In the news

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reported that the food recall warning issued on June 23, 2021, for tahini products, has been updated to include additional products. Phoenicia Group Inc. also recalls Al-Rabih brand Halva / Halawa – Plain / Traditional from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. This recall was triggered by CFIA discovering Salmonella in a sample during a routine inspection. The product was distributed in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, and perhaps nationwide. No illnesses have been reported.@ https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2021/75915r-eng.php

The FDA reported that Dole Diversified North America, Inc. recalled a limited number of cases of Dole™ Fresh Blueberries packaged in various clamshell sizes for potential Cyclospora contamination. This voluntary recall is due to possible Cyclospora contamination on Dole™ Fresh Blueberries. Dole Diversified North America, Inc. is coordinating closely with regulatory officials. No illnesses have been reported to date in association with the recall. The impacted products were distributed in four US states (IL, ME, NY, and WI) and two Canadian provinces (Alberta and British Columbia). @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dole-diversified-north-america-inc-announces-limited-recall-doletm-fresh-blueberries-potential?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported that  Avanti Frozen Foods Pvt. Ltd recalls consignments of various sizes of frozen cooked, peeled, deveined shrimp (with some packaged with cocktail sauce) sold in various unit sizes because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The frozen shrimp products were distributed nationwide from late December 2020 to late February 2021. There have been six reports of Salmonella-related illness to date associated with these cooked shrimp distributions. The FDA identified the potential for contamination based on its prior testing of frozen cooked shrimp imported by Avanti Frozen Foods containing Salmonella.  Avanti Frozen Foods did not distribute and destroyed that prior shipment found to be violative. The company has taken preventative steps to eliminate the potential for future contamination. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/avanti-frozen-foods-recalls-frozen-cooked-shrimp-because-possible-health-risk?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA advises consumers not to purchase or eat Little Hatch’s ready-to-eat Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip, Queso, Spicy Queso, Roasted Chili Salsa Medium, and Roasted Chili Salsa Hot sold in 13.5 oz or 14 oz containers due to a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This recall is a continuation of the previous recall. On May 20, 2021, Interstate Food Products initiated a voluntary recall of “Little Hatch’s” brand Jalapeno Cream Cheese, Queso, and Spicy Queso products with specific sell-by dates that the FDA tested and found positive for Listeria monocytogenes. On June 15, 2021, Interstate Food Products indicated to the FDA that they might need to expand the recall further to include “Little Hatch’s” brand Roasted Chili Salsa Hot after conducting their own testing and confirming additional positive Listeria monocytogenes findings. Little Hatch’s products are manufactured by Interstate Food Products, LLC and distributed to Whole Foods Market Distribution Center, Denver, CO, Whole Foods Market Rocky Mountain Regional states – CO, KS, MO, NM, UT, TX, WY, Natural Grocers, Denver, CO, and Lucky Market, Denver, CO. The FDA detected Listeria monocytogenes in retail samples of Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip, Queso, and Spicy Queso and subsequently initiated an inspection at the manufacturing facility. The FDA confirmed Listeria monocytogenes in 23 of 149 samples taken from processing, packaging, and storage areas at the facility, including various food-contact surfaces. The FDA is issuing this alert because the agency is concerned with the firm’s ongoing Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The FDA is continuing its efforts to remove Little Hatch’s product from the market. @ 

https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/public-health-alert-concerning-possible-listeria-contamination-little-hatchs-ready-eat-foods?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery