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Allergy Alert Out on Pure Base Spreads

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

A California company has recalled its 4 ounce bottles of "Pure Base Garlic Spread - Concentrate" and 7 ounce bottles of "Pure Base Garlic Spread - Ready to Spread" items because they may contain undeclared milk and wheat.

Pure Base Distribution LLC, based in Ontario, CA, is asking customers who are allergic to milk or wheat products to return the spreads to their retail store for a full refund.

In a statement, Pure Base said people who have allergies to milk or wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume either product.

"Pure Base Garlic Spread - Concentrate" and "Pure Base Garlic Spread - Ready to Spread" were distributed nationwide in online and traditional retail stores.

The "Pure Base Garlic Spread - Concentrate" product comes in 4 ounce clear plastic bottles and "Pure Base Garlic Spread - Ready to Spread" comes in 7 ounce clear plastic bottles.

Both items have lot numbers and a Best By Date stamped at the top of their red cap. Affected Lot Numbers with their Best By Dates are as follows:

Pure Base Garlic Spread Concentrate:

92221, Best By 8/10/2010
92391, Best By 8/27/2010
92661, Best By 9/23/2010
92921, Best By 10/19/2010
93291, Best By 11/25/2010
100341, Best By 2/3/2011
100971, Best By 4/7/2011
101181, Best By 4/28/2011

Pure Base Garlic Spread Ready to Spread:
92641, Best By 9/21/2010
93021, Best By 10/29/2010
93291, Best By 11/25/2010
100391, Best By 2/8/2011
101181, Best By 4/28/2011

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Anyone concerned about an allergic reaction should contact a physician.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the milk- and wheat-containing products were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk and wheat on the label.

Pure Base said its subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

Distribution of the products has been suspended until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Pure Base are certain that the products are properly labeled.

Consumers who have purchased 4 ounce bottles of "Pure Base Garlic Spread - Concentrate" and 7 ounce bottles of "Pure Base Garlic Spread - Ready to Spread" items are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-888-980-7474, ext 105, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Full post as published by Food Safety News on June 30, 2010 (boomark / email).