Potential Salmonella contamination prompts recall of Agricola Zaragoza Jalapeno Peppers

Recalled jalapeno peppers distributed to GA, TX

On July 21, 2008, Agricola Zaragoza, Inc. recalled all jalapeno peppers distributed since June 30 because they may be contaminated with Salmonella, which could cause foodborne illness from Salmonella. The recalled jalapeno peppers, distributed to customers in Georgia and Texas, were shipped in 35-pound plastic crates and in 50-pound bags with no brand name or label.

Sampling by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) led to the recall. The agency found that the recalled Agricola Jalapeno Peppers were contaminated with the same strain of Salmonella Saintpaul responsible for a current Salmonella outbreak that may have caused 1,200 illnesses.

Retailers and consumers who purchased jalapeno peppers should contact their supplier to determine if they have purchased any products included in the recall. For more information, customers may contact Agricola Zaragoza at 956-631-6405.

Source: “Agricola Zaragoza, Inc. Recalls Jalapeno Peppers Because of Possible Health Risk,” US Food and Drug Administration Press Release, July 21, 2008.

Beef Packers recalls 1,500 pounds of beef cheek products due to possible E. coli contamination

Recalled products shipped to CA distributors

On July 23, 2008, Beef Packers, Inc. recalled about 1,560 pounds of beef cheek products because they have the potential to be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, which could cause foodborne illness from E. coli.

Included in the recall are 30-pound boxes of “Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, Beef Cheek Meat – SM BX.” The boxes of the recalled products have the establishment number “EST. 354” and a “PACKED ON” date of “07/02/08,” printed on the label.

Recalled beef cheek products were shipped to distributors on Modesto, Santa Rosa, Fresno and Vernon, California.

Consumers are advised to contact Beef Packers Inc.’s consumer line at 1-800-545-1679 with questions. For more information, customers may also “Ask Karen,” the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. In addition, consumers may contact the United States Department of Agriculture’s Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854.

Source: “California firm recalls beef cheek product due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination,” FSIS-Recall Release 024-2008, July 24, 2008.

Wild Alaskan Salmon recalled by Salmolux Inc. due to potential Listeria contamination

No illnesses have yet been reported

On July 9, 2008, Salmolux Inc. recalled lot # 01418 of its Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Nova Lox because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, which could cause foodborne illness from Listeria.

The recalled Alaskan Smoked Salmon was sold in 3-ounce blue packages and was distributed in Arizona, California, Nevada, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia in Von’s retail outlets or in Food Lion.

The lot number (# 01418) is marked on the product’s rear white label that includes the name of the product, its ingredients and an expiration date.

While no illnesses have been reported, consuming food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may cause foodborne illness from Listeria.

Consumers who have purchased recalled Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Nova Lox are encouraged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, customers may also contact Salmolux Inc. at 253-874-2026, extension 214.

Source: “Salmolux Inc. Recalls Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Nova Lox Lot # 01418 Because of Possible Health Risk,” US Food and Drug Administration Press Release, July 9, 2008.

Thai Basil recalled by Lucky Green Trading Inc. because of possible Salmonella contamination

On July 9, 2008, Lucky Green Trading, Inc. recalled Thai Basil due to its potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, which could cause foodborne illness from Salmonella. The recalled Thai Basil was distributed in retail stores and through direct delivery to customers in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada on June 30, 2008.

The recalled product was shipped in 14-pound cardboard cartons with 12 individual packages, which weigh about 1.2 pounds each. Exterior cartons were labeled with, “16 DE SEPTIEMBRE S/N SANTA ROSA TAPACHULA NAYARIT, C.P. 63737,” and “Thai Basil.” There was also an attached sticker with Airway Bill #027 1947 0861 written on it.

While no illnesses have been reported, consuming food contaminated with Salmonella may cause foodborne illness from Salmonella.

Lucky Green Trading has suspended distribution and importation of the recalled Thai Basil while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the company continues to investigate.

Consumers who purchased basil should contact the place of purchase to determine if it is recalled Thai Basil. For more information, customers may also contact Lucky Green Trading at 714-554-9293.

Source: “Lucky Green Trading, Inc. Recalls Thai Basil Because of Possible Health Risk,” US Food and Drug Administration Press Release, July 9, 2008.

Nestlé recalls chicken Lean Pockets products because they may contain plastic pieces

Company received customer complaints, reports of two injuries

On July 14, 2008, Nestlé Prepared Foods Company recalled about 199,417 pounds of frozen stuffed chicken sandwich products because they may contain pieces of plastic.

Included in the recall are 9-ounce boxes of Lean Pockets Spinach Artichoke Chicken, which holds two sandwiches. A “Best Before” date of “Nov 2009” is found printed on the side of each box, along with a package code beginning “8144 544646” and an establishment number “P7721A.”

The recalled Nestlé frozen chicken products were produced on May 23, 2008 and were distributed to retail stores nationwide. Nestlé initiated the recall after receiving consumer complaints, including reports of two injuries.

Customers may contact the Nestlé Consumer Services Center at 800-350-5016. Consumers can also “Ask Karen,” the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. In addition, customers may use the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-674-6854.

Source: “Kentucky firm recalls frozen stuffed chicken sandwiches that may contain pieces of plastic,” Recall Release FSIS-RC-023-2008, July 14, 2008.

Kroger expands ground beef recall due to foodborne illness from E. coli outbreak

Ongoing investigation prompts recall

On July 3, 2008, The Kroger Co. expanded an earlier recall of ground beef products due to an ongoing investigation of a foodborne illness from E. coli outbreak. Included in the recall are ground beef products that were packaged in Styrofoam trays and wrapped in clear cellophane at the following Kroger establishments:

• Fred Meyer - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/05/08,”
• QFC - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/05/08,”
• Kroger stores (except in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Knoxville, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Kroger Mid-Atlantic division - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/19/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Fry’s - “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Ralph’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Smith’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Baker’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/17/08” and “07/03/08,”
• King Soopers - Product with “Sell By” dates between “6/20/08” and “07/03/08,”
• City Market - Product with “Sell By” dates between “06/20/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Hilander - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Owen’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Pay Less - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Scott’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Dillons - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/17/08” and “07/03/08,” and
• Gerbes - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/17/08” and “07/03/08.”

Also included in the recall are 16-ounce packages of “Private Selection Natural Ground Beef,” with “Sell By” dates between “07/11/08” and “07/21/08.” This recalled product was distributed to Kroger retail establishments, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Baker’s, Smith’s and Fry’s stores.

Consumers are urged to check refrigerators and freezers to determine if they own a recalled Kroger ground beef product, and, if they do, to throw it away or return it for a refund.

Consumers may contact the Kroger Consumer Hotline at 800-632-6900. For more information, customers may also “AskKaren,” the Food Safety and Inspection Service virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture Hotline is available at 1-888-674-6854.

Source: “Ohio firm expands recall of ground beef products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination,” Food Safety and Inspection Service Release R01-2008, July 3, 2008.

Fresca Italia expands recall of Burrata cheese due to possible Listeria contamination

Positive test results in additional lots prompts expanded recall

On June 23, 2008, Fresca Italia expanded its recall of Burrata, a type of cheese, after tests found additional lots of the product also tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, which could cause foodborne illness from Listeria.

The recalled Burrata was distributed in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California in retail stores and restaurants. The Burrata included in the recall weighs about 8.8 oz and is packaged in a white and green plastic wrapper with “Caseificio Voglie di Latte,” and “Burrata” printed on the wrapper.

All lot codes and expiration dates from the manufacturer, Caseificio Voglie di Latte, are included in the recall. The following are the quantities that were distributed:

• 606 lbs with the Lot Code 24/5/2008,
• 661 lbs with the Lot Code 31/5/2008, and
• 490 lbs with the Lot Code 07/06/2008.

Consumers who have any Caseificio Voglie di Latte Burrata should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, customers may contact Fresca Italia at 415-468-9800.

Source: “Fresca Italia, Inc., Expands Recall of Burrata Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk,” US Food and Drug Administration Press Release, June 23, 2008.

Number of consumers sickened by tomatoes rises to 552

FDA searching Florida, Mexico for source of foodborne illness from salmonella

Inspectors with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are searching farms in Florida and Mexico in attempts to find the source of tomatoes contaminated with salmonella that have sickened 552 people. The focus of the investigation will be on big packing houses or distribution warehouses.

The earliest consumers who reported foodborne illness from Salmonella got sick on April 10, 2008, and the latest was on June 5, 2008. Thirty states have reported sick residents, with at least 48 consumers being hospitalized.

The agency speculated that parts of Mexico and Florida are the most probable sources of the Salmonella contamination because they were supplying a majority of the nation’s tomatoes at the time of the outbreak.

Meanwhile, consumers are urged to avoid eating raw red plum, red Roma or red round tomatoes unless they were grown in specific states or countries the FDA has cleared of suspicion. For an updated list, customers can visit the FDA’s website.

Source: “Tainted tomato cases reach 552,” MSNBC.com, June 20, 2008.

Tipu’s Tiger Chai recalls concentrate due to potential botulism risk

Product may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum

On June 17, 2008, Tipu’s Tiger Chai Inc. recalled Tipu’s Tiger Chai Concentrate because it may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that may cause botulism. Botulism is a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.

The recalled Tipu’s Tiger Chai Concentrate was distributed mainly to stores and coffee kiosks in western Montana, and to one café in Prescott, Arizona. It was distributed in plastic half-gallon units labeled with the product’s name. “Refrigerate after opening,” along with dates of 09-23/09 through 05/22/10 are printed on the lid or neck of the bottle.

Consumers who purchased the recalled Tipu’s Tiger Chai Concentrate should return it to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information, customers may also contact the company at 1-888-506-2424.

Source: “Tipu’s Tiger Chai, Inc Recalls Tipus Tiger Chai Concentrate Because of a Possible Health Risk,” US Food and Drug Administration Press Release, June 17, 2008.

Number of consumers sickened by raw tomatoes increases to 167 in 17 states

Restaurants, stores pull tomatoes from shelves

In June 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that at least 167 consumers in 17 states were infected with Salmonella Saintpaul, one week after dozens in nine states reported illnesses. As a result, restaurants and stores are not offering tomatoes that may be associated with the foodborne illness.

While no deaths have been reported in the salmonella tomato outbreak, 23 people have been hospitalized since mid-April 2008. The CDC is currently investigating the source of the outbreak. The following states have reported sick consumers:

• Arizona,
• California,
• Colorado,
• Connecticut,
• Idaho,
• Illinois,
• Indiana,
• Kansas,
• Michigan,
• New Mexico,
• Oklahoma,
• Oregon,
• Texas,
• Utah,
• Virginia,
• Washington, and
• Wisconsin.

Source: Mirandi Hitti, “Salmonella tomato warning expanded,” WebMD Health News, June 9, 2008.