DPH Reports High Levels of Lead in Certain Cinnamon Products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified high lead levels in several ground cinnamon products. Several stores, including Dollar Tree, Save A Lot and Family Dollar, sold cinnamon products that contain lead levels that could be potentially harmful to consumers, particularly children. Signs and symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in activity level and anemia. No illnesses or other health effects have been reported to the FDA and Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) in connection with the new ground cinnamon alert.

The FDA recommended recalls this week of ground cinnamon from six distributors that had high lead levels, including:

  • Marcum Ground Cinnamon from Save A Lot
  • MK from SF Supermarket
  • Swad Cinnamon Powder from Patel Brothers
  • Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon from Dollar Tree and Family Dollar
  • El Chilar from La Joya Morelense
  • La Fiesta from La Superior SuperMercados

Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores since voluntarily pulled these products from their shelves, and consumers can return these products for a refund.

The ground cinnamon products should not be purchased by consumers, and any containers at home should be disposed of immediately. To properly discard the product, consumers and retailers should carefully open the pouch or jar and empty the content into a trash can before discarding the packaging to prevent others from salvaging recalled product from the trash. Clean up any spills after discarding the product and then wash your hands.

DPH has notified health care providers via the Health Alert Network that several ground cinnamon products have high lead levels. Additionally, the agency encouraged providers to offer blood lead levels testing to those who have consumed these products and/or who have symptoms of lead poisoning. According to the FDA, here is no safe level of lead exposure for humans. Growing children are especially vulnerable to the effects of long-term lead exposure, including learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties and lower IQ.

DPH remains vigilant as it monitors statewide conditions. Lead screenings are also available at State Service Centers statewide. Cases can be reported to the DPH Office of Lead Poisoning Prevention by emailing HSPContact@Delaware.gov.

For more information about the ground cinnamon products, visit https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead. Other recalled products by the FDA can be found by visiting https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts.


DNREC to conduct water-quality dye test in Murderkill River and Delaware Bay to evaluate bay oyster beds

DNREC LogoDOVER – The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Delaware Shellfish Program and Kent County Levy Court will conduct a week-long water quality study starting June 10 in the Murderkill River and Delaware Bay to evaluate the bay’s oyster beds. The study calls for applications of the red dye Rhodamine WT, which is commonly used in water quality and dispersion tests, and is not considered harmful to the public or the environment.

Weather permitting, application of the dye will be made at the Kent County Waste Water Treatment Plant near Frederica into a tributary of the Murderkill River to measure water flow and dispersion in waters where shellfish are harvested, according to DNREC’s Delaware Shellfish Program within the Division of Watershed Stewardship.

DNREC’s shellfish program utilizes a classification system that regulates the harvest of shellfish based on water quality, and which also assesses the potential risk to shellfish harvesting in the event of a wastewater spill. The goal of the red dye study is to help determine the potential impact to oyster beds in the possible event of a wastewater spill or other pollution event.

Dye applications are planned near late-evening low tide on Tuesday, June 11 and will continue until around noon the next day. As a result of the dye applications, portions of the Delaware Bay, Murderkill River and St. Jones River may turn reddish in color. The extent of water discoloration could be fairly widespread but should disperse within 48 hours.

The study – known as hydrographic dye dilution – will be conducted by DNREC in conjunction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Kent County Department of Public Works. Results will help to appropriately classify shellfish harvesting waters, assess risk, and facilitate emergency closure provisions in the event of a wastewater spill associated with extreme weather or natural disasters, such as hurricanes, nor’easters, or heavy flooding. Information collected will be used by the FDA and DNREC to evaluate potential water quality impacts and closure of shellfish growing areas in the Delaware Bay under such emergency situations.

For more information on DNREC’s Delaware Shellfish Program, please visit de.gov/shellfish.

Media contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No. 145

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Delaware Impacted by Food Recall, Public Health Advising Consumer Caution


DOVER – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Delawareans of a voluntary recall of certain House-Autry biscuit and cornbread mixes that were shipped to Food Lion and Harris Teeter grocery stores in all three counties. House-Autry Mills, Inc. is voluntarily recalling limited quantities of House-Autry Buttermilk Cornbread Mix, House-Autry Buttermilk Biscuit Mix, and House-Autry Cheese Biscuit Mix as a precaution because one of the company’s third-party ingredient suppliers, Franklin Farms, had purchased milk powder from Valley Milk Products, Inc. This milk powder is potentially contaminated with Salmonella.

DPH through its Office of Food Protection, has confirmed that all recalled products have been pulled from shelves in both grocery store chains locally. However, store managers are unable to confirm if any of the product had been purchased.

At this time, there are no illnesses associated with these products in Delaware. Out of an abundance of caution, DPH is encouraging consumers to check their pantries for these products, and to discard or return them to the store where they were purchased.

The recalled UPC codes and better if used by dates of the affected products are:

  • House-Autry Buttermilk Cornbread Mix
    • 8 oz. box 0 73484-15500 9 Best By 06/28/17 096216 (located on the top fold)
    • Best By 07/19/17 097106 (located on the top fold)
  • House-Autry Buttermilk Biscuit Mix
    • 8 oz. box 0 73484-15510 8 Best By 05/18/17 094782 (located on the top fold)
    • Best By 07/19/17 097105 (located on the top fold)
  • House-Autry Cheese Biscuit Mix
    • 8 oz. box 0 73484-15512 2 Best By 08/03/17 097754 (located on the top fold)

The products were shipped to Food Lion stores in Bear, Bridgeville, Claymont, Delmar, Dover, Harrington, Laurel, Middletown, Milford, Millsboro, Milton, New Castle, Newark, Seaford, Selbyville, Smyrna, and Wilmington; and to the Harris Teeter stores in Millsboro and Selbyville.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) inspections found that quantities of Valley Milk Products’ bulk milk powder contained Salmonella. According to Franklin Farms, testing has proved that no pathogenic bacteria have been found in the powdered milk product supplied to House-Autry Mills, and in addition, when consumers follow the preparation instructions, there is no risk because the heat kills potential salmonella. However, it is out of an abundance of caution the company has decided to recall products produced from the specific lot received from that ingredient supplier.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to discontinue use and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling 800-849-0802, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST daily, or by emailing Retail@House-Autry.com.

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States. This organism can elicit serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (e.g., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. Salmonella is killed by cooking and pasteurization.

Symptoms may appear six hours to three days after exposure, but generally within 12-36 hours.

Most people with symptoms of Salmonella recover on their own. Some people may require fluids to prevent dehydration. If you or a member of your family has consumed (or believe that you have consumed) one of the recalled products and are experiencing dehydration, seek medical attention.

For any questions regarding illness, contact your health care provider. For medical providers to report suspected cases of Salmonella associated with consumption of the recalled food, call the DPH Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 302-744-4990 or 24/7 at 888-295-5156.

The single most important way to prevent the spread of Salmonella is careful hand washing:
– Before and after food preparation;
– After using the toilet or changing diapers;
– After handling domestic or wild animals, and pets such as reptiles, birds or baby chicks, dogs, cats and hamsters;
– After contact with pet feces.

Additional Tips:
• Thoroughly cook all food derived from animal sources. Do not eat or drink food containing raw eggs or raw (unpasteurized) milk.
• Refrigerate foods promptly. Do not hold foods at room temperature any longer than necessary.
• Wash cutting boards, utensils, and food preparation counters with soap and water immediately after use.
• Make sure that the correct internal cooking temperature is reached. The correct temperature is 160ºF for beef and pork, and 180ºF for poultry.
• Prevent cross contamination. Never let raw meat and poultry, or their juices, come in contact with cooked meat or any other food, raw or cooked.

To see the recall, visit the FDA website at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.


Don’t Toss Your Cookies! Food Safety Prevents Illness During the Holidays

DOVER – During the holidays it seems like an opportunity to eat awaits around every corner. Whether preparing food for the office gathering, a holiday party, or the big family dinner, the Division of Public Health (DPH) urges you to take precautions so you “Don’t toss your cookies this holiday season!”

An estimated 48 million cases of foodborne illness occur each year in the U.S., in some cases resulting in hospitalization or even death.

(DPH) is offering tips to help Delawareans safely prepare holiday foods. You can help reduce the risk of contracting or spreading these illnesses by:
• Always using soap and warm water to wash hands,
• Thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the sink, cutting boards, utensils and anything else that comes in contact with raw meats and their juices,
• Using separate utensils and cutting boards for meats and ready-to-eat foods such as vegetables and cooked poultry,
• Washing fruits and vegetables before eating,
• Cooking all meats and eggs thoroughly to kill bacteria,
• Refrigerating leftovers promptly. Do not leave food at room temperature for extended periods of time.

When it comes to hosting any gathering where foods are served buffet style, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shares these helpful pointers:

Serve It Up Right:
• Hot foods should be kept at an internal temperature of 140° F or warmer. Use a food thermometer to check. Serve or keep food hot in chafing dishes, slow cookers, and warming trays.
• Be aware that some warmers only hold food at 110° F to 120° F, so check the product label to make sure your warmer has the capability to hold foods at 140° F or warmer. This is the temperature that’s required to keep bacteria at bay!

Chill Out
• Cold foods should be kept at 40° F or colder.
• Keep cold foods refrigerated until serving time.
• If food is going to stay out on the buffet table longer than two hours, place plates of cold food (like cream based dips) on ice to retain the chill.

Keep It Fresh
• Don’t add new food to an already-filled serving dish. Instead, replace nearly-empty serving dishes with freshly-filled ones.
• Be aware that during the course of the party, bacteria from people’s hands can contaminate the food. Plus, bacteria can multiply at room temperature.

Watch the Clock
Remember the 2-Hour Rule: Discard any perishables left out at room temperature for more than two hours, unless you’re keeping it hot or cold.

If You’re Preparing the Big Dinner, Let’s Talk Turkey:
• If you plan to buy a fresh turkey, purchase it only 1-2 days prior to cooking, and make sure it remains refrigerated until ready to cook.
• Avoid fresh pre-stuffed turkeys, because harmful bacteria can grow in the stuffing. Be sure you have a roasting pan large enough to hold your turkey and a food thermometer.
• Thaw:
• In the refrigerator: allow approximately 24 hours per 4 -5 pounds of turkey. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
• Under cold running water (70F or below): completely submerge bird under running water in the original wrapper; cook immediately after thawing – do not refreeze.
• In the microwave: by removing outside wrapping and placing on a microwave-safe dish. Do not refreeze or refrigerate after thawing in the microwave.
• Thaw:

  •  In the refrigerator: allow approximately 24 hours per 4 -5 pounds of turkey. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
  • Under cold running water (70F or below): completely submerge bird under running water in the original wrapper; cook immediately after thawing – do not refreeze.
  • In the microwave: by removing outside wrapping and placing on a microwave-safe dish. Do not refreeze or refrigerate after thawing in the microwave.

• Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey, preferably in the innermost part of the thigh and wing, and the thickest part of the breast. A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 F throughout the bird. Do not depend on the color of the meat to determine if the bird is thoroughly cooked. The meat of smoked turkey is always pink.
• Any turkey, stuffing, or gravy needs refrigeration within two hours of cooking. Use separate shallow containers. Use leftover turkey and stuffing within seven days (sooner is better), or freeze these foods. Reheat thoroughly to a temperature of 165 F, or until hot and steaming.

Ultimately remember, if it doesn’t look, smell or taste right, don’t eat it! But just because it smells okay it doesn’t mean it is safe to eat which is why it is so critical to follow food safety guidance. For more information on holiday food preparation, visit the FDA website. For information on food safety in Delaware visit the Office of Food Protection.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.


Delaware Public Health Urges Disposal of Hummus from Sabra Dipping Co., LLC

DOVER – Hummus distributed by Sabra Dipping Co., LLC is being voluntarily recalled due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been reported to date. The products listed are being recalled because a routine sample collected by the State of Michigan at a retail location on March 30, 2015, tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Based on U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall notices, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is working to identify establishments in Delaware that may have received the affected product, and ensure that all affected products have been removed from Delaware shelves.

DPH is urging consumers who purchased these products to throw them out or return them to the store where they were purchased. At this time the recall is limited to hummus; no other Sabra Dipping Co., LLC products have been identified as potentially contaminated.

  • UPC/SKU: 040822011143 / 300067  Item: Sabra Classic Hummus 10 oz  Use By Date:  3 059 Best Before/Meilleur Avant 2015 May 11
  • UPC/SKU: 040822011143 / 300067  Item: Sabra Classic Hummus 10 oz  Use By Date:  3 060 Best Before/Meilleur Avant 2015 May 15
  • UPC/SKU: 040822014687 / 300074 Item: Sabra Classic Hummus 30 oz  Use By Date:  3 059 Best Before/Meilleur Avant 2015 May 11
  • UPC/SKU: 040822342049 / 301216  Item: Sabra Classic Hummus without Garnish 32oz  Use By Date:  3 059 Best Before/Meilleur Avant 2015 May 11
  • UPC/SKU: 040822017497 / 301290  Item: Sabra Classic Hummus 17oz Six Pack  Use By Date:  3 058 Best Before/Meilleur Avant 2015 May 11
  • UPC/SKU: 040822017497 / 301290  Item: Sabra Classic Hummus 17oz Six Pack  Use By Date: 3 059 Best Before/Meilleur Avant 2015 May 11
  • UPC/SKU: 040822342209 / 301283 Item: Hummus Dual Pack Classic/Garlic 23.5oz  Use By Date: 3 058 Best Before/Meilleur Avant 2015 May 11

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

For more information, Delawareans can contact DPH’s Office of Food Protection at 302-744-4546, or visit the FDA’s website at www.fda.gov/safety/recalls/.

DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

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Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Delaware Health and Social ServicesDivision of Public Health