Recalls

Product was distributed nationwide in retail stores. 
This product is packaged in 7 oz (100g) clear plastic containers with UPC 816710-024461 located on the left side of the container.
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 them 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.
 

• Restaurants and food retailers in California that have recently purchased oysters harvested in Baja California, Mexico from Acuacultura Integral De Baja California SA de CV - MX 4 SS harvested on 12/15/2023, 12/16/2023, 12/19/2023, 12/23/2023, or 12/29/2023.
• Consumers in California who have recently purchased oysters harvested in Baja California, Mexico from Acuacultura Integral De Baja California SA de CV - MX 4 SS harvested on 12/15/2023, 12/16/2023, 12/19/2023, 12/23/2023, or 12/29/2023.  

Product

• Certain oysters from Baja California, Mexico from Acuacultura Integral De Baja California SA de CV - MX 4 SS from harvest area Laguna Manuela, B.C., Mexico harvested on 12/15/2023, 12/16/2023, or 12/23/2023 or Laguna De Guerrero Negro, B.C., Mexico, harvested on 12/15/2023, 12/16/2023, 12/19/2023, or 12/29/2023. The oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in California and may have been distributed to other states as well. 

The following product tags are provided to be representative of labeling that would accompany the implicated oysters and could include the various harvest dates as identified in this safety alert.

Purpose

The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and to dispose of and consumers not to eat oysters from Baja California, Mexico from Acuacultura Integral De Baja California SA de CV  - MX 4 SS from harvest area Laguna Manuela, B.C., Mexico, harvested on 12/15/2023, 12/16/2023, or 12/23/2023 or Laguna De Guerrero Negro, B.C., Mexico, harvested on 12/15/2023, 12/16/2023, 12/19/2023 or 12/29/2023 and shipped to distributors in California because they may be contaminated with norovirus.

Oysters contaminated with norovirus can cause illness if eaten, and potentially severe illness in people with compromised immune systems. Food containing norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of illness should contact their healthcare provider and report their symptoms to their local Health Department. Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever may be associated with gastroenteritis infections caused by this organism.

Symptoms of Norovirus

People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus. The most common symptoms of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Other symptoms include fever, headache, and body ache.

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days.

If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration include decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.

If you think you or someone you are caring for is severely dehydrated, call your healthcare provider.

Summary of Problem and Scope

On 1/16/2024, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) notified the FDA of an outbreak of norovirus that has been linked to consumption of oysters harvested in Baja California, Mexico from Acuacultura Integral De Baja California SA de CV - MX 4 SS from harvest area Laguna Manuela, B.C., Mexico on 12/15/2023, 12/16/2023, or 12/23/2023 or Laguna De Guerrero Negro, B.C., Mexico, harvested on 12/15/2023, 12/16/2023, 12/19/2023 or 12/29/2023. 

As of 1/17/2024, CDPH has reported cases of norovirus illness in Los Angeles County and other counties that have been linked to consumption of oysters tracing back to specific harvest areas in Mexico. An investigation is ongoing and the number of illnesses is being tracked.

FDA Actions

The FDA is issuing this alert advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and consumers not to eat oysters from Acuacultura Integral De Baja California SA de CV  - MX 4 SS from harvest area Laguna Manuela, B.C., Mexico, harvested on 12/15/2023, 12/16/2023, or 12/23/2023, or Laguna De Guerrero Negro, B.C., Mexico, harvested on 12/15/2023, 12/16/2023, 12/19/2023, or 12/29/2023 due to potential norovirus contamination. The FDA is awaiting further information on distribution of the oysters harvested and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed. As new information becomes available, the FDA will update the safety alert.

Recommendations for Restaurants and Retailers

Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell the potentially contaminated oysters. Restaurants and retailers should dispose of any products by throwing them in the garbage or contacting their distributor to coordinate return or destruction.

Restaurants and retailers should also be aware that shellfish may be a source of pathogens and should control the potential for cross-contamination of food processing equipment and the food processing environment. They should follow the steps below:

• Wash hands with warm water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.
• Retailers, restaurants, and other food service operators who have processed and packaged any potentially contaminated products need to be concerned about cross-contamination of cutting surfaces and utensils through contact with the potentially contaminated products.
• Retailers that have sold bulk product should clean and sanitize the containers used to hold the product.
• Regular frequent cleaning and sanitizing of food contact surfaces and utensils used in food preparation may help to minimize the likelihood of cross-contamination.

Recommendations for Consumers

Consumers should not eat the potentially contaminated oysters. Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. 

To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), you can:

• Call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator if you wish to speak directly to a person about your problem.
• Complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.
• Complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to FDA.

Visit CFSAN’s Food & Cosmetic Information Center (FCIC) for additional consumer and industry assistance.

Additional Information

• Notice of Illness Outbreaks, Shellfish Closures, Reopenings, & Recalls - ISSC
• Norovirus | CDC
• The Symptoms of Norovirus | CDC
• Preventing Norovirus | CDC

Handwashing: A Healthy Habit in the Kitchen

The recalled “Lian Sheng Dried Plum” were distributed nationwide in retail stores. The product is packaged in a 5.8oz (165g), clear plastic bottle marked with an expiration date of 11/13/2023 stamped on the side. The product UPC code is 6928580581396.
No illnesses or allergic reactions involving this product have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the 5.8oz (165g) packages of Dried Plum which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites. Analysis of the Dried Tangerine Plum revealed they contained 21.91 milligrams per serving.
Consumers who have purchased 5.6oz (165g) packages of “Lian Sheng Dried Plum” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-308-1177.
“Lian Sheng Dried Tangerine Plum” Press Release
 

Deluxe Nut Mix was distributed to wholesalers and retail customers nationwide between the weeks of August 21st, 2023 through January 10th, 2024. The product(s) were available for purchase on the company website at www.WhitleysPeanut.com, through mail-order catalogue, and in select US retail stores.

The recall of this product was initiated after the Quality Assurance Department became aware of a limited number of 10.5oz Whit’s Party Mix tins labeled with 12oz Deluxe Nut Mix labels. The depth of the recall has been expanded to include the previous production date through the time in which the company became aware of the issue. While both products contain almonds, Whit’s Party Mix also includes peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, and sesame which are not listed in the “Contains” statement of the Deluxe Nut Mix label.

Recalled product can be easily identified by checking the manufacturing code on the bottom of the tin. Only 12oz Deluxe Nut Mix labeled tins bearing the code dates below are affected.

The company has received no reports of illness or injury to date.

Customers who may have purchased or received this product are advised to inspect any Deluxe Nut Mix 12oz tins for the lot codes above, and discontinue use immediately if found to be affected. Consumers may contact Customer Service for a refund, and safely dispose of any mislabeled tins. If a consumer experiences an allergic reaction, they are urged to seek medical attention right away. For questions, please contact CustomerCare@WhitleysPeanut.com, or call 1-800-470-2244 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5PM Eastern Time.

This recall is being executed with the knowledge of the US Food and Drug Administration