I thought while we continue to post individual recalls related to this, it is important to have one place to 1) list all the related threads and 2) discuss this.
Let's link to all related threads in this post. Moderators, please feel free to edit this post so we can keep all related thread links in one place that is very easy to see. Then we can discuss in posts below.
I'm listing the Adams one first, even though it was not the first. I had some info in it that is relevant to the others.
Dec 26, 2014: Adams seasonings, rubs, chili powder, cumin, HEB meat products (US (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9824.0.html)
Dec 19. 2014: Carroll Shelby brand/Wick Fowler brand chili seasoning kits (US) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9804.0.html)
Dec 26, 2014: Adams seasonings, rubs, chili powder, cumin, HEB meat products (US (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9824.0.html)
Dec 29 2014: DL Jardines & Shotgun Willie's Texas Chili products (US) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9837.0.html)
Dec 29, 2014: Tommy's Superfoods Santa Fe Rice (US) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9836.0.html)
Dec 30, 2014: Hausman Foods, LLC Peanut in cumin from 3rd party supplier (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9838.0.html)
Dec 31 2014: Adams "Private Selection" two chipotle-flavored bread crumbs (US) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9847.0.html)
January 2, 2015 Zilks Hummus Undeclared Peanuts (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9850.0.html)
Jan 9: Morningstar Farms Spicy Black Bean Burgers & Chipotle Black Bean Burger (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9882.0.html)
Jan 9, 2015: Peanut: Shirk's Meats Smoked Pork Andouille Sausage (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9883.0.html)
Jan 9, 2015: Taj Ethnic Gourmet Sauces (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9884.0.html)
Jan 9, 2015: Con Yeager Spice Company Ground Cumin and Seasoning Blends (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9885)
Possibly this: Oct 11 Ortega Taco Seasoning *UPDATED 11/17/14--includes US* (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9639.0.html)
Jan 12, 2015: Spice N'More various cumin powders (US) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9897)
Jan 12, 2015: Zenobia Company MY Spice Sage Cumin Ground (US) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9898.0.html)
Jan. 12, 2015: US Foods (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9905.0.html)
Jan 13 2015: Condies Bold & Zesty salsa; Dr. J's mild & medium salsas (US/UT) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9910.0.html)
Jan 14, 2015: NAC Foods "Mimi's Products" & "Rosa Maria" Ground Cumin (US) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9915.0.html)
Jan 16, 2015: Garden Lites (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9921.0.html)
Jan 16, 2015: Franklin Farms Chili-Bean Veggiburgers (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9922.0.html)
Jan 16, 2015: Heywood's Meat Haus & Provision Co. Pork shoulder products (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9923.0.html)
Jan 16, 2015: Aaron's Best Gluten Free Beef Franks Hot & Spicy Chipotle (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9927.0.html)
Jan 16, 2015: Buffalo Provisions Chorizo Products (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9926.0.html)
Jan 16, 2015: Kabob's brand beef and chicken products (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9925.0.html)
The current Active USDA RECALLS feed re: recalls-- currently, it's almost entirely about this cumin recall, but this list is not peanut-specific, if that makes sense:
USDA 2015 Recalls (http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2015)
This is so, so scary. It's getting bigger, just as we feared.
I'd like to tease things out. It seems to me that there are three US suppliers of the cumin. I think Adams and Schiff are separate. I could be wrong about that, though.
Schiff Foods (http://www.schifffoods.com/)
Schiff Foods Products Co., Inc.
994 Riverview Drive
Totowa, NJ 07512
Phone # (973) 237-1990
Fax # (973) 237-1999
Email: Sales@schifffood.com
Adams Extract (http://www.adamsextract.com/)
Adams Extract & Spice LLCDirections
Address: 3217 Johnson Road, Gonzales, TX 78629
Phone:(830) 672-1850 (512) 359-3035
Con Yeager Spice Company (http://www.conyeagerspice.com/)
144 Magill Rd
Zelienople, PA 16063
(800) 222-2460
For a full listing of Con Yeager products affected, including some which have individual threads here, see the exhaustive table on the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm429688.htm (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm429688.htm)
In my opinion, Adams and Schiff need to do exactly what Con Yeager has done. And we need to demand it. We need to know everyone that has bought their cumin. Everyone.
My assumption is that Adams, Schiff and Con Yeager imported the spice from a common source. Or maybe Adams did not import it but got it from Schiff.
We just used the taco seasoning this week. And I use the Wick Fowler's chili as a starting point for mine as well. However, dd does not eat thee things. She has decided she does not like taco flavoring. so, she has something else. Thank goodness.
I am behind on the details of this. Have there been reactions associated with this? Other than the two items I mentioned above, which dd does not eat, we do not use the listed brands that I have seen. But, on principle, I would jump onto any petition or movement to better resolve this.
Quote from: Macabre on January 10, 2015, 10:21:28 AM
This is so, so scary. It's getting bigger, just as we feared.
I'd like to tease things out. It seems to me that there are three US suppliers of the cumin. I think Adams and Schiff are separate. I could be wrong about that, though.
Schiff Foods (http://www.schifffoods.com/)
Schiff Foods Products Co., Inc.
994 Riverview Drive
Totowa, NJ 07512
Phone # (973) 237-1990
Fax # (973) 237-1999
Email: Sales@schifffood.com
Adams Extract (http://www.adamsextract.com/)
Adams Extract & Spice LLCDirections
Address: 3217 Johnson Road, Gonzales, TX 78629
Phone:(830) 672-1850 (512) 359-3035
Con Yeager Spice Company (http://www.conyeagerspice.com/)
144 Magill Rd
Zelienople, PA 16063
(800) 222-2460
For a full listing of Con Yeager products affected, including some which have individual threads here, see the exhaustive table on the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm429688.htm (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm429688.htm)
Adams hasn't named their third-party supplier/wholesaler.
Con Yeager has-- it's
Golombeck.I'm guessing that
Golombeck and Schiff are at roughly the same level on the supply chain-- so that
probably means an imported primary supplier behind both.
I would love to believe that this is a single unscrupulous Latin American (probably) supplier of cumin who is "cutting" the product-- in the same exact way that melamine was used as an 'additive/filler' a few years ago in China.
Because the alternative is that it's common practice from a supply
region. {shudders}
Oh that's right. I even highlighted Golombeck in the Con Yeager thread, but I've been a bit mystified by all of this. Ugh.
Becca---there have been no reactions reported.
I called Penzy's on Thursday, haven't heard back. The person I spoke with took notes and was very serious. I will go in there in next week if I don't hear something soon. My office is right around the corner from their Pike Place store.
Thanks Stinky!
I will add that it will be important for this thread to be accurate. I may go back and correct an earlier post of mine so that the facts are straight here. There is so much of not-enough-facts going around that at least here we should be Ll about correct info. :yes:
Quote from: Stinky10 on January 10, 2015, 12:13:26 PM
I called Penzy's on Thursday, haven't heard back. The person I spoke with took notes and was very serious. I will go in there in next week if I don't hear something soon. My office is right around the corner from their Pike Place store.
thanks-I'll be watching for the update. I don't think I need to order cumin just yet but still want to know (and I might use some mixes from there that have it. dang).
THANK YOU for this! It is very helpful. Once a product is recalled, will it be removed immediately from retail stores? What's awful is not knowing what other products could be contaminated but have not been recalled yet. I'm wondering what kinds of precautions to take...avoid all products with 'Spices' listed as an ingredient? Could this affect restaurant foods as well?
Just got a call from Costco asking us to return the contaminated Morningstar black bean patties we had bought. Too bad there aren't any left :-/. Good thing DH was the only one who ate any of them!
Quote from: Irene on January 10, 2015, 03:19:18 PM
THANK YOU for this! It is very helpful. Once a product is recalled, will it be removed immediately from retail stores? What's awful is not knowing what other products could be contaminated but have not been recalled yet. I'm wondering what kinds of precautions to take...avoid all products with 'Spices' listed as an ingredient? Could this affect restaurant foods as well?
Most stores note recalls within computer system so that if you pick up an item not pulled from the store, the machine will let them know it is not okay to sell - Publix, Kroger, and Ingles have done this to me. Even had an item at Dollar Tree once that would not scan which apparently means it was recalled but they had not pulled it yet (CPSC recall for lead).
This is also where using a keycard with information actually linked to you (like Kroger's card for sales prices and lowered gas prices) is helpful because you will receive a call generally letting you know you have purchased a contaminated item.
Quote from: Irene on January 10, 2015, 03:19:18 PM
THANK YOU for this! It is very helpful. Once a product is recalled, will it be removed immediately from retail stores? What's awful is not knowing what other products could be contaminated but have not been recalled yet. I'm wondering what kinds of precautions to take...avoid all products with 'Spices' listed as an ingredient? Could this affect restaurant foods as well?
That is an EMPHATIC
yes. I have not yet contacted Chipotle, Taco Bell, or Qdoba re: their supply chain safety, but... it's got to go on the list, I think.
FYI - Cumin to the best of my knowledge does not need to be listed separate, it will fall under spice in an ingredient list. Something to keep in mind in purchasing for the next few months :disappointed:
In the Peanut Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness group on FB, someone wrote to Chipotle and Chipotle told them they use a different supplier that hasn't been affected by the recall.
Thanks for that.
I'm going to collect up some food-service links and place them in a thread down in restaurants re: cumin-- I'll link to it here.
food service/restaurants and cumin recall (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9888.0.html)
Quote from: CMdeux on January 10, 2015, 07:04:45 PM
Thanks for that.
food service/restaurants and cumin recall (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9888.0.html)
You're welcome. :) It's a closed group, but for anyone concerned, join the group and then use the search box for Chipotle. it's in the comments of the question about the cumin. the woman who contacted them copy/pasted the entire message with the service rep's name.
I also left a comment on Taco Bell's FB since they seem responsive. I'll post back if I hear anything.
CM, you may want to add Del Taco to your other post - I ate there last time I was in California, everything was peanut-free including desserts.
This whole thing is making me want a taco. :hiding:
Quote from: CMdeux on January 10, 2015, 11:05:55 AM
Quote from: Macabre on January 10, 2015, 10:21:28 AM
This is so, so scary. It's getting bigger, just as we feared.
I'd like to tease things out. It seems to me that there are three US suppliers of the cumin. I think Adams and Schiff are separate. I could be wrong about that, though.
Schiff Foods (http://www.schifffoods.com/)
Schiff Foods Products Co., Inc.
994 Riverview Drive
Totowa, NJ 07512
Phone # (973) 237-1990
Fax # (973) 237-1999
Email: Sales@schifffood.com
Adams Extract (http://www.adamsextract.com/)
Adams Extract & Spice LLCDirections
Address: 3217 Johnson Road, Gonzales, TX 78629
Phone:(830) 672-1850 (512) 359-3035
Con Yeager Spice Company (http://www.conyeagerspice.com/)
144 Magill Rd
Zelienople, PA 16063
(800) 222-2460
For a full listing of Con Yeager products affected, including some which have individual threads here, see the exhaustive table on the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm429688.htm (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm429688.htm)
Adams hasn't named their third-party supplier/wholesaler.
Con Yeager has-- it's Golombeck.
I'm guessing that Golombeck and Schiff are at roughly the same level on the supply chain-- so that probably means an imported primary supplier behind both.
I would love to believe that this is a single unscrupulous Latin American (probably) supplier of cumin who is "cutting" the product-- in the same exact way that melamine was used as an 'additive/filler' a few years ago in China.
Because the alternative is that it's common practice from a supply region. {shudders}
Just using what was written as reference because it gave me enough to go on.
Golombeck is a wholesaler importer of record. A lot of companies who use product do not want to enter it themselves. They don't have the in country ties, the freight forwarder relationships, don't want to deal with supply chain, don't want to deal with the entry paperwork or the risk of having product on hold, fines, you name it. Here's where your Golombeck or other trading company comes in. For spices they aren't really bulky compared to say television because the product has more of a dimensional weight than per unit. Likely that means LCL (less than container load) puzzled together with other items.
I've personally only ever entered non-food products like aluminum frames, steel, and LCL grab bags of oriental trading like goods. However the Harmonzied Tariff Schedule is very specific about subtypes requiring the application of essential characteristics. See below.
Quote0909 Seeds of anise, badian, fennel, coriander, cumin or caraway; juniper berries:
0909.21.0000 Seeds of coriander:
0909.21.0000 Neither crushed nor ground
0909.22.0000 Crushed or ground
0909.31.0000 Seeds of cumin:
0909.31.0000 Neither crushed nor ground
0909.32.0000 Crushed or ground
0909.61.0000 Seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel; juniper berries:
0909.61.0000 Neither crushed nor ground
0909.62.0000 Crushed or ground
I'm betting one of these two:
0909.31.0000 Seeds of cumin:
0909.31.0000 Neither crushed nor ground
0909.32.0000 Crushed or ground
For example here's a bill of lading for Golombeck. This is all open source information.
QuoteSample Shipment Record
AL MEHTAB TRADING CO LLC
P O BOX 6354, DUBAI, UAE TEL 971 4 2262145 FAX 2263369
sells to
MORRIS J GOLOMBECK INC
960 FRANKLIN AVE, BROOKLYN NY 11225U S A TEL 707963 551 FAX 707 963 1270
Arrival Date: 2008-01-18
Number of Containers: 1
Gross Weight: 24970 KG
Quantity: 454 PKG
Product Description: CUMIN SEEDS
They're not going to have a sole relationship with only one export supplier so even though you can see in 2008 Golombeck entered a shipment from UAE trading company that doesn't tell us much then nor now. I didn't see the country of origin on there I don't even know if it was sourced UAE. That's just the trading company exporter.
The point is no one is going to know if what they have is tainted because Golombeck isn't the supplier in the sense that he's the importer of record, unless the company further refines the product itself but there's equal chance they never see or handle the product they just handles shipment and entry then forwards.
A recall this size must be colossal in terms for cost so that leads us to a good number of smart W questions.
Why was
peanut suspected? Routine testing or other?
Who uncovered the contact? Reports all say no reported illnesses. Are we sure? Then who thought it had to be peanut, and then confirmed it through testing?
When in the supply chain did this happen?
Where in the supply chain did this happen?
What does this recall mean? Considering the cost it had to be gross amounts at the least.
If this was an issue
within US manufacturing once the spices officially entered US commerce by the importer of record and out of that importers hands, then there's some hope of tracing. A lot of ports of entry aren't even owned and operated by the US but under foreign owneship. Last I was in the field it was Dubai/UAE was in the market to buy and operate quite a few US terminals. So, you're not going to find out much at the terminal (like if it was stored next to peanut), or from the freight forwarder who may have 'puzzled' it in to fit a few LCL shipments together in one container.
If this happened pre-import, pre-terminal storage or transfer, pre-container load then all bets are off. The most valuable tool they could give to us now is to give transparency on how it was determined, when, and by whom that peanut was present and what amount. The hot potato of sourcing goes to a place we might not ever find despite knowing the exporter, importer and country of origin that appears on the paper. It could have been an over the border transshipment that while not allowed, does happen often enough for a number of reasons.
Say it is Schiff that has a product that does not specify another country of origin on its label. By law if a product undergoes a category shift that is not mere assembly it can then be considered a product of USA origin. I'm not sure what grinding would constitute in this case (as stated didn't work with food don't have regs in front of me) but a ground spice mix like Ortega taco seasoning may have had cumin seeds that entered whole then were ground and added to other ground spices and other ingredients to make the taco seasoning. Parts of foreign origin undergoing category change = new product with new country of origin.
The most valuable tool they could give to us now is to give transparency on how it was determined, when, and by whom that peanut was present and what amount
Absolutely. :yes: That's PRECISELY what I'd like to know.
The only answer that makes any sense at all to me is deliberately adulterating a ground product, in which case.... yeah, where on the supply chain this occurred becomes super-pertinent info to me personally.
I keep going to some rather scary places in my own darned head over this.
Honestly, cilantro just isn't that hard to grow, and it has no problem producing seeds for ya.
Well, what I want to know most is exactly which products have it. NOW. Not two weeks from now. And exactly where else it has been used (restaurants).
All related to the W's. Because you can't trace what isn't established. If it was a result of tampering to bulk at source that's one thing. If it happened here somewhere past that entry into US commerce there's a good chance of fencing it in.
I'm no more or less concerned than I ever was, especially without any idea who performed testing on what and why. Maybe someone in the lab had a PB&J for lunch or the equipment was tainted, or the samples mixed up or a false positive. I need more information.
Quote from: CMdeux on January 11, 2015, 06:28:01 PM
The only answer that makes any sense at all to me is deliberately adulterating a ground product, in which case.... yeah, where on the supply chain this occurred becomes super-pertinent info to me personally.
Eh, possibly. I'm not sure it would have the same texture although a funky texture and color may be a reason someone was motivated to test it, assuming that was the case and it was not routine testing. That's too much assumption for my tastes given the complexity. What gives me pause is
how much was
voluntarily recalled. Maybe there was some nasty bacteria found as well as peanut. :shrug:
It's why I don't call on a lot of products of foreign origin like Rao's sauce or seaweed or US trade company branded products like Eden. Pointless.
Quoterecall was initiated after it was discovered that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by contamination of the product from its country of origin.
Con Yeager Spice Company was notified by the supplier Morris J. Golombeck Inc. that the ground cumin product had tested positive for traces of peanut protein.
Messy cut and paste on the go. All the basics are there. Country of origin, routine testing sounds like, responsible importer reported results.
It would be nice to know if the testing is an industry standard or is importer exceeding standards. It would be useful to know how testing is performed and what the results were in detail because if this was purposeful bulking it's an important distinction.
My question is related but more general. I have long wondered, as a parent of a PA kid, if a food manufacturer DOES suspect contamination, why should I trust that they will do anything? For some of these corporations that would mean a huge financial loss. Packaging is usually ordered years in advance, so they are not going to change the packaging which contains the ingredients and allergen statements. So they are really just going to throw out all that food, which in there eyes is money? Does anybody else share these doubts?
This is why I try to only buy stuff that is from a nut free facility and not merely a "dedicated line" because unless they have a program in place, why would they test for allergens? and if they don't, how would they know if their dedicated line is contaminated? And in this case with cumin, I'm not sure all nut free factories verify or check the provenance of their spices. So... aaaaagh!
McCormick spices has told me that all there stuff is processed in a nut free factory. But I imagine they must share the same suppliers as the rest of the world, so do I stop trusting McCormick? I think I am getting a serious headache over this.
I can break it down later on supply chain highly complicated through import regulations but the term manufacturer in this case would not be the supplier, broker, or importer - though they can be more than one.
If a properly entered item undergoes a shift in the Harmonized Schedule it then shifts country of origin to where it underwent the change. I need to at least try to track down one of those recalled products in store or find online to see how it's labeled.
Finally on a computer. :coffee:
The short answer is I'm not aware how food products are tested as they enter the country's commerce - which is not the same as they are not tested. All it means is that I don't know. The FDA would somehow be involved as they are for any covered items including sunglasses. To reiterate I never cleared a food item although I have a dusty memory of FDA clearance for a shipment of sunglasses.
Note I use the term commerce. Entering the country is separate from entering the country's commerce. How that testing goes on will need someone with knowledge. Nor do I have any idea, education or experience related to food testing in a lab. CM might best know how that would take place.
I would hazard a guess that any food item entering would have to undergo routine testing for safety to make sure it's what it says it is beyond safety into genuine or fraudulent. This is where it gets interesting because the regulations regarding the responsibilities for the importer of record are s-e-v-e-r-e. Being an importer of record is extremely high risk, and the more you come under the attention of ICE in a not good way the more likely you are to face civil and criminal penalties. There's no end to the civil penalties and they can accrue very rapidly.
Which leads us to the cost associated with this recall. I would assume with great confidence that the FDA & ICE got this party started less under contact for allergens and more for bulked, misrepresented product. If I were an importer of record that's what would have me quaking in my boots even if everything I did was by the book.
What we do know was that imported almond powder into the UK mislabeled almond powder by the country of origin supplier was bulked with about 50% peanut powder probably because it's cheaper. The restauranteurs had no idea what they were using going by the product label. Only testing uncovered the product tampering.
Could this have been what was done with a spice that is expensive in dimensional weight compared to peanut? Maybe. The contact was traced to country of origin, the trade company from the country of export (not necessarily country of origin) did not disclose peanut innocently or no, and it was entered as such.
Those are fair questions you raise, eudaemon. Where, when and how often is testing taking place? Precautionary testing might happen much more than we know as end users.
In your McCormick example I believe them when they say their manufacturing facilities are nut free and to be fair that is an accurate statement. As a manufacturer of finished retail product they are dependent on the system of checks and balances for safety, purity, disclosures before the bulk ingredients reach them. There isn't much they can do beyond what is under their segment of allergen management control in the chain from crop to dinner table.
Why would they recall this much considering how much of a financial hit companies are taking across the board? If I had to come up with an answer without knowing more it infers that the 'contact' wasn't just contact but rises to the level of fraudulent product. Wild, wild guess. I truly don't know.
Or... before I light up the internet in conspiracy it might just be a source manufacturer that processes peanuts and cumin.
There are different trade markets where importers can find exporters, sort of like a dating site. Alibaba is one of them please see the supplier example below. This supplier offers peanuts, cumin, coriander and sesame in whole form. It may have been lack of allergen management on the primary export source end, nothing more.
http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Peanuts-Cumin-Seeds_101420237.html (http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Peanuts-Cumin-Seeds_101420237.html)
One more thing. I emotionally wrestled with this because my intention is not to spread panic or instill anger but you all have the right to know, considering.
(http://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/31700593817853890/filePointer/31700593817854185/fodoid/31700593817854181/imageType/LARGE/inlineImage/true/pantry-basics-ground-cumin.jpg)
This is an image distributed of one of items in recall. Note the product is labeled "Made in U.S.A.". This is what I referred to earlier that when a product enters the commerce undergoes a process that causes a category shift in the Harmonized Schedule it is then legally considered a product of that country, hence it has a new country of origin.
It is the same for the other recent recalled ground cumin product under the brand La Flor. The label of that packaging read Made in the USA. It's legal but a little shady in marketing practice. An item of USA origin for sale in US commerce does not need to be labeled for country of origin because it is a domestic product. Therefore putting a mark that it is made in USA is not only unnecessary but is not really honest with a consumer -- though I repeat it is legal.
If these labels are current and accurate that would lead me to believe that the cumin entered the US as whole seeds and not ground, otherwise it can't have gone through a category shift. That's splitting hairs on 'assembly' probably but I guess grinding is considered a process that satisfies a shift. Again, no experience entering foodstuffs.
Confirmation would involve getting the bill of lading for this shipment to Golombeck. Although if the reports are true that it was a country of origin contact then it implies not USA origin because that is considered a domestic product.
(http://www.fda.gov/ucm/groups/fdagov-public/documents/image/ucm429886.jpg)
Posting from FDA's site with current label prominent with Made in USA mark.
QuoteIn 1996 the FTC[1] proposed that the requirement be stated as:
It will not be considered a deceptive practice for a marketer to make an unqualified U.S. origin claim if, at the time it makes the claim, the marketer possesses and relies upon competent and reliable evidence that: (1) U.S. manufacturing costs constitute 75% of the manufacturing costs for the product; and (2) the product was last substantially transformed in the United States.[2]
Wiki is the best source I have on a pressed schedule.
Penzey's
Stinky sent this email to me in case I could post it before she could.big typically don't post employee contact info, but in this case I'm going to. I think need to know who is telling us what in this situation.
From: Emily Barbeau [mailto:emily.barbeau@penzeys.com]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2015 1:36 PM
To: Stinky
Subject: Penzeys Cumin
Hi Stinky,
My name is Emily Barbeau and I work with Penzeys Spices in Wisconsin. I was able to look into your question about our cumin. Our cumin supplier is in India, not Turkey. Therefore, we were not connected to that recall of cumin at all. Rob, our Quality Assurance director, is requesting peanut-specific information from our supplier. But, as we are aware right now, our cumin is not affected. Thank you for inquiring. I hope you have a wonderful week. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks :)
Emily Barbeau
--
Emily Barbeau
Penzeys Spices
Retail Operations
Edited to add subsequent email from Ms Barbeau:
The cumin sold at Penzeys currently (January 2015) is from India.
Please see updated information about what may affect Penzey's cumin in this post:
Re: Peanut: Cumin Recall (The Big Thread) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9886.msg168172.html#msg168172)
Holy Crapuminoli!
Not sure what I'll even use out of my spice cabinet right now until I do exhaustive comparison against the big-and-bigger recall lists.
I may have missed it, but I am wondering about Taco Bell?
The better source may be SYSCO if we're talking distributors for restaurant supplies.
This is SYSCO's Supplier Compliance Manual (http://sysco.com/documents/Sysco_Supplier_Compliance_Manual_Nov_2012_rev.pdf) including supply chain operations compliance and recall procedures.
Note that I updated the Penzey's thread.
Re: Peanut: Cumin Recall (The Big Thread) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9886.msg168138.html#msg168138)
Ajas we have a separate thread for restaurants in Restaurants. No one has contacted Taco Bell yet.
See this thread for restaurants:
food service/restaurants and cumin recall (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9888.0.html)
Quote from: Macabre on January 12, 2015, 04:12:54 PM
Penzey's
Stinky sent this email to me in case I could post it before she could.big typically don't post employee contact info, but in this case I'm going to. I think need to know who is telling us what in this situation.
From: Emily Barbeau [mailto:emily.barbeau@penzeys.com]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2015 1:36 PM
To: Stinky
Subject: Penzeys Cumin
Hi Stinky,
My name is Emily Barbeau and I work with Penzeys Spices in Wisconsin. I was able to look into your question about our cumin. Our cumin supplier is in India, not Turkey. Therefore, we were not connected to that recall of cumin at all. Rob, our Quality Assurance director, is requesting peanut-specific information from our supplier. But, as we are aware right now, our cumin is not affected. Thank you for inquiring. I hope you have a wonderful week. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks :)
Emily Barbeau
--
Emily Barbeau
Penzeys Spices
Retail Operations
Edited to add subsequent email from Ms Barbeau:
The cumin sold at Penzeys currently (January 2015) is from India.
AND-- the contaminated stuff is of Turkish origin, apparently.
Quote
Which leads us to the cost associated with this recall. I would assume with great confidence that the FDA & ICE got this party started less under contact for allergens and more for bulked, misrepresented product. If I were an importer of record that's what would have me quaking in my boots even if everything I did was by the book.
What we do know was that imported almond powder into the UK mislabeled almond powder by the country of origin supplier was bulked with about 50% peanut powder probably because it's cheaper. The restauranteurs had no idea what they were using going by the product label. Only testing uncovered the product tampering.
Could this have been what was done with a spice that is expensive in dimensional weight compared to peanut? Maybe. The contact was traced to country of origin, the trade company from the country of export (not necessarily country of origin) did not disclose peanut innocently or no, and it was entered as such.
This is what I think. I'm no conspiracy theorist, by any means. But I do believe that for detectable peanut to have been found on the kind of SCALE that is necessary to have triggered a recall of this magnitude, it's adulteration.
Which begs the question-- how??
If it was ground HERE, that's really wild, because-- well, obviously-- coriander seeds, versus unassuming brown
stuff that's been ground?
I'd guess that the 75% rule is being met via additional handling/processing. Don't know details enough to know if repacking constitutes "manufacture" but guessing that sieving might, and that is a QC step.
Quote from: Macabre on January 12, 2015, 04:51:34 PM
Note that I updated the Penzey's thread.
Re: Peanut: Cumin Recall (The Big Thread) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9886.msg168138.html#msg168138)
Ajas we have a separate thread for restaurants in Restaurants. No one has contacted Taco Bell yet.
I called Taco Bell. And emailed. I'm waiting for a response from a nutritionist to get info about supplier.
Update: according to Miriam at Taco Bell hq, as of this time their supplier has not been affected by the cumin recall.
Additionally, for those like us that only buy refried beans from Taco Bell, there is no cumin in the beans. Spice is chili powder, natural flavor is garlic and onion.
Thanks!
CM your update about Penzey's is the very reason I wrote this post. Manufacturers and restaurants don't know enough (likely) to give us definitive information. Grrrr.
Re: food service/restaurants and cumin recall (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9888.msg168109.html#msg168109)
Spice N'More Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in Cumin Powder "Casablanca", "Salma", "Spice Class", "La Mina", "Leader Meret", "All Island Spice", "Key Food" and "H Harvest"
Contact:
Consumer:
1-718-417-0746
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 12, 2015 – Brooklyn, NY – SPICE N' MORE CORP. of Brooklyn, NY, is recalling its 2.5-oz. containers of "ALL ISLAND SPICE" cumin powder, 7-oz. containers of "CASABLANCA", "H HARVEST", "SPICE CLASS" AND "LEADER MERET" cumin powder and 12-oz containers of "SALMA", "SPICE CLASS", "LA MINA" AND "KEY FOOD" cumin powder purchased from September 23, 2014 to November 30, 2014, because they may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The recalled "CASABLANCA", "SALMA", "SPICE CLASS", "LA MINA", "LEADER MERET", "ALL ISLAND SPICE", "KEY FOOD" AND "H-HARVEST" cumin powder were distributed NY, NJ, PA, VA, MD, MI, MA and SC in wholesale and retail stores.
The product comes in 2.5-oz., 7-oz. and 12-oz., clear plastic containers with UPC Codes #07329600144, #81868501051, #02391315908, #81597800822, #81597800423, #63923510835, #63923510117, #63923513235 and #60953908472.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by contamination of the product from its country of origin.
Consumers who have purchased 2.5-oz., 7-oz. and 12-oz. containers of "CASABLANCA", "SALMA", "SPICE CLASS", "LA MINA", "LEADER MERET", "ALL ISLAND SPICE", "KEY FOOD" AND "H-HARVEST" cumin powder are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-718-417-0746, Monday-Friday 9am-4 pm ET.
Gp do you mind forwarding I break that off into a different thread so it doesn't go unnoticed and add a little link to the new thread in the first post here?
Okay I see you already created a separate thread. I will put a link to it in the first post.
Zenobia Company LLC. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanut Protein in "My Spice Sage Cumin Ground"
Contact:
Consumer:
1-877-890-5244
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — January 12, 2015 — Zenobia Company LLC. Of Yonkers, NY is recalling MY Spice Sage Cumin Ground in its 1 oz, 4 oz, 4.9 oz, 16 oz and 50 pound packages, because they may contain undeclared peanut protein. People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
Product was distributed nationwide through online mail orders only. The recall only applies to below skus sold between 7/1/14 - 1/8/15.
The product is sold in resealable plastic bags with the following markings except for the 50 lb bag which is not resealable and lacks UPC coding. The 4.9 oz size is in a plastic bottle:
My Spice Sage CUMIN GROUND, 1 oz (28g) – UPC 00105001
My Spice Sage CUMIN GROUND, 4 oz (113g) – UPC 00105004
MY Spice Sage CUMIN GROUND, 4.9 oz (139g) – UPC 00105000
MY Spice Sage CUMIN GROUND, 16 oz (454g) – UPC 00105016
My Spice Sage CUMIN GROUND, 50 lb
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recall was initiated after our supplier notified us that the Cumin Ground containing peanut protein was shipped to us by them unknowingly. Consumers with questions may contact us by calling 1-877-890-5244, Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm EST.
I reached out to a family member, who works for McCormick (totally different department). I read elsewhere on Facebook that someone was told by McCormick that their cumin is grown and ground by McCormick with no other manufacturers/importers involved. I'm hoping he can direct me to someone who can confirm this in writing. Cumin, by itself, is not something that I even have in our spice cabinet. I rarely make that kind of food and when I do, it's tacos and I buy a package of seasoning. I will not be doing that for a long time. I am highly concerned about how this shakes out regarding manufactured food and restaurant food and that dreaded catch-all word of "spices". I have been stalking this thread.
I'll let you know if I can get anywhere with McCormick.
Ok, so this isn't the most helpful info that I was hoping it would be. As per McCormick quality control, they do not believe their products are affected because they buy whole cumin rather than ground. This does not sound to me like they grow their own cumin with no outside manufacturers/importers involved.
It doesn't to me, either-- but what it is adding up to is what guess and I have been hinting at-- we would be better informed right now if we knew just WHERE in the supply chain the contamination was detected-- was this ground and imported and already contaminated (three separate factors)--
well, we know that it was imported. Not clear whether it was contaminated after, or adulterated beforehand, or contaminated beforehand. Again, separate things, those.
Was it WHOLE seeds upon import? Also not known.
Quote from: setsail on January 12, 2015, 07:30:25 PM
Quote from: Macabre on January 12, 2015, 04:51:34 PM
Note that I updated the Penzey's thread.
Re: Peanut: Cumin Recall (The Big Thread) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9886.msg168138.html#msg168138)
Ajas we have a separate thread for restaurants in Restaurants. No one has contacted Taco Bell yet.
I called Taco Bell. And emailed. I'm waiting for a response from a nutritionist to get info about supplier.
Update: according to Miriam at Taco Bell hq, as of this time their supplier has not been affected by the cumin recall.
Additionally, for those like us that only buy refried beans from Taco Bell, there is no cumin in the beans. Spice is chili powder, natural flavor is garlic and onion.
But chili powder is not usually a single ingredient, but a blend of spices often including cumin. Adam's brand chili powder was part of the cumin recall.
Nothing will clear the air until the process is elucidated. I am all for the food industry regulating itself as much as possible but "it" hit the fan and we have to perform our own damage control right now.
This won't happen but what I need is:
- bill of lading(s)
- test results
I can't read the test results for diddly squat but CM can. The warnings themselves are dangerous interchanging may contain voluntary recall with tests positive look out. This isn't time to shake a Magic 8 ball.
Would anyone be interested in contacting Mr. Golombeck himself to see if he would provide copies? It would not be out of line to thank him for calling attention to it otherwise we'd never have known. If not I'll try today or tomorrow.
Golspice@aol.com
I'm happy to, but I think a list of (brief) questions would be important to have. i want to make sure we don't leave anything out.
I was thinking that perhaps we can ask FARE to be of assistance here. Again, we need to qualify our questions in advance. They are likely to get further than any individual.
Well, his email address is there if you want to do it. If I do I'm not going beyond industry standard items like BoL.
edit: done
This post contains information about the following cumin suppliers:
*McCormick
*Newly Weds
I have contacted Fairbault Foods for this product: Kuner's Southwest Refried Black Beans with Lime.
(http://www.faribaultfoods.com/wp-content/themes/faribault/images/brands/kuners_sw.jpg)
I was told that their factories are peanut free. Their and their brands include:
Butter Kernel
Chiliman
Kuner's
Kuner's Southwestern
Mrs. Grimes
Pasta Select
Pride
S&W Beans
Most of their products are only sold in the Midwest, but some of their brands have other regional targets like the southeast and west. Kuner's Southwestern is sold in the eastern 3/4 of the country (Montana to New Mexico and east).
I asked for their cumin supplier. They said they have two suppliers, McCormick and Newly Weds, and they have a written statement from both stating that their cumin is not involved in the recall.
Hormel
The customer service person at Hormel I spoke with said that he didn't have the name of the suppliers of their cumin but that their products aren't a part of the recall.
Alrighty then--I'll try back next week. That's what a lot of manufacturers could have said two weeks ago, and they'd be lying right now if they said it.
I want to know where their cumin came from.
S&W Beans
Thank you SO much Mac-- this is one of our household staple items. :heart:
Please see the first post for an updated list of recalled foods. The first post will be updated as new recalls are made.
Peanut: Cumin Recall (The Big Thread) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9886.msg167841.html#msg167841)
bigger and bigger... :-[
I suspect that Mac is correct-- the reason why some products are still "safe" is that the manufacturing tracing hasn't caught up yet in some markets/sectors/manufacturers.
I wish I had a feel for what percentage of the cumin in N. America this actually represents. Is it 10% of last year's imports? 20%? 50%? No idea.
We really rely upon certain ethnic foods to be safe, given my family's other food allergies, and this is hitting us very hard. It's a LOT of stress, knowing that we might be feeding DD stuff that is contaminated in spite of asking all the right questions...
How are you keeping this all straight? I am officially confused now. Not about what happened (well OK, yes, maybe) but what is and what is not safe.
The good news for me is I have 4 bottles of cumin (only 1 open) I bought back in October during a sale so I don't need to buy any at this time (I use it often). I've warned DD to avoid salsa's, tacos, meat and chicken with rubs, etc... unless I make them until further notice. I depend on McCormick, but the not so definitive response is concerning.
http://www.whenpeanutsattack.com/food-safety/peanuts-in-cumin/ (http://www.whenpeanutsattack.com/food-safety/peanuts-in-cumin/)
Man oh man.
Taking eating out at any Mex place off our family's "OK-ish" list for the next few weeks . . . until smoke clears . . . really don't want a catastrophe with DS.
We could try to FOIA the records FDA has but timeliness is a huge factor.
Quote from: guess on January 15, 2015, 09:10:50 AM
We could try to FOIA the records FDA has but timeliness is a huge factor.
Yes, but I think that's still an excellent idea. It won't help us know what the immediate dangers are, but any new information it provides us could potentially be helpful. Knowledge is power. Great idea, guess.
Really helpful:
http://achesongroup.com/2015/01/product-may-higher-risk-suspect/ (http://achesongroup.com/2015/01/product-may-higher-risk-suspect/)
Quote
Was Ground Cumin Contamination Intentional?
In November 2014, TAG became involved with a client who was recalling a variety of spice blends due to the presence of undeclared peanut and almond allergens. At that time, there were a number of questions around how this issue arose, but ultimately it had to be simply categorized as one of those things that defy a logical explanation. The recall was eventually found to be caused by the use of cumin from a single supplier that was contaminated by the nut allergens.
The oddity was that no one in the upstream supply chain admitted to using or even having either of these allergens in their facilities. At face value, the fact that no one would admit to having these allergens was not a total surprise, because it's not unusual for no one to admit such a mistake.
This whole situation would have meant nothing significant in terms of new risks if I had not happened to bump into my friend and colleague Dr. Steve Taylor (Professor of Food Science and Technology and Co-Director of FARRP at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln) in mid-December. Steve and I were chatting about the recall when he mentioned that he was involved in a similar situation – with different companies and suppliers. We agreed that something odd was going on, since the levels of allergens seen in the cumin were high and unlikely to have been due to cross contamination.
As the conversation continued, Steve speculated that the contamination was deliberate, and we quickly came up with the very plausible possibility that someone at the very start of the supply chain had come up with the idea that adding peanut shells or almond husks to cumin – especially if it is already ground – would be a very effective way to add bulk at almost zero cost. Thus the idea of this being an economically motivated adulteration situation came to be.
Since that first recall in November, there have been others, one of the most recent of which was on December 26 when Adams Flavors, Foods & Ingredients of Gonzales, Texas voluntarily recalled cumin products because they may contain undeclared peanut proteins. According to their press release: "We were notified by one of our third party suppliers that one of the spice ingredients purchased contains peanut proteins, allergens that are not declared on the products' ingredient statements." This recall then led to a variety of secondary recalls by companies that had been using the cumin as an ingredient in other products.
So, the main question I see is: Is it plausible that these all reflect economically motivated adulteration (EMA)? At the time of this writing, a quick Internet search revealed the price of ground cumin to be $3,500 to $4,000 per ton – I don't know if this is a realistic price, but at that price adding 1% peanut shells at zero costs is essentially a profit of $350-$400 on a sale of ten tons of ground cumin. Not a bad margin at zero cost for the grinder to put in their pocket.
Perhaps I simply have an overactive imagination, and chatting with Steve Taylor got the two of us into an over-speculative mode. But my instincts are that this is a real EMA situation, and my advice to all those using cumin – and other spices that could be part of this EMA thinking – is to start testing incoming ingredients for allergens before we have an outbreak of peanut-related anaphylactic reactions on our hands.
Quote from: Macabre on January 16, 2015, 11:18:07 AM
Really helpful:
http://achesongroup.com/2015/01/product-may-higher-risk-suspect/ (http://achesongroup.com/2015/01/product-may-higher-risk-suspect/)
Quote
Was Ground Cumin Contamination Intentional?
In November 2014, TAG became involved with a client who was recalling a variety of spice blends due to the presence of undeclared peanut and almond allergens. At that time, there were a number of questions around how this issue arose, but ultimately it had to be simply categorized as one of those things that defy a logical explanation. The recall was eventually found to be caused by the use of cumin from a single supplier that was contaminated by the nut allergens.
The oddity was that no one in the upstream supply chain admitted to using or even having either of these allergens in their facilities. At face value, the fact that no one would admit to having these allergens was not a total surprise, because it's not unusual for no one to admit such a mistake.
This whole situation would have meant nothing significant in terms of new risks if I had not happened to bump into my friend and colleague Dr. Steve Taylor (Professor of Food Science and Technology and Co-Director of FARRP at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln) in mid-December. Steve and I were chatting about the recall when he mentioned that he was involved in a similar situation – with different companies and suppliers. We agreed that something odd was going on, since the levels of allergens seen in the cumin were high and unlikely to have been due to cross contamination.
As the conversation continued, Steve speculated that the contamination was deliberate, and we quickly came up with the very plausible possibility that someone at the very start of the supply chain had come up with the idea that adding peanut shells or almond husks to cumin – especially if it is already ground – would be a very effective way to add bulk at almost zero cost. Thus the idea of this being an economically motivated adulteration situation came to be.
Since that first recall in November, there have been others, one of the most recent of which was on December 26 when Adams Flavors, Foods & Ingredients of Gonzales, Texas voluntarily recalled cumin products because they may contain undeclared peanut proteins. According to their press release: "We were notified by one of our third party suppliers that one of the spice ingredients purchased contains peanut proteins, allergens that are not declared on the products' ingredient statements." This recall then led to a variety of secondary recalls by companies that had been using the cumin as an ingredient in other products.
So, the main question I see is: Is it plausible that these all reflect economically motivated adulteration (EMA)? At the time of this writing, a quick Internet search revealed the price of ground cumin to be $3,500 to $4,000 per ton – I don't know if this is a realistic price, but at that price adding 1% peanut shells at zero costs is essentially a profit of $350-$400 on a sale of ten tons of ground cumin. Not a bad margin at zero cost for the grinder to put in their pocket.
Perhaps I simply have an overactive imagination, and chatting with Steve Taylor got the two of us into an over-speculative mode. But my instincts are that this is a real EMA situation, and my advice to all those using cumin – and other spices that could be part of this EMA thinking – is to start testing incoming ingredients for allergens before we have an outbreak of peanut-related anaphylactic reactions on our hands.
Yup. That's been my speculation since late December when it became clear that this was an importer.
Quote from: CMdeux on January 12, 2015, 07:15:50 PM
Quote from: Macabre on January 12, 2015, 04:12:54 PM
Penzey's
Stinky sent this email to me in case I could post it before she could.big typically don't post employee contact info, but in this case I'm going to. I think need to know who is telling us what in this situation.
From: Emily Barbeau [mailto:emily.barbeau@penzeys.com]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2015 1:36 PM
To: Stinky
Subject: Penzeys Cumin
Hi Stinky,
My name is Emily Barbeau and I work with Penzeys Spices in Wisconsin. I was able to look into your question about our cumin. Our cumin supplier is in India, not Turkey. Therefore, we were not connected to that recall of cumin at all. Rob, our Quality Assurance director, is requesting peanut-specific information from our supplier. But, as we are aware right now, our cumin is not affected. Thank you for inquiring. I hope you have a wonderful week. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks :)
Emily Barbeau
--
Emily Barbeau
Penzeys Spices
Retail Operations
Edited to add subsequent email from Ms Barbeau:
The cumin sold at Penzeys currently (January 2015) is from India.
AND-- the contaminated stuff is of Turkish origin, apparently.
Quote
Which leads us to the cost associated with this recall. I would assume with great confidence that the FDA & ICE got this party started less under contact for allergens and more for bulked, misrepresented product. If I were an importer of record that's what would have me quaking in my boots even if everything I did was by the book.
What we do know was that imported almond powder into the UK mislabeled almond powder by the country of origin supplier was bulked with about 50% peanut powder probably because it's cheaper. The restauranteurs had no idea what they were using going by the product label. Only testing uncovered the product tampering.
Could this have been what was done with a spice that is expensive in dimensional weight compared to peanut? Maybe. The contact was traced to country of origin, the trade company from the country of export (not necessarily country of origin) did not disclose peanut innocently or no, and it was entered as such.
This is what I think. I'm no conspiracy theorist, by any means. But I do believe that for detectable peanut to have been found on the kind of SCALE that is necessary to have triggered a recall of this magnitude, it's adulteration.
Which begs the question-- how??
If it was ground HERE, that's really wild, because-- well, obviously-- coriander seeds, versus unassuming brown stuff that's been ground?
I'd guess that the 75% rule is being met via additional handling/processing. Don't know details enough to know if repacking constitutes "manufacture" but guessing that sieving might, and that is a QC step.
Is there a reliable source that is saying it's from Turkey? Penzeys' email was the first I'd seen the turkey vs india thing.
The closest to accurate would be a bill of lading identifying the exporter and country of origin to eliminate transshipments as best possible. An exporter may have nothing to do with manufacture or country of origin.
For example, I would not be able to clear Customs with the designation that something is "from" somewhere. In technical terms it is meaningless.
Hi Sarah,
Just wanted to let you know that we talked with our supplier of cumin. There are absolutely no peanuts or peanut products produced in the facility. So, in addition to our supplier being in India, not Turkey, there is also no possibility of cross-contamination in the facility. Thanks again for your inquiry. Have a nice day.
Emily
--
Emily Barbeau
Penzeys Spices
Retail Operations
I will email her about the theory and see if I get a response.
She would have to use trade terms and understand product of origin when items undergo a substantial transformation to enter a new category in the Harmonized Schedule.
See upthread about the recalls on ground cumin clearly labeled "Made in USA" with the American flag when it is a product grown in another country entered into US commerce as, most likely, cumin seeds whole. The US company grinds it, puts their label on and is able by law to make the marketing claim that it is a product of USA origin.
I've known this prior to food allergies because there are complex formulas for entry that make thousands of not millions of dollars of difference in both tariffs and potential penalties for categorization errors.
Countries and exporters also attempt to circumvent trade regulations through transshipments. Example: a container of textiles from China first ships to Malaysia where labels with "Made in Malaysia" are sewn in. A local exporter ships from there to USA with country of origin listed as Malaysia when actually it's China.
Next let's look at legit substantial transformation. Thread from USA origin ships to China to be made into cloth. That shipment entered China as country of origin USA, is shipped back to USA as country of origin China. Those bolts of cloth are made into shirts in USA (possibly with some notions of other finishing touches in a designated free trade zone macquiladora in Mexico becoming a product of USA origin.
Quite frankly, I'm not convinced without specific knowledge any US manufacturer in a corporate office knows how these things work. It's why we were in business--to do this for them.
Well, Penzeys Cumin is labeled
Ground Cumin: India - right on the label. They do not put a US flag on it.
Ahhhhh-- but that is important. That means (in all liklihood) that it ENTERED the US already ground.
Yes, that is a highly positive indicator assuming there was no transshipment or clerical error or they chose not to exercise their ability to market the product as Made in USA despite the transformation. No product of USA either by quasi-legal definition or otherwise must label itself as a domestic product. To do so is a marketing effort and not a requirement unless it is entering the commerce of another country.
Someone mentioned how we were keeping track of so many products. Part of the 'problem' is we had enough indicators to produce predictive values so when people are or were making calls they almost had to educate the cs reps they were speaking to.
Quote from: Macabre on January 13, 2015, 09:35:01 PM
Please see the first post for an updated list of recalled foods. The first post will be updated as new recalls are made.
Peanut: Cumin Recall (The Big Thread) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9886.msg167841.html#msg167841)
Just want to post this again. A few new recalls have been added to the first thread--and one is Delights, a product that several here use.
And the recall involves foods that one would not normally expect to contain cumin (so I don't know if they actually do or if this company is just being extra careful because of shared lines.
I'm so confused - isn't that link to THIS thread?
Quote from: CMdeux on January 16, 2015, 02:54:34 PM
Ahhhhh-- but that is important. That means (in all liklihood) that it ENTERED the US already ground.
or maybe it says Cumin Seed : India - my point was that it says India. I will take a picture of the label sometime this weekend - would do it now...but I'm at work. :happydance:
You can but it's not necessary. We already know it's not in origin a product grown in USA. We know the product entered our commerce from a foreign source.
Quote from: Macabre on January 16, 2015, 05:30:15 PM
Quote from: Macabre on January 13, 2015, 09:35:01 PM
Please see the first post for an updated list of recalled foods. The first post will be updated as new recalls are made.
Peanut: Cumin Recall (The Big Thread) (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9886.msg167841.html#msg167841)
Just want to post this again. A few new recalls have been added to the first thread--and one is Delights, a product that several here use. And the recall involves foods that one would not normally expect to contain cumin (so I don't know if they actually do or if this company is just being extra careful because of shared lines.
Oh man. Salsas.
I've been eying the cupboard and hoping against hope that it wouldn't come to that, and knowing that it would eventually.... :-[
ANOTHER company, another meat product:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2015/recall-010-2015-release (http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2015/recall-010-2015-release)
QuoteHeywood's Meat Haus & Provision Co., a Marietta, Georgia establishment, is recalling approximately 931 pounds of tasso (pork shoulder) products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products may contain peanuts, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.
The following item, produced on various dates from August 25, 2014 to January14, 2015, is subject to recall: [Label]
10-lb. cases of "Heywood's Provision Company Tasso"
The product subject to recall bears the establishment number "EST. 44805" inside the USDA mark of inspection, and was shipped to restaurant locations in Georgia.
The number of things added just in the last few hours-- to the USDA list is boggling my mind.
It's hard to keep up with it.http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2015 (http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2015)
I
know that some of those aren't on our current list in this thread-- nor do they have threads of their own.
Kabob's chicken and beef products (http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2015/recall-012-2015-release)
Quote
Kabob's Acquisition Inc., a Lake City, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 869 pounds of beef and chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products may contain peanuts, known allergens, which are not declared on the label.
The following items, produced on various dates from November 13, 2014 to January 15, 2015, are subject to recall: [Labels (PDF Only)]
Cases containing shrink wrapped plastic trays of 100 "Kabob's Chipotle Steak Churrasco 1053"
Cases containing shrink wrapped plastic trays of 100 "Kabob's Latin Inspired Chicken and Cheese in Pastry 7172"
Cases containing shrink wrapped plastic trays of 100 "Kabob's White Chicken Meat for Tandoori (Made in USA) 2415"
Cases containing shrink wrapped plastic trays of 100 "Kabob's Beef Pastelitos 7159"
The products subject to recall bear the establishment number "EST. 6640" or "P-6640" inside the USDA mark of inspection, and were shipped to distribution centers in Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas for shipment to catering firms.
Buffalo Provisions of NY-- chorizo products (http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2015/recall-011-2015-release)
Quote
Buffalo Provisions, a Bronx, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 48,210 pounds of chorizo product due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products may contain peanuts, a known allergen which is not declared on the product label.
The following items subject to recall were produced on various dates between October 9 and January 15, 2015: [Labels (PDF Only)]
12-oz. vacuum packages of "Brooklyn Cured Chicken Chorizo" with sell by date "2/13/15"
14-oz. and 5-lb. vacuum packages of "La Centro Americana Chorizo Salvadoreno" with sell by date "1/20/15"
14-oz. vacuum packages of "La Centro Americana Chorizo Salvadoreno" with sell by date "1/20/15"
20-lb. loose butcher packages of "El Casero Mexican Longaniza" with sell by date "1/20/15"
14-oz. of vacuum packages of "El Casero Longaniza" with sell by date "1/20/15"
14-oz. vacuum packages of "El Casero Chorizo Poblano" with sell by date "1/20/15"
5-lb. vacuum packages of "El Casero Chorizo Poblano" with sell by date "1/20/15"
5-lb. vacuum packages of "El Casero Spanish Chorizo" with sell by date "1/20/15"
14-oz. vacuum packages of 'El Casero Chorizo Ecuadoriano" with sell by date "1/20/15"
5-lb. vacuum packages of "El Casero Chorizo Colombian" with sell by date "2/9/15"
14-oz. vacuum packages of "El Casero Chorizo Colombian" with sell by date "2/9/15"
14-oz. vacuum packages of "La Centro Americana Colombian Chorizo Hondureno" with sell by date "2/9/15"
5-lb. vacuum packages of "El Casero Chorizo Jalapeno" with sell by date "1/20/15"
14-oz. vacuum packages of "El Casero Chorizo Picoso" with sell by date "1/20/15"
16-oz. vacuum packages of "El Casero Chorizo Jalapeno" with sell by date "1/20/15"
10 lbs. vacuum packages of "El Casero Chorizo Jalapeno" with sell by date "1/20/15"
14-oz. vacuum packages of "La Centro Americana Chorizo Picante Mexican Sausage" with sell by date "1/20/15"
The products subject to recall bear the establishment number "EST. 4312" or "P-4312" inside the USDA mark of inspection and were shipped to retail and wholesale locations in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York.
Agri Star Meat & Poultry-- Aaron's Beef hotdogs (http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2015/recall-009-2015-release)
Quote
– Agri Star Meat & Poultry, a Postville, Iowa establishment, is recalling approximately 1,690 pounds of beef products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products may contain peanuts, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.
The following items, produced on September 29, 2014, are subject to recall: [Label]
13.5 oz. vacuum-packed packages containing 8 pieces of "Aaron's BEST GLUTEN FREE Beef Franks Hot & Spicy CHIPOTLE."
The products subject to recall bear the establishment number "EST. 4653A" inside the USDA mark of inspection. They were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
Those are
just from today.
Okay--I've created new threads and inserted links into the OP. Thanks for adding to it and also adding the FDA link!
Quote from: Stinky10 on January 16, 2015, 05:56:26 PM
I'm so confused - isn't that link to THIS thread?
Yes, but specifically a link to the very first post of this thread. Every time a new product gets added to the recall and we create a thread here for it, I create a link to that thread. So this is a listing of all of products that have been recalled--if we have a thread for each.
Am thinking about the many food items offered in public school cafeterias in US . . . and that many LTFA families may have deemed "safe enough" for child to eat at school . . .
this recall seems very far reaching.
Why isn't this on the news every night? When peanut butter was contaminated, it was on the news every night for weeks. These recalls are trickling in slowly but how many people would question if they or their child was reacting to foods that have been considered peanut free? Iron - mentioned on FB that she felt awful after eating tacos, questioned using the Epi but assumed what she ate was safe and assumed it was something else. How many other people would question using the Epi? How many more of these products exist under the label of spice on an ingredient list.
Can I just say that this recall is positively terrifying? I have no idea how I am going to make DS understand how far reaching this is, and how careful he is going to have to be.
Quote from: GoingNuts on January 17, 2015, 07:44:25 AM
Can I just say that this recall is positively terrifying? I have no idea how I am going to make DS understand how far reaching this is, and how careful he is going to have to be.
THIS!
I have told DD, do not eat anything in the school cafeteria. Nothing! If she wants to eat out with friends only order food that is plain and straightforward. Meaning order a steak with salt and pepper, steamed veggies, baked potato, etc.... No salsas, no dressings, no marinades, etc.... for the time being.
I wonder if this is going to start showing up in things like flavored chips and crackers. When I read the article posted above about "tons" of cumin I think about how you only need a small amount and then think how far "tons" can spread within the food system it really is scary.
I already cook everything from scratch but there are some spice blends and seasoning mixes that I do like to use. And now, can you even buy those ingredients and mix your own if the original ingredients are not safe either?
Quote from: YouKnowWho on January 17, 2015, 05:36:20 AM
Why isn't this on the news every night? When peanut butter was contaminated, it was on the news every night for weeks. These recalls are trickling in slowly but how many people would question if they or their child was reacting to foods that have been considered peanut free? Iron - mentioned on FB that she felt awful after eating tacos, questioned using the Epi but assumed what she ate was safe and assumed it was something else. How many other people would question using the Epi? How many more of these products exist under the label of spice on an ingredient list.
Exactly-- it's possible that DD experienced as many as three separate reactions like that over the past 3 months-- one of them serious enough that her allergist thought we were crazy not to use Epi.
The inconsistent reports of test +|- for peanut protein compounds the concern. There's no scale or comparison. Considering the whole process was triggered by initial test results it makes sense to perhaps find a consistency in results.
I'm grateful for the bilingual recall notices that have been issued even out of caution. I do think it would be wise for all to compare notes on what was tested, how, and subsequent results.
Guess, can you unpack that a bit? Are you saying that this is simply being done out of an over abundance of caution, not because there was actually a positive test result and that there have been both positive and negative test results for peanut in the recalled foods?
It seems I am missing a huge news story and am trying to piece together your post and what I know, but there is a gap for me.
That's the way some of the recalls are written. One of them said both may contain and tested positive in a the same recall notice. Then some read positive, others say negative but are recalling out of caution. I'll try to migrate to my desktop later. The weird one I may have saved in email I'll have to check. I'm not sure it means anything other than there's no consistency in writing recall notices if they are voluntary.
Here's the 'test negative but recalling out of caution' one.
QuoteThough testing has shown no detectable levels of peanut in the products, Franklin Farms has issued a voluntary recall of these products as a precaution. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall.
One with may have/does contain. Which doesn't jive with other recalls citing positive testing from source.
QuoteShirk's Meats, a Dundee, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,062 pounds of pork sausage product due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen. The product contains peanuts, a known allergen which is not declared on the product label.
The problem was discovered when Shirk's Meats company was notified by its spice supplier that the cumin in a spice mix used to formulate the sausage may have been contaminated with peanut allergens.
This one is strong with the yes and no.
QuoteFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 12, 2015 – Brooklyn, NY – SPICE N' MORE CORP. of Brooklyn, NY, is recalling its 2.5-oz. containers of "ALL ISLAND SPICE" cumin powder, 7-oz. containers of "CASABLANCA", "H HARVEST", "SPICE CLASS" AND "LEADER MERET" cumin powder and 12-oz containers of "SALMA", "SPICE CLASS", "LA MINA" AND "KEY FOOD" cumin powder purchased from September 23, 2014 to November 30, 2014, because they may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by contamination of the product from its country of origin.
:dunno: Bad writing? Panic? Finger pointing? Black humor on my part like what if the original test results were botched at the lab or it was a bad sample if some of the products test clean. Or some mild eyebrow arching that the testing standards are really different. Mostly just confused. Phooey. :tongue:
Ah--I see. I guess I was seeing that as they aren't so willing to admit but they want to cya.
Thanks!
was looking at recipes today and saw Garam Masala as an ingredient - and realized that it often contains cumin
I was wondering about that earlier today--what spice mixtures it's often found in.
-Adobo
-Garam Masala
-Curry
-Panchphoron
What else?
chili powder
This is good news!
I sent an email to McCormick and received the following reply:
Dear Me:
Thank you for taking the time to contact us. We appreciate your interest in our Ground Cumin and welcome the opportunity to be of assistance to you.
In answer to your question, we are not part of the Cumin recall. We grow all of our own spices and we get them in their raw from.
Neither McCormick's Pure nor Imitation Almond extracts contain nuts. The bitter oil of almond, that gives Pure Almond extract its flavor can come from several sources. We get ours from the pit of the apricot. The flavor of Imitation Almond extract is synthetic. The facilities that McCormick uses to manufacture our extracts, spices, herbs and seasoning mixes are peanut and tree nut free.
If we can be of further assistance, please call us at 1-800-632-5847. If you wish to respond to this note by e-mail, please include your name and e-mail address.
We hope to have the continued pleasure of serving you.
I love to read that!
Georgia tells residents to avoid cumin.
http://www.americustimesrecorder.com/news/people-with-peanut-allergies-advised-not-to-eat-ground-cumin/article_59c5deb8-a0e5-11e4-80e6-43f210a3ae69.html (http://www.americustimesrecorder.com/news/people-with-peanut-allergies-advised-not-to-eat-ground-cumin/article_59c5deb8-a0e5-11e4-80e6-43f210a3ae69.html)
PC thank you for posting that. That is fabulous.
Jessica--thanks for the link. I may post it on FB.
CONFIRMED BY ME: Chipotle NOT affected! I suggested the put a notice on their website or FB page to make lots of worried folks happy!
(myname),
Thanks so much for getting in touch. As a Chipotle lover with food allergies, I totally understand how important this is. I'm happy to say we were not impacted by the recall. I'll also suggest we're a bit more forthcoming about this.
I hope you enjoy a burrito bowl soon!
Sincerely,
Amanda C
Customer Service Consultant
Chipotle Mexican Grill
I posted the same in a thread in the restaurant section. Good to have verification and yes, it would be great if they added it to their FB.
food service/restaurants and cumin recall (http://foodallergysupport.olicentral.com/index.php/topic,9888.0.html)
Wheeee! Thanks for the additional info, Nameless. That matches what everyone has been hearing from them.
Good. We'd much rather go to Chipotle tonight instead of pizza. :thumbsup:
Quote from: setsail on January 12, 2015, 07:30:25 PM
I called Taco Bell. And emailed. I'm waiting for a response from a nutritionist to get info about supplier.
Update: according to Miriam at Taco Bell hq, as of this time their supplier has not been affected by the cumin recall.
Additionally, for those like us that only buy refried beans from Taco Bell, there is no cumin in the beans. Spice is chili powder, natural flavor is garlic and onion.
Has anyone else heard back from Taco Bell? I emailed and posted on FB and got radio silence. The "as of this time" is a bit concerning given how many recalls are still coming out and I eat the beef tacos, not the refried beans....
I have heard nothing from them, either-- and honestly? If another two weeks goes past, it won't matter since we can't eat there during Lent. :tongue:
You terrified me, making me think Ash Wednesday was next week. Don't do that!! :)
Last Lent TB here did not have the shrimp. I took it as a sign. To eat there.
DS and I have eaten there twice in the last two weeks fwiw :hiding: That Frito burrito reminds me of my childhood.
Quote from: starlight on January 21, 2015, 07:06:15 PM
Quote from: setsail on January 12, 2015, 07:30:25 PM
I called Taco Bell. And emailed. I'm waiting for a response from a nutritionist to get info about supplier.
Update: according to Miriam at Taco Bell hq, as of this time their supplier has not been affected by the cumin recall.
Additionally, for those like us that only buy refried beans from Taco Bell, there is no cumin in the beans. Spice is chili powder, natural flavor is garlic and onion.
Has anyone else heard back from Taco Bell? I emailed and posted on FB and got radio silence. The "as of this time" is a bit concerning given how many recalls are still coming out and I eat the beef tacos, not the refried beans....
I called back today, and will update when I hear back from them. I specifically asked about the cumin, who their cumin supplier is, and if the chili powder from their supplier includes cumin. I feel dumb for not thinking sooner that duh, chili powder is often chili, cumin, garlic and onion powders. Not all chili powder has cumin but since my family gets refried beans quite often, I told them I either need the info our my local TB will miss us. Lol
Quote from: Jessica on January 21, 2015, 01:45:36 PM
Georgia tells residents to avoid cumin.
http://www.americustimesrecorder.com/news/people-with-peanut-allergies-advised-not-to-eat-ground-cumin/article_59c5deb8-a0e5-11e4-80e6-43f210a3ae69.html (http://www.americustimesrecorder.com/news/people-with-peanut-allergies-advised-not-to-eat-ground-cumin/article_59c5deb8-a0e5-11e4-80e6-43f210a3ae69.html)
Too bad it's not on the news here in GA. Grrr.
If it was precious tainted peanut butter we would say it but I am beginning to think this is some sort of survival of the fittest comments section on an article discussing food allergies.
Quote from: Macabre on January 21, 2015, 08:25:58 PM
You terrified me, making me think Ash Wednesday was next week. Don't do that!! :)
Last Lent TB here did not have the shrimp. I took it as a sign. To eat there.
DS and I have eaten there twice in the last two weeks fwiw :hiding: That Frito burrito reminds me of my childhood.
W000t! Me too. And I don't really believe in signs other than traffic control-- but that says "Yay, SFA safe."
Ahem.
Right-- peanut. Cumin. It would seriously suck if TB is off the menu for us come March.
Thanks setsail, appreciate it! :)
Quote from: CMdeux on January 21, 2015, 08:36:01 PM
Quote from: Macabre on January 21, 2015, 08:25:58 PM
You terrified me, making me think Ash Wednesday was next week. Don't do that!! :)
Last Lent TB here did not have the shrimp. I took it as a sign. To eat there.
DS and I have eaten there twice in the last two weeks fwiw :hiding: That Frito burrito reminds me of my childhood.
W000t! Me too. And I don't really believe in signs other than traffic control-- but that says "Yay, SFA safe."
Ahem.
Right-- peanut. Cumin. It would seriously suck if TB is off the menu for us come March.
Oh that would seriously suck if they bring back that shrimp taco. I'm shellfish and peanut allergic. :(
Still no word back from their nutritionist. Boo.
An article from snacksafely on the recall:
http://snacksafely.com/2015/01/advisory-massive-recall-of-peanut-tainted-products/ (http://snacksafely.com/2015/01/advisory-massive-recall-of-peanut-tainted-products/)
And the more detailed article from Allergic Living:
http://allergicliving.com/2015/01/22/peanut-contaminated-cumin-leads-to-massive-allergy-recall/ (http://allergicliving.com/2015/01/22/peanut-contaminated-cumin-leads-to-massive-allergy-recall/)
I know most don't think of this but I hate to think about all the animals that died to provide that meat that will now be thrown away. What a massive waste, just because (speculation) someone was probably trying to save a buck.
I have definitely thought about that in massive food recalls-- the sheer waste of it all is heartbreaking. And yeah-- all because of human avarice. :disappointed:
Really wish they could donate to a shelter or soup kitchen. I get why they can't but I have a lot of wishes when dealing with food allergies, sigh.
I had the same thoughts about the animals.
Oh man, that is somethihg I have not thought about, becaue it really grosses me out. But as far as a soup kitchen goes, what if someone there has PA? Goodness just thinking about how to deal with FAs while being homeless is hard. Yikes.
I guess the soup kitchen could advertise that it is not safe for peanut allergies. If they made it safe for all allergies, air wouldn't be very filling.
But I am not sure the legalities of serving recalled food regarding false labeling (obviously food that has salmonella, etc couldn't be served).
I received a call back from Taco Bell again, in response to my further request about cumin in chili powder. I was told that no, the chili powder does not contain cumin and as of today, their cumin supplier is not part of the recall.
Oh this is great to know Setsail. Thankz so much!
Has anyone heard about Old El Paso? I was just thinking of using the enchilada sauce in my cupboard, but I haven't seen anything either way on that brand.
Isn't suspecting all of our safe food fun? Thumbs down.
I haven't seen that one listed, Mezzo.
Quote from: Mezzo on January 31, 2015, 02:25:48 PM
Has anyone heard about Old El Paso? I was just thinking of using the enchilada sauce in my cupboard, but I haven't seen anything either way on that brand.
They are part of the original Ortega group that did the very first recalls, yes? I'd assume that they would have tracked it backwards to the enchilada sauce if it WERE a thing-- have you checked the original early links?
No, Ortega is B&G Foods and Old El Paso is General Mills (unless there's a parent company link I don't know about). Hmm, will have to dig a bit.
I made meatloaf instead. :)
Hmmm.
Now I will need to go look again. Darn!!
I'm posting the full text--in the most easy to read format.
http://allergicliving.com/2015/02/14/inside-the-peanut-tainted-cumin-recalls-what-happened/ (http://allergicliving.com/2015/02/14/inside-the-peanut-tainted-cumin-recalls-what-happened/)
Inside the Peanut-Tainted Cumin Recalls: What Happened?
By: Patrick Bennett
February 18, 2015 – As the widespread series of recalls of cumin products containing undeclared peanut continues across the United States, Allergic Living reached out to regulators and researchers to learn how this massive problem occurred, and how consumers with allergies can be protected.
We can also report that the FDA has heard a dozen reports of allergic reactions related to the recalls, although the severity of them is not clear.
To start with the question of how so many spice and meat products – the total is now 580,000 pounds of beef, pork and chicken – came to contain peanut, the ultimate source and the means of contamination is still being determined. But there is some investigative progress.
Allergic Living is able to confirm that there were two sets of cumin products recalls: one for peanut and almond starting in fall 2014, and a second larger one for peanut only, starting in December 2014. Both were traced back to two separate Turkish suppliers, but so far there is no evidence the situations were related.
However, investigators say this doesn't necessarily mean the contamination happened in Turkey, or that cumin from other countries is safe – it's possible that these suppliers imported their cumin from another country, such as India, and the contamination could have happened there.
"The spice chain is long and complex. It can be very difficult to trace back further than one or two levels," says Steve Taylor, co-founder of the Food Allergy Research and Resource Program at the University of Nebraska, who is deeply involved with the issue. "That's why it's not prudent yet to say 'these suppliers were all from Turkey, therefore it's all their fault' – they might have been innocent victims, too."
Taylor notes that the first round of recalls was triggered by a random test by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of a taco seasoning product, and that recall occurred on both sides of the border. The second and far larger series began when a company called Reily Foods discovered the cumin used in a chili seasoning kit contained peanut and almond. Reily staff notified the supplier, an American company whose name is not being divulged.
"But the American company that purchased this second batch of cumin from the second [Turkish] supplier and sold it to Reily Foods, also sold the same batch of cumin to 38 different companies," says Taylor. "That's when this thing started to mushroom." (So far, this second recall series appears specific to the USA.)
"A lot of what happened from late December until now is all related to these 38 customers of this one supplier," Taylor adds, noting that he believes Adams Flavors, Foods and Ingredients, the first company to issue a peanut-only recall in December 2014, was one of these customers.
In turn, Adams Flavors had its own customers further down the supply chain. "It gets complicated in a hurry," says Taylor. The large number of companies involved explains why so many different types of foods are affected, including spice mixes, chili kits and also hundreds of thousands of pounds of seasoned beef, pork and poultry products.
Further complicating matters is the fact that the Reily Foods recall was actually for both peanut and almond, just like that first set of fall recalls, while the related recalls that followed were for peanut only. It's unclear why this is, but at some point the focus shifted to peanut, even though it's possible almond was in some of these products as well, because of the link to the supplier of Reily Foods. To Taylor's knowledge, none of the products from this second set of recalls have been tested for almond.
Given this situation, Allergic Living recommends that almond-allergic individuals would be wise to avoid the recalled products as well, at least until more information emerges. So far no other tree nuts have been implicated.
Meanwhile, the FDA has told Allergic Living that it has received at least 12 consumer complaints of allergic reactions to recalled cumin products. However, the circumstances and severity of the reactions were not revealed. Both the FDA and the USDA, which regulates meat products, are closely monitoring the situation and admit there may be more recalls coming.
The tainted spice issue has also spread to Europe. In the U.K., one cumin brand (Bart Ground Cumin*), two fajita kits and a taco seasoning have recently been recalled for undeclared almond, but not peanut. The U.K. Food Standards Agency says the spice being implicated in the last three products appears to be paprika, which was sourced from Santa Maria, a big Scandinavian-owned spice producer. On February 17, Santa Maria pulled back more than 20 seasoning blends across Europe due to paprika that tested positive for almond.
Professor Chris Elliott, who led a British inquiry into fraud in the horse-meat industry, is suggesting that the spice contamination on both sides of the Atlantic may actually be intentional. In an article in The Independent newspaper, Elliott says he is "highly suspicious" that a dreadful cumin harvest in India is causing some producers to substitute or dilute their cumin with peanut or almond shells. Elliott, the director of Queen's University's Institute for Global Food Safety, believes this is affecting the global supply of cumin – although he has not yet expressed an opinion on the paprika contamination.
Any intentional nuts-for-spice tampering would be a huge concern for those allergic to peanuts or almonds, but Taylor cautions that this is pure speculation. He says there is no evidence at this point to suggest that any intentional adulteration has occurred. "We don't know the root cause. There is rampant speculation and several theories," says Taylor.
And in the The Independent article, a representative of the U.K. Food Standards Agency concurs, saying, "it's "too early to say whether the substitution was deliberate or accidental." Allergic Living will continue to monitor any developments in the U.S. and European spice cases.
One slight reassurance about the cumin situation is that the spice isn't typically used in very large amounts in cooking. "Cumin is pretty potent stuff," says Taylor. "It's used at 1 or 2 percent at the most in food products. And often far less than that. So you'd have to have a lot of peanut in the cumin in order for there to be sufficient carryover to provoke reactions in peanut-allergic individuals."
The recalls have been something of a wake-up call for the spice industry, where Taylor says companies did not tend to think regular allergen testing was necessary. "The situation has now changed and widespread testing is being conducted," he says.
http://allergicliving.com/2015/02/14/inside-the-peanut-tainted-cumin-recalls-what-happened/2/ (http://allergicliving.com/2015/02/14/inside-the-peanut-tainted-cumin-recalls-what-happened/2/)
Holy. This is so scary.
:disappointed:
Update today on the Spiceco recall:
Spiceco Issues A Correction Regarding Allergy Alert On Undeclared Peanut Allergen In 5 Oz. Containers Of Pride Of Szeged Sweet Hungarian Paprika Lot #091617PAHU05PS and Lot #091717PAHU05PS
Contact:
Consumer:
(732)499-9070
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — February 17, 2015 — Spiceco of Avenel, NJ is recalling PRIDE OF SZEGED SWEET HUNGARIAN PAPRIKA because it may contain undeclared Peanut Allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Peanut Allergen run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
This product was sold between September 18, 2014 and October 13, 2014 to distributors located in IL, NJ, CT, MI, FL, NY, OH, CA and MD .
The State Of Virginia was incorrectly listed in the previously issued press releases.
Pride of Szeged Hungarian Paprika is packaged in a metal tin container with the lot numbers 091617PAHU05PS and 091717PAHU05PS printed on the lower edge of the lid and UPC Number 0 78006 00010 2.
No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date.
The problem was brought to Spiceco' s attention on January 27, 2015 after the Tennessee Department of Agriculture conducted a routine retail food product sampling in the Cleveland area on a 5 oz. container of Pride of Szeged Hungarian Paprika which revealed the presence of peanut allergen. Lot number 091617PAHU05PS showed positive for the presence of a peanut allergen not disclosed on the product label. Further investigation and testing revealed the presence of peanut allergen in LOT # 091617PAHU05PS and LOT# 091717PAHU05PS
Customers who have purchased the above described product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact the company at: 1–732–499-9070 Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST.
Sending this link to DD's allergist.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/SafetyAlertsAdvisories/ucm434274.htm (http://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/SafetyAlertsAdvisories/ucm434274.htm)
Given that the FDA seems to now be recommending all products with cumin now be avoided, how is everyone handling this?
http://www.mccormick.com/press-room/2015/cumin?utm_medium=social-media&utm_source=facebook&utm_term=a-z&utm_content=press-room_2019&utm_campaign=corporate (http://www.mccormick.com/press-room/2015/cumin?utm_medium=social-media&utm_source=facebook&utm_term=a-z&utm_content=press-room_2019&utm_campaign=corporate)
We are having a hard time with this in my house. :hiding:I am doing my best to feed the family clean foods with no ingredients until I can call on each and every product. We are avoiding cumin and paprika for right now. But I don't know for how long we need to do this.
Hard to know exactly how far reaching this recall is. In my opinion, they will never be able to recall it all on the other hand I believe they really are trying. I have seen nothing indicating an end to the concern from the FDA.
I cook from scratch and only use McCormick for spices and seasonings so for us it has not been bad. DD will no longer eat anything in the school cafeteria and we are very careful when she eats out.
Perhaps when you call on the products you are concerned about, those vendors can share their opinion on how long your concerns should last.
Personally, I've told DD for the next 18 months, be on guard when you are not eating at home.
A recall has been added to the CFIA's Food Recall Report.
Class 1
Reason for Recall: Allergen - peanut
Product(s): Pride of Szeged brand Hungarian Paprika
Recalling Firm: S & F Food Importers Inc.
Distribution: Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario
Product details are available at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2015-02-23/eng/1424729641949/1424729678195 (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2015-02-23/eng/1424729641949/1424729678195)
Common food allergens - http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food_allergies (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food_allergies)
Email Notification Subscription Self-Service - http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/util/listserv/listserve.shtml (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/util/listserv/listserve.shtml)
***********************
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issues public advisories and email notifications for food recalls for all high-risk food recalls (mainly Class I) when the product is available for sale or could be in consumers' homes.
All other recalls (Class II and III), and food products that are sold exclusively to restaurants, are posted on the CFIA's Food Recall Report. Email notifications are also available for all allergen recalls.
Food and consumer product recalls are also available at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca (http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca).
So, I am curious, it's been 6 months now. How many of you are still avoiding Cumin?
We still are avoiding cumin unless it is McCormick.
I have been wondering about the cumin recall too...
Not really at all. Absent test results I have no idea what the substantive details were and how many recalled items actually tested positive for peanut at what amount.
In practice, however, I'm now brand loyal to McCormick for knowing their supply chain, more transparent COOL (Country of Origin Labeling), and coming out to say hey allergy folks we know our stuff and demonstrate excellent supply chain control. For that they get a Scooby snack.
I don't worry about it going out to eat anymore.
I contacted FAAN and they said that they are still recommending that PA people avoid cumin. I asked for how long and was basically told forever. I was like, huh?!?!
We still avoid, but seriously, can we really be expected to NEVER eat a food from a recall???? This makes no sense to me.
I wondered this myself, especially with a trip coming up. One would think they would re-issue a recall if it was still problematic after a certain period of time (6 or 12 months?) Though, I think part of the recall shone light on just how easy it was for imported spices to be contaminated. So maybe that's reason enough to avoid for long-term?
My concern is that they were talking about selling cumin by the ton. That's a lot of cumin. How much of that got through before the recall? How long will that amount of cumin be in our food supply?
IDK.
Right. Just think of long a container of cumin might sit unused on your pantry shelf. Then think of all that cumin, tons of it, sitting in warehouses, supply rooms, etc. I think it will just gradually grow less and less likely that any particular cumin was from the recall period, but there will not be a clear time when it is all gone.
Exactly, Hedgie-- I think that based on the aromatic components of cumin, and what I have observed of its realistic shelf-life, we probably still need to avoid it (other than, as NR and others note-- McCormick, for knowing their stuff there) for another 12-18 months.
I don't have worries about it now in eating out-- but for consumer purchase, particularly in BLENDS or prepared foods-- absolutely.
Best Foods Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in Deer Brand Cumin Powder 7 Ounce and Deer Brand Cumin Powder 14 Ounce
For Immediate Release
February 22, 2016
Contact
Consumers
Abdul Paracha
1-732-650-1300 Ext 222
Announcement
Best Foods Inc. 30 Saw Mill Pond Rd,. Edison, NJ is recalling its 7 ounce packages and 14 oz. packages of Deer brand Cumin Powder because they may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The recalled packages of Deer brand Cumin Powder were distributed in NY, CT, NJ, MA, PA, DE and VA and have reached consumers through retail stores.
The product comes in a clear and yellow plastic package, with no expiration dates and lots number. 7 ounce packages are marked with UPC number 714760027497and the 14 ounce packages are marked with UPC number 714760027503.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recall was initiated after routine sampling and analysis by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets who found the product to contain peanuts which were not declared on the label.
Consumers who have purchased 7 ounce and 14 ounce packages of Deer brand Cumin Powder are urged to return them to the place of purchase for full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-732-650-1300 Ext 222, Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST
Oh man--- again?!!
I am seriously hoping that this is still fallout from the original adulteration. :-/
I'm thinking it's still rather than again. >:( I'm really hoping they're just distributing older batches of the contaminated ground cumin, but shouldn't that have been removed already? Unfortunately, I suspect that whoever adulterated it in the first place will continue to do so.
READ.THIS!!!
http://allergicliving.com/2016/04/14/special-report-investigating-motive-and-spice-safety-in-the-big-peanut-tainted-cumin-recalls/ (http://allergicliving.com/2016/04/14/special-report-investigating-motive-and-spice-safety-in-the-big-peanut-tainted-cumin-recalls/)
Saw that on Facebook this morning and was so pleased to get some current information. We are still cautious depending on the type of restaurant we eat at.
I still don't trust cumin at the mexican restaurant we sometimes eat at... That woman makes DD food she personally cooks from scratch. Anything they buy seasoned that includes cumin she will not serve DD.
Wow. This is so good to know. Thank you!
We've had no closure on this. This is so helpful.