American Crystal, a large Wyoming-based sugar company and several other leading U.S. sugar providers have announced they will be sourcing their sugar from genetically engineered (GE) sugar beets beginning this year and arriving in stores in 2008. Like GE corn and GE soy, products containing GE sugar will not be labeled as such. These sugars, along with GE corn and soy, are found in many conventional food products, so consumers will be exposed to genetically engineered ingredients in just about every non-organic multiple-ingredient product they purchase.
The GE sugar beet is designed to withstand strong doses of Monsanto's controversial broad spectrum Roundup herbicide. Studies show that farmers planting "Roundup Ready" corn and soy spray large amounts of the herbicide, contaminating both soil and water. Farmers planting GE sugar beets are told they may be able to apply the herbicide up to five times per year. Sugar beets are grown on 1.4 million acres by 12,000 farmers in the U.S. from Oregon to Minnesota.
To let American Crystal know what you think about this, go to: http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/oca/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=12700
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
School Lunch Ideas
For ideas for lunches to pack for your kids, check out my article in VegFamily Magazine at http://www.vegfamily.com/whole-family/lunchbox.htm . Also in this issue, get tips for getting your kids to eat more veggies at http://www.vegfamily.com/marriage-family/eat-vegetables.htm .
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Bagged Spinach Recall
Less than a year after the E. Coli spinach recall, a California company on Wednesday recalled more than 8,000 cartons of fresh spinach after a positive test for salmonella contamination. This just confirms my resolve to buy local, unpackaged produce from farmers I know and trust.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Baby Carrot Recall
Baby carrots from Los Angelos Salad Company are being recalled because they are contaminated with the bacteria Shigella. The product was sold under two different labels:
The first is "Los Angeles Salad Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" distributed by King Soopers in Colorado; Ralphs in California; and Publix in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina and Florida. These were sold in plastic bags in 7 and 8 oz. sizes, with Sell By Dates up to August 16, 2007.
The second label was "Trader Joe's Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" distributed by Trader Joe's in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon and Washington in 7 oz. plastic bags with Sell By Dates up to August 8, 2007.
Infection by the bacteria Shigella can cause diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting, with the illness usually lasting from four to 14 days. Infections can be passed from person to person.
The first is "Los Angeles Salad Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" distributed by King Soopers in Colorado; Ralphs in California; and Publix in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina and Florida. These were sold in plastic bags in 7 and 8 oz. sizes, with Sell By Dates up to August 16, 2007.
The second label was "Trader Joe's Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" distributed by Trader Joe's in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon and Washington in 7 oz. plastic bags with Sell By Dates up to August 8, 2007.
Infection by the bacteria Shigella can cause diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting, with the illness usually lasting from four to 14 days. Infections can be passed from person to person.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
More on plastic
I've been getting a lot of questions about plastic - why exactly is it bad; are any types safe. Here's some information:
Although the FDA has approved all plastics currently being used to package food, they might not all be safe - like the softer plastics, called thermoplastics, including polyester, polystryrene (styrofoam), nylon, teflon, and PVC. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is of the greatest concern because it is used for water pipes and many types of food packaging, including plastic cling wrap.
PVC's molecules are know carcinogens that affect the liver, have been linked to birth defects, and interfere with hormonal activity. Some researchers believe they're also linked to increased incidences of breast and prostate cancers.
Now if those molecules stayed in the packaging, there would be no problem - however, they leach from some types of plastics into our food and drinks. With heat or fat, even more chemicals are released.
There are seven types of plastics used in packaging and fortunately, there is a recycling number on the bottom of containers to identify which type is being used.
PLASTICS TO AVOID:
#3 PVC or vinyl: Used in plastic wraps, food containers, soft bottles, wrappings for meat and cheese. It is made with chlorine and releases dioxins which have been linked to cancer (including breast and prostate), hormonal imbalances, high blood pressure, heart disease, autoimmune disease, weight problems, and chronic fatigue. Phthalates, which make the plastic flexible and used in products ranging from shampoo to floor coverings, have recently been cited in a study that linked their exposure to smaller genitals in infant boys and an increase in testicular cancer about adults.
#6 Polystyrene or styrofoam: Used as takeout containers, plastics cups, and cutlery. Its components leach into fatty foods and are believed to interfere with hormones.
#7 Misc. category that includes polycarbonate (PC): Used for most clear-plastic bottles, including 5-gallon water bottles and baby bottles. When heated, they release BPA, a hormone disrupter that imitates the femail hormone estradiol which may be linked to breast and ovarian cancer. The US Centers for Disesase Control and Prevention found BPA in the urine of 95% of Americans tested.
PLASTICS CONSIDERED SAFE (SO FAR):
#1 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)
#2 High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
#4 Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
#5 Polypropylene (PP)
But to play it really safe, go for non plastic options like glass or stainless steel as much as possible.
And if anyone discovers a stainless steel water bottle that DOES NOT LEAK - please let me know.
Although the FDA has approved all plastics currently being used to package food, they might not all be safe - like the softer plastics, called thermoplastics, including polyester, polystryrene (styrofoam), nylon, teflon, and PVC. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is of the greatest concern because it is used for water pipes and many types of food packaging, including plastic cling wrap.
PVC's molecules are know carcinogens that affect the liver, have been linked to birth defects, and interfere with hormonal activity. Some researchers believe they're also linked to increased incidences of breast and prostate cancers.
Now if those molecules stayed in the packaging, there would be no problem - however, they leach from some types of plastics into our food and drinks. With heat or fat, even more chemicals are released.
There are seven types of plastics used in packaging and fortunately, there is a recycling number on the bottom of containers to identify which type is being used.
PLASTICS TO AVOID:
#3 PVC or vinyl: Used in plastic wraps, food containers, soft bottles, wrappings for meat and cheese. It is made with chlorine and releases dioxins which have been linked to cancer (including breast and prostate), hormonal imbalances, high blood pressure, heart disease, autoimmune disease, weight problems, and chronic fatigue. Phthalates, which make the plastic flexible and used in products ranging from shampoo to floor coverings, have recently been cited in a study that linked their exposure to smaller genitals in infant boys and an increase in testicular cancer about adults.
#6 Polystyrene or styrofoam: Used as takeout containers, plastics cups, and cutlery. Its components leach into fatty foods and are believed to interfere with hormones.
#7 Misc. category that includes polycarbonate (PC): Used for most clear-plastic bottles, including 5-gallon water bottles and baby bottles. When heated, they release BPA, a hormone disrupter that imitates the femail hormone estradiol which may be linked to breast and ovarian cancer. The US Centers for Disesase Control and Prevention found BPA in the urine of 95% of Americans tested.
PLASTICS CONSIDERED SAFE (SO FAR):
#1 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)
#2 High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
#4 Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
#5 Polypropylene (PP)
But to play it really safe, go for non plastic options like glass or stainless steel as much as possible.
And if anyone discovers a stainless steel water bottle that DOES NOT LEAK - please let me know.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Danger of plastics
While scientists and environmental activists have been concerned about the dangerous effects of chemicals in plastic for some time, finally an official goverment agency may recommend action. According to an article in the August 9th LA Times, a federal panel of scientests concluded that an estrogen-like compound in plastic could be posing risks to the brain development of infants and children. BPA, a component of polycarbonate plastic, can leach from baby bottles and other hard plastic containers, food can linings, and other consumer products (including water bottles.)
The biggest risk, according to the panel, is for fetuses, pregnant women, infants, and children. Low doses of BPA cause structural changes in the brain that trigger learning deficits and hyperactivity. There is also some concern that it harms the prostate gland and causes premature puberty. Some studies found altered brain development, precancerous changes in prostates and mammary glands, low sperm counts, and damage to the uterus but Plastics industry reps say the experiments were flawed and inconclusive. Many animal studies that found reproductive effects were rejected because the animals were exposed through injections rather than diet.
Hopefully, the final report will trigger a review of BPA by California officials under Proposition 65, which requires warnings on consumer products that pose risk of cancer or reproductive harm.
In the meantime, avoid using plastic food containers as much as possible. Never put hot food in plastic or use plastic dishes in the microwave. I don't use plastic to store any liquids. I use glass or stainless steel - even for water bottles. I also try not to purchase any liquid food packaged in plastic but that continues to become harder and harder to do. Foods like juice, peanut butter, and ketchup are more and more frequently available only in plastic containers.
The biggest risk, according to the panel, is for fetuses, pregnant women, infants, and children. Low doses of BPA cause structural changes in the brain that trigger learning deficits and hyperactivity. There is also some concern that it harms the prostate gland and causes premature puberty. Some studies found altered brain development, precancerous changes in prostates and mammary glands, low sperm counts, and damage to the uterus but Plastics industry reps say the experiments were flawed and inconclusive. Many animal studies that found reproductive effects were rejected because the animals were exposed through injections rather than diet.
Hopefully, the final report will trigger a review of BPA by California officials under Proposition 65, which requires warnings on consumer products that pose risk of cancer or reproductive harm.
In the meantime, avoid using plastic food containers as much as possible. Never put hot food in plastic or use plastic dishes in the microwave. I don't use plastic to store any liquids. I use glass or stainless steel - even for water bottles. I also try not to purchase any liquid food packaged in plastic but that continues to become harder and harder to do. Foods like juice, peanut butter, and ketchup are more and more frequently available only in plastic containers.
Monday, July 16, 2007
BOOK REVIEW: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
The more I read about the watering down of organic standards, the more I’ve been rethinking my food choices. It seems that most organic food is being produced by huge corporate farms and megacorporations. Those are not the industries I want to support with my food dollars. In the last year, I’ve been buying as much as possible from local farmers who may not be certified organic but who grow their crops using organic and sustainable methods. I feel I’m getting a better quality food and supporting my own community – and hopefully contributing less to global warming since my food doesn’t have to travel miles to get to me.
So when I heard Barbara Kingsolver (one of my favorite authors) had a new book out and it was about eating locally, I knew I had to read it. And it did not disappoint.
Kingsolver and her family left their Arizona home to move to a farm in southern Appalachia. They no longer wanted to live in a state where virtually all the food and water was trucked in from somewhere else. They chose Virginia because (among other reasons) they wanted to live in a place that could feed them. A place “where rain falls, crops grow, and drinking water bubbles right up out of the ground.”
After nearly a year of settling in, fixing up the house, and planting their gardens, they embarked on their one-year mission to eat only food they grew themselves or what was raised in their own neighborhood. Kingsolver takes us through the work of raising a garden that would feed them throughout the year. We see the work involved in weeding and caring for the plants, harvesting, and preserving them. This book is a great lesson on when various foods are in season (hard to know if you shop at supermarkets).
The family also raises laying hens, as well as chickens and turkeys for meat. Kingsolver and her family have for many years eaten only non-factory farmed meat and felt good about raising their own animals. They would give their animals “freedom on an open pasture that’s unknown to conventionally raised poultry.” Kingsolver also responded to a Slow Food USA campaign to bring back heritage turkeys. Unlike the conventional Broad-Breasted White Turkey commonly raised in industrial settings, the heritage turkeys can actually support their own weight and reproduce naturally. In addition, these birds retain more of their wild ancestors’ sense about foraging, predator avoidance, and are more disease resistant.
Kingsolver’s husband Steven L. Hopp’s short essays provide information throughout the book on subjects such as the fossil fuel used to produce and ship our food, world hunger, genetically modified foods, family farms vs. industrial farms, industrial animal food production, paying the price for cheap, industrial-grown foods, the effectiveness of using pesticides and herbicides, mad cow disease, and much more. He provides resources to get more information as well as ways to take action. Kingsolver’s college-aged daughter, Camille provides recipes and anecdotes about the experience from a teenager’s point of view.
This book was inspiring. I was encouraging to hear about people who care about what they eat and how it’s produced. To find people who care about the environment and how our choices affect it and others. I don’t know if I’m ready to spend my summers hoeing, weeding and canning on a full time basis, but I will certainly take the time to seek out local farmers and support stores who carry local products.
So when I heard Barbara Kingsolver (one of my favorite authors) had a new book out and it was about eating locally, I knew I had to read it. And it did not disappoint.
Kingsolver and her family left their Arizona home to move to a farm in southern Appalachia. They no longer wanted to live in a state where virtually all the food and water was trucked in from somewhere else. They chose Virginia because (among other reasons) they wanted to live in a place that could feed them. A place “where rain falls, crops grow, and drinking water bubbles right up out of the ground.”
After nearly a year of settling in, fixing up the house, and planting their gardens, they embarked on their one-year mission to eat only food they grew themselves or what was raised in their own neighborhood. Kingsolver takes us through the work of raising a garden that would feed them throughout the year. We see the work involved in weeding and caring for the plants, harvesting, and preserving them. This book is a great lesson on when various foods are in season (hard to know if you shop at supermarkets).
The family also raises laying hens, as well as chickens and turkeys for meat. Kingsolver and her family have for many years eaten only non-factory farmed meat and felt good about raising their own animals. They would give their animals “freedom on an open pasture that’s unknown to conventionally raised poultry.” Kingsolver also responded to a Slow Food USA campaign to bring back heritage turkeys. Unlike the conventional Broad-Breasted White Turkey commonly raised in industrial settings, the heritage turkeys can actually support their own weight and reproduce naturally. In addition, these birds retain more of their wild ancestors’ sense about foraging, predator avoidance, and are more disease resistant.
Kingsolver’s husband Steven L. Hopp’s short essays provide information throughout the book on subjects such as the fossil fuel used to produce and ship our food, world hunger, genetically modified foods, family farms vs. industrial farms, industrial animal food production, paying the price for cheap, industrial-grown foods, the effectiveness of using pesticides and herbicides, mad cow disease, and much more. He provides resources to get more information as well as ways to take action. Kingsolver’s college-aged daughter, Camille provides recipes and anecdotes about the experience from a teenager’s point of view.
This book was inspiring. I was encouraging to hear about people who care about what they eat and how it’s produced. To find people who care about the environment and how our choices affect it and others. I don’t know if I’m ready to spend my summers hoeing, weeding and canning on a full time basis, but I will certainly take the time to seek out local farmers and support stores who carry local products.
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