Fatima Brothers Issues Alert On Undeclared Sulfites In Shad Raisins

Contact:
Consumer:
Enamul Khan
(347) 639-1426

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 28, 2015 – Maspeth, NY – Fatima Brothers Inc. is recalling its 7 oz. and 14 oz. packages of SHAD RAISINS because they contained undeclared sulfites. Consumers who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

The recall SHAD RAISINS comes in an uncoded 7 oz. and 14 oz. plastic bag and was sold in retail stores in New York and New Jersey.

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 packages of SHAD RAISINS, which did not declare the sulfites 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 sulfites. Analysis of SHAD RAISINS revealed they contained 38.19 milligrams per serving.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Consumers who have purchased the SHAD RAISINS should return it the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions may contact Enamul Khan at (347) 639-1426.

Botulism is an illness caused by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

The bacteria is known to form spores that are commonly found in water and the soil, and can contaminate almost any food. It does not grow well in refrigerated or highly acidic foods or in foods that have a low moisture content; however, the bacteria grows without the need for oxygen and can ultimately produce a deadly toxin if the food items are time and temperature abused.

Without the aid of medical treatment, death is highly likely.

The foods most commonly associated with this bacteria are: incorrectly canned foods, reduced oxygen packaged foods, temperature-abused vegetables, such as baked potatoes, and untreated garlic-and-oil mixtures.

The most common symptoms are: initially nausea and vomiting; later, weakness, double vision, and difficulty in speaking and swallowing.

In addition to controlling for time and temperature abuse, the following preventive measures are also recommended:

1. Hold, cool, and reheat foods correctly.
2. inspect canned foods for damage.

Thank you very much for following these posts during the month of September.

If you have any questions about anything that I present in these lessons, or have a question about anything regarding food safety, please feel free to contact me.

Clostridium perfringens gastroenteritis is an illness caused by the Clostridium perfringens bacteria. It is a spore-forming bacteria that is found in several environmental sources as well as in the intestines of humans and animals. It is commonly found on raw meat and poultry, and prefers to grow in conditions with very little or no oxygen, and can multiply very rapidly.  Some strains of the bacteria can produce a toxin in the intestine that causes illness. It is estimated that this bacteria causes over 1 million illness a year.

The symptoms of this illness are: diarrhea and abdominal cramps within 6 to 24 hours (typically 8-12). The illness usually begins  very suddenly and lasts for less than 24 hours.  Persons infected usually do not have a fever or vomiting. The illness is not able to be passed from one person to another.

The most common foods associated with this bacteria are: beef, poultry, gravies, and dried or pre-cooked foods.

Prevention methods for this illness include:

1. Cool and reheat foods correctly.
2. Hold food at the correct temperatures.
3. Control time and temperature.

If you have any questions about anything that I present in these lessons, or have a question about anything regarding food safety, please feel free to contact me.

Tomorrow’s lesson: What is Botulism (Clostridium botulinum bacteria)?

Royal Frozen Food Recalls Frozen Food Products Produced Without a Fully Implemented HACCP Plan,Containing an Undeclared Allergen, and Missing the Mark of Inspection

Class I Recall 126-2015
Health Risk: High Sep 29, 2015
Congressional and Public Affairs
Julie Schwartz
(202) 720-9113

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2015 – Royal Frozen Food, a Los Angeles, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 230 pounds of frozen beef and pork products that were not produced under a fully implemented Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan. A portion of these products are missing the USDA mark of inspection and may also contain egg, an undeclared allergen, which was not declared on the product label, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen food items were produced between Sept. 1, 2014 and Sept. 29, 2015. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]

17 oz. plastic tray package bearing code #607238300447 and containing 10 pieces of “PRECOOKED STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES WITH BEEF AND RICE.”
20 oz. plastic tray package bearing code #607238300454 and containing 8 pieces of “PRECOOKED STUFFED CABBAGE LEAVES WITH BEEF AND RICE.”
12 oz. plastic tray package bearing code #607238300553 and containing 10 pieces of “POT STICKERS.”
Some of the products subject to recall bear establishment number “Est. 20585” inside the USDA mark of inspection. One of the products (Pot Stickers) does not contain the USDA mark of inspection.  These items were shipped to retail locations in California.
                               
The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel performing in-plant verification tasks.

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. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Gloria Cheng, owner, at (626) 552-1882.

Press Release For Voluntary Recall of Kermit, Inc. Products

Contact:
Consumer:
John Meyer or Ken Arnold
386-740-0502
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 25, 2015 — DeLand, FL — Kermit, Inc. of DeLand, Florida issuing a voluntary recall of the following products because of undeclared allegens on the label. Undeclared soy, an ingredient in Worcestershire Sauce, is used to make the following:

Kermit’s Key Lime Cocktail Sauce, Net Wt. 12-oz., Best By Sep/1/2016.
Kermit’s Key Lime Steak Sauce, Net Wt.& 10-oz., Best By Aug/18/2016.
Kermit’s Sweet & Tasty Key Lime Barbeque Sauce, Net Wt, 16-oz., Best By Sep/14/2016.
Kermit’s Medium Mannered Key Lime Barbeque Sauce, Net Wt. 16- oz., Best By Aug/11/2016.
Kermit’s Hot & Spicy Key Lime Barbeque Sauce, Net Wt. 16-oz., Best By Aug/19/2016.
Kermit’s Chipotle Key Lime Barbeque Sauce, Net Wt. 16oz., Best By Jul/24/2016.
Kermit’s P4 Hot Sauce, Net Wt. 5.5-oz., Best By Aug/20/2016.
Additionally, the product, Kermit’s Key Lime Ginger Wasabi Marinade, Net Wt. 12-oz., with Best By Aug/31/2016, is being recalled due to the undeclared, soybeans and wheat ingredients in Soy Sauce.The presence of undeclared soy and soybeans in the product can elicit life-threatening allergic reactions in sensitive individuals while undeclared wheat may elicit adverse health reactions in both individuals sensitive to wheat protein or to gluten (such as individuals with celiac disease). Individuals allergic to wheat protein can suffer acute allergic reactions if they are exposed to wheat flour, with the possibility for life-threatening anaphylaxis in particularly sensitive individuals. Individuals allergic to wheat protein can suffer acute allergic reactions if they are exposed to wheat flour, with the possibility for life-threatening anaphylaxis in particularly sensitive individuals. Gluten intolerance in adults exposed to gluten can manifest as diarrhea and under chronic exposure can lead to weight loss and ultimately malabsorption (steatorrhea), anemia, or osteomalacia.
The products are sold in clear glass bottles in the sizes with Best Buy dates as indicated above. The recall is for all of the individual products with the indicated “Best By” date or earlier.

The recalled products were distributed in retail stores in Florida and Maryland, and sold direct to consumer via the internet through Kermit’s website, www.keylimeshop.comdisclaimer icon.

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

The label has been reconditioned (corrected) on bottles in Kermit’s
inventory and in the inventory of retail shops that carry the specific products.

Purchasers allergic to soy, soybeans, or wheat should destroy the product, or contact Kermit, Inc. for a corrected label. Anyone with questions, please contact John Meyer or Ken Arnold at 386-740-0502.

OC RAW DOG Voluntarily Recalls Limited Number of Raw Frozen Dog Food Due to Potential Salmonella Health Risk

Recall is limited to one Canine Formulation of Chicken, Fish & Produce distributed in 3 states; no illnesses reported

Contact:
Consumer:
1-844-215-DOGS (3647)

Media:
Olivia Hudson
949-215-1111
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 25, 2015 – Santa Margarita, CA – OC Raw Dog of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is voluntarily recalling 640 lbs. of Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation. This is being done in an abundance of caution, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported and no other OC Raw Dog manufactured products are affected.

Individuals handling raw pet food can become infected with salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product or to surfaces exposed to the product. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. If a consumer exhibits these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

This voluntary recall is limited to Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulations that were packaged into 6.5 lb. Doggie Dozen Patties, 4 lb. Doggie Sliders, and 3 lb. Meaty Rox with the lot number 1819, and use by date of 05/05/16. These codes can be checked on the bottom left corner of the back of the package. Distribution is limited to customers in Colorado, Vermont, and Pennsylvania and sold to consumers through independent pet specialty retailers.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Colorado Department of Food and Agriculture of a sample that they collected at retailer revealed the presence of Salmonella in a 3 lb. bag of “Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulations” Meaty Rox. Another sample from the same lot was previously tested by the California Department of Agriculture and it had a negative Salmonella result.

If you are in possession of this recalled product please submit a picture of the package with the lot number to Olivia@ocrawdog.com for verification. Either dispose of the product immediately or return the product to the retailer where you purchased it for a replacement product.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-844-215-DOGS (3647) Monday thru Friday 9am – 4pm PST. If you get our automated answering system please leave a message and we will call you right back.

At OC RAW DOG, we are passionate about our products and the safety of canine and human customers is our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience this recall may have caused.

Yesterday, I went to lunch with some friends, and one of my biggest peeves at a restaurant happened. I walked in, was about to be greeted by an employee, and she turned to finish a conversation with one of her co-workers. Completely ignoring me and having me stand there waiting on her to finish her conversation.

In the industry, I would call this “failing at step zero”. Having worked in the foodservice industry for many years, I have taught my employees that there are certain steps to ensure proper customer service. Some I have added from working at different establishments, others I have added myself. To me, Step Zero is the most important step of all.

Step Zero: Be there.

That is it. Just “be there”. This means you need to give the customer in front of you your full attention. Many times I have gone to different restaurants, and the servers or order takers (at  fast food places) are busy trying to pay attention to what is going on with other employees or other customers, and not giving me the full attention that is needed to ensure that my order is going to be correct. Of course this is not just the employees fault, many mangers allow this sort of situation to occur because they won’t or can’t instill this one piece of common courtesy amongst their employees. In many establishments (I have mainly seen this at fast food locations), employees are required to work two or three positions. I went to one fast food location, and the drive thru was moving very slowly for a noontime lunch rush. They had one person doing everything in the drive thru (taking orders, filling drinks, taking cash, handing out food). While during slow times, this can be easily accomplished by one person, at lunch, where there were 5 or 6 cars in line, it was unacceptable (and unsanitary, but I will get to that in a foodsafety post). It was also the reason my order was incomplete.

Now that I have ranted about one of my biggest peeves at restaurants, I want to hear from you. What peeves do you have at restaurants?

TF Supplements Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Dietary Supplements with Undeclared Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Contact:
Consumer:
866-620-3586
Media:
866-620-3586
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 25, 2015 — Houston, TX — TF Supplements of Houston, TX, is voluntarily recalling the following product to the consumer level: RHINO 7 packaged in a bottle containing six (6) capsules WITH LOT# K824B719-P and in a single (1) count capsule hang card with LOT# SU-5102617*RP at the consumer level. Lot numbers are on the back top right of the (1) count and on the side of the (6) count bottle. FDA analysis found these products to contain undeclared desmethyl carbondenafil and dapoxetine. Desmethyl carbondenafil is a phosphodiesterase PDE-5 inhibitor which is a class of drugs used to treat male erectile dysfunction, making these products unapproved new drugs. Dapoxetine is an active ingredient not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Desmethyl carbondenafil may pose a threat to consumers because this PDE-5 inhibitor may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels that can be life threatening. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.

Dapoxetine has not been approved by the FDA and therefore its safety or efficacy has not been established. Chemically, dapoxetine belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat depression. Studies have shown that antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults when compared to placebo. Therefore, consuming these products presents a health risk which could be life threatening.

TF Supplements has received no reports of illness associated with these products to date.

These products are marketed as dietary supplements for sexual enhancement and packaged in (6) count bottle and (1) count hanging card and distributed to consumers nationwide via are our retail website tfsupplements.com. TF Supplements has discontinued sales of these products.

TF Supplements is notifying its customers via e-mail of this voluntary recall. Consumers that purchased these products from TF Supplements should stop using them immediately and can return the products to :

TF Supplements
6666 Gulf Freeway
Houston,TX 77087

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact TF Supplements by telephone at 866-620-3586 between (Monday — Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm CST). Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using these products. Consumers can report adverse reactions or quality control problems to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online, by regular mail, or by fax as follows:

Complete and submit reporting form online at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm; or
Mail or fax reporting form. Download form at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form. Complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-1078.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.