Labeling error forces recall at Whole Food Markets

Rip Roarin’ Crab Soup byBlount Fine Foods is being pulled of the shelves at Eastern Coast Whole Foods Markets due to undeclared allergens.  The food label attached to the back of the soup container indicates the contents in error as Manhattan Clam Chowder. The product food content label does not list milk, crab and wheat as ingredients. People sensitive or allergic to these specific allergens can experience a very serious reaction if unknowingly ingested.

The product is packed in 16-ounce plastic tubs and is marked with a product code of 71116 / Lot No. 1202117D.  The Use or Freeze by date is February 10, 2012.

Products with these codes and date should not use the soup, but return it to the location of purchase for a refund.  Blount Fine Foods can be contacted via phone at 800-274-2526, or through their website at www.blountfinefoods.com.

IAMS Puppy Food recalled for violating Aflatoxin levels

Iams.com

Aflatoxin is a mold that grows in tree nuts and seeds like peanuts & peanut butter, pecans, corn, wheat and cotton-seed oil.  Aflatoxins are considered by the FDA to be “unavoidable contaminants”, but because they can cause cancer in animals, the leading U.S. food safety authority allows aflatoxins in pet food only in very low amounts.

Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) just announced a voluntarily recall on one single production batch of Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy dry dog food in which the Aflatoxin levels were discovered to be above the FDA’s acceptable limit.

Although the products affected have already been removed from store shelves, consumers who previously purchased the dog food should check the Code Dates and UPC Codes below to see if the product in their pantry is included in this recall.

Recalled dog food information:

Product Name	Version	Code Date	UPC Code
Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy dry dog food with Use By or Expiration Dates of February 5 or February 6, 2013	7.0 lb bag	12784177I6	1901402305
	8.0 lb bag	12794177D2 12794177D3	1901410208
	17.5 lb bag	12794177K1 12794177K2	1901401848

The affected product batch was distributed to a small number of retailers located in the eastern USA (Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia). No illnesses have been reported, but P&G is removing the product to protect the health of pets.

As with any food safety recall, consumers should stop using the product discard it so it can not be consumed by other pets and contact Iams/P&G via phone at (866) 908-1569; or via their website at www.iams.com. 

Symptoms of Aflatoxin poisoning include lethargy, sluggishness, a poor appetite, diarrhea and/or vomiting.  One may even see a yellowish tint to the eyes or gums.  If the pet has consumed the recalled product and any of these symptoms are seen, contact a veterinarian for immediate consultation. 

Silva English Bangers recalled for labeling error

English Bangers: Comfort
food for traveling Brits

Any citizen of the United Kingdom and Ireland may certainly be homesick for the delicious pork and veal sausages that they refer to as “bangers.”  The name is thought to be derived from the loud popping sound made when the sausages explode over high heat.  It’s a favorite hearty meat often served with mashed potatoes.  

Silva Sausage Company in Gilroy, California has been making these sausages for years, and distributes them for restaurant and other institutional use in the northern areas of Livermore and Sacramento.

On November 28, 2011, Silva Sausage Company announced a recall of specific batch of the sausages when it was discovered that the label on the product did not list wheat as one of the ingredients. The mistake involved 1,010 pounds of the sausage packed in 10-pound cases.

The mistake was attributed to an error in the new printing process they had recently installed at their factory.  It was detected during a routine factory audit by the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).  No illness or reactions have been reported, but the recall is being conducted to assure consumer safety.

Institutions that have purchased the Silva Sausage English Brand Bangers should check for the following information on the packaging:

• USDA Inspection seal marked EST 6086
• Item #10326
• Lot Codes: 112271, 112911 or 112980

Contact Silva Vice-President, Rick Martins at (408) 293-5437 for questions and instructions for this recall.