QFC Recalling Deli Tuna Salad Items in Washington and Oregon
Salad Items May Contain Milk Not Identified on Label

Contact:
Tammy Bottcher
206-510-9031
Denise Osterhues
513-762-1304

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --SEATTLE,WA -- August 28, 2008 --- Quality Food Centers (QFC) said today it is recalling five deli tuna salad items sold at some QFC stores in Washington and Oregon. Salad dressing used to make these items may contain milk not listed on the label. Customers should return the product to stores for a refund or replacement.

The following deli-prepared items are included in the QFC recall:

Tuna Pecan Salad Sell by: Aug. 29-30
Tuna Salad-Stuffed Tomato Sell by: Aug. 29-30
Gourmet Tuna Wrap Sell by: Aug. 27-28
Custom-Prepared Whole Sandwich
      with Tuna Salad Prepared: Aug. 25-26
Custom-Prepared Half Sandwich
      with Tuna Salad Prepared: Aug. 25-26

People who are allergic to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening reaction if they consume this product. No illnesses have been reported. For most consumers, there is no safety issue with the product.

The recall includes 74 QFC stores. QFC has already contacted all customers known to have purchased these items by telephone.

Customers with questions or concerns may call 1-800-632-6900.

T. Marzetti Company Recalls a Limited Number of Girard's Honey Dijon Peppercorn

Contact:
T. Marzetti Company
614-846-2232

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- September 4, 2008 -- T. Marzetti Company, Columbus, Ohio is recalling a limited number of 12 fl. oz. bottles of Girard's Honey Dijon Peppercorn (item 58105) because they may have the incorrect back label of Girard's French Dressing (item 58015). The Girard's Honey Dijon Peppercorn contains eggs, which is not declared as an ingredient on the Girard's French label. People who have allergies to egg run the risk of serious allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The bottles were shipped in corrugated cases marked with the item number 58105 and with a date code of Best By 06-11-09M. The 12 fl. oz. bottles are labeled with "Girard's Honey Dijon Peppercorn" on the front, the back of the bottle may be labeled with Girard's French Dressing (item 58015), with the date code of Best By 06-11-09M. No other date codes are involved in the recall.

The recalled bottles of Girard's Honey Dijon Peppercorn Dressing were distributed throughout the western United States (primarily California, Washington, and Oregon).

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that incorrect back labels on the bottles were used that did not reveal the presence of eggs.

Consumers who have purchased 12 fl. oz. bottles of Girard's Honey Dijon Peppercorn with the incorrect back label are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company's consumer response department at 614-846-2232.

Recall of Patak's Dopiaza Cooking Sauce

Contact:
Deborah Murdock
901.381.3203

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- September 4, 2008 -- MEMPHIS – ACH Food Companies, Inc. of Memphis, Tennessee is recalling its Patak's® Dopiaza Cooking Sauce sold in the United States because it may contain an undeclared milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The product is distributed nationally through retail stores. ACH Food Companies is notifying its distributors and stores that carry this product that it contains an undeclared milk allergen and to immediately remove it from distribution.

The product is sold under two different labels, "Patak's® Rich Tomato and Onion Cooking Sauce Dopiaza (Mild)" and "Patak's® Dopiaza Curry Cooking Sauce Mild." The recall only applies to products sold in the United States and no other Patak's® products other than these two labels are affected by this voluntary recall.

ACH Food Companies has notified the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) of the ingredient omission and is cooperating with federal authorities and its customers to recall this product. This allergen affects a very small number of people. To date, neither ACH Food Companies nor the FDA have received any reports of illness or complaints due to this error. Anyone concerned about an allergic reaction should contact a health professional immediately. None of ACH Food Companies' other "Patak's®" family of products is affected by this recall.

The product, as formulated, did not include butter. Therefore, butter was not included on the ingredient statement or in the nutritional statement. An inadvertent error at the co-packer caused the wrong formula to be used in preparing the sauce and the wrong formula included butter as an ingredient.

Consumers who have purchased this product with either of these labels and with a "Best By Date" on or before February 2010 should return the unused portion of the product to the store from which they purchased the item for reimbursement or call ACH Food Company's Consumer Hotline at 800-726-3648 to receive a coupon for another Patak's® product. The Consumer Hotline is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. CDT.

Allergy Alert on Undeclared Dairy in Margaritaville Island Lime Tortilla Chips

Contact:
Carol Bahri
(877) 791-6767

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Grand Rapids, Michigan -- September 12, 2008 -- El Matador Enterprises, makers of Margaritaville Tortilla Chips is voluntarily recalling 13-ounce bags of Margaritaville Island Lime Tortilla Chips because they may contain undeclared whey in the spice blend.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk protein run the risk of a health problem or illness if they consume this product.

The affected product was distributed through retail stores. El Matador's sales team is working with distributors to actively recover any affected product remaining on store shelves.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE RECALLED PRODUCT

This recall only includes Margaritaville Island Lime Tortilla Chips in 13-ounce bags with a “best by” date of December 6, 2008, or earlier, and a UPC code of 647671310122. No other flavors of Margaritaville Tortilla Chips are included in this voluntary recall.

El Matador apologizes for any inconvenience to its customers. Customers who purchased this product may return it to the store for a full refund. Consumers who have questions may contact Carol Bahri at (877) 791-6767.

The Food and Drug Administration has been notified of this recall

Bimbo Bakeries USA Issues an Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts in Oroweat 100% Whole Wheat Bread Packaging

Contact:
David Margulies or Elizabeth Watters
214-368-0909

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Denver, CO -- September 16, 2008 -- Bimbo Bakeries USA today announced a voluntary recall of Oroweat 100% Whole Wheat bread because it may contain tree nuts that are not listed on the label. Individuals with allergies to tree nuts run the risk of a serious and or life threatening reaction if they consume this product.

The bread was baked at the company's Denver plant and sold at retail locations in five states: Iowa, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado and New Mexico. There was also very limited distribution in the Moab, Utah area. Areas outside these states are not affected. No other Oroweat products are involved in this recall.

How to Identify the Product

The affected product has red, blue or tan closure tabs with a “Best By” date of 9/22, 9/23 or 9/25 on the tab.

No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall was necessary because Oroweat Health Nut bread was inadvertently placed in Oroweat 100% Whole Wheat bread packaging. The 100% Whole Wheat ingredient legend does not declare tree nuts on the bag.

Consumers who are not allergic to tree nuts can safely consume the product. Consumers can return the product to the store where it was purchased for an exchange or refund.

Any questions about the recall should be directed to a company representative at 877-224-7374

Derringer Foodservices issues "Allergy Alert on Albacore Tuna Salad Hoagie"
 
Contact:
Derringer Consumer Response Department
1-800-537-0156

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Cincinnati, OH -- September 17, 2008 -- This product is being recalled due to the omission of egg in the ingredient statement following the ingredient “Reduced Calorie Mayonnaise.” The recall decision was based on a potential allergen was included in the product and excluded from the label ingredient statement. This label omission was discovered in a standard ingredient statement audit.

The recalled item was distributed regionally in retail vending locations.

The product comes in a 7 ounce, black plastic package labeled as “ALBACORE TUNA SALAD HOAGIE on the top and with an expiration date of 09/17/08.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this omission.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the egg-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of eggs in the reduced calorie mayonnaise. Subsequent investigation indicates the exclusion was caused by a temporary product substitution.

This item has been suspended from the working menu pending label ingredient review, post recall.

Consumers with questions may contact the Derringer Consumer Response Department at 1-800-537-0156.

Fineland Corp Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in Ying Feng Foodstuffs Brand Pumpkin Seeds

Contact:
Mainy Chen
917-939-5595

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- September 22, 2008 -- Fine Land Corp of 239 Bay 20th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11214, is recalling Ying Feng Foodstuffs Brand Pumpkin Seeds because it contains undeclared sulfites. Consumers who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

Ying Feng Foodstuffs Brand Pumpkin Seeds is sold in a 10 ounce, clear plastic package with the following code: EXP 03 25 2010 and was distributed nationwide. It is a product of China.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in Ying Feng Foodstuffs Brand Pumpkin Seeds 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 or allergic reactions involving this product has been reported to date. Consumers who have purchased Ying Feng Foodstuffs Brand Pumpkin Seeds are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-714-1850.

QFCO, Inc. Recalls White Rabbit Candy Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
QFCO, Inc.
650-697-6633

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- September 26, 2008 -- QFCO, Inc. of Burlingame, California is recalling White Rabbit Candy because it may be contaminated with Melamine.

Product was distributed to the states of CA, GA, HI, IL, MN, NY, OR, TX, WA through wholesale distributors to retail stores.

The White Rabbit Creamy Candy is sold in 8 or 16 oz packages. All other flavors of White Rabbit Candy, including Assorted (Chocolate, Coconut, and Coffee), Red Bean, Coffee, Corn, Lychee, Mango and Strawberry are sold in 7 oz. packages. All packaging has a logo of a white rabbit on the front with the words "White Rabbit".

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

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product was contaminated with Melamine.

Consumers who have purchased White Rabbit Candy are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or discard it in their trash. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (650) 697-6633.

Mr. Brown 3-In-1 & and 2-In-1 Powdered Packets in Bag Coffee Mixes Due To Health Risk

Contact:
Linda Chen
email: smc88@att.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- October 1, 2008 – Sunny Maid Corp. of Monterey Park, California is voluntarily recalling Mr. Brown 3-in-1 and 2-in-1 POWDERED PACKETS IN BAG COFFEE MIXES, because they are potentially contaminated with melamine.

The Mr. Brown 3-in-1 and 2-in-1 POWDERED PACKETS IN BAG COFFEE MIXES are sold in PLASTIC BAGS, each containing 30 individual packets.  Although seven flavors are available in Asia, ONLY THREE FLAVORS ARE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S.  The three flavors being recalled are:

Mr. Brown 3-in-1 POWDERED PACKETS IN BAG COFFEE MIX – Mandheling;
Mr. Brown 3-in-1 POWDERED PACKETS IN BAG COFFEE MIX – Arabica;
Mr. Brown 2-in-1 POWDERED PACKETS IN BAG COFFEE MIX – Mandheling.
** CANNED MR. BROWN COFFEE PRODUCTS ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. **

The recall was initiated after the manufacturer notified Sunny Maid that these 3-in-1 and 2-in-1 Coffee Mix products may contain melamine.   Although only certain lots are potentially contaminated, Sunny Maid is recalling all lots.  No illnesses associated with this product have been reported to date.

Product was distributed to the states of CA, FL, GA, IA, IN, KS, KY, MA, MI, MN, NC, NM, NV, OH, PA, RI, TN, TX, VA, WA, and WI to wholesale distributors and retail stores.

Consumers who purchased the product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a refund.  Consumers with questions may email the company at smc88@att.net.

Tristar Food Wholesale Co Inc. Issues a Nationwide recall of Blue Cat Flavor Drink Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Tristar Food Wholesale Co Inc.
(201) 938-2590

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- October 3, 2008 -- Tristar Food, Jersey City, NJ is initiating a nationwide recall of all of their 100 ml plastic bottle packages of Blue Cat Flavor Drink (Lanmao) because it may be contaminated with Melamine.

Consumers who have the product which is being recalled should stop using it immediately. If consumers have questions about possible health risks, they should contact their doctor.

Product was distributed nationwide in Asian grocery stores.

The product comes in 100 ml plastic bottles package with a BESTBEFORE date. There are four (4) flavors (see below) printed in Chinese. All packaging has a logo of blue cat on the back of the bottle and the word “blue cat” (in Chinese) on the front.

Strawberry, with red strawberry picture on the bottle.
Sweet Orange, with orange picture on the bottle
Pineapple, with green pineapple picture on the bottle
Peach, with pink peach picture on the bottle

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

The recall was initiated after FDA testing discovered that product was found to contain Melamine.
Consumers who have purchased Blue Cat Flavor Drink (Lanmao) are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 201-938-2590, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 5:00, Eastern Standard Time.

FDA Detects Melamine Contamination in Flavored Drink

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has increased inspections and product testing efforts in response to the melamine contamination problem which originated in Chinese dairy products.  As a result of the FDA’s on-going testing program, the agency has detected melamine contamination in Blue Cat Flavor Drinks.  The distributor of the product, Tristar Food Wholesale Co. Inc., initiated a recall of several flavors of Blue Cat Flavor Drink, based on the FDA’s findings.  The FDA advises the public not to consume this product and recommends that retailers and food service operators remove the product from sale or service.

Other Recalls
On September 26, the FDA issued an alert to consumers that seven Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products were being recalled by the Taiwanese company, King Car Food Industrial Co. Ltd., due to possible contamination with melamine. King Car Food Industrial Co. used a non-dairy creamer manufactured by Shandong Duqing Inc., China, which was found to be contaminated with melamine. The recalled products are:

Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Arabica Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Caramel Macchiato Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown French Vanilla Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Mandhling Blend instant Coffee (2-in-1)
Mr. Brown Milk Tea (3-in-1)
The FDA recommends that consumers not consume any of the above Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products. The FDA also recommends that retailers and foodservice operators remove the products from sale or service.

Sunny Maid Corp. Monterey Park, Calif., who is an importer and distributor of Mr. Brown Instant Coffee products, is recalling the products in the United States.

The FDA is working with regulatory agencies in the United States as well as with other countries. The California Department of Public Health and the New Zealand Food Safety Authority reported that its testing of White Rabbit Creamy Candies has shown melamine contamination at high levels. In light of the widespread contamination of milk and milk-based products in China and the New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s finding, the FDA continues to recommend that consumers not eat White Rabbit Creamy Candy and that retailers and foodservice operations remove the product from sale or service.

A recall by QFCO Inc., Burlingame, Calif., of the White Rabbit Creamy Candies, is underway in the United States.

The FDA is closely monitoring these recalls and will continue to perform follow up activities of other recalls that may develop.

To date, the FDA is not aware of any illnesses in the United States stemming from consumption of Blue Cat Flavor Drinks, White Rabbit Creamy Candy, or the Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products.

Individuals who have experienced any health problems after consuming Blue Cat Flavor Drinks, White Rabbit Creamy Candy, or any of the identified Mr. Brown coffee and tea products are advised to contact their health care professional.

Background
On September 12, 2008, in light of reports from China of melamine contaminated infant formula, the FDA issued a Health Information Advisory to assure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell such products in the United States.  That advisory also warned members of Chinese communities in the United States that infant formula manufactured in China, possibly available for purchase at Asian markets, could pose a risk to infants.

The FDA had contacted the companies who manufacture infant formula for distribution in the United States and received, from the companies, information that they are not importing formula or sourcing milk-based materials from China. 

At the same time, the FDA—in conjunction with state and local officials—began a nation-wide investigation to check Asian markets for Chinese manufactured infant formula that may have been brought into the United States. In particular, this effort focused on areas of the country with large Chinese communities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and New York.  To date, investigators have visited more than 1,800 retail markets and have not found Chinese infant formula present on shelves in these markets.

The FDA also advises consumers not to purchase infant formula manufactured in China from Internet sites or from other sources. 

The FDA has taken, and will continue to take, proactive measures to help ensure the safety of the American food supply.  In conjunction with state and local officials, the FDA will continue to visit Asian markets for food items that are imported from China and that could contain a significant amount of milk or milk proteins.  In addition, the FDA has broadened its domestic and import sampling and testing of milk-derived ingredients and finished food products containing milk, such as candies, desserts, and beverages that could contain these ingredients from Chinese sources.  Milk-derived ingredients include whole milk powder, non-fat milk powder, whey powder, lactose powder, and casein.

In addition to state and local governments, the FDA is working in close cooperation with Customs and Border Protection within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other federal agencies, and foreign governments.