A new study published in the July 2012 Marine Pollution Bulletin has found elevated levels of caffeine in the Pacific ocean waters off the coast of Oregon. Scientists from Portland State University and Washington State University in Vancouver included caffeine, a biologically active drug, in their survey of pollutants. Caffeine is a contaminant of freshwater and marine ecosystems. The amount of caffeine in seawater ranged from below the reporting limit of 8.5 ng/L to 44.7 ng/L. (ng/L is nanograms per liter.) Concentrations of caffeine in rivers and estuaries draining into the ocean were as high as 152.2 ng/L. The concentrations and occurrence didn't correlate with location near cities, but did correlate with storms. In other words, storms that trigger sewer overflows increase the … [Read more...]
San Francisco Herb and Natural Food Company Recalls Products
The San Francisco Herb and Natural Food Company is recalling 16 products for potential contamination of filth. There was a mouse infestation at the company's Fremont warehouse. The products were sold mostly over the internet in the U.S. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the consumption of these products. For questions, call Dr. Fahimeh Niroomand at 510-770-1215 extension 115. Each package weighs one pound. The Lot numbers are on a small, white rectangular sticker on the bottom half of the back of the package. The products recalled include: Product Product number Lot number Carob Raw Powder P351 090018 Chicory Root Roasted Granules G440 120056 Fennel Seed Whole W170 100155 Green Tea, Gunpowder C/S C837 100181 Hops … [Read more...]
Needles Found in Sandwiches Served on Delta Flights from Amsterdam
Investigators on two continents are trying to determine how needles made their way into sandwiches served aboard Delta Airlines flights from Amsterdam to the U.S., on Sunday July 15, 2012. The sandwiches were served to passengers on flights to Minneapolis, Atlanta, and Seattle. One passenger, on a flight to Minneapolis, was injured when the needle pierced the roof of his mouth. After the needles were discovered, Delta officials ordered all flights from Amsterdam to stop serving the sandwiches. The airline is now serving sealed, prepackaged food instead of sandwiches. The government is testing the needles to see if they were contaminated with pathogens. Dutch police have opened a criminal investigation as has the FBI office in Atlanta. Information from those investigations has yet … [Read more...]
Morgan Foods Recalls Chicken Corn Chowder for Foreign Materials
Morgan Foods Inc. is recalling 94,850 pounds of chicken corn chowder that may contain foreign materials. The recalled products include 18.8 ounce cans of these brands: "Hill Country Fare Chunky Chicken Corn Chowder", "Wegman's Chunky Chicken Corn Chowder", "Chef's Cupboard Chunky Chicken Corn Chowder", and "America's Choice Chicken Corn Chowder Chunky." All of the products have the establishment number "P-1469" inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label. Cans all have "best-by date" of 01 Mar 2014 stamped on the bottom. The cans are distributed in cases of twelve, with a case code of "B2912" on the tray. The soups were all produced on February 29, 2012. "Hill Country Fare Chunky Chicken Corn Chowder" was shipped to retail stores in Texas. "Wegman's Chunky Chicken Corn Chowder" … [Read more...]
Winn-Dixie Recalls Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner for Small Metal Fragments
Winn-Dixie is announcing a recall of their store brand Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet Dinners because the package may contain small metal fragments. The recalled Winn-Dixie Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet Dinner product is in a 5.8 ounce package with a UPC number of 2114018080 and a sell-by date of May 14, 2013. The recalled products were sold in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The product was shipped to stores on or after May 14, 2012. There have not been any reports received of any injuries associated with the consumption of this product. Ben Wright, senior director of Winn-Dixie Corporate Communications, says "we encourage guests in possession of any of the recalled item to immediately discard the product or bring it back to their stores. Guests who have … [Read more...]
Recall of Two Pasta Salad Mixes by Southern Home
BI-LO has announced a recall of two store brand products: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Mix and Creamy Parmesan Pasta Salad Mix, both made by Southern Home®, because they may contain small metal fragments. Recalled products include the following: Southern Home® Bacon Ranch Salad Mix (UPC number 0788002891, 7.5 ounce, Sell-by date May 17, 2013); Southern Home® Bacon Ranch Salad Mix (UPC number 0788002891, 7.5 ounce, Sell by date May 18, 2013); Southern Home® Creamy Parmesan Salad Mix (UPC number 0788002892, 6.2 ounce, Sell by date April 20, 2013); and Southern Home® Creamy Parmesan Salad Mix (UPC number 0788002892, 6.2 ounce, Sell by date May 21, 2013). There have not been any reports of injury associated with the consumption of these products. Allen Reavis, BI-LO's vice president of grocery, … [Read more...]
Lake Superior Beaches Closed for E. coli Contamination
The Minnesota Department of Health has recommended No Contact with the water at several beaches along the shore of Lake Superior. The beaches are monitored on Mondays every week during the summer months. The DOH announced today that 42nd Avenue East Beach and Brighton Beach in East Duluth both have high levels of E. coli bacteria. In addition, Minnesota Point 15th Street Harbor Side Beach, Park Point 20th Street/Hearding Island Canal Beach, Park Point Sky Harbor Parking Lot Beach, have high levels of bacteria. That area recently had severe flooding from heavy summer rains, causing millions of dollars worth of damage. Flooding can wash bacteria from sewage systems into lakes, rivers, and streams. Do not swim in the water at these beaches. People have contracted bacterial infections from … [Read more...]
Ground Bacon Recalled for Possible Contamination
Square-H Brands, Inc of California is recalling about 1,350 pounds of ground smoked bacon that may contain pieces of cardboard and plastic. Product details: Coarse Ground Smoked Bacon Ends and Pieces 25 pound cases Packaged on April 25, 2012 Distributed to an establishment in Hawaii for further distribution and use in other products Establishment number "EST. 748" inside the USDA mark of inspection Case code "1410070" on the label The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel at the Hawaii establishment. There have not been any reports of injury due to the consumption of this product. If you have questions, please call Bill Parke, Square-H Brands Quality Assurance Manager at 1-323-267-4600 ext. 3007. … [Read more...]
E.coli In Aberdeen SD Drinking Water Prompts Boil Water Advisory
E.coli levels in the drinking water supply for the city of Aberdeen, SD have reached dangerous levels, prompting city officials to issue a boil water advisory. Aberdeen residents should not drink tap water without boiling it first. Before it is safe to drink, the water needs to boil for a full minute. "Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice," the advisory states. Boiling kills E.coli and other dangerous bacteria that cause serious, sometimes life-threatening illness. Most at risk are small children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of an E.coli infection include abdominal cramps, diarrhea that is sometimes bloody, nausea and headaches. … [Read more...]
Is That Packaged Ice You Bought Safe?
Many of us buy packaged ice in the summer months, for entertaining or just to supplement the ice we make in our freezers. Have you ever thought that the ice may not be safe? Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Shigella, and viruses can survive in ice cubes. In fact, hundreds of people were sickened in 1987 after consuming contaminated ice in beverages in Pennsylvania and Delaware. According to the International Packaged Ice Association, Americans eat more ice than bread. And 80% of packaged ice is bought between Memorial Day and Labor Day. And there is very little, if any, inspection or government oversight of all packaged ice producers in this country. The International Packaged ice Association has set standards for ice safety. It's a non-profit association that represents ice … [Read more...]
