Jan 2009
Harry and David Recall
31/01/09 13:15 Filed in: In the News
January 29, 2009 -- Harry and David, of Medford, Oregon, is voluntarily recalling two Olympia Delight Trail Mix products because they contain peanuts that were manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), which is the focus of an ongoing Salmonella investigation by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA). PCA is one of the suppliers of peanut ingredients to the company’s contracted manufacturer.
The following items are subject to this recall:
- Approximately 30,500 12 oz. bags labeled Olympia Delight Trail Mix
- Approximately 14,200 5 oz. boxes labeled Olympia Delight Trail Mix
The trail mix product was supplied to Harry and David by Nature’s World LLC.
Affected product was distributed throughout the United States under the Harry & David brand. The bagged product was sold only in Harry and David stores. The boxed product was sold in both Harry and David stores Barnes and Noble, T.J. Maxx, Marshall’s, and HomeGoods stores.
Affected product can be recognized by:
Bagged product – The trail mix is packaged in 12 oz. clear plastic bags. The “Best if used by” date is located on the lower left hand corner of the back label of the bagged product. Affected product has a best if used by date of 3/28/08 or later. The lot code is ink jetted on the bag and the code format is ####XXX##:##, where # = a number and X = a letter. Affected product lot codes have a 7 or 8 in the fourth digit place. UPC code is 780994604896.
Boxed product – The trail mix is packaged in 5 oz tan colored paperboard boxes. The lot code is ink jetted on the box. The lot code format is ####XXX##:##, where # = a number and X = a letter. Affected product lot codes have a 7 or 8 in the fourth digit place. UPC code is 780994737013 or 780994751262.
There have been no illnesses or injuries reported to date affiliated with these products. Anyone concerned about an illness/injury should contact a physician immediately. Harry and David has informed FDA of its actions and is fully cooperating with the Agency.
Consumers with either product may return it to any Harry and David retail store for a full refund. Consumers with questions about the recalled product may phone the Harry and David Customer Service division at 800-233-1101, 24 hours a day.
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Brent and Sam Recall
24/01/09 23:00 Filed in: In the News
January 23, 2009 -- North Little Rock-based Brent and Sam’s announced today a voluntary recall of one flavor of Sam’s Choice Cookies as a precautionary measure due to the recall expansion by Peanut Corporation of America’s Blakely, Georgia facility, which is the subject of an FDA investigation concerning the recent salmonella outbreak.
The recalled Sam’s Choice cookie item contains peanut butter supplied by Peanut Corporation of America. There are no reported illnesses associated with this cookie item, which was sold at Wal Mart stores nationwide. Included in the recall is:
Sam’s Choice Brand Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, codes: A517Jan09, A5Jan242009 Salmonella is 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 servere illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Consumers are advised not to consume this item and may return the item to Wal Mart for a refund or they may call Wal Mart Customer Relations at 1-800-925-6278.
This item was discontinued by Wal Mart in August 2008. This recall is being undertaken in an abundance of caution. The safety and quality of Brent and Sam’s products are of utmost importance to the company. As a result, Brent and Sam’s is destroying its remaining supply of product received from Peanut Corp. of America and has discontinued using them as a supplier.
The recalled Sam’s Choice cookie item contains peanut butter supplied by Peanut Corporation of America. There are no reported illnesses associated with this cookie item, which was sold at Wal Mart stores nationwide. Included in the recall is:
Sam’s Choice Brand Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, codes: A517Jan09, A5Jan242009 Salmonella is 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 servere illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Consumers are advised not to consume this item and may return the item to Wal Mart for a refund or they may call Wal Mart Customer Relations at 1-800-925-6278.
This item was discontinued by Wal Mart in August 2008. This recall is being undertaken in an abundance of caution. The safety and quality of Brent and Sam’s products are of utmost importance to the company. As a result, Brent and Sam’s is destroying its remaining supply of product received from Peanut Corp. of America and has discontinued using them as a supplier.
Archer Farm Recall
24/01/09 22:59 Filed in: In the News
January 23, 2009 -- North Little Rock-based Brent and Sam's announced today a voluntary recall of two flavors of Archer Farms cookies as a precautionary measure due to the recall expansion of Peanut Corporation of America's Blakely, Georgia facility, which is the subject of an FDA investigation concerning the recent salmonella outbreak.
The recalled Archer Farms cookie items contain peanut butter supplied by Peanut Corporation of America. There are no reported illnesses associated with these cookie items, which are sold at Target and Super Target stores nationwide. Included in the recall are:
Archer Farms Brand Milk Chocolate Monster Chewy Soft Baked Cookies 8.6oz, UPC 85239 09156 Recalled date codes include: 26Jan2009A, 31Jan2009A, 09Feb2009B, 09Feb2009A, 14Feb2009B2, 17Feb2009B2, 08Mar2009B2, 15Mar2009B2, 21Mar2009A2, 12Apr2009A2, 21Apr2009A2, 16May2009B2, 23May2009A2, 31May2009B2
Archer Farms Brand Double peanut Butter Chewy Soft Baked Cookies 8.6oz, UPC code 85239 09811 Recalled date codes include: 01Feb2009, 07Feb2009A, 14Feb2009B2, 17Feb2009B2, 16Mar2009A2, 22Mar2009A2, 12Apr2009A2, Apr 18 2009, 06May2009B2, 19May2009B2, 25May2009A2, 02Jun2009A2, 13Jun2009B2
No other Archer Farms cookie items are included in the recall.
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, fail 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.
Consumers are advised not to consume these items and may return the items to Target for a refund or they may call target Guest Relations at 1-800-316-6151.
The safety and quality of Brent and Sam's products are of utmost importance to the company. As a result, Brent and Sam's is destroying its remaining supply of product received from Peanut Corp. of America and has discontinued using them as a supplier.
Consumers with additional questions on the recall may contact Phil Brooks at 704-554-5548.
The recalled Archer Farms cookie items contain peanut butter supplied by Peanut Corporation of America. There are no reported illnesses associated with these cookie items, which are sold at Target and Super Target stores nationwide. Included in the recall are:
Archer Farms Brand Milk Chocolate Monster Chewy Soft Baked Cookies 8.6oz, UPC 85239 09156 Recalled date codes include: 26Jan2009A, 31Jan2009A, 09Feb2009B, 09Feb2009A, 14Feb2009B2, 17Feb2009B2, 08Mar2009B2, 15Mar2009B2, 21Mar2009A2, 12Apr2009A2, 21Apr2009A2, 16May2009B2, 23May2009A2, 31May2009B2
Archer Farms Brand Double peanut Butter Chewy Soft Baked Cookies 8.6oz, UPC code 85239 09811 Recalled date codes include: 01Feb2009, 07Feb2009A, 14Feb2009B2, 17Feb2009B2, 16Mar2009A2, 22Mar2009A2, 12Apr2009A2, Apr 18 2009, 06May2009B2, 19May2009B2, 25May2009A2, 02Jun2009A2, 13Jun2009B2
No other Archer Farms cookie items are included in the recall.
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, fail 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.
Consumers are advised not to consume these items and may return the items to Target for a refund or they may call target Guest Relations at 1-800-316-6151.
The safety and quality of Brent and Sam's products are of utmost importance to the company. As a result, Brent and Sam's is destroying its remaining supply of product received from Peanut Corp. of America and has discontinued using them as a supplier.
Consumers with additional questions on the recall may contact Phil Brooks at 704-554-5548.
Stonewall Kitchen Recall Notice
24/01/09 22:57 Filed in: In the News
January 23, 2009 -- As a precautionary measure, Stonewall Kitchen of York, Maine is voluntarily recalling seven dessert sauces because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.
Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also me common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.
The following list of products was distributed nationwide to consumers through the nine Stonewall Kitchen Company Stores, Stonewall Kitchen’s direct-to-consumer division (catalog/internet) and through their wholesale division. Products could have been purchased individually or within a gift basket. This recall affects all product codes and expiration dates for:
Stonewall Kitchen is voluntarily recalling these products due to the fact that during manufacturing, the pH level and water activity did not meet our food safety standards.
If a consumer has the any of the above products, we recommend they discontinue the use of that jar and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Stonewall Kitchen Premier Services at 1-800-826-1735.
Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also me common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.
The following list of products was distributed nationwide to consumers through the nine Stonewall Kitchen Company Stores, Stonewall Kitchen’s direct-to-consumer division (catalog/internet) and through their wholesale division. Products could have been purchased individually or within a gift basket. This recall affects all product codes and expiration dates for:
- Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce (SKU 161312) – round glass jar, 12 oz.
- Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Peanut Butter (SKU 161211) – round glass jar, 12 oz.
- Stonewall Kitchen Coffee Caramel Sauce (SKU 161204) – round glass jar, 13 oz.
- Stonewall Kitchen Dulce de Leche Sauce (SKU 161214) – round glass jar, 12.5 oz.
- Barefoot Contessa Espresso Dulce de Leche (SKU 542313) – round glass jar, 10.5 oz.
- Simply Enjoy Coffee Caramel Sauce – square glass jar, 13 oz.
- Simply Enjoy Chocolate Peanut Butter Sauce – square glass jar, 12 oz.
Stonewall Kitchen is voluntarily recalling these products due to the fact that during manufacturing, the pH level and water activity did not meet our food safety standards.
If a consumer has the any of the above products, we recommend they discontinue the use of that jar and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Stonewall Kitchen Premier Services at 1-800-826-1735.
Kellogg On Hold
14/01/09 21:34 Filed in: In the News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Battle Creek, MI -- January 14, 2009 -- Kellogg Company today announced it has taken the precautionary measure of putting a hold on Austin® and Keebler® branded Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Crackers, Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, and Peanut Butter-Chocolate Sandwich Crackers.
FDA and other regulatory agencies have indicated that Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is the focus of their investigation concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. PCA is one of several peanut paste suppliers that the company uses in its Austin® and Keebler® branded peanut butter sandwich crackers.
Kellogg Company's investigation has not indicated any concerns, nor has the Company received any consumer illness complaints about these products.
Nonetheless, Kellogg Company is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as to the resolution of this issue.
"Consumer health and safety is our top priority," said David Mackay, president and CEO, Kellogg Company. "We are taking these voluntary actions out of an abundance of caution."
While no additional consumer action is necessary at this time, consumers with questions or who would like a product refund can call the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 888-314-2060.
FDA and other regulatory agencies have indicated that Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is the focus of their investigation concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. PCA is one of several peanut paste suppliers that the company uses in its Austin® and Keebler® branded peanut butter sandwich crackers.
Kellogg Company's investigation has not indicated any concerns, nor has the Company received any consumer illness complaints about these products.
Nonetheless, Kellogg Company is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as to the resolution of this issue.
"Consumer health and safety is our top priority," said David Mackay, president and CEO, Kellogg Company. "We are taking these voluntary actions out of an abundance of caution."
While no additional consumer action is necessary at this time, consumers with questions or who would like a product refund can call the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 888-314-2060.
Ribbon Tie-On Video
08/01/09 11:37 Filed in: New from Gift Basket Review
Bow and Plush Tie-On Technique
Gift wrapping services can provide a great new revenue stream. Plus, it can coax customers into extra add-on sales. Use the quick tip in this new video lesson from Gift Basket Review Online to perk up sales with add-on gifts, and create a memorable presentation.
The soon-to-be-posted video is free to members of Gift Basket Review Online, the world’s largest gift basket resource site. If you’re not already a member, check out the free videos on the site -- available for viewing to guests. You will not be asked for a credit card for free videos, so ignore the pop-up message -- (it freaks out some guests to the site). Enjoy the free videos and subscribe for the BEST ones!
Stretching Your Dollars Video
08/01/09 11:31 Filed in: New from Gift Basket Review
Wine On The Side
Stretching Your Dollars
Wine, chocolate and roses are the most popular Valentine gifts. But putting them together in a gift basket can be expensive. This new video lesson from Gift Basket Review Online (hosted by Debra Paulk) demonstrates a method for stretching the inventory by placing the wine bottle horizontally, and propping it up for more design interest.
The video will be available in download format, free to subscribing members of Gift Basket Review Online, the world’s largest gift basket resource site. Annual membership is $39.95 and provides access to thousands of gift basket design photos, dozens of gift basket videos, hundreds of articles, and access to Gift Basket Review magazine archives. The site is updated seasonally with new videos, articles, design ideas and more.
Stretch Your Inventory Video
08/01/09 11:17 Filed in: New from Gift Basket Review
Season to Season Gift Design
Classic Stack Saves Time and Money
Keep inventory tight with gift designs that move seamlessly from one season to the next. This new video lesson from Gift Basket Review Online, hosted by Debra Paulk, shows how to change accent gifts and ribbon to take a gourmet stack from Valentine’s Day to Mother’s Day.
This one-minute download is expected to posted by next week, along with three other new titles. The video will be available to members of GBR Online, the largest gift basket resource site in the world. Members have access to thousands of gift basket design photos, hundreds of articles, archives of Gift Basket Review magazine, and dozens of videos. www.gbreview.com.
Twisted Ribbon Video
08/01/09 11:13 Filed in: New from Gift Basket Review
Easy Technique Adds Design Interest
Versatile, time-saving gift towers and stacks are always in fashion. Fill the containers with whatever the recipient likes. In this NEW video lesson from Gift Basket Review Online, you’ll pick up a little ribbon design twist that can add a lot of interest to your stacks and towers.
The soon-to-be-posted video is available in download format and is free to subscribing members of GBR Online. To subscribe, go to www.gbreview.com. Annual subscriptions are $39.95 and provide members access to the largest gift basket resource center in the world. Over 2,000 photos, hundreds of articles, and dozens of videos. The site is updated seasonally with fresh information and new articles.
Fighting the Fat Tax
05/01/09 21:26 Filed in: In the News
AWARD-WINNING NYC BEVERAGE ENTREPRENEUR
CALLS ON STATE LEGISLATURE TO REJECT OBESITY TAX
(NEW YORK, NY) - Liz Morrill, Founder & CEO of Fizzy Lizzy, a brand of all-natural sparkling juice based in Manhattan, has issued urgent appeals to all members of the New York State Legislature to reject Governor Paterson's planned eighteen percent "obesity tax" on carbonated beverages slated for 2009. In New York City, the tariff would increase the existing sales tax on sparkling juice (and on numerous other packaged beverages) that has existed since 1965, to over 26%.
"The proposed tax is completely irrational" states Morrill. "For instance" Morrill goes on, "it imposes no tax on 100% juices such as Tropicana Pure Premium Orange, which has a whopping 165 calories and 33 grams of sugar per 12 ounces, but levies a massive 26% tax on Fizzy Lizzy Tangerine, (50% juice and 50% seltzer), which contains only 100 calories and 24 grams of sugar per 12-ounce bottle. I started this company precisely because people wanted a lower-calorie and refreshing alternative to plain juice. Now it seems that Governor Paterson wants to penalize my company, and others like it, for providing healthful, all-natural alternatives.
Even more perplexing", Morrill continues, "is the fact that diet sodas, laden with artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors and preservatives, which numerous scientific studies have shown actually increase one's yearning for sweets, get a pass but all non-diet carbonated beverages, regardless of calorie and nutritional content, are heavily taxed. So nonsensical is this proposal that it even applies to flavored seltzer containing zero calories!
Oddly, almost all non-carbonated beverages without regard to nutritional profile, get a pass. Instead of mindlessly demonizing carbonation, the tax, if any, should be based upon objective nutritional criteria such as calories and sugars per ounce. It should favor all-natural products that intrinsically provide vitamins, minerals and other nutrients as well."
Fizzy Lizzy is an all-natural line of beverages consisting of fruit juice and sparkling water with no added sugar or corn syrup. With an average of 56% juice per bottle, Fizzy Lizzy's entire product line contains fewer calories and grams of sugar per ounce than any other brand of sparkling juice. Established in 2000, Fizzy Lizzy received a silver medal at the 2007 Fancy Food Show for "Outstanding Cold Beverage" and has been lauded by media ranging from Better Nutrition to Food & Wine to The New York Times. The company's beverages are available in eight flavors and are sold in select supermarkets, gourmet- and health-food stores and cafés nationwide. For more information, please call 800-203-9336 and/or visit www.fizzylizzy.com.
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Topaz Wafer Rolls Recall
05/01/09 12:59 Filed in: In the News
December 19, 2008 – National Brands Inc., Spring Valley NY is initiating a nationwide recall of all their 4.76oz (135gm) cans and 12.3oz (350gm) cans of Topaz brand Wafer Rolls because it may be contaminated with Melamine.
Product was distributed nationwide through retail stores.
The product comes in 4.76oz (135gm) metal cans and 12.3oz (350gm) metal cans in the following four flavors:
- Topaz Wafer Rolls with Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085A, L8219A, L8245A
- Topaz Wafer Rolls with Hazelnut Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085D, L8219D, L8245D
- Topaz Wafer Rolls with Vanilla Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085B, L8219B, L8245B
- Topaz Wafer Rolls with Mocha Cappuccino Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085C, L8219C, L8245C
The recall was initiated after FDA testing discovered that product was found to contain Melamine.
Consumers who have purchased Topaz brand Wafer Rolls are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-866-238-5201, Monday to Friday 9:00 to 5:00, Eastern Standard Time.
Mauve Makes a Comeback
02/01/09 18:46 Filed in: Gift Buyer Review
The Return of the "M" Word - It's mauve. Remember mauve? An old color that looks new again, in dusty violet shades, mauve works as an accent but also serves now as a neutral, punched up by those bright Asian accents (orange, turquoise, teal, red, and yellow.)
The Chocolate/Pink Mod Squares container by Boxco, although certainly in the pink, suggests the rosy return of mauve is making headway.
According to Color Marketing Group, the top color choices for 2009 have been influenced by both our concern for the economy and our optimism about the future. CMG predicts more evolution than revolution in color trends for the coming new season.
"We're finding comfort in colors that are familiar, and yet, at the same time, we're embracing colors that make us happy -- especially as accents," said executive director, Jaime Stephens.
About Color Marketing Group - Color Marketing Group forecasts color trends up to three years into the future for its members, many of whom must plan ahead for product, space and materials introductions. For more information: www.colormarketing.org.
Product Source: Boxco (boxcoindustries.com)
Valentine Chocolate
02/01/09 18:37 Filed in: Gift Buyer Review
Too Sexy for a Basket?
Not a chance! Naughty gift baskets have been the second most popular category of themes for the past 25 years -- second only to wine and roses. This year, trend forecasters say that the desire to have fun is a key element destined to pry tight dollars out of a buyer’s wallet.
So -- go ahead and build that sexy gift basket for Valentine’s Day! Tuck in a yummy jar of chocolate body fondue, a bottle of champagne, coffee and biscotti for in-the-morning treats, and . . . well, use your imagination to round out the romantic theme.
Product Source: ABasketSupply.com
2009 Trend Report
02/01/09 16:08 Filed in: Gift Buyer Review
2009 Spring Trend Report Coming Soon
Looking for tips on what’s hot and what might be cooling off? Just in time for January trade show buying, Gift Basket Review Online releases its NEW 2009 Trend Report. Look for it next week. One of the trends you’ll see are up and coming flavors for 2009. Among them: Lavender mixed into chocolate. Guess lavender isn’t just for scented sachets anymore!
Product Source: ABasketSupply.com