The legislation would give the FDA the authority to regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products.  Say what?  An agency that is already underfunded and understaffed is getting more responsibility?

In theory, regulating the tobacco industry sounds like a good idea.  The agency would be able to regulate the contents of tobacco products, make their ingredients public, prohibit flavoring, require much larger warning labels and strictly control or prohibit marketing campaigns, especially those geared toward children.

However, I’m not so sure the FDA is ready to take on new responsibilities.  The underfunded structure and oversight ability of the current FDA needs drastic change. There have been too many defective drugs and medical devices, tainted food and dangerous toys allowed to enter the marketplace.

After all of the tainted pistachio, peanut butter, lettuce and pepper scares, some in Congress think a separate food agency is necessary. If the FDA is given additional oversight over tobacco, their workload will only increase.  Congress needs to adequately fund and staff the FDA before dolling out new responsibilities.

Here’s your update, with info courtesy of the FDA, USDA, and CFIA:

Peanuts: Salmonella

Rio Pluma, LLC, is reissuing its recall of various peanut products to clarify affected codes. The following peanut products may be contaminated with Salmonella due to sourcing from Peanut Corporation of America:

Pistachios: Salmonella

St. Bernadette Circle, St. Rose Church, Longview, WA is recalling PISTACHIOS In Shell Roasted and Salted, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The pistachios were repacked using pistachios recalled by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.  Product was distributed by members St. Bernadette’s Circle of St. Rose Church, Longview, WA at bazaars and though direct delivery in Cowlitz County, WA. The product was packaged in 1 lb. clear plastic bags and labeled with St. Bernadette Circle, St. Rose Church, Longview, WA Pistachios In Shell Roasted & Salted 1lb.

The CFIA has issued an alert for the recall of more pistachios associated with the Salmonella outbreak of Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella. This recall includes the following products:

Bestway Brand Roasted Salted Pistachios, 400g, UPC 10000308, Sold February 13, 2009 to April 6, 2009

Beef and Pork: Undeclared Sulfites

Paisano Meat, Inc., a Gardena, Calif., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 350,000 pounds of beef and pork products because they may contain undeclared sulfites. Sulfites can be a health hazard to individuals who are sensitive to sulfites.

The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels]

• 1-pound bags of “PAISANO SEASONED BEEF STYLE YECAPIXTLA, Cecina de Res Estilo Yecapixtla.” Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 18654-A.”
• 5-pound bags of “GROUND SEASONED PORK, COLORED WITH ANNATTO”. Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 18654.”
• 5-pound bags of “PAISANO, SMALL BONELESS BEEF CUBES, ASADITA.” Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 18654.”
• 5-pound bags of “BEEF CHUNKY STEAK PICADO.” Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 18654.”
• 5-pound bags of “GROUND BEEF, CARNE MOLIDA.” Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 18654.”
• 5-pound bags of “Paisano Meat Inc., Boneless Shredded Beef (MACHACA), Made Fresh.” Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 18654.”
• 10-pound bags of EL ALTEÑO, SABOR Y CALIDAD, CECINA DE RES ESTILO YECAPIXTLA, Seasoned Beef.” Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 18654-A.”
• Two 10-pound bags in 20-pound boxes of “PAISANO, SEASONED BEEF YECAPIXTLA, Cecina de Res Estilo Yecapixtla.” Each box bears the establishment number “EST. 18654-A” or “EST. 18654-C.”

The beef and pork products are not identified with production or package or case codes on the bags or boxes. These beef and pork products were distributed to food service institutions, lunch wagons and retail establishments in southern California. The problem was discovered by FSIS during an investigation into a complaint sent to the Agency.

Spiced Bean: Undeclared Sulfites

DOMEGA INTERNATIONAL LTD., INC., of 1916 W 13TH Street, Brooklyn, NY 11223 is recalling FMD BRAND SPICED BEAN because it contains undeclared sulfites. The recalled FMD BRAND SPICED BEAN is sold in an un-coded, clear 80 gram vacuum packed plastic bag and is a product of China. The product was sold nationwide.

Bagels: Undeclared Egg

Western Bagel Baking Corporation is recalling a limited number of 12oz packaging of 100% Whole Wheat Sliced Bagels with lot code date of 10491 and 11291 as they may contain undeclared Egg. The lot code date may be found printed on the clip that closes the bag. The UPC number may be found on the side label below the Nutrition Facts panel: Publix 100% Whole Wheat Sliced Bagels, UPC: 41415-78290. The product was distributed throughout the chain to include stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.

Cat Food: Incorrect Zinc and Potassium Levels

Nutro Products announced a voluntary recall of select varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods with “Best If Used By Dates” between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. The cat food is being voluntarily recalled in the United States and ten additional countries.  This recall is due to incorrect levels of zinc and potassium in our finished product resulting from a production error by a US-based premix supplier. Consumers who have purchased affected product should immediately discontinue feeding the product to their cats, and switch to another product with a balanced nutritional profile.

Now the FDA has admitted to Congress that it only completed about half of the required state food safety audits during the two years prior to the peanut butter salmonella outbreak that sickened hundreds across the country. These audits are a key part of the federal system of inspection to ensure the safety of our food supply. Congress has opened hearings on the inadequacies of the current FDA policies and whether a separate food safety department should be established.

A Health and Human Services inspector general report in 2000 emphasized the importance of putting a high priority on better evaluation of the effectiveness of state inspection of food production facilities which are done in place of actual federal inspections. Apparently, neither the FDA nor the state inspectors heeded the recommendations, and we are all potential victims of the next tainted food product because of it.

Troy Food Company of Santa Ana, California is recalling its 6 ounce bag of Tio’s Southwestern Chile Lemon Pistachios, sold at the Orange Coast College Swap Meet in Southern California from November 2008 until March 29th, 2009, due to potential Salmonella contamination. The Pistachios, sourced from Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., were sold in a 6 ounce plastic bag with the multicolored “Nature’s Harvest” label on the front side only with a best before date of 4-10 and a UPC 19128 68335 clearly printed in the lower third of the label.

Edaleen Dairy located in Lynden, WA is recalling their Tin Roof Sundae and Chocolate Peanut Butter Nut Ice Cream in all sizes (1.75 quart carton, 1.5 gallon tub, 3 gallon tub), because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were manufactured using peanuts/peanut products recalled by Peanut Corporation of America. Tin Roof Sundae and Chocolate Peanut Butter Nut Ice Creams were sold by distributors, stores, gas stations, scoop shops, etc. throughout Western Washington (Mostly in the Whatcom area). This product was also sold through the Edaleen Store located on 9593 Guide Meridian, Lynden, WA. Tin Roof Sundae (UPC 14138 70005) and Chocolate Peanut Butter Nut (UPC 14138 70051) Ice creams were sold in 1.75 quart Cartons, 1.5 gallon tubs and 3 gallon tubs under the Edaleen’s Brand name. Products with dates of manufacture, found on the bottom of the carton, between October 1, 2007 and May 8, 2009 are affected by this recall.

Salmonella, or salmonellosis, is the most common food borne illness in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receive reports of approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis in the United States each year – and the CDC estimates that hundreds of thousands more cases go unreported. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning may include abdominal cramping, diarrhea and fever – and while most people recover within a week, those with compromised heath can suffer more serious consequences.

Food companies continue to recall pistachio products related to the Salmonella outbreak of Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella. Let’s not forget that the longer these products are available for purchase, the more people are at risk of food poisoning from Salmonella.

The latest recall notice from the FDA is as follows:

THE NUTHOUSE of LOS ANGELES, CA is voluntarily recalling 5 lb bags and 5 lb boxes of pistachios as they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. This recall is being conducted as a precautionary measure due to the fact that Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. has recalled roasted & salted in-shell pistachios.

Salmonella is 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, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

The repacked pistachios were sold from August 10, 2008 through December 31, 2008, at the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market in California either in unlabeled brown plastic lined paper bags or white cardboard boxes with plastic inner liners.

King Henry’s Inc of Valencia, California, is voluntarily recalling all pistachios sold under the King Henry label in 1.5oz, 2.75oz, and 4.5oz packages as they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. This voluntary recall is being conducted as a precautionary measure due to the fact that the in-shell pistachios are being recalled by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc.

Setton International Foods, Inc., in response to previous recalls made by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., has also issued a press release to further clarify recalls of pistachio products due to potential Salmonella contamination. The press release provides charts of specific products and lot codes.

McCormick and Company has voluntarily recalled a specific batch of Lawry’s Fajitas Spices & Seasonings packages (UPC 2150022500 and “best by” OCT0110PX62) because of undeclared milk ingredients, a potential allergen.

And finally, certain lots of Canadian-distributed Piller’s brand Maple Flavoured Smoked Ham and Hickory Smoked Turkey Bacon have been recalled because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Salmonella, or salmonellosis, is the most common food borne illness in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receive reports of approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis in the United States each year – and the CDC estimates that hundreds of thousands more cases go unreported. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning may include abdominal cramping, diarrhea and fever – and while most people recover within a week, those with compromised heath can suffer more serious consequences.

Listeria is a bacterium found in soil and water which can contaminate food and continue to grow in the cold temperature of a refrigerator. Listeria poisoning symptoms include fever and chills, headache, abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. In certain individuals, the infection spreads to the nervous system, causing neck pain, loss of balance, confusion and even seizures.

Pistachio products (associated with Setton Pistachio Salmonella outbreak):

• Deerfield Farms Mediterranean Fruit and Nut Blend
  • It’s Delish Pistachios

Spices (associated with Union International Food Company Salmonella outbreak):

• Natural and Delicious pepper and curry spices

Cookies (undeclared pecans, potential allergen):

• Simply Enjoy Pina Colada White Chocolate Gourmet Cookies

Cookies (undeclared milk, potential allergen):

• Alternative Baking Company various cookies with chocolate chips

Cheese (Listeria monocytogenes, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese):

• Oaxaca soft Mexican-style cheese

Sprouts (Salmonella, Los Angeles Calco, Inc.)

• Alfalfa sprouts

Salmonella, or salmonellosis, is the most common food borne illness in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receive reports of approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis in the United States each year – and the CDC estimates that hundreds of thousands more cases go unreported. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning may include abdominal cramping, diarrhea and fever – and while most people recover within a week, those with compromised heath can suffer more serious consequences.

Listeria is a bacterium found in soil and water which can contaminate food and continue to grow in the cold temperature of a refrigerator. Listeria poisoning symptoms include fever and chills, headache, abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. In certain individuals, the infection spreads to the nervous system, causing neck pain, loss of balance, confusion and even seizures.

To many idealistic consumers, who would prefer their pristine impression of a grocer with comparatively high food quality standards never to be tarnished by the likes of (gasp!) pathogen contamination, this news of the Whole Foods pistachio recall may deliver the unwelcome shock that no retailer is exempt from such an unpleasant risk.

Of course, Whole Foods Market has made clear that no illnesses have been reported in relation to these products, and that none of the pistachio products in this recall have been directly linked to the Setton Pistachio Salmonella outbreak. Whole Foods is simply being conscientious by taking questionable products out of reach of customer’s innocent hands.

Who can blame us for wanting the chance to fearlessly shop for any foods our hearts (or stomachs, or taste buds) desire, with zero risk of being poisoned by food borne contaminants? Although this is a naïve wish, we consumers can realistically hope for the day when effective legislation and improved industry standards will meet our demands for the reasonable food safety precautions to which we are entitled.

To their previous recall of sprouts potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, Amalgamated Produce, Inc., has added one product, labeled as either Specialty Farms Organic Crunchy Sprouts or Organic Crunchy Pea Mix. Check the press release for specific sell-by dates and UPC code.

Union International Food Company, who recently recalled various sauces and oils due to the presence of Salmonella in the facility in which they were produced, has expanded their recall to include various sized units of ALL Lian How and Uncle Chen sauces, oils, oil blends, and dry spice products. This press release provides specifics.

Nutty Nanners 3-oz. peanut and chocolate covered frozen bananas, Andronico’s Market “All Natural Peanut Butter,” and Arroyo Seco Trail Mixes are among the most recent casualties in the massive recall of peanut products associated with the Peanut Corporation of America’s peanut Salmonella outbreak.

If you’ve noted a subtle acidity in the tone of this blog post, it’s merely because I-and I would venture to assume you, too-have grown frankly sick (pun intended) of the bacteria buffet that is our modern food system. For me, a little sarcastic humor is almost as good as two Alka-Seltzer to help alleviate that queasy feeling. Want more? Check out this mock news story in which the ever-incisive Onion creates the image of an American pseudo-market even more favorable to Salmonella than today’s real one.

We may laugh to keep from crying in this time of widespread food fright, but truly food borne illness is a problem to be taken seriously. If you or someone you know shows symptoms of potential food poisoning, seek immediate medical attention.

Papa Joes Market stores in Michigan are voluntarily recalling pistachios supplied by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., due to concerns of potential Salmonella contamination.

Salmonella, or salmonellosis, is the most common foodborne illness in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receive reports of approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis in the United States each year – and the CDC estimates that hundreds of thousands more cases go unreported.

Here’s the latest from the FDA:

The following companies have issued voluntary recalls of pistachios or pistachio products due to potential Salmonella contamination:

Osage Pecan Company

Ricci & Company

Janzen Farms

Staples

NOW Foods

Ross Nut Co.

NUTS ON CLARK

Kamdar Plaza, Inc.

Raja Foods

Peanut Shop of Williamsburg

Jeppi Nut and Candy Company

Nature’s World LLC

Virginia Diner, Inc.

For more information, including a complete list of recalled products, visit the FDA recalls website and searchable database. Salmonella, or salmonellosis, is the most common foodborne illness in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receive reports of approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis in the United States each year – and the CDC estimates that hundreds of thousands more cases go unreported.

Albanese Confectionery Group, Inc. of Merrillville, Indiana is voluntary recalling their products containing pistachios because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections.

As a precautionary measure, Diamond Foods, Inc., which sourced 400 cases of pistachios from Setton, decided to voluntarily recall the Emerald in-shell pistachio nut item which was in very limited distribution.

As a result of the expansion of the voluntary recall of roasted shelled and in shell pistachios announced by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. as a precautionary measure because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella., Hickory Harvest Foods and I M Good Snacks are announcing a voluntary recall of all Pistachios. This includes all Shelled, In-Shell, and Flavored Pistachios, under the Hickory Harvest, I M Good, and private label customers.

As a result of the expansion of the voluntary recall announced by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. on April 6, 2009 regarding roasted shelled and inshell pistachios that Setton shipped from the 2008 crop year, Ann’s House of Nuts, Inc. announced today expansion of its voluntary recall of certain packaged inshell pistachio products listed below.

Barnard Nut Company of Miami, FL is recalling Pistachio nut products, because the pistachios may be part of the recall by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. due to contamination with the Salmonella organism.

Ashdon Farms, Waukesha, WI, announced a voluntary recall involving certain code dates of 7.5 oz Girl Scouts Pistachios packed in pop top cans in response to the voluntary recall of pistachios announced by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. on April 6, 2009 as a result of possible Salmonella contamination.

QSP, Inc. Pleasantville, NY, is voluntarily recalling one code date of Pleasantville Farms 7.5 oz In Shell Pistachios packed in pop top cans because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Werner Gourmet Meat Snacks Inc. of Tillamook Oregon is voluntarily recalling Garlic Flavored Pistachio and Jalapeno Flavored Pistachio Items, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Powers Candy and Nut Company of Spokane, Washington is voluntarily recalling 16,000 pounds of Powers Snack Time Pistachios, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella, or salmonellosis, is the most common foodborne illness in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receive reports of approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis in the United States each year – and the CDC estimates that hundreds of thousands more cases go unreported.

One of the latest salmonella related recalls involves pistachios. Yesterday, the FDA reported that Lake Champlain Chocolates is issuing a voluntary product recall for their products containing pistachios, manufactured after September 22, 2008 because of potential contamination with Salmonella.

Salmonella, or salmonellosis, is the most common foodborne illness in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receive reports of approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis in the United States each year – and the CDC estimates that hundreds of thousands more cases go unreported.