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.

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

Modern Products recalls Seasonings: Possible Salmonella Contamination

Modern Products, Inc. is initiating a recall of products manufactured with HVP (Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein). This ingredient is potentially contaminated with Salmonella. The HVP comes from Basic Food Flavors (Las Vegas, Nevada).

To date, no illnesses have been associated with any Modern Products seasonings. In addition, random samples covering all HVP batches of concern were sent to an independent laboratory for testing and all results came back negative, but to be safe, FDA's recommendation to recall product is being followed.

The recalled products were sold nation wide via retail stores. Products recalled include:

UPC Number - Product Description - Code Dates/Lot #

0-75820-00000-4 Spike Original Magic!, 3 oz. 9J19, 9J20, 9K12, 9K13, 9K16, 9K30, 9L16, 9L17, 9L28, 9L29, 10B10, 10B11, 10B12, 10B15, 10B25, 10B26

0-75820-20408-2 Spike Seasoning, 7 oz. 9J21, 9L01, 9L17, 9L28, 9L29, 10B15, 10B18

0-75820-20616-1 Spike Seasoning, 14 oz. 9L03, 9L17, 9L21, 9L30, 10A12, 10A13

0-75820-30030-2 Spike Seasoning, 5 lb. bulk 9K05, 9K09, 9K10, 9K16, 9K17, 9K30, 9L18, 9L21, 10A18, 10B17, 10B18, 10B19

0-75820-00002-8 Spike Vegit Magic!, 2 oz. 9K02, 9L16, 10A19, 10B12

0-75820-20806-6 Vegit Seasoning, 4 oz. 10B11

0-75820-21012-0 Vegit Seasoning, 8 oz. 9L30, 10A12

0-75820-00001-1 Spike Vege-Sal Magic!, 4 oz. 9K02, 9K03, 9L29

0-75820-15410-3 Vege-Sal Seasoning, 10 oz. 9J29, 9L09, 9L29, 10B11, 10B18

0-75820-15222-2 Vege-Sal Seasoning, 20 oz. 9K17, 9K19, 10A13

0-75820-00005-9 Spike Hot ‘n Spicy Magic!, 2.5 oz. 10A19, 10B15

0-75820-00003-5 Spike Tenderizer Magic!, 3-3/4 oz. 9K03, 10B25

0-75820-00008-0 Spike Onion Magic!, 2-1/2 oz. 10B15

0-75820-17804-8 Hauser Vegetable Broth, 4 oz. 9L08, 10B11

0-75820-18008-9 Hauser Vegetable Broth, 8 oz. 9K09, 9K10, 10A14

The codes can be found along the base of the bottles/jars. Cartons/boxes will have the code embossed along the top of the package.

About Salmonella: Consuming products contaminated with Salmonella can cause serious and even fatal infections in persons who have a weak immune system. Young children, frail, and elderly people are particularly vulnerable. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella usually get fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Salmonella can also result more severe illnesses like arterial infections, infected aneurysms, endocarditis and arthritis.

For further information, contact:
Modern Products, Inc.
Tel 262-242-2400
Email modernfearn@aol.com

Further Information via: FDA Recall Alert

September is Hunger Action Month

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.

1. Find a food bank in your neighbourhood or community - and donate food. Food Bank Locator can be found here.
2. Organise a food donation drive in your place of work, your child's school, or university.
3. Find Food Bank Events for your zip code @ Food Bank Events Locator hosted by Hunger Action Month.
4. 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.
5. 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!!

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

FDA Updates Advisory on Melamine Contamination

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

Raja Foods Recalls Bindis in USA

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.