New Jersey Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products For Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

You are here: Home / News & Events / News Releases / Sep 25, 2007 Firm Recalls Ground Beef...










New Jersey Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products For Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination
Recall Release
CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-040-2007
HEALTH RISK: HIGH
Congressional and Public Affairs(202) 720-9113Amanda Eamich WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2007 - Topps Meat Company, LLC, an Elizabeth, NJ, establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 331,582 pounds of frozen ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.The products subject to recall include: [View Labels, PDF Only]
Preparing Ground Beef For Safe Consumption USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHOTLINE or visit www.fsis.usda.gov
Although the product(s) being recalled should be returned to the point of purchase, consumers preparing other ground beef products should heed the following advice. Consumers should only eat ground beef patties that have been cooked to a safe temperature of 160 °F. When a ground beef patty is cooked to 160 °F throughout, it can be safe and juicy, regardless of color. The only way to be sure a ground beef patty is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use an accurate food thermometer. Color is not a reliable indicator that ground beef patties have been cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7. Eating a pink or red ground beef patty without first verifying that the safe temperature of 160 °F has been reached is a significant risk factor for foodborne illness. Thermometer use to ensure proper cooking temperature is especially important for those who cook or serve ground beef patties to people most at risk for foodborne illness because E. coli O157:H7 can lead to serious illness or even death. Those most at risk include young children, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems.
10-pound boxes of “BUTCHER’S BEST 100% ALL BEEF PATTIES 75/25, 6 OZ. FLAT, 27 PIECES.” Each box bears a sell-by date of “JUL 23 08.”
10-pound boxes of “BUTCHER’S BEST 100% ALL BEEF PATTIES 75/25, 4 OZ. (4-1), 40 PIECES.” Each box bears a sell-by date of “JUL 23 08.”
10-pound boxes of “KOHLER FOODS 4 OZ. FLAT HAMBURGER, CODE: 60100, 40 PCS.” Each box bears a sell-by date of “JUL 23 08.”
10-pound boxes of “KOHLER FOODS 6 OZ. FLAT HAMBURGER, CODE: 60200, 27 PCS.” Each box bears a sell-by date of “JUL 23 08.”
10-pound boxes of “KOHLER FOODS 8 OZ. FLAT HAMBURGER, CODE: 60300, 20 PCS.” Each box bears a sell-by date of “JUL 23 08.”
10-pound boxes of “SAND CASTLE FINE MEAT, 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGERS 80/20, 8 OZ. FLAT, 20 COUNT.” Each box bears a packed-on date of “JUN 22 07.”
10-pound boxes of “SAND CASTLE FINE MEAT, 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGERS 85/15, 6 OZ. FLAT, 27 COUNT.” Each box bears a packed-on date of “JUN 22 07.”
2-pound boxes of “Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers, 8 Quarter Pounders.” Each box bears a sell-by date of “JUL 12 08.”
2-pound boxes of “Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers, 3 OZ., 10 COUNT.” Each box bears a sell-by date of “JUL 12 08.”
3-pound boxes of “Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers, 6 OZ. PUB Burgers.” Each box bears a sell-by date of “JUN 22 08.”
Each package also bears the establishment number “Est. 9748” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The frozen ground beef products were produced on June 22, July 12 or July 23 and were distributed to food service institutions in the New York metropolitan area and to retail establishments nationwide.An investigation into a cluster of illnesses in the Northeast region carried out by the New York State Department of Health in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention led to a positive product sample collected by the New York Department of Health. Consumers and media with questions about the recall should contact company Vice President of Finance and Administration Jeffrey Rohach at (908) 351-0500 ext. 50. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

Undeclared Sulfites in “Preserved Fruit”

CONTACT: FOR RELEASE:
Jessica Chittenden Immediately, Tuesday
518-457-3136 September 18, 2007

***CONSUMER ALERT***
Undeclared Sulfites in “Preserved Fruit”

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Fung Shing Int’l Inc., located at 5629 56th Drive, Maspeth, NY 11378 is recalling “Preserved Fruit” due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites may run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled “Preserved Fruit” is packaged in an uncoded 2.5 ounce clear plastic container. It was sold nationwide. According to the label, the product is made in Taiwan.

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 product contained high levels of sulfites which were not declared on the label. 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.

No illnesses have been reported to date to this Department in connection with this problem. Consumers who have purchased “Preserved Fruit” should return it to the place of purchase.

###

DOLE FRESH VEGETABLES ANNOUNCES VOLUNTARY RECALL OF “DOLE HEARTS DELIGHT” PACKAGED SALADS

Food Company, Inc.
One Dole Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • 818-874-4000 • Fax 818-874-4625

NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Marty Ordman
+1-818-874-4834

DOLE FRESH VEGETABLES ANNOUNCES VOLUNTARY RECALL OF “DOLE HEARTS DELIGHT” PACKAGED SALADS
MONTEREY, California – SEPTEMBER 17, 2007
Dole Fresh Vegetables, a division of Dole Food Company, Inc., today announced that it is voluntarily recalling all salad bearing the label “Dole Hearts Delight” sold in the U.S. and Canada with a "best if used by (BIUB)" date of September 19, 2007, and a production code of "A24924A" or "A24924B" stamped on the package. The "best if use by (BIUB)" code date can be located in the upper right hand corner of the front of the bag. The salad was sold in plastic bags of 227 grams in Canada and one-half pound in the U.S., with UPC code 071430-01038.

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 exposure could include stomach cramps and diarrhea. Bloody diarrhea may develop. E. coli disease sometimes leads to a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). If you exhibited any of these symptoms within 3 to 5 days of consuming any of the products specified above, seek medical attention.

To date, Dole has received no reports that anyone has become sick from eating these products. The recall is occurring because a sample in a grocery store in Canada was found through random screening to contain E. coli O157:H7. No other Dole salad products are involved.
Eric Schwartz, President, Dole Fresh Vegetables, stated: "Our overriding concern is for consumer safety. We are working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and several U.S. state health departments."
Consumers who may still have any of the “Dole Hearts Delight” salads with a "best if used by date" of September 19 and a production code of "A24924A" or "A24924B" should dispose of the product. This product was sold in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces in Canada and in Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and neighboring states in the U.S. Consumers can call the Dole Consumer Center toll-free at 800-356-3111. Consumers are reminded that products should not be consumed after the "best if used by" date.
Dole Food Company, Inc., with 2006 revenues of $6.2 billion, is the world's largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and fresh-cut flowers. Dole markets a growing line of packaged and frozen foods and is a produce industry leader in nutrition education and research.
This release contains "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward looking statements, which are based on management's current expectations, are generally identifiable by the use of terms such as "may," "will," "expects," "believes," "intends" and similar expressions. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied herein include weather-related phenomena; market responses to industry volume pressures; product and raw materials supplies and pricing; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; economic crises and security risks in developing countries; international conflict; and quotas, tariffs and other governmental actions. Further information on the factors that could affect Dole's financial results is included in its SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K.
####

Strong America Limited issues alert on undeclared sulfites in Great Wall brand Chinese Wolfberry.

Strong America Limited issues alert on undeclared sulfites in Great Wall brand Chinese Wolfberry.

Strong America Ltd. of Long Island City, NY is recalling Chinese Wolfberry, because it may contain undeclared sulfites. People who have a severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled Great Wall brand Chinese Wolfberry is packed in uncoded 7oz packages and were sold in GA, NY, and TN.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by the Department’s Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the product, which were not declared on the label. 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 sulfites sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites. Analysis of the Chinese Wolfberry revealed that it contained 12.87 milligrams per serving.

Consumers who have Great Wall brand Chinese Wolfberry can return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-628-6200

Undeclared Sulfites in “Baby Elephant Brand Mango Sheets

CONTACT: FOR RELEASE:
Jessica Chittenden Immediately, Monday
518-457-3136 September 10, 2007

***CONSUMER ALERT***
Undeclared Sulfites in “Baby Elephant Brand Mango Sheets”

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Hoque & Sons Inc, located at 56-16 56th St, Maspeth, NY 11378 is recalling “Baby Elephant Brand Mango Sheets” due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites may run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled “Baby Elephant Brand Mango Sheets” is packaged in a 5.81 ounce plastic wrapped tray coded MFD 02 07 07 EXP 050708. The product was sold in Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey and New York.

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 product contained high levels of sulfites which were not declared on the label. 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.

No illnesses have been reported to date to this Department in connection with this problem. Consumers who have purchased “Baby Elephant Brand Mango Sheets” should return it to the place of purchase.

###


Jessica A. Chittenden
Director of Communications
NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets
10B Airline Dr., Albany, NY 12235
518-457-3136

Stirrings LLC Participates in Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Rimmer® Brand Mojito Cocktail Garnish Due to Possible Health Risk from Contaminated Raw I

Stirrings LLC Participates in Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Rimmer® Brand Mojito Cocktail Garnish Due to Possible Health Risk from Contaminated Raw Ingredient Supplied by Van de Vries Spice Corporation
Contact: Paul Nardone 508-324-9800
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Stirrings LLC, of Fall River, Massachusetts is recalling its 3.5 oz packages of Rimmer® Brand Mojito Cocktail Garnish (UPC# 80999 00046) with the best by codes 10/27/08, 10/30/08, 11/23/08, 12/01/08, 12/04/08 and 01/03/09 printed on the side of the tin. The recall may involve approximately 5,000 cases of its Rimmer® Brand Mojito Cocktail Garnish supplied by Van de Vries Spice Corporation (formerly Atlantic Quality Spice) of Edison, NJ because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Although Stirrings LLC's tests of finished product samples were negative for the presence of Salmonella, parsley powder, one of several ingredients supplied by Van de Vries Spice, tested positive for Salmonella.
The presence of 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, 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 such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Rimmer® Brand Mojito Cocktail Garnish was distributed nationwide through distributors, retail stores, internet sales and cocktail establishments.
Immediately after Van de Vries brought to Stirrings attention that a parsley powder used in a single lot of Mojito Rimmer product potentially could contain Salmonella based on FDA testing, Stirrings retained expert laboratories, primarily Shuster Laboratories of Canton, Massachusetts to test samples of its Mojito Rimmer product for Salmonella. Testing of 24 samples drawn from the Van de Vries lot of Mojito Rimmer failed to reveal the presence of Salmonella in the Mojito Rimmer product.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
Stirrings CEO Paul Nardone explained, "We have removed parsley powder from our Rimmer Cocktail Garnish formula. This ingredient represents less than one half of one percent of the blend and was used primarily as a natural colorant." Nardone further stated, "We have initiated a recall as a precaution and assurance to our customers that we stand behind our product quality 100%."
Consumers who have purchased Rimmer® Brand Mojito Cocktail Garnish with the best by codes noted above are asked to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the Company toll-free at 866-648-8239.
####
FDA's Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts Page: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html
___________________________________________________

Thanks for subscribing to the FDA Recalls list.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this list, go to
https://list.nih.gov/archives/fda-recalls-l.html