G&J Gourmet Market Cocoa Products Recalled for Melamine Taint

Dorsey Marketing Inc. (DMI) of Ville St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada, has recalled the following three G&J Gourmet Market cocoa products because these products may contain melamine:

G&J Hot Cocoa Stuffer Item 120144 (UPC 061361201444). This hot cocoa product was sold in small green and blue boxes with a backer card, candy cane and marshmallows.

G&J His and Hers Hot Cocoa Set Item 120129 (UPC 489702201296). This cocoa product was sold with 2 ceramic mugs in a brown box.

G&J Cocoa item 120126, sold in 2 flavors: French Vanilla Cocoa and Double Chocolate Cocoa. G&J French Vanilla Cocoa (UPC 061361201260). This product was sold in a small green bag with a whisk attached. G&J Double Chocolate Cocoa (UPC 061361201260). This product was sold in a small pink bag with a whisk attached.

The above recalled products were imported into the United States by DMI and distributed nationwide to retailer Big Lots during the weeks of September 22, 2008 and September 29, 2008 and to retailer Shopko during the week of October 10, 2008.

Dioxin Tainted Irish Pork Products Recalled In United States, USDA Sees Low Risk Of Harm and Will Not Disclose Retail Recipients

According to the USDA, three importers of Irish pork products received pork products that have either tested positive for the presence of dioxins or may contain dioxins.

Rupari Food Services, of Deerfield Beach, FL establishment has recalled approximately 41,020 pounds of the dioxin tainted pork that was sent to restaurants in California. The pork was sold as 44-pound approximate weight boxes of "ROSDERRA MEATS, ROSCREA, Pork Loin Back Ribs, KEEP FROZEN." The shipping label bears the Irish establishment number "EST NO. 355."

Dawn International of Acton, MA has recalled approximately 33,880 pounds of the dioxin tainted pork that were sent to distribution centers in Florida. The pork was sold as 30-pound cartons of "DAWN PORK & BACON, PORK LOIN BACK RIBS, PRODUCT OF REPUBLIC OF IRELAND." The shipping label bears the Irish mark of inspection "IRELAND 332 EC."

And, Tommy Moloney's Inc. of Long Island City, NY has recalled approximately 4,041 pounds of the dioxin tainted pork The pork was sold as 8-ounce packages of "Tommy Moloney's Traditional Irish Breakfast Bacon, Made from imported Irish Pork." The label bears the establishment number "EST. 33789" inside the U.S. mark of inspection as well as a "sell by" date between "Dec. 15, 2008" and "Jan. 31, 2009." These products were sent to retail stores in California, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia.

The pork products were produced in Ireland between Sept. 1 and Dec. 7, 2008, and were then exported to the United States.

The USDA/FSIS was notified by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) that routine surveillance tests indicated the presence of dioxin in pork products that were sent to importers in the United States.

Here’s the thing. The USDA/FSIS has described this as a Class II recall. That means, that our government is not going to tell us what restaurants, distributors, or retail stores received the tainted products. Class II recalls have recently been exempted from the requirement that the final recipients of the recalled meat be revealed to the public. Yes, you read that correctly. We posted a similar situation earlier this month regarding recalled Polish Kielbasa.

It also means that our government considers there to be a low risk of harm to persons who eat the dioxin tainted pork. Yes, you read that correctly, too. So go ahead, enjoy the bacon in California, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Virginia. Also, enjoy your pork ribs in restaurants in California and wherever the Florida distributors resold them.

Our government does not believe we have the right to know where these recalled items may be being sold or served.

Walgreens Recalls Melamine Tainted Chocolates

Walgreens is recalling 173 teddy bears with chocolate bars sold in stores since late September 2008. Analysis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that certain samples of the chocolate provided with the teddy bears were contaminated with melamine.

The item is described as an approximately 9-inch high Dressy Teddy Bear with 4-oz. Chocolate Bar. The product's UPC number is 047475864485, and the product tag also includes the item number 291332.

It was only a matter of time before more melamine tainted products surfaced in the United States. In the new few weeks or months we will start to see more melamine recalls, especially for products made with milk protein concentrates, a manufactured item that is largely imported in mixed batches from overseas.

"Got Milk" may as well read "Got Melamine." We need to support mandatory country of origin (mCool) labelling for for dairy products.

Two Recalls You Can Not Trace To Retail Stores

Last week DeNunzio's Sausage recalled 36,388 pounds of Polish Kielbasa, and John Soules Foods recalled 8,496 pounds of cooked chicken strips. Both recalls were based on the food manufacturers' failure to disclose known food allergens on their labels. Normally, this site reports or links to the retail stores that received the recalled products so that consumers can be aware of possible dangers.

A new policy by the USDA will prevent this blog and others from revealing the names of the retail stores that received the recalled meats. The policy precludes the USDA from revealing retail consignees by designating the recalls as Class II recalls. Earlier this year, the USDA classified the massive recall of downer cows as a Class II recall.

This flaw in reporting requirements is not unintentional. It is part of the design of the Bush administration to enable industries to self-police and regulate their own bad acts. The consumer suffers and industry gets to continue to limit information about recalled products.

To anyone with a food allergy unlucky enough to have purchased a product recalled for an undeclared allergen, the recall was not low-risk at all. All Class I and Class II (to the extent they exist at all) recalls should have a mandatory requirement that all retail recipients of recalled products be revealed.

France Recalls Melamine Tainted Chinese Soymeal, Feed Intended for Organic Poultry

Almost 300 tons of soymeal from China, used to feed organic poultry in western France, were taken off the market after testing positive for melamine at 50 times the recommended limit.

One tested lot contained 116mg/kg of melamine, while the permissible level is no more than 2.5mg/kg. Other untested batches were delivered to some 127 organic farms in the Loire region in western France.

The scandal is the latest to rock China's food industry, which has been tarnished by a series of health scares over dangerous products in recent years. Melamine falsely boost protein levels in food products.

First milk products, then eggs, then fishmeal, now soy. Is this the final death knell for the Chinese food export industry?

Beef Made For Blimpie Recalled For Listeria Monocytogenes

Home Market Foods, Inc., a Norwood, Mass., firm, is recalling approximately 5,250 pounds of ready-to-eat frozen beef sandwich portions that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The product recalled is: 3.5-ounce individually wrapped packages of "Blimpie FULLY COOKED SEASONED BEEF SHAVED STEAKS Thinly Sliced with Onions." Each label bear the establishment number "EST. 2727" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a printed Julian date of "3198," "3228" or "3238," on the products available for consumer purchase.

The ready-to-eat frozen beef portions were produced on Nov. 14, 17, 18 and 20, 2008, and distributed to retail institutions in the Atlanta metropolitan area, California, Florida, Illinois and New York. Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease.

A Melamine Problem That Won't Go Away - Melamine in US Infant Baby Formula

A single sample of infant formula has tested positive for trace amounts of the toxic contaminant melamine, the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday. The FDA would not disclose the manufacturer and said that the trace amounts posed no danger. A trace amount is generally less than 250 parts per billion. Last month, the FDA set the safety threshold for melamine at 2,500 parts per billion for foods other than infant formula. Most consumer and health advocates agree that there should be zero tolerance for melamine in food products.

In October 2008, the U.S. FDA issued new methods for the analysis of melamine and cyanuric acid in infant formulations in the Laboratory Information Bulletin No 4421.

Melamine is an industrial chemical used in the manufacture of can liners, flame retardant, cleaning products, fertilizers and pesticides.

It does not occur naturally in food.

Because it contains nitrogen, its addition to food products can wrongly suggest an inflated protein content. Melamine contains 66% nitrogen by mass.

Melamine is also used to extensively by the U.S. fertilizer industry.

Fertilizer companies add melamine to products to help control the rate at which nitrogen seeps into soil, allowing farmers to get more nutrient bang for their fertilizer buck. The government doesn't regulate how much melamine is applied to the soil.

A related area of agricultural concern is animal feed. Chinese eggs seized last month in Hong Kong had elevated levels of melamine caused by melamine-laden wheat gluten used in the feed for the chickens that produced the eggs.

The U.S. imports most of its wheat gluten. Last year the FDA reported millions of Americans had eaten chicken fattened on feed with melamine-tainted gluten imported from China. Around that time, Tyson Foods processed hogs that had eaten melamine-contaminated feed. The government decided against a recall.

The New York Times recently reported that several Chinese melamine suppliers admitted to newspapers to selling melamine to animal feed operations and fish feed providers in China.
One would have to be naïve to think that the melamine scandals are contained.

On October 13, 2008, this blog posed the question, “Can Chinese Catfish Be Trusted?” Chinese producers, in order to export fish to the US, must meet the same production standards as US fish farmers by December 2009. What does this really mean when there is no mechanism to police Chinese producers?

Mandatory Country-Of-Origin-Labeling (mCOOL) does not apply to food components, that is -- if Chinese farmed-fish are baked into a casserole served at your child’s elementary school, there is no requirement to disclose that the fish was farmed in China, or that the casserole contains Chinese-made ingredients.

Senate Bill S.1776 (The Imported Food Security Act of 2007) would enable the FDA to withdraw the certification of any food importer that fails to meet U.S. safety standards. It has been sitting in committee since July of 2007, and will die with the end of the 110th Congress.

And H.R. 3937 (the Food Import Safety Act) gives the FDA authority to ban imports from countries that have a pattern of food safety violations, as well as mandatory recall authority. It has been sitting in subcommittee since October of 2007, and will die with the end of the 110th Congress.The government is charged with insuring food safety in the United States. Its failure to act will be the proximate cause of food related illnesses and injuries in the United States. This is really a do-nothing Congress in the area of food safety.

One can only hope that President Obama will recognize the dangers to the food supply and make appropriate appointments to both the USDA and the FDA. Those appointees should zealously pursue their mandates and make substantive changes to their agencies, making food safety a national priority, and not a beard of the food industry and its lobbyists.

E. Coli Tainted Meat Recalled From New Jersey Restaurants, Stop & Shop Recalls Butternut Squash Side Dishes

Dutch Prime Foods, Inc., a Long Branch, New Jersey firm, is recalling approximately 345 pounds of ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The following products are subject to recall: 5-pound and 10-pound vacuum sealed plastic bags of "DUTCH PRIME FOODS HAMBURGER."

These packages of ground beef were packed in 5- and 10-pound shipping cases which bear the establishment number "EST. 5206" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These ground beef products were produced on Nov. 18 and distributed to restaurants in New Jersey. This case represents an obvious need to have a list of restaurant recipients posted on the USDA web site.

In an unrelated recall, Stop & Shop Supermarkets is recalling all butternut squash sides that are packaged with the supermarket chain’s prepared turkey and ham holiday dinners.

The recall applies to all 24-ounce sides of butternut squash packaged in the holiday meals and was issued immediately after Stop & Shop’s vendor, Simmering Soup, Inc. recalled the product because of an undeclared egg allergen and quality concerns. The recall applies only to butternut squash that comes as part of the packaged holiday dinners.

New USDA Directive Details Retail Reporting of Recalled Foods; No Retail Reports For Class II Recalls

For many years, neither the USDA nor slaughterhouses and processors were required to disclose the names of retailers who have received potentially contaminated meat. USDA has disclosed the brand and type of meat but, by failing to name retailers, it left consumers in the dark as to whether their community might be at risk. In August of 2008, the USDA began naming retail consignees of recalled products.

A new FSIS directive details the mechanics of recalls and conditions of retail disclosure, but the new rule only applies to Class I recalls.

The USDA scales recalls from I to III; Class I involves a health hazard situation in which there is reasonable probability that eating the food will cause health problems, or death; Class II involves a potential health hazard situation in which there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from eating the food; Class III involves a situation in which the food will not cause adverse health consequences.

Most meat recalls are Class I (more than 85%), but consumers have a right — and a need — to know about Class II and III recalls as well. For example, USDA classified an April 2007 recall of more than 5,000 pounds of salami as a Class II recall but also called the health risk "high."

And, this year’s record-breaking recall of 143 million pounds of beef from Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company was also deemed a Class II recall. The meat was recalled because "the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection" and non-ambulatory, or downer, cows were allowed into the food supply. Downer cows are at greater risk for carrying mad cow disease. Under the current regulatory framework, the USDA would not post retail consignees of similarly adulterated meat.

The new rule closes the reporting gap regarding Class I recalls, but it still leaves consumers uninformed if an incident similar to the Hallmark/Westland recall occurred in the future.

The rule also does not mandate that the food processor immediately disclose an actual and complete list of its retail consignees for public posting, and it leave the burden of compliance on on the producer to contact consignee, and those who received the recalled product further down the distribution chain. The complete new FSIS directive (dated November 17, 2008) can be found at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/8080.1Rev5.pdf.

Wegmans Recalls Tomato Sauce, Panos Recalls Vegan Cheese, and USDA Publishes List of Retail Stores Receiving Recalled Hot Dogs

The USDA/FSIS has published a list of retail stores that it believes received recalled hot dog products from R.L. Zeigler. The retailers are in AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, MS, MO, TN and TX. To see the full list, click here.

Wegmans Food Markets is recalling 24 oz. Wegmans Italian Classics Seasoned Tomato Sauce with a “use-by- date of 11/26/08”, UPC 77890 79010. The product is being recalled because the package may actually contain a milk ingredient which is not declared on the label.

The 24 oz. Wegmans Italian Classics Seasoned Tomato Sauce is packaged in a clear flexible pouch, and was sold in the prepared foods department of Wegmans stores located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland, and was available in stores between Saturday, November 15 and Thursday, November 20.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the affected code of Italian Classics Seasoned Tomato Sauce actually contained VODKA BLUSH SAUCE which contains milk.


In a separate recall, PANOS brands, of Saddle Brook, NJ is recalling Vegan Rella Cheddar Block, (a cheese substitute) with a Sell by date of 12/09/2008. This product is being recalled because it may possibly contain an undeclared milk protein.

The product was sold directly to the consumers from their retail stores located nationwide.
The recalled product is packed in 8oz packages with UPC Code 0 37983 00015 4 and a sell by date of 12/09/2008.


The product is manufactured by Swan Gardens/Tree of Life, Austell, GA.

Lean Cuisine Chicken Dinners Recalled

Nestlé Prepared Foods Company of Springville, Utah has recalled approximately 879,565 pounds of frozen chicken meals that may contain foreign materials. The fcompany identified the objects as pieces of hard plastic.

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.

As soon as a list of retailers receiving the recalled meals is available, we'll post it here.

Seattle's Favorite Muffin Tops Recalled; Recalled Jolly Good Banger Retail Locations Revealed

A routine FDA inspection revealed that the ingredient statement for Seattle’s Favorite Gourmet Cookies & Dessert’s Orange Cranberry and Banana Nut Muffin Tops contained undeclared milk. Seattle's Favorite of Tukwila, WA is recalling Orange Cranberry and Banana Nut Muffin Tops 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 the product name and ingredient statement. Muffin Tops 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.
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Also, The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service has published it list of retail outlets that likely received recalled "Jolly Good Banger Rolls" ready-to-eat and raw sausage products. The retailers are located in California, Connecticut, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Oregon and Nevada. A complete list can be viewed here (PDF file).

Nestle Nesquick Strawberry Powder, Schwan's Chicken Products, Ziegler Hot Dogs Recalled

R. L. Zeigler Co., Inc., a Selma, Ala., firm, is recalling approximately 28,610 pounds of hot dog products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The following products are subject to recall:

12-ounce packages of "ZEIGLER WIENERS MADE WITH CHICKEN AND PORK, ARTIFICIALLY COLORED." Each package bears the use-by date of "Nov. 26, 2008" and the establishment number "P-9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

12-ounce packages of "VACUUM PACKED PAR-TI PUPS." Each package bears the use-by date of "Nov. 26, 2008" and the establishment number "P-9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

12-ounce packages of "ZEIGLER Original Recipe WIENERS, artificially colored." Each package bears the use-by date of "Nov. 26, 2008" and the establishment number "EST. 9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

16-ounce packages of "Zeigler Jumbo Franks." Each package bears the use-by date of "Nov. 21, 2008" and the establishment number "P-9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

12-ounce packages of "Zeigler Hot Dogs." Each package bears the use-by date of "Nov. 26, 2008" and the establishment number "P-9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

10-pound bulk boxes of "SKINLESS WIENERS, 8 WIENERS PER LB." Each box bears the package code "PK 092208A" and the establishment number "EST. 9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

10-pound bulk boxes of "SKINLESS WIENERS, ARTIFICIALLY COLORED, 10 WIENERS PER LB." Each box bears the package code "PK 092208A" and the establishment number "EST. 9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

10-pound bulk boxes of "SKINLESS WIENERS, 10 WIENERS PER LB." Each box bears the package code "PK 092208A" and the establishment number "EST. 9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

10-pound bulk boxes of "SKINLESS WIENERS, 12 WIENERS PER LB." Each box bears the package code "PK 092208A" and establishment number "EST. 9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The hot dog products were produced on Sept. 22, and were sent to food service institutions and retail establishments in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

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In a separate recall: Barber Foods Company, of Portland, Maine is recalling approximately 41,415 pounds of frozen stuffed chicken products that may contain foreign materials.

The following products are subject to recall:

20-ounce, cartons of "#584 SCHWAN'S STUFFED CHICKEN KIEV." Each carton contains 4 individually wrapped boneless breast units. Ink-jetted on the side of each carton is a product identification code of "T282171000," as well as a code of "21781" on each wrapper. Each carton bears the USDA mark of inspection.

20-ounce, cartons of "#584 SCHWAN'S STUFFED CHICKEN KIEV." Each carton contains 4 individually wrapped boneless breast units. Ink-jetted on the side of each carton is a product identification code of "T281382000," as well as a code of "13882" on each wrapper. Each carton bears the USDA mark of inspection.

20-ounce, cartons of "#584 SCHWAN'S STUFFED CHICKEN KIEV." Each carton contains 4 individually wrapped boneless breast units. Ink-jetted on the side of each carton is a product identification code of "T281541000," as well as a code of "15481" on each wrapper. Each carton bears the USDA mark of inspection.

The products were produced on May 17, June 2 and August 4, and were made available for catalog or internet purchase from the Schwan's Home Service, Inc. by consumers nationwide.

The problem was discovered after the Schwan's Home Service, Inc. received consumer complaints of finding pieces of rubber in the product.

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And finally, Nestlé USA is voluntarily recalling two (2) production codes of Nestlé Nesquik Strawberry Powder 21.8 ounce that may contain small fragments of aluminum.

The recall only includes two (2) production codes of 21.8-ounce containers of Nestlé Nesquik Strawberry Powder. Printed on the bottom of each plastic container is a production code of "82255880" or "82265880" with a best by date of "August 2010."

The products were produced on August 12 and 13 and were distributed in the U.S. and in Puerto Rico.

Progresso Soup Recall For Product Label Error

General Mills has recalled a single day's production of Progresso Hearty Tomato soup because of a product labeling issue. Product produced on this date may have been mislabeled, and may contain allergens not listed on the ingredient label, specifically egg, milk, and soy.

This voluntary recall includes only 19-ounce Progresso Hearty Tomato soup with the following code date printed on the bottom of the can: 19May10 NV VN-3

A production error resulted in a limited number of cases of Progresso Light Vegetable and Noodle soup being mislabeled as Progresso Hearty Tomato soup. Mislabeled cans have the code date 19May10 NV VN-3 on the bottom of the can, but are mislabeled as Progresso Hearty Tomato soup.

FDA Discovers Melamine in Fresh & Crispy Jacobina Biscuits

Everlasting Distributors Inc., Bayonne NJ is initiating a nationwide recall of all their 3.88oz (110gm) packages of Fresh and Crispy Jacobina Biscuits because it may be contaminated with Melamine.

Product was distributed nationwide in Asian Grocery stores.

The product comes in 3.88oz (110 gm) blue and red color clear plastic package, labeled “JACOBINA”.

The recall was initiated after FDA testing discovered that product was found to contain Melamine.

What's Next? Chinese Melamine Suppliers Admit Sales to Animal and Fish Feed Producers in China; US Safety Laws Languish In Committees

Everyone will be talking about how eggs exported from China are contaminated with high levels of melamine, the toxic industrial additive at the heart of the adulteration scandal in Chinese milk products, and last year’s pet food recalls. Foods and food ingredients made from tainted Chinese milk products have been recalled over recent weeks. Now, we can expect food products derived from Chinese eggs to be the subject of upcoming recalls.

Here is what else we can expect. As cited in today’s New York Times, several Chinese melamine suppliers admitted to newspapers to selling melamine to animal feed operations and fish feed providers in China. Chinese manufacturers add melamine to falsely inflate the protein profile of their wheat flour or wheat gluten. The tainted wheat flour is then used to produce fish meal and animal feed and sold to fish farmers and other producers around the world. The tainted fish meal is also used in China’s immense aquaculture industry.

On October 13, 2008, this blog posed the question, “Can Chinese Catfish Be Trusted?” Chinese producers, in order to export fish to the US, must meet the same production standards as US fish farmers by December 2009. What does this really mean when there is no mechanism to police Chinese producers? Mandatory Country-Of-Origin-Labeling (mCOOL) does not apply to food components, that is -- if Chinese farmed-fish are baked into a casserole served at your child’s elementary school, there is no requirement to disclose that the fish was farmed in China, or that the casserole contains Chinese-made ingredients.

Senate Bill S.1776 (The Imported Food Security Act of 2007) would enable the FDA to withdraw the certification of any food importer that fails to meet U.S. safety standards. It has been sitting in committee since July of 2007.

And H.R. 3937 (the Food Import Safety Act) gives the FDA authority to ban imports from countries that have a pattern of food safety violations, as well as mandatory recall authority. It has been sitting in subcommittee since October of 2007.

The government is charged with insuring food safety in the United States. Its failure to act will be the proximate cause of food related illnesses and injuries in the United States. This is really a do-nothing Congress in the area of food safety.

Stand by . . .

Harry & David, Nonna's Real Italian Cuccine Recall Products for Undeclared Ingredients

Harry and David, of Medford, Oregon, is recalling approximately 400 1 lb. 4 oz. boxes labeled Harry & David Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate Gingerbread because the package may contain a different Moose Munch product which contains pecans not declared on the ingredient statement. Affected product was distributed throughout the United States under the Harry & David brand only in Harry and David stores.

Harry and David is recalling 1 lb. 4 oz. boxes of Harry & David Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate with a "Best if used by" date of 06/28/09. The "Best if used by" date is located on a sticker on the bottom of the box. The bottom of the box also has the stock identifying number RSD142014 printed on it. This lot of product was sold beginning 10/09/08. The popcorn-based confection is packaged in 1 lb. 4 oz. brown and white paperboard boxes. The boxes have a slight wedge shape and feature a large white moose image on the front. Inside the boxes are clear plastic bags of the confection.

ALSO Recalled:

Nonna's Real Italiana Cuccine of Slidell, LA is recalling Nonna's Real Italiana Cuccine of Stuffed Artichokes, Net Wt. 15 oz. This product is being recalled because it contains milk, soy, and wheat that was distributed in packaging that does not reveal the presence of these ingredients.

This product is distributed through retailers in the Greater New Orleans area including the Northshore from October 8, 2008 to October 17, 2008. The product is individually wrapped in clear plastic wrap bearing the label: "STUFFED ARTICHOKE, Net Wt. 15 oz., NONNA'S REAL ITALIANA CUCCINE".

Koala March Cookies Recalled For Possible Melamine Taint

Lotte USA, Inc., Battle Creek, MI initiated a recall of all Koalas' March Cookies because they were produced in China and they may be contaminated with melamine. The products are packaged in a plastic overwrap and the recall includes the following products:

Koala March King Size Chocolate 1.8 oz 50 grams - UPC 0 81900 00001 7

Koala March King Size Strawberry 1.8 oz/50 grams - UPC 0 81900 00007 9

Koala March King Size White Chocolate 1.8 oz/50 grams - UPC 0 81900 00011 6

Koala March Family Pack Chocolate 9.5 oz/270 grams - UPC 0 81900 08001 9

Koala March Family Pack Strawberry 9.5 oz/270 grams - UPC 0 81900 08002 6

Koala March Family Pack White Chocolate 9.5 oz/270 grams - UPC 0 81900 08011 8

Koala March Family Pack Chestnut 9.5 oz/270 grams - UPC 0 81900 08010 1

Koala March Family Hawaii Chocolate 9.5 oz/270 grams - UPC 0 81900 08003 3

Koala March Family Hawaii Pineapple 9.5 oz/270 grams - UPC 0 81900 08004 0

The product were distributed nationwide and to Canada through wholesale distributors and retail stores. Individuals who have experienced any health problems after consuming the Koala March cookies are advised to contact their health care professional.

Customers who have purchased Koala’s March cookies are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or discard it in their trash. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (269) 963-6664, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 5:00 Eastern Standard Time.

Vermont Livestorck, Slaughter & Processing Recalls Beef for E. Coli O157:H7

Vermont Livestock, Slaughter and Processing Co., LLC, a Ferrisburg, Vt., firm, is recalling approximately 2,758 pounds of ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The following product is subject to recall: 5-pound approximate weight vacuum packages of "VT BURGER CO GROUND BEEF." These packages of ground beef products bear the establishment number "EST. 9558" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a lot code of "090508A," "090808A," "091208A," "091908A" or "092208A." This product was shipped two packages per box, intended for restaurants, food service and institutional use and not available for direct retail purchase. These ground beef products were produced on Sept. 5, 8, 12, 19 and 22 and delivered to distribution centers intended for restaurants and institutions in Vermont and Plattsburgh, N.Y.

The problem was discovered through a joint epidemiological investigation by FSIS and the Vermont Department of Health. FSIS has received 10 confirmed reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a medical professional.

YILI Brand Milk Products Recalled For Melamine Taint

HUA XIA Food Trade USA, Inc. of Flushing, NY, is recalling YILI Brand Sour Milk Drink packaged in 250ml flexible paperboard boxes (all codes and all lots are affected) and YILI Brand Pure Milk Drink packaged in 250ml flexible paperboard boxes (all codes and all lots are affected) because it may be contaminated with melamine.

YILI Brand Sour Milk Drink and YILI Brand Pure Milk Drink were distributed to New York City through Asian retail grocery stores.

YILI Brand Sour Milk Drink is packaged in 250ml flexible paperboard boxes with blue, red and green Chinese writing. There is a picture of an Asian man in a green shirt and white tie clapping his hands on the face of the box. All codes and all lots are affected.

YILI Brand Pure Milk Drink packaged in 250ml flexible paperboard boxes with black, red and white writing, the writing on the package is in both English and Chinese. There is a picture of two cows playing basketball on the face of the box. All codes and all lots are affected.

The recall was initiated after FDA testing discovered that the product was found to contain Melamine. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (917) 216-0575.