September 2010 Food Recalls - Infant Formula, Dog Treats, and More

Every month one food or many become recalled for various reasons. Sometimes it is voluntarily recalled and other times companies are forced into the recall. September's major food recall was on infant formula. Similac, one of the biggest brand names for infant formula, voluntarily recalled 5 million containers of powdered infant formula. Both milk and soy based formulas of Similac powdered formula have been recalled due to possible contamination of insect pieces or larvae.

For a full list of Similac Brand Infant Powders that have been recalled please click this link. Please be aware that there is a link that is in .pdf format which is 38 pages long with name of Similac Powder and its corresponding lot number. Many of the infant powders have been distributed through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) organization. If you are a participant in the WIC program, please check the lot numbers on your infant brand formulas and contact your local WIC office to learn more about the recall. Infants that digest formula that has been contaminated may experience stomach upset, gastrointestinal problems and eating problems.

Although, infant formula was the most numerous food item recalled this month it wasn't the only one. Other recalls include Woodpecker brand Mediterranean Mix, Morningland Dairy and Ozark Hills Farm Cheese, and Hartz Naturalz Real Beef Treats. Cibo Vita voluntarily recalled Woodpecker brand Mediterranean Mix after they realized they forgot to put an allergy warning on the product for those allergic to sulphites. Whole Foods Market voluntarily recalled Morningland Dairy and Ozark Hills Farm Cheese (Raw Goat Milk Mild Cheddar Cheese) because of the possible contamination of Listeria and Staphylococcus aureus. No sicknesses have been reported. The Hartz Mountain Corporation recalled Hartz Naturalz Real Beef Treats for dogs due to possible contamination by Salmonella.

Lack of allergy warnings and the risks of bacteria's such as salmonella, listeria and staphylococcus aureus can cause serious risks to humans and animals if ingested. Severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and nausea are just a few symptoms of the reactions that can happen. Allergic reactions can be even worse causing rash, hives and possible anaphylactic shock.

If you have any of the products listed please take it back to where you purchased it for a full refund. You can keep up to date with the latest recalls by visiting the Food and Drug Administrations website regularly.