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USDA~ FSN ~ FDA ~ October 2025 -Recalls – Food Safety Alerts – Previous Month & last day of prior month updates


** Whole peaches recalled because of Listeria

More cinnamon added to public alert because of elevated levels of lead

Parsley recalled after testing shows Salmonella

Consumer complaints of plastic in product spur recall of sandwiches

** E.A. Sween Company, an Eden Prairie, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 127,887 pounds of a pulled pork sandwich product that may be contaminated with pieces of plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today…

Impacted Products

5.5-oz. paper wrapped “Deli EXPRESS BBQ PULLED PORK on a sesame bun” sandwiches.

** E. coli outbreak linked to Washington raw milk cheese

By News Desk on October 25, 2025

Washington State Department of Health is working with local, state, Oregon Health Authority and federal public health partners to investigate Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC) infections linked to consumption of aged, raw milk cheese. Two Washington residents and one Oregon resident have developed STEC infections caused by E. coli O103.Continue Reading

**Cheese linked to E. coli outbreak recalled

By News Desk on October 27, 2025

Twin Sisters Creamery of Ferndale, WA, some of its cheese products, which were made from raw and unpasteurized milk, because they may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and E. coli O103. Thee people have become infected with E. coli.

Between July 27 and Oct. 22, the affected 2.5-pound round cheese wheels of…Continue Reading

**  Hormel Foods Corporation, an Austin, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,874,815 pounds of foodservice ready-to-eat frozen chicken products that may be contaminated with pieces of metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The…

Impacted Products

• 13.9-lb. cases containing “Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN THIGH MEAT,” with item code “65009” printed on the label.• 13.8-lb. cases containing 3-oz.“Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST,” with item code “77531” printed on the label.• 13.8-lb. cases containing 4-oz.“Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST,” with item code “46750” printed on the label.• 23.8-lb. cases containing 5-oz.“Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST,” with item code “86206” printed on the label.• 13.95-lb. cases containing “BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST WITH RIB MEAT,” with item code “134394” printed on the label.

** LSI, Inc. Recalls BBQ Pork Jerky Product Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

LSI, Inc., an Alpena, S.D. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,277,540 pounds of a ready-to-eat Korean barbecue pork jerky product that may be contaminated with pieces of metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

** – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for FSIS-inspected ready-to-eat meals produced by FreshRealm containing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated ingredient, specifically riced cauliflower, that may be contaminated…

Impacted Products

Sold by Blue Apron: 13.05-oz. plastic tray packages labeled “DISH by Blue Apron Cheesy Chicken Mac with Vegetables” with lot codes 25240 and 25247. The product bears establishment number “P-3081.”Sold by Marley Spoon: 10.5-oz. packages labeled “BALANCE by Marley Spoon BBQ Sauce Beef Meatballs with Cheesy Cauliflower” with lot code 25255.  The product bears establishment number “Est. 47718.”

** Egg recall expanded to include another brand

Breakfast burritos recalled because of Listeria; some went to schools

Cheese recalled in Canada because government testing showed Listeria

Another 59 tons of corndogs added to recall

** Sprouts Farmers Market of Phoenix, AZ is recalling select lots of Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad sold from the deli service counter or Grab & Go section because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. This is being initiated after being alerted by their supplier Fresh Creative Foods of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination of the pasta within the pasta salad. No illnesses have been reported to date.

Product was distributed to Sprouts stores in the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, KS, LA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NV, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WY. Product was distributed starting on 8/31/25 through 10/7/25.

Affected lots of Sprouts Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad were packaged in plastic containers and sold from the Grab & Go section or packed directly from the deli service counter.

*Grab & Go

UPC for the product sold is: UPC 2-15786-00000

Product Use by Dates from 10/10/25 – 10/29/25

*Service Case:

UPC for the product sold is: UPC 2-15587-00000

Product Use by Dates from 10/10/25 – 10/29/25 – Customers with questions may contact Sprouts Customer Relations at sprouts.com/contactExternal Link Disclaimer or call 480-814-8016 anytime Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (MST-Arizona).

** Aquastar (USA) Corp Recalls Shrimp Because of Possible Health Risk

** Kenz Henz of Santa Fe, TX, is recalling its 12 count packages of “Grade AA Large Pasture Raised eggs” 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. The recalled “12 Count Pasture Raised eggs” in retail stores in Houston, TX.

The called Kenz Henz brand Grade AA Large Eggs are packaged in a 12 count carton marked with UPC code 86949400030, a Julian date of 241 (Aug 30) to 244 (Sep 2) and 246 (Sep 4) to 247 (Sep5) with a best by date of 10/11 to 10/14 and 10/16 to 10/17 stamped on the side. 

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Consumers who purchased 12 count cartons of “Kenz Henz Grade AA pasture raised eggs” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-(409)457-5934 Mon – Fri 9:00am – 4:00pm.

** Food Recalls foodsafetynews.com

Ben’s Rice recalled because of stone Ben’s Original™ Issues Voluntary Recall of Select Ben’s Original Long Grain White, Whole Grain Brown, and Long Grain & Wild Ready Rice Products Due to Possible Presence of Small Stones from Farm

Cheese recalled in Canada because government testing showed Listeria

Another 59 tons of corndogs added to recall

Coleslaw recalled because of undeclared allergen

** Foster Poultry Farms, LLC Recalls Chicken Corn Dog and Ground Turkey on a Stick Products Due To Possible Extraneous Matter Contamination

Editor’s Note: Details of this recall were updated on October 17, 2025, to reflect approximately 118,098 additional pounds of “Whole Grain Chicken Corn Dog Whole Grain Batter Wrapped Chicken Franks on a Stick Lower Fat” products with use by date 8/7/2026.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2025 – Foster Poultry Farms, LLC, a Livingston, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 3,961,138 pounds of chicken corn dog products that may be contaminated with extraneous material, specifically pieces of wood embedded in the batter, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

** Sno Pac organic spinach recalled because of Listeria contamination …. continue reading

** Hundreds poisoned by mushrooms in France

By Joe Whitworth on October 8, 2025

At least 500 poisonings related to mushroom picking and consumption have occurred in the past few months in France.

Cases have been recorded since July by Poison Control Centers. A significant increase was observed from the beginning of September, and a peak is expected in October.

The French Agency for Food…Continue Reading

** Details of this public health alert were updated on October 7, 2025, to include information about the supplier’s recall of affected spinach and to indicate that the public health alert is not related to any ongoing outbreak investigations. WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2025 –… Impacted Products

10.1-oz. containers of “HELLO FRESH READY MADE MEALS CHEESY PULLED PORK PEPPER PASTA” with establishment number “Est. 47718” and lot code 49107 or establishment number “Est. 2937” and lot code 48840. This item was shipped directly to consumers by HelloFr10-oz. containers of “HELLO FRESH READY MADE MEALS UNSTUFFED PEPPERS WITH GROUND TURKEY” with establishment number “P-47718” and lot codes 50069, 50073, or 50698. This item was shipped directly to consumers by HelloFresh.

** The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for FSIS-inspected ready-to-eat meals produced by FreshRealm containing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated ingredient, specifically riced cauliflower, that may be contaminated…

Impacted Products

Sold by Blue Apron: 13.05-oz. plastic tray packages labeled “DISH by Blue Apron Cheesy Chicken Mac with Vegetables” with lot codes 25240 and 25247. The product bears establishment number “P-3081.”Sold by Marley Spoon: 10.5-oz. packages labeled “BALANCE by Marley Spoon BBQ Sauce Beef Meatballs with Cheesy Cauliflower” with lot code 25255.  The product bears establishment number “Est. 47718.”

** Foster Poultry Farms, LLC, a Livingston, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 3,843,040 pounds of chicken corn dog products that may be contaminated with extraneous material, specifically pieces of wood embedded in the batter, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products subject to recall were produced between July 30, 2024, through August 4, 2025. A list of the products subject to recall can be found here: [view product list]. The labels for the impacted products can be found here: [view labels]. The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-6137B” either inside the USDA mark of inspection or printed on the packaging. These items were shipped to retail and institutional locations nationwide, including Department of Defense and USDA Commodity Foods donations. While the products were distributed to schools, it resulted from commercial sales and not part of food provided by the USDA for the National School Lunch Program.

The problem was discovered after FSIS received a consumer complaint involving an injury from consumption of these products. Additionally, the establishment received multiple consumer complaints, 5 of which involved injuries. Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider. 

** Another pasta meal recall posted in relation to deadly Listeria outbreak

By News Desk on October 3, 2025

Following a recall initiated by Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, CA, Demers Food Group has recalled select Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. 

The recall was initiated because these products contain a recalled linguini pasta ingredient supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods which was recalled for Listeria…Continue Reading

** Another grocery chain recalls pasta products because of link to deadly Listeria outbreak

By News Desk on October 3, 2025

Giant Eagle has issued a recall of a pasta salad sold in its prepared foods departments because it is made with Nate’s Fine Foods pasta that has been linked to a deadly Listeria outbreak.

The grocery chain’s Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad, sold in various sizes with an expiration date between…Continue Reading

** Another pasta meal recall posted in relation to deadly Listeria outbreak

By News Desk on October 3, 2025

Following a recall initiated by Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, CA, Demers Food Group has recalled select Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. 

The recall was initiated because these products contain a recalled linguini pasta ingredient supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods which was recalled for Listeria…Continue Reading

** Cut cantaloupe, fruit bowls recalled because of Listeria contamination

** Black Sheep Egg Company recalls eggs after FDA testing shows Salmonella

** Tru Fru recalling freeze-dried fruit because of sharp foreign objects

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

…Larry Buhl article about moving ahead in your career


Six Soft Skills Everyone Needs

More Than Technical Qualifications Needed to Move Ahead in Your Career

By Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

In a 2008 survey of more than 2,000 businesses in the state of Washington, employers said entry-level workers in a variety of professions were lacking in several areas, including problem solving, conflict resolution and critical observation.

You’ll likely see these “soft skills” popping up in job descriptions, next to demands for technical qualifications. Employment experts agree that tech skills may get you an interview, but these soft skills will get you the job — and help you keep it:

Communication Skills

This doesn’t mean you have to be a brilliant orator or writer. It does mean you have to express yourself well, whether it’s writing a coherent memo, persuading others with a presentation or just being able to calmly explain to a team member what you need.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Employers want employees who play well with others — who can effectively work as part of a team. “That means sometimes being a leader, sometimes being a good follower, monitoring the progress, meeting deadlines and working with others across the organization to achieve a common goal,” says Lynne Sarikas, the MBA Career Center Director at Northeastern University.

Adaptability

This is especially important for more-seasoned professionals to demonstrate, to counter the (often erroneous) opinion that older workers are too set in their ways. “To succeed in most organizations, you need to have a passion for learning and the ability to continue to grow and stretch your skills to adapt to the changing needs of the organization,” Sarikas says. “On your resume, on your cover letter and in your interview, explain the ways you’ve continued to learn and grow throughout your career.”

Problem Solving

Be prepared for the “how did you solve a problem?” interview question with several examples, advises Ann Spoor, managing director of Cave Creek Partners. “Think of specific examples where you solved a tough business problem or participated in the solution. Be able to explain what you did, how you approached the problem, how you involved others and what the outcome was — in real, measurable results.”

Critical Observation

It’s not enough to be able to collect data and manipulate it. You must also be able to analyze and interpret it. What story does the data tell? What questions are raised? Are there different ways to interpret the data? “Instead of handing your boss a spreadsheet, give them a business summary and highlight the key areas for attention, and suggest possible next steps,” Sarikas advises.

Conflict Resolution

The ability to persuade, negotiate and resolve conflicts is crucial if you plan to move up. “You need to have the skill to develop mutually beneficial relationships in the organization so you can influence and persuade people,” Sarikas says. “You need to be able to negotiate win-win solutions to serve the best interests of the company and the individuals involved.”

When It Comes to Soft Skills, Show — Don’t Tell

How do you prove you’re proficient at, say, critical observation? Demonstrating these soft skills may be more difficult than listing concrete accomplishments like $2 million in sales or a professional certification. But it is possible to persuade hiring managers that you have what they need.

To demonstrate communication skills, for example, start with the obvious. Make sure there are no typos in your resume or cover letter. Beyond that, enhance your communication credibility by writing an accomplishment statement on your resume or cover letter, says Cheryl E. Palmer, president of Call to Career. “Instead of stating, ‘great oral and written communication skills,’ say, ‘conducted presentation for C-level executives that persuaded them to open a new line of business that became profitable within eight months.'”

Learn Soft Skills

The good news is that, like any skill, soft skills can be learned. The better news? Boosting your soft skills can not only give you a leg up on a new job or a promotion — but these skills also have obvious applications in all areas of a person’s life, both professional and personal.

Take a Course: Some colleges are mixing technology with areas such as effective written and verbal communication, teamwork, cultural understanding and psychology. Take a writing or public speaking course to boost your communication skills. Look for a conflict-resolution course or “leadership skills” class at your local community college.

Seek Mentors: Be as specific as you can about your target skill, and when you’re approaching a potential mentor, compliment that person with a specific example in which you’ve seen him practice that skill, advises Ed Muzio, the author of Make Work Great. “Then ask whether that person would be willing to share ideas with you about how you might achieve the same level of capability,” he says. “Maybe it will grow into a long mentoring relationship, or maybe you’ll just pick the person’s brain for a few minutes.”

Volunteer: Working with nonprofit organizations gives you the opportunity to build soft skills. And listing high-profile volunteer work on your resume gives you an excuse to point out what you gained there. For example, “As chair of the environmental committee, planned and carried out a citywide park cleanup campaign. Utilized team-building, decision-making and cooperative skills. Extensive report writing and public speaking.”