and traditional fruit, vegetable and fruit products processed in its Pasco, Washington facility since May 1, 2014. And dozens of secondary recalls for products containing those ingredients have flooded the market. And a massive recall of sunflower seeds for possible Listeria contamination has triggered secondary recalls. Now, a new recall for walnuts that may be contaminated with Listeria has been issued. So should you be worried about these recalls and the outbreak? First, know that there is zero tolerance for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria in ready to eat foods. In frozen foods, especially … [Read more...]
Issues Found at CRF Frozen Foods Linked to Listeria Outbreak
The FDA has released a 483 inspection report about the conditions at CRF Frozen Foods plant in Pasco, Washington. That report, released on May 12, 2016, gives more information about the conditions at that plant. Food produced at that facility has been linked to a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that goes back to 2013, and has led to dozens of frozen produce recalls. At least eight people in three states have been sickened in this outbreak. Damaged equipment described as being "impossible to clean" could be a factor in this contamination. The inspection, conducted March 14 to March 17, 2016, may provide some insight into how the produce was contaminated. The company was told on April 25, 2016 that a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak going back to 2013 was linked to its products by whole … [Read more...]
Here’s What to Do If you Bought Products Recalled for Listeria
There have been quite a few different recalls of food products for possible Listeria monocytogenes food poisoning this week. A huge recall of 42 brand names of frozen foods produced by CRF Frozen Foods was prompted by a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that has sickened at least 8 people in 3 states. And a major supplier is recalling their sunflower seeds for possible Listeria contamination, triggering a wave of secondary recalls that could go on for days. Some of those products were sold under the brand names Planters, Market District, Kroger, and TreeHouse Foods, which includes Roundy, Meijer, HyVee, and Our Family, among others. To protect yourself and your family, the first thing to do is to keep informed. Check back with our site; we try to get recalls posted as soon as they are … [Read more...]
Listeria Monocytogenes Outbreak Linked to CRF Frozen Produce
CRF Frozen Foods of Pasco, Washington is expanding its April 23, 2016 recall of frozen organic and traditional fruits and vegetables for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. There is an outbreak linked to these products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has not posted any information about this outbreak yet. We will keep you informed when they do. At least seven people in three states have been sickened and were hospitalized with listeriosis, the illness caused by this pathogenic bacteria. The CRF press release at the FDA states "some of these illnesses have been linked to consuming CRF-manufactured or processed products." Two of those sickened have died, but listeriosis was not the cause of death in either person. You can see the … [Read more...]
