USDA&FSN – May – 2024 Recalls – Food Safety Alerts – Previous Month & last day of prior month updates


**Cargill Meat Solutions Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Cargill Meat Solutions, a Hazleton, Pa., establishment, is recalling approximately 16,243 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

** Schnucks also announced on its website it had issued a voluntary cheese spread recall amid concerns of possible Salmonella contamination. The company recalled three cheese spreads: Schnucks Whip Cream Spread, Schnucks Strawberry Spread, and Schnucks Cream Cheese Spread

** Fresh N Lean frozen pot pie meals recalled over possible Listeria contamination

By News Desk on May 28, 2024 09:37 am

Nutrition Corp of Moosic, PA is recalling Frozen Fresh N Lean brand Crustless Chicken Potato Pot Pie because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. According to details published online by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall was initiated on April 25, 2024, and is ongoing. The recalled products were… Continue Reading

** Planters: Honey Roasted Peanuts and Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts, Nuts & Nut Products, due to Listeria concerns.

** Controls in Portugal uncover oil and meat issues

By News Desk on May 21, 2024 12:01 am

A series of operations in recent months in Portugal have revealed olive oil fraud, illegal slaughter activities, and water added to seafood. In May, the Food and Economic Safety Authority’s (ASAE) southern regional unit inspected the olive oil sector in Lisbon. The action targeted two entities with commercial links between them,… Continue Reading

** Dairy Manufacturers Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Products Due to Non-Compliance with Requirements Under the 21 CFR 106.110 New Infant Formula Registration

Dairy Manufacturers Inc., of Prosper, TX – 5/24/24, is voluntarily recalling all lot codes for infant formulas available in the US: Crecelac Infant 0-12, Farmalac 0-12 and Farmalac 0-12 Low lactose to the retail and wholesale level. The products have been found in non-compliance with the requirements of the FDA under section 21 CFR 106.110 New Infant formula registration. Dairy Manufacturers is conducting this voluntary recall because the products listed were sold in the U.S. without complying with the FDA’s infant formula regulations. This was identified after an FDA notification, because the firm has not submitted the required premarket notification. Parents and caregivers should understand that the products have not been evaluated by FDA to determine whether they meet U.S. food safety and nutritional standards. No illnesses have been reported to date.

** The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an update regarding a previous recall for water bottles sold nationwide.

In March, the FDA announced a recall of over 70,000 cases of Fiji Natural Artesian Water bottles over concerns that they were contaminated with manganese. The FDA website states that a Class III recall is “a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”

** Company refuses to recall apricot products despite FDA warning of possible cyanide poisoning

By News Desk on May 24, 2024

The FDA is warning consumers against consuming Apricot Power products because of the presence of the toxic compound amygdalin, which can lead to cyanide poisoning.

Following a receipt of a complaint and sample results, the Food and Drug Administration notified Apricot Power of the results and initial concerns. On May 8…Continue Reading

** Publisher’s Platform: Will importing an ingredient deemed an adulterant subject an importer to potential criminal liability?

By Bill Marler on May 15, 2024

** FDA warns against certain frozen oysters because of risk of norovirus contamination

By News Desk on May 24, 2024

Check story for additional dates of implicated oysters.

The FDA is advising consumers not to eat and restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and to dispose of Lots B231126, B240103, and B240214 of frozen, raw, half-shell oysters processed by JBR (KR 15 SP) in Tongyeongsi, Republic of Korea on Nov. 27, 2023, Jan. 4, 2024…Continue Reading

** County Road Seafood, LLC., of Belhaven, NC – May 21, 2024, is voluntarily recalling County Road Seafood Crab Cake 2 Pack 4 Ounce package because this product contains undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

On 5/15/24 the firm was notified by the North Carolina Depart of Agriculture and Consumer Services that the product does not list egg on the label. The product contains mayonnaise which is made from eggs and utilizes whole eggs as a binder.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The product was distributed between August 26, 2022 – May 9, 2024. There are no UPC or lot codes for this product. This product is vacuum sealed in clear plastic sold to distributor and retail facilities in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Consumers with egg allergies/sensitivities that have purchased this product are urged not to consume them and discard the product. Consumers with questions may contact Richard Newman at 252-494-8125, Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM EST.

** Irvington Seafood of Irvington, AL, is recalling its 1 lb. packages of “Crabmeat: Jumbo, Lump, Finger, and Claw meat” because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women

The recalled “Crabmeat: Jumbo, Lump, Finger, and Claw meat” were distributed to distributors located in Alabama, and Mississippi. Products may end up in retail seafood markets or restaurants.

The product comes in a 1 lb. tubs, package marked with license number AL 111-C with the company name “Irvington Seafood.”

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Kevin Sakprasit received Finish Product Testing results on May 17, 2024, at 4:31pm Central from EMSL Analytical, Inc. Crabmeat was processed on May 12, 2024, Batch #133 tested positive for L. monocytogenes. 94 samples were taken on May 13, 2024: 23 samples of Jumbo, 24 samples of Lump, 24 samples of Fingers, and 23 samples of Claw meat. Based on the lab report, 12 samples of Claw meat, and 2 samples of Fingers that were taken came back positive. We have decided to do a voluntary recall to ensure the safety of our consumers.

The production of the product has been suspended while the FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem.

** FDA determines that tara flour is not safe; 500 were sickened by the ingredient

By Coral Beach on May 16, 2024 12:05 am

The FDA has declared tara flour as a not “Generally Recognized As Safe” food and banned its use and importation in the United States. The action comes almost two years after an outbreak linked to the ingredient. The flour was the implicated ingredient in Daily Harvest French Lentil + Leek Crumbles,… Continue Reading

** Palmer Candy Company Recalls White Confectionary Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Palmer Candy Company, Sioux City, Iowa, is recalling its “White Coated Confectionary Items” because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, 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. The recalled Confectionary Items were distributed nationwide in retail stores and to wholesale.

** MAY 10 Voluntary Recall of Select Great Value Organic Black Chia Seeds Due to The Possible Presence of Salmonella

** MAY 10 Healthwest Minerals Inc. DBA Mt Capra Products Recalls Goat Milk Formula Recipe Kit and Warns Consumers Against the Use of Product as Infant Formula

** Nearly 900,000 tea bags by the organic tea brand Yogi are being recalled due to a detectable amount of pesticide on the product, according to an enforcement report posted on the US Food and Drug Administration’s website.

  • Recalled Food: Gibson Farms, Inc. organic walnut halves and pieces
  • Expiration dates: Between May 21, 2025, and June 7, 2025
  • Distribution: Sold in bulk bins and distributed to natural food and co-op stores in AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, KS, LA, MT, NE, NM, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, and WY
  • Lot codes: 3325-043 and 3341-501

** Western Mixers Produce & Nuts, Inc. of Ontario, CA is recalling Yogurt Covered Pretzels, because the yogurt coating has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, 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.

Yogurt Covered Pretzels was distributed in the State of California, through Thorp Fruit, Down Home Goods, Smart & Final, Gelson’s retail stores.

Product Descriptions:

Product: Yogurt Covered Pretzels

Smart & Final, First Street Brand; plastic containers, 6 oz& 15 oz.
Product Lot #: 241091, 241161, 241241
(sample photos, packaging and lot number location pg.2)
Gelson’s, Gelson’s Brand; plastic containers, 15 oz.
Product Lot #: 241062
(sample photos, packaging and lot number location pg.2)
Down Home Goods; Sold as bulk, 14 lb.
Product Lot #: 241010 Thorp Fruit, Sold as bulk, 14 lb. Product Lot #: 241010

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was as the result of a routine sampling program by the source supplier of the yogurt coating, which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

If you should have any of this product, kindly discard it.

Western Mixers Produce & Nuts, Inc.
Monday to Friday; 8 am – 4 pm.
323.443.2554

** Cincinnati, OH – May 10, 2024 – MEGADYNE™ is initiating a voluntary recall of all MEGADYNE™ MEGA SOFT™ Pediatric Patient Return Electrodes. The product is being removed because Megadyne has received reports of patient burn injuries in procedures where the Mega Soft Patient Return Electrodes were used. A root cause investigation on the reports included testing which showed a combination of factors when present together may result in potential for thermal injuries.

The combination of these conditions may be more likely when the pad is used with infants and small children. Because the pediatric pad is designed for patients between 0.8 to 50 pounds, which would be predominantly patients under the age of 12, the decision was made to discontinue and recall the 0840 pediatric pad product.

Between 2018 and today, there have been 4 reported injuries and no reports of death associated with this product. The Company has decided to discontinue and voluntarily recall the MEGADYNE™ MEGA SOFT™ Pediatric Patient Return Electrode. U.S. (Food and Drug Administration) FDA has been notified of this action.

Customers who have MEGADYNE™ MEGA SOFT™ Pediatric Patient Return Electrodes should stop using them and return them. The recall includes the following product code, which can be identified by name Pediatric Return Electrode Pad shown on the pad.

Product NameProduct CodeUDI-DI
MEGADYNE™ MEGA SOFT™
Pediatric Patient Return Electrode
084010614559103395

Customer with questions may contact the Ethicon Resource Department at 1-877-ETHICON (1-877-384-4266) Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET.

** 014-2024, ConSup North America Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Sliced Prosciutto Product Produced Without Benefit of Inspection (Apr 24, 2024)

** WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (May 6, 2024) — Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling two varieties of its Hy-Vee Cream Cheese Spread out of an abundance of caution due to the potential for contamination with Salmonella. Additionally, Hy-Vee is voluntarily recalling its bulk-packaged Cookies & Cream Mix out of an abundance of caution due to the potential for contamination with Salmonella.

These products are manufactured at different third-party facilities around the Midwest and are sold under HyVee’s private label and bulk packaging programs. The manufacturers of these products notified Hy-Vee of the potential issue and out of an abundance of caution Hy-Vee is voluntarily recalling these specific products. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of any of these products.

The affected products were distributed to Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Drugstore and Dollar Fresh Market locations – as well as Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh convenience stores – across the company’s eight-state region of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The recalled products are labeled as outlined below.

No other varieties of Hy-Vee Cream Cheese or bulk-packaged items are affected by this voluntary recall.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

UPC:Product and Size:Use By/Best By:Lot Number:
0075450096132Hy-Vee Whipped Cream Cheese Spread – 8 oz.8/7/2024; 8/14/2024N/A
0075450096120Hy-Vee Cream Cheese Spread – 12 oz.10/1/2024N/A
0075450486740Hy-Vee To Go Cookies & Cream Mix – 4 oz.12/5/202424073
0075450486740Hy-Vee To Go Cookies & Cream Mix – 4 oz.12/1/202424101
0075450486740Hy-Vee To Go Cookies & Cream Mix – 4 oz.12/5/202424117
0075450486730Hy-Vee Cookies & Cream Mix – 16 oz.12/5/202424073
0075450486730Hy-Vee Cookies & Cream Mix – 16 oz.12/1/202424101
0075450486730Hy-Vee Cookies & Cream Mix – 16 oz.12/5/202424117

** Palmer Candy Company, Sioux City, Iowa, is recalling its “White Coated Confectionary Items” because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, 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.

The recalled Confectionary Items were distributed nationwide in retail stores and to wholesale.

The recalled confectionary items were distributed nationwide in Walmart, HyVee, Target, Dollar General, and to distributors in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The product comes in a variety of retail packaging like bags, pouches and tubs.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Palmer Candy was notified by its liquid coating supplier that there was a potential for contamination with salmonella from an ingredient that was potentially contaminated from one of their suppliers.

Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased White coated confectionary items manufactured by Palmer Candy Company are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-831-0828 Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm.

Caramel Swirl Pretzels 4oz12/28/2024
CARAMEL SWIRL PRETZELS 6oz12/19/24, 12/20/24 and 1/19/25
CLASSIC YOGURT PRETZELS 28#12/11/24 – 1/8/25
COOKIES & CREAM YUMMY CHOW 14#12/6/24 – 1/8/25
ENROBED PRETZEL RODS 8oz1/22/25
FAVORITE DAY BAKERY WHITE FUDGE MINI COOKIES 7oz4/4/25, 4/5/25, 4/15/25, 4/18/25
FROSTED MUNCHY MEDLEY BOWL 15oz1/3/25
FROSTED PATRIOT FROSTED PRETZELS 28#1/2/25, 1/3/25
FROSTED PRETZELS 6oz1/23/25
MUNCHY MEDLEY 15#12/14/24, 1/3/25
MUNCHY MEDLEY 4oz12/27/24, 12/28/24 and 1/19/25
MUNCHY MEDLEY 6oz12/20/24
MUNCHY MEDLEY TO GO 4oz12/25/24, 1/19/25
PATRIOTIC MUNCHY MEDLEY BOWL 15oz1/19/25
PATRIOTIC PRETZELS 14oz1/25/25, 1/26/25
PATRIOTIC PRETZELS 6oz1/19/25
PATRIOTIC RED, WHITE & BLUE PRETZEL TWISTS 14oz12/13/24 – 1/15/25
PATRIOTIC SNACK MIX 13oz1/19/25, 1/22/25 and 2/1/25
PATRIOTIC WHITE FUDGE COOKIES 7oz4/23/25
PEANUT BUTTER SNACK MIX 12oz11/13/24 – 12/15/24
PEANUT BUTTER SNACK MIX TO GO 4.5oz1/18/25
SNACKIN’ WITH THE CREW! MIZZOU MUNCHY MEDLEY 7oz12/18/24, 12/19/24
SNACKIN’ WITH THE CREW! TIGER TREATS 7oz12/18/24, 12/19/24
STAR SNACKS CHOW DOWN 25#12/6/24, 12/7/24
STRAWBERRY YOGURT COATED PRETZELS 10oz1/5/25, 1/23/25
SWEET SMILES YOGURT COVERED PRETZELS 3.25oz12/18/24 – 1/4/25
VANILLA YOGURT COVERED PRETZELS 10oz1/5/25, 1/22/25
YOGURT PRETZEL 14#12/14/24 – 12/21/24
ZEBRA FUDGE COOKIES 7oz3/13/25, 4/1/25 – 4/2/25

** BOISE, Idaho – July 19, 2022 – Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) has voluntarily recalled three ReadyMeals seafood items prepared in store due to allergens not listed on the ingredient labels. The recall was initiated after an internal technical review identified missing ingredients containing allergens.

Consumers who have certain food allergies or severe sensitivities run the risk of serious or life – threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products and are urged not to consume these items. These consumers should discard the products or return them to their local store for a full refund.

There have been no reports of injuries or adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

The select ReadyMeals seafood items were available for purchase at the following Albertsons Cos. store banners: ACME, Albertsons, Andronico’s Community Markets, Balducci’s, Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, JewelOsco, King’s, Pak ‘N Save, Safeway, Shaw’s, Star Market and Vons.

The specified store banners are located in the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut,
Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington state, Washington D.C., and Wyoming.

Consumers with questions should contact Albertsons Cos. Customer Service Center at 1-877-723-3929 for additional information Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST.

Product
Name
SizeUndeclared
Allergens
PackagingUPCSell Thru
Dates
Store BannersStates
ReadyMeals
Shrimp
Cooked with
Cocktail
Sauce
12ozCrustacean
(Shrimp),
Fish
(Anchovy)
Clear plastic container with four compartments23463800000All Sell
Thru Dates up to and including July 18
ACME,
Albertsons,
Andronico’s
Community
Markets,
Balducci’s,
CarrsSafeway,
Eagle, JewelOsco, King’s,
Pak ‘N Save, Safeway,
Shaw’s, Star
Market, Vons
AK, CA, CO, CT,
DE, ID,
IL, IA,
ME,
MD,
MA, NE, NH, NV,
NJ, NM,
NY, PA,
RI, SD,
VT, VA,
WA, DC,
WY
ReadyMeals
Snow Crab
Legs
Imitation
Surimi
12ozCrustacean
(Crab), Egg,
Fish
(Pollock
Whiting,
Anchovy),
Wheat
Clear plastic container with four compartments23463900000All Sell
Thru Dates up to and including
July 18
ACME,
Albertsons,
Andronico’s
Community
Markets,
Balducci’s,
CarrsSafeway,
Eagle, JewelOsco, King’s,
Pak ‘N Save, Safeway,
Shaw’s, Star
Market, Vons
AK, CA,
CO, CT,
DE, ID,
IL, IA,
ME,
MD,
MA, NE, NH, NV,
NJ, NM,
NY, PA,
RI, SD,
VT, VA,
WA, DC,
WY
ReadyMeals Crab &
Shrimp with
Cocktail
Sauce
12ozCrustacean
(Shrimp/
Crab), Egg,
Fish
(Pollock
Whiting,
Anchovy),
Wheat, Soy
Clear plastic container with four compartments23253500000All Sell
Thru Dates up to and including July 18
ACME,
Albertsons,
Andronico’s
Community
Markets,
Balducci’s,
CarrsSafeway,
Eagle, JewelOsco, King’s,
Pak ‘N Save, Safeway,
Shaw’s, Star
Market, Vons
AK, CA, CO, CT,
DE, ID,
IL, IA,
ME,
MD,
MA, NE, NH, NV,
NJ, NM,
NY, PA,
RI, SD,
VT, VA,
WA, DC,
WY

** Martinelli & Company has issued a voluntary recall of its popular brand of apple juice over concerns that the product contains “elevated levels of inorganic arsenic.” Predicted levels are higher than the limit set by the FDA.

According to information posted by the Food and Drug Administration, 24,519 cases — or 147,114 units — of Martinelli’s Gold Medal Apple Juice one-liter bottles were recalled. The company initiated the voluntary recall on April 16 after a sampling by the State of Maryland found one production lot that tested above the FDA’s June 2023 guidelines for inorganic arsenic levels in apple juice.

** Hormel Foods recalls Planters nuts because of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes

** French’s Original Crispy Fried Onions recalled over Staphylococcus aureus concerns

** H-E-B Issues Voluntary Recall for 3-Ounce Cups of Creamy Creations Ice Cream in Select Flavors

The ice cream is being voluntarily recalled for potential metal

Committed to the safety and quality of its products, H-E-B is voluntarily issuing a recall for 12-count packages of 3-ounce cups of Creamy Creations ice cream in select flavors for potential metal. The affected products were distributed to all H-E-B stores in Texas and Mexico and Central Market, Joe V’s Smart Shop, and Mi Tienda stores. To date, there have been no injuries related to this recall. All product related to this recall has been removed from store shelves. H-E-B is working to have the products back on shelves as soon as possible. Customers who purchased the products should not consume the items and can return them to the store for a full refund.

** EU Commission opens call in foodborne labs reorganization

By Joe Whitworth on May 02, 2024 12:03 am

The European Commission has opened a comment period as part of plans to change the current set-up and establish EU reference laboratories (EURLs) in public health. The call for applications covers three EURLs. The first is an EURL for food and waterborne bacteria; the second is for food, water, and vector-borne helminths and protozoa; and… Continue Reading

** FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Raw Pork Chorizo Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns of raw pork chorizo products that may be contaminated with a foreign material, specifically hard plastic and metal. FSIS is issuing a public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.

** Ground pork recalled in Canada over pieces of metal in product

By News Desk on May 01, 2024 03:24 pm

Centennial General Partner Inc. is recalling Centennial Food Service brand Ground Pork because of pieces of metal in the product. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), recalled products were sold in Alberta, British Columbia and Northwest Territories in Canada. Recalled product: Brand Product Size Codes UPC Centennial Food Service Ground Pork 5 kg… Continue Reading

** Ground pork recalled in Canada over pieces of metal in product

By News Desk on May 01, 2024 03:24 pm

Centennial General Partner Inc. is recalling Centennial Food Service brand Ground Pork because of pieces of metal in the product. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), recalled products were sold in Alberta, British Columbia and Northwest Territories in Canada. Recalled product: Brand Product Size Codes UPC Centennial Food Service Ground Pork 5 kg… Continue Reading

**

Justice For Some … things to remember in this 21st Century, a repost from 2015


By CAP Action War Room

The Cleveland Police Department Reaches a Settlement with the Department of Justice

Memorial Day weekend has hosted several important developments in the world of criminal justice. Today, the Cleveland Police department—which has come under fire in recent months in the nationwide debate over police tactics—agreed to follow some of the strictest standards in the nation over its officers’ use of force. Cleveland agreed to the terms as part of a settlement reached with the Department of Justice over what justice officials called a “pattern of unconstitutional policing and excessive use of force.”

According to the Justice Department’s report, the Cleveland police department used stun guns inappropriately, punched and kicked unarmed people, shot at people who did not pose a threat, and failed to report or investigate most of these incidents. As a part of the settlement, Cleveland agreed to some of the most rigorous policing standards in the nation. These include:

  • Prohibiting officers from unholstering a firearm “unless the circumstances create a reasonable belief that lethal force may become necessary,” and documenting every time that occurs.
  • Banning pistol whipping, the firing of warning shots, and the use of neck holds (that pistol whipping had to be explicitly barred says enough).
  • Creating a community police commission, made up of ten representatives from around the community.
  • Allowing an independent monitor to track its progress.

The settlement comes just two days after a white Cleveland officer who fired at least 49 shots at two unarmed African Americans was acquitted of manslaughter by an Ohio judge. Officer Brelo’s acquittal—as the latest in a series of troubling racially charged incidents across the US in places like Baltimore, Staten Island, and Ferguson, MO—prompted protests that remained largely peaceful but still resulted in the arrest of 71 people.

Some bad news also came out of the criminal justice sphere this weekend. On Friday, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan vetoed three important criminal justice reform bills. In addition to vetoing a bill to limit civil asset forfeiture, and a bill to remove the penalty for marijuana paraphernalia, Hogan also vetoed a felon re-enfranchisement bill that would have restored voting rights to 60,000 ex-felons. Restoring access to the ballot for ex-felons is a priority in the criminal justice reform community and Hogan’s veto will serve as an important test to see whether reform advocates will show that choices like Hogan’s can have political repercussions.

BOTTOM LINE: Agreements like the one made between Cleveland and the Department of Justice have the potential to create meaningful change to a flawed system. But as Gov. Hogan’s vetoes remind us, there is much more work to be done to convince some elected officials to do their part.

Black Wall Street NEIGHBOURHOOD, TULSA, OKLAHOMA ~ Black History


Black Wall Street, former byname of the Greenwood neighbourhood in TulsaOklahoma, where in the early 20th century African Americans had created a self-sufficient prosperous business district. The term Black Wall Street was used until the Tulsa race riot of 1921. The name has also been applied more generally to districts of African American high economic activity.

Historically, African Americans worked mainly as servants in Tulsa, where they developed their own insular society with its own economy. Black businesses clustered on the strip of land that would become Greenwood in 1905, when African Americans acquired the land. Businesses included a grocery store and a barbershop. Doctors and real estate agents opened their own businesses. The neighbourhood also had its own newspaper and schools.

Black Wall Street was thriving at the time of the Tulsa race riot of 1921. The riot, however, took a heavy financial toll on African Americans. Many homes and businesses were destroyed. Moreover, following the riot, residents of Greenwood met resistance to rebuild. Nonetheless, African American professionals and entrepreneurs slowly began to rebuild. Lawyers offered legal assistance to African Americans jailed in the riots and helped them sue the city for compensation. A massive reconstruction of the district was completed in 1922, only one year after the riot and without the help of the greater Tulsa community. Eighty businesses were opened by the end of 1922.

The community thrived throughout the first half of the century, even during the Great Depression. In addition to the usual businesses, the area formerly known as Black Wall Street contained a business college and the reopened offices of the African American newspaper. Many middle- and upper-class African Americans lived there. In addition, it provided the backbone for greater civic and political participation by Tulsa’s African American residents.

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By the end of the 1950s, however, more than half of the businesses had closed. Desegregation allowed the entry of businesses owned by whites, while increasing numbers of African Americans in the community invested in entities outside Greenwood.

By 1961, 90 percent of African American income in Tulsa was spent outside of the Greenwood district.

This article was most recently revised and updated by André Munro, Assistant Editor.

LEARN MORE in these related Britannica articles:

  • Tulsa
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  • Tulsa race riot of 1921
    Tulsa race riot of 1921, race riot that began on May 31, 1921, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was one of the most severe incidents of racial violence in U.S. history. Lasting for two days, the riot left somewhere between 30 and 300 people…