September 14, 2009 - Y.S.TRADING CORP, of Long Island City NY, is recalling its 161 gram waxed cardboard boxes of "Crown cookie"(Choco Sanddo) because they may contain undeclared milk allergens. Consumers who are allergic to milk allergens may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled "Crown cookie"(Choco Sanddo) were distributed in New York City & New Jersey retail stores. The product comes in 161 gram waxed cardboard boxes marked with Codes 2008, 12. 01 & 2009, 11.30.

The energetic founder behind Gnosis, a raw organic chocolatier, never ceases to amaze. Her latest invention ventures away from chocolate and into the realm of superfoods ... Goji Berry Jam. The ingredients are raw and organic, and billed as Goji Berries, Agave Nectar, Incan Berries, Pink Himalayan Salt, and Love. I didn't add that last part, it really is on the label.

According to Gnosis, the new jam is "an excellent source of antioxidants, the goji berry is one of the most powerful medicines in Traditional Chinese Medicine! This berry is a complete protein, high in beta carotene to improve eyesight, and B6 to help you dream profoundly! Use this new way to enjoy goji berries as a spread, fruit dip, smoothie addition, or dessert topping! We are so excited to release these beautiful glass jars of jam from our kitchen to you!!!"

See the Gnosis Website for more information and to purchase.

Reported in Foods Matter (September 2009) - Over the last 100 years, changes in the Western diet have altered the consumption of omega 6 fatty acids (found in meat and vegetable oils) compared with omega 3 fatty acids (found in flax and fish oil) from a 2:1 omega 6/omega 3 ratio (what humans have consumed for most of their history) to a ratio as high as 10:1 omega 6 / omega 3. Since omega 6 fatty acids can be converted into inflammatory molecules, this dietary change is believed to disrupt the proper balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory agents, resulting in increased systemic inflammation and a higher incidence of problems including asthma, allergies, diabetes, and arthritis.

Navan Foods:The Allergy Free Food Shop, is sponsoring a gluten-free cooking class with expert Jules Shepard of the Nearly Normal Kitchen. The event will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at the Virginia Beach Holistic Clinic. The clinic is located at 500 Central Drive, Suite 114, Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

The cost of the course is $35 per person or $50 per couple, and all who register by September 30th will receive a FREE copy of Jules' e-cookbook. Attendees will be welcomed to ask questions, sample delicious gluten-free food, and learn to make gluten-free bread, ravioli (gluten-, casein-, and soy-free!), pizza crust, and more. For more information, contact Jennifer Elizondo of Navan Foods at 757.965.5422.

Do you ever find yourself hoarding cookbooks for years and years, in hopes that they may prove useful one day? Cookbooks, foodie magazines, if it is recipe related, then I confess to an addiction. The fact that I also review cookbooks really doesn't help.

It is rare that I ever come across a cookbook that I really don't like, but many just don't fit my day to day style or dietary needs. So I am using our move as a wonderful excuse to clean things out and pass these unused, like-new cookbooks (9 books in total!) onto some people who can use them, which could include you!

How can you win? Share a dairy-free recipe on the Giveaway Post and you will be entered to win your book(s) of choice! As a bonus, I will compile the recipes and feature them on Go Dairy Free with credits to you (and link to your blog if applicable). I spend so much time experimenting and posting recipes myself, but we all want to know more about the wonderful foods that you all enjoy most! Head over to the Giveaway Post on One Frugal Foodie for more details on all of the cookbooks that are up for grabs and to enter to win.

Last month I featured an article on the wonderful free-from retailers that have filled the void in the Allergy Grocer's absence. But no company had yet to step into the shoes of the Allergy Grocer's signature product line, Miss Roben's mixes. When Allergy Grocer's online store closed, the mixes also slipped away from availability.

But, I am happy to announce that Allergy Grocer, along with the entire Miss Roben's Mixes product line (yes, down to the soft pretzels, mock graham crackers, and animal cookies) is making a comeback. Glenn Molin has purchased the company from the Allergy Grocer and Miss Roben's prior owner, Jay Berger. Jay will serve on the advisory panel to help keep the Allergy Grocer mission in tact, while Glenn is streamlining business processes to help increase efficiency to customers and offer benefits such as free shipping with minimum orders.

September 11, 2009 - Cascioppo Brothers Meats, Inc., a Seattle, Wash., establishment, is recalling approximately 2,000 pounds of frozen sausage products because they may contain undeclared allergens, milk and soy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. Milk and soy are known allergens, but are not declared on the labels.

The following products are subject to recall:

Join Kids with Food Allergies (KFA) on Sunday, September 13th 2009, for a fun day! The event is being held at the Whole Foods Market in North Wales, PA, rain or shine, from noon to 3:00 p.m. (registration starts at 11:30).

Visitors will enjoy free admission, an outdoor concert by children's entertainer Kyle Dine, Master Magician Rob Marissa, 25 Allergy-Friendly businesses displaying their items and handing out samples, and a  $5.00 off a $25.00 purchase coupon from Whole Foods. In addition, there will be a children's Dance-a-thon to help raise funds for KFA. Enjoy the opportunity to connect with other families in the community who have children with food allergies. From more information, see the KFA annual expo page.