Author: Phyllis Entis

Recalls and Alerts: May 12, 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

  • Food Safety Recall Update: Publix Supermarkets recalls Shell On Oysters harvested from Area 1642 in Apalachicola Bay, FL between March 21 and April 6th, because the raw oysters have been linked to eight confirmed and one possible case of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O75 infection (cholera).
  • Food Safety Enforcement Action: FDA seeks permanent injunction against American Mercantile Corp., Ingredients Corporation of America, and Damon S. Arney, owner and president of the companies. According to FDA’s complaint, the companies – which deal in a variety of products, including spices, herbs and sauces – and their owner “…violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by preparing, packing and holding food under insanitary conditions where it may have become contaminated with filth.”
  • Food Recall: Tri-City Cheese and Meats (Kawkawlin, MI) recalls Troll Smokehouse Kippered Beef Original Flavor (1-lb and 5-oz. pkgs; Sell by June 9, 2011 through Sept. 2, 2011) because the ingredient label does not mention sodium nitrate.
  • Water Contact Health Advisory (Oregon): The Oregon Department of Health has issued public health advisories were issued Thursday due to higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Nye Beach in Lincoln County and Sunset Bay State Park Beach in Coos County.
  • Outbreak Alert (Michigan): An increase in the number of Norovirus illnesses has been reported across Kalamazoo County, with cases recorded in nursing homes, schools and in the community. Spring Arbor University postponed its commencement for one week and canceled all nonacademic activities after more than 170 students fell ill with norovirus or “norolike” virus.

Canada

  • Food Safety Recall: Alimentarus Import Export Inc. (Montreal, QC) recalls Dar Al Assala brand Piment doux moulu (Mild ground paprika; Imported from Morocco; Lot code PD17-F278; Best before 05/10/2012). because the  product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled product was sold to various retail stores in Quebec in 5-kg bags.

Europe

  • Food Safety Recall (UK): Lidl recalls St. Maarten Classic Belgian Cheese Slices (200g; Imported from Belgium; all date codes), because the cheese may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled cheese was manufactured by Belgomilk and is part of a larger recall.
  • Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Delhaize Belgique recalls Delhaize brand Nazareth Sliced Cheese (180g; all dates), Delhaize brand Belgo-Français Cheese Platter (400g; Best if used by dates prior to 18/04/2011 and 02/05/2011), Nazareth Brick Cheese (250g; all dates), and Brugge Kaas Cheese Platter (450g; Best if used before 13/04/2011) because the cheeses, which were produced by Belgomilk scrl, may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): The Colruyt Group recalls a number of Grimbergen, Affligem, Nazareth, Bruges d’Or and Kievit Light cheeses (all dates) produced by Belgomilk scrl, because the cheeses may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled cheeses were available for sale in Colruyt, Collivery, OKay and Spar stores.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall (Sweden): The National Food Administration warns consumers that the dietary supplement Redux Retinalin 500mg has been found to contain unacceptably high levels of the B vitamin, nicotinic acid. Several reports of adverse reactions have been received.
  • Outbreak Alert (Norway): Bagged salad mix containing radicchio rosso (Italian chicory) was flagged as the probable source of an outbreak of 21 cases of Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 illnesses between February and April 2011. The implicated DOLE brand salad mixes were recalled from the market by Bama.
  • Animal Feed Safety Notification (EU #2011.0623): Dioxins in complementary feed for calves from France; distributed to Switzerland.
  • Allergy Alert Notification (EU #2011.0624): Undeclared milk ingredient in vegetable product resembling Edam cheese from Belgium; distributed to Cyprus.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0626): Parasitic infestation with Anisakis of chilled catfish fillets from Iceland; distributed to France.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0627): Salmonella in cardamon seed from Guatemala; distributed to Sweden.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Pharmaceutical Product Safety Alert (Philippines): The public is warned not to use glutathione IV as a skin whitening agent, as its use is unsafe and may result in serious health consequences, including kidney failure.
  • Outbreak Alert (Guam): A total of 274 school children – most of them from Marcial Sablan Elementary School in Agat – were either sent home or taken to hospital with symptoms of food poisoning after consuming breakfast at the school. Other affected schools were Harry S. Truman Elementary, Southern High, Oceanview Middle, and J.P. Torres Alternative School. The implicated meal consisted of an egg sandwich, milk and a slice of fresh melon, and was supplied by King’s Restaurant. A sample of the breakfast meal was taken for testing.
  • Outbreak Alert (India): A cholera outbreak has been reported from five villages in the Sonitpur district of Assam; 245 people have been diagnosed with the illness so far. Officials suspect contaminated water as the source of the outbreak.
  • Outbreak Alert (Singapore): An air-con maintenance technician has died of food poisoning a couple of days after eating fish ball noodles from a food stand near the Joo Koon MRT station.
  • Food Safety Labeling Infractions (PRC): Staff members of a Shanghai location of the Carrefour supermarket chain were found replacing changing production dates on meat to extend the apparent shelf life of the products. Separately, the Spanish-based supermarket chain, Dia, was found selling expired dairy products.

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.

Recalls and Alerts: May 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: Doctor’s CarbRite Diet (New Brunswick, NJ) recalls certain 2-ounce Doctor’s CarbRite Diet Bars and 3-ounce Universal Hi Protein Bars (Expiry dates on or before June 30, 2012), because the bars may contain undeclared peanuts. The recalled bars were distributed nationwide through a variety of channels, including health food stores, gyms, and e-commerce sites. Please refer to the recall notice for a list of affected products.
  • Allergy Alert: Oberweis Dairy, Inc. (North Aurora, IL) recalls Brownie Fudge Twirl Ice Cream (qt-size; Plant #17-61; all dates) because the product contains undeclared eggs. The recalled ice cream was distributed mostly through the company’s retail stores and through its home delivery service with limited distribution through seven grocery locations in Illinois and Wisconsin.
  • Allergy Alert/Recall Update: USDA releases retail distribution list forSmithfield Packing Company’s recent recall of Portobello Mushroom Pork Loin products due to the presence of undeclared whey.
  • Food Safety Recall: Goodness Gardens, Inc. (New Hampton, NY) recalls Goodness Gardens Chives (various sizes and packaging; Lot #0201111; Sell by date of May 6) after the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection detects Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of the product. The recalled chives were distributed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Alabama, Illinois and Virginia, primarily to retail stores, and to one wholesaler in Pennsylvania.
  • Food Safety Recall: Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc. (Horsham, PA) recalls Entenmann’s bagged Pop’Ems donuts (Powdered, Cinnamon, and Rich Frosted varieties) and Bimbo 8-pack Donitas donuts (Sugared, Powdered, and Chocolate Frosted varieties). The Entenmann’s donuts (Code dates: May 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26, 29, 2011 and June 1, 2, 6, 2011) were distributed in Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah. The Bimbo products (Code dates: May 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26, 29, 2011 and June 1, 2, 6, 2011) were shipped to Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.
  • Food Safety Recall: Mountain Pure Water Company is advised by the Arkansas Department of Health to recall Great Value bottled water (16.9 fl. oz.; Sell by date of 10-06-11) after the agency finds  a biological contaminant in the product.
  • Food Safety Recall (EU): Belgomilk scrl (Moorslede, Belgium) recallsBelgolight, Bocholter fromage à pain, Brugge d’Or, Nazareth Light & Classic, Affligem Tranches and Belgolight Jeune cheeses (all product sold before May 11, 2011), after Listeria monocytogenes is detected in certain production lots. At least some of the recalled cheeses were distributed in the USA.
  • Outbreak Alert – Cholera: FDA advises consumers, restaurant operators, commercial shippers and processors of shellfish not to eat, serve, purchase, sell or ship oysters from Area 1642 in Apalachicola Bay, FL, because the oysters may be contaminated with toxigenic Vibrio cholerae serogroup O75. Nine persons have been reported with illness. For eight, the illness was confirmed as caused by toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O75; laboratory confirmation is pending in the other person. All nine people reported consumption of raw or lightly steamed oysters that were traced back to Area 1642. The oysters were distributed initially in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and North Carolina; however, secondary distribution to other states may have taken place.
  • Outbreak Alert – Salmonella: Kane County Health Department, the Illinois Dept. of Public Health Laboratories and other local health departments are investigating 10 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses with a matching genetic pattern, which have been reported in the state in the past two weeks. Two additional cases are awaiting lab confirmation. Cases in other states also have been identified. Seven of the affected people reported having eaten at Portillo’s in St. Charles, IL, during April. No specific food item has been identified. Portillo’s is a chain of casual dining restaurants with more than 30 locations in Illinois, one in Indiana and two in California.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: Gagan Foods International Limited recalls Haldiram’s Nagpur brand Gulab Jamun Indian Sweets (1-kg; All codes), due to the presence of undeclared gluten. The recalled product was distributed in Alberta, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
  • Food Safety Recall (EU): Belgomilk scrl (Moorslede, Belgium) recallsBelgolight, Bocholter fromage à pain, Brugge d’Or, Nazareth Light & Classic, Affligem Tranches and Belgolight Jeune cheeses (all product sold before May 11, 2011), after Listeria monocytogenes is detected in certain production lots. At least some of the recalled cheeses were distributed in Canada.

Europe

  • Food Safety Recall (EU): Belgomilk scrl (Moorslede, Belgium) recalls Belgolight, Bocholter fromage à pain, Brugge d’Or, Nazareth Light & Classic, Affligem Tranches and Belgolight Jeune cheeses (all product sold before May 11, 2011), after Listeria monocytogenes is detected in certain production lots. At least some of the recalled cheeses were sold in Colruyt, OKay, Alvo and Spar retail stores. Please refer to the recall notices for additional details. The recalled cheeses also were distributed in Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russian Federation, Spain, the United Kingdom and the USA (EU #2011.0619).
  • Pet Food Safety Recall (Belgium): B.K. SA (Versele-Laga) recalls Nutritional Balance Lamb & Rice all breeds Growth (1-kg: Lots OW 246, OW 320, OW 321; 3-kg: Lots OW 221, OW 320, OW 321, OX 039, OX 040; 15-kg: Lots OW 222, OW 249, OW 291, OW 312, OW 336, OW 356, OX 025, OX 055) after receiving reports that some puppies who were fed Lamb & Rice Growth experienced behavioral problems and, in some cases, epileptic seizures. According to the company’s web site, its animal food products are marketed in more than 75 countries.
  • Outbreak Alert (Russia): As many as 202 people in Izhevsk have been infected with Salmonella after eating food in from the cafeteria and vending operations at Izhevsk City Electric Transport Enterprise. Nineteen of the victims are cafeteria workers; 158 are employed by Izhevsk Electric Transport, and an additional 25 people simply ate at the cafeteria.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0617): Altered organoleptic characteristics of frozen pike perch filets from Estonia; distributed to Finland.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Notification (EU #2011.0618): Excessive selenium in food supplement from the United Kingdom; distributed to Austria, Germany the Netherlands and Switzerland.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0620): Dimethoate in fresh cucumbers from Greece; distributed to Greece.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0621): Formetanate and clofentezine in fresh peppers from Turkey; distributed to the Czech Republic.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0622): Aflatoxins in pistachio paste from Italy; distributed to Spain.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Food Safety Enforcement Action (PRC): Food safety authorities in Dongguan (Guangdong Province) raided two plants producing illegal cooking oil, known as “gutter oil” after receiving tips from the public. The illegal oil is made from leftover oil that is dredged from gutters behind restaurants, processed and resold to other restaurants.
  • Outbreak Alert (Hong Kong): The Centre for Health Protection is investigating two suspected cases of ciguatoxin poisoning that affected four people who consumed coral reef fish that was purchased from a fish stall in a wet market in Fanling.
  • Outbreak Alert (Fiji): The Ministry of Health has imposed a temporary ban on all public gatherings in Bua province after recording 41 cases of typhoid in the province since January.

Australia and New Zealand

  • Outbreak Alert (New Zealand): Health officials in Northland are monitoring an outbreak of Norovirus gastroenteritis that has been confirmed in one Northland rest home; four rest homes in Whangarei are under public health surveillance. As many as 283 people have either been confirmed or are suspected to be suffering from the viral infection.

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.

Recalls and Alerts: May 10, 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

  • Food Safety Recall: Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. (Coral Gables, FL) recalls Roche Bros. Vegetable Tray (3-lb oval transparent; UPC 717524888013; Best if used by dates: 4/23/2011, 4/24/2011, 4/26/2011, 4/27/2011, 4/28/2011, 4/30/20115/1/2011 and 5/3/2011), and Roche Bros. Vegetable Trio tray (16-oz transparent; UPC 715524304162; Best if used by dates: 4/23/2011, 4/24/2011, 4/27/2011, 4/28/2011, 4/30/2011, 5/1/2011 and 5/3/2011), because the grape tomatoes that were used in these trays were supplied by Six L’s Packing Company and may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products were sold in Roche Bros. Supermarkets in Massachusetts.
  • Food Safety Recall: Safeway Inc. recalls Eating Right Veggie Party Platter (UPC 79893-10708; sold from 04-29-2011 to 05-07-2011; “Best if Used By” dates ranging from 05-09-2011 to 05-16 2011), supplied by Mann’s Packing, because the platters contain grape tomatoes sourced from Six L’s and may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products were sold at all Safeway and Safeway-owned stores, including Vons, Pavilions, Dominick’s, Genuardi’s, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Carrs and Pak N’ Save stores.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall: Multi-Mex Distributor Inc. (Tucker, GA) recalls dietary supplements that are packaged to resemble antibiotics. The recalled products were distributed in Georgia, Tennessee, California, Illinois, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Colorado and Indiana (Indianapolis only). Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
  • Veterinary First Aid Kits Recall (Alcohol Prep Pads): Creative Pet Products, Inc. and MAI/Genesis (Veterinary Concepts) recall several Pet Supply First Aid Kits containing alcohol prep pads and/or iodine prep pads manufactured by H&P Industries Inc. (Triad or NovaPlus brands), as the prep pads may be contaminated with Bacillus cereus. The affected kits include: 10140 Horse Aid™ Kit, 10145 Sporting Dog Kit, 10148 Sporting Dog II Kit, and 10151 K9 First Aid Police & Military Kit.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns God’s Garden Pharmacy (San Diego, CA) that a January 2011 inspection of the company’s facility identified a number of significant violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations for Dietary Supplements.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Tufo’s To Go, L.L.C. (Pataskala, OH) that a December 2010/January 2011 inspection of the company’s airline catering facility resulted in the classification of the facility being changed from “Approved” to “Provisional” after the inspection revealed significant violations of the Interstate Conveyance Sanitation regulations promulgated under the Public Health Service Act.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Dangjin Food, Inc. (Republic of Korea) that a review of the company’s HACCP plans revealed serious deviations from the requirements of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulation.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns International Fish Canners (Scotland) Ltd. (United Kingdom) that an October 2010 inspection of the company’s canned seafood processing facility revealed serious violations of the United States’ Seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Regulation.

Europe

  • Dietary Supplement Safety Alert (Denmark): Denmark’s Food Administration warns consumers against a range of dietary supplements containing the potentially harmful herbal ingredient Maca. These dietary supplements are marketed under the names Maca 500 mg, Horny Goat Weed & Catuaba, Tribolan, Maca Pro powder, Maca Extreme, Red Maca, Maca Powder Pro 6.1 CAC Organize and Raw Maca Powder.
  • Outbreak Alert (UK): Multiple links in Jamie Oliver’s chain of Italian restaurants has been named as the possible source of food poisoning incidents in an article by Nick McDermott, writing for MailOnline. According to the article, food safety violations were detected during spot-checks at 11 restaurants in the chain between November 2009 and November 2010. The information was obtained in response to a Freedom of Information request.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0606): Foreign body (bone) in mussels in brine from Denmark; distributed to Malta.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0607): Mold in rye whole grain crackers from Germany; distributed to Germany and Austria.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0608): Adulteration (vegetable sugars added) of honey from Spain; distributed to Italy.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0609): Glass fragments in jars containing gherkins from Turkey; distributed to Germany.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0610): Glyphosate in dried lentils from Italy; distributed to Germany.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0611): Salmonella enteritidis in biscuits from Poland; distributed to Poland.
  • Animal Feed Safety Notification (EU #2011.0612): Ammonium sulphate adulteration in protein feed from Italy, via Slovakia; distributed to Hungary.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0613): Salmonella in chilled chicken kebab from Denmark; distributed to Sweden.
  • Animal Feed Safety Notification (EU #2011.0614): Salmonella Livingstone in poultry meat and bone meal from Germany; distributed to Latvia.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Food Safety Recall (Saudi Arabia): Nestlé recalls Milkybar Buttons (Product of UK), because the candy may be contaminated with pieces of rubber.
  • Cosmetic Product Safety Alert (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Food & Drug Authority warns the public that herbal and cosmetic products marketed by Al Bussma Al Thahabiyah Company are not registered with the FDA and have been found to contain harmful substances. Please refer to the official notice for a list of the affected products.
  • Contact Lens Safety Alert (Philippines): The Philippines FDA warns the public that sidewalk vendors in Metro Manila are selling contact lenses without a license in violation of the Food and Drug Administration Act. These unregistered products pose a risk of injury to anyone who uses them.
  • Outbreak Alert (Taiwan): A snack bar serving Indonesian noodles in Hsinchu Science Park has been identified as the source of four cases of typhoid fever. A 60-year old restaurant cook – an immigrant from Indonesia – was found to be the source of the contamination.
  • Food Safety Advisory (Vietnam): The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will be carrying out a nationwide food hygiene survey in anticipation of the implementation of the country’s new Food Hygiene Law, which comes into effect on July 1st.

Australia and New Zealand

  • Name and Shame (New South Wales): The NSW Food Authority has published a list of 33 establishments that received Penalty Notices under the Name & Shame program. The establishments are located in Blue Mountains, Newcastle, Wyong, Canada Bay, Waverley, Warringah, Penrith, Sydney, Marrickville, Gosford, Blacktown, Holroyd, Baulkham Hills, Mosman, Maitland, Willoughby and Auburn.

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.