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Garlic spray for mosquitoes!

Unless you have been living under a rock, you have been exposed to vampire lore to some extent. So you know that besides sunlight, garlic is the other thing that vampires cannot stand. For better or for worse, being bitten by mosquitoes will be the closest you will ever come to meeting a real-life vampire. The good news is that mosquitoes are repelled by garlic as well!

No, eating more garlic will not reduce your chances of getting bitten by mosquitoes. However, you can make a garlic spray for mosquitoes to keep them away!

A garlic spray for mosquitoes is highly effective!

What will you need to make your garlic spray for mosquitoes?

You will need the following to make your garlic spray for mosquitoes.

A regular sized garlic.

1/2 cup of mineral oil.

1/2 of a regular sized lemon.

Tap water.

How will you make your garlic spray for mosquitoes?

You can make your garlic spray for mosquitoes with the help of the following steps.

Separate out the individual garlic cloves and then peel them.

Mince them into small pieces. Make the pieces as fine as you possibly can.

Immerse the minced garlic pieces in mineral oil. Let it sit for at least 24 hours.

Run the mineral oil through a sieve. Squeeze the netting of the sieve to extract as much of the garlic essence as you possibly can.

You have now finished preparing the core ingredient for your garlic spray for mosquitoes. However, you cannot use this as is for a couple of reasons.

The mixture is too sticky for it to be used as a spray.

The smell of garlic is a little too strong. Not only will it keep the mosquitoes away, but will probably repel everyone else as well!

Hence, you need to dilute the mixture so that it can be applied as a spray. You also need to make it smell a bit more pleasant. To do so, you need to dilute it with tap water and lemon juice. The ideal proportion is two cups of water and one teaspoon of fresh squeezed lemon juice for every teaspoon of the garlic and mineral oil extract.

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake thoroughly. That is it! Your garlic spray for mosquitoes is now ready to use!

Did you try our garlic spray for mosquitoes? How well did it work out for you? Let us know in the comments below!

Garlic spray for mosquitoes! was originally published on freshbeak.com

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Mosquito granules keep mosquitoes away from your yard!

In the past, we have discussed several eco-friendly methods to keep mosquitoes away from your yard. The use of mosquito granules is another such method that we will discuss in this post.

Using mosquito granules is yet another natural way to keep mosquitoes away from your yard.

How do mosquito granules work?

Mosquito granules, also known as mosquito bits or mosquito pellets work pretty much the same way that mosquito dunks do. They too consist of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis or BTI, which feeds on mosquito larvae. However, mosquito granules have a couple of significant advantages over mosquito dunks. The BTI in mosquito dunks only kill the larvae that the mosquitoes may lay on the standing water in your property. Mosquito granules not only achieve that, but they go a step further. They are usually infused with certain natural mosquito repellents such as citronella essential oil, which repel adult mosquitoes as well! The BTI in mosquito granules are also said to work faster than those present in mosquito dunks. The only disadvantage mosquito granules have is that they do not last as long as mosquito dunks do.

Why should you consider mosquito granules to keep mosquitoes away from your yard?

The benefits of mosquito granules can be summarized as under.

They are completely natural, non-toxic and biodegradable. BTI occurs naturally in the soil, from which they are extracted and made dormant with the help of enzymes. This ensures that your yard remains safe for your pets or your children.

Most of such products available in the market usually have a pleasant odor. This makes your yard smell pretty nice as well!

It is pretty durable. One application of mosquito granules usually lasts for two to three weeks.

Many of these products are infused with natural fertilizers as well. This helps the turf on your yard to keep looking at its best.

So did you use mosquito granules to keep mosquitoes away from your yard? How well did it work out for you? Let us know in the comments below!

    Mosquito granules keep mosquitoes away from your yard! was originally published on freshbeak.com

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Mosquito lantern: Your next DIY project?

People who follow our blog will probably know by now that I really hate mosquitoes. They are annoying and in certain parts of the world, they carry life-threatening pathogens as well. Over the past I have mentioned several eco-friendly methods for indoor and outdoor mosquito control. In a similar vein, I will enumerate how you can make a homemade mosquito lantern. A series of such lanterns can give your yard a tribal feel, making your evening even more enjoyable.

A mosquito lantern is really easy to make. A series of such lanterns are not only effective but will give your yard a tribal decor, while you enjoy an evening outdoors.

What will you need to make your mosquito lantern?

To make your mosquito lantern, you will need the following.

An empty glass bottle. Wine bottles are the best, but any other tall glass bottle with metal caps will work.

A tiki-wick. In other words, this is the wick that is meant for tiki torches. They are available in any hardware store.

Citronella oil. Please note that this is different from citronella essential oil. I suppose you could use citronella essential oil if you desired, however you would be making your mosquito lantern far more expensive than it needs to be.

A drill.

How would you go about making your mosquito lantern?

Now that you have gathered your ingredients, you can make your mosquito lantern with the help of the following steps.

Fill half of the empty wine bottle with citronella oil.

Affix the metal cap. Make it as tight as you possibly can.

Take the tiki wick and soak it in citronella oil.

Drill a hole on the metal cap. Make it just wide enough so that you can insert the tiki wick through it.

Put the soaked tiki wick through the hole in the metal cap. Make sure that it extends all the way to the bottom of the glass bottle.

That is it! You homemade mosquito lantern is ready for use. As stated earlier, feel free to make a series of them and light them together to give your yard a tribal look! However, make sure that you only light them outdoors. This is because citronella oil is flammable and if the bottle breaks indoors while it is lit, it can cause a serious mishap!

So did you make a mosquito lantern for your yard? How well did it work out for you? Let us know in the comments below!

Mosquito lantern: Your next DIY project? was originally published on freshbeak.com

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Cucumbers from Thomas Produce may be contaminated with Salmonella!

Many people enjoy a salad with their meal. However, if you live in FL or GA, we would like you to stay away from pre-packed salads. Even if you make your salad at home, then make sure that it does not have any cucumbers in them. This is because Thomas Produce Company of Boca Raton, FL, one of the leading suppliers of cucumbers in FL and GA has recalled 174 bulk-packed boxes of this product. The recall was issued after the FDA tested a random sample of cucumbers supplied by this company and saw that it contained salmonella.

Thomas Produce Company is stating that cucumbers from the contaminated lots were sold to their distributors on December 15 and December 16, 2015. The company has also stated that they have informed all their distributors about the recall. However at the time of this post, we are not aware as to whether all cucumbers from the contaminated lots have been removed from the store shelves or not. Thankfully, there have not been any reported illnesses that were caused by these cucumbers.

The salmonella bacteria can be divided into two major species, namely Salmonella bongori and Salmonella enterica. Salmonella enterica can be further sub-divided into six  sub-species, namely, enterica, salamae, arizonae, diazonae, houtenase and indica. S. bongori is typically found in the intestines of cold-blooded animals like reptiles, while S. enterica with all its different sub-species cause an intestinal infection known as salmonellosis in cold or warm-blooded animals, including humans. Although it is incredibly rare, S. bongori can affect humans as well, as seen in this unique case in Sicily.

People suffering from salmonellosis will display the following symptoms:

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea, which at times may contain blood

Pain in the lower abdomen

Fever

If left untreated, things can take a turn for the worse. In advanced cases, the affected people may also start suffering from:

Arterial infections

Endocarditis

Arthritis

Muscle pain

Eye irritation

Urinary tract symptoms

If you have had salads in general or cucumbers in particular, and are showing any of the symptoms of salmonellosis, we would suggest that you consult your physician right away!

Thomas Produce Company is saying that people who purchased cucumbers from the recalled lots should return it at the place of purchase for a full refund. However, let’s be honest, cucumbers aren’t that expensive to begin with and finding out whether they are from the recalled lot or not would be a painstaking task. Hence, if I were you, I would simply bin any cucumbers laying in the fridge and would refrain from purchasing any in the immediate future. If you have any further questions or concerns about the recall, you may contact Richard Wilson, Compliance Director of Thomas Produce Company at [phone], Monday through Friday between 09:00 AM and 04:30 PM (EST).

  Cucumbers from Thomas Produce may be contaminated with Salmonella! was originally published on freshbeak.com

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Wegman's Octopus Salad may be contaminated with listeria!

There are several American companies with exotic names, especially if they deal with slightly unusual food items. For example, if you hear the name Uoriki Fresh, you may think that they are based out of Japan, but they are actually headquartered in Secaucus, NJ. Unfortunately, they are in the news because they have just voluntarily recalled the octopus salad they supply to Wegmans Food Market. During an internal quality control exercise, they found that a random sample of the product was contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. The company does not know what led to the contamination, and they have ceased production while they work with the FDA to figure out the root cause.

The recalled product is called Wegmans Fresh Octopus Salad and they are sold in 8 oz. plastic trays from the seafood section. They are also sold by the pound. Thankfully the recalled units of this product was only distributed to one Wegmans Food Market outlet in Manalapan, NJ. They were sold between December 18 through December 24, 2015. The recalled product carry best before dates that range between December 21 through December 24, 2015. There have not been any reported illnesses that were caused by the consumption of this product.

Listeria monocytogenes, more commonly known as listeria is a bacterium that causes listeriosis in humans. It can be fatal for people with weak immune systems, such as infants and senior citizens. Pregnant women can suffer from miscarriages or even stillbirths! Even among healthy adults, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Listeria occurs naturally in the soil and water. It is not known to affect bovine animals; however they do serve as a carrier for this bacterium. If the manure of these carrier animals is used as a fertilizer, then it tends to infect the crop as well. Unfortunately, this is one of the lesser known drawbacks of consuming organic food.

Listeria is usually killed during the cooking or the pasteurization process, something that several components of Wegmans Fresh Octopus Salad probably never went through. Sometimes, the contamination occurs at the time of packaging as well. Uoriki Fresh have not provided us any information about the source of the contamination.

If you have consumed Wegmans Fresh Octopus Salad in the recent past and are displaying any of the known symptoms of listeriosis, then you need to contact your physician right away!

It is a shame that Uoriki Fresh issued the recall after the best before date of Wegmans Fresh Octopus Salad had already passed. Chances are, customers have already consumed this product or it is in the trash. Anyways, the company is urging their customers to either dispose of this product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have any questions or concerns about the recall, you can contact the company directly at [phone], Monday through Friday between 08:00 AM and 05:00 PM (EST).

Wegman’s Octopus Salad may be contaminated with listeria! was originally published on freshbeak.com

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Mosquito repellent bracelets: How to make one?

Till date we have discussed several natural, eco-friendly mosquito control methods. Another such method doing the rounds is the use of mosquito repellent bracelets. Apparently you can wear a re-usable bracelet impregnated with a natural mosquito repellent such as peppermint essential oil or citronella essential oil, which will prevent mosquitoes from feasting on your blood.

Mosquito repellent bracelets are said to protect the wearer from mosquitoes.

Table of Contents

1 Do mosquito repellent bracelets work?

2 How to make mosquito repellent bracelets?

2.1 Step 1: Making the bracelet

2.2 Step 2: Prepare the mosquito repellent for the bracelet

2.3 Step 3: Apply the mosquito repellent to the bracelet

Do mosquito repellent bracelets work?

So if you wear any of the mosquito repellent bracelets, it forms a protective halo around your body and discourages mosquitoes from landing? Not exactly!

According to a research paper published in Volume 40 of the Journal of General and Applied Entomology published by The Entomological Society of New South Wales, Australia, mosquito repellent bracelets do not actually protect the entire body from mosquitoes. Field studies conducted with aedes aegypti mosquitoes show that when compared to the unprotected arm, the frequency and the number of mosquitoes landing on the arm protected with one of the mosquito repellent bracelets is significantly lower.

So maybe mosquito repellent bracelets would not be adequate protection during peak mosquito season. However, wearing one on the wrist can definitely help someone who is otherwise well covered. It can also be useful during late summer or early fall, when the number of mosquitoes have gone down significantly.

How to make mosquito repellent bracelets?

Although mosquito repellent bracelets are readily available, we know that people who follow this blog do not shy away from a DIY project. So if you are interested in making mosquito repellent bracelets at home, keep reading!

Step 1: Making the bracelet

Paracord is the ideal material for DIY mosquito repellent bracelets.

I would suggest that you make the DIY mosquito repellent bracelets with paracord. I have the following reasons.

Paracord is readily available in the “crafts” section of all supermarkets. You can easily find them in specialty craft supply stores as well.

The paracord material is ideal for soaking up essential oils. Yes, we will be using a concoction of various essential oils to create our mosquito repellent.

To make the paracord bracelet, you will need the following.

Two strips of paracord.You should consider getting two different colors to make it look more fun! Make sure that each strip is at least 54 inches long.

A paracord bracelet clip.

A pair of scissors.

A lighter.

If you follow the instructions carefully, your paracord bracelet will look like this.

Now that you have gathered the ingredients, following is how you will start making the bracelet.

Fuse the two pieces of paracord together. To do so, simply melt the ends of the cords with a lighter and then push them together.

Slightly melt the other sides of the paracords as well. This is done to ensure that the cords do not unravel as the bracelet is made.

Put the cord through a paracord bracelet clip and then loop it around so that the cord is secured to the clip.

Take the other end of the cord and pull it through the other side of the clip.

Put the bracelet on the arm of the wearer to determine how big it needs to be. Use the clip to adjust the size.

Unclip the bracelet and hold the loose clip in place, so that the size of the bracelet remains ideal.

Now, if you have chosen two different colors of paracord, you need to decide which color the middle part of the bracelet should be.

Once you have decided, pick that cord and loop it over the top of the cords.

The other cord will go over, then under and then through the looped cord.

Pull the cords tight.

Repeat the previous three steps, while alternating the direction of the loops every time. Keep doing it, until you reach the end of the bracelet.

 Trim off the excess cord.

Use a lighter to fuse the end where you cut off the excess cord. Just like last time, this is done to ensure that the bracelet does not unravel from where it was cut.

Step 2: Prepare the mosquito repellent for the bracelet

To prepare the mosquito repellent for your mosquito repellent bracelet, you will need the following ingredients.

Witch hazel (1 cup).

Citronella essential oil (15 drops).

Lavender essential oil (5 drops).

Lemongrass essential oil (15 drops).

Peppermint essential oil (5 drops).

Simply add the aforementioned ingredients in a bowl. Stir thoroughly, so that all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Your mosquito repellent is now ready to be applied to the bracelet!

Step 3: Apply the mosquito repellent to the bracelet

Apply generous quantities of the mosquito repellent to both sides of the bracelet. You can either use a brush or a spray bottle to do so. Make sure that you use enough so that your bracelet is thoroughly saturated. Let it dry afterwards.

Your mosquito repellent bracelet is now ready for use!

Did you decide to follow our instructions or make your own mosquito repellent bracelets, or did you purchase them from the supermarket? How well did they work for you? Let us know in the comments below!

  Mosquito repellent bracelets: How to make one? was originally published on freshbeak.com

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Once again American Pure Whey forgets to declare food allergens!

People who follow this blog know that I have very little sympathy for repeat offenders. A couple of months ago, American Pure Whey of New Bern, NC issued a recall because they forgot to mention the presence of milk and soy allergens on the product label. At that point I had ridiculed the FDA guidelines a bit because anyone who is lactose intolerant should know that whey is the watery substance that is left behind after the milk has curdled. However, the company should have learned that the presence of food allergens needs to mentioned on the label, irrespective of how painfully obvious their presence might be. The fact they had to issue another recall a little over two months after their last recall is just an indicator of gross negligence on behalf of the company.

The recalled product is called American Pure Whey and they are available in 2 lb., 5 lb., 10 lb., 20 lb. and 50 lb. containers and in food grade mylar bags. They were available in chocolate, cake batter, strawberry, “Cookies n Cream”, peanut butter chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon bun, mango, peach apricot, strawberry banana, rocky road, blueberry, peanut butter, and unflavored varieties. All packages that does not say “Contains milk and soy” are subjected to the recall. The company believes that these packages with incomplete labels were distributed between July, 2015 and September, 2015.

The issue was discovered by American Pure Whey during an internal review. They believe that the mislabeled products may have been distributed via retailers in AE, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, IL, IN, KY, KS, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NE, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY and also to direct customers all across the nation who ordered the product online.

Lactose intolerance is a condition displayed by people whose digestive system cannot process lactose, which is a type of sugar that naturally occurs in milk. People suffering from lactose intolerance will display the following symptoms anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours after drinking milk or consuming a milk-based product.

Bloating.

Cramps in the lower belly.

Rumbling sounds coming from the tummy.

Gas.

Diarrhea; the stool can at times be foamy.

Puking.

The symptoms are not fatal, but they can be highly embarrassing, not to mention that they will significantly disrupt the sufferer’s normal routine.

Being allergic to soy is actually very common, and there are some estimates that state that almost 0.4% of children under the age of 10 are allergic to soy or soy-based products.[1] Although most children outgrow this allergy by the age of 10, there is a small minority that carry this allergy into adulthood. If you or a loved one is allergic to soy, the following symptoms will be displayed after ingesting a soy-based product.

Runny nose, accompanied by wheezing and troubled breathing.

Itchiness, swelling and hives, especially around the mouth.

Fever, which may be accompanied by blisters.

Stomach cramps.

Nausea.

Vomiting.

Diarrhea.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye).

In the rarest of cases, the sufferer may go into an anaphylactic shock. This may be fatal, unless someone is at hand to administer a dose of epinephrine.

If you are lactose intolerant or if you are allergic to soy and have had any of the aforementioned flavors of American Pure Whey, you should contact your physician right away!

American Pure Whey is saying that the recalled products are perfectly safe for those who are not allergic to milk or soy. However, customers may feel free to return the product to the manufacturer for a full refund. If you have any further questions or concerns about the recall, you may contact the company at [phone], Monday through Friday between 08:00 AM and 05:00 pm (EST), unless it is a holiday.

Once again American Pure Whey forgets to declare food allergens! was originally published on freshbeak.com

[freshbeak]

The stuffing for your Christmas dinner may trigger multiple allergies!

There is a lot that goes into making the traditional stuffing for your Christmas dinner. Wouldn’t it be amazing if all the required ingredients were assembled in a kit? Thankfully there are several pre-cut and pre-assembled kits available at the supermarket. One such option is Signature Cafe Traditional Stuffing assembled by Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc. of Tracy, CA and available at Safeway and Pak N’ Save supermarkets in northern California and Nevada and at Vons outlets in Fresno, CA, Clovis, CA and Oakhurst, CA.

However, if you are planning on hosting guests or family members who are lactose or gluten intolerant, or if they are allergic to soy, then we have some bad news for you. Unfortunately this kit contains items that have either milk, soy or wheat as one of its ingredients, which Taylor Farms Pacific failed to mention on the product label. The company estimates that there are approximately 190 cases of this product that suffer from this labeling oversight. The company has not stated what may have caused this issue or how the mistake was discovered.

The recalled product is called Signature Cafe Traditional Stuffing and they are packed in 39 oz. plastic containers, they have a UPC Code of 21130-08320, Use By Date of 12/26/2015 and a Lot Code of TFPV351.

Lactose intolerance is a condition displayed by people whose digestive system cannot process lactose, which is a type of sugar that naturally occurs in milk. People suffering from lactose intolerance will display the following symptoms anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours after drinking milk or consuming a milk-based product.

Bloating.

Cramps in the lower belly.

Rumbling sounds coming from the tummy.

Gas.

Diarrhea; the stool can at times be foamy.

Puking.

The symptoms are not fatal, but they can be highly embarrassing, not to mention that they will significantly disrupt the sufferer’s normal routine.

Being allergic to soy is actually very common, and there are some estimates that state that almost 0.4% of children under the age of 10 are allergic to soy or soy-based products.[1] Although most children outgrow this allergy by the age of 10, there is a small minority that carry this allergy into adulthood. If you or a loved one is allergic to soy, the following symptoms will be displayed after ingesting a soy-based product.

Runny nose, accompanied by wheezing and troubled breathing.

Itchiness, swelling and hives, especially around the mouth.

Fever, which may be accompanied by blisters.

Stomach cramps.

Nausea.

Vomiting.

Diarrhea.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye).

In the rarest of cases, the sufferer may go into an anaphylactic shock. This may be fatal, unless someone is at hand to administer a dose of epinephrine.

Celiac disease or gluten intolerance has only been very recently recognized as a valid medical condition, although it is still hotly debated in the medical community. People suffering from this affliction are unable to process gluten, a combination of gliadin and glutenin, two types of protein that are usually present in wheat and other cereals. [2] These proteins trigger an auto-immune response among people who are gluten intolerant.

People who are allergic to gluten will display the following symptoms after consuming gluten.

Abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Some may face bloating and constipation instead.

Heartburn.

Fatigue.

Anxiety.

Depression.

Anemia.

Trouble breathing or asthma.

Swollen lips.

Mouth ulcers.

General irritability.

Rapid weight loss.

Rashes or hives.

Anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if no one is at hand to administer a dose of epinephrine or adrenaline.

We are issuing this alert at a time when you have probably not yet started preparing your Christmas dinner, so hopefully you will read this in time. However, if you read this after the event and if you have had over family members or guests who are allergic to any of the aforementioned food allergens, kindly inform them or make sure that they receive urgent medical attention. Thankfully there have not yet been any reported illnesses that were caused by the consumption of this product.

Both Taylor Farms Pacific and Safeway would like to inform their customers that this recall is only limited to Signature Cafe Traditional Stuffing with the aforementioned UPC and Lot Codes. All other products produced by Taylor Farms Pacific or sold at Safeway properly mention the presence of any food allergens and are not subjected to recall. Customers who have purchased the recalled product are being urged to either discard it or return it at the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have any further questions or concerns about the recall, you may either call Taylor Farms Pacific or Safeway at [phone] or +1 (877) SAFEWAY respectively.

  The stuffing for your Christmas dinner may trigger multiple allergies! was originally published on freshbeak.com

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Your salmon bacon may be under-processed!

If you love the taste of bacon, but have been looking for alternate options because of health or religious reasons, then you may have considered the salmon bacon produced by Swinomish Fish Company. However, during a routine investigation conducted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) it was decided that a couple of salmon bacon products produced by this company may have been under-processed, leaving their customers vulnerable to Clostridium botulinum.

The recalled products are sold under the Native Catch Salmon Bacon label and they are of two different varieties. The details are as follows.

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The recalled products were packed in clear vacuum bags and were shipped between August 10, 2015 through December 11, 2015 to retail locations in Washington and Florida.

Clostridium bolulinum is a rod-shaped, spore producing, gram positive bacteria that produces botulinum, which is a neurotoxin. This toxin loses its potency if it reaches the temperature of 100 degrees Celcius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), which the recalled salmon bacon products probably never reach. It is the toxin botulinum that causes botulism in humans. The symptoms of botulism will differ depending upon how the bacteria or the toxin entered the human body.

If your food contains the botulinum bacteria or toxin, you will suffer from foodborne botulism. The following symptoms will appear between 12 to 36 hours after the consumption of the contaminated product:

Blurred or double vision.

Drooping eyelids.

Muscle weakness.

Trouble breathing.

 Slurred speech.

Dry mouth and swallowing becomes difficult.

Nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.

Constipation.

Reduced or no reaction in the tendons (such as those in the knee).

In rare cases, these symptoms may take several days to appear. This can happen if only a small amount of this toxin is ingested.

If the entry point of the toxin or the bacteria is from a wound, you may suffer from wound botulism. The symptoms are the same as those of foodborne botulism, minus the gastro-intestinal symptoms. (constipation, vomiting, etc.) Wound botulism may also cause facial or full body paralysis.

Both foodborne and wound botulism can potentially be fatal for the afflicted person. People displaying any of the above symptoms need immediate medical care. Thankfully there have not been any reported illnesses that were caused by the consumption of the recalled products.

Swinomish Fish Company is saying that they have already asked all the retailers who carry this product to remove them from their shelves. Customers who are in possession of the recalled products should either dispose of them or return them at the place of purchase. If people would like a replacement or a refund, they should contact the company directly at [phone] on weekdays between 08:30 AM and 04:30 (PST). If you have any further questions or concerns about the recall, you may call the same number.

Your salmon bacon may be under-processed! was originally published on freshbeak.com

[freshbeak]

Dove Chocolate Assortment Snowflakes may trigger your allergies!

Almost all major confectioneries and producers of food items in the United States release an assortment of novelty seasonal items during the holiday season. Mars Chocolate North America is no different and they have released Dove Chocolate Assortment Snowflakes to mark the occasion. This assortment may contain pieces of Snickers, Milky Way and Twix, which contains peanut, wheat and egg allergens. As per FDA guidelines, the presence of all potential food allergens needs to be mentioned on the packaging, which the company failed to do.

Mars Chocolate North America failed to mention the presence of peanut, eggs and wheat allergens on packages of Dove Chocolate Assortment Snowflakes.

Mars Chocolate North America became aware of the issue when a customer notified the company after finding a piece of Snickers in the package. As a result, they have now recalled 6700 cases of Dove Chocolate Assortment Snowflakes.  Thankfully there have not been any reported illnesses that were caused by the consumption of this product.

In a statement, Mars Chocolate North America stated that Dove Chocolate Assortment Snowflakes are sold in 24 oz. purple plastic bags that are available at only one at “one major retailer”. The company did not reveal which retailer this product was sold out of. However, we did some research and found out that it was sold out of Walmart. The item # of the recalled product is 10139802, the UPC code is 400050521 and it has the lot codes of either 537CG4PA30, 537DG4PA30, 538AG4PA30, 538AM4PA30, 541AG4PA20 or 542EM4PA20. They were sold in AZ, GA, MA, MS, OH, VA, CA, IA, MD, NH, OK, VT, CO, IL, ME, NJ, OR, WA, CT, IN, MI, NM, PA, WI, DE, KS, MN, NV, RI, WY, FL, KY, MO, NY and TX between September 19, 2015 through December 1, 2015.

People who suffer from peanut allergies may go into an anaphylactic shock if they come in contact with peanuts. This reaction can soon turn fatal, if the patient does not immediately receive a dose of epinephrine. Other, less threatening symptoms of peanut allergies are:

Itchy skin or hives

An itching or a tingling sensation in the mouth or throat

Nausea

A runny or congested nose

Celiac disease or gluten intolerance has only been very recently recognized as a valid medical condition, although it is still hotly debated in the medical community. People suffering from this affliction are unable to process gluten, a combination of gliadin and glutenin, two types of protein that are usually present in wheat and other cereals. [1] These proteins trigger an auto-immune response among people who are gluten intolerant.

People who are allergic to gluten will display the following symptoms after consuming gluten:

Abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Some may face bloating and constipation instead.

Heartburn

Fatigue

Anxiety

Depression

Anemia

Trouble breathing or asthma

Swollen lips

Mouth ulcers

General irritability

Rapid weight loss

Rashes or hives

Anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if no one is at hand to administer a dose of epinephrine or adrenaline.

About 2% of American children are allergic to eggs. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, about 70% of these children outgrow the condition by the time they reach the age of sixteen. If anyone suffers from an egg allergy, they will show the following symptoms after consuming eggs or any product that has eggs as one of its ingredients:

A mild rash or even hives

Have trouble breathing

Stomach ache

Anaphylaxis

It is to be noted that anaphylaxis is rarely caused by an allergic reaction to eggs, however it can happen and if it does, it can potentially be fatal for the sufferer unless someone is at hand to administer a dose of adrenalin.

If you or a loved one is allergic to peanuts, gluten or eggs and have consumed Dove Chocolate Assortment Snowflakes in the recent past, we would request you to seek immediate medical help.

Mars Chocolate North America is saying that they are working with the “major retailer” to ensure that the impacted products are removed from the shelves. In the meantime, they are requesting their consumers to return the recalled lots of the product at the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have any questions or concerns about the recall, you can contact the company directly at [phone].

Dove Chocolate Assortment Snowflakes may trigger your allergies! was originally published on freshbeak.com

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Masago from Ocean Group may trigger multiple allergies!

If you are a serious lover of sushi, then you would know that the orange garnishing on the top are processed fish eggs, which is called masago in Japanese. Ocean Group, Inc. of Los Angeles, CA packages and distributes this delicacy to grocery stores to help culinary adventurers re-create the magic from the familiar comforts of one’s own kitchen. However, while one is shopping for fancy Japanese fish eggs, it is not possible for most people to know beforehand that these products contain gluten and soy allergens. Needless to say, this should be clearly mentioned on the product packaging, which Ocean Group, Inc. failed to do.

Ocean Group Inc. failed to mention the presence of wheat or soy allergens on the lid.

They forgot to mention the presence of wheat or soy allergens on the side label as well!

The recalled product is called Masago Lake Smelt Roe and it is packed in 6 oz. clear plastic cups. The company has not stated how they discovered the issue, or if there have been any reported illnesses that were caused by the consumption of this product. They have only stated that the California Department of Public Health is aware of the recall.

Celiac disease or gluten intolerance has only been very recently recognized as a valid medical condition, although it is still hotly debated in the medical community. People suffering from this affliction are unable to process gluten, a combination of gliadin and glutenin, two types of protein that are usually present in wheat and other cereals. [1] These proteins trigger an auto-immune response among people who are gluten intolerant.

People who are allergic to gluten will display the following symptoms after consuming gluten:

Abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Some may face bloating and constipation instead.

Heartburn

Fatigue

Anxiety

Depression

Anemia

Trouble breathing or asthma

Swollen lips

Mouth ulcers

General irritability

Rapid weight loss

Rashes or hives

Anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if no one is at hand to administer a dose of epinephrine or adrenaline.

Being allergic to soy is actually very common. According to some global estimates, about 0.4% of children under the age of 10 are allergic to soy or soy-based products.[1] Although most children outgrow this condition by the age of 10, there is a small minority that carry this allergy into adulthood. If you or a loved one is allergic to soy, they will display the following symptoms after ingesting a soy-based product:

Runny nose, accompanied by wheezing and troubled breathing

Itchiness, swelling and hives, especially around the mouth

Fever, which may be accompanied by blisters

Stomach cramps

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

In the rarest of cases, the sufferer may go into an anaphylactic shock. This may be fatal, unless someone is at hand to administer a dose of epinephrine.

If you or a loved one is allergic to gluten or soy and have consumed Masago Lake Smelt Roe in the recent past, you should consult your family physician right away!

Ocean Group, Inc. is urging all their customers to return the Masago Lake Smelt Roe at the place of purchase for a full refund. The company is stating that they are in the process of contacting all their direct customers as well. If you have any further questions or concerns about the recall, you may call Kurt Kim from Ocean Group at [phone].

  Masago from Ocean Group may trigger multiple allergies! was originally published on freshbeak.com

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Zatarain's Red Beans and Rice may trigger lactose intolerance

Rice and beans are a staple for millions of people all over the world. Anyone suffering from lactose intolerance would not think twice before consuming this product because there is no milk or milk-based products used in the preparation of this very simple meal. However, due to an undisclosed reason, Zatarain’s of Gretna, LA is stating that in some packages of Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice Original, Zatarain’s Creamy Paramesan Rice Mix were packed instead. The company has not stated how the issue was discovered either.

The recalled product is called Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice Original. They are packed in 8 oz. boxes that have a UPC number of 7142909849. They also have a “Best By” date code of BEST BY JUL 31 16Z and were shipped to retailers in FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MS, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, and WI between August 07, 2015 and September 29, 2015. Thankfully there have not been any reported illnesses that were caused by the consumption of this product.

Lactose intolerance is a condition displayed by people whose digestive system cannot process lactose, which is a type of sugar that occurs naturally in milk. People suffering from lactose intolerance will display the following symptoms anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours after drinking milk or consuming a milk-based product:

Bloating

Cramps in the lower belly

Rumbling sounds coming from the tummy

Gas

Diarrhea; the stool can at times be foamy

Puking

The symptoms are not fatal, but they can be highly embarrassing, not to mention that they will significantly disrupt the sufferer’s normal routine. If you suffer from lactose intolerance and are displaying any of these symptoms after consuming Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice Original, then we suggest that you contact your family physician right away!

Zatarain’s is asking their customers to throw away the recalled lots of Red Beans and Rice Original. If you would like a replacement, a refund or if you simply have some questions or concerns about the recall, you should contact Zatarain’s Consumer Affairs team at [phone] Monday through Friday between 9:30 AM and 7:00 PM (Eastern Time).

Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice may trigger lactose intolerance was originally published on freshbeak.com

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Mosquito candles can be made in your kitchen!

It is well known that citronella essential oil repels mosquitoes. In this article, we will explain how you can use it to make mosquito candles!

It is no secret that mosquitoes cannot stand the citric smell of citronella. Most of us on the other hand find the lemony goodness of the citronella essence to be highly refreshing. So, in this article, we will tell you how you can use citronella essential oil to make mosquito candles!

How to make your own mosquito candles

Mosquito candles are really easy to make. If you have any experience making candles in the past, it will hold you in good stead. However, the process is so simple that we do not foresee first-time candle makers having any major issues!

To make your mosquito candles, you will need the following equipment and ingredients.

Metallic cans or other suitable containers.

Household wax. You may also melt down and use the wax from old candles. You would need about 1 lb. (16 oz.) of household wax to make one batch of mosquito candles.

1 oz. of citronella essential oil.

Pre-waxed candle wicks that are about 6 inches long. Make sure you get the ones with pre-fitted tabs.

A double boiler.

Hot glue gun.

If you wish, you can also add other scents that mosquitoes find particularly repulsive. Eucalyptus essential oil and peppermint essential oil are a couple of worthy suggestions.

After you have gathered the equipment and the ingredients, you can make your mosquito candles with the help of the following steps.

Fix the wick at the center of the can with your hot glue gun. If your can has a wide base, you should put multiple wicks, to ensure that the wax in your candle melts evenly. If you use multiple wicks, you need to make sure that they are spaced out as much as possible.

Place the household wax or the old candles in the double boiler and melt them slowly on a medium flame.

Once the wax has completely melted, you need to add the citronella essential oil. Stir gently to ensure that the essential oil is distributed evenly throughout the melted wax.

If you were planning on  adding any other ingredients to increase the potency of your mosquito candles, now would be the time to do it. However, ensure that you do not add more than 0.5 oz. of the additive, so that it does not overwhelm the essence of citronella.

Once the essential oils have been mixed, it is now time to pour the molten wax in the metal containers. People who have made candles before will usually be able to maneuver the process in such a way that the wick stays in place. However, if this is your first time, we would strongly recommend that you use a clothespin or a crocodile clip to hold the wick in place, before you start pouring the molten wax.

Now just let it cool! Sometimes, you may notice a depression around the wicks. Don’t worry! You did not do anything wrong! Simply melt some more wax to fill in the pits and let it cool again.

Congratulations on making your first batch of mosquito candles! Please allow the candles to set for at least 2 days before you start using them.

Did you enjoy making these mosquito candles? How well did they work for you? Let us know in the comments below!

Mosquito candles can be made in your kitchen! was originally published on freshbeak.com

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Trader Joe's puts its customers at risk once again!

People who follow this blog may have noticed that Trader Joe’s name crops up here way too often! This Monrovia, CA based grocery chain is in the news once again because they have just recalled their store brand Triple Ginger Brew. This is because some of their customers have complained that the glass bottles containing this product have shattered on their own.

The recalled product is called Trader Joe’s Triple Ginger Brew. They are sold in 25.4 FL OZ (750 mL) glass bottles via all Trader Joe’s locations across the nation. It has an SKU code of 51857. All units of this product sold between 11/09/2015 and 12/14/2015 are subjected to the recall.

Trader Joe‘s have not stated what may have caused the bottles to shatter. However, it is not too hard to guess what may have happened.

Any carbonated beverage gets its fizz from carbon-dioxide that is added to the liquid by pressure. However, if the amount of carbon-dioxide is more than what the glass can handle, it will cause the bottle to shatter. This is pretty common in the brewing industry, which calls such packages beer bombs and they follow strict protocols to avoid such instances. Maybe Trader Joe’s needs to take a close look at the manufacturing procedure of the Triple Ginger Brew and see what went wrong or identify what they need to do differently.

Trader Joe’s is saying that the liquid inside the containers are perfectly safe for consumption, however they are still urging their customers to dispose of the products in a safe manner to prevent injuries. People who would like a refund should bring in their receipt to any Trader Joe’s location. If you have any further questions or concerns about the recall, you should contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations Team at [phone], Monday through Friday between 06:00 AM and 06:00 PM (PST).

Trader Joe’s puts its customers at risk once again! was originally published on freshbeak.com

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Stella & Chewy's exposes your pets to listeria once again!

Less than six months ago, Stella & Chewy’s recalled a significant number of products because they were contaminated with listeria. It would have been fair to assume that they would have put some checks in place so that this is not get repeated in the future. Unfortunately, they have proven themselves to be a repeat offender instead. During routine testing conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, it was found that Stella’s Super Beef Dinner Morsels for Dogs, which come in 8.5 oz. frozen bags was contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.

Stella & Chewy’s is stating that the contaminated product had a lot number of 165-15. Hence they are recalling all products that have the same lot number because of a possible listeria contamination. The following products have a lot number of 165-15.

[table id=30 /]

Stella and Chewy’s are going a step further and they are also recalling the following products because they may have come in contact with the recalled lots.

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Listeria monocytogenes, more commonly known as listeria is a bacterium that causes listeriosis in humans. It can be fatal for people with weak immune systems, such as infants and senior citizens. Pregnant women can suffer from miscarriages or even stillbirths! Even among healthy adults, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Listeria occurs naturally in the soil and water. It is not known to affect bovine animals; however they do serve as a carrier for this bacterium. If the manure of these carrier animals is used as a fertilizer, then it tends to infect the crop as well. Unfortunately, this is one of the lesser known drawbacks of consuming organic food.

Listeria is usually killed during the cooking or the pasteurization process, however the contamination may occur at the time of packaging as well.

Not only can the recalled products be harmful for your animals, it can also affect humans if they have not washed their hands thoroughly after being in contact with the contaminated product. There have not been any reports of pet or human illnesses that may have been caused by this product. However, if you have fed your pet from the affected lots, kindly schedule an appointment with your vet right away! If you are displaying any of the known symptoms of listeriosis, then you need to pay a visit to the doctor’s office as well!

Stella & Chewy’s is urging their customers to either responsibly dispose the recalled product or return it at the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have any further questions or concerns about the recall, you can either read the recall notice on their website or shoot them an email at [email protected].

Stella & Chewy’s exposes your pets to listeria once again! was originally published on freshbeak.com

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Mosquito repellent for babies!

It is heart-breaking for parents to see their babies struggling with mosquitoes and other critter bites during an afternoon stroll. Although there are mosquito repellent for babies that you can purchase, not all of them are safe for your child. Most of these products contain DEET, and the jury is still out on whether it is safe for your child or not. When I researched this pesticide, I found that it can be toxic if ingested! Thus products containing DEET would be an absolute no-go for my child as I am yet to see an infant who does not lick or suck her thumb or any other appendages.

In this article we will discuss how you can protect your baby while you are outside. We will also recommend a mosquito repellent for babies that is completely safe!

How to help your baby avoid mosquito bites

Buy a stroller with a mosquito screen to protect your baby from bug bites.

Following are some ideas that will help your baby avoid mosquito bites.

Avoid taking strolls very early in the morning and also avoid being outside late in the evening. This is when most species of mosquitoes come out to bite.

Always purchase a stroller that comes with a mosquito screen. It will allow your child to breathe, without her having to suffer from bug bites.

Dress your baby in full-length, loose-fitting cotton clothes to protect her from mosquitoes and other bugs. Also, she should be in muted colors, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark and bright colors. Mosquitoes don’t see all that well, however they track their victims via heat and carbon-dioxide. As dark colors trap and radiate the most amount of heat, dressing your child in such colors will make her an easy target for mosquitoes.

Make sure that your baby is wearing socks. If the socks are made from cotton, then your child will be comfortable, as well as protected from mosquitoes.

What is an ideal mosquito repellent for babies?

All Terrain Kids is an ideal mosquito repellent for babies!

Despite your best efforts, you would still need to apply a mosquito repellent on your baby as a last line of defense against mosquitoes. As stated earlier, the market is flooded with mosquito repellent for babies. However, we  recommend All Terrain Kids Herbal Armor™ Phineas and Ferb Natural Insect Repellent because of the following reasons.

It does not contain any DEET, hence it is completely safe for your baby.

National Geographic Adventure awarded it with the Best Gear Award because it worked as well as products that contain DEET.

Not only does it repel mosquitoes, it will also protect your baby from other pests like deer flies.

How do you protect your baby from mosquitoes while outdoors? Let us know in the comments below!

  Mosquito repellent for babies! was originally published on freshbeak.com

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Tonkotsu Ramen recalled due to undeclared egg allergens

When most Americans think of ramen, they usually think of instant noodles that cost less than a quarter a pack. However, in reality, ramen is a Japanese word for ‘noodle-soup‘ that is a lot different (and tastes much better, if I may add) than what you can pick up at your local supermarket. However you do not have to go all the way to Japan to get some authentic ramen. There are manufacturers who produce authentic ramen right here in the United States and distribute it to specialty grocery stores across the United States.

Sun Noodle of Teterboro, NJ is one such manufacturer. Unfortunately, they had to issue a voluntary recall of its Tonkotsu Ramen because of undeclared egg allergens. The Tonkotsu Ramen is not supposed to have any egg-based ingredients in it, hence there is no mention of it on the packaging. However, due to a packaging error at Sun Noodle’s Teterboro, NJ facility, a ramen product containing eggs were packed in packages that say Tonkotsu Ramen. The issue was discovered during an internal review and they were pro-active in terms of issuing a recall. There have not been any reported illnesses that were caused by the consumption of this product.

The recalled product says Tonkotsu Ramen. It is packed in a plastic clamshell with a band across the middle of the package that says Tonkotsu Ramen in yellow lettering. It contains a two packets of red and white colored soup base package at the bottom of the pack. The package weighs 12 oz. and it has a UPC code of 0 85315 40003 5. The lot codes of the recalled products range between 3114350 and 3215336. The recalled lots were sold via retailers in NY, NJ, GA and IL.

About 2% of American children are allergic to eggs. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, about 70% of these children outgrow the condition by the time they reach the age of sixteen. If anyone suffers from an egg allergy, they will show the following symptoms after consuming eggs or any products that have eggs as one of its ingredients:

A mild rash or even hives

Have trouble breathing

Stomach ache

Anaphylaxis

It is to be noted that anaphylaxis is rarely caused by an allergic reaction to eggs, however it can happen and if it does, it can potentially be fatal for the sufferer unless someone is at hand to administer a dose of adrenalin. If your child is allergic to eggs and if she consumed Tonkotsu Ramen, then we strongly urge you to consult your family physician right away!

Sun noodles are urging their customers who made a purchase from the recalled lots of Tonkotsu Ramen to return the product at the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have any questions or concerns about the recall, you may contact the company toll free at [phone], Monday through Friday between 08:30 AM and 05:30 PM (CST).

  Tonkotsu Ramen recalled due to undeclared egg allergens was originally published on freshbeak.com