Latest news with #Tri-UnionSeafoodsofCalifornia
USA Today
25-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
'They were trapped': Bumble Bee 'benefitted' from forced labor, lawsuit alleges
'They were trapped': Bumble Bee 'benefitted' from forced labor, lawsuit alleges Show Caption Hide Caption Canned tuna recall due to risk of botulism, big name grocery stores involved Tri-Union Seafoods of California is recalling tuna cans that were sold in Trader Joe's and Costco, among other locations, due to the risk of botulism. Straight Arrow News Bumble Bee Foods is facing allegations that it "knowingly benefitted" from forced labor and other abuses in its supply chain, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court in California. Four Indonesian fishers allege that they faced similar patterns of abuse on three different boats that supplied Bumble Bee, including physical abuse, long stretches of work without rest days and denial of medical care. "These men were looking for good jobs so they could provide for their families and build a future," Agnieszka Fryszman, a lawyer for the plaintiffs said in a press release accompanying the March 12 filing. "Instead, they allege, they were trapped – isolated at sea, beaten with metal hooks, not getting enough food, working around the clock – and facing financial penalties if they tried to leave." Lawyers for the plaintiffs said that they believe the suit is the first forced labor at sea case against an American company under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Bumble Bee holds the largest market share of canned and pouched tuna, according to the Seafood Stewardship Index and was purchased by Taiwanese fish conglomerate FCF Co. Ltd. for $925 million following a bankruptcy in 2019. The company declined comment on the litigation Monday. What does the lawsuit allege? Muhammad Sahrudin, one of the plaintiffs, said that conditions on the boat he worked on were "harsh." "The captain would slap the crewmen with his hand, hit them about the head, and, worse, stab themwith a needle," the filing states. "One time, the captain chased him with the needle, while Sahrudin begged to be spared." Muhammad Syafi'i, a separate plaintiff, alleged among other abuses that he was severely burned by hot cooking oil while onboard a fishing vessel. "He screamed in pain, but when the crew rushed to see what had happened, the captain told them to leave him be and to get back to work. Syafi'i was left lying on the kitchen bench, alone," the complaint states. The plaintiffs allege that they were unable to leave the ships they were working on and routinely denied medical treatment. The men allege that once at sea, the ships would not sail back to port, transferring catches to cargo ships. The complaint states that the ships the four plaintiffs worked on were a part of the "trusted network of boat owners" that supplied Bumble Bee. "Bumble Bee knowingly received or attempted to receive financial and other benefit from the sale of tuna harvested with forced labor, including profits from those sales and access to a steady supply of tuna from its trusted fleet," the complaint alleges. Fryzman said in the press release that her clients are seeking a result that would prevent further abuse. "Our clients are seeking justice not only for themselves but to implement changes that will protect other fishers, including men at sea right now on the same boats," Fryman said.
USA Today
04-03-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Wild Coast Raw recalls frozen cat food due to potential bird flu contamination: See products
Wild Coast Raw recalls frozen cat food due to potential bird flu contamination: See products Show Caption Hide Caption Canned tuna recall due to risk of botulism, big name grocery stores involved Tri-Union Seafoods of California is recalling tuna cans that were sold in Trader Joe's and Costco, among other locations, due to the risk of botulism. Straight Arrow News Wild Coast Raw issued a recall on Saturday for "lots" of its frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula, as the raw cat food may have been contaminated with bird flu. Wild Coast Raw initiated the recall after sampling by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Washington State Department of Agriculture revealed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, commonly known as bird flu, in affected cats and the products, according to the recall. The recall comes after Wild Coast Raw issued a similar one in February after two cats that ate the brand's cat food grew severely ill of bird flu and died. Here's what to know about which products are affected and where. Which products are listed in the recall? The recall is for Wild Coast Raw's 16-ounce and 24-ounce frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats. The product is in a small, round white plastic container with a green label. The affected lot numbers are #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, #22664, #22660 and #22664. The best buy date for the affected products is December 2025. Where were the products sold? The recalled products were sold in Washington and Oregon. What should you do it you have the recalled product? Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. Securely discard the product to prevent animals and wildlife from consuming it. Contact your place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact West Coast Raw by email at info@ or by phone at 360-591-3543 between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST. How can bird flu affect cats? Pet owners who fed their cats the recalled products should watch for the following symptoms: Fever Lethargy Low appetite Reddened or inflamed eyes Discharge from the eyes and nose Difficulty breathing Neurological signs like tremors, stiff body movements, seizure, lack of coordination or blindness Owners whose cats exhibit these symptoms, after eating the recalled product, should contact their veterinarian. Can bird flu be fatal for cats? Yes. The mortality rate for cats infected with bird flu is 67%, according to the University of Maryland's School of Public Health. Can bird flu be transmitted from cats to humans? Though human infections have not been identified among people handling raw pet food products, humans can become infected if the virus gets into their eyes, nose or mouth. People who have come in contact with the recalled products should wash their hands thoroughly and sanitize all contact surfaces, like countertops, fridges, bowls and utensils. Common bird flu symptoms in humans include: Eye redness or irration Cough Sore throat Sneezing Runny or stuffy nose Muscle/body aches Headaches Fatigue Fever Trouble breathing Seizures Rash Diarrehea Nausea/vomiting People exhibiting these symptoms, who have been exposed to the recalled products, should contact their healthcare provider and local health department. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
USA Today
20-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Ülker treats distributed to over 30 states recalled for allergen mislabeling: See products
Ülker treats distributed to over 30 states recalled for allergen mislabeling: See products Show Caption Hide Caption Canned tuna recall due to risk of botulism, big name grocery stores involved Tri-Union Seafoods of California is recalling tuna cans that were sold in Trader Joe's and Costco, among other locations, due to the risk of botulism. Straight Arrow News Six varieties of Ülker snack rolls, biscuits and wafers failed to disclose allergens in the ingredients list. The mislabeling was identified by a single consumer complaint involving an allergic reaction. Consumers who have purchased an affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Six varieties of Ülker snack rolls, biscuits and wafers distributed to over 30 states were recalled because possible allergens were not explicitly listed on product labels. The recall, issued by ZB Importing LLC and posted Thursday by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, states that wheat, egg and/or milk were not declared on the products' labels. Consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat, egg and/or milk run the risk of life-threatening allergic reactions, if they consume these products. The mislabeling was identified by a single consumer complaint involving an allergic reaction, according to the recall. The issue originated from a supplier who failed to fully disclose all allergens while translating the ingredient list. Here's what to know about which products are affected and where. Which products are listed in the recall? The recall includes six items sold under the brand name Ülker, a Turkish food and beverage manufacturer based in Istanbul. Can't see the PDF in your browser? Visit Where were the products sold? The attached map shows states where recalled products were distributed to retail stores. Can't see the map in your browser? Visit What should you do if you have recalled products? Consumers who have purchased an affected product should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions should contact ZB Importing LLC by email at info@ Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
