[b]Health Canada issues warning about baby carrots[/b]

[PORKER]

Health Canada issues warning about baby carrots
Updated Sat. Aug. 18 2007 2:34 PM ET

Canadian Press

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to consume Los Angeles Salad Company Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots because the product may be contaminated with Shigella.

The item is labelled as product of Mexico and is sold in 672 gram plastic bags and sell by dates up to and including August 13th, this year.

The agency says the product was sold in Costco stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland.

There have been four reported illnesses associated with this product.

Food contaminated with Shigella may not look or smell spoiled.

Shigella infection can cause diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

In some people, especially very young, very old people and people with compromised immune systems, the diarrhea can be more severe.

Infection can occur after eating and drinking food and water that is contaminated with Shigella and can be passed from person to person.

Costco says it's voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace.

 

[Mrs.Greg]

Hey,thx for the heads up :!:

 

[Maple Leaf Angus]

Far as I'm concerned, that goes right with the territory if folks like shopping at Costco. They want cheap and lowest prices, then they deserve whatever goes with it.

 

[Mrs.Greg]

Far as I'm concerned, that goes right with the territory if folks like shopping at Costco. They want cheap and lowest prices, then they deserve whatever goes with it.

MLA,alot of those people that shop at costco are young families,with children that could be eating those carrots,they don't know enough to know thier parents are cheap

 

[Maple Leaf Angus]

Well I sure wouldn't like to see little kids get sick.

 

[IL Rancher]

Most stuff at Costco isn't that cheap... I mean, compared to a place like Sams Club it is really not cheap at all.. Now, we never bought produce there when I was out in Bozeman but the folks I know who are buying stuff at the one in Oakbrook (Outside Chicago) aren't doing it to save money but because most of the stuff there is better than what the local grocer has.. mMOstly with meats though, don't know if they buy produce there or not..

 

[PORKER]

Costco Recalls Mexican-Grown

US-Packed Baby Carrots

From Canadian Stores

Late in the afternoon on Monday, we received news of some food safety issues with carrots labeled as being from Mexico, packed in Los Angeles and distributed by Costco in Canada:

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume Los Angeles Salad Company Baby Carrots described below because the product may be contaminated with Shigella.

The affected product, Los Angeles Salad Company Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots, is labeled as product of Mexico and imported by Los Angeles Salad Company. It is sold in 672 g/1.5 lb plastic bags bearing ITM 50325, UPC 8 31129 00137 7 and Sell By dates up to and including 8 /13 /07.

This product was sold in Costco stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland.

There have been four confirmed illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Food contaminated with Shigella may not look or smell spoiled. Shigella infection can cause diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, nausea, and vomiting. Illness usually lasts from 4 to 14 days. In some persons, especially very young, and very old people and people with compromised immune systems, the diarrhea can be more severe. Infection can occur after eating and drinking food and water that is contaminated with Shigella and can be passed from person to person.

Costco Wholesale, Ottawa, Ontario, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

You can learn about Shigella here.

With all the talk about problems in food safety, one wonders if food safety is really the top priority in procurement. If you go to the Grimmway Farms web site, it says this about food safety:

Grimmway Farms knows that it's important for you and your family to be confident in the safety of the produce you consume. Our safety standards are among the highest in the industry. Awarded Shield #002 for participation and acceptance in the USDA Qualified Through Verification (QTV) program.

Third party auditors include USDA, AIB, Siliker Labs, Scientific Certification Systems, Davis Fresh Technologies and many of our customers have excellent in-house audit programs as well.

Food Safety Standards and Guidelines: Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables — October 1998. Food and Drug Administration 21 CFR Part 110.

Good Agricultural Practices include monthly self-audits, quarterly third party program audits, and an annual intensive 3 day third party audit. Each field is audited prior to harvest. All new contracted growers must complete a self-audit as part of the contract. Audit reports may be reviewed by an additional third party.

Mock recalls are completed and documented often, with one of five most probable scenarios.

A new isolated Pathogen Laboratory for environmental testing provides us with results in 24 to 48 hours.

Perhaps the Mexican grower of these carrots had all these certifications. Perhaps not. Now anyone could have a problem and, in fact, we have no information that anyone has done anything wrong.

Still, it is hard to believe that Costco, which is the company pushing everyone in Salinas to test everything day and night, selected this roundabout pattern of having Mexican carrots, packed in Los Angeles and then distributed in Canada because it made the determination this was the route most likely to enhance food safety.

One bright spot — if we are going to have recalls a warehouse club is the best place to have them. Because one can't purchase from Costco without a Costco membership card, every purchase is easily traceable. So Costco can quickly notify every consumer who bought the recalled product.

 

[QUESTION]

So is it known where the contamination with the bacteria took place? Was it at the LA plant in the US or in the feilds in mexico. Regaurdless the product was tainted when recieved in canada. Will the USDA or FDA be able to find out where the contamination took place if they do not already know?

 

[PORKER]

Distributor Recalls MORE Bagged, Baby Carrots
Written by C. Johnson, Internet News Producer

The state public health department is warning consumers not to eat bagged, fresh baby carrots distributed to Trader Joe's stores and Kroger/Ralphs by the Los Angeles Salad Company. The carrots may be contaminated with Shigella bacteria.

Food contaminated with Shigella may not look or smell spoiled. Individuals infected with Shigellosis may develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps starting a day or two after exposure. The diarrhea may be bloody. The infection usually lasts from five to seven days. The symptoms can become severe and require hospitalization for some individuals, especially young children and the elderly.

The California Department of Public Health urges individuals who have consumed the carrots and have any of the above symptoms should contact their health care provider immediately.

The recalled bagged baby carrots have sell by dates of August 16, 2007, and earlier. The carrots were imported from Mexico. The product was distributed to California, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Tennessee, Washington and Canada.

The California Department of Public Health urges individuals who have consumed the carrots and have any of the above symptoms to contact their health care provider immediately.

Consumers should throw out the carrots or return them to the store where purchased.

Good Link;www.ago.mo.gov/recalls

 

[flounder]

Recall -- Firm Press Release


FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. This listserv covers mainly Class I (life-threatening) recalls. A complete listing of recalls can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report at: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.html



Los Angeles Salad Company Voluntarily Recalls Product Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
John Shaughnessy
626-322-9017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Industry, CA -- August 22, 2007 -- Los Angeles Salad Company, located in City of Industry, CA is recalling its "Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" with a Sell By Date Code up to and including August 16, 2007 printed on the back of the packages because the product may be contaminated with the bacteria Shigella. Shigella infection can cause diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, nausea and vomiting. Illness usually lasts from 4 to 14 days. In some persons, especially the very young, the very old and people with compromised immune systems, the diarrhea can be more severe. Infection can occur after eating and drinking food and water that is contaminated with Shigella and can be passed from person to person.

The product was sold in packages with two labels. One is labeled "Los Angeles Salad Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" distributed by Kroger Co. King Sooper, in Colorado, Kroger Co. Ralphs in California; Publix in Georgia and Florida. All of these packages were sold in flexible plastic bags in 7 and 8 oz. size with a Sell By Date Code up to and including August 16, 2007. The second label was "Trader Joe's Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" distributed by Trader Joe's in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon and Washington in 7 oz. flexible plastic bags with a Sell By Date Code up to and including August 8, 2007.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the same product sold in Canada was contaminated with Shigella. There were four reported incidences of illness in Canada from August 4-6, 2007. No one was hospitalized and all persons affected have fully recovered. An ongoing investigation is being conducted to find the cause of the problem, but at this time the source has not been determined.

This is precautionary notice. Consumers who have purchased Los Angeles Salad Company's "Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Los Angeles Salads at (1-626-322-9017).

####



Recall -- Firm Press Release


FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. This listserv covers mainly Class I (life-threatening) recalls. A complete listing of recalls can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report at: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.html



CFS Operating Ltd. DBA/Cloud's Food Service Inc., Recalls Sandwiches Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
David Floyd
(903) 758-7011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Longview, TX – August 7, 2007, CFS Operating Ltd. of Longview, Texas is recalling 4219 units of Cloud's Tuna Salad Sandwiches and Egg Salad Sandwiches because they have the potential to be contaminated with 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.

These sandwiches are labeled with "Cloud's Tuna Salad" and "Cloud's Egg Salad" located on the product label. The product was packaged in flexible plastic film and plastic wedges. Recalled products are as follows:

Cloud's Tuna Salad Sandwich on White Bread, 5 oz., date code 62607-72507
Cloud's Egg Salad Sandwich on White Bread, 5 oz., date code 41907-72507
All sandwiches were sold in convenience stores in East Texas, West Louisiana and Southwest Arkansas.

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the recalled product. The problem was discovered through FDA sampling during an inspection. CFS Operating Ltd. is working with the FDA to ensure that the problem has been resolved.

Consumers who have purchased Cloud's Tuna Salad and Cloud's Egg Salad sandwiches are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact David Floyd at (903) 758-7011.

####


FDA Press Release


This listserv covers mainly Class I (life-threatening) recalls. A complete listing of recalls can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report at: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.html





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2007
Media Inquiries:
Catherine McDermott, 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA



FDA Warns of Potential Botulism Risk from Canned French Cut Green Beans
Product Marketed Under a Variety of Brand Names
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to eat certain brands of French Cut Green Beans in 14.5 ounce cans manufactured by Lakeside Foods Inc, of Manitowoc, Wisconsin because the product may not have been processed adequately to eliminate the potential for botulism toxin. This warning is not related to another recent warning for botulism.

The canned green beans may cause botulism if consumed. FDA is providing this warning to make consumers aware of the possible risk of serious illness from eating these products. As of August 1, 2007, FDA had not received reports of illnesses related to the product.

The botulism toxin is very potent, and botulism is a life-threatening illness. Symptoms of botulism can begin from six hours to two weeks after eating food that contains the toxin. The symptoms may include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness that moves progressively down the body, affecting the shoulders first then descending to the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, and calves. Botulism also may cause paralysis of the breathing muscles, which can result in death unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided. Individuals who show these symptoms and who may have recently eaten the product should seek immediate medical attention.

The affected Lakeside cut green beans are sold nationwide under the following labels: Albertson's, Happy Harvest, Best Choice, Food Club, Bogopa, Valu Time, Hill Country Fare, HEB, Laura Lynn, Kroger, No Name, North Pride, Shop N Save, Shoppers Valu, Schnucks, Cub Foods, Dierbergs, Flavorite, IGA, Best Choice and Thrifty Maid. The specific codes (top line of can code) involved are: EAA5247, EAA5257, EAA5267, EAA5277, EAB5247, EAB5257, ECA5207, ECA5217, ECA5227, ECA5297, ECB5207, ECB5217, ECB5227, ECB5307.

Consumers who have any of these products or any foods made with these products should dispose of them immediately. If the code on an affected can is missing or unreadable, consumers should throw the product out.

Lakeside Foods has informed FDA that it is voluntarily recalling all of the potentially contaminated products.

Lakeside Foods recommends that consumers with any questions or concerns about the recall should call the company at 800-466-3834 ext. 4090.

####

Firm Press Release (August 1, 2007)

##################


Recall -- Firm Press Release


FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. This listserv covers mainly Class I (life-threatening) recalls. A complete listing of recalls can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report at: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.html



Castleberry's Updates Status of National Canned Food Recall
Officials Express Urgent Need for Retailers and Consumers to Identify and Discard Recalled Items
Contact:
Doug McGraw
Fleishman-Hillard
(212) 453-2202

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- AUGUSTA, Ga. – August 1, 2007 – Citing a continuing threat to public health, Castleberry's Food Company is urging retailers, food service operations, food banks, charitable organizations and consumers to be diligent in identifying and discarding canned products subject to Castleberry's national recall.

"Our primary focus is making sure that no potentially contaminated products are on grocery shelves, in peoples' homes or in emergency food supplies," said Steve Mavity, SVP Technical Services/Quality Assurance for Castleberry's. "Surveys by our own audit team, as well as those by inspectors from federal, state and local health agencies, confirm that some retail outlets, especially smaller independent and convenience stores, may still have recalled products available for sale. We are renewing our warning not to sell, open, or consume these products."

Castleberry's voluntarily instituted the recall on July 18 due to the risk of botulinum toxin, a toxin which can cause botulism, a potentially life-threatening illness. The company broadened the scope of its recall on July 21 and has temporarily ceased production in its Augusta, Ga. plant, where it is suspected that there was a processing problem on one of the facility's canning lines. Castleberry's continues to work with the FDA and USDA to identify and correct any production issues.

What Consumers and Retailers Should Do
"Consumers, retailers, restaurants, food pantries and others should reconfirm that all products included in the recall, regardless of best-by date, are immediately disposed of," Mavity said. "Check the product description and can size of products included in the recall and follow disposal instructions communicated by Castleberry's and recommended by governmental agencies. In addition, consumers should notify family members and friends about the recall."

Mavity added, "To strengthen our outreach to smaller independent grocers, gas stations, and convenience stores, we've re-directed all of our direct retailer, distributor and wholesaler customers to contact their respective customers downstream, to ensure they are aware of the recall and follow the proper removal and disposal instructions."

Castleberry's will assist retailers in disposing of the products through Carolina Supply Chain Services (CSCS). The retailer/distributor hotline to arrange for pickup is 1-800- 821-5293. "CSCS will arrange for immediate collection," Mavity said.

In disposing of any cans that remain in homes, or in retail establishments with just a few cans on hand, Castleberry's and health officials are instructing people to double bag the cans in plastic bags that are tightly closed before being placed in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home. If any of the cans are swollen, bulging or leaking, the consumer should put on gloves and eye protection before double-bagging and disposing of the cans. Slowly remove gloves and dispose of them after use. People should then wash their hands with soap and running water for at least two minutes.

Individuals who feel ill after handling or accidentally consuming any of the recalled products should seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation are also common symptoms.

There is no need to return cans to stores. For refunds and answers to questions, consumers should contact the consumer hotline at 1-800-203-4412 or visit www.castleberrys.com.

Outreach Efforts Continue
Since the recall was announced July 18, Castleberry's has:

Issued public warnings through the news media
Established a toll-free hotline for consumers that has handled more than 20,000 calls
Posted recall information and guidance on the company's Web site at www.castleberrys.com
Instituted a refund program available online or via mail (requiring no return of product to retailers)
Deployed recall audit teams to conduct on-site inspections at retail outlets across the country (as of July 31, more than 17,500 stores have been audited)
Placed recall advertising in consumer publications
Begun an effort to reach Spanish-speaking consumers and retailers (the company's Espanol section of Web site dedicated to Spanish speakers will launch August 1)
Full Recalled Product Listing
"We want to remind consumers that as an added level of safety, we are recalling all products listed below, regardless of 'best by dates' printed on the cans," Mavity said. "We encourage consumers and retailers to focus on the product description and can size as these are the critical details in identifying the recalled products. In order to avoid any potential confusion around case and label UPC codes, we're publishing the complete list without UPC codes."

The products included in the voluntary recall have not changed since the recall was expanded on July 21.

Brand
Product
Can Size

Austex
Beef Stew
15oz

Austex
Chili no Beans
15oz

Austex
Chili no Beans
19oz

Austex
Chili with Beans
15oz

Austex
Chili with Beans
19oz

Austex
Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10oz

Austex
Onion Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10oz

Best Yet
Chili with Beans
15oz

Best Yet
Corned Beef Hash
15oz

Big Y
Chili no Beans
15oz

Big Y
Chili with Beans
15oz

Big Y
Corned Beef Hash
15oz

Black Rock
Chili with Beans
15oz

Bloom
Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10oz

Bryan
Chili no Beans
15oz

Bryan
Chili no Beans
10oz

Bryan
Chili with Beans
15oz

Bryan
Corned Beef Hash
15oz

Bryan
Hot Dog Chili Sauce with Beef
10oz

Bunker Hill
Chili no Beans
10oz

Bunker Hill
Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10oz

Bunker Hill
Spicier Chili no Beans
10oz

Castleberry's
Barbecue Beef
10oz

Castleberry's
Barbecue Pork in Barbecue Sauce
10oz

Castleberry's
Barbecue Pork in Barbecue Sauce
14.5oz

Castleberry's
Beef Stew
15oz

Castleberry's
Brunswick Beef Stew Chicken & Beef
15oz

Castleberry's
Chili no Beans
10oz

Castleberry's
Chili no Beans
15oz

Castleberry's
Chili with Beans
15oz

Castleberry's
Corned Beef Hash
15oz

Castleberry's
Creamed Chip Beef Gravy
10oz

Castleberry's
Georgia Hash
15oz

Castleberry's
Hot Chili with Beans
15oz

Castleberry's
Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10oz

Castleberry's
Onion Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10oz

Castleberry's
Sausage Gravy
10oz

Cattle Drive
Beef Stew (Steak)
15oz

Cattle Drive
Chicken Chili with Beans
15oz

Cattle Drive
Chili no Beans
15oz

Cattle Drive
Chili with Beans
15oz

Firefighters
Chicken Chili with Beans
15oz

Firefighters
Chili no Beans
15oz

Firefighters
Chili with Beans
15oz

Food Club
Chili no Beans
15oz

Food Club
Chili with Beans
15oz

Food Club
Corned Beef Hash
15oz

Food Lion
Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10oz

Goldstar
Chili
15oz

Goldstar
Original Chili
10oz

Goldstar
Tex-Mex Chili with Beans
15oz

Great Value (Canada Only)
Chili with Beans
15oz

Great Value (Canada Only)
Hot Chili with Beans
15oz

Kroger
Beef Stew
15oz

Kroger
Chili no Beans
15oz

Kroger
Chili with Beans
15oz

Kroger
Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10oz

Lowes Foods
Chili no Beans
15oz

Lowes Foods
Chili with Beans
15oz

Lowes Foods
Corned Beef Hash
15oz

Meijer
Chili no Beans
15oz

Meijer
Chili with Beans
15oz

Meijer
Corned Beef Hash
15oz

Meijer
Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10oz

Morton House
Chili with Beans (Beef & Chicken)
15oz

Morton House
Corned Beef Hash
15oz

Paramount
Chili Hot Dog Chili
15oz

Paramount
Chili no Beans
15oz

Paramount
Chili with Beans
15oz

Paramount
Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10oz

Piggly Wiggly
Chili no Beans
10oz

Piggly Wiggly
Chili no Beans
15oz

Piggly Wiggly
Chili with Beans
15oz

Piggly Wiggly
Corned Beef Hash
15oz

Prudence
Corned Beef Hash
15oz

Southern Home
Chili no Beans
15oz

Southern Home
Chili no Beans
10oz

Southern Home
Chili with Beans
15oz

Southern Home
Corned Beef Hash
15oz

Steak 'n Shake
Chili with Beans
10oz

Thrifty Maid
Chili with Beans
15oz

Thrifty Maid
Corned Beef Hash
15oz

Thrifty Maid
Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10oz

Triple Bar Ranch
Chili no Beans
15oz

Triple Bar Ranch
Chili with Beans
15oz

Triple Bar Ranch
Chili with Beans Slow Cooked
15oz

Value Time
Beef and Chicken Chili with Beans
15oz





Pet Food Products



Natural Balance
Eatables for Dogs Chinese Take Out with Sauce with Vegetables and Chicken
15oz

Natural Balance
Eatables for Dogs HOBO Chili with Chicken and Pasta
15oz

Natural Balance
Eatables for Dogs Irish Stew with Beef, Potatoes and Carrots
15oz

Natural Balance
Eatables for Dogs Southern Style Dumplings with Chicken and Vegetables
15oz


Web Site Information and Resource
Complete information on the Castleberry's recall for consumers and retailers is available by visiting:
www.castleberrys.com
www.cfsan.fda.gov
www.fsis.usda.gov/
www.cdc.gov/botulism/

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Chili Products (Botulism) Recall

#####################

Recall -- Firm Press Release


FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. This listserv covers mainly Class I (life-threatening) recalls. A complete listing of recalls can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report at: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.html


True Leaf Farms, LLC Announces Precautionary Withdrawal of Finished Spring Mix and Arugula from Marketplace
No Reports of Illness or Problem, but Internal Tests of Numerous Samples Indicated Potential Presence of Salmonella in One Sample
Contact:
Church Brothers Produce
(831) 796-1000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Salinas, CA -- July 24, 2007 -- True Leaf Farms, LLC is contacting its wholesale and retail outlets to request they remove certain batches of spring mix and arugula from store shelves and preparation counters as a precautionary step.

During a series of regular internal tests known as 'test and hold', one of the many samples taken indicated the possible presence of salmonella, a human pathogen that may pose a potential health risk. To exert the utmost caution, all cases of spring mix and arugula produced between July 19 and July 25, 2007 are being withdrawn. There have been no reports of illness or problems connected to this product.

"There simply can be nothing more important than consumer safety,' said Jared Gill, Plant Manager of True Leaf Farms. "Withdrawing all of the product, and not just the one lot found with a potential problem is simply the right thing to do. It is essential we do all we can to protect our consumers."

Appropriate authorities have been informed and consulted about the precautionary withdrawal and are being kept updated on developments.

Church Brothers Produce, which handles the sales and marketing for True Leaf Farms, is contacting directly all outlets who are known to have received shipments of the finished product from the affected dates.

For more information contact:

Church Brothers Produce (831) 796-1000.

###

tss

 

[PORKER]

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 5:25 pm Post subject: Spinach Recall Sparks Oversight Calls

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spinach Recall Sparks Oversight Calls
By GARANCE BURKE – 9 hours ago

Source of Article: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gJn9pOGJm77ZAUnrkkvWGnoqdLzQ

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — Consumer advocates and some lawmakers say that a Salinas Valley company's recall of spinach because of a salmonella scare shows that the federal government must do more to protect the nation's food supply, but industry officials call it proof that their voluntary regulations are working.

Metz Fresh, a King City-based grower and shipper, recalled 8,000 cartons of fresh spinach Wednesday after salmonella was found during a routine test of spinach it was processing for shipment. More than 90 percent of the possibly contaminated cartons never reached stores, company spokesman Greg Larson said.

California's leafy greens industry adopted the voluntary regulations last year after a fatal E. coli outbreak, but advocates said a national, mandatory inspection and testing program overseen by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is needed.

"Eight thousand cartons left the plant for distribution in the U.S. That's 8,000 too many," said Jean Halloran, a food safety expert with Consumers Union. "At this point, we are relying on the leafy green industry to police itself."

Some growers said Metz Fresh's ability to catch the bacteria showed that the new testing regimes are working. No illnesses have been reported from eating spinach linked to the company.

"I think the test of the industry is how we react to these types of situations," said grower Joseph Pezzini, who heads the board that administers the new produce safety rules. "No one was harmed by the product and that's important."

Larsen said the recalled spinach, which was picked Aug. 22, had tested negative in earlier field and production tests. Metz Fresh began telling stores and restaurants on Aug. 24 not to sell or serve the lettuce after a first round of tests came up positive.

"The first thing we are looking at right now is making sure this product, as much as possible, is under our control," he said. "The next step is to back up and take a hard look at how this happened."

Metz Fresh has complied with the California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement, a set of voluntary food safety rules drafted after last year's E. coli outbreak in fresh spinach killed three people and sickened 200. By joining the program, participants also agree to have their fields and plants checked for compliance.

In two separate plant and field visits earlier this month, California auditors found no signs of danger at Metz Fresh, said Scott Horsfall, who oversees the industry-sponsored program.

"I'm not trying to put a pretty face on it, but the overall system is working very well," Horsfall said. "Consumers can have a high degree of confidence in this product, notwithstanding this recent problem."

But some legislators said the latest recall showed the FDA had yet to improve a patchwork produce safety system critics believe is vastly understaffed and poorly monitored.

"This in no way should be seen as a success story," said state Sen. Dean Florez, who chairs a committee on food-borne illnesses. He said that Metz Fresh should have caught the salmonella before any of its spinach reached consumers, and that he has written the state's agriculture secretary demanding answers about "this breakdown in California's food safety system."

U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, is crafting legislation that would set up national food safety practices for growing and processing fresh produce that run the highest risk of causing food-borne illnesses.

"This is a food safety concern for consumers who wonder if it is OK to serve this produce to their families, and it is an agricultural concern for growers who face another blow to sales of their product," said Harkin, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. "It is long overdue for the FDA to exercise more oversight of food safety practices."

FDA and state public health officials said Thursday they were investigating the company's records, tests and products.

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.

The California Department of Public Health and the Food And Drug Administration are investigating the Metz Fresh processing facility in King City.

Salmonella sickens about 40,000 people a year in the U.S. and kills about 600.

 

[PORKER]

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 5:25 pm Post subject: Spinach Recall Sparks Oversight Calls

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spinach Recall Sparks Oversight Calls
By GARANCE BURKE – 9 hours ago

Source of Article: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gJn9pOGJm77ZAUnrkkvWGnoqdLzQ

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — Consumer advocates and some lawmakers say that a Salinas Valley company's recall of spinach because of a salmonella scare shows that the federal government must do more to protect the nation's food supply, but industry officials call it proof that their voluntary regulations are working.

Metz Fresh, a King City-based grower and shipper, recalled 8,000 cartons of fresh spinach Wednesday after salmonella was found during a routine test of spinach it was processing for shipment. More than 90 percent of the possibly contaminated cartons never reached stores, company spokesman Greg Larson said.

California's leafy greens industry adopted the voluntary regulations last year after a fatal E. coli outbreak, but advocates said a national, mandatory inspection and testing program overseen by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is needed.

"Eight thousand cartons left the plant for distribution in the U.S. That's 8,000 too many," said Jean Halloran, a food safety expert with Consumers Union. "At this point, we are relying on the leafy green industry to police itself."

Some growers said Metz Fresh's ability to catch the bacteria showed that the new testing regimes are working. No illnesses have been reported from eating spinach linked to the company.

"I think the test of the industry is how we react to these types of situations," said grower Joseph Pezzini, who heads the board that administers the new produce safety rules. "No one was harmed by the product and that's important."

Larsen said the recalled spinach, which was picked Aug. 22, had tested negative in earlier field and production tests. Metz Fresh began telling stores and restaurants on Aug. 24 not to sell or serve the lettuce after a first round of tests came up positive.

"The first thing we are looking at right now is making sure this product, as much as possible, is under our control," he said. "The next step is to back up and take a hard look at how this happened."

Metz Fresh has complied with the California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement, a set of voluntary food safety rules drafted after last year's E. coli outbreak in fresh spinach killed three people and sickened 200. By joining the program, participants also agree to have their fields and plants checked for compliance.

In two separate plant and field visits earlier this month, California auditors found no signs of danger at Metz Fresh, said Scott Horsfall, who oversees the industry-sponsored program.

"I'm not trying to put a pretty face on it, but the overall system is working very well," Horsfall said. "Consumers can have a high degree of confidence in this product, notwithstanding this recent problem."

But some legislators said the latest recall showed the FDA had yet to improve a patchwork produce safety system critics believe is vastly understaffed and poorly monitored.

"This in no way should be seen as a success story," said state Sen. Dean Florez, who chairs a committee on food-borne illnesses. He said that Metz Fresh should have caught the salmonella before any of its spinach reached consumers, and that he has written the state's agriculture secretary demanding answers about "this breakdown in California's food safety system."

U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, is crafting legislation that would set up national food safety practices for growing and processing fresh produce that run the highest risk of causing food-borne illnesses.

"This is a food safety concern for consumers who wonder if it is OK to serve this produce to their families, and it is an agricultural concern for growers who face another blow to sales of their product," said Harkin, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. "It is long overdue for the FDA to exercise more oversight of food safety practices."

FDA and state public health officials said Thursday they were investigating the company's records, tests and products.

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.

The California Department of Public Health and the Food And Drug Administration are investigating the Metz Fresh processing facility in King City.

Salmonella sickens about 40,000 people a year in the U.S. and kills about 600.

 

[PORKER]

DeLauro calls for FDA to tighten produce safety rules


By Peter Urban
STAFF WRITER

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro called Thursday for the Food and Drug Administration to strengthen safety guidelines for fresh-cut produce in the wake of another spinach recall.
"It is time for the FDA to renew their commitment to their mission of protecting the public health, and make a declarative statement that the goal is to prevent food-borne illness, not just to react when outbreaks occur," said DeLauro, who chairs the House Appropriations subcommittee on agriculture.

Earlier this week, a California distributor voluntarily recalled bagged spinach after it tested positive for salmonella.

No reports of illnesses have been linked to the spinach distributed under the label Metz Fresh. The recall, however, comes almost a year after three people died and 200 were sickened from spinach contaminated with E. coli.

Last year's outbreak promoted the FDA to warn Americans not to eat fresh bagged spinach until the spinach contamination was traced back to a specific processor. The incident prompted stricter monitoring procedures by growers and processors, and stepped-up inspections by California health officials.

DeLauro said the federal government missed an opportunity last year to step up its efforts to protect consumers from tainted food.

In March, the FDA suggested that fresh-cut processors consider adopting a state-of-the-art safety program designed to prevent, eliminate, or reduce to acceptable levels the microbial, chemical and physical hazards associated with food production.

FDA has also launched a national program to have state agencies adopt more uniform and high-quality regulatory programs for the manufacturing, processing, packing or holding of food.

The recall covers 10- and 16-ounce bags, and 4-pound cartons and cartons that contain four 2.5-pound bags, with the following tracking codes: 12208114, 12208214 and 12208314. It covers 8,118 cases of spinach, although the company said more than 90 percent of those cases were on site and would not be shipped out.

"As soon as we learned of the presumptive positive test, we directed all customers to hold all boxes of the spinach affected as a precaution. Now, with this positive test confirmation, there is no question that we would recall and destroy all spinach bearing these three codes," Andrew Cumming, president of Metz Fresh, said.

Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., vice chairwoman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said Metz Fresh acted responsibly to recall the spinach but the federal government should have the authority to mandate such recalls.

"Every new outbreak of contaminated food illustrates the need for comprehensive reform of the food safety system in the United States," she said.

DeGette plans to introduce legislation that would give the government the authority to force a recall and require the FDA to establish a product-tracing system to enable faster recalls.

Get that one SA

 

[PORKER]

Salmonella-Spinach Specter Haunts US and Canada Once Again
Written by Neil Simmons
Saturday, 01 September 2007
Fresh spinach is once again the center of attention in the United States following the latest recall issued by Metz Fresh, a King City-based grower and shipper. The company was forced to issue a recall of fresh spinach after salmonella was discovered during a routine test.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Last year the Salinas Valley was in the forefront of a salmonella outbreak, which was traced to bagged baby spinach. That outbreak had killed three people and had sickened hundreds before it was finally contained.

Salmonella is often the culprit in food poisoning. Some of the symptoms include diarrhea, stomach ache as well as insidious fever. Although the bug is not usually fatal, the very old and the very young are at a high risk. Around 40,000 Americans are affected by some sort of food poisoning involving salmonella each year. It is estimated that 600 die as a result of this infection.

In the present case, Metz said that over 90 percent of the spinach was not sent to stores at all. The implicated products are 10- and 16-ounce bags, 4-pound cartons, and cartons containing four 2.5-pound bags. The company said that these cartons bear the tracking codes 12208114, 12208214, or 12208314.

Metz said the cartons that were distributed went to continental United States as well as Canada. It urged consumers who had purchased the suspected products to either throw them away or return them to their nearest store for a refund.