May 5, 2012 - FunFresh Foods, Inc. of San Clemente, California in consultation with the FDA is voluntarily recalling a single lot of its 6 ounce packages of FunFresh Foods™ World Berries™ Organic “Cacao Nibs” because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria (E. Coli O157:H7). E. coli O157:H7 causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.
Approximately 500 packages of affected product were distributed from April 12 through April 17, 2012 from this lot and as of the date of this release, 263 of these packages have already been retrieved from retail stores. Product was distributed to health and natural food retail stores located in the following states: AK, AR, AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NM, OH, OK, OR, SC, SC, TN, TX, WA, WI, and WV.
The product comes in a 6 oz pouch with the World Berries™ logo identified as Organic Cacao Nibs with the following UPC code 632474929022, affected lot code 161104 and the use by date for products for the affected lot 04/14, which are laser etched on the vertical edge of the back panel.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product.
The potential for contamination was identified through the company’s own audit testing of finished product which detected the presence of E. coli 0157:H7. Production and distribution of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation. No other lots of this product and no other FunFresh Foods products are affected by this recall.
Consumers should not consume the product. Consumers who have purchased 6 ounce packages of "Cacao Nibs" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Alternatively, consumers can call the company which will arrange for a full refund and for retrieval of affected products. Consumers may contact the company between Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time at 1-800-232-8619.
