The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to eat Turkish pine nuts distributed by Sunrise Commodities, based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., after FDA tests confirmed the presence of Salmonella on the product.
FDA is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State public health and agriculture officials to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections. To date, the CDC reports there are at least 42 illnesses associated with the outbreak in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
As part of FDA’s investigation, the Agency collected samples of Turkish pine nuts from a warehouse used by Sunrise Commodities. Additional testing is underway on FDA’s Salmonella positive samples of pine nuts to determine if the Salmonella detected matches the outbreak strain. FDA's State partners also collected samples of pine nuts distributed by Sunrise Commodities; some of those samples tested positive for Salmonella and matched the outbreak strain.
Sunrise Commodities has voluntarily recalled four lots of the implicated product, totaling more than 21,000 pounds of pine nuts. Each lot was packed in 22-pound boxes and included the markings:
Warehouse Lot 27963 with the identifying code “PO#: 50165”
Warehouse Lot 29628 with the identifying code “PO#: 50558”
Warehouse Lot 27713 with the identifying code “PO#: 49595”
Warehouse Lot 27427 with the identifying code “PO#: 50032”
Wegmans Food Markets, one of the companies that received Turkish pine nuts distributed by Sunrise Commodities, recalled the product from their stores on Oct. 26. As the investigation continues, additional recalls may take place.
This product may put consumers at risk for botulism
Fast Facts
• FDA is warning consumers not to eat any Bio Gaudiano brand Organic Olives Stuffed with Almonds.
• Pure Italian LLC of Watertown, Mass., the U.S. distributor, in conjunction with the manufacturer and packer, Bio Gaudiano of Italy, is voluntarily recalling all sizes and lots of Bio Gaudiano Organic Olives Stuffed with Almonds. This product has been linked to a botulism outbreak in Europe.
• There are no reported cases of illness related to this product in the United States.
• Consumers should return the product to the place of purchase or dispose of it in a sealed container in the trash so that people and animals, including wild animals, can't get to it.
What is the Problem?
Health authorities in Europe have reported two cases of botulism in Finland involving hospitalization. The consumption of Organic Olives Stuffed with Almonds from Italian manufacturer Bio Gaudiano has been linked to these illnesses. Reports from the European health authorities indicate that samples of this product have tested positive for botulinum toxin, which causes botulism.
What are the Symptoms of Illness/Injury?
Botulism is a serious, potentially fatal illness caused by eating food contaminated with botulinum toxin. Although cases are rare, botulism attacks the nervous system, and in its severe forms, can cause respiratory failure. Symptoms include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. Symptoms usually begin 18-36 hours after eating contaminated food, but they can occur as early as six hours or as late as 10 days.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone who eats food contaminated with botulinum toxin – whether adults or children – is at risk and can be affected.
What Do Consumers Need To Do?
Consumers should not eat any and all Bio Gaudiano brand Organic Olives Stuffed with Almonds. If the product is still on hand, consumers should return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it in a sealed container in the trash so that people and animals, including wild animals. Consumers exhibiting any symptoms of botulism should see a health care provider immediately.
What Does the Product Look Like?
The recall of this product includes all batches and all sizes of Bio Gaudiano brand Organic Olives Stuffed with Almonds, including those in glass jars and metal cans. Photos of the products are provided below.
Where is it Distributed?
According to information FDA has received from Pure Italian LLC, the U.S. distributor of this product, the product was initially distributed only to Massachusetts retailers.
314 ml glass jars of this Bio Gaudiano brand Organic Olives Stuffed with Almonds may have been sold at SoWa farmers market in South End, Mass. In addition, the following stores in Massachusetts may have repackaged and resold the almond-stuffed olives in containers that do not carry the Bio Gaudiano name: Foodies Fresh Market, Boston, Mass.; Russo's, Watertown, Mass.; and Fresh Choice Supermarket, Framingham, Mass. If you have any questions, please talk to the retailer before purchasing or eating almond-stuffed olives.
What is Being Done about the Problem?
FDA continues to work with the distributor to ensure that products are removed from the marketplace.
Who Should be Contacted?
Consumers who have purchased Bio Gaudiano brand Organic Olives Stuffed with Almonds of any size or lot are urged to discard, destroy or return the product to the place of purchase. Contact Pure Italian LLC at 617-372-1659 or 617-331-2062 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET for more information.
The information in this press release reflects the FDA’s best effort to communicate what it has learned from the manufacturer and the state and local public health agencies involved in the investigation. The agency will update this page as more information becomes available.
For more information:
Botulism, general information from CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/botulism/
Pure Italian LLC Recalls Bio Gaudiano Brand Stuffed Olives With Almonds Because Of Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm278254.htm
Oysters linked to norovirus cases in Washington state
Fast Facts
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to eat certain ASSI Brand frozen oysters from Korea following an outbreak of illness in Washington state caused by norovirus.
• The frozen oyster meat (shucked; not in shell), is packed in 3-lb bags . Each bag is labeled ASSI Brand “INDIVIDUALLY QUICK FROZEN OYSTER” with a “Better if Used By” date of “2013.02.232.” Each bag identifies Central Fisheries Co. Ltd., as the packer and Korean Farms of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., as the distributor. Korean Farms has voluntarily agreed to recall these oysters.
• The individual bags are shipped in boxes of 10 bags each with the lot number C-110223, appearing on each shipping carton , along with a “SHUCKED DATE: 2011.02.24.
• These oysters, which were served in a Washington state restaurant and were eaten by three people who became ill, have been sampled and tested positive by FDA for norovirus genotypes I and II.
• There have been no reports of hospitalizations or deaths resulting from consuming the frozen oysters.
• Records indicate that this product was shipped to the states of Washington, California, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, and Utah.
• Those who have recently purchased oysters should not eat them and should safely dispose of them in the trash or garbage disposal.
What is the problem?
Certain ASSI Brand frozen oysters from Korea have been linked to an outbreak of illness in Washington state caused by norovirus. These oysters, which were served in a Washington state restaurant and eaten by three people who became ill, have been sampled and tested positive by FDA for norovirus genotypes I and II. The frozen oyster meat (shucked; not in shell), is packed in 3-lb bags. Each bag is labeled ASSI Brand “INDIVIDUALLY QUICK FROZEN OYSTER” with a “Better if Used By” date of 2013.02.232. Each bag identifies Central Fisheries Co. Ltd., as the packer and Korean Farms of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., as the distributor. The individual bags are shipped in boxes of 10 bags each with the lot number C-110223, appearing on each shipping carton, along with a “SHUCKED DATE: 2011.02.24.” Korean Farms has voluntarily agreed to recall these oysters.
What are the symptoms of Norovirus?
Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). The most common symptoms are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. The illness often begins suddenly and norovirus can make people feel extremely ill with frequent vomiting and diarrhea. Most people get better within 1 to 2 days. Dehydration can be a problem among some people with norovirus infection, especially the very young, the elderly, and people with other illnesses.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can get norovirus, and can have the illness multiple times during their lifetime. Norovirus is highly contagious. People with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days and perhaps for as long as 2 weeks after recovery, making control of this disease difficult. Norovirus can spread quickly in settings such as day care centers or nursing homes.
What Do Consumers Need To Do?
Those who have recently purchased the frozen oysters should not eat them and should dispose of them in the trash or garbage disposal. If the oysters were already consumed and no one became ill, no action is needed. If you develop illness within several days after consuming these Korean frozen oysters, consult your health care provider and inform the provider of your exposure to this product.
Where Were the Oysters Distributed?
Records indicate that the identified lot of oysters was shipped to the states of Washington, California, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Alaska, Idaho, and Utah.
What is Being Done about the Problem?
Under the provisions of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program, the state of California is working with the company that distributed the frozen oysters to recall the product.
Who Should be Contacted?
Consumers with questions about the recalled oysters should call Korean Farms Inc. at 1-562-789-9988.
Consumers who show any signs of illness after eating the frozen oysters should consult their health care provider. FDA encourages consumers with questions about seafood safety to call 1-888-SAFEFOOD or consult the fda.gov website.
The information in this press release reflects the FDA’s best efforts to communicate what it has learned from the manufacturer and the state and local public health agencies involved in the investigation. The agency will update this page as more information becomes available.
For more information:
FDA: Fresh and Frozen Seafood: Selecting and Serving it Safely
Del Monte Fresh Produce, N.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (NYSE:FDP), filed suit on Monday, August 22, 2011 against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland to seek an injunction that would lift an FDA rule restricting the importation of wholesome fresh cantaloupes into the United States.
Del Monte Fresh is one the largest importer of cantaloupes into the U.S. and is well known for selling fruit of the highest quality. The melons are farmed, processed, transported, and stored under state-of-the-art food safety controls that far exceed FDA regulatory requirements.
Del Monte Fresh’s claims are based on the FDA’s (and several other state health agency officials’) erroneous speculation, unsupported by scientific evidence, that cantaloupes previously imported by Del Monte Fresh from a Guatemalan farm and packing facility were contaminated with the pathogen Salmonella. In fact, neither the FDA nor any state health agency in the U.S. has offered evidence or data to support the FDA action.
”Del Monte Fresh Produce places the highest priority on food safety and protecting customers. We require all of our suppliers to comply with all FDA recommended food safety procedures, including the FDA’s Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, as well as the FDA’s Sanitary Standard Operating Procedures. The farm and packing facility at issue in this case was in full compliance with these food safety procedures. The restrictions imposed by the FDA on Del Monte Fresh Produce’s ability to import cantaloupes are unnecessary and not supported by the facts,” said Dennis Christou, Vice President Marketing, N.A. of Del Monte Fresh.
The FDA’s actions adversely affect Del Monte Fresh’s ability to receive perishable fresh produce for sale to its customers in the U.S., as the import alert threatens the viability of a major import source for cantaloupes. Since significant resources and commitments must be finalized immediately to ensure Guatemalan cantaloupes will be ready for harvest in the near future, Del Monte Fresh is seeking immediate injunctive relief from the court.
About Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is one of the world's leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, as well as a leading producer and distributor of prepared food in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the countries formerly part of the Soviet Union. Fresh Del Monte markets its products worldwide under the Del Monte® brand, a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness and reliability for more than 100 years.
ARAMARK Research Finds 60 Percent of Students Want Healthy Options; New Menu Icons will Help Students Identify Good Food Choices
As families across the country prepare to send their children back to school, a recent survey of more than 50,000 middle and high school students throughout the United States by ARAMARK, a leading provider of school food and nutrition services, found that nearly 60 percent of students (ages 12-18) are interested in making healthier food choices.
As a result of the survey and as a way to assist students in making more informed menu selections, ARAMARK will be launching Healthy for Life Menu Icons™ in high schools across the country to help students make healthy meal decisions quickly and more easily. Over 170 high schools have signed on to participate in the new menu system that will be introduced as part of their school’s dining experience in the fall.
“We are very encouraged that so many students are interested in making healthier food choices,” said Linda Sceurman, R.D. and Director of Nutrition and Menu Development for ARAMARK Education. “The new menu icons are an excellent way to draw students’ attention to the healthiest menu options.”
The Healthy for Life Menu Icons™ are a part of ARAMARK’s Healthy for Life™ initiative, a comprehensive wellness and nutrition education program that encourages students, staff, and their families to make healthier food choices and adopt more active lifestyles. The Healthy for Life Menu Icons™ will be displayed prominently alongside appropriate items being served, as well as on the school’s printed or online menu to alert students to the availability of healthy meal options.
The colorful, leaf-shaped icons specify which foods are: vegetarian options (Vegetarian); grown locally (Locally Grown); nutrient dense but lower in calories (Calorie Counter); low in calories, fat and sodium (Eat Well Selection); and made with hearty whole grains (Made with Hearty Whole Grains).
In addition to the new menu icon system, students will be able to choose from a variety of healthy favorites during their school breakfast and lunch this school year, including:
ARAMARK surveys students each year as part of its StudentViewPOINT™, a proprietary research program which collects valuable data from students about their dining habits and attitudes. The Company is a proud supporter of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative and the USDA’s HealthierUS School Challenge.
About ARAMARK Education
ARAMARK Education provides a complete range of food, facility, uniform and other support services to more than 500 K-12 school districts in the U.S. It offers public and private education institutions a family of dining and facility services including: on-site and off-site breakfast and lunch meal programs, after-school snacks, catering, nutrition education, retail design and operations, maintenance, custodial, grounds, energy management, construction management, and building commissioning. For more information on ARAMARK’s K-12 food service programs, please visit www.aramarkschools.com.
About ARAMARK
ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. The company is recognized as the industry leader in FORTUNE magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies," and as one of America's Largest Private Companies by both FORTUNE and Forbes magazines. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 255,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at the company's Web site, www.aramark.com, or www.twitter.com/aramarknews.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released its "Strategic Plan for Regulatory Science," calling for a sweeping modernization of the science used in developing and evaluating products critical to the nation's health, economy, and security.
"The breadth and scope of FDA's regulatory oversight is extraordinary, touching the lives of every American, through the food they eat, the medicines they take, and the medical devices they use," said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. "As new discoveries yield increasingly complex products, this strategic plan ensures that our experts are equipped to make science-based decisions resulting in sound regulatory policy. It positions us to foster innovation through better science without compromising our high safety standard."
The plan provides specific details of the agency's Regulatory Science Initiative, outlined in October, 2010.
The strategic plan describes the agency's intent to collaboratively enhance the process for developing and evaluating promising new products and novel materials from fields such as cell therapy, tissue engineering, genomics, personalized medicine, advanced computing, and information technology. It also underscores the agency's emphasis on food safety.
The plan also emphasizes the agency's intention to study and improve how it communicates health information to consumers, particularly as communication technologies rapidly evolve and change the way people receive that information.
"New technologies provide unprecedented opportunities to prevent and cure disease and to grow our high tech economy," said FDA Chief Scientist Jesse Goodman, M.D, M.P.H. "This plan will help turn advances in science into products that benefit people, and help FDA assure that happens more quickly and safely. It is win-win-win, because it will help the public, the agency, and developers of new products."
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
