Inspired Organics Now Recalling All Lots of Almond, Peanut and Tahini Butters Due to Listeria

After an initial recall and an expanded recall (6 days later), Inspired Organics is now recalling all lots of their Almond, Peanut, and Tahini Butters when testing found that the Listeria contamination went beyond the product involved in the initial recalls.

The product was produced by Oskri Corporation, a Wisconsin establishment.  This company produces a line of their own butters, so it will be interesting to see whether this company will be recalling their own branded product  (unless there are some major processing differences or other reason why not, one would wonder why more products are not yet involved).

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628989.htm
Inspired Organics Issues Voluntary Recall of Organic Nut & Seed Butters Due to Potential Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 20, 2018

This week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending 12/22/18

Eggs Missing on Label - A Pueblo, Colo. establishment is recalling approximately 956 pounds of ready-to-eat poultry products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the product contains eggs which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered on Dec. 17, 2018 when the company notified FSIS inspection program personnel that the incorrect ingredient statement had been used for the final product.

Incorrect Packaging - A Richmond, CA establishment is recalling 14.6 ounce (414g) Greens and Grains Hummus and Quinoa Tabouleh Wrap, because it may contain undeclared soy,  The recall was initiated after it was discovered during an internal review of records that product containing soy was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of soy. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-123-2018-release
Russ Davis Wholesale, Inc. Recalls Chicken Wrap Products due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Class I Recall 123-2018
Health Risk: High Dec 18, 2018
Distribution List PDF
Congressional and Public Affairs. Meredith Carothers. (202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

Impossible Burgers at the Retail Store?

Impossible Burgers has petitioned FDA to allow them to sell their plant-based burgers at retail.  The issue is the soy leghemoglobin (plant based hemoglobin produced by genetically engineered yeast) imparts a red color to the plant bases analogue product to give the appearance of meat.  So fake meat that looks like meat.  May not seem like a big deal, but if you can add an chemical to fake meat to make it red, can you add a chemical to real meat to make it more red....and that you cannot do.

I think a consumer issue will be proper handling - keeping cold, proper storage, etc

A little on Impossible Meat (they have a primer for foodservice operations that discusses how to handle and cook product)

Ingredients - Water, Textured Wheat Protein, Coconut Oil, Potato Protein, Natural Flavors, 2% or Less Of: Leghemoglobin (Soy), Yeast Extract, Salt, Konjac Gum, Xanthan Gum, Soy Protein Isolate,

Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Zinc, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2),

Vitamin B12. Contains: Soy, Wheat

Handling - best to handle cold and keep cold prior to cooking, and wear gloves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6vtiZSSucY

Cooking - as a burger, cook as you would a hamburger, to medium or 160F

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS1xU99Bz4o

Perhaps Jon Campbell will determine how to make Impossible landjaeger.

Bloomberg.com

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-18/impossible-burger-needs-fda-nod-to-sell-uncooked-to-consumers
Impossible Burger Needs FDA Nod to Sell Uncooked in Stores
By
Lydia Mulvany   and   Deena Shanker
‎December‎ ‎18‎, ‎2018‎ ‎9‎:‎39‎ ‎AM Updated on ‎December‎ ‎18‎, ‎2018‎ ‎3‎:‎27‎ ‎PM

Wegmans Recalls Prepared Produce Items Made with Recalled Cauliflower

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is recalling fresh Cauliflower Rice, Veggie Cauliflower Rice Blend and Stir-Fry Mix with Cauliflower, sold in the produce department between 12/7/18 and 12/18/18, because it was made with recalled cauliflower that may be potentially contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628826.htm
Wegmans Issues Voluntary Recall of Fresh Cauliflower Rice, Veggie/Cauliflower Rice Blend and Stir-Fry Mix with Cauliflower
For Immediate Release
December 18, 2018

Company Issues Another Recall for Nut Butter Product After Conducting Further Testing

Inspired Organics, LLC is recalling Organic Almond Butter due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.   This comes a week after the company had issued a recall for Sunflower Butter, due to Listeria which was the result of testing conducted by Mich. Dept of Ag.  This lot of Almond Butter is now being recalled because of additional tests conducted by Inspired Organics after they had the  Sunflower Butter contamination issue.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628680.htm
Inspired Organics Issues Voluntary Recall of Organic Almond Butter Due to Potential Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 17, 2018

Produce Company Linked to E. coli Outbreak Issues Recall for Leaf Lettuce and Cauliflower, WA Sandwich Company Recalls Product

Adam Brothers, the only farm identified by FDA as one of the potential sources of the E.coli linked Romaine lettuce recall, issued a recall for leaf lettuce and cauliflower.  In a statement issued by the company, "The recall was initiated after it was discovered that sediment from a reservoir near where the produce was grown tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. Filtered and treated water from the
reservoir may have come in contact with the produce after it was harvested. None of the filtered,
treated water has tested positive for E. coli, all E. coli tests returning negative."

A Spokane WA sandwich company is recalling sandwiches made with green leaf lettuce grown by Adam Brothers.

While the leaf lettuce filets have not been tested to determine whether or not they have E. coli contamination, the fact that the E. coli was found in a sediment sample was sufficient enough evidence for the produce grower to issue a recall.  From the sandwich company's notice, "The affected products distributed by Spokane Produce include green leaf lettuce that was originated and recalled from Adam Bros. Farming Inc. of Santa Maria, CA."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628722.htm
Adam Bros. Farming, Inc. Recalls Red and Green Leaf Lettuce and Cauliflower Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 17, 2018

California Company Recalls Salad Due to Listeria Positive Sample

Apio, Inc. of Guadalupe, California is recalling salad bowls after after informed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that one random sample of salad bowl product with Best Before of Dec 14, 2018 tested positive for Listeria Monocytogenes. The are currently only recalling products produced on the same day and same production line as the one that tested positive by the CFIA. 

Hopefully this company has faith in thier controls that the Listeria is limited to one lot, which would mean that the contamination is more an incidental, transient issue rather than an endemic, process-source contamination.  In the past, recalls start off small with companies assuming contamination was a one day event, only to expand as they discover the issue is much bigger.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628566.htm
Apio, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Five Skus of Eat Smart Single-Serve Salad Shake Ups™
For Immediate Release
December 15, 2018

Safety of Food At Sports Venues - ESPN Investigates

In an ESPN Outside the Lines report, an investigation is conducted into the safety of food served at major sporting venues.  They rank the venues based upon the number and type of violations identified in regulatory inspections.

The challenge for these operations is to feed a lot of people in a short period of time using temporary staff.  Along with this, adhering to food safety procedures and keeping facilities clean are a must.  And considering the price that patrons pay for the food, one would think these facilities would have the necessary controls in place.

http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/25316231/health-inspection-reports-find-critical-violations-nfl-nhl-nba-mlb-stadiums-2018-espn-lines#!
ESPN's Outside the Lines reviewed food-safety inspection reports for all 111 North American pro sports venues. Find your stadium and see how it fared.

Impact on Produce Industry of E. coli Outbreak in Romaine Lettuce

A good read in FoodDive on the impact of the E.coli outbreaks in romaine as related to the produce supply chain.  In the latest outbreak, FDA called for people to avoid Romaine lettuce and this caused a massive dump of product and a huge decrease in sales.

"But the outbreaks have pummeled romaine lettuce sales, according to data from Nielsen. Sales of the vegetable, typically the most widely consumed salad green, slumped 13% during the year ending Nov. 24 to $631 million, the analytics firm estimated. With less romaine lettuce available, USDA said prices of other lettuce varieties have surged, including Boston and iceberg lettuce — which saw a nearly 170% jump."

A warning for more to come?  Without good traceback, FDA will probably follow a similar tact with the next produce recall.  So will the industry be able to do voluntary labeling.  What about testing of irrigation water?

The Food Safety Modernization Act, signed into law in 2011, called for growers to test their irrigation water and take steps to prevent contaminated sources from being used on produce. But the FDA announced in September 2017 that implementation would be delayed until at least 2022, beginning with the largest farms, in order to allow the agency to “consider how we might further reduce the regulatory burden or increase flexibility.” 

Water testing has its issues including setting acceptable standards that can reflect the presence of pathogens, being able to find incidental contamination, etc.  Product sampling provides no guarantee either that low level contaminants will be found.  Can there ever be a 100% guarantee in preventing pathogens in leafy greens...probably not.

FoodDive
https://www.fooddive.com/news/its-not-easy-being-green-romaine-lettuce-e-coli-outbreak-rattles-food-g/543448/
It's not easy being green: Romaine lettuce E. coli outbreak rattles food, grocery industries 
Dec 10, 2018
The FDA's decision to request that the popular green gets pulled from shelves sent "a strong message" to the produce sector while costing supermarkets millions of dollars.

This Week in Mislabeled Products - Week Ending December 14, 2018

Allergen Issue Identified by Complaint at Retail  - A Dalton, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 47 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef snack stick products because the products are misbranded and may contain milk, a known allergen, which was not declared on the finished product label.  The problem was discovered on Dec. 7, 2018, when FSIS received information concerning product from the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Division of Food Safety, which reported concerns over the label observed at a retail food establishment.

Incorrect Packaging for Hazelnut Product A Portland, Oregon establishment is recalling 600/4 oz. bags of Sea Salt Caramels Tumbled In Milk Chocolate, because it may contain undeclared hazelnuts.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product has the potential to be contaminated with hazelnuts and product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of hazelnuts.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-119-2018-release
3-D Meats, LLC Recalls Ready-To-Eat Beef Snack Stick Products due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Class I Recall
119-2018
Health Risk: High
Dec 9, 2018

Vermont Establishment Recalls Beef Quarters for SRM

A Vermont establishment is recalling approximately 10,828 pounds of raw intact bone-in beef quarters from cattle identified as being over 30 months of age because the products may contain specified risk materials (SRM), specifically vertebral column.  The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the state of Vermont of a complaint received by the state.  FSIS then investigated the complaint.

Specified risk materials (SRMs) are tissues in cattle that are considered to be of high risk for prion contamination. Prions are proteins that cause bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow, a disease that causes deterioration of the brain.  Establishments that slaughter cattle or process carcasses or parts of cattle must identify, remove, and segregate SRMs from edible meat, and dispose of those parts.

From USDA procedures for SRM Control, "SRMs are found in cattle of all ages. The age of cattle determines which SRMs require segregation, removal and disposal. Tonsils and the distal ileum of the small intestine are SRMs from cattle of any age. Several tissues are SRMs only in cattle 30 months of age and older (OTM+). For cattle 30 months of age or older, additional SRMs are the skull, brain, trigeminal ganglia (nerves attached to the brain), eyes, spinal cord, vertebral column (excluding the vertebrae of the tail, the transverse processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, and the wings of the sacrum), and dorsal root ganglia (nerves attached to the spinal cord)."

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-121-2018-release
Vermont Packinghouse, LLC Recalls Raw Intact Bone-In Beef Products due to Possible Specified Risk Materials Contamination 
Class II Recall
121-2018
Health Risk: Low
Dec 13, 2018

FDA Updates E.coli Outbreak Linked to Romaine Lettuce, At Least One Farm Identified

Updating the ongoing investigation into the E.coli O157:H7 contamination in romaine lettuce, FDA announced that one farm so far has been linked so far as a source of product.  FDA "identified a positive sample result for the outbreak strain in the sediment of a local irrigation reservoir used by a single farm owned and operated by Adam Bros. Farms in Santa Barbara County."    With that, they are leaving the romaine warning in place for "Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Barbara Counties".  While the E.coli organism found in the sediement matched the outbreak strain via Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), the traceback analysis indicates that more than this one farm are probably involved.

They went on to state, "It’s important to note that although this is an important piece of information, the finding on this farm doesn’t explain all illnesses and our traceback investigation will continue as we narrow down what commonalities this farm may have with other farms that are part of our investigation. While the analysis of the strain found in the people who got ill and the sediment in one of this farm’s water sources is a genetic match, our traceback work suggests that additional romaine lettuce shipped from other farms could also likely be implicated in the outbreak. Therefore, the water from the reservoir on this single farm doesn’t fully explain what the common source of the contamination."

"As of Dec. 13, our investigation yielded records from five restaurants in four different states that have identified 11 different distributors, nine different growers, and eight different farms as potential sources of contaminated romaine lettuce. Currently, no single establishment is in common across the investigated supply chains. This indicates that although we have identified a positive sample from one farm to date, the outbreak may not be explained by a single farm, grower, harvester, or distributor."

Also as of the December 13th report, there have been 59 people infected in 15 states, with the last reported illness onset date being Nov. 16.

The farm with the positive E.coli sample in the sediment, Adams Brothers, has been cooperating.   They are a fifth generation farm.

FDA Statement
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm628400.htm
Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. and FDA Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas on new findings and updated consumer recommendations related to the romaine lettuce E. coli O157:H7 outbreak investigation
For Immediate Release
December 13, 2018

RTE Sausage Links Recalled Due to Metal Complaints

An Owingsville, Ky. establishment is recalling approximately 29,028 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat (RTE) pork and poultry sausage links products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of metal.  The problem was discovered on Dec. 10, 2018, when FSIS received notification that the establishment had received five consumer complaints of metal pieces in the RTE sausage links.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-120-2018-release
CTI Foods LLC, Recalls Ready-To-Eat Pork and Poultry Sausage Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I Recall
120-2018
Health Risk: High
Dec 10, 2018

Sunflower Butter Recalled After Listeria Positive Test

Inspired Organics, LLC has issued a voluntary recall of Organic Sunflower Butter due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.   "This was brought to [the company's]attention by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) after product testing returned positive test results for potential for Listeria monocytogenes."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628186.htm
Inspired Organics Issues Voluntary Recall of Organic Sunflower Butter Due to Potential Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 11, 2018

Canned Corn Recalled Due to Under-processing Concerns

Del Monte Foods Inc. announced a recall of 64,242 cases of FIESTA CORN Seasoned with Red & Green Peppers due to under-processing which were the result of  deviations in the commercial sterilization process.

Based on the fact that it was a single product produced on multiple production days, one would guess that this was a scheduling issue (not having the right time or the right blend of product) rather than an equipment issue.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628259.htm
Del Monte Foods Announces Limited Recall of Canned Fiesta Corn Seasoned with Red & Green Peppers Due to Under Processing
For Immediate Release
December 11, 2018

Cat Food Recalled for Potential Low Levels of Thiamine

The J.M. Smucker Company is recalling specific lots of 9Lives® Protein Plus® wet, canned cat food due to possible low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1). No illnesses related to this issue have been reported to date and the product is being recalled out of an abundance of caution.  The potential for low thiamine levels was identified internally by finished product testing.

Cats have to be supplied two chemicals - the amino acid taurine and the vitamin thiamine, or Vitamin B1.  A cat eating a diet low in thiamine can result in a thiamine deficiency  which can result gastrointestinal issues as well as neurological problems.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628058.htm
The J.M. Smucker Company Issues Voluntary Recall of Specific Lots of 9Lives® Protein Plus® Wet, Canned Cat Food Due to Low Levels of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
For Immediate Release
December 7, 2018

Natural (Raw) Pet Food Recalled Due to Listeria Positive Test

Columbia River Natural Pet Foods of Vancouver, WA is voluntarily recalling 933 packages of Cow Pie fresh frozen meats for dogs and cats, produced in August 2017, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.   The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in one package.  Cow Pie is a fresh frozen meats product intended to feed raw to dogs and cats. Cow Pie was distributed in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington through retail stores and direct delivery. The product comes frozen in 2 lbs. purple and white plastic bags. 

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm627721.htm
Columbia River Natural Pet Foods Inc. Recalls Cow Pie Fresh Frozen Meats for Dogs and Cats Because of Possible Listeria monocytogenes Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 5, 2018

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending December 8, 2018

State Sampling Finds Milk Allergen in Candy - Fine Land Corp is recalling it’s 12 ounce (340 g) Meiqili Durian Candy in plastic bag with clear window because it contains undeclared milk allergens.  The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York States Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of undeclared milk allergens.

Breaded Chicken Missing Milk, Soy, and Egg - Amboy Group, LLC, a Woodbridge, N.J. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of raw boneless and skinless poultry products because the products are misbranded and may contain milk, egg, and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the finished product label.  The problem was discovered on Dec. 5, 2018 by FSIS inspection program personnel while conducting a routine label verification task.

State Sampling Finds Peanut in BBQ Sauce - Accra Super Market of Worcester MA, is recalling 0.53 lbs packages of "Suya Barbecue Seasoning" because it may contain undeclared peanuts. The recall was initiated after routine testing conducted by the State of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets found undeclared peanuts in the product.  Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

Wrong Topper Lid - Danone North America is voluntarily recalling 3,521 cases of Light & Fit® Greek Crunch Nonfat Yogurt & Toppings S’Mores Flavor due to some of the toppers sold on the product contain peanuts and are improperly labeled.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that some of the products include the wrong topper.

Whole Chocolate Milk with Eggnog Contamination - Hiland Dairy is announcing a voluntary recall of half-gallon premium whole milk chocolate that is produced at the Kansas City, Missouri facility, over concerns the products may contain eggnog that could affect those individuals that have sensitivity to egg allergens.  Hiland Dairy initially learned of a potential issue and then confirmed after internal quality control testing at the Kansas City facility. 1,151 one-half gallon units of Hiland Whole Chocolate Milk were affected.

Dark Chocolate with Undeclared Milk - Chukar Cherries of Prosser, WA expands a recall on Ultra Dark Chocolate product because it may contain undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that ultra dark chocolate containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk.

Raw Beef Recall for Potential Salmonella Expanded to 12.1 Million Pounds

JBS Tolleson, Inc's establishment in Tolleson, Ariz. is expanding it's Oct 4 Recall  of 6.5 million pounds to now approximately 12.1 million pounds.

CDC's epidemiological investigation has identified 246 confirmed case-patients from 25 states with illness onset dates ranging from August 5, 2018 to October 16, 2018.  Three cases (of 16 cases evaluated)  were from beef not included in the initial Oct 4 recall.  This additional product was  produced and packed from July 26, 2018 to Sept. 7, 2018.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-085-2018-EXP-release
JBS Tolleson, Inc. Recalls Raw Beef Products due to Possible Salmonella Newport Contamination
Class I Recall

085-2018 EXP
Health Risk: High 

Dec 4, 2018

This week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending December 1, 2018

Supplier Issue has Cashews and Almonds in Granola Mix - Kwik Trip, Inc. located in La Crosse, WI is recalling Kitchen Cravings Strawberry and Mixed Berry Parfaits in an 8.25 oz. cup because they may contain undeclared traces of cashews or almonds. This recall was initiated after a chocolate covered cashew or almond was discovered in granola mix from an outside supplier.

Egg Missing on Label - Ottogi America, Inc. of Gardena, California announced today it is recalling 1lb 5.16ounce of Jin Ramen Mild 5pk. (Best Before Aug. 19th 2019) and Jin Ramen Spicy 5pk. (Best Before Aug. 20th 2019) due to undeclared egg as an ingredient on the packages.   Canadian Food Inspection Agency(CFIA) announced that the products may contain egg which is not declared on the label.

FSIS Label Check Finds Missing Allergens - Chunwei, Inc., a Huntington Park, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 65,023 pounds of various ready-to-eat and raw meat and poultry products because the products are misbranded and may contain soy, wheat, dairy, egg, and sesame, known allergens, as well as monosodium glutamate (MSG), which are not declared on the finished product label.  The problem was discovered by FSIS Inspection Program Personnel while conducting a routine label verification task.

Tree Nuts Missing from Label - First Source of Tonawanda, NY, is voluntarily recalling Chocolate and Nut Tray because it contains undeclared tree nuts, pecan and cashew. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing pecan and cashews was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the pecan and cashew. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s labeling process.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm626868.htm
Allergen Alert: Kitchen Cravings Strawberry and Mixed Berry Parfaits with Trace Tree Nuts
November 27, 2018

MI RTE Food Establish Closes After Unwilling to Comply with FDA to Fix Compliance Issues

A Michigan processor of RTE foods decided to shut down completely after it was unwilling to fix the issues identified in federal inspections.  The company had received a Warning Letter in 2016 when FDA inspectors found Listeria in the facility along with a number of issues that would potentially spread that listeria to food.  After further inspection, FDA was moving to block operations until the issues were resolved.

"The company, under its legal filing, agreed to a consent decree under which it cannot again operate at its facility until it develops a listeria monitoring program, creates a food safety employee training program, and meets other training and safety requirements."  The company responded that they "have always placed great importance on producing high-quality food and on food safety. We are well aware of the Complaint and Consent Decree that was recently filed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We agreed to enter the Consent Decree to resolve outstanding compliance issues raised by the FDA rather than in response to any known health concerns."

MI Live
https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2018/11/ionia_county_food_processor_sh.html
Ionia County food processor shutting down in response to safety, compliance issues
Updated Nov 30; Posted Nov 30
By Brian McVicar,   bmcvicar@mlive.com