WebWire | News by Industry : Big Box Retail / Supermarkets http://www.webwire.com/ Big Box Retail / Supermarkets News by WebWire en Copyright © 2012 WebWire. All Rights Reserved. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 01:20:49 EST WebWire | News by Industry : Big Box Retail / Supermarkets 140 32 http://www.webwire.com/ http://www.webwire.com/imgs/webwire_logo_140x32.gif Lawsuit: Frito-Lay's Genetically Modified Ingredients Are Not 'All-Natural' http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=152298 Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:31:39 EST A proposed class-action lawsuit filed in New York alleges that Frito-Lay misled consumers by advertising that their Tostitos and SunChips brands are 'all-natural' when they contain corn and oils from genetically modified plants. The suit seeks to recover damages based on the claim that consumers allegedly choose to pay more for an 'all-natural' product, rather than similar products that were not.
 
The plaintiff, Chris Shake, believes that marketing the products as 'all-natural' is deceptive, because genetically engineered plants have had their genetic material altered artificially in a laboratory—not through natural processes. A similar lawsuit was also filed in California last year.
 
Frito-Lay, owned by PepsiCo Inc., maintains that it has followed all the industry's regulatory requirements.  
 
Genetically modified organisms (GMO) in the food industry have become a controversial topic in recent years, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been petitioned to require food labels to indicate clearly the presence of genetically engineered ingredients.
 
'The food industry is encountering new challenges, and EMSL Analytical is constantly assessing and implementing new technologies and methods to serve our clients better,' states Joy DellAringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Microbiology Supervisor at EMSL. 'We offer advanced testing services for food adulteration, GMO, and quality control, and our results are legally defensible.'
 
For more information on EMSL's food testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, email info@emsl.com, or visit www.EMSL.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.
 

— WebWireID152298 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Agriculture / Aquaculture Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Class Actions / Lawsuits Environment Food / Beverages WebWireID152298 Article Long Tail Gets Bossy and Squishy - Bottle Boss Adds Beverages to Squish Eggs - http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=152291 Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:42:01 EST Long Tail Adds Beverage and Egg Accessories - Webko changes to Long Tail Products and Expands to Eggs

Austin, TX – February 2, 2012 – Long Tail Products, formerly Webko Products, a marketing and product development agency, has just released the initial offering in a line of household silicone products geared toward the consumer marke, the Squish Silicone™ Microwave Omelet Maker, and new bottleBOSS™ designs which include both the bottleBOSS Wallet Size Opener and bottleBOSS Money Clips with unique laser engraved illustrations including: a Nautilus Star, a Bicep and a Cowboy branding a bottle.

The Squish Silicone Microwave Omelet Maker makes scrumptious omelets in minutes. Unlike similar microwavable omelet makers, this FDA approved, patent pending design is silicone-based instead of plastic; this eliminates the concern of carcinogens leaching into your food. This silicone omelet maket is non-stick, cleans easily, is dishwasher safe, and can handle all the way up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit; unlike the plastic competition, this microwave omelet market will not crack! The first design is available for purchase now for $14.95 on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Squish-Silicone-Microwave-Omelet-Maker/dp/B005ODCMEA, the Squish is perfect for college students, office warriors, athletes, and other time-crunched consumers.

Complementing the infamous Bottle Mates, a wallet size (the size of a credit card to fit in your wallet), stainless steel, lifetime-guaranteed bottle opener only 1mm thick, and the patent pending Bottle Mate Money Clip which includes a stainless steel clip for holding cash, credit or debit cards and other wallet items, the new bottleBOSS designs bear the attitude and personality of users.  

Perfect for the discriminating beer fanatic, home brewing king, or outdoorsman, as a gift for your significant other, coworker, groomsmen, or merely as a great conversation piece at your next fiesta, there is a bottleBOSS with artwork to fit your lifestyle. The bottleBOSS line is available  for purchase immediately for $7.95 for the bottleBOSS Wallet, which has a 5 star Amazon rating, and $14.95 for the bottleBOSS Money Clips models. To learn more or to order go to www.bottleBOSS.com. Both retailer and wholesale distributor inquires are encouraged.

###

About Long Tail Products
Long Tail Products, formerly Webko Products, an Austin, TX based product development and marketing firm, develops and manufactures innovative products for Business to Business and Consumer markets. The company's initial product lines include; the Headset Buddy™ line of  headset adapter products for call center use, telephone, handheld and headset interoperability and the bottleBOSS™ line of unique and functional bottle openers and novelty products.

Long Tail's current product portfolio encompasses more than 30 unique solutions which can be seen at the company's web site: www.LongTailProducts.com or on their product web sites at www.TheHeadsetBuddy.com and www.bottleBOSS.com.

 Keywords: College, cooking, microwave, eggs, FDA, student, Beer, Brew, food, Gifts, bottles, retail, consumer, beverage, alcohol, fraternity, money, currency, sportsman, credit card bottle opener
 
 

— WebWireID152291 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Beer, Wine and Spirits Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Food / Beverages Lifestyle / Society Retail WebWireID152291 Article Undeclared Allergen: Milk Found in Beef Sirloin, Causes Recall http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=152160 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:44:44 EST Approximately 2,645 pounds of beef sirloin products have been recalled, because they contain milk, an allergen that was not on the label. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall, explaining that J&B Group of St. Michael, MN discovered the problem during a routine label review of its product.
 
No health effects relating to the recall have been reported.
 
The recall only affects the following items, produced between January 1, 2011 and September 7, 2011:
 
- 10.5-lb cases of 28 count, 6 oz. "ELLISON MEAT COMPANY BEEF SIRLOIN TOP BUTT STEAK, CAP OFF, NO ROLL, MARINATED," with an identifying case code of 62149.
 
- 10-lb cases of 16 count, 10 oz. "ELLISON MEAT COMPANY BEEF SIRLOIN TOP BUTT STEAK CAP OFF / TENDERIZED WITH FICIN & BROMELAIN," with an identifying case code of 62151.
 
'EMSL Analytical is one of the nation's leading food testing laboratories and offers a wide variety of allergen testing services,' states Joy DellAringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Microbiology Supervisor at EMSL. 'Moreover, we have over 30 locations across the United States and in Canada to serve our clients locally.' 
 
 
For more information on EMSL's food testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, email info@emsl.com, or visit www.EMSL.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.
 

— WebWireID152160 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Agriculture / Aquaculture Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Food / Beverages Restaurants Supplementary Medicine / Nutrition WebWireID152160 Article J&J Recalls Aveeno Baby Lotion after Finding High Levels of Bacteria http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=152150 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:25:06 EST Johnson & Johnson announced that it is voluntarily recalling one lot, which comprises 2,200 tubes, of Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion as a precautionary measure after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found high levels of a common type of bacteria in the product.
 
According to the company, test results done by an independent laboratory showed that levels of bacteria were not excessive. The lotion was sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas, and no health effects related to the recall have been reported.
 
The bacteria that sparked this recall are known as coagulase-negative Staphylococci. They are commonly found on the skin and mucous membranes of humans, so they are not typically considered a health threat.
 
'As one of the nation's leading testing laboratories, EMSL Analytical offers companies advanced microbiology testing services for their consumer products in cases such as these,' states Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., National Microbiology Director at EMSL. 'We help companies deal with quality-control issues and recalls, and because we are an FDA registered, cGMP compliant, and ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, our clients know that they can rely on our results.'
 
For more information on EMSL's testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com, or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.

— WebWireID152150 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Household / Consumer / Cosmetics Retail Supplementary Medicine / Nutrition WebWireID152150 Article Drinking Three Cups of Tea a Day May Help Lower Blood Pressure http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=152142 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:35:40 EST A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that drinking three cups of black tea daily over several months may help lower blood pressure. Research participants—male and female, ages 35 to 75—were split into two groups. One group drank three cups of tea that contained 1,493 milligrams of powdered black tea solids with 429 milligrams of polyphenols and 96 grams of caffeine. The other group drank three cups that contained a placebo with the same taste and caffeine levels but no tea solids.
 
Over six months, the test subjects in the first group saw between a two and a three point drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, compared to the placebo group. The researchers thus concluded that the drop was due to the benefits of the tea's antioxidants, called polyphenols.
 
According to the study's authors, the results could translate into a 10 percent drop in the prevalence of high blood pressure and a 7 to 10 percent decrease in heart disease risk. Other studies have found that polyphenols can reduce or even prevent some of the damage, including cancer and heart disease, caused by compounds known as free radicals.
 
'EMSL Analytical's experienced food chemists test food samples for antioxidative capacity, including polyphenols,' states Eugenia Mirica, Ph.D., Food Chemistry Laboratory Manager at EMSL. 'Our food laboratory offers a wide variety of special testing services needed by those in the food industry, using the most cutting-edge technology available.'
 
For more information on EMSL's food testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, email info@emsl.com, or visit www.EMSL.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.

— WebWireID152142 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Agriculture / Aquaculture Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Food / Beverages Supplementary Medicine / Nutrition WebWireID152142 Article Lunchboxes Recalled After Toxic Chemical Leak http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=152139 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:29:36 EST Insulated lunchboxes made by California Innovations, Inc. of Toronto, Canada have been recalled due to the risk of ingestion of toxic chemicals in the freezer gel packs. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the company recommended that consumers stop using the product immediately.
 
The freezer gel packs inside of the lunchboxes contain diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which could leak. These chemicals are extremely toxic and could pose a poisoning hazard if ingested by children or adults.
 
The firm has received two separate reports of dogs chewing the lunchboxes and ingesting the gel inside the freezer packs. One dog died from the incident, while the other was treated and recovered.
 
'EMSL Analytical's state-of-the-art consumer products laboratory tests for diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol in cases such as these,' states Shannon Kauffman, EMSL's Consumer Products Laboratory Manager. 'Our dedicated account representatives and customer service team are quick to respond to clients' questions or concerns as they guide them through the testing process.'
 
For more information on EMSL's testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com, or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.
 

— WebWireID152139 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Chemical Household / Consumer / Cosmetics Medical / Pharmaceuticals Retail WebWireID152139 Article Walmart Opens Chicago's Second Supercenter http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=151983 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:18:41 EST CHICAGO – Chicago's second Walmart supercenter opened today in the Chatham Market, bringing new jobs and more affordable grocery options to the south side and marking the end of an 8-year effort to bring economic development to the area. The retailer now operates five locations across the city.

'This Wal-Mart is a win-win-win – a win for the local economy, a win for local job creation, and a win for the Chicagoans who now have access to a full selection of groceries and fresh food in Chatham,' said Mayor Emanuel. 'I am committed to driving economic growth and opportunity in our neighborhoods, and will continue to seek opportunities for Chicagoans to find good jobs and advance their communities.'

At a grand opening event at 8331 South Stewart Avenue, Walmart executives were joined by Alderman Brookins and other elected officials and community stakeholders to celebrate the store's 350 jobs and the community's newest option for fresh food and other products local families need.

'This is a great day,' heralded Alderman Brookins. 'It was worth the fight. Chicagoans who live on the South Side deserve to have the same economic opportunities Chicagoans on the North Side take for granted. I believe that the Walmart Supercenter will enable the Chatham Market development to expand and grow, providing even more opportunities for the residents of my community to work and shop close to home.'

The 157,000 sq. ft. store features a full line of groceries as well as a bakery, a delicatessen, a frozen food section and meat, dairy and fresh produce sections. General merchandise areas include pharmacy, apparel and accessories, sporting goods, electronics, home, lawn and garden, fine jewelry and health and beauty.

According to Chatham store manager Keith Richards, who started his Walmart career 11 years ago as an hourly associate and most recently managed the Country Club Hills store, an emphasis was placed on local hiring. More than three-quarters of the store associates live on the south side working in roles like store management, pharmacy, human resources, customer service, cashiers and sales associates.

'All across the country, our customers are at the center of everything we do,' said Labeed Diab, Senior Vice President, Walmart U.S. 'Here in Chicago, we're working hard to make a difference and remain committed to delivering fresh, healthy food choices to those who need them most. As we open new stores in the city, we will continue to be an advocate for our customers by finding solutions that save them money on their groceries and other products their families need.'

Construction of the store was managed via a joint venture between Powers & Sons and UJAMAA Construction, both African-American general contractors. According to Jimmy Akintonde, President UJAMAA Construction, Inc., about 300 construction jobs were created and the selection process was inclusive and local.

'Walmart continues to create opportunity for minorities within the construction industry,' said Mr. Akintonde. 'Through a close working relationship with Walmart, Alderman Brookins and the community, we awarded 39 percent of all subcontracts on this project to M/WBE companies, many of whom were local contractors like ourselves with offices in close proximity to the site.'

In addition to the two locations in Chatham, the retailer operates stores in the West Loop, Wrigleyville and Austin neighborhoods of Chicago.

About Walmart

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at over 9,600 retail units under 69 different banners in 28 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://walmartstores.com and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

— WebWireID151983 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Business Announcements Household / Consumer / Cosmetics Retail WebWireID151983 Article Makro calls on UK firms to make savings on their business supplies http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=151970 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:45:58 EST One of the UK's leading cash and carry wholesalers has called on British companies to make a new year resolution to ensure they enjoy maximum savings when purchasing business supplies in 2012.
 
Manchester-based Makro operates a chain of 30 purpose-built cash and carry stores across the United Kingdom and every day helps thousands of businesses to save money on a huge range of food and non-food products from shampoo to cash registers.
 
To celebrate the start of 2012, the company is currently running deals on a wide range of goods including infrared grills, manual fill water boilers and computer printers. As well as offering up to 27 per cent off a selected range of Lincat catering equipment, Makro has slashed the prices of a variety of other items such as its George Foreman Grill and Griddle, Henry Hoover vacuum cleaner and Silentnight Regal Supreme Single Mattress.
 
Paul Ramage at Makro, said: "We are well aware of the financial difficulties facing businesses across the UK at the moment, which is why we are offering discounts on a range of popular items online and though our stores.
 
"Makro understands that businesses need to have access to affordable, quality products that they can rely on, especially at a time when budgets are being squeezed across the board. Our aim has always been to make vital business supplies available to companies at the right price, and customers can rest assured that this is exactly what we'll continue to do throughout 2012."
 
Earlier this month Makro announced that it had cut prices on thousands of products until April 2012.
 
- ENDS -
 
Notes to Editors:
With up to 35,000 products in store and over 2,000 fresh lines, Makro is one of the UK's largest cash and carry operators, supplying anything from electrical appliances to pub furniture. Employing 3,700 people in stores which stretch from the north of Scotland to the south of England, Makro is part of METRO Cash & Carry.

 METRO Cash & Carry is represented in 30 countries with around 680 self-service wholesale stores. With more than 100,000 employees worldwide, the company achieved sales of about €31bn in 2010. METRO Cash & Carry is a sales division of the METRO GROUP. METRO GROUP is one of the largest and most international retailing companies. In 2010 the Group reached sales of around €67bn. The company has a headcount of some 283,000 employees and operates more than 2,100 stores in 33 countries. The Group's performance is based on the strength of its sales divisions which operate independently in their respective market segment: Metro/Makro Cash & Carry – the international leader in self-service wholesale, Real hypermarkets, Media Markt and Saturn – European market leader in consumer electronics retailing, and Galeria Kaufhof department stores. More information at: www.metrogroup.de.

METRO Cash & Carry is represented in 30 countries with over 700 self-service wholesale stores. With more than 100,000 employees worldwide, the wholesale company achieved sales of about € 31 billion in 2011. METRO Cash & Carry is a sales division of METRO GROUP. METRO GROUP is one of the largest and most international retailing companies. In 2011 the Group reached sales of around € 67 billion. The company has a headcount of some 280,000 employees and operates more than 2,100 stores in 33 countries. The Group's performance is based on the strength of its sales brands which operate independently in their respective market segment: Metro/Makro Cash & Carry – the international leader in self-service wholesale, Real hypermarkets, Media Markt and Saturn – European market leader in consumer electronics retailing, and Galeria Kaufhof department stores. More information at: www.metrogroup.de

For more information please contact:
Jack Rigby or Michael Travers at Brazen PR
0161 923 4994
email: makro@brazenpr.com
Website: www.makro.co.uk

— WebWireID151970 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Retail WebWireID151970 Article Countries in Europe and Asia seeking market penetration in Queens, New York can now turn to The Executive Office Center at Fresh Meadows http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=151939 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:07:43 EST The Executive Office Center at Fresh Meadows, announced today that it will seek to expand its operations to serve countries in Europe and Asia seeking market penetration in Queens, New York.

The office center, serving the borough of Queens with virtual office services and furnished full-serve office space, has decided to reach overseas because of the ethnic diversity of its population, according to Executive Director, Jack Blumner.

'Queens is the most diverse place in the world,' said Mr. Blumner Nearly half of its 2.3 million residents were born outside the United States, with sizeable populations of Spanish, Chinese, Koreans, Indians, Pakistanis, Greeks and Filipinos.' According to the NY State Comptroller, 138 different languages are spoken in the borough, representing over 100 different countries.

'I'm always amazed by the number of visitors to our website from different countries every month,' said Mr. Blumner. 'So far this month, people in 42 different countries have looked at our website. This leads me to believe that there is a great deal of interest in the Queens marketplace.'

'The wonderful thing about our office center is that you can open a branch office here for as little as $39/month,' said Mr. Blumner. 'We've been open for just over a year, and we already have over 100 tenants and virtual tenants. Many of them are attorneys, but the rest of them span the spectrum of what people do for a living.'

'That's why I believe that the Executive Office Center would be of interest to companies in other countries such as China, Korea, Israel, India, Pakistan, etc. who would like to establish a branch office in New York at minimal cost.'

'Queens is also a natural location for foreign businesses because of its close proximity to JFK International Airport,' said Mr. Blumner.

About the Executive Office Center at Fresh Meadows:

The Executive Office Center at Fresh Meadows is the premier provider of serviced office space and virtual office services in the borough of Queens, New York. Day suites and conference rooms are available at hourly, daily and weekly rates. High quality videoconferencing services are also available at the office center.

For further information, visit the Executive Office Center online at www.executiveofficefm.com, or call Associate Director, Mary Abrams at 718-475- 2121.

— WebWireID151939 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Commercial Services Office Products Personal Services Retail WebWireID151939 Article Allergen Alert: Vitamins Recalled Due to Undeclared Shellfish http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=151663 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:39:29 EST Rexall, Inc. of Deerfield Beach, Florida has recalled Rexall Calcium 1200 mg plus 1000IU Vitamin D3 softgels. These affected bottles actually contain tablets of Triple Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin and MSM Tablets.
 
Glucosamine is derived from the shells of crustaceans, and therefore the product may provoke life-threatening allergic reactions in people with an allergy to shellfish.
 
Only one lot, number 387651-04, is affected by the recall. So far, no illnesses have been reported related to this recall.
 
'EMSL Analytical's allergen testing services can help companies avoid costly and disruptive recalls,' states Joy DellAringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Microbiology Supervisor at EMSL. 'Our FDA registered, cGMP compliant, and DEA licensed laboratory offers its expertise in analyzing various food allergens, including crustacean.'
 
For more information on EMSL's food testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, email info@emsl.com, or visit www.EMSL.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.

— WebWireID151663 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Agriculture / Aquaculture Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Food / Beverages Medical / Pharmaceuticals Supplementary Medicine / Nutrition WebWireID151663 Article Signing of new supply agreement in Latin America: Barry Callebaut to become long-term supplier of Grupo Bimbo http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=151646 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:09:20 EST Mexico City/Mexico, Zurich/Switzerland – Barry Callebaut AG, the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products, and Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, one of the largest food companies in Latin America, announced today the signing of a new long-term supply agreement for Bimbo's operations in Mexico. Under the terms of the agreement, Barry Callebaut will supply the plants of Grupo Bimbo with up to 32,000 tonnes of chocolate products annually for its domestic market, through the company's Mexican factories in Toluca and Monterrey. The projected volumes will start immediately.

As a result of the agreement, Barry Callebaut will invest approximately CHF 15 million (EUR 12 million / USD 16 million).

In Mexico, as well as in many other countries in the Americas, Grupo Bimbo is the leader in the baking industry.

Juergen Steinemann, CEO of Barry Callebaut, said: 'The new outsourcing agreement with Grupo Bimbo is a further landmark in opening up the promising market potential in Mexico. This agreement confirms the trend in outsourcing and our strategic focus on emerging markets.'

The parties agreed not to disclose any further terms of the agreement.

***

About Grupo Bimbo (www.grupobimbo.com):
Grupo Bimbo is one of the largest baking companies in the world in terms of production and sales volume. As the market leader in the Americas, Grupo Bimbo has 155 plants and 1,000 distribution centers strategically located in 19 countries throughout the Americas and Asia. Its main product lines include sliced bread, buns, cookies, snack cakes, English muffins, bagels, pre-packaged foods, tortillas, salted snacks and confectionery products, among others. Grupo Bimbo produces over 7,000 products and has one of the most extensive direct distribution networks in the world, with more than 50,000 routes and more than 125,000 employees. Grupo Bimbo's shares have traded on the Mexican Stock Exchange since 1980 under the ticker symbol BIMBO.

Barry Callebaut (www.barry-callebaut.com):
With annual sales of about CHF 4.6 billion (EUR 3.6 billion/USD 5.0 billion) for fiscal year 2010/11, Zurich-based Barry Callebaut is the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate – from the cocoa bean to the finished chocolate product. Barry Callebaut is present in 27 countries, operates around 40 production facilities and employs a diverse and dedicated workforce of about 6,000 people. Barry Callebaut serves the entire food industry focusing on industrial food manufacturers, artisans and professional users of chocolate (such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs or bakers), the latter with its two global brands Callebaut® and Cacao Barry®. Barry Callebaut is the global leader in cocoa and chocolate innovations and provides a comprehensive range of services in the fields of product development, processing, training and marketing. Cost leadership is another important reason why global as well as local food manufacturers work together with Barry Callebaut. Through its broad range of sustainability initiatives and research activities, the company works with farmers, farmer organizations and other partners to help ensure future supplies of cocoa and improve farmer livelihoods.

— WebWireID151646 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Business Announcements Food / Beverages Retail WebWireID151646 Article Norovirus Causes Quarantine at New Jersey Nursing Home http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=151643 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:58:18 EST EMSL Analytical provides environmental testing services to prevent contagious viruses from causing outbreaks.
 
Cinnaminson, NJ, January 17th, 2012
 
This month, medical professionals at a Hopewell, New Jersey nursing home declared quarantine on the third floor of the center after 34 of the 55 residents came down with the norovirus.  The virus struck quickly and resulted in four residents having to be transported to a nearby hospital.
 
Norovirus illness often begins suddenly and can make infected people feel very sick, with stomach cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. Infections are usually not life threatening and most people recover within a few days.  More severe causes of the infection are possible, particularly in young children, the elderly and people with other health conditions.
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 'Noroviruses (genus Norovirus, family Caliciviridae) are a group of related, single-stranded RNA, non-enveloped viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis in humans. The most common symptoms of acute gastroenteritis are diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Norovirus is the official genus name for the group of viruses previously described as 'Norwalk-like viruses' (NLV).  Noroviruses spread from person to person, through contaminated food or water, and by touching contaminated surfaces. Norovirus is recognized as the leading cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States. Outbreaks can happen to people of all ages and in a variety of settings.' 
 
'The virus is capable of being transmitted by air if dried vomit particles become airborne.  To prevent outbreaks, such as what just occurred at the New Jersey nursing home, it's important to have effective infectious disease prevention services in place and to test for these viruses in the indoor environment,' stated Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc., an environmental testing laboratory capable of analyzing norovirus samples utilizing PCR techniques.  'If suspected outbreaks do occur testing will help identify the source so appropriate measures can be quickly put in place to prevent additional illnesses.'
 
EMSL has sponsored a video about the norovirus that can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFxoxW_TdKw
 
The spreading of norovirus has raised alarm during this warm winter. Besides norovirus, there are other pathogens such as MRSA, Salmonella, E.coli O157:H7, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria can stay alive in air and surfaces. They can be detected and remediated by environmental consultants. EMSL Analytical offers rapid DNA analysis for many pathogens, to learn more please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

— WebWireID151643 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Education Environment Food / Beverages Restaurants WebWireID151643 Article Outbreak of Drug-Resistant Salmonella Infections Linked to Ground Beef http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=151495 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:47:41 EST As of January 5, 19 people ages 1 year old to 79 years old have been infected with Salmonella Typhimurium in Hawaii, Kentucky, New York, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont. The infections have been linked to ground beef that has since been recalled from Hannaford Supermarkets. The supplier of the product is still unknown.
 
The strain of Salmonella responsible for the outbreak is resistant to several antibiotics, which increases the risk of hospitalization and of treatment failing.
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people infected with Salmonella bacteria begin to show symptoms of diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. In the majority of cases, illness only lasts for 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some cases, the diarrhea may be severe enough that the patient is hospitalized. If the infection spreads to the bloodstream from the intestines, the patient may die unless he or she is treated with antibiotics.
 
'When testing for foodborne pathogens like Salmonella, EMSL Analytical provides clients with scientifically and legally defensible data,' states EMSL's National Food Microbiology Supervisor, Joy Dell'Aringa, M.S., R.M. (N.R.M.), C.F.S.P. 'We maintain strict adherence to our Quality Assurance/Quality Control programs and regulatory requirements, so companies can depend our results.'
 
For more information on EMSL's food testing services, please call (800) 220-3675, email info@emsl.com, or visit www.EMSL.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.
 

— WebWireID151495 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Agriculture / Aquaculture Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Food / Beverages Health Care / Hospitals Restaurants WebWireID151495 Article Recall of Honeycrisp Apple Cider due to Patulin Contamination http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=151435 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:35:31 EST Consumers are warned to avoid drinking Pepin Heights Orchard's Honeycrisp Apple Cider products with a use-by-date of February 9, 2012.
 
Patulin is a mycotoxin and produced by Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochylamys molds. It grows on a variety of foods, including fruit, grain, and cheese, but it is a particular threat in apple juice. While the immediate effects of ingesting patulin have not been established, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes that long-term exposure is a health concern.
 
The product was packaged in half-gallon plastic jugs and sold and distributed in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. No illnesses were reported, and no other batches of cider are affected.
 
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture said routine lab tests confirmed that the cider in question contained patulin at levels of 58 parts per billion, higher than the 50 parts per billion limit set by the FDA.
 
'EMSL Analytical's dedicated food division tests food products for patulin, among other mycotoxins,' states Joy DellAringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Microbiology Supervisor at EMSL. 'Our experienced team works with clients to determine the appropriate testing methods for their samples, depending on regulatory requirements, sensitivity requirements, and sample matrix.'

For more information on EMSL's food testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, email info@emsl.com, or visit www.EMSL.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.
 

— WebWireID151435 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Agriculture / Aquaculture Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Food / Beverages Restaurants Supplementary Medicine / Nutrition WebWireID151435 Article Is Fungicide in Your Orange Juice? http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=151380 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:43:42 EST The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it will increase testing for a fungicide that has been found in orange juice. In a letter to the juice industry, the agency said that an unnamed juice company claims to have detected low levels of the fungicide carbendazim in its own orange juice and in a competitors' juice. Fungicides are chemicals that destroy fungi and or their spores.
 
FDA officials said that they are not concerned about the safety of the juice, and the increased testing is only to make certain that the contamination is not a problem. Carbendazim is not approved for use on citrus in the United States, so any amount of residue is considered illegal. Brazil, which exports oranges to the United States, does allow and use the chemical.
 
Shipments of orange juice will be tested at the border, and those with any trace of the fungicide will be detained.
 
'EMSL Analytical's dedicated and knowledgeable food division tests for fungicide and also offers FDA Import Detention Services, working with the FDA to coordinate sample collection and analysis,' states Joy DellAringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Microbiology Supervisor at EMSL.
 
For more information on EMSL's food testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, email info@emsl.com, or visit www.EMSL.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.

— WebWireID151380 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Agriculture / Aquaculture Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Chemical Food / Beverages Transportation / Shipping WebWireID151380 Article Seven Year Old Girl Dies from Allergic Reaction at School http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=151208 Thu, 5 Jan 2012 17:14:19 EST Ammaria Johnson, a first-grade girl in Chesterfield County, VA, died on January 5 after suffering an allergic reaction during recess. According to MSNBC, she went into cardiac arrest before the paramedics arrived, and she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
 
The cause of her reaction is unknown, but her mother said that she had a peanut allergy. Experts claim that her death could have been prevented by an EpiPen, a device that injects epinephrine and can reverse severe symptoms. Unfortunately, the school did not have any on hand.
 
In recent years, food allergies have become a contentious issue, and increasingly allergy sufferers and their families are filing lawsuits after life-threatening exposures.
 
'EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers testing services for a wide array of food allergens, including peanuts, soy, milk, egg, crustacean, and gliadin (gluten),' states Joy DellAringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Microbiology Supervisor at EMSL. 'Allergen testing can help prevent tragedies like Ammaria's death, costly recalls, and damaging lawsuits. Our results are of the highest caliber and legally defensible.'
 
For more information on EMSL's food testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, email info@emsl.com, or visit www.EMSL.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.

— WebWireID151208 —

WebWire® | More Feeds

]]> Big Box Retail / Supermarkets Class Actions / Lawsuits Food / Beverages Household / Consumer / Cosmetics Restaurants WebWireID151208 Article