The China Syndrome: Lotte USA Recalls Biscuits

FDA advised consumers yesterday evening that Lotte USA, Inc. (Battle Creek, MI) recalled all Koala March cookies on September 29th, because of the possibility of melamine contamination. The cookies were distributed in the United States and Canada through wholesale distributors and retail stores.

The following list of products has been recalled:

• Koala March King Size Chocolate: 1.8 oz/50 grams; UPC 0 81900 00001 7
  
• Koala March King Size Strawberry: 1.8 oz/50 grams; UPC 0 81900 00007 9
  
• Koala March King Size White Chocolate: 1.8 oz/50 grams; UPC 0 81900 00011 6
  
• Koala March Family Pack Chocolate: 9.5 oz/270 grams; UPC 0 81900 08001 9
  
• Koala March Family Pack Strawberry: 9.5 oz/270 grams; UPC 0 81900 08002 6
  
• Koala March Family Pack White Chocolate: 9.5 oz/270 grams; UPC 0 81900 08011 8
  
• Koala March Family Pack Chestnut: 9.5 oz/270 grams; UPC 0 81900 08010 1
  
• Koala March Family Hawaii Chocolate: 9.5 oz/270 grams; UPC 0 81900 08003 3
  
• Koala March Family Hawaii Pineapple: 9.5 oz/270 grams; UPC 0 81900 08004 0
  

By the way, we predicted the North American recall of Koala March cookies on September 28th – the day before Lotte USA, Inc. made its announcement. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency advised Canadians of this recall on September 30th. 

What took FDA so long to alert US consumers to this nationwide recall of melamine-contaminated biscuits?