RECALL ALERT - 5/18/26
Blackstone Products Recalls Parmesan Ranch Seasoning Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Blackstone Products of Providence, Utah is voluntarily recalling certain lots of Blackstone Parmesan Ranch seasoning products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Blackstone’s action is based on a California Dairies, Inc. recall of dry milk powder due to potential Salmonella contamination. The affected milk powder ingredient was supplied to a third-party manufacturer and used in the seasoning product. No illnesses have been reported to date.
The affected lots were sold at retail nationwide exclusively through Walmart stores and through the Blackstone Products website (www.blackstoneproducts.com).
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.
Customers who purchased one of the affected products may contact Blackstone Products directly at 1-888-879-4610 to obtain a replacement product, or for additional questions or more information, between the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM EST, Monday through Friday.
Customers who have affected product should not consume the product and should dispose of it immediately.
Lot numbers, Best By dates and photos of the affected products can be viewed in the original article:
https://www.foodsafetynews.com
RECALL ALERT - 5/18/26
USDA issues public health alert for multiple brands of frozen pizza, other food because of Salmonella risk
The U.SDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated dairy ingredients that may be contaminated with Salmonella. The FSIS expects additional downstream products will be identified as this ingredient recall progresses.
The list of products subject to the public health alert are available in the original article, including information such as the establishment numbers and states where the products were distributed.
The problem was discovered when the Food and Drug Administration notified FSIS that multiple FSIS-regulated establishments received FDA-regulated ingredients formulated with dry milk powder that had been recalled because of Salmonella.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ or retailers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. Retailers who have purchased these products are urged not to serve or sell them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Visit the FSN website for links to photos and a list of affected products:
https://www.foodsafetynews.com
RECALL ALERT - 5/13/26
Multiple brands of snack mix recalled because of Salmonella risk
As a follow up to the recall of dry milk powder by California Dairies Inc., John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. is recalling snack mix products flavored with a seasoning manufactured by a third-party supplier that contained the recalled dry milk powder.
The affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella prior to use; however, the company is taking this action as a precautionary measure because of the potential that these products may contain the presence of Salmonella.
The affected items have been distributed under the Fisher, Squirrel Brand and Southern Style Nuts brands in retail stores and through e-commerce and QVC.
To date, the company has not received any reports of illnesses in connection with the recalled products.
Consumers who have purchased these items should not consume these products and should return them to the store of purchase for a full refund or replacement.
See the original article for a list of affected products and a link to photos of recalled items:
https://www.foodsafetynews.com
PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT - 5/13/26
Headcheese linked to Listeria outbreak
Public health officials are investigating a Listeria outbreak linked to Daisy brand headcheese.
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert regarding the headcheese. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.
Headcheese is a ready-to-eat (RTE), pork deli meat product typically made from meat and seasonings that are cooked together and formed into a loaf or jelly-style product. The fully cooked pork headcheese product implicated in the outbreak were produced on Jan. 20. The products are intended for slicing at retail delis and some deli purchases may only show the producer’s brand without the affected date. The implicated products have establishment number “EST. 21406” printed inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were distributed to retail deli locations in Illinois and Indiana.
As of May 10, three people in Illinois were confirmed as outbreak victims. The outbreak is localized in Illinois and therefore state officials are taking the lead on the investigation.
FSIS is concerned that recently purchased product may remain in consumer refrigerators. 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 who have purchased these products are also urged to clean refrigerators thoroughly to prevent the risk of cross-contamination.
A list of affected products can be viewed on the Food Safety News website:
https://www.foodsafetynews.com
RECALL ALERT - 5/13/26
More than 6 tons of sunflower seeds recalled because of undeclared allergen
George J. Howe Co. of Grove City, PA, is voluntarily recalling 13,619 pounds of Sunflower Seeds because they may contain undeclared tree nuts (cashew) allergens. Individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts are at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The product was distributed in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin and reached consumers through retail grocery chains, including Foodland, Giant Eagle, Piggly Wiggly, Shop Rite, Shop N Save, Walmart and independent grocers, foodservice accounts, specialty retailers, concession/airport operators, and institutional customers across multiple states.
The voluntary recall was initiated after the company discovered in a routine inspection that Sunflower Seeds containing Tree Nut (Cashews) were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of Tree Nut (Cashews). Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an oversight in the company’s production process at the changeover of products.
All products declare an allergen warning that “This product was packaged in a facility that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, milk products, soy, wheat and eggs.”
No illnesses have been reported to date.
You can read the original article, with UPC codes and expiration dates, on the Food Safety News website:
https://www.foodsafetynews.com
RECALL ALERT - 5/13/26
Pork rind seasoning recalled because of Salmonella risk
Pork King Good is recalling specific Sour Cream & Onion pork rind and seasoning products. This recall was initiated following a recall by California Dairies Inc. concerning potential Salmonella contamination in milk powder, which was used as an ingredient in their Sour Cream & Onion seasoning blend.
To date, neither Pork King Good nor our suppliers have received any reports of illness or injury related to these products. Our own internal testing has not identified any impacted finished goods.
The company has identified all affected pork rinds and seasoning bottles produced with the impacted ingredient and is working with its retail partners to ensure any product in the field is destroyed or returned.
Visit the Food Safety News article for lot numbers and more information on Salmonella:
https://www.foodsafetynews.com
Tick Awareness
Ticks are active in Illinois, and they’re not picky about where they bite. 👀
If you’re spending time outdoors hiking, gardening, or mushroom hunting, a few simple precautions can help prevent tick bites and reduce your risk of illnesses like Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome.
If you find a tick, remove it quickly and watch for symptoms like a rash or fever. Contact your doctor if you develop unexplained illness after a tick bite.
IDPH News Release
IDPH Issues Reminder About Potential Hazards of Consuming Raw Milk
At least eleven recent illnesses linked to consumption of unpasteurized milk
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing a general reminder to the public about the potential dangers of consuming raw milk after at least eleven people were recently sickened by such products. While most milk products sold in the state are pasteurized, meaning they have been treated with heat to kill viruses, germs, and other substances that can cause illness, raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized, making it more likely to be a source of foodborne illness.
“Pasteurization is one of the greatest public health successes of the last century,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “It helps keep milk and dairy products safe for everyone to enjoy. Raw milk skips this important step and can carry dangerous germs that may cause serious illness, especially in young children, older people, and individuals with chronic medical conditions. To help keep everyone in Illinois safe, we encourage people to be cautious and think carefully before choosing to drink raw milk.”
IDPH has so far identified an outbreak of eleven cases of Campylobacter infection that appear to be linked to consumption of raw milk from a common source; the producer is taking steps to notify customers and is cooperating with the investigation. Campylobacter is a bacteria that can cause diarrhea (which can be bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. In more severe cases, the infection can lead to irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. IDPH recommends that anyone who has consumed raw milk and begins to exhibit those symptoms to contact their medical provider.
Illinois raw milk rules require testing for temperature, antibiotics, and certain signs that could indicate infection within the product. However, specific pathogen testing for germs like Campylobacter or other disease-causing agents like E. coli or salmonella is not required.
IDPH recommends the following precautions to avoid illnesses associated with milk consumption:
• Use pasteurized milk and dairy products.
• Refrigerate perishable foods at 40°F or colder to slow bacterial growth. Never leave perishable food out for more than two hours -- or one hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F, like in a hot car or at a picnic.
• Throw away expired or spoiled food. When in doubt, throw it out.
For more information on raw milk and its potential hazards, go to Raw Milk and Your Health.
IDPH Warns Public to Watch Out for Rabid Bats
Over two dozen cases of rabies have been verified in bats across 14 Illinois counties. For information about rabies and what to do if you think you've been exposed, plus tips for keeping you family and pets safe from exposure, you can read the article on our
News page
Or read the original news release on the IDPH website at:
Board of Health Monthly Meetings
The minutes from the monthly Board of Health meeting will be made available for download on this page
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