Category: E. coli O157:H7

Recalls and Alerts: April 5, 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: Wayne Farms (Decatur, AL) recalls frozen, breaded, fully cooked Italian-style chicken breast fillet products, because they contain undeclared egg. The recalled products were produced between August 3, 2010 and November 13, 2010 and were shipped – unbranded and under the “The Deli Best” and “Dutch Quality House” brands – for foodservice use nationwide and to distribution centers in New Jersey and Massachusetts.
  • Allergy Alert: Cottage Grove Farmhouse Bakery (Cottage Grove, OR) recalls Wheat Sourdough Bread (Pull dates 03-31, 04-02 and 04-05), Oatmeal Bread (Pull date 03-31), and Garlic Basil Parmesan Bread (Pull date 03-31) because they may contain undeclared pasteurized egg white.
  • Allergy Alert: Sassy Cow Creamery, LLC (Columbus, WI) recalls Blueberry Cheesecake and Butter Pecan Ice Cream (qt. and half-gallon cartons; Best by 9/17/11 or earlier) because it may contain undeclared peanuts or egg and soy. The recalled ice cream was distributed in retail stores in Wisconsin and Illinois.
  • Food Safety Recall: Frankly Fresh, Inc. (Carson, CA) recalls its seafood line of products, because the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled product was distributed in California and Nevada through retail supermarkets. Some of the recalled items were sold under the Cedar Lane and Frankly Fresh labels in Food4Less stores, and under the Frankly Fresh label in Ralphs stores.
  • Food Safety Recall: Arko Foods International (Los Angeles, CA) recalls Angelina Brand Smoked Roundscad, 8oz packs, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. The recalled product was distributed in California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, New York, Texas, Maryland, and Florida through retail stores, supermarkets, and wholesale distributors.
  • Food Safety Recall: Fresh Express recalls Bag Spinach, 9 oz. (Product codes starting with H081 and H082; Use-by dates of April 6 and April 7), due to a positive Salmonella result from random sample testing. The recalled spinach was distributed in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Ohio and Maine, with possible redistribution in New Jersey, Virginia, Delaware, Vermont, New Hampshire, West Virginia and DC.
  • Food Safety Recall/Outbreak Alert: Jennie-O Turkey Store (Willmar, MN) recalls approximately 54,960 pounds of frozen, raw turkey burger products (Use by DEC 23 2011; Lot codes 32710 through 32780) that may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products consist of 4-pound boxes of Jennie-O Turkey Store® “All Natural Turkey Burgers with seasonings Lean White Meat”. Each box contains 12 1/3-pound individually wrapped burgers. CDC reports that 12 people in 10 states have been infected with a multiple antibiotic-resistant strain of Salmonella Hadar after consuming turkey burgers. At least three of the outbreak victims reported eating Jennie-O Turkey burgers the week before their illness began. Samples of the implicated burgers were recovered from the homes of two infected individuals; both samples were positive for the outbreak strain. Jennie-O Turkey Store burgers were available in Sam’s Club nationwide.
  • Health Supplement Safety Recall: AVNS Inc. recalls THE BEST Enhancement Supplement after being informed by the manufacturer (Drive Total Energy) that FDA lab analysis detected undeclared Sulfosildenafil, an analogue of Sildenafil, in a sample of the product. Sildenafil is an FDA-approved drug used in the treatment of male Erectile Dysfunction and may cause serious side effects.
  • Food Safety Recall/Outbreak Alert: Rhode Island Department of Health recalls all baked goods from DeFusco’s Bakery in Johnston, RI. Please see the recall notice for a complete list of food establishments that purchased baked goods from DeFusco’s. As of April 5, 2011, zeppole pastries from DeFusco have been linked to 61 cases of Salmonella illness (60 in Rhode Island and 1 in Massachusetts); 27 victims were hospitalized (5 remain in hospital). Thirty-one of the illness cases were lab-confirmed Salmonella infections. An inspection of DeFusco’s conducted on March 25, 2011 by Rhode Island’s Office of Food Protection revealed numerous Violations of Code, including the storage of ready-to-eat baked pastry shells in boxes that had been used to store raw shell eggs, and improper storage temperature of perishable products.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: Van de Water Raymond Ltée recalls Milupa Oatmeal Cereal – Apples, 227g (all lots where the label bears a “Gluten Free” claim), due to the presence of undeclared gluten. The recalled product was distributed through retailers nationally.
  • Allergy Alert: Brandfusion Ltd. recalls “Krazy!” for Kernels Extraordinary Popcorn Sassy Salt & Vinegar seasoning (110g packages; all lot codes), due to the presence of undeclared milk protein. The recalled product was distributed nationally.
  • Allergy Alert: Cuisine V.M. Inc. recalls various ready-to-eat sandwiches, subs and tortillas (best before dates up to and including April 7, 2011), due to the presence of undeclared egg, milk, soy, sesame seeds, wheat, fish and/or sulphites.
  • Allergy Alert: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning people with allergies to peanuts not to consume the Doctor’s CarbRite Diet Chocolate Brownie bars (56.7g; Code EXP101211), due to the presence of undeclared peanuts. The product may have been distributed nationally.
  • Allergy Alert: Health Canada warns that two probiotic natural health products – Friendly Flora and Healthy Skin With Greens+ – contain undeclared trace amounts of milk from ingredients used in the production process.
  • Food Safety Recall/Outbreak Alert: Amira Enterprises Inc. recalls certain bulk and prepackaged raw shelled walnut products (all Best Before dates; all lot codes), because the products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The recalled products include raw shelled walnuts sold from a bulk bin, prepackaged raw shelled walnuts (Amira, Tia and Merit Selection brands), Mistral Mix containing walnuts (Amira and Tia brands) and Salad booster containing walnuts (Amira and Tia brands). The recalled walnuts were imported from the USA and may have originated in California (see Amira web site). Thirteen people in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick have contracted E. coli o157:H7 infections after consuming raw shelled walnuts. Nine victims were hospitalized and two of them developed hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Europe

  • Allergy Alert (Denmark): Semper AB recalls Småfolk Majspuffar (15g; All Best Before dates), because the product may contain undeclared traces of celery.
  • Allergy Alert (UK): Sainsbury’s withdraws Freefrom Chocolate Sponge Pudding (Best before 13 April 2011), because the product contains low levels of undeclared milk protein.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Newdan Food Trading Ltd. recalls X-tra neutral marinated chicken breast fillets with added 13% brine (Product of Germany; Expiry date: 12/4-2011), due to possible contamination with Salmonella.
  • Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Joyce’s Irish Lean Country Bacon Ltd. recalls Joyce’s Fresh ‘N Tasty Traditional Home Cooked Ham, 300g packs (Batch codes 143 and 156; use-by date: 25.04.11) due to a possible inappropriate use- by date and risk of microbial cross-contamination during packing.
  • Food Recall (France): Kerlys recalls Saint Eloi chez Intermarché cans of Céleri Râpé Assaisonné (grated, seasoned celery), due to a packaging defect that may result in perforation of the can and subsequent product contamination and spoilage.
  • Food Recall (Denmark): Stryhns A/S recalls certain liver pâtés, due to lack of manufactur and expiry date stamps.
  • Food Safety Alert (Belgium): The Federal Food Safety Agency (AFSCA) notifies consumers of the temporary closure of a food distribution facility at Jodoigne, due to improper storage of food products (including improper storage temperatures).
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Alert (Sweden): The National Food Administration warns that the dietary supplement Redux Retinalin, 500 mg, has been shown to contain high levels of B vitamin nicotinic acid. Several adverse reactions have been reported.
  • Consumer Product Safety Recall (France): Simnex recalls bottles of Soap Bubble Liquid (Product of China; Reference #6528), due to contamination with bacteria.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Food Safety Alert (Hong Kong): The Centre for Health Protection is investigating the complaint of a woman who developed throat pain and vomiting immediately after drinking a bottle of distilled water bought from a petrol station. Preliminary lab analysis showed the presence of sodium hydroxide.
  • Food Safety Enforcement (PRC): Nearly one-half of Chinese dairies inspected in a government safety audit have been ordered to stop production. The closures affect producers that account for about 10% of the market.
  • Food Safety Alert (Singapore): The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore has suspended the import of fruits and vegetables from Japan’s Hyogo prefecture, after detecting radioactive contaminants in a sample of cabbage.
  • Food Safety Alert (Korea): Korea has suspended the importation of Japanese agricultural products from Chiba, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochiki and Gunma prefectures due to possible contamination with radioactive materials.

Australia and New Zealand

  • Food Safety Alert (Australia): South Australia Health warns the public about the dangers of picking and eating wild mushroom, after Death Cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) were found in the Adelaide Hills.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall (Australia): JT Publishing Pty Ltd recalls Chao Jimengnan ‘SuperPowerful Man’ tablets (all batches), because the product contains the prescription-only ingredients sulfosildenafil and tadalafil.

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.

Recall Roundup: March 29, 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): USDA posts updated retail distribution list for E. coli O157:H7-contaminated Seltzer’s Beef Lebanon Bologna, recalled by Palmyra Bologna Company on March 22nd. The recalled Lebanon Bologna has been linked to 14 cases of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses reported in Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and North Carolina.
  • Food Safety Recall: NAC Foods Corporation (Palisades Park, NJ) recalls Mi Pepito Arnica Flower (UPC 707425900334, item number #508, net weight .25 oz) and Stem Arnica (UPC 707425900655, item number #630, net weight .5 oz) due to inaccurate use information on the product label. The recalled products were distributed to retail outlets in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall: USA Far Ocean Group Inc. (Alhambra, CA) recalls X-Hero and Male Enhancer supplements after FDA lab analysis finds sulfosildenafil (an analog of sildenafil) in a sample of X-Hero and tadalafil in a sample of Male Enhancer. Sildenafil and tadalafil are the active ingredients in prescription-only drugs approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns U Joo Foods, d.b.a. UJU Foods (Chicago, IL) that a November/December 2010 inspection of the company’s facility revealed insanitary conditions that caused the soybean and mung bean sprouts manufactured, processed, and stored in the facility to be adulterated within the meaning of the US Food and Drugs Act. These conditions included instances of rodent and insect activity in the facility, and improper storage and transport temperature control for the finished sprouts.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns Shemshad Foods Products, Inc. (Los Angeles, CA) that a September 2010 inspection of the company’s manufacturing facility revealed serious violations of the Acidified Food regulations, the Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulation for food, the labeling provisions of Section 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act), and the provisions of Section 505 of the Act that address the marketing of new drugs.
  • FDA Warning Letter: FDA warns P.T. Indomaguro Tunas Unggul (North jakarta, Indonesia) that  an October 2010 inspection of the company’s seafood processing facility revealed deviations from the Seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Regulation.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: UNFI Canada Inc. recalls Chocolate Chip Organic Food Bar (Lot 03121610) due to the presence of undeclared milk. The recalled bars were sold in retail stores in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec.
  • Allergy Alert: UNFI Caanda Grocery West recalls Chocolate Coconut Raw Organic Food Bar (Lot 08102710) and Fibre Chocolate Delite Raw Organic Food Bar (Lot 01092010) due to the presence of undeclared milk. The recalled bars were sold in retail stores in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
  • Allergy Alert: Ecomax Nutrition recalls Active Greens Chocolate Organic Food Bar (Lot 03120710), and Chocolate Chip Organic Food Bar (Lot 03121610 and 01012611), due to the presence of undeclared milk. The recalled bars were sold in retail stores in Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan.
  • Allergy Alert: Satau Inc. recalls Chocolate Coconut Raw Organic Food Bar (Lot 08102710), Fibre Chocolate Delite Raw Organic Food Bar (Lot 01092010) and Chocolate Chip Organic Food Bar (Lot 03121610), due to the presence of undeclared milk. The recalled bars were sold in retail stores in Ontario and Quebec.

Europe

  • Allergy Alert (Denmark): A/S Cervera recalls Pickled Ginger in jars, 290g (Lot #31-03-2012; Product of China) due to the presence of high levels of undeclared sulfur dioxide.
  • Food Withdrawal: Asia Square withdraws Tandoori Masala – Barbeque Ground Spice (Lot #L9279; produced by TRS Wholesale Co., England), due to the presence of the colorants tartrazine and ponceau 4R at levels that significantly exceed the permitted limit.
  • Counterfeit Product Alert: The Food Standards Agency alerts consumers that counterfeit wines labelled as Jacob’s Creek wines are being offered for sale in the Greater London area. Consumers are advised that the label on the back of each counterfeit bottle includes a spelling mistake – below the text ‘SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA’ appears some smaller text, ‘WINE OF AUSTRLIA’, where the word ‘Australia’ is missing an ‘a’.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Food Safety Enforcement Action (Abu Dhabi): Following a major incident of food poisoning at Al Jaber Group’s labor camp in the Western Region, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) closed down an unlicensed catering unit at the camp which was functioning in squalid conditions. the catering unit in question was supplying food to about 2200 workers without ADFCA’s license and certificate. Food was not being supplied only to the company’s workers, but also to workers from other companies that had contract with Al Jaber Group. According to an article in the Khaleej Times, more than 230 workers at the camp contracted food poisoning; 44 were admitted to hospital for treatment.

Australia and New Zealand

  • Allergy Alert (Australia and New Zealand): Lindt and Sprüngli (Australia) Pty Ltd. recall Lindor Milk Egg Chocolate, 16g (Imported from USA; various packaging formats; Best before 30 JUN 11), because some of the product may contain undeclared peanuts. The recalled confectionery products were sold across Australia, primary through supermarkets and department stores such as Kmart, Target, Big W, Woolworths, Coles, David Jones, Myer and Priceline, and were also shipped to New Zealand.

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.

Recall Roundup: March 25, 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: Unified Grocers recalls one date code (Mar 26) of Cottage Hearth Stone Ground Wheat Bread (24 oz) and 7 Select 100% Whole Wheat Bread (24 oz) because they may contain undeclared milk. Cottage Hearth breads are distributed by Unified Grocers and other distributors to select independently-owned and operated retail grocery stores in Southern California and Arizona. 7 Select breads are distributed by Unified Grocers to select 7-Eleven locations throughout Los Angeles and San Diego counties.
  • Allergy Alert: Seoul Shik Poom Inc. (Englewood, NJ) recalls Red Bean Bread (3-pack/2.82 oz.; Code #ES1120; Expiration dates of 08/15/2011, 09/30/2011, and 04/15/2012) due to the presence of undeclared eggs.
  • Allergy Alert (Update): USDA releases updated retail distribution list for Kashi Southwest Style Chicken Products, which were recalled by the manufacturer due to the presence of undeclared egg.
  • Food Safety Recall (Update): California Department of Public Health releases retail distribution list identifying the Costco locations that were supplied with cantaloupes recalled by Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. The recalled cantaloupes have been linked to at least 12 cases of Salmonella Panama infections in four US states, including two cases in California.
  • Food Safety Recall (Update): USDA releases retail distribution list for Seltzer’s Beef Lebanon Bologna that was recalled by Palmyra Bologna Company, Inc. due to contamination with E. coli O157:H7. The recalled Lebanon Bologna has been linked to at least 14 cases of E. coli O157:H7 illness in 5 US states. The contaminated meat was sold in Walmart stores (Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania), BJ’s Wholesale Club stores (New Jersey, Pennsylvania and North Carolina), Fry’s,  Ralphs, Giant Eagle, and Giant stores.
  • Food Safety Recall: Thai Golden Spice Inc. (Hayward, CA) recalls HANS BRAND Santra Candy, due to unacceptable levels of lead.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall: USA Far Ocean Group Inc. (Alhambra, CA) recalls U-Prosta Natural Support for Prostate Health Dietary Supplement after FDA finds the prescription drug terazosin in samples of the product. The recalled product was distributed nationwide via retail stores, internet sales and mail order.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall: Shaping Beauty, Inc. (Southampton, PA) recalls Celerite™ Slimming Tea after FDA finds the prescription drug Sibutramine in a sample of the product. The products listed above were sold and distributed nationwide via the internet at http://www.shapingbeauty.com
  • Food Recall: Price Chopper recalls Price Chopper Granola Bars (strawberry and mixed berry varieties), due to a high moisture content, which could promote mold growth.
  • Food Recall: Food City recalls Assorted Food Club Fruit & Grain Cereal Bars.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: Canadian Food Inspection Agency warns the public that certain Chocolatey Chocolate flavour Raw Organic Food Bars have been recalled due to the presence of undeclared peanuts. The affected products are known to have been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Ontario, and may be distributed nationally. One allergic reaction has been reported.
  • Allergy Alert: Marché Asselin (Montréal, QC) recalls Salmon Pâté and Tourtière Maison, due to the presence of undeclared egg and sulfites.
  • Allergy Alert: Distribution Yvan Nadeau inc. recalls several products due to the presence of undeclared mustard, milk, egg, and/or sulfites.
  • Food Safety Recall: Metro Plus (Saint-Jérôme, QC) recalls SU CRETONS VRAC (Best before 27 March 2011), due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

Europe

  • Allergy Alert (Ireland): Food Safety Authority of Ireland warns consumers that Caffreys Easter Eggs (Covered Mallow Eggs) sold loose from display box contain egg that is not stated on the product label.
  • Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Burren Smokehouse Ltd. recalls Burren Smokehouse Smoked Salmon, whole sides, 500g, 200g and 100g packs (Batch code 1010x; Use by 31/3/11), due to the presence of low levels of Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Food Safety Recall (UK): Dairy Crest Ltd. recalls Frijj Thick and Fresh Strawberry Milkshake (Use by 5 April 2011) due to the presence of low levels of Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Cosmetic Product Safety Recall (France): French authorities have recalled Nanokeratin System Hair Therapy Treatment (Product of China; Lot #MD2001/11/10), due to the presence of an unacceptable level of formaldehyde).
  • Pharmaceutical Product Safety Recall (France): Laboratoire Chauvin recalls all lots of Cébémyxine and Atébémyxine eyedrops, due to levels of Polymyxin B that are out of specification.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Food Safety Alert (Singapore): The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has detected radiation in four samples of vegetables from Japan. AVA is extending its suspension on the import of all fruits and vegetables to include Tochigi, Ibaraki, Chiba and Ehime prefectures.
  • Pharmaceutical Product Safety Recall (Hong Kong): Bausch & Lomb (Hong Kong) Ltd. recalls all batches of Cebemyxine Eye Drops after routine stability testing by the manufacturer found the content of one of the active ingredients, Polymyxin B, to be lower than the specified level in some batches (Batches No:E2576, E1796 and E2826).
  • Unauthorized “Health” Product Safety Alert (Singapore): The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) alerts members of the public to the peddling of unlabelled bottles of black pills, touted for the treatment of a wide range of medical conditions such as arthritic and rheumatic pain, high cholesterol and hypertension. HSA’s analysis of these black pills revealed the presence of two undeclared western medicinal ingredients, namely dexamethasone and chlorpheniramine. At least two elderly patients have been reported to have fallen seriously ill after consuming these pills.

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.