Commissioner Farrell, Connecticut, Warns 'Topaz Wafer Rolls With Hazlenut Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling' Contain An Unsafe Level Of Melamine

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 28 Nov 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. today warned consumers not to eat Topaz Wafer Rolls with Hazlenut Chocolate-Flavored Cream Filling, reportedly distributed by National Brands of Valley Stream, New York and sold locally by Ocean State Job Lot.

The product was manufactured in the People's Republic of China and discovered in Connecticut Ocean State Job Lot stores by Consumer Protection food inspectors as part of the agency's ongoing efforts to ensure that melamine-tainted food is not sold in the state.

A sample of the wafers was tested by the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station Laboratory; the wafer portion was found to have 5 parts per million, and the cream filling had over 7 parts per million, well above the FDA standard of 2.5 parts per million. This level is deemed to be of public health concern.

Preliminary lot information for the implicated wafers is Lot # L821 99D.

Melamine has been associated recently with contaminated infant formula and other milk protein containing products in China as well as a major pet food recall last year. The chemical is used in plastics manufacturing and has been used as an adulterant in foods to simulate protein.

"Anyone who has these wafers at home should discard them immediately," Farrell said. "Individuals who have already eaten these wafers and have questions about the heath impact should consult their health care provider."

The Department is currently trying to obtain retail-level distribution information from National Brands and will provide this information to the public as soon as it is available. The agency continues to work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist in the inspection and evaluation of imported food items that could contain milk or milk protein from China.

Department of Consumer Protection, Connecticut