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advises consumers that Luzianne Unsweet Tea (96 oz.; Code #904296; Best By 2/24/12 14:23 and Best By 2/28/12) has been withdrawn due to a flavor concern.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.

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 31, 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: Louie Foods International recalls Louie’s brand Alfalfa Sprouts (4 oz. cup & 16 oz. bag), Clover Sprouts (4 oz. cup & 16 oz. bag), Spicy Sprouts (4 oz. cup) and Broccoli Sprouts (4 oz. cup), because the sprouts may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled sprout products are labeled with a Use By date on or before 4/14/11 and were distributed in California.
  • Food Safety Recall: Thomas Produce (Boca Raton, FL) recalls 320 boxes of Jalapeno Peppers (Lot code 1054811HJBT)  that may be contaminated with Salmonella. The fresh, whole, green Jalapeno Peppers were sold to distributors in Florida, New York, North Carolina, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania from 2/15/2011 to 2/18/2011.

Europe

  • Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Premier Foods recalls Fray Bentos ‘Boozy’ Steak & Ale Pie (475g cans; Batch codes 1003 & 1004; Product of UK), due to possible glass particle contamination. The recalled product was sold in Ireland by Tesco Ireland.
  • Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Cactus S.A. recalls Paulus brand frozen salmon filets, 250g (Product of Chile; Lot #L347/OE; Best Before 12/2011) after receiving an alert via the RASFF system that the frozen salmon contained residues of chloramphenicol.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Food Safety Alert (Singapore): The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore suspends the import of fruits and vegetables from Japan’s Shizuoka prefecture after detecting radioactive contaminants in a sample of Komatsuna (Japanese Mustard Spinach). Singapore has adopted a “hold and test” program for food imported from Japan.

Australia and New Zealand

  • Allergy Alert (Australia): McCain’s Foods Pty Ltd. recalls McCain Healthy Choice Mexican Chicken, 280g (Best before 11 JUN 2012 and 18 AUG 2012), due to the presence of undeclared gluten, soy and dairy protein. The recalled product was sold nationally in Coles Supermarkets, Bilo,Coles Online, Pick’n Pay Queensland, Franklins, and Independent Supermarkets (including IGA and SPAR stores) between January 1, 2011 and March 31, 2011.
  • Allergy Alert (New Zealand): Delmaine Fine Foods Ltd. recalls Delmaine Fresh Basil Pesto dip, 150g pottle (Batch no. 113656; Use by 17/05/11), because some pottles were incorrectly labeled as ‘Delmaine Fresh Basil and Cashew Dip‘ and the mislabeled pottles contain undeclared pine nuts. The recalled dip was sold in all supermarket chains throughout 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.