Meijer Announces Voluntary Recall for Some Meijer Brand Peanuts and Ice Cream Novelties Citing Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Meijer
800-543-3704

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- GRAND RAPIDS, MI – January 30, 2009, Meijer initiated a voluntary recall of two types of its Meijer Brand dry-roasted peanuts and four types of Meijer Brand ice cream novelties sold in all of its stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. Meijer removed all identified products from its stores and gas stations. All sell-by dates are impacted by this recall.

Specifically, Meijer has recalled the following items:

Meijer Bulk Dry Roasted Peanuts, UPC #2-18537-00000-8
Markets of Meijer Dry Roasted Peanuts, UPC #7-19283-91733-1
Meijer Vanilla Sundae Cone w/ Peanuts (with Garfield on packaging) UPC #7-19283-74019-9
Meijer Vanilla Sundae Cone w/ Peanuts (without Garfield on packaging) UPC #7-19283-91235-0
Meijer Fudge Sundae Cone w/ Peanuts (with Garfield on packaging) UPC #7-19283-74020-5
Meijer Fudge Sundae Cone w/ Peanuts (without Garfield on packaging) UPC #7-19283-91245-9

Meijer has taken these steps following announcements from the products' manufacturers that they may possibly be contaminated with salmonella. While none of the Meijer brand products have been identified as contaminated or linked to any illness, Meijer has received these products from Nut Bar Company, Inc. and Fieldbrook Foods, both of which used peanuts from Peanut Corporation of America in Blakely, Georgia, which has been verified as the source of contaminated peanut products.

Salmonella is 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. For more information on Salmonella, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Website at http://www.cdc.gov.

Meijer requests that customers who have purchased these products destroy the product or return them to any Meijer location for a full refund. If Meijer customers are unsure if they have the recalled product, they are requested to bring in the product for determination or contact the Meijer customer contact center at 800-543-3704. Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their health care provider. If symptoms are present, please visit a health care provider or go to a hospital emergency room.

"The safety of our customers is always our number one priority,” said Frank J. Guglielmi, director of public relations for Meijer. "Meijer has taken these precautionary steps to help protect our customers and will return this product to our stores only once it is safe for our shoppers.”

Orchard Valley Harvest Announces Urgent Nationwide Voluntary Recall for Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
John Sniffen
209-521-1701 x102

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - MODESTO, CA – January 29, 2009 -- Orchard Valley Harvest initiated a nationwide voluntary recall of certain conventional and organic peanuts roasted and packed for Safeway because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. Product was sourced from Peanut Corporation of America.

Salmonella is 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. For more information on Salmonella, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Website at http://www.cdc.gov.

Product was packed in 2-5 lb bag packs and sold to Safeway grocery stores for sale in bulk by weight, in “Nut Hut” kiosks in various U.S. stores throughout the nation. All Lots of the following products are impacted by this voluntary recall.

ITEM DESCRIPTION
 UPC#
 
Peanuts Dry Roasted Unsalted
 24295-70029
 
Peanuts Dry Roasted with Salt
 24295-70030
 
Organic Peanuts Runner Splits Dry Roasted Unsalted
 24295-70034
 
Peanuts Blanched Runner Splits Dry Roasted Unsalted
 24295-70037
 
Peanuts Blanched Runner Splits Dry Roasted with Salt
 24295-70038
 
Organic Peanuts Runner Splits Dry Roasted with Salt
 24295-70053
 

Orchard Valley Harvest has taken these steps following announcement from the product manufacturer that it may possibly be contaminated with salmonella. Orchard Valley Harvest had previously announced the recall of Organic Bark Peanut Butter Cookies and Cream on January 22nd, 2009. No other Orchard Valley Harvest peanut products or products containing peanuts are currently subject to the recall.

While none of the Orchard Valley Harvest brand product has been identified as contaminated nor linked to any illness, Orchard Valley Harvest has removed this product while the FDA continues its investigation to verify the source of a nationwide outbreak.

Orchard Valley Harvest requests that customers who have purchased this product destroy the product or return the product to their local stores.  Customers can contact Orchard Valley Harvest for a full refund at 209-521-1701. Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their health care provider. If symptoms are present, please visit a health care provider or go to a hospital emergency room.

Turkey Hill Dairy Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Ice Cream Flavors Following Expanded FDA Investigation of Peanut Corporation of America

Contact:
Alice Anderson
Office: (717) 234-8886 ext. 174
Cell: (717) 756-4616
Melissa Mattilio
Office: (717) 872 – 5461 ext. 153
Cell: (717) 917-3623

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- LANCASTER COUNTY, PA (January 30, 2009) – Turkey Hill Dairy of Lancaster County, PA, is voluntarily recalling six select ice cream and frozen yogurt items because the products contain ingredients that have been voluntarily recalled by our suppliers.

Turkey Hill’s recalled products contain peanut pieces sold by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), the current focus of an ongoing Salmonella investigation by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA). On January 28, the FDA expanded its investigation to include all peanuts processed by the PCA at its plant in Blakely, GA, since January 1, 2007, including dry and oil-roasted peanuts, granulated peanuts and peanut meal, in addition to peanut butter and peanut paste, which were the initial focus of the investigation.

Salmonella is 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.

This recall does NOT include any Turkey Hill products including peanut butter. Turkey Hill products do not include any peanut butter or peanut paste produced by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), the initial focus of the FDA’s investigation.

Turkey Hill is voluntarily recalling six items following the FDA’s expanded investigation. These products have been distributed to grocery, food and convenience stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, DC and West Virginia.

The following products are affected by the recall:

Turkey Hill Tin Roof Sundae Premium Ice Cream
Container Size: 1.5 Quarts
UPC Code: 0-20735-11013-3
From Sell By Code: 08/09/2009 to 01/20/2010

Turkey Hill Chocolate Nutty Moose Tracks® Stuff’d
Container Size: Pint
UPC Code:  0-20735-42080-5
From Sell By Code: 10/09/2009 to 01/19/2010

Turkey Hill Chocolate Nutty Moose Tracks® Light Recipe Ice Cream
Container Size: 1.5 Quarts
 UPC Code:  0-20735-12122-1
From Sell By Code: 08/05/2009 to 01/06/2010

Turkey Hill Nutty Caramel Caribou® Frozen Yogurt
Container Size: 1.5 Quarts
UPC Code: 0-20735-12505-2
From Sell By Code: 11/25/2009 to 12/19/2009

Turkey Hill Peanut Brittle No Sugar Added Recipe Ice Cream
Container Size: 1.5 Quarts
UPC Code: 0-20735-13506-8
From Sell By Code: 01/01/2008 to 12/12/2009

Turkey Hill Peanut Butter Mania Light Recipe® Ice Cream
Container Size: 1.5 Quarts
UPC Code: 0-20735-12116-0
From Sell By Code: 01/01/2008 to 01/06/2010

“Turkey Hill is committed to our customers and producing the highest quality products, which is why we will continue to monitor this situation and have taken these precautionary measures.” said Turkey Hill President Quintin Frey. If you have concerns or questions, please contact Turkey Hill at 1-800-MY-DAIRY (1-800-693-2479) or e-mail our Customer Relations Department at crela@turkeyhill.com.”
The company has not received any consumer illness complaints about these products, however we are taking this precautionary step to safeguard our customers and consumers.   Consumers possessing any of the products listed above are asked to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them immediately. 

Turkey Hill Moose Tracks® Light Recipe Ice Cream is NOT included in the recall.

Lesserevil Brand Snack Co. Issues a Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Lesserevil Brand Peanut Butter and Choco Kettle Corn

Contact:
CONSUMERS - (914) 779-3000 ext. 5
MEDIA: Tom Brown at (914) 779-3000 Ext 112

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- January 30, 2009 -- LesserEvil announces a voluntary recall of PEANUT BUTTER AND CHOCO KETTLE CORN because the peanut butter in this product was purchased from Peanut Corporation of America (PCA).  Peanut butter products produced by PCA have been the subject of an investigation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are linked in a national outbreak of Salmonella.  The FDA expanded it investigation of PCA, and PCA has expanded its recall to additional lot codes and peanut products produced since January 1, 2007.  LesserEvil purchased peanut butter from PCA from some of the lot codes that were part of PCA’s expanded recall. As a result, LesserEvil is issuing a voluntary national recall of Peanut Butter and Choco Kettle Corn.

Salmonella is 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, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases, 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.  For more information on Salmonella, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Website at http://www.cdc.gov.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this Peanut Butter and Choco Kettle Corn. No other LesserEvil brand products are being recalled or are impacted by this recall.

LesserEvil distributed this product nationally under the brand name “LESSEREVIL PEANUT BUTTER AND CHOCO KETTLE CORN.”  In addition, LesserEvil exported this product to Japan and Canada.  The UPC of the product distributed in the U.S. and in Japan is 180999000356.  The UPC for the Canadian product is 180999000516.  The product comes in a 3.65 oz  bag in a box. All lot codes are being recalled. The recalled products should be removed from sale.

LesserEvil sells this product through distributors to grocery and specialty stores and internet sales.  This product was also included in some gift baskets.  If you purchased LesserEvil Peanut Butter and Choco Popcorn, please either throw away the kettle corn in a manner that prevents others from eating it or return it to the store of purchase for a full refund.

Company representatives ask that any retail account that may have questions regarding the recall to call (914-779-3000 ext 112).  Consumers who may wish to verify the brand, flavor and code date are asked to call (914-779-3000 ext 5).  Company representatives will be available to respond to their concerns.

Please know that we are following this issue closely.  Check for updates at our website www.lesserevil.com.

Arico Natural Foods Company Announces US and Canadian Recall of Arico Peanut Butter Cookies and Cookie Bars Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Jean Lafferty
503 259 0871 x21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- January 29, 2009 – Beaverton, Oregon based Arico Natural Foods Company announced today a voluntary recall of Arico Peanut Butter Cookies and Cookie Bars as a precautionary measure due to yesterday’s expanded recall of peanut ingredients from Peanut Corporation of America’s Blakely, Georgia facility, which is the subject of an FDA investigation concerning the recent Salmonella outbreak.

Salmonella is 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 recalled cookies contain peanut butter supplied by Peanut Corporation of America. No known illnesses have been reported to date in connection with Arico Peanut Butter Cookies and Cookie Bars products.  Arico Natural Foods Company immediately informed FDA of its actions and is fully cooperating with the Agency.  Arico products are sold at health food and grocery stores throughout US and Canada.  Included in the recall are:

Arico Peanut Butter Cookies (4.76 oz stand-up pouch with UPC 1 82363 00022 1)
Sell-by dates of “080309” and “100509”
Date code is printed on the top, front, left of each pouch OR on the case label as 08/03/09 and 10/05/09 
Arico Peanut Butter Cookie Bars (1.4 oz with UPC 1 82363 00006 1)
Sell-by date of AUG0409; M03098
Date code is printed on the middle, back of individual bar wrapper OR on the case label as 08/04/09
No other Arico Natural Foods cookies or other product lines are included in the recall.

Arico Natural Foods Company made a one-time purchase of organic peanut butter from Peanut Corporation of America that is affected by yesterday expanded recall announcement to include all products produced since January 1, 2007.  No other Arico products use raw ingredients from Peanut Corporation of America.

The safety and quality of Arico products are of utmost importance.  Arico is destroying any remaining supply of products received from Peanut Corporation of America and has discontinued using them as a supplier.  Consumers who have purchased any of the affected peanut butter cookies are advised not to consume these items and may return the items to the store they were purchased from.  Consumers with additional questions on the recall may contact our Customer Service at 866-98-ARICO (27426) ext. 21 or contact us online (info@aricofoods.com).

I've received so many company recalls of their peanut butter products....everyone who uses peanut butter in their foods to sell to consumers is recalling product.  That being said...I simply cannot post all the recall notices I'm receiving becuase of this problem.  I will no longer post recall notices of peanut butter products from this salmonella scare.

Needless to say, like the poster before me...when in doubt, don't eat it or buy it, if it contains peanut butter.  The exception would be eating peanut butter straight from the jar (i.e. Jif, Peter Pan, Skippy, etc.).

Listeria Contamination in Queso Fresco, Fresh Cheese

Contact:
Jessica Chittenden
518-457-3136

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- February 4, 2009 -- New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today warned consumers not to consume certain “Queso Fresco, Fresh Cheese,” made by Peregrina Cheese Corp., 342 Ten Eyck St., Brooklyn, New York 11206 due to possible Listeria contamination.

The product is contained in a foil wrapped, 14 oz. net weight package with a code of 4461.  The consumer warning affects all packages with this code.

A routine sample of the cheese, taken by an inspector from the Department’s Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services on January 26, 2009, was subsequently tested by the New York State Food Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  On February 3, 2009, the manufacturer was notified of the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and the company voluntarily recalled the product. 

Listeria contaminated product could cause Listeriosis, a disease that usually causes mild flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals; however in immune-compromised individuals, meningitis and blood poisoning can occur.  Pregnant women are also considered a high-risk group, as Listeriosis can also result in stillbirths.

While Peregrina has most of the affected product in its possession, a small quantity of the product was distributed to retail outlets.

To date, no illnesses are known by the Department to be associated with this product.

Bliss Bros. Dairy, Inc. Recalls Ice Cream Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Bliss Bros. Dairy, Inc.
1-800-622-8789

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- February 23, 2009 -- Bliss Bros. Dairy, Inc. of Attleboro, MA is recalling ½ gallons and 3 gallons of Witch’s Brew ice cream and 3 gallons of JJ Lawsen brand Snikkers ice cream because it has 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.

Bliss Brothers Dairy Witch’s Brew Ice Cream packaged in half gallon and 3 gallon with 8252 & 8273
JJ Lawson Brand Snikkers Ice Cream packaged in 3 gallon with lot codes 8109, 8147 & 8218
Product was distributed in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine through scoop shops, retail stores and home delivery.  Witch’s Brew product is packaged in 3 gallon round paper containers and Bliss ½ gallon paper containers.  JJ Lawsen Snikkers ice cream is packaged in 3 gallon round paper containers.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This action is a result of the recall from our supplier of an ingredient that used Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) peanut products. PCA recalled all peanut products manufactured in their Blakely, Georgia facility since January 1, 2007.

Consumers who have purchased either of these products should not consume it. They should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-622-8789.

Marron Foods Recalls Instant Non Fat Dry Milk Boxes That May Contain Foreign Material

Contact:
Matthew Pearson 
914-967-2442

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- February 27, 2009 -- Marron Foods, a Durand, WI. company is voluntarily recalling approximately 140 cases of Non Fat Dry Milk  that may contain a piece of metal that came off the packaging equipment which was discovered as part of regular maintenance.[/red]

Swallowing fragments of metal may constitute a choking hazard.

Product was distributed in Safeway Food stores nationally.

The following products are subject to recall:

Safeway Instant Non Fat Dry Milk, 25.6 oz Box.
UPC code # 2113038511

The following code dates are printed on the top of each box:

BEST BEFORE FEB-12,10
55-343 043

BEST BEFORE FEB-13,10
55-343 044[/red]
 
Consumers can return product with these production dates to the store they purchased it from for a refund.

There have been no reported injuries.

Consumers who may have questions or concerns  regarding this matter can be directed to Matt Pearson at 914-967-2442.

Goya Foods, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Dried Yellow Potato (Papa Seca Amarilla)

Contact:
Goya Foods, Inc.
1-800-275-4692

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- February 27, 2009 -- Goya Foods, Inc. of Secaucus, NJ, is recalling its 12 ounce packages of Dried Yellow Potato (Papa Seca Amarilla), UPC 041331050562, because it contains undeclared sulfites. Consumers who have sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

The product is packaged in 12 ounce plastic bags, all production lot codes are affected and the product has been distributed nationwide. It is a product of Peru.

The recall was initiated after 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 presence of sulfites in Goya brand Dried Yellow Potato (Papa Seca Amarilla) 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 in connection with this problem.

Consumers who have purchased Goya brand Dried Yellow Potato (Papa Seca Amarilla) are urged to contact Goya Foods, Inc. for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company Monday through Friday between the hours of 8AM to 5PM, Eastern Standard Time at 1-800-275-4692.

SunSprout Enterprises, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Alfalfa Sprouts, Onion Sprouts, and Gourmet Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Chris Wulf
402-331-0803

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- March 3, 2009 -- SunSprout Enterprises, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska, is initiating a voluntary recall of Alfalfa Sprouts, Onion Sprouts, and Gourmet Sprouts  based on communications it has had with Nebraska State officials regarding several cases of Salmonella St. Paul reported in Nebraska and Iowa.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.  Health 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 sprouts were distributed to food distributors located in Iowa and Nebraska who further sell the product to restaurants and retail stores.  Distribution was also made directly to one retail store in Nebraska.

The sprouts are sold refrigerated under the SunSprouts label in 4-oz. clear plastic clamshell containers that have the following “Best If Sold By” dates in the upper right-hand corner on each container, which may be expressed in two different styles:  30209 or MAR 02 2009, 30409 or MAR 04 2009, 30709 or MAR 07 2009, 30909 or MAR 09 2009, 31109 or MAR 11 2009, and 31409 or MAR 14 2009.  The lot numbers, which are printed only on the shipping case, include:  3102, 3202, 3302, 4102, 4202, and 4302. 

The bar code for the retail packages of Alfalfa Sprouts is 815098001088;  the bar code for the Onion Sprouts is 815098002054; and the bar code for the Gourmet Sprouts is 817180000153.  The Alfalfa Sprouts are also packaged in bulk 2.5-lb. and 5-lb. cases for use in restaurants.  The Onion Sprouts and Gourmet Sprouts are not packaged in bulk form.

Although neither CW Sprouts nor the Nebraska state officials have any product laboratory test data linking the sprouts to the illnesses or to the microorganism, the recall is being conducted as a precautionary measure.   State officials continue to review all available data and information to determine whether sprouts are reliably implicated in the recent reported cases of Salmonella St. Paul. 

SunSprouts is working closely with the FDA and with public health authorities to get to the bottom of this situation.

If consumers have any of the sprouts in their possession, they should be discarded.  Any customers with questions may call 402-331-0803 between the hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CST for further information.

Chloe Foods Corporation Announces Voluntary Recall of Chloe Farms Brand Marinated Sun Dried Tomatoes

Contact:
Chloe Foods Corporation
1-718-827-9000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- March 6, 2009 -- Chloe Foods Corporation of Brooklyn, NY is recalling its Chloe Farms brand Marinated Sun Dried Tomatoes because they contain undeclared sulfites.  Consumers who have sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious of life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

The product is packaged in 8 oz plastic containers. All production lot codes are affected and the product has been distributed to Golub Corporation at 501 Duanesburg Road, Schenectady, NY, 12306. It is a product of USA.

The recall was initiated after 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 presence of sulfites in Chloe Farms brand Marinated Sun Dried Tomatoes 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 in connection with this issue.

Consumers who have purchased Chloe Farms brand Marinated Sun Dried Tomatoes are urged to contact Chloe Foods Corporation for a full refund.  Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-718-827-9000.