Date-Expired Salads Recalled for Cyclospora

USDA FSIS issued a health alert for beef, pork and poultry salads made by Caito Foods due to potential contamination with Cyclospora.  "The problem was discovered when Caito Foods LLC received notification from their lettuce supplier, Fresh Express, that the chopped romaine that is used to manufacture some of their salads and wraps was being recalled."

According to the warning, "The beef, pork and poultry salad and wrap items were produced between July 15 to 18, 2018, with the either “Best By,” “Enjoy by,” Best if Sold By” or “Sell By” dates ranging from July 18 through July 23, 2018."

It is important to note that this product is past its shelf-life.  While FSIS is concerned about someone storing the product past the shelf-life, one would guess that after an extra week, it is probably less than good.  And if someone had eaten product and had become ill, or becomes ill, this notice is out there.  So while we understand the need for recalling expired product, the problem is that unless you read into the notice, you don't see that this was expired product.

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Beef, Pork and Poultry Products due to Concerns about Contamination with Cyclospora 
Link

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending 7/29/18

Wrong Label Placed on Tea - A Minnesota firm  is recalling Roasted Chestnut loose leaf tea, because it may contain undeclared almonds.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that this product containing almonds was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of almonds. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary mistake in the company's production and packaging processes

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm615023.htm
TeaSource Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds in Product
For Immediate Release
July 26, 2018

Sandwiches Recalled After Company's Testing Program Detects Listeria

Lipari Foods, based in Michigan, is recalling pre-made sandwiches due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria.  The testing was done by the company's fresh food manufacturing company, JLM Manufacturing, which was where the product was packed.  Product was packed underd the Premo and Fresh Grab labels.  Product was packed on the 17th of July and has an expiration date of August 8 (3 weeks..eww).

There have been no reported illnesses.

Currently, there is just one product day recalled.  So it will be interesting to see whether this follows the normal path these Listeria-related recalls go...that is, the recall is expanded because regulators find that there was inadequate control and more than one day's production may be implicated.


https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm615055.htm
Lipari Foods Issues Voluntary Recall of Premo Brand & Fresh Grab Turkey & Swiss Submarine Sandwiches Due to Potential Contamination of Listeria Monocytogenes
For Immediate Release
July 28, 2018

Should We Care About Food Product Standards of Identity?

A news release from FDA discussed the need to review and modernize the 'standards of identity' for food products, specifically in this case, dairy products.  With all of the FSMA regulations in addition to responsibility for drugs, food product 'standards of identity' just don't seem to be that much of a priority.  But should they be?

The standard of identity are used "in an effort to promote honesty and fair dealing for the benefit of consumers, the FDA is authorized to establish by regulation, a common or usual name, a reasonable definition and standard of identity, a reasonable standard of quality, and reasonable standards of fill of the container for any food"  (NDSU Law).  So it says what a product is so that when you buy it, you know what it is.  If you buy grape jelly, you are getting what is considered grape jelly.

One of the big issues has been related to milk.  From the FDA release, one of the primary issues is "plant-based foods that are being positioned in the marketplace as substitutes for standardized dairy products. Many of these plant-based foods use traditional dairy terms (e.g., milk, yogurt, cheese) in the name of the product. For instance, we’ve seen a proliferation of products made from soy, almond or rice calling themselves milk. However, these alternative products are not the food that has been standardized under the name “milk” and which has been known to the American public as “milk” long before the 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) was established. In addition, some of these products can vary widely in their nutritional content – for instance in relation to inherent protein or in added vitamin content – when compared to traditional milk."

Basically, soy milk or rice milk is not really milk.  Milk is collected lactation from animals.  Soy beans don't have mammary glands. It's not milk, it is expressed bean juice.  So is this an issue?  Well, it can be because some people don't understand that milk and bean juice don't have the same nutritional parameters.  Just being white doesn't make it milk.    FDA used a few cases to demonstrate this issue, in one "case reports show that feeding rice-based beverages to young children resulted in a disease called kwashiorkor, a form of severe protein malnutrition. There has also been a case report of a toddler being diagnosed with rickets, a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency, after parents used a soy-based alternative to cow’s milk".

I like standards of identity. I like the structure that it creates within the marketplace.   Marketing people don't because they can blur the lines and make something seem to be what it's not.  If people took time to understand, that would be one thing.  But some out there do not.

For the most part, many of the standards in place have been there for decades.  This is not to say they should remain constant, but certainly there should be on ongoing review process to say what a given food is, and what it is not.

Take bacon as an example.  Bacon should be from an animal.  I am fine with turkey bacon, but eggplant bacon....no. 

FDA News Release
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm614851.htm
Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on the process FDA is undertaking for reviewing and modernizing the agency’s standards of identity for dairy products
For Immediate Release
July 26, 2018

Developing A Food Defense Plan - Meeting Compliance Requirements in the FSMA Rule on Preventing Intentional Contamination

Penn State Extension
https://extension.psu.edu/developing-a-food-defense-plan

Developing a Food Defense Plan 

Meeting Compliance Requirements in the FSMA Rule on Preventing Intentional Contamination

The Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA, has 7 primary rules that have been enacted with a goal of improving food safety in the US.   The next FSMA rule with compliance dates on the horizon is the food defense rule which focuses on the prevention of intentional contamination.  This FDA rule, “Mitigation Strategies to Protect Against Intentional Adulteration”, or ‘IA’ rule, was finalized in May of 2016 with compliance is slated to begin next year.  The IA rule applies to food companies registered with the FDA who are involved in the production, transport, storage, or distribution of food for sale to the public.   Large companies, defined as having 500 or more employees, must comply by July 26th of 2019, while small companies’ compliance date is a year later, July of 2020.  Very small businesses, having less than $10,000,000 in annual sales, are exempt, but have to be able to demonstrate that they are classified as a very small company.

The goal of this rule is for companies to establish control measures to prevent or minimize the risk that a person or group intentionally contaminates food with the intent of public harm.    Intentional contamination includes 1) tampering, the intentional modification of a product in a way that would be harmful to the consumer, 2) terrorism, contamination by domestic or foreign aggressors for political or ideological reasons, and 3) contamination by disgruntled employees who may have a personal vendetta or have been bribed or manipulated by an outside source.

Savory Jellies and Jams are the Rage, But There Can be a Botulism Concern

Savory jams and jellies are trending...showing up as condiments in upscale restaurants, on cooking shows, and of course, on numerous websites with recipes for home preparation.  But as was seen last month in Denmark, there is a botulism risk.  In this case, nine people became deathly ill after consuming savory jelly product.

The issue is that many of the recipes are not scientifically validated, that is, tested to ensure safety.  The issue comes in when these items may not be shelf-stable but people treat it like a jam or jelly they buy from the store.  In these items, the savory component is of neutral pH, and if not properly acidified or preserved in some other way, that component within the jelly matrix can support the growth of Clostridium botulinum, the causative agent of botulism poisoning.  The savory component could also cause the overall pH to rise as well, again, allowing growth of C. botulinum.   The boiling process used in making the jam or jelly does not eliminate the spores of this bacterium, and when he product is left at room temperature, the spores germinate, and this bacterium then grows within the savory particulate.

So unless one is following approved recipes, such as the ones from the Center for Home Food Preservation, it is important to store your concoction at refrigeration temperature - from the time it is made until it is all used.  A additional concern then arisies when gifting this homemade item to a friend...they must be informed of the need to store in the refrigerator, even if not yet opened.

Food Safety News
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2018/07/danish-botulism-outbreak-traced-to-homemade-savory-jelly/#.W1s-nE3rt9A
Danish botulism outbreak traced to homemade savory jelly 
By Joe Whitworth | July 26, 2018

Homemade savory jelly caused an outbreak of foodborne botulism in Denmark last month, according to the Statens Serum Institut (SSI).

Is Exposure to the Parasite Taxoplasma Gondii Linked to Entrepreneurial Individuals.

A study was recently published to look at a determining a correlation between whether a person has  Taxoplasma antibodies and career path, specifically majors that have an emphasis in ‘management and entrepreneurship' over other business-related emphasis as well as looking at business professionals and their chosen profession.  Basically, does the fact that someone has been exposed to the parasite Taxoplasma gondii increase their choice in a more entrepreneurial profession which is considered to be associated with increased risk taking.

Conclusions -

• "..found that students (n = 1495) who tested IgG positive for T. gondii exposure were 1.4× more likely to major in business and 1.7× more likely to have an emphasis in ‘management and entrepreneurship' over other business-related emphases" 
• "Among professionals attending entrepreneurship events, T. gondii-positive individuals were 1.8× more likely to have started their own business compared with other attendees (n = 197)." 
• "Finally, infection prevalence was a consistent, positive predictor of entrepreneurial activity and intentions at the national scale"

Surprising or far fetched...not really. We know that the parasite does the same with mice in that parasitic infection makes them less risk adverse, and thus more likely to be eaten by the other part of the parasitic cycle, the cat.

Now it does not say that being less adverse risk means more successful.  There is a link between infection and mental health., including schizophrenia. 

Proceedings of the Royal Society
Biological Science
http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/285/1883/20180822
Risky business: linking Toxoplasma gondii infection and entrepreneurship behaviours across individuals and countries
Stefanie K. Johnson, Markus A. Fitza, Daniel A. Lerner, Dana M. Calhoun, Marissa A. Beldon, Elsa T. Chan, Pieter T. J. Johnson
Published 25 July 2018. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0822

CDC - Surveillance study on the cause of reported foodborne Outbreaks

CDC issued a surveillance study on the cause of reported foodborne Outbreaks.

• During 2009–2015, FDOSS received reports of 5,760 outbreaks, resulting in 100,939 illnesses, 5,699 hospitalizations, and 145 deaths 
• Where a single agent was confirmed (in 2,953 outbreaks) with a single confirmed etiology, 

1. Norovirus was the most common cause of outbreaks (1,130 outbreaks [38%]) and outbreak-associated illnesses (27,623 illnesses [41%]). 
2. Salmonella was the second most common single confirmed etiology reported, with 896 outbreaks (30%) and 23,662 illnesses (35%)
3. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) (191 outbreaks [6%]), 
4. Campylobacter (155 [5%]), 
5. Clostridium perfringens (108 [4%]), 
6. Scombroid toxin (95 [3%]), 
7. Ciguatoxin (80 [3%]), 
8. Staphylococcus aureus (35 [1%]), 
9. Vibrio parahaemolyticus (35 [1%]), and 
10. Listeria monocytogenes (35 [1%]). 

• Listeria, Salmonella, and STEC were the most common causes of hospitalizations (82%) and deaths (82%) reported among persons in outbreaks with a single confirmed etiology.
• Salmonella and STEC were two of the most common causes of large outbreaks.
• Restaurants accounted for the largest percentage followed by Catering, Private Home, and then Institutional.
• The food categories responsible for the most outbreak-associated illnesses were chicken (3,114 illnesses [12%]), pork (2,670 [10%]), and seeded vegetables (2,572 [10%]).
• The pathogen-food category pairs that caused the most outbreak-associated illnesses were Salmonella in eggs (2,422 illnesses), Salmonella in seeded vegetables (2,203), and Salmonella in chicken (1,941

Limitation of analysis:

1. "Because CDC’s foodborne outbreak surveillance is dynamic and agencies can submit, update, or delete reports at any time, the results of this analysis might differ slightly from previous or future reports". 
2. "Not all outbreaks are identified and the majority of foodborne illnesses occur outside the context of a recognized outbreak. The degree to which the food vehicles, etiologies, and locations implicated in outbreaks represent the vehicles, etiologies, and locations of sporadic foodborne illness is unknown." 
3. "Some outbreaks have an unknown food vehicle, an unknown etiology, or both, and analyses and conclusions drawn from outbreaks with an identified food vehicle and confirmed etiology might not be representative of all outbreaks." 
4. "Pathogens that are not known to cause illness sometimes are reported as a confirmed or suspected etiology."

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/ss/ss6710a1.htm?s_cid=ss6710a1_e
Surveillance for Foodborne Disease Outbreaks — United States, 2009–2015
Surveillance Summaries / July 27, 2018 / 67(10);1–11

Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Sliced Melons Over, 77 Infected

CDC announced that a Salmonella Outbreak associated with sliced melons that occurred in June is now over.  In this outbreak, there were 77 cases with 36 hospitalizations.   While no particular source was identified, product from Caito Foods was the only identified company issuing a recall.

 "The FDA worked with state partners to trace back the pre-cut melons to identify the source of the pathogen, to determine the full distribution of the pre-cut melons, and to learn more about how the contamination occurred. No common source was identified"

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm610301.htm
FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Adelaide Infections Linked to Pre-Cut Melons
July 26, 2018

Jars of Con Queso Cheese Dip Recalled Due to Product Separation

KraftHeinz issued a recall for Taco Bell Con Queso Cheese Dip after the product separated in the jars.  The stated issue would be the potential for Clostridium botulinum growth.

The issue here is related to separation that creates a liquid phase and a solid phase.  Product was designed to be consistent throughout, which means that the water activity (Aw), a measure of the available moisture needed for bacterial growth, would be uniformly low to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum.   But if it separates, then a fraction would possibly have a higher water activity, sufficiently high enough to support the growth of Clostridium botulinum, and with that, the production of botulinum toxin.

Clostridium is the primary pathogen of concern because as a sporeformer, the spores would survive the heat processing treatment.  Other sporeformers may also be a concern, even those that can cause spoilage.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm614642.htm
Kraft Heinz Voluntarily Recalls Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso Mild Cheese Dip Distributed to Retailers
For Immediate Release
July 24, 2018

Supplier Issues Recall for Whey Powder Used in Goldfish, Ritz Crackers, etc

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) of New Ulm, Minn., issued a recall for dry whey powder packaged produced in the cooperative’s Blair, Wis., due to the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.   This product was responsible for recalls of Ritz crackers, Gold fish, Swiss Rolls, and chicken wings issued within the last week.

As noted, this was a precautionary recall that was issued after one test out of a number of tests performed on the product, came back with a positive result.  From the FDA release from the company: "All products shipped to the marketplace tested negative for salmonella.  However, because additional product tested positive for salmonella under AMPI’s routine test and hold procedures, the company is recalling product as a precautionary measure."   Further, "AMPI has ceased production at its Blair, Wis., dry whey plant, is currently investigating the cause for the positive samples, and will take all necessary remedial actions."

So if Salmonella present in the ingredient, based on the amount of testing said to have been completed, we would say that Salmonella would be at very low levels in the ingredient, and once processed (baking), there would be essentially no risk of it being present in finished product.

This shows the implications of one bad test even though many negative results may be found beforehand.  It also shows the impact of an ingredients on products even though those products where processed in a way to eliminate the potential hazard.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm614759.htm
AMPI Recalls Limited Amount of Dry Whey Powder Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
July 25, 2018

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending July 21, 2018

Supplier Issue in Controlling Allergens - GiftTree, a gift basket company based in Vancouver, WA, is voluntarily recalling 94,000 units of “Sherman Candy Caramels” sold online in the several Gift Baskets because they may contain undeclared pecans, walnuts, almonds and/or peanuts.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the caramels ingredient potentially includes pecans, walnuts, almonds and/or peanuts but the finished “Sherman Candy Caramels” does not reveal the presence of those allergens on the product packaging. [One should not expect peanut or tree nut allergens in caramel, so if the supplier can't control it, it may be worth sourcing from a different supplier].

Packaging Label Misses Milk Allergen - Shearer’s Foods, LLC of Massillon, OH is recalling Food Lion brand 7.75 ounce packages of Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips because they may contain undeclared milk. The issue was discovered when a consumer suffered an allergic reaction and the incident was reported to Food Lion. Shearer’s Foods, LLC conducted an investigation which indicated that a product containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk.

Packaging Label Misses Soy Allergen - LabelPortland French Bakery of Portland, OR is recalling 26,635 units of Seattle Sourdough Pub Bun 6pk and 8,022 units of Franz Premium Pub Buns 12pk, because it may contain undeclared SOY.  The labeling problem was discovered during a label and packaging review by firm. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing soy was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of soy

Mislabeled Chips - Utz® Quality Foods, LLC., is voluntarily recalling select expiration dates of Utz® Carolina Style Barbeque Potato Chips due to undeclared soy allergen. This recall was initiated after learning a certain number of packages were mislabeled.

Packaging Label Misses Peanut Allergens - An Ore. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of ready-to-eat sesame noodle chicken salad products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, The products contain peanuts, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. On July 14, 2018, a New Seasons Market employee discovered the problem at the company’s retail store, and the company notified FSIS of the problem.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm614189.htm
GiftTree Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecans, Walnuts, Almonds, Peanuts in " Sherman Candy Caramels "
For Immediate Release
July 20, 2018

Authorities Investigating Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Raw Turkey Products

CDC issued a news release about an ongoing investigation into a Salmonella outbreak linked to raw turkey products.  In this outbreak, 90 people have become infected with 40 hospitalizations.  The strain of Salmonella Reading is multidrug resistant.  The strain has been identified in samples taken from raw turkey pet food, raw turkey products, and live turkeys, however, according to this report, a single, common supplier of raw turkey products or of live turkeys has not been identified.

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/reading-07-18/index.html
Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Infections Linked to Raw Turkey Products
Posted July 19, 2018 at 12:00 PM EDT

FSIS Issues Warning for Whey Powder with Possible Salmonella Contamination, Impacted Chicken Wings Recalled

FSIS is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that products may be contaminated with Salmonella from whey powder that has been recalled by the producer of the ingredient. FSIS is issuing this public health alert out of the utmost of caution to ensure that consumers are aware that these products, which bear the USDA mark of inspection, should not be consumed.

The whey powder is an FDA-regulated product that is being voluntarily recalled by the producer, Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI). Additional FSIS-regulated products containing the recalled whey powder may be added to this public health alert as more information becomes available.

Pinnacle Foods, Inc. establishment in Fayetteville, Ark. is recalling HUNGRY MAN CHIPOTLE BBQ SAUCED BONELESS CHICKEN WYNGZ”

The cooking process would most probably eliminate the Salmonella.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-and-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2018/pha-07202018-1
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Products Containing FDA-Regulated Whey Powder That Has Been Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

Ritz Crackers, Gold Fish, Bread, and Swiss Rolls Recalled After Using Whey Powder Found to Contain Salmonella

 After finding Salmonella in whey powder, a supplier's recall has impacted companies making baked products.  First, Mondelez recalled Ritz cracker sandwiches and bits.  Pepperidge Farms is recalling Goldfish crackers.   A Georgia bakery is recalling Swiss Rolls and bread products after using whey product found to contain Salmonella.

The whey powder is an ingredient used in the manufacture of the product.  This ingredient was produced by Associated Milk Producers.

One would expect that Salmonella in the flour would be destroyed in the baking process, so the risk could be considered minimal.  These recalls are done as an extreme precaution.

Huffington Post
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ritz-goldfish-salmonella-recall_us_5b56ba3de4b0fd5c73c84b22
U.S. NEWS
07/24/2018 06:02 am ET 
Ritz Bits, Goldfish Crackers Recalled Over Salmonella Fears
The recalls were prompted by possibly contaminated whey powder.

Florida Establishment Recalls Raw Ground Beef After Internal Testing Finds STEC E. coli

Win Opportunity Knocks, doing business as Ottomanelli Wholesale Meats Inc., a St. Petersburg, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,020 pounds of fresh and frozen, raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O45, O103 and O145,

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified that the product was tested by the establishment and found positive for E. coli under their sampling program.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-064-2018-release
Win Opportunity Knocks Recalls Fresh and Frozen, Raw Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O45, O103 and O145 Contamination
Class I Recall
064-2018
Health Risk: High
Jul 18, 2018

Ice Cream Cups Recalled After Broken Metal Found in Processing Equipment

H-E-B is voluntarily issuing a recall for two variety packs of Creamy Creations ice cream and sherbets in 3-ounce cups due to broken metal found in processing equipment during routine maintenance.

While one hates to find metal in processing equipment, it is wise to take this precautionary move of conducting a recall while product may still be within their control.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm613925.htm
H-E-B Voluntarily Issues Recall Two Variety Packs of Creamy Creations Ice Creams and Sherbets in 3-Ounce Cups Recalled due to Broken Metal in Processing Equipment
For Immediate Release
July 18, 2018

Frozen Calzones Recalled After Consumers Complain of Foreign Material in the Form of Hard Plastic

Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp., doing business as Stefano Foods based in Charlotte, N.C, is recalling approximately 24,048 pounds of pepperoni five cheese calzones that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of hard, sharp, clear plastic,
The problem was discovered after several consumers contacted Stefano Foods about the problem. On July 16, 2018, the company notified FSIS.  One consumer reported experiencing a small oral laceration during consumption of the product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-063-2018-release
Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. Recalls Pepperoni Five Cheese Calzone Products Due to Possible Extraneous Material Contamination
Class I Recall
063-2018
Health Risk: High
Jul 17, 2018

Pasta Salad Recalled After Potentially Linked to Salmonella Outbreak in Midwest

Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling its Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad due to the potential that it may be contaminated with Salmonella. The company recalled the produc after learning 20 illnesses in Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa were potentially linked back to customers consuming the salad.  The pasta salad was distributed to all of Hy-Vee’s 244 grocery stores across its eight-state region of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm613777.htm
Hy-Vee Voluntarily Recalls Spring Pasta Salad Due to Reported Illnesses
For Immediate Release
July 17, 2018

Raw Tuna Poke Kits Recalled After Retailer Sells Them Refrigerated Rather than Frozen

Aldi company is recalling raw tuna poke after its stores sold the product thawed rather than frozen.  The package states Keep Frozen.  Not sure how the retailer marketers missed that.

This tuna poke product is packaged raw chunks of tuna that are mixed with an enclosed flavor packet.  Product is kept frozen until the consumer is going to eat the product, at which time they thaw, mix in the flavor packet, and then immediately consume (hopefully).

There are a number of concerns when handling a raw fish product that will be consumed raw.  Thawing and holding not only increases the chance of spoilage, but can be an issue if Listeria is present.  Small levels of Listeria can grow on the product once thawed.  Also, non-proteolytic Clostridium botulinum is also a major concern, especially if the package is oxygen proof.  Lastly, histamine formation in the tuna can also be an issue (scombroid toxin).

This product is available from Amazon.  Crazy to think mailing this product which can be highly susceptible to issues once thawed.  This is a product I think I will just skip.  If I am going to eat raw tuna, it is going to be at a restaurant where control is more guaranteed.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm613673.htm
ALDI Voluntarily Recalls AnnaSea Wasabi Ahi Poke Hawaiian Poke Kits and Limu Ahi Poke Hawaiian Poke Kits Due to Storage at Incorrect Temperature in Area Store
For Immediate Release
July 14, 2018

CDC Issues Warning About Vibrio in Crab Meat From Venezuela

CDC issued a news release about an outbreak of Vibrio parahaemolyticus linked to fresh Crab Meat imported from Venezuela. CDC warns consumers to avoid crab meat from Venezuela, including confirming that crab meat is not from there before consuming.   Twelve people infected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus who ate fresh crab meat have been reported from Maryland, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.

Cooking food will destroy the organism, so illness occurs when seafood is eaten raw/undercooked or the product is recontaminated after cooking.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a Gram-negative, curve-shaped rod frequently isolated from the estuarine and marine environments of the United States and other tropical-to-temperate coastal areas, worldwide.  Cases are more often seen in the warmer months when the water temperature is greater than 15C (59F).  One study showed that Vibrio infections maybe increasing with global warming and rising water temperatures.

The symptoms of a Vibrio infection from contaminated food include watery diarrhea and the following signs and symptoms within 24 hours (4 to 90 hours) including stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever.  Symptoms usually lasts about 3 days (2 to 6), and most people recover without treatment.  However the illness can lead to septicemia in susceptible people (diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, AIDS, or other illnesses that result in an immunocompromised state, and those on immunosuppressive medications).

CDC News Release
https://www.cdc.gov/vibrio/investigations/vibriop-07-18/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Infections Linked to Fresh Crab Meat Imported from Venezuela
At A Glance
Case Count: 12
Jurisdictions: 4
Deaths: 0
Hospitalizations: 4
Recall: No
Highlights

McDonalds Pulls Salads After Being Linked To Cyclospora Outbreak

McDonald's restaurants in the mid-west have pulled their salads after being linked to a large outbreak of Cyclospora.  This comes after last month's outbreak linked to Del Monte's trays of sliced vegetables.

The reference below lists some of the difficulties of this parasite...one is that it may be more resistant to sanitizers and the other is the ability to attach to produce.

So basically, the parasite gets into water used for irrigation.  The source being fecal contamination from someone who became ill.  Once on the crops, it may not be easy to get rid of it.

Not a lot is know about cyclospora, one of the issues being is that humans are the only known reservoir.  This makes studying using animal models impossible.


CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS,
Jan. 2010, p. 218–234 Vol. 23, No. 1
0893-8512/10/$12.00 doi:10.1128/CMR.00026-09
Copyright © 2010, American Society for Microbiology.
Update on Cyclospora cayetanensis, a Food-Borne and Waterborne Parasite
Yne´s R. Ortega* and Roxana Sanchez
University of Georgia, Center for Food Safety, Griffin, Georgia 30223-1797

"Individuals with Cyclospora infection excrete unsporulated oocysts in their feces (Fig. 1). These oocysts require 7 to 15 days to sporulate under ideal conditions (23 to 27°C) and presumably become infectious to a susceptible host. When food or water contaminated with infectious oocysts is ingested
by a susceptible host, the oocysts excyst and sporozoites are released to infect epithelial cells of the duodenum and jejunum."

"Cyclospora is highly resistant to disinfectants commonly used in food and water processing. This resistance may also be enhanced by the apparent higher binding affinities of the parasite for certain fresh produce. In the case of raspberries, which have been implicated in several outbreaks, the topography of the fruit is characterized by fine hair-like projections that facilitate the entrapment of the “sticky” Cyclospora oocysts. The microenvironment of the berry provides a favorable environment for parasite retention on the fruit. The stickiness of Cyclospora oocysts seems to be stronger than that of Cryptosporidium or Giardia oocysts. The adhesins responsible for this strong attachment to produce are unknown."

NY Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/13/us/mcdonalds-salads-illness-cyclospora-nyt.html
McDonald’s Salads Linked to Intestinal Parasite Outbreak in Midwest
By Matthew Haag
July 13, 2018

Recalled Sugar Smacks Cereal Still on Shelf, Still Causing Illness

FDA released an update on the Salmonella outbreak associated with Kellogg's Honey Smacks Cereal.  Although a recall was issued in mid June, FDA learned that some retailers are still selling recalled product.  There are now 100 people in 33 states who have become ill.

The outbreak strain of Salmonella has been found in the contract manufacturing facility by FDA during their environmental swabbing analysis.  The facility has discontinued making product.

This cases demonstrates the difficulty in getting recalled product off the shelf, and with that, getting consumers to look in their pantry for recalled product.

Also of note is that this was contract manufactured product.  As a RTE product with post-leathality exposure (from the time it is extruded until it is packaged), environmental control is critical.  The fact that FDA was able to find Salmonella in the environment would indicate this this co-manufacturer's environmental program was not adequate.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm610827.htm
FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka Infections Linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal
July 12, 2018 Update

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending July 14, 2018

Wrong Kind of Nuts - AZ is voluntarily recalling 148 units of the Superfood Salads due to misbranding and undeclared peanuts.  The product contains peanuts which are not declared on the product label as packages of peanuts were mistakenly included in the kits instead of cashews.

Wrong Labels Result in Undeclared MSG - An Oregon establishment, is recalling approximately 102 pounds of ready-to-eat beef jerky products due to misbranding,  - the beef jerky products may contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) that is not declared on the finished product labels. " The problem was discovered on July 5, 2018 by the firm during a routine label review.  Specifically, the firm produced “Old Fashioned Silver Dollar Beef Jerky” products with case code 81471, and inadvertently labeled the products within the case with the “Teriyaki Beef Jerky” label. The “Old Fashioned Silver Dollar Beef Jerky” contains monosodium glutamate (MSG), but the Teriyaki Beef Jerky does not."

Supplier Reformulation Results in Allergens Not Accounted for on Label - A Wittenberg, Wis. establishment, is recalling approximately 12,946 pounds of pork products due to misbranding - the products may contain brown rice flour and glycerin, ingredients that are not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered on June 29, 2018 when the firm informed FSIS that the supplier had reformulated the product without notifying the firm

Milk Not on Label - Portland, Oregon is recalling Naked Bread Hamburger Buns #NothingToHide, 8 pack, affected lot codes F6 Best By June 16th, 2018 through July 16th 2018, because it may contain undeclared milk. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the listing of milk.

FSIS Discovers Missing Milk on Label - A Boston, Mass. establishment, is recalling approximately three pounds of chicken wrap products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel during routine in-plant verification activities.


https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm613463.htm
AZ Firm Issues Voluntary Product Recall Due to Undeclared Peanuts in Superfood Salad
For Immediate Release
July 12, 2018

Food for thought: Eight tips for making good choices at farmers markets

PSU News
https://news.psu.edu/story/526731/2018/06/28/impact/food-thought-eight-tips-making-good-choices-farmers-markets
Food for thought: Eight tips for making good choices at farmers markets
Amy Duke
June 28, 2018

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Traveling throughout Pennsylvania in the summer and fall, you don't have to go far to find a roadside stand or farmers market touting baskets of colorful fruits and vegetables.

However, as with any food purchase, a little know-how can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe from foodborne illness, advises a food safety educator with Penn State Extension.

"Farmers markets are undoubtedly an important — and historical — part of agriculture," said Sharon McDonald, senior extension educator and food safety specialist, when referring to the 310 markets in the state. "As these food venues continue to blossom – fueled by demand for locally grown and produced foods – so does the need to educate consumers about potential food safety hazards."

Outbreak of Salmonellosis at State College Church Picnic

A Salmonella outbreak has affected 50 people who attended a picnic held by a State College, PA church over the weekend.  No specific food has been yet identified.

https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/community/state-college/article214622710.html
At least 50 people treated at Mount Nittany after salmonella infection
By Lauren Muthler And Jeremy Hartley
lmuthler@centredaily.com
jhartley@centredaily.com
July 10, 2018 03:23 PM

Raw Meat Cat Food Recalled Due to Pathogens

Radagast Pet Food, Inc. of Portland, OR is recalling raw cat food after internal testing found pathogens present on the product. 

• Three lots of Rad Cat Raw Diet Free-Range Chicken Recipe because testing results indicate they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. 
• One lot of Rad Cat Raw Diet Pasture-Raised Venison Recipe because testing results indicate it has the potential to be contaminated with Shiga Toxin producing E. coli O121. 
• The Company discovered these lots were potentially contaminated during enhanced quality testing it conducted as a follow-up to its March 2018 recall.

As for the chicken, it appears the company is using HPP treated chicken as an ingredient.  While the HPP will reduce the level of pathogens associated with the raw chicken - Salmonella and Campylobacter,  the product is still subject to contamination after the bags are opened, mixed, and then packed.  The concern of course will be Listeria monocytogenes contamination as an environmental contaminate.

Venison meat is a risk for  STEC E. coli. Trim can be a concern and may be surface treated by the venison processor.  Even if so, not a guarantee to eliminate venison.

As with any raw pet food, there is the risk of pathogen contamination.  It would be best to consider using a HPP process on the finished product as a pathogen reduction step.  Instead, the company is relying on ingredient control as well as environmental control.  Monitoring is good for verification, but may not catch low level contamination.

Some components of the quality systems from the company website.
Raw Cat Raw Diet Safety and Quality
http://www.radfood.com/education/safety_and_quality

EU - Frozen Vegetables Linked to Listeria Outbreak with Nine Deaths

In Europe, frozen vegetables, primarily corn, from a Hungarian processing facility have been linked to a Listeria outbreak where 47 have become infected including 9 deaths.

It appears that the same strain of Listeria has persisted in this plant for at least the last three years.

While corn has been the primary food associated with illness, it can be likely that more products are contaminated especially when similar equipment is used to pack the product.  Perhaps there was more of a tendency to under-cook the corn before eating or using frozen corn in ready-to-eat applications, such as using it in a salad or fresh salsa.

https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/180703
Listeria monocytogenes: update on foodborne outbreak
3 July 2018

Frozen corn and possibly other frozen vegetables are the likely source of an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes that has been affecting Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom since 2015.

CDC Update on Cyclospora Outbreak Associated with Trays of Cut Vegetables

CDC released an update of the cyclospora outbreak associated with cut vegetable trays.  There are  185 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in persons who reportedly consumed pre-packaged Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip.  The outbreak has been centered in 4 states.   Seven people have been hospitalized,.

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/2018/a-062018/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis Linked to Del Monte Fresh Produce Vegetable Trays — United States, 2018

Low-tech food-safety training still best for some audiences

https://news.psu.edu/story/527080/2018/07/02/research/back-future-low-tech-food-safety-training-still-best-some-audiences
Back to the future: Low-tech food-safety training still best for some audiences

Jeff Mulhollem
July 2, 2018

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — While current training for food safety and sanitation usually incorporates high-technology presentations, such as videos and slide shows, there is still a need for low-tech approaches, according to Penn State researchers.

FDA Commissioner Discusses the Impact of New Technologies on Outbreak Detection

In light of a number of recent outbreaks making headlines, the FDA commissioner released a statement stating that it is not that the food is less safe, but the fact that our ability to identify outbreaks has improved dramatically thanks to new technology.  Now, we have the ability to link widely scattered cases from across the county.

 "The FDA, in concert with the CDC and other partners, are now able to link illness investigations to products in the marketplace more often than ever before, including discovering multistate outbreaks that couldn’t previously be detected."

"While there have been many advances over the past years, one of the most powerful of the new technologies we employ is whole genome sequencing (WGS). WGS is a technique that can sequence and determine the entire genetic blueprint of a foodborne pathogen."

"By using this technology, public health investigators can link illnesses in different people and locations to reveal outbreaks with a level of precision never previously available. Simply put, this means we’re better at identifying outbreaks and their source."

So our food is not less safe just because it appears there are more announced outbreaks.

Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on developments in the romaine outbreak investigation, recent outbreaks and the use of modern tools to advance food safety
For Immediate Release
June 28, 2018

NJ Firm Recalls Canned Product After Swollen Cans Detected

A NJ firm is recalling gravy product after bulging cans were noted during labeling.   Product was produced in April and recall was not made until June.

Underprocessing is likely the issue, which allowed the survival of a few a thermophilic sporeforming organisms.  (If a mesophile, cans would have likely exploded or swelling would have been noted sooner. Ambient temperatures would probably only allow minimal growth).  However, Clostridium botulinum is always a concern when can swells are noted.

In canning operations, labeling is not always immediate.  Cans are stored unlabeled (termed bright stack), and then labeled later.  This time allowed swelling to occur.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-056-2018-release
Aunt Kitty's Foods Inc. Recalls Canned Chicken Products Due to Possible Processing Deviation 

Washington Processor Recalls Bottled Beverage Due to Complaints of Off-Flavor

Talking Rain®, a Washington state based company,  is voluntarily recalling lots of its Sparkling Ice® Cherry Limeade beverage in response to a small number of customer complaints.  The issue was off-taste and off-odor in the recalled product. The Company made the decision to recall the product out of an abundance of caution.

These types of issues are often controlled through an on-site sensory analysis to evaluate each batch of product.   This would represent a quality issue, unlikely to impact safety of the product.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm612182.htm
Talking Rain® Voluntarily Recalls Sparkling Ice® Cherry Limeade in Response to Customer Complaints
For Immediate Release
June 28, 2018

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending 6/30/2018

Milk Not Added to Label - A Boston, Mass. establishment, is recalling approximately three pounds of chicken wrap products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the products contain milk which is not on the label.  The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel during routine in-plant verification activities. (Label design error).

Supplier Change in Formation Not Communicated - Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling Whole Foods Market brand oatmeal raisin cookies from stores in eight states because the products contained soy flour that was not listed on the product label. The problem was discovered when discovered when the supplier notified the company of an unannounced ingredient change. (Supplier error).

Mislabeled Salad Dressing - Pinnacle Foods Inc. is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of Wish Bone House Italian Salad Dressing  after learning from a retail customer that a limited number of bottles were mislabeled. The product contains milk and egg, known allergens not declared on the bottle. (Production error in labeling).


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-057-2018-release
L&D Market, Inc. Recalls Chicken Wrap Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Class I Recall 057-2018
Health Risk: High Jun 29, 2018

USDA Study Demonstrates Most Consumers Do Not Practice Proper Food Safety Procedures

A study conducted by USDA, demonstrated that a vast majority of consumers do not follow proper practices in the kitchen.

• Most people do not properly wash hands  -  "the study revealed that consumers are not washing their hands correctly 97 percent of the time".
• Most people do not use thermometers, and those that do, only half know the proper cooking temperatures - "results reveal that only 34 percent of participants used a food thermometer to check that their burgers were cooked properly. Of those who did use the food thermometer, nearly half still did not cook the burgers to the safe minimum internal temperature."
• People tend to cross contaminate other surfaces / food. After handling raw poultry 
• 48 percent of the time are contaminating spice containers used while preparing burgers,
• 11 percent of the time are spreading bacteria to refrigerator handles, an
• 5 percent of the time are tainting salads due to cross-contamination.

This is not surprising, and shows the reason why even  raw meat processors need to control pathogenic organisms.

Changing behaviors is not easy.  It does not help that many high schools have moved away from subjects that cover this.

USDA
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2018/06/28/study-shows-most-people-are-spreading-dangerous-bacteria-around
Study Shows Most People Are Spreading Dangerous Bacteria Around the Kitchen and Don’t Even Realize It 

Outbreak Strain of E. coli in Romaine Lettuce Found in Irrigation Canal

FDA and CDC released a report this week on the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to romaine lettuce from the Yuma AZ growing region.  The report indicated that the outbreak strain was found in the irrigation water canal.  A single grower, harvester, processor or distributor  has not been identified.

As of June 27, the CDC reports that 210 people in 36 states have become ill with 96 hospitalizations and five deaths.

With the outbreak strain found in the canal system, it is easy to understand why one grower was not identified as well as the extent of the outbreak in terms of cases.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm604254.htm
FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce from Yuma Growing Region

June 28, 2018