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.

Consumer Alert: Undeclared Sulfites in "Shad Raisins"
 
Contact:
Jessica Chittenden
518-457-3136

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- October 6, 2008 -- New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Fatima Brothers Inc. of 54-08 43rd St Maspeth, New York 11378 is recalling "Shad Raisins" 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 "Shad Raisins" were packaged in uncoded, 7-ounce plastic bags. "Shad Raisins" were distributed in New York City.

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 product. Consumers who have purchased "Shad Raisins" should return them to the place of purchase.

In Specific U.S. Markets, Russell Stover Candies, Inc. Issues Hazelnut Allergy Alert for the 2 7/8 Oz Size Of Private Reserve Assorted Chocolates

Contact:
Mr. Allen Caudle
Vollmer Public Relations for
Russell Stover Candies, Inc.
713-970-2107

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- October 9, 2008 -- Kansas City, MO – In specific U.S. markets (below), Russell Stover Candies, Inc., is recalling one lot code of its 2 7/8 oz size of Private Reserve Assorted Chocolates because one piece of candy in the assortment may contain undeclared hazelnuts due to a labeling error. Consumers allergic to hazelnuts run the risk of a serious allergic reaction if they consume this piece of candy. No incidents of illness or allergic reaction have been reported.

The recalled product was distributed in the following states and cities: Texas, California, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee; Southaven, Mississippi; Billings, Montana; Sparks, Nevada; and Madison Heights, Michigan. An investigation determined 29 boxes of this candy may have been purchased by consumers, and up to another 188 boxes may have reached retail store locations. All the retail stores have been contacted to have the suspected product removed from the shelves.

The candy containing the hazelnuts comes in a box with a red lid and gold border. The box is held closed by a gold cord tied in a bow. A label on the bottom right corner of the box identifies it as "Assorted Chocolates, Net Weight 2 7/8 oz." The side of the box is marked "01JUL09 N0349." Only product with the "N0349" lot code is affected.

The recall was initiated after discovering some of this product was manufactured with an incorrect bottom label, which does not list hazelnuts as an ingredient. The box contains six pieces of candy, but only one of them is covered in white chocolate, which is the piece that contains the hazelnuts.

Consumers who have purchased 2 7/8 oz packages of Russell Stover Private Reserve Assorted Chocolates, with the lot code ending in "N0349" are urged not to consume the white chocolate piece if they are allergic to hazelnuts. Consumers with questions may contact Russell Stover Candies at 866-410-9490.

You are welcome!  I just hope it helps some people out....

Barry Callebaut USA LLC Issues Allergen Alert on Undeclared Milk Protein in Kroger Value Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

Contact:
Technical:  Mr. Bradley Wilson, Director of Quality Assurance
Press:  Ms. Sarah O’Neil, Marketing Director
Telephone:  1-866-678-5221

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Chicago, IL -- October 10, 2008 – ' The package ingredient label does not identify that the product may contain milk protein.

Consumers who have purchased Kroger Value Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips with the above indicated code date may return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with any questions may contact Barry Callebaut at 1-866-678-5221.

Harry and David Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecans in Harry & David Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate Gingerbread

Contact:
Mr. Bill Ihle EVP, Corporate Relations
541 864-2145 (Media Calls Only)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- October 22, 2008 -- Harry and David, of Medford, Oregon, is voluntarily recalling approximately 400 1 lb. 4 oz. boxes labeled Harry & David Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate Gingerbread because the package may contain a different Moose Munch product which contains pecans not declared on the ingredient statement. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to pecans run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

Affected product was distributed throughout the United States under the Harry & David brand only in Harry and David stores.

Harry and David is recalling 1 lb. 4 oz. boxes of Harry & David Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate with a "Best if used by" date of 06/28/09. The "Best if used by" date is located on a sticker on the bottom of the box. The bottom of the box also has the stock identifying number RSD142014 printed on it. This lot of product was sold beginning 10/09/08. The popcorn-based confection is packaged in 1 lb. 4 oz. brown and white paperboard boxes. The boxes have a slight wedge shape and feature a large white moose image on the front. Inside the boxes are clear plastic bags of the confection.

There have been no illnesses or injuries reported to date. Anyone concerned about an illness/injury should contact a physician immediately.

This problem, which was discovered on October 21st, 2008, occurred because Dark Chocolate Butter Pecan Moose Munch® Confection was inadvertently packed in a Milk Chocolate Gingerbread outer box. It is estimated that fewer than 60 such boxes were produced.

Consumers with product may return it to any Harry and David retail store for a full refund. Consumers with questions about the recalled product may phone the Harry and David Customer Service division at 800-233-1101, 24 hours a day

Portland Shellfish Co. Inc, Recalls Claw Island Brand Lobster Claw and Knuckle Meat Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Portland Shellfish Co. Inc.
207-799-9290

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- October 21, 2008 -- Portland Shellfish Co., Inc., South Portland, Maine is voluntarily recalling Frozen, Cooked -Claw Island brand Lobster Claw and Knuckle Meat, Lot 25508, packaged in 2 lb bags, because it has 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 short-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 product was distributed to Pagano's Inc., 142 Water Street, Norwalk, CT and further distributed to restaurants.

The product is identified as K Maine Lobster Meat, packed by Portland Shellfish Co., South Portland, Maine. Each master carton contains 6/2 lb bags of claw and knuckle meat, Lot code 25508 and expiration date March 12, 2010.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered through random testing that the product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Consequently, we are recalling this lot from the market. Other lots are not involved. The company is continuing testing and has to date not discovered any other Listeria issues.

No related foodborne illnesses have been reported to date.

Customers who purchased Claw Island Lobster claw and knuckle meat are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 207-699-5505.