Alfalfa Sprout Products Recalled

Sprouters Northwest, Inc. Recalls Alfalfa Sprout Products Because of Possible Health Concern

Contact:
Joe Campbell
253-872-0577

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 5, 2008 — Sprouters Northwest, Inc. of Kent, Washington is recalling its alfalfa sprout products (alfalfa sprouts, onion sprouts, and salad sprouts) because they may be linked to a recent outbreak of Salmonellosis in Oregon and Washington State. To date, 13 cases of Salmonella Typhimirium infection have been associated with the consumption of raw alfalfa sprouts.

Salmonella Typhimiriumis an organism that 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 maybe 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 (swelling of the lining of the heart) and arthritis. Individuals who may have experienced any of the above symptoms after eating any of the recalled products should contact their health care provider.

The recalled sprouts were distributed in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alasks in retail stores and through wholesale produce suppliers.

The products are Sprouters Northwest brand and include all lot numbers with a best by date of 9/17/08 or earlier of:  5oz alfalfa sprout cups UPC - 033383701417, 4oz alfalfa clamshells UPC-815098001088, 1lb bags of alfalfa sprouts UPC - 079566123508, 2lb trays of alfalfa sprouts UPC – 079566123492, 5oz salad cups UPC - 033383702674, 4oz salad clamshells UPC - 815098002061, 5oz alfalfa onion sprout cups UPC - 033383701905, and 4oz onion sprout clamshells UPC – 815098002054.

Sprouters Northwest, Inc. is working closely with state officials and the Food and Drug Administration to determine the cause of this problem and what steps can be taken to combat it.

Consumers who have purchased any of these items are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Wholesalers / retailers should remove the product from sale, cease distribution, and arrange for product return. Questions can be directed to the company at 253-872-0577.

Hershey Chocolate Shell Topping Voluntary Recall

The Hershey Company Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Hershey’s Chocolate Shell Topping Due to Undeclared Almonds

Contact:
Kirk Saville
717-534-7641

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Hershey, PA — September 4, 2008 — The Hershey Company today announced a voluntary recall of 7.25-ounce plastic bottles of Hershey’s Chocolate Shell Topping because they contain undeclared almonds. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The only 7.25-ounce bottles of Hershey’s Chocolate Shell Topping affected have the code 69N printed on the back of the bottle below the UPC symbol. The UPC/Bar Code is 346000. The item in question was available for purchase nationwide after July 8, 2008.

No Hershey confectionery items or other shell toppings are involved in this recall. No illnesses have been reported to date. The product is completely safe for consumers who do not have an allergy or sensitivity to almonds.

Hershey issued the voluntary recall after a consumer reported the issue. The company immediately investigated and found that a small portion of a Heath’s Shell Topping production run used bottles labeled Hershey’s Chocolate Shell Topping.

Consumers who have purchased the item in question should contact Hershey Consumer Relations at 1-800-468-1714.

Cooking Sauce Recall

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.

Ego Brand Alert

Starway Inc. Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in Ego Brand Preserved Peaches

Contact:
Chris Lee
718-417-1788

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 3, 2008 — Starway Incorporated, located at 137 Grattan Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11237, is recalling EGO brand Preserved Peaches because the product contains undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.

EGO brand Preserved Peaches is sold in a 14 ounce, un-coded, clear plastic package and was distributed nationwide. It is a product of Malaysia.

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 EGO brand Preserved Peaches 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 EGO brand Preserved Peaches are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-417-1788.

Cracked Pepper Recall For Health Risk

Trans Ocean Products Recalls “Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon” LOT No 54933-2 Because of Possible Health Risks

Contact:
(800) 290-2722 Monday – Friday 6AM to 5PM
Over the Labor Day weekend: (360) 739-4181

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON – August 29, 2008 – Trans-Ocean Products, Inc. of Bellingham, Washington is recalling its 4 ounce Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon Lot No 54933-2 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.

Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon, 4 ounce packages were distributed to three supermarket chains in seven states: Brookshire Brothers in Texas and Louisiana; Price Choppers in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Vermont; and Giant Eagle in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The product is sliced cold-smoked salmon with black pepper. It is vacuum packaged in a resealable purple plastic pouch and bears the brand name Trans Ocean Products.The lot number is ink jetted on the back panel of the package, just right of center.

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

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by Trans-Ocean Products revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in one 4 ounce package of Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon.

Distribution of the product has been suspended while the FDA and Trans-Ocean Products investigate the source of the problem.

Consumers that have purchased Trans Ocean Products Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Trans-Ocean Products. Call (800) 290-2722 Monday – Friday 6AM to 5PM. Over the Labor Day weekend call (360) 739-4181.

Deli Tuna in Washington & Oregon Recall

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:

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.

American Sub Sandwich Recall for Health Risk

“Fresh from the Deli” American Sub Sandwich Recalled by Landshire, Inc. Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Jeanne Gannon
(618) 398-8122

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belleville, IL – August 28, 2008 – Landshire, Inc. is recalling its American Sub sandwich 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 American Sub sandwiches were distributed in the Midwestern States of:  Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania.  The product was sold to Circle K Convenience Stores exclusively.  There were 812 sandwiches produced on lot number 21882.

The sandwich label identifies it as: “Fresh from the Deli” American Sub.  This is a pre-packaged, individually wrapped (clear plastic) with a black tray inside of package.  Sandwich weight is 9.75ounces (276grams).  UPC code is 9748800540.  The sandwiches involved have a lot number of 21882.  The lot number is printed in black ink on the side of the package.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling taken by the Ohio Department of Agriculture for retail food establishments.  Landshire has ceased the production and distribution of the product as the Company continues its investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased the “Fresh from the Deli” American Sub are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.  Consumers with questions may contact Landshire, Inc at 800-468-3354.

Tuna Salad Recall

Home Made Brand Foods Recalls Tuna Salad Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Rick Walters
(978) 462-3663 ext. 314

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Newburyport MA – August 11, 2008 — Home Made Brand Foods, 2 Opportunity Way, Newburyport MA 01950 is voluntarily recalling approximately 4890 pounds of “Ready-to-Eat” Tuna Salad with an expiration date of 8/19/08. This product 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 following products are subject to recall:

• 99/ 5 lbs. units of “Home Made Brand Foods Tuna Salad” dated 8/19/08 expiration
• 412/10 lb. units of “Stop and Shop Tuna Salad” dated 8/19/08 expiration
• 366/12 oz. units of “Stop and Shop Tuna Salad” dated 8/19/08 expiration

The problem was discovered after routine sampling at the customer level and subsequent analysis of the product by an independent laboratory which found the product to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes. All product lots produced prior to and after the above listed affected lot were found to be negative for Listeria monocytogenes through independent laboratory analysis.

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

Consumers who have purchased the Tuna Salad should not consume it, but should return it to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact Rick Walters at (978) 462-3663 ext 314.

Dried Sweet Potato Alert

Hop Lee Trading Co., Inc. Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in Flower Brand Dried Sweet Potato

Contact:
Phiana Chen
718-821-2315

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — August 12, 2008 — Hop Lee Trading Co. Inc. of 337 Butler Street, Brooklyn, N.Y., 11217, is recalling Flower brand Dried Sweet Potato 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.

Flower brand Dried Sweet Potato is sold in a 12 ounce, un-coded, clear plastic package 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 Flower brand Dried Sweet Potato which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reaction 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 have been reported to date. Consumers who have purchased Flower brand Dried Sweet Potato are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-718-821-2315.

Jalapeno Nacho Slices Recalled

Peppers Unlimited, Inc. Recalls La Torre Jalapeno Nacho Slices

Contact:
Judyth Gonzalez
(909) 923-5580

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — August 14, 2008 — Peppers Unlimited, Inc. of Fontana California is voluntarily recalling 580 cases of La Torre Jalapeno Nacho Slices because of possible product contamination caused by a chemical reaction between the product and the can potentially resulting in a swollen and/or ruptured container and significant off flavor.

The recalled products were sold nationwide through food distributors and food retailers.

The Jalapeno Nacho Slices were sold in 425 gram cans and bear the following description:

Yellow, red, white and black label with a picture of Jalapeno Slices.
The La Torre logo is in black and the “Jalapeno Nacho Slices” is in white.

The affected lot numbers are: AU4D6; AU4E6; AU515; AU516; AU520; AU526; AU5H6; AU5L6; AU5M6; AU8W6; AU955; AU9V5; AU9W5; AU9X5; AU9Y5; AU9Z5 (In some cases these lots may have a letter “A” or “B” proceeding the lot #, for example AU4D6A OR AU4D6B). Some cans may bear no lot number. The lot code is located on the bottom of the can.

To date no illnesses have been reported regarding this issue, however, this recall is being initiated as a precautionary measure and consumers should not consume these affected products even if the cans appear to be normal. Consumers who have the opened cans of the affected products or who have used them in recipes should immediately throw the cans and food away. Unopened cans may be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

This recall is being made with the knowledge and in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration. Customers with questions may contact Peppers Unlimited, Inc at (909) 923-5580.