S&M USA Enterprise Issues an Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in Zhang Zhou Brand Tremella

S&M USA Enterprise has recalling Zhang Zhou Brand Tremella as it may contain undeclared sulfites.
The recalled Tremella comes in an un-coded, 150 gram plastic bag. It was sold in New York and New Jersey. It is a product of China.

This recall has been initiated after a routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the packages which do not declare the sulfites on the label.

About Sulfites: People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites.

Consumers who have purchasedthis product are advised to return it.to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-718-492-4288

Undeclared Soy Protein in Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes

If you have Soy Protein sensitivity, this alert is importance to you. Pinnacle Foods Group LLC is recalling certain Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes, as they may contain this undeclared allergen. This recall was initiated after the Company discovered potential cross-contact of this product with one containing soy protein being produced on the same equipment.

This recall applies only to: “AUNT JEMIMA FROZEN PANCAKES” packaged in cardboard cartons with the UPC codes listed below. These cartons were sold and distributed nationally and have a ‘Recommended Use By Date’ between November 1, 2011 and October 16, 2012.

Production Code information is as follows:

Retail UPC Code	Description
19600-05100	AUNT JEMIMA PANCAKES BUTTERMILK LOW FAT 12/14.5oz
19600-05490	AUNT JEMIMA OATMEAL PANCAKES 12/14.8oz
19600-05820	AUNT JEMIMA PANCAKES BUTTERMILK 12/14.8oz
19600-05910	AUNT JEMIMA PANCAKES HOMESTYLE 12/14.8oz
19600-05955	AUNT JEMIMA CONFETTI PANCAKES 12/14.8oz
19600-06040	AUNT JEMIMA WHOLE GRAIN PANCAKES 12/14.5oz

If you are not allergic to soy protein, this product is safe to eat. If you are allergic to or have a severe sensitivity to soy protein, you should not consume this product. Please return the product to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the Company at 1- 888-299-7646 daily between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET. The Food and Drug Administration has been made aware of this recall. 

Photo Courtesy: FDA

Anytime Deli Brand Turkey & Ham Footlong Sandwich Recalled: Listeria Contamination

Anytime Deli Turkey & Ham Sub Sandwich, UPC 0543200194, with an expiration date of January 19th and January 22nd has been recalled because it might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.  Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The sub sandwiches were distributed on January 2nd and 3rd  to convenience stores in Florida and South Georgia. The  sandwich is packaged in white butcher wrap. Though no illnesses have been reported, the recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The product has already been removed from store shelves. However, consumers who may have purchased the sandwich for later consumption are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. 

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-394-6258 Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5 PM EST.

Photo Courtesy: FDA

Jones’ Seasoning Voluntarily Recalls Original and Spicy Southwest Blend Mock Salt

Jones’ Seasoning Blends LLC announced a voluntary recall of Jones’ Mock Salt Original and Jones’ Mock Salt Spicy Southwest Blend due to the potential contamination of Salmonella. This recall has been initiated by the Company due to possible Salmonella contamination of the celery seeds ingredient used in Jones Mock Salt. The supplier of the celery seeds has placed a recall for the seeds and Jones Seasoning Blends LLC has also taken every action possible in notifying the public.

 

Markets in California, Minnesota, and Washington were sold the products directly. They were also sold through internet orders on www.jonesmocksalt.com:

• Jones’ Mock Salt Original: Organic Salt Free Seasoning, 1.6 oz bottles (UPC 0 94922 16616 6), 12 oz bags (UPC 0 94922 07199 6) and 16 oz bags (0 94922 16616 6).
• Jones’ Mock Salt Spicy Southwest Blend: Organic Salt Free Seasoning, 1.6 oz bottles (UPC 0 94922 01560 0).

There is no lot number identifying the bottles or bags. Any products purchased from July 1, 2011 to December 14, 2011 should be destroyed.


Consumers should contact Ms. June Jones on how to receive replacements:
Ph: 253-468-9595 (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm PST)
Email: jonesseasoningblends@gmail.com

Russia Bans Fresh Vegetable Imports from EU

In the light of the European E.Coli crisis, Russia has announced that it was banning imports of raw vegetables from the European Union because of the E. coli outbreak. The head of the Russian consumer protection agency Gennady Onishchenko said that that ban came into effect this morning. This is a development from the ban placed on vegetable imports by Russia on Germany and Spain last month.
 
You may also wish to read:
Story: Two in U.S. infected in European E. coli Outbreak
Story: WHO - European E.Coli Update

WHO: European EColi Update

The WHO has reported that the E. coli strain responsible for the deadly outbreak in Europe is a new bacteria that has never been seen before. Preliminary genetic sequencing by scientists suggests that the strain is a mutant form of two different E. coli bacterium. The genes contained within it are highly virulent and produce a lethal toxin. This maybe the reason why this outbreak is so extensive and dangerous.

Hilde Kruse, a food safety expert at the World Health Organization, said:

 this is a unique strain that has never been isolated from patients before

Today on its website, the WHO noted 10 countries in Europe including Sweden, Austria, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom have all reported patients with two disease related to the bacteria: haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). It is believed that 17 people in Germany, and sickened more than 1,500 others, including 470 who have developed a rare kidney failure complication. It further said that as of May 31, nine patients in Germany had died of HUS and six of EHEC, and one person in Sweden had also died. There are many hospitalized patients, several of them requiring intensive care, including dialysis.

Investigations are continuing into the cause of the outbreak, which is at present unclear. 

Source: Various


You may also wish to read:
Story: Two in U.S. infected in European E. coli outbreak
Story: Russia Bans Fresh Vegetable Imports from EU

Del Bueno Recalls Cheese Because Of Possible Health Risk

Del Bueno of Grandview, WA has recalled all size packages of the foollowing cheeses manufactured by them:

• Queso Fresco Fresh Cheese
• Queso Panela Fresh Cheese
• Requeson Mexican Style Ricotta Cheese
• Queso Enchilado Dry Cheese 

This recall is the result of environmental samples and finished product samples taken  by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as the finished product samples taken by Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The test results revealed that the cheeses are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes contamination can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include largely short-term symptoms such as fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. However, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

UPC dates of the products being recalled are as follows:

• Queso Fresco Fresh Cheese, UPC 75318225028 for 16 oz. package, UPC 753182814063 for 3 lbs. package, date code up to and including Feb 10 2011.
• Queso Panela Fresh Cheese, UPC 753182814056, date code up to and including Feb 10 2011.
• Requeson Mexican Style Ricotta Cheese, UPC 753182814070, date code up to and including Jan 10 2011
• Queso Enchilado Dry Cheese, no UPC date code up to and including Mar 15 2011.

These c heeses were distributed by Del Bueno to retail markets in Washington and Oregon and to the flea market in Pasco, WA. You can find the expiration date code stamped on the back of the packages. The cheese is packaged either in 1 lb. or 3 lbs. plastic vacuum bags. Del Bueno has notified their customers and has pulled the products from retail stores and the company is working with FDA to conduct the recall. If you have purchased Del Bueno brand cheeses are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Contact:
Del Bueno
Jesus Rodriguez
425-503-3823 (8am-5pm PST)

Image Source: FDA

Liz Lovely Voluntary Recall Chocolate Products: Undeclared Dairy

Liz Lovely, Inc. of Waitsfield, VT, a dairy free bakery, has recalled recalling cookie products containing chocolate or chocolate chips. Chocolate purchased from a third-party chocolate manufacturer has undeclared dairy present in it.

Liz Lovely cookie products are distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders. People wirh dairy allergy are at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these undeclared dairy affected products.

This voluntary recall includes Products with the following UPC:

• Cowboy Cookies 6oz. Plastic Bag With 2 Cookies 893410000018 00497, 00504, 0051
• Cowgirl Cookies 893410000056 00493, 00503, 0051
• Peanut Butter Classics 893410000025 00496, 0050
• Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge 893410001008 00499, 00415, 0051
• Gluten Free Triple Choc. Mint 893410001122 0050
• Gluten Free Chocolate Chip 893410001015 0050
• Lovely Oh's 8oz. Plastic Clamshell Container 893410002111 00501, 0051
• Mint Lovely Oh's 893410002159 00501, 0051
• Peanut Butter Lovely Oh's 893410002289 00501, 0051
• Organic Pretzels 893410002081 00501, 00513

It is important to note that, the lot number for the 6oz. plastic bags is stamped on each 12-unit case box, not printed on each package. Lot number for the 8oz. containers is printed on a sticker affixed to each unit, along with a best-by date.

The recall was initiated after one allergic reaction to dairy was reported. Production will resume on November 24, 2010 with 100% dairy free chocolate and updated product packaging. If you any of these products in a retail store or had them shipped between October 4, 2010 and November 15, 2010, you are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

More Information @: Voluntary Recall

Contact:
Dan Holtz
802-793-4956 (8am-5pm EST)
www.lizlovely.com

Source: FDA

E.coli Contamination in Gorgonzola Cheese Sold at Costco

Colorado State health department officials have issued a warning to consumers who purchased Mauri Gorgonzola Cheese @ Costco with sell by dates January 13, 2011, and January 14, 2011. E. Coli O157:H was found in an unopened package that was tested at the state health department's lab. Consequently, its distributor, DPI Specialty Foods of Tualatin, Ore., has issued a recall for this product.


Consumers should note that this cheese was sold only at the Costco stores in Colorado. It is packaged in clear plastic in 1 lb. wedges and can be identified by information contained on a white sticker on the package: DISTRIBUTED BY DPI Specialty Foods Tualatin, OR, ITALY 34449" with sell by dates of "01/13/11" or "01/14/11." The Costco item number is 34449.

The FDA advises consumers against eating this cheese. You can return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it in a closed plastic bag. Place the bag in a sealed trash can that prevents people and animals (including wild animals), from eating the product.

The FDA advises that E. coli O157:H7 infection can lead to diarrhea and abdominal cramps. While most people recover within a week, some may develop a severe infection. Rarely, a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome can occur (as symptoms of diarrhea improve); this can happen at any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and in older adults. People with hemolytic uremic syndrome should be hospitalized immediately, as their kidneys may stop working and they may be at risk for other serious health problems.

State health officials urge persons with signs or symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 to contact their health care provider. The latter should immediately report any suspected infection to state or local public health authorities.

Costco has removed the cheese from its stores and using card purchase records, has notified consumers by phone of the situation.

Contact:
Lori Maldonado
Deputy Director, Office of Communications
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Cell: 303-921-8598
Email: lori.maldonado@state.co.us

Consumers with questions contact DPI Specialty Foods @: 1-800-597-3876.

Source: FDA

September is Hunger Action Month

Ever imagine what it's like to go hungry to bed every night? One in eight Americans face hunger in their daily lives.Children and adults are being forced to go without food for several meals and in some cases even several days. Here's what you can do to keep children, adults, and seniors from going hungry.

1. Find a food bank in your neighbourhood or community - and donate food. Food Bank Locator can be found here.
2. Organise a food donation drive in your place of work, your child's school, or university.
3. Find Food Bank Events for your zip code @ Food Bank Events Locator hosted by Hunger Action Month.
4. Join the Cheesecake Factory for their Drive Out Hunger Tour in September 2009. Their aim: to collect 100,000 cans of soup. Find out when they visit your state @ The Cheesecake Factory.
5. Join Macy's for the Come Together Event in your town @ Come+Together. Most events launch tomorrow, 15th September 2009.
   

Get to know more about hunger in America on the Feeding America website and join in the fight against hunger at Hunger Action Month.

Egypt Bans Trade in GM Foods

Despite last years approval on the cultivation of GM corn, Egypt is banning food imports and exports that are not certified as being GM free. Egypt's Agriculture Minister has instructed against the entry of any uncertified imports, especially wheat, corn and soya beans until samples of the cargo have been examined.

No further details are available at present. Egypt one of the world's largest wheat importers.