Faulty machinery blamed for metal contamination in two US recalls
Annie’s said a fine metal mesh screen had failed at a third-party flour mill and BBU Inc, the Bimbo Bakeries USA parent company, said metal fragments could have got into products due to a faulty manufacturing part.
Annie’s recalled homegrown frozen pizza products which were distributed at grocery, mass and natural food stores throughout the US.
All varieties of Rising Crust Frozen Pizza with a best by date including and between 9 January 2013 and 14 September 2013 are affected. For a full list of affected products click HERE
Mesh screen failure
The company announced the recall after learning a fine metal mesh screen failed at a third-party flour mill and fragments of flexible metal mesh were found in the flour and pizza dough.
All Annie’s manufacturers have metal control programs that include magnets and metal detection devices. Pieces of the fine wire were too small to be detected and could have found their way into the finished product, said Annie's.
While no metal has been found in Annie’s finished product, the firm initiated a voluntary recall as a precaution. There have been no consumer complaints, illnesses or injuries reported to date.
“Annie's is committed to providing high-quality products, and the safety of our consumers is the company’s utmost priority. We are working with the FDA and the USDA and expect a quick resolution to this issue.”
Bimbo Bakeries bagel recall
The latest recall follows BBU Inc discovering the possible presence of metal fragments in bagels caused by a faulty manufacturing part last week.
It found metal fragments in two packages but said no consumer reports have been received and there are no reports of injury.
Products affected include some of the Thomas’, Sara Lee and Publix Premium brands. See the full list of recalled products HERE.
Fresh bagels with "Best Buy" dates 18 January to and including 27 January found on the lock tab bag closures are being recalled from Alabama, Florida, Los Angeles, Georgia, Mississippi, North and South Carolina and Tennessee.
Meanwhile, the European Commission’s recall portal reported this week that a metal blade had been found in chilled meat products from Italy destined to the UK and glass fragments had been found in pitted black olives originating from Spain and distributed to Denmark.
