Lancaster Foods Recalls Spinach Due to Listeria

Posted by Bill Marler on June 23, 2010

Lancaster Foods, LLC, of Jessup, Md., has voluntarily recalled Krisp-Pak Ready to Eat Hydro-Cooled Fresh Spinach after tests by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in product samples.

The spinach is sold in 10-ounce packages with the code: “Best Enjoyed By: 23 Jun 10, Product of USA, 10/158/09:17/1/05.”

The recall extends to products sold in North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia.

“Consumers who have this product should throw the contents of the bag away and contact the Lancaster Foods’ toll-free consumer line for additional information,” said Dan Ragan, director of the NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division. “Listeria is particularly dangerous to persons with weakened immune systems and pregnant women.” 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.

The NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division found the bacteria through routine product sampling. Inspectors collected the product from a Farm Fresh store in Elizabeth City. No illnesses associated with this product have been reported.

Lancaster Foods, LLC is cooperating with state and federal authorities to determine the cause of the problem.

Pennsylvania Agriculture Department Warns Consumers to Discard Raw Milk from Lancaster County Farm

Posted by Listeria Lawyer on June 16, 2010

The Department of Agriculture today advised consumers who purchased raw milk from Alvin J. Stoltzfus, of Paradise, Lancaster County, to discard the product immediately because of potential bacterial contamination.  Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized.

A Department of Agriculture lab found Listeria monocytogenese in a milk sample taken from the dairy on June 7. The bacteria's presence violates the Milk Sanitation Law.

Mr. Stoltzfus agreed with the department's request to stop selling raw milk for human consumption.
The shelf-life for raw milk is about 10 days, but can be longer if the milk is frozen. Freezing the milk will not necessarily kill the Listeria monocytogenese bacteria.

Symptoms of Listeriosis are fever, muscle aches, and sometimes gastrointestinal complications, such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions. The symptoms can appear anywhere between four days and three weeks after infection.

The department is moving to suspend Mr. Stoltzfus' raw milk permit until additional milk samples are tested and found to be free of Listeria monocytogenes and other pathogens. The department must also approve before the farm can resume selling raw milk.

For more information about food safety, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us.

For more information on raw milk safety, visit www.realrawmilkfacts.com.

Portland Shellfish Company recalls Lobster Claw and Knuckle Meat

Posted by Bill Marler on June 15, 2010

The Portland Shellfish company today announced that it was recalling lobster claw and knuckle meat distributed under several brand names because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The products were distributed nationwide to wholesale and retail outlets under the brand names Portland Shellfish Co. Inc brand, Claw island, Craig’s All Natural, and Inland Ocean cooked, fresh or frozen lobster claw and knuckle meat.

Listeria can be very dangerous for pregnant, elderly, or immune-compromised individuals.

Recalled products and Lot numbers:

LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, CS 6 x 2 LB, packed under the Claw Island, Craig’s All Natural or Inland Ocean brand, production lot numbers 13210, 13310, and 13410, shipped between 05/14/2010 and 05/26/2010.

LOBSTER KNUCKLE MEAT, CS 6 x 2 LB, packed under the Inland Ocean brand, production lot numbers 13210, shipped on 05/13/2010.

LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, CS 18 x 15 oz, packed under the Claw Island brand, production lot numbers 13210 and 13410, shipped between 05/25/2010 and 06/08/2010.

LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, CS 20 x 8 oz, packed under the Craig’s All Natural brand, production lot numbers 13210, shipped on 05/14/2010.

LOBSTER KNUCKLE MEAT, 1 LB bag, fresh, packed under Portland shellfish brand, production lot number 13310, shipped on 05/12/2010.

LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, 4 oz bag, fresh, packed under Portland shellfish brand, production lot number 13310, shipped on 05/13/2010.

LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, 1 LB bag, fresh, packed under Portland shellfish brand, production lot number 13210 and 13310, shipped on 05/12/2010 and 05/13/2010.

LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, 2 LB bag, fresh, packed under Portland shellfish brand, production lot number 13210 and 13310, shipped on 05/12/2010 05/13/2010, 05/14/2010.

LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, 5 LB bag, fresh, packed under Portland shellfish brand, production lot number 13210, shipped on 05/12/2010.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume it and to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 207-699-5505, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m

No related foodborne illnesses have been reported to date.