'Major Egg Recall Per FDA, CDC, etc. Due To Salmonella in USA' By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

http://rockinthestove.com/2009/07/05/incredible-edible-and-local-eggs/

Dear Readers:
      Not long ago, I alerted you to the plethora of Salmonella-laden MICE and CHICKS intended as food for reptiles.  I alerted you to the important implications that (and all similar Salmonella outbreaks in any animal species) has for HUMAN food and food products...and for all of us.
LINK: http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2010/08/fda-warns-of-salmonella-risk-from.html
     Recent news indicates that there is a major recall of chicken EGGS due to gross Salmonella contamination. Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa conducted a nationwide voluntary recall of shell eggs.  LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/enteritidis/       Some 228 million eggs have been recalled due to this recent Salmonella recall and an ongoing investigation is being coordinated by the FDA, CDC, State and Local Depts. of Agriculture and others via an entity known as PulseNet.
      Be assured that although California, Colorado and Minnesota are mentioned, other states must be on alert as well.  Chicken 'farmers' get their 'stock eggs and birds' from MAJOR suppliers and no doubt these distributors are being investigated by the various agencies, too.  The eggs were distributed around the country and packaged under the names Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph's, Boomsma's, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemp.
LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/pulsenet/whatis.htm  
     But don't be fooled by the numbers, for not all cases have been reported.
     Believe it or not, just as 'humans' can be identified by their DNA, so can eggs and egg-products be identified.  Epidemiologists use this technique to determine the source of and spread of various food-borne infectious agents...a kind of 'CSI' for pathogens.
      An overall perspective for the month of August 2010 can be found at the link below:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5931.pdf 
     The breaking news reads as:
"Salmonella Enteritidis Outbreak in Shell Eggs
FDA is collaborating with Federal and state partners to investigate a nationwide increase of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infections. Partners include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state public health and agriculture officials. Joint FDA/CDC field investigation teams are working to identify potential sources of SE infection in shell eggs."
And here is where you can read more:
www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/WhatsNewinFood/ucm222684.htm
      The usual number of EGGS causing Salmonella illness is up a full FOUR-FOLD for a few months now in certain regions.  This means that we need to be careful with what we eat!
Since May 2010, CDC has identified a nationwide, four-fold increase in the number of SE isolates through PulseNet, the national sub typing network made up of state and local public health laboratories and federal food regulatory laboratories. CDC received reports of approximately 200 SE cases every week during late June and early July. Normally, CDC has received an average of some 50 reports of SE illness each week for the past five years. Many states have also reported increases of this pattern since May 2010.
LINK: (SAME AS ABOVE)  http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/WhatsNewinFood/ucm222684.htm   
     Reverend Barb's advice for YOU!:

1. ADVOCATE FOR HUMANE POULTRY  FARMING and persuade producers to treat their birds well, which by definition means caring for their health and well-being, thus producing a better product for YOU!
2. ONLY BUY EGGS FROM PRODUCERS WHO ENGAGE IN  SUCH HUMANE POULTRY FARMING.
3. EXPECT TO PAY A BIT EXTRA FOR THE ABOVE...Well worth it if you value the health of yourself and your families, as well as the health and well-being of God's creatures.
4. INSPECT YOUR EGGS.  Any that are cracked, chipped, broken, off-color or look or smell odd should be placed in a small plastic bag and discarded in the trash.  Do NOT feed suspect eggs to 'pets' or wildlife.  Do NOT COMPOST suspect eggs.  Salmonella thrives in such an environment.  If you know for certain that you have infected eggs, follow the instructions here: http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/enteritidis/
5. CHECK here frequently for Salmonella updates and request my FREE NEWSLETTER in order to get the latest in significant health-related news: mail request to:  BarbaraKSexton@aol.com  
6. CHECK these LINKS yourself to stay up-to-date: http://www.fda.gov/   www.cdc.gov  http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/baildon-hartford/  

God Bless You & Your Loved Ones!
Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/

'FDA Warns of Salmonella Risk From Frozen Rodents & Chicks Fed To Reptiles' By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tatar-1.jpg

Dear Ones:
      Ah, for the 'good old days' when Salmonella was an occasional problem with eggs and egg products.  Yes, there was a time when 'steak tartare' and 'raw egg health drinks' were in vogue and relatively safe to eat--BUT NO MORE!
     Please note this reptile food warning below.  The implication for us is realizing just how widespread Salmonella contamination of our poulty food stock really is.
     Don't be scared, just be careful, with you and your pets!
For you in Christ,
Rev. Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

http://www.orilliapubliclibrary.ca/kidstuff/march%20break.htm

FDA warns of Salmonella risk from frozen rodents fed to reptiles

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning U.S. and international customers who may have purchased frozen mice from Biggers and Callaham LLC, doing business as MiceDirect, that these products, which are used as food for reptiles, have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella...
The FDA is actively investigating positive Salmonella findings in frozen mice and environmental samples taken at the company’s Cleveland, Ga. plant. After it was informed of the positive samples, Biggers and Callaham voluntarily recalled all frozen mice, rats and chicks purchased between May 2009 and July 23, 2010. The frozen reptile feed was distributed in all states, except Hawaii, through pet stores and by mail order and direct delivery.

On Aug. 2, 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 34 human illnesses in 17 states were associated with handling frozen rodents used for reptile food sourced from Biggers and Callaham. In general, snakes and other reptiles can harbor many strains of Salmonella for several years, but still appear healthy.
Frozen reptile feed was shipped in plastic bags with the following product codes M-SP100, M-P100, M-PF100, M-F100, M-H100, M-W50, M-A50, M-JA25, R-P100, R-F50, R-PUP50, R-W50, R-S50, R-M20, R-L10,R-J5, R-C5, R-M3 followed by E9, F9, G9, H9, I9, J9, K9, L9 or A10, B10, C10, D10, E10, F10, G10 and whole frozen chicks in 25 count bags.
The FDA advises customers with the contaminated product to place it in a sealed container in the trash so that no children, pets, or other animals, such as wildlife, may be able to reach it.
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm221735.htm

SEAFOOD SAFETY IN LIGHT OF THE GULF OIL SPILL By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

courtesy http://www.williamkalutaphotography.blogspot.com/ 

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Dear Ones:
     You've heard me repeatedly urge caution when it comes to eating certain seafood products, most notably RAW OYSTERS and other SHELL FISH.  Most recently my ongoing concern has been for norovirus in Mississippi and Louisiana oysters.  Here's the link: http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2010/03/oyster-alert-miss-la-norovirus-posted.html 
     A little known fact that not many are familiar with is that this norovirus infection is highly contagious, unlike some other food-borne illnesses, which can only hurt and even kill 'one victim at a time'.  Here's a CDC link on norovirus for you: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus-qa.htm
     My advice has been this for years now:  DO NOT EAT RAW OYSTERS.  THE RISK OF CONTRACTING SOME SEVERE AND PERMANENTLY LIFE-ALTERING VIRAL OR OTHER ILLNESS IS JUST TOO GREAT TO RISK IT.  This applies to the young, the elderly, those who are immunocompromised and pregnant and nursing women, especially.
     I understand that there's nothing better than a good 'Oyster/Seafood Bar'.  But from a microbiological standpoint, things have been dicey for a long time now.  Add to the recent Gulf area flooding (with attendant sewage and cemetery upheaval and run-off) and I am forced to ratchet up my alert level to you. 
     The Gulf Oil Spill is fouling all living things in the area.  From a biochemical point-of-view, chemical contamination, whether from petrochemicals, pesticides or putrefaction cannot be 'cooked or processed away'.  Therefore, I am expanding my standing ADVICE FOR YOU THAT GULF OF MEXICO STATIONARY BOTTOM-FEEDERS SUCH AS OYSTERS AND CLAMS AS WELL AS SHRIMP, FISH AND ALL SWIMMERS, BOTH RAW AND COOKED ARE LIKELY TO NOT BE SAFE FOR CONSUMPTION UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
     It is very likely that the gulf stream will transport oil up the East Coast and as such, all of the sea and it's food will have to be monitored henceforth.
     NOTE FOR PET-OWNERS: Everything I write here pertains to animal and pet food, as well.  Take care to check the source of the fish and fish-byproducts, such as fish meal in your pet's food.  I just pray that pet food manufacturers are vigilant, conscionable and responsible when it comes to their raw material sources.  It is extremely difficult to know what it is exactly we are eating and to a certain degree, dining has become a literal act of faith.
     Since I've mentioned 'fish by-products', I will also mention 'meat by-products' in animal/pet food.  Simply put, by law these by-products are allowed to contain, meat scraps, organ meats, meat from 'downers' (sick animals which means infected tissue, tumors, etc), and everything else that's left over after filleting/deboning or butchering.  There is a very real risk of contracting the prion disease BSE, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, known as 'mad cow disease' or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD in humans.  Forms of prion disease care capable infecting many mammals.  http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/AnimalHealthLiteracy/ucm136222.htm 
     MY ADVICE IS TO AVOID THESE BY-PRODUCTS AT ALL COSTS WHEN THEY ARE LISTED AS THE PREDOMINANT INGREDIENT IN YOUR PETS' FOOD.  CHANGE BRANDS AS NECESSARY IF YOU LOVE YOUR PETS.
     Even the bleakest situation has some upside and the morbid one in the current Gulf Oil spill is no exception.  I predict that microbial contamination of the Gulf is bound to change one way or another.  Petrochemicals are quite anti-microbial, even being used in the form of 'coal tar' in ointments and shampoos.  Petrochemicals, as coal tar and in other incarnations kill everything from bacteria to head lice, so we shall wait and see specifically transpires in the microflora and fauna of the Gulf waters. 
     It will be my sad duty to stay on top of the safety of food of Gulf-origin and to report to you regularly.  You can read it here...or sign up for my FREE NEWSLETTER at email: BarbaraKSexton@aol.com  and get health news immediately.  (For removal from NEWSLETTER LIST, Just write 'NO' in subject line, no worries.)
For You With Love in Christ,
Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/
Here's the FDA link about the multi-agency response to the Gulf oil spill.  Just remember it's from some of the same folks who insisted there would be no long-term health ramifications for Sept 11, 2001 first-responders!: 
http://www.fda.gov/Food/ucm210970.htm
Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Update - May 5, 2010\Multi-government agency response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), other Federal agencies, and several state authorities in the regions affected by the recent oil spill. FDA continues to closely monitor this developing situation and its potential impact on the safety of seafood harvested from the area.
Although crude oil has the potential to taint seafood with flavors and odors caused by exposure to hydrocarbon chemicals, the public should not be concerned about the safety of seafood in stores at this time. There is no reason to believe that any contaminated product has made its way to the market.
Federal and state officials are monitoring the waters from which seafood is harvested and will act to close areas contaminated by the oil spill to fishing and shellfish harvesting. NOAA has the authority to close Federal waters to commercial fishing and states have the authority to close waters within the state 3-mile limit.
NOAA has already closed a large area of the Gulf of Mexico to commercial fishing and some state molluscan shellfish beds have been closed in anticipation of the oil nearing the shoreline. Closely monitoring and, if warranted, closing harvest waters which could be exposed to the oil spill should prevent unsafe seafood from reaching the market. If, despite these steps, adulterated seafood is found on the market, both the FDA and the states have the authority to seize such product and remove it from the food supply.
Fish and shellfish harvested from areas unaffected by the closures are considered safe to eat.
From: http://www.fda.gov/Food/ucm210970.htm 

OYSTER ALERT MISS & LA: NOROVIRUS Posted By Rev Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross" www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

William Kaluta Photography

http://www.williamkalutaphotography.blogspot.com/

Dear Ones:
     No matter what anyone tells you, my standard advice on oysters is to NEVER EAT THEM RAW.  And, please note, that with some contamination, even COOKING won't eliminate the 'toxins' in them. 
     Also, extremely high temperatures are required to 'kill' viruses, so COOKING is no guarantee that any foods contaminated with viruses are safe.
God Bless You,
Rev Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/ DOHM http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm206353.htm
Public Health Agencies Collaborate to Prevent Further Illnesses from Norovirus Outbreak Associated with Oysters Recently Harvested from Area Near Port Sulphur, La.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working with state health officials from Mississippi and Louisiana to notify consumers, food service operators and retailers nationwide about an outbreak of norovirus associated with oysters recently harvested from an area near Port Sulphur, La. known as Area 7. The oysters were sold or distributed nationwide.

Public health agencies are warning consumers not to purchase or eat oysters from the affected area and warning retailers and food-service operators not to sell or serve them. Louisiana’s Area 7 is in the Gulf of Mexico near the mouth of the Mississippi River.

The FDA was notified by state authorities that nearly a dozen consumers in Mississippi fell ill with norovirus after eating raw oysters from the affected area on March 10. Norovirus is a foodborne pathogen that can cause acute gastroenteritis in humans.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has recalled oysters harvested from Area 7 on March 6 through March 24, 2010. State health officials closed the area to harvesting on March 24 to protect the public health.

Public health officials are currently working to investigate potential sources of pollution that may have caused the area to become contaminated.
    
Consumers who are uncertain about the origin of oysters they have in their possession should contact the place of purchase to determine if the oysters are from the affected area. Retailers and food service operators can check the tag or labeling that should accompany all raw molluscan shellfish to verify their origin.

Eleven people reported becoming sick after eating raw oysters at a conference center in Jackson County, Miss. Test results by the Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed that the patients were infected with norovirus.

Symptoms of norovirus illness usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Sometimes people also have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. In most people the illness is self-limiting with symptoms lasting for one or two days.

People who have eaten raw oysters harvested from the affected area during the specified dates and have had symptoms of norovirus infection are encouraged to contact their health care professionals and local health departments.

People with weak immune systems, including those affected by AIDS, chronic alcohol abuse, liver, stomach or blood disorders, cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease and those taking certain medications for rheumatoid arthritis or cancer chemotherapy, should avoid raw oyster consumption altogether, regardless of where the oysters are harvested.
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm206353.htm
For more information on seafood safety, please visit:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/seafood1.html1 or call FDA’s Food Safety Hotline at 1-888-SAFEFOOD
For information on Norovirus, go to:
http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/norovirus.html2
For additional information on seafood, go to:
http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/types/seafood/index.html3