OMIC USA Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 15, 2010 – Pittsburgh – As a precautionary measure, due to mislabeling, StarKist Co. is initiating a voluntary recall of two SeaSations® frozen white whole fish fillet products – Thai with Basil, UPC # 80000 50007 and Teriyaki Orange and Ginger, UPC # 80000 50112. All 11.4 oz packages of these two varieties have been recalled, regardless of Best By Date or Manufacturing Code. SeaSations is a test market product, and is therefore in limited retail distribution in the following states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

All other varieties of SeaSations are correctly labeled and therefore are not affected by this voluntary recall. Additionally, noStarKist® tuna products are included in this recall.

StarKist Co. is voluntarily recalling these two SeaSations varieties due to the presence of wheat, which was not declared as an allergen in the ingredient statement. People who are allergic to wheat may run a risk of serious adverse health consequences by consuming this product. To date, no illnesses have been reported – individuals without an allergy to wheat may continue to enjoy this product.

All SeaSations are 100% guaranteed. Consumers can contact the StarKist Consumer Hotline at (800) 252-1587 for further information about the voluntary recall and for instructions on obtaining replacement product. StarKist is working with the FDA in issuing this voluntary recall. We regret this inconvenience to our customers and consumers, and we remain committed to providing nutritious products of the highest quality.

Source:  U.S. Food & Drug Administration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 4, 2010 – Whole Foods Market announced the recall of its Whole Catch Yellow fin Tuna Steaks (frozen) with a best by date of Dec 5th, 2010 because of possible elevated levels of histamine that may result in symptoms that generally appear within minutes to an hour after eating the affected fish. No other Whole Foods Market, Whole Catch, 365 or 365 Organic products are affected.

The product, sold in twelve ounce bags with Best by Date: exp 05 DEC 2010 with Lot Code: 4853309157A and displays the following UPC code:

• 0-99482-42078-9 Whole Catch Yellow fin Tuna Steaks (Frozen) 12 oz.

High levels of histamine can produce an allergic reaction called scombroid poisoning when the fish is consumed. The following are the most common symptoms of scombroid poisoning: tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, facial swelling, rash, hives and itchy skin, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

There have been two reported incidents by consumers. Whole Foods Market feels that while these were isolated incidents, every precautionary measure should be taken when it comes to consumer health and safety. This recall does not impact any other fish or seafood sold by Whole Foods Market.

If consumers have this product with the indicated UPC code and Best By date, they may return it to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling 512-542-0656.

Whole Foods Market has removed the affected lot code from all store shelves. Product was distributed to 28 states plus the District of Columbia including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Connecticut, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Rhode Island, Maine and Washington, D.C.

Source:  U.S. Food & Drug Administration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Chino, California – April 2, 2010 — Golden Pacific Foods, Inc. is recalling Marco Polo Brand Shrimp Snacks sold as Original, Onion & Garlic Flavored and Bar-B-Que Flavored, because they may contain undeclared milk and soy. People who have allergies to milk and soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening reaction if they consume these products.

The following items affected by the recall were sold through retail stores nationwide:

All expiration dates of 08-13-10 and earlier (located the right upper corner of the bag) are affected by this recall.

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

The recall was initiated after it was discovered during an FDA inspection that the milk and soy containing products were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the milk and soy ingredients. Production of the product has been suspended until FDA and the company is certain that the problem has been corrected.

Consumers who have purchased the affected Marco Polo Brand Shrimp Snacks are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumer with questions may contact the company Monday thorough Friday, 9am to 5pm PST at 909-464-1122.

Source:  U.S. Food & Drug Administration

OMIC USA Inc. on March 22nd launched a brand new website aimed at North American food and agricultural industry businesses. The company’s site was revamped to reflect the broad range of analytical laboratory service offerings that the company has added over the past decade, including food allergen testing and GMO analysis.

Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, OMIC USA Inc. has provided unparalleled independent laboratory and inspection services to the world food supply and agricultural industries for more than 50 years. Representing the best of the industry, our full-scale lab features internationally-recognized chemists, PhDs, and state-of-the-art instrumentation from around the world.

To learn more about OMIC USA Inc., visit us at:
http://www.omicusa.com.