16 People Sickened, Possibly By Local Dairy’s Milk
Raw Goat Milk Blamed For campylobacter, E. Coli
POSTED: 4:34 pm MDT June 30, 2010
LONGMONT, Colo. — A Longmont goat dairy has been ordered to stop distributing raw milk products after 16 people became ill after drinking milk.
Two children who drank goat milk from the Billy Goat Dairy required hospitalization, Boulder County Public Health reported Wednesday.
Of the people who reported becoming ill from consuming the milk products, lab tests confirmed the presence of campylobacter and E. coli 0157, the health department said. Both types of bacteria are found in the intestines of animals and can be passed in their feces to food, water, and milk products that haven’t been pasteurized.
snipped.
This message contains the following:
1. New Pool and Spa Messages Available in Advance of July 4th Holiday
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10291.html
2. Daiso Recalls Children’s Coin Purses and Jewelry Due to Risk of Lead Exposure
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10292.html
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217826.htm
Feline’s Pride Issues Nationwide Recall of its Natural Chicken Formula Cat Food Due to Salmonella Contamination
Contact:
Shelby Gomas,
Tel: 1-716-580-3096
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 1, 2010 - Buffalo, NY – Feline’s Pride is announcing a voluntary recall of Feline’s Pride Raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens, Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg., 40 oz.) produced on 6/10/10, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. People handling raw pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the raw pet food or any surfaces exposed to the product.
When consumed by humans, Salmonella can cause an infection, salmonellosis. The symptoms of salmonellosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, minimal diarrhea, fever, and headache. Certain vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly susceptible to acquiring salmonellosis from such pet food products and may experience more severe symptoms.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The product is packaged in uncoded plastic containers and sold frozen to private consumers nationwide. Once thawed, the pet food has a shelf life of about 1 week. The firm manufactures the pet food by an as-ordered basis. This recall affects only those orders placed and shipped from June 10 through June 17, 2010.
The firm and FDA are investigating this matter to determine the source of this problem, and will take any additional steps necessary to protect the public health.
To date, both the firm and the FDA have received no reports of Salmonella infection relating to this product.
This product should not be fed to pets but should instead be disposed of in a safe manner (e.g., in a securely covered trash receptacle). People who are experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection after having handled the pet food product should seek medical attention, and report their use of the product and illness to the nearest FDA office.
People should thoroughly wash their hands after handling the pet food – especially those made from raw animal protein such as meat or fish — to help prevent infection. People may risk bacterial infection not only by handling pet foods, but by contact with pets or surfaces exposed to these foods, so it is important that they thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap.
Since certain vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly at risk from exposure they should avoid handling this product.
Consumers with questions should contact the company at (716) 580-3096, Monday –Friday from 10 am - 4 pm EDT.
###
Photos: Product Labels1
RSS Feed for FDA Recalls Information2 [what’s this?3]
Links on this page:
1. /Safety/Recalls/ucm217828.htm
2. /AboutFDA/ContactFDA/StayInformed/RSSFeeds/Recalls/rss.xml
3. /AboutFDA/ContactFDA/StayInformed/RSSFeeds/default.htm
Page Last Updated: 07/01/2010
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/24859
Russian Spies: Mission Accomplished
By Joy Tiz Wednesday, June 30, 2010
[Off topic and interesting]
LIFEPAK 20 and LIFEPAK 20e External Defibrillator/Monitors by Physio-Control Inc.: Class I Recall Due To Power Supply Failure
Audience: Emergency Medicine, Cardiology, Risk Manager
ISSUE: A failure on the power supply assembly can result in either “No DC power” or “No DC or AC power”. A failure of DC (battery) power can result in the inability to deliver defibrillation therapy if the device will not turn on using DC (battery) power and no AC (line) power is available.
BACKGROUND: The LIFEPAK 20 and LIFEPAK 20e defibrillator/monitor is designed for use by trained medical personnel in hospitals and clinic settings to monitor patient heart rhythms and to treat patients experiencing cardiac arrest. Approximately 42,943 devices were distributed worldwide between September 16, 2002 and September 27, 2007. These devices were manufactured from July 31, 2002 to September 19, 2007.
RECOMMENDATION: All affected power supplies will be updated. Customers are advised to keep the defibrillators in service and follow recommended daily Operator Checklist steps while service updates are scheduled. See Recall Notice for contact information.
Read the MedWatch safety alert, including a link to the FDA Class I Recall Notice, at:
07/02/2010 05:49 PM
SPIEGEL Interview with Sci-Fi Author Daniel Suarez
‘We Have To Regain Control Over Our Own Data’
Programmer Daniel Suarez has written books about a future where human lives
are controlled by software. Suarez’ sci-fi scenario involves a malicious,
murdering ‘bot’ network. It’s fiction — but Suarez warns that the
groundwork for such a future is being laid by the likes of Facebook, Twitter
and mobile phone firms.
snip.
URL:
* http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,704353,00.html
Cepheid Xpert MRSA/SA Blood Culture Assay for Use with the GeneXpert Dx System: Class I Recall
Audience: Risk Manager, Laboratory, Infectious Disease
ISSUE: The firm received increasing numbers of complaints for false negative MRSA results when compared to MRSA positive results received from culture methods. All Cepheid MRSA/SA Blood Culture Assay products have a potential of generating infrequent rates of false negative MRSA results, which could result in incorrect treatment or delay of care for patients with MRSA infection.
BACKGROUND: This test is used to detect methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA) DNA directly from patient positive blood culture determined to be Gram Positive Cocci in Clusters (GPCC) or Gram Positive Cocci in singles (GPC) by Gram stain.
RECOMMENDATION: On July 1, 2010, the company issued a press release and sent its customers a revised Corrective Action Notice letter instructing them not to report the MRSA negative result when a MRSA negative/SA positive result is generated on the Cepheid MRSA/SA Blood Culture Assay. Instead, customers were instructed to conduct further antimicrobial susceptibility testing to determine the MRSA result. The MRSA positive/SA positive results generated on the Cepheid MRSA/SA Blood Culture Assay can still be reported.
Read the MedWatch safety alert, including a link to the FDA Class I Recall Notice, at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm218038.htm
Plane Diverted To Buffalo Airport: Lands Safely
snip.
BUFFALO, N.Y. - A Delta Airlines jet landed safely at Buffalo Niagara International Airport after it was diverted because of a power problem on board the plane.
The plane carrying 135 passengers and a crew of 12 was enroute from Boston to Minneapolis
snip.
http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=78420&catid=37
snip...
flygirl006 wrote:
Delta has had at least one aircraft diverting to BUF at least 3 times since last saturday. And it was a DC-9 aircraft that diverted today.
7/2/2010 11:43 PM EDT on wgrz.com
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2545649/posts
Weekly Gardening Thread – 2010 (Vol. 22) July 02
Free Republic | 7-02-2010 | Red_Devil 232
Posted on Friday, July 02, 2010 5:03:50 AM by Red_Devil 232
Good morning gardeners. I hope all FReepers have a safe and Happy 4th of July weekend!
[I didn’t know about the abortion for Poles, this page is about Hitler, several pages of articles....granny]
http://robertbonnett.com/category/hitler-and-company/
A Polish pro-life organisation has ruffled a few feathers in the city of Pozna by displaying an enormous billboard reminding citizens that it was Adolf Hitler who introduced abortion into the country. The controversial advert, which displays the Nazi dictator alongside an aborted foetus and is accompanied by the phrase “Abortion For Poles: Introduced By [...]
Read Full Post »
New at janbrett.com,
I’ve added the first six months of my 2011 Jan Brett Artwork Date
Calendar using my new fall book THE THREE LITTLE DASSIES. You can use it
and the remaining months of this year for the coming 2010-2011 school
year. Here’s the link:
http://janbrett.com/2011_calendar/2011_calendar_main_page.htm
Thanks to Cathy Hammett from the Limestone Central Elementary School,
I’ve added a Reader’s Theater script for The Umbrella. You can also
download the character masks for the play. The link is:
http://www.janbrett.com/the_umbrella_play.htm
I’m just back from a trip to Arctic Sweden to work on my fall 2011
book HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. On the way over to Europe my husband Joe and I
traveled by ocean liner. Passing over two mile deep valleys in the
ocean, I thought of all the whales that were near our ship (I saw one
whale!). I’ve created How to Draw a Whale video to share with you. It’s
in the Videos section:
http://www.janbrettvideos.com/video/video_main_page.htm
It’s a pleasure to be in touch.
Sincerely,
Jan Brett
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217992.htm
Undeclared Peanuts and Chocolate Flavored Chips in Select Containers of Fairway “Energy Mix” and Setton Farms “Total Energy Mix”
Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:15:00 -0500
Setton International Foods, Inc. is voluntarily recalling limited quantities of its Fairway brand Energy Mix and its Setton Farms brand Total Energy Mix sold to select stores in NY and NJ because they may contain peanuts and chocolate flavored chips (Sugar, Partially Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa, Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Sorbitan Monosterate (An Emulsifier), Salt, Soy Lecithin (An Emulsifier), Vanillin (An Artificial Flavor)) not listed on the label. No illnesses or complaints have been reported to date in connection with these products, although people who are allergic to peanuts could have a serious or life-threatening reaction if they consume these products.
[Very long list of items recalled....]
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217999.htm
United Pet Group Voluntarily Expands Recall of Nutritional Supplements For Dogs to Include Additional Tablet and Powdered-Form Products for Dogs and Cats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Consumers Contact:
(877) 399-5226
Media Contact:
Carey Phelps (770) 360-5292
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 2, 2010 – United Pet Group, Cincinnati, Ohio is voluntarily expanding its recent recall of its Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin Supplement tablets for Dogs to include additional pet nutritional supplement products for dogs and cats due to possible Salmonella contamination. The list of recalled products is provided below. The Food and Drug Administration is aware of this recall.
The recalled products are sold nationally at various retailers. The products include various United Pet Group Pro-Pet and Excel branded products for dogs and cats, and certain other private label brands of the same products. All of the affected products are in tablet and powdered form. These products are being removed from retail stores and consumers should immediately stop feeding these supplements to their pets. The affected products are those with expiration dates that include and are between “01/2013” and “06/2013.” Products with expiration dates earlier than 01/2013 or later than 06/2013 are not included in this recall. The expiration date can be found imprinted vertically on the right side of the product label.
Laboratory testing has revealed that some lots of some of these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The company is recalling the additional products out of an abundance of caution.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
People who handle these products can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with them or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the product should contact their healthcare providers.
Consumers who have purchased the affected products are urged to contact United Pet Group or the place of purchase for further direction. Consumers may contact United Pet Group at 1-877-399-5226, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST.
snip.
1. Bimini Bread
Posted by: “misscarolp77”
* Exported from MasterCook *
Bimini Bread
Recipe By :n/a
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Breads/Rolls
Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
———— —————— ————————————————
3/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup oats
1 1/2 teaspoon molasses
1 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon dry yeast
Soak the oats, molasses and butter in the hot water for 2 minutes. Add to the bread machine along with the other ingredients. Follow manufacturer’s directions for your machine, using the cycle you’d use for white, sweet bread, light-to-medium setting, and the equivalent of 2 cups of flour.
This recipe yields 1 loaf.
Source:
“The Bread Bakers Forum at http://www.angelfire.com/ab/bethsbread";
S(Formatted for MC5):
“10-22-1999 by Joe Comiskey -
Yield:
“1 loaf”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 1108 Calories; 9g Fat (7.6% calories from fat); 42g Protein; 212g Carbohydrate; 12g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 1087mg Sodium. Exchanges: 14 Grain(Starch); 1 Lean Meat; 1 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.
Nutr. Assoc. : 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
________________________________________________________________________
2. Betty’s Cheese Bread
Posted by: “misscarolp77”
* Exported from MasterCook *
Betty’s Cheese Bread
Recipe By :Betty Thompson
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Breads/Rolls
Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
———— —————— ————————————————
1 package Eagle Mills Homestyle White bread mix
1/2 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1 cup grated cheese — your favorite
1/2 cup chopped black olives
Add all the ingredients in the bread pan in the order listed. Add the yeast packet from the bread mix last. Do not use the delay cycle with this bread.
This recipe yields a 1 1/2 pound loaf.
Comments: This is a wonderfully distinctive bread that was the clear winner for the period. The mushrooms and olives give it a memorable texture. We suggest it would go well with either baked chicken or with a soup or stew.
Helpful Hint: To make this bread more flavorful, use the liquid drained from the black olives in the bread mix and balance this added liquid by reducing the water.
Source:
“Eagle Mills Bread Mix Products (ABM recipe library) at http://www.eaglemills.com";
S(Formatted for MC5):
“10-20-1999 by Joe Comiskey -
Yield:
“1 loaf”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 457 Calories; 38g Fat (74.0% calories from fat); 28g Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; 0g Dietary Fiber; 119mg Cholesterol; 704mg Sodium. Exchanges: 4 Lean Meat; 5 Fat.
NOTES : Betty Thompson received First Place Honors for this recipe in the Eagle Mills Bread Machine Recipe Contest for the Apr-May 1997 period.
Nutr. Assoc. : 0 0 0 0
Another Group Owned By *~Beth~*
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/breadsanddoughs/
TRICHINELLOSIS - MEXICO: (OAXACA)
********************************
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: Mon 5 Jul 2010
Source: NSS Oaxaca [in Spanish, trans. Corr.SB, edited]
http://www.nssoaxaca.com/ciudad/10-oaxaca/41655-investigadores-de-la-uabjo-encuentran-parasito-que-se-creia-extinto-en-oaxaca
The manager of the analysis and food technology Laboratory at the
School of Veterinary and Animal Science at the Universidad Autnoma
Benito Juarez de Oaxaca (UABJO), Isabel Jimnez Seres, recommended
that the general population cook their pork, after (discovering) a
resurgence of trichinosis.
The researcher said that this parasite, which can be fatal to humans,
was believed extinct in Oaxaca, however, following an investigation,
it has been detected in pig meat purchased in the Maihuatian de
Porfirio Diaz market.
Dr. Soledad Jimenez Janet Jimenez, in a thesis supported by the
Hospital Siglo XXI, Mexican Institute of Social Security, reviewed
the results of samples taken in different markets and could detect
the presence of the parasite in the meat sold in these centers of
commerce.
The specialist said that health officials no longer believed that
trichinosis existed in the state, but the discovery by the Veterinary
School UABJO proved otherwise.
Seres Jimenez reported that in Oaxaca, the largest animal product
consumed is pork, so that health authorities should take action on
the matter, and that they had been already notified of the outcome of
the investigation.
She commented that this parasite causes joint pains, while other
(symptoms) are confused with symptoms of gastritis; there is no
nausea and diarrhea, and, as it is believed that trichinosis no
longer exists in Oaxaca, doctors have a hard time finding the right
treatment to combat it.
Unfortunately, stated Jimnez Seres, the parasite is detected
accurately when people die, and therefore, she considers that the
Ministry of Health should pay attention to the discovery that they
made. She mentioned that there is no municipal (control) in Miahuatn,
and this could be the main problem, because in Oaxaca, 90 percent of
pigs are raised in backyards under low hygienic conditions.
In this regard, she recommended that consumers cook pork to more than
72 C, while they would continue their research working with the
health authorities.
Trichinosis is a disease caused by eating undercooked meat containing
cysts of the nematode _Trichinella spiralis_, a parasite that can be
found in meat such as pork, bear, fox, rat, horse and lion.
Wild animals, especially carnivores or omnivores, are considered a
possible source of roundworm disease. When a person eats meat from an
infected animal, Trichinella cysts enter the intestines and grow into
adult worms.
The worms produce other worms that move through the intestinal wall
into the bloodstream. These organisms tend to invade muscle tissues,
including the heart and the diaphragm (the breathing muscle under the
lungs), and can also affect the lungs and brain.
—
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail promed@promedmail.org
[The article states that Trichinella was believed to be extinct in
Oaxaca, but probably the statement refers to domestic pigs alone.
Trichinellae most probably are still found in wild animals and may be
transmitted to domestic pigs (Masuoka PM et al. Predicted geographic
ranges for North American sylvatic Trichinella species. J Parasitol.
2009;95:829-37). - Mod.EP]
.............................................sb/ep/msp/lm
1. Mexican Beans and Rice with Spicy Meatballs
Posted by: “Darla
Mexican Beans and Rice with Spicy Meatballs
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
2
packages taco seasoning mix — (1 1/4-ounce)
1/2 cup chopped fresh
cilantro or parsley
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
1/3 cup finely chopped
carrots
3 1/2 cups water
1 can sliced ripe olives — (2 1/4
ounce)drained
1 can diced green chilies — (7-ounce)
6 garlic
cloves — minced
1 red
bell pepper — diced
2 cups converted
white rice
1
can kidney beans — (15-ounce) rinsed and drained
To make the
meatballs, in a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, 1/2 package taco seasoning
mix, cilantro, bread crumbs, carrots, and 1/2 cup of the water. Mix
to blend well. Roll into 24 balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Set aside.
For the beans and rice, in a 4- or 5-quart electric slow cooker, mix
together the remaining 3 cups water with the remaining taco seasoning
mix, olives, green chiles, garlic, bell pepper, and rice. Gently push the
meatballs down into the rice mixture.
Cover and cook on the
low heat setting 4 hours, or until the rice is just tender and the
meatballs are cooked through.
Gently stir in the beans. Cover
and cook 30 minutes longer.
Darla Landau
________________________________________________________________________
2. Egyptian Rice And Lentils
Posted by: “Darla
Egyptian Rice And Lentils
1 cup brown lentils, washed and picked
over
3/4 tsp salt
4 1/2 tsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1/2
tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cumin, ground
1/2 cup rice
5-6 cups water
Place
the olive oil into the bottom of the crock-pot. Turn the
pot onto the highest setting available and add the onions. Allow the
onions 10-15 minutes to warm in the oil. Add the remaining
ingredients,
including the water. If cooking the dish all day
reduce heat to low; otherwise leave on high setting. Cover. Leave to
simmer.
Darla Landau
________________________________________________________________________
3. Spicy Red Pepper Hummus
Posted by: “Darla
This is from the MyRecipes.com
website...
~~~~~
Spicy Red Pepper Hummus
Yield: 4
cups (serving size: about 2 tablespoons)
* 2 red bell peppers
*
2 teaspoons chile paste with garlic (such as sambal
oelek)
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/8 teaspoon ground
red pepper
* Traditional Hummus
Cut bell
peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper
halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand.
Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place in a zip-top plastic bag;
seal. Let stand 10 minutes. Peel and cut into strips. Combine bell
peppers, chile paste, paprika, and ground red pepper in a food processor; pulse
until smooth. Transfer pepper mixture to a serving bowl; stir in
Traditional Hummus.
Darla Landau
________________________________________________________________________
4. Grilled Chicken with Sriracha Glaze
Posted by: “~*Piper*~”
Grilled Chicken with Sriracha Glaze
4 servings (serving size: 1 leg-thigh quarter and 1 tablespoon mango mixture)
2/3 cup mango jam
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons Sriracha (hot chile sauce, such as Huy Fong)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 (12-ounce) bone-in chicken leg-thigh quarters, skinned
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1. Prepare grill for indirect grilling. If using a gas grill, heat one side to medium-high and leave one side with no heat. If using a charcoal grill, arrange hot coals on either side of charcoal grate, leaving an empty space in the middle.
2. Combine mango jam, chives, vinegar, and Sriracha, stirring until smooth. Reserve 1/4 cup mango mixture; set aside.
3. Brush oil evenly over chicken. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
4. Carefully remove grill rack. Place a disposable aluminum foil pan on unheated part of grill. Carefully return grill rack to grill. Place chicken on grill rack over unheated part. Brush chicken with about 2 tablespoons remaining mango mixture. Close lid; grill 90 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into meaty part of thigh registers 165°, turning chicken and brushing with about 2 tablespoons mango mixture every 20 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a platter. Drizzle chicken with reserved 1/4 cup mango mixture.
________________________________________________________________________
5. Pueblo Pie
Posted by: “~*Piper*~”
Pueblo Pie
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 med. onion finely chopped
1 med. yellow, red or green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
4 garlic cloves
1 jalapeno pepper
1 16-oz can unsweetened tomato sauce
1 16-oz can black beans
1 16-oz can of corn
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
3 cups water
1 cup yellow stone-ground cornmeal
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
shredded mozzarella cheese
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion,
pepper, and garlic and cook until softened, 6-8 mins. Remove from heat
and stir in the tomato sauce, beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt and
cayenne. Stir and mash the beans some to make a thicker consistency.
Pour into a 8 x 8 inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella
cheese on top of mixture. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Boil water, add
cornmeal, lemon, mustard and salt in a large saucepan, and stir until
mixed. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce
the heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until thickened, 3 to 5 min.
Spread the cooked cornmeal over the bean mixture. Bake for 30 mins. Cool
for 10 min before serving.
________________________________________________________________________
6. Packin’ A Punch Broccoli Slaw
Posted by: “~*Piper*~”
Packin’ A Punch Broccoli Slaw
Recipe courtesy Aaron McCargo Jr.
* 1 cup shredded carrots
* 2 cups shredded broccoli slaw
* 1 red jalapeno, seeded and minced
* 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup cider vinegar
* 1 lime, zested and juiced
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
* 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
* 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
In a large serving bowl, combine the carrots, broccoli slaw, jalapeno and red onion. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, add the vinegar, lime zest, lime juice, salt, sugar, red pepper flakes and the black pepper. Bring to a light boil over low heat. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
Add the olive oil to the vinegar mixture, pour over the vegetables and toss
together to combine. Refrigerate until serving.
________________________________________________________________________
7. Chilled Southern Spiced Shrimp
Posted by: “~*Piper*~”
Date: Sun Jul 4, 2010 4:50 pm ((PDT))
Chilled Southern Spiced Shrimp
1 pound shrimp (preferably large size, about 21 to the pound)
Cooking Liquid Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons shrimp-and-crab boil seasoning (such as Zatarain’s or Old Bay) OR 1
tablespoon pickling spice
3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
3 bay leaves
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
Marinating Ingredients:
1/2 cup Cooking Liquid from above,
cooled and strained
1/3 cup mild olive oil, or
half olive oil and half canola oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1/2 medium onion, very thinly sliced
1/2 lemon, very thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Combine the Cooking Liquid Ingredients in a medium nonreactive saucepan. Bring to a boil on high. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Turn the heat back up to high. Add the shrimp, stirring occasionally as they cook to mix them evenly in the liquid. When the shrimp are pink and just firm (about 2 minutes), remove them to a colander in the sink. Rinse in cold water until cool. Peel the shrimp, leaving the tails intact, and devein if desired.
While the shrimp cool and drain, prepare the marinade. Strain 1/2 cup of the Cooking Liquid into a nonreactive mixing bowl. Whisk in the oil, mustard, and horseradish. Stir in the onion slices, lemon slices, and parsley. Stir in the shrimp and toss until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or up to 36 hours, stirring occasionally.
To serve, remove the shrimp from the marinade and arrange on a serving platter with toothpicks and napkins to catch any drips. Or, hang the shrimp around the edges of a bowl filed with some of the marinating mixture for dipping and toasted slices of French bread to sop up the juices.
Serves 4 to 6 as an appetizer
This is another great group owned by *~Tamara~*
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Simply-Spicy/
St. Louis’ Gateway Greening was awarded $50,000 from the Pepsi Refresh Project
Gateway Greening was one of four non-profit finalists for What Do You Care About
TODAY?, a contest sponsored by the NBC TODAY Show and the Pepsi Refresh Project.
They granted each finalist $50,000! Funds will go towards City Seeds Urban Farm.
About the City Seeds Urban Farm
The City Seeds Urban Farm is a 2.5 acre vegetable farm located near Union Station
in downtown St. Louis on land provided by the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Tended by St. Patrick Center clients, these urban farmers seek to overcome homelessness,
beat drug addiction and cope with mental illness. Mentored by Gateway Greening,
the farmers take classes in horticulture while learning hands-on vegetable production
and landscape maintenance.
Urban farm growing strong on two-acre plot of vacant land on Buffalo’s East Side
Former farmers who had moved to the East Side from rural Wyoming County, the Stevenses
and their seven children wanted their own farm to grow their own food without the
use of pesticides and other chemicals while also providing fresh produce to their
community.
City Hall initially was resistant, saying the land had been set aside to build new
houses. City officials didn’t want to sell the land but were willing to lease it.
However, the city wanted to maintain the right to sell the land with just 30 days
notice.
Assessing the Role of Urban Agriculture in Addressing Poverty in South Africa
The overall aim of this report is to profile UA and to investigate what role urban
agriculture plays in addressing poverty in South Africa. Methodologically, the paper
is based on the annual South African household survey. Two approaches are followed.
First, the profile of urban agriculturalists in 2007 was compared with the profile
of urban agriculturalists in 2002. Second, a control group of urban agriculturalists
with income of less than R10 000 has also been established in order to compare the
results of agriculturalists and non-agriculturalists across a range of criteria.
The paper is contextualized against the background of rising food prices in South
Africa (also world-wide) and international literature on this topic.
A growing movement in Ottawa
There are now almost 30 community gardens quilted across the city. The plots thicken,
as it were, and each year the requests to City Hall propagate for startup training
and financing. The gardens have been lined up in one row called the Community Garden
Network, and that in turn is planted within the Just Food program (nice double entendre
that), locatable on your computers and there they are listed and addressed, should
you wish to visit a bed near you or contact them. In 2008, the city upped the money
it had voted for community gardens from $5,000 to $80,000, seed money for new gardens,
workshops, a co-ordinator and some maintenance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stories here:
City Farmer News [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103547954004&s=1304&e=001yoAnz1I-iM9fNSy7v2i3U9CO9WoqyZ0IVr_QQHL5OKFyRIgBFJFK7m9gLa4d6RUfJn9vNlrMjhFlFM6-5wSDfmWxHz-xUnMzQiRuc2bDFlzTQs2Au5NDkQ==]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael Levenston
City Farmer - Canada’s Office of Urban Agriculture
1978-2010
FDA Hepatitis Update - Infergen (interferon alfacon-1) label revision: combination therapy, weight-based dosing, and label format
Wednesday, July 7, 2010 7:03 AM
From:
“U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)” fda@service.govdelivery.com
You are receiving this message as a subscriber to the FDA hepatitis electronic list serve. The purpose of the list serve is to relay important information about viral hepatitis-related products and issues, including product approvals, significant labeling changes, safety warnings, notices of upcoming public meetings and alerts to proposed regulatory guidances for comment.
On July 2, 2010, FDA approved revised labeling for Infergen (interferon alfacon-1) to include information on combination therapy with weight-based dosing of ribavirin. The label was placed in PLR (Physicians Labeling Rule) format and the major labeling changes include revisions to the following sections :
1) Indications and Usage section to include information describing when patients are unlikely to benefit from retreatment. This section reads as follows:
INFERGEN (interferon alfacon-1) is indicated for treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients 18 years of age or older with compensated liver disease. This indication is based on clinical trials conducted using INFERGEN as monotherapy prior to the time that combination treatment was the standard of care and on a single trial evaluating INFERGEN in combination with ribavirin in patients who failed to respond to previous treatment with a pegylated interferon and ribavirin.
The following points should be considered when initiating treatment with INFERGEN:
· Use of monotherapy with an interferon such as INFERGEN for the treatment of hepatitis C is not recommended unless a patient is unable to take ribavirin.
· The safety and efficacy of the combination of INFERGEN/ribavirin in treatment-naïve patients or in patients co-infected with HBV or HIV-1 have not been evaluated.
· Patients with the following characteristics are less likely to benefit from retreatment with combination therapy: response of 1 log10 drop HCV RNA on previous treatment, Genotype 1, high viral load ( 850,000 IU/mL), African American race, and/or presence of cirrhosis.
· No safety and efficacy data are available for treatment of longer than one year.
2) Dosage and Administration section was updated to include dose recommendations for retreatment in combination with weight-based dosing of ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C as follows :
Combination Treatment with INFERGEN/Ribavirin Dosing
The recommended dose of INFERGEN is 15 mcg daily administered as a single subcutaneous injection in combination with weight-based ribavirin at 1,000 mg-1,200 mg ( 75 kg/ and 75 kg) orally in two divided doses for up to 48 weeks. [see Clinical Studies (14.3), Medication Guide for instructions].
Ribavirin should be taken with food. INFERGEN/ribavirin should not be used in patients with creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min [see CONTRAINDICATIONS (4)].
Dose Modifications
If a serious adverse reaction develops during the course of treatment [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS (5)] discontinue or modify the dosage of INFERGEN and/or ribavirin until the adverse event abates or decreases in severity. If persistent or recurrent serious adverse events develop despite adequate dosage adjustment, discontinue treatment. Upon resolution or improvement of the adverse reaction, resuming INFERGEN and/or ribavirin may be considered.
INFERGEN/Ribavirin Combination Therapy Dose Modifications
Stepwise dose reduction from 15 mcg to 9 mcg and from 9 mcg to 6 mcg may be necessary for serious adverse reactions.
Please refer to updated label for complete guidelines for dose modifications and discontinuation of Infergen and/or ribavirin based on depression or laboratory parameters
3) The Warnings and Precautions section was updated and placed in the order of importance of each toxicity of concern. Many of the toxicities are considered class labeling among the interferon products
4) The Adverse Event section was updated to remove antiquated information and to include information about safety from the INFERGEN/RBV study (DIRECT Trial/IRHC-001 and IRHC-002)
5) Clinical Studies section was updated to include information regarding study IRHC-001/IRHC-002/DIRECT Trial. Specifically,
Subsequent Treatment with Combination INFERGEN/Ribavirin
This study (DIRECT Trial/ IRHC-001 and IRHC-002) was a randomized, open-label, multi-center, US-based study comparing the safety and efficacy of two doses of INFERGEN (9 mcg or 15 mcg) administered daily plus ribavirin (1000 mg or 1200 mg weight based dosed) administered daily for 48 weeks to subjects who were nonresponders to previous pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (Peg-IFN/ribavirin) therapy. Prior non-response was defined as a 2 log10 decline in viral load (VL) while undergoing at least 12 weeks of previous Peg-IFN/ribavirin therapy with 80% adherence or a detectable VL at end-of-treatment after completing at least 24 weeks of therapy. Study subjects had a mean age of 50 yrs, 70% were male, mean weight of 89 kg, 19% were African Americans, 65% were Caucasians, 66% had high VL ( 850,000 IU/mL), 95% were infected with genotype 1, 54% had evidence of bridging fibrosis, 25% had evidence of cirrhosis on biopsy, and 50% had steatosis. Approximately 80% of the patients were null responders ( 2 log10 drop in viral load during their previous Peg-IFN/ribavirin therapy). The median washout period between previous treatment and day 1 of INFERGEN therapy was 448 days (15 months) and 506 days (16.8 months) for the 9 mcg and 15 mcg groups, respectively. The use of hematopoietic growth factors was not permitted in the DIRECT Trial.
In study IRHC-001, 515 subjects were randomized to INFERGEN 9 mcg plus ribavirin (n=171), INFERGEN 15 mcg plus ribavirin (n=172), or no treatment (n=172). In study IRHC-002, 144 patients in the no treatment arm of study IRHC-001 were re-randomized to either INFERGEN 9 mcg plus ribavirin (n=74) or INFERGEN 15 mcg plus ribavirin (n=70).
Subjects were treated for up to 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response (SVR), defined as undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after the end of treatment using a sensitive qualitative assay (TMA LOD 10 IU/mL). None of the subjects in the no-treatment arm of study IRHC-001 achieved an SVR.
Combined SVR results from IRHC-001 and IRHC-002 according to baseline characteristics are shown in Table 8 of the package insert. The overall SVR rate for INFERGEN 9 mcg/ribavirin was 5% (13/245) compared to 95 (21/242) for INFERGEN 15 mcg/ribavirin. Based on these results, INFERGEN 15 mcg is the recommended starting dose.
6) The Contraindications, and the Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology section was also updated.
Additionally the Medication Guide was revised to provide information on combination therapy with weight-based dosing of ribavirin and to provide information on the risk associated with interferon therapy.
The complete revised label can be accessed at the FDA web site.
Infergen is a product of Three Rivers Pharmaceuticals, Warrendale, PA.
Richard Klein
Office of Special Health Issues
Food and Drug Administration
Kimberly Struble
Division of Antiviral Drug Products
Food and Drug Administration
[Ignore the source site, useful links.....granny]
http://www.greenamericatoday.org/pubs/greenamerican/articles/21Things.cfm
Green American
Page: http://www.GreenAmericaToday.org/pubs/greenamerican/articles/21Things.cfm
Send to printer
FALL 2007
21 Things You Didn’t
Know You Can Recycle
CAQ73 Garbage. Americans produce more and more of it every year, when we need to be producing less. Even the most waste-conscious among us can feel overwhelmed by the amount of household waste that goes beyond what municipal recyclers and compost bins can handle. That’s why our editors spent the summer of 2007 investigating the state of waste management in our country, putting this list togther for you, explaining how we can get serious about the three R’s – reducing, reusing, and recycling — and divert more waste away from landfills. (To download the entire recycling issue of the Quarterly, visit our archives page.)
1. Appliances: Goodwill accepts working appliances, www.goodwill.org, or you can contact the Steel Recycling Institute to recycle them. 800/YES-1-CAN, www.recycle-steel.org.
2. Batteries: Rechargeables and single-use: Battery Solutions, 734/467-9110, www.batteryrecycling.com.
3. Cardboard boxes: Contact local nonprofits and women’s shelters to see if they Boxcan use them. Or, offer up used cardboard boxes at your local Freecycle.org listserv or on Craigslist.org for others who may need them for moving or storage. If your workplace collects at least 100 boxes or more each month, UsedCardboardBoxes.com accepts them for resale.
4. CDs/DVDs/Game Disks: Send scratched music or computer CDs, DVDs, and PlayStation or Nintendo video game disks to AuralTech for refinishing, and they’ll work like new: 888/454-3223, www.auraltech.com.
5. Clothes: Wearable clothes can go to your local Goodwill outlet or shelter. ShirtsDonate wearable women’s business clothing to Dress for Success, which gives them to low-income women as they search for jobs, 212/532-1922, www.dressforsuccess.org. Offer unwearable clothes and towels to local animal boarding and shelter facilities, which often use them as pet bedding. Consider holding a clothes swap at your office, school, faith congregation or community center. Swap clothes with friends and colleagues, and save money on a new fall wardrobe and back-to-school clothes.
6. Compact fluorescent bulbs: Take them to your local IKEA store for recycling: www.ikea.com.
7. Compostable bio-plastics: You probably won’t be able to compost these in your home compost bin or pile. Find a municipal composter to take them to at www.findacomposter.com.
8. Computers and electronics: Find the most responsible recyclers, local and national, at www.ban.org/pledge/Locations.html.
9. Exercise videos: Swap them with others at www.videofitness.com.
10. Eyeglasses: Your local Lion’s Club or eye care chain may collect these. Lenses Glassesare reground and given to people in need.
11. Foam packing: Your local pack-and-ship store will likely accept foam peanuts for reuse. Or, call the Plastic Loose Fill Producers Council to find a drop-off site: 800/828-2214. For places to drop off foam blocks for recycling, contact the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers, 410/451-8340, www.epspackaging.org/info.html
12. Ink/toner cartridges: Recycleplace.com pays $1/each.
13. Miscellaneous: Get your unwanted items into the hands of people who can use them. Offer them up on your local Freecycle.org or Craigslist.org listserv, or try giving them away at Throwplace.com or giving or selling them at iReuse.com. iReuse.com will also help you find a recycler, if possible, when your items have reached the end of their useful lifecycle.
14. Oil: Find Used Motor Oil Hotlines for each state: 202/682-8000, www.recycleoil.org.
15. Phones: Donate cell phones: Collective Good will refurbish your phone and sell Cellphoneit to someone in a developing country: 770/856-9021, www.collectivegood.com. Call to Protect reprograms cell phones to dial 911 and gives them to domestic violence victims: www.donateaphone.com. Recycle single-line phones: Reclamere, 814/386-2927, www.reclamere.com.
16. Sports equipment: Resell or trade it at your local Play It Again Sports outlet, 800/476-9249, www.playitagainsports.com.
17. “Technotrash”: Project KOPEG offers an e-waste recycling program that can help you raise funds for your organization. Use Project KOPEG to recycle iPods, MP3 players, cell phones and chargers, digital cameras, PDAs, palm pilots, and more. Also, easily recycle all of your CDs, jewel cases, DVDs, audio and video tapes, pagers, rechargeable and single-use batteries, PDAs, and ink/toner cartridges with GreenDisk’s Technotrash program. For $30, GreenDisk will send you a cardboard box in which you can ship them up to 70 pounds of any of the above. Your fee covers the box as well as shipping and recycling fees. 800/305-GREENDISK, www.greendisk.com.
18. Tennis shoes: Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe program turns old shoes into playground and athletic flooring. www.nikereuseashoe.com. One World Running will send still-wearable shoes to athletes in need in Africa, Latin America, and Haiti. www.oneworldrunning.com.
19. Toothbrushes and razors: Buy a recycled plastic toothbrush or razor from ToothbrushRecycline, and the company will take it back to be recycled again into plastic lumber. Recycline products are made from used Stonyfield Farms’ yogurt cups. 888/354-7296, www.recycline.com.
20. Tyvek envelopes: Quantities less than 25: Send to Shirley Cimburke, Tyvek Recycling Specialist, 5401 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Spot 197, Room 231, Richmond, VA 23234. Quantities larger than 25, call 866/33-TYVEK.
21. Stuff you just can’t recycle: When practical, send such items back to the manufacturer and tell them they need to manufacture products that close the waste loop responsibly.
©2009 Green America. All rights reserved.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm218039.htm
Merrick Pet Care Recalls Beef Filet Squares 10oz Bag (Item #60016 Lot # 10084TL7 Best By March 24, 2012) Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Company Contact:
Customer Inquiries: (800) 664-7387
Other Inquiries: James Witcher, COO (806) 322-2806
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 2, 2010 – Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling 86 cases of its 10oz “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” pet treats (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers immediately.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
The Beef Filet Squares were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.
The treats are sold in 10oz plastic bags marked with “Lot # 10084TL7 Best By Mar 24, 2012” on the top of the bag and on a sticker applied to the bottom.
No illnesses have been reported to date. FDA collected a surveillance sample of “Merrick Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” (lot #10084TL7) which were purchased from a retail store. The sample tested positive for Salmonella.
Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT.
###
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Page Last Updated: 07/06/2010
Posted by: “Russie
WILD BLUEBERRY CHICKEN SAUSAGE BREAKFAST PUDDING
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread cream cheese on bread and slice into cubes. Place the cubes in a 13x9” baking pan sprayed with cooking oil. Sprinkle with cinnamon, top with 1 1/2 cups of blueberries. Slice sausage into 1/2” slices.
*Place sausage slices on top of mixture in baking pan. Beat egg substitute, maple syrup and milk together. Pour over mixture in baking pan. Bake 60 min. Top with remaining blueberries before serving.
MAKES 8 SERVINGS OF BREAKFAST PUDDING...
2 cups blueberries
6 slices day old whole grain bread
2 cups skim milk
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup egg substitute
1 tsp cinnamon
10 oz pkg al fresco wild blueberry breakfast chicken sausage, cut into 1/2” slices
________________________________________________________________________
4. Spiced (Lamb)-—w/ Corn and Rice Pilaf
Posted by: “Russie
SPICED LAMB WITH CORN AND RICE PILAF
In a saucepan, bring the rice and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until tender, 18 min. Heat a grill. Arrange the corn on an oiled grate, cover and cook, turning frequently, until slightly charred. Let cool slightly. Scrape the kernels into a bowl.
*In another bowl, combine the lamb and garam masala, season with salt and pepper. Form into 16 meatballs. Brush the green onions with the butter. Arrange the green onions and meatballs on the grill and cook, turning, until the meatballs are cooked through. Chop the grilled green onions and add to the corn. Add the rice and meatballs, then serve.
MAKES 4 SERVINGS OF LAMB, CORN, & RICE PILAF...
1 pound ground lamb
1 1/4 cups rice
1 bunch green onions
1 tbs unsalted butter, melted
Salt and Pepper
1/2 tsp garam masala
2 ears corn, husked
Posted by: “lyndercc”
A neighbor gave me some perfectly ripe avocados so I decided to make guacamole. This is a recipe I got from an old roommate in San Francisco and still love it to the day. Give it a try!
Estelle Torres’s Guacamole
2-3 ripe avocados, seeded and scoped out of the shell
Juice of one lime or lemon (any maybe some zest if you want)
1 8oz package pepper jack cheese, grated
1 onion chopped
1 tomato chopped
salt & pepper to taste and maybe some garlic powder if you wish
Optional: Sour cream
Mush up avocados with a fork, mix in lime or lemon juice and add the pepper jack cheese, mix well.
Add the rest and mix.
If you want it creamier, add a spoon or so of sour cream in the mix. If not serving right away, spread the sour cream on top to keep the guac from turning brown and stir it in right before serving.
~Lynda
Note: The pepper jack cheese may sound strange, but it really adds a nice zing to the dish.
Fresh mushrooms a virtual powerhouse of goodness, says nutritionist
By: Judy Creighton, The Canadian Press
5/07/2010 12:56 PM |
http://www.printthis.clickability.com/pt/#comments
Whether it is a meaty portobello, funnel-shaped oyster or lacy enoki, these
and other varieties of fresh mushrooms are now considered superfoods.
“They are full of nutrients and are virtually fat-, cholesterol- and
sodium-free,” says Toronto nutritionist Clare Jones, commenting on recent
studies of the popular fungi.
“On top of that, they contain a lot of antioxidants and vitamins and are
showing their value in preventing diseases like prostate and breast cancer,
heart, diabetes and arthritis.”
Add in antioxidants, and the term l-ergothioneine pops up. It is an
arthritis-fighting phytochemical that doesn’t break down when it’s heated,
which means the body still gets the benefits it releases.
Jones says she was surprised to discover that mushrooms also contain
natural vitamin D.
“It is becoming very important for us to increase our consumption of this
vitamin,” she says. Mushrooms contain a compound called ergosterol that is
turned into vitamin D in the body.
Jones says that other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals found in
mushrooms include essential traces of iron, potassium, phosphorus,
magnesium, copper and selenium.
In fact, one portobello mushroom has more potassium than a banana, she
points out.
Mushrooms contain no sodium, but are big on umami, which is an acid that
rounds out other flavours to add taste satisfaction.
“You can also substitute mushrooms for protein, so there are a variety of
reasons why they really fit the bill for consumers,” says Jones.
Are your children picky eaters who don’t like mushrooms?
Jones says she hasn’t had a problem getting her kids to eat them.
“I serve them along with other raw vegetables with their favourite dipping
sauce,” she says.
Mushrooms are an economical food option, notes Jones.
“Whether served as a side dish sauteed with a chicken breast or cooked on
the grill with some pork, that is not expensive to do.”
From purchase to consumption, here are tips to handle mushrooms from “Get
Fresh” by Toronto food writer Madeleine Greey.
Keep mushrooms in a vented paper bag and refrigerated for best results.
Shiitake and oyster mushrooms should be stored in a container with a damp
cloth on top to prevent them from drying out.
Most perishable are enoki, which last only a few days. White button,
oyster, cremini and boletes stay fresh for up to a week, shiitake and
portobello up to two weeks.
Do a nose check: if they smell sour, not earthy, their time is over.
Mushrooms don’t freeze well.
Don’t drown your mushrooms when washing them. They soak up water like
sponges which thins flavour and destroys nutrients. Instead, wipe them
clean with a damp paper towel or mushroom brush.
___
Online: Mushrooms Canada, mushrooms.ca
Find this article at:
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/life/home_family/fresh-mushrooms-a-virtual-powerhouse-of-goodness-says-nutritionist—97805219.html
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SimplfyMeWithTipsAndHints/