Foxy Organic Broccoli: Failed Oral Challenge

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

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/

@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