CDC Report on Food Pathogen Surveillance via FoodNet 2018

CDC released a report Preliminary Incidence and Trends of Infections with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food — Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2015–2018 (MMWR Weekly / April 26, 2019 / 68(16);369–373) that shows the incidence of most infections increased during 2018 compared with 2015–2017, 'although it is probably do to automated (non-cultrure or culture independent) methods' [so the incidence is probably not rising, but rather the ability to detect allows investigators to determine cause] (The number of bacterial infections diagnosed by CIDT (with or without reflex culture )increased 65% in 2018 compared with the average annual number diagnosed during 2015–2017).

Basically, "The incidence of Cyclospora infections increased markedly, in part related to large outbreaks associated with produce. The number of human infections caused by Campylobacter and Salmonella, especially serotype Enteritidis, remains high."

• Poultry is a major source of Campylobacter
• The incidence of infections with Enteritidis, the most common Salmonella serotype, has not declined in over 10 years. Enteritidis is adapted to live in poultry, and eggs are an important source of infection.
• Produce is a major source of foodborne illnesses (2). During 2018, romaine lettuce was linked to two multistate outbreaks of STEC O157 infections (8). The marked increase in reported Cyclospora infections was likely attributable to several factors including produce outbreaks and continued adoption of DNA-based syndrome panel tests

FDA Releases Draft Industry Guidance for Voluntary Recalls

FDA issued a draft guidance on how to issue a voluntary recall.  (This draft guidance is listed FDA's webpage Industry Guidance for Recalls which has a number of valuable links including Model Press Releases. - https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls/industryguidance/default.htm)

"The draft guidance discusses what preparations firms in a distribution chain, including manufacturers and distributors, should consider making to establish recall initiation procedures; to ensure timely identification of, and response to, product problems that might lead  to a recall; and to promptly issue recall communications and press releases or other public notices. It also discusses preparations firms in the distribution chain should consider making to ensure timely responses to a recall communication. Additionally, it discusses how FDA assists firms with carrying out their recall responsibilities to protect the public health from distributed products in violation" of federal regulations.

Firms should be recall ready.
1. General Preparations

Another Company Issue Ground Meat Recall Due to E. coli O103

As part of the E. coli outbreak investigation, another establishment is recalling ground beef due to the presence of E. coli O103.  It has not been declared if this product is related to the outbreak that has affected 156 people in 10 states.  This recall comes a day after another company, K2D Foods issued a recall for ground beef due to the presence of E. coli O103.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-048-2019-release
Grant Park Packing Recalls Raw Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. coli O103 Contamination
Class I Recall
048-2019
Health Risk:High
Apr 24, 2019

FDA Reports on Sampling Results from Ice Cream Processing Facilities

FDA released a report today on the the results of environmental testing in ice cream plants for Listeria and Salmonella.  They sampled 89 ice cream production facilities in 32 states from September 12, 2016, to August 30, 2017

Listeria

• Listeria monocytogenes was detected in 19 of the 89 establishments (an establishment-based prevalence of 21.3%), and in 65 of the 5,295 subsamples (a subsample-based prevalence of 1.25%). 
• The organism was found on non-food contact surfaces in 18 of the 19 establishments, and only one establishment also had it on food contact surfaces.  

Salmonella

• Only one positive sample out of all samples and that was a non-contact surface,

Inspections

• 39 inspections (43.8%) as “Voluntary Action Indicated (VAI),” meaning objectionable conditions or practices were observed and documented, but the operation should be able to address them without official action by the FDA; and 
• 6 inspections (6.7%) as “Official Action Indicated (OAI),” meaning objectionable conditions or practices warranting official action by the FDA were observed and documented.

While it is not surprising to find the occasional Listeria positive sample on non-contact surfaces in a food facility, 13 of the 19 facilities had positives in zone 2 samples, and one of those thirteen had it on a contact surface. These faculties also tended to have higher percentage of samples positive.  From the FDA sampling report, the facility with the product contact surface had a whopping 16% positive rate, while one facility had 30% and another 10%.  These facilities are clearnly not doing enough to control Listeria within the enviroment.  As the prevalence of Listeria gets higher in zone 3 areas, the increased risk it causes for the product.

Ice cream is relatively protected from the environment in that the product travels in enclosed pipes and tanks.  Primary exposure is at the filler and tank and mixing port openings.  Plus the fact that it is frozen to prevent the growth of Listeria.   Still, as the pressure of high Listeria prevalence in the environment can overcome these obstacles.

If this is the status of ice cream plants, perhaps FDA will be looking at other facility types to investigate?  Perhaps it is time to step up the facility's Listeria control program.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm636084.htm
FDA Releases Report on Inspection and Environmental Sampling of Ice Cream Production Facilities for Harmful Bacteria
Constituent Update
April 24, 2019

Company Recalls Ground Beef Due to E. coli, Is that Product Linked to the Latest Outbreak?

K2D Foods, doing business as (DBA) Colorado Premium Foods, a Carrolton, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 113,424 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O103.  The raw ground beef items were produced on March 26, March 29, April 2, April 5, April 10, and April 12, 2019.

This comes as CDC and FSIS have been investing an outbreak of E. coli O103 where a total of 156 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O103 have been reported from 10 states.

Twenty people have been hospitalized. No cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure, have been reported. No deaths have been reported.

Preliminary epidemiologic information suggests that ground beef is the source of this outbreak.
CDC has "been investigating an outbreak of E. coli O103. Unopened, intact ground beef collected as part of the ongoing investigation from a restaurant location, where multiple case-patients reported dining, tested positive for E. coli O103. At this time, there is no definitive link between this positive product and the ongoing E. coli O103 outbreak. Further traceback and product analysis continues to determine if the recalled products are related to the E. coli O103 outbreak."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-047-2019-release
K2D Foods Recalls Raw Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. coli O103 Contamination
Class I Recall
047-2019
Health Risk: High
Apr 23, 2019

FDA to Start Inspections for Food Defense Plan Compliance in March of 2020

As part of the Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA, FDA's Rule Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food Against Intentional Adulteration, or IA Rule, requires facilities to write and implement a Food Defense Plan.  For facilities not considered small or very small,  the compliance date begins on July 2019.  Small facility compliance date will be the next year.  The list of exempted companies is listed below.

FDA announced this past week that it will begin to conduct compliance inspections in March of 2020.  The rule requires the facility "to develop and implement a food defense plan that identifies vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies for those vulnerabilities. These facilities will then be required to ensure that the mitigation strategies are working".

In March of this year, FDA released an updated draft guidance titled Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food Against Intentional Adulteration: Guidance for Industry.  A summary of that document is provided here.  Penn State will be conducting basic workshops on developing a Food Defense Plan.

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
https://www.fda.gov/fsma
FDA Announces Intentional Adulteration Inspections to Begin March 2020
April 17, 2019

Real Risk of Arsenic in Bottled Water

The article from Consumer Reports, "Arsenic in Some Bottled Water Brands at Unsafe Levels, Consumer Reports Says" grabbed a lot of press this month.  Oh no, something else I can't consume?  Only if you buy into the spin that looks more to grab readership than to provide sound science.

A rebuttal to that article was posted in Forbes and goes into detail dissecting the wording used.
A few keys, .

• Only one out of 130 bottles tested was in excess of FDA's limit of 10 ppb,..some obscure brand Peñafiel that had 17 ppb. 
• Five were higher than 3 but less than 10, which the article claimed that 3 should be the limit according to the report (but no reason why 3 instead of 10 is a better number).

So the summary from Forbes, "The primary spin-free numbers in the Consumer Reports article are that, of the 130 brands of bottled water examined for arsenic, 1 exceeded F.D.A. standards. And our refrigerators aren’t exactly teeming with that 1 – if you mixed all the bottled water in the world in a massive vat, Peñafiel would probably make up less than 3 parts per billion itself."

The article could have been titled "No real risk of arsenic in your bottled water", but that would not have garnered much of any mass media attention.  Not that we shouldn't be looking and controlling arsenic when levels are high.  A 2013 NY Times article points out that there are many place in the world, including the US where levels can range from 10 to 1000 ppb.

Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanschwarz/2019/04/22/arsenic-in-water-scare-raises-risk-for-eye-rolling/#62c92239772d
Arsenic-In-Water Scare Raises Risk For Eye-Rolling
Alan Schwarz 
Apr 22, 2019, 09:40am

Topics in Supply and Demand - Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Strips, Bananas and Bug Flour

Trend in vegetable farming - there is a decrease in acreage planted for  sweet corn, green beans, peas and potatoes, with an increase in sweet potatoes and leafy greens such as spinach, kale and romaine lettuce.  

Chicken strips gaining on chicken nuggets - While more chicken nuggets are sold compared to chicken strips, chicken strips sales have increased against a decline in chicken nuggets.

Bananas are on the ropes, can CRISPR save them - In case you missed it, a virus is likely to make America's favorite fruit, the banana, extinct.  The hope is that scientist can modify the genetic makeup of the virus to make it resistant...otherwise, there will be no bananas, no bananas someday too soon.

Bugs as ingredients, "There is an increasing range of insect-based products, such as whole/flour, snacks, health bars, pasta, pasta sauce and burgers. Edible insects are promoted as a sustainable food alternative. It is also claimed there are numerous health benefits from eating bugs and insects."  But what strategy do purveyors take in identifying their product to attract customers?

Washington Post

Business

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/04/20/sweet-corn-out-sweet-potatoes-data-shows-fundamental-shifts-american-farming/?utm_term=.70dfc8fca246

Sweet corn out, sweet potatoes in: Data shows fundamental shifts in American farming

By Laura Reiley and Andrew Van Dam

April 20

Hepatitis A Case in Philly Grocery Worker Highlights Need for Controls

A Hepatitis A-infected food handler working in a Philadelphia grocery store triggered an alert for those who may have purchased pre-cut RTE fruits and vegetables.  This case is one of an increasing number of Hepatitis A cases seen.   Philadelphia Health Department noted that they are seeing 5 times the number of cases over the 2016 baseline.  While many of these cases are associated with people who are homeless or are drug users, it still increases the risk for food operations in that workers may face increased exposure within the community.

Therefore, it is important for food operations to maintain control including educating workers of the importance of reporting illness or potential exposure. Proper handwashing and glove use are important mitigations against the spread of the disease.

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious virus that is easily spread from an infected person to others through person-to-person contact or person-to-food-to-person.  Once exposed, it takes approximately 6 weeks to see the symptoms, jaundice and fever, but a person can be administered a vaccine within the first two weeks immediately after the exposure event.

Philly.com
https://www.philly.com/health/hepatitis-a-foodborne-illness-acme-philadelphia-health-inspection-reports-20190411.html
After hepatitis A warning at Philly Acme, should you eat precut fruits and veggies?
by Mari A. Schaefer, Updated: April 11, 2019

LGMA Updates Requirements to Improve Safety of Leafy Greens

California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement Board has adopted additional requirements to reduce risk when it comes to water used in growing lettuce and leafy greens,  These new standards are "in direct response to investigations conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration into last year’s e. Coli outbreak involving romaine lettuce."

The main action is to no longer allow the use of untreated surface water for overhead irrigation of leafy greens prior to harvest.    While the "LGMA program has always required growers to test their water because it can be a carrier of pathogens", the new requirements will now include additional safeguards including:  'categorizing the source of the water; considering how and when water is applied to the crop; conducting testing to assure the water is safe for the intended use; sanitizing water if necessary; and verifying that all of the above precautions have been taken.'

"The LGMA’s food safety practices meet, and often exceed, what is required under federal Produce Safety Rule regulations for other produce crops."

Perishable News
https://www.perishablenews.com/produce/leafy-greens-marketing-agreement-adopts-new-more-stringent-food-safety-practices-to-prevent-outbreaks/
Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement Adopts New, More Stringent Food Safety Practices to Prevent Outbreaks
April 22, 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending April 20, 2019

Supplier Fails to  List Egg on Product - Weis Markets today said it has issued a recall for its Weis Quality Banana Puddin Ice Cream (48oz) since the product’s ingredient label fails to list an egg allergen due to a supplier error.

Nut Supplier May Have Had Extra Nut Types  - Unilever is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of Ben & Jerry’s Coconut Seven Layer Bar bulk and Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey pints, which may inadvertently contain tree nuts including almonds, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts that are not declared in the ingredient list or allergy information list. Both affected products include a “Contains Walnuts” and a “May contain other tree nuts” label on the back of the pack.  The recall was initiated after an undeclared nut was found during the production operation. Unilever has not received any reports of illness associated with this product, but the company is voluntarily recalling this product out of an abundance of caution. Unilever’s ongoing investigation shows that the issue stemmed from an error from one of its nut suppliers. The situation has been remediated.

Peanut Brittle Labeled as Cashew Brittle - Hercules Candy LLC . of East Syracuse, NY, is recalling its 4 ounce packages of Cashew Brittle Bits because they may contain undeclared peanuts. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

Weis Markets Issues Recall for Undeclared Egg Allergen In WQ Banana Puddin Ice Cream
For Immediate Release
April 17, 2019

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli-Sliced Meats and Cheeses

CDC is investigating a Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat and cheese that has 8 cases with one death in 4 different states - MI, PA, NJ, and NY.  Listeria specimens from ill people were collected from November 13, 2016 to March 4, 2019.

One would expect that Listeria coming in on deli meat or cheese can be spread through the slicer.  Slicer, if not regularly cleaned, can allow build up on the slicer and slicer blade, and then transfer that to other products.  Heat generated by the slicer, and the fact that the slicer sitting at room temperature, can allow for growth of the organism over the day.

CBS News 
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/listeria-outbreak-linked-to-deli-meats-turns-deadly/
Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats turns deadly
By Ashley Welch
April 18, 2019 / 5:20 PM/ CBS News

Raw Ground Tuna Used in Sushi Dishes Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

Jensen Tuna of Louisiana is voluntarily recalling frozen ground tuna imported from JK Fish, because it may potentially be contaminated with Salmonella.  The recall comes after thirteen people became infected with a strain of Salmonella Newport.  These cases have been reported from seven states with illnesses start dates ranging from January 8, 2019 to March 20, 2019.

The frozen ground tuna is used in sushi or other dish where raw ground tuna is used. "In interviews, ill people answered questions about the foods they ate and other exposures in the week before they became ill. Nine (75%) of 12 people interviewed reported eating sushi from a restaurant or grocery store. This proportion was significantly higher than results from a survey Cdc-pdf[PDF – 787 KB] of healthy people in which 5% reported eating sushi, sashimi, or ceviche made with raw fish or shellfish in the week before they were interviewed. Of the nine people with information about their sushi exposure, nine (100%) reported eating a sushi item containing raw tuna or raw “spicy tuna.”"

Ground tuna is more of an issue for sushi in that there is more handling and preparation including a grinding application.  Should a contaminate get into the grinder, it can be easily mixed into the product.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm636166.htm
Jensen Tuna of Louisiana is Voluntarily Recalling Frozen Ground Tuna Imported from JK Fish, Because it may Potentially be Contaminated with Salmonella
For Immediate Release
April 16, 2019

Chocolate Chip Cookies Recalled After Complaints of Choking

Mondelēz Global LLC is recalling certain lots of Chewy Chips Ahoy cookies after receiving complaints for "potential adverse health effects"  (probably a potential choking issue or difficulty in swallowing) due to the product may contain an unexpected solidified ingredient.   This was probably the result of improper mixing where an ingredient formed hardened particulates in formed cookie rather than a uniform chewy texture. "A spokeswoman for the snack company, said in an email Wednesday to The Washington Post that there were instances in which the cornstarch “did not fully incorporate in the mixing procedure and solidified in the baking process.” Link

From a Food Safety Plan design perspective, this would be regarded as a potential physical hazard issue to be included at the ingredient mixing step.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm636197.htm
Mondelēz Global LLC Conducts Voluntary Recall of Certain Chewy Chips Ahoy 13oz Due to Unexpected Solidified Ingredient in Product in the US
For Immediate Release
April 13, 2019

African Swine Fever - Impact on Meat Supply

In Asia, a deadly pig virus has devastated East Asian farms with loses over a million hogs.    With a 30% reduction in pork in the largest pork producing country, China, there will be an increased demand to fill this gap pushing worldwide meat prices higher .

African Swine Virus does not affect humans, but can be very deadly for hogs.  There have not been any cases in the US and the USDA has been working to prevent introduction of the virus by the way of trade into the US. In March,  USDA-trained detector dogs played a major role in the seizure of smuggled pork from China.

The viruses are in the Asfarviridae family of viruses which are all enveloped and have double-stranded DNA genomes.  It was identified in the early 1900s.  The virus is found in warthogs and bushpigs with no ill effect, but causes a haemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates in domestic pigs.  The acute form of the virus can kill a pig within days.  Wild bores are thought to be an important vector for spreading the disease.

Bloomberg
Markets
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-04-11/meat-prices-seen-rising-as-deadly-virus-wipes-out-chinese-hogs
Meat Prices Seen Rising as Deadly Virus Wipes Out Chinese Hogs
By Irene Garcia Perez
April 11, 2019, 11:24 AM EDT

Feds Seek Injunction Against Lancaster, PA Farm for Selling Unregulated Meat

The US Department of Justice is seeking to stop a Lancaster, PA farm from selling meat without inspection.  The farm had been selling the un-inspected meat as part of an exclusive membership club as a way to get around Federal regulations.

Lancaster Online
Full Story - https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/department-of-justice-sues-lancaster-county-farm-to-enforce-food/article_1c959144-5ba0-11e9-ac71-3bc66931701c.html
Department of Justice sues Lancaster County farm 'to enforce food safety laws'
 HEATHER STAUFFER | Staff Writer  Apr 10, 2019 Updated Apr 10, 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending April 13, 2019

Forgot to Add Pork to the Venison Sausage Label - Yoakum Packing Co., a Yoakum, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 12,388 pounds of smoked venison sausage that contains pork products that were not represented on the label.  The problem was discovered during routine labeling verification by FSIS on April 10, 2019.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-045-2019-release
Yoakum Packing Co. Recalls Venison Sausage Products Due to Mislabeling
Class II Recall 045-2019
Health Risk: Low
Apr 10, 2019

TX 'Marketing' Company Recalls Sandwiches After FDA Tests Positive for Listeria

Great American Marketing Company of Houston, Texas is recalling Ready to Eat Sandwiches, Wraps and Salads after FDA tested and found Listeria monocytogenes on the processing equipment.  Recalls were released on both FDA and USDA websites since this was a dual jurisdiction facility.

These sandwiches appear to be sporting a shelf-life of at least 10 to 12 days based upon the date of recall to the last day that product was shipped.  This would provide sufficient time for Listeria growth at refrigeration temperatures.  (You wonder if people know they are buying / eating a 10 day old sandwich....perhaps the manufacturer is a great marketing company.)

Great American Marketing Company Recalls Ready To Eat Products Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
April 9, 2019

Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Pre-cut Melons

CDC is investigating a Salmonella outbreak that has been linked to precut melons - watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe - produced by Cato Foods, LLC.  To date, there have been 93 reported cases of Salmonella infection associated with this product.

Caito Foods recalled the fresh cut watermelon, fresh cut honeydew melon, fresh cut cantaloupe and fresh cut mixed fruit containing one of these melons, produced at the Caito Foods facility in Indianapolis.  The products were packaged in clear, plastic clamshell containers and distributed in sixteen states including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Caito Foods had a similar situation last summer where melon product was the source of Salmonella that caused 77 cases of illness.    Facilities packing fresh cut melon product have to have tight controls on washing process.  Facilities also have to work with suppliers.to ensure that bacterial pathogens are minimized through the use of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and adhere to the FSMA Produce Rule  In this case, the melons were imported, so these foreign suppliers must be working to meet US standards.  With as much produce as this company is processing, based on extent of distribution, if melons coming in have sufficient contamination and the internal washing systems do not remove the contaminate, that contamination will be passed to the consumer.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm635948.htm
Caito Foods, LLC Voluntarily Recalls Fresh Cut Melon Product Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
April 12, 2019

CDC's Preliminary Investigation Links E. coli Outbreak to Ground Beef

CDC issued a preliminary investigative report that is linking ground beef to the ongoing E. coli outbreak.  In this outbreak, there are now 109 cases with 17 hospitalizations. There have been no cases of HUS.   The last linked illness case started on March 26, 2019

There were no specific supplier, retailer, or brand of ground beef identified at this point.

As we know, there are many out there who undercook ground beef or do not use a valid method to verify cooking (yeah, a thermometer).

CDC - Investigation Notice
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2019/o103-04-19/index.html
Outbreak of E. coli O103
Illustration with a microscope and text reading Investigation Notice
Posted April 12, 2019 at 3:15 PM ET

FDA Issues Final Rule on Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizers

FDA released a final rule on hand sanitizers for assurance of effectiveness and safety.  Basically, they listed three benzalkonium chloride, ethyl alcohol (60 to 95 percent), and isopropyl alcohol (70 to 91.3 percent) that can be submitted for evaluation of safety and effectiveness data necessary "to make a determination regarding whether these active ingredients are generally recognized as safe and effective for use in OTC consumer antiseptic rub products." At this time, the FDA does not intend to take action to remove hand sanitizers containing these three active ingredients from the market - "less than 3% of the marketplace will be affected by the issuance of this final rule, as most OTC consumer antiseptic rubs use ethyl alcohol as the active ingredient."

"The following list includes those active ingredients addressed in the 1994 TFM for use in antiseptic hand washes or healthcare personnel hand washes and identified in the 2016 Consumer Antiseptic Rub proposed rule as having inadequate evidence of eligibility for evaluation under the OTC Drug Review for use in an OTC consumer antiseptic rub:

• Benzethonium chloride
• Chloroxylenol
• Chlorhexidine gluconate [2]  
• Cloflucarban
• Fluorosalan
• Hexachlorophene
• Hexylresorcinol
• Iodine complex (ammonium ether sulfate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate)
• Iodine complex (phosphate ester of alkylaryloxy polyethylene glycol)
• Methylbenzethonium chloride
• Nonylphenoxypoly (ethyleneoxy) ethanoliodine
• Phenol (equal to or less than 1.5 percent or greater than 1.5 percent)
• Poloxamer iodine complex
• Povidone-iodine 5 to 10 percent
• Secondary amyltricresols
• Sodium oxychlorosene
• Tribromsalan
• Triclocarban
• Triclosan
• Triple dye
• Undecoylium chloride iodine complex"

DA News Release
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm635793.htm
FDA issues final rule on safety and effectiveness of consumer hand sanitizers
Action completes a series of actions on the FDA’s review of OTC antiseptic active ingredients
For Immediate Release
April 11, 2019

USDA Posts Guide to Food Product Date Coding

USDA posted a guide for food code dating. With a push to curb food waste, uniformity in how products are coded will help consumers.

The guide can be found here
(https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/19013cb7-8a4d-474c-8bd7-bda76b9defb3/Food-Product-Dating.pdf ) and is copied below.

A few key points:

• Code dating is not required by federal regulations except for infant formula.  (the USDA does require a "pack date" for poultry products and thermally processed, commercially sterile products to help identify product lots and facilitate trace-back activities in the event of an outbreak of foodborne illness)
• FSIS recommends that food manufacturers and retailers that apply product dating use a “Best if Used By” date
• Best By dates are based on quality not safety.

USDA FSIS

Food Product Dating

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/19013cb7-8a4d-474c-8bd7-bda76b9defb3/Food-Product-Dating.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

Food Product Dating
"Best if Used By" is a type of date you might find on a meat, poultry, or egg product label. Are dates required on these food products? Does it mean the product will be unsafe to use after that date? Here is some background information answering these and other questions about product dating.

Ground Beef Recalled After Two Complaints of Hard Plastic

JBS Plainwell, Inc., a Plainwell, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 43,292 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically, pieces of hard plastic.  The problem was discovered when the establishment received two complaints of green hard plastic in the ground beef products. FSIS was notified on April 5, 2019.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-043-2019-release
JBS Plainwell, Inc. Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class II
Recall  043-2019 
Health Risk:Low
Apr 8, 2019 

Are Gluten-free Restaurant Foods Free of Gluten?

A study out of Columbia shows that gluten-free served in restaurants may contain traces of gluten.  According to FDA regulations, for a food to be considered gluten-free, it must have less than 20ppm of gluten.  "The research showed 32 percent of tests revealed detectable gluten in dishes that were supposed to be gluten-free."

Okay, but how reliable is this study?  The results were uploaded by users (diners) onto a portable device that 'may' be capable of detecting gluten below the 20ppm level.  "And most importantly, these results were voluntarily uploaded by users, who may be more likely to share results that show gluten contamination.”

So  really, we don't know what the true percentage of restaurants that are in error of calling their food gluten-free, or if the food is technically gluten-free according to the regulation.

https://www.mailman.columbia.edu/public-health-now/news/study-measures-gluten-gluten-free-labeled-restaurant-food
Chronic Disease, Food Policy and Obesity Apr. 05 2019
Study Measures Gluten in Gluten-Free Labeled Restaurant Food

USDA FSIS Calls Out Washington Post on Misleading Article on Pork Processing

On the USDA webpage, USDA FSIS posted a rebuttal to an article published in the Washington Post on April 3rd titled" Pork industry soon will have more power over meat inspections".

The main stream media loves to spin new initiatives to make it seem like the government and industry seem like they are in cahoots to make the food supply less safe.  But the reality is that our pork supply is safer and Salmonella, while a concern in all raw meats, has not been involved in major outbreaks.    It was good to see that USDA responded to this article to provide balance.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2019/nr-040819-01
USDA’s FSIS Condemns The Washington Post for False Reporting on a Critical Public Health Issue
April 8, 2019

Study Determines via WGS that Product Contamination Issue Actually a Laboratory Cross Contamination Issue

A study in the International Journal of Food microbiology shows that a 2013 Salmonella contamination case, where Salmonella was found in finished chocolate, was determined to be a laboratory cross contamination issue.  Using whole genome sequencing (WGS), researchers matched the product contaminate with an organism from the laboratory.

WGS of contamination cases should become standard practice for commercial laboratories where their findings of a positive sample will result in large value recalls.  Laboratories should have their positive control strains tested as other positive samples recently found.  Additionally, commercial laboratories should already have an aggressive environmental monitoring program.

International Journal of Food Microbiology

Volume 298, 2 June 2019, Pages 39-43
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168160518307785
Whole genome sequencing used in an industrial context reveals a Salmonella laboratory cross-contamination

Outbreak of E. coli O103 - 73 Cases, Source Still Unknown

CDC is investigating an ongoing outbreak of E. coli O103 infection.  To this point, 72 people have become ill in 5 different states.  Eight people have been hospitalized.  While the primary symptom is bloody diarrhea, the infection can progress to cause damage to the kidney, or HUS.  This is a severe complication with loss of kidney function.  There have not been any cases progressing to HUS.

No source has been identified yet.  Historically, outbreaks such as this have been linked to leafy greens such as romaine or spinach, undercooked ground meat, sprouts, and raw flour.

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/s0405-multistate-outbreak-e-coli.html
CDC Investigation Notice: Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O103 Infections

April 5, 2109

Flame Broiled Hamburgers Recalled After Complaints of Foreign Material - Soft Purple Plastic

AdvancePierre Foods, Inc., an Enid, Okla. establishment, is recalling approximately 20,373 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef patties (frozen RTE flame broiled beef patties). that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically soft purple plastic.  The problem was discovered on April 1, 2019 after the firm received two consumer complaints regarding soft purple plastic found in the product.

Perhaps someone confused dinosaur for beef.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-040-2019-release
AdvancePierre Foods, Inc. Recalls Frozen Beef Patties due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall
040-2019
Health Risk: Low
Apr 2, 2019

Stuffed Sandwiches Recalled for Foreign Material in the Form of Semi-Transparent Plastic

J & J Snack Foods Handhelds Corp., a Holly Ridge, N.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 56,578 pounds of stuffed sandwich products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically semi-transparent plastic.  The problem was discovered when the establishment received consumer complaints. FSIS was notified on April 3, 2019.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-042-2019-release
J&J Snack Foods Handhelds Corp. Recalls Stuffed Sandwich Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall
042-2019
Health Risk: High
Apr 5, 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending April 6, 2019

Mislabeled Soup Results in Allergen Issue - Blount Fine Foods, a Fall River, Mass. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of ready-to-eat chicken soup products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the product contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. The institutional, frozen “Chicken & Poblano Pepper Soup” items, which were labeled incorrectly as “Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup,” The problem was discovered when the firm received a consumer complaint.  (Production issue  - wrong labels used when packing product...simple mistake, costly error, easy to prevent).

Crust Contains Almond Flour Which was Missed in Design of Label - Little Red Rooster Ice Cream Company, d/b/a NadaMoo! (“NadaMoo!”) announced a limited voluntary recall of approximately 26,000 pints of its Strawberry Cheesecake Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert because they contain an undeclared almond ingredient. The recall was initiated as soon as it was discovered that the pie crust inclusions in the Strawberry Cheesecake product containing almond flour as an ingredient was inadvertently filled into packaging that did not declare that ingredient, potentially exposing consumers to an undeclared allergen.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-041-2019-release
Blount Fine Foods Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Soup Product due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen
Class I Recall
041-2019
Health Risk: High
Apr 4, 2019

WA Raw Pet Food Recalled After Testing Finds Listeria monocytogenes

Thogersen Family Farm, a Washington State establishment is recalling raw frozen ground pet food after the State of Washington tested and found the product was positive for Listeria monocytogenes.  While freezing will restrict growth, it does not eliminate it.  And once the food is opened and poured into Rex's bowl, the organism is in the kitchen, on the dog, and on the owner's hands.  And if Rex's owners are older, or have young children, or are immune compromised in some way, they are at an increased risk of illness.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm635396.htm
Thogensen Family Farm Recalls Raw Frozen Ground Pet Food (Rabbit; Duck; Llama; Pork) Because of Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Health Risk
For Immediate Release
April 4, 2019

Tomato Paste Recalled for Potential Can Damage That Can Result in Mold Growth

Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) is recalling a particular lot of its Hunt’s Tomato Paste No Salt Added six ounce cans after complaints were received for mold.  According to the FDA release,  "After the canning process, the final product could have been damaged, creating the potential for mold.  Conagra Brands became aware of the issue after receiving calls from consumers."

So it appears the can had damage  which provided the opportunity for mold (and air) to get into the can.  Since the product is high acid (low pH), mold is the type type of organism that would be most likely to grow.  The damage does not have to be something that is noticeable, even as small as a pin hole will provide enough for microorganisms to get inside.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm635309.htm
Conagra Brands Announces Recall of a Limited Amount of Hunt’s Tomato Paste Cans Due to Potential Presence of Mold
For Immediate Release
April 4, 2019