FDA and CDC Close Investigation on Sugar Smacks Cereal

FDA and CDC announced that the investigation and recall with the Salmonella Outbreak associated with Sugar Smacks cereal is completed.  At the closure point, there were 135 cases with 34 hospitalizations. A concern is that people may still have the recalled product on their shelf.

The product was packed by a co-manufacturing facility owned by Kerry Inc.  The Kerry facility was issued a Warning Letter in July.  This facility was found to have a Salmonella issue.
From that warning letter, "Between September 29, 2016 and May 16, 2018, you repeatedly found Salmonella throughout your facility, including in cereal production rooms. During this time period, you had 81 positive Salmonella environmental samples and 32 positive Salmonella vector samples (samples taken in response to finding a positive on routine testing), including four Salmonella (b)(4) samples in the cereal coating room (Line (b)(4)) and one Salmonella (b)(4) sample in the cereal (b)(4) room (Line (b)(4)). Further, you had repeated findings of other Salmonella species in some production lines and rooms used for the manufacture of cereal. These repeated findings of Salmonella in your environment should have resulted in a reanalysis of your food safety plan". 

So in this case, why was Kellogg still packing RTE cereal in that plant if these issues were identified in the co-manufacturer's own records?  Did their audit analysis find these issues?

(Reading the Warning Letter at the time it was issued, it was easy to assume it was an ingredient rather than a finished RTE product because of the prevalence of Salmonella found by FDA as well as the company's own internal testing. Seeing that the company was packing RTE cereal is concerning, based on what is in the FDA Warning Letter).

https://www.fda.gov/food/recallsoutbreaksemergencies/outbreaks/ucm610827.htm
FDA Investigated Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka Infections Linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal

Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Company Recalls Product After Well Water Tests Positive for E. coli

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation is voluntarily recalling all of its products produced at the Keaau facility between Sept. 6 - 21, 2018 due to a potential contamination of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The recall was initiated due to E.coli being detected in the well water and distribution system that supplies the firm’s operations.  No illnesses related to the water have been reported to the state.

"On Sept. 21, 2018 DOH notified Mauna Loa that a water sample in their distribution system was positive for E. coli. It was thought that a possible reason for contamination was the result of a disinfection system malfunction.  Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation took immediate action to notify employees and the public.  Subsequent test samples remained positive for E.coli and the State DOH has advised Mauna Loa to recall its products as an additional safety measure. The firm has been closed since Sept. 21, 2018 and will remain closed until the water clears State DOH drinking water standards."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm621806.htm
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation Voluntarily Recalls
For Immediate Release
September 24, 2018

FDA and CDC Announce Vibrio Outbreak Associated with Venezuela Crab Meat Over

FDA and CDC released an announcement saying that the Vibrio parahaemolyticus outbreak associated with Venezuela crab meat is over.  CDC and FDA had issued a warning in July when the outbreak was identified.  At the end of this, there is a total of 26 illness and 9 hospitalizations.

"Vibrio bacteria naturally live in certain coastal waters and are present in higher concentrations between May and October when water temperatures are warmer. About a dozen Vibrio species can cause human illness, known as vibriosis. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is one of the most common species causing human illness in the United States." 

Vibrio will be eliminated through cooking, however, "the product under investigation was a fresh, pre-cooked product that may be served chilled or lightly re-heated in various dishes".

"Most people infected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus develop diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, nausea, fever and stomach pain. Diarrhea tends to be watery and occasionally bloody. "

https://www.fda.gov/food/recallsoutbreaksemergencies/outbreaks/ucm613500.htm
FDA Investigated Multistate Outbreak of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Linked to Fresh Crab Meat Imported from Venezuela

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners, investigated a multi-state outbreak of Vibrio parahaemolyticus illnesses that was linked to fresh crab meat.

Update – September 27, 2018

$18 Million in Smuggled Drugs Found in Shipment of Bananas

In Texas, a shipment of bananas was found to be carrying a hidden load of cocaine..540 packages.....18 million dollars worth.

The Produce News
http://theproducenews.com/the-produce-news-today-s-headlines/25022-this-18-million-drug-bust-is-bananas
This $18 million drug bust is bananas
September 24, 2018

CDC Report on Campylobacter Outbreak Associated with Puppies

CDC issued a report on an investigation into last year's Campylobacter outbreak associated with pupplies sold through pet stores.  "By February 28, 2018, a total of 118 persons meeting the case definition for Campylobacter infection, including 29 pet store employees, were reported from 18 states."

"Practices identified during records review indicated that pet store puppies travel from breeders to distributors to stores by third-party transport companies. Information collected for eight puppies owned by infected persons and 20 puppies with fecal samples that were positive for Campylobacter jejuni traced back to 25 breeders and eight distributors. No single breeder, distributor, or transporter was identified as the infection source. However, potential for Campylobacter transmission among puppies exists because puppies from different breeders were commingled at distributors, during transport, and in stores."

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6737a3.htm?s_cid=mm6737a3_e
Multidrug-Resistant Campylobacter jejuni Outbreak Linked to Puppy Exposure — United States, 2016–2018
Weekly / September 21, 2018 / 67(37);1032–1035

This Week in Mislabeled Products - Week ending September 22, 2018

No Allergen Declaration on Label - Purus Labs, Inc of Plano, Texas is recalling MyoWhey Chocolate Cookie Crunch,because it may contain undeclared milk and soy.  The recall was initiated after a routine inspection by the Texas Department of State Health Services determined that the product had been distributed without proper allergen labeling for milk and soy.

Wheat on Ingredient List but not Allergen Declaration - Lidl US has voluntarily recalled all Bellona brand “Milk Chocolate Flavored Coated Wafer with Hazelnut Crème Filling and White Chocolate Flavor” confections as a precautionary measure because the allergen statement does not include wheat.  Wheat flour is correctly listed as the second ingredient on the package, but the allergen statement does not include wheat alongside the properly declared allergens listed.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm621293.htm
Purus Labs Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk and Soy in MyoWhey
For Immediate Release
September 20, 2018

TX Establishment Recalls Beef Jerky Due to Metal Piece Complaint

An El Campo, Texas establishment is recalling approximately 690 pounds of ready-to-eat teriyaki beef jerky products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of hard metal.  The problem was discovered when the establishment received a consumer complaint from a retail store customer regarding metal in the teriyaki beef jerky product

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-083-2018-release
Junior’s Smokehouse Processing Plant Recalls Beef Jerky Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class II Recall 
083-2018 
Health Risk: Low 
Sep 21, 2018 

NY Establishment Recalls Meat Product for Excessive Nitrite Levels

A Rochester, N.Y., establishment is recalling approximately 6,082 pounds of ready-to-eat olive loaf pork products due to sodium nitrite levels in excess of the regulatory limit. The problem was discovered on Sept. 20, 2018 by FSIS inspectors while performing routine label verification activities. FSIS discovered that the establishment’s formulation for the use of sodium nitrite, a restricted ingredient, exceeded the regulatory limit.  There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-082-2018-release
Zweigle’s Inc. Recalls Olive Loaf Pork Products due to Sodium Nitrite Levels in Excess of Regulatory Limit 
Class II Recall 
082-2018 
Health Risk: Low 
Sep 20, 2018 

Ground Meat Recalled after being Linked to 18 Cases of E. coli O26 Infection

Cargill Meat Solutions, a Fort Morgan, Colo. establishment, is recalling approximately 132,606 pounds of ground beef products made from the chuck portion of the carcass that may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O26.

CDC reports that there have been 18 cases in 4 states.  Of these, 6 have been hospitalized and there has been one death.  The product was packed in June with the onset of illness ranging from July 5 through July 25, 2018.  The outbreak appears to be over at this point, but there is the concern that some may have frozen the product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-081-2018-release
Cargill Meat Solutions Recalls Ground Beef Products due to Possible E. Coli O26 Contamination
Class I Recall
081-2018
Health Risk: High
Sep 19, 2018

FDA Statement on Efforts to Prevent Cyclospora

FDA released a statement concerning Cyclospora in produce in light of the two large outbreaks - Fresh Express and McDonald's Salads where 511 cases where people were infected, and the Del Monte Veggie Tray with 250 cases.

In short, they were not able to find a source in either of the outbreaks, but with the new test they developed, they detected Cyclospora in domestically grown cilantro and romaine lettuce.  From the statement,  "During our investigation, two samples of domestically grown romaine lettuce were also found to be positive for Cyclospora even though they were not sourced from locations associated with the lettuce that was linked to this outbreak. None of the romaine lettuce associated with these positive test results for Cyclospora went into the marketplace and all of the produce suspected of being contaminated was destroyed, preventing additional Cyclospora illnesses from occurring. "

Though increased surveillance of domestic and imported produce along with the implementation of the Produce Safety Rule by farms, FDA hopes to get a handle on this parasite.

https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm620867.htm
Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on the FDA’s ongoing efforts to prevent foodborne outbreaks of Cyclospora
For Immediate Release
September 18, 2018

Canada - Warning of Risk Associated with Salmonella in Undercooked Raw Breaded Chicken Product

The Canadian Government issued a warning statement on breaded raw chicken products and the risk of Salmonella due to undercooking.  Over the past 16 months, there have been hundreds of cases of Salmonella infection despite ongoing efforts on education.

The issue is that the breaded chicken appears to be fully cooked and if one had to guess, people are not using a measuring device.  The reason it looks cooked is that with breaded product, the product is only par-cooked to set the coating.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is requiring industry to implement measures at the manufacturing/processing level to reduce Salmonella to below detectable amounts in frozen raw breaded chicken products that are packaged for retail sale.
Companies have these options (document below).

Option 1 - Include as part of the manufacture of the frozen raw breaded chicken products a cook process that has been validated to achieve a 7-log reduction in Salmonella. (But still list cooking instructions to handle any Listeria concern.

Option 2 - Implement a Salmonella testing program for the raw chicken mixture to demonstrate it has no detectable Salmonella.

Option 3 - Implement a Salmonella hold-and-test program for finished frozen raw breaded chicken products.

Option 4 - Include as part of the manufacture of the frozen raw breaded chicken products, a process or combination of processes that has been validated to achieve a 2-log reduction in Salmonella and implement a Salmonella sampling program for the raw chicken mixture.

From: Public Health Agency of Canada 
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2018/09/council-of-chief-medical-officers-of-health-concerned-about-the-risk-of-salmonella-illness-from-frozen-raw-breaded-chicken-products.html
Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health concerned about the risk of Salmonella illness from frozen raw breaded chicken products 
September 13, 2018 - Ottawa, ON - Government of Canada

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending 9/15/18

Improper Labeling - Garden Grove, CA is recalling Asian Fusion Cookies due to undeclared allergens of wheat, milk and soy.  The recall was initiated after an inspection by the California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug branch determined that the cookies had been distributed without proper allergen labeling.

Supplier Issue - McCormick & Company, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of Meijer Taco Seasoning Mix 4.5 OZ bottle due to an unlabeled milk allergen.  McCormick has alerted Meijer Foods to remove the product with the affected date codes from store shelves and distribution centers immediately, and to destroy this product in a manner that would prevent further consumption

Egg Missing on Label - An Eugene, Ore company is recalling its Gourmet Take Away Sesame Noodle Salad Vegan, because it contains undeclared egg.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing egg was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm620366.htm
Sarap Asian Fusion Recalls Cookies due to Undeclared Allergens
For Immediate Release
September 12, 2018

EU - Frozen Vegetable Processor Reopens, Listeria Contamination Source is Freezing Tunnel

A Hungarian frozen vegetable company is reopening after being linked to a large listeria outbreak where there were 47 cases with 9 deaths.

The company said they found a 'persistent presence' of the Listeria in the freezing tunnel.  Freezing tunnels are a difficult spot in frozen food facilities.  While Listeria would not be growing when frozen, it is during defrost cycles when growth would occur, or on the input side where warmer product enters the freezer.  Freezers are often huge with a large amount of chain belts that are difficult to clean.

The recall is said to have cost the company $35 million to restart the plant, but does not say this include costs associated with litigation or with recalled product.  The share price also dropped 38 percent, but the stock price did recover some.

Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-greenyard-contamination/greenyard-to-re-open-hungarian-plant-after-finding-listeria-cause-idUSKCN1LT0ZY
Greenyard to re-open Hungarian plant after finding listeria cause
September 13, 2018

Australia - Needle-In-Strawberry Scare

In Australia, there is a scare involving sewing needles inserted into fresh strawberries as a act of intentional contamination.  According to a report (below), "The scare had spread across the nation by Monday, with needles reported found in strawberries in all six Australian states. No injuries have been reported."  Major retailers have pulled strawberries from the store shelves while police are offering a reward on information that could lead to the apprehension of the culprit(s).

Whether this is one person causing multiple issues, or a number of false complaints, or a series of copy cat  cases, it has cost the industry millions of dollars in lost product and lost sales.

Tampa Bay Times
https://www.tampabay.com/ap/world/needle-in-strawberry-scare-spreads-across-australia-ap_worldff3e058738e64533bbb4417ff8a74593
Needle-in-strawberry scare spreads across Australia
Published: September 17, 2018

Keeping Up with the Changing World of Online Food Sales

With the purchase of Whole Foods by Amazon, the world of online food sales has been changing rapidly.  There have been a number of entities trying to determine what will work best to meet consumer needs, including grocery stores, restaurants, delivery companies, and meal kit companies.  Food manufacturers must understand the needs of these channels be able to adapt to the channel requirements.

Online food sales have come in a number of different forms including restaurants and delivery services (ie Grubhub) delivering restaurant foods, new food companies making and shipping meal kits, and  traditional supermarkets providing online ordering with either delivery or quick pickup.

This week, Amazon announced that they were introducing food delivery into 10 new cities to have a total of 38 cities where delivery is being offered.

But Amazon is a small player in overall grocery market, with its Whole Foods accounting for only about 2.5% of the sales.  Despite all the news involving Amazon, Walmart has the largest market share in the grocery arena, increasing it's total of the US market to a massive 25% share.  And Walmart has been pushing its on-line ordering with store pickup.  Currently, Walmart is testing kiosks that are essentially vending machines for customer pickup that allows the customer to pickup food ordered online without having to interact with any store employee.  Other chains selling grocery such as Target and Kroger are also moving further into developing systems for online ordering / delivery systems.

While full-time meal delivery companies, such as Blue Apron and Plated, have had a tough go at it on their own, some have come to find that being married to a grocery store may provide salvation.  Even Walmart has partnered with the meal kit company Gobble to sell meal kits online.  Peapod, an online grocery delivery service and subsidiary of Ahold Delhaize is slated to roll out 40 new meal kits over the coming months.

Fully prepared meals have been more of a challenge for grocery store online sales, and while that segment has done well for in-store sales, delivering prepared meals is a bit more of a challenge with regards to packaging and temperature control.

For those selling food within this online environment, it is hard to know what is going to stick with the consumer and what isn't, so there will continue to be a lot of experimentation. But is important for companies who do not want to get lost in the shuffle, so they must continually evolve through testing concepts and adapting to customer needs.

And customer needs will continue to change as well in term of how they want to purchase food.  Certainly, guessing what the Millennials will do as they reach the point where they become primary purchasers has been difficult.  For this segment, growing up in the digital age means that they are more reliant on technology for doing what they want to do.  And while many older consumers will still want to pick out their own broccoli or cut of meat, others may begin to opt for convenience that comes with online ordering.

For the food manufacturer, ongoing change requires that they are willing to adapt to fit what delivery channel stores choose to use.  This may be in terms of packaging that will fit into a store delivery system or meal kit.   Product quality may become a bigger factor in that the consumer will not be choosing the product at the store, but rather, will be paying a premium for delivered items.  Because of this, they may have higher expectations for what shows up at their door.

Customer-direct food sales from processors or online distributors is another online component that has found its mark in certain areas.    "Direct product sales by the manufacturer in the online marketplace has become an important channel for some companies. Those companies selling products like wine, balsamic vinegar or high-end olive oil can take advantage of additional volume sold through making their products available to a much broader audience. These types of products, especially ones with brand recognition, are likely to provide the larger price markup needed to support the costs associated with protective packaging and ground shipment. Since these products are shelf-stable, there is normally minimal risk with the exception of product damage or breakage."

"Direct sales are not limited to shelf-stable products as there are a number of companies who have
carved out a niche in the sale of perishable goods, including those selling high-end cuts of meat or specialty meat products."

Online direct sales is not without its challenges.  Package integrity, temperature control, and product recovery due to lost product or complaints can be a challenge.

Online food sales and delivery will continue to evolve.  It is not a matter of whether it will gain in terms of sales, but how much.  And who will be best positioned to take advantage.

CNN tech
https://money.cnn.com/2018/08/28/technology/business/amazon-whole-foods-365-walmart-kroger-costco-grocery/index.html
Amazon-Whole Foods one year later: The grocery business will never be the same
by Nathaniel Meyersohn @CNNMoney
August 28, 2018: 3:33 PM ET

FDA Releases Information for Companies Wishing to Claim 'Qualified Facility' Status

FDA released information for those facilities wishing to file as a Qualified Facility - very small business who only have to meet modified requirements (do not need to develop a formal Food Safety Plan) as defined within the Preventive Controls for Human (or Animal) Rule. 

Facilities must determine if they meet conditions for a Qualified facility and then must submit as attestation.   Starting October 1, 2018, facilities will be able to submit the qualified facility attestation forms electronically via the Qualified Facility Attestation Module.  Facilities must submit their first attestation to FDA by December 17, 2018, for facilities under Human Food and  December 16, 2019 for Animal Food.

1. Determine if you are a Qualified Facility - see this Guidance Document.
2. Follow instruction for submitting attestation form - See this FDA procedure
• Fill out this form for Human Food - Link to Human Food Attestation Form
• Fill out this form for Animal Food - Link to Animal Food Attestation Form

Or you can take a class and develop a Food Safety Plan like regular food companies.


FDA Releases Information for Qualified Facilities under Preventive Controls Rules
September 14, 2018
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued documents designed to help food facilities subject to the preventive controls for human and animal food rules determine if they meet the definition of a “qualified facility” under those rules, and if so, what modified requirements are applicable to such facilities.

FDA and CDC Announce McDonald Salad Mix Linked Cyclospora Outbreak Over

The FDA and CDC announced that the Cyclospora outbreak associated with Fresh Express Salad Mix served at McDonalds is over.   (Note - this case is separate from the Cyclospora Outbreak Associated with Del Monte's Veggie Trays).  In the Fresh Express / McDonalds Salad related Cyclospora outbreak, there were 511 people infected with 24 hospitalizations. The last date for onset of illness was 7/23/18.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm613513.htm
FDA Investigation of a Multistate Outbreak of Cyclospora Illnesses Linked to Fresh Express Salad Mix Served at McDonald’s Ends

Pork Sausage Recalled Due to Foreign Material - Clear Hard Plastic

A Xenia, Ohio, establishment, is recalling approximately 46,734 pounds of pork sausage link products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of clear hard plastic.  The problem was discovered when the establishment received consumer complaints of extraneous material in the pork sausage products. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-080-2018-release
Bob Evans Farms Inc. Recalls Pork Sausage Link Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class II Recall 
080-2018 
Health Risk: Low 
Sep 13, 2018 

'Free From" Foods - The Extra Burden for Manufacturers

An interesting read in Bloomburg on the 'Free-From" foods and the impact on how food is being produced.  The 'Free-From' foods are those that foods that make label claims that include  'antibiotic free', 'gluten free', 'GMO free'.

The sales of these label-claim foods are increasing.  "Products labeled antibiotic free saw growth rates of nearly 20 percent, followed by soyfree at 19 percent and hormone and antibiotic-free at 15 percent."

As food scientists, we recognize that these claims may have little to no impact on health, and where there is a health impact, such as with gluten, there is a very limited number of people affected.  According to one report, 1 in five consumers are avoiding or reducing gluten in their diet, but more than a 1/3 of them have no reason for doing it, while only 8% are gluten sensitive with another 9% claiming inflammation from gluten.  The rest do it because they view it as healthy...more or less.

Regardless of whether we agree on the need for these label-claim items, people are increasingly purchasing them.

For manufacturer's of these types of foods, there are challenges. The first is having transparency.  People know want to know where their food is from, and if they are concerned about GMOs, they want to know the manufacturer is making their food without GMOs...saying so is not enough.

Sourcing is an issue for many of these producing.  Securing a steady source of antibiotic chickens in massive quantities can be difficult.   Chickens will get sick.  Farmers risk loosing a lot of chickens if illness is passed through the flock.  GMO free is difficult.  Grains for example can be hard not to have small amounts of GMO product getting mixed in when you consider the long supply chain from the field to processor with numerous silos and trucks all along the way.

For companies that handle 'free from' and traditional ingredients, managing inventories of numerous ingredients and applying controls to prevent cross contact can be difficult.  Then managing production to make sure there is proper handling of in-process materials, proper clean-out of equipment between production runs, and then labeling.

The positive is the added margin that goes along with these products.   If one is willing to put in  the extra controls, there are people willing to pay a premium.

Bloomburg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-09/-free-from-foods-are-changing-the-way-your-meals-are-produced
‘Free-From’ Foods Are Changing the Way Your Meals Are Produced
By Jen Skerritt, Megan Durisin, and Craig Giammona
September 09, 2018 5:00 AM Updated on September 10, 2018 6:00 AM

RTE Sliced Steak Product Recalled After Samples Test Positive for Listeria

A Kentucky establishment is recalling approximately 6,720 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) Philly Beef Steak products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.  "The problem was discovered on Sept. 7, 2018, when the establishment received results from their laboratory that four finished product samples from their Aug. 9, 2018 production were potentially positive for Listeria monocytogenes.:

This lot that tested positive had a production day nearly a month after that product was produced.  Not sure of the reason for delay, but it best to test immediately if a company is testing their own product.  Also, if this was the only lot of product tested, there may be additional lots of product that are positive as well.  Unless there is a specific reason how one lot can be positive and the others are not, then it may be expected that contamination may be present in other lots.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-078-2018-release
CTI Foods LLC Recalls Ready-To-Eat Philly Steak Products Due To Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall 
078-2018 
Health Risk: High 
Sep 11, 2018 

Spam - Carving Out A Niche for Canned Meat

An interesting read in FoodDive on Spam, a cured canned meat product developed 80 years ago.  At that time, it was claimed to be a miracle meat, and was a protein source for many during the Great Depression.  Over the past half century, it has been endlessly mocked, and used as a moniker for junk email.

But Spam has hung around and is finding a resurgence.   "Spam's sales have been helped by the growth of the Asian American population in the U.S. — they are more likely to consume the product than any other nationality.  Even some McDonald's in Hawaii and high-end restaurants in New York City and Los Angeles incorporate Spam into their dishes."

So could we see Spam-tizers on the menu next to the charcuterie plate?

https://www.fooddive.com/news/spamalot-consumers-cant-get-enough-of-the-mercilessly-mocked-meat/525327/
Spamalot: Consumers can't get enough of the mercilessly mocked meat 

Salmonella Outbreak at San Antonio Mediterranean Grill

A large Salmonella outbreak in San Antonio, TX where over 200 calls with the claim of becoming ill after eating at a Mediterranean grill.  The owner suggested that hummus may be the source.

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/article/Pasha-Mediterranean-Grill-source-outbreak-13213466.php
Pasha Mediterranean Grill owner says he was told suspected source of outbreak
By S. M. Chavey, mySA.com / San Antonio Express-News and Peggy O'Hare
  Updated  5:50 pm CDT, Friday, September 7, 2018 

NPR on Why Not to Freak on Foodborne Illness

A report on NPR discusses the impact of technology on detecting foodborne illness.  While it may seem like there are more outbreaks, much of it is our ability to detect these illnesses.  

Some insight provided by Penn State's own, Dr. Ed Dudley.  (There are many who wish his name was spelled 'Dudely' instead of Dudley, because then he could be Dr. Dude...or the Dude..just our opinion man)

NPR Salt

https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/09/10/645562083/food-safety-scares-are-up-in-2018-heres-why-you-shouldnt-freak-out
Food For Thought
Food Safety Scares Are Up In 2018. Here's Why You Shouldn't Freak Out

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending 9-8-18

A Sunnyvale, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 371 pounds of raw chorizo sausage products due to misbranding, The product contains sesame seed, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered by FSIS during routine inspection label verification activities.

An Indianapolis, Ind. establishment, is recalling approximately 242 pounds of fully cooked chicken salad product due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the contain tree nuts (walnut), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered after the firm received a consumer complaint

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-077-2018-release
New York Style Sausage Co. Recalls Raw Chorizo Sausage Products due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Ingredient 
Class II Recall
077-2018
Health Risk: Low
Sep 5, 2018

Cage Free Eggs Recalled After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

An Alabama establishment is recalling Cage Free Eggs after there were reported Salmonella illnesses after use of the eggs.  There have been 14 illnesses with 2 hospitalizations.

The concern with eggs is that if Salmonella is not controlled in the flocks, it can be passed to the eggs.  Control in cage-free environments may be an issue, but the circumstances in this particular case were not detailed.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/UCM619945.htm
FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Linked to Shell Eggs from Gravel Ridge Farms

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners, are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses that is linked to shell eggs.

Update - September 10, 2018

Raw-Meat Pet Foods Recalled Due to Potential Pathogen Contamination

There were two recent recalls of raw-meat pet food.  One recall was for Salmonella and Listeria.  The other was for Listeria.  The most recent recall was initiated after a state laboratory tested and found the product positive for the pathogens.  The company stated that they had done their own testing and did not find anything.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm619888.htm
Steve’s Real Food Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of Turducken Recipe, One Lot of Quest Emu, and One Lot of Quest Beef Due to Possible Salmonella and L. Mono Contamination
For Immediate Release
September 7, 2018

Update on Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Honey Smack Cereal

CDC and FDA issued an update on Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Kellogg's Honey Smacks Cereal.  There are now 130 cases reported, but from 100 cases the July update.

A few items to note.

• Ill people range in age from less than one year to 95, with a median age of 57.  One would have thought that the median age would have been much lower with the thought that this cereal would have been eaten primarily by children, however, with a median of 57, clearly half are older adults.
• Illnesses started on dates from March 3, 2018, to August 7, 2018 with a recall posted on June 14th.  There was an issue getting the product off the store shelves, but probably more difficult in getting people to remove it from their own pantries.  "People who recently became ill report eating Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal that they had in their homes."  

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/Mbandaka-06-18/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka Infections Linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal
Posted September 4, 2018 4:00 PM ET

FDA and CDC Conclude Investigation into Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pasta Salad

FDA and CDC concluded an investigation into a Salmonella outbreak linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad, sold primarily in the Midwest.  There have been 101 illnesses with 25 hospitalizations.  Product was recalled in mid-July.  The announcement did not list any explanation to how Salmonella got into the product.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm613806.htm
FDA Investigated Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners, investigated a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella illnesses linked to Spring Pasta Salad sold at Hy-Vee locations in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Cooked Chicken Product Recalled Due to Metal Pieces

Wayne Farms, LLC, a Decatur, Ala. establishment, is recalling approximately 438,960 pounds of frozen, fully cooked chicken products (produced on various dates from July 4 through July 17, 2018) that may be contaminated with metal pieces.  "The problem was discovered after the firm received a customer complaint on July 27, 2018. The firm investigated to determine the nature of the foreign material complaint and notified FSIS of the findings on Sept. 4, 2018."  The product was packed for foodservice and further processing applications.

Hard to think this product had not been passed through a metal detector, which if so, that would mean the unit was not working correctly.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-076-2018-release
Wayne Farms, LLC Recalls Fully Cooked Chicken Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I Recall 
076-2018 
Health Risk: High 
Sep 5, 2018 

FDA and CDC Announce Veggie Tray-Linked Cyclospora Outbreak Over

The FDA and CDC announced that the Cyclospora outbreak associated with Del Monte vegetable trays is over. There were a total of 250 hospitalizations with the last illness starting on 6/14/18.  The announcement of the outbreak was in early June.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm610982.htm
FDA Investigation of Multistate Outbreak of Cyclospora Illnesses Linked to Del Monte Vegetable Trays Ends

The FDA, CDC, along with state and local officials investigated a multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis illnesses associated with Del Monte vegetable trays recalled from Kwik Trip/Kwik Star locations in the United States.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 250
Hospitalizations: 8
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: 6/14/2018
States with Cases: IA, MN, WI, MI

September is National Food Safety Education Month

September is National Food Safety Education Month.

If we get these basics down, we will go a long way to preventing foodborne illness.....

1. Wash your hands....well, with soap.

2. Handle your raw meat. poultry and seafood as though it may be contaminated...because it probably is.

3. Follow directions for cooking.....including using a thermometer.  Remember...cookie dough must be baked first, hamburgers must reach 160F (155 for professionals), etc.

4. Clean your counters and other food surfaces....with detergent and clean moistened towel, not just that nasty cloth that was lying on counter or the floor.

5. Prevent raw food from contaminating ready-to-eat foods - cover, separate, wrap

6. Refrigerate...40F or less...don't let food sit around, get it in the refrigerator.  And check to see if your refrigerator is at the right temperature.

USDA Website - National Food Safety Education Month
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/09/04/kick-national-food-safety-education-month-great-hand-washing-methods-use-all

PRWeb
https://www.prweb.com/releases/how_to_get_a_safe_meal_on_the_table_five_often_forgotten_food_safety_basics_from_the_partnership_for_food_safety_education/prweb15729014.htm
How to Get A Safe Meal on the Table: Five Often-Forgotten Food Safety Basics from the Partnership for Food Safety Education
During National Food Safety Education Month, Integrate Food Safety into the Delight of Family Dinner

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending Sept 4, 2018

H&C Food Inc of Brooklyn, NY is recalling the Frozen Fuzhou Fish Balls and the Fish Balls,because they may contain undeclared wheat, pork, egg, and crustacean. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing wheat, pork, egg and crustacean were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg and crustacean. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today alerted consumers that the “Lily Bulb” product (photo attached) distributed by Allied Imports Inc. of 267 52nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220 was found to contain sulfites, which are not declared on the product label.  Routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets food inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by staff at the New York State Food Laboratory revealed the product contained high levels of sulfites, which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm619231.htm
H&C Food Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat, Pork, Egg, and Crustacean in Frozen Fish Balls
For Immediate Release
September 4, 2018

Ohio Establishment Recalls Cooked Ground Beef Patties After Product Tests Positive For Listeria

A Harrison, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 960 pounds of cooked ground beef patty products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, FSIS inspection program personnel discovered the problem on August 31, 2018 during routine inspection duties. The product was tested by the establishment and found to be positive for L. monocytogenes under their sampling program.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-073-2018-release
J.T.M. Provisions Company Recalls Cooked Ground Beef Products Due To Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall

073-2018
Health Risk: High 

 Aug 31, 2018