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Frozen Fruit Recall due to Listeria

Sunrise Growers Inc. recalls specific frozen fruit products due to possible Listeria contamination.

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Sunrise Growers Inc., a subsidiary of SunOpta Inc., has issued a voluntary recall of specific frozen fruit products linked to pineapple provided by a third-party supplier due to the potential for these products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

frozen mixed berries

The products were distributed via various retailers, including Walmart, and consumers are urged to check their freezers for the recalled product, not to consume it, and either discard the product or return it to the store for a full refund.

Although no illnesses have been associated with this voluntary recall, Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of Listeria infection include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Pregnant women infected with Listeria can experience miscarriages and stillbirths. Consumers seeking information may email [email protected] or call 1.888.490.5591 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Sunrise Growers has terminated all future business with the third-party supplier, and this recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The affected retail customers have been notified of this recall and instructed to remove any recalled product from retail store shelves and inventories. All other Sunrise Growers products that have different lot codes or best-by dates are not affected by this recall. The company’s commitment to food safety remains their utmost priority.

Photo: R Washington

Products were distributed via the following retailers:

  • Walmart: Great Value Mixed Fruit, Great Value Dark Sweet Cherries, and Great Value Mango Chunks sold at stores in AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, VA, WV and WY from January 19, 2023 to June 13, 2023
  • Whole Foods: 365 Organic Tropical Fruit Medley, 365 Organic Pineapple Chunks, 365 Pineapple Chunks, 365 Organic Whole Strawberries, 365 Organic Slice Strawberries and Bananas, and 365 Organic Blackberries distributed to select stores throughout the US from November 1, 2022 to June 21, 2023
  • Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend distributed to select distribution centers or stores in AK, AL, CT, CO, DE, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, and Washington DC from March 28, 2023 to April 11, 2023
  • Target: Good & Gather Organic Cherries and Berries Fruit Blend, Good & Gather Dark Sweet Whole Pitted Cherries, Good & Gather Mango Strawberry Blend, Good & Gather Mixed Fruit Blend, Good & Gather Mango Chunks, Good & Gather Blueberries, and Good & Gather Triple Berry Blend distributed nationwide from October 14, 2022 to May 22, 2023
  • Aldi: Season’s Choice Tropical Blend distributed to select distribution centers or stores in AL, AR, CT, FL, GA, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT and WV from October 11, 2022 to May 22, 2023
  • AWG (Associated Wholesale Grocers): Best Choice Pitted Red Tart Cherries Unsweetened distributed to select distribution centers or stores in KS, MO, NE and OK from April 5, 2023 to May 4, 2023

To date, there have been no illnesses associated with this voluntary recall.

This voluntary recall includes the following code dates currently in stores or consumers’ freezers:

Walmart
Great Value Mixed Fruit packaged in a 16-ounce plastic bag (70,360 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest ByLotBest ByLotBest By
FMX23500312/16/2024FMX30090201/09/2025FMX30331302/02/2025
FMX23510112/17/2024FMX30180601/18/2025FMX30380302/07/2025
FMX30390302/08/2025FMX30410202/09/2025FMX30520202/21/2025
FMX30400302/09/2025FMX30510202/20/2025FMX30530202/22/2025
FMX30540102/23/2025FMX30690703/10/2025FED30686103/09/2025
FED30696103/10/2025    

Great Value Dark Sweet Cherries packaged in16-ounce plastic bag (3,305 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest By
FED30896203/30/2025

Great Value Mango Chunks packaged in a 16-ounce plastic bag (8,569 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest By
FED30616103/02/2025

Whole Foods
365 Organic Tropical Fruit Medley packaged in a 32-ounce plastic bag (34,578 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest ByLotBest ByLotBest By
FED30265201/26/2024FED22845210/11/2023FED30535102/22/2024
FED30275101/27/2024FED22855110/12/2023FED31245205/03/2024
FED23185111/14/2023    

365 Organic Pineapple Chunks packaged in a 10-ounce plastic bag (14,946 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest ByLotBest ByLotBest By
FED30301101/30/2025FED30313101/31/2025FED31163104/26/2025
FED30311101/31/2025FED30753103/16/2025FED22551109/12/2024
FED22561109/13/2024FED22571109/14/2024FED22581109/15/2024

365 Pineapple Chunks packaged in a 16-ounce plastic bag (8,049 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest ByLotBest ByLotBest By
FED30313201/31/2025FED30323102/01/2025FED30753203/16/2025
FED30313301/31/2025FED30343102/03/2025FED30763103/17/2025

365 Organic Whole Strawberries packaged in a 32-ounce plastic bag (13,017 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest By
FED30545102/23/2025
FED30555102/24/2025

365 Organic Sliced Strawberries and Bananas packaged in a 32-ounce plastic bag (3,691 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest By
FED31085204/18/2024
FED31095104/19/2024

365 Organic Blackberries packaged in a 10-ounce plastic bag (2,181 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest By
FED22591109/16/2024

Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend packaged in a 16-ounce plastic bag (2,588 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest ByLotBest ByLotBest By
FMX30300501/30/24FMX30320402/01/24FMX30340102/03/24
FMX30310501/31/24FMX30330102/02/24  

Target
Good & Gather Organic Cherries and Berries Fruit Blend packaged in a 32-ounce plastic bag (3,961 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest By
FED30555202/24/2025

Good & Gather Dark Sweet Whole Pitted Cherries packaged in a 12-ounce plastic bag (1,515 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest By
FED30886203/29/2025

Good & Gather Mango Strawberry Blend packaged in a 48-ounce plastic bag (238 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest By
FED30835103/24/2025

Good & Gather Mixed Fruit Blend packaged in a 48-ounce plastic bag (8,178 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest By
FED30815303/22/2025
FED30825103/23/2025
FED30895103/30/2025

Good & Gather Mango Chunks packaged in a 12-ounce plastic bag (871 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest By
FED30866103/27/2025

Good & Gather Blueberries packaged in a 48-ounce plastic bag (5,344 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest By
FED22865110/13/2023

Good & Gather Triple Berry Blend packaged in a 48-ounce plastic bag (6,034 cases) with the following codes:

LotBest By
FED22865210/13/2023
FED22875110/14/2023

Aldi
Season’s Choice Tropical Blend and Mixed Fruit packaged in a 32-ounce plastic bag (38,909) with the following codes: 

LotBest ByLotBest ByLotBest By
FMX23401112/06/2024FMX23550112/21/2024FMX23620212/28/2024
FMX23410312/07/2024FMX23600112/26/2024FMX23630112/29/2024
FMX23421112/08/2024FMX23610212/27/2024FMX30120801/12/2025
FMX30310101/31/2025FMX30320102/01/2025FMX30130201/13/2025
FMX30140201/14/2025FMX30300101/30/2025FMX23070411/03/2024
FMX23070711/03/2024FMX23180411/14/2024FMX22760510/03/2024
FMX22770510/04/2024    

AWG (Associated Wholesale Grocers)
Best Choice Pitted Red Tart Cherries Unsweetened packaged in a 12-ounce plastic bag (1,088 cases) with the following code:

LotBest By
FED30886103/29/2025

Consumers are urged to check their freezers for the recalled product, not to consume it and either discard the product or return it to the store for a full refund. All other Sunrise Growers products that have different lot codes or best-by dates are not affected by this recall. The affected retail customers have been notified of this recall and instructed to remove any recalled product from retail store shelves and inventories.

Consumers seeking information may email [email protected] or call 1.888.490.5591 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Source: FDA and SunOpta

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/

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Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

Breaking News

Salmonella Outbreak: Cantaloupe Recall Investigation

Salmonella outbreak: Cantaloupes recalled. Ongoing investigation. Stay informed for updates on the recall.

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In recent weeks, an outbreak of Salmonella linked to cantaloupes has raised concerns across the United States and parts of Canada. The outbreak, which began in early November 2023, has resulted in numerous cases of illness reported from various states. Health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are diligently investigating this outbreak to identify the source of contamination and prevent further illnesses. This blog post aims to provide an overview of the outbreak investigation, affected products and stores, symptoms of Salmonella infection, and recommendations for consumers and businesses.

The Outbreak:
On November 22, 2023, Crown Jewels Produce, Sofia Produce, and CF Dallas initiated a recall of fresh cantaloupes and related products due to potential Salmonella contamination. As of November 24, CDC reported a total of 99 cases from 32 states, with the latest onset date being November 10, 2023. The investigation is still ongoing, as authorities are working to determine if additional products are linked to the illnesses. The FDA will provide updates on this situation as more information becomes available.

Affected Products and Stores:
The following brands of whole fresh cantaloupes have been recalled:

  • Cantaloupes labeled “Malichita” or “Rudy,” with the numbers “4050” and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique.”
  • These cantaloupes were sold in retail stores located in Arizona, California, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida, and Canada. It is important to note that this list may not include all states, as the cantaloupes could have reached consumers through further retail distribution.

Recalled cut cantaloupe and products made from the recalled whole cantaloupes include:

  • ALDI’s cantaloupe, cut cantaloupe, and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging with Best-by dates between October 27 and October 31.
  • Vinyard’s cantaloupe chunks and cubes, fruit mixes, melon medleys, and fruit cups containing cantaloupe. Most of these products have a “Vinyard” label, and some have a red label with “Fresh” sold between October 30 and November 10 in Oklahoma stores.
  • Freshness Guaranteed seasonal blend, melon trio, melon mix, fruit blend, fruit bowl, seasonal fruit tray, fruit mix, and cantaloupe chunks. RaceTrac fruit medley sold in clear square or round plastic containers at select retail stores in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Illinois, Texas, and Louisiana.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection:
Salmonella infection typically manifests within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and typically lasts for four to seven days. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. It is important to note that severe infections are more likely to occur in children younger than five, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Status and Recommendations:
The investigation into the cantaloupe-related Salmonella outbreak is still ongoing. Authorities will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available. In the meantime, the following recommendations are crucial:

  • Consumers, restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers should refrain from consuming, selling, or serving recalled cantaloupes or products containing cantaloupe.
  • Those who have frozen cantaloupes for later use should check their freezers and discard any recalled fresh or cut cantaloupes.
  • If you are unsure whether your cantaloupe is part of the recall, it is best to err on the side of caution and dispose of it.
  • Retailers and wholesalers who received recalled whole melons should identify the boxes labeled “Malachita/Z Farms” or “Malichita” or “Rudy” from Crown Jewels Produce and Sofia Produce (TruFresh) and remove them from their inventory.
  • It is crucial to follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice, ensuring that any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with the recalled products are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination.
  • If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of a Salmonella infection after consuming recalled cantaloupes, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.

The outbreak investigation of Salmonella linked to cantaloupes is a matter of concern, and authorities are actively working to protect public health. By staying informed, following the recommendations, and taking necessary precautions, we can collectively mitigate the risks associated with this outbreak. Stay tuned for updates and adhere to the guidance provided by health authorities to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cantaloupes-november-2023

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FDA CDC News

FDA Expands Cinnamon Applesauce Recall: Lead Contamination Concerns

FDA expands recall of cinnamon applesauce pouches due to lead contamination. Illnesses potentially linked to recalled product reported. Investigation ongoing.

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FDA Advises Parents and Caregivers Not to Buy or Feed WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches to Toddlers and Young Children Because of Elevated Lead Levels

In a recent development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an updated advisory regarding the investigation of elevated lead levels in cinnamon applesauce pouches. This update includes an expanded recall from WanaBana LLC, now encompassing Weis and Schnucks-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. The move comes in response to growing concerns over potential health risks associated with lead contamination in these products.

Emerging Health Concerns:
As of November 13, 2023, the FDA has received 22 reports of illnesses that may be connected to the recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches. In light of this, the FDA is diligently assessing incoming adverse reports of related illnesses. Their investigation is ongoing, with a primary focus on identifying the source of lead contamination and determining whether additional products are also linked to these reported illnesses.



The FDA’s Commitment:
To ensure public safety, the FDA will continue to update this advisory as new information becomes available. This demonstrates their dedication to protecting consumers and their commitment to swift action when potential health risks are identified.

The expanded recall of cinnamon applesauce pouches serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous product safety measures. It is crucial for consumers to stay informed and heed the FDA’s recommendations regarding recalled products. By working together, government agencies, manufacturers, and consumers can help maintain the highest standards of food safety, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of individuals and families across the nation. https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-parents-and-caregivers-not-buy-or-feed-wanabana-apple-cinnamon-fruit-puree-pouches?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Additional Information 

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/fda-cdc-news/

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FDA CDC News

FDA Approves Interchangeable Biosimilar for Multiple Inflammatory Diseases

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Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Wezlana (ustekinumab-auub) as a biosimilar to and interchangeable with Stelara (ustekinumab) for multiple inflammatory diseases. Wezlana, like Stelara, is approved to treat the following indications: 

Adult patients with:

  • moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy;
  • active psoriatic arthritis;
  • moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease; and
  • moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.

Pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with:

  • moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy; and 
  • active psoriatic arthritis.

Health care professionals should review the prescribing information in the labeling for detailed information about the approved uses.

“Biosimilar medications offer additional safe and effective treatment options that have the potential to increase access for people requiring treatment for inflammatory diseases,” said Nikolay Nikolov, M.D., director of the Office of Immunology and Inflammation in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Today’s approval could have a meaningful impact for patients managing their disease.”

Biological products include medications for treating many serious illnesses and chronic health conditions. A biosimilar is a biological product that is highly similar to, and has no clinically meaningful differences from, a biological product already approved by the FDA (also called the reference product). An interchangeable biosimilar is a biosimilar that has been shown to meet other requirements under the law and may be substituted for the reference product without consulting the prescriber. The substitution may occur at the pharmacy, subject to state pharmacy laws which vary by state, a practice commonly called “pharmacy-level substitution” — similar to how generic drugs are substituted for brand name drugs. 

All biological products are approved only after they meet the FDA’s rigorous approval standards. This means health care providers and patients can expect the same safety and effectiveness from both a biosimilar and an interchangeable biosimilar, just as they would for a reference product. Biosimilar and interchangeable biosimilar products may cost less than the brand-name medicine.

“Today’s approval exemplifies the FDA’s longstanding commitment to support a competitive marketplace for biological products,” said Sarah Yim, M.D., director of the Office of Therapeutic Biologics and Biosimilars in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “This approval can empower patients by helping to increase access to safe, effective and high-quality medications at potentially lower cost.”

The FDA’s approval of Wezlana is based on a comprehensive review of scientific evidence demonstrating it is highly similar to Stelara and that there are no clinically meaningful differences between the two products in terms of safety, purity and potency (i.e., safety and effectiveness). This evidence included comparisons of the products on an analytical level using an extensive battery of chemical and biological tests and biological assays that confirmed similarity in the structural and functional features of Wezlana and Stelara (including those known to impact safety and efficacy), and comparative human pharmacokinetic data, clinical immunogenicity data, and other clinical safety and effectiveness data. The evidence also demonstrated that Wezlana met the other legal requirements to be interchangeable with Stelara at the pharmacy level.

Like Stelara, the most serious known side effect of Wezlana is infection. The most common adverse reactions with ustekinumab products are nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, injection site erythema, vulvovaginal candidiasis/mycotic infection, bronchitis, pruritus, urinary tract infection, sinusitis, abdominal pain, influenza, fever and diarrhea.

The labeling for Wezlana, like Stelara, contains a warning to alert health care professionals and patients about an increased risk of serious infections leading to hospitalization. There is also a warning that some malignancies, hypersensitivity reactions, and cases of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome  have been reported in patients who received Wezlana in clinical studies. Wezlana must be dispensed with a patient Medication Guide that describes important information about its uses and risks.

The FDA granted the approval of Wezlana to Amgen, Inc.

Related Information

Source: FDA

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