Tag: Pet Health

Recalls and Alerts: December 12, 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.

For current information on international and retail distribution of peanut butter products recalled due to Salmonella Bredeney, please consult the Trader Joe’s/Sunland Peanut Butter Recalls tab.

United States

  • Allergy Alert: ALDI recalls Carlini Baking Spray, “made with Real Flour”, “Naturally Gluten-Free Food” (5-oz; Sold beginning Oct 28, 2012), due to contradictory label claims. The product contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free.
  • Allergy Alert: Nature’s Path Foods recalls Nature’s Path Hemp Plus Organic Granola (25 lb; Sell by dates 6/12/13 to 6/14/13), Nature’s Path Hemp Plus Organic Granola, Bulk (25 lb; Sell by dates 6/12/13 to 6/14/13) and Nature’s Path Hemp Plus Organic Granola, RW (Sell by dates 6/12/13 to 6/14/13), because the product may contain undeclared almonds.
  • Outbreak Alert: Ninety out of 220 people who attended a meeting of the Women’s Healthcare Associates at the Oregon Zoo developed symptoms consistent with norovirus. The event, which was held on December 5th, was catered by Zoo staff, according to The Oregonian.
  • Pet Food Product Withdrawal: Claudia’s Cuisine recalls DogCandy® Holiday Hound Cake (7.5 oz; UPC 692614010041; Best by 08-2015) and DogCandy® Blueberry Hound Cake (7.5 oz; UPC 692614010058; Best by 08-2015), because the cakes have the potential to become moldy as a result of a higher than usual moisture content. The cakes were distributed to approximately 130 PetSmart stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Canada

  • Food Safety Recall: Golden Boy Foods Ltd. (Burnaby, BC) recalls Golden Boy brand Inshell Mixed Nuts (1.36 kg/3-lb mesh bags; UPC 0 64684 10948 0), because the nuts may be contaminated with Salmonella. The product was distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan (Extra Foods, No Frills, RCWC, Shop Easy / SuperValu, Superstore, Westfair, YIG), New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island (Cash & Carry/RCWC, Dominion, Freshmart / Red & White, No Frills, , Save Easy, Superstore), Ontario (Cash & Carry/RCWC, Freshmart, Loblaws, No Frills, Superstore, Valu-mart, YIG, Zehrs), and Quebec (Loblaws, Maxi & Cie, Maxi, Provigo).

Europe

  • Allergy Alert (UK): Asda withdraws Asda Chosen by You Pad Thai Cooking Paste (215g; Date code 18 July 2013), because the product contains undeclared sulphites, egg and gluten (wheat).
  • Allergy Alert (UK): Morrisons withdraws Morrisons Just Cheddar Sandwich (Use by 12 December 2012), because it may contain undeclared egg and mustard.
  • Allergy Alert (UK): Morrisons withdraws Morrisons Signature Mature Red Cheddar Coleslaw (300g; Use by 13 December 2012), because some may contain cheddar and sundried tomato pasta (containing wheat gluten) that are not mentioned on the allergy statement.
  • Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Wagner recalls all varieties of Wagner SENSAZIONE Pizza and Wagner BIG PIZZA (all best before dates between March 2013 (03.2013) and November 2013 (11.2013); Product of Germany), because the products may be contaminated with metal fragments.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): BC Catering recalls Christmas sausage by the meter (Item #61057; Best before 05-12-2012), Lightly salted pork in 1 cm slices (Item #30928; Best before 06-12-2012 and 09-12-2012), Salted pork slices, 13 mm (Item #43193; Best before 06-12-2012 and 09-12-2012), Lightly salted boiling pork (Item #64157; Best before 09-12-2012) and Lightly salted pork, 50-60g slices (Item #93328; Best before 06-12-2012 and 09-12-2102), due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled products were sold to restaurants, hotels, cafeterias and other institutional kitchens.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Plumrose Scandinavia A/S recalls Horeca Select spiced sliced sausage (500g; Product of Germany; Best before 28-12-2012), due to Listeria contamination.
  • Food Safety Recall (Greece): Lidl Hellas & Co. recalls Melomakarona (1 kg cartons; Expiry 31/1/2013), due to mold contamination.
  • Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Wagner recalls all varieties of Wagner SENSAZIONE Pizza and Wagner BIG PIZZA (all best before dates between March 2013 (03.2013) and November 2013 (11.2013); Product of Germany), because the products may be contaminated with metal fragments.
  • Food Safety Recall (UK): Harrods Ltd. recalls Harrods Date and Tea Fruit Cake (740g; Batch code 3771012; Best before 10 March 2013 and 15 April 2013), due to mold spoilage on some of the products.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1708): Salmonella in frozen mechanically separated meat from France; distributed to France, Hungary and the United Kingdom.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1709): Excessive gluten in low gluten wheat flour from China, via the Netherlands; distributed to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1711): Listeria monocytogenes in cold smoked salmon from Sweden; distributed to Sweden.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1712): Cadmium in frozen molluscs from Vietnam; distributed to Italy.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1713): Salmonella in chopped frozen pineapple from Vietnam; distributed to Sweden.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1714): Listeria monocytogenes in spiced and cooked pork flank from Germany; distributed to Denmark.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1715): High lead content in carrots from Turkey; distributed to Bulgaria.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1716): Carbofuran in celery leaves from Malaysia; distributed to Norway.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1717): Benzo(a)pyrene in smoked pork ribs from Poland; distributed to Slovakia.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1718): Foreign body (hair) in biscuits from Romania; distributed to Greece.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1719): Mercury in frozen swordfish from Spain; distributed to Italy.

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: December 7, 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.

For current information on international and retail distribution of peanut butter products recalled due to Salmonella Bredeney, please consult the Trader Joe’s/Sunland Peanut Butter Recalls tab.

United States

  • Allergy Alert: Unilever recalls Knorr Pasta & Sauce Cheesy Bacon Macaroni (3.8 oz; UPC 4100008248; Sell by Sep1113BUO and Sep1213BUO), because the product may contain undeclared soy.
  • Food Safety Recall: Suzanna’s Kitchen (Duluth, GA) recalls Freebird Fully Cooked Chicken Nuggets (12 x 12-oz cartons/case; Case code 6220; Use by March 15, 2014; Julian code 2075), Freebird Fully Cooked Gluten Free/Soy Free Chicken Patties (12 x 12-oz cartons/case; Case code 6244; Use by September 6, 2013; Julian code 1249) and Fully Cooked Chicken Nuggets (10-lb bulk cases; Case code 6221; Use by March 15, 2014; Julian code 2075), because they may contain pieces of plastic. The bulk cases of Chicken Nuggets were shipped to a foodservice distributor in California for further distribution; the other recalled products were produced for a separate federally-inspected establishment and distributed to retail stores nationwide, including Whole Foods Market.
  • Pharmaceutical Product Safety Recall: Qualitest, a subsidiary of Endo Health Solutions, recalls Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP 10 mg/500 mg (Lot codes beginning with the letter “C”; NDC Numbers 0603-3888-16, 0603-3888-20, 0603-3888-02, 0603-3888-21, 0603-3888-22, 0603-3888-26, 0603-3888-04, 0603-3888-28, 0603-3888-32), because a number of tablets from the affected lots may exceed the weight requirement and could exceed the label claim potency requirements for the ingredients of  hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen.
  • Pharmaceutical Product Safety Recall: Bayer HealthCare’s Consumer Care division recalls BRONKAID Caplets Dual Action Formula (24 caplets; UPC300240537879; Lot Numbers NAA0B3T, NAA0BDB, NAA0B3P, NAA0B3R, NAA0B3N, NAA070E, NAA070F, NAA03PX, NAA03B5, NAA03B6, NAA02LT) and BRONKAID Caplets Dual Action Formula (60 caplets; UPC 300240537855; Lot Numbers NAA0TF3, NAA0TF2, NAA0TF0, NAA0TF1, NAA0TET, NAA0TEW, NAA0TEX, NAA0HHL, NAA0HHK, NAA0HHN, NAA0HHH, NAA0DK5, NAA0DK4, NAA0DK3, NAA0CHE, NAA0CHD, NAA0B3L, NAA0B3K, NAA09XE, NAA09XB, NAA07H2, NAA09XD, NAA07H1, NAA09XA, NAA09XC, NAA07H3, NAA07H4, NAA05BB, NAA05BA, NAA07H0, NAA070D, NAA070C, NAA03PW, NAA05B9, NAA070B, NAA03B8, NAA03B7, NAA02N1, NAA02LW, 244511P, 244501P, 244481P, 244471P, 244491P, 244451P), because certain information was not included in the BRONKAID Drug Facts labeling beginning in January 2012.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall: LifeVantage Corporation (Salt Lake City, UT) recalls Protandim® the Nrf2 Synergizer®, dietary supplement (30 caplets/bottle; Lot #12-0258, 12-0259, 12-0292, 12-0294, 12-0295, 12-0304, 12-0306, 12-0307, 12-0373, 12-0382; Expiration Date 7/2/2015, 7/3/2015, 7/9/2015, 7/11/2015, 7/12/2015, 7/18/2015, 8/16/2015, 8/17/2015, 8/21/2015, 9/21/2015), because the product may contain small metal fragments.
  • Outbreak Alert Update: CDC reports that a total of 248 persons in 34 states have been infected with Salmonella (Salmonella Sandiego, Salmonella Pomona, Salmonella Poona) following contact with pet turtles or their environments.
  • Pet Food Safety Alert: FDA warns pet owners and caretakers not to feed pets Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats (3-lb pkgs; Lot code BESTBY061913DEN), because the treats may be contaminated with Salmonella. The treats, which were manufactured, packaged and distributed by Kasel Associates Inc., were sold at Denver, Colorado area Costco stores. Kasel has declined to recall the product. Costco has removed all of the affected product from its store shelves.

Canada

  • Allergy Alert: Pure Indulgent Foods Inc. recalls Pure Chili Chocolate Mango Rich Chili Chocolate Cookies (300g; All codes; UPC 8 73376 00108 3) and Second Cup Chili Chocolate Mango Cookies (90g; all codes; UPC 8 73376 00008 6), due to the presence of undeclared milk. The recalled products were sold in Alberta.
  • Food Safety Recall: Taylor Shellfish Canada (Fanny Bay Oysters) recalls Salish Mussels brand Mussels (5 lb; Harvest date Dec 02/2012; Lot #7495), due to the presence of marine biotoxin. The recalled mussels were sold in Alberta and British Columbia.
  • Food Safety Recall: Cidrerie Michel Jodoin recalls Michel Jodoin Vista Bella Rosé – Sparkling Apple Must – No Alcohol (750 mL; Lot 1112; UPC 6 09780 01002 7) due to patulin contamination. The recalled product was sold in Quebec.

Europe

  • Allergy Alert (Ireland): The Food Safety Authority of Ireland warns consumers that Provitus Kurki (batch 12-2013-355), Podgryzybki (batch 12-2013-148) and Opienki (batch 05-2014-128) marinated forest mushrooms (250g jars; products of Poland) contain undeclared sulphites. The marinated mushrooms were sold in stores nationwide, mainly those selling Eastern European foods.
  • Allergy Alert (UK): Patriarche Wine Agencies recalls Chateau Le Bonnat Grand Vin de Bordeaux, Appellations Graves Controllee – Graves 2008 (75 cl), becaue the wine contains undeclared sulphites. The recalled wine was supplied to Co-operative stores.
  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): ARDO A/S recalls Frigodan brand Pasta Pollo (600g; Packaged 25/8-2012; Best before 25/8-2013 and 28/8-2013), after a piece of a mouse’s head was found in a package of the product.
  • Allergy Alert Notification (EU #2012.1685): Undeclared sulphite in marinated mushrooms from Poland; distributed to France, Ireland, Poland and the United Kingdom.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1687): Salmonella in spring onions from Thailand; distributed to Denmark.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1689): Salmonella infantis in lemon grass from Thailand; distributed to Denmark.
  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2012.1690): Aflatoxins in shelled pistachios from Iran; distributed to Italy.

Australia and New Zealand

  • Food Safety Recall (Australia): Ontrack Pty Ltd. and Big W recall Truly Gifted Spice Rack 12 Bottle Spice Set (375g; Best before 30/11/2013), due to Salmonella contamination in the peppercorn portion of the product. The recalled product was distributed in Big W stores in ACT, NSW, TAS and VIC.

Latin America and the Caribbean

  • Food Safety Enforcement Action (Argentina): Government agents seized and destroyed 2,000 kilograms of foodstuffs in Córdoba after they were found to have been transported improperly.

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.

Pet Treat Company Refuses FDA Recall Request

FDA is warning pet owners and caretakers that Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats (3-lb pkgs; Lot code BESTBY061913DEN; Product of USA) should not be fed to pets, because the treats may be contaminated with Salmonella. The contaminated product was sold at Costco stores in the Denver, Colorado area. Costco is cooperating with FDA, and has removed all of the implicated product from store shelves. The retailer also will contact customers who may have purchased the product.

The FDA warning follows three prior recalls of pet treats initiated by Kasel Associates Inc. (Denver, CO), issued in September and October 2012. Kasel has refused to recall the batch that is the subject of FDA’s most recent warning, even though the Colorado Department of Agriculture found Salmonella in a sample of the product.

Kasel appears to have an ongoing Salmonella contamination problem.

  • In September 2012, the company recalled Boots & Barkley American Beef 5-inch Bully Sticks after Colorado found Salmonella in four production lots;
  • In October 2012, Kasel recalled Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats (one lot code) after FDA detected Salmonella during what the recall notice described as a routine testing program; and
  • In October 2012, the company recalled one production lot each of Boots & Barkley Roasted American Pig Ears and Boots & Barkley American Variety Pack Dog Treats after Colorado again found Salmonella in a sample of the treats.

When FDA carried out its follow-up inspection of Kasel’s manufacturing facility after the first (September 2012) recall, the agency found “certain finished dog treat products and 34 out of 72 environmental samples positive for Salmonella.”

If Kasel was manufacturing “human” food instead of pet treats, I suspect that a far more extensive product recall would have followed the FDA inspection findings. It was only last spring that Diamond Pet Foods’ dry dog food products were implicated in an outbreak of human salmonellosis. People – including children – handle these products and do not always wash their hands after doing so. Will it take another pet-related disease outbreak for pet food companies and FDA to recognize that Salmonella–contaminated pet food and pet treats present a health risk to pet owners and pet caretakers, and not just to pets?

Why is Kasel being allowed to get away with supplying products that were manufactured in a Salmonella-contaminated environment?