Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Tahini Appears to Be Over

As of February 27, 2019, FDA and CDC are saying that the multistate outbreak of Salmonella Concord illnesses linked to tahini imported from an Israeli manufacturer, Achdut Ltd., located in Ari’el, Israel appears to be over.  In all, there were 8 cases of salmonellosis. 

February 8 Update
https://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2019/02/fda-investigating-multistate-salmonella.html

FDA Investigated a Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Concord Linked to Tahini Produced by Achdut Ltd.
Update: February 27, 2019

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 8
Hospitalizations: 0
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: April 21, 2018 to January 3, 2019
States with Cases: HI (1), MA (1), MI (1), NY (5)

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending March 2, 2019

Sulfites Missing from Label - Joy Gourmet Foods Inc. of Maspeth, NY is recalling its Joy Brand Chutneys and Pastes products because they contain undeclared sulfites.  The recall was initiated after a routine inspection by a United States of America Food and Drug Administration(FDA) Food Inspector, which revealed that the sulfites containing product was distributed in packages that did not declare their presence.  [Label design issue - failure to recognize sulfites, used to protect against fruit oxidation/discoloration, need to be on the label...may have been using more a processing aid).

Ingredients Listed for Wrong Salad Dressing - Russ Davis Wholesale – Crazy-Fresh, an Eagan, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 702 pounds of chicken Caesar salad products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the product contains milk and anchovies, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered on February 24, 2019, when FSIS was notified that the establishment discovered the misbranding of product while performing a label review.  [Clearly a design issue...this one gets chalked up as a marketing department error or the nutritionist]

Cashews in Marinara Sauce - B&G Foods announced today it is voluntarily recalling 1,280 cases of a single date code of 40 oz. Victoria Marinara Sauce, with a “best by” date of 03/06/2022, after learning that the product may contain cashew allergens that are not declared on the product’s ingredient statement. B&G Foods discovered this issue when it received one consumer complaint alleging a cashew allergic reaction. B&G Foods initiated the recall of this product based on the results of its investigation and testing that indicated the possible presence of cashew allergens in up to 1,280 cases of this product with this particular “best by” date. [Looks to be an improper line clean-out]

Wrong Bag for Pretzels - Utz Quality Foods, LLC., is voluntarily recalling a specific expiration date code of Bachman® 10 oz Twist Pretzel packages due to undeclared milk. This recall was initiated after reviewing production records which identified a small number of packages were mislabeled.


https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm632223.htm
Joy Gourmet Foods LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sulfites
For Immediate Release
February 27, 2019

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Two Egg Facilities - NY and AL

FDA issued Warning Letters to two different egg production facilities with a focus on inadequate controls for Salmonella enteriditis.  For one of the facilities, the investigation came after a Salmonella outbreak.

Our handling and cooking of eggs has become dependent on egg farmers controlling Salmonella in their flocks.  We generally eat eggs with minimal cooking (over easy, poached, or we go Rocky), but there is a risk.  For facilities with good controls in place, the Salmonella risk is minimal, but for those farms that don't have good controls, Salmonella can be present in the eggs.

Gravel Ridge Farms, Alabama - Because of a Salmonella outbreak associated with eggs in September, FDA conducted an inspection of egg facility in Alabama.  The issues were:

• There was not control program for Salmonella Enteritidis (SE).
• Inadequate cleaning to prevent cross contamination.
• There were no biosecurity measures in place
• There was no pest control program
• They did not clean the facility to remove pest harborage sites.

In the Notice it was noted that the facility was shut down by owners with no plans on reopening.

FDA issued a warning letter to  Pitcher Road Farm of Ovid, NY, 14521 after an inspection that took place from August 1 through August 2, 2018.  The farm had failed to implement thier SE plan including not testing the environment for SE or implementing measures for preventing cross contamination.

Cincinnati District Office
6751 Steger Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45237
Telephone: (513) 679-2700
FAX: (513) 679-2772

February 12, 2019

WARNING LETTER 566836

Bagged RTE Green Beans and Squash Recalled After Supplier Test Reveals Listeria

Southern Specialties Inc. of Pompano Beach, Florida is voluntarily recalling select bags of Marketside brand green beans and butternut squash because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This recall was voluntarily issued after a raw material supplier notified the company that it was issuing a recall after a routine test of a food contact surface tested positive for the bacterium. As a precautionary measure, Southern Specialties is recalling all products that were repacked at its facility on the same repacking line as the supplier’s product.

The bagged product is labeled as a fresh ready-to-eat product.  It would be sold refrigerated.

The statement said that "Although most of the product was retrieved before distribution to retail stores, some product shipped on February 17th may have reached select stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia."

Southern Specialties is a vertically integrated produce company with operations in North, South, and Central America.  They have a network that can supply fresh bagged produce year round.  Produce would be washed prior to packaging in bags to be labeled as RTE.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm632027.htm
Southern Specialties Voluntarily Recalls Bagged Green Beans and Butternut Squash Distributed in Southeast because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
February 25, 2019

FDA Releases Report on Strategy for Imported Food

FDA released a report on their strategy for ensuring the safety of food imported into this country.  Full report can be found here.

First, a few facts

• There is a continued 15 year trend of increasing importation of food 
• Annually, the US imports:
• 32 percent of the fresh vegetables, 
• 55 percent of the fresh fruit, and 
• 94 percent of the seafood 
• US imports food from more than 200 countries or territories and approximately 125,000 exporting food facilities plus farms
• In 2019, between 14 and 15 million shipments of imported food are expected to enter the United States
• Mexico accounts for the largest percentage of shipments followed by Asia.

FDA applies the same U.S. food safety requirements to all food consumed in the United States, regardless of whether the facility or farm that produces the food is located within the United States or half way across the globe.  But the strategy for overseeing this is different than for domestic product.  Much of this is based upon a risk based approach with focus on highest risk items with a continued optimization of the process.  It also utilizes partnerships as well as pre-approvals.

GOAL 1: Food Offered for Import Meets U.S. Food Safety Requirements

Objectives

1. Optimize use of foreign inspections
2. Ensure importer use of verified foreign suppliers through effective implementation of the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs final rule
3. Take into account the public health assurances of reliable audits such as those issued under FDA’s Accredited Third-Party Certification Program or pursuant to other assurance programs aligned with FDA food safety requirements
4. Incentivize importers to use verified suppliers of safe food through the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program
5. Leverage the oversight efforts of regulatory counterparts with strong food safety systems
6. Increase awareness of and training on food safety requirements and strengthen the capacity of foreign suppliers to produce safe food

GOAL 2: FDA Border Surveillance Prevents Entry of Unsafe Foods

Objectives

1. Continue to enhance and refine FDA’s import screening and entry review processes
2. Optimize use of physical examination and sampling of imported food
3. Strategically utilize import alerts and import certifications
4. Improve testing methodologies and tools used to determine admissibility of food offered for import
5. Maximize the benefit to border surveillance from state and other partnerships

GOAL 3: Rapid and Effective Response to Unsafe Imported Food

1. Maximize effectiveness of FDA response to an event involving an imported food
2. Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of imported food safety recalls
3. Use information-sharing opportunities to prepare for and respond to the entry of unsafe imported food

GOAL 4: Effective and Efficient Food Import Program

1. Optimize resource allocation by developing a comprehensive global inventory of food facilities and farms and assessing the cumulative oversight applied to the global inventory
2. Ensure effectiveness of import activities through performance assessment and continuous improvement

Frozen Meat Entrees Recalled After Complaints Received for Foreign Material - Glass or Hard Plastic

Bellisio Foods, a Jackson, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 173,376 pounds of frozen pork entrée products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of glass or hard plastic.   The problem was discovered when the establishment received consumer complaints of glass or hard plastic extraneous material in the rib shaped patty.

The frozen, not ready-to-eat (NRTE) boneless pork rib patties being recalled were produced over a variety of dates ranging from Dec. 7, 2018 to Feb. 15, 2019, which may indicate that complaints were made for more than one production date.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-020-2019-release
Bellisio Foods Recalls Boneless Pork Rib Frozen Entrée Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class IRecall 
020-2019 
Health Risk:High 
Feb 23, 2019 

Nutella Processing Facility Shuts Down After Ingredient Quality Issue

The largest Nutella factory has shut down after a 'quality issue' was identified in one of the ingredients. Ferrero, the parent company, stated that product in the marketplace is good. The facility is said to produce 600.000 jars of Nutella a day.  The facility also produces Kinder Bueno candy bars.

One of the primary ingredients in both the Nutella and the Kinder Bueno bars is hazelnut, which is primarily sourced from the middle east. In addition to hazelnuts, Nutella also contains sugar, palm oil, cocoa solids, and milk powder.

Evidently, the French love their Nutella.  A lot of people I know prefer peanut butter.

http://fortune.com/2019/02/21/worlds-biggest-nutella-factory-shut-down/
World's Biggest Nutella Factory Shut Down Over 'Quality Issues'
By Grace Dobush
February 21, 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending February 23, 2019

Over the past three weeks, 2/3 of the recalls for allergen issues have been related to improperly designed labels....so this design and review process should be an important area of focus.  This includes understanding the allergens that may be present within ingredients.

Milk Not Listed - Incorrect Label on Sausage - J Bar B Foods, a Weimar, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 51,188 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) cheddar smoked sausage products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, - the product contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.   The problem was discovered when a retail store notified the company of an incorrect label. The establishment investigated and determined that the incorrect label was applied to the product.

Soy Missing on Label - Meijer is announcing a voluntary recall of its Meijer brand Ultimate Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies because soy it is not properly declared on the label.  Meijer initiated the recall after a routine inspection determined that the product had been distributed without proper allergen labelling for soy.

Milk Not Listed on Label - Pound Cake - Gilda Industries, Inc voluntarily recalls select code dates and manufacturing lot numbers of Panque – Butter pound cake because they may contain undeclared milk.  Milk was not declared on the label.

Milk Not Listed on Label - Seasoning Mix - Concord Foods, LLC of Brockton, Massachusetts is recalling Concord Fresh Success Mild Salsa Seasoning Mix because it may contain undeclared milk allergen.  The recall was initiated after the company discovered that product containing the milk allergen was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the milk allergen.

Milk Not Listed on Label - Chocolate Covered Cherries - Chukar Cherries of Prosser, WA is recalling 7.5oz Amaretto Rainier Ultra Dark Chocolate Cherries because they may contain undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Amaretto Rainier Ultra Dark Chocolate Cherries containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-017-2019-release
J Bar B Foods Recalls Ready-To-Eat Smoked Sausage Products due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens 
Class I Recall
017-2019
Health Risk: High
Feb 21, 2019

CDC Report: Foodborne Illness Outbreaks at Retail Establishments 2014-2016

CDC issued a report titled "Foodborne Illness Outbreaks at Retail Establishments".  The report provided information on outbreak investigations from 16 states over a three year period, 2014 to 2016.

One of the biggest issues is ill workers passing pathogens, primarily norovirus, to customers, although more than half of these establishments have written policies.

Key items from the report:

• During 2014–2016, a total of 16 state and local public health departments reported data to NEARS on 404 foodborne illness outbreaks at retail establishments. 
• Investigations identified an agent in 311 (77.0%) outbreaks (Table 1). Of these agents, 31.8% were suspected and 68.2% were confirmed. Most identified agents were viral (61.7%), followed by bacterial (34.4%) and toxic, chemical, or other (3.9%).
• The majority of outbreaks with a suspected or confirmed agent were caused by norovirus (61.1%). 
• The majority of outbreaks with identified contributing factors had at least one factor associated with food contamination by a worker who was ill or infectious (58.6%). 
• Almost half (47.4%) of establishments with outbreaks had a written policy excluding ill workers from handling food or working. 
• Approximately one third (27.7%) had a written disposable glove use policy. Paid sick leave was available for at least one worker in 38.3% of establishments.
• The second most common agent was Salmonella, accounting for 16.1% of outbreaks with an identified agent.
• Investigators identified at least one contributing factor in 251 (62.1%) outbreaks. The top three contributing factors were related to food contamination by an ill worker; 
• The most common contributing factor (27.9%) was bare-hand contact by a food worker suspected to have an infectious illness, 
• followed by contamination through a method other than hand contact by a food worker suspected to have an infectious illness (23.1%) 
• and glove-hand contact by a food worker suspected to have an infectious illness (15.5%) 
• More than half of establishments with outbreaks (56.3%, 179 of 318) had a written policy and 36.2% (115) had a verbal policy requiring food workers to notify their manager when they were ill
• Most establishments with outbreaks were independently owned (72.9%, 237 of 325), were restaurants (80.2%, 333 of 415), and served complex food items (i.e., a food item required a kill step, which is a process, such as cooking, that reduces or eliminates foodborne illness pathogens, and other food preparation processes, such as cooling and reheating)

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/ss/pdfs/ss6801a1-H.pdf

Foodborne Illness Outbreaks at Retail Establishments — National Environmental Assessment Reporting System, 16 State and Local Health Departments, 2014–2016
Surveillance Summaries / February 22, 2019 / 68(1);1–20

Canada - Salad Bag Kits Recalled After Government Sampling Finds Listeria

For a second time, the Eat Smart Brand of bagged Sweet Kale salads is being recalled for Listeria.   "This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation"

The last recall came in December, again after CFIA testing.  The Eat Smart brand is produced by Curation Foods, formally Apio Inc. of Guadalupe, California.  They are a division of Landec Corporation.

With subsequent recalls coming from same facility, it would appear that there are Listeria control issues.  In cases like this, it is often expected that the recall will be expanded as the corrective action investigative  begins.

Food Recall Warning - Eat Smart brand 340 G (12 OZ) Sweet Kale Vegetable Salad Bag Kit recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes
Recall date: February 17, 2019

Florida Establishment Recalls Chicken Salad Products After Listeria Positive Test Result

"Lean Culinary Services, LLC, a Hollywood, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 223 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken salad products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes....... The problem was discovered on February 18, 2019 when FSIS inspection program personnel verified the status of product that had tested positive for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes."

Commercially made chicken salad is one of those products that screams for tight Listeria control.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-016-2019-release
Lean Culinary Services, LLC Recalls Ready To Eat Chicken Salad Products due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall 016-2019
Health Risk: High 

Feb 19, 2019

Canned Salmon Recalled After Audit Finds Thermal Process Deviation

An Alaskan seafood canner is recalling jars and cans of smoked salmon after an audit discovered a thermal process deviation for underprocessing could have resulted in the survival of Clostridium botulinum.  The distribution of product was limited to Alaska.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm631531.htm
Smoked Alaska Seafoods, Inc. Recalls 6.5 oz Jars & Cans of Smoked Silver Salmon Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
February 15, 2019

Ongoing Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Raw Turkey Products

There is an ongoing Salmonella outbreak linked to raw turkey products.  Going back to November of 2018, there are now 279 cases reported with 107 hospitalizations and one death associated with the outbreak strain , Salmonella Reading.   There have been 4 recalls - 2 for ground turkey and 2 for raw pet food.   A single, common supplier of raw turkey products or of live turkeys has not been identified so it is thought that it might be widespread in the turkey industry.

CDC Investigation Report
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/reading-07-18/index.html
Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Infections Linked to Raw Turkey Products
Español (Spanish)
Posted February 15, 2019 at 3:00 PM EDT

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending February 16, 2019

Cereal for Kids has Cross Contract in Production - Nature’s Path Foods announced a voluntary recall of a specific production run of EnviroKidz Choco Chimps, Gorilla Munch and Jungle Munch cereals for they may contain undeclared gluten (wheat and barley).  The error was isolated to one facility and due to air contamination as a result of incorrect production scheduling

Expanded Recall on Packaging Missing Egg Allergen - Ottogi America, Inc. is expanding a recall to include the two items below due to a possibility of containing egg ingredient undeclared on the packages.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm631510.htm
Nature’s Path Foods Recalls A Specific Production Run Of Envirokidz Choco Chimps, Gorilla Munch And Jungle Munch Cereals Due To Undeclared Gluten
For Immediate Release
February 15, 2019

Food Company Goes Pro-GMO for Selling Chocolate Products

In what is being claimed as a first, a food company is touting its GMO product.  This company, Ethos Chocolates, is selling four items that have plant materials altered by genetic engineering.

Food Processing Magazine
https://www.foodprocessing.com/industrynews/2019/ethos-pro-gmo-chocolate/
Ethos Chocolates – the First Pro-GMO Food Product?
By Dave Fusaro, Editor in Chief
Feb 05, 2019

Canada - Baby Food Recalled for Clostridium botulinum Concern

In Canada, Vivi and Tom, a small entrepreneurial baby food company is recalling a number of food items due to the the potential of Clostridium botulinum.  The product has no packaging codes.

According to the the Vivi and Tom Instagram page, the company was started by two mothers and formulated by a holistic nutritionist (which is probably one or both of them)  The product is sold with the 'local, seasonal, organic" marketing words that people love to hear, but was produced like they were making it for thier own kitchen....which is fine for them, but when you start to sell products to others, one has got to learn about the safe production of food.  When you start selling product for infants, it is even more important.

Clostridium botulinum for infants is a big deal.  While preformed toxin from Clostridium botulinum is bad, so is the presence of the organisms in the food where the organism has the opportunity to colonize the baby's intestinal tract...thus the reason we don't feed honey to babies.  With Canadian recall notices, we do not get a lot of information, so it is difficult to say what the exact reason was.

Food Recall Warning - Vivi and Tom Baby Food brand baby and toddler foods recalled due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria
Recall date:  February 14, 2019
Reason for recall:  Microbiological - Clostridium botulinum
Hazard classification: Class 1
Company / Firm: Vivi and Tom Baby Food
Distribution: Ontario
Extent of the distribution: Retail

CDC Update on 2018/2019 Flu Season - Less Severe

In two reports issued by the CDC on influenza in 2018/2018, the flu season started off slow, but has elevated in December and has remained high, but is being characterized as 'low severity' with less people being treated. The primary strain is A(H1N1)pdm09 and has shown some ability considerable genetic diversity indicating continual evolution of antigen segments, which will affect vaccine efficacy.

The efficacy against the virus is reported as 47% which falls in the general range of efficacy (30% to 60%).  But as CDC points out, it is still important to get vaccinated - "During the 2017–18 season, vaccination averted an estimated 7.1 million illnesses, 3.7 million medical visits, 109,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and 8,000 influenza-associated deaths (7). In addition, influenza vaccination has been found to reduce deaths, intensive care unit admissions and length of stay, and overall duration of hospitalization among hospitalized influenza patients (8)."

It is important to note that the "severity of the 2017–2018 influenza season in the U.S. was high with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating." (Clinical Infectious Diseases - 2019)

Items from report of note:

Texas Meat Processor Recalls 59lbs of Sausage for Process Deviation

A Texas based meat processor is recalling 59 pounds of sausage after USDA discovered a processing deviation during an inspection.  This process deviation may have led to the product being underprocessed.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-015-2019-release
News Release
Panola County Processing, LLC Recalls Sausage Products Due to Possible Processing Deviation 
Class I Recall
015-2019
Health Risk: High
Feb 11, 2019

FDA Investigation of 2018 E. coli Outbreak Associated with Central California Grown Romaine Lettuce

FDA released their investigation report of the 2018 E. coli outbreak associated with romaine lettuce from Central California.  In this outbreak, there were "62 reported illnesses in 16 states and the District of Columbia, resulting in 25 hospitalizations and two cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). There were no deaths."

What is clear is the difficulty of surface water contamination events can be for farms.
A summarized collection of the items of note from that report:

The E. coli Outbreak and identification of source:

• The romaine lettuce that made people sick was likely harvested between late September and mid-November 2018.   This is based upon "known production practices; the anticipated shelf-life of romaine lettuce; and the fact that reported illness-onset dates occurred from October 7 through December 4, 2018."
• "All E. coli O157:H7 isolates from ill consumers had a rare genetic fingerprint, as determined by whole genome sequencing, that was closely related to one previously seen in ill consumers in the U.S. and Canada in the Fall of 2016 and the Fall of 2017.  This source of this outbreak was not definitively proven, but it was felt that romaine lettuce was the source.
• The traceback indicated that multiple farms may have been involved, however only one reservoir sample was found to be positive linking that one farm. "An alternative explanation for this lack of traceback convergence to a single farm may be due to ill consumers having multiple romaine lettuce exposures and limited recollection of exposures and brands they ate."
• With regard to the progression of identification of the growing area - "By November 26, 2018, tracebacks identified a specific California growing region where romaine lettuce contaminated with the outbreak strain likely originated and this was narrowed down by December 13, 2018, to three specific California counties.

On the sediment-positive sample in the farm's reservoir system:

• "A sediment sample taken from an on-farm water reservoir in Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County, California tested positive for the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. "
• "This farm, identified in multiple legs of the Fall 2018 U.S. and Canadian traceback investigations, was also identified as one of the potential suppliers of leafy greens or romaine lettuce in the 2017 U.S. and Canadian traceback investigations. 
• "Bacteria, such as E. coli O157:H7 can float freely in water but because they have a charged surface, they are predominantly associated with fine particulate matter, such as sediment in bodies of water, where they can persist for extended periods of time. The sediment in the bottom of reservoirs where E. coli O157:H7 can persist is likely to be stirred up into the water when pumps are used to convey water out of a reservoir. " 
• "The investigation team was not able to determine how this on-farm water reservoir became contaminated with the outbreak strain.:
• "This reservoir was not interconnected to other water sources or distribution systems in the growing region.  In the case of the Santa Maria farm, the precise route of contamination is uncertain. However, based on interviews with the grower, there are several plausible ways in which water from the on-farm water reservoir may have come into contact with the implicated romaine lettuce, including direct harvest/postharvest application to the crop and/or use of reservoir agricultural water on harvest equipment food contact surfaces."  
• "The use of agricultural water from a reservoir open to the environment has higher food safety risk as compared to that associated with use of ground water, because of the increased potential for human pathogens to contaminate surface water."

On water treatment of reservoir water:

• "In this case, the farm did have a procedure in place to collect and test reservoir agricultural water for generic E. coli and treat the agricultural water with a sanitizer before use. However, the investigation team noted that verification procedure records did not document that the water sanitizer was present at levels that would assure that the water used to contact romaine lettuce at harvest, during postharvest handling, and to wash/rinse harvest equipment food contact surfaces was not contaminated with pathogenic bacteria."
• "Inspection of water tank sanitizer treatment systems used in harvest/postharvest handling revealed that some units had undissolved sanitizer cakes and that some tank systems were constructed in a manner that likely did not allow for optimal sanitizer treatment of the agricultural water before use. Additionally, untreated water from the contaminated reservoir was used to fill tank trucks which broadly sprayed water on roads for dust abatement and these roads were traveled on by harvest equipment prior to commencing harvest operations."  

On persistence of E. coli in water and potential contamination sources:

• "The first illnesses in this outbreak occurred in early October 2018, and therefore the outbreak strain may have been present in the on-farm water reservoir for some months or even years before the investigation team collected the positive sample, or the outbreak strain may have been repeatedly introduced into the reservoir from an unknown source. Generic E. coli has been demonstrated to survive in sediments much longer than in the overlying water.  The investigation team did not identify any obvious route for contamination of the on-farm water reservoir."
• "However, evidence of extensive wild animal activity, including waterfowl, rodents, coyotes, etc., and animal burrows near the contaminated reservoir sediment was noted by the investigation team and likely warrants consideration as a possible source(s) of the human pathogen found in the on-farm water reservoir.  Additionally, adjacent land use including the use of soil amendments, or for animal grazing on nearby land by cattle and horses, may have had the potential to be reservoirs of E. coli O157:H7."

FDA Outbreak Investigation Report
https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm631243.htm
Investigation Summary: Factors Potentially Contributing to the Contamination of Romaine Lettuce Implicated in the Fall 2018 Multi-State Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7
PDF - 80KB
 February 13, 2019

FDA Investigating Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Tahini

FDA, CDC, and local health agencies are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Concord illnesses linked to tahini imported from an Israeli manufacturer, Achdut Ltd., located in Ari’el, Israel.

Tahini is made from toasted ground hulled sesame that is used as a dip / spread or as an ingredient in hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva.   It is similar in consistency to peanut butter and has a nutty creamy flavor.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm626790.htm
FDA Investigating a Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Concord Linked to Tahini Produced by Achdut Ltd.
Update: February 08, 2019

Cannabis in Food - Hot Culinary Trend, But What About the Mental Health Research?

Cannabis has become the hot trend as more states legalize it.  But a recent article,  Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence  points out that much of the research on marijuana's impact on mental health is being overlooked.  It references numerous research studies completed over the last 20+ years that point to the fact that there are issues of dependence, increasing existing symptoms in those with forms of psychosis, and links to violence.

So reviewing the medical research via google search (selected journal articles below), it is easy to see that there are issues with extended use, especially today when the levels of THC can be much higher than years ago.  So for those companies embarking on new ventures involving cannabis, what will be the legal concerns in the coming years when people file lawsuits - perhaps the parents of a schizophrenic youth, or the victims of  accident involving a long term user?

Note - The focus here is on THC containing foods.  CBP oil is a nonpsychoactive chemical derived from hemp or marijuana.

The British Journal of Psychiatry  - Psychiatric effects of cannabis  (2018)

Results - "An appreciable proportion of cannabis users report short-lived adverse effects, including psychotic states following heavy consumption, and regular users are at risk of dependence. People with major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia are especially vulnerable in that cannabis generally provokes relapse and aggravates existing symptoms. Health workers need to recognise, and respond to, the adverse effects of cannabis on mental health."

Florida - Increasing Number of Hepatitis A Cases Reported

In Florida, there is an steadily increasing number of Hepatitis A cases.  In January of this year, 189 Hepatitis A cases were reported.  Most of the activity has been in central Florida,  In one case, a Disney food service worker was infected.  (Disney has been vaccinating employees).

Florida Department of Health
http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/vaccine-preventable-disease/hepatitis-a/index.html
Hepatitis A Surveillance
January 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending February 10, 2019

Co-Pack Customer Discover's Label Issue - VICS Acquisition, LLC, a Harlingen, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 99,975 pounds of chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the products contain eggs, a known allergen, that is not declared on the product label.  A company that VICS Acquisition, LLC co-packs for discovered the problem on Feb. 8, 2019 during a label review.

Cashews Missing on New Label - Birdseed Food CO. of Bend, OR is recalling Craft Granola Goldenola Turmeric & Ginger that was sold between the dates of 10/03/18 - 02/07/19, because it contains undeclared cashews. The mislabeling of the product happened upon attaining new packaging in October 2018 and the firm became aware of the issue via customer email.

Watch Those Therapeutic Claims - Felt, OK, McDaniel Life-Line LLC is voluntarily recalling all lots of Indian Herb to the consumer level. This product is being recalled because it is marketed without an approved NDA/ANDA. The therapeutic claims made in the labeling for this product establish that it is a drug because it is an article (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body.  Additionally, the product contains ingredients that the Agency has determined to be caustic in nature that can cause serious injury.

Wrong Potato Chip Bag - Frito-Lay announced a limited voluntary recall of a very small number of 7 1/3 oz. bags of Stacy’s Simply Naked Pita Chips because they may contain undeclared milk ingredients. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that 228 bags of Stacy’s Simply Naked Pita Chips were inadvertently filled with another flavor of pita chips, potentially exposing consumers to undeclared milk.

Hipster Chipster Label Missing Allergens - The Santa Rosa Whole Foods Market store is voluntarily recalling eight packages of its “Hipster Chipster” cookies because they contain undeclared tree nut (walnut), milk, and egg allergens that were not listed on the product label.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-014-2019-release
VICS Acquisition, LLC Recalls Chicken Products due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens 
Class I Recall
014-2019
Health Risk: High
Feb 10, 2019

FDA Issues Final Guidance on Conducting Recalls

FDA issued a final guidance document on conducting recalls - Public Warning and Notification of Recalls Under 21 CFR Part 7, Subpart C Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff.  The document can be found here:  LINK

Your own recall procedures should reflect what is in the guidance.

A few key items to note:

Inspection Reveals Meth Concealed in Shipment of Bell Peppers

US Border Protection Agents seized 1000 lbs or $14 million worth of methamphetamine, or crystal meth, in a shipment of bell peppers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility in southeast TX along the Rio Grande.

The Produce News
http://theproducenews.com/the-produce-news-today-s-headlines/25954-14-million-of-meth-in-produce-shipment
$14 million of meth in pepper shipment
    February 08, 2019

Canadian Food Law Goes Into Effect, Impact on US Suppliers to Canada

Canada's updated food safety laws went into effect on January 15th.  These are HACCP based regulations that require preventive controls for hazards identified within food processes.

Companies that want to ship into Canada must work with a licensed Canadian importer.  For exporting to the US, a Canadian company with a license is a qualified foreign supplier as part of the FSVP regulations.

According to the web page for food importation into Canada, foreign suppliers do not need to license, but they must work with a Canadian importer who does have a license.  In essence, this put all of the responsibility on the Canadian importer.

 "Foreign businesses preparing foods for export to Canada do not need a licence under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). The Canadian business importing food into Canada needs a licence under the SFCR to import and any other permission as required by other Canadian Departments and Agencies. Work with an SFC-licensed importer to ensure that your food products meet all applicable requirements of the SFCR. Only in limited situations would you qualify to apply for a licence as a non-resident importer. "  

The CFIA has published a Step-by-Step guide for importers.  "This guide describes the recommended steps you can follow to meet the requirements to import food into Canada and to maintain a food import licence. As an importer, it's your responsibility to make sure the food you import is safe and that it meets Canadian requirements."

Before you import 

Step 1: Know your food what are the risks? (Guide for Preventive Control Plan for Importers)

Step 2: Familiarize yourself with Canadian requirements for importing food - in addition to controlling hazards, there is requirements for ensuring standards, grades, net quantity, and labeling.

Step 3: Select an appropriate foreign supplier

Step 4: Preventive control plan create it and implement it

Step 5: Develop a recall and complaints procedure

Step 6: Apply for your licence to import from the CFIA

When it's time to import 

Step 7: Provide the CFIA with information about each of your shipments

After you've imported 

Step 8: Keep traceability records

Step 9: Preventive control plan maintain it

Step 10: Implement a recall and complaints procedure

Food Safety Magazine
https://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/news/canadae28099s-new-food-safety-regulations/
Canada’s New Food Safety Regulations
By Staff
News | January 22, 2019

SC - Potential Hepatitis A Exposure at Brew Pub

In South Carolina, patrons of a brew pub in Aiken, SC, during a time period of Jan. 21 through Jan. 26, 2019, are being advised to get a Hepatitis A vaccination after a restaurant worker had been diagnosed with Hepatitis A.   Those who ate there from Jan 11 though Jan 20 may also have been exposed, but vaccination will probably not help them, so those unfortunate folks are asked to watch for symptoms.

Post-exposure vaccination is recommended for individuals if it can be administered less than two weeks (14 days) from when they may have been exposed. 

South Carolina Department of Health and Enviromental Control (DHEC)
https://www.scdhec.gov/news-releases/dhec-advises-possible-hepatitis-exposures-local-aiken-restaurant
DHEC Advises of Possible Hepatitis A Exposures At local Aiken Restaurant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 4, 2019

Canned Dog Food Recalled for High Vitamin D Levels Due to Supplier Error

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is voluntarily recalling select canned dog food products due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D.  Dogs exposed to higher than required vitamin D levels may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss, and at very high levels, Vitamin D can lead to  renal dysfunction.

"Hill’s Pet Nutrition learned of the potential for elevated vitamin D levels in some of our canned dog foods after receiving a complaint in the United States about a dog exhibiting signs of elevated vitamin D levels.  Our investigation confirmed elevated levels of vitamin D due to a supplier error." 

 https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm630232.htm
Hill’s Pet Nutrition Voluntarily Recalls Select Canned Dog Food for Excessive Vitamin D
For Immediate Release
January 31, 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending February 2, 2019

Wrong Label with Spaghetti Squash Alfredo Labeled  as Chile Relleno - Taylor Farms TX, Inc., a Dallas, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 2,100 pounds of chicken products incorrectly labeled as “Chile Relleno” products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the products contain wheat which is not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered on Feb. 1, 2019 when the firm discovered that a label for “Chile Relleno” was incorrectly applied to some of its USDA’s amenable “HEB Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Alfredo & Chicken” products.

Incorrect Back Label - Perdue Foods, LLC, a Bridgewater, Va. establishment, is recalling approximately 16,011 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken nugget products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the products contain milk, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered when a retail store notified the company of an incorrect label. The establishment investigated and determined that the incorrect back label was applied to the product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-011-2019-release
Taylor Farms TX, Inc. Recalls Chicken Products Due To Misbranding And Undeclared Allergens 
Class II Recall 
011-2019 
Health Risk: Low 
Feb 2, 2019 

Chicken Breast Chunk Fritters Recalled Due to Consumer Compliant for Piece of White Rubber

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Mt. Pleasant, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 58,020 pounds of not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) breaded chicken products (popcorn style chicken breast chunk fritters) that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically white rubber.  Recall was initiated after a complaint from a retailer in Florida received a complaint.  This was a foodservice packed item.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-010-2019-release
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation Recalls Breaded Popcorn Chicken Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I Recall 
010-2019 
Health Risk: High 
Feb 1, 2019