Impact of FSMA on Recalls through Improved Prerequisite Programs

It is amazing to see the number of recalls that are issued each week. I put put together the listing of the recalls that occurred within the last week (Dec 6 to 12, 2012).  There are a range of items, most, if not all, related to prerequisite program issues (allergen control and labeling, supplier/ingredient control, environmental control).

In an article written by David Acheson, http://leavittpartnersblog.com/20113304/david-acheson/fda%E2%80%99s-views-on-preventive-control-requirements-beginning-to-emerge-time-to-go-beyond-haccp, he provides a view of FDA official comments, specifically that FSMA will go beyond HACCP. He suggests that FDA will put in more specific guidance to address key elements of food safety programs,  pointing out that environmental monitoring and training will be two highlighted areas.  Looking at the recalls we are seeing, it is hard to argue that prerequisite programs have become the primary issue with regard to outbreaks and recalls.  Companies should begin looking at all programs that are responsible for controlling hazards to ensure they address monitoring, corrective actions, and verification.

While some will bristle at additional requirements, the cost of conducting a recall due to lack of control is worth the effort for improving low risk hazards are controlled.

UNCLE BEN’s™ Whole Grain White Rice Garden Vegetable due to an undeclared milk allergen - An ingredient supplier improperly included an undeclared milk ingredient in the seasoning mix used for this product.  Product distributed in 31 states.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm282679.htm

Ocean Spray Voluntarily Recalls Limited Quantity of Original Flavor Craisins Dried Cranberries due to the possible presence of very small hair-like metal fragments that are unlikely to cause consumer injury.  Distributed in 8 states.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm282755.htm

Cargill Animal Nutrition today announced a voluntary recall of two regional brands of its dry dog food – River Run and Marksman – due to aflatoxin levels that were detected above the acceptable limit. Distributed in 1 state.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm282753.htm

Pacific International Marketing (“Pacific”) is recalling cases of Cilantro for potential contamination with Salmonella.  Recall is a result of an FDA test done at distributor level. Product distributed in 7 states.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm283288.htm

Fair Oaks Dairy Products, LLC is recalling certain one half pound retail packaged cheeses and cheese gift boxes produced under the Fair Oaks Farms Fine Cheese label due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  Discovered through laboratory analysis.  3 states.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm282898.htm

Tejava® Premium Iced Tea in 12 oz glass bottles are being recalled nationwide due to the possible presence of glass fragments.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm283241.htm

Advanced Animal Nutrition today announced a voluntary recall of its dry Dog Power Dog Food- due to aflatoxin levels that were detected above the acceptable limit.  3 states.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm283362.htm

See’s Candies, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif., is recalling one code of 8 ounce Almond Clusters, because they may contain peanuts.  Distributed in 21 states.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm282933.htm

Silva Sausage Co., a Gilroy, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,290 pounds of a chorizo sausage product because of misbranding and an undeclared allergen. FSIS discovered the problem during a label review at the establishment. The review revealed that cereal, which contained wheat, was used in the product and was inadvertently left off the product labels.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_098_2011_Release/index.asp

House of Raeford Farms, a Raeford, N.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,140 pounds of cooked chicken breasts that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The problem was discovered after a customer's laboratory sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.  Product shipped to 4 states.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_097_2011_Release/index.asp