Q&A

What's going on?
The Company has expanded the previously announced recall of three "white" tofu products after conducting additional testing for Listeria monocytognes, a bacteria which can cause serious or fatal infection and temporary illness, and in rare instances, miscarriages and still births. Contamination was originally found in one package in Washington State. Additional testing done by the Soy Deli since has confirmed that the 12oz, 30oz and bulk vacuum pack nigari white tofu has traces of bacteria. None of the other 20+ products has shown any bacteria in our testing. As a result, the company recalled specific dates and product in all 12 Western and Midwestern states where it is distributed. To date, there have been no reports of illness. We are working cooperatively with the federal FDA and the State of California's FDA to alert the public.

Which specific products have been contaminated?
According to extensive sample testing, the only products that have tested positive for Listeria monocytognes are:

• 30 OZ SOY DELI ORGANIC Vacuum Packed Nigari TOFU coded through November 28, 2007

• 12 OZ SOY DELI Nigari Vacuum Packed Tofu coded through January 28, 2008

How can I determine if the product I have is part of the recall?
Check the date code on the packaging. The specific date codes are 30 ounce Soy Deli Organize Nigari Tofu coded through November 28, 2007 and 12 ounce Soy Deli Tofu Vacuum Packed coded through Jan. 28, 2007. Other Quong Hop and Soy Deli products have not shown positive with bacteria thus not part of the expanded recall.

Is there any potentially contaminated product on store shelves now?
Not that we are aware of. Distributors have informed stores to remove the product. Stores have been doing so. Most supermarkets and natural food stores are very diligent regarding product recalls.

Where are your products distributed?
California, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Alaska, Washington, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Wyoming and Montana. Washington is the only state to have identified bacteria-laden product.

What should people do if they still have the products at home?
We are urging customers to return unopened products to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. If opened, dispose of the contents in a safe manner, such as a securely covered trash receptacle and return the washed packaging with date code back to the shore where it was purchased for a full refund.

What are you doing to address this problem?

• We have voluntarily shut down the plant in order to have a super clean up from ceilings to floors focusing on all tofu equipment. We have also issued an expanded product recall for any suspect product.

• We have publicly notified customers and consumers about potential health risks. We have contacted all parties through the media, phone ,e-mail and or fax to inform them of the potential health risks.

• We have urged consumers to return the product at the store where the product was purchased.

• The plant has been sprayed top to bottom with an FDA-approved organic approved chemical, supervised by an expert in plant quality control to kill bacteria. All pieces of equipment have been treated. The plant will not reopen until all appropriate agencies agree.

• We are cooperating fully and working closely with federal and state Food And Drug authorities.

What are you doing inside the plant to ensure this doesn't happen again?
The Company has instituted a number of changes to prevent another incident at the plant, including the following:

• Installed new lighting to provide better visibility and ensure the cleanliness of our facility.

• Installed state-of-the art temperature monitoring equipment. We replaced a manual system and updated it with a system that automatically issues alerts to control plant temperature.

• We are implementing an inspection for bacteria.

What are the common symptoms of Listeriosis?
According to the Centers For Disease Control, a person with listeriosis has fever, muscle aches, and sometimes gastrintestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, severe infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarraige or stillbirth, premature delivery, or infection of the newborn. Any concerns please consult your doctor.
Source: Centers For Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/listeriosis_g.htm

How does Listeria get into food?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Listeria monocytogenes is found in soil and water. Vegetables can become contaminated from the soil. The bacterium has been found in a variety of raw foods, such as uncooked meats and vegetables, as well as in processed foods that become contaminated after processing, such as soft cheeses and cold cuts at the deli counter. Unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk may contain the bacterium. Listeria is killed by pasteurization and cooking; however, in certain ready-to-eat foods such as hot dogs and deli meats, contamination may occur after cooking but before packaging.
Source: Centers For Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/listeriosis_g.htm