Tag Archives: National

The J.M. Smucker Company Announces a Limited Voluntary Recall on Certain Lots of Canned Cat Food

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Orrville, OH – The J.M. Smucker Company today announced a limited voluntary recall on certain lots of 9LivesTM, EverPetTM, and Special KittyTM canned cat food due to possible low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1).

The issue was discovered by the Quality Assurance team during review of production records at the manufacturing facility. No illnesses related to this issue have been reported to date and the product is being recalled out of an abundance of caution.

Cats fed diets low in thiamine for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is essential for cats. Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature. Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting, and weight loss. In advanced cases, neurological signs can develop, which include ventroflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, circling, falling, and seizures. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat is displaying any of these symptoms. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.

The affected product was distributed to a limited number of retail customers from December 20 through January 3, 2017.
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Houdini Inc. Recalls Blue Cheese Savory Twists, 7 Oz Box Because of Possible Health Risk

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Houdini Inc. of Fullerton, California is recalling limited quantities of Blue Cheese Savory Twists, 7 oz box after the FDA found traces of Salmonella at the manufacturing facility of the ingredient supplier for the powdered buttermilk used to make the Blue Cheese seasoning in these products.  Although no pathogenic bacteria have been found in the powdered products supplied to our Savory Twist supplier by the ingredient manufacturer, nor in any of the Blue Cheese Savory Twists themselves, we have decided out of an abundance of caution to recall products produced from the specific lots purchased from this ingredient supplier.

Salmonella is 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.

A limited quantity of products was distributed nationwide to consumers through Houdini Inc.’s direct to consumer division Wine Country Gift Baskets (catalog / internet) and Houdini Inc’s wholesale division.

Affected product includes the following details:

Gift Basket Name: Lot code number:
Wine Country Gift Baskets:
Wine Trio LC448865
Napa & Sonoma Valley Exclusive LC449695
Bodega de San Antonio Sangria Tradicional LC446420
California Cabernet and Chardonnay Gift LC451463
Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Duet LC450020
Placeholder Six Bottle WOM Wines Collection    LC448789
The Ultimate Wine and Champagne Collection  LC448866
Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Collection LC449703
The Classic LC444761, LC446625, LC446626, LC451389
Lasting Impression LC447394, LC452566
Wine Country Extravaganza LC445632
Grgich Hills Napa Valley Selection LC444483
Gift Basket Name: Lot code number:
Vintners Path Merlot Season’s Greetings LC444763
Stag’s Leap Winery Collection LC449624
Vintners Path Cabernet Season’s Greetings LC445181
Houdini Napa Valley Collection LC445631
Vintners Path Chardonnay  Season’s Greetings  LC444766
Alfasi Cabernet Kosher Selection LC444152
Alfasi Kosher Trio LC446250
Alfasi Chardonnay Kosher Selection LC444153
Napa and Sonoma Duet LC448370
California Wine Crate LC450022
The Classic LC451792, LC454676
TJX Companies:
Metal Basket with Handles LC449614
Metal Basket with Leather Handles LC446548, LC446549, LC446550
Sam’s Club:
The Executive LC442525, LC442751, LC443675
Costco Southeast Region:
Burgundy and Bronze Metal Basket LC448217, LC448218, LC448219, LC50256, LC52057, LC50258
Costco Northeast Region:
Houdini Fabric basket LC448981
Costco Midwest Region:
Wooden Centerpiece LC448210
Costco.com:
Tis The Season LC445630
Sweets For The Season LC446542

Houdini Inc. is committed to providing only the highest quality of product and is taking this action out of an abundance of caution in interest of consumer protection.

This recall only affects the 7oz Blue Cheese Savory Twist in gift baskets shipped or sold in stores from September 1, 2016 to December 12, 2016. There is no issue with any of the other food products in the gift basket.

Houdini Inc. has not experienced any problems or complaints about this product. To date, no injuries or illnesses have been reported. If you have any 7 oz Blue Cheese Savory Twists remaining, please discard them; do not consume. If you gave the product to someone, please let them know to discard the product. This is a voluntary recall as a precautionary measure. This voluntary recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If you have any questions concerning this recall, please contact Houdini Customer Care at 866-712-5910 between the hours of 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST Monday – Friday.

Sample of lot code label, found on the bottom of the basket, a white label with black printing:

Pictures of the external packaging for the Blue Cheese Savory twists. The product was packaged in a variety of colors. Red Package, Copper Package, Green Package

Internal Package:  If your foil package does NOT have one of the two lot codes listed below printed on the pouch, your item is not part of this recall.

Internal Package Code Date:

1831602 XX (XX=last 2 digits refer to specific packaging machine)

2431602 XX (XX=last 2 digits refer to specific packaging machine)

Williams-Sonoma Announces the Voluntary Recall of Meyer Lemon Poppy Quick Bread

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Williams-Sonoma of San Francisco, CA is voluntarily recalling limited quantities of WILLIAMS-SONOMA MEYER LEMON POPPY SEED QUICK BREAD, as it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The ingredient supplier has issued a recall of the bulk milk powder. Although no pathogenic bacteria have been found in the powdered milk product supplied in Williams-Sonoma’s product, we have decided out of an abundance of caution to recall the product produced from the specific lot received from our ingredient supplier.

Salmonella is 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.

The affected Williams-Sonoma Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Quick Bread was shipped to Williams-Sonoma retail stores nationwide from August 2016-present. The following product code is affected by the recall:

Williams-Sonoma Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Quick Bread
NET WT. 1 LB. 2 OZ
Packaged in a yellow paper bag
SKU 7839186 (located on price sticker)
BEST BY: JAN2018 02118:A1 OR JAN2018 02018:A1 (located on the back flap)

Consumers who have purchased Williams-Sonoma Meyer Lemon Poppy Quick Bread are urged to discontinue use and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company by email at customerservice@williams-sonoma.com or phone at 1-844-526-4666, 7am-midnight ET daily.

This young man wanted a dog for Christmas. But for a very special reason.

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Preston Sharp chose to adopt Rusty over a laptop to help a veteran in need.

REDDING, CALIFORNIA —Preston Sharp lives in Redding, California. He is well known among veterans as he spends his spare time laying flowers and wreaths on the graves of veterans and visiting veterans. He has received awards from veterans groups such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He stunned all of his friends on Facebook with a simple request. He asked for supplies for a dog that he asked his mother to adopted instead of a laptop that he was wanting.

But this is no ordinary adoption.

He was visiting a veterans home and was talking to a veteran. He learned that the veteran lived with a dog in a van for seven-years before his health became poor and he had to move into the veterans home. The veteran had to give up his dog, Rusty, to his cousin who lives four-hours away from the home. Instead of the laptop that he wanted for Christmas, he asked his mother if he could adopt Rusty so the dog could visit his veteran friend anytime he wants.

Preston is asking for donations to care for the animal. You can also send donations for his continuing efforts to take care of veterans memorials and grave sites. You can address them to Preston Sharp, PO BOX 493792 Redding CA 96049.

Ron’s Home Style Foods, Inc. Recalls Tropical Fruit Supreme, Pineapple Nut Delight, and Pistachio Crème

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Houston, TEXAS — Ron’s Home Style Foods, Inc. is recalling Tropical Fruit Supreme, Pineapple Nut Delight, and Pistachio Crème, 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), endocarditis and arthritis.

Tropical Fruit Supreme, Pineapple Nut Delight, and Pistachio Crème were distributed in Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma to foodservice distributors and retail supermarkets.

Product is packaged in plastic containers with the following information on the label.

Product UPC Size Brand Use By:
Tropical Fruit Supreme 096938842027 5 lb. Ron’s Home Style Foods 12/27/16, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17
Tropical Fruit Supreme 046045022294 5 lb. Golden Harvest 12/27/16, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17
Tropical Fruit Supreme 096938841013 1 lb. Texas Kitchen Salads 12/27/16, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17
Pineapple Nut Delight 096938822029 5 lb. Ron’s Home Style Foods 12/27/16, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17
Pineapple Nut Delight 096938900086 12 oz. Brookshire’s 12/27/16, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17
Pistachio Crème 096938832028 5 lb. Ron’s Home Style Foods 12/27/16, 1/2/17, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17
Pistachio Crème 096938831014 1 lb. Texas Kitchen Salads 12/27/16, 1/2/17, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17
Pistachio Crème 096938900079 12 oz. Brookshire’s 12/27/16, 1/2/17, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall is due to a recall of an ingredient used in manufacturing these products. Valley Milk Products reported that certain lots of dry milk they manufactured have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. While Pistachio Crème does not contain the ingredient, it is made on the same production line as Tropical Fruit Supreme and Pineapple Nut Delight therefore we are recalling it as well.

Consumers who have purchased the above products are urged not to consume the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1.800.856.3131, M-F 8am-4pm CST.

Valley Milk Products Recalls Limited Amount of Milk and Buttermilk Powder Because of Possible Health Risks

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Valley Milk Products is announcing a recall of 50-pound bags of nonfat high heat milk powder and sweet cream buttermilk powder that were produced from December 10, 2015 to July 5, 2016 due to potential Salmonella contamination, which was identified at the manufacturing facility but not in tested finished product.

Salmonella is a bacteria that 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 such as septicemia, arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The products included in the recall can be identified by the following lot numbers which can be found in the lower right front of each bag.

·High Heat Nonfat Dry Milk Powder 50# bags with a shelf life of 18 months with the following Lot numbers # (see picture of the milk powder bag at the end of this notice):
H151210, H151226, H160106, H160126, H160212, H160406, H160422, H160621,
H151216, H151227, H160109, H160129, H160218, H160411, H160425, H160627,
H151217, H151230, H160111, H160201, H160222, H160412, H160502, H160705,
H151219, H151221, H151222, H151224, H151231, H160101, H160103, H160105,
H160112, H160115, H160119, H160125, H160202, H160205, H160208, H160211,
H160223, H160224, H160227, H160323, H160414, H160415, H160419, H160420,
H160504,H160506,H160510,H160608

· Sweet Cream Buttermilk Powder in 50# bags with a shelf life of 12 months with the following lot numbers: (see picture of the buttermilk powder bag at the end of this notice)
B151218, B160107, B160113, B160121, B160127, B160203, B160209,
B160215, B160216, B160225, B160302, B160316, B160326, B160418,
B160421

These products are not sold directly to consumers, but are used as ingredients in a number of foods uch as bakery products and distributed by brokers. None of the recalled finished product tested positive for Salmonella but environmental sampling performed by the FDA was positive for Salmonella. Valley Milk is currently investigating the cause for the positive environmental samples.

Below are some pertinent facts and references to aid food manufacturers in determining the disposition of their affected products.

For companies that used the Valley Milk recalled milk powder or buttermilk powder in a consumer ready-to-eat product and there is no FDA-recognized kill step or inactivation step in their processing system, their supplier should be immediately notified with such details as the product which contained the recalled Valley Milk powder products, the amounts of the products, whether these products are in storage or have already been distributed, where the distributed products are and records or other evidence that the recalled Valley Milk powder was used. Their supplier will in-turn notify Valley Milk.

The FDA is available to help companies review their specific processes and determine if additional action is warranted.

All customers that have received these products have been notified by Valley Milk and instructed to return the suspect powder or document the destruction of the powder, after contacting Valley Milk for specific instructions. In case someone identifies Valley Milk powders with the above lot numbers in their dry storage warehouse and has not been ontacted by a Valley Milk representative, please contact Michael Curtis at 301-512-5053 or mcurtis@mdvamilk.com immediately for instructions.

At Valley Milk Products, we are dedicated to producing dairy products that meet the highest quality and safety standards required by our customers as well as complying with all government food safety requirements. Valley Milk Products has a long history of producing these products from our own dairy farmers in the historic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. We will continue to work cooperatively with the FDA and the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide products that meet our customers’ requirements, meet or exceed government food safety standards and provide the nutritious benefits of dairy products to customers throughout the United States.

For additional information, please contact:

Amber Sherian
Director of Corporate Communications
Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Inc.
1985 Isaac Newton Square West, Suite 200
Reston, Virginia 20190
703-742-6800, extension 7406
8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. ET

King Meat Services, Inc. Recalls Beef Products Due To Misbranding

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WASHINGTON — King Meat Services, Inc., a Vernon, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 50,991 pounds of beef products due to misbranding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The beef items were produced on various dates from Nov. 1, 2016 to Dec. 5, 2016. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]

Boxes of vacuum-packed packages containing “BEEF BONE – IN SHORT RIB CHOICE OR HIGHER,” with product code 991012.
Boxes of vacuum-packed packages containing “BEEF BONELESS RIBEYE LIP – ON 13 LBS DOWN,” with product code 991027.
Boxes of vacuum-packed packages containing “BEEF BONELESS RIBEYE LIP – ON 13 LBS UP,” with product code 991028.
Boxes of vacuum-packed packages containing “BEEF BONELESS RIBEYE LIP – ON 16 LBS UP,” with product code 991031.
Boxes of vacuum-packed packages containing “BEEF BONELESS CHUCK SHORT RIB CHOICE OR HIGHER,” with product code 991164.
Boxes of vacuum-packed packages containing “BEEF BONELESS PASTRAMI PLATE,” with product code 991166.
Boxes of vacuum-packed packages containing “BEEF BONELESS CHUCK SHORT RIB SELECT OR HIGHER,” with product code 991170.
Boxes of vacuum-packed packages containing “BEEF BONELESS CHUCK SHORT RIB,” with product code 991171.
Boxes of vacuum-packed packages containing “BEEF BONE – IN SHORT RIB SELECT OR HIGHER,” with product code 991176.
Boxes of vacuum-packed packages containing “BEEF ANGUS BONELESS BRISKET,” with product code 991181.
Boxes of vacuum-packed packages containing “BEEF BONE – IN SHORT RIB NO ROLL,” with product code 991182.
Boxes of vacuum-packed packages containing “BEEF BONELESS SHORT RIB NO ROLL,” with product code 991183.
Boxes of vacuum-packed packages containing “BEEF BONELESS CHUCK SHORT RIB NO ROLL,” with product code 991184.
Boxes of vacuum-packed packages containing “BEEF BONELESS LIP – ON RIBEYE HEAVY,” with product code 991187.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “Est. 426” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distributors, retail locations and food service locations in California.

The problem was discovered on Dec. 5, 2016, when FSIS inspection personnel observed establishment employees removing the marks of inspection of the original beef suppliers and replacing them with the King Meat Services, Inc. (Est. 426) mark of inspection.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

TreeHouse Foods Announces Voluntary Product Recall Due to Possible Health Risk

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Oak Brook, IL — TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) today announced a voluntary recall of certain macaroni and cheese cup products containing cheddar cheese seasoning which may be contaminated with Salmonella.

This follows notification from our supplier that the milk powder used in the seasoning has the potential for Salmonella contamination.

Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Most individuals recover without treatment. In some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Product was distributed nationwide through retail stores. The following products are affected by this recall:

Description UPC Best By Date
Big Win Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner 001182258403 10/25/2017
Cheese Club Express Mac Macaroni & Cheese
Dinner		 004149817167 11/3/2017
11/4/2017
11/18/2017
11/22/2017
10/20/2017
10/21/2017
10/23/2017
10/29/2017
11/1/2017
11/2/2017
11/11/2017
11/16/2017
11/17/2017
11/22/2017
11/23/2017
11/28/2017
Great Value Macaroni & Cheese Original Cups 007874208249 10/22/2017
10/19/2017
10/27/2017
10/28/2017
11/3/2017
11/7/2017
11/18/2017
11/20/2017
11/21/2017

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Voluntary Class II Recall of Chocolate Hazelnut Butter CLIF® Nut Butter Filled

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Clif Bar & Company is initiating a voluntary Class II recall of one production run of Chocolate Hazelnut Butter CLIF® Nut Butter Filled energy bars due to the presence of small plastic pieces found in a limited number of bars sold in the U.S. Clif Bar has not received any reports of injuries as a result of the plastic; however, the company is initiating the voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution.

Only product meeting the following criteria is affected:

  1. Individual bars of Chocolate Hazelnut Butter CLIF® Nut Butter Filled energy bars with “best by” dates of 10JUN17N4 or 11JUN17N4
  2. 12-count caddies of Chocolate Hazelnut Butter CLIF® Nut Butter Filled energy bars with “best by” dates of 10JUN17N4 or 11JUN17N4; and

UPC Codes:
a. Bar: 7-22252-26800-6
b. 12-count Caddy: 7-22252-36800-3
c. Case: 00722252-56800-7

No other CLIF® Nut Butter Filled energy bar products, pack sizes, configurations, or flavors are affected.

The company is asking consumers to return product to the store where purchased to request an exchange or full refund. Affected product should then be discarded and not consumed.

Consumers with questions may contact 1-866-967-9776, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST, Monday-Friday.

When is your sister not your sister?

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Earlier in the evening of November 25, I got an unusual friend request on Facebook. It was from my sister. Which is unusual because I did not know that we were on unfriendly terms. It was a particularly busy afternoon, so—presuming that she accidentally unfriended me and friended me again—I accepted.

“She” started to PM me, which is highly unusual since she has my phone number. No you cannot have it.

The “conversation” started off with how ya doin’, how’s your day kind of messages. Then she told me that the IMF is giving away grants for money that does not have to be paid back. All I would have to do is fill out an application and if approved, pay a delivery fee.

Bingo. The scam.

First of all, the IMF is presumably the International Monetary Fund. That IMF is hardly in the business of giving away money. They are a group of scumbag bankers whose function is to consolidate the wealth of countries—particularly the United States—for use by global elitist who believe it is their job to rule the earth. They are not nice, they are not friendly and they are hardly charitable.

The second point was the “delivery fee.” You are telling me that the IMF is giving away money and cannot pony-up 35-cents for a stamp? I have been contacted by overseas people by phone telling me that Obama was going to send me a million dollars, all I had to do was pay a $250 delivery fee.

I replied as much to my “sister.” I logged off because I had other things to do. When I logged back on, I received a message demanding that it was not a scam because the delivery fee was not much. When I went to look at the message, Facebook had, apparently, caught up with the scam and deleted the profile.

The point of the story is this was obviously not my sister. If you get caught up in a “free money” scam and go to any links attached to them, you might actually go to an official looking “application.” Meanwhile the web site is loading viruses and Trojans into your computer. If you fill out any application, you are giving them your personal information for identification theft.

So here are some Facebook tips.

If you receive a friend request from a friend and you have their phone number, call them and ask them if they “friended” you.

Click on the name of any person wanting to friend you. Check their profile. If they have very few posts or haven’t posted for awhile or if their posts are exactly what you would post and you do not know them, delete the friend request.

The government creates profiles and friends people they want to fry. Those profiles are not deleted by Facebook because they know about them.

So choose your friends wisely.