FM/CFS/ME RESOURCES - ALERTS, NEWS & PRODUCT RECALLS
 



 




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 ALERTS, NEWS & PRODUCT RECALLS

This section contains medical alerts, medical news and product recalls for the following countries:

Medical News
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Ireland
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
USDA Recall
Classifications

  DATE  ALERTS, NEWS, RECALLS
Feb. 5, '10
Feb. 4, '10
Feb. 2, '10
Feb. 1, '10

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 USDA Recall Classifications
Class I This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.
Class II This is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.
Class III This is a situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health consequences.
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Feb. 4, 2010

Pork Barbecue Products Recalled Due to Undeclared Allergen

The Murphy House, a Louisburg, N.C., establishment, is recalling approximately 2,850 lbs. of pork barbecue products because they may contain an undeclared allergen, soy flour, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. Soy flour is a known potential allergen, which is not declared on the label.

The product subject to recall includes:

  • 5-lbs. buckets of "The MURPHY HOUSE PREMIUM PORK BARBECUE; COOKED, UNSKINNED, PORK WITH BARBECUE SAUCE ADDED" Each package bears the establishment number "EST. 2135" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The pork barbecue products were sent to distributors and restaurants in the North Carolina region.

The problem was discovered during a routine review of operations by FSIS at the establishment. FSIS has received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an allergic reaction should contact a physician.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Consumer and media inquiries regarding the recall should be directed to Josh Whitely, Vice President, at (919) 496-6054.

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Feb. 4, 2010

Retail Distribution List Udated for Sausage Product Recall

A third update to the list of retail consignees has been posted for Daniele International Recalling Italian Sausage Products, Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination.

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Feb. 4, 2010

Recalled Italian Sausage Products (Update)

As part of the continuing investigation, this recall release is being updated on February 4, 2010, to include two additional products, adding approximately 23,754 pounds to the January 23 recall. It should be noted that these additional products are separate from those listed on the January 31 expansion.

The two additional products are:

  • 3-ounce packages of "DANIELE NATURALE SALAME COATED WITH COARSE BLACK PEPPER."
  • Approximately 6-pound packages of "DANIELE SALAME GRANDE COATED WITH PORK FAT & PEPPER."

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Feb. 4, 2010

Alert On Uneviscerated Whole Schmaltz Herring

Haifa Smoked Fish, located in Queens, New York, is recalling Haifa brand vacuum packaged Whole Schmaltz Herring with the lot number 20, because the product was found to be uneviscerated.

The lot being recalled is a product of Norway, individually vacuum-packed in clear plastic pouches with lot # 20 indicated on the label and distributed through various food retailers in the NY and NJ area.

The Whole Schmaltz Herring was sampled by a New York State Agriculture and Markets Food Inspector during a routine inspection. Subsequent analysis of the product by New York State Food Laboratory personnel confirmed that Whole Schmaltz Herring was not properly eviscerated prior to processing.

The sale of uneviscerated fish is prohibited under New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations because of Clostridium Botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish has been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.

Botulism is a serious and potentially fatal form of food poisoning, causes the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled and should return it to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-523-8899.

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Feb. 4, 2010

Dangers Related to Furniture, Television and Appliance Tip-Overs

Health Canada is advising parents and caregivers to take precautionary steps to help minimize the dangers related to television, furniture and appliance tip-overs. According to data from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program, there have been more than 5,000 reports of televisions, furniture and appliances falling over onto children under 10 years of age since 1990. Furniture or television tip-overs can cause serious head and internal injuries, as well as suffocation, which can lead to death. More than 70% of the reported television tip-over incidents in Canada happened to children between one and three years of age.

Common circumstances that can lead to tip-over incidents include children:

  • climbing on furniture, televisions or appliances
  • reaching for items such as toys or remote controls located on elevated surfaces
  • pushing, pulling or accidentally bumping into televisions or pieces of furniture

Take these simple steps to help minimize the danger in your home:

  • Always supervise children in the home and teach them not to climb on or hang from furniture.

  • Choose storage furniture, such as bookcases, cabinets, television stands, and dressers, with a wide and stable base that sits directly on the floor. Models with legs or wheels are more likely to tip-over.

  • Attach furniture to the floor or wall stud using the appropriate angle braces, anchors or safety straps. If these items come with the product, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation.

  • Place televisions far back on low stable furniture that is designed to hold the weight and size of the television. Attach the television to the stand, if possible.

  • Keep electric cords behind furniture where children cannot reach them.

  • Do not place items that may appeal to a child, such as toys, plants and remote controls, on top of a television or tall furniture.

  • Do not place heavy items on top of elevated surfaces.

  • Regularly check that furniture, televisions and appliances are stable and secure and that electrical cords are out of children's reach.

  • For furniture with drawers, only open one drawer at a time to reduce the chance that it will tip over; completely close all drawers when not in use so they cannot be used as steps by a child; place heavier items in lower drawers; and install locking devices on each drawer if you have young children.

  • Do not assemble and use the furniture if instructions are not provided or if you cannot follow the instructions.

  • Verify a product's label, visit the manufacturer's website or ask the retailer to find out what safety features are available for the furniture you are considering.

  • Always use furniture for its intended purpose.

To report a tip-over related consumer complaint or incident, please contact your regional Health Canada Product Safety office toll free at 1-866-662-0666 or by e-mail at cps-spc@hc.gc.ca (please indicate the province or territory from which you are corresponding).

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Feb. 2, 2010

Recall: Fresh Boneless Beef Products

West Missouri Beef, LLC, a Rockville, Mo., establishment, is recalling approximately 14,000 pounds of fresh boneless beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

  • One combo bin containing approximately 2,000 pounds of fresh boneless beef identified as "75 1-M," produced on October 26, 2009.

  • One combo bin containing approximately 2,000 pounds of fresh boneless beef identified as "90 3-D," produced on November 25, 2009.

  • One combo bin containing approximately 2,000 pounds of fresh boneless beef identified as "90 5-D," produced on November 27, 2009.

  • Combo bins containing approximately 2,000 pounds of fresh boneless beef identified as "90 2-P," "90 2-R" or "90 2-V," produced on December 8, 2009.

  • One combo bin containing approximately 2,000 pounds of fresh boneless beef identified as "90 3-E," produced on January 13, 2010.

Each container is marked with the establishment number "EST. 5821" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The fresh boneless beef products were distributed to wholesalers in the Chicago, Ill., area.

The problem was discovered by FSIS during a verification review performed at the establishment.

FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef or ground beef patties that have been cooked to a temperature of 160° F. The only way to be sure ground beef is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature.

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Feb. 2, 2010

Allergy Alert: Aahu Barah Brand Dry Apricot

Global Commodities Inc. of Hicksville, NY is recalling its 0.50 lbs. packages of Aahu Barah brand Dry Apricot food treats because they contain undeclared Sulfites. People who have allergies to Sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The recalled Dry Apricots were distributed in New York State in some retail stores. The product comes in a 0.50 lbs., clear plastic package marked with Dry Apricot with an expiration date of 12/2013 stamped on the side.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by NY State Agriculture & Markets inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the 0.50 lbs. package of dried apricots which were not declared on the label. Subsequently, investigation indicated the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes. Production of the product has been suspended until the company is certain that the problem has been corrected.

The consumption of 10 mg of sulfites per serving has been reported to illicit severe reactions in some asthmatics.

Consumers who have purchased 0.50 lbs. packages of Aahu Barah brand "Dry Apricot" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-516-396-0710 or 1-646-235-4154.

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Feb. 1, 2010

FDA Announces Safety Risk Associated with HIV Drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on January 29 that non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, a rare, but serious, liver disorder, has been reported in some HIV patients taking Videx/Videx EC (didanosine).

Videx is an antiretroviral medicine first approved by the FDA in 1991. Videx EC is a delayed-release version of Videx approved in 2000. Videx/Videx EC is used in combination with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV infection in children and adults.

During an 18-year period, 42 cases of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension were reported to the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System for patients taking Videx/Videx EC. Four patients died from bleeding or liver failure after developing the condition.

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension occurs when blood flow in the portal vein - a major vein in the liver - slows down and leads to severely enlarged veins in the esophagus. These enlarged veins, called esophageal varices, are thin and can break open, resulting in serious, and potentially fatal, bleeding.

The Videx and Videx EC product labels have been revised to help ensure that health care professionals and patients are aware of the risk and the signs and symptoms of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.

The FDA evaluation concluded that the clinical benefits of Videx/Videx EC in certain patients with HIV continue to outweigh potential safety risks. Videx/Videx EC does not cure HIV infection, may not prevent development of HIV-related illnesses, and may not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.

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Feb. 1, 2010

List of Retail Stores for Sausage Recall

FSIS has reason to believe that the following retail location(s) received ready-to-eat varieties of Italian sausage products, including salami/salame, that have been recalled by Daniele International Inc. This list may not include all retail locations that have received the recalled product or may include retail locations that did not actually receive the recalled product. Therefore, it is important that you use the product-specific identification information, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/ Recall_006_2010_Release/index.asp, in addition to this list of retail stores, to check meat or poultry products in your possession to see if they have been recalled.

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