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Potentially Salmonella Tainted Nonfat Dried Milk Prompts Recall of Traditions Pre-Packaged Meals

Jul 1, 2009 | Parker Waichman Alonso LLP

Salmonella concerns have prompted Traditions of Pearl, Mississippi to recall an undetermined amount of various boxed pre-packaged meal kits.  According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the recalled boxes contain separate portions of instant nonfat dried milk, which was previously recalled.

Those nonfat, dried milk products were originally recalled by Plainview Milk Products Cooperative, Plainview, Minnesota. In addition to the nonfat dried milk products, the company also recalled whey protein, fruit stabilizers, and gums (thickening agents) that it has manufactured over the past two year because of potential Salmonella contamination. The company sells these products to other industry customers, including distributors and manufacturers, who may have incorporated them into their own products.

The problem was first discovered when USDA found Salmonella in a dairy product and alerted the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) resulting in an investigation and subsequent recall of the nonfat dry milk product by Plainview Milk Products Cooperative.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience 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, endocarditis, and arthritis.

The Traditions products subject to this recall include:

• Boxes of "TRADITIONS MEAL SOLUTIONS" prepackaged meal kits.
• Boxes of "ILSmeals Home Meal Delivery Service" prepackaged meal kits.

The pre-packaged meals were distributed nationwide to various food distributors and regional nutrition service providers. These meals were not available for consumer purchase.

The weight and ingredient, or item, statements vary on the master boxes. Each box contains approximately 2 to 12 meals. The instant nonfat dried milk products were packaged in the master shipping boxes on various dates ranging from January 28, 2008 to June 5, 2009. The final shipping containers bear the establishment number "EST. 18350" and/or "P-18350" within the USDA mark of inspection printed on the side of the box. The only component that represents a hazard is the nonfat dried milk product. The packet of nonfat dry milk should not be used or consumed. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.