Beef Recall...Potential Animal Drug Contamination

Florida Firm Recalls Imported Beef Products Due To Potential Animal Drug Contaminant

Recall Release CLASS II RECALL
FSIS-RC-057-2011 HEALTH RISK: LOW

Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Adam Tarr

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2011 – Northwestern Meat, Inc., a Miami, Fla. firm, is recalling approximately 6,240 pounds of frozen boneless beef products imported from Honduras that may contain the animal drug Ivermectin, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic and is used as a de-worming agent in live animals.

The following products are subject to recall:
60-pound cases of "C&D" brand bulk-packed cartons of boneless beef with a package code of "LOT. N60 146-11 A" or "LOT. N60 146-11 B" and a processing date of "26.05.11" all shown on the box label.

The problem was discovered through FSIS routine sampling of beef muscle tissue from Honduras establishment #4 (Empacadora C&D) on July 18, 2011. The production lots that produced violative results were refused entry into the U.S. and are not available in commerce. However, Honduran authorities later notified the FSIS Office of International Affairs that additional implicated product derived from the same source materials shipped into the U.S. on an earlier date. These are the products that were released into commerce and therefore subject to the recall.

The products subject to recall were produced on May 26, 2011 and shipped to further processors in Florida and Illinois. FSIS and the company have received no reports of illness or adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.

228,596 Pounds of Beef Products Recalled

CLASS I RECALL FSIS-RC-056-2011
July 27, 2011

Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Atiya Khan

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2011 - Tri State Beef, a Cincinnati, Ohio, establishment, is recalling approximately 228,596 pounds of beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The following product is subject to recall:
Combo bins of "TRI-STATE BEEF CO., INC BONELESS BEEF."


Each bin bears the establishment number "EST. 1750" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products subject to recall were produced between July 19, 2011 and July 22, 2011, and sold to federally-inspected establishments for further processing and distribution in Chicago, Ill., Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, Iowa and Va.

The problem was discovered through routine FSIS testing which confirmed a positive result for E. coli O157:H7. It should be noted that these products were distributed to facilities where they were cooked and as a result received full-lethality treatment, which would effectively kill the E.coli O157:H7 pathogen in the products.

Because the products were shipped into commerce they are subject to recall, even though they were shipped to other federally-inspected establishments where they received full-lethality treatment and would no longer be considered adulterated.

FSIS and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

ServSafe® TRAINING NOW ON-LINE!

We now offer the ServSafe® Manager Online Course! After completion of the on-line training, the student is qualified to take the Certification exam. If you have a group that only has 4 hours to spare and needs the Certification, contact us about doing an on-site review and exam session. Here is more information on why you should choose the on-line version.


The ServSafe® Manager Online Course provides the knowledge every food protection manager must know to keep food safe in an establishment. It's easy to use. Updated design and navigation to help maximize retention of critical food safety information. Based on the 2009 FDA Food Code so learners are getting the latest food safety information. It's effective.
Enhanced activities increase retention by allowing the learner to practice real-life situations.
Accepted in jurisdictions requiring up to 16 hours of training. Requirements may vary. Contact us for more information: 321-567-4408.

MAJOR FOOD ALERT--Recalling Herring

Euphoria Fancy Food Inc. Issues An Alert On Uneviscerated Fish

Euphoria Fancy Food Inc. 149-151 2nd Ave. Brooklyn NY 11215 is recalling Herring Special Salting discovered by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors during a routine inspection and subsequent analysis of product by Food Laboratory personnel confirming that the fish was not properly eviscerated prior to processing. This product may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause Botulism, a serious and potentially fatal food-borne illness.


The recalled Herring Special Salting comes in an uncoded, 48.58oz (1300gr) plastic container and is a product of Russia. Herring Special Salting was sold in New York State.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Consumers who have Herring Special Salting are advised not to eat it, but should return it to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-768-3400.

Malcolm Meats Recalls 4,530 Pounds of Beef Products

Malcolm Meats near Toledo, Ohio Recalls Various Marinated Beef Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Recall Release CLASS II RECALL
FSIS-RC-051-2011 HEALTH RISK: LOW

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2011 - Malcolm Meats, a Northwood, Ohio, establishment is recalling approximately 4,530 pounds of various marinated beef products because of misbranding and undeclared allergens. The products contain known allergens, wheat and soy, which are not declared on the label, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products subject to recall include:

10-lb cases containing 16, 10-ounce packages of “STEAK SIRLOIN ANG CC AUSSIE H-CH,” with the identifying case code of “6778708.”

10-lb cases containing 20, 8-ounce packages of “STEAK SIRLOIN AUSSIE CAB,” with the identifying case code of “0648683.”

10-lb cases containing 16, 10-ounce packages of “STEAK SIRLOIN AUSSIE CAB,” with the identifying case code of “0648691.”

10.5-lb cases containing 14, 12-ounce packages of “STEAK SIRLOIN AUSSIE CAB,” with the identifying case code of “8415721.”

10-lb cases containing 20, 8-ounce packages of “STEAK SIRLOIN CULOTTE CH AUSSIE,” with the identifying case code of “0651299.

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “EST. 2106” on the case label. These products were produced on various dates prior to April 20, 2011, and were shipped to distribution centers in Ind., Mo., and Ohio, for institutional use.

The problem was discovered by the company during a routine label audit, and may have occurred because wheat and soy were not listed as ingredient components in the marinade seasoning blend used in the product. FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks (including at restaurants) to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and to ensure that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the company’s President, Jerry Pasquale at 419-666-0702. Media with questions about the recall should contact Charley Wilson at 281-584-2423.

RECALL...11,240 pounds of Ready-to-Eat Chicken Products

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2011-– Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a firm with establishments in Mount Pleasant, TX and Waco, TX is recalling approximately 11,240 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

10 lb. boxes containing 2 5-lb bags of “Sweet Georgia Brand Fully Cooked Breaded White Chicken Nuggets Shaped Patties”
30 lb. boxes containing 6 5-lb bags of “Pilgrim’s Pride Fully Cooked Grilled Chicken Breast Fillet with Rib Meat”

The “Chicken Nugget Shaped Patties” has a date code of 11471010 inkjetted on the box, and bears the establishment number “P-7091A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Each 5-lb bag is marked with the date code and “P-7091A.” These products were produced on May 27, 2011 and shipped to distribution centers in N.J. and Texas for further distribution to food service institutions.

The “Grilled Chicken Breast Fillet with Rib Meat” has a date code of 11801050 and a Use By Date of Dec. 26, 2011 inkjetted on the box, and bears the establishment number “P-20728” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The inner bags are marked with the code date and Use By Date. These products were produced on June 29, 2011 and shipped to a distribution center in Ohio, for further distribution to food service institutions.

The problem was discovered as a result of on-site internal testing at each establishment. FSIS and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products.

Starbucks Chicken Wraps Recalled...Possible Listeria

Georgia Firm Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Products for Possible Listeria Contamination

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-050-2011 HEALTH RISK: HIGH

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2011-Flying Food Group, LLC, a Lawrenceville, Ga., establishment, is recalling approximately 204 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken wraps and plates that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

8.4-ounce packages of “STARBUCKS CHIPOTLE CHICKEN WRAPS Bistro Box”
6.3-ounce packages of “STARBUCKS CHICKEN & HUMMUS Bistro Box”

The products have an “Enjoy by 071511” date on the bottom left corner of the package and bear the establishment number “P-34373” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were produced on July 13, 2011, and distributed to coffee shops in Georgia and Alabama.

The problem was discovered as a result of microbiological testing conducted by FSIS on a sample of chicken incorporated into these products. FSIS and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products.

Massachusetts Firm Recalls Imported Ready-To-Eat Smoked Duck Breast Products Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

Yes, here are two recalls on the same product from different companies.

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-048-2011 HEALTH RISK: HIGH

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2011 - Sid Wainer & Son, Inc., a New Bedford, Mass. establishment, is recalling approximately 137 pounds of imported, ready-to-eat, smoked duck breast products that may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Through routine testing on July 12, 2011, FSIS found a sample of smoked duck breast product imported from Canadian establishment number 377, Charcuterie Parisienne, to be positive for Salmonella. The initial product represented by that sample is on hold, but the Canadian Food Inspection Agency notified FSIS that additional product represented by the positive sample had been shipped to Sid Wainer & Son, Inc. and Palmex, Inc. A separate press release has been issued for products distributed by Palmex, Inc.

The products subject to recall include:

Shipping containers of "MAGRET DE CANARD FUME SECHE DRIED SMOKED DUCK BREAST PRODUIT DU CANADA\PRODUCT OF CANADA."

Each container holds six individually wrapped pieces of the duck breast product, weighing an average of .66 pounds each. Each package bears a label with the establishment number "CANADA 377" inside the Canadian mark of inspection. Packages can be identified by code lot number "111217," package code "11JN20," and best before date "11DE17." The products subject to recall were produced on June 20, 2011, and were distributed for institutional use in Conn., Ill., Mass., N.Y., and Penn.

New York Firm Recalls Imported Ready-To-Eat Smoked Duck Breast Products Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

Palmex, Inc., a Champlain, N.Y.

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-049-2011 HEALTH RISK: HIGH

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2011 - Palmex, Inc., a Champlain, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 197 pounds of imported, ready-to-eat, smoked duck breast products that may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Through routine testing on July 12, 2011, FSIS found a sample of smoked duck breast product imported from Canadian establishment number 377, Charcuterie Parisienne, to be positive for Salmonella. The initial product represented by that sample is on hold, but the Canadian Food Inspection Agency notified FSIS that additional product represented by the positive sample had been shipped to Sid Wainer & Son, Inc. and Palmex, Inc. A separate press release has been issued for products distributed by Sid Wainer & Son, Inc.

The products subject to recall include:

Shipping containers of "MAGRET DE CANARD FUME SECHE DRIED SMOKED DUCK BREAST PRODUIT DU CANADA\PRODUCT OF CANADA."

Each container holds six individually wrapped pieces of the duck breast product, weighing an average of .66 pounds each. Each package bears a label with the establishment number "CANADA 377" inside the Canadian mark of inspection. Packages can be identified by code lot number "111217," package code "11JN20," and best before date "11DE17." The products subject to recall were produced on June 20, 2011, and were sent to distribution centers in Calif., and to the Dominican Republic.

Banned Chemicals in Fish!

Banned chemicals found in tons of imported fish found for sale in the U.S.
Fish from overseas that are contaminated with chemicals not allowed in the U.S. food supply are showing up for sale in this country, including in Tennessee. Three American fish importers pleaded guilty earlier this year in Mobile, Ala., to federal felony charges of mislabeling fish and seafood. Their illegal haul included more than 120,000 pounds of imported fish, brought in to Mobile and Seattle, that tested positive for the suspected human carcinogen malachite green, an antifungal agent, and for an antibiotic that U.S. authorities also prohibit for use on fish that people consume.

Over the past 12 months, officials in Tennessee, one of the few states doing testing, found evidence of a prohibited substance. Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas and Florida also turned up the same in recent years while screening imported fish. How much tainted fish might end up on plates in restaurants or homes is unknown, but one Alabama official says it’s coming into the country despite a U.S. Food and Drug Administration effort to block such shipments. “I can tell you right off the bat that 40 percent of the imported fish we test is positive for banned drugs that are not safe for human health,” said Brett Hall, deputy commissioner for the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office issued a report in April saying improved FDA oversight is needed of imported seafood, with recommendations to better leverage limited funding.

Antibiotics Found
Over the past year, Georgia and Arkansas found evidence of fluoroquinolones, a banned family of antibiotics, in imported fish. Arkansas detected crystal violet, a carcinogen. In February, fluoroquinolones residue was discovered in imported fish in Tennessee. Out of 17 imported basa — a mild-tasting Asian catfish — and other catfish samples analyzed, one was positive for the illegal antibiotics over the past year, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. That was using the FDA’s tolerance standard of 5 parts per million. No imported shrimp samples have shown a problem. “We began testing imported fish about five years ago due to growing consumer concerns,” said Casey Mahoney, a department spokeswoman.

After the one positive sample among 78 lots since testing began in July 2006, the distributor was notified and a recall was initiated. Delivery drivers were told to collect any basa fish remaining and deliver them back to the distributor’s warehouse, where the product was destroyed. The product was originally distributed to food service establishments. Tennessee does quarterly sampling and testing at wholesale and retail establishments. Alabama started such testing earlier and has now dropped it because of funding shortages. From 2002 to 2009, Alabama records show, 44 percent of basa fish it sampled from Asia were positive for fluoroquinolones, prompting the state to issue nine “suspensions from sale or movement orders” to take the fish off the market.
The United States today imports almost 85 percent of its seafood, and about half of it is from aquaculture, which frequently uses antibiotics to control disease. Most of the seafood comes from China, Thailand, Canada, Indonesia, Vietnam and Ecuador.

Article from:

www.fairwarning.org and Anne Paine The Tennessean

3 Party Food Safety Audits on-board U.S. Maritime Vessels

Are third party food safety and sanitation audits (inspections) really necessary on-board U.S. Maritime commercial vessels? Having been on-board a number of vessels the past three years, I have found these audits (inspections) critical in the process of creating a food safety system to control food bourne risks. Who is the regulatory authority that governs the inspections of maritime vessels? On land we have the local Health Department that is the regulatory authority that does carry outs the inspection of food operations. But, most maritime vesssels rely on internal procedures to control food bourne risk factors.

Our firm has developed a system for food safety and sanitation inspections on-board maritime vessels in the U.S. We also developed Active Managerial Controls and Standard Operating Procedures to control food bourne risks. If you are a U.S. maritime company and want more information on our services, contact us at: chef@americanchefconsulting.com

Possible Listeria Contamination

Hawaii Firm Recalls Convenience Meals for Possible Listeria Contamination

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-047-2011 HEALTH RISK: HIGH


WASHINGTON, July 6, 2011- Warabeya U.S.A., Inc., a Honolulu, Hawaii establishment, is recalling approximately 1,550 pounds of convenience meals that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

"10.3-ounce packages of "7-ELEVEN FRIED CHICKEN BENTO"
"11-ounce packages of "7-ELEVEN TERIYAKI CHICKEN BENTO"
"10-ounce packages of "7-ELEVEN BREAKFAST SCRAMBLE BOWL"
"17.75-ounce packages of "7-ELEVEN BIG BENTO"
"7.25-ounce packages of "7-ELEVEN LITTLE SMOKIES SNACK PACK"

Each package includes a best eaten by date and time of "06/30/11 11:30 AM". The packages also bear "EST. 12444" or "P-12444" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were produced on June 28, 2011 and distributed to retail stores in Hawaii.

The problem was discovered as a result of microbiological testing conducted by FSIS and may have occurred as a result of the products becoming cross-contaminated through contact with a food scale pan. FSIS and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products.

Follow us on "twitter" for instant updates on recalls, recipes, and food tips. @thechefjohnny

Dietary Supplements

From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know!

Q What are dietary supplements?
A Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, and other less familiar substances — such as herbals, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and animal extracts (see box at right). Dietary supplements are also marketed in forms such as tablets, capsules, softgels, and gelcaps. While some dietary supplements are well understood and established, others need further study.

Q What are the benefits of dietary supplements?
A Some supplements can help assure that you get an adequate dietary intake of essential nutrients; others may help you reduce the risk of disease. However, supplements should not replace the variety of foods that are important to a healthful diet — so, be sure you eat a variety of foods as well.

Unlike drugs, supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure diseases. That means supplements should not make claims, such as "reduces arthritic pain" or "treats heart disease." Claims like these can only legitimately be made for drugs, not dietary supplements.

Q Are there any risks in taking supplements?
A Yes. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects in the body. This could make them unsafe in some situations, and hurt or complicate your health. For example, the following actions could lead to harmful — even life-threatening — consequences.

Combining supplements:
Using supplements with medications (whether prescription or over-the-counter)
Substituting supplements for prescription medicines
Taking too much of some supplements, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and iron
Some supplements can also have unwanted effects before, during, and after surgery. So, be sure to inform your health-care provider, including your pharmacist, about any supplements you are taking — especially before surgery.

Q Who's responsible for the safety of dietary supplements?
A Dietary supplements are not approved by the government for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. If the dietary supplement contains a NEW ingredient, that ingredient will be reviewed by FDA (not approved) prior to marketing — but only for safety, not effectiveness.

The manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements are responsible for making sure their products are safe BEFORE they go to market. Manufacturers are required to produce dietary supplements in a quality manner and ensure that they do not contain contaminants or impurities, and are accurately labeled.

Manufacturers will also be required to report all serious dietary supplement related harmful effects or illnesses to FDA starting January, 2008. FDA can take dietary supplements off the market if they are found to be unsafe or if the claims on the products are false and misleading.

Q How can I find out more about the dietary supplement I'm taking?
What should I do if I have a reaction to a dietary supplement?
A You, your health-care provider, or anyone else should report a serious problem from the use of any dietary supplement directly to FDA's MedWatch Program at:

1-800-FDA-1088
(toll-free phone number)
1-800-FDA-0178
(fax)
The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program3

FDA would like to know whenever the use of a dietary supplement causes you to have a serious reaction or illness, even if you're not certain that the product was the cause, and/or you did not visit a doctor or clinic.
A If you want to know more about the product you are taking, check with the manufacturer or distributor about:

Information to support the claims of the product
Information on the safety and effectiveness of the ingredients in the product

Any reports of adverse effects or events from consumers using the product

Q How can I be a smart supplement shopper?
A Although the benefits of some dietary supplements have been documented, the claims of others may be unproven. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Be a savvy supplement user. Here's how:

Watch out for false statements like:
A quick and effective "cure-all"
Can treat or cure diseases
"Totally safe" or has "no side effects"
Be aware that the term natural doesn't always mean safe.
Don't assume that even if a product may not help you, at least it won't hurt you.
When searching for supplements on the Web, use the sites of respected organizations, rather than doing blind searches.
Ask your health-care provider for help in distinguishing between reliable and questionable information.
Always remember — safety first!

South Carolina Firm Recalls Ham Products for Possible Listeria Contamination

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-046-2011 HEALTH RISK: HIGH

WASHINGTON, July 5, 2011- Carolina Pride Foods, Inc., a Greenwood, S.C. establishment is recalling approximately 18,416 pounds of boneless, fully cooked ham products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

All the ham products were produced on May 13, 2011 and then distributed throughout the southeastern U.S. to retail outlets or for institutional use.

The following products are subject to recall:

"10-ounce vacuum packages of "CAROLINA PRIDE Smoked Diced Ham" with the sell by date of Sept. 23, 2011 stamped on the package. The packages also bear "EST. 242" inside the USDA mark of inspection and were sent to retail locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The label on 10-pound cases of this product would be stamped "4218."
"10-pound cases containing five, 2-pound vacuum packages of "CAROLINA PRIDE Diced Ham." The label on cases of this product would be stamped "3804" and shipped to locations in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
"12-pound cases containing 8-ounce vacuum packages of "HARDEE's Smoked Diced Ham" with the use through date of Nov. 9, 2011 stamped on the package. The shipping label on cases of this product would be stamped "4181" and shipped to locations in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Maritime Services Available

For the past eight years, we have been training the ServSafe® course to stewards and cooks, as well as other aspects of safe, efficient, and cost effective galley operations. Our firm also assists in the updating and development of Steward Department Operations Policy Manuals and Steward Crew member handbooks using the current FDA Food Code. Training food safety to the maritime steward department takes more than being proficient in the training process. Knowing the maritime industry, understanding the steward department’s everyday operation and applying sound food safety principles to address the on-board challenges is critical to proper training. If your maritime company needs on-board or on-shore food safety training, contact us at 321-567-4644.