Frozen fruit recall: Products sold at Aldi, Target and Trader possible for listeria

Consumers need to check freezers for specific frozen food products sold at several retailers nationwide. Sunrise Growers Inc., a subsidiary of SunOpta Inc., in Minneapolis, is voluntarily recalling frozen fruit products for possible listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The frozen fruit products are linked to pineapple provided by a third party, according to an announcement by the company on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.

Consumers should check their freezers for recalled products and not eat them. The products should be tossed or returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

Source: Frozen fruit recall: Products sold at Aldi, Target and Trader possible for listeria

FDA clears lab-grown chicken as safe to eat

GOOD Meat still needs approval from the Agriculture Department before it can sell the product line in the U.S.

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday cleared cultured “cultured chicken cell material” made by GOOD Meat as safe for use as human food. While the FDA said the lab-grown chicken was safe to eat, GOOD Meat still needs approval from the Agriculture Department before i can sell the product in the U.S.

If approved, acclaimed chef José Andrés plans to serve GOOD Meat’s chicken to customers at his Washington, D.C. restaurant. He’s on GOOD Meat’s board of directors.

“The future of our planet depends on how we feed ourselves,” he said in a press release. “And we have a responsibility to look beyond the horizon for smarter, sustainable ways to eat.”

The FDA previously gave the green light to lab-grown chicken made by Upside Foods in November.

Source: FDA clears lab-grown chicken as safe to eat

Operator of 8 McDonald’s in Pittsburgh region files for bankruptcy protection – Post Gazette

 

 

The operator of eight McDonald’s restaurants in the Pittsburgh region has filed for bankruptcy protection.

Rice Enterprises filed the Chapter 11 petition Wednesday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. It listed 11 creditors, including McDonalds USA.

The filing lists a total of 435 employees and says the action is necessary to keep paying them.

The franchises are located primarily in the South Hills.

Source: Operator of 8 McDonald’s in Pittsburgh region files for bankruptcy protection

US farm group calls for probe of high egg prices

A farm group is calling on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to examine the rise for signs of price gouging from top egg companies.

The latest concern is eggs, the price of which was up 138% in December from a year prior, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

Various groups from regulators to farmers and industry officials have often argued in recent years about the power of top agriculture firms to set prices and drive up what consumers pay for groceries.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pointed to a record outbreak of avian flu as a reason for the high prices.

Nearly 58 million chickens and turkeys have been killed by avian flu or to control the spread of the virus since the beginning of 2022, mostly in March and April, according to the USDA.

U.S. egg production was about 5% lower in October compared to last year, and egg inventories were down 29% in December compared to the beginning of the year, a significant drop, but one that may not explain record-high prices, said Basel Musharbash, an attorney with Farm Action.

Source: US farm group calls for probe of high egg prices

Giant Eagle, Shop ‘n Save: Christmas 2022 Grocery Store Hours In Western PA.

Find out when you can pick up those last-minute Christmas dinner additions.

Aldi: ALDI stores are closed on Christmas Day. However, ALDI stores will operate limited hours on Christmas Eve and will close by 7 p.m.

BJ’s Wholesale Club: Stores will be open on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.

CVS: While many CVS Pharmacy locations, including 24 hours locations, will remain open on Christmas, some pharmacy hours may be reduced or locations closed for the holiday. Customers are encouraged to call ahead to confirm hours at their preferred locations.

Walmart: Stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Stores are closed Christmas Day.

Rite Aid: Most locations will be open Christmas Eve, and select stores will be open Christmas Day; however, hours will vary. Call ahead to confirm hours.

Sam’s Club: Stores will be open until 6 p.m. Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day.

Shop ‘n Save: Christmas Eve closing times vary by location. All stores are closed Christmas Day.

Target : Most stores will close at 8 p.m. Christmas Eve. All stores are closed Christmas Day.

Costco: Some stores will be open for limited hours on Christmas Eve, and all stores will be closed Christmas Day. Call ahead to confirm hours with your local store.

Walgreens: Walgreens stores will be open regular business hours on Christmas Eve. Pharmacy hours will vary by location. All 24-hour locations will remain open 24 hours. On Christmas Day, most stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while 24-hour Walgreens locations and 24-hour pharmacies will remain open. Customers can check their local store hours using this store locator.

Source: Giant Eagle, Shop ‘n Save: Christmas 2022 Grocery Store Hours In Pgh.

Why egg prices are surging — but chicken prices are falling: It’s an ‘act of God’ event, says trade strategist

The price of eggs and chickens moved in opposite directions in October. Bird flu is a big reason why.

That opposite movement may seem counterintuitive. It’s largely attributable to one of the worst-ever outbreaks of bird flu in the U.S., which has killed a large share of egg-laying birds but not those raised for meat consumption.

Source: Why egg prices are surging — but chicken prices are falling: It’s an ‘act of God’ event, says trade strategist

New eatery, Frankie’s on 2nd, to open Saturday in Leechburg

A new eatery is opening in an old dining spot familiar to many Leechburg residents. Frankie’s on 2nd will have a soft opening starting at 7 a.m. Saturday, serving breakfast in what was formerly Pappy’s restaurant and, before that, Bonello’s. It is located at 81-83 Second St.

New owner Frank Failla, 62, of Springdale Township and his sister, Tina Rafalowski, will share the cooking duties.

“I’m most excited about this new adventure for my brother,” Rafalowski said. “He’s the one who taught me to cook.”

Rafalowski of Bethel Park will make the trek to Leechburg on weekends to work in the kitchen.

“I would drive two hours for my brother,” she said.

The siblings grew up surrounded by the restaurant biz. She first learned how to make pizza from her older brother.

Their late father owned and operated the former Don Nicolas pizza shops, with locations in Baldwin Township, Dormont and Pittsburgh’s Overbrook neighborhood.

“That was during the 1980s, and I took over after my dad died,” said Failla, who also works full time in travel management.

Source: New eatery, Frankie’s on 2nd, to open Saturday in Leechburg

Rossen Reports: These groceries could disappear from shelves

Due to supply chain problems, bad weather, etc., grocery shoppers can expect looming shortages and gaps on store shelves.

Here are some tips to beat rising grocery prices and looming shortages:

  • Use your freezer: Buying in bulk doesn’t just have to be for nonperishable items. If you have freezer space; meat, bread and cheese can be bought and stored in the freezer for up to three months.
  • Best products to buy in bulk: Rice, dry beans, cereal, canned goods, household and cleaning supplies, toiletries, diapers and beverages stored at room temperature.
  • Just buy two: If you’re not ready to purchase things in bulk, just try buying two at a time to beat potential shortages.
  • Be organic smart: Not everything needs to be organic, especially because it’s more expensive. The Environmental Working Group has a Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Researchers measure the amount of pesticide residue left behind on conventionally grown produce. They say it isn’t necessary to buy the following things organic because they have low levels of pesticide residue; Avocados, sweet corn, onions, eggplant, asparagus, broccoli, pineapple, kiwi, cauliflower, mushrooms, honeydew melon and cantaloupe.

Source: Rossen Reports: These groceries could disappear from shelves

32 Drinks Added to Recall of Milk & Plant-Based Milk Products – Thrillist

Almost 100 products have been recalled now.

Lyons Magnus, maker of “nutritional and beverage products,” has made a significant expansion of a recall it issued on July 28. At that time, it recalled 53 different drinks due to the potential for microbial contamination from cronobacter sakazakii.

The expanded recall shared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 10 includes 32 more drinks and more than 300 new code dates of previously recalled drinks from brands like Organic Valley, Premier Protein, Oatly, Intelligentsia, and Stumptown. The products include milk, oat milk, protein shakes, smoothies, chocolate milk, packaged coffees, and other beverages produced by Lyons Magnus.

The new notice says the potential contamination comes from both cronobacter sakazakii and clostridium botulinum. Though, clostridium botulinum has not been found in any of its products at this time.

READ MORE: King’s Hawaiian Announces Recall of Some of its Buns in Connection with Lyons Magnus Recall

The complete list of brands with products in the recall includes Aloha, Cafe Grumpy, Ensure Harvest, Glucerna, Imperial, Intelligentsia, Kate Farms, Lyons Barista Style, Lyons Ready Care, MRE, Oatly, Optimum Nutrition, Organic Valley, PediaSure Harvest, Pirq, Premier Protein, Rejuvenate, Sated, Stumptown, Sweetie Pie Organics, Tone It Up, and Uproot.

The products were distributed nationwide starting in April 2021. Since there are so many brands, varieties, and lots involved, it’s best to look at the table included in the notice on the FDA website.

Source: 32 Drinks Added to Recall of Milk & Plant-Based Milk Products – Thrillist

Passenger fined $1,874 after two undeclared McMuffins found in luggage | CNN Travel

(CNN) — A passenger traveling from Bali, Indonesia to Australia has found themselves paying a hefty price for a McDonald’s breakfast.
The unnamed traveler was handed a fine of 2,664 Australian dollars ($1,874) after two undeclared egg and beef sausage McMuffins and a ham croissant were found in their luggage on arriving at Darwin Airport in the country’s Northern Territory last week.
The incident came about days after Australian authorities brought in tough new biosecurity rules after a Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Indonesia spread to Bali, a popular destination for Australian tourists.

Source: Passenger fined $1,874 after two undeclared McMuffins found in luggage | CNN Travel

Oil giant BP reports highest profit in 8 years on soaring commodity prices

KEY POINTS
  • “It has been another good quarter for the company,” BP CEO Bernard Looney told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” on Tuesday.
  • A surge in global gas markets through the final months of 2021, coupled with an oil price rally to seven-year highs, has seen the world’s largest fossil fuel giants rake in bumper revenues.
  • It comes at a time when millions of U.K. households are facing a record-breaking increase in their energy bills amid a cost of living crisis.

Source: Oil giant BP reports highest profit in 8 years on soaring commodity prices

NATIONAL HOT CHOCOLATE DAY – January 31

 

National Hot Chocolate Day on January 31st is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter’s day. Make a cup and enjoy!

NATIONAL HOT CHOCOLATE DAY

Each year on January 31st, National Hot Chocolate Day warms up people across the country by celebrating the timeless cold-weather beverage.

Hot chocolate is a warm beverage made with ground chocolate, heated milk or water, and sugar. In America, we often use the terms hot chocolate and hot cocoa interchangeably. However, the two beverages are different.

Cocoa vs Hot Chocolate 

We make hot cocoa with cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and sugar. We’re able to do this thanks to a process developed by father and son chemists. For the thicker, more flavorful beverage, we make hot chocolate from ground chocolate containing cocoa butter. It is also called drinking chocolate. Hot chocolate has also been around longer than hot cocoa. In the early 1800s, Casparus van Houten Sr. developed a process to separate the cocoa solids from the butter. His son, Coenraad Johannes made those fats more soluble in water. Together their processes made cocoa powder possible.

Source: NATIONAL HOT CHOCOLATE DAY – January 31

Grocery stores in Pittsburgh area struggling to keep shelves stocked

Food supply shortages impacted local businesses

The Charley family owns three Shop ‘n Save locations in Westmoreland County.

“It’s something that we’re fighting every day,” Tom Charley said. “We’re sourcing from multiple vendors. We’re using more vendors today than we ever have.”

Charley said his store only received half of their weekly order from their distributors this past week. It’s an issue stores have faced with various products throughout the pandemic.

“People have been very understanding and they know now what to expect at the store, but it’s very frustrating when you put in an order to fill up the store and you only get half the order,” Charley said.

National experts have cited staffing, rising COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant and winter weather across the country as the reasons behind the latest stretch of supply chain problems.

Those concerns, coupled with recent inflation trends have also caused the price of groceries to jump.

“All of the costs are going up and it’s hitting us with cost increases too,” Charley said. “We are being very deliberate in trying to find the best deals we can possibly find and it’s a challenge.”

Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 reached out to a spokesperson for U.S. Foods, one of the area’s largest suppliers, but did not hear back.

Source: Grocery stores in Pittsburgh area struggling to keep shelves stocked

Listeria recall for ham and pepperoni balloons to 2.3 million pounds

Perdue Premium Meat Co. unit initially said 232,000 pounds sold nationwide could be contaminated with listeria.

The recall now includes 27 products bearing the establishment number “EST. M10125” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The numerous meat brands being recalled include Alexander & Hornung, Amish Valley, Big Y, Butcher Boy, Five Star, Food Club, Garrett Valley Farms, Lancaster, Niman Ranch, Open Nature and Wellshire Wood. See the full list here. Photos of the Alexander & Hornung branded fully cooked products and private label can be found here.

Usually caused by eating contaminated food, listeria is a serious infection that hits about 1,600 Americans each year, killing around 260 people annually. The infection is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults ages 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. The infection is treated with antibiotics.

There have not been any confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consuming the products, the company said, adding that they should be discarded or returned to the pace of purchase.

Source: Listeria recall for ham and pepperoni balloons to 2.3 million pounds

Raising Cane’s is coming to Pennsylvania

Raising Cane’s, the popular fast-food chain known for its chicken tenders, Texas toast and special Cane sauce, could be coming to the Pittsburgh area.

Dustin Shearer, the vice president of company restaurants for Raising Cane’s, said they don’t know exactly where the restaurant may settle, but it will bring more than 200 jobs with it.

He said the company will also put 10% of its proceeds back into the community. The Johnstown native is hoping to make Pittsburghers “Caniacs.”

He said beginning next year, 20 restaurants will open in Pennsylvania, starting with one in Philadelphia.

The Raising Cane’s in the Pittsburgh area could open by the end of 2023.

“We do one thing. We are very focused,” Shearer said. “We say we do one thing, and we do it better than everybody else. We serve quality chicken meals — fast, friendly, clean — and we have fun doing it.”

Source: Raising Cane’s is coming to Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh police help those in need with Thanksgiving meals

PITTSBURGH — Officers packed up and handed out meals to community members in need.

“It means a lot to us actually. It’s probably one of the best parts of our jobs,” said Commander Shawn Malloy.

St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in South Side donated more than 3,200 meals of turkey and sides.

“Any time we can help out with the community, that’s what we’re here for,” said Malloy.

Officers say they love the opportunity to get out into the neighborhoods and build positive relationships.

“The officers really love doing this part,” said Malloy. “This is what we love to do the most.”

People like Sharon Smith, who received a meal, are grateful.

“It’s very meaningful, especially for our community so that we get to see our policemen in action and that they want to help us out and be grateful that they’re around to help us,” she said.

Source: Pittsburgh police help those in need with Thanksgiving meals

Frozen shrimp recalled due to possible listeria contamination

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Grocery stores across the Gulf Coast are pulling a specific brand of frozen shrimp off the shelves after a recall was issued over possible listeria contamination.

Southeastern Grocers (SEG) issued a recall on its 16-ounce bag (16-20 count) of Fisherman’s Wharf brand frozen jumbo-cooked shrimp (UPC: 2114003262). The product has a best-by date of April 5, 2023.

The recall was issued because of the detection of possible listeria, a bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in children, elderly people and people with weakened immune systems. Listeria infections can also cause flu-like symptoms and even miscarriages and stillbirth in pregnant women.

The product was sold in all Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Más and Harveys Supermarkets stores. The sale of the product has been prohibited while the Food and Drug Administration investigates the source of the problem.

SEG said customers should throw the shrimp away or return it to any store for a full refund.

Customers with questions about the recall should contact Southeastern Grocers toll-free at (844) 745-0463, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT.

Source: Frozen shrimp recalled due to possible listeria contamination

Giant Eagle, Market District, GetGo locations to close for Thanksgiving

Better not forget to buy the Thanksgiving turkey this year — a last-minute trip to Giant Eagle will leave you empty-handed.

The O’Hara-based company announced Wednesday that its Giant Eagle grocery stores, Market District stores and GetGo gas stations will all be closed on Nov. 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Giant Eagle said in a news release that its goal is to give its workers the chance to enjoy the holiday.

“Our team members have been working tirelessly to provide a safe shopping environment for our guests while ensuring access to essential food, fuel, and medicines,” company spokesperson Jannah Jablonowski said in a statement. “We cannot thank them enough for the dedication they have shown day in and day out.”

Giant Eagle’s transportation and retail support centers will also close for the holiday.

The company encouraged shoppers to make sure to stock up on stuffing, pumpkin pie and gasoline in advance.

Stores and offices will reopen as normal Nov. 26 for Black Friday.

First Published November 3, 2021, 8:52am

Source: Giant Eagle, Market District, GetGo locations to close for Thanksgiving

Candy Expert In Pittsburgh Weighs In On Most Popular Brands For Halloween This Year

By: KDKA-TV News Staff

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — 68% of Americans say they will participate in Halloween festivities, which is up from 58% last year during the coronavirus pandemic.

READ MORE:Pittsburgh-Based U.S. Steel Supportive Of Biden Easing EU Tariffs On Aluminum, Steel

But there are still fewer people taking part than in 2019.

And this year we are buying more candy.

READ MORE:Military Art Fest Features Works Of Veterans, Military Family Members And Advocates

American consumers are expected to purchase about $3 billion worth of candy.

KDKA’s Jon Delano spoke with Chris Beers, the founder of Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop in the Strip District, for the Sunday Business Page.

“The most popular is going to be M&M’s, still Hershey’s, the everyday candy you can find just about anywhere. These are the most popular,” Beers said. “You really want to wow them? You got to get a Clark Bar, and we’re one of the only places to find a Clark Bar, so this is a Pittsburgh original. This is the one people are really looking for.”

MORE NEWS:Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon Kick Off Halloween With Parades

Source: Candy Expert In Pittsburgh Weighs In On Most Popular Brands For Halloween This Year

Illinois meat store responds to Biden admin accusing producers of illegally fixing prices | Fox Business

The owner of an Illinois retail and wholesale meat store told FOX Business he has been increasing prices for his products as the industry grapples with higher raw material costs, global supply chain challenges and a rebound in demand.

This as the Biden administration announced it plans to take a tougher stance toward meatpacking companies the White House argues are causing higher prices for meat at grocery stores.

Richard Whittingham, the owner of R. Whittingham & Sons Meat Co., told Jeff Flock during an interview on “Cavuto: Coast to Coast” on Thursday that he doesn’t blame the processors for the spike in prices, but acknowledged that “competition never hurts anybody,” noting that “that is what built our country.”

In a Wednesday blog postPresident Biden’s top aides blamed the four companies that control much of the meat processing market in the U.S. for the price spikes.

In the post, the aides acknowledged that “factors like increased consumer demand have played a role” in higher prices, but argued that “the price increases are also driven by a lack of competition at a key bottleneck point in the meat supply chain: meat-processing.”

The aides wrote that “Just four large conglomerates control the majority of the market for each of these three products, and the data show that these companies have been raising prices while generating record profits during the pandemic.”

The post pointed to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which noted that just four firms “control approximately 55-85% of the market” for beef, pork, and poultry, pointing out that the figure reflects “dramatic consolidation of the industry” over the last 50 years.

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