by admin

Expanded #foodsafety #recall due to #misbranding & #undeclared #allergens in basterma, sausage, soujouk, salami, mortadella, makanek, and bologna products

Al Shabrawy Incorporated Recalls Meat and Poultry Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Class I Recall070-2016 EXP
Health Risk: HighAug 10, 2016
En Español
Congressional and Public Affairs
Benjamin A. Bell
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

EDITORS NOTE:  This release is being reissued as an expansion of the August 6, 2016 recall to include additional products. The first recall 070-2016 on August 6, 2016, recalled an undetermined amount of basterma, sausage, soujouk, salami, mortadella, makanek, and bologna products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The expansion of the recall is based on evidence provided by FSIS that all package sizes and brands of the products produced during the initial recall dates of January 1, 2015 to August 4, 2016 are misbranded as described in the initial recall.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2016 – Al Shabrawy Meat Inc., a South River, N.J. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of meat and poultry products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. Some of the products contain pistachio nut and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. 
The basterma, sausage, soujouk, salami, mortadella, makanek, bologna, Lahmajun (meat pie) and other sausage-like items were produced on various dates between Jan. 1, 2015 and Aug. 4, 2016. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]
  • “TAZAH, SULTAN, & YORUK SLICED BASTERMA” – cryovaced and weighed at the time of sale
  • “AL MARAAI, AL HALU, BAROODY, & AL SHABRAWY SLICED AND WHOLE BASTERMA” – cryovaced and weighed at the time of sale
  • “AL SHABRAWY, TAZAH, & BAROODY MAKANEK” – cryovaced and weighed at the time of sale
  • “TAZAH EGYPTIAN STYLE FRESH SAUSAGE” – cryovaced and weighed at the time of sale
  • “AL SHABRAWY FRESH SAUSAGE” – cryovaced and weighed at the time of sale
  • “BAROODY & SULTAN DRIED SOUJOUK” – cryovaced and weighed at the time of sale
  • “SEVAN LAHMAJUN” – cryovaced and weighed at the time of sale
  • 1-lb. plastic tubes (chubs) of “AL SHABRAWY PLAIN, OLIVE, & BLACK PEPPER SALAMI”
  • 5-lb. plastic tubes (chubs) of “AL SHABRAWY PLAIN, OLIVE, & BLACK PEPPER SALAMI”
  • 1-lb. plastic tubes (chubs) of “AL SHABRAWY OLIVE & PISTACHIO MORTADELLA”
  • 5-lb. plastic tubes (chubs) of “AL SHABRAWY OLIVE & PISTACHIO MORTADELLA”
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 19160” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations and wholesalers in California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
The problem was discovered during an on-going FSIS investigation at the establishment following a complaint to the agency. The major public health concerns include listing hydrolyzed plant protein in the ingredient statement of the beef bologna and beef mortadella, but not specifying that soy, an allergen, is the source of that protein. Also, the beef mortadella products did not declare pistachio nut, an allergen, on individual package ingredient statements, although some cases of the product display a sticker stating “Pistachio” was in the product. FSIS also found that beef salami and beef bologna products contained poultry ingredients and a sausage product tested positive for Red Dye #40, which is not declared on product labels. Additionally, raw beef trim, designated for cooking only, was used in raw non-intact finished products.
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.  
Details of the first recall are: WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2016 – Al Shabrawy Meat Inc., a South River, N.J. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of meat and poultry products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. Some of the products contain pistachio nut and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. 
The beef bologna, beef salami, mortadella and other sausage-like items were produced on various dates between Jan. 1, 2015 and Aug. 4, 2016. The following products are subject to recall:
  • 1-lb. plastic container of “AL SHABRAWY COOKED BEEF SALAMI” with UPC code 4203601235 printed on the label.
  • 16-oz. rolls of “AL SHABRAWY COOKED BEEF BOLOGNA” with UPC code 4203601237 printed on the label.
  • 5-lb. rolls of “AL SHABRAWY COOKED BEEF BOLOGNA” with UPC code 4203601236 printed on the label.
  • 1-lb. plastic container of “AL SHABRAWY COOKED BEEF MORTADELLA” with UPC code 4203601236 printed on the label.
  • 5-lb. plastic container of “AL SHABRAWY COOKED BEEF SALAMI PLAIN” with UPC code 4203601235 printed on the label.
  • 20-lb. cases, containing five pieces of “AL SHABRAWY BASTERMA” with UPC code 4203601231 printed on the label.
  • 1-lb. plastic container of “BAROODY COOKED BEEF SALAMI” with UPC code 4203601235 printed on the label.
  • 1-lb. plastic container of “BAROODY MAKANEK (Raw)” with UPC code 4203601223 printed on the label.
  • 75-lb. plastic container of “BAROODY SOUJOUK (Dried Beef Sausage)” with UPC code 4203601222 printed on the label.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 19160” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations and wholesalers in California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
The problem was discovered during an on-going FSIS investigation at the establishment following a complaint to the agency. The major public health concerns include listing hydrolyzed plant protein in the ingredient statement of the beef bologna and beef mortadella, but not specifying that soy, an allergen, is the source of that protein. Also, the beef mortadella products did not declare pistachio nut, an allergen, on individual package ingredient statements, although some cases of the product display a sticker stating “Pistachio” was in the product. FSIS also found that beef salami and beef bologna products contained poultry ingredients and a sausage product tested positive for Red Dye #40, which is not declared on product labels. Additionally, raw beef trim, designated for cooking only, was used in raw non-intact finished products.
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 and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers.
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 Medhat Mechaeil, company owner, at (732) 238-0428.
by admin

New #foodsafety #recall possible metal fragments in Country Home Gourmet Cookies from ShopRite stores

Country Home Voluntarily Recalls 12- and 24-Count Gourmet Cookies Sold Through ShopRite Stores Fresh Bake Department

August 5, 2016

Contact

Consumers

ShopRite
ShopRite.com
1-800-ShopRite (1-800-746-7748)

Media

Karen O’Shea
karen.o’shea@wakefern.com
(732) 906-5932

Announcement

Country Home has initiated a voluntary recall of Gourmet Chocolate Chunk Salted Caramel Cookies sold at ShopRite stores in its Fresh Bake department. These cookies were sold in 12- and 24-count containers and may also be part of the 12- and 24-count variety packages of cookies.
The recalled cookies may contain small pieces of metal fragments. This is an isolated incident and no other products sold in the Fresh Bake department are involved in this product recall.
The cookies were sold between July 19 and Aug. 4, 2016. Affected items have the following information noted on their labels: Name: Gourmet Chocolate Chunk Salted Caramel Cookies, UPC 28978500000, UPC 28977600000; Gourmet Variety Pack Cookies, UPC 38978600000 and UPC 28977200000 and are sold in ShopRite Fresh Bake departments.
“We are advising customers who purchased 12- and 24-count Gourmet Chocolate Chunk Salted Caramel Cookies and Gourmet Variety Pack Cookies at ShopRite between July 19 and Aug. 4 to return them for an immediate refund or replacement,” said ShopRite spokeswoman Karen Meleta.
No injuries related to the recall have been reported.
ShopRite has reached out via phone calls and email to ShopRite Price Plus Club customers who have purchased this product to alert them to the recall. ShopRite urges its customers to keep their Price Plus Club information updated, so they can be contacted in case of such events. Customers wishing to update their information can call 1-800-SHOPRITE or visit ShopRite.com.
Customer questions or concerns about the recall can be directed to 1-800-ShopRite (1-800-746-7748).
About ShopRite
ShopRite is the registered trademark of Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative based in Keasbey, NJ, and the largest supermarket cooperative in the United States. With more than 260 ShopRite supermarkets located throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland, ShopRite serves more than six million customers each week. A long-time supporter of key community efforts, ShopRite is dedicated to fighting hunger in the communities it serves. Through its ShopRite Partners In Caring program, ShopRite has donated $40 million to 1,700 worthy charities and food banks since the program began in 1999. As a title sponsor of the LPGA’s ShopRite Classic, ShopRite has raised more than $28 million for local organizations, hospitals and community groups. For more information, please visit www.ShopRite.com.
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by admin

Expanded #foodsafety #recall elevated #Lead levels in Gel Spice Ground Tumeric

Update: Gel Spice, Inc. Issues Expanded Recall of Ground Tumeric Powder Due to Elevated Lead Levels

August 5, 2016

Contact

Consumers

 (201) 564-0435

Announcement

View Product Photos
Gel Spice, Inc. is expanding its recall of ground turmeric powder to include additional brands because of elevated lead levels. Lead can accumulate in the body over time. Too much can cause health problems, including delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies. Pregnant women, infants and young children especially should avoid exposure to lead. People concerned about blood lead levels should contact their physician or health clinic to ask about testing.
The additional products being recalled are identified in the table below.
Brand/Description and Net Weight Lot/BB code UPC NUMBER
Spice Select/8 oz 03/18/19 076114007730
Market Pantry/0.95 oz 05APR2019 085239211038
Gel/15 oz 04/18/19 076114800867
Gel/15 oz 05/16/19 076114800867
Clear Value /0.75oz 04/27/19 036800354920
Lieber’s/2 oz 05/13/19 043427006361
Spice Supreme/2 oz 05/17/19 076114364628
The products were distributed by various retailers throughout the United States.
Sampling and testing of another product, produced from the same bulk turmeric, revealed the elevated level of lead.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
Consumers who have purchased the ground turmeric powders identified above should discard the product.  Consumers with questions about the recalled product may call (201) 564-0435 between the hours of 8 AM to 4 PM Eastern Time, Monday-Friday.
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by admin

New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #peanut #allergen in mislabeled Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Beyond Better Foods, LLC Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Peanuts In Mislabeled Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

August 6, 2016

Contact

Consumers

Customer Service
 1-800-819-2998

Announcement

View Product Photos
Beyond Better Foods, LLC is recalling select cases from a single production run of Enlightened brand Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip ice cream because they may have been packaged in Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream containers and thus 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.
The affected product was distributed nationwide in retail stores. Beyond Better Foods is taking immediate steps to recall all affected product.
This recall is the result of mislabeled product. Specifically, portions of one lot of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip ice cream was mistakenly filled in pint sized Enlightened brand Mint Chocolate Chip pint containers, and capped with Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip labeled lids. These packages have a base container labeled “Mint Chocolate Chip,” a lid labeled “Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip” and are filled with Peanut Butter Chocolate chip ice cream. The opaque container reveals tan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip ice cream inside — not light green Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. All affected products have a “best by” date of November 18, 2017.
Customers who have purchased mislabeled Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip ice cream in an Enlightened brand Mint Chocolate Chip container are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Questions may be directed to 1-800-819-2998 Monday-Friday between 9AM and 5PM Eastern Time.
Investigation regarding the source of this mislabeling is ongoing, though it is believed to be an isolated incident.
To date, no illnesses have been reported related to this recall.
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by admin

New #foodsafety #recall #misbranded & #undeclared #Pistachio and #soy #allergen in Al Shabrawy meat products

Al Shabrawy Meat Incorporated Recalls Meat and Poultry Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Class I Recall070-2016
Health Risk: HighAug 6, 2016
Congressional and Public Affairs
Richard J. McIntire
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, AUG. 6, 2016 – Al Shabrawy Meat Inc., a South River, N.J. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of meat and poultry products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. Some of the products contain pistachio nut and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. 
The beef bologna, beef salami, mortadella and other sausage-like items were produced on various dates between Jan. 1, 2015 and Aug. 4, 2016. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]
  • 1-lb. plastic container of “AL SHABRAWY COOKED BEEF SALAMI” with UPC code 4203601235 printed on the label.
  • 16-oz. rolls of “AL SHABRAWY COOKED BEEF BOLOGNA” with UPC code 4203601237 printed on the label.
  • 5-lb. rolls of “AL SHABRAWY COOKED BEEF BOLOGNA” with UPC code 4203601236 printed on the label.
  • 1-lb. plastic container of “AL SHABRAWY COOKED BEEF MORTADELLA” with UPC code 4203601236 printed on the label.
  • 5-lb. plastic container of “AL SHABRAWY COOKED BEEF SALAMI PLAIN” with UPC code 4203601235 printed on the label.
  • 20-lb. cases, containing five pieces of “AL SHABRAWY BASTERMA” with UPC code 4203601231 printed on the label.
  • 1-lb. plastic container of “BAROODY COOKED BEEF SALAMI” with UPC code 4203601235 printed on the label.
  • 1-lb. plastic container of “BAROODY MAKANEK (Raw)” with UPC code 4203601223 printed on the label.
  • .75-lb. plastic container of “BAROODY SOUJOUK (Dried Beef Sausage)” with UPC code 4203601222 printed on the label.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 19160” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations and wholesalers in California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
The problem was discovered during an on-going FSIS investigation at the establishment following a complaint to the agency. The major public health concerns include listing hydrolyzed plant protein in the ingredient statement of the beef bologna and beef mortadella, but not specifying that soy, an allergen, is the source of that protein. Also, the beef mortadella products did not declare pistachio nut, an allergen, on individual package ingredient statements, although some cases of the product display a sticker stating “Pistachio” was in the product. FSIS also found that beef salami and beef bologna products contained poultry ingredients and a sausage product tested positive for Red Dye #40, which is not declared on product labels. Additionally, raw beef trim, designated for cooking only, was used in raw non-intact finished products.
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 and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers.
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 Medhat Mechaeil, company owner, at (732) 238-0428.
by admin

My review of the new Prime Burger at DT Kirby’s in Lafayette, IN. #DTKirbys @dtkirbys

On Wednesday of this week, I was invited to have lunch at DT Kirby’s with one of the Owners. He wanted me to try their new Prime Burger, the beef of which comes locally from the “Chicago Meat Dist”, instead of some major food distributor. This burger consists of a (as described in the first picture) “1/2 LB USDA Prime Burger topped with smoked Gouda cheese, heirloom tomatoes, crisp romaine, fresh cut red onions and a steak aioli…as a bonus: 2 slices of short rib style bacon!”

As you can see, it is a very good looking burger and it had lots of great flavor to it as well. There was just enough of the aioli to add flavor but not overpower the sandwich. The amounts of lettuce, tomato, and onion also provided flavor enhancement to the burger. I loved the flavor of the short rib style bacon as well, so I placed my two slices on the burger to enhance the entire experience.

Overall, I would rate this as an awesome sandwich, definitely had to use several napkins while eating it, which is par for the course with just about all of the DT Kirby’s food items. If I were in the mood for a burger, I would absolutely order this one again; however, my favorite item is still their Spicy Chicken sandwich, and I may have to go get one before I leave for Arizona next weekend.

by admin

New #foodsafety #recall possible #Listeria #contamination of IQF Cut Green Beans by JML Ingredients

JML Ingredients Recalls IQF Cut Green Beans Because Of Possible Health Risk

July 22, 2016

Contact

Consumers

JML Ingredients
 717-569-2141

Announcement

JML Ingredients, Inc. of East Petersburg, PA is recalling IQF Cut Green Beans, because it has 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, Listeriainfection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
IQF Cut Green Beans was distributed to manufacturers in Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by a manufacturer who used the product in their finished product. JML Ingredients has ceased the distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
Products being recalled are as follows:
Brand Product Lot Number Expiration Date Product size/container
ICAPP IQF CUT GREEN BEANS 110815 / 15649 August 10, 2017 20 lb. / 9.070 kg. bulk case
ICAPP IQF CUT GREEN BEANS 120815 / 15650 August 11, 2017 20 lb. / 9.070 kg. bulk case
ICAPP IQF CUT GREEN BEANS 050915 / 15651 September 4, 2017 20 lb. / 9.070 kg. bulk case
ICAPP IQF CUT GREEN BEANS 200915 / 15652 September 19, 2017 20 lb. / 9.070 kg. bulk case
Consumers who have purchased ICAPP IQF CUT GREEN BEANS are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact JML Ingredients at 717-569-2141.
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by admin

Updated #foodsafety #recall possible #Ecoli #contamination of Grassfield Cheese at Whole Foods Market Locations

Grassfields Cheese Recall Affects Select Whole Foods Market Locations; Grocer Recalls Product from Cheese Departments

August 3, 2016

Contact

Consumers

Grassfields Cheese
Grassfieldscheese@gmail.com
616-997-8251

Announcement

AUSTIN, Texas – In response to Grassfields Cheese LLC’s organic cheese recall, Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling the product from select stores in the Midwest and South out of an abundance of caution. Grassfields Cheese issued the recall due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), a bacteria that can cause serious illness in humans.
E.coli infection symptoms vary by individual, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/less than 38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5–7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening. Around 5–10% of those diagnosed with Shiga-toxin producing E.coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Signs that a person is developing HUS include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids.
The recall includes the following types of Grassfields Cheeses: Gouda, Onion ‘n Garlic, Country Dill, Leyden, Edam, Lamont Cheddar, Fait Gras and Polkton Corners which were cut and packaged in clear plastic wrap with scale labels beginning with PLU codes that ranged from 0206151 to 0206159 and “sell by” dates through 9/2/2016.
The products were sold at Whole Foods Market stores in the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Not all products were sold in all stores.
The potential for contamination was identified during an ongoing investigation of seven cases of human illnesses occurring between March and July 2016 caused by a same type of STEC. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Geagley Laboratory confirmed the presence of STEC bacteria in a sample of Grassfields cheese collected by MDARD food and dairy inspectors.
Consumers who have purchased any of these recalled products can return them to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Grassfields Cheese at 616-997-8251 Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm EST orGrassfieldscheese@gmail.com.
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by admin

New #foodsafety #recall #undeclared #egg, #milk, and #soy #allergen in O Organic Vegetable Tray with Creamy Ranch Dressing

Mann Packing Voluntarily Issuing Class 1 Recall Of O Organics Organic Vegetable Tray With Creamy Ranch Dressing Dip Due To Mislabeled Ingredients That May Pose An Allergen Risk

August 4, 2016

Contact

Consumers

Mann Packing
  info@mannpacking.com
 1-800-285-1002

Media

Lorri Koster | Mann Packing Co., Inc.
  lorri.koster@mannpacking.com
 831-594-4156

Announcement

View Product Photos
Mann Packing is voluntarily recalling 844 cases of 18 ounce O Organics Organic Vegetable Tray with Creamy Ranch Dressing Dip because the product ingredients label does not identify ingredients that could pose an allergen risk; specifically egg, milk and soy.
The recalled product has a Best If Used By date of August 11, 2016 and an incorrect UPC barcode: 21130 98428.  No illnesses have been reported in association with the recall to date. No other Mann Packing or O Organics products are affected by the recall. Mann Packing is taking the extra precautionary measure of issuing this recall so that consumers who may have purchased the product are properly made aware.
The recalled product is carried at Albertsons, ACME, Carrs, Haggen, Pavilions, Pak ‘N Save, Safeway, Shaw’s, Star Market,
Tom Thumb and Vons stores in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Washington.
Consumers who have the recalled product in their possession and are allergic to egg, milk and soy, should not consume the item. The product can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions should contact Mann Packing at 1-800-285-1002 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm Pacific Standard Time or via info@mannpacking.com.  Customers can also call Albertsons Companies Customer Service at 1-877-723-3929 at any time.
The following product with the Best if Used By date of Aug 11 is subject to this recall. The best if used by date can be found in the upper left corner.
Mann Packing representatives are contacting retail customers who received the item and asking that they remove the product from their store shelves and inventories.
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by admin

New #foodsafety #recall possible #Ecoli #contamination in Certain Grassfields Cheese LLC, Cheeses

Grassfields Cheese LLC Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall Of Certain Cheeses

August 3, 2016

Contact

Consumers

Grassfields Cheese
Grassfieldscheese@gmail.com
616-997-8251

Media

Grassfields Cheese
Grassfieldscheese@gmail.com
616-997-8251

Announcement

(Coopersville, MI) – Out of an abundance of caution, Grassfields Cheese LLC, is conducting a voluntary recall of approximately 20,000 pounds of organic cheeses due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), a bacteria that can cause serious illness in humans. The recalled cheeses were sold from the firm’s retail store located at 14238 60th Ave., Coopersville MI 49404, to wholesale and retail customers, and to consumers nationwide via sales through the firm’s website: http://www.Grassfieldsscheese.com/.
This recall involves all types and sizes of organic cheeses manufactured by the firm between December 1, 2015 through June 1, 2016 including: Gouda, Onion ‘n Garlic, Country Dill, Leyden, Edam, Lamont Cheddar, Chili Cheese, Fait Fras, Polkton Corners and Crofters. The cheeses were sold as wheels, half wheels, and wedges of various sizes.
The potential for contamination was identified during an ongoing investigation of seven cases of human illnesses occurring between March and July 2016 caused by a same type of STEC. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Geagley Laboratory confirmed the presenceof STEC bacteria in a sample of Grassfields cheese collected by MDARD food and dairy inspectors.
E.coli infection symptoms vary by individual, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/less than 38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5-7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening. Around5-10% of those diagnosed with Shiga-toxin producing E.coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Signs that a person is developing HUS include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids. Persons with HUS should be hospitalized because their kidneys may stop working and they may develop other serious problems. Most persons with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent damage or die. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.
Consumers who have purchased any of these recalled products are urged to return them to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact Grassfields Cheese at 616-997-8251 Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm EST orGrassfieldscheese@gmail.com
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