Tag Archives: Food

Hawaii Firm Recalls Frozen Pork Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

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WASHINGTON – Kulana Foods Ltd., a Hilo, Hawaii establishment is recalling approximately 4,465 pounds of frozen, fully cooked pork products because of misbranding and an undeclared allergen. The products are formulated with a soy sauce that contains wheat, a known allergen, which is not declared on the label.

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

The products subject to recall include:

  • Various weight (approximately .75 – .90 lb.) packages of “MOUNTAIN APPLE BRAND Teri Smoked Pork” with identifying case codes: 03414, 07214, 12814, 16914, 21114, 28114, 03713, 05113, 06513, 23313, or 34513.
  • 5-pound packages of “MOUNTAIN APPLE BRAND Teri Smoked Pork” with identifying case code: 09214.

The products bear the establishment number “EST. 12445” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label. The products were produced on various dates between Feb. 6, 2013 and Oct. 8, 2014 and shipped to retail locations and for foodservice use on the islands of Hawaii and Oahu.

The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel during a label review at the establishment. FSIS personnel are responsible for verifying that establishments are actively labeling the eight most common food allergens. Wheat was a sub-ingredient of soy sauce used in the product and was inadvertently left off the product label.

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.

Marin Food Specialties, Inc. Initiates Voluntary Recall of Imported Organic Raw Almonds (Bitter Almonds)

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Due to Elevated Levels of Naturally Occurring Hydrogen Cyanide
raw-almonds
Marin Foods Specialties, Inc. of Byron, CA is voluntarily recalling Organic Raw Almonds (bitter almonds), due to them possibly containing elevated levels of naturally occurring hydrogen cyanide according to laboratory test results. To date, no human illnesses have been associated with these products and they have been pulled from sale.

Bitter almonds are the wild form of the edible “sweet almonds.” Bitter almonds contain a chemical called glycoside amygdalin, which becomes transformed into toxic prussic acid (hydrogen cyanide) after they are crushed or chewed. Eating foods that contain prussic acid may result in some or all of the following signs and clinical symptoms within minutes: dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, restlessness, and weakness. Exposure to higher quantities of food containing prussic acid may cause other more serious health effects including convulsions, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, lung injury, slow heart rate, and respiratory failure leading to death. Showing these signs and symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has been exposed to cyanide. Treatment with supportive measures and available specific and efficacious antidotes frequently allows survival.

The products were labeled as “Whole Foods Market Organic Raw Almonds Imported from Italy” and “Whole Foods Market Organic Raw Almonds Imported from Spain,” and were packaged in 13.5 oz. plastic tubs. The recalled products have sell-by dates from 4/18/15 to 6/7/15 and a UPC code of UPC 9-99482-00071-7. The recalled product was distributed to Whole Foods Market stores only in Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Reno, Nevada and Boise, Idaho.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Hope Mills Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy in New Hope Mills Gluten Free Chia Pancake and Waffle Mix

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FDA Photo. Click for larger view.

FDA Photo. Click for larger view.

WASHINGTON – New Hope Mills Manufacturing of Auburn, NY is recalling all Gluten Free Chia Pancake and Waffle Mix because it may contain undeclared soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

New Hope Mills Gluten Free Chia Pancake and Waffle Mix was distributed to distributors and retailers in NY, PA, NH, OK, and FL.

The affected product, New Hope Mills Gluten Free Chia Pancake and Waffle Mix, can be identified as a 16 OZ bag in a boxboard box. The box itself is primarily red and white, and includes on the front of box, the New Hope Mills logo along with a picture of the Chia Pancakes. The UPC code on the box reads “07470353012”. The boxes affected will have one of the following “Best By Dates” on the bottom of the box: 11/13/2014, 11/14/2014, 2/26/2015, 7/29/2015, 10/4/2015, 12/13/2015

No illnesses have been reported to date.

New Hope Mills was contacted on 10/15/2014 by The Raymond-Hadley Corp., the Contract Manufacturer of New Hope Mills Gluten Free Chia Pancake and Waffle Mix. The Raymond-Hadley Corp. notified New Hope Mills that they had discovered that New Hope Mills Gluten Free Chia Pancake and Waffle Mix was made with an ingredient containing soy and was produced and distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of soy.

Consumers who have purchased New Hope Mills Gluten Free Chia Pancake and Waffle Mix are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 315-252-2676. Monday – Friday, 8am-4pm, EST.

8 Foods Even The Experts Won’t Eat

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Food scientists are shedding light on items loaded with toxins and chemicals–and simple swaps for a cleaner diet and supersized health. Experts from different areas of specialty explain why they won’t eat these eight foods.

Clean eating means choosing fruits, vegetables, and meats that are raised, grown, and sold with minimal processing. Often they’re organic, and rarely (if ever) should they contain additives. But in some cases, the methods of today’s food producers are neither clean nor sustainable. The result is damage to our health, the environment, or both. So we decided to take a fresh look at food through the eyes of the people who spend their lives uncovering what’s safe–or not–to eat. ” Their answers don’t necessarily make up a “banned foods” list. But reaching for the suggested alternatives might bring you better health–and peace of mind.

1. The Endocrinologist Won’t Eat: Canned Tomatoes

The resin linings of tin cans contain bisphenol-A, a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to ailments ranging from reproductive problems to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

2. The Farmer Won’t Eat: Corn-Fed Beef

Cattle evolved to eat grass, not grains. But farmers today feed their animals corn and soybeans, which fatten up the animals faster for slaughter. But more money for cattle farmers (and lower prices at the grocery store) means a lot less nutrition for us.

3. The Toxicologist Won’t Eat: Microwave Popcorn

Chemicals, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in the lining of the bag, are part of a class of compounds that may be linked to infertility in humans, according to a recent study from UCLA. In animal testing, the chemicals cause liver, testicular, and pancreatic cancer.

4. The Farm Director Won’t Eat: Nonorganic Potatoes

Root vegetables absorb herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides that wind up in soil. In the case of potatoes–the nation’s most popular vegetable–they’re treated with fungicides during the growing season, then sprayed with herbicides to kill off the fibrous vines before harvesting.

5. The Fisheries Expert Won’t Eat: Farmed Salmon

Nature didn’t intend for salmon to be crammed into pens and fed soy, poultry litter, and hydrolyzed chicken feathers. As a result, farmed salmon is lower in vitamin D and higher in contaminants, including carcinogens, PCBs, brominated flame retardants, and pesticides such as dioxin and DDT.

6. The Cancer Researcher Won’t Drink: Milk Produced With Artificial Hormones

Milk producers treat their dairy cattle with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST, as it is also known) to boost milk production. But rBGH also increases udder infections and even pus in the milk.

7. The Biotech Specialist Who Won’t Eat Conventional Soy: GMO Unfermented Soy

Genetically engineered food is a cause of great concern due to the manipulation of DNA and genetic code including transfers from one species to another. Fermented Soy Is The Only Soy Food Fit for Human Consumption and since almost 90% of soy in the world is genetically modified, if you are not ensuring sources are organic, long-term health problems are inevitable, especially since soy has been found to affect hormonal balance and even cause cancer.

8. The Organic-Foods Expert Won’t Eat: Conventional Apples

If fall fruits held a “most doused in pesticides contest,” apples would win. Why? They are individually grafted (descended from a single tree) so that each variety maintains its distinctive flavor. As such, apples don’t develop resistance to pests and are sprayed frequently.

Read more details at Eat Locally Grown