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I have a Doctorate in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University. My research interests include: Foodservice Sanitation Consumer behavior in response to foodservice sanitation issues Employee behavior in foodservice establishments Hospitality workplace public health Hand-washing research Festival Cook-off research LGBTQ issues in hospitality & Tourism If you would like to know more information, just ask, I am NOT shy, and will answer each question truthfully.

New #foodsafety #recall possible #salmonella #contamination of Spicely Organics Organic Tarragon

Spicely Organics Recalls Organic Tarragon Because Of Possible Health Risk

October 16, 2017

Contact

Consumers

 1-510-440-1044 ext. 1001

 

Announcement

Organic Spices, Inc. dba Spicely Organics of Fremont, CA is recalling 0.4 oz. Organic Tarragon Lot No. OTW100134 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.
The product was distributed in: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. It reached customers through retails stores and e-commerce.
The Spicely Organics organic Tarragon leaves were packaged in 0.4oz (11g) glass jars with black caps with marks “best if used by: 12/31/20 OTW100134”.
The recall was initiated as a result of routine sampling program that revealed that the raw material contained Salmonella. To date there have been no reports of illnesses.
Consumers who have purchased this product can return it to the point of sale for a full refund.
This recall is being made with the knowledge of the US Food and Drug Administration.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-510-440-1044 ext. 1001 from Monday to Friday 7:00am – 2:30pm PST. We appreciate your assistance in this matter.
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New #foodsafety #recall possible foreign matter #contamination of Merkts Port Wine Cheese Spread

Bel Brands USA, Inc. Issues a Nationwide Voluntary Recall Of Merkts Port Wine Cheese Spread Because Of Possible Foreign Bodies Found In a Limited Batch Of Products

October 13, 2017

Contact

Consumers

 1-888-840-0096

 

Announcement

Impacts only the 14-oz. size Port Wine flavor of Merkts Cheese Spread distributed by Bel Brands USA, Inc. and sold by retailers nationwide. All affected products have the “Best Before” date of 04-29-18.
Bel Brands USA, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of Merkts Port Wine Cheese Spread sold nationwide with a 9-1-17 production date and a “BEST BEFORE” date of 04-29-18 because a few consumers have reported finding small pieces of plastic in the product.
The recall is limited to the Port Wine flavor with UPC: 76306 60200 and Batch code: LC2442A. While no injury, illness or allergic reaction has been reported at this time, Bel Brands USA, Inc. is issuing this recall as a precautionary measure.
Size Name UPC# Date Plant Code
14-oz. Merkts Port Wine 76306 60200 “BEST BEFORE” date of April 29, 2018 LC2442A
The affected product has a “BEST BEFORE” date of 04-29-18, and was sold by retailers nationwide. The cup carries the above referenced Universal Product Code (UPC) 76306 60200 and product code 1738.
This recall does not impact any other Merkts products, including other Merkts flavors, beyond the specific Merkts Port Wine Cheese Spread sold in cups with Best Before Date of April 29, 2018. No other Bel Brands USA, Inc. products are affected.
Consumers who purchased the Merkts Port Wine Cheese Spread product matching the specifications listed above must not consume it, it should be discarded, if they have any questions contact 1-888-840-0096 between 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been notified of this voluntary recall.
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New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #egg #allergen in La Terra Fina Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip & Spread

La Terra Fina Recalls 10 oz. Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip & Spread Due to Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen

October 11, 2017

Contact

Consumers

 855-655-6418

Media

Erika Simms
  erika@maxwellpr.com
 (503) 231-3086

Announcement

La Terra Fina is voluntarily recalling its 10 oz. containers of Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip & Spread with the date of BEST BY NOV-01-2017 due to undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
The product was sold at retailers located in the states as outlined in the chart below.
La Terra Fina Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip is in a 10 oz. container and is usually stocked in the deli or produce sections with other dips, hummus and guacamole. The best by date can be found on the top label.
The issue was discovered after receiving notification from a retailer that the ingredient statement and UPC code were for a different dip. The correct UPC for the La Terra Fina Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip & Spread 10 oz. containers should be 6-40410-51327-3; however, the affected units may scan as 6-40410-51350-1.
There have been no reports of illness in relation to these products. The FDA is aware that the company is taking this voluntary action, which is out of an abundance of caution for consumers’ well-being and safety.
Only products with the BEST BY NOV-01-2017 date are being recalled. Retailers who have received these shipments have been instructed to destroy all product within this lot code and send verification stating quantities, dates and method. Consumers who have purchased these products and have an allergy to eggs are urged to discard or return to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call La Terra Fina at 855-655-6418 between Monday and Friday 8:30AM – 5PM US PDT.
Affected retailers are located in the states noted below
Product Size UPC Best By Retailer Regions
Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip & Spread 10 oz. 6-40410-51327-3 NOV-01-2017 Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming
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New #foodsafety #recall possible #Ecoli #contamination of 133 lbs of ground beef products

Vermont Livestock Slaughter And Processing LLC, Recalls Ground Beef Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

Class I Recall108-2017
Health Risk: HighOct 13, 2017
Congressional and Public Affairs
Jeremy J. Emmert
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2017 – Vermont Livestock Slaughter and Processing, LLC, a Ferrisburg, Vt., establishment, is recalling approximately 133 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The ground beef was produced on July 24 and 25, 2017.  The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]
  • 1-lb. vacuum sealed packages containing “Bread & Butter Farm Ground Beef” with lot codes #072517BNB and #072417BNB.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 9558” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were sold at Bread & Butter farm in Shelburne, Vt.
On September 30, 2017, FSIS was notified of an investigation of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses. Working in conjunction with the Vermont Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FSIS determined the cooked beef burgers that were served at an event at Bread & Butter Farm was the probable source of the reported illnesses. Based on the epidemiological investigation, two case-patients were identified in Vermont with illness onset dates ranging from September 18, 2017, to September 23, 2017. Traceback information indicated that both case-patients consumed ground beef products at Bread & Butter Farm which was supplied by Vermont Livestock Slaughter & Processing. Vermont Livestock Slaughter and Processing, LLC is recalling the products out of an abundance of caution. FSIS continues to work with public health partners on this investigation and will provide updated information as it becomes available.
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure to the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age, but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160° F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, http://1.usa.gov/1cDxcDQ.
Media and consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Carl Cushing, the owner, at (802) 877-3421.

New #foodsafety #recall possible foreign matter #contamination in 12,816 lbs of fully cooked shredded beef products

J & B Sausage Company, Inc. Recalls Fully Cooked Shredded Beef Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

Class II Recall109-2017
Health Risk: LowOct 12, 2017
Congressional and Public Affairs
Jeremy J. Emmert
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2017– J & B Sausage Company, Inc., doing business as J Bar B Foods, a Waelder, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 12,816 pounds of fully cooked shredded beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The Fully Cooked Smoked Seasoned Shredded Beef with BBQ Sauce items, were produced under the H-E-B label on Sept. 16, 2017.  The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]
  • 28-oz. trays of H-E-B Fully Cooked Smoked Seasoned Shredded Beef with BBQ sauce with a use by date of Dec. 15 2017.
  • 16-oz trays of H-E-B Fully Cooked Smoked Seasoned Shredded Beef with BBQ sauce with a use by date of Dec. 15 2017.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 7066” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in Texas.            
The problem was discovered on October 11, 2017, when J Bar B Foods received notification from their consignee that a consumer complaint had been received regarding foreign material, specifically plastic, in the product.
There have been no confirmed reports of injury or adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider.  
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.
Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Bonnie Hyman, consumer representative, at (830) 788-7511.  Media with questions about the recall can contact Jim Williams, company president, at (830) 788-7511.

New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #almond #allergen in General Mills Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Raisin Granola Cereal

General Mills Issues Voluntary Recall of Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Raisin Granola Cereal

October 9, 2017

Contact

Consumers

 1-800-624-4123

Media

Mike Siemienas
  Media.line@genmills.com
 763-764-6364

Announcement

General Mills is voluntarily recalling two days of production of Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Raisin Granola cereal because of an undeclared allergen. There have been no reports of illness.
Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Raisin Granola cereal produced on July 15 and 16, 2017 is being recalled because the product may contain almonds, an undeclared nut allergen. 
General Mills will recall affected Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Raisin Granola cereal produced on those dates from customer warehouses and store shelves. Consumers with nut allergies should not consume products bearing the affected code dates and should contact General Mills for a replacement or full refund. 
This voluntary recall includes Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Raisin Granola cereal with the following “BETTER IF USED BY” code dates and the plant code JK:
Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Raisin Granola cereal
20MAR2018JK
21MAR2018JK
Products containing almonds can cause illness or severe reactions for individuals with nut allergies.
Consumers requesting refunds or calling with further questions should contact General Mills Consumer Services at 1-800-624-4123.
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New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #wheat & #soybean #allergen in 1,222 pounds of ready-to-eat beef products

Sandridge RMH Acquisition, LLC Recalls Ready-To-Eat Beef Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Class II Recall107-2017
Health Risk: LowOct 5, 2017
Congressional and Public Affairs
Autumn Canaday 
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov 
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2017 – Sandridge RMH Acquisition, LLC, a Morton Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,222 pounds of ready-to-eat beef products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products are mislabeled as beef pot roast but the package actually contains beef meatloaf. The beef meatloaf product contains wheat and soybean oil, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.
The ready-to-eat homestyle beef pot roast items were produced and packaged on September 6, 2017. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]      
  • 15 oz. plastic trays of “Publix homestyle beef pot roast WITH SEASONED GRAVY” with a lot code of 72487338, a case code of 09080/43303, and a use or freeze by date of December 4, 2017.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 17789B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in Florida and Georgia.
The problem was discovered on October 4, 2017, when a consumer reported that they purchased a product labeled as beef pot roast but actually contained beef meatloaf.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Bill Wiedmann, food safety and quality assurance manager, at (309) 291-2112. Media with questions about the recall can contact John Keech, plant manager, at (309) 291-2120.

New #foodsafety #recall possible #Ecoli #contamination of 700 pounds of ground beef products

Clair D. Thompson & Sons, Inc. Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

Class I Recall106-2017
Health Risk: HighOct 4, 2017
Congressional and Public Affairs
Autumn Canaday 
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov 
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2017 – Clair D. Thompson & Sons, Inc., a Jersey Shore, Pa. establishment, is recalling approximately 700 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The ground beef items were produced and packaged on Sept. 27 – 28, 2017 and Oct. 2, 2017. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]
  • 5-lb. plastic bags of “Thompson’s GROUND BEEF.”
  • 10-lb. plastic bags of “Thompson’s GROUND BEEF.”
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 9681” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to institutions in New York and Pennsylvania.
The problem was discovered on Oct. 2, 2017 when the firm notified FSIS that the firm’s sample of ground beef had tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 by a third party lab. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.
FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.
FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160° F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature (for more information see: http://1.usa.gov/1cDxcDQ).
Media and consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Clark Thompson, HACCP coordinator, at (570) 398-1880.

New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #peanut #allergen in Jansal Valley® Dried Chili De Arbol Peppers

Sid Wainer & Son® Initiates Class 1 Recall for Jansal Valley® Dried Chili De Arbol Peppers Due to Possible Health Risk

October 3, 2017

Contact

Consumers

 1-800-423-8333

Media

Gary Marcotte
 gmarcotte@SidWainer.com
 (800) 423-8333 x 340

Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sid Wainer & Son® of New Bedford, MA is voluntarily recalling Jansal Valley® brand Dried Chili De Arbol Peppers because it does not have the proper allergens identified, being peanuts. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. 
The product is packaged in a clear plastic clamshell container labeled as Jansal Valley® Dried Chili De Arbol Peppers, packaged in 1 ounce sizes. The cases contain 12 1 oz units each. 
Product best by dates include 9/11/2018, 9/22/2018 and 9/26/2018.
Dried Chili De Arbol Peppers were distributed Nationwide in retail stores and grocery chains.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
During repacking, the peanut contamination was discovered in the sealed bulk containers of the product.
Consumers who have purchased 1 ounce packages of Jansal Valley® Dried Chili De Arbol Peppers, please destroy the above mentioned product if your company is in possession of it.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-423-8333 at extension 168 or 119 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.
About Sid Wainer & Son®: Sid Wainer & Son®, based in New Bedford, MA, has been the most prominent importer and distributor of specialty produce in the country since 1914. In addition to produce, Sid Wainer & Son® offers artisanal cheese and specialty foods, including their exclusive Jansal Valley® Line. Sid Wainer & Son® suppliers over 30,000 of the finest restaurants, hotels, gourmet shops, retailers, and caterers both domestically and internationally. To learn more about Sid Wainer & Son, visit www.Sidwainer.com.
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New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #egg #allergen in Royal Asia Shrimp Wonton Noodle Soup

Tai Foong Usa Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in Product

October 3, 2017

Contact

Consumers

Bart Cox 
 800-388-3666 #200

Announcement

TAI FOONG USA of Seattle, WA is recalling Royal Asia Shrimp Wonton Noodle Soup, because it may contain undeclared egg.  People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg or egg products run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. Individuals who are not allergic to eggs may safely consume this product.
Product was distributed in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Utah and Alaska and were purchased exclusively at Costco beginning January 2017.
Royal Asia Shrimp Wonton Noodle Soup; Net weight 3.94lb (1.79kg) 63oz; 6 bowl pack.  One allergic reaction complaint has been CONFIRMED to date. The recall was initiated after the product was tested for presence of egg, and was confirmed. Because the packaging does not reveal the presence of Egg the product was immediately pulled from the shelves at Costco and destroyed, all other product was identified and isolated in the cold storage facilities and placed on hold to be properly labeled.
This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Tai Foong USA is asking consumers to return product to the store where purchased to request a full refund if there is an allergy concern. Affected product should then be discarded in a secure place and not consumed.
For more information please visit www.northernchef.com or contact 800-388-3666 #200
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