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Hawaii News

Processing company’s products recalled

State health officials have issued a product recall of food processed by Waipahu-based First Commercial Kitchen LLC, including more than 100 specialty products from various brands.

Many of the products, however, might not have come from First Commercial, which touts an expansive list of clients on its website but is not currently doing business with all of them.

Officials said yesterday that while the state Department of Health has received no reports of illness, the company has inadequate control measures, including testing measures and required documentation.

First Commercial has requested a hearing to contest the notice of suspension and order to cease and desist.

The state said First Commercial’s operating permit could be reinstated when the department receives more information, including an official list of all clients and an ingredient list for all products, and documentation showing operating procedures and testing are in place.

State health spokeswoman Janice Okubo said if anyone has products processed through First Commercial in their possession, they should return them to the place of purchase.

Okubo said any product that has already been opened should be discarded.

Consumers should not use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled, she said.

The state said First Commercial Kitchen conducted a voluntary recall for two products — Ohana Flavors Black Bean Sauce and Barbs Black Bean Sauce — on Thursday after samples showed evidence of being improperly manufactured.

Improper manufacturing presents the potential risk of botulism, the state said.

The state said further inspections by health officials revealed numerous products that could present the same or other health risks due to improper production standards.

First Commercial has been unable to provide an accurate list of products made at their processing plant, the state said.

The state sent out an expansive list of business and product label names taken from the company’s website.

But First Commercial official Peter T. Kam said the list of clients taken off the business’s website has not been updated and that some have not been his client for years.

He said he is compiling a list of his current clients.

Lydell Leong of 3660 on the Rise said last night the restaurant has not done business with First Commercial in more than five years, yet the restaurant’s products are listed. A representative of Honolulu Gourmet Foods also said last night the company had not been with First Commercial in years.

For further information about the products, the state says retailers and consumers can call First Commercial Kitchen at 676-0880.

 

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