Monthly Archives: July 2021

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

FDA/USDA July RECALLS & UPDATES FOR PREVIOUS MONTHS ~ SAFETY ALERTS~ 2021


** Updates: 023-2021, Tyson Foods Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination (Jul 3, 2021)

** Updates 005-2021, AH Company International Distribution, Inc., Recalls Pork Products Imported Without the Benefit of Inspection (Feb 19, 2021)

024-2021, Green Dining Table, Inc. Recalls Frozen Pork Dumplings Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens (Jul 16, 2021)

**

** BrightFarms today initiated a voluntary recall expansion of additional packaged salad greens that are past expiration date and were produced in its Rochelle, Illinois (Ogle County) greenhouse farm sold in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana and Michigan due to potential contamination with Salmonella.

The recall includes the below salad products packaged in clear, plastic clamshells with “best by” dates through 7/26/2021:

1. BrightFarms Baby Spinach (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)

PRODUCT NAMEPACKAGESUPCBest by Date
BrightFarms Baby Spinach 4 oz. package
8 oz. package		5706200439
5706200449		Expired

The affected BrightFarms-branded products were sold by retailers listed in the July 15 recall notice below.

JULY 15, 2021 RECALL:

BrightFarms today initiated a voluntary recall of packaged salad greens produced in its Rochelle, Illinois (Ogle County) greenhouse farm sold in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected BrightFarms-branded products were sold by the following retailers:

  1. Illinois: Mariano’s Fresh Markets, Walmart (select stores), Strack Van Till,

Sullivan’s Foods, Caputo’s, Jewel-Osco

  1. Wisconsin: Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, Copps, Tadych’s, Walmart (select stores)
  2. Iowa: Walmart (select stores)
  3. Indiana: Strack Van Till
  4. Michigan: Tadych’s

Additional retailers may be affected.

Salmonella 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. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis

The recall includes the below salad products packaged in clear, plastic clamshells with “best by” dates through 7/29/2021:

  1. BrightFarms NutrigreensTM (3 oz. package)
  2. BrightFarms Butter CrispTM (4 oz. Package)
  3. BrightFarms Harvest Crunch ® (4 oz. package)
  4. BrightFarms Mighty RomaineTM (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
  5. BrightFarms 50/50 Spring & Spinach (4 oz. package)
  6. BrightFarms Spring Crunch (4 oz. package)
  7. BrightFarms Spring Mix (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
  8. BrightFarms Sunny Crunch ® (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
  9. 7/28/21 Update: BrightFarms Baby Spinach (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
PRODUCT NAMEPACKAGESUPC
BrightFarms NutrigreensTM3 oz. package5706200458
BrightFarms Butter Crisp TM4 oz. package5706200484
BrightFarms Harvest Crunch ®4 oz. package5706200486
BrightFarms Mighty Romaine TM4 oz. package 8 oz. package5706200452
5706200491
BrightFarms 50/50 Spring & Spinach4 oz. package5706200440
BrightFarms Spring Crunch4 oz. package5706200479
BrightFarms Lakeside CrunchTM4 oz. package5706200470
BrightFarms Spring Mix4 oz. package 8 oz. package5706200441
5706200451
BrightFarms Sunny Crunch ®4 oz. package
8 oz. package		5706200460
5706200485
7/28/21 Update: BrightFarms Baby Spinach4 oz. package 8 oz. package5706200439
5706200449

The recall is limited to these specific products grown at the company’s Rochelle, Illinois indoor farm. BrightFarms products from other BrightFarms greenhouses are not affected.

BrightFarms is taking this action out of an abundance of caution after being notified of illnesses among eleven consumers, some of whom purchased or consumed the above products during the month of June.

Affected retailers have been instructed to remove all affected products from store shelves.

BrightFarms is committed to providing wholesome products, and the health and safety of consumers is the company’s number one priority. In addition to today’s voluntary recall, the company has already begun taking steps to enhance their already rigorous food safety protocols, including testing all products produced in its Rochelle facility for exposure to Salmonella prior to distribution.

Consumers who have purchased the affected products should discard them or return them to their place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions are encouraged to call 1-866-857-8745 8am – 11pm EDT. Consumers can also email info@brightfarms.comwith the subject line: Recall.

** Greater Omaha Packing, an Omaha, Neb. establishment, is recalling approximately 295,236 pounds of raw beef products intended for non-intact use that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw beef products intended for non-intact use were produced on July 13, 2021. The complete list of products and product codes for the beef products that are subject to recall can be found here.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 960A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were distributed to further processors in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Nebraska.

The problem was discovered when FSIS collected a routine product sample that confirmed positive for the presence of E. coli O157:H7. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Angel Besta, Vice President of Technical Resources, Greater Omaha Packing at (402) 515-2727.

** Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling Cahill Cheddar Porter and Whiskey Cheddar Cheeses from 44 stores across 22 states because of a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. Customers who have purchased should not consume and should dispose of the product. No illnesses have been reported to date.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, 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.

The affected products were packaged in clear wrapping and sold in the specialty department with a Whole Foods Market scale label with “packed on” dates from May 17 – July 26, 2021. Affected products can be identified by the following information and were distributed in the states listed below:

Product NamePLUDate Range SoldStates
Cheddar with Porter93579May 17 – July 26, 2021Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Whiskey Cheddar54784
94884

The issue was discovered when Whole Foods Market was notified by a distributor of a positive test result for Listeria monocytogenes.

Customers who purchased this product at Whole Foods Market can bring a valid receipt into stores for a full refund. Customers with additional questions can call 1-844-936-8255 daily between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. CST.

** Old Souls Farms, LLC, located at in St. Paris Ohio is initiating a voluntary recall of greenhouse leafy green products following a positive test of Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is 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, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recall will include the following greenhouse products: Arugula, Basil, Finstar, Green Bibb, Romaine, and Spring Mix. Our bulk product has been affected by this recall, these sizes range from 1 – 25 pounds clear bags. The affected lot dates of bulk product are below. If bought in bulk, the lot code is located on the case label.

Arugula (lbs)Basil (lbs)Finstar (lbs)Green Bibb (lbs)
(02)06.04.2021.AR.
(02)06.08.2021.AR.
(02)06.09.2021.AR.
(02)06.10.2021.AR.
(02)06.11.2021.AR.		(02)05.28.2021.BS.
(02)05.31.2021.BS.
(02)06.01.2021.BS.
(02)06.02.2021.BS.
(02)06.03.2021.BS.
(02)06.04.2021.BS.
(02)06.07.2021.BS.		(03)05.25.2021.FS.
(03)05.27.2021.FS.		(03)05.21.2021.GB.
(03)05.24.2021.GB.
(03)05.25.2021.GB.
(03)05.26.2021.GB.
(03)05.27.2021.GB.
(03)05.31.2021.GB.
RomaineSpring Mix
(01)05.21.2021.ROM.
(01)05.24.2021.ROM.
(01)05.25.2021.ROM.
(01)05.26.2021.ROM.
(01)05.27.2021.ROM.
(01)05.31.2021.ROM.		(03)05.21.2021.SM.
(03)05.24.2021.SM.
(03)05.25.2021.SM.
(03)05.26.2021.SM.
(03)05.27.2021.SM.
(02)05.31.2021.SM.

Our clamshells were also affected, these range in sizes of 1 oz, 4 oz, and 5 oz. The affected clamshell greenhouse products lot codes are 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 201, 202, and 203. These lot codes and best by dates can be located at the bottom of the clamshell. The expiration dates for all Arugula, Finstar, Green Bibb, Romaine, and Spring Mix are 7/23/2021, 7/24/2021, 7/25/2021, 7/26/2021, 7/27/2021, 7/29/2021, and 7/30/2021. The Basil expiration dates are 7/20/2021, 7/21/2021, 7/22/2021, 7/23/2021, 7/24/2021, 7/26/2021, and 7/27/2021.

The positive test for Listeria monocytogenes was from a routine facility test of rainwater holding tanks in the greenhouse facility as well as testing from a customer who received contaminated Basil product. Multiple samples of all products from multiple Lot Codes as well as additional water testing has been completed. The positive test for Listeria monocytogenes in product has been determined that it was an isolated event. However, out of an abundance of caution we decided to recall all product as stated above.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Any consumers who purchased the possibly affected products are advised to not consume and dispose of it immediately. Consumers with any questions and concerns may contact the company at 937-802- 9192 We are available Monday – Friday from 7 am – 3 pm ET.

** Excalibur Seasoning Company of Pekin, IL is recalling 17 bottles of Haen Meats 1959 House Blend because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women

We began shipping this product on July 14th, 2021. The recalled product reached consumers through a retailer located in the 54130 zip code of WI.

PackagingItem DescriptionQuantityLot No.UPC#
Clear Plastic Shaker BottlesHaen Meats 1959 House Blend6.5 oz. Bottles107-354729009768154

No illness have been reported to date.

The recall is the result of routine finished product testing which found the bacteria to be present in one product. Further ingredient testing found the bacteria may be present in one lot of one ingredient. All products which used this lot of ingredient are being recalled.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled product should not consume it and should dispose of the product or return it to your place of purchase. Consumers with questions should contact Excalibur Seasoning at 309-347-1221 Monday through Thursday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm and Friday 7:30 am to 11:30 am.

** McCormick & Company, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning, McCormick Culinary Italian Seasoning and Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning due to possible contamination with Salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The four products subject to this recall include:

McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning 1.31 oz bottle
UPC NUMBER: 052100049731
MCCORMICK ITEM NUMBER: 901582629
AFFECTED DATE CODES: BEST BY MAY 26 24 K, BEST BY MAY 27 24 K, BEST BY JUN 04 24 K, BEST BY JUN 05 24 K

McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning 2.25 oz bottle
UPC NUMBER: 052100038254
MCCORMICK ITEM NUMBER: 901455463
AFFECTED DATE CODES: BEST BY JUN 30 24 H, BEST BY JUL 01 24 H

McCormick Culinary Italian Seasoning 1.75 lbs. bottle
UPC NUMBER: 52100325743
MCCORMICK ITEM NUMBER: 932574
AFFECTED DATE CODES: BEST BY Jun 12 24 H

Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning 153g bottle
UPC NUMBER: 066200021047
MCCORMICK ITEM NUMBER: 901543520
AFFECTED DATE CODES: BB / MA 2022 SEP 06

The four products were shipped to the following locations:

SHIPPING DATES: June 20, 2021 through July 21, 2021
STATES SHIPPED TO: AL, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI
INTERNATIONALLY SHIPPED TO: Bermuda, Canada

The potential risk was brought to McCormick’s attention by FDA during routine testing. This recall affects cases that were shipped of the affected date codes.

McCormick has alerted customers and grocery outlets to remove the product with the affected date codes from store shelves and distribution centers immediately, and to destroy this product in a manner that would prevent any further consumption

Consumers do not need to return the product to the store where it was purchased. Instead, consumers are urged to dispose of the recalled product and its container. Please contact McCormick Consumer Affairs at 1-800-635-2867, weekdays from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM (Eastern Time), for a replacement or full refund, and with general inquires.

**

** Pfizer is voluntarily recalling two lots of Chantix 0.5mg Tablets, two lots of Chantix 1 mg Tablets, and eight lots of a Chantix kit of 0.5mg/1 mg Tablets to the patient (consumer/user) level due to the presence of a nitrosamine, N-nitroso-varenicline, above the Pfizer established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) level

Long-term ingestion of N-nitroso-varenicline may be associated with a theoretical potential increased cancer risk in humans, but there is no immediate risk to patients taking this medication. The health benefits of stopping smoking outweigh the theoretical potential cancer risk from the nitrosamine impurity in varenicline.

Nitrosamines are common in water and foods, including cured and grilled meats, dairy products and vegetables. Everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines. These impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time.i

Chantix is a treatment to help patients quit smoking and is intended for short term use. People who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer than people who do not smoke.ii  Smoking is also associated with many other cancers.iii CHANTIX has a safety profile that has been established over 15 years of marketing authorization and through a robust clinical program. Pfizer believes the benefit/risk profile of CHANTIX remains positive. Patients currently taking Chantix should consult with their doctor to confirm if they received an affected lot, and if appropriate, about alternative treatment options. To date, Pfizer has not received any reports of adverse events that have been related to this recall.

The NDC, Lot Number, Expiration Date, and Configuration details for Chantix Tablets is indicated in the table below and photos of the products can be found at the end of this press release. The product lots were distributed nationwide to wholesalers and Distributors in the United States and Puerto Rico from June 2019 to June 2021. 

ProductNDCLot NumberExpiration DatePresentationConfiguration/Count
Chantix
(varenicline)
Tablets, 0.5 mg		0069-0468-56000192132022 JANBottles56 tablets/bottle
Chantix
(varenicline)
Tablets, 0.5 mg		0069-0468-56EC69942023 MAYBottles56 tablets/bottle
Chantix
(varenicline)
Tablets, 1 mg		0069-0469-56EA60802023 MARBottles56 tablets/bottle
Chantix
(varenicline)
Tablets, 1 mg		0069-0469-56EC98432023 MARBottles56 tablets/bottle
Chantix
(varenicline)
Tablets, 0.5/1 mg		0069-0471-03000202312021 SEPCartons containing 2 blister packsCarton containing one blister pack of 11 0.5 mg tablets and one blister pack containing 42 1 mg tablets
Chantix
(varenicline)
Tablets, 0.5/1 mg		0069-0471-03000202322021 NOVCartons containing 2 blister packsCarton containing one blister pack of 11 0.5 mg tablets and one blister pack containing 42 1 mg tablets
Chantix
(varenicline)
Tablets, 0.5/1 mg		0069-0471-03000203572021 DECCartons containing 2 blister packsCarton containing one blister pack of 11 0.5 mg tablets and one blister pack containing 42 1 mg tablets
Chantix
(varenicline)
Tablets, 0.5/1 mg		0069-0471-03000203582022 JANCartons containing 2 blister packsCarton containing one blister pack of 11 0.5 mg tablets and one blister pack containing 42 1 mg tablets
Chantix
(varenicline)
Tablets, 0.5/1 mg		0069-0471-03000207162022 JANCartons containing 2 blister packsCarton containing one blister pack of 11 0.5 mg tablets and one blister pack containing 42 1 mg tablets
Chantix
(varenicline)
Tablets, 0.5/1 mg		0069-0471-03ET160001/2023Cartons containing 2 blister packsCarton containing one blister pack of 11 0.5 mg tablets and one blister pack containing 42 1 mg tablets
Chantix
(varenicline)
Tablets, 0.5/1 mg		0069-0471-03ET160701/2023Cartons containing 2 blister packsCarton containing one blister pack of 11 0.5 mg tablets and one blister pack containing 42 1 mg tablets
Chantix
(varenicline)
Tablets, 0.5/1 mg		0069-0471-03ET160901/2023Cartons containing 2 blister packsCarton containing one blister pack of 11 0.5 mg tablets and one blister pack containing 42 1 mg tablets

Pfizer places the utmost emphasis on patient safety and product quality at every step in the manufacturing and supply chain process. Pfizer has notified their direct consignees by letter to arrange for return of any recalled product.

Wholesalers and distributors with an existing inventory of the lots, listed in the table above, should stop use and distribution and quarantine the product immediately.

If you have further distributed the recalled product, please notify any accounts or additional locations which may have received the recalled product from you. Please conduct a sub-recall to those accounts and communicate this recall information immediately. Please request they immediately cease distribution of the affected product and promptly contact Stericycle at 888-276-6166 (Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am – 5:00 pm ET) to obtain a Business Reply Card (BRC) to initiate the return process.

**

** On May 12, The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) announced that an E. coli outbreak in multiple counties in Washington had been attributed to consumption of yogurt produced by Pure Eire, which also sells its products under the PCC Community Market label.

Pure Eire has since issued a recall notice for its products due to E. coli contamination, and the DOH announced that the affected PCC Community Market yogurt had been removed from stores, as well. As of June 23, there had been 17 cases of E. coli infections, 10 hospitalizations, and no deaths associated with consumption of the affected yogurts.

While Pure Eire announced that the Washington DOH had randomly tested 12 samples of its products and dubbed them “free from E. coli contamination,” the DOH still cautions against eating the company’s products.

“Anyone who has PCC Community Market or Pure Eire brand yogurt at home should not eat it and should throw it away,” the DOH states. If you have questions about the recalled products, you can contact Pure Eire co-founders Richard Smith at (509) 301-9512 or Jill Smith at (541) 571-1693.

** On July 15, the CDC issued a food safety alert after eight people in the U.S. became infected with Salmonella Typhimurium.

The health authority determined that at least five of the individuals who became sick had purchased or consumed Bright Farms brand Sunny Crunch salad prior to falling ill. At the time the food safety alert was issued, there had been no hospitalizations and no deaths related to the outbreak.

** Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (JJCI) is voluntarily recalling all lots of five NEUTROGENA® and AVEENO® aerosol sunscreen product lines to the consumer level. Internal testing identified low levels of benzene in some samples of the products. Consumers should stop using the affected products and follow the instructions set forth below.

The only sunscreen products impacted are aerosol products, specifically:

  • NEUTROGENA® Beach Defense® aerosol sunscreen,
  • NEUTROGENA® Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen,
  • NEUTROGENA® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen,
  • NEUTROGENA® Ultra Sheer® aerosol sunscreen, and
  • AVEENO® Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen.

Product images and lot information is available on www.Neutrogena.comExternal Link Disclaimer and www.Aveeno.comExternal Link Disclaimer.

Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, a substance that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure. Benzene is ubiquitous in the environment. Humans around the world have daily exposures indoors and outdoors from multiple sources. Benzene can be absorbed, to varying degrees, by inhalation, through the skin, and orally. Based on exposure modeling and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) framework, daily exposure to benzene in these aerosol sunscreen products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences. Out of an abundance of caution, we are recalling all lots of these specific aerosol sunscreen products.

While benzene is not an ingredient in any of our sunscreen products, it was detected in some samples of the impacted aerosol sunscreen finished products. We are investigating the cause of this issue, which is limited to certain aerosol sunscreen products.

Sunscreen use is critical to public health. Melanoma incidences continue to increase worldwide, and the majority of cases are caused by excessive sun exposure. It is important that people everywhere continue to take appropriate sun protection measures, including the continued use of alternative sunscreen.

The recalled sunscreen products are packaged in aerosol cans. The products were distributed nationwide through a variety of retail channels.

Consumers should stop using these specific products and appropriately discard them. Consumers may contact the JJCI Consumer Care Center 24/7 with questions or to request a refund by calling 1-800-458-1673. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have any questions, concerns or have experienced any problems related to using these aerosol sunscreen products. JJCI is also notifying its distributors and retailers by letter and is arranging for returns of all recalled products.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

  • Complete and submit the report Online
  • Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

** July 13, 2021, Editor’s Note: The release is being updated to alert consumers that the recalled ready to eat products were used in additional products produced by other establishments and retailers. Some products bear a different establishment number on the label due to further processing and some products may have been served from the deli counter in retail stores. Labels for the products made with the recalled chicken are available here. We encourage consumers to check the FSIS website frequently while we continue to update the press release and/or the labels if we become aware of additional products that used the recalled chicken. 

** July 8, 2021, Editor’s Note: Details of this recall were updated to reflect additional date codes and an increase in product poundage from approximately 8,492,832 pounds to approximately 8,955,296 pounds.  The recalled product names and product codes remain the same. While the product was distributed to schools, it resulted from a commercial sale and was not part of food provided by the USDA for the National School Lunch Program.

** WASHINGTON, July 3, 2021 – Tyson Foods Inc., a Dexter, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 8,955,296 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen, fully cooked chicken products were produced between December 26, 2020 and April 13, 2021. The products that are subject to recall are listed here. View the labels here.       

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. P-7089” on the product bag or inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped nationwide to retailers and institutions, including hospitals, nursing facilities, restaurants, schools and Department of Defense locations.                             

On June 9, 2021, FSIS was notified of two persons ill with listeriosis. Working in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners, FSIS determined there is evidence linking the Listeria monocytogenes illnesses to precooked chicken produced at Tyson Foods Inc. The epidemiologic investigation identified three listeriosis illnesses, including one death, between April 6, 2021 and June 5, 2021. During routine sample collection, FSIS collected two precooked chicken samples from two establishments that are closely related genetically to Listeria monocytogenes from ill people. One of the samples was collected at Tyson Foods Inc. FSIS is continuing to work with federal and state public health partners to determine if there are additional illnesses linked to these products.

Additional information on the investigation may be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

** 5000 YEARS FOODS, INC. of CHICAGO, ILLINOIS is recalling SLICED CABBAGE KIMCHI, WHOLE CABBAGE KIMCHI, JULRADO WHOLE CABBAGE KIMCHI, JULRADO SLICED CABBAGE KIMCHI, NO MSG WHOLE CABBAGE KIMCHI, NO MSG SLICED CABBAGE KIMCHI, NO MSG JULRADO WHOLE CABBAGE KIMCHI, NO MSG JULRADO SLICED CABBAGE KIMCHI, WHITE KIMCHI, BABY NAPA KIMCHI because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled product was distributed in ILLINOIS where the product was further distributed and it reached customers through distributors to retail stores potentially nationwide.

The recalled product was sold in 5GAL plastic tubs, and 128 oz, 64 oz, 32 oz, & 16 oz glass jars under the 5000 Years Foods brand name with code information “09052021” through “09252021” printed on the top of the lid. 

     –   No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of sampling by the FDA that found Listeria monocytogenes in the production facility. We, 5000 Years Foods, Inc., corrected all actions via FDA guideline and we are waiting for the environmental test result from a licensed laboratory.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should not consume them, and are urged to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-773-509-8600. (Mon-Fri 9:00 AM -4:o0 PM)

** July 8, 2021, Editor’s Note: Details of this recall were updated to reflect additional date codes and an increase in product poundage from approximately 8,492,832 pounds to approximately 8,955,296 pounds.  The recalled product names and product codes remain the same. While the product was distributed to schools, it resulted from a commercial sale and was not part of food provided by the USDA for the National School Lunch Program.

WASHINGTON, July 3, 2021 – Tyson Foods Inc., a Dexter, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 8,955,296 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen, fully cooked chicken products were produced between December 26, 2020 and April 13, 2021. The products that are subject to recall are listed here. View the labels here.       

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. P-7089” on the product bag or inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped nationwide to retailers and institutions, including hospitals, nursing facilities, restaurants, schools and Department of Defense locations.                             

** Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Ardil Comercial is voluntarily recalling one lot of Limar Hand Sanitizer, packaged in 4 oz bottles to the consumer level. The hand sanitizer is being recalled because it is packaged in containers that resemble water bottles. The product poses a risk of ingestion.

Ingesting hand sanitizer, which is intended for topical use, could potentially result in alcohol toxicity. Symptoms of alcohol toxicity may range from lack of coordination, slowed or slurred speech, drowsiness to coma, which can be fatal. Furthermore, ingesting alcohol can affect the brain and cause impaired driving or operating heavy machinery. Alcohol can also interact with numerous drugs which may result in serious adverse effects. Ingesting alcohol by people with alcohol addiction may interfere with maintaining abstinence. Additionally, people with alcohol addiction may seek large amounts of ethanol-based hand sanitizers as a substitute.  To date, Ardil Comercial has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.

The product is intended to be applied topically to help reduce bacteria on the skin that could cause diseases when soap and water are not available and is packaged in 4 oz bottles. under the brand Limar. The product can be identified by the bottle’s labels pictured below.  The affected product lots include the following lot number: 079932-4611-05-J with the following expiration date: May 2022. Hand Sanitizer 4 oz Limar was distributed nationwide to a distributor who may have further distributed nationwide in the USA.

Ardil Comercial is notifying its distributors and customers by telephone, press release and is arranging for a replacement of all recalled products. Consumers and distributors that have the product which is being recalled should return to place of purchase.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Ardil Comercial by the phone number 809-231-2583 Ext.: 9 or administracion@ardilcomercial.com on Monday-Friday from 8am – 5pm, AST.  Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online by regular mail or by fax.

May be an image of text
Shutterstock
On June 26, Jasper, Indiana-based butcher shop Merkley and Sons shared with its customers via Facebook that the company is issuing a voluntary recall on their one- and five-pound packages of 80 percent lean Ground Beef. The affected meat was sold in retail locations between Jun e 7 and June 24, 2021.

**

** Manna Pro Products, LLC, St. Louis, Missouri, is voluntarily recalling a single lot of Flock Party Quack Snacks (poultry treat) with a Best By date of 12/2023, packaged in 1.68 pound bags because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Manna Pro Products LLC was informed by the State of West Virginia of a positive Salmonella spp. result in a routine surveillance sample of Flock Party Quack Snacks.

Salmonella is a risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

The bags are magenta and light blue in color and made of plastic (see images below). These products have a Best By date of 12/2023, which is printed on the bottom of the bag. This voluntary recall applies only to Flock Party Quack Snacks with Best By dates of 12/2023. Distribution of this product has been suspended while Manna Pro continues its investigation as to the source of the contamination.

This product was distributed beginning February 2, 2021 at retail stores throughout the United States.

Customers who purchased Flock Party Quack Snacks with a Best By date of 12/2023 should stop feeding the product immediately, throw the product away, and contact Manna Pro at the phone number below for a full refund.

Customers with questions or concerns should contact Manna Pro at (800) 690-9908 ext. 2, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Central time.

** Tyson recalls almost 8.5 million pounds of chicken after 1 death, 3 hospitalizations

The full list of the products subject to recall includes but is not limited to:

  • Tyson Pulled Chicken Breast – Fully Cooked, Boneless Skinless with Rib Meat, Seasoned, Smoke Flavor Added
  • Tyson Fully Cooked, Boneless, Skinless – Pulled Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat
  • Jet’s Pizza – Fully Cooked, Fajita Seasoned, Boneless, Skinless – Diced Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat
  • Tyson Fully Cooked Diced Grilled Chicken Breast with Rib Meat

** The FDA advises consumers not to purchase or eat Little Hatch’s ready to eat Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip, Queso, Spicy Queso, Roasted Chili Salsa Medium and Roasted Chili Salsa Hot sold in 13.5 oz or 14 oz containers due to a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. 

consumers who have recently purchased Little Hatch’s:

  • Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip (13.5 oz or 14 oz)
  • Queso (13.5 oz)
  • Spicy Queso (13.5 oz)
  • Roasted Chili Salsa Medium (13.5 oz)
  • Roasted Chili Salsa Hot (13.5 oz)

Product

  • Little Hatch’s ready to eat foods: Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip, Queso, Spicy Queso, Roasted Chili Salsa Medium and Roasted Chili Salsa Hot, sold in 13.5 oz or 14 oz containers in the refrigerated section of grocery stores  
  • Little Hatch’s products are manufactured by Interstate Food Products, LLC and distributed to:
    • Whole Foods Market Distribution Center, Denver, CO
    • Whole Foods Market Rocky Mountain Regional states – CO, KS, MO, NM, UT, TX, WY
    • Natural Grocers, Denver, CO
    • Lucky Market, Denver, CO

On May 20 2021, Interstate Food Products, initiated a voluntary recall of “Little Hatch’s” brand Jalapeno Cream Cheese, Queso, and Spicy Queso products with specific sell by dates that the FDA tested and found positive for Listeria monocytogenes. On June 15, 2021, Interstate Food Products indicated to the FDA that they may need to further expand the recall to include “Little Hatch’s” brand Roasted Chili Salsa Hot 

** Teva Pharmaceuticals has initiated a voluntary recall of lot 31328962B of Topotecan Injection 4 mg/4 mL (1 mg/mL), to the retail/institutional level in the United States. This voluntary recall was initiated based on a complaint received from a pharmacy after a single glass particle was observed inside one vial. After further examination of the complaint sample, two other particulates were found and identified as one (1) grey silicone particle and one (1) translucent, colorless cotton fiber

The administration of an injectable product that contains particulate matter may result in local irritation or swelling in response to the foreign material. If the particulate matter reaches the blood vessels it can travel to various organs and block blood vessels in the heart, lungs or brain which can cause stroke and even lead to death. While the health hazard risk could be severe if particulate matter is infused, Teva’s internal health assessment determined that the likelihood of patient exposure to impacted product is remote or unlikely. To date Teva has received no further complaints or reports of illness or injury.

Carton NDCVial NDCLot#Exp. Date
0703-4714-010703-4714-7131328962B04/2022

Topotecan Injection, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic ovarian cancer after disease progression on or after initial or subsequent chemotherapy and for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) platinum-sensitive disease who progressed at least 60 days after initiation of first-line chemotherapy. It is also indicated for treatment of patients with Stage IV-B, recurrent, or persistent cervical cancer which is not amenable to curative treatment, in combination with cisplatin. It is packaged in 4 mg/4 mL single use vials. The affected product information is listed in the table above. Teva distributed the product nationwide to six of its Wholesale customers.

Teva notified its customers on June 18th 2021 and asked that the lot be recalled and to make arrangements for impacted product to be returned. Instructions for returning recalled product and crediting are given in the [recall letter]External Link Disclaimerreleased by Teva.

Any consumer who has questions or concerns should first consult with their health care provider(s). To report an Adverse Event or Quality Complaint, or have Medical Related Questions, customers and patients should contact Teva’s Medical Information at: 888-838-2872, option 3, then, option 4. Live calls are received: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Eastern Time and voicemail: 24 hrs. /day, 7 days/week or by email at druginfo@tevapharm.com.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online by regular mail or by fax.

** Tyson Foods Inc., a Dexter, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 8,492,832 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen, fully cooked chicken products were produced between December 26, 2020 and April 13, 2021. The products that are subject to recall are listed here. View the labels here.       

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. P-7089” on the product bag or inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped nationwide to retailers and institutions, including hospitals, nursing facilities, restaurants, schools and Department of Defense locations.    


Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

1965 – The Voting Rights Act was signed by U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.


See the source imageVoting Rights Act. The Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote as guaranteed under the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Voting Rights Act is considered one of the most far-reaching pieces of civil rights legislation in U.S. history.

history.com

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

1942 – The WAVES were created by legislation signed by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The members of the Women’s Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service were a part of the U.S. Navy


Throughout World War II women contributed to the war effort in various fields of endeavor. Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES), a unit of the U.S. Naval Reserve, was one such field. Their numerous contributions proved to be a vital asset to winning the war as well as proving that mixed-gender forces could be successful.

A nudge from Eleanor Roosevelt prompted the navy to consider a women’s reserve corps. Congress was slow to recognize the need for women in the navy, but President Roosevelt realized that servicewomen would be a wartime plus, and signed the corps into law on July 30, 1942. Mildred McAfee, president of Wellesley College, was sworn in as a naval reserve lieutenant commander, the first female commissioned officer of the U.S. Navy and the first director of the WAVES.

WAVES recruitment poster
By early August 1942 a great number of women from every state applied for the general navy service positions offered in Bainbridge, Maryland. The intensive 12-week training course entailed eight-hour days of classroom study. The women, equivalent to yeomen, were trained to perform secretarial and clerical functions. The first class consisted of 644 women, and subsequent classes produced a maximum of 1,250 graduates. The results exceeded expectations; by fall 1942, the U.S. Navy had produced a record 10,000 women for active service.

Later serving in a wide range of occupations, the WAVES performed jobs in the aviation community, medical professions, science, technology and communications. The navy established the WAVES to perform the same assignments as the WACs with such duties as control tower operations. For that position the preferred candidate had to meet the following criteria, to be and to have:

25 to 30 years old,
20/20 vision, normal auditory acuity,
speaking ability, and
quick reactions in stressful situations.

Recognizing their natural talents and the ability to perform as well or better than men, the Bureau of Aeronautics restricted aviator operator positions to the WAVES in the fall of 1942.

WAVES were not eligible for combat duty, so as more men went off to war, positions in other fields became available. While attending parachute school at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey, Kathleen Robertson influenced navy policy when she went beyond her normal duties of inspecting, repairing and packing parachutes. While the navy required the men to test the parachutes, Kathleen impressed them when she successfully and happily executed a jump. Thereafter a WAVE parachute rigger could jump, but was not required to do so. At least one third of the WAVES were assigned to naval aviation duties during World War II.

While women filled in where needed, which released men into combat, that reality was not favorable to some. Men with stateside assignments did not automatically want to go into combat overseas. Civilian women did not want their husbands, brothers, sons or fathers to go off to war. As a result, WAVES were often resented. Other controversies followed when WAVE enlistees were pasted with the stereotype that they were too masculine — or the worst calumny, government-sanctioned prostitutes. Despite public relation challenges, the navy continued to depict female service members as serious, noble, feminine and patriotic.

The WAVES’ assignments remained stateside, or in Alaska and Hawaii. Publicity depicted their numerous contributions, which indirectly made combat victories possible. Their diverse images, portrayed on posters, in magazines, and on billboards were not only morale boosters, but also encouraged other women to enlist. The navy did come under fire for excluding African-American women from the ranks.*

A final attraction to join the WAVES became reality when the Navy awarded women equal pay and rank in October 1943. WAVES were now subject to the same regulations and requirements for promotions as men. That created a huge incentive for women to enlist and, within a year, 27,000 women wore the WAVES uniform.
The U.S. Navy regulated all aspects of the WAVES’ physical appearance. In 1944, Josephine Forrestal, wife of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, asked noted fashion designer Main Rousseau Bocher to create a stylish uniform. He then donated his designs to the navy for the WAVES. Each enlistee was given four uniforms: summer greys, summer dress whites, working blues, and of course, dress blues. Navy regulations specified that WAVES should wear their hair short, and they were encouraged to wear feminine hair dos, skirts and gloves. The uniform regulations were specific, and frequent surprise inspections were standard procedure.

The navy provided cryptology classes at several colleges for some WAVES; students received their code training in a three-month course at Smith College in Massachusetts. Those whose test scores were high were sent straight to work in Washington, D.C. Women accepted into the cryptologic field were sworn to secrecy, and the penalty for discussing their work outside proper channels — considered to be an act of treason in time of war — could be death.

To maintain secrecy, the Navy told the WAVES as little as possible. Approximately 600 newly inducted WAVES were sent to Dayton, Ohio, along with 200 men, to help build and train on cryptanalytic bombes. Used to break coded German messages, that equipment contained intricate works. The WAVES performed secret tasks by soldering wires to the rotors, with another WAVE soldering on the opposite side, thus maintaining the secrecy of the rotary wirings, because no individual WAVE would have knowledge of both sides. Such work was another illustration that non-combat missions were not only vital to the war effort, but that detailed work by women could be invaluable.
WAVES in new apartment

WAVES were often assigned to such less desirable shifts as nights and weekends. Shift work, with women working around the clock, exerted adverse effects on their health. WAVE sleeping quarters comprised several barracks that housed more than 4,000 WAVES. Eighty-four women shared one large room, sleeping in bunk beds and storing their belongings in nearby steel lockers. It became apparent to the navy that better living conditions would foster higher morale and improve health conditions. The living quarters were subsequently enlarged to create more privacy and better accommodate the WAVES with their challenging work schedules.

Recruiting ended in 1945 with a peak enrollment of 86,000 servicewomen. By the time World WAR II ended, more than 8,000 female officers and at least 75,000 enlisted WAVES had served their country. The WAVES’ duties had included everything from patching bullet holes in a naval boat to performing engine checks on a seaplane.

The WAVES’ status was uncertain at war’s end. With the passage of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, the WAVES became a permanent component of the Navy until 1978. At that time, separate women’s units of the armed forces were integrated into the former all-male units.WAVES on Washington DC mall

Accepted by some, rejected by others, the WAVES who served their country during World War II are still recognized and appreciated by Americans today. Their contributions earned the respect of society and laid part of the foundation for the women’s movement.

President Truman signed an executive order to racially integrate the armed services in 1947.

u-s-history.com

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

1965 – U.S. President Johnson signed into law Social Security Act that established Medicare and Medicaid. It went into effect the following year.


On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law legislation that established the Medicare and Medicaid programs. For 50 years, these programs have been protecting the health and well-being of millions of American families, saving lives, and improving the economic security of our nation.

 

CMS’ program history
Medicare & Medicaid

On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the bill that led to the Medicare and Medicaid. The original Medicare program included Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Today these 2 parts are called “Original Medicare.” Over the years, Congress has made changes to Medicare:

  • More people have become eligible.
    For example, in 1972, Medicare was expanded to cover the disabled, people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or kidney transplant, and people 65 or older that select Medicare coverage.
    More benefits, like prescription drug coverage, have been offered.
    At first, Medicaid gave medical insurance to people getting cash assistance. Today, a much larger group is covered:
    Low-income families
    Pregnant women
    People of all ages with disabilities
    People who need long-term care
    States can tailor their Medicaid programs to best serve the people in their state, so there’s a wide variation in the services offered.
    Medicare Part D Prescription Drug benefit
    The Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) made the biggest changes to the Medicare in the program in 38 years. Under the MMA, private health plans approved by Medicare became known as Medicare Advantage Plans. These plans are sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans.”
    The MMA also expanded Medicare to include an optional prescription drug benefit, “Part D,” which went into effect in 2006.
    Children’s Health Insurance Program
    The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was created in 1997 to give health insurance and preventive care to nearly 11 million, or 1 in 7, uninsured American children. Many of these children came from uninsured working families that earned too much to be eligible for Medicaid. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories have CHIP plans.
    Affordable Care Act
    The 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) brought the Health Insurance Marketplace, a single place where consumers can apply for and enroll in private health insurance plans. It also made new ways for us to design and test how to pay for and deliver health care. Medicare and Medicaid have also been better coordinated to make sure people who have Medicare and Medicaid can get quality services.
    50th Anniversary – Medicare & Medicaid Event: 50 Years, Millions Of Healthier Lives

cms.gov