Novartis Recalls OTC Drugs That May Contain Other Drugs
Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. (NCH) is voluntarily recalling all lots of select bottle packaging configurations of Excedrin® and NoDoz® products with expiration dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Bufferin® and Gas-X Prevention® products with expiration dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States.
The recalled products may contain stray tablets, capsules, or caplets from other Novartis products, or contain broken or chipped tablets. These over-the-counter products were distributed nationwide to wholesalers and retailers. Click the link for a complete list of products.
Different products mixed in the same bottle could result in consumers taking the incorrect product and receiving a higher or lower strength than intended or receiving an unintended ingredient. This could potentially result in overdose, interaction with other medications a consumer may be taking, or an allergic reaction if the consumer is allergic to the unintended ingredient. NCH is not aware of adverse events reported with the issues leading to the recall.
The NCH facility in Lincoln, NE has voluntarily suspended operations and shipments to accelerate maintenance and other improvement activities at the site. The company is notifying its distributors and customers and is arranging for return of all recalled products. Wholesalers and retailers should stop distribution and return the affected product using Novartis Product Return information that is being provided to them.
NCH plans to gradually resume operations at its Lincoln, NE site following implementation of planned improvements and in agreement with the FDA. The facility produces a variety of products mainly for the US market with annual sales value of less than 2% of Novartis Group sales. At this stage, it is not possible to determine when the plant will resume full operations and the full financial impact of these events. NCH will take a one-time charge currently estimated at USD 120 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, relating to the recalls and improvement work at the Lincoln, NE facility.
If you have legal questions about an illness, hospitalization or medical event that may be associated with this recall, contact the attorneys at PritzkerOlsem P.A. for a free consultation.
Kleoppel Meats Products Recalled, Production Halted
The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) has recalled 320 pounds of meat and temporarily stopped all cooked-meat processing at Kleoppel Meats d.b.a Alma Meats in Alma, Mo. after discovering that Lafayette County meat processor was selling meat to its consumers had not been inspected and was improperly handled.
Members of MDA’s Meat and Poultry Inspection Program discovered the violations during a January 4 inspection of the business, operated by Terry Kleoppel. According to the records, some products, prepared between Nov. 14, 2011 and Nov. 23, 2011, were sold to Trinity Lutheran School in Alma. No illnesses have been reported in conjunction with this recall. An investigation by the MDA and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is ongoing.
The recalled products include: is summer sausage, snack sticks, beef jerky and roast pork. They are:
- “Snack Sticks Pepper Jack Cheese & Jalapeno”- 18.14 pounds Lot # 2091311 / Produced 11/15/2011
- “Snack Sticks Pepper Jack Cheese” – 18.76 pounds Lot #’s 2091311 and 2002311 / Produced 11/15/2011 and 11/16/2011
- ”Snack Sticks” -25.97 pounds Lot # 2002311 / Produced 11/16/2011
- ”Summer Sausage” – 40.27 pounds Lot # 2081311 / Produced 11/14/2011
- ”Summer Sausage Pepper Jack Cheese” – 21.62 pounds Lot # 2081311 / Produced 11/14/2011 ”Summer Sausage Pepper Jack Cheese & Jalapenos” – 25.14 pounds Lot # 2081311 / Produced 11/14/2011
- “Spicy Beef Jerky Ground and Formed “ Lot # 2162311 / Produced 11/21/2011 and 11/22/2011
- ”Bold Beef Jerky Ground and Formed” Lot # 2152311 / Produced 11/21/2011 and 11/22/2011
- “Honey Beef Jerky Ground and Formed” Lot # 2152311 / Produced 11/21/2011 and 11/22/2011
- ”Roasted Whole Hog Meat” – 70.74 pounds Lot # 1008211 / Produced 11/23/2011
Michigan Listeriosis Cases Prompt Cheese Recall
Green Cedar Dairy in Dearborn, Michigan is recalling two cheeses after Listeria monocytogenes was found in tests by the agriculture department and two people who had exposure to the products contracted listeriosis, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The recall includes “All Natural Ackawi Cheese” and “All Natural Chives Cheese” with sell by dates up to July 1, 2012. The products were produced at Green Cedar Dairy (Plant # 26941) and distributed in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. They are sold in vacuum-packed, clear plastic, square packages of 12 -14 oz.
Michigan health officials are investigating two cases of listeriosis in people who may have been exposed to Green Cedar Dairy products, according to the FDA.
Listeriosis, a serious, sometimes fatal infection caused by eating foods contaminated with Listeria bacteria, is especially dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems- especially pregnant women. Among pregnant women, listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or birth defects or other serious health problems in newborns. Onset of flu-like symptoms can begin up to two months after ingestion of the tainted food. Anyone who ate the recalled products and develops symptoms should see a health care provider.
Consumers who have purchased these products should not eat them. The listeria attorneys at PritzkerOlsen P.A., a national leader in foodborne illness law, can answer legal questions about illnesses associated with this outbreak. Contact them for a free consultation.
Kradjian Recalls Cheese on Listeria Fears
Kradjian Imp Co. of Glendale, CA is recalling 231 Cases of Cedar brand Tresse Cheese and Cedar brand Shinglish cheese, because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious, sometimes fatal infections.
The recalled products are:
Cedar brand Shinglish firm unrippened cheese, delivered before November 13, 2011 UPC: 78546 10000
Cedar brand Tresse firm unrippened cheese, delivered before November 13, 2011 UPC 78546 01000
Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an infection that is especially dangerous to young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Green Valley Expands Alfafa Sprouts Recall
Green Valley Food Corp. of Dallas, Texas is expanding the number of recalled cases of alfalfa sprouts potentially contaminated with Salmonella from 650 t0 6,723.
The products under recall are:
- “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Alfalfa Sprouts 5 oz. container is 4 inches by 4 inches with the UPC number 714722228818. The label has blue lettering that states “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Alfalfa Sprouts.
- “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Spicy Sprouts 5 oz. container is 4 inches by 4 inches with the UPC number 71472222991. The label will have red lettering stating “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Spicy Sprouts.
- Alfalfa Sprouts 4oz. is a clamshell measuring 4 inches by 5 inches with the UPC number 815098001088. The label has green lettering stating “100% Natural Alfalfa Sprouts”.
- “100% Natural Onion Sprouts” 4oz. clamshell measures 4 inches by 5 inches with UPC number 815098002054.The label has yellow lettering stating “100% Natural Onion Sprouts”
Any of these items received or purchased from 12/07/2011 to 1/1/2012 are affected in this recall and/or if the items have a use by date ranging from 12/22/2011 to 1/1/2012.
Green Valley Recalls Alfalfa Sprouts Potentially Contaminated With Salmonella
Green Valley Food Corp. of Dallas is recalling 650 cases of alfalfa sprouts after a sample tested positive for Salmonella during routine testing. No illnesses have been reported in association with this recall.
The recalled products are the “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” brand 5 oz. plastic containers that measures 4-inch by 4-inch with a lid and best if used by date 1/1/2012. The containers bear the UPC number is 714722228818 and product code “3440210”. The label has blue lettering that states “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Alfalfa Sprouts. The product was distributed in Texas via truck deliveries to retail chains and food distribution centers.
Salmonella, an organism that can cause salmonellosis, a serious and sometimes fatal infection for young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Avon Heights, Better Brand, Krisp Pak Spinach Recalled On E.coli Fears
Avon Heights Mushrooms of Avondale, Pa. is recalling certain packages of fresh packaged spinach after E.coli 0157:H7 was discovered in a sample during routine testing. No illnesses have been reported in association with this recall/
The brands include:
Krisp Pak 10 oz bags
Better Brand 10oz.bags
Avon Heights 4-2.51b bags.
The recalled packages bear a “best if used by” dates of DEC 16 and codes DP 340 and T691.
E.coli 0157:H7 is a bacteria that, if ingested, can cause serious sometimes fatal infections. Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Symptoms include abdominal cramping and diarrhea which may be bloody.
