Reported Recalls Again

[PORKER]

Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The Strange SunSprout Salmonella Outbreak
March 18, 2009


On March 3rd, SunSprout Enterprises (Omaha, NE) recalled several production codes of Alfalfa, Onion, and Gourmet Sprouts after the company's sprouts were presumptively linked to a four-state outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul infections.


The recalled sprouts had been shipped to distributors in Iowa and Nebraska for resale to restaurants and retailers.


Since the March 3rd recall announcement, the number of suspect and confirmed outbreak cases has grown to as many as 140, including:


Iowa (as of March 3): 5 confirmed; 4 suspect

Kansas (as of March 6): 5 confirmed

Nebraska (as of March 17): 84 confirmed; 13 suspect

South Dakota (as of March 12): 5 confirmed; 24 suspect



With this many cases in a regional outbreak, one has to wonder why investigators have been unable so far to find the outbreak strain either in a sample of the implicated sprouts or in the production facility. Is there another possible explanation?


We know that the outbreak strain has been identified as Salmonella Saintpaul, the same Salmonella serogroup that was responsible for last year's jalapeño/serrano pepper outbreak. We haven't yet learned whether there is any similarity between the genetic fingerprints of the 2008 Salmonella Saintpaul and this year's outbreak strain.


We also know that raw sprouts often are used to garnish fresh salads. Could the source of the problem be a different salad item? Tomatoes? Lettuce? Cucumbers?


After last year's Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak, FDA did NOT add imported peppers from Mexico to its Automatic Detention Import Alert list. Instead, the agency chose to monitor imports and reject specific shipments if lab results warranted.


As we learned last year, this import surveillance program catches only a small percentage of contaminated foods. Even so, in January and February of this year, FDA reported several refusals of various produce items from Mexico after Salmonella was detected in the shipments – including a shipment of serrano peppers, and several shipments of fresh cucumbers.


It can be difficult – again, as we saw last year – to parse epidemiological reports and tease out a probable contamination source when several different foods usually are consumed together. The initial suspicion that has fallen on sprouts from SunSprout Enterprises may prove to be correct.


But we won't be surprised if the spotlight shifts to another possible outbreak source.

 

[flounder]

-------------------- [email protected] --------------------


RECALLS AND FIELD CORRECTIONS: FOODS CLASS II

___________________________________




PRODUCT




a) Elk Meat, Elk Tenderloin, Frozen in plastic vacuum packaging. Each package is approximately 2 lbs., and each case is approximately 16 lbs.; Item number 755125, Recall # F-129-9;



b) Elk Meat, Elk Trim, Frozen; Item number 755155, Recall # F-130-9;



c) Elk Meat, French Rack, Chilled. Item number 755132, Recall # F-131-9;



d) Elk Meat, Nude Denver Leg. Item number 755122, Recall # F-132-9;



e) Elk Meat, New York Strip Steak, Chilled. Item number 755128, Recall # F-133-9;



f) Elk Meat, Flank Steak Frozen. Item number 755131, Recall # F-134-9;


CODE


Elk Meats with production dates of December 29, 30, and 31


RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER


Recalling Firm: Sierra Meats, Reno, NV, by telephone on January 29, 2009 and press release on February 9, 2009.


Manufacturer: Noah's Ark Holding, LLC, Dawson, MN. Firm initiated recall is ongoing.


REASON


Elk products contain meat derived from an elk confirmed to have Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).


VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE


Unknown


DISTRIBUTION


NV, CA, TX, CO, NY, UT, FL, OK


___________________________________




http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ENFORCE/2009/ENF01099.html





Monday, February 09, 2009


Exotic Meats USA Announces Urgent Statewide Recall of Elk Tenderloin Because It May Contain Meat Derived From An Elk Confirmed To Have CWD



snip...



Cross-sequence transmission of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease creates a new prion strain

Date: August 25, 2007 at 12:42 pm PST

our results raise the possibility that CJD cases classified as VV1 may include cases caused by iatrogenic transmission of sCJD-MM1 prions or food-borne infection by type 1 prions from animals, e.g., chronic wasting disease prions in cervid. In fact, two CJD-VV1 patients who hunted deer or consumed venison have been reported (40, 41). The results of the present study emphasize the need for traceback studies and careful re-examination of the biochemical properties of sCJD-VV1 prions.

http://www.jbc.org/

snip...

Clearly, it is premature to draw firm conclusions about CWD passing naturally into humans, cattle and sheep, but the present results suggest that CWD transmissions to humans would be as limited by PrP incompatibility as transmissions of BSE or sheep scrapie to humans. Although there is no evidence that sheep scrapie has affected humans, it is likely that BSE has caused variant CJD in 74 people (definite and probable variant CJD cases to date according to the UK CJD Surveillance Unit). Given the presumably large number of people exposed to BSE infectivity, the susceptibility of humans may still be very low compared with cattle, which would be consistent with the relatively inefficient conversion of human PrP-sen by PrPBSE. Nonetheless, since humans have apparently been infected by BSE, it would seem prudent to take reasonable measures to limit exposure of humans (as well as sheep and cattle) to CWD infectivity as has been recommended for other animal TSEs.

snip...

http://www.emboj.org/current.shtml

snip

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol10no6/03-1082.htm

From: TSS (216-119-163-189.ipset45.wt.net) Subject: CWD aka MAD DEER/ELK TO HUMANS ??? Date: September 30, 2002 at 7:06 am PST

From: "Belay, Ermias" To: Cc: "Race, Richard (NIH)" ; ; "Belay, Ermias" Sent: Monday, September 30, 2002 9:22 AM Subject: RE: TO CDC AND NIH - PUB MED- 3 MORE DEATHS - CWD - YOUNG HUNTERS

Dear Sir/Madam, In the Archives of Neurology you quoted (the abstract of which was attached to your email), we did not say CWD in humans will present like variant CJD.

That assumption would be wrong. I encourage you to read the whole article and call me if you have questions or need more clarification (phone: 404-639-3091). Also, we do not claim that "no-one has ever been infected with prion disease from eating venison." Our conclusion stating that we found no strong evidence of CWD transmission to humans in the article you quoted or in any other forum is limited to the patients we investigated.

Ermias Belay, M.D. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

-----Original Message----- From: Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2002 10:15 AM To: [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask] Subject: TO CDC AND NIH - PUB MED- 3 MORE DEATHS - CWD - YOUNG HUNTERS

Sunday, November 10, 2002 6:26 PM ......snip........end..............TSS



snip...



full text ;




http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/02/exotic-meats-usa-announces-urgent.html





Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Noah's Ark Holding, LLC, Dawson, MN RECALL Elk products contain meat derived from an elk confirmed to have CWD NV, CA, TX, CO, NY, UT, FL, OK
RECALLS AND FIELD CORRECTIONS: FOODS CLASS II


http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/03/noahs-ark-holding-llc-dawson-mn-recall.html


-------------------- [email protected] --------------------

 

[PORKER]

Cheese Recall from Michigan

Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese LLC Announces the Recall of Asadero and Oaxaca Cheeses due to Possible Listeria Contamination Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese of Reading, Michigan announces the recall of Asadero and Oaxaca soft Mexican-style cheeses due to potential Listeria contamination.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause Listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths. The very young, the pregnant, the elderly and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to infection. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

A routine sample of Asadero cheese, taken by an inspector from the Michigan Department of Agriculture's Food and Dairy Division on February 23, 2009, was subsequently tested by the Michigan Department of Agriculture Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Products were distributed to the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin. The recalled Asadero and Oaxaca cheese products were distributed to retails stores and delis in 10 lb balls, 16 and 12 oz plastic packages, sold under the name "Aguas Calientes." Product was also sold in 6 lb blocks shrinkwrapped in clear plastic, under the name "El Jaliciense." Packaging may also include a label with the name "Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese LLC."

The recall encompasses all productions dates between August 1, 2008 (expiration date 10/29/2008) and February 27, 2009 (expiration date 5/10/2009). No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the recalled products. Consumers and retailers are urged to return all unused recalled product to the manufacturer. Consumers with questions may contact Salvador Torres, Manager, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese LLC at 517-368-5990.

 

[PORKER]

California plant recalls 1 million pounds of pistachio productsStory Highlights
The pistachios, mostly sold to wholesalers, came from Setton Farms in California

Kraft is one of three dozen companies to purchase pistachios from Setton Farms


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A California food processing plant is voluntarily recalling up to 1 million pounds of roasted pistachio products that may have been contaminated with salmonella, the Food and Drug Administration announced Monday.


Salmonella strains were found last week during routine test by Kraft Foods, one company that purchased the nuts.

The nuts came from Setton Farms in Terra Bella, California, about 75 miles south of Fresno. They were largely distributed in 2,000-pound containers to food wholesalers who would then package them for resale or incorporate them as ingredients in other products, such as ice cream and trail mix.

No illnesses have been linked to this case, said Dr. David Acheson, FDA's associate commissioner. But salmonella strains were found last week during routine test by Kraft Foods, one of about three dozen companies that purchase pistachios from Setton Farms, he said. Kraft notified the FDA on March 24.

Setton Farms did not immediately respond to CNN requests for comment.

Acheson emphasized that unlike the recent case of salmonella-tainted peanut butter, this recall was not prompted by an sickness outbreak, saying the decision was a "proactive" move. He said the FDA has received two recent complaints, from the East and West coasts, from people who say they became ill after eating pistachio products, but a link to Setton Farms has not been confirmed, he said.

The FDA is advising consumers not to eat any pistachio products, but not to throw them out, either, because additional recalls are likely and having products that could be turned in would allow for easier tracing of contamination. The agency is setting up a Web site to update the public.

Dr. Jeff Farrar, head of the California health department's food and drug division, said it's likely that the roasted pistachios will be found in a wide variety of products. He noted that Setton Farms is the second-largest pistachio processor in the nation.

Raw pistachios are roasted to a temperature that should kill salmonella, Acheson said. Because the roasted products tested positive for salmonella suggest cross-contamination with raw products.

Acheson added that the Setton Farms recall is related to the one announced Friday by Kroger, a grocery store chain with stores in 31 states. Kroger recalled Private Selection shelled pistachios from its retail stores because of possible salmonella contamination.

Kroger, in a statement Friday, said no illnesses have been reported in connection with the product.

In February, Kroger was among retailers that recalled peanut products tied to the Peanut Corporation of America, a Virginia-based company accused by the FDA of knowingly selling peanut butter and peanut paste that was contaminated with salmonella.

PCA's peanut processing plant in Blakely, Georgia, is being investigated in connection with a salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 500 people and has been linked to eight deaths.

 

[Tex]

So Acheson, the FDA, Congressional committees hearing contamination issues by processors, and others can test raw products that come from big processors but the USDA will not allow further processors of meat to test after the USDA inspects it?

The USDA has more home grown terrorists in the form of an inspection agency that protects the packers than the risk from foreign terrorists.

I am sure these recalls will be a part of the new strategy of furthering big money's interests than actual food safety and accountability but I hope I am wrong.

The USDA needs a whistle blower program that allows whistle blowers to receive income from the management of the USDA who help hide food borne risks.

This needs to be a part of the USDA's HACCP plan.

 

[PORKER]

Breaking: Salmonella-tainted pistachios trigger massive recall
By Kim Lachance Shandrow, 03/31/2009 Comments (1) |

For the third time in less than a week, the FDA has issued yet another a nationwide recall of pistachios due to Salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by California's second largest pistachio processor. The warning comes only weeks after a massive peanut butter recall blamed for causing more than 600 illnesses and several deaths. So far, at least two people have reported falling ill after eating pistachios, though investigators haven't yet established a direct link to the tainted pistachios.

Setton Pistachio has voluntarily halted all distribution of processed pistachios and is recalling approximately 1 million pounds of its products, the entirety of its 2008 crop. The Terra Bella, Calif. company supplies pistachios to 36 wholesalers who repackage and resell the nuts in ice cream, cake and trail mixes, and countless other prepared snacks.

The pistachio contamination first came to the attention of federal food safety officials on on March 24, when Kraft Foods informed the FDA that the Setton-supplied pistachios in its Back to Nature Trail Mix were contaminated with "several types of" Salmonella. The foodborne gastrointestinal illness can trigger temporary symptoms—including fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea—that can last from four to two weeks without proper treatment. However, the bacteria can cause severe and sometimes fatal reactions in young children, pregnant women, the elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Consumers are being warned not to eat:

Ralph's Private Selection Shelled Pistachios in 10-ounce containers with a 'Sell by' date of 12-13-09 and 12-14-09 with the UPC Code 11110 73615.
Back to Nature Nantucket Blend trail mix sold in 28 oz. bags, UPC code 59283-00020 and a "best by" date between 08-20-09 and 12-12-09; and 10 oz. bags, UPC code 59283-31039 and a "best by" date between 11-04-09 and 12-12-09.
Georgia Nut Company bulk wholesale and retail products sold in stores in Illinois and Wisconsin in bulk or custom-packaged bags between Dec. 5 and March 25.
Stores in 31 states are included in the sweeping recall, including Kroger; Ralphs; Fred Meyer; Fry's; King Soopers; Smith's; Dillons; QFC; City Market; Foods Co.; Jay C; Scott's; Owen's; Baker's; Gerbes; Hilander and Pay Less. The FDA expects its searchable list of recalled pistachio products to grow in the coming days. We'll keep you posted.

 

[PORKER]

RECALL AMOUNT IS DOUBLED

Pistachios Recalled In Wake Of Positive Salmonella Tests; One Concerned Grower Sounds Off
March 31, 2009
Setton Pistachio, CA, of Terra Bella Inc., the nation's second-largest pistachio processor, has voluntarily recalled more than 2 million pounds of its roasted nuts after Kraft Foods Inc. notified FDA March 24 it had detected salmonella in roasted pistachios through routine product testing. Setton Pistachio took additional steps to prevent potentially tainted nuts from reaching consumers by shutting down its plant at the end of the week.

FDA is advising consumers not to eat any foods containing pistachios, and to hold onto any pistachio products they may have already purchased. California public health officials have taken hundreds of samples at Setton Pistachio's processing facility, but lab results have not yet determined whether salmonella was found at the plant. The companies' own tests of the contaminated products isolated four different types of salmonella, but none were the same as the one found in peanuts during a national salmonella outbreak that sickened hundreds of people in fall of 2008.


Needless to say, the announcement has made some members of the California pistachio industry very nervous, and rather irate. One worried California grower is Larry Easterling, who farms 1,870 acres of pistachios in the San Joaquin Valley near where Highway 41 intersects Interstate 5. "It feels like the roof fell in on us," Easterling said Tuesday afternoon in the wake of the FDA's warning against eating any pistachio products. "What's really blowing us away is that with the peanut recall, they didn't come out with a blanket statement, 'Don't eat peanuts."

When the peanut recall was ordered, said Easterling, the FDA was much more specific, but in this instance, the entire pistachio industry is being unfairly tarred. "That didn't happen with peanuts," he said. "And in this situation there have been no reported serious illnesses or deaths (as there was with the peanut outbreak)."

Easterling, who sells 30% of his crop to Setton's, said while the nuts in question may have originated there, he feels confident that the problem is with the "rebaggers," companies that process the nuts for sale to consumers. "They totally dress up the product any way they want it," he said.

Besides the immediate hit to the industry, which will likely be considerable, Easterling said that the FDA's announcement could have long-lasting repercussions. Approximately 65% of the U.S. crop is exported, and the largest export market is Europe. It's taken U.S. growers years to develop that market, which could be severely damaged. "Iran (the world's largest grower, with California #2) is going to get hold of this announcement and talk to European buyers," he said. "We need to get this resolved really quick."

Kraft Foods Inc. and the Georgia Nut Co. recalled their Back To Nature Nantucket Blend trail mix March 25. FDA contacted Setton Pistachio and California health officials shortly after the report from Kraft Foods Inc. On March 27, Kroger Co. recalled one of its lines of bagged pistachios because of possible salmonella contamination; Setton Pistachio supplies the nuts for those products, which were sold in 31 states.

So far, Setton Pistachio has recalled certain bulk roasted in-shell and roasted shelled pistachios that were shipped on or after Sept. 1. The recalled nuts represent a small fraction of the 55 million pounds of pistachios the company's plant processed last year and an even smaller portion of the 278 million pounds produced in the state in the 2008 season, according to the Fresno-based Administrative Committee for Pistachios.

Because Setton Pistachio shipped tote bags of nuts weighing up to 2,000 pounds to 36 wholesalers across the country, it will take weeks to figure out how many products could be affected, according to Jeff Farrar, chief of the Food and Drug Branch of the California Department of Public Health. Kraft Foods recalls several Planters products due to possible health risk


POSTED: April 2, 2009
"Kraft Foods recalls several Planters products due to possible health risk"

WILLIAMSVILLE - Tops Friendly Markets, the leading full-service grocery retailer in Western New York, Central New York, including Rochester, and Northwestern Pennsylvania, announced that Kraft Foods has issued a voluntary recall of Planters products containing pistachio nuts that have the potential to be contaminated with the Salmonella organism.

Five varieties of Planters products have been taken off of Tops' shelves as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the California Department of Public Health continue to investigate contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc, California. The removal of this product is a precautionary measure, and based on the current state of the investigation, the FDA "recommends that consumers avoid eating any products containing pistachios. These products should not be thrown out until additional information is available regarding specific products that are subject to the recall."

This possible contamination is not connected with the recent outbreak associated with peanuts.

Recalled items includ:

Planters Nutrition Mix, 9.75 oz 2900005957

Planters NUT RITION health Mix, 9 oz. - 2900001246

Planters Pistachio Lovers Mix, 6 oz. 2900001023

Planters Pecan Lovers Mix, 5.5 oz. 2900001022

Planters Trail Mix Nut/Raisin, 6 oz. - 2900007879

For a complete list of recalled products, customers should go to www.fda.gov/pistachios on the FDA's Web site.

Food safety is a corporate priority for Tops Friendly Markets. Tops will continue to communicate to the public if/when more recalls are announced.

 

[PORKER]

Firms Recall More Pistachios in Salmonella Scare

By Michael J Himowitz, Deputy Managing Editor, MedPage Today
Published: April 03, 2009


WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Setton International Foods, whose recall of pistachios suspected of salmonella contamination led the FDA to recommend that Americans forgo the popular snack, today widened its recall to a variety of shelled pistachio products.

The latest announcement involves bulk nuts shipped to resellers under the Setton Farms label, as well as consumer packages of pistachio kernels and mixed nuts with the Setton Farms and Coronado labels.


Meanwhile, dozens of resellers and manufacturers are announcing their own recalls of products that contain nuts from the firm's Setton Pistachio plant in Terra Bella, Calif.


The list includes large manufacturers such as Frito-Lay, Planters, and Kraft Foods (whose routine testing discovered the problem), along with house brands from Kroger, Publix, Dillon's, Pay Less, Fry's, and other outlets.


Altogether, some 2 million pounds of products have been recalled, leading critics to once again call for stronger regulation by the FDA including mandatory product testing by food producers.


There are no such requirements now.


This latest salmonella episode was triggered only because of an aggressive, voluntary testing program by Kraft Foods. Kraft's labs found salmonella contamination on pistachio nuts destined for its branded trail mix and reported it to the manufacturer and the FDA.


Another problem, critics say, is tracing contaminated foods in both directions.


The pistachios from Setton's California plant were shipped in bulk lots of 1,000 pounds or more to wholesalers who in turn repackage them for consumers or use them in a variety of products, including cakes, cookies, candies and ice cream.


"Once again, because we lack the ability to sufficiently trace food products along the supply chain, the FDA must issue a blanket warning that consumers avoid all pistachios," said Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), vice chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.


She is a longtime proponent of legislation that would allow the FDA to recall food products on its own and require better recordkeeping from manufacturers and resellers.


"This not only alarms consumers, it damages an entire industry under already difficult economic conditions. We must have the ability to quickly determine the source of the contamination, where the products were sent, and get them off the shelves quickly. The government needs the ability to recall tainted foods immediately," she declared.


Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that local health inspectors found only two minor violations in their inspection of the Setton Pistachio plant last year.


But another Setton plant in Commack, N.Y., failed a surprise inspection last month when rodent droppings and cockroaches were found there.


FDA and California regulators have said Setton officials are cooperating fully with the investigation as scientists try to discover the source of the contamination.


Officials said Kraft inspectors discovered four salmonella serotypes during their tests, but none was the same as the Salmonella. Typhimurium identified in this winter's unrelated recall of hundreds of peanut products traced to a Georgia plant operated by the Peanut Corporation of America.


That outbreak sickened almost 800 people and has been linked to at least eight deaths.


There have been no cases of salmonella poisoning directly traced to the tainted pistachios, although FDA officials said they had received several complaints from consumers who said they were sickened after eating pistachio nuts.


Until the contaminated nuts are traced, the FDA has warned consumers not to eat pistachio products but to save what they have in an effort to make tracking easier in the future.

 

[Tex]

So here is another food illness the regulatory agencies did not catch. Good for Kraft for doing it!!!

 

[flounder]

Recall urged for nutritional supplements after wasting-disease find

By Hanneke Brooymans, Canwest News ServiceApril 3, 2009

EDMONTON - New research shows the infectious prions associated with chronic wasting disease can be found in a substance that's used to make nutritional supplements.

The discovery is prompting one organization to demand an emergency recall of the products, though the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says there's no reason to worry.

Chronic wasting disease, or CWD, is a fatal disease that spreads among species in the deer family. Like mad cow disease, the killer involved is a prion - a tiny, infectious agent that, unlike a virus or bacterium, is made up entirely of protein and contains no nucleic acid.

The new discovery of prions in antler velvet of CWD-afflicted elk suggests this tissue may play a role in disease transmission among members of the deer family, including elk, said the study, which will be published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal in May.

"Humans who consume antler velvet as a nutritional supplement are at risk for exposure to prions," the study said.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency collaborated on the study with scientists from the University of Kentucky Medical Center, Colorado State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The results of the study are not surprising, given that the prions have been found in blood and nervous tissues, and antler velvet is rich in nerves and blood, said Dr. Cornelius Kiley, senior veterinarian with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

But Kiley said people who consume nutritional supplements made from antler velvet don't need to worry.

"Based upon the scientific evidence at this time, they should not be concerned."

There is no scientific evidence that CWD is transmissible to humans, he said.

In Alberta and Saskatchewan, all elk over 12 months of age that go to slaughter must be tested for CWD, he explained. Currently, there are no tests for live animals, and velvet comes from live animals.

But Darrel Rowledge, director of the Calgary-based Alliance for Public Wildlife, is convinced these measures aren't enough.

Rowledge, who has followed the CWD issue for 20 years, said his organization is in the midst of drafting a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, asking him to start an emergency recall of all velvet products, both for humans and animals.

Rowledge said it's utterly irresponsible to say there's no evidence the CWD can infect humans.

"An absence of evidence is not evidence of absence," he said, "so we can't prove that it has happened, but that doesn't indicate that it can't happen."

Rowledge noted the prions would not be destroyed in the process used to create the nutritional supplements. One study showed that prions could survive being cooked at 600 C.

Kiley said there are two ongoing studies seeking to get closer to that question of whether or not primates can be infected by CWD. The tests are being done on non-human primates. It will take three to five years before the results are known, because the disease has a long incubation period, he said.

"There is no evidence, but it's only by doing the research, and doing it extensively, where you can start to speak in absolute terms. And the world's not there yet with CWD."

The capsules at the Optimum Health Centre in Edmonton are produced in Alberta, and are used mostly by men to boost testosterone levels, said Elaine Doucette, the store manager.

"We're not at this point going to pull it off the shelf, because we haven't seen a reason to do that."

Edmonton Journal

[email protected]

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

http://www.canada.com/Health/Recall+urged+nutritional+supplements+after+wasting+disease+find/1462698/story.html

TSS ----- Original Message ----- From: "TERRY SINGELTARY" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2009 9:41 PM Subject: [BSE-L] Does elk velvet antler relieve arthritic pain? Research study seeks participants

-------------------- [email protected] --------------------

Does elk velvet antler relieve arthritic pain? Research study seeks participants

http://www.ucalgary.ca/gazette/april7-03/elkvelvet.html

Does elk velvet antler relieve arthritic pain?

Research study seeks participants A research study on the use of elk velvet antler in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is currently seeking participants in Calgary who suffer from this ailment.

Elk velvet antler is an ancient Chinese remedy that is reputed to have a wide variety of positive physiological effects. Kathy Oberle, a U of C Faculty of Nursing professor, together with colleagues from the University of Alberta, conducted a successful pilot study two years ago and received national funding for the next phase of the research - a randomized controlled clinical trial. About 100 patients from Edmonton have already entered the trial, and the researchers are now seeking participants from the Calgary area.

For people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, a disease that causes joint swelling and immobility, elk velvet could offer much relief.

"We are excited about the possibility that this might help people control their rheumatoid arthritis symptoms without side effects," says Oberle. "It's on the market now, and many people who take it say it has positive effects. However it has never been subjected to the kind of rigorous scientific testing that health care providers expect. We want to be able to advise patients based on research, not hearsay, so we need people to take part in this controlled trial." The study will test over 200 arthritis patients and give them either elk velvet or placebo pills along with their usual medications. Therefore, the researchers are looking for participants who:

a.. have diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis b.. are still experiencing some symptoms, despite taking standard therapy c.. did not develop their RA in childhood d.. live in the Calgary area Potential participants interested in finding out more about the study can call 1-866-492-6427 or 1-403-220-7863.

Elk velvet is harvested annually from elk livestock on farms. Male elk grow and shed their antlers every year. It is in the early stages of growth, while elk antlers are still velvety in appearance, that the antlers are thought to be most therapeutic. At this time antler tissue is extremely vascular and can grow to more than 40 pounds in just over two months.

http://www.ucalgary.ca/gazette/april7-03/elkvelvet.html

http://www.circare.org/FOIA/hcati2_220228.pdf

http://www.circare.org/FOIA/ephedra4.htm

Greetings,

wonder if these participants are being closely monitored for a TSE ???

IT would seem prudent now, with this recent warning, to take the actions that should have been taken long ago with nutritional supplements.

IT would seem prudent now, to issue this new data on the nutritional supplements web site, it seems to be dead.

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/supplmnt.html#dsfl

I find this study most important.

some of us have been saying this for years, myself, i made a submission to the BSE Inquiry in England in 1998. At least they listened.

But i thought some of you would be interested in this.

I don't care really what anybody eats, and or, if you want to pour a gallon of urine on yourself, if it makes you feel good, to go for a hunt. whatever turns you on.

BUT, when you have the CDC finally come out with a warning like this after so many years of floundering, better late than never i suppose, but how many were exposed needlessly???

----- Original Message ----- From: "TERRY SINGELTARY" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 8:47 PM Subject: [CJD-L] Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Elk Antler Velvet (Nutritional Supplements and CJD)

10.3201/eid1505.081458 Suggested citation for this article: Angers RC, Seward TS, Napier D, Green M, Hoover E, Spraker T, et al. Chronic wasting disease prions in elk antler velvet. Emerg Infect Dis. 2009 May; [Epub ahead of print]

Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Elk Antler Velvet

Rachel C. Angers,1 Tanya S. Seward, Dana Napier, Michael Green, Edward Hoover, Terry Spraker, Katherine O'Rourke, Aru Balachandran, and Glenn C. Telling Author affiliations: University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky, USA (R.C. Angers, T.S. Seward, D. Napier, M. Green, G.C. Telling); Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA (E. Hoover, T. Spraker); US Department of Agriculture, Pullman, Washington, USA (K. O'Rourke); and Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (A. Balachandran) 1Current affiliation: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a contagious, fatal prion disease of deer and elk that continues to emerge in new locations. To explore the means by which prions are transmitted with high efficiency among cervids, we examined prion infectivity in the apical skin layer covering the growing antler (antler velvet) by using CWD-susceptible transgenic mice and protein misfolding cyclic amplification. Our finding of prions in antler velvet of CWD-affected elk suggests that this tissue may play a role in disease transmission among cervids. Humans who consume antler velvet as a nutritional supplement are at risk for exposure to prions. The fact that CWD prion incubation times in transgenic mice expressing elk prion protein are consistently more rapid raises the possibility that residue 226, the sole primary structural difference between deer and elk prion protein, may be a major determinant of CWD pathogenesis.

snip...

Discussion

Acknowledgments We thank Dongyue Zhuang for excellent technical assistance. This work was supported by grants 2RO1NS040334-04 from the National Institute

http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/15/5/pdfs/08-1458.pdf

snip...

1998 MY SUBMISSION TO THE BSE INQUIRY ENGLAND

Sender: "Patricia Cantos" <patricia.cantos at bse.org.uk> To: "Terry S Singeltary Sr. (E-mail)" <flounder at wt.net> Subject: Your submission to the Inquiry Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 10:10:05 +0100

3 July 1998 Mr Terry S Singeltary Sr. E-Mail: Flounder at wt.net Ref: E2979

Dear Mr Singeltary,

Thank you for your E-mail message of the 30th of June 1998 providing the Inquiry with your further comments. Thank you for offering to provide the Inquiry with any test results on the nutritional supplements your mother was taking before she died.

As requested I am sending you our general Information Pack and a copy of the Chairman's letter. Please contact me if your system cannot read the attachments.

Regarding your question, the Inquiry is looking into many aspects of the scientific evidence on BSE and nvCJD. I would refer you to the transcripts of evidence we have already heard which are found on our internet site at http://www.bse.org.uk. Could you please provide the Inquiry with a copy of the press article you refer to in your e-mail? If not an approximate date for the article so that we can locate it? In the meantime, thank you for you comments. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 0171 261 8332 should you have any queries.

Yours sincerely Patricia Cantos Families Team Leader Attachments TSS

==============

-------- Original Message --------

Subject: re: METABOLIFE AND TSEs GAO-03-494 ''URGENT DATA'' Date: Thu, 01 May 2003 16:04:35 -0400 From: "Marcia G Crosse" <CrosseM at gao.gov> To: <flounder at wt.net> CC: "Charles W Davenport" <DavenportC at gao.gov>, "Carolyn Feis Korman" <FeisKormanC at gao.gov>, "Martin Gahart" <GahartM at gao.gov>

Mr. Singletary,

We were informed by representatives of Metabolife, Inc. that Metabolife 356 was reformulated to remove bovine complex as an ingredient in the product, approximately September 2001. We did not independently verify the contents of the product.

Sincerely, Marcia Crosse Acting Director Health CarePublic Health and Science Issues U.S. General Accounting Office 441 G Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20548

===================

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: METABOLIFE AND TSEs GAO-03-494 ''URGENT DATA'' Date: Thu, 01 May 2003 15:48:52 -0500 From: "Terry S. Singeltary Sr." <flounder at wt.net> To: Marcia G Crosse <CrosseM at gao.gov> CC: Charles W Davenport <DavenportC at gao.gov>, Carolyn Feis Korman <FeisKormanC at gao.gov>, Martin Gahart <GahartM at gao.gov> References: <seb14599.014 at GAOGWIA1.GAO.GOV>

THANK YOU!

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN! ;-)

now all we need to do is;

snip......

one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind ;-)

however;

''We did not independently verify the contents of the product''

???

TSS

####### http://mailhost.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de/warc/bse-l.html ########

see history of mad cow in a pill ;

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Elk Antler Velvet (Nutritional Supplements and CJD)

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/03/chronic-wasting-disease-prions-in-elk.html

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Detection of CWD Prions in Urine and Saliva of Deer by Transgenic Mouse Bioassay

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/03/detection-of-cwd-prions-in-urine-and.html

RECALLS AND FIELD CORRECTIONS: FOODS CLASS II

___________________________________

PRODUCT

a) Elk Meat, Elk Tenderloin, Frozen in plastic vacuum packaging. Each package is approximately 2 lbs., and each case is approximately 16 lbs.; Item number 755125, Recall # F-129-9;

b) Elk Meat, Elk Trim, Frozen; Item number 755155, Recall # F-130-9;

c) Elk Meat, French Rack, Chilled. Item number 755132, Recall # F-131-9;

d) Elk Meat, Nude Denver Leg. Item number 755122, Recall # F-132-9;

e) Elk Meat, New York Strip Steak, Chilled. Item number 755128, Recall # F-133-9;

f) Elk Meat, Flank Steak Frozen. Item number 755131, Recall # F-134-9;

CODE

Elk Meats with production dates of December 29, 30, and 31

RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER

Recalling Firm: Sierra Meats, Reno, NV, by telephone on January 29, 2009 and press release on February 9, 2009.

Manufacturer: Noah's Ark Holding, LLC, Dawson, MN. Firm initiated recall is ongoing.

REASON

Elk products contain meat derived from an elk confirmed to have Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE

Unknown

DISTRIBUTION

NV, CA, TX, CO, NY, UT, FL, OK

___________________________________

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ENFORCE/2009/ENF01099.html

Monday, February 09, 2009

Exotic Meats USA Announces Urgent Statewide Recall of Elk Tenderloin Because It May Contain Meat Derived From An Elk Confirmed To Have CWD

snip...

Cross-sequence transmission of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease creates a new prion strain

Date: August 25, 2007 at 12:42 pm PST

our results raise the possibility that CJD cases classified as VV1 may include cases caused by iatrogenic transmission of sCJD-MM1 prions or food-borne infection by type 1 prions from animals, e.g., chronic wasting disease prions in cervid. In fact, two CJD-VV1 patients who hunted deer or consumed venison have been reported (40, 41). The results of the present study emphasize the need for traceback studies and careful re-examination of the biochemical properties of sCJD-VV1 prions.

http://www.jbc.org/

snip...

Clearly, it is premature to draw firm conclusions about CWD passing naturally into humans, cattle and sheep, but the present results suggest that CWD transmissions to humans would be as limited by PrP incompatibility as transmissions of BSE or sheep scrapie to humans. Although there is no evidence that sheep scrapie has affected humans, it is likely that BSE has caused variant CJD in 74 people (definite and probable variant CJD cases to date according to the UK CJD Surveillance Unit). Given the presumably large number of people exposed to BSE infectivity, the susceptibility of humans may still be very low compared with cattle, which would be consistent with the relatively inefficient conversion of human PrP-sen by PrPBSE. Nonetheless, since humans have apparently been infected by BSE, it would seem prudent to take reasonable measures to limit exposure of humans (as well as sheep and cattle) to CWD infectivity as has been recommended for other animal TSEs.

snip...

http://www.emboj.org/current.shtml

snip

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol10no6/03-1082.htm

From: TSS (216-119-163-189.ipset45.wt.net) Subject: CWD aka MAD DEER/ELK TO HUMANS ??? Date: September 30, 2002 at 7:06 am PST

From: "Belay, Ermias" To: Cc: "Race, Richard (NIH)" ; ; "Belay, Ermias" Sent: Monday, September 30, 2002 9:22 AM Subject: RE: TO CDC AND NIH - PUB MED- 3 MORE DEATHS - CWD - YOUNG HUNTERS

Dear Sir/Madam, In the Archives of Neurology you quoted (the abstract of which was attached to your email), we did not say CWD in humans will present like variant CJD.

That assumption would be wrong. I encourage you to read the whole article and call me if you have questions or need more clarification (phone: 404-639-3091). Also, we do not claim that "no-one has ever been infected with prion disease from eating venison." Our conclusion stating that we found no strong evidence of CWD transmission to humans in the article you quoted or in any other forum is limited to the patients we investigated.

Ermias Belay, M.D. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

-----Original Message----- From: Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2002 10:15 AM To: [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask] Subject: TO CDC AND NIH - PUB MED- 3 MORE DEATHS - CWD - YOUNG HUNTERS

Sunday, November 10, 2002 6:26 PM ......snip........end..............TSS

snip...

full text ;

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/02/exotic-meats-usa-announces-urgent.html

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Noah's Ark Holding, LLC, Dawson, MN RECALL Elk products contain meat derived from an elk confirmed to have CWD NV, CA, TX, CO, NY, UT, FL, OK RECALLS AND FIELD CORRECTIONS: FOODS CLASS II

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/03/noahs-ark-holding-llc-dawson-mn-recall.html

============================================================

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy h-BSE ATYPICAL USA 2008 Annual Report Research Project: Study of Atypical Bse

Location: Virus and Prion Diseases of Livestock

2008 Annual Report

http://bse-atypical.blogspot.com/2009/01/bovine-spongiform-encephalopathy-h-bse.html

Thursday, December 04, 2008 2:37 PM

"we have found that H-BSE can infect humans."

personal communication with Professor Kong. ...TSS

see full text ;

http://bse-atypical.blogspot.com/2009/02/atypical-bse-north-america-update.html

PRODUCT IN COMMERCE ;

http://www.google.com/search?um=1&ned=us&hl=en&q=antler+velvet+&btnmeta%3Dsearch%3Dsearch=Search+the+Web

Friday, November 30, 2007

CJD QUESTIONNAIRE USA CWRU AND CJD FOUNDATION

snip...

*** NOTE ***

please include venison/sheep/lamb and the bovine to any of the above questions.

example=brain tanning deer/elk hide or any other topics that pertain to transmission of TSEs

_________________________________________________

example=antler velvet nutritional supplements

_________________________________________________

_any_ nutritional supplements??? name/ingredients

_________________________________________________

example=elk/deer brains ie/scrambled, sandwich or otherwise

_________________________________________________

snip...

http://cjdquestionnaire.blogspot.com/

Terry S. Singeltary Sr. P.O. Box 42 Bacliff, Texas USA 77518

 

[PORKER]

Pistachios Products recalled due to possible salmonella risk
By The Associated Press – 2 hours ago

The following recalls have been announced because the products may be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems:

___

Gurley's Foods Inc. is recalling select Mountain Country pistachios. No illness has been reported. The recalled products were primarily sold in convenience stores. They were distributed in Colorado, Wyoming, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and New Jersey. Details: by phone at 800-426-7845.

This recall includes the following products:

_Mountain Country $1.99 package garlic pistachios; UPC 0-77449-50095-8; 2.75 ounces; code 2-25-10 F

_Mountain Country no price garlic pistachios; UPC 0-77449-50095-8; 2.75 ounces; codes 2-24-10 F, 2-25-10 F

___

Trophy Nut Co. is recalling products containing pistachio nuts. No illnesses have been reported, according to the company. For more information, consumers can call 800-729-6887, ext. 248.

The recall includes:

_Trophy Nut Brand 1.5 ounce tube; code dates: 8/9/2009 through 11/3/2009; UPC 74249-50778.

_Nut Barrel Brand 5 ounce fundraising bag; code dates: 0449, 0709, 0139; UPC 74249-44267.

_Nut Barrel 1.25 ounce tube; code dates: 8/16/2009 through 10/13/2009; UPC 74249-27778.

_Trophy Nut Brand 1.25 ounce tube; code dates: 9/27/2009 and 10/27/2009; UPC 74249-89778.

_Trophy Nut Brand 1.5 ounce Red Pistachio tube; code dates: 8/16/2009 through 10/27/2009; UPC 74249-50779.

_Nut Barrel 1.25 ounce Red Pistachio tube; code dates: 8/16/2009 and 10/6/2009; UPC 74249-27779.

_Trophy Brand 6 ounce Natural Pistachios; code date: 0269; UPC 74249-19167.

___

Marin Food Specialties Inc. is recalling Snack Naturally pistachios. No illnesses have been reported, according to the company. The recalled items were distributed in Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and Reno, Nev., through Whole Foods Markets. The recall involves 11-ounce packages of Snack Naturally pistachios roasted/salted in the shell, with the UPC 9-99482-00074-8 and sell by dates May 21 through Sept. 27, 2009. For more information, consumers can call 925-634-6126.

___

Astor Chocolate Corp. is recalling all gift towers and mini snack tubes of roasted, salted in-shell pistachios and holiday delight chocolate bark with dried apricot, figs and pistachios. No illness has been reported. Details: by phone at 732-901-1000.

This recall includes the following products:

_Small clear cylinders containing 5-ounces of pistachios sold to one hotel location in Southern California.

_Gold gift towers packed with a variety of snacks including 2 ounce packages of pistachios distributed in Nevada to one hotel.

_4.5-ounce holiday delight dark chocolate bark swirled with white chocolate and pistachios, fig, and apricot sold nationwide to corporate cafeterias, college and university campuses and other food service locations from October 2008 through Dec 2008

_Holiday indulgent 4-tiered gift towers and deluxe holiday 5-tiered gift towers including 2-ounce packages of pistachios and sold nationwide to corporate cafeterias, college and university campuses, and other food service facilities from November 2008 through Dec 2008.

___

Tropical Nut & Fruit is recalling select pistachio products. No illness has been reported. The recalled products were sold at stores nationwide. The recall some private labeled product not for retail sales.

This recall includes the following products:

_Item No. 200620; TFM Red Pistachios; 5.5 ounces; UPC 094184001588; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item No. 2023; TFM Red Pistachios Clear Round Gift; 14 ounces; UPC 094184798075; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item No. 182155; Pistachios, Natural, In-Shell, 21/25 count; 5 pound; UPC 094184001304; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item No. 182156; Pistachios, Natural, In-Shell, 21/25 count; 4 pound; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item No. 200130; Palatable Pleasures, Pistachios; 4.5 ounces; UPC 094184001373; dates 6-11-09 through 11-7-09

_Item No. 200250; Christille Babies, Pistachios; 4 ounces; UPC 094184102070; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item No. 200650; TFM Pistachios, Natural, RS; 5.5 ounces; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item No. 2024; TFM Pistachios, Clear Round Gift; 14 ounces; UPC 094184798082; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item No. 2025; TFM Pistachios, Clear Large Box; 10 ounces; UPC 094184798099; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item No. 415330; FM Holiday Nut Crate; 7.75 ounces; UPC 094184111003; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item No. 204780; Pistachios, Natural, RS; 2.5 ounces; UPC 094184001939; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item No. 204801; Prop-Pistachios, Natural, RS; 8 ounces; UPC 094184001960; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item No. 204805; Prop-Pistachios, Natural, RS; 18 ounces; private label not for retail; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item no. 415390; FM assorted nut sampler; 4.5 ounces; UPC 094184111034; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item no. 850200; pistachios natural in-shell RS; 12 ounces; UPC 285020807260; dates 6-11-09 through 11-7-09

_Item no. 850207; pistachios natural in-shell RS; 12 ounces; UPC 094184514118; dates 6-11-09 through 11-7-09

_Item no. 864301; pistachios natural in-shell RS; 12 ounces; UPC 094184512084; dates 6-11-09 through 11-7-09

_Item no. 9455; pistachios natural in-shell RS logo jar; 4 ounces; private label not for retail; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item no. 18250-10; pistachios shelled raw; 10 pounds; UPC 094184102049; dates 31508 through 08109

_Item no. 182551; pistachios shelled raw; 10 pounds; UPC 094184182515; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item no. 182555; pistachios shelled raw; 5 pounds; UPC 094184001199; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item no. 100920; fruitful bounty; 25 pounds; UPC 094184100922; dates 31508 through 09709

_Item no.101960; pistachio berry blend; 25 pounds; UPC 94184101967; dates 31508 through 08809

_Item no. 282FM; holiday fruit sampler; 5 ounces; UPC 094184111195; dates 31508 through 09709

___

Klein Bros. Holdings Ltd. Snack & Packaged Nut Division is recalling several of its Arroyo Seco Trail Mixes that contain roasted salted peanuts. No illnesses have been reported, according to the company. The recalled products were distributed through wholesalers in California, Oregon and Washington, and then the products were sold to consumers through retail stores. For more information, consumers can call 209-373-2403.

The recall includes:

_Trail Mix 5 ounces; expiration date: 2/28/2009; UPC 27748-00209.

_Trail Mix 10 ounces; expiration date: 2/28/2009; UPC 27748-00710.

_Trail Mix 10 ounces; expiration date: 4/14/2009; UPC 27748-00710.

_Oriental Mix 3.75 ounces; expiration date: 3/17/2009; UPC 27748-00200.

_Oriental Mix 3.75 ounces: expiration date: 4/11/2009; UPC 27748-00200.

_Oriental Mix 3.75 ounces; expiration date: 4/23/2009; UPC 27748-00200.

_Rainbow Mix 5 ounces; expiration date: 2/28/2009; UPC 27748-00215.

_Rainbow Mix 5 ounces; expiration date: 4/14/2009; UPC 27748-00215.

_Rainbow Mix 10 ounces; expiration date: 2/28/2009; UPC 27748-00715

_Rainbow Mix 10 ounces; expiration date: 4/14/2009; UPC 27748-00715.

_Rainbow Mix 10 ounces: expiration date: 5/5/2009; UPC 27748-00715.

___

Eillien's Candies Inc. is recalling several of its pistachio products and products under some private labels. The company said it has not received any customer complaints about the recalled products, and there have been no reported illnesses. The recalled products have sell by dates before Jan. 8, 2010. They were sold in grocery, drug and mass merchants in California, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. For more information, consumers can call 920-336-7549.

Eillien's recalled products:

_Eillien's 2 ounce Natural Pistachio Nuts; UPC 34952-12654.

_Eillien's 2 ounce Red Pistachio Nuts; UPC 34952-00605.

_Eillien's 8 ounce Natural Pistachio Nuts; UPC 34952-12706.

_Eillien's 8 ounce Red Pistachio Nuts; UPC 34952-12711.

_Eillien's 8 ounce Roasted & Salted Pistachio Kernels; UPC 34952-56686.

_Eillien's 10 ounce Natural Pistachio Nuts; UPC 34952-56526.

_Eillien's 12 ounce Natural Pistachio Nuts; UPC 34952-57112 and 34952-56526.

_Eillien's 12 ounce Natural Pistachio Nut Trays; UPC 34952-55420.

_Eillien's 12 ounce Red Pistachio Tray; UPC 34952-55430.

_Eillien's 14 ounce Natural Pistachio Nuts; UPC 34952-13364.

_Eillien's 16 ounce Natural Pistachio Nuts; UPC 34952-56092.

_Eillien's 22 ounce Natural Pistachio Nut Jars; UPC 034952-56990.

_Eillien's 24 ounce Natural Pistachio Nut Jars; UPC 34952-56197.

_Eillien's 33 ounce Deluxe Party Trays; UPC 34952-57094.

_Eillien's 33 ounce Deluxe Party Trays; UPC 34952-57018.

_Eillien's 2.5 ounce Natural Pistachio Nuts; item No. 118018.

_Eillien's 2.5 ounce Red Pistachio Nuts; item No. 118000.

_Eillien's Bulk Mixed Nuts with Pistachios 30 pound box; all lot numbers.

_Setton's Bulk Natural Pistachio Nuts; item No. 400465; all lot numbers.

_Setton's Bulk Red Pistachio Nuts; item No. 400473; all lot numbers.

_Setton's Bulk Dry Roasted Pistachio Kernels 25 pound box; item No. 409870; all lot numbers.

Blain's Farm & Fleet recalled products:

_Blain's Farm & Fleet 14 ounce Natural Pistachio Nut Tin; UPC 34952-81873.

_Blain's Farm & Fleet 16 ounce Natural Pistachio Nuts; UPC 34952-81224.

_Blain's Farm & Fleet 16 ounce Mixed Pistachio Nuts; UPC 34952-81381.

_Blain's Farm & Fleet 22 ounce Deluxe Mixed Nut Jars w/25 percent Pistachio Kernels; UPC 34952-81825.

_Blain's Farm & Fleet 33 ounce Deluxe Party Tray; UPC 34952-56014.

Mill's Fleet Farm recalled products:

_Mill's Fleet Farm 16 ounce Natural Pistachio Nuts; UPC 034952-35214.

_Mill's Fleet Farm 16 ounce Red Pistachio Nuts; UPC 034952-35213.

_Mill's Fleet Farm 16 ounce California Mixed Pistachio Nuts; UPC 034952-35215.

_Mill's Fleet Farm 24 ounce Natural Pistachio Nuts; UPC 34952-35847.

Supreme Choice recalled products:

_Supreme Choice 9 ounce Natural Pistachio Nuts; UPC 34952-56547.

Trig's recalled product:

_Trig's 16 ounce Natural Pistachio Nuts; UPC 34952-56505.

Urge recalled product:

_Urge 2.5 ounce Natural Pistachio Nuts; UPC 39779-01051.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

 

[MoGal]

I realize you're posting food, but I saw yesterday (and it may have been on urbansurvival.com, I don't remember) but Chinese drywall is contaminated and is on recall..... much of it was used down south after Katrina and in Florida........... it causes respiratory problems... I'll try to find the link again.....


also he posted this on honey: (I have no idea if there's anything to back it up, I'm posting it here so one can be made aware of::::::

FOR HONEY USERS: if you are not aware of the issue, please be advised that very significant amounts of [chinese honey] *ARE* being introduced into the US food supply stream via stealth to avoid duties/charges.

There are very serious issues with the 'honey' from china. Much of it is a mixture of HFCS and 'other ingredients'. We need not go into the types of potential issues here. Suffice it to say that this will be the next 'chinese food problem'. (some hints in the data about [peanut contamination via oil]....

Since honey users are frequently also health conscious, it makes sense to do honey purchasing from known producers, either locally or across the internet to trusted sources.

Just a quick warning. (immediacy data sets pointing to an [outbreak] due to [bad honey]...and we don't think it means 'pissed off girlfriends'...

 

[MoGal]

You know if the public was made aware of what to do to protect themselves we would not have all these recalls....I will try to post it by sunday on cattle today all the uses for hydrogen peroxide that I have found so far...........

BUT.... hydrogen peroxide sprayed on (or a soak with vegetables and fruits) will KILL ALL salmonella and ecoli.

spray the meat with 1 part food grade hydrogen peroxide to 11 parts water and let it sit for a short time and then rinse it off.........

Pharmaceuticals cannot patent hydrogen peroxide so you cut out billions of dollars of profit.......... but the more I study on it the more I find out that virus nor bacteria can penetrate hydrogen peroxide or fresh garlic.

I'm talking about food grade hydrogen peroxide.

This was one thing I found interesting:
-------------------------------------------------------
Farm Use

Adding 30 ppm hydrogen peroxide to drinking water on farms causes:

- chickens do not get avian flu
- egg production goes up
- chickens taste better
- soaking decontaminates salmonella from broiler carcasses
- turkeys weigh more on less feed
- turkeys have lower mortality rate
- hog meat is more lean and higher grade
- reduce or eliminate need for antibiotics
- increased milk production and butterfat content, decreased bacteria count
- less mastitis
- foliar spray for crops

Other uses on farms (at varying concentrations):
- udder wash
- pipeline, milk can, & bulk tank rinse
- converts crop residues into animal feed (soak crop residue in 1% solution for 16 hours to break down fiber so it can be assimilated)
- power wash for barns, spray on floors & walls and leave until foaming subsides, then rinse
- disinfect water on fish farms
- reduced fungal growth on fish
- fish packed in ice made from oxygenated water are better preserved
- produce sprayed with oxygenated water lasts longer

Hydrogen peroxide is just water and oxygen. It is harmless and will not show up on a chemical residue test. The same 30 ppm is used for all farm animals and results in increased oxygen levels in the blood and cells.
- Dr. Donsbach, page 66.

***

Increase crop yields by spraying them with diluted hydrogen peroxide. Use 5 to 16 ounces of 35% mixed with 20 gallons of water per acre. For houseplants use one ounce of 3% per quart of water or 16 drops of 35% solution per quart of water.
- Dr. David Williams

 

[MoGal]

I found the link for the china drywall.... (I'm sorry I know you're posting food but this could be helpful to someone who has done renovations) they used sulfur instead of gypsum:

http://www.douglassreport.com/dailydose/dd200904/dd20090413a.html

Not-so-great wall of China: Imported drywall could be toxic

Yet another Chinese-made good is threatening the health of people here in the U.S. This time the culprit isn't something that you'd have your kids play with - like a toy coated with toxic paint. Or something you'd put in your mouth - like poisonous toothpaste, or tainted milk, or corrupted pharmaceutical ingredients. No, this time it's none of those - but it could be even worse. It's drywall.

Florida homeowners have complained that the drywall in their homes, which was imported from China, is not only giving off a foul odor like sulfer, but is also emitting corrosive gases that are destroying home appliances. There's one documented case of the sulfide gases from this drywall rotting the copper coils of an air conditioner.

So you can just imagine what it's doing to people's lungs.

In fact, some homeowners with this drywall have already filed lawsuits against builders and suppliers, claiming that they're not only surrounded with walls smelling of rotten eggs, but that they're also suffering from sore throats and headaches as a result.

The rotten egg smell is no surprise. The Chinese drywall has large amounts of sulfer in it. In the U.S., the chief component of drywall is gypsum. It's just a shot in the dark, but I'm guessing the reason there could be high levels of sulfer in the Chinese drywall is that sulfer is cheaper than gypsum.

The Chinese drywall entered the country during a building material shortage from 2004 to 2007 (spurred by the rebuilding boom in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina), so the homes using it were completed recently.

The Florida Department of Health is looking into all this, but claim that more time and testing are needed to find out if the drywall is indeed a health hazard to homeowners. According to the state toxicologist of Florida Dr. David Krause, this determination could take months.

Of course it could.

Florida's hot, humid climate could play a large role in the drywall's stink. It's similar to a story I told you about last year about formaldehyde seeping from the walls of FEMA trailers in New Orleans due to the rapid deterioration of the materials because of the moist conditions.

This is hardly an excuse. I don't recall any U.S.-made drywall that causes copper coils to corrode, regardless of the climate. I know there are American companies at stake - and they will be at the business end of the lawsuits about this shoddy drywall from China, the world capitol of useless and dangerous goods.

I've said it before, and here I go again: If you value your health, don't buy anything from China.

 

[mrj]

I read that the drywall imported from China was imported directly by some very large builders and was not in the general building supply stores, but only in some housing developments.

Does anyone know anything about that?

HOWEVER, it is difficult to sort out the fact from the conspiracy theories in far too many claims about dangerous substances, especially in imported items we seem to love to hate.......while we sell our products overseas!!!!

mrj

 

[PORKER]

US FDA Agency Warns of Salmonella in Sprouts
Source: Reuters
27/04/2009

Washington, April 27 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told people on Sunday not to eat raw alfalfa sprouts, saying they may be contaminated with salmonella.
The contamination appears to be in seeds so washing the sprouts may not help, the FDA said in a statement.

"Other types of sprouts have not been implicated at this time," the agency said.

"FDA will work with the alfalfa sprout industry to help identify which seeds and alfalfa sprouts are not connected with this contamination, so that this advisory can be changed as quickly as possible."

The FDA said 31 Salmonella Saintpaul infections have been seen in Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia.

"Some reported eating raw sprouts at restaurants; others reported purchasing the raw sprouts at the retail level," the FDA said.

"This outbreak appears to be an extension of an earlier outbreak in 2009. In February and March, an outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul infections occurred in Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota," the FDA added.

The FDA has been struggling with several high-profile outbreaks of food poisoning, including salmonella linked to peanut products. Congress is discussing the possibility of setting up a new food safety agency with more resources than the FDA has.

 

[PORKER]

Recall Release CLASS II RECALL
FSIS-RC-018-2009 HEALTH RISK: LOW


Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Bryn Burkard

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2009 - Lion Pavilion, Ltd., a Brooklyn, NY establishment, is recalling approximately 16,213 pounds of seasoning products, which contain cattle by-products, that were ineligible for import to the U.S., the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The firm is recalling these products because China is not eligible to export beef products to the United States.

The products subject to recall include: [View Labels]
14-ounce packages of "Lion Pavilion HOT-POT SEASONING CONTAINING BOVINE CATTLE FAT."

The beef products were imported from China and sent to retail establishments nationwide.

The problem was discovered after FSIS personnel identified the products in the marketplace. FSIS has received no reports of illness as a result of consuming this product.

Consumer and media questions regarding the product or the recall should be directed to Lion Pavilion's manager, Jeannette Chen, at 718-384-6951.

FSIS works with other federal agencies to ensure the safety of imported meat, poultry and processed egg products. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issues import permits based on animal health considerations, specific to a country or region. Customs and Border Protection provides oversight of all products entering the United States.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

 

[PORKER]

Kleen-Pak Recalls Spinach Because Of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Gerald Kowaleski
414-481-4878

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- April 30, 2009 -- KLEEN-PAK FOODS of Milwaukee Wisconsin is recalling its 10 ounce and 1 pound packages of fresh spinach because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recalled spinach was distributed locally in retail stores and food wholesalers in Wisconsin, the Chicago area, and Minnesota.
The product comes in 10 ounce and 1 pound packages marked with a use by date of 4/29, 4/30, and 5/01

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection revealed the presence of Salmonella in some 1 pound packages of spinach

The FDA and KLEEN-PAK continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of curly leaf spinach are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1 414-481-4878.

 

[PORKER]

By JANE ZHANG
When it comes to food safety, state lawmakers around the country seem to believe in the adage, if you want something done, you have to do it yourself.

Frustrated by the response in Washington to the recent spate of food-borne illnesses, state and local politicians are adopting tougher safety laws independent of federal rules. The worry, say some critics, is that a patchwork of regulations will emerge, creating costly and unnecessary hassles for food makers and distributors.

Georgia recently enacted legislation that gives food processors 24 hours to report internal tests that find tainted products. The state's peanut industry was hit hard after a widespread salmonella outbreak was traced to a processing plant in rural Blakely, Ga.

Idaho enacted a law last month that authorizes the state to charge food services, retailers and processors a licensing fee to help pay for food-safety inspections. And bills are moving ahead in Oregon, California and at least a dozen other states.

The federal government's inability to quickly trace the source of many outbreaks has clearly angered lawmakers in both parties. The Food and Drug Administration, working with a stagnant budget in recent years, has lost many of its food scientists and has been able to inspect only a tiny fraction of the nation's processing plants and food facilities, let alone the growing volume of imports. President Barack Obama's budget released last week aims to rectify that by increasing food-safety spending by $259 million and hiring 222 food inspectors in the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

The FDA already has begun stepping up inspections, spokesman Michael L. Herndon said in an email, noting that the agency planned to add 250 investigators in the current fiscal year.

But state lawmakers continue to pursue their own efforts, despite complaints by some food-industry representatives who fear an onerous hodgepodge of state regulations. The lawmakers contend state laws will complement efforts by the Obama administration to toughen food-safety oversight.

Food-industry groups say anything other than a uniform federal food-safety system will add to their costs. "It's a good thing states are trying to raise the bar and improve food safety, but it needs to be looked at carefully," said Robert Brackett, chief science officer of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, a trade group in Washington. "It should really lead to a national system."

In all, some 600 bills addressing food safety have been introduced in state legislatures since January, said Doug Farquhar, a program director at the National Conference of State Legislatures. Of those, 135 bills would tighten standards on food inspections, processing and sanitation, up from fewer than 100 in 2008, he said.

This winter's outbreak of salmonella linked to a Georgia peanut processing plant appears to have triggered a number of the bills. It was one of several major outbreaks in recent years that were traced to products including sprouts, peanut butter, tomatoes, spinach and hot peppers from Mexico.

"I think states are reacting to the perceived lack of federal oversight on food," Mr. Farquhar said. "They were seeing these outbreaks, and it put pressure on state legislatures to respond, to do something."

The Oregon Senate, with the support of the food industry, passed legislation in February that would let the state impose civil fines of as much as $10,000 for food-safety violations. Under current law, a food company must be convicted of a criminal violation and the fine is limited to $200.

An Oregon House panel recently approved the measure unanimously, and the House could pass it this month.

California lawmakers have introduced a bill aimed at strengthening food safety after a massive recall this year of pistachios from Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc. that could be tainted with salmonella. Like the new Georgia law, it would require food processors to report positive tests for pathogens or harmful contaminants within 24 hours. It also would require food processors to keep detailed safety plans to prevent contamination and stepped-up testing of foods from California facilities.

In Oregon, state Sen. Ginny Burdick of Portland said the state agriculture department pressed for the measure to increase food-safety fines because the salmonella outbreak in Georgia made officials realize the weakness of Oregon's food-safety enforcement. "It's a tremendous public-health issue," she said. "We have to provide strong incentives for the whole food chain to behave responsibly and protect the public's health."

Consumer groups applaud state efforts to toughen regulation. "We support states' right to do that, especially when the federal government has historically been slow or not responding," said Urvashi Rangan, director of technical policy at Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports.

 

[PORKER]

Large frozen Beef Recal


The USDA on Thursday issued a recall release for almost 100,000 pounds of frozen ground beef products because of concerns about possible E. coli contamination.



Valley Meats LLC, based in Coal Valley, Ill., recalled the products after reported illnesses in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois.

The recalled meat was produced March 10 and distributed nationwide. The USDA inspection mark bears the establishment number "EST. 5712" on all of the recalled products.

Brands included in the recall are 3S, Grillmaster, J&B, Klub, Ultimate, Thick 'N Savory and numerous generic brands.


Most of the recalls are for 10-pound cases of beef patties.


For a complete list of the recalls, go online to http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fsis_Recalls/