CDC: Cashew Cheese Sickens with Salmonella Stanley

Late Friday afternoon the CDC announce a total of 14 persons (down from the 15 announced by California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on Thursday) infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Stanley have been reported from three states.

Most of the ill people have been reported from California (85%).

The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: California (12), Nevada (1), and Wyoming (1).

One ill person identified in Utah likely acquired their infection during international travel and was excluded from the case count.

25% of ill persons have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Collaborative investigative efforts of state, local, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicate that raw cashew cheese produced by The Cultured Kitchen of West Sacramento, California is the likely source of this outbreak.

On Thursday CDPH Director and State Health Officer Dr. Ron Chapman today warned people not to eat cashew cheese products manufactured by The Cultured Kitchen because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. Fifteen cases of illnesses have been reported in the Western United States, with twelve of the cases occurring in California. Three patients have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

The Cultured Kitchen of West Sacramento, California has initiated a voluntary recall of all flavors of its cashew cheese products with expiration dates on or before April 19, 2014, due to the risk of contamination with Salmonella. The products were sold in natural food stores throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada, and at farmers markets in Sacramento County.

The cashew cheese products were sold in eight-ounce plastic containers in the following flavors: Herb, smoked cheddar, pepper jack, habanero cilantro lime, basil pesto and white cheddar.

While the cashew cheese products are no longer being sold at retail facilities, CDPH is concerned that consumers may still have some of these products in their homes.

from Food Safety News » Food Recalls http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/01/cdc-cashew-cheese-sickens-with-salmonella-stanley/

Mock Outback Steakhouse Green Beans

This is the 2nd recipe posted but...more ingredients and silvered almonds as topping are optional. What is nice about this recipe, you can cook beans, drain. and cool. Right before serving, make the cooked dressing, heat the cooked beans and toss with the dressing. The brown sugar, soy sauce and garlic powder make the dressing "pop" and perfect with steak & fish or shellfish.

Mock Outback Steakhouse Green Beans Rating: 0 Created: Jan 3, 2014 3:31:54 PM

from Food.com: Asian Recipes http://www.food.com/recipe/mock-outback-steakhouse-green-beans-511652

Korean Style Vinaigrette

This is a Korean inspired vinaigrette but should not be confused with something that they actually serve in South Korea (it may be but I have no idea). All I know is that it's delicious on greens.

Korean Style Vinaigrette Rating: 0 Created: Jan 3, 2014 3:30:26 PM

from Food.com: Asian Recipes http://www.food.com/recipe/korean-style-vinaigrette-511650

Pork Fried Rice in Cast Iron

Hardy and Delicious!!! I use my leftover pork chops and my old seasoned cast iron skillet. Using it in a super hot oven gives food that pan seared flavor without all that extra fat to fry it in! Hardy enough to serve as a main dish. My husband loves it!!!

Pork Fried Rice in Cast Iron Rating: 0 Created: Jan 2, 2014 1:31:49 PM

from Food.com: Asian Recipes http://www.food.com/recipe/pork-fried-rice-in-cast-iron-511620

Future crop yields raise concern

A study published in Nature Communications shows that about 30% of the major global cereal crops—rice, wheat, and corn—may have reached their maximum possible yields in farmers’ fields.



from IFT Daily News http://www.ift.org/Food-Technology/Daily-News/2014/January/02/Future-crop-yields-raise-concern.aspx

Healthier kid’s meal choices may impact calorie intake

A study published in the Obesity Journal shows that children can eat a favorite fast-food meal and still cut calories.



from IFT Daily News http://www.ift.org/Food-Technology/Daily-News/2014/January/02/Healthier-kids-meal-choices-may-impact-calorie-intake.aspx

U.S. restaurant performance hit a five-month high in November

Driven by improving same-store sales and customer traffic levels, the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) hit a five-month high in November 2013.



from IFT Daily News http://www.ift.org/Food-Technology/Daily-News/2014/January/02/US-restaurant-performance-hit-a-five-month-high-in-November.aspx