January 27, 2012

Michigan Firm Recalls Salad Products for Possible Listeria Contamination

18th Street Deli Inc., a Hamtramck, Mich., establishment, is recalling approximately 118 pounds of julienne salad products with turkey, ham and hard-boiled eggs. The salads contain eggs that are the subject of an FDA recall due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The salad products were produced on Jan. 20, 2012 and then distributed to retail stores in Michigan and vending companies in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. The following products are subject to recall: [View Label]

• 9.25-ounce packages of "18th Street Deli Julienne Salad," "18th Street Deli Julienne Salad Lite," and "Balanced Choice Julienne Salad Lite" that bear the establishment number "P-22061" inside the USDA mark of inspection and expiration dates of "01/27/12" and "01/30/12."

The problem was discovered when 18th Street Deli was notified by one of its suppliers that hard-cooked eggs (a product inspected by the FDA) had tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and are being recalled by Michael Foods Egg Products Co. The julienne salads contain the recalled eggs and are the subject of this FSIS recall. FSIS and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at:
www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp.

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 high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall should contact Robert Guzzardo, head of Quality Assurance for 18th Street Deli, at (313) 921-7710.

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January 27, 2012

Minnesota Firm Recalls Beef Sirloin Products Due To Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

J&B Group, Inc., a St. Michael, Minn., establishment, is recalling approximately 2,645 pounds of beef sirloin products because the products are misbranded and contain an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain milk, a known allergen, which is not noted on the label.

The products subject to recall are:

• 10.5-lb cases of 28 count, 6 oz. "ELLISON MEAT COMPANY BEEF SIRLOIN TOP BUTT STEAK, CAP OFF, NO ROLL, MARINATED," with an identifying case code of "62149."
• 10-lb cases of 16 count, 10 oz. "ELLISON MEAT COMPANY BEEF SIRLOIN TOP BUTT STEAK CAP OFF / TENDERIZED WITH FICIN & BROMELAIN," with an identifying case code of "62151."

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number "EST. 15805" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were produced between Jan. 1, 2011, and Sept. 7, 2011, and were distributed for institutional use in Mont., N.D. and Texas. It should be noted that consumers may not have access to the above labeling information.

The problem, discovered by the company during a routine label review, occurred as a result of the wrong ingredient statement being entered into the company's labeling system. FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

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

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the company's Vice President of Supply Chain, Russ Sjoquist, at 763-497-3913. News reporters with questions about the recall should contact the company's President, Chuck Weum, at 763-497-3913.

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January 27, 2012

M.E. Thompson, Inc. Recalls Anytime Deli Brand Turkey & Ham Footlong Sandwich Because Of Possible Health Risk

M.E. Thompson, Inc. of Jacksonville, FL is recalling its Anytime Deli Turkey & Ham Sub Sandwich, UPC 0543200194, with an expiration date of January 19th and January 22nd 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 miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The sub sandwiches were distributed on January 2nd and 3rd  to convenience stores in Florida and South Georgia under the label Anytime Deli Turkey & Ham Footlong. The  sandwich is packaged in white butcher wrap.  The Best Buy date is located on the  white press on circular label. The UPC Code is located on the bottom of the product beneath the Ingredient and Nutrition Facts label.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services which revealed that the finished products contained Listeria. 

The product has already been removed from store shelves; however, consumers who may have purchased the sandwich for later consumption are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.  Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-394-6258 Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5 PM EST.

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January 27, 2012

BJ's Recalls LED Flashlight Sets Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Name of Product: LED Flashlight and Battery Set

Units: About 41,000

Importer: BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc., of Westborough, Mass.

Hazard: The flashlights can heat up, smoke or melt when turned on, posing fire and burn hazards.

Incidents/Injuries: BJ’s has received two reports of incidents with the flashlights, including one unit overheating and one unit burning and making a loud noise. One minor injury to a consumer’s hand has been reported.

Description: The recall involves Superex SAFETO GO LED flashlight and battery sets. The flashlight sets include one 9.5-inch flashlight with 10 LEDs, two 7.5-inch flashlights with seven LEDs and two 6-inch flashlights with five LEDs. The sets also include seven “D” size batteries and four “AA” size batteries. The flashlights in the sets are made of either red or black plastic with black or gray rubber around the handles and light bases. The words “Superex,” “SAFETO GO Family Pack,” and “Bright White LED Flashlights” appear on the front of the packaging. The UPC 0-56986-01008-3 is printed on the back of the packaging along with the SKU number 700935.

Sold at: BJ’s Wholesale Clubs from July 2011 through December 2011 for about $15.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using all of the flashlights and return them to any BJ’s Wholesale Club for a full refund. Consumers should properly dispose of the batteries before returning the flashlights to the store.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact BJ’s at 800-BJS-CLUB between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.ET Monday through Friday or between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday, or visit the company’s website at www.bjs.com/contact. BJ’s is contacting its customers directly.

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January 27, 2012

KYMCO Recalls Utility Vehicles Due to Fire Hazard

Name of Product: Utility Vehicle

Units: About 1,876

Importer: KYMCO USA, of Spartanburg, S.C.

Hazard: An exposed portion of the exhaust system can allow debris such as leaves, brush or other flammable materials to enter the opening and ignite, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: KYMCO USA has received three reports of vehicles catching on fire and being damaged. No reports of injuries have been received.

Description: The recall involves 2009 through 2012 KYMCO utility task vehicles (UTVs). The vehicles are gasoline-powered, off-road vehicles with two side-by-side seats, a cargo bed and a steering wheel. The vehicles come in red, blue, black, gray, orange, silver and green and have the model and brand name “KYMCO” on both sides of the rear fender area and the front of the hood. The following UTVs are being recalled:

The VIN is located on the frame behind the right front wheel. The tenth alphanumeric character of the VIN is the model year of the vehicle (i.e. 9 = 2009, A = 2010, B = 2011, C = 2012).

Sold by: KYMCO dealers nationwide from June 2008 to October 2011 for between $7,600 and $10,100.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these vehicles and return them to a KYMCO dealer for the free installation of a repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact KYMCO USA at (888) 235-3417 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at info@kymcousa.com, or visit the firm’s website at www.kymcousa.com

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January 26, 2012

Bicycle Handlebars Recalled by Euro Asia Imports; Handlebars Can Break Resulting in Loss of Control and Fall Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Bicycle Handlebars

Units: About 2,000 in the United States and 70 in Canada

Importers: Euro Asia Imports, of La Crescenta, Calif., The Merry Sales Co., of South San Francisco, Calif. and Bicycle Technologies Intl., of Santa Fe, N.M.

Manufacturer: Nitto Co Ltd., of Japan

Hazard: The recalled bicycle handlebars can break while the user is riding the bike, resulting in loss of control and a fall hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Two incidents of the handlebars breaking have been reported, including one involving a fall and a cut to the rider’s leg.

Description: This recall involves Nitto aluminum bicycle handlebars with model number B259AA. They were sold in the following colors: red, blue, black, gold, green, pink and silver. “NITTO” and “B259” are printed at the end of the handlebars.

Sold by: Bicycle specialty stores and dealers nationwide from January 2008 through July 2011 for between $60 and $80.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled handlebars and contact Euro Asia Imports to receive free replacement handlebars.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Euro Asia Imports toll-free at (888) 662-1814 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.euroasiaimports.com

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January 25, 2012

Price Chopper Supermarkets Recalls Shredded Taco Cheese

Price Chopper Supermarkets is issuing a voluntary recall on its Coyote Joe’s Shredded Taco Cheese 16 oz, UPC 41735-12509 with an expiration date of April 21, 2012 due to the possibility of shredded plastic fragments inside the packaging.

The cheese was sold chain wide between the dates of January 4th and January 17th, 2012.

In addition to alerting the media, Price Chopper has initiated its Smart Reply notification program, which uses purchase data and consumer phone numbers on file in connection with the company’s AdvantEdge (loyalty) card to alert those households that may have purchased the product in question.

Customers can return the product to their local Price Chopper for a full refund. For more information, visit the pricechopper.com website or call Price Chopper at 1-800-666-7667, option 3 between the hours of 8:30am and 7:00pm.

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January 25, 2012

Jones’ Seasoning Voluntarily Recalls Original and Spicy Southwest Blend Mock Salt Because of Possible Health Risk

University Place, Washington- Jones’ Seasoning Blends LLC announced a voluntary recall of Jones’ Mock Salt Original as well as Jones’ Mock Salt Spicy Southwest Blend due to the potential contamination of Salmonella.

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 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.

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

This recall has been initiated due to possible Salmonella contamination of the celery seeds ingredient used in Jones Mock Salt. Jones Seasoning Blends LLC is not responsible for the contamination of Salmonella. The supplier of the celery seeds has been recalling the product and Jones Seasoning Blends LLC has also taken every action possible in notifying the public.

The following affected products were directly distributed to grocery stores and markets in California, Minnesota, and Washington and it was also sold through internet orders on www.jonesmocksalt.com:

Jones’ Mock Salt Original: Organic Salt Free Seasoning, 1.6 oz bottles (UPC 0 94922 16616 6), 12 oz bags (UPC 0 94922 07199 6) and 16 oz bags (0 94922 16616 6).

Jones’ Mock Salt Spicy Southwest Blend: Organic Salt Free Seasoning, 1.6 oz bottles (UPC 0 94922 01560 0).

There is no lot number identifying the bottles or bags. Any products purchased from July 1, 2011 to December 14, 2011 should be destroyed.

Consumers should contact Ms. June Jones at 253-468-9595 (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm PST) or send email for instructions on how to receive replacements.

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January 24, 2012

Infant Rattles Recalled by Lee Carter Co. Due to Choking Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Infant Rattles

Units: About 25,000

Importer/Distributor: Lee Carter Co., of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: The rattle's handle is small enough to fit into a child's throat, posing a choking hazard and violating federal rattle standards.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Description: The recalled rattles are made out of multi-colored, woven plastic and have a bell inside. They measure about 4 1/2 inches long. "Made in Mexico" and "Lee Carter Company" are printed on a tag on a purple plastic loop at the end of the rattle's handle.

Sold at: Various Mexican specialty craft stores nationwide from February 2001 through October 2011 for about $4.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled rattles away from infants and return them to Lee Carter Co. for a full refund or credit towards a replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers should call Lee Carter Co. collect at (415) 824-2004 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.leecartercompany.com

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January 24, 2012

Mexican Wrestling Action Figures Recalled by Lee Carter Co. Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Super Luchamania Action Figures

Units: About 7,000 packs

Importer/Distributor: Lee Carter Co., of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: The surface paints on the action figures contain excessive levels of lead which is prohibited under federal law.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Description: The recalled Mexican wrestling Super Luchamania action figures were sold in packs of 12. The multi-colored action figures are plastic, have plastic capes and measure about four inches tall. "Super Luchamania" is printed on the action figures' packaging.

Sold at: Various Mexican specialty craft stores nationwide from June 2000 through October 2011 for between $12 and $14 per pack.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled action figures away from children and return them to Lee Carter Co. for a full refund or credit towards a replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers should call Lee Carter Co. collect at (415) 824-2004 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.leecartercompany.com

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