Federal regulators are reviewing the operations of Beef Products Inc., following a New York Times investigation that found the company’s method of using ammonia to eliminate E. coli and Salmonella from beef trim may not work as well as has been claimed.

Exposing meat to ammonia gas raises its alkalinity, which should make it less hospitable to E. coli and Salmonella. Using this method, Beef Products was able to use fattier beef trim – which is more susceptible to contamination – for ground beef. The company’s research showed this method reduced pathogen’s to “undetectable” levels. (more…)

One lawmaker is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to temporarily shut down Beef Packers Inc.  The Cargill unit has recalled Salmonella tainted beef twice this year, and been tied to a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Newport.

In a press release, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn, chairwoman of the House appropriations subcommittee on agriculture,, and called on the USDA to “undertake a comprehensive examination” of the Beef Packers facility in Fresno, California, to “identify and correct any major problems” before it produces more beef.  Rep. DeLauro asserted that Beef Packers “continues to pose a health risk not only to the general population but to our children through the school lunch program.” (more…)

Beef Packers Inc. is recalling more ground beef, again because of  possible Salmonella contamination.

In August, Beef Packers recalled 825,769 pounds of frozen ground beef products that were tied to 39 cases of Salmonella Newport in 11 states.  The latest Beef Packers’ ground beef recall was prompted by two more cases of the same illness. (more…)

Del Monte cantaloupes sold throughout throughout Northern California and Nevada are being recalled because of  potential Salmonella contamination.  According to Mercury News, the recalled Del Monte cantaloupes were sold at at Raley’s and at Raley’s subsidiaries: Nob Hill Foods and Food Source.

Salmonella is usually found in food contaminated with animal feces and is a group of bacteria that passes from the feces of people or animals to other people or animals, causing contamination when food is improperly stored or handled and when preparers do not wash their hands or sanitize implements involved in food storage. Salmonella is the most frequently reported cause of food-related outbreaks of stomach illness worldwide. Salmonella poisoning can lead to Reiter’s Syndrome, a difficult-to-treat reactive arthritis characterized by severe joint pain, irritation of the eyes, and painful urination. (more…)

Ippolito International LP of Salinas, California is recalling bunched spinach that may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella is 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.
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NewStar Fresh Foods of California has recalled potentially Salmonella-tainted green onions sold under the brand names Omo and Fu Choy.

According to the recall notice, the recalled Omo and Fu Choy green onions were  distributed from three locations:  R.A.M. Produce Distributors of Detroit, Michigan, Franzella Distributing of San Francisco, CA, and United Food Service of East Point, GA. Fifty-eight cartons were shipped from two distributors to small grocery outlets in the Detroit and San Francisco areas. Consumers in California may have purchased the product from Larry’s Produce in Fairfield, La Loma Produce, Good Life Grocery and El Grande, all San Francisco, and Valley Produce & Meat Market, San Pablo.  Consumers in Michigan may have purchased the product from Confers Supermarket in New Lothrop, Ryan’s Food in Detroit, Brothers Supermarket and Al Jazeera Market in Dearborn and Sahara Market in Warren. (more…)

Salmonella worries have prompted a fresh cilantro (also known as coriander) recall by Sweet Superior Fruit LTD. Company of McAllen, Texas.

Salmonella is organism that 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. Rarely, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism entering the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis. (more…)

We have more recalls to report in the Plainview Milk Cooperative Salmonella scare.

A complete list of products affected by the Plainview Milk Products Cooperative recall can be found here at the Food & Drug Administration Website. (more…)

Kowalke Family Sprouts alfalfa sprout products have been recalled because of potential Salmonella contamination.

Mike’s Produce, Inc. dba Kowalke Family Sprouts is voluntarily recalling the alfalfa sprout products after receiving notification that a surveillance sample taken at a retail location with a June 21 sell-by date tested positive for Salmonella. No illnesses have been linked to the recalled sprouts. (more…)

More food firms have recalled dry milk products over concerns they may be tainted with Salmonella. The dried milk in these products was supplied by Plainview Milk Products Cooperative, which issued a recall of dried milk and other items because of potential Salmonella contamination.

The products subject to recall over the past few days include: (more…)