Tyson Label: "No Antibiotics" Label Controversy

Tyson Foods Inc. is modifying its "raised without antibiotics" label after the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it shouldn't have been approved.

According to the Associated Press, the USDA wrote a letter to Tyson, the world's largest meat processor, explaining that it "overlooked" a feed additive, ionophores; the governmental agency told the company that it has a "long-standing policy" which classifies the additives as antibiotics (which in fact, it does).

But Tyson says that ionophores is not an antibiotic and that the USDA does not consider the additives as antibiotics.

The company release a statement and said, "We stand by the truthfulness of our product labels and remain fully committed to our Raised Without Antibiotics chicken program. We also expect no disruption in service to our customers."

However, the USDA has given Tyson a temporary stay of 45 days from Nov. 6 to submit a new label and new arguments, to change its feed formula, or to stop using the label.

Tyson's label will continue to read "raised without antibiotics" but add wording which states that no ingredients used create antibiotic resistance in humans.

Ionophores is an animal medication which is added to poultry to help prevent coccidiosis, an intestinal illness in chickens.

Natural Treats: Perfect for the Holidays

You can eat healthy and have your favorite sweets, too!

Wholly Wholesome offers a variety of all natural, trans fat free desserts. You won't find any refined sugars, artificial ingredients, unbleached or bromated flours, and hydrogenated oils or fats in these scrumptious baked goods.

Wholly Wholesome makes:

• Ready-to-Bake Pies: apple, blueberry, cherry and pumpkin
• Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pies
• All Butter Pound Cake
• Crumble Cakes: cinnamon, apple cinnamon, cranberry orange, double chocolate and pumpkin
• New York Style Cheesecake
• Bake-at-Home Cookie Dough: chocolate chip, oatmeal cranberry orange, oatmeal raisin and double chocolate chunk with pecans
  
• Mini Organic Cookies: chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, oatmeal raisin
• Cinnamon Rolls
• Tea Breads: banana nut, blueberry crumb, chocolate chocolate chip and orange cranberry
  
• Pie crusts and shells
  

To find a store near you selling Wholly Wholesome visit the Web site: http://www.whollywholesome.com/

Organic Food: Healthier or Not

The Farm Service Agency had reported that scientific evidence doesn't prove organic food is more nutritious than conventional food. Guess what, they were wrong!

According to Newstarget.com, a 4-year-research-project conducted by Newcastle University shows organic food is more nutritious than non-organic food.

Organic food contains more antioxidants, minerals, flavo-noids and less unhealthy fatty acids; for example, organic milk has between 50 and 80 more antioxidants than normal milk; organic produce and wheat has 20 to 40 percent more nutrients than non-organic foods. Thus, according to the research project, organic food is not only healthier, but it also may help prevent illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.

The studies indicate that differences between organic and non-organic produce are so marked, eating organic produce is like eating an extra portion of fruit or vegetables everyday. "If you have just 20% more antioxidants and you can't get your kids to do five a day, then you might just be okay with four a day," said Professor and Project Co-ordinator, Carlo Leifert.


The final results of the studies will be published during the next 12 months.

For more information on the story visit: http://www.organicconsumers.org/ or newstarget.com

Recipe: Warm, Holiday Brew

You don't have to go to Starbuck's for your Chai Latte. Make your own Organic, Chai Tea Soy Latte in less than 10! This one is safe for non-dairy fans.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup chai tea (about 2 bags strongly brewed)
1 cup organic chocolate soy milk
1 cup organic vanilla soy milk
1 tbsp. organic maple syrup

Directions:

1. Brew tea to desired strength in teapot or on stove top
2. Add chocolate and vanilla soy and maple syrup. Garnish with whipped topping and cinnamon if desired

Recipe from Organic Valley's Web site. For nutrition information visit:
http://www.organicvalley.coop/products_recipes/recipes.html

Meat: Hormones on the Side, Please

Applegate Farms produces a variety of meat products which are organic or antibiotic-free.

Here's a peek of what you'll find under the label:

• antibiotic-free hot dogs
  
• organic hot dogs
• organic deli meats
• antibiotic-free deli meats
• organic sausages
• organic bacon
• antibiotic-free pepperoni sticks
• organic beef burgers
• organic turkey burgers

Just in case you're wondering, this is why applegate meats are so special:

According to applegatefarms.com, all of their animals graze on grass which has been treated neither with fertilizers nor pesticides; additionally, the animals are given neither antibiotics nor growth hormones.

Applegate Farms reports that when compared with grain-fed cattle, grass-fed cattle has half the amount of saturated fat, more essential Omega-3 fatty acids which may help boost our immune systems, three times as much vitamin E and twice as much beta-carotene.

Order products online by clicking here or visit the site's store locater.

Natural Cereal at a Great Price

Shifting to organic and natural foods can drain your pocket, but Mom's Best Naturals Cereals will leave you with spare change.

Mom's Best Cereals are full of "natural goodness": no artificial flavors, preservatives or colors, no hydrogenated oils, no saturated fats and no high fructose corn syrup!

Not only are these breakfast yummies healthier than your average, sugar-loaded cereal, but they're also safe for the environment!

According to momsbestnaturals.com, all electricity consumed by cereal production is from renewable energy sources. And when you purchase Mom's Best Naturals products, you're supporting a company which has been family owned for four generations.

Mom's Best cereals are available in the following varieties:

• Toasty O's
• Honey Nut Toasty O's
• Raisin Bran
• Mallow-Oats
• Toasted Wheat-ful
• Sweetened What-fuls

I found a box of cereal at my local grocery store for less than $2.

To find a store near you selling Mom's Best Naturals visit http://www.econsumeraffairs.com/MomsBest/ProductLocator.htm.

Visit the site for a $1 coupon off any cereal.

Mom's Best Naturals also manufactures instant oatmeal in maple and brown Sugar, apples and cinnamon and cinnamon spice.

South Florida Green Markets

It's the season for fresh!

South Florida green markets are back selling everything from organic produce to exotic flowers to fresh seafood to baked goodies to fruity juices. Check out these markets before they pack up:

Delray GreenMarket

• 150 E. Atlantic Ave. Worthington Park downtown
• Open Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through May 24th. For more information call 561-276-7511

Boca Raton Green Market

• 302 S. Federal Highway, Royal Palm Place
• Open Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March. For more information call 561-368-6875 or 561-239-1536

Las Olas' Farmers' Market (local and international products)

• 1201 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
• Open Sundays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 954-401-1800 or visit empanadaonly.com

The Midtown Miami Farmers' Market

• Buena Vista Avenue from NE 36th Street South to NE 34th Street
• Open the third Saturday of every month 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Chew on this: Natural Gum

Have the urge to chew but don’t want the icky, artificial stuff?

Glee Gum is safe for you!

All natural, Glee Gum is the only gum in the U.S. that contains chicle in its gum base! Gleegum.com reports that chicle is the sap which originates from the Sapodilla tree; it originally was used as a base for all chewing gums until the synthetic ingredients were created.

Glee Gum is free of artificial sweeteners, flavorings, preservatives and colorings and is even vegetarian safe!

Try all three flavors:

• cinnamon
  
• tangerine
  
• peppermint

This yummy chew is not only a healthier option; according to gleegum.com, Glee Gum supports chicleros or tree sap collectors who depend on the chicle market. It also advocates for rainforest sustainability by supporting non-timber forest products.

Buy Glee-gum online at http://www.gleegum.com/order.htm or check out the store locator for a store near you!

Whole Grains Kick Cancer

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study last month which shows that consuming whole grains is associated with reducing the risk for colorectal cancer.

According to medicalnewstoday.com, "Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) analyzed survey results from a large prospective cohort study called the NIH-AARP Study, which involves more than 291,000 men and 197,000 women aged 50 to 71."

The study shows that fiber from whole grains only is associated with reducing the risk for colorectal cancer. The participants who ate the most whole grains had a 20 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer than those who ate the least. Consuming whole grains also reduces the risk for rectal cancer by 35 percent.

Medicalnewstoday.com reports that a 2003 European study shows that a diet high in fiber from whole grains, vegetables and fruits reduces the risk for colon cancer by 25 percent.

Whole grains are found in kernels such as oats, wheat, corn, rye, barley, millet, bulgur and quinoa. The outermost layer of the kernel, known as the bran, has the most fiber; the inside of the kernel, known as the germ, contains the majority of minerals, vitamins and fatty acids. The endosperm, which lies in between the bran and the germ, possess starch and few vitamins and minerals.

The problem with refining: it removes the bran and the germ!

Whole grains can have up to 4 times as much fiber than refined grains, which mainly consist of starches.