Wednesday, November 18, 2009

ConAgra Foods Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert on a Limited Number of 15 OZ. Tubes of Blue Bonnet Light Spread

ConAgra Foods Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert on a Limited Number of 15 OZ. Tubes of Blue Bonnet Light Spread
Recall Reason: ConAgra Foods, in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is voluntarily recalling a limited number of 15 oz. tubs of Blue Bonnet Spread that were inadvertently mispackaged-the lid is for regular Blue Bonnet Spread and the tub portion describes the product as Blue Bonnet Light Spread. The product inside of the tub is regular Blue Bonnet Spread. As a result, the product tubs do not declare the allergen whey (milk), as an ingredient.
Pack/Codes: This issue affects only 1,120 cases of a single lot code of the product. The product UPC on the tub is 27000-00930. The product lid will not have the blue ribbon graphic bearing the word "Light" that is found on the tub portion of the package. The rim of the lid will feature the batch code "2247923200" and a Sell By date of March 18, 2010

Distribution: Nationwide
Contact: Retailers with questions may call 866-518-4177 (9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST daily) or visit www.bluebonnet.com for more information.


N.G.A. is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. Most independent operators are serviced by wholesale distributors, while others may be partially or fully self-distributing. Some are publicly traded but with controlling shares held by the family and others are employee owned. Independents are the true "entrepreneurs" of the grocery industry and dedicated to their customers, associates, and communities. N.G.A. members include retail and wholesale grocers, state grocers associations, as well as manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about N.G.A. and the independent sector of the industry, see the N.G.A. website: www.nationalgrocers.org.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pe

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger, Calif.The products were manufactured under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or lots. Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products to not handle or feed them to their pets.The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley's, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel. All sizes and all lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert.During September 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of pig ears made by Pet Carousel. The test results detected a positive reading for Salmonella. This prompted an FDA inspection of Pet Carousel's manufacturing facilities. During the inspection, the agency collected additional pet treat samples. Further analysis found Salmonella present in beef hooves, pig ears and in the manufacturing environment.Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet food and/or pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only experience a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.The FDA will continue to investigate this matter to determine the source of the Salmonella contamination and offer updates as appropriate.Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. You can locate the nearest consumer complaint coordinator at:http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htmNo action is required of local health departments at this time for either of these recalls. If any requests for assistance are received from the FDA or USDA, the Food and Drug Safety Program will contact you. For additional information regarding these recalls, please click on the weblink below.

Jelly Belly Candy Company is recalling 7.5-ounce cylinder-style packages of 49 Flavors Jelly Belly jelly beans because the package is incorrectly labe

1. Jelly Belly Candy Company is recalling 7.5-ounce cylinder-style packages of 49 Flavors Jelly Belly jelly beans because the package is incorrectly labeled. The mislabeled packages failed to list peanut butter and peanut flour in the ingredient statement. People who have an allergy to peanuts or a severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these ingredients.The Jelly Belly 49 Flavors cylinder packages were shipped to approximately 200 independent stores nationwide from September 29 to October 30, 2009. Product was packaged in a clear 7.5-ounce acetate cylinder with white label on the bottom of the package with lot codes 090925, 090928, 090929 or 091001. UPC code 071567989398The recall was initiated after the company's quality control efforts identified the incorrect ingredient statement. No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date. No other candies or packaged candies from Jelly Belly are a part of this recall, and there is no health risk for consumers who are not allergic to peanuts.Consumers who have a peanut allergy and purchased this product in the last five weeks are urged to return it to Jelly Belly Candy Company, One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield, Calif., 94533. Consumers and retailers with questions about the recall should call the Jelly Belly Hotline at 800-522-3267 Monday-Friday 7 am to 5 pm PST.

Monday, November 2, 2009

New York Firm Recalls Fresh Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

New York Firm Recalls Fresh Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Recall Release
CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-059-2009
HEALTH RISK: HIGHCongressional and Public Affairs(202) 720-9113Atiya Khan
SAFE PREPARATION OF FRESH AND FROZEN GROUND BEEFUSDA Meat and Poultry Hotline1-888-MPHOTLINE or visitwww.fsis.usda.govWash hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry. Wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot, soapy water. Immediately clean spills.Keep raw meat, fish and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry and egg products and cooked foods. Consumers should only eat ground beef or ground beef patties that have been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160° F, whether prepared from fresh or frozen raw meat products. Color is NOT a reliable indicator that ground beef or ground beef patties have been cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7. The only way to be sure ground beef is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use a thermometer to measure the internal temperature. Refrigerate raw meat and poultry within two hours after purchase or one hour if temperatures exceed 90° F. Refrigerate cooked meat and poultry within two hours after cooking
WASHINGTON, October 31, 2009 - Fairbank Farms, an Ashville, NY, establishment, is recalling approximately 545,699 pounds of fresh ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. FSIS became aware of the problem during the course of an investigation of a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses. Working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health and agriculture departments, FSIS determined that there is an association between the fresh ground beef products subject to recall and illnesses in Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts. FSIS is continuing to work with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, other state health and agriculture departments and the CDC on the investigation. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a physician.The products subject to recall include: [View Labels, PDF Only] Trader Joes
1-pound packages of "TRADER JOE'S BUTCHER SHOP FINE QUALITY MEATS GROUND BEEF 85/15."
1-pound packages of "TRADER JOE'S BUTCHER SHOP FINE QUALITY MEATS GROUND BEEF 80/20." NOTE: The sell-by dates for the above two products may be October 6 or 7, 2009.
1-pound trays of "TRADER JOE'S BUTCHER SHOP FINE QUALITY MEATS GROUND BEEF PATTIES 96/4 EXTRA LEAN."
1-pound trays of "TRADER JOE'S BUTCHER SHOP FINE QUALITY MEATS GROUND BEEF PATTIES 85/15." Price Chopper
1- and 2.5-pound trays of "PRICE CHOPPER MEATLOAF & MEATBALL MIX."
1-pound trays of "PRICE CHOPPER EXTRA LEAN GROUND BEEF 96/4."
1-pound trays of "PRICE CHOPPER FRESH GROUND BEEF CHUCK FOR CHILI 80% LEAN 20% FAT." Lancaster and Wild Harvest
1-pound trays of "LANCASTER BRAND 96/4 EXTRA LEAN GROUND BEEF."
1- and 2-pound trays of "LANCASTER BRAND 90/10 GROUND BEEF."
1-pound trays of "WILD HARVEST NATURAL 85/15 ANGUS GROUND BEEF." Shaw's
1- and 2-pound trays of "SHAW'S FRESH GROUND BEEF 93/7."
1-, 2- and 3-pound trays of "SHAW'S FRESH GROUND BEEF 80/20."
1- and 3-pound trays of "SHAW'S FRESH GROUND BEEF 75/25."
1.3-pound trays of "SHAW'S FRESH GROUND SIRLOIN BEEF PATTIES 90/10."
1.3-pound trays of "SHAW'S FRESH GROUND ROUND BEEF PATTIES 85/15."
1.3-pound trays of "SHAW'S FRESH GROUND BEEF PATTIES 80/20."
3-pound trays of "SHAW'S FRESH GROUND BEEF PATTIES FAMILY PACK 80/20."
1-pound trays of "SHAW'S ANGUS GROUND BEEF 85/15."
1-, 2- and 3-pound trays of "SHAW'S FRESH GROUND ROUND BEEF 85/15."
1-pound trays of "SHAW'S 90% NATURAL GROUND BEEF."
1-pound trays of "SHAW'S 85% NATURAL GROUND BEEF."
1-, 2- and 3-pound trays of "SHAW'S FRESH GROUND SIRLOIN 90/10."
1-pound trays of "MEATLOAF & MEATBALL MIX." BJ's
5-pound trays of "FRESH GROUND BEEF, CONTAINS 15 % FAT" patties.
3- and 5-pound trays of "LEAN GROUND BEEF, CONTAINS 7% FAT."
2.5-pound trays of "MEATLOAF & MEATBALL MIX." Ford Brothers
3-pound trays of "FRESH GROUND BEEF, CONTAINS 20% FAT" patties. Giant
1-pound trays of "GIANT EXTRA LEAN GROUND BEEF 96/4."
1-pound trays of "GIANT MEATLOAF & MEATBALL MIX."
1-pound trays of "GIANT NATURE'S PROMISE GROUND BEEF."
1-pound trays of "GIANT NATURE'S PROMISE GROUND BEEF PATTIES." Each package bears the establishment number "EST. 492" inside the USDA mark of inspection or on the nutrition label. These products were packaged on September 15 and 16, 2009, and may have been labeled at the retail stores with a sell-by date from September 19 through 28, 2009, unless otherwise noted above. Consumers should ask at their point of purchase if the products they have are subject to recall. The products were sent to distribution centers, intended for further distribution to retail establishments in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS' Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/ Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp.Products for further processing:
Cases of 10-pound "FAIRBANK FARMS FRESH GROUND BEEF CHUBS." Each case bears the establishment number "EST. 492" inside the USDA mark of inspection; has package dates of "09.14.09," "09.15.09," or "09.16.09;" and sell-by dates of "10.3.09," "10.4.09," or "10.5.09. These products were distributed to retail establishments in Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia for further processing. However, these products at retail will likely not bear the package dates and sell-by dates listed above. Customers with concerns should contact their point of purchase.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. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef or ground beef patties that have been cooked to a temperature of 160° F. The only way to be sure ground beef is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature.Media questions regarding the recall should be directed the company's Media Representative, Agnes Schafer at (866) 460-8017. Consumer questions should be directed to the company's Consumer Hotline at (877) 546-0122.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.