Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Recall Roundup USA: December 17-29, 2010

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. 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. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.


United States
  • Allergy Alert (December 17th): YNot Foods, Inc. (Madison, WI) recalls Upsides™ Orzo Toscano, distributed by J.R. Simplot Co. through food service and retail channels in Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Mexico, because the products contain undeclared milk and soybean. The affected production codes are 987SEP301001, 987OCT071001 and 987OCT081001.
  • Allergy Alert (December 17th): Tofutti Brands Inc. expands its earlier recall of 4-pack Yours Truly Frozen Dessert Cones to include lot number 2360. The recalled Dessert Cones, which are labeled "Milk-Free," contain undeclared milk
  • Allergy Alert (December 23rd): Brand Castle, LLC recalls its licensed Rice Krispies Treats Holiday Village Kit (expiration dates 15 Oct 2012, 16 Oct 2012 and 02 Nov 2012), distributed only through Michaels retail stores in the USA and Canada, because the icing component contains undeclared egg.
  • Allergy Alert (December 23rd): South Florida Bakery recalls all lot codes of Publix Bakery Coconut Macaroons (Coquitos), because the products contain a small amount of undeclared milk.
  • Food Safety Recall (December 17th): Sally Jackson Cheese (Oroville, WA) recalls all cheese products, including cow, goat and sheep, because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. Sally Jackson cheese are made using raw cow, goat and sheep milk and were distributed nationwide to restaurants, distributors and retail stores.
  • Food Safety Recall (December 17th): Winn Meats Co. (Dallas, TX) recalls 25,600 pounds of ground beef products that were improperly labeled and potentially adulterated.
  • Food Safety Recall (December 20th): Bright Water Seafood (Tucker, GA) recalls Buffalo Krab Dip (7-ounce pkg; expiration 12/21/2010) and Southwest Krab Dip (7-ounce pkg; expiration 12/29/2010), because the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled items were distributed in retail stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Georgia and Virginia.
  • Food Safety Recall (December 20th): Whole Foods Market recalls cheeses supplied by Sally Jackson Cheese (Oroville, WA) and sold in California, Nevada, Washington State and Washington DC, because the cheese may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.
  • Food Safety Recall (December 23rd): JFC International, Inc. (Los Angeles, CA) recalls all of its uneviscerated Frozen Capelin, because the fish (imported from Vietnam) may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.
  • Food Safety Recall (December 24th): Rolf's Patisserie (Lincolnwood, IL) recalls all desserts made after November 1, 2010 after the desserts were linked to several outbreaks of Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning. The recalled products include tiramisu, cakes, cobblers, decorated cookies, tarts, pastries and pies and were available through retail (including grocery stores), wholesale and internet sales, and were distributed through a catering service and to institutions such as nursing homes. One hundred cases of food poisoning – three in Illinois (30 illnesses) and one in Wisconsin (70 illnesses) – have been reported from four separate events in November and December.
  • Food Safety Recall (December 24th): Whole Foods Market recalls items supplied by Rolf's Patisserie and sold in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Please follow the live link for a detailed list of recalled items.
  • Food Safety Recall (December 24th): Whole Foods Market recalls all assembled Ginger Bread Houses made after November 1, 2010 and sold in 22 states, because the ginger bread houses were supplied by Rolf's Patisserie.
  • Food Safety Alert (December 27th): FDA advises consumers not to eat Alfalfa Sprouts and Spicy Sprouts (which contain alfalfa sprouts mixed with radish and clover sprouts) from Tiny Greens Organic Farm (Urbana, IL), after preliminary results link the sprouts to a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections.
  • Food Safety Recall (December 28th): J&D Produce Inc. recalls Little Bear brand Fresh Greens packed on November 30th and December 6th after regulators in Quebec detect Salmonella in a sample of curly parsley and regulators in Detroit detect Salmonella in a sample of cilantro. The recalled products were distributed in several US states and in Canada. Please follow the live link for a complete list of the recalled products and their distribution.
  • Food Safety Recall (December 28th): Bethel Livestock Farm (Swan Lake, NY) recalls Bethel Creamery Pasteurized Whole Organic Milk (Kosher Cholov Yisroel), packaged in half-gallon plastic containers (Use by JAN 7 2011), because the milk was improperly pasteurized. The recalled milk was distributed to five locations in the Bronx and in Rockland County.
  • Pet Foods Safety Recall (December 18th): The Kroger Co. recalls select packages of dog foods and cat foods, because the pet foods may contain aflatoxin. Please follow the live link for a complete list of recalled products and distribution details.
  • Medical Device Safety Recall (December 22nd): Abbott Diabetes Care recalls 359 lots of Precision Xtra®, Precision Xceed Pro®, MediSense® Optium™, Optium™, Optium EZ and ReliOn® Ultima Blood Glucose Test Strips because the affected test strips may give falsely low blood glucose results. The recalled test strips were distributed in the USA and Puerto Rico.
  • Pharmaceutical Product Safety Recall (December 22nd): Pfizer recalls Lipitor® 40mg Tablets (Lot 0836050) due to the presence of an uncharacteristic odor.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall (December 22nd): RockHard Laboratories recalls specific lot numbers of RockHard Weekend and Pandora dietary supplements after the recalled products were found to contain an analogue of Sildenafil.


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.



Thursday, December 16, 2010

Recall Roundup: December 16, 2010

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. 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. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.

Check here for a complete list of recalled sandwiches, subs and wraps made with processed cheese slices supplied by Saputo Inc.



Canada
  • Allergy Alert: Canada Safeway Limited recalls Quaker brand Chewy Granola Bars Value Pack (14 bars, 364g; all lot codes) due to the presence of undeclared peanuts. The bars were recalled on November 24th by Quaker Canada, but may have been distributed, subsequent to the original recall, throughout Canada Safeway retail stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
  • Food Safety Recall: Marché Primeau & Fils inc recalls Hamburger Steak, IGA Primeau & Fils (variable weight; Best before 10 décembre 2010) because it contains Listeria monocytogenes.


Europe


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Food Safety Recall (South Korea): Semin Fisheries and Samsung Tesco recall See United States Squid (Best Before 12.03.2011) due to the presence of E. coli.
  • Food Safety Recall (South Korea): Shan Food Sales recalls "CJW Spicy Offal Sauce" (Best before 11.5.2), due to the presence of metal fragments.


Australia and New Zealand
  • Allergy Alert (Australia): Coles Supermarket Ltd. recalls Coles Bakery Fresh Mars Cookies (6 pack, clear plastic container with black and beige label; Best before 25 October 2010 up to and including 22 December 2010), due to the presence of undeclared peanuts and tree nuts. The cookies were distributed nationally through Coles Supermarkets, Bi-Lo, Pick'N' (Qld) and Coles On-line.
  • Food Safety Recall (Australia): Lei Phat Trading Pty Ltd. recalls Yellow Catfish Cleaned (Exp 15/09/2012) and Red Tilapia Gutted (Exp 17/09/2012) frozen whole fish imported from Vietnam, because antibiotics have been detected in the products. The recalled fish products were sold in Asian grocery stores and supermarkets in South Australia.


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.



Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Recall Roundup: December 15, 2010

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. 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. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.

Check here for a complete list of recalled sandwiches, subs and wraps made with processed cheese slices supplied by Saputo Inc.


United States
  • Allergy Alert: Brinkman Turkey Farms Inc. (Findlay, OH) recalls Brinkman's Gourmet Barbecue Sauce (22-oz. glass jars, 40-oz. glass jars and 160-oz. plastic jugs), because the product contains undeclared milk and soy. The recalled products were distributed to retail stores and distribution centers in Ohio and direct to consumers in Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Iowa.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns New Wha Ming Trading of MN, Inc. (New Hope, MN) that a July 2010 inspection of the company's food warehouse revealed serious violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing or Holding Human Food (CGMP) regulation, rendering the food products adulterated under the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Fujino Enterprises, Inc. (Montara, CA) that a July/August 2010 inspection of the company's seafood processing facility revealed serious violations of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulation and the Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulation for foods.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Tws Marketing Group Inc. (Longwood, FL) that a review of the label for the company's HomeMaker Premium 100% Pure Florida Squeezed Orange Juice, 64 oz. determined that the product is misbranded. The label statement "Made With Not From Concentrate Juice" is misleading because, according to the list of ingredients declared on the label, the product contains orange juice concentrate as well as juice that is expressed directly from oranges.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Soma Labs, Inc. (Middlesex, NJ) that a June/July 2010 inspection of the company's dietary supplement manufacturing facility revealed serious violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations for Dietary Supplements, causing certain dietary supplement products to be adulterated.
  • Food Recall: Price Chopper recalls Price Chopper Fat Free Cream Cheese (8 oz brick), because the product is of inadequate quality.
  • Food Recall: Adirondack Beverages recalls Waist Watchers Diet Root Beer (12 pack/144 oz.) because there is no deposit listed on the cans. Consumers should return the product to Price Chopper for a full refund.


Europe



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.



Cheese, Please! - The Saputo Recalls

Processed cheese recall by Canada's largest cheese maker triggers nationwide sandwich recalls
(Updated December 15, 2010)

The two recall notices for processed cheese slices, which were issued by Saputo Inc. (Montreal, QC) on November 26th and December 2nd, have triggered a multiplicity of secondary recalls of sandwiches, subs and burgers that contain the recalled cheese slices.

The following processed cheese foods were supplied to retailers, cash & carry and deli stores, and may also have been sold to food service institutions such as restaurants, hospitals, day care centers, and nursing homes across Canada.
  • Faith Farms Ribbon Slices Process Cheese Product Made with Swiss Cheese:- UPC 065949040029; Best Before up to and including 2011 JN 15; 2 kg.
  • Faith Farms Ribbon Slices Process Cheese Food:- UPC 065949040043; Best before up to and including 2011 JL 18; 2 kg.
  • Faith Farms Submarine Cut Process Cheese Food:- UPC 065949040050; Best before up to and including 2011 JL 09; 2 kg.
  • Faith Farms Pullman Slices Process Cheese Food:- UPC 065949040074; Best before up to and including 2011 MA 07
  • No Label PCF - Colored Pullman:- No UPC; Best before up to and including 2011 OC 27; 2.27 kg.
  • St-Albert Ribbon Slices Process Cheese Food:- No UPC; Best before up to and including 2011 JL 09; 2 kg.
  • Sunspun Pullman Slices Process Cheese Food:- UPC 060383020262; Best before up to and including 2011 AL 30; 2 kg.
  • Sunspun Ribbon Slices Process Swiss Food:- UPC 060383101367; Best before up to and including 2011 AL 15; 2 kg.
  • Sunspun Submarine Slices Process Cheese Food:- UPC 060383128036; Best before up to and including 2011 MA 10; 2 kg.

As a result of the Saputo recalls, the following sandwich products have been recalled by their manufacturers as a precaution. Please follow the live link to find the details for each recalled product brand or type.
  • APFL (Prepared by):- All varieties; distributed in PEI and Nova Scotia, with possible distribution in other Atlantic provinces
  • Best Value:- Prime Rib Beef Hamburger and various styles of cheeseburgers; distributed nationally
  • CCV Food Service Est 467:- All sandwiches, wraps, kaisers, croissants and subs containing processed cheese; distributed nationally
  • Circle K Grab N' Go:- All varieties; distributed in PEI and Nova Scotia, with possible distribution in other Atlantic provinces
  • Deli Chef Est 114:- Our Super Submarine, Roast Beef Submarine, and Chicken Caesar Pita; distributed nationally
  • Deli Chef Est 467:- Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, Our Super Sub, Pizza Sub and Meatball Sub; distributed nationally
  • Delicious:- Various sandwiches and subs; distributed in New Brunswick
  • Deli Supreme:- Various subs; St. John's, Conception Bay South, NL
  • Dépanneur Godefroy:- Submarine "extra" and ham & cheese sandwiches; sold from 675 rue Godefroy, Saint-Grégoire, QC
  • Hamish & Enzo Est 467:- Various subs and sandwiches; distributed nationally
  • Hygaard:- Sausage & Egg Muffin, and various styles of burgers; distributed nationally
  • J.C.A. Food Services Ltd.:- Chicken entrees, burgers, lasagna, wraps, and various subs and sandwiches; sold in vending machines in Ontario
  • JMS Est 467:- Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, Our Super Sub, Pizza Sub and Meatball Sub; distributed nationally
  • Les Cuisines Polo Bic:- Various subs and sandwiches; sold in the province of Quebec.
  • Majestic Fresh Foods 4U:- All breakfast sandwiches, croissant sandwiches, cold sandwiches, subs, Kaiser sandwiches, and specialty sandwiches (with or without cheese); sold in vending machines and from catering trucks in Ontario
  • Manufactured by HFS:- Pre Grilled Cheese (bulk; white and brown); known to be distributed in Ontario, with possible national distribution
  • McBuns Bakery:- all refrigerated subs; sold from various outlets in Moncton, NB
  • No brand name:- Assorted cold cut subs containing ham, salami and processed cheese sold in the Atlantic provinces in Foodland stores and in 4 specific Sobey's stores; all in-store packaged sandwiches, subs, wraps & cheeseburgers containing processed cheese sold at Co-op, ValuFoods & RiteStop stores in the Atlantic provinces and the Magdalen Islands; various sandwiches sold in Atlantic Superstore, Save Easy, nofrills, and Dominion stores in the Atlantic provinces; various sandwiches and subs sold in Circle K convenience stores in the Atlantic provinces; All in-store packaged sandwiches and subs containing processed cheese; sold at certain Metro, Richelieu, AMI and EXTRA stores in Quebec
  • Orangestore:- Pizza burger and various wraps; St. John's, Conception Bay South, NL
  • Quality Fast Food:- Prime Rib Beef Burger, several varieties of sandwiches, and various styles of burgers; distributed nationally
  • Smith Snacks:- Various subs, sandwiches and wraps; distributed in Newfoundland
  • Sub Delicious:- All varieties; distributed in PEI and Nova Scotia, with possible distribution in other Atlantic provinces
  • William Davids Foods:- Various sandwiches and subs containing processed cheese; sold in vending machines in Ontario
  • Winsor:- Various subs, sandwiches and wraps; sold in St. John's Conception Bay South, NL

The following retailers sold one or more of the recalled products:
  • AMI:- Québec
  • Atlantic Superstore:- Atlantic provinces
  • Boucherie Claude Giguère:- Trois-Rivières, QC (mislabeled as Suisse Blanc Tranche and Kraft Tranche cheese slices)
  • Boucherie J.F.:- Saint-Hubert, QC (Fromage Tranché Saputo)
  • Circle K convenience stores:- Atlantic provinces
  • Co-op:- Atlantic provinces and the Magdalen Islands (QC)
  • Dépanneur Godefroy:- 675, rue Godefroy, Saint-Grégoire, QC
  • Dominion:- Atlantic provinces
  • EXTRA:- Québec
  • Foodland:- Atlantic provinces
  • Le Marché végétarien:- Drummondville, QC (F. Fram Tranche Colore, Ontario)
  • Les aliments Bégin inc.:- Saint-Ludger, QC (various sandwiches and burgers)
  • Les arpents verts:- Chambly, QC (Tranche Jaune)
  • Metro:- Québec
  • nofrills:- Atlantic provinces
  • Richelieu:- Québec
  • RiteStop:- Atlantic provinces and the Magdalen Islands (QC)
  • Save Easy:- Atlantic provinces
  • Sobey's:- 4 stores, located in Miramichi (NB), Darmouth (NS), Grand Bank (NL) and Placentia (NL)
  • ValuFoods:- Atlantic provinces and the Magdalen Islands (QC)

This information will be updated periodically as more recall notices appear.

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. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.


Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Recall Roundup: December 14, 2010

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. 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. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.

Check here for a complete list of recalled sandwiches, subs and wraps made with processed cheese slices supplied by Saputo Inc.


United States
  • Allergy Alert: Toffutti Brands Inc. recalls 25 pallets of Yours Truly Frozen Dessert Cones (4-pack; Manufacturing facility 18-497; Production codes 2330 or 2350; produced in August 2010), due to possible trace levels of undeclared milk. The recalled product is labeled as Milk-free. Most of the recalled product was sold along the east coast and in the Midwest; none was shipped to any west coast distributors or stores.
  • Food Safety Recall: Tropical Nut & Fruit (Charlotte, NC) recalls all of its products containing walnuts supplied after November 16th by Atlas Walnuts, LLC because the walnuts may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products were sold in retail stores nationwide and were distributed to manufacturers and distributors. In addition to products sold under the Tropical brand, two of the recalled items were supplied under the Harris Teeter brand and one item was labeled as Atlas. Please follow the live link to the recall notice for additional details.
  • Food Safety Recall: Mitsuwa Corporation (Torrance, CA) recalls Butter Ball candy imported from Japan after tests conducted by the California Department of Public Health finds unacceptable levels of lead in the candy.


Canada
  • Food Safety Alert: CFIA is warning the public not to consume unwrapped, unlabeled cantaloupes sold from Canada Safeway Limited, 655 Osborne Street, Winnipeg on December 5th, because the cantaloupes may be contaminated with Salmonella.
  • Food Safety Recall: Québec's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) warns the public not to consume cheese slices and certain products containing cheese slices sold at Le Marché végétarien (Drummondville), Les aliments Bégin Inc. (Saint-Ludger) and Boucherie Claude Giguère (Trois-Rivières), because the cheese slices were recalled by Saputo Inc. and may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Food Safety Recall: MAPAQ warns the public not to consume cheese slices purchased at Les arpents verts (Chambly) and Boucherie J.F. (Saint-Hubert), because the cheese slices were recalled by Saputo Inc. and may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall: NorthRegentRx recalls ResurreXX, promoted as a dietary supplement, after test conducted by Health Canada detected the presence of undeclared hydroxyhomosildenafil, an analog of the prescription medicine, sildenafil.


Europe
  • Allergy Alert (UK): Asda recalls Asda Strawberry Swirled Cheesecake, 125g (Use by 17 December 2010) de to the presence of undeclared egg.
  • Food Safety Recall (Belgium): La société SACCO Bis recalls farm eggs due to the presence of dioxin/PCB, a carcinogen. The eggs were sold in stores belonging to MATCH and Carrefour.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Gert Nielsen A/S recalls pork products supplied to caterers and food service establishments, because the raw pork was contaminated with Salmonella.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Royal Greenland A/S recalls Royal Greenland Shrimp Boat (Packed 23/6-2010) due to an off-odor. The reason for the off-odor has not been determined.
  • Allergy Alert Notification (EU #2010.1675): Undeclared sulphite in pomegranate molasses from Syria; distributed to the United Kingdom.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Notification (EU #2010.1676): Adverse reaction caused by herbal food supplement from Estonia, via Denmark; distributed to Norway.
  • Animal Feed Safety Notification (EU #2010.1677): Cadmium in zinc sulphate from Italy; distributed to Belgium and France.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.1678): Aflatoxins in salted roasted pistachio nuts from Iran, via Slovakia; distributed to the Czech Republic.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.1679): Too high content of nitrate in spinach from Italy; distributed to Slovenia.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.1680): Listeria monocytogenes in ham sausage from the Czech Republic; distributed to the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.1681): High content of aluminium in quick cooking rice noodles from Vietnam; distributed to the Czech Republic.
  • Animal Feed Safety Notification (EU #2010.1682): Salmonella enterica in fishmeal from Denmark; distributed to Estonia.
  • Consumer Product Safety Notification (EU #2010.1683): Migration of N-nitrosatable compounds from soothers from Italy; distributed to Greece.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.1684): Chlorpyriphos in grapes from Greece; distributed to Greece.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.1685): Salmonella in guichai leaf from Thailand; distributed to the Netherlands.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.1687): Salmonella Dublin in beef trimmings from Ireland; distributed to Sweden.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.1688): Caffeine in cola soft drink from Peru; distributed to Italy.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.1689): Pseudomonas aeruginosa in non carbonated spring water from Poland; distributed to Germany.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.1690): Salmonella in tea-sausage fine from Germany; distributed to Germany.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.1691): Cadmium in frozen squid from India; distributed to Italy.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.1692): Salmonella Mbandaka and Staphylococcus aureus in noodles with turkey eggs from Poland; distributed to Belgium, Germany and Ireland.


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Pharmaceutical Product Safety Recall (Hong Kong): Deltapharm Limited recalls Anlina Vaginal Tablet (Batch No. 0T59001), imported from Thailand, because the tablets disintegrate more slowly than is acceptable.
  • Health Product Safety Alert (Singapore): The Health Sciences Authority warns the public that JianBu HuQian Wan, imported from overseas, contains the undeclared medical active ingredients dexamethasone (a corticosteroid) and chlorpheniramine, and should not be consumed. The product is advertised as a treatment for joint pain, muscle aches and weak limbs and bears an invalid Malaysian Product Registration Number MAL05121196T. One adverse reaction is known to have occurred.



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.



Sunday, December 12, 2010

Recall Roundup: December 12, 2010

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. 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. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.

Check here for a complete list of recalled sandwiches, subs and wraps made with processed cheese slices supplied by Saputo Inc.


United States
  • Allergy Alert: Tofutti Brands recalls Tofutti Yours Truly Frozen Dessert Cones, 14 oz. (manufacturing code 18-497 and production code of either 2330 or 2350), because these products contain traces of undeclared milk.
  • Food Recall: Clear Springs Foods recalls Clear Springs brand Pecan-Encrusted Trout (UPC 10 070765 08847; 1/10lbs. per case; all product lots distributed since March 2010), due to the possible presence of trace amounts of an antibiotic not approved for use in the USA. The recall was initiated after Clear Food Springs learned that an ingredient supplied by a supplier from Argentina contained trace amounts of the antibiotic. This product was distributed nationwide via multiple distributors to food service operations.



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.



Outbreaks and Alerts: December 12, 2010

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

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. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.


United States
  • Johnson County, KS. December 10th: Public health officias report that the recent illness, which affected nearly 200 students and staff at Trailwood Elementary School, was caused by Norovirus.
  • Wareham, MA. December 10th: At least 10 patients at Tobey Hospital have been isolated because of a Norovirus outbreak.
  • Carthage, MO. December 10th: A Jasper County resident has died from E. coli food contamination, and the Jasper County Health Department is investigating other possible cases that might be related to a single family gathering over Thanksgiving weekend. Eleven of the 24 people who attended the event have reported symptoms. The Health Department is testing leftover food from the family meal.


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Udhagamandalam, India. December 10th: Three hundred twenty-four (324) students at a public senior high school were admitted to Gudalur Hospital with symptoms of suspected food poisoning after their mid-day meal.


Australia and New Zealand
  • Canterbury, New Zealand. December 10th: Health authorities are warning of a bloom of potentially toxic blue-green algae in Ashley and Waipara rivers. The algal mats can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.


Latin America and the Caribbean

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Recall Roundup: December 11, 2010

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. 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. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.

Check here for a complete list of recalled sandwiches, subs and wraps made with processed cheese slices supplied by Saputo Inc.


United States
  • Allergy Alert: Pampanga Food Company, Inc. (Anaheim, CA) recalls approximately 14,430 pounds of PAMPANGA Sauteed Chicken (30-pound cases containing 3-pound bags; Est. No. P-9029-A; packaged between May 6th and Dec 6th, 2010; Lot No. 0506 to 1203), due to the presence of undeclared whey. The recalled products were shipped to distribution centers for further sale to restaurants in California and Hawaii.
  • OTC Pharmaceutical Product Safety Recall: Reese Pharmaceutical Company (Cleveland, OH) recalls Lot #091612 (60-count bottles of guaifenesin 200mg tablets) of Refenesen Expectorant Select Brand Mucus Relief Expectorant, QC Medifin Expectorant, and Leader Cough Tabs Expectorant, because of undeclared active ingredients acetaminophen, phenylephrine and chlorpheniramine maleate.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Alert: FDA warns consumers not to use Man Up Now capsules, marketed as an "herbal" and "all natural" dietary supplement for sexual enhancement, because the capsules contain a variation of an active ingredient found in Viagra (sulfoaildenafil) that can dangerously lower blood pressure. Man Up Now is distributed by Synergy Distribution LLC and is sold on Internet sites, online marketplaces and, possibly in retail outlets.
  • Consumer Product Safety Recall (Update): The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reversed its earlier ruling and now considers Wizard of Oz and superhero drinking glasses to be adult products. These glasses, which were found to have elevated lead levels in the decorative paint on their outside surfaces, were recalled because the level of lead exceeded the limits for children's products.


Canada
  • Allergy Alert: Unger's Market (London, ON) recalls Cherry Cake (small and large), Dundee Cake (small and large), Glasgow Gingerbread (small and large) and Sultana Cake (small and large) due to the presence of undeclared milk and (except for the Sultana Cake) undeclared sulphites. The products were sold at Unger's Market, Gainsborough Road, London, ON.
  • Food Safety Recall: MAPAQ advises that several subs and sandwiches sold under the Les Cuisines Polo Bic brand (Best before 30 décembre 2010), and subs and sandwiches Best before 30 décembre 2010) sold at Dépanneur Godefroy (Saint-Grégoire, QC) have been recalled because they were made using processed cheeses recalled by Saputo Inc on December 2nd.
  • OTC Pharmaceutical Product Safety Recall: McNeil Consumer Healthcare (Canada) recalls all lots numbers and flavors of ROLAIDS® Ultra Strength SoftChews® and ROLAIDS® Ultra Strength SoftChews® plus Gas Relief, following consumer reports of foreign materials in the product, including metal and wood products.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall: Natural Performance Products Ltd. recalls specific lot numbers of the male sexual enhancement products Durazest for Men and Once More, because the products contain the undeclared pharmaceutical ingredient nortadalafil.
  • Health Product Safety Recall: Les Produits Naturels Leblanc Inc. recalls Flat Stomach Concept Extra, due to missing label statements related to the duration of use, risks and contraindications.
  • Cosmetic Product Safety Alert: Health Canada warns that ten professional hair smoothing solutions (in addition to Brazilian Blowout Solution) contain levels of formaldehyde above the limit set by Health Canada. The affected products are available in hair salons across Canada, but not generally sold directly to consumers. Please refer to the Health Canada Advisory for details.


Europe
  • Food Safety Recall (Finland): Lidl Suomi Ky recalls Peking Ente young German frozen duck, 2.4 kg (Best before 31.03.2012; Lot code L10.256G), because the product, which was imported from Germany, may be contaminated with Salmonella.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): JAN Import A/S recalls XXL Organic Cane Sugar, 2kg (Best before 29/11-2011; Lot #8784-18), sold in Bilka stores across Denmark, because there have been a small number of small, translucent, whitish plastic-like balls (1mm diam) found in the product.



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.



Friday, December 10, 2010

The Great Food Safety Debate of 2010

*To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;

Continuing Resolution H.R. 3082 was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday (December 8th). It contains the appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 (which began on October 1st), and the "corrected" version of the Food Safety Modernization Act. The House's action was reported to the Senate yesterday morning and should be voted on in the Senate next week.


And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Will the Senate pass H.R. 3082? If not, the government will run out of cash and have to pay its employees with lumps of coal instead.


Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more.

What does the Food Safety Modernization Act accomplish?
  • It mandates increased frequency of inspections, but does not authorize the level of spending that FDA said it needed to fund the increased inspection activities.
  • It mandates a universal HACCP approach to food safety, but exempts small producers.
  • It mandates registration of food processing facilities, but exempts small producers.
  • It mandates improved tracing of high-risk foods through the distribution chain, but does not require disclosure to the public of the wholesale and retail destinations of recalled foods.
  • It provides FDA with the authority to collect fees, but only to cover the costs of re-inspections, recall activities, and administering the voluntary qualified importer program.
  • It provides FDA the authority to mandate a product recall, when there is a "...reasonable probability that an article of food...is adulterated...or misbranded..." and the responsible party does not voluntarily agree with a request from FDA to recall the item.
The Food Safety Modernization Act does all these things. In some ways, it will make FDA's job a bit easier. But it does not guarantee that the US food supply will be any safer, and it does not provide consumers with any more information on where recalled foods were served or sold than is available right now.


It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.

(*Soliloquy from Act V of Macbeth, by William Shakespeare)


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