Organic Pastures was informed [...]]]> Organic Pastures is dedicated to the health of families across California. It is our first priority and goal to consistently provide the highest quality and safest raw milk products to all of our consumers. Our dedication to safe clean raw milk reaches far beyond required State of California standards.

Organic Pastures was informed earlier this afternoon by the California Department of Public Health and California Department of Food and Agriculture that over the course of an eight week period earlier this year, five people tested positive for E. Coli O157:H7; these five consumers reported drinking raw milk.

It is a common goal of Organic Pastures and the California Department of Public Health to rapidly investigate any linkage between these cases and raw milk. Each month CDFA tests all Organic Pastures’ products for pathogens, in addition Organic Pastures uses a third party for pathogen testing multiple times per week. All these tests have been negative. It has been reported to us by the California Department of Public Health that as of today all products collected from the ill patients have been negative for E. Coli 0157:H7.

Organic Pastures, in a collaborative effort with the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is diligently working to quickly resolve this investigation. During this time our raw dairy products will not be available for sale. Our USDA Organic Beef, Truly Raw Cheese, and Organic Pastured Eggs will not be affected by this investigation.

 As a family owned company, my wife and I would like to reach out to the families of these affected loved ones. Our heart goes out to them for a speedy recovery.

 Organic Pastures’ Facebook, Twitter, and website will be updated as more information becomes available.

 Contact: Kaleigh Lutz (Marketing-Brand/PR) 559.903.2745 or kaleigh.l@organicpastures.com

Contact: Marcy Oliver (Marketing Coordinator) 559.269.4927 or marcy.o@organicpastures.com

Maribeth Badertscher Vice President, Corporate Communications 330-682-3000

The J.M. Smucker Company today announced a limited voluntary recall on two specific Best-If-Used-By dates of 16 oz. Smucker’s® Natural Peanut Butter Chunky because it may be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail [...]]]> Contact:
Consumer
888-550-9555

Maribeth Badertscher
Vice President, Corporate Communications
330-682-3000

The J.M. Smucker Company today announced a limited voluntary recall on two specific Best-If-Used-By dates of 16 oz. Smucker’s® Natural Peanut Butter Chunky because it may be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that 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. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov¹.

This product was distributed in: Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

The affected product, which is packaged in 16 oz. jars, is as follows: 

• UPC: 5150001701 (located on the side of the jar’s label below the bar code)
• Production Codes: 1307004 and 1308004
• Best-If-Used-By dates: August 3, 2012 and August 4, 2012
• Chunky product only (not creamy)
• Impacted product would have been purchased between November 8 – 17, 2011

 No other products of The J.M. Smucker Company are affected by this recall.

No illnesses related to this issue have been reported and the product is being recalled out of an abundance of caution for consumer safety.

The recall was initiated as the result of a routine sampling program by the company, which revealed that these finished products may contain the bacteria.

Consumers who have purchased Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter Chunky with the above Production Code and Best-If-Used-By dates are urged to discard the product immediately and call the company at 1-888-550-9555 for a replacement coupon. The company may require proof of purchase. Consumers with questions can contact the company to speak to a customer service representative at 1-888-550-9555 between Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Media: Susan Henderson 717-730-7766 skhenderson@riteaid.com

Working in consultation with the United States Food and Drug Administration, Rite Aid has initiated a voluntary chainwide recall of approximately 85,000 tins of butter cookies distributed by Rite Aid under the Rich Fields brand name because of the possibility of contamination with Bacillus cereus. [...]]]> Consumer:
1-800-RITE-AID

Media:
Susan Henderson
717-730-7766
skhenderson@riteaid.com

Working in consultation with the United States Food and Drug Administration, Rite Aid has initiated a voluntary chainwide recall of approximately 85,000 tins of butter cookies distributed by Rite Aid under the Rich Fields brand name because of the possibility of contamination with Bacillus cereus. This microorganism may cause diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting; however, the possibility of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

This recall affects only 12 oz. tins featuring either a decorative castle or Christmas designs and sold exclusively in Rite Aid stores. Affected products can be identified by the UPC codes 01249596519 and 88411804619 located directly beneath the bar code on the bottom of each tin. No other Rich Fields or Rite Aid brand products are affected by this voluntary recall.

The recall was initiated after the company conducted quality testing on the affected product because of an uncharacteristic odor. Customers should not eat the cookies and can return them to any Rite Aid store for a full refund. Information regarding the recall is available online at www.RiteAid.com¹ or by calling 1-800-RITE-AID Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST and Saturday from 9:30 to 6 p.m. EST.

Rite Aid also is contacting customers who purchased the affected products using their wellness+ loyalty card in order to inform them of the recall.

Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with approximately 4,700 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia.

WASHINGTON, Oct 11, 2011 – Commercial Meat Co., a Los Angeles, Calif., establishment is recalling approximately 377,775 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food [...]]]> Recall Release CLASS I RECALL FSIS-RC-080-2011 HEALTH RISK: HIGH

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

WASHINGTON, Oct 11, 2011 – Commercial Meat Co., a Los Angeles, Calif., establishment is recalling approximately 377,775 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The following ground beef products are subject to recall:

• 5,10,15,20,30,40,50 and 60 lb. cases of bulk ground beef
• 5,10 and 20 lb. cases of ground beef patties
• 10,15,20,30,40 and 50 lb. cases of ground beef taco
• 5,10,15,20,25,30,40,50 and 60 lb. cases of ground beef chili

Each case bears a label with the establishment number “EST. 4873″ inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products subject to recall were produced between Sept. 7, 2011 and Oct. 6, 2011 and were shipped to restaurants in California and Nevada, as well as one Federal establishment in California for further processing.

The problem was discovered through routine FSIS monitoring which confirmed a positive result for E.coli O157:H7. The company did not hold product pending test results, resulting in this recall. FSIS and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

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

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160° F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature.

Consumers and media with questions regarding the recall should contact the company’s Manager, Neil Brown, at (213) 622-6997.

Contact: Consumer: Chris Ream 913-281-5200    

Carol’s Cuts LLC, Kansas food processor, is recalling 594 pounds of fresh cut cantaloupe packaged in 5-pound trays as chunks and as an ingredient in 8-ounce mixed fruit medley because [...]]]> This is not a nationwide recall.  Affected product was distributed in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

Contact:
Consumer:
Chris Ream
913-281-5200  
 

Carol’s Cuts LLC, Kansas food processor, is recalling 594 pounds of fresh cut cantaloupe packaged in 5-pound trays as chunks and as an ingredient in 8-ounce mixed fruit medley because it has 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 miscarriage and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Carol’s Cuts Fruit Medley, packaged in 8-ounce individual serving clamshell containers (6 packages per case) and 5-pound bulk trays of cantaloupe chunks were distributed to institutional food customers, including restaurants, in Overland Park, Kansas, Kansas City and Maryland Heights, Missouri and Omaha, Nebraska. Institutional customers may have used the cantaloupe on salad bars and as fruit menu items. Some institutional customers may have placed the 8-ounce servings in retail venues. Carol’s Cuts has notified all institutional customers of the recall and asked that the contaminated cantaloupe be returned or destroyed.

The Carol’s Cuts Fruit Medley product was shipped to customers on August 26 and September 12, 2011 and can be identified by oval label stickers stating Fruit Medley and having Best if Used By dates of September 3, 2011 and September 19, 2011 respectively. The 5-pound bulk trays of cantaloupe chunks were shipped to customers on August 26 and August 29, 2011 and are identified with tray stickers showing a Lot # 72361 and a Best if Used By date of September 3, 2011; and shipped September 12, 2011 and are identified with tray stickers showing a Lot # 72700 and a Best if Used By date of September 19, 2011.

The Carol’s Cuts recall is part of a larger recall involving cantaloupe traced to Rocky Ford cantaloupes produced by Jensen Farms in Holly, Colo. The Food and Drug Administration confirmed that listeria was found in samples taken from a Denver-area store and the Jensen Farms packing facility. The melons were shipped to at least 17 different states across the U.S. between July 29 and Sept. 10. As of Thursday there were eight deaths and 55 illnesses related to the contaminated cantaloupe.

Jensen Farms earlier issued a voluntary nationwide recall of its cantaloupes after news of the multi-state outbreak. Jenson Farms has ceased production and distribution of the product while FDA and the company continue their investigations as to what caused the problem.

Consumers who may have the recalled Carol’s Cuts product in their possession should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or destroy it.

Carol’s Cuts LLC is located at 1247 Argentine Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66105. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (913) 281-5200, Monday thru Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

The products subject to recall include:

Media: Marty Ordman (818) 874-4834 marty.ordman@dole.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 22, 2011 – Dole Fresh Vegetables is voluntarily recalling 2,880 cases of DOLE® Italian Blend salad with Use-by Date of June 19, 2011, UPC code 7143000819 and Product Codes 0049A157201A, 0049A157201B, 0049A157202A, 0049A157202B, 0686A157202A, 0686A157202B and 442 cases of [...]]]> Contact:
Consumer:
(800) 356-3111

Media:
Marty Ordman
(818) 874-4834
marty.ordman@dole.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 22, 2011 – Dole Fresh Vegetables is voluntarily recalling 2,880 cases of DOLE® Italian Blend salad with Use-by Date of June 19, 2011, UPC code 7143000819 and Product Codes 0049A157201A, 0049A157201B, 0049A157202A, 0049A157202B, 0686A157202A, 0686A157202B and 442 cases of Kroger Fresh Selections Italian Style Blend salad with Use-by-Date of June 19, 2011, UPC code 1111091045 and Product Codes A157201A & A157201B, due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. Dole Fresh Vegetables is coordinating closely with regulatory officials.  No illnesses have been reported in association with the recall.

The Product Code and Use-by Date are in the upper right-hand corner of the package; the UPC code is on the back of the package, below the barcode. The salads were distributed in twelve U.S. states (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin) and three Canadian provinces (New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec).

No illnesses have been reported in association with the recall. This precautionary recall notification is being issued due to an isolated instance in which one package of Dole Italian Blend salad yielded a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes in a random sample test collected and conducted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

No other Dole or Kroger salads are included in the recall. Only the specific Product Codes, UPC codes and June 19, 2011 Use-by-Date of Italian Blend salads identified above are included in the recall. Consumers who have any remaining product with these Product Codes should not consume it, but rather discard it. Retailers and consumers with questions may call the Dole Food Company Consumer Response Center at (800) 356-3111, which is open 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (PDT) Monday – Friday.

Retailers should check their inventories and store shelves to confirm that none of the product is mistakenly present or available for purchase by consumers or in warehouse inventories. Dole Fresh Vegetables customer service representatives are already contacting retailers and are in the process of confirming that the recalled product is not in the stream of commerce.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If it spreads to the nervous system symptoms may include headache, stiff neck or confusion. The illness primarily impacts pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 2, 2011 – Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc. of Tracy, CA has been notified by grower Six L’s that a specific lot of grape tomatoes supplied to Taylor Farms Pacific may be contaminated with [...]]]> Consumer:
(209) 835-6300
Media:
Gurjit Shergill, Vice President of National Quality Systems
(209) 835-6300 ext. 186

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 2, 2011 – Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc. of Tracy, CA has been notified by grower Six L’s that a specific lot of grape tomatoes supplied to Taylor Farms Pacific may be contaminated with Salmonella. This product has been recalled by Six L’s.

This lot of grape tomatoes was used in the following products made by Taylor Farms Pacific for Albertsons, Raley’s, Safeway, Savemart, Sam’s Club, & Walmart and is being voluntarily recalled as a precautionary measure. No illnesses have been reported.

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. Healthy people may experience fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and abdominal pain. In rare cases the organism can get into the bloodstream and cause more serious complications. For more information visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov¹.

Albertsons:

Raley’s:

Safeway:

Savemart:

Sam’s Club:

Wal-Mart:

These products should not be eaten. Customers may return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Taylor Farms Pacific has notified the FDA and USDA of this voluntary recall.

Consumers with any questions may contact Taylor Farms Pacific directly at 209-835-6300 between the hours of 8am to 5pm PST, Monday through Friday, or visit the FDA and USDA websites.