Foxy Organic Broccoli:
Failed Oral Challenge (Updated 3/20/19)
An allergy to corn is a
very expensive, labor-intensive allergy.
Since we can consume very few processed foods and no
commercially-processed meat, poultry, seafood, fruit, or produce due to government-authorized corn-derived acid washes; we must invest in organic products. Even then, we must wash all fresh foods in a
bath with Bragg’s apple cider vinegar (in the U.S. white vinegar is derived from corn) and baking
soda to eliminate any corn cross-contamination.
This is the first time I have
experienced a corn allergy reaction to any organic product; therefore, I
personally do not believe that this broccoli is certified organic.
February 19, 2019
On February 14, 2019, I
purchased 3 packages of Foxy-brand organic broccoli (USDA Organic) from Publix
supermarket. Yesterday I blanched all
three packages after thoroughly washing the broccoli. This evening (approximately 7 pm), I consumed
approximately ½ cup of Foxy organic broccoli.
My distinct corn allergy reaction began at approximately 7:25 pm
(abdominal swelling and pain). My reaction
escalated (severe abdominal swelling), so I took one Zyrtec at 7:50 pm. I am in utter misery, and it looks like I’m 7-months’
pregnant (“corn baby”).
In addition, it was very
difficult cutting this broccoli. It was like
trying to cut through a rubber tire.
IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO CORN, DO NOT CONSUME THIS BRAND
OF “ORGANIC” BROCCOLI.
UPC Code: 073574810009
Product #94060
Lot #EM504953-1.2, and
#EM504953-1.1 (2 pkgs.)
I couldn’t find any “Best
If Used By Date”
cc: Publix Corporate Headquarters, online contact form
USDA, @USDAFoodSafety
USDA Organic Programs Division, filed report by phone
(202) 720-8998
CCOF Certification Services, LLC, CCOF, Inc., online
contact form
Foxy Produce, Facebook notification
Updates:
2/19/19 email from Publix:
“Thank you for taking the
time to share your comments with us. We have received your information and a
Customer Care specialist will be assigned to your case. We are currently
receiving a high volume of customer contacts. While we will make every effort
to respond to you within 24 to 48 business hours, please be aware that you may
experience a delay. If you do not hear back from us in a timely manner, please
contact a Customer Care representative at 1-800-242-1227.
Sincerely,
Customer Care Team”
2/20/19 email from CCOF:
“Thank you for submitting
this update. A Certification Specialist will respond as soon as it has been
reviewed or if we have any questions. You can track your update using MyCCOF.
Please send all updates directly to inbox@ccof.org. You do not need to send
these to ccof@ccof.org. If this is a quick question, you can contact your
Certification Specialist (CSS) directly.
We work to respond to the
following in 1-2 weeks:
• Updated labels for
existing products
• Adding new acreage
(subsequent inspection required)
• New inputs (fertilizer,
pest control, sanitizers, etc.)
For other updates, such as
the ones below, we work to respond within one month:
• New Products with or
without labels
• Adding a facility or
additional equipment (subsequent inspection required)
• General Organic System
Plan (OSP) updates, OSP forms available on our website
• Your response to a
request for information from CCOF
We cannot guarantee these
timelines. During busy times of the year updates may take longer. If you
require a faster response, please let us know as we may be able to accommodate
your timeline. We also offer guaranteed two day and five day Rush Review for
time sensitive situations. If you are interested in a Rush Review, please
complete the form and submit it to CCOF.
Best Regards,
Sherry Taylor
Office Assistant
2155 Delaware Ave., Suite
150
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 423-2263
Fax: (831) 423-4528
frontdesk@ccof.org
www.ccof.org
Visit CCOF on Facebook and
Twitter”
2/28/19 email from The Nunes Company, Inc., Re: Foxy Organic
Broccoli:
“I apologize
for your experience with our organic broccoli. It is a common practice to feed
cattle corn products which in turn produce a byproduct used in compost. This is
particularly seen in cattle operations that will bake and roll corn to make
flakes to feed to the cattle. The corn product will break down during both the
digestive process, and again during the heating process of composing. This is a
common practice in organic farming. No corn products are directly used on our
organic products and we have not received any similar complaints. We will
continue to monitor this and are working with our compost suppliers to better
understand this process and discuss alternatives. We are certified organic
under the National Organic Program standard. Please let us know if you have any
further questions.
Kristina Nunes
Director of Food Safety
and Sustainability
The Nunes Company, Inc.
925 Johnson Ave.
Salinas, CA 93901
831-751-7510”
Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy
Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911
Reference:
"Vinegar is an aqueous solution of acetic acid
and trace chemicals that may include flavorings. .... Apple cider vinegar is
made from cider or apple must, and has a ... or sukang basi), although it also
is produced in France and the United States. .... regions, because of its low
cost, is barley malt, or in the United States, corn."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinegar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinegar
