Outbreaks and Alerts: October 1, 2010

A daily digest of international outbreaks, alerts and food safety news

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For information on the US Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak and egg recalls, please click here.

United States

• Columbia, SC. September 29th: One swimming advisory has been lifted and another swimming advisory has been issued for a small section of Edisto Beach. The new swimming advisory, which was issued due to high bacterial levels, covers an area 200 feet above and below the beach access at Yacht Club Road.
• Columbia, SC. September 30th: Numerous shellfish harvesting areas along the South Carolina coast have been closed due to heavy rainfall. The closure will remain in force until bacterial levels are determined to be safe.
• Coos County, OR. September 30th: A public health advisory has been issued for Sunset Bay State Park Beach due to higher-than-normal bacterial levels in the ocean waters.
• Mustang, OK. September 30th: Ten children and three adults have been infected with a single (genetically identical) strain of Salmonella since early September. The 10 children attend Centennial, Lakehoma, and Mustang Valley elementary schools, and the city's pre-Kindergarten school – all in Canadian County. The three adults are from Oklahoma County (2 cases) and Carter County (1 case).
• Des Moines, IA. September 30th: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture reminds farmers that grain impacted by flood waters, whether in the field or in a bin, is considered adulterated and cannot be used for food or feed. Grain still in the field should be destroyed and not blended with uncontaminated grain.
• Richmond, VA. September 30th: Virginia Department of Health has closed tributaries in the Hampton Roads area to shellfish harvesting due to intense rainfall. The closure will remain in effect through October 6th.
• Grand Prairie, TX. October 1st: The Texas Department of State Health Services warns the public not to consume any species of fish from Mountain Creek Lake in Grand Prairie after lab testing of fish samples found elevated levels of dioxins and PCBs in the fish.

Canada

• Ottawa, ON. September 30th: There have been seven reported cases of human illness in Canada between April-August 2010 that are due to a specific strain of Salmonella that has been linked to frozen rodents. PHAC is investigating with its provincial and territorial counterparts whether this outbreak of illness is associated with a similar illness in the United States and whether the product implicated in the U.S. outbreak was distributed in Canada.

Europe

• Dublin, Ireland. September 29th: The Food Safety Authority of Ireland reports that a recent survey found that 29% of pre-packaged sandwiches were stored or displayed at temperatures higher than 5ºC. The study involved 948 pre-packaged sandwiches from retailers and caterers across Ireland.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

• Sullia, India. September 30th: More than 30 students of the government higher primary school in Kalmadka began to vomit after consuming their midday meal on September 29th. All were admitted into the primary health centre at Bellare for emergency treatment. Samples of Sambar and rice have been sent to Mangalore for lab analysis.
• Muğla, Turkey. September 30th: Fifty students developed nausea, vomiting and stomach aches after eating a cafeteria dinner at a state-run dormitory at Mugla University. Many of the students were treated at the Mugla State Hospital.
• Harare, Zimbabwe. October 1st: Cases of suspected diarrhoea have been reported in parts of Entumbane as some sections of Bulawayo yesterday entered a sixth day without running water. Most of the city's suburbs went dry after water supplies were cut as council undertook repairs at Criterion Waterworks, which purifies the bulk of Bulawayo's water.

Australia and New Zealand

• Sydney, Australia. September 30th: Customers who developed thyroid problems after consuming Bonsoy soy milk distributed in Australia by Spiral Foods have joined in a class action lawsuit agains the company in Federal Court in Victoria.

Latin America and the Caribbean

• Sao Paulo, Brazil. September 30th: A restaurant in Mogi das Cruzes, Sao Paulo was closed for investigation after it was linked to 60 cases of suspect food poisoning. The restaurant was not publicly identified, but is located at Rua Dr. Ricardo Vilela.

Bonsoy Is Back - Without The Iodine

Food Standards Australia (FSANZ) OK's Bonsoy's Return

Four months after excessive iodine in Bonsoy Soy Milk was linked to 10 cases of thyroid dysfunction in New South Wales, a reformulated version of the popular milk substitute has been approved for sale in Australia.

Australian food and health authorities announced today that a version of Bonsoy Soy Milk formulated without kombu seaweed extract will be returning to cafés and store shelves.

Kombu seaweed extract was fingered as the source of elevated iodine in the original Bonsoy Soy Milk formula. Consumption of the high-iodine soy milk is believed to be the cause of 38 cases of thyroid dysfunction that were reported to public health units in Australia between December 23, 2009 and March 15, 2010.

Several Australian consumers who developed thyroid dysfunction have shared their stories on this blog.

FSANZ is coordinating further testing of a range of beverages enriched with seaweed and other seaweed containing products. Any found to have unsafe levels of iodine will be recalled, according to today's announcement.

Australian health authorities are reminding consumers to discard the older formula of Bonsoy Soy Milk and use only the reformulated version of this product.

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Australia's Bonsoy Thyroid Cases: 30+ And Counting

OzFoodNet continues to monitor reports of new cases

More than 30 consumers of Bonsoy Soy Milk have experienced thyroid trouble, according to Lydia Buchtman of Food Safety Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). And the number of victims is likely to increase, as medical practitioners feed more information into the national reporting system that OzFoodNet has set up to track Bonsoy-related illnesses.

Bonsoy Soy Milk was the subject of an international recall in December 2009, after a doctor in New South Wales reported that 10 thyroid patients were regular consumers of the milk substitute. Lab analysis determined that Bonsoy contained levels of naturally occurring iodine that were well in excess of safe levels.

The iodine levels were traced to kombu, a seaweed that is part of the Bonsoy formula. Bonsoy is manufactured in Japan by Muso Co. Ltd. Spiral Foods Pty. Ltd. imports and distributes the product in Australia. The companies are working to reformulate Bonsoy Soy Milk without using kombu.

Before Bonsoy can return to the Australian market, the Australian government will insist on testing the new formula for safe iodine levels.

Lest anyone think that this is a tempest in teapot, even footballer Will Minson was knocked flat by his love of Bonsoy. And readers of eFoodAlert have continued to post comments about their own health experiences.

A reader reported the following on March 8th:

I have been diagnosed as sub-clinical hyperthyroid with multi-nodular goitre (luckily not cancerous) but got told by my endocrinologist that it is most likely to be caused by bonsoy in my coffee for the last 6 months of last year. I called the cafe - they denied ever having it - but i'm sure they did. I called my weekend cafe - they denied ever having it but a food reviewer had said they did have it in Aug 09. I feel completely ripped off that now cafe's will lie about it when it could help me understand why I now need a thyroidectomy and pills for the rest of my life. :(

And on March 10th, another reader posted this comment:

I was a regular bonsoy drinker (300-500mls /day) and have been unwell since mid-December. My main symptoms have been extreme fatigue, fuzzy vision, bouts of nausea and changes in my mood. My blood tests show an issue with my thyroid.

I am usually a very fit and able 27 year old and eat very healthily. I went to have an x-ray today and the radiologist asked if I was a bonsoy drinker. I said "yes, but wouldn't that be out of my system by now. How could it be related to my current thyroid problems?" to which he responded "you're not the first one." I was shocked, hence came home and did a quick google search and found this blog. I get the results tomorrow morning as to whether I have under/over active thyroid.

Suggest anyone else who has been seriously lethargic / generally feeling unwell to have their thyroid checked out asap.

A follow-up from the March 10th contributor, added the next day:

Update on above from March 10 blog. I received a call from my physician and it is clear that I have recovering thyroiditis. Although I don't need medication, thankfully, I need to make some strict diet changes and my specialist is very eager to discuss my bonsoy drinking history.

I am very surprised that there has not been a wider circulation of the potential ill effects of bonsoy more recently, as most of the press was focused on those feeling unwell at the time of the recall, rather than those with ongoing symptoms.

This needs to be brought to the attention of others, who were bonsoy drinkers and have ongoing chronic fatigue like symptoms. The amount of time, worry and money I and presumably others above have gone through in resolving this, that may have been avoidable to some extent had we known of the severity and lasting effects of this potential problem, should not be experienced by others.

Bonsoy Soy Milk was recalled in Australia on December 24, 2009. Although FSANZ notified all restaurant and catering associations, at least two cafés in New South Wales chose to continue serving the recalled product. The New South Wales Food Authority is dealing with those cases.

Make no mistake. Reformulated Bonsoy is not yet available. Any Bonsoy Soy Milk that is in cafés, on store shelves, or in your homes may contain high levels of iodine and must not be consumed.

Once the reformulated Bonsoy has been confirmed by the Australian government to contain safe levels of iodine, Food Safety Australia will announce its clearance for sale and, at the same time, will publish the revised total of thyroid cases that were linked to consumption of the original formula.

Meanwhile, I encourage anyone who was a regular Bonsoy consumer and who has been experiencing chronic fatigue or any other symptoms that are consistent with thyroid dysfunction to consult a doctor without delay.

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Bonsoy Soy Milk: International Recall and Distribution List

Updated January 24, 2010

The number of countries that have posted alerts or recall notices for Bonsoy Soy Milk is growing, albeit slowly.

Following is a consolidated list of countries where I have determined that Bonsoy Soy Milk is sold, including those in which recalls and alerts have been announced. I'll be updating this list as more information is made public.

Austria

Bonsoy Soy Milk was distributed to Austria, according to EU Food Safety Notification #2010.0022

Australia

On December 24, 2009 Spiral Foods Pty Ltd recalled Bonsoy Soy Milk, 1L tetra pack, All Best Before 03.11.11, APN/EAN/TUN Number: 9312336049037. The recalled product was sold in Coles, Woolworths/Safeway, Metcash, Health Food Shops and cafes throughout Australia. Bonsoy Soy Milk also was distributed by European Foods Wholesalers, Pty. Ltd. (Perth, WA), which has issued its own recall notice to its customers.

According to an item in the January 24th edition of The Sydney Morning Herald, some cafés are ignoring this safety recall and continuing to serve Bonsoy Soy Milk. New South Wales Food Authority agents have raided at least one Sydney café (Luxe Bakery Café in Newtown) and confiscated several crates of Bonsoy. Cafés that knowing flout the recall order may face fines up to $500,000 for their actions. (Thanks to Linny in New South Wales for providing this information and story link).

Belgium

Bonsoy Soy Milk was distributed to Belgium, according to EU Food Safety Notification #2010.0022

Canada

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency: "The CFIA is aware of the Bonsoy Soy Milk Recall in Australia for high levels of iodine. The CFIA has conducted an investigation and we have not found any of this product imported into Canada from Japan or Australia."

Croatia

Bonsoy sold by Biovega.

Cyprus

Bonsoy Soy Milk was distributed to Cyprus, according to EU Food Safety Notification #2010.0022

Czech Republic

Bonsoy Soy Milk was distributed to the Czech Republic, according to EU Food Safety Notification #2010.0022

Denmark

Food Standards Agency announces the market withdrawal of all production lots of Bonsoy Soy Milk by Romer Products A/S and Helsam A/S. Bonsoy is sold in Health Food stores and over the internet. Consumers are advised to discard the product and to seek medical attention if they are suffering general malaise without any known cause.

France

Ministry of Health and Sports issues consumer alert. There is no retail distribution of Bonsoy in France; nevertheless, the product is available over the Internet and can be purchased for delivery in France. Consumers are strongly advised to avoid purchasing or drinking this product.

Germany

Bonsoy Soy Milk was distributed in Germany according to EU Food Safety Notification #2010.0022

Hong Kong

On December 24, 2009 the Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety (CFS) issued an alert to Hong Kong residents, advising that Bonsoy Soy Milk "... had been imported into Hong Kong. If consumers have bought the product, they should not drink it, and should seek medical advice if they have questions." CFS also alerted merchants to stop selling the product.

Ireland

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has alerted distributors, retailers and consumers of Bonsoy Soy Milk to the elevated iodine hazard. All Food Business Operators, including wholesalers, distributors, caterers, retailers and restauranteurs have been instructed to remove the product and return it to their suppliers. Consumers are advised to either discard the recalled Bonsoy Soy Milk or return it to the store for a refund. Consumers who suspect that they may have been made ill as a result of drinking Bonsoy Soy Milk should seek medical attention.

Italy

Bonsoy Soy Milk was distributed to Italy, according to EU Food Safety Notification #2010.0022

Japan

Bonsoy Soy Milk a product of Muso Co., Ltd. (Osaka, Japan). No recall notices have been publicized.

Luxembourg

Bonsoy Soy Milk was distributed to Luxembourg, according to EU Food Safety Notification #2010.0022

Malaysia

Bonsoy is available from Matahari Organic and EcoGreen Organic.

Netherlands

Bonsoy is sold by G&W Gezondheidswinkel Ceres.

New Zealand

Although the New Zealand Food Safety Authority has made no recall announcement, Food Standards Australia New Zealand has clearly stated that Bonsoy Soy Milk described in the Australian recall notice was distributed in New Zealand. Bonsoy Soy Milk is available in retail stores in New Zealand, including Huckleberry Farms, a supermarket chain that specializes in organic and natural foods.

Poland

Sklep Dietetyczny sells Bonsoy Soy Milk in Poland.

Singapore

On December 31, 2009 the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) issued a mandatory recall notice for Bonsoy Soy Milk after its own testing confirmed the presence of a high level of iodine in the product. AVA has instructed the importer and retailers to stop selling the product, and advises consumers to either discard it or return it to their retailer for refund. Bonsoy is sold through Nature's Glory and other health food stores. Singapore reiterated its recall notice on January 6, 2010 in a formal news release.

Spain

Bonsoy can be found on-line at naturplus.es in Spain. EU Food Safety Notification #2010.0022 confirms that Bonsoy Soy Milk was distributed in Spain.

United Kingdom

January 14, 2010: The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued its latest Bonsoy update today. UK distributors of Bonsoy Soy Milk have confirmed to FSA that all existing stocks have been quarantined and have been recalled from customers. FSA has carried out tests on multiple batches of Bonsoy and has confirmed elevated levels of iodine in every batch tested. While the agency is unaware of any illnesses reported in the UK as a result of consuming Bonsoy Soy Milk, FSA suggests that anyone with concerns about iodine levels consider changing to an alternative brand of soy milk.

Bonsoy Soy Milk is widely available in Europe and Asia, and also is distributed in New Zealand. Please watch this site for updates as more countries announce product recalls or alerts.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please click here or submit your request using the sidebar link.

Recall Roundup: January 11, 2010

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please click here or submit your request using the sidebar link.

United States

• Food Safety Recall: Walmart advises its customers that recently recalled Parkers and Parkers Farm brand peanut butter, dips, salsas and cold-pack cheeses were sold at Sam's Club stores.

Europe

• Food Withdrawal (Denmark): Ardo A/S withdraws First Price brand baby carrots (800g package), sold in SuperGros stores nationwide, due to incomplete printing of the product expiration date. There is no health risk associated with consuming this product.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0022): High content of iodine (31000 µg/L) in soy milk product from Japan, dispatched from Australia; distributed in Cyprus, Germany, Ireland, Spain and the United Kingdom. This is part of the international Bonsoy Soy Milk food safety alerts and recalls.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0023): Salmonella infantis in munchmallows from Serbia; distributed in Slovenia.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0024): High content of sulphite (749 mg/kg - ppm) in candied pears with raw material from China; distributed in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.

• A&P
• Big Y® World Class Market®
  
• BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.
  
• Bloom
  
• Brookshire's
  
• Costco Wholesale Corporation (US stores)
  
• Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.
  
• EDEKA (Germany)
• Food City
  
• Food Lion
  
• Giant Food LLC
• Gros Cidac (Italy)
• Hannaford Brothers Co.
  
• Harris Teeter
  
• Harvey's Supermarket
  
• H-E-B
• The Kroger Company*
  
• Price Chopper
  
• Raley's
• Roundy's Supermarkets, Inc.
  
• Sainsbury's
  
• ShopRite
  
• Stop & Shop
• Sweetbay Supermarkets
• Target
  
• Tops Friendly Markets
  
• Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
  
• Wegmans
  
• Whole Foods Market
  
• Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.
  

*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.

Bonsoy Users: In Their Own Words

Based on the number of comments that have been posted to eFoodAlert by present and former consumers of Bonsoy Soy Milk, it's likely that the number of cases of thyroid illness due to this product well exceeds the initial tally of ten (as reported by Food Standards Australia New Zealand). Here are the comments I've received, with any identifying information removed.

In Their Own Words

"I've been drinking Bonsoy for the past five or six years. I love it! I'm breastfeeding my baby son now. Although I haven't noticed any thyroid issues, I hope that I haven't caused any damage to his developing systems. We're both always tired, but that's to be expected for a newborn and a new mum."

"my situation is exactly the same as anonymous above - except that my son is 8 months old. i am worried too."

"I was a regular drinker of Bonsoy and interestingly was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in early 2009. I had 6 times the normal levels of iodine in my body and neither my specialist or I could determine a source....now I know the cause!!!"

"I was a long term user and had a thyrotoxic episode a few years ago and am still recovering. I hope it does not put people off alternatives to cows milk that stuff almost killed me as a kid with allergies and URTI's"

"After hearing about this warning about Bonsoy I have booked an appointment with my Doctor. I discovered Bonsoy 15 years ago when was told was Lactose Intolerant and couldn't drink milk. Bonsoy had by far the best taste and drank it for 15 years in coffees, teas and on cereals. 4 Years ago I went from full health to a debilitating condition called 'Chronic Fatigue', which to this date still suffering from, but in a much improved state. I now wonder if Bonsoy could have had any effect or even be the cause of my condition. Will learn more after seeing my Doctor."

"As a person that consumes Bonsoy everyday (about 300-400mls) I've just been to the doctor to be tested as I have been suffering from hypothyroidism and taking an ever-increasing dose of Oroxine. As well I have numerous health issues even gaining weight at a phenomenal rate. My husband also consumes about 500mls of bonsoy every day and has been complaining of excess tiredness, is extraordinarily forgetful (sugar in the fridge)and is generally unwell. He too will be tested."

And, for a slightly different perspective, this comment from a thoughtful reader:

"Bonsoy is around for many years (or decades). I believe the intake amount is important here. 300 - 500ml is A lot for DAILY consumption. Besides looking at the history of Korean and Japanese culture, these people are consuming Kombu in every other dishes or even as soup stock everyday. I believe is eating habit plays a part here too. Not just kombu itself. There are 2 questions here : 1) is it the batch of Kombu they use having some problem (high in iodine)? 2) Did the climate change resulted in the change of the ecosystem in the sea, such that kombu is now high in iodine??? I am inclined to link this to the climate issue noting the the sea temperature has gone up, more methane is releasing for the deep sea, it will not be difficult to find eating anything from sea is beginning to turn poisonous."

Once more, I urge anyone who has been a regular consumer of Bonsoy Soy Milk and who is experiencing any unexplained fatigue or changes in body weight to seek medical advice.

Recall Roundup: January 6, 2010

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

United States

• Allergy Alert: Harry London Candies, Inc. recalls Harry London Chocolate Pecan Caramel Stars (Lot code 9238-1) because the product label does not show Wheat, FD&C colors Yellow #5, Red # 40 and Blue #1 as ingredients.

Canada

• Food Safety Recall: Olymel S.E.C. expands earlier recall to include additional processed meat products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled products are known to have been distributed in Ontario and Québec, but might also be available in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Some of the processed hams that were included in the initial recall were exported to the United States.
• Food Safety Alert: The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is advising British Columbians to discard any unpasteurized dairy products from the Home on the Range raw dairy in Chilliwack, after testing carried out by the province detected the presence of faecal bacteria in several samples of unpasteurized raw milk, yogurt, cream, butter and cream cheese. The dairy's products are distributed in BC's Lower Mainland.

Europe

• Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Food Standards Agency announces recall of Bonsoy Soy Milk by the importers. Bonsoy is sold in Health Food stores and over the internet in Denmark.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0006): The UK has notified other countries that cans of Pakstar Curried Chick Peas were produced in an unauthorized establishment; the product was distributed in the UK, Ireland, and Norway.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0007): Mercury in sliced frozen blue shark (Prionace glauca) from Spain; distributed in Italy.
• Food Mislabeling Notification (EU #2010.0008): Undeclared E 210 - benzoic acid in ayurvedic plant preparation from the United States; distributed in Latvia.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0009): Mineral oil used in the preparation of Savoiardi Morbidi from Italy; distributed in Italy and Germany.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0010): Aflatoxins in halva with pistachio nuts from Turkey; distributed in Austria and Germany.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0011): Aflatoxins in dried figs from Spain; distributed in Switzerland.

Asia, Africa & The Pacific

• Food Safety Recall (Singapore): Singapore's Ministry of Health and Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority have issued a joint news release to announce the mandatory recall of Bonsoy Soy Milk due to the presence of unusually high levels of iodine. The recalled product has been linked to cases of thyrotoxicosis in Australia. Consumers are advised to either discard the product or return it to the store for refund. Please follow the link to Singapore's news release for additional details and recommendations.

Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.

• A&P
• Big Y® World Class Market®
  
• BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.
  
• Bloom
  
• Brookshire's
  
• Costco Wholesale Corporation (US stores)
  
• Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.
  
• EDEKA (Germany)
• Food City
  
• Food Lion
  
• Giant Food LLC
• Gros Cidac (Italy)
• Hannaford Brothers Co.
  
• Harris Teeter
  
• Harvey's Supermarket
  
• H-E-B
• The Kroger Company*
  
• Price Chopper
  
• Raley's
• Roundy's Supermarkets, Inc.
  
• Sainsbury's
  
• ShopRite
  
• Stop & Shop
• Sweetbay Supermarkets
• Target
  
• Tops Friendly Markets
  
• Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
  
• Wegmans
  
• Whole Foods Market
  
• Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.
  

*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the link on our sidebar.

Recall Roundup: January 4, 2010

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

United States

• Food Safety Recall (Retail Distribution List): USDA releases updated retail distribution list for imported hams that were recalled Associated Grocers of Maine on December 24, 2009 because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
• Food Safety Recall: ShopRite recalls ShopRite Southern Style Hash Browns –32 oz, after routine testing by a regulatory agency detected possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
• FDA Court Action: Department of Justice, on behalf of FDA, seeks permanent injunction against Quesos Mi Pueblito and two of its officers because the cheese manufacturer failed to heed repeated warnings by FDA and the state of New Jersey regarding non-compliance with food safety laws and a history of producing cheese that is contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Europe

• Food Safety Recall (Ireland): The Food Safety Authority of Ireland alerts all Food Business Operators to remove Bonsoy Soy Milk (All Best Before dates up to and including 03.11.11) from sale, and warns consumers to discard the recalled product or return it to the retailer for refund.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0001): Dichlorvos (pesticide residue) in fresh mint from Israel, via Belgium; distributed in Finland.
• Consumer Product Safety Notification (EU #2010.0002): Migration of formaldehyde from melamine bowls from the Czech Republic; distributed in Poland.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0003): Migration of benzophenone (81 mg/kg - ppm) and of 4-methylbenzophenone (80 mg/kg - ppm) from cartons containing cereals from France; distributed in Slovenia.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0004): Salmonella Virchow in chilled turkey breasts from Poland; distributed in Denmark.
• Allergy Alert Notification (EU #2010.0005): Undeclared sesame in wheat-maize biscuits from the Netherlands; distributed in Belgium, France and Germany.

Asia, Africa & The Pacific

• Dietary Supplement Alert (Malaysia): Malaysian health authorities warn against the use of unnamed slimming products that contain two dangerous chemicals, sibutramine and metformin, according to an article in the New Straits Times.

Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.

• A&P
• Big Y® World Class Market®
  
• BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.
  
• Bloom
  
• Brookshire's
  
• Costco Wholesale Corporation (US stores)
  
• Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.
  
• EDEKA (Germany)
• Food City
  
• Food Lion
  
• Giant Food LLC
• Gros Cidac (Italy)
• Hannaford Brothers Co.
  
• Harris Teeter
  
• Harvey's Supermarket
  
• H-E-B
• The Kroger Company*
  
• Price Chopper
  
• Raley's
• Roundy's Supermarkets, Inc.
  
• Sainsbury's
  
• ShopRite
  
• Stop & Shop
• Sweetbay Supermarkets
• Target
  
• Tops Friendly Markets
  
• Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
  
• Wegmans
  
• Whole Foods Market
  
• Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.
  

*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the link on our sidebar.

Recall Roundup: December 31, 2009

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

United States

• Allergy Alert: Publix recalls Publix Pumpkin Pecan Streusel Pie due to undeclared pecans.
• Food Recall: Food City alerts customer to recall of Valu Time Light Ranch Dressing 16 oz. No details given.
• Consumer Product (Toy) Recall: Kendamaspot LLC (Redmond, WA) recalls Japan-made Oozora and Shin-Fuji Kendama Japanese wooden skill toy balls because the surface paint coating contains excessive lead.

Canada

• Veterinary Drug Recall: Vétoquinol N.-A. Inc. recalls Lot # 9224 of Longisil, a prescription form of penicillin that is administered by injection and used to treat various infections in large animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs and horses and sometimes in cats and dogs. The recall was initiated after 14 dogs and possibly one cat that developed swelling and hives within minutes or hours of receiving an injection. All animals were treated immediately and fully recovered.

Europe

• Food Seizure (Italy): Italian authorities have seized 500 tons of bad seafood believed to be destined for New Year's Eve dinners, according to press reports.
• Food Safety Recall (UK): Morrisons supermarket recalls its own brand Ready to Eat Chilled Sweet Chilli Chicken Pieces (120g) after becoming aware that some packs labeled with a use-by date of 2 January 2010 may contain chicken that has been undercooked. The recalled chicken entrée was processes in the Republic of Ireland and may have been distributed to stores in that country also.
• Food Safety Notification (EU#2009.1787): Escherichia coli O157:H7 (presence in 3 out of 4 samples) in frozen bovine meat from Germany, via the Netherlands; distributed in France.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2009.1788): Mercury in smoked swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from Spain; distributed in Italy.
• Dietary Supplement Safety Notification (EU #2009.1789): Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in food supplements from the United States; distributed in Cyprus.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2009.1790): Mercury in smoked swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from Spain; distributed in Italy.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2009.1791): Listeria monocytogenes (presence /25g) in smoked salmon from Poland; distributed in Italy.

Australia & New Zealand

• Food Safety Recall: European Foods Wholesalers (Perth, WA), an importer and distributor of specialty products, recalls Bonsoy Soy Milk, as part of national recall.

Asia, Africa & The Pacific

• Food Safety Recall (Singapore): The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority has mandated a recall of Bonsoy Soy Milk, 1L tetra pack (all Best Before dates up to and including 03.11.11) after confirming independently the presence of elevated levels of iodine in the soy milk.

Latin America

Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.

• A&P
• Big Y® World Class Market®
  
• BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.
  
• Bloom
  
• Brookshire's
  
• Costco Wholesale Corporation (US stores)
  
• Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.
  
• EDEKA (Germany)
• Food City
  
• Food Lion
  
• Giant Food LLC
• Gros Cidac (Italy)
• Hannaford Brothers Co.
  
• Harris Teeter
  
• Harvey's Supermarket
  
• H-E-B
• The Kroger Company*
  
• Price Chopper
  
• Raley's
• Roundy's Supermarkets, Inc.
  
• Sainsbury's
  
• ShopRite
  
• Stop & Shop
• Sweetbay Supermarkets
• Target
  
• Tops Friendly Markets
  
• Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
  
• Wegmans
  
• Whole Foods Market
  
• Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.
  

*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.

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Recall Roundup: December 30, 2009

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

United States

• Allergy Alert: Publix Super Markets recalls Publix Pumpkin Pecan Streusel Pie, because it was mislabeled and may contain undeclared pecans. The mislabeled pies were distributed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina.
• Food Safety Recall: Janzen Farms (Dayton, OR) recalls hazelnut kernels because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
• Consumer Product (Toy) Recall: Kendamaspot LLC (Redmond, WA) recalls Oozora and Shin-Fuji Kendama Japanese wooden skill ball toys because the surface paint coating on the ball contains excessive levels of lead.

Canada

• Consumer Product (Toy) Recall: Toy Investments Inc (Sumner, WA) recalls Flashing Eyeball Glideball because the toy – made in China – contains low viscosity petroleum distillates, which are strictly prohibited in children's toys in Canada. The recalled toys were sold exclusively in Pier 1 stores across Canada from September 2009 to December 2009.

Europe

• Food Safety Recall (Denmark): CM-Food recalls Whole fresh chilled turkey breast, Lot No. 091203801;Production Date 04/12/2009; Best before 18.12.2009; Produced at the company Abakus in Poland (authorization number PL28153902 WE) and imported into Denmark by CM-FOOD, because Salmonella has been detected in the refrigerated raw turkey breasts.
• Food Safety Alert Update (UK): The UK Food Standards Agency reminds the public not to consume Pakstar Curried Chick Peas, 400g cans with ‘Best before’ dates of August 2012, September 2012, October 2012, November 2012 and December 2012. The cans of Pakstar brand Curried Chick Peas were been produced on a West Yorkshire premises that has been served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, because of food hygiene contraventions and insufficient canning controls.
• Food Safety Alert Update (UK): The UK distributor of Bonsoy Soy Milk has have taken action to quarantine all existing stocks of the product in the UK and notify all their customers to withdraw the product from sale. Consumers are advised that Bonsoy Soy Milk may contain excessive amounts of iodine, and has been linked to at least 10 reports of thyroid problems in Australia. The affected products have best before dates up to and including 3 November 2011 and are distributed in 1 litre Tetra Pack containers.
• Consumer Product Safety Notification (EU #2009.1784): Migration of formaldehyde from melamine salad spoon from unknown origin; distributed in Greece.
• Food Safety Notification (EU #2009.1785): Aluminium fragments in nutcake from Germany; distributed in Germany, Luxembourg and Malta.
• Pet Food Safety Notification (EU #2009.1786): Aflatoxins in groundnuts for birdseed from Mozambique; distributed in the United Kingdom.

Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.

• A&P
• Big Y® World Class Market®
  
• BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.
  
• Bloom
  
• Brookshire's
  
• Costco Wholesale Corporation (US stores)
  
• Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.
  
• EDEKA (Germany)
• Food City
  
• Food Lion
  
• Giant Food LLC
• Gros Cidac (Italy)
• Hannaford Brothers Co.
  
• Harris Teeter
  
• Harvey's Supermarket
  
• H-E-B
• The Kroger Company*
  
• Price Chopper
  
• Raley's
• Roundy's Supermarkets, Inc.
  
• Sainsbury's
  
• ShopRite
  
• Stop & Shop
• Sweetbay Supermarkets
• Target
  
• Tops Friendly Markets
  
• Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
  
• Wegmans
  
• Whole Foods Market
  
• Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.
  

*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the link on our sidebar.