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16 Jul, 2009

Food Safety Regulations Watered Down As Congress Debates

Posted by: drobinson In: Food Safety| Public Safety

Fact: Food contamination alerts and recalls are increasing by leaps and bounds.(Books: “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan; “Recipe for America: Why Our Food System is Broken and How We Can Fix It” by Jill Richardson, etc.)

Cause: This is due in large part to industrialized farming practices that make it impossible to catch tainted items produced in one place before they are combined with products from other sources and widely distributed. To a lesser degree, it is caused by the proliferation of toxins sprayed on, or added to foods, and by exposure to contaminants.

Spin: The food industry claims that the proliferation of food alerts and recalls is due to improved monitoring and detection techniquesnot to the deteriorating inspection and quality control systems that endanger the U.S. food supply. (If you believe this, there’s a bridge I’d like to sell you.)

Congressional Action: While intended to stem the frequent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses and deaths caused by salmonella, E. coli and other contaminants in the U.S., the proposed food-safety regulations currently being debated in Congress are too weak, easily circumvented and seem tilted in favor of the Agricultural Industrial Complex.

Consumers Beware: Head off alerts and recalls by checking frequently the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) and other web sites (Google “food safety” and “food recalls”) for warnings—such as the ones in the enclosed box.

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Catharine’s Book

Jolene loves junk food. She loves it so much she wears red licorice in her hair—and pink taffy underwear! The Munch Bunch calls her "The Junk Food Queen." Then, one night in her dreams, she meets a bunch of cool characters who take her on an incredible, edible journey into a world of juicy fruits, super salads and yummy smoothies.
Book acclaimed by The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation - which uses it in its fundraising drives.

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Unsafe Food Products Recalled by The FDA

FOODS RECALLED BY THE U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION IN MAY 2010

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) alerted us that the following food items were recalled by their producers and distributors (for additional information and questions, contact the agency:


On May 13, 2010, the Ryt-way Industries LLC of Lakevill, MN voluntarily recalled select BIGS ® Original Salted & Roasted Sunflower Seeds because they may contain undeclared dairy allergens. The product is packaged in 5.35-oz plastic bags with BEST BY Dates of 30MAY2011 and 31MAY2011 with an individual bag UPC code 896887002196.

On May 13, 2010, Baroody Imports, Inc., of 1500 B Main Ave., Clifton, N.J. 07011 issued an allergy alert and recalled its Baroody Dried Apricots because they may contain undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

On May 18, 2010, Dominguez Family Enterprises of Hood River, Oregon, voluntarily recalled three Mexican bread products due to undeclared whey (milk), soy flour, and wheat. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to these ingredients could risk serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume these products.

On May 20, 2010, VanLaw Food Products, Inc., voluntarily recalled its Valu Time brand Ranch Dressing with code date of Use by APR 21 11. The back label was mislabeled with Valu Time Light Ranch Dressing and in particular the label is missing an egg allergen declaration. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

On May 20, 2010, Rise 'N Roll Bakery of Middlebury, IN, is recalling its 16-ounce jars of "Peanut Butter Spread" because they may contain undeclared egg products. People who have allergies to eggs risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.

On May 20, 2010, Rise 'N Roll Bakery of Middlebury, IN, also recalled all varieties of its 20-ounce jars of of Rise 'N Roll Specialties "Gourmet Cookie Mixes" because they may contain undeclared milk products. People who have allergies to dairy risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

Note: The FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either these products or companies. Contact information for the FDA: email: webmail@oc.fda.gov -- or by mail at 5800 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857 – or by phone at (800) 439-1420.