Brinkman Recalls Gourmet Barbecue Sauce Jars from Distribution

Brinkman Turkey Farms Inc. of Findlay, Ohio, recalled Brinkman’s Gourmet Barbecue Sauce Jars (22 oz, 40 oz, 160 oz) bearing the codes, UPC# 033244000215,UPC# 033244000222 and UPC# 033244000208 from distribution. These products were distributed to retail stores, distribution centers and consumers in Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa. The recall was initiated because the product contained milk and soy distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of these ingredients. Milk and soy can cause serious to life-threatening reactions in individuals allergic to them.

Regulations

Section 305 of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act) (PL 177-188) requires owners, operators, or agents in charge of domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States to register their facilities with FDA, unless the facility is exempted. Facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the U.S. must be registered with FDA before commencing such activities. The intention is to provide FDA with sufficient and reliable information about food and feed facilities. When invoked with the detention, record keeping, and prior notice provisions in Sections 303, 306, and 307 of the Bioterrorism Act, the registration will help in detection and quick response to actual or potential threats to the U.S. food supply. Registration information also helps FDA notify firms that may be affected by the actual or potential threat.

Additionally, there is another equally significant Act named Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-282, Title II), which is an amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. FALCPA requires that the label of a food that contains an ingredient that is or contains "major food allergen", should declare the presence of the allergen in the manner described by the law. This Act improves food labeling information for the millions of consumers who suffer from food allergies.