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Friday, June 19, 2009

Recall Roundup: June 19, 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: Smith Dairy Products Company recalls SMITH’S Tea with Lemon in gallon size, lot no. 07/07/09, due to the presence of undeclared milk. The recalled product was distributed only in Ohio.
Stolen Insulin Warning: FDA warns that at least some of the stolen 129,000 vials of the injectable insulin product, Levemir – made by Novo Nordisk – have resurfaced and are being sold to US consumers. FDA has received one report of a patient who suffered a dangerous reaction due to poor control of blood glucose as a result of using a vial of the stolen insulin.
Food Safety Alert: The California Department of Public Health warns consumers not to eat canned Cioppino Sauce from Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurants, (Carmel, CA) because the product presents a botulism hazard. Sea Harvest does not have a cannery license, and did not process the Cioppino Sauce in accordance with the requirements for a low acid-canned food.
Food Safety Alert: The Utah Department of Health provides sport fishermen with a list of state fish advisories.
Food Safety Recall: Nestlé USA recalls all varieties of Nestlé Toll House refrigerated raw cookie dough products. Preliminary epidemiological evidence has linked consumption of raw Toll House cookie dough to a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7.

Canada

Allergy Alert: La Chocolaterie des Pères Trappistes Mistassini Inc. recalls some packages of Blueberry Flavour Cream chocolates, due to the presence of milk that is not declared on the packaging.

Europe, Including the United Kingdom

Food Safety Alert (Norway & Denmark): The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has prohibited the sale of all sugar peas imported from Kenya after Shigella sonnei was detected in an unopened package. The imported sugar peas were linked to four cases of shigellosis in Norway and 10 cases in Denmark.

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.

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

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Nestlé USA Recalls Toll House Cooke Dough

June 19, 2009

Nestlé USA announced this morning that it was recalling all varieties of Nestlé TOLL HOUSE refrigerated Cookie Bar Dough, Cookie Dough Tub; Cookie Dough Tube; Limited Edition Cookie Dough items; Seasonal Cookie Dough and Ultimates Cookie Bar Dough.

The company acted out of an "abundance of caution" after being notified that FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses that may be linked to consumption of raw Toll House cookie dough.

According to a news release issued yesterday evening by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, raw cookie dough may be behind as many as 66 confirmed illnesses in 28 states. Five of the illnesses were reported in Colorado.

Maine announced in late May that it had identified a group of 4 genetically related E. coli O157:H7 infections that were part of a national cluster. We are advised (by Bill Marler) that the Maine cluster is part of the national outbreak.

FDA reported this morning that 25 of the 66 victims of this outbreak have been hospitalized – seven with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). There have been no deaths. The FDA news release did not identify the 28 states in which illnesses have been reported, but indicated that the outbreak began in March 2009.

The Colorado report makes it clear that its advisory is based on preliminary evidence, and that the investigation into the source of the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak is ongoing. Indeed, raw cookie dough seems to be an unlikely venue for this pathogen, which typically is associated with raw meat, raw produce and raw dairy products.

Nestlé, in announcing its recall this morning, reminded consumers that its Toll House cookie dough must be baked before being eaten. The following precaution is prominently displayed on the back of each package, just above the baking instructions:

"Cookie dough contains raw ingredients and should be baked before being consumed."

FDA advises that consumers should not use the recalled raw cookie dough in baking, because of the risk of cross-contamination from handling the dough. Any recalled packages should either be discarded or should be returned to the store for a refund.

For more information on the recall, consumers should visit the Nestlé web site or contact Nestlé Consumer Services at 1-800-559-5025.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Nature's Variety: Acting Responsibly

June 18, 2009

We reported on June 15th that Nature's Variety withdrew two batches of freeze-dried, raw dog food for what was described as a quality issue.

The company gave no details, except to say that there were no product safety concerns. Nevertheless, Pet Food Express, one of the retailers that carries the product line, chose to remove all of Nature's Variety dog foods from its shelves – both freeze-dried and kibble – until the retailer received further assurances from the manufacturer.

On June 16th, Nature's Variety released the reason for its product withdrawal; namely, "...a product handling issue that occurred with a co-packer that created a gap in the products’ chain of custody." The broken custody link contravened the pet food manufacturer's internal quality standards. As a result, Nature's Variety chose to withdraw the affected products from sale, even though there was no evidence of a safety issue.

Pet Food Express has reversed its previous action, and has restocked its shelves with Nature's Variety products. The retailer, after learning the reasons for the initial product withdrawal, commented that it was "... more impressed than ever with their systems for assuring and monitoring that everything that they manufacture is safe and of the highest quality."

It's always cheering to encounter companies that set – and adhere to – high internal standards for product safety and quality.

Two Paws Up for Nature's Variety, whose management acted responsibly and ethically in withdrawing the two batches from sale. And Two Paws Up for Pet Food Express, whose management took extra precautions in an effort to protect its customers.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Recall Roundup: June 17, 2009

United States

Allergy Alert: Smith Dairy Products Company recalls SMITH'S Tea with Lemon gallon size - UPC 70424 00560 Lot No. 07/07/09, due to the presence of undeclared milk. The recalled tea was distributed only in Ohio.
Cold Remedy Warning: FDA warns consumers that three zinc-containing Zicam Cold Remedy products may cause a loss of the sense of smell, and should not be used.
Dietary Supplement Recall: Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. recalls all lots of Stamina-Rx Dietary Supplement Products, because Stamina-Rx is "...an unapproved new drug and misbranded new drug in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the Act)." In addition, one lot contains benzamidenafil, a drug that is not FDA-approved and is not declared on the label.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific

Food Safety Warning: The Hong Kong Department of Health warns that certain Chinese Herbal Teas were found to be adulterated with either paracetamol or both paracetamol and chlorpheniramine, and may cause adverse reactions.

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

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Is Evanger's An FDA Scapegoat?

June 17, 2009

Something about the Evanger's story doesn't add up.

In April 2008, FDA announced that it would require Evanger's to obtain an Emergency Operating Permit in order to continue interstate sales of its canned pet food line. The agency cited ". . . significant deviations from prescribed documentation of processes, equipment, and recordkeeping . . ." as the reason for this requirement.

In August 2008, according to Evanger's, the company filed the necessary updates with FDA.

On December 2, 2008, FDA informed us by email that Evanger's "... is now operating in full compliance with applicable FDA regulations."

Yet last week, FDA announced that it had suspended Evanger's Emergency Operating Permit, citing deviations ". . . from the prescribed process, equipment, product shipment, and recordkeeping requirements . . ."

In both its April 2008 and June 2009 news releases, FDA cited a risk of botulism to justify both the need for an Emergency Permit and the suspension of that permit. But there have been no recalls; nor has FDA issued a formal warning against feeding Evanger's canned pet foods.

If the health risk is sufficiently high to warrant FDA's actions, why has the agency not taken steps – in conjunction with the state of Illinois – to prevent the sale of Evanger's canned foods within the company's home state? Conversely, if the health risk is low, why has FDA taken the unusual step of "going public"?

Perhaps the answer is contained in the following statement, made by Dr. Bernadette Dunham, Director of FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine:

"Today’s enforcement action sends a strong message to manufacturers of pet food that we will take whatever action necessary to keep unsafe products from reaching consumers.”

Is FDA coming down hard on Evanger's, a small, family run business, in order to "send a message" to the rest of the industry? If so, we – along with many others in the blogging community – owe Evanger's an apology.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Evanger's Fights Back

June 16, 2009

Evanger's Dog and Cat Food Co., Inc. announced today that it has filed a formal request with FDA for reinstatement of its Low Acid Canned Food operating permit.

On June 12th, FDA suspended the temporary Emergency Permit under which Evanger's had been operating its canned pet food facility for approximately a year. The federal agency, in announcing the suspension, said that the company "...was not operating in compliance with the mandatory requirements and conditions of the Temporary Emergency Permit."

The suspension did not prevent Evanger's from producing and selling canned pet food within its home state of Illinois, but barred the company from selling the canned foods across state lines.

The company claims that their dispute with FDA is nothing more than "...a misunderstanding regarding paperwork updating the company's processing protocols that was submitted last year." Evanger's emphasizes that no products have been recalled. Furthermore, according to company Vice President Joel Sher, many of FDA's outstanding questions have already been addressed.

A careful reading of the FDA's formal notice of deficiencies, posted on Evanger's web site, appears to support Evanger's position. Let's hope that FDA and Evanger's can come to an understanding that will put this pet food issue to bed.

PFPSA Confirms Toxic Zinc Levels In Nutro Cat Food

June 16, 2009

On May 22, 2009 – one day after Nutro Products recalled certain of its dry cat foods – the Pet Food Products Safety Alliance (PFPSA) purchased a bag of recalled cat food and submitted the unopened bag to University of Idaho Analytical Sciences Laboratory for analysis. The product was identified as:

Nutro Max Cat Adult Roasted Chicken Flavor, Best by: 07 JUN 2010 07:17 2AD6 "A"

The lab test results, released today, confirm that this bag of cat food contained zinc at a level of 2,100 parts per million. PFPSA describes this as a "deadly" concentration of zinc – enough, based on the company's recommended daily feeding portion size to kill a 9-pound cat in just over two days.

It is disturbing that FDA has had nothing to say about the Nutro cat food recall. The agency's lips have been sealed ever since it released its April 28th statement on Nutro Products, Inc. At that time, FDA said,

"FDA is clarifying that Nutro Products, Inc. is not currently under investigation. FDA does not typically confirm or deny the existence of an FDA investigation. It has recently come to our attention, however, that a media report incorrectly concluded and reported that Nutro Products, Inc. was the subject of an investigation."

When we contacted FDA by email on May 27th to ask about the May 22nd Nutro cat food recall announcement, we were told that, "The FDA can neither confirm or deny whether a company is under investigation."

Why should it be necessary for PFPSA to do the FDA's job for it? And where is the "transparency" that the Obama administration has been promising?

Recall Roundup: June 16, 2009

United States

Food Safety Recall: Knouse Foods, Inc. recalls apple sauce packed in glass jars, because imperfections in the jar rims may cause the rim to chip when the lid is removed and introduce glass fragments into the apple sauce. The apple sauce was packed under a variety of brand names and private label names.
Pet Food Alert: Nature's Variety withdraws two production lots of freeze-dried raw dog food, because the products did not meet quality specifications.

Europe, Including the United Kingdom

Allergy Alert (UK): Asca withdraws some Pick 'n' Mix Mexican Rice because some packages contain Mexican Paella. As a result, these packages may contain undeclared milk, shellfish, fish and wheat gluten.

*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.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Nature's Variety "Withdraws" Products Due To Quality Issue

June 15, 2009

Nature's Variety has withdrawn from the market two production batches of its freeze-dried raw dog food that did not meet quality specifications. The company claims that the withdrawn products do not represent any health risk to their customers' pets.

According to the news release dated June 12th and appearing on the company's web site, the only two affected batches are:

Freeze Dried Raw Chicken Formula (UPC # 69949 60151) with a “best if used by” date of 05/25/10; and
Freeze Dried Raw Beef Formula (UPC # 69949 60251) with a “best if used by” date of 05/25/10

Nature's Variety claims that most of the withdrawn product is in the hands of its distributors and retailers, and that it is "very unlikely" that any of the product was purchased. Nevertheless, the company is offering its customers a full refund or replacement. That sounds like a recall to us!

The company's announcement provides no details about the reason for this product withdrawal, leaving some people to speculate whether there is more here than meets the eye. At least one retailer – Pet Food Express – has unilaterally extended the product withdrawal to include other Nature's Variety products, until the pet food manufacturer furnishes more information as to the reasons for its actions.

FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine has not commented on the action taken by Nature's Variety, nor has FDA posted the company's advisory on its list of recalls and alerts.

If you have purchased one of the "withdrawn" batches of Nature's Variety freeze-dried raw dog food, treat the problem as a safety recall and return the package to your retailer for a refund.

Recall Roundup: June 15, 2009

United States

Vitamin Labeling Error: FoodScience Corporation (Essex Junction, VT) recalls Children's Multi-Vitamins due to error in suggested dosage.

Europe, Including the United Kingdom

Allergy Alert (UK): Asda recalls some frozen Spaghetti Bolognaise, because some of the packages may contain Bangers and Mash, resulting in the presence of undeclared milk and barley in those packages.

*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.

CDC Report Ruffles Poultry Industry Feathers

June 15, 2009

The National Chicken Council (NCC) reacted harshly last Friday to CDC's report on Foodborne Disease Outbreaks that were recorded in 2006, claiming that the report presented "...a misleading picture of the safety of poultry."

According to CDC, 48 US states reported a total of 1,270 foodborne disease outbreaks in 2006. Eleven of the outbreaks were multistate, including the Salmonella outbreak that was caused by ConAgra's contaminated peanut butter.

The item that got the NCC's goat, though, was CDC's report of a Clostridium perfringens outbreak – traced to contaminated, baked chicken – that caused 741 illnesses in a prison population. The Council claims that the illnesses from this unusual outbreak skewed the apparent frequency of foodborne illnesses caused by contaminated poultry. Does the Chicken Council have a valid beef?

In 2006, poultry accounted for 21% of the reported cases of foodborne disease. Had the prison outbreak been excluded, the percentage would have fallen to 10.9%. Of course, a similar case would then have to be made for excluding the unprecedented – and equally large – peanut butter outbreak, which sickened 715 people. That outbreak swelled to fruits/nuts category to 1,021 cases, or 16% of the total.

Raw poultry has its contamination issues, notably, Salmonella and Campylobacter. But Clostridium perfringens isn't one of them. The NCC would have been wiser to point out that the prison outbreak likely had little or nothing to do with contaminated raw poultry. Rather, Clostridium perfringens outbreaks typically are caused by mishandling cooked foods – usually through poor temperature control during cooling, storage or display of the cooked foods.

As CDC makes clear in its report, it's the nature of the agency's foodborne disease surveillance process that the annual numbers are easily skewed by individual large outbreaks – whether due to contaminated dairy products, meats, produce or poultry.

Instead of taking potshots at the messenger, the National Chicken Council should help spread the food safety message.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Recall Roundup: June 14, 2009

United States

Food Safety Recall: Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese LLC (Reading, MI) recalls all lots of Soft Mexican Cheeses due to possible Listeria contamination, after FDA found Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of queso fresco cheese taken on May 26, 2009. The recalled cheeses were sold in retail stores and delis under the brand name Aguas Calientes in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Stolen Insulin Alert: Novo Nordisk warns customers that 10-mL vials of Levemir® insulin for injection, reported stolen in North Carolina, has surfaced at a medical center in Houston, TX.

*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.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Evanger's Troubled History

June 13, 2009

Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Company, Inc., whose canned food operation has been under FDA scrutiny for more than a year, learned yesterday that the federal agency was suspending the company's temporary emergency operating permit. FDA's action prevents Evanger's from selling its canned pet foods outside of its home state of Illinois.

FDA, in a notice released to the public yesterday evening, stated that Evanger's ". . . deviated from the prescribed process, equipment, product shipment, and recordkeeping requirements in the production of the company's thermally processed low acid canned food (LACF) products." The deviations, according to FDA, could result in under-processing, which could allow survival of Clostridium botulinum in the canned pet foods. Clostridium botulinum is a spore-forming bacterium that produces a deadly neurotoxin.

The story began in April 2008. After inspecting Evanger's food canning operations, FDA advised the company that the pet food maker would need to obtain an emergency operating permit in order to continue interstate distribution of its canned pet foods. The agency took this action due to "significant deviations" in the company's processes, equipment and documentation. The emergency permit would allow Evanger's to continue operating while correcting those deviations.

The company responded publicly to the April 2008 FDA action, claiming that the problem was a relatively minor documentation issue, that FDA's April 24, 2008 announcement was inaccurate and misleading, and that Evanger's was not operating under an emergency permit.

In June 2008, FDA issued Evanger's with a temporary Emergency Permit, under which the company could continue to operate while correcting the outstanding issues. The agency reinspected Evanger's between March and April 2009, and determined that the company was not operating in compliance with the conditions of the Emergency Permit. FDA, therefore, decided to suspend the permit until Evanger's shows that it has taken appropriate corrective actions to bring the company's processes into line with government requirements.

Evanger's released a statement today in response to FDA's actions. Joel Sher, the company's Vice President, blames the entire problem on an inadvertent documentation error on the part of Evanger's processing expert. The error, according to Sher, occurred in August 2008 and the company ". . . has been working with the FDA to resolve this issue quickly."

As FDA pointed out in a "Dear Colleague" letter to the Low Acid Canned Food industry in 2007, the agency's canned food regulations ". . . are among the best examples of science-based food safety regulations with long records of successful implementation." But this excellent track record requires diligent attention to careful process control and thorough process documentation – something that, apparently, has been lacking at Evanger's.

It's time for Evanger's to come out of "denial" and start cleaning up its act. It's not enough to use wholesome ingredients that are sourced in the United States. It's not enough to be the oldest natural pet food company in the United States. Evanger's customers have every right to expect the company to process its pet foods under the very best of Good Manufacturing Practices and in full compliance with FDA requirements.

Anything less is unacceptable.

Recall Roundup: June 13, 2009

United States

Allergy Alert: R. E. Kimball and Company, Inc. (Amesbury, MA) recalls approximately 1200 units of Clam Chowder and Corn Chowder, including all lot numbers in 15 oz cans, because they contain undeclared milk and wheat. The recalled chowders were packaged under several different brand names and distributed throughout New England.
Allergy Alert (Retail Consignee List): USDA publishes list of retail consignees for Recall #032-2009: Kroger, Fully Cooked, Buffalo Style Chicken Wings, Chicken Wing Sections Coated With Sauce. The chicken wings were recalled by Pilgrim's Pride on June 10th, due to the presence of undeclared milk, soy, and wheat.
Food Safety Recall: Bao Ding Seafood (New York, NY 10002) recalls Boiled Horse Mackerel, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets discovered that the fish was not eviscerated before being processed.
Food Safety Recall: The California Department of Public Health warns consumers to avoid Dulces Beny Mega Pinta Labios Candy, manufactured by Dulces Topi, S.A. DE C.V. in Mexico. Tests carried out by CDPH determined that the candy contains excessive lead. CDPH is working to identify the distributor and to ensure that the candy is removed from the marketplace.
Food Safety Recall: The California Department of Public Health warns consumers to avoid Chulada Saladitos C/Chile (Salted Plums W/Chili), packed and distributed by Chulada, Inc. (Burbank, CA), after tests determine that the candy contains excessive lead. CDPH is working with the distributor to have the candy removed from the marketplace.

Canada

Allergy Alert: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency warns consumers that several Lotte and Crown brands of biscuits, imported from Korea, have been recalled by the importers. The recalled items may contain undeclared milk, eggs, and/or hazelnuts.
Food Safety Alert: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency warns consumers that Our Father's Farm brand Ultra Bitter Apricot Kernels should not be consumed in excessive amounts, as the product contains a natural toxin, amygdalin, which can cause acute cyanide poisoning. CFIA is working with Our Father's Farm to remove the product from the marketplace. The Ultra bitter Apricot Kernels were distributed throughout Ontario, and may also be available in other parts of Canada.
Food Safety Recall: La Boutique du Pâtissier Enr. (1075, avenue Laurier Ouest, Outremont, QC) recalls cooked ham sold by weight between May 21 and May 29, 2009, because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Europe, Including the United Kingdom

Allergy Alert (UK): Co-Operative Group withdraws Truly Irresistible Oatmeal Batch Loaf 800g, with a ‘best before’ date of 15 June, as some of the Co-operative’s Truly Irresistible White Farmhouse Loaf products may have been wrapped in the Oatmeal Batch Loaf packaging. The White Farmhouse loaf contains a soya ingredient that is not declared on the Oatmeal Loaf packaging.
Dietary Supplement Alert: The Food Standards Agency warns consumers to avoid using Hydroxycut weight-loss supplement products, as these products have been linked to several cases of liver damage, and one death. The Hydroxycut products, manufactured by Iovate in Canada, have been recalled in the United States, Canada and Finland.

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

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Friday, June 12, 2009

BREAKING NEWS: FDA Suspends Evanger's Operating Permit

June 12, 2009

FDA announced this evening that it was suspending the temporary operating permit under which Evanger's Dog and Cat Food Company, Inc. has been operating for the last year.

The agency took this action after determining that Evanger's was not operating its canning operation according to ". . . prescribed process, equipment, product shipment, and recordkeeping requirements . . ." as set out in the temporary operating permit.

According to FDA, Evanger's deviations from prescribed protocols could ". . . result in under-processed pet foods, which can allow the survival and growth of Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), a bacterium that causes botulism in some animals as well as in humans."

Evanger's is an Illinois-based privately owned pet food company that manufactures and sells "premium" dog and cat foods, and pet treats. In April 2008, FDA announced that the company would be allowed to continue manufacturing canned pet food under a temporary emergency permit while it brought its low acid canned food processing operations into compliance with federal requirements.

When the FDA notice was released last year, Evanger's took strong exception to its contents. Holly Sher, the company's President, had the following response to our original post last April:

"The FDA news release is highly inaccurate and misleading. Evanger's Dog and Cat Food Company is not under emergency permit and is currently manufacturing and distributing its products worldwide with FDA approval. There have been no allegations for unsafe product or recalls. Please go to evangersdogfood.com for company statement."

It's evident, based on today's FDA announcement, that Ms. Sher's statement was disingenuous, at best. While there have been no product recalls – FDA cannot force a recall under current law – the company clearly has been producing its canned food lines under an emergency permit.

FDA cannot stop Evanger's from continuing to produce its canned dog and cat foods. But by suspending the temporary emergency permit, the agency can – and has – stopped Evanger's from selling its product outside the company's home state of Illinois.

We strongly urge dog and cat owners who may have purchased Evanger's canned foods to either discard any remaining product or to return the unopened cans to their retailer. Please switch to another brand of food until FDA lifts the suspension of Evanger's operating permit.

Do not put your dogs and cats at risk.

Recall Roundup: June 12, 2009

United States

Food Safety Recall (Reissue): Sconza Candy Company reissues notice of nationwide recall of trail mix, organic chocolate peanuts and organic toffee cashews and peanuts to correct one item number and add another. The recalled items contain peanut products supplied by Peanut Corporation of America (Plainview, TX facility).

Canada

Food Safety Recall: La Pâtisserie Belge Inc. (3487, avenue du Parc, Montréal, QC) recalls cooked ham that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled ham was sold by weight between May 21 and May 29, 2009.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia and New Zealand): Cadbury Ltd. recalls Cadbury Old Gold Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa due to the presence of undeclared milk protein. The chocolate was manufactured in Australia and distributed nationally, as well as to New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Guam.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific

Allergy Alert (Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Guam): Cadbury Ltd. recalls Cadbury Old Gold Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa due to the presence of undeclared milk protein. See above for details.

*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.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Recall Roundup: June 11, 2009

United States

Allergy Alert: Pilgrim's Pride Corp. (Mount Pleasant, TX) recalls approximately 608,188 pounds of frozen Buffalo-style chicken wings, because they may contain undeclared milk, soy, and wheat. The recalled chicken wings were distributed to the Kroger family of stores, except for Fred Meyer, QFC and Ralph's stores.
Allergy Alert: Sigma Processed Meats, Inc. (Seminole, OK) recalls approximately 2.68 million pounds of fully cooked ham products that contain undeclared monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Allergy Alert: Price Chopper recalls Price Chopper Extra Cheese Ring Danish due to the presence of undeclared eggs.
Allergy Alert: Indian Groceries & Spices, Inc. recalls Nirav Golden Raisins due to the presence of undeclared sulfites.

Canada

Allergy Alert: Fruiterie 440 (3840, boulevard Taschereau, Longueuil, QC) recalls yogurt-flavored raisins, because some packages may contain yogurt-flavored peanuts, due to a labeling error.

Australia and New Zealand

Food Safety Recall: Regal Cream Products Pty Ltd recalls Bulla Creamy Classics – Cookies & Cream ice cream after receiving reports of pieces of plastic in some containers.

*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.

World Health Organization Declares Flu Pandemic

June 11, 2009

According to the BBC, the WHO is raising its swine flu (Influenza A/H1N1) alert to Level 6, declaring a full-fledged pandemic.

Today's change in alert status comes 50 days after the first warning – issued April 24 – that a novel strain of influenza A had appeared in Mexico and parts of the United States. In the last 50 days, the new virus, which contains genetic components of swine, bird and human flu strains, has spread to 74 countries, infecting 27,737 victims, and killing 141.

As early reports of the spread of the disease piled up, WHO quickly raised its alert levels from Level 3 to Level 4 (April 28) and from Level 4 to Level 5 (April 29). The decision to proclaim a Level 6 alert makes the pandemic official.

What does Level 6 mean? Simply that the new influenza virus has become established in communities in two or more different regions of the world. Illnesses caused by the new flu already were reported all over North America and in several European countries – notably the United Kingdom and Spain.

The illnesses in North America and Europe weren't enough to convince WHO to declare a flu pandemic. Apparently, though, the recent rapid and extensive spread of the virus in Australia and New Zealand was impossible to ignore.

The Southern Hemisphere is now entering winter – prime influenza season. The performance of the new flu strain over the next few months will provide a good indication of what to expect in the North America, Europe and Asia during the 2009-2010 flu season.

National and international health agencies will be watching closely for any signs that the relatively mild strain is mutating into something more dangerous before the next Northern Hemisphere flu season begins.

eFoodAlert.com

Friday, June 19, 2009

Recall Roundup: June 19, 2009

Nestlé USA Recalls Toll House Cooke Dough

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Nature's Variety: Acting Responsibly

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Recall Roundup: June 17, 2009

Is Evanger's An FDA Scapegoat?

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Evanger's Fights Back

PFPSA Confirms Toxic Zinc Levels In Nutro Cat Food

Recall Roundup: June 16, 2009

Monday, June 15, 2009

Nature's Variety "Withdraws" Products Due To Quality Issue

Recall Roundup: June 15, 2009

CDC Report Ruffles Poultry Industry Feathers

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Recall Roundup: June 14, 2009

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Evanger's Troubled History

Recall Roundup: June 13, 2009

Friday, June 12, 2009

BREAKING NEWS: FDA Suspends Evanger's Operating Permit

Recall Roundup: June 12, 2009

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Recall Roundup: June 11, 2009

World Health Organization Declares Flu Pandemic

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