Recall - firm press release - sprout products

From the FDA, this news release on a produce related recall:

Sprouters Northwest, Inc. Recalls Alfalfa Sprout Products Because of Possible Health Concern

Contact:
Joe Campbell
253-872-0577

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- September 5, 2008 -- Sprouters Northwest, Inc. of Kent, Washington is recalling its alfalfa sprout products (alfalfa sprouts, onion sprouts, and salad sprouts) because they may be linked to a recent outbreak of Salmonellosis in Oregon and Washington State. To date, 13 cases of Salmonella Typhimirium infection have been associated with the consumption of raw alfalfa sprouts.

Salmonella Typhimiriumis 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 maybe 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 (swelling of the lining of the heart) and arthritis. Individuals who may have experienced any of the above symptoms after eating any of the recalled products should contact their health care provider.

The recalled sprouts were distributed in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alasks in retail stores and through wholesale produce suppliers.

The products are Sprouters Northwest brand and include all lot numbers with a best by date of 9/17/08 or earlier of: 5oz alfalfa sprout cups UPC - 033383701417, 4oz alfalfa clamshells UPC-815098001088, 1lb bags of alfalfa sprouts UPC - 079566123508, 2lb trays of alfalfa sprouts UPC – 079566123492, 5oz salad cups UPC - 033383702674, 4oz salad clamshells UPC - 815098002061, 5oz alfalfa onion sprout cups UPC - 033383701905, and 4oz onion sprout clamshells UPC – 815098002054.

Sprouters Northwest, Inc. is working closely with state officials and the Food and Drug Administration to determine the cause of this problem and what steps can be taken to combat it.

Consumers who have purchased any of these items are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Wholesalers / retailers should remove the product from sale, cease distribution, and arrange for product return. Questions can be directed to the company at 253-872-0577.

Voluntary recall announced

Just sliding across my inbox, from the FDA:

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.

Supreme Cuts Announces Voluntary Recall of Small Sample of Off The Cob Fresh Kernel Corn

Contact:
Lucy Rosen
(516) 222-0236

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Mahwah, NJ, May 27, 2008 – As a precautionary measure, Supreme Cuts LLC has announced that it is voluntarily recalling 87 cases of Off the Cob Fresh Kernel Corn in 12 oz bags. The product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail and elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may experience only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.
The recalled product comes in a 12 oz clear plastic bag marked with a "best if used by" date of May 26, 2008 and lot # 5343. Off the Cob Fresh Kernel Corn with other lot numbers and "best if used by" dates are not affected. Package instructions call for cooking this raw corn product. While thorough cooking would be an effective control of Listeria monocytogenes contamination, consumers are urged to dispose of the product to avoid risks of undercooking or contamination of other foods. Other Supreme Cuts products also are not affected.
The recalled product was distributed to a small number of stores in New Jersey and Massachusetts.No illnesses have been reported to date. All retail outlets carrying the product have been notified, and the bags affected by the recall are believed to have been removed from store shelves.
The potential for contamination was discovered when the company, during its standard company testing procedures, found a sample containing a very small amount of Listeria monocytogenes. [Production of Off the Cob Fresh Cut Corn has been suspended while Supreme Cuts investigates the source of the problem.
No other products from Supreme Cuts are involved in the recall. Supreme Cuts packages each of its products on separate production lines, so no other products are affected. Supreme Cuts is committed to rigorous product testing and food safety, and has a strong history as a premier processor and distributor of high quality pre-cut vegetables.
Any consumers who may still have "Off the Cob" with a "best if used by" date of May 26 should dispose of the product.
Consumers with questions can contact Lucy Rosen at 516-222-0236.