27/12/2002 Food Safety Alert: Sweet Potatoes

24/12/2002 McCall Farms Recalls Glory Foods Brand Canned Kale and Canned Turnip Greens Because of Possible Health Risk

23/12/2002 Recall of Boddingtons Draught Bitter Cans (440ml Can) – Shrink-Wrapped 24 Packs

23/12/2002 Sara Lee® Issues Allergy Alert for Select Fruits of the Forest Frozen Pies

20/12/2002 Trilini International Limited Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in Chocolate Sweets

13/12/2002 South Beach Beverage Company Issues a National Voluntary Recall of SoBe Green Tea and SoBe Energy

12/12/2002 Florida Firm Recalls Pork Sausage Products For Possible Listeria Contamination

12/12/2002 Georgia Firm Recalls Chicken For Possible Contamination With Plastic

09/12/2002 Florida Firm Recalls Ground Beef For Possible E. coli 0157:H7

20/11/2002 Arkansas Firm Recalls Frozen Beef Products Because Of Incorrect Ingredient Label

06/11/2002 Product Recall of Cotswold Spring Natural Mineral Water and Aquaid Cotswold Natural Mineral Water

05/11/2002 California Firm Recalls Chicken Product For Undeclared Allergen

20/09/2002 Product Recall of Cafedirect '5065' Freeze Dried Premium Instant Coffee 100g

28/08/2002 Product Recall by H J Heinz of Savoury Baby Food Varieties

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Food Safety Alert: Sweet Potatoes

27/12/2002

Strong America Ltd, located at 1177 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237, is recalling 3 lb packages of Sweet Potatoes because they may contain undeclared sulphites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulphites run the risk of serious life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered through routine sampling by the N.Y.S Dept. of Agriculture and Markets food inspectors that the product containing sulphites, was distributed in packaging that did not declare the presence of sulphites. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulphites per serving has been reported to elect severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulphite-sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulphites. Analysis of the Minguang brand dried sweet potato revealed that it contained 39 milligrams per serving.

Further details can be found on the Food and Drug Administration website at:
www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/strongamerica12_02.html

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McCall Farms Recalls Glory Foods Brand Canned Kale and Canned Turnip Greens Because of Possible Health Risk

24/12/2002
McCall Farms of Effingham, South Carolina is voluntarily recalling 15,618 cases of Glory Foods brand Kale in 27-ounce cans and 9, 115 cases of Glory Foods brand Turnip Greens in 27-ounce cans because the product has the potential to be contaminated with foodborne pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, etc. The potential problem was discovered by the company; there have been no reported illnesses caused by this product.
Foodborne pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella can cause nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhoea.

Further details can be found on the Food and Drug Administration website at:
www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/McCallFarm12_02.html

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Recall of Boddingtons Draught Bitter Cans (440ml Can) – Shrink-Wrapped 24 Packs

23/12/2002

Interbrew UK has today announced the recall of a batch of Boddingtons Draught Bitter (440ml can - 24 can shrinkwrapped packs), due to possible contamination with cleaning fluid used during the brewing process to clean the inside of beer storage tanks. The company advises that this is not a public health issue. The product is being withdrawn from sale for quality reasons as the affected product is likely to smell and taste unpleasant. The public are advised to return any affected stock to the store where they purchased it for a full refund. All other Boddingtons products and packaging are unaffected.

Further details can be found on the Food Standards Agency website at:
www.food.gov.uk/enforcement/alerts/fhw231202

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Sara Lee® Issues Allergy Alert for Select Fruits of the Forest Frozen Pies

23/12/2002

Sara Lee Bakery Group is voluntarily recalling specifically coded 40-ounce frozen pies labelled Sara Lee® Signature Selections® Fruits of the Forest Pie because some cartons may contain a different variety of pie containing walnuts. Consumption of pies containing walnuts by people who have an allergy or sensitivity to walnuts may result in a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction. This product only poses a potential hazard to walnut-sensitive individuals. The pies are safe for all other people to consume.
The recall applies to a single day of production for cartons displaying the production code 06032242XX (with XX representing any number between 00 and 24). The incorrectly packaged cartons also contain a pouch of caramel used as a topping for the walnut-containing pie.

The company has received a few complaints from some consumers who have bought cartons of the Fruits of the Forest Pie containing another pie variety. There have been no illness or allergic reactions reported.

Sara Lee Bakery Group is working together with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in undertaking a voluntary recall of this product and also has notified the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.

Further details can be found on the FDA website at:
www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/saralee12_02.html



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South Beach Beverage Company Issues a National Voluntary Recall of SoBe Green Tea and SoBe Energy

13/12/2002

South Beach Beverage Company today announced the voluntary recall of as many as 5,678 cases of SoBe Green Tea and 1,458 cases of SoBe Energy in 20-ounce glass bottles due to the accidental presence of dextromethorphan, a substance commonly found in over-the-counter cold and cough medications. This manufacturing error imparts a slight to intense bitter taste and may alter the colour of the affected beverages. If consumed in large quantities, this may cause light-headedness, nausea or other reversible symptoms. If consumed in combination with certain medications, especially anti-depressants, e.g., monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), the affected beverages may cause health risks.

The only packages that may be affected are 20-ounce glass bottles of SoBe Green Tea with the production code SEP2203 XXXXFG09162A3 and 20-ounce glass bottles of SoBe Energy with the production code SEP2203 XXXXFG09172B3.

A few consumers have reported nausea, vomiting, numbness and light-headedness for a short period of time after consumption, but no other serious complaints have been reported.

Further details can be found on the Food and Drug Administration website at:
www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/sobe12_02.html

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Florida Firm Recalls Pork Sausage Products For Possible Listeria Contamination

12/12/2002

Crofton & Sons Inc., a Tampa, Florida., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 1,200 pounds of ready-to-eat, fresh and frozen smoked pork sausage products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The products subject to recall are:

• 1-pound vacuum packed packages of "MILD, BEAN BROTHERS Country SMOKED SAUSAGE." Each package bears the sell by date, "02/10/03."
• 1-pound vacuum packed packages of "HOT, BEAN BROTHERS Country SMOKED SAUSAGE." Each package bears the sell by date, "02/10/03."

Each label bears the establishment code "EST. 9179" inside the USDA seal of inspection. Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in children, seniors and those with compromised immune systems.

Further details can be found on the Food Service and Inspection Service website at:
www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/recalls/prelease/pr113-2002.htm

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Georgia Firm Recalls Chicken For Possible Contamination With Plastic

12/12/2002

ConAgra Foods Poultry Group, an Elberton, Georgia, establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 36,000 pounds of fully-cooked, frozen chicken products that may be contaminated with a plastic foreign material. The product subject to recall is "Easy Entrée POPCORN STYLE CHICKEN, Fully Cooked, Breaded Chicken Breast With Rib Meat, MADE WITH WHITE MEAT, OVEN CRISP BREADING." The product was packaged in 2-pound bags and bears the code "2241 P184" on the bags.

Further details can be found on the Food Service and Inspection Service website at:
www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/recalls/prelease/pr112-2002.htm

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Florida Firm Recalls Ground Beef For Possible E. coli 0157:H7

09/12/2002

Publix, a retail store at 4849 Coconut Creek Parkway, Coconut Creek, Florida, is voluntarily recalling approximately 120 pounds of fresh ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7. The ground beef products being recalled are packaged in foam trays of varying weights bearing the sell-by date "12/07/02." The products subject to recall are:

• PUBLIX BEEF LEAN GROUND (7% FAT)
• PUBLIX BEEF GROUND SIRLOIN
• PUBLIX BEEF GROUND ROUND
• PUBLIX BEEF GROUND CHUCK
• PUBLIX BEEF GROUND

The problem was discovered through routine Food Service and Inspection Service (FSIS) microbiological sampling. E. coli 0157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhoea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product.

Further details can be found on the Food Service and Inspection Service website at:
www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/recalls/retail/rpr013-2002.htm

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Arkansas Firm Recalls Frozen Beef Products Because Of Incorrect Ingredient Label

20/11/2002

Famous Chili Inc., a Fort Smith, Arkansas, firm, is voluntarily recalling an undetermined amount of frozen beef products that contain an undeclared ingredient, monosodium glutamate (MSG).

MSG is used as a flavour enhancer in a variety of foods prepared at home, in restaurants and by food processors. Some persons who have eaten foods containing MSG have reported adverse reactions. The products being recalled are packaged in 12-lb. cases, each containing four 3-lb. bags.

The problem was discovered through Food Service and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection. Further details can be found on the FSIS website at:
www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/recalls/prelease/pr105-2002.htm

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Product Recall of Cotswold Spring Natural Mineral Water and Aquaid Cotswold Natural Mineral Water

06/11/2002

J H Marshall (Thornbury) Ltd is recalling some of its bottled water products, because of bacterial contamination. The Company is issuing a press release today and a product recall notice which should appear in the media. The following brands are affected by this recall: Cotswold Spring Natural Mineral WaterAquaid Cotswold Natural Mineral Water The specific products are those with best before dates on the bottle cap of between 18/09/03 and 28/10/03. The bottles are both glass and plastic, of sizes between 330ml and 5 litres. Both still and sparkling water are being recalled. This recall only affects these bottled waters, sold in shops. Water cooler bottles sold to businesses under these brand names are not affected.

Further details can be found on the Food Standards Agency website at:
www.food.gov.uk/enforcement/alerts/recall_cotswold_spring_water

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California Firm Recalls Chicken Product For Undeclared Allergen

05/11/2002

National Custom Packing, Inc., a Castroville, California, establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 85,000 pounds of frozen chicken parmigiana for an undeclared allergen (shrimp). Shrimp is a known allergen. Persons who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to shrimp run the risk of a serious allergic reaction if they consume this product. The product being recalled is 24-ounce pouches of BERTOLLI CHICKEN PARMIGIANA & PENNE IN A TOMATO MOZZARELLA SAUCE.

The problem was discovered after a consumer inquiry to the company.

Further details can be found on the Food Service and Inspection Service website at:
www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/recalls/prelease/pr100-2002.htm

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Product Recall of Cafedirect '5065' Freeze Dried Premium Instant Coffee 100g

20/09/2002

Cafedirect Ltd has recalled one batch of '5065' freeze dried premium instant coffee following the discovery of small pieces of glass on opening of one jar. The product details are as below.

• Product: 5065 Freeze Dried Premium Instant Coffee
• Brand: Cafedirect
• Packaging: 100g glass jars
• Durability Codes: Best Before May 03
• Batch Number: L1326 DE

Although the glass was found in only one jar from one batch, the Company is taking the precautionary measure of recalling this batch to ensure further tests can be carried out in their investigation of the matter.

Further details can be found on the Food Standards Agency website at:
www.food.gov.uk/enforcement/alerts/recall_cafedirect

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Product Recall by H J Heinz of Savoury Baby Food Varieties

28/08/2002

H J Heinz is announcing a voluntary recall of a number of its savoury baby food varieties because they contain trace amounts of milk in the recipe and are incorrectly labelled as milk-free.

Although these products can continue to be enjoyed by the majority of babies, they are unsuitable for the very small number of infants who are allergic or intolerant to cow’s milk and dairy products. As a result, Heinz has decided to withdraw all 8 affected varieties.

Only those varieties listed are being withdrawn. These Heinz baby food varieties can continue to be enjoyed by babies who are not affected by an allergy or intolerance to cow's milk and dairy products. All other Heinz baby food varieties can continue to be used in complete confidence. This only affects the Heinz baby food varieties listed above. No other Heinz baby food varieties are involved.

Further details can be found on the Food Standards Agency website at: www.foodstandards.gov.uk/enforcement/alerts/heinzbabyfood

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