Cocoa powder

Very disappointed that Fry's cocoa now all carry a new "may contain milk" warning on the label (some of the formats used to be ok - they did make good efforts to communicate the new warning).  Means we have to go exploring for a replacement product for a staple in the kitchen.

Found Selection Brand at Metro, UPC 5974988721, with no such warning.

Called their customer care agent at 1866-595-5554 (open M-F 0830-1630) option 4 customer care, option 8 speak to an agent.  Listed allergies ("All of that?" he asked, rather incredulously).  After a few moments on hold, came back with:

• peanuts, treenuts: not in product, line, nor facility (good!)
• milk/dairy: not in product or line, but is in facility (unsure)
• soy, eggs and shellfish: not in product or line (good enough)
• gelatin, kiwi and legumes: checking with vendor (appreciate effort to call back).

update: there is no gelatin or kiwi in the facility, but there are legumes on the line.

more dairy-free recipes

found some great recipes here based on So-Delicious coconut-based milk, yoghurt and/or ice cream.  We can't wait to try them out!
http://www.turtlemountain.com/recipes/desserts/old_fashioned-rice-pudding%E2%80%A8

food recall: milk in Solo Fruit brand Dark Chocolate Sorbet

uh-oh...  :(
hopefully they'll fix the production not adjust the label...

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: CFIA Webmaster
Date: 2011/9/24
Subject: m-l : 20110923b - Allergy Alert (milk) / Alerte à l'allergie (lait)
To: FOODRECALLS_RAPPELSALIMENTS@www.agr.gc.ca


Le texte français suit le texte anglais.

A recall has been added to the CFIA's Food Recall Report.

Class 1
Reason for Recall: Allergen - milk
Product(s): Solo Fruit brand Dark Chocolate Sorbet
Recalling Firm: Solo Fruit Inc.
Distribution: This product has been distributed in Quebec
Product details are available at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/2011/20110923be.shtml

Milk Allergy - http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/labeti/allerg/milklaite.shtml
Modify your email options or unsubscribe - http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/util/listserv/listserve.shtml

***********************

Un rappel a été ajouté au Rapport sur les rappels d’aliments de l'ACIA.

Classe 1
Raison du rappel : Allergène – lait
Produit(s) : « Sorbet Chocolat noir » de marque Solo Fruit
Entreprise effectuant le rappel : Solo Fruit Inc.
Distribution : Ce produit a été distribué au Québec.

Vous trouverez les détails sur le produit à l’adresse suivante : http://www.inspection.gc.ca/francais/corpaffr/recarapp/2011/20110923bf.shtml

Allergie au lait - http://www.inspection.gc.ca/francais/fssa/labeti/allerg/milklaitf.shtml
Modifiez les paramètres ou annulez votre inscription - http://www.inspection.gc.ca/francais/util/listserv/listservf.shtml

**********************

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issues public advisories and email notifications for food recalls for all high-risk food recalls (mainly Class I) when the product is available for sale or could be in consumers’ homes.

All other recalls (Class II and III), and food products that are sold exclusively to restaurants, are posted on the CFIA’s Food Recall Report. Email notifications are also available for all allergen recalls.

Food and consumer product recalls are also available at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca.

L’ACIA publie des mises en garde et envoie des avis par courriel sur les rappels d’aliments à risque élevé (principalement ceux de la classe I) lorsque le produit est en vente ou pourrait se trouver chez les consommateurs.

Tous les autres rappels (classe II et III) ainsi que les produits vendus exclusivement aux restaurants sont publiés dans le Rapport sur les rappels d’aliments de l'ACIA.  Les avis par courriel sont offerts pour tous les rappels d’aliments contenant des allergènes.

Les rappels d’aliments et de produits de consommation sont aussi diffusés sur le site www.canadiensensante.gc.ca

Ling Ling (Discovery Foods) Potstickers

http://www.ling-ling.com/contactUs/index.html
telephone 1866-454-6454 "cannot be completed as dialed" (presumably USA only).
submitted fol info via their website:

UPC 1087801664 BB OCT 05 10 purchased at Costco
thank you for stating your allergy policy in your FAQ. my son has several allergies, including nuts and peanuts (severe), milk, egg, and soy. We would like to share this produt with him (NOT the sauce). Can you clarify whether "soybean and/or canola oils" in the filling and wrapper are highly refined, or is there reasonable possibility of contamination with soy *protein* from some other source? Please advise. Thank you.

Papa's Own Organics cookies

two varieties: vanilla sandwich and fudge creme sandwich (UPC 63493 20001)
these products indicate "Contain wheat and soy" which is evident from the ingredients list, but there aren't any "may contain" statements.
The packaging indicates distributed by "KML FOODS, MILTON,ON L9T 3H2"
I found their contact information on Google: (905) 878-0805‎
and left them a message.
I also tried googling the Papa's Own Organics. The only other distributor I found was Horizon Distributors at 1.800.663.1838. They didn't have any additional information on these products nor could they provide manufacturer contact info other than the manufacturer was pulling out of Canada.
Looking forward to hearing back from KML.

PC Marinated Pork Souvlaki

(from a few months ago, possibly nov 2009)

http://www.presidentschoice.ca/LCLOnline/products.jsp?type=details&catIds=116&productId=11141
UPC 6038369617
facility code 36
lot number 067K 91169

Spoke with Nathalie at 1888-495-5111:
Line also processes peanuts, milk and soy.

Looks like I'll have pork souvlaki for the next little bit...

allergy-friendly probiotics and supplements!

After trying various other probiotics unsatisfactorily (including this incident) and asking around, Catharine N. pointed me to Kirman Labs as their probiotic strains are grown on chicory root rather then on milk. Their Canadian distributor is www.spectrumsupplements.ca.

I first spoke with John at Spectrum Supplements (located in st-laurent, montreal) on 2010-01-04. He suggested Kirkman prod no. 316 for very strict diet, and to call Kirkman labs directly for technical questions at 1800-245-8282. He ships next day for $9 flat rate (waived if order over $99).

I called Kirkman customer svc (1800-245-8282 #1) and spoke with Shelly. She recommended product no. 442, "pro-bio gold". I asked about about allergies: no nuts in plant, not just casein-free but completely milk free; no shellfish etc used either.

I called Kirkman again on 2010-01-11 to discuss other potential supplements, and spoke with Kerry-Jane(sp?). She suggested the fol products:
no. 379 children's chewable multi-vitamin
no. 320 chewable calcium tablets
no. 344 ProBio chewable wafers

I asked about the calcium source (re: shellfish allergy). She indicated "calcium typically from oyster shells but ours is not." - good.

I placed the order through Spectrum Supplements and received it the next day, as promised, in an insulated mailer with an ice-pack. My son has been taking them since without any incident (even incidental or unexplained). So far, very happy with them!

Nabisco Triscuits

(apologies if this is a repeat; i'm cleaning up my desk.)
Emailed Nabisco after a serious reaction in December, thinking /maybe/ it had something to do with one of their triscuits varieties that uses soybean oil.
Darryl Pope called back a few days later. He had spoken with the mfg plant. They are free of major allergens (including nuts, peanuts, eggs, milk) except for soy, which is refined (oil). They track customer complaints in a database and have had none in past 12 months. Reassuring, but still doesn't help us identify what it could have been.

Bolthouse Farms C-Boost fruit juice

Called 1800-467-4683 to inquire about this juice UPC 71464 30251.
spoke with Tonya who said:
some prpoducts contain milk ingredients (whey), also some with soy, others with hazelnuts. would be done on same line, but have a "state of art" cleaning, sanitization and test program between every flavour change to ensure no residue. Never had a positive result but would discard all product and restart sanitization process if they were to find anything.
Sounds reasonable, so I will try not to be paranoid about this one.

Hi-Liner pan sear select salmon

(Originally posted 2010-01-22)
Called (don't have details handy), spoke with Chantale.
It's a new product, not in database yet. For sure no peanuts in plant, but may be packaged in the same facility as another product made with almonds. Will put in a request and call me back (maybe not today).
------------
UPDATE re highliner pan seared select salmon, mediterranean.
Chantale called back with allergen profile.
Only wheat and fish present in product, cannot guarantee against trace amounts of contaminants.
Dairy, shellfish, egg in some products. Peanuts not in plant, almonds could be but not on line.

They use safe practices on lines, if chance of cross-contamination -> strong sanitization technique + swabbing + high-pressure wash.

I think we chose NOT to try this product as we had found another salmon product that was plain and clean.

Tropicana OJ with calcium

called Tropicana at 1800-237-7799 (Judy) re no pulp Tropicana Essentials 100% OJ with Calcium "specially designed as a source of calcium for people who do not drink milk" UPC 48500 01847.
She insisted that top 8 allergens (I thought there were more than 8 but anyway) would have to be printed on the label but she would check anyway. The Calcium is derived from a mineral (not dairy or shell) source. Yay!

Seroyal Genestra

http://www.seroyal.com/
1800-263-5861
Janet "professional line" will not disclose product ingredients etc directly, but will to practitioners (according to health canada regulations(?))...
in kanata area:
ottawa west nutrition centre, 50 jackson court (nutritionists) 613-279-1254
said all other in area are chiros, so would need appointment and be more costly.

I tried the number and Bell says its a long distance call. Since it's only a few blocks away, I figure one of the digits is off. More to follow.

FloraBear - not OK

FloraBEAR For Kids (http://www.renewlife.ca/products.php?id=49)

mag stearate: from vegetable
dextrose: from beets or sugar cane
N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine: from CRAB shell
active bacteria: from plant source
L-Glutamine: from sugar beets or cane

Suggested we check with this Genestra (based in USA as Seroyal) make exceptional line professional grade probiotics, usually by Rx by naturopaths
also identified natural factors(?)

not-so-Progressive Nutritional Therapies

Called Progressive Nutritional Therapies (Johanne at 1888-788-3396 x235) regarding two products:

multi-vitamins & minerals for kids, 60 chewable tablets, natural summer berry, UPC 37229 00032 LOT:8343161 EXP:12/2011
and

progressive complete calcium for kids, 60 chewable tablets, orange passion fruit flavour UPC 37229 00044 LOT:8352161 EXP:12/2011

both labels claim "made with no added egg, milk, [blablabla]"

Response was product did not contain any such ingredients, but there could be traces of gluten, soy, shellfish (calcium), strawberry (vitamins), and possibly a few others (that didn't concern me).

Only upon further questioning did Johanne inform me that they are made in the same facility as peanuts, nuts, eggs, shellfish, milk, soy and more, and despite the precautionary measures, the manufacturer believes there is still the possibility of cross-contamination. GRR.

I requested that information be made available on the label so I wouldn't waste my time and money buying the product, calling for info, waiting for info, then returning the product. She replied believing they were already in the process of updating the label due to the number of complaints.

Nutritional yeast flake from Verve Naturals (Puresource)

(originally posted 2009-12-03)
http://www.puresource.ca/vervenaturals/ContactUs.htm
1-888-313-3369
Sue x292 normally product info, works M-W-F
Lynn-Marie x311 and Elizabeth x298 work order desk and can also help w/prod info.

Reached Elizabeth, asked for allergy profile. She indicated Purely Bulk is not prepared in an allergen-free facility; there could be nuts, soy, maybe others as contaminants from use within same building, maybe even same equipment. She will look into other possible brands/profiles of nutritional yeast and email me back.

---
update (2010-02-13): She quickly called back to indicate that the "NOW" brand (that they also distribute) has a much better allergy profile. I have yet to find a store that carries them; even Rainbow can't get them from their local distributor... I suppose I'll have to try ordering their product online or by phone somewhere.

watermelon becoming iffy...

last few times he's eaten watermelon, he's had hives around his mouth. he still loves them, so i'm wondering if it's only a contact reaction maybe, and otherwise safe to eat? is that even possible?

regardless, we're hoping the reactions (all very minor) were caused during preparation (they were all from the same melon that was cut and stored in the fridge in one large batch). we'll be trying again.

UPDATE: It wasn't the watermelon at all - we have since found the culprit.

D'Italiano breads

Found my notes from a telecon I had with Nathalie at Weston brand breads last summer regarding potential allergens in their D'Italiano breads.
She indicated that most of their bread products contained (or may contain traces of) egg, dairy, soy, and/or more, but their Thintini breads (original and whole wheat) are allergen-free and are made in a dedicated facility.

Kudos to them also for posting their ingredients, allergy warnings and nutritional info so clearly on their website!

Wilton brand Cake Sparkles and Gel

Spoke with Kerry at Wilton Industries Customer Service yesterday. 1800-794-5866.
Pink, stock 703-1260 (UPC 70896-07260)
Purple, stock 703-1266 (UPC 70896-07266)
Yellow, stock 703-1272 (UPC 70896-07272)

There is no "may contain" warning either on the packaging or on their website, but these cake sparkles are all made in a facility that does process dairy, egg and soy ingredients. (at least it is nut/peanut free, and no fish/shellfish).

I asked them to look into the other allergies and left them my email address; she warned it might take a few days to get the info.

Update: Here is the response:

Good Morning Customer,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Please be aware, the following information regarding Food Allergens, Food Sensitizers, or Food specifications is to the best of our knowledge believed to be accurate.
There is no lamb, legumes or gelatin in the product or the manufacturing environment for the gel tubes or cake sparkles.
If we can be of any other assistance, please contact us.

Sincerely,
Kerry
Consumer care center


-----Original Message-----
From: Thayer, Angela
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 2:31 PM
To: Merola, Kerry
Subject: RE: Allergen Question

None of those items are in either of the products.
The manufacturing facility of the Red Gel Tube does not contain any of those items either.
The manufacturing facility of the Cake Sparkles has a fish gelatin but that gelatin is in a different part of the building and is not put down the same line as our cake sparkles. The fish gelatin does not come into contact with the cake sparkles.

Thanks,
Angie

-----Original Message-----
From: Merola, Kerry
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 9:01 AM
To: Thayer, Angela
Subject: Allergen Question

Hi Angie,

I have a customer who needs to know whether Legumes, Lamb and/or Gelatin is in the product or manufacturing environment of stock # 704-318 & 703-1266.
Thank you, I appreciate your assistance.

Have a good day.
Kerry

Kerry Merola
Wilton Industries

blue menu all beef sausages update

Frederic just called re blue menu sausages inquiry from June.
Going through cases not closed yet; was apologetic about delay. The top 10 allergens were not in the product, line nor plant. Previous product made was "Frankfurters in a skin." He'll reissue a request to confirm legumes, lamb and gelatin.

Pacific Natural Foods Oat Beverage

Spoke with Beth at Pacific Natural Foods, 503-692-9666 x1317 a week or two ago, about their oat beverage (not available in Canada because of some rule that non-dairy beverages cannot be sold here if fortified). I don't have the details at hand, but she reassured me that it would be ok for our kid's suite of allergies.