Yourlawyer.com (Listeria News)

Potential Listeria Contamination: Sandwiches and Walnuts

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Today we are reporting on two separate recalls concerning foods potentially contaminated with the dangerous, sometimes deadly, Listeria monocytogenes pathogen, which can result in Listeriosis.

Listeriosis can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth of a baby suffering from the infection. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of all Listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy.

Listeria is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. Listeria infection can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia.

Fisher Rex Sandwiches
WRAL.com is reporting that Fisher Rex Sandwich initiated a recall of its "Fisher Rex Chicken Salad on Wheat" and "Fisher Rex Chicken Salad," both made at its Raleigh plant. The recall follows laboratory test results that found the presence of a particularly dangerous strain of the Listeria pathogen, said WRAL.com; the North Carolina Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services conducted the tests.

The recalled Fisher Rex sandwiches are sold in three and three-quarter-ounce packages and bear sell-by dates of October 27, October 29, and November 11, said WRAL.com. The potentially contaminated sandwiches were sent to convenience and grocery stores across North Carolina, said WRAL.

Baking Classics Walnuts
In the second case of potential Listeria contamination, Reuters reports that John B. Sanfilippo and Son, Inc. announced it is recalling Baking Classics brand Walnut Halves and Pieces, packaged in 16-ounce bags, and Baking Classics Nut Topping packaged in two-ounce bags.

According to Reuters, the following recalled Baking Classics brand walnuts were sold to stores in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Item Code: 02678; Package UPC Number: 04113002059; Brand: Baking Classics; Description: Nut Topping; Unit Weight: 2-ounces; Best By Date Code: 9/29/10.
Item Code: 03250; Package UPC Number: 04113001174: Brand: Baking Classics; Description: Walnut Halves & Pieces; Unit Weight: 16-ounces; Best By Date Code: 9/24/10.

Consumers may contact John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-874-8734 with questions, said Reuters. The toll-free line is available from Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Central Standard Time.

Eggo Products Recalled following Listeria Finding

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Media outlets are reporting that breakfast food giant Kellogg’s has recalled some of its popular Eggo waffles. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) said that the recall was implemented after Listeria monocytogenes was discovered by the Georgia Department of Agriculture in some buttermilk Eggo waffles that were manufactured at Kellogg’s Atlanta plant.

The Department of Agriculture took the sample at a routine inspection at the Atlanta plant, said the AJC, which noted that the recalled Eggo waffles were not introduced into the marketplace and no illnesses have yet been reported. The AJC said that production at the Atlanta facility has stopped as investigators try to determine the cause of the Listeria contamination. Kellogg’s said, “Kellogg’s will execute its hygienic restoration plan under [the Department of Agriculture] before it resumes production at the plant,” quoted the AJC. The recalled includes:

Eggo Cinnamon Toast Waffles: Sold in packages of 10; UPC code 3800040440; labeled with “Best If Used Before” dates beginning with: NOV22 10 EA, NOV23 10 EA and NOV24 10 EA.
Eggo Toaster Swirlz Cinnamon Roll Minis: Sold in packages of eight; UPC code 3800023370; “Best If Used Before” dates beginning with NOV15 10 EA.

In recent weeks we have reported on a number of food borne contaminations, including Listeria. As a matter-of-fact, yesterday we wrote that Big Boy Food Group, of Warren, Michigan, recalled approximately 39,514 pounds of ready-to-eat meal kits that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to an announcement made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).

Last month alone we wrote that Quesos Mi Pueblito, LLC of New Jersey expanded a prior recall of cheese products, also because of potential Listeria contamination. Listeria concerns prompted Lone Star Brisket Company of Thorndale, Texas to issue a recall for some smoked beef products. Supervalu Inc. recalled some of its macaroni and cheese products, also over possible Listeria contamination concerns. And, Peregrina Cheese had another in a long series of recalls over Listeria contaminations.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In pregnant women, Listeria can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth of a baby suffering from the infection. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of all Listeria cases occurring during pregnancy. Listeria is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. Listeria infection can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia.

Ready-to-Eat Meals Recalled for Listeria

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Big Boy Food Group, of Warren, Michigan, is recalling approximately 39,514 pounds of ready-to-eat meal kits that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) just announced.

The following items are involved in the recall:

Dinolunch Brand:
Each case of the recalled Dinolunch brand meal kits can be identified by the case code “9237” and contains approximately twelve (12) trays. The products were produced on August 25, 2009 and distributed to wholesale and retail establishments in Texas. If available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp:

3.6 oz “DINOLUNCH CARNIVORE HAM & CHEESE” meal kits that include ham, cheese, and crackers; a juice drink; and Dino cookies. The front of each package bears the establishment number “EST. 4205” inside the USDA mark of inspection and the Use by/Sell by date of “10/24/2009.”

3.6 oz “DINOLUNCH T-REX TURKEY & CHEESE” meal kits that include turkey, cheese, and crackers; a juice drink; and Dino cookies. The front of each package bears the establishment number “P- 4205” inside the USDA mark of inspection and the Use by/Sell by date of “10/24/2009.” 

Lunch Buddies Brand:
Each case of the recalled Lunch Buddies brand meal kits can be identified by the case code “9237” and contains approximately sixteen (16) trays. The products were produced on August 25, 2009 and distributed to wholesale establishments in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The FSIS announced that it has no reason to believe that these products are available for consumer purchase as recalled products were distributed only at the wholesale level and should not have reached consumers:

3.6 oz “Lunch Buddies Ham & Cheese” meal kits. Each tray includes ham, cheese, and crackers; a juice drink and a sweet treat. The front of each package bears the establishment number “EST. 4205” inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the Use by/Sell by date of “10/24/2009.”

3.6 oz “Lunch Buddies Turkey & Cheese” meal kits. Each tray includes turkey, cheese, and crackers; a juice drink and a sweet treat. The front of each package bears the establishment number “P- 4205” inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the Use by/Sell by date of “10/24/2009.” 

The FSIS said it discovered the problem through its microbiological sampling program and has, to date, not received any reports of illnesses associated with consumption of the recalled product.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In pregnant women, Listeria can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth of a baby suffering from the infection. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of all Listeria cases occurring during pregnancy. Listeria is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. Listeria infection can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia.

Listeria Worries Prompt Quesos Mi Pueblito to Recall More Cheese

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Quesos Mi Pueblito, LLC of New Jersey is recalling more cheese products because of potential Listeria contamination. All of the cheeses involved in this recall bear a “Sell by Date” from February 2, 2009 to present.

Products involved in this recall include:

LA FE OAXACA STRING CHEESE
EL VIEJITO OAXACA CHEESE
MI PUEBLITO COTIJA/AñEJO
MI PUEBLITO CUAJADA FRESCA
MI PUEBLITO QUESO COLOMBIANO DE ARRIERO
MI PUEBLITO QUESO MOLIDO
MI PUEBLITO QUESO COTIJA TRIANGULO
MI PUEBLITO QUESO FRESCO
MI PUEBLITO QUESO FRESCO DE RANCHO
MI PUEBLITO QUESO CASERO
MI PUEBLITO QUESO OAXACA
MI PUEBLITO REQUESON
MI PUEBLITO SERRANO

A complete list of product sizes and packages can be found here.

Earlier this month, Quesos Mi Pueblito recalled its Mi Pueblito Queso Fresco Authentic Mexican Style Soft Cheese. All of the cheeses involved in this month's recalls distributed in New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia through Puebla Foods, INC., Passaic, N.J. to retail stores and wholesalers.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

In pregnant women, Listeria can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth of a baby suffering from the infection. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of all Listeria cases occurring during pregnancy;

Listeria is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. Listeria infection can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia.

No illnesses have been reported in connection to these recalled cheeses.

Listeria Worries Behind Lone Star Beef Brisket Co. Recall

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Listeria concerns have prompted Lone Star Brisket Company of Thorndale, Texas to issue a recall for some smoked beef products. The listeria problem was discovered through U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) microbiological sampling program.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. However, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the following product is subject to this recall:

2 to 3 pound vacuum packed "Texas Star Meat Company SMOKED BEEF BRISKET Fully Cooked." Each label bears the establishment number "EST. 27340" inside the USDA mark of inspection and a day-glo sticker "Sliced" next to the product label.

Each 50-pound case, which can be identified by the case code "222A", contains approximately twenty (20) 2 to 3 pound briskets. The smoked beef brisket products were produced on Aug. 11, 2009 and distributed to Department of Defense Commissaries in New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Media and consumers with questions about the recall should contact company General Manager Chris Frazier at (512) 898-5423.

FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of the beef brisket included in this recall.

Mexican-Style Soft Cheese Recalled Due to Listeria

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Potential Listeria contamination has prompted a recall of Mi Pueblito Queso Fresco Authentic Mexican Style Soft Cheese made by Quesos Mi Pueblito LLT.

Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may call the company at 973-473-4494, Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 4:30 p. m.

The recalled cheese is distributed in the New Jersey/New York City area as well as, Delaware and Virginia, through Puebla Foods, Inc., Passaic, N. J. to retail stores and wholesalers. According to the recall notice, the cheese comes in a 14 oz, clear plastic package, with a sell by label dated 09/08/09 on top, UPC code 2407710025.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

In pregnant women, Listeria can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth of a baby suffering from the infection. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of all Listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy;

Listeria is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. Listeria infection can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia.

Listeria Warning for Raw Milk from Upstate NY Dairy

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Raw milk from an Upstate New York dairy may be tainted with listeria, state health officials warned today. Consumers are being advised not to drink raw milk from Breese Hollow Dairy in Hoosick Falls, and the dairy has suspended production until testing proves its milk is free of listeria and other pathogens.

According to a press release from the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, Breese Hollow holds a Department permit to legally sell raw milk at the farm. Samples are taken monthly and tested by the Department to determine if the raw milk is free of pathogenic bacteria.

A routine sample of the milk, taken by an inspector from the Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services on May 26, 2009, was subsequently tested by the Department’s Food Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. On May 29, 2009, the producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result and volunteered to suspend raw milk sales until the sample results were confirmed. Test results were confirmed on June 3, 2009 and the producer is prohibited from selling raw milk until subsequent sampling indicates that the product is free of pathogens.

Listeria contaminated foods may cause listeriosis, a disease that usually causes mild flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals; however in immune-compromised individuals, meningitis and blood poisoning can occur. Pregnant women are also considered a high-risk group, as listeriosis can also result in stillbirths.

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), raw milk or raw milk products were implicated in 45 outbreaks that resulted in over 1,000 illnesses and two deaths in the United States during 1998-2005. In 1938, milk was the cause of 25 percent of all food- and water-related sickness. With the introduction of universal pasteurization—long considered one of the most successful public health endeavors of the last century—that number fell to one percent by 1993.

Some people believe raw milk contains organisms that treat all manner of maladies, including digestive problems, asthma, and autism, saying raw milk offers greater benefits because it allegedly does not contain chemicals and hormones. This growing contingent says the heat necessary for pasteurization kills healthy natural proteins and enzymes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disagrees and insists pasteurization destroys harmful bacteria without significantly changing milk’s nutritional value. It is illegal to sell raw milk for human consumption in 22 states. The other states allow raw milk sales within their borders; the FDA bans sales across state lines.

According to the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, producers in that state who sell raw milk to consumers must have a permit to do so from the Department, must sell directly to consumers on the farm where the milk is produced and must post a notice at the point of sale indicating that raw milk does not provide the protection of pasteurization. Farms with permits to sell raw milk are inspected by the Department monthly.

Listeria Concerns Prompt Long Island, NY Company to Recall Duck Leg Confit, Sausage Products

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Listeria worries have prompted a New York company to recall some duck leg confit and kolbase sausage products. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Schaller Mfg. Corp. (Schaller & Weber), of Long Island City, discovered the potential listeria problem through the firm's microbiological sampling program.

The duck and sausage products were produced on May 13, 2009. The duck products were sent to distributors and restaurants in Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

The sausage products were sent to distributors and restaurants in New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia as well as the company's retail store in New York City.

The following products are subject to recall:

2.5-pound approximate-weight vacuum packages, 6 legs per package, of "D'ARTAGNAN TRADITIONAL DUCK LEG CONFIT." Each package bears a "USE/OR/FREEZE BY" date of "08/07/09" as well as the establishment number "P-5374" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
2.5-pound approximate-weight vacuum packages of "Schaller & Weber HUNGARIAN BRAND KOLBASE." Each package bears a date code of "MFG. 005159" as well as the establishment number "EST. 5374" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

According to the USDA, consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. However, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. According to the USDA, no illnesses have been attributed to either of these recalled products.

Media and consumers with questions about the recall should contact Schaller Mfg. Corp plant manager Harald Nagel at (718) 721-5480 ext. 11.

Listeria Worries Prompt Another Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese Recall

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese of Reading, Michigan is again announcing a recall of one of its cheese products over concerns of contamination with the serious, sometimes deadly, Listeria monocytogenes pathogen. This current recall involves Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese’s Oaxaca soft Mexican-style cheese, said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recalled Oaxaca cheese was distributed to retails stores and delis in Illinois and Minnesota and was packaged in 10-pound balls labeled with the name “Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese LLC.” The recall involves production date 3/17/2009 and expiration date 5/20/2009. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products, to date.

The FDA is urging consumers and retailers to return all unused, recalled Oaxaca cheese products to the manufacturer. Consumers with questions may contact Salvador Torres, Manager, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese LLC at 1-517-368-5990.

Late last month, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese expanded an earlier recall, also of cheese products and over concerns of Listeria contamination. That recall, was announced by the FDA and involved certain Asadero and Oaxaca soft Mexican-style cheeses. The original recall, from March 2008, indicated that the Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese products were distributed in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The recall was expanded the following week to include possibly Listeria-contaminated cheeses that were shipped to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Alabama.

Listeriosis, the food poisoning generated by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those undergoing chemotherapy. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. Listeriosis can also cause meningitis and blood poisoning in immune-compromised individuals.

In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth of a baby suffering from the infection. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of all Listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy; the incidence of Listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 per 100,000 live births and the perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) is a massive 80 percent.

Listeria monocytogenes is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. Listeriosis can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia.

News of Listeria contamination is becoming more prevalent. Last week we wrote about an Alfalfa Sprout recall over possible Listeria contamination involving Amalgamated Produce, Inc.’s (API), Specialty Farms, Vermont Sprout House, Nature’s Promise, and BroccoSprouts products. That recall has since been extended to include certain types of Specialty Farms Organic Crunchy Sprouts or Organic Crunchy Pea Mix.

Earlier this month we wrote about how the FDA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency uncovered Listeria contamination in Strubs Norwegian Style Steelhead Salmon and last month we reported on a Peregrina Cheese Corporation’s Queso Fresco cheese recall that was the third in a series of recalls by Peregrina Cheese, all due to possible Listeria contamination.

Amalgamated Produce Sprout Recall Expanded

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Last week we wrote about an Alfalfa Sprout recall over possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination involving Amalgamated Produce, Inc.’s (API), Specialty Farms, Vermont Sprout House, Nature’s Promise, and BroccoSprouts products. That recall has since been extended to include two types of Crunchy Sprouts.

The extended recall includes crunchy sprouts labeled either Specialty Farms Organic Crunchy Sprouts or Organic Crunchy Pea Mix with a sell-by date code from 3/31/09 through 4/27/09 and which are packaged in net weight four-ounce plastic containers. The products contain UPC 8192400061, noted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The prior recall notice concerned Specialty Farms, Vermont Sprout House, Nature’s Promise, and BroccoSprouts products with a sell by date code also from 3/31/09 through 4/27/09 and also packaged in net weight four-ounce plastic containers.

All of the recalled sprouts were sold in plastic containers, except for the Nature’s Promise eight-ounce organic alfalfa, which is packaged in a plastic bag. In addition, the recall includes five-pound bulk alfalfa sprouts, plastic bagged sprouts. The bulk sprouts were sold in boxes marked with a sticker identifying “5 pound bulk alfalfa, Julian dates 069 through 097.”

As with the initial recall, the expanded recall has been implemented over concerns the sprouts may have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Amalgamated Produce, Inc. voluntarily recalled sprouts on April 9, 2009 after laboratory analysis found positive results for the Listeria monocytogenes pathogen.

The FDA noted that all products produced by Amalgamated Produce, Inc. under the brand names Specialty Farms, Vermont Sprout House, and BroccoSprouts with a sell-by date 5/1/09 and beyond are not included in this recall.

The FDA also said that the recalled Amalgamated Produce products have been distributed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

The FDA is advising consumers in possession of the recalled products to return them to the point of purchase for refund. API can be reached toll-free at 1-800-358-3808 between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. EST with any questions.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal Listeriosis infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, Listeriosis can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women, as well as the birth of a baby suffering from the infection. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of Listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy.

Listeria monocytogenes is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. Listeriosis can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia.

Listeria Concerns Prompt Alfalfa Sprout Recall

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Alfalfa sprouts are being recalled today because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall involves Amalgamated Produce, Inc's. (API), Specialty Farms, Vermont Sprout House, Nature’s Promise and BroccoSprouts products. All of the recalled sprouts carry sell by date codes of March 31 through April 27, 2009.

This recall has been issued as a precaution, and API maintains that no illness have been linked to the potentially tainted sprouts. As a result of laboratory analysis, Listeria monocytogenes was detected in a finished product sample collected by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the company said.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause an cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

According to API, the following sprout products are subject to the recall:

Specialty Farms

Organic Alfalfa Sprouts, UPC Code 8192400052
Organic Sprout Salad, UPC Code 8192400024
Organic Spicy Sprouts, UPC Code 8192400058
Organic Crunchy Sprouts, UPC Code 8192400061
Organic Crunchy Pea Mix , UPC Code 8192400061
Organic Clover Sprouts, UPC Code 8192400042
Lucky Clover Sprouts, UPC Code 8192400091

Vermont Sprout House

Organic Alfalfa Sprouts, UPC Code 2213601290
Organic Clover, UPC Code 2213601293
Organic Bean Mix, UPC Code 2213601180

Nature's Promise

Organic Zesty Sprouts, UPC Code 8826703903
Organic Alfalfa Spouts, UPC Code 8826704741
Organic Alfalfa Sprouts (8 oz), UPC Code 8826704102
Organic Sprouts to Munch, UPC Code 8826704100

BroccoSprouts

Broccoli Sprouts, UPC Code 1509800025
Salad Blend, broccoli, clover & radish, UPC code 150980002
Deli Blend, broccoli, clover & mustard, 1509800027
Organic, Broccoli Sprouts -- 100% organic, UPC Code 1509800118
Organic Deli Blend, 100% organic broccoli, clover, mustard, UPC Code 1509800120
Organic Salad Blend, 100% organic broccoli, clover, radish, UPC Code 150980119

All of the recalled sprouts were sold in plastic containers, except for the Nature’s Promise 8 ounce organic alfalfa, which is in a plastic bag.

In addition, the recall includes 5 pound bulk alfalfa sprouts, plastic bagged sprouts. The bulk sprouts were sold in boxes marked with a sticker identifying "5 pound bulk alfalfa, julien dates 069 through 097."

All items have a sell by date code from 3/31/09 through 4/27/09 and are net weight 4 ounces in plastic containers, with the noted exceptions of the 8-oz. Nature's Promise Organic Alfalfa and the five pound bag of bulk alfalfa sprouts.

These products have been sold in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Potential Listeria Contamination: Strubs Norwegian Style Steelhead Salmon

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Routine tests conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency uncovered listeria contamination in Strubs Norwegian Style Steelhead Salmon. The agency is alerting consumers not to eat Strubs Norwegian Style Sliced Smoked Steelhead Salmon in 300-gram packages because of potential contamination with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. L. monocytogenes is a food borne pathogen that can cause serious illness and death.

The recalled Strubs Norwegian Style Sliced Smoked Steelhead Salmon was distributed by West Side Foods Inc. of Bronx, New York and was imported from Canada; 13 cartons were sold to three kosher retail stores in New York and Maryland.

The FDA explained that the recalled Strubs brand Norwegian Style Sliced Smoked Steelhead Salmon was distributed in cartons containing vacuum-packed 300-gram packages bearing UPC code 0 71217 69997 4, registration number “0609,” and stickers with a code date of 03MA09. There is no production date on the individual packages. There are 24 individual-300 gram packages per carton.

The FDA is urging consumers who have purchased the Strubs product to dispose of the product in a safe manner and wash their hands thoroughly after handling the product.

Listeriosis, the food poisoning generated by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those undergoing chemotherapy. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. Listeriosis can also cause meningitis and blood poisoning in immune-compromised individuals.

In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth of a baby suffering from the infection. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of Listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy; the incidence of Listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 per 100,000 live births and the perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) is 80 percent.

Listeria monocytogenes is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. Listeriosis can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia.

Last month we reported on an expanded recall by Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, which involved certain Asadero and Oaxaca soft Mexican-style cheeses due to potential Listeria contamination; a Peregrina Cheese Corporation’s Queso Fresco cheese recall that was the third in a series of recalls by Peregrina Cheese, all due to possible Listeria contamination; and a Neco Foods recall involving 231 cases of seven-ounce, 32-ounce, and five-pound packages of Atlantis Brand SMOKED FISH DIP, because of a potential Listeria contamination.

Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese Listeria Recall Expanded

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Last week’s recall by Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese of Reading, Michigan has been expanded. The recall, which was announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) involves certain Asadero and Oaxaca soft Mexican-style cheeses due to potential Listeria contamination.

The original recall indicated that the Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese products were distributed in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The expanded recall now also includes possibly Listeria-contaminated cheeses shipped to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Alabama, as well.

The recalled cheese products were then distributed to retails stores and delis in 10-pound balls and 16- and 12-ounce plastic packages, sold under the name "Aguas Calientes." The recalled cheeses were also sold in six-pound blocks, shrink-wrapped in clear plastic, under the name "El Jaliciense." Packaging may also include a label with the name "Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese LLC," said the FDA. The recall encompasses all production dates between August 1, 2008 (expiration date 10/29/2008) and February 27, 2009 (expiration date 5/10/2009).

A routine sample of Asadero cheese, taken by an inspector from the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s Food and Dairy Division on February 23, 2009, was subsequently tested by the Michigan Department of Agriculture Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese products.

The FDA is advising consumers and retailers to return all unused, recalled products to Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese and to contact Salvador Torres, Manager, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese LLC at 1-517-368-5990 with any questions or concerns.

Listeriosis, the food poisoning generated by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those undergoing chemotherapy. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. Listeriosis can also cause meningitis and blood poisoning in immune-compromised individuals.

In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth of a baby suffering from the infection. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of Listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy; the incidence of Listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 per 100,000 live births and the perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) is 80 percent.

Listeria monocytogenes is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. Listeriosis can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia.

Earlier this month we reported on a Peregrina Cheese Corporation of New York City Queso Fresco cheese recall, also over concerns about Listeria monocytogenes contamination. That recall was the third in a series of recalls by Peregrina Cheese, with a second recall implemented in February and the first in December 2007, all due to possible Listeria contamination. Just prior to the Torres Hillsdale report, we wrote about Neco Foods, LLC of Lantana, Florida recalling 231 cases of seven-ounce, 32-ounce, and five-pound packages of Atlantis Brand SMOKED FISH DIP, because of a potential Listeria contamination.

Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese Recalled for Listeria

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese of Reading, Michigan has recalled Asadero and Oaxaca soft Mexican-style cheeses due to potential Listeria contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced.

A routine sample of Asadero cheese, taken by an inspector from the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s Food and Dairy Division on February 23, 2009, was subsequently tested by the Michigan Department of Agriculture Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese products were distributed in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin and were then distributed to retails stores and delis in 10-pound balls and 16- and 12-ounce plastic packages, sold under the name "Aguas Calientes." The recalled cheeses were also sold in six-pound blocks, shrink-wrapped in clear plastic, under the name "El Jaliciense." Packaging may also include a label with the name "Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese LLC," said the FDA. The recall encompasses all production dates between August 1, 2008 (expiration date 10/29/2008) and February 27, 2009 (expiration date 5/10/2009).

The FDA is advising consumers and retailers to return all unused, recalled products to Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese and to contact Salvador Torres, Manager, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese LLC at 1-517-368-5990 with any questions or concerns.

Listeriosis, the food poisoning generated by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those undergoing chemotherapy. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. Listeriosis can also cause meningitis and blood poisoning in immune-compromised individuals.

In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth of a baby suffering from the infection. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of Listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy; the incidence of Listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 per 100,000 live births and the perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) is 80 percent.

Listeria monocytogenes is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. Listeriosis can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia.

Earlier this month we reported on a Peregrina Cheese Corporation of New York City Queso Fresco cheese recall was announced, also over concerns about Listeria monocytogenes contamination. That recall was the third in a series of recalls by Peregrina Cheese, with a second recall implemented in February and the first in December 2007, all due to possible Listeria contamination.

Yesterday, we reported that Neco Foods, LLC of Lantana, Florida recalled 231 cases of seven-ounce, 32-ounce, and five-pound packages of Atlantis Brand SMOKED FISH DIP, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Third Queso Fresco Cheese Recall

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Some more Queso Fresco cheeses are being recalled over concerns of Listeria monocytogenes contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. The FDA is warning consumers not to eat Queso Fresco Fresh Cheese Mexican style soft cheese (two specific lots) or any Queso Cotija Molido Mexican style grated cheese manufactured and distributed by Peregrina Cheese Corporation of New York City.

The Peregrina Cheese recall involves two lots of its Queso Fresco Fresh Cheese Mexican Style Soft Cheese and one lot of its Queso Cotija Molido Mexican Style Grated Cheese. The Queso Fresco Fresh Cheese comes in 14-ounce foil wrapped packages marked with lot number 4469 or 4477 affixed to each package on a white sticker and bears UPC number 8 17424 00024 6 and Plant # 36-8431. The Queso Cotija Molido Cheese comes in 15-ounce clear plastic bags that are marked with UPC number 8 17424 00027 7 and Plant # 36-1388, but does not contain a lot number or production date.

The recalled Peregrina Queso Cotija Molido Mexican Style Grated Cheese and Queso Fresco Fresh Cheese Mexican Style Soft Cheese products were distributed in early February to retail stores in the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Manhattan, as well as to two towns in Pennsylvania: Scranton and Hazelton. Peregrina Cheese has contacted all its customers and instructed them to destroy all affected products in their inventory.

The FDA is advising consumers who purchased any of the products to discard them immediately. Although the FDA detected Listeria monocytogenes in one production date of Peregrina Cheese Corporation's Queso Cotija Molido Cheese, the agency is urging consumers to discard all of these products because they do not contain a lot code or production day code to allow consumers to distinguish between a product that is of concern and a product that is not of concern. Peregrina Cheese Corporation can be reached in Brooklyn, New York at 1-718-456-2391, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm EST.

Meanwhile, this is not the first time Peregrina Cheese products have been recalled in recent months. In February we wrote that certain Queso Fresco, Fresh Cheese, made by Peregrina Cheese was possibly contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes pathogen, the germ that causes the dangerous, sometimes deadly, listeriosis infection. The February recall involved Queso Fresco Fresh Cheese products packed in 14-ounce foil packages that bear the code number “4461.” In December 2007, another recall of Peregrina Cheese’s Queso Fresco Fresh Cheese—also sold in 14-ounce, foil-wrapped packages—was recalled due to possible listeria contamination.

Listeriosis, the food poisoning generated by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those undergoing chemotherapy. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. Listeriosis can also cause meningitis and blood poisoning in immune-compromised individuals. In pregnant women, listeriosis can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth of a baby suffering from the infection.

Listeria Contaminations: Queso Fresco Cheese, Alaskan Sausage

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced that the New York State Agriculture Commissioner, Patrick Hooker, issued a warning to consumers not to eat certain Queso Fresco, Fresh Cheese, made by Peregrina Cheese Corporation. Also, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that some Alaska Sausage Company, Inc. sausage products should also be avoided. In both case, the food recalls involve possible contaminations with the Listeria monocytogenes pathogen, the germ that causes the dangerous, sometimes deadly, listeriosis infection.

This is not the first time that Peregrina’s Queso Fresco cheese has been the subject of a recall over possible contamination with the Listeria moncytogenes bacteria. The current recall involves all Queso Fresco, Fresh Cheese products packed in 14-ounce foil packages that bear the code number “4461.” Pergrina Cheese also reported that although it is in possession of most of the recalled Queso Fresca, Fresh Cheese, some of the recalled cheese was distributed to retail outlets. The listeria contamination was discovered during a routine sampling conducted by an FDA inspector from the Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services.

In December 2007, another recall of Peregrina Cheese’s Queso Fresco, Fresh Cheese—also sold in 14-ounce, foil-wrapped packages—was recalled due to possible listeria contamination after routine testing revealed the Queso Fresco, Fresh Cheese was tainted with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Peregrina is located in Brooklyn, New York.

The other recall was issued by The Alaska Sausage Company, Inc., of Anchorage, Alaska. The Alaska Sausage Company is recalling approximately 872 pounds of its sausage products that may be contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The USDA’s FSIS has classified the Alaska Sausage Company recall as a Class 1 Recall, which means that this contamination is a health hazard situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product—in this case, the ingestion of the recalled cheese—will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death. Alaska Sausage is recalling two of its meat products.

The Alaskan Sausage Links with Reindeer Meat involved in the Class 1 recall are sold in three-pound packages that bear package code “02709.” a “sell by” date of “03/22/09,” and the establishment number “EST. 17866.” The establishment number appears inside the USDA mark of inspection. Also involved in the Alaska Sausage Company recalls are one- and three-pound packages of German Brand Cooked Bratwurst with the package code “02709,” a “sell-by” date of “03/02/09,” and the establishment number “EST. 17866.” Both of these contaminations were discovered through the firm’s microbiological sampling program.

Listeriosis, the food poisoning generated by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those undergoing chemotherapy. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. Listeriosis can also cause meningitis and blood poisoning in immune-compromised individuals. In pregnant women, listeriosis can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth of a baby suffering from the infection.

Listeria Lawsuits Settled for $27 Mill

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Maple Leaf Foods, Inc., the Canadian company responsible for the 2008 listeria outbreak that killed approximately 20 people, is preparing for large payouts. PG Citizen reported that Maple Leaf’s proposal to pay up to $27 million to settle a number of class-action lawsuits has been tentatively accepted and is pending approval from courts in Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec; hearings are scheduled next month.

According to PG Citizen, Maple Leaf announced it will pay up to $125,000 to victims who suffered serious and long-lasting physical injuries; $120,000 to the estates of those who died and “additional substantial amounts” to surviving, immediate family members; no less than $750 for victims who suffered from physical symptoms consistent with listeriosis lasting no less than 24 and no more than 48 hours; and some legal costs.

"The amount each claimant will receive depends upon the severity of their illness," Maple Leaf Foods said in a release, adding, "Claimants may also claim for lost income and certain out-of-pocket expenses." The settlement allows for those who consumed tainted meat products bought from January 1 through August 31, 2008 to enter claims for compensation from a $25-million fund; the fund carries an option for up to an additional $2 million dollars if the initial amount is deemed insufficient, reported PG Citizen. Settlement costs will likely be paid by insurance, Reuters Canada said.

Last year’s outbreak prompted that largest meat recall in Canada’s history and stemmed from deli meats produced at Maple Leaf’s Toronto plant, said Reuters Canada. Robert Gibson, an analyst at Octagon Capital, told Reuters that "This is putting it behind them and they are moving forward and getting back to the normal business at hand," regarding steps Maple Leaf has taken since news of the outbreak made headlines last summer. Maple Leaf was shut down for one month, after which, Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials permitted the company to operate while it continued testing. An investigation revealed that two meat slicers at the Toronto facility were likely the cause of the contamination, said Reuters.

Maple Leaf Chief Executive Michael McCain reported last year that the recalls and extra sanitation cost the firm approximately $33 million in the third quarter of 2008, noted Reuters Canada, which added that the firm’s shares were down earlier this week on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Late last summer, McCain announced that Maple Leaf Foods was taking full responsibility for the massive listeria outbreak.

Most listeriosis reports originated from nursing homes, hospitals, and other similar type institutions, as well as restaurants and stores and prompted a recall of all of the over 200 products its Toronto plant produced. Samples of two deli meats produced at the Toronto plant tested positive for the same strain of listeria bacteria that sickened dozens and killed 20; inspections revealed that the source of the contamination was deep within the mechanical slicers. Maple Leaf runs 23 plants and is Canada’s largest meat processor.

Listeriosis, the food poisoning generated by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those undergoing chemotherapy. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. In pregnant women, listeriosis can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth of a baby suffering from the infection.

Possible Listeria Contamination Prompts 2nd Cheese Recall

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

British manufacturer Cropwell Bishop Creamery Limited of England is recalling some of its cheese products over possible contamination with the dangerous, sometimes deadly, pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Cropwell Bishop Creamery is conducting a nationwide recall on its Blue Stilton and Shropshire Blue Cheese products in the United States over the potential for Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recalled Cropwell Bishop Creamery cheses were distributed nationwide in retail stores. The contamination potential was discovered following testing of the cheese. The cause of the potential problem has been corrected, said the FDA. This recall is limited to the following Blue Stilton and Shropshire Blue Cheese Products:

Ilchester Shropshire Blue, 12 oz, lot 3052822700 and expiration date: 2/10/09.
Ilchester Shropshire Blue, 7 to 9 oz, lot 3052828700 and expiration date: 4/19/09.
Ilchester Shropshire Blue, 1/8 lb, lot 3052835200 and expiration date: 4/27/09.
Ilchester Shropshire Blue, 1/16 lb, lot 3375821700 and expiration date with julian code 8217.
Ilchester BabyBlue Stilton, 2/5 lb, lot 3375834000, 3375829500 and expiration dates with julian codes 8340 and 8295.
Ilchester Blue Stilton, 1/8 lb, lot 3375828400 and expiration date with julian code 8284.
Ilchester Blue Stilton, 2/9 lb, lots 3375828400, 3375821700, 3375833300, 3375829400, 3375827800, 3375824500, and 3357816400 and expiration dates with julian codes 8284, 8217, 8333 , 8294, 8278, 8245, and 8164.
Ilchester Blue Stilton, 1/9 lb, lots 3375833600, 3375829400, 3375824500, 3758162000, and 3375825200 and expiration dates with julian codes 8336, 8294, 8245, 8162, and 8252.
Ilchester Blue Stilton, 1/16 lb, lot 3375825400 and expiration date with julian code 8254.
Ilchester Blue Stilton, 18/1 lb, lots 3052829500 and 3052830800 and expiration dates 4/19/09 and 5/2/09.
Ilchester Blue Silton, 6/3.5 oz crock, lot 2216832300 with expiration date 3/26/09.Global Cheese Market Stilton, 7 to 9 oz, lot 714568 and 714720 with expiration dates 3/22/09 and 3/29/09.
Global Cheese Market Stilton, 1/5 lb, lots 713939, 715973, and 716368 with expiration dates 3/9/09, 5/3/09, and 5/17/09.
Trader Joe’s Blue Stilton purchased on or before 12/31/08. Film-wrapped.
Trader Joe’s Shropshire Blue Cheese purchased on or before 1/4/09. Film-wrapped.
Cropwell Bishop Creamery Blue Stilton purchased on or before 12/31/08.
Cropwell Bishop Creamery Shropshire Blue Cheese purchased on or before 12/31/08.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged by the FDA to destroy all recalled products on hand, and then obtain a full refund by contacting the following from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST: For all recalled Ilchester or Global Cheese Market, call 201-508-6426; for all recalled Trader Joe’s or Cropwell Bishop Creamery products, call 513-751-4490.

This is the second recall over potential listeria contamination called for by Cropwell Bishop Creamey cheese in recent months. In mid-December, Cropwell Bishop Creamery Finest Blue Stilton Cheese recalled Cropwell Bishop Creamery Finest Blue Stilton Cheese that was sold across Canada at Costco Wholesale stores.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause illness in humans and is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. Listeriosis, the illness caused by the listeria bacteria, can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia. In pregnant women, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, or the birth of an infected child can occur. Those whose immune systems are compromised—such as people with HIV/AIDs or patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment—the very young, and the very old are also at particular risk for listeriosis contamination and illness.

Enoki Mushrooms Recalled Over Listeria Concerns

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

In a second recall this week over concerns about products contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes pathogen, enoki mushrooms are being recalled. Web MD reported that the Phillips Mushroom Farms of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania is recalling 3.5 ounce, 4 ounce, and 1 pound packages of enoki mushrooms because they may be contaminated with the dangerous, and often deadly, bacterium.

Enoki are white mushrooms, with long stems and small caps and are usually sold in clusters. Enoki mushrooms, according to the Phillips Mushroom Farms' website, can also be called snow or winter mushrooms. According to a Phillips Mushroom Farms news release, no illnesses have been reported, to date.

The Phillips Mushroom Farms' Enoki Mushroom recall includes packages of enoki mushrooms sold under various brand names in the United States and Canada that were sold between January 13 and 30, reported Web MD:

The following recalled Enoki mushrooms were sold in clear plastic bags with blue, green, or red panels:

PMF 3.5 ounce green bag with UPC 33383 67540
Phillips Enoki 3.5 ounce blue bag with UPC 33383 67540
Phillips Enoki 1 pound bulk bag; food service distribution only
Mr. Mushroom 4 ounce red and green bags with UPC 33383 67543

The following recalled Enoki mushrooms were sold in 3.5 ounce plastic containers and wrapped in plastic film:

Phillips Enoki UPC 33383 67541
Organic Phillips Enoki with UPC 21706 67363
Publix Enoki with UPC 41415 03186
Giorgio Enoki with UPC 33383 67451
Moonlight Mushroom Enoki with UPC 33383 67540
Pennsylvania Dutchman Enoki with UPC 33383 67451
Fresh Obsession with UPC 69200 00916
Country Fresh Enoki with UPC 33383 67541
Monterey Gourmet Enoki with UPC 37102 67820
Elite Enoki with UPC 34635 41866

Meanwhile, the Vancouver Sun is also reporting that The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a warning to consumers not to eat Fresh Obsessions brand Enoki mushrooms over fears they could be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. In that case, the have been distributed through Metro stores across Ontario and were sold in 99 gram packages with UPC 69200 00916 9. All codes are affected by this alert. The contaminated mushrooms were also grown by Phillips Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, which describes itself as the largest producer of specialty mushrooms in the United States.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause illness in humans and is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. Listeriosis, the illness caused by the listeria bacteria, can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia. In pregnant women, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, or the birth of an infected child can occur. Those whose immune systems are compromised—such as people with HIV/AIDs or patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment—the very young, and the very old are also at particular risk for listeriosis contamination and illness.

Med MD reported that consumers should return the recalled enoki mushrooms to the place of purchase for a full refund. Phillips Mushroom Farms can be reached toll-free at 800-722-8818.

Chicago Listeria Outbreak

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800

A listeria outbreak has been reported in Chicago and has stricken three pregnant women. Medill Reports said three women who were infected with the dangerous pathogen suffered serious pregnancy complications.

Dr. Rick Holley of the Department of Food Science at the University of Manitoba in Canada explained that, “The organism grows at refrigerator temperature…. It will grow in the food processing plants. It will grow in a vacuumed package—it doesn’t need air to grow,” reported Medill. Melanie Arnold, spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Health confirmed, “This particular outbreak has three cases. There have been two miscarriages and one [child] delivered, but premature,” reported Medill. The baby tested positive for listeriosis, the disease caused by the listeria monocytegenes germ.

Holley explained that because the immune system is stressed during pregnancy and because white blood cell counts drops, the listeria pathogen can run amok. “It goes to two places,” Holley said. “The brain—causing meningitis—or the placenta and sets up shop. It will infect the placenta and may infect the fetus or it may not. If it infects the fetus, [spontaneous] abortion results. But if it doesn’t and it just infects the placenta, during delivery [the child] will become affected,” quoted Medill. CBS2Chicago reported that all three women reported having eaten soft cheeses; however, according to Medill Reports, no confirmation has been made about the exact source of the outbreak.

"It is very important that pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems avoid eating foods that are more likely to contain the Listeria bacteria, such as soft cheeses—including Brie, feta, and Mexican style soft or semi-soft cheese—unless the product clearly states it is made with pasteurized milk," Dr. Damon state director of public health, said, reported Medill. "Although anyone can become sick from eating food contaminated with bacteria, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk," he added.

All three listeriosis cases tested positive for the same DNA pattern reported MyStateLine, which explained that listeria can be found in raw foods, such as uncooked meats and vegetables; processed foods that become contaminated after processing, such as cheese and cold cuts at the deli counter; and unpasteurized, or raw, milk or foods made from raw milk.

Listeriosis symptoms can develop in days or weeks and can vary from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia; pregnant women can experience anything from miscarriage, still birth, or birth of an infected child. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy; the incidence of listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 per 100,000 live births and the perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) is 80 percent. Those with compromised immune systems—such as people undergoing chemotherapy treatment or those diagnosed with HIV/AIDs and hepatitis—the very young, and the very old are also at risk. Healthy individuals may suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In the United States, about 2,500 cases of listeria poisoning occur annually with about 200 in every 1000 cases resulting in death.

Leaks Recalled Over Listeria Contamination Concerns

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Leeks are the newest food product to be recalled over listeria concerns. Two different types of leeks, which have been sold in Canada, have been recalled over concerns that the vegetables are contaminated with the food borne bacteria Listeria moncytogenes, reported the CanWest News Service. Leeks are a vegetable in the onion family.

The recalled leeks were sold in New Brunswick and Quebec in 250- and 750-gram packages and involve both washed and sliced leeks. The leeks are sold under the brand Les Cultures de Chez Nous, and are packaged with a January 27, 2009 best before date, said CanWest News. The manufacturer—Sainte-Brigitte-des-Saults, Quebec—and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are warning consumers to not eat these recalled vegetables.

PR-USA adds that the CFIA and S. Bourassa (St-Sauveur) Limited—the packer—Issued a warning and that S. Bourassa (St-Sauveur) Sliced Leeks, which were sold in Quebec in packages of various weights—250-gram to 400-gram—bearing "EMP. LE 13/01/2009 (January 13, 2009) to 20/01/2009 (January 20, 2009)"; "MEIL. AV. 20/01/2009 (January 20, 2009) to 27/01/2009 (January 27, 2009)"; and code 160305X are included in the leek recall because this leek product contains sliced leeks recalled by Les Cultures de Chez Nous Inc., Sainte-Brigitte-des-Saults, QC.

CanWest News noted that Listeria was the pathogen liked to about 20 deaths related to the widely publicized listeria contamination of meats from the Maple Leaf Foods plant in Toronto, Canada last year.

Earlier this month, the CFIA also announced a second recall of HQ Fine Foods EST 318 sandwich products, also over a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This was the second such recall by this food establishment in under four months. Just prior, the U.S. food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall announcement about Café Favorites Whole Grain 5" Super Sub sandwiches and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall of two Patrick Cudahy bacon bit products. Both recalls were issued over concerns of possible listeria contamination.

In the United States, about 2,500 cases of listeria poisoning occur annually with about 200 in every 1000 cases resulting in death.

Listeriosis—the illness caused by the listeria bacteria—symptoms can develop in days or weeks and can vary from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia; pregnant women can experience anything from miscarriage, still birth, or birth of an infected child. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy; the incidence of listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 per 100,000 live births and the perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) is 80 percent. Those with compromised immune systems—such as people undergoing chemotherapy treatment or those diagnosed with HIV/AIDs and hepatitis—the very young, and the very old are also at risk. Healthy individuals may suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Caf Favorites Sandwiches Recalled for Listeria

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall announcement about Café Favorites Whole Grain 5" Super Sub sandwiches. The products could be contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The contamination was discovered after a routine FDA inspection.

The sandwiches affected contain a daycode starting with 08343XXX and the product code 02384. The recalled sandwiches were packaged in 5.4-ounce portions with 84 sandwiches to the case and were sold to distributors in Maryland, Florida, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.

The distributors in Florida, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania did not further distribute the product said the FDA, but the Maryland distributor sold the product to one school in the Washington DC area where it was served. Students and staff are advised by the FDA to dispose of these sandwiches if they took them home and anyone experiencing symptoms should consult their doctor. Consumers with question may contact the Café Favorites at 218-685-6500 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm central time.

The listeria bacterium is found in soil, vegetation, raw milk, meat, poultry, cheeses (particularly soft mold-ripened varieties), and salad vegetables. About 2,500 cases of listeria occur in the United States annually with about 200 in every 1000 cases resulting in death. Listeria monocytogenes can grow at low temperatures, even in refrigerated environments; thorough cooking of food and milk pasteurization can destroy the Listeria bacteria. Listeria often invades the body through a normal and intact gastrointestinal tract and, once in the body, can travel through the blood stream.

Listeriosis—the illness caused by the listeria bacteria—symptoms can develop in days or weeks and can vary from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia; pregnant women can experience anything from miscarriage, still birth, or birth of an infected child. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy; the incidence of listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 per 100,000 live births and the perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) is 80 percent. Those with compromised immune systems—such as people undergoing chemotherapy treatment or those diagnosed with HIV/AIDs and hepatitis—the very young, and the very old are also at risk. Healthy individuals may suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

To help prevent listeria contamination, consumers are generally advised to thoroughly cook raw food from animal sources; keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables and from cooked and ready-to-eat foods; avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk; wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods; wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating; and consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible and within their expiration dates.

Most recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall of two Patrick Cudahy bacon bit products over possible contamination with the listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which was discovered through in-house testing conducted by an establishment that received the product.

Bacon Bits Recalled for Listeria

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Bacon bits are the latest food product to be recalled for listeria contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) just announced that two Patrick Cudahy bacon bit products are being recalled for possible contamination with the listeria monocytogenes bacteria, a dangerous, sometimes deadly, foodborne contaminant.

Patrick Cudahy is recalling two different versions of its 10-pound cases of Applewood Smoked Precooked Bacon toppings: Golden Crisp and John Morrell. The Applewood Smoked Precooked Bacon topping products bear the establishment number “EST. 28” within the USDA inspection mark and a printed Julian date of “8318.” The Applewood Smoked Precooked Bacon bit products were produced on November 13, 2008, and distributed to restaurant and institutional establishments in California, Colorado, Florida, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. The listeria monocytogenes contamination was discovered through in-house testing by an establishment that received the product.

The listeria bacterium is found in soil, vegetation, raw milk, meat, poultry, cheeses (particularly soft mold-ripened varieties), and salad vegetables. About 2,500 cases of listeria occur in the United States annually with about 200 in every 1000 cases resulting in death. Listeria monocytogenes can grow at low temperatures, even in refrigerated environments; thorough cooking of food and milk pasteurization can destroy the Listeria bacteria. Listeria often invades the body through a normal and intact gastrointestinal tract and, once in the body, can travel through the blood stream.

Listeriosis—the illness caused by the listeria bacteria—symptoms can develop in days or weeks and can vary from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia; pregnant women can experience anything from miscarriage, still birth, or birth of an infected child. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy; the incidence of listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 per 100,000 live births and the perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) is 80 percent. Those with compromised immune systems—such as people undergoing chemotherapy treatment or those diagnosed with HIV/AIDs and hepatitis—the very young, and the very old are also at risk.

To help prevent listeria contamination, consumers are generally advised to thoroughly cook raw food from animal sources; keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables and from cooked and ready-to-eat foods; avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk; wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods; wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating; and consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible and within their expiration dates.

Patrick Cudahy company Director of Customer Service Mike Reitz can be reached at (414) 744-2000. "Ask Karen" is the FSIS virtual representative, which is available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. for food safety questions. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday; recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

Burritos Recalled Over Listeria Contamination

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Burritos tainted with the listeria monocytogenes pathogen are being recalled. Home Fresh Sandwich Distributors, Inc. has recalled 172 pounds of its 7-Eleven Fresh to Go Burritos with Potatoes, Bacon Eggs, and Monterey Jack Cheese sandwiches, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced, according to ConsumerAffairs.com.

The recalled 7-Eleven Fresh to Go Burritos contain a "Best By" date of "Thursday 1225" and the establishment number "EST. 19496" inside the USDA mark of inspection said ConsumerAffairs.com. The listeria-tainted burritos were produced on December 23, 2008 and were sold at Colorado convenience stores said the USDA, reported ConsumerAffairs.com, which notes that products might have been purchased on December 24 and 25, 2008.

Listeria is a bacterium found in soil, vegetation, raw milk, meat, poultry, cheeses (particularly soft mold-ripened varieties), and salad vegetables as well as in animals and humans. It is estimated that about 2,500 cases of listeria occur in the United States each year with about 200 in every 1000 cases resulting in death. Listeria monocytogenes can grow at low temperatures, even in refrigerated environments; thorough cooking of food and milk pasteurization can destroy the listeria bacteria. Listeria often invades the body through a normal and intact gastrointestinal tract and, once in the body, can travel through the blood stream. The bacteria are often found inside cells where toxins are produced resulting in damaged cells.

ConsumerAffairs.com reported that it was during routine microbiological testing by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) that the contamination was revealed. The USDA warns, said ConsumerAffairs.com that consuming Listeria-contaminated foods can cause listeriosis. Listeriosis—the illness caused by the listeria bacteria—symptoms can develop in days or weeks and can vary from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia; pregnant women can experience anything from miscarriage, still birth, or birth of an infected child. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy; the incidence of listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 per 100,000 live births and the perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) is 80%. Those with compromised immune systems—such as those undergoing chemotherapy treatment or those diagnosed with HIV/AIDs and hepatitis—the very young, and the very old are
also at risk. All at-risk individuals are advised to avoid certain foods, such as soft mold-ripened cheeses and pates, given those foods’ high incidence of being linked to listeria infection.

To avoid listeria contamination, consumers are generally advised to thoroughly cook raw food from animal sources; keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables and from cooked and ready-to-eat foods; avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk; wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods; wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating; and consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible and within their expiration dates.

Last week, the FSIS announced that DeNiro Cheese, a Youngstown, Ohio, firm, recalled approximately one pound of its Sopressata sausage products over concerns of Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Sausage Recall over Listeria Contamination

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

In another case of possible listeria contamination, a variety of T. Piekutowski European Style Sausage Krakow sausages are being recalled. The Associated Press (AP) reports that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that the potentially tainted sausages were produced on December 18 and sold at the T. Piekutowski European Style Sausage retail counter in St. Louis, Missouri. Reuters noted, according to a statement released by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), consumers might have bought the sausages December 18-19.

The Cattle Network reported that T. Piekutowski European Style Sausage is recalling approximately 750 pounds of Krakow sausage, which were sold in various sizes and wrapped in unmarked butcher paper with no label. The recalled T. Piekutowski European Style Sausage Krakow sausages were custom-wrapped at the company store and do not bear the company number or the USDA inspection mark, said Reuters. The contamination was discovered through FSIS routine microbiological testing, said the Cattle Network, which is advising consumers with questions to contact T. Piekutowski European Style Sausage company Owner-Operator Ted Piekutowski at (314) 534-6256.

The listeria bacterium is found in soil, vegetation, raw milk, meat, poultry, cheeses (particularly soft mold-ripened varieties), and salad vegetables. It is estimated that about 2,500 cases of listeria occur in the United States annually with about 200 in every 1000 cases resulting in death. Listeria monocytogenes can grow at low temperatures, even in refrigerated environments and often invades the body through a normal and intact gastrointestinal tract. Once in the body, listeria can travel through the blood stream and is found inside cells where toxins are produced resulting in damaged cells. Listeriosis—the illness caused by the listeria bacteria—symptoms can develop in days or weeks and can vary from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia; pregnant women can experience anything from miscarriage, still birth, or birth of an infected child are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy. The incidence of listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 per 100,000 live births and the perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) is 80 percent. People with compromised immune systems—such as those undergoing chemotherapy treatment or diagnosed with HIV/AIDs and hepatitis—the very young, and the very old are also at risk.

All at-risk individuals are advised to avoid certain foods, such as soft mold-ripened cheeses and pates, given those foods’ high incidence of being linked to listeria infection. To avoid listeria contamination, consumers are generally advised to thoroughly cook raw food from animal sources; keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables and from cooked and ready-to-eat foods; avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk; wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods; wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating; and consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible and within their expiration dates.

Earlier this week, FSIS announced that DeNiro Cheese, a Youngstown, Ohio, firm recalled some of its Sopressata sausage products over concerns of Listeria monocytogenes contamination also discovered through FSIS routine microbiological testing.

Sopressata Sausage Recalled for Listeria

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) has just announced that DeNiro Cheese, a Youngstown, Ohio, firm, has recalled approximately one pound of its Sopressata sausage products because they may be contaminated with the food borne bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. The sausage product is packaged in 12-ounce approximate weight packages of "Nostrano SOPRESSATA MILD SAUSAGE, PRODUCT OF CANADA." Each package bears a use-by date of "07/09/09," a product code of "91009," and "CANADA 476A" inside the Canadian mark of inspection.

The FSIS reported that the sausage product was produced on October 9 and sent to one Italian specialty retailer in Boardman, Ohio. The problem was discovered through FSIS routine microbiological testing; the FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of the recalled sausage product. Consumers with questions about the DeNiro Cheese sausage recall are advised by the FSIS to contact DeNiro Cheese company President Greg DeNiro at (330) 746-6011.

Listeria is a bacterium found in soil, vegetation, raw milk, meat, poultry, cheeses (particularly soft mold-ripened varieties), and salad vegetables as well as in animals and humans. It is estimated that about 2,500 cases of listeria occur in the United States each year with about 200 in every 1000 cases resulting in death. Listeria monocytogenes can grow at low temperatures, even in refrigerated environments; thorough cooking of food and milk pasteurization can destroy the Listeria bacteria. Listeria often invades the body through a normal and intact gastrointestinal tract and, once in the body, can travel through the blood stream. The bacteria are often found inside cells where toxins are produced resulting in damaged cells.

Listeriosis—the illness caused by the listeria bacteria—symptoms can develop in days or weeks and can vary from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia; pregnant women can experience anything from miscarriage, still birth, or birth of an infected child. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected, with about one-third of listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy; the incidence of listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 per 100,000 live births and the perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) is 80%. Those with compromised immune systems—such as those undergoing chemotherapy treatment or those diagnosed with HIV/AIDs and hepatitis—the very young, and the very old are also at risk. All at-risk individuals are advised to avoid certain foods, such as soft mold-ripened cheeses and pates, given those foods’ high incidence of being linked to listeria infection.

To avoid listeria contamination, consumers are generally advised to thoroughly cook raw food from animal sources; keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables and from cooked and ready-to-eat foods; avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk; wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods; wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating; and consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible and within their expiration dates.

Study: Raw Milk Poses Risks, No Benefits

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

A new study has concluded that consuming unpasteurized milk poses a variety of risks, but offers no benefits. Science Daily is reporting that the January 1, 2009 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases has published a review that looks at the dangers of drinking raw milk, a trendy food item that is rising in popularity and is linked to growing disease outbreaks in the United States.

According to Science Daily, when milk and dairy products are consumed raw, they can be tainted with dangerous, often deadly, bacteria, causing serious health problems. As a matter-of-fact, said Science Daily, about 5.2 food poisoning outbreaks are linked to raw milk annually in the U.S. from 1993 to 2006. This is more than twice as many as the prior 19 years said co-authors of the study—Jeffrey T. LeJeune and Päivi J. Rajala-Schultz of the College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbus, Ohio, reported Science Daily. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have indicated that over 800 people in the U.S. have falling ill from either drinking raw milk or eating cheese made from raw milk since 1998.

Science Daily reports that the study authors conclude that contamination can occur at a variety of points including during milk collection, processing, distribution, or storage. Also of note, reports Science Daily, an array of pathogens can be found in the “dairy farm environment”; this can, in turn, taint dairy cows’ teat skin, which contaminates the milk. As an example, explains Science Daily, Salmonella and E. coli have been found in pooled milk collected from farms. Science Daily also notes that, since 2005, a variety of food borne pathogenic outbreaks—salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, and E. coli—have been linked to the consumption of raw milk. The FDA explains that raw milk is derived from cows, sheep, or goats that has not been pasteurized to kill off its harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and also, Listeria, which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn babies, the very young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or being treated for HIV/AIDs and hepatitis.

As of 2006, selling raw milk is illegal in 26 states; however, the study authors point out that raw milk devotees have, for instance, entered into “cow-share” programs in which they fund the cow’s upkeep and care in exchange for raw milk, reports Science Daily. Advocates argue that milk that has not undergone pasteurization can cure or prevent a wide variety of diseases; no scientific evidence backs this theory, said Science Daily.

According to the FDA, pasteurization involves heating milk to a specific temperature for specific time periods, which kills harmful organisms responsible for such diseases as listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and brucellosis. And, notes the FDA, research does not reveal any “meaningful difference” in the nutritional values of pasteurized and milk.

According to the FDA, while pasteurizing milk does kill harmful bacteria, it does not cause lactose intolerance and allergic reactions since both raw milk and pasteurized milk can cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to milk proteins; does not reduce milk’s nutritional value; and does not mean that milk should be left unrefrigerated. Most importantly, says the FDA, raw milk does not kill deadly bacteria on its own and requires pasteurization to ensure these germs are removed.

Listeria Recall: Cambrook Foods Low-Protein Imitation Cream Cheese

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just announced that Cambrooke Foods has voluntarily recalled all of its Low Protein Imitation Cream Cheese products over a possible listeria contamination and, as a precaution, is also withdrawing all of its Peanot Butter™ product. The recalled Cambrooke Foods, Low Protein Imitation Cream Cheese products include: “Cheddar Wizard,” “Herb & Garlic,” and “Plain” flavors.

Cambrooke Foods® has implemented the voluntary recall as a precaution because some imitation cream cheese products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which causes listeriosis, a serious and sometimes fatal infection. The listeria bacteria was detected during routine batch testing that occurred prior to shipment, and was found in batches of Imitation Cream Cheese at the company’s Randolph, Massachusetts facility. Those batches of Imitation Cream Cheese products were destroyed and never shipped to customers and no illnesses have been reported for any batch of Imitation Cream Cheese.

Cambrooke Foods® is also conducting a market withdrawal of all batches of its Low Protein Peanot Butter™ because that food product is produced using the same machinery that is used to produce the Imitation Cream Cheese products. No other Cambrooke Foods® product is produced using this machinery. Testing has not confirmed Listeria contamination in any batch of Low Protein Peanot Butter™ and no adverse events been reported as a result of its consumption.

These Cambrooke Foods® products are sold to customers with special dietary needs and are distributed directly to consumers and to a limited number of distributors in the U.S. and Canada.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium found in soil, vegetation, raw milk, meat, poultry, cheeses (particularly soft mold-ripened cheeses), and salad vegetables. The listeria bacteria can cause illness in humans and is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. The bacteria can grow at low temperatures, including in refrigerator environments, but cooking of food and pasteurization of milk can destroy the listeria bacteria. Listeria often invades the body through a normal and intact gastrointestinal tract and, once in the body, can travel through the blood stream; the bacteria are often found inside cells where toxins are produced resulting in damaged cells.

Listeriosis can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia. In pregnant women, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, or the birth of an infected child can occur. Pregnant women are about 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to be infected with listeriosis; about one-third of listeriosis cases take place during pregnancy. The incidence of listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 cases per 100,000 live births. The perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) from listeriosis is an astronomical 80%. Those whose immune systems are compromised—such as people with HIV/AIDs or patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment—the very young, and the very old are also at particular risk for listeriosis contamination and illness. All at-risk individuals are advised to avoid certain foods, such as soft mold-ripened cheeses, pates, and raw milk because the risk of infection is very high in these foods.

Listeria Recall: Cropwell Bishop Creamery Cheese Sold in Costco

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Cropwell Bishop Creamery Finest Blue Stilton Cheese is being recalled over concerns it may be tainted with the Listeria monocytogenes foodborne bacteria, CBCNews Canada (CBCNews.ca) is reporting. The recalled Cropwell Bishop Creamery Finest Blue Stilton Cheese was made in England, contains a “Best Before Date” of “Dec. 12,” and was sold across Canada at Costco Wholesale stores.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium found in soil, vegetation, raw milk, meat, poultry, cheeses (particularly soft mold-ripened cheeses), and salad vegetables, as well as in animals and humans. Listeria monocytogenes can cause illness in humans and, as a matter-of-fact, is responsible for an estimated 2,500 illnesses in the United States annually, with about 200 in every 1,000 cases resulting in death. The bacteria can grow at low temperatures, including in refrigerator environments, but cooking of food and pasteurization of milk can destroy the listeria bacteria. Listeria often invades the body through a normal and intact gastrointestinal tract and, once in the body, can travel through the blood stream; the bacteria are often found inside cells where toxins are produced resulting in damaged cells.

Listeriosis, the illness caused by the listeria bacteria, can take days, even weeks, to develop and can present in anything from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia. In pregnant women, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, or the birth of an infected child can occur. Pregnant women are about 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to be infected with listeriosis; about one-third of listeriosis cases take place during pregnancy. The incidence of listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 cases per 100,000 live births. The perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) from listeriosis is an astronomical 80%. Those whose immune systems are compromised—such as people with HIV/AIDs or patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment—the very young, and the very old are also at particular risk for listeriosis contamination and illness. All at-risk individuals are advised to avoid certain foods, such as soft mold-ripened cheeses, pates, and raw milk because the risk of infection is very high in these foods

Consumers are advised to thoroughly cook raw food from animal sources; keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables and cooked and ready-to-eat foods; avoid unpasteurized—raw—milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk; wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods; wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating; and consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible.

This month, we reported on two other listeria-related recalls. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the International Cheese Company Ltd. issued a warning against consuming Santa Lucia brand Ricotta Cheese because of a possible listeria contamination, according to a press release published on MarketWatch.com this week. Just prior, the DigitalJournal.com reported that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Home Market Foods, Inc. of Massachusetts recalled 5,250 pounds of ready-to-eat frozen "Blimpie Fully Cooked Seasoned Beef Shaved Steaks Thinly Sliced With Onions” sandwiches.

Santa Lucia Ricotta Cheese Recalled

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Possible Listeria contamination has prompted another food recall. Both the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the International Cheese Company Ltd. have issued a warning to the public against consuming Santa Lucia brand Ricotta Cheese because of a possible listeria contamination, according to a press release published today on MarketWatch.com.

The press release stated that the Santa Lucia Ricotta Cheese is sold in packages of 500 g and the packages bear a Best Before Date of 09JA01 (January 1, 2009) and lot number 477; the Santa Lucia Ricotta Cheese was distributed in Ontario. A voluntary recall has been issued by the manufacturer, International Cheese Company Ltd. of Toronto, Ontario, and the CFIA is monitoring the recall.

Infection with Listeria monocytogenes can result in listeriosis and symptoms can take days or weeks to surface and include a mild flu-like illness, meningitis, or septicemia. Health Canada notes that symptoms also include: Vomiting, nausea, cramping, diarrhea, severe headache, constipation, and persistent fever.

Pregnant women are at particular risk to Listeria and can experience spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, or birth of a seriously infected child. Other at-risk groups include the very young; the very old; and those with compromised immune systems, such as people undergoing chemotherapy or those with AIDS/HIV. All at-risk individuals are generally advised to avoid foods such as soft cheeses and pates because the risk of infection with these foods is considered high; the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria thrives in low temperatures, such as can be found in a refrigerator. The National Post points out that foods contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes do not appear by sight, smell, or taste to be spoiled.

In the U.S., an estimated 2,500 cases of listeria occur annually with about 200 in every 1000 cases resulting in death. Health Canada notes that, “Listeria is more likely to cause death than other bacteria that cause food poisoning. In fact, 20 to 30 percent of food borne listeriosis infections in high-risk individuals may be fatal.”

Listeria often invades the body through a normal and intact gastrointestinal tract. Once in the body, Listeria can travel through the blood stream; however, Listeria is often found inside cells where toxins are produced resulting in damaged cells. Pregnant women are about 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to get listeriosis; about one-third of listeriosis cases take place during pregnancy. The incidence of listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 cases per 100,000 live births. The perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) from listeriosis is 80 percent. CBCNews.ca notes that pregnant women experience an increased miscarriage risk if they develop listeriosis within their first trimester, while the risk of delivering a stillborn baby or of giving birth to a very ill baby increases in the second and third trimesters.

International Cheese Company Ltd. can be reached at 416-769-3547; CFIA can be reached at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

Listeria Threat Prompts Sandwich Recall

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Another recall over possible listeria contamination has just been announced. The DigitalJournal.com is reporting that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Home Market Foods, Inc. of Massachusetts is recalling 5,250 pounds of ready-to-eat frozen beef sandwich portions: "Blimpie FULLY COOKED SEASONED BEEF SHAVED STEAKS THINLY SLICED WITH ONIONS.”

Listeria is a bacterium found in soil, vegetation, raw milk, meat, poultry, cheeses (particularly soft mold-ripened varieties), and salad vegetables as well as in animals and humans. It is estimated that about 2,500 cases of listeria occur in the U.S. annually with about 200 in every 1000 cases resulting in death. Listeria monocytogenes can grow at low temperatures, even in refrigerated environments. Thorough cooking of food and milk pasteurization can destroy the Listeria bacteria. Listeria often invades the body through a normal and intact gastrointestinal tract and, once in the body, can travel through the blood stream. The bacteria are often found inside cells where toxins are produced resulting in damaged cells.

Listeria symptoms can develop in days or weeks and can vary from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicemia; pregnant women can experience anything from miscarriage, still birth, or birth of an infected child. Pregnant women are about 20 times likelier than others to be infected with about one-third of listeriosis cases occurring during pregnancy; the incidence of listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 per 100,000 live births and the perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) is 80%. Those with compromised immune systems, the very young, and the very old are also at risk. All at-risk individuals are advised to avoid certain foods, such as soft mold-ripened cheeses and pates, given those foods’ high incidence of being linked to listeria infection.

DigitalJournal.com reports that the recalled "Blimpie FULLY COOKED SEASONED BEEF SHAVED STEAKS THINLY SLICED WITH ONIONS” were produced in 3.5-ounce sizes of individually wrapped packages, with each label bearing the establishment number "EST. 2727" within the USDA mark of inspection and a printed Julian date of either "3198," "3228," or "3238," on those products available for consumer purchase. The recalled sandwiches were produced on November 14, 17, 18, and 20, 2008; and were distributed to retail institutions in the Atlanta metropolitan area, California, Florida, Illinois, and New York.

The possible contamination was revealed during company testing. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product, said the DigitalJournal.com. Consumers can contact the firm’s Customer Relations Manager, Deborah Schoeller, for more information at (781) 948-1585. Media should contact company President Wes Atamian at (781) 948-1502.

To avoid listeria contamination, consumers are generally advised to thoroughly cook raw food from animal sources; keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables and from cooked and ready-to-eat foods, such as the recalled sandwiches; avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk; wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods; wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating; and consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible and within their expiration dates.

Recall: Hot Dogs Possibly Listeria Contaminated

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

In yet another recall over contaminated food, R. L. Zeigler Co., Inc., in Selma, Alabama, is recalling approximately 28,610 pounds of hot dog products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, said the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today. The following products are involved:

"ZEIGLER WIENERS MADE WITH CHICKEN AND PORK, ARTIFICIALLY COLORED": 12-ounce packages, with each package bearing the use-by date of "Nov. 26, 2008" and establishment number "P-9156S" within the USDA mark of inspection.
"VACUUM PACKED PAR-TI PUPS": 12-ounce packages, with each package bearing the use-by date of "Nov. 26, 2008" and establishment number "P-9156S" within the USDA mark of inspection.
"ZEIGLER Original Recipe WIENERS, artificially colored": 12-ounce packages, with each package bearing the use-by date of "Nov. 26, 2008" and establishment number "EST. 9156S" within the USDA mark of inspection.
"Zeigler Jumbo Franks": 16-ounce packages, with each package bearing the use-by date of "Nov. 21, 2008" and establishment number "P-9156S" within the USDA mark of inspection.
"Zeigler Hot Dogs": 12-ounce packages, with each package bearing the use-by date of "Nov. 26, 2008" and establishment number "P-9156S" within the USDA mark of inspection.
"SKINLESS WIENERS, 8 WIENERS PER LB": 10-pound bulk boxes, with each box bearing package code "PK 092208A" and establishment number "EST. 9156S" within the USDA mark of inspection.
"SKINLESS WIENERS, ARTIFICIALLY COLORED, 10 WIENERS PER LB": 10-pound bulk boxes, each box bearing package code "PK 092208A" and establishment number "EST. 9156S" within the USDA mark of inspection.
"SKINLESS WIENERS, 10 WIENERS PER LB": 10-pound bulk boxes, each bearing package code "PK 092208A" and establishment number "EST. 9156S" within the USDA mark of inspection.
"SKINLESS WIENERS, 12 WIENERS PER LB": 10-pound bulk boxes, each bearing package code "PK 092208A" and establishment number "EST. 9156S" within the USDA mark of inspection.

All of the hot dog products were produced on September 22 and sent to food service institutions and retail establishments in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The Georgia State Department of Agriculture discovered the problem through microbiological testing.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease that can be particularly dangerous in those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. Listeriosis can spread to the nervous system, resulting in high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, confusion, and convulsions.

Among other things, consumers are advised to wash hands with warm, soapy water before and after handling raw meat and poultry for at least 20 seconds. Also, wash cutting boards, dishes, and utensils with hot, soapy water and immediately clean spills. Raw meat, fish, and poultry should be segregated from food that will not be cooked and separate cutting boards should be used for raw meat, poultry, and egg products and cooked foods. Do not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, bologna or other deli meats unless reheated until steaming hot. Listeria can grow in the refrigerator; the refrigerator should be 40 °F or lower and the freezer 0 °F or lower. An appliance thermometer can confirm a refrigerator’s temperature.

Meat Plant Implicated in Massive Listeria Outbreak to Reopen

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

At the end of August, Canada’s Maple Leaf Foods Chief Executive, president Michael McCain, announced that his company was taking full responsibility for a massive listeria outbreak in that country that led to 20 deaths. The Maple Leaf plant in Toronto that was associated with that outbreak has been closed since August 20th.

Now, shipping of processed meats from the implicated Toronto plant will begin next week, with federal permission, following the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s report yesterday that it was satisfied that the plant had been “sufficiently sanitized to resume commercial production.”

The Maple Leaf plant was closed following a sudden increase in reports of listeria-related illnesses. Most reports were originating from nursing homes, hospitals, and other similar type institutions, as well as restaurants and stores. As a result, Maple Leaf issued a recall of all of the over 200 products its Toronto plant produced, costing Maple Leaf Foods in excess of $20 million. The recall was one of Canada's largest-ever food recalls. Samples of two deli meats produced at the Toronto plant tested positive for the same strain of listeria bacteria that sickened dozens and killed 20 Canadians this summer. Inspections revealed that the source of the listeria contamination was deep within the mechanical slicers. Maple Leaf runs 23 plants and is Canada’s largest meat processor.

In August, McCain, said in a news conference that, "The buck stops right here. We have excellent systems and processes in place, but this week it's our best efforts that failed—not the regulators, not the Canadian food safety system.” At the time, Maple Leaf was aware it was facing a number of class action suits. Now, according to Canadian publication, The Toronto Star, 20 families of those who died or were sickened in the massive listeria outbreak have signed on to a class action suit against Maple Leaf Foods. Analysts report that Maple Leaf’s future will depend on its ability to regain consumer confidence.

Canadian health officials have long defended their inspection system, "We have an inspector in place on a daily basis when the plant is running in order to oversee the production process, in order to validate that the controls are indeed in place," said Paul Mayers of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, noting the approach was consistent with international standards. Meanwhile, some members of the inspectors’ union who feel it is sparse and overly dependent on industry data have criticized the system.

Listeria bacteria is considered pervasive and can be found at low levels in food processing plants, grocery stores, kitchens, and on people's hands, McCain noted. Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning generated by Listeria monocytogenes and is particularly dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those undergoing chemotherapy. Most experience mild flu-like symptoms—fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Listeria lives in soil, stream water, sewage, plants, and food and can easily contaminate dairy and beef products. Because Listeria thrives in the cold, refrigerated food products provide an ideal environment for the germ.

NY Fish Inc. Recalls Imperial-European Style Smoked Salmon Over Listeria Risk

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

New York Fish, Inc. of Brooklyn, NY, is recalling its I ♥ NY FISH brand IMPERIAL-EUROPEAN STYLE SMOKED SALMON over concerns that the salmon may have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The salmon comes vacuum packed, in three, eight, and 16 ounce and whole sides quantities. In the smaller quantities, the salmon is delivered sliced on aluminum coated cardboard in a clear plastic, vacuum packed bag with a red, black, and gold sticker label with gold lettering and a small white sticker label that contains the lot numbers. Whole size quantities are considered “to be weighed at time of sale.” The packaging indicates lot numbers 513 1340, 514 1340, 515 1340, and 516 1340.

The I ♥ NY FISH brand IMPERIAL-EUROPEAN STYLE SMOKED SALMON was distributed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Washington, and California to wholesale distributors and retail food stores and has also been found for retail sale in Florida.

This recall is the result of samples of IMPERIAL-EUROPEAN STYLE SMOKED SALMON collected from a retail store in Florida by the Florida State Department of Agriculture, which revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. As a precaution, the company is recalling I ♥ NY brand IMPERIAL-EUROPEAN STYLE SMOKED SALMON bearing the above lot codes. No other codes are being recalled at this time. Consumers who purchased I ♥ NY brand IMPERIAL-EUROPEAN STYLE SMOKED SALMON with the recalled lot codes should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with any questions may contact the company at (718) 342-4100.

Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning generated by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria and is dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those who are undergoing chemotherapy. Most people experience mild flu-like symptoms—fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Listeria lives in soil, stream water, sewage, plants, and food and can easily contaminate dairy and beef products; Listeria thrives in cold environments and can take two months to incubate.

We have long been reporting on the rash of food borne contaminations from Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, Salmonella, and Botulism, to name a few. Part of the reason such illnesses are on the rise, is this country’s outdated and under-funded food-surveillance system that has become overwhelmed by the emergence of mega-farms, -distribution centers, and -transporters. This year alone, Listeria has been the focus of numerous outbreaks in the United States, including products from DBC, Inc., Vita Nova Salmon, Salmolux, Fresca Italia, Whittier Farms, Sea Tac, J&B Meats, Meijer Inc., Chang Farms, Gourmet Boutique, Bright Waters, R&R Alsatian Sausage and Products, Amish Macaroni Salad, Supreme Cuts, Stop and Shop, Piney Ridge Dairy, and Clark and Elaine Duncan's Farm, to name some.

Canada's Listeria Outbreak Waning but Not Over

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

As of this week, the number of confirmed Listeria cases in Canada hit 29; an additional 10 are under investigation. As of Monday, 15 people died. Of the confirmed deaths, almost all were linked to people who were hospitalized or institutionalized prior to the outbreak. Despite this, Public Health Manager, Pam Scharfe of the Huron County Health Unit (HHHU) says, “When you look at the hundreds of thousands of food products that are manufactured and brought into this county, we don’t have that many recalls. We have a good system in place.”

Scharfe said the HHHU conducted 290 visits to places likely to have contaminated meat products, including supermarkets, convenience stores, kids’ camps, daycares, hospitals, and retirement homes. Some products were linked to the recall although none were on sale to the public, and most were awaiting pickup for destruction; unit staff destroyed the remainder. “As a society, we’ve become such a convenient society, even our institutions are buying convenient products,” Scharfe said. “You just don’t see the same cafeterias anymore.”

Because Listeriosis can take over two months to incubate, even though numbers of new Listeriosis reports are falling in Canada, the incubation period continues and new illnesses are possible. “The outbreak can’t be reported over because we could still be seeing cases due to the 70-day incubation period,” said Scharfe.

Maple Leaf’s Sure Slice is the contaminated product that first came to the attention of health officials. Maple Leaf Foods has voluntarily recalled over 220 of their products, with cheeses and sliced mushrooms being added to the list in recent days.

Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning generated by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria and is dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those who are undergoing chemotherapy. Most people experience mild flu-like symptoms—fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Listeria lives in soil, stream water, sewage, plants, and food and can easily contaminate dairy and beef products; Listeria thrives in cold environments.

Although the average age of confirmed cases is 77 in this outbreak, Scharfe has warned that no precaution is too small and if a person is experiencing any of the flu-like symptoms associated with listeria they should still seek medical attention. “If you’re a healthy adult and got several days of vomiting and diarrhea, you should get medical attention,” she said.

As consumers, the main thing to look out for, Scharfe said, is product code 97-B, which can normally be found near the “expiry” date on deli products. If you have any such products in the fridge, throw them out, warns Scharfe. While Maple Leaf was the biggest name in the headlines, there were 42 subsidiary company names associated with the recall.

Canada’s Public Health Association believes the origin of the outbreak to be linked to the internal workings of meat slicers.

Canadian Prime Minister to Order Probe into Listeria Outbreak

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he was "very troubled" by the Listeria outbreak that has killed 13 people in Canada and is ordering a formal investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, the Public Health Agency of Canada reported on Wednesday that a 13th person's death has been linked to contaminated food products from a Maple Leaf Foods plant in the Toronto area.

Six additional Listeria deaths are under investigation to determine if they are linked to Maple Leaf’s Toronto plant. "I am very troubled by this," Harper said. "I know the company says they take full responsibility but I'm very troubled by this. I'm troubled as a father whose family buys and uses some of these products. I'm also troubled as the head of a government that has made substantial investments in our food safety system. When we're done with this particular outbreak and we're certain that it's clear, we will be appointing an independent investigation, an arms-length investigation, to make sure we get to the bottom, on the government and the bureaucratic side, of exactly what transpired and to make sure as we go forward we make changes to our system to make sure this kind of thing can't happen again," Harper added.

Meanwhile, Maple Leaf Foods Chief Executive, president Michael McCain, said in a news conference that his company is fully accountable for the massive listeriosis outbreak in Canada. Maple Leaf is Canada's biggest meat processor. "The buck stops right here," McCain said in a news conference. "We have excellent systems and processes in place but this week it's our best efforts that failed—not the regulators, not the Canadian food safety system," McCain said. "I emphasize this is our accountability and it's ours to fix, which we are taking on fully," he added.

Not so, according to Rick Holley, professor in the department of food science at the University of Manitoba, who says that Canada lacks adequate systems to properly detect and track food-borne illness nationwide and many health problems that may be tied to bacteria in food often go unnoticed, "We know that the food-borne illnesses that are reported are just simply the tip of the iceberg," Dr. Holley said. Canadian federal health officials estimate that there are between 11 and 13 million cases of food-borne illness in Canada annually. The number of recent, high profile recalls of spinach, carrot juice, tomatoes, and other fresh products confirm that bacterial contamination is a major problem. While Prime Minister Stephen Harper has praised the government's efforts at handling the continuing problems tied to Listeria and deli meats, Dr. Holley said there's no doubt that many other Canadians have fallen ill as the result of food-related problems that go undetected.

Canadian health officials defended their inspection system; some members of the inspectors’ union who feel it is sparse and overly dependent on industry data have criticized the system. "We have an inspector in place on a daily basis when the plant is running in order to oversee the production process, in order to validate that the controls are indeed in place," said Paul Mayers of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, noting the approach was consistent with international standards.

Listeria Prompts Recall of Smoked Salmon, Sandwiches

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recalls of two food items due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

According to the FDA, Trans-Ocean Products Inc. of Bellingham, Washington, has recalled its four-oz. Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon. The smoked salmon was sold in three supermarket chains in seven states: Brookshire Brothers in Texas and Louisiana; Price Choppers in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Vermont; and Giant Eagle in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The Trans-Ocean Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon is sliced cold-smoked salmon with black pepper. The salmon is vacuum packaged and is sold in a resealable purple plastic pouch that bears the brand name Trans Ocean Products, with the lot number 54933-2. The lot number is printed in ink jet on the back panel of the package, to the right of the center of the packaging. Consumers who have purchased the salmon are being advised to return the recalled salmon to the place of purchase for a full refund. Trans-Ocean Products can be reached toll-free at 800-290-2722.

Also, Landshire Inc. is recalling its American Sub sandwich. The sandwich was sold at Circle K Convenience Stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The sub sandwich bears the label ''Fresh from the Deli American Sub,'' and is delivered pre-packaged and individually wrapped in clear plastic with a black tray inside of package. The sandwich weighs 9.75 ounces, with lot number of 21882 and UPC code 9748800540; the lot number is printed in black ink on the side of the package. Consumers who purchased the recalled ''Fresh from the Deli American Sub” are urged to return the sandwich to the place of purchase for a full refund. Landshire can be reached toll-free at 800-468-3354.

Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning generated by Listeria monocytogenes and is particularly dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those undergoing chemotherapy. Most experience mild flu-like symptoms—fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Listeria lives in soil, stream water, sewage, plants, and food and can easily contaminate dairy and beef products. Because Listeria thrives in the cold, refrigerated food products provide an ideal environment for the germ.

We have long been reporting on the rash of food borne contaminations from Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, Salmonella, and Botulism, to name a few. Part of the reason such illnesses are on the rise, is this country’s outdated and under-funded food-surveillance system that has become overwhelmed by the emergence of mega-farms, -distribution centers, and -transporters.

This year alone, Listeria has been the focus of numerous outbreaks in the United States, including products from DBC, Inc., Vita Nova Salmon, Salmolux, Fresca Italia, Whittier Farms, Sea Tac, J&B Meats, Meijer Inc., Chang Farms, Gourmet Boutique, Bright Waters, R&R Alsatian Sausage and Products, Amish Macaroni Salad, Supreme Cuts, Stop and Shop, Piney Ridge Dairy, and Clark and Elaine Duncan's Farm, to name some. Also, Hope Food Supply Inc. was ordered to shut down and immediately recall all products manufactured from its Texas facility since 2007 due to possible food contaminant risks following its failure to follow a previous consent decree.

Maple Leaf Foods Takes Full Blame for Listeriosis Outbreak

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Maple Leaf Foods Chief Executive, president Michael McCain, said in a news conference that his company is fully accountable for a massive listeriosis outbreak, which has been linked to deaths of 15 people in Canada. Maple Leaf is Canada's biggest meat processor. "The buck stops right here," McCain said in a news conference. "We have excellent systems and processes in place but this week it's our best efforts that failed—not the regulators, not the Canadian food safety system," McCain said. "I emphasize this is our accountability and it's ours to fix, which we are taking on fully," he added.

The company is facing a number of class action suits and has withdrawn all 220 or so products made at its Toronto plant as a precaution. The recall is one of Canada's largest-ever food recalls. Samples of two deli meats produced at the Toronto plant tested positive for the same strain of listeria bacteria that sickened dozens of Canadians this summer, including 15 people who have since died. Meats from the plant were shipped to nursing homes, hospitals, restaurants, and stores.

Maple Leaf runs 23 plants and McCain said he did not know when the company would reopen the Toronto plant. The plant was closed on August 20. The reopen date has been moved from Tuesday to today. Meanwhile, third-party experts were examining the plant determine the origin of the contamination, which McCain said might not be possible to determine. McCain also said the plant will not reopen until the investigation is complete.

Analysts report that Maple Leaf’s future will depend on its ability to regain consumer confidence. Meanwhile, Maple Leaf shares rose almost four percent to $8.29 Canadian on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Wednesday; however, the stocks have lost more than 20 percent of their value since the recalls began on August 17. McCain declined to provide any further details of the cost of the recall, which the company had previously put at $20 million Canadian ($19 million US). He also would not comment on whether the company lost contracts because of the outbreak.

Canadian health officials defended their inspection system; some members of the inspectors’ union who feel it is sparse and overly dependent on industry data have criticized the system. "We have an inspector in place on a daily basis when the plant is running in order to oversee the production process, in order to validate that the controls are indeed in place," said Paul Mayers of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, noting the approach was consistent with international standards.

Listeria bacteria is considered pervasive and can be found at low levels in food processing plants, grocery stores, kitchens, and on people's hands, McCain noted. Processors focus on preventing listeria from being introduced into packaged foods because it is possible to test contaminated food and not find the bacteria, explained McCain who added, "It's tantamount to if you had a haystack with a needle in it. You can walk out and take 10 samples of that haystack; you likely won't find the needle. What adds value is address what caused the needle getting in there in the first place."

First Class Action Lawsuit Over Maple Leaf Listeria Outbreak

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Over 1,100 people have initiated a class action lawsuit against Canada’s Maple Leaf Foods in response to a growing Listeriosis outbreak associated with Maple Leaf’s Toronto meat plant. To date, the meat contamination has resulted in 29 cases of Listeriosis, including 15 deaths, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The lawsuit involves people who have suffered illness, death, mental distress, or financial losses as a result of the tainted meat and recall; allegations have not yet been proven in court. This past weekend, confirmation was announced that meat tainted with outbreak’s source. Maple Leaf upgraded a precautionary recall of 23 of its products issued last week to all 220 of its packaged meats from the plant. That second recall was issued Monday.

The attorney handling the case estimates that if the lawsuit is successful, the compensation could be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Experts believe the massive recall is expected to cost Maple Leaf at least over $20 million dollars. Since the recall announcements, Maple Leaf shares have lost one-quarter of their value.

Several other companies that use meat products from the Maple Leaf Foods plant have also voluntarily recalled or pulled some of their products including Atlantic Prepared Foods Ltd. which recalled its Irving, Sub Delicious, and Needs brand sandwiches; Metro Ontario Inc., which pulled some of its Fresh 2 Go sandwiches from A & P and Dominion stores; Lucerne Meats, which recalled some Mac's and Safeway sandwiches in Western Canada; and Royal Touch, which pulled its Shopsey's Reuben sandwiches. As for fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Mr. Sub, the only products about which the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is concerned are sliced turkey breast used on the turkey BLT at McDonald's. McDonald’s has temporarily removed the item from its menu. Also of concern is seasoned cooked roast beef used in Mr. Sub sandwich shops; Mr. Sub has also pulled the affected product from its locations.

Of the 15 deaths linked to this Listeriosis outbreak, the vast majority originated in Ontario; British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec have each reported one death, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, which also stated that the Listeria strain was the underlying or contributing factor in six of the 15 fatalities while the deaths of the other nine patients, who had the bacterium in their system, remain under investigation to determine the exact cause. Another 30 medical cases, which have been reported in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, are also being investigated for possible ties to the outbreak.

Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning generated by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria and is dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those who are undergoing chemotherapy. Most people experience mild flu-like symptoms—fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Listeria lives in soil, stream water, sewage, plants, and food and can easily contaminate dairy and beef products; Listeria thrives in cold environments.

More Salmon Recalled Over Listeria Concerns

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The US Food and Drug Administration has just announced that Interior Alaska Fish Processors, Inc. of Fairbanks, Alaska is recalling some of its Santa's Smokehouse brand smoked keta salmon because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled product was sold in random weight portions and packaged in clear plastic vacuum-sealed bags with a label stating: Santa's Smokehouse "teriyaki style smoked keta salmon." Batch number “637” is subject to the recall; the batch number is found on the Santa's Smokehouse label.

Approximately 150 pounds of Santa's Smokehouse brand smoked keta salmon was distributed through the company's retail store in Fairbanks, Alaska and through gift packs sold on the Internet between mid December 2007 and July, 2008. The recall is the result of survey sampling by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, which revealed that the sampled product in question contained the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.

Consumers are being asked to return any Santa's Smokehouse smoked keta salmon with the batch number “637” to Interior Alaska Fish Processors, Inc., with the label, for a full refund. Also, consumers with questions may contact the company at 907-456-3885, order@santassmokehouse.com, or at 2400 Davis Road, Fairbanks, Alaska.

Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning generated by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria and is dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those who are undergoing chemotherapy. Most people experience mild flu-like symptoms—fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Listeria lives in soil, stream water, sewage, plants, and food and can easily contaminate dairy and meat products; Listeria thrives in cold environments.

Listeria can cause death and appears to be responsible for 12 such deaths in Canada, which have been linked to some Maple Leaf Food meat products. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) announced that individually packaged ready-to-eat chicken and turkey sandwiches, manufactured by DBC, Inc.—which also does business as World Class Canapés—were recalled over concerns of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Late last month Vita Nova Salmon was recalled over concerns about Listeria contamination. Earlier in July, wild Alaskan smoked salmon nova lox distributed in a wide variety of states by Salmolux Inc. of Federal Way, Washington, was recalled, also over concerns of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. And, this year alone, Listeria has been the focus of numerous outbreaks, including products from Fresca Italia, Whittier Farms, Sea Tac, J&B Meats, Meijer Inc., Chang Farms, Gourmet Boutique, Bright Waters, R&R Alsatian Sausage and Products; Amish Macaroni Salad; Supreme Cuts, Stop and Shop, Piney Ridge Dairy, and Clark and Elaine Duncan's Farm, to name some. Also, Hope Food Supply Inc. was ordered to shut down and immediately recall all products manufactured from its Texas facility since 2007 due to possible food contaminant risks following its failure to follow a previous consent decree.

Canadian Listeria Death Toll Rises to 12; Many More Feared

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

In Canada, the death toll from listeriosis has risen to 12 and there are also another 26 confirmed cases of food poisoning linked to deli meats produced at a plant owned by Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Officials are saying that there are also another 29 suspected cases of listeriosis and Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said the government expected more cases in the near future. Five other people who died and were tested had the E. coli bacteria in their system, but the causes of their deaths are still under investigation, said Canadian Food Inspection Agency spokesman Mark Raizenne.

Maple Leaf Foods is one of Canada's largest meat processors and has reported that it hopes to reopen its Toronto plant today. That plant is linked to the E. coli outbreak and has been closed for testing and massive sanitization since it recalled about 220 products made at that plant. That recall is one of the largest food recalls to occur in Canada. Health officials said they will test and hold all meat produced at the Toronto plan until they are satisfied it is not contaminated. "The timeframe really isn't theirs. It belongs more to the (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)," Ritz said. Direct costs to Maple Leaf, as a result of the outbreak and recall, currently total about C$20 million ($19 million US dollars). Chief Financial Officer Michael Vels said that reimbursing customers for returned products, cleaning the plant, and other direct expenses will cost the company C$20 million before taxes,

A listeria bacterium with the same genetic fingerprint as that which was found in those who were sickened was found in two beef products made at Maple Leaf’s Toronto plant. Maple Leaf said it's unlikely it will be able to determine how its meat was contaminated. "It's very, very, very difficult, if not impossible, to pinpoint a cause," Vels told analysts on Monday before the latest health announcement. "I don't know how important that is to consumers. I think our perspective is what's more important is we let them know what's going on and we take swift and conservative action to safeguard their health," Vels said.

Meanwhile, three more ready-made sandwich brands were added yesterday. The products were sold in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia and contain some of the meat products from the Maple Leaf Foods plant in Toronto already recalled, the CFIA said. This is in addition to the recent recall of 23 products that was upgraded to all 220 packaged meats from the plant.

Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning generated by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria and is dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those who are undergoing chemotherapy. Most people experience mild flu-like symptoms—fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. In very severe cases, death can occur. In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Listeria lives in soil, stream water, sewage, plants, and food and can easily contaminate dairy and meat products; Listeria thrives in cold environments.

Canadian Listeria Outbreak: Four Dead, 17 Ill, More Cases Feared

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Canadian public health officials are saying they linked a deadly bacterial outbreak of Listeria that has killed four people to recalled meat products from Maple Leaf Foods. The outbreak resulted in 21 confirmed cases of Listeriosis and more are suspected to occur according to officials who note that Listeriosis has an incubation period that averages about three weeks. Meanwhile, an additional 30 suspected cases are being investigated to confirm if they are related to the outbreak.

"Results of genetic testing from three samples of the products recalled by Maple Leaf Foods show that two tested positive for the outbreak strain of listeria," the Public Health Agency of Canada said in a statement. Test results for the third product were a close match to the outbreak strain, but showed a slight variance, the agency added, also saying that the investigation is continuing and is nowhere near over at this time.

Maple Leaf's Toronto plant has shut down temporarily to allow for heavy sanitizing of the facility. Linda Smith, a Maple Leaf spokesperson, said all the recalled meat products had been removed from stores across Canada. The real problem is in determining where the meat products ended up following purchase by distributors, which can include hospitals or retirement homes. "There is a very active effort to work with all the food distribution customers. But it is not as direct, because there are customers, and then those customers have customers," she said.

Small traces of Listeria monocytogenes were discovered in some of the 23 varieties of deli meats recalled by Maple Leaf Foods. In the meantime, the CFIA is advising consumers to discard any recalled meat immediately instead of returning the product to where it was bought and to speak to the store of origin if meat was purchased at a deli counter and there is no labeling to indicate the brand and best-before date in order to determine if the product was included in the recall. As for fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Mr. Sub, the only products about which the CFIA is concerned are sliced turkey breast used on the turkey BLT at McDonald's. McDonald’s has temporarily removed the item from its menu. Also of concern is seasoned cooked roast beef used in Mr. Sub sandwich shops; Mr. Sub has also pulled the affected product from its locations.

Canadian Listeriosis Cases Rising; More Feared

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

An investigation has revealed that the Canadian who fell ill from Listeria monocytogenes was infected with the same strain that killed one person and left several others across Canada ill. "We cannot confirm that the infection was the result of eating the recalled meat," Marie-Claude Gagnon, spokesperson for the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services, said yesterday. "We can't demonstrate a clear link, but many strains of listeria exist and it was the exact same one." Maple Leaf Foods Inc. recently issued a recall of a variety of its meats believed to be tainted with the Listeria bacteria, has temporarily closed its Toronto plant, and has initiated sanitation procedures there. Maple Leaf Foods is Canada’s largest food processor.

Ontario's associate chief medical officer of health, David Williams, said yesterday that he expected more listeriosis cases to be reported, but would not confirm how many deaths are under investigation, saying the cases may still be classified as "probable or suspect." Williams said, "Right now, we only have one death that is confirmed to meet the criteria and in the physician's perspective was the underlying cause of death. I am expecting more (listeriosis) cases to be reported."

The death was of an elderly person in Hamilton, Ontario, whose identity was not released. That province confirmed three other Toronto-area deaths are being investigated where listeria may have been a contributing factor. Authorities are looking into 38 suspected listeriosis cases, said Williams. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says it could take weeks to confirm if there is a connection between the outbreak and tainted meat products from the Maple Leaf Foods processing plant involved in the massive recall.

Small traces of Listeria monocytogenes were discovered in some of the 23 varieties of deli meats recalled by Maple Leaf Foods. The CFIA is still investigating the case to determine if that strain is linked to the fatal outbreak that sickened at least 17 other people this year. "We're going to try to identify the strain that is making people sick," the CFIA's Garfield Balsom said. "How exactly long that will take is very hard to tell right now." Brian Evans, executive vice-president of CFIA said it may have answers by tomorrow. "We don't close the door on any ... possibilities," he said.

In the meantime, the CFIA is advising consumers to discard any recalled meat immediately instead of returning the product to where it was bought and to speak to the store of origin if meat was purchased at a deli counter and there is no labeling to indicate the brand and best-before date in order to determine if the product was included in the recall. As for fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Mr. Sub, the only products about which the CFIA is concerned are sliced turkey breast used on the turkey BLT at McDonald's. McDonald’s has temporarily removed the item from its menu. Also of concern is seasoned cooked roast beef used in Mr. Sub sandwich shops; Mr. Sub has also pulled the affected product from its locations.

Massachusetts Expands Listeria-Tainted Tuna Salad Recall

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) expanded this week’s tuna salad recall and is now advising consumers not to eat any deli-prepared tuna salad purchased from July 26th to August 10th. The tuna salad was recalled over concerns of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination in bulk tuna salad manufactured by wholesale distributor Home Made Brand Foods.

The bulk distributor voluntarily recalled about 5,000 pounds of Ready-to-Eat Tuna Salad after routine sampling found the product had the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.   The recalled tuna salad has an expiration date of August 19th and was distributed to Stop and Shop Supermarkets and other retail supermarkets and delicatessens. Because Home Made Brand Foods is a bulk distributor and the tuna salad distribution is fairly widespread, the Massachusetts DPH is urging consumers to discard and not consume any tuna salad purchased from retail outlets between the two-three week period mentioned.

While no cases of listeriosis infection have yet been reported in connection with this recall, anyone feeling ill after eating deli-prepared tuna salad dated during this time period should seek immediate medical attention. Consumers with questions or concerns may call the DPH Food Protection Program at 617-983-6712.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious food poisoning infection. Listeriosis outbreaks have been associated with consuming unpasteurized or raw milk, contaminated soft cheeses, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meats. The bacterium is found in soil and water and animals can carry the bacterium without appearing ill, contaminating foods of animal origin such as meats and dairy products. Because Listeria thrives in the cold, refrigerated food products provide an ideal environment for the germ.

The disease typically affects pregnant women—often resulting in stillborn deaths or miscarriage—newborns, the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, those undergoing chemotherapy, and those with weakened immune systems and HIV. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur.

Meanwhile, this March, Stop & Shop Supermarket voluntarily recalled four types of prepared chicken due to potential listeria contamination. Also, in 1998, 15 deaths and six miscarriages were linked to listeria traced to meat shipped from the Bil Mar factory near Zeeland and, just last week, the FSIS announced that individually packaged ready-to-eat chicken and turkey sandwiches, manufactured by DBC, Inc.—which also does business as World Class Canapés—were recalled over Listeria contamination concerns discovered through microbiological sampling.

Generally considered a rare food borne illness, in recent months, listeria has been the focus of a number of outbreaks and we have long been reporting on the rash of food borne contaminations from Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, Salmonella, and Botulism, to name a few. Part of the reason such illnesses are on the rise, is this country’s outdated and under-funded food-surveillance system that has become overwhelmed by the emergence of mega-farms, -distribution centers, and -transporters.

New Listeria Scare Prompts Recall of Hawaii Pork

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) just announced the recall of about 4,535 pounds of pork products in Hawaii because they might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Palama Holdings LLC of Kapolei, Hawaii, initiated the recall over concerns that its fully cooked pork products might be tainted with the Listeria bacterium.

The recall involves 16-ounce bags of "May's Hawaii Kalua Brand Pork, Fully Cooked, Smoke Flavor Added." The bags of May's Hawaii Kalua Brand Pork were available for retail purchase and indicate a "freeze-by" date of "9/17/08." Also included in the recall are 10-pound cases of "May's Kalua Brand Pork." Each of these cases has a date code of "21708" and a case code of "325469" indicated. The 10-pound cases each containing two five-pound packages and were packaged for food service use. The Palama Holdings pork products were distributed to Hawaii food service and retail establishments on the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu.

Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning generated by Listeria monocytogenes and is particularly dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those undergoing chemotherapy. Most experience mild flu-like symptoms—fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Listeria lives in soil, stream water, sewage, plants, and food and can easily contaminate dairy and beef products. Because Listeria thrives in the cold, refrigerated food products provide an ideal environment for the germ.

We have long been reporting on the rash of food borne contaminations from Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, Salmonella, and Botulism, to name a few. Part of the reason such illnesses are on the rise, is this country’s outdated and under-funded food-surveillance system that has become overwhelmed by the emergence of mega-farms, -distribution centers, and -transporters. Meanwhile, just last week, the FSIS announced that individually packaged ready-to-eat chicken and turkey sandwiches, manufactured by DBC, Inc.—which also does business as World Class Canapés—were recalled over similar Listeria contamination concerns discovered through microbiological sampling. According to state officials, the sandwiches may have been sold in up to 18 Roche Brothers and Sudbury Farms in eastern Massachusetts.

Late last month Vita Nova Salmon was recalled over concerns about Listeria contamination. Earlier in July wild Alaskan smoked salmon nova lox distributed in a wide variety of states by Salmolux Inc. of Federal Way, Washington, was recalled, also over concerns of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. And, this year alone, Listeria has been the focus of numerous outbreaks, including products from Fresca Italia, Whittier Farms, Sea Tac, J&B Meats, Meijer Inc., Chang Farms, Gourmet Boutique, Bright Waters, R&R Alsatian Sausage and Products; Amish Macaroni Salad; Supreme Cuts, Stop and Shop, Piney Ridge Dairy, and Clark and Elaine Duncan's Farm, to name some. Also, Hope Food Supply Inc. was ordered to shut down and immediately recall all products manufactured from its Texas facility since 2007 due to possible food contaminant risks following its failure to follow a previous consent decree.

Stop & Shop Recalls Store Brand Tuna Salad Over Listeria

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company just announced a voluntary recall of both Stop & Shop tuna salad sold in 12 ounce, pre-packaged containers and tuna salad sold at the service deli. The recall has been initiated over potential contamination with the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium. Stop & Shop was notified of the recall by its supplier and has removed the suspect product from its shelves. The recalls include:

12 oz. Pre-Packaged Stop & Shop Tuna Salad with UPC #0-688267-06663 and Sell-by-date of August 19, 2008.
Service Deli Stop & Shop Tuna Salad with UPC #20880380000 and Sell-by-date(s) of July 28, 2008 thru August 19, 2008.

Customers who purchased the possibly tainted tuna salad products should discard any unused portions or bring their purchase receipt to Stop & Shop for a full refund. Consumers may also speak with Stop & Shop Customer Service at (800) 767-7772 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. for more information and can visit the firm’s Website at www.stopandshop.com.

Meanwhile, this March, Stop & Shop Supermarket voluntarily recalled four types of prepared chicken due to potential listeria contamination. The affected products were sold at the deli counter, in bulk and pre-packaged, in various weights.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious food poisoning infection. Listeriosis outbreaks have been associated with consuming unpasteurized or raw milk, contaminated soft cheeses, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meats. The bacterium is found in soil and water and animals can carry the bacterium without appearing ill, contaminating foods of animal origin such as meats and dairy products. Because Listeria thrives in the cold, refrigerated food products provide an ideal environment for the germ.

The disease typically affects pregnant women—often resulting in stillborn deaths or miscarriage—newborns, the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, those undergoing chemotherapy, and those with weakened immune systems and HIV. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur.

In 1998, 15 deaths and six miscarriages were linked to listeria traced to meat shipped from the Bil Mar factory near Zeeland. Generally considered a rare foodborne illness, in recent months, listeria has been the focus of a number of outbreaks and we have long been reporting on the rash of food borne contaminations from Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, Salmonella, and Botulism, to name a few. Part of the reason such illnesses are on the rise, is this country’s outdated and under-funded food-surveillance system that has become overwhelmed by the emergence of mega-farms, -distribution centers, and -transporters. Meanwhile, just last week, the FSIS announced that individually packaged ready-to-eat chicken and turkey sandwiches, manufactured by DBC, Inc.—which also does business as World Class Canapés—were recalled over similar Listeria contamination concerns discovered through microbiological sampling. According to state officials, the sandwiches may have been sold in up to 18 Roche Brothers and Sudbury Farms in eastern Massachusetts.

New York Dairy Stops Sales After Listeria Found in Another Raw Milk Farm

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

In yet another case where Listeria monocytogenes was discovered in raw milk, Autumn Valley Farm in Worcester, New York, has voluntarily suspended raw milk sales directly to consumers until follow-up sampling indicates the raw milk is free of pathogens. According to a State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Listeria monocytogenes was found during routine testing from a sample taken by one of its inspector’s on July 22; testing was conducted in the agency's food laboratory. Testing is scheduled to take place this week and can take seven-to-10 days for results, said Agriculture and Markets spokeswoman Jessica Chittenden, who added that sales can resume when testing shows the milk, which is unpasteurized, to be bacteria free.

Listeria is one of six pathogens tested for in raw milk, Chittenden said. Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning generated by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria and is dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and those with chronic medical conditions. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system. In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Because listeria thrives in cold, milk is an ideal environment.

Food safety officials say raw milk has sickened hundreds of people with Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and other harmful and potentially fatal bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raw milk or raw milk products were implicated in 45 food-borne illness outbreaks that resulted in over 1,000 cases of illness in the United States from 1998 to May 2005; two deaths occurred. In 1938, milk was the cause of 25 percent of all food- and water-related sickness. With the introduction of universal pasteurization—long considered one of the most successful public health endeavors of the last century—that number fell to one percent by 1993. But, a growing number of dairy owners sell raw milk—some illegally—as part of the growing natural food movement. Some believe raw milk contains organisms that treat all manner of maladies, including digestive problems, asthma, and autism and feel raw milk offers greater benefits because it allegedly does not contain chemicals and hormones found in many dairy products. This growing contingent says the heat necessary for pasteurization kills healthy natural proteins and enzymes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disagrees and insists pasteurization destroys harmful bacteria without significantly changing milk's nutritional value.

It is illegal to sell raw milk for human consumption in 22 states. The other states allow raw milk sales within their borders; the FDA bans sales across state lines. Chittendon says there are 21 farms in New York state with a raw milk permit and guidelines exist to help ensure public safety, including routine state testing, posting signs alerting consumers to the risks, and requiring sales to occur on the farm, where consumers can see the conditions. Autumn Valley owner Darren McGrath said this is the second time in two years that sales have been halted for listeria. The previous halt last summer took about a month to be lifted. "People have drank raw milk for thousands of years, while pasteurization has only been around since the mid-1800s," he said.

Listeria Alert Over Some Code Dates of Vita Nova Salmon

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Vita Food Products, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois has issued an alert regarding 12 individual packages of Vita Nova Salmon, which were sold at Kroger stores in Houston, Texas on or after July 22, 2008. The fish may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Kroger is the grocery chain involved in the ongoing E. coli outbreak linked back to beef supplied to the store by Nebraska Beef. Also, 192 individual packages of Vita Nova Salmon have either possibly been sold or are being offered for sale at various grocery stores in the Avenol, New Jersey metropolitan area.

The Vita Nova Smoked Salmon which is involved in the public announcement and recall are contained within packages of a deep dark blue that bear the Vita logo in the upper left corner on the part of the packaging immediately visible to the consumer. Each package contains four-10 bacon-style slices, which total three ounces of smoked salmon. The salmon slices are contained in a vacuum pack within a box that is four inches wide by 7.5 inches in length by 1/2 inch in depth. Of most importance is the Code Date of 11/16/08 198, which appears on the left end flap of each package. This announcement and recall only applies to packages bearing this specific Code Date.

Consumers purchasing the Vita Nova Salmon with the specified Code Date from a retail store on or after July 22, 2008 should not consume any of the salmon product. Vita Foods asks that the product be sealed in a plastic bag or placed in a similar container and returned to the retailer from which it was purchased and that any person who has purchased the product with the specified code date call 1-800-989-8482.

Meanwhile, earlier this month we reported on the recall of wild Alaskan smoked salmon nova lox distributed in a wide variety of states by Salmolux Inc. of Federal Way, Washington, also over concerns of potential Listeria monocytognes contamination. And, this year alone, Listeria has been the focus of numerous outbreaks, including products from Fresca Italia, Whittier Farms, Sea Tac, J&B Meats, Meijer Inc., Chang Farms, Gourmet Boutique, Bright Waters, R&R Alsatian Sausage and Products; Amish Macaroni Salad; Supreme Cuts, Stop and Shop, Piney Ridge Dairy, and Clark and Elaine Duncan's Farm, to name some. Also, Hope Food Supply Inc. was ordered to shut down and immediately recall all products manufactured from its Texas facility since 2007 due to possible food contaminant risks following its failure to follow a previous consent decree.

Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning generated by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria and is dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those who are undergoing chemotherapy. Most people experience mild flu-like symptoms—fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Listeria lives in soil, stream water, sewage, plants, and food and can easily contaminate dairy and beef products; Listeria thrives in cold environments.

US Far Behind Other Countries on Food Safety

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

We’ve long been reporting on the sorry state of food regulation in the United States, as well as the frequent, nationwide outbreaks of deadly food borne illnesses such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli that are the result. Given the recent problems with meat and produce that have sickened thousands and hospitalized dozens in the past couple of months, it is apparent that our food safety systems needs—if not an overhaul—some changes to better protect Americans.

Although the US is not the only “developed country” to suffer problems associated with tainted food products, we are quickly gaining a reputation for being terribly lax in handling the problem. And, now, a new federal report on the “common-sense steps” which have been taken by other countries, including Japan, Canada, and Ireland as well as a variety of other nations, might provide a “practical guide to food safety.” Many are wondering why the US has not yet begun to follow at least some of the proven steps in the report, which was released this week by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

The report outlines steps that don’t involve large “government bureaucracies” but do seem to have some tangible solutions. For example, one of the suggestions is the creation of one agency to oversee food safety. In the US we have the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees meat and poultry and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which oversees most everything else.

Foreign agencies can recall dangerous food products and also require producers to recall products when there is reason to believe products might be unsafe. This is not done in the US. Also, the foreign agencies responsible for protecting consumers don’t mitigate responsibilities by promoting the industry in which it monitors, which is done here and can be seen with the USDA in which it both inspects meat and protects the cattle industry. Perhaps this is why the USDA conducts minimal testing and is hard at work to cease the efforts of a beef producer looking to increase its safety standards.

The foreign countries also adopted a "farm to table" policy in which safety laws cover every stage of food production, beginning at the field and following the food to shipper, processor, and so on, placing the bulk of food safety responsibility on food producers. Also, importers are required to pay for the disposal of bad food and must focus inspections on foods carrying the greatest contamination risk. Also, the European Union tracks food from field to table in a "one step forward, one step back" system, wherein at each stage the company shipping or handling the food must know both its supplier and its customer. It is the lack of such a tracking system that is contributing to why the FDA cannot find the source of the salmonella outbreak that has recently sickened over 1,100 people across the US.

Worse, the FDA has not implemented the food protection plan it announced last year, which included focusing its resources on the highest risks. The FDA has only gone so far as to have recently informed Congress on how much money is needed for the plan.

Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Nova Lox Recalled

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Salmolux Inc. of Federal Way, Washington—with the knowledge of the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA)—is recalling lot # 01418 of its Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Nova Lox over concerns of a potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The lox is sold in three-ounce, blue packages with lot # 01418 on its rear, white label where the product name, ingredients, and an expiration date are located. The recalled Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Nova Lox was distributed in Arizona, California, and Nevada in Von's retail outlets. The recalled salmon was also distributed to to Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia in Food Lion retail outlets.

After routine testing by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Listeria monocytogenes was found in the three-ounce packages of Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Nova Lox. Consumers who have purchased the recalled salmon are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Salmolux at (253) 874-2026 x214.

Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning generated by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria and is dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, those with chronic medical conditions, people with HIV, or those who are undergoing chemotherapy. Most people experience mild flu-like symptoms—fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. In serious cases, the disease spreads to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, and convulsions. In pregnant women, Listeriosis can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Listeria lives in soil, stream water, sewage, plants, and food and can easily contaminate dairy and beef products; Listeria thrives in cold environments.

This year, Listeria has been the focus of numerous outbreaks, including: All lot codes and expirations dates for Fresca Italia of Brisbane California’s Burrata cheese; three cases linked to soft cheeses in North Carolina; and four deaths and more sickened in a Massachusetts Whittier Farms dairy outbreak. In Washington, Ca Rem #1 Ice Cream, SeaTac recalled popsicles; in Minnesota, the Department of Agriculture issued an alert over J&B Meats smoked pork and beef bratwurst; in Michigan, Meijer Inc. pulled 2,184 pounds of frozen entrees; in Rhode Island, the Department of Health issued a warning about infected soy sprouts sold under Chang Farms label; in New York, the Gourmet Boutique recalled about 286,000 pounds of fresh and frozen beef, pork, and poultry products; and, in Georgia, the Department of Agriculture found Listeria in Bright Water Smoked Salmon & Cheese Spread. R&R Alsatian Sausage and Products recalled beef jerky products; the FDA recalled Amish Macaroni Salad; Supreme Cuts, LLC recalled 87 cases of Off the Cob Fresh Kernel Corn; Stop and Shop recalled four types of chicken; and raw milk from Piney Ridge dairy and Clark and Elaine Duncan's farm was contaminated. Recently, the FDA directed Hope Food Supply Inc. to shut down and immediately recall all products manufactured from its Texas facility since 2007 due to possible food contaminant risks following Hope’s failure to follow a previous consent decree.

Listeria Bacteria Food Poisoning Symptoms Injury Lawyer

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Have You Been infected By Listeria?

Listeria is a bacterium that is found in soil, vegetation, raw milk, meat, poultry, cheeses (particularly soft mould-ripened varieties) and salad vegetables. Listeria can also be found in animals and humans. Listeria monocytogenes is a common version of the disease that can cause illness in humans. An estimated 2,500 cases of listeria occur in the U.S. each year. Approximately 200 in every 1000 cases result in death.

Listeria monocytogenes can grow at low temperatures, even in the fridge. Thorough cooking of food and pasteurisation of milk can destroy Listeria bacteria. Listeria often invades the body through a normal and intact gastrointestinal tract. Once in the body, Listeria can travel through the blood stream but the bacteria are often found inside cells where toxins are produced resulting in damaged cells.

Symptoms
The duration of Listeria symptoms too develop can take days or weeks. Symptoms can vary from mild flu-like illness to meningitis and septicaemia; and in pregnant women, abortion, miscarriage or birth of an infected child. Other people at risk are those whose immune systems are compromised, the very young and the very old. These individuals are advised to avoid certain foods, such as soft mould-ripened cheeses and pates, because the risk of infection is very high.

Pregnant women are about 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to get listeriosis; about one-third of listeriosis cases take place during pregnancy. The incidence of listeriosis in the newborn is 8.6 cases per 100,000 live births. The perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) from listeriosis is 80%.

Treatment
There are numerous antibiotics that Listeria may be treated with. If the infection occurs during pregnancy, antibiotics given promptly to the pregnant woman can often prevent infection of the fetus. Babies with listeriosis receive the same antibiotics as adults, although a combination of antibiotics is often used until physicians are certain of the diagnosis.

Prevention
General recommendations include: thoroughly cook raw food from animal sources; keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables and from cooked and ready-to-eat foods; avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk; wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods; wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating; and consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible.

Legal Help for Victims
If you or a loved one has been infected with Listeria you may have valuable legal rights, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified diseases attorney. Or call our toll free number: 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).