Okay, I still don’t understand the pepper connection.  (Even the FDA’s own reports say that it was “unusual”).

Spice Barn is recalling two lots of Black Pepper due to the possibility of contamination with Salmonella. Salmonella is a common food [...]]]> Source:  U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Spice Barn, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Two Lots of Black Pepper

Okay, I still don’t understand the pepper connection.  (Even the FDA’s own reports say that it was “unusual”).

Spice Barn is recalling two lots of Black Pepper due to the possibility of contamination with Salmonella. Salmonella is a common food borne pathogen that can cause severe illnesses, including fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. (You really should know this by now). While most individuals recover without medical intervention, the infection can be life-threatening in some cases such as young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. There have been no reports of Salmonella-related illness to date in relation to these products.  (Right, we just recall things because it’s fun).

The Products are:  Malabar Peppercorns Lot MTC-3258 in 1 and 5 Pound Bags Distributed between: 1/26/10 to 2/8/10; Ground Black Pepper Lot MO-3258T in 1 and 5 Pound Bags Distributed between:12/08/09 to 2/8/10.

All items packaged with this lot number are subject to this recall. The items were distributed to a small number of customers in the following states VT, NY, PA, MA, GA, VA, CA, TX, CO, MO, WA, FL, AL, MI, AZ, AR, WA. Spice Barn is contacting each customer directly and offering a replacement or refund. Consumers who have purchased these products are asked not to us them and to destroy the product. Consumers with questions regarding the products listed may call Spice Barn at 1-866-670-9040 8:30AM-2:30PM M-F(EST) and speak with customer service.

AND JUST IN CASE YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING ALL SAFE AND HEALTHY AND ALLERGEN FREE WITH YOUR GLUTEN FREE SELF…

GFN Foods, LLC of Cranford, NJ (Hi Cranford!) is voluntarily recalling:

Gluten-Free Naturals Pancake Mix – UPC 187058 000043
Lots   09159 (exp 12/8/2010), 09320 (exp 5/16/12) 09322 (exp 5/18/12)
Gluten-Free Naturals Light & Moist Yellow Cake Mix – UPC 187058 000067
Lots   09083 (exp 9/24/10) and 09322 (exp 5/18/12)
Gluten-Free Naturals Cookie Blend Flour – UPC 187058 000029
Lots   09086 (exp 6/24/10), 09219 (exp 11/7/10) and 10035 (exp 5/4/11)

These products, manufactured by GFN Foods, are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with…You got it! Salmonella. The FDA and Thumb Oilseed Producers Cooperative of Ubly, MI found traces of salmonella in Thumb Oilseed’s facility. GFN Foods, LLC is voluntarily recalling the products that contain the ingredient supplied by Thumb Oilseed.

Salmonella is an organism…blah…blah…blah…say it with me…which can cause serious and in some cases fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which can be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result into getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

The safety of our products is of paramount importance to GFN Foods. Customers that have purchased the above products should contact GFN Foods at 866-761-6147 for a refund or to arrange for replacement product. You can also email sales@gfnfoods.com or call with any questions.

Okay! It’s Friday. Weekend coming up.  Safe eating.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

We elaborated on just one of these but apparently March is National Salmonella month here in the U.S.  Among the products affected are dips, chips (a double whammy), spices and soup.

Just why are there so many products affected with Salmonella?  Maybe it’s time we stopped mass producing food in factories [...]]]> Source:  U.S. Food & Drug Administration

We elaborated on just one of these but apparently March is National Salmonella month here in the U.S.  Among the products affected are dips, chips (a double whammy), spices and soup.

Just why are there so many products affected with Salmonella?  Maybe it’s time we stopped mass producing food in factories and “engineering” foods genetically.  Radical concepts, I’m aware but still, click through the evidence.  The system is broken and needs some fixes.

March 2010

• March 03, 2010 – Earth Island Announces Voluntary Recall On Select Follow Your Heart Products That Contain Natural Flavor Because Of Possible Health Risk³
• March 03, 2010 – Homemade Gourmet Voluntarily Recalls “Tortilla Soup Mix” Because of Possible Health Risk⁴
• March 03, 2010 – Reser’s Fine Foods Inc Press Release⁵
• March 02, 2010 – Tim’s Cascade Snacks Recalls ‘Hawaiian^® Kettle Style Potato Chips – Sweet Maui Onion’ and ‘Hawaiian- Sweet Maui Onion Rings’ Because of Possible Health Risk⁶
• March 02, 2010 – Castella Imports, Inc. Conducts Nationwide Recall of Castella Chicken Soup Base Because of Possible Health Risk⁷
• March 01, 2010 – Heartland Foods, Inc. voluntarily recalls Coarse Ground Black Pepper because of possible Salmonella Contamination⁸
• March 01, 2010 – T. Marzetti Company Announces a Voluntary Recall of Dips Due to Possible Health Risk

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

T. Marzetti Company today announced as a precautionary measure that it is voluntarily recalling certain production codes of T. Marzetti Veggie Dips, Oak Lake Chip Dips and Great Value Chip Dips because an ingredient used in the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  [...]]]> Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration

T. Marzetti Company today announced as a precautionary measure that it is voluntarily recalling certain production codes of T. Marzetti Veggie Dips, Oak Lake Chip Dips and Great Value Chip Dips because an ingredient used in the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  (Yeah, that would be a good precaution then).  There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the identified products, and no other types, varieties of flavors of products are affected by this recall.  Products subject to this recall that were distributed nationwide in the United States under the T. Marzetti brand in plastic tubs and sold in the produce section include:

• T. Marzetti Southwest Ranch Veggie Dip, 15.5 ounce (UPC 70200 52004)
  Best By dates: APR2010F, APR2810F, MAY1610F, MAY3110F, JUN0610F, JUN1410F, JUN1910F
• T. Marzetti Fat Free Southwest Ranch Veggie Dip, 13 ounce (UPC 70200 52033)
  Best By dates: MAY1610F, MAY3010F, JUN0810F, JUN1210F, JUN2510F
• T. Marzetti Spinach Veggie Dip, 15 ounce (UPC 70200 52059)
  Best By dates: APR1910F, MAY0910F, JUN0710F

Products subject to this recall distributed in Canada and Laredo, Texas, under the T. Marzetti brand in plastic tubs and sold in the produce section include:

• T. Marzetti Spinach Veggie Dip, Epinards, Trempette A Legumes, 340 gram (UPC 70200 58843)
  Best By dates: 10AL11F, 10AL17F, 10AL24F, 10AL30F, 10MA08F, 10JN12F
• T. Marzetti Southwest Ranch Veggie Dip, Ranch style sud-ouest americain Trempette A Legumes, 340 gram (UPC 70200 58844)
  Best By dates: 10AL17F, 10AL24F, 10AL30F, 10MA08F, 10JN05F, 10JN14F

Product subject to this recall distributed in Ohio under the Oak Lake Farms Brand in plastic tubs and sold in the refrigerated case includes:

• Oak Lake Farms French Onion Chip Dip, 16 ounce (UPC 73534 43480)
  Best By dates: APR2310F, JUN1110F, JUN2610F

Product distributed in the United States under the Great Value brand in plastic tubs and sold in the refrigerated section includes:

• Great Value Ranch Chip Dip, 16 ounce (UPC 78742 43099)
  Best By dates: 042810F, 050810F, 052910F, 053010F, 053110F, 060410F, 060510F, 061110F

T. Marzetti was notified by its supplier, Basic Food Flavors, Inc., of the recall of an ingredient used in these products due to potential Salmonella contamination. Because the safety of consumers is a top priority and out of an abundance of caution, T. Marzetti has voluntarily recalled these product.

T. Marzetti is working closely with Food and Drug Administration to conduct this voluntary recall.   For more information on Salmonella, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Website at http://www.cdc.gov¹.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are advised to discard this product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact T. Marzetti Co. at 1-800-427-0147 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. EST or visit the company’s Website at www.marzetti.com².

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

In 2004 a National Survey was conducted of Nursing homes in the U.S.  Unfortunately this is the most recent comprehensive study of its type.  Among the Data from the National Nursing Home Survey, 2004 was the following:

What do these three things have in common?  Well, men who are non-smokers and who eat more soy MAY have a lower risk of getting lung cancer than other men.  Okay, the non-smoking part may be an obvious one, but the soy?

Soybeans contain natural compounds called isoflavanones.  Isoflavanones mimic estrogen, [...]]]> Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

What do these three things have in common?  Well, men who are non-smokers and who eat more soy MAY have a lower risk of getting lung cancer than other men.  Okay, the non-smoking part may be an obvious one, but the soy?

Soybeans contain natural compounds called isoflavanones.  Isoflavanones mimic estrogen, a hormone which women have in spades.  In contrast, men have high levels of testosterone.  Estrogen is associated with lower levels of breast cancer and prostate cancer, which makes intuitive sense. (Yes, men do get breast cancer. Women, however, do NOT get prostate cancer).

Enter researchers in Japan at the National Cancer Center in Tokyo who studied over 36,000 Japanese men between 45 to 75 years of age who were cancer free at the outset.  The group was compared with some 40,000 Japanese women.  Over the course of 11 years.

The results? 1 in 75 men (and 1 in 225 women) were diagnosed with lung cancer within 11 years.  (Men tend to get lung cancer at higher rates than women).  Of 13,000 men who never smoked, only 22 of them who ate very little soy were diagnosed with lung cancer.  Only 13 of them who ate a lot of soy (up to 162 grams per day) contracted lung cancer.

I was sold up until this point too, however, the authors of the study were very equivocal as to whether the intake of soy itself was the cause of the lower risk or whether non-smoking males adopted other healthier behaviors, such as exercise, which could explain the lower risk.

So what should one take away from such a study?  Well, there is a suggestion that eating more isoflavanones may be good for men.  In fact increased soy intake has already been demonstrated to lower risk of prostate cancer.  It follows that increased soy intake may also be beneficial for non-smoking males who wish to avoid lung cancer as well.  Again, just a suggestion.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

Hines Nut Company has initiated a recall of 270 packages of Pine Nuts, packaged under the brand name Harris Teeter Farmers Market. The Pine Nuts were purchased from Red River Foods in Camarillo, CA, and have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and [...]]]> Contact:
Chris Hines or Deborah Hines
214-939-0253

Hines Nut Company has initiated a recall of 270 packages of Pine Nuts, packaged under the brand name Harris Teeter Farmers Market. The Pine Nuts were purchased from Red River Foods in Camarillo, CA, and have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recalled product was sold in 8 oz foam trays wrapped in cellophane and carry the UPC code 0 72036 88121 0. The Pine Nuts were distributed solely to Harris Teeter Markets in North Carolina. Consumers who purchased this product between December 30, 2009, and January 14, 2010 should contact Hines Nut Company for information on how to return the product for a refund.

There have been no complaints or any reported illnesses related to the products to date. The problem was discovered through routine sampling by the supplier, Red River Foods.  Consumers with questions may contact Hines Nut Company at 214-939-0253 (M-F, 6:30 AM to 3:30 PM CDT).

And quitting while I am marginally ahead. . .

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

That title could have gone terribly wrong.  Never combine the words “cheese” and…well…in the same sentence…

Company Contact: Lindsey Decker 608-837-5166, ext.364 Customer Service Contact: 800.698.1751

The Wisconsin Cheeseman® announced that it is recalling cheese log/cheese ball products in conjunction with the voluntary recall initiated by Parkers Farm, Inc. on January 15, 2010.  Parkers Farm, Inc., [...]]]> Source:  U.S. Food & Drug Administration

That title could have gone terribly wrong.  Never combine the words “cheese” and…well…in the same sentence…

Company Contact:
Lindsey Decker
608-837-5166, ext.364
Customer Service Contact:
800.698.1751

The Wisconsin Cheeseman® announced that it is recalling cheese log/cheese ball products in conjunction with the voluntary recall initiated by Parkers Farm, Inc. on January 15, 2010.  Parkers Farm, Inc., located in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, believes some of its food items have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

Nine of the recalled products are cheese logs/cheese balls purchased from Parkers Farm, Inc. and then distributed by The Wisconsin Cheeseman®. These products bear the Parkers Farm logo. None of the other recalled products at Parkers Farm, Inc. was purchased or distributed by The Wisconsin Cheeseman®.

The Wisconsin Cheeseman® Food Gifts Impacted by Recall:
Sausage ‘N Cheese Logs – Gift #11
Cheese Logs & Cutting Board – Gift #87
Smorgasbord – Gift #325
Cheese Log Trio – Gift #365
Cheese Logs – Gift #411
Cheese Ball Trio – Gift #441 (WAIT, WHAT?! )
Cheese Logs – Gift #509
Snacker Pack – Gift #751
Cheese Balls & Sausages – Gift #876 (A PERSONAL FAVE!) : P

Consumers who have these products in their possession should not consume them. (Then they would be “purchasers” and not “consumers”, no?) Product should be returned to The Wisconsin Cheeseman® for a refund or replacement. Consumers who believe they may have become ill after consuming these products should contact their health care provider. The Wisconsin Cheeseman® has not received any complaints or reports of illness associated with these products.

Listeria monocytogenes bacteria is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria often experience fever, severe headaches, stiffness, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can result in miscarriage or stillbirth among pregnant women.

Yeah, I’ve got nothing left on this one.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

San Bernardino, California (January 9, 2010) – Rudolph Foods is recalling 39 cases of Pepe’s Louisiana Hot Gigante Cracklins, 3,537 cases of 7-Select Louisiana Hot Onion Rings and 420 cases of Rudolph’s Louisiana Hot OnYums, because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to [...]]]> Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration

San Bernardino, California (January 9, 2010) – Rudolph Foods is recalling 39 cases of Pepe’s Louisiana Hot Gigante Cracklins, 3,537 cases of 7-Select Louisiana Hot Onion Rings and 420 cases of Rudolph’s Louisiana Hot OnYums, because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. (Personally, I like a nice glass of milk with my Hot Cracklins, but then I don’t have lactose “issues.”)

Pepe’s Louisiana Hot Gigante Cracklins were distributed in Southern California. Rudolph’s Louisiana Hot OnYums and 7-Select Louisiana Hot Onion Rings were distributed in California, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona and Washington State. (Oddly none are actually distributed in product namesake, Louisiana…)

The products being recalled are the 3.5 oz. Pepe’s Louisiana Hot Gigante Cracklins with UPC # 0-24622-51131-7 and code date March 19, 2010; 1 5/8 oz. 7-Select Louisiana Hot Onion Rings with UPC # 0-52548-05785-5 and code dates February 26, 2010 through April 30, 2010; and 8 oz. Rudolph’s Louisiana Hot OnYums with UPC # 0-24622-57079-6 and code dates February 5, 2010 and March 12, 2010. Please reference 4-digit manufacturing codes that include an “s”, located beneath the sell by date, for affected products.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the manufacturer inadvertently placed the wrong packaging on these products that did not reflect the presence of the milk ingredient.

Consumers who have purchased any of the above are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.  (Really? Just throw them out. How much could Craklins cost?) Consumers with questions may contact Todd Zwiebel, Corporate Quality Assurance Manager, Rudolph Foods at 800-342-7546 ext.112.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

It may be Heluva good, but right now it’s heluva contaminated.

Lynnfield, MA – HP Hood is recalling select Heluva Good branded 8 oz. plastic cup containers of Cold Pack Cheese Food because they may contain Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young [...]]]> Source:  U.S. Food & Drug Administration

It may be Heluva good, but right now it’s heluva contaminated.

Lynnfield, MA – HP Hood is recalling select Heluva Good branded 8 oz. plastic cup containers of Cold Pack Cheese Food because they may contain Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness and nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the product and codes listed below.

8 oz. plastic cup containers of Heluva Good Port Wine Cold Pack Cheese Food
UPC 73570 55503
Sell by date between 11/15/2010 through 12/15/2010

8 oz. plastic cup containers of Heluva Good Sharp Cheddar Cold Pack Cheese Food
UPC 73570 55501
Sell by date between 11/15/2010 through 12/15/2010

The recalled products were distributed in stores in the following states: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island.

The recall is being done as a precaution and is the result of a sampling done by the state of Wisconsin (from the facility that co-packs products under the Heluva Good brand) which revealed that some finished products contained the bacteria.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can call Heluva Good Consumer Affairs at (800) 242-2423.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

North Canton, OH. – Harry London today announced it is voluntarily recalling 3310 individual units of the 4.62 ounce Harry London Chocolate Pecan Caramel Stars because they have not been labeled to include Wheat, FD&C colors Yellow #5, Red # 40 and Blue #1 as an ingredient.  All Harry London [...]]]> Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration

North Canton, OH. – Harry London today announced it is voluntarily recalling 3310 individual units of the 4.62 ounce Harry London Chocolate Pecan Caramel Stars because they have not been labeled to include Wheat, FD&C colors Yellow #5, Red # 40 and Blue #1 as an ingredient.  All Harry London Chocolate Pecan Caramel Stars sold after 28 December 2009 have the correct labeling.

No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date.  Harry London discovered the error during a routine quality control process check.

Although in all cases the package has an allergen statement indicating the product was manufactured on equipment shared with peanuts, tree nuts, soybeans, milk, eggs, and wheat, (well duh!) Harry London is undertaking this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution. This voluntary recall does not affect any other products from Harry London.

The product being recalled is the Harry London Chocolate Pecan Caramel Stars Lot code number 9238-1 and a photograph of the product is below and also available on the harry london website to help with identification.  (Seriously?  Chocolate Pecan Caramel Stars isn’t descriptive enough?)

Consumers affected by this Alert should avoid consumption and destroy the product.  (Yes, kill those stars!) Consumers with questions may contact Harry London at (330) 494-0833 ext. 193, Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. EST.

Harry London apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause our valued customers; product quality and consumer safety have always been our top priority. (Um…until recently that is…KIDDING!)

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire