Rodent infestation forces recall of multiple African food products in Kentucky

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging consumers, retailers, and distributors to immediately stop using, selling, or serving products distributed by Pan-African Food Distributors Inc., operating as East Africa Boutique LLC, after an inspection uncovered unsanitary conditions and a severe rodent infestation at its Louisville, Kentucky warehouse, on May 3. The warning follows a May 23 FDA inspection which revealed numerous rodent droppings and signs of active infestation on multiple product containers. As a result, the state of Kentucky ordered the company to cease operations due to the absence of a valid permit and has placed a blanket quarantine on all products at the facility. ALSO READ: EAC issues warning over 'substandard' paracetamol, antibiotics Authorities are also recommending the voluntary disposal of any potentially contaminated items. In response to the findings, Pan-African Food Distributors agreed to initiate a product recall. The recall covers a broad range of products including shelf-stable and ready-to-eat food items, infant nutritional cereals such as Nootri Baby and Super Cereal Plus – Fortified Corn Soya Blend, baking ingredients like Farina, and imported goods such as Akanozo – roasted wheat flour, and Akenza – dried ground cassava leaves. It also includes cosmetic products like Gel, Movit Miss Beauty Glycerin, Sleeping Baby Oil, and Claire Body Milk, among others. Many of these items may not carry a label identifying Pan-African Food Distributors or East Africa Boutique LLC, further complicating efforts to track potentially contaminated goods. Products held under insanitary conditions pose a serious health threat, as contamination can lead to a range of illnesses including salmonellosis, leptospirosis, E. coli infection, rat-bite fever, hantavirus infection, and yersiniosis. These illnesses can cause symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal distress and fever to more severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, according to FDA. ALSO READ: Rwanda recalls French-manufactured aspirin over quality concerns Consumers experiencing symptoms after using or consuming these products are advised to seek medical attention immediately. Consumers are also advised to check their home for any products associated with Pan-African Food Distributors and, if in doubt, discard the product and clean all surfaces that may have come in contact with it. FDA officials continue to work with Pan-African Food Distributors and their direct customers to ensure all impacted products are removed from the market. FDA’s website shows a complete list of affected products.

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Rodent infestation forces recall of multiple African food products in Kentucky