Cream cheese/cold smoked salmon (Gravlox) spread in plastic containers. A...

FDA Recall #F-1227-2013 — Class I — January 29, 2013

Recall Summary

Recall NumberF-1227-2013
Date InitiatedJanuary 29, 2013
ClassificationClass I
StatusTerminated
TypeVoluntary: Firm initiated
Product TypeFood

Recalling Firm

FirmWhole Foods Market Pacific NW Distribution Center (PDC)
LocationSeattle, WA

Product Description

Cream cheese/cold smoked salmon (Gravlox) spread in plastic containers. A sample of product label (SELL BY and PACK DATES may differ): "0295307 014144 LOX & CREAM CHEESE WHOLE FOODS MARKET CCOLD SMOKED SALMON (SALMON, SALT, SUGAR AND NATURAL HARDWOOD SMOKE). CREAM CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK AND CREAM, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT.***SELL BY 02.06.13***PACK DATE: 01.30.13***" There is a light blue water mark behind the ingredient statement that reads: "WHOLE FOODS MARKET"

Reason for Recall

Cold-smoked salmon trim, used to manufacture this cream cheese spread, was processed the same day as a surveillance sample was processed, that was found positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

Classification

Class I — A situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

Distribution Pattern

14 Whole Foods Market retail stores in OR and WA.

Product Quantity

Distributed to14 Whole Foods Markets in WA and OR. Amounts pending.

Product Codes / Lot Numbers

PLU: 95307, UPC: 0295307 014144 Product sold before 1/29/13.

What Should You Do?

Stop consuming this product immediately. Check your home for the recalled item and dispose of it safely. If you experienced a health issue after consuming this product, contact your doctor and report it to the FDA MedWatch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stop consuming the product immediately and do not donate or give it to others. Check the recall notice above for specific disposal or return instructions. Many food recalls ask you to throw the product away and retain the packaging for a possible refund from the retailer. If you purchased it online, check your order history — some retailers send recall notifications directly to customers. You do not need a receipt to report an issue or seek a refund; the fact of purchase is typically sufficient.

Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most serious foodborne pathogens. Unlike most bacteria, Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures (below 40°F), meaning refrigerating a contaminated product does not stop the risk. Symptoms can appear 1 to 4 weeks after eating contaminated food and may include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance. Listeriosis is particularly dangerous for pregnant women — infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery. If you consumed this recalled product and are in a high-risk group (pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised), contact your doctor immediately even if you feel well.

Report foodborne illnesses and adverse food reactions to the FDA through the MedWatch Safety Reporting Portal at FDA.gov, or by calling 1-800-332-1088. You can also report issues directly to the FDA's Safety Reporting Portal at SafetyReporting.hhs.gov. If you believe there is an immediate public health risk, contact your local health department. Your report helps the FDA identify contamination patterns, initiate recalls faster, and protect other consumers from the same hazard. Include as much detail as possible: the product name, lot code, purchase date and location, and a description of your symptoms or findings.

The FDA assigns a status to each recall action throughout its lifecycle. "Ongoing" means the recall is active — the firm is still working to remove the product from commerce and notify consumers. "Completed" means the recall strategy has been implemented and the FDA has determined that the recalling firm has taken all appropriate steps to remove the product. "Terminated" means the FDA has reviewed the results and concluded the recall is complete. Even if a recall is marked as completed or terminated, you should still discard any recalled products you find at home — the recall status refers to the firm's compliance actions, not the safety of product still in consumers' possession.