We've probably all seen the funny memes, mocking the difficulty of deciding what to eat for dinner, EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT. lol. Reality is though, it IS exhausting to plan and meal prep for yourself, 365/24/7. Now add in some kiddo's and/or a significant other?! Pheww.... I feel it. and NOW, Add in a variety of food recalls and the task can seem genuinely daunting..
First Up, Newsworthy Food Recalls:
My personal eye-opener =
Deli Meats
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Meats Sliced at Delis
"Boars Head deli meat implicated in outbreak of Listeria infections; recall initiated"
"The outbreak has sickened 34 people across 13 states. All but one of the patients have been admitted to hospitals. Two patients have died, one from Illinois and one from New Jersey, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
Specific Products Include:
Boar’s Head Ready-to-Eat Liverwurst Products
Produced between June 11, 2024 and July 17, 2024, and have a 44-day shelf-life
“Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst made in Virginia”
5 pound loaves in plastic casing, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis
Sell by dates range from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 2024
Other Boar’s Head Deli Meat Products
Recalled products have “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels. Many types and sizes were recalled with sell-by dates of August 10 or August 15.
Virginia Ham Old Fashiond Ham
Italian Cappy Style Ham
Extra Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham
Bologna
Beef Salami
Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat & Eat
Garlic Bologna
Beef Bologna
Vegetables:
There are a ton of recalls at the moment on various vegetables. Let's check out the most recent recalls below
Cucumbers
Jalapenos
Salad
Pepper Mixes
Spinach
Green Beans
Weirs Farm is one currently with multiple products on recall due to potential listeria contamination.
Product Name: Whole Cucumbers
Size: 1.5-2.5 inch diameter, 6-9 inch length
Product Name: Wiers Farm 2 lb bagged Salad Cucumber
Packaging: clear bag with blue base
Distribution: Select Walmart stores in MI, IN and OH
Soon following the initial recall, multiple other items were added to this recall list. "Wiers Farm, Inc Expands Voluntary Recall on Whole and Salad Cucumbers Due to Possible Contamination with Listeria"
RETAIL PACKAGED ITEMS
Sold at select Walmart stores in CT, DE, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, and WV
Wiers Farm Bagged Poblano - UPC 073064202581 – 16 oz bag
Wiers Farm Bagged Cubanelle - UPC 073064201836 – 16 oz bag
Wiers Farm Bagged Green Beans – UPC 073064200846 – variable weight bag
Wiers Farm Bagged Salad Cucumber – UPC 073064459619 – 2 lb. bag
Wiers Farm Bagged Serrano – UPC 073064201829 – 4 oz bag
Wiers Farm Organic Bell Pepper – UPC 073064201416 – 2 count tray
Wiers Farm Organic Cucumber – UPC 073064201423 – 2 count tray
Wiers Farm Organic Yellow Squash – UPC 073064201447 – 2 count tray
Wiers Farm Organic Zucchini Squash – UPC 073064201430 – 2 count tray
Sold at Aldi stores in KY, NY, OH, PA and WV
Freshire Farms Bagged Green Beans – 16 oz bag
Freshire Farms Bagged Jalapenos – 8 oz bag
BULK RETAIL ITEMS SOLD INDIVIDUALLY OR BY THE POUND
Anaheim peppers
Cilantro – sold in bunches
Cubanelle peppers
Cucumber – whole
Green beans
Green Bell Pepper
Habanero peppers
Hungarian Wax peppers
Jalapeno peppers
Mixed Vegetable Box (shipped to Cleveland and Youngstown, Ohio Foodbanks only)
Mustard Greens – sold in bunches
Pickling Cucumber
Plain Parsley – sold in bunches
Poblano peppers
Serrano peppers
Tomatillos
At this time, no confirmed cases of Listeria have been reported. This potential contamination was discovered through routine monitoring and checks, as you see below.
"Wiers Farm Inc., in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), began its investigation in response to original findings reported by the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDARD). This expansion is in response to that investigation."
See full FDA Recall Page here: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wiers-farm-inc-expands-voluntary-recall-whole-and-salad-cucumbers-due-possible-contamination
Guacamole, salsa, recalled in 5 states due to risk of 'sometimes fatal' illness
Supreme Service Solutions LLC. (dba Supreme Produce) is assisting in a Kroger Store recall for items purchased from Weirs Farm Inc. (purchased from Kroger Stores) due to possible contamination with Listeria Monocytogenes.
"JFE Franchising, Inc. of Houston, TX, is recalling a limited number of products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall is in connection to a previous recall released by Wiers Farm, Inc. dated July 22, 2024. Products involved in this recall were packed between July 6-19, 2024." All items were sold in plastic clam-shell containers and sold at select Kroger retail stores in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia & Jay C Food retail stores in Indiana:
SNOWFRUIT Butternut Squash Cubes – UPC 639123880352 – 12oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Chopped Cilantro with White Onion – UPC 639123880062 – 5oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Diced Pepper Tri-Blend – UPC 639123880024 – 8oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Diced Pepper w/ White Onion – UPC 639123880048 – 7oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Fajita Mix, Hot – UPC 639123880406 – 11oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Fajita Mix, Mild – UPC 639123880390 – 11oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Guacamole & Pico de Gallo Combo – UPC 639123880574 – 16oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Guacamole Chunky Medium – UPC 639123880161 – 14oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Guacamole Chunky Mild – UPC 639123880154 – 14oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Pico de Gallo Classic Hot – UPC 639123880116 – 14oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Pico de Gallo Classic Medium – UPC 639123880093 – 14oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Pico de Gallo Classic Mild – UPC 639123880109 – 14oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Salsa Medium – UPC 639123880185 – 16oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Salsa Mild – UPC 639123880178 – 16oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Snacking Peppers – UPC 639123880260 – 12oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Diced Jalapeno – UPC 639123880031 – 7oz Container
SNOWFRUIT Guacamole Blender Mild – UPC 639123880789 – 12oz Container
& while we are at it with Freshire Farms here,
"In Association with Wiers Farm, Inc. and R.S. Hanline Co Inc., ALDI Recalls Jalapenos, Green Peppers and Green Beans Due to a Potential Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination"
The full product details include:
Product Name: | Package Description | UPC Code |
Jalapeno | 8 oz. bag | 4099100087680 |
Green Pepper | 16 oz. (3 pack) bag | 4099100087598 |
Green Beans | 16 oz. bag | 4099100087826 |
The affected product was sold at select ALDI stores in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
"Solata Foods Recalls Fresh Spinach and Spinach Products Due to Possible Health Risk"
The recalled “Fresh Spinach” was distributed locally in retail stores. The product comes in various sizes listed below with all brand names, All packages have lot numbers # 40606 and 11006 on the package and with an expiration date of 6/20/24 and 6/24/24 stamped on the side. The product UPC codes are listed below.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The contamination was discovered after sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Market Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of L. monocytogenes in a 9-ounce package of Bogopa “Fresh Spinach.” Production of the product has been suspended
Wow.... and that was just vegetables....
A few more big recalls at the moment?!
Nuts & Spices:
Walnuts - Stutz Packing Co. Recalls Walnut Product Because of Possible Health Risk
Stutz Packing Company of Indio, CA is voluntarily recalling it’s 1-pound packages of Shelled Walnuts, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes The recalled product is limited to 1-pound Shelled Walnuts, UPC Code 7 15001 00908 1 The product comes in a 1-pound, clear plastic packaging with a red outlined white box printed in the center of the bag. Product description “SHELLED WALNUTS”, lot code 24171 1 or 24172 1, printed in black on the front of the bag.
Cinnamon: ALB-USA Enterprises, Inc. of Bronx, NY is recalling ALB Flavor brand Cinnamon Powder, because it potentially contaminated with elevated levels of lead. ALB Flavor brand Ground Cinnamon was distributed to retailers located in New York, Connecticut, Michigan, and Massachusetts, between 12/15/2022 and 05/13/2024. The product hasn’t been sold online.
The product is branded under the ALB FLAVOR name and is packaged in a plastic bag with a net weight of 100 grams. It features a brown carton packaging with an image of cinnamon powder and two cinnamon sticks centered at the bottom.
On the back, you'll find information about the product's origin, a description, a QR code for recipes, the UPC 5304000333362, the Best Before date of 30/08/2025, and the Lot number LA02.
Remember when the Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches were recalled due to elevated lead levels?....
*Note: the cinnamon recall above is separate from the cinnamon applesauce recall
Tahini: AB World Foods US, Inc. Recalls Al’Fez Natural Tahini Because of Possible Health Risk
AB World Foods US, Inc. of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling Al’Fez Natural Tahini in 5.6oz glass jars because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled Al’Fez Natural Tahini was distributed nationwide in retail stores beginning 05/26/23. The recalled Al’Fez Natural Tahini was sold in 5.6oz glass jars, UPC 711464506778, and with a “BEST BEFORE” of “2024 JL 11” or later. The specific codes being recalled are: Lot Numbers “3031”, “3080”, “3270”, “3297” with corresponding BEST BEFORE: “2024 JL 31”; “2024 SE 09”; “2025 MR 27”; “2025 AL 04”. The recall only applies to these codes, the codes are located on the back of the jar as depicted in the pictures below. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ab-world-foods-us-inc-recalls-alfez-natural-tahini-because-possible-health-risk
Macadamia: Sunco & Frenchie LLC. Recalls Terrafina Brand Macadamia in the Raw Because of Possible Health Risk
"Sunco and Frenchie LLC of Pine Brook, New Jersey is recalling Terrafina brand Macadamia in the Raw packed in 6 oz plastic containers, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Terrafina Brand Macadamia in the Raw was distributed in New York through retail stores. Oak Foods LLC was the distributor.
Brand Name Terrafina with the product name Macadamia in the Raw. Best by Date is 05/2025 and Lot # is RMA241201. UPC# 847938003570. The container is plastic square shaped, and the label indicates size 6 oz and has a light green color for the front label. The nutrition label indicates distributed by Oak Foods LLC, Bronx NY 10474. The raw macadamia nuts were manufactured by SolCaribe, S.A., Costa Rica. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunco-frenchie-llc-recalls-terrafina-brand-macadamia-raw-because-possible-health-risk
As we've seen through these multiple food recalls, maintaining vigilance about food safety is crucial. Always stay informed by checking for the latest updates from reliable sources and take immediate action if you have any recalled products in your home. By staying proactive and educated, we can all contribute to a safer food supply for our families and communities. Remember, when in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety. Stay safe and stay informed!
Food Storage Magnets on the Baby Food and Fun Shop!!
Starting solids can be stressful. You've just gotten used to a feeding schedule, and suddenly, it is time to start trying solids! Food safety is especially important for our little ones as they are more susceptible to foodborne illness. Check out our magnet with Baby Food Storage Guidelines to help take some of the confusion and stress off your plate!
**Also available in Formula Feeding ; Breastfeeding ; and Combination Feeding
As many of us are gearing up to head back to school in the upcoming weeks + soaking up those last moments of summer fun, meal planning can seem like more of a chore than ever.
One tool I use to help in my meal planning?!
My Plate
The USDA replaced the Food Pyramid in 2011 with MyPlate as a visual "recommendation" regarding diet, serving sizes/portions, and how to fit various foods into your day.🧀🍕🍉🌽
I personally love this tool because it is SIMPLE. When I plan meals for my family, I run through this plate in my head. How many food groups was I able to check off in this meal?! Do I hit all of these marks?! It's also helpful in remembering how much protein we need and encourages adequate vegetable and fruit intake!✅✅✅
If it sounds tough.. I promise, it just takes a little practice. & it is probably more practice just identifying the sources than actually trying to get these sources into the diet. You may already be hitting these marks!
Let's pack a quick meal for my second grader (age 7):❤
1 turkey and cheese sandwich with ketchup (protein, carbohydrate, dairy)
1 cup of strawberries (fruit)
1 yogurt (dairy)
Carrots and Dip (veggie)
Milk (dairy)
Now, that may seem like a simple one. Let's pack one more meal, a go to favorite of ours:
Meatballs + Marinara Sauce + Cheese (protein, dairy, (maybe veggie?))
Bread / Roll (carbohydrate)
Applesauce (fruit)
Cottage Cheese (dairy)
Green Beans or Veggies & Dip (Bell Peppers, Carrots, Cucumber, Broccoli) (vegetable, dairy?)
Milk (dairy)
Picturing that plate in my head is so helpful in assuring I am covering a variety!
Keep in mind, some meals may have multiple components in 1 food item!
An example?! 🍔🌮🍱🥘🧆
Chicken Pot Pie (protein, carbohydrate, vegetable, dairy)
1 cup Raspberries (fruit)
Milk (dairy)
A few extra quick tips?!❤❤
You CAN repeat foods & meals in the same week! I often serve the same thing on Thursday as I did on Monday & the same on Friday as I did on Tuesday. This helps consolidate variety of foods bought and helps to avoid spoilage
Pick 2-3 fruits and veggies each week and keep rotating these
Sometimes, simple changes to a meal can make a total difference. If you often serve sandwiches, cut into shapes or prep in a different way occasionally
Sauces are powerful tools and do NOT take away from nutritional value of other foods! Use sauces as you need to encourage intake (check my Blog Post on that topic here! https://www.babyfoodandfun.com/post/does-adding-a-sauce-take-away-the-good-1)
In November 2022, the National Center of Health Statistics (NCHS) released a study (see link below) which indicated that only ~25% of the American population is familiar with MyPlate.😮
1/4.
MyPlate replaced the Food Pyramid in 2011.
It’s over a decade later, and only 25% can tell you about it?? 🤔😔
What’s worse?
Only 8% use it as a tool..
This really surprised me.😱
The National Center for Health Statistics released their study, Awareness of MyPlate: 2017-2020,
Conversations continue at various levels of government and beyond regarding nutrition and diet. How can the facts be communicated best? Is a front of package nutrition label the answer? Bold the calories? Stoplight approach? List every single nutrient in an item? Leave things as they are?
I don't know the answer to these questions and what is best for us as consumers.
But I do know that MyPlate is a tool that is already in place, is super helpful, and is absolutely underused as a resource. Let's start here. With variety. With appropriate portions. With ALL the food groups... and let's just see where it goes
Happy Meal Planning!! ❤
❤❤
Thank you for your support and love in this space! It means more to me than you will ever know.
I truly enjoy sharing this information and I hope you find the information provided valuable. If you do find this information helpful, I kindly ask that you consider sharing - via social media, word of mouth, email, etc. I would love to help support as many out there as I can! <3
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Thank you again for giving Baby Food & Fun, LLC a place to grow and flourish, just like our kids :)
Jessica Enderle, R.D., L.D.
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