The following information on frostbite is from the website of the CDC and can be accessed by clicking here.
Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes.
Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.
Recognizing Frostbite
At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite:
* a white or grayish-yellow skin area
* skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
* numbness
A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.
What to Do
If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, first determine whether the victim also shows signs of hypothermia, as described previously. Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and requires emergency medical assistance.
If (1) there is frostbite but no sign of hypothermia and (2) immediate medical care is not available, proceed as follows:
* Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
* Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes—this increases the damage.
* Immerse the affected area in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
* Or, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers.
Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.
These procedures are not substitutes for proper medical care. Hypothermia is a medical emergency and frostbite should be evaluated by a health care provider. It is a good idea to take a first aid and emergency resuscitation (CPR) course to prepare for cold-weather health problems. Knowing what to do is an important part of protecting your health and the health of others.
Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Stonewall Kitchen Voluntarily Recalls Dessert Sauces
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- January 23, 2009
As a precautionary measure, Stonewall Kitchen of York, Maine is voluntarily recalling seven dessert sauces because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.
Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following
symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also me common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.
The following list of products was distributed nationwide to consumers through the nine Stonewall Kitchen Company Stores, Stonewall Kitchen’s direct-to-consumer division (catalog/internet) and through their wholesale division. Products could have been purchased individually or within a gift basket.
This recall affects all product codes and expiration dates for:
Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce (SKU 161312) – round glass jar, 12 oz.
Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Peanut Butter (SKU 161211) – round glass jar, 12 oz.
Stonewall Kitchen Coffee Caramel Sauce (SKU 161204) – round glass jar, 13 oz.
Stonewall Kitchen Dulce de Leche Sauce (SKU 161214) – round glass jar, 12.5 oz.
Barefoot Contessa Espresso Dulce de Leche (SKU 542313) – round glass jar, 10.5 oz.
Additionally, the following list of products was distributed nationwide to consumers through
A-Hold Corporation (Stop & Shop and Giant stores). This recall affects all product codes and expiration dates for:
Simply Enjoy Coffee Caramel Sauce – square glass jar, 13 oz.
Simply Enjoy Chocolate Peanut Butter Sauce – square glass jar, 12 oz.
To date, Stonewall Kitchen has not experienced any problems or complaints about our dessert sauces. No illnesses have been reported to date. Stonewall Kitchen is voluntarily recalling these products due to the fact that during manufacturing, the pH level and water activity did not meet our food safety standards.
If a consumer has the any of the above products, we recommend they discontinue the use of that jar and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Stonewall Kitchen Premier Services at 1-800-826-1735.
As a precautionary measure, Stonewall Kitchen of York, Maine is voluntarily recalling seven dessert sauces because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.
Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following
symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also me common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.
The following list of products was distributed nationwide to consumers through the nine Stonewall Kitchen Company Stores, Stonewall Kitchen’s direct-to-consumer division (catalog/internet) and through their wholesale division. Products could have been purchased individually or within a gift basket.
This recall affects all product codes and expiration dates for:
Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce (SKU 161312) – round glass jar, 12 oz.
Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Peanut Butter (SKU 161211) – round glass jar, 12 oz.
Stonewall Kitchen Coffee Caramel Sauce (SKU 161204) – round glass jar, 13 oz.
Stonewall Kitchen Dulce de Leche Sauce (SKU 161214) – round glass jar, 12.5 oz.
Barefoot Contessa Espresso Dulce de Leche (SKU 542313) – round glass jar, 10.5 oz.
Additionally, the following list of products was distributed nationwide to consumers through
A-Hold Corporation (Stop & Shop and Giant stores). This recall affects all product codes and expiration dates for:
Simply Enjoy Coffee Caramel Sauce – square glass jar, 13 oz.
Simply Enjoy Chocolate Peanut Butter Sauce – square glass jar, 12 oz.
To date, Stonewall Kitchen has not experienced any problems or complaints about our dessert sauces. No illnesses have been reported to date. Stonewall Kitchen is voluntarily recalling these products due to the fact that during manufacturing, the pH level and water activity did not meet our food safety standards.
If a consumer has the any of the above products, we recommend they discontinue the use of that jar and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Stonewall Kitchen Premier Services at 1-800-826-1735.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Peanut Butter Product Recall
For those curious about the state of the peanut butter product recall, the CDC and FDA both report that "no association has been found with major national brand name jars of peanut butter sold in grocery stores."
Again, if consumers have any questions regarding the product recall, please visit the FDA website for an updated list of recalled products and an overview of the recent salmonella outbreak.
Again, if consumers have any questions regarding the product recall, please visit the FDA website for an updated list of recalled products and an overview of the recent salmonella outbreak.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Peanut Butter-Related Salmonella Outbreak Update
As the list of recalled products expands related to the recent outbreak of Salmonella, the CDC has made several simple recommendations for American Consumers:
1) Do not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them
2) Postpone eating other peanut butter containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) until information becomes available about whether that product may be affected.
So far, 474 people have been sickened in 43 states, with 107 individuals hospitalized and 6 deaths potentially linked to the outbreak. 40 of the 474 infected individuals reside in Massachusetts.
The CDC states:
"Of the 458 persons with available data, illness onsets were between September 8, 2008 and January 2, 2009. Age range was 1-98."
For the latest list of recalled products, please visit the related page on the website of the Food and Drug Administration, available by clicking here. For general information on salmonella, please click here.
As always, please feel free to call Keith Carlson, Public Health Nurse for the Town of Amherst, at 413-259-3161 for further information.
1) Do not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them
2) Postpone eating other peanut butter containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) until information becomes available about whether that product may be affected.
So far, 474 people have been sickened in 43 states, with 107 individuals hospitalized and 6 deaths potentially linked to the outbreak. 40 of the 474 infected individuals reside in Massachusetts.
The CDC states:
"Of the 458 persons with available data, illness onsets were between September 8, 2008 and January 2, 2009. Age range was 1-98."
For the latest list of recalled products, please visit the related page on the website of the Food and Drug Administration, available by clicking here. For general information on salmonella, please click here.
As always, please feel free to call Keith Carlson, Public Health Nurse for the Town of Amherst, at 413-259-3161 for further information.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Little Debbie Peanut Butter Crackers Recalled
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 15, 2009
MCKEE FOODS VOLUNTARILY WITHDRAWS LITTLE DEBBIE® PEANUT BUTTER TOASTY
CRACKERS AND PEANUT BUTTER CHEESE CRACKERS
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. — Kellogg Company has announced that it has taken the precautionary measure of putting a hold on several Austin® and Keebler® branded peanut butter sandwich crackers. Kellogg also manufactures Peanut Butter Toasty and Peanut Butter Cheese sandwich crackers for McKee Foods. These
two items are sold under the Little Debbie® brand.
FDA and other regulatory agencies have indicated that Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is the focus of their investigation concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. PCA is one of several peanut paste suppliers that Kellogg uses in manufacturing peanut butter
sandwich crackers.
Kellogg Company's investigation has not indicated any concerns, nor has Kellogg received any consumer illness complaints about these products. Nonetheless, Kellogg Company is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and
encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as to the resolution of this issue.
McKee Foods has also not received any consumer illness complaints about its Peanut Butter Toasty or Peanut Butter Cheese sandwich crackers. McKee Foods is also taking the precautionary measures of putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and encouraging consumers to not eat these two Little Debbie® products.
The Little Debbie® Cheddar on Cheese sandwich cracker is not affected by this action.
McKee Foods does not purchase peanut paste from PCA, and therefore, no other Little Debbie® products containing peanut butter are affected by this action.
Consumers who have purchased Little Debbie® Peanut Butter Toasty and/or Peanut Butter Cheese sandwich crackers should discard the crackers but save the packaging and contact Consumer Affairs at 1-800-522-4499.
• McKee Foods Coporation • McKee Foods Transportation, LLC • McKee Foods Kingman, Inc. • McKee Foods Finance, Inc.
MCKEE FOODS VOLUNTARILY WITHDRAWS LITTLE DEBBIE® PEANUT BUTTER TOASTY
CRACKERS AND PEANUT BUTTER CHEESE CRACKERS
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. — Kellogg Company has announced that it has taken the precautionary measure of putting a hold on several Austin® and Keebler® branded peanut butter sandwich crackers. Kellogg also manufactures Peanut Butter Toasty and Peanut Butter Cheese sandwich crackers for McKee Foods. These
two items are sold under the Little Debbie® brand.
FDA and other regulatory agencies have indicated that Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is the focus of their investigation concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. PCA is one of several peanut paste suppliers that Kellogg uses in manufacturing peanut butter
sandwich crackers.
Kellogg Company's investigation has not indicated any concerns, nor has Kellogg received any consumer illness complaints about these products. Nonetheless, Kellogg Company is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and
encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as to the resolution of this issue.
McKee Foods has also not received any consumer illness complaints about its Peanut Butter Toasty or Peanut Butter Cheese sandwich crackers. McKee Foods is also taking the precautionary measures of putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and encouraging consumers to not eat these two Little Debbie® products.
The Little Debbie® Cheddar on Cheese sandwich cracker is not affected by this action.
McKee Foods does not purchase peanut paste from PCA, and therefore, no other Little Debbie® products containing peanut butter are affected by this action.
Consumers who have purchased Little Debbie® Peanut Butter Toasty and/or Peanut Butter Cheese sandwich crackers should discard the crackers but save the packaging and contact Consumer Affairs at 1-800-522-4499.
• McKee Foods Coporation • McKee Foods Transportation, LLC • McKee Foods Kingman, Inc. • McKee Foods Finance, Inc.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Federal Contract Awarded to Build First U.S. Manufacturing Facility for Cell-Based Influenza Vaccine
For Immediate Release:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced a $487 million multiple year contract with Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc., to build the first U.S. facility to manufacture cell-based vaccine for seasonal and pandemic flu. Because cell-based influenza vaccine can be made faster and in greater quantities than traditional vaccine, the new facility is expected to increase the U.S. capacity to make pandemic influenza vaccine by at least 25 percent.
Cell-based vaccine production could more easily meet surge capacity needs because cells could be frozen and stored in advance of an epidemic or developed rapidly in response to an epidemic. Cell-based vaccine production also dramatically reduces the possibility for contamination and promises to be more reliable, flexible, and expandable than egg-based methods.
Currently, influenza vaccines licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are made in specialized chicken eggs using a process that has changed little in over 50 years. In place of eggs, cell-based vaccine production uses laboratory-grown cells that are capable of hosting a growing virus. The virus is injected into the cells where it multiplies. The cells’ outer walls are removed, harvested, purified, and inactivated. Using this technology, a vaccine can be produced in a matter of weeks.
“Today we are taking an important step in our ongoing commitment to pandemic preparedness,” said Dr. Robin Robinson, director of the HHS Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which will oversee the contract. “In a pandemic we would need vaccine ready within six months. That’s why the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza set domestic surge capacity as a goal in preparing the nation for a pandemic. That goal could not be accomplished using the traditional egg-based method of producing flu vaccine.”
New cell-based influenza vaccines provides an option for people who are allergic to eggs and, therefore, unable to receive current flu vaccines. Cell-based production avoids other problems that egg-based production has, such as a potential shortage of eggs due to poultry-based diseases.
The cell-based vaccine technology can also be used to make vaccines for seasonal influenza and other major emerging infectious diseases.
Under the contract, Novartis and HHS share the cost of the new cell-based influenza vaccine manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, N.C., with the HHS contract covering 40 percent of the cost and Novartis bearing 60 percent.
Also under the contract, Novartis will provide two new flu vaccines for seasonal flu or for pre-pandemic use. The contract builds on progress made through a previous HHS contract award to Novartis to accelerate the development of cell-based influenza vaccine.
The new contract also will fund scientific studies, called clinical bridging studies, to compare existing Novartis vaccines to new ones, including those developed in the new facility, to show that these new ones are also safe and effective. By comparing new and existing vaccines, the company can provide information quickly to the FDA to request licenses for the new vaccines.
If licensed by the FDA, the new cell-based vaccines made in the United States could be purchased for by the federal government for vaccine stockpiles.
The original version of this press release can be found here.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced a $487 million multiple year contract with Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc., to build the first U.S. facility to manufacture cell-based vaccine for seasonal and pandemic flu. Because cell-based influenza vaccine can be made faster and in greater quantities than traditional vaccine, the new facility is expected to increase the U.S. capacity to make pandemic influenza vaccine by at least 25 percent.
Cell-based vaccine production could more easily meet surge capacity needs because cells could be frozen and stored in advance of an epidemic or developed rapidly in response to an epidemic. Cell-based vaccine production also dramatically reduces the possibility for contamination and promises to be more reliable, flexible, and expandable than egg-based methods.
Currently, influenza vaccines licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are made in specialized chicken eggs using a process that has changed little in over 50 years. In place of eggs, cell-based vaccine production uses laboratory-grown cells that are capable of hosting a growing virus. The virus is injected into the cells where it multiplies. The cells’ outer walls are removed, harvested, purified, and inactivated. Using this technology, a vaccine can be produced in a matter of weeks.
“Today we are taking an important step in our ongoing commitment to pandemic preparedness,” said Dr. Robin Robinson, director of the HHS Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which will oversee the contract. “In a pandemic we would need vaccine ready within six months. That’s why the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza set domestic surge capacity as a goal in preparing the nation for a pandemic. That goal could not be accomplished using the traditional egg-based method of producing flu vaccine.”
New cell-based influenza vaccines provides an option for people who are allergic to eggs and, therefore, unable to receive current flu vaccines. Cell-based production avoids other problems that egg-based production has, such as a potential shortage of eggs due to poultry-based diseases.
The cell-based vaccine technology can also be used to make vaccines for seasonal influenza and other major emerging infectious diseases.
Under the contract, Novartis and HHS share the cost of the new cell-based influenza vaccine manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, N.C., with the HHS contract covering 40 percent of the cost and Novartis bearing 60 percent.
Also under the contract, Novartis will provide two new flu vaccines for seasonal flu or for pre-pandemic use. The contract builds on progress made through a previous HHS contract award to Novartis to accelerate the development of cell-based influenza vaccine.
The new contract also will fund scientific studies, called clinical bridging studies, to compare existing Novartis vaccines to new ones, including those developed in the new facility, to show that these new ones are also safe and effective. By comparing new and existing vaccines, the company can provide information quickly to the FDA to request licenses for the new vaccines.
If licensed by the FDA, the new cell-based vaccines made in the United States could be purchased for by the federal government for vaccine stockpiles.
The original version of this press release can be found here.
Kellogg Company Recalls Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Battle Creek, MI -- January 14, 2009
Kellogg Company today announced it has taken the precautionary measure of putting a hold on Austin and Keebler branded Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Crackers, Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, and Peanut Butter-Chocolate Sandwich Crackers.
FDA and other regulatory agencies have indicated that Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is the focus of their investigation concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. PCA is one of several peanut paste suppliers that the company uses in its Austin and Keebler branded peanut butter sandwich crackers.
Kellogg Company's investigation has not indicated any concerns, nor has the Company received any consumer illness complaints about these products.
Nonetheless, Kellogg Company is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as to the resolution of this issue.
"Consumer health and safety is our top priority," said David Mackay, president and CEO, Kellogg Company. "We are taking these voluntary actions out of an abundance of caution."
While no additional consumer action is necessary at this time, consumers with questions or who would like a product refund can call the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 888-314-2060.
Kellogg Company today announced it has taken the precautionary measure of putting a hold on Austin and Keebler branded Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Crackers, Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, and Peanut Butter-Chocolate Sandwich Crackers.
FDA and other regulatory agencies have indicated that Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is the focus of their investigation concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. PCA is one of several peanut paste suppliers that the company uses in its Austin and Keebler branded peanut butter sandwich crackers.
Kellogg Company's investigation has not indicated any concerns, nor has the Company received any consumer illness complaints about these products.
Nonetheless, Kellogg Company is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as to the resolution of this issue.
"Consumer health and safety is our top priority," said David Mackay, president and CEO, Kellogg Company. "We are taking these voluntary actions out of an abundance of caution."
While no additional consumer action is necessary at this time, consumers with questions or who would like a product refund can call the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 888-314-2060.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Peanut Butter Recall Announced
Lynchburg, Va. (January 13, 2009) Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter for bulk distribution to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies, today announced a voluntary recall of peanut butter produced in its Blakely, Georgia processing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. All product affected was produced on or after July 1, 2008, specific to the lot numbers and descriptions listed below.
The peanut butter being recalled is sold by PCA in bulk packaging to distributors for institutional and food service industry use. It is also sold under the brand name Parnells Pride to those same industries. Additionally, it is sold by the King Nut Company under the label King Nut. PCA customers who received the recalled product are being notified by telephone and in writing
None of the peanut butter being recalled is sold directly to consumers through retail stores.
---------------------
For those who are interested, here is the text of the company's recent press release:
For: Immediate Release
Peanut Corporation of America Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter
Lynchburg, Va. (January 13, 2009) – Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter for bulk distribution to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies, today announced a voluntary recall of peanut butter produced in its Blakely, Georgia processing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
All product affected was produced on or after July 1, 2008, specific to the lot numbers and descriptions listed below.
The peanut butter being recalled is sold by PCA in bulk packaging to distributors for institutional and food service industry use. It is also sold under the brand name Parnell’s Pride to those same industries. Additionally, it is sold by the King Nut Company under the label King Nut. PCA customers who received the recalled product are being notified by telephone and in writing.
None of the peanut butter being recalled is sold directly to consumers through retail stores.
“We deeply regret that this has happened,” said Stewart Parnell, owner and president of PCA. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily withdrawing this product and contacting our customers. We are taking these actions with the safety of our consumers as our first priority.”
PCA initiated this recall after an open container of King Nut brand peanut butter in a long-term care facility in Minnesota was found to contain a strain of salmonella. King Nut brand peanut butter is produced by PCA.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota laboratory analyses on the contamination in the already-opened container of peanut butter have the same genetic fingerprint as the cases in the national outbreak that has sickened almost 400 people in 42 states.
The voluntary recall of 21 lots of its peanut butter, in containers ranging from five to 50 pounds, is being taken immediately. PCA is notifying its institutional customers and has set up a toll-free hotline number 1-877-564-7080 to answer questions.
PCA is continuing to work closely and cooperating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state officials as part of this ongoing investigation.
According to a CDC update issued on their website today (January 13, 2009), preliminary analysis of an epidemiologic study conducted by CDC and public health officials has suggested peanut butter as a likely source. The CDC and other public health officials are continuing to conduct surveillance for cases of infection with the outbreak strains, and to gather and analyze data or exposures that may be associated with illness. To date, no association has been found with common brand names of peanut butter sold in grocery stores.
Customers are asked to take all peanut butter manufactured with the lot numbers listed below out of distribution immediately. Customers can call the following toll-free 24-hour number 1-877-564-7080 for further instructions on what to do with the product or visit the company website at http://www.peanutcorp.com/ for additional information.
Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can result in abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and fever. Most people infected with Salmonella develop the symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses. For more information on the salmonella bacteria, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Website at http://www.cdc.gov/.
---------
About Peanut Corporation of America
Peanut Corporation of America is a family-owned and operated business since 1976 based in Lynchburg, VA and operating facilities in Blakely, GA, Suffolk, VA and Plainview, TX. The company prides itself on the quality and freshness of its products and strives constantly to maintain an environment in compliance with federal, state and local regulations and guidelines to provide a clean, safe product. For more information, visit the Peanut Company of America web site at www.peanutcorp.com.
The peanut butter being recalled is sold by PCA in bulk packaging to distributors for institutional and food service industry use. It is also sold under the brand name Parnells Pride to those same industries. Additionally, it is sold by the King Nut Company under the label King Nut. PCA customers who received the recalled product are being notified by telephone and in writing
None of the peanut butter being recalled is sold directly to consumers through retail stores.
---------------------
For those who are interested, here is the text of the company's recent press release:
For: Immediate Release
Peanut Corporation of America Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter
Lynchburg, Va. (January 13, 2009) – Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter for bulk distribution to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies, today announced a voluntary recall of peanut butter produced in its Blakely, Georgia processing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
All product affected was produced on or after July 1, 2008, specific to the lot numbers and descriptions listed below.
The peanut butter being recalled is sold by PCA in bulk packaging to distributors for institutional and food service industry use. It is also sold under the brand name Parnell’s Pride to those same industries. Additionally, it is sold by the King Nut Company under the label King Nut. PCA customers who received the recalled product are being notified by telephone and in writing.
None of the peanut butter being recalled is sold directly to consumers through retail stores.
“We deeply regret that this has happened,” said Stewart Parnell, owner and president of PCA. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily withdrawing this product and contacting our customers. We are taking these actions with the safety of our consumers as our first priority.”
PCA initiated this recall after an open container of King Nut brand peanut butter in a long-term care facility in Minnesota was found to contain a strain of salmonella. King Nut brand peanut butter is produced by PCA.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota laboratory analyses on the contamination in the already-opened container of peanut butter have the same genetic fingerprint as the cases in the national outbreak that has sickened almost 400 people in 42 states.
The voluntary recall of 21 lots of its peanut butter, in containers ranging from five to 50 pounds, is being taken immediately. PCA is notifying its institutional customers and has set up a toll-free hotline number 1-877-564-7080 to answer questions.
PCA is continuing to work closely and cooperating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state officials as part of this ongoing investigation.
According to a CDC update issued on their website today (January 13, 2009), preliminary analysis of an epidemiologic study conducted by CDC and public health officials has suggested peanut butter as a likely source. The CDC and other public health officials are continuing to conduct surveillance for cases of infection with the outbreak strains, and to gather and analyze data or exposures that may be associated with illness. To date, no association has been found with common brand names of peanut butter sold in grocery stores.
Customers are asked to take all peanut butter manufactured with the lot numbers listed below out of distribution immediately. Customers can call the following toll-free 24-hour number 1-877-564-7080 for further instructions on what to do with the product or visit the company website at http://www.peanutcorp.com/ for additional information.
Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can result in abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and fever. Most people infected with Salmonella develop the symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses. For more information on the salmonella bacteria, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Website at http://www.cdc.gov/.
---------
About Peanut Corporation of America
Peanut Corporation of America is a family-owned and operated business since 1976 based in Lynchburg, VA and operating facilities in Blakely, GA, Suffolk, VA and Plainview, TX. The company prides itself on the quality and freshness of its products and strives constantly to maintain an environment in compliance with federal, state and local regulations and guidelines to provide a clean, safe product. For more information, visit the Peanut Company of America web site at www.peanutcorp.com.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tracking Influenza
If you would like to follow the progress of the flu season on a user-friendly website, Google has created "Google Flu Trends", a website which purports to offer up-to-the-minute information on the state of influenza in the United States.
To read about how Google is able to track such data and offer it to you with a fair amount of certainty as to its accuracy, click here. If you would rather trust the Centers for Disease Control (whose data, by the way, is always two weeks behind Google's), click here. Another resource for the globally-oriented would be the World Health Organization's Global Atlas of Infectious Disease, which tracks infectious diseases worldwide.
Lastly, if your interest is the threat of pandemic influenza, try visiting PandemicFlu.gov, a treasure trove of information for those interested in what some say is an inevitable worldwide pandemic which could very well occur in the 21st century.
The internet affords a great deal of information regarding the tracking and surveillance of disease, emerging diseases, and other global threats to public health. Feel free to visit these resources at your leisure, and use the knowledge that you glean to prepare yourself and your family in whatever way seems sensible to you.
If you have any questions about influenza--or any other disease, please feel free to contact the Amherst Health Department at 413-259-3077 for information.
Here's to a healthy winter!
To read about how Google is able to track such data and offer it to you with a fair amount of certainty as to its accuracy, click here. If you would rather trust the Centers for Disease Control (whose data, by the way, is always two weeks behind Google's), click here. Another resource for the globally-oriented would be the World Health Organization's Global Atlas of Infectious Disease, which tracks infectious diseases worldwide.
Lastly, if your interest is the threat of pandemic influenza, try visiting PandemicFlu.gov, a treasure trove of information for those interested in what some say is an inevitable worldwide pandemic which could very well occur in the 21st century.
The internet affords a great deal of information regarding the tracking and surveillance of disease, emerging diseases, and other global threats to public health. Feel free to visit these resources at your leisure, and use the knowledge that you glean to prepare yourself and your family in whatever way seems sensible to you.
If you have any questions about influenza--or any other disease, please feel free to contact the Amherst Health Department at 413-259-3077 for information.
Here's to a healthy winter!
--------------
Keith Carlson, RN, BS
Monday, January 12, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to the newly created blog of the Amherst Health Department! Our intention is to create an online venue for the dissemination of important health-related information for the residents of Amherst, Massachusetts. On this blog, you are certain to find the following:
*Posts related to health issues impacting our community
*Frequent posts about important and timely public health issues
*Links to quality websites about health and fitness
*Links to important public health and government websites
*And more....
Please bookmark this page, visit often, and feel free to email us with questions and comments. The Amherst Health Department is here to serve you, the residents of Amherst, and this blog is just one of the ways that we will be reaching out to the community in the months and years to come.
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