What’s in Your Kitchen? A Week in Recalls

Posted in Botulism,Outbreaks & Recalls,Salmonella on June 1, 2018

MakeFoodSafe.com would like to help you keep your family safe from unsafe and recalled foods.

Each week we bring together a list of the current recalls so you can stay in the know about the food you eat and buy.  Check back each week and evaluate your fridge, pantry, and shopping list to make sure you can identify which foods to avoid – and keep your family safe!

Bring on the Recalls

Stonewall Kitchen Recalls Limited Amount of Basil Pesto Aioli Due to Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergens

On April 30, 2018, Stonewall Kitchen issued a voluntary recall for a limited amount of their 10.25oz Basil Pesto Aioli (with Enjoy By date 28 Sep 2019).  The affected product contains undeclared allergen egg. The company explains that the label for the Basil Pesto may have been applied to the Basil Pesto Aioli products by mistake.  The case pack is correctly labeled, though the individual product within may have incorrect jar labeling.  Those who have severe sensitivities or allergies to eggs may risk serious or life-threatening allergic reaction.

The issue was identified on April 23, 2018 that this error involving no more than 723 units was made.  A total of 38 retailers received the affected product and the company indicates that they have all been contacted.  See chart below for specific UPC information.

No complaints, injuries, or illness have been reported to date with this recall.

Maya Distribution, LLC Recalls Dragon Label Kratom Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

On May 1, 2018, Maya Distribution, LLC of South Salt Lake City, Utah issued a voluntary recall for their Dragon Kratom labeled bottles and sealed packages of encapsulated and raw powder product due to potential contamination with Salmonella.

Salmonella can cause illness in any group, but young children, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system are most susceptible for more severe infection.  Symptoms in normally healthy individuals include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea (often bloody).  Under rare situations Salmonella bacteria may leave the gastrointestinal system and enter the bloodstream or other parts of the body that can lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

According to the manufacturer, bottles were sold directly to manufacturers in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming, Kansas, Illinois, Idaho, Iowa, and Michigan.  See chart below for specific UPC information.

The recall was initiated after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified Maya Distribution of positive Salmonella test results.  Maya Distribution has since identified the supplier and source of the contamination and has stopped production and distribution of the affected product.

At this time one illness has been reported.

Seabear Company Recalls Cold Smoked Wild Coho Salmon Lox Due to Possible Clostridium botulinum Contamination

On May 1, 2018, Seabear Company of Anacortes, Washington issued a recall for 1,225 units of Cold Smoked Wild Coho Salmon Lox under the Gerard & Dominique Seafoods brand due to potential Clostridium botulinum contamination.

Clostridium botulinum is responsible for the illness “botulism,” a fatal form of food poisoning.  Symptoms include: general weakness, dizziness, and double-vision. Infected people will also have trouble speaking or swallowing.  Other common symptoms include weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension, constipation, and difficulty in breathing.  If any of these symptoms are experienced, the consumer should seek medical attention immediately. Botulism could be fatal and cause an onset of paralysis.

The recall was initiated because the after the product’s water phase salt testing dropped below 3.5%.  Package labeling instructs consumers that once thawed, the package can be kept refrigerated unopened for up to 30 days.  With a water phase salt level less than 3.5%, the product must remain frozen until ready to consume, otherwise the bacterium Clostridium botulinum may be able to grow.

The affected lots were shipped directly to distributors in the states of California, Maryland, and Washington between 12/8/17 and 4/10/18 where they have been further distributed to other retail stores.  See chart below for specific UPC information.

No illnesses have been reported to date.  Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

Van’s Foods Recalls Gluten Free Waffles Due to Undeclared Allergen, Wheat and Milk

 On May 3, 2018 Van’s Foods issued a recall for Van’s Gluten Free Waffles due to the undeclared allergen, wheat and milk. Those with a severe sensitivity or allergy to wheat and/or dairy may experience serious or life-threatening allergic reaction.  These products could also cause a serious autoimmune reaction to those with celiac disease.

The recall was initiated when it became known that a limited number of the wrong packaging was used in producing Van’s Belgian Waffles.  The packaging for Van’s Gluten Free Waffle was used by mistake.

The affected product was distributed to food retailers in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin.  See chart below for specific UPC information.

No reports of illness or injury have been indicated.

A breakdown of the affected products includes:

By: Heather Van Tassell, Contributing Writer (Non-Lawyer)