Allison’s Gourmet Kitchens Recalls Prepared Salads

Yet another recall based on a recall of eggs by Michael Foods, Inc.. Allison’s Gourmet Kitchens has recalled several of its prepared salads after being notified of a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination in cooked eggs that are used in their salads. Allison's was notified by their egg supplier, Michael Foods, Inc. that they have recalled numerous lots of their hard cooked eggs.

The recalled Prepared Salads that contain hard cooked eggs were distributed in Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Kansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee and Missouri. The products are sold to retail stores and food service.
The products recalled are sold in a marked container with the following description, pack size, item numbers and Use by dates:

Item Code	Item Name and Description	Case Pack	UPC Code	Use by Dates Effected
01001	Deli Fresh Gourmet Mustard Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	718129010014	3/12/2012, 3/14/2012
01002	Deli Fresh Gourmet Mustard Potato Salad (6/2 LB)	6/2-LB Cup	718129010021	3/14/2012
01003	Deli Fresh Gourmet Mustard Potato Salad (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	718129010038	3/12/2012, 3/14/1201003
01004	Hill Country Fare Mustard Potato Salad w/Egg (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	041220031726	3/12/2012, 3/14/12
01005	Hill Country Fare Mustard Potato Salad w/Egg (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	041220031641	3/12/2012, 3/14/12, 3/15/12
01006	Hill Country Fare Mustard Potato Salad w/Egg (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	041220031658	3/14/2012, 3/15/12
001010	Hill Country Fare Mustard Potato Salad w/Egg (12/6 OZ)	12/6-OZ Cup	041220867851	3/12/2012, 3/13/121010
01013	Brookshire's Classic Southern Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	092825145257	3/12/2012
01015	Brookshire's Classic Southern Potato Salad (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	092825145219	3/12/2012
01021	Deli Fresh Gourmet Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	718129010212	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
01022	Deli Fresh Gourmet Potato Salad (6/2 LB)	6/2-LB Cup	718129010229	3/15/2012
01023	Deli Fresh Gourmet Potato Salad (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	718129010236	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
01024	Hill Country Fare Homestyle Potato Salad w/Egg (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	041220031665	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
01025	Hill Country Fare Homestyle Potato Salad w/Egg (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	041220031672	3/13/2012
01029	Hill Country Fare Homestyle Potato Salad w/Egg (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	041220185740	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
01201	Deli Fresh Deviled Egg Potato Salad (6/1 LB)	6/1-LB Cup	718129012018	3/15/2012
01202	Deli Fresh Deviled Egg Potato Salad (6/2 LB)	6/2-LB Cup	718129012025	3/15/2012
01204	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Deviled Egg Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129012049	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
01205	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Deviled Egg Potato Salad (2/10 LB)	2/10-LB Tub	718129012056	3/15/2012
01212	Food Lion Deviled Egg Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	035826075871	3/15/2012
01220	Deli Fresh Diced Redskin Potato Salad (6/1 LB)	6/1-LB Cup	718129012209	3/14/2012
01223	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Diced Redskin Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129012230	3/12/2012
01701	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Gourmet Mustard Potato Salad (2/10 LB)	2/10-LB Tub	718129017013	3/14/2012
01753	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Gourmet Mustard Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129017532	3/12/2012, 3/14/12
01754	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Gourmet Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129017549	3/12/2012, 3/15/12
01757	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Sliced Redskin Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129017570	3/13/2012
01783	Bakers Kitchens Old Fashioned Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129017839	3/14/2012
01929	Dot Foods Gourmet Mustard Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129019291	3/12/2012
01932	Dot Foods Gourmet Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129019321	3/13/2012
01959	Produce House Sliced Redskin Potato Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129019598	3/13/2012
01974	Food Lion Diced Redskin Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	035826069337	3/12/2012, 3/14/12
01976	Food Lion Gourmet Southern Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	035826070647	3/12/2012, 3/15/12
01977	Food Lion Gourmet Southern Potato Salad (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	035826070654	3/12/2012, 3/15/12
01980	Food Lion Gourmet American Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	035826070661	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
01981	Food Lion Gourmet American Potato Salad (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	035826070678	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
01987	Hannaford Brothers Diced Redskin Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	041268178834	3/12/2012, 3/14/12
01988	Hannaford Brothers Southern Potato Salad (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	041268180844	3/15/2012
01989	Hannaford Brothers Southern Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	041268178841	3/12/2012
01990	Hannaford Brothers Potato Salad (6/3 LB)	6/3-LB Cup	041268180837	3/13/2012
01991	Hannaford Brothers Potato Salad (12/1 LB)	12/1-LB Cup	041268178803	3/13/2012, 3/15/12
03755	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Classic Macaroni Salad (1/30 LB)	1/30-LB Bag	718129037554	3/12/2012
03802	Bakers Kitchens Macaroni Salad (2/5 LB)	2/5-LB Tub	718129038025	3/12/2012, 3/15/12
03896	Chef Prepared Mustard Potato Salad Kit (2/6.25 LB)	2/6.25-LB Tub	718129038964	1/28/2012, 1/29/12, 1/31/12, 2/4/12
03898	Chef Prepared Aunt Pearls Potato Salad Kit (2/5.9 LB)	2/5.9-LB Tub	718129038988	1/28/2012, 1/29/12, 1/31/12, 2/4/12
04026	Hill Country Fare Pea Salad (6/15 OZ)	6/15-OZ Cup	041220813162	2/24/2012, 3/2/12
04955	Produce House Egg Salad (2/3 LB)	2/3-LB Tub	718129049557	3/2/2012
08080	Allison's Gourmet Kitchens Egg Salad (2/3 LB)	2/3-LB Tub	718129080802	3/2/2012
08090	Hill Country Fare Egg Salad (6/12 OZ)	6/12-OZ Cup	041220202577	2/29/2012, 3/2/12

At present, no illnesses have been reported in connection with these product. Customers who bought any of these products are urged to return the packages to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.
For more information, please contact Allison’s Gourmet Kitchens, Consumer Hotline: 1-888-257-7913 from 8 am to 8 pm Eastern Time.

Contact:
Consumer Hotline:
1-888-257-7913
Victor Gramillo
405-735-2282
Hours: 8am-8pm ET

S&M USA Enterprise Issues an Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in Zhang Zhou Brand Tremella

S&M USA Enterprise has recalling Zhang Zhou Brand Tremella as it may contain undeclared sulfites.
The recalled Tremella comes in an un-coded, 150 gram plastic bag. It was sold in New York and New Jersey. It is a product of China.

This recall has been initiated after a routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the packages which do not declare the sulfites on the label.

About Sulfites: People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites.

Consumers who have purchasedthis product are advised to return it.to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-718-492-4288

Michaels Foods Recalls Hard-Boiled Eggs: Institutional Use

Michael Foods, Inc. is recalling specific lot dates of hard-cooked eggs in brine sold in 10- and 25-pound pails for institutional use that were produced at its Wakefield, Nebraska facility because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recalled eggs were purchased by food distributors and manufacturers located in 34 states (AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI, WV). The eggs are labeled under six brand names, Columbia Valley Farms, GFS, Glenview Farms, Papetti’s, Silverbrook, Wholesome Farms and bearing lot codes of 1 LOT 1350W through 1 LOT 2025W and expiration dates ranging from 1/30/2012 to 3/10/2012.

None of the eggs were sold directly by Michael Foods to retailers or consumers.  However, food distributors and manufacturers who purchased the eggs could have used them in products that were sold to retail outlets or used in foodservice settings.  Michael Foods is working with customers who purchased eggs from these lots to ensure that all product is removed from the market.  Consumers who believe they might have purchased product affected by the recall, or those who are unsure, should contact the original place of purchase.       

For further questions regarding this recall, please call Michael Foods at 877-367-3447
Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm EST.

Undeclared Egg in RIce Crackers

Gemini Food Corporation and Tong Enterprises of Hayward, CA are recalling all codes of Bin-Bin Snow Rice Cracker net weight 5.3oz (150g) and Bin-Bin Rice Crackers net weight  15.8oz (450g)  because of undeclared egg  allergens. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs, run the risk of suffering serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.

Product:	Bin-Bin Snow Rice Crackers 5.3oz (150g)
Codes:	All Codes
UPC Code:	8852098700124
Product:	Bin-Bin Rice Crackers 15.8oz (450g)
Codes:	All Codes
UPC Code:	8852098701510

      
The product was distributed to grocery stores by Gemini Food Corporation nationwide and by Tong Enterprises to grocery stores in California between January 1st 2011 and January 31st 2012.

There has been one reported allergic reaction associated with the consumption of this product.

Consumers are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers who have health-related concerns should contact their physician.

Contact: Gemini Food Corporation at 1-909-839-0018, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time
Tong Enterprise at 1-510-784-9100, Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. Pacific Time.

Undeclared Soy Protein in Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes

If you have Soy Protein sensitivity, this alert is importance to you. Pinnacle Foods Group LLC is recalling certain Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes, as they may contain this undeclared allergen. This recall was initiated after the Company discovered potential cross-contact of this product with one containing soy protein being produced on the same equipment.

This recall applies only to: “AUNT JEMIMA FROZEN PANCAKES” packaged in cardboard cartons with the UPC codes listed below. These cartons were sold and distributed nationally and have a ‘Recommended Use By Date’ between November 1, 2011 and October 16, 2012.

Production Code information is as follows:

Retail UPC Code	Description
19600-05100	AUNT JEMIMA PANCAKES BUTTERMILK LOW FAT 12/14.5oz
19600-05490	AUNT JEMIMA OATMEAL PANCAKES 12/14.8oz
19600-05820	AUNT JEMIMA PANCAKES BUTTERMILK 12/14.8oz
19600-05910	AUNT JEMIMA PANCAKES HOMESTYLE 12/14.8oz
19600-05955	AUNT JEMIMA CONFETTI PANCAKES 12/14.8oz
19600-06040	AUNT JEMIMA WHOLE GRAIN PANCAKES 12/14.5oz

If you are not allergic to soy protein, this product is safe to eat. If you are allergic to or have a severe sensitivity to soy protein, you should not consume this product. Please return the product to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the Company at 1- 888-299-7646 daily between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET. The Food and Drug Administration has been made aware of this recall. 

Photo Courtesy: FDA

Walgreens Chocolate Covered Raisins may be Contaminated with Nuts, Soy

Walgreens has voluntarily recalled 13-oz. Walgreens Chocolate-Covered Raisins as the packages may contain ingredients from Walgreens Bridge Mix which has peanut, almond and soy ingredients. Apparently an error occurred when Walgreens Bridge Mix was mistakenly packaged with the Walgreens Chocolate-Covered Raisin labeling.

The affected product was distributed through Walgreen Co. distribution centers in Arizona, Connecticut and California and to Walgreens retail stores in the Northeastern and Western United States. The packages have a best by date of "Oct 42012A1", UPC number 04902245661, and item number 280217.  Customers who have purchased the product may return it to Walgreens for a full refund.

Walgreens discovered the incident after receiving a consumer complaint of an allergic reaction. The product manufacturer, GKI Foods, Inc. of Brighton, Mich., is also cooperating in the voluntary recall. Walgreen Stores have been asked to remove the product from their shelves. Walgreens and GKI Foods Inc.  are also working with the FDA on this recall.

Contact: Walgreens Product Quality Department at 847-315-2755, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. central time.

Anytime Deli Brand Turkey & Ham Footlong Sandwich Recalled: Listeria Contamination

Anytime Deli Turkey & Ham Sub Sandwich, UPC 0543200194, with an expiration date of January 19th and January 22nd has been recalled because it might be contaminated with 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, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The sub sandwiches were distributed on January 2nd and 3rd  to convenience stores in Florida and South Georgia. The  sandwich is packaged in white butcher wrap. Though no illnesses have been reported, the recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The product has already been removed from store shelves. However, consumers who may have purchased the sandwich for later consumption are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. 

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-394-6258 Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5 PM EST.

Photo Courtesy: FDA

Jones’ Seasoning Voluntarily Recalls Original and Spicy Southwest Blend Mock Salt

Jones’ Seasoning Blends LLC announced a voluntary recall of Jones’ Mock Salt Original and Jones’ Mock Salt Spicy Southwest Blend due to the potential contamination of Salmonella. This recall has been initiated by the Company due to possible Salmonella contamination of the celery seeds ingredient used in Jones Mock Salt. The supplier of the celery seeds has placed a recall for the seeds and Jones Seasoning Blends LLC has also taken every action possible in notifying the public.

 

Markets in California, Minnesota, and Washington were sold the products directly. They were also sold through internet orders on www.jonesmocksalt.com:

• Jones’ Mock Salt Original: Organic Salt Free Seasoning, 1.6 oz bottles (UPC 0 94922 16616 6), 12 oz bags (UPC 0 94922 07199 6) and 16 oz bags (0 94922 16616 6).
• Jones’ Mock Salt Spicy Southwest Blend: Organic Salt Free Seasoning, 1.6 oz bottles (UPC 0 94922 01560 0).

There is no lot number identifying the bottles or bags. Any products purchased from July 1, 2011 to December 14, 2011 should be destroyed.


Consumers should contact Ms. June Jones on how to receive replacements:
Ph: 253-468-9595 (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm PST)
Email: jonesseasoningblends@gmail.com

Russia Bans Fresh Vegetable Imports from EU

In the light of the European E.Coli crisis, Russia has announced that it was banning imports of raw vegetables from the European Union because of the E. coli outbreak. The head of the Russian consumer protection agency Gennady Onishchenko said that that ban came into effect this morning. This is a development from the ban placed on vegetable imports by Russia on Germany and Spain last month.
 
You may also wish to read:
Story: Two in U.S. infected in European E. coli Outbreak
Story: WHO - European E.Coli Update

WHO: European EColi Update

The WHO has reported that the E. coli strain responsible for the deadly outbreak in Europe is a new bacteria that has never been seen before. Preliminary genetic sequencing by scientists suggests that the strain is a mutant form of two different E. coli bacterium. The genes contained within it are highly virulent and produce a lethal toxin. This maybe the reason why this outbreak is so extensive and dangerous.

Hilde Kruse, a food safety expert at the World Health Organization, said:

 this is a unique strain that has never been isolated from patients before

Today on its website, the WHO noted 10 countries in Europe including Sweden, Austria, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom have all reported patients with two disease related to the bacteria: haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). It is believed that 17 people in Germany, and sickened more than 1,500 others, including 470 who have developed a rare kidney failure complication. It further said that as of May 31, nine patients in Germany had died of HUS and six of EHEC, and one person in Sweden had also died. There are many hospitalized patients, several of them requiring intensive care, including dialysis.

Investigations are continuing into the cause of the outbreak, which is at present unclear. 

Source: Various


You may also wish to read:
Story: Two in U.S. infected in European E. coli outbreak
Story: Russia Bans Fresh Vegetable Imports from EU

Two US Residents Infested in European E.Coli Outbreak

Two U.S. residents who traveled in northern Germany may have been affected by the massive outbreak of food poisoning in Europe. Federal health officials confirmed Tuesday that the victims have been hospitalized with serious, life-threatening complications of E. coli infections.

The deputy director of food borne, bacterial and mycotic diseases at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Infection observed that:

we have never seen that organism before

The American victims have not yet been identified by name or state.

The FDA say is also flagging incoming produce especially cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes from Spanish growers implicated in the outbreak for further inspection.

Elie Baking Corp. Alert: Soy in Food City Low-Carb Tortilla

The Elie Baking Corp. of Brockton, Mass has issued an allergy alert on its Food City brand Low-Carb Tortilla White and Whole Wheat 10 count. This is due to the presence of undeclared soy in the products.

Details of Recall:

Food City brand, Low Carb Tortilla White, 13.5 oz, 10 count. UPC 0 87848 42002 0
Food City brand, Low Carb Tortilla Whole Wheat, 13.5 oz.10 count. UPC 0 87848 42003 0
MFG Date 07/21/10 & MFG Date 07/22/10 stamped on the top left of the bag.

Consumers are asked to note that people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products The products were distributed in K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. d/b/a Food City retail stores, in the following states: Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. SP far, no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing soy was distributed in packaging that did not declare soy in the ingredient statement. Consumers who have purchased Food City low Carb Tortilla White & Whole Wheat 10 ct are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Contact: dianag@neareastbakery.com
Call collect: 508 584 4890
Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Image Source: FDA

Kellogg agrees to Restrict Advertising

An investigation by the FTC into some of Kellogg's advertising claims about the health benefits of its Rice Krispies cereal has led to a settlement between the two parties. Kellogg's has agreed to advertising restrictions regarding the following statement on the cereal box which says:

now helps support your child’s immunity; has been improved to include antioxidants and nutrients that your family needs to help them stay healthy

The FTC s taking action against Kellogg at a time when public health researchers are intensifying their challenges to the marketing of sugary foods. They noted that:

We expect more from a great American company than making dubious claims — not once, but twice — that its cereals improve children’s health.

The new order bars Kellogg's from making any claims about any health benefit of any food unless the claims are backed by scientific evidence and not misleading.

Kellogg responded by noting that the company had a long history of responsible advertising.

Lettuce Recall Due to EColi Contamination

A lettuce recall has been announced in 23 states and the District of Columbia apparently due to an outbreak of E. coli that has sickened at least 19 people. Three of them have life-threatening symptoms.

Local health departments in Ohio, Michigan, and NY noted that it is college students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Ohio State in Columbus and Daemen College in Amherst, N.Y., that are among those affected.

On Thursday, the FDA noted that 12 people were in hospital and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believed that another 10 cases were suspected to be linked to the outbreak.

In a press release, the FDA observed:

Multiple lines of evidence have implicated shredded romaine lettuce from one processing facility.

The lettuce came from Freshway Foods of Sidney, Ohio. They announced that they had initiated a voluntary recall of romaine lettuce sold under the Freshway and Imperial Sysco brands as they were believed to have a link to this E. coli outbreak. Freshway Foods said the lettuce was sold to wholesalers, food service outlets, in-store salad bars and delis.

Further, the FDA investigation is focusing on on lettuce being grown in Arizona as a possible source of this outbreak. E. coli infection can cause mild diarrhea or more severe complications, including kidney damage. The three patients with life-threatening symptoms were diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause bleeding in the brain or kidneys. The most common strain of E. coli found in U.S. patients is E. coli O157. The CDC said the strain linked to the lettuce, E. coli 0145, is more difficult to identify and may go unreported.

The recalled lettuce has a best if used by date of May 12 or earlier. The recall also affects "grab and go" salads sold at Kroger, Giant Eagle, Ingles Markets and Marsh grocery stores. The lettuce was sold in Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Only last year, the House passed a bill last year giving the FDA enhanced authority to police food production. However, the Senate has not as yet acted on it.

In a statement yesterday, Freshway Foods said that:

an extensive FDA investigation

of Freshway Foods' facility in Sidney has not uncovered any contamination at the plant. Consumers with questions can call the company at 888-361-7106 on weekdays (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT) or visit its website for updates (www.freshwayfoods.com). The company's press release is @ News.

Also see:
FDA Press Release
CDC Investigation Announcement

Undeclared Sulfites in "Nut Tree Health Mix"

The New York State Agriculture Commissioner has alerted consumers that Green Land, 212-03 48th Avenue, Oakland Garden, New York 11364, is voluntarily recalling Nut Tree Health Mix. This is because undeclared sulfites are present in the product. Persons with sulfite sensitivity risk serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled product is packaged in 8oz, square plastic tubs and coded DATE: SEP 28 10 in black ink on the product label. It was distributed in the metropolitan New York area. The sulfite contamination was discovered during a routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets' food inspectors. An analysis by the New York State Food Laboratory personnel of this product subsequently revealed the product contained high levels of sulfites. This was not stated on the label.

The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock can also occur in sulfite sensitive individuals who consume 10 mg or more of sulfites. So far, no illness has reported to the FDA in connection with this product. Consumers are advised to return this product to place of purchase.

Whole Foods Recalls Frozen Whole Catch Yellow Fin Tuna Steaks

Elevated levels of histamine has led to a Whole Foods recall of its Whole Catch Yellow fin Tuna Steaks (frozen) with a best by date of Dec 5th, 2010. The product, sold in twelve ounce bags with Best by Date: exp 05 DEC 2010 with Lot Code: 4853309157A and displays the following UPC code: 0-99482-42078-9 Whole Catch Yellow fin Tuna Steaks (Frozen) 12 oz.

Whole Foods Market has removed the affected lot code from all store shelves. Product was distributed to 28 states plus the District of Columbia including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Connecticut, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Rhode Island, Maine and Washington, D.C.
Elevated histamine may result in symptoms that generally appear within minutes to an hour after eating the affected fish. It can produce an allergic reaction called scombroid poisoning when the fish is consumed. The most common symptoms of scombroid poisoning include tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, facial swelling, rash, hives and itchy skin, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. There have been two reported incidents by consumers.

Consumers can return it to the store for a full refund, or call the company @ 512-542-0656.

More Information@: FDA

Zatarain's Recalls Original Dirty Rice Mix Package: Unlabeled Wheat & Barley

Zatarain's has announced a voluntary recall of one of their products as it contains undeclared wheat and barley ingredients. People with wheat or barley allergies have the risk of serious and even life threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

Zatarain's Original Dirty Rice Mix, 8 oz. package with UPC Code 7142909535 and a "BEST BY" date of JAN 19 12H.This product was distributed to some grocery stores in Florida, Michigan and Virginia from February 15, 2010 onwards. The product is sold in 8 oz. boxes. Its date code is at the bottom of the package.This recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product was mispackaged. The ingredient statement on the package does not list wheat and barley as an ingredient. So far, no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported..

Any grocery selling Zatarain's New Orleans Style Dirty Rice Mix packages have been asked to remove these products from their shelves immediately. Consumers should contact Zatarain's Consumer Affairs at 1-877-837-3796, weekdays from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM ET. You will receive a replacement or full refund and instructions on what to do with the product.

More Information @: FDA

Nationwide Recall of Whole Black Pepper in H.D.W. FOODS Labeled Bags

Perfect Candy & Packaging Co is joining a recall of Whole Black Peppercorns. This product recall has been initiated due to the possibility of contamination with Salmonella

The product has an H.D.W. Foods Inc. label:

Whole Black Peppercorns, 2.0 oz Bags UPC# 080869654293

The pepper was distributed nationwide, and all retailers carrying this product are advised to remove it from the shelves. If you have purchased this product, kindly destroy it immediately. If you have any questions regarding the product, kindly contact customer service @ Perfect Candy & Packaging Co at 610-373-3253.

For more information on FDA’s ongoing investigation: FDA

Soft Drinks & Pancreatic Cancer

Soft drinks are linked with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. We can't speculate too much on the mechanism because this is an observational study, but the increased risk may be working through effects of the hormone insulin.

Noel Mueller, lead author of study February issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

Mueller's research notes that people who consume over two soft drinks per week are likely to double their risk of the deadly pancreatic cancer. The study was a collaboration between the University of Minnesota and National University of Singapore. It involved over 60,000 middle-aged or older Chinese Singaporeans. Researchers calculated how much juice and soda the participants drank on average and followed them for 14 years to see how many developed cancer of the pancreas. Based on this long-term approach, the research revealed that people who drank two or more sodas a week were 87 percent more likely to develop this cancer than those who didn't consume any soda.

The research also found no link between juice consumption and cancer risk. Previous research in U.S. and European populations has suggested an association between sweetened sodas and pancreatic cancer. This is the first study that has examined this association in an Asian population, though researchers believe that the findings will likely prove true for Western populations due to similarity of lifestyle and diet.

Type 2 diabetes, a disorder of blood sugar levels and insulin under-activity, has also been linked in studies to pancreatic cancer. Researchers suggest that high levels of blood sugar are associated with drinking soda and an associated increase in insulin levels. This increase prompts pancreatic cells to divide abnormally. Sugar-sweetened soft drinks can lead to weight gain, obesity, and eventually diabetes. Both obesity and diabetes are associated with higher risk of pancreatic cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer death in the US.

Some researches however have observed that the report should not cause undue alarm as adult soda drinkers are likely to engage in other lifestyle habits, including smoking, which may also contribute to the elevated risk.

The soft drink industry on the other hand disputes the findings. Richard Adamson, a consultant to the American Beverage Association and former scientific director of the NCI said:

The [study] authors are skipping several steps in trying to connect soft drinks with pancreatic cancer, including an allegation regarding an increase in insulin production. The fact remains that soft drinks do not cause cancer, nor do any authoritative bodies, such as NCI, name soft drinks as a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. You can be a healthy person and enjoy soft drinks. The key to a healthy lifestyle is balance -- eating a variety of foods and beverages in moderation along with getting regular physical activity.

All in all, it might be wise to consider a more cautious view of the situation - soda is not a food and does not belong to any food group. Eat healthy, and remember that moderation is the best mantra for all consumption and lifestyle related issue.

Parker's Farm Recall Extended to their Products sold at Wisconsin Cheeseman®

The Wisconsin Cheeseman® has recalls Cheese Logs/Cheese Balls 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. The recall was a result of a sampling done by the state of Wisconsin and the state of Minnesota.

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
Cheese Logs – Gift #509
Snacker Pack – Gift #751
Cheese Balls & Sausages – Gift #876

The FDA asks consumers who have any of these products in their possession to throw them out. Alternatively, the product can be returned to The Wisconsin Cheeseman® for a refund or replacement. Consumers who believe they may have become ill after consuming these products should immediately contact their health care provider.