Tag: Pet Health

Recalls and Alerts: February 27, 2012

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.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: Veggie Favour Food Store recalls Veggie Favour Super Mushroom Ball – Vegan style soy product (300g; undeclared milk), Veggie Favour Veggie Half of Kidney style soy product (300g; undeclared milk), Veggie Favour Vegan Black Pepper Mini Burger style – soy product (280g; undeclared milk and wheat), Veggie Favour Vegan Half Chicken Style – soy product (180g; undeclared milk), and Veggie Favour Vegan Black Pepper Chicken – soy product (290g; undeclared egg and wheat), due to presence of undeclared allergens. The recalled products were distributed in British Columbia.

Europe

  • Food Safety Recall (UK): Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc recalls Morrisons Whole Nut Milk Chocolate (200g; Best before 16 June 2012), because the product may be contaminated with small pieces of metal.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Kewa fisk Danmark ApS recalls #2 size Oysters (Product of Ireland; Lot No. A5805, A5793, and A5796; Expiry dates 20/2-2012, 24/2-2012 and 25/2-2012, respectively), after norovirus was detected in all three batches.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): COOP Danmark A/S recalls COOP brand Broken Rye Kernels (1kg; Expiry 12/7-2012), after ergot – a fungus that can produce alkaloid toxins – was found in the product.
  • Food Safety Enforcement Action (Russia): Russia extends its ban on cheese supplies from the Ukrainian firms Bashtansky, Lozovsky and Khmelnytskyi cheese-making plants and Bel Shostka Ukrainy firm, due to their failure to meet Russian food standards.
  • Outbreak Alert (Italy): Three children who attend the nursery of the parish Centro per la famiglia di Cassinone a Seriate were diagnosed with Salmonella infections after developing symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. The three victims were treated in hospital with antibiotic and rehydration therapy, and are expected to be discharged in a few days.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Alert (Denmark): The Food & Drug Administration warns consumers against using the dietary supplement Ginseng Kianpi Arrow, as the product contains the root of the potentially toxic plant Polygomum multiflorum Thunb. Roden. The product is marketed from foreign websites, and via the Danish website http://www.bodymuscle.dk – a website that is registered in India and hosted in Ukraine.
  • Consumer Product Safety Recall (Italy): Ditta Bennet (Tortona, AL) withdraws Splat-Shot Ben 10 Ultimate Alien, Splat Shot Bakugan Battle Brawlers and Splat Shot Spider Sense Spiderman (Product of China; Imported by  Startrade s.r.l.), because the liquid present in the toys contains a total microbial population in excess of numbers permitted by the Draft Microbiological Safety of Toys.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0287): Aflatoxins in ground nutmeg from Germany with raw material from the Netherlands; distributed to Austria, Germany and Norway.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0288): Shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli in Ermitage Morbier cheese from France; distributed to Germany.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Notification (EU #2012.0289): Unauthorized sibutramine in green coffee food supplement from the USA, via Hong Kong; distributed to Slovenia.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0290): Unauthorized propyl p-hydroxybenzoate in liquid sweetener from Spain; distributed to Spain and Portugal.
  • Pet Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0291): Excessive Enterobacteriaceae count in dog chews from Colombia; distributed to the Netherlands.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0292): Aflatoxins in rice snack from India; distributed to the United Kingdom.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0293 & 2012.0294): Mold-infested barley groats from Slovakia; distributed to Poland.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0295): Salmonella in tumeric from unknown origin; distributed to Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Romania.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0296): Parasitic infestation with Anisakis of chilled swordfish from Spain; distributed to Italy.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0297): Histamine in frozen skinless tuna steaks from Vietnam, via the Netherlands; distributed to Norway.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0300): Mold-infested chicken meat from France; distributed to Ireland.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0301): Escherichia coli in mussels from Italy; distributed to Austria and Italy.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Australia and New Zealand

  • Allergy Alert (Australia): Wing Chun Company recalls Wing Chun Chinese Style Pork Sausage (375g vacuum package; Use by 23 JAN 2013 or earlier), due to the presence of undeclared soy. The recalled product was distributed in NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD and WA.
  • Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Delmaine Fine Foods Ltd. (Auckland) recalls Delmaine Pitted Cherries (680g jars; Batch VERE11-00028; Best before BBE: 15.07.2014; Jar numbers 1728 to 2592; and 9504 to 12096), because the product may contain glass fragments.

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.
**Includes Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Dominick’s, Genuardi’s, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Carrs and Pak N’ Save.

Recalls and Alerts: February 17, 2012

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

  • OTC Pharmaceutical Product Recall: McNeil Consumer Healthcare recalls Infants’ TYLENOL® Oral Suspension, 1 oz Grape (UPC 300450122308; Lot Nos. BIL0U00, BIL0V00, BIL3500, BJL2D00, BJL2E00, BJL2T00, BJL2U00) after receiving a small number of complaints from consumers who reported difficulty using the Infants’ TYLENOL® SimpleMeasure™ dosing system. SimpleMeasure™ includes a dosing syringe, which a parent or caregiver inserts into a protective cover, or “flow restrictor,” at the top of the bottle to measure the proper dose. In some cases, the flow restrictor was pushed into the bottle when inserting the syringe. Children’s TYLENOL® products are intended for children two years of age and older and remain available. Please go to the Tylenol website for additional information and instructions.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: Ilana Robyn Foods Ltd. (Toronto, ON) recalls Sweets From The Earth Spiced Carrot Cake (100g; UPC 855144001037; Best before dates up to and including Feb 27, 2012), because the product contains undeclared milk. The recalled product was distributed in Quebec and Ontario.
  • Allergy Alert: I.M.U.R. Chef (Saint-Laurent, QC) recalls Bean & Barley Soup, Cabbage Soup, Pea Soup, Matza Ball Soup, and Chicken Soup, due to the presence of undeclared wheat. The Matza Ball Soup and Chicken Soup also contain undeclared egg.
  • Outbreak Alert: Peel County (Ontario) Public Health is warning patrons of Harvey’s restaurant at 6430 Erin Mills Parkway, Mississauga that an employee working at that location was diagnosed with Hepatitis A. Consumers who purchased food from this Harvey’s outlet on January 28th or 29th, or February 4th or 5th may have been exposed to Hepatitis A.

Europe

  • Allergy Alert (Denmark): Rieber & Son Denmark A/S recalls Rema1000 Remoulade (400g, Lot #L33; Expiry 1/6-2012), due to inadvertent mislabeling, which does not declared the presence of onions, cabbage and spices.
  • Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Vitaline SA recalls CEVAL Healthfood brand Fibryn Biscuits au son sans sucre (Lot #118011; Best if used by 30/08/2012), due to visible mold growth.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Nordic Egg Ltd. recalls Whole Eggs, Grade A, Medium (53-63g; Product of Poland; Expiry 28/2-2012; individual eggs stamped with the code 3PL30221304), because Salmonella enteritidis was found in a sample of the eggs.
  • Food Safety Recall (Germany): Messrs. Hans Adler OHG recalls Black Forest Garlic Sausage (approx 900g ring; Best before 03/11/2012), due to the presence of a metallic foreign body.
  • Food Safety Alert (Greece): Evrofarma SA announces the temporary suspension of production of Promel yogurt, to allow for investigation of complaints of mold growth in Promel 2% yogurt. The company is cooperating with EFET to determine and correct the source of the problem.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall (Denmark): Abigo Pharma A/S recalls Bronikyl Food Supplement, produced by Propharma A/S (250ml; Best before 12-2012), because the supplement contains non-permitted paraben preservatives.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0249): Salmonella typhimurium in chilled chicken from France; distributed to France and the United Kingdom.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0250): Imazalil in oranges from Morocco; distributed to Sweden.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Notification (EU #2012.0253): Unauthorized sildenafil thiono analogue in food supplement from Greece; distributed to Spain.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0255): Escherichia coli in frozen pangasius fillets from Vietnam; distributed to Italy.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0256): Salmonella Weltevreden in fresh pre-packed acacia from Thailand; distributed to the United Kingdom.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0257): Norovirus in oysters from France; distributed to Denmark.
  • Allergy Alert Notification (EU #2012.0260): Excessive sulphite in frozen shrimps from China, via Italy; distributed to Malta.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0261): Absence of health mark on loose smoked whole chickens from the United Kingdom; distributed to Ireland.
  • Pet Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0262): Salmonella Soerenga in processed animal protein from Belgium; distributed to Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.0263): Listeria monocytogenes in smoked trout fillet from Turkey; distributed to the Netherlands.

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

  • Cosmetic Product Safety Alert (Philippines): The Philippines Department of Health warns the public that some lipsticks may contain excessive levels of lead.
  • Outbreak Alert (Hong Kong): The Centre for Health Protection is investigating an acute gastroenteritis outbreak that has affected 22 children at a residential child care center in Wan Chai. The outbreak victims range in age from 3 to 20 months. A one-year-old boy required hospitalization, but has since been discharged.
  • Outbreak Alert (India): At least 100 people who attended a wedding party in Baba Hari Dass Nagar (Southwest Delhi) were hospitalized with food poisoning symptoms. The victims complained of vomiting, headache and stomachache.

Australia and New Zealand

  • Allergy Alert (Australia): Coles Supermarkets Ltd. recalls Coles Deli Spicy Capsicum Dip (200g plastic container; Use by 19 MAR 12), due to the presence of undeclared sesame and tree nuts. The recalled product was sold in the Deli section of Coles and Bi-Lo supermarkets in NSW, ACT, TAS and VIC.
  • Food Safety Recall (Australia): S&B Gourmet Foods (Aust) Pty Ltd., trading as Salad Servers, recalls Chickpeas with Roast Pumpkin Salad (500g and 350g; Use by 23/02/12), due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled product was sold at IGA, Supabarn and Thomas Dux Supermarkets in New South Wales and Victoria.

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.
**Includes Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Dominick’s, Genuardi’s, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Carrs and Pak N’ Save.

FDA Pursues Chicken Jerky Treat Problem; Canada Punts

It’s tough to find a contaminant when you don’t know what you’re looking for. But that doesn’t mean FDA isn’t trying hard to figure out why chicken jerky pet treats from China seem to be making so many dogs seriously ill.

Since the beginning of 2011, FDA has received a total of 537 reports from dog owners and veterinarians of dogs that fell ill after being fed these popular dog treats. Several days ago, I asked Laura Alvey of FDA what the agency was doing to solve the mystery, and received this reply:

“Testing continues and is ongoing. We have tested samples from all over the country.

Since so many of the reports received involved vomiting and diarrhea, we were looking for microbial pathogens. We have tested for salmonella and none have come back positive. We have been testing for chemical toxicants, including melamine, melamine analogs and diethylene glycol (DEG) and none have come back positive.

Unless we detect a contaminant and have evidence a product is adulterated, we are limited in what regulatory actions we can take. The regulations don’t allow for products to be removed based on complaints. We will continue to monitor.

We have reached out to relevant competent authorities in other countries to request intelligence on increased reports of illness in dogs associated with consumption of chicken jerky treats, any investigations conducted, analyses conducted on suspect product, etc. We have received some feedback regarding our questions and some suggested collaboration/sharing of information.“

I asked the same question of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and had a very different – and far less comforting – reply from Dr. Carl Rudat, a Veterinary Program Specialist with CFIA.

“The CFIA,” Rudat said, “does not have a process that records calls about chicken jerky treats. The CFIA has not conducted analyses of these products. Pet food and pet treats are unregulated commodities in Canada. However, due diligence is being done and Chinese pet treat facilities have been inspected by CFIA veterinarians. I hope you find this information useful.”

So, Canada is NOT recording or tallying illness reports on chicken jerky treats, is NOT testing chicken jerky treats, and does NOT regulate pet food and pet treats. But have no fear, because “due diligence is being done.”

I pursued the issue further. “Was CFIA in communication with FDA on this issue?” I asked.

“CFIA is aware that the FDA is testing chicken jerky originating from China,” was his reply. “To date, nothing definitive has been determined.”

If CFIA does not regulate pet food and pet treats, what was the regulatory authority for CFIA’s policy entitled Import of Pet Food, Treats and Chews Containing Animal Products and By-Products? Why the heck was CFIA inspecting Chinese pet treat facilities? And what was meant by the reassurance that “due diligence is being done?”

I posed these questions (politely, of course), and was told that the legal framework for CFIA’s Import of Pet Food, etc. policy is the Health of Animals Act and Regulations. Animal by-products are regulated under this Act, and “…most pet food begins as an animal by-product.” Dr. Rudat added that CFIA has the authority to prevent “diseases of concern” from entering Canada. He did not elaborate on his “due diligence” statement.

Sounds to me as though pet food is regulated when CFIA finds it convenient, but not otherwise.

The situation on the US side of the world’s longest undefended border is quite different. FDA has taken a lead role in trying to find the source of the chicken jerky problem, and is continuing to pursue the issue assiduously. Unfortunately, as FDA Spokeswoman Laura Alvey reminded me, the agency cannot take regulatory action unless a contaminant has been detected and there is evidence that a product is adulterated.

I expect that FDA eventually will find the answer to this mystery. Presumably, once FDA comes up with a solution for the problem, Canada will gladly accept the fruits of a free ride.