Latest news with #MinnesotaDepartmentofAgriculture
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Dubai pistachio chocolate spread linked to salmonella outbreak: What you need to know
A popular pistachio-cocoa spread sold in the US has been linked to a Salmonella outbreak, causing illness in several people, including one who was hospitalised. The spread, made by a Turkish company and sold at World Market stores, is now being recalled nationwide. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Salmonella is a harmful bacterium that can cause stomach pain, diarrhoea, fever, and vomiting. It can be very serious, especially for young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems Salmonella found in popular pistachio cocoa spread sold nationwide According to reports, on July 14, 2025, World Market and the FDA announced a recall after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture detected Salmonella during routine testing. The recall involves Emek Gıda's Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream with Kadayif, a pistachio-cocoa spread manufactured by a Turkish company and sold at World Market stores across more than 30 US states, including Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Source: The CDC later confirmed four cases of illness linked to this pistachio cream product, including one hospitalisation. Consumers who have purchased the affected 9.7 oz jars labeled with 'Dubai' are strongly advised not to consume the product. Salmonella is a harmful bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. What is Salmonella and why is it dangerous Salmonella is a common bacterial infection that affects the digestive system. It is often caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting. While many people recover without treatment, Salmonella infections can be severe, especially in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. In serious cases, the infection can lead to hospitalisation or even life-threatening complications. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This recent outbreak linked to the pistachio-cocoa spread has raised concerns about food safety standards and consumer awareness. Symptoms to watch for after consuming the Dubai chocolate spread If you or your family have consumed the recalled pistachio-cocoa spread, watch for symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. These signs typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after infection. If symptoms are severe or persistent, especially in vulnerable groups like children or the elderly, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce complications and speed up recovery. What to do if you have a Salmonella infection If you suspect you have a Salmonella infection, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through stool tests, and treatment may include hydration and, in some cases, antibiotics. It's also important to report your illness to local health departments to help track outbreaks and prevent further spread. Early medical intervention can prevent serious health outcomes. Also read|
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EDITORIAL: Farmers markets play a vital community role
Jun. 13—This week, the Farmer's Market Place in Austin received a grant of $4,380 from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, one of 29 farmer's markets across the state that benefit from the one-time funding to help expand nutrition assistance efforts during this summer's season. According to a press release on Wednesday from MDA, farmers markets are a vital access point for Minnesotans who use nutrition assistance program benefits. This is something that long-time shoppers of these markets will easily attest to as they make use of local purveyors of fresh produce, baked goods and so much more. The Farmers Market Place has been a long-standing tradition in Austin, kicking off the week on Mondays at Main Street and Third Avenue NE, right next to the SPAM Museum. They always have a fresh assortment of goods that contribute not only the good tastes of fresh, home-grown or home-made items, but that are good for the area. And the good news is, it's not the only one. There is also the Cedar River Farmers Market on Fridays and just a short jog down Highway 218 you'll find the Rose Creek Farmers Market on Tuesdays. Food is always better when it's made with fresh ingredients, but it's also a prime destination for healthy eating. These goods are coming from their growing platforms within days of being ready. They are grown holistically and oftentimes organically. Not to mention, it's just very good food and you're helping out our local growers and our local communities. The farmers markets are a chance for everyone to win so take some time and help these producers out. Every dollar you spend with them they are spending to bring you the same great products you've come to enjoy.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Carlton County is ground zero for spongy moths
May 23—CARLTON COUNTY — As spongy moths, an invasive species that defoliates forests, continue their westward pursuit, Carlton County has become ground zero in Minnesota's effort to scale back the infestation. Having already infested Lake and Cook counties, the invasive moth, formerly known as gypsy moth, is now gaining a foothold in parts of St. Louis and Carlton counties. To combat this, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture plans roughly half of this year's spongy moth treatments in Carlton County. "When you look at that kind of population front, it's a lot farther advanced in the north," said Mark Abrahamson, a plant protection specialist with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. This summer, the MDA plans to aerially treat 12 different areas within Carlton County, totaling about 27,000 acres, using a pheromone to attract and trap male moths to disrupt their mating. A spring treatment using Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki — or Btk, a bacterium that kills the moth's caterpillars — also was scheduled for around 800 acres in Carlton County, but that was canceled after the MDA did not receive the necessary federal funds for the treatment in time. The spongy moth is monitored and controlled through a national Slow the Spread Program — a partnership between the MDA, U.S. Forest Service and 11 states. In Minnesota, the program has been used to manage 1.1 million acres. The program estimates it has slowed the spread of spongy moths by more than 60%. Though Abrahamson said there is no way to eradicate the spongy moth, programs like this can significantly slow the spread. "Without this program, which has been in place for several decades now, it would have been ... pretty much throughout Minnesota, we would just be living with it," Abrahamson said. Abrahamson said about 75% of the state funding to treat the spongy moth comes from the federal government. Though the MDA is planning its summer treatments, it is a possibility that funding will be pulled again. "There's always the possibility that something unexpected could occur as well. So we'll be, you know, prepared if that's the case, but we're optimistic that we should be able to move forward," Abrahamson said. Abrahamson believes the canceled spring treatments won't drastically affect Carlton County's spongy moth population. The moths are already established to a point where Btk would not be as effective as mating disruption, which is more effective among established populations. "By this summer, we wouldn't expect that people are going to really be noticing a lot," Abrahamson said. Originally hailing from Europe, the spongy moth first came to North America from Massachusetts in the 1860s as part of a failed science experiment to breed silk-spinning caterpillars, according to Mass Audubon, a New England-based conservation organization. The caterpillars escaped to the scientists' backyard and began their westward conquest from there. The moth's population has proliferated in the northern parts of the country. Though the reasons are not entirely known, Abrahamson theorizes it could be because the larvae, which move on a silken thread, can travel across lakes great distances.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Minnesota issues alert for Gerber teething sticks over choking hazard
Minnesota officials are advising consumers against a variety of Gerber baby teething sticks that are reported to be a choking hazard. On Friday, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued an alert for Gerber Soothe 'N' Chew Teething Sticks. The alert comes after the Food and Drug Administration issued a recall for the products for posing a choking hazard to babies and children. The FDA had previously recalled the product in January, but issued a second alert after reports it was still on sale in some retail locations and online. The teething sticks come in strawberry apple and banana flavors. The recall applies to all batches of the product. MDA encouraged consumers to discard or return the products and avoid feeding them to children.
CBS News
09-04-2025
- Science
- CBS News
Minnesota's spongy moth mitigation plan canceled due to lack of federal funding, ag officials say
Minnesota's plan to combat an invasive pest is canceled after federal funding fell through, the state said. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture planned to apply an insecticide called Btk to 12 areas throughout the state to fight the spongy moth , whose voracious appetite is devastating to forests. But the department said it did not receive the necessary federal funds in time. "Having to cancel Btk aerial management operations in these areas jeopardizes the future success of this program," department Commissioner Thom Peterson said. "Spongy moth populations in these areas will likely increase and advance quicker into neighboring areas, making future years of management more complicated and costly." Affected counties include Anoka, Carlton, St. Louis and Winona. Temporary quarantines may be put in place to stop the pests from spreading outside these areas. Agriculture officials said they will plan to use other methods to manage the pests, including a pheromone to stop them from reproducing. A yearly survey of the pests will also occur. Both of those operations also rely on "uncertain" federal funding, according to the department. "A threat to Minnesota's forest is a threat to many Minnesotans' livelihoods and our state's economy," the department said. "The MDA will continue to work within its state program to monitor spongy moth populations and to advocate for the best possible management strategies in the future." According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the spongy moth "poses a danger to North America's forests" and has "dramatically changed the landscape" of parts of the country. It eats more than 300 species of trees and shrubs.
