Fresh Express, Chiquita Label Claims Attract FDA Attention

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made public an Oct. 6 warning letter to Chiquita Brands International Inc. and Fresh Express Inc., relating to the marketing of certain fruit products under the Chiquita brand.

The warning letter outlines a May 21-June June 10, 2010, inspection at Chiquitas Salinas, Calif., facility that concluded Chiquita brand "Pineapple Bites with Coconut" and "Pineapple Bites" products are misbranded in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Topping the list of concerns, FDA said the label "Pineapple Bites with Coconut" is false and misleading because the ingredient statement states the product is made with coconut; however, it actually is made with a coconut flavor spray.

Another area of concern was unauthorized nutrient content claims. "Pineapple Bites" and "Pineapple Bites with Coconut" products are misbranded because the labeling bears nutrient content claims but the products do not meet the requirements for the claims. Specifically, their labeling includes the claim "Plus ... Antioxidants." The claim does not include the names of the nutrients subject of the claim or link the term "antioxidants" by a symbol that refers to the same symbol that appears elsewhere on the same panel of the product label, followed by the name or names of the nutrients with recognized antioxidant activity. The products also bear the claim "Plus Phytonutrients." "Phytonutrients" are not nutrients for which a recommended daily intake (RDI) or daily recommended value (DRV) has been established.

Additional concerns included misbranding related to Nutrition Facts panel statements including calorie counts and preservatives.

FDA also noted that two samples of Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine test positive for Salmonella Anatum, and another sample contained E. coli 0157:H7.

Click here to read the entire warning letter.