KHTS received several recall notices today, some of which could affect consumers in the Los Angeles area. Below are specifics on recalls issued by:

Arbonne International LLC – Seasource Detox Spa Foaming Sea Salt Scrub

Chulada Brand Saladitos con Chile

Premier Organics of Berkeley: Artisana Raw Tahini

Steinbeck Country Produce of Salinas: iceless green onions

Arbonne International, LLC (“Arbonne”) has voluntarily recalled one lot of its Seasource Detox Spa® Foaming Sea Salt Scrub. The recalled products were manufactured by a third party and distributed nationwide through Arbonne Independent Consultants. The product comes in a 6.8 fluid oz white tube and is identified with a lot number on the crimping at the top of the tube. The Seasource Detox Spa Foaming Sea Salt Scrub products affected by this voluntary recall are ONLY from lot number Z928, with shipping dates ranging from March 28, 2008 to July 15, 2009

This voluntary recall was initiated by Arbonne as a result of discovering the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria in the recalled lot. No other lots are affected. The organism Pseudomonas aeruginosa may cause dermatitis, soft tissue infections, bacteremia, and a variety of system infections, particularly with users who are immunosuppressed. Because the Foaming Sea Salt Scrub is used to exfoliate the skin’s surface, there is a possibility that inadvertent introduction of the tainted product directly into any skin abrasions could result in infection.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this product. Purchasers of the recalled product lot are advised not to use it. Arbonne will, at the purchaser’s choice, replace or exchange the product or refund money paid for the recalled product. In order to replace or exchange product or receive a refund, Arbonne is requesting purchasers of the recalled product lot to contact Arbonne at 1-800-ARBONNE between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time weekdays and between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Saturdays, and have the product with the recalled lot number available to return to Arbonne in order to complete the transaction. This voluntary recall was initiated by Arbonne and is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Chulada, Inc. of Burbank is recalling all Chulada Brand Saladitos con Chile (Salted Plum w/ Chile Powder) due to elevated levels of lead.

Chulada, Inc. learned on 6/10/09 from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), that Saladitos c/ Chile (Salted Plum w/ Chile Powder) contains high levels of lead that could cause health problems to consumers, particularly infants, small children, and pregnant women.  Chulada, Inc. immediately segregated its entire Saladitos c/ Chile (Salted Plum w/ Chile Powder) inventory and is notifying consumers and customers not to consume this product.

Saladitos c/ Chile (Salted Plum w/ Chile Powder) are dried, salted plums that are coated in red chile powder. The plums are salty and spicy hot in flavor. The salted plums are sold in ¼ oz and 1 oz packages.

Recent analysis of Saladitos c/ Chile (Salted Plum w/ Chile Powder) by CDPH found that the product contained lead levels as high as 1.4 parts per million (ppm).  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that children under age 6 should consume on average no more than 6.0 micrograms of lead each day from all food sources.   A young child eating this product could easily ingest more than 3 times their tolerable daily intake for lead.

Chulada, Inc. wants to ensure its products are safe.  Consequently, in addition to its ongoing cooperation with the CDPH, Chulada, Inc. is voluntarily recalling all Saladitos c/ Chile (Salted Plum w/ Chile Powder) from all of its customers.  Consumers in possession of Saladitos c/ Chile (Salted Plum w/ Chile Powder) should not eat the product and should return the product to the place of purchase.

Pregnant women and parents of children who may have consumed any Saladitos c/ Chile (Salted Plum w/ Chile Powder) should consult with their physician or health care provider to determine whether further medical testing is required.  For more information about lead poisoning, parents and caretakers should contact their local childhood lead poisoning prevention program or local public health department.

Chulada, Inc. will be sending recall notices to all of its direct customers.  Please call Rey Sanchez  at 818-841-0506 for further information.

Premier Organics of Berkeley is recalling 840 Cases of Artisana Raw Tahini of Lot 90811, in 16oz glass jars because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious infections. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, 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 affected lot (lot number 90811) has been distributed nationwide through retail locations and online stores. No other lots have been affected. It is important to note that there have been NO REPORTED ILLNESSES to date.

Of the numerous samples taken by both Premier Organics and the FDA of lot 90811, only one sample came back positive for salmonella. Premier Organics has ceased distribution of Artisana Tahini lot 90811 as they continue their investigation with the FDA into what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased Artisana Tahini with lot number 90811 are urged not to consume the product and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Premier Organics at 1-866-237-8688 between the hours of 9am and 4pm Pacific Standard Time.

Steinbeck Country Produce, Salinas. As a result of routine testing, the USDA has found a positive result for Salmonella on iceless green onions shipped by Steinbeck Country Produce of Salinas, CA. The onions were farmed and packed by a grower in Mexicali, Mexico, near the California border.

To date, no illnesses associated with the consumption of this product have been reported. To demonstrate extreme caution, Steinbeck Country Produce is voluntarily recalling product with lot code numbers 96CPGO07 or 9CPO937 shipped between August 4 and August 22, 2009.

“This recall is voluntary, based on a strong sense of caution for consumer well-being. Food safety is our primary concern at Steinbeck Country Produce, and this recall shows that our procedures are efficient, effective and immediate,” said Chris Huntington, Steinbeck Country Produce CEO.  “Fortunately, there are not any reported illnesses at this time, and we will continue to respond quickly and efficient to ensure consumer well being.”

Vendors who received the product were immediately identified and notified on Thursday, August 27 and were instructed to destroy any product remaining in inventory.

The recall is limited to 3,360 cartons of 4 count/2 pound, 2 count/24 bunch and 4 count/ 12 bunch bags of iceless green onions packed under the “Nature’s Reward” label with lot code 9CPO937, and a private foodservice label with lot code 96CPGO07 .  The produce was distributed in California, Massachusetts, Texas, Indiana, New York, Michigan, Missouri, Kansas and Arizona.

No other Steinbeck Country Produce products or packs are involved in this recall.