New #foodsafety #recall undeclared peanuts in chocolate chip cookie distributed to Mr. Goodcents restaurants.

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.

New #petfood #recall of alfalfa hay due to #blisterbeetle #contamination

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.

New #foodsafety #recall possible foreign matter #contamination

 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.

New #foodsafety #recall undeclared peanuts in Tastee Apple, Inc., Plain Caramel Apples

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.

New #foodsafety #recall undeclared Almonds in Evolution Fresh Nonfat Greek Yogurt with Strawberry and Granola Parfaits

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.

New #drug #safety #recall due to undeclared #Sibutramine and #Phenolphthalein

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.

New #drug #safety #recall due to lack of sterility assurance.

US Compounding, Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of All Sterile Compounded Products

Contact:
Consumer:
800-718-3588 x254
501-327-1222 x254
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 21, 2015 – Conway, AK – US Compounding, Inc. (“USC”) is voluntarily recalling all lots of sterile products aseptically compounded and packaged by USC and that remain within expiry due to the Food and Drug Administration’s (“FDA”)_ concern over a lack of sterility assurance. The sterile products were distributed nationwide to patients, providers, hospitals, or clinics between March 14, 2015 and September 9, 2015. The recall does not pertain to any non-sterile compounded medications prepared by USC.

If the sterility of a compounded preparation intended to be sterile is compromised, patients may be at risk. As USC takes the utmost care to ensure patient safety and out of an abundance of caution, then, USC is asking all patients and providers that received sterile compounded products from USC between March 14, 2015 and September 9, 2015, and that remain within expiry, to take the following actions:

Discontinue use of the products;
Quarantine any unused product until further instructions are received on how to return the product; and
Contact USC at 800-718-3588 x254 or 501-327-1222 x254 from the hours of 8:30AM-5:00PM central time Monday-Friday, or e-mail at questions@uscompounding.com to discuss the return of any unused sterile compounded products.
Customers with questions regarding this recall can contact USC at 800-718-3588 x254 or 501-327-1222 x254 from the hours of 8:30AM-5:00PM central time Monday-Friday, or e-mail at questions@uscompounding.com. Customers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product. Providers who have dispensed any sterile product distributed by USC to a patient(s) for use outside of the provider’s office should contact the patient(s) to whom product was dispensed and advise the patient(s) of this recall.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of these products 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 and at the request of the FDA.
Again, USC’s primary concern is your safety and USC is taking this action out of an abundance of caution. Thank you for your support.

September is ‪#‎National‬ ‪#‎Foodsafety‬ ‪#‎Education‬ month. Today’s lesson: What is Shigellosis (Shigella spp.)

Shigella spp is the bacteria that causes the illness known as Shigellosis.
The bacteria is found in the feces of humans that have the illness. the illness occurs when contaminated food or water is consumed. The bacteria can also be transmitted by flies from the feces to food supplies. While it only takes a small amount of this bacteria to make a person sick, high levels of the bacteria can be found in the feces for several weeks after the symptoms have ended.
Shigellosis symptoms include frequent bouts of water diarrhea (the main symptom), abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting. it is possible for some people to have either blood or mucus in their stool, and they may run a fever. Symptoms usually begin within three days of coming in contact with the Shigella bacteria.
The main food items that are linked to this illness are: foods that are easily contaminated by hands, such as salads containing temperature control for safety foods (potato, tuna, shrimp, chicken, and macaroni). The bacteria can also be found in food that has made contact with contaminated water, such as produce.
To help prevent the spread of this illness:
1. Exclude foodhandlers that have diarrhea and have been diagnosed with an illness caused by Shigella spp. from the operation.
2. Wash hands
3. Control flies inside and outside the operation.
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 are Viruses in relation to food safety?

September is ‪#‎National‬ ‪#‎Foodsafety‬ ‪#‎Education‬ month. Today’s lesson: What is Salmonellosis (Salmonella spp)?

Salmonella spp is the bacteria that causes the illness known as Salmonellosis.
The bacteria is naturally found on many farm animals. While eating only a small amount of the bacteria can make a person sick, the severity of the symptoms is determined on the health of the person and the amount of the bacteria eaten. The bacteria can remain in the person’s feces for weeks after the symptoms have ended, which is why proper handwashing is imperative.
This bacteria is most commonly associated with the following food items: poultry & eggs, dairy products, and produce. Symptoms of Salmonellosis include: diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and fever.
To help prevent this bacteria from causing an illness, it is imperative that you follow the following prevention measures:
1. Cook poultry and eggs to minimum internal temperatures.
2. prevent cross contamination between poultry and ready-to-eat foods.
3. keep foodhandlers who have been diagnosed with salmonellosis out of the foodservice operation.
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: What is Shigellosis (Shigella spp.)

September is ‪#‎National‬ ‪#‎Foodsafety‬ ‪#‎Education‬ month. Today’s lesson: How foods become unsafe.

After yesterdays advanced food safety lesson, I decided to give everyone a break and provide you a more simpler lesson for today.
There have been identified five (5) of the most common risk factors that cause foodborne illnesses. They are:
1. Purchasing food from unsafe sources
2. Failing to cook food adequately
3. Holding food at incorrect temperatures
4. Using contaminated equipment
5. Poor Personal hygiene
Lets break each of these down on how they impact food safety.
1. Purchasing food from unsafe sources
Since food can become contaminated at any point within the food supply chain, it is important that food be purchased from approved reputable suppliers. An approved supplier is one that has been inspected and meets all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
2. Failing to cook food adequately
By not cooking foods to their required minimal internal temperatures, it is impossible to know if any contaminates have been destroyed in the cooking process. Back in 1993, this was the cause of the E.coli outbreak within the Jack-in-the-Box restaurants. The employees felt that cooking to the required temperature dried out the burgers too much, so they cooked to a lower temperature, which did not destroy the E.coli bacteria. This resulted in numerous illnesses and approximately 171 hospitalizations, and four children died. (more information available on this outbreak at:http://www.marlerclark.com/case_news/view/jack-in-the-box-e-coli-outbreak-western-states
3. Holding food at incorrect temperatures
This gets back to the conversation about the temperature danger zone. If you don’t hold the product above 135 degrees or below 41 degrees bacteria will grow and result in foodborne illnesses from the products.
4. Using contaminated equipment
Making sure that the equipment you use to prepare food is washed, rinsed, and sanitized before using it will help prevent cross contamination of equipment. Ensuring that you use a new/clean knife or cutting board for each item, will also reduce the chance of cross contamination.
5. Poor Personal hygiene
Ensuring that the employees follow proper hygiene procedures is very important in keeping food safe. This includes washing hands properly and at the proper times. Not coming to work sick, and ensuring that other personal hygiene requirements are followed.
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: What is Salmonellosis (Salmonella spp)?