Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Recall Roundup: March 24, 2010

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

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


United States
  • Allergy Alert: Walong Marketing, Inc. (Buena Park, CA) expands earlier recall to include Flying Horse White Sesame Chewy Candy because the product contains peanuts that are not declared on the label.
  • Food Safety Recall: USDA posts updated retail distribution list for Tornados Ranchero Beef & Cheese, recalled by Ruiz Foods because they contain hydrolyzed vegetable protein recalled by Basic Food Flavors due to possible Salmonella contamination.
  • Food Safety Recall: Blue Line Foodservice Distribution (Farmington Hills, MI) is voluntarily recalling Little Caesars Spice Paks, because they contain black pepper that was recalled by Mincing Overseas Spice Company and may be contaminated with Salmonella. The Spice Paks were available on request to consumers at Little Caesars stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
  • Food Safety Recall: C.H. Guenther & Son, Inc. amends earlier recall notice to include several additional brands of seasoning mixes, sold in grocery stores throughout the United States.
  • Consumer Product Safety Recall: S&S Worldwide Inc. (Colchester, CT) recalls Flower and Insect Painted Wooden Beads (children's wooden beads), made in China and sold in S&S Worldwide's catalog and on the firm's Web site at www.ssww.com, because the paint on the beads contains levels of lead that violates the federal lead paint standard.


Canada
  • Food Safety Recall: Blue Line Foodservice Distribution (Farmington Hills, MI) is voluntarily recalling Little Caesars Spice Paks, because they contain black pepper that was recalled by Mincing Overseas Spice Company and may be contaminated with Salmonella. The Spice Paks were available on request to consumers at Little Caesars stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
  • Prescription Drug Safety Recall: Ratiopharm Inc. (Mirabel, QC) recalls all units from Lot HF26 and Lot HF27 of the prescription drug Ratio-Prednisolone Ophthalmic Solution (DIN 00700401) in 1.0% strength because some bottles may contain particles that could lead to increased eye irritation.


Europe
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Skare Meat Packers recalls ground beef because Salmonella was detected in the product.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Warning (Italy): The Ministry of Health advises consumers not to purchase or use New Super Slim dietary supplement and Slimming Capsule, 100% Natural (both made in China by GUANGZHOU YONF ANG CAREPRODUCT HEALTH TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.) and sold over the Internet at www.superslim.ro, because the products contain the undeclared and unauthorized ingredients sibutramine and phenolphthalein.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0368): Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) toxins (naturally occuring toxins) in bivalve molluscs from France; distributed in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, the Russian Federation, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0369): Unauthorised marketing of the unauthorised novel food ingredient Stevia rebaudiana in, and incorrect labelling on, food supplement from the United States, via the Netherlands; distributed in Belgium.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0370): Too high content of caffeine and of vitamins (B12) in, and insufficient labelling of, energy drink from the United States, via the Netherlands; distributed in Belgium.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0371): Salmonella spp. in frozen pangasius fillets from Vietnam; distributed in Italy.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0372): Norovirus ( genogroup 1) in live oysters from France; distributed in Finland.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0373): Salmonella in minced beef from Ireland, via Denmark; distributed in Denmark and Sweden.
  • Pet Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0374): Too high count of Enterobacteriaceae in pet food from Colombia; distributed in the Netherlands.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0375): Aflatoxins in ground nutmeg from Germany, with raw material from India; distributed in Switzerland.


Australia and New Zealand
  • Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Darrell Lea Chocolate Shops Pty Ltd (Australia) recalls all "best before" dates of Darrell Lea Yoghurt Coated Mango Liquorice (185g) and Darrell Lea Yoghurt Coated Raspberry Liquorice (185g), due to lead contamination. The recalled items were imported into New Zealand by House of Fine Foods (NZ) Ltd and distributed in supermarkets and specialty stores throughout the country.


Latin America
  • Food Safety Recall: Blue Line Foodservice Distribution (Farmington Hills, MI) is voluntarily recalling Little Caesars Spice Paks, because they contain black pepper that was recalled by Mincing Overseas Spice Company and may be contaminated with Salmonella. The Spice Paks were available on request to consumers at Little Caesars stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico.



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.



Posted by Phyllis E at Wednesday, March 24, 2010 0 comments
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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

The Raw Milk Debate: Is There A Third Option?

Raw versus pasteurized versus . . . . .

We were reminded again last Friday of the risks that consumers face when they opt to drink raw milk.

The Michigan Department of Community Health issued a public health alert on March 19th, after eight confirmed cases of Campylobacter infections were reported among residents of three counties in the state. The victims of this outbreak had consumed raw milk obtained from the Family Farms Cooperative in Vandalia, Michigan. through a cow-share program.

Cow share programs are used in many US states and Canadian provinces as a means to sidestep prohibitions against the retail sale of raw milk for human consumption. Instead of purchasing raw milk directly, consumers "buy" part ownership in a cow's – or a dairy herd's – output.

Although some states – California, for example – have legalized and regulated the retail sale of raw milk, FDA does not permit interstate shipment for human consumption of unpasteurized milk for retail sale. As far as FDA is concerned, consuming raw milk is a risky business. These risks include Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter.

Why do some individuals insist on drinking raw milk – and serving it to their children – in spite of the microbiological risk? Mainly because of a concern that pasteurization, which requires heating the milk, destroys key nutrients present in raw milk and degrades the flavor of the fresh product.


What if there was a way to make raw milk microbiologically safe without heating it?

I'm not talking about irradiation. I'm not talking about adding chemicals. I'm not talking about adding "good" bacteria or bacteriophages to the milk.

I am referring to a process known as High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP). This technology is already in use in several sectors of the food industry. It has been applied to deli meats, fruit juices, deli salads, and produce. Recently, Nature's Variety – a manufacturer of "raw" pet foods – announced that it had decided to incorporate HPP treatment into its manufacturing process in order to ensure the microbiological safety of its pet foods.

As far as I am aware, no dairies have adopted HPP as an alternative to conventional heat pasteurization for fluid milk. But a literature search turned up a smattering of tantalizing research studies. I would be surprised if the manufacturers of HPP equipment were not funding research into this application of their technology.

Perhaps, some day the raw milk versus pasteurized milk debate will become history – made obsolete by a new technology that doesn't rely on either heat or irradiation.

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.

Posted by Phyllis E at Tuesday, March 23, 2010 3 comments
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Recall Roundup: March 23, 2010

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

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


United States
  • Allergy Alert: USDA posts retail distribution list for Enchilada Products recalled by Fernando's Food Corporation due to the presence of undeclared milk.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns NY Fish, Inc. (Brooklyn, NY) that an October/November 2009 inspection revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the processing facility. In addition, FDA investigators observed 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 Double B Dairy, LLC (Wendell, ID) about violations of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, including the presence of an antibiotic residue in edible tissues of a dairy cow that was sold for slaughter.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Cucina Fresca, Inc. (Seattle, WA) that an October/November 2009 inspection of its 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 Seoul Trading Inc. (Auburn, WA) that an October 2009 inspection of the company's food storage, repacking, and importer facility revealed serious deviations from the Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulation for foods (CGMPs) relating to rice, beans, spices, and other packaged food products.
  • Consumer Product Safety Recall: Do It Best recalls children's bicycle bells, manufactured by Botou Baite Bike Bell Co. Ltd., of Botou City, China because the red paint contains excessive lead levels. The recalled bicycle bells were sold at Dollar Stores and Do It Best Hardware stores nationwide from August 2008 through August 2009.


Canada
  • Food Safety Recall: The Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) has initiated recalls of various nut products (including peanuts, cashews and almonds) that were processed using hydrolyzed vegetable protein supplied by Basic Food Flavors. The recalled nut products may be contaminated with Salmonella and should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.


Europe
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Thai Supermarket recalls Freshly cut basil (Holy Basil), Batch 53/03393-03, imported from Thailand (produced by Mr. Green Thailand) because the basil is contaminated with Salmonella and E. coli.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Italia Catering recalls all foods sold to restaurants (primarily in the Copenhagen area) because the company is not registered as food processor, nor as an importer of food. The company has no self regulation and has failed to demonstrate the origin of where and when goods are purchased, their storage or how they were handled.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Scan Choco A/S recalls Mini marzipan bread in plastic boxes of 2 kg because of mold contamination in the product.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0352): Unauthorised triamcinolone acetonide (veterinary residu) in horse meat from Mexico, via the Netherlands; distributed in Belgium.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0353): Norovirus in oysters from France; distributed in Denmark.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0354): Listeria monocytogenes in filled and frozen croissant from Italy; distributed in Romania.
  • Consumer Product Safety Notification (EU #2010.0355): Migration of cadmium and of lead from rim of glass mugs from China; distributed in Poland.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0356): Unlabelled irradiation of chicken-flavour Japanese noodle soup from Hungary, via Germany; distributed in Germany.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0357): Salmonella typhimurium DT 193 - multiresistant (in 2 out of 12 samples) in boneless fatless eye-loin pork from Spain; distributed in Denmark.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0358): Listeria monocytogenes (>100 CFU/g) in meatballs from Germany; distributed in Germany.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0359): Parasitic infestation with Anisakis of chilled hake (Merluccius merluccius) from Spain; distributed in Italy.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0362): Listeria monocytogenes in jambon de Bayonne from France; distributed in Cyprus and Greece.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0364): Aerobic plate count (2,098,000 CFU/ml) too high for raw cow milk from France; distributed in Italy.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0365): Cadmium in Cancer pagurus from France; distributed in Italy.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0366): Oxamyl (pesticide) in fresh white pepper from Turkey; distributed in the Czech Republic.



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.



Posted by Phyllis E at Tuesday, March 23, 2010 0 comments
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Monday, March 22, 2010

Recall Roundup: March 22, 2010

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

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


United States
  • Food Safety Recall: McCain Foods USA recalls McCain All American Roasters (24 oz bag; lot #W91125; production date November 25, 2009) because the potato product may be contaminated with Salmonella.
  • Food Recall: Food City advises its customers that Chilli Man Seasoning Mix (1.25 oz) has been recalled. No reason was specified for the recall.


Europe
  • Food Safety Recall (Sweden): The ICA grocery chain recalls all date codes of Euro Shopper brand frozen raspberries (500g, from Serbia) because the berries may be contaminated with a Calicivirus (Norovirus). Our thanks to fellow blogger Albert Amgar for making us aware of this recall.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Svanekes Slagter recalls Homemade luxury brawn (Best before date: 24/03/2010) after finding Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of the product.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Inco Denmark amba recalls minced Tatar, minced beef, sausage meat and raw sausage after Salmonella was found in product samples.


Australia and New Zealand
  • Food Safety Recall (Australia and New Zealand): Ricci Remond Chocolate Co Pty Ltd and Darrell Lea Chocolate Shops Pty Ltd recall all Best Before dates of Darrell Lea Yoghurt Coated Raspberry Liquorice (185g), Darrell Lea Yoghurt Coated Mango Liquorice (185g), Ricci Yoghurt Coated Raspberry Liquorice (225g & 185g) and Ricci Yoghurt Coated Mango Liquorice (225g), because the confectionery items contain trace amounts of lead. The recalled items were distributed in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and 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.



Posted by Phyllis E at Monday, March 22, 2010 0 comments
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Saturday, March 20, 2010

Recall Roundup: March 20, 2010

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

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


United States
  • Allergy Alert: Perdue Farms, Inc. (Washington, IN) recalls approximately 10,368 pounds of fresh sweet Italian turkey sausage products because they contain undeclared milk.
  • Food Safety Recall (Update): USDA releases revised retail distribution list for Windsor Foods recall.
  • Food Safety Alert: Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) issues public health alert regarding illness from Campylobacter infections among people who have reported consuming raw milk products obtained from the Family Farms Cooperative in Vandalia, Michigan under a cow share program. Eight confirmed cases have been reported from 3 counties.
  • Food Safety Recall: John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. recalls various snack mix and cashew products containing black pepper that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
  • Food Safety Recall: The Jeppi Nut Company recalls Jeppi South of the Border Mix (16oz), made with hydrolyzed vegetable protein that may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled item was sold in Wegman's Hunt Valley, MD store.


Canada
  • Allergy Alert: IGA and IGA Extra stores in the province of Québec recall Poulet à l'ananas (pineapple chicken) because the product contains undeclared milk and soy proteins.
  • Food Safety Recall: Canadian Food Inspection Agency alerts the public to additional Amira, Grandma Emily's Granola, El Peto Products, and Sushi Shop snacks and soup mixes that were manufactured used hydrolyzed vegetable protein from Basic Food Flavors and may be contaminated with Salmonella.


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.



Posted by Phyllis E at Saturday, March 20, 2010 0 comments
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Friday, March 19, 2010

Recall Roundup: March 19, 2010

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

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


United States
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Registry Steaks and Seafood Ltd. (Bridgeview, IL) that a series of inspections of the company's seafood processing facility carried out in 2009 has revealed serious violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) and associated regulations.

Canada
  • Food Safety Recall: Roy Fruits et Légumes Inc. (Asbestos, QC) recalls BBQ Peanuts, sold in bulk, because the peanuts may be contaminated with Salmonella.


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall (Hong Kong): The Department of Health warns the public not to purchase or use a slimming product named "Kartien Easy to Slim" as it was found to contain undeclared western drug ingredients that may cause serious side effects.



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.



Posted by Phyllis E at Friday, March 19, 2010 0 comments
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Semi-Dried Tomatoes Fingered In Multiple Hepatitis Outbreaks

Hepatitis recovered from Dutch patients identical to Australian outbreak strain

Netherlands officials are reporting a probable outbreak of hepatitis that has affected at least 14 individuals since the beginning of 2010.

The eleven victims, who live in various parts of the Netherlands, all were infected with the identical strain of Hepatitis A virus. At least ten of the 14 reported having consumed semi-dried tomatoes prior to becoming ill.

Last year, a similar outbreak struck the Australian states of Victoria and South Australia. That outbreak, too, was linked to consumption of semi-dried tomatoes. The source of the contaminated tomatoes was never identified.

The strain of hepatitis virus responsible for the Australian outbreak was identical to the virus recovered from the Dutch victims, according to the article in yesterday's Eurosurveillance weekly report.

France also has been experiencing an outbreak of hepatitis this year. The strain responsible for the illnesses in France is related – but not identical – to the Dutch and Australian hepatitis strain. As in the Netherlands and Australia, semi-dried tomatoes appear to be the vehicle driving the outbreak in France.

Frustratingly for investigators in all three countries, it has not yet been possible to find any hepatitis-contaminated semi-dried tomatoes. The long, highly variable incubation period associated with hepatitis infections makes it very difficult to trace the suspect food to its source. The only concrete clue is that the strains of hepatitis recovered from patients in all three countries are genetically related to strains that circulate in a geographical region that includes Turkey.

Until health authorities get a handle on this outbreak, it would be wise to avoid consuming semi-dried tomatoes, unless they have been cooked or otherwise further processed.

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.

Posted by Phyllis E at Friday, March 19, 2010 0 comments
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Thursday, March 18, 2010

Recall Roundup: March 18, 2010

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

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


United States
  • Food Safety Recall: USDA posts retail distribution list for Windsor Foods recall of ready-to-eat products.
  • Food Safety Recall: Spice Barn, Inc. recalls Malabar Peppercorns (Lot MTC-3258) and Ground Black Pepper (Lot MO-3258T), because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled pepper was distributed to customers in VT, NY, PA, MA, GA, VA, CA, TX, CO, MO, WA, FL, AL, MI, AZ, AR, and WA.
  • Food Safety Recall: C. H. Guenther & Son, Inc. recalls several products containing a pepper ingredient that may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The products are part of the Sunbird Seasonings, Williams Wings Seasonings and Williams Gumbo Soup lines and were sold through grocery, warehouse and other retail outlets across the United States.
  • Food Safety Recall: Tops Friendly Markets recalls Tops Pork Gravy Mix, 1 oz. (Code dates W9327B & W9328B) because the gravy mix contains pepper that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
  • Food Safety Recall: California Department of Public Health (CDPH), warns consumers not to eat Darrell Lea Yogurt Coated Soft Eating Raspberry Liquorice because CDPH tests found four times the recommended total daily exposure levels of lead. Darrell Lea Chocolate Shops Pty. Ltd. of Australia (the manufacturer of the candy) is partnering with the US distributor to ensure that the contaminated candies are removed from the market.


Canada
  • Allergy Alert: Metro Richelieu Inc. recalls Pouding au riz (rice pudding) and Poitrine de Poulet Cordon Bleu Jambon et Fromage (Cordon Bleu chicken breast with ham and cheese), because they contain undeclared peanuts, nuts, sesame, sulfites, wheat, soy, milk and eggs.
  • Food Safety Recall: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency warns consumers to avoid Frontier Whole Black Peppercorn L/M (Lampong / Malabar), sold in 453 g/16 oz packages bearing UPC 0 89836 00183 2 and lot codes 9299, 9306 and 9357. Some of the product may have been sold in bulk, without specific identification. The peppercorns may be contaminated with Salmonella.
  • Food Safety Recall: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency warns the public not to consume La Cocina Cheese Flavoured Tortilla Chips and Grandma Emily's BBQ Lounge Mix, because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella.


Europe


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Food Safety Recall (Peoples Republic of China): Chongqing food safety authorities seize 11 tons of White Rabbit Creamy Candy that was as much as five years beyond its expiry date.



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.



Posted by Phyllis E at Thursday, March 18, 2010 0 comments
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Australia's Bonsoy Thyroid Cases: 30+ And Counting

OzFoodNet continues to monitor reports of new cases

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

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

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

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

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

A reader reported the following on March 8th:
I have been diagnosed as sub-clinical hyperthyroid with multi-nodular goitre (luckily not cancerous) but got told by my endocrinologist that it is most likely to be caused by bonsoy in my coffee for the last 6 months of last year. I called the cafe - they denied ever having it - but i'm sure they did. I called my weekend cafe - they denied ever having it but a food reviewer had said they did have it in Aug 09. I feel completely ripped off that now cafe's will lie about it when it could help me understand why I now need a thyroidectomy and pills for the rest of my life. :(

And on March 10th, another reader posted this comment:
I was a regular bonsoy drinker (300-500mls /day) and have been unwell since mid-December. My main symptoms have been extreme fatigue, fuzzy vision, bouts of nausea and changes in my mood. My blood tests show an issue with my thyroid.

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

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

A follow-up from the March 10th contributor, added the next day:
Update on above from March 10 blog. I received a call from my physician and it is clear that I have recovering thyroiditis. Although I don't need medication, thankfully, I need to make some strict diet changes and my specialist is very eager to discuss my bonsoy drinking history.

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

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

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

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

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

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


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.
Posted by Phyllis E at Thursday, March 18, 2010 5 comments
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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Gillibrand Proposes "Consumer Recall Notification Act"

New bill would improve consumer notification of food recalls in USA

Kirsten Gillibrand (D, NY) has proposed significant changes to the way FDA and USDA would notify consumers of Class I (highest risk) food safety recalls.

The text of the proposed bill has not yet been published, but the main points are summarized on the Senator's web page.

Gillibrand's legislation would require that recall notices be:
  • posted on store shelves where recalled products are sold;
  • sent directly to grocery store "club" members and loyalty card holders; and
  • distributed to health care workers.

Equally importantly, Gillibrand would require that stores and restaurants that were supplied with recalled products be given specific notification within 24 hours of the public announcement of the recall. She also would mandate that FDA publish on the Internet a list of all stores and restaurants that received recalled products.

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service already posts retail distribution lists on its web site, although the agency does not include restaurants in its listings.

By coincidence, I was asked just a few days ago whether I thought FDA and USDA were effective at publicizing recall information. I replied that "...there is still room for significant improvement, especially in disseminating detailed information on retail distribution of recalled products."

Senator Gillibrand's proposals would go a long way toward filling that information gap.

It's too soon to tell what will happen with Gillibrand's legislation. It might be folded into the new food safety law – if that ever reaches the Senate floor for a vote. It might succeed as a free-standing piece of legislation. Or, as has happened to many similar efforts over the years, it might simply die from lack of sponsors.

Critics of the proposal – including, probably, many food processors – will argue that this bill would result in the publication of important proprietary commercial information (customer and supplier lists). But where contaminated food is concerned, public safety must triumph over corporate secrecy.

The proposed recall notification bill is a simple, straightforward way to ensure that the public is made aware of food safety recalls. It deserves to receive speedy consideration and passage by the Senate and the House of Representatives.


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.
Posted by Phyllis E at Wednesday, March 17, 2010 0 comments
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Recall Roundup: March 17, 2010

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

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


United States
  • Food Safety Recall: Barcel recalls Barcel Tostachos, 3.17 oz (Lot #AUG1110, AUG1810, AUG2510, SEP0110) because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
  • Food Safety Recall: Top Food & Drug recalls Muchi Curry Powder, Hot (UPC 089836-001382; Lots 0004, 9350), because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.
  • Food Safety Recall (Update): USDA posts updated retail distribution list for products recalled by Daniele International, Inc.
  • Food Safety Recall (Update): The Kroger Company amends code date information for its recall of Kroger California Seasoning Blend Garlic Powder. The recalled item may be contaminated with Salmonella.
  • Food Safety Alert: USDA alerts US consumers that certain ready-to-eat meats produced in Canada by Siena Foods Ltd. may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. USDA has been notified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency that some of the recalled products might have been exported to the USA. A Siena product has been linked by genetic fingerprinting to two cases of listeriosis in Ontario, Canada.
  • Food Safety Recall: Produce Valley, Inc. recalls Produce Valley Toasted Onion Dip Mix (Date Code 101200), because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled item was distributed to supermarkets in the Southwestern USA.
  • Pharmaceutical Safety Alert: FDA orders Glenmark Generics (Mahwah, NJ) and Konec Inc. (Tucson, AZ) to stop marketing unapproved nitroglycerin tablets. Consumers who currently take these medications should consult their physicians.
  • FDA Enforcement Action: FDA seeks permanent injunction against Chau Sprouting Co., a sprout grower in Gretna, LA, company owner and manager Quang “Mike” Trinh, and Hue Nguyen, the company production manager. The Defendants are charged with preparing, packing, and holding sprouts under insanitary conditions, where they may have become contaminated with filth.
  • Stolen Pharmaceutical Products Alert: H-E-B is working with law enforcement authorities to recover cases of over-the-counter (OTC) and dietary supplements that were stolen in Dallas, Texas from a tractor trailer that was headed to H-E-B on March 3, 2010. Please follow the live link to access a complete list of the stolen items.


Canada
  • Food Safety Recall: Marché Bamyam Inc. (4311 rue Notre-Dame, Laval, QC) recalls BBQ Peanuts, sold in bulk, that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
  • Food Safety Recall: Canadian Food Inspection Agency alerts consumers to several additional Frontier seasoning blends, which were imported into Canada from the USA, and that may be contaminated with Salmonella.


Europe
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): CM-Food recalls frozen chicken from Argentina due to Salmonella contamination.
  • Allergy Alert Notification (EU #2010.0335): Undeclared gluten (7750 mg/kg - ppm) in buckwheat flour from Nepal; distributed in the United Kingdom.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0337): Parasitic infestation with nematodes of various chilled fish from Spain; distributed in Italy.
  • Pet Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0338): Bulging packaging of beef and vegetable paté for dogs from France; distributed in France, Portugal, Romania and Spain.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2010.0339): Streptomycin (43 µg/kg - ppb) in honey from Mexico; distributed in the United Kingdom.


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Prescription Drug Alert: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority its authorization of the diabetes drug Avandia® (Rosiglitazone) due to safety concerns.


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.



Posted by Phyllis E at Wednesday, March 17, 2010 0 comments
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