~ FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

USDA&FSN – April – 2024 Recalls – Food Safety Alerts – Previous Month & last day of prior month updates

04/30/2024 Nativegrl77

** Officials confirm planned closure of Quaker Oats plant behind recall of dozens of products

By News Desk on April 5, 2024

The mayor of an Illinois city has confirmed that PepsiCo will close a Quaker Oats plant that was temporarily shuttered during a recall of granola products in December 2023.

Mayor Ricky Williams Jr. said the… Continue Reading

**Gibson Farms Voluntarily Recalls Organic Light Halves and Pieces Shelled Walnuts Because of Possible Health Risk

On 04/26/2024, Gibson Farms recalled Organic Light Halves and Pieces shelled walnuts because Gibson Farms received information that they may have the potential to be contaminated with E. Coli 0157:H7. E. coli O157:H7 causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death. The Organic Light Halves and Pieces shelled walnuts were sold to distributors located in CA and WA. Gibsons Farms Organic Light Halves and Pieces shelled walnuts were sold in bulk boxes in Net Wt. 25 lbs quantities and can be identified by lot 3325-043 & 3341-501 with expiration dates 5/21/25 & 6/7/25

** Sammy’s Milk Providing a Warning Against the Use of Goat Milk Toddler Formula as Infant Formula

Newport Beach, California – Sammy’s Milk, a local company, has been asked by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide a warning against the use of its Goat Milk Toddler Formula as an infant formula because the FDA is concerned that the formula may not meet all FDA requirements for infant formula and may be unsafe and not provide sufficient nutrition when used as an infant formula. These concerns were provided to Sammy’s Milk in a meeting with FDA this week that identified representations on the Sammy’s Milk website and social media platforms that could be interpreted to indicate the product is safe for infants to consume. Sammy’s Milk wants to emphasize that its product is specifically formulated for children between the ages of 12 and 36 months, as clearly indicated on its packaging and website. The product at issue was only available online, and included lot code SD348, with a “Best by” date of August of 2025.

** Soft white cheese recalled after testing finds Listeria contamination

** Infinite Herbs, LLC Voluntarily Recalls 2.5-Ounce Fresh Organic Basil Sold From February 1 Through April 6 Because of Possible Health Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 18, 2024—Infinite Herbs LLC of Miami, Florida, is voluntarily recalling 2.5-ounce packages of Infinite Herbs fresh organic basil sold between February 1 and April 6, 2024, and bearing the UPC 8 18042 02147 7 (see photos below) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.Salmonella is an organism that 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.

** Recalls down but still more than 2,000 in France for 2023

By Joe Whitworth on April 29, 2024

More than 2,000 consumer product recalls were issued in France in 2023, according to official figures.

Data from RappelConso shows 2,023 recalls in 2023 compared to 2,441 in 2022.

The category with the most recalls – 601 – was meats, followed by 371 milk and dairy product recalls and 189 fishery product recalls.

Overall, the top cause of alerts was potential Listeria contamination with almost 700 recalls due to this problem.

Products with most recalls
In the meats category, 312 recalls mentioned Listeria, and 160 were because of Salmonella. Other reasons included foreign bodies, Clostridium botulinum, labeling errors, E. coli…

** Infinite Herbs, LLC Expands Recall of Fresh Organic Basil to Include Melissa’s Brand Organic Basil Received by Illinois and Missouri Retailer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 19, 2024—Infinite Herbs LLC of Miami, Florida, is expanding its April 18th recall to include Melissa’s brand fresh organic basil in 2.0 oz ( 96 packages, UPC 0 45255 14142 9) and 4.0 oz packages (24 packages, UPC 0 45255 14439 0) available for sale at Dierberg’s stores in Illinois and Missouri between February 10th and 20th (see photos below). This product is part of the lot that was previously recalled and, therefore, has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Please note that this recalled product is outdated and no longer available for sale. Still, consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers and not consume the recalled organic basil if they have it. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 305-599-9255 x 148 or email customer_service@infiniteherbs.com, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.

** March 13, 2024 – Taylor Farms Pacific, a Tracy, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 19,976 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) apple walnut with chicken salad bowl products due to misbranding and undeclared wheat allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)…

IMPACTED PRODUCTS

5.5-OZ. CLEAR PLASTIC BOWL CONTAINERS WITH “KROGER APPLE WALNUT WITH CHICKEN SALAD KIT FOR ONE” WITH USE BY DATES OF 03/12/24 THROUGH 03/22/24, LOT CODES TFPM059B41, TFPM060B41, TFPM061A41, TFPM062A41, TFPM063B41, TFPM064A41, TFPM064B41, TFPM065A41, TFP

** USDA warning consumers about E. coli in some ground beef products

By News Desk on Apr 21, 2024 07:23 pm

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ground beef products from Greater Omaha Packing Co. Inc. that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that these products should not be consumed. … Continue Reading

** Primal Kitchen Issues Voluntary Recall of Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil (750mL Glass) Due to Packaging Issue

Primal Kitchen is announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 2,060 cases of three code dates of Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil (750mL) because the glass may be prone to breakage, causing the product to spill.

This is a voluntary recall that comes after we discovered the issue through monitoring of the Primal Kitchen warehouse. It was noticed that avocado oil had leaked in shipping containers. No consumer injuries or illnesses have been reported to date.

The affected products were sold in the eastern United States, California and online nationally. Consumers who purchased these affected items should dispose of the product and contact Primal Kitchen from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday, at +1 (888) 774-6259.

** Infiniteherbs April 19, 2024—Infinite Herbs LLC of Miami, Florida, is expanding its April 18th recall to include Melissa’s brand fresh organic basil in 2.0 oz ( 96 packages, UPC 0 45255 14142 9) and 4.0 oz packages (24 packages, UPC 0 45255 14439 0) available for sale at Dierberg’s stores in Illinois and Missouri between February 10th and 20th (see photos below). This product is part of the lot that was previously recalled and, therefore, has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Please note that this recalled product is outdated and no longer available for sale. Still, consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers and not consume the recalled organic basil if they have it. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 305-599-9255 x 148 or email customer_service@infiniteherbs.com, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.

** Roland Foods, LLC (“Roland Foods”) of New York, New York is recalling a specific production code of Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds) 16 oz. because it has 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.

Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds) 16 oz. was distributed to many states through retail stores and foodservice outlets. The product was distributed by Roland Foods from September 2023 through January 2024.

This recall ONLY APPLIES to Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds) 16 oz. with a Best By Date of October 19, 2024. The product can be identified by the Best Buy Date printed in black ink on the label near the top of the bottle. Please note: this is not an expansion of the recall, just a clarification to support identification of the product by consumers.

To date, Roland Foods has received no reports of illness related to the recalled products.

Roland Foods, LLC (“Roland Foods”) of New York, New York is recalling a specific production code of Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds) 16 oz. because it has 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.

** Food Recalls

** California company recalls ice cream bars because tests show positive for Salmonella

By News Desk on April 2, 2024

Tropicale Foods of Modesto, CA, is voluntarily recalling 5,224 units of Helados Mexico Mini Cream Variety Pack with best by date of “MO Best By 10/11/2025”, because the mango bars in the variety pack have… Continue Reading

** AvKARE, LLC. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Atovaquone Oral Suspension, USP 750 mg/5 mL Due to Potential Bacillus Cereus Contamination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 3/29/2024 –AvKARE, LLC. is voluntarily recalling lot # AW0221A of Atovaquone Oral Suspension, USP 750mg/5mL to the Consumer/User level, due to the potential Bacillus cereus contamination in the product found during stability testing at a 3rd party lab.

Risk Statement: In the population most at risk, immunocompromised population, there is a reasonable probability that microbial contamination of Atovaquone Oral Suspension can result in disseminated, life threatening infections such as endocarditis and necrotizing soft tissue infections. To date, AvKARE has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall. Atovaquone Oral Suspension, USP is indicated for prevention and treatment of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) in adults and children 13 years of age and older who cannot tolerate other medicines, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

** Jasmine rice recalled over glass in product
By News Desk on Apr 01, 2024 07:22 am
Otis McAllister, a food firm located in Orinda, CA, is recalling Emerald River Premium Thai Jasmine Rice because of pieces of glass in the product. According to the details posted online by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), the recall was initiated on March 6, 2024, and is ongoing. The recalled products were distributed in… Continue Reading

** Ice cream bars recalled after testing finds Salmonella

By News Desk on Apr 01, 2024 07:21 am

Tropicale Foods of Modesto, CA is recalling Helados Mexico Mini Cream Variety Pack because the mango bars in the variety pack are potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Testing on the mango bars revealed that the finished product may contain Salmonella. According to the company’s recall, the product was distributed at retail locations in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana,… Continue Reading

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1945 – Truman and the Manhattan Project – impacts on Washington State

04/26/2024 Nativegrl77

On April 25, 1945, President Harry S. Truman learns the full details of the Manhattan Project, in which scientists are attempting to create the first atomic bomb. The information thrust upon Truman a momentous decision: whether or not to use the world’s first weapon of mass destruction.

America’s secret development of the atomic bomb began in 1939 with then-President Franklin Roosevelt’s support. The project was so secret that FDR did not even inform his fourth-term vice president, Truman, that it existed. (In fact, when Truman’s 1943 senatorial investigations into war-production expenditures led him to ask questions about a suspicious plant in Minneapolis, which was secretly connected with the Manhattan Project, Truman received a stern phone call from FDR’s secretary of war, Harry Stimson, warning him not to inquire further.)

When President Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945, Truman was immediately sworn in and, soon after, was informed by Stimson of a new and terrible weapon being developed by physicists in New Mexico. In his diary that night, Truman noted that he had been informed that the U.S. was perfecting an explosive great enough to destroy the whole world.

On April 25, Stimson and the army general in charge of the project, Leslie Groves, brought Truman a file full of reports and details on the Manhattan Project. They told Truman that although the U.S. was the only country with the resources to develop the bomb–eliminating fears that Germany was close to developing the weapon–the Russians could possibly have atomic weapons within four years. They discussed if, and with which allies, they should share the information and how the new weapon would affect U.S. foreign-policy decisions. Truman authorized the continuation of the project and agreed to form an interim committee that would advise the president on using the weapon.

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1950- Chuck Cooper becomes the first African American selected in the NBA Draft

04/25/2024 Nativegrl77

On April 25, 1950, the Boston Celtics make Chuck Cooper, an All-American forward from Duquesne University, the first African American picked in NBA draft. With the selection, the first pick in the second round, Cooper breaks the NBA’s color barrier and changes the league for the …read more

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Immigration

04/23/2024 Nativegrl77

In 2012, a post from the War Room of ThinkProgress popped up in my email. The info probably needs an update but damn if it wasn’t enlightening for at least some of us! The repost is below!

ThinkProgress’ Amanda Beadle rounds up the top 10 reasons why the U.S. needs comprehensive immigration reform:

1. Legalizing the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States would boost the nation’s economy. It would add a cumulative $1.5 trillion to the U.S. gross domestic product—the largest measure of economic growth—over 10 years. That’s because immigration reform that puts all workers on a level playing field would create a virtuous cycle in which legal status and labor rights exert upward pressure on the wages of both American and immigrant workers. Higher wages and even better jobs would translate into increased consumer purchasing power, which would benefit the U.S. economy as a whole.

2. Tax revenues would increase. The federal government would accrue $4.5 billion to $5.4 billion in additional net tax revenue over just three years if the 11 million undocumented immigrants were legalized. And states would benefit. Texas, for example, would see a $4.1 billion gain in tax revenue and the creation of 193,000 new jobs if its approximately 1.6 million undocumented immigrants were legalized.

3. Harmful state immigration laws are damaging state economies. States that have passed stringent immigration measures in an effort to curb the number of undocumented immigrants living in the state have hurt some of their key industries, which are held back due to inadequate access to qualified workers. A farmer in Alabama, where the state legislature passed the anti-immigration law HB 56 in 2011, for example, estimated that he lost up to $300,000 in produce in 2011 because the undocumented farmworkers who had skillfully picked tomatoes from his vines in years prior had been forced to flee the state.

4. A path to citizenship would help families access health care. About a quarter of families where at least one parent is an undocumented immigrant are uninsured, but undocumented immigrants do not qualify for coverage under the Affordable Care Act, leaving them dependent on so-called safety net hospitals that will see their funding reduced as health care reforms are implemented. Without being able to apply for legal status and gain health care coverage, the health care options for undocumented immigrants and their families will shrink.

5. U.S. employers need a legalized workforce. Nearly half of agricultural workers, 17 percent of construction workers, and 12 percent of food preparation workers nationwide lacking legal immigration status. But business owners—from farmers to hotel chain owners—benefit from reliable and skilled laborers, and a legalization program would ensure that they have them.

6. In 2011, immigrant entrepreneurs were responsible for more than one in four new U.S. businesses. Additionally, immigrant businesses employ one in every 10 people working for private companies. Immigrants and their children founded 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies, which collectively generated $4.2 trillion in revenue in 2010—more than the GDP of every country in the world except the United States, China, and Japan. Reforms that enhance legal immigration channels for high-skilled immigrants and entrepreneurs while protecting American workers and placing all high-skilled workers on a level playing field will promote economic growth, innovation, and workforce stability in the United States.

7. Letting undocumented immigrants gain legal status would keep families together. More than 5,100 children whose parents are undocumented immigrants are in the U.S. foster care system, according to a 2011 report, because their parents have either been detained by immigration officials or deported and unable to reunite with their children. If undocumented immigrants continue to be deported without a path to citizenship enabling them to remain in the U.S. with their families, up to 15,000 children could be in the foster care system by 2016 because their parents were deported, and most child welfare departments do not have the resources to handle this increase.

8. Young undocumented immigrants would add billions to the economy if they gained legal status. Passing the DREAM Act—legislation that proposes to create a roadmap to citizenship for immigrants who came to the United States as children—would put 2.1 million young people on a pathway to legal status, adding $329 billion to the American economy over the next two decades.

9. And DREAMers would boost employment and wages. Legal status and the pursuit of higher education would create an aggregate 19 percent increase in earnings for young undocumented immigrants who would benefit from the DREAM Act by 2030. The ripple effects of these increased wages would create$181 billion in induced economic impact, 1.4 million new jobs, and $10 billionin increased federal revenue.

10. Significant reform of the high-skilled immigration system would benefit certain industries that require high-skilled workers. Immigrants make up 23 percent of the labor force in high-tech manufacturing and information technology industries, and immigrants more highly educated, on average, than the native-born Americans working in these industries. For every immigrant who earns an advanced degree in one of these fields at a U.S. university, 2.62 American jobs are created.

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1969- The Gym Crow Controversy:

04/23/2024 Nativegrl77

In 1968, Columbia University witnessed a momentous uprising fueled by a contentious issue: a segregated gymnasium. Let’s delve into the events that unfolded:

The Gym Crow Controversy:

Columbia University planned to construct a monumental concrete gym in Morningside Park, which was owned by New York City.
However, only 12% of the gym would be accessible to the public, while the remaining 88% would be reserved for Columbia’s use.
Harlem residents, many of whom were African-American, resented this appropriation of precious recreation space.
The gym’s community entrance at the bottom, juxtaposed with Columbia students entering from the top, symbolized Ivy imperialism and drew ire.
It was mockingly referred to as the “g-y-m crow door.”

The Student Uprising:

In April 1968, students distributed typewritten flyers inviting others to join a campus protest against Columbia’s land acquisition from nearby Harlem.
Soon, nearly 1,000 protesters occupied five university buildings, including Hamilton Hall.
The Student Afro-American Society (SAS), representing African-Americans’ concerns, played a pivotal role.
The SAS, along with the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), initiated a nonviolent occupation of campus buildings that lasted nearly a week.
In a stunning twist, SAS students demanded that SDS students leave, citing ideological and tactical differences¹ ² ³.