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Monday, October 29, 2018

Two Recalls of Curry Issued Due to High Lead Levels

Two recalls were issued for curry spice due to high levels of lead.  The first recall was issued due to a consumer complaint.   "The product sampling was conducted as a result of a consumer complaint regarding elevated blood lead levels in a child."  Yikes

In this recall,  Sirob Imports, Inc of Lindenhurst, NY recalled curry under the brands Corrado, Orlando Imports, Nouri’s Syrian Bakery, Mediterranean Specialty Foods Brand and Butera Fruit Market Curry Powder.  The recall was initiated after FDA sampling found elevated levels of lead in the product. The product sampling was conducted as a result of a consumer complaint regarding elevated blood lead levels in a child.

In the second recall,  "UBC Food Distributors Inc, due to a high level of lead after testing was done by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.  This product was purchased from an importer.  The importer, along with the FDA, are now in the process of contacting the source of the product, so that corrective action can be taken on their part.  Use of, or consumption of this product may elevate lead levels in the blood."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm624397.htm
UBC Food Distributors Recalls Hot Curry Powder and Curry Powder due to Lead
For Immediate Release
October 25, 2018
Contact
Consumers  UBC Customer Care    customerservice@wellmadefood.com  877-846-8117

Announcement
View Product Photos 

This is to inform you of a product recall involving:

HOT CURRY POWDER & CURRY POWDER, BARAKA, 7.0 oz PLASTIC JAR
UPC CODES 822514265566 AND 822514265535 RESPECTIVELY

A voluntary recall has been initiated by UBC Food Distributors Inc, due to a high level of lead found in the above named products; after testing was done by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.  This product was purchased from an importer.  The importer, along with the FDA, are now in the process of contacting the source of the product, so that corrective action can be taken on their part.  Use of, or consumption of this product may elevate lead levels in the blood.

Lead is a toxic substance present in our environment in small amounts and everyone is exposed to some lead from daily actions such as inhaling dust, eating food, or drinking water. In general, the small exposure to lead within the U.S. population does not pose a significant public health concern. However, exposure to larger amounts of lead can cause lead poisoning. While lead can affect nearly every bodily system, its effects depend upon the amount and duration of lead exposure and age. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, weakness, behavior or mood changes, delirium, seizures, and coma. However, infants, young children and the developing fetus can be affected by chronic exposure to amounts of lead that may not result in obvious symptoms of lead poisoning. A child with lead poisoning may not look or act sick. Lead poisoning in children can cause: learning disabilities, developmental delays, and lower IQ scores.

Less than 20 cases of this product were shipped between June 15 and July 31 2018 to the following areas in the USA:  Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri and Colorado.   We ask that all products with the Baraka Brand and UPC CODES 822514265566 & 822514265535 be removed from shelfs immediately; and placed aside for pick up from a UBC company representative.

We ask consumers to please discontinue use of the product, and immediately return any unused portions to the outlet where it was purchased.   Your assistance is appreciated and necessary to prevent, and avoid any potential illness.

If you have any questions, please call UBC Customer Care toll free at 877-846-8117, M-F between 9am and 6pm EST, or email anytime at: customerservice@wellmadefood.com

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration and is being done voluntarily by UBC Food Distributors Inc and its affiliates


https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm624227.htm
Sirob Imports, Inc. Issues Recall Due to Elevated Lead in Spices
For Immediate Release
October 24, 2018

Contact
Consumers  CUSTOMER SERVICE   631-957-8888 

Announcement
View Product Photos 

Sirob Imports, Inc of Lindenhurst, NY is recalling, Corrado, Orlando Imports, Nouri’s Syrian Bakery, Mediterranean Specialty Foods Brand and Butera Fruit Market Curry Powder because it contains elevated levels of lead.

Lead is a toxic substance present in our environment in small amounts and everyone is exposed to some lead from daily actions such as inhaling dust, eating food, or drinking water. In general, the small exposure to lead within the U.S. population does not pose a significant public health concern.

However, exposure to larger amounts of lead can cause lead poisoning. While lead can affect nearly every bodily system, its effects depend upon the amount and duration of lead exposure and age. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, weakness, behavior or mood changes, delirium, seizures, and coma. However, infants, young children and the developing fetus can be affected by chronic exposure to amounts of lead that may not result in obvious symptoms of lead poisoning. A child with lead poisoning may not look or act sick. Lead poisoning in children can cause: learning disabilities, developmental delays, and lower IQ scores.

The curry powder was distributed direct to the following states IL, NJ, and NY.

The curry powder is packaged in 8 oz. and 16 oz. plastic containers and labeled with the following band names:

Corrado
16 oz. – UPC: 0 12729 01100 7
8 oz. – UPC: 0 12729 01102 1

Orlando Imports
16 oz – UPC: 0 53760 45255 8

Nouri’s Syrian Bakery
8 oz. – 0 12729 01102 1
16 oz. – UPC: 0 1279 0110 7

Mediterranean Specialty Foods 
8 oz. – UPC: 0 12729 01102 1

Butera Fruit Market
8 oz. -0 12729 45273 2

Product is labeled with the following Lot Numbers: GER302181, GER405081, GER403281, GER306181, GER104281, GER209081, GER301281, GER403281, GER505181, GER406181, GER504181, GER108081, GER106281, GER205181, GER309281, GER503281, GER306181, GER503081, GER302181.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after FDA sampling found elevated levels of lead in the product. The product sampling was conducted as a result of a consumer complaint regarding elevated blood lead levels in a child. The recalled product has not been definitively linked to this event but the investigation is ongoing.

Consumers should not consume this product. Consumers who have purchased curry from Corrados, Orlando Imports, Nouri’s Syrian Bakery, and Mediterranean Specialty Foods are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Sirob Imports, Inc. at 631-957-8888 between the hours of 9am – 5pm, Monday - Friday.


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