This message contains the following:
1. CPSC Issues Warning on Children’s Winter and Holiday-Themed Charm Bracelets with High Levels of Cadmium http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10162.html
2. Coil Nailers Recalled by Hitachi Koki Due to Serious Injury Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10163.html
3. Noncontact Electrical Tester Recalled by Fluke Due to Shock or Burn Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10164.html
http://www.newswithviews.com/Kincaid/cliff401.htm
PENTAGON SHOOTER POT SCANDAL GROWS
[A MUST READ.......GRANNY]
Plavix (clopidogrel): Reduced effectiveness in patients who are poor metabolizers of the drug
Audience: Cardiology healthcare professionals, patients
FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients that a Boxed Warning has been added to the prescribing information for Plavix, an anti-blood clotting medication. The Boxed Warning in the drug label will include information to:
* Warn about reduced effectiveness in patients who are poor metabolizers of Plavix. Poor metabolizers do not effectively convert Plavix to its active form in the body.
* Inform healthcare professionals that tests are available to identify genetic differences in CYP2C19 function.
* Advise healthcare professionals to consider use of other anti-platelet medications or alternative dosing strategies for Plavix in patients identified as poor metabolizers.
Plavix is given to reduce the risk of heart attack, unstable angina, stroke, and cardiovascular death in patients with cardiovascular disease. Plavix works by decreasing the activity of blood cells called platelets, making platelets less likely to form blood clots. A data summary and additional information for healthcare professionals and patients are provided in the linked Drug Safety Communication.
Read the complete MedWatch 2010 Safety summary, including a link to the Drug Safety Communication at:
You are encouraged to report all serious adverse events and product quality problems to FDA MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
Counterfeit Polypropylene Surgical Mesh: Initial Communication
Audience: Surgical services managers, risk managers
Counterfeit flat sheets of polypropylene surgical mesh, used in the repair of hernias and chest wall defects, are being marketed in the United States, labeled with the C. R. Bard/Davol brand name. These products are not Bard-manufactured products. Healthcare professionals and facilities should carefully examine all manufacturers’ polypropylene surgical mesh products for their lot numbers and anything unusual that might indicate they are counterfeit. The product codes, sizes and lot numbers of the counterfeit product identified, to date, are noted in the linked Initial Communication, and recommendations/actions for healthcare professionals, healthcare facilities, and patients are provided.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events, product problems, or suspected counterfeit product to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
* Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
* Phone: 1-800-332-1088
* Mail: return the postage-paid FDA form 3500, which may be downloaded from the MedWatch “Download Forms” page, to address on the pre-addressed form
* Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
Read the complete MedWatch 2010 Safety summary, including a link to the Initial Communication, at:
You are encouraged to report all serious adverse events and product quality problems to FDA MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
Ensuring Japan’s food security through free trade not tariffs
March 10th, 2010
Guest Author: Kazuhito Yamashita, RIETI
Japanese agriculture is in a free-falling decline. In the years between 1960 and 2005, the share of agricultural output in GDP dropped from 9 per cent to 1 per cent, the food self-sufficiency ratio from 79 per cent to 41 per cent, and agricultural land, indispensable for food security, from 6.09 million hectares to 4.63 million hectares.
continues.
SALMONELLOSIS, SALAMI - USA (07): BLACK AND RED PEPPER
******************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
Date: Thu 11 Mar 2010
Source: CDC [edited]
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/montevideo/index.html
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is collaborating
with public health officials in many states, the Department of
Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA), and the State of Rhode Island to
investigate a multistate outbreak of _Salmonella [enterica_] serotype
Montevideo infections. Investigators are using DNA analysis of
salmonella bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing to identify
cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak.
As of 9:00 pm EST on 9 Mar 2010, a total of 249 individuals infected
with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo, which displays
either of 2 closely related pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)
patterns, have been reported from 44 states and District of Columbia
since 1 Jul 2009. The number of ill persons identified in each state
with this strain is as follows: AK (1), AL (2), AZ (7), CA (31), CO
(5), CT (5), DC (1), DE (3), FL (3), GA (3), IA (1), ID (4), IL (22),
IN (4), KS (5), LA (1), MA (14), MD (1), ME (1), MI (4), MN (6), MO
(2), MS (1), NC (11), ND (1), NE (3), NH (2), NJ (9), NM (2), NY
(18), OH (9), OK (1), OR (9), PA (7), RI (2), SC (1), SD (3), TN (5),
TX (7), UT (9), VA (1), WA (18), WI (1), WV (1), and WY (2). Because
the main _S._ Montevideo outbreak PFGE pattern is commonly occurring
in the USA, public health investigators may determine that some of
the illnesses are not part of this outbreak.
_S._ Senftenberg, a different serotype, has been found in food
samples from retail and a patient household during this outbreak
investigation. PulseNet identified 8 persons who had illness caused
by serotype Senftenberg with matching PFGE patterns between 1 Jul
2009 and today [11 Mar 2010]. Public health officials have
interviewed 6 of the 8 ill persons with this strain of serotype
Senftenberg and determined that 2 purchased a recalled salami product
during the week before their illness began. These 8 cases are not
included in the overall case count reported above.
Among the persons with reported dates available, illnesses began
between 4 Jul 2009 and 18 Feb 2010. Infected individuals range in age
from less than 1 year old to 93 years old and the median age is 37
years. 53 percent of patients are male. Among the 190 patients with
available information, 49 (26 percent) were hospitalized. No deaths
have been reported.
Investigation of the Outbreak
Recall Information
Testing by the Rhode Island Department of Public Health found the
outbreak strain of _S._ Montevideo in samples of black and red pepper
intended for use in the production of Italian-style meats at Daniele
International Inc. Since then, several recalls have been issued.
On 25 Feb 2010, Wholesome Spice, Brooklyn, NY, announced a recall of
25 pound boxes of crushed red pepper sold between 6 Apr 2009 and 20
Jan 2010. Wholesome Spice sells spices directly to commercial
customers, who may have incorporated them into their own products.
The FDA is currently working with Wholesome Spice to identify the
customers who received the recalled product and determine if further
recalls are necessary.
On 5 Mar 2010, Mincing Overseas Spice Company of Dayton, NJ,
voluntarily recalled 2 lots of black pepper due to possible
salmonella contamination. Black pepper was not distributed at retail
level and was shipped to FL, IA, IL, IN, MA, OK, NJ, NY, PA, RI, TX,
and WI. Customers who purchased black pepper from any parts of Lots
3258 and 3309 should place these lots or any spice blends made from
these lots under their control on hold and contact Mincing Overseas
Spice Company.
On 9 Mar 2010, Dutch Valley Food Distributors of Myerstown, PA,
announced a voluntary nationwide recall of black pepper and products
made with black pepper as a result of the Mincing Overseas Spice
Company black pepper recall. Retailers are advised to remove all
these products from store shelves based on lot number or manufacture
dates. Consumers who have purchased these products are asked to
destroy them. Consumers with questions regarding the products listed
may contact Dutch Valley Foods or visit the FDA’s website
http://www.fda.gov/
Laboratory Testing of Products and Ingredients
However, the Washington State Department of Health subsequently
tested the bacterial culture provided by the private laboratory (the
salami was not provided) and identified 2 different serotypes: _S._
Senftenberg (the strain found by the private lab) and _S._ Montevideo
indistinguishable from the outbreak strain. In addition, the Iowa
Department of Public Health and public health officials in Plymouth
County, IA, investigated a patient with _S._ Montevideo infection
indistinguishable from the outbreak strain and discovered an open
sliced salami variety pack frozen at the patient’s home. The patient
had eaten this product before becoming ill. This sliced salami
variety pack was the same as that purchased by 16 other ill persons.
Using DNA analysis, the University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory
(Iowa’s public health laboratory) confirmed that the serotype
isolated from this leftover salami was indistinguishable from the
outbreak strain of _S._ Montevideo.
The recall was expanded as a result of a confirmed finding of
salmonella in an unopened salami product reported by the Illinois
Department of Public Health. The product was sampled during the
course of an ongoing investigation of a multistate outbreak of _S._
Montevideo illnesses. The product tested was not included in the
previous recall issued 23 Jan 2010, but is a similar type of product
bought by customers who later became sick and were identified as part
of the _S._ Montevideo investigation. Subsequent testing revealed
that the product contained the _S._ Senftenberg strain. The company
believes that black pepper is a possible source of contamination.
On 28 Jan 2010, the Rhode Island Department of Health announced that
test results revealed that an opened container of black pepper used
in the manufacturing of at least some of the recalled products was
positive for _S._ Montevideo and that the DNA fingerprint matched the
outbreak strain: http://www.ri.gov/press/view/10647
On 17 Feb 2010, results from laboratory testing of product from
Illinois revealed that the product contained the _S._ Senftenberg
strain.
On 25 Feb 2010, the FDA released additional information about its
investigation of supply chains of both black and red pepper used in
the manufacturing of the recalled Italian style meat products. The
agency has collected and is analyzing 153 composite pepper samples,
which represent more than 4000 individual samples of black and red
pepper. Samples from 2 lots of crushed red pepper collected from
Daniele International Inc. have tested positive for positive for the
same strain of _S._ Montevideo associated with the outbreak.
—
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
promed@promedmail.org
[The scope and number of recalls related to this outbreak continues
to increase although the number of cases has only increased by 19 in
3 weeks. - Mod.LL]
[see also:
Salmonellosis, salami - USA (06): red pepper 20100219.0574
Salmonellosis, salami - USA (05): 2nd serotype, pepper source? 20100214.0523
Salmonellosis, salami - USA (04): serotype Montevideo 20100209.0444
Salmonellosis, salami - USA (03): st Montevideo, 2nd recall 20100201.0345
Salmonellosis, salami - USA (02): serotype Montevideo 20100129.0313
Salmonellosis, salami - USA: alert, recall 20100124.0270
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2469232/posts?page=69
Officials: Bacterial meningitis kills two Oklahoma students
CNN Health ^ | 3/11/10 | left that other site
Posted on Thursday, March 11, 2010 7:35:16 PM by left that other site
Officials: Bacterial meningitis kills two Oklahoma students March 11, 2010 1:36 p.m. EST STORY HIGHLIGHTS
* Students from Oologah-Talala public school district in rural Oklahoma * Authorities are investigating four other possible cases of bacterial meningitis * Medical team may screen students, begin vaccinations, school superintendent says
(CNN) — Authorities are investigating six possible cases of bacterial meningitis — including two deaths — in rural Oklahoma elementary school students.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2469441/posts?page=2#2
Weekly Gardening Thread – 2010 Vol. 06 – March 12
Free Republic | 03-12-2010 | Red_Devil 232
Posted on Friday, March 12, 2010 6:00:51 AM by Red_Devil 232
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2470081/posts?page=14
Feds Probe Reports of Dog Deaths, Illnesses From Pork Bone Treats
consumeraffairs ^ | March 12, 2010 | Lisa Wade McCormick
Posted on Friday, March 12, 2010 9:00:35 PM by JoeProBono
One city is starting a movement to create 15,000 backyard (and balcony) farmers
15 Thousand Farmers helps create, empower, and inspire 15,000 new, organic, neighborhood
backyard/front yard farmers in Louisville, KY to feed their families and themselves
and to give away! How? By using simple and easy instructions, checklists and materials
and ongoing support provided through local organic growers and resources that will
provide everything needed to start Easy Farms in our yards, on decks or in community
gardens.
New York City’s Queens County Farm Museum
The Queens County Farm Museum’s history dates back to 1697; it occupies New York
City’s largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland and is the only working
historical farm in the City. The farm encompasses a 47-acre parcel that is the longest
continuously farmed site in New York State. The site includes historic farm buildings,
a greenhouse complex, livestock, farm vehicles and implements, planting fields,
an orchard and herb garden.
Are there $$$ to be made in urban agriculture?
Urban Farm Hub is launching a series of articles addressing the long-term economic
viability of urban agriculture. We know commercial agriculture enterprises pencil
in shrinking midwest cities such as Detroit, Pittsburgh and Cleveland, but what
about thriving metropolitan areas such as Seattle where there’s a shortage of developable
land?
Growing Sustainable Communities: Urban Farming
Panel: February 19, 2010, The University of Michigan - Dearborn
Ashley Atkinson, The Greening of Detroit
Oran Hesterman, Fair Food Network
Susan Schmidt, The Henry Ford
Kami Pothukuchi, SEED Wayne
Malik Yakini, Detroit Black Community Food Security Network
Moderated by Bruce Pietrykowski, Professor of Economics, UM-Dearborn
Urban agriculture: multi-dimensional tools for social development in poor neighborhoods
For over 30 years, different urban agriculture (UA) experiments have been undertaken
in Montreal (Quebec, Canada). The Community Gardening Program, managed by the City,
and 6 collective gardens, managed by community organizations, are discussed in this
article. These experiments have different objectives, including food security, socialization
and education. Although these have changed over time, they have also differed depending
on geographic location (neighborhood).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All stories here.
City Farmer News [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103187796376&s=1304&e=001IFDFvQzdCUsLwgbitoLHfjQBoVr9r9pfO8qixa4v_5MPfFXPE70izKfBDFzgiNbXD09jNm9xB748V5iuuaNaWZNeZEne2nP32xcTqrFsHfCLpzHCH6d8WA==]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael Levenston
City Farmer - Canada’s Office of Urban Agriculture
1978-2010
Your guide to public records
WHAT FOIL CAN DO FOR YOU
http://www.stargazette.com/print/article/20100313/NEWS01/3130358/Your-guide-to-public-records
You may want to copy this one, never know when you will need the info in it....granny
Deadly Drugs under Your Nose
March 10, 2010
by Pamela Kulbarsh
In April 2005, Jeff Williams, an East Cleveland police officer, posted a public email to warn others about the dangers of inhalant abuse. His 14 year old son, Kyle, had died from the effects of inhaling the contents of a can of Dust-Off. His wife, Kathy, is a nurse.
snipped...
Extent of Inhalant Usage in Our Youth
Inhalants are the drug of choice among pre-teens and early teens. The peak age of inhalant abuse is between 14 to 15 years, with onset in children as young as 5 or 6 years of age. Usage typically declines by 17 to 19 years of age but can continue into adulthood. The 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health concluded that approximately 22.3 million Americans aged 12 or older reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes, (8.9% of the population). There were 729,000 persons aged 12 or older who had used inhalants for the first time within the past 12 months, (70.4% were under age 18). Despite these numbers, the relative danger of inhalant abuse remains largely unrecognized by parents, law enforcement, educators and health professionals.
snipped...
You can find inhalants in your home or buy them at any local grocery, hardware or variety store. Buying these products is perfectly legal. Containers are easy to hide (even in clear view). You don’t need a dealer or extensive drug paraphernalia. Parents are generally unaware of any problem and kids can easily explain why they have these products if they are caught.
What is Usually Inhaled?
Inhalants include a wide variety of substances that give off vapors or fumes which can be inhaled; adhesives (PVC cement, airplane glue), aerosols (deodorant, spray paint) solvents and fuels (gasoline, paint thinner), cleaning agents (correction fluid, dry cleaning fluid), compressed air (Dust Off), dessert toppings (whipped cream), room deodorizers, and medical anesthetics (nitrous oxide, chloroform).
snipped...........article is full of “I didn’t know” information.
Source: http://www.officer.com/web/online/On-the-Street/The-Deadly -Drugs-under-Your-Nose/21$51100
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm204411.htm
Spice Industrial Inc. Recalls Lian How White Sesame Seeds Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Spice Industrial Group Inc. 626-854-8880
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 13, 2010 - SPICE INDUSTRIAL GROUP INC., of City of Industry, Ca is recalling LIAN HOW WHITE SESAME SEEDS supplied by Specialty Commodities Corp. distributed from November 6 to December 11, 2009, because they have 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. For more information on Salmonella please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at http://www.cdc.gov1.
Spice Industrial Group Inc. was notified of this contamination by our supplier, Specialty Commodities Corp. To date no illnesses have been reported to Spice Industrial Group Inc.
The affected Lian How White Sesame Seeds packaged in 5lb white plastic bags with Specialty Commodities Corp. labels were distributed to retail markets, restaurants and wholesalers in Southern California between November 6, 2009 and December 11, 2009.
Consumers who have purchased this item are urged to return them to their place of purchase. Consumers with any questions may contact Spice Industrial Group Inc., at 626-854-8880 between the hours of 10am-5pm PST Monday through Friday
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http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm204394.htm
Julia’s Spices Inc Recalls Hulled Sesame Seeds Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Julia’s Spices 626-369-5525
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 12, 2010 - JULIA’S SPICES INC, of City of Industry, Ca is recalling all HULLED SESAME SEEDS distributed between November 17, 2009 and February 25,2010, because they have 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. For more information on Salmonella please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at http://www.cdc.gov1.
Julia’s Spices Inc was notified of this contamination by our supplier. To date no illnesses have been reported to Julia’s Spices Inc.
The affected Hulled Sesame Seed also known as White Sesame Seeds were distributed in plastic bags between November 17, 2009 and February 25, 2010 in California and Utah by Julia’s Spices Inc’s through retail stores. Only the following products are being recalled:
NAME UPC Package Size
Julia’s Spices Ajonjoli / Sesame Seed 810338001330’ 3.5 oz
Julia’s Spices Ajonjoli / Sesame Seed 810338000043’ 1 9/16 oz
Julia’s Spices Ajonjoli / Sesame Seed 810338020027’ 1 9/16 oz
Consumers who have purchased this item are urged to return them to their place of purchase. Consumers with any questions may contact Julia’s Spices Inc, at 626-369-5525 between the hours of 1pm-4pm PST Monday through Wednesday. We thank you for your cooperation.
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Page Last Updated: 03/15/2010
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm204484.htm
Teleflex Incorporated Announces Worldwide Voluntary Recall of Arrow Select IV Tubing Sets, Accessories, and Certain Embolectomy Catheters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 12, 2010 - Limerick, PA - Teleflex Incorporated provided an update today on the previously announced Arrow International, Inc. voluntary recall of ALL lots of its Arrow custom intravenous administration products (IV tubing sets and accessories) and certain Arrow arterial embolectomy catheters distributed prior to February 19, 2010.
Testing revealed pin holes in some of the pouches in which the products are packaged, and it has been determined that product sterility cannot be guaranteed. If product sterility has been compromised, there is a potential for infection, which could lead to serious injury or death. Arrow International has notified the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other health authorities of this recall.
Consumers who have:
* any Arrow product with a part number beginning with W followed by five numeric digits (e.g., W12345);
* any Arrow product with a part number beginning with MPI followed by five numeric digits (e.g., MPI-12345) which is an IV tubing set or tubing set accessory;
* either of the following two part numbers IV-850001-AAMC and IV-85020-UW;
should STOP using and return the items to Arrow International. Customers can find the entire affected product list at www.teleflexmedical.com.
The affected product was distributed globally to healthcare institutions and distributors.
No injuries have been reported to date however significant under-reporting of adverse events may have occurred.
Arrow International initiated this field corrective action in February 2010 and included notification to customers by letter. Customers were directed to immediately quarantine affected product and call the Arrow Custom IV Tubing hotline at 866-396-2111 to arrange for product return.
Customers with questions can contact the Arrow IV Tubing customer service hotline at 866-396-2111 between the hours of 8am and 8pm, ET, Monday through Friday.
Arrow International, Inc. is committed to providing high quality, safe and effective products. Any adverse events experienced with the use of this product, and/or quality problems can also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program by telephone at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online by visiting the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default1 and following the instructions for submitting the appropriate forms electronically or by mail.
Neither the estimated costs nor the impact of this recall are expected to be material to Teleflex’s 2010 financial results. The voluntary recall and estimated costs were previously reported in the company’s Form 10-K filed February 25, 2010.
About Teleflex
Arrow International is a subsidiary of Teleflex Incorporated, a diversified global company with a significant presence in medical technology and niche businesses serving aerospace and commercial markets. Teleflex Medical, the company’s largest business segment, designs, manufactures and distributes medical devices for critical care and surgical applications serving customers in more than 140 countries. The company is focused on medical device technology that enables healthcare providers to improve outcomes, reduce infections and improve patient and provider safety. Additional information about Teleflex Incorporated can be obtained from the company’s website at www.teleflex.com.
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Page Last Updated: 03/15/2010
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm204505.htm
Tastefully Simple Issues Voluntary Recall for Toasted Garlic & Parmesan Cheese Ball Mix
Contact:
Lynn Grueneich
Senior Lead, Communications
320.763.2100
lynn.grueneich@tastefullysimple.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 12, 2010 - Alexandria, MN - Tastefully Simple is voluntarily recalling select 1.1-ounce retail packages and 0.3-ounce samples of Toasted Garlic & Parmesan Cheese Ball Mix. The company, along with others in the food industry, is joining in the efforts of a nationwide ingredient recall to protect consumers from potential Salmonella exposure.
The company was notified about this potential issue by one of its ingredient suppliers. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
No illnesses regarding this product have been reported to the company to date. However, Tastefully Simple has decided to initiate this voluntary recall because of its commitment to the safety and health of the public – and its commitment to offering only the highest quality products.
This recall applies only to a small number of retail packages of Toasted Garlic & Parmesan Cheese Ball Mix (Item: 723200) and sample packets (Item: 723270) shipped since February 12, 2010. The following lot codes, which can be found on the bottom of the retail boxes, are involved in the recall: 9315, 9317 and 0004. The lot codes for the sample packets affected are: 9313, 9314 and 0005, which are embossed on the left front side of the packet.
Tastefully Simple encourages anyone who has purchased or received a package of Toasted Garlic & Parmesan Cheese Ball Mix with the lot codes above to destroy it, and call 1.800.235.4513 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm CST Monday through Friday to receive an alternate product. If you have any questions and concerns or would like additional information, simply visit tastefullysimple.com or fda.gov.
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Photo: Product Labels1
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Beekeeping no longer illegal in New York City
Big Apple beekeepers are all a buzz with joy after the New York City’s Board of
Health voted Tuesday reversed a long-standing ban on tending to honeybees.
Health officials had previously banned beekeeping because honeybees were considered
just as dangerous as hyenas and poisonous snakes.
Restaurants get a little greener
Fraser intends to plant a garden - and not just a few containers of herbs, but 450
to 500 square feet, right outside, cater-corner from Los Angeles Police Department
headquarters. It will be tended by the kitchen staff, and Fraser says it could yield
as much as a quarter of the produce for his kitchen. He’s eyeing a parking lot for
more garden space.
Growing biofuels on idle land in Salt Lake City
SALT LAKE CITY - An innovative collaboration in sustainability is gaining steam
in Utah. The goal is to grow, on what was unused city land, a plant that can be
used to make a biofuel, which in turn will be used in government fleets.
Near Salt Lake International Airport, KSL News watched Jason Heward steer a John
Deere tractor around 20 acres of land that had been idle for years. The project
site is located at approximately 500 South and 4500 West.
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden in Hong Kong
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) spreads over 148 hectares of land and is
located on the northern slopes and foothills of Hong Kong’s highest mountain -
Tai Mo Shan.
Vegetables are produced on a one hectare hillside area at KFBG and there are over
60 varieties of vegetables and herbs grown in our farmland. We have 17 hectares
of terraced orchards producing over 25 different varieties of fruit crops, herbs
and tea, as well as honey. Our eco-garden displays organic farming practices compatible
to urban settings for visitors to learn how to grow their own food.
Georgia legislature’s House Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs has put
together an urban farming bill
With a word-word here and a tweak-tweak there, the Georgia legislature’s House Committee
on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs has managed to put together an “urban farming”
bill that is worthy of the full Georgia General Assembly’s support.
In its original version, House Bill 842 - which is designed to pre-empt local ordinances
restricting production of agricultural or farm products on residential or other
urban property - virtually eliminated the ability of local governments to take any
action against people raising chickens, rabbits, goats or food crops.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stories here:
City Farmer News [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103199223638&s=1304&e=001ZImq7wRG8GIbw63X5ITidyW2_oRlJ0hfu01kQPTx2GoAiZI9VfwdYK-YWeSizdAA7Dc5PzSkHLkyO8CC-NkDgPFDSeHibADzom82GvvTZ5O_UaQYHrcmdA==]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael Levenston
City Farmer - Canada’s Office of Urban Agriculture
1. Remote Control Kits for Electric Fireplaces and Stoves Recalled by Dimplex North America Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2010
Release #10-167
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 673-9880
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Remote Control Kits for Electric Fireplaces and Stoves Recalled by Dimplex North America Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Remote Control Kits for Electric Fireplaces and Stoves
Units: About 700,000
Importer: Dimplex North America, of Ontario, Canada
Hazard: The plug-in wall unit can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Dimplex has received about 5,000 reports of the plug-in wall units overheating including 19 reports of damage beyond the remote control and one report of a house fire in Columbus, Ohio that resulted in considerable property damage.
Description: The recalled remote control kits are used with Dimplex, Electraflame, Symphony, Optiflame, Electralog and Charmglow brand electric fireplaces, stoves and fireplace inserts. They include a black or dark gray hand-held remote control and also a black or dark gray wall unit that plugs into an electrical wall outlet. Recalled model numbers include 47-1001, 47-1010-R and APT-1315. The model number is printed on either the plug-in unit or the hand-held remote control. The fireplace or stove’s brand name is printed on both units.
Sold at: Mass merchandise, home improvement, specialty fireplace and furniture retailers from January 1998 through December 2008 for between $200 and $1,500 for the fireplaces and stoves. This recall includes remote control kits subsequently replaced under warranty.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the remote control kits, unplug the power cord from the remote control kit’s wall unit, remove the wall unit from the electrical outlet and contact Dimplex for a free replacement kit. Consumers can continue to operate the fireplace or stove by plugging the fireplace or stove’s electrical cord directly into an electrical outlet.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Dimplex North America toll-free at (866) 673-9880 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.recall.dimplex.com
To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10167.html
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm204711.htm
GFN Foods, LLC Voluntarily Recalls Gluten-Free Naturals Pancake Mix, Gluten-Free Naturals Light & Moist Yellow Cake Mix and Gluten-Free Naturals Cookie Blend Flour
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 11, 2010 - GFN Foods, LLC of Cranford, NJ is voluntarily recalling:
Gluten-Free Naturals Pancake Mix – UPC 187058 000043
Lots 09159 (exp 12/8/2010), 09320 (exp 5/16/12) 09322 (exp 5/18/12)
Gluten-Free Naturals Light & Moist Yellow Cake Mix – UPC 187058 000067
Lots 09083 (exp 9/24/10) and 09322 (exp 5/18/12)
Gluten-Free Naturals Cookie Blend Flour – UPC 187058 000029
Lots 09086 (exp 6/24/10), 09219 (exp 11/7/10) and 10035 (exp 5/4/11)
These products, manufactured by GFN Foods, are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The FDA and Thumb Oilseed Producers Cooperative of Ubly, MI found traces of salmonella in Thumb Oilseed’s facility. GFN Foods, LLC is voluntarily recalling the products that contain the ingredient supplied by Thumb Oilseed.
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and in some cases 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 can be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result into getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.
The safety of our products is of paramount importance to GFN Foods. Customers that have purchased the above products should contact GFN Foods at 866-761-6147 for a refund or to arrange for replacement product. You can also email sales@gfnfoods.com or call with any questions.
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Page Last Updated: 03/16/2010
US-CERT Current Activity
Zeus Trojan Campaign Warning
Original release date: March 17, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Last revised: March 17, 2010 at 1:52 pm
US-CERT is aware of public reports of malicious code circulating via
spam email messages impersonating the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS). The attacks arrive via unsolicited email messages that may
contain subject lines related to DHS or other government activity.
These messages may contain a link or attachment. If users click on
this link or open the attachment, they may be infected with malicious
code, including the Zeus Trojan.
US-CERT encourages users and administrators to take the following
measures to protect themselves:
* Do not follow unsolicited web links or attachments in email
messages.
* Maintain up-to-date antivirus software.
* Refer to Cyber Security Tip ST04-014 - Avoiding Social Engineering
and Phishing Attacks
* Refer to the Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams (pdf) document
for more information on avoiding email scams.
Relevant Url(s):
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-014.html
http://www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/emailscams_0905.pdf
Weekly Harvest Newsletter
Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - March 17, 2010
Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service Web site. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online (http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html#wh).
Share The Harvest: Please forward this newsletter to friends and colleagues who might be interested in the latest sustainable agriculture news, funding opportunities, and events.
News & Resources
* Livestock Breed Conservation List Released
* Survey Shows US Sheep and Goat Inventories Down
* Ag Law Center Posts New Reading Rooms
* New York Farming Guide Revised
* Montana State Extension Offers New Grain Marketing Publications
* Dairy Decision Support Tool Available
Funding Opportunities
* Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives Grant
* University of Minnesota’s Theodora and Arnold Johnson Undergraduate
Research Program Award
* Minnesota Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant
Coming Events
* Planning Your Organic Farm for Profit Webinar
* Farm Water Toolbox Forums
* Profitable Meat Goat Conference
News & Resources
Livestock Breed Conservation List Released
http://albc-usa.org/Newsletter/newsletter.html
The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) has released its 21st annual Conservation Priority List (http://albc-usa.org/cpl/wtchlist.html). The list is an assessment of endangered breed populations for domestic livestock and poultry breeds throughout the United States. For 2010 there are 186 breeds of livestock and poultry on the Conservation Priority List. Thirty-three mammalian breeds are listed as critically endangered and 30 poultry breeds.
Survey Shows US Sheep and Goat Inventories Down
The Annual Sheep & Goat Inventory (http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/SheeGoat/SheeGoat-01-29-2010.pdf)(PDF/365KB) was recently released by USDA-NASS. National inventories for both species declined over the past year. U.S. sheep and lamb inventory totaled 5.63 million head on January 1, 2010, down 2 percent from 2009. Wool production was 6 percent less than in 2008. The U.S. goat inventory totaled 3.04 million head on January 1st, and was 1 percent lower than in 2009. Non-dairy goats decreased slightly, while milk goats increased 6 percent. Angora goats were down 19 percent.
Ag Law Center Posts New Reading Rooms
The National Agricultural Law Center has posted two new online reading rooms. The new Forestry reading room (http://nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/forestry/) is dedicated to the legal issues confronting the forestry industry. Issues such as carbon sequestration, the Endangered Species Act, global warming, renewable energy, public lands, agri-tourism, and taxation interact in various ways that affect forest owners. The reading room provides information on many legal aspects of the forestry industry including an overview article, major federal and state statutes and regulations, links to important government and private websites, and access to forms and state websites on forestry as well as scholarly works concerning the various forestry topics. The new Agricultural Leases Reading Room (http://nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/agleases/) deals with the issues that face farmers when they lease their lands or are leasing additional farmlands. The room contains a comprehensive case law index on the subject, with cases involving a range of topics from leasing disputes to requirements under federal grazing permits.
New York Farming Guide Revised
http://www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pages/news/
The NY Beginning Farmer Project and Cornell Small Farms Program have completed the annual revision of the popular Guide to Farming in NY: What Every Agricultural Entrepreneur Needs to Know. If you work with farmers in any capacity, this guide will prove a useful resource. The Guide consists of 33 fact sheets covering finding land, food processing regulations, farm vehicle safety, financing, farm taxes, and everything in between. As always, the Guide is available for free download, as a complete document or by individual fact sheet, from the Cornell Small Farms website (http://www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pages/resources/businessmanage/guide.cfm).
Montana State Extension Offers New Grain Marketing Publications
http://www.montana.edu/cpa/news/nwview.php?article=8201
Two new publications on grain marketing are now available from Montana State University Extension publications. Both publications are free. “The Futures Hedge (Short Hedge)” (http://msuextension.org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/MT200919AG.pdf) publication introduces readers to using futures at national commodity exchanges. Advantages and disadvantages of using futures is discussed in this publication. Readers are also offered scenarios in which this grain marketing option would be a valuable tool. “Grain Contracts with Local Elevators” (http://msuextension.org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/MT201001AG.pdf), the second publication, is designed to help Montana grain producers understand the most basic elements of grain marketing.
Dairy Decision Support Tool Available
http://fyi.uwex.edu/news/2010/03/08/a-decision-support-system-for-dairy-production-and-expansion/
Several decisions are made daily on a dairy farm — some involve cow and labor management, others address crop and business concerns, and there are a host of others in between. Unfortunately, dairy producers do not always have enough information to make the best decisions for current circumstances. The Dairy Expansion Decision Support System — a decision support system designed to explore dairy farm production and expansion scenarios and simulate specific metrics of their performance — provides critical information dairy producers need to actively manage risk on their dairies. The versatility of the program’s structure offers potential use in several other areas including providing a tool for risk management in times of great uncertainty, particularly during periods of dairy expansion; accounting for future herd growth when considering livestock housing needs; and matching the proper facility design with specific user-defined goals in mind.
More Breaking News (http://attra.ncat.org/news/)
Funding Opportunities
Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives Grant
http://www.hfhl.umn.edu/
The Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives Institute is requesting applications for community engagement grants to fund innovative community-university partnerships related to food, nutrition and health. Projects should include participatory action research, or other creative strategies for addressing community-identified problems by bringing together academic and community partners.
Proposals are due May 3, 2010.
University of Minnesota’s Theodora and Arnold Johnson Undergraduate Research Program Award
http://www.misa.umn.edu/Program_Guidelines_and_Application_Procedures.html
The University of Minnesota’s Theodora and Arnold Johnson Undergraduate Research Program is designed to provide students with an internship opportunity to work with a faculty member on a research topic pertaining to sustainable agriculture. A maximum award of $3,000 is available for each research project accepted. At least two awards will be made each year.
Proposals are due April 2, 2010.
Minnesota Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant
http://www.mda.state.mn.us/en/grants/grants/demogrant.aspx
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) 2010 Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program – Second Call for Proposals. Competitive grants for up to $25,000 are awarded to individuals or groups for on-farm sustainable agriculture research or demonstration projects in Minnesota. The purpose of the Grant Program is to fund practices that promote environmental stewardship and conservation of resources as well as improve profitability and quality of life on farms and in rural areas.
Proposals are due March 29, 2010.
More Funding Opportunities (http://attra.ncat.org/funding/)
Coming Events
Planning Your Organic Farm for Profit Webinar
http://www.extension.org/events/1575
March 23, 2010
Planning to grow only what you plan to sell eliminates wasted time and effort, and tracking income and expenses will show you your profit centers. In this workshop, Richard Wiswall will provide a step by step guide to achieve a healthy bottom line, assessing markets and developing a production plan, a roadmap of how to grow what you plan to sell.
Farm Water Toolbox Forums
http://agwaterstewards.org/txp/Events/
March 23 & 25, 2010
Winters & Merced, California
These forums will cover:
- State Water Policy: Implications for Sacramento Valley Growers
- Water Supply Outlook and the CA Water Plan, Emerging Water Legislation
- Regional Issues: Groundwater, Irrigated Lands, Regulation
- Beyond Irrigation Tech: Soil and Crop Management for Water Efficiency
- Drought Proofing, Cover Crops, Mulch, Minimum Tillage
- Irrigation Management and Technology
- Water Management Tour
- Funding and Support Resources for Water Management Innovation
Profitable Meat Goat Conference
http://www.profitablemeatgoats.net/
March 26-27, 2010
Indianapolis, Indiana
There is a shortage of goat meat in the U.S. and market prices for slaughter goats are climbing. Why is the average producer struggling to make a profit? Get answers at The Profitable Meat Goats Conference.
More Events (http://attra.ncat.org/calendar)
New & Updated Publications
Organic System Plans: Livestock Production
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/new_pubs.php/2010/03/04/organic_system_plans_livestock_productio_1
Biochar and Sustainable Agriculture
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/new_pubs.php/2010/03/01/biochar_and_sustainable_agriculture
Comparing Energy Use in Conventional and Organic Cropping Systems
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/new_pubs.php/2010/02/24/comparing_energy_use_in_conventional_and_1
Question of the Week
What information can you give me on converting a pasture to organic grain crops without using herbicide or tillage?
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/question.php/2010/03/15/what_information_can_you_give_me_on_conv
Ask a Sustainable Agriculture Expert
Submit questions to our professional staff online
http://attra.ncat.org/ask.php
ATTRA Spanish Newsletter
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