Farm Rich Products Corporation has initiated an expanded, comprehensive recall of all products produced in our Waycross, Georgia facility. The following Farm Rich products with “Best By” dates of January 1, 2013 through September 29, 2014 are included:
- Farm Rich Philly Cheese Steaks – all sizes
- Farm Rich Mini Quesadillas – all sizes
- Farm Rich Mini Pizza Slices – all sizes
- Farm Rich Mozzarella Bites – all sizes
- Farm Rich Mini Bacon Cheeseburgers – all sizes
We are working closely with the USDA, FDA, CDC and the scientific community to determine how Farm Rich products made in our Waycross, Georgia plant may have become contaminated with E.Coli bacteria.
We have no information of any illnesses associated with these products included in the expanded recall, but your safety and the safety of all of our customers is our absolute number-one priority.
To eliminate any risk, and to ensure your safety and well-being, we are voluntarily recalling these products immediately.
IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE AN AFFECTED PACKAGE OR IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL OUR 24-HOUR CONSUMER RELATIONS HELPLINE TOLL-FREE AT 1-888-220-5955.
- IF YOU NEED TO SPEAK TO A REPRESENTATIVE, PLEASE CALL OUR 24-HOUR TOLL-FREE NUMBER 1-888-220-5955.
- IF YOU PREFER TO REACH US VIA EMAIL, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT FORM. WE TYPICALLY RESPOND TO EMAIL INQUIRIES WITHIN ONE TO TWO BUSINESS DAYS.
Key Consumer Q&As:
How can I get more information on the recall?
- Please call our 24-hour Consumer Relations Helpline toll-free at 1-888-220-5955 or visit www.farmrich.com.
What products were included as part of the first voluntary recall announced last week?
- Farm Rich Philly Cheese Steaks
- Farm Rich Mini Quesadillas
- Farm Rich Mini Pizza Slices
- Farm Rich Mozzarella Bites
What products are part of this new and expanded recall?
| Item: | Pack Size: | Product Code: | Unit Code: | Best By Date: |
| Farm Rich Mini Quesadillas | 18 oz. bags | 35635 | 0 41322 35635 2 | January 1, 2013 – September 29, 2014 |
| Farm Rich Mini Quesadillas | 18 oz. – 20 oz.bags | 35611 | 0 41322 35611 6 | January 1, 2013 – September 29, 2014 |
| Farm Rich Mini Pizza Slices | 22 oz. bags | 35643 | 0 41322 35643 7 | January 1, 2013 – September 29, 2014 |
| Farm Rich Mini Pizza Slices | 7.2 oz. cartons | 37690 | 0 41322 37690 9 | January 1, 2013 – September 29, 2014 |
| Farm Rich Mini Pizza Slices | 22 oz. bags | 35603 | 0 41322 35603 1 | January 1, 2013 – September 29, 2014 |
| Farm Rich Philly Cheese Steaks | 21 oz. bags | 35634 | 0 41322 35634 5 | January 1, 2013 – September 29, 2014 |
| Farm Rich Philly Cheese Steaks | 21 oz. bags | 35618 | 0 41322 35618 5 | January 1, 2013 – September 29, 2014 |
| Farm Rich Mozzarella Bites | 7 oz. cartons | 37691 | 0 41322 37691 6 | January 1, 2013 – September 29, 2014 |
| Farm Rich Mozzarella Bites | 22 oz. bags | 37443 | 0 41322 37443 1 | January 1, 2013 – September 29, 2014 |
| Farm Rich Mozzarella Bites | 22 oz. bags | 37433 | 0 41322 37433 1 | January 1, 2013 – September 29, 2014 |
| Farm Rich Mozzarella Bites | 22 oz. bags | 37813 | 0 41322 37813 2 | January 1, 2013 – September 29, 2014 |
| Farm Rich Mozzarella Bites | 44 oz. cartons | 32521 | 0 41322 32521 1 | January 1, 2013 – September 29, 2014 |
| Farm Rich Mozzarella Bites | 2 lb. cartons | 37455 | 0 41322 37455 4 | January 1, 2013 – September 29, 2014 |
| Farm Rich Mini Bacon Cheeseburgers | 21 oz. bags | 35622 | 0 41322 35622 2 | January 1, 2013 – September 29, 2014 |
Where can I find the Best By Date?
- The Best By Date is located on the back of the package.
What products are NOT included in the recall?
- The recall does NOT include
- Farm Rich Mozzarella Sticks – all sizes
- Farm Rich Jalapeño Peppers – all sizes
- Farm Rich Marinara Stuffed Mozzarella Sticks – all sizes
- Farm Rich Mushrooms –all sizes
- Farm Rich Stuffed Pretzel Bites – all sizes
- Farm Rich Queso Cheese Bites – all sizes
- Farm Rich Pepper Bites – all sizes
- Farm Rich Onion Rings – all sizes
- Farm Rich Meatballs – all varieties and all sizes
- Farm Rich French Toast Sticks – all varieties and all sizes
Why aren’t these items included in the recall?
- These products are manufactured in different facilities and are therefore NOT affected by the recall.
Why has the recall suddenly been expanded?
- For the past week, we have worked closely with the USDA, FDA, CDC and the scientific community, to determine how Farm Rich products made in our Waycross, Ga., plant may have become contaminated with E. coli bacteria.
- We have looked at raw materials and their handling, production protocols, hygiene procedures and many other measures to ascertain how E. coli might possibly have infected our products.
- When it became apparent to us that despite the expertise of these outside agency resources and our own experts, that identification of a specific cause was not going to be a simple or short process, we decided to act proactively to expand the recall.
- Our products are enjoyed by millions of consumers across the country, and we absolutely are not going to risk the health, well-being and safety of anyone who consumes our products.
What if I have a package that is not on the recall list?
- Not all Farm Rich products are affected by the recall because they are manufactured in different facilities. Please closely follow the preparation instructions for all products which have been validated following the Grocery Manufacturers Association industry protocol to ensure food safety.
Do you have reason to believe that these products not included in the first recall might be contaminated?
- We are unaware of any illnesses associated with the products included in the expanded recall.
- When it became apparent to us that despite the expertise of these outside agency resources and our own experts, that identification of a specific cause was not going to be a simple or short process, we decided to act with an abundance of caution and proactively expand the recall.
Why were the products recalled in the first place?
- As soon as we learned of an illness being linked to our Farm Rich products, we immediately ordered a voluntary nationwide recall and alerted retailers of our action.
Is the recall confined to one area of the country?
- This is a national recall.
Where are the products sold?
- Farm Rich products are sold through retail stores nationally.
Why didn’t you initiate a full recall like this last week?
- We’ve been cooperating with the USDA, FDA, CDC and other agencies. We have no new information regarding consumer illness and collectively we have been unable to identify the source of the contamination.
- We are unaware of any illnesses associated with the products included in the expanded recall. But we are exercising an abundance of caution through this expanded action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our consumers.
When will the products be available again?
- We are totally committed to the Farm Rich Brand, we will be implementing comprehensive and exhaustive safety measures before we re-start production, and look forward to re-launching the delivery of these products to our customers in the near future.
Has anyone become ill?
- As of today, we have only one confirmed illness related to the Farm Rich Quesadilla product.
What are the symptoms of E. coli?
- Symptoms of the illness include mild to severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Blood is often seen in the stool. Usually little or no fever is present. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within 5-10 days, certain individuals can develop a complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which can cause the kidneys to fail. HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly.
What if I feel ill or have some of these symptoms?
- Please consult with your physician.
What should I do if I have a package in my freezer?
- Check to see if it is a product that is included in the recall. If so, please discard it.
Should I take my package back to my grocery store?
- No, we can provide you with a refund or replacement. Simply call our 24-hour Consumer Relations Helpline toll-free at 1-888-220-5955.
Can I get a refund?
- Yes, we’ll provide you with a coupon for product replacement or a refund.
How can I get more information?
- Please call our 24-hour Consumer Relations Helpline toll-free at 1-888-220-5955 or visit farmrich.com.
- Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day atAskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. “Ask Karen” live chat services are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at:www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/Problems_With_Food_Products/index.asp
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