Fresca Italia, Inc., Recalls Burrata Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Fresca Italia, Inc.
415-468-9800

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- May 30, 2008 -- Fresca Italia of Brisbane, CA is recalling Burrata because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only poo-term symptoms such as fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal, or diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

This product was distributed in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California in retail stores and restaurants.

This product weighs approximately 8.8oz and is packaged in a white and green plastic wrapper with the manufacturer’s name, “Caseificio Voglie di Latte” and the product name “Burrata” The only batch subject to the recall will be labeled with the expiration date of 24/5/2008.

The recall is the result of survey sampling by the California Dept. of Food & Agriculture which revealed that the product in question contained the bacteria. Fresca Italia has immediately halted further distribution.

If you have any Caseificio Voglie di Latte Burrata with an expiration of 24/5/2008 please return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 415-468-9800.

FDA Warns Consumers in New Mexico and Texas Not to Eat Certain Types of Raw Red Tomatoes


The Food and Drug Administration is alerting consumers in New Mexico and Texas that a salmonellosis outbreak appears to be linked to consumption of certain types of raw red tomatoes and products containing raw red tomatoes. The bacteria causing the illnesses are Salmonella serotype Saintpaul, an uncommon type of Salmonella.

The specific type and source of tomatoes are under investigation. However, preliminary data suggest that raw red plum, red Roma, or round red tomatoes are the cause.  At this time, consumers in New Mexico and Texas should limit their tomato consumption to tomatoes that have not been implicated in the outbreak. These include cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached, and tomatoes grown at home.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections particularly in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, the organism can get into the bloodstream and produce more severe illnesses.  Consumers in New Mexico and Texas who have recently eaten raw tomatoes or foods containing raw tomatoes and are experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their health care provider. All Salmonella infections should be reported to state or local health authorities.

From April 23 though June 1, 2008, there have been 57 reported cases of salmonellosis caused by Salmonella Saintpaul in New Mexico and Texas, including 17 hospitalizations.  Approximately 30 reports of illness in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and Utah are currently being investigated to determine whether they are also linked to tomatoes. There are no reported deaths.

FDA recognizes that the source of the contaminated tomatoes may be limited to a single grower or packer or tomatoes from a specific geographic area.  FDA also recognizes that there are many tomato crops across the country and in foreign countries that are just becoming ready for harvest or will become ready in the coming months.  In order to ensure that consumers can continue to enjoy tomatoes that are safe to eat, FDA is working diligently with the states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Indian Health Service, and various food industry trade associations to quickly determine the source and type of the contaminated tomatoes.  As more information becomes available, FDA will update this warning.

Last year FDA began a multi-year Tomato Safety Initiative to reduce the incidence of tomato-related foodborne illness. The Initiative is a collaborative effort between FDA and the state health and agriculture departments in Virginia and Florida, in cooperation with several universities and members of the produce industry.

A key element of the Food Protection Plan -- a scientific and a risk-based approach to strengthen and protect the nation's food supply—is prevention. FDA encourages producers to critically reexamine their operations and apply the scientific principles and regulations established decades ago to provide a safe product for the consumer. 

Information on safe handling of produce can be found at www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/prodsafe.html.

Tomato consumer page can be found at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html

Updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/

Tipu's Tiger Chai, Inc Recalls Tipus Tiger Chai Concentrate Because of a Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Bipin Patel
(406) 240 9979

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- June 17, 2008 -- Tipu's Tiger Chai Inc, of Missoula, Montana is voluntarily recalling its Tipu's Tiger Chai Concentrate because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems after consuming this product should seek immediate medical attention.

Tipu's Tiger Chai Concentrate was distributed, primarily to stores and coffee kiosks in western Montana and one café in Prescott, Arizona using the concentrate for mixed beverages sold on-site. Limited distribution of the bottled product was made directly to consumers in Western Montana.

The product is distributed in plastic half gallon (1.89L) units labeled as "Tipu's Tiger Chai, Chai Concentrate". The lid or neck of bottle states "refrigerate after opening" followed by dates of 09/23/09 through and including 05/22/10.

Please note that NO illnesses have been reported to date.

Through a records audit, the pH level of the product manufactured during this period were found to be higher than required by FDA standards.

Any consumers who may have purchased this product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-(888)-506-2424.

Matterhorn Group Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of "Astro Pops" and "Missile Pops" 3.5 oz Cherry Pineapple Frozen Novelty Pops in Arizona, Nevada and California due to Safety Hazard

Contact:
Matterhorn Group Inc.
1-888-264-0898.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- June 18, 2008, Boise, ID – Matterhorn Group Inc is recalling certain date coded product of their Rainbow Glacier "Astro Pops" water ice frozen novelty pops, Cherry Pineapple Swirl 3.5 oz size 12 count bag pack, with tag closure "Best by JUN 03-09", "Best by JUN 04-09" and "Best by JUN 05-09" sold through the Wal-Mart stores located in California and Arizona, Sunnyside Farms "Missile Pops" Cherry Pineapple in 3.5 oz. size 12 count bag packages, with tag closure of "Best By JUN 02-09", "Best by JUN 03-09", and "Best by JUN 04-09" sold through the California stores of grocery retailers Save Mart and Raley’s, and Vitafreze Frozen Astronot Pops 3.5 oz size 12 count bag packages, with tag closure of "Best By JUN 02-09" sold in California. The products are being recalled because they may contain pieces of hard plastic. Only the noted product date codes listed are affected.

The small pieces of non-toxic hard plastic were from a part of the processing equipment which broke during the manufacturing process. The majority of the possibly affected product was retrieved from the distribution system before any release to retail stores. However, there were a small number of cases which were shipped to above mentioned locations.

There have been no reports of injury. People who bite into or swallow a fragment could possibly be injured, prompting this precautionary recall. Young children are particularly at risk of a choking hazard. Although the company believes the problem is very isolated, we are taking this measure to ensure the safety of our consumers.

Consumers in AZ and CA who have purchased the above indicated products should return them to their retailer where purchased for a full refund. For questions and inquiries, consumers may contact us at 1-888-264-0898.

Giant Food Alerts Customers to Voluntary Recall of Giant Brand Garlic Bread and Garlic Spread

Contact:
Jamie Miller
(301) 341-8776

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- June 27, 2008 - Landover, MD -- Giant Food has announced a voluntary recall of Giant brand garlic bread and garlic spread products sold in its Bakeshop as the items contain milk products which are not declared on the labels. Giant removed from its shelves all 16 ounce packages of Giant brand garlic bread and all 16 ounce packages of Giant brand garlic spread products. 

The following products are affected by this recall:

16 oz. Giant Garlic Bread: UPC #21476670000
16 oz. Giant Garlic Spread: UPC #20173310000
People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to dairy products run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.  No illnesses have been reported.

Customers who have purchased the affected products may return them to Giant for a full refund. Customers looking for additional information may call Giant Customer Service at (888) 469-4426 for more information. Customers can also visit the Giant website at www.giantfood.com.

Haven't said it in awhile, but thanks for keeping us informed Sticks!  It is amazing at the recalls that you never even hear of...scary!

Salmolux Inc. Recalls Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Nova Lox Lot # 01418 Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Kira Kuetgens
(253) 874-2026 x 214

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Federal Way, WA -- July 9, 2008 --- Salmolux Inc. of Federal Way, WA, is recalling lot # 01418 of its Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Nova Lox sold in 3 ounce packages due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only poo-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled lot # 01418 of Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Nova Lox was distributed in Arizona, California, and Nevada, in Von's retail outlets and to Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia in Food Lion retail outlets.

The product comes in a 3 ounce, blue package marked with lot # 01418 on its rear white label bearing the name of the product, its ingredients, and an expiration date.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

After routine testing by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Listeria monocytogenes was found in 3 ounce packages of Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Nova Lox.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled 3 ounce packages bearing the lot # 01418 of the salmon are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (253) 874-2026 x214.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

NOTE: "According to the Texas and North Carolina Departments of Health, the strain of Salmonella found in this company's jalapeño and serrano peppers and in its avocado is not Salmonella Saintpaul, and is not believed to be related to the current Salmonella outbreak.

The recall is a result of sampling not by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but by the Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Health) and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (North Carolina Health ) which revealed that these products contained the bacteria.

The company has voluntarily initiated a recall of its already distributed products and has stopped future distribution while the FDA, Texas Health, North Carolina Health and the company continue to investigate to determine the source of the problem."


Grande Produce, LTD.CO Recalls Jalapeno Peppers, Serrano Peppers, and Avocados Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Raul Cano
956- 843-8575

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- July 19, 2008 -- Grande Produce, LTD. CO of Hidalgo, Texas (hereinafter referred to as Grande Produce) is recalling Jalepeno Peppers and Serrano Peppers distributed between May 17th and July 17th, 2008; and Avocados, all sizes, with lot #HUE08160090889 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 Jalapeno Peppers, Serrano Peppers and Avocados were distributed to the following states: TX, DE, NC, GA, OK, IA, MN, IL, FL, IN, MD, NY, MS, AR, KS, and KY.

The avocados being recalled were shipped in boxes labeled "Frutas Finas de Tancitaro HASS Avocados, Produce of Mexico," all sizes, with lot number HUE08160090889. The Jalapeno Peppers and Serrano peppers being recalled were shipped in 35lb. plastic crates with no brand name or label.

No illnesses associated with this recall have been reported to date.

The recall is a result of sampling by the Texas Department of State Health Services and The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, which revealed that these products contained the bacteria. Distribution of these products has been suspended while FDA, the Texas Department of State Health Services, The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers who purchased Avocados, Jalapeno Peppers and Serrano Peppers should contact their supplier to determine if their products are involved in the recall. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (956) 843-8575.

Agricola Zaragoza, Inc. Recalls Jalapeno Peppers Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Raymundo Cavazos
956-631-6405

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- June 21, 2008 -- Agricola Zaragoza, Inc. of McAllen, TX is recalling Jalapeno Peppers distributed since June 30th, 2008 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 Jalapeno Peppers were distributed to customers in GA and TX.

The Jalapeno Peppers being recalled were shipped in 35lb. plastic crates and in 50lb. bags with no brand name or label.

The recall is a result of sampling by FDA, which revealed that these Jalapeno Peppers were contaminated with the same strain of Salmonella Saintpaul responsible for the current Salmonella outbreak. It is unknown at this time which, if any, of the more than 1,200 illnesses reported to date are related to this particular product or to the grower who supplied this product.  Distribution of these products has been suspended while FDA, the Texas Department of State Health Services and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers and retailers who purchased Jalapeno Peppers should contact their supplier to determine if their products are involved in the recall. Commercial manufacturers that have used these recalled Jalapeno Peppers as an ingredient in other products (i.e. salsas, etc.) are encouraged to contact their local FDA office to determine if these products should be recalled.  Additionally, restaurants, retail food stores, and similar retail institutions that have used these Jalapeno Peppers as a garnish or as an ingredient to prepare entrees, salsas or other products are asked to dispose of these products making sure that all such peppers are not inadvertently made available for purchase, salvage or donation and therefore preventing any possibility for human or animal consumption..  Consumers with questions may contact the company at (956)-631-6405.

Publix Issues Recall for No Sugar Added Cherry Pie

Contact:
Maria Brous
(863) 680-5339

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- LAKELAND, FL -- July 24, 2008 -- Publix Super Markets is issuing a voluntary recall on three codes of No Sugar Added Cherry Pie with a sell-by-date of July 8 – July 27. UPC numbers for the affected product may be found on the back label below the Nutritional Facts panel:

Publix NSA 8inch Cherry Pie, UPC: 41415-65990
Publix NSA 1/2 Cherry Pie, UPC: 03000-00225
Publix NSA 1/4 Cherry Pie, UPC: 41415-66990

These products were sold in the retail bakeries and were recalled due to the undeclared soy ingredient. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The recall affected stores in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida stores in Citrus County south through Monroe County, excluding Orlando proper stores.

"The packaging error was detected during a routine label review," said Maria Brous, Publix media and community relations director. "As part of our commitment to food safety, we routinely inspect our product labeling for accuracy and for product quality. There have been no reported cases of illness. Customers who have purchased the product may return it to their store for a full refund or replacement. Consumers with questions may contact Publix at 1-800-242-1227."

FDA Extends Consumer Warning on Serrano Peppers from Mexico


Laboratory testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that both a sample of serrano pepper and a sample of irrigation water collected by agency investigators on a farm in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, contain Salmonella Saintpaul with the same genetic fingerprint as the strain of bacteria that is causing the current outbreak in the United States.

As a result, until further notice, the FDA is advising consumers to avoid raw serrano peppers from Mexico, in addition to raw jalapeño peppers from Mexico, and any foods that contain them.

The test results announced today are part of the FDA's continuing intensive investigation into the outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul. The investigation has involved tracing back, through complex distribution channels, the origins of products associated with clusters of illness in the United States, as well as inspections and evaluation of farms and facilities in this country and in Mexico, and the collection and testing of environmental and product samples. One of these tracebacks led to a packing facility in Mexico, and to a particular farm, where the agency obtained the samples.

Previously, FDA inspectors collected a positive sample of jalapeño pepper from a produce-distribution center owned by Agricola Zaragosa in McAllen, Texas. The FDA continues to work on pinpointing where and how in the supply chain this first positive jalapeño pepper sample became contaminated. It originated from a different farm in Mexico than the positive samples of serrano pepper and irrigation water.
The FDA is still analyzing many of the samples taken at various farms in Mexico. If laboratory results warrant, the FDA will provide consumers with additional cautions or warnings necessary to protect their health.

On July 17, the FDA announced it had determined that fresh tomatoes now available in the domestic market are not associated with the current outbreak. As a result, the agency removed its June 7 warning against eating certain types of red raw tomatoes.

For more information consult
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html.

C.F. Sauer Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in one lot of Gold Medal Spaghetti Sauce Mix – 1.37 ounce pouch

Contact:
CF Sauer Foods Inc,
1-800-688-5676

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- August 4, 2008 – CF Sauer Foods Inc, of Richmond, VA is recalling all packages of Gold Medal Spaghetti Sauce Mix with the code date as follows: 8119R. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milkrun the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

GOLD MEDAL SPAGHETTI SAUCE MIX was distributed through retail stores in Mississippi, Kentucky, and Alabama.

The Spaghetti Sauce Mix comes in 1.37 ounce pouch and was sold under the name Gold Medal displaying a UPC code of 0-52500-02104-7.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the Spaghetti Sauce Mix containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not declare the presence of milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an oversight in the company's development process.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return it to the location of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-688-5676 or www.cfsauer.com.

Home Made Brand Foods Recalls Tuna Salad Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Ric