Allison’s Gourmet Kitchens Recalls Prepared Salads

Yet another recall based on a recall of eggs by Michael Foods, Inc.. Allison’s Gourmet Kitchens has recalled several of its prepared salads after being notified of a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination in cooked eggs that are used in their salads. Allison's was notified by their egg supplier, Michael Foods, Inc. that they have recalled numerous lots of their hard cooked eggs.

The recalled Prepared Salads that contain hard cooked eggs were distributed in Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Kansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee and Missouri. The products are sold to retail stores and food service.
The products recalled are sold in a marked container with the following description, pack size, item numbers and Use by dates:

Item Code	Item Name and Description	Case Pack	UPC Code	Use by Dates Effected
01001	Deli Fresh Gourmet Mustard Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	718129010014	3/12/2012, 3/14/2012
01002	Deli Fresh Gourmet Mustard Potato Salad (6/2 LB)	6/2-LB Cup	718129010021	3/14/2012
01003	Deli Fresh Gourmet Mustard Potato Salad (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	718129010038	3/12/2012, 3/14/1201003
01004	Hill Country Fare Mustard Potato Salad w/Egg (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	041220031726	3/12/2012, 3/14/12
01005	Hill Country Fare Mustard Potato Salad w/Egg (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	041220031641	3/12/2012, 3/14/12, 3/15/12
01006	Hill Country Fare Mustard Potato Salad w/Egg (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	041220031658	3/14/2012, 3/15/12
001010	Hill Country Fare Mustard Potato Salad w/Egg (12/6 OZ)	12/6-OZ Cup	041220867851	3/12/2012, 3/13/121010
01013	Brookshire's Classic Southern Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	092825145257	3/12/2012
01015	Brookshire's Classic Southern Potato Salad (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	092825145219	3/12/2012
01021	Deli Fresh Gourmet Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	718129010212	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
01022	Deli Fresh Gourmet Potato Salad (6/2 LB)	6/2-LB Cup	718129010229	3/15/2012
01023	Deli Fresh Gourmet Potato Salad (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	718129010236	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
01024	Hill Country Fare Homestyle Potato Salad w/Egg (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	041220031665	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
01025	Hill Country Fare Homestyle Potato Salad w/Egg (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	041220031672	3/13/2012
01029	Hill Country Fare Homestyle Potato Salad w/Egg (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	041220185740	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
01201	Deli Fresh Deviled Egg Potato Salad (6/1 LB)	6/1-LB Cup	718129012018	3/15/2012
01202	Deli Fresh Deviled Egg Potato Salad (6/2 LB)	6/2-LB Cup	718129012025	3/15/2012
01204	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Deviled Egg Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129012049	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
01205	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Deviled Egg Potato Salad (2/10 LB)	2/10-LB Tub	718129012056	3/15/2012
01212	Food Lion Deviled Egg Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	035826075871	3/15/2012
01220	Deli Fresh Diced Redskin Potato Salad (6/1 LB)	6/1-LB Cup	718129012209	3/14/2012
01223	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Diced Redskin Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129012230	3/12/2012
01701	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Gourmet Mustard Potato Salad (2/10 LB)	2/10-LB Tub	718129017013	3/14/2012
01753	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Gourmet Mustard Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129017532	3/12/2012, 3/14/12
01754	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Gourmet Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129017549	3/12/2012, 3/15/12
01757	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Sliced Redskin Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129017570	3/13/2012
01783	Bakers Kitchens Old Fashioned Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129017839	3/14/2012
01929	Dot Foods Gourmet Mustard Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129019291	3/12/2012
01932	Dot Foods Gourmet Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129019321	3/13/2012
01959	Produce House Sliced Redskin Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129019598	3/13/2012
01974	Food Lion Diced Redskin Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	035826069337	3/12/2012, 3/14/12
01976	Food Lion Gourmet Southern Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	035826070647	3/12/2012, 3/15/12
01977	Food Lion Gourmet Southern Potato Salad (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	035826070654	3/12/2012, 3/15/12
01980	Food Lion Gourmet American Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	035826070661	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
01981	Food Lion Gourmet American Potato Salad (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	035826070678	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
01987	Hannaford Brothers Diced Redskin Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	041268178834	3/12/2012, 3/14/12
01988	Hannaford Brothers Southern Potato Salad (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	041268180844	3/15/2012
01989	Hannaford Brothers Southern Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	041268178841	3/12/2012
01990	Hannaford Brothers Potato Salad (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	041268180837	3/13/2012
01991	Hannaford Brothers Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	041268178803	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
03755	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Classic Macaroni Salad (1/30 LB)	1/30-LB Bag	718129037554	3/12/2012
03802	Bakers Kitchens Macaroni Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129038025	3/12/2012, 3/15/12
03896	Chef Prepared Mustard Potato Salad Kit (2/6.25 LB)	2/6.25-LB Tub	718129038964	1/28/2012, 1/29/12, 1/31/12, 2/4/12
03898	Chef Prepared Aunt Pearls Potato Salad Kit (2/5.9 LB)	2/5.9-LB Tub	718129038988	1/28/2012, 1/29/12, 1/31/12, 2/4/12
04026	Hill Country Fare Pea Salad (6/15 OZ)	6/15-OZ Cup	041220813162	2/24/2012, 3/2/12
04955	Produce House Egg Salad (2/3 LB)	2/3-LB Tub	718129049557	3/2/2012
08080	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Egg Salad (2/3 LB)	2/3-LB Tub	718129080802	3/2/2012
08090	Hill Country Fare Egg Salad (6/12 OZ)	6/12-OZ Cup	041220202577	2/29/2012, 3/2/12

At present, no illnesses have been reported in connection with these product. Customers who bought any of these products are urged to return the packages to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.
For more information, please contact Allison’s Gourmet Kitchens, Consumer Hotline: 1-888-257-7913 from 8 am to 8 pm Eastern Time.

Contact:
Consumer Hotline:
1-888-257-7913
Victor Gramillo
405-735-2282
Hours: 8am-8pm ET

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

Michaels Foods Recalls Hard-Boiled Eggs: Institutional Use

Michael Foods, Inc. is recalling specific lot dates of hard-cooked eggs in brine sold in 10- and 25-pound pails for institutional use that were produced at its Wakefield, Nebraska facility because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recalled eggs were purchased by food distributors and manufacturers located in 34 states (AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI, WV). The eggs are labeled under six brand names, Columbia Valley Farms, GFS, Glenview Farms, Papetti’s, Silverbrook, Wholesome Farms and bearing lot codes of 1 LOT 1350W through 1 LOT 2025W and expiration dates ranging from 1/30/2012 to 3/10/2012.

None of the eggs were sold directly by Michael Foods to retailers or consumers.  However, food distributors and manufacturers who purchased the eggs could have used them in products that were sold to retail outlets or used in foodservice settings.  Michael Foods is working with customers who purchased eggs from these lots to ensure that all product is removed from the market.  Consumers who believe they might have purchased product affected by the recall, or those who are unsure, should contact the original place of purchase.       

For further questions regarding this recall, please call Michael Foods at 877-367-3447
Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm EST.

Undeclared Egg in RIce Crackers

Gemini Food Corporation and Tong Enterprises of Hayward, CA are recalling all codes of Bin-Bin Snow Rice Cracker net weight 5.3oz (150g) and Bin-Bin Rice Crackers net weight  15.8oz (450g)  because of undeclared egg  allergens. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs, run the risk of suffering serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.

Product:	Bin-Bin Snow Rice Crackers 5.3oz (150g)
Codes:	All Codes
UPC Code:	8852098700124
Product:	Bin-Bin Rice Crackers 15.8oz (450g)
Codes:	All Codes
UPC Code:	8852098701510

      
The product was distributed to grocery stores by Gemini Food Corporation nationwide and by Tong Enterprises to grocery stores in California between January 1st 2011 and January 31st 2012.

There has been one reported allergic reaction associated with the consumption of this product.

Consumers are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers who have health-related concerns should contact their physician.

Contact: Gemini Food Corporation at 1-909-839-0018, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time
Tong Enterprise at 1-510-784-9100, Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. Pacific Time.

Walgreens Chocolate Covered Raisins may be Contaminated with Nuts, Soy

Walgreens has voluntarily recalled 13-oz. Walgreens Chocolate-Covered Raisins as the packages may contain ingredients from Walgreens Bridge Mix which has peanut, almond and soy ingredients. Apparently an error occurred when Walgreens Bridge Mix was mistakenly packaged with the Walgreens Chocolate-Covered Raisin labeling.

The affected product was distributed through Walgreen Co. distribution centers in Arizona, Connecticut and California and to Walgreens retail stores in the Northeastern and Western United States. The packages have a best by date of "Oct 42012A1", UPC number 04902245661, and item number 280217.  Customers who have purchased the product may return it to Walgreens for a full refund.

Walgreens discovered the incident after receiving a consumer complaint of an allergic reaction. The product manufacturer, GKI Foods, Inc. of Brighton, Mich., is also cooperating in the voluntary recall. Walgreen Stores have been asked to remove the product from their shelves. Walgreens and GKI Foods Inc.  are also working with the FDA on this recall.

Contact: Walgreens Product Quality Department at 847-315-2755, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. central time.

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

Two US Residents Infested in European E.Coli Outbreak

Two U.S. residents who traveled in northern Germany may have been affected by the massive outbreak of food poisoning in Europe. Federal health officials confirmed Tuesday that the victims have been hospitalized with serious, life-threatening complications of E. coli infections.

The deputy director of food borne, bacterial and mycotic diseases at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Infection observed that:

we have never seen that organism before

The American victims have not yet been identified by name or state.

The FDA say is also flagging incoming produce especially cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes from Spanish growers implicated in the outbreak for further inspection.

Lettuce Recall Due to EColi Contamination

A lettuce recall has been announced in 23 states and the District of Columbia apparently due to an outbreak of E. coli that has sickened at least 19 people. Three of them have life-threatening symptoms.

Local health departments in Ohio, Michigan, and NY noted that it is college students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Ohio State in Columbus and Daemen College in Amherst, N.Y., that are among those affected.

On Thursday, the FDA noted that 12 people were in hospital and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believed that another 10 cases were suspected to be linked to the outbreak.

In a press release, the FDA observed:

Multiple lines of evidence have implicated shredded romaine lettuce from one processing facility.

The lettuce came from Freshway Foods of Sidney, Ohio. They announced that they had initiated a voluntary recall of romaine lettuce sold under the Freshway and Imperial Sysco brands as they were believed to have a link to this E. coli outbreak. Freshway Foods said the lettuce was sold to wholesalers, food service outlets, in-store salad bars and delis.

Further, the FDA investigation is focusing on on lettuce being grown in Arizona as a possible source of this outbreak. E. coli infection can cause mild diarrhea or more severe complications, including kidney damage. The three patients with life-threatening symptoms were diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause bleeding in the brain or kidneys. The most common strain of E. coli found in U.S. patients is E. coli O157. The CDC said the strain linked to the lettuce, E. coli 0145, is more difficult to identify and may go unreported.

The recalled lettuce has a best if used by date of May 12 or earlier. The recall also affects "grab and go" salads sold at Kroger, Giant Eagle, Ingles Markets and Marsh grocery stores. The lettuce was sold in Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Only last year, the House passed a bill last year giving the FDA enhanced authority to police food production. However, the Senate has not as yet acted on it.

In a statement yesterday, Freshway Foods said that:

an extensive FDA investigation

of Freshway Foods' facility in Sidney has not uncovered any contamination at the plant. Consumers with questions can call the company at 888-361-7106 on weekdays (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT) or visit its website for updates (www.freshwayfoods.com). The company's press release is @ News.

Also see:
FDA Press Release
CDC Investigation Announcement

Fertility Alert over PBDEs found in Household Consumer Products

Many household consumer products contain flame-retardant chemicals that research suggests reduces fertility in women. This comes as a part of a new research which reinforces previous studies on this topic. Papers published in the last two years have repeatedly suggested that the chemicals, polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs, affect human health.

PBDEs have been used as flame retardants in the USA for almost four decades. They are common in foam furniture, electronics, fabrics, carpets and plastics. While these chemicals are slowly being phased out, they are still found in products that were made prior 2004. Some of these chemicals have already been banned in California, but ironically Californians are expected to have higher exposures to them because of the state's strict flammability laws.

The authors of the study from UC Berkely noted that most of the previous research on the chemicals has been in animals. However a 2008 study linked the chemicals to disrupted thyroid levels in men. Further, a study published earlier this month tied PBDE exposure in pregnancy to neurodevelopmental delays in young children.

Dr. Hugh Taylor, an expert at Yale University not involved in this study says:

These are association studies. You can't show cause and effect. But we have cause-and-effect studies in animals, and we have association studies in humans. I think that is fairly convincing.

In the new study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers measured PBDE levels in blood samples from 223 pregnant women who were mainly Mexican immigrants living in an agricultural community. They were asked to remember how long they had been trying to become pregnant i.e. being sexually active without using birth control.

The research found that the women with the highest concentrations of PBDEs took a longer time to get pregnant. More alarming was the discovery that every 10 fold increase in the blood concentration of PBDEs led to a 30% decrease in pregnancy each month.

Previous studies had shown that 97% of Americans have trace levels of PBDEs in their blood, which may have come from some foods like dairy products, meat and fish, though household products are viewed as the primary source of exposure.

Environmental Protection Agency and the two largest manufacturers of one type of PBDE agreed to phase out the chemical only last month. The EPA banned two of the three mixtures of PBDE developed for commercial use as flame retardants in 2005, and a 3rd is to be phased out of production in 2013.

The study's lead author, Kim Harley, adjunct assistant professor of maternal and child health and associate director of the Center for Children's Environmental Health Research at Berkeley's School of Public Health observed:

The good news is these chemicals have or are being phased out. The bad news is their legacy will continue because of their presence in a lot of items in our homes.

But PBDEs, like many other hazardous chemicals before them, will be in the environment a long after they are banned for use.

Massive Recall Initiated by Parkers Farms, Minnesota

The recent food products recall issued by Parkers Farm, Inc. has expanded to include ALL of it products. Please note: This is Regardless of Code Dates, Because of Possible Health Risk.

All date codes have been included in this recall due to fear of contamination with listeria monocytogenes. Though no illnesses has thus far been reported in connection with this recall, it is important for consumers to note that this organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infection 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 FDA notes that recalled products were distributed across the USA in the following retail stores: Hy-Vee, Cub, Rainbow, Byerlys, Lunds, Target, Whole Foods, Jewel, Dominicks, Marsh, Price Chopper, Shop Rite, Nash Finch, Sams Club, Costco, Safeway, Kroger, Wal-Mart, Aldi, etc.

Here is a partial list of recalled products sold under the Parker Farm or Parkers label:

• 12 ounce & 16 ounce peanut butter in square plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), regular and organic varieties are creamy, crunchy, honey creamy and honey crunchy with sell by dates on or before 12/31/2010.
• 34 ounce peanut butter in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are creamy and crunchy with sell by dates on or before 09/30/2010.
• 7 ounce bagel spreads in white plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are garden veggie, wild berry, strawberry, apple cinnamon and honey walnut with sell by dates on or before 06/30/2010.
• 12 ounce & 14 ounce dips & spreads in square plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are jalapeno nacho, pimento and salsa con queso with sell by dates on or before 09/30/2010.
• 8 ounce, 12 ounce and 16 ounce cold pack cheese in round or square plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, bacon, onion, smoked cheddar, Swiss almond, horseradish, garlic, port wine, and swiss & cheddar with sell by dates on or before 12/31/2010.
• 16 ounce salsa in square plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are hot, mild, garlic, black bean and fire roasted with sell by dates on or before 04/30/2010.
• 32 ounce salsa in plastic jugs (clear jug with screw cap), varieties are hot, mild, garlic, and black bean with sell by dates on or before 04/30/2010.
• 128 ounce salsa in plastic jugs (clear jug with screw cap), varieties are hot, fire roasted, mild and garlic with sell by dates on or before 04/30/2010.
• 8 ounce, 9 ounce, 10 ounce Balls & Logs (in film over wrap), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine, smokey bacon, ranch, garlic, jalapeno, pimento, spinach, jajik, beer and chorizo with sell by dates on or before 01/05/2011.
• 5#, 5.5#, 10#, 30# Parker Farm cold pack cheese (white tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, onion, bacon, smoked cheddar, swiss almond, horseradish, garlic, port wine, and swiss & cheddar with sell by dates on or before 09/30/2010.
  

Other labels affected by this recall:16 ounce Happy Farms cold pack cheese in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine and swiss almond with sell by dates on or before 12/31/2010.

• 8 ounce Kroger cold pack cheese in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine and swiss almond with sell by dates on or before 12/31/2010.
• 8 ounce Central Markets cold pack cheese in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine, swiss almond, horseradish with sell by dates on or before 12/31/2010.
• 14 ounce Central Markets salsa con queso in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid) with sell by dates on or before 09/30/2010.
• 16 ounce Central Markets salsa in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine, swiss almond, horseradish with sell by dates on or before 04/30/2010.
• 8 ounce Dutch Farms cold pack cheese in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine, swiss almond, horseradish, and swiss & cheddar with sell by dates on or before 12/31/2010.
• 7 ounce Dutch Farms cream cheese spreads in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are strawberry, wild berry, honey walnut & apple cinnamon with sell by dates on or before 06/30/2010.
• 8 ounce Crystal Farms cold pack cheese in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine, swiss almond, bacon and jalapeno cheddar with sell by dates on or before 12/31/2010.
• 8 ounce Heluva Good cold pack cheese in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine and horseradish cheddar with sell by dates on or before 12/31/2010.
• 8 ounce Amish Classic cold pack cheese in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine, swiss almond, horseradish with sell by dates on or before 12/31/2010.
• 10 ounce Amish Classic cheese balls & logs (in film over wrap), varieties are cheddar, port wine, ranch, smokey bacon, beef n onion with sell by dates on or before 01/05/2011.
• 128 ounce San Pablo salsa in plastic jugs (clear jug with screw cap), varieties are fire roasted and mild with sell by dates on or before 04/30/2010.
• 12 ounce Century Resources cold pack cheese food (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, horseradish, bacon with a sell by date of xxx9 (the first 3 digits aren’t important, but the last digit must be a 9)
• 12 ounce Century Resources pimento spread (tub with snap on lid) with a sell by date of xxx9 (the first 3 digits aren’t important, but the last digit must be a 9.
• 8 ounce and 12/12 ounce Century Resources cheese ball & log (in film over wrap) sharp cheddar with a sell by date of xxx9 (the first 3 digits aren’t important, but the last digit must be a 9)
• 12 ounce Century Resources salsa con queso (tub with snap on lid) with a sell by date of xxx9 (the first 3 digits aren’t important, but the last digit must be a 9)
• 4#, 5.5# Block & Barrel cold pack cheese (white tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, swiss almond, horseradish, port wine and pimiento spread with packed on dates on or before 12/30/2009.
• 30# Block & Barrel sharp cheddar cold pack cheese (white pail with snap on lid) with packed on dates on or before 12/30/2009.
• 5# Cobblestone cold pack cheese (white tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine, swiss almond, horseradish with sell by dates on or before 06/30/2010.
• 30# Cobblestone sharp cheddar cold pack cheese (white pail with snap on lid) with sell by dates on or before 06/30/2010.
• 5# Biery label cold pack cheese (white tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar and port wine with sell by dates on or before 09/30/2010.
• 5# Dierks Waukesha cold pack cheese (white tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine, horseradish, swiss almond with sell by dates on or before 09/30/2010.
  

This recall resulted from a sampling done by the state of Wisconsin and the state of Minnesota. The sampling revealed that some finished products contained bacteria. An investigation is under way and consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at: (800) 869-6685.

Image Courtesy: Parkers Farm

Raja Foods Recalls Bindis in USA

Most Indian women consider the bindi to be an integral part of their traditional dress. Indeed the bindi is believed to complete the attire and lend grace and elegance to the persona. Even today, many women do not step out of their homes without a pretty coloured 'bindi' on their forehead.

Yet, after sindoor, it is the bindi that has come under the radar of the US FDA.

Alleged as containing a high percentage of unsafe chemicals including lead, the bindi has as off now been forced off American shelves. Raja Foods, the primary supplier for the USA market has withdrawn bindis from the market there.

Lead is considered to be a dangerous chemical and can have serious effects on the central nervous system, kidney and heart.

Bindis are generally manufactured unchecked in India. There is no regulatory agency to oversee the production of such goods, and the market is filled with many spurious and unbranded products. Manufacturers are able to take the advantages offered to them by cheap synthetic dyes and salts to mass produce this product. The safety of such chemicals itself is in doubt.

In response to this recall, the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forest has observed that a mandatory standard does need to be established with the aim of addressing these shortcomings with a view to public health. The Drug Controller General of India still does not have any safety regulations for consumers.

It is important to note that most doctors advise that bindis should not be used if one experiences even the slightest of skin irritations.

Recall Alert: Michigan-Based Company Issues Voluntary Recall for Canned Beans

Michigan-based New Era Canning Co., has made the voluntary recall of canned green beans and garbanzo beans because of potential botulism contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday. The codes on the affected products begin with the numbers '00249', or the letters 'GREEN' or 'GARB'.

Acting in the interest of public health, New Era noted that the beans may be contaminated with Clostridium Botulinum, which is often the cause of botulism,a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition.Today, the company expanded its recall to include Mexican-style Chili Beans and Dark Red Kidney Beans also.

According to the FDA, the affected cans are institutional-sized containers, weighing around 61/2 pounds. The FDA has also said that the cans and contents must be thrown away very carefully. The smallest quantity of the C. botulinum toxin can cause a very serious illness. At the same time, the FDA has noted that:

To date, no illnesses have been reported to the FDA; however, consumers should not consume these products, even if they appear to be normal.

Product Labels affected include:
Bunny brand, Distributed by Bunn Capitol Company, Springfield, IL

Classic Sysco brand, Distributed by Sysco Corporation, Houston, TX.

Code brand, Distributed by Code, Atlanta, GA.

ComSource brand, Distributed by ComSource, Atlanta, GA.

ComSource Medallion Premium Quality brand, distributed by ComSource, Atlanta, GA.

ComSource Merit Excellence Food Service brand, Distributed by ComSource, Inc, Atlanta, GA.

ComSource Traditional brand, Distributed by ComSource, Atlanta, GA.

Frosty Acres Restaurant's Pride Preferred brand, Packed for F.A.B., Inc., Alpharetta, GA.

GFS brand, Distributed by Gordon Food Service, Grand Rapids, MI

goodtaste brand, Distributed by New Era Canning in New Era, MI.

Harvest Value brand, distributed by U.S. Food Service, Columbia, MD

Kitchen brand, Distributed by Potato Products, Detroit, MI.

Kitchen Essentials brand, Distributed by Gordon Food Service, Grand Rapids, MI.

Monarch brand, Distributed by Reid, Murdoch & Co., Columbia, MD

Monarch Premium brand, packed for PYA/Monarch, Inc, Greenville, SC.

Mount Stirling brand, Distributed by Pocahontas Foods USA, Richmond, VA.

Necco brand, Packed by New Era Canning Company, New Era, MI.

New Era brand, Distributed by New Era Canning Co, New Era, MI.

Nugget brand, Distributed by Nugget, Atlanta, GA.

Pocahontas brand, Distributed by Pocahontas Foods USA, Richmond, VA.

Reliance Sysco, Distributed by Sysco Corporation, Houston, TX.

Sysco brand, Distributed by Sysco Corporation, Houston, TX.

US brand Distributed by U.S. FoodService, Columbia, MD.

USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, Special Nutrition Programs, Alexandria, VA label.

For further information, read: FDA, CDC-Botulism, and New Era Canning Company Recall.

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Reuters.