Happy Friday!
I forgot to give you all an update on the Larabar situation. In one of my posts earlier this week, I had mentioned that some of the new flavors from Larabar had "May contain milk" printed on the label. I am assuming this is because they use chocolate chips (but why couldn't they use vegan chocolate chips?). Anyway, General Mills bought Larabar in 2008, and for that reason, this doesn't surprise me. I did send an email to the company with my concerns and I will post their reply when/if they get back to me.
***I just got an email from Larabar, here is their response:
Thank you for contacting Larabar concerning the ingredients in our products. As manufacturers and consumers, we understand your concern about potential allergens in the foods you eat. Our primary goal is to provide accurate information, and we believe this is best accomplished by referring to the specific ingredients listed on each product package. This is the most current information for your needs.
The chocolate chips we buy are produced on equipment that also processes chocolate with milk and soy ingredients. Neither we nor our ingredient supplier can assure that there is no cross contact with milk or soy ingredients in the chocolate chips. We will continue to look for a solution that will allow us to keep dairy/soy free and vegan claims on the package.
Our products are labeled for the top 8 allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, dairy products, eggs, soy, wheat, crustaceans, and fish) plus sesame, sunflower and mollusks. We label for these allergens using CONTAINS and/or MAY CONTAIN lists located directly below the product’s ingredient list.
CONTAINS means that the allergen(s) is included in the product’s recipe. The allergen(s) will be listed in the ingredient list, and also in the CONTAINS statement just below the ingredient list.
MAY CONTAIN means that the allergen(s) is not in the product’s recipe but could be present as result of the manufacturing process regardless of our best efforts to exclude it. These allergens will not be included in the ingredient list.
Both CONTAINS and MAY CONTAIN mean that if you are sensitive to the specific allergen(s) in the list, no matter which way it is listed, you should avoid this product.
This ingredient and allergen information is for the package in hand. It is not intended for other packages of the same product. Ingredients may vary from one package to another due to product reformulation. If you have allergy concerns, please carefully read the ingredient information on each package.
We hope this information helps you. You may also want to contact the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) at 1-800-929-4040, or visit their web site at www.foodallergy.org. Although they cannot provide specific ingredient information regarding a particular product, they are a good resource to help in the management of your allergies and sensitivities.
We appreciate your interest. Please contact us again with any further questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Pat Frances
Consumer Services
Hmm, thoughts? This sounds better, but I still don't like it. I might actually eat the newer bars now (or at least try them) because the risk of contamination is very small and since I am not allergic to dairy, I don't have to worry.
Anyway, I haven't posted any nursery updates because T and his father are still working on the same thing, so no changes. But, I promise I'll post a picture when we've made more progress. :)
Oh and P.S. We are keeping the baby's name a secret until she is born! ;)
Anyway, the weather has been a little better here. Still in the 80's but at least we are getting a tiny break from the humidity. In an attempt to get some Vitamin D, Ginger and I sat in the yard for a little. I love watching her explore, she smells every flower we have, it's really sweet. She found my ever growing lavender and was really digging the scent!
I've been trying to get some more protein, since it's vital right now in my pregnancy. One of my favorite snacks right now is celery with raw almond butter and raisins, AKA: Ants on a Log. I am getting mommy practice too!
I also made some tempeh as a side dish to a big kale salad I made for dinner the other night. As many of you know, I don't have soy often, and when I do, I prefer tempeh since it is fermented and doesn't bother my stomach. I sauteed it with olive oil, coconut aminos and seasoning, then I drizzled lemon juice on top. The kale salad was made with lacinato kale, garden tomatoes, hemp seeds, olives, and raw pickles.
More protein! Another snack I made: gluten free millet bread with raw almond butter, raisins and bee pollen. I've been snacking on raisins a lot for iron, got to store up for childbirth!
What is everyone doing this weekend? I have a graduation party to go to on Saturday and I hope to check out a new vegan restaurant (with many raw options) down at the shore. Finally, my favorite news this week: next Wednesday I am going to an Ani Phyo lecture!!! It's about 20 minutes from me in NJ, my mother in law and I already bought tickets! There will be a book signing at the end, I hope to get a few pictures with her as well. I will have a full blog post on it next week! Can't wait! Have a great one!
