Salmonella Lawyer & Attorney : Marler Clark : Salmonella Blog

When we first heard there was something going on with fully cooked crackling pork, we thought that it must have something to do with the Farm Bill.   But, no, it seems it's about a small recall of 1,100 pounds of crackling pork.

The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service said the pork was produced on 5/12/08 by Miami-based Sofia Chicharones Inc. and it may be contaminated with Salmonella.

It's packaged in one and five pound bags as "Fully Cooked Pork Cracklings with Attached Skin."
Each package has an "EST 21055" marking and  a packed date of  051208-1.

The fully cooked pork crackling was sold in the company's Miami store on the same date it was made.

FSIS officials say anyone who bought the Salmonella-tainted pork should get rid of it.

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Recalls of Honduran cantaloupes continued today (3/26/08),  and the latest company caught  with salmonella-tainted cantaloupes usually imports fruits from Costa Rica.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration put out two company press releases announcing voluntarily recalls of Central America-grown cantaloupes.  First Central American Produce, Inc. of Pompano Beach, FL said it was recalling cantaloupes grown, packed, and shipped by "an independent third party grower."  That grower was Agropecuaria Montelibano in San Lorenzo Valle, Honduras.

The Tropifresh, Inc. of Los Angles said it was recalling Agrolibano Produce brand because "they appear to be contaminated with Salmonella..."  Whole cantaloupe sold by Tropifresh carry a "Mike's Melons" label and were distributed in Southern California, Pennsylvania and Canada.  On its website, Tropifresh advertises itself as an importer of fruit from Costa Rica.

This time, however, it may have got caught buying from one of the "big boats" that pickup fruits in the Gulf of Fonseca for the trip north.   (The Gulf serves El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua)

Tropifresh bought the bad melons from the same supplier did Central American Produce, Inc.

That would be Agropecuaria Montelibano in San Lorenzo Valle, Honduras

 

 

 

San Lorenzo Valle, Honduras

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Honduras is not happy with Uncle Sam.   The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is telling people to toss cantaloupes from Agropecuaria Montelibano in Honduras.

At least 50 people in 16 states have become sick with salmonella from eating the Honduran cantaloupes.   The FDA warning, however, has itself turned into an international incident.

Honduran President Manuel Zelaya calls the FDA action "unjust" and "extreme and imprudent."

President Zelaya says the Honduran melons were not contaminated on the inside, but on the peel. That would indicate they came into contact with salmonella bacteria during shipment.

Symptoms of foodborne salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

The FDA says no deaths have been linked to the salmonella outbreak, although 14 people have been hospitalized.

Growing cantaloupes for export, mostly to the United States, is a $100 million industry in Honduras.   It  employs 5,000.    President Zelaya, pictured here, is certain to keep up the pressure on the U.S.

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Kowalke Family Sprouts Inc., which distributes through Farmer's Markets, Whole Foods and Gelson's Supermarkets,  is recalling all its alfalfa sprout products because the seeds used to grow them were found to be contaminated with Salmonella.

No illnesses have yet been associated with the Kowalke sprouts.   The California Department of Public Health announced the recall, which was said to be voluntarily made by Kowalke.

The CDPH said:

All alfalfa, onion/alfalfa mix, cauliflower/alfalfa mix and dinner salad mix products are affected by the recall. Alfalfa products are in 4-ounce, 8-ounce, 1-pound and 5-pound packages.   The dinner salad is in an 8-ounce package.  The cauliflower/alfalfa combo and onion/alfalfa mix are in 4-ounce packages.  The products in question have sell-by dates from March 4 through March 26. The codes are located on the front label of the packages.

Go here for CDPH news.

P.S.  We are all but certain there are none of those rizty markets in Alamosa, CO

 

 

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Some two and five pound boxes of Aunt Jemima Pancake & Waffle Mix are being recalled by the Quaker Oats Co.    Aunt Jemima Pancake & Waffle Mix: Original, Original Complete and Buttermilk Complete  may have potential salmonella contamination.

No illnesses have been reported, and Quaker says 98 percent of the products being recalled are within its own distribution chain and will likely be found and returned.  So, let's help them find the other 2 percent.

The products, sold in 2 pound and 5 pound boxes with Best Before dates of FEB 08 09 H through FEB 16 09 H stamped on the top, contain the following UPC codes:

30000 43272: Aunt Jemima Buttermilk Complete, 5 lb.
30000 05040: Aunt Jemima Original, 2 lb.
30000 05070: Aunt Jemima Original Complete, 2 lb.
30000 05300: Aunt Jemima Buttermilk Complete, 2 lb.

Salmonella is a food borne illness that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Finally, is anyone but us surprised that Aunt Jemima remains as a brand name?

The FDA-issued copy of the company's press release can be found here.

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When San Francisco area Vegans opened their newspapers this morning (3/3), they could not have liked reading that the California Department of Public Health was warning  consumers not to eat certain brands of alfalfa sprouts because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, several illnesses have been reported across the state, including one in Contra Costa County and two in San Francisco. Two manufacturers voluntarily recalled their products from grocery stories and wholesale distributors, officials said.

Products recalled are:

- Salad Cosmo Alfalfa Sprouts, sold by Salad Cosmo USA Corp. in 2.5-ounce containers with white and green labels, and in clear 1-pound bags with blue labeling. Product codes on these containers are 0219, 0220, 0221, 0222, 0223, 0224, 0226, 0227, 0228, 0229, 0302 and 0303.

- Always Fresh and Alfa One Alfalfa Sprouts, produced by J.H. Caldwell and Sons, Inc. in 4-ounce and 5-ounce containers. Product codes on these containers are 202182, 202192, 202212, 202222, 202232, 202252, 202262 and 202272.

The public was advised that Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting. The public health department said those who believe they are ill should refrigerate the remains of the sprouts and contact Environmental Health Services at (831) 454 2022.

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This product may be contaminated with Salmonella, (a bacterium that causes foodborne illness).
Symptoms of foodborne illness caused by Salmonella include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In persons with poor underlying health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections.

The product was distributed nationwide. Consumers should not consume the recalled product and should discard any product they may have.

The potential for contamination was noted after testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that detected the presence of Salmonella in some packages of Baker’s Premium White Chocolate Baking Squares (6 oz.). The company is aggressively investigating the source of the problem.  This recall is only for Baker’s Premium White Chocolate Baking Squares (6 oz.). No other varieties of Baker’s White Chocolate or any other Baker’s products sold in the United States are impacted by this recall.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA (August 30, 2007)—Food safety attorney Bill Marler spoke out from across the globe today after hearing that bagged spinach has once again been recalled for contamination with a potentially deadly foodborne pathogen. Nearly a year after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 205 illnesses and three deaths associated with consumption of E. coli O157:H7-contaminated Dole-brand bagged spinach, Metz Fresh of King City, California, recalled 8,118 cases of spinach for potential Salmonella contamination.

“Since last year’s outbreak, the leafy greens industry has taken several positive steps toward reducing the risk of contaminated product reaching our food supply, but this latest recall proves that a voluntary compliance program is not sufficient to protect the public,” Marler said. 

On July 23, members of the California Leafy Greens Handler Marketing Agreement (LGMA) began using a service mark certifying membership in the LGMA program. LGMA Chairman Joe Pezzini commented on the new service mark and Marketing Agreement: “Beginning July 23rd, we will begin to certify to our customers that California lettuce, spinach and other leafy greens have been grown to the highest food safety standards available.”

“Although Metz Fresh was reportedly using a test-and-hold system to prevent contaminated spinach from reaching the food supply, it is apparent that the system was not effective, given that approximately 800 cases of contaminated spinach made their way into the supply chain,” Marler continued. “We’re seeing today that regulation is needed to protect the leafy green industry from itself.”

Marler, who is internationally known as a food safety advocate, is in Melbourne, Australia, where he is delivering a keynote address at the Dairy Industry Association of Australia’ s Dairy Science World Series conference. In September he will travel to Beijing, China, for the China International Food Safety and Quality Conference and Exposition, and will deliver a keynote address entitled, “The Legal Costs of Foodborne Illness”. 

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A Springfield company today voluntarily recalled two products because of concern that they might be contaminated with disease-causing salmonella bacteria.

Toby's Family Foods recalled:

- Eight-ounce plastic containers of Toby's Lite Sour Creme with expiration dates of June 17 and earlier.

- 12-ounce glass jars of Toby's Toasted Sesame Dressing with sell dates of July 5 and earlier.

So far no illnesses have been reported to the company.

The products are distributed primarily in Oregon, but also in Washington and California, through natural food and specialty stores.

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A Dixon company is recalling alfalfa sprouts because the product could be contaminated with salmonella.  The company called Salad Cosmo U.S.A. Corp. says the sprouts are packaged in plastic containers with white and green labels and in 1-pound bags with blue labels.  They were shipped to grocery stores in California, Washington, Oregon and Nevada. No illnesses have been reported.  The contamination was discovered during routine testing.

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Archer Farms is recalling Four Cheese Risotto for possible salmonella contamination. Press Release

By The Associated Press

The following recall has been announced:

Archer Farms four-cheese risotto, sold by Target stores, because it could be contaminated with salmonella. Customers should return the item to the nearest Target store for a full refund. No illnesses have been reported. Details: by phone at 800-440-0680; by Web at http://www.fda.gov.

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By Guest Columnist to the Shelby County Reporter - Angela Treadaway

Alabama Cooperative Extension System Food Safety experts Patti West and Jean Weese initially were shocked when they learned about the outbreak of salmonella in peanut butter. Peanut butter just didn’t strike these two as an ideal environment for the bug. Why? Because “bacteria just do not do well in the high-fat, low-moisture foods,” according to West.

Further investigation, though, revealed some bigger and unsettling surprises. For starters, the recent salmonella outbreak is not the first one associated with peanut butter. Yes, it is believed to be the first outbreak recorded in the United States, but a similar incident involving peanut butter occurred in Australia in 1996, affecting roughly 50 people.

If that wasn’t surprising enough, West also learned that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Bad Bug Book, considered by many food safety specialists as the definitive source of information about foodborne pathogens, lists peanut butter as an “associated” source of salmonella contamination, not a principal source, such as raw meats, poultry and eggs, but one in which bacteria conceivably could turn up.

In fact, there have been several recent and large outbreaks of salmonella associated with high-fat, reduced water foods such as peanut butter. Based on the findings of one study, published in the Journal of Food Protection in November 2006, researchers speculated that the unique makeup of peanut butter fat mixed with minimal amounts of water can provide adequate conditions for three different salmonella to survive, even despite the intense blasts of heat associated with pasteurization.

What this means is that peanut butter and similar types of food conceivably can provide microclimates that enable tiny amounts of bacteria to survive, West says.

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According to Steven Bodzin of  www.bloomberg.com reporting on the FDA, the Peanut Butter recall has once again been expanded.

March 10 (Bloomberg) -- ConAgra Foods Inc.'s recall of its Peter Pan butter and other peanut items will apply to products made by the third-largest U.S. food company since October 2004, a year earlier than the date in a prior recall notice.

``Consumers who purchased any of the products since October 2004 should discard them,'' the Food & Drug Administration said in an e-mailed statement. ``FDA's advice to consumers continues to be not to eat any Peter Pan peanut butter or any Great Value peanut butter beginning with the 2111 product code.''

``We recalled all peanut butter products out there, including those back to October 2004,'' she said in a telephone interview. ``This is to our perspective an ongoing effort to recall all the product from the marketplace.''

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention said in a statement March 7 that 425 people in 44 states were infected with the strain of salmonella also found in the peanut products and 71 people had been hospitalized. Two-thirds of the cases began after Dec. 1, 2006, it said.

We at Marler Clark have been involved in quite a few Salmonella cases over the years:

Ongoing Salmonella Outbreak Investigations:

Peanut Butter Salmonella Outbreak
Wal-Mart Salmonella Outbreak
Sushi King Salmonella Outbreak

Marler Clark has brought Salmonella claims against:

Black Forrest Bakery
Brook-Lea Country Club
C.L. Swanson
Cafe Santa Fe
Chili's
ConAgra
Corky & Lenny's
Golden Corral
Harmony Farms
KFC
Linh's Bakery
Malt-O-Meal
Old South Restaurant
Orchid Island
Paramount Farms
Quality Inn
San Antonio Taco
Seasons at the Pond
Sheetz
Sun Orchard
Sunset House
Sushi King
Susie Cantaloupe
Viva Cantaloupe
Wal-Mart
Western Sizzlin'
Wyndham Anatole Hotel

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The state health department warned consumers Friday not to drink raw milk from a dairy farm after two people who drank it were sickened by salmonella.

There was evidence of salmonella in a milk sample obtained from the people who drank it, and samples from Stump Acres Dairy in New Salem tested positive for salmonella, said Dr. Calvin B. Johnson.  Raw milk sales have been suspended at the dairy, he said.

The consumers who fell ill are recovering, Health Department spokesman Richard McGarvey said. They fell ill last month.  Glendora Marie Stump, the dairy’s owner, disputed the state’s findings, saying samples sent to a private laboratory found no evidence of salmonella.

“Every time they try to shut me down, it just turns the public more curious about raw milk,” Stump said.

Raw milk has not been pasteurized to kill bacteria. Proponents say it contains more vitamins than pasteurized milk and can be consumed by people who are lactose intolerant, although no health or nutritional benefits have been scientifically proven, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  State law requires raw milk to be sold on the premises of the dairies that produce it.

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SEOUL, Feb. 26 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean food watchdog said Monday it is recalling imported American peanut butter after it was linked to an outbreak of salmonella food poisoning in the U.S.

Keep reading here

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LOS ANGELES – A wholesale produce importer on Friday recalled several thousand cartons of cantaloupes after some tested positive for salmonella.

Castle Produce said the recall covered roughly 2,560 cartons of cantaloupes delivered on or after Feb. 16 to wholesalers in Los Angeles and San Francisco for distribution in the western states. The cantaloupes originated in Costa Rica.

It wasn't clear if the cantaloupes had reached stores.

The recall is the second involving the fruit this month. The Dole Fresh Fruit Co. has recalled about 6,100 cartons of cantaloupes distributed to wholesalers in the eastern United States and Quebec between Feb. 5 and Feb. 8. The cantaloupes also were imported from Costa Rica and tested positive for salmonella.

The source of the salmonella was a plastic basket used to hold the cantaloupes after they are harvested and washed, said Steven Reynolds, the company's chief financial officer. There have been no reports of illness due to the contaminated cantaloupes, Reynolds said.

The cantaloupes were distributed for sale in bulk in cardboard cartons, with nine, 12 or 15 melons to a carton.

Salmonella, which commonly originates from the feces of birds and animals, can cause diarrhea, fever, dehydration, abdominal pain and vomiting.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2007
P07-21

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Certain Jars of Peter Pan Peanut Butter and Great Value Peanut Butter

Product May be Contaminated With Salmonella

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to eat certain jars of Peter Pan peanut butter or Great Value peanut butter due to risk of contamination with Salmonella Tennessee (a bacterium that causes foodborne illness). The affected jars of Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter have a product code located on the lid of the jar that begins with the number "2111." Both the Peter Pan and Great Value brands are manufactured in a single facility in Georgia by ConAgra. Great Value peanut butter made by other manufacturers is not affected.

If consumers have any of this Peter Pan or Great Value brand peanut butter in their home that has been purchased since May 2006, they should discard it.

Symptoms of foodborne illness caused by Salmonella include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In persons with poor underlying health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections. Individuals who have recently eaten Peter Pan and Great Value brand peanut butter beginning with product code 2111 and have experienced any of these symptoms should contact their doctor or health care provider immediately. Any such illnesses should be reported to state or local health authorities.

FDA's warning is based on a just-completed epidemiological study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the states and local health agencies, which links 288 cases of foodborne illness in 39 states to consumption of varying types of Peter Pan peanut butter. This report was provided to FDA on February 13.

The outbreak appears to be ongoing and the first consumer may have become ill in August 2006. The cause of foodborne illnesses can be difficult to identify. As a result of extensive epidemiological testing and recent case control studies, CDC was recently able to identify Peter Pan peanut butter as the likely cause of illness. Great Value brand peanut butter beginning with product code 2111 is manufactured in the same plant as Peter Pan peanut butter and, thus, is believed to be at similar risk of contamination.

ConAgra is recalling all Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter beginning with product code 2111 that already was distributed. The company also is destroying all affected products in their possession. The company will cease production until the exact cause of contamination can be identified and eliminated. ConAgra will advise consumers to destroy any Peter Pan and Great Value brand peanut butter beginning with product code 2111 in their possession. To assist in this endeavor, FDA has sent investigators to ConAgra's processing plant in Sylvester, Georgia where the products are made to review records, collect product samples and conduct tests for Salmonella Tennessee.

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Vandervoet & Associates, Inc. Firm Press Release: Vandervoet & Associates, Inc., Issues Recall for Cantaloupes--HDC Label Due to Potential Health Concerns Contact: Brian F. Vandervoet (520) 281-0454 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—Rio Rico, Ariz.—December 1, 2006—Vandervoet & Associates, Inc. of Rio Rico, AZ announces a voluntary recall of its cantaloupes, HDC label. The melons have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella, a substance which may render them injurious to health. Absolutely, no illnesses have been reported to date. Healthy persons infected with salmonella may experience fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or nausea. Rarely, a salmonella infection can enter the blood stream producing a more serious illness. In the elderly, weak, or infants, salmonella may prove fatal. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that anyone experiencing these symptoms following consumption of this cantaloupe, should seek medical advice. Approximately 7,400 cartons of cantaloupes were sold and distributed in the United States and Canada between November 9, 2006 and November 15, 2006. The cantaloupes were packed in cardboard cartons with contents of 9 to 23 melons per carton. The melons had a light green cast to the exterior, orange flesh, and firm fruit. Samples taken on November 9, 2006 by the FDA resulted in the recall. Laboratory tests made by the FDA demonstrated that a portion contained salmonella. Vandervoet & Associates, Inc. initiated the recall on November 17, 2006. Working together with the FDA and other organizations, Vandervoet & Associates is searching to identify all potential sources of contamination, and to eliminate them. Any consumers who may have purchased HDC cantaloupes are recommended to return them to their point of purchase for a full and complete refund of all expenses. Any consumer who has purchased cantaloupes during the above mentioned time frame may contact the place of purchase to inquire if the store sold the recalled labels. Any consumer with any questions may inquire by communicating with Vandervoet & Associates, at 1-520-281-0454.

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Rio Vista, Ltd., has recalled Llano and Nature's Brand Cantaloupes because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.  Full Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Rio Rico, AZ -- November 17, 2006 -- Rio Vista, Ltd., of Rio Rico, Arizona, is voluntarily recalling its Llano and Nature's Partner brand cantaloupes, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, although no illnesses have been reported to date. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more serious illnesses. If individuals believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming this cantaloupe, FDA recommends that they seek medical advice.  Contact: Walter Ram at 1-520-375-7428.

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The York Dispatch
08/16/2006

Item: 5-ounce containers of alfalfa sprouts.
Place of purchase: Food stores nationwide.
Company: Fullei Fresh
Problem: Sprouts could become contaminated with salmonella.
Remedy: Return sprouts to place of purchase for full refund.
Contact: Call 1-877-438-5534.

Item: Baby spinach and spring mix
Place of purchase: Food distributors nationwide.
Company: Classic Salads.
Problem: Products may contain harmful bacteria.
Remedy: Return item to place of purchase for full refund.
Contact: Call 831-809-9571.

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August 14, 2006
Matthew Borghese, All Headline News Staff Writer

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Fullei Fresh of Miami, Florida, are recalling 5-ounce containers of alfalfa sprouts after evidence that they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

While no incidents have been reported so far, the FDA says the recalled alfalfa sprouts were distributed statewide in food service establishments.

According to the Administration, Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Continue Reading...

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Contact: Manny Wong
877-4-FULLEI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Miami, FL -- August 10, 2006 -- Fullei Fresh of Miami, Florida, is recalling its 5-ounce containers of alfalfa sprouts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recalled alfalfa sprouts were distributed statewide in food service establishments. The product comes in a 5-ounce, clear plastic cup container. This product was grown and packaged by Fullei Fresh, and distributed by produce companies.

Continue Reading...

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August 7, 2006
Matthew Borghese - All Headline News Staff Writer

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Classic Salads are voluntarily recalling 4lb., 2lb. and 10 oz. Baby Spinach and 4lb., 3lb., 1.5lb., Spring Mix, "because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems."

According to the FDA, "Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain 12 to 72 hours after infection. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis."

Continue Reading...

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August 4, 2006

Between 30,000 and 35,000 bags of baby spinach and spring mix, manufactured by Classic Salads, are being recalled because of possible salmonella contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause fever, diarrhea and vomiting.

It can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

The recall includes 4-pound, 2-pound and 10-ounce bags of baby spinach as well as 3-pound, 1?-pound, 1-pound and 7-ounce bags of spring mix.

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By DANIA AKKAD
Herald Salinas Bureau

Salinas-area Classic Salads has voluntarily recalled up to 30,000 packages of baby spinach and spring mix products in the past week after lab tests showed they might be contaminated with salmonella.

No illnesses related to consumption of the produce -- grown in the Salinas Valley and sold almost entirely to food service customers like restaurants and hotels -- have been reported.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children or elderly people and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea and vomiting, and in rare cases, arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

Continue Reading...

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Recall -- Firm Press Release
Contact:
Lex Camany
(831)763-4520

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Salinas, CA -- July 31, 2006 -- Classic Salads of Salinas, CA is voluntarily recalling 4lb., 2lb. and 10 oz. Baby Spinach and 4lb., 3lb., 1.5lb., Spring Mix, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain 12 to 72 hours after infection. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Baby Spinach/Spring Mix was distributed nationwide, as well as Canada and Japan, to foodservice, institutions and distributors.

Continue Reading...

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"The raw chicken entrees, because of their frozen state, labeling, and cooked appearance, may have caused consumers to believe these raw products are pre-cooked and therefore consumers may not be cooking these products to a safe temperature."

Indiana Firm Recalls Frozen Stuffed Chicken Entrees Associated With Illnesses

Recall ReleaseCLASS I RECALL
RC-FSIS-09-2006HEALTH RISK: HIGH
Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Amanda Eamich

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2006 - Serenade Foods Division, a Milford, Ind., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 75,800 pounds of frozen stuffed chicken entrees that may be unhealthful and therefore unfit for food, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The recalled products must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

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Salmonella cases linked to frozen chicken entrees

Apr 22, 2005 (CIDRAP News) -- Health officials have warned consumers to make sure they fully cook frozen meat and poultry products, in the wake of several Salmonella infections linked to frozen chicken entrees sold in Minnesota and Michigan.

Four cases of salmonellosis have been linked with frozen, prebrowned stuffed chicken entrees in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported in a news release yesterday.

Continue Reading...

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By Severin Carrell
Published: 02 July 2006

The salmonella food poisoning bug found in Cadbury chocolate may have contaminated up to 30 different brands, food safety officials have warned.

Safety tests are now being carried out on a wide range of bars after it emerged that the contamination, which was caused by a leaking pipe discovered earlier this year at a Cadbury plant, may have been far greater than first realised. More than one million Cadbury chocolate bars were withdrawn from sale 10 days ago after the firm admitted that chocolate "crumb" was contaminated with traces of salmonella montevideo, a rare strain of the bug, six months ago.

Health officials in Birmingham are now testing another 30 brands and the Food Standards Agency has warned that other types of Cadbury chocolate could be withdrawn. The disclosures will add to Cadbury's embarrassment. Thecompany was forced to admit 13 days ago that it had known of the incident since January.

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Fri Jun 30, 2006
Health News

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Albertson's Inc. said on Friday that one of its suppliers had issued a precautionary warning over one-pound bags of peeled baby carrots after a bag in Canada tested positive for salmonella.

Although none of the potentially affected bags remain in its stores, the grocery chain said it was urging customers to discard the product or return any such bags to the store for a refund "out of an abundance of caution."

The warning issued by Grimmway Farms affects bags with lot number 138221E6 with a "Best If Used By" date of June 17.

Albertson's said there have been no positive tests of any illness or consumer complaints associated with the products.

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Fri Jun 23, 2006

LONDON (Reuters) - Cadbury Schweppes Plc said on Friday it had recalled over 1 million chocolate bars in the UK and Irish markets in a precautionary move, because they could contain minute traces of salmonella.

"There are minute traces of salmonella, which are significantly below those (levels) which scientific standards say present any hazard," a spokeswoman for the world's biggest confectionery group said.

"There's no connection between our product and anybody becoming ill from it," she added.

The company said it had identified the source of the problem and rectified it and was taking steps to ensure these products are no longer available for sale.

Continue Reading...

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Australia
June 1, 2006

TEN cases of salmonella food poisoning have been linked to a local cured pork. The Department of Human Services has issued a recall of the pork after 10 people suffered salmonella food poising between April 20 and May 23.

Tibaldi Smallgoods has agreed to voluntarily recall the capocollo.

The Coburg-based smallgoods manufacturer has been linked to salmonella outbreaks in 1981, which affected more than 380 people, and in 1995.

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Associated Press
May 19, 2006

ATLANTA - Some samples of a Jamaican specialty tea sold in Georgia have tested positive for salmonella, a sometimes fatal infection, according to the state's agriculture commissioner.

Lab technicians at the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed Friday that packages of Caribbean Dreams Cerasee Tea tested positive for salmonella.

The tea was imported from Kingston, Jamaica. It was sold at Ocho Rios, a store in Tucker, and possibly other locations, according to state Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin.

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March 13, 2006
Meat News

UNITED STATES: Serenade Foods recalls approximately 75,600 pounds of stuffed chicken that may be contaminated with bacteria.

Serenade Foods, Milford, Indiana, recalled approximately 75,600 pounds of frozen stuffed raw chicken entrees. Because of the product's frozen state, the product label, and cooked appearance of the product, consumers may incorrectly assume that these products are cooked, according to USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The recalled products must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F. However, FSIS is concerned that consumers may not cook these products to a safe temperature.

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NEWS TRIBUNE
March 11, 2006

Serenade Foods of Milford Ill. is recalling about 75,800 pounds of frozen stuffed chicken entrees sold under the Maple Leaf Farms name.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the raw chicken entrees, which appear cooked, may have caused some consumers to believe the products were precooked. The products were contaminated with a type of Salmonella often associated with chicken.

Products subject to the recall include chicken, shrimp and crab products with the USDA inspection codes P-2375, P-2375 and P-2375, produced before Nov. 4. Kirkwood chicken products with the USDA inspection code P-2375 also are subject to the recall. The codes are inside the USDA inspection mark.

Call the Consumer Hot Line at (866) 873-7589 for more information.

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Small children are among more than 100 West Australians who have fallen ill with Salmonella poisoning after eating sprouts sold in supermarkets.
Contaminated alfalfa sprouts, mung beans, bean shoots and other sprout products have been sold in Action, Coles and Woolworths supermarkets since Nov 2005, resulting in 110 reported cases of food poisoning.
A Health Department investigation led to the sprout products being pulled from supermarket shelves on Fri, 17 Feb 2006. The department believes animal waste is a likely reason for Salmonella in the sprouts, which were germinated in South Australia.
West Australian Health Department communicable disease control director Paul Van Buynder urged people to discard any Parilla Fresh sprouts products. He said it was rare for the particular strain of Salmonella to result in death and said no one had been admitted to hospital after eating the sprouts.

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DECEMBER 29, 2005

US Trading CO. of Hayward, California is recalling the following product because they may be contaminated with Salmonella:

"JHC Brand cooked seasoned anchovy (spicy)", Net Wt.: 7oz packed in clear plastic container

"JHC Brand cooked seasoned anchovy w/sesame", Net Wt.: 7oz, packed in clear plastic container

"JHC Brand cooked seasoned anchovy Net Wt.: 2oz, packed in clear plastic bag.

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December 27, 2005

National Post Heather Sokoloff TORONTO - Jia Quan Shi, the manager of a bustling supermarket in the city's Chinatown, reaches deep into a bin of mung bean sprouts and drops a handful of the white crunchy legumes into his mouth.

"See?" Mr. Shi says. "A very safe snack."

Supermarket managers such as Mr. Shi have been doing a lot of reassuring lately, since a major Toronto bean sprout producer has twice, in one month, been forced to recall salmonella-infested batches of sprouts. The first advisory came in November and was lifted on Dec. 14; the second was issued by the federal government on Christmas Eve.

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November 16, 2005
RECALLS AND FIELD CORRECTIONS: FOODS AND COSMETICS -- CLASS I

PRODUCT
Ocean Pearl**KEEP FROZEN***Wild Caught***Clam Meat Fully Cooked Individually Quick Frozen***Size: 300/500***NET WT. 1LB (16OZ)***Product of China***packed 24 1 pound packages to a case, Recall # F-022-6
CODE
Bar code: 8 23998 12923 8 on 1 pound packages; Lot C7397 on master cartons
RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER
Recalling Firm: Yu I Hsiang U.S.A. Corp. Dba Fortuna Seafoods, Rosemead, CA, by telephone, fax and letter on September 27, 2005.
Manufacturer: Fujian Provincial Meihua Aquatic Processing Factory, Changle, China. FDA initiated recall is ongoing.
REASON
Clam meat is contaminated with Salmonella.
VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE
782 cases
DISTRIBUTION
CA and NY

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October 25, 2005
BBC News

Supermarket Waitrose has recalled seven of its chicken products because of a salmonella scare.

The supermarket said it was taking the "precautionary measure" after routine tests had shown the possible presence of the bacteria in one product.

The supermarket stressed the "unconfirmed presence" had been found in one 200g pack of Waitrose Roast Chicken Sweet Chilli Mini Fillets.

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Contact:
Fortuna Sea Products, Inc.
626-572-4600

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Rosemead, CA -- October 7, 2005 -- Fortuna Sea Products, Inc. of Rosemead, CA is recalling frozen cooked clam meat in one pound packages labeled as Ocean Pearl Wild Caught, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more sever illnesses such as severe arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Fortuna Sea Products, Inc. sells frozen cooked clam meat to distributors in Southern California and New York, New York area. Consumers may have purchased or consumed the product through retail or foodservice establishments such as supermarkets and restaurants.

Fortuna Sea Products' frozen cooked clam meat can be identified by the Ocean Pearl brand label. Clam meat is sold in 24 x 1 lb retail pack in a master carton to distributors and may be reselling to consumers in 1 lb retail plastic bag. This recall is for Ocean Pearl brand frozen cooked clam meat with bar code 0 23998 12923 8 and Lot#C7397 stamped on master carton.

Through routine testing by FDA the presence of salmonella was revealed. In the frozen cooked clam meat.

No illnesses have been reported associated with this recall.

Retail and foodservice establishments and whose customers who have purchased Ocean Pearl brand frozen cooked clam meat with bar code 0 23998 12923 8 and Lot#7397 stamped on master carton should return the product to the distributors for a full refund. Distributors and consumers with questions may contact Fortuna Sea Products, Inc. directly at 626-572-4600.

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Associated Press
ROSEMEAD, Calif. - The company behind the West Bay brand of seafood issued a voluntary recall on Monday, saying some of its frozen cooked clam meat cartons might be contaminated with salmonella.

Fortuna Sea Products Inc. said it is recalling the West Bay-labeled frozen cooked clam meat master cartons stamped with Lot No. C7397.

The product is sold to distributors as a master carton with 24 one-pound packets, which may be resold at retail to customers as individual one-pound packets. The company's frozen cooked clam meat is also sold to restaurants.

Some 700 master cartons were shipped between July and August, mostly to supermarket distributors and Asian markets in Southern California and New York, said John Chiang, a company spokesman.

Testing by the Food and Drug Administration uncovered the potential for the presence of the bacteria, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.

Otherwise healthy people may suffer fever, severe headaches, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

No one had reported ill effects from the West Bay product, Chiang said.

Customers who purchased the product should return the product to the distributor for a full refund, the company said.

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September 14, 2005

Item: Fresh squeezed orange juice
Place of purchase: Retail or food service businesses in several states including Pennsylvania
Company: Orchid Island Juice Co.
Problem: Juice sold under labels Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Company, Albritton Fruit, Nino Salvaggio, Balducci's, Gourmet Garage, Zabar's and Ultimate. and has expiration dates of Sept. 15, 2005 through Sept. 22, 2005 could be contaminated with salmonella
Remedy: Recalled
Contact: Call the company at 772-465-1122 or visit www.orchidislandjuice.com or www.fda.gov on the Web.

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By NANCY PARADIS, Times Staff Writer
September 12, 2005

Fresh squeezed (only) orange juice with an expiration date code of 9/15/05 through 9/22/05 by Orchid Island Juice Co. The product may be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and people with weakened immune systems. The fresh squeezed juice was sold under the the Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Co., Albritton Fruit, Nino Salvaggio, Balducci's, Gourmet Garage, Zabar's and Ultimate labels in various sizes. The recall applies to the fresh squeezed juice only, not the pasteurized. Consumers with recalled product should throw the juice away and return the container to the store where purchased for a full refund. Call (772) 465-1122.

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By staff reporter
Food Navigator

9/6/2005 - Dried basil contaminated with Salmonella is at the center of a major product recall in California.

The FDA has advised processors and repackers that Majestic International Spice Corporation has been forced to recall its dried "Extra Fancy Basil" spice in 12.5 kilogram bags after traces of Salmonella were found.

The agency also said that it was concerned that the firm had not adequately alerted its suppliers to the problem. The only identification on the 12.5 kilogram paper bags is a white paper label stating "EXTRA FANCY BASIL 12.5 KGS."

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August 31, 2005
Georgia FACES
Faith Peppers - University of Georgia

Most Americans now know better than to eat raw eggs. If you eat raw cookie dough or lick beaters slathered with cake batter, it's the same as slurping down a raw egg. Don't do it, University of Georgia food safety experts warn.

"Several years ago, my son begged me to buy a roll of chocolate chip cookie dough he could eat as a snack," said Martha Partridge, a UGA Cooperative Extension agent in Elbert County. "My instincts told me not to take a chance. If the package says to 'cook before eating,' you shouldn't stray from the directions."

Recall, reminder

A recent recall of a national gourmet ice cream store's cake batter ice cream should serve as a reminder. During an investigation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed that the sweet cream base of the ice cream was pasteurized but the dry cake mix that was added to the base was labeled a baking mix by the manufacturer.

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