Packaging Operator Blamed for Mislabeling Error That Resulted in Allergen Recall

Ocean Beauty Seafood LLC of Seattle, WA is recalling 8450 packages of Publix brand Parmesan-Crusted Wild Alaskan Salmon Fillets, net wt.12oz, frozen, UPC 41415 30245 7, because it may contain undeclared soy due to mis-packaging.   The problem was discovered when a consumer reported that the Teriyaki sauced salmon was found inside the retail box labeled as Parmesan-crusted salmon. Further investigation by the co-packer UniSea Cold Storage of Redmond, WA revealed that the that the loading box machine operator must have inadvertently grabbed the Parmesan-crusted salmon retail box instead of the correct boxes. We estimate only 300 units of 8450 Teriyaki sauced salmon packages were mis-packaged as Parmesan-Crusted Wild Alaskan Salmon Fillets.

So what controls can be put in place to prevent such a simple error?  There needs to be more than just throwing it all on the packaging operator.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ocean-beauty-seafood-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-publix-brand-parmesan-crusted-wild
Ocean Beauty Seafood LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy in Publix Brand Parmesan-Crusted Wild Alaskan Salmon Fillets 12 Oz. Package
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 08, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  February 08, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Soy
Company Name:  Ocean Beauty Seafood LLC
Brand Name:  Publix
Product Description:  Parmesan-Crusted Wild Alaskan Salmon Fillets

Will Sesame Be Added to the Big Eight for Required Allergen Labeling?

There is a push to get sesame added to those allergens that require labeling as part of the FALCPA -
Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004.  While sesame label declaration is already required in Canada and Europe, it is not here.  It seems though, that many US companies may already be doing so.  Will it get to the point where there is enough pressure to push FDA to add this to the list....not sure, but it may be worth the effort to understand where you may be using sesame, especially when part of a natural flavor or spice ingredient.

According to FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education), a 2010 study indicated that about 0.1 percent of the population has a sesame allergy.  I have never run across anyone who stated having a sesame allergy.

CSPI
https://cspinet.org/news/food-industry-split-disclosing-sesame-allergen-20180413
For Immediate Release: Friday, April 13, 2018
Contact: Jeff Cronin, 202-777-8370 or Ariana Stone, 202-777-8355

Food Industry Split on Disclosing Sesame, an Allergen
CSPI Urges FDA to Require Sesame Labeling and Industry to Close Gaps in Policies

WASHINGTON—Fourteen of 22 major food manufacturing companies declare the presence of sesame and do not obscure it as an unspecified “spice” or “natural flavoring,” according to a new report by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest.  But the remaining companies do not provide appropriate labeling, leaving consumers at risk for potentially life-threatening allergies.

This Week in Mislabeled Products - 8/12/17 - 8/18/17

A very solid week of mislabeled items with 8 different entries.  Each has its own reason for error.

A MN company is recalling their Vanilla Cherry Pecan Muesli 12 oz. pouches because it may contain undeclared almonds. "The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product containing almonds was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of almonds. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in their manufacturing partner’s production and packaging processes."  So, the co-packer screwed up.

A NJ establishment, is recalling approximately 1,719 pounds of chicken caesar salad products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the product contains wheat which is not declared on the product label.  "The problem was discovered when the establishment received notification from the sole retailer of the chicken products that the incorrect ingredient label was applied to the chicken caesar salad products.  The ingredient label has a statement that the products were made without gluten containing ingredients, however, the Chicken Caesar Salad contains croutons made with wheat, and thus the wheat allergen was not declared on the label"  Ah...those darn croutons.

A NY company is recalling its 14 ounce packages of "CALIFORNIA ALOHA MIX" because they may contain undeclared tree nuts (Almonds, Walnuts and Cashews).  "The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed that the tree nut containing product was distributed in packages that did not reveal the presence of tree nuts (Almonds, Walnuts and Cashews)."  This looks to be a case of cross contact, probably in the packaging process.  NOTE - this product does have the precautionary label - "Manufactured in a facility that processes/packages products that contain peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, and wheat."  (picture of label below).

An IL based distributor, is recalling its 7 ounce and 14 ounce packages of “Gazab Green Raisins (Chinese)”, because it may contain undeclared sulfites. "The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the sulfite-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of sulfites. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a product packaging process when creating labels."  So the company was using generic packaging with print-on-demand labels.  Easy for these labels to not be checked well enough when being input into the machine and when selecting the right label code when printing.

A St. Louis supermarket chain is recalling two deli items due to the presence of undeclared fish (bonito, cod), undeclared lobster, crab, and shrimp in scampi butter and undeclared soy and wheat in cabernet grille butter. The recall was initiated after it was discovered by store personnel during an internal audit. "Subsequent investigation indicated the omissions were the result of ingredient changes in the products".

Litehouse Inc.. a WA based company, is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of its OPA by Litehouse Ranch because it may contain undeclared eggs.  "The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing egg was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of eggs. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a packaging error."

Another WA establishment, is recalling approximately 4,805 pounds of poultry products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The products are mislabeled as Chicken Chile Verde that contain milk and soy, but contain Turkey Meatloaf, which has additional allergens, eggs and fish (anchovies), that are not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered after the firm received consumer complaints of the wrong meal inside the retail boxes.

A Colorado company is recalling boxes of Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix because it may contain undeclared milk .  "The recall was initiated by Madhava Natural Sweeteners after it was discovered that one ingredient in the chocolate chips may include a milk product."

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm571561.htm
Dierbergs Markets Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Fish (Bonito and Cod), Lobster, Crab, Shrimp, Soy and Wheat in Product
For Immediate Release
August 14, 2017

This Week in Mislabeled Product

Each week, we normally see numerous recalls issued that involve mislabeling of product.    In most cases, theses calls involve allergen risks.  This past week was no exception.  The scope of these recalls vary as well as the way in which the mislabeling issue was identified. 

A Wisconsin firm is recalling hamburger patties after receiving complaints that hamburger patties with cheese, a dairy allergen, and bacon were mislabeled as plain patties.

A St. Louis, Mo. establishment, is issuing an allergy alert on 13 German Chocolate Cakes labeled as regular chocolate cake because the product contains pecans that are not listed on the ingredient label.  The issue was discovered by an employee

A Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,133 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef products due to misbranding. The products contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) that was not declared on the product labels.  The issue was discovered during a USDA / FSIS inspection.

Taylor Farms Retail, Inc. in Salinas is conducting a limited recall of 293 cases of Taylor Farms Creamy Homestyle Coleslaw Kits due to an undeclared milk allergen.  Milk is an ingredient in the dressing packet included in the salad kit. The undeclared allergen was discovered through a quality check.

USDA / FSIS Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-091-2017-release
Kenosha Beef International, LTD. Recalls Beef Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Class I Recall091-2017
Health Risk: HighAug 9, 2017

Breading Supplier Recall Due to Undeclared Milk Allergens Impacts Many Processors

Newly Wed Foods, a large supplier of breading as an ingredient, announced a recall of their product that has impacted a large number of companies that make breaded food items, forcing those companies to issue recalls.  The reason is that the breading ingredient(s) had milk allergen in them which was not declared on the labels.  The overall impact has been huge, with millions of pounds of various products being recalled.

Here is a list of companies posting recalls.

• Giant Eagle, Inc. has announced a voluntary recall of Market District Toasted Crumb Tilapia and Giant Eagle Toasted Crumb Tilapia sold fresh from the seafood department of its supermarkets, and Giant Eagle Breaded Chicken Breast sold in the prepared foods department, due to an undeclared milk allergen.
• Slade Gorton, Boston, MA is recalling the following products because they may contain undeclared milk. 
• Packer Avenue Foods, Inc., a Philadelphia, Pa., establishment, is recalling approximately 9,690 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken salad due to misbranding and undeclared allergens,.....The products could contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. 
• Conagra Brands, Inc., a Milton, Pa. establishment, is recalling approximately 717,338 pounds of spaghetti and meatball products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens,....... known allergen which is not declared on the product label. 
• Gourmet Boutique LLC, with establishments in Jamaica, N.Y. and Phoenix, Ariz., is recalling approximately 294,744 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, ... The products could contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. 
• Pork King Sausage, a New York, N.Y., establishment, is recalling approximately 44,035 pounds of raw sausage link products due to misbranding and undeclared allergen,....The products could contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
• Advance Pierre Foods, Inc., a Portland, Maine establishment, is recalling approximately 54,699 pounds of chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, ....The products could contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. 
• Maid-Rite Specialty Foods, LLC., a Dunmore, Penn. establishment, is recalling approximately 174,000 pounds of various beef products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.....The products contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the products labels. Tyson Foods Inc., a New Holland, Pa. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,485,374 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) breaded chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens
• Aldon Food Corporation, a Schwenksville, Pa. establishment, is recalling approximately 18,570 pounds of chicken salad due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, 
• Water Lilies Food Inc., a Astoria, N.Y., establishment, is recalling approximately 4,335 pounds of ready-to-eat breaded chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens
• Safeway stores in Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. are recalling deli-prepared fried chicken. Safeway was informed by Newlyweds Foods that the blended bread coating that it provided Safeway to make fried chicken included milk, which was not disclosed as an ingredient.

Breading is used both as a coating as well as added into the product (meatballs).  Breading and powder based coatings including pre-dust,  can include egg, dairy, wheat, corn, soy depending on the formula.  A supplier such as Newly Wed probably has hundreds of breading and coating formulas, and their labels must match the allergens listed.  Their customers, those food processors, depend on Newly Wed to control the allergens so that only those listed on the labels are actually in the product. When an allergen containing ingredient not listed on the official formula and ingredient package label accidentally gets into the product, then this creates an allergen mismatch for all of their processing customers.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-067-2017-release
News Release
Tyson Foods Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Breaded Chicken Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Class I Recall 067-2017
Health Risk: High 

Jun 9, 2017

Packaging Error Results in Allergen Recall of Nutrition Bar

A nutrition bar company is recalling their crunchy Slim Peanut Butter bars after it was discovered that a product with milk allergen was accidentally mislabeled with the Slim Peanut Butter packaging that does not list milk allergen.

In applying Preventive Controls in the operation that made this product, having a properly implemented Allergen Preventive Control at the point of labeling would help prevent this.  This would include having a step to check the labels for a match to the formulation and then having verification (another person checking, a record review of the labeling record, direct observation of the label check, etc).

This mistake occurred during one shift, but once the depth of the recall expands to store level, this recall can become fairly costly.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm549680.htm
Lifestyle Evolution Voluntarily Recalls One Shift of NuGo Slim Crunchy Peanut Butter
For Immediate Release
March 30, 2017

Allergen Label Error Results in Recall - Allergens in Product Listed as 'May Contain'

UPDATED 2/16/17
This recall, initiated on 2/8/17, was expanded to include product that went to various retail chains.  A label was presented in the last recall notice. While the ingredient statement is not presented in the notice, the front label is shown and this is a pre-printed label.

2/9/17
A Colorado company is recalling its pie product because the allergen statement was incorrect.  Instead of saying it 'contains almond and eggs, the statement on the package said 'may contain almonds and eggs'.  According to the FDA release - "The recall was initiated after it was discovered by the manufacturing facility that the almond and egg-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not have the correct product ingredient statement and allergen declaration. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary error in the packaging processes."

It is not stated whether the labels were preprinted or printed on demand on-site, but in either case, labels need to be always reviewed for errors such as this.  With pre-printed labels manufactured by someone else, labels should be evaluated upon receipt.   With in-house generated labels, more care is needed.  Modifications to a print-on-demand label need to be approved and reviewed.  Those modifying or reviewing labels must securitize every word, or as in this case, the word 'May' slipping into the allergen statement resulted in a recall.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm540863.htm
Legendary Baking Issues Allergy Alert-Almonds and Egg in Salted Caramel Chocolate Almond Pie Allergens Declared but Listed Under “May Contain”
For Immediate Release
February 8, 2017

Wrong Label on Soup Results in Recall Due to Allergens

A Mass. establishment is recalling soup after Italian Wedding soup was labeled as Chicken Soup.  Because of this, allergens such as eggs, milk, and wheat were not declared on the label. 


This establishment is most probably a dual jurisdiction facility (FDA and USDA) and so these products may not fall under Preventive Controls.  Even so, a Preventive Controls application for allergens would help add extra measures for preventing this type of issue.  If container labeling had been designated a Preventive Control, then monitoring of labels as well as verification could have been heightened.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-004-2017-release
Kettle Cuisine, LLC Recalls Chicken Soup Product Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Class I Recall 004-2017
Health Risk: High Jan 12, 2017

CSPI's 10 Worst Food and Supplement Scams of 2016

CSPI's '10 of the Worst Food and Supplement Scams of 2016' is a good reminder that some foods are not as they are made to appear. That is, the marketing does not match what is actually the product inside the container. For example:

"Suja Green Delight. A 12-ounce bottle of this “green” smoothie costs about $4. Its first ingredient is cheap, nutrient-poor apple juice, not the kale, spinach, or other veggies that consumers probably expect. Suja’s King of Greens and Easy Greens also have more apple juice than any of their greens."

 It is worth a look at how marketers try to capitalize on trends and unsuspecting consumers.

CSPI - Center or Science in the Public Interest
10 of the Worst Food and Supplement Scams of 2016
From the Files of Nutrition Action Healthletter
December 19, 2016
https://cspinet.org/news/10-worst-food-and-supplement-scams-2016-20161219

USDA Recommends Using 'Best if Used By” Date Label

As part of its initiative to help reduce the amount of wasted food in this country, USDA is recommending that manufacturers use the term 'Best if Used By" for the label date when the product should be used by the consumer. They feel that by having a standardized terminology on the package, consumers will be more apt to adhere. The hope of course, is that they will use the product before that date.

Date marking is not required with the exception of infant food.  However, it is a good idea to have a time which the product is considered having sufficient quality for consumption.  Manufacturers do not want to have half-spoiled product on the shelf, nor do they want to have people throwing away good food.

To get to the USDA document - Link.


USDA News Release
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2016/nr-121416-01
USDA Revises Guidance on Date Labeling to Reduce Food Waste
Encourages Industry to use “Best if Used By” on Product Labels

CA Meat Establishment Recalls Meat After Caught Changing Est Number on USDA Mark

A CA meat establishment is recalling 50,000 pounds of meat after they were caught changing the USDA establishment mark of inspection.  According to the USDA notice, "The problem was discovered on Dec. 5, 2016, when FSIS inspection personnel observed establishment employees removing the marks of inspection of the original beef suppliers and replacing them with the King Meat Services, Inc. (Est. 426) mark of inspection."

Perhaps they ran out of their own supply?  Maybe the price they paid was low enough to still provide sufficient margin?

King Meat Services, Inc. Recalls Beef Products Due To Misbranding
Class III Recall  117-2016
Dec 12, 2016

Limited Amount of Lunchables Recalled Due to Allergen Mislabeling

Kraft Heinz is recalling a limited amount of Lunchables product due to a mismatched label that resulted in allergens not being declared.  According to the release  "Lunchables Ham and American Cracker Stackers” products were incorrectly labeled with the back label for a “Nacho Lunchable” product. The back label contains the product ingredient statements and as such, the “Lunchables Ham and American Cracker Stackers” products that were mislabeled do not declare wheat and soy on the label.

FSIS Recall Notice
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-093-2016-release
Kraft Heinz Recalls Ready-To-Eat Lunchables Ham and American Cracker Stackers Product Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Class I Recall 093-2016
Health Risk: High Oct 9, 2016

FDA Updates Nutrition Facts Labels for Food Products

It is time to begin updating the nutrition facts labels on food packages.  FDA is updating their requirements for the nutrition facts label in order to "consumers have updated nutritional information for most packaged foods sold in the United States, that will help people make informed decisions about the foods they eat and feed their families."

While about half or more of the people say they look at labels, research has show that very few actually look at the label.  But some are very excited:

“I am thrilled that the FDA has finalized a new and improved Nutrition Facts label that will be on food products nationwide,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “This is going to make a real difference in providing families across the country the information they need to make healthy choices.”

Well, it will be good business for the labeling companies and those who do the nutritional determinations.

The compliance date is July 26, 2018 for most companies, and for smaller companies with less than $10 million in sales, the date is extended to July of 2019.

FDA News Release
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm502182.htm
FDA modernizes Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods
Refreshed design and relevant information will help consumers make healthy food choices
For Immediate Release
May 20, 2016

Final Rule Issued on Requirement to Label Mechanically Tenderized Beef

The final rule has been issued that requires cooking instructions for mechanically tenderized beef. It covers  needle- or blade-tenderized raw beef products product destined for household consumers, hotels, restaurants, or similar foodservice operations.  The label must say the meat is "mechanically tenderized," "blade tenderized," or "needle tenderized" and  a description of the beef component in the product name along with validated cooking instructions (minimum internal cooking temperatures and hold times).
 This has been in the works for some time and it is good to see that it is ready to be put in place.  The issue is that in the tenderization process, bacteria can be forced into the meat.  Because of this, the temperatures for cooking are more similar to that of hamburger than for intact steaks.

 USDA News Release
 http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-and-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2015/nr-051315-01
USDA Finalizes Rule to Require Labeling of Mechanically Tenderized Beef Products

 

 

New labels and cooking instructions will give consumers information they need  to safely enjoy these products

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced new labeling requirements for raw or partially cooked beef products that have been mechanically tenderized. Consumers, restaurants, and other food service facilities will now have more information about the products they are buying, as well as useful cooking instructions so they know how to safely prepare them.

Pizza Recalled for Mistaking Pork Pepperoni for Beef Pepperoni

Whole Foods is recalling over 70,000lbs of pepperoni pizza because instead of using beef pepperoni, which is stated on the label, they used pepperoni made from pork.  According to the FSIS Notice - "The problem was discovered by FSIS during a label review at the establishment and occurred as a result of a change in ingredient suppliers."

One item of note is that this occurred during a supplier change.....a purchasing issue.  Second is that this should have been identified during the inspection of incoming materials, specifically the evaluation of the label.

There were two other recalls within the past few days where pork was included in a product where it was not on the label.  One was a ravioli product and the other was knockwurst.

FSIS News Release
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-010-2016-release
Whole Foods Recalls Frozen Pizza Products Due to Misbranding
Class II Recall 010-2016
Health Risk: Low Jan 25, 2016

Congressional and Public Affairs   Richard J. McIntire  (202) 720-9113 

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2016 – Whole Foods/North Atlantic Kitchens, an Everett, Mass. establishment, is recalling approximately 73,898 pounds of pepperoni pizza products due to misbranding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product is labeled as containing uncured beef pepperoni. However, the pizzas contain uncured pork pepperoni, which is not declared on the product label. Some individuals have a sensitivity or intolerance to pork.

Company Violates Federal Labeling Law for Mayo with No Egg

A small California company was producing a product that violated federal labeling standards.  The label used on their plant based product, 'Just Mayo', used the term mayo.  However, mayo is shorthand for mayonnaise, which is a egg based product.  Just Mayo has no egg. 

It is always interesting to read about the company in the hope to get a glimpse of how these mistakes can be made.  In the Business Day piece (below), they linked a Business Insider article that was written about the company and its owner.  A very unflattering picture of a company that appears more of a techno-business people than people I would want producing my food.  To be fair, the owner had written a response to the Business Insider piece, but still, it provides a picture.


Business Day
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/26/business/fda-says-eggless-spread-violates-mayonnaise-and-label-rules.html
Just Mayo Spread Violates Mayonnaise and Label Rules, F.D.A. Says

By STEPHANIE STROMAUG. 25, 2015

The Food and Drug Administration has told Hampton Creek, a tiny company selling plant-based replacements for proteins derived from animals, that some of its Just Mayo products violate federal regulations related to standards for mayonnaise and proper labeling.

In a letter dated Aug. 12, the agency wrote that even the term “mayo” in the brand name and the logo, a minimalist egg “cracked” by a pea shoot, “may be misleading to consumers” by implying there are eggs in the products.

Veggie Burgers Recalled Because Labeling Missing Soy Ingredient

A NJ company is recalling veggie burgers because of an allergen labeling issue.  The product label did not list soy in the ingredient listing even though the product had always been made with soy in it.  I thought that this was odd that they could miss soy on the label.  Looking at the company website, they have a number of different products with varying ingredients.  Label review at receipt of the packaging is probably one of the critical steps that was missed.  That, and review of the label when it was developed and whenever modified.  When the label hits the floor, it should be right, but label review at that point would have helped as well.  

A little more label paranoia could have prevented this.  We see too often that companies do not put in sufficient controls for labeling - in development of labels and when modifying labels, at label receipt, and when applying labels.  Why?  Perhaps label review is not viewed as that important so we allocate insufficient resources to the task?  Or we count on our purchasing people to get it right (or even marketing / sales people...yikes)?


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm449691.htm
Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods Issues Allergy Alert for Gluten Free California Veggie Burger Due to Undeclared Soy

Contact: Consumer: 201-703-1300
Media: Austin Blythe, Maxwell PR 503-231-3086
Email: austin@maxwellpr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — June 3, 2015 — ELMWOOD PARK, NJ. — Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods is recalling 950 retail cases of the Gluten Free California Veggie Burger because it may contain undeclared soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product. Dr. Praeger’s Gluten Free California Veggie Burger has contained soybeans since its introduction in 2007 and is safe for consumption by those who do not have soy allergies.

Allergen Labeling Issues result in recalls for candy and soup

Mars is recalling M&M product after it was discovered the pre-labeled outside box did not have the proper allergen label...that is, the product itself had an allergen not claimed on the outer box label.

 

One could sense the issue in this case because of a timing issue.  The product had a primary package (which had the right label), and then was place in a secondary package (the box which was incorrect) and these two could have been brought together at a later time...where there may have been less scrutiny.

And in the same time interval, a soup company is recalling Lobster Bisque because carton printing errors resulted in missing the fact that the product also contained shrimp, perch, and tilapia...in addition to lobster.

 Allergen mislabeling continues to be one of the primary reasons for recalls.  Many companies have made labeling a critical check point to ensure that the label matches the product in the container.  In these cases, it is important that the system follow that product through all label additions...whether it is the original package or the addition of secondary package.


PR Newswire
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mars-chocolate-north-america-issues-allergy-alert-voluntary-recall-on-undeclared-peanut-butter-in-mms-brand-milk-chocolate-theater-box-275844291.html
Mars Chocolate North America Issues Allergy Alert Voluntary Recall On Undeclared Peanut Butter In M&M's® Brand Milk Chocolate Theater Box


HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., Sept. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Mars Chocolate North America announced a voluntary recall of its M&M'S® Brand Theater Box 3.40 oz UPC #40000294764 with the following lot numbers:

Country of Origin Labeling Requirement for Meat Moves Forward

 The US Court of Appeals is allowing the country of origin labeling requirement (COOL) to move forward despite the challenge by meat producers.

The law will require processors and retailers to list where the animals used in the product were born, raised and slaughtered.

While this will provide information to consumers, there is no doubt it will add costs to the system.  Just are important is that many countries such as Canada and Mexico will look at this as a trade barrier and may inflict retaliatory tactics to US trade.

Are the costs worth it?  Do consumers really care?


Reuters
http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/03/28/usa-courts-regulations-food-idINL1N0MP1C920140328
U.S. meat groups thwarted in bid to block country-of-origin labels

(Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Friday rejected a challenge by meat producers to a federal regulation that specifies labeling requirements for certain meat products, a move applauded by rancher and consumer groups.

Proposed rule for labeling of injected meat

USDA has issued a proposed rule that would require the label ‘mechanically tenderized” on labels of raw or partially cooked needle or blade tenderized beef. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/2008-0017.pdf

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to require the use of the descriptive designation ‘‘mechanically tenderized’’ on the labels of raw or partially cooked needle- or blade-tenderized beef products, including beef products injected with marinade or solution, unless such products are destined to be fully cooked at an official establishment. Beef products that have been needle- or blade-tenderized are referred to as ‘‘mechanically tenderized’’ products.

Meat products that are needle injected or blade tenderized should be cooked to a higher temperature than intact beef because in the process of injecting or blade tenderizing (as in chopped steak), the needles or blades can push pathogenic bacteria deep into the meat. So like ground beef, the heat has to penetrate further into the meat to kill the bacteria.

Processors inject meat in some cases when they want to marinade the product, or in other cases when they have a cheaper cut of meat that they want to inject solution to help the meat retain more moisture during cooking. Blade tenderizing is done to help break the connective tissue in the meat to make it easier to chew. Unfortunately, too many people cook this meat rare or medium rare, just like regular cuts of steak. But for safety, consumers should cook this type of meat to an internal temperature of 160 F.*(155 F for foodservice.) By requiring meat to be labeled as mechanically tenderized, and by having validated cooking instructions, it is more likely that this meat will be identified as meat that should be cooked to a higher temperature.

*or other temperature that is scientifically validated by the processor.