Plum Organics Voluntarily Recalls Select Batch of Apple & Carrot Portable Pouches Due to Potential Health Risk

Plum Organics ™ announced today that it is taking the precautionary measure of voluntarily recalling one particular batch of its 4.22oz. Apple & Carrot Portable Pouch baby food with the best by date May 21, 2010 and marked with the following universal product code (UPC) #890180001221 located on the bottom of the package. These pouches are sold individually at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us locations nationally.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this product and no other Plum Organics products are affected. As a further precaution, samples from every Plum Organics product manufactured before and after this batch were tested and found to be within quality standards.

The recall was undertaken as a precaution due to the risk of potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, a serious and sometimes lifethreatening condition. Consumers should not use these products, even if they appear to be normal, because of the possible health risk. Symptoms of botulism poisoning in humans include general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

"The product did not meet the FDA guidelines for proper acidity level," said Dr. Paul Gerhardt, a Food Science Ph.D. and member of the Plum Organics action team. "Though the risk of illness from this one batch is minimal, Plum Organics is taking the extraordinary step of recalling all Apple & Carrot Baby Food Pouches with best by date May 21, 2010."

"As a mother, the safety and satisfaction of our customers and their children is my highest concern," said Plum Organics Founder Gigi Lee Chang. Due to a mixing error during production, one batch of this product was improperly blended. As a result, it did not meet our company’s standard for quality. We are taking the extra step of recalling all Apple & Carrot Portable Pouches with this date to eliminate any question in the minds of consumers about the safety of our products. Plum Organics was founded on the vision of superior quality and nutritious baby food; we are committed to these values and our consumers."

Consumers who have purchased the Plum Organics Apple & Carrot pouch-based baby food with a best by date May 21, 2010 and with the UPC # 890180001221 can return the product for a full refund at any Toys-R-Us or Babies-R-Us store.

The recall is being undertaken with the knowledge of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Consumers with any questions are asked to call 888-974-3555 between the hours of 8 am – 5 pm PST, or email info@plumorganics.com.

Plum Organics is the leading premium organic baby food brand in the nation.

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Stonewall Kitchen Voluntarily Recalls Seven Dessert Sauces

As a precautionary measure, Stonewall Kitchen of York, Maine is voluntarily recalling seven dessert sauces because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also me common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

The following list of products was distributed nationwide to consumers through the nine Stonewall Kitchen Company Stores, Stonewall Kitchen’s direct-to-consumer division (catalog/internet) and through their wholesale division. Products could have been purchased individually or within a gift basket. This recall affects all product codes and expiration dates for:

* Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce (SKU 161312) – round glass jar, 12 oz.
* Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Peanut Butter (SKU 161211) – round glass jar, 12 oz.
* Stonewall Kitchen Coffee Caramel Sauce (SKU 161204) – round glass jar, 13 oz.
* Stonewall Kitchen Dulce de Leche Sauce (SKU 161214) – round glass jar, 12.5 oz.
* Barefoot Contessa Espresso Dulce de Leche (SKU 542313) – round glass jar, 10.5 oz.

Additionally, the following list of products was distributed nationwide to consumers through
A-Hold Corporation (Stop & Shop and Giant stores). This recall affects all product codes and expiration dates for:

* Simply Enjoy Coffee Caramel Sauce – square glass jar, 13 oz.
* Simply Enjoy Chocolate Peanut Butter Sauce – square glass jar, 12 oz.

To date, Stonewall Kitchen has not experienced any problems or complaints about our dessert sauces. No illnesses have been reported to date.

Stonewall Kitchen is voluntarily recalling these products due to the fact that during manufacturing, the pH level and water activity did not meet our food safety standards.

If a consumer has the any of the above products, we recommend they discontinue the use of that jar and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Stonewall Kitchen Premier Services at 1-800-826-1735.

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K-Fat Inc. Issues Alert on Uneviscerated Mackerel Fish

K-Fat Inc., Brooklyn, New York 11206 is recalling "Golden Dragon Fish brand Frozen Cooked Mackerel Fish" because the product was found to be uneviscerated prior to processing. It was discovered by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors during a routine inspection.

This product may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause Botulism, a serious and potentially fatal food-borne illness.

The sale of this type of fish is prohibited under New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations because Clostridium Botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish has been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning. Symptoms of botulism include blurred or double vision, general weakness, poor reflexes, difficulty swallowing and respiratory paralysis.

The recalled "Golden Dragon Fish brand Frozen Cooked Mackerel Fish" comes in an uncoded 250G plastic bag and basket and is a product of Vietnam. "Golden Dragon Fish brand Frozen Cooked Mackerel Fish" was sold in New York and New Jersey.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Consumers who have "Golden Dragon Fish brand Frozen Cooked Mackerel Fish" are advised not to eat it, and return it to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (718) 381-0306.

FDA Warns Consumers and Retailers of Botulism Risk from Ungutted, Salt-Cured Alewives (Gaspereaux) Fish

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning retailers and food service operators not to offer for sale ungutted, salt-cured alewives (also called gaspereaux fish) from Michel & Charles LeBlanc Fisheries Ltd., CAP-PELÈ, New Brunswick, Canada, because the fish may contain the Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) toxin. Consumers should not consume the product.

C. botulinum toxin can cause botulism, a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. The toxin cannot be removed by cooking or freezing.

The fish were imported into the United States and sent to these Florida distributors:

Quirch Foods Inc.

Den-Mar Exports LLC

Dolphin Fisheries Inc.

Labrador & Son Food Products Inc.

The fish were packed in 30-pound, white plastic pails with green plastic lids. The brand name "Michel & Charles LeBlanc Fisheries Ltd.," appears on the side of the pails, as does the phrase "Product of Canada." One hundred seventy-three (173) 30 lb. pails of fish were distributed. The fish may have been repacked or sold loose by retailers in Florida.

The FDA considers any ungutted fish over five inches in length that is salt-cured, dried, or smoked, such as the ungutted, salt-cured alewives/gaspereaux fish, to be adulterated because it could contain the C. botulinum toxin. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services discovered the ungutted alewives/gaspereaux fish from Michel & Charles LeBlanc Fisheries Ltd. being sold in stores and alerted the FDA. The FDA prohibits the sale of this adulterated product in the United States.

To date, there have been no reported illnesses associated with this product. However, consumers who have purchased ungutted, salt-cured alewives/gaspereaux fish in Florida should contact the place of purchase to determine if the fish they bought originated from Michel & Charles LeBlanc Fisheries Ltd. If the fish were from this company or if the source of the fish cannot be determined, consumers should immediately discard the fish and any foods made with these fish.

Symptoms of botulism poisoning can begin from six hours to 10 days after eating food that contains the toxin. Symptoms may include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth and muscle weakness that affects first the shoulders and then moves progressively down the rest of the body. Botulism poisoning can also cause paralysis of the breathing muscles which can result in death unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided.

Individuals who show these symptoms and who may have recently eaten alewives/gaspereaux fish should seek immediate medical attention.

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Consumer Alert: Possible Botulism Contamination in "Frozen Salted Croaker"

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers not to eat “Frozen Salted Croaker” distributed by YS Trading Corp of 38-21 23rd Street, Long Island City, New York 11101 because the product was uneviscerated.

The "Frozen Salted Croaker" was sold in Hicksville, New York, Flushing, New York, and New Jersey in un-coded, unlabeled plastic bags.

Uneviscerated fish is prohibited under New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish has been linked to outbreaks of Botulism poisoning.

Because the fish is uneviscerated, the product may become contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause Botulism, a serious and potentially fatal food-borne illness. Symptoms of Botulism include blurred or double vision, general weakness, poor reflexes, difficulty swallowing and respiratory paralysis.

The "Frozen Salted Croaker" was found by a New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets food inspector during a routine inspection. Subsequent analysis by New York State Food Laboratory personnel confirmed the product to be uneviscerated.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the product. Consumers who have this product are advised not to eat it.

New Era Canning Company Announces New Nationwide Recall of Green Beans and Garbanzo Beans in #10 cans (6 to 7 pound cans)

New Era, MI – January 18, 2008 --- New Era Canning Company of New Era, Michigan is recalling all cans of green beans and garbanzo beans in #10 cans (large cans containing between 6 and 7 pounds) because they may have been processed under conditions which could have led to contamination by Clostridium botulinum bacterium spores, which can cause life-threatening illness or death. The codes on the affected product begin with the numbers “00249,” or the letters “GREEN” or “GARB”. This recall does not include Italian Green Beans because that is a different product.

Clostridium botulinum bacterium spores have the potential for growth that produces a toxin that causes a potentially fatal form of food poisoning - botulism. Symptoms of botulism poisoning in humans can begin from 6 hours to 2 weeks after eating food that contains the toxin. Symptoms may include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness that moves progressively down the body, affecting the shoulders first, then descending to the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, and calves. Botulism poisoning also can cause paralysis of the breathing muscles, which can result in death unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided. Individuals who have these symptoms and who may have recently eaten the green beans or garbanzo beans currently under recall or other food products made with these items should seek immediate medical attention.

The issues were uncovered in a FDA inspection of products that were in the company’s possession. NO product has tested positive for the toxin and there have been NO cases of botulism reported from these products.

This recall only affects the products in the large #10 cans, the majority of which were potentially sold nationwide to various food service customers. However these products may also have been purchased by consumers at retail stores. The code on the cans may be embossed (stamped into the metal of the can) or printed in ink on one of the metal can ends.

Examples of how a code may appear on a can of green beans are: "00249 2BH7FL", "00249 1515 2BH7FL", "GREEN 2BH7FL" or "GREEN 1515 2BH7FL". (These are not necessarily actual can codes).

Examples of how a code may appear on a can of garbanzo beans are: "00249 34F7LG", "00249 1515 34F7LG", "GARB 34F7LG" or "GARB 1515 34F7LG". (These are not necessarily actual can codes).
New Era Canning, in conjunction with the US Food and Drug Administration and the Michigan Department of Agriculture, is thoroughly evaluating all processes and procedures to determine the cause of the problem.

Any food that may be contaminated should be disposed of carefully. Even tiny amounts of toxins ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the eye or a break in the skin can cause serious illness. Skin contact should be avoided as much as possible, and the hands should be washed immediately after handling the food. Customers who have the product or any foods made with these products should throw them away immediately. Double bag the cans in plastic bags that are tightly closed, then place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home. Restaurants and institutions are encouraged to assure that such products are only placed in locked receptacles which are not accessible to the public. Additional instructions for safe disposal can be found at www.cdc.gov/botulism/botulism_faq.htm. Anyone with questions can call FDA at 1-888-SAFEFOOD.

Customers with questions may contact New Era Canning at 1-800-282-9007 Ext. 111.

The following product labels are affected:

Bunny brand, Distributed by Bunn Capitol Company, Springfield, IL
Blue Lake mixed and shortcut green beans (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 6444500193).

Classic Sysco brand, Distributed by Sysco Corporation, Houston, TX.
Blue Lake cut green beans, 3 sieve (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans (UPC 7486510779).
Blue Lake cut green beans, 4 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans (UPC 7486510487).
Garbanzo beans (garbanzo beans, water, salt, calcium chloride, EDTA) in 108.0 oz (6 lb. 12 oz.) cans (UPC 7486510484).

Code brand, Distributed by Code, Atlanta, GA.
Mixed & short cut green beans (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 1207310120).
Fancy garbanzo beans without sulfites (garbanzo beans, water, salt, disodium EDTA) in 6 lb. 14 oz. cans (UPC 1207316120).

ComSource brand, Distributed by ComSource, Atlanta, GA.
Blue Lake cut green beans (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 5254952333).
Blue Lake cut green beans, 3 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 5254952321).
ComSource Medallion Premium Quality brand, distributed by ComSource, Atlanta, GA.
Fancy Blue Lake cut green beans, 4 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 5254952325).

ComSource Merit Excellence Food Service brand, Distributed by ComSource, Inc, Atlanta, GA.
Cut Blue Lake green beans, 5 sieve (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 5254952327).
Fancy Blue Lake cut green beans, 4 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 5254952325).

ComSource Traditional brand, Distributed by ComSource, Atlanta, GA.
Blue Lake cut green beans, mixed and short cut, (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans (UPC 5254952359).
Cut Blue Lake green beans, 4 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 5254952427).
Cut Blue Lake green beans, 5 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 5254952429).

Frosty Acres Restaurant's Pride Preferred brand, Packed for F.A.B., Inc., Alpharetta, GA.
Fancy Blue Lake cut green beans, 3 sieve (green beans, water, salt), in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans (UPC 4820067373).
Cut Blue Lake green beans, 4 sieve (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans (UPC 4820067445).
Blue Lake cut green beans, 5 sieve (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans (UPC 4820067451).
Fancy cut Blue Lake green beans (green beans, water, salt), in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans (UPC 4820067339).
Fancy cut Blue Lake green beans, 4 sieve (green beans, water, salt), in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans (UPC 4820067446).
Mixture of Blue Lake short cut, cut green beans (green beans, water, salt), in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans (UPC 4820068464).
Fancy garbanzos "chick pea" (garbanzo beans, water, salt, calcium chloride, disodium EDTA) in 111 oz. (6 lb. 15 oz.) cans (UPC 4820068264).

GFS brand, Distributed by Gordon Food Service, Grand Rapids, MI
Fancy Blue Lake cut green beans, 4 sieve (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans, reorder no. 118737 (UPC 9390111873).
Cut Blue Lake green beans, mixed sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans, reorder no. 273856 (UPC 9390127385).

goodtaste brand, Distributed by New Era Canning in New Era, MI.
Cut green beans (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 3683512340).

Harvest Value brand, distributed by U.S. Food Service, Columbia, MD
Cut green beans, mixed and short cut, (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans, 173619 (UPC 5810803534).
Cut green beans (green beans, water, salt) in 101 (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans, 170524 (UPC 5810801047).
Cut green beans, short cut (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans, 173349 (UPC 5810803538).

Kitchen brand, Distributed by Potato Products, Detroit, MI.
5 sieve- EX.-STD. cut Blue Lake green beans (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 6 oz. cans

Kitchen Essentials brand, Distributed by Gordon Food Service, Grand Rapids, MI.
Cut green beans, mixed sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 6 oz. cans, reorder no. 156337 (UPC 9390115633).

Monarch brand, Distributed by Reid, Murdoch & Co., Columbia, MD
Extra Fancy Blue Lake cut green beans, 4 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans, 177039 (UPC 5810811196).
Fancy Blue Lake cut green beans, 3 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz (6 lb 5 oz) cans, 170672 (UPC 5810801040).

Monarch Premium brand, packed for PYA/Monarch, Inc, Greenville, SC.
Fancy Blue Lake cut green beans, 3 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans, 173205 (No UPC code).

Mount Stirling brand, Distributed by Pocahontas Foods USA, Richmond, VA.
Blue Lake cut green beans, 5 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 4156033379).

Necco brand, Packed by New Era Canning Company, New Era, MI.
Cut green beans (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 6 oz. cans (UPC 3683513340).

New Era brand, Distributed by New Era Canning Co, New Era, MI.
Veri-Green cut green beans (green beans, water, salt, zinc chloride) in 102 oz. (6 lb. 6 oz.) cans (No UPC code).
Cut green beans (green beans, water, salt) in 108 oz. (6 lb. 12 oz.) cans (UPC 3683511340).
Cut Blue Lake green beans, no salt added, (green beans, water) in 102 oz. (6 lb. 6 oz.) cans (No UPC code).
Garbanzo beans (garbanzo beans, water, salt, calcium chloride, EDTA) in 108 oz. (6 lb. 12 oz.) cans (UPC 3683511684).

Nugget brand, Distributed by Nugget, Atlanta, GA.
Green beans, 4 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6lb. 5oz.) (UPC 4410540023).
Cut green beans, 5 sieve (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 4410501930).
Veri-green cut green beans (green beans, water, salt, zinc chloride) in 6 lb. 12 oz. cans (UPC 4410502101).
Mixed short cut green beans (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 4410518838).
Blue Lake cut green beans, 4 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans (UPC 4410501989).

Pocahontas brand, Distributed by Pocahontas Foods USA, Richmond, VA.
Fancy Blue Lake cut green beans, 4 sieve, (Blue Lake green beans, water, salt), 10282, in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 4156010282).
Fancy long cut green beans (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 4156010325).
Fancy Blue Lake green beans, 3 sieve, (Blue Lake green beans, water, salt), 10280, in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 4156010280).

Reliance Sysco, Distributed by Sysco Corporation, Houston, TX.
Mixed cut green beans (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans (UPC 7486512175).
Blue Lake cut green beans, 4 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans. (UPC 7486512172).
Blue Lake cut green beans, 5 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans (UPC 7486512174).

Sysco brand, Distributed by Sysco Corporation, Houston, TX.
5096342 Imperial Blue Lake cut green beans, 3 sieve (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 7486512136).
5096359 Imperial Blue Lake cut green beans, 4 sieve (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 5 oz. cans (UPC 7486512137).

US brand Distributed by U.S. FoodService, Columbia, MD.
Cut green beans, mixed sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans, 171132 (UPC 5810801048).
Fancy Blue Lake cut green beans (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans, 173416 (UPC 5810811195).
Fancy Blue Lake cut green beans, 3 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans, 170672 (UPC 5810801040).
Fancy Blue Lake cut green beans, 4 sieve, (green beans, water, salt) 170232 in 101 oz. (6 lb. 5 oz.) cans, 170672 (UPC 5810801041).
Cut green beans, 5 Sieve, (green beans, water, salt) in 101 oz (6 lb 5 oz) cans, 170675 (UPC 5810801042).

USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, Special Nutrition Programs, Alexandria, VA label.
Cut green beans (green beans, water, salt) in 6 lb. 6 oz. cans (UPC 1500101061).
Garbanzo beans (garbanzo beans, water, salt, calcium chloride, EDTA) in 6 lb. 12 oz. cans (UPC code 1500101089).