US-CA-San Francisco Examiner-S.F. beverage company recalls flavored water

San Francisco-based beverage company has voluntarily recalled a brand of flavored water because it may be contaminated with a bacterium that causes food poisoning, the California Department of Public Health announced Wednesday.Soma Beverage Company recalled 16.9-ounce bottles of its Metromint brand flavored water as it might have a bacterium called Bacillis cereus that could cause vomiting and diarrhea, according to officials. Recalled Metromint flavors include peppermint, spearmint, orange mint and lemon mint with a “Best Before’’ date before or of Dec. 21, 2008.

There have been no confirmed illnesses in California, according to officials. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (415) 979-0781 ext. 101.

US-Environmental News Netwrok-Senators ask Bush for greater food safety funding

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. senators sent President George W. Bush a letter on Thursday demanding greater funding for food safety after dangerous spinach, beef and other food tarnished consumers’ confidence in the U.S. food supply.

“Additional funding for (the Food and Drug Administration) is an important step toward improving our ability to protect human health and welfare,” 23 senators from both parties wrote in the letter, also directed to budget director Jim Nussle.

They asked for a “significant increase” in the fiscal 2009 budget for the food safety activities in the agency, which is responsible for the safety of 80 percent of U.S. food supply.

The Agriculture Department inspects other foods, such as meat products and eggs…more..

US-Meatingplace.com-Undeclared allergen prompts recall of beef and chicken base products

Custom Culinary Inc. in Oswego, Ill., is recalling approximately 990 pounds of beef and chicken base products because they may contain undeclared allergens.

The beef base product contains milk and soy, which are known allergens. Jars of the beef base product may be mislabeled as chicken base, which does not declare these allergens on the label.

The following products are subject to recall:…more..