uBuilder Plans

The United States Federal Food and Drug Administration is among the best and most efficient in the world. Yet every year we have hundreds or even thousands of people that are sickened or sometimes even die from food borne illness resulting from a contaminated food source. Every year in the United States we experience food recalls. Many of these recalls are for simple garden produce that has been contaminated in some way before finding its way to our plates.

What are Recalls?

A food recall is a voluntary process initiated by a manufacturer or distributor to protect the public from products that may cause health problems or may be misbranded (incorrect labeling and/or packaging).

There are three types of recalls:

Class I - This is the most serious. Eating the food may cause health problems or even death.
Class II - This involves a potential health hazard where there is a remote probability of a health problem if the food is eaten.
Class III - This involves a situation where eating the product will not cause a health problem, but the product still is in violation of a Federal regulation.

Here are three websites for recalls information that I have found. The first two sites are for the FDA, and the last site is a grocery chain.

http://www.foodsafety.gov
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html

http://www.giantfood.com/foodsafety/foodsafety_recalls.htm

I will try to post the most recent produce recalls here. If found on a site other than the FDA information site I will try to include the link.

Here are the most recent product recalls:

***FDA: Plant knowingly sold salmonella-laced food - Article Yahoo News 2/7/09
By BRETT J. BLACKLEDGE and RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR, Associated Press Writers Brett J. Blackledge And Ricardo Alonso-zaldivar, Associated Press Writers
WASHINGTON – As far back as 2007, salmonella-laced products were shipped by a Georgia peanut company that knew the peanuts probably were tainted and sometimes after tests confirmed that contamination, inspection records show.
Federal law forbids producing or shipping foods under conditions that could make it harmful to consumers' health.
Food and Drug Administration officials earlier had said Peanut Corp. of America waited for a second test to clear peanut butter and peanuts that initially were positive for salmonella. But the agency amended its report Friday, saying that the Blakely, Ga., plant actually shipped some products before receiving the second test and sold others after confirming salmonella.
In 2007, the company shipped chopped peanuts on July 18 and 24 after salmonella was confirmed by private lab tests, the FDA report said. Peanut Corp. sold products "on or after the positive salmonella results were obtained."
In other cases, the company didn't wait for a second round of salmonella tests.
"In some instances, peanut products were shipped by (the company) prior to having assurance that the products were negative for salmonella," said Michael Rogers, head of field investigations for the FDA.
Rogers said the FDA made the discovery after a more detailed analysis of records submitted by the company.
The salmonella outbreak has been blamed for at least eight deaths and 575 illnesses in 43 states.

Article continues click here to read more... Yahoo News 2009

***State probes new cases to see if they are linked to national infections. Article Last Updated: 06/11/2008 06:07:34 AM MDT
Tainted tomatoes outbreak: Salmonella cases hit 167, 3 in Utah
Tribune Staff
and Wire Services

Federal officials hunted Tuesday for the source of a 17-state salmonella outbreak linked to three types of raw tomatoes as supermarkets and restaurants continued yanking those varieties - despite several states insisting that their tomatoes were safe to eat.
(article continues…http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_9546432)

***FDA Advisory:
Certain Types of Raw Tomatoes
Advisory Date: June 8, 2008
Due to the recent consumer advisory from the FDA, Giant is removing from sale all raw red roma, raw red round and raw red plum tomatoes, as well as fresh salsas and other products containing raw tomatoes of these varieties. We will continue to sell tomatoes on the vine (also known as cluster tomatoes), cherry tomatoes, and grape tomatoes, which were not listed in the FDA advisory. We will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as necessary.

***June 7, 2008

FDA Warns Consumers Nationwide Not to Eat Certain Types of Raw Red Tomatoes

The Food and Drug Administration is expanding its warning to consumers nationwide that a salmonellosis outbreak has been linked to consumption of certain raw red plum, red Roma, and red round tomatoes, and products containing these raw, red tomatoes.

FDA recommends that consumers not eat raw red Roma, raw red plum, raw red round tomatoes, or products that contain these types of raw red tomatoes unless the tomatoes are from the sources listed below. If unsure of where tomatoes are grown or harvested, consumers are encouraged to contact the store where the tomato purchase was made. Consumers should continue to eat cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and tomatoes sold with the vine still attached, or tomatoes grown at home.

On June 5, using traceback and other distribution pattern information, FDA published a list of states, territories, and countries where tomatoes are grown and harvested which have not been associated with this outbreak. This updated list includes: Arkansas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Belgium, Canada, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Israel, Netherlands, and Puerto Rico. The list is available at www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html#retailers. This list will be updated as more information becomes available.

FDA’s recommendation does not apply to the following tomatoes from any source: cherry, grape, and tomatoes sold with the vine still attached.

FDA recommends that retailers, restaurateurs, and food service operators not offer for sale and service raw red Roma, raw red plum, and raw red round tomatoes unless they are from the sources listed above. Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and tomatoes sold with the vine still attached, may continue to be offered from any source.

Since mid April, there have been 145 reported cases of salmonellosis caused by Salmonella Saintpaul nationwide, including at least 23 hospitalizations. States reporting illnesses linked to the outbreak include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Salmonella Saintpaul is an uncommon type of Salmonella.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections particularly in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, the organism can get into the bloodstream and produce more severe illnesses. Consumers who have recently eaten raw tomatoes or foods containing raw tomatoes and are experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their health care provider. All Salmonella infections should be reported to state or local health authorities.

FDA recognizes that the source of the contaminated tomatoes may be limited to a single grower or packer or tomatoes from a specific geographic area. FDA also recognizes that there are many tomato crops across the country and in foreign countries that will be ready for harvest or will become ready in the coming months. In order to ensure that consumers can continue to enjoy tomatoes that are safe to eat, FDA is working diligently with the states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Indian Health Service, and various food industry trade associations to quickly determine the source of the tomatoes associated with the outbreak.

FDA is taking these actions while the agency continues to investigate this outbreak with state and federal partners. Such actions are a key component of FDA’s Food Protection Plan, a scientific and risk-based approach to strengthen and protect the nation’s food supply.

FDA will continue to issue updates as more specific information becomes available.

***Tropifresh, Inc. Recalls Whole Cantaloupe Products Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Luis Alvarado
213-745-8111
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Los Angeles, CA -- March 26, 2008 --- Tropifresh, Inc. of Los Angeles, CA is recalling Agrolibano’s Produce Brand whole Cantaloupes because they appear 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.
Whole cantaloupe fruits subject to this recall carry a “Mike’s Melons” sticker or may be unlabeled because this sticker has fallen off. Whole cantaloupes fruits subject to this recall were sold in approximately 1100 pound cardboard bin containers and were distributed to wholesalers in Southern California, Pennsylvania and Canada.
No illnesses have been reported to Tropifresh, Inc. to date.
These cantaloupe products were supplied from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer, to Tropifresh. This recall was initiated when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an import alert regarding cantaloupe from this grower, because, based on current information, fruit from this company appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase. Customers with questions may contact Luis Alvarado of Tropifresh, Inc. at 213-745-81111.

***Simply Fresh Fruit Announces Nationwide Recall of Some Fresh Cut Fruit Products Containing Cantaloupe Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Contact:
Simply Fresh Fruit
(323) 586-0000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Los Angeles, California -- March 27, 2008 --- Simply Fresh Fruit, of Los Angeles, California is recalling selected fresh cut fruit products which may contain cantaloupe which has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. On March 26, 2008, Simply Fresh was requested by its supplier, Tropifresh, Inc to recall products produced with cantaloupe from Agropecuaria Montelibano. Simply Fresh had begun to recover this product earlier, on March 24, based on a notice published
By the U.S. FDA.
The products being recalled include: Simply Fresh Fruit Brand food service Fruit Mix in Syrup products dated “sell by 4 – 18 08” or earlier, food service Cantaloupe Chunks in Syrup products dated “sell by 4 – 08 8” or earlier, and retail and club store Simply Fresh, Fresh Cut Fruit Brand containing cantaloupe dated “sell by 3 – 29 8”or earlier. Retail and club store products involved were removed from sale prior to Monday, March 24. Foodservice distributors who sell their own brand, have been notified, and are recalling the products involved. Foodservice products are packed in plastic pails or jars, and retail products are packed in plastic trays.
Symptoms of food borne Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In persons with poor health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections.
We are unaware to date of any illnesses that may be associated with any products containing cantaloupe, sold by Simply Fresh Fruit, or its distributors.
Food Service establishments who have any of the products involved should contact their supplier for disposition instructions. Consumers with questions may contact Simply Fresh Fruit at (323) 586-0000.

***Taylor Fresh Foods Issues Voluntary Recall on Cut Fruit Product with Honduran Cantaloupes Due to Potential Health Risk
Contact:
Taylor Fresh Foods
(831)754-0471
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Salinas, California – April 3, 2008 --- Taylor Fresh Foods, of Salinas, California is voluntarily recalling selected fresh cut fruit products which may contain cantaloupe from the Honduran grower Agropecuaria Montelibano identified by FDA to have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, Taylor Fresh Foods had previously begun to recover this product on March 22, based on a notice published by the U.S. FDA.
The products being recalled include cut cantaloupe and mix cut fruit in bowls and trays of all sizes distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods. Retail and convenience store products involved were removed from sale prior to Monday, March 24. Foodservice distributors, who sell their own brand, have been notified.
Labels include the following: Taylor Farms Gourmet Fruit Tray featuring Creamy Yogurt Dip, Taylor Fresh Melon Mix, Taylor Fresh Fruit Mix, Fresh Fruit Tray with Creamy Strawberry Dip, with Best if Used By Dates before March 30, 2008. Any dates after this are not affected.

***Cleugh's Frozen Foods Inc. Recalls Frozen Strawberries Sold to Jamba Juice
Contact:
Jeremy N. Kendall
905-455-2528, ext. 103
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Salinas, CA -- Dec. 5, 2006 -- Cleugh's Frozen Foods Inc., Salinas, CA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SunOpta Inc. (NASDAQ-STKL) (TSX-SOY), today announced a voluntary recall of frozen strawberries sold exclusively to Jamba Juice for use in strawberry smoothies sold in stores in Arizona, Nevada and Southern California between the period November 25, 2006 and December 1, 2006 because of a concern that they may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
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.
The strawberry contamination was identified by Cleugh's who then notified Jamba Juice. The recalled products have been removed from the Jamba Juice stores in the affected areas and are no longer being used to make smoothies. (See "Jamba Juice Issues Alert Regarding Strawberry Smoothies.") None of the potentially affected individually quick frozen strawberries were sold to any other customers or directly to retailers.
To date no suspected illnesses have been reported.
SunOpta and Jamba Juice have notified federal and state authorities of the problem and are cooperating in the investigation.

***Media Inquiries:
Julie Zawisza, 301-827-6242
julie.zawisza@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries:
888-SAFEFOOD
October 9, 2006
FDA Statement on Nunes Lettuce Recall
On October 8, 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) became aware that The Nunes Company, Inc., of Salinas, California initiated a voluntary recall of green leaf lettuce distributed under the Foxy brand. The company reported to FDA that it initiated the recall because of E.coli contamination of water used to irrigate the lettuce plants in the field during growing. At this time, there has been no determination of whether the E. coli found is O157:H7—the highly infectious type that can cause life-threatening foodborne illness in humans—or the more common, generally harmless strains of E. coli that usually do not cause disease. Further, there has been no known human illness linked to this recall.
Based on current information about the scope of this E. coli contamination, FDA views the firm's prompt action as commendable, because it is better to be cautious than to potentially put consumers at risk of contracting a serious foodborne illness. As FDA becomes aware of additional information about the contamination of the water supply that triggered the current voluntary recall, including the results of additional ongoing tests, the agency will make this information available to the public immediately.
Fresh leafy greens grown and consumed in the United States are safe. Every year there are many thousands of pounds of fresh leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach grown in the United States and consumed by the public with no consequent illness. However, outbreaks do occur, such as the recent E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to raw spinach, and there is a need to do everything possible to minimize the likelihood of further outbreaks and prevent serious illness. For this reason, FDA has taken a number of actions in recent years, in partnership with its sister agencies, to improve the safety of fresh leafy greens and is working on additional steps. From farm to table, everyone has a responsibility to ensure food safety, including growers, processors, distributors, retailers and consumers, and government.
FDA believes there is a need to examine and improve certain agricultural practices to minimize the risk of E. coli O157:H7 contamination of leafy greens. FDA and the State of California launched the Lettuce Safety Initiative in August 2006 to minimize such risk and to create greater awareness by industry of FDA's commitment to food safety and concern about the safety of lettuce. This Initiative has since been broadened to include spinach and other leafy greens. The Initiative has a number of key objectives, including assessing current industry approaches and stimulating new efforts to improve lettuce safety; identifying industry practices that potentially lead to product contamination and developing policy or guidance and identifying research to minimize future outbreaks; taking targeted regulatory action using a risk-based approach toward areas most likely to be the source of contamination; and alerting consumers early and responding rapidly in the event of an outbreak.
For more information on the FDA Lettuce Safety Initiative, see www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/lettsafe.html.
FDA will update the public on the lettuce and spinach recalls as more information becomes available. Check this site for updated information.

***E. Coli Fears Spark Bagged Salad Recall
Dole Recalls Salad Mix in Latest E. Coli Scare; Bags Distributed in U.S., Canada
By LISA LEFF Associated Press Writer
SAN FRANCISCO September 18, 2007 (AP)
The Associated Press

A package of Dole salad mix that tested positive for E. coli has triggered a recall in at least nine states, prompting new produce fears almost exactly a year after a nationwide spinach scare.
The tainted bag of Dole's Hearts Delight salad mix was sold at a store in Canada, officials said. Neither Canadian health officials nor Dole Food Co. have received reports of anyone getting sick from the product.
The voluntary recall, issued Monday, affects all packages of Hearts Delight sold in the United States and Canada with a "best if used by" date of September 19, 2007, and a production code of "A24924A" or "A24924B," the company said.
Last year, an E. coli outbreak traced to bagged baby spinach sold under the Dole brand was blamed for the deaths of three people and for sickening hundreds more across the U.S. Authorities eventually identified a central California cattle ranch next to spinach fields belonging to one of Dole's suppliers as being the source of the bacteria.
A recent Associated Press investigation found that government regulators never acted on calls for stepped-up inspections of leafy greens after that outbreak, and regulations governing farms in the fertile central California region known as the nation's "Salad Bowl" remain much as they were. (Article is continued… http://abcnews.go.com/US/WireStory?id=3618279&page=1) recall:http://www.dole.com/CompanyInfo/SafeSalad/LatestNews_PR.jsp
Media Inquiries:
Michael Herndon, 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA

***March 23, 2007
FDA Finalizes Report on 2006 Spinach Outbreak
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and California's Department of Health Services (CDHS) today released a joint report on an extensive investigation into the causes of an E.coli O157:H7 outbreak last fall that was associated with contaminated Dole brand Baby Spinach and resulted in 205 confirmed illnesses and three deaths. The inquiry was conducted by the California Food Emergency Response Team (CalFERT), a team of experts from FDA's district office in San Francisco and CDHS. They were assisted by experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The investigators successfully identified the environmental risk factors and the areas that were most likely involved in the outbreak, but they were unable to definitely determine how the contamination originated.
"The probe was a notable effort by federal, state and local officials," said Robert E. Brackett, Ph.D., director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. "It yielded valuable information we can use to determine how best to reduce the likelihood of similar outbreaks."
The report describes the painstaking detective work of the investigators following the first reports from CDC in September 2006 of an apparent outbreak of E.coli O157:H7 linked to the consumption of bagged spinach. The probe initially focused on the processing and packaging plant of Natural Selection Foods, LLC in San Juan Bautista, CA, where the contaminated products had been processed.
The next focus of the inquiry was the source of the spinach in 13 bags containing E.coli O157:H7 isolates that had been collected nationwide from sick customers. Using the product codes on the bags, and employing DNA fingerprinting on the bacteria from the bags, the investigators were able to match environmental samples of E.coli O157:H7 from one field to the strain that had caused the outbreak. Potential environmental risk factors for E.coli O157:H7 contamination at or near the field included the presence of wild pigs, the proximity of irrigation wells used to grow produce for ready-to-eat packaging, and surface waterways exposed to feces from cattle and wildlife.
Because the contamination occurred before the start of the investigation, and because of the many ways that E.coli O157:H7 can be transferred -- including animals, humans, and water -- the precise means by which the bacteria spread to the spinach remain unknown.
FDA continues to work closely with its federal, state and local partners to keep produce safe from bacterial contamination. In August 2006, the agency announced an initiative called "Leafy Greens" that focuses attention on the produce, contamination agents, and other areas of potential public health concern associated with such products. Recently, FDA recently issued a draft final guidance, "Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetables", which recommends measures to prevent microbial contamination during the processing of fresh-cut produce.
Earlier this week the agency explored issues involved in the safety of fresh produce in a public hearing held in California, and it plans to hold a similar hearing on April 13, 2007 in Maryland. The goal of both events is to solicit and share information about the recent outbreaks, the involved and associated risk factors, and measures the agency could adopt to advance the safety of fresh produce.
Although washing produce would not have prevented the recent E-coli outbreak involving spinach, washing can reduce the risk of contamination from some other causes. FDA advises consumers that all produce should be thoroughly washed before eating.
The report on the probe of the Dole spinach contamination, titled: Investigation of an Escherichia coli O157:H7 Outbreak Associated with Dole Pre-Packaged Spinach, is posted at http://www.DHS.ca.gov.

***Salmonella Scare Prompts Spinach Recall
Thursday, August 30, 2007

WASHINGTON — A California produce company recalled bagged fresh spinach Wednesday after it tested positive for salmonella.
There were no immediate reports of illness linked to the tainted spinach, distributed by Metz Fresh LLC of King City, Calif. The recall comes nearly a year after an outbreak of another pathogen, E. coli, in fresh spinach killed three people and sickened another 200.
The recalled spinach was distributed throughout the 48 states and Canada and sold in both retail and food service packages. It covers 8,118 cases of spinach, although the company said more than 90 percent of that was on hold and would not be released.
While only a single sample from one of three packing lines tested positive for salmonella, the company said it moved to recall all the spinach packed that same day as a precaution.
The recall covers 10- and 16-ounce bags, as well as 4-pound cartons and cartons that contain four 2.5-pound bags, with the following tracking codes: 12208114, 12208214 and 12208314.
Consumers with questions can contact Metz Fresh at 831-386-1018.
Last year's E. coli outbreak prompted the Food and Drug Administration to warn Americans not to eat fresh bagged spinach. It later lifted that warning after tracing the contamination to spinach processed and packed by Natural Selection Foods LLC in San Juan Bautista, Calif.
The incident prompted stricter monitoring procedures by growers and processors and stepped-up inspections by California health officials.
Salmonella sickens about 40,000 people a year in the U.S. and kills about 600. It can cause diarrhea, fever, dehydration, abdominal pain and vomiting. Most cases of salmonella poisoning are caused by undercooked eggs and chicken.

***>> http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,4105,00.html
Consumer Alert from FDA
Consumer Alert: Strawberry Recall

Watsonville, CA - April 28, 2000 - New West Foods in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration, has initiated a limited voluntary recall of certain frozen strawberry products.

The strawberry products include only a small quantity of frozen sliced strawberries labeled with codes NW063094 or NW060991. Products bearing any other codes are not subject to the recall. The codes can be found on the front or back of the product label or on the lid. The products in question were sold under the brands: "Richfood", "Great Value", "Safeway" and "Kroger". They are only packed in 10-ounce and 16-ounce containers.

The recall is in response to an early-February outbreak of hepatitis A among seven laboratory workers at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. FDA has been looking into all potential scenarios including an ice cream social held at the hospital in which frozen strawberries were served as one of the toppings to approximately 300 people, including the seven infected hospital workers. According to FDA, other than the one isolated incident involving the seven hospital workers, there is no evidence of any other illness in the Boston area or anywhere else in the country. The vast majority of patients with hepatitis A infections recover with no long-term effects. It can cause nausea, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and jaundice.

Consumers possessing strawberries packed under these two codes should not consume them and return the product to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement.

For more information about this and other FDA recalls try their website at www.fda.gov

***National News Briefs; Court Orders the Recall Of Tainted Strawberries
Published: September 20, 1997
The company that supplied frozen strawberries that sickened Michigan schoolchildren with hepatitis A has been ordered to remove about 325 tons of remaining berries from 16 states and the District of Columbia.
The frozen strawberries supplied by the Andrew & Williamson Sales Company are still stored at schools, where the San Diego company must retrieve them within 60 days, Judge Leland Nielsen of Federal District Court here said on Thursday.
Morgan Scudie, a lawyer for Andrew & Williamson, said the company was ready to begin a recall as soon as the Department of Agriculture and the schools provided information about where to find the fruit. The berries will be bought back at the rate of 42 cents a pound, or about $273,000, Mr. Scudie said.
If they are picked up within 60 days, they can be heat-treated to kill any contaminants and used in cooked and canned products, like jams and jellies. If not, the berries will be destroyed, said Phil Halpern, a deputy United States attorney.
The berries were traced to Andrew & Williamson, which processed and supplied berries imported from Mexico to the Federal school lunch program in violation of Federal law, requiring domestic produce.