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Friday, March 17, 2017

Refrigerated Packages of Edamame for Sushi Recalled for Listeria

 A California company is recalling fresh refrigerated packages of edamame (soybeans) after the company tested and found Listeria.  The packed edamame was sold at designated retail sushi counters within grocery stores, cafeterias, and corporate dining centers in about 33 states.

AFC is a company that operates sushi counters via franchisees.  AFC provides the know-how and materials to allow a franchisee to operate a sales space in a grocery store.  So the grocery store can offer sushi without much effort.

One difficulty is what has occurred here...packaging and shipping fresh packaged foods across the country.  When many think of sushi, we think of it being made on the spot, not being pre-prepared thousands of miles away.  From a Listeria standpoint, a  contamination issue at the point of processing can have more time for growth during transport, and being sushi that will not be cooked, there will be no reduction step to get rid of the Listeria.


FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm547260.htm
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp. Voluntarily Recalls Edamame Due to Potential Health Risk
For Immediate Release
March 16, 2017
Contact
Consumers recall@afcsushi.com    1-866-467-8744
 Announcement
View Product Photos

Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp. (“AFC”) of Rancho Dominguez, California is recalling its Edamame (Soybeans) – UPC 0-23012-00261-9, dated between 01/03/2017 and 03/17/2017 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Contamination was discovered via random testing under AFC’s Quality Assurance Program.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or older adults, pregnant women, 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, stillbirths and fetal infection among pregnant women. No illnesses have been reported to date.

AFC has notified all retail locations of the recall. Therefore, the product should no longer be available for purchase.

The products were packaged by AFC Franchisees and sold, under refrigeration, in 8.0 oz (227 g) packages and identified as “Edamame – Soybeans in Pods”. The packed Edamame was sold at designated retail sushi counters within grocery stores, cafeterias, and corporate dining centers in the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MS, NC, NH, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, and WY.

Consumers concerned about whether the Edamame they purchased is subject to this recall should check with the store of purchase. Consumers who have purchased the recalled product should not consume it and return it to the point of purchase for a full refund.

A picture of the retail Edamame package is attached to the end of this release. The date code can be found on the face of the package.

Consumers with questions may call 1-866-467-8744 during normal business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time) or email recall@afcsushi.com.
 
AFC Francise Corp Webpage
http://www.afcsushi.com/index.php?main_page=about_us
ABOUT THE COMPANY

AFC Franchise Corp. is the largest franchisor of supermarket-based food service counters in the United States. Our food service counters feature sushi and/or other delicious Asian cuisine. In addition to supermarkets, we can also be found in other segments, such as military commissaries, university campus food courts, corporate office food courts, among others. Our products are prepared fresh daily with quality ingredients and are conveniently packaged for customers on a tight schedule. Our diverse menu of fresh products features fresh sushi, Asian cuisine, salads and specialty items such as Edamame (soybeans). Choose from any of the available selections or ask the chef to customize your order. AFC Franchise Corp. also offers party trays and party platters for special occasions and holidays. Pick from any of the sample trays we have created or create your very own ultimate party tray!

The fresh products we offer are available for purchase at any of the food service counters independently owned and operated by franchisees throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. There are currently over 3,800 locations. Founded in 1986, AFC Franchise Corp. has become the premier grab-and-go sushi and Asian cuisine company in North America, with experience that spans decades. We are continuously expanding in order to reach an ever growing consumer base.

Committed to innovation and variety, AFC Franchise Corp. strives to provide the highest quality and largest variety of sushi and Asian cuisine for our customers. We are constantly expanding and refining our fresh food concepts and are proud to offer our own brand of sauces and other retail items. These include our Wasabi Dressing, Miso Soup, and Green Tea. 

OUR CONCEPTS

AFC Franchise Corp.'s concept is to provide the highest quality and largest variety of sushi. Sushi is a healthy alternative to the conventional fried chicken or macaroni salad because most of our items are low in fat, low in calories and low in cholesterol. AFC Franchise Corp. sushi is made fresh daily with the highest quality materials and is packaged in ready-to-go containers, making it especially convenient for customers on a tight schedule.

OUR SUSHI BAR FRANCHISE PROGRAM

The AFC Franchise Corp. Sushi Bar Franchise Program is unique. A sushi bar within a supermarket can increase customer traffic and become an attraction as your customers gather around to watch the chef skillfully make sushi. Chefs are present at the sushi bar every day to enable customers to place orders for party trays or request customized orders. The program allows the market to have the diversity of a sushi bar without the inconvenience of training, staffing and managing the sushi bar.

AFC Franchise Corp. franchise owners will provide trained chefs and all the raw materials necessary to make sushi. AFC Franchise Corp. sushi will be a great addition to any supermarket's existing HMR (Home Meal Replacement) program. Provide your customers with variety and convenience in a quick, delicious and healthy meal.

Since 1986, AFC Franchise Corp. has become the premier sushi company in North America and currently has over 3,300 sushi bar franchise locations in all 50 states and Canada. No other company has this much experience or the capability to expand with each supermarket chain. This success has enabled AFC Franchise Corp. to expand from supermarket chains to university and sports arena food service sectors. We are constantly expanding and refining our fresh food concepts and are proud to offer our own brand of sushi related products. Our Sushi Related Products line was specifically designed to complement the sushi dining experience and includes Wasabi Dressing, Ginger Dressing, Miso Soup, Green Tea, the Ultimate Sushi Kit, etc.

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