Current food recall press releases from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and from companies issuing recalls are posted here. You can check the FDA's Web site for a complete list of recalls HERE.
Lifetime Brands Voluntarily Recalls Certain Items Nationwide from its Pfaltzgraff® Villa della Luna® pattern and Nautica J Class® pattern (Red Only) Stoneware Dinnerware Product Lines
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 28, 2008
Lifetime Brands, Inc., of Garden City, New York, today announced that, as a result of its internal compliance and independent product testing programs, it recently became aware that certain Pfaltzgraff® Villa della Luna® pattern and Nautica J Class® pattern stoneware dinnerware products may exceed the Food and Drug Administration’s (“FDA”) guidance levels for lead and/or cadmium.
No illness related to these products has been reported to date.
These dinnerware products may have been sold as part of a set or individually online and through retail stores nationwide.
For additional information regarding the recall, please contact us by dialing the following toll free numbers: (800) 499-1976 – For Pfaltzgraff® Dinnerware (866) 928-0060 – For Nautica® Dinnerware
Specifically, the following products are subject to this recall:
Image:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 12
Salmonella Illnesses in Multiple States may be Linked to Recently Recalled Cereal
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced that at least 23 people in 14 states have been diagnosed with salmonellosis that was caused by the same strain of Salmonella that was found in the recently recalled unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereals produced by Malt-O-Meal.
The recalled products were distributed nationally under the Malt-O-Meal brand name as well as under private label brands including Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw's, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality. The cereals have "Best If Used By" dates from April 8, 2008 (coded as "APR0808") through March 18, 2009 (coded as "MAR1809").
Consumers should throw out any product in their homes from these recalled lots. Grocery stores and other retailers should promptly remove the cereals from their shelves.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of foodborne Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In persons with poor health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections.
Individuals who believe they may have experienced an illness consistent with the symptoms described above after consuming a puffed wheat or puffed rice cereal made by Malt-O-Meal should contact their health care practitioner immediately and report the illness to their state or local health authorities.
On April 5, 2008, Malt-O-Meal voluntarily recalled the cereals because the company’s routine testing found Salmonella in a product produced on March 24, 2008.
The FDA is working with Malt-O-Meal to determine the cause of the contamination and with the states and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify and prevent additional illnesses.
This is just one of the recalled cereals. To see more pictures of recalled Malt-O-Meal products, including their cereals distributed under other brand names, go to www.malt-o-meal.com/recallinfo.
Malt-O-Meal Company Initiates Voluntary Recall of Unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereals Due to Possible Health Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Minneapolis, MN April 5, 2008
Malt-O-Meal announced today that it is voluntarily recalling its unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereals produced with "Best If Used By" codes between April 8, 2008 (coded as "APR0808") and March 18, 2009 (coded as "MAR1809") because they may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recalled product was distributed nationally, marketed under the Malt-O-Meal brand and as some private label brands including Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw's, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality. A comprehensive listing of impacted products can be found at www.malt-o-meal.com/recallinfo.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this situation. All other Malt-O-Meal products are unaffected by this action and are safe for continued sale and consumption. The products affected by this recall represent less than one-half of one percent of the company's annual production of ready-to-eat cereal.
"Our first and highest priority is the safety of the consumers who use our products," said Malt-O-Meal President and CEO Chris Neugent. "It's important that we spread the word about this situation quickly and broadly in order to remove even the slightest possibility that someone will consume something harmful. We apologize for this situation and promise to do everything to complete the recall as quickly as possible."
The recall was initiated after the company's internal routine food safety testing detected the presence of Salmonella in a product produced on March 24, 2008. The company immediately commenced an investigation to determine the root cause of this one positive finding as well as the extent of any possible exposure. Initial results from this follow-up investigation indicate that additional product may have been exposed to this contaminant. Thus, out of an abundance of caution to protect consumers, the company has chosen to voluntarily remove all unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat products with "Best If Used By" codes between April 8, 2008 (coded as "APR0808") and March 18, 2009 (coded as "MAR1809"). Investigation into the source of the Salmonella has determined a root cause of this situation and corrective measures have been taken to ensure that there is no reoccurrence of this issue.
Persons infected with Salmonella may experience a variety of symptoms and illnesses. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, persons infected with Salmonella may experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in more severe illnesses, some potentially life threatening.
Consumers who have purchased any products covered by this recall are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-665-9331. Information regarding this recall, including images of the Malt-O-Meal product packaging, also will be posted to the company's website at www.malt-o-meal.com/recallinfo.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Londonderry, NH March 28, 2008
Organic yogurt maker Stonyfield Farm has announced a voluntary product recall of its non-fat blueberry yogurt products.
The recall comes in response to the possibility of glass fragments in the product. Although the company believes the problem is not widespread, it is taking this precautionary measure to ensure the safety of its consumers.
Affected products would be 6-ounce Fat Free Blueberry yogurts carrying one of following product codes printed along the cup bottom that start with the following dates:
Apr 14 08
Apr 15 08
April 25 08
Apr 26 08
There are no reports of injury. People who bite into or swallow a fragment could possibly be injured, prompting this precautionary recall.
Stonyfield Farm is also advising its distribution network to remove the 6-ounce fat free blueberry yogurt from the shelves immediately. The product is sold at natural food stores and major grocery retailers nationwide.
Consumers are instructed to return opened and unopened containers to their retailers. Those returning product will be reimbursed for the full value of their purchase.
“Our first priority has always been and always will be the welfare of our consumers,” says Gary Hirshberg, Stonyfield Farm President and CE-Yo. “We are taking this voluntary step to ensure that we identify any product that does not meet our standards of quality and food safety.”
Consumers with questions should contact Stonyfield Farm Consumer Relations at 1-800-PRO-COWS, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Voluntary Recall on Honduran Cantaloupes Due to Potential Health Concerns
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Westlake Village, Calif. March 28, 2008
Dole Fresh Fruit Company, a subsidiary of Dole Food Company, Inc., has voluntarily recalled all Honduran Cantaloupes grown, packed and shipped by an independent third-party grower, Agropecuaria Montelibano of San Lorenzo Valle, Honduras.
This recall has been initiated based on current information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that fruit from this company appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.
Persons infected with Salmonella may experience a variety of symptoms and illnesses. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 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 more severe illnesses and potentially can be fatal.
The cantaloupes were distributed for sale throughout the United States and parts of Canada in cardboard cartons with the brand "Dole" and "PRODUCT OF HONDURAS" printed on each of the side panels of the carton.
The FDA advises consumers who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from this specific grower and packer. If so, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes. Consumers with questions may visit the FDA website at www.fda.gov for more information or contact the Dole Consumer Center at (800) 232-8888.
#
Spokane Produce Recalls Cut Cantaloupe Products Because of Possible Product Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Spokane, WA March 28, 2008
Spokane Produce, Inc. of Spokane, Washington is recalling Garden Patch, Yokes, and Rosauers Classic labels of various products of fresh cut and cut fruits containing cantaloupe, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, 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), endocaritis and arthritis.
Products recalled by Spokane Produce include the following items containing cut cantaloupe:
Fruit Medley with Strawberries Sizes: 16oz., 24oz.
Mixed Melon and Fruit Sizes: 6oz., 11oz., 16oz., 24oz.
Fruit Trays Sizes: 40oz., 48oz., 75oz.
Products are packed in plastic cups or clamshells and distributed under the Garden Patch, Yokes, or Rosauers Classic labels. Products are coded with a “Best used by” dates up to and including 03/26/08.
The above products were distributed through retail stores in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Wyoming. Products are packed in plastic cups or clamshells and distributed under the Garden Patch, Yokes or Rosauers Classic labels.
No illnesses reported to date have been directly linked to the above-mentioned products.
The cantaloupe products were supplied from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer, to Spokane Produce. This recall was initiated when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an import alert regarding cantaloupe from this grower, because, based on current information, fruit from this company appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase.
Customers with questions may contact Dan Petek of Spokane Produce at 509.710.8301.
Bounty Fresh, LLC. Recalls Cantaloupe Because of Possible Health Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Miami, FL March 27, 2008
Bounty Fresh, LLC, has recalled cantaloupes from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer because the U.S Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has determined, based on current information, that cantaloupe fruit from this company has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella, 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.
The recalled product was distributed nationwide to wholesalers and grocery stores. Whole cantaloupe fruits subject to this recall are packed three melons in a sleeve under the brand "Chestnut Hill Farms" and one melon per sleeve under the "Perfect Melon" brand. Individual melons are not labeled, but sleeves contain tags that say either "Perfect Melon" (one count) or "Chestnut Hill Farms" (3 count). Whole cantaloupe fruits subject to this recall were sold in boxes marked with the following text: "Cantaloupe, "Chestnut Hill Farms" (3 count) or "Perfect Melon" (one count) , Produce of Honduras, Grown, Packed and Shipped by Agropecuaria Montelibano, San Lorenzo, Valle, Honduras". All boxes also contain the Chestnut Hill Farms logo.
This recall has been initiated based on the FDA"s determination, based on current information, that cantaloupe fruit from the referenced grower/packer appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.
Consumers who have recently bought whole cantaloupes from this specific grower and packer should destroy these products immediately. Consumers with questions may contact Raul Romero, Bounty Fresh, LLC at 305-592-6969.
Chiquita Brands International, Inc. Recalls Whole Cantaloupes Grown by Agropecuaria Montelibano, Honduras, Due to Possible Health Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cincinnati, OH March 27, 2008
Chiquita Brands International, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of cantaloupes grown, packed and shipped by an independent third-party grower, Agropecuaria Montelibano in Honduras. The product was distributed to customers nationwide and is being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
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. Symptoms of food-borne Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Individuals who have recently eaten cantaloupe and experienced any of these symptoms should contact their health care professional.
The cantaloupes were distributed for sale throughout the US and Canada in cardboard cartons with the brands "Mike's Melons," "Mayan Pride" and "Chiquita" all showing "PRODUCE OF HONDURAS" printed on each of the side panels of the carton. The address of the shipper appears on one end panel of the carton as follows:
GROWN, PACKED AND SHIPPED BY: AGROPECUARIA MONTELIBANO SAN LORENZO, VALLE, HONDURAS
Chiquita advises that U.S. grocers, food service operators and produce processors remove from their stock all recall product. Chiquita also advises consumers who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from this specific grower and packer. If so, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at (800) 242-5472.
Simply Fresh Fruit Announces Nationwide Recall of Some Fresh Cut Fruit Products Containing Cantaloupe Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Los Angeles, California March 27, 2008
Simply Fresh Fruit, of Los Angeles, California is recalling selected fresh cut fruit products which may contain cantaloupe which has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. On March 26, 2008, Simply Fresh was requested by its supplier, Tropifresh, Inc to recall products produced with cantaloupe from Agropecuaria Montelibano. Simply Fresh had begun to recover this product earlier, on March 24, based on a notice published by the U.S. FDA.
The products being recalled include: Simply Fresh Fruit Brand food service Fruit Mix in Syrup products dated “sell by 4 – 18 08” or earlier, food service Cantaloupe Chunks in Syrup products dated “sell by 4 – 08 8” or earlier, and retail and club store Simply Fresh, Fresh Cut Fruit Brand containing cantaloupe dated “sell by 3 – 29 8”or earlier. Retail and club store products involved were removed from sale prior to Monday, March 24. Foodservice distributors who sell their own brand, have been notified, and are recalling the products involved. Foodservice products are packed in plastic pails or jars, and retail products are packed in plastic trays.
Symptoms of food borne Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In persons with poor health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections.
We are unaware to date of any illnesses that may be associated with any products containing cantaloupe, sold by Simply Fresh Fruit, or its distributors.
Food Service establishments who have any of the products involved should contact their supplier for disposition instructions. Consumers with questions may contact Simply Fresh Fruit at (323) 586-0000.
T.M. Kovacevich International, Inc. Recalls Cantaloupe Because of Possible Health Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Philadelphia, PA March 25, 2008
T.M. Kovacevich International, Inc. of Philadelphia, PA is recalling cantaloupes which it purchased from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer, because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has determined, based on current information, that cantaloupe fruit from this company has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, 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.
The recalled product was distributed to wholesalers and processors in Georgia, Florida, Massachusetts and New Jersey, and may have reached consumers through grocery stores, restaurants, or other similar channels.
Whole cantaloupe fruits subject to this recall carry a “Mike’s Melons” sticker or may be unlabeled because this sticker has fallen off. Whole cantaloupe fruits subject to this recall were sold in boxes marked with the following text: “Cantaloupe, Mike’s Melons, Produce of Honduras, Grown, Packed and Shipped by Agropecuaria Montelibano, San Lorenzo, Valle, Honduras”.
We are unaware to date of any illnesses that may be associated with any cantaloupes sold by our company.
This recall has been initiated based on the FDA’s determination, based on current information, that cantaloupe fruit from the referenced grower/packer appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.
Consumers who have recently bought whole cantaloupes from this specific grower and packer should destroy these products immediately. Consumers with questions may contact George Manos of T.M. Kovacevich International, Inc. at (215) 336-3160.
Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Honduran Cantaloupes grown by Agropecuaria Montelibano, San Lorenzo Valle, Honduras
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Pompano Beach, FL March 24, 2008
Central American Produce, Inc. of Pompano Beach, FL announces a voluntary recall of cantaloupes grown, packed and shipped by an independent third-party grower, Agropecuaria Montelibano of San Lorenzo Valle, Honduras. The product was distributed nationwide and Canada.
Based on current information, the cantaloupe grown, packed and shipped from Agropecuaria Montelibano appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.
In persons with poor health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of food-borne Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Individuals who have recently eaten cantaloupe and experienced any of these symptoms should contact their health care professional.
The FDA advises that U.S. grocers, food service operators and produce processors remove from their stock any cantaloupes grown packed and shipped from this company. The FDA is also advises consumers who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from this specific grower and packer.
If so, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes.
The cantaloupes were distributed for sale in medium brown cardboard cartons with the brands “Mikes Melons” or “Mayan Pride” all showing “PRODUCE OF HONDURAS” printed on each of the four side panels of the carton. The address of the shipper appears on one end panel of the carton as follows:
GROWN, PACKED AND SHIPPED BY: AGROPECUARIA MONTELIBANO SAN LORENZO, VALLE, HONDURAS
There are other firms that are involved in this recall using other labels of the same grower, including Mikes Melons. The FDA is taking this preventive measure while the agency continues to investigate this outbreak in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state partners.
For more information on produce safety, please visit:
Consumers with additional questions should contact Central American Produce, Inc. at 954-943-2303.
MARCH 22
FDA Warns of Salmonella Risk with Cantaloupes from Agropecuaria Montelibano
The agency detains products from the Honduran manufacturer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an import alert regarding entry of cantaloupe from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer, because, based on current information, fruit from this company appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada. The import alert advises FDA field offices that all cantaloupes shipped to the United States by this company are to be detained.
In addition, the FDA has contacted importers about this action and is advising U.S. grocers, food service operators, and produce processors to remove from their stock any cantaloupes from this company. The FDA also advises consumers who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from this specific grower and packer. If so, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes.
To date, the FDA has received reports of 50 illnesses in 16 states and nine illnesses in Canada linked to the consumption of cantaloupes. No deaths have been reported; however, 14 people have been hospitalized. The states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The FDA is taking this preventive measure while the agency continues to investigate this outbreak in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state partners. Such intervention is a key component of FDA’s Food Protection Plan.
Symptoms of foodborne Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In persons with poor health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections. Individuals who have recently eaten cantaloupe and experienced any of these symptoms should contact their health care professional.
The FDA recommends that consumers take the following steps to reduce the risk of contracting Salmonella or other foodborne illnesses from cantaloupes:
Purchase cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged. If buying fresh-cut cantaloupe, be sure it is refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
After purchase, refrigerate cantaloupes promptly.
Wash hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling fresh cantaloupes.
Scrub whole cantaloupes by using a clean produce brush and cool tap water immediately before eating. Don't use soap or detergents.
Use clean cutting surfaces and utensils when cutting cantaloupes. Wash cutting boards, countertops, dishes, and utensils with hot water and soap between the preparation of raw meat, poultry, or seafood and the preparation of cantaloupe.
If there happens to be a bruised or damaged area on a cantaloupe, cut away those parts before eating it.
Leftover cut cantaloupe should be discarded if left at room temperature for more than two hours.
Use a cooler with ice or use ice gel packs when transporting or storing cantaloupes outdoors.
For more information on produce safety, please visit:
