The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday announced a potentially massive recall of foods made with a commonly used food additive that may be contaminated with salmonella. The additive, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, is used in thousands of foods but so far has not been linked to any serious illness, according to FDA officials. But the agency isnt taking any chances. It has asked food producers to check inventories for products that used recalled lots of the additive and has established a searchable consumer database for what it predicted would be a growing list of recalled foods. To check if a food item has been recalled, go to www.foodsafety.gov. On Thursday, Safeway recalled some potato salad containing the protein.
Recalled Toyotas still seeing problems
Federal officials now have received more than 60 complaints from Toyota owners who say their vehicles experienced sudden acceleration after repairs under the automakers two recalls for the problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday night it could order Toyota to come up with a new fix if it finds that Toyotas recalls did not fully address problems of sudden acceleration. We are determined to get to the bottom of this, said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. Toyota officials have said they would also aggressively investigate any reports of post-recall sudden acceleration.
Wendys/Arbys narrows losses
Fast-food chain Wendys/Arbys Group Inc. said Thursday that its fourth-quarter loss narrowed, even as its Arbys chain continued to struggle. An important sales measure skidded 11 percent at the restaurant chain known for its roast beef sandwiches and curly fries, and revenue fell almost 7 percent. The Arbys side of the business is a challenge right now, said Morningstar analyst R.J. Hottovy. Executives said Thursday that they plan to expand Arbys value menu and invest in remodeling locations as it tries to woo back customers who abandoned the brand and its typically more expensive menu.
Starbucks offers big iced drinks
For some, 24 ounces of coffee just isnt cutting it. Starbucks Corp. hopes to satisfy their hankering for more with a new 31-ounce drink dubbed the Trenta, Italian for 30. The nearly quart-sized drink is available only for iced coffee and iced teas, none of those fancy lattes or mochas. Its being tested out only in 170 stores in Phoenix and Tampa, Fla., chosen because of their warm climates. Wow! said Liz Owens, a 54-year-old Queen Creak, Ariz. sales manager when she heard how big the new drink is from a barista at a central Phoenix location. Owens went for it, a Trenta passion tea. I usually dont drink something this big, but I really like this drink, and whenever I finish it, Im like, Gee, I wish I had some more, she said.
From Herald news services
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