Month: April 2011

My Food Safety Magic Wand

A few weeks ago, the publisher of Food Safety News asked me to consider what I would do if I had a food safety magic wand. The following contribution was posted on-line today.

If I Had A Food Safety Magic Wand …..

If I had a food safety Magic Wand,
Everybody would have a safe supply of drinking water;
Everyone would have sanitary toilet facilities;
And every household would have a clean area to prepare food.
If I had a food safety Magic Wand.

If I had a food safety Magic Wand,
Every country would publicize food safety recalls;
Every country would encourage safe food production techniques;
And every country would enforce food safety laws.
If I had a food safety Magic Wand.

If I had a food safety Magic Wand,
FDA would promptly disclose all food inspection reports (Form 483);
USDA would promptly disclose all food inspection reports;
And FDA and USDA would enable on-line consumer food safety complaints;
If I had a food safety Magic Wand.

If I had a food safety Magic Wand,
All local health agencies would make restaurant inspection results available on-line;
All schools would teach food safety as part of the core curriculum;
And all chefs would practice and promote safe food handling.
If I had a food safety Magic Wand.

But I haven’t a food safety Magic Wand,
So we’ll just have to muddle through –

With no access to clean water for millions around the world,
With no sanitary toilets in much of Asia and Africa,
With fragmentary information,
With fragmentary enforcement,
With inadequate education,
And with celebrity chef misinformation.

Until someone invents a Food Safety Magic Wand.

Recalls and Alerts: April 11, 2011

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

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the sidebar link.

United States

  • Allergy Alert: Mexicantown Wholesale (Detroit, MI) recalls all lots of Pan Nuez, Magdalena, Pan de Maiz, Yoyo and Tacos de Pan Danes manufactured between 6/27/2010 and 12/28/2010 because they contain undeclared j8oikn wheat and FD&C Yellow #5. In addition, the Pan Nuez contains undeclared pecan chips. The recalled products were sold in retail stores in Michigan.
  • Food Recall/Withdrawal: Food City recalls/withdraws Food Club Mild Taco Sauce.
  • Cosmetics Product Recall: Procter & Gamble recalls ten Clairol Natural Instincts shades, due to a mismatched ColorFresh™ Revitalizer sachet in the kits that may create an unwanted color result. The recalled product was distributed in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: Quality Natural Foods Ltd. (Scarborough, ON) recalls Haldiram’s Nagpur brand Gulab Jamun Indian Sweets (1 Kg and 4 Kg sizes; All codes and Best Before dates), due to the presence of undeclared gluten. The products were distributed across Canada.
  • Food Safety Recall (Expanded): Farm Boy recalls all glass-bottled Farm Boy Organic Milk, Skim, 2 Percent, 1 Percent, 3.8 Percent, Unhomogenized and Chocolate, due to reports of glass fragments apparently originating from the packing process at Cochrane’s Dairy in Russel. The recalled products were distributed at Farm Boy stores in Ontario.
  • Health Hazard Alert (Update): The public is warned not to consume raw shelled walnuts sold between January 1 and April 8, 2011 at Kim’s Mart (519-523 E. Broadway, Vancouver, BC) and sold between March 30 and April 8, 2011 at Triple A Market (1626 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC), because the walnuts may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. This Alert relates to the walnut recall announced last week by Amira Enterprises and the ongoing investigation into a series of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses reported in Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick.
  • Health Hazard Alert/Safety Recall: The Québec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the City of Montréal warn the public not to consume walnuts and mixed nuts containing walnuts sold at the following locations: Fruiterie Royal Gala, 2213 rue Beaubien Est, Montreal (between February 11 and April 8, 2011), Pâtisserie traiteur Adar, 5634 avenue Westminister, Côte-Saint-Luc (between January 17 and April 4, 2011) and Délices des nations, 185 Belvédère Nord, Sherbrooke (between January 1 and April 8, 2011). The walnuts were recalled after being implicated in an outbreak of E. coli o157:H7 that is still under investigation.
  • Food Safety Recall: Nys Pâtissier (Pâtisserie Belge Artisanale, Trois-Rivières) recalls Sauce à Spaghetti Maison (1000 glass jars), because it was produced and stored under conditions that could result in a food safety hazard.
  • Cosmetics Product Recall: Procter & Gamble recalls ten Clairol Natural Instincts shades, due to a mismatched ColorFresh™ Revitalizer sachet in the kits that may create an unwanted color result. The recalled product was distributed in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Europe

  • Allergy Alert (Sweden): ICA withdraws Euroshopper brand Fish Fingers x30 (900g package; all best-before dates) due to the presence of undeclared egg protein.
  • Food Safety Recall (UK): Bernard Matthews Farms recalls Bernard Matthews Farms Turkey Goujons (192g and 384g pack sizes; Use by 13 April 2011), because the product may contain small hard pieces of plastic.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Consumer Product Safety Recall (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Food & Drug Authority warns the public not to use Camera brand industrial nipples models 10095, 140 ml with Barcode 4711146100948, and model 10099, 250 ml with Barcodes 4711146100986 and 4711146100993 , made in Peoples Republic of China. Analysis of the nipples determined that they are made of polyvinyl chloride (the packages state silicon). The nipples do not comply with Saudi Standard Specifications for Nipples, as the nipples exceeded the permissible limits for transfer of plastic components into contacting food.

Australia and New Zealand

  • “Boil Water” Alert (Queensland): Queensland Health is warning Roma residents to use cooled, boiled water for drinking, cooking, washing raw foods, making ice and cleaning teeth, after Salmonella was detected in the Council’s drinking supplies connected to households in Roma. Residents experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis should contact their medical practitioner or health facility.

Latin America and the Caribbean

  • Cosmetics Product Recall: Procter & Gamble recalls ten Clairol Natural Instincts shades, due to a mismatched ColorFresh™ Revitalizer sachet in the kits that may create an unwanted color result. The recalled product was distributed in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket’s recall web site.

*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.

Recalls and Alerts: April 8, 2011

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

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the sidebar link.

United States

  • Allergy Alert: Le Bon Patissier (La Crescenta, CA) recalls several Le Bon Patissier products, due to the presence of undeclared wheat, egg, pistachios, walnuts, and/or milk. The recalled products were distributed in Southern California from 03/16/2011 to 03/26/2011. Please see the recall notice for a detailed list of recalled products.
  • Allergy Alert: The New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets advises consumers that Jamaican Fruit Cake, sold at Farmbria Food Center (217-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights, NY) contains undeclared eggs. The identity of the manufacturer is unknown.
  • Allergy Alert: Waco’s Bestyett Sandwiches (Waco, TX) recalls Pimento Cheese Sandwiches and Chicken Salad Sandwiches, due to the presence of undeclared eggs. All products (3.5 oz., clear plastic wrap) shipped prior to April 6, 2011 are affected.
  • Allergy Alert: Tri-Union Seafoods LLC recalls Chicken of the Sea brand Chopped Clams (6.5 oz; Best By dates 12/18/11, 03/11/12, 03/12/12, 05/18/12, 05/27/12), because the product may contain tiny  shrimp that are not declared on the label. The recalled product was shipped in November and December 2010 to the following retail distribution centers: Wakefern in Pennsylvania; C&S in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont; MDV/Nash Finch in Virginia; Food Lion in Pennsylvania and Virginia; and Jefferson Wholesale in Pennsylvania.
  • Food Safety Recall: Ingles Markets Inc. advises consumers that Laura Lynn Salad Dressing (32 oz.; #97931; June 17 11 Date) has been recalled due to mold growth under the safety seal lid.
  • Food Recall: Ingles Markets Inc. advises consumers that Luzianne Unsweet Tea (96 oz.; Code #904296; Best By 2/24/12 14:23 and Best By 2/28/12) has been withdrawn due to a flavor concern.
  • Food Recall: Price Chopper advises consumers that Annie’s Honey Bunny Grahams, 7 oz. size, has been recalled due to unspecified quality concerns.
  • Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak Investigation: CDC reports that between April 1, 2009 and April 5, 2011, a total of 217 individuals from 41 states have been infected with a single strain of Salmonella Typhimurium. The infections are associated with contact with African dwarf frogs from a single California water frog breeder. Environmental samples obtained at the frog breeder’s facility were found to be positive for Salmonella. It’s not yet known whether the strain found at the breeder’s location is the outbreak strain. Some 34% of the outbreak victims were hospitalized as a result of their illness.
  • FDA Enforcement Action: At the behest of FDA, U.S. Marshals have seized more than $6 million in products distributed by Triad Group Inc. Since December 2010, H & P Industries, which is owned and managed by the same party as Triad Group) has initiated three voluntary product recalls due to various types of bacterial contamination found in the products. A recent FDA inspection of H & P Industries found multiple sanitary violations at the company’s manufacturing facility.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency warns consumers that certain Assi brand Wheat Flour Mix products (#02081K, #02082K and #92083K) have been recalled by the importers due to the presence of undeclared milk and peanuts.
  • Allergy Alert: Maple Leaf Foods Inc. recalls Wild Wing Boneless Bites, Wild Wing Tenders, and Harvey’s Crispy Chicken (distributed in 10 kg packages to hotels, restaurants and institutions nationally), due to the presence of undeclared egg.
  • Allergy Alert: Aliments Trigone Inc. recalls Les Moissonneries du Pays Organic Whole White Buckwheat Groats (450g; Best before JN 2012336604) due to the presence of undeclared gluten. The recalled product was distributed only in the province of Québec.
  • Food Safety Recall: Organic Meadow Inc. recalls certain Organic Meadow Traditions Organic milk products (946mL glass bottles; Best Before AL 17) and Farm Boy Organic milk products (946mL glass bottles; Best Before AL 17), because the products may contain harmful glass fragments. The recalled bottles of milk were distributed in Ontario. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
  • Food Safety Recall / Outbreak Investigation (Update): The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) advises consumers that 14 cases of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses have been reported in Quebec (10 cases, including 1 death), Ontario and New Brunswick. Ten of the 14 outbreak victims have been hospitalized – 3 with hemolytic uremic syndrome. The individual who died suffered from an underlying medical condition. The outbreak is suspected to be linked to the consumption of bulk and prepackaged raw shelled walnut products distrubited in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Ontario (and perhaps nationally). The walnuts were imported from the USA by Amira Enterprises Ltd. and were recalled by the importer on April 3rd.
  • Health Supplement Safety Recall: Sunnylife International Inc. recalls U-Prosta Natural Support for Prostate Health, after FDA detects undeclared terazosin hydrochloride (a prescription drug) in the “natural” health product. The recalled U-Prosta was sold at various natural health retail outlets in Western Canada.

Europe

  • Allergy Alert (Finland): Semper Oy Ab recalls SmaFolk Majspuffar, cheese and herbs flavor, due to the presence of traces of undeclared celery.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Food Solution Ltd. recalls Sandwich Spread with Olive Oil (Product of Lithuania; Best before 25/8-2011), because the lids on the jars are not sealed, and may leak.
  • Food Safety Recall (Finland): Siam House Ky recalls Monika Sotanghon Lungkow called vemiselliä (Best before 31.12.2011) due to an excessive level of aluminum.
  • Food Safety Recall (UK): Everest Dairies recalls certain brands of Paneer Cheese (Use by dates: 12 April 2011, 19 April 2011, 26 April 2011, 3 May 2011, 9 May 2011, 16 May 2011), because milk used to make the paneer might contain residues of veterinary medicines.
  • Food Safety Recall / Outbreak Investigation (Norway): The Norwegian Institute of Public Health reports that 20 people in Norway have been infected with the identical strain of Yersinia enterocolitica since February. Patient interviews pointed toward pre-packaged lettuce mixes as the most probable source of the outbreak. The (unnamed) manufacturer has withdrawn a total of 10 lettuce mixes from the market.
  • Cosmetic Product Safety Recall (France): The manufacturer has recalled SOCAP professionnel Paris Lissage Ultime hair straightener (Product of Brazil; Lot #1984HO41) due to the presence of excessive formaldehyde in the product.
  • Food Withdrawal (Denmark): BB Canteen Service withdraws Mini Milk 0.5% UHT-treated (10mL; Best Before 18/6-2011 and 7/7-2011) because some of the containers are not sealed.
  • Food Withdrawal (Denmark): Rieber & Son Denmark A/S withdraws certain lots of Salad Master Horseradish Salad, due to changes in taste and texture over time.
  • Outbreak Investigation (Russia): Investigators have uncovered unsanitary conditions at a small day care located in a two-bedroom apartment in Pervouralsk (Sverdlovsk region), after three of the twelve children were stricken with acute gastroenteritis.
  • Outbreak Investigation (Ukraine): Fifty-six children have developed an acute intestinal infection after consuming dairy-based baby food in Donetsk. Twenty-six of the children are suffering mild symptoms; the condition of the other thirty is described as “moderate” and none of the children are considered to be in danger. Preliminary findings suggest that the children were infected with rotavirus, which was transmitted by contaminated cottage cheese. The investigation is continuing.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Cosmetic Product Safety Recall (Saudi Arabia): Saudi Food & Drug Authority has requested the recall of Ramie Black Eyeliner and Bodic Cool Eyeliner, produced in India by Attari Brothers Factory, because the products are contaminated with a high concentration of lead and high levels of bacteria.

Australia and New Zealand

  • Allergy Alert (Australia): David Jones department stores recalls Marshmallow Hearts (150g; Product of Belgium; Best before 10/10/2011, due to the presence of undeclared wheat. The recalled product was distributed in David Jones department stores in the Australia Capital Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and West Australia.
  • Food Safety Recall (Australia): Patties Foods Ltd. recalls Four ‘n Twenty Traditional Pie (6-pack and single pie; Best before 12 JUL 12, 13 JUL 12, and 14 JUL 12), because the product may contain some pieces of plastic. The products were sold across Australia.

Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket’s recall web site.