Peppers Unlimited, Inc. Recalls La Torre Jalapeno Nacho Slices
Contact:
Judyth Gonzalez
(909) 923-5580
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- August 14, 2008 -- Peppers Unlimited, Inc. of Fontana California is voluntarily recalling 580 cases of La Torre Jalapeno Nacho Slices because of possible product contamination caused by a chemical reaction between the product and the can potentially resulting in a swollen and/or ruptured container and significant off flavor.
The recalled products were sold nationwide through food distributors and food retailers.
The Jalapeno Nacho Slices were sold in 425 gram cans and bear the following description:
Yellow, red, white and black label with a picture of Jalapeno Slices.
The La Torre logo is in black and the "Jalapeno Nacho Slices" is in white.
The affected lot numbers are: AU4D6; AU4E6; AU515; AU516; AU520; AU526; AU5H6; AU5L6; AU5M6; AU8W6; AU955; AU9V5; AU9W5; AU9X5; AU9Y5; AU9Z5 (In some cases these lots may have a letter "A" or "B" proceeding the lot #, for example AU4D6A OR AU4D6B). Some cans may bear no lot number. The lot code is located on the bottom of the can.
To date no illnesses have been reported regarding this issue, however, this recall is being initiated as a precautionary measure and consumers should not consume these affected products even if the cans appear to be normal. Consumers who have the opened cans of the affected products or who have used them in recipes should immediately throw the cans and food away. Unopened cans may be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.
This recall is being made with the knowledge and in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration. Customers with questions may contact Peppers Unlimited, Inc at (909) 923-5580.
FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Certain Mussel Products from Bantry Bay Seafood
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers against eating certain frozen cooked mussel products made by Bantry Bay Seafoods, imported from Ireland, because they may be contaminated with azaspiracid toxins, a group of naturally occurring marine toxins known to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Azaspiracid toxins are odorless, tasteless, and cannot be destroyed or neutralized by freezing or cooking, including boiling. Individuals who have experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as those noted above after eating any of the products listed below should consult their health care professional. Symptoms typically occur within hours of consumption and persist for two to three days.
In July, two people in Washington state became ill after eating the company's "Mussels in a Garlic Butter Sauce." FDA tested unopened product from the same production lot and found that it contained the azaspiracid toxins.
Consumers should throw out the following Bantry Bay Seafood frozen cooked products with "Best before end" dates ranging from January 23, 2009, to November 15, 2009:
Mussels in a Garlic Butter Sauce
Mussels in White Wine Sauce
Mussels in Tomato and Garlic Sauce
The "Best before end" dates are displayed on the side of the box in the following format: MM:DD:YY. Products to be thrown out are marked with dates 01:23:09 through 11:15:09.
These products are sold frozen in 1 pound cardboard packages in stores throughout the United States.
The FDA also recommends that retailers and foodservice operators remove these products, and any food in which these products were used as an ingredient, from sale or service.
Azaspiracid toxins were an unknown marine toxin until 1995, when they were identified and linked to an outbreak of foodborne illnesses associated with consumption of Irish shellfish. The toxins have since been identified in other shellfish from the west coast of Europe. They have never been detected in shellfish harvested from U.S. waters.
Rae Dick
Heath Agent
Westford Health Department
978-692-5509
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