The chemical, melamine, is the same chemical that was responsible for the pet food recalls last year, and has caused 53,000 illnesses in children — including nearly 13,000 hospitalizations and 4 deaths.

The NYT says that there is widespread speculation that the contamination was being covered up due to government pressure tied to the Olympic games.

The delays have led to widespread speculation in China that the Sanlu Group and some government officials were attempting to cover up the scandal during the Olympics because Beijing had pressured Chinese journalists and companies not to release negative news.

22 companies have been caught producing melamine tainted dairy products, leading to something of a panic in China. The substance, used in the manufacture of plastics, looks like protein when tested and was used to artificially increase the protein count of the milk.

China Milk Cover-Up Started Last Year [NYT]
(Photo: Getty)

Taiwan banned all dairy products from mainland China today, while Marudai Food Co. in Japan and Nestle SA in Hong Kong announced product recalls. The scandal has claimed the lives of four infants and revived concerns about the effectiveness of China's food safety controls after scares last year over contaminated seafood, toothpaste and pet food.

``That shows that they're serious,'' said Jim Rice, greater China country manager for Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson Foods Inc., who has worked with China's food regulator. ``Now this means a new guy with new ideas and maybe a new quality assurance system. It could be a healthy shakeup.''

Reuters says:

Melamine, used in making plastics, has also been found in cartons of milk and some dairy exports, but no illnesses from those sources have been reported.

Medical experts said on Monday that, as well as causing kidney stones, melamine could potentially cause far more serious complications by crystallizing and then blocking tiny tubes in the kidneys.

Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan have all banned Chinese dairy products.

China Quality Watchdog Chief Quits in Wake of Scandal (Update1) [Bloomberg]
Nearly 13,000 in hospital as China milk scandal grows [Reuters]

Two brothers surnamed Geng were arrested for "producing and selling toxic and hazardous food," police in Hebei, the north Chinese province where Sanlu is based, told Xinhua.

From late last year they added melamine to the 3 tonnes of milk they sold on from farmers every day, the report said.

"Geng did so because he suffered losses after milk from his station had been rejected several times by Sanlu Group," it said.

Farmers or dealers may have diluted milk with water and added melamine, used in plastics, to make the protein level appear higher than it really was.

Thankfully, none of the tainted milk powder was exported to North America.

Liu Changjiang, minister of GAQSIQ (the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine for those who forgot,) strongly condemned the Sanlu Group, which may have known of the contamination back in March, saying:

“It’s shocking. It’s a crime against the people.”

No no, dear friend. After last year's scandals, not even 10,000 poisoned babies counts as shocking.

(Though, obviously, it's a terrible tragedy.)

Tainted formula again raises concerns about Chinese products [Boston Herald]
Hundreds affected in milk scandal [Reuters]
PREVIOUSLY: House Investigators: The Chinese Government Can't Protect Its Own Citizens, Let Alone Ours
(Photo: Getty)

From the New York Times:

Advocates for food safety condemned the agency’s decision and asserted that irradiation could lower nutritional value, create unsafe chemicals and ruin taste.

“It’s a total cop-out,” said Patty Lovera, assistant director of Food and Water Watch. “They don’t have the resources, the authority or the political will to really protect consumers from unsafe food.”

Dr. Laura Tarantino, director of the Office of Food Additive Safety at the F.D.A., said the agency had found no serious nutritional or safety changes associated with irradiation of spinach or lettuce.

“These irradiated foods are not less safe than others,” Dr. Tarantino said, “and the doses are effective in reducing the level of disease-causing micro-organisms.”

The government has long allowed food processors to irradiate beef, eggs, poultry, oysters and spices, but the market for irradiated foods is tiny because the government also requires that these foods be labeled as irradiated, labels that scare away most consumers.

“People think the product is radioactive,” said Harlan Clemmons, president of Sadex, a food irradiation company based in Sioux City, Iowa.

What do you think? Will you happily eat irradiated spinach?

F.D.A. Allows Irradiation of Some Produce [NYT]
(Photo: smcgee )

•1) Why was Whole Foods selling meat that was supposed to be recalled?
•2) Why was Whole Foods buying meat from Nebraska Beef Ltd., in the first place?

Whole Foods website is filled with all sorts of promises. Here is one that seemed to be a bit ignored:

Products - Our Quality Standards

We carry natural and organic products because we believe that food in its purest state — unadulterated by artificial additives, sweeteners, colorings, and preservatives — is the best tasting and most nutritious food available.

Our business is to sell the highest quality foods we can find at the most competitive prices possible. We evaluate quality in terms of nutrition, freshness, appearance, and taste. Our search for quality is a never-ending process involving the careful judgment of buyers throughout the company.

Here are some other questions for Whole Foods (after they answer the first two):

• 1) Were you aware of Nebraska Beef’s litigation history against the USDA in 2003 and a church in upstate Minnesota in 2007?
• 2) Had you ever reviewed Nebraska Beef’s Non-compliance Reports?
• 3) Had you ever visited the Nebraska Beef plant?
• 4) After being linked to an E. coli outbreak in California in 2006, what safety measures did Whole Foods employ?

The bacterial beef was sold in: Alabama, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Washington D. C.

Consumers can return to Whole Foods with a receipt or beef packaging for a full refund. For more information, call (512) 542-0878. While on hold, take a moment to wonder if you ever cook your meat to 160 degrees.

Whole Foods E. coli cases Traced to Nebraska Beef Ltd., Meat? [Marler Blog]
Whole Foods recalling possible E. coli contaminated beef [AP]
PREVIOUSLY: More Beef Recalled For E. Coli
(AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

Maya asks:

Remember last year the aqua dot toys that had GHB drugs on them? well they returned with a different name, Pixos. The same commercial is being shown on Disney Channel but with the different name. I checked their web site www.buypixos.com but it does not say anything about the ghb. Are these toys safe now?

Well, Maya, if by "safe" you mean, "Did the company stop outsourcing their products to manufacturers who think nothing of sneaking a powerful chemical that turns into a recreational drug when swallowed into a children's toy?" Well, it's hard to say.

The Australian company responsible for the toy, Moose Enterprises, says they've switched factories and changed the name of the toy in order to "protect" consumers from the recalled product.

"Moose's primary focus will continue to be the safety and welfare of children," a spokesperson said.

"By rebranding and re-educating consumers on the differences, we can protect consumers from the recalled product."

I guess it's just up to you to decide whether or not you believe him.

Bindeez are back, but now drug-free

[News.au]

David Acheson, the Food and Drug Administration's associate commissioner for foods says that Florida "fits with the time frame" of the outbreak, and "the trace-back continues, but we still have not identified a specific source of the outbreak." FDA investigators have still not begun testing farms because "we don't know yet where to send them," Acheson told reporters.

Meanwhile, Guanabee has a fun clip of Lou Dobbs acting shocked by the incompetance of the FDA, and CDC has confirmed that the total of number of people who have gotten sick now stands at 552, across 32 states. We're not shocked that the FDA can't locate the source of the salmonella, but that's only because we already knew that the FDA was broken.

FDA: Source of tainted tomatoes may never be uncovered [AJC]
Salmonella Tomatoes: Nobody Knows WTF Is Going On, Least Of All The FDA [Guanabee]
(Photo: The Joy Of The Mundane )

It's OK to Eat The Following Tomatoes

• Cherry tomatoes
• grape tomatoes
• tomatoes sold with the vine still attached
• tomatoes grown at home

In addition, if you know where your tomatoes were grown, you can check this list to see if the tomatoes are associated with the outbreak. If your farmer's market sells locally grown tomatoes, for example, you'll want to check this list.

Consumers should be aware that fresh, raw tomatoes are used in salsa, salads, and other prepared foods.

Salmonellosis Outbreak in Certain Types of Tomatoes [FDA]
(Photo: nailmaker )

Inspectors found the listeria contaminated products during microbiological sampling in Florida, and there have been no illnesses reported. Over a dozen different products are affected by the recall and you can view a list by clicking here (PDF).

Listeria is a bacteria that causes the possibly-fatal infection "listeriosis." The USDA has classified this recall as "Class I" meaning that there is a “reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death."

NEW YORK FIRM RECALLS MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS
FOR POSSIBLE LISTERIA CONTAMINATION (PDF) [USDA]

After a deadly outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 in September 2006, the committee examined the Food and Drug Administration's efforts to protect the safety of packaged fresh spinach. What they found wasn't pretty.

From the report:

Packaged fresh spinach facilities were inspected only once every 2.4 years, less than half of FDA's stated goals. Frequent inspections are the cornerstone to the current safeguards for fresh produce and adequate resources are required for frequent inspections. FDA's performance goals state that 95% of high risk facilities like packaged fresh spinach facilities should be inspected at least once yearly. Over a seven-year period, FDA provided 199 inspection reports for 67 packaged fresh spinach facilities. This translates to an inspection rate of about one inspection of each facility every 2.4 years, less than half of FDA's stated goal.

FDA observed objectionable conditions during 47% of the packaged fresh spinach facility inspections. Of the 199 inspections reviewed, 93 documented "objectionable conditions," the most common of which involved plant sanitation, plant construction, and worker sanitation. For example, more than 60% of the inspections with "objectionable conditions" revealed problems related to facility sanitation, such as inadequate restroom cleanliness or accumulations of litter.

Despite observing objectionable conditions in packaged fresh spinach facilities, FDA took no meaningful enforcement action. FDA did not refer any of these inspections with objectionable conditions for further action by its own enforcement authorities. In one case, FDA did refer one inspection to the state for further action. FDA did not issue warning letters or pursue more aggressive steps such as seizures or injunctions.

FDA overlooked repeated violations. In 38 cases, FDA observed repeated violations by packaged fresh spinach facilities but did nothing to force correction. Instead of taking enforcement action, FDA continued to request voluntary compliance after recording violations at each inspection. 14 of these repeat requests for voluntary compliance were for precisely the same violations.

The California Department of Health Services and the FDA performed a joint investigation into the causes of the 2006 spinach outbreak and found that the outbreak probably did not originate in the facilities that are inspected by FDA. Instead, the problem began outside the plants and most likely was due to contamination of the water outside of the plant by cattle feces, pig feces, or river water. FDA does not routinely inspect the fields except in outbreak investigations. In fact, none of the 199 Establishment Inspection Reports reviewed by Committee staff indicated that any observations of field conditions had taken place.

Might want to think twice about fresh spinach.

FDA and Fresh Spinach Safety (PDF) [US House Of Representatives via Consumer Reports]
(Photo:jeffturner)

The FDA says it has received reports of 50 illnesses in 16 states and nine illnesses in Canada linked to the consumption of cantaloupes, and has issued some instructions to keep you salmonella free:

The FDA recommends that consumers take the following steps to reduce the risk of contracting Salmonella or other foodborne illnesses from cantaloupes:

* Purchase cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged. If buying fresh-cut cantaloupe, be sure it is refrigerated or surrounded by ice.

* After purchase, refrigerate cantaloupes promptly.

* Wash hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling fresh cantaloupes.

* Scrub whole cantaloupes by using a clean produce brush and cool tap water immediately before eating. Don't use soap or detergents.

* Use clean cutting surfaces and utensils when cutting cantaloupes. Wash cutting boards, countertops, dishes, and utensils with hot water and soap between the preparation of raw meat, poultry, or seafood and the preparation of cantaloupe.

* If there happens to be a bruised or damaged area on a cantaloupe, cut away those parts before eating it.

* Leftover cut cantaloupe should be discarded if left at room temperature for more than two hours.

* Use a cooler with ice or use ice gel packs when transporting or storing cantaloupes outdoors.

FDA Warns of Salmonella Risk with Cantaloupes from Agropecuaria Montelibano [FDA]
(Photo:Coelacanth Books)

In March 2006, a 4-year-old boy from Minneapolis who swallowed the bracelet's heart-shaped pendant died from lead poisoning. Now Reebok has agreed to pay a $1 million penalty, the largest ever for a Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) violation. Reebok denies wrongdoing.

Lead-tainted jewelry such as this charm bracelet is not uncommon these days. There were over 17 million items recalled for lead contamination in 2007 alone.

Reebok to Pay Record $1,000,000 Civil Penalty for Violation of Federal Hazardous Substances Act [CPSC]

Botulism toxin has a nasty habit of killing people, so it's imperative that you not eat the dip. No illnesses have been reported so far.

Here's the info:

The product was distributed to William-Sonoma retail stores nationwide and to Olivier Napa Valley retail stores located in Truckee and St. Helena, California. Olivier Parmesan & Asiago Dip with Garlic & Basil labeled with the following lot codes are affected by the recall: OPA 34171; OPA 23471; OAP 17271; OAP 17671; OAP 36061; OAP 36161; OPA 33961.

The recalled product is packaged in an 11.76 ounce jar. The lot code information is located on the side of the glass jar where there is no label.

Consumer Warning: Contaminated Dip [FDA]

...much of Nord's speech before the National Press Club in Washington was spent discussing 2007, often dubbed "the year of the recall." Nord faulted the press for its "near-hysteria levels" of coverage. And politicians—who have been working on legislation to give the agency more funds and powers—did not escape her criticism either.

We don't agree with that characterization of hysteria or several other of Nord's statements. Here are a few of the key points she made in her speech and in the question and answer period that followed—and our concerns about them:

"The fact is, consumer products are safer today than they have ever been," Nord said in her prepared remarks. And toys, she later added "are safer than they have ever been."

More than 25 million toys were recalled in 2007 because of safety problems. Need we say more? That large number of recalls in a single year certainly suggests there are a lot of unsafe toys on the market and in our homes.

Nancy Nord, the CPSC's acting chairman, looks forward—€”and back [Consumer Reports]
(Photo:)

Sadly, the real intent of the study was to measure how much of an impact "the media's relentless coverage of recalls" have had on customer trust, and not on topics like, oh say, whether mixing batches of meat is a sound business decision.

Although the majority of consumers remain confident in the overall safety of the U.S. meat supply, 34 percent said they are less confident than they were five years ago.

Only 35 percent of consumers surveyed agree that the U.S. government is doing everything it can to ensure meat product safety.

36 percent of consumers said they worry about serving fresh ground beef or hamburgers to their families due to concerns about E. coli contamination. The majority, however, indicated that such concern has yet to impact purchase habits or even intent.

Bad news for toy retailers like Toys R Us and electronics retailers like Circuit City, but good news for Walmart:

Wal-Mart plans to keep a steadier flow of customer traffic this year by planning out an early discounting season rather than waiting until mid-December to clear out slow-moving merchandise. Consumers' acceptance of Wal-Mart's flat-screen TVs and other expensive gizmos is a stark contrast to their rejection of its higher-end clothing. No one wants to say they buy their clothes at Wal-Mart, but anyone will get a Sony there.

"That's why Circuit City and Radio Shack are closing so many stores," [Howard Davidowitz, chairman of Davidowitz & Associates, a New York-based retail consultancy], says.

Toy Scare Could Help Wal-Mart [Forbes]
(Photo:bea&tsm)

Good to know that they're really on top of the problem.

Both the 2006 and the 2007 version of the ornament "contain high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standards."

Contact Reeves International Inc. at (800) 444-4775 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit their Web site at www.breyerhorses.com to receive instructions for returning the ornaments.

Reeves International Inc. Recalls Holiday Ornaments Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard [CPSC]

• 1.3-pound packages of ''Century Farm 80/20 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 3.0-pound packages of ''Century Farm 80/20 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1- pound packages of ''Century Farm 80/20 Ground Beef Patty.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Century Farm 85/15 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 3-pound packages of ''Century Farm 90/10 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/19/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Century Farm 90/10 Ground Beef Patties.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Century Farm 90/10 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Century Farm 93/7 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1-pound packages of ''Century Farm 96/4 Extra Lean Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/19/2007 or 10/31/2007.
• 1-pound packages of ''Century Farm 85/15 Ground Beef Patties.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date 10/19/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Century Farm 93/7 Ground Beef Patties.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Century Farm 80/20 Chuck Ground Beef Patties.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Century Farm 80/20 Chuck Ground Beef for Chili.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007 or 11/03/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Century Farm Meatloaf Mix, Beef, Pork and Veal with Natural Flavors.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/19/2007, 10/22/2007, 10/31/2007 or 11/03/2007.
• 1.25- pound packages of ''Giant 75/25 Ground Beef, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 3.0- pound packages of ''Giant 75/25 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 1.25-pound packages of ''Giant 80/20 Ground Beef, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 3.0-pound packages of ''Giant 80/20 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Giant Eagle Ground Chuck Beef Patties 80/20.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/19/2007 or10/22/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Giant Eagle Ground Beef Patties 92/8.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/22/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Giant Eagle Ground Beef Patties 85/15 - Certified Angus Beef Brand.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/19/2007 or 10/22/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Giant Eagle Ground Round Beef Patties 85/15.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/19/2007 or 10/22/2007.
• 3.0-pound packages of ''Shop Rite, 80% Lean 20% Fat, Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007 or 11/03/2007.
• 3.0-pound packages of ''Shop Rite, 85% Lean 15% Fat, Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007 or 11/03/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Shop Rite, 93% Lean 7% Fat, Ground Beef Patties.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Shop Rite, 93% Lean 7% Fat, Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1-pound packages of ''Shop Rite, 96% Lean 4% Fat, Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 1.25- pound packages of ''Stop & Shop 75/25 Ground Beef, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007 or 11/03/2007.
• 5.0- pound packages of ''Stop & Shop 75/25 Ground Beef, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1.25-pound packages of ''Stop & Shop 80/20 Ground Beef, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007 or 11/03/2007.
• 1.25-pound packages of ''Stop & Shop 85/15 Ground Beef, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 1.2-pound packages of ''Stop & Shop 87/13 Ground Beef Sirloin, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 1- pound packages of ''Stop & Shop 90/10 Ground Beef, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 1.0-pound packages of ''Stop & Shop 80/20 Ground Beef Patties, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Stop & Shop 80/20 Ground Beef Patties, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 2.6-pound packages of ''Stop & Shop 80/20 Ground Beef Patties, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Stop & Shop 90/10 Ground Beef Patties, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007 or 11/03/2007.
• 2.5-pound packages of ''Stop & Shop 90/10 Ground Beef, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/19/2007.
• 2.5-pound packages of ''Stop & Shop 93/7 Ground Beef, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 1-pound packages of ''Wegmans 80/20 Ground Beef Patties.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/19/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Wegmans 90/10 Ground Beef Patties.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/19/2007 or 10/22/2007.
• 3.0- pound packages of ''Weis Premium Meats, 73/27 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1- pound packages of ''Weis Premium Meats, 80/20 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 3- pound packages of ''Weis Premium Meats, 80/20 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007 or 11/03/2007.
• 1-pound packages of ''Weis Premium Meats 85/15 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 2.0 and 3.0 -pound packages of ''Weis Premium Meats 85/15 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 2-pound packages of ''Weis Premium Meats 93/7 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1-pound packages of ''Weis Premium Meats 93/7 Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 1-pound packages of ''Weis Premium Meats 96/4 Ground Beef Extra Lean.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Weis Premium Meats 90/10 Ground Beef Sirloin Patties.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Weis Premium Meats Meatloaf Mix, Beef, Pork and Veal with Natural Flavors.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Weis Premium Meats 80/20 Ground Beef for Chili.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Meat Loaf Mix, Made with Beef, Pork, Veal, with Natural Flavors.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/19/2007 or 10/22/2007.
• 1.25-pound packages of ''Meatloaf Mix, A Blend of Fresh Ground Beef, Pork & Veal, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• Various weight packages of ''85/15 Coarse Ground Beef for Chili Meat, All Natural.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/2007.
• 1.3-pound packages of ''Ground Beef Chuck for Chili 80/20.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/19/2007 or 10/22/2007.
• 1.3 pound packages of ''Price Rite 85% Lean, 15% Fat Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1.3 pound packages of ''Price Rite 80% Lean, 20% Fat Ground Beef.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 11/03/2007.
• 1.3 pound packages of ''Price Rite Meat loaf mix.'' Each package bears a Use by/freeze by date of 10/31/207 or 11/03/2007.

1 mil. pounds of beef possibly tainted by e-coli recalled [AP]
(Photo: hans s)

Canada seems have reached a similar conclusion, although, being Canadian, they announced it in a more polite and understated way. (Those stupid Canadians!)

Some 45 cases of illness caused by E. coli were reported in five Canadian provinces from July to September, including one death, said the CFIA in a statement. It said genetic testing found "the same unique E. coli pattern" in beef from an unnamed meat facility in Alberta that is "currently not operating."

The 49,000 playsets were imported and sold by J.C. Penney through their catalog and website. Consumers who purchased the lead tainted item can return it to any J.C. Penney store for a full refund.

Could this be the work of a heffalump?

J.C. Penney also recalled some art sets and ornaments also tainted with lead.

J.C. Penney Recalls Disney™ Winnie-the-Pooh Play Sets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard[CPSC]

The toy hasn't been pulled from stores or recalled because Marvel wants to confirm the tests. "If we find a problem, we will do a recall, it's the only appropriate thing to do," a Marvel spokesperson said.

Caroline Cox, spokesperson for the CEH, told the Boston Globe: ""I was quite shocked. We have never seen a toy with levels so high."

Group: Curious George doll tainted with lead [Boston Globe]
Health Group Takes Action to Get the Lead Out of Toys [CES]

The study concluded that the videos, when watched alone, were potentially harmful to the development of a child's vocabulary. (The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no TV for children under 2.)

Disney's CEO, Robert A. Iger, then issued his own press release, demanding a retraction from the University of Washington, calling the University's press release "grossly unfair, extremely damaging, and, to be blunt, just plain wrong in every conceivable sense."

The President of the University of Washington, Mark A. Emmert, politely refused to retract the press release, responding (in still another press release), that the researchers did not feel that the press release was inconsistent with their findings.

Today, Kids II Inc., a company that licenses the name "Baby Einstein," (the brand Disney was so worried about protecting from the "grossly unfair" academics at the University of Washington), recalled some "Baby Einstein" blocks because the paint contained "excessive levels of lead."

We truly, and without one hint of sarcasm, can't wait to hear what Robert A. Iger has to say about this.

Kids II Recalls Baby Einstein Color Blocks Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard [CPSC]

PREVIOUSLY: Walt Disney Demands Retraction From University of Washington Over Baby Einstein Video Press Release
University Of Washington Stands Up To Disney, Will Not Retract "Baby Einstein" Press Release
Disney, Toys 'R Us To Begin Random Testing Of Toys

RC2 sent an email out to customers who received the lead tainted apology toy:

Unfortunately, the discovery that certain Toad vehicles could be potentially unsafe was made in August, after Toads had been sent as bonus gifts to some families. Many of the Toad bonus gifts are safe, however some may not be. If you received a Toad vehicle as a bonus gift from us, please check its underside for the tracking code 1656OW00 to determine if it is one of the recalled toys.

(Thanks, rwshep2000!)

Here's a round up of advice:

The New York Times just ran around asking parents, bloggers and toy company owners about the issue:

Ms. Nemeth [who founded Discovery Toys in 1978 and sold the company to Avon a decade ago] said that if she had a toddler,"I'd avoid anything that is painted — I'd just wait until the industry shakes itself out." Besides, she said, "by bringing home wooden blocks that are unpainted, you're probably helping your child's creativity."

But plain wooden blocks alone probably will not satisfy most toddlers. Danielle Wiley, a 33-year-old publicist in Chicago, recalls a recent tantrum that her 2-year-old son, Max, had in the bathtub.

"I knew a new toy would help," Ms. Wiley said, but the only one in the house was a Fisher-Price Diego toy that had just been recalled for lead paint. Nevertheless, "I handed him the toy and he stopped," she said. After the bath, she said, she discarded the toy.

FAO Schwartz supposedly has country of origin labels in-store, but has no stores in Chicago:

If you're concerned about where toys are made, some retailers are helping customers find the product's origin. FAO Schwarz has put up signs throughout its stores to designate the country of origin; the retailer's Web site, http://www.fao .com, allows consumers to shop for toys by country of origin.

Kansas.com quotes one mom who is avoiding plastic (that the Thomas & Friends toys were wood seems not to matter):

"Anything that's plastic, we're just kind of staying away from," said Rachael Meza, a Wichita mom.

It could be that China is beside the point. The real risk in this company is its tired product lineup, says A.G. Edwards analyst Timothy A. Conder. He contends that stagnant sales of Barbie U.S. and American Girl and the difficulty replicating the Cars- and T.M.X. Elmo-related sales pop last year will hurt prospects.

"I feel this may well wind up being the safest holiday season of all," Toy Industry Association President Carter Keithley said.

Those are pretty confident words from the president of the Toy Industry Association following the recall of millions of toys from China due to lead paint.

Keithley just testified before a senate subcommittee. He says parents need to keep the 14 recalls from 11 companies in perspective.

"My first piece of advice is don't not freak out," he said.

We think you should just buy your infant an XBOX. Ok, not really. You should hand craft all of your toys out of fallen tree branches and delicious organic free-trade coffee.

(Photo:Maulleigh)

Total Number Of Item Recalled For Lead Contamination Jan-Sep, 2007: 11,395,350

September Lead Recalls: 1,375,050

What sort of stuff was recalled this month?

Mattel recalled 675,000 Barbie accessories, as well as 98,900 additional Fisher-Price toys. Target recalled 350,000 gardening tools, and RC2 called back 200,000 more Thomas & Friends toys that it had somehow overlooked and was still selling.

As always, various junk jewelry for kids was recalled. About 24,350 pieces, in all.

CPSC

The meat in question comes from frozen hamburgers distributed by Elizabeth, N.J.-based Topps Meat Co.. The recall affects 331,582 pounds of frozen beef patties that were distributed nationwide. All packages carried the number "Est. 9748" inside the USDA mark of inspection, and were produced on June 22, July 12 or July 23, the USDA said.

Here's a complete list of the recalled meat, compliments of your USDA:

• 10-pound boxes of "BUTCHER'S BEST 100% ALL BEEF PATTIES 75/25, 6 OZ. FLAT, 27 PIECES." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUL 23 08."
  
• 10-pound boxes of "BUTCHER'S BEST 100% ALL BEEF PATTIES 75/25, 4 OZ. (4-1), 40 PIECES." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUL 23 08."
  
• 10-pound boxes of "KOHLER FOODS 4 OZ. FLAT HAMBURGER, CODE: 60100, 40 PCS." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUL 23 08."
  
• 10-pound boxes of "KOHLER FOODS 6 OZ. FLAT HAMBURGER, CODE: 60200, 27 PCS." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUL 23 08."
  
• 10-pound boxes of "KOHLER FOODS 8 OZ. FLAT HAMBURGER, CODE: 60300, 20 PCS." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUL 23 08."
  
• 10-pound boxes of "SAND CASTLE FINE MEAT, 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGERS 80/20, 8 OZ. FLAT, 20 COUNT." Each box bears a packed-on date of "JUN 22 07."
  
• 10-pound boxes of "SAND CASTLE FINE MEAT, 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGERS 85/15, 6 OZ. FLAT, 27 COUNT." Each box bears a packed-on date of "JUN 22 07."
  
• 2-pound boxes of "Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers, 8 Quarter Pounders." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUL 12 08."
  
• 2-pound boxes of "Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers, 3 OZ., 10 COUNT." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUL 12 08."
  
• 3-pound boxes of "Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers, 6 OZ. PUB Burgers." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUN 22 08."
  
• 3-pound boxes of "Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers, 12 Quarter Pounders." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUN 22 08," "JUL 12 08" or "JUL 23 08."
  
• 3-pound boxes of "Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers, 16 Hamburgers." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUL 23 08."
  
• 5-pound boxes of "Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers, 20 Quarter Pounders." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUN 22 08," "JUL 12 08" or "JUL 23 08."
  
• 8-pound boxes of "Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers, 32 Quarter Pounders." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUN 22 08."
  
• 10-pound boxes of "Topps 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGERS 5 OZ. (1/2")." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUN 22 08."
  
• 10-pound boxes of "Topps HAMBURGERS, 3.2 OZ, 50 COUNT." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUL 12 08."
  
• 10-pound boxes of "Topps 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGERS, 8 OZ. (Pub Burger)." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUL 23 08."
  
• 10-pound boxes of "Topps 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGERS, 4 OZ. (4-1) Homestyle." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUL 23 08."
  
• 10-pound boxes of "WESTSIDE, 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 8 OZ FLAT, 20 COUNT." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUN 22 08."
  
• 10-pound boxes of "WESTSIDE, 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 6 OZ FLAT, 27 COUNT." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUN 22 08."
  
• 10-pound boxes of "WESTSIDE, 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 5 OZ FLAT, 32 COUNT." Each box bears a sell-by date of "JUN 22 08."

Customers who have questions should contact Topps' Vice President of Finance and Administration Jeffrey Rohach at (908) 351-0500 ext. 50. E. coli symptoms can be found here, and usually include stomach cramping and bloody diarrhea.

New Jersey Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products For Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination [USDA]
Topps Meat Co. Recalls Hamburgers [AP]

Natalie from Craft says:

"With al the recent scary news of the toy recall, now more than ever is the time to take back our children's safety in our own hands and have fun in the process by crafting our own toys! To get you started, here's a roundup of some great toy projects you can make."

It's not a solution to the contamination problem, but it might actually be sorta fun.

Safe Toys You Can Make [CRAFT via boingboing]

If you see a store selling "Veggie Booty" or "Veggie Corn Tings," ask the manager to remove it from the shelf. Robert's American, the company that manufacturers the snacks, has ceased production. If you see "Veggie Booty" on the shelf, you can assume it is full of delicious salmonella.

The source of the contamination is thought to be spices imported from China by Atlantic Quality Spice & Seasonings of New Jersey.

Update On Tainted Veggie Booty Snack Food [FDA]
Supplier of Recalled Snacks Identified [Forbes]

PREVIOUSLY: FDA: Veggie Booty Snack Food Contaminated With Salmonella

The hidden camera follows the man, whose face is not shown, into a ramshackle building where steamers are filled with the fluffy white buns, traditionally stuffed with minced pork.

The surroundings are filthy, with water puddles and piles of old furniture and cardboard on the ground.

"What's in the recipe?" the reporter asks. "Six to four," the man says.

"You mean 60 percent cardboard? What is the other 40 percent?" asks the reporter. "Fatty meat," the man replies.

The bun maker and his assistants then give a demonstration on how the product is made.

Squares of cardboard picked from the ground are first soaked to a pulp in a plastic basin of caustic soda — a chemical base commonly used in manufacturing paper and soap — then chopped into tiny morsels with a cleaver. Fatty pork and powdered seasoning are stirred in.

Soon, steaming servings of the buns appear on the screen. The reporter takes a bite.

"This baozi filling is kind of tough. Not much taste," he says. "Can other people taste the difference?"

"Most people can't. It fools the average person," the maker says. "I don't eat them myself."

Beijing steamed buns include cardboard [Yahoo!] (Thanks, Acambras!)
(Photo:AP)

According to Robert's American's press release: "Sources of origin on all components of the seasoning have been determined to be primarily from China." The Minnesota Department of Public Health has independently verified that "Veggie Booty" had tested positive for the rare strain of salmonella called "Wandsworth." This strain matches the more the 50 cases of salmonella linked to "Veggie Booty."

The Chinese Poison Train rolls on.

Salmonella Source Pinpointed (Press Release, PDF) [Robert's American]

As Scott says, apparently Safeway did not get the memo. Almost all of the illnesses have occurred in children under the age of 10. 4 have been hospitalized. Don't feed this stuff to your children. It's dangerous. Additionally, Robert's American has expanded the recall to include "Super Veggie Tings," for the same reason, so if you have that product in your house, you'll want to throw it away as well.

If you see "Veggie Booty" or "Veggie Tings" on the shelves of a store, don't buy it. No new "Veggie Booty" is being manufactured, so you can assume that any "Veggie Booty" or "Veggie Tings" still on store shelves is really just a bag of salmonella. If you find recalled food on store shelves, take a cameraphone picture and email it to tips [at] consumerist [dot] com, along with the store location and name.

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Veggie Booty Snack Food [FDA]

The FDA says parents should throw away any packages of Robert's American Gourmet brand Veggie Booty they have in their home. Anyone who has eaten the stuff and experiences the following symptoms should immediately see a doctor.

Salmonella typically causes diarrhea (may be bloody); the diarrhea is often accompanied by abdominal cramps and fever. Symptoms typically begin within one to four days after exposure to the bacteria. In infants, persons with poor underlying health and those with weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections.

The warning is based on 52 illnesses in 17 states:

California (seven cases), Colorado (five cases), Connecticut (one case), Georgia (one case), Indiana (one case), Massachusetts (three cases), Minnesota (two cases), New Hampshire (two cases), New Jersey (two cases), New York (13 cases), Oregon (one case), Pennsylvania (three cases), Tennessee (one), Texas (one), Vermont (three cases), Washington (four cases), and Wisconsin (two cases).

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Veggie Booty Snack Food [FDA]

Bootylicious [Salon]
(Photo: Salon)

Formaldehyde, illegal dyes, and industrial wax were found being used to make candy, pickles, crackers and seafood, it said, citing Han Yi, an official with the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, which is responsible for food safety.

"These are not isolated cases," Han, director of the administration's quality control and inspection department, was quoted as saying.

For instance, in 2005, officials in south China found a company repackaging food waste and shipping it to 10 other regions. And just last week, officials said a company in Anhui province, not far from Shanghai, was selling a two-year-old rice dumpling mix as fresh, according to the state-controlled media.

The employee's behavior was discovered by other employees of the restaurant who reported it to management. According to the lawsuit, the employee was not disciplined and was allowed to continue working for 2 months. The employee, Casey Diedrich "pleaded guilty to violating the Nebraska Pure Food Act and fined $100," according to the Sioux City Journal. Yuck. —MEGHANN MARCO

Lawsuit alleges Taco Bell employee spit, urinated in food [Sioux City Journal]
(Photo: soundman1024)

According to USAToday, Menu Foods has been ordered to have no further contact with owners of pets who were injured or killed by its contaminated pet food, unless the pet owner's lawyer is present. Why? Apparently, Menu Foods has been bullying the bereaved to settle their lawsuits and sign various papers that waive their rights. From USAToday:

Ontario, Canada-based Menu Foods has hired Crawford & Co., an insurance adjustor in Atlanta, to contact pet owners who called the company to report animal illnesses or deaths, according to the hearing transcript.

At a previous hearing on Friday, May 18, the judge had cautioned Menu and Crawford that they should not contact people who had joined one of the lawsuits against the company. Legally, Menu cannot contact those plaintiffs directly but must go through their lawyers.

But in affidavits presented in court Wednesday, pet owners said they received calls that weekend from Crawford representatives who pressed them to answer questions even after being told the owners had hired lawyers. In some cases, the pet owners also received multiple calls from Crawford's computerized phone banks after telling representatives they were represented by attorneys, according to the affidavits.

"Menu's representatives asked owners to sign releases which waived their right to get advice from a lawyer," said attorney Jay Edelson in an interview.

Court: Menu Foods harassed pet owners [USAToday]

Schwinger alleges that his dog Sandy, an otherwise healthy 2-year-old, had to be euthanized as a result of eating Menu Foods' Ol' Roy Pet Food and Del Monte's Canine Carry-out Bacon Bite, which were purchased at a Wal-Mart store in Cassville.

Schwinger said Sandy's health began declining in late February and early March but that he continued offering the dog the same food, unaware that it was contaminated.

Man Sues Wal-Mart Over Dog's Death [SmartMoney]
(Photo: Movie Screen Shots)

Fluoroquinolone was reportedly banned by the FDA in 1997, but Florida food safety experts officials told CBS-4's Al Sunshine that it is not an imminent threat to public health and it's more of an issue of keeping unneeded antibiotics out of the human food supply.

Wal-Mart officials say they that while working closely with their suppliers and the FDA, they became aware earlier in the week of a potential issue with a one of their 4 oz. frozen catfish fillets.

The store immediately sent out word to all of their locations nationwide to remove the product from stores.

Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks announced a stop sale order in the state for all catfish from China after antibiotics banned in the United States were found in Chinese catfish.

Sparks said 20 samples of catfish from China were collected for testing by the department of agriculture over the last few weeks. Of those samples, 14 tested positive for fluoroquinolones, an antibiotic banned by the FDA since 1997.

"We are sending notice today that we are not going to continue to sit by and let these foreign countries produce their food at a different standard than we ask our farmers to produce by and then send those products in here at a cheaper price," Sparks said Wednesday.

Walmart Pulls Contaminated Catfish From Stores [CBS4]
Alabama Bans Chinese Catfish [Forbes]