Internet Soups Recalled Due to Improper Process

A New York firm is recalling soup packed in jars after FDA found that the company was not using validated processes.  The product were marketed and sold via the internet.

By regulation, companies processing canned soups, which are generally low acid canned foods, must have a validated (or tested) process and that process must be filed with the FDA.  With more companies using non-traditional channels to sell products, such as the internet or farmers' markets,  it is easier for companies to get products into commerce and avoid oversight.  Then we end up with cases like this.

A process must be validated to show it can achieve a 12 log reduction of Clostridium botulinum spores.  If a process has not been validated to accomplish this, then is impossible to know whether the product will be safe.  Validation includes determining where the cold point is on the jar and then determining the processing time needed in order to achieve sufficient amount of heat at that cold spot.

Looking at the Island Soup website and the Team page, there seems to be a lot of chiefs, but no technical person listed as part of the team.  This too is occurring more often.  Entrepreneurs come up with new products, but fail to research them properly.

FDA Website
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm519531.htm
Island Soups Company, Inc. Recalls Six Varieties of Island Soups Brand Products Because of Possible Contamination With Clostridium Botulinum
For Immediate Release
September 7, 2016Contact
Consumers Island Soups Company, Inc.   (917) 991-6647

Announcement
View Product Photos


Island Soups Company, Inc. of Saint Albans, New York is recalling the following products because they 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 these products.

GUNGO PEAS SOUP, NET WT. 16OZ
GUNGO PEAS SOUP NO MEAT, NET WT. 16OZ
RED PEAS SOUP, NET WT. 16OZ
RED PEAS SOUP NO MEAT, NET WT. 16OZ
MANNISH WATER, NET WT. 16OZ
FISH SOUP, NET WT. 16OZ

All products are coded BEST BEFORE dates July 2015 through June 2018

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 other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

Products were distributed through internet website purchases.

The products are packaged in 16 oz. glass jars with white lids and a white plastic with brown lettering safety seal.

To date there have been no confirmed reports of illness and injury related to these products.

FDA inspection of the establishment reveals that the firm does not have valid process schedules or process documentation to ensure that these soups products have been sufficiently processed to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum.

Consumers should segregate and destroy any of the identified products.

Consumers with questions can call 917-991-6647, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, EST