Food tasting, tasting life: December 2014

Desperate for a Hoisin Sauce substitute for a Pekin Duck dinner we encountered a recipe at another food site, but we had to play around with it to make it work. And work it did - our 11-year old daughter said it was even better than the original Hoisin Sauce. And it was dead easy. But it does require a relatively well-stocked pantry...Do play around with it - add more soya if you think it is not salty enough, or more chill if you want it on the hot side. Enjoy!

Hoisin Sauce Homemade Version

Rating: 0

Created: Dec 27, 2014 2:35:16 PM

from Food.com: Asian Recipes http://www.food.com/recipe/hoisin-sauce-homemade-version-520203

Saturday, December 27, 2014

California Snack Foods Recalls Caramel Apples for Potential Listeria Risk

California Snack Foods Inc. of South El Monte, CA, is issuing a voluntary recall of California Snack Foods brand caramel apples with a best use by date between Aug. 15 and Nov. 28, 2014, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

California Snack Foods caramel apples are sold in single packs and three packs, and each package will have a best use by date on the front of the label.

They were available for retail sale through grocery, discount and club stores, generally in the produce section, and were distributed to retailers in the following states: Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah.

Company officials have been working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in its investigation of the current outbreak of Listeriosis, which has been associated with caramel apples. California Snack Foods recently received notice from Bidart Brothers of Shafter, CA, one of its apple suppliers, that there may be a connection between this outbreak and the apples that they supplied to the company’s facility.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted 29 illnesses in 10 states linked to the outbreak, and the agency has advised consumers not to eat commercially produced, pre-packaged caramel apples until more is known.

California Snack Foods officials said they used the last of the Bidart Brothers apples in the first week of November 2014, and that the caramel apples produced with Bidart Brothers apples should no longer be available in stores. However, the company recommends that consumers follow the advice of CDC and remove any caramel apples in storage and dispose of them in a secure container to avoid potential contamination in animals.

Consumers who have any product may return it to the store where purchased or dispose of it per the advice of CDC. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 800-966-5501, Monday through Friday during normal business hours, or via email to info@californiasnackfoods.com.

Listeria 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 infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

from Food Safety News » Food Recalls http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/12/california-snack-foods-brand-caramel-apples-recalled-for-potential-listeria-contamination/

TX Company Recalls Cumin Products for Undeclared Peanut Proteins

Adams Flavors, Foods & Ingredients of Gonzales, TX, is voluntarily recalling cumin products because they may contain undeclared peanut proteins.

Company officials said Friday, Dec. 26, that they were notified by one of their third-party suppliers that one of the spice ingredients purchased contains peanut proteins, allergens that are not declared on the products’ ingredient statements.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products, the firm stated.

The recalled products were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through Internet orders.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This recall was initiated after it was discovered that ingredients from a single supplier used in the affected products were contaminated with peanut allergens.

This recall affects the following products:

Consumer UPC #	Size	Description	Best Buy Date
041313017224	2.82 oz (80g)	Adams Chili Powder-Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	9/23/2016
041313017224	2.82 oz (80g)	Adams Chili Powder-Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	10/27/2016
041313017224	2.82 oz (80g)	Adams Chili Powder-Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	10/28/2016
041313017231	7.48 oz (212g)	Adams Chili Powder-Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	10/3/2016
041313017231	7.48oz(212g)	Adams Chili Powder-Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	10/27/2016
041313019525	2.82 oz (80g)	Adams Ground Cumin- Green/Brown Fine Ground Powder in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	9/23/2016
041313019525	2.82 oz (80g)	Adams Ground Cumin- Green/Brown Fine Ground Powder in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	9/24/2016
041313019525	2.82 oz (80g)	Adams Ground Cumin- Green/Brown Fine Ground Powder in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	10/7/2016
041313019525	2.82 oz (80g)	Adams Ground Cumin- Green/Brown Fine Ground Powder in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	11/11/2016
041313019525	2.82 oz (80g)	Adams Ground Cumin- Green/Brown Fine Ground Powder in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	12/5/2016
041313019532	6.70 OZ (190g)	Adams Ground Cumin- Green/Brown Fine Ground Powder in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	11/7/2016
041313019532	6.70 OZ (190g)	Adams Ground Cumin- Green/Brown Fine Ground Powder in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	12/18/2016
041313023126	16 oz (454g)	Adams Ground Cumin- Green/Brown Fine Ground Powder in Clear Rectangular Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	8/26/2016
041313023522	16.82 oz (477g)	Adams Chili Powder-Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Rectangular Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	10/7/2016
041313023522	16.82 oz (477g)	Adams Chili Powder-Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Rectangular Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	10/8/2016
041313023522	16.82 oz (477g)	Adams Chili Powder-Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Rectangular Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	12/10/2016
041313023522	16.82 oz (477g)	Adams Chili Powder-Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Rectangular Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	12/11/2016
041313023720	18 oz (511g)	Adams Menudo Seasoning-Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Rectangular Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	10/22/2016
041313023812	5.26 oz (149g)	Adams Jamaican Jerk Seasoning-Yellow Ground Seasoning Blend with Dark Specks in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	10/16/2016
041313024338	13.47 oz (382g)	Adams Brisket Rub- Reddish Orange Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	9/30/2016
041313024345	32 oz (908g)	Adams Brisket Rub- Reddish Orange Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Rectangular Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	9/30/2016
041313024888	39 oz (1115g)	Adams Multi Seasoning-Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Rectangular Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	8/28/2016
041313024888	30 oz (851.25g)	Adams Multi Seasoning-Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Rectangular Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	9/30/2016
041313026219	3.03 oz (86g)	Adams Pinto Bean Seasoning- Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap	10/27/2016
041313045746	4.79 oz (136g)	Adams Reserve Southwestern Rub- Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Square Glass Bottle with Silver Cap	14288
041313045876	7.41 oz (210g)	Adams Reserve Jamaican Jerk Rub- Yellow Ground Seasoning Blend with Dark Specks in Square Glass Bottle with Silver Cap	14330
742955834612	10oz (283.5g)	Earl Campbell Rib Rub- Reddish Ground Seasoning Blend in Clear Round Plastic Bottle with Yellow Cap.	9/30/2014

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (512) 359-3059 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, or visit www.AdamsExtract.com for additional information.

from Food Safety News » Food Recalls http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/12/tx-company-recalls-cumin-products-for-undeclared-peanut-proteins/

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Dog Chews Recalled for Possible Salmonella Contamination

Barkworthies of Richmond, VA, is recalling select lots of Barkworthies Chicken Vittles dog chews because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recalled product was distributed nationwide beginning on May 6, 2014. The product can be identified by the Lot Code printed on the side of the plastic pouch. This product is being recalled as it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

BARKWORTHIES CHICKEN VITTLES

Lot Code: 1254T1

Size: 16 oz. Plastic Pouch

Best Used by Date: May 2016

UPC: 816807011510

The recall was initiated after routine testing by the Colorado Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Salmonella in a single lot of the product. This batch tested negative by a third-party independent laboratory prior to release for distribution to consumers. No additional products are affected by this recall. The company has received no reports of illness in either people or animals associated with these products to date.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products, and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy, pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.

from Food Safety News » Food Recalls http://ift.tt/1wlMjHW

Monday, December 22, 2014

80,000-Plus Pounds of Bacon Recalled for Misbranding

Abe’s Finest Meats of Palatka, FL, is recalling approximately 80,050 pounds of hickory-smoked sliced bacon products due to misbranding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Monday.

The recalled 10-lb. bulk frozen packages of “CEDAR CREEK HICKORY SMOKED SLICED BACON” were produced on various dates between July 23 and Dec. 11, 2014. These products bear establishment number “EST. 18747” inside the USDA mark of inspection. They were shipped to distributors in Florida and Georgia.

The problem was discovered by FSIS inspection personnel during a label review. The product ingredient sodium nitrite is not declared on the product label.

FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

from Food Safety News » Food Recalls http://ift.tt/1E4dBgh

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Olam buys ADM’s cocoa business

Olam International Ltd., an agri-business operating across the value chain in 65 countries, has agreed to acquire the global cocoa business of Archer Daniels Midland Co. for $1.3 billion.

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Tree Top hires new President, CEO

Tree Top Inc. has hired Keith Gomes as the company’s new President and CEO.

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New opportunities emerge as weight wellness hits tipping point

According to “10 Key Trends in Food, Nutrition, and Health 2015,” the new food and health trend forecast from New Nutrition Business, the weight wellness market is at a tipping point.

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U.S. bill eases school lunch nutrition rules

According to USA Today, the U.S. Congress passed the fiscal 2015 omnibus spending package last week, which has provided relief to school nutrition authorities encountering difficulties in meeting certain requirements contained in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

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Kim's Thai Chicken Soup

My friend Kim made this soup and my husband raved about it!

Kim's Thai Chicken Soup

Rating: 0

Created: Dec 17, 2014 8:58:20 PM

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Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki Stirfry

from Refresh Living

Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki Stirfry

Rating: 0

Created: Dec 17, 2014 2:58:10 AM

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How to Make Japanese Mochi

Mochi is Japanese rice cake made of mochigome, a short-grain japonica glutinous rice. The rice is pounded into paste and molded into the desired shape. Learn how to make mochi's today by following this easy recipe.

How to Make Japanese Mochi

Rating: 0

Created: Dec 17, 2014 2:55:48 AM

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Chicken Poppers

This is my daughter's favorite supper. She begs me to make it. Oddly enough it is not overly spicy. It is really easy to make so save it for a night you are tired, I'm posting it so I don't lose it. It is from a kosher cookbook called Supper Time.

Chicken Poppers

Rating: 0

Created: Dec 16, 2014 9:15:26 PM

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Tuesday, December 16, 2014

ADM to build tech center in Kentucky

Archer Daniels Midland Co. has announced that it has selected Erlanger, Ky., as the site for its new information technology and support center.

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Obese children may crave more sugar

A study published in the International Journal of Obesity shows that children who are obese may overeat because they crave more sugar than slimmer children.

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Understanding consumer dynamics key to foodservice growth

Heading into the New Year, Bonnie Riggs, Restaurant Industry Analyst at The NPD Group, a global information company, advises foodservice operators and manufacturers to put a strong effort into understanding what their consumers are looking for when they dine out.

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Firmenich names honey the 2015 ‘Flavor of the Year’

Firmenich has announced that honey is the Flavor of the Year for 2015.

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Opertech Bio receives financing for taste evaluation technology

Opertech Bio Inc., a company that has pioneered a new approach to sensory evaluation, has raised $750,000 in private equity financing.

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SunOpta sells its fiber, starch business

SunOpta Inc., a global company focused on natural and organic foods, has signed a definitive agreement to sell its fiber and starch business to J. Rettenmaier & Söhne Group (JRS) for $37.5 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments.

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Yogurt may lower type 2 diabetes risk

A study published in BMC Medicine shows that yogurt may help lower the risk for type 2 diabetes.

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How to Make the Best Tapioca Boba in 7 Easy Steps

Ever had boba that was just too chewy or too hard? Maybe soft on the outside but strangely dense on the inside? Well say goodbye to that not-so-yummy-boba! Here is our recipe to making Tapioca Boba with the perfect consistency. Cook it for yourself at home or for your business! Plus, a small twist at the end that will definitely, definitely make you say "Holy Boba".

How to Make the Best Tapioca Boba in 7 Easy Steps

Rating: 0

Created: Dec 16, 2014 12:26:56 AM

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Thai Fish Curry

Coriander and ginger are two of my favourite flavours, and so Thai food is one of my favourite cuisines. This curry is one of my own making, so true Thai food masters will frown on it, but I love it. It's sweet, spicy, salty and sour, and warms you up after a long, cold day. I love cooking with fish, too, because it is so quick to cook and so this recipe is perfect when you want something packed full of flavour but quick and easy to make. This curry will serve 4 (we're having the leftovers for lunch tomorrow), but if you're cooking for 4 you'll need to double the amount of rice. This takes 20 minutes to cook. Read more at http://ift.tt/1uMyL8b

Thai Fish Curry

Rating: 0

Created: Dec 16, 2014 12:22:18 AM

from Food.com: Asian Recipes http://ift.tt/1A2eVw1

Monday, December 15, 2014

Stir Fry Vegan Ramen

quick and easy ramen.

Stir Fry Vegan Ramen

Rating: 0

Created: Dec 15, 2014 3:04:55 AM

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Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Fresh food consumption will continue to grow

From 2003 to 2013, consumption of fresh foods—fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs—grew by 20% to over 100 billion eatings, according to the NPD Group, a global information company.

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Obesity, inactivity on the rise in the U.S.

According to the 25th edition of the America’s Health Rankings report, rising rates of obesity and physical inactivity continue to threaten Americans’ quality of life.

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U.S. school districts to ban the purchase of chicken raised with antibiotics

According to the Los Angeles Times, members of the Urban School Food Alliance—a coalition that includes districts in New York City, N.Y.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Chicago, Ill., Dallas, Texas; and Miami-Dade County and Orlando County, Florida—have announced an antibiotic-free standard for its poultry suppliers.

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DSM appoints Ilona Haaijer as President DSM Food Specialties

DSM, the life sciences and material sciences company, has appointed Ilona Haaijer as President and CEO of DSM Food Specialties, one of the five global divisions of Royal DSM NV.

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Peeling tomatoes prior to juicing may enhance liking

A study published in the Journal of Food Science shows that peeling tomatoes before they are juiced when using a cold break process may enhance the viscosity and preference for tomato juice.

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Takasago opens encapsulation technology center

Takasago has opened a new Encapsulation Technology Center (ETC) at the company’s Rockleigh, N.J., facilities.

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Some Shellfish Harvested in Washington State Inlet Recalled for Potential Norovirus

The Washington State Department of Health announced Wednesday that several Washington state shellfish companies are recalling molluscan shellfish harvested from a portion of the southern shoreline of Hammersley Inlet near Shelton, WA, from Nov. 10 to Dec. 5, 2014, because they may be contaminated with Norovirus. These products were shipped to multiple retail locations nationwide.

The recalling companies are notifying those who have received the recalled shellfish, the department stated. Since only shellfish harvested from a portion of the growing area are being recalled, food establishments will have to work closely with their shellfish suppliers to know if they have recalled product.

Local health jurisdiction staff are being advised to make sure that any food establishment with shellfish tags from Hammersley Inlet during this time period is aware of the recall and that they have confirmed the status of the shellfish, the department stated. If it is not clear that the shellfish are part of the recall, the food establishment should not sell the products until their status can be confirmed.

Norovirus causes a highly contagious illness commonly referred to as viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, and food poisoning. The virus can survive in marine water for months or even years, although it does not multiply in that environment.

Shellfish such as oysters, clams and mussels are filter feeders and ingest Norovirus if it is present in the water. Once ingested, Norovirus can quickly multiply in shellfish, especially when the weather is warm or if the shellfish are not kept cold after harvesting.

Check here for other recent food recalls affecting Washington state.

from Food Safety News » Food Recalls http://ift.tt/1DbSZCg

Monday, December 8, 2014

Hershey completes Allan Candy acquisition

The Hershey Co. has completed the purchase of The Allan Candy Co., a leading North American manufacturer of confectionery products based in Ontario, Canada.

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NRA predicts local sourcing, sustainability as top menu trends for 2015

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) each year gets in the kitchen with chefs to reveal the top menu trends for the coming year.

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Prebiotics may help ease anxiety

A study published in Psychopharmacology shows that a prebiotic—trans-galactooligosaccharide—may help reduce anxiety and stress in healthy subjects.

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MGP hires Buttshaw to lead ingredients business

MGP, a supplier of specialty wheat proteins and starches, has announced the appointment of Michael Buttshaw to the position of Vice President of Ingredients Sales and Marketing, effective immediately.

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Fry Fish

fish

Fry Fish

Rating: 0

Created: Dec 8, 2014 12:35:25 AM

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Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Heinz opens infant cereal factory in China

H.J. Heinz Co. has opened its largest infant cereal production plant in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China.

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McCormick reveals eight flavor trends for 2015

McCormick & Co. has released its Flavor Forecast 2015, highlighting eight enticing flavor trends on the rise.

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Moms, millennials, foodies shape perception of food system

Overwhelming scientific consensus points to the fact that genetically modified foods are safe and that humans contribute more to antibiotic resistance than animals.

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PepsiCo announces leadership appointments

PepsiCo Inc. has announced two leadership appointments to the company’s management team.

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U.S. restaurants saw increased sales, traffic in October

Driven by stronger sales and traffic and a more optimistic outlook among restaurant operators, the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) posted a solid gain in October.

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USDA issues final rule for importation of poultry

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has issued a final rule amending its regulations for importation of poultry and poultry products from regions where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is considered to exist.

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Kyowa Hakko receives patent on amino acid combination

Kyowa Hakko Bio Co. Ltd. has received a patent for the combination of the amino acids L-citrulline and L-arginine.

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U.S. federal judge rules against Hawaii GMO law

According to The Washington Times, a U.S. federal judge has declared a 2013 Hawaii County law restricting genetically engineered crops as invalid because it was a matter that must be regulated at the state level.

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