Product Cautions and Recalls

Whey Protein Concentrate from NOW Foods

NOW Foods is always vigilant when it comes to the safety of their products, and will not hesitate to initiate a voluntary recall on any product that may affect the safety and health of consumers. NOW Foods is voluntarily recalling specific products containing Whey Protein Concentrate due to potential Salmonella contamination. This is an extension of the voluntary recall of whey protein concentrate recently announced by Plainview Milk Products Cooperative. Plainview is a national supplier of such dairy ingredients to numerous food and dietary supplement manufacturers.

NOW Foods has a complete microbiological laboratory on premises, and have tested their whey protein concentrate and in all cases Salmonella has not been detected. Although no reports have been received of adverse effects, NOW Foods is taking this precaution because Salmonella can cause serious illness. Note: this recall does not affect whey protein isolate or other dairy products. Check back for more information. UPDATED: 7/2/2009 2PM.

FDA Alerts Consumers to Recall of Certain Pistachios

FDA and California Inspectors Identify Salmonella

The FDA and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are investigating Salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc, Calif. The company has stopped all distribution of processed pistachios and will issue a voluntary recall involving approximately 1 million pounds of its products. Because the pistachios were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, it is likely this recall will impact many products. In addition, the investigation at the company is ongoing and may lead to additional pistachio product recalls.

The contamination involves multiple strains of Salmonella. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Thus far, several illnesses have been reported by consumers that may be associated with the pistachios. It is not yet known whether any of the Salmonella strains found in the pistachio products are linked to an outbreak. The FDA is conducting genetic testing of the samples to pursue all links.

FDA is working closely with the pistachio industry and recommends that consumers avoid eating pistachio products until further information is available about the scope of affected products. FDA will provide a searchable database of affected products at www.fda.gov and will continue to update the public.

From Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Home Office: updated 4/01/09 noon
The FDA-initiated recall on pistachios is centered on pistachios produced by Setton Pistachio. We have already checked with the suppliers of our bulk in-shell pistachios, and NONE of them are involved in the recall. We also took the precaution of having those 4 bulk items tested last week, and all tests were negative.

Our Bulk Dept IN SHELL Pistachios:
Roasted/ No Salt, also
Roasted Salted Pistachios
both from Keenan Farms (they are not involved in the recall; they have an extensive and proactive sampling, testing, and monitoring protocol established for all their products)

Organic Roasted Salte from Hershey Import Company (which does not purchase from Setton Farms, and as such, is not affected by this recall. Furthermore, they have verified that neither of their 2 vendors purchase from Setton Farms. They have provided statements from both Nichols Farm & Buchanan Hollow Nut, declaring that they are unaffected by this recall. They are also independently testing their product, and will share results with their customers later this week.

Organic Raw from Buchanan Hollow Nut (they test each lot #; our last purchase tested negative)

Bulk Dept products that have pistachios as an ingredient:

Chunks of Energy Honey Pistachio flavor; they source all their pistachios from one farmer in Northern California - Breznik Farms; they are not involved in the recall.

Agave-Sweetened Organic Pistachio Mulberry Granola and Organic Go Take a Hike Trail Mix organic pistachio kernels are from Buchanan Hollow Nut Company, which is not involved in the recall; all of their organic pistachios (raw or roasted in-shell, and raw or roasted pistachio kernels) are grown on their farm.

Since the FDA has indicated caution in the consumption of pistachios at this time, (an ongoing investigation on their part), consumers can choose whether or not to purchase or eat any products containing pistachios. If we are given any information about specific products recalled, we will pull those affected products immediately and post notices with the details. Meanwhile, we wanted to share the information we have received on the bulk products we actually package for consumption.

SAHALE SNACKS INC.: 4/8/09
Voluntarily Initiates a Nationwide and Limited International Recall of Ksar Pistachio Nut Blend and Marrakesh Pistachio Nut Blend Because of Possible Health Risk. Contact: Consumers with questions may contact the company at 206-518-5878, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM through 5:00 PM (PDT) or recall@sahalesnacks.com
There have been no cases of Salmonellosis or illnesses reported to date in connection with these products and the company is issuing this recall strictly as a precaution. The recall was initiated after Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. expanded their recall of pistachio products on April 6, 2009. Sahale Snacks Inc. has informed the FDA of its actions and is fully cooperating with the Agency.
Ksar Pistachios with Sesame Seeds, Pepitas, Fig + Moroccan Harissa: Item UPC 8-93869-00001-0; Case UPC 8-93869-00011-9; Size 2oz; Lot Codes-- Best By 10/16/2009, Best By 10/30/2009, Best By 11/20/2009, Best By 11/27/2009, Best By 12/25/2009
Ksar Pistachios with Sesame Seeds, Pepitas, Fig + Moroccan Harissa: Item UPC 8-93869-00501-5; Case UPC 8-93869-00511-4; Size 5oz; Lot Codes-- Best By 10/16/2009, Best By 10/30/2009, Best By 11/20/2009, Best By 11/27/2009, Best By 12/25/2009

ALTERNATIVE BAKING COMPANY: 4/16/09
Conducting a nationwide recall of several types of chocolate chip cookies with code dates of 015 through 036 stamped on the fold of the cellophane package in black ink. The chips appear to contain milk and have caused reactions in a few children who are highly allergic to milk according to phone calls from parents of the affected children. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. The cookies are wrapped and sold individually in retail stores and on our web site. Alternative Baking Company has since found a new company which guarantees their chocolate chips are: 100% Vegan, 100% Dairy Free and Processed on Dedicated Equipment. Consumers are to return any of these products with the codes of 015 through 036 to the store where purchased to exchange them or to received a full refund. Consumers may also mail their cookies with the proper codes to Alternative Baking Co., 3914 Kristi Court, Sacramento, CA 95827. Our hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 4pm (PT), phone number is (888) 488-9725.
Colossal Chocolate Chip 703741 000178 015 through 036 4.25 oz Each
Explosive Espresso Chocolate Chip 703741 001014 015 through 036 4.25 oz Each
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip 703741 000635 015 through 036 4.25 oz Each
Double Chocolate Decadence 703741 000628 015 through 036 4.25 oz Each
Mac the Chip 703741 000352 015 through 036 4.25 oz Each