Tuesday, March 31, 2009

UIFC East Asian Spices Recall Alert

The Union International Food Company(UIFC) has issued a recall of multiple spice varieties sold by it. The recall came after a recent salmonella outbreak spread to include white and pepper products sold at retail stores under the Uncle Chen product name. These products which come from the company's Union City facility in the Bay Area are associated with an outbreak that has sickened 42 people in four states, including 33 in California.

The products include four varieties of pepper sold in 5 ounce containers:
  1. Whole and ground Uncle Chen's White Pepper
  2. Whole and ground Uncle Chen's Black Pepper.

The following products under the Lian How brand name, which is followed by the wording 'Packed by Union International Foods' or 'Union International Foods' are also part of the recall:

  • white pepper
  • black pepper
  • cayenne pepper
  • paprika
  • chopped onion
  • onion powder
  • garlic – chopped, minced, powder and granulated
  • whole white pepper
  • whole black pepper
  • curry powder
  • mustard powder
  • wasabi powder
Consumers should contact Union International Food Company at 510-471-6799.
For a list of UIFC's customer list, see: Customer List
For a list of restaurants using UIFC Products, see: Restaurant List

Hold the Pistachios

Last night Kraft Foods notified the FDA that they found salmonella contamination in pistachios. Kraft Foods had conducted some routine testing of food products purchased from Setton Farms in Terra Bella in California.

While Setton Farms has already announced a voluntary recall of 1 million pounds of pistachios and food products, they have advised against eating any pistachios until this salmonella contamination is fully investigated.

Setton Farms has recalled: Setton Farms brand roasted salted shelled pistachios in 9 oz. film bags, UPC Code: 034325020252 with a "Best Before" date between 01/06/10 and 01/19/10.

This product was distributed in: SC, GA, FL, NC, VA, TN, KY. FDA advises consumers not to consume this product and return it to the store from which they purchased for a full refund. Consumers can call Setton Farms at a toll free number:(888) 228-3717 for further information.

However, it is important to note that Setton Farms sells pistachios to retailers who may package it separately and incorporate it into food items like like trail mix, cereal bars, chocolates, cereal, and ice cream.

Meanwhile Kraft has already Back To Nature Trail Mix from store shelves. The grocery chain Kroger has recalled Private Selection shelled pistachios from its retail stores. Kroeger has with stores in 31 states.

Category: Pistachio
Brand Name: Kroger
Product Description: Private Selection Shelled Pistachios
Recalling Firm: Kroger Company
Size: 10-ounce containers
Lot Numbers: 'Sell by' date of DEC-13-09 and DEC-14-09
Stock Numbers:
Product Code: 11110 73615

Category: Snack and Snack Food
Brand Name: Back to Nature
Product Description: Nantucket Blend trail mix
Recalling Firm: Back to Nature Foods Company
Size: 10 oz. & 20 oz. bags
Lot Numbers: 'Best by' date between 11 04 09 and 12 12 09
Stock Numbers:
Product Code: 59283-31039


For a list of pistachio product alerts that is constantly being updated by the FDA, follow: Pistachio Product Recalls: Salmonella and Recall List

Also read:
FDA - Firm Press Release