While the story does not indicate how the contamination event occurred, if one had to guess, it would be that the student group made the product without following good sanitation procedures. Later, a wiser individual(s) realized this (and this person(s) was probably not involved when the product was initially made) and raised questions about sanitation and allergen control. The group was not able to answer these questions, thus putting the University at risk. Rather than waiting for people to get ill and for a scandal to erupt, the University took a proactive posture and recalled the product.
Does this situation apply outside a university setting? Absolutely. Anytime some genius thinks that they can produce product for sale on the fly without going through the proper channels, laying out a food safety plan, etc. This could be a temporary side operation that someone wants to do in a processing facility or a foodservice operation, or a volunteer group that thinks it can easily raise money.
Here at Penn State, the risk management group has a strict policy regarding products being made and branded as Penn State. For good reason.
The Tribune
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2014/10/04/3280284/cal-poly-recalls-6-of-its-chocolate.html
Cal Poly recalls some chocolate bars because of possible contamination
Candies may contain allergens or infectious material, spokesman says
By Nick Wilson
nwilson@thetribunenews.com
October 4, 2014
Cal Poly has voluntarily recalled six varieties of its chocolate candy bars, citing possible contaminations.
The bars may have been tainted with peanut, milk or soy allergens and possibly exposed to microbial contamination, which can include infectious materials such as bacteria, yeast, or mold, the university said.
But Cal Poly emphasized that no tests have confirmed any contaminations and no illnesses have been reported.
“The voluntary recall is being initiated out of an abundance of caution,” said Cal Poly spokesman Matt Lazier in a statement.
The university produces a variety of chocolates at a campus food processing lab operated by students with the oversight of a lab manager.
Cal Poly chocolates are sold in local retail stores, farmers markets around the county, on-campus locations, as well as online through the Cal Poly University Store.
Lazier said that the potentially affected flavors were processed on equipment that may have experienced product build-up.
“A specific piece of equipment was noted to have trace residue that had not been eliminated during the routine cleaning process,” Lazier said in an email, noting the discovery was made Friday. “We acted with extreme caution, because food allergies are a significant health risk for many.”
The voluntary product recall of Cal Poly Chocolates includes the following candies:
• Peanut Butter Crunch Bar; UPC# 7 45711 56310 8.
• Cal Poly Chocolates Peppermint Crunch Bar; UPC# 7 45711 56410 5.
• Cal Poly Chocolates Spicy Cayenne Bar; UPC# 7 45711 56710 6.
• Cal Poly Chocolates Pumpkin Spice Bar; UPC# 7 45711 56610 9.
• Cal Poly Chocolates Olallieberry Crisp Bar; UPC# 7 45711 56810 3.
• Cal Poly Chocolates Coffee Crunch Bar; UPC# 7 45711 56510 2.
The voluntary product recall does not include:
• Cal Poly Chocolates Milk Chocolate Bar; UPC# 7 45711 56110 4.
• Cal Poly Chocolates Dark Chocolate Bar; UPC# 7 45711 56210 1.
Customers who have purchased potentially affected bars should not consume the candies and may return the bars to the store of purchase for a full refund or contact Cal Poly’s Food Science & Nutrition Department at 756-2660.
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