"Listeriosis & The Lettuce Recall: A Biochemist Explains It All" By Rev. Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

LINK: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm273968.htm

ABOVE: Front & Back of Recalled chopped Romaine LETTUCE sold by retailers to the public at Unified Grocers, Inc. Cash & Carry Smart Food Service stores in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The product at those outlets was packed in True Leaf Farms cardboard cartons. All bags carry a "use by date" of 9/29/11. This product was labeled as follows:

• 2# bags, chopped romaine- Bag and box code B256-46438-8 

Dear Ones:
     You can read the manufacturer's own recall statement here if you are interested:
LINK: http://www.churchbrothers.com/recall/True%20Leaf%20Farms%20Release.pdf
     I will 'break it down for you'...along with the FDA and CDC information available to us thus far.
      Here is the current, accurate information you need to help protect the health and well-being of yourself and your loved ones.
     Recently, both cantaloupe and now LETTUCE has been recalled due to contamination with the bacteria known as Listeria monocytogenes (pronounced: list-TEAR-ee-ah  mah-no-sye-TAHGE-en-eeze).
    Here is the latest FDA recall list in an easy-to-view format for both the melon and LETTUCE:
LINK: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm
(NOTE:  If any of these FDA/government LINKS do not work directly, just copy and paste them into your browser to access.) 
     As this is being written, no actual illnesses have been reported as being linked to the True Leaf Farm brand LETTUCE found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
LINK:  http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm274075.htm
     BUT, while the original LETTUCE recall was limited to Oregon, Washington and Idaho, per the FDA, now as of Sept 29, 2011, the recall notification is EXPANDED to cover product shipped to 19 states (highlighted below and CANADA):
"September 29, 2011- True Leaf Farms is expanding its voluntary recall of romaine to include 2,498 cartons of chopped or shredded romaine because of the potential of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The initial recalled product was shipped between September 12 and 13 to a retail food service distributor in Oregon who further distributed it to at least two additional states, Washington and Idaho.
At the request of the US Food and Drug Administration the recall notification is expanded to cover additional product shipped to wholesale food service distributors in 19 states and Alberta, Canada. The states include Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Vermont. All the romaine affected by this recall has a "use by date" of 9/29/11.
No illnesses related to this finding have been reported."
      True Lead Farms is 'the processing arm' of Church Brothers, LLC.  They process LETTUCE  under the following brand names under 'Church Brothers':

True Leaf, Red Coach, Jin Ye, Hop Sing & Private Labels.

     Under 'True Leaf', the Church Brothers, LLC sell under the following brand names: True Leaf, Church Brothers, Leaf Tek & Private Labels.
LINK:   http://churchbrothers.com/content/?page_id=851
     Besides chopped Romaine LETTUCE, Church Brothers, LLC also processes and packages: Broccoli, lettuce, Red leaf, Butter, Baby Heads, Spinach, Endive, Escarole, Cauliflower, Celery, Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Bok Choy, Nappa Cabbage, Green Onions, Cilantro, Parsley, Italian Parsley, Kale & 'Specialty Items'.
LINK:  http://churchbrothers.com/content/?page_id=128
     A comprehensive  government page for Listeria and listeriosis can be found here:
LINK:  http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/listeria/index.html
     A general page on Listeria and listeriosis on the CDC website is below:
LINK:  http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/listeria/
     Please do take the time to read as much of the 'original sources' as you can.  (AGAIN: copy and paste any of the links here if they do not take you to the desired page directly.)
     But for your convenience and edification, these are Rev. Barb's recommendations at the present time regarding this Church Brothers, LLC Listeria romaine LETTUCE contamination:

1)  Absolutely avoid any and all chopped romaine LETTUCE 'processed' by Church Brothers, LLC/True Leaf until the full extent of this contamination is definitively determined.

2)  Check the 'brand names' of all the produce you buy against 'brand name lists' published on the FDA and CDC websites and here ABOVE at www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com/  Check back here regularly for UPDATES on this LETTUCE situation, as well as for articles on the cantaloupe contamination, as well.

3)  Even if your state is not listed above, be aware that not all distributions patterns of this fresh produce have necessarily been determined, let alone revealed to the public.

4)  Although NO ILLNESSES TO DATE have been associated with this chopped Romaine lettuce contaminated with Listeria, maintain a 'high index of suspicion' until the full epidemiological study is completed for this FDA Recall.  Be sure to see your health care provider IMMEDIATELY if you suspect that you may have a food-related illness and/or symptoms of the same.  DO NOT DELAY, especially with the young, the old and with those who are immunocompromised.

5)  Although, to date, only chopped Romaine LETTUCE from Church Brothers, LLC/True Leaf Farms has been determined to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, be aware that their other products MAY also be contaminated.  See the yellow highlighted list of vegetables above. 

6)  Since we, the consumer, does not know exactly what Church Brothers, LLC/True Leaf Farms' 'Specialty Products' are, be wise when you purchase your produce and take care to know determine the source of the food you and your family and friends eat.

7)  Although only RETAIL chopped Romaine LETTUCE is implicated in this Listeria Recall so far, be wary of 'bulk salad and vegetable' points of purchase, such as at 'salad bars' and in restaurants and other food-selling facilities.  Use your COMMON SENSE, but also check online frequently using the LINKS you have been provided with here.

8)  In this day-and-age of questionable food safety, take care to wash and scrub the vegetables and fruits you can (I prefer warm watch and dish detergent followed by a strong water rinse)...And to give a good 'soaking and rinsing' for those that cannot be 'scrubbed'.  Please note that with Listeria, it is possible that the 'inside' can be contaminated, so that even a good scrubbing on the outside will not necessarily assure consumer safety.  Chopped Romaine LETTUCE has it's own particular set of problems sanitation-wise, since it cannot be scrubbed, subjected to too-warm water and it has the further 'detriment' of having been handled more than the intact stalk of Romaine would be.  In addition, the 'chopping process' greatly increases the available surface area for potential bacterial contamination wherever pathogenic bacteria are present.

9) Finally, it is prudent to 'rotate food'.  In other words, try not to eat the same thing day-after-day, even if the food you are eating will be prone to spoiling before you can finish it.  "Greens" nowadays can be every bit as deadly when contaminated as the rawest of meats and other foodstuffs capable of causing food-poisoning.

     Hopefully, this Listeria contamination source will be swiftly identified and dealt with.

     But, until then, stay alert and informed.  If you would like to receive Rev. Barb's FREE NEWSLETTER so that you can receive timely health alerts right in your mailbox, just see the sign-up area below.

God Bless & Keep You & All Of Us

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

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

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