Category Archives: National

Illinois Firm Recalls Chicken Products Due to Possible Salmonella Enteritidis Contamination

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Chicken-Kiev-Salmonella

Photo: Food Poisoning Bulletin web site.

WASHINGTON – Aspen Foods Division of Koch Meats, a Chicago, Il., based establishment, is recalling 28,980 pounds of chicken products that may be contaminated with a particular strain of Salmonella Enteritidis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. FSIS requested Aspen Foods conduct this recall because this product is known to be associated with a specific illness cluster.

This is a Class I recall where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.

The recalled product includes partially prepared chicken products sold by retailers under the Antioch Farms brand name, with “sell by” dates of October 1, 2015 and October 7, 2015. The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “P-1358” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The chicken products were produced on July 2, 2014 and July 8, 2014. These products were shipped to retail stores and distribution centers in Minnesota.

The product is identified as Single 5 once plastic packets of Raw Stuffed Chicken Breast Breaded, Boneless Breast of Chicken with Rib Meat “A La Kiev”

FSIS was notified of an investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses on October 9, 2014. Working in conjunction with Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FSIS determined that there is a link between the Chicken Kiev from Aspen Foods Division of Koch Foods and this illness cluster. Based on epidemiologic investigation, 6 case-patients have been identified in Minnesota with illness onset dates ranging from August, 17, 2014 to September, 27, 2014. Among the 6 case-patients with available information, 1 case-patient was hospitalized; 0 deaths have been reported. All 6 case-patients reported chicken Kiev consumption prior to illness onset. Samples of product collected during the course of this investigation by Minnesota Department of Agriculture tested positive for Salmonella Enteritidis with the outbreak strain. It is not known at this time if this outbreak strain has any drug resistance. On October 17, 2014 FSIS received evidence that linked the illnesses associated with this outbreak to a specific product or production lot. Evidence that is required for a recall includes obtaining case-patient product that tests positive for the same particular strain of Salmonella that caused the illness, and packaging on product that clearly links the product to a specific facility and a specific production date, which were all met. FSIS is continuing to work with our public health partners on this investigation and will provide updated information as it becomes available.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

FSIS reminds consumers to properly handle raw poultry in a manner to prevent contamination from spreading to other foods and food contact surfaces.

FSIS further reminds consumers of the critical importance of following package cooking instructions for frozen or fresh chicken products and general food safety guidelines when handling and preparing any raw meat or poultry. In particular, while cooking instructions may give a specific number of minutes of cooking for each side of the product in order to attain an 165 °F internal temperature, consumers should be aware that actual time may vary depending on the cooking method (broiling, frying or grilling) and the temperature of the product (chilled versus frozen), so it is important that the final temperature of 165 °F must be reached for safety. Do not rely on the cooking time for each side of the product, but use a food thermometer.

Lundberg Family Farms Recalls Sea Salt Rice Chips Due to Undeclared Allergen

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200pxfda-rice-chipsRICHVALE, Calif. — Lundberg Family Farms announced that it is voluntarily recalling from distribution in the United States and Canada, specific bags of Sea Salt Rice Chips due to possible presence of an undeclared dairy allergen. The issue was discovered through a consumer complaint.

The recall applies to only 6 ounce bags (170g) of Sea Salt Rice Chips packed on August 11th, 2014, bearing the code “140811” and a best before date of “2015 JUN 08” on the upper right-hand corner of the bag. The Sea Salt Rice Chips display the following UPC numbers 0-73416-03530-0 for U.S., or 0-73416-03540-9 for Canada.

Lundberg Family Farms has identified the problem and has taken immediate corrective action. Distributors and retailers have been notified and requested to discard the affected products in stock. The company notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and is cooperating fully with the agency.

No serious injuries or illness have been reported from the consumption of the product. People who have a severe allergy to dairy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

Customers who have bags of Sea Salt Rice Chips with the aforementioned labeling should discard them or return them unopened to the place of purchase for a refund. Customers can call our customer service representatives at 530-538-3555, which is staffed seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, or leave a message at other times, with any questions or concerns about the product, or email recall@lundberg.com.

Arctic Cat Recalls Single-Rider and 2UP ATVs Due To Crash Hazard

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640-ArcticCat2008Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn. is recalling about 40,000 model year 2008 and 2009 Arctic Cat single-rider and 2 UP style ATVs. The ATVs were sold at Arctic Cat dealers nationwide from May 2007 to October 2014 for between $5,500 and $12,000. Components in the front gear case can fail, posing a risk of loss of control and crash hazard.

Single-rider ATVs have one seat and one set of footrests for the operator. 2 UP ATVs have an elongated seat designed to hold one passenger behind the operator, a set of hand-holds mounted to the rear frame for the passenger and two sets of footrests. The recalled ATVs came in a variety of colors and have the name Arctic Cat on each side of the fuel tank and on the front above the grill opening.

All model year 2008 Arctic Cat ATVs with 400 cubic centimeter (cc) and larger engines are being recalled.

Model year 2009 Arctic Cat ATVs with 400 cubic centimeter (cc) and larger engines and with production numbers within the following ranges are being recalled: 200001 through 203861, 808001 through 808137, and X25082 through X30243.

The engine size is printed on the back of the instrument cluster between the handle bars.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) in the format 4UF09******XXXXXX is on the frame tube near the driver’s side rear wheel and contains the model year and production number of the vehicle.

The model year is the fourth and fifth characters of the VIN in the YY format. The production number is the last six characters of the VIN.

Arctic Cat has received 44 reports of components in the front gear case failing, including 10 reports of the vehicle stopping abruptly or the operator losing of control of the ATV. Arctic Cat has received four reports of injury, including one incident involving a consumer sustaining broken ribs and injuries to a knee and a back.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ATVs and contact an Arctic Cat dealer to schedule a free repair.

Consumers can contact Arctic Cat at (800) 279-6851 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.arcticcat.com and click on Customer Care, then Product Recall and then List of Safety Bulletins for more information.

Briggs & Stratton Recalls Snapper Rear Engine Riding Mowers Due to Injury Hazard

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640px-SnapperBriggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC, of Milwaukee, Wis. is recalling about 8500 Briggs & Stratton Snapper Rear Engine Riding Mowers. The weld on drive axle can fail resulting in loss of brake control, posing an injury hazard.

This recall involves six models of Briggs & Stratton Snapper Rear Engine Riding Mowers. The mowers are red with a black fuel tank, steering wheel and seat. The name Snapper is printed on both sides of the mower. The model and serial numbers are on a label on the engine platform under the right side of the seat. The following models and serial number ranges are included.

Model Number Serial Number Range
7800918 2016447188 – 2016485206
7800920 2016443919 – 2016568930
7800932 2016462619 – 2016481454
7800950 2016611952 – 2016766052
7800951 2016624456 – 2016765000
7800954 2016603229 – 2016775752

The affected units were sold at Family Farm stores, Power Equipment Direct and Briggs & Stratton Snapper dealers nationwide from April 2013 through May 2014 for between $1,300 and $2,000. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled mowers and contact an authorized Snapper service dealer for a free repair.

For more information contact Briggs & Stratton Corporation at (800) 935-2967 from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or online at www.Briggsandstratton.com and click on “Recall Alert Notice” for more information.

Bailey Farms Inc. Recalls Fresh Serrano Chile Peppers Because Of Possible Health Risk

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logo-bailey-farms-editBailey Farms, Inc. of Oxford, NC is voluntarily recalling 6,215 pounds of Fresh Serrano Chile Peppers, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditic and arthritis.

The Fresh Serrano Chile Peppers was distributed to Meijer, Inc. and customers may have purchased this product from October 14th to October 19th at Meijer stores in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.

In addition this product was distributed to Publix Super Markets Inc., Merchants Distributors, Inc., Walmart, Food Lion, Flavor 1st Growers and Packers, US Foods, Military Produce Group, LLC.,C&S Wholesalers, John Vena, Inc. and Harris Teeter. Consumers who suspect they may have purchased Fresh Serrano Chile Peppers from the above listed companies between the dates of October 2, 2014 to October 21, 2014 should check with the above listed companies to verify if the product was subject to recall.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

A random sample was taken by the Michigan Department of Agriculture on October 13, 2014 from a warehouse in Lansing, Michigan. Bailey Farms, Inc. received notice that the sample tested positive for Salmonella on October 20, 2014. This recall is the result of the possibility that the remainder of these lots could be contaminated with this bacteria. We are working with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to investigate the root cause of the potential contamination.

Bailey Farms, Inc. has notified all of their customers who have purchased Fresh Serrano Chile Peppers during said dates.

Consumers with questions can contact Bailey Farms, Inc. M-F 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST 1-888-820-2545.

Recall of Assured™ Brand Naproxen Sodium Tablets due to Packaging Mix-Up

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14974962224_4113b8a58b_mGREENSBORO, N.C. – Contract Packaging Resources, a drug repackaging company, is voluntarily recalling 11,640 boxes of Assured™ brand Naproxen Sodium tablets because some cartons actually contain bottles of Ibuprofen, a different pain reliever. The Ibuprofen bottles were placed in the Naproxen Sodium boxes due to a packaging error. The affected products are: boxes of Assured™ brand Naproxen Sodium Tablets 220mg, 15 count (Lot #FH4102A) [SKU #122368/UPC #639277223685] containing bottles of Ibuprofen softgels in 200mg strength.

Consumers who intentionally avoid using Ibuprofen due to allergy, or other medical conditions, should be advised that they may have inadvertently purchased Ibuprofen 200mg softgels, believing it was Naproxen Sodium 220mg tablets. Allergic reactions can range from mild irritation or hives to serious reactions such as anaphylaxes that may be life-threatening. The firm has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.

The recalled Assured brand drug products were distributed nationwide to Dollar Tree® and sold via the Dollar Tree® retail stores and internet site. Contract Packaging Resources is notifying its distributors and customers directly and arranging for replacement of all recalled products. Consumers may return the recalled products to the place of purchase or contact the firm by phone at 336-252-3422, on Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (Eastern).

Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product. Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

Maryland Firm Recalls Lamb Products Produced Without Import Inspection

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WASHINGTON – – E.&B.’s Natural Way, a Frederick, Md. establishment, is recalling approximately 27,948 pounds of raw lamb products because they were not presented at the border for USDA-FSIS Import Inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. Without the benefit of full inspection, a possibility of adverse health consequences exists.

The lamb products were packaged on October 21, 2013, September 2, 20, 21 and 22, 2014. The following products are subject to recall:

  • Lamb Packs
  • Lamb Bone-In Legs
  • Lamb Boneless Legs
  • Lamb Saddles
  • Lamb Racks
  • Lamb Loins
  • Lamb Shoulders
  • Lamb Shanks
  • Lamb Trim
  • Lamb for Stew

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “IS A022 EFTA” and include a label indicating “Product of Iceland.” These products were shipped to retail establishments in Washington and Oregon where the products would have been repackaged.

The problem was discovered during a routine review using the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) database. ACE is a web-based portal for the collection and use of international trade data maintained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The failure-to-present was the result of the importing establishment not following appropriate procedures.

FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS issues a Public Health Alert for an imported product when the country of origin recalls the product. FSIS issues a recall for imported product when the product is not presented for inspection at the U.S. border.

A failure-to-present (FTP) occurs when importers fail to present a shipment to FSIS for import inspection prior to the product entering U.S. commerce. Failure-to-present will result in the recall of the product.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Blair Gordon, Owner, at (301) 471-5615.

AMS Health Sciences, LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Saba Shark Cartilage Complex

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101031Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — AMS Health Sciences, LLC is notifying the public that it is recalling 2014 bottles of Saba Shark Cartilage Complex due to possible contamination of Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. To date, no illness or complaints have been reported to AMS Health Sciences, LLC.

A single lot of Saba Shark Cartilage Complex is the subject of this public announcement and recall as a result of a sample from one bottle that tested positive for Salmonella. This product is packaged in black screw-top bottles with the brand name “saba” in red letters, the product name “shark cartilage complex” in white letters, and a net quantity statement of “500 mg 60 capsules” in small white letters. Product from the affected lot can be identified by the Lot Number 416349 and an expiration date of 08/16, both of which are printed in black letters inside a white rectangle that is adjacent to the products “Suggested Use” instructions.

Product from this lot was sold to consumers through the internet site www.sabaforlife.com during the period of February through August 2014. AMS is initiating this recall out of caution for consumer health, even though numerous samples from the same Lot No. have tested negative for Salmonella.

Any consumer who purchased product with the lot number and expiration date above should dispose of it immediately and may request a refund by calling (866) 758-7222, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Central). If you have consumed the product and are experiencing any unusual or severe symptoms such as those described above, go to an emergency room immediately or contact your physician for immediate advice.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

JFC International Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in “Hapi Pudding”

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ucm419328JFC International Inc. of Los Angeles, CA is voluntarily recalling all lot codes of its 3-pack Hapi Pudding with a net weight of 8.46 ounces (UPC 11152 13417), because they may contain undeclared milk. People who have allergies to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the products.

The recalled product, “Hapi Pudding” was distributed nationwide to retail stores.

The product comes in a pack of three, weighing a total of 8.46 ounces, in clear plastic containers, with an orange and white seal on the top. The seal has the words “Hapi Pudding” with an image of a pudding. The 3 pack of pudding is plastic wrapped, with the product information found at the bottom of the product.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the milk-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk to the consumer. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an inadvertent omission on the label by the producer during the revision of the packaging process.

JFC has immediately responded to this issue and have already taken action to stop sales and distribution of the affected product.

Consumers who have purchased the product “Hapi Pudding” are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-633-1004, Monday – Friday, 8:30am-5pm PST.
ucm419326

Massachusetts Firm Recalls Chicken Products Due to Possible Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

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WASHINGTON – Shop Packaging LLC, a New Bedford, Mass. establishment, is recalling approximately 115,505 pounds of chicken wing products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products were processed with a releasing agent containing soy lecithin, a known allergen which is not declared on the product label.

This is a Class II recall which is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.

The chicken wing products were produced on various dates between August 8 and October 10, 2014. The following product is subject to recall:

  1. 20-lb. bags containing “Chicken Mid-joint Wing.”

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “P-46946” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products produced were shipped to a distribution location in New York.

The problem was discovered by a FSIS inspector. The company sprayed a vegetable and canola oil, which contains soy lecithin, on their conveyor belt. FSIS has determined that the spray has been used since August 8th of this year.

FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Ron Sylvia, President, at (508) 961-7552.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday.