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I have 20 years of experience in Quality Management, and became a qualified Quality Management System Auditor in 1994. I've also been writing ISO 9001 compliant Quality Manuals and extensive Food Safety HACCP Manuals and Systems for 15 years.

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Cheese, Cakes, Sunflowers & Bean Sprouts on this week’s US Recall list

Rich Products Corporation expanded its voluntary recall on January 12, 2012, of Vanilla Pre-Soaked Sponge Cake to include the 8” Vanilla Flavored Pre-Soaked Sponge Cake Artificially Flavored – January 19, 2012

Rich Products Corporation expanded its January 5, 2012 recall of ¼ Sheet Vanilla Soaked Sponge Cake Artificially Flavored to include the 8” Vanilla Flavored Pre-Soaked Sponge Cake Artificially Flavored (Product Code: 62938) because of the possibility that small plastic fragments from the packaging were contaminating the product. Rich’s executed the expanded recall on January 12, 2012.
Rich Products Corporation has not received any customer complaints or reports of injuries related to this product, and has issued this voluntary recall as a precautionary measure.
The product is produced by Rich’s in Ocoyoacac, Mexico, and imported into the U.S. by Rich’s for sale. The UPC code is: 00049800629387. Product produced after July 10, 2011 is affected.
The 8” Vanilla Flavored Pre-Soaked Sponge Cake Artificially Flavored is not packaged for retail distribution and is sold by the case primarily to in-store bakeries nationwide. On January 12, 2012, Rich’s notified all of its distributors and customers who have received the product in question, and directed them to remove and destroy the affected product. All other affected product under Rich’s control has been quarantined and will be destroyed.
Upon investigation, Rich’s discovered the problem was caused by a change in the resin used by the supplier of the plastic packaging. Rich’s was not made aware of this change. The company is working closely with the supplier to ensure that all defective packaging is removed from distribution and that all monitoring systems are in place to eliminate the potential for this problem occurring again in the future.
Consumers with questions may contact the Rich’s Product Helpline at 1-800-356-7094 (United States) between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST. Voice mail is available after hours.
Consumer:1-800-356-7094
Media: Dwight Gram 716-878-8749
State/County Health Contact: Amy Herstek 716-878-8890
Photo: Product Labels

LEASA Industries Co., Inc. Recalls LEASA Brand 6 oz. Living Alfalfa Sprouts Because Of Possible Health Risk – January 19, 2012

LEASA Industries Co., Inc. of Miami, FL is recalling 346 cases of LEASA Living Alfalfa Sprouts with use by date 2/1/12, because it 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.
LEASA Living Alfalfa Sprouts with use by date 2/1/12 were distributed through FL, GA, AL, LA, and MS through retail stores and food service companies on 1/4/12, 1/5/12, 1/6/12, 1/7/12 and 1/8/12.
The affected product is in 6 oz. clear plastic containers with a UPC code of 75465-55912 and has an expiration date of 2/1/12. The UPC code is located on the side of the label at the side of the container. The expiration date of the package is located on the side of the container.
No illnesses have been reported to date
The potential for the contamination was discovered when routine customer sample testing on 1/9/12 revealed the presence of Salmonella. We are voluntarily conducting this recall and are working closely with the Florida Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration to assure all consumers that our products are safe.
Should you have any of the LEASA Living Alfalfa Sprouts 6 oz. containers with used by date of 2/1/12, please dispose of the product by throwing away in the trash receptacle. This is a cautionary measure to assure our customers of safe products. All grocery stores, food services, and other retailers who have LEASA Living Alfalfa Sprouts with used by date of 2/1/12 should remove these products from their shelves as well.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 800-362-7669, Monday thru Friday from 9am-5pm EST. Thank you.
Contact:
Consumer 800-362-7669
Media Andrew Yap 305-696-0651 ext. 102
Photo: Product Labels

Winn-Dixie Issues Voluntary Recall On LEASA Brand Sprouts Due To Potential Salmonella Exposure – January 19, 2012

Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., today announced an immediate Class I voluntary recall of all LEASA Living Alfalfa Sprouts sold in the 6 oz. package with a UPC code of 7546555912. According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), the product is potentially contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Out of an abundance of caution for guests, Winn-Dixie is also immediately recalling the following LEASA-branded sprouts from shelves in all stores, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana:
Product UPC Code Size
LEASA Broccoli Sprouts 7546555636 4 oz
LEASA Gourmet Sprouts 7546555633 6 oz
LEASA Spicy Sprouts 7546555635 6 oz
LEASA Onion Sprouts 7546555634 6 oz
All LEASA sprouts being recalled were sold between Jan. 7, 2012, and Jan. 18, 2012, and have expirations dates between Feb. 1, 2012, and March 15, 2012.
“While the mandatory recall involves only the LEASA Living Alfalfa Sprouts, for the safety of our guests, Winn-Dixie is taking extra precaution to immediately pull all potentially exposed LEASA branded sprouts from our shelves,” said Mary Kellmanson, Winn-Dixie’s group vice president of marketing.
Winn-Dixie has received no reports of illness associated with LEASA branded sprouts consumption.
“We encourage guests in possession of any of the recalled items to immediately discard the product in a sealed garbage container,” said Kellmanson. “Guests who have purchased the product may visit their neighborhood Winn-Dixie to request a full refund, no questions asked.”
To receive the refund, guests may present proof of purchase through a receipt or the product packaging label.
Consumers with questions about the recalled products may contact the Winn-Dixie Guest Service Center toll free at 1.866.WINN-DIXIE (866.946.6349).
About Winn-Dixie
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., is one of the nation’s largest food retailers. Founded in 1925, the Company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. The Company currently operates approximately 480 retail grocery locations and approximately 380 in-store pharmacies in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and Mississippi. For more information, visit www.winn-dixie.com
Contact:
Media: Eric Barnes 904-370-7715 904-571-6052 EricBarnes@winn-dixie.com
Consumer: Winn-Dixie Guest Service Center 866-946-6349
Photo: Product Labels

Kradjian Imp Co Is Doing An Expanded Recall Of Cedar Tree Brand Tresse Cheese And Cedar Tree Brand Shinglish Cheese Because Of Possible Health Risk – January 19, 2012

Kradjian Imp Co, Glendale, CA is recalling 231 Cases, 22Lb / Cs of Cedar Tree brand Tresse Cheese, 16 oz and Cedar Tree brand Shinglish cheese, 16 oz because they have 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, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Tresse Cheese and Shinglish cheese were distributed in Southern California, Northern California, Washington State, Minnesota, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, Arizona and Michigan to Mediterranean specialty markets.
Both cheeses Cedar brand Shinglish firm unripened cheese, delivered before November 13, 2011 UPC: 78546 10000 and Cedar brand Tresse firm unripened cheese, delivered before November 13, 2011 UPC 78546 01000 were manufactured and recalled by Fromagerie Marie Kade, in Quebec Canada. Both cheeses are vacuum packed and bear the picture of a green cedar tree, pictured at http://www.fromageriemariekade.com/Produits.htm
Kradjian has recently been notified by our supplier that the above lot number of this product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Consumers who have purchased Cedar brand Shingilish or Tresse cheese are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-866 825 2633 9AM to 5PM PST Monday through Friday, except for holidays.
Photo: Product Labels

JKS Wholesale SVCS, Allergy Alert On Undeclared Milk Allergens In “Torta de Pan” Date Code 02/15/2012 – January 18, 2012

JKS Wholesale SVCS INC, of Beltsville, MD is recalling its 16 oz. packages of “Torta de Pan” because they may contain undeclared milk allergens. People who have allergies to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
The product was package in a 16 ounce, clear plastic bag and was distributed to supermarkets and delis in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and New York.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recall was initiated after a State of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets laboratory analysis revealed that the product was found to contain undeclared milk allergens. JKS Wholesale SVCS, has worked with the bakery to correct the label but out of an abundance of caution we are advising consumers who purchased the “Torta de Pan” with date codes 02/15/12 and before that the product does not declare milk.
JKS Wholesale SVCS, has removed all affected product from stores and has replaced it with correctly labeled product. If consumers have any affected product they should discard it and contact JKS Wholesale between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm at 571-265-8991 or 516-610-5710.
Contact:
Media: Criseida Larreynaga Jkswholesaleinc@aol.com 571-265-8991
Consumer: JKS Wholesale 571-265-8991 or 516-610-5710

Price Chopper Supermarkets Recalls Shredded Taco Cheese – January 18, 2012

Price Chopper Supermarkets is issuing a voluntary recall on its Coyote Joe’s Shredded Taco Cheese 16 oz, UPC 41735-12509 with an expiration date of April 21, 2012 due to the possibility of shredded plastic fragments inside the packaging.
The cheese was sold chain wide between the dates of January 4th and January 17th, 2012.
In addition to alerting the media, Price Chopper has initiated its Smart Reply notification program, which uses purchase data and consumer phone numbers on file in connection with the company’s AdvantEdge (loyalty) card to alert those households that may have purchased the product in question.
Customers can return the product to their local Price Chopper for a full refund. For more information, visit the pricechopper.com website or call Price Chopper at 1-800-666-7667, option 3 between the hours of 8:30am and 7:00pm.
About Price Chopper
Based in Schenectady, NY, the Golub Corporation owns and operates 128 Price Chopper grocery stores in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The American owned, family-managed company prides itself on longstanding traditions of innovative food merchandising, leadership in community service, and cooperative employee relations. Golub’s 23,000 teammates collectively own more than 50% of the company’s privately held stock, making it one of the nation’s largest privately held corporations that is predominantly employee-owned. For additional information, visit www.pricechopper.com
Contact:
Consumer: 1-800-666-7667
Media:
Heidi Reale Price Chopper Director of Marketing and Consumer Insights 518.379.1480
Jon Pierce, APR Pierce Communications 518.221.1186 jon@albanypr.com
Photo: Product Labels

Rexall Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Shellfish in Calcium 1200mg plus Vitamin D 1000 IU Softgels – January 16, 2012

Rexall, Inc., of Deerfield Beach, Florida, announced a recall of Rexall Calcium 1200 mg plus 1000IU Vitamin D3, 60 softgels. The affected bottles actually contain a TABLET product, Triple Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin and MSM Tablets.
Glucosamine is derived from the shells of certain crustaceans. Because the product may contain trace quantities of undeclared shellfish, people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to shellfish (e.g., shrimp, crab, lobster, clams or oysters) run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
Rexall Calcium 1200 mg plus 1000IU Vitamin D3 was distributed solely at Dollar General, which has 9,800 stores across 38 states. This recall involves only one lot number, 387651-04.
Product # Description UPC Code Label Expiration Date Lot Number
45211 Rexall Calcium 1200 mg plus 1000IU Vitamin D3, 60 softgels 3 01220 45211 3 Rexall 08/15 387651-04
To date, no adverse events have been reported related to this product.
When customers complained about the finding tablets in the bottle, and the discrepancy was confirmed, Rexall immediately began the recall process and removed the product from store shelves. Rexall is conducting an internal review of the manufacturing process to determine how the product was mislabeled.
Consumers who have this product in their possession can return it to Dollar General for a full refund or contact Rexall at 1-888-534-6370. Contact:
Consumer: 1-888-534-6370
Media: Brian Ellis 804-675-8140
Photo: Product Labels

Price Chopper Supermarkets Recalls Tres Leches Cakes – January 13, 2012

Price Chopper Supermarkets is issuing a voluntary recall on two sizes of its bakery’s Central Market Classics Tres Leches cakes – the 5 inch, UPC 41735-26013, and the 8 inch, UPC 41735-25128. Rich Foods, the manufacturer of the cake layers contained in this product, has notified Price Chopper that they may contain plastic fragments.
Though these specialty cakes have been available in stores since July 10, 2011, no plastic fragments or illnesses have been reported.
In addition to alerting the media, Price Chopper has initiated its Smart Reply notification program, which uses purchase data and consumer phone numbers on file in connection with the company’s AdvantEdge (loyalty) card to alert those households that may have purchased the product in question.
Customers can return the product to their local Price Chopper for a full refund. For more information, visit the pricechopper.com website or call Price Chopper at 1-800-666-7667, option 3 between the hours of 8:30am and 7:00pm.
Contact:
Consumer: Price Chopper 1-800-666-7667
Media: Mona Golub Price Chopper 518-379-1480 monag@pricechopper.com
Jon Pierce, APR Pierce Communications 518-221-1186 jon@albanypr.com

Gilster-Mary Lee, Corp. Announces Recall Of Hill Country Fare Brand Of Lasagna Dinner Mix Due To The Presence Of Undeclared Soy – January 12, 2012

The following Recall has been announced: Hill Country Fare Lasagna Dinner
DETAILS: Gilster-Mary Lee of Chester, IL is recalling some packages of dry lasagna dinner mix. The only brand involved is Hill Country Fare 6.4 oz. Lasagna Dinner which has a Best By date of NOV 21 12 Y18. (UPC# 41220-78102) Consumers should return to store for full refund.
WHY: A Creamy Noodle Tuna Dinner seasoning pouch was found in a carton that should have had a Lasagna flavored seasoning pouch. The tuna pouch has a Soy (allergen) ingredient not present in the Lasagna seasoning. People who have allergies to Soy may run the risk of an allergic reaction if they consume this product.
INCIDENTS: No illnesses have been reported in connection with this dinner mix.
HOW MANY: As many as 8,376 cartons (698 cases) may have been affected.
DISTRIBUTION: Product was distributed with in the state of Texas only.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call the company at 618-826-2361 ext. 3283 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CST.
Consumers with this product and code should return it to the store where purchased for full refund.

Minnesota Firm Issues Recall Due to Undeclared Soy Allergen in Certain Sunflower Seeds – January 12, 2012

Ryt-way Industries LLC is voluntarily recalling select sunflower seeds because they may contain soy ingredients that were not declared on the packaging. The recall is being issued on BIGS ® Dill Pickle Sunflower Seeds packaged in 5.35oz plastic bags with BEST BY Dates of 08DEC2012 and 09DEC2012 with an individual bag UPC code 896887002202. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The product was distributed nationwide through supermarkets, convenience stores and U.S. military commissaries.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing soy was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of soy.
Consumers who are allergic to soy and who have purchased the recalled products are advised not to consume the product and are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact 1-866-209-0985.
Contact:
Consumer: 1-866-209-0985.
Media: Phone: 952-469-1417 Fax: 952-469-9517
Photo: Product Labels

Source FDA here

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This week’s UK Food Recalls

Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc recalls all batches of certain smoked mackerel products due to a processing error that may result in the products being undercooked – Tuesday 17 January 2012
The affected products are being recalled on a precautionary basis due to possible issues with the hot smoke process used during manufacture, which may result in undercooked products.
Product details:
Morrisons Smoked Scottish Mackerel fillets (tray pack)
Morrisons Smoked Mackerel fillets with lemon and parsley (tray pack)
Morrisons Smoked Peppered Mackerel fillets (tray pack)
Morrisons Mexicana Smoked Mackerel fillets (tray pack)
Morrisons Smoked Scottish Mackerel (vacuum pack)
Use By Date: All date codes
Action taken by the company:
Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc is recalling the affected products. Point-of-Sale notices are being displayed in store explaining the actions they can take if they have bought the affected product.
No other Wm Morrison Supermarkets products are known to be affected.
Advice to consumers:
If you have purchased the above products, please do not consume them but return to your nearest store for a full refund.
Product Recall Notice: Morrisons Smoked Mackerel

Giants mixed dried fruit recalled – Wednesday 18 January 2012
UK Snacks has recalled Giants ‘Just Fruit’ mixed dried fruits because of incorrect allergy information. The affected products, with a ‘best before’ date of July 2012, contain sulphur dioxide not mentioned on the label. If you’re sensitive to sulphites don’t eat this product. The Food Standards Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.
The product being recalled is:
Giants ‘Just Fruit’ mixed dried fruits, 300g
Best before: July 2012
UK Snacks has withdrawn the affected product. Customer notices will be displayed in stores, explaining why the product is being recalled. If you’ve bought the product you can return it to the store for a full refund.
No other UK Snacks products are known to be affected.
UK Snacks Ltd recall certain batch code of Giant ‘Just Fruit’ mixed dried fruits due to incorrect allergen labelling informationPlease read the Allergy Alert

Source FSA here

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FDA Testing Orange Juice Imports for Carbendazim

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) has issued a letter to alert the orange juice processing industry to the Agency’s position with respect to recent reports of the finding of the fungicide carbendazim in orange juice.
Fungicides are chemical compounds or biological organisms used to kill or inhibit fungi or fungal spores that can cause serious damage in agriculture. Carbendazim is approved for use in a variety of crops, including citrus, in many countries. In the United States, however, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not approved carbendazim for use as a fungicide on oranges, nor has it established a tolerance or an exemption from the need for a tolerance for carbendazim in orange juice in the United States. Thus, carbendazim in orange juice is an unlawful pesticide chemical residue under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
On Dec. 28, 2011, FDA learned from a juice company that it had detected low levels of carbendazim (in the low parts per billion range) in its and competitors’ currently marketed finished products, and in certain orange juice concentrate that is not on the market. Industry reports indicate that carbendazim is present in orange juice products from the 2011 crop from Brazil, where the fungicide is used legally under Brazilian law to combat black spot, a type of mold that grows on orange trees.
The Environmental Protection Agency has conducted a preliminary risk assessment based on the recent reports of carbendazim in orange juice. Based on that risk assessment, EPA has concluded that consumption of orange juice with carbendazim at the low levels that have been reported does not raise safety concerns. FDA does not intend to take action to remove from domestic commerce orange juice containing the reported low levels of carbendazim. FDA is, however, conducting its own testing of orange juice for carbendazim, and, if the agency identifies orange juice with carbendazim at levels that present a public health risk, it will alert the public and take the necessary action to ensure that the product is removed from the market.
FDA is also sampling import shipments of orange juice and will deny entry to shipments that test positive for carbendazim.
The FDA appreciates the industry informing the FDA of the issue. We request that you inform us of the juice industry’s plans for ensuring that suppliers in Brazil (or elsewhere) refrain from using this pesticide in a manner that results in illegal residues in orange juice products intended for the United States.
Read full letter from FDA here

EPA Risk Assessment for Safety of Orange Juice Containing Fungicide Carbendazim
In response to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) investigation of reports that residues of the pesticide carbendazim are present in orange juice, EPA conducted a risk assessment to determine the safety of these residues. This risk assessment shows that there is no public health concern from drinking orange juice containing carbendazim at reported levels.
EPA Risk Assessment on Carbendazim in Orange Juice pdf
Carbendazim is approved for use on orange trees in Brazil and several other countries, but not in the United States. FDA reported to EPA that it found residues of carbendazim at levels up to 35 parts per billion (ppb) in orange juice imported from Brazil.

What is EPA’s role and how does it relate to what FDA does?
EPA sets tolerances (maximum pesticide residue levels) or tolerance exemptions for pesticide chemical residues in or on food for such residues to be legally present in or on those foods in the U.S. FDA monitors domestic and imported foods for compliance with EPA established tolerances. FDA can take enforcement action against foods bearing a pesticide chemical residue for which there is no EPA established tolerance or tolerance exemption, or that contains residues above the tolerance established by EPA. Imported products that are sampled by FDA are withheld from distribution unless and until the laboratory analysis is completed and the product is found in compliance. If violations are present, the imported product is subject to destruction or exportation outside of the U.S.

How does EPA perform risk assessments?
The process EPA uses for evaluating the potential for health and ecological effects of a pesticide is called risk assessment. EPA uses the National Research Council’s four-step process for its Human Health Risk Assessments:
Step 1 – Hazard Identification examines whether a substance has the potential to cause harm to humans and/or ecological systems, and if so, under what circumstances.
Step 2 – Dose Response Assessment examines the numerical relationship between exposure and effects.
Step 3 – Exposure Assessment examines what is known about the frequency, timing, and levels of contact with a substance.
Step 4 – Risk Characterization examines how well the data support conclusions about the nature and extent of the risk from exposure to pesticides.
Read more at Assessing Health Risks to Pesticides

What is carbendazim?
Carbendazim a fungicide approved for use in paints, adhesives, textiles, and ornamental trees. It is not approved for use on foods in the U.S. Another fungicide – thiophanate-methyl – belongs to the same chemical class as carbendazim and breaks down into carbendazim after application. Thiophanate-methyl is approved in the U.S. for use on several fruit, grain and nut commodities, but not citrus fruit. The tolerances for thiophanate-methyl range from 100 to 20,000 ppb.

Why is carbendazim being used on citrus in Brazil?
Industry reports indicate carbendazim is now being used in Brazil because of a problem with black spot, a type of mold that grows on the tree. U.S. citrus growers are using other fungicides to treat for black spot. These fungicides have U.S. tolerances for oranges. These alternatives could be used instead of carbendazim.

Why doesn’t the EPA allow carbendazim to be used on citrus?
EPA allowed limited use of carbendazim on citrus until 2009.Other fungicides became available after that time period, so the pesticide was no longer needed. EPA approved the use of carbendazim on Florida citrus from 2002 to 2008 because other alternatives were not available and carbendazim was needed to prevent a severe threat of economic loss. This use of carbendazim met the same strict health and safety requirements that any fully registered pesticide would meet (i.e., risk assessments and tolerances set for residues).

What fungicides are approved in the United States for use on oranges?
There are many fungicides approved for use on oranges. The strobilurin fungicides (such as azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin) in particular appear to be effective for controlling black spot.

What is FDA doing about orange juice already on the shelves?
At this time, FDA and EPA do not believe that the low levels of carbendazim found in orange juice pose any public health risk. For this reason, FDA determined that requiring a recall or the destruction of orange juice products already in the country was not warranted.
FDA is collecting and analyzing samples of orange juice products that arrive at U.S. borders from all countries and will not allow any that contain measurable levels of carbendazim to enter the United States.
Read more at http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Product-SpecificInformation/FruitsVegetablesJuices/ucm286302.htm.

How can I tell if orange juice is from Brazil?
You can read the food label, which is required to list any foreign countries that produced the orange juice concentrate — whether the juice is frozen concentrated (the water is removed) or reconstituted ready-to-drink (the water is added back in to make it liquid.) Note that many orange juice products contain at least some juice from Brazil but that the levels of carbendazim are so low that they do not pose a safety concern. And, for those products now entering the United States from Brazil and elsewhere, they cannot enter the U.S. if they contain measurable amounts of carbendazim.

What other countries produce orange juice for import to the United States and do any of those countries use carbendazim?
Brazil is the principal source of orange juice imported into the U.S. Brazil exports to the U.S. 15 million gallons of concentrate and is the biggest source. Mexico is not far behind with 13 million, Costa Rica with 5 million and Belize with 2 million. These are the top four.
Mexico and Costa Rica allow carbendazim use, and FDA is sampling orange juice products being shipped from these and other countries.

Do other orange juice consuming regions have tolerance levels for carbendazim in foods?
Europe and North America are the major orange juice consuming regions of the world. The European Union has established maximum residue limits (MRLs) for carbendazim in citrus fruit ranging between 100 ppb and 700 ppb. For oranges and grapefruits the MRL is 200 ppb, and for lemons, limes, and mandarins the MRL is 700 ppb.
Canada has established tolerances for carbendazim and a related substance thiophanate methyl, in 22 fruits — including oranges — and vegetables with MRLs ranging from 500 ppb in cucumbers and melons to 6000 ppb in raspberries and boysenberries.

Source US Environmental Protection Agency here

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UK Meat plants audit reports published

The Food Standards Agency has today started the regular publication of audit reports of approved meat plants in England, Scotland and Wales. This marks the beginning of routine publication of these reports, in line with the FSA’s commitment to transparency.
More than 200 audit reports are being published today. These cover all audits that have been completed since 1 November 2011. From now on, audit reports will be issued at the end of each month (about 200 each month).
FSA approval is required before a meat plant can operate (this includes slaughterhouses, cutting plants and game handling establishments). There are 1,200 FSA-approved meat plants in Great Britain, and 60 in Northern Ireland.
The FSA is currently reviewing audit arrangements with the aim of making them easier to understand, both for the food business operator and for people not involved in the meat industry. Once this review is complete, the Agency will publish audits for all approved meat plants across the UK, including Northern Ireland.
Tim Smith, Chief Executive of the FSA, said: ‘We think it’s important that people have access to this type of information; it shows not only the FSA’s commitment to publishing all useful information but we hope publication will also help businesses to maintain high standards in this vital food sector.’
As audit reports are technical documents, the FSA has produced explanatory notes to accompany their publication. The reports and guidelines can be found at the link below.

Audit of meat establishments
The FSA carries out routine audits of approved meat establishments (that is slaughterhouses, cutting plants and game handling establishments) in Great Britain.
These audits have two main aims:
to make sure that food business operators are complying with food law requirements
to ensure that food business operators are meeting relevant standards in relation to public health and, in slaughterhouses, animal health and welfare
How often are audits carried out?
When determining how often to audit a business, the type of processes carried out, the throughput and the food business operator’s record of compliance are considered.
The greater the potential risk to public health and, in slaughterhouses, to animal health and welfare, the more often the audit. The audit frequency currently varies from at least once every two months, to three, five or eight months.

Publication of audit reports
Audits completed after 1 November 2011 for FSA approved meat establishments in England, Scotland and Wales are published at the link below. These are as issued to the food business operator, but potentially sensitive information has been taken out(such as a personal details) and detailed technical information.
FSA have listed establishments by their approval number, name and type (red or white meat slaughterhouse, red or white meat cutting plant or approved game handling establishment), their town, county and country.
The link below will take you to a separate Excel worksheet. You will need to enable the macros in order to open it. Instructions are in the worksheet. Clicking on the links in the final column of the worksheet will take you to the individual audit report for the selected establishment.
The audit reports are updated on the FSA website on a monthly basis (typically towards the end of each month). Food business operators have up to 28 days to appeal an audit and the FSA won’t publish an audit report on the website before this time has passed. Therefore, as the FSA are only publishing audits completed after 1 November 2011, it will take a while for the website to have audits for each and every FSA approved meat establishment.

Food Business Operator Audits
Source FSA here

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This weeks FDA Recall alerts – Herring, Crab Soup & Lasagne Dinner Mix

Gilster-Mary Lee, Corp. Announces Recall Of Hill Country Fare Brand Of Lasagna Dinner Mix Due To The Presence Of Undeclared Soy – 12th January 2012

DETAILS: Gilster-Mary Lee of Chester, IL is recalling some packages of dry lasagna dinner mix. The only brand involved is Hill Country Fare 6.4 oz. Lasagna Dinner which has a Best By date of NOV 21 12 Y18. (UPC# 41220-78102) Consumers should return to store for full refund.
WHY: A Creamy Noodle Tuna Dinner seasoning pouch was found in a carton that should have had a Lasagna flavored seasoning pouch. The tuna pouch has a Soy (allergen) ingredient not present in the Lasagna seasoning. People who have allergies to Soy may run the risk of an allergic reaction if they consume this product.
INCIDENTS: No illnesses have been reported in connection with this dinner mix.
HOW MANY: As many as 8,376 cartons (698 cases) may have been affected.
DISTRIBUTION: Product was distributed with in the state of Texas only.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call the company at 618-826-2361 ext. 3283 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CST.
Consumers with this product and code should return it to the store where purchased for full refund.

Blount Fine Foods Announces Rip Roar’N Crab Soup Recall For Undeclared Milk, Wheat And Crab Allergens – January 11, 2012

Blount Fine Foods of Fall River, MA is recalling a single date code of Blount Fine Foods branded Rip Roarin’ Crab Soup in 16 ounce retail cup pack size because of undeclared milk, wheat and crab allergens. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, wheat or crab run the risk of suffering serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.
Product:
Blount Fine Foods branded Rip Roarin’ Crab Soup 16oz retail cup
Product Code: 71116 Lot Number: 1202117D Use or Freeze By: 2/10/2012
The Rip Roarin’ Crab Soup back label incorrectly identifies the product as Manhattan Clam Chowder and the ingredient statement does not declare the allergens-milk, wheat or crab.
The lot code and sell by date are printed in black ink on the bottom of the cup.
No other products or date codes are affected by this recall.
The product was distributed to select Whole Foods Retail stores on the Eastern Coast of the United States
No illnesses have been reported to date.
Consumers who have purchased item listed above with affected lot number are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers who have health-related concerns should contact their physician. Consumers with questions may contact the Blount Fine Foods at 1-800-274-2526, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern Time. Additional information is available at www.blountfinefoods.com
Contact:
Consumer:
1-800-274-2526
Media:
Larry Marchese
LegionThirteen
(617) 733-8899
lmarchese@legionthirteen.com

ZIP INTERNATIONAL GROUP LLC, Issues An Alert On Listeria In Sliced Herring Fillet In Oil (Forelka) - January 10, 2012

ZIP INTERNATIONAL GROUP LLC, 160 Raritan Center Parkway #6 Edison, NJ 08837 is recalling Sliced herring fillet (Forelka) due to Listeria contamination.
Listeria is a common organism found in nature. It can cause serious complications for pregnant women, such as stillbirth. Other problems can manifest in people with compromised immune systems. Listeria can also cause serious flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals.
The recalled Sliced herring fillet (Forelka) comes in both 330 gram and 600 gram plastic containers with a code date of best before 03/06/2012. They were sold in the New York Metropolitan Area. It is a product of Ukraine.
The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets Food Inspectors & subsequent analysis of the product by Food Laboratory personnel found the product to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Consumers who have purchased Sliced herring fillet (Forelka) should not consume it, but should return it to the place of purchase.
Contact:
Consumer:
732-225-3600
Media:
Leon Nagel
732-225-3600
Photo: Product Labels

Source FDA here

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