by admin

New #foodsafety #recall of specific Westby Cottage Cheese Product

Westby Cooperative Creamery Issues a Voluntary Product Retrieval Notice on a Specific, Single Production Lot of Cottage Cheese Product

August 27, 2016

Contact

Consumers

Pete Kondrup, General Manager
pkondrup@westbycreamery.com
608-634-3181 ext. 120

Announcement

View Product Photos
Westby Cooperative Creamery has issued a voluntary product retrieval notice on a specific, single lot of 4% cottage cheese; manufactured and packaged on August 17, distributed to retail stores, and possibly sold to consumers on or before August 26, 2016.
The product being retrieved is packaged in 16-ounce, 22-ounce, and 24-ounce containers; under the Westby, Food Club, Oberweis, and Shurfine brand names. The containers are marked with Lot Code 10-6-16 cc, and Plant #55-372. Approximately 700 cases of product (12 containers per case) were distributed within the state of Wisconsin and to a distribution center in Aurora, Illinois. What amount of product has been further delivered to retail stores, and possibly purchased by consumers, is being determined as part of this retrieval process. All customers have been notified of this voluntary product retrieval, and are fully cooperating.
On August 26, 2016, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (WI-DATCP) issued a Consumer Advisory News Release for this specific lot of cottage cheese, manufactured by Westby Cooperative Creamery, based on routine testing of product samples by a state inspector.
No consumer illnesses have been reported related to the consumption of any cottage cheese products from this specific lot, and no other products produced by Westby Cooperative Creamery were included in this advisory news release.
Subsequent product/lot sample testing by Westby Cooperative Creamery, and further testing by an independent Certified Laboratory, have not detected the presence of any harmful pathogens. The management of Westby Cooperative Creamery has decided to issue this voluntary product retrieval as a precaution to nullify any potential concerns.
Westby Cooperative Creamery is one of the oldest cooperatives of family dairy farms in Wisconsin, and the USA, with over 200 member-owners. The milk supplied by these members, both conventional and organic, has increased to nearly 150-million pounds, annually. Product production at their manufacturing facility is approaching 30-million pounds of Cottage Cheeses, Sour Creams, Dairy Dips, Yogurts, Cheese Curds, and Hard Cheeses. The company employs 135 people.
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by admin

September is ‪National‬ ‪#‎Foodsafety‬ ‪‎Education‬ month #NFSM. 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 is the difference between Non-O157 and E.coli O157”?
by admin

New #foodsafety #advisory possible #inadequate #pasteurization of Westby Cottage Cheese

DATCP Issues Consumer Advisory for Cottage Cheese Produced By Westby Cooperative Creamery

August 26, 2016

Contact

Consumers

Division of Food and
Recreational Safety
 datcpfood@wisconsin.gov
 608-224-4700

Media

Raechelle Belli
 608-224-5005
Bill Cosh
 608-224-5020

Announcement

MADISON, Wisconsin — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) – Division of Food and Recreational Safety is issuing a consumer alert for 4% cottage cheese made by Westby Cooperative Creamery located in Westby, Wisconsin. The presence of active alkaline phosphatase was discovered in samples during routine testing and may indicate that the product was not adequately pasteurized.
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme naturally present and active in raw milk that is not active in milk that has been sufficiently pasteurized. Raw milk can be contaminated by pathogenic bacteria like E. coli O157, Salmonella, Campylobacterand Listeria. If these pathogens were present in the raw milk that was inadequately pasteurized, they may have survived and, if ingested, could cause illness. No illnesses have been reported related to consumption of this product and no other Westby Cooperative Creamery products are included in this advisory.
Nearly 700 cases of product were distributed statewide in Wisconsin and to Aurora, Illinois. Consumers should only be concerned with cottage cheese sold on or before August 26, 2016 in 16-, 22- and 24-ounce containers under the Westby, Food Club, Oberweis and Shurfine brand names. The containers will contain lot code 10-6-16 cc. Consumers in possession of this product should not consume it, but should return it to the place of purchase or discard it.
Symptoms of foodborne illness are diarrhea and/or vomiting, typically lasting 1-7 days. Other symptoms might include abdominal cramps, nausea, fever, joint/back aches and fatigue. If you have consumed this product and think you may be ill, contact your physician immediately.
For more information on other food product advisories or recalls, contact the Division of Food and Recreational Safety at 608-224-4700, by e-mail atdatcpfood@wisconsin.gov; or online at datcp.wi.gov.
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by admin

New #foodsafety #recall of Kanan Cashews with Sea Salt possible presence of #peanuts

Kanan Enterprises Conducts Voluntary Recall of Cashews with Sea Salt

September 3, 2016

Contact

Consumers

 1-800-860-5464

Announcement

Solon, OH — Kanan Enterprises announces the voluntary recall of Southern Grove Cashews with Sea Salt due to possible presence of peanuts. People who have an allergy to peanuts run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. No adverse reactions have been reported associated with this recall.
The only item that is affected by this recall is Southern Grove Cashews With Sea Salt, a 10 ounce stand up pouch bag with a UPC 0 41498 18992 1 and a date code of Best By May 24 2017 KN and Best By AUG 05 2017 KN. No other products or date codes are affected. We shipped this product to Ohio and Kansas. Our customer shipped some of the product to Minnesota.
Consumers with this reported product should not consume this product. They should destroy it or return the product to the point of purchase. Consumers with questions should call 1-800-860-5464, 8:15 am – 5:00pm EST, Monday – Friday.
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by admin

New #foodsafety #recall possible #Salmonella #contamination of certain Asher’s #chocolate & #candy products

Asher’s Chocolates/Lewistown, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Candy Products Because of Possible Health Risk

September 2, 2016

Contact

Consumers

Customer Service
customerservice@lewistownashers.com
888-288-3880

Media

Jeff Asher
888-288-3880

Announcement

View Product Photos
Asher’s Chocolates/Lewistown, Inc., an affiliated partner of Chester A. Asher Inc. (“Asher’s”) is initiating a voluntary recall of multiple chocolates, chocolate bars, cellophane wrapped chocolates, and individually wrapped chocolates, etc. under the Asher’s brand due to possible Salmonella contamination of items produced in their Lewistown, PA facility distributed nationwide.
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.
Asher’s Brand Products under this voluntary recall are:
Product UPC Label Description Lot# Size
11516 Milk Chocolate Pretzel Pieces 8 oz. 000334469 8 oz.
11517 Dark Chocolate Pretzel Pieces 8 oz. 000334470 8 oz.
14765 Milk Chocolate Vanilla Caramel with Sea Salt 4 oz. 000337556 4 oz.
47350 Dark Chocolate Hostess Mint 6 oz. 000335615 6oz.
55115 KEYSTONE CRUNCH 4 OZ BAG 000336374, 000337658 4 oz.
55165 KEYSTONE CRUNCH 6 oz. 000335591 6 oz.
55180 Milk Chocolate Coated Boardwalk Crunch 4 oz. 000335625 4 oz.
55185 KEYSTONE CRUNCH 1 LB 000336375 16 oz.
63385 Milk Chocolate with Fall String 4 oz. 000335852 4 oz.
63386 Dark Chocolate mini Pretzels Fall String 4 oz. 000335848 4 oz.
65902 Dark Chocolate Molasses Pop 4 oz. 000336201, 000335800 4 oz.
65902 Dark Chocolate Molasses Pop 2 oz. 000336376 2 oz.
67395 Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Heaven 3 oz. 000337016, 000337663 3 oz.
75005 Milk Chocolate Nonpareil Pop 1.25 oz. 000335701, 000336520 1.25 oz.
75027 Milk Chocolate Crisped Rice Pop with Fall Leaves 3 oz. 000337574, 000337673 3 oz.
75030 Milk Chocolate Crisped Rice Pop with Christmas Seeds 3 oz. 000336521 3 oz.
75037 Milk Chocolate Crisped Rice Pop Multi Seeds 2.25 oz. 000335803, 000337173 2.25 oz.
75085 Milk Chocolate Non Peril with Fall Seed 4 oz. 000335963 4 oz.
75086 Dark Chocolate Non Pareils with Fall Seed 4 oz. 000335858 4 oz.
75087 White Confectionery Coating Non pareils with orange and yellow seed 4 oz. 000337178 4 oz.
75107 White Confectionery Coating Peanut Butter Cup 2.35 oz. 000336377, 000337560, 000337665 2.35 oz.
75141 Milk Chocolate POTATO CHIP 4 oz. 000335918 4 oz.
75151 Milk Chocolate Coated Mini Pretzels 4 oz. 000335843, 000336481 4 oz.
75152 Dark Chocolate Coated Mini Pretzels 4 oz. 000335590, 000336482 4 oz.
75153 White Confectionery Coated Mini Pretzels 4 oz. 000335589 4 oz.
75245 Milk Chocolate Pretzel Rod 3pcs Asst. with Asher Bow 3.5 oz. 000335802, 000335910, 000336608, 000337177 3.5 oz.
75260 Milk Pretzel Rod 3 piece assorted 3.5 oz. 000335699, 000337664 3.5 oz.
75261 Milk Chocolate Pretzel Cluster 4 oz. 000335930, 000336198, 000336378, 000336879, 000337013 4 oz.
75277 Milk Chocolate Coated Potato Chip Coffee Bag 8.5 oz. 000336044 8.5 oz,
75279 Milk Boardwalk Crunch Coffee Bag 6 oz. 000335043 6 oz.
75282 Dark Chocolate costed POTATO CHIP COFFEE BAG 8.5 oz. 000335851 8.5 oz.
76025 Milk Chocolate Crisped Rice Pop Multi Seeds 3 oz. 000335722, 000337573, 000335462 3 oz.
82379 Milk SF Almond Butter Toffee 3 oz. 000335955 3 oz.
82421 Milk Chocolate Fruit Center Bar 3.5 oz. 000335414 3.5 oz.
83851 Dark Chocolate Almond Bark (Scored) 4 oz. 000335647, 000335856 4 oz.
83855 Milk Chocolate Non Pareils with multi seed 4 oz. 000335854 4 oz.
83856 Dark Chocolate Non Pareils with White Seed 4 oz. 000335855 4 oz.
83858 Milk Chocolate Mini Pretzels 4 oz. 000335588 4 oz.
83859 Dark Chocolate Mini Pretzel Ash Label 4 oz. 000335862 4 oz.
83860 White Confectionery Coated Mini Pretzels 4 oz. 000335969, 000337245 4 oz.
87145 Milk and Dark Chocolate Fall Pretzel Pre Pack 3 per case 000336450 4 oz.
 
The recalled items can be identified by the production code printed on the side of the label. No other production codes are affected by this recall.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. No products manufactured by C.A. Asher Inc./Asher’s Chocolate Co. of Souderton PA are involved in this recall.
The recalled candy products were distributed nationwide in retail stores.
The potential for contamination was noted after a single sample from routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella in a group of products. “The safety and wellbeing of our customers is our primary concern, and we are taking this incident very seriously. In our 124 years of business, we have never previously detected Salmonella in our testing. We are working and cooperating fully with the U. S. Food & Drug Administration on this voluntary recall,” said Jeff Asher, President and CEO. “We apologize to our retail customers and consumers and sincerely regret any inconvenience.”
Consumers who may have purchased any product are urged not to consume it. Consumers should contact Customer Service to arrange for return of product and a refund. Customer Service can be contacted by email atcustomerservice@lewistownashers.com or by calling 888-288-3880 between 9AM and 5PM Eastern Time, Monday – Friday.
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by admin

New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #allergens in certain bakery products #egg #wheat #milk #soy #artificial color

Regalo Bakery Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Allergens In Bakery Products

September 2, 2016

Contact

Consumers

Christian Nalumen
808-524-8421

 

Announcement

Honolulu, Hawaii – Regalo Bakery is recalling the following products due to undeclared Eggs, Wheat, Milk, Soy, and Artificial Food Coloring: “Spanish Rolls”, “Manju Blackbeans(Hopia Monggo)”, Manju Onions(Hopia Baboy)”, “Balintawak”, and “Taro Bread”. “Kababayan” contains no egg, but contains wheat, soy, andartificial food colorings. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs, wheat, milk, soy and artificial food color (e.g. yellow #5, yellow #6, or red 40) run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. For those who are susceptible to allergic reactions, allergens can cause hives, swelling, itchiness, cramps, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and possibly anaphylaxis.
During a routine Food and Drug Administration inspection, it was discovered that several labels of products containing Eggs, Wheat, Milk, Soy, and Artificial Food Coloring were not listed.
There have been no reported illness to date. However, consumers, especially with the food allergies listed above, should monitor their health and immediately contact their healthcare provider if he or she feels any of the symptoms listed above after consuming the product(s).
These products were distributed locally, and interisland to several grocery stores such as Foodland, Longs, Target, 7-Eleven, Don Quijote, and more.
The following products subject to recall due to undeclared allergens are:
“Spanish Rolls”[UPC#78253230919]: Packaged in a clear plastic bag, containing eight pieces, with a net weight of 14 ounces. This product contains: eggs, wheat, milk, soy, and artificial food coloring (Red 40 & 3, Yellow 5 & 6)
“Manju Blackbeans (Hopia Monggo)” [UPC#78253230917] and “Manju Onions (Hopia Baboy)” [UPC#78253230918]: Both packaged on a foam tray with six pieces each, wrapped in clear plastic film. This product contains: eggs, wheat, soy,and artificial food coloring (Red 40 & 3, Yellow 5 & 6)
“Balintawak” [UPC#78253203095] : Packaged on a foam tray, containing four pieces, wrapped in clear plastic film, and have a net weight of  16 ounces. This product contains: eggs, wheat, milk, soy, and artificial food coloring (Red 40 & 3, Yellow 5 & 6).
“Taro Bread” [UPC#78253231001] : Packaged in a clear plastic bag, containing twelve pieces, and have a net weight of 20 ounces This product contains This product contains: eggs, wheat, milk, soy, coconut, and artificial food coloring (Red 40 & 3, Yellow 5 & 6, Blue 1).
“Kababayan” [UPC#78253230920]: Packaged on a foam tray, containing six pieces, and wrapped in a clear plastic film. This product contains This product contains wheat, milk, soy, and artificial food coloring (Red 40 & 3, Yellow 5 & 6).
Consumers with the food allergies listed above should immediately stop consuming the product(s) and may return any unconsumed, unexpired item(s) back to the place of purchase for a full refund.
For further questions, consumers may contact the company at (808) 524-8421 on Sundays from 7am to 5pm, and Tuesdays to Thursdays from 7am to 4pm.
We, here at Regalo Bakery, sincerely apologize for this serious health hazard, especially to those who were affected. Immediate efforts are being made to update the labels to be as detailed as possible to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the consumers. We humbly ask you to forgive us and continue to support us in the future.
Mahalo,
Christian Nalumen, Sales Representative
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by admin

New #foodsafety #recall possible White Plastic #contamination of Wegmans Italian Classics Striped Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli

Wegmans Announces Voluntary Recall for One Date Code of Wegmans Italian Classics Striped Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli, Which May Contain Pieces of White Plastic

September 2, 2016

Contact

Consumers

Wegmans Consumer Affairs Dept
 1-855-934-3663

Media

Valerie Fox
 585-720-5713

Announcement

View Product Photos
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is voluntarily recalling one date code of Wegmans Italian Classics Striped Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli, 9 oz. (UPC # 0-77890-38934), sold between Tuesday, Aug. 2 and Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016 because the product may contain pieces of white plastic. Only product labeled with a use or freeze by date of Sept. 30, 2016 is included in the recall. This product, produced by O’ Sole Mio in Quebec, Canada, is packaged in a plastic tray and sold in a refrigerated case in the dairy department.
Approximately 1,638 units of Wegmans Italian Classics Striped Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli, 9 oz. were sold in 90 Wegmans stores located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Wegmans reports that all product with the affected code date is no longer on store shelves.
There have been no injuries reported to date associated with this product.
The recall was initiated because Wegmans was notified by customers that white plastic pieces were found in the product. Wegmans will place automated phone calls to customers who purchased the product using their Shoppers Club card.
Customers who purchased the recalled product from Wegmans should return it to the service desk for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Wegmans Consumer Affairs Department toll free at 1-855-934-3663 Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a 90-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For by FORTUNE magazine for 19 consecutive years, ranking #4 in 2016.
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by admin

September is ‪National‬ ‪#‎Foodsafety‬ ‪‎Education‬ month #NFSM. 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.)
by admin

September is ‪National‬ ‪#‎Foodsafety‬ ‪Education‬ month #NFSM. Today’s lesson: What is Botulism (Clostridium botulinum bacteria)?

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.

by admin

September is ‪‎National‬ ‪#‎Foodsafety‬ ‪‎Education‬ month #NFSM. Today’s lesson: What is Clostridium perfringens gastroenteritis (Clostridium perfringens bacteria)?

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)?