Latest news with #FoodSafety
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Rich's Ice Cream products recalled due to listeria concerns
Ice cream fans should check their freezers following a voluntary recall of 10 Rich's Ice Cream Co. products that were sold across 23 states. According to a report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on July 17 that assigned the recall a Class II designation, the West Palm Beach-based ice cream maker initiated the recall voluntarily due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The Class II designation indicates that use of the recalled product could cause "temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences," with a remote probability of serious adverse health consequences, according to the FDA. As of time of publication, the company has not said if there have been any reported illnesses tied to this recall. Rich's Ice Cream Co. did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment. Details of Rich's Ice Cream recall Ten products total have been impacted by this recall, according to the FDA report, including certain lots of the brand's Chocolate Crunch Cake Bar ice cream, as well as some lots of its Strawberry Shortcake Bars, Rich Bars, Crumbled Cookie Bars, Orange Cream Bars, Fudge Frenzy Bars, Cotton Candy Twirl Bars, Savagely Sour BlueRasberry Bars, Savagely Sour Cherry Bars and Cool Watermelon Bars. The recall covers the above products with lot code numbers 24351 through 25156, according to the FDA. Click here for full details, including packaging and product descriptions. The affected products were distributed across 23 states including California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Virginia, Arizona, Alabama, Illinois, Missouri, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Iowa, South Carolina, Oregon, Oklahoma, Nevada, Louisiana, Wisconsin and Nebraska, as well as Nassau, Bahamas. What to know about listeria and its symptoms Listeria is a bacteria that when ingested can cause an infection known as listeriosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The condition is most dangerous for pregnant people, newborns, people with weakened immune systems and adults 65 or older, the agency says. For people who are pregnant, being infected by listeria can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth. According to the CDC, an estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis annually in the U.S. and about 260 people die from it. Solve the daily Crossword
The Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Did India roll out health warnings for popular street foods like samosas and jalebis?
The Indian health ministry has clarified that they had not issued any directive about putting up warning labels on samosas and jalebis, after concerns that the government was cracking down on the beloved street food. The government said it instead directed that cautionary boards be put up in public areas to raise awareness on harmful consumption of processed food. On Monday, Indian media reported that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has identified 14 snack items, including popular Indian street snacks like samosas, pakodas (fritters), vada pav (a spiced potato patty sandwiched in a bread roll), and some varieties of biscuits, which will be accompanied by clear cautionary notices in cafeterias and public venues. However, the following day, the ministry released a clarification stating that their advisory towards food products focused on 'display of boards in various workplaces such as lobbies, canteens, cafeterias, meeting rooms' and was aimed as a 'behavioural nudge to make people aware about hidden fats and excess sugar in all food products and not specifically to any particular food product'. According to The Indian Express, the directive was issued by health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on 21 June, and stated that a 'display of Sugar and Oil Boards as an initiative to promote healthier dietary habits in various settings' was being proposed. The directive included some samples of food items that included Indian snacks like samosas, kachoris, and vada pavs, as well as burgers, cakes, chocolates, and carbonated drinks as well. The initiative, which has already begun rolling out in cafeterias of state-run facilities like AIIMS Nagpur, comes amid growing concern over India's escalating lifestyle disease burden. Health experts, the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Nutrition have reportedly backed the initiative, stating that it supports a larger effort to combat India's growing epidemic of non‑communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. 'It's the beginning of food labelling becoming as serious as cigarette warnings. Sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco. People deserve to know what they're eating,' cardiologist Dr Amar Amale, head of the Nagpur chapter of the Cardiological Society of India, told the Times of India. Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology at Zandra Healthcare, told IndiaTimes: 'These high-calorie snacks contribute to obesity, which is a gateway to numerous chronic conditions '. He added that they also lead to excessive calorie intake with minimal nutritional value, as well as worsen digestive problems, raise the risk of fatty liver and insulin resistance, and contribute to cognitive decline, mood disorders, inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and an overall weakened immune system. According to the International Diabetes Federation, over 77 million Indians live with type 2 diabetes, or roughly 9 per cent of adults, with diabetes-related complications accounting for nearly 2 per cent of all deaths annually. A Chennai-based study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that individuals consuming high levels of refined grains, like those used in samosas and jalebis, were nearly eight times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, which includes risk factors such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and abdominal obesity. At the same time, the World Health Organization has flagged trans fats, a common component of Indian street foods, as responsible for over 77,000 cardiovascular deaths each year in India. However, the move has met with significant criticism from nutritionists who have argued that this campaign unfairly targets traditional Indian foods. Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, who has long championed indigenous food instead of Western alternatives, posted a message on her social media questioning why processed snacks continue to be eaten without warning. 'Tobacco is an independent risk factor. It harms irrespective of environment and lifestyle. There is ample proof of that. Samosa and jalebi ne aap ka kya bigada hai? ( What have samosas and jalebis done to deserve this?) If we are serious about health warnings – colas, chips, cookies etc. must get them first. Regulate and tax big food,' she wrote. 'Ultra-processed food products are the real problem. And there is ample proof of that, too,' Diwekar added in her caption. Milind Deora, MP, in a post on social media platform X noted that the Parliamentary Subordinate Legislation Committee is currently reviewing food regulator FSSAI's plans to tackle India's growing obesity crisis. 'We have unanimously advocated uniform regulations across all food categories, including alcohol, so Indian food isn't unfairly targeted while MNCs continue to market Western junk unchecked'. Former parliamentarian Milind Deora also criticised the government's focus in a post on X, formerly Twitter, urging a level playing field so that 'Indian food isn't unfairly targeted while MNCs continue to market Western junk unchecked'. Reactions from Indians have been mixed; while some see the warnings as overdue, others have questioned whether the signs will truly change eating habits or serve to stigmatise comfort foods. 'Let's also have them on packaged foods, processed foods, pizzas, burgers, cold storage meats, chips, soft drinks, etc?' wrote writer Kiran Manral. 'You don't eat jalebis and samosas for health. You indulge for delight unlike alcohol or cigarettes or pan masala. While former are indulgences (not necessarily healthy), they don't fit into the same category as products that require health warnings,' wrote a person on X.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent nationwide recall for potato chips
Published: Updated: Potato chips sold in four states have been urgently recalled over potentially serious adverse health consequences. More than 2,000 bags of J. Higgs Potato Chip Mix, produced by Indiana-based Saratoga Potato Chips LLC, have been pulled from shelves due to the presence of undeclared milk not listed on the label. The hidden ingredient poses a serious threat to the millions of Americans with milk allergies, with reactions ranging from mild symptoms like hives and swelling to anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly condition that can cause difficulty breathing. The FDA has classified the recall as Class II, meaning the chips could lead to medically reversible health effects, though no illnesses have been reported yet. The affected 1-ounce snack packs were distributed in Maryland , Kentucky , Florida , and Indiana , with a use-by date of October 5, 2025, and UPC 0-51933-37327-3. While the recall notice did not specify which stores sold the chips, they are commonly found in Save-A-Lot and Walmart . Consumers with milk allergies are urged to avoid the product immediately and contact the company if they've purchased any of the recalled packages. The FDA said on its website: 'People with food allergies should read labels and avoid the foods they are allergic to. The law requires that food labels identify the food source of all major food allergens used to make the food.' Milk can cause severe reactions in the 30 to 50million Americans with lactose intolerance and the 7million with dairy allergies. People who are lactose intolerant cannot properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This occurs because their bodies don't produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose. Undigested lactose then travels to the gut and gets fermented by bacteria, leading to digestive distress. Symptoms usually start within 30 minutes to two hours of consuming a dairy product and include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, bloating and gas. Additionally, roughly two percent of Americans - 6.6million - are allergic to milk. Symptoms of an allergy include hives, wheezing, coughing, congestion, face and throat swelling and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs very quickly after being exposed to an allergen. It triggers an extreme immune response, leading to dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath and vomiting. If not treated quickly with epinephrine (adrenaline), which can be administered via injection like an EpiPen or nasal spray, a person can die. Customers who purchased the affected products are urged to avoid consuming them if they are allergic to dairy. Snack giant Frito-Lay recalled nearly 1,300 bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips in March also due to cross-contamination with milk. The chips were distributed to stores across 13 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The 13-ounce bags of yellow corn chips could contain another variety, the nacho cheese tortilla chips, which contain milk. People with milk allergies should avoid bags that say 'Guaranteed Fresh' date of 20 MAY 2025 and one of the following manufacturing codes: 471106504 18 13:XX ; 471106505 85 13:XX ; 471106506 85 13:XX ; 471106507 85 13:XX. Frito-Lay said in a statement: 'Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product.'
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent nationwide recall for potato chips that could trigger hives and breathing issues
Potato chips sold in four states have been urgently recalled over potentially serious adverse health consequences. More than 2,000 bags of J. Higgs Potato Chip Mix, produced by Indiana-based Saratoga Potato Chips LLC, have been pulled from shelves due to the presence of undeclared milk not listed on the label. The hidden ingredient poses a serious threat to the millions of Americans with milk allergies, with reactions ranging from mild symptoms like hives and swelling to anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly condition that can cause difficulty breathing. The FDA has classified the recall as Class II, meaning the chips could lead to medically reversible health effects, though no illnesses have been reported yet. The affected 1-ounce snack packs were distributed in Maryland, Kentucky, Florida, and Indiana, with a use-by date of October 5, 2025, and UPC 0-51933-37327-3. While the recall notice did not specify which stores sold the chips, they are commonly found in Save-A-Lot and Walmart. Consumers with milk allergies are urged to avoid the product immediately and contact the company if they've purchased any of the recalled packages. The FDA said on its website: 'People with food allergies should read labels and avoid the foods they are allergic to. The law requires that food labels identify the food source of all major food allergens used to make the food.' Milk can cause severe reactions in the 30 to 50million Americans with lactose intolerance and the 7million with dairy allergies. People who are lactose intolerant cannot properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This occurs because their bodies don't produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose. Undigested lactose then travels to the gut and gets fermented by bacteria, leading to digestive distress. Symptoms usually start within 30 minutes to two hours of consuming a dairy product and include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, bloating and gas. Additionally, roughly two percent of Americans - 6.6million - are allergic to milk. Symptoms of an allergy include hives, wheezing, coughing, congestion, face and throat swelling and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs very quickly after being exposed to an allergen. It triggers an extreme immune response, leading to dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath and vomiting. If not treated quickly with epinephrine (adrenaline), which can be administered via injection like an EpiPen or nasal spray, a person can die. Customers who purchased the affected products are urged to avoid consuming them if they are allergic to dairy. Snack giant Frito-Lay recalled nearly 1,300 bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips in March also due to cross-contamination with milk. The chips were distributed to stores across 13 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The 13-ounce bags of yellow corn chips could contain another variety, the nacho cheese tortilla chips, which contain milk. People with milk allergies should avoid bags that say 'Guaranteed Fresh' date of 20 MAY 2025 and one of the following manufacturing codes: 471106504 18 13:XX ; 471106505 85 13:XX ; 471106506 85 13:XX ; 471106507 85 13:XX. Frito-Lay said in a statement: 'Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product.'
NZ Herald
7 days ago
- Health
- NZ Herald
MPI accuses researchers of scaremongering over Campylobacter hospitalisations, deaths
But since 2008, contaminated chicken in New Zealand caused more than 600,000 symptomatic illnesses, over 9000 hospitalisations, at least 60 deaths and around $1.4 billion in economic costs. Lead author, University of Otago professor Michael Baker, said that in 2023, the year with the most recent data, there were nearly a thousand hospitalisations. 'By any means this is a very consequential health problem and we feel it needs a much more vigorous response.' Government agencies were 'too complacent' about the increasing rates of Campylobacter infection caused by contaminated chicken, he added. 'If you saw a 70% rise in our most common foodborne disease, surely you'd be putting a lot of effort into investigating that to figure out what's going on, and I'm not aware of any effort going into that. One of the major problems that we're seeing is our agencies have become very complacent about this infection.' The Government should consider a formal inquiry into this serious, long-term regulatory failure, Baker said. 'The large Havelock North waterborne outbreak of Campylobacter infection [in 2016] resulted in an exhaustive inquiry and a complete reorganisation of the drinking water supply sector. That common source outbreak caused about 7570 cases. By comparison, the 'common source' epidemic caused by contaminated chicken meat results in the equivalent of a Havelock North-sized outbreak every three months in NZ, or 80 such outbreaks since 2008.' But Food Safety's deputy director general, Vincent Arbuckle, disagreed with the PHCC's analysis, arguing that between 2006 and 2020 reported rates of foodborne Campylobacter infections had halved. These figures were based on public notifications of infections provided by the health system, he said. 'In 2020 New Zealand Food Safety set the target of reducing the rate by a further 20%. This milestone was reached at the end of 2024, when rates of foodborne Campylobacter infections acquired in New Zealand fell to 70 cases per 100,000. The drop in infection was thanks to a 'concerted effort over many years' from Government, scientists and industry throughout the supply chain, he said. 'New Zealand has made considerable reductions in Campylobacter infections. We keep an open mind about changes that can further reduce Campylobacter infection, which is a serious foodborne illness, but will not consider changes that are not founded on good evidence.' Arbuckle accepted more people were ending up in hospital with Campylobacter but says that was partly because they had put off going to the GP and got sicker, he said. He also agreed that campylobacteriosis was 'the most common, significant foodborne illness in New Zealand'. But he said data suggested 'a continued downward reduction due to the sustained efforts between industry, health authorities, the regulator and other parts of the sector such as retail'. 'The prevalence [of campylobacteriosis] is reducing, it's not where people would like it to be, but some of the content in this report is simply erroneous and alarmist, particularly the comments about deaths attributed - the simple fact is that ... since 2007 we've had three recorded cases of death where campylobacteriosis was the principle single contributing factor, not 60 as he [Baker] suggests. 'If New Zealand was experiencing the level of deaths directly attributable to campylobacteriosis at the numbers that the authors suggest, there would be an outcry.' But Baker said that deaths from Campylobacter infection were generally poorly diagnosed and recorded. By looking at hospital discharge data, however, the researchers were able to get an indication of deaths in hospital with 60 reported deaths for patients with a discharge diagnosis of Campylobacter infection as the principal or additional diagnosis over the 14-year period from 2008 to 2021, an average of 4.3 per year. An additional estimated 12 deaths from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) from this source took the total to 68 in the 17-year period, or four per year. -RNZ
