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.

Is microwave popcorn safe?

From the AP:

The smell of buttery microwave popcorn can be intoxicating. But can it also be dangerous?

The question took on new significance recently when a doctor alerted federal regulatory agencies that a Colorado man who ate at least two bags every night for several years had "significant lung disease" similar to that seen in some microwave popcorn workers.

The illness - the first suspected case in a consumer - was linked to the man's habit of inhaling fumes from extra-buttery microwave popcorn, which contains the chemical diacetyl. The additive gives foods a buttery taste and has been linked to severe lung disease in some microwave popcorn and flavor plant workers.

Click here to read the rest.

Fisher Price Recalls Go Diego Go Boat Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

On October 25 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Go Diego Go Animal Rescue Boats

Units: About 38,000

Importer: Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y.

Hazard: Surface paints on the toys contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal standard prohibiting lead paint on children’s toys.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The toy is an orange and yellow boat that squirts water. Cartoon character Diego is in the driver’s seat. “Fisher Price,” product number K3413, and a date code between 137-7HF and 223-7HF are marked on the toys.

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from June 2007 through October 2007 for about $15.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price in order to receive a free replacement toy. Consumers need to return the recalled toys to Fisher-Price.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Fisher-Price at (888) 299-0579 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com

Children’s Toy Rakes Sold at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores Recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, has announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Children’s Toy Rake

Units: About 16,000

Importer: Jo-Ann Stores Inc., of Hudson, Ohio

Hazard: Surface paint on the handle of the rake can contain excessive levels of lead paint, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled children’s rake has a green handle with a yellow duck head attached to the handle. The rake has seven purple tines, also known as teeth. The rake is about 24 inches long. “Robbie Ducky™ Garden Collection Rake” is printed on a tag attached to the handle.

Sold exclusively at: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores nationwide from January 2007 through September 2007 for about $7.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy rake away from children and return it to any Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Jo-Ann Stores Inc. toll-free at (888) 739-4120, option 7, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email the firm at guest.services@jo-annstores.com, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.joann.com