'Suzipoo Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Allergen in Lobster Poo' By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

"Anything living in the water that does not have fins and scales is to be detestable to you."                      Leviticus 11:12 (NIV)

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm226918.htm

(Note: this is an actual FDA recall.  No need to ask how I came across it : )

Suzipoo Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Allergen in Lobster Poo

Contact:
Sue Pollard
207-251-0523
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 22, 2010 - Suzipoo Ogunquit, Maine is voluntarily recalling Suzipoo Lobster Poo, 4 oz bags, because it may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.


The product is in a small plastic bag with a red bow on the bag and the label on the front reads. "Lobster Poo" – Slogan – I went to Maine and here's the scoop I came back home with Lobster Poop.


Product was distributed to three retail stores in Maine from August 1-August 18, 2010. Each store has been visited and product labeling has been corrected. Ten- 4 oz. bags may be incorrectly labeled.


No illnesses have been reported to date.


The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product (burnt red peanuts) was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts.


Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-207-251-0523.

     Alright.  I will admit that the life of anyone working in 'regulatory affairs' in the food and drug industries can be and often is a rather pedantic and even boring one.
     Then, once in a while something like this comes along.   An amusement,perhaps, to the overseer, but NOT much fun for anyone who happens to be allergic to peanuts.
     Apparently, the product is not really 'lobster poo', though neither is it labeled as 'the burnt red peanuts' that it actually is.
     For those whose faith impels them to subscribe to the rules laid out in Leviticus of the Old Testament,  I'm pretty sure that the lobster and any actual lobster poo both fall under the same dietary restriction.
     That would be my pronouncement, anyway.
Blessings,
Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/

"Drugs We Take & In Our Food Which Affect Our Sexuality" By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

courtesy http://www.jellymuffin.com/

Dear Readers:
     You might be asking, "What in Heaven's Name is Rev. Barb talking about here and what do DRUGS and FOOD have to do with SEXUALITY?  And what does SEXUALITY have to do with RELIGION?"
     Well, I'll tell you.  The answer is, "Everything!"
     Just recently on Beliefnet, I wrote a comment referring to the subject at hand.  I want to post it here, along with one of many  'Warning Letter' from the FDA about antibiotics they've found in food.
     In the body, antibiotics tend to act as much as 'hormones' as they do as antibiotics.  When a pregnant or nursing woman is exposed to antibiotics and other drugs, environmental chemicals and 'lifestyle substances like recreational drugs and alcohol', the ENDOCRINE and NERVOUS systems of her child are affected. 
      Every ORGAN and TISSUE in the fetus or baby's body is affected, in fact, and, so--the fetus or baby's 'SEXUALITY' is  ALSO being affected.
     What a child or adult EATS and DRINKS also has a similar effect.  If you've any doubt about the effects of food, drugs or chemicals on the sexuality of the human body, consider the male chronic alcoholic.
     When a male drinks for an extended number of years at a level which his body cannot effectively and efficiently 'clear' (meaning that his LIVER gets overloaded), he will progressively become 'feminized'.
     You see, men and women BOTH make male and female hormones.  Men make androgens PLUS estrogens.  Ordinarily, the male liver 'clears' excess hormones, especially the female hormones of which only so much is needed in the male.  In the chronic alcoholic male, the liver is damaged and overloaded and unable to 'process' the female hormones--which he himself makes--out of his system.
     The result?  Primarily it's a shrinking of the testicles, a growth of breast tissue, loss of face and body hair and a lowering or loss of libido.  This sad state powerfully illustrates the strong influence hormones have on our vitality and health. 
     Just so you know, a similar mechanism exists for chronic marijuana smokers and is why you see certain men develop enlarged breasts to the point that surgical reduction is sought in some cases!
     So here is my Beliefnet piece, followed by exactly the kind of FDA action that occurs all too often:
(I'd just finished saying, "There ARE no Muslim Lesbians!" after a fellow poster challenged me to refer to something written by one (a gay Muslim woman):
Reverend Barbara Sexton

September 14, 2010 10:15 PM
http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2010/09/nyc-cordoba-mosque-built-on-taqiyya-by.html
"Rev. Barb -- isn't that a bit like saying there are no gay Catholics, evangelical Christians, Orthodox Jews, etc.?" Nicole Neroulias said.
You are ONE SMART COOKIE, Nicole. Of COURSE there are gays of ALL religions and among atheists and agnostics, too. I was being FACETIOUS and reminding all that the edicts against 'homosexuality' in Islam and the Quran are MANY and HARSH.
As a biochemist who has studied the SCIENCE of 'homosexuality', I know that the BIGGEST sex organ we have is our BRAIN. And I know that the brains of fetuses are either 'masculinized or feminized' before birth...and then again after birth at puberty. Of course, our sex organs are exposed to these same hormones, as well.
We must also take environmental influences (i.e. antibiotics which act as 'ESTROGENS', both those from our health care providers as well those in the meats some of us eat, for example)into consideration.
I am comfortable saying that people are born with 'one sexual inclination or another or sometimes--both or something in-between'. What we DO with our amazing brains and sexuality is what matters in the eyes of God. Speaking of eyes, the variations of human sexuality are as diverse as all the eye colors humans ever displayed.
Our Creator made us the way we are so that we can have an opportunity to 'have at it' with our 'free will'.
Islam beats the band when it comes to condemning homosexuality in a way I simply cannot abide by. (Conversely, I've no stomach for 'ACT UP IN YOUR FACE' GAY POLITICS.)
Especially distressing to me is seeing lesbian Christian women uplifting and upholding Sharia Law Islam which dictates what a woman may wear, do, believe and think. To my way of thinking, this is a 'human rights' violation of the tenth degree and I do not understand it.
God help me if I can't stand up for my gay family members and other LGBT love ones.
With Love in Christ,
Rev. Barb
LINK: http://blog.beliefnet.com/beliefbeat/2010/09/as-jewish-muslim-celebrations-collide-some-christians-prepare-to-burn-qurans_comments.html
And here's one of many FDA recall/warning letters about 'meat' containing unacceptably high levels of antibiotics.  The public almost never gets to see these and is not generally informed about this routine 'alteration' of our food supply.
Raber View Holstein 9/8/10

Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration
Cincinnati District Office
Central Region
6751 Steger Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45237-3097
Telephone: (513) 679-2700
FAX: (513) 679-2771
September 8, 2010
Via United Parcel Service
WARNING LETTER
CIN-10-127191-22
Mr. Roy L. Raber, Owner
Raber View Holstein
7029 County Road 201
Millersburg, Ohio 44654
Dear Mr. Raber:
On August 3 and 9, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an investigation of your dairy operation located at 7029 County Road 201, Millersburg, Ohio. This letter notifies you of the violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) that we found during our investigation of your operation. You can find the Act and its associated regulations on the Internet through links on FDA's web page at www.fda.gov.
We found that you offered for sale an animal for slaughter as food that was adulterated. Under section 402(a)(2)(C)(ii) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 342(a)(2)(C)(ii), a food is deemed to be adulterated if it bears or contains a new animal drug that is unsafe under section 512 of the Act, 21 U.S.C. 360b. Further, under section 402(a)(4) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 342(a)(4), a food is deemed to be adulterated if it has been held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health.
Specifically, our investigation revealed that on or about January 7, 2010, you sold a bob veal calf, identified with the auction's backtag #(b)(4), for slaughter as food. On or about January 8, 2010,
(b)(4), slaughtered this animal. United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA/FSIS) analysis of tissue samples collected from this animal identified the presence of 0.829 parts per million (ppm) of sulfamethoxazole in the muscle and 0.484 ppm of sulfamethoxazole in the liver. FDA has not established a tolerance for residues of sulfamethoxazole in the edible tissues of cattle. The presence of this drug in edible tissue from this animal in these amounts causes the food to be adulterated within the meaning of section 402(a)(2)(C)(ii) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 342(a)(2)(C)(ii).
Our investigation also found that you hold animals under conditions that are so inadequate that medicated animals bearing potentially harmful drug residues are likely to enter the food supply. For
example, you failed to maintain treatment records for the animals you produce. Food from animals held under such conditions is adulterated within the meaning of section 402(a)(4) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 342(a)(4).
We also found that you adulterated the new animal drug sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (800 mg/160 mg per tablet). Specifically, our investigation revealed that you did not use sulfamethoxazole
and trimethoprim as directed by its approved labeling. Use of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim in this manner is an extralabel use. Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), Section 530.3(a) (21 C.F.R.530.3(a)).
The extralabel use of approved animal or human drugs in animals is allowed under the Act only if the extralabel use complies with sections 512(a)(4) and (5) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360b(a)(4) and (5), and 21 C.F.R. Part 530, including that the use must be by or on the lawful order of a licensed veterinarian within the context of a valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship.
Our investigation found that you administered the human drug sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablets to a bull calf without following the withdrawal period as stated in the approved labeling or any written directions by a licensed veterinarian. Your extralabel use of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablets was not under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, in violation of 21 C.F.R. 530.11(a); and your extralabel use of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablets resulted in an illegal drug residue, in violation of 21 C.F.R. 530.11(c). Because your use of this drug was not in conformance with its approved labeling and did not comply with 21 C.F.R. Part 530, you caused the drug to be unsafe under section 512(a) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360b(a), and adulterated within the meaning of section 501(a)(5) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 351(a)(5).
The above is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of violations. As a producer of animals offered for use as food, you are responsible for ensuring that your overall operation and the food you distribute is in compliance with the law.
You should take prompt action to correct the violations described in this letter and to establish procedures to ensure that these violations do not recur. Failure to do so may result in regulatory action without further notice such as seizure and/or injunction.
You should notify this office in writing of the steps you have taken to bring your firm into compliance with the law within fifteen (15) working days of receiving this letter. Your response should include each step that has been taken or will be taken to correct the violations and prevent their recurrence. If corrective action cannot be completed within fifteen (15) working days of receiving this letter, state the reason for the delay and the time frame within which the corrections will be completed. Please include copies of any available documentation demonstrating that corrections have been made.
Your written response should be sent to Mark E. Parmon, Compliance Officer, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 6751 Steger Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237. If you have any questions about this letter, please contact Compliance Officer Mark E. Parmon at (513) 679-2700 Ext. 162.
Sincerely yours,
/S/
Teresa C. Thompson
District Director
Cincinnati District
http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm225258.htm
PLEASE TAKE CARE with the health of your family and loved ones.  I recommend purchasing only 'organically raised, free-range' meat.  Those who treat foodstock animals kindly and with minimal use of drugs, etc also happen to produce the safest meat available to consumers.  Mass meat production is cruel, unhealthy and unconscionable.  Just look at the burgeoning Salmonella problem in the poultry industry today.
For you in Christ,
Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/

'Yes, Salmonella Can Be & Has Been Used As A Bioterrorism Weapon' By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

Graphics for Funny Picture Comments


     Yes, Salmonella species CAN and HAVE BEEN used as a weapon of bioterrorism.  Read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_Rajneeshee_bioterror_attack
     Now is a good time, also, to bookmark this CDC Salmonella page for future reference:  http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks.html
     I am NOT implying that the current Salmonella enteritidis outbreak in shell eggs is anything but a natural occurrence.
     But if it is, you can rest assured that the genetics of 'the bugs' under scrutiny will be identified and typed and the source determined.  But it is up to YOU to protect your health and that of your loved ones.  Do NOT expect anyone to be able to 'look out for you' completely, for that is impossible.
     In the meantime, stick with 'certified' 'tested' eggs from producers who can guarantee the claims they make about their products... if you're in 'the mood for eggs at this time', that is.  Be especially careful with food products that contain eggs, including pet foods, dressings, baked goods and the delicious ethnic foods we all love.
     It's not always so obvious about what does or does not contain eggs and it's worth taking the time to read labels.  Harder still is it to be sure that your restaurant fare is safe. 
     As ever, we are at the mercy and good faith of those who run our favorite eateries and their food suppliers, those who prepare our food and those who serve it.
     Food for thought in this day and age of superbugs, abysmal and cruel animal 'farming' practices and the evils of  bio terrorism.
God Bless You and God Bless America
Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/


 

'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/

UPDATE:ARIZONA & ROMAINE LETTUCE RECALL E.coli O145 By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

Dear Ones:
     Here is the very latest for you on the Romaine Lettuce recall.  The salient FDA points are in red....with my comments in blue.

1)  Three states-Michigan, Ohio and New York have reported 19 confirmed cases E.coli O145 infections (note: not E. coli O157:H7).  The number of cases is likely under reported, in my opinion, as is usually the case in situations like these. 

2)   The romaine lettuce recalled was grown at the  Yuma, Arizona farm from Andrew Smith, Co. with “use-by” dates of May 9 and May 10 which supplies Freshway Foods.   My advice is to be careful with ALL romaine lettuce produce grown in AZ and adjacent areas until further notice.  Also, I would not be surprised to learn that additional "use-by" dates are included in future recalls.  If I may inject the 'political' in here, if it turns out that this Arizona farm situation has ANYTHING to do with politicos fomenting anti-Arizona propaganda and boycotting, I will be sure to report it to you immediately.  In the meantime, I support and promote 'everything Arizona' despite my Yuma Farm warning here. 

3)  Freshway Foods' romaine lettuce has been implicated, but Vaughn Foods, who also received Yuma-grown lettuce has not been.  In my opinion, be wary as indicated in 2) above.  Note that it was not the farmer who noted the bacterial contamination, but the distributor Freshway Foods, did, and to their credit!  That said, it is an onerous job for a mass distributor to "Q.C." ('quality control) everything they distribute.  But when lives are at stake, it is more than good business to do so.  Also note that it took the FDA to ferret out the farm-source of the contaminated romaine lettuce.

4)  Most of the recall information includes the phrase "romaine lettuce products sold to wholesalers and food service outlets".  The implication is that 'consumers' needn't be concerned, for no 'consumer products (bags of lettuce)' are included in this recall.  This is very misleading and I urge you all to use your common sense and best judgment.  Implicit in official FDA recalls is the assumption that restauranteurs, in-store food assemblers (think pre-made and packaged in-store salads, for instance) and salad bar preparers in restaurants and grocery stores ARE DOING THEIR JOB!  The assumption is made that all 'preparers' immediately cull out all potentially affected food at all stages of preparation from receiving dock to point-of-sale.  If only this were true.  But I have followed countless recalls initiated by well-intentioned FDA officials, only to see recall mandates totally ignored on the retail level.  Thus, I urge you to be ever vigilante in protecting the health of yourself and your loved ones.  Read here and I will try to help you and go to the original sources yourselves, as well.  You may sign up for my FREE NEWSLETTER to easily stay up-to-date on major health concerns by emailing me at: BarbaraKSexton@aol.com (Removal from the NEWSLETTER list is easy--just send along an email with 'NO' in the subject heading, no worries).

5)  Do what I do with my family:  I check for current recall news.  I LOOK at the quality of the produce I am buying.  I WASH everything I buy, even if it says 'already washed'.  Please see my article "Reverend Barb's Guide To Safe Produce Healing": 
 http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2010/05/reverend-barbs-guide-to-safe-produce.html
Federal and State Officials Confirm Link Between Bagged Romaine Lettuce and E. coli O145 Illness Outbreak

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm211529.htm
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its state health partners have confirmed that the strain of E. coli O145 detected by the New York State Public Health Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, in Albany, in an unopened bag of shredded romaine lettuce distributed by Freshway Foods, matches the outbreak strain of E. coli O145.

This finding comes as federal and state public health officials continue to investigate the food borne illness outbreak linked to certain romaine lettuce products sold to wholesalers and food service outlets.

To date, there have been 19 confirmed and additional unconfirmed cases of E. coli O145 infections in Michigan, Ohio, and New York. These illnesses include 12 individuals who have been hospitalized, and three with a potentially life threatening complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a serious condition in which the body’s blood-clotting mechanisms are altered, causing blocked circulation or bleeding in the brain or kidneys.

Last week, Freshway Foods of Sidney, Ohio1, voluntarily recalled certain romaine lettuce products because of the possible connection to the E.coli O145 food borne illness outbreak. The recalled shredded romaine lettuce had “best if used by” dates of May 12 or earlier.

Federal and state investigators are attempting to determine the point in the supply chain where the contamination occurred. Investigations are in progress at the Freshway Foods processing facility and at a farm in Yuma, Arizona which grew the romaine lettuce supplied to Freshway Foods during the time period of interest.



Symptoms of infection with harmful E. coli may range from none to mild diarrhea to severe complications. The acute symptoms include severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which may be bloody. Patients may progress to serious complications, such as kidney damage. The FDA and CDC encourage anyone who has experienced the symptoms following ingestion of romaine lettuce products described here to contact his or her health care provider immediately.
For more information:
On this outbreak of E. coli O145 see: http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2. http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/
On food borne illness visit food safety.gov3. http://www.foodsafety.gov/
See previous FDA news releases on this topic.4  http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm211145.htm

Reverend Barb's Guide To Safe Produce Eating By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

courtesy http://www.jellymuffin.com/

Dear Ones:

If you read my articles or get my NEWSLETTER, you know that I make it my business to stay on top of any and all food, drug, herb, supplement and medical device 'recalls'.  I thought it might be interesting for you to learn exactly what I do to protect my own health and those of my loved ones on a daily basis when it comes to PRODUCE and here it is:


1)    I check for current recall news at http://www.fda.gov/, http://www.cdc.gov/ and at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/ and any and all academic and news sources, as necessary.


2)  I LOOK at the quality of the produce I am buying.  I do the old 'COA'-color, odor, and appearance check.

3)  I CHECK the quality and integrity of the packaging, if there is any.

4)  I tend to 'skip' the open salad bars.  I bypass produce piles at shoulder level where people will cough and sneeze on them. 

5)   I WASH everything I buy, even if it says 'already washed'.  Use massive amounts of fresh running water. 'Hard produce' like potatoes get a scrubbing with a brush and a bit of some non-perfumey liquid soap/detergent. It is difficult to adequately disinfect berries and soft produce, so eating them is something of an act of faith. Personally, I test out a few lettuce leaves (for example) as I am making dinner. Any dessert fruit, too!

6)  If any produce doesn't look right, taste right or if the package is breached, I THROW it out! Please don't feed suspect produce to the critters outside, for if the produce can harm you, it can harm them as well. All mammalian systems are designed by the Great Designer and Creator to live with and depend upon 'good microbes'. But the microbes often in question are the harmful 'pathogens'.   In the case of lettuce, they are a bacterial strain of the intestinal E. coli gone bad. Be sure to dispose of bad produce properly, so that it is sure to not get into anyone's 'food supply chain', anywhere.

7)YES 'one is CONTAGIOUS' when infected with E.coli O145 or some other bacteria or protozoan (or even virus if someone with the flu sneezes on your store's broccoli section) etc, as far as their feces are concerned.  So DO practice good toilet and hand hygiene at all times.

8) I use gloves when handling food for my family, especially since I cook for cancer survivors, immunocompromised persons and those who are, at times, post-operative. Also, if you have any open wound on your hands, protect it from being contaminated by food, again by wearing gloves.  I recommend and use non-latex gloves.  You may not have a problem with latex, but you may be handling the food of someone who is.  Just remember that 'gloves can get contaminated, too'. I wash my gloved hands, too, as needed, and ditch and replace gloves after handling raw meat, fish, or anything greasy or oily. This may sound like a lot of waste, but it really helps.  Be sure to properly dispose of gloves, of course, and use paper towels for contaminated 'spills' with proper disposal too!

9) Report any significant produce problems to the manager at your grocery store or restaurant.  He or she will be most appreciative for the input.  In this day and age of terrorism, threats to our 'food supply'...bulk, especially...have been a very real and on-going concern as we have received bonafide threats and learned of 'food-contamination' plans.  It goes without saying that you must alert the authorities immediately if you witness anyone tampering with anything at all in any food store.  Do so without jeopardizing your own safety, of course.  After notifying store and law officials, you may also report directly:
CRIMINAL ACTIVITY REPORT: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/email/oc/oci/contact.cfm

EMERGENCY(serious, life-threatening food-related event) : FDA's 24-hour emergency line at 301-443-1240 OR FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator3 in your geographic area: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm  
Also contact your health care professional for medical, of course

NON-EMERGENCY Food-related (such as allergic reaction to a product with no allergens listed in ingredients; a non-life-threatening foodborne illness) in food products (except meat, poultry, and frozen, dried and liquid eggs) FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator6 in your geographic area.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm

ANIMAL FOOD PROBLEM-Pet food, animal feed http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm
I hope these hints help you out in protecting the health of yourself and those around you.  As always, be sure to seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider for any and all health concerns.  But remember that your 'everyday well-being' depends largely upon YOU!
God Bless You Today and Always,
Reverend Barbara Sexton
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

VIDEO:'DO NOT WORRY' MOTHER'S DAY Message From Reverend Barbara Sexton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgHtX49Xbqg

God Bless You This Day and Always,

Reverend Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

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/ 

free wallpaper for personal use with back-link above

free wallpaper for any Tea Party use with back-link above 

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

P & G PRINGLES RECALL-PART OF HVP SALMONELLA CONTAMINATION NATIONWIDE Posted By Rev Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

courtesy http://www.gospelgifs.com/  Jim Sutton

Dear Ones:
     There is a massive HVP aka Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein recall going on per the FDA.  What is HVP?  It is a food-additive in too many processed foods to count.  It is also, in my opinion, the source of many allergy issues, but I'll save that for another time.  There are so many HVP recalls that I can't list them here.  So I refer you to the FDA Website for specifics so you can be aware and protect yourself and your loved ones.
The general recall page is: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm
Current specific recalls are listed on the page above. Among the products recalled are (some or all) Quaker Snacks, Mrs. Gerry's, GNS Foods Snack Mixes, National Pretzel Co foods, HERB-OX Bouillon Products, McCormick's  and many, many more. 
     The Pringles P & G Recall can be found at: www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm203957.htm
P&G Joins Industry Ingredient Recall by Voluntarily Recalling Two Flavors of Pringles® in the United States in Response to FDA Industry Guidance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 08, 2010 - CINCINNATI – PRNewswire/ - The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), in response to a recommendation from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to the food industry, announced today that it is voluntarily recalling Pringles Restaurant Cravers Cheeseburger potato crisps and Pringles Family Faves Taco Night potato crisps as part of an industry ingredient recall to protect consumers from potential Salmonella exposure. There have been no reports of Salmonella-related illness in relation to these products.
     P&G was notified by one of its suppliers that a seasoning used in these two products contains hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) manufactured by Basic Food Flavors, Inc., who has voluntarily recalled several lots of this ingredient because of potential salmonella exposure. As a result, the FDA has recommended that food manufacturers recall certain types of products containing HVP manufactured by Basic Food Flavors, and P&G is complying with this guidance.
     Only products with the following "best by" dates are being recalled. The "best by" date for each product can be found on the bottom of the can.
Product Name
UPC Code
"Best by" date
Pringles Restaurant Cravers Cheeseburger, Super Stack Canister, 181 grams 37000 26936
02/2011
04/2011
Pringles Family Faves Taco Night, Super Stack Canister,
181 grams 37000 26773
03/2011
04/2011
05/2011
No other Pringles varieties or flavors are affected by this recall. These two products represent only one half of one percent of Pringles' U.S. volume. None of the affected products have been shipped to retailers outside of the United States.
     The safety of our products is P&G's top priority, and we follow rigorous food safety and ingredient testing standards. We are withdrawing these products out of an abundance of caution for consumer safety and in response to FDA’s recommendation to the food industry.
     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. There have been no reports of Salmonella-related illness to date in relation to these products.
      Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should discard the product and call P&G for a replacement coupon or refund at 1-877-876-7881 (Hours of operation: Monday - Friday, 9AM - 6PM US ET).
Media Contact:

Kay Puryear,
513-634-4319
puryear.sk@pg.com
Media Contact:
Paul Fox,
513-983-3465
fox.pd@pg.com
Rev Barb's advice on all this?  AVOID AND DO NOT EAT ANY FOODS KNOWINGLY MADE WITH HYDROLYZED ANIMAL PROTEIN, PERIOD.  HVP is in soup bases, mixes, dips, filled/flavored snack food and chips, etc.  Do your homework and read all food packaging if you wish to stay healthy!
     One would think that manufactured foods with manufactured ingredients would be 'safer' bacteria-wise than natural foods.  WRONG.  Any proteinaceous product, natural or man-made is subject to microbial contamination....in this case our old friend Salmonella. 
     The real question to ask is "where is all this Salmonella contamination coming from?  Is THAT natural or 'man-made' I wonder?"
     Food for thought, if not for your stomachs.  Stay tuned for a secondary article on the overwhelming Salmonella in the pepper industry.  It, too, is not to be believed.
Blessings,
Rev Barb Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/