New law requires food processors to have written recall plan
Panola Pepper Corp.’s Grady “Bubber” Brown said his company has had a food recall plan in place for years.
“We’ve never had to recall a product, thank goodness, but I think it’s important that every manufacturer have a plan to protect their customers and distributors,” said Brown, whose Lake Providence company produces almost 75 hot sauces and spice mixes.
Soon, every Louisiana food processor will be required to have a plan similar to Panola’s after Gov. Bobby Jindal signed state Sen. Francis Thompson’s food safety bill (SB 93) into law this week.
The new law requires all food processors to maintain a written food recall plan and report instances of contamination to the state Department of Health and Hospitals within 24 hours of when the processor learned of the contamination beginning Jan. 1, 2011.
About one in four Americans get sick every year due to food-borne illness and as many as 5,000 die, according to the U.S. government.
“It shocked me to find out how many people get sick and die each year,” said Thompson, D-Delhi. “You can’t open the newspaper without reading about another problem with food.
“It’s an issue we have to deal with, and I felt like the state needed to get up to speed.”
Thompson, who is chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is scheduled to speak about the issue at the Southern Legislative Conference in Winston-Salem, N.C., next month.
“I think it’s the right thing to do at the right time,” Thompson said. “We have to protect our residents.”
The new Louisiana law was especially timely after President Obama said this week the federal government will try to boost the safety of some of the nation’s most popular foods, announcing stricter rules for the production of eggs, poultry, beef, leafy greens, melons and tomatoes.
Those new standards are an effort to reduce instances of salmonella and E. coli contamination.
The group, headed by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, is also directing the Food and Drug Administration to help the food industry establish better tracing systems if there is an outbreak, so the origins of a disease can be quickly found.
A new network to help the many agencies that regulate food safety communicate better will also be created.
Earlier this year a massive salmonella outbreak in peanut products sickened hundreds, was suspected of causing nine deaths and led to one of the largest product recalls in U.S. history. In the past month, Nestle Toll House cookie dough and 380,000 pounds of beef produced by the JBS Swift Beef Co. of Greeley, Colo., have been recalled due illnesses caused by E. coli contamination.
Brown said all of Panola’s products have a date and code and record of where they are shipped.
“It’s important for safety, but it’s also important to the people we do business with,” Brown said. “They want to know that we can act quickly if necessary.”
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Before having garage sale, check if items recalled
Before Garage Sale, Beware Of Recalled Items
Garage sale operators cannot sell recalled products, under a recent law change.
You could be breaking the law just by selling certain items.
It's hard to believe you can actually get into trouble just by having a garage sale. It's easy to do, Tucker says, because she almost did it. Tucker was about to sell magnetic toys she bought for her children several years ago, until an estate sale expert advised her to do some homework.
"Go online and check to see if (a type of item) has been recalled," Diane Hudec said. "If it has, throw it away." In fact, it's illegal to sell a recalled item at a garage sale, a yard sale or even on the Internet.
It's a new law that was signed just last year.
Whether you're selling toys, baby products, baby furniture, or any other items you need to make sure they have not been recalled.
Where do you look? http://www.totalrecallinfo.com/freerecalls.php
It's a tough law to enforce because the agency doesn't have the people to go around checking garage sales. But if someone turns you in, you could face a fine.
Garage sale operators cannot sell recalled products, under a recent law change.
You could be breaking the law just by selling certain items.
It's hard to believe you can actually get into trouble just by having a garage sale. It's easy to do, Tucker says, because she almost did it. Tucker was about to sell magnetic toys she bought for her children several years ago, until an estate sale expert advised her to do some homework.
"Go online and check to see if (a type of item) has been recalled," Diane Hudec said. "If it has, throw it away." In fact, it's illegal to sell a recalled item at a garage sale, a yard sale or even on the Internet.
It's a new law that was signed just last year.
Whether you're selling toys, baby products, baby furniture, or any other items you need to make sure they have not been recalled.
Where do you look? http://www.totalrecallinfo.com/freerecalls.php
It's a tough law to enforce because the agency doesn't have the people to go around checking garage sales. But if someone turns you in, you could face a fine.
FDA Takes Enforcement Action Against Three New Jersey Dietary Supplement and Protein Powder Manufacturers
Media Inquiries: Siobhan DeLancey, 301-796-4668, siobhan.delancey@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
FDA Takes Enforcement Action Against Three New Jersey Dietary Supplement and Protein Powder Manufacturers
Companies failed to declare allergens in products and correct filthy conditions
The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has filed a complaint for permanent injunction against Quality Formulation Laboratories, Inc., American Sports Nutrition Inc., Sports Nutrition International LLC and Mohamed S. Desoky, who oversees operations at all three companies.
The companies, located in Paterson, N.J., manufacture dietary supplements and protein powders and distribute them throughout the United States. The companies also export powder mixes and dietary supplements for sale by private label customers.
The government's complaint, filed July 1, 2009 in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey, alleges that the companies have failed to follow current Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) by manufacturing and storing food under filthy conditions and in conditions that may cause major food allergens to enter into products not intended to contain them.
The complaint also alleges that the companies failed to disclose major food allergens on the product labels and have other labeling problems.
During a recent inspection, FDA investigators found that several of the companies’ products contained milk ingredients that were not declared on the product labels. In addition, the company failed to clean processing equipment between batches and control allergens in the facility.
FDA investigators also discovered live and dead rodents and rodent urine, feces and gnaw holes on bags of product.
In three inspections, FDA investigators noted deviations from GMP standards. The companies promised to make corrections, but they failed to do so. The complaint requests a court order to stop the companies and its officer from manufacturing and distributing the products until needed corrections are made.
“This company has consistently failed to correct filthy conditions in their plants and to make sure that allergens are appropriately declared on the labels, despite frequent warnings to do so,” said Michael Chappell, the FDA’s acting associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “The FDA will not tolerate companies that fail to provide adequate safeguards.”
Consumers with allergies to milk ingredients who have used these products and are experiencing any symptoms should contact their health care professional.
Consumers can report problems with FDA-regulated products to their district office consumer complaint coordinator.
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
FDA Takes Enforcement Action Against Three New Jersey Dietary Supplement and Protein Powder Manufacturers
Companies failed to declare allergens in products and correct filthy conditions
The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has filed a complaint for permanent injunction against Quality Formulation Laboratories, Inc., American Sports Nutrition Inc., Sports Nutrition International LLC and Mohamed S. Desoky, who oversees operations at all three companies.
The companies, located in Paterson, N.J., manufacture dietary supplements and protein powders and distribute them throughout the United States. The companies also export powder mixes and dietary supplements for sale by private label customers.
The government's complaint, filed July 1, 2009 in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey, alleges that the companies have failed to follow current Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) by manufacturing and storing food under filthy conditions and in conditions that may cause major food allergens to enter into products not intended to contain them.
The complaint also alleges that the companies failed to disclose major food allergens on the product labels and have other labeling problems.
During a recent inspection, FDA investigators found that several of the companies’ products contained milk ingredients that were not declared on the product labels. In addition, the company failed to clean processing equipment between batches and control allergens in the facility.
FDA investigators also discovered live and dead rodents and rodent urine, feces and gnaw holes on bags of product.
In three inspections, FDA investigators noted deviations from GMP standards. The companies promised to make corrections, but they failed to do so. The complaint requests a court order to stop the companies and its officer from manufacturing and distributing the products until needed corrections are made.
“This company has consistently failed to correct filthy conditions in their plants and to make sure that allergens are appropriately declared on the labels, despite frequent warnings to do so,” said Michael Chappell, the FDA’s acting associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “The FDA will not tolerate companies that fail to provide adequate safeguards.”
Consumers with allergies to milk ingredients who have used these products and are experiencing any symptoms should contact their health care professional.
Consumers can report problems with FDA-regulated products to their district office consumer complaint coordinator.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
FDA Takes Enforcement Action Against Cheese Manufacturer
Media Inquiries: Christopher Kelly, 301-796-4676, christopher.kelly@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
FDA Takes Enforcement Action Against Cheese Manufacturer
Company failed to correct violations despite being advised by federal officials to do so and fines by state officials
The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, today filed a complaint seeking injunctive relief against Peregrina Cheese, Inc., (Peregrina Cheese), Brooklyn, N.Y. and two of its officers: Javier Peregrina and Isabel Peregrina.
The company prepares and processes a variety of cheeses, sour cream, flan and gelatin products and distributes them to specialty grocery stores in northeastern Pennsylvania and in the New York City area.
The government's complaint, filed today in the Eastern District of New York, alleges that the company has an extensive history of operating under insanitary conditions and producing cheese contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria is a foodborne pathogen that can cause serious illness and death.
If entered by the court, the injunction would temporarily stop the company and its officers from manufacturing and distributing food until further action is taken by the court.
“This company has consistently failed to make corrections to improve the insanitary conditions under which it processes cheese products, despite frequent warnings to do so,” said Michael Chappell, the FDA’s acting associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “The FDA will not tolerate food companies that fail to provide adequate safeguards.”
"When called upon by the FDA, the Department of Justice is ready and able to prevent the distribution of adulterated food to American consumers," said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Civil Division.
“The public must be able to trust that the food in their grocery stores is safe for them to eat,” said Benton J. Campbell, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “We will continue to work with the FDA to ensure that companies that produce food under dangerous or insanitary conditions take corrective action to clean up their act.”
As alleged in the complaint, on numerous occasions since 2004, FDA investigators found Listeria monocytogenes in finished cheese products and inside Peregrina Cheese’s facility. Additionally, routine laboratory testing by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
(NYSDAM) also found Listeria in the company’s products on numerous occasions since 2003.
The FDA and NYSDAM inspections also revealed that the company repeatedly violated the current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements for foods. Investigators found filthy conditions, standing water in food processing equipment, workers inappropriately dressed and a dead rodent inside the plant.
The government’s complaint alleges that both the FDA and NYSDAM repeatedly advised Peregrina Cheese and its officers of their cGMP violations; NYSDAM has also assessed fines against the company.
Peregrina Cheese’s lack of effective measures to bring its food processing operations into compliance with the law poses a public health threat because of the potential that Listeria will be in the food processed by the company.
Listeriosis, the illness caused by Listeria monocytogenes, can be serious and sometimes cause fatal infections in young children, frail or older people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may experience only short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection in pregnant women can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.
No illnesses have been reported to date from Peregrina Cheese products. However, if individuals have eaten the products and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, they should contact their health care professional.
Consumers can report problems with FDA-regulated products to their district office consumer complaint coordinator.
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
FDA Takes Enforcement Action Against Cheese Manufacturer
Company failed to correct violations despite being advised by federal officials to do so and fines by state officials
The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, today filed a complaint seeking injunctive relief against Peregrina Cheese, Inc., (Peregrina Cheese), Brooklyn, N.Y. and two of its officers: Javier Peregrina and Isabel Peregrina.
The company prepares and processes a variety of cheeses, sour cream, flan and gelatin products and distributes them to specialty grocery stores in northeastern Pennsylvania and in the New York City area.
The government's complaint, filed today in the Eastern District of New York, alleges that the company has an extensive history of operating under insanitary conditions and producing cheese contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria is a foodborne pathogen that can cause serious illness and death.
If entered by the court, the injunction would temporarily stop the company and its officers from manufacturing and distributing food until further action is taken by the court.
“This company has consistently failed to make corrections to improve the insanitary conditions under which it processes cheese products, despite frequent warnings to do so,” said Michael Chappell, the FDA’s acting associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “The FDA will not tolerate food companies that fail to provide adequate safeguards.”
"When called upon by the FDA, the Department of Justice is ready and able to prevent the distribution of adulterated food to American consumers," said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Civil Division.
“The public must be able to trust that the food in their grocery stores is safe for them to eat,” said Benton J. Campbell, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “We will continue to work with the FDA to ensure that companies that produce food under dangerous or insanitary conditions take corrective action to clean up their act.”
As alleged in the complaint, on numerous occasions since 2004, FDA investigators found Listeria monocytogenes in finished cheese products and inside Peregrina Cheese’s facility. Additionally, routine laboratory testing by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
(NYSDAM) also found Listeria in the company’s products on numerous occasions since 2003.
The FDA and NYSDAM inspections also revealed that the company repeatedly violated the current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements for foods. Investigators found filthy conditions, standing water in food processing equipment, workers inappropriately dressed and a dead rodent inside the plant.
The government’s complaint alleges that both the FDA and NYSDAM repeatedly advised Peregrina Cheese and its officers of their cGMP violations; NYSDAM has also assessed fines against the company.
Peregrina Cheese’s lack of effective measures to bring its food processing operations into compliance with the law poses a public health threat because of the potential that Listeria will be in the food processed by the company.
Listeriosis, the illness caused by Listeria monocytogenes, can be serious and sometimes cause fatal infections in young children, frail or older people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may experience only short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection in pregnant women can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.
No illnesses have been reported to date from Peregrina Cheese products. However, if individuals have eaten the products and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, they should contact their health care professional.
Consumers can report problems with FDA-regulated products to their district office consumer complaint coordinator.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
New Public Health Regulation to Improve Egg Safety and Reduce Salmonella Illnesses
Media Inquiries: Susan Cruzan, 301-796-4675, susan.cruzan@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
FDA: New Public Health Regulation to Improve Egg Safety and Reduce Salmonella Illnesses
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced a regulation expected to prevent each year 79,000 cases of foodborne illness and 30 deaths caused by consumption of eggs contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella enteritidis.
The final rule requires preventive measures during the production of shell eggs in poultry houses and requires subsequent refrigeration during storage and transportation.
Egg-associated illness caused by Salmonella is a serious public health problem. Infected individuals may suffer mild to severe gastrointestinal illness, short term or chronic arthritis, or even death. Implementing the preventive measures would reduce the number of Salmonella enteritidis infections from eggs by nearly 60 percent.
“Preventing harm to consumers is our first priority,” said Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs. “Today's action will prevent thousands of serious illnesses from Salmonella in eggs.”
Salmonella enteritidis can be found inside eggs that appear perfectly normal. If the eggs are eaten raw or undercooked, the bacterium can cause illness. Eggs in the shell become contaminated on the farm, primarily because of infection in the laying hens.
The rule requires that measures designed to prevent Salmonella enteritidis be adopted by virtually all egg producers with 3,000 or more laying hens whose shell eggs are not processed with a treatment, such as pasteurization, to ensure their safety.
Producers with at least 3,000 but fewer than 50,000 laying hens must comply within 36 months after the rule’s publication. Producers with 50,000 or more laying hens must be in compliance with the rule within 12 months after its publication in the Federal Register.
Under the rule, egg producers must:
Buy chicks and young hens only from suppliers who monitor for Salmonella bacteria
Establish rodent, pest control, and biosecurity measures to prevent spread of bacteria throughout the farm by people and equipment
Conduct testing in the poultry house for Salmonella enteritidis. If the tests find the bacterium, a representative sample of the eggs must be tested over an 8 week time period (4 tests at 2 week intervals); If any of the four egg tests is positive, the producer must further process the eggs to destroy the bacteria, or divert the eggs to a non-food use
Clean and disinfect poultry houses that have tested positive for Salmonella enteritidis
Refrigerate eggs at 45 degrees Fahrenheit temperature during storage and transportation no later than 36 hours after the eggs are laid.Egg producers whose eggs receive treatments such as pasteurization still must comply with the refrigeration requirements. Similarly, certain persons such as distributors, packers, or truckers holding or transporting shell eggs also must comply with the refrigeration requirements.
To ensure compliance, egg producers must maintain a written Salmonella enteritidis prevention plan and records documenting their compliance. Producers (except those who have less than 3000 hens or who sell all their eggs directly to consumers) also must register with the FDA. The FDA will develop guidance and enforcement plans to help egg producers comply with the rule.
The FDA estimated that the rule would provide $1.4 billion in annual public health benefits, at an annual cost of $81 million to the regulated industry, or less than 1 cent per dozen eggs produced in the United States.
During the 1990s, the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture implemented a series of post-egg production safety efforts such as refrigeration requirements designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria that may be in an egg. While these steps limited the growth of bacteria, they did not prevent the initial contamination from occurring.
The new rule is part of a coordinated strategy between the FDA and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The FDA and the FSIS will continue to work closely together to ensure that egg safety measures are consistent, coordinated, and complementary.
In addition to the new safety measures being taken by industry, consumers can reduce their risk of foodborne illness by following safe egg handling practices. The FDA reminds consumers to buy eggs that have been refrigerated, make sure eggs in the carton are clean and not cracked, and cook eggs and foods containing eggs thoroughly.
For more information:http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Product-SpecificInformation/EggSafety/EggSafetyActionPlan/ucm170615.htm
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
FDA: New Public Health Regulation to Improve Egg Safety and Reduce Salmonella Illnesses
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced a regulation expected to prevent each year 79,000 cases of foodborne illness and 30 deaths caused by consumption of eggs contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella enteritidis.
The final rule requires preventive measures during the production of shell eggs in poultry houses and requires subsequent refrigeration during storage and transportation.
Egg-associated illness caused by Salmonella is a serious public health problem. Infected individuals may suffer mild to severe gastrointestinal illness, short term or chronic arthritis, or even death. Implementing the preventive measures would reduce the number of Salmonella enteritidis infections from eggs by nearly 60 percent.
“Preventing harm to consumers is our first priority,” said Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs. “Today's action will prevent thousands of serious illnesses from Salmonella in eggs.”
Salmonella enteritidis can be found inside eggs that appear perfectly normal. If the eggs are eaten raw or undercooked, the bacterium can cause illness. Eggs in the shell become contaminated on the farm, primarily because of infection in the laying hens.
The rule requires that measures designed to prevent Salmonella enteritidis be adopted by virtually all egg producers with 3,000 or more laying hens whose shell eggs are not processed with a treatment, such as pasteurization, to ensure their safety.
Producers with at least 3,000 but fewer than 50,000 laying hens must comply within 36 months after the rule’s publication. Producers with 50,000 or more laying hens must be in compliance with the rule within 12 months after its publication in the Federal Register.
Under the rule, egg producers must:
Buy chicks and young hens only from suppliers who monitor for Salmonella bacteria
Establish rodent, pest control, and biosecurity measures to prevent spread of bacteria throughout the farm by people and equipment
Conduct testing in the poultry house for Salmonella enteritidis. If the tests find the bacterium, a representative sample of the eggs must be tested over an 8 week time period (4 tests at 2 week intervals); If any of the four egg tests is positive, the producer must further process the eggs to destroy the bacteria, or divert the eggs to a non-food use
Clean and disinfect poultry houses that have tested positive for Salmonella enteritidis
Refrigerate eggs at 45 degrees Fahrenheit temperature during storage and transportation no later than 36 hours after the eggs are laid.Egg producers whose eggs receive treatments such as pasteurization still must comply with the refrigeration requirements. Similarly, certain persons such as distributors, packers, or truckers holding or transporting shell eggs also must comply with the refrigeration requirements.
To ensure compliance, egg producers must maintain a written Salmonella enteritidis prevention plan and records documenting their compliance. Producers (except those who have less than 3000 hens or who sell all their eggs directly to consumers) also must register with the FDA. The FDA will develop guidance and enforcement plans to help egg producers comply with the rule.
The FDA estimated that the rule would provide $1.4 billion in annual public health benefits, at an annual cost of $81 million to the regulated industry, or less than 1 cent per dozen eggs produced in the United States.
During the 1990s, the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture implemented a series of post-egg production safety efforts such as refrigeration requirements designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria that may be in an egg. While these steps limited the growth of bacteria, they did not prevent the initial contamination from occurring.
The new rule is part of a coordinated strategy between the FDA and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The FDA and the FSIS will continue to work closely together to ensure that egg safety measures are consistent, coordinated, and complementary.
In addition to the new safety measures being taken by industry, consumers can reduce their risk of foodborne illness by following safe egg handling practices. The FDA reminds consumers to buy eggs that have been refrigerated, make sure eggs in the carton are clean and not cracked, and cook eggs and foods containing eggs thoroughly.
For more information:http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Product-SpecificInformation/EggSafety/EggSafetyActionPlan/ucm170615.htm
Nine Companies Penalized for Selling Children’s Products that Violated the Federal Lead Paint Ban
Nine Companies Penalized for Selling Children’s Products that Violated the Federal Lead Paint Ban
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that nine children’s product manufacturers, importers and sellers have agreed to pay more than $500,000 in civil penalties for violating the federal lead paint ban.
The penalties settle allegations that the firms knowingly manufactured, imported, or sold toys and other children’s articles with paint or other surface coatings that contained lead levels in violation of federal law. The settlements have been provisionally accepted by the Commission.
These products were recalled in 2007 and 2008, and include items such as toys, children’s metal jewelry, children’s pens, metal water bottles, pencil pouches, sunglasses and children’s
Halloween pails and baskets. Tests showed that paint or surface coatings on these children’s products contained lead in excess of 600 ppm, or 0.06 percent, by weight. One firm’s testing revealed that its products contained surface coatings with nearly 60 percent lead. In 1978, a federal ban was put in place which prohibited toys and other children’s articles from having more than 0.06 percent lead (by weight) in paints or surface coatings. Lead can be toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health consequences.
CPSC has ordered the following firms to pay civil penalties to the federal government:
Cardinal Distributing Co. Inc., of Baltimore, Md., $100,000 Recall: #07-157
Dollar General Corp., of Goodlettsville, Tenn., $100,000 Recalls: 08-007, #08-068, #08-080
Family Dollar Stores Inc., of Matthews, N.C., $75,000 Recall: #08-051
Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., of Oklahoma City, Okla., $50,000 Recalls: #08-084, #08-229
First Learning Company Ltd., of Hong Kong, $50,000 Recalls: #08-141, #08-174
Michaels Stores Inc., of Irving, Texas, $45,000 Recall: #08-248
A&A Global Industries Inc., of Cockeysville, Md., $40,000 Recall: #07-144
Raymond Geddes & Co, of Baltimore, Md., $40,000 Recall: #08-096
Downeast Concepts Inc., of Yarmouth, Maine, $30,000 Recall: #08-231
In agreeing to settle the matters, the firms deny CPSC’s allegations that they knowingly violated the law
Cardinal Distributing Co. Inc. Jewelry
Dollar General Toy Cars
Family Dollar Halloween Pails
Hobby Lobby Halloween Baskets
First Learning Co. Ltd. Blocks Wagon
Michael’s Stores Writing Pens
A&A Global Industries Children’s Bracelets
Raymond Geddes Children’s Pencil Pouches
Downeast Concepts Metal Water Bottles
CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that nine children’s product manufacturers, importers and sellers have agreed to pay more than $500,000 in civil penalties for violating the federal lead paint ban.
The penalties settle allegations that the firms knowingly manufactured, imported, or sold toys and other children’s articles with paint or other surface coatings that contained lead levels in violation of federal law. The settlements have been provisionally accepted by the Commission.
These products were recalled in 2007 and 2008, and include items such as toys, children’s metal jewelry, children’s pens, metal water bottles, pencil pouches, sunglasses and children’s
Halloween pails and baskets. Tests showed that paint or surface coatings on these children’s products contained lead in excess of 600 ppm, or 0.06 percent, by weight. One firm’s testing revealed that its products contained surface coatings with nearly 60 percent lead. In 1978, a federal ban was put in place which prohibited toys and other children’s articles from having more than 0.06 percent lead (by weight) in paints or surface coatings. Lead can be toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health consequences.
CPSC has ordered the following firms to pay civil penalties to the federal government:
Cardinal Distributing Co. Inc., of Baltimore, Md., $100,000 Recall: #07-157
Dollar General Corp., of Goodlettsville, Tenn., $100,000 Recalls: 08-007, #08-068, #08-080
Family Dollar Stores Inc., of Matthews, N.C., $75,000 Recall: #08-051
Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., of Oklahoma City, Okla., $50,000 Recalls: #08-084, #08-229
First Learning Company Ltd., of Hong Kong, $50,000 Recalls: #08-141, #08-174
Michaels Stores Inc., of Irving, Texas, $45,000 Recall: #08-248
A&A Global Industries Inc., of Cockeysville, Md., $40,000 Recall: #07-144
Raymond Geddes & Co, of Baltimore, Md., $40,000 Recall: #08-096
Downeast Concepts Inc., of Yarmouth, Maine, $30,000 Recall: #08-231
In agreeing to settle the matters, the firms deny CPSC’s allegations that they knowingly violated the law
Cardinal Distributing Co. Inc. Jewelry
Dollar General Toy Cars
Family Dollar Halloween Pails
Hobby Lobby Halloween Baskets
First Learning Co. Ltd. Blocks Wagon
Michael’s Stores Writing Pens
A&A Global Industries Children’s Bracelets
Raymond Geddes Children’s Pencil Pouches
Downeast Concepts Metal Water Bottles
CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Government of Canada Reminds Canadians of the Safe Handling of Fresh Produce
The Government of Canada Reminds Canadians of the Safe Handling of Fresh Produce
2009-113
OTTAWA - Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency would like to remind Canadians of the importance of safe handling of fresh produce to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Fresh fruits and vegetables do not naturally contain microorganisms (i.e., bacteria, parasites or viruses) that can make you sick. However, fresh produce can become contaminated while in the field or through improper handling, storage or transportation during or after harvest.
Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide recommends Canadians eat a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet. But, as with any food, it is important that fresh produce be handled and stored properly to reduce the chances of becoming sick. It is estimated that approximately 11 million Canadians suffer from foodborne illness every year.
You can reduce the risk of foodborne illness by following these food safety tips:
Separate: Fresh produce can become contaminated when they come into contact with raw meat, poultry, seafood and their juices. Make sure to keep your fresh fruits and vegetables separate from raw meat in the grocery cart at the store and also in your refrigerator, cutting boards and counters at home.
Clean: You should wash your fresh fruits and vegetables gently under cool running water. Do not soak your fresh fruits and vegetables in a sink full of water as the sink can harbour bacteria that can be transferred to the fresh produce. It is not necessary to use anything other than water to wash your produce. Washing with water is as effective as using produce washes.
Chill: Store your fresh fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator at 4ºC (40ºF) or below. All cut fruits and vegetables should be refrigerated and should not be kept out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
For more information on Fresh Produce Safety, please visit Health Canada's website.
2009-113
OTTAWA - Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency would like to remind Canadians of the importance of safe handling of fresh produce to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Fresh fruits and vegetables do not naturally contain microorganisms (i.e., bacteria, parasites or viruses) that can make you sick. However, fresh produce can become contaminated while in the field or through improper handling, storage or transportation during or after harvest.
Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide recommends Canadians eat a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet. But, as with any food, it is important that fresh produce be handled and stored properly to reduce the chances of becoming sick. It is estimated that approximately 11 million Canadians suffer from foodborne illness every year.
You can reduce the risk of foodborne illness by following these food safety tips:
Separate: Fresh produce can become contaminated when they come into contact with raw meat, poultry, seafood and their juices. Make sure to keep your fresh fruits and vegetables separate from raw meat in the grocery cart at the store and also in your refrigerator, cutting boards and counters at home.
Clean: You should wash your fresh fruits and vegetables gently under cool running water. Do not soak your fresh fruits and vegetables in a sink full of water as the sink can harbour bacteria that can be transferred to the fresh produce. It is not necessary to use anything other than water to wash your produce. Washing with water is as effective as using produce washes.
Chill: Store your fresh fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator at 4ºC (40ºF) or below. All cut fruits and vegetables should be refrigerated and should not be kept out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
For more information on Fresh Produce Safety, please visit Health Canada's website.
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