Saturday, May 21, 2011

Recalls and Alerts: May 21, 2011

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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.


United States
  • Allergy Alert: Narala Bakery Inc. (Brooklyn, NY) recalls Halal Plain Cake and Halal Fruit Cake, because the products contain undeclared eggs. The recalled cakes were sold to various locations in the five boroughs of New York City.

  • Food Safety Recall: Atalanta Corp. (Elizabeth, NJ) recalls Nazareth Classic Cheese and Nazareth Light Cheese (Product of Belgium; Lot Nos. 5030008, 5030009, 11350044, 11350045, 11350046, and 10840120; Expiry 3/13/2011 through 7/29/2011) because the cheeses may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled products come in bulk and were distributed in the North East region for sale in retail stores in random weight cuts.

  • Food Safety Embargo (Illinois): The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has embargoed all products from Tran's Tofu in Chicago after learning during a routine inspection that the company had been operating without hot water. IDPH inspectors also found a rodent infestation problem at the Tran's Tofu facility. Embargoed products include all date codes of Fresh Tofu (Dau Hu Tuoi), Fried Tofu (Dau Hu Chien) and Fresh Soybean Drink (Sua Dau Nanh). The products are sold mainly to Asian grocery stores and restaurants in the Chicago area.

  • Food Safety Enforcement Action: FDA seeks seizure of cheese products distributed by Brunkow Cheese of Wisconsin, Inc. (Darlington, WI) after FDA finds evidence of rodent infestation.

  • Food Safety Alert: FDA warns the public not to feed SimplyThick (a thickening product) to infants born before 37 weeks, after receiving reports that some premature infants who were fed this product developed a life-threatening intestinal inflammation known as necrotizing enterocolitis. The cause of the adverse reaction is under investigation.

  • Food Safety Alert: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH) today issued a warning to consumers to avoid eating carnivorous gastropods (snails, such as whelks, conchs and moonsnails) and the hepatopancreas (tomalley) of blue claw crabs and lobsters harvested from the following areas: Western Shinnecock Bay (Town of Southampton) and Huntington Bay, Huntington Harbor, Lloyd Harbor, Northport Bay, Northport Harbor, Centerport Harbor and Duck Island Harbor (Town of Huntington), due to the presence of marine biotoxins.

  • Outbreak Alert: CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program is reporting back-to-back outbreaks of gastroenteritis on board the Coral Princess (Princess Cruises). The first outbreak occurred during the April 24th to May 4th cruise. It affected 66 passengers and 3 crew members, and was due to Enterotoxigenic E. coli. The second outbreak developed on the May 4th to May 19th cruise, and affected 64 passengers and 3 crew members. The cause of the second outbreak is still under investigation; onboard Norovirus tests were negative.


Canada
  • Allergy Alert: Pro-Amino International Inc. recalls Protilife Chocolate Truffle & Cream Bar (5 x 45g; Lot code PCC 12 11A, 2013 07), because the product contains undeclared peanuts.

  • Allergy Alert: Quality Natural Foods Ltd. recalls Quality Brand Lemon Juice (250mL & 750mL; Lot #L-120410) MTR Garlic Pickle (300g; Lot 90829.QNF-02BB: SEP 2011), MTR Mixed Vegetable Pickle (300g; 91221.QNF-05BB: DEC 2011), and MTR LIme Pickle (300g; 91221.QNF-05BB: DEC 2011), because the products contain undeclared sulfites.

  • Allergy Alert: CFIA warns the public that Ravi brand Amritsari Punjabi Wadi contains undeclared wheat, and has been recalled by the importers.

  • Food Safety Alert: Health Canada warns parents, caregivers and healthcare providers not to feed SimplyThick to premature infants. FDA reports 15 cases of necrotizing enterocolitis, including two deaths, involving infants who were fed this product. Health Canada is not aware of any Canadian illnesses.

  • Boil Water Advisory (Alberta): Alberta Health Services warns residents of Red Earth, Gift Lake and the Town of Slave Lake to boil water used for drinking, cooking or bathing/washing, or to use an alternative water source until further notice. The advisory was issued as a result of disruptions caused by wildfires.


Europe
  • Food Safety Recall (France): CERF recalls unbranded Frozen Cheeseburgers sold in Auchan's Self Discount department (6 x 125g packages; Expiry dates 26/04/2012, 27/04/2012, 06/05/2012, 09/05/2012), because the meat is contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.


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.
Posted by Phyllis E at Saturday, May 21, 2011 0 comments
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Friday, May 20, 2011

Evanger's - The Light Dawns

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Ever since I received a copy from Evanger's of their lab report (also posted on the company's web site), I have been trying to figure out how FDA could possibly determine that there was no duck meat present in their sample of dog food, while Genetic ID - the third-party lab used by Evanger - found duck DNA in the sample that was submitted to them for testing.

My first thought was that there was may have been a significant difference in lab methods used by FDA and Genetic ID. That thought was quashed earlier today, when I ascertained from FDA that the agency used a PCR method - the same type of method as the one used by Genetic ID. Even a slight difference in technique would not be enough to explain a total lack of positive duck meat reaction in FDA's hands.

I was stymied until I revisited the wording of the FDA warning letter and compared it to the wording of the information released by Evanger.

Here's the relevant portion of the Evanger statement:
"Our results show that, in fact, Evanger’s brand Super Premium Duck was detected positive for duck..."

And here's the relevant statement from the FDA warning letter:
"The labeling indicates that Evanger’s Grain-free Duck Pet Food contains duck, but the analytical sample results did not detect the presence of duck in the product."

A quick review of Evanger's website brought everything into focus. Super Premium Duck and Grain-Free Duck are two VERY different products!

I challenge Evanger's to submit samples of the same batch of Grain-Free Duck dog food analyzed by FDA to a third-party lab for testing.

Anyone care to speculate on the outcome?
Posted by Phyllis E at Friday, May 20, 2011 0 comments
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Recalls and Alerts: May 20, 2011

This is a mirror of eFoodAlert on WordPress. To subscribe to automatic email alerts, please go to the eFoodAlert on WordPress blog page and complete the EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION form.

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.



United States
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall: The Arizona Department of Health has mandated a mass recall of Lazy Cakes relaxation brownies after a 2-year old child was rushed to hospital. The toddler fell into a deep sleep after biting into one of the brownies, which contains 8mg of melatonin, a naturally occuring compound that helps to regulate sleep cycles. A typical adult dose of melatonin is 1-3mg.

  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall: Phoenix Import & Distribution LLC recalls Pentrexyl Forte Natural (Exp. 04/14; Lot #102050 and all lots distributed between November 1, 2010 and May 1, 2011), because the packaging is believed to be misleading, causing the product to be confused with an antibiotic.

  • Pharmaceutical Product Safety Recall: American Regent (Shirley, NY) recalls Sterile Water for Injection, USP, 50 mL single-dose vial (Lot 0092; Exp. February 2014), because some of the vials may contain rust-like particulate matter.

  • Food/Water Safety Alert (Alaska): The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reminds the public that all locally harvested shellfish may contain paralytic shellfish poison (PSP). Alaska does not have a PSP testing program for recreational or subsistence harvested shellfish, and does not certify beaches as PSP-free.

  • Recreational Water Alert (Ohio): Water warnings have been posted at Grand Lake St. Mary, due to an algae bloom. People should not swim or wade in the lake, or touch any of the algae in the lake.

  • Outbreak Alert (California): San Joaquin County has noticed a sharp increase in the number of cases of Campylobacter gastroenteritis - about twice the usual number so far this year. The County Public Health Services has not yet found a common source or specific explanation for this increase. The rise began in 2010, with 233 cases reported, versus 135 cases in 2009.


Canada
  • Allergy Alert: Health Canada cautions the public that cereal grains such as oats or barley may contain low levels of wheat, because of the way the grains are grown and harvested. Individuals who are allergic to wheat should review package labels carefully to determine whether the product may contain traces of wheat.

  • Allergy Alert: Pâtisserie St-Martin (Laval, QC) recalls Pâté au poulet (chicken pâté), Pâté au saumon (salmon pâté) and Tourtière maison (meat pie), because the products contain undeclared egg and soy.

  • Food Safety Recall: The Tree of Life Canada (Surrey, BC) recalls King James brand Blue Stilton Cheese (Product of England; Lot/Batch numbers between 019 and 034, inclusive), because the cheese may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The cheese was sold to retailers in 2 kg bulk round packages, but may have been cut and sold at retail and deli counters in random weight packages between April 14, 2011 and May 19, 2011. The product was distributed in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland; however it may have been sold nationally.


Europe
  • Food Safety Recall (France): Magasins U recalls Magasins U brand Pain de Mie extra moelleux (Extra-chewy sandwich bread; Lot 3 256 224 034 261; Best before 27/05/2011), because the bread may contain glass fragments. The recalled bread was sold in Hyper U, Super U, Marché U, U Express, and Utile stores.

  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Lantmännen Danpo A/S recalls Chicky Cuts, plucked chicken (Product of Belgium; Danpo Batch No. 20110104), because the product contains elevated bacteria levels, which may be due to defective bag seals.

  • Dog Food Safety Recall Update (Finland): VIP Vescor Oy recalls additional batches of Nutritional Balance Dog Food. The recalled batches include 1kg packs (Batch #OW 320, OW 246 and OW 321), 3kg packs (Batch #OW 221, OW 320, OW 321, OX 039 and OX 040) and 15 kg packs (Batch #OW 222, OW 291, OW 312, OW 356, OW 249, OW 336, OX 025 and OX 055). Lab results suggest that rice protein used in the product contains an extraordinary amount of nitrogen.

  • Shellfish Alert (France): Due to the presence of toxic algae in the water, the harvest, sale and consumption of shellfish is prohibited over a large part of the Seine-maritime coastline.

  • Outbreak Alert (UK): Redfield Edge School in Oldland Common has shut two classes after an outbreak of E. coli diarrhea, suspected to be E. coli O157. One child has been hospitalized, two others have received medical treatment, and 25 others have called in sick with diarrhea. The source of the outbreak has not yet been determined.


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
Australia and New Zealand
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.
Posted by Phyllis E at Friday, May 20, 2011 0 comments
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Thursday, May 19, 2011

Recalls and Alerts: May 19, 2011

This is a mirror of eFoodAlert on WordPress. To subscribe to automatic email alerts, please go to the eFoodAlert on WordPress blog page and complete the EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION form.

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.


United States
  • Food Safety Recall: Schratter Foods Inc. (Fairfield, NJ) recalls Quenby Hall Blue Stilton Cheese, imported by ANCO Fine Cheese (Product of UK; Lots 019 through 034, with expiration dates of 6/15/2011 through 6/29/2011), after Listeria monocytogenes is found in the bulk cheese during routine testing. The product is imported in bulk (round half 8.5-9.6 lbs) and is sold nationally in retail stores in random weight wedge cuts.


Canada
  • Allergy Alert: Nikolaos Fine Foods Limited recalls Zarky's, Woodward Meat Purveyors, Savory Secret Gold Coast, and Nikolaos brands of uncooked and par-fry seasoned breaded chicken breast fillets, due to the presence of undeclared milk. The recalled chicken products were distributed in Ontario for retail sale and to hotel/restaurant/institutional clients.


Europe
  • Food Safety Recall (UK): Asda recalls Asda Japanese Style Spicy Rice Cracker Mix (Best before: up to and including 01/11/2011), Asda Spicy Wasabi Mix (Best before: up to and including 13/09/2011) and Asda Japanese Style Baked Rice Cracker Mix (Best before: up to and including 06/02/2012), because the products may contain small pieces of glass.

  • Food Safety Alert (Italy): The Ministry of Health has banned the retail sale for human consumption of eels fished from Lake Garda, because the eels are contaminated with dioxin. The ban will be in effect for the next 12 months while additional testing is undertaken.

  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Dencon Foods A/S recalls Chicken Kebabs (Product of Hungary; Lot #0046-10; Best before 15/4/2012) after Swedish authorities find Salmonella in a sample of the product.

  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Hilton Foods Denmark A/S recalls Your Choice Minced Beef 3-7% (450g packages; Best Before 23.05.2011; Lots #400036304A and #400036207A), after Salmonella is found in the raw beef. The recalled minced beef was sold in Kvickly, Superbrugsen and Dagli supermarkets throughout Denmark.

  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Dana Seafood International Ltd. recalls Instant Noodles (400g net wt; Product of China; Imported by Hao Trading ApS; Best by dec/2013), because the product was imported illegally.

  • Pet Food Safety Recall (Finland): VIP Vescor Ltd. recalls Nutritional Balance Lamb & Rice Growth dog food (Product of Belgium; 1 kg pack, OW 320; 3 kg pack, OW 221; 15 kg pack, OW 222, OW 291, OW 312 and OW 356), because the product is suspected of causing behavioral products in dogs. Analytical results suggest unusually large quantities of nitrogen compounds in the dog food. The recalled products were sold from October 2010 onwards.

  • Medical Device Supplies Safety Recall (France): Roche Diagnostics France recalls ACCU-CHEK glucose test strips (Lot 470049), because the strips can overestimate the glucose concentration in 5% of cases.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0661): Glass fragments in snack mix from the Netherlands; distributed to the United Kingdom.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0663): Aflatoxins in groundnuts in shell from China; distributed to Italy.

  • Outbreak Alert (UK): Six wards in Southampton General Hospital have been shut in an effort to stop the spread of a viral gastroenteritis outbreak. Individuals who have suffered diarrhea or other illness within the last 72 hours are being warned to stay away from Southampton's teaching hospitals. The public is asked to make only essential visits.

  • Outbreak Alert (Russia): An outbreak of Salmonella gastroenteritis has been reported among workers at a gold mine in Chukchi. The local dining hall is suspected to be the source of the infections.

  • Outbreak Alert (Ukraine): Twelve children, aged 2 1/2 to 5 years, who attend a kindergarten in Odessa have been hospitalized with acute gastroenterocolitis, the day after they shared a meal that consisted of preserved fish and milk porridge. Others are reported to be ill, but are being treated at home.


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Food Safety Alert (Vietnam): The Department of Animal Health reports that 97% of Vietnam's 30,000 slaughterhouses were operating without the necessary paperwork and in residential areas rather than abattoirs.

  • Food Safety Alert (Vietnam): The Ho Chi Minh City Veterinary Bureau reports that more than 10% of the meat sold in the city every day is from illegal slaughtering houses and is unsafe.

  • Food Safety Enforcement Action (Abu Dhabi): Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority has closed down the United Families for Catering and Food Stuff outlet in Al Ruwais due to repeated non-compliance with food safety regulations. The unlicensed outlet was operating in a makeshift building in a group of labor camps in the desert.

  • Outbreak Alert (Nigeria): Contaminated drinking water is blamed for an outbreak of gastroenteritis, which has killed two people in Gurara (Niger state) and hospitalized 10 others.

  • Outbreak Alert (Singapore): Meals supplied by Mum's Kitchen Catering has been blamed for food poisoning outbreaks in three Singapore preschools - Pat's Schoolhouse, Children's Place, and Learning Vision's Raffles Place branch. The outbreak has affected 235 children and 12 teachers so far. Thirty-four people have been hospitalized, according to the Ministry of Health, and 14 of those have been discharged. The caterer's operating license of has been suspended since Thursday, May 12th.

  • Outbreak Alert (Mauritania): Seven people, including three children developed food poisoning after sharing sweets from a bakery. Rotten eggs used in the preparation of the desserts are thought to be the source of the contamination.

  • Outbreak Alert (India): More than 250 people in Ahmedabad developed Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning after attending a wedding feast held at Dalal Hall on May 17th. The source of the outbreak is thought to be either mango juice, paste or paneer (fresh cheese) added to vegetable stews.


Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Outbreak Alert (Brazil): Seventeen children who attend Lima City School in Camarigibe were hospitalized with severe stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting on May 13th after eating lunch at the school. The school has been closed pending completion of an investigation in to the incident.


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.
Posted by Phyllis E at Thursday, May 19, 2011 0 comments
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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Recalls and Alerts: May 18, 2011

This is a mirror of eFoodAlert on WordPress. To subscribe to automatic email alerts, please go to the eFoodAlert on WordPress blog page and complete the EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION form.


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.


United States
  • Food Safety Recall: Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc. (Waukegan, IL) recalls Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste (Lot #11123), after the company's outside testing lab recovers Listeria monocytogenes from a sample of the product lot as part of its routine testing program. The product was distributed nationwide through a variety of channels, including direct deliver to business customers, distributors, and retailers, and was exported to Canada.

  • Pet Treat Safety Recall: Boss Pet Products, Inc. recalls Diggers Natural Treat Pig Ear Pet Treats, because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The Pig Ear treats were supplied to Boss Pet by Keys Manufacturing Company, Inc. Affected products were shipped to distributors in MT, CA, WA, OK, TN, NY, KS, OH, TX, MS, AL, OR, UT, IA, MO, IL, IN, LA, and MN in November 2010 through April 2011.

  • Pet Treat Safety Recall: Blackman Industries, Inc. (Kansas City, KS) recalls all PrimeTime 2ct. and 5ct. Premium Pig Ears and all KC Beefhide brand 20 ct. Premium Pig Ears, because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products were distributed between Jan. 4, 2011 and April 29, 2011 in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota and sold through many of the following retail outlets: Price Chopper Stores, Hy-Vee Stores, Hen House Markets, Bag N Save Stores, Dahl’s Food Stores, Baldwin City Market, SunFresh Food Stores, Apple Markets, Brookside Market, Franklin Food Stores, No Frills Food Stores, Alps Food Stores, Big V Food Stores, Country Mart Food Stores, Thriftway Food Stores, County Fair Food Stores, Super Saver Food Stores and Russ’s Food Stores and Feldman’s Farm and Home Stores.


Canada
  • Food Safety Recall: Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc. (Waukegan, IL) recalls Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste (Lot #11123), after the company's outside testing lab recovers Listeria monocytogenes from a sample of the product lot as part of its routine testing program. The product was distributed nationwide through the USA and was exported to Canada.

  • Food Safety Recall: Branche d'Olivier (Montreal, QC) and Marché Al Farah Inc. (Trois-Rivières, QC) recall Moroccan Paprika (Paprika Marocaine or Paprika du Maroc), because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The affected Moroccan Paprika was recalled from the market by the importer, Alimentaurus Import Export Inc.


Europe
Australia and New Zealand
  • Food Safety Recall: Stahmann Farms Enterprises Pty Ltd. recalls Ducks Pine Nuts (200g & 50g; Best before 28 MAR 2012 and 28 APR 2012) and Ducks Oven Toasted Pine Nuts (50g; Best before 28 APR 2012), because the products may contain glass fragments. The recalled pine nuts were imported from China, packaged in Australia and sold nationally in various Coles and IGA supermarkets.


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.
Posted by Phyllis E at Wednesday, May 18, 2011 0 comments
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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Recalls and Alerts: May 17, 2011

This is a mirror of eFoodAlert on WordPress. To subscribe to automatic email alerts, please go to the eFoodAlert on WordPress blog page and complete the EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION form.

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.


United States
  • Pet Treat Safety Recall: Boss Pet Products, Inc. (Maple Heights, OH) recalls Diggers Natural Treat Pig Ear pet treats, because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recall came after Keys Manufacturing Company, Inc. notified Boss Pet that several shipments of potentially contaminated products were included in Diggers brand products shipped by Boss Pet in November 2010 through April 2011. The recalled products were shipped by truck to distributors in Montana, California, Washington, Oklahoma, Tennessee, New York, Kansas, Ohio, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Oregon, Utah, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana and Minnesota.

  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Omar Seafood, Corp (Miami, FL) that a February 2011 inspection of the company's seafood facility revealed serious violations of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulation.

  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Zuccaro's Produce Company (Minneapolis, MN) that a January/February 2011 inspection of the company's facility revealed a violation of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing, or Holding Human Food (CGMP) regulation, causing the company's shredded lettuce and frozen foods to be adulterated, in that they were prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions.

  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Green Hope, LLC, dba Rosewood (Ann Arbor, MI) that a February/March 2011 inspection of the company's food processing facility revealed serious violations of FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing, or Holding Human Food (CGMP) regulation, causing the food products to be adulterated, in that they were prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have become contaminated with filth or rendered injurious to health.

  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Company, Inc. (Wheeling, IL) that a December 2010 through February 2011 inspection of the company's low-acid canned food manufacturing facility revealed misbranding. In addition, processing and production records for products manufactured in 2009 were not provided upon written demand, as required by the relevant regulation.

  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Southeast Asian Food Product (San Francisco, CA) that a December 2010/January 2011 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 Dani Jacq, Inc. dba The Home Fresh Foods Company (Baltimore, MD) that a January 2011 inspection of the company's seafood processing facility revealed serious violations of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulation.

  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Captain's Fine Foods, LLC (Tampa, FL) that a February-March 2011 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 Triple A. Services, Inc. (Chicago, IL) that a January 2011 inspection of the company's food processing and storage facility revealed serious violations of FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations for food.

  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Star Food Products Inc (Weston, FL) that an inspection of the company's seafood importer establishment revealed serious violations of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulation.

  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Mave Enterprises, Inc. (North Hollywood, CA) that a September/October 2010 inspection of the company's food storage and processing facility revealed serious violations of FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing, or Holding Human Food (CGMP) regulation.


Canada
  • Allergy Alert: Fruiterie Boucherie Longueuil (Longueuil, QC) recalls Hamburger Steak, Chicken Gumbo and Quatre-Quarts Carottes et Ananas, due to the presence of undeclared milk (Hamburger steak) or soy (Chicken Gumbo and Quatre-Quarts Carottes et Ananas).


Europe
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Mega Food recalls Kilic red lentils (Product of Canada; Best before 25-10-2012) and Kilic green lentils (Product of Canada; Best before 10-10-2012), after samples were found to contain glyphosate above the permitted level.

  • Pet Food Safety Recall Update (Multiple countries): B.K. SA (Versele-Laga) recalls Nutritional Balance Lamb & Rice all breeds Growth Petfood for puppies (see recall notice for package sizes and lot codes), after receiving reports that some dogs experienced behavioral problems, including on occasion epileptic seizures after consuming the foods. The recalled products were distributed to the following European countries (see RASFF #2011.0639): Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0642): Glass fragments in rice pudding (cherry, cinnamon and pure) from Germany; distributed to Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Slovakia and Slovenia.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0643): Bulging packaging, leaking cans and dirty labels of canned chicken ravioli in tomato sauce from Italy; distributed to Belgium.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0644): Salmonella in frozen chicken without giblets from the Netherlands, produced in Germany, via Austria; distributed to Italy.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0645): Parasitic infestation with Anisakis of tub gurnard from France; distributed to Italy.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0646): Diarrhoeic shellfish poisoning toxins in mussels from France; distributed to France and Spain.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0648): Ochratoxin A in dried figs from Greece, via Austria; distributed to the Czech Republic.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0649): Nitrosamines in barley malt from Germany; distributed to Austria and Germany.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0651): Salmonella in herbs from France, via Belgium; distributed to Sweden.

  • Animal Feed Safety Notification (EU #2011.0652): Salmonella Mbandaka in complete feed for aquarium fish from Taiwan; distributed to Finland.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0653): Glass fragments in De Graal beer in bottles from Belgium; distributed to Belgium and Italy.


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Pet Food Safety Recall Update (Multiple countries): B.K. SA (Versele-Laga) recalls Nutritional Balance Lamb & Rice all breeds Growth Petfood for puppies (see recall notice for package sizes and lot codes), after receiving reports that some dogs experienced behavioral problems, including on occasion epileptic seizures after consuming the foods. The recalled products were distributed to Israel and Japan (see RASFF #2011.0639).

  • Food Safety Alert (PRC): Sichuan peppers that release a red dye when soaked in water were recently found in some markets in Beijing, according to the People's Daily Online.

  • Outbreak Alert/Expired Pharmaceutical (India): Seven railway employees were taken to hospital due to diarrhea and vomiting. The intravenous glucose solution with which they were treated was beyond its expiration date.


Latin America and the Caribbean
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.
Posted by Phyllis E at Tuesday, May 17, 2011 0 comments
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Evanger's Back In Hot Water With FDA

This is a mirror of eFoodAlert on WordPress. To subscribe to automatic email alerts, please go to the eFoodAlert on WordPress blog page and complete the EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION form.

FDA weekly list of Warning Letters included an old familiar name this morning - Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Company, Inc. (Wheeling, IL).

Readers of eFoodAlert who have been following the adventures of Joel and Holly Sher will remember that the company has been in and out of trouble with FDA since April 2008.

The latest problems revolve around misbranding and record keeping.

On August 19, 2010, FDA obtained samples of Lamb and Rice Dog Food from the company's distributor. FDA's analysis of the food failed to detect any lamb. Instead, the Lamb and Rice Dog Food contained beef.

On December 14, 2010, during its inspection of the company's low acid-canned food manufacturing facility, FDA collected samples of Evanger's Grain-free Duck Pet Food. Analysis of the food failed to detect any duck.

According to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, "...a food is deemed to be adulterated if any substance has been substituted wholly or in part therefore." Also, offering a product for sale under the name of another food constitutes misbranding.

In addition to the adulteration/misbranding issue, Evanger's still has not fixed its processing documentation problem. FDA's warning letter states that the "...firm was not able to provide processing and production records upon written demand, as required by 21 C.F.R. 108.35(h), for products manufactured in 2009..." - the period during which Evanger's was operating under a suspended "Emergency Operating Permit" while it was supposed to be correcting its processing documentation flaws.

The company has been given fifteen (15) working days to bring its operations into full compliance, or to provide a time frame within which the corrections will be completed.

In my post of June 17, 2009, I wondered whether Evanger's was being singled out by FDA in order to "send a message" to the pet food industry. If this was the case, I suggested that we might owe Evanger's an apology.

Instead, I am now convinced that Evanger's owes its customers an apology.
Posted by Phyllis E at Tuesday, May 17, 2011 0 comments
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Monday, May 16, 2011

Recalls and Alerts: May 16, 2011

This is a mirror of eFoodAlert on WordPress. To subscribe to automatic email alerts, please go to the eFoodAlert on WordPress blog page and complete the EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION form.

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.


Europe
  • Food Safety Recall (Belgium): La Brasserie De Graal recalls certain batches and varieties of beer (33 cl bottles), because of a manufacturing defect that could result in the lip of the bottle breaking during opening, with the risk of glass fragments falling into the beer. Please see the recall notice for a list of affected beers.

  • Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Alois Müller GmbH & Co. KG recalls Müller Diät Milchreis, Sorte Pur, Müller Diät Milchreis, Sorte Zimt and Müller Diät Milchreis, Sorte Kirsch (best before 23.05 only), after receiving consumer complaints of glass particles in a few containers of the products. The recalled products were sold in stores belonging to the Cactus supermarket chain.

  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Dansk Supermarked A/S recalls Smoked Pork Tenderloin (Product of Poland; Best before dates from 1/1/2011 up to and including 1/5/2011), because the product is suspected to have been the source of an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium DT120.

  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): DB OKS recalls several turkey products (produced between 9 May and 13 May 2011), because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0636): Salmonella Veneziana in mixed salad from the United Kingdom; distributed to Ireland.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0637): Mold growth in blueberry fruit yoghurt from Germany; distributed to Austria, Germany and Hungary.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0640): Pine mouth syndrome caused by pine kernels from Norway, with raw material from China, via the Netherlands; distributed to Finland and Norway.


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Chinese Herbal Medicine Recall (Hong Kong): Kwong Lung Hong recalls the Chinese medicinal herb Rhizoma Atractylodis (Batch 06010108; imported from the Mainland), because the product is contaminated with atropine and scopolamine. One illness has been reported.

  • Food Safety Alert (Taiwan): The Consumer Protection Commission has found that five lunchbox providers supplied elementary schools with six types of meat products containing chemicals banned by the Council of Agriculture. Four of the providers were CAS-certified companies. Of five meatball samples that were inspected, three contained chloramphenicol or enrofloxacin. A chicken sample was contaminated with doxycycline.

  • Outbreak Alert Update (Japan): The toll stands at four deaths, and nearly 40 hospitalized - more than 20 of them in serious condition - in the E. coli O111 outbreak that was traced to a shredded raw beef dish (yukke) consumed at outlets of the Foods Forus Co. restaurant chain. The restaurant chain and its meat wholesaler are pointing the finger of blame at each other. Police conducted searches of the restaurant chain outlets, its operator and the meat distributor in an effort to determine at what point the contamination occurred.

  • Outbreak Alert (India): Hospitals in Ludhiana are reporting that the seasonal increase in the number of gastroenteritis patients has begun early this year.

  • Outbreak Alert (Singapore): Seven teachers and 346 children from eight Pat's Schoolhouse centers have now been reported to have been stricken with food poisoning on May 10th. Mum's Kitchen - the caterer for the centers - has been fined $300 and given four demerit points following an inspection; its license also has been suspended while investigations continue. Twenty-six of the food poisoning victims are still in hospital.

  • Outbreak Alert (Jordan): A family of five children (ages 4-13) in Mafraq developed diarrhea and vomiting after eating a meal prepared at home.

  • Outbreak Alert (Cameroon): The capital city of Yaounde is experiencing an outbreak of cholera that has claimed more than 250 lives in the past two months.


Australia and New Zealand
Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Outbreak Alert (Venezuela): An outbreak of hepatitis A has spread from the Arenas parish in the municipality of Sucre State Forest to three additional parishes. Approximately 400 people have been infected.


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.
Posted by Phyllis E at Monday, May 16, 2011 0 comments
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Sunday, May 15, 2011

Recalls and Alerts: May 15, 2011

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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.


United States
  • Allergy Alert: Cinderella Sweets (Woodmere, NY) recalls Shabtai brand Kosher for Passover cookies with an "egg free" notation on the product label, even though the products contain egg. The ingredient label and allergy statement both indicate the presence of egg in the recalled cookies. The recall encompasses Shabtai Gourmet Daisy Cookies, Shabtai Gourmet Leaf Cookies, Shabtai Gourmet Coconut Macaroons, and Shabtai Gourmet Choc Coated Coconut Macaroons only.

  • Food Safety Recall: Rose & Shore Meat Co. (Vernon, CA) recalls Olympic Gold Beef Pastrami (Lot #20911; Lot code 10951), Rose and Shore N.Y. Style Pastrami (Lot #20911; Lot code 10951), Cooked Angus Roast Beef (Lot #20941; Use by 05-17-11), and Togo's Pastrami (Lot #20911; Use by 05-23-11), because the products may contain Listeria monocytogenes. Togo's Sandwiches has announced that the company has taken measures to ensure that none of the recalled pastrami is currently being used in any of its restaurants.

  • Food Safety Recall Update: Mann Packing reissues and expands its voluntary recall of Party Trays and Snacks on the Go items containing grape tomatoes, because one item was inadvertently omitted from a follow-up announcement. Please refer to the revised recall notice for a complete list of recalled products that were distributed in the USA and Canada.

  • Dietary Supplement Safety Notification: FDA warns the public about a counterfeit version of ExtenZe dietary supplements. The counterfeit products bear Lot #1110075 or Lot #F050899, and contain tadalafil or a combination of tadalafil and sildenafil, which are prescription medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction.

  • Dietary Supplement Safety Notification: FDA warns consumers not to use products marketed as dietary supplements that also claim to be antimicrobial drugs.

  • Pet Product Safety Alert: FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine warns pet owners to be cautious when using an unapproved animal drug product, Douxo Seborrhea Shampoo (0.1% phytosphingosine), distributed by Sogeval Laboratories, Inc. (Coppell, TX), after receiving a report of the death of a woman who used the product on her dog. The woman, who had severe, preexisting asthma, had a sudden, severe asthma attack and died while bathing a dog with this product. A few days later, according to the FDA report, another asthmatic family member bathed the dog using the same product and experienced a mild asthma attack, but recovered.

  • Outbreak Alert Update (Worcester, MA): The gastrointestinal illness outbreak that affected some 200 people who ate Easter brunch at Luciano's Cotton Club restaurant is thought to have been caused by a norovirus, which was spread by an infected employee. Three food handlers at the restaurant had symptoms of gastroenteritis, and one of them tested positive for norovirus. The outbreak could not be traced to any single food item, making direct or indirect contact with the infected employee the most likely explanation for the illnesses.

  • Outbreak Alert Update (Kane County, IL): Thirteen people - 12 from Illinois and one from Minnesota - have now been confirmed as having been infected with a single strain of Salmonella Typhimurium. Nine of the 13 individuals reported eating at Portillo's restaurant in St. Charles, IL during April. Three of the victims were hospitalized, but all have been released.


Canada
  • Allergy Alert: Canadian Food Inspection Agency advises that Punjabi Wadi Spicy Lentil Chunks (Product of India; Asian, afc, and BANSI brands) have been recalled by the importers, due to the presence of undeclared wheat. The products may have been distributed nationally.

  • Food Safety Recall Update: Mann Packing reissues and expands its voluntary recall of Party Trays and Snacks on the Go items containing grape tomatoes, because one item was inadvertently omitted from a follow-up announcement. Please refer to the revised recall notice for a complete list of recalled products that were distributed in the USA and Canada.


Europe
  • Food Safety Recall Update: Lidl Germany recalls St. Maarten Classic Cheeses Slices, 200g packages, sold prior to May 11, 2011 in Lidl stores in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony only. The recall was undertaken after Belgomilk detected Listeria monocytogenes in batches of cheeses produced in its Moorslede facility and recalled all cheeses manufactured in that factory.


Australia and New Zealand
  • Outbreak Alert Update (Northland, New Zealand): Norovirus has claimed the lives of two elderly residents of Northland resthomes, and has sickened at least 298 people in five different resthomes in the region in the last month. The dead include Betty Friend (May 5th at Puriri Court Resthome) and Ian Grant (April 27th at Jane Mander Retirement Village. Mr. Grant suffered from a muscle wasting condition and was confined to his unit, raising concerns that he may have contracted the infection through a staff member.


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.
Posted by Phyllis E at Sunday, May 15, 2011 0 comments
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