The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume, distribute or sell White Rabbit brand candy as they may be contaminated with melamine.

White Rabbit brand candy, usually a product of China, are known to be available for sale in a variety of flavors throughout Canada in various retail stores.  All White Rabbit brand candy are affected by this alert.

Importers and distributors are advised to stop distributing White Rabbit brand candy and to initiate a voluntary recall of products. The CFIA is working with the importers to remove the affected products from the marketplace. Retailers are also advised to remove all White Rabbit brand candy from sale. 

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products in Canada.

The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

This recall is a part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing investigation into milk and milk-derived products source in/from China that may have been distributed in Canada.

Melamine is a chemical compound used in a number of commercial and industrial applications.  Canada does not allow its use as a food ingredient.

For more information consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday)

For information on melamine contamination, visit the webpage at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/2008melamine.shtml.

In response to reports of contaminated milk-based infant formula manufactured in China, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today is issuing a Health Information Advisory. This is to assure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell infant formula in the United States. Although no Chinese manufacturers of infant formula have fulfilled the requirements to sell infant formula in the United States, FDA officials are investigating whether or not infant formula manufactured in China is being sold in specialty markets which serve the Asian community.

The FDA is advising caregivers not to feed infant formula manufactured in China to infants. This should be replaced with an appropriate infant formula manufactured in the United States as mentioned below. Individuals should contact their health care professional if they have questions regarding their infant’s health or if they note changes in their infant’s health status.

The FDA began investigating the reports of contamination immediately and received information from the companies who manufacture infant formula for the American market that they are not importing infant formula or source materials from China. The following manufacturers have met the necessary FDA requirements for marketing milk-based infant formulas in the United States: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals, and Solus Products LLC. Also, one manufacturer, SHS/Nutricia, Liverpool, England, markets an amino acid based exempt infant formula that does not contain any milk-derived ingredients.

We are asking state officials to work with the Agency to assist with the removal of any Chinese infant formula found on store shelves, and to warn members of the Asian community to avoid using Chinese manufactured infant formula.

It has been reported that a number of infants in China who have consumed Chinese manufactured infant formula are suffering from kidney stones, a condition which is rare in infants.  The Chinese manufactured infant formula may be contaminated with melamine. Melamine artificially increases the protein profile of milk and can causes kidney diseases such as those seen in these Chinese infants.

FDA requires that all infant formula manufacturers register with the Agency and adhere to specific labeling and nutritional requirements.  All properly registered infant formula manufacturers marketing infant formula in the United States undergo an annual inspection of their production facilities.

Home Made Brand Foods, 2 Opportunity Way, Newburyport MA 01950 is voluntarily recalling approximately 4890 pounds of "Ready-to-Eat" Tuna Salad with an expiration date of 8/19/08. This product 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 miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The following products are subject to recall:

• 99/ 5 lbs. units of "Home Made Brand Foods Tuna Salad" dated 8/19/08 expiration
• 412/10 lb. units of "Stop and Shop Tuna Salad" dated 8/19/08 expiration
• 366/12 oz. units of "Stop and Shop Tuna Salad" dated 8/19/08 expiration

The problem was discovered after routine sampling at the customer level and subsequent analysis of the product by an independent laboratory which found the product to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes. All product lots produced prior to and after the above listed affected lot were found to be negative for Listeria monocytogenes through independent laboratory analysis.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Consumers who have purchased the Tuna Salad should not consume it, but should return it to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact Rick Walters at (978) 462-3663 ext 314.

Whole Foods Market today is recalling 365 Organic Everyday Value Popcorn, Lightly Salted because it may contain undeclared milk ingredients. The popcorn in these packages was incorrectly flavored with a white cheddar seasoning which includes milk ingredients; the seasoning may not be visibly apparent. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk ingredients run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

This product was distributed to and sold in Whole Foods Market retail stores in California, Arizona, Nevada, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Oregon, New Jersey, New York and Washington.

The product is sold in a blue and white 5 ounce bag with a picture of popcorn in a red and white container. The product is labeled as 365 Organic Everyday Value Organic Popcorn, Lightly Salted with a UPC of 9948240552. The recalled product’s lot code is stamped on the front top right corner and reads "Sell By 10/28/08" or "Sell By 10/29/08".

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product containing milk ingredients was incorrectly packaged in bags that did not reveal the presence of milk ingredients. Subsequent investigations indicate the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the producer’s packaging processes.

Consumers who have purchased 365 Organic Popcorn Lightly Salted with a lot code of "Sell By 10/28/08" or "Sell By 10/29/08" are urged to return it to any Whole Foods Market for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 512-542-0656.

DBC, Inc., doing business as World Class Canapes, Inc., a Wilmington, Mass., firm, is recalling approximately 285 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.
The following products are subject to recall:

• 80-ounce cases of “Progressive Gourmet Buffalo Chicken Roller Sandwich,” Each package bears the establishment number “EST. P-31566” inside the USDA mark of inspection, as well as a “SELL BY” date of “8/2/08” and Case Code of “8500WRAS.”
• 80-ounce cases of “Progressive Gourmet Chicken Caesar Roller Sandwich.” Each package bears the establishment number “EST. P-31566” inside the USDA mark of inspection, as well as a “SELL BY” date of “8/2/08” and Case Code of “8500WRCA.”
• 80-ounce cases of “Progressive Gourmet Honey Turkey w/Baby Spinach Roller Sandwich.” Each package bears the establishment number “EST. P-31566” inside the USDA mark of inspection, as well as a “SELL BY” date of “8/2/08” and Case Code of “8500WRTU.”

These ready-to-eat chicken products were produced on July 30, 2008, and distributed to retail establishments in Massachusetts. The products were repackaged individually for consumer purchase. Consumers that may have purchased these ready-to-eat chicken products at retail establishments between
July 31, 2008, and August 2, 2008, are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers and discard them if found.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis.  However, listeriosis can cause miscarriages and stillbirths, and can also cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. Infection can spread to the nervous system, resulting in high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, confusion, and convulsions.

The problem was discovered through microbiological sampling by FSIS. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products. Anyone with signs of symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a medical professional.

Media with questions about the recall should contact company Director of Culinary Operations Mark Polito, at (978) 253-6436. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact company Plant Manager Jim Palmariello, at (978) 253-6482.

Contact:

Jamie Miller

(301) 341-8776

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — June 27, 2008 – Landover, MD — Giant Food has announced a voluntary recall of Giant brand garlic bread and garlic spread products sold in its Bakeshop as the items contain milk products which are not declared on the labels. Giant removed from its shelves all 16 ounce packages of Giant brand garlic bread and all 16 ounce packages of Giant brand garlic spread products. 

The following products are affected by this recall:

• 16 oz. Giant Garlic Bread: UPC #21476670000

• 16 oz. Giant Garlic Spread: UPC #20173310000

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to dairy products run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.  No illnesses have been reported.

Customers who have purchased the affected products may return them to Giant for a full refund. Customers looking for additional information may call Giant Customer Service at 888-469-4426 for more information. Customers can also visit the Giant website at www.giantfood.com.

Based on the latest information from the USDA, Kroger is expanding the recall to include ground beef products in Styrofoam tray packages wrapped in clear cellophane or purchased from an in-store service counter from the stores described below.

There are various “sell by” dates on the ground beef being recalled due to different Nebraska Beef production dates.

The following chart explains the range of “sell by” dates that customers should check:

Fred Meyer May 21-July 5
QFC   May 21-July 5
Kroger stores May 21-July 3 *

(*except Kroger stores in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Knoxville, Tenn. and Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic division, which includes stores in North Carolina, Northeastern Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Kroger stores in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Knoxville, Tenn. are not involved in the recall of ground beef in Styrofoam trays or from in-store service counters.)

• Kroger Mid-Atlantic May 19-July 3
• Fry’s May 21-July 3
• Ralphs May 21-July 3
• Smith’s May 21-July 3
• Baker’s May 17-July 3
• Dillons May 17-July 3
• Gerbes May 17 – July 3
• King Soopers June 20-July 3
• City Market June 20-July 3

Customers who shop at Hilander, Owen’s, Pay Less, and Scott’s should follow the “sell by” dates listed above for Kroger stores.

In addition to the ground beef described above, Kroger is recalling Private Selection Natural ground beef sold in 16 oz. packages that were in the self-service meat case. The “sell by” dates for this product is July 11 through July 21, 2008. The product was available at all Kroger stores (including Kroger Mid-Atlantic and stores in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Knoxville, Tenn.) and Dillons, Fred Meyer, Baker’s, Smith’s and Fry’s. 

Reason: The product may be contaminated with E. COLI O157:H7 and, if eaten, could result in severe illness to those individuals with a weakened immune system.

Click here to view the ground beef press release and products that are not connected with this recall.