This recall was triggered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) test results. The CFIA is currently conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to more recalls

The product was distributed in Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan. The CFIA is verifying that the recalled product is removed from the marketplace.

Consumers are being told not to consume the recalled product.

The recalled product:

So far, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of the recalled product

Questions can be directed to the CFIA at 800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.), or 613-773-2342 (local or international).

About Listeria infections

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth.

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The recommendations by the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) follow an updated country profile in July 2020, assessing Norway’s performance in food and veterinary areas. This profile is based on a general review audit by ESA in the country in February 2020.

In this audit, ESA assessed how Norway has followed up on 38 open recommendations out of 54 made in visits between October 2016 and December 2018.

The EFTA Surveillance Authority monitors compliance with European Economic Area (EEA) rules in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Country profiles have information on how control systems for food and feed safety, animal health and welfare are organized. To verify actions taken to address recommendations issued in sector-specific audits, ESA conducts a general review audit.

Veterinary checks on animal products
Although Norway has made good progress to address most points, it has not yet taken appropriate measures to address recommendations made on the import control system following a visit in October 2017 on the use of TRACES in import and trade, according to ESA.

TRACES NT is the European Commission’s online platform for sanitary and phytosanitary certification needed to import animals, animal products, food and feed of non-animal origin and plants into the EU. More than 40,000 users from 85 countries employ it.

ESA required improvements to ensure that all animal products from third countries undergo veterinary checks at the Norwegian border. A case has now been opened to investigate further.

One of the recommendations that ESA judged appropriate measures were not taken in a timely manner concerned authorities ensuring that no consignments in transit from a non-EEA country are introduced into the area without undergoing the necessary veterinary checks.

The other was about Norway ensuring customs authorities allow the intended customs-approved treatment or use of the consignments only in accordance with regulation.

Norway response
During the general review audit Mattilsynet (Norwegian Food Safety Authority) informed the ESA that outstanding issues will be completed by development of IT solutions within the customs digitalization program, in which the TREFF-project is a central part. Deadline for full implementation is 2024.

The ESA may send a letter of formal notice to a country, indicating it considers them to be in breach of their obligations. If the issues are not resolved, the ESA may deliver a reasoned opinion, requiring them to comply with the EEA rules in question. If the country still does not comply, the ESA can refer the matter to the EFTA Court.

In November 2019 the ESA carried out a check on hygiene in milk and meat, and their products. The final report was published in May 2020. An audit on ready to eat food is planned for fall this year and one on veterinary medicinal products and residues has been postponed until 2021.

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Two food firms have received warning letters for misbranding. Misbranding is a food safety concern because undeclared allergens and other labeling problems are a serious threat to public health.

Winter Gardens Quality Foods Inc.
New Oxford, PA

A company in Pennsylvania is on notice from the FDA for not declaring milk, a major food allergen, on Whole Foods brand Vodka Sauce’s finished product label. This was the result of a mistaken switching of product labels. 

In a Aug. 5 warning letter the FDA explains its inspectors determined that Winter Gardens Quality Foods Inc. did not follow the requirements of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food regulation (CGMP & PC rule).

On March 20, after the firm was notified by a customer of a mislabeled product, the firm recalled the Whole Foods brand Vodka Sauce. The Vodka Sauce, which contains milk, was mislabeled with Puttanesca Sauce back panel ingredient labels that do not declare milk. 

The firm stated “the associate that was changing over the label machine did not properly check the new roll of labels.” On June 10 the company provided an updated “Procedure for Proper Packaging and Labeling,” and records of employee training as evidence of corrective actions taken by your firm. The FDA will verify implementation of any corrective actions during the next inspection of their facility.

The full warning letter can be viewed here.

Pero Family Farms Food Company LLC
Delray Beach, FL

A company in Florida is on notice from the FDA for not declaring egg and milk, major food allergens, on Zucchini Spiral Pesto Side Dish Kits finished product labels. This was the result of a mistaken switching of product labels.

In Aug. 5 warning letter the FDA explains that they have determined that Pero Family Farms Food Company, LLC did not follow the requirements of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food regulation (CGMP & PC rule).

On March 10, after the firm was notified by a customer of a mislabeled product, the it recalled Zucchini Spiral Pesto Side Dish Kits. The Zucchini Spiral Pesto Side Dish Kits were mislabeled with a sweet teriyaki veggie rice back panel label that does not declare egg and milk ingredients. The firm provided corrective and preventive actions to the Office of Human and Animal Food Operations East Division 4 Recall Coordinator (DRC) by email on April 9 stating, “(redacted).” The FDA will verify implementation of any corrective actions during the FDA’s next inspection of your facility.

The full warning letter can be viewed here.

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The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak in that country, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), but the health department had not posted a public notice as of this afternoon.

In the United States, the outbreak has sickened 68 people across nine states. At least 14 people had to be admitted to hospitals. No deaths have been confirmed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Grocery chains in the U.S. that received the recalled peaches include Walmart, Kroger, and Wegmans. For a list, see below.

Eleven different weights and brands of fresh peaches are subject to the recall in Canada.

“The CFIA is warning the public not to consume and retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and foodservice establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, and nursing homes not to serve, use, or sell the products described below,” according to the recall notice.

“Prima Wawona, located in Fresno, California, has recalled fresh peaches with various brand names due to possible Salmonella contamination. Various importers in Canada are conducting a recall of the affected products. Peaches with the same PLU numbers and that are ‘Product of Canada’ are not affected.”

Peaches recalled in Canada are:

U.S. distribution
Retailers in the United States that received recall product from Prima Wawona or Wawona Packing Company include, but are not limited to:

• ALDI
• Target
• Kroger recall, including the following affiliated retailers: Jay-C, King Soopers. City Market. Fry’s, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Foods Co., and Smiths
• Walmart
• Wegmans

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled peaches and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

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Scientists used national surveillance data to analyze the relationship between climate and campylobacteriosis in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden and estimate impact of climate changes on future disease patterns.

They found nearly 6,000 excess Campylobacter cases per year in these four countries could be linked only to climate changes, according to the study published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Domestic cases of campylobacteriosis are commonly linked to contaminated food or drink such as poultry or unpasteurized milk. However, recently environmental and behavioral factors such as recreational water contact, occupational exposure at poultry farms and abattoirs and contact with household pets have emerged as important transmission routes.

Climate impact
A total of 64,034 reported cases of Campylobacter were included in the final database. However, it featured only domestic patients for Norway and Sweden but both domestic and cases of unknown origin from Denmark and Finland.

During the baseline period from 2000 to 2015, the average annual number of cases per 100,000 people in the four countries was 42, ranging from 25 in Norway to 60 in Denmark. This was predicted to rise to 117 in 2080 to 2089. The database also included per municipality per week and year from 2000 to 2015 precipitation and temperature, the number of heat waves and days with heavy precipitation.

Researchers calculated the excess number of cases caused only by climate change. Results showed climate changes can result in an average 145 more annual cases of Campylobacter by 2040 to 2049 and almost 1,500 by the late 2080s in each country per year. The effect was less pronounced in Sweden.

Models for Campylobacter and climate showed the amount of cases in any week during the summer rose significantly with increasing temperature and heavy rainfall in the previous week, suggesting a non-food transmission route. A rise in heat waves in any week during summer as well as increases in precipitation during winter decreased the amount of Campylobacter cases reported one week later.

Researchers estimated the effects of arbitrary climate changes in models by changing the different variables. For instance, a 1 millimeter increase in precipitation with all other variables unchanged in any municipality in any week during the summer will result in a 38 percent increase in Campylobacter cases in that municipality the following week.

Changing seasonal occurrence
Predictions indicate that Campylobacter cases in the four Nordic countries combined can increase by 25 percent by the end of the 2040s and 196 percent by the end of the 2080s compared to the predicted baseline of 2000 to 2015. The impacts vary with country and time period with the highest increases predicted in Denmark and Norway during the late part of the period.

Models also predict a change in future seasonal distribution of cases. At present, Campylobacter increases during spring and summer and almost half of the annual total is reported between July and September.

During 2040 to 2059, this pattern will remain similar although the high season extends until November. For later scenarios, the seasonal variation has become less pronounced with cases increasing from April and remaining higher until November. This means only a third of cases will be reported in July to September.

Campylobacter disease transmission reflects chicken flock infection rates and human behavior such as barbecues and outdoor activities, both of which are dependent on weather and likely to alter in a changing climate.

Researchers said results likely over-estimate the future number of cases as public health systems will adapt to higher incidences by taking stronger measures to reduce incidence.

“Establishing how extreme weather events and climate changes affect campylobacteriosis can form the basis of well-guided early warning systems in vulnerable areas and better targeting of prevention and control measures, potentially reducing the public health and economic impact of Campylobacter in these areas.”

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All of the implicated peaches were packed or supplied by Prima Wawona or Wawona Packing Co., both of California.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that epidemiologic evidence indicates peaches are the likely source of this outbreak. As of Aug. 19, the CDC reported a total of 68 confirmed patients across nine states. The Food and Drug Administration’s investigation to identify a source of contamination is ongoing.

Today, Prima Wawona expanded the recall to include bagged and bulk, or loose, peaches that they supplied to retailers nationwide.

The firm’s news release states it is recalling “bulk/loose peaches distributed and sold from June 1 through Aug. 3 and its bagged Wawona and Wawona Organic peaches distributed and sold from June 1 through Aug. 19 because the products could possibly be contaminated with Salmonella.”

“Consumers who cannot remember when they purchased peaches supplied by Prima Wawona should throw them away. Consumers who purchased loose peaches prior to Aug. 3, 2020, and don’t know if they are from Prima Wawona should throw them away,” according to the FDA outbreak update posted today.

The bagged peaches were distributed and sold in supermarkets with the following product codes:

• Wawona Peaches – 033383322001
• Wawona Organic Peaches – 849315000400
• Prima® Peaches – 766342325903
• Organic Marketside Peaches at Walmart – 849315000400
• Kroger Peaches – 011110181749
• Wegmans Peaches – 077890490488

For bagged peaches, the product codes may be found at the bottom of each package. All affected peaches may be found in stores nationwide.

Retailers that received recall product from Prima Wawona or Wawona Packing Company include, but are not limited to:

• ALDI
• Target
• Kroger recall, including the following affiliated retailers: Jay-C, King Soopers. City Market. Fry’s, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Foods Co., and Smiths
• Walmart
• Wegmans

The bulk and loose peaches supplied by Prima Wawona are sold in grocery stores in a variety of formats, typically bins where consumers may select their own fruit and may have the following stickers with PLU numbers on them: 4037, 4038, 4044, 4401, 94037, 94038, 94044, 94401. Not all peaches with these PLU codes are supplied by Prima Wawona. Consumers who are unsure of the brand or variety of your loose peaches, you can contact your retailer or supplier, or throw them out, according to the FDA.

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The FSIS staff will discuss the agency’s commitment to reduce pathogen contamination by leading with science, building relationships, and influencing behavior change to decrease Salmonella infections associated with FSIS-regulated products and save lives.

The week prior to the public meeting, the OFS will release the “Roadmap to Reducing Salmonella: Driving Change through Science-Based Policy,” which outlines how OFS and FSIS will advance programs and policies that are science-based, data-driven, and promote innovation to reduce Salmonella in meat, poultry, and egg products.

Salmonella is an important foodborne pathogen of concern in multiple FSIS-regulated food products. To address foodborne sources of Salmonella, FSIS is committed to aggressively targeting Salmonella in regulated meat, poultry, and processed egg products through various strategies and initiatives. The public meeting is part of FSIS’ efforts to be transparent and share data with stakeholders, including regulated establishments, other government agencies, industry groups, and the public.

FSIS is announcing that it will hold a virtual public meeting through a Federal Register notice and the agency is seeking comments on the Salmonella initiatives addressed at the public meeting. Industry, interested individuals, organizations, and other stakeholders are invited to participate in the public meeting and to comment on the Roadmap data and science that drive FSIS’ Salmonella reduction efforts. Interested parties should submit comments on or before September 25, 2020 at http://www.regulations.gov.

The virtual public meeting is set for Sept. 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. EDT. Questions must be submitted by Sept. 10 to FRN@usda.gov. Stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide oral comments during the public meeting. Stakeholders must notify FSIS during registration of their wish to speak at the meeting. The meeting is virtual and will be viewed via the Webex link provided by email when you register for the meeting. There is no fee to register for the public meeting, but pre-registration is mandatory for participants attending. All attendees must register online at https://ems8.intellor.com?do=register&t=1&p=831058.

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As of yesterday there were 68 confirmed cases of Salmonella infections in people spread across nine states. For those with information available, 14 have been admitted to hospitals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Prima Wawona of Fresno, CA, reported to the Food and Drug Administration that only bagged peaches — not those sold in bulk or loose fruit — are implicated in the recall. Aldi and Target already recalled Wawona peaches linked to the outbreak.

According to the recall notice, Wawona distributed and sold the implicated peaches from June 1 through Aug. 19 in supermarkets. People can use the following labeling information to determine whether they have the recalled peaches in their homes:

• Wawona Peaches – 033383322001
• Wawona Organic Peaches – 849315000400
• Prima Peaches – 766342325903
• Organic Marketside Peaches – 849315000400
• Kroger Peaches – 011110181749
• Wegmans Peaches – 077890490488

The product codes can be found at the bottom of each package.

The bagged peaches were distributed through retailers in the following states: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Anyone who has the recalled product in their possession should dispose of it immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact Prima Wawona’s toll-free number at 877-722-7554 or visit its website at wawonapacking.com.

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled peaches and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

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“USDA is excited to announce the new committee members to NACMPI and NACMCF,” said Under Secretary for Food Safety Mindy Brashears. “These committee members represent a diverse group distinguished by their knowledge and interest in meat and poultry safety. Their expertise and advice play a key role in informing USDA’s food safety decisions to ensure the U.S continues to have one of the safest food systems in the world.”

The new NACMPI members appointed to serve two-year terms are:

• Jimmy L. Avery, Mississippi State University
• William H. Battle, Pride of the Pond and Battle Fish North
• Tina Conklin, Michigan State University
• Patricia Ann Curtis, North Carolina State University
• Jennifer A. Eberly, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
• Casey Lynn Gallimore, North American Meat Institute
• Joseph Jay Harris, Southwest Meat Association
• Curtis Lynn Knipe, Ohio State University
• Byron Williams, Mississippi State University
• Sherri L. Williams, JBS USA, LLC

See here for the full list of NACMPI members.

The newly appointed NACMCF member to serve a two-year term is Shannara Lynn, National Oceanic, and Atmospheric Administration

See here the full list of NACMCF members.

Background

NACMPI was established in 1971 by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). NACMPI is an advisory committee that advises on food safety concerns and other matters affecting inspection program activities, including food safety policies that will contribute to USDA’s regulatory policy development. More information on NACMPI is available on the FSIS website.

NACMCF was established in 1988 by the USDA’s FSIS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the Department of Commerce (National Marine Fisheries Service), and the U.S. Department of Defense. NACMCF is an advisory committee that provides impartial scientific advice and peer reviews to food safety agencies on public health issues related to the safety and wholesomeness of domestic, imported, and exported foods. More information on NACMCF is available on the FSIS website.

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Food (DGAL) said the items, mainly beef, poultry and smoked fish, were manufactured without the necessary approvals.

The decision follows an inspection by officials in Seine-et-Marne with police in Meaux at a site located in the town. Authorities in Seine-et-Marne this past week ordered all production at the establishment to be stopped until further notice because of the potential risk to human health posed by the foodstuffs produced at the site and placed on the market.

They found the operation of Djen Foods took place in a premises with equipment unsuitable for production of foodstuffs.

Inspection findings
The establishment did not have the sanitary approval necessary for its activity and breaches of hygiene regulations intended to secure the production and placing on the market of products were observed, according to authorities.

They added performing sensitive operations such as drying and smoking or vacuum packing processed and refrigerated products, without control of the hygienic conditions and temperatures of foodstuffs poses a serious risk. Shortcomings were also noted in product traceability.

Officials did not say how long Djen Foods had been operating for or if anyone had reported an illness in relation to products from the site. French media, citing an article in Le Parisien, which is behind a paywall, quoted the owner saying he had been operating since last year and had told the authorities what he was producing and how but had not received a visit.

The recall and withdrawal includes all products marketed by Djen Foods or bearing a Djen Foods label: such as meat and fish, fresh or smoked, or other cooked dishes, in bulk or vacuum packed, kept at room temperature, refrigerated or frozen regardless of the use-by date on the foods.

Products are marketed mainly in Ile de France, probably in establishments specializing in sales of exotic foods. They can be identified by labels indicating: “Made in France by Djen Foods”.

Health officials recommended that those in possession of the implicated products do not consume them and return them to the point of sale for destruction.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food are continuing to investigate particularly around product traceability.

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