A few weeks ago, I posted an entry on the recent peanut product contamination scare from a Peanut Corporation of America plant in Blakely, Georgia. Since then, the news has been filled with articles on this topic. I’ve gathered a few of these articles to give you an update on the situation.

Check them out below:

- The makers of peanut products not affected by the salmonella outbreak are spreading the word that their brands are safe. To see a few safe brands and to read the entire article from CNN.com, click here. (Insert: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/02/10/peanut.butter.makers/index.html?iref=newssearch)

- The Peanut Corporation of America plant located in Plainview, Texas is closed and all products manufactured from this plant are recalled. To read this article from USA Today, click here. (Insert: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-02-12-salmonella-recall_N.htm)

- Even parents that don’t have allergy prone little ones are now wondering what to pack their kids for lunch. An article in the Washington Post discusses America’s confusion and frustration with the outbreak. To read the entire article, click here. (Insert: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/13/AR2009021301946.html)

- Hundreds of items have been recalled by the U.S. Drug and Food Administration. Click here (Insert: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm) to view the entire list of recalled products. You can also search for specific products by typing in the brand or product name in the search box.

- The government is working hard to prevent any future outbreaks, including routinely collecting samples for bacterial testing whenever they go into a manufacturing facility. For all of the steps the government is taking to prevent future outbreaks, click here (Insert: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29158355/) to read the entire article from MSNBC.com.

As an allergy parent, you already know the stress that goes along with protecting your child from what seems to be a safe food. The rest of America is unfortunately now experiencing the same thing.

What are your thoughts on the current peanut scare? I’d love to know.

- Christine

The Georgia Agriculture Commissioner, Tommy Irvin, alerted consumers today of the following product recall because it contains a milk ingredient not listed on the product label:

Arrowhead Mills® Organic Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour. The UPC code is #74333-47242 and the lot code is 06OCT09.

The product was distributed nationwide to natural food stores. Those with a severe milk protein allergy or sensitivity should not consume the product.

If you bought this product, you can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

And for questions or concerns, call the manufacturing company, Arrowhead Mills, at 1- 800-749-0730.

- Nita
 

Broughton Foods of Marietta, Ohio is voluntarily recalling several products because they may contain undeclared milk protein. Anyone who has a milk protein allergy or a severe sensitivity to milk protein should not consume these items.

The recall involves the following products:
- Pints of Broughton Orange Juice with a date of January 14, 2009 or earlier and a UPC code of 70880 02070;
- Pints of Broughton Citrus Punch with a date of September 17, 2008 or earlier and a UPC code of 70880 02130;
- Pints of Broughton Fruit Punch with a date of September 16, 2008 or earlier and a UPC code of 70880 02234; and
- Pints of Broughton Brewed Iced Tea With Sugar Added with a date of December 20, 2008 or earlier and a UPC code of 70880 02063.
*You can find the dates on the neck of the container. The UPC code is on the label under the ingredients.

For more information, you can call 1-800-871-6761 for recorded information or 1-800-283-2479 ext. 849 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST to speak with a company representative.

The company issued an apology to all customers.

And remember, if your little one has a milk protein allergy, it’s important to make sure products are manufactured in a 100 percent dairy free environment.

- Christine
 

Unfortunately, the answer might be yes. Recently, Kids with Food Allergies dedicated part of their monthly e-newsletter to articles and resources on potential food allergens in medication and vaccines. The information was very informative and is something I encourage all allergy parents to read and be aware of.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as vaccines, can contain food allergens as inactive ingredients. While a generic form of a drug must be chemically equivalent to its brand name counterpart — and therefore have the same active ingredients — it does not have to contain the same inactive ingredients as its brand name equivalent. Some of these inactive ingredients may be derived from potential food allergens.

All the more reason to read all food labels and packaging inserts carefully. And speak with your child’s allergist regarding the safety of vaccines and medications to ensure your child doesn’t have a surprise reaction.

To read the entire e-newsletter, click here.

And to see a list of e-newsletter topics from Kids with Food Allergies, click here.

I encourage you to check them out!

- Nita
 

Happy early Valentine’s Day to all the allergy parents out there. As we’ve discussed before holiday that revolves around food can be tough for children with food allergies. However, you can show your allergy prone little one just how much you love them even without the chocolate hearts and other edible treats.

Here are a few suggestions to have a fun and relaxing Valentine’s Day:
- Create homemade valentines out of paper. Children love arts and crafts. Use this special day as an excuse to create fun notes for classmates, friends and family members.

- Take a family outing to the park or museum. It’s a great way to celebrate the day without focusing on food.

- Cook your own allergy-free treats for your little one. Visit Recipe Zaar for some ideas. This Web site has hundreds of allergy friendly recipes and you can search by typing what food you would like to avoid.

For 10 other ways to have a food allergy safe Valentine’s Day, click here.

How are you having an allergy-free Valentine’s weekend?

- Christine