Month / September 2015

by admin

Updated #foodsafety #recall on Corned Beef Products produced without import inspection.

Ocho Rios Recalls Corned Beef Products Produced Without Benefit of Import Inspection
Class I Recall 117-2015
Health Risk: High Aug 31, 2015
Distribution List PDF
En Español
Congressional and Public Affairs
Whitney Joy
(202) 720-9113

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2015 – Ocho Rios, a Miami, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 7,228 pounds of canned corned beef produced in Brazil that were not presented at the U.S. point of entry for inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. Without the benefit of full inspection, a possibility of adverse health consequences exists.

The canned corned beef was imported on August 7, 2015. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]    

18-lb. packages containing 24- 12 oz. cans of “Corned Beef with Juices.”
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “Brasil 226 S.I.F.” inside the mark from Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture. The cases of products contain the shipping mark “BT/7100366 MIAMI” and the can codes “16952U,” “16951U,” “15251U,” or “15252U.” These products were shipped to retail locations in Fla. and one distribution center in Ga. to be further distributed.
                               
The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel during routine failure to present surveillance activities.

FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction 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 may contact Donovan Chang, Ocho Rios’ Recall Coordinator, at (305) 696-1237.

by admin

New ‪#‎voluntary‬ ‪#‎foodsafety‬ ‪#‎recall‬ presence of trace levels of naturally occurring element cadmium in organic baby spinach.

Limited Precautionary Recall of 5 oz organicgirl Baby Spinach Announced
Contact:
Consumer:
(866) 486-4939
(831) 758-7810
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 10, 2015 – Salinas, California – organicgirl Produce is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of 5 oz. organicgirl Baby Spinach with a Use-by Date of September 13 and Product Code B030298-001B08S due to test results indicating the presence of trace levels of the naturally-occurring element cadmium. The recall includes 1,290 cases distributed primarily to Western and Midwestern states. No other organicgirl Baby Spinach products or other organicgirl salads are included in the recall.
No illnesses are reported in association with this recall.
Because it is naturally-occurring in the earth’s soil, trace levels of cadmium are found in many foods as well as in the water and air. There is no minimum health tolerance for Cadmium in crops or soil in the U.S. at this time and the probability of acute health consequences from consumption of Cadmium is remote. organicgirl Produce is coordinating closely with regulators.
This recall action is being taken out of an abundance of caution due to an isolated instance in which a single package of 5 oz. organicgirl Baby Spinach tested randomly by the California Department of Public Health demonstrated the presence of trace levels of cadmium. This recall is one in which any health risk is perceived to be non-life-threatening with any potential health effects being temporary or reversible.
The precautionary recall is being conducted to reach retailers and consumers to notify them that according to the California Department of Public Health, the recalled product should not be consumed.
Consumers
Consumers are being asked to check their refrigerators for a 5 oz. package of organicgirl Baby Spinach with a Use-by Date of September 13 and Product Code of B030298-001B08S. If found, it should be discarded. organicgirl will gladly replace it. Consumers with questions may call the organicgirl consumer hotline at 866-486-4939, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Pacific Standard Time.
Retailers
Retailers are asked to check their inventories and store shelves to confirm that none of the recalled product is present or available for purchase. organicgirl Produce customer service representatives have already contacted retailers who received product subject to this recall.
Distribution
The recalled product was distributed to a total of 13 states including Arizona, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Utah.
by admin

September is National Food Safety Education month. Today’s lesson: Proper cooling of cooked foods.

Continuing yesterdays lesson on the proper thawing of foods, I will now discuss the proper methods for cooling foods. The main process behind the proper cooling of cooked foods, is to get the temperature through the temperature danger zone as quickly as possible to minimize the chance of bacteria growing on the food.

I am sure many of us remember, and have done ourselves, the leaving of food out on the counter to cool before being placed in the refrigerator. This is mainly done, however incorrectly, to keep the temperature of the fridge from rising by placing hot or warm food inside. A refrigerator is the perfect place to keep cold food cold, but it is not very efficient at rapidly cooling foods.

As previously stated, the object of cooling foods, is to get the items through the temperature danger zone quickly enough to keep bacteria from growing to unsafe levels. According to the FDA, this can be done by cooling the items from above 135 degrees F (57C) down to 70 degrees F (21C) within the first two (2) hours, then cooling the item to below 41 degrees F (5C) in the next four (4) hours. As a side note, if the food cannot be cooled to 70 degrees within two (2) hours, it must either be discarded or reheated and cooled again.

To aid in getting the food items to cool properly within the allotted time periods, there are several ways to assist in reaching the desired goals. Some are designed for the food service industry, however others can easily be adapted for home use.

1. First, reduce the size of the food for quicker cooling. This can be done by dividing the items into smaller containers for faster cooling.

2. Place item in an ice water bath. As far as I know, everyone that boils eggs uses an ice water bath to rapidly cool the eggs after they are done cooking. The same principle applies to other items as well. For items that are liquid (or semi liquid) and can be stirred (frequently), placing the pan in an ice water bath in the sink and stirring will help speed up the cooling process of the item.

3. Stir food with an Ice Paddle. In some food service establishments, you can find a plastic paddle, that was filled with water and frozen. For large amounts of liquid items, the paddle can be used the cool the center portion of the item by stirring with the paddle. In a home, this can be accomplished by purchasing a smaller paddle, or simply using a plastic bottle filled with water and frozen and using it as a paddle to stir the food item.

4. Placing food in a blast or tumble chiller. This is mainly for food service operations, as these devices are not currently designed for home use. The object of this item is as it sounds, it is like a super powered fridge that will super cool food items very quickly.

5. Adding ice or cold water as an ingredient. This cooling technique works for liquid items that require more liquid to be added at the end of the cooking process. Instead of adding hot water (or even a hot broth), use very cold water or ice to speed the cooling process. If you add broth as a final ingredient, it is possible to chill the broth or freeze it into cubes just like you would regular water to speed the cooling process of the food item.

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.

Tomorrows lesson: Proper reheating of previously cooked & properly cooled foods.

by admin

New #drug #recall due to presence of undeclared drug products, making them unapproved drugs.

The One Minute Miracle Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of MIRACLE DIET 30 Due to Presence of Undeclared Phenolphthalein & MIRACLE ROCK 48 Due to Presence of Undeclared Thiosildenafil

Contact:
Consumer:
Rene Castillo
(305) 947-6244
www.theoneminutemiracleinc.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 11, 2015 — North Miami Beach, Florida — The One Minute Miracle Inc. is voluntarily recalling all lots of Miracle Diet 30, capsules and Miracle Rock 48, capsules to the consumer level. These products have been recalled due to FDA analysis revealing that these dietary supplements contain undeclared drug products making them unapproved drugs.

Miracle Diet 30 has been found to contain undeclared phenolphthalein, phenolphthalein was an ingredient used in over-the counter laxatives but was removed from the market because of concerns of carcinogenicity. There is a reasonable probability that the health risks of long term phenolphthalein consumption could include serious gastrointestinal disturbances, irregular heartbeat, and cancer with long term use.

Miracle Rock 48 has been found to contain undeclared thiosildenafil, thiosildenafil is an analogue of sildenafil which is an approved drug used for the treatment of male sexual enhancement. Based on the similarity of chemical structures thiosildenafil, the analogue of sildenafil is likely to have a similar pharmacological effect as sildenafil and there is a reasonable probability that concomitant use of this dietary supplement and nitrates could cause a sudden and significant drop in blood pressure that may be life threatening.

The company has received no reports of illness associated with these products to date.

Miracle Diet 30 capsules is marketed as a dietary supplement to support appetite control and weight loss and is packaged in 30-count plastic bottles. All lots of Miracle Diet 30 through the expiration date of 04/15/2018 are affected. Product was distributed via internet nationwide in the United States.

Miracle Rock 48 capsules is marketed as a dietary supplement for male sexual enhancement and is packaged in two blister packages of 2- count capsules, 4 capsules per box. All lots of Miracle Rock 48 through the expiration date of 06/01/2018 are affected. Product was distributed via nationwide in the United States.

In addition to the voluntary recall of the above products, The One Minute Miracle Inc. has chosen to voluntarily withdraw the following products from the marketplace to provide its customers with the certainty of safety. Those products include all sizes and lots of Miracle Cholesterol, Miracle Night Time, Miracle Joint-Flex, Miracle Stud 72, Miracle Magic Man, Male Mint Gum, Miracle 48 Hrs, Miracle Magic Woman, Miracle Cougar, Miracle Cougar Gum, Miracle Cougar G-Spot, Miracle G-Spot, Vagina Rejuvenation, Miracle Anti-Wrinkle, Miracle Stud Delay, Miracle Male Stud Spray, Miracle Male Stud Coffee, Miracle Male Coffee, Male 10, Miracle Male Stud Sublingual, Male 72 Hr, Miracle Tongue Sublingual, Miracle Tongue and Master Blaster

The One Minute Miracle is notifying its customers via U.S. Postal Service and is arranging for return of recalled products. Consumers that have Miracle Diet 30 and/or Miracle Rock 48 which are being recalled should stop using and return product(s) immediately to: The One Minute Miracle Inc. 3322 NE 166 Street, North Miami Beach, FL 33160

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact The One Minute Miracle Inc. by phone (305)947-6244 or email theoneminutemiracle@gmail.com Monday through Friday, 9:00am through 5:00pm EST. 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.

by admin

September is National Food Safety Education month. Today’s lesson: Proper thawing of frozen foods.

September is National Food Safety Education month.

Today’s lesson: Proper thawing of frozen foods.

Getting back to the temperature danger zone, it is imperative that foods either stay hot or cold. So how do you thaw foods to ensure that they thaw properly without entering the temperature danger zone for too long.

There are only four (4) methods for thawing foods properly. They are: in a fridge for 24 hours or more, under cool running water, in a microwave (if to be used immediately after thawing), or as part of the actual cooking process. Lets break each of these down properly.

1. In a fridge: The optimal way to defrost frozen foods in in a refrigerator , which maintains the temperature of the product outside the temperature danger zone. Planning should be made to insure that you have plenty of time to defrost the item before using. The biggest drawback is ensuring that you have enough fridge space to do this properly.

2. Under cool running water: if you happened to forget to pull the frozen item out of the freezer and get it thawing, you can always place the item under cool running water. Some have adapted this to think that they can just set the item in cool standing water for a few hours to allow it to thaw. The issue comes when the frozen item starts to freeze the water, so the running water keeps it from forming an ice block around the item being thawed, and allows for any ice crystals that do form to be removed by the moving of the water. The water should be cool, as hot water would cause parts of the item to get into the temperature danger zone and stay there longer than acceptable.

3. In a Microwave (if to be used immediately after thawing): Microwaves have been a great item for thawing and cooking foods. Unfortunately, the fact that they are not very good at cooking or thawing evenly throughout the food item, is the main reason that the food must be used immediately after thawing. Parts of the food item may have entered the temperature danger zone during the defrosting process, so the best thing to do is finish the cooking process immediately upon thawing.

4. As part of the actual cooking process: Many people have used this method without realizing it is actually an excellent method for keeping food out of the temperature danger zone. In this method, the food item goes directly from the freezer to the cooking process and is cooked in a minimal amount of time. Some examples of this are: frozen hamburgers that are placed in a skillet, frozen shrimp (or meatballs) thrown into a sauce for pasta.

By using these methods, you will help ensure that you are maintaining safe food for those you feed.

by admin

September is National Food Safety Education month. Today’s lesson: Sushi, What am I risking when I eat it?

September is National Food Safety Education month.
Today’s lesson: Sushi, What am I risking when I eat it?
Special thank you to David B. Raymer for the question.
As with all food items, there is the potential for contamination. Sushi is generally a ready-to-eat item in that it does not undergo any cooking before service to the customer, and is safe to eat, provided that proper food safety procedures are followed.
There are two main issues with contamination that you should be aware of.
1. Cross-contamination: this occurs when either hands or equipment (and other food contact surfaces) are not properly clean and sanitized before use. This is generally the main reason that individuals may become sick from eating sushi.
2. Food borne pathogens: Whether they be viral, bacterial, or parasitic, raw seafood can be a vector for contaminations. This is why proper sanitary conditions must be met in order to maintain a safe food supply. For example, Anisakiasis, a microscopic larval worm that lives in marine creatures is one of the most nastiest and potentially fatal organisms associated with raw seafood. The United States requires, by law, that sushi grade items go through certain deep freezing techniques in order to destroy these micro-organisms. The only other way to destroy this organism is through cooking, which defeats the purpose of sushi.
Suffice to say, the regulatory requirements for sushi grade seafood are more strict than many other food items, and while it is still possible to become sick from these items, they are fairly rare.
A few recent (2010 & 2015) incidents found to be linked to raw tuna in sushi was suspected to be linked to the raw tuna being imported from Indonesia.
by admin

New ‪#‎foodsafety‬ ‪#‎recall‬ possible ‪#‎salmonella‬ contamination

Custom Prodouce Sales Voluntarily Recalls Fat Boy Brand® and Unlabeled Cucumbers Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Consumer:
Tony Bozzo
559-254-5860
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 11, 2015 — Parlier, CA — Custom Produce Sales (“Custom Produce”) of  Parlier, California is voluntarily recalling all cucumbers sold under the Fat Boy® label starting August 1, 2015 because they may be contaminated with Salmonella and are covered by an ongoing recall.  No other Fat Boy® products are covered by this recall.  Unlabeled cucumbers packed into a black reusable plastic container (RPC) and were sold in Nevada, as of August 1, 2015 are also covered by this recall.
Custom Produce is currently working with health authorities on this recall, which is associated with an outbreak of SalmonellaPoona, with 341 illnesses, including 2 deaths, being reporting in as many as 30 states. Custom Produce has contacted all customers who may have received this product.
Salmonella is an organism which 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 may be 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, and arthritis.
Fat Boy® cucumbers were produced in Baja California and distributed in the states of California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas.
These cucumbers are shipped in a black, green, red and craft colored carton which reads “Fat Boy Fresh Produce.”.  This variety is often referred to as a “Slicer” or “American” cucumber.  It has a dark green color.  It typically has a length of 7 to 10 inches and a diameter of 1.75 to 2.5 inches.
Consumers who have purchased Fat Boy® brand cucumbers are urged not to consume them and to return them to the place of purchase or to dispose of them.  Consumers with questions may contact Custom Produce by visiting the company website at www.customproducesales.comdisclaimer icon  or by calling the company at 559-254-5860.
Fat Boy cucumbers were packed into the following:
Cucumber Carton 24’s Fat Boy Label
Cucumber Carton Super Select Fat Boy Label
Cucumber Carton 6 count Fat Boy Label
Cucumber Carton 5 # Fat Boy Label
Possible Fat Boy Lot Codes: 93968, 94506, 94550, 94522, 94513, 93991
Reusable Plastic Containers (RPC):
Lot Code:  (01) 1 0851821 22000 2 (10) 99
Item #  552678329
by admin

September is ‪#‎National‬ ‪#‎Foodsafety‬ ‪#‎Education‬ month. Today’s lesson: What is ‪#‎Listeria‬ ‪#‎monocytogenes‬?

September is National Foodsafety Education month.
Today’s lesson: What is Listeria monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes (Infection is known as Listeriosis), is a bacterium that is mainly transmitted by contaminated food products and is found in soil, water, and plants. This bacterium thrives in cool, moist environments, and while it is uncommon for health individuals to become ill from this bacterium, people that are considered a part of the high risk population are especially vulnerable; particularly pregnant women.
This bacterium is most commonly linked with raw meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and ready to eat foods such as deli meat, hot dogs, and soft cheeses.
The methods to prevent possible infection include:
1. Keep foods out of the temperature danger zone
2. Throw out any product that is past its use-by or expiration date.
3. Cook raw meats to the required minimum internal temperatures.
4. Prevent cross-contamination between raw or undercooked food and ready-to-eat foods.
5. Avoid using unpasteurized dairy products.
by admin

New ‪#‎foodsafety‬ ‪#‎recall‬ possible ‪#‎Listeria‬ Contamination of sliced apples.

Appeeling Fruit Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Limited Production Of Sliced Apples Because Of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Consumer:
1-866-873-0468
Media:
Stephanie Schreiber
610-926-6601 ext. 22
sschreiber@appeelingfruit.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 9, 2015 – Appeeling Fruit Inc. in Dauberville, Penn. is voluntarily recalling a limited number of consumer packages of fresh sliced apples with Best-if-Used-by dates of 09/14/15 and 09/21/15, due to 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.
To date, health authorities have not linked any illnesses to this recall. No other products are affected by this recall.
The recalled product was shipped to retail distribution centers; wholesalers; and foodservice customers in the states of Florida, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania between August 31 and September 2.
Consumers can identify the recalled consumer productsby the brand,UPC codes and Best-if-Used-by dates provided in the table at the end of this release.
Anyone who has recalled product in their possession should not consume it, and should either dispose of it properly or return the recalled product to the place of purchase for a refund. Please keep proof of product purchase, if available. Consumers with questions may contact the company’s consumer information desk at 1-866-873-0468, or visit its website at http://www.appeelingfruit.com/disclaimer
 

 icon.

Appeeling Fruit Inc.has already notified customers who received the recalled product directly from the company and requested that they remove it from commerce. The company has also asked its direct customers to notify their customers of this recall. Appeeling Fruit is issuing this press release and keeping the U.S. Food and Drug Administrationinformed of its recall process to assure that consumers are properly alerted.
The recall is being initiated after the company was informed that an environmental sample taken in the production facility as part of a routine sampling program tested positive for the bacteria. None of the final product tested positive, and subsequent test results from the facility have been negative.
“Many of our customers informed us that the recalled product was still in refrigerated warehouses and never reached consumers. Nevertheless, we are issuing this recall to reduce even the slightest risk to public health.” said Steve Cygan, president of Appeeling Fruit. “We care deeply about the health and safety of those who enjoy our products.”
September 9, 2015 Voluntary Recall
Product Description and Consumer Packaging Brand/Label on bag UPC on bag if applicable Best If Used By date on bag
12oz package with fresh, green apple slices Appeeling Fruit 58324 00950 09/21/2015
12oz. package with fresh, red apple slices Appeeling Fruit 58324 00900 09/21/2015
Convenience pack of 8, 2oz. sized bags of fresh, red apple slices Appeeling Fruit Bag of 8, 2 oz. bags 58324 08400
Individual 2 oz. bags 58324 00400 09/21/2015
2oz. sized bags of fresh, red apple slices Burger King (BK) Crown n/a& 09/14/2015
2oz. sized bags of fresh, red apple slices Snack Fresh 74641 00982 09/21/2015
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by admin

New #‪#‎drug‬ ‪#‎recall‬ due to possible ‪#‎contamination‬ of Sterile Drug Products.

FDA Announces Medistat RX’s Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Sterile Drug Products
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 9, 2015 – Foley, AL – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting health care professionals and patients of a voluntary recall of all non-expired drug products produced for sterile use and distributed nationwide by Medistat RX, LLC, in Foley, Alabama, due to possible contamination. The recalled products were distributed between November 1, 2014, and September 3, 2015.
Contaminated drugs put patients at risk of serious infection. Health care professionals should immediately check their medical supplies, quarantine any drug products marketed as sterile from Medistat, and not administer them to patients. Administration of a non-sterile drug product intended to be sterile may result in serious and potentially life-threatening infections or death.
During an ongoing inspection, FDA investigators and Alabama state inspectors observed significant deficiencies that raise concerns about Medistat’s ability to assure the sterility of drug products that it produced. Medistat voluntarily ceased sterile compounding operations on September 1, 2015.
FDA has received reports of several adverse events that are potentially associated with drug products made by Medistat. Patients who have received any drug products produced by Medistat and have concerns should contact their health care professional. FDA encourages health care professionals and patients to report adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:
Complete and submit the report online atwww.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
 

; or
Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.
The FDA will continue to work closely with the Alabama Board of Pharmacy to protect the public health.
FDA previously inspected Medistat in September 2014 and issued a Form FDA 483. Medistat is registered under section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) as an outsourcing facility. The Drug Quality and Security Act, signed into law on November 27, 2013, added a new section 503B to the FDCA. Under section 503B, a compounder can elect to become an outsourcing facility. Outsourcing facilities:

Must comply with current good manufacturing practice requirements;
Will be subject to inspection by FDA according to a risk-based schedule; and
Must meet certain other requirements, such as reporting adverse events and providing FDA with certain information about the products they compound.