The FDA has issued a recall for Amy’s Vegan Organic Rice Mac & Cheeze due to the potential of having trace amounts of milk, which is not declared on the product label.

photo: Amy’s Kitchen

The company is recalling Lot 60J0421 of the Vegan Organic Rice Mac & Cheeze to avoid the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction. Please discard or return the affected product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

More information about the recall can be found here. Consumers may contact Amy’s Consumer Relations team with any questions at 800-643-0570.  Representatives are available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

—Kate Loweth

Featured image: iStock

RELATED STORIES
The Pork Recall Has Expanded: Here’s What Products Are Included

Recall Alert: Target’s “Letters to Santa” Mailbox Can Cause Lacerations

Recall Alert: Honda Recalls Several Models Due to Child Seat Defects

 

From school to home—and everywhere in between!—parents are paying a lot of attention to air quality these days. And while there’s a whole big world out there, you can add a helpful device to breathe cleaner in your living space: an air purifier. Since you’re no stranger to wiping sticky hands, vacuuming endless cracker crumbs and tackling a plethora of household messes, this must-have gives your air a good cleaning too! Keep reading to get everything you need to know about in-home air purifiers:

Get your air purified today with Molekule.

 

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Air purifiers work their magic by getting rid of odors, allergens, dust and other unwanted airborne substances. (Yep, there’s a whole bunch of stuff living with us we can’t even see!). The fan component sucks in air which is then forced out through a filter, trapping pollutants—some of which can cause adverse health effects or aggravate allergies and asthma. Simply put: dirty air in, clean air out. By minimizing contaminants, the quality of the air circulating around your home improves. How’s that for a breath of fresh air?

Cool! But Let’s Get Back to Those Pollutants… What Should the Air Filter Remove?

Sources of air pollution include: 

  • Particulate matter: This is a mix of solid particles and liquid droplets of differing sizes suspended in the air (think dust and dirt). Since PMs are so small, people often don’t notice they’re even breathing them in.
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): These can be found in cleaning products, disinfectants, paints and solvents, aerosol sprays and pesticides. Not all VOCs are harmful to our health, but some may cause an allergic reaction for those with sensitivities. Although they evaporate at room temperature, they can quickly become part of the air that you breathe when using them.
  • Bioaerosols: Emitted or released from living beings, bioaerosols include mold, bacteria, viruses and allergens like pollen, dust mites and pet dander.

 

Get your air purified today with Molekule. Students, educators and first responders get a 15% discount code with SheerID verification.

Are All Air Purifiers Created Equal When It Comes to Cleaning Indoor Air?

Not all air purifiers can handle the same type of pollutants effectively. Molekule uses Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) technology to collect and destroy (through a light-activated chemical reaction) the widest range of pollutants in the air we breathe, compared to traditional air purifiers. PECO technology traps large particles and breaks down harmful pollutants to their most basic molecular components, including VOCs, mold, bacteria, viruses and allergens. Thanks to nanotechnology, PECO is able to destroy pollutants 1,000 times smaller than what HEPA standard tests for. Better yet, PECO meets rigorous performance criteria in FDA guidance for use in helping reduce risk of viral exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus. It’s important to note that while an air purifier can help reduce exposure, it should be combined with PPE and other countermeasures suggested by government authorities.

What Size Do I Need?

This depends on where you’re using it! A small office requires a different size than a large home. Molekule has several versions:

  • Molekule Air is for large rooms up to 600 sq. ft. (large bedrooms, living rooms, and family rooms)
  • Molekule Air Mini is for small rooms up to 250 sq. ft. (studio apartments, kids’ bedrooms, and home offices) 
  • Molekule Air Mini+ has the features of Air Mini with a couple of extras including a sensor to measure airborne particulate matter levels and Auto Protect mode to regulate fan speed for optimal air purification
  • Molekule Air Pro is for extra-large rooms up to 1000 sq. ft. (open floorplans or office settings)

Ready to say peace out, pollutants? With school on the horizon, now’s the perfect time for peace of mind that you’re improving the air your family breathes at home. 

Get your air purified today with Molekule. Students, educators and first responders get a 15% discount code with SheerID verification.

Heads up if you have a peanut allergy in your household: Trader Joe’s is recalling its Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups (2-Pack) because it may contain peanut protein. The company made the announcement after reports of allergic reaction.

If you have a stash in your home, take a look at the date code to be safe. The following codes are affected:

  • SELL BY APR 05 2022
  • SELL BY APR 06 2022
  • SELL BY APR 07 2022

 

You can find the date code on the back of the package below the nutrition facts. If you have any affected package, you can return it to Trader Joe’s for a full refund. Contact the Customer Relations department for more information.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Trader Joe’s

 

RELATED STORIES

Recall Alert: IKEA Recalls Dinnerware Due to Burn Hazard

Recall Alert: K&M Slap Watches Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

Recall Alert: Kidde Recalls Several Smoke & Combo Alarms Due to Alert Failures

May is Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, but parents of kiddos with allergies or asthma are acutely aware of these conditions every single day. And food allergy parents specifically have been forced to navigate a world of avoiding certain foods like the plague and finding foolproof ways to keep their kids safe. 

This is especially true when it comes to foods eaten outside of the home. For some families, birthday parties and other celebrations—hallmarks of childhood—can be incredibly stressful. Over time, these parents become experts in managing their child’s allergy and can ease this anxiety. But for parents who are not used to navigating the food allergy world, having some basic allergy-friendly tricks up your sleeve can be a literal lifesaver if you find yourself hosting a playdate or party with a child who has a food allergy.

As a pediatric registered dietitian-nutritionist, I have come across some game-changing ways to navigate the food allergy world easily and safely. Here are four ways that every person should do when they are caring for a child with a food allergy:

1. Have Some Foods On-Hand That Are Free from Top Allergens
While a child can be allergic to literally any food protein, there are some foods that more commonly trigger an allergic reaction than others—known as the ‘top 9 food allergens.’ Common allergens include peanuts, eggs, and milk—AKA ingredients found in a slew of kid favorites like cookies and cakes. 

Having foods on hand that don’t require second-guessing ingredients is key. Since kids like to snack (and snack and snack), leaning on easy and appealing foods can make the experience so much better for everyone. 

Yes, having foods like fresh fruits and veggies on hand is a safe bet. But kids will be kids, and having some safe sweets and treats is always a welcomed addition too, especially if you are hosting a party where treats are served. And although kids with food allergies know that they oftentimes need to eat different foods than their peers, it is nice to choose options that everybody can enjoy.

Instead of excluding a child from enjoying fun food with their friends, have snacks and treats that are free from eggs, milk, peanuts, and tree nuts. And while baking allergen-free baked goods from scratch may sound like a good idea, cross-contamination is always a risk if you do not normally keep an allergy-friendly kitchen in your home. 

One sweet treat that is peanut, tree nut, egg, sesame, and milk-free, yet tastes absolutely delish is Sweet Loren’s. Pre-made cookie dough allows you to simply place the cookies on a clean and sanitized baking sheet and bake them for the kids to enjoy in minutes. Plus, since they are egg and flour-free, you can sneak a nibble of the raw dough without worry. 

2. Identify Reliable Food Allergy Resources
If shopping for foods that are allergy-friendly is unchartered territory for you, know that all hope is not lost. The top 9 most common allergens have been identified and include items like peanuts, milk, and eggs. Currently, it is required for manufacturers to list whether a food item contains any of the following potential allergens: 

  • Peanuts
  • tree nuts
  • milk
  • eggs
  • soy
  • wheat
  • shellfish
  • fish

If you are trying to avoid any of these potential allergens, using the guidance provided right on the package can help you navigate the process. If you are trying to avoid sesame or an allergen that is not considered a “top” allergen, you will have to do a little more homework. 

To save time and guesswork, there are apps and websites available at no cost to help people navigate the grocery aisles with ease. One registered dietitian-built website called Sifter is an innovative resource that allows you to indicate which allergens you are trying to avoid (along with any dietary restrictions). From there, you will be presented with a categorized list of all foods that are safe to enjoy that are within the dietary restrictions. 

3. Have a Back-Up Plan in Place
Unfortunately, as every parent knows, the best-laid plans can sometimes go sideways. Even if you are taking every step that you think is necessary to avoid exposing your guest child to a triggering allergen, unexpected things can happen. 

Be sure to know exactly what to do if you are faced with a child who is having an allergic reaction. Proactively speak with the child’s parents before they leave the kiddo in your care and review the plan to make sure you are confident in the appropriate steps. 

While some of the information may be basic to the parents of a child who has a food allergy, they are not intuitive to all. Don’t be shy to ask questions and let them know if you don’t understand something. It is better to have too much information ahead of time than to not have enough information and be faced with a scary situation for both yourself and for the child. 

4. Navigate Food Allergies by Pre-Planning
Allergies are on the rise, and the chances of you hosting a child who is diagnosed with a food allergy are pretty high considering the statistics. Unfortunately, planning to host a child who has a food allergy is not a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants situation. But, with a little pre-planning, it can be a fun experience for everyone, and the child will feel welcomed, comfortable and safe. 

RELATED STORIES

3 Things Every Food Allergy Mom Needs You to Know

Could This New Product Help Prevent Food Allergies?

Lauren Manaker, MS, RD
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian, lactation counselor and author. Lauren's work has been featured in numerous publications and demostrates her committment to sharing evidence-based nutrition guidance that simplifies healthy eating. When she is not writing, Lauren can be found boating with her husband, daughter and rescue pup on the waters of Charleston, SC.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a voluntary recall for certain Wilton brand sprinkles due to an undeclared milk allergen.

Are you about to do some Easter or spring break baking? Before you spill a rainbow of sprinkles onto your cupcakes, cookies, donuts, or whatever else your kiddos are helping you to whip up in the kitchen, check out the details on this new recall.

According to the FDA, the recent voluntary recall includes all lots of six sprinkles products and one kit. The affected products are:

  • Tasty Coffee Shop Cookie Kit Item # 1900-0-0054
  • Holiday Home Assorted Treat Toppings Item # 710-0-0207
  • Valentine Chip Crunch Sprinkles Item # 710-4277
  • Rainbow Chip Crunch Sprinkles Item #710-5364
  • Holiday Mix Sprinkles Item # 710-7649
  • Rainbow Chip Crunch Sprinkles Item # 710-9704
  • Assorted Treat Toppings Sprinkles Item # 710-9722.

Find a full list of Wilton’s recalled products on the FDA’s website here.

The recall includes products sold under the brand names Wilton, Wilton/Tasty and Holiday Home. Wilton Brands recalled the sprinkles after one report of an allergic reaction. All products with a similar formulation were recalled.

If you bought the recalled sprinkles, return them to the place of purchase or throw them out. For more information on the products, contact Wilton’s Consumer Care Hotline at 1-800-794-5866, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., CT or Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CT. Customers can also email the company at productrecall@wilton.com.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration 

 

RELATED PRODUCTS

Bob Evans Pork Sausage Recalled Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

Recall Alert: Ready-to-Eat Corned Beef Recalled Due to Inspection Concerns

Recall Alert: Children’s Science Kit Recalled Due to Elevated Lead Levels

Photo: iStock

If you have a child with a food allergy, you likely already know the drill—check the food labels for potential allergens, question ingredients, and always have an epi-pen handy. But while there are some tried-and-true ways to navigate food allergies, shopping can continue to be challenging, no matter how seasoned you are.

As a registered dietitian, I have discovered some handy shopping hacks that have helped many food allergy families along the way. Here are three tips that may help make food shopping a little less stressful.

1. Be Aware of Surprising Sources of Allergens
If you are avoiding milk proteins, you already know that cheese and yogurt is off-limits. But, less-known ingredients like rennet, whey, and casein may trigger an allergic response just as much as the more familiar milk proteins.

If you are avoiding soy protein, look out for ingredients like the following to avoid a potential reaction:

  • Edamame
  • Tofu
  • Tempeh
  • Teriyaki sauce
  • Natto
  • Miso
  • Okara
  • Tamari

And if you are making a point to eliminate egg protein, also avoid the following:

  • Albumin
  • Globulin
  • Lecithin
  • Lysozyme
  • Ovalbumin·
  • Ovovitellin

Familiarize yourself with ingredients that contain potential allergens so you can breeze through ingredient lists with ease. Or better yet, keep a list with you when you grocery shop so you can cross-reference in real-time.

2. Skip the Bakery Case
While the freshly baked cookies and cakes may smell and taste sooooo good, the risk of cross-contamination is too great to risk. Even if a baked good is not make with a potential allergen, it is very likely that the food item has come into contact with something that touched an offending ingredient.

Yes, the open bakery concept is awesome for many reasons, but when various foods are prepared on the same mediums, certain ingredients can be left behind and accidentally mixed into other products. So, that decadent-looking peanut butter cheesecake that is baked in the same kitchen as the dairy and nut-free bread could potentially touch something that touched the cheesecake, thus contaminating the bread and potentially being a culprit for an allergic reaction.

If you need baked goods that are free from potential allergens, it is best to lean on local bakeries that certify that they can meet your needs in a safe way.

When shopping with kids, avoid the bakery to minimize the inevitable pleading for a treat, and stick with pre-packaged goodies instead. Or better yet, bake your sweet treats yourself at home and have complete control of ingredients.

3. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Thank goodness for technology, because we now have resources to help navigate food choices right at our fingertips. Instead of spending hours at the grocery store combing through ingredient lists and food labels, we can now lean on programs that help us make good choices in the comfort of our own homes. This is especially useful now that so many of us are shopping for groceries online.

Take Sifter for example. I just discovered this new website and it is an incredible tool for food allergy families. A free online shopping site, Sifter quickly and easily identifies products that fits your unique needs and lifestyle. You simply set the diet profile with the criteria that are important to your family and Sifter shows only the products that fit your profile. In other words, if you have a child with a soy allergy and lactose intolerance, both of those needs can be considered at the same time.

I also love it because it makes meal planning easier! You can simply copy and paste any recipe into RecipeSifter to make sure it aligns with your needs and flag any ingredients that don’t work for you.

Navigating allergies in the grocery store can be challenging and stressful—no doubt. But being armed with some innovative tools and plans, buying safe food can be a piece of cake—even if that cake is nut, dairy, and egg-free!

 

Lauren Manaker, MS, RD
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian, lactation counselor and author. Lauren's work has been featured in numerous publications and demostrates her committment to sharing evidence-based nutrition guidance that simplifies healthy eating. When she is not writing, Lauren can be found boating with her husband, daughter and rescue pup on the waters of Charleston, SC.

Valentine’s Day can often go perfectly right or horribly wrong. Whether you have unrealistic expectations from your partner or they are just a terrible gift giver, this collection of 29 bad valentines will have you considering a no-gift policy this Feb. 14. Keep reading to see all the bad Valentine’s Day gifts to stay away from this year. 

Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

1. Cheap flowers

"A plant with the discounted tag attached. You know the ones that live right next to the pretty flowers at the grocery store. yeah, that happened. He didn't last long." (via Jeanette K.)

2. Expired coupons

"An ex gave me an expired coupon to a restaurant that had shut down the only location in our area." (via Reddit user _generalmayhem)

3. Mermaids and diapers are related how?

"A little mermaid doll and adult diapers. I was pregnant, I guess my husband thought it would be funny." (via reader Michelle C.)

 

 

Dorothe Wouters via Unsplash

4. A talking bear.

"A Build-A-Bear from a guy I hadn’t been dating very long at all and wasn’t super into. He recorded himself saying 'I love you' and so when I squeezed the bear I heard his voice." (Dana F.)

5. Roses for somebody else.

"A dozen roses with a heartfelt love note signed 'to my one true love, Martine.' My name is not Martine." (via Reddit user ligamentary)

6. A garbage can (no, seriously).

"The ever so romantic metal trashcans with the step-on open feature! In his defense—he had the flu when he went out shopping. I'm sure they felt like a good idea in his fever-addled brain!" (via reader Carol S.)

 

Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

7. A breakup email.

"My very first boyfriend used his ex-girlfriend to break up with me over email on Valentine's Day." (via Karly W.)

8. A flower with borrowed money.

"Somebody borrowed $2 from me to buy me a $2 flower." (via Reddit user tempuserthrowaway5)

9. Stuffed forest animals.

"A boyfriend once gave me a plush raccoon for Valentine's Day. I don't have a thing for raccoons—he thought it was cute, I guess. Nothing says 'I Love You' like rabid varmit! (via reader Amanda J.)

Jessica Wilson via Flickr

10. A confirmation of delivery, but no flowers.

“Once I ordered my girlfriend flowers that didn’t arrive (or were stolen from the porch), so I gave her the delivery confirmation. It was not as funny as I thought it would be.” (via Reddit user wacht).

11. A toilet seat (we swear).

"My dad gave my stepmom a toilet seat once for Valentine’s Day. He genuinely thought he had the best gift ever. This happened over five years ago and we still laugh at him about it.” But that’s not all, “It was the most generic toilet seat ever. Not even one of the ones that go down slowly.” (via Reddit user makingmc)

Best Jump Starter Review via Unsplash

12. Jumper cables.

“When I was a kid, my dad gave my mom a set of jumper cables for Valentine’s Day.” As it turns out the story has a happy ending. “He was in the doghouse for a couple of nights, but about a week later her battery dies and dad was a hero again.” (via Reddit user Soon2Barmn)

13. An oversized tank top.

You know, the ones once known by the horribly offensive moniker "wife beater? It was meant to be used as a dress, I kid you not!" (via reader Silvia Rodríguez)

14. Hair

"My husband (then boyfriend) once gave me a picture frame filled with his hair... he thought it would be romantic, but I didn't agree!" (via reader Annie W.)

Amazon

15. Dental hygiene products.

A tongue scraper as a Valentine’s Day gift? There are endless things to do together that don’t involve removing “tongue fur.” Eww.

16. The gift representing exactly the opposite of who you are.

"My boyfriend at the time took me to dinner, and then surprised me with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Total fail because 1. it was cold and I'm Southern (I don't do sub-50 degree weather well), and 2. I hate the horse-drawn carriage industry. We didn't make it past March." (via Shelley M.)

slothzero via Reddit

17. It's your funeral (literally).

This ad takes the “til death do we part” idea a step beyond what the vow intends. We’re pretty sure that’s the least romantic gift ever. (via Reddit user slothzero)

18. A heart made out of meat (that you can eat).

You’re all for getting a gift that’s from the heart. But what about meat? Yep, that’s right. Meat. Apparently, you can buy your sweetheart a raw steak shaped like a heart. Yum.

Pexels

19. Any type of cleaning tool, supply or appliance.

A weed whacker! (via reader Krista F.) 

20. Bad news.

"A text breaking up with me." (via Reddit user hippopots)

21. A hair trimmer and photocopied card.

"My dad got my mum a hair trimmer set and photocopied her card she got him one year. They celebrate their 25th anniversary this year so maybe it's a good one." (via Reddit user UnofficialKing)

 

Etsy

22. Cards referencing bodily functions.

Yeah, maybe you're cool with it. But you don't need to be reminded. Or do you? There's more where this one came from.

23. Someone else's scent

"I’m pretty sure it has to be the bottle of really old perfume I’m pretty sure was his mom's." (via reader Denise R.).

Reddit user SSJWiggy

24. E-Z Divorce

"Not quite the gift I had in mind for my first Valentine's Day." (via Reddit user SSJWiggy)

25.  Weird Food

"A box of Kashi cereal." (via reader Carlly L.), "A can of sardines." (via reader Cora E.), "Deviled eggs. Yes, I said, deviled eggs." (via reader Andrea P.)

Marco Verch via Flicke

26. A jewelry box ... but

"A fancy jewelry box ... and the comment 'don't get excited ... it's not a ring or anything.'" (via reader Amy L.)

27. The most boring gifts ever.

"My husband gave me a beanie. And a plain black coffee mug." (via Amber G.)

 

 

Michael Coghlan via Flickr

28. An empty box of chocolates.

"He told me that he bought it, and there was coconut in all of them (there never is), and that he had to eat them to keep me from having an allergic reaction (I'm allergic to coconut). So really, he said, 'for Valentine's Day I saved your life.' It didn't last long after that." (via reader Lindsey R.)

29. Nothing at all.

"The first Valentine's Day after we were engaged, I said to my now-husband, 'so we aren't doing gifts for Valentine's Day, right?' He said, 'well, maybe just something small.' I followed this rule and got him an engraved money clip. Turns out, his "small" really meant "nothing." Which I would have been fine with but HE SET THE RULES!" (via Kate L.)

 

––Erica Loop & Karly Wood

 

Featured image: Earl Wilcox via Unsplash

RELATED STORIES:

Nothing Says “I Love You” Like a Bad Valentine

13 Brilliant Valentine’s Day Gifts for $20 & Under

50 Easy Valentine’s Day Cards You Can Actually Make

 

 

Check your freezers. Orca Bay Foods is recalling 4,450 pounds of Trader Joe’s brand Gluten Free Battered Halibut because it contains undeclared wheat and milk allergens. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat and milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

Trader Joe's brand Gluten Free Battered Halibut

Product was sold in Trader Joe’s stores in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin. 

Trader Joe’s brand Gluten Free Battered Halibut SKU 00503822 product is packed in 10 oz retail carton boxes. Recalled boxes are marked  “537312620 Best If Used By Nov 5, 2021” on the box end.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers who have purchased are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-932-ORCA, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. PT.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: U.S. Food & Drug Administration

RELATED STORIES

Lean Cuisine Recalls Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Ford Recalls Additional Vehicles Due to Faulty Door Latches

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation Recalls Chicken Breast Nugget Products

It’s tough to plan a flawless date for that special valentine when allergies and asthma can get in the way. Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. with an annual cost in excess of $18 billion. More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year, and about 26 million suffer from asthma. That means cupid’s bow is bound to hit someone who suffers from allergies or asthma.

Got Valentine’s Day covered this year? Remember to steer clear of anything that might cause your sweetheart to break out in hives, or worse yet, have a severe allergic reaction. Here are some tips from ACAAI to consider as you plan your romance.

Yum! But wait. 

Most people know that those with peanut allergies can have severe allergic reactions to anything that nuts touch. But the most common food allergens also include eggs, milk, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy. If you’re baking or cooking for February 14th, make sure your sweetheart is okay with the ingredients. Remember to check all labels to ensure foods are safe for your child. Be aware that holiday candy may be manufactured in a different facility than their regular-sized versions or may use different ingredients.

If you’ll be dining out at a special restaurant—especially one you’ve never been to before—call ahead to make sure food allergies can be accommodated by the kitchen. You’ll be a romantic hero for the night.

Pass on the perfume.

Some people have a response to strong fragrances—think grandma’s perfume and your old uncle’s cologne. It is generally a reaction to odors created by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause headaches, sneezing, watery eyes and runny noses. If your loved one doesn’t wear perfume, it’s probably for a reason, and maybe that’s a gift you should avoid this year.

A Red Rose.

How romantic! Nothing says Valentine’s Day like red roses. And for those allergic to plant pollen, it turns out that roses and some other plants produce very little or no pollen. Other “allergy-friendly” plants include begonia, cactus, clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil and geraniums.

You shouldn’t have! Really.

Make sure your sweetheart isn’t allergic to the metals contained in some jewelry, particularly nickel. Nickel is found in many metal products, such as jewelry, zippers and buttons. Even chrome-plated objects and 14K and 18K gold contain nickel that can irritate the skin if the gold gets moist.

Pucker up with care. 

Believe it or not, there’s something called a “kissing allergy,” most commonly found in people who have food or medication allergies. Symptoms include swelling of the lips or throat, rash, hives, itching and wheezing. So what’s a lovebird to do? Allergists recommend that the non-allergic partner brush his or her teeth, rinse his or her mouth and avoid the offending food for 16 to 24 hours before smooching.

Whatever your choices for wooing your loved one this Valentine’s Day, make sure it’s a gift that’s safe and allergy-free.

Dr. Patel is an allergist in Pasadena California. She is board-certified in Allergy-Clinical Immunology and Pediatrics. She is the co-author of The Mommy MD guides to Twins Triplets and More! She understands that parenting is the hardest and most fulfilling job you can have. You can find her @TMommyMD.

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling select bundt cakes and chocolate dipped cookies from stores in Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and Washington D.C. because they contain undeclared milk.

bundt cake

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The affected products were sold at Whole Foods Market stores in Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and Washington D.C. The bundt cakes and cookies were available in the bakery department and sold in clear plastic packaging with Whole Foods Market scale labels. The cookies were also available on self-serve cookie displays and sold by the pound. The affected products can be identified by the following information.

All affected product has been removed from store shelves. No allergic reactions have been reported to date.

Chocolate Fudge Mini Bundt Cake

Product Code (begins with) 221287
Best by Dates Through Feb 08 2020

Marble Bundt Cake

Product Code (begins with)245162
Best by Dates Through Feb 08 2020

Dark Chocolate Dipped Almond Horn Cookie

Product Code (begins with)233579
Best by Dates Through Feb 17 2020

Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroon Cookie
Product Code (begins with) 233579
Best by Dates Through Feb 08 2020

  

Customers who purchased these products at Whole Foods Market can bring a valid receipt into stores for a full refund. Consumers with additional questions can call 1-844-936-8255 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, or 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Saturday through Sunday.

—Jennifer Swartvagher  

Featured photo: freestocks.org on Unsplash

RELATED STORIES

Sophie the Giraffe Bead Maze Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

Recall Alert: Baby Trend Tango Mini Strollers Recalled Due to Potential Fall Hazard

Recall Alert: Toysmith Light-Up Magic Wands Recalled Due to Possible Choking Hazard