Hepatitis A is a virus that is found in the feces of infected individuals. It can contaminate many types of food in addition to water, and is commonly linked with ready-to-eat foods; however, it has also been linked to shellfish that has been contaminated by sewage.

The virus is primarily transmitted to food when an infected foodhandler touches food or equipment with fingers that have feces on them. While eating only a small amount of the virus can make a person sick, the symptoms may not show for weeks even though the person can be very infections. Cooking DOES NOT destroy Hepatitis A.

The most common symptoms of Hepatitis A are: fever, general weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice (appears later).

Aside from the most important prevention measure (practicing good person hygiene), other prevention methods include:

1. Keep employees who have jaundice out of the operation.
2. Keep employees who have been diagnosed with Hepatitis A out of the operation.
3. Wash Hands.
4. Minimize bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat food.
5. Purchase shellfish from approved, reputable suppliers.

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 Norovirus gastroenteritis?

Truco Enterprises Recalls 18oz Café Style Tortilla Chips Due To The Possible Presence Of Undeclared Milk Allergen

Contact:
Consumer:
800-471-7723, extension 399
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 25, 2015 — Carrollton, TX — Truco Enterprises is recalling select packages of 18 oz. On The Border Café Style Tortilla Chips after notification from a supplier that select product may have been exposed to a milk-containing ingredient. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The 18 oz. packages of On The Border Café Style Tortilla Chips affected were distributed in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

The affected product is packaged in 18 oz. bags with expiration dates of:

DEC 16 2015 SHA
DEC 17 2015 SHA
DEC 18 2015 SHA

The expiration dates are located on the front of the bag in the upper right hand corner.

No illnesses or reactions have been reported to date.

Consumers who have purchased product with the above expiration dates should not consume it. For any questions, concerns or for a full refund, please contact Truco directly at (800) 471-7723, extension 399, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. CST.

Western Milling LLC Voluntarily Recalls Western Blend Horse Feed, Lot 5251 Due To Potential Monensin Contamination

Contact:
Consumer:
1-559-302-1062
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 25, 2015 — GOSHEN, CA — Western Milling announced today that it has voluntarily recalled 50 lb bags of Western Blend horse feed, LOT 5251, manufactured on September 8, 2015. This voluntary recall was initiated by Western Milling after it learned that an ingredient in the feed in question may contain monensin, an ionophore. According to the FDA, clinical signs of ionophore poisoning in horses vary depending on the dosage ingested, but can include poor appetite and feed refusal of the grain product, diarrhea, weakness, rapid heart rate, labored breathing, decreased exercise tolerance, depression, wobbly gait, colic, sweating, recumbency, and sudden death. The first clinical signs are often noted from 12 to 72 hours after ingesting a toxic dose and the clinical signs may linger up to about 8 days. Permanent cardiac damage is possible in horses which showed adverse effects, but then recovered.

The feed subject to this recall was distributed in September, 2015 to stores in California and Arizona. All stores where the bags were sold have been notified. Of the 1,100 bags being recalled, all but 67 bags have already been reclaimed by the company.

Consumers are urged to examine any bags of Western Blend horse feed purchased in September, 2015 to check and see if they have Lot 5251. Any bags with this lot number may be returned to the stores where they were purchased for a full refund.

The voluntary recall comes after notification that several horses who were reported to have consumed the feed being recalled while at the same equine facility have died.

For more information, please call the company at 1-559-302-1062.

Calperf Recalls Chicken Product Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

Class II Recall 125-2015
Health Risk: Low Sep 25, 2015
En Español
Congressional and Public Affairs
Gabrielle N. Johnston
(202) 720-9113

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2015 – Calperf operating under Creative Foods, a Santa Clara, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 216 pounds of chicken product due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains yogurt derived from milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. While yogurt is declared on the front label, the product is missing an ingredient list identifying milk as a sub-ingredient.

The marinated skinless chicken item was produced on September 16, 2015. The following product is subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]

2-lb. sealed trays of “Green Meadows PREMIUM MEAT CUTS Marinated Skinless Chicken Bone-In Cubed Chicken in 23% Yogurt-Curry Marinade” with a use-by date/Case code date of September 30, 2015.
The product subject to recall bears the establishment number “P-6052” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The item was shipped to retailers in the San Francisco, California Bay Area.

The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel during routine 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.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Saswata Bhattacharya, Director, at (925) 506-8286.

Mr. Goodcents Franchise Systems, Inc. Voluntarily Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Peanuts In A Chocolate Chip Cookie

Contact:
Consumer:
800-648-2368

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 23, 2015 – Mr. Goodcents Franchise Systems, Inc. of De Soto, KS is voluntarily recalling Chocolate Chip Cookies because they may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Product was distributed to Mr. Goodcents restaurants located in KS, MO, OK, MN, NE, IA and SD. The cookies are sold in individual bags that indicate the cookie is one of three varieties, one of which is Chocolate Chip Cookie. The product is packaged as 1- 2.5 oz cookie per bag. There are no identifying codes placed on the bag. Potentially affected cookies would have been available for purchase between the dates of 8/31/15 to 9/22/15.

To date there have been no reports of illness associated with consumption of these cookies. The recall was initiated after a restaurant employee identified two small pieces of peanut fragments in a cookie. As a result, we recalled and destroyed all identified product from our distribution center and restaurants.

Consumers who have purchased a Chocolate Chip Cookie between the dates of 8/31/15 to 9/22/15 are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-648-2368, Monday thru Friday, 8am-5pm.

Murphy Farm Hay and Feed Company Issues Recall of Alfalfa Hay Due to Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Consumer:
Will Murphy
919-496-4646
Email: willmurphy@ymail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 18, 2015 — Louisburg, NC — Murphy Farm Hay and Feed Company of Louisburg North Carolina has initiated a voluntary limited recall of alfalfa hay due to potential Blister Beetle contamination. The product was offered for sale to consumers at the following two retail locations, Murphy Farm Hay and Feed in Louisburg, NC and Jones Farm Hay and Feed in Middlesex, NC.

A sample of the potentially contaminated hay tested positive for cantharidin, a poisonous substance found in blister beetles, and is suspected in the deaths of six horses. While cattle, goats and sheep may also be affected by cantharidin, horses are more susceptible to the toxin than ruminants. Horse owners should monitor their animals closely and contact their veterinarian if any of the following signs are observed; inflammation, colic, straining, elevated temperature, depression, blood in the urine, increased heart rate and respiration, dehydration, sweating and diarrhea. Death can occur between as little as a few hours and up to about 3 days after a toxic exposure so it is imperative to contact a veterinarian as soon as blister beetle poisoning is suspected. Please note that hay contaminated with the toxin may or may not contain visible beetles.

Officials from the NC Department of Agriculture have determined that a single load of alfalfa hay, originating in Kansas and delivered to Murphy Farm Hay and Feed on August 11, 2015 is most likely the source of the blister beetle contamination. Hay from the contaminated lot is best described as; Square-baled alfalfa hay, bound in reddish-orange twine and weighing approximately 70 lbs.

Retailers have been contacted and instructed to immediately Withdraw from Sale the recalled product and to notify customers who may have purchased the product of the recall.  Customers who purchased alfalfa hay, bound with reddish-orange twine and bought on or after August 11, 2015 at either location, are encouraged to discontinue use immediately and return any unused portion to the location where purchased.

For more information on the product recall, contact Will Murphy with Murphy Farm Hay and Feed Company during business hours at 919-496-4646 from 7am-Noon EST Monday through Sunday or 919-495-3875 outside of regular business hours.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and the United States Food and Drug Administration.

 Sanderson Farms Recalls Poultry Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

Class I Recall 124-2015
Health Risk: High Sep 24, 2015
Congressional and Public Affairs
Katherine Scheidt
(202) 720-9113

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2015 – Sanderson Farms, a Hazlehurst, Miss. establishment, is recalling approximately 551,090 pounds of poultry products that may be contaminated with extraneous metal materials the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The chicken items were produced on September 17-18, 2015. The following products are subject to recall: [Labels (PDF Only)]  

70-lb. cases containing “YOUNG CHICKEN PARTS JUMBO BONELESS SKINLESS BREAST FILLETS WITH RIB MEAT” with case code 45017.
70-lb. cases containing “YOUNG CHICKEN PARTS JUMBO CLIPPED TENDERLOINS” with case code 45092.
70-lb. cases containing “YOUNG CHICKEN PARTS JUMBO BONELESS SKINLESS BREAST BUTTERFLIES WITH RIB MEAT” with case code 45015.
70-lb. cases and 1800-lb. combos containing “FRESH YOUNG CHICKEN PARTS BREAST FRAMES” with case code 45969.
The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “EST. P-247” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to processing facilities in Georgia.                                

The problem was discovered when the firm received a complaint from a processing facility which found metal shavings in the product. The establishment determined that the contamination occurred due to a malfunction with an ice-making machine used during production.

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 Mike Cockrell, Chief Financial Officer, at (601) 426-1454.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

Tastee Apple, Inc., Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Peanuts In Plain Caramel Apples

Contact:
Consumer:
customerservice@tasteeapple.com
www.tasteeapple.comdisclaimer icon
740-498-8316

Media:
Melanie Rembrandt
media@tasteeapple.com
800-771-0116

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 22, 2015 – Tastee Apple, Inc., www.tasteeapple.comdisclaimer icon, issues allergy alert on undeclared peanuts in 3-ounce packages of Tastee Apples Plain Caramel Apples because they may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.

The recalled “Plain Caramel Apples” were distributed in eight states (OH, PA, MD, MA, NY, TX, NJ, IN) in retail stores.

Note that this was not a product quality-issue and only involves Plain Caramel Apples with the specific UPC 35266-00027 and code date of 9 29 mentioned below.

The product comes in a 3-ounce, clear-plastic package marked with UPC 0-35266-00027-3 and an expiration date of 9 29 stamped on the front label. Some packages were mislabeled, and the Plain Caramel Apple include peanuts which are not listed in the ingredients on the labels.

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

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging processes

Production of the single pack Plain Caramel Apple product has been suspended until a label correction can be made to the Plain Caramel Apple label.

Customers who purchased the 3-ounce packages of Plain Caramel Apple listed above are urged to discard them and take their receipt to the store where purchased for a refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at:

Tastee Apple, Inc., customerservice@tasteeapple.com, www.tasteeapple.comdisclaimer icon

Phone: 740-498-8316 (between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday)

About Taste Apple, Inc.

Family-owned and operated since 1974 in the historic Village of Newcomerstown, Ohio, Tastee Apple, Inc. has sold over 250,000,000 apples with candy, chocolate, caramel, and other toppings. The only company in the industry certified by the Safe Quality Food Institute, all of the apples go through a unique, seven-step rating process to guarantee the quality and freshness of the fruit. Perfectly-ripe apples are “sticked” in made-from-scratch, small-batch, kettle-cooked caramel or a candy coating. After the apples cool, they are rolled in gooey toppings like milk, dark or white chocolate and then rolled in fresh peanuts, pecans, cookies, or pretzels. The candy and caramel apples are then carefully packaged, stored and shipped to stores throughout the country. For more information on Tastee’s apples and fundraising program, visit www.tasteeapple.comdisclaimer icon or call 740-498-8316.

Greencore, USA – Rhode Island, Issues Allergy Alert Due to the Potential for Undeclared Almonds in Evolution Fresh Nonfat Greek Yogurt with Strawberry and Granola Parfaits Sold in 266 Locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, Connecticut, Vermont and Maine

Contact:
Consumer:
800-Starbuc (800-782-7282)

Media:
1-978-716-2530
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 23, 2015 – North Kingston, RI – Greencore, USA Inc. North Kingston, Rhode Island, is voluntarily recalling approximately 379 pounds (997 individual parfaits) of Evolution Fresh Nonfat Greek Yogurt with Strawberry and Granola parfaits because the product may contain undeclared almonds. People who have an allergy or sensitivity to almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The Evolution Fresh Nonfat Greek Yogurt with Strawberry and Granola products were produced on September 21 and distributed to approximately 266 Starbucks retail stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, Connecticut, Vermont and Maine. No other regions are affected. To date, the company has not received reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products, and all affected product has been removed from stores.

The following product is subject to recall:

6.1oz. Evolution Fresh Nonfat Greek Yogurt with Strawberry and Granola, (UPC: 7 6211107474 4, ‘enjoy by 9/24’)
This isolated issue affects only this date code of product. No other codes or products are affected.
The problem was discovered when product checks discovered that the granola in some individual Evolution Fresh Nonfat Greek Yogurt with Strawberry and Granola contained almonds. Greencore has determined the cause and has worked to eliminate the issue. Greencore, USA, Inc. takes food safety and the protection of customers and consumers very seriously. It has robust traceability systems and took immediate action, working with our customer, on being informed of the potential problem.
Customers who have purchased the affected product and have not yet consumed it may return the products to the Starbucks store in which they were purchased for a full refund.

For further questions regarding this recall, please contact the following representatives:
Media Inquires: Greencore USA: 1 978 716 2530
Customer Inquiries 800-Starbuc (800-782-7282)
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm EST.

Lucy’s Weight Loss System Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Pink Bikini and Shorts on The Beach Due to Undeclared Sibutramine and Phenolphthalein

Contact:
Consumer:
682-308-0199
pbfitme@gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 09/23/2015 – Arlington, TX – Lucy’s Weight Loss System is voluntarily recalling all lots distributed May 25 – June 23 2015 of Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach Blue and Gold Edition, 30 blue capsules (750MG per) capsules and 30 gold capsule (800MG per) capsules to the consumer level. The Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach have been found positive for Sibutramine and Phenolphthalein after FDA sampling and testing.

Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant that was withdrawn from the U.S. market in October 2010. Sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke. Phenolphthalein is an ingredient previously used in over-the-counter laxatives, but because of concerns of carcinogenicity, it is not currently approved for marketing in the United States. Health risks associated with phenolphthalein could include potentially serious gastrointestinal disturbances, irregular heartbeat, and cancer with long-term use. These undeclared ingredients make these products unapproved new drugs for which safety and efficacy have not been established. These products may also interact in life-threatening ways with other medications a consumer may be taking.

Lucy’s Weight Loss System has received not received any complaints to date. Lucy’s Weight Loss System has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.

The product is used as a weight loss dietary supplement and is packaged in clear bottle in blue and gold. The affected Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach lots include the following expiration date 7/30/2017. Product was distributed nationwide to consumers via Internet.

Lucys Weight Loss System is notifying its customers by Email and is arranging for return. Consumers that have recalled Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach should stop using and discard.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Lucy’s Weight Loss System by phone (682)-308-0199 or pbfitme@gmail.com on Monday thru Friday 10:00am to 5:30pm CST. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm
or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.