Category Archives: ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

USDA February 2023 Safety Alerts Previous Month & last day of prior month updates


** Daiso Issues Allergy Alert for Prepackaged Snacks

Daiso California LLC of La Mirada, CA is recalling the below listed snacks due of undeclared allergen ingredients. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soybeans and milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

These prepackaged snacks were sold in Daiso stores in California, Washington, Nevada, Texas, New York, and New Jersey.

There have been no reported cases of allergic reaction to these products. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that packaging did not adequately disclose the presence of all allergens. Sale of the products have been suspended, and Daiso California has pulled the products from store shelves

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** Jan Fruits Inc. of VERNON, CA is recalling all its cases of its 200g/7.05oz packages of ENOKI MUSHROOM (Product of Taiwan) 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 Enoki Mushroom product was distributed in CA to small local produce distributors or wholesalers for further distribution to retail stores within CA and HI.

The Enoki Mushroom comes in a 200g/7.05oz clear plastic package with the following description “Taiwan Best Quality Enoki Natural Mushroom***Manufacturer: Changhua County Mushrooms Production Cooperative” in English. There is a green lettered “Premium” Printed with two QR scan codes and UPC 8 51084 00835 8 on the back side of a package There is a Lot Code #3779 outside of box.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The distribution of the product is suspended.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the State of Hawaii which revealed that the finished products contained Listeria monocytogenes. We have ceased the production and distribution of the product as we continue our investigation as to what caused the problem.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CDPH.

Although safety measures were taken to prevent the following risk, the safety of consumers is our top priority. We urge to return enoki package to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with question may contact the company at 323-923-2879 Ext. 3. Monday – Friday 7:00am – 3:00pm.

** February 23, 2023, Global Pharma Healthcare is voluntarily recalling Batch No. H29 of Artificial Eye Ointment, distributed by Delsam Pharma to the consumer level, due to possible microbial contamination. Additionally, some product packaging is leaking or may otherwise be compromised.

Risk Statement: Use of contaminated eye ointment may cause adverse events, including infection in the eye that could lead to blindness. To date, Global Pharma Healthcare has not received any reports of adverse events related to this product.

Artificial Eye Ointment (mineral oil 15%, white petrolatum 83%, 3.5 grams / 1/8 oz.) is used as an eye lubricant and to relieve dryness of the eyes. The affected product is packaged in a white aluminum tube within a paper carton. The product can be identified by the photos provided below. The product was distributed nationwide in the United States, and by Delsam through internet retail sites. Delsam Pharma’s NDC for this product is 72570-122-35, and its UPC code is 3 72570 012235 3.

Global Pharma Healthcare is notifying the brand owner and importer of this product, Delsam Pharma, about this recall, and is requesting that wholesalers, retailers, and customers who have the recalled product should stop any use and discard the product safely and appropriately.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact the distributor Delsam Pharma, LLC by phone at 1-866-826-1306 or by e-mail at delsampharma@yahoo.com from Monday to Friday from 11am to 4pm EST.

Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to using these over-the-counter drug products.

** Kawasho Foods USA Inc. of New York, NY, is voluntarily recalling one lot of canned GEISHA Medium Shrimp 4oz. because of reported swelling, leaking, or bursting cans. There is a possibility that the product has been under processed, which could lead to the potential for spoilage organisms or pathogens.

The Product was distributed to retail stores (Walmart, Associated Food Stores, Stater Bros Markets, Safeway, Albertsons) in California, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado.

The GEISHA Medium Shrimp is packaged in a 4oz. metal can, with UPC 071140003909. The one lot being recalled is LGC12W12E22; BEST BY: MAY/12/2026 and this code appears on the bottom of the product can.

Consumers should not use this product, even if it does not look or smell spoiled. No illnesses or other adverse consequences have been reported to date in connection with this product.

Consumer who have purchased this product are urged to return to place of puchase for a full refund. If you have any question regarding this recall, please contact us at (212)841-7400 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST) or via email at info@geishabrand.com.

** Bindle Bottle LLC of Carlsbad, CA, is recalling its Bindle Bottles because they may contain an area of exposed lead located in the bottom storage compartment of the bottle. Unpackaged food stored in the bottom storage compartment of the bottle may have been adulterated by the lead and could pose health problems to people or animals eating that adulterated food. People with high blood levels of lead may show no symptoms, but the condition may cause damage to the nervous system and internal organs. Acute lead poisoning may cause a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody or decreased urinary output. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. If a child is exposed to enough lead for a protracted period of time (e.g., weeks to months) permanent damage to the central nervous system can occur. This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems. Clinical signs in dogs with acute lead poisoning may include lethargy, anorexia, behavioral changes, ataxia (wobbly gait), tremors, and seizures.

The recalled Bindle Bottles were distributed nationwide via bindlebottle.com, amazon.com, promotional distributors, and in retail stores.

The product comes in four sizes: 32 oz, 24 oz, 20 oz, and 13 oz. Bindle Bottle is also recalling the 24 oz bottle that is part of the Puppy Pack.

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

Reports by Lead Free Mama and Consumer Reports led the firm to have the bottle tested. The recall was initiated after analytical results revealed that the small, 0.4” diameter soldering dot in the bottom storage compartment contained lead. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a lack of a cover or barrier to the exposed soldering dot.

Production of Bindle Bottles has been suspended and will be overhauled going forward, eliminating the presence of exposed lead anywhere on future products.

As part of the recall, consumers who purchased a Bindle Bottle are eligible to receive at-home repair kits to rectify the issue. These repair kits can be obtained by filling out a form at bindlebottle.com/pages/recallExternal Link Disclaimer. Consumers with questions may contact the company at product_safety@bindlebottle.com

** Delight Foods USA LLC Recalls Ineligible Frozen Siluriformes Products Imported from India

Delight Foods USA LLC, a distributor and the Importer of Record located in Jersey City, N.J., and Delight Foods LLC, a distributor and the Importer of Record located in San Jose, Calif.,  is recalling approximately 2,961 pounds of imported frozen Siluriformes (catfish) products. The products were imported from India, a country ineligible to export Siluriformes products to the United States.

** Edgewell Personal Care Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Due to the Presence of Benzene UPDATED

In the news release dated July 29, 2022, and titled, Edgewell Personal Care Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Due to the Presence of Benzene, one additional lot code (“20301CF”) has been added to the recall. The modified announcement follows:

SHELTON, Conn., January 27, 2023 Edgewell Personal Care Company (NYSE: EPC) today expanded its voluntary nationwide recall of three batches of Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 to the consumer level as outlined in the table below. One additional batch has been added to the original recall announced on July 29, 2022. A review found that some samples of the product contained trace levels of benzene. While benzene is not an ingredient in any Banana Boat products, the review showed that unexpected levels of benzene came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can.

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**  The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen chicken products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen. The product contains cashews, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with allergies to cashews are aware that these products should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because it is believed that the products are no longer available for consumers to purchase.

The frozen products are labeled as Chicken Korma with Basmati Turmeric Rice but may contain Vegetable Tikka Masala with Turmeric Rice. This item was produced on November 8, 2022. The following product is subject to the public health alert [view labels]:

  • 10-oz. containers of “Wegmans Chicken Korma with Basmati Turmeric Rice” with Best By 08 NOV 2023.

The products subject to the public health alert bear establishment number “P-34641” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in New York and Pennsylvania.

The problem was discovered when the producing establishment notified FSIS that they received consumer complaints reporting that product labeled as chicken korma actually contained vegetable tikka masala. The vegetable tikka masala contains cashews not declared on the chicken korma product label.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.  

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the public health alert can contact Giovanni Gomez, Director of Business Development, Cafe Spice, at 845-863-0910 or Giovanni@cafespice.com.

** FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen, Not-Ready-To-Eat Signature Select Breakfast Bowl Products Due to Possible Temperature Abuse at Distribution Center

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that not-ready-to-eat meat products were subject to temperature abuse during storage at a distribution center prior to delivery to retailers, which may have resulted in the growth of spoilage organisms or pathogens. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that these products should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.

** Fresh Ideation Food Group LLC Recalls Sandwiches and Other Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Fresh Ideation Food Group LLC of Baltimore, MD is recalling products sold from January 24, 2023 through January 30, 2023 because the products have the potential to be contaminated withListeria monocytogenesan 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,Listeriainfection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Products have been distributed in Connecticut, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. Recalled Products were sold in retail locations, vending machines, and during travel with transportation providers. The products include sandwiches, salads, snacks, yogurt, wraps and related products. A listing of the relevant product information is provided at the bottom of this press release.

** Conagra Brands, Inc., a Fort Madison, Iowa establishment, is recalling approximately 2,581,816 pounds of canned meat and poultry products due to a packaging defect that may cause the products to become contaminated without showing any outward signs of contamination, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The meat and poultry products were produced between December 12, 2022, and January 13, 2023. The following products are subject to recall: [view spreadsheet] [view labels].

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P4247” on the product cans. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS after observing spoiled and/or leaking cans from multiple production dates at the establishment’s warehouse.

Subsequent investigation by the establishment determined that the cans subject to recall may have been damaged in a manner that is not readily apparent to consumers, which may allow foodborne pathogens to enter the cans.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.  

FSIS is concerned that some product may be on retail shelves or in consumers’ pantries. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Dan Hare, Senior Director of Communications, ConAgra Brands, at 312-549-5355 or daniel.hare@conagra.com. Consumers with questions about the recall can call 800-289-6014, Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST or email consumer.care@conagra.com.

Trayvon … Black History, a repost


 we’ll mourn the death of Trayvon Martin.Trayvon Martin video stillPlease share this video and honor Trayvon’s memory by building a strong movement for justice.Take Action

George Zimmerman shot and killed 17 year-old Trayvon Martin because he thought the young man looked suspicious.1 And one year later, what happened that night in Sanford, Florida still outrages us.

In a culture that inundates us with images of Black men as violent2 — not to be trusted, inherently criminal — we are continually reminded that something as simple as walking home from the corner store can draw unwanted attention that puts our very lives in danger. Black Americans face racial animosity every day, and far too often that animosity turns violent.

Tomorrow as we mourn, we must also acknowledge that if it weren’t for the hundreds of thousands of you who spoke up to demand basic dignity and justice, Trayvon Martin’s case would have been ignored — and George Zimmerman would have gone free. As our membership grows in number, so does our power to fight injustice. Please inspire others to join the fight by sharing this video with your friends and family.

The movement that came together to demand justice for Trayvon demonstrates the power of our collective voice. It’s thanks to the pressure from more than 200,000 ColorOfChange members, the work of our allies and tireless advocacy of Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin that George Zimmerman will answer in a court of law for killing Trayvon Martin.3

ColorOfChange fights racial injustice and the danger it presents to our basic safety. We organize campaigns against racially-motivated police practices like the NYPD‘s Stop and Frisk.4 And we’re working to stop the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which pushed the “Shoot First” laws Zimmerman is using to claim his actions were justified.5

Our power comes from you, our members — courageous individuals from all walks of life who make bold demands and achieve important social change. Watch our powerful video about the campaign to demand justice for Trayvon Martin. Pledge to grow the movement to change our culture’s treatment of Black youth by sharing this video with your friends and family. Encourage them to join the fight.

Thanks and Peace,

–Rashad, Matt, Arisha, Johnny, Lyla, Kim and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team    February 26th, 2013

Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU—your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don’t share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter References

1. “Young, black and ‘suspicious’,” Salon, 03-20-12 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/2282?t=9&akid=2828.1174326.taryav

2. “Opportunity for Black Men and Boys: Public Opinion, Media Depictions, and Media Consumption,” Opportunity Agenda, 11-30-11 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/2280?t=11&akid=2828.1174326.taryav

3. “Trayvon Martin: The Latest, Week 33,” The Root, 10-18-12 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/2284?t=13&akid=2828.1174326.taryav

4. “Hundreds Rally at City Hall to End Stop and Frisk,” ColorOfChange.org blog, 10-01-12 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/2287?t=15&akid=2828.1174326.taryav

5. “Stand Against ‘Shoot First’ Laws,” ColorOfChange.org, 11-15-12 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/2288?t=17&akid=2828.1174326.taryav

‘Shoot First’ laws protected Trayvon’s killer … Rashad Robinson, ColorOfChange.org – In memory – Black History


Florida‘s ‘Shoot First’ law allowed Trayvon Martin’s killer to walk free without formal charges — for more than a month. Shoot First laws legalize vigilante homicide, even in circumstances that would otherwise merit murder charges.1 In Trayvon’s case, local law enforcement hid behind the Shoot First law as justification for failing to arrest George Zimmerman, saying that his claim of self-defense stopped them from pursuing even manslaughter charges.2

Florida’s dangerous Shoot First law was spread to many other states across the country by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Please join us in calling on our elected officials nationwide to take a stand against the shoot first agenda. It only takes a moment:

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/Trayvon_ALEC

In 2005, Florida passed the nation’s first ‘Shoot First’ law using model legislation created by the National Rifle Association (NRA).3 The NRA leveraged its key membership in the corporate-funded American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) to push this agenda in communities across the country. ALEC has also pushed legislation to expand private prisons, impose harsher criminal penalties on juveniles, privatize education, and break unions.

ALEC is funded in part by the multibillionaire Koch brothers,4 the same family that helps to bankroll the reactionary Tea Party. It also receives funding from large corporations, many of which are household names. Nearly 100,000 ColorOfChange members have demanded that such companies break from ALEC over its championing of voter suppression laws that threaten Black folks’ ability to participate fully as citizens in our democracy.5 ALEC’s shoot first laws threaten our basic ability to walk in our own neighborhoods without fear that our lives can be taken by unaccountable vigilantes.

Even with Shoot First on the books, Florida authorities should have arrested Trayvon’s killer.6 Yet, Shoot First gives police and prosecutors cover to incentivize bad police work, leading to incomplete investigations and a failure to prosecute homicides. Shoot First laws present a grave threat to public safety, and particularly to young Black males, who are nearly five times more likely to be victims of fatal shootings. With the criminal justice system already stacked against Black victims and defendants,7 and with the prevalence of racial profiling in a culture that treats people of color as criminals, our families and communities will continue to pay a heavy price for these laws.

Trayvon’s entirely avoidable death shined a spotlight on ALEC’s reckless push to enact deadly Shoot First laws across the nation.8 Shortly after, ALEC began to buckle under the public scrunity and attempted to salvage its public image. The group responded by disbanding its Public Safety and Elections Task Force, claiming that gun issues were no longer a priority. This move was quickly revealed as a PR stunt after the Public Safety Task Force chair, Republican State Rep. Jerry Madden of Texas, said that “many of the issues will be transferred to other committees.9” When asked during a later interview, Rep. Madden refused to commit to taking Shoot First laws off the table.10

Shoot First is now the law of the land in at least 25 states, and at least six others have considered such legislation in 2012.11 So long as these laws exist — and ALEC’s efforts to spread them go unchecked — this won’t be the last time we bear witness to racial profiling ending in senseless violence. Please click the link below to help prevent future tragedies like Trayvon’s, and please ask your friends and family to do the same:

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/Trayvon_ALEC

Thanks and Peace,

— Rashad, Gabriel, Dani, Matt, Natasha, Kim, Arisha, Kira, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team     May 24th, 2012

Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU—your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don’t share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. You can contribute here:

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/205?t=6&akid=2503.1174326.w9kISx

References

1. “Broward murder suspect wins Stand Your Ground decision,” Sun Sentinel, 12-12-2011 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1272?t=8&akid=2503.1174326.w9kISx

2. “Police: No Grounds For Arrest In Trayvon Martin Death,” WESH Orlando, 03-16-2012 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1227?t=10&akid=2503.1174326.w9kISx

3. “The Money Trail Behind Florida’s Notorious Gun Law,” Mother Jones, 03-29-2012 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1399?t=12&akid=2503.1174326.w9kISx

4. “ALEC Exposed: The Koch Connection,” The Nation, 07-12-2011 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1276?t=14&akid=2503.1174326.w9kISx

5. “Stop corporate-funded voter suppression,” ColorOfChange campaign, 12-08-2011 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1275?t=16&akid=2503.1174326.w9kISx

6. “Gun Violence Facts by Race/Ethnicity: Overview,” Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1265?t=18&akid=2503.1174326.w9kISx

7. “1 in 3 Black Men Go To Prison? The 10 Most Disturbing Facts About Racial Inequality in the U.S. Criminal Justice System,” AlterNet, 03-17-2012 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1400?t=20&akid=2503.1174326.w9kISx

8. “Chuck Todd Takes ‘Deep Dive’ Into How NRA, ALEC Pushed ‘Kill At Will’ Laws,” MSNBC’s The Daily Rundown, 03-29-2012 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1264?t=22&akid=2503.1174326.w9kISx

9. “ALEC leader admits last week’s announcement was a PR stunt,” ColorOfChange blog, 04-24-12 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1402?t=24&akid=2503.1174326.w9kISx

10. “Disbanded ALEC Task Force Chair: Gun and Voter Issues No Longer Priority,” Media Matters, 04-26-12 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1403?t=26&akid=2503.1174326.w9kISx

11. “Trayvon Martin: A Victim of Florida’s Gun Laws?,” Legal Community Against Violence, 03-20-2012 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1262?t=28&akid=2503.1174326.w9kISx