Some recent news in the food arena:
Vanilla shortage
Yes, we have no vanilla. But if we have it, expect to pay more. A shortage of vanilla beans from Madagascar - the world's largest producer - has prices quadrupling, according to CBS News and other outlets. Drought and higher demand for non-artificial flavorings appear to be driving the shortage.
Check out our interview with former Hinckley resident, Sarah Lohman, who says that real vanilla is not a necessity in every recipe. Lohman is the author of "Eight Flavors: The Untold Story of American Cuisine." Odd fact: In her book, she says spent vanilla bean seeds are used for fleck-effect in products such as ice cream, just to convey the look of real vanilla.
Cheese, butternut squash recalls
Possible Listeria contamination has been cited in the recall of six varieties of Sargento Cheese and 12 of Ohio's Guggisberg Cheese. No illnesses have been connected with the recall, but the two companies have suggested not eating the product, returning it to the place or purchase for a refund or tossing it. Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illness in those with compromised immune systems, as well as miscarriages in pregnant women.
In another recall over possible Listeria contamination, Veggie Noodle Co. of Austin, Texas has recalled a limited quantity of butternut squash spirals sold at Whole Foods in several states, including Ohio, as well as other stores. The product was sold in a 10.7-ounce clear plastic container with the UPC Code 852287006059 and an "Enjoy By" date of February 23, 2017. See a photo of the product in the accompanying photo gallery. Packages with other dates are not affected by this recall. Questions? Call Veggie Noodle Co. at 512-200-3337 x500 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., weekdays, Eastern Standard Time) or email info@veggienoodleco.com.
Always next year
Hope Cleveland hasn't lost its chef mojo, and that we just suffered a hiccup in our culinary fame. The list of 2017 chef and restaurant semifinalists for the James Beard Foundation awards doesn't include one of ours, just after a nice run of kudos for Zack Bruell, Jonathon Sawyer and Michael Symon. Two of our exports made the list, though. Seven Hills native Andrew Carmellini of Locanda Verde in New York is in the Best Chef list and Lee Wolen of Boka in Chicago, raised in South Euclid, again in the Best Chef Great Lakes list.
'Healthy' wording
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working toward a definition of the word "healthy" on food packaging, and will hold a meeting for public comments 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday March 9 at the Hilton hotel in Rockville, Maryland. Want to attend or speak? Check the meeting notice in the Federal Register, call 301-468-6535, ext. 212; fax: 301-468-6536, or email: events@nakamotogroup.com. Live video coverage is being planned.
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