Harry & David recalls some chocolate because of undeclared nuts

From the FDA:

Harry & David Operations Corp., of Medford, Oregon, is voluntarily recalling approximately 5880 tubs of the Milk & Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate Macadamia because they may contain macadamia nuts not declared on the ingredient statement, and 4400 tubs of the Peanut Butter, Milk Chocolate, Macadamia Nut because they may contain macadamia nuts and peanuts not declared on the ingredient statement. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to these nuts (macadamia or peanut) run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The products are packaged in 1 lb. 10 oz clear plastic tubs containing three flavors of Moose Munch ® Confection, a caramel corn and chocolate confection.

Harry & David is recalling all Milk & Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate Macadamia with a nutrition label that states Milk Chocolate, Caramel, Dark Chocolate at the top. The potentially affected lot codes are lot codes 304 NXXX NN:NN, 305 NXXX NN:NN, 306 NXXX NN:NN or 307 NXXX NN:NN. In the lot number on the plastic tub, the X is a letter and N is a number.

Harry & David is recalling all Peanut Butter, Milk Chocolate, Macadamia Nut with a nutrition label that states Milk Chocolate, Caramel, Dark Chocolate at the top. The potentially affected lot codes begin with 264 NXXX NN:NN, 265 NXXX NN:NN or 266 NXXX NN:NN. In the lot number on the plastic tub, the X is a letter and N is a number.

The lot codes are ink jetted on the sides of the tubs in black ink.

The Milk & Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate Macadamia was produced from October 31 through November 3 rd, 2007, and was distributed exclusively throughout the United States in Harry and David Stores, beginning on November 9, 2007. The Peanut Butter, Milk Chocolate, Macadamia Nut was produced from September 21 st through September 23 rd, 2007, and was distributed exclusively throughout the United States in Harry and David Stores, beginning on October 10, 2007.

There have been no injuries reported to date. Anyone concerned about a potential illness associated with this product should contact a physician immediately. This problem occurred when tubs with nutrition labels for another product were used for these items.

Consumers with questions about the recalled product may phone the Customer Service division at 800- 233-1101 , 24 hours a day. Customers may arrange for refunds through this number as well.

Sweetwater Valley Farms recalls cheese

More cheese news from the FDA:

Sweetwater Valley Farms, Inc. of Philadelphia, TN is recalling Southern Cheddar Jack Volunteer Special Cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Southern Cheddar Jack Volunteer Special Cheese, Lot Number 539 was distributed in 7, 10, 15 ounce, and 5 pound blocks and through retail stores in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, and Alabama. The product was also distributed to 48 contiguous states in gift baskets marketed by the firm’s website.

This product was distributed between September 19, 2006 and November 18, 2007.

No illnesses have been reported.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished product contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the distribution of this lot as the company continues their investigation as to what caused the problem

Consumers who have purchased lot number 539 of this product are urged discard it or ship it back to the company for a full refund. Contact the company’s consumer affairs department at 1-877-862-4332 for further information.

Jack Cheese recalled by Le Gourmet Connection

From the FDA:

Le Gourmet Connection of Lebanon, TN is recalling Jack Cheese, lot number 539, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Jack Cheese Lot Number 539 was distributed in 10 ounce blocks and through Jungle Jim’s, Fairfield , Ohio.

This product was distributed between August 28, 2007 and November 19, 2007.

No illnesses have been reported.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished product contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the distribution of this lot as the company continues their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to discard it and to contact the company at (615) 444-3500 for a full refund.

Fears of unsafe products prompt parents to make their own toys

The return of the cardboard box!

The recalls since June of more than 4 million toys with lead paint — from certain Winnie the Pooh play sets to some Barbie accessories — have educated many local parents, causing them to rethink their approach to toys.

Susan and Dace Campbell, of Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood, for example, now make many toys themselves for 1-year-old son Arlan. They keep it simple, making blocks from old boxes covered with contact paper, or creating rolling toys made from oatmeal containers. Their son often adds his own touch with stickers.

In addition to knowing where their toys came from, Susan Campbell says it also forces them to be creative.

It can't hurt. Read the rest here from the Seattle Times.

Photo by Jason Cartwright; some rights reserved.