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Ground beef tied to possible Salmonella contamination

Beef Packers, Inc., a Fresno, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 825,769 pounds of ground beef products that may be linked to an outbreak of salmonellosis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today August 6, 2009.

The ground beef products were produced on various dates ranging from June 5, 2009 through June 23, 2009 and bear the establishment number "EST. 31913" printed on the case code labels. The ground beef products were distributed to retail distribution centers in Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah. Because these products were repackaged into consumer-size packages and sold under different retail brand names, consumers should check with their local retailer to determine whether they may have purchased any of the products subject to recall.

As a result of an ongoing investigation into an outbreak of Salmonella Newport associated with ground beef products, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) notified FSIS of the situation. Epidemiological and traceback investigations conducted by FSIS and CDPHE determined that there is an association between the fresh ground beef products and illnesses reported in Colorado. The illnesses were also linked through the epidemiological investigation by their uncommon pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern found in PulseNet, a national network of public health and food regulatory agency laboratories coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

FSIS would like to remind consumers of the importance of following food safety guidelines when handling and preparing raw meat. Ground beef should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160° Fahrenheit.

This particular strain of Salmonella Newport is resistant to many commonly prescribed drugs, which can increase the risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the company's Consumer Line at (877) 872-3635. Media with questions should contact company Director of Communications Rebecca Hayne (316) 291-2126.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. The most common manifestations of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days.

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.

Read more:
USAD Food Safety and Inspection Service 

Salmonellosis

Women Scaling Back on Simple Indulgences

Women across the country are changing their habits to meet the demands of increasingly busy schedules and tightened wallets by setting aside life’s simple pleasures and putting themselves at the bottom of the to-do list. In fact, a new survey commissioned by the makers of Edwards® frozen desserts finds more than 90% of American women have cut back on indulgences during the past year. While avoiding extravagant luxuries may seem like a necessity these days, finding convenient and affordable ways to reward yourself daily can help bring a little sweet serenity back into your life.

Survey Paints Picture of Women Making Sacrifices

These days, simple indulgences may be hard to come by as downsizing and cutting back have been the name of the game. According to survey respondents 59% are cutting back on events out with friends and more than one-third (35%) are cutting back on even the smallest treats, such as manicures and desserts.

The survey also found that:

• 56% of women say they don’t treat themselves as often as they’d like because they can’t afford to

• 94% American women in the study admit that they don’t indulge or treat themselves as often as they’d like because other people or commitments come first

• 32% of women say they now have less free time for themselves than they did a year ago.

Read more: Edwards® Singles Dessert Survey

 

Peanut butter linked to a nationwide salmonella outbreak

According to a Centers for Disease Control update issued on their website today (January 13, 2009), preliminary analysis of an epidemiologic study conducted by the CDC and public health officials has suggested peanut butter as a likely source. The CDC and other public health officials are continuing to conduct surveillance for cases of infection with the outbreak strains, and to gather and analyze data or exposures that may be associated with illness. To date, no association has been found with common brand names of peanut butter sold in grocery stores.

Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can result in abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and fever. Most people infected with Salmonella develop the symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses.

For more information on the salmonella bacteria, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Website

Product recall: Topaz Wafer Rolls

National Brands Inc., Spring Valley NY is initiating a nationwide recall of all their 4.76oz (135gm) cans and 12.3oz (350gm) cans of Topaz brand Wafer Rolls because it may be contaminated with Melamine.

Product was distributed nationwide through retail stores.

The product comes in 4.76oz (135gm) metal cans and 12.3oz (350gm) metal cans in the following four flavors:

• Topaz Wafer Rolls with Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085A, L8219A, L8245A
• Topaz Wafer Rolls with Hazelnut Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085D, L8219D, L8245D
• Topaz Wafer Rolls with Vanilla Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085B, L8219B, L8245B
• Topaz Wafer Rolls with Mocha Cappuccino Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085C, L8219C, L8245C

Consumers who have the product which is being recalled should stop using it immediately. No illnesses associated with this product have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after FDA testing discovered that product was found to contain Melamine.

Consumers who have purchased Topaz brand Wafer Rolls are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-866-238-5201, Monday to Friday 9:00 to 5:00, Eastern Standard Time.

U.S. grown Jalapeño and Serrano peppers are not connected to Salmonella outbreak

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers that jalapeño and Serrano peppers grown in the United States are not connected with the current Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak.

However, the FDA continues to advise consumers to avoid raw jalapeño peppers and the food that contains them if they have been grown, harvested or packed in Mexico.

In addition to domestically grown raw jalapeño peppers, commercially canned, pickled and cooked jalapeño peppers from any and all geographic locations also are not connected with the current Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak.

The FDA is working with state regulatory agencies and food industry groups that represent restaurants, grocery stores and wholesalers to ensure everyone clearly understands this new, more narrow, advisory. The FDA will continue to refine its consumer guidance as the agency’s investigation continues.

The more narrow advisory the FDA is issuing today is based on evidence gathered during a multi-week, intensive investigation conducted in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health authorities in several U.S. states to find the source of the contamination that led to the outbreak. The collective review of the current traceback investigation and harvesting dates, matched with the dates that people became ill, have combined to indicate that the contaminated jalapeño pepper originated in Mexico.

Read more: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

FDA Lifts Warning About Eating Tomatoes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is updating its warning to consumers nationwide concerning the outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul.

After a lengthy investigation, the FDA has determined that fresh tomatoes now available in the domestic market are not associated with the current outbreak. As a result, the agency is removing its June 7 warning against eating certain types of red raw tomatoes. Consumers may resume enjoying any type of fresh tomato, including raw red plum, raw red Roma, and raw red round tomatoes.

The FDA, working with officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local health departments, is continuing to follow epidemiological and other evidence showing that raw jalapeño and raw serrano peppers now available in the domestic market may be linked to illnesses in this outbreak. At this time, people in high risk populations, such as elderly persons, infants and people with impaired immune systems, should avoid eating raw jalapeño and raw serrano peppers.

According to the CDC, 1,220 persons infected with Salmonella Saintpaul with the same genetic fingerprint have been identified in 42 states, the District of Columbia and Canada.

Read more: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Raw tomatoes, fresh serrano peppers, and fresh cilantro remain under investigation in Salmonella outbreaks.

FDA is updating its warning to consumers nationwide concerning the outbreak of Salmonella serotype Saintpaul.

Although evidence continues to have a strong association with certain raw tomatoes, a recent case control study

and disease cluster information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that not only tomatoes, but also raw jalapeno and serrano peppers may be linked to illnesses in this continuing outbreak.

A similar but much larger, nationwide study comparing persons who were ill in June to well persons found that ill persons were more likely to have recently consumed raw tomatoes, fresh jalapeño peppers, and fresh cilantro. These items were commonly, though not always, consumed together, so that study could not determine which item(s) caused the illnesses.

At this time, the FDA is advising people in high risk populations such as elderly persons, infants and people with impaired immune systems to avoid eating raw jalapeno and raw serrano peppers.

In addition, the FDA continues to advise consumers to avoid eating raw red plum, red Roma, or red round tomatoes except for those grown in the areas listed on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration site. Tomatoes grown in those areas have not been associated with the outbreak.

Consumers who are unsure of the origin of the tomatoes in their home should contact the store or place of purchase. If consumers are unable to determine the source of the tomatoes, they should not eat them. Types of tomatoes not associated with this outbreak include cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached, and tomatoes grown at home.

The source of the Salmonella serotype Saintpaul infections are particularly hard to trace. In addition to all of the sources and combination's of the suspect ingredients, symptoms of Salmonella; diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps do not show up for 12-72 hours after infection. Then suspected infections are usually diagnosed by cultures which yet require an additional delay in hours or days. The tainted produce has been consumed or disposed of generally within this time frame and is not available for inspection. Further, the person infected usually is unable to provide specific data as to consumption, origins of the products consumed, etc.

In short, this thing may last a lot longer so, know the source of your produce and follow the guidelines!

Guidelines:

Food and Drug Adminastration - Salmonella Saintpaul outbreaks

Centers for Disease Control - Salmonella serotype Saintpaul outbreaks

National Hot Dog Month

July is National Hot Dog Month and according to a popular myth, the use of the phrase "hot dog" in reference to sausage was coined by the newspaper cartoonist, T. A. "Tad" Dorgan regarding the sale of hot dogs during a New York Giants baseball game somewhere around 1900.

Whatever you call them hot dogs, red hots, weiners, franks or frankfurters they are a national favorite. Americans are expected to consume 20 billion hot dogs this year, 7 billion between Memorial Day and Labor Day alone.With approximately 56 million fresh-grilled hot dogs sold every year, 7-Eleven sells more than any other retailer in America.

While the hot dog is a popular entree across the country, consumption does vary by region. According to sales data for 2007, New York City spent more money on hot dogs in retail stores ($103 million) than any other market in the country. Residents of Los Angeles came in second with $86 million spent on hot dogs and with an impressive third place ranking, the combined Baltimore/Washington area spent over $51 million on hot dogs, despite a substantially smaller population than New York and L.A.

As July ushers in National Hot Dog Month, the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council unveiled “Hot Dog City,” a new website at www.hot-dog.org. They have also launched a companion YouTube Channel, "Hot Dog Etiquette" which is both entertaining and informing.

Hot dogs are an essential American food and more, they are an icon. So whether it is at the ball game or in the backyard, National Hot Dog Month is a great time indulge.

Read more:
National Hot Dog & Sausage Council - image National Hot Dog & Sausage Council
Vienna Beef
USDA - Hot Dogs and Food Safety

Luvs and Mom-Comedienne Anita Renfroe Encourage Moms to 'Take A Stand' and Demand More for Their Families for Less Cost

Understanding that many families across the country are more financially conscious than ever, Luvs diapers, a trusted name in baby care, has partnered with mom-comedienne, author and overnight internet video sensation, Anita Renfroe, to encourage parents to brave these times without losing their minds, wallets or their sense of humor.

Renfroe has created a video to the tune of the William Tell Overture that addresses the truths, struggles and humor of being a mom in today's economy. The video is timely in that 65 percent of moms say that they are finding alternative ways to shop, eat and play. **Survey of 172 women with at least one child in the household conducted May 23-27, 2008 by Synovate/eNation.

Luvs diapers offer premium leakage protection and stretch for less cost than the pricey brands with premium features such as "BearHug Stretch" -- premium stretch to help stop leaks, a blue leakguard core, and reinforced leg cuffs that helps prevent bunching and sagging. Luvs diapers are available in sizes newborn to 6 at mass, discount and grocery stores where baby care products are sold.

To find the best price check the grocery sales, at to GroceryGuide.

 

More information on Luv’s Diapers or to watch the video 

National Hunger Awareness Day

National Hunger Awareness Day is June 5, and many stores, food banks and others across the nation have joined forces to ease the suffering. The USA Today ran an article that sheds some light on how hunger is spreading across the country as a result of soaring food and gas prices.

At food banks, demand is up 15% to 20% over last year. Pantries are serving "folks who get up and go to work every day," says Bill Bolling, founder of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. "That's remarkably different than the profile of who we've served through the years."

We at GroceryGuide.com urge you to locate and donate to participating entities. We have included a link here to SecondHarvest to help you locate local food banks and pantries. Many local and national chains will have collection areas near the front of the store to accept your contributions.

Top Items Needed by the Pantries:

• Peanut Butter
• Canned meat (tuna, stew, etc.)
• Soup - canned and dry
• Fruit - canned and dry
• Beans - canned and dry
• Cereal
• Pasta products
• Spaghetti sauce (not in glass jars, please)
• Rice
• Boxed dinners (mac & cheese, hamburger/tuna helper)
• Soap (laundry, dish, and bar)
• Personal care items (shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, etc.)
• Diapers