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Archive for March 6th, 2010

Snow, Dust, Rain and Fire

Posted by feww on March 6, 2010

Snow Blanketed Missouri to Canada

Click images to enlarge


True-color image captured by MODIS on NASA’s Aqua satellite on March 4, 2010. Credit: NASA

Middle East Covered by Sand Storms


Dust was still blowing over the Middle East on March 4, 2010,  when NASA’s MODIS captured this true-color image.  A 100-km wide sand plume extends from Saudi Arabia across southeastern Kuwait and into Iran. Credit: NASA

Heavy Rain in Queensland, Australia


A monsoon low-pressure system moved into Queensland, Australia  in late February and early March 2010, inundating a vast expanse of land with some areas reporting heaviest rainfall in 100 years. Color-coded image shows estimated rainfall amounts from February 24 to March 2, 2010. Amounts less than 50 millimeters appear in pale green, more than 450 millimeters  in dark blue. Image used measurements from many satellites and was calibrated with rainfall measurements from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite. Credit: NASA. Caption edited by FEWW

Widespread Fires, Smoke-filled Skies Across SEA


The skies over Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam were smoke-filled on March 5, 2010, when NASA’s MODIS captured this image. Hundreds of active fires in the region are outlined in red. Small fires are often lit by farmers to burn off stubble and weeds, while larger fires generating thick smoke plumes may be forest-clearing fires. Credit: NASA


Posted in climate events, extreme rain, fire, sand storm, snow | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Another Strong Aftershock Strikes Chile

Posted by feww on March 6, 2010

Strong aftershock measuring  up to M6.9 strikes Bio-Bio Chile

The aftershock was the strongest aftershock to strike the region in the previous 72 hours.

However, there was no significant damage as a result of the shock, local officials were reported as saying.


The M8.8 megaquake and ensuing giant tsunami waves caused more damage in Chile’s Maule region and  beyond than did the Haiti quake in that  country, making a mockery of the death toll figure provided by the dysfunctional Haiti govt. Fire-Earth estimates that the Haiti quake death toll may have been exaggerated by as much as 100 folds.  Fire-Earth has now revised down its figure for the number of deaths and injures resulting from the Haiti quake to 5,000 (FIVE THOUSAND). [Original caption: An earthquake survivor walks through the city center after it was destroyed by a massive earthquake and ensuing tsunami, in Talcahuano March 4, 2010.] Credit: REUTERS/Mariana Bazo. Image may be subject to copyright.

Yet Another Revised Death Toll by Chilean Govt

Major Chilean newspapers reported on Friday the government had again revised its death toll for Maule region to 316 (previously 587). The epicenter of the M8.8 megaquake was located in the Maule region.

The Tsunami Oops!

Most of the casualties in Saturday’s disasters were killed  NOT by the M8.8 megaquake, but by the three giant tsunami waves that obliterated the coastal population centers hours  later. The Chileans say their govt told them there would be NO risk of a tsunami.

The Chilean Navy has since blamed the catastrophic failure on “a diagnosis error,” admitting that they transmitted “extremely unclear information” to their civilian counterparts. The authorities have since fired head of the Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service [Servicio Hidrográfico y Oceanográfico de la Armada, SHOA,] Commander Mariano Rojas, for failing to issue a tsunami warning [syn: incompetence,] local reports said.

EQ Details

  • Magnitude as reported by USGS/EHP: 6.6 [Max magnitude estimated by Fire-Earth: 6.9 Mw]
  • Date-Time:
    • Friday, March 05, 2010 at 11:47:10 UTC
    • Friday, March 05, 2010 at 08:47:10 AM at epicenter
  • Location: 36.513°S, 73.116°W
  • Depth: 35 km (21.7 miles) set by location program
  • Region:  OFFSHORE BIO-BIO, CHILE
  • Distances
    • 35 km (20 miles) N of Concepcion, Chile
    • 90 km (55 miles) W of Chillan, Chile
    • 125 km (80 miles) NNW of Los Angeles, Chile
    • 405 km (255 miles) SSW of SANTIAGO, Chile
  • Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
  • USGS Event ID: us2010tla4

Strong Quake Strikes SW of Sumatra, Indonesia

Meanwhile, a strong earthquake measuring up to 6.8Mw [Fire-Earth estimate] struck SOUTHWEST OF SUMATRA, INDONESIA, at a depth of about 20km on Friday, March 05, 2010 at 16:06:57 UTC.

The epicenter was located at 4.032°S, 100.806°E, USGS/EHP reported.

Distances:

  • 165 km (100 miles) W of Bengkulu, Sumatra, Indonesia
  • 345 km (215 miles) S of Padang, Sumatra, Indonesia
  • 415 km (255 miles) SW of Jambi, Sumatra, Indonesia
  • 700 km (435 miles) WNW of JAKARTA, Java, Indonesia

Related Links:

 

Posted in BIO-BIO, Chile Earthquake update, Chile Quake, Chile Quake aftershock, Quake Aftermath | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments »

More Salmonella Food Recalls

Posted by feww on March 6, 2010

Previous Recalls:

Salmonella Infected Additive Prompts Massive Food Recall

For the Latest Recalls See Below:

24. National Pretzel Co. Announces Precautionary Recall of Honey Mustard Onion Seasoned Pretzels Because of Possible Health Risk

Company Contact: Heather Sabharwal, Kratos Global
hsabharwal@kratosglobal.com
Tel: 202-577-3272

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 05, 2010 – As a precautionary measure, National Pretzel Company of Lancaster, Pa. is voluntarily recalling all Honey Mustard Onion flavored pretzels produced since December, 2009 because an ingredient used in the seasoning has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The honey mustard onion seasoning contains Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) which was recalled by Basic Foods Flavors, Inc. and has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

NO illnesses have been reported to date.

NO other National Pretzel products are involved in the recall.

The recalled Honey Mustard Onion seasoned pretzels were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through repackers.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact the company at 1-717-637-5931.

23.  Estrella Family Creamery Recalls Old Apple Tree Tomme Cheese Due to Possible Health Risks

Contact: Kelli Estrella, Co-Owner/ Tel: 360-249-6541

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 05, 2010 – The Estrella Family Creamery of Montesano, Washington, is recalling a production of Old Apple Tree Tomme cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infections can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The Old Apple Tree Tomme cheese was sold at the Ballard and Seattle’s U-District farmer’s markets in Seattle, Washington, and the firm’s farm store in Montesano, Washington the weekend of Feb. 27 and 28, 2010.

The recalled cheese was sold by custom order at the markets and the firm’s farm store, with a label bearing it’s name. The product does not contain a lot code.

No illnesses in connection with this product or any other Estrella cheeses have been reported to date.

The recall is the result of continued sampling by the state of Washington Department of Agriculture, which revealed that one wheel of the finished product contained the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

Consumers who have any should return the cheese to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 360.249.6541 between 6:00am – 8:00pm PST.

22. Fresh Food Concepts Announces a Voluntary Recall of Spinach Dips Due to Possible Health Risk

Media Contact: Elizabeth Zaldivar/ Tel: 714-562-5000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — March 5, 2010 – Buena Park, CA – As a precautionary measure, Fresh Food Concepts, Inc. announced, it is voluntarily recalling certain production codes of Delicioso, De la Casa, Rojo’s and Fresh Food Concepts brand Spinach Dips and Fresh Food Concepts Spinach Dip with Yogurt because an ingredient used in those products has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is a common food borne pathogen that can cause severe illnesses, including fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. While most individuals recover in three to five days without medical intervention, the infection can be life-threatening to young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Consumers with any of these symptoms should call their physician. For more information on Salmonella, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Website at http://www.cdc.gov.1

Products subject to this recall that were distributed nationwide in plastic tubs and sold in the refrigerated section include:

  • Delicioso Spinach Dip, 12 oz (UPC 29358 10031) with USE BY dates 04/30/10 and before.
  • De la Casa Spinach Dip, 32 oz (UPC 29358 11273) with USE BY dates 04/30/10 and before.
  • Rojo’s Garden Fresh Spinach Dip, 14 oz (UPC 47502 48003) with USE BY dates 04/30/10 and before.
  • Fresh Food Concepts Garden Fresh Spinach Dip, 16 oz (UPC 29358 11364) with USE BY dates 04/30/10 and before.
  • Fresh Food Concepts Spinach Dip with Real Yogurt, 12 oz (UPC 47502 48151) with USE BY dates 04/30/10 and before.

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the identified products, and no other varieties or types of flavors of products made by Fresh Food Concepts are affected by this recall.

The Spinach Dip products were made using Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP), manufactured by Basic Food Flavors Inc., Las Vegas, Nevada. The HVP had tested positive for Salmonella at its original manufacturing plant Basic Food Flavors Inc. Because the safety of our consumers is our top priority and out of an abundance of caution, Fresh Food Concepts has voluntarily recalled these products.

Fresh Food Concepts is working closely with the FDA to conduct this recall.

Consumers who have purchased the above affected products are urged return them to their place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with question may contact the company at (714) 562-5000 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST. Monday through Friday.

21. McCormick & Company Initiates Recall Due to Possible Health Risk from HVP Ingredient

For information contact:
McCormick Corporate Communications: John McCormick 410-771-7110

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 5, 2010 – Sparks, MD – McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC) is initiating a recall of products manufactured with HVP (hydrolyzed vegetable protein) supplied by Basic Food Flavors of Las Vegas, Nevada, because the ingredient has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

“Consumption of products containing Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms) endocarditis and arthritis.”

To date, no illnesses have been associated with these McCormick products. For updated information, go to the CDC and FDA websites.

Recalled products were distributed nationwide and sold in retail stores. Two of the recalled products were also distributed for sale in international markets. The following products are being recalled.

McCormick French Onion Dip Mix sold in 0.53-ounce packages, shipped nationwide and outside the U.S.

McCormick French Onion Dip Mix
Under UPC code 52100168609
“BEST BUY” Dates
OCT 06 11  |  OCT 07 11  |  NOV 03 11  |  NOV 06 11  |  DEC 04 11  |  JAN 04 12  |  JAN 23 12

McCormick Vegetable Dip Mix sold in 1.25-ounce packages, shipped nationwide.

McCormick Vegetable Dip Mix
Under UPC code 52100063850
“BEST BUY” Dates
JUN 08 11    |    JUL 09 11    |    JUL 28 11

McCormick Onion Gravy Mix sold in 0.87-ounce packages, shipped nationwide and outside the U.S.

McCormick Onion Gravy Dip Mix
Under UPC code 52100098807
“BEST BUY” Dates
OCT 08 11   |   OCT 11 11   |   OCT 17 11   |   OCT 18 11
NOV 01 11   |   NOV 03 11   |   NOV 15 11   |   NOV 17 11
DEC 01 11   |   DEC 02 11   |   DEC 28 11   |   DEC 29 11
JAN 22 12    |   JAN 23 12    |   JAN 26 12    |   JAN 30 12
FEB 12 12    |   FEB 13 12   |                        |

McCormick Corn Bread Stuffing sold in 42-ounce (2 lb. 10 oz.) containers, shipped to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania.

McCormick Corn Bread Stuffing
Under UPC code 5210057199
Product Codes
4519BH      |      4520BH      |      5019BH

Contact the McCormick Consumer Hotline at 1-800-632-5847 or consumer_affairs@mccormick.com for a replacement or reimbursement. Live assistance is available on the Hotline from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST on Saturday and Sunday.

20. Creative Contract Packaging Corporation Recalls HERB-OX® Bouillon Products Because of Possible Health Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 4, 2010 – Aurora, IL – This action is being taken after Basic Food Flavors, Inc. (“Basic”) issued a recall for all Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (“HVP”) dry powder manufactured by Basic Food Flavors on or after September 17, 2009, due to a positive test result for Salmonella in a production lot. Our records indicate that some of the HVP being recalled by Basic Food Flavors was used as an ingredient in HERB-OX® items.

As a result, Creative Contract Packaging Corporation of Aurora, Illinois, is recalling specific code dates of HERB-OX® beef, vegetable, and chicken granular bouillon products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications can include severe arthritis.

The UPC number and code date can be found on the package. If you need help finding this information, please call our Consumer Response department at 1-877-446-7635. Our Consumer Response representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. Consumers who have purchased these products should not consume them. Instead, we are asking that consumers return these products to their grocer for a full refund.

The following specific code dates of the items listed below are being recalled:

HERB-OX® Bouillon Packets
Product Description: Herbox® Beef Bouillon Net Wt 1.13oz (32g) 8 packets
Code Date: Mar 2012
V02220
Consumer UPC#: 0 336303 9
Retailer/FS Case Code #: 0 33600 37384 7
Product Description: Herbox® Chicken Bouillon Net Wt 1.13oz (32g) 8 packets
Code Date: Mar 2012
V01280
Consumer UPC#: 0 336313 6
Retailer/FS Case Code #: 0 33600 43085 4
Product Description: Herbox® Chicken Bouillon Net Wt 7.05oz (200g) 50 packets
Code Date: V01290
V02040
V02080
Individual Carton Code #: 0 33600 34793 0
Retailer/FS Case Code #: 0 33600 30695 1
Product Description: Herbox® Vegetable Bouillon Net Wt 7.05oz (200g) 50 packets
Code Date: V02020
Individual Carton Code #: 0 33600 35562 1
Retailer/FS Case Code #: 0 33600 31451 2
Product Description: Herbox® Beef Bouillon Net Wt 7.05oz (200g) 50 packets
Code Date: V01190
Individual Carton Code #: 0 33600 35188 3
Retailer/FS Case Code #: 0 33600 31075 0
HERB-OX® Jarred Bouillon
Product Description: Herbox® Beef Bouillon Net Wt 4.0oz (113g)
Code Date: Feb 2013
V01210
Consumer UPC#: 0 336203 0
Retailer/FS Case Code #: 0 33600 42040 4
Product Description: Herbox® Chicken Bouillon Net Wt 4.0oz (113g)
Code Date: Feb 2013
V01200Feb 2013
V01250

Mar 2013
V02030

Consumer UPC#: 0 336213 7
Retailer/FS Case Code #: 0 33600 42041 1

.

19. Concord Foods Recalls Concord Foods Seasonings Mixes because of Possible Health Risk

Media Contact:
Jeannie DaRosa
Tel: 508-580-1700, ext 319
jdarosa@concordfoods.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 5, 2010 – Brockton, MA-Concord Foods Inc is voluntarily recalling certain production codes of Concord Foods Vegetable Dip Seasoning mix that is generally sold in the produce department of supermarkets because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Concord Foods was notified by its supplier that an ingredient used in these products and produced by Basic Food Flavors Inc is the subject of a voluntary recall due to potential Salmonella contamination.

The product subject to this recall that was distributed nationwide in the United States under the Concord Foods brand in foil pouches and sold in the produce section of the supermarket is:
(Note: The best by date code is embossed on the left edge of the back panel).

Concord Foods Vegetable Dip Seasoning – Homestyle (Best By: 07/27/12).
UPC Code: 041409002066       Net weight 1.5 oz (43 g)

To date no known illnesses have been associated with this product and no other types, varieties or different date codes have been affected by this recall. However, since customer safety is our top priority, Concord Foods has voluntarily recalled this product. Concord Foods is working with Food and Drug Administration to conduct this voluntary recall.

Consumers with products carrying this date code should destroy or return them to the store for a full refund.

Consumers with questions should contact Concord Foods at 1-800-924-5775 (Monday – Friday from 9:00 am-4:30 pm EST).

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Related Links:

Other links

Posted in FDA food recall, food borne infection, health risk, Salmonella fever, Salmonella risk | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »