Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts

recall

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts

NJLINCS Health Alert Network
Distributed by the New Jersey Department of Health

 

Subject: Public Health Advisory: Heat-Related Illness and Outdoor Worker Safety
Date: 07/31/2024 11:54:23
Official Message No.: 112157-7-31-2024-PHAD
Contact Info: Marija Borjan | 6098264972 | Marija.Borjan@doh.nj.gov
Richard Opiekun | 6098264972 | Richard.Opiekun@doh.nj.gov

Working outdoors can increase the risk of heat-related illness, dehydration, sunburn, and skin cancer. Learn more about ways to protect the health of outdoor workers in these three fact sheets (available below in English and Spanish):

 

Subject: Public Health Advisory: Boar's Head Provisions Co. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Liverwurst And Other Deli Meat Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Date: 07/26/2024 09:58:20
Official Message No.: 112150-7-26-2024-PHAD
Contact Info: Virginia Wheatley | 609-826-4935 | virginia.wheatley@doh.nj.gov
Alan Talarsky | 609-826-4935 | alan.talarsky@doh.nj.gov 

Boar's Head Provisions Co. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Liverwurst And Other Deli Meat Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
FSIS Announcement
NOTE: NJDOH is requesting that during the course of routine inspections, local health departments ensure that these products are no longer for sale.

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2024 – Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is recalling all liverwurst product produced by the establishment that is currently available in commerce because it may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The company is also recalling additional deli meat products that were produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst and, therefore, may be adulterated with L. monocytogenes. The company is recalling approximately 207,528 pounds of products.

The ready-to-eat liverwurst products were produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, and have a 44-day shelf life. The following liverwurst products are subject to recall [view labels on website]: 

  • 3.5-lb. loaves in plastic casing, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA.” The products shipped to retailers bear sell by dates ranging July 25, 2024, to Aug. 30, 2024, printed on the side of the packaging.
  • The other ready-to-eat deli meat products were produced on June 27, 2024. The following deli meat products are subject to recall:
  • 9.5-lb. and 4.5-lb. full product, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
  • 4-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
  • 6-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
  • 4-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
  • 2.5-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BEEF SALAMI” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
  • 5.5-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT” with sell by date “AUG 15” on the product packaging.
  • 3-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head GARLIC BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
  • 3-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BEEF BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.                                   

The products subject to recall were distributed to retail deli locations nationwide. The products shipped to deli retailers bear establishment number “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified that a sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for L. monocytogenes. The Maryland Department of Health, in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department, collected an unopened liverwurst product from a retail store for testing as part of an outbreak investigation of L. monocytogenes infections. Further testing is ongoing to determine if the product sample is related to the outbreak. Anyone concerned about illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners to investigate the multistate outbreak of L. monocytogenes infections linked to meats sliced at delis. As of July 25, 2024, 34 sick people have been identified in 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. Samples were collected from sick people from May 29, 2024, to July 12, 2024. Additional information may be found on the CDC investigation notice, Listeria Outbreak Linked to Meats Sliced at Delis. The investigation is ongoing, and FSIS continues to work with the CDC and state partners.

Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In people who are pregnant, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators and in retail deli cases. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them and retailers are urged not to sell these products with the referenced sell by dates. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers who have purchased these products are also urged to clean refrigerators thoroughly to prevent the risk of cross-contamination.

FSIS recommends retail delis clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces and discard any open meats and cheeses in the deli. Retailers may refer to FSIS’ guideline, Best Practices Guidance for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes in Retail Delicatessens, for information on steps to prevent certain ready-to-eat foods that are prepared or sliced in retail delis and consumed in the home, such as deli meats and deli salads, from becoming contaminated with L. monocytogenes.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., Customer Service at 1-800-352-6277. Media with questions can contact Elizabeth Ward, Vice President of Communications, Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., at media@boarshead.com.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

For additional information including lot codes and product photos: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co--recalls-ready-eat-liverwurst-and-other-deli-meat-products

 

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Subject: Public Health Info : Staying Health Around Animals at Fairs and Other Animal Exhibitions
Date: 07/25/2024 17:12:58
Official Message No.: 112149-7-25-2024-PHIN
Contact Info: Darby McDermott | 609-826-4872 | Darby.McDermott@doh.nj.gov

Staying Healthy Around Animals at Fairs and Other Animal Exhibitions
When you interact with animals at farms, petting zoos, agricultural fairs, and other exhibitions this summer or fall, remember that even animals that appear healthy can carry germs that cause illness in people. The New Jersey Departments of Health (NJDOH) and Agriculture (NJDA) encourage you to stay safe around animals – for your health and theirs.

Information on H5N1 Bird Flu
H5N1 bird flu is currently widespread in wild birds worldwide and has caused outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows in the U.S. H5N1 bird flu is a type of influenza virus different from human seasonal influenza viruses. There have been several human cases of bird flu in individuals across the U.S. who had close contact with infected dairy cattle or poultry.
While the risk of H5N1 bird flu to the general public is low, animals can carry other illnesses that can make people sick as well.
Anyone can get sick from germs that animals can carry, but certain people are more likely to get sick or have more severe illness and should take extra precautions at animal exhibits. These include:

  • Children younger than 5 years old
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Pregnant individuals
  • Adults over 65.

Tips to Stay Healthy & Safe for Adults and Children

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water* immediately after:
    • Touching animals or anything in their living area;
    • Handling animal food, supplies, bowls, or equipment;
    • Leaving animal areas, even if you didn’t touch the animals; or
    • Touching or removing clothes or shoes worn around animals.
      *If soap and running water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Wash your hands as soon as you can.
  • Avoid hand-to-mouth activities (i.e., nail biting, eating, finger sucking)
  • Do not touch or interact with animals that look or act ill.
  • If you’re sick, stay home. Avoid spreading illness to other people or animals.
  • If you’ve traveled internationally within the last five days, don’t visit with livestock to prevent the spread of disease to NJ farm animals.
  • Prevent kicks and bites:
    • Don’t stand directly behind an animal and always approach with caution.
    • Don’t put your fingers near an animal’s mouth or grab their tails.
    • If bitten by an animal, wash the bite thoroughly and seek medical care.
  • Supervise children when around animals:
    • Don’t let children sit or play on the ground in animal areas.
    • Don’t bring items such as toys or pacifiers into animal areas.
    • Children 5 years and younger should not have direct contact with reptiles, amphibians, or live poultry; these animals are more likely to make them sick.
    • Help children wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after interacting with animals.
  • Don’t eat or drink in areas where animals live or roam.
  • Don’t share your food with the animals.
  • Don’t consume raw (unpasteurized) milk or soft cheeses and products made from raw milk. The sale of raw milk directly to consumers is illegal in NJ.

Tick and Mosquito Bite Prevention

  • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.
    • Find the right insect repellent: EPA Search Tool (epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you)
    • Follow product label instructions and reapply as directed.
    • Apply sunscreen first and repellent second.
  • Dress appropriately. Wear light-colored, long sleeves and pants tucked into socks to prevent ticks from getting under clothes.
  • Shower after being outside to wash off unattached ticks.
  • Check your and your child’s body for ticks.
    • Look under the arms, in and around ears, inside the belly button, on the back of the knees, in and around hair, between the legs, and around the waist.
    • Remove attached ticks right away using clean, fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Follow the CDC’s Tick Bite Fact Sheet (cdc.gov/ticks/pdfs/FS_TickBite-508.pdf).
  • Seek medical attention following a known tick bite if you develop a rash, infection, fever, or other symptoms.

Additional Resources

  • CDC | Tips for Staying Healthy at Animal Exhibits - cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/staying-healthy-at-animal-exhibits.html
  • NJDA | Animal Health - nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah
  • NJDOH | Novel Influenza - nj.gov/health/cd/topics/novel_flu.shtml
  • Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, NJ 4-H | 2024 County Fairs - nj4h.rutgers.edu/fairs
  • CDC | Food Safety, Raw Milk - cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/raw-milk.html
  • NJDA | Biosecurity - nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/news/biosecurity.html
  • NJDA | 2024 Fair/Show Animal Health Recommendations, Regulations, and Forms - nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/2024%20Fair%20and%20Show%20Letter.pdf
  • NJDA | 2024 Fair/Show Animal Health Recommendations Addendum: Biosecurity for Exhibition Dairy Cattle - nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/2024%20Fair%20and%20Show%20Letter%20Ruminant%20Influenza%20A%20Addendum.pdf
  • CDC | Considerations and Information for Fair Organizers to Help Prevent Influenza - cdc.gov/flu-in-animals/about/fair-organizers-information.html
  • National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians | Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings - nasphv.org/Documents/AnimalsInPublicSettings2023.pdf

 

June 2024 

  1.  Penn Herb Company Ltd Recalls Nature’s Wonderland Thyroid Formula Because of Possible Health Risk
    Penn Herb Company Ltd of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is recalling 51 bottles (60 Capsules per bottle) of Nature’s Wonderland Thyroid Formula (Item #: Sm32x, Lot #: 23289A), because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

    Product was distributed through the Penn Herb Company Ltd website (www.pennherb.com) and retail store. 47 customers who purchased the product were notified directly.

    Nature’s Wonderland Thyroid Formula was packaged in a white plastic bottle with a blue cap. The label specifies the Item #: Sm32x, and the Lot #: 23289A. The location of the Lot # is circled below:

    No illnesses have been reported to date.

    The recall was as the result of a routine sampling program by FDA which revealed that the finished products contained Salmonella. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as the company continues their investigation as to what caused the problem.

    Any consumer who has Nature’s Wonderland Thyroid Formula (Item #: Sm32x, Lot #: 23289A) should discontinue use immediately and are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-523-9971, Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm EDT.

    ####

    Penn Herb Company, Ltd.
    10601 Decatur Road
    Philadelphia, PA 19154
    Peter B. Perri III, Customer Service Manager
    Phone: 800-523-9971 Ext: 325
    Fax: 215-632-7945
    Email: peter@pennherb.com

    For additional information including lot codes and product photos: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/penn-herb-company-ltd-recalls-natures-wonderland-thyroid-formula-because-possible-health-risk

     

  2. FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen Ready-To-Eat Bao Curry Chicken Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for product labeled as bao Thai-style curry chicken due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The product labeled as bao curry chicken may actually contain teriyaki chicken bao products, which contain soy and sesame, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with allergies to soy and sesame are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase.

    The fully cooked, frozen bao curry chicken product was packaged on March 20, 2024. The following product is subject to the public health alert [view labels]:

    10-oz. boxes containing four “WOW BAO BAO THAI-STYLE CURRY CHICKEN” with “best if used by” date “4/12/25” printed on the side of the box.

    The product bears establishment number “P-40001” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to Walmart retail locations nationwide.                         

    The problem was discovered when the producing establishment notified FSIS that it received a consumer complaint that a box labeled bao Thai-style curry chicken contained pouches of the bao teriyaki chicken. 

    There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider. 

    FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

    Consumers with questions about the public health alert can contact Brandon Tammaro, VP Strategic Growth, Wow Bao, at 888-496-9226 or contactus@wowbao.com. Members of the media with questions about the public health alert can contact Brett Stein, General Manager, Brett Anthony Foods at 847-272-4309 or b.stein@brettanthonyfoods.com.

    Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

    For additional information including lot codes and product photos: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-ready-eat-bao-curry-chicken-products-due

 

 

May 2024

  1. Chuao Chocolatier Recalls Its: .39 oz /11 Gram Potato Chip Mini Bar Lot 4022 Due to Undeclared Hazelnuts
    Chuao Chocolatier is voluntarily recalling a single production of Potato Chip mini bar .39oz/11 gram LOT 4022 because some packages may contain undeclared hazelnut. People who are sensitive or have allergies to hazelnuts could be at risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

    This recall is limited to one lot code (4022) of the Chuao Chocolatier Potato Chip mini chocolate bar (.39 oz. bar), which was sold nationwide (excluding HI and AK) in retail stores and online in the United States. No other Chuao Chocolatier products are affected by this recall.

    The product being recalled is the following:
    Potato Chip mini bar      
    872629006615 (lot code)              Best by 22 FEB 25 4022

    A picture of the consumer package label is shown below. The label does reference “Manufactured in a facility that uses tree nuts and wheat on shared equipment.”

    There has been one reported customer who has experienced a mild allergic reaction to this product.

    The recall was initiated after it was discovered hazelnuts were inadvertently added to the product during manufacturing and the lot produced was distributed in packaging that does not reveal the presence of hazelnuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by cross-contamination on a piece of shared equipment.

    Consumers who are sensitive or have allergies to hazelnuts should not eat this product and should discard any product they may have. Consumers should contact the company at (760) 814-6230 or support@chuaochocolatier.com to get more information about the recall. The customer service line is open 24 hours a day and Consumer Relations specialists are available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST.

    This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For additional information including lot codes and product photos: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/chuao-chocolatier-recalls-its-39-oz-11-gram-potato-chip-mini-bar-lot-4022-due-undeclared-hazelnuts NJDOH is not requesting any immediate action for this recall.

     

  2. Texas Pecan Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts (Not Named Individually), Soy, Dairy(Milk), Sesame and Wheat Not Named in Product

    Texas Pecan of Dallas TX is recalling 1 Lb and 8 oz products because it may contain an undeclared allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to( tree nuts, peanuts, almonds, brazils, cashews, filberts, macadamias, pistachios, pecans, pine nuts, walnuts, soy, dairy (milk), sesame and wheat), run the risk of serious or life threating allergic reaction if they consume these products. This company has been in business for over 40 years and no sickness or allergic reaction has ever been reported to us.

    This product could have been bought at our retail location or thru our web site(www.texaspecanco.com). It it only the 1 lb and 8 oz bags with lot numbers found on the bottom left corner ranging from 23200-23265 and 24001-24079. All bags are a clear poly bag with our Texas Pecan label on them. There have not been any reports of related illness or allergic reactions to any of the product ever purchased at Texas Pecan.

    The problem came about with a routine check from the Texas Department of state and Health Services. When they inspected the packaging machine they decided that cross contamination was possible as our labels do states tree nut but each tree nut was not named individually. Our packaging machine is cleaned properly however our written documentation did not clearly state that.

    If the consumer has any of these products they should either throw away or return to Texas Pecan for a replacement or full refund. Texas Pecan can be contacted at 972-241-7878 M-F 8:30-5 CST. For additional information including lot codes and product photos: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/texas-pecan-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-tree-nuts-not-named-individually-soy-dairymilk-sesame NJDOH is not requesting any immediate action for this recall.

     

  3. DaVinci Laboratories Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Shellfish Allergen in Amyloid Complete Product Lot 549853001

    DaVinci Laboratories, a division of FoodScience, LLC of Williston, Vermont is recalling 72 bottles of Amyloid Complete because it may contain undeclared shellfish (Shrimp and Crab). People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to shellfish run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

    Amyloid Complete product was distributed nationwide through e-commerce (iHerb.com, fullscripts.com) and direct delivery.

    Product is contained in a white plastic bottle marked with lot # 549853001 and 0125 expiration date on the side of the label. Amyloid Complete is a capsule that is tan in color.

    The issue was identified through a customer complaint which found bottles of Amyloid Complete may contain Perna Plus Tabs with DMG, resulting in undeclared shellfish. No illnesses have been reported to date.

    Consumers who are allergic or sensitive to shellfish should not consume this product. Consumers who have purchased DaVinci Laboratories Amyloid Complete Product containing this lot number are urged to contact the company at 1-800-325-1776 M-F 8:30am-5:00pm EST to arrange for return and replacement of product. For additional information including lot codes and product photos: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/davinci-laboratories-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-shellfish-allergen-amyloid-complete-product-lot NJDOH is not requesting any immediate action for this recall.

 

 February 2024 

  1. TRUONG GIANG DISTRIBUTOR CORP of Philadelphia, PA is recalling Golden Owl Dried Mango, because it may contain undeclared sulfites. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

    A previous version of this press release was issued on 1/29/2024. This press release was updated to correct the product package size. The product is packaged in 7oz (200g) clear plastic containers with UPC 816710-024461 located on the left side of the container.

    The product was distributed nationwide in retail stores.
    No illnesses have been reported to date.

    The recall was initiated after routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets found sulfites in the product which was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of sulfites. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the supplier’s labeling processes.

    Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 215-456-1883 Monday to Friday 8AM to 5PM EST.

 

 

January 2024 

  1. Fresh Creative Foods, a division of Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc., is voluntarily recalling certain cremas, everything sauces, cilantro cotija dressing, poblano Caesar dressing, cilantro dressing and one taco kit due to the risk of Listeria monocytogenes in a cheese ingredient supplied by RIZO-LÓPEZ FOODS, INC.

    The dressings and kits were distributed to retail outlets including Costco, H-E-B, Trader Joe’s and Albertson’s in the following states: CA, CT, FL, ID, IL, MD, MT, NJ, NV, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, VA, and WA.

    The dressings are sold in bottles; the taco kit is sold in a clear clamshell container with a printed carboard band.

    No consumer complaints have been reported to date.

    Listeria Monocytogenes 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. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

    Consumers are urged not to consume these products. Consumers who purchased these products may take them back to the store for a refund or discard them.

     

  2. Trader Joe’s of Monrovia, CA is recalling certain products containing cotija cheese, as the cheese used to make these products has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriage and stillbirths among pregnant women.

    The cotija cheese that was used to produce the products below was manufactured by Rizo-López Foods, Inc. On 2/5/2024, Rio- López Foods initiated a recall of dairy items, including cotija cheese, under multiple brand names. As a result, Trader Joe’s is recalling all codes of the products listed below that were manufactured with cotija cheese.

    The recalled products were sold in Trader Joe’s stores nationwide.

    Recalled products include all lots of the following products:
    - Trader Joe’s Chicken Enchiladas Verde (SKU 58292)
    - Trader Joe’s Cilantro Salad Dressing (SKU 36420)
    - Trader Joe’s Elote Chopped Salad Kit (SKU 74768)
    - Trader Joe’s Southwest Salad (SKU 56077)

    No illnesses have been reported related to these products, to date

    If you purchased any of these products, please discard them or return them to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact Trader Joe's Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817 [Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time].

     

  3. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns of a frozen ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken pilaf product that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically rocks. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.

    The frozen RTE chicken, lentil, and caramelized onion pilaf product was produced on various dates from November 1, 2023, through January 19, 2024. The following product is subject to the public health alert:       
    - 14-oz. plastic packages containing “Trader Joe’s Chicken, Lentil, & Caramelized Onion Pilaf WITH SAFFRON BASMATI RICE, DARK CHICKEN MEAT, DATES & GOLDEN RAISINS.”

    The product bears the establishment number “P-45322” inside of the USDA mark of inspection. The product was distributed to Trader Joe’s grocery stores nationwide.

    The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that it received multiple consumer complaints of rocks in the chicken pilaf. One consumer reported a dental injury from consuming the product.

    FSIS has received no additional reports of injury or illness from consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.   FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume them. This product should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.  Consumers and members of the media with questions about the public health alert can call the producing establishment, Mama Vicky’s, at 818-583-0003.

     

  4.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated dairy products that have been recalled by Rizo-Lopez Foods, due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that these products, which bear the USDA mark of inspection, should not be consumed. As more information becomes available, FSIS will update this public health alert. Consumers should check back frequently because additional products may be added.

    The list of products subject to the public health alert are available here, including information the establishment numbers and states where the products were distributed. The labels are available here.

    The problem was discovered when the establishments notified FSIS that they used FDA-regulated dairy products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes to produce the poultry products. FDA is continuing its investigation into the dairy products produced by Rizo-Lopez Foods.

    There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.

    Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

    Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the healthcare provider about eating the contaminated food. NJDOH is not requesting any immediate action for these recalls.

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