Thursday, August 28, 2008

Bailey’s Crab & Oysters, Port Norris, New Jersey (NJ 89 SS) has initiated a voluntary recall of oyster shell stock

EHS Circular Letter #2008-68


To: Local Directors of Health
Chief Sanitarians
Certified Food Inspectors

From: Tracey Weeks, MS, RS; Food Protection Program


Date: August 26, 2008


Subject: Oyster Recall by a New Jersey Firm


Bailey’s Crab & Oysters, Port Norris, New Jersey (NJ 89 SS) has initiated a voluntary recall of oyster shell stock. The recall was initiated because of two confirmed cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus associated with product harvested from “Ship John” and “Shell Rock” New Jersey growing areas on July 14-15, 2008 and shipped by Bailey’s Crabs & Oysters from July 7, 2008 to August 19, 2008.

According to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture, to date, the Connecticut shellfish dealers have not reported Connecticut distribution of the recalled oysters.

Please refer to the attached recall notice for specific product information. If you encounter any of the recalled product you are advised to embargo it and contact James Citak at the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture, (203) 874-0696 for information on proper disposition.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

NJ Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) is informing you with information on a Firm-Initiated Recall of oyster shellstock.

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SENIOR SERVICES
ATTENTION: REVISED CLASS 1 – FIRM-INITIATED VOLUNTARY RECALL The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) is informing you with information on a Firm-Initiated Recall of oyster shellstock. Bailey’s Crabs & Oysters of Port Norris, New Jersey (NJ 89 SS) has initiated a voluntary recall for all product shipped from July 7, 2008 to August 19, 2008. The cause of this action is two confirmed cases (1 MD, 1 DE) of Vibrio parahaemolyticus – associated illnesses from two different NJ growing areas (Ship John and Shell Rock -harvest dates July14, 2008 - July 15, 2008 both areas/dates) implicated to product harvested and shipped by this dealer. At present we are aware of oysters going to the following states and the following first dealers: Delivered to Fulton Market, Bronx, NY - Food Center Dr., Booth # • Alaskan Feast - 120 boxes • Blue Ribbon - 180 boxes • Lockwood & Winant - 120 boxes • Monarch Seafood (NJ) - 95 boxes • New Seafood - 230 boxes Delivered to ACA, Bronx, NY • Di Martino's - 80 boxes • K&B Seafood - 110 boxes Delivered to Illinois by common carrier - Amory • Boston Fish - 60 boxes • Blue Marlin - 232 boxes • Eastern Seafood - 90 boxes • Gold Star - 120 boxes • Rubino's - 273 boxes • Superior Lobster - 519 boxes • Supreme Fish - 20 boxes Delivered to St. Louis, MO • Fabulous Fish - 134 boxes Delivered to Milwaukee, WI • St. Paul Fish - 66 boxes
Delivered to Maryland • Harris Seafood (Primary wholesaler) - 1030 bushels and 76 bags • Chester River Clam Company (Secondary wholesaler) Delivered to VA • Roy Davis - 383 boxes • Bevins - 10 boxes (? amount was difficult to read, check invoice) Delivered to NJ • Trinity Seafood - 47 boxes • Peter McCarthy - 69 boxes • Parsons - 40 boxes Should you observe any of the implicated product from July 7, 2008 - August 19, 2008 please embargo and contact the owner of Bailey's Crabs and Oysters - Scott Bailey at 856-785-0025. The NJDHSS has been in contact the US Food and Drug Administration Regional Shellfish Specialist and per this email all the receiving states. If you need any further information please contact Cali Alexander - NJDHSS Seafood/Shellfish Coordinator 609-588-3123. Please be advised that the above Class 1 Voluntary Firm Recall is based on the best available information provided to the NJDHSS - Food and Drug Safety Program to date. Per discussions with the USFDA, you are being advised immediately of this expanded recall. Harvesting from these waters has been temporarily suspended until further notice while the NJDEP performs testing for Vibrio parahaemolyticus levels in oysters from the implicated shellfish beds. If you need further information on this harvest suspension, please contact Bob Connell - NJDEP Bureau of Water Monitoring - 609-748-2000.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Nestlé USA is announcing a product recall on our Hot Pockets Pepperoni Pizza Club Pack 6(12 x 4.5oz

Nestlé USA is announcing a product recall on our Hot Pockets Pepperoni Pizza Club Pack 6(12 x 4.5oz). This retrieval is due to the possibility that plastic pieces may be in the product.

Please communicate to your Distribution Center(s) and retail outlets alerting them to the details of this recall and direct them to remove product of the affected items with the Batch Code listed below.



Customers may see a batch code of 8157544618E. This product was made on a different production line and is NOT TO BE REMOVED FROM INVENTORY

NO LEAN POCKETS® brand items and NO other HOT POCKETS® brand items, including 2 and 5 pk Pepperoni Pizza, are affected by this recall.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated in clearing warehouses, storage rooms, and store shelves of this potentially affected product.

Warehouse inventory of affected product subject to this recall should be returned. If 50 cases or fewer are in the warehouse, you can destroy the product on site and provide documentation for reimbursement. Please provide your Nestlé Representative with a signed statement which details the case quantity destroyed by SKU. If product is destroyed, you are required to provide a signed statement and Certificate of Destruction (COD) as to the number of cases physically destroyed. The Account Order Coordinator will need the COD in order to process the appropriate credit.

Please notify all retail stores serviced and instruct them to pull all affected product listed above and destroy the product. Retail locations must provide documentation indicating the quantity of product destroyed. Retail outlets supplied by distributors must identify the product supplier as well. The appropriate documentation should be e-mailed to David Kochems (david.kochems@us.nestle.com) or faxed to Glendale 818-549-6399 attention of David Kochems.

Please contact your Nestlé Sales Representative, if you have any questions.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Nebraska Firm Expands Recall of Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

Nebraska Firm Expands Recall of Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination
Nebraska Beef, Ltd., an Omaha, Neb., establishment, is clarifying information from and expanding its recall announced on Aug. 8 of primal cuts, subprimal cuts and boxed beef to include such products bearing the company name "Nebraska Beef Ltd" that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. The total amount of product subject to recall is approximately 1.36 million pounds. The expansion of approximately 160,000 pounds and the clarifying information include:
Primal cuts, subprimal cuts and boxed beef produced on June 24, whose shipping containers and labels bear the establishment number "EST. 19336" inside the USDA mark of inspection and the company name "Nebraska Beef Ltd" The products may or may not bear a green sticker.
Primal cuts, subprimal cuts and boxed beef produced on July 8, whose shipping containers and labels bear the establishment number "EST. 19336" inside the USDA mark of inspection, the company name "Nebraska Beef Ltd." as well as a 2-inch plain, circular green sticker on one side of the shipping box.
Poundage of products bearing the green sticker were included in the 1.2 million pounds originally recalled, but were not identified in the product description with the company name "Nebraska Beef Ltd." in the Aug. 8 announcement. FSIS has concluded that the production practices employed by Nebraska Beef, Ltd., on June 24 were insufficient to effectively control E. coli O157:H7. The products subject to the expansion may have been produced under insanitary conditions. The expansion was not prompted by foodborne illness investigations. These products were sent to establishments and retail stores nationwide for further processing and will likely not bear the establishment number "EST. 19336" on products available for direct consumer purchase. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact company Vice President of Administration James Timmerman at 402-733-0456. Media with questions about the recall should contact company representative William Lamson at (402) 397-7300. The problem prompting the recall announced on Aug. 8 was discovered through a joint investigation with state departments of health and agriculture, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FSIS. As of Aug. 11, there were 26 culture-confirmed cases in 10 states and 1 culture-confirmed case in Canada identified as part of this outbreak. This count is based on continuing testing, analysis and investigation. SIS is continuing its investigation into any products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 or that are associated with illnesses and will take appropriate action when necessary. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a medical professional (USDA.gov).

NESTLE RECALLS Pepperoni HOT POCKETS That May Contain Foreign Mate

NESTLE RECALLS Pepperoni HOT POCKETS That May Contain Foreign Materials
Recall Release
CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-033-2008
HEALTH RISK: HIGH
Congressional and Public Affairs (202) 720-9113Peggy Riek
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2008 - Nestlé Prepared Foods Company, a Mt. Sterling, Ky., establishment, is recalling approximately 215,660 pounds of frozen stuffed pepperoni pizza sandwich products that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. The following products are subject to recall:
54-ounce, 12-pack cartons of "HOT POCKETS PEPPERONI PIZZA" brand stuffed sandwiches. Printed on the side of each carton is "8157544614D," "EST 7721A," and "BEST BEFORE JAN2010." Each carton bears the USDA mark of inspection.
The products were produced on June 5 and distributed to retail establishments nationwide. The problem was discovered after the company received consumer complaints. FSIS has not received any consumer complaints or reports of injury at this time. Anyone concerned about an injury from consumption of the products should contact a physician (USDA).

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Mississippi Firm Recalls Chicken Breast Products

August 7, 2008


Mississippi Firm Recalls Chicken Breast Products
Due To Undeclared Allergens

Arlington, VA – Tyson Foods, Inc., a Vicksburg, Mississippi establishment, is recalling approximately 51,360 pounds of raw frozen chicken breast tenderloin products because they may contain an undeclared allergen, soy, the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. The products contain soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the label.

The following products are subject to recall:
10-pound cases of “Standard Quality Uncooked Fritters, Old Fashioned Chicken Breast Tenderloins.” Each box bears the case code of “2523-954” as well as a packaging date of “7/23/08” printed on the side of the box.
10-pound cases of “Sysco Uncooked, Fritters, Chicken Breast Tenderloins.” Each box bears the case code of “2523-895” as well as packaging dates of “7/24/08” or “7/29/08” printed on the side of the box.
10-pound cases of “Heritage Valley Uncooked Steakhouse Chicken Breast Tenderloin Fritters.” Each box bears the case code of “2523-398” as well as a packaging date of “7/23/08”, “7/24/08,” or “8/01/08” printed on the side of the box.
20-pound cases of “Spare Time Uncooked Fritters, Chicken Breast Tenderloins.” Each box bears the case code of “2523-861” as well as a packaging date of “7/23/08” printed on the side of the box.
10-pound cases of “Tyson Uncooked Chicken Breast Tenderloin Fritters.” Each box bears the code of “2989-928” as well as a packaging date of “7/25/08” printed on the side of the box.

The chicken breast tenderloin products were produced between July 23 and August 1, 2008 and were shipped to Tyson food service distributors nationwide.

The problem was discovered by the company. FSIS has received no reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an allergic reaction should contact a physician.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact company Manager of Consumer Relations Willie Barber at (866) 328-3156.

raw oysters labeled “For Cooking Only”

To Retail Food Regulatory Agencies:

We are providing the following information to you in advance of its delivery to the retail food trade organizations and asking your assistance in advising food establishments that raw oysters labeled “For Cooking Only” should not be sold or served to consumers in the raw form. FDA expects this “For Cooking Only” labeling as a control for the reduction of risk associated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus in oysters to be a temporary measure.

We are asking your assistance to help provide the attached information to retailers and restaurateurs who serve or sell raw oysters. If possible, please forward this advice to your organization’s members and to your state affiliate organizations as well. Certain states are requiring some shipments of oysters be labeled “For Cooking Only” as part of their Vibrio parahaemolyticus Control Plan under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP).

This attachment explains what that means and how these oysters should be used. Thank you for helping us get this public health message out to food establishments that serve or sell this product.

If you have further questions, please contact your regulatory agency or an FDA Regional Retail Food Specialist.August 6, 2008


FDA Advice to Retail and Foodservice Operations on Raw Oysters Shipped With “For Cooking Only” Label As Part Of A Vibrio parahaemolyticus Control Plan

FDA is advising retail and foodservice operations to be aware that raw oysters shipped in containers bearing a“For Cooking Only” label may have a greater likelihood of containing harmful levels of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) bacterium, which may cause illness, than do raw oysters not labeled in this manner.

Retail and foodservice operations should not purchase containers or packages of raw oysters that bear the “For Cooking Only” label unless the operator intends to fully cook the product before offering it for sale or service to the consumer.

The label is the result of new National Shellfish Sanitation Program provisions that call for oyster dealers to use the new label if harvesting conditions do not meet specific criteria for reduced risk of Vp contamination.

In addition to thoroughly cooking oysters that have the “For Cooking Only” label, food establishments that receive these oysters should take extra precaution to prevent cross-contamination of other foods and surfaces.
Molluscan shellfish, such as raw oysters, should be obtained only from sources listed on the Interstate Certified Shellfish Shippers List

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Post Live Active Mixed Berry Crunch Cereal

August 5, 2008

ALMOND, PECAN, and WALNUT ALLERGY ALERT
Kraft Inadvertently Reships a Limited Number of Cases of
Previously Recalled Products

Arlington, VA -- Kraft Foods is recalling one code date of ?Post Live Active Mixed Berry Crunch Cereal? due to undeclared almonds, pecans, and/or walnuts.

The company is aggressively investigating the situation, and currently believes it received from the supplier a single tote of granola clusters for the Mixed Berry product with a small amount of nut-containing granola clusters inadvertently added.

This product was sold in stores nationwide.

The product comes in a 13-oz. box with a ?Best When Used By? date of 17DEC08 and UPC 00430000238900.

Tree nut allergic consumers are advised not to consume the product and are asked to call the Post Cereal Recall Line at 1-866-771-1511 for a full refund.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Consumption of American Lobster

July 29, 2008

FDA Advises Against Consumption of American Lobster
(Maine Lobster) Tomalley Regulators find dangerous levels of toxins that cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned consumers to avoid eating tomalley in American Lobster (Maine Lobster), regardless of where the lobster was harvested, because of potential contamination with dangerous levels of the toxins that cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).
American lobster, also known as Maine lobster, are harvested from the waters of the Atlantic Ocean from Northeastern Canada to South Carolina, inclusive.
The FDA advisory applies only to tomalley, the soft, green substance found in the body cavity of the lobster that functions as the liver and pancreas. Cooking does not eliminate the PSP toxins. However, studies have shown that, even when high levels of PSP toxins are present in lobster tomalley, lobster meat itself is typically unaffected.
Symptoms of PSP include tingling and/or numbness of the mouth, face or neck; muscle weakness; headache; and nausea. In extreme cases, when large amounts of the toxin are consumed, these symptoms can lead to respiratory failure and death. Symptoms usually occur within two hours of exposure to the toxin. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.
PSP toxins normally occur from time to time in clams and other shellfish and are carefully monitored by state regulatory authorities. The FDA learned of this problem after routine sampling conducted by regulatory authorities in Maine and New Hampshire found dangerous levels of the toxins in lobster tomalley. Some shellfish beds have been closed in recent months due to elevated levels of PSP toxins.
Lobster tomalley normally does not contain dangerous levels of PSP toxins. The current high levels of PSP toxins likely are associated with an ongoing red tide episode in northern New England and eastern Canada. Authorities in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, as well as in Canada, have issued advisories cautioning against eating tomalley.
For more on seafood safety, please refer to http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/seafood1.html.

Vita Smoked Salmon

July 25th, 2008



To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is intended to inform you of a potential quality issue with a Vita Smoked Salmon product authorized for resale in your retail outlets. We have a conflicting test result for Lysteria, which means there is a potential health risk. To be on the safe side, we have decided to pull the product from your stores and warehouses. Details are below.

The product: 12/3oz. Vita Nova Salmon
UPC: 0 22635 70022 3
Code date: 11/16/08 198

Lot numbers (case codes) are as follows:
12 x 3oz Nat Nova Nov 16-08 01988A
12 x 3oz Nat Nova Nov 16-08 01988B
12 x 3oz Nat Nova Nov 16-08 01988C

Please hold all product currently at warehouse level for return to Vita Food Products, Inc.

Any product currently at store level should be pulled from shelves and placed on hold.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Vita Food Products Inc.
2222 West Lake Street
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 738-4500
www.vitafoodproducts.com