GMO Debate to be Shaped by New Senate, House Ag Chairs
Sen. Russell Ruderman and Rep. Clift Tsuji are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to regulating the seed industry.
NOVEMBER 12, 2014
By NATHAN EAGLE
Here’s a prediction. Hundreds of people opposed to genetically modified organisms and the chemicals that big biotech businesses spray on experimental crops in Hawaii will head to downtown Honolulu next year to flood hearing rooms at the Capitol, wave protest signs and rave about the horrors of the multi-billion-dollar seed industry. Ultimately their efforts will again fail to persuade state lawmakers to require labeling of GMO food, improve transparency of pesticide use or empower the counties that have preempted the state and made their own laws regulating companies like Monsanto, Syngenta and DowAgro. Of course, it’s possible the House and Senate will agree to new restrictions and surprise the cynics who suspect the Legislature will balk when it comes to addressing the concerns of a growing number of residents worried about everything from health effects to consumer choice.
Regardless of how it plays out after the 2015 legislative session convenes Jan. 21, the focus for now is on Sen. Russell Ruderman and Rep. Clift Tsuji, newly chosen heads of the Senate and House agriculture committees. The two lawmakers could not be much farther apart when it comes to the issue. Ruderman is a Big Island businessman who owns a chain of organic food stores and has been outspoken in his opposition to GMOs. He replaces Sen. Clarence Nishihara, who routinely killed GMO bills without so much as a hearing.
Tsuji will take the reins from Jessica Wooley, who supports stronger GMO regulations but stepped down from her House seat last year to head the state Office of Environmental Quality Control. He was named Biotechnology Industry Organization’s legislator of the yearin 2010 for his support of the industry, which has given him thousands of dollars in campaign contributions. “Both chairs on both sides both have certain biases,” House Speaker Joe Souki told reporters Wednesday after announcing the committee chair assignments.
Anti-GMO activists heralded the Senate’s decision last week to make Ruderman the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee but were dismayed by the Tsuji decision. After hearing word that Tsuji was being considered for the post, Babes Against Biotech and other groups opposed to GMOs circulated an online petition that garnered over 4,000 signatures from people who did not want him to chair the committee. Asked why Tsuji was chosen when so many people were unhappy with the choice, Souki said, “There’s also a lot of people happy about it.” Souki also shot down the suggestion that Tsuji may have been chosen to balance out Ruderman. “It wasn’t intentional,” Souki said, adding that Senate leaders were considering Tsuji for the job long before Ruderman was picked. “Tsuji was ag chairman in the past and he asked for it and we obliged.”
Despite all the attention given to the issue, further fueled last week by Maui County voters passing an initiative to place a moratorium on GMO farming, Souki said he hopes the Senate and House agriculture committees move beyond it. “I’d like to think that our chair would look at it more broadly than GMOs and look at sustainability, having sufficient water, looking for more property that we can convert to agriculture,” Souki said. “There’s a lot more to do than just GMOs.” In an interview last week, Ruderman said he hopes the GMO issue doesn’t interfere with work in other important areas. In particular, he wants to push legislation that helps Hawaii grow more of its own food and expands the market for value-added products.
Ruderman said he would like to make progress on GMO regulations, labeling laws, pesticide restrictions and county home rule. A federal court invalidated Kauai’s GMO law requiring more transparency from the seed industry and buffer zones around the fields they spray with pesticides because the judge said state law preempted the county ordinance. Ruderman said he believes he can get certain bills passed in his committee, which he considers “balanced,” but isn’t overly optimistic that the legislation will make it much further. “I don’t think it will be politically possible to make great strides,” he said. Ruderman added that he’s thankful Senate President Donna Mercado Kim and other Senate leaders gave him the committee chairmanship, which will at least make him “harder to ignore.”
Sen. Russell Ruderman and Rep. Clift Tsuji are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to regulating the seed industry.
NOVEMBER 12, 2014
By NATHAN EAGLE
Here’s a prediction. Hundreds of people opposed to genetically modified organisms and the chemicals that big biotech businesses spray on experimental crops in Hawaii will head to downtown Honolulu next year to flood hearing rooms at the Capitol, wave protest signs and rave about the horrors of the multi-billion-dollar seed industry. Ultimately their efforts will again fail to persuade state lawmakers to require labeling of GMO food, improve transparency of pesticide use or empower the counties that have preempted the state and made their own laws regulating companies like Monsanto, Syngenta and DowAgro. Of course, it’s possible the House and Senate will agree to new restrictions and surprise the cynics who suspect the Legislature will balk when it comes to addressing the concerns of a growing number of residents worried about everything from health effects to consumer choice.
Regardless of how it plays out after the 2015 legislative session convenes Jan. 21, the focus for now is on Sen. Russell Ruderman and Rep. Clift Tsuji, newly chosen heads of the Senate and House agriculture committees. The two lawmakers could not be much farther apart when it comes to the issue. Ruderman is a Big Island businessman who owns a chain of organic food stores and has been outspoken in his opposition to GMOs. He replaces Sen. Clarence Nishihara, who routinely killed GMO bills without so much as a hearing.
Tsuji will take the reins from Jessica Wooley, who supports stronger GMO regulations but stepped down from her House seat last year to head the state Office of Environmental Quality Control. He was named Biotechnology Industry Organization’s legislator of the yearin 2010 for his support of the industry, which has given him thousands of dollars in campaign contributions. “Both chairs on both sides both have certain biases,” House Speaker Joe Souki told reporters Wednesday after announcing the committee chair assignments.
Anti-GMO activists heralded the Senate’s decision last week to make Ruderman the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee but were dismayed by the Tsuji decision. After hearing word that Tsuji was being considered for the post, Babes Against Biotech and other groups opposed to GMOs circulated an online petition that garnered over 4,000 signatures from people who did not want him to chair the committee. Asked why Tsuji was chosen when so many people were unhappy with the choice, Souki said, “There’s also a lot of people happy about it.” Souki also shot down the suggestion that Tsuji may have been chosen to balance out Ruderman. “It wasn’t intentional,” Souki said, adding that Senate leaders were considering Tsuji for the job long before Ruderman was picked. “Tsuji was ag chairman in the past and he asked for it and we obliged.”
Despite all the attention given to the issue, further fueled last week by Maui County voters passing an initiative to place a moratorium on GMO farming, Souki said he hopes the Senate and House agriculture committees move beyond it. “I’d like to think that our chair would look at it more broadly than GMOs and look at sustainability, having sufficient water, looking for more property that we can convert to agriculture,” Souki said. “There’s a lot more to do than just GMOs.” In an interview last week, Ruderman said he hopes the GMO issue doesn’t interfere with work in other important areas. In particular, he wants to push legislation that helps Hawaii grow more of its own food and expands the market for value-added products.
Ruderman said he would like to make progress on GMO regulations, labeling laws, pesticide restrictions and county home rule. A federal court invalidated Kauai’s GMO law requiring more transparency from the seed industry and buffer zones around the fields they spray with pesticides because the judge said state law preempted the county ordinance. Ruderman said he believes he can get certain bills passed in his committee, which he considers “balanced,” but isn’t overly optimistic that the legislation will make it much further. “I don’t think it will be politically possible to make great strides,” he said. Ruderman added that he’s thankful Senate President Donna Mercado Kim and other Senate leaders gave him the committee chairmanship, which will at least make him “harder to ignore.”
1,000 Votes: Maui GMO Farming Ban Squeaks By Opponents of the measure, including Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences, raised a historic $7.9 million to defeat the bill, more than any campaign in Hawaii's history.
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
By ANITA HOFSCHNEIDER
A Maui County ballot initiative to temporarily ban genetically engineered crops narrowly passed Tuesday following one of the most heavily financed political campaigns in state history. The controversial measure pulled ahead late Tuesday, passing 50 percent to 48 percent — a difference of just 1,077 votes. It was a stunning turnaround after the measure was initially losing by 19 percent when the first results rolled in. The county’s first-ever ballot initiative targeting global agriculture companies Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences attracted nearly $8 million from opponents, making it the most expensive campaign in Hawaii’s history.
Opponents outspent advocates more than 87 to 1, according to the latest campaign spending reports available Tuesday. That amounts to more than $300 for every “no” vote. But it still wasn’t enough to beat scores of Maui County residents who spent weeks canvassing, sign-waving and calling friends to share their concerns about seed companies’ farming practices. Ashley Lukens, who directs the Hawaii chapter of the Center for Food Safety, a national nonprofit that has been lobbying for more regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), said Maui County residents deserve all the credit for the turnaround. “I think that this is a really strong message to the entire agrochemical industry in the state of Hawaii that we are no longer going to sit idly by and watch them expand their operations without the kinds of regulations that ensure the health and safety of people across Hawaii,” Lukens said.
Tom Blackburn-Rodriguez, spokesman for the political action committee Citizens Against the Maui County Ballot Initiative, thanked supporters for their help in an emailed statement. “We are deeply concerned for the 600-plus workers and their families, local businesses, farmers and taxpayers that will be negatively impacted by the passage of this scientifically unjustified, deeply flawed and irresponsible proposal,” he wrote. The bill’s success defies what happened to highly controversial GMO labeling ballot initiatives in California and Washington, which failed in 2012 and 2013 respectively. As in Maui, Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences were among the top five contributors to defeat both bills. Colorado voters also rejected a bill to impose GMO labeling on Tuesday and a similar Oregon measure was trailing according to preliminary results. Vermont is the only state that has successfully passed legislation to require labels on food containing GMO ingredients, and the law is currently being litigated. The Maui County measure is significantly more far-reaching, seeking to impose a temporary moratorium on genetically engineered crops until the county analyzes their impact on the county’s public health and environment. That would bring to a standstill the majority of the farming being done by Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences, both of which operate in Maui County.
Monsanto owns or leases 3,100 acres on Maui and Molokai, and employs about 540 people, including part-time or seasonal workers. Dow AgroSciences’ affiliate Mycogen Seeds farms about 400 acres on Molokai and employs around 100 people. Citizens Against the Maui County Farming Ban has paid for more than $1.3 million worth of TV ads statewide warning voters that the measure would cause the loss of hundreds of jobs and devastate the county’s economy. While billed as a citizens’ group, the organization is funded exclusively by Monsanto, Dow AgroSciences, a national biotech organization and a political action committee affiliated with Hawaii’s biotech trade group.
Maui County ballot measure is part of a growing movement against genetically engineered organisms (GMOs) across Hawaii that’s resulted in more stringent regulations on the biotech industry on Kauai and the Big Island. Hawaii is a key location for the seed industry because the state’s weather allows for year-long farming. But residents have become increasingly concerned about how GMO farming and its associated pesticide use may be impacting both health and the environment. As the election results were announced on Tuesday, advocates for Maui County’s ballot initiative gathered in the courtyard in front of Akaku TV Station to watch the election results roll in. Despite raising only about 1.1 percent of what the bill’s opponents raised, members of the SHAKA Movement, the group behind the ballot initiative, still sought to drum up support over the weekend. On Saturday, the group hosted a day-long Hawaiian music festival called “Aloha da Vote.” On Sunday, the organization held a party called “Shake It For Shaka” that advertised “tribal ethno global beats to move feets & stir us into ecstatic bliss dance heaven.” But an email to supporters inviting them to Election-Day festivities suggested some the SHAKA Movement’s leaders may be less than optimistic about their chances: “No matter what happens with the initiative, we have been a success in shedding the light on the GMO issue,” the message said. Meanwhile, on Tuesday night, biotech supporters gathered just 2 miles away from the SHAKA Movement at Maui Beach Hotel. On Monday, Blackburn-Rodriguez said that Citizens Against the Maui County Farming Ban was carrying out “traditional campaign activities” in advance of Election Day but declined to specify what that entails. “I’m not comfortable describing our campaign activities,” he said. He later sent an email emphasizing that the organization expected to win.
McDonald's experiments with chicken chorizo in Hawaii
By Leslie Patton
Bloomberg News
POSTED: 09:09 a.m. HST, Sep 25, 2014
LAST UPDATED: 04:44 a.m. HST, Sep 26, 2014
McDonald's Corp. is trying to appeal to fans of chorizo sausage with a new burrito. There's one catch: It's made from chicken. About 2,000 McDonald's restaurants in Texas, Hawaii and the Midwest started selling chorizo breakfast burritos last month, Terri Hickey, a spokeswoman for the Oak Brook, Illinois-based company, said in an e-mail. The wraps are made with dark-meat chicken, instead of the traditional pork, and include scrambled eggs, roma tomatoes, green chilies, onions and white cheddar cheese. The chicken is flavored with chorizo seasoning that includes paprika, chili and chipotle pepper. "They're just trying to have some new news to get people to come back into the stores -- they're really struggling," said Bob Goldin, executive vice president at Technomic Inc. in Chicago. "Some of the the younger consumers like a bolder flavor."
Fast-food chains are trying to introduce items that can stem the flow of millennials to fast-casual chains, such as Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. They've recently added more spicy fare and pork items as fancier restaurants have hyped the other white meat -- labeling it coppa and lardon, as well as tossing it into trendy ramen-noodle soups under names such as porchetta. Wendy's Co. is introducing barbecue pulled-pork sandwiches and burgers across the U.S. McDonald's also recently added jalapeno burgers to its menu, while Burger King Worldwide Inc. has a bacon burger topped with A.1. sauce. While beef consumption per capita is expected to decline 3.3 percent next year, Americans are chowing down on more pork, data from the USDA show. In 2015, people in the U.S. may eat 46.1 pounds of pork, on average, 1.1 percent more than this year. Chicken consumption also is forecast to rise next year. McDonald's, the world's biggest restaurant chain, has struggled recently to boost revenue. Sales at U.S. locations open at least 13 months dropped 2.8 percent in August, the fourth straight monthly decline. Burritos may help McDonald's better compete with Taco Bell's new breakfast foods. The chain, owned by Yum! Brands Inc., earlier this year began selling morning fare, including bacon-and-cheese burritos, waffle tacos and hash browns nationwide.
By Leslie Patton
Bloomberg News
POSTED: 09:09 a.m. HST, Sep 25, 2014
LAST UPDATED: 04:44 a.m. HST, Sep 26, 2014
McDonald's Corp. is trying to appeal to fans of chorizo sausage with a new burrito. There's one catch: It's made from chicken. About 2,000 McDonald's restaurants in Texas, Hawaii and the Midwest started selling chorizo breakfast burritos last month, Terri Hickey, a spokeswoman for the Oak Brook, Illinois-based company, said in an e-mail. The wraps are made with dark-meat chicken, instead of the traditional pork, and include scrambled eggs, roma tomatoes, green chilies, onions and white cheddar cheese. The chicken is flavored with chorizo seasoning that includes paprika, chili and chipotle pepper. "They're just trying to have some new news to get people to come back into the stores -- they're really struggling," said Bob Goldin, executive vice president at Technomic Inc. in Chicago. "Some of the the younger consumers like a bolder flavor."
Fast-food chains are trying to introduce items that can stem the flow of millennials to fast-casual chains, such as Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. They've recently added more spicy fare and pork items as fancier restaurants have hyped the other white meat -- labeling it coppa and lardon, as well as tossing it into trendy ramen-noodle soups under names such as porchetta. Wendy's Co. is introducing barbecue pulled-pork sandwiches and burgers across the U.S. McDonald's also recently added jalapeno burgers to its menu, while Burger King Worldwide Inc. has a bacon burger topped with A.1. sauce. While beef consumption per capita is expected to decline 3.3 percent next year, Americans are chowing down on more pork, data from the USDA show. In 2015, people in the U.S. may eat 46.1 pounds of pork, on average, 1.1 percent more than this year. Chicken consumption also is forecast to rise next year. McDonald's, the world's biggest restaurant chain, has struggled recently to boost revenue. Sales at U.S. locations open at least 13 months dropped 2.8 percent in August, the fourth straight monthly decline. Burritos may help McDonald's better compete with Taco Bell's new breakfast foods. The chain, owned by Yum! Brands Inc., earlier this year began selling morning fare, including bacon-and-cheese burritos, waffle tacos and hash browns nationwide.
Big Island’s Rainbow Papaya Growers Say Exemption From New GE Ban Isn’t Enough
Food Safety News
BY DAN FLYNN | AUGUST 5, 2014
Being exempted from the Big Island’s new ban on genetically engineered crops will not protect Rainbow papaya growers from dramatic harm, says a top industry leader. Ross Sibucao, president of the Hawaii Papaya Industry Association, is among several farm and ranch leaders from the County of Hawaii who have filed declarations in U.S. District Court outlining claims that they will be specifically harmed by the ban imposed by the island’s local government last December. One of the Big Island’s largest crops, papaya was nearly wiped out by the aphid-transmitted papaya ring spot virus in the 1990s. But researchers at the University of Hawaii and Cornell University used genetic engineering to develop the ring spot virus-resistant Rainbow papaya.
Today, the Rainbow papaya accounts for 85 percent of the papaya grown on the Big Island. The state produces around 30 million pounds of papaya a year, and almost all of it is grown on the Big Island. “The majority of papayas grown on the Big Island farms have been improved through genetic engineering,” says Sibucao, a third-generation native-born Hawaiian. He says that while Bill 113 allows Rainbow papaya growers to continue, they will nevertheless be “directly and adversely” impacted. Sibucao says that Bill 113’s ban on open-air testing is already negatively affecting research into new GE varieties able to withstand attacks by harmful plant diseases and pests, including the threat from the Taiwanese strain of papaya ring spot virus. “Once a new plant variety shows promise in an enclosed setting such as growth chamber or greenhouse, the next step is open-air testing,” Sibucao explains. “Bill 113 imposes an absolute ban on all such open-air testing and thus makes it substantially less likely that researchers will develop a variety of GE papaya that is resistant to the Taiwan strain of the papaya ring spot virus and other potential viruses that may threaten the papaya crop on the Big Island.”
Sibucao says papaya growers still have to submit to an expensive and time-consuming registration scheme being imposed by the county that is burdensome and intrusive. He also expects the export market for the Rainbow papaya will be harmed by the Big Island’s negative stance on GE crops. Japan and Canada are currently major importers of Rainbow papaya. Sibucao says that the stigmatization of GE papaya has caused several growers to half expansion plans because of Bill 113’s red tape. The papaya association formed to promote commercial interests is now almost entirely tied up with helping members comply with the obligations of Bill 113, he adds. Rather than work to expand the export market, the association has had to pay for advertising to counter negative publicity. To the “politicians and activists” who suggest that growers switch to non-GE varieties of papaya, Sibucao says that’s “neither a feasible or rational option.”
In June, papaya, banana, and flower growers, along with Big Island cattlemen, hooked up with the biotechnology industry to sue the local government in order to get Bill 113 tossed out. The lawsuit contends that both the cultivation and open-air bans are preempted by federal law and therefore beyond the powers of a county government. U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Barry M. Kurren has scheduled a hearing on the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment for Oct. 23, 2014. The Big Island’s nursery businesses also face possible damages resulting from the local GE ban, according to Eric Tanouye, president of the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association and the majority owner of Green Point Nurseries in Hilo. Tanouye says that anthurium is critical to the tropical flower industry on the Big Island as a centerpiece that helps drive the sale of other tropical flowers. As a result, it is both grown and sold by businesses such as Green Point Nurseries and is now threatened by bacterial blight and nematodes. Tanouye says that without a solution in the “very near future,” the nurseries on the Big Island will be devastated.
In search of a solution, the nursery industry has been working with Dr. Lisa Keith of the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center. She has been conducting open-air testing under a permit issued by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Bill 113 attempts to impose a local ban on open-air testing, which is in opposition to existing federal protocols. But Tanouye fears the county will attempt to levy fines on the nurseries participating in the federally sanctioned testing. Further, the local ordinance prohibits the development of a GE strain of anthurium that is resistant to nematodes and bacteria bright. Richard Ha, president of the Big Island Banana Growers and owner of Hamakua Springs Country Farms north of Hilo, says the banana bunchy top virus is a threat to the bananas grown on the Big Island. When bananas are infested with the virus, the only option is to destroy them. Ha had to destroy all the bananas on his 250-acre farm in 2004. Ha says the University of Hawaii has made significant progress with a GE banana that is resistant to the banana bunchy top virus. However, the final steps involve open-air testing under USDA supervision. Big Island bananas are also threatened by Fusarium wilt, a fungal disease. Ha says these negative prospects are why the value of agricultural land on the Big Island has fallen off since Bill 113 passed.
© Food Safety News
Food Safety News
BY DAN FLYNN | AUGUST 5, 2014
Being exempted from the Big Island’s new ban on genetically engineered crops will not protect Rainbow papaya growers from dramatic harm, says a top industry leader. Ross Sibucao, president of the Hawaii Papaya Industry Association, is among several farm and ranch leaders from the County of Hawaii who have filed declarations in U.S. District Court outlining claims that they will be specifically harmed by the ban imposed by the island’s local government last December. One of the Big Island’s largest crops, papaya was nearly wiped out by the aphid-transmitted papaya ring spot virus in the 1990s. But researchers at the University of Hawaii and Cornell University used genetic engineering to develop the ring spot virus-resistant Rainbow papaya.
Today, the Rainbow papaya accounts for 85 percent of the papaya grown on the Big Island. The state produces around 30 million pounds of papaya a year, and almost all of it is grown on the Big Island. “The majority of papayas grown on the Big Island farms have been improved through genetic engineering,” says Sibucao, a third-generation native-born Hawaiian. He says that while Bill 113 allows Rainbow papaya growers to continue, they will nevertheless be “directly and adversely” impacted. Sibucao says that Bill 113’s ban on open-air testing is already negatively affecting research into new GE varieties able to withstand attacks by harmful plant diseases and pests, including the threat from the Taiwanese strain of papaya ring spot virus. “Once a new plant variety shows promise in an enclosed setting such as growth chamber or greenhouse, the next step is open-air testing,” Sibucao explains. “Bill 113 imposes an absolute ban on all such open-air testing and thus makes it substantially less likely that researchers will develop a variety of GE papaya that is resistant to the Taiwan strain of the papaya ring spot virus and other potential viruses that may threaten the papaya crop on the Big Island.”
Sibucao says papaya growers still have to submit to an expensive and time-consuming registration scheme being imposed by the county that is burdensome and intrusive. He also expects the export market for the Rainbow papaya will be harmed by the Big Island’s negative stance on GE crops. Japan and Canada are currently major importers of Rainbow papaya. Sibucao says that the stigmatization of GE papaya has caused several growers to half expansion plans because of Bill 113’s red tape. The papaya association formed to promote commercial interests is now almost entirely tied up with helping members comply with the obligations of Bill 113, he adds. Rather than work to expand the export market, the association has had to pay for advertising to counter negative publicity. To the “politicians and activists” who suggest that growers switch to non-GE varieties of papaya, Sibucao says that’s “neither a feasible or rational option.”
In June, papaya, banana, and flower growers, along with Big Island cattlemen, hooked up with the biotechnology industry to sue the local government in order to get Bill 113 tossed out. The lawsuit contends that both the cultivation and open-air bans are preempted by federal law and therefore beyond the powers of a county government. U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Barry M. Kurren has scheduled a hearing on the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment for Oct. 23, 2014. The Big Island’s nursery businesses also face possible damages resulting from the local GE ban, according to Eric Tanouye, president of the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association and the majority owner of Green Point Nurseries in Hilo. Tanouye says that anthurium is critical to the tropical flower industry on the Big Island as a centerpiece that helps drive the sale of other tropical flowers. As a result, it is both grown and sold by businesses such as Green Point Nurseries and is now threatened by bacterial blight and nematodes. Tanouye says that without a solution in the “very near future,” the nurseries on the Big Island will be devastated.
In search of a solution, the nursery industry has been working with Dr. Lisa Keith of the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center. She has been conducting open-air testing under a permit issued by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Bill 113 attempts to impose a local ban on open-air testing, which is in opposition to existing federal protocols. But Tanouye fears the county will attempt to levy fines on the nurseries participating in the federally sanctioned testing. Further, the local ordinance prohibits the development of a GE strain of anthurium that is resistant to nematodes and bacteria bright. Richard Ha, president of the Big Island Banana Growers and owner of Hamakua Springs Country Farms north of Hilo, says the banana bunchy top virus is a threat to the bananas grown on the Big Island. When bananas are infested with the virus, the only option is to destroy them. Ha had to destroy all the bananas on his 250-acre farm in 2004. Ha says the University of Hawaii has made significant progress with a GE banana that is resistant to the banana bunchy top virus. However, the final steps involve open-air testing under USDA supervision. Big Island bananas are also threatened by Fusarium wilt, a fungal disease. Ha says these negative prospects are why the value of agricultural land on the Big Island has fallen off since Bill 113 passed.
© Food Safety News
Hawaii Center for Food Safety Action Fund Endorses Candidates
Hawaii Reporter
July 7, 2014
HONOLULU -- Hawaii Center for Food Safety Action Fund (HCFSAF), a group committed to educating voters on food safety issues, is making its first endorsements in the 2014 election cycle, backing the following 18 candidates:
House:
This nonpartisan, nonprofit, non-candidate political action committee engages in voter education, grassroots organizing and electoral activities, including legislative advocacy. Candidates were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding their support for local farmers engaged in sustainable agricultural practices, food safety transparency labeling, protection of native species, home rule and access to locally grown food. “These candidates have demonstrated their concern for and knowledge about food safety issues in Hawaii,” said Ashley Lukens, chair of HCFSAF. “Our goal of this political action committee is to educate voters about where the candidates stand on food safety, health and environment issues.” “It is hard to compete with the dollars being spent by the agrichemical companies on campaign contributions, but through HCFSAF, and the volunteer energy it has helped harness, we can compete with voter power.”
Over the past two months, HCFSAF has established a statewide network of volunteer phone banks, engaging hundreds of volunteers, calling thousands of voters and identifying voters who care about sustainable food and farming issues. Hawaii Center for Food Safety Action Fund is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, non-candidate committee engaging in education and electoral activities, including legislative advocacy, voter education, and grassroots organizing. Hawaiʻi Center for Food Safety Action Fund is committed to promoting ecological diversity, protecting public health, and nurturing historical and cultural connections to land through our focus on safe and sustainable food and agriculture policies. To do this, we need elected officials who will stand up to biotech and agrichemical companies and support local and sustainable farming practices in Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi Center for Food Safety Action Fund educates voters on Hawaiʻi candidates and where they stand on food safety issues. Hawaiʻi Center for Food Safety Action Fund has 3 goals: Educate Hawaiʻi voters on candidates’ positions on food safety issues; Mobilize community members to vote for endorsed candidates on Election Day and Affect public policy during the legislative session.
Hawaii Reporter
July 7, 2014
HONOLULU -- Hawaii Center for Food Safety Action Fund (HCFSAF), a group committed to educating voters on food safety issues, is making its first endorsements in the 2014 election cycle, backing the following 18 candidates:
House:
- Richard Creagan HD5 Hawaii (Naalehu, Ocean View, Captain Cook, Kailua-Kona)
- Nicole Ferguson HD42 Honolulu (Kapolei, Makakilo)
- Faye Pua Hanohano HD4 Hawaii (Puna)
- Robert Harris HD48 Honolulu (Kaneohe, Heeia, Ahuimanu, Kahaluu, Haiku Valley, Mokuoloe)
- Dylan Hooser HD15 Kauai (Wailua Homesteads, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, Old Koloa Town, Omao)
- Kaniela Ing HD11 Maui (Kihei, Wailea, Makena)
- Chris Lee HD51 Honolulu (Lanikai, Waimanalo)
- Matthew LoPresti HD41 Honolulu (Ewa Villages, Ewa Beach, Ewa Gentry, Ocean Pointe, West Loch)
- Nicole Lowen HD6 Hawaii (North Kona, Holualoa, Kalaoa, Honokohau)
- Takashi Ohno HD27 Honolulu (Nuuanu, Liliha, Pauoa, Alewa Heights)
- Cynthia Thielen HD50 Honolulu (Kaulua, Kaneohe Bay)
- Terez Amato SD6 South and West Maui
- Roger G. Clemente SD17 Honolulu (Waipahu, Pearl City, Crestview, Manana, Pacific Palisades)
- J. Kalani English SD7 Maui (Kalawao, Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe)
- Josh Green, MD SD3 Hawaii (Kona, Kau)
- Lorraine Rodero Inouye SD4 Hawaii (Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona)
- Gil Riviere SD23 Honolulu (Kunia, Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa, Waialua, Haleiwa, Kahuku, Laie, Kaaawa, Kaneohe)
- Maile Shimabukuro SD21 Honolulu (Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, KoOina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Makua)
This nonpartisan, nonprofit, non-candidate political action committee engages in voter education, grassroots organizing and electoral activities, including legislative advocacy. Candidates were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding their support for local farmers engaged in sustainable agricultural practices, food safety transparency labeling, protection of native species, home rule and access to locally grown food. “These candidates have demonstrated their concern for and knowledge about food safety issues in Hawaii,” said Ashley Lukens, chair of HCFSAF. “Our goal of this political action committee is to educate voters about where the candidates stand on food safety, health and environment issues.” “It is hard to compete with the dollars being spent by the agrichemical companies on campaign contributions, but through HCFSAF, and the volunteer energy it has helped harness, we can compete with voter power.”
Over the past two months, HCFSAF has established a statewide network of volunteer phone banks, engaging hundreds of volunteers, calling thousands of voters and identifying voters who care about sustainable food and farming issues. Hawaii Center for Food Safety Action Fund is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, non-candidate committee engaging in education and electoral activities, including legislative advocacy, voter education, and grassroots organizing. Hawaiʻi Center for Food Safety Action Fund is committed to promoting ecological diversity, protecting public health, and nurturing historical and cultural connections to land through our focus on safe and sustainable food and agriculture policies. To do this, we need elected officials who will stand up to biotech and agrichemical companies and support local and sustainable farming practices in Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi Center for Food Safety Action Fund educates voters on Hawaiʻi candidates and where they stand on food safety issues. Hawaiʻi Center for Food Safety Action Fund has 3 goals: Educate Hawaiʻi voters on candidates’ positions on food safety issues; Mobilize community members to vote for endorsed candidates on Election Day and Affect public policy during the legislative session.
Isle businesses prepare for first-ever 'Taste of Hawaii' in Washington, D.C.
Pacific Business News
By Braelyn Wood
July 3, 2014
Local businesses are preparing to head to Washington, D.C., later this month to showcase Hawaii’s industries and unique culture as part of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii's " Hawaii on the Hill" initiative to create stronger ties between the state and the nation's capital. The concluding “Taste of Hawaii” event on July 23 will showcase the food, culture and industries of Hawaii. A total of 47 companies and organizations, representing all major islands and industries, are participating in the event.
One company headed to D.C. is the Hawaiian Chip Co. Founder James “Jimmy” Chan first heard about the event from the Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii contacted the Hawaiian Chip Co. to participate after Chan expressed interest in the event. Chan said he is excited the company was chosen to represent Hawaii. “It’s pretty cool that we were accepted for the event,” said Chan, “I think the opportunity to help represent the food manufacturers of Hawaii is great. Hopefully that means we have a decent reputation as far as having quality products and what not.” Chan’s wife, Kammy Chan, will be representing the company in Washington as the retail store manager. Kammy Chan said each participating food company was told to prepare enough samples for 600 people.
Hawaiian Chip Co. will hand out one-ounce bags of their signature Sweet Potato and Taro chips as well as a miniature bottle of their Kilauea fire sauce. Preparation for the trip will begin next week so the company can ship their products in advance. Kammy Chan said the dynamic will be very different than a normal trade show but she looks forward to meeting the delegates. “It’s good to showcase what we do. Not just the Hawaiian Chip Co. but all Hawaii-based companies,” said Kammy Chan. “I don’t think people on the Mainland really think of Hawaii as anything other than having nice beaches and that type of tourist thing. It’s nice to show what else we do here.”
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, toured the Hawaiian Chip Co. on Thursday to view the snack-making and distribution operations. She also toured Pacific Allied Products and Haute Confectionary Bakery. Hirono intended to use the tours to start a dialogue with entrepreneurs about boosting manufacturing and small business growth in Hawaii. Jimmy Chan said the tour demonstrates Hirono’s support for small businesses and how far the company has come. “We started out just doing the swap meet and little craft fairs," Chan said. "Over a decade ago, Lt. Gov. Hirono stopped by at a craft fair and helped to support us. She probably accounted for 20 percent of our sales that day. It’s amazing — here she is still visiting us and supporting!”
The completes list of organizations participating includes: Ansaldo Honolulu, Boeing Hawaii, County of Maui, Haute Confectionery Boutique, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, HMSA, Innovate Hawaii/High Technology Development Corporation, Friends of Iolani Palace, Kamakura Corporation, Kauai Chamber of Commerce, County of Kaui, Kauai Economic Development Board, Aqua Engineers, Kauai Visitors Bureau, Maui Chamber of Commerce, Kauai Coffee Company, Kauai Kookie Company, Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Kona Mountain Coffee, Cyanotech, Mauna Loa Mac Nuts, Big Island Bees, 3D Innovations, The Cut Collective, Navitek, Orchid Lei Company, Pacific Allied Products, Pacifica Hawaii Salt, Queen’s Development Corporation, Really Ono, Salty Wahine/Aunty Lilikoi, The Hawaiian Chip Company, Tiki Shark Art, HC&S, HNU Photonics, International Underwater Explorations, Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Highway Inn, Big Island Candies, Koloa Rum, Hawaiian Host, Maui Fruit Jewels, Maui Preserved, Maui Goat Dairy, Maui Grown Coffee and Breadfruit Pie.
Pacific Business News
By Braelyn Wood
July 3, 2014
Local businesses are preparing to head to Washington, D.C., later this month to showcase Hawaii’s industries and unique culture as part of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii's " Hawaii on the Hill" initiative to create stronger ties between the state and the nation's capital. The concluding “Taste of Hawaii” event on July 23 will showcase the food, culture and industries of Hawaii. A total of 47 companies and organizations, representing all major islands and industries, are participating in the event.
One company headed to D.C. is the Hawaiian Chip Co. Founder James “Jimmy” Chan first heard about the event from the Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii contacted the Hawaiian Chip Co. to participate after Chan expressed interest in the event. Chan said he is excited the company was chosen to represent Hawaii. “It’s pretty cool that we were accepted for the event,” said Chan, “I think the opportunity to help represent the food manufacturers of Hawaii is great. Hopefully that means we have a decent reputation as far as having quality products and what not.” Chan’s wife, Kammy Chan, will be representing the company in Washington as the retail store manager. Kammy Chan said each participating food company was told to prepare enough samples for 600 people.
Hawaiian Chip Co. will hand out one-ounce bags of their signature Sweet Potato and Taro chips as well as a miniature bottle of their Kilauea fire sauce. Preparation for the trip will begin next week so the company can ship their products in advance. Kammy Chan said the dynamic will be very different than a normal trade show but she looks forward to meeting the delegates. “It’s good to showcase what we do. Not just the Hawaiian Chip Co. but all Hawaii-based companies,” said Kammy Chan. “I don’t think people on the Mainland really think of Hawaii as anything other than having nice beaches and that type of tourist thing. It’s nice to show what else we do here.”
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, toured the Hawaiian Chip Co. on Thursday to view the snack-making and distribution operations. She also toured Pacific Allied Products and Haute Confectionary Bakery. Hirono intended to use the tours to start a dialogue with entrepreneurs about boosting manufacturing and small business growth in Hawaii. Jimmy Chan said the tour demonstrates Hirono’s support for small businesses and how far the company has come. “We started out just doing the swap meet and little craft fairs," Chan said. "Over a decade ago, Lt. Gov. Hirono stopped by at a craft fair and helped to support us. She probably accounted for 20 percent of our sales that day. It’s amazing — here she is still visiting us and supporting!”
The completes list of organizations participating includes: Ansaldo Honolulu, Boeing Hawaii, County of Maui, Haute Confectionery Boutique, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, HMSA, Innovate Hawaii/High Technology Development Corporation, Friends of Iolani Palace, Kamakura Corporation, Kauai Chamber of Commerce, County of Kaui, Kauai Economic Development Board, Aqua Engineers, Kauai Visitors Bureau, Maui Chamber of Commerce, Kauai Coffee Company, Kauai Kookie Company, Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Kona Mountain Coffee, Cyanotech, Mauna Loa Mac Nuts, Big Island Bees, 3D Innovations, The Cut Collective, Navitek, Orchid Lei Company, Pacific Allied Products, Pacifica Hawaii Salt, Queen’s Development Corporation, Really Ono, Salty Wahine/Aunty Lilikoi, The Hawaiian Chip Company, Tiki Shark Art, HC&S, HNU Photonics, International Underwater Explorations, Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Highway Inn, Big Island Candies, Koloa Rum, Hawaiian Host, Maui Fruit Jewels, Maui Preserved, Maui Goat Dairy, Maui Grown Coffee and Breadfruit Pie.
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Hawaii restaurants prepare for new food safety inspection program
Pacific Business News
By Bill Cresenzo
July 3, 2014
Inspectors with the Hawaii Department of Health this month will begin assigning color-coded placards to restaurants across the state intended to inform diners of any food safety violations.
The color-coded placard program has been in the works for a at least a couple of years and went into effect in February, but the DOH wanted to give restaurants time to make sure that they understood the new rules, said spokeswoman Janice Okubo. Workers with the DOH have spent the past few months visiting restaurants to inform them about what they should do to comply. Now that outreach efforts are almost complete, Okubo said that inspectors will begin distributing the placards in mid-to-late July.
The placards are green, yellow and red. A green card will be posted if no more than one major violation is found during the inspection and that the violation is corrected right then. A yellow placard will be posted if the major violation is not corrected or when at least two major violations are found. That yellow card can be replaced with a green one within two business days if the violation is corrected.
Inspectors will issue a red placard if an imminent health hazard is found, such as sewage overflow, no hot water, rodents and vermin and severe unsanitary conditions, the health department said. The restaurant will also be closed until the health hazard is eradicated. Restaurants also now must follow stricter sanitation rules. For example, they must now renew their permits each year, rather than every two years, as before They cannot have any bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, and they must post an advisory warning diners that consuming raw or undercooked foods could increase their risk of illnesses.
Brian Blair, a partner in Ferguson’s Pub in Downtown Honolulu, said a representative from the Department of Health stopped by the bar and restaurant several weeks ago to explain the new system. “Pretty much everything was pretty basic,” he said. “Food control, refrigeration.” Blair, who has spent years in the restaurant industry, said inspections in Hawaii have historically been sporadic. “I think that’s why the whole program is ramping up,” he said. “I think it’s fantastic for all of us. We all want to trust where we are going to eat.”
Pacific Business News
By Bill Cresenzo
July 3, 2014
Inspectors with the Hawaii Department of Health this month will begin assigning color-coded placards to restaurants across the state intended to inform diners of any food safety violations.
The color-coded placard program has been in the works for a at least a couple of years and went into effect in February, but the DOH wanted to give restaurants time to make sure that they understood the new rules, said spokeswoman Janice Okubo. Workers with the DOH have spent the past few months visiting restaurants to inform them about what they should do to comply. Now that outreach efforts are almost complete, Okubo said that inspectors will begin distributing the placards in mid-to-late July.
The placards are green, yellow and red. A green card will be posted if no more than one major violation is found during the inspection and that the violation is corrected right then. A yellow placard will be posted if the major violation is not corrected or when at least two major violations are found. That yellow card can be replaced with a green one within two business days if the violation is corrected.
Inspectors will issue a red placard if an imminent health hazard is found, such as sewage overflow, no hot water, rodents and vermin and severe unsanitary conditions, the health department said. The restaurant will also be closed until the health hazard is eradicated. Restaurants also now must follow stricter sanitation rules. For example, they must now renew their permits each year, rather than every two years, as before They cannot have any bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, and they must post an advisory warning diners that consuming raw or undercooked foods could increase their risk of illnesses.
Brian Blair, a partner in Ferguson’s Pub in Downtown Honolulu, said a representative from the Department of Health stopped by the bar and restaurant several weeks ago to explain the new system. “Pretty much everything was pretty basic,” he said. “Food control, refrigeration.” Blair, who has spent years in the restaurant industry, said inspections in Hawaii have historically been sporadic. “I think that’s why the whole program is ramping up,” he said. “I think it’s fantastic for all of us. We all want to trust where we are going to eat.”
POM Wonderful Wins A Round In Food Fight With Coca-Cola
Hawaii Public Radio
By NINA TOTENBERG
Originally published on Fri June 13, 2014
A food fight at the U.S. Supreme Court ended in a unanimous decision on Thursday.
The justices ruled that POM Wonderful can go forward with a lawsuit alleging Coca-Cola Co. tricked consumers and stole business from POM with false and misleading juice labels.
The case centers on a product aimed at health-conscious consumers: pomegranate-blueberry juice.
One version is made by POM Wonderful, a grower of pomegranates; the other, produced by Coca-Cola's Minute Maid division, says in large print that it is pomegranate-blueberry juice, too. The Coca-Cola product is almost five times cheaper. Only if you read down to the small print on the label do you see why: While POM's juice is 85 percent pomegranate and 15 percent blueberry juice, the Coca-Cola product is just 0.5 percent pomegranate and blueberry juice — combined.
POM sued Coca-Cola, claiming that it was losing sales because Coca-Cola's label and advertising were misleading consumers into believing they were getting a juice combination consisting mainly of pomegranate and blueberry juices when, in fact, the juice was more than 99 percent apple and grape juices, which are far cheaper. POM asked for damages and a court order barring such labeling.
Two lower courts ruled against POM, agreeing with Coca-Cola that because its label complies with the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, it is immune to suits under another law, called the Lanham Act.
On Thursday, however, the Supreme Court disagreed with Coca-Cola, giving the green light for POM's lawsuit to go forward. Summarizing the decision from the bench, Justice Anthony Kennedy said that "the position Coca-Cola takes in this court" is that because it complied with the Food and Drug Act's labeling requirements, it could "mislead and trick consumers" without being subject to liability.
That assertion, he said, is "incorrect." The Lanham Act and the Food and Drug Act are supposed to work together: The former allows competitors to bring civil lawsuits to protect their commercial interests from unfair competition, while the latter protects public health and safety. To the extent that they both cover labels, Justice Kennedy said, FDA regulations are not a ceiling that insulates companies from being sued by competitors.
Rather, the Lanham Act is the yin to the FDA's yang, because it should "provide incentives for manufacturers to behave well."
POM Wonderful co-owner Lynda Resnick gave the credit for the victory to her husband, Stewart, who, she noted, has insisted on pursuing this case for more than five years, all the way to the Supreme Court.
"He is kind of a 21st century John Wayne," said Resnick, and "very much wants what's right for the food industry and for the American consumer."
Coca-Cola issued a statement, saying the company is "committed to clear labeling that fully complies with FDA regulations." The company said it would defend against POM's lawsuit and show "that our product was not the cause of POM's poor sales."
Just how broad the repercussions will be for the food and beverage industry is unclear. After all, Thursday's Supreme Court decision allows competitors, but not consumers, to bring suits like the one at issue in the Supreme Court ruling.
"I don't know whether it will change the landscape of labeling," said associate professor Diana R.H. Winters, of Indiana University law school. "I think food companies will have to look more closely at their labeling now."
The POM Wonderful suit will now proceed to trial, if it is not settled. It will be a jury that decides whether Coca-Cola did anything wrong and, if so, how much the company should pay POM in damages.
POM Wonderful is on the defensive in another suit that's slowly wending its way to the Supreme Court.
The Federal Trade Commission accused the company of its own deceptive advertising. The FTC ordered POM to stop advertising health benefits for its juice until it can prove those benefits with clinical trials involving human subjects. POM challenged the FTC order, lost in federal District Court and is appealing.
Copyright 2014 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.
The justices ruled that POM Wonderful can go forward with a lawsuit alleging Coca-Cola Co. tricked consumers and stole business from POM with false and misleading juice labels.
The case centers on a product aimed at health-conscious consumers: pomegranate-blueberry juice.
One version is made by POM Wonderful, a grower of pomegranates; the other, produced by Coca-Cola's Minute Maid division, says in large print that it is pomegranate-blueberry juice, too. The Coca-Cola product is almost five times cheaper. Only if you read down to the small print on the label do you see why: While POM's juice is 85 percent pomegranate and 15 percent blueberry juice, the Coca-Cola product is just 0.5 percent pomegranate and blueberry juice — combined.
POM sued Coca-Cola, claiming that it was losing sales because Coca-Cola's label and advertising were misleading consumers into believing they were getting a juice combination consisting mainly of pomegranate and blueberry juices when, in fact, the juice was more than 99 percent apple and grape juices, which are far cheaper. POM asked for damages and a court order barring such labeling.
Two lower courts ruled against POM, agreeing with Coca-Cola that because its label complies with the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, it is immune to suits under another law, called the Lanham Act.
On Thursday, however, the Supreme Court disagreed with Coca-Cola, giving the green light for POM's lawsuit to go forward. Summarizing the decision from the bench, Justice Anthony Kennedy said that "the position Coca-Cola takes in this court" is that because it complied with the Food and Drug Act's labeling requirements, it could "mislead and trick consumers" without being subject to liability.
That assertion, he said, is "incorrect." The Lanham Act and the Food and Drug Act are supposed to work together: The former allows competitors to bring civil lawsuits to protect their commercial interests from unfair competition, while the latter protects public health and safety. To the extent that they both cover labels, Justice Kennedy said, FDA regulations are not a ceiling that insulates companies from being sued by competitors.
Rather, the Lanham Act is the yin to the FDA's yang, because it should "provide incentives for manufacturers to behave well."
POM Wonderful co-owner Lynda Resnick gave the credit for the victory to her husband, Stewart, who, she noted, has insisted on pursuing this case for more than five years, all the way to the Supreme Court.
"He is kind of a 21st century John Wayne," said Resnick, and "very much wants what's right for the food industry and for the American consumer."
Coca-Cola issued a statement, saying the company is "committed to clear labeling that fully complies with FDA regulations." The company said it would defend against POM's lawsuit and show "that our product was not the cause of POM's poor sales."
Just how broad the repercussions will be for the food and beverage industry is unclear. After all, Thursday's Supreme Court decision allows competitors, but not consumers, to bring suits like the one at issue in the Supreme Court ruling.
"I don't know whether it will change the landscape of labeling," said associate professor Diana R.H. Winters, of Indiana University law school. "I think food companies will have to look more closely at their labeling now."
The POM Wonderful suit will now proceed to trial, if it is not settled. It will be a jury that decides whether Coca-Cola did anything wrong and, if so, how much the company should pay POM in damages.
POM Wonderful is on the defensive in another suit that's slowly wending its way to the Supreme Court.
The Federal Trade Commission accused the company of its own deceptive advertising. The FTC ordered POM to stop advertising health benefits for its juice until it can prove those benefits with clinical trials involving human subjects. POM challenged the FTC order, lost in federal District Court and is appealing.
Copyright 2014 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.
Popular dog food recalled in Hawaii because of health risk
Hawaii News Now
Posted: Jun 02, 2014 1:24 PM HST
Updated: Jun 02, 2014 1:24 PM HST
Hill's Pet Nutrition is voluntarily recalling 62 bags of Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed dry dog food. The company says the food could be potentially contaminated with Salmonella. The suspect product, part of a single production run, was distributed to 17 veterinary clinic and pet store customers in California, Hawaii and Nevada between April 24 and May 13, 2014. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
This voluntary recall is limited to 62 15.5 lb. bags of Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed dry dog food with the Stock-Keeping Unit (SKU) code, "Best before" date and production code shown below. This product was accidentally released, as revealed during a routine inventory reconciliation. All 17 affected customers have been contacted by Hill's and there have been no reported illnesses related to this product to date.
Product Name Bag Size SKU "Best Before" Date/ Production Code
Science Diet® Adult
Small & Toy Breed 15.5 lbs. 9097 08 2015 M094
The SKU number is located on the bottom of the bag, both side panels and on the back lower right hand corner below the UPC code. As illustrated below, the "Best before" date and production code is stamped on the top, middle of each bag:
Consumers who may have purchased any of these specific 62 15.5 lb bags of Science Diet® Adult Small & Toy Breed™ dry dog food should discontinue use of the product and immediately call Hill's Pet Nutrition at 1-800-445-5777 Monday-Friday during the hours of 7am-7pm (CT). Hill's will arrange to collect the unused portion of the product at its own expense at a time convenient for the consumer and will provide a full refund.
This voluntary recall does not impact any Science Diet Adult Small and Toy Breed™ products with different "best before" dates or any other Science Diet products.
Copyright 2014 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
This voluntary recall is limited to 62 15.5 lb. bags of Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed dry dog food with the Stock-Keeping Unit (SKU) code, "Best before" date and production code shown below. This product was accidentally released, as revealed during a routine inventory reconciliation. All 17 affected customers have been contacted by Hill's and there have been no reported illnesses related to this product to date.
Product Name Bag Size SKU "Best Before" Date/ Production Code
Science Diet® Adult
Small & Toy Breed 15.5 lbs. 9097 08 2015 M094
The SKU number is located on the bottom of the bag, both side panels and on the back lower right hand corner below the UPC code. As illustrated below, the "Best before" date and production code is stamped on the top, middle of each bag:
Consumers who may have purchased any of these specific 62 15.5 lb bags of Science Diet® Adult Small & Toy Breed™ dry dog food should discontinue use of the product and immediately call Hill's Pet Nutrition at 1-800-445-5777 Monday-Friday during the hours of 7am-7pm (CT). Hill's will arrange to collect the unused portion of the product at its own expense at a time convenient for the consumer and will provide a full refund.
This voluntary recall does not impact any Science Diet Adult Small and Toy Breed™ products with different "best before" dates or any other Science Diet products.
Copyright 2014 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Norovirus Outbreak at Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Food Poisoning Bulletin
May 27, 2014 by Linda Larsen
A norovirus outbreak has occurred at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki, according to KITV 4. The outbreak was confirmed by the Hawaii Department. Hawaii state epidemiologist, Dr. Sarah Park, said in an interview that it wasn’t necessarily contaminated food that caused the outbreak, but since several employees were also sick, surfaces in the kitchen were most likely contaminated.
NoroviruslgMore than 100 people, including guests and employees, have been ill. The hotel has cleaned and sanitized restrooms, the kitchen, guest rooms, and public areas. There have not been any reports of illness since last Monday.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is spread through contaminated food and drink, contaminated surfaces, and person-to-person contact. It causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Those with norovirus can also have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness.
The virus causes more than 20 million illnesses every year. To prevent the spread of norovirus, always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before preparing, serving, and eating food. Do not prepare or serve food if you are sick, and avoid close contact with anyone who is vomiting or has diarrhea.
NoroviruslgMore than 100 people, including guests and employees, have been ill. The hotel has cleaned and sanitized restrooms, the kitchen, guest rooms, and public areas. There have not been any reports of illness since last Monday.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is spread through contaminated food and drink, contaminated surfaces, and person-to-person contact. It causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Those with norovirus can also have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness.
The virus causes more than 20 million illnesses every year. To prevent the spread of norovirus, always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before preparing, serving, and eating food. Do not prepare or serve food if you are sick, and avoid close contact with anyone who is vomiting or has diarrhea.