Author: Kit Redwine

Berkeley, California-based Once Upon a Farm has announced a voluntary recall of a specific baby food product due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (“Listeria”). Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. The recall was initiated by the company on May 17, 2024 and is still ongoing. Background The notice was published on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Enforcement report site. As of this writing, Once Upon a Farm does not appear to have issued a press release…

A widespread outbreak of E. coli bacteria has sickened at least 113 people across the United Kingdom in recent weeks. Health officials believe a nationally distributed food product is likely the source, though the specific item has not yet been identified, according to a recent article by the BBC. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that testing indicates all the cases reported since May 25th are linked to a single outbreak of E. coli. Given the wide geographic spread spanning England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, experts surmise there is a contaminated batch of some food product being sold…

Updated June 5, 2024. Delray, Florida-based Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. has initiated a recall of whole cucumbers distributed to several states between May 17th and May 21st, 2024. The recall is due to the potential contamination of these cucumbers with Salmonella, a bacterium that can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The recall began when the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture discovered that a sample of the product tested positive for Salmonella. The FDA is now using whole genome sequencing to find out if this sample…

Commerce, California-based South American Meat Inc., also doing business as 5Gogi LLC, has initiated a recall of over 20,000 pounds of various frozen raw beef products. These products were not presented to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for required import reinspection when they entered the United States. The recall aims to prevent any potential health risks associated with uninspected meat products. Background Routine surveillance activities by the FSIS identified the problem. FSIS determined that the products were not presented for import reinspection, which is a violation of safety protocols. According to the announcement on the USDA’s website…

Dairy Manufacturers Inc., a Prosper, TX-based company, has issued a voluntary recall for a specific lot of Crecelac Infant 0-12 infant formula sold in the United States. This is an expansion of a previous voluntary recall by the company. This expanded recall was prompted by concerns over potential contamination with Cronobacter, a bacterium that can cause serious and even life-threatening infections, such as sepsis or meningitis. Background The recall was initiated after sampling found the presence of the bacterium Cronobacter spp. in the affected product. These products were sold exclusively in Texas at the retail level. Product Details Consumer Action…

UBC Food Distributors, based in Dearborn, Michigan, has issued a recall for its Baraka-brand Ground Black Pepper. The recall was prompted by concerns over potential contamination with Salmonella, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Background Routine sampling by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets found Salmonella in some 7 ounce packages of Baraka-brand ground black pepper. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) then alerted UBC Food Distributors of the presence of Salmonella in the product. The recalled product was sold in retail stores across the country. As of this writing, the…

A multi-industry initiative is underway to enhance food safety culture across the supply chain. The Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness is a collaborative effort that unites major food companies with consumers who have been affected by food safety issues. The goal of this alliance is to foster positive changes in food safety practices to prevent future incidents and protect public health. The Need for Food Safety Improvement According to Vending Market Watch Magazine, an estimated 48 million Americans suffer from foodborne illnesses each year. Of that 48 million, 128,000 people must be hospitalized, and 3,000 die due to foodborne pathogens. …

Publix Super Markets, the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the United States, has issued a recall for certain ground beef products. The recall specifically affects ground beef sold at The Village at Flynn Crossing location in Alpharetta, Georgia. Background The recall was initiated due to concerns about potential contamination from foreign material in the ground beef. The recall does not state how the contamination was discovered or what foreign materials might be present. “As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted product has been removed from store shelves,” said Maria Brous, Publix Director of Communications, in the recall…

Nearly 100 people suffered from food poisoning at a community event in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The incident occurred during a gathering organized in celebration of Ekadashi, a three-day religious fast dedicated to the god Vishnu, where around 1,500 attendees were present. The primary dish served was Khichdi, a traditional meal of rice and moong lentils, often prepared for such occasions. Shortly after breaking their fast and consuming the food, many individuals began experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting and nausea. Health authorities were alerted to the situation as the number of affected individuals quickly increased. Those who fell ill were promptly transported…

Delray, Florida-based Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. has initiated a recall of whole cucumbers distributed to several states between May 17th and May 21st, 2024. The recall is due to the potential contamination of these cucumbers with Salmonella, a bacterium that can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The recall began when the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture discovered that a sample of the product tested positive for Salmonella. The FDA is now using whole genome sequencing to find out if this sample is linked to an…