Food Items

MINNEAPOLIS -- Crystal Farms Refrigerated Distribution Company Inc., a subsidiary of Michael Foods, Inc., has initiated a recall of two specific cheese products to safeguard against a possible contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.

The recall involves stores in 33 states and is confined to only two Marble-Jack cheese stick products. To date, there have been no reports of illness related to the products subject to this recall.

The two products involved are the 1 ounce, single-serve Crystal Farms Marble-Jack Cheese Sticks (UPC 075925-30168) and the 10-ounce bag of individually wrapped Cheezoids Marble-Jack Cheese Sticks (UPC 075925-30166). Customers are asked not to consume these products and return the products to the place of purchase for a prompt and full cash refund. No other Crystal Farms products are affected by this action.

Expiration dates of Affected Crystal Farms products 1 ounce, single-serve Crystal Farms Marble-Jack Cheese Sticks UPC Code 075925-30168:

• 12/24/00
• 12/25/00
• 12/28/00
• 12/30/00
• 1/7/01
• 1/9/01
• 3/3/01
• 3/11/01
• 3/12/01

Ten-ounce bag of individually wrapped Crystal Farms Cheezoid Marble-Jack Cheese Sticks UPC Code 075925-30166:

• 12/28/00
• 1/5/01
• 3/3/01
• 3/12/01
• 3/13/01
• 3/15/01
• 3/20/01
• 3/21/01

The products subject to the recall are made with cheese from Wisconsin Hill & Valley Cheese Co-op of Cashton, Wis. The recall was initiated following notification Nov. 2 by Wisconsin Hill & Valley that its cheese products are being recalled based on possible contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. This organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer short-term symptoms such as fever, headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea from listeria infection.

Consumers with questions can contact Crystal Farms' toll-free customer service number (800)268-4709. (11-10-00)

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Schreiber Foods Inc. Nov. 6 issued a voluntary recall of certain Colby Jack and Mexican Blend cheese products after receiving notification that a supplier's cheese may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

This bacterium may cause serious or 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 cheese was distributed nationally under 22 different brand names. At the retail level, the affected Colby Jack and Mexican Blend cheese is packaged in chunk, cube, longhorn, loaf and shredded styles for several supermarket chains and carries expiration dates that range between November 14, 2000 and June 20, 2001 on the package. It is important to note that each brand has a specific range of expiration dates associated with this voluntary recall. Only Colby Jack and Mexican Blend cheese products with the expiration dates noted on the complete roster of recalled products are covered in the precautionary recall. A complete listing of the affected products also is available by calling 1-800-637-8259. No other Schreiber Foods products are affected.

The Company has received no complaints or reports of illness associated with the products. The recall was a result of testing conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and reported to Schreiber Foods by the cheese manufacturer, Hill & Valley Cheese Inc. of Cashton, Wisconsin. The manufacturer notified Schreiber that Listeria monocytogenes had been found in some of the cheese made by Hill &Valley. Schreiber Foods has suspended all production using cheese made by Hill & Valley, supplier of the Colby Jack which was also used in the Mexican Blend products.

Both Schreiber Foods and the supplier are working with U.S. Food & Drug Administration and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture to assure an effective recall. Consumers are asked to either dispose of the cheese or return it to the retailer where it was purchased. (11-10-00)

ST. LOUIS -- Swiss American Inc. of St. Louis, MO is recalling cut pieces of Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar and cut pieces of big block Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar, 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.

Cut Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar and big block Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar was distributed through retail grocery stores (deli departments) in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Both recalled items come as red waxed wedges of yellow cheddar cheese with the red and black Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar Label in random weight packages of between 10 oz and 24 oz with the sell-by dates of Aug. 12, 2000 through Feb. 8, 2001. No illnesses have been reported to date.

This cheese was produced by Wisconsin Hill & Valley Cheese Co. in Cashton, WI. Consumers who have purchased cut Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar and/or cut big block Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar are urged to return same to place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may call Swiss American at (800)325-8150. (11-10-00)

MOONACHIE, N.J -- Swissrose International Inc. of Moonachie, N.J. is adding two Marble Jack cheese items under the Lost Creek Farms label to its recall list because of the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Swissrose is assisting Hill & Valley Cheese, the State of Wisconsin, and the FDA in recalling the Colby Jack and Marble Jack cheeses manufactured by Hill & Valley Cheese, Inc. of Cashton, Wis. Some of the cheese manufactured by Hill &Valley Cheese tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company received cheese from Hill & Valley on June 23 and June 28, 2000. Some of the Marble Jack cheese subject to this recall was converted into consumer items and distributed to consumers nation-wide under the Lost Creek Farms label.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer short-term symptoms such as fever, headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Additional Products Being Recalled

• Lost Creek Farms 1.5 lb. Marble Jack Horn Cut, sell by date 3/24/01
• Lost Creek Farms Random Weight Marble Jack Slices, sell by date 12/25/00

Products Previously Recalled

• County Line 8 oz. Colby Jack Chunk, sell by dates 12/24/00, 1/7/01, 1/13/01, 1/16/01
• County Line 12 oz. Colby Jack Cubes, sell by dates 12/24/00, 1/20/01, 1/28/01
• County Line 1.5 lb. Marble Jack Horn Cut, sell by date 3/24/01
• County Line 1.5 lb. Colby Jack Slices, sell by dates 12/22/00, 12/24/00, 1/7/01, 1/17/01
• County Line Random Weight Colby Jack Slices, sell by dates 12/20/00, 12/25/00
• County Line Football Platters containing Colby Jack cheese, purchased after 9/11/00

Consumers may return affected product to the store where purchased for a full refund. For further information, call 1-800-233-7022. (11-10-00)

HIRAM, Ohio -- Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. of Hiram, Ohio is recalling 440 lbs. of Red Wax Wedges (coded 4/11/01) because they have 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 product was distributed in Alabama, the Florida panhandle and Southwest Georgia through Bruno's Supermarkets Inc. The product is colored Cheddar in a wedge shape with a red wax rind and in a clear package. The cheese wedges are date stamped, weighed, and priced in the deli where purchased and would have been available for sale between Oct. 16 and Nov. 3. Each wedge would carry a Great Lakes Cheese "Hoop" Cheddar label.

Great Lakes Cheese has indicated this item being recalled is the only Great Lakes Cheese item made from bulk cheese recalled by Hill & Valley Cheese Co. No other Great Lakes Cheese items are affected by the recall. Routine testing of samples collected at Hill & Valley Cheese, the producer of this product, revealed the presence of the bacteria in finished product. Wisconsin Hill & Valley Cheese Co. has ceased the production and distribution of the product as the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem. No illnesses have been reported to date in relation to the problem.

Consumers who have purchased Great Lakes Cheese "Hoop" Cheese in red wax wedges from a Bruno's Supermarket deli between Oct.16 and Nov. 3 are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Great Lakes Cheese at 1-800-677-1121. (11-10-00)

WASHINGTON -- Skylark Meats Inc., an Omaha, Neb., firm, also doing business as Mid America Refrigeration, is voluntarily recalling approximately 47,000 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Oct.17.

The ground beef products being recalled are:

• Boxes of LAURA'S LEAN BEEF with a label that bears "96/LEAN" with the case code "000200." The box contains six 8-pound packages, labeled "96 LLB GROUND ROUND."
• Boxes of LAURA'S LEAN BEEF with a label that bears "92/LEAN" with the case code "000100." The box contains six 10-pound packages labeled "92/8LLB GROUND BEEF."

Each box and package is labeled with establishment number 4215 and a sell by date of Sept. 29. The ground beef was packed on Sept. 14 and distributed to wholesale establishments in Arizona, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Vince DeGrado, corporate quality assurance manager, Skylark Meats Inc., at (402) 592-0300.Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (800) 535-4555. The hotline can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Mondays through Fridays, and recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. (10-20-00)

Omaha, Neb. -- Omaha Steaks International. Inc. announced Oct. 27 it is voluntarily recalling approximately 22,000 pounds of frozen ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The ground beef products being recalled bear the establishment number "1198A" inside the USDA seal of inspection and a production code beginning with "07180" and ending with "21," "22," or "25."

Products subject to recall are:

• "GROUND BEEF BURGERS (OMAHA STEAKS BURGERS)" in 48 ozs. boxes of 12 burgers, 4 ozs. each. Each box is marked with item number "658."
• "OMAHA STEAKS ANGUS GROUND BEEF CHUCK PATTIES" in 12.5 lb. boxes of 25 burgers, 8 oz. each. Each box is marked with item number "3611080."
• "GROUND BEEF BURGERS (OMAHA STEAKS BURGERS)" in 24 ozs. boxes of 6 burgers, 4 ozs. each. Each box is marked with item number "1249."
• "GROUND BEEF" in 50 lbs. boxes containing two 25 lb. bags. Each box is marked with item number "0710004."
• HORIZON brand "GROUND BEEF CHUCK PATTIES (ANGUS)" in 10 lb. boxes of 32 burgers, 5 oz. each. Each box is marked with item number "4011050."

The ground beef was produced on July 18 and distributed via mail order; door-to-door sales; retail establishments; the Internet; and institutional sales nationwide.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Customers with questions may contact the toll-free Omaha Steaks product safety information line, at (877) 789-7117. The information line can be reached from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT on Saturdays, and 12 p.m. through 5 p.m. CT on Sundays. (10-20-00)

WASHINGTON -- Lay Packing Co. Inc., a Knoxville, Tenn., firm, is voluntarily recalling an additional 850,000 pounds of wiener, hot dog and frank products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Oct. 12. The recall is an expansion of an Oct. 3 recall of 48,000 pounds of wiener products.

The following brand wiener, hot dog and frank products in 12- to 24-ounce packages are subject to recall:

• "DINNER DELIGHTS"
• "JUBILEE HOT DOGS"
• "FROSTY MORN"
• Lay's "WIENERS"
• Lay's "quik starts"
• Lay's "Thrift"
• "Madison"
• "WD"
• Lay Packing Company "CIRCLE L"

All products with a "Sell By" code of "Dec 08" or before stamped on the package are being recalled. The product packages also bear the Lay Packing establishment number "EST.967" or "P-967." The establishment number may appear on the side of the package or inside the USDA seal of inspection. The wiener products were produced on various dates, and distributed to retail stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weak immune systems--infants, the frail or elderly, and persons with chronic disease, with HIV infection or taking chemotherapy.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Ferril Maddox, sales manager, Lay Packing Co. Inc., at (865) 546-2511. Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (800) 535-4555. The hotline can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Mondays through Fridays, and recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. (10-17-00)

WASHINGTON -- Great River Food, a City of Industry, Calif., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 9,500 pounds of Chinese style sausage because it contains monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is undeclared on the label, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Oct. 13.

MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in a variety of foods prepared at home, in restaurants and by food processors. Some persons who have eaten foods containing MSG have reported adverse reactions, however, FSIS has received no reports of adverse reactions from this product.

The products being recalled are:

• Great Wall brand "CHINESE STYLE SAUSAGE" in 14 oz. packages.
• Great Wall brand "CHINESE STYLE SWEET SAUSAGE" in 12 oz. packages.
• Que Huong brand "CHINESE STYLE SAUSAGE" in 12 oz. packages.
• Flamingo brand "CHINESE STYLE SAUSAGE" in 14 oz. packages.
• Flamingo brand "CHINESE STYLE SWEET SAUSAGE" in 12 oz. packages.

Each package label bears "EST. 6081" in the USDA seal of inspection. All products with these labels are subject to recall. The Chinese style sausage was distributed for retail sale in California, New York and Oklahoma.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Eric Lee, plant manager, Great River Food, at (626) 968-6917.Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (800) 535-4555. The hotline can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Mondays through Fridays, and recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. (10-17-00)

IRVING, Texas -- Mission Foods announced Oct. 13 that it is voluntarily recalling all yellow corn products and replacing them with products made from white corn because of the possibility products may contain StarLink, a protein not approved for human consumption. Mission will remain a white corn company until there is clarification from the government on the safety of the yellow corn supply.

Affected products involve Mission yellow taco shells, yellow tortilla chips, yellow corn tortillas, yellow tostadas and similar yellow corn products for private label brands manufactured for a number of grocery and national chains, including Food Lion and Shaw's supermarkets.

Mission began notifying its customers immediately, and consumers who purchased any of these products may return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.

Consumers with questions about the products involved in the recall can call a special consumer number, (800) 600-taco or (800) 600-8226. (10-17-00)