Silk (finally) recalls it's soy milk

From an official release from White Wave

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Marguerite Copel(214) 721-1273Allergy Alert on Undeclared Dairy in 11-Ounce Single Serve Silk Soymilk Chocolate Flavor in Plastic BottlesMount Crawford, Virginia (April 23, 2008) - WhiteWave Foods Company is voluntarily recalling 11-ounce plastic single serve bottles of Silk Soymilk Chocolate Flavor because it may contain undeclared milk protein. The individual bottles are printed with both a “use by” date of May 7, 2008 (printed as 05 07 08) and a Universal Product Code (UPC) of 2529360028. Consumers can find this information on the back of the individual bottle.People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk protein run the risk of a health problem or illness if they consume this product. Some reactions have been reported. This affected product was distributed nationwide and reached consumers through retail and foodservice outlets. WhiteWave’s sales team is working with distributors to actively recover any affected product remaining on store shelves.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE RECALLED PRODUCT This recall includes only 11-ounce single serve plastic bottles of Silk Soymilk Chocolate Flavor with both a “use by” date of May 7, 2008 (printed as 05 07 08) and a UPC code of 2529360028. Consumers should look for this information on the back of the bottle. The Company apologizes for any inconvenience to its customers. Consumers who purchased the product may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or exchange. Consumers with questions can contact the Company at 1-800-587-2259.The Food and Drug Administration has been notified of this recall.


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For the record, I am p-i-s-s-e-d off about this. Silk was notified weeks ago, were given the official documentation that dairy was indeed present in this from an independent lab and just before the FDA pulls the plug on it, the do a "voluntary" recall. Three children that I know of were hospitalized for anaphylaxis related to this, and Silk just gets around this.

Caden isn't able to eat soy products right now, but since Silk (owned by White Wave) dragged their feet every step of the way, they will no longer be getting our business now or in the future. It's a pity too because I really like Horizon products. Not big sacrifice though when it comes to something like this. Land o' Lakes is also owned by White Wave. We're boycotting the company for now, unless some serious, voluntary amends are made to the families who suffered sickness due to White Waves negligence.

If I was vegan, I'd be mighty pissed too.

Allergy Stories in the News

http://www.wxyz.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=6961f0f9-adb0-4391-a880-a89fa3d95036

http://www.wxyz.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=6961f0f9-adb0-4391-a880-a89fa3d95036

Sorry for the messy links. I'm not quite sure how to post them without the full address.

At any rate here are two stories in the news.

The first is about an eighth grade student who apparently intentionally planted a peanut butter cookie in his peanut allergic classmate's lunch pail. Said student is now being charged with a felony. Now, I think what he did was atrocious, particularly since it seems that he knew the FA (food allergy or food allergic) student was indeed allergic. However, my question is if he really understood the ramifications of his actions. So many adults don't really get food allergies. Many equate them with the severity of seasonal or environmental allergies, which, while pesky, are not typically life threatening. I'm interested in how this case plays out, what the student who was charged intentions were, and if he really understood what would happen.

Often times, those with food allergies are in some ways dependent on those around them (in part) for their safety. There are good reasons why schools go peanut (or other allergen) free, why doctor's offices have signs, etc. It's truly scary knowing that something as innocent as a cookie could kill you. Teaching children without food allergies the dangers of certain foods to certain people and instilling empathy in them (not pity), is key and is greatly appreciated by families who deal with FA.

The second story is about an inmate who died after eating a peanut butter sandwich. I'm interested in the findings of the investigation and whether it was a suicide, accidental, or "forced". If it was accidental, its a sad reminder that food allergies can develop at any time, even with foods that one has eaten for years without a problem. Sometimes it can be sudden (anaphylaxis after having no symptoms). Others, it can develop over time. Pay attention to your body. If you feel "funny" or your mouth is itchy after eating something, stop and get tested. Just because a reaction is minor this time, doesn't mean it will continue to be minor. Even those with minor food allergies should strictly avoid their allergens and carry epi pens and benadryl with them at all times.

Please pray for Tricia

They have lungs for her. Please pray that when they get into surgery that the lungs will still be okay for her and that surgery will be successful.