From Center for Consumer Freedom:
Kansas legislators found out yesterday that taxing soda is not the easy, controversy-free way to raise revenue they probably thought it would be. Hundreds of soft-drink bottlers, convenience store owners, and restauranteurs descended on the Statehouse in Topeka to voice their opposition to a measure that would impose a 0.4 cent tax on every teaspoon of sugar in non-diet sodas, sports drinks, and other sugared beverages. That would amount to about 5 cents for every 12-ounce can.
Lawmakers thought that slapping a $40 million soda tax on consumers would help eliminate a $467 million state budget deficit. Instead, the proposal generated a groundswell of opposition. So many soft drink workers showed up at the Kansas Senate Tax Committee hearing that some bottling plants shut down for the day.
Read the whole story on their web site.
Now we can celebrate a major victory for law abiding - albeit broke - taxpayers and business for standing strong against these preposterous tax ideas!
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March 18th, 2010
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C. H. Guenther & Son, Inc. Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of several products that contain pepper due to Possible Health Risk
C. H. Guenther & Son, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of products containing a pepper ingredient that may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The products are part of the Sunbird Seasonings, Williams Wings Seasonings and Williams Gumbo Soup lines.
Spice Barn, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Two Lots of Black Pepper
As a result of a recall of Black Pepper by Mincing Overseas Spice Company, Spice Barn is recalling two lots of Black Pepper due to the possibility of contamination with Salmonella. Salmonella is a common food borne pathogen that can cause severe illnesses, including fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. While most individuals recover without medical intervention, the infection can be life-threatening in some cases such as young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
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March 18th, 2010
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The first celebration of the “wearing of the green” in America took place in 1737, in Boston, Massachusetts. Every year since, we have set this day aside to celebrate the Irish. This is the day to enjoy their music, dance, food and beverages. Irish blood or not, jump in and join the celebration!
The Irish color of green symbolizes the beginning of spring. Green is also the color of life, giving us one more reason to participate in this celebration. Included will be Irish recipes to give you some ideas and ways you, too, can celebrate with a healthy, hearty meal.
Ireland, recognized for their contribution to the world of theater, literature and music, often uses food to provide focus. In some instances, entire plots will revolve around the table or the planning of a meal. An example is George Bernard Shaw, who used cups of tea as a source of inspiration for his writings. Author Frank McCourt, in “The Irish and How We Got That Way”, states the potato contains aphrodisiac-qualities. In addition, the potato is a great source of fiber for nutritional needs.
Many find comfort in the dishes of the Irish, which is what gave me the idea to create a separate tribute to these dishes and to the Irish. Corned beef is probably the most popular dish and one most already have a favorite recipe for, so here will be presented some other equally popular dishes. Furthermore, Corned Beef and Cabbage is in truth, an American-Irish fare. You could not get it in Ireland. In Ireland, they serve ham and cabbage instead.
Surf our free St. Patrick’s Day eCookBook!
The ingredients will be the low-fat version in the recipes. The nature of these recipes is such that one should not really notice changes to the flavor using the low-fat ingredients, so I strongly urge you do use them if you are one who has to watch what they eat. If not – go for it! There are also some luscious, tempting Saint Patrick’s Day Desserts for those of you who decide to splurge!
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
May luck be our companion,
May friends stand by our side,
May history remind us all
Of Ireland’s faith and price.
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March 17th, 2010
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Supermarket shelves are loaded with products and their proclamations of “NO TRANS FAT” – but “no” may be misleading. Just because a food label says “0 trans fat” doesn’t mean it actually has ZERO trans fat.
The reason is due to the FDA rules. Companies are taking advantage of them – to our disadvantage.
According to the FDA guidelines, products only need to have less than 0.5g fat per serving to claim zero grams trans fat. Consider that the American Heart Association recommends no more than 2g trans fat per day – if you ate one hidden 0.5g per meal (or snack), you’ve almost hit the daily value – and that’s only taking the hidden into consideration.
Consider this fact:
A 2% increase in trans fat consumption has been associated with a 23% increase in incidence of coronary heart disease. For most clients, that’s just 40 extra calories from trans fats—or about 4 extra grams—per day!
In all fairness, it’s true that it’s nearly impossible to eliminate all trans fat from our diets, but with careful label checking, we can safely reduce our consumption considerably.
If you see ingredients referred to as “partially hydrogenated” or “shortening”, you’ve found trans fat – even if the product says “no trans fat”.
For more information, visit http://TheTruthAboutTransFat.com
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March 16th, 2010
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Tastefully Simple Issues Voluntary Recall for Toasted Garlic & Parmesan Cheese Ball Mix
Tastefully Simple is voluntarily recalling select 1.1-ounce retail packages and 0.3-ounce samples of Toasted Garlic & Parmesan Cheese Ball Mix. The company, along with others in the food industry, is joining in the efforts of a nationwide ingredient recall to protect consumers from potential Salmonella exposure.
The company was notified about this potential issue by one of its ingredient suppliers. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
No illnesses regarding this product have been reported to the company to date. However, Tastefully Simple has decided to initiate this voluntary recall because of its commitment to the safety and health of the public – and its commitment to offering only the highest quality products.
This recall applies only to a small number of retail packages of Toasted Garlic & Parmesan Cheese Ball Mix (Item: 723200) and sample packets (Item: 723270) shipped since February 12, 2010. The following lot codes, which can be found on the bottom of the retail boxes, are involved in the recall: 9315, 9317 and 0004. The lot codes for the sample packets affected are: 9313, 9314 and 0005, which are embossed on the left front side of the packet.
Tastefully Simple encourages anyone who has purchased or received a package of Toasted Garlic & Parmesan Cheese Ball Mix with the lot codes above to destroy it, and call 1.800.235.4513 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm CST Monday through Friday to receive an alternate product. If you have any questions and concerns or would like additional information, simply visit http://tastefullysimple.com.
Source: FDA
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March 16th, 2010
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Spice Industrial Inc. Recalls Lian How White Sesame Seeds Because of Possible Health Risk’
SPICE INDUSTRIAL GROUP INC., of City of Industry, Ca is recalling LIAN HOW WHITE SESAME SEEDS supplied by Specialty Commodities Corp. distributed from November 6 to December 11, 2009, 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.
Spice Industrial Group Inc. was notified of this contamination by our supplier, Specialty Commodities Corp. To date no illnesses have been reported to Spice Industrial Group Inc.
The affected Lian How White Sesame Seeds packaged in 5lb white plastic bags with Specialty Commodities Corp. labels were distributed to retail markets, restaurants and wholesalers in Southern California between November 6, 2009 and December 11, 2009.
Consumers who have purchased this item are urged to return them to their place of purchase. Consumers with any questions may contact Spice Industrial Group Inc., at 626-854-8880 between the hours of 10am-5pm PST Monday through Friday
Julia’s Spices Inc Recalls Hulled Sesame Seeds Because of Possible Health Risk
JULIA’S SPICES INC, of City of Industry, Ca is recalling all HULLED SESAME SEEDS distributed between November 17, 2009 and February 25,2010, 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.
Julia’s Spices Inc was notified of this contamination by our supplier. To date no illnesses have been reported to Julia’s Spices Inc.
The affected Hulled Sesame Seed also known as White Sesame Seeds were distributed in plastic bags between November 17, 2009 and February 25, 2010 in California and Utah by Julia’s Spices Inc’s through retail stores. Only the following products are being recalled:
| Julia’s Spices Ajonjoli / Sesame Seed |
810338001330′ |
3.5 oz |
| Julia’s Spices Ajonjoli / Sesame Seed |
810338000043′ |
1 9/16 oz |
| Julia’s Spices Ajonjoli / Sesame Seed |
810338020027′ |
1 9/16 oz |
Consumers who have purchased this item are urged to return them to their place of purchase. Consumers with any questions may contact Julia’s Spices Inc, at 626-369-5525 between the hours of 1pm-4pm PST Monday through Wednesday. We thank you for your cooperation.
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March 15th, 2010
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Funny, when I was young, hospitals had the appearance and feeling of being the safest, most hygenic place to be – kids weren’t allowed past the entry waiting room and staff was so careful about sterlizations, hand washing, etc. When did it all change? No idea, but apparently it did and so much for the worse some are dying because of it.
Why are Hospitals Breeding Grounds for Germs?
Recent studies have shown that hospital-acquired infections are not a normal side-effect of caring for the seriously ill, but are generally caused by poor medical care! This includes not only contaminated medical devices but also spreading germs from patient-to-patient.
Doctors and nurses not washing their hands prior to touching a patient is the most common violation in hospitals. According to findings by The Times, in the worst cases, as few as 40 percent of staff members comply with hand-washing standards, with doctors being the worst offenders.
But even the best hospitals typically boast no better than 90 percent compliance — which means one out of 10 practitioners may have contaminated hands.
Doctors’ ties and even their white coats have also been implicated as potential causes of infection.
At the University of Maryland, the Wall Street Journal reported that 65% of medical workers said they change their lab coats less than once a week — despite acknowledging they were contaminated. Worse still, 15% said they change their coat less than once a month, even though superbugs like staph can survive on them for nearly 60 days!
Read the entire article and learn much more at Mercola.com
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March 13th, 2010
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Austinuts Of Dallas, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Honey Mustard Pretzels
Austinuts of Dallas, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall for
Honey Mustard Pretzels,
Lot number 61150/0280
because the product may 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. For more information on Salmonella, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Website at http://www.cdc.gov1.
The Austinuts Honey Mustard Pretzels were only distributed at Austinuts’ building sales in Dallas, Texas in 16 ounce clear zipper bags. Consumers having any of these products are urged to destroy them.
NO OTHER AUSTINUTS’ PRODUCTS ARE PART OF THIS RECALL. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection to the above product.
The pretzels were manufactured by National Pretzel Company of Lancaster, PA and were coated with a seasoning mix that included hydrolyzed vegetable protein recalled by Basic Food Flavors, Las Vagas, NV because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Consumers with any other recall questions may contact Austinuts of Dallas, Inc. (214) 739-6887 during normal business hours, Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Central Time. Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their doctor immediately.
Source: FDA
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March 12th, 2010
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1. Frontier Natural Products Co-op Initiates Voluntary Recall Due to Possible Health Risk from Black Pepper
Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:55:00 -0600
In response to a recall commenced by its supplier, Mincing Overseas Spice Company, Dayton, New Jersey, Frontier Natural Products Co-op, is voluntarily recalling several of its products manufactured with non-organic black pepper that were sold under the Frontier brand and under the Whole Foods Market brands listed below that contain black pepper supplied by Mincing Overseas Spice Company. The black pepper has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
2. Orval Kent Food Company, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Culinary Circle Dips Due to Possible Health Risk
Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:42:00 -0600
Orval Kent announced today that it is voluntarily recalling multiple dips as a precautionary measure because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The Orval Kent dips are being recalled because they contain HVP (hydrolyzed vegetable protein) manufactured, distributed and recalled by Basic Food Flavors, Inc., Las Vegas, NV.
3. Quaker Snack Mix Baked Cheddar Voluntarily Recalled Due to Possible Health Risk
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:44:00 -0600
Quaker Snack Mix Baked Cheddar is being voluntary recalled after Basic Food Flavors, Inc. of Las Vegas, Nevada initiated a recall of their hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) due to potential Salmonella contamination. HVP is a very minor ingredient in the seasoning for this product. Although every seasoning lot tested negative for Salmonella, and there are no reports of Salmonella–related illness related to this product, the product is voluntarily being recalled out of an abundance of caution.
4. Olde Westport Spice Announces a Voluntary Recall of Garden Harvest Special Blend Seasoning
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:06:00 -0600
Olde Westport Spice announced that it is voluntarily recalling 5- and 10-oz. jars and 20-oz. bags of Garden Harvest Special Blend Seasoning because an ingredient used in the product 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.
5. Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:06:00 -0600
Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen, Inc. of Albert Lea, MN has been notified by a supplier that a certain seasoning ingredient it supplied to Mrs. Gerry’s contains hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) that may 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.
6. Ventura Foods, LLC Voluntarily Recalls Seven Varieties of Its Dean’s® Dip Products As A Precautionary Measure
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:46:00 -0600
Ventura Foods, LLC is voluntarily recalling seven of its Dean’s® Dip products, with specific production dates, because a flavor enhancer may be contaminated with salmonella. The flavor enhancer is made by an ingredient supplier, Basic Food Flavors, Inc., in Las Vegas. This is the same ingredient linked to the Food & Drug Administration’s recall announcement Thursday.
7. Publix Issues Voluntary Recall on Four Seasoning Mixes
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:28:00 -0600
Publix Super Markets is issuing a voluntary recall for four (4) varieties of seasoning mixes. The products have been manufactured with HVP (hydrolyzed vegetable protein) supplied by Basic Food Flavors of Las Vegas, Nevada. The HVP may be contaminated with Salmonella.
8. Kroger Recalls Two Onion Soup & Dip Mixes Due to Possible Health Risk
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:16:00 -0600
The Kroger Co. said today it is recalling Kroger Onion Soup & Dip Mix and Kroger Beefy Onion Soup & Dip Mix sold in some of its retail stores because the Company has been made aware by a supplier that an ingredient in the product may have been contaminated with Salmonella.
We going to have anything “safe” left to eat at this rate??
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March 11th, 2010
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GNS Foods Voluntarily Recalls Snack Mixes Containing Honey Mustard/Onion Pretzels from National Pretzel Co. associated with Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) recalled by Basic Food Flavors, Inc. because of the potential Salmonella contamination.
Contact:
GNS Foods, Inc.
(817)795-4671
GNS Foods, Inc. is announcing a voluntary recall of mixes containing certain pretzels. The products contain the ingredient Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) being recalled by Basic Food Flavors because of the potential to contain salmonella. The manufacturer of these pretzels, National Pretzel Co. of San Francisco, CA, used this flavoring, and is voluntarily recalling its related pretzel products. GNS is voluntarily recalling snack mixes which include these pretzels.
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and/or abdominal pain. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov.1
To date, no complaints or illnesses have been reported associated with the products listed below.
Consumers who recently have purchased the items listed below should not consume these products and should return them to the store of purchase for a full refund or replacement.
The items below were sold after January 26th, 2010 in six states through retail stores located in LA, MO, NM, OK, TX, WV.
This voluntary recall involves the following items:
12oz Bags of Honey Mustard Pretzels under the Great Nut Supply brand with a UPC code 726093 77132 and a Lot/Code of 61150/0280.
10oz Plastic Jars of Honey Mustard Pretzels under the brand Spec’s Wines & Fine Foods with a UPC code 000008 98072 and a Lot/Code of 61181/0330 or 210462/0320.
1 lb Bags of Bar Mix under the Great Nut Supply brand with a UPC code 726093 77111 and a Lot/Code of 61147/0260.
26oz Plastic Jars of Bar Mix under the brand Spec’s Wines & Fine Foods with a UPC code 000008 03247 and a Lot/Code of 61190/0330 or 210462/0320.
12oz Plastic Tubs of Bar Mix under the brand Rouses Louisiana’s Best with a UPC code 015418 00319 and a Lot/Code of 60998/0120.
10oz Plastic Jars of Honey Cheddar Mix under the brand Spec’s Wines & Fine Foods with a UPC code 000008 98049 and a Lot/Code of 61183/0330 or 210462/0320.
Consumers or customers who have questions about the above recall may contact GNS Foods toll-free at 800-882-6887 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm CST Monday through Friday. Additional information is available at http://www.gnsfoods.com .
Source: FDA
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March 10th, 2010
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