Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Enoki Mushrooms

www.fda.gov

Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled Utopia Foods, Inc. enoki mushrooms imported from China. FDA’s investigation is ongoing. 

FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to enoki mushrooms. FDA has identified imported enoki mushrooms distributed by Utopia Foods, Inc. of Glendale, New York, as a likely source of illnesses in this outbreak. Enoki mushrooms are long thin white mushrooms, usually sold in clusters. They are especially popular in East Asian cuisine and are also known as enokitake, golden needle, futu, seafood, or lily mushrooms. 

As of January 18, 2022, CDC reports three illnesses included in this outbreak. Two sick people reported eating enoki mushrooms or eating at restaurants with menu items containing enoki mushrooms. One patient did not report eating enoki mushrooms but reported shopping at various Asian grocery stores. 

Through ongoing sampling efforts, FDA and state partners have been collecting and testing samples of enoki mushrooms. An import sample of enoki mushrooms branded as Utopia Foods, Inc. was collected by FDA and was reported as being positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis determined that the strain of Listeria found in this sample matches the strain of Listeria linked to two illnesses in this outbreak. FDA also detected an additional strain of Listeria monocytogenes in this sample, which is linked to one additional illness. Both strains are now included in this outbreak investigation. 

As a result of this testing, Utopia Foods, Inc. voluntarily expanded their original recall (first issued on December 13, 2022) to include their 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms”, imported from China, with clear and blue plastic packages with clear markings of “Best before 03/02/2023” or “Best before 03.09.23”. These products were distributed between January 6, 2023, and January 13, 2023, in NY, NJ, and CT, to wholesale companies for further distribution.

FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine a potential source of contamination and whether any other products are contaminated or linked to illnesses. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Recommendation

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled enoki mushrooms from Utopia Foods, Inc. and should return them to the place of purchase for a refund or throw them away.

Listeria is especially harmful if you are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments. If you are in any of these groups, do not eat raw enoki mushrooms. Cook enoki mushrooms thoroughly to kill any foodborne germs. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms after eating enoki mushrooms:

• People who are not pregnant usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. They may also get a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.
• Pregnant people usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. However, Listeria can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth. It can also cause serious illness or death in newborns.

Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice and use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these recalled products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, including retailers who stored or repackaged recalled enoki mushrooms. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.  

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Recalled Product

Utopia Foods Inc of Glendale, NY, is recalling its 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms”, imported from China. The recalled products were distributed nationwide in produce wholesale companies. The product comes in clear and blue plastic package with the brand name “Utopia” and barcode # 8928918610017 marked on the packaging. The initial recall includes all products within expiration and the expanded recall includes products with clear markings of “Best before 03/02/2023” or “Best before 03.09.23”. Products included in the expanded recall were distributed between January 6, 2023, and January 13, 2023.

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Case Count Map Provided by CDC

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Previous Updates

January 17, 2023

FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to enoki mushrooms. FDA has identified imported enoki mushrooms distributed by Utopia Foods, Inc. of Glendale, New York as a likely source of illnesses in this outbreak. Enoki mushrooms are long thin white mushrooms, usually sold in clusters. They are especially popular in East Asian cuisine and are also known as enokitake, golden needle, futu, seafood, or lily mushrooms. 

As of November 17, 2022, CDC reports two illnesses included in this outbreak. Based on epidemiological information provided by CDC, both patients report consuming enoki mushrooms or eating at restaurants with menu items containing enoki mushrooms prior to becoming ill. 

Through ongoing sampling efforts, FDA and state partners have been collecting and testing samples of enoki mushrooms. An import sample of enoki mushrooms branded as Utopia Foods, Inc. was collected by FDA and was reported as being positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis determined that the strain of Listeria found in this sample matches the strain of Listeria linked to illnesses in this outbreak. 

As a result of this testing, Utopia Foods, Inc. voluntarily expanded their original recall (first issued on December 13, 2022) to include their 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms”, imported from China, with clear and blue plastic packages with clear markings of “Best before 03/02/2023” or “Best before 03.09.23”. These products were distributed between January 6, 2023, and January 13, 2023, in NY, NJ, and CT to wholesale companies for further distribution.

On December 13, 2022, as a result of earlier testing that determined enoki mushroom product was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, Utopia Foods Inc. issued a voluntary recall of 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms”, imported from China and shipped nationwide. The Listeria detected in their product at that time has not been linked to this outbreak or any reported illnesses. 

FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine a potential source of contamination and whether any other products are contaminated or linked to illnesses. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

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https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-enoki-mushrooms-november-2022?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

FDA Advises Restaurants and Retailers Not to Serve or Sell and Consumers Not to Eat Product Labeled as Sun Hong Foods, Inc. Enoki Mushrooms Sourced from China Due to Possible Listeria Contamination | FDA

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

December 17, 2022

Audience

• Restaurants and food retailers that have received Sun Hong Foods Inc. enoki mushrooms sourced from China.
• Consumers, especially those who are or could become pregnant, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems, who have recently consumed enoki mushrooms labeled as Sun Hong Food, Inc. product sourced from China.

Product

• Product is labeled as Sun Hong Foods Inc, (Montebello, CA) enoki mushrooms sourced from China.

Purpose

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers not to eat, restaurants and food retailers not to sell, and to dispose of product labeled as Sun Hong Foods Inc. enoki mushrooms sourced from China due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

Summary of Problem and Scope

• On November 28, 2022, Missouri state partners, as a part of the FDA-funded Laboratory Flexible Funding Model Cooperative Agreement Program collected enoki mushroom samples from retail markets in Missouri. One sample labeled as Sun Hong Foods Inc, (Montebello, CA) and sourced from China tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, but does not appear to match any clinical isolates from active outbreaks.

FDA Actions

• The FDA is issuing this alert advising consumers to not eat and restaurants and food retailers to not sell Sun Hong Foods Inc. enoki mushrooms sourced from China due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. FDA is also advising consumers, restaurants and food retailers to dispose of Sun Hong Foods Inc. enoki mushrooms sourced from China.
• The FDA is awaiting information on further interstate distribution of the enoki mushrooms and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed.

Symptoms of Listeriosis

There are a range of symptoms for listeriosis. Depending on the severity of the illness, symptoms may last from days to several weeks. Mild symptoms may include a fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the more severe form of listeriosis develops, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. For the very young, the elderly, and the immune-compromised listeriosis can result in death.

People infected with L. monocytogenes may start to see symptoms in a few hours or as long as two to three days after eating contaminated food. More severe forms of listeriosis may take anywhere from three days to three months to develop.

Listeriosis can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women and their newborn babies, leading to serious complications with their pregnancy, including miscarriage and stillbirth. Babies born with a listeriosis infection may develop severe health complications that require immediate medical attention, lead to lifelong health problems, or result in death. Women who suspect they have symptoms of listeriosis (muscles aches, nausea, stiffness in neck, headaches, etc.) should seek medical care immediately and tell their health provider what they ate. Learn more about People at Risk of Foodborne Illness.

Due to the range in severity of illness, people should consult their health care provider if they suspect that they have developed symptoms that resemble a(n) L. monocytogenes infection.

Additional Information 

• Listeria
• FDA Strategy to Help Prevention Listeriosis and Salmonella Outbreaks Associated with Imported Enoki and Imported Wood ear Mushrooms

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Who to Contact

Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.

To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), you can

• Call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator if you wish to speak directly to a person about your problem.
• Complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.
• Complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to FDA.

External Link Disclaimer

• Content current as of:12/17/2022
• Regulated Product(s)
  • Food & Beverages

• Alerts, Advisories & Safety Information

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Contact Number 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)

https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-restaurants-and-retailers-not-serve-or-sell-and-consumers-not-eat-product-labeled-sun?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Avoid Potentially Contaminated Oysters from Harvest Area TX 1, Texas

'@US_FDA is advising consumers not to eat, and restaurants / food retailers not to sell, and to dispose of #oysters that were harvested between 11/17/2022 – 12/7/2022 from area TX 1, Galveston Bay, Texas due to possible #norovirus contamination. https://t.co/f4JglroiF9

— FDA FOOD (Ctr for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition) (@FDAfood) December 15, 2022

www.fda.gov

December 15, 2022

Audience

• Restaurants and food retailers that have received shipments of oysters harvested between 11/17/2022 and 12/7/2022 from harvest area TX 1, Galveston Bay, Texas.
• Consumers who have recently purchased oysters in Alabama (AL), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Louisiana (LA), Mississippi (MS), North Carolina (NC), Tennessee (TN) or Texas (TX).

Product

• Oysters harvested between 11/17/2022 and 12/7/2022 from harvest area TX 1, Galveston Bay, Texas. The oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in Alabama (AL), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Louisiana (LA), Mississippi (MS), North Carolina (NC), Tennessee (TN) and Texas (TX). It is possible that additional states received these oysters through further distribution.
• Packaged oysters include harvest area information on the packaging.

Purpose

The FDA is advising consumers not to eat, and restaurants and food retailers not to sell, and to dispose of oysters that were harvested between 11/17/2022 and 12/7/2022 from area TX 1, Galveston Bay, Texas due to possible norovirus contamination. These oysters were sold in Alabama (AL), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Louisiana (LA), Mississippi (MS), North Carolina (NC), Tennessee (TN) and Texas (TX). Consumers who purchased oysters after November 17 should check the packaging to see if they were harvested in TX 1. Contaminated oysters can cause illness if eaten raw, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. Food contaminated with norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of norovirus illness should contact their healthcare provider, who should report their symptoms to their local Health Department.

Summary of Problem and Scope

The Texas Department of State Health Services and the Florida Department of Health notified the FDA of illnesses associated with the consumption of raw oysters harvested from TX 1, Galveston Bay, Texas. On December 8, 2022, the Texas Department of State Health Services issued a recall order for all oysters harvested between 11/17/2022 and 12/7/2022 from harvest area TX 1, Galveston Bay, Texas and informed the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation ConferenceExternal Link Disclaimer who subsequently notified the other member states. Other states also initiated recall procedures consistent with the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference agreement. The states are continuing to conduct trace forward investigations. The FDA is assisting with and coordinating interstate notification efforts as a result of the states’ investigations.

FDA Actions

The FDA is issuing this alert advising consumers to not eat, and restaurants and food retailers to not sell, oysters harvested between 11/17/2022 and 12/7/2022 from harvest area TX 1, Galveston Bay, Texas due to possible norovirus contamination. The FDA is awaiting information on further interstate distribution of the oysters and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed.

Symptoms of Norovirus

People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus. The most common symptoms of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Other symptoms include fever, headache, and body ache.

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days.

If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration include decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy. 

If you think you or someone you are caring for is severely dehydrated, call your healthcare provider.

Recommendations for Consumers

Consumers who have symptoms of norovirus should contact their healthcare provider to report their symptoms and receive care. Healthcare providers should report their patient’s symptoms to their local Health Department.

To report a complaint or adverse event, you can

• Call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator if you wish to speak directly to a person about your problem.
• Complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.
• Complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to FDA.

Visit www.fda.gov/fcic for additional consumer and industry assistance.

Recommendations for Restaurants and Retailers

Restaurants and retailers should not sell the potentially contaminated oysters. Restaurants and retailers should dispose of any products by throwing them in the garbage or returning to their distributor for destruction.

Restaurants and retailers should also be aware that the oysters may be a source of pathogens and should control the potential for cross-contamination of food processing equipment and the food processing environment. They should follow the steps below:

• Wash hands with warm water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.
• Retailers, restaurants, and other food service operators who have processed and packaged any potentially contaminated products need to be concerned about cross-contamination of cutting surfaces and utensils through contact with the potentially contaminated products.
• Retailers that have sold bulk product should clean and sanitize the containers used to hold the product.
• Regular frequent cleaning and sanitizing of food contact surfaces and utensils used in food preparation may help to minimize the likelihood of cross-contamination.

Additional Information

• Norovirus | CDC
• The Symptoms of Norovirus | CDC
• Preventing Norovirus | CDC
• Raw Oyster Myths
• Handwashing: A Healthy Habit in the Kitchen | Handwashing | CDC

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https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-restaurants-retailers-and-consumers-avoid-potentially-contaminated-oysters-harvest-area

Handling Flour Safely: What You Need to Know

www.fda.gov

Never Devour Raw Flour Infographic (PDF: 211KB)

Learn safety tips to protect you and your family when preparing foods that contain flour.

Flour is a raw food. It may not look like a raw food, but it usually is, just like fresh tomatoes or carrots. The grains from which flour is ground are grown in fields and, like all foods grown outdoors, they may be exposed to a variety of harmful bacteria like Salmonella and pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli).

• 5 Important Things to Know About Flour
• Dos and Don’ts of Handling Flour

5 Important Things to Know About Flour

1. Flours most commonly used in home baking and cooking are made directly from raw grains.
2. Processing raw grains into flour does not kill harmful bacteria.
3. Many foods made with flour also contain raw eggs, which may contain harmful bacteria.
4. Cooking is the only way to be sure that foods made with flour and raw eggs are safe.
5. Never eat or taste raw flour, dough, or batter.

OUTBREAK

Since 2009 there have been several outbreaks of foodborne illness involving raw flour or raw flour-containing products like cake mixes and cookie dough. These have resulted in 168 known illnesses and 20 hospitalizations.

Dos and Don’ts of Handling Flour

Check out this list of DO’s and DON’Ts to help keep you and your family safe when handling raw flour.

• DO follow package directions on baking mixes and other flour containing products for correct cooking temperatures and specified times.
• DO keep all raw foods, like flour and eggs, separate from ready-to eat foods. Remember, flour is a powder and spreads easily.
• DO refrigerate cookie and pastry dough according to package directions. Use a refrigerator thermometer to be sure your refrigerator is at a safe 40°F.
• DO clean up carefully after working with flour or raw dough and eggs:
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water, and,
  • Wash utensils, bowls, baking pans and cutting boards, and countertops with warm, soapy water.
• DO NOT eat, taste, or allow children to eat or play with raw dough products or baking mix before cooking.
• DO NOT keep recalled flour. Throw it away.
• DO NOT let children use raw dough for crafts or play clay.
• DO NOT use products that contain raw flour, like cake mix, to make ready-to-eat products like milkshakes.
• DO NOT try to heat treat flour in your own home. Home treatments of flour may not effectively kill all bacteria and do not make it safe to eat raw.
• DO NOT use raw cookie dough in ready-to-eat ice cream.

Additional Resources

• Raw Dough’s a Raw Deal and Could Make You Sick
• Safe Food Handling: Four Simple Steps
• What You Need to Know About Egg Safety
• Say No to Raw Dough! (CDC)

https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/handling-flour-safely-what-you-need-know

CDC: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Enoki Mushrooms

www.cdc.gov

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Enoki Mushrooms

Listeria is especially harmful if you are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system. If you are in any of these groups, do not eat raw enoki mushrooms. Cook enoki mushrooms thoroughly to kill any foodborne germs.

Investigators are working to identify specific brands of enoki mushrooms that may be contaminated with the outbreak strain of Listeria. However, many brands of enoki mushrooms have been recalled since the 2020 Listeria outbreak linked to enoki mushrooms.

• Illnesses: 2
• Hospitalizations: 2
• Deaths: 0
• States: 2
• Recall: No
• Investigation status: Active

Enoki mushrooms are white and have long, thin stems. They are often sold in a bunch with roots in sealed plastic packaging. They are popular in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean food, and they are almost always eaten cooked in soups, hot pots, and stir-fried dishes.

In 2020, CDC investigated the first known Listeria outbreak in the United States linked to enoki mushrooms. This outbreak resulted in three recalls of enoki mushrooms that were imported from Korea. Since then, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and public health officials from several states have been collecting samples of enoki mushrooms and found Listeria in many samples, resulting in more than 20 recalls of enoki mushrooms.

Information collected so far shows that enoki mushrooms are the likely source of these illnesses.

Both sick people reported eating enoki mushrooms or eating at restaurants with menu items containing enoki mushrooms. The outbreak strain was previously found in one sample of enoki mushrooms that FDA collected at import. However, to date, the firm associated with this sample has not been identified as a potential source of enoki mushrooms in this outbreak.

Investigators are working to identify specific brands of enoki mushrooms linked to these illnesses.

Listeria is especially harmful if you are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments. If you are pregnant, it can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, or a life-threatening infection in your newborn. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.

If you are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system:

• Do not eat raw enoki mushrooms. Cook enoki mushrooms thoroughly.
  • Listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator, but it is easily killed by heating food to a high enough temperature.
• Keep raw enoki mushrooms separate from foods that won’t be cooked.
  • This prevents the spread of Listeria germs from enoki mushrooms to foods that you won’t cook before eating.
• Wash your hands after handling raw enoki mushrooms.
  • Clean your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that have touched raw enoki mushrooms.
  • Listeria can easily spread among food, surfaces, and hands.
• Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of severe Listeria illness after eating enoki mushrooms:
  • People who are not pregnant may experience headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches.
  • Pregnant people usually experience only fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. However, Listeria can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth. It can also cause serious illness or death in newborns.

• Do not serve raw enoki mushrooms.
  • Cook enoki mushrooms thoroughly before serving them to customers.
  • Do not use raw enoki mushrooms as garnish.
  • Do not add raw enoki mushrooms on top of soup dishes right before serving. The enoki mushrooms will not get hot enough to kill Listeria germs.
• Keep raw enoki mushrooms separate from foods that won’t be cooked.
  • This prevents the spread of Listeria germs from enoki mushrooms to foods that you won’t cook before serving to customers.
• Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice if you serve enoki mushrooms.
  • Employees should wash hands after handling raw enoki mushrooms.

• Listeria can cause severe illness (known as invasive listeriosis) when the bacteria spread beyond the gut to other parts of the body.
  • Almost all severe illnesses from Listeria result in hospitalizations and sometimes death.
• Pregnant people and their newborns, adults 65 years or older, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.
  • Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they usually get mild food poisoning symptoms, like diarrhea and fever, and usually recover without treatment.
• Symptoms of severe illness usually start within 2 weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria, but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after.
  • People who are not pregnant may experience headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches.
  • Pregnant people usually experience only fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. However, Listeria can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth. It can also cause serious illness or death in newborns.
• For more information about Listeria, see the Listeria Questions and Answers page.

https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/enoki-11-22/index.html

The Elites’ Want You to Eat Bugs Even If It Kills You (Or, Perhaps Because It Might?) – Granite Grok

granitegrok.com

Steve MacDonald

As Skip likes to say, people send us stuff. Stuff about this or that, the other thing, or the other “other” thing. That includes links to stories about how the elites think we should be eating bugs, and I don’t mean the bunny. So, what about that? Eating Insects.

It’s all about saving the planet.

Insects will solve problems, they say. We’ll be able to feed more people, and it will be better for global communism everyone.

And look, they are already training the ‘yutes’ to eat grasshoppers!

Brainwashing in real time! pic.twitter.com/R6Ayk2ZFMI

— Dr Shawn Baker 🥩 (@SBakerMD) August 18, 2022

This type of content is piling up on the internet (and my In-Box) faster than poll workers in Atlanta can scan suitcases full of ballots for Biden.

It’s everywhere, like insects, because the narrative mills promoting it as our feed-trough future are pushing hard to convince people this will be – if not great – necessary.

Related: WEF Wants You to “CHIP” Your Kids, I think We Should CHIP The Elites First and See How That Goes …

Neither is accurate and not just because I’d rather starve than be accused of culinary cultural appropriation (Grasshoppers are supposed to be a delicacy in Uganda).

There are edible bugs, but eating bugs (even if you misgender them, you bigot) is not healthy for humans.

Insects contain a natural structural component in their exoskeletons called chitin. This fibrous polysaccharide happens to be extremely toxic to humans.

Research shows that Chitin can decrease our ability to absorb essential vitamins A and E and contributes to shrinking our thymus. But wait, there’s more!

A study published in Nature entitled, Chitin induces accumulation in tissue of innate immune cells associated with allergy showed that chitin triggers allergic airway inflammation and possibly asthma

So, “What would happen to a person that developed asthma, inflammation, immunocompromisation, vitamin depletion, etc., from an insect heavy diet if they contracted COVID and/or received a spike protein-inducing injection?”

I got this: they’d die, and public health officials would blame the unvaccinated even though mRNA vaccines compromise the immune system.

The Jabbed are already at increased risk of illness or hospitalization and even death if they contract the flu. Add a known toxin that can induce inflammation, and you are asking for more trouble, not less.

That’s not it, there’s more.

Edible insects are an underestimated reservoir of human and animal parasites. Our research indicates the important role of these insects in the epidemiology of parasites pathogenic to vertebrates. Conducted parasitological examination suggests that edible insects may be the most important parasite vector for domestic insectivorous animals.

and…

If bread made from powdered crickets isn’t gross enough for you, this article won’t help: A new study from Italy finds that breads made with powdered crickets may be loaded with potentially dangerous bacterial spores.

…

But brace yourself… there’s more. Crickets can introduce new diseases all by themselves. This from a 2021 study:

“Insects generally have high reproductive rates leading to rapid population growth and high local densities; ideal conditions for disease epidemics. The parasites and diseases that naturally regulate wild insect populations can also impact when these insects are produced commercially, on farms. While insects produced for human or animal consumption are often reared under high density conditions, very little is known about the microbes associated with these insects, particularly those with pathogenic potential…. his will become particularly relevant as-and-when cricket rearing facilities scale up and transform from producing insects for animal feed to producing insects for human consumption.”

You don’t build a strong civilization on a diet of insects, but you could probably undermine one with them. Especially if you also happen to be part of the depopulation cabal that pushed mandatory mRNA vaccines.

So what do we have to say about eating bugs? I will give you the same response as I did here. You first, elites, and after ten years, let us know how it worked out.

Any chance they’ll ‘bite’?

Two closing points.

1. If we stop needing gasoline (which you’d love), what do you plan to do with the billions of bushels of corn we would no longer be shoving into gas tanks? Feed it to the crickets?
2. How do you plan to balance your big bug-food agenda against Insect rights activist groups (clearly your sort of people on many other issues)?

And yes, we’re going to keep bugging you until we get an answer.

https://granitegrok.com/blog/2022/08/the-elites-want-you-to-eat-bugs-even-if-it-kills-you-or-perhaps-because-it-might?utm_source=newsletter-111&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Grok

Wendy’s pulls lettuce from sandwiches at certain restaurants as CDC investigates E. coli outbreak

www.foxbusiness.com

Caitlin McFall

The fast-food chain Wendy’s has decided to pull the lettuce from all its sandwiches in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania over concerns relating to an E. coli outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating whether people who recently reported falling ill after eating Wendy’s are connected with 37 people that were also reported sickened by an E. coli outbreak. 

WENDY’S TO GET NEW LOOK WITH MODERNIZED RESTAURANT DESIGN

The CDC is also looking into whether romaine lettuce is the source of the outbreak and whether the romaine lettuce supplied at Wendy’s was also served or sold at other businesses.Ticker Security Last Change Change % WEN THE WENDY’S CO. 21.15 -0.18 -0.84%

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One person in Indiana has also been reported to have fallen ill after coming into contact with the bacteria.

FILE PHOTO: A Wendy’s sign and logo are shown at one of the company’s restaurant in Encinitas, California, May 10, 2016.  (REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo / Reuters Photos)

Wendy’s said the lettuce served in its salad options are different from the romaine option on its sandwiches and has not needed to be pulled from the menu as a result of the outbreak. 

CHIPOTLE RELEASES LEMONADE-SCENTED CANDLE IN A NOD TO CUSTOMERS WHO STEAL THE DRINK

A customer orders from the drive-up menu at a Wendy’s restaurant Jan. 30, 2004, in Chicago. (Scott Olson/Getty Images / Getty Images)

“As a company, we are committed to upholding our high standards of food safety and quality,” Wendy’s said in a statement.

The CDC said there is no evidence that any romaine lettuce sold in grocery stores has been linked with the E. coli outbreak.

The top disease agency also does not recommend people avoid eating at Wendy’s or stop buying romaine lettuce.  

Fox News could not immediately reach the CDC for comment. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/wendys-pulls-lettuce-sandwiches-certain-restaurants-cdc-investigates-e-coli-outbreak?intcmp=tw_fnc

“DEBUNKING THE CANNED GOOD EXPIRATION DATE MYTH”

Investigation of Adverse Event Reports: French Lentil & Leek Crumbles (June 2022) | FDA

An official website of the United States governmentHere’s how you know

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled French Lentil & Leek Crumbles from Daily Harvest. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating consumer complaints of gastrointestinal illness and abnormal liver function that may be attributable to eating Daily Harvest French Lentil & Leek Crumbles frozen product.

On June 17, 2022, in response to consumer complaints submitted to the company, Daily Harvest voluntarily initiated a recall of their French Lentil & Leek Crumbles. In response to Consumer Adverse Event Reports (CAERS) and Consumer Complaints submitted to the FDA, the FDA has initiated an investigation, including an inspection and sample collection in an effort to determine the cause of illnesses. As of July 28, 2022, the FDA has received 329 CAERS reports and Consumer Complaints related to this product.

FDA’s investigation is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

Recommendation

Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled products. Consumers who may still have the recalled product in their freezers should throw it away.

Product was sold through online sales and in two retail locations; the Daily Harvest store in Chicago, IL, and a “pop-up” store in Los Angeles, CA. French Lentil + Leek Crumbles is a frozen product packaged in a 12oz white pouch with the words “Daily Harvest” at the top, a large “CRUMBLES” immediately below the top and the words “French Lentil + Leek” in bold, as shown below. All lot codes of the French Lentil + Leek Crumbles are affected. At this time, no other Daily Harvest products are affected or part of this recall.

If you experience symptoms including yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, itching with no rash, gastrointestinal illness, nausea, fatigue, body aches, severe abdominal pain and/or fever after consuming this product, please consult with your healthcare provider. Let your healthcare provider know you have recently consumed the recalled Daily Harvest French Lentil & Leek Crumbles. Healthcare providers should report these illnesses to their health department.

Product Images

Case Counts

Total Adverse Illness Events: 329*
Hospitalizations: 113*
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: July 16, 2022*
States with Adverse Illness Events: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, MD, MA, MN, MS, MI, MO, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI
Product Distribution: Nationwide
*Estimate based on Consumer Complaint and CAERs reports received by the FDA

Useful Links

• Recall Announcement
• Who to Contact

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Previous Updates

July 14, 2022

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating consumer complaints of gastrointestinal illness and abnormal liver function that may be attributable to eating Daily Harvest French Lentil & Leek Crumbles frozen product.

On June 17, 2022, in response to consumer complaints submitted to the company, Daily Harvest voluntarily initiated a recall of their French Lentil & Leek Crumbles. In response to Consumer Adverse Event Reports (CAERS) and Consumer Complaints submitted to the FDA, the FDA has initiated an investigation, including an inspection and sample collection in an effort to determine the cause of illnesses. As of July 14, 2022, the FDA has received 277 CAERS reports and Consumer Complaints related to this product.

FDA’s investigation is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

June 30, 2022

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating consumer complaints of gastrointestinal illness and abnormal liver function that may be attributable to eating Daily Harvest French Lentil & Leek Crumbles frozen product.

On June 17, 2022, in response to consumer complaints submitted to the company, Daily Harvest voluntarily initiated a recall of their French Lentil & Leek Crumbles. In response to Consumer Adverse Event Reports (CAERS) and Consumer Complaints submitted to the FDA, the FDA has initiated an investigation, including an inspection and sample collection in an effort to determine the cause of illnesses. As of June 28, the FDA has received 133 CAERS reports and Consumer Complaints related to this product.

From April 28 to June 17, 2022, approximately 28,000 units of the recalled product were distributed to consumers in the continental United States through online sales and direct delivery, as well as through retail sales at the Daily Harvest store in Chicago, IL, and a “pop-up” store in Los Angeles, CA. Samples were also provided to a small number of consumers.

Daily Harvest emailed consumers who were shipped the affected product, and other consumers for whom the company had contact information and consumers were issued a credit for the recalled product. Consumers who may still have the recalled product in their freezers should immediately dispose of it.

FDA’s investigation is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

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Who to Contact

Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.

To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), you can

• Call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator if you wish to speak directly to a person about your problem.
• Complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.
• Complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to FDA.

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Resources for Parents and Caregivers on Imported Infant Formula | FDA

www.fda.gov

The FDA has created resources for parents and caregivers to help explain some of the processes associated with, and results of, the agency’s efforts to help facilitate importing infant formula.

On May 16, 2022, FDA announced increased flexibilities for the importation of infant formula products, which have resulted in more than 520 million bottles worth of infant formula coming to the U.S.

Many of the imported products are, or will be soon, available through regular places to shop for infant formula, like major retailers, grocery stores and their online counterparts, as well as through company-specific websites.

Infant Formula Names to Know

Learn to recognize the labels of imported formula products you may shop for. Here are a few examples of imported infant formula you may be seeing.

Tips on Where to Find Products and Comparable Formulas

Although the supply of infant formula is steadily increasing, you may follow these tips to help find safe substitutes in the interim, including trying a new brand of formula (see list of comparable formulasExternal Link Disclaimer) and talking to a pediatrician or health care provider about submitting an urgent request for specialized formulaExternal Link Disclaimer. 

Video Gallery

Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about imported infant formula, including questions about safety measures, how to prepare powdered formula and more.

Safety Review Process

Infant formula that is being imported to the U.S. undergoes a thorough review by the FDA. Review of the information provided by the companies includes looking at the:

• Ingredients
• Nutrient testing
• Manufacturing safety
• Allergen labeling
• Directions for preparation

Watch: Learn about what the FDA is doing to ensure the safety of imported infant formulaExternal Link Disclaimer.

FDA has been working collectively with federal partners, manufacturers and retailers to ensure confidence in infant formula that is safe and nutritious, including product coming in from other countries, is on shelves nationwide.

Additional Resources

• Infant Formula Information and Ongoing FDA Efforts to Increase Supply
• FDA Consumer Update: Infant Formula Supply
• Help Prevent Cronobacter Illness: Prepare and Store Powdered Infant Formula Safely
• Enforcement Discretion to Manufacturers to Increase Infant Formula Supplies
• HHS.gov/formula
• Powdered Infant Formula Recall: What to Know
• CDC Information on Cronobacter Infection and Infants

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/infant-formula-information-and-ongoing-fda-efforts-increase-supply/resources-parents-and-caregivers-imported-infant-formula

Food Safety Tips

This #MemorialDayWeekend remember #FoodSafety starts in your shopping cart! Keep produce separate from meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs in your shopping cart and in your grocery bags. https://t.co/Kbxy6SsgAf pic.twitter.com/GfRNUArKb3

— FDA FOOD (Ctr for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition) (@FDAfood) May 25, 2022

“Important Information About Baby Formula Shortage Crisis”

Recall issued on varieties of candies, including Skittles, Starburst, Life Savers

local21news.com

WKRC Staff

FILE – This Wednesday, June 1, 2016, photo shows Skittles, in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

UNDATED (WKRC) — Mars Wrigley US and Canada issued a recall of several gummy candies Friday after discovering a thin metal strand may be inside the candies or loose in the bag.

The recall includes several varieties of Skittle Gummies, Starburst Gummies and Life Saver gummies. There have been no reported injuries caused by the metal strands, but the company is urging customers not to consume the products.

The gummies were sold in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The company did not say how many units were affected but did say that a third party manufactured the products.

Customers are encouraged to look on the back of the packet of these items and see if the first three numbers correspond with the recalled items. If they are included on the recall, customers should throw the candy away and contact the company with any questions by calling 1-800-651-2564 or by visiting www.mars.com/contact-us.

https://local21news.com/news/nation-world/recall-issued-on-varieties-of-candies-including-skittles-starburst-life-savers-consumers-customers-retailer-food-candy-customer-discard-throw-away-manufactured-product-metal-strands-detected

These fruits and vegetables are packed with the most pesticides, 2022 ‘Dirty Dozen’ list reports

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Saleen Martin, USA TODAY

What are the filthiest fruits and vegetables at the grocery store? Strawberries, spinach and kale, according to a new report.  

Thursday, nonprofit advocacy organization Environmental Working Group released its annual “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists using data from the Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration. View | 12 Photos

The Washington, D.C., group found that more than 90% of strawberry, apple, cherry, spinach, nectarine and grape samples tested positive for residues of two or more pesticides. Kale, collard and mustard greens, hot peppers and bell peppers had the most pesticides. A single sample of kale, collard and mustard greens had up to 21 different pesticides.

Strawberries and leafy greens have been repeat offenders at the top of the list, ranking high in the past two years. Bell and hot peppers tested higher for pesticide residue this year, moving up from No. 10 last year to No. 7 this year.

The produce with the least amount of pesticides? Avocados, sweet corn and pineapple topped the group’s “Clean Fifteen.”

Take a look at this year’s lists below.

‘Dirty Dozen’ for 2022

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale, collard and mustard greens
4. Nectarines
5. Apples
6. Grapes
7. Bell and hot peppers
8. Cherries
9. Peaches
10. Pears
11. Celery
12. Tomatoes

‘Clean Fifteen’ for 2022

1. Avocados
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapple
4. Onions
5. Papaya
6. Sweet peas (frozen)
7. Asparagus
8. Honeydew melon
9. Kiwi
10. Cabbage
11. Mushrooms
12. Cantaloupe
13. Mangoes
14. Watermelon
15. Sweet Potatoes

This year’s data includes results from nearly 45,000 samples of produce from 2020.

Pesticides have been linked to multiple health issues, including brain development. Their impacts on fertility issues have the strongest data, said Alexis Temkin, an Environmental Working Group toxicologist.

“There’s still, I think, a lot of unknown impacts,” Temkin said. “If you’re reducing the exposure in the first place, then the likelihood of adverse health effects occurring is going to be much less.”

Like the customers who rely on store-bought produce, USDA researchers scrubbed and peeled the fruits and veggies before testing them. Experts say the best way to wash produce is by washing it with just cold water. Pesticide residue was still found on over 70% of the non-organic produce tested. Nearly all of the levels fell under the legal limits allowed by government regulations, Environmental Working Group said.

Teresa Thorne, executive director of the Alliance for Food and Farming, a nonprofit that represents organic and conventional farmers, says Environmental Working Group’s lists concern her.

First, she said, peer-reviewed research has shown that it’s scientifically unsupportable, especially the claim that eating organic foods versus conventionally grown foods will result in lower pesticide exposure.

“Residues on conventional-grown are already so minute if they’re present at all,” she said. “The second thing is is that this list has been shown again through peer-reviewed research to negatively impact consumers. When low-income consumers were exposed to this list and some of the messaging in the Dirty Dozen list, they stated they were less likely to purchase any produce, organic or conventional.”

She said Environmental Working Group’s goal to help families access fruits and vegetables with less pesticide exposure was achieved long ago.

According to Thorne, 99.8% of the fruits and vegetables tested by the USDA under the Pesticide Data Program are well below the Environmental Protection Agency’s safety levels. A third have no detectable residues at all.

“We have 13 million children living in food-insecure households right now. To scare people away from conventional-grown, which is the more affordable and accessible fruits and vegetables in today’s environment, really needs to be better thought through.”

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Walmart Is Recalling Over 25,500 Bags of These Chips

www.eatthis.com

By Amanda McDonald

Update: Walmart informed  Eat This, Not That! on March 11 that the product never made it to stores. “The supplier made us aware of the potential product issue on February 22. Impacted products were stopped at Distribution Centers and never shipped to stores. The supplier retrieved the product and it is our understanding they destroyed all impacted products,” a spokesperson said. 

Therefore the recall is not a danger to consumers.

More than 2,500 cases of tortilla chips sold at Walmart are being recalled because they could be contaminated with a foreign material.

The 13-ounce bags of Great Value Restaurant Style White Corn Tortilla Chips may contain metal, according to a notification sent by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The chips were sold at Walmart stores in Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

RELATED: 6 Things You’ll See at Costco This Year

This initiative has been classified as a Class II recall by the FDA. That means it’s “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”Courtesy of Walmart

Because Shearer’s Foods initiated the recall late February, the chips are unlikely to be on Walmart shelves—but they may still be lurking inside your pantry. The recalled items have a lot code of 112051## or 123051## and a “Best By” date of May 23, 2022.

No other information, such as if there had been any injuries or illnesses related to the recall or how it was discovered, were provided. Eat This, Not That! has reached out to Walmart for more details.

This isn’t the only food recall that you should be aware of before your next shopping trip. These Grocery Products Are Being Pulled From Shelves in 15 States.

To get all the latest Walmart news delivered right to your email inbox every day, sign up for our newsletter!

https://www.eatthis.com/news-walmart-chip-recall-march-2022/?utm_source=nsltr&utm_medium=email&utm_content=best-breakfast-habits-shrink-belly-fat&utm_campaign=etntNewsletter

These Grocery Products Are Being Pulled From Shelves in 15 States

www.eatthis.com

By Amanda McDonald

With thousands of items in each grocery store, it can be hard to keep track of every single item, especially when there are safety concerns that arise for some of them. Luckily, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regularly post details about items that are being pulled from grocery store shelves because they have been recalled.

However, these items could still be in your kitchen. Right now, there are several new recalls that have just been announced for items sold in stores across 15 states. Keep reading for the full details on these problematic foods to make sure they’re not in your own pantry. And for more grocery news, here are 6 Things You’ll See at Costco This Year.Courtesy of the FDA

The dark chocolate-covered cherries sold at Sprouts Farmers Market locations in six states are being recalled because the packages may contain dark chocolate-covered almonds. If someone who has an allergy or sensitivity to this tree nut eats the cherries, they run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction.

“The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries was mixed with Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds in the bag,” the recall announcement posted by the FDA on March 4 states. “Subsequent investigation indicates that some Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds were used for Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries by Production personnel.”

No illnesses or reactions related to the recalled cherries have been reported, but if you shopped at a Sprouts Farmers Marker in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, or Utah recently, check your kitchen for these snacks ASAP. They have an item number of 638-011, a UPC Code of 6 46670 46342 6, and a “Sell By Date” of 07/24/2022.

Assorted flavors of coffee cake and paczkis made by Chicago Sweet Connection Baker and sold at retailers in Illinois and Wisconsin are also bring pulled from stores because they could contain egg, milk, and wheat which were not declared on the product label.

The bakery items have a brand name of Chicago Sweet Connection Bakery and were produced between Feb. 21 and 23, 2022, with expiration dates either Feb. 26 or 28. The recall was sent out “after it was discovered that the allergen statement was not correctly printing on labels due to a computer error,” the company says in the recall notice. The allergens were not listed because the label was being cut off during printing. The issue has since been resolved.

Flavors of the Paczki—a fried dough pastry filled with sweet fillings—include apple, apricot, blueberry, chocolate custard, strawberry, pineapple, and more. Coffee cake flavors include custard, caramel, pecan, chocolate chip, and more. For a full list of all affected varieties, click here.

The Paczkis were sold in packs of 4 in a plastic clamshell container, and the coffee cakes were sold in single packs with an aluminum rectangular tray and a plastic dome lid. Anyone with any of these recalled pastries in their home is instructed that they can notify the company via phone at 773-283-4430.Courtesy of the FSIS

Boyd Specialties is recalling over 1,600 pounds of ready-to-eat jerky products because they may contain Listeria, according to a recall notice from the FSIS. The problem was discovered by the organization after a routine product sample tested positive for the harmful bacteria.

The products and flavors of the recalled jerky include garlic pepper, straight whiskey, carne asada, mango habanero, Carolina reaper, cracked black pepper, and several more. You can view the full list here.  They were shipped to retail locations in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

No reports of an illness related to this issue are known, but consuming food contaminated with Listeria can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, loss of balance, and more. It is especially harmful in older adults, those with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, and newborns. Symptoms can arise as late as two months after consumption.Shutterstock

Should any of these three items be in your kitchen, throw them out or return them to the place of purchase immediately. After they are gone, clean any area the food touched using this two-step cleaning and sanitizing process, recommended by a registered dietitian.

For more on keeping your food safe, here are The Basic Food Safety Tips Home Cooks Need to Know.

https://www.eatthis.com/news-grocery-recall-march-2022/

How Heinz uses a fake number to keep its brand timeless

www.cnn.com

New York CNN Business —  

Nathaniel Meyersohn

Heinz has been linked to the number 57 for more than a century. The company’s “57 varieties” slogan was a key part of its early strategy to attract consumers. It’s still featured on Heinz ketchup bottles today and is central to the brand’s identity.

But that famous number is completely made up.

There weren’t 57 Heinz varieties when Pittsburgh business magnate H.J. Heinz first invented the slogan in 1896. Nor when Heinz 57 sauce was introduced soon after. There aren’t 57 now. There are, in fact, hundreds of Heinz varieties.

The 57 on a Heinz bottle is more than just the right spot to smack to make the ketchup ooze out at .028 miles per hour. That number has stuck around for 126 years because it reinforces Heinz as a nostalgic and distinctly American food brand — the condiment you put on your hot dog at a baseball game or on a burger at a summer barbeque, marketing experts say.

In the early 1890s, H.J. Heinz, once described by a biographer as a “marketing genius,” sold bottled horseradish, pickles, pepper sauce, ketchup — introduced by the company in 1876 spelled “catsup” and soon changed to “ketchup” to distinguish the product — among some 60 food items. Pickles were Heinz’s biggest success at the time, and he became known as the “pickle king.”

Visiting New York City in 1896, Heinz spotted an advertisement for “21 styles” of shoes. He found it memorable and thought attaching a number to his own brand would help it stick with consumers.

There are varying theories on why he landed on 57.

Ashleigh Gibson, Heinz’s brand director, said in an email that the company’s founder felt there was something “mystical, magical, and memorable” about the number 57, which was a combination of five, his lucky number, and seven, his wife’s lucky number.

But Heinz’s personal secretary, who wrote an early biography of his boss, said that when Heinz was counting up the number of varieties the company sold in 1896, the number seven jumped out at him.

“Seven, seven —there are so many illustrations of the psychological influences of that figure and of its alluring significance to people of all ages and races,” Heinz said, according to the biography. “58 Varieties or 59 Varieties did not appeal at all to me as being equally strong.”

Within a week of seeing the shoe ad, the “57 varieties’” slogan was appearing in newspapers and on billboards, Heinz wrote in his diary. The company carved 57 on hillsides for train passengers to see and “57 Good Things For The Table” was featured on the first electric billboard in New York City in 1900. The sign stood six stories high, had 1,200 fluorescent light bulbs and included a 43-foot-long flashing Heinz pickle, according to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

“I myself did not realize how highly successful a slogan it was going to be,” Heinz said.

Today, “57 varieties” is slapped high on the neck of Heinz’s octagon-shaped glass tomato ketchup bottles. In the center, “57 varieties” is printed in small gold lettering above a hanging tomato vine on the keystone-shaped label modeled after Heinz’s home state. 57 is also featured on Heinz’s baked beans, mustard, mayonnaise and cream of tomato soup.

The slogan is used as a branding device to convey a “sense of timelessness and authenticity” to consumers, Kelly Haws, a marketing professor who studies consumer choices about food at Vanderbilt University, said in an email.

Gibson said the slogan has become “a brand asset,” similar to the company’s logo, keystone and glass bottle design, reminding consumers of Heinz’ history.

Heinz and its association with 57 have also served as minor footnotes in US history.

When Joe DiMaggio’s record hit streak ended at 56 games in 1941, the Yankees star reportedly told a teammate that he missed out on $10,000 promised to him by Heinz if he matched its label.

According to “Demagogue,” a 2020 biography of Sen. Joe McCarthy, McCarthy once told a reporter “probably in jest” that when he alleged he had a list of 57 names of communists working in the State Department, he came up with the number from a bottle of Heinz ketchup. It’s even is a plot point in the 1962 film “The Manchurian Candidate.”

Then there’s the Heinz 57 sauce for steak, chicken and pork, which was memorialized by Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise”: “I like mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and French fried potatoes.”

Noel Geoffrey, who led the Heinz ketchup division from 2008 to 2011, said 57 was “like a good luck charm” at the company. The telephone number for the main switchboard at its previous headquarters — the Heinz 57 Center— was, of course, 57. In 2001, the company paid the Pittsburgh Steelers $57 million over 20 years for naming rights to the stadium.

“It was everywhere,” Geoffrey said, “and part of the DNA of the company.”

It may seem commonplace today, but the idea of “57 varieties” was a significant innovation in food marketing at the time. In the late 19th century, packaged and processed foods were a new concept to the public.

“The big shift was to try to create a consumer population for pre-packaged food,” said Rita McGrath, a professor at Columbia Business School who has studied the rise of major food brands. “Before then, food wasn’t marketed.”

H.J. Heinz also had to convince consumers that his products were safe during an era before food was regulated. One way he tried to convey quality was to sell his goods in glass jars, so customers could see what was inside.

His choice of the word “variety” was another attempt to signal that Heinz was experienced in a range of products, suggesting to customers they could trust the brand.

“Variety has always been a thing Americans love,” said Ken Albala, a food historian at the University of the Pacific. “They want choice. Even if it’s flavors of the same thing.”

By the beginning of the 20th century, Heinz was America’s largest ketchup manufacturer. The brand accounted for roughly 70% of the ketchup market last year, according to Euromonitor data. Hunt’s, its closet competitor, had 8%.

The famous number has stuck around through more than a century of different advertising campaigns and changes to Heinz packaging.

It also survived different corporate owners. In 2013, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA) and Brazilian private equity firm 3G Capital bought H.J. Heinz. Two years later, Kraft Foods and H.J. Heinz merged, and the company was renamed Kraft Heinz (KHC).

“There’s a comfort in the familiar,” McGrath said. “Once you got something like that that sticks, people are reluctant to change because of the brand association.”

In 2009, Heinz changed the design of its ketchup label for the first time in more than 60 years, replacing the Gherkin pickle that was under the words “tomato ketchup” with a tomato on the vine. Noel Geoffrey, who oversaw the redesign, said there was never any consideration of removing 57 from the label.

But Emily Ruby, a curator at the Sen. John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh and author of “57 Servings from the Heinz Table,” said she was surprised by the change because Heinz “stuck so long to these symbols of the past.”

When Kraft and Heinz merged in 2015, there was fear in Pittsburgh about losing the link between Heinz and the city. Kraft Heinz has co-headquarters in Pittsburgh and Chicago.

“There’s a sense the company is no longer tied to the history and the region,” she said. If Kraft Heinz were to drop the 57, “I think people would be really upset because they like the connection.”

Whenever Ruby gives local talks on H.J. Heinz or the history of the company, she is always asked about the origins of the number. People even offer up their own theories about its meaning.

“There’s still a lot of curiosity out there about it,” Ruby said.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/19/business/heinz-ketchup-57-varieties-history/index.html?utm_source=pocket-newtab-android

This Snack Sold at Costco and other Grocery Stores Is Being Recalled For Potentially Containing Lead — Eat This Not That

www.eatthis.com

By Amanda McDonald

Being a member at Costco comes with certain perks, such as free samples and discounts on travel and tires. It also means there’s an inventory stashed away of what you buy. By keeping track of purchases, the warehouse is able to alert customers in the event of a safety recall.

And that’s exactly what happened when a snack item was recently recalled, according to an alert Costco sent to individuals who purchased the item at warehouses in Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also posted a notice revealing that certain dried plum products from SnakYard may be contaminated with lead.

The snacks were distributed or sold in California, Nevada, and Utah. In turn, they were sent to retail stores and supermarkets, including Costco. The impacted bags of saladitos (salted dried plums) were sold at select warehouses between April 2021 and January 2022 as item #1516905. The alert sent to members warns, “If you still have any of this product, please stop using the item and return it to your local Costco for a full refund.”

Courtesy of Alli & Rose

Also included in the recall are 1.5-ounce bags of saladitos and saladitos con chile y limon (dried plums with chili and lemon) under the Tolteca brand label, which were not sold at Costco. They have a UPC code of either 704927600694 or 704927600700, according to the FDA.

No illnesses related to lead have been reported. Symptoms of lead poisoning include abdominal pain, behavior or mood changes, irritability, lethargy, vomiting, weakness, seizures, and more. Per the Mayo Clinic:

“Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.”

If this snack is in your kitchen, you can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This isn’t the only recall you need to know about, however—These Frozen Grocery Items Are Being Pulled From Shelves in 12 States.

To get all the latest recall and Costco news delivered right to your email inbox every day, sign up for our newsletter!

https://www.eatthis.com/news-costco-grocery-snack-recall-february-2022/?utm_source=nsltr&utm_medium=email&utm_content=news-meghan-markle-diet&utm_campaign=etntNewsletter

US warned Mexico of avocado ban if cartels threatened inspectors again

local21news.com

YAMI VIRGIN | KABB Staff

A worker selects avocados at a packing plant in Uruapan, Mexico, Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Armando Solis)

SAN ANTONIO (KABB) — The current avocado crisis between Mexico and the United States didn’t come without a warning. Investigative reporter Yami Virgin explains how the cartels have a stronghold in the only Mexican state where avocados are allowed to be imported from – Michoacan.

The current avocado crisis between Mexico and the U.S. didn’t come without a warning.{ }(Video: KABB)

The violence in Mexico has not only controlled drug trafficking but now it’s trying to control a $2.4 billion industry — the avocado industry.

The United States’ Drug Enforcement Administration said the splintering of the cartels after the arrest and extradition of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, didn’t have much of an effect on drug trafficking in San Antonio, Texas.

“How has this affected us here in San Antonio? Have we seen a change because of his conviction? The short answer is no,” says Dante Sorianello, the assistant special agent in charge of the DEA in the San Antonio district, in a 2017 interview regarding the Sinaloa Cartel.

But in Mexico, it created more than a dozen new organized crime organizations wanting to get their hands on the green gold – the avocado. Avocados are only allowed to be imported from the State of Michoacan where close to 100 inspectors check the avocados when they are harvested before touching U.S. soil. The recent threat called into a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector forced the import of avocados from Mexico to the U.S. to stop.

But this sort of threat from the cartels is not the first to be reported.

In 2019, a USDA team of inspectors was “directly threatened in Ziracuaretiro in Michoacan, when members of a criminal organization robbed the vehicle they traveled in at gunpoint.”

The U.S. agency then wrote a letter warning if there was another threat to their inspectors in Michoacan, they would suspend the avocado program. A warning that growers in Michoacan published for the cartels to see that any further threats could kill the state’s money-making industry.

The ban that is in effect now has left distributors like Eric Villagomez waiting for updates on negotiations in Mexico.

“The USDA is negotiating to keep their inspectors safe so that this export can continue once again,” says Eric Villagomez, owner of Las Huertas Producers.

https://local21news.com/news/nation-world/mexico-was-warned-about-an-avocado-ban-if-cartels-threatened-us-inspectors-again

These 5 Walmart, Kroger, ALDI and Other Grocery Store Foods Are Being Pulled From Shelves — Eat This Not That

www.eatthis.com

By Amanda McDonald 7 – 9 minutes

There’s been a 125% increase in the number of foods being pulled from shelves recently. But have you ever stopped to wonder why there have been so many grocery recalls in the news?

“The answer: new laws and new technology,” Eat This, Not That! Medical Expert Board member Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, writes. “In 2011, the FDA enacted the Food Safety Modernization Act that provided them with more power in preventing food safety issues.”

How To Save Money On Groceries

Unfortunately, there are new recalls to add to the ever-growing list, which includes items sold at top grocery stores like ALDI, H-E-B, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Whole Foods. To help keep your family safe, check to see if the following items are in your kitchen ASAP.

Related: 3 Reasons Your Grocery Store’s Shelves May Look Empty Right Now Shutterstock

Dole has been plagued by harmful bacteria in its bagged salads three times in only three months. Recalls were issued in October and December, and now there is a new one to be aware of. More than 70 varieties of bagged salads are being recalled due to possible health risk from Listeria, according to an announcement posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recalled items were distributed to retailers in more than 35 states, as well as several provinces in Canada. In addition to Dole-branded products, they included private label packaged salads sold at grocery stores like ALDI, H-E-B, Kroger, and Walmart, which gave this statement to Eat This, Not That! about the recall:

“Walmart is committed to providing our customers with safe, high-quality products at our everyday low prices. As soon as we were notified by Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. of the recall, we alerted our stores and distribution centers to remove the affected product from their shelves and inventory, and we implemented a register block to prevent additional sales. Customers who have purchased one of the items identified in the recall may return it to their nearest Walmart for a full refund.”

Fortunately, no illnesses have been reported to date. The impacted items have “Best if Used By” dates between Dec. 22, 2021, and Jan 9, 2022. To view a full list of the affected products on the FDA’s website, click here.Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

This blend of sweet corn, shelled edamame, and red bell peppers is one of the beloved frozen food products sold at Trader Joe’s. However, the low-cost grocery chain is pulling almost 46,000 16-ounce bags from shelves because they may be contaminated with Listeria. 

The FDA classifies the situation as a “Class II” recall, or “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

Similar to other foodborne germs, Listeria contamination causes symptoms like diarrhea and fever, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infections in pregnant women may lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, stillbirth, or more complications.

The bags were distributed to stores in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. No information about potential illnesses related to this recall was provided.

Related: To get all of the latest recall and grocery store news delivered right to your email inbox every day, sign up for our newsletter!Courtesy of FSIS

Almost 15,000 pounds of beef sticks sold at stores nationwide are being recalled because of faulty labeling and undeclared allergens. The Iowa Smokehouse Original Smoked Beef Sticks may contain milk, a known allergen, according to an alert posted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Anyone who is allergic to milk or has a sensitivity to it may have an adverse reaction to this product.

“The problem was discovered after the firm received consumer complaints of cheese in the product and reported the event to FSIS,” the alert says. “There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.”

Walmart tells Eat This, Not That! that the beef sticks are not sold at all Walmart stores but at some of the company’s third-party marketplaces. “We blocked and removed the item from our website on January 8 and directed the sellers to take appropriate action to address the recall,” a spokesperson says.

It’s possible that some of these items may still be lurking in consumers’ pantries or refrigerators. If you have one in your kitchen, double-check the packaging. Affected products have sell-by dates of 11/15/2022 or 11/17/2022 and establishment numbers of 1633B.Courtesy of Whole Foods

Dream Pops is asking retailers to pull 26,111 cases of its products after it was discovered that the bite-sized desserts may contain undeclared milk, according to an alert posted by the FDA.

The Berry Dreams, Birthday Cake, Cookie Dough, and Vanilla Sky bites are available at Whole Foods, Wegmans, ShopRite, Schnucks, H-E-B, Harris Teeter, and more grocery stores, but the notice doesn’t specify which places the recalled pops were sold at. All of the affected packages have best-by dates ranging from 6/28/22 to 10/21/22. 

The FDA classifies this as a “Class I” recall, or “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

No information about possible illnesses related to this recall was provided. Shutterstock

Angel Formula, which was sold at Moor Herbs’ Detroit store and on its website, is being recalled after the FDA determined that it didn’t meet certain labeling and nutrition requirements for infant formula. The product is labeled as “a powdered mylk alternative for the health conscious mother.” Here’s what the organization said about the issue:

“When the product was tested, the iron, sodium, and potassium content were well over the maximum allowed, which could potentially lead to iron overload and/or electrolyte imbalances. In addition, the product did not have vitamin D, and a vitamin D deficiency can potentially lead to rickets, a softening and weakening of bones.”

The company began shipping this product in 2019, and “all units in distribution are included in this recall.” Parents and caregivers who purchased the affected formula should stop using it and either throw it away or return it for a refund. Anyone concerned about the health or safety of their child should contact a health care provider for more information.

For more on what’s happening at your neighborhood supermarket, check out:

• The 7 Best Grocery Products of the Year, According to Eat This, Not That!
• 3+ Major Grocery Chains Changing Their COVID-19 Policies
• 4 Highly-Anticipated Grocery Items Launching Soon
• 5 Grocery Shortages That Are Outraging Customers

https://www.eatthis.com/news-grocery-recalls-walmart-kroger-aldi-january-2022/

A Dole Salad Listeria Outbreak Linked to Prepackaged Salad Has Killed 2 People

www.self.com

Serena Coady 3 – 4 minutes

The CDC is in the midst of an active investigation into two separate listeria outbreaks connected to packaged salads from Dole and Fresh Express. So far there have been 2 recorded deaths, 13 hospitalizations, and 17 illnesses across 13 U.S. states, according to the CDC. These salads have been available for purchase under a number of brand names, including Ahold, Dole, HEB, Kroger, Lidl, Little Salad Bar, Marketside, Naturally Better, Nature’s Promise, President’s Choice, and Simply Nature. The specific salads and ingredients range from mixed greens to garden salads and Caesar salad kits. This is not the first time Dole has been connected to a listeria outbreak. Last October, Dole recalled a number of bagged salads due to the risk of listeria contamination.

If you are concerned about whether you might have purchased one of these products (available in either bags or clamshells) it might help to note that the listed use by date can be anywhere between 11/30/21 and 1/09/22 and the product code will begin with B, N, W, or Y.

If you have purchased one of these specified products, discard them or return them to the store of purchase for a refund. As listeria can easily spread, if the product was opened, thoroughly sanitize any surface or ingredient that came into contact with it. The CDC has put together a helpful five-step guide to properly deep cleaning your refrigerator; you will just need to ensure you have sealed bags, warm soapy water, clean towels, and if you like, bleach. It can be a lengthy process, but it is worth it to ensure the safety of your household.

Listeria can be mild in individuals who are healthy, with symptoms similar to food poisoning, such as fever, stomach pain, and diarrhea, according to the CDC. Sometimes, symptoms can develop up to four weeks after consuming the contaminated food. However, it is important to note that symptoms can be far more severe when it comes to vulnerable individuals, including pregnant people, newborns, adults over the age of 65, and immunocompromised individuals. These groups can be more likely to face a more advanced and invasive kind of listeriosis, which can be a life-threatening form of the infection that moves on from the digestive system to other parts of the body, including the joints or bloodstream. This can lead to further illness, severe complications, and even be fatal, as we have seen with these two recent deaths.

https://www.self.com/story/listeria-outbreak-salads?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=self&utm_mailing=SLF_Daily_020522&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5e3b628040f86619b00bdf58&cndid=59853872&hasha=18f60f80a201d36997742777018978e4&hashb=0fad6764495736523aa48c58a5a230fd5cdfa9a4&hashc=60e137fe5af60c13358ab7b6957cca2d78ee573c7aad4a6c5d68bf65772704b8&esrc=article-newsletter&utm_content=A&utm_term=SLF_Daily

Check your fridge: Wish-Bone recalls some salad dressings

Conagra Brands says it is voluntarily recalling some bottles of Wish-Bone Thousand Island and Chunky Blue Cheese. (FDA)

A popular brand of salad dressing is being recalled because they may have something in them that’s not on the label.

Conagra Brands says it is voluntarily recalling some bottles of Wish-Bone Thousand Island and Chunky Blue Cheese.

Both contain egg which is not stated on the product label.

The Food and Drug Administration says people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

There have been no reports of illness or injury due to the consumption of these products to date.

Conagra is working to remove the dressings from store shelves. This recall does not impact any other Wish-Bone or Conagra Brands products.

If you’ve bought the product, you should throw it away.

People with any questions or concerns can contact Conagra Brands Consumer Care at 1-800-881-3989.

CLICK HERE for more information.

https://local21news.com/news/nation-world/check-your-fridge-wish-bone-recalls-some-salad-dressings

Frozen Spinach Recalled in 9 States Due to Potential Listeria Risk

1. Recalls
2. Frozen Spinach Recalled in 9 States Due to Potential Listeria Risk

If you bought frozen spinach at Lidl, you’ll want to check the label. By Leah Goggins January 20, 2022 Advertisement Pin FB

Credit: Allrecipes Image

Frozen Food Development announced a recall of two lots of store-brand frozen chopped spinach sold in Lidl stores. The spinach was distributed in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The company instigated the recall after a bag of the spinach tested positive for listeria. 

The recalled spinach is in 12-ounce bags marked “Steamable by Lidl” with lot numbers #R17742 or #R17963 and an expiration date of September 10, 2023 on the back of the bag. You can see photos of the spinach packaging in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s recall announcement. There are no known illnesses reported in connection with the recall.

Related: Dole Is Recalling Bagged Salad in More Than 30 States Due to Listeria Risk

Listeria monocytogenes is a species of bacteria that can survive—and even grow—under refrigeration and other preservation measures. Consuming listeria can cause listeriosis. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, nausea and vomiting in mild cases, or headache, confusion and loss of balance in severe cases. According to the FDA, listeriosis can be fatal “among the elderly, people with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases.” If you think you are experiencing symptoms of listeriosis, contact your healthcare provider immediately. 

Those with the recalled spinach in their possession are encouraged to return their purchase to Lidl for a full refund. If you have questions, contact LIDL Customer Care at 1-844-747-5435 Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard time.

Related: Here’s What a Food Recall Is and Why One Happens

This story originally appeared on EatingWell.com.

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https://www.allrecipes.com/syndication/lidl-frozen-spinach-recall-listeria-january-2022/?did=728938-20220123&utm_campaign=hot-dish_newsletter&utm_source=allrecipes.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=012322&cid=728938&mid=77796910277&lctg=163934651

7 New Recalls at Costco, Trader Joe’s, and More Supermarkets to Know About

These items may be lurking in your kitchen, so check your pantry ASAP.

Shutterstock

By Amanda McDonald December 20, 2021 FACT CHECKED BY Joseph Neese

Because there are thousands of products on display at grocery stores and dozens more lining your kitchen pantry, it can be hard to keep track of every item on your shopping list. When groceries are the subject of a recall, supermarkets and other retailers act quickly to remove them from shelves. However, it’s still crucial for shoppers to be in the know in case any affected products are already inside their homes.

Luckily, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other government groups post the latest food recalls that grocery shoppers should know about. To help you easily identify the products involved in these recalls, the information shared with consumers includes items like “Best By” dates and UPC codes.

Here are seven new recalls that include products sold at Costco, Trader Joe’s, and other top supermarkets. To keep your family safe, take a moment to pause and check your pantry today. 

Related: Grocery Recalls Are Hitting an All-Time High—Here’s Why 1

Nature’s Own Honey Wheat Bread at Costco

Courtesy of Costco

Costco sells this bread in packages of two loaves, but certain bundles are being recalled due to the potential presence of undeclared milk. “Flowers Foods and the FDA have issued a recall on a specific code of their Nature’s Own Honey Wheat Bread,” a notice sent to Costco members who purchased the item says. “If you have a milk allergy, do not eat any remaining bread . . . please return it to Costco for a full refund.”

The affected products were sold in warehouses in Arizona and Colorado. The bags have a “Best If Used By” date of 12-26-2021 and a UPC code of 0-72250-00539-5. No related illnesses or incidents related to the recalled items have been reported, according to the FDA. 2

Alaura Two-Tone Jar Candles Sold at Costco

Courtesy of the CPSC

Almost 140,000 of the Alaura Two-Tone Jar Candles sold at Costco stores are being recalled because they pose “laceration and fire hazards.” Specifically, they could “shatter, crack, or break apart while burning,” according to a recall notice posted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recall was initiated after 138 reports of the candles shattering, cracking, or breaking apart were submitted—three of which resulted in lacerations. The impacted candles were sold at Costco warehouses nationwide between August and September 2021 for around $17.

Related: To get all of the latest grocery store news delivered right to your email inbox every day, sign up for our newsletter! 3

Herbal Essences, Pantene, and More Dry Shampoos

Shutterstock

More than 30 types of dry shampoo spray are being recalled by Proctor & Gamble after the presence of benzene was detected in some products. The recall includes items under the brand names Aussie, Hair Food, Herbal Essences, Old Spice, Pantene, and Waterless. Here’s exactly what the notice posted by the FDA says about the risks associated with using products that contain benzene:https://a1e698b4fcb08b4be32fa6086116cba9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life-threatening. Based on exposure modeling and the cancer risk assessments published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (IRIS database), daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.

Proctor & Gamble said it reviewed its entire portfolio of aerosol products “following recent reports that indicated traces of benzene in some aerosol spray products.”

“While benzene is not an ingredient in any of our products, our review showed that benzene came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can. We detected unexpected levels of benzene in aerosol dry shampoo sprays and aerosol dry conditioner sprays,” a Proctor & Gamble spokesperson told Eat This, Not That!. “The majority of our portfolio—mousses, hairsprays, liquid shampoos, liquid conditioners, styling products and treatments—including other Pantene, Aussie, Herbal Essences, Hair Food, and Waterless products are not included in the scope of this recall and may continue to be used as intended.”

The company says it hasn’t received any reports of “adverse events” related to this recall. The dry shampoo spray products were sold nationwide at retailers and online. 4

Morton Salt

Shutterstock

Almost 17,000 26-ounce canisters of Morton Salt are being recalled because of mislabeling. Instead of iodized salt, the packages contain salt that isn’t fortified with iodine. The items in question have a “Best By” date of 9/8/2026 and were distributed to retailers in Colorado and California.

The FDA classifies this event as a Class III recall, meaning “use of, or exposure to, a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”

Related: Follow These Two Steps to Sanitize Your Kitchen, Expert Says 5

Minute Maid Beverages

Courtesy of Target

Eat This, Not That! reported on Dec. 15 that more than 7,000 cases of “America’s Favorite Juice” were being recalled due to the possibility they may contain pieces of metal.

The original recall notice cited 59-ounce jugs of Minute Maid Berry Punch, Fruit Punch, and Strawberry Lemonade products. An update later listed a similar risk posed by containers of Minute Maid Watermelon juice sold in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.https://a1e698b4fcb08b4be32fa6086116cba9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

“The firm was notified via a consumer complaint that the product contained a long piece of metal,” the notice said. 6

Kool-Aid Products

Courtesy of Costco

Another large beverage recall was also updated to include additional items. The ongoing Kool-Aid recall is classified as a Class II event by the FDA due to the potential presence of glass and metal in the affected products. That means this is a “situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

Impacted items were removed from Costco warehouses back in mid-November, with other stores like Walmart and select Sam’s Clubs following suit as the recall was expanded.

The Kraft Heinz Foods Company says to throw any of the items involved in this recall out immediately if they’re in your pantry. 7

Trader Ming’s Chicken & Vegetable Wonton Soup

Shutterstock

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recently issued public health alerts for two grocery items, one of which includes a product carried at Trader Joe’s.

Containers of Trader Ming’s Chicken & Vegetable Wonton Soup sold in Arizona, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Southern California, Southern Nevada, Utah, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. may contain undeclared shrimp and pork. No reports of adverse reactions have been confirmed at this time.

Unfortunately, these aren’t the only recalls to know about right now. Before you go, read about These 4 Recalled Grocery Items That May Also Be Lurking in Your Kitchen.

For more on what’s happening at your neighborhood supermarket, check out:

• 15 Worst Grocery Shortages of 2021
• Starbucks Just Launched This Highly Anticipated Grocery Item
• America’s Largest Grocery Chain Is Changing This COVID-19 Rule
• Supply of These 4 Grocery Items Could Fall Drastically, Experts Predict

Amanda McDonald Amanda is a staff writer for Eat This, Not That!. Read more Filed UnderCostco // food safety // Groceries // Grocery Shopping // Grocery Stores // News // Trader Joes Sponsored Stories

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https://www.eatthis.com/news-food-recalls-costco-trader-joes-december-2021/

Kroger recalls nearly 20 baked items that may be in your home

local21news.com

WKRC Staff 2 minutes

(SBG File)

UNDATED (WKRC) — Kroger has issued a recall for several baked goods that may be in your house.

A variety of items under the Country Oven brand have been recalled by Kroger. Kroger issued the recall earlier this month when 19 food items were reported to have metal fragments in them.

According to Kroger, the metal fragments may have gotten into the starch during the baking process. Consumers are advised to not eat any of the items on the list and to throw them out promptly.

The following is a list of items that were recalled:

• Cinnamon Rolls in 4-ounce and 2.5-ounce packages
• White Cake
• Chocolate Cake
• White/Vanilla Cake
• Yellow/Vanilla Cake
• Chocolate/Vanilla Cake
• Yellow Cake
• Bowtie Danish
• Cheese Pocket
• Angel Food Cake
• Yellow/Fudge Cake
• Red Velvet Cake
• Marble Cake
• Chocolate/Fudge Cake Single Slices
• Yellow/Caramel Cake Single Slices
• Caramel Apple Double Layer Cake
• Boston Cream Cake Double Layer Cake
• Raspberry Cake
• Party Balloon Cake

The items were reportedly sold in nearly 30 states, which include the following:

• South Carolina
• Georgia
• Alabama
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Missouri
• Ohio
• Kentucky
• West Virginia
• Tennessee
• Mississippi
• Arkansas
• Nebraska
• Kansas
• California
• Oregon
• Washington
• Idaho
• Colorado
• Louisiana
• Montana
• New Mexico
• Nevada
• Texas
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming
• Virginia
• Utah

If you are unsure if the item you purchased has been recalled, you can check the UPC here.

There have been a few recalls by Kroger this month, including a recall on 100,000 pounds of chicken that also affected Trader Joe’s.

Further questions can be answered at 1-800-KROGERS Monday through Friday. The line is open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. EST, and Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. EST.

https://local21news.com/news/nation-world/kroger-recalls-nearly-20-dessert-items-that-may-be-in-your-home-bakery-food-contamination-metal-fragments-dispose-cake-cinnamon-rolls-company-trader-joes-chicken-baked-goods-dessert-30-states-cincinnati-ohio

How to Properly Wash Fruits and Vegetables

Photo by Adam Gault/Getty Images

getpocket.com

Christopher Michel

It’s always important to make sure the food that you bring into your house is safe. You probably already know how to keep meat and poultry at its best (never leave raw hamburger meat out, for instance). But when it comes to fresh produce, especially the stuff you want to eat raw (and use in your summer salad recipes), what do you do?

So many questions: How do you wash produce? Is water enough? Do you need to buy a special fruit or veggie spray from the grocery store? And what about if you’re going to peel a cucumber or a potato for a simple potato recipe? Do you need to wash those, too?

It can all be so confusing. Luckily, we’ve got the answers.

 According to the FDA (you know, the folks who ruined eating raw cookie dough for all of us), produce washes aren’t necessary. Peter Cassell, an FDA employee from the office of media affairs told the Huffington Post that “using fruit/vegetable washes or dish soaps may result in residue left on the produce and can also change the flavor.” In fact, on their site, the FDA has seven specific recommendations for getting fruit and vegetables clean:

1. Wash your hands. Use soap and scrub those hands for 20 seconds both before and after handling fresh produce.
2. Wash all produce. Even if you’re going to peel them, you want to rinse your veggies. That keeps dirt and bacteria from transferring onto your knife or cutting board. (This includes vegetables with rinds and skins, like avocados and melons.)
3. Plain water will suffice. You don’t need to use soap, vinegar, produce wash or anything else. In fact, in a study by the University of Maine, water performed just as well as produce wash at removing bacteria and fungi, without leaving a residue.
4. But you need to rub. To make sure the veggies are clean, gently rub them with your fingers. For firm fruits and veggies such as potatoes, melons, cucumbers, etc., you can use a clean vegetable brush (not the one you use for your dishes).
5. Dry the produce. Use a clean cloth or paper towel, and get all the moisture off before storing or cooking. This will further reduce any bacteria.
6. Remove leaves. For items like cabbage, you can remove the outermost leaves.
7. Cut away visible damage. This may seem like common sense, but the FDA also recommends cutting away any visible damage or bruising before preparing or eating your fruit as well.

Finally, here’s an old tip from the New York Times, for cleaning very soft fruit, specifically berries, that you might not want to rub: Put them in a hot bath. Essentially, you can put blueberries, strawberries, and the like in 140°F water for about 30 seconds, and it will kill any mold or bacteria on the skins without affecting the taste or the quality of the fruit. Simply dry it off and store it when you’re done. Not only will it be clean, but it’ll last a lot longer in the fridge, as well!

Christopher Michel is the Senior Food & Garden Editor at Country Living, where he covers all things edible or growable.

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-to-properly-wash-fruits-and-vegetables?utm_source=pocket-newtab-android

Bagged Salad Recalled in 10 States Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

www.self.com

Condé Nast

---

There’s a large recall affecting bagged salads in 10 states. Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. voluntarily initiated the bagged salad recall affecting four brands due to the risk of listeria contamination, according to an announcement on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. The company decided to recall the salad products on October 29, 2021, after a bag of salad tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, the pathogen that causes the potentially foodborne illness listeriosis. 

Specifically, the salad recall includes specific lots of four bagged garden salad products produced by Dole and sold under multiple brand names. The affected products include Dole Garden Salad (24 oz), Marketside Classic Salad (24 oz), Kroger Brand Garden Salad (12 oz), and Salad Classics Garden Salad (12 oz). 

The pre-washed and ready-to-eat salads contain iceberg lettuce, shredded carrot, and red cabbage. They were distributed in 10 Eastern and Southern states in U.S., including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. 

Not all bags of these products are being recalled—only a “limited number of cases” is affected, according to the FDA notice. All of the recalled bags have a best if used by date of October 25, 2021, meaning they should no longer be available at grocery stores. However, consumers who have already purchased the salads may still have them in their fridges. 

Officials discovered the risk of contamination when a random sample test of a single bagged garden salad, conducted by the Department of Agriculture in Georgia, came back positive for Listeria monocytogenes. There are no reports of illness associated with the recalled products, according to the FDA. Dole describes the salad recall as “precautionary.” The company noted that it’s working closely with regulatory officials on the issue and that no other products made or sold by Dole are affected by the recall. 

https://www.self.com/story/bagged-salad-recall-listeria-contamination?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=self&utm_mailing=SLF_Dedicated_110121&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5e3b628040f86619b00bdf58&cndid=59853872&hasha=18f60f80a201d36997742777018978e4&hashb=0fad6764495736523aa48c58a5a230fd5cdfa9a4&hashc=60e137fe5af60c13358ab7b6957cca2d78ee573c7aad4a6c5d68bf65772704b8&esrc=article-newsletter&utm_term=SLF_Daily_GenericOpens

Salmonella outbreak linked to onions, CDC advises throwing them away – CBS News

www.cbsnews.com

Tori Tori

October 21, 2021 / 7:21 AM / CBS News Why is drug-resistant bacteria in our food su… 13:24

Fresh onions have been identified as the source of a Salmonella outbreak across 37 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday. The Food and Drug Administration, CDC and other health officials concluded that fresh, whole red, white and yellow onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico, and distributed by ProSource Inc. are behind the outbreak.   

The onions, which were sold to U.S. restaurants and grocery stores, were last imported on August 27, the distributor said. However, according to the CDC, potentially infectious onions could still be in homes and businesses due to the product’s shelf life of up to three months. 

As of Wednesday, 652 Salmonella illnesses and 129 hospitalizations from the disease have been reported in 37 states, including Texas, Virginia, California and Illinois, the CDC said. But the number of cases is likely higher than the amount reported due to the time it takes to classify a sick person as part of the outbreak and how often those with Salmonella recover without being tested or receiving medical care, according to the CDC.  

The CDC has urged businesses not to serve fresh, whole onions that were imported from Chihuahua and distributed by ProSource Inc., and has asked people not to eat them. Onions without proper stickers or packaging that indicate the brand and country where the item was grown should be thrown out, the CDC advised. Surfaces and containers that may have been touched by impacted onions should be washed with hot, soapy water or run through a dishwasher, the CDC said. 

The outbreak was reported between May 31 to September 31, the CDC said. Those affected range in age from younger than 1 to 97 years old. No deaths have been reported as of Wednesday. 

Symptoms of Salmonella — a bacterial disease — include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps usually six hours to six days after a person swallows the bacteria, according to the CDC. Symptoms typically last from four to seven days, and most people can recover without treatment. 

The illness can sometimes cause severe disease, like infection of the urine, blood, bones, joints, spinal fluid and brain. Immunocompromised people and those under the age of 5 or older than 65 are more at risk for severe illnesses. 

Each year, the bacteria causes about 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths in the U.S., the CDC estimates. 

Tori B. Powell

Tori B. Powell is a breaking news reporter at CBS News. Reach her at tori.powell@cbsinteractive.com

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Kale Recalled in 10 States Due to Potential Listeria Contamination

www.allrecipes.com

By Michael Y. Park

The kale was sold under the Baker Farms, Kroger, and SEG brand names.

In conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration, Baker Farms has issued a 10-state recall for kale because it may be contaminated with listeria.

Fresh kale sold under the Baker Farms, Kroger, and SEG Grocers brand names between Aug. 30 and Sept. 1 should not be consumed. You can return the potentially contaminated kale where you bought it for a full refund.

The kale in question was packaged in 1-pound plastic bags with a sell-by date of Sept. 18. It shows a production code of 107020-21832 and was sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York and Virginia. The Kroger family of markets includes Ralphs, Harris Teeter, QFC, Fred Meyer, Dillons and others. SEG, or Southeastern Grocers, includes chains like Winn-Dixie, Harvey and Fresco y Más. It’s unclear if the potentially listeria-ridden kale was also sold under subsidiary brand names or only under parent-company brand names.

curly kale on a blue background with a red recall stick

Credit: Image by Marie LaFauci/Getty Images

Listeria is potentially fatal in children, the elderly, and people with existing health problems. It can cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women. Even healthy people who consume foodborne listeria monocytogenes may suffer high fevers, headaches, nausea, stiffness, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

So far, there have been no reported cases of illness linked to the contaminated kale.

Consumers with questions can contact Richard G. Baker at richard@bakerfamilyproduce.com or call (229) 769-3113 from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time.

https://www.allrecipes.com/syndication/kale-recall-listeria/?did=677871-20210921&utm_campaign=hot-dish_newsletter&utm_source=allrecipes.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=092121&cid=677871&mid=67525488835

PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ found in Tuna, Fish Sticks, Protein Powder and Baby Food, says FDA

Chemical Free Life

Last month we reported on the FDA study results showing that of the nearly 100 food types the FDA tested, the vast majority of raw food in the U.S. is free of PFAS chemical contamination.  On August 26, 2021 however, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had found PFAS “forever chemicals” in some processed foods, including several baby foods.  The results showed that 164 of the 167 foods tested had no detectable levels of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) measured–which is surprising since we know that a number of commercially processed food manufacturers still use packaging that contains PFAS which can migrate or leach into the food.

Among the processed foods testing positive for PFAS contamination* fish sticks, tuna, and protein powder had three specific PFAS chemicals: perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) ranging from 33 parts per trillion…

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