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In its memo dated January 17, 2010, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) alerted us that the following food items were recalled by their producers and distributors (for additional information and questions, contact the agency:


On Jan. 11, 2010, Parkers Farm, Inc. of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, recalled all of its ‘products’—regardless of code date--because of their potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes a sometimes fatal, and often serious health damage causing organism, which can also cause severe symptoms even in people with strong immune systems. (So far no illnesses have been reported in connection with this problem.)

On Jan. 11, Rudolph Foods recalled 39 cases of Pepe’s Louisiana Hot Gigante Cracklins, 3,437 cases of 7-Select Louisiana Hot Onion Rings and 420 cases of Rudolph’s Louisiana Hot On Yums, because they may contain undeclared milk products and cause mild to severe allergic reactions in people with lactose sensitivity.

On Jan. 13, Helluva Good and HP Hood recalled its 8-oz. plastic cup containers of Cold Pack Cheese Food because they may contain Listeria monocytogenes (see *** above), an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness and nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

On Jan. 13, Nurture, Inc. and HAPPYTOT Stage 4 and HAPPYBABY Stage 1 & Stage 2 selected varieties of Pouch Meals were recalled due to packaging defect that could cause possible bacterial contamination, through the swelling and/or leaking of the pouches could cause the pouches. Swollen or leaking pouches could indicate that the products may contain bacteria that could potentially cause illness. Nurture, Inc. specified Pouch Meals with date codes expiring between November 2010 and January 2011. NOTE: We at the FreeRangeClub suggest that, just to be on the safe side, all above-branded Pouch Meals be avoided until assurances can be obtained from the manufacturer, distributor(s) and the FDA that the problem has been resolved.

The FDA has issued a Health Alert on Jan. 14 for Merrick Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats packaged and distributed by Merrick Pet Care and marked with “Best By 111911”—because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

On Jan. 15, Hines Nut Company recalled 270 packages of its Harris Teeter Farmers Market brand Pine Nuts. Pine Nuts were purchased from Red River Foods in Camarillo, CA, and have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

On Jan. 15, PEO Chapter FO of Ashland, Oregon, recalled 75 of its 1 lb. packages of roasted hazelnuts, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

On Feb. 2,2010, Global Commodities Inc., of Hicksville, N.Y. recalled its 0.50 lbs. packages of Aahu Barah brand Dry Apricot food treats because they contain undeclared Sulfites. People who have allergies to Sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

On Feb. 4, 2010, Pierino Frozen Foods Inc. of Lincoln Park, Michigan recalled its 24 oz. packages of Pierino Frozen Foods’ “Jumbo Shells with Cheese” because they contain undeclared eggs. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

On Feb. 4, 2010, Haifa Smoked Fish Inc., in Queens, New York, recalled its “Haifa” brand vacuum packaged “Whole Schmaltz Herring” with the lot number 20, because the product was found to be un-eviscerated and, therefore, may not be safe for consumption.

On Feb. 5, 2010, Cousins Products, LLC, of Covington, LA voluntarily recalled its Spinach Vinaigrette in 16 oz. jars and issued an allergy alert for this product’s undeclared contents of eggs, soy and wheat—which could cause severe health hazard to people allergic to these ingredients.

Note: The FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either these products or companies. Contact information for the FDA: email: webmail@oc.fda.gov -- or by mail at 5800 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857 – or by phone at (800) 439-1420.