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TO: Local Health Departments, Regional Offices of Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs 

FROM: Bill Beaty, Division Chief

DATE: January 13, 2011

SUBJECT: Barry Callebaut USA LLC Recalls Kroger Value Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

The Illinois Department of Public Health received the following recall notice. It is being forwarded for information purposes only. There is no action required.

Contact: Consumer: Barry Callebaut USA LLC, 1-866-678-5231

Technical: Doug Miscikowski, Director - Quality Assurance, 1-866-678-5231

Press: Ms. Laura Bergan, Marketing Manager, 1-866-678-5231

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 12, 2011 - Barry Callebaut USA LLC is conducting a voluntary recall on its product sold by Kroger Stores under the brand "Kroger Value Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips”, 12 oz., UPC Code is 11110–86603 as the product may contain undeclared milk protein.

The “Best By” date is found printed in black on the end of the back of the bag. The following “Best By” dates are affected by this voluntary recall: People with allergies or severe sensitivity to milk protein may be at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. November 20, 2012, December 1, 2012, December 3, 2012, December 4, 2012.

The Kroger Value Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips subject to this recall were sold in Kroger-owned stores, including Kroger; Dillon’s and Gerbes stores in Kansas and Missouri; Baker’s stores in Nebraska; Jay C, Hilander, Owen’s, Pay Less and Scott’s stores in Illinois and Indiana; Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, City Market, Foods Co., and Food 4 Less stores in California, Nevada, Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana (Chicago area).

This recall was necessary after a consumer complaint was received and it was determined that the packages of Kroger Value Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips may contain undeclared milk protein. The package ingredient label does not identify that the product may contain milk protein.

Consumers who have purchased Kroger Value Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips with the above indicated code dates may return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with any questions may contact Barry Callebaut USA LLC at 1-866-678-5231. (9am - 7pm Eastern).

 

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Download 2011-01-13-KrogerChocolateChips-IDPH-PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2011

Contact
Melaney Arnold   (217) 558-0500
Kelly Jakubek      (312) 814-8198

Flu Activity in Illinois Increasing

 Not too late to get a flu shot

 SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting flu activity has increased to the “regional level”, meaning many regions in Illinois are reporting recent laboratory confirmed influenza.  The most recent surveillance data shows an increase in influenza activity in Illinois, but the flu is not yet widespread.    

“Although each influenza season is unpredictable, we typically see the peak in January and February,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold.  “It is not too late to get a flu shot.  Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, and those around you, from getting influenza and potentially becoming sick for a week or longer.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting an ample supply of influenza vaccine nationwide.  The flu vaccine is available at many locations throughout Illinois, including local health departments, doctor’s offices, pharmacies and health clinics.

Both the IDPH and the CDC recommend everyone six months and older receive the flu vaccine.  People at high risk of serious influenza complications, including young children; pregnant women; people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease; and people 65 years and older, should make getting vaccinated a priority.

Flu symptoms can include:

  • fever (usually high)
  • headache
  • extreme tiredness
  • dry cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • muscle aches

Although stomach illness, such as vomiting and diarrhea can occur, it is not typical of influenza.  Stomach illness is usually the result of a gastrointestinal illness such as norovirus or food poisoning.

Washing your hands is another important step you can take to avoid getting influenza or other viruses, like norovirus.  Wash your hands with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product.

To reduce the spread of influenza, it is also important to practice the 3 C’s –

  • Clean – properly wash your hands frequently
  • Cover – cover your cough and sneeze
  • Contain – contain your germs by staying home if you are sick

For more information, log onto www.idph.state.il.us/flu/index.htm.

 

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Download 2011-01-07-Influenza-activity-PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2010

Contact
Candi Crause, Director
(217) 531-5372 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

December 1st is World AIDS Day

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Encourages Everyone to Get Tested. 

Champaign, IL – Annually, December 1st is observed as World AIDS Day in an effort to raise awareness of the global impact of HIV/AIDS.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that more than one million people are living with HIV in the United States and 33.4 million worldwide.  More than 18,000 people with AIDS die each year in the U.S.

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) encourages people to get tested and know their status.  The CDC estimates that of the one million people living in the United States with HIV, one in five is unaware of their infection.  According to Candi Crause, Director of Infectious Disease Prevention and Management, “HIV is 100% preventable.  The key to overcoming this epidemic is to not only educate people on the facts of HIV/AIDS but to open the lines of communication.  HIV spreads through silence and lack of knowledge.”

CUPHD provides case management services for nearly 300 HIV-positive clients in 11 counties in Illinois.  Services include medical and dental assistance, nutritional assistance, utility and housing assistance, legal assistance, mental health assistance, and support group assistance.

CUPHD’s Infectious Disease division offers HIV education, prevention, testing, and treatment at the 201 West Kenyon Road facility in Champaign.  Testing is available Monday thru Friday by appointment, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, and during clinic hours on Mondays from 4:00 – 5:30 PM (men only), Tuesdays from 1:00 – 5:00 PM, and Thursdays from 9:00 – 11:00 AM and 1:00 – 3:00 PM.

For more information on HIV/AIDS or to schedule a test, call (217) 239-7827 or visit www.c-uphd.org.

 

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Download 2010-11-30-World-AIDS-Day