What's On Your Plate

Geographical Copyright for Tirupati Laddoo

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:24:00 +0000

The famous Tirupati Laddoo has joined the ranks of famous products with a geographical origin in successfully obtaining a Geographical Indication registry. The copyright awarded ensures that only the Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams (TDD), a trust that administers the Venkateswara Temple in the Tirumala hills can make and sell this product. The certification further protects this right by ensuring that others cannot name or market a similar sweetmeat product using the same name.

The Tirupati Laddoo is a popular name for Sri Vari Laddu that is offered as prasadam to devotees at the Lord Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh after worship. The TDD application noted that:

The size and flavour are typical characteristics of Tirupati Laddoo. Tirupati Laddoos are not produced anywhere in the world and are very unique in terms of quality, reputation and other characteristics, which go into its making.

Under GI, the right to marketing a product is tied to a definite geographical territory. The product carrying the said name must be produced, processed, prepared in that territory alone. This prevents brand name exploitation of products that acquire fame over time. The GI status come with legal protection and permits the perusal of legal action in the event of copyright infringement. GIs come under Intellectual Property Rights.

Read: DNA News

September is Hunger Action Month

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:55:00 +0000

Ever imagine what it's like to go hungry to bed every night? One in eight Americans face hunger in their daily lives.Children and adults are being forced to go without food for several meals and in some cases even several days. Here's what you can do to keep children, adults, and seniors from going hungry.

Find a food bank in your neighbourhood or community - and donate food. Food Bank Locator can be found here.
Organise a food donation drive in your place of work, your child's school, or university.
Find Food Bank Events for your zip code @ Food Bank Events Locator hosted by Hunger Action Month.
Join the Cheesecake Factory for their Drive Out Hunger Tour in September 2009. Their aim: to collect 100,000 cans of soup. Find out when they visit your state @ The Cheesecake Factory.
Join Macy's for the Come Together Event in your town @ Come+Together. Most events launch tomorrow, 15th September 2009.

Get to know more about hunger in America on the Feeding America website and join in the fight against hunger at Hunger Action Month.

Mercury Warning in Fish, Again!!

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:38:00 +0000

A sample of 291 freshwater streams by the US Government has revealed unexpectedly higher levels of contamination by the neurotoxin mercury. The study conducted by the US Geological Survey and based on EPA standards showed:

Over 1/4 fish had mercury concentration higher than EPA set levels.
Over 2/3 fish had levels that caused concern.

Atmospheric mercury from coal-fired plants and other industrial emissions is cited as the main source of the chemical which has contaminated water sources via precipitation. This study is significant as it is the first time it has included a comprehensive survey of mercury contamination in the water, sediments and fish of rivers and creeks throughout the United States. Previous studies focused largely on lakes, reservoirs and wetlands.

Highest levels of mercury were found in the coastal streams of North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Louisiana, areas that are considered relatively undeveloped and characterised by heavy pine forests and wooded wetlands. Significantly high concentrations were also seen in streams in the Western USA in areas traditionally associated with mining.
Mercury is a highly dangerous toxin that concentrates when it moves up the food chain. Eating fish and shellfish constitute the primary source of mercury poisoning in human beings.

It is expected that the EPA will issue new regulations under the Clean Air Act to control air emissions of mercury from coal-fired power plants late this year.

Also Read: Mercury in Fish

Pear Cider, Or Is it Perry?

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:25:00 +0000

Pear cider, otherwise known as Perry, is all the rage in Britain this year!! The market research firm AC Neilsen reports that as much as £47.6m of Perry was consumed in the year 2008. This year is also expected to have blockbuster sales in the product. The drink has become so popular that Tesco, one of the UK's largest food retailers is selling around 16 lines of Perry!! This is hardly surprise given that most pear ciders are light and refreshing and much lower in alcohol than other similar drinks!!

Read More: Britain's Gone All Pear Shaped

Image Source: Perry

Popcorn Good For You?

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 01:21:00 +0000

Scientists are reporting that the popular snack food 'popcorn' may help prevent cancer. The discovery of high levels of health-boosting antioxidants called polyphenols in popcorn is what has lead to this conclusion. Polyphenols in food are believed to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Read more: Popcorn

Image Source: Popcorn

WCRFI Warning on Cancer Link to Processed Meats

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:24:00 +0000

Cold cuts and sandwich meats may make it easier for us to make a sandwich lunch for school and work. But is it healthy? This morning the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRFI) is warning against the frequent use of processed meats like ham, salami, hot dogs and bacon.

This comes in the light of research on adults that found that eating processed meat can increase the risk of bowel cancer. WCRFI argues that this evidence is so overwhelming that they issued the warning to cut down on meats early in life. Asking parents to see such meats as an occasional treat, the WCRFI is asking consumers to reduce their intake of the same alongwith any meat fillers that have high fat and calories.

Egypt Bans Trade in GM Foods

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:52:00 +0000

Despite last years approval on the cultivation of GM corn, Egypt is banning food imports and exports that are not certified as being GM free. Egypt's Agriculture Minister has instructed against the entry of any uncertified imports, especially wheat, corn and soya beans until samples of the cargo have been examined.

No further details are available at present. Egypt one of the world's largest wheat importers.

UIFC East Asian Spices Recall Alert

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:24:00 +0000

The Union International Food Company(UIFC) has issued a recall of multiple spice varieties sold by it. The recall came after a recent salmonella outbreak spread to include white and pepper products sold at retail stores under the Uncle Chen product name. These products which come from the company's Union City facility in the Bay Area are associated with an outbreak that has sickened 42 people in four states, including 33 in California.

The products include four varieties of pepper sold in 5 ounce containers:

Whole and ground Uncle Chen's White Pepper
Whole and ground Uncle Chen's Black Pepper.

The following products under the Lian How brand name, which is followed by the wording 'Packed by Union International Foods' or 'Union International Foods' are also part of the recall:

white pepper
black pepper
cayenne pepper
paprika
chopped onion
onion powder
garlic – chopped, minced, powder and granulated
whole white pepper
whole black pepper
curry powder
mustard powder
wasabi powder

Consumers should contact Union International Food Company at 510-471-6799.
For a list of UIFC's customer list, see: Customer List
For a list of restaurants using UIFC Products, see: Restaurant List

Hold the Pistachios

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:58:00 +0000

Last night Kraft Foods notified the FDA that they found salmonella contamination in pistachios. Kraft Foods had conducted some routine testing of food products purchased from Setton Farms in Terra Bella in California.

While Setton Farms has already announced a voluntary recall of 1 million pounds of pistachios and food products, they have advised against eating any pistachios until this salmonella contamination is fully investigated.

Setton Farms has recalled: Setton Farms brand roasted salted shelled pistachios in 9 oz. film bags, UPC Code: 034325020252 with a "Best Before" date between 01/06/10 and 01/19/10.

This product was distributed in: SC, GA, FL, NC, VA, TN, KY. FDA advises consumers not to consume this product and return it to the store from which they purchased for a full refund. Consumers can call Setton Farms at a toll free number:(888) 228-3717 for further information.

However, it is important to note that Setton Farms sells pistachios to retailers who may package it separately and incorporate it into food items like like trail mix, cereal bars, chocolates, cereal, and ice cream.

Meanwhile Kraft has already Back To Nature Trail Mix from store shelves. The grocery chain Kroger has recalled Private Selection shelled pistachios from its retail stores. Kroeger has with stores in 31 states.

Category: Pistachio
Brand Name: Kroger
Product Description: Private Selection Shelled Pistachios
Recalling Firm: Kroger Company
Size: 10-ounce containers
Lot Numbers: 'Sell by' date of DEC-13-09 and DEC-14-09
Stock Numbers:
Product Code: 11110 73615

Category: Snack and Snack Food
Brand Name: Back to Nature
Product Description: Nantucket Blend trail mix
Recalling Firm: Back to Nature Foods Company
Size: 10 oz. & 20 oz. bags
Lot Numbers: 'Best by' date between 11 04 09 and 12 12 09
Stock Numbers:
Product Code: 59283-31039

For a list of pistachio product alerts that is constantly being updated by the FDA, follow: Pistachio Product Recalls: Salmonella and Recall List

Also read:
FDA - Firm Press Release

Widening Salmonella Alert on Peanut Products

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:28:00 +0000

The alert on Salmonella tainted peanut products appears to be expanding by the day. Readers, do make sure that you review the products in your pantry to ensure that you do not have any products listed as impacted by the FDA. If you are worried about any product in your pantry or refrigerator, kidly visit the FDA site @ FDA.gov.There is a search box on the right margin. You can also find a searchable database at accessdata.fda.gov. Just enter the name of the product in your hand for a response. Finally if you are worried about something, do not know where the product has come from, or are not receiving a satisfactory answer, just throw it away.

This site also carries a widget launched by the FDA to keep consumers up to date on recent recall alerts. Stay informed, stay healthy!!

Lipton Milk Tea Tainted With Melamine

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:37:00 +0000

As the extent of the melamine contamination becomes known, CNN today reports that Unilever withdrew Lipton Milk Tea from its Hong Kong markets. Melamine can lead to sevral health problems. Kidney stones, urinary tract ulcers, eye and skin irritation are common.

Also Read: Manufacturing giant recalls melamine tainted tea

FDA Updates Advisory on Melamine Contamination

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:20:00 +0000

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today issued an update alert on the melamine contamination crisis impacting consumers globally. Seven Mr. Brown instant coffee, milk, and tea products have been recalled by, King Car Food Industrial Co. Ltd. This is a Taiwanese company that has recognised that their products may be contamination with melamine.

This companies non-dairy creamer manufactured by Shandong Duqing Inc., China, has already been found to contain melamine. The FDA has advised against consuming the recalled products below and has asked retailers and commercial foodservice operators to remove them from their service and shelves:

Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Arabica Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Caramel Macchiato Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown French Vanilla Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Mandhling Blend instant Coffee (2-in-1)
Mr. Brown Milk Tea (3-in-1)

A report issued by the FDA noted that the agency is currently collaborating with food regulatory agencies globally to contain this crisis.

In the meanwhile, New Zealand Food Safety Authority reported finding a high level of melamine contamination in White Rabbit Creamy Candies. Citing this report, the FDA has advised that consumers not eat White Rabbit Creamy Candy. The UK supermarket TESCO has already pulled this candy from its helves as a precaution. The Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety also issued an alert on the candy after it tested positive for melamine in their laboratories, with more than six times the legal limit for the chemical. Australia has issued a recall and Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore issued a similar advisory.
For further information, read: The Guardian and FDA.
Image Courtesy: Wikipedia

Listeriosis Outbreak in Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:48:00 +0000

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has linked a deadly listeriosis outbreak to a Maple Leaf Foods plant in Toronto. Products include ready to eat deli meant under brand names of Schneiders, ML Sure Slice, Deli Gourmet, Burns. For a complete list, refer: CFIA Recall Alert.

Maple Leaf Foods had already issued a voluntary recall of the suspected products and closed its Bartor Road plant in Toronto after its meat products tested positive for the bacteria. Maple Leaf Foods has also widened the recall of the affected foods.

Canada's Public Health Agency has reported four deaths from this strain of listeriosis linked to the meat plant. A further 21 people are confirmed as displaying symptoms of this bacterium. Another 30 cases are now under investigation.

About Listeriosis:
Listeriosis symptoms can occur even 70 days after contaminated food has been consumed. The Health Agency thus expects the number of confirmed and suspected cases to rise in the coming days. This foodborne illness is most serious among the elderly, pregnant women and people with depressed immune systems. The bacterium is typically found in herd animals, meats, unpasteurized milk and unprocessed cheese products. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, nausea or diarrhea. The infection can spread to the nervous system and cause headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and even convulsions. Treatment usually includes a course of antibiotics.

Local Living: Become a Shareholder at a Community Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:45:00 +0000

Do you buy your groceries at your local farmers market? Or do you shop around your local farms and buy produce directly from them? Well, now there is another alternative that is catching on fast across the USA. Community-supported agriculture is undoubtedly the next big thing!!

In an article in The New York Times dated 10th July 2008, Susan Saulny, gives a great overview of exactly how this process is working both for farmers and consumers who wish to grow and shop fresh, local, and socially and environmentally sustainable produce.

Here's your chance to develop a healthy interest and support local farmers while simultaneously reducing your carbon footprint. Find you local CSA farm here.

Read: Cutting Out the Middlemen, Shoppers Buy Slices of Farms

21 Healthy Foods to Include in Your Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:48:00 +0000

Here are some foods that nutritionists recommend including in your diet:

Almonds: reduces cholesterol, prevents cancer, in Ayurveda it is considered nutritive for the brain and the nervous system, constituents of almond have anti-inflammatory, immunity boosting, and anti-hepatotoxicity effects
Beans: chock full of the B vitamins including folic acid, niacin, pyridoxine and thiamine, good source of Vitamin K and iron
Beets: rich in folate and antioxidants
Cabbage: contains nutrient called sulforaphane, a chemical believed to boost cancer-fighting enzymes
Cinnamon: said to assist in controlling blood sugar and cholesterol
Canned pumpkin: high in fiber and vitamin A, has very few calories
Swiss chard: packed with carotenoids that can protect aging eyes
Frozen blueberries: associated with better memory
Goji berries: considered a medicinal food in Tibet for over 1,700 years
Guava: very high concentration of lycopene, an antioxidant that fights prostate cancer, just 1 cup provides 688 milligrams of potassium, and it is the ultimate high-fiber food - around 9 grams of fiber in every cup
Purslane: a popular vegetable and herb in many countries, purslane has very high amount of heart-healthy omega-3 fats of any edible plant, and 10 to 20 times more melatonin - an antioxidant that may inhibit cancer growth
Pomegranate Juice: could lower blood pressure chock full of antioxidants
Prunes/Dried plums: packed with antioxidants
Pumpkin seeds: packed with magnesium - a mineral linked to longevity
Quinoa: high protein content (12%–18%), a balanced set of essential amino acids, good source of dietary fibre, high in phosphorus, magnesium and iron, gluten free and hence easy to digest.
Sardines: high in omega-3’s, loaded with calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese as well as all B vitamins
Salmon: high in protein, high Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and high Vitamin D content
Spinach: rich source of iron, high calcium content, an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B2, potassium, and vitamin B6, also a good source of dietary fiber, copper, protein, phosphorous, zinc, vitamin E,f omega-3 fatty acids, niacin and selenium
Tomatoes: rich in vitamin C and contain lycopene
Turmeric: it may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Walnuts: high in antioxidants and ALA - a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, contain arginine - an amino acid that keeps blood vessels flexible

Malt-O-Meal Cereal Recall Linked to Salmonella

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:41:00 +0000

The recent recall by Malt-O-Meal of unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereals is being linked by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)to Salmonella poisoning. Around 21 people in 13 states have been diagnosed with salmonellosis that was caused by the same strain of Salmonella that was found in the recalled brands.

These were distributed nationally under the Malt-O-Meal brand name and under other private labels including Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw's, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality. The cereal packs have 'Best If Used By' dates from April 8, 2008 (coded as 'APR0808') through March 18, 2009 (coded as 'MAR1809').

Consumers have been advised to throw out the product, while grocery stores and retailers have been asked to remove the cereals from their shelves.

A note on Salmonella: It is a type of bacteria that can cause serious and at times fatal infections in young children, frail, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Salmonella can also invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections. Kindly contact your health care practitioner immediately and report the illness to their state or local health authorities, if you have experienced these symptoms after consuming this product.

At present, the FDA is working with Malt-O-Meal to determine the cause of the contamination and with the states and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify and prevent additional illnesses.

A full list of recalled products can be found at Malt-O-Meal.

Picture Courtesy: Malt-O-Meal

Ice Cream Recall

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:02:00 +0000

Inter-American Products, Inc., a division of The Kroger Co., has announced a recall on Private Selection Light Churned Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream in 1.75-quart containers with a 'Sell By' date of December 3, 2008. The two sales codes are: DEC0308 8070 and DEC0308 8080.

The ice cream has been recalled as it may contain egg, soy, and wheat, which are not noted in the ingredient list. The ice cream was distributed to Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Customers can return the product to a Kroger store for a full refund. Consumers with questions or concerns may call Inter-American Products, Inc. at 1-800-697-2448.

Raja Foods Recalls Bindis in USA

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:56:00 +0000

Most Indian women consider the bindi to be an integral part of their traditional dress. Indeed the bindi is believed to complete the attire and lend grace and elegance to the persona. Even today, many women do not step out of their homes without a pretty coloured 'bindi' on their forehead.

Yet, after sindoor, it is the bindi that has come under the radar of the US FDA.

Alleged as containing a high percentage of unsafe chemicals including lead, the bindi has as off now been forced off American shelves. Raja Foods, the primary supplier for the USA market has withdrawn bindis from the market there.

Lead is considered to be a dangerous chemical and can have serious effects on the central nervous system, kidney and heart.

Bindis are generally manufactured unchecked in India. There is no regulatory agency to oversee the production of such goods, and the market is filled with many spurious and unbranded products. Manufacturers are able to take the advantages offered to them by cheap synthetic dyes and salts to mass produce this product. The safety of such chemicals itself is in doubt.

In response to this recall, the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forest has observed that a mandatory standard does need to be established with the aim of addressing these shortcomings with a view to public health. The Drug Controller General of India still does not have any safety regulations for consumers.

It is important to note that most doctors advise that bindis should not be used if one experiences even the slightest of skin irritations.

Gorton's Seafood Recall

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:00:00 +0000

Suspected adulteration in Gorton's 6 Crispy Battered Fish Fillets is the cause for a recall issued by Gorton's Seafood. A Massachusetts based company, Gorton's is voluntarily recalling this frozen seafood product as it may have been adulterated with pills. So far one case of adulteration has been reported from the product.

This precautionary measure applies to:

Gorton's 6 Crispy Battered Fish Fillets
11.4 oz -- UPC #4440015770
Date code: 7289G1
Best if used by date: April 2009
It was produced on October 16, 2007
Distributed to retail outlets in Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

The said product is being removed from retail shelves, and consumers are being asked to check their freezers for products bearing this particular code. Gorton's is also conducting an investigation and working with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Food & Drug Administration.

To return the product and receive a refund, call: 800-896-9479.

To complain, find you local districts FDA's complaint coordinators on the FDA website at: FDA Complaint Coordinators

For further information, read: FDA.

Recall Alert: Michigan-Based Company Issues Voluntary Recall for Canned Beans

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 03:59:00 +0000

Michigan-based New Era Canning Co., has made the voluntary recall of canned green beans and garbanzo beans because of potential botulism contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday. The codes on the affected products begin with the numbers '00249', or the letters 'GREEN' or 'GARB'.

Acting in the interest of public health, New Era noted that the beans may be contaminated with Clostridium Botulinum, which is often the cause of botulism,a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition.Today, the company expanded its recall to include Mexican-style Chili Beans and Dark Red Kidney Beans also.

According to the FDA, the affected cans are institutional-sized containers, weighing around 61/2 pounds. The FDA has also said that the cans and contents must be thrown away very carefully. The smallest quantity of the C. botulinum toxin can cause a very serious illness. At the same time, the FDA has noted that:

To date, no illnesses have been reported to the FDA; however, consumers should not consume these products, even if they appear to be normal.

Product Labels affected include:
Bunny brand, Distributed by Bunn Capitol Company, Springfield, IL

Classic Sysco brand, Distributed by Sysco Corporation, Houston, TX.

Code brand, Distributed by Code, Atlanta, GA.

ComSource brand, Distributed by ComSource, Atlanta, GA.

ComSource Medallion Premium Quality brand, distributed by ComSource, Atlanta, GA.

ComSource Merit Excellence Food Service brand, Distributed by ComSource, Inc, Atlanta, GA.

ComSource Traditional brand, Distributed by ComSource, Atlanta, GA.

Frosty Acres Restaurant's Pride Preferred brand, Packed for F.A.B., Inc., Alpharetta, GA.

GFS brand, Distributed by Gordon Food Service, Grand Rapids, MI

goodtaste brand, Distributed by New Era Canning in New Era, MI.

Harvest Value brand, distributed by U.S. Food Service, Columbia, MD

Kitchen brand, Distributed by Potato Products, Detroit, MI.

Kitchen Essentials brand, Distributed by Gordon Food Service, Grand Rapids, MI.

Monarch brand, Distributed by Reid, Murdoch & Co., Columbia, MD

Monarch Premium brand, packed for PYA/Monarch, Inc, Greenville, SC.

Mount Stirling brand, Distributed by Pocahontas Foods USA, Richmond, VA.

Necco brand, Packed by New Era Canning Company, New Era, MI.

New Era brand, Distributed by New Era Canning Co, New Era, MI.

Nugget brand, Distributed by Nugget, Atlanta, GA.

Pocahontas brand, Distributed by Pocahontas Foods USA, Richmond, VA.

Reliance Sysco, Distributed by Sysco Corporation, Houston, TX.

Sysco brand, Distributed by Sysco Corporation, Houston, TX.

US brand Distributed by U.S. FoodService, Columbia, MD.

USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, Special Nutrition Programs, Alexandria, VA label.

For further information, read: FDA, CDC-Botulism, and New Era Canning Company Recall.

Related News Links:
Reuters.

Recall Alert: 365 Organic Everyday Value™ Swiss Milk Chocolate Bars

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 01:37:00 +0000

Whole Foods Market® issued a recal alert today.

Details:

365 Organic Everyday Value™ Swiss Milk Chocolate Bars with Rice Crisps
3-ounce size
Best If Used By date of 11/21/07
The chocolate has a blue and white wrappers with a picture of chocolate pieces and the Swiss countryside on the front

Reason: These bars may have undeclared hazelnuts, walnuts and pecans. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The product was sold at Whole Foods Market stores in Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas and Wisconsin.

The 365 Organic Everyday Value™ Swiss Milk Chocolate Bars with Rice Crisps can be returned to Whole Foods Market for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (512) 542-0020 or PrivateLabel.CustomerService@WholeFoods.com.

For more information, read: FDA

Recall Alert: Trader Joe's Recalls 12 oz. Pinjur

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 02:40:00 +0000

Trader Joe's issued a recall today.

Details:

1,000 cases of 12 oz jars of Trader Joe's Pinjur (a traditional Macedonian condiment made with roasted peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes).
UPC 00529068
Best By 10/2009. The Best By date is printed on the top of the lid.

Reason: The product is being recalled because customers reported finding small pieces of glass in the product.

Trader Joe's Pinjur was available in retail stores in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.

The Pinjur must not be eaten. It should be discarded or returned to a Trader Joe's store for a full refund. Customers with questions can call Trader Joe's Customer Relations at 626-599-3817, or write Trader Joe's through their website at traderjoes.com.

For more information, read: FDA

Recall Alert: Peregrina Cheese Corp.

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 02:59:00 +0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today warned consumers not to consume certain 'Queso Fresco, Fresh Cheese', made by Peregrina Cheese Corp. due to possible Listeriacontamination.

The cheese is foil wrapped, 14 oz. net weight package and has a code of 3973.

The contamination was discovered during a routine sample of the cheese, taken by an inspector from the Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services on November 27, 2007. It was subsequently tested by the Department’s Food Laboratory which found the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in it. The manufacturer was notified on 6th December which then issued the voluntarily recall.

Listeria contaminated product could cause Listeriosis, a disease that usually causes mild flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals and meningitis or blood poisoning in immune-compromised individuals. Pregnant women are seen as a high-risk group, as Listeriosis can also cause stillbirths.
To date, no illnesses are known by the Department to be associated with this product.

Via: http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/listeria12_07.html

USA Exporting Rotten Apples to India?

noreply@blogger.com (Do you actually know what's on your plate?) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 20:16:00 +0000

The Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau International (CABI) reported last month that apples being imported to India from the United States of America are infested with around a 100 pests. It is believed that many of these might need phytosanitary measures which are aimed at dealing with risks related to food safety.

Interestingly, officials in the Ministry of Agriculture, which is responsible for the quarantine of fruits and vegetables, had no clue about this report. On the other hand an official at the National Bureau of Plant & Genetic Resources (NBPGR) noted that India has very weak quarantine measures.

CABI, which is located in the United Kingdom notes that in all there are 381 known pests. Of these a total of 184 are present in the USA, and 111 in India.

Image via: Wikimedia Commons