What is the Risk of Opioids in Poppy Seeds

The European Food Safety Authority released their risk assessment of opium alkaloids in poppy seeds. Basically there is a small risk of having opioids, including codeine and morphine, in poppy seeds, specially unprocessed poppy seeds.

ere are a few of the summary points:

• "Poppy seeds are obtained from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). The latex (milky sap) of the opium poppy contains up to 80 alkaloids, including morphine and codeine, which have been used for the treatment of severe pain for generations but are also subject to misuse"
• "Poppy seeds normally do not contain opium alkaloids, but can become contaminated with opium alkaloids as a result of pest damage and during harvest."
• "There are few reports of adverse effects arising from consumption of poppy seeds in food; however it cannot be assumed that such reactions do not occur from time to time. Morphine-like effects have been observed in humans following consumption of a single portion of a meal containing opium alkaloid-contaminated poppy seeds".

So if you are going for a drug screening, it may be worth skipping the poppy seed roll.  Although it is so darn tasty.  це дуже смачно!

EFSA - European Food Safety Authority
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/180516
Opium alkaloids in poppy seeds: assessment updated
16 May 2018

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending 5/25/18

Pre-bake Egg Spray Not Accounted for on Label - New Seasons Market LLC is recalling NSM 8-pack mini butter croissants and 8-pack mini chocolate croissants because they contain undeclared egg. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that products containing egg were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg. Products were slightly sprayed with egg before baking. [Label design issue]

Buffalo Chicken Calzones Labeled as Ham and Cheese Calzones - A Mass. establishment is recalling approximately 1,881 pounds of ham and cheese calzones due to misbranding - The product is labeled as a ham and cheese calzone, but the package contains a buffalo chicken calzone. [Operations packaging error]

State Lab Detects Undeclared Peanuts in Cookies - A Brooklyn, NY firm is recalling its 17.6 oz (500g) package of “Melanie Mini Cookies with Caramel Flavor”, because they contain undeclared peanuts. The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed that the peanut –containing product was distributed in packages that did not reveal the presence of peanuts.


https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm608834.htm
New Seasons Market LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in Mini Butter Croissants and Mini Chocolate Croissants
For Immediate Release
May 24, 2018

Gull Poop Source of E. coli Responsible for Water Quality Failures on Beaches

A study published by the US Geological Survey investigates the source of E. coli that results in beach closings off Lake Michigan.  The findings show that seagulls (and other birds) were the primary source.

E. coli is used as a water quality standard that is used to indicate the sanitary quality of the water for swimming.  It is a fecal marker for poop contamination.  In this case the poop is coming from the birds.  And if E. coli is there, other pathogens such as Salmonella may be present as well.

This study shows the difficulty in setting water standards, whether E. coli or fecal coliforms,  for surface waters.  Not that they don't have a basis, but the variability that can occur when a flock of seagulls, or ducks, or geese, decide to make the irrigation lagoon their toilet.  And certainly no one wants these guys pooping in your water.

Technology Networks
https://www.technologynetworks.com/tn/news/cause-of-e-coli-beach-closures-gulls-304342
Cause of E. coli Beach Closures? Gulls!
News  May 25, 2018 | Original Story by Susan V. Fisk for the American Society of Agronomy.

Company Issues Warning for Frozen Tilapia, Rejected During Import, Now Stolen

A Washington company issued a warning letter for frozen tilapia after that imported frozen tilapia, set for re-export back to Taiwan, was stolen.  The fish was being getting shipped back after a laboratory had found the presence of Salmonella on the product as part of the import check.  However,  the container with product was stolen as it sat in the company's container yard.  The container was recovered less than 2 weeks later. 


https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm608581.htm
Golden International Corporation Issues Public Safety Warning For Stolen Tilapia Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
May 22, 2018

FDA Warning Letter Issued to NE Candy Company, Company Up for Auction

FDA issued a warning letter to New England Confectionary Company, or NECCO, the maker of Sweethearts, NECCO Wafers, and Mary Jane candies.

A basic summary of the findings:

• Excessive / uncontrolled rodent activity throughout facility
• Leaks in facility from duct work occurring in areas where product is processed
• Improper cleaning of equipment resulting in residuals being left on equipment and utencils
• Inadequate cleaning of non-food surfaces
• Improperly maintained or constructed equipment that creates un-cleanable conditions

From the letter, the company had an opportunity to improve after initial inspections, and the Warning Letter was sent after inadequate response.

It seems that NECCO had filed for bankruptcy protection and  was going up for auction.  Not sure if the mice are placing a bid.

FDA WARNING LETTER
CMS # 545899
VIA UNITED PARCEL SERVICE
DELIVERY SIGNATURE REQUESTED
May 16, 2018

Question of the Week - Coconut a Tree Nut Allergen?

Is coconut a tree allergen?    FDA classified coconut in the Big 8 Allergen groupings as a tree nut.  Technically, coconut is not a botanical nut, but is a one seeded drupe, or a one seeded fruit.  But since it can be argued that it is a nut of sorts, it can be added with the other tree nuts.  No harm, no foul.

Coconut allergies are pretty rare, but for the few of those who are allergic, it can be serious, including anaphylaxis.  There is much less likelihood of cross reactivity from the other tree nuts to coconut in terms of allergies, although there have been a few cases.

https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/tree-nut-allergy
https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/knowledgebase/coconut/

Prevention of Foreign Material Contamination

There has been a number of food product recalls triggered by complaints.  The cost of a recall can far outweigh the cost of preventive measures.  This can include equipment such as metal detectors and X-ray equipment. or enacting more stringent procedures. 

• Single and dual-energy X-ray equipment are becoming more within the reach of small companies in terms of price.  
• Metal detectors and bone collection systems must be properly maintained in order to ensure effectiveness.   
• Employee awareness and adherence to proper procedures are also critical to foreign material control.

The National Provisioner

https://www.provisioneronline.com/articles/106166-preventing-foreign-material-contamination-in-meat-and-poultry-processing?
Food Safety
Preventing foreign-material contamination in meat and poultry processing
Rich Mitchell
May 1, 2018

Ohio Company Recalls Nut Products After Positive Listeria on Production Equipment

An Ohio company is recalling bags and tubs of nut products for Listeria monocytogenes.  "This recall was initiated after Hickory Harvest staff performed routine in house environmental testing, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes on a piece of production equipment."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm608230.htm
Hickory Harvest Recalls Certain Island Fruit Mix and Organic Nut Mix Products Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
May 10, 2018

Jars of Tahini Recalled After a Sample Tests Positive for Salmonella

Ziyad Brothers Importing is voluntarily recalling certain lot codes of Ziyad Brand Tahini after testing conducted by the Michigan Dept of Health found Salmonella in a sample.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ziyad-brothers-importing-recalls-tahini-because-of-possible-health-risk-300651192.html
Ziyad Brothers Importing Recalls Tahini because of possible health risk
News provided by  Ziyad Brothers Importing
May 18, 2018, 14:34 ET

FDA Dashboard Provides Easy Way to Check Supplier Status

FDA has provided a Data Dashboard webpage that allows one to search multiple databases.

• There is the Compliance Dashboard with lists recalls, inspections, compliance actions by date.
• The FSMA Data Search & Information - one can search for a specific firm / supplier in this database, which includes applicable recalls, import alerts and refusals associated with a food company.      Link to Supplier Search 

This should make searching a specific FDA regulated facility much easier.  A good site to bookmark.

https://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/InspectionComplianceDataDashboard/default.htm
FDA Data Dashboard

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending May 19, 2018

Wrong Product In Package - A CA based snack company is recalling certain 16 OZ. bags of Tropical Trail Mix because they may contain milk, soy, wheat and cashew allergens and this is not declared on the package.  Century Snacks believes this is an isolated incident, due to an error by our packaging supplier, involving a very small quantity of incorrectly filled Tropical Trail Mix bags. [Operational error]

Mislabeled Meat Stick - A Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 8,535 pounds of ready-to-eat pepperoni sticks due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the products contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. "The problem was discovered on May 17, 2018, when the firm received a customer complaint that a package of “Hempler’s Family Classic Pepperoni, Natural Smoke Flavor Added,” contained a different product identified as “Hempler’s Pepperoni with Jalapeno and Cheese, Natural Smoke Flavoring Added.” The retail establishment notified the firm, who informed FSIS of the problem." [Operational error]

Improperly Designed Label - A company packing product for Aldi, (BLM Prod.-u. Vertriebsges. mbH & Co. KG), is voluntarily recalling Priano Rosso Pesto Sauce as it may contain undeclared milk and egg. The product recall was initiated after it was discovered in a label review that the product containing egg and milk was delivered with a label not explicitly indicating the presence of those ingredients. [Label Design and Review Errors]

Undeclared Sulfites Discovered by State Laboratory - An Oakland Park FL foodservice company is recalling its 15 ounce packages of The Peruchef brand dry potato because it may contain undeclared sulfites. The voluntary recall was initiated after routine sampling by the Florida State Department of Agriculture and analysis by food laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the product. 

Soy in Ingredient Missed on Finished Product Label - A Grand Rapids, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 308,430 pounds of various beef, pork, and turkey ready-to-eat hot dog and sausage products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the products contain soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered on May 12, 2018 by the establishment during product inventory activities. The establishment noticed that the label for the spice mixture used in the production of one of their Beef Polish sausage contained hydrolyzed soy protein as an ingredient. However, the Beef Polish Sausage does not list the soy ingredient on the finish product label. Although the Beef Polish sausage product is the only product that is formulated with the spice mix containing the soy ingredient, there are several other ready-to-eat sausage and hot dog products made with beef, pork, and turkey that are implicated in this recall action due to potential cross contamination via shared equipment during the raw and ready-to-eat processing steps.

Wrong Label Applied to Product - A Fall River, Mass., establishment, is recalling approximately 720 pounds of Chicken Tortilla Soup products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the products contain wheat, which is not declared on the product label. Some of the product labeled as Chicken Tortilla Soup may actually contain Southwest Style Corn Chowder which contains wheat. The problem was discovered on May 14, 2018, when the firm received a customer complaint that the master container was labeled as “Chicken Tortilla Soup,” and contained a different product, “Southwest Style Corn Chowder.”

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm608251.htm
Century Snacks LLC Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Milk, Soy, Wheat and Cashews in Snak Club Family Size Tropical Trail Mix
For Immediate Release
May 18, 2018

CDC Update - Romaine Lettuce From Yuma Has Passed

CDC stated that romaine lettuce from Yuma likely out of food supply system, so customers no longer need to be concerned.  The total count of infected is at 172 with 75 hospitalizations and 1 death.

The Packer reported that the current price of romaine has fallen by more than 50% as the crop now turns to the California harvest.

CDC Outbreak Update
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce
Posted May 16, 2018 4:00 PM ES

Update on Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Eggs

CDC has just updated the case count of Salmonella infections due to eggs from Rose Acre farms,  There are now 35 reported cases in 9 states.  Since CDC issued the last update on April 16th, there are 12 more cases.

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/braenderup-04-18/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup Infections Linked to Rose Acre Farms Shell Eggs

At A Glance

• Case Count: 35 (https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/braenderup-04-18/epi.html)
• States: 9 (https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/braenderup-04-18/map.html)
• Deaths: 0
• Hospitalizations: 11
• Recall: Yes https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/braenderup-04-18/advice.html)

Research - Scheduling Impacting Outcomes of Inspections

In a research article published by Harvard Business School (09 May 2018), investigators evaluated the impact of food inspector scheduling on the outcome of food safety audits.
The primary findings:

• "On average, inspectors cited fewer violations at each successive establishment inspected throughout the day, the researchers found. In other words, inspectors tended to find and report the most violations at the first place they inspected and the fewest violations at the last place."
• "They also found that when conducting an inspection risked making the inspector work later than usual, the inspection was conducted more quickly and fewer violations were cited."
• "The level of inspector scrutiny also depended on whatever had been found at the prior inspection that day. In short, finding more violations than usual at one place seemed to induce the inspectors to exhibit more scrutiny at the subsequent place.On the other hand, finding fewer violations than usual at one site had no apparent effect on what the inspector uncovered at the subsequent establishment." 

They concluded: "The researchers estimate that tens of thousands of Americans could avoid food poisoning each year simply by reducing the number of establishments an inspector visits on a single day. Often, inspectors will cluster their schedule to conduct inspections on two or three days each week, saving the other days for administrative duties in the office. While this may save travel time and costs, it might be preventing inspectors from doing their jobs more effectively."

Nothing we probably wouldn't have guessed ourselves.  I bet the inspectors would love to do less audits then they currently have to do.  And while this applies to food service inspection, there are things food processing facilities have used to their advantage over the years in dealing with inspectors or auditors - pushing the plant walk-through until later in the day....taking the auditor into the best parts of the facility first.

Harvard Business School
Working Knowledge - Business Research for Business Leaders
 Research & Ideas
 https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/a-simple-way-for-restaurant-inspectors-to-improve-food-safety
A Simple Way for Restaurant Inspectors to Improve Food Safety
09 May 2018
by Carmen Nobel
Basic tweaks to the schedules of food safety inspectors could prevent millions of foodborne illnesses, according to new behavioral science research by Maria Ibáñez and Michael Toffel. 

Case Count of E. coli Infection Continues to Increase in Outbreak Associated with Romaine Lettuce

There are now 149 reported cases of E. coili infection associated with romaine.  Cases were reported from 29 different states.  There have been 64 hospitalizations and one death.

The romaine lettuce is no longer being harvested from the suspected areas of Yuma AZ.  While one farm has been linked to a set of illnesses in Alaska and this through consumption of whole heads, product from this farm does not seem to be linked to the vast majority of cases which were linked to chopped romaine.

https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce
Posted May 9, 2018 1:45 PM EST

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending 5/4/18

Undeclared Milk in Tortilla Chips - Utz® Quality Foods, LLC, is voluntarily recalling select expiration dates of some Golden Flake, Good Health, Utz and Weis Brand Tortilla Chip items due to potential contamination of undeclared milk allergen.

Wrong Label on Pesto - Stonewall Kitchen is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of 10.25oz Basil Pesto Aioli with an Enjoy By date of 28 Sep 2019 which may contain the undeclared allergen egg.  They state that they inadvertently placed the label for Basil Pesto on a small portion (no more than 732 units) of our most recent production run. Basil Pesto Aioli contains the dairy allergen egg, whereas Basil Pesto does not. [So actually, they are recalling the Basil Pesto, because that is label people will see.  Operations error - labeling]

Product with Gluten Labeled as Gluten Free - Van's Foods is voluntarily recalling approximately 1,584 cases of Van's Gluten Free Waffles  because they were packaged in the Van's Gluten Free Waffle box contains gluten and undeclared milk.  [Operations error - packaging/labeling]

NY State Ag Finds Peanut in Snack Mix - Ethnic Foods Inc. of 76 South Bayles Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050, is recalling its 19 ounce package of Bhavnagri Mix snack mix because they may contain undeclared peanuts. The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food laboratory personnel revealed that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packages that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. [Operations - Cross contact during processing]

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm606576.htm
Voluntary Recall of Certain Golden Flake, Good Health, UTZ and Weis Brand Tortilla Chips Because of Possible Milk Allergen
For Immediate Release
May 2, 2018

Complying With Licensing Requirement and SFCR for Shipping Food To Canada

Food companies shipping food products into Canada are going to be required to obtain a license from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, CFIA.  It can be obtained by using the online portal.   Who needs a license:

"Generally speaking if you are doing any of these activities, you would need a licence: importing, manufacturing, processing, treating, preserving, grading, packaging, or labelling a food that will be exported or moved between provinces and slaughtering a food animal."

There are some exemptions - alcoholic beverages, food additives, among others (see 48)

Like the recently enacted FSMA regulations in the US, Canada has updated their food regulations - Safe Food for Canadians Regulations or SFCR.  CFIA has a webpage, Understanding the Proposed Safe Food for Canadians Regulations: A Handbook for Food Businesses, that provides more information on the regulation.

There are many similarities between FSMA and SFCR including the use of Preventive Controls in food manufacturing operations. This document states (19c):

Preventive control Measures: This Part would set key food safety controls that must be met by all food businesses. It would also outline the requirements for developing, implementing, and maintaining a written preventive control plan that documents how you meet food safety and marketplace fairness requirements (e.g. for labelling, packaging, standards of identity, grades, humane treatment and net quantity).

 While there are some differences the SFCR preventive controls from FSMA , especially in terms of market fairness requirements such as humane treatment, standards of identity, and net quantity (In the US, these are handled by regulations outside of FSMA), the two systems will be viewed as compatible.

Ground Meat Recalled After a Complaint of Foreign Material in the Form of Hard Plastic

A N.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 35,464 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically hard plastic.  The problem was discovered after the firm received a complaint from a consumer [one complaint?] who found blue, hard plastic pieces in one of the products. 

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-035-2018-release
JBS USA, Inc. Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall 

035-2018
Health Risk: Low 

May 2, 2018

CDC Report - Diseases Transmitted by Ticks and Mosquitoes on the Rise

In a recent article in MMWR on tick, flea and mosquito transmitted diseases from bacteria, viruses and parasites,  CDC reports an increasing number of cases in the years analyzed, 2014 to 2016.  These are categorized as vectorborne diseases.  Vectors are blood-feeding insects and ticks capable of transmitting pathogens between hosts.  From the report:

• Nearly 650,000 cases of vectorborne disease were reported during 2004–2016 
• There were 16 diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas were reported 
• Ticks - Tickborne diseases more than doubled in 13 years and were 77% of all vectorborne disease reports. Lyme disease accounted for 82% of all tickborne cases, but spotted fever rickettsioses, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis/ehrlichiosis cases also increased. 
• Mosquitoes - West Nile Virus (WNV) was the most commonly transmitted mosquitoborne disease in the continental United States. Its most notable epidemic during 2004–2016 occurred in 2012, especially in Texas. [Overall however, the cases of WNV have remained steady.]  Epidemics of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses were mostly confined to the U.S. territories
• Fleas - the plague, average about 7 cases per year.
• The data indicates persistent, locality-specific risks and a rising threat from emerging vectorborne diseases

As the NY Times article on the report states, "Farewell, carefree days of summer."

So you may be thinking....what about drinking alcohol, perhaps that will ward off bloodsuckers.  Unfortunately, alcohol may be an attractant for bloodsuckers.  In a study in the Journal of  the American Mosquito Control Association - "Our study demonstrated that percent mosquito landing on volunteers significantly increased after beer ingestion compared with before ingestion, showing clearly that drinking alcohol stimulates mosquito attraction. However, ethanol content in sweat and skin temperature did not show any correlation between alcohol ingestion and mosquito landings."

CDC MMWR
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6717e1.htm?s_cid=mm6717e1_e
Vital Signs: Trends in Reported Vectorborne Disease Cases — United States and Territories, 2004–2016

FDA Issues Warning Letters on Sale of E-cigarette Liquids Made to Look Like Candy

FDA issued warning letters against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who are selling e-cigarette liquid that was made to look like candy products.  According to the report, "This use by children and teens is especially concerning to the FDA because of evidence that youth exposure to nicotine affects the developing brain and may rewire it to be more susceptible to nicotine addiction in the future."

So one wonders whether manufacturers make this product attractive to kids because it looks 'fun', or is it more attractive to teens because it is easier for them to carry in public without detection.  A teen has to have the a vap pen before they can buy the liquid.

https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm605507.htm
FDA, FTC take action against companies misleading kids with e-liquids that resemble children’s juice boxes, candies and cookies
Warning letters are part of joint effort to protect youth from dangers of nicotine and tobacco products and part of FDA’s new Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan

For Immediate Release

May 1, 2018

E. coli Outbreak in Romaine - 121 Now Ill, One Farm Identified for Alaska Cases, but FDA Still Investigating Entire Distribution Chain

There are now 121 cases of E. coli infection from romaine lettuce with 52 hospitalizations and one death. Cases have occurred in 25 different state throughout the country.

FDA has identified one farm linked to whole head romaine lettuce involved with cases in Alaska, but have not yet identified where the contamination occurred. "The FDA has identified one farm as the source of the whole-head romaine lettuce that sickened several people at a correctional facility in Alaska. However, the agency has not determined where in the supply chain the contamination occurred. The agency is examining all possibilities, including that contamination may have occurred at any point along the growing, harvesting, packaging, and distribution chain before reaching the Alaska correctional facility where it was served." The farm was identified as Harrison Farms of Yuma AZ.

FDA further states that harvesting of romaine lettuce from Yuma is done and product would not be past its shelf-life. "All of the lettuce in question from this farm was harvested during March 5-16 and is past its 21-day shelf life. Because the growing season in the Yuma region is at its end, the farm is not growing any lettuce at this time."

CDC Outbreak Update
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce
Posted May 2, 2018 2:30 PM EST

At A Glance
Case Count: 121   (https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/epi.html)
States: 25    (https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/map.html)
Deaths: 1
Hospitalizations: 52
Recall: No

CA Health Warns Consumers about Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Canadian Raw Oysters

There is an ongoing norovirus outbreak associated with raw oysters from British Columbia, Canada. "In California, as of April 27, approximately 100 individuals have reported illness after they consumed raw British Columbian oysters sold by restaurants and retailers throughout the state. 

California Department of Public Health
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR18-027.aspx
CDPH Warns Californians about the Risk of Norovirus Infections from Raw British Columbian Oysters
Date: May 1, 2018
Number: 18-027

Jars of Dried Beef Recalled Due to Processing Deviation

A Fort Madison, Iowa establishment, is recalling approximately 32,479 pounds of heat-treated, shelf stable beef products due to a possible processing deviation that may have led to staphylococcal enterotoxin and clostridial toxin contamination.   Products include 2.25 oz.  and 4.5oz glass jars containing ARMOUR GROUND & FORMED SLICED Dried Beef.  The problem was discovered during a USDA food safety assessment at the establishment, but the specific issue was not provided.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-034-2018-release
Pinnacle Foods Inc. Recalls Beef Products Due to Possible Processing Deviation 
Class I Recall 
034-2018 
Health Risk: High 
Apr 28, 2018 

Cold Smoked Salmon Recalled for Clostridium botulinum Concern Due to Insufficient Salt Concentration

Seabear Company of Anacortes, Washington is  recalling 1,225/ 3 oz. units of Cold Smoked Wild Coho Salmon Lox, Gerard & Dominique Seafoods brand because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.  "The recall was initiated because the product's water phase salt testing below 3.5%. Labeling instructions state to freeze or refrigerate, once thawed they can be kept unopened in the fridge for up to 30 days. Because the water phase salt is under 3.5% the product must remain frozen until ready to consume. Keeping in the refrigerator after thawing in a reduced oxygen package has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum."

The FDA Seafood Guidance Chapter 13 document provides information on this detailing a critical limit of 3.5.   Applicable sections below: