Metz Fresh Announces Voluntary Recall of Spinach

Contact:
Metz Fresh
831-386-1018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Salinas, CA -- August 28, 2007 -- Metz Fresh, LLC is voluntarily recalling bagged spinach as a result of a positive test for Salmonella found during routine company testing.

The spinach is distributed under the label Metz Fresh, in both retail and food service packages. These include 10 and 16 oz bags as well as 4-2.5 lb. and 4 lb. cartons. The only Metz Fresh product affected is spinach that bears the tracking codes 12208114, 12208214 and 12208314. It was distributed in the continental United States and Canada.

There have been no reports of illness or problems related to this spinach.

Salmonella is a common food borne pathogen that can cause severe illnesses, including fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. While most individuals recover in three to five days without medical intervention, the infection can be life-threatening to young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Consumers with any of these symptoms should call their physician.

Consumers are advised to discard this product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact 831-386-1018.

"Nothing is more important to Metz Fresh than the safety of our consumers, period," said Andrew Cumming, President of Metz Fresh. "As soon as we learned of the presumptive positive test, we directed all customers to hold all boxes of the spinach affected as a precaution. Now, with this positive test confirmation, there is no question that we would recall and destroy all spinach bearing these three codes."

The positive test came during independent lab testing Metz Fresh conducts on all of its products. Through its labeling and numbering system, Metz Fresh has already tracked, located and put 'holds' on the vast majority of the cartons of spinach affected. That spinach will not be released into the marketplace.

While the positive test came from only one sample of many on three packing lines, Metz Fresh has, as a precaution, chosen to recall all of the spinach from the ‘field lot’ packed that day on all three lines.

Metz Fresh is keeping appropriate authorities updated on the status of the voluntary recall.

Everlasting Distributors, Inc. Recalls Blue Ocean Smoked Indian Sardine Tamban Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Richard Ng
201-823-0800

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Bayonne, NJ -- August 29, 2007 -- Everlasting Distributors, Inc. of Bayonne, NJ, is recalling its Blue Ocean Smoked Indian Sardine Tamban 8oz. packaged frozen products 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 should seek immediate medical attention.

Blue Ocean Smoked Indian Sardine Tamban was distributed in New York and New Jersey areas and it reached consumers through retail stores.

Blue Ocean Indian Sardine Tamban comes in an uncoded white styropor foam tray and vacuum packed with a clear plastic bag.

The potential for contamination was noted after routing testing.

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

Consumers who have purchased the Blue Ocean Smoked Indian Sardine Tamban 8oz. frozen product are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Everlasting Distributors, Inc. at (201) 823-0800.

Bodee LLC, Inc. Issues A Voluntary Nationwide Recall of All Zencore Tabs, a Product Marketed as a Dietary Supplement

Contact:
Bodee LLC
help@zencoretabs.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Century City, CA – August 31- Bodee LLC, 2222 Avenue of the Stars, 702E, Century City, CA 90067, announced today that it is conducting a voluntary nationwide recall of all the company's supplement product sold under the name Zencore Tabs.

Bodee LLC is conducting this recall after being informed by representatives of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that lab analysis by FDA of Zencore Tabs samples found the product contains potentially harmful, undeclared ingredients. FDA asserts that its chemical analysis revealed that one lot of Zencore Tabs contains aminotadalafil, an analog of tadalafil, the active ingredient of a FDA-approved drug used for Erectile Dysfunction (ED). FDA maintains Aminotadalafil is close in structure to tadalafil and is expected to possess a similar pharmacological and adverse event profile. Further, FDA declares another lot of Zencore Tabs contains sildenafil, the active ingredient of another FDA-approved drug used for ED, as well as sulfosildenafil and sulfohomosildenafil, both are analogs of sildenafil. All of these undeclared chemicals pose a threat to consumers because they may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.

Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. ED is a common problem in men with these conditions, and consumers may seek these types of products to enhance sexual performance.

Zencore Tabs is sold in health food stores and by mail order nationwide and in Canada. The Zencore Tabs product is sold as a 2-capsule blister pack packaged in a retail booklet with five booklets in a box.

Customers who have this product in their possession should stop using it immediately and contact their physician if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking this product.

Any adverse events that may be related to the use of this product should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088 or by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178 or by mail at MedWatch, HF-2, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787.

The company advises that any unused portion be returned to Bodee LLC for a full purchase price refund by calling (800) 935-0296 for instructions on the return and refund process.

The Company is taking this voluntary action because it is committed and is always concerned with the health of persons who have consumed this product. The Company is reviewing the procedures and policies of all firms involved with the manufacture of the product to ensure that there will be no future issues with regard to Zencore Tabs’ composition. The Company is working closely with the FDA in the recall process and is committed to the quality and integrity of its products. It sincerely regrets any inconvenience to consumers and its other customers.

Listeria Detected in Organic Pastures Raw Cream
CDFA Issues Order to Withdraw Product; No Illnesses Reported

Contact:
Steve Lyle
916-654-0462

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Sacramento, CA -- September 7, 2007 -- The California Department of Food and Agriculture has issued an order to Organic Pastures Dairy Company to withdraw from retail distribution Grade A raw cream manufactured at their facility in Fresno, due to detection of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

Under the recall, Organic Pastures brand Grade A raw cream with code dates SEP 14 through SEP 21 is to be pulled immediately from retail shelves and consumers are strongly urged to dispose of any product remaining in their refrigerators. Until further notice, Organic Pastures may not produce raw cream for the retail market.

The quarantine order came following laboratory confirmation of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. CDFA inspectors found the bacteria as a result of product testing conducted as part of routine inspection and sample collection at the facility.

The withdrawal order involves removal of raw cream from grocery stores, retail outlets and farmers markets throughout California.

The great majority of cream consumed in California is pasteurized. Raw cream is not. Pasteurization eliminates the risk of bacterial illness.

Listeria monocytogenes may cause listeriosis among "at risk" people, including pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache and stiff neck can occur. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infections during pregnancy can lead to more serious problems for the fetus. Consumers should seek immediate medical care if they develop these symptoms.

Consumers should discard the raw cream or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. California consumers who have purchased Organic Pastures brand raw cream may call the company at 559- 352-6585 with questions about the product withdrawal.

I bought Aquastar Frozen Sushi at Walmart last week. It made me sick and the rice was inedible. When I emailed a complaint, they wrote back and said they had already issued a recall. They were sorry that Walmart didn't pull the product yet. Aquastar is going to send me a refund. Should I pursue anything with Walmart?  Inthesticks, what do you think?

Strong America Limited Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in Great Wall Brand Chinese Wolfberry

Contact:
Mr. Yang
(718) 628-6200

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Long Island City, NY -- September 10, 2007 -- Strong America Ltd. of Long Island City, NY is recalling Chinese Wolfberry, because it may contain undeclared sulfites. People who have a severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled Great Wall brand Chinese Wolfberry is packed in uncoded 7oz packages and were sold in GA, NY, and TN.
No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by the Department’s Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the product, 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 sulfites sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites. Analysis of the Chinese Wolfberry revealed that it contained 12.87 milligrams per serving.

Consumers who have Great Wall brand Chinese Wolfberry can return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-628-6200

B. Braun Medical Inc. Issues Nationwide Recall of Normal Saline Flush Syringes with Lot Numbers Ending in "SFR"
 
Contact:
B. Braun Medical Inc.
(800) 227-2862

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- September 14, 2007 – B. Braun Medical Inc., Bethlehem, PA, announced on July 30, 2007 a voluntary nationwide recall of Normal Saline Flush syringes with lot numbers ending in "SFR" due to an increase in customer complaints for particulate matter in the saline. The FDA has been apprised of this action.

The introduction of particulate matter into the blood stream may result in phlebitis and / or damage to vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, heart and lungs. To a less likely extent, there is a potential for the development of pulmonary embolism or silicone embolism syndrome, which could cause severe injury and / or death. Symptoms would generally be expected to develop quickly and are unlikely to develop more than 24 - 48 hours after the administration of the product. However, the risk associated with use of this product is cumulative and increases with each additional exposure. A patient may not develop any symptoms until they have received multiple doses of the product. To date, B. Braun has received no reports of any patient injury associated with this issue.

Customers that have the recalled product in their possession should discontinue use immediately and contact their physician if they have experienced any problems that may be related to usage of this product. Customers that have the affected product in their possession may contact the B. Braun Medical Inc. Customer Support Department at (800) 227-2862, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM EST for instructions for handling the affected product and to arrange for replacement product.

This voluntary recall affects normal saline 3mL in 12mL syringes, designated by product code 513584, and normal saline 10mL in 12mL syringes, designated by product code 513587. Between June 11 and July 18 of this year, B. Braun Medical Inc. distributed approximately 33,000 units of product code 513584 and 1.2 million units of product code 513587 of lot numbers ending in "SFR" to hospitals and distributors. The product code, identified as REF, and lot number, identified as LOT, can be found on the syringe label just below the product description.

These flush syringes have been found to contain particulate matter, which has been identified as a medical grade silicone. While this silicone is biocompatible, routinely used in the medical device industry and is an expected component of these syringes, the visible particulate matter caused by the silicone in these "SFR" lots may pose a health risk.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
Regular Mail: use postage-paid FDA form 3500 available at:
www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm.
Mail to MedWatch 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD
20852-9787
Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178

Bravo! Issues Nationwide Recall of Select Poultry Products for Dogs and Cats

Contact:
David Bogner
(866) 922-9222

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --Vernon, CT -- Sept. 18, 2007--- Bravo! announces a voluntary recall of select tubes of three of its poultry products for cats and dogs.  The pet food is being recalled because two of the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, while the other product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. 

Both Salmonella and Listeria are organisms which can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and if there is cross contamination, in people, especially small children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people with Salmonella infection may only suffer short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.  Long term complications can include arthritis and other more serious ailments.  Healthy people with Listeria infection may only suffer 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 company has received no reports of illness in either people or animals associated with any of the three products.

The recalled products are distributed nationwide to distributors, retail stores, internet sales and directly to consumers, and they can be identified by the batch ID code located on the hang tag attached to the bottom of the plastic film tubes.  The recalled products should not be sold or fed to pets.  Pet owners should return unopened frozen tubes of food to the store where purchased for a full refund.  Pet owners should dispose of opened tubes of product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle) and return the washed plastic batch ID tag to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Recalled Pet Food

Product:  Bravo Original Formula Chicken Blend frozen raw food
Product Numbers: 21-102, 21-105, 21-110
Sizes:  2 pound, 5 pound and 10 pound tubes
Batch ID code (on hang tag):  236
Reason for Recall:  Salmonella, Listeria

Product:  Bravo Original Formula Turkey Blend frozen raw food
Product Numbers: 31-102, 31-105, 31-110
Sizes:  2 pound, 5 pound and 10 pound tubes
Batch ID code (on hang tag):  236
Reason for Recall:  Listeria

Product:  Bravo Basic Formula Finely Ground Chicken frozen raw food
Product Number:  21-212
Size:  2 pound tube
Batch ID Code (on hang tag):  226
Reason for Recall:  Salmonella, Listeria

Other Batch IDs for these same products are not involved in the recall.

Bravo! is issuing this action out of an abundance of caution and sincerely regrets any inconvenience to pet owners as a result of this announcement.  This voluntary recall has been issued because the FDA detected the bacteria in samples during a recent review. 

In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets.  A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at:
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/foodbornetips.htm.

People may risk Salmonella infection not only by handling these pet foods, but also by contact with pets or other surfaces exposed to these foods, so it is important that they thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap.  Anyone who is experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella or Listeria infection after having handled the recalled product should seek medical attention.  Consumers may report any complaints to FDA's local District Complaint Coordinator’s located on the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html. 

Healthy cats and dogs rarely become sick from Salmonella.  Animals ill with Salmonella will display symptoms similar to the ones listed above for humans.  People who have concerns about whether their pet has Salmonella or not should contact their veterinarian.
 
For more information on the Bravo recall, please visit www.bravorawdiet.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222

TWC Global LLC, Inc. Issues a Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Axcil and Desirin Products Marketed as Dietary Supplements

Contact:
TWC Global, LLC
service@axcil.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Mountain View, CA -- September 12, 2007 -- TWC Global, LLC, 530 Showers Drive, Suite 7-129, Mountain View, CA 94040, announced today that it is conducting a voluntary nationwide recall of the company's supplement products sold under the names of Axcil and Desirin.

TWC Global is conducting this recall after being informed by representatives of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that lab analysis by FDA of Axcil and Desirin samples found the products contain potentially harmful, undeclared ingredients. FDA found the lot of 02B07 contains 3 mg/g of sildenafil, the active ingredient of a FDA-approved drug used for ED, as well as sulfosildenafil and sulfohomosildenafil, both are analogs of sildenafil. All of these undeclared chemicals pose a threat to consumers because they may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.

Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. Sexual dysfunction is a common problem in men and women with these conditions, and consumers may seek these types of products to enhance sexual performance.

Both Axcil and Desirin are sold on internet nationwide. The products are sold as a 15-capsule blister pack packaged in a box.

Customers who have these products in their possession should stop using them immediately and contact their physician if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking these products.

Any adverse events that may be related to the use of this product should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088 or by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178 or by mail at MedWatch, HF-2, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787.

The company advises that any unused portion of the products be returned to TWC Global, LLC immediately for a full purchase price refund. The returning address is: TWC Global, LLC, 530 Showers Drive, Suite 7-129, Mountain View, CA 94040. Please return the unused portion of the product with invoice for refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 650-575-0828.

The Company is taking this voluntary action because it is committed and is always concerned with the health of consumers who have taken these products. The Company is reviewing the raw materials used to make these products and the raw material manufacturers and suppliers to identify the source of contamination to ensure that there will be no future issues with regard to Axcil and Desirin’s compositions. The Company is working closely with the FDA in the recall process and is committed to the quality and integrity of its products. It sincerely regrets any inconvenience to consumers.

Department of Consumer Protection Removes Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water From Connecticut Stores Following Voluntary Recall

Contact:
Department of Consumer Protection
860-713-6050
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- HARTFORD, September 24 -- The Department of Consumer Protection has removed a product from three stores where it was sold, following a voluntary recall by the manufacturer and a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning consumers not to drink or serve the beverage.

The product is Baby's Bliss Gripe Water, apple flavor, with a code of 26952V and expiration date of October 2008 (shown as "10/08" on the label), distributed by MOM Enterprises, Inc., of San Rafael, Calif. The FDA confirmed through laboratory analysis the presence of cryptosporidium after investigating the illness of a 6-week-old infant in Minnesota who consumed the product. Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause intestinal infections.
"We have identified three stores in the state that have sold this beverage, and we have made sure that the product has been removed from sale," Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. said. "Consumers who have this item at home should be sure it is not coded and dated as described in the FDA warning. If it is, please do not use the beverage, but discard it immediately."

The three stores known to have carried Baby's Bliss Gripe Water are:

Over the Moon, Avon
Bissell Pharmacy, Ridgefield
Starlight Baby, Southbury

All of the above stores have been contacted by Consumer Protection and are aware of the recall.
The most common symptom of infection is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms can include dehydration, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms generally begin two to ten days after becoming infected with the parasite and generally last one to two weeks. While most people with healthy immune systems will recover without treatment, the infection could be serious or life-threatening for certain individuals. Infants, children and pregnant women are susceptible to dehydration resulting from diarrhea, which can be life-threatening. Individuals with weakened immune systems are also at risk for a more serious and life-threatening form of illness.

Parents of children who have recently consumed apple flavored Baby's Bliss Gripe Water and have these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Parents and caregivers who have given this product to their infants and children should be alert for diarrhea and other signs of Cryptosporidium infection.

The product was sold in a four-ounce plastic bottle packaged inside of a cardboard carton, labeled with the following: Baby's Bliss. Pediatrician Recommended Gripe Water. Apple Flavor.

MOM Enterprises, Inc. is fully cooperating with FDA's investigation into the cause of the contamination and is recalling all potentially contaminated products. FDA continues to investigate and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Consumers can call the FDA at 1-888-723-3366.

MCP Recalls All "Queso Cincho de Guerrero" Produced by "Quesos Sabrosos Mexicanos" Distributed Between April 16 - June 26 Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
MCP
630-279-8600

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- September 18, 2007 -- MCP is recalling the "Queso Cincho de Guerrero" produced by "Quesos Sabrosos Mexicanos" because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and serious and sometimes 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, and Staphylococcus aureus which can cause nausea, retching, abdominal pain, diarrhea and prostration.

The recall of Queso Cincho de Guerrero produced by "Quesos Sabrosos" was distributed in Indiana, Michigan, Georgia, Texas, and Illinois in retail stores.

The dry hard Mexican cheese comes in wheels of 35# to 40#, and is labeled as "Quesos Sabrosos Mexicanos".
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by FDA of Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus in the Queso Cincho.

Consumers who have purchased Queso Cincho de Guerrero produced by "Quesos Sabrosos Mexicanos" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at (630) 279-8600