WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2008 - Nestlé Prepared Foods Company, a Springville, Utah, establishment, is recalling approximately 879,565 pounds of frozen chicken meals that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.
The following products are subject to recall:
9.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE PESTO CHICKEN WITH BOW TIE PASTA” brand frozen meals. Printed on each side of each package is a production code of “8280595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best Before MAY 2010.”
10.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE CHICKEN MEDITERRANEAN” brand frozen meals. Printed on the side of each package is a production code of “8231595912” or “8241595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before SEP 2010”; a production code of “8263595912,” “8269595911” or “8274595912,” as well as a use-by date of “Best before OCT 2010”; or, a production code of “8291595912” or “8301595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before NOV 2010.”
12.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE CHICKEN TUSCAN” brand frozen meals. Printed on the side of each package is a production code of “8234595911” and a use-by date of “Best before SEP 2009”; a production code of “8253595911” or “8269595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before OCT 2009”; or, a production code of “8292595911” or “8296595911” as well as a use-by date of “Best before NOV 2009.”
Each package also bears the USDA mark of inspection as well as the establishment number “EST P-9018.” The frozen chicken meals were produced on Aug. 18, Aug. 21, Aug. 28, Sept. 9, Sept. 19, Sept. 25, Sept. 30, Oct. 6, Oct. 17-18, Oct. 22 and Oct. 27 and were distributed to retail establishments nationwide.
The problem was discovered after the company received consumer complaints and a report of one injury. The company identified the objects as small pieces of hard plastic. FSIS has not received other reports of injury. Anyone concerned about an injury from consumption of the products should consult a medical professional.
Media with questions about the recall should contact Company Marketing Communications Manager Roz O’Hearn at (440) 264-5170. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Nestlé Consumer Services Center at (800) 227-6188.
Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at 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.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
SEATTLE'S FAVORITE GOURMET COOKIES & DESSERT CO ISSUES NATIONWIDE ALLERGY ALERT ON UNDECLARED MILK IN MUFFIN TOPS
SEATTLE’S FAVORITE GOURMET COOKIES & DESSERT CO. OF TUKWILA, WA IS RECALLING ORANGE CRANBERRY AND BANANA NUT MUFFIN TOPS BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN UNDECLARED MILK. PEOPLE WHO HAVE AN ALLERGY OR SEVERE SENSITIVITY TO MILK RUN THE RISK OF SERIOUS OR LIFE THREATENING ALLERGIC REACTION IF THEY CONSUME THESE PRODUCTS.
ORANGE CRANBERRY AND BANANA NUT MUFFIN TOPS WERE DISTRIBUTED NATIONWIDE TO COFFEE SHOPS, ESPRESSO STANDS, AND RETAIL OUTLETS.
THESE PRODUCTS ARE INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED IN CLEAR PLASTIC WITH A BLACK PRODUCT CARD FEATURING THE SEATTLE’S FAVORITE LOGO IN UPPER LEFT HAND SIDE AND CONTAINS THE PRODUCT NAME AND INGREDIENT STATEMENT. PRODUCT MAY OR MAY NOT CONTAIN AN EXPIRATION DATE OR BEST BY DATE. THE DATE IS PLACED ON THE PRODUCT AT THE RETAIL LOCATION. THESE PRODUCTS, REGARDLESS OF ANY CODES, ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL.
THERE HAVE BEEN NO ILLNESSES REPORTED TO DATE.
DURING A ROUTINE FDA INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE INGREDIENT STATEMENT DID NOT DECLARE MILK.
CONSUMERS ARE URGED TO RETURN THESE PRODUCTS TO POINT OF PURCHASE FOR A REFUND. FOR ANY FURTHER CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT SEATTLE’S FAVORITE AT SEATTLESFAVORITECOOKIES.COM OR 1-866-203-5588.
BOB PETERSON / ROBIN PETERSONSEATTLE'S FAVORITE GOURMET COOKIES & DESSERT CO.WORK 206-574-0577
ORANGE CRANBERRY AND BANANA NUT MUFFIN TOPS WERE DISTRIBUTED NATIONWIDE TO COFFEE SHOPS, ESPRESSO STANDS, AND RETAIL OUTLETS.
THESE PRODUCTS ARE INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED IN CLEAR PLASTIC WITH A BLACK PRODUCT CARD FEATURING THE SEATTLE’S FAVORITE LOGO IN UPPER LEFT HAND SIDE AND CONTAINS THE PRODUCT NAME AND INGREDIENT STATEMENT. PRODUCT MAY OR MAY NOT CONTAIN AN EXPIRATION DATE OR BEST BY DATE. THE DATE IS PLACED ON THE PRODUCT AT THE RETAIL LOCATION. THESE PRODUCTS, REGARDLESS OF ANY CODES, ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL.
THERE HAVE BEEN NO ILLNESSES REPORTED TO DATE.
DURING A ROUTINE FDA INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE INGREDIENT STATEMENT DID NOT DECLARE MILK.
CONSUMERS ARE URGED TO RETURN THESE PRODUCTS TO POINT OF PURCHASE FOR A REFUND. FOR ANY FURTHER CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT SEATTLE’S FAVORITE AT SEATTLESFAVORITECOOKIES.COM OR 1-866-203-5588.
BOB PETERSON / ROBIN PETERSONSEATTLE'S FAVORITE GOURMET COOKIES & DESSERT CO.WORK 206-574-0577
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Amy’s Kitchen Inc. Issues Allergy Alert and Voluntary National Recall due to Possible Undeclared Milk in Tofu Scramble in a Pocket Sandwich; Lot Code
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Santa Rosa, California, November 7, 2008. Amy's Kitchen Inc. of Santa Rosa, California is voluntarily recalling Tofu Scramble in a Pocket Sandwich Lot 10 H148, because of the presence of milk in a product that is labeled non-dairy. The 4.0 oz net wt frozen product, sold in U.S. grocery stores, comes in a retail package labeled as Amy's Tofu Scramble in a Pocket Sandwich. The code date printed in white on the easy open zipper end is
10 H148 A,B,C or D
The products could cause an allergic reaction if consumed by any individuals allergic to milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to dairy products run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product. Consumers without milk allergies can safely consume the product.
The recall was initiated after one report of an allergic reaction due to this product, which was not labeled as containing dairy ingredients. Testing has shown the presence of milk.
No other products or code dates of Amy's Kitchen products are affected by this recall.
Consumers allergic to milk should contact Amy's Kitchen for a replacement or refund. The product is distributed to retailers only. Retailers are instructed to destroy the affected product.
Amy's Kitchen is cooperating with FDA and will also issue an alert via the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.
For instructions or questions, consumers may call the company collect: 707-568-4500 and ask for the consumer services department at ext 4571. Consumers who are not allergic to milk ingredients can consume the product or call for a full refund.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Grays Harbor County closed to all species of Shellfish
Closure Advisory October 2, 2008-
Due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), more commonly known as “red tide”, the Washington State Department of Health Office of Shellfish and Water Protection has issued a closure notice for the sport harvesting of all species of shellfish in Grays Harbor. Although a Seasonal Closure is in effect for all of Grays Harbor from April through October of each year we are posting this advisory due to the elevated PSP levels.
The harvesting of Razor Clams may be allowed during the seasonal closure on designated beaches only provided that marine biotoxin monitoring indicates it is safe to do so. Please contact the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife to check on harvest dates and open beaches for razor clam digs http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/. For information on PSP or “Red Tide” closures, contact the Washington State Red Tide Hotline at (800) 562-5632. Maps of closure areas can be viewed at the Washington State Department of Health Recreational Shellfish Beach Closures page.
Toxic shellfish do not look or taste any different. The Paralytic Shellfish Poison is not destroyed by any method of preparation or cooking.
The symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning usually occur within one hour after eating toxic shellfish. Symptoms may include tingling and numbness of the lips and tongue, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and difficulty in breathing. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms after eating shellfish.
Due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), more commonly known as “red tide”, the Washington State Department of Health Office of Shellfish and Water Protection has issued a closure notice for the sport harvesting of all species of shellfish in Grays Harbor. Although a Seasonal Closure is in effect for all of Grays Harbor from April through October of each year we are posting this advisory due to the elevated PSP levels.
The harvesting of Razor Clams may be allowed during the seasonal closure on designated beaches only provided that marine biotoxin monitoring indicates it is safe to do so. Please contact the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife to check on harvest dates and open beaches for razor clam digs http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/. For information on PSP or “Red Tide” closures, contact the Washington State Red Tide Hotline at (800) 562-5632. Maps of closure areas can be viewed at the Washington State Department of Health Recreational Shellfish Beach Closures page.
Toxic shellfish do not look or taste any different. The Paralytic Shellfish Poison is not destroyed by any method of preparation or cooking.
The symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning usually occur within one hour after eating toxic shellfish. Symptoms may include tingling and numbness of the lips and tongue, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and difficulty in breathing. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms after eating shellfish.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
West Nile virus found in western Washington for the first time this year
OLYMPIA -- Two dead birds — one from King County and one from Thurston County — have tested positive for West Nile virus. These are the first animals to test positive on the west side of the Cascades this year.
The virus has already been active in eastern and central Washington. A human case of West Nile infection was confirmed in August. Two other people are considered “probable” cases. Health officials believe all three were exposed while traveling in eastern Washington or eastern Oregon.
The virus has also been detected in more than two dozen horses, nine birds, and more than 40 mosquito pools. Nearly all of those positive samples have been in eastern Washington.
“These latest positive birds confirm that West Nile virus has spread to both sides of our state,” said Jude Van Buren, assistant secretary for the agency’s division of Epidemiology, Health Statistics, and Public Health Laboratories. “While the fall weather is getting cooler, mosquitoes are still out there and people should take precautions to avoid getting bitten.”
Although mosquito season is coming to a close, mosquitoes are still active until the first freeze of the year. People should avoid mosquito bites by staying indoors around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, ensure door and window screens are working, and use a mosquito repellent when necessary. Always follow label directions when using repellents.
It’s also important to reduce mosquito habitat around the home. Emptying water from old tires; turning over old buckets or cans; and frequently changing water in pet dishes, birdbaths, and water troughs helps eliminate the small puddles of water in which many mosquito larvae grow.
West Nile virus can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord and brain) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). People over age 50 have the highest risk for serious illness. There’s no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection.
West Nile virus is mainly a bird disease. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses, or other hosts. This season nearly 100 dead birds have been tested statewide. People are encouraged to report dead birds, especially crows, jays, magpies, and ravens, to local health agencies for possible collection and testing.
The two recent birds that tested positive were collected earlier this month. They were submitted for testing by the local health agencies in Thurston and King Counties as part of the state’s West Nile virus monitoring program. Along with these two birds, one dead crow tested positive for the virus in Benton County.
More information on West Nile virus (www.doh.wa.gov/WNV) is on the Department of Health Web site. Contact your local health department (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm) with questions about West Nile virus monitoring in your community.
To report a dead bird in Grays Harbor County call the Public Health and Social Services message line at (360) 532-8631 and use extension 410. You may report a complaint about mosquitoes by calling Environmental Health at (360) 249-4413.
The virus has already been active in eastern and central Washington. A human case of West Nile infection was confirmed in August. Two other people are considered “probable” cases. Health officials believe all three were exposed while traveling in eastern Washington or eastern Oregon.
The virus has also been detected in more than two dozen horses, nine birds, and more than 40 mosquito pools. Nearly all of those positive samples have been in eastern Washington.
“These latest positive birds confirm that West Nile virus has spread to both sides of our state,” said Jude Van Buren, assistant secretary for the agency’s division of Epidemiology, Health Statistics, and Public Health Laboratories. “While the fall weather is getting cooler, mosquitoes are still out there and people should take precautions to avoid getting bitten.”
Although mosquito season is coming to a close, mosquitoes are still active until the first freeze of the year. People should avoid mosquito bites by staying indoors around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, ensure door and window screens are working, and use a mosquito repellent when necessary. Always follow label directions when using repellents.
It’s also important to reduce mosquito habitat around the home. Emptying water from old tires; turning over old buckets or cans; and frequently changing water in pet dishes, birdbaths, and water troughs helps eliminate the small puddles of water in which many mosquito larvae grow.
West Nile virus can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord and brain) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). People over age 50 have the highest risk for serious illness. There’s no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection.
West Nile virus is mainly a bird disease. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses, or other hosts. This season nearly 100 dead birds have been tested statewide. People are encouraged to report dead birds, especially crows, jays, magpies, and ravens, to local health agencies for possible collection and testing.
The two recent birds that tested positive were collected earlier this month. They were submitted for testing by the local health agencies in Thurston and King Counties as part of the state’s West Nile virus monitoring program. Along with these two birds, one dead crow tested positive for the virus in Benton County.
More information on West Nile virus (www.doh.wa.gov/WNV) is on the Department of Health Web site. Contact your local health department (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm) with questions about West Nile virus monitoring in your community.
To report a dead bird in Grays Harbor County call the Public Health and Social Services message line at (360) 532-8631 and use extension 410. You may report a complaint about mosquitoes by calling Environmental Health at (360) 249-4413.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
West Nile virus expands in Washington; possible human infections reported
OLYMPIA - Two state residents are being considered “probable” West Nile virus infection cases. The state Department of Health announced the lab results today. State health officials believe both people were infected in Washington.
A Yakima County woman in her 50s and a King County man in his 30s are considered probable West Nile infection cases after testing at the state’s Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline. After the initial test results, samples have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmation.
The Yakima County resident developed a fever, headache, and muscle aches. She did not travel outside the county during her exposure period. The King County resident developed meningitis, a more serious symptom of this disease. He’s believed to have been infected while traveling in Yakima and Benton Counties. Both people were exposed in mid-August. This is an excellent reminder of the importance of preventing mosquito bites to avoid West Nile virus infection and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
“West Nile virus can be a very serious disease for a small number of people, especially those older than 50,” said Dr. Marcia Goldoft, acting state epidemiologist for communicable disease. “Some people who are infected may never have severe symptoms, but it’s wise to try to avoid mosquito bites to prevent infection. West Nile virus activity is increasing in our state, so it’s vital to take the simple precautions that can help protect you from West Nile infection.”
So far this year, environmental monitoring has detected West Nile virus in 41 mosquito samples, 25 horses, and six birds — all in eastern Washington.
People can avoid mosquito bites at home or on the road by following a few precautions: be sure that door and window screens are working; stay indoors around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; and if you do go outside, use a mosquito repellent when mosquitoes are active. Those involved in extended outdoor activities such as farming, hiking, attending sports events, or fishing, and hunting should be careful to avoid insect bites. Always follow label instructions when using mosquito repellents.
It’s also important to reduce mosquito habitat around the home. Turning over old buckets or cans; emptying water from old tires; and frequently changing water in birdbaths, pet dishes, and water troughs helps eliminate the small puddles of water in which many mosquito larvae grow.
West Nile infection can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord and brain). People over age 50 have the highest risk for serious illness. Younger people can also develop serious complications from the disease.
Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus by feeding on infected birds, and then pass the virus to uninfected birds, people, horses, or other hosts. Crows, ravens, magpies, and jays are especially susceptible to dying from the virus. State and local public health monitor for West Nile virus by tracking mosquito samples, horses, and dead birds.
The Department of Health West Nile virus information line 1-866-78-VIRUS (1-866-788-4787) and the agency’s West Nile virus Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/WNV) are excellent resources for anyone who wants to learn more.
The Department of Health is working with local health partners as well as other state agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Ecology, and Fish and Wildlife on West Nile virus monitoring, planning, control, and prevention.
A Yakima County woman in her 50s and a King County man in his 30s are considered probable West Nile infection cases after testing at the state’s Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline. After the initial test results, samples have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmation.
The Yakima County resident developed a fever, headache, and muscle aches. She did not travel outside the county during her exposure period. The King County resident developed meningitis, a more serious symptom of this disease. He’s believed to have been infected while traveling in Yakima and Benton Counties. Both people were exposed in mid-August. This is an excellent reminder of the importance of preventing mosquito bites to avoid West Nile virus infection and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
“West Nile virus can be a very serious disease for a small number of people, especially those older than 50,” said Dr. Marcia Goldoft, acting state epidemiologist for communicable disease. “Some people who are infected may never have severe symptoms, but it’s wise to try to avoid mosquito bites to prevent infection. West Nile virus activity is increasing in our state, so it’s vital to take the simple precautions that can help protect you from West Nile infection.”
So far this year, environmental monitoring has detected West Nile virus in 41 mosquito samples, 25 horses, and six birds — all in eastern Washington.
People can avoid mosquito bites at home or on the road by following a few precautions: be sure that door and window screens are working; stay indoors around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; and if you do go outside, use a mosquito repellent when mosquitoes are active. Those involved in extended outdoor activities such as farming, hiking, attending sports events, or fishing, and hunting should be careful to avoid insect bites. Always follow label instructions when using mosquito repellents.
It’s also important to reduce mosquito habitat around the home. Turning over old buckets or cans; emptying water from old tires; and frequently changing water in birdbaths, pet dishes, and water troughs helps eliminate the small puddles of water in which many mosquito larvae grow.
West Nile infection can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord and brain). People over age 50 have the highest risk for serious illness. Younger people can also develop serious complications from the disease.
Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus by feeding on infected birds, and then pass the virus to uninfected birds, people, horses, or other hosts. Crows, ravens, magpies, and jays are especially susceptible to dying from the virus. State and local public health monitor for West Nile virus by tracking mosquito samples, horses, and dead birds.
The Department of Health West Nile virus information line 1-866-78-VIRUS (1-866-788-4787) and the agency’s West Nile virus Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/WNV) are excellent resources for anyone who wants to learn more.
The Department of Health is working with local health partners as well as other state agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Ecology, and Fish and Wildlife on West Nile virus monitoring, planning, control, and prevention.
Friday, September 12, 2008
FDA Issues Health Information Advisory on Infant Formula
In response to reports of contaminated milk-based infant formula manufactured in China, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today is issuing a Health Information Advisory. This is to assure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell infant formula in the United States. Although no Chinese manufacturers of infant formula have fulfilled the requirements to sell infant formula in the United States, FDA officials are investigating whether or not infant formula manufactured in China is being sold in specialty markets which serve the Asian community.
The FDA is advising caregivers not to feed infant formula manufactured in China to infants. This should be replaced with an appropriate infant formula manufactured in the United States as mentioned below. Individuals should contact their health care professional if they have questions regarding their infant’s health or if they note changes in their infant’s health status.
The FDA began investigating the reports of contamination immediately and received information from the companies who manufacture infant formula for the American market that they are not importing infant formula or source materials from China. The following manufacturers have met the necessary FDA requirements for marketing milk-based infant formulas in the United States: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals, and Solus Products LLC. Also, one manufacturer, SHS/Nutricia, Liverpool, England, markets an amino acid based exempt infant formula that does not contain any milk-derived ingredients.
We are asking state officials to work with the Agency to assist with the removal of any Chinese infant formula found on store shelves, and to warn members of the Asian community to avoid using Chinese manufactured infant formula.
It has been reported that a number of infants in China who have consumed Chinese manufactured infant formula are suffering from kidney stones, a condition which is rare in infants. The Chinese manufactured infant formula may be contaminated with melamine. Melamine artificially increases the protein profile of milk and can causes kidney diseases such as those seen in these Chinese infants.
FDA requires that all infant formula manufacturers register with the Agency and adhere to specific labeling and nutritional requirements. All properly registered infant formula manufacturers marketing infant formula in the United States undergo an annual inspection of their production facilities.
The FDA is advising caregivers not to feed infant formula manufactured in China to infants. This should be replaced with an appropriate infant formula manufactured in the United States as mentioned below. Individuals should contact their health care professional if they have questions regarding their infant’s health or if they note changes in their infant’s health status.
The FDA began investigating the reports of contamination immediately and received information from the companies who manufacture infant formula for the American market that they are not importing infant formula or source materials from China. The following manufacturers have met the necessary FDA requirements for marketing milk-based infant formulas in the United States: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals, and Solus Products LLC. Also, one manufacturer, SHS/Nutricia, Liverpool, England, markets an amino acid based exempt infant formula that does not contain any milk-derived ingredients.
We are asking state officials to work with the Agency to assist with the removal of any Chinese infant formula found on store shelves, and to warn members of the Asian community to avoid using Chinese manufactured infant formula.
It has been reported that a number of infants in China who have consumed Chinese manufactured infant formula are suffering from kidney stones, a condition which is rare in infants. The Chinese manufactured infant formula may be contaminated with melamine. Melamine artificially increases the protein profile of milk and can causes kidney diseases such as those seen in these Chinese infants.
FDA requires that all infant formula manufacturers register with the Agency and adhere to specific labeling and nutritional requirements. All properly registered infant formula manufacturers marketing infant formula in the United States undergo an annual inspection of their production facilities.
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