A Happy Healthy Home - Living with Pets

Don't you just love your pets? People are becoming more involved in their pets way of life from style and transportation - I've seen it all. While at the airport, there was a couple with their small dog in a stroller. I thought it was the most ridiculous yet funny thing ever - clearly they were serious. We've since seen pets in strap on carriers, booties, leather outfits, etc. At one point the pet in the purse was all the rage. The love is oh so overwhelming. However, hugging and kissing your pets, handling their food and treats may cause you to become ill.

Dr. April Hodges, Nutritional Scientist with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discusses the importance of handling pet food with care to avoid illness. Although it is rare that pets can become sick due to salmonella, the chances exist and most importantly, it can be very dangerous for humans, especially children.




The latest pet food recall and withdrawal lists:

FDA Pet Food Recall & Withdrawal List 2014

Oh The Scandal of it All - Breaking Bread News!!!

It's that sick feeling you get when you see a news report on the food that we enjoy contains a dye from insects and that the health department allows for a certain amount of rodent and insect droppings in food - now to kick it up a higher notch - we're eating fresh, tasty yoga mat sandwiches and burgers. It turns out that we're enjoying azodicarbonamide, the chemical used to make the bread whiter and bouncier. Just what we need, a bounce in our bread. Well, at least there's an explanation to the reason of biting the sandwich and having to give an extra pull for the release to chew.

Here we are working to improve on our health and wellness. In deciding what to eat, we weigh our options. Want to eat healthy and fresh? Head on over to Subway and indulge in their healthy menu, a sense of pride settles within as you have made a great choice. Thankfully, Subway decided to announce that they will no longer use azodicarbonamide in their bread. Needless to say, that caused a wait up, hold me back (kind of moment), what did they say was in their bread???!!! But wait, there's more, many of the other fast food restaurants are using the same chemical in their bread/buns.

So once again, we are left to wonder, what's really good for us? Who do we trust? Why would these products that are dangerous for human consumption be allowed in our foods? How could they determine that there should be a safe amount, considering that our health is not a one size fits all kind of deal? Who approves this and is there a financial incentive to gain from approving these unhealthy chemicals/products?

Perhaps it's time for us to bake our bread from scratch, purchase our fruits and vegetables from the local farmers markets, raise our own chickens, cows, etc., and do the work ourselves. For now, I may have to sprinkle holy water, read a scripture and pray that my food is safe each time I prepare to eat a meal.

Food and Drug Administration - Important Food & Drug Safety Recalls

Are you on to the latest recalls? Did you know that there are health food products sold in a major health food chain stores? Organic products? Dietarty supplements that may cause liver failure and one that should only be administered by a doctor? Baby Food? and even Pet foods? Your health and wellness depends on you. Be an informed consumer :-)

As of November 13, 2013 the 3 Fellers LLC is voluntarily initiating a product recall of 3 Fellers Chocolate Cream Pies with the UPC# 891796002732 as a precautionary measure. The recall was initiated after it was discovered by the company that the product may contain undeclared almonds. People who are allergic to almonds could have a serious or life-threatening reaction if they consume this product. For consumers who are not allergic to almonds, there is no safety issue with the product. The company has received no reports of illnesses associated with this product.

This recall affects products with BEST BY DATES prior to 5/7/2014 on the bottom of the container. Products that have BEST BY DATES prior to 5/7/2014, but declare the allergen (almonds) on the label, are not included in this recall.

These products were distributed to Southern California, Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and Kentucky.

No other 3 Fellers branded products are affected by this voluntary recall. Only products sold in the geographical area listed above are potentially affected.

Consumers in possession of the recalled product that have an allergy to almonds should not consume it and should discard it. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (804) 556-0671, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm, EDT.

Whole Foods is one of the most famous health food product stores which is a favorite of many health conscious shoppers.

November 12, 2013 - Whole Foods Market’s Northern California region is recalling ready-to-eat Artichoke Wheatberry Salad and Southwest SooFoo®* Salad in response to a recall issued today by Glass Onion Catering. The salads are being recalled as a preventive measure because they have the potential to be contaminated with E. coli O157:h7, a bacteria that may cause illness.

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection may include abdominal cramps and diarrhea which is often bloody. Most infected people recover within a week; however, some may develop complications that require hospitalization. Young children and the elderly are at highest risk for a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which includes kidney failure. To date, 26 illnesses have been reported; however, none of the illnesses are linked to products specifically sold at Whole Foods Market.

Customers may have purchased the Artichoke Wheatberry Salad and Southwest SooFoo Salad from the fresh deli case, salad bar and/or in pre-packed pint or half-pint containers in the Prepared Foods department. Both products have been pulled from all venues and carry an expiration date between Nov. 9 and Nov. 13. Four PLUs are associated with these salads:

28563300000- Artichoke Wheatberry Salad
28563400000- Artichoke Wheatberry Salad
28563700000- Southwest SooFoo Salad
28563800000- Southwest SooFoo Salad
The recalled salads were sold in the following 10 of the company’s 40 Northern California stores:

Capitola, 1710 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010
Fremont, 3111 Mowry Ave., Fremont, CA 94538
Oakland, 230 Bay Place, Oakland, CA 94612
Lafayette, 3502 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549
Los Gatos, 15980 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 94032
Napa, 3682 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa, CA 94558
Noe Valley, 3950 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Redwood City, 1250 Jefferson Ave, Redwood City, CA 94062
San Mateo, 1010 Park Pl, San Mateo, CA 94403
Walnut Creek, 1333 Newell Ave, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Customers who have purchased these products should discard them, and may bring in a receipt to any of the above stores for a full refund.

Questions about the recall can be directed to 512-477-5566, ext. 20060, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.


On November 11, 2013 - Palmer Candy Company of Sioux City, IA is recalling 102 cases of HyVee Chocolate Caramel Clusters and 90 cases HyVee Chocolate Covered Caramels because they may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have an allergy to peanuts run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled product was distributed throughout the Midwest to HyVee Stores.

The recalled products can be identified by the following:

HyVee Chocolate Caramel Clusters – UPC 7723212515 9 oz plastic tub with the following lot code: Sell By: 04/07/14 F30202 located on the bottom of each tub.
HyVee Chocolate Covered Caramels – UPC 7723212520 12 oz plastic tub with the following lot code: Sell By: 10/07/14 F30202 located on the bottom of each tub.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with either of the products being recalled.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the HyVee Chocolate Caramel Clusters were mispackaged in HyVee Chocolate Covered Caramel labels. The HyVee Chocolate Covered Caramel label does not list peanuts as an ingredient.

Consumers who have purchased HyVee Chocolate Caramel Clusters or HyVee Chocolate Covered Caramels are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Palmer Candy Company (800) 831-0828, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.


While trying to lose weight, some may turn to supplements to give them a boost. However on November 9, 2013 – USPlabs LLC, Dallas, TX is voluntarily conducting a national recall of all lots and sizes of the OxyElite Pro dietary supplement products listed below. These products contain Aegeline, a synthesized version of a natural extract from the Bael tree.

Epidemiological evidence shows that use of these products has been associated with serious adverse health consequences, namely serious liver damage or acute liver failure, concentrated in Hawaii. Investigations are ongoing into a potential causal relationship. The Company agrees with FDA that a national recall is appropriate as a precautionary measure. Product was distributed nationwide through retail stores, mail orders and direct delivery.

OxyElite Pro Super Thermo capsules
2 count capsules UPC #094922417275
10 count capsules UPC #094922417251
10 count capsules UPC #094922417268
21 count capsules UPC #094922426604
90 count capsules UPC #094922395573
90 count capsules "Pink label" UPC #094922447906
180 count capsules UPC #094922447852

OxyElite Pro Ultra-Intense Thermo capsules
3 count capsules UPC #094922447883
3 count capsules UPC #094922447876
90 count capsules UPC #094922395627
180 count capsules UPC #094922447869

OxyElite Pro Super Thermo Powder
Fruit Punch 0.15 oz UPC #094922417237
Fruit Punch 0.15 oz UPC #094922447517
Fruit Punch 4.6 oz UPC #094922426369
Fruit Punch 5 oz. UPC #094922447487
Blue Raspberry 4.6 oz UPC #094922426376
Grape Bubblegum 4.6 oz UPC #094922447500
Green Apple 4.6 oz. UPC #094922426499

No other products produced by USPlabs are subject to recall. Consumers who have purchased the products should immediately discontinue use of the product and return it to where they purchased it for a refund. Contact your health care professional if you have experienced any adverse effects.

Consumers can contact USPlabs at 1(800) 890-3067 (Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm EST) or info@usplabsdirect.com. Adverse reactions may be reported to the FDA MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/getforms.htm, by regular mail, or by FDA's MedWatch Hotline 1-800-FDA-1088.


November 8, 2013 — Sequel Naturals Inc., dba “Vega,” announced today that it has taken the precautionary measure of voluntarily withdrawing a limited quantity of its Vega One Nutritional Shakes and Sports Performance Protein products due to finding trace amounts of chloramphenicol (CAP), a naturally occurring antibiotic.

Chloramphenicol is a prescription drug commonly used to treat typhoid fever and eye infections around the world. It should only be used under medical supervision. It has been associated with rare cases of aplastic anemia and allergic reactions in some people. A leading expert on CAP says that there have been no known cases of anemia caused by residual amounts found in food. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid this medication.

None of the Vega product formulations include CAP as an ingredient; however, an enzyme that was provided by a third party supplier, which constitutes less than 1% of the product ingredients, was found to contain trace amounts of CAP.

As a precautionary measure, Vega is voluntarily withdrawing all of the listed product from the market and has taken steps to ensure all future products are CAP-free, including using a different source of enzymes to prevent further potential contamination and assure consumers of product purity. These actions complete a voluntary product withdrawal and ingredient resourcing that applied to Canadian products as well.

“We’re doing this out of an overabundance of caution and to ensure that when you go to the shelf, you never have to wonder about the purity of a Vega product,” said Charles Chang, Vega President and Founder.

The Vega products were distributed nationwide in retail stores.

People who have severe sensitivity or allergies to chloramphenicol may run the risk of an allergic reaction if they consume these products. There have been no reported allergic reactions from the listed products. See complete table HERE


Oh baby, baby food on November 8, 2013 – Plum Organics is voluntarily recalling pouch products within its Baby Stage 2, Tots Mish Mash and Kids lines after discovering a manufacturing defect that may cause spoilage in some pouches. Recalled products can be identified by the “Best By” dates ranging from 08/05/14 to 12/08/14 and the letters “AT.” Consumers can find a list of affected products at www.plumorganics.com/Nov13Recall.pdf.

Plum has determined that the potential spoilage may cause some pouches to swell. Out of an abundance of caution, Plum is removing all pouches with affected codes.

Parents should not feed any of these products to their children. Consumers who have purchased affected products should contact the Plum Organics Consumer Hotline at 866-495-3774 or send an email to info@plumorganics.com to request a product replacement voucher.

“As a father of two, I know how it feels to want nothing but the very best for our kids and yours,” said Neil Grimmer, president and co-founder of Plum Organics. “Over the years, Plum has worked hard to earn the trust of parents, and we fully intend on maintaining that trust. We are taking every action to ensure that our highest standards are being met.”


And now we share another recall for an important member of the family. On November 4, 2013 - Bailey's Choice LLC. in Waleska, GA is recalling its 5 oz. packages of chicken treats 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 Bailey's Choice Dog Treats included in this expanded recall are the following five-ounce packages of dog treats:

100% Chicken Treat, lot # "Jun 2 2013" sold in Georgia only
100% Chicken Treat, lot # "Jun 3 2013" sold in Georgia only
100% Chicken Breast Treat, lot # "Jun 4 2013" sold in Georgia only
100% Chicken Treat, lot # "Jun 15 2013" sold in Georgia only
100% Chicken Treat, lot # "Jul 8 2013" sold in Georgia only
100% Chicken Treat, lot # "Jul 11 2013" sold in Georgia only
100% Teriyaki Chicken Treat, lot # 132881 sold in Georgia and North Carolina
The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) revealed the presence of Salmonella in some 5 oz. packages of chicken treats.

Production of the product has been suspended while GDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem. The FDA is monitoring the situation.

Consumers who have purchased 5 oz. packages of Bailey's Choice chicken treats are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 770-881-0526 between 9:00AM and 6:00PM EST.

For more recalls - FDA SAFETY RECALLS

♬ A Change Will Do You Good ♬ Bye, Bye, Trans Fats :-)

Hooray to the Food and Drug Administration for improving our health and wellness. The media is all a buzz about the latest move by the FDA to ban trans fats. While arteries rejoice :-)

Dr Thomas Frieden the director of the Center for Disease Control sits with PBS Newshour Judy Woodruff to explain this very important health change. Change is good..........

What Are You Eating? Latest Food Recalls (Update)

What's in your pantry? refrigerator? cupboard? Every now and then there is a report in the media regarding a major food recall. However, there are times when the recalls are not equally reported. Although some are due to mislabeling, others are due to contamination and both are equally serious. My go to spot is the Food and Drug Administration website.

Most recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released the statement that a Louisiana-based meat packing company has expanded a recall of meat products because of possible bacterial contamination. According to the agriculture department - the products were recalled because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. As of this post, no illnesses have been reported.

The Manda Packing Company recall includes 468,000 pounds of roast beef, ham, turkey breast, tasso pork, ham shanks, hog headcheese, corned beef, and pastrami, the recalled meats were produced at Manda's Baker facility between Feb. 27 and April 9.. These products were shipped to retailers in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

On Friday April 12th, Winn-Dixie made an immediate voluntary recall of 64 FL OZ Winn-Dixie Organic 100% Apple Juice. According to the the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the product is being recalled as a precaution due to the possibility that it could have levels of “patulin” that exceeds FDA limits. Winn-Dixie has received no reports of any issues associated with Winn-Dixie Organic 100% Apple Juice consumption.

Patulin is a mycotoxin, a by-product of some molds that can grow in fruits and vegetables. The possibility of adverse health consequences resulting from this product is very remote. However, the FDA has determined that products made from concentrate with a patulin level of over 50 parts per billion are subject to a voluntary recall.

The recall is companywide for Winn-Dixie stores in the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.


Wild Blue Yonder Foods of Lynn, MA is voluntarily recalling 834 cases of Chappaqua Crunch GF (Gluten Free) Simply Granola with Flax & Fruit because they contain undeclared almonds. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds and other tree nuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The product was distributed to distributors in MA, CT, NJ, PA, NC, SC, FL, MI and TX; they work beyond these states. The Best By Date Code is located on a white label on the back of the pouch.


Cedarlane Natural Foods, Inc., is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of O Organics Black Bean Enchiladas because they contain undeclared milk. People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product. Symptoms may include itching, hives, wheezing, vomiting, anaphylaxis and digestive problems, such as bloating, gas or diarrhea. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The Class 1 recall only affects O Organics Black Bean Enchiladas 9 oz. bearing the Best Before date of Oct 26 2013 packaged in printed boxes and sold in Safeway, Carrs, Dominicks, Genuardi's Pak'N'Save, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb and Vons. The Best Before Date are printed on the left side of the printed box.

The products were distributed across the United States. No other lots or products are affected.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the wrong product was packed in to the O Organics Black Bean Enchilada box and the presence of milk was not declared.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Cedarlane Natural Foods, Inc at 800 826 3322.


Wegmans Food Markets is recalling approximately 1,100 affected units of Wegmans Food You Feel Good About Roasted Red Pepper Dip, 8 oz. tub, with a best-by date of 5/17/13, because some of the tubs may have an incorrect ingredient label that does not list milk and eggs. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk or eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The affected units were distributed to Wegman stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

The product is produced for Wegmans by Summer Fresh Salads, Inc. of Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada, and sold in 8 oz. plastic tubs bearing UPC 77890 23286 with a best-by date of 5/17/13.

There have been no reported illnesses to date.

The recall was initiated after a customer contacted Wegmans’ consumer affairs department and made them aware of the label discrepancy.

Concerned customers should return the product to their local Wegmans service desk for a full refund. Wegmans customers with questions or concerns should contact the consumer affairs department at 1-855-WEGFOODS (934-3663), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.

For more information on the latest food, drugs and various product recalls - FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts