Thursday, December 31, 2009

Recall Roundup: December 31, 2009

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



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


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


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



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


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

Latin America



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


*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.

Posted by Phyllis E at Thursday, December 31, 2009 0 comments
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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The Slim-Fast® Recall: Some Questions Answered

FDA Inspection Report Reveals Product Spoilage, Record-Keeping Flaws

Earlier this month, Unilever announced a recall of all of its Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products, after finding Bacillus cereus contamination in the beverage.

Immediately following the recall announcement, FDA conducted a 7-day inspection of Unilever's Covington, TN Slim-Fast processing facility. The summary of FDA's findings was released this week.

The good news is that inspectors did not uncover any indication of underprocessing. That is, the product was "cooked" according to specification.

The bad news is that the Covington processing facility recorded instances of product spoilage ("sours") as long ago as September. A second occurrence, which was documented in mid-November, may have been the trigger for the recall announcement.

In addition to the instances of product spoilage, FDA inspectors noted flaws in the facility's record keeping, including:

  1. Entries on aseptic system processing records were not made at the time the specific processing system operation occurred.
  2. Process deviations were not recorded in a separate file or log that details both the deviation and the actions taken.
  3. Investigations of elevated kick out/reject rates and Spoilage Reports have not been adequately described and documented, and no HOLD log is available to track and verify investigations of such incidents.

The investigation report does not suggest how or when Bacillus cereus found its way into some cans of Slim-Fast. There is no mention of finished product or environmental sampling results. That work probably was carried out by Unilever's Corporate Quality Assurance trouble-shooters, and would not appear in the FDA report.

Slim-Fast consumers – and Unilever – are fortunate that the contaminant was Bacillus cereus, and not a more potent pathogen, such as Clostridium botulinum.

Posted by Phyllis E at Wednesday, December 30, 2009 2 comments
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Recall Roundup: December 30, 2009

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



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


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


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


Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.
Posted by Phyllis E at Wednesday, December 30, 2009 0 comments
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Bonsoy And Thyroid Troubles: One Woman's Story

"I thought I was in heaven when over 2 years ago I found Bonsoy."
– Frances in New South Wales, Australia

Another Bonsoy victim has graciously agreed to share her story for the benefit of eFoodAlert readers. The following is a letter, dated 29 December 2009, that was sent to Bonsoy and to Spiral Foods, the soy milk brand's Australian importer and distributor.

"RE: BONSOY RECALL

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to you regarding the recent recall of your product, and to tell of my health issues over the past year.

As a committed soy drinker, I have spent much time searching for a soy milk product such as Bonsoy. My requirements were that it had to taste good, be organic with a small amount of ingredients, texture well for coffee, and not be owned by a multinational company.

I thought I was in heaven when over 2 years ago I found Bonsoy.

Even though it was very expensive I convinced myself the benefits of Bonsoy outweighed the extra expense of the product. I had allowed myself to splurge on something that I believed was good for me.

Prior to 24 December 2009, I enjoyed Bonsoy on a very regular basis. Daily I would consume between 300ml-500ml. Weekly I would go through about 3 litres. I also highly recommended this product to many friends and family.

In February 2009, after feeling very ill, tired and lethargic for many months I found time to address my health issues. I went to my local GP who instructed me to get blood tests immediately.

A few days later as I received the results, my heart sank.

At the age of 27, I was diagnosed with a number of health problems. One of these problems was severe Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid). I was immediately given 2 months sick leave from work. These two months were spent visiting specialists, taking medication, and having blood tests on a regular basis. The medication I am required to take is Thyroxine, one tablet every day for the rest of my life.

Since hearing news of the recall on the morning of 24 December 2009, I spent most of the morning questioning if Bonsoy really was bad for me. It wasn’t until I had read the many articles stating ‘Thyroid problems’ as the type of illness that I was convinced that Bonsoy may have caused mine.

Until recently I couldn’t understand how a young healthy woman could suddenly become so ill in such a short amount of time. I can only imagine how many other Bonsoy consumers are out there, who have endured a similar health scare, that have not yet been reported.

Yours Sincerely,
Frances (family name withheld)"


I would encourage anyone who has been a Bonsoy consumer and who is experiencing fatigue, unexplained changes in weight, or any other symptoms of thyroid trouble to consult with his or her doctor.

If you have a Bonsoy story that you would like to share, please either post a comment below, or contact me directly by email.

Posted by Phyllis E at Wednesday, December 30, 2009 18 comments
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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

UK Food Standards Agency Issues Bonsoy Warning

Australia Alerts Other Countries To Iodine Problem

Today, the UK Food Standards Agency released the following warning statement:

"Food safety authorities in Australia and New Zealand have informed the Food Standards Agency about high levels of iodine in a soya drink called 'Bonsoy', which some people use as an alternative to milk. We are investigating the distribution of this product in the UK and will take action if necessary.

Nine adults and a child in New South Wales, Australia, have been diagnosed with thyroid problems and also reported drinking Bonsoy.

The Bonsoy packs affected by this problem have best before dates up to and including 3 November 2011 and are distributed in 1 litre Tetra Pack containers.

This soya drink is enriched with a seaweed product that naturally contains iodine. Iodine is an essential element required to create hormones for the thyroid, but higher levels than normal may affect the way the thyroid works. However, most healthy people will not be affected by any slight excess of iodine.

People who drink a lot of this product, including toddlers fed soya drinks as an alternative to milk, could be at risk. If you are at all concerned about drinking this brand of soya drink as your main alternative to milk, then you may wish to consider an alternative brand until our investigations are complete."

Clearly, the Australians are taking care to advise other countries of this serious health threat. I have to wonder why the New Zealand food safety authorities are being so slow to issue their own recall notice – especially as the Australian recall notice made it very clear that Bonsoy had was available in New Zealand as well as in Australia.

Meanwhile, in case anyone thinks that this is a tempest in a teapot, I received this communication yesterday from a new reader from New South Wales, Australia who asked to remain anonymous.

"Just reading your bonsoy recall note.

I had it with my cereal every morning and was diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis.I only caught the recall on the radio by accident. The recall was done Christmas eve with little publicity."

Thyrotoxicosis is also known as hyperthyroidism, and can be caused by ingesting too much iodine.

After browsing comments posted on various blog sites, I am highly doubtful that this problem is limited to the ten victims that have been acknowledged in Australian government news releases so far.

If you have been a regular consumer of Bonsoy Soy Milk and you would like to share your experience – good or bad – please post a comment or email me directly. I would especially appreciate hearing from Bonsoy consumers who live outside of New South Wales, Australia.

Posted by Phyllis E at Tuesday, December 29, 2009 2 comments
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Recall Roundup: December 29, 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
  • Food Safety Recall: National Steak & Poultry advises its employees and Dock Sale customers of meat recall
  • Food Safety Recall (Retail Distribution List): USDA advises consumers that 312 pounds of imported hams, recalled by Associated Grocers of Maine on December 24th due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, were distributed through 241 individual retail stores in Maine, 4 stores in Massachusetts and 13 in New Hampshire.
  • OTC Drug Recall: McNeil Consumer Healthcare expands earlier recall of Tylenol® Arthritis Pain 100 Count With Ez-Open Cap to include all production lots. We posted this recall when it was first announced, and are repeating the recall notice, since it has finally been added to FDA's Recall website.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Awesome Foods, Inc. (Bridgeport, PA) that several of its products are misbranded, due to incomplete or incorrect allergen or nutritional labeling.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Chuck's Seafoods, Inc. (Charleston, OR) that an August 2009 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 San Simeon Incorporated (Albuquerque, NM) that a July 2009 inspection of the company's seafood processing facility revealed serious deviations from the Seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Regulations


Europe
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2009.1783): Cadmium (0.852 mg/kg - ppm) in crabs (Cancer pagurus) from the United Kingdom; distributed in France, Germany and Spain.
  • Food Safety Alert (UK): The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) alerts consumers to high levels of iodine in Bonsoy Soy Milk. FSA is investigating whether this product has been distributed in the UK.


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.


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.

Posted by Phyllis E at Tuesday, December 29, 2009 0 comments
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Monday, December 28, 2009

Outback & Burger King May Be Part Of Beef Recall

Buried in the details of the Christmas Eve National Steak & Poultry beef recall are clues to the identity of at least some of the restaurant chains that are customers of NS&P.

I mentioned several of these possible customers in yesterday's blog post. And, today, I think that I have tracked down one more major recipient of the recalled beef products – the Evergreen Restaurant Group, which franchises Outback Steakhouse restaurants in the Pacific Northwest and also appears to be associated with Burger King locations in Texas, California and other states.

Included in the long list of recalled meats are three products – 4-ounce boneless beef sirloin steaks, 7-ounce boneless beef sirloin tri tips, and 9-ounce boneless beef sirloin tri tips – identified with the abbreviation EGN. After much semi-random searching, I have concluded that EGN stands for Evergreen, as in Evergreen Restaurant Group.

CDC, USDA, and the various state agencies involved in the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak investigation know very well which restaurants served outbreak victims. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been possible for them to trace the contaminated meat back to National Steak & Poultry.

Consumers should not have to play guessing games in order to figure out whether the steak they ate at their favorite restaurant chain may have been contaminated. Do we have to wait until one of the outbreak victims contacts Bill Marler before we find out where the recalled meat was shipped?


Posted by Phyllis E at Monday, December 28, 2009 0 comments
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Recall Roundup: December 28, 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
  • Food Safety Notification: Breese Hollow Dairy suspends raw milk sales after the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets detects Listeria monocytogenes in its routine monthly sampling of raw milk. Sales will resume after the state resamples and is satisfied that the milk is pathogen-free. No illnesses have been reported.


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.


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.

Posted by Phyllis E at Monday, December 28, 2009 0 comments
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Sunday, December 27, 2009

Latest Beef Recall Leaves Restaurant Patrons Wondering

E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Linked To Beef Supplied To Restaurants Nationwide.

On December 24, 2009, National Steak and Poultry (Owasso, OK) recalled 248,000 pounds of blade-tenderized steak and other beef products, after CDC linked the meat to an unspecified number of E. coli O157:H7 in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, South Dakota and Washington.

The recalled meat, including blade-tenderized steaks, beef tips, beef trimmings and other specialty beef products, was packaged on 10/12/2009, 10/13/2009, 10/14/2009, or 10/21/2009, and supplied to restaurants nationwide.

The Christmas Eve recall by National Steak and Poultry has left restaurant patrons in the dark, since neither the Company nor USDA is identifying the restaurants that were supplied with this potentially hazardous beef. In the eyes of USDA, restaurants aren't considered to be "retail consignees."

The recall notice, though, provides a few clues as to where some of the meat was shipped. While I can't be 100% certain, it appears to me that the following restaurants may have received a portion of the 248,000 pounds of recalled beef.
  1. Carino's Italian Restaurant is a national restaurant chain with one or more locations in five of the six states that have reported E. coli O157:H7 illnesses. The recall notice includes 8-ounce “CARINO’S BONELESS BEEF OUTSIDE SKIRT STEAK,” with an identifying case code of “130874.” and “CARINO’S BONELESS BEEF OUTSIDE SKIRT STEAK PIECES,” with an identifying case code of “13074.”
  2. 54th Street Grill and Bar, a regional restaurant chain owned by KRM Inc., with locations in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. The recall notice includes three different sizes of "Boneless Beef Sirloin Steak" that are identified with the KRM initials.
  3. Moe's Southwest Grill, a national franchise chain with outlets in four of the six affected states. "Moe's Beef Steak" was among the recalled beef products.

These restaurants represent just a few of the many that purchased the recalled beef products. But that's not all.

National Steak and Poultry also sells its meat, by the case, directly to the public at its monthly dock sale. And its meat also can be purchased at military commissaries, if the comments on the Company's Testimonial web page are to be believed.

Was any of the recalled meat sold at dock sales or on military bases? The recall notice does not mention this possibility, but it would be wise for USDA to ask the question.

This outbreak is still very much under investigation. If you have eaten beef at a restaurant in the past two months, and have experienced symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 gastroenteritis, please contact your health care provider and your state department of health.



Posted by Phyllis E at Sunday, December 27, 2009 0 comments
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Saturday, December 26, 2009

Bonsoy Soy Milk International Health Alert

Bonsoy Soy Milk Sold In Europe & Asia. More Recalls To Come?

On Christmas Eve, Australian food safety authorities alerted consumers to health risks associated with drinking Bonsoy Soy Milk.

This "traditional style" Japanese soy milk, manufactured by Muso Co. Ltd. (Osaka, Japan) and imported into Australia by Spiral Foods Pty. Ltd., has been linked to at least 10 reports of thyroid dysfunction in New South Wales. One of the victims is a newborn infant whose mother drank Bonsoy Soy Milk during her pregnancy.

Lab analysis has found that Bonsoy Soy Milk contains very high levels of iodine resulting, most likely, from the presence of kelp in the product formula.

The recalled Bonsoy Soy Milk was distributed nationally in Australia through Coles, Woolworths/Safeway, Metcash, Health Food Shops and cafés. It also was distributed in New Zealand – although New Zealand authorities have not yet issued a recall notice – and in Hong Kong.

Our own research has revealed that Bonsoy Soy Milk is sold in many countries and regions other than Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Here are just a few of the countries around the world where Bonsoy is advertised:

The recalled product is described as follows:
  • Bonsoy Soy Milk, 1 litre: All dates up to and including Best Before 03.11.11; APN/EAN/TUN Number 9312336049037

We suggest that anyone who has purchased Bonsoy Soy Milk that matches this description, whether in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand or elsewhere, should set the product aside and check with local or national health authorities before consuming it.

Please watch this blog for further updates.

Posted by Phyllis E at Saturday, December 26, 2009 0 comments
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Recall Roundup: December 26, 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
  • Food Recall: Food City announces recall of Food Club Light Sour Cream 16 oz. No details are given.


Europe
  • Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Confiserie Van Damme SA recalls Swing Mallows Mix marshmallows (Lot No. L51903 et L51905) after detecting Salmonella in a sample of "Coco" used in the manufacture of the marshmallows. The recalled products were sold in Aldi supermarkets. Customers who purchased the marshmallows are encouraged to return them to the store for a refund.


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, December 26, 2009 0 comments
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Excess Iodine Prompts International Bonsoy Soy Milk Recall

Ten Australians in New South Wales Develop Thyroid Problems After Drinking Bonsoy
(Updated December 26, 2009 with additional recall details.)

Bonsoy Soy Milk has been linked to at least ten instances of thyroid problems. One of the victims is a newborn, whose mother drank Bonsoy milk during her pregnancy. The soy milk was found to contain excessive amounts of iodine.

All 1-litre TetraPak cartons of Bonsoy Soy Milk labeled with the APN/EAN/TUN Number: 9312336049037 and Best Before dates up to and including 03.11.11 have been recalled. Bonsoy was distributed in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. The recalled soy milk was sold throughout Australia in Coles, Woolworths/Safeway, Metcash, Health Food Shops and cafes.

According to Victoria health authorities, daily consumption of as little as 5mL (for a child) or 30mL (for an adult) of Bonsoy milk would exceed the recommended daily intake of iodine.


What is iodine and why is it important?
Iodine is a naturally occurring mineral that is necessary to the function of the thyroid gland. This gland regulates our metabolism. Too much or too little iodine in the diet can disturb the normal operation of the thyroid gland, resulting in hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

An overactive thyroid produces symptoms such as palpitations, weight loss and fatigue. Hypothyroidism – a condition to which babies appear more susceptible and which is more difficult to detect – can result in fatigue, weight gain and mental clouding.

We need only very small amounts of iodine to ensure correct functioning of the thyroid. It is found most commonly in seawater and seafood, particularly in kelp (seaweed). Often, table salt is iodine-fortified to ensure its presence in the daily diet.


What is Bonsoy, and why did it contain excess iodine?
Bonsoy is a soy milk that is distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Spiral Foods Pty Ltd., a Victoria-based self-proclaimed organic food company. Spiral Foods, which is a distributor of domestic and imported specialty food products, describes Bonsoy thus:
"Bonsoy has a Natural, full bodied mellow aroma and a subtle, mildly sweet flavour. Made from a selected variety of soybeans and processed to a unique and original Japanese recipe."

"What we mean by a "traditional recipe" is that soy and grain give a complete protein profile. Kombu (sea-veg), known for its mineral content, is also used when beans are consumed. Job's tears (also known as Hato Mugi) is held in high regard in Chinese medicine for its properties. These ingredients form the corner stone of a "traditional recipe" in that all these products work together not only for taste and texture but also for nutrition."

The iodine in Bonsoy derives from Kombu, a common variety of edible seaweed, much used in Japanese cuisine. The level of iodine in any given batch of Kombu will vary, depending mainly on the iodine content of the seawater where the Kombu grew and, to some extent, the way in which the seaweed was processed and handled after harvest.

So far this year, three separate food alert notifications have been issued by European Union countries due to excessive iodine in seaweed or sea algae from Japan – in January, in April, and in August.


Where was Bonsoy manufactured, and where else is it sold?
Neither the Spiral Foods web site nor the Food Standards Australia recall notice states whether Bonsoy Soy Milk is manufactured in Australia or elsewhere (perhaps Japan). And while the recall notice mentions overseas distribution to New Zealand only, we already have learned that some of the Bonsoy milk was imported into Hong Kong. Distribution of the recalled milk elsewhere in the region would not be surprising.


What should consumers do?
Stop using Bonsoy Soy Milk immediately. Discard any remaining product, or return it to your retailer for a refund. If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as fatigue, or unusual weight loss or weight gain, seek immediate medical attention.

If you live outside of Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong and you encounter Bonsoy Soy Milk for sale, please advise your local health authorities – and either email me directly or post a comment at the end of this article to warn other eFoodAlert readers.


Posted by Phyllis E at Saturday, December 26, 2009 14 comments
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Thursday, December 24, 2009

Recall Roundup: December 24, 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
  • Food Safety Recall: Market of Choice (Eugene, OR) recalls bulk and packaged hazelnuts (filberts) that were processed at Willamette Shelling Inc. for Evonuk Oregon Hazelnuts, because the nuts may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled nuts were sold in seven Market of Choice stores in Eugene, Ashland, SW Portland and West Linn, Oregon.
  • Safety Alert (Texas): Texas Department of State Health Services warns consumers, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women, to avoid consuming a traditional product called “Nzu” because of the potential health risks from high levels of lead and arsenic.
  • Food Safety Recall: National Steak and Poultry (Owasso, OK) recalls approximately 248,000 pounds of beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The recalled meat is linked to reported illnesses in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, South Dakota and Washington
  • Food Safety Recall: Associated Grocers of Maine (Gardiner, ME) recalls approximately 312 pounds of ham products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled ham was imported from Canada and is part of a recall initiated by OLYMEL S.E.C. (Montreal, QC).


Canada
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Alert: Health Canada warns consumers not to use "RevolutionDS Weight Loss", an unauthorized health product promoted for weight loss, because it contains benzylpiperazine (BZP), and may pose serious health risks.
  • Consumer Product Safety Recall: Dollarama L.P./S.E.C. (Montreal, QC) recalls Slimosaurus BlowUp Goop With a Dinosaur Fossil after Health Canada determines that these China-made products contain organic solvents; children's balloon blowing kits that contain organic solvents have been banned in Canada since 1973.
  • Consumer Product Safety Recall: RP Toys Ltd. (Mississauga, ON) recalls Star Trek U.S.S Enterprise Bridge Play Set because the coating on the screen of the made-in-China toy contains barium in excess of the allowable limit.


Europe


Australia and New Zealand
  • Food Safety Recall (Australia): Spiral Foods Pty Ltd (Coburg, VIC) recalls all date codes of Bonsoy Soy Milk up to and including Best Before dates of 03.11.11 because the soy milk contains excessive levels of iodine. Ten illnesses have been linked to consumption of this product.


Asia, Africa & The Pacific
  • Food Safety Recall (Hong Kong): The Centre for Food Safety advises people not to drink a Bonsoy soy milk product which is suspected of containing unusually high levels of iodine. The agency has alerted retailers to stop selling this 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.


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.

Posted by Phyllis E at Thursday, December 24, 2009 0 comments
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