Rodent Infestation Prompts Recall, Shut Down Of Fremont Herb Company
FREMONT (CBS SF) - State health officials have shut down a Fremont-based food company after the discovery of a rodent infestation officials described as 'massive' and 'pervasive' led state health officials to shut down distribution.
The California Department of Public Health placed an embargo on Fremont-based San Francisco Herb & Natural Food Co. earlier this month. The company has now recalled its natural food, tea and herb products products distributed in California and throughout the country.
Patrick Kennelly, chief of the Food Safety Section of the California Department of Public Health, said state inspectors also found evidence of "dead rodent bodies, live bodies, fecal and urine contamination on products."
State officials said the company was cooperating with investigators.
In a statement, San Francisco Herb & Natural Food Co. said, "We hold ourselves to a high standard. Unfortunately we believed this problem was under control, but it unexpectedly grew into a larger issue. We apologize to our loyal customers and fans and will fully refund any products that have been impacted."
The following San Francisco Herb products with the specific lots numbers below are included in the recall:
Product Description / Product # / Lot #
Carob Raw Powder / P351 / Lot # 090018
Chicory Root Roasted Granules/ G440 / Lot # 120056
Fennel Seed Whole / W170 / Lot # 110155
Green Tea, Gunpowder C/S / C837 / Lot # 100181
Hops Flower / W890 / Lot # 110020
Lavender Flower Medium Whole / W985 / Lot # 120033
Marigold Petals Whole / W1087 / Lot # 100196
Olive Leaf Organic Whole / W01119 / Lot # 090286
Paprika Sweet Powder / P1251 / Lot # 090048
Parsley Leaf C/S / C1255 / Lot # 110107
Pau D'Arco Bark C/S / C1270 / Lot # 100266
Rose Hips Organic Whole / W01430 / Lot # 090324
Rosemary Leaf Whole / W1445 / Lot # 010017
Senna Pods Whole / W1520 / Lot # 110220
Spearmint Leaf Organic C/S / CO1565 / Lot # 110171
Thyme Leaf C/S / C1631 / Lot # 110197
The company said no illnesses have been reported in connection with the contamination, but that consumers who have bought the recalled products were urged to destroy them.
Refund or replacement questions can be directed to Dr. Fahimeh Niroomand of San Francisco Herb & Natural Foods Company at 510-770-1215, ex. 115.
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