Fitness and Freebies Blog

Pecan Recall

American Pecan Co. Recalls Pecans Because of Possible Health Risk

American Pecan Co. of Yancey, Texas, is recalling 1 lb. bags of Pecan Pieces, small, medium, and large sizes, 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 1 lb. bags of pecans were sold to walk-up customers at their Yancey,Texas location, as well as to mail order customers in Texas, New York, and Massachusetts. The bagged pecans consist of Ziploc-type bags labeled with “PECAN PIECES (Small, Medium, or Large) Ingredients: Shelled Pecans: Repacked by: American Pecan Co. P.O. Box 151 Yancey, Tx. 78886 Net weight 1-Lb. (16 oz.) 454 g. Might contain Pecan shells..” There are no codes associated with the products. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was as the result of a routine sampling by the Food and Drug Administration, which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased 1 lb. bags of PECAN PIECES are urged to dispose of the products and contact Mr. Rey Elizondo at American Pecan Co. for further instructions at 1-800-364-9053. Mr. Elizondo will be available 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., CST, Monday thru Friday.

Source: FDA

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February 28th, 2010 Posted by fitnfree | Food Alerts | no comments

Beer Batter Bread

This beer bread makes excellent toast and wonderful toasted cheese sandwiches. The flavor varies depending upon which beer you use.

Ingredients:
3 cups self-rising flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 can or bottle (12 ounces) beer, preferably not light

Directions:
Place an oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, mix the flour and sugar thoroughly. Gradually add the beer while stirring with a wooden spoon until no patches of dry flour are visible. (Do not overbeat or the bread will toughen.) The batter will be sticky. Transfer it to the loaf pan and spread it into the corners.

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a skewer or cake tester plunged deep into the middle of the bread comes out clean. The top of the loaf will have a cobbled appearance.

Turn the bread out of the pan onto a wire rack and let it cool for at least an hour. Use a sharp, serrated knife to slice. The crust will be crunchy and the interior soft and moist.

Makes 1 loaf.

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February 28th, 2010 Posted by fitnfree | Kitchen Creations | no comments

Two Food Recalls

Wholesome Spice Recalls 25 Lb. Boxes Of Crushed Red Pepper Because Of Possible Health Risk

Wholesome Spice of Brooklyn, NY is recalling all lots of 25 lb boxes of Crushed Red Pepper sold between 4/6/09 and 1/20/10, 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 25 lb boxes of Crushed Red pepper were distributed in the Northeastern U.S.. The product was not sold on the retail level to consumers.

The Crushed Red Pepper product is packaged in a clear plastic bag which is placed inside of a cardboard box with an adhesive white label with a blue border and blue and black lettering. The brand name on the product labels is WHOLESOME SPICES. The product name is listed as CRUSHED RED PEPPER.

It cannot be determined at this time if this product has been related to any illnesses to date.

The firm was informed that samples of its product have tested positive for Salmonella. The firm is currently working with the FDA to determine how the contamination occurred.

Manufacturers who have purchased 25 lb boxes of WHOLESOME SPICES brand Crushed Red Pepper are urged not to use the product and to recall any product they further distributed. Manufacturers with questions may contact the firm via telephone at (718) 388-1549. Our hours of operation are from Monday to Friday 8:30-4:30pm Eastern Standard Time.

Trader Joe’s Company Voluntarily Recalls Chocolate Chip Chewy Coated Granola Bars

Trader Joe’s Company of Monrovia, California is voluntarily expanding the recall of the Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Chewy Coated Granola Bars (SKU 82818) to include all code dates, manufactured by Bloomfield Bakery, a subsidiary of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. because it has 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, 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 product involved in this recall was distributed at Trader Joe’s stores nationally and comes in a 7.4 oz box. Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and Bloomfield Bakery continue their investigation.

No illnesses have been confirmed to date in connection with this product.

At Trader Joe’s we take the safety of our customers and the integrity of our products very seriously. Customers who have purchased Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Chewy Coated Granola Bars are urged to return them to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations Monday through Friday, 6am to 6pm PST at (626) 599-3817.

Source: FDA

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February 26th, 2010 Posted by fitnfree | Food Alerts | no comments

Seven Salt Reduction Strategies

1. Omit salt from recipes or automatically reduce sodium by 25 percent by measuring the same amount of kosher or coarse salt instead. The coarse granules don’t pack as tightly into a measuring spoon.
2. When buy low fat cheese, go for a low sodium variety.
3. Try an alternative seasoning. Opt for a squirt of lemon, some crushed garlic (not garlic salt) or thyme.
4. Give unsalted or reduced-sodium pretzels, chips, and condiments a try.
5. Choose canned foods with little or no added sodium.
6. Take the salt shaker off your table or switch to light salt (50 percent less sodium) or a salt substitute, which uses a stand-in like potassium chloride.
7. Read over-the-counter drug labels. Some items, especially antacids, can be high in sodium. Ask the pharmacist about lower-sodium options.

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February 25th, 2010 Posted by fitnfree | To Your Health! | no comments

Recall: Granola Bars

Lovin Oven LLC Voluntarily Recalls Certain Health Valley® Organic Peanut Crunch, Dutch Apple and Wildberry Chewy Granola Bars

Lovin Oven, LLC of Irwindale, CA announced that it has taken the precautionary measure of voluntarily recalling certain Health Valley Organic Peanut Crunch, Dutch Apple and Wildberry Chewy Granola Bars because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The bars contain organic toasted soy grits supplied by Thumb Oilseed Producers Cooperative of Ubly, MI. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled bars and no other types of Health Valley brand bars are being recalled.

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 (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 Peanut Crunch, Dutch Apple and Wildberry chewy granola bars are distributed nationally. The only lots affected are:

Consumers who have purchased any products covered by this recall are urged to return them to the store of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions or concerns about the recall may call the hotline at 1-800-423-4846 (7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Mountain Time). Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their doctor.

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market Voluntarily Recalls Fresh & Easy Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Because of Possible Health Risk

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market Inc., is voluntarily recalling all date codes of fresh&easy™ Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars as a result of a recall initiated by Thumb Oilseed Producers. This company supplies an ingredient that has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

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 (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.

Bar code: 5051379001377; All Dates affected.

Source: FDA

This is the only Fresh & Easy product affected and there have been no illnesses reported.

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February 22nd, 2010 Posted by fitnfree | Food Alerts | no comments

Cheese and Your Diet

It’s a myth that if you are trying to eat right, cheese is not on the menu. In fact, you can be depriving yourself of some important nutritional benefits.

Did you know the calcium cheese provides not only helps prevent osteoporosis – it may help reduce the risk of hypertension and colon cancer? That cheese supplies essential nutrients like riboflavin, phosphorus, zinc and Vitamins A and Vitamin B12?  That a one-ounce slice of cheese provides the same amount of protein as two tablespoons of peanut butter – with fewer calories?

You get the point. Cheese can be a healthy part of your diet when balanced with exercise and overall good nutrition.

Cheese is a great ingredient for any meal. Not only does it taste great but it’s jam packed with nutrients, such as calcium — essential for building strong bones.

Read more: Good Eats: Cheese

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February 19th, 2010 Posted by fitnfree | Food Facts | no comments

Broil, Grill, Fry – Oh My!

Compounds called “advanced glycation endproducts” (AGEs) form when foods are exposed to high heat and little water. The higher the temperature and the less water used, the more AGEs in a food. That means that frying, broiling or grilling would greatly increase AGE levels in foods compared to boiling or steaming.

Based on this information, researchers from the Mount Sinai School of Medinine in NY City and the National Institutes of Health, found that among both older (over 60) and younger (under 45) people, indicators of inflammation followed the same pattern as AGEs in the blood. Both are direct reflections of AGEs in the diet.

In young, healthy people, AGEs are not a problem because the kidneys excrete them efficiently. However, researchers speculate that when dietary levels of AGEs are high or the normal ability of the kidneys to filter blood is impaired by kidney disease, diabetes or advancing age, blood levels of AGEs could increase, leading to chronic inflammation and disease. In fact, in the study, blood levels of AGEs were indeed significantly higher in older participants, even though their intakes of dietary AGEs were lower than younger participants.

The findings of this study suggest that how you prepare you food may have a direct effect on disease-causing inflammation. Fried foods are a major offender; the high heat and absence of water create “the perfect storm” for the formation of AGEs. It helps to avoid fried foods and maybe limit how often you broil or grill. Using lower temperatures (think slow cooker) to prepare meals can significantly reduce AGEs and possibly reduce the risk of inflammation related diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

See also: Remove Carcinogens When Grilling Meat

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February 17th, 2010 Posted by fitnfree | Food Facts, To Your Health! | no comments

The Best Natural Sweeteners

Natural sugar alternatives provide great benefits over table sugar – like delivering extra nutrients, saving calories (from granular sugar’s 45 calories per tablespoon), and keeping blood sugar even. Here’s how the top 4 stack up:

Stevia
Stevia has zero calories per tablespoon and is 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar.  The stevia plant is a naturally sweet herb.  Stevia-based sweeteners are sold in granular or liquid form.

This zero-calorie natural sweetener ranks zero on the glycemic index, so it won’t cause your blood sugar to spike.  Because it’s so sweet, you don’t need much for flavor.

In 2008, the FDA allowed stevia to be used as a sweetener.  While some concerns exist over studies that show high doses may cause mutations that could lead to cancer, stevia has been used safely in other countries for the past few decades.

Stevia is best in coffee. Most people won’t pick up an after-taste from Stevia.

Honey
Honey contains 64 calories per tablespoons and is 1-1/2 times sweeter than sugar.

Most honey is made by bees from the nectar and pollen of a variety of flowers; it comes in a range of colors and flavors.

Though a little higher in calories than sugar, it’s sweeter so you use less. Plus, it delivers antioxidants and isn’t as likely to cause a spike in blood sugar.

Honey is best in hot tea. Honey is smooth and won’t over-power mild teas.

Agave
Agave contains 60 calories per tablespoon and is 1-1/4 times sweeter than sugar.

This golden nectar is made from the heated sap of the agave plant (the same plant used to make tequila).

Not only is agave sweeter than granulated sugar, its’ better for your blood sugar, too.  (And since it’s sweeter, you use less, too.)  It tastes similar to honey but is easier to mix into cold drinks.

Agave is best in Mojitos.  The sweetness of agave pairs perfectly with fresh mint and rum.

Sucanat
Sucanat contains 45 calories per tablespoon and has the same sweetness as sugar.

Sucanat’s dark brown granules are actually the dried juices of freshly cut sugarcane.

Sucanat is unrefined, so it has more nutrients  than white sugar.  It’s natural molasses gives drinks a slight molasses flavor and brown tine, and it can replace sugar one-for-one.

Sucanat is best in smoothies. It’s mild flavor is great with naturally sweet fruits, plus it mixes well in cold drinks.

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February 15th, 2010 Posted by fitnfree | To Your Health! | one comment

Big Name, Big Diet Pill Bust

Two women filed claims against Jillian Michaels, a celebrity trainer from NBC’s The Biggest Loser, for convincing them to purchase weight loss supplements that turned out to be bogus.

The 3 products Ms. Michaels sells are:

1. Jillian Michael’s Calorie Control
2. Jillian Michaels Fat Burner
3. Jillian Michaels Quick Start

All of these diet pills contain large quantities of caffeine, to the point that is advised you do not really consume caffeine via any other means. Basically, they sound like nothing more than over-dosing on caffeine – not a good thing to do.

Just because some big-name is tossed behind a product, that doesn’t mean the product is legit; it just means Mr./Ms Big-Name can’t get enough in their bank account and doesn’t really care about  your weight loss problems.

When looking for diet products, watch ingredients carefully, look for medical approval and certification. Forget those “celebrities” and their so-called endorsements.

“America’s Toughest Trainer“, indeed.

Check out Fat Busters for quality weight loss products.

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February 14th, 2010 Posted by fitnfree | Weightloss Wisdom | no comments

Four Food Recalls

Giant Food Recalls 24 oz. Party Platter Cookies

Giant Food of Landover, Md. has announced a voluntary recall of its 24 oz. Party Platter Cookies because they contain almonds and almond paste, undeclared allergens that pose a serious and potential life-threatening health risk to allergic individuals. Giant has removed from sale the following product:

Giant Food Party Platter Cookies
UPC# 0200148262, 24 oz., all codes

The product is packaged on a rectangular platter with a plastic overwrap and sold through Giant’s in-store bakery.

To date, Giant has received no reports of illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. Customers who have purchased the product should discard any unused portions and bring their purchase receipt to any Giant supermarket for a full refund. Customers looking for additional information are encouraged to call Giant’s corporate brands consumer line at (877) 846-9949 Monday through Friday
from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

About Giant Food of Landover, Md.
Giant Food LLC, headquartered in Landover, Md., operates 180 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, and employs approximately 22,000 associates. Included within the 180 stores are 163 full-service pharmacies. For more information on Giant, visit www.GiantFood.com.

Estrella Family Creamery Recalls Red Darla Cheese Due to Possible Health Risks

The Estrella Family Creamery of Montesano, Washington, is recalling its Red Darla cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infections can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Red Darla cheese was sold in January 2010 through February 11, 2010 at the Ballard and Seattle’s U-District farmer’s markets, two Seattle restaurants, retail stores in the Seattle-Tacoma area, and the firm’s retail store in Montesano, Washington; a retail market in San Francisco, California; and a cheese shop in Springfield, New Jersey.

The recalled cheese is a soft cheese, 3/4 lb wheel, made of cow milk and washed in red wine while aging. The product does not contain a lot code.

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

The recall is the result of a routine sampling program by the state of Washington Department of Agriculture, which revealed that one wheel of the finished product contained the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Estrella Family Creamery has ceased production and distribution of the product as the FDA, WSDA, and the company continue investigating the cause of the problem.

Consumers who have any Red Darla should return the cheese to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 360.249.6541 between 6:00am – 8:00pm PST.

Stop & Shop Removes from Sale 24oz. Party Platter Cookies

Products Recalled Due to an Undeclared Allergen

Quincy, MA… The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company has announced a voluntary recall of 24oz. Party Platter Cookies because they contain almonds and almond paste, undeclared allergens that pose a serious and potential life-threatening health risk to allergic individuals. Stop & Shop has removed from sale the following product:

• Party Platter Cookies
UPC# 200055639, 24 oz. all codes

The product is packaged on a platter in a box and sold through the Stop & Shop In-Store Bakery. To date, Stop & Shop has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Customers who have purchased the product should discard any unused portions and bring their purchase receipt to any Stop & Shop supermarket for a full refund. Customers looking for additional information are encouraged to call Stop & Shop’s corporate brands consumer line at 1-877-846-9949, Monday through Friday from 9am – 4pm.

About Stop & Shop
The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company employs more than 59,000 associates and operates stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey. The company is a member of the US Green Building Council and has been awarded LEED (EB) certifications for 50 of its existing stores. Stop & Shop has been recognized by the EPA for the superior energy management of its stores and is also a member of the EPA’s Smart Way program.

Trader Joe’s Company Voluntarily Recalls Chocolate Chip Chewy Coated Granola Bars

Trader Joe’s Company of Monrovia, California is voluntarily recalling Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Chewy Coated Granola Bars, UPC 82818, Use by Dates/Lot Codes 16JUL10H2 and 17JUL10H1, manufactured by Bloomfield Bakery, a subsidiary of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. because it has 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, 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 product involved in this recall was distributed at Trader Joe’s stores nationally and comes in a 7.4 oz box marked with Use by/Lot Codes 16JUL10H2 and 17JUL10H1 on the top of the box and stamped individually on the side of each granola bar. Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and Bloomfield Bakery continue their investigation.

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

At Trader Joe’s we take the safety of our customers and the integrity of our products very seriously. Customers who have purchased Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Chewy Coated Granola Bars, Use by/Lot Codes 16JUL10H2 and 17JUL10H1 are urged to return them to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations Monday through Friday, 6am to 6pm PST at (626) 599-3817.

Source: FDA

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February 12th, 2010 Posted by fitnfree | Food Alerts | no comments