Food and drug products are recalled when they pose a safety risk to consumers. When a food or drug is recalled, most often it is the manufacturer or distributor who voluntarily recalls the product in question after a defect is discovered. In other instances, a government agency such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can issue a recall. The FDA will usually notify a company that their product is defective and needs to be recalled, often that company will comply. If they do not, the FDA can acquire a court order which allows the agency to seize the defective item.
Consumers can check for food, drug and cosmetic recalls on the United States Food and Drug Administration’s website. Below are three products that were recalled in September of 2021.
1. Dole Curly Leaf Parsley
On September 10, 2021, Dole Fresh Vegetables recalled a limited number of cases of conventional curly leaf parsley due to a positive test of Non-0157 Shiga-toxin producing E. coli. Shiga-toxin E. coli can cause foodborne illness in people who consume the contaminated food item. Symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Some infections are mild but others can range from serious to life-threatening. The recalled parsley had harvest dates of August 18, 2021 and August 19, 2021 and was distributed to retail stores, wholesalers, and distributors in two pack sizes — 60-count and 30-count. The product code for the recalled 60 count cases and the 30 count cases is 0 07143 000310 3. Individual bunches purchased by consumers have a UPC code of 0 3383 80330 0. The recalled parsley was distributed in:
- Florida
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
Consumers who have any product with the above UPC codes should immediately discard the parsley and may contact the Dole Consumer Center with questions. To date, no illnesses have been reported.
2. Little Debbie Cookie Bites Sandwich Cookies
On September 10, 2021, McKee Foods recalled 25 cases of its Little Debbie Mini Nutty Buddy Cookie Bites Sandwich Cookies due to undeclared pecans. Consumers who have a severe allergy to pecans are at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product. The recalled sandwich cookies were sold in individual bags and have a best by date of December 24, 2021 and December 25, 2021. The sandwich cookies were distributed in the following locations:
- Kentucky
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
Consumers who purchased this product can contact McKee Foods with the package code information to receive a refund. To date, no illnesses have been reported.
3. Azurity Firvanq
On September 8, 2021, Azurity Pharmaceuticals recalled one lot of its Firvanq Vancomycin 50 mg/mL Kit due to the presence of an incorrect diluent. The kit may contain a First Omeprazole(FIRST-PPI) instead of the Firvanq bottle. Vancomycin may not be completely solubilized in the FIRST-PPI diluent which could lead to incorrect doses. There is reasonable probability that an incorrect dose could lead to persistent diarrhea associated with dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities, recurrence of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection, its progression to severe colitis, colon perforation requiring colectomy, and potentially death.
Firvanq is intended for treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and Enterocolitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The recalled product is packaged as a kit containing a bottle of Vancomycin Hydrochloride, USP powder, a bottle of grape flavored diluent, and prescribing information. The product was distributed nationwide and its NDC is 65628-206-05 and UPC code is 3 65628 206005 1.
Azurity is notifying its distributors and customers directly and via a press release. Azurity is arranging for a return and replacement of the recalled products. Consumers in possession of this product should immediately cease use and return it to the place of purchase. To date, Azurity has not received any reports of adverse reactions.
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