Topics in Supply and Demand and Sustainability

U.S. organic sales pass $50 billion mark for first time - although the rate of growth is slowing.

Making Food Waste into a Business - As emphasis is put on reducing food waste, some have made utilization of food waste into a business.  This includes using off-spec fruit and vegetables either as part of an ugly produce sales program or to use as a raw material for pressing and blending, using spent brewing grains to make nutrition drinks, or using juice from cooked off chick peas for mayonnaise.

Getting Rid of Plastic Straws - More foodservice / retail operations are phasing out plastic straws.  This includes Whole Foods and Starbucks.  This is as much, or more of a symbolic move as plastic straws are just a small part of the overall plastic waste stream.

A Coffee Cup Recycling Program - With the growing need to curb waste, some are looking at a food container recycling system - once a cup is used, it is collected, washed, and then reused.  We have seen similar systems with pallets and bicycles, why not coffee cups.  (Personally, I'd prefer to bring my own and wash it myself.)

Project Loop - "Loop is a new way to shop, offering about 300 items — from Tide detergent to Pantene shampoo, Häagen-Dazs ice cream to Crest mouthwash — all in reusable packaging. After using the products, customers put the empty containers in a Loop tote on their doorstep. The containers are then picked up by a delivery service, cleaned and refilled, and shipped out to consumers again."  Shipping becomes a hurdle for this.  As well as consumers giving up the ease of use associated with disposable plastic.

Speaking of shipping,
Trucking capacity is in a jam.  Demand for trucking is expanding rapidly as eCommerce grows.  There is a need for more trucks and even a bigger demand for drivers.  Add on that the infrastructure issues (crowded highways, deteriorating roads and bridges).

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending May 25, 2019

There is egg in that salad - New Seasons Market is recalling approximately 60 pounds of Bacon Shallot Potato salad because it may contain undeclared eggs.  This recall was voluntarily initiated after it was discovered that product containing egg was sold in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg.

Milk Missed on Salad Label - Wegmans Food Markets is recalling Wegmans Neptune Salad (UPC begins with 20108831), sold in random-weight packages, in the seafood department at six NY and NJ Wegmans stores on May 16 through May 21, 2019 because the product contains milk not declared on the label.  The recall was initiated after an employee discovered that some packages were labeled incorrectly at these stores.

Dried Apricots has Sulfites, But Not on Label - House of Spices (India) is recalling all lots of 7ounce (200g) packages of "LAXMI DRIED APRICOT" because they may contain undeclared sulfites. The recall was initiated after it was discovered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs that the sulfite-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of sulfites.

Forgot the Mayo (and that there are Eggs in the Mayo) - Hearthside Food Solutions of Woodridge, IL is voluntarily recalling 7-Eleven ‘The Italian Job’ sandwiches, which have an incorrect information panel label that does not declare eggs as an allergen.  In total, 1038 sandwiches were distributed to 362 7-Eleven stores in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois.  The issue was discovered when a sandwich was not scannable at the store.  It was discovered that an obsolete ‘Italian Style Sub’ label was used, which did not declare “reduced fat mayonnaise,” an ingredient that contains eggs.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/new-seasons-market-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-eggs-bacon-shallot-potato-salad
New Seasons Market Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Eggs in Bacon Shallot Potato Salad
Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 22, 2019
FDA Publish Date: May 22, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:Company Name:New Seasons Market
Brand Name:  New Seasons Market
Product Description:  Bacon Shallot Potato Salad

Feed Recall Due to Aflatoxins Expanded

"Cargill’s animal nutrition business is expanding its voluntary recall of select Southern States® feed due to aflatoxin levels that exceed FDA’s action levels. This is an expansion of the recall initiated May 6, 2019 and is the result of Cargill’s internal investigation that identified additional products containing an ingredient provided from the same supplier referenced in the May 6, 2019 recall announcement. The expansion includes products manufactured between October 31, 2018 and March 1, 2019."

Alfatoxin is a type of mycotoxin, or mold toxin, which is produced in raw materials such as corn when that corn or other product has been subject to conditions that allowed mold to grow.  Aflatoxin can had a wide range of effects on the animals fed with the contaminated product

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cargill-expands-previously-announced-voluntary-recall-select-southern-statesr-feed-due
Cargill Expands Previously Announced Voluntary Recall of Select Southern States® Feed Due to High/Excessive/or Elevated Aflatoxin Levels
When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 26, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  May 26, 2019
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Elevated Aflatoxin Levels
Company Name:  Cargill, Inc.
Brand Name:  Southern States
Product Description:  Various animal feed

Who Knew - Everyone has Face Mites

In case you have not seen this story...we all have little mites that live in the pores of our face.  The mites, closely related to ticks, live off of the oils in your hair follicles.  They pose no real risk, except perhaps in certain cases where the numbers of mites gets out of control, resulting in a condition called demodicosis.

Click on the NPR story link to see a video of what these creatures look like.

NPR
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/05/21/725087824/meet-the-mites-that-live-on-your-face
Public Health
Meet The Mites That Live On Your Face

Granola Product Recalled Due to Foreign Material Associated Cashew Ingredient

A marketing company, purely elizabeth, is recalling granola products for unidentified foreign material.   Neither the FDA announcement or the company notice listed what the foreign material is.  But it did state that the foreign material was the cashew supplier's issue.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/purely-elizabeth-voluntarily-recalls-granola-due-potential-presence-foreign-material
purely elizabeth Voluntarily Recalls Granola Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material

Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 22, 2019
FDA Publish Date: May 22, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:
Company Name:purely elizabeth
Brand Name:  purely elizabeth
Product Description:  Granola

Aldi Recalling Bagged Flour Due to Potential E. coli Contamination, Linked to Outbreak Affecting 17

ALDI is recalling All Purpose Flour, which was produced by ADM, after RI Department of Health discovered the organism during sample testing.  The organism isolated from the bag is closely related by whole genome sequencing to the strain of E. coli O26 that has caused an outbreak affecting 17 people in 8 states.  [Okay raw-cookie-dough eaters, time to pay attention.]

ALDI has recalled Bakers Corner All Purpose Flour sold at retail locations in the Northeastern United States due to a potential presence of E. coli.  This product was sourced from an ADM Milling Co. production facility in Buffalo, N.Y. and was distributed to select ALDI stores in 11 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia.

The contamination was discovered during testing of a five-pound bag of Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour by the Rhode Island Department of Health.   There are two lot numbers involved in this recall: Lot L18A02 and L18A03. The products have Best If Used By Dates of Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, 2019. The product was manufactured at ADM’s flour mill in Buffalo, New York.

On May 24, 2019, further DNA analysis found that the E. coli in the unopened sample of flour was closely related by whole genome sequencing to the strain of E. coli O26 that has caused an outbreak affecting 17 people in 8 states.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/association-adm-milling-co-aldi-issues-isolated-recall-5-lb-bakers-corner-all-purpose-flour
In Association with ADM Milling Co., ALDI Issues Isolated Recall for 5 lb. Bakers Corner All Purpose Flour

Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 22, 2019
FDA Publish Date: May 23, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:
Company Name: ALDI
Brand Name: Bakers Corner
Product Description:  Flour

Chicken Soup Recalled Due to Foreign Material - Plastic Pieces

Blount Fine Foods, a McKinney, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 6,690 pounds of soup with chicken products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically plastic. 
The problem was discovered when the recalling firm notified FSIS of consumer complaints.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these product.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-058-2019-release
Blount Fine Foods Recalls Soup with Chicken Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

Class II Recall 

058-2019

Health Risk: Low 

May 23, 2019

Narcotics Hidden in Produce Shipments Are Seized at Border

In the last few days, Federal authorities have seized an enormous amount of drugs at the border which were being smuggled in produce trailers.  One shipment was 930 lbs of meth (methamphetamine) worth $18.5 million.  The other was  242 pounds of cocaine (value - $2.1 million) comingled with a shipment of Bell peppers.

Newsweek - U.S. 
https://www.newsweek.com/methamphetamine-bust-us-customs-and-border-protection-pharr-international-1432404
'Huge' Load of Meth worth $18.5 Million Found in Trailer Carrying Fresh Carrots
By Dan Cancian On 5/22/19 at 7:13 AM EDT

Illinois Establishment Recalls Ground Beef After USDA Testing Finds E.coli O157:H7

Aurora Packing Company, Inc., a North Aurora, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 62,112 pounds of raw beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  The problem was discovered during traceback activities in response to random sample testing by FSIS.   Three have been no reported illnesses.

Aurora Packing Company, Inc. Recalls Beef Products Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination 
Class I Recall
057-2019
Health Risk:High
May 22, 2019

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Ice Cream Facility for Inadequate Listeria Control

FDA issued a warning letter to an Ohio ice cream facility after finding Listeria monocytognes on consecutive inpections still in the facility.  From FDA's perspective, the facility had not done sufficient corrective action to reduce this environmental bacterial pathogen.

FDA stated "Nine environmental swabs collected by FDA during our most recent inspection were positive for L. monocytogenes. Furthermore, environmental swabs collected during our 2018 inspection revealed L. monocytogenes in nine swabs within your facility and environmental swabs collected during our 2017 inspection revealed L. monocytogenes in three swabs within your facility."  Further,  "FDA laboratory analysis of the environmental swabs found the presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes),...... including the same strain found during FDA’s 2018 inspection."

The facility conducted had their own testing and from their results,  "Listeria spp. [was found] in your environment seven times on surfaces adjacent to Zone 1 locations and other non-food contact surface locations within your processing environment including areas within your RTE room. Review of your records finds that your written corrective action procedures were followed each time a positive swab was found in your facility; however, these repeated findings of Listeria in your environment are further evidence that additional measures may be needed in your facility to address Listeria."

Along with this, the inspection noted items of risk including improper use of high pressure hoses which can cross contaminate back onto food surfaces.  "[FDA] investigators observed an employee using a high-pressure hose to spray the floor with water while performing sanitation operations. They observed overspray from the floor onto equipment reported as having been cleaned and from the floor onto unopened buckets of ingredients that were going to be used to produce ice cream the next day."

The other issue was poor drainage from the processing floor - "the design of the production floor does not allow for the proper drainage of water. Water used in the cleaning of equipment pools in various locations throughout the production area of your facility, which can provide harborage areas for pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria."

Once Listeria becomes established in a facility, it can become difficult to eliminate.  The level of positive Listeria swabs are clear indication that corrective actions were not sufficient. The Blue Bell Listeria contamination issue where corrective action to Listeria positive findings were also inadequate. .


FDA WARNING LETTER
Velvet Ice Cream Company 
MARCS-CMS 575444 — 06/05/2019
  Delivery Method:VIA UPSProduct:Food & Beverages
Dairy
Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) 

Vegetable Trays Removed from C-Store After Linked to Salmonella Cases

Vegetable trays made by Del Monte and sold through Kwik Trip convenience stores were removed from sale after being linked to Salmonella cases, 3 in WI and 1 in Minnesota.  The same product sold at Kwik Trip stores last June was linked to a Cyclospora outbreak.  FDA is inspecting the Del Monte facility that produced vegetable trays

FDA Outbreak Investigation
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-infantis-linked-del-monte-vegetable-trays-spring-2019
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Infantis Linked to Del Monte Vegetable Trays, Spring 2019

FDA inspects Del Monte processing facility, joining state authorities from Wisconsin and Minnesota in an outbreak investigation
 May 22, 2019

A More Independent FDA?

An interesting article in Science on giving the FDA more independence citing political wrangling that slows FDA actions.  They cite 7 former commissioners who are "recommending the recasting of the FDA as an independent federal agency apart and distinct from the DHHS . Essential pillars of independence to be embodied in the “new” FDA are to comprise rule-making authority subject to selective Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)–OMB oversight of important regulations, and more independence in its ability to manage litigation (in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice)".

The problem with this....potential impact of activist commissioners.  While FDA may be slow...much of that is that there needs to be strong scientific support before rules can be enacted, and with questions of morality, there needs to be the influence of politics where the majority has an influence on decisions.

Science
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/364/6441/628
When science and politics collide: Enhancing the FDA
Eli Y. Adashi1,   Rohit S. Rajan2,   I. Glenn Cohen2,3
+ See all authors and affiliations
Science  17 May 2019:
Vol. 364, Issue 6441, pp. 628-631
DOI: 10.1126/science.aaw8093

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending May 18, 2019

Salad with Chicken with Undeclared Soy - Caito Foods LLC., an Indianapolis, Ind. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,767 pounds of salad with chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

NY State Finds Product Label Missing Sulfites - US TRADING COMPANY is warning consumers not to consume GLOBAL PRIDE RATTAN SHOOT IN BRINE. The product is being recalled because the product contains Sulfites which is not declared on the labeling. The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors. After analysis, 555.0 ppm of sulfite was detected in the Global Pride Rattan Shoot in Brine 24 ounce glass jar which were not declared on the label.

Milk in Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert - Coolhaus is voluntarily recalling its Dairy Free Horchata Frozen Dessert Sandwich because it may contain milk.  Only one consumer complaint has been reported to date.

The Mayonnaise Has Soy GHSW, LLC is voluntarily recalling select salads, wraps and salad bar trays sold two Whole Foods Markets 365 in Texas and at Whole Foods Markets in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas because the product labels fail to declare soy as a sub-ingredient of the mayonnaise used to manufacture the products.  Some of the labels, however state that the products "may contain soy."   The recall was initiated after it was discovered during a label review that mayonnaise containing soy was used in these products and that the packaging did not properly declare the presence of soy.

Missed the Anchovies - MIBO Fresh Foods LLC, a Fort Worth, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 1,460 pounds of salad with meat products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the product contains anchovies which was not declared on the label.  The problem was discovered by a retail store when the mislabeled products were being unboxed to be placed on the retail store shelves.

Missed the Anchovies - Taylor Farms Texas Inc., a Dallas, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 1,079 pounds of Caesar salad with chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the product contains anchovies (fish allergen) which is not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered by a retail store when the mislabeled products were being unpackaged to be placed on the retail store shelves.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-054-2019-release
Caito Foods LLC. Recalls Salads with Chicken Products due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens 
Class I
Recall  054-2019
Health Risk:High
May 17, 2019

IL Establishment Recalls Frankfurters for Foreign Material (Metal)

Vienna Beef Ltd., a Chicago, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,030 pounds of beef frank links products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal.  These items were shipped to food service locations in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The problem was discovered by the establishment and reported to FSIS.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-055-2019-release
Vienna Beef Ltd. Recalls Beef Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I

Recall 055-2019
Health Risk:High 

May 18, 2019

EU - Report on Chemical Residues in Animals and Animal Products

The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) released their 2017 report on the presence of residues of  veterinary medicinal products and certain substances in live animals and animal products in the 

European Union (EU).  The study look at pharmaceutical compounds, antimicrobials, and environmental contaminants such as mycotoxins.   The results showed good compliance with regulations.  Overall in 2017, the percentage of non-compliant targeted samples (0.35%) was comparable to the previous 10 years (0.25%–0.37%).

This may serve as a good reference if importing animal products from the EU.

EFSA Technical Report
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/sp.efsa.2019.EN-1578
Report for 2017 on the results from the monitoring of veterinary medicinal product residues and other substances in live animals and animal products

APPROVED: 8 February 2019

Tahini Product Recalled after linked to Four Cases of Salmonella

Broddzenatti Holding LLC of Jupiter, Florida is recalling retail and bulk Karawan brand Tahini, sold in 16-ounce jars and 39-pound buckets that were imported from Palestine between the dates of December 2018 to January 2019, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Four (4) illnesses have been reported to date
This recall has been initiated due to New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene laboratory results from two samples of Karawan brand tahini testing positive for Salmonella.

There have been some recent recalls of tahini due to salmonella ( February of 2019,  May of 2018), as well as Listeria (January of 2019).

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/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/broddzenatti-holding-llc-recalls-karawan-brand-tahini-because-possible-health-risk
Broddzenatti Holding LLC. Recalls Karawan Brand Tahini Because Of Possible Health Risk
 
Summary

Company Announcement Date: May 15, 2019
FDA Publish Date: May 16, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Food & Beverage Safety, Potential Foodborne Illness, Salmonella
Company Name:Broddzenatti Holding LLC
Brand Name:  Karawan
Product Description:  Tahini

This Week in Mislabeled Food Products for Week Ending May 11, 2019

Raisins With Sulfites Not on Label -  Deshi Distributors LLC. of Jamaica, NY, is recalling its 3.5 oz,  7 oz and 14 oz  packages of Deshi “Golden Raisins”  because they contained undeclared sulfites. The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspector and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the 7 oz. packages of Deshi “Golden Raisin” which were not declared on the label.

Label Misses that Bread Crumb Ingredient has Soy - Santa Fe Importers, Inc., a Long Beach, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken meatball products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the products contain soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the products label.  Santa Fe Importers, Inc. notified FSIS of the problem after the company learned that the bread crumbs used to make the meatballs contained soy lecithin.

This is the Bread Crumb with Soy - ICCO Cheese Company, Inc. (ICCO) of Orangeburg, New York, recalled Gia Russa Unseasoned Whole Grain Bread Crumbs and Gia Russa Italian Seasoned Whole Grain Bread Crumbs because they may contain undeclared walnuts and pecans.  This recall was triggered by a consumer complaint. ICCO informed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and launched an internal investigation. The presence of walnuts and pecans was discovered in the product through third-party laboratory testing. The source of the tree nut allergen is believed to be the bread used by a supplier of the bread crumbs used by ICCO to repack the product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/deshi-distributors-llc-issues-alert-undeclared-sulfites-deshi-golden-raisins
Deshi Distributors LLC Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in Deshi “Golden Raisins”

Smoked Salmon Recalled in Florida After Positive Listeria Testing

Seven Seas International USA, LLC of St. Petersburg, Florida is recalling its 4 oz. Biltmore Smoked Sockeye Salmon after routine sampling program by the Florida Department of Agriculture revealed that some of the finished product samples tested positive for Listeria.  The 4 oz. Biltmore Smoked Sockeye Salmon was distributed only in Florida by Publix Grocery stores.

According to the recall, only products with Production Code 41CM and a sell by date of 23rd May 2019 are subject to this recall.  According to the notice, "All subsequent production codes were tested and found not to contain the bacteria."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/seven-seas-international-usa-llc-recalls-biltmore-smoked-sockeye-salmon-because-possible-health-risk
Seven Seas International USA, LLC Recalls Biltmore Smoked Sockeye Salmon Because of Possible Health Risk

Company Announcement Date: May 14, 2019
FDA Publish Date: May 15, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Fish Reason for Announcement: Food & Beverage Safety, Potential Foodborne Illness, Listeria
Company Name: Seven Seas International USA, LLC
Brand Name: Biltmore
Product Description:  Wild Smoked Sockeye Salmon

FDA Begins Testing Program for Frozen Berries

FDA began a testing program for frozen berries for Hepatitis A and norovirus.  Frozen berries have been linked to three hepatitis A virus outbreaks and one norovirus outbreak in the United States from 1997 to 2016.  Because these berries are often eaten without cooking, such as used in smoothies or added to food like yogurt, they can transfer these virus to consumers, if present.

The sampling began in November and is estimated to last approximately 18 months and will test approximately 2000 samples. "The agency is collecting domestic samples of frozen berries in retail packaging from processors, distribution centers, warehouses, and retail locations. The agency is also collecting import samples from ports of entry, importer warehouses, or other storage facilities where foreign goods are cleared for entry into the country. "

FDA Constituent Update
https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-sampling-frozen-berries-harmful-viruses
FDA Sampling Frozen Berries for Harmful Viruses
Constituent Update
May 9, 2019

NY Establishment Recalls Raw Milk Cheese After Positive Listeria Test

Mecox Bay Dairy, LLC, is recalling their Mecox Sunrise washed-rind Tomme style cheese after routine testing by New York State Agriculture and Markets Division of Milk Control revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of Mecox Sunrise cheese.

Mecox Dairy is a NY establishment.  According to the label, the cheese is a raw milk cheese which has been aged for more than 60 days.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mecox-bay-dairy-llc-recalls-mecox-sunrise-cheese-because-possible-health-risk
Mecox Bay Dairy, LLC Recalls “Mecox Sunrise” Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk

Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 09, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  May 09, 2019
Product Type:  Food & Beverages   Cheese/Cheese Product
Reason for Announcement:  Food & Beverage Safety, Potential Foodborne Illness, Listeria
Company Name:  Mecox Bay Dairy, LLC
Brand Name:  Mecox Bay Dairy
Product Description:  Mecox Sunrise Cheese

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending May 4, 2019

Conagra Brands, Inc., a Russellville, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,094,186 pounds of frozen entrees due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the product contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The product, P.F. Chang’s Home Menu Chicken Pad Thai and Chicken Fried Rice, are frozen, heat treated, not fully cooked and not shelf stable entree product and were produced on various dates between Oct. 1, 2018 and April 11, 2019.  "The problem was discovered when Conagra Brands, Inc. conducted a routine label verification check and determined that the product did not declare milk on the label."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-049-2019-release
Conagra Brands, Inc. Recalls Chicken Pad Thai and Chicken Fried Rice Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Class I Recall

049-2019
Health Risk: High 

May 4, 2019

Topics in Supply and Demand - PA is Snack Food Capital, What is Local

PA is Snack Capital of the World - The NPR article How The Pennsylvania Dutch Turned A Rural Town Into A Snack Food Empire discusses how SE PA became snack food capital of the world.  It's the pork fat....bang.

Many Food Shoppers Want to Buy 'Local", but What is "Local"? - In a survey, it was found that buying 'local' depends on the shopper's view as well as the type of food they are buying.  While produce is considered local if it is from the same city, local for meat is the same state.  In many ways, the term "local" is becoming like the term "natural"....more of a relative thing.

Sales of Alkaline Water is Increasing - Bottled water accounts for 13.2 billion in sales (US) but specialty waters increased by 12.9% and represents 2.1 billion in sales.  Bottled alkaline water, water with a pH > 7.0, is in this group and has been hyped as having multiple health benefits.  But medical research does not prove this out.

 A Sweeter tasting Cap'n Crunch - Cotton Candy Cap’n Crunch cereal is set to hit shelves this summer...kind of like sugar flavored sugar.

Arkansas Establishment Expands Recall of Chicken Strips After Additional Complaints of Foreign Material Received

Tyson Foods, Inc., a Rogers, Ark. establishment, is expanding a recall originally posted on March 21 to now include a total of recalling 11,829,517 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken strip products due to the potential contamination with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of metal.
The frozen, ready-to-eat chicken strip items were produced on various dates from Oct. 1, 2018 through March 8, 2019 and have “Use By Dates” of Oct. 1, 2019 through March 7, 2020.

The first recall was issued when FSIS received two consumer complaints of extraneous material in the chicken strip products. In that recall, Tyson recalled 69,000 lbs of meat.  FSIS is now aware of six complaints during this time frame involving similar pieces of metal with three alleging oral injury.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-034-2019-exp-release
Tyson Foods, Inc. Recalls Chicken Strip Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall

034-2019 EXP
Health Risk: High 

May 4, 2019

FDA Wants to Move to a New Era of Smarter Food Safety

FDA released a statement on 'A New Era of Smarter Food Safety'.  What does this mean?  There will be a push to move tracking and measurement systems to electronic format that can be easily monitored and tracked.  While the word 'blockchain' was not stated, one could assume this will be part of that picture.

From the release - "it’s time to look to the future of food safety once again, with a view that builds on the progress we’re making with our regulatory framework, but also leverages the use of new and emerging technologies to create a more digital, traceable and safer system. That’s why, today, we’re announcing a “New Era of Smarter Food Safety” to augment our efforts implementing important FSMA requirements while also leveraging, among other things, the use of new and emerging technologies."

In a blockchain type of environment, not only will lot codes be tracked, but also the parameters associated with that given lot.  This will make tracking data transparent to producers, processors, retailers, and ultimately consumers.

This train is coming...not sure when or how fast it will be going, but it is coming.  Now whether the industry will have the inclination to undertake..we'll see.

Statement from Acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless, M.D., and Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas on steps to usher the U.S. into a new era of smarter food safety
For Immediate Release:April 30, 2019

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Rendering Facility Regarding Tallow with Pentobarbital

The U.S.FDA issued a warning letter to JBS USA urging the company to take corrective actions at their Souderton PA rendering facility regarding the continued production and sale of beef tallow that may contain pentobarbital, a drug used for anesthetizing and euthanizing animals.  "FDA alleges that JBS Souderton, doing business as MOPAC, continued to sell adulterated products after receiving formal notification of pentobarbital contamination from a customer on Feb. 13, 2018, and after formal notification of positive pentobarbital samples from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on or about April 5, 2018."

The Meatingplace article, also states "According to FDA, MOPAC said that as of May 2018 it had made several changes to try to correct the problems, everything from requiring suppliers to sign guarantees that they do not pick up euthanized animals to extensive tank cleaning to random testing of tallow. But the agency collected a sample on August 2018 from a tank that was positive with trace levels of pentobarbital, indicating the company’s efforts were not sufficient. Samples taken at customers’ facilities also indicated levels of pentobarbital, the agency noted

Meatingplace
http://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/85383
FDA tells JBS to stop selling beef tallow contaminated with euthanasia drug 
By Tom Johnston on 5/3/2019

FDA Issues Alert on French Soft-Ripened Cheese for Potential Listeria Contamination

FDA issued a public health alert for l’Explorateur soft ripened cheese due to the potential for Listeria contamination. This is a pasteurized, cow’s milk cheese that was made in St. Simeon, France and distributed throughout the U.S."The FDA advises consumers and retailers to not eat, sell, or serve cheese labeled as l’Explorateur."

The same brand of cheese was recalled a year ago, also due to Listeria. 

FDA Public Health Alert
LINK
Public Health Alert Concerning a Possible Listeria Contamination of French Soft Ripened Cheese
May 3, 2019