Simmering Soup Voluntarily Recalls Salsa & Balela Because of Possible Health Risk

By FDA.gov

Simmering Soup, Inc., Atlanta, GA is initiating a voluntary recall of the following Trader Joe’s brand of Salsa and Balela because the products contain diced onions that are the subject of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Product Description   Use-by-date    SKU #      UPC
Mild Salsa 16 ounce     08/09                082584     00285841
Balela 8 ounce             07/31                 068306     00683067

* Packaging: Translucent plastic cups, snap on lids.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled products, which are packaged under the "Trader Joe’s" brand, were shipped between July 25 -26, 2012 to Trader Joe’s stores in the following states: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Southern region of Virginia.

None of these products have tested positive for Listeria and no illnesses have been reported to date. No other Trader Joe’s products produced at the Simmering Soup Atlanta facility are affected by this recall.

This voluntary recall was initiated when the company was notified by FreshPoint Atlanta, which uses Gills Whole Peeled Onions for further processing to produce diced onions purchased by Simmering Soup Atlanta. Listeria was found in the facility in which the Gills Whole Peeled Onions were processed.

Immediately following notification from Simmering Soup, Trader Joe’s removed products affected by this recall from store shelves and destroyed them. Simmering Soup is keeping the U.S. Food and Drug Administration informed of its recall process to assure that consumers are properly alerted.

Anyone who has the recalled product(s) in their possession should not consume it and should destroy, discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Simmering Soup at davidnyachuba@simmeringsoup.com or 401-225-1288, M-F 9am-5pm EST.

Link to article here.

North Carolina Farm Recalls Athena Cantaloupes

By FDA.gov

On Saturday, Burch Farms of North Carolina announced a recall of Athena cantaloupes because the product may contain listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been associated with this recall, according to Burch Farms.

Hannaford is advising customers because its stores had carried Burch Farms Athena cantaloupes. The product has been removed. Athena cantaloupes, a variety grown in the Southeastern United States, are a whole cantaloupe produce item. If stickered, the label on the item will reference Burch Farm and read: “Cantaloupe PLU 4319.”

Customers should not consume these cantaloupes. Return the item to stores or dispose of the item and return the sticker for a full refund. Listeria has the potential to cause serious illness.

No other products are affected by this recall.

Hannaford Supermarkets, based in Scarborough, Maine, operates 181 stores and employs more than 26,000 associates in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. For additional information, visit www.hannaford.com.

Please refer to an earlier press release http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm313632.htm

Link to article here.

Huxtable's Kitchen Voluntarily Recalls Trader Joe's brand Roasted Butternut Squash, Red Quinoa and Wheatberry Salad Because of Possible Health Risk

By FDA.gov

Huxtable's Kitchen is initiating a voluntary recall of Trader Joe's Roasted Butternut Squash, Red Quinoa and Wheatberry Salad because the onions used as an ingredient have the potential to be contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Trader Joe's Roasted Butternut Squash, Red Quinoa & Wheatberry Salad with "use by date" of 7/28/2012 and 7/30/2012 comes in a 9.5 oz clear plastic container. The "use by date" is marked on a sticker on the front of the package. The recalled product was distributed from 7/23/12 to 7/26/12 to Trader Joe's stores in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. No other Trader Joe's stores are affected by this recall.

The onions are a product of Gill Onions, Oxnard, CA, which initiated a recall of the onions on July 18, 2012, and were supplied to Huxtable's Kitchen, Inc. Immediately following notification from Huxtable's Kitchen, Inc., Trader Joe's removed affected product from store shelves and destroyed them.

No illnesses have been linked to this recall. Anyone who has the recalled product in their possession should not consume it and should destroy or discard it. Consumers with questions may contact Huxtable’s Kitchen: at 323-923-2885, M-F 8am-5pm PDT.

Read the entire article here.

Stop & Shop Alerts Customers to Voluntary Recall of Calico Bean Salad Item Sold on Salad Bar

By FDA.gov

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC, following a recall by Costa Fruit & Produce, announced it removed from sale Calico Bean Salad, sold on the salad bar, due to a possible health risk of listeria monocytogenes.

No illnesses have been reported to date. Customers who have purchased the product between July 18, 2012 and July 26, 2012 should discard any unused portions and bring their purchase receipt to Stop & Shop for a full refund.

Listeria is a common organism found in nature. Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. However, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy.

Consumers in Massachusetts looking for additional information on the recall may call Costa Fruit & Produce at 1-800-322-1374, all other consumers may call 1-800-343-0836 or visit Costa Fruit & Produce's website at www.freshideas.com . Customers may also call Stop & Shop customer service at 1-800-767-7772 or visit the Stop & Shop website at www.stopandshop.com.

Read the entire article here.

Recalls For Tuesday, July 31

Sausages With Possible Listeria Contamination Recalled

The products were shipped before test results were received

Read the entire article here.

Kenta Child Carriers Recalled

An unraveling strap can pose a fall hazard

Read the entire article here.

Coconut Chocolate Chip CLIF Bars Recalled

Possible package mislabeling presents allergy concerns

Read the entire article here.

California Firm Recalls BBQ Chicken Salads for Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination

By FoodSafety.gov

Huxtable's Kitchen, a Vernon, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 5,610 pounds of barbeque chicken salads. The salads contain diced onions that are the subject of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The product subject to recall is:

• 14.5-oz trays of "TRADER JOE'S BBQ CHICKEN SALAD."

The product subject to recall bears the establishment number "P-11079" inside the USDA mark of inspection. Each package also has a sticker with use-by dates through July 30, 2012. The product was produced between July 20, 2012, and July 24, 2012, and was distributed to retail establishments in Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California, Southern Nevada and Texas. When available, the retail distribution list will be posted on FSIS' website at www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp.

Read the entire article here.

Recalls For Monday, July 30

Mazda Recalls Tribute SUVs

Same throttle problem as the twin Ford Escape

Read the entire article here.

Hyundai Recalls Santa Fe, Sonata Models to Fix Airbags

Problems with front passenger bags in the Santa Fe, side airbags in the Sonata

Read the entire article here.

Catswell Brand Vitakitty Chicken Breast Recalled

The food contains a possible health risk to cats

Read the entire article here.

Tyson Canned Chicken Products Recalled

Mislabeling could lead to consumption of an undeclared allergen

Read the entire article here.

Medications Target Long-Term Weight Control

New drugs are the first approved by the FDA in 13 years

By James Limbach, ConsumerAffairs.com

More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese, and obesity contributes to a number of health conditions, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.

To help obese and overweight Americans who have been unsuccessful in getting their weight under control with diet and exercise, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two new medications -- the first drugs for long-term weight management that FDA has approved in 13 years.

Life-long meds

Marketed as Belviq and Qsymia, these prescription medications would be taken for the rest of a person’s life. “For many people, obesity is a life-long condition, but we don’t always think of it -- or treat it -- as such,” says Amy Egan, M.D., M.P.H., deputy director for safety in FDA’s Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology Products (DMEP).

“Qsymia and Belviq are considered life-long therapies in patients who respond to and tolerate them,” says Egan.

The drugs are meant to be used in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise, says Mary Roberts, M.D., a medical officer in DMEP. “These drugs are another tool to be used by someone trying to reach and stay at a healthy weight,” she says.

Read the entire article here.

Doctor Shortage Likely to Worsen With Health Law

By Annie Lowrey and Robert Pear, The New York Times

In the Inland Empire, an economically depressed region in Southern California, President Obama’s health care law is expected to extend insurance coverage to more than 300,000 people by 2014. But coverage will not necessarily translate into care: Local health experts doubt there will be enough doctors to meet the area’s needs. There are not enough now.

Other places around the country, including the Mississippi Delta, Detroit and suburban Phoenix, face similar problems. The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that in 2015 the country will have 62,900 fewer doctors than needed. And that number will more than double by 2025, as the expansion of insurance coverage and the aging of baby boomers drive up demand for care. Even without the health care law, the shortfall of doctors in 2025 would still exceed 100,000.

Health experts, including many who support the law, say there is little that the government or the medical profession will be able to do to close the gap by 2014, when the law begins extending coverage to about 30 million Americans. It typically takes a decade to train a doctor.

“We have a shortage of every kind of doctor, except for plastic surgeons and dermatologists,” said Dr. G. Richard Olds, the dean of the new medical school at the University of California, Riverside, founded in part to address the region’s doctor shortage. “We’ll have a 5,000-physician shortage in 10 years, no matter what anybody does.”

Read the entire article here.

Recalls For Saturday, July 28

Michelin Recalls BF Goodrich and Uniroyal Tires

Tread separation could result in a crash

Read the entire article here.

CRM Labs Recalls Male Sexual Performance Supplements

The products contain undeclared active ingredients

Read the entire article here.

Motion Sensing Security Lights Recalled

HeathCo says the lights pose an electrical shock hazard

Read the entire article here.

Why Your Tweens Shouldn't Text

A researcher suggests 'techspeak' is corrupting grammar skills

By Mark Huffman, ConsumerAffairs.com

In his second term, President Theodore Roosevelt tried to “reform” U.S. spelling, to make it simpler and easier to write words. But what Roosevelt failed to do, the practice of “texting” may succeed in doing. And not everyone thinks that's a good thing.

Drew Cingel, a doctoral student at Northwestern University, says the group of adolescents known as “tweens” are forming poor language skills and he blames texting. When people send texts, they tend to shorten words, use abbreviations and initials.

These usages quickly spill over into everyday usage. Cingel says more tweens are performing poorly on grammar tests.

Gr8!

"They may use a homophone, such as gr8 for great, or an initial, like LOL for laugh out loud," said Cingel. "An example of an omission that tweens use when texting is spelling the word would, w-u-d."

Cingel said the use of these shortcuts while texting, especially if they do a lot of texting, may hinder a tween's ability to switch between techspeak and the normal rules of grammar. The consequences can be severe, such as not getting a job because you wrote “i wud b a gr8 worker:)” on a job application.

Read the entire article here.

Ford Recalling Escapes With Sticky Throttles

The automaker says this poses the threat of a crash, resulting in injury or death

By James Limbach, ConsumerAffairs.com

The risk of a high-speed crash has prompted Ford Motor Company to recall nearly 424,000 model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004.

Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or before, August 6. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August.

Until then dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy, if parts are not available at the time of an owner's service appointment. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

It’s the second incident involving the Escape in two weeks. On July 16, Ford issued a recall of thousands of 2013 models, saying the positioning of carpet padding could lead to the risk of a crash.

Read the entire article here.

Study Finds Top 50 Free Lance Jobs

No. 1 is still writing iPhone apps, Android not so much

By Daryl Nelson, ConsumerAffairs.com

The way people work nowadays has totally changed.  Once, it was guaranteed a person would be in an office cubicle from morning to evening if they were employed.  And just as recently as 10 years ago, a person working from a remote location was quite rare.

Now it seems that more and more people are freelancing to make a buck, and a lot of companies are hiring employees on a contractual basis in more specialized areas of work.

In 2012, working from home or freelancing is rather normal, and with the constant growth of technology, more jobs are created as companies have increasing needs.

A survey conducted by the job site Freelancer.com showed that companies and brands that utilize technology for expansion are hiring freelancers in the largest numbers.

"The most lucrative [jobs] are those where specialist technical knowledge is required in high demand areas, at the cutting edge of technology and very few freelancers," said Freelance.com's Chief Executive Matt Barrie in an interview with ConsumerAffairs.

"For example, at the cutting edge of mobile phone apps, there's a premium.   Where there is not a premium are areas like data entry etc. i.e. jobs anyone can do," he said.

Read the entire article here.

Jigzone Puzzle For Thursday, July 26

Recalls For Thursday, July 26

Peg Perego Recalls Strollers

Risk of entrapment and strangulation; one child death reported

Read the entire article here.

Cass-Clay Creamery Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Allergens In Ice Cream

Read the entire article here.

Alaska SeaLife Center Announces Birth of Harbor Seal Pup

By Chris Klint, Channel 2 News

The Alaska SeaLife Center announced the birth of a male harbor seal pup to two of the center’s seals Tuesday, marking the mother’s second successful pregnancy in two years.

The new pup, born June 27 to Atuun and Snapper, was named Kobuk following a poll of center employees, interns and volunteers. The seal has exhibited rapid weight gain common to harbor seal pups, rising from an estimated 22 pounds at birth to 66 pounds, and Kobuk means “big river” in Inuit.

The center’s staff gave Atuun and Kobuk two weeks to bond before getting close enough to determine the pup’s gender.

Read the entire article here.  Watch KTUU Channel 2 News Video here.

Mount Franklin Foods, LLC Issues Allergy Alert and Voluntary Recall for Undeclared Milk in Sunrise Indian Corn Candy

By FoodSafety.gov

Mount Franklin Foods, LLC. is voluntarily recalling one lot of Sunrise Indian Corn because the candy contains undeclared milk and sulfites. People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk can run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

The recall affects Sunrise Indian Corn Candy which is packaged in 16 oz clear plastic tubs with Best By date of MAR 26 2013 and with Lot # 2321811. The Best By date and Lot Number are printed on the bottom label of the tub. This lot had UPC number 0-76500-16651-5. No other lots or products are affected.

The products were distributed in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Florida, only through Albertson’s LLC retail stores between the dates of 7/3/2012 and 7/5/2012.

Read the entire article here.

FDA warns consumers not to eat shellfish from Oyster Bay Harbor, Nassau County, NY

By FDA.gov

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to eat raw or partially cooked oysters and clams (shellfish) with tags listing Oyster Bay Harbor, in Nassau County, N.Y., as the harvest area, following illnesses reported in several states caused by vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria.

Shellfish harvested from Oyster Bay Harbor have been linked to confirmed and possible cases of vibrio parahaemolyticus illness.

Ill persons reported consumption of raw or partially cooked shellfish from the affected area.

The New York state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) closed Oyster Bay Harbor, on July 13 to shellfish harvesting.

All shellfish harvesters, shippers, re-shippers, processors, restaurants, and retail food establishments are advised to check the identity tags on all containers of shellfish in their inventories. If the tag indicates the harvest area was Oyster Bay Harbor and a harvest date on or after June 1, 2012, the product should be disposed of and not be sold or served.

Read the entire article here.

Pennsylvania Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

By fsis.usda.gov

Cargill Meat Solutions, a Wyalusing, Pa., establishment, is recalling 29,339 pounds of fresh ground beef products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products subject to recall, sold wholesale and for further processing:

•  14 pound chub packages of "Grnd Beef Fine 85/15", packed 3 chubs to approximate 42-pound cases.

The products subject to recall bears the establishment number "EST. 9400" inside the USDA mark of inspection. While the use-by date has passed and these products are no longer available for retail sale, FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen in consumers' freezers. These products were produced on May 25, 2012, and were shipped to distribution centers in Connecticut, Maine and New York for further distribution.

It is important to note that the above listed products were repackaged into consumer-size packages and sold under different retail brand names. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS' website..

Read the entire article here.

Recalls For Tuesday, July 24

Colombian Style Cheese Recalled

Improper pasteurization could lead to consumption of pathogenic bacteria, such as Listeria and Salmonella

Read the entire article here.

Baby Move Prune Concentrate Recalled

Ingredient poses possible health risk

Read the entire article here.

Voluntary Recall of Land O’Lakes Purina Feed Products Expanded

Recall due to potential for elevated vitamin D level

Read the entire article here.

Honda Recalling Certain 2012 CR-Vs and 2013 Acuras

A door-latch problem poses the risk of the door opening while driving

Read the entire article here.

FDA Alert - Drug Safety Communication: Ampyra (dalfampridine) - Seizure Risk for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

ISSUE: FDA is updating health care professionals and the public about the risk of seizures in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are starting Ampyra (dalfampridine). Using information received from post-market adverse event reports, FDA recently evaluated seizure risk in MS patients taking Ampyra (dalfampridine). The majority of seizures happened within days to weeks after starting the recommended dose and occurred in patients having no history of seizures. The FDA is updating the Ampyra drug label to clarify recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Ampyra was approved to improve walking in patients with MS. Seizures are a known side effect of Ampyra, and seizure risk increases with higher blood levels of the drug. Ampyra is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, and patients with kidney impairment may develop higher blood levels of the drug, thereby increasing their seizure risk.

RECOMMENDATION: FDA reminds health care professionals that there are age-related decreases in renal function, and mild renal impairment is common after age 50, even when serum creatinine is normal. Renal function should be assessed by estimating creatinine clearance. Ampyra should not be used in patients with a history of seizures or who have moderate to severe renal (kidney) impairment (measured as creatinine clearance [CrCl] less than or equal to 50 mL/min).

Additional information for Patients includes:

• Tell your health care professional if you have kidney problems. 
• Your health care professional should order blood tests periodically to evaluate your kidney function. 
• Do not take Ampyra if you have ever had a seizure. 
• Ampyra tablets should be taken whole and not divided, crushed, chewed, or dissolved. 
• Do not take double or extra doses of Ampyra if a dose is missed. Side effects, including seizures, are more frequent at higher doses.

Additional information for Health Care Professionals includes:

• Ampyra is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizures or with moderate to severe renal impairment (CrCl < 50 mL/min). 
• The potential benefits of Ampyra treatment should be carefully considered against the risk of seizures before using Ampyra in patients with mild renal impairment (CrCl 51-80 mL/min). 
• A patient’s CrCl (calculated using the Cockroft-Gault equation) should be known before initiating Ampyra treatment and monitored at least annually whileAmpyra treatment continues, even when serum creatinine levels appear to be normal. 
• Tell patients they should not take double or extra doses of Ampyra if a dose is missed. Adverse effects, including seizures, are more frequent at higher doses. 
• Ampyra should be discontinued permanently if a seizure occurs. 

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm 
• Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1- 800-FDA-0178

Read the entire article here.

Butte Braces For Matanuska River Flooding

By Jason Lamb, Channel 2 News

Butte residents are bracing for flooding, as a swollen Matanuska River continues to rise with new rain.

Along the Old Glenn Highway, volunteers packed up belongings at Dana Mirsch-Wenner's home, as flood waters crept closer to her home. Many of the volunteers were high school students.

Mirsch-Wenner says the river had advanced 10 feet toward her home within just the past 24 hours.

Read the entire article here.  KTUU Channel 2 News Video here.

Getting Divorced? What Should You Do Now?

Divorce is unpleasant but planning and discretion can make it less so

By Daryl Nelson, ConsumerAffairs.com

It can happen to any couple, not just Tom and Katie.

When people get married and utter those famous vows of matrimony, most convey those words with heartfelt sincerity.

Sure it's all good when the rice is being thrown, and the soda cans are dangling from the car's rear, but for some, it goes completely downhill from there.

It doesn't take much research to find that consumers generally regard divorce as being on a par with death and taxes. We surveyed nearly 7 million comments posted on social sites like Twitter and Facebook over the last year and found divorce trending barely above a zero percent approval rating.

Aside from a few who said the experience was "worth it," most of those commenting saw more bad than good in the divorce process:

How many?

And just how many U.S. marriages end in either separation or divorce?

It's actually hard to pinpoint specific figures as there are conflicting statistics from both surveys and government reports, but according to the National Center for Health Statistics, one-third of new marriages will end in divorce within ten years, and 43 percent within 15 years, but those numbers vary and heavily depend on the couple's age.

Read the entire article here.

Recalls For Saturday, July 21

CareFusion Recalls EnVe Ventilator

A leak may occur in the patient breathing circuit or the system

Read the entire article here.

Burlington Coat Factory Recalls Power Strips

Undersized wiring poses a risk of shock to consumers

Read the entire article here.

Children's Beach Chairs Recalled

Downeast Concepts says the chairs have exposed, sharp metal rivets, that pose a laceration hazard

Read the entire article here.

NJ Firm Recalls Various Frozen, Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products

Potential exists for Listeria Monocytogenes contamination

Read the entire article here.