UPDATED RELEASE #3 UPC Code Clarification Townsend Farms, Inc. Expands Voluntary Limited Lot Recall of Frozen Organic Antioxidant Blend, 3 lb. Bag
Contact:
Consumer:
(800) 875-5291
Email: townsendfarms5148@stericycle.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 28, 2013 – Townsend Farms, Inc. of Fairview, Oregon, out of an abundance of caution and in cooperation with the FDA is expanding its voluntary recall efforts and is now recalling Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend, 3 lb. bag with UPC 0 78414 40444 8. The recall codes are located on the back of the package with the words “BEST BY” followed by the code T122114 sequentially through T053115, followed by a letter. All letter designations are included in the voluntary recall. The voluntary recall is occurring because of a potential hepatitis A contamination. The voluntary recall efforts are based on epidemiological and trace-back evidence resulting from an ongoing outbreak investigation conducted by the FDA and the CDC. Photos of the package are attached.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from exposure to the hepatitis A virus, including from food. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. Illness generally occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure and includes fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool. Hepatitis A vaccination can prevent illness if given within two weeks of exposure to a contaminated food. In rare cases, particularly consumers who have a pre-existing severe illness or are immune-compromised, hepatitis A infection can progress to liver failure.
Persons who may have consumed affected product should consult with their health care professional or local health department to determine if a vaccination is appropriate, and consumers with symptoms of hepatitis A should contact their health care professionals or the local health department immediately. Consumers with the product should not consume the product. The product should be disposed of immediately. Please keep proof of product purchase.
Townsend Farms is providing this Update #3 after the FDA and the CDC confirmed that the epidemiological evidence supports a clear association between the hepatitis A illness outbreak and one lot of organic pomegranate seeds used in the Frozen Organic Antioxidant blend subject to the voluntary recall. The implicated lot of pomegranate seeds were imported from Turkey through Goknur and Purely Pomegranate, Inc. The FDA has tested the recalled product and the results to date have not detected hepatitis A.
The FDA has also reported that the epidemiological evidence does not support an association between the illness outbreak and the four other berry products (raspberry, blueberry, strawberry and dark cherry) in the Frozen Organic Antioxidant blend (and which have also been used in other Townsend Farms, Inc. Frozen Organic products) or any other Fresh or Frozen berry products produced by Townsend Farms, Inc.
Finally, as part of the ongoing investigation, the FDA, in cooperation with Townsend Farms, Inc. has completed a directed inspection of the company’s frozen fruit repacking operations. The FDA found no evidence linking either the Townsend Farms, Inc.’s repacking facility or any food handler who had possible contact with the product to the source of the illness outbreak.
This expansion does NOT AFFECT the previous voluntary recall information regarding Harris Teeter Organic Antioxidant Berry Blend, 10 oz. bag UPC 0 72036 70463 4. For additional information regarding the voluntarily recalled Harris Teeter product visit the FDA website http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm355166.htm1.
TOWNSEND FARMS, INC. is committed to producing the highest quality products, and is a certified Safety Quality Food facility. Townsend Farms, Inc. follows industry Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and sanitation procedures to ensure that its food products are safely handled and processed.
For questions or more information, contact a Townsend Farms Customer Service Representative by phone or e-mail at 1-800-875-5291; townsendfarms5148@stericycle.com.
Customer service representatives will be available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT to respond to inquiries.
Thank you so much from The Townsend Farm Family.
Mike Townsend, President Townsend Farms, Inc. Margaret Townsend, Vice President Townsend Farms, Inc.
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Harmony Chai Voluntary Recall of Concentrated Black Spiced Chai and Decaffeinated Rooibos Chai
Contact:
Consumer:
(888) SAFEFOOD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 28, 2013 – Harmony Chai of Eastsound, WA is voluntarily recalling its Concentrated Black Spiced Chai and Decaffeinated Rooibos Chai because it may not be properly processed. Although Harmony Chai has received no complaints of illness related to the consumption of the recalled product, there is a potential hazard that can occur when tea beverages are inadequately processed. These batches have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium Botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. Illness due to foodborne botulism is extremely rare. According to Washington State Department of Health, during the last 10 years, Communicable Disease Epidemiology (CDE) has received 0–2 reports of foodborne botulism each year.
Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention. For more information on Clostridium Botulinum or other foodborne illnesses please contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Food Information Line at 1-888-SAFEFOOD (toll free), 10 AM to 4 PM ET, Monday through Friday or visit http://www.fda.gov/Food/default.htm1
All lots of the following products have been recalled:
Concentrated Black Spiced Chai bottled in 22 oz (650ml) amber glass UPC 0510501311 and 64 oz (1892.7ml) amber glass jugs UPC 0510501301
Decaffeinated Roobios Chai bottled in 22 oz (624.25 ml) amber glass UPC 9450402431 and 64 oz (1892.7ml) amber glass jugs UPC 0510501301
Concentrated Black Spiced Chai and Decaffeinated Rooibos Chai were distributed through farmers markets, grocery stores and cafes in Western Washington. Areas of distribution include the San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and King Counties.
It was discovered through WSDA testing of routine samples that the tea was not properly processed. Harmony Chai and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) are working together to determine the cause of this problem. Harmony Chai has not had any reported illnesses to date but consumers who have purchased Harmony Chai Concentrated Black Spiced
Chai or Decaffeinated Roobios Chai recently are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at the following address:
Harmony Chai
P.O. Box 792
Attn: Recall Division
Eastsound, WA 98245
We are dedicated to our customer’s satisfaction with our trusted brand are taking extra precautionary measures at this time to assure the complete safety of our product. We thank you in advance for your immediate response to this press release and sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this may have caused.
Best Regards,
President – Harmony Chai
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Source: FDA.gov
Reblogged: 6/30/13 1055 PDT
2013 The NW Fire Blog
NW Fire Blog 