FDA Updates the Trace Back Areas for the E. coli Contaminated Romaine Lettuce

FDA provided an update on 11/28/19 to detail the counties that are involved in the trace back analysis.  According to the report, "current evidence indicates this romaine was harvested in the Central Coast growing regions of northern and central California.
The specific California counties FDA is including in this region are:

• Monterey
• San Benito
• San Luis Obispo
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Cruz
• Ventura

There have not been any new cases since the last update on 11/26/18.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm626330.htm
FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Likely Linked to Romaine Lettuce Grown in California

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 43
Hospitalizations: 16
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: October 31, 2018
States with Cases: CA (11), CT (1), IL (2), MA (2), MD (1), MI (7), NH (2), NJ (9), NY (5), OH (1), RI (1), WI (1)

NY Cheese Producer Issues Recall After Listeria Found in Environment

Sprout Creek Farm of Poughkeepsie, New York is recalling 4 wheels of “Kinkead” cheese, raw semi-firm, washed natural rind cheese, made on 5-10-18, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.   The issue was discovered as part of the corrective action when Listeria monocytogenes was discovered during routine testing earlier this month. "Sprout Creek Farm voluntarily ceased all production of cheese immediately following that recall initiated on November 6. Additionally since the November 6 recall, there has been no production or distribution of any cheese by the farm.

The same firm had issued a recall on 11/7/18 for 132 wheels of cheese after product tested positive.  NY regulators also issued an alert on 10/8/18 after issues with pasteurization were discovered.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm627077.htm

Sprout Creek Farm Recalls “Kinkead” Cheese due to Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
November 28, 2018

Hawaii - Restaurant Closed After Video Goes Viral of Employee Cooking Rat on Grill

A burger restaurant in Hawaii was shut down after employees posted a video where they appeared to be cooking a rat on the restaurant grill.

Corrective Action - Fire employees, replace equipment, schedule pest control operator, hire lawyer to recover costs from employees.
Will that be sufficient to recover sales?

https://www.mynbc5.com/article/burger-joint-closes-after-video-appears-to-show-rat-cooking-on-grill/25303833
Burger joint closes after video appears to show rat cooking on grill
Associated Press  Nov 26, 2018

Dry Dog Food Recalled Due to High Vitamin D Levels

Updated 11/29/18
Sunshine Mills is recalling 7 different packs of dry dog food due to the potential for high Vitamin D levels. High Vitamin D levels can lead to symptoms including vomiting and weight loss to renal dysfunction.

ELM Pet Foods, Inc is issuing a voluntary recall of Elm Chicken and Chickpea Recipe dog food because the products could contain elevated levels of Vitamin D.

ANF, Inc. is also recalling select products of ANF Pet Lamb and Rice Dog Food due to potentially elevated levels of Vitamin D.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm627087.htm
ANF Pet Inc. Issues Voluntary Precautionary Recall of Dry Dog Food Due to Potentially Elevated Levels of Vitamin D
For Immediate Release
November 28, 2018

FDA Now Advises to Avoid Romaine Lettuce from Northern and Central CA

Updated 11/27/18
FDA updated its recommendation on Romaine lettuce - "If romaine lettuce does have this labeling information, we advise avoiding any product from the Central Coast growing regions of northern and central California. Romaine lettuce from outside those regions need not be avoided.  Romaine lettuce that was harvested outside of the Central Coast growing regions of northern and central California does not appear to be related to the current outbreak. Hydroponically- and greenhouse-grown romaine also does not appear to be related to the current outbreak. There is no recommendation for consumers or retailers to avoid using romaine harvested from these sources."

Of course, it is important to make sure that packages of Romaine indicate harvest information, including the date and location.  The industry has agreed to voluntary labeling to ensure compliance.

There are now 43 cases with 16 hospitalizations across 12 states.

FDA News Release
https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm626330.htm
FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Likely Linked to Romaine Lettuce Grown in California
Update: November 26, 2018

CDC MMWR Report - 2017 Norovirus Outbreak During Thanksgiving Holidays

CDC released a report on a 2017 norovirus outbreak associated with a vomiting event in a restaurant.  Thirty-six cases were identified  with individuals suffering from diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps occurring 2.5 to 54 hours after visiting the restaurant.  Symptoms lasted about 3 days.  Those most likely to become ill were in the restaurant close to the time of the vomiting event.

Basically, an ill patron vomits in the restaurant.  Although an employee applied spray disinfectant, 36 patrons still contracted the virus.  "A point-source norovirus outbreak occurred after an infected patron vomited in a restaurant. Transmission near the vomiting event likely occurred by aerosol or fomite. Norovirus spread throughout the restaurant could have occurred by aerosol, person-to-person, fomite, or foodborne routes. Inadequate employee handwashing likely facilitated foodborne transmission through servings of pecan pie."  Norovirus is highly infectious and transmits easily in the environment.

So if you are in an eating establishment and someone vomits, consider leaving immediately.  For the food establishment, move people away from event, clean like heck following established protocol, and consider giving the cleaner the rest of the night off.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/pdfs/mm6746a4-H.pdf
Notes from the Field: Multiple Modes of Transmission During a Thanksgiving Day Norovirus Outbreak — Tennessee, 2017
Weekly / November 23, 2018 / 67(46);1300–1301

CDC Advises To Avoid ALL Romaine Lettuce After E.coli Cases Reported

UPDATE ISSUED - 11/26/18 GO TO LINK

CDC is advising that people not eat romaine lettuce after an outbreak of E. coli has been identified.  There have been thirty-two people infected with the outbreak strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 11 states with thirteen people hospitalized, including one person who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. No deaths have been reported. The illnesses are listed with dates ranging from October 8, 2018 to October 31, 2018.

The reason for warning against all romaine lettuce is that the source is not known yet.  Until more information is gathered, CDC is taking a precautionary stance.

While this strain is linked to past outbreaks, it is not linked to the recent E.coli outbreak in Yuma AZ, but it is linked to the 2017 E. coli outbreak.    "Whole genome sequencing (WGS) results showed that the E. coli O157:H7 strain isolated from ill people in this outbreak is closely related genetically to the E. coli strain isolated from ill people in a 2017 outbreak linked to leafy greens in the United States and to romaine lettuce in Canada. The current outbreak is not related to a recent multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to romaine lettuce. People in the spring outbreak were infected with E. coli O157:H7 bacteria with a different DNA fingerprint."

In the 2017 outbreak of the same strain, the source was not definitively found, although it was said to be leafy greens. In that outbreak, CDC and FDA were criticized for not stating it was Romaine lettuce.

CDC News Release
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-11-18/index.html
Outbreak of E. coli Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce
Posted November 20, 2018 at 2:30 PM ET

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, Canada, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) infections linked to romaine lettuce.

At A Glance

• Reported Cases: 32

• States: 11

•Hospitalizations: 13

•Deaths: 0

•Recall: No

Advice to Consumers, Restaurants, and Retailers

CDC is advising that U.S. consumers not eat any romaine lettuce, and retailers and restaurants not serve or sell any, until we learn more about the outbreak. This investigation is ongoing and the advice will be updated as more information is available.

Stew Source of C. perfringens Outbreak at NC Church BBQ

Hundreds of attendees of a church BBQ in North Carolina were stricken with C. perfringens.  Tests indicate that it was the Brunswick stew.  This would indicate that the stew was not held at proper temperatures between the time it was made and the time it was served, allowing the C. perfringens to grow to high number.  Symptoms, including watery diarrhea and mild abdominal cramps occur about 16 hours after consumption of foods containing large numbers (>106 live vegetative cells or >106 spores) of enterotoxin-producing C. perfringens and will last 12 to 24 hours.

Cabarrus Health Alliance

https://www.cabarrushealth.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=108
UPDATE: Poplar Tent Presbyterian Church BBQ
New Update
Update: November 16, 2018

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Ending November 19, 2018

Marinade Label Missing Soy and Wheat - Deleite Foods Enterprises, Inc., a Salt Lake City, Utah establishment, is recalling approximately 11,000 pounds of marinated raw poultry products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the products contain wheat and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered during routine label verification activities by an FSIS inspector, who found that the product did not include an ingredient statement nor declare soy and wheat.

Wrong Package for Chocolate Cherries - Chukar Cherries of Prosser, WA is recalling 7.5oz Amaretto Rainier Chocolate Cherries because they may contain undeclared milk. One allergic reaction has been reported to date. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Amaretto Rainier Chocolate Cherries containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk.

Issue with Label Control - Jay Robb Enterprises is recalling Jay Robb Unflavored Egg White Protein Product,manufactured by Agropur MSI, LLC of La Crosse, Wisconsin, because it may contain undeclared milk allergen. "The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Agropur MSI, LLC packaged whey protein powder into Unflavored Egg White Protein pouches that did not reveal the presence of milk allergen. The product was intended to be packaged into Jay Robb Unflavored Whey Protein Isolate packages. The company is requesting return of all Unflavored Egg White Protein with the listed lot dates in order to fully account for product recovery. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the manufacturer’s label control policies."

Now Defunct Co-Packer Mislabeled Product -  Nor Cal Food Solutions, LLC of Auburn, CA is announcing a recall of 567 cases of Pumpkin Pesto Tapenade, manufactured by Purveyors Kitchen, because it contains an undeclared tree nut (walnut). The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the Purveyors Kitchen – Pumpkin Pesto Tapenade containing tree nuts (walnuts) was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the tree nut (walnut). At present, the source of this problem is unknown as Purveyors Kitchen is no longer in operation. The owners of Purveyors Kitchen are not participants in Nor Cal Food Solutions, LLC.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-115-2018-release
Deleite Foods Enterprises, Inc. Recalls Poultry Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Class II Recall
115-2018
Health Risk: Low
Nov 19, 2018

Limited Lots of Cap'n Crunch Recalled After Routine Testing Reveals Potential Salmonella Contamination

The Quaker Oats Company, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, Inc., is recalling a small quantity of Cap’n Crunch’s Peanut Butter Crunch cereal after routine sampling program by the company revealed the finished product may contain bacteria. Salmonella.  "While the potentially affected product only reached five specific Target stores and is limited to 21 boxes of one variety with two Best Before Dates, Quaker is initiating the voluntary recall to protect public health.  The recall was initiated as the result of a routine sampling program by the company, which revealed the finished product may contain [Salmonella]".

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm626142.htm
The Quaker Oats Company Issues Voluntary Recall of a Small Quantity of Cap’n Crunch’s Peanut Butter Crunch Cereal Distributed to Five Target Stores Due to Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
November 16, 2018

Michigan Company Recalls Ackawi Cheese After State Inspection Discovers Listeria Issue

Green Cedar Dairy of Michigan is recalling Ackawi cheese after a Listeria issue was discovered on November 9, 2018 during a routine inspection by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Food & Dairy Division (MDARD) and by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

From www.cheese.com, Ackawi cheese is "a Middle Eastern cheese named after the Aker region of Palestine, where it first originated. In Arabic, akkawi means "from akka". It is soft unripened brine cheese with a chewy, smooth consistency and a very mild, slightly salty flavour. The cheese is widely popular across most of the Levant where it is used as a table cheese, eaten as it or paired with a fruit."

Further, "The cheese is commonly made using pasteurized cow's milk, but can be made with goat or sheep's milk as well. It is produced on a large scale in Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Cyprus where people typically eat it with a soft flatbread at lunch and dinner. Its texture can be compared to that of a Mozzarella, Feta or a Mizithra, as it does not melt down very well. The resistance to melting makes it an excellent frying cheese, because it holds its shape very well. The cheese can be stored for up to a year."
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm626134.htm
Recall of Green Cedar Dairy Ackawi Cheese Bearing a Sell by Date of March 26, 2019 or Later
For Immediate Release
November 16, 2018

Two Utah Establishments Recall Ground Beef Products After USDA Testing Finds E. coli O157:H7

Swift Beef Co's Hyrum, Utah establishment is recalling approximately 99,260 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  This product was shipped to retail distributors for further processing and food service distributors for institutional use in locations in California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.  "The problem was discovered on November 15, 2018, when FSIS visited Swift Beef Company in response to a FSIS ground beef sample that was collected at a further processing establishment and was confirmed positive for E. coli O157:H7."

Majestic Meat Company of Salt Lake City, Utah is also recalling approximately 532 pounds of ground beef products (bulk ground beef, ground beef patties, and meatballs) after "FSIS identified that product associated with a sample that confirmed positive for E. coli O157:H7 had been shipped. The establishment held 2 of the 3 boxes of source material associated with the sampled product, however, the third box of source material was further processed and shipped."

Three have been no reported cases of illness in either case.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-114-2018-release
Swift Beef Company Recalls Ground Beef Products due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination
Class I Recall

114-2018
Health Risk: High 

Nov 17, 2018

Chicken Salad Product Recalled for Potential Listeria Contamination

A Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 6,912 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken salad products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The problem was discovered on November 13, 2018 during routine record review by FSIS inspection program personnel.

No exact reason was listed in the announcement.  It could be a Listeria positive test result on an environmental food contact surface sample or something similar.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-111-2018-release
Ron's Home Style Foods Recalls Ready to Eat Chicken Salad Products due to Possible Listeria Contamination 
Class I Recall 
111-2018 
Health Risk: High 
Nov 14, 2018 

Recall Issued After Supplier Ships Frozen Asparagus with Listeria Issue

The Pictsweet Company has recalled 1,872 cases of Pictsweet Farms 8-ounce Steam’ables Asparagus Spears after it was notified by the manufacturer that product suspected of containing Listeria monocytogenes was inadvertently shipped to The Pictsweet Company.

It is hard to know exactly how this happened.  Perhaps a test-and-hold program that didn't hold too well?  Or a sample was taken for testing and that lot of product was not held?  The next question is whether this supplier has a larger Listeria issue extending beyond this lot.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm625788.htm
The Pictsweet Company Recalls 8-ounce Steam’ables Asparagus Spears due to Potential for Listeria Monocytogenes
For Immediate Release
November 13, 2018

Raw Ground Turkey Recalled After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

Jennie-O Turkey, a Barron, Wis. establishment, is recalling approximately 91,388 pounds of raw ground turkey products after being linked to a Salmonella outbreak with 164 cases in 35 different states.   According to the USDA report, "The patient tested positive for Salmonella Reading and the sample from the ground turkey matches the outbreak strain."

The good news is that the recall does not involve whole turkeys at this point, so it should not impact Thanksgiving turkey purchases.  However, the investigation is ongoing and it seems that some people who became ill handled live turkeys.  So it is important to use proper procedures for handling and preparing whole turkey products, especially during our Thanksgiving holiday.  From the USDA report, "Patients have reported eating different types and brands of turkey products purchased from many different stores, handling raw turkey pet food and/or raw turkey, or working with live turkeys or living with someone who handled live turkeys."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-112-2018-release
Jennie-O Turkey Store Sales, LLC Recalls Raw Ground Turkey Products due to Possible Salmonella Reading Contamination 
Class I Recall
112-2018
Health Risk: High
Nov 15, 2018

CDC Investigating Ongoing Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Raw Turkey.....Just in Time for Thanksgiving

CDC is investigating an ongoing Salmonella outbreak involving raw turkey.  There have been 135 cases in 35 different states with 63 hospitalizations and one death.  CDC has not been able to pinpoint an exact source except that it is related to raw turkey.  The strain, Salmonella Reading, is sufficiently virulent to be causing this ongoing and serious issue.

So with Thanksgiving upon us, it is especially important this year to follow proper practices.  

• Wash your hands after touching raw turkey or drippings.
• Wash all surfaces after contacting raw turkey or drippings (cutting boards, refrigerator shelves, knives, etc)
• Cook your turkey to the right temperature.  Use a thermometer to verify at least 165F.  But this year, go a few degrees more than you normally do just to be safe.

A few other important things.....

• Don't wash your turkey in the sink spraying that turkey stuff all over.
• Cook the stuffing separate from the bird.  Sure, you may like it better, but it ain't worth sitting on the pot for a week.
• Don't eat raw or undercooked turkey.  If your Aunt Mabel serves it undercooked, it is time to set her straight. 
• Don't feed your dog raw turkey dog food.

CDC Investigation Notice
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/reading-07-18/index.html
Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Infections Linked to Raw Turkey Products
Posted November 8, 2018 at 11:45 AM EDT

At A Glance
Reported Cases: 164
States: 35
Hospitalizations: 63
Deaths: 1

FDA Releases Report on Sources of Foodborne Illnesses on Four Primary Pathogens

The IFSAC, a federal interagency group focused on food safety released a report on sources of foodborne illness from four pathogens - Salmonella, E. Coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobcacter.  The report year was 2016.

The full report titled "Foodborne illness source attribution estimates for 1998 to 2016 for Salmonella,

Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter using multi-year outbreak surveillance data, United States" can be found HERE.

From that report, here are the key takeaways.  There is nothing surprising.

"Salmonella illnesses came from a wide variety of foods.

Salmonella illnesses were broadly attributed across multiple food categories. More than 75% of Salmonella illnesses were attributed to seven food categories: Seeded Vegetables (such as tomatoes), Chicken, Pork, Fruits, Other Produce (such as nuts), Eggs, and Beef."

[Salmonella is carried by so many animals and with that, comes in on raw ingredients such as meats, grains, produce, etc.  Also can survive in the processing environment for long periods of time.  Simple errors such as under-cooking, cross contamination, inadequate sanitation provides opportunity for this organism to contaminate food.]

"E.coli O157 illnesses were most often linked to Vegetable Row Crops (such as leafy greens) and Beef.
Nearly 75% of illnesses were linked to these two categories."

[This organism is associated with animal (ruminants) poop.  It gets to people either via beef, primarily ground beef, and then people don't properly cook (no thermometer) or the organism gets onto produce via contaminated water or when ruminants poop around the produce]

"Listeria monocytogenes illnesses were most often linked to Dairy products and Fruits.
More than 75% of illnesses were attributed to these two categories, but the rarity of Listeria monocytogenes outbreaks makes these estimates less reliable than those for other pathogens."

[This contamination is primarily a processing environmental contaminate.  In facilities where equipment sanitation is not as good as it should be, the organism establishes itself and then the food.  The meat industry has it pretty much figured out...there are no silver bullets, just solid procedures and constant vigilance]

"Non-Dairy Campylobacter illnesses were most often linked to Chicken.
Over 80% of non-Dairy foodborne illnesses were attributed to Chicken, Other Seafood (such as shellfish), Turkey, Other Meat/Poultry (such as lamb or duck), and Vegetable Row Crops, with Campylobacter illnesses most often linked to Chicken. An attribution percentage for Dairy is not included because, among other reasons, most foodborne Campylobacter outbreaks were associated with unpasteurized milk, which is not widely consumed, and we think these over-represent Dairy as a source of illness caused by Campylobacter. Removing Dairy illnesses from the calculations highlights important sources of illness from widely consumed foods, such as Chicken."

[The food with the highest incidence rate is raw milk, but since most people don't consume raw milk, the number is not as high as it would be if we all started to drink it.  Outside of that, it is poultry.  With Thanksgiving coming up, that is something to keep in mind.]

FDA Constituent Updates

https://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm625291.htm
Release of a New Report on the Sources of Foodborne Illnesses for 2016 from the Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration
November 9, 2018

This Week in Mislabeled Products - Week Ending November 10, 2018

Mislabeled Burrito - NuVue Foods, a Hamtramck, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 268 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken burrito products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, -the products contain egg which was not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered on November 9, 2018 after the firm received a consumer complaint. The establishment produced “18th Street Deli Farmers Burritos,” containing eggs, which were mistakenly labeled as “18th Street Deli Chicken Burrito”.

FDA Sampling Finds Milk in Chocolate - Recchiuti Confections (San Francisco, CA) discovered two batches of their Bittersweet Chocolate Bar and two batches of their Feve Chocolate Bar contain high levels of milk protein after FDA sampling.

Supplied Ingredient Has Allergen Not on Labeled - Wegmans has initiated a voluntary recall of the pumpkin loaf and coffee cake because they may contain milk not declared on the label.  The recall was initiated when it was learned that one of the ingredients (a streusel topping supplied by Bake'n Joy Foods of Andover, MA) contained milk that had not been declared on the finished product label.

NuVue Foods Recalls Burrito Products due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen
Class I Recall  110-2018 
Health Risk: High 
Nov 9, 2018 

Australia - Woman Charged in the Needle-in-Strawberry Case

A 50 year old Queensland woman have been charged with the needle-in-strawberry contamination case in Australia.  The issue resulted in stores removing strawberries from shelves and having a huge impact the half billion dollar industry.  While a motive has not been yet listed, it was stated that the woman could receive 3, perhaps a 10 year sentence.  Doesn't seem nearly long enough.

news.com.au
https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/police-arrest-woman-over-strawberry-contamination/news-story/fbe4e890572060b129c6c100a2fcca62#.yfmcm
Police arrest woman over strawberry contamination
A 50-year-old Queensland woman has been charged over a strawberry needle contamination that sparked a nationwide crisis.

November 11, 20189:47pm
Shireen Khalil

Summary of FDA's Report on Risk Factors in Food Service Establishments

FDA compiled analysis of inspection reports of different foodservice establishments over 2013/2014 as part of a 10 year study.    The whole report can be found here, but we have summarized the most important findings:

• Most establishments had 3 or more food safety issues.
• It helps to have a Certified Food Safety Manager onsite.  Many jurisdictions do not require it.
• It is beneficial to have an established food safety management system.  Most have no system to a rudimentary system.
• While people generally cook food correctly and handle raw meats properly, handwashing and keeping TCS foods out of the temperature danger zone are the biggest issues.

NY Artisan Cheese Processor Recalls Product Tests Positive for Listeria

Sprout Creek Farm of Poughkeepsie, New York is recalling 132 wheels of their "Margie" cheese, a soft, white rind, cow's milk cheese, because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The product is being recalled after an FDA inspection found Listeria monocytogenes in products that they sampled.

A few items of concern...if this product was tested and found to be positive, other products may be implicated.  Also, it is likely that FDA will see if the organism found here matches any cases of illness.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm625254.htm
Sprout Creek Farm Recalls "Margie" Cheese Due to Listeria Monocytogenes
For Immediate Release
November 6, 2018

Duncan Hines Cake Mix Recalled after Outbreak Strain Found in Product

Conagra Brands is recalling Duncan Hines cake mixes after being connected "with a positive finding of Salmonella in a retail sample of Duncan Hines Classic White cake mix that may be linked to a Salmonella outbreak", where five people have become infected.  The Salmonella strain, Salmonella Agbeni, matched the organism collected from ill persons as determined through the use of Whole Genome Sequencing.  "While it has not been definitively concluded that this product is linked to the outbreak and the investigation is still ongoing."

The baking process, if properly followed, will eliminate the organism,  However, people do eat raw batter and there is the issue of cross contamination that can occur in the kitchen when the powder mix gets onto food contact surfaces as well as other food.

Has this been an issue in the past?  Salmonella as well as STEC E. coli have been involved in flour related outbreaks and recalls (1, 2, 3 4, 5 ).  Improved techniques for tracking outbreaks and for identifying specific organisms using Whole Genome Sequencing have given a truer look at sources that may not have identified in the past.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm625144.htm

Duncan Hines Classic White, Classic Butter Golden, Signature Confetti and Classic Yellow Cake Mixes Recalled Due to Potential Presence of Salmonella

For Immediate Release

November 5, 2018

This Week in Mislabeled Products - Week Ending November 3, 2018

State Testing Lab Finds Milk in Dark Chocolate - A Brooklyn, NY is recalling its 2.82oz MarieBelle Japanese Matcha Japanese Green Tea and White Chocolate Bar, container code 101619, Cacao Market by MarieBelle Rosemary Truffle Salt 60% Dark Chocolate Bar, all container codes, and the Cacao Market by MarieBelle Orange Peels 60% Dark Chocolate Bar, all container codes, because they may contain undeclared milk allergens. The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Market Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of undeclared milk allergens

Tortilla Chips in the Popcorn Bag - Frito-Lay announced a voluntary recall of select 1/2 oz. bags of Smartfood Delight Sea Salt Flavored popcorn because they were inadvertently filled with cheese flavored tortilla chips that contain undeclared milk ingredients. The issue was discovered after a consumer notified Frito-Lay that their Smartfood Delight bag contained tortilla chips. Frito-Lay has informed the FDA of our actions.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm624518.htm
Maribel’s Sweets Inc. Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk Allergens in Chocolate Bars
For Immediate Release
October 29, 2018

Nut Company Recalls Roasted In-Shell Pistachios After Positive Test For Salmonella

Barcelona Nut Company of Baltimore, Maryland is recalling 239 cases of roasted and salted in shell pistachios, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, "Barcelona Nut Company's processor and supplier, ARO, voluntarily initiated the recall after a separate and unaffiliated manufacturer, performed a routine test which revealed salmonella. Since Barcelona Nut Company received product from the same lot, it is necessary to take precautions. Barcelona Nut Company has ceased the production and distribution of this particular lot of roasted and salted in shell pistachios as the FDA and the companies involved continue their investigation."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm625001.htm
Barcelona Nut Company Recalls Roasted and Salted in Shell Pistachios Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
November 2, 2018

Formulation Error in Dry Pet Food Leads to Complaints for Vitamin D Toxicity

Nutrisca and Natural Life Pet Products, related companies out of Saint Louis, Missouri are voluntarily recalling dry dog food due to high levels of vitamin D.  The companies "became aware of the elevated levels of vitamin D after receiving complaints from three pet owners of vitamin D toxicity after consuming the product. An investigation revealed a formulation error led to the elevated vitamin D in the product."

As part of the Preventive Controls for Animal Feeds, addition of chemicals that can become a health issue may require a preventive control, in this case a way to track Vitamin D addition.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm625016.htm
Natural Life Pet Products Issues Recall of Dry Food Due to Elevated Levels of Vitamin D
For Immediate Release
November 2, 2018

Will Your Baby Formula Be Made from Algae?

An article in Food Navigator reports how a San Diego Company is producing breast milk proteins from algea.  Scientists at Triton introduced a gene into an algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

San Diego start-up develops algae production platform capable of producing proteins found in bovine and human breast milk 
29-Oct-2018 By Elaine Watson

A San Diego-based firm building a production platform for food proteins from green algae says it can produce recombinant proteins identical to those found in bovine and human breast milk, which it claims could prove a game changer in the infant formula market.

https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2018/10/29/Triton-Algae-Innovations-develops-algae-production-platform-capable-of-producing-proteins-found-in-bovine-and-human-breast-milk

FDA Issues Report on E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak associated with Romaine Lettuce from the Yuma AZ Area

FDA issued a report on the E.coli outbreak associated with romaine lettuce from the Yuma AZ area that was first identified in April of 2018.  This was the largest number of E. coli O157:H7 infections in the United States in the last decade with 210 reported illnesses from 36 states, resulting in 96 hospitalizations, 27 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and five deaths.

The investigation found that there were no obvious deficiencies in the processing facility, but did have these findings for the growing area.

• The outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 was found in water from three locations along a 3.5 mile stretch in an irrigation canal near Wellton in Yuma County, Arizona.
• The outbreak strain was not found anywhere else in sampling done during the EA in the Yuma growing region of Imperial County, California, and Yuma County, Arizona, although other human pathogens were identified in collected samples.
• FDA has concluded that the water from the irrigation canal where the outbreak strain was found most likely led to contamination of the romaine lettuce consumed during this outbreak.
• FDA cannot rule out that other sources or means of romaine lettuce contamination with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 may have occurred.
• There are several ways that irrigation canal water may have come in contact with the implicated romaine lettuce including direct application to the crop and/or use of irrigation canal water to dilute crop protection chemicals applied to the lettuce crop, either through aerial or ground-based spray applications.
• How and when the irrigation canal became contaminated with the outbreak strain is unknown. A large animal feeding operation is nearby but no obvious route for contamination from this facility to the irrigation canal was identified. Other explanations are possible although the EA team found no evidence to support them.

With this, FDA makes recommendations (below) for helping to prevent these issues including putting measures in place to assure the safety of the irrigation water and to assess the risk of land use surrounding the water source.

The full investigative report can be found here.  LINK
It includes maps with sampling sites as well as test results.  Worth the read if interest in the topic.


https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm624546.htm
Environmental Assessment of Factors Potentially Contributing to the Contamination of Romaine Lettuce Implicated in a Multi-State Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7
November 1, 2018
This document provides an overview of factors that potentially contributed to the contamination of romaine lettuce with E. coli O157:H7 that was implicated in a 2018 multi-state foodborne illness outbreak.

Farmers market vendors need training to improve food-safety practices

https://news.psu.edu/story/545445/2018/11/01/research/farmers-market-vendors-need-training-improve-food-safety-practices

Jeff Mulhollem

November 01, 2018

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Many vendors at farmers markets take inadequate precautions to prevent the spread of foodborne illness, and they should be trained to reduce food-safety risks, according to Penn State researchers who completed the final phase of an innovative five-year study.

Using a comprehensive three-way approach, the research assessed food safety behaviors at Pennsylvania farmers markets using direct concealed observations, state sanitarian observations, and self-reported vendor surveys. The results revealed key distinctions between observed vendor food-handling practices — by both researchers and state sanitarians — and vendor self-reported practices.

FDA Warning Letter - MN Warehouse with Egregious GMP Violations

FDA issued a Warning Letter to the owner of a warehouse facility in Minnesota due to egregious GMP violations.  Hard to imagine food being stored in these conditions.

1. Did not take effective measures to exclude pests from your packing and holding areas to protect against contamination of food on the premises by pests - dead rodents, gnaw marks and holes in product, rodent droppings and live birds.
2. Did not maintain your building, fixtures, and other physical facilities of your plant in a clean and sanitary condition and in repair adequate to prevent food from becoming adulterated - leaky roof with damp/wet product below, product spillage in multiple locations
3. Did not store food under conditions that protect against biological, chemical, and physical contamination - improper chemical storage with the potential for contamination of food, refrigated food stored at ambient temperatures.
4. Failed to properly store equipment, remove litter and waste, and cut weeds and grass that may constitute an attractant, breeding place, or harborage for pests within the immediate vicinity of the plant,

FDA Warning Letter
https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm624404.htm
Gold Star Distribution., Inc. 10/19/18