Tag Archives: National

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.

Bartlett Milling Company Issues Recall of Horse Food

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Bartlett Milling Company has initiated a limited recall of certain horse feeds due to potential Rumensin contamination. The products were distributed to customers and retailers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Rumensin contamination can result in health problems, including mortality, in horses. The products and lot number involved in the recall are:

  • 50 lb. bags of Bartlett Pasture Horse 10 Feed – Lot 288
  • 50 lb. bags of Cleveland Carolina Champion Horse Feed – Lot 288

The recalled products were packaged in typical brand-specific feed bags. Lot numbers are printed on the front and back of each bag.

Retailers have been contacted and instructed to immediately withdraw from sale the recalled product and to notify customers who purchased the product. Customers should discontinue feeding the product immediately. Customers who purchased this product should return remaining bags to their retailer.

For more information on the product recall, contact Bartlett Milling at 1-800-438-6016 from 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. Contact Bartlett at 1-336-655-1840 outside of regular business hours.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Congress does not authorize free cars for welfare recipients

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Fart-in-a-Smart-carA “news” report from Empire News from August of this year seems to be making the rounds and into some alternative web sites. The story concerns Congress approving free automobiles for welfare recipients along the lines of the fraud-plagued Obamaphone system.

The only problem is that Empire News is a satirical web site.

While it is probably the only thing they have not done, the fact remains that Congress has not authorized free motor vehicles to welfare recipients. The article and the accompanying e-mail scam are false. This administration is not friendly toward American citizens owning cars and guns. Or even having gasoline to operate the ones they own.

Even lamestream media would pick up an accomplishment such as this and twisted it into a “good” thing such as they did with the Unaffordable Health Care act.

In fact one “prominent” inappropriately named Arizona newspaper reported that health care rates are likely to go up this year. Due to “competition,” however, they are not likely to rise that much. The fact is that Obamadoesntcare has doubled, and even tripled in some cases, the premiums people have had to pay. It is actually the case of the blood and turnip analogy.

Here are some tips for those who might be taken in by satirical articles. Find the source of the original article. Web sites such as National Report and Empire News are the Internet equivalent of the political cartoon run by people who cannot draw. Check for a disclaimer. It might not be posted on their front page, but will be found in their about page or some where else on the web site.

The upside of this article is that we found a way to use the funny Smart car graphic circulating the Internet.

Texas Firm Recalls Boudin Products Due To Possible Temperature Abuse

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boudin

FSIS Photo


WASHINGTON – Carlton Foods, a New Braunfels, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 25,764 pounds of fresh Boudin products, which were produced with pre-cooked rice that may have experienced temperature abuse and may contain an emetic toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The Boudin (sausage-like) products were produced on Aug. 22, 2014, through Oct. 17, 2014. The following products are subject to recall:

  • 12-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S HICKORY SMOKED BOUDIN”
  • 12-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S PREMIUM BOUDIN”
  • 12-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S ‘HOT’ PREMIUM BOUDIN”
  • 16-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S PREMIUM BOUDIN”
  • 32-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S CAJUN GRILLERS BOUDIN”

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “EST. 1943” or “EST. 961” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Products with the EST. 961 inside the mark of inspection would also have NB printed on the label. “Sell By” dates for the recalled products range from Oct. 28, 2014, to Dec. 16, 2014. The products were shipped to retail locations in Louisiana and Texas.

The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel during a Food Safety Assessment. During production, FSIS personnel observed pre-cooked rice, a component of the Boudin, being held at unsafe temperatures which could result in the products containing an emetic toxin produced by Bacillus cereus.

Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria that can be found in a variety of foods, particularly rice that has been stored too long at room temperature. Emetic toxins produced by Bacillus cereus are characterized by nausea and vomiting occurring within 30 minutes to six hours after consumption of contaminated foods.

FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.

Whole Foods Market Melrose Recalls Vegan Gingersnap Cookies Due to Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergens

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ucm420686Cambridge, MA – Whole Foods Market is recalling “Vegan Gingersnap Cookies” produced and sold only in the Melrose, Massachusetts location due to a labeling error that resulted in undeclared tree nut, milk, soy and egg allergens. The product has a “Sell By” date of October 28, 2014.

The six-packs of cookies labeled as “Vegan Gingersnap Cookies” contained tree nuts (walnut and almond), milk, soy and egg, known allergens, which are not declared on the label. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to those ingredients run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The cookies were sold in the store between October 23 and October 26, 2014.

Signage is posted to notify customers of this recall, and all affected product has been removed from shelves.

No allergic reactions or illnesses have been reported.

Consumers who have purchased this product from Whole Foods Market Melrose may bring their receipt to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions should contact their local store or call 617-492-5500 between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST.

Nutek Disposables, Inc. Issues Alert Due to Potential Bacteria in Baby Wipes

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300-Baby-Wipes1

FDA Photo. Sample Only. See Table.

MCELHATTAN, PA — Nutek Disposables, Inc. of McElhattan, PA has initiated a nationwide voluntary product recall at the retail level of all lots of baby wipes that it manufactured under the brand names Cuties, Diapers.com, Femtex, Fred’s, Kidgets, Member’s Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch, and Well Beginnings, because some packages may contain bacteria. These wipes were distributed by Nutek prior to October 21, 2014 to the following retail stores: Walgreens, Sam’s Club, Family Dollar, Fred’s, and Diapers.com.

After receiving a small number of complaints of odor and discoloration, Nutek conducted microbial testing that showed the presence of a bacteria, called Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia), in some of these products. Soon after, on October 3, 2014 the company initiated a voluntary withdrawal of lots that had tested positive for the bacteria, as well as other baby wipes in the surrounding time frame. After some additional lots were tested, as a precautionary measure, Nutek believed it was a prudent decision to withdraw all its baby wipe products.

B. cepacia poses little medical risk to healthy people. However, people who have certain health problems like weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, may be more susceptible to infections with B. cepacia. If you believe you have a weakened immune system or chronic lung disease and you have used one of the affected wipe products, you should call your doctor promptly for medical advice.

As of October 3, 2014, the date of the original withdrawal, the company had received only one report of irritation. Numerous reports of complaints have since been received by the company that include rash, irritation, infections, fever, gastro-intestinal issues, and respiratory issues, though these reports have not been confirmed to be related to the use of these products.

The company has not identified the cause of the problem, but is continuing to investigate. In the interim, Nutek has stopped shipping baby wipes manufactured at the facility.

Nutek takes the safety of consumers and the quality of its products very seriously and is taking all appropriate steps to address the issue and ensure this does not happen again.

The company is working with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the affected retailers and distributors throughout this process to address the issue.
640-Baby-Wipes2

Brand Name Retailer Lot Numbers of Product Manufactured by Nutek
Cuties Internet and various retailers All Lots
Diapers.com Diapers.com All Lots
Femtex Family Dollar All Lots
Fred’s Fred’s All Lots
Kidgets Family Dollar All Lots
Member’s Mark Sam’s Club All Lots
Simply Right Sam’s Club All Lots
Sunny Smiles Walgreens All Lots
Tender Touch Various retailers All Lots
Well Beginnings* Walgreens Certain Lots±
*These lot numbers represent all lots manufactured by Nutek. There may be other lots that are made by manufacturers other than Nutek and that are not subject to this recall.

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.