Product recalls for the past two days

FDA recalls as written:

PANOS Brands Recalls Vegan Rella Cheddar Block
Contact:Kathie Gibbs Borkowski (201) 843-8900 x 425
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --Saddle Brook, NJ -- November 20, 2008 --- PANOS brands, of Saddle Brook, NJ is recalling Vegan Rella Cheddar Block, (a cheese substitute) with a Sell by date of 12/09/2008. This product is being recalled because it may possibly contain an undeclared milk protein. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk protein run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. No other lot or variety of Vegan is involved.
The product was sold directly to the consumers from their retail stores located nationwide.
The recalled product is packed in 8oz packages with UPC Code 0 37983 00015 4 and a sell by date of 12/09/2008.
There was one reported incident of an allergic reaction associated with the consumption of the product. The product is manufactured by Swan Gardens/Tree of Life, Austell, GA. This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.



Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall on Wegmans Italian Classics Seasoned Tomato Sauce
Contact:Jo Natale 585-429-3627
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Rochester, NY -- November 20, 2008 -- Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of 24 oz. Wegmans Italian Classics Seasoned Tomato Sauce with a “use-by- date of 11/26/08”, UPC 77890 79010. The product is being recalled because the package may actually contain a milk ingredient which is not declared on the label. The recall of this product is of concern only to those individuals who have an allergy to milk. Consumption may cause a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction in persons with an allergy to milk. No other code dates are affected by this recall.
The 24 oz. Wegmans Italian Classics Seasoned Tomato Sauce is packaged in a clear flexible pouch, and was sold in the prepared foods department of Wegmans stores located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland.
The affected product would have been available in Wegmans stores between Saturday, November 15 and Thursday, November 20. Wegmans reports that this problem is limited to 108 cases of product, and that all product with the affected code date is no longer on store shelve.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
The problem was discovered by a Wegmans store employee. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the affected code of Italian Classics Seasoned Tomato Sauce actually contained VODKA BLUSH SAUCE which contains milk.

Both recalls were issued for having products containing a milk ingredient in the package, but not on the label.
The vegan product was found because of a customer illness complaint.
The second recall was discovered internally by a store employee.
Both were out in customer's hands.

A full 30% of food recalls are caused by products containing or potentially containing an ingredient that was not shown on the ingredient label and could cause a health risk.
We see large amount of those as containing a milk ingredient.
How can this happen? Shared packaging equipment, shared blending equipment, lack of sufficient cleaning after an allergen containing product was processed, formula change, label change, all can contribute.
The bottom line is that controls are missed. Some human being has to be the final control point in the process. Processors have checks and balances written for their operation. Improper training, lack of cross-training and acceptance of accountability top the list.

Until next time...read your labels and ask the right questions..
Rudy