Developing a Food Fraud Prevention System

Over the past several years, we have had more questions on food fraud and developing a program to prevent the potential for food fraud.  An article in Food Safety News this past month, discusses a Food Fraud Management System.   Like a HACCP or even more so, a Food Defense system, it entails conducting a vulnerability assessment and identifying mitigating actions.  One of the key takeaways from the article, and it certainly makes sense, this system must constantly evolve.  It is not a system that can be developed and then be shelved for a year.  It requires continuous surveillance and probing by employees throughout the organization.

Food fraud is not a known risk, it is a risk that can emerge out of nowhere as a perpetrator finds a new way to take advantage of a vast food supply chain.  Catching this may not be an easy task, especially for one person assigned to the task.

Food Safety Magazine
https://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/magazine-archive1/december-2019january-2020/reducing-the-risk-of-fraud-in-the-spice-industry/
Reducing the Risk of Fraud in the Spice Industry
By Jill Hoffman

FDA Update on E. coli Outbreak Associated with Romaine from Salinas CA - Dec 19

FDA provided an update on the E. coli Outbreak associated with Romain from Salinas CA.  There are not 138 cases with 72 hospitalizations.  The last case reported is now Dec 1, 2019.

Wisc Dept of Health found the outbreak strain of E. coli in a bag of Fresh Express brand Leafy Green Romaine collected from an ill person’s home.  This allowed them to identify one of the growers who also provided Romaine to others linked to this outbreak.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-linked-romaine-salinas-california-november-2019
Investigation of E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Linked to Romaine from Salinas, California, November 2019
FDA continues to warn against eating romaine from Salinas; farm investigations continue

December 19, 2019

Case Counts

• Total Illnesses: 138
• Hospitalizations: 72
• Deaths: 0
• Last illness onset: December 1, 2019
• States with Cases: AZ (3), CA (4), CO (6), FL (2), IA (1), ID (3), IL (10), MD (5), MI (1), MN (5), MT (1), NE (2), NJ (9), NC (2), NM (2), OH (12), OR (1), PA (17), SC (1), SD (1), TN (1), TX (6), VA (6), WA (4), WI (33)

CDC Alert on Listeria Outbreak Associated with Hard-boiled Peeled Eggs from GA Processor

CDC issued a food safety alert regarding hard boiled eggs from Alamark Foods as a potential source of Listeria.   "As of December 17, 2019, a total of seven people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from five states...... Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicates that bulk hard-boiled eggs produced by Almark Foods of Gainesville, Georgia, are a likely source of this outbreak." 

These eggs are hard-boiled, peeled, and packaged in plastic pails of various sizes.  It is during the peeling and packaging process where the eggs can become contaminated with Listeria.  Being a RTE product, the eggs will generally be eaten without further preparation, or certainly without preparation that would provide bacterial reduction (deviled eggs for example).  With a 49 day shelf-life at refrigeration temperatures, that is plenty of time to allow for the growth of this psychrotropic pathogen (capable of growth at refrigeration temperatures).


CDC Food Safety Alert
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/eggs-12-19/index.html
Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Hard-boiled Eggs
Posted December 18, 2019 at 6:30 PM ET

FDA Warning Letter to RTE Cheese Processor

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a cheese facility in Miami.  Issues include no Preventive Control Plan and really poor GMPs (dripping condensate, leaking pipes, and inadequate sanitation).  And they are producing RTE cheese product of some sort.

The thing that gets you is the company name....US Dairy Unlimited.   You are thinking with a name like that, that is a serious operation.  Could have called it Ury's Cheese, but who would buy that.  But US Dairy Unlimited....there are no limits to what they can do, or so one would think.

But looking at the facility (based on address from notice on Google Map Street view), it looks like nothing like Dairy Unlimited.  Not to say they can't make good products, but if this is your supplier, you may want to investigate a little closer.  For example, your purchasing person informs you that they have contracted a new co-packer....US Dairy Unlimited.  What supplier approval process granted this?

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/us-dairy-unlimited-llc-590413-11192019
WARNING LETTER
U.S. Dairy Unlimited, LLC
MARCS-CMS 590413 — November 19, 2019

Tracking the E. coli Outbreaks - 3 Current Outbreaks

There are three current E. coli outbreaks that are being tracked by governmental agencies.  They appear to be unrelated. All are E. coli O157:H7, but they have been identified as different strains due to genetic differences. 
(Perhaps it is time to name these outbreaks like the Weather Channel has done with hurricanes and now does with storms.)

1. Salinas Romaine Lettuce

• 102 cases with 58 hospitalizations in 23 states
• Last case - November 18
• Source Romaine lettuce from Salinas CA

2. Salad kits from Fresh Express

• 8 cases with 3 hospitalizations in 3 states
• Last case - November 15
• Source Salad item, possibly Romaine lettuce

3. Washington Evergreen Restaurant

• 13 cases with 3 hospitalizations in one state (WA), Multiple outlets of one restaurant chain
• Last onset case - November 15
• Source not yet known

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-linked-romaine-salinas-california-november-2019
Investigation of E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Linked to Romaine from Salinas, California, November 2019
FDA continues to warn against eating romaine from Salinas; farm investigations continue
Updated December 12, 2019
Case Counts

• Total Illnesses: 102
• Hospitalizations: 58
• Deaths: 0
• Last illness onset: November 18, 2019
• States with Cases: AZ (3), CA (4), CO (6), FL (1), IA (1), ID (3), IL (1), MD (4), MI (1), MN (3), MT (1), NE (1), NJ (7), NC (1), NM (2), OH (12), OR (1), PA (8), SD (1), TX (4), VA (4), WA (2), WI (31)

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending December 14, 2019

Wrong Product Put in Package - Tropical Nut and Fruit Co. is voluntarily recalling their 25lb box of Truly Good Foods South of the Border nut mix because it contains undeclared soy and tree nut (almonds).  The voluntary recall was initiated after it was discovered that the wrong product was packaged inside the South of the Border box, therefore containing different allergens from what is stated on the label.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tropical-nut-and-fruit-co-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-and-tree-nut-almonds-their-truly-good
Tropical Nut and Fruit Co. Issues Allergy Alert of Undeclared Soy and Tree Nut (Almonds) on Their Truly Good Foods South of the Border Mix
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 06, 2019 

FDA Publish Date: December 06, 2019

Product Type:Food & Beverages  Snack Food Item  Allergens 

Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared almond and soy
Company Name:Tropical Nut and Fruit Co. 

Brand Name:  Truly Good Foods
Product Description:  South of the Border nut mix

Smoked Salmon Recalled for Potential Listeria Contamination After FDA Testing

A Wallkill, NY establishment is recalling Cold Smoked Salmon after routine FDA environmental sampling and analysis determined that the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/catsmo-llc-recalls-smoked-salmon-because-possible-health-risk
CATSMO LLC. Recalls Smoked Salmon Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 10, 2019
FDA Publish Date: December 10, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages  Fish  Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement: Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: CATSMO LLC
Brand Name: CATSMO LLC
Product Description: Cold Smoked Salmon (whole fillets and specialty cuts)

NC - Police Find $3 Million in Barrels of Pork Shoulders

Police in NC discovered $3 million in cash hidden in a barrels of raw pork shoulders during a routine traffic stop of a tractor trailer.  The truck was believe to be headed to the US Mexican border and the cash was part of a drug money collection.


NY Daily News
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/ny-three-million-in-cash-found-in-barrels-of-pork-in-north-carolina-20191211-at43radszfbpbgea2hwtkfcuzy-story.html
$3M in cash found in barrels of raw pork shoulder during traffic stop
Nelson Oliveira
By NELSON OLIVEIRA
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS |
DEC 11, 2019 | 10:24 AM

Talk about a piggy bank.

Why Does Bird Flu Not Cause a Major Outbreak in Humans?

Have you ever wondered why bird flu, although really bad for birds, is not as much an issue in humans?  Recent research provides us evidence of what is going on.  We'll attempt to summarize.

First, flu viruses are designated by two surface proteins H and N.
H - hemagglutinin, which enables the virus to infect human and animal cells where it can multiply,
N - neuraminidase, which helps the virus’s offspring to extract themselves from the infected cell.

So the virus enters the host cell, has the host replicate virus RNA which is used to make new viruses, and the high number of newly minted viruses explode out of the cell.  A person becomes sick as they fight off the viruses.  Worst case is when a person encounters new variants of  virus, that have different proteins including H and N, as would be the case with people getting a bird flu variant.  In this case, it takes the body longer to react to novel proteins of the variant, and the body has less defense system in place to fight the new virus.  The body reacts violently to counter the new virus, and it is this, the body's own defense system, that can be damaging (high fever, excessive phlegm, etc).

What this study found was that although the bird flu virus can infect a person, it does not replicate (make new virs) easily and thus does not spread easily.  The reason - the bird virus when in the human, does not produce a sufficient quantity of a protein, designated M1, responsible for getting the RNA out of the nucleus to begin making the new viruses in the cytoplasm of the host cell.   In humans, the bird viral RNA is spliced differently, making a protein called M2.

“Alternative splicing regulates which proteins are ultimately made from a single gene, because many genes code for more than one protein. When human cells are attacked by bird flu, this element ensures that more M2 rather than M1 protein is produced.”

May there be other factros? Sure.

 “How pathogenic an avian flu virus is and whether or not it has pandemic potential depends, of course, on many factors,” says Selbach. “A study on cell cultures cannot cover all these factors. Nevertheless, it might be useful in future to include an analysis of this RNA segment in the risk assessment of avian influenza viruses.”

https://www.mdc-berlin.de/news/press/what-blocks-bird-flu-human-cells
What blocks bird flu in human cells? 

Salad Kits Linked to E. coli Outbreak Affecting Eight, Not Same Strain as from Salinas Romaine Outbreak

CDC and other agencies are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 infections.  There have been 8 cases with 3 hospitalizations.  The cases of illness started on dates ranging from November 5, 2019, to November 15, 2019

Information collected to date indicates that Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp chopped salad kits are a likely source of this outbreak.  Of seven ill people with information available, all seven (100%) reported eating any leafy green in the week before their illness started. Six ill people reported eating or maybe eating a Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp chopped salad kit.  It is not yet known if this outbreak is related to a current outbreak linked to romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California, growing region, but the outbreak is caused by a different strain of E. coli O157:H7 than the current outbreak linked to romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California, growing region.

CDC Food Safety Alert
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2019/o157h7-12-19/index.html
Outbreak of E. coli Infections Linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits
Posted on December 9, 2019 at 6:45 PM ET

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states and Canada, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp chopped salad kit.

At A Glance
Reported Cases: 8
States: 3
Hospitalizations: 3
Deaths: 0
Recall: No

FDA Warning Letter - Ice Cream Facility in MA

FDA sent a Warning Letter to an ice cream facility in MA.  Lots of good things to learn from this inspection.

One of the major issues was that the facility had a Listeria control issue.

One of the first citings was that the establishment said that it did not require a sanitation control for Listeria in the post process environment where the product is exposed.  The facility said that because it had SSOPs, GMPs, and environmental monitoring, these were reasons why it does not have to considered a preventive control.  Doesn't work that way.

our “FSMA/FOOD SAFETY PLAN” issued on June 10, 2019, lists pre-requisite programs (PP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), “PP1- Environmental Monitoring,” “PP3-current Good Manufacturing Practices,” “SSOP1- Cleanliness of Food Contact Surfaces,” and “PP7-SSOPs,” at processing steps where food is exposed to the environment, as reasons that a hazard (e.g., L. monocytogenes) does not require a preventive control. However, for RTE foods exposed to the environment, SSOPs are sanitation controls that are verified by environmental monitoring. These measures should not be considered when determining whether sanitation preventive controls are needed. Environmental monitoring (e.g., Dean Foods’s corporate environmental monitoring program “PP1- Environmental Monitoring Preventive Control” and/or your facility specific “Pathogen Environmental Monitoring Program”) is needed to verify that environmental pathogens are being controlled by the sanitation control measures. 

 Listeria was found in the environment during the FDA inspection, the same strain in some cases that was found during an inspection in 2017.  The firm's own swabbing had found a high level of Listeria.

"from January 2019 through July 2019, 13.4% of all swabs taken were positive for Listeria spp.; from January 2018 through December 2018, 20.9% of all swabs taken were positive for Listeria spp.; and from January 2017 through July 2017, 16.4% of all swabs taken were positive for Listeria spp."

GMP issues (continues)

Frozen Burrito Products Recalled after 3 Consumer Complaints for White Plastic in Product

Ruiz Food Products Inc., a Florence, S.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 55,013 pounds of frozen, not ready-to-eat (NRTE) breakfast burrito products containing eggs, sausage, and cheese that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of plastic.  The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS of three consumer complaints involving pieces of white, semi-rigid plastic found in the product.  There have been no confirmed reports of injuries due to consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-119-2019-release
Ruiz Food Products, Inc. Recalls Frozen Sausage Breakfast Burrito Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall
119-2019
Health Risk:High
Dec 10, 2019

Germany - Federal Report Indicates Campylobacter Rates Still High in Poultry Despite Regulations

In a report issued by the German BVL, the detection rates of Campylobacter remain high with nearly half of the bird carcasses positive with a quarter with counts above 1000 cfu/gr.  This indicates the difficulty in controlling a natural contaminate like Campylobacter in poultry.

German Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL)
https://www.bvl.bund.de/EN/Home/home_node.html
Translated via Google Translate
https://www.bvl.bund.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/01_lebensmittel/2019/2019_11_19_PI_Zoonosen_Monitoring_2018.html
Still high Campylobacter rates in broilers
Process hygiene criterion shows not yet hoped for effect

NJ Firm Recalls Fruit Salad Product After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak in PA Healthcare Facilities

Tailor Cut Produce of New Jersey, is recalling its Fruit luau, cut honeydew, cut cantaloupe and cut pineapple products after they were linked to the Salmonella outbreak in Pennsylvania healthcare facilities.  In this outbreak, 31 people were infected across 4 healthcare facilities.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tailor-cut-produce-recalls-cut-fruit-mix-because-possible-health-risk
Tailor Cut Produce Recalls Cut Fruit Mix Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 07, 2019
FDA Publish Date:December 08, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages  Snack Food Item
Foodborne Illness Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:Tailor Cut Produce
Brand Name: Tailor Cut Produce
Product Description:  Fruit Luau

White Castle Recalls Retail Pack of Hamburger Sliders After Listeria Positive Test

White Castle is recalling their retail hamburger sandwich product / sliders after a third party laboratory tested and found Listeria on finished product.

This is a fully cooked product with heat and serve instructions.

According to the recall announcement, the company "is taking the following actions at the facility where the problem was identified:
•Intensive sanitation and cleaning with guidance from outside food safety experts.
•Aggressively elevating already strong food safety testing and manufacturing guidelines.
•Conducting comprehensive testing to confirm no presence of listeria in the facility. “This voluntary recall is precautionary and is the right thing to do,” said Richardson."

Note that the product is under FDA jurisdiction vs USDA.  This is a closed sandwich which falls under FDA jurisdiction.  (USDA regulations are limited to open faced sandwiches  - "Must contain at least 50 percent cooked meat. Sandwiches are amendable (USDA inspected) only if they are open faced sandwiches."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/white-castle-frozen-food-division-announces-voluntary-recall-limited-production-frozen-sandwiches
White Castle Frozen Food Division Announces Voluntary Recall of a Limited Production of Frozen Sandwiches Sold in Select Grocery Outlets Due to Possible Presence of Listeria Monocytogenes
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 06, 2019
FDA Publish Date:December 06, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages Prepared Food
Foodborne Illness Reason for Announcement: Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:White Castle Frozen Food Division
Brand Name: White Castle
Product Description: Frozen Cheeseburger and hamburger sliders

Salmonella Outbreak in PA Health Facilities Linked to NJ Fresh Fruit Facility

Investigators have found a potential source of the  Salmonella. outbreak in five PA healthcare facilities that has affected 31 people to date.  The outbreak was caused by Salmonella Javiana and has been linked to fruit mix with cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, and grapes from Tailor Cut Produce of North Brunswick, New Jersey.

While it is hard to know what failure may have caused the issue (if indeed this is the source), facilities such as this generally use surface washes with an antimicrobial to reduce potential contamination on the exterior of the produce.  So either the surface treatment(s) was not inadequate or there was a post-wash contamination issue.   Being a high risk populations (people in hospitals and elderly care facilities), a lower level of Salmonella is enough to cause issues.  For facilities knowingly supplying these types of facilities, extra emphasis must be placed on contamination control.

Sourcing is another key...working with growers who follow good agricultural practices, whether those are domestic or foreign growers.

FDA Outbreak Update
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-potentially-linked-tailor-cut-produce-fruit-mix-winter-2019
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Potentially Linked to Tailor Cut Produce Fruit Mix, Winter 2019
Food service companies and institutions in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey should not serve cut fruit from Tailor Cut Produce

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 31

States with Cases: PA 

December 6, 2019

FDA and the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) are investigating an outbreak of illnesses caused by Salmonella Javiana in Pennsylvania. Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicate that fruit mix with cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, and grapes from Tailor Cut Produce of North Brunswick, New Jersey, are a potential source of this outbreak.

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending December 7, 2019

Milk Found in Product - Nassau Candy Distributors of Hicksville, NY is recalling two lots of 7.5 OZ (212g) Nancy Adams, Dark Chocolate Graham Crackers because they may contain undeclared milk allergens. The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of undeclared milk allergens in the 7.5-ounce packages of Nancy Adams, Dark Chocolate Graham Crackers which did not declare a milk ingredient on the label.

Sulfites and Cyclomate Found in Product - Lin’s Waha Int’l Corp of Syosset, NY is recalling its 8.11 OZ (230G) packages of Suantianyangmei Waxberry and Bingtangyangmei Waxberry because they contain undeclared sulfites and cyclamates. The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by the Department’s Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites and cyclamates in these products which were not declared on the labels. Cyclamate is an unapproved ingredient.  What is a waxberry - LINK.

Soy Missing on Label - Blue Grass Quality Meats, an Erlanger, Ky. establishment, is recalling approximately 121,083 pounds of pork bacon and ready-to-eat turkey 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 labels.

CBD Products Come Under Fire from Lawsuits After FDA Warning Letters Issued

As one could have guessed, it did not take long for lawsuits involving CBD products after FDA issued Warning Letters to a number of CBD-related companies.  The lawsuits take on a number of issues including the fact it is not allowed by federal law, that the levels are not controlled, and that THC can be present in the product.

.  "On November 27, plaintiff Adam DaSilva filed suit against Infinite Product Co alleging the company sells food, supplement and cosmetic products that are unapproved new drugs in violation of federal law. DaSilva said in the proposed class action suit that Infinite Product’s CBD products are misleadingly labeled and are illegal to sell. In the complaint, DaSilva pointed to the FDA’s recent warning letter to Infinite Products, detailing numerous violations regarding its products, including skin creams and gummies"

A California company that manufactured chocolate with CBD was "hit with a proposed class action in California federal court claiming the candies don’t contain the advertised amounts of CBD and THC."  There were also a few cases where truck drivers failed THC-in-blood test after using CBD product

National Law Review
https://www.natlawreview.com/article/proposed-class-action-alleges-company-s-cbd-products-violate-federal-law

Proposed Class Action Alleges Company’s CBD Products Violate Federal Law

PA Dept of Health Issues Advisory in SEPA Healthcare Facilities after 29 Cases of Salmonella

The Pennsylvania Dept of Health issued an advisory regarding a Salmonella outbreak in 4 healthcare facilities in southeastern PA.  "To date, we have identified 29 case-patients who spent time during their incubation periods in one of four healthcare facilities experiencing outbreaks, which include two hospitals and two long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Known onset dates range from November 19-November 30, 2019."

https://www.radnor.com/CivicAlerts.aspx
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2019: Health Advisory Regarding Salmonella
Posted on: December 5, 2019

Special Kitty Pet Food Recalled Due to Ingredient Issue

J. M. Smucker Company today announced a voluntary recall of specific lots of Special Kitty® wet, canned cat food due to health concerns potentially associated with ingredients believed to not meet the Company’s quality and safety standards.  Ingesting impacted product may cause nausea with excessive salivation, diarrhea or vomiting to more severe symptoms including difficulty walking, seizures and, in extreme situations, death.   Pet parents (aka pet owners) are encouraged to contact their cat’s veterinarian immediately if their cat is displaying any of these symptoms.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/j-m-smucker-company-issues-voluntary-recall-specific-lots-special-kittyr-wet-canned-cat-food-due
The J. M. Smucker Company Issues Voluntary Recall of Specific Lots of Special Kitty® Wet, Canned Cat Food Due to Health Concerns
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 05, 2019 

FDA Publish Date: December 05, 2019 

Product Type:Animal & Veterinary Pet Food Target Animal – Safety 

Reason for Announcement:  Products don’t meet the Company’s quality and safety standards
Company Name: The J. M. Smucker Company

Brand Name:  Special Kitty
Product Description:  Wet, canned cat food

Bagged Cole Slaw Mix Recalled After Positive Salmonella Sample

Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. is recalling a limited number of cases of Colorful Coleslaw (President's Choice and Marketside brands) after a sample of President’s Choice Colorful Coleslaw yielded a positive Salmonella result in random testing conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dole-fresh-vegetables-announces-precautionary-limited-recall-colorful-coleslaw
Dole Fresh Vegetables Announces Precautionary Limited Recall of Colorful Coleslaw
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 03, 2019
FDA Publish Date: December 03, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential Salmonella Contamination
Company Name:Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.
Brand Name: President’s Choice, Marketside
Product Description: Colorful Coleslaw

FDA Updates Investigation of E.coli Outbreak Linked to Romaine Lettuce from Salinas, CA

FDA issued an update on the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with Romaine lettuce from Salinas CA.   As of December 2, 2019, there have been 102 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 from 23 states. The dates of those who became ill range from September 24, 2019 to November 18, 2019 (announcement date linking outbreak to Romaine as November 22, 2019.)

There are 35 more cases than what was reported on the last update on November 26th.

Outside of the fact that the product was from Salinas, there is no additional information on the distribution or contamination.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-linked-romaine-salinas-california-november-2019.
Investigation of E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Linked to Romaine from Salinas, California, November 2019
December 4, 2019
FDA continues to warn against eating romaine from Salinas, investigate farms, conduct traceback

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 102
Hospitalizations: 58
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: November 18, 2019
States with Cases: AZ (3), CA (4), CO (6), FL (1), IA (1), ID (3), IL (1), MD (4), MI (1), MN (3), MT (1), NE (1), NJ (7), NC (1), NM (2), OH (12), OR (1), PA (8), SD (1), TX (4), VA (4), WA (2), WI (31)

More Flour Recalled Due to Potential E. coli Contamination

Two companies, UNFI and Hodgson Mills, recalled 5lb bags of flower due to potential E. coli contamination.  The Hodgsen products is linked to the ADM recall - "This lot of flour was milled at an ADM Milling Facility in St Louis, MO and repacked at Hodgson Mill, Inc. facility in Effingham, IL and was distributed by Hodgson Mill through retailers and distribution nationwide and sold through our website www.hodgsonmill.com"

No illnesses have been reported.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/unfi-voluntarily-recalls-wild-harvestr-organic-all-purpose-flour-unbleached
UNFI Voluntarily Recalls Wild Harvest® Organic All-Purpose Flour, Unbleached
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 27, 2019
FDA Publish Date:November 27, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential E.coli Contamination
Company Name:UNFI
Brand Name: Wild Harvest
Product Description: Organic All-Purpose Flour

Sushi Products Recalled for Potential Listeria Contamination

Fuji Food Products, Inc. (Fuji) recalled RTE sushi, salads and spring rolls which were produced out their Brockton Massachusetts facility and sold to select retailers and distributors along the East Coast and Upper Midwest, including was sold at retailers including 7 Eleven, Walgreens, Food Lion, Hannaford, Trader Joe’s, Giant Eagle Supermarkets, Porkys, Bozzutos, Supreme Lobster and Superior Foods.. The problem was discovered in their Brockton Massachusetts facility by a routine inspection conducted by the FDA. The company has ceased production and distribution of their products in this facility as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused this problem.  Use-by-dates range form 11/18 to 12/6/2019.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fuji-food-products-inc-voluntarily-recalls-ready-eat-sushi-salads-and-spring-rolls-manufactured-east
Fuji Food Products, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Ready-to-Eat Sushi, Salads and Spring Rolls Manufactured on the East Coast Due to Potential Listeria monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 27, 2019

FDA Publish Date: November 27, 2019 

Product Type:Food & Beverages 

Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes Contamination
Company Name: Fuji Food Products, Inc.

Brand Name:  Okami & Trader Joes
Product Description:  Ready to eat sushi, salads and spring rolls

FDA Warning Letter - Dry Cereal Facility in GA Cited for Insanitary Conditions

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a Georgia cereal manufacturing facility finding that product  have been "prepared packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have become contaminated with filth, or whereby they may have been rendered injurious to health."

The items noted on the inspection:

1. Did not take effective measures to exclude pests from your food plant to protect against contamination of food - lots of bugs.
2. The plant was not constructed in such a manner that drip or condensate from fixtures, ducts and pipes does not contaminate food, food-contact surfaces, or food-packaging materials - many areas with dripping condensate - not a good thing in a dry cereal facility.
3. Equipment and utensils were not adequately maintained to protect against allergen cross-contact and contamination including storing food containers directly on, or close to the ground, and rusted food contact surfaces.
4. Plant floor was in rough shape.

In a dry cereal facility such as this, Salmonella and allergens are two important hazards requiring control.  With the issues cited in this report, the risk of those hazards certainly increases.

FDA Warning Letter
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/california-cereal-products-590804-11192019
California Cereal Products
MARCS-CMS 590804 — November 19, 2019

Miss. Establishment Recalls Chicken Friend Rice After Complaints for Plastic Pieces

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc., an Oakland, Miss. establishment, is recalling approximately 172,692 pounds of chicken fried rice products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of plastic.  The problem was discovered after the firm received consumer complaints. The firm then notified FSIS of the issue.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-117-2019-release
Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. Recalls Chicken Fried Rice Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II
Recall 117-2019
Health Risk:Low
Nov 22, 2019

FDA Updates E. coli Outbreak Linked to Romaine From Salinas, CA

FDA issued an update on the outbreak investigation on the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with Romaine lettuce from Salinas, CA.  There have been additional cases added since the FDA Warning on Romaine as a source was issued on 11/22/19.  There are now 67 cases with 39 being hospitalized.  The last case reported was November 14th.

FDA is now investigating farms in the Salinas area where the product originated.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-linked-romaine-salinas-california-november-2019
Investigation of E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Linked to Romaine from Salinas, California, November 2019
FDA investigating farms in Salinas, warns against eating romaine lettuce from that area, CDC reports increasing case count
November 26, 2019

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 67
Hospitalizations: 39
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: November 14, 2019
States with Cases: AZ (3), CA (4), CO (1), ID (3), IL (1), MD (4), MI (1), MN (3), MT (1), NE (1), NJ (1), NM (2), OH (12), OR (1), PA (3), TX (2), VA (2), WA (1), WI (21)

FDA Issues Consumer Advisory on Products Containing Cannabis Derived Compounds, Including CBD

FDA issued a consumer advisory on products containing cannabis-based ingredients including CBD.  To this point, CBDs are not permitted to be added to food.  There is limited research that demonstrates the safety of the products and there are some major concerns.

Unfortunately, the horse is out of the barn and it will be difficult to get sales of CBD under control.  A good bet will come down to a major lawsuit or two involving some poor saps who took too much and damaged their liver, become psychotic, or similar.  Nothing like a few major cases of illness to get regulations in place.

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD

FDA Taking Stronger Stance on CBD, Issues Warning Letters to 15 Companies Selling CBD

The US FDA took a stronger stance on CBD from hemp.  The FDA issued "warning letters to 15 companies for illegally selling products containing cannabidiol (CBD) in ways that violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act)".   Outside of one product used to treat epilepsy, this compound has not been given GRAS status.  Technically, it is not supposed to be in food, but many companies are adding it.

The reason is that there is still not much research to support the safety of the product.  "Based on the lack of scientific information supporting the safety of CBD in food, the FDA is also indicating today that it cannot conclude that CBD is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) among qualified experts for its use in human or animal food."   There are big concerns regarding the use of CBD,  "including potential liver injury, interactions with other drugs, drowsiness, diarrhea, and changes in mood. In addition, studies in animals have shown that CBD can interfere with the development and function of testes and sperm, decrease testosterone levels and impair sexual behavior in males. Questions also remain about cumulative use of CBD and about CBD’s impacts on vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant or breastfeeding women."

In the FDA statement, FDA "remain[s] concerned that some people wrongly think that the myriad of CBD products on the market, many of which are illegal, have been evaluated by the FDA and determined to be safe, or that trying CBD ‘can’t hurt.’ Aside from one prescription drug approved to treat two pediatric epilepsy disorders, these products have not been approved by the FDA and we want to be clear that a number of questions remain regarding CBD’s safety – including reports of products containing contaminants, such as pesticides and heavy metals – and there are real risks that need to be considered. 

The Warning Letters, issued to 15 companies are those who are using the web to make claims.
"As outlined in the warning letters issued today, these particular companies are using product webpages, online stores and social media to market CBD products in interstate commerce in ways that violate the FD&C Act, including marketing CBD products to treat diseases or for other therapeutic uses for humans and/or animals. Other violations include marketing CBD products as dietary supplements and adding CBD to human and animal foods."

FDA News Release
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-15-companies-illegally-selling-various-products-containing-cannabidiol-agency-details
FDA warns 15 companies for illegally selling various products containing cannabidiol as agency details safety concerns
Violations include marketing unapproved new human and animal drugs, selling CBD products as dietary supplements, and adding CBD to human, animal foods
For Immediate Release:November 25, 2019

Tuna Recall for Histamine Expanded

Northern Fisheries LTD of Little Compton, RI, has expanded their voluntary recall of frozen, wild-caught yellowfin Tuna Medallions (product of Vietnam) to include product sold directly to consumers. This recall is due to potentially elevated levels of histamine. 

The tuna product is imported from Vietnam.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/northern-fisheries-ltd-voluntary-expanded-tuna-recall-press-release
Northern Fisheries LTD. Voluntary Expanded Tuna Recall Press Release
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 22, 2019
FDA Publish Date:November 25, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages Fish
Reason for Announcement: Elevated Histamine Levels
Company Name: Northern Fisheries LTD
Brand Name: Tuna King
Product Description: Yellowfin Tuna Medallions

FDA Issues Warning About Eating Romaine Lettuce from Salinas, CA Due to E. coli O157:H7

FDA issued a warning about eating Romaine lettuce from Salinas, CA after that produce was linked to 40 cases of E.coli O157:H7.  

Salad product from Missa Bay LLC in NJ had already been recalled and this comes after MD Dept of Health had isolated the pathogen from a salad kit.

Retailers and foodservice operations will need to verify the source of lettuce they have and provide that information to consumers.  Product from Salinas will not be sold.   If they can't identify the source, they will not be able to sell it either.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-linked-romaine-salinas-california-november-2019
Investigation of E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Linked to Romaine from Salinas, California November 2019
FDA warns against eating romaine lettuce from Salinas, California
November 22, 2019

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 40
Hospitalizations: 28
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: November 10, 2019
States with Cases: AZ (2), CA (4), CO (1), ID (3), IL (1), MD (3), MI (1), MN (1), MT (1), NJ (1), NM (2), OH (5), PA (3), VA (1), WA (1), WI (10)

CDC Final Report on Cyclospora Cases in 2019

CDC issued the final report on Cyclospora infections in 2019.  There were 2048 cases of infection from this parasite.  Of these cases, 10% were linked to fresh basil, while others were linked to a few different fresh produce items distributed often in commercially sold salads.

Cyclospora is a human parasite (humans are the definitive host).  In humans, "Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms."

"The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about 1 week. If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times (relapse). It’s common to feel very tired."

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/2019/a-050119/index.html
Domestically Acquired Cases of Cyclosporiasis — United States, May–August 2019
Last Updated NOVEMBER 19, 2019 4:00 PM EDT

CDC Report - 2017-2019 Salmonella Infections Linked to Raw Turkey Products

Just in time for Thanksgiving, a reminder of why we need to cook our turkey to the correct temperature and prevent against cross contamination through proper cleaning of surfaces and utensils that came in contact with raw turkey or juices as well as proper handwashing after handling raw turkey and surfaces that can in contact with raw turkey (turkey bag, utensils, etc)

"During 2018–2019, CDC, local and state public health partners, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated a multistate outbreak of 356 Salmonella Reading infections from 42 states and the District of Columbia (DC) linked to turkey. The outbreak strain was isolated from raw turkey products, raw turkey pet food, and live turkeys."

"The two illness subclusters in this outbreak indicate improper handling and cooking of raw turkey products and highlight the need to reinforce consumer education." 

As pointed out by USDA, many factors can affect roasting time, so take them into account.

• A partially frozen turkey requires longer cooking.
• A stuffed turkey takes longer to cook.
• The oven may heat food unevenly.
• Temperature of the oven may be inaccurate.
• Dark roasting pans cook faster than shiny metals.
• The depth and size of the pan can reduce heat circulation to all areas of the turkey.
• The use of a foil tent for the entire time can slow cooking.
• Use of the roasting pan's lid speeds cooking.
• An oven cooking bag can accelerate cooking time.
• The rack position can have an effect on even cooking and heat circulation.
• A turkey or its pan may be too large for the oven, thus blocking heat circulation.

Goal - End point temperature of 165F or higher (use thermometer, check in multiple locations) - the higher the drier, but that is okay.

APPROXIMATE COOKING TIMES
(325 °F oven temperature)
UNSTUFFED (time in hours)

• 4 to 6 lb. breast — 1 1/2 to 2 1/4
• 6 to 8 lb. breast — 2 1/4 to 3 1/4
• 8 to 12 lbs. — 2 3/4 to 3
• 12 to 14 lbs. — 3 to 3 3/4
• 14 to 18 lbs. — 3 3/4 to 4 1/4
• 18 to 20 lbs. — 4 1/4 to 4 1/2
• 20 to 24 lbs. — 4 1/2 to 5

STUFFED (time in hours)

•  Up to 12 lbs. — 3 to 3 1/2
• 12 to 14 lbs. — 3 1/2 to 4
• 14 to 18 lbs. — 4 to 4 1/4
• 18 to 20 lbs. — 4 1/4 to 4 3/4
• 20 to 24 lbs. — 4 3/4 to 5 1/4

CDC MMWR
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6846a1.htm
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Raw Turkey Products — United States, 2017–2019

Hepatitis A Cases Linked to Fresh Blackberries

A hepatitis A outbreak has been "potentially linked" to blackberries sold by the Fresh Thyme grocery store chain.  To date, there have been 11 cases with 6 hospitalizations in 3 states - Indiana, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.    However, the distributor to Fresh Thyme distributes product in 11 states - Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.  While this product was purchased in the month of September (between September 9 and 30), there is concern that the product may have been frozen by some customers.

One would guess that someone involved in harvesting and/or initial distribution would have had the illness.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/21/health/blackberries-hepatitis-a-outbreak-trnd/index.html
Hepatitis A outbreak 'potentially linked' to blackberries from Fresh Thyme stores, officials say
By Harmeet Kaur, CNN
Updated 4:41 PM ET, Thu November 21, 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending November 23, 2019

Chicken Product in Port Casing - BrucePac, a Silverton, Ore. establishment, is recalling approximately 55,550 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken sausage products due to misbranding, the products contain a pork casing, which is not declared on the label.  The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that a third-party consultant identified the mislabeling.

Undeclared Sulfites in Dried Fruit - “Euroline Foods LLC” of Staten Island, NY is recalling its 17.65oz (500 gram) packages of “DRY FRUIT MIX “QUINCE COMPOTE” ” because they contain undeclared sulfites.  The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the 17.65oz (500 gram) packages of “DRY FRUIT MIX “QUINCE COMPOTE”“ which were not declared on the label. Analysis of the “DRY FRUIT MIX “QUINCE COMPOTE” ” revealed they contained 31.7 mg per serving.  (The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reaction in some asthmatics. )

Salad Products Recalled Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Missa Bay, LLC, a Swedesboro, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 75,233 pounds of salad products that contain meat or poultry because the lettuce ingredient may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7,  There have been 17 cases of illness and 7 hospitalizations.  The last case of illness was reported on November 1.  (list of products found here)

The salad products items were produced from October 14, 2019 through October 16, 2019. All of the product that would have been involved in the outbreak is already past the expiration date.

As part of a foodborne illness outbreak investigation, the Maryland Department of Health collected an unopened package of Ready Pac Bistro Chicken Raised Without Antibiotics Caesar Salad with FSIS EST number 18502B on the label. The state collected and tested individual ingredients in the salad and the lettuce tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-115-2019-release
Missa Bay, LLC Recalls Salad Products Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination
Class I Recall
115-2019
Health Risk: High
Nov 21, 2019

Three Lots of Cheese Nips Recalled for Plastic from Misplaced Dough Scrapper

Mondelēz Global LLC is recalling three day lot codes of Cheese Nips (11 oz. Box) product in the United States due to the potential presence of small food-grade yellow plastic pieces from a dough scraper that was incorporated into the production process of a small amount of product. The company became aware of this issue when yellow plastic pieces were noticed on the manufacturing equipment.

How much will that $3 plastic dough scrapper end up costing?

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mondelez-global-llc-conducts-voluntary-recall-limited-quantity-cheese-nips-11-oz-box-product-us-due
Mondelēz Global LLC Conducts Voluntary Recall of Limited Quantity of Cheese Nips (11 oz. Box) Product in the U.S. Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 15, 2019
FDA Publish Date: November 20, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential presence of plastic
Company Name: Mondelēz Global LLC
Brand Name: Nabisco
Product Description: Cheese Nips

Great News for World Toilet Day, New PSU Toilet Bowl Treatment Improves Efficiency of the Flush

Penn State researchers have come up with a toilet bowl surface treatment to help improve efficiency of the flush by helping the removal of the 'stuff'.    The coating makes the toilets 'self-cleaning' in a sense.  No more skid marks!  What better news for World Toilet Day (November 19th).  (Who knew there was a world toilet day?.....How does one celebrate?  Yeah, that Kool and the Gang song is playing in your mind right now, substituting potty for party).

Anyhow, this coating could go a long way in reducing the level of water used in the restroom.  No word on what impact on reducing risk of microbial contamination, but one could expect it would help?

LINK to Video

PSU News
https://news.psu.edu/story/598131/2019/11/18/research/new-slippery-toilet-coating-provides-cleaner-flushing-saves-water
New, slippery toilet coating provides cleaner flushing, saves water Innovative coating could reduce toilet water consumption by half, increase water sustainability
Erin Cassidy Hendrick
November 18, 2019

MD Health Advises Consumers to Avoid Salad Bowl Kits After Linked to E. coli Outbreak

The Maryland Department of Health is advising consumers to not eat Ready Pac Bistro® Bowl Chicken Caesar Salad, lot #255406963, “Best By” date Oct. 31, 2019 after the product was linked to 7 cases of E,coli O157:H7 illness.   According to the report, "Testing of unopened salad purchased by one of the patients identified the presence of E. coli O157 in the romaine lettuce. In addition to Sam’s Club, these salad bowls are distributed to many other retailers. The investigation is ongoing and additional laboratory testing is pending. There have been prior outbreaks of E. coli O157 linked to romaine lettuce."

https://health.maryland.gov/newsroom/Pages/Maryland-Department-of-Health-investigating-E--coli-cluster.aspx

Maryland Department of Health investigating E. coli cluster
November 18, 2019

Cottage Cheese Recalled after Complaints for Plastic and Metal

Kraft Heinz is recalling Breakstone’s Cottage Cheese are voluntarily being recalled due to the potential presence of pieces of red plastic and metal that may have been introduced during production.   The company discovered the issue when it was notified by a consumer of the presence of a piece of red plastic in a container of cottage cheese. There have been six consumer complaints and no reports of illness or injury related to this issue to date

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/select-varieties-breakstones-cottage-cheese-are-voluntarily-being-recalled-due-potential-presence
Select Varieties of Breakstone’s Cottage Cheese are Voluntarily Being Recalled Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 15, 2019 

FDA Publish Date:November 15, 2019 

Product Type:Food & Beverages 

Reason for Announcement:  Potential presence of plastic and metal
Company Name:Kraft Heinz Foods Company
Brand Name: Breakstone’s
Product Description: Cottage Cheese

Europe - Frozen Cooked Crayfish Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

In Sweden, frozen cooked RTE crayfish have been linked to a Salmonella outbreak.  The product was sourced from China.  About 30 people have been infected.

https://vaaju.com/swedeneng/ica-recalls-large-crayfish-after-salmonella-alarms/
Ica recalls large crayfish after salmonella alarms
November 8, 2019 Business 0 Views
by Niklas Eriksson
November 8, 2019 16:21

Natural Grocery Store Recalling Organic Soybeans Due to Mold.

Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc., a Lakewood, Colorado-based natural grocery chain, is recalling Natural Grocers brand 2-pound Organic Soybeans because they have the potential to contain mold.  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of mold.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natural-grocers-issues-recall-organic-soybeans-due-mold
Natural Grocers Issues Recall on Organic Soybeans Due to Mold
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 13, 2019

FDA Publish Date: November 13, 2019 

Product Type: Food & Beverages 

Reason for Announcement: Potential to contain mold
Company Name:Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc.

Brand Name: Natural Grocers
Product Description: Organic Soybeans

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending November 16, 2019

Inspectors Find Label Missing Wheat - Creative Food Processing, a Santa Clara, Calif. establishment is recalling approximately 1,941 pounds of raw chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the product contains wheat, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS inspection.

Clam Soup Labeled as Creamy Cauliflower Soup - Kettle Cuisine of Lynn, MA is voluntarily recalling Marketside Brand Creamy Cauliflower Parmesan Soup 16oz because a limited quantity of retail pots may contain Fish and Wheat allergens not declared on the label.  The problem was discovered when some 16oz retail cups labeled as Marketside Brand Creamy Cauliflower Parmesan Soup were found to contain Clam Chowder.  (I would have been happy to get Clam Chowder instead of Cauliflower Cheese Soup).

CDC Issues Report on Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

CDC released their report on antibiotic resistant infections, and it "shows that there were nearly twice as many annual deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections as CDC originally reported in 2013. Since then, the new report shows, prevention efforts have reduced deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections by 18 percent overall and by nearly 30 percent in hospitals."

While there always seems to be a lot of attention on food, and not that improvements can be made there, the majority of the issues are in hospitals.  On the positive side, the number of deaths are decreasing, however, "resistance to essential antibiotics is increasing in seven of the 18 germs."

CDC News Release
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/p1113-antibiotic-resistant.html?deliveryName=USCDC_1_3-DM13391
More People in the United States Dying from Antibiotic-Resistant Infections than Previously Estimated
Significant progress since 2013 could be lost without more action

Just Another Raw Pet Food Recall Due to Salmonella

Go Raw, LLC, of Cottonwood Utah is recalling its 2lb. frozen bags of “Quest Beef Cat Food” because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.   The Minnesota Dept of Ag sampled and found Salmonella.  The firm tested and did not find the organism

The posting stated this, "This recall is being initiated after the firm was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture when sample was collected and tested positive for Salmonella. The firm did conduct their own test which resulted in a negative result. Salmonella is not evenly distributed throughout a lot which is why it could have been found on a small sample that the Minnesota department of agriculture took.  However, because of their commitment to overall safety and quality, Go Raw, LLC is conducting a voluntary recall of this product. Consumers should also follow the safe handling tips published on the packaging, when disposing of the affected product."

On the company website they state this: "Salmonella - Salmonella breakouts are a fact of life and will occur when there is contamination along the food chain. In fact, Salmonella is one of the main reasons why dry pet foods and human foods will be recalled. However, the bodies of dogs and cats are familiar with salmonella since they have some of it in their alimentary canal. Dr. Karen Becker, an integrative wellness veterinarian, says that salmonella is present in 36% and 18% of all healthy dogs and cats respectively, regardless of what they eat. The nature of dogs and cats is such that they should catch, kill and consume their prey. This means that their bodies are built to handle a variety of bacteria from food, most of which will cause illnesses in humans. If you would like to reduce the chances of a salmonella outbreak, you should consider getting good food locally and ensuring cleanliness in your kitchen."

A few things...one, the pets live in our environment, and so the spread to pet owners and families must be a consideration.   Second, there is this assumption that animals in the wild live a better longer life.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/go-raw-llc-recalls-one-lot-quest-beef-because-possible-salmonella-health-risk
Go Raw, LLC Recalls One Lot of Quest Beef Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk 
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 14, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  November 14, 2019
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary   Pet Food   Beef/Beef Product
Reason for Announcement:  May be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:  Go Raw, LLC
Brand Name:  Quest
Product Description:  Beef Cat Food

China - Two People Contract Plague After Consuming Raw Rodent Parts

Too many people are tempted in being that Bizarre Foods guy....trying exotic food that locals claim is tasty, good for health, and so on. This story should be enough to make you give a second thought before tossing back those raw marmot kidneys. Two people from Inner Mongolia contracted yersinia pestis, the causative agent of the plague or 'Black Death' after consuming raw marmont (rodent) kidneys. From the article, "The couple ate the rodent's raw meat and kidney, which people in the area believe is good for health, a World Health Organization official told the BBC at the time."

The article below is actually about two others that were diagnosed with the pneumonic plague in Beijing. "Pneumonic plague is one of three forms of the infectious disease and the only one that can be transmitted from person to person by inhaling infected droplets – for example, spread when someone breathes in cough droplets from an infected person."  No flea needed.

From the CDC website - " Patients develop fever, headache, weakness, and a rapidly developing pneumonia with shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and sometimes bloody or watery mucous. Pneumonic plague may develop from inhaling infectious droplets or may develop from untreated bubonic or septicemic plague after the bacteria spread to the lungs. The pneumonia may cause respiratory failure and shock. Pneumonic plague is the most serious form of the disease and is the only form of plague that can be spread from person to person (by infectious droplets)."

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/11/13/pneumonic-plague-tied-black-death-sickens-people-beijing-china/4176578002/
2 people in China infected with plague, the disease tied to Black Death
Ryan W. Miller
USA TODAY
11/13/19

Box Lunches Prepared by Volunteers Responsible for Salmonella Outbreak, Nearly 50 Affected

A group of volunteers associated with a Buddhist Temple in Gainesville, FL prepared box lunches that were responsible for making nearly 50 people ill with Salmonella.

https://www.gainesville.com/news/20191111/health-inspectors-investigating-salmonella-nearly-50-felled-by-illness
Health inspectors investigating salmonella, nearly 50 felled by illness
By Emily Mavrakis
Posted Nov 11, 2019 at 2:50 PM

Additional Recalls of Vegetables from Mann Packing Due to Potential Listeria

Additional recalls were issued related to the Mann Packing recall that was issued earlier this month, on November 3rd due to Listeria.

• Taher, Inc., is announcing a voluntary recall of Fresh Seasons Kitchen vegetable cups served in select locations in Minnesota.
• Russ Davis Wholesale (RDW), a leading fresh produce processor and distributor, in an abundance of caution is voluntarily recalling multiple products Affected product was delivered to retail stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/taher-voluntarily-recalls-veggie-ranch-cups-cauliflower-because-possible-health-risk
Taher Voluntarily Recalls Veggie & Ranch Cups With Cauliflower Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 11, 2019
FDA Publish Date: November 11, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Due to the potential risk of Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Taher, Inc.
Brand Name: Fresh Seasons Kitchen
Product Description: Veggie & Ranch Cups with cauliflower

Should FDA have Announced a September E. coli Outbreak Linked to Romaine Lettuce Sooner?

FDA was criticized for delay in announcing an E. coli O175:H7 outbreak associated with Romaine lettuce.  FDA issued the announcement on October 31st that Romaine lettuce was the likely source of E. coli infection that impacted 23 people, 11 of those hospitalized.

The dates for reported illnesses ranged from July 12, 2019 to Sept. 8, 2019. CDC began the investigation of the outbreak on Sept. 17, 2019, at which time there were no further reported illnesses.

According to a Washington Post article, both the CDC and FDA "determined that romaine was the likely cause on October 2nd.", however, this was at a point when there had been no additional cases for several weeks.

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-brief/fda-cdc-and-other-health-partners-investigated-outbreak-e-coli-o157h7-possibly-linked-romaine
FDA, CDC and other health partners investigated outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 possibly linked to romaine lettuce, outbreak appears to be over
October 31, 2019

RTE Sausage and Sliced Pepperoni Recalled Due to Listeria Positive Sample

Ezzo Sausage Company, a Columbus, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 25,115 pounds of sausage products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The ready-to-eat sausage products were produced on Oct. 29, 2019, Oct. 30, 2019 and Nov. 5, 2019 and include sausage and sliced pepperoni items, most for use in pizza type applications.  The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS of a positive sample result for Listeria monocytogenes.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-111-2019-release
Ezzo Sausage Company Recalls Meat Products due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall
111-2019
Health Risk: High
Nov 9, 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending November 9, 2019

Pork Not Beef - Padrino Foods, LLC, an Irving, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 1,931 pounds of beef tamales because the products may be misbranded - the products are labeled as beef and sirloin tamales but contain pork product inside the package.  The problem was discovered by a customer who notified the firm of the misbranding error.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zSJPxNS7gA&feature=push-fr&attr_tag=W_qIuWzBvj-UrnaO%3A6
Padrino Foods, LLC Recalls Beef Tamales Products due to Mislabeling
Class II Recall
07-2019
Health Risk: Low
Nov 4, 2019

FDA Educational Material for training Food Workers

FDA had released some educational tools that you may want to consider for including in your employee training.  While the main audience for this is retail operations, they can be used for food processing operations or other.

One of these is educational testimonials from people who had been affected by foodborne illness.  These are done in the styling used in TV newsmagazine shows such as 48 hours and 20/20.  They are each about 5 to 8 minutes in run time.
LINK

Other information available includes posters
LINK

The main page for the materials is LINK.

Canada - This Week in Canadian Recalls Thru Nov 7, 2019

Nossack Fine Meats Ltd. is recalling Nossack brand European Style Back Bacon from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The food recall warning issued on October 12, 2019 has been updated to include additional product information. This recall was triggered by CFIA test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products.

Filicetti Foods Inc. is recalling Filicetti brand Dry Cured Italian Style Sausage (hot) from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. This recall was triggered by CFIA food sampling activities following an investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products.

Industry is recalling various raw beef and raw veal products from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The food recall warning issued on November 5, 2019 has been updated to include additional product information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) food safety investigation. This recall was triggered by the CFIA's inspection activities. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

Industry is recalling various fresh-cut vegetable products from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination (Mann Packing Recall). Distributors, retailers, and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals and nursing homes should not sell or use the recalled product described below.  This recall was triggered by CFIA test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

NJ Meat Processor Recalls Ground Meat Due to Plasctic Pieces

Rastelli Bros., Inc., doing business as Rastelli Foods Group, a Swedesboro, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 130,464 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically plastic.   The problem was discovered after FSIS received consumer complaints through the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline. The firm also notified FSIS that they received a consumer complaint directly.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-109-2019-release
Rastelli Bros., Inc. Recalls Meat Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall
109-2019
Health Risk: Low
Nov 7, 2019

Improperly Processed Cold Smoked Salmon Recalled as a Clostridium botulinum Risk

Mill Stream Corp. (Sullivan Harbor Farm) of Hancock, Maine is voluntarily recalling ten lots of Cold Smoked Salmon because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum

According to the notice, "The recall was initiated because the product’s water phase salt (WPS) tested below 3.5%. This was discovered upon re-review of laboratory certificates, which were found to have incorrectly reported WPS levels. Labeling instructions state to keep refrigerated at or below 38ºF and that the product may be frozen. Because the WPS is under 3.5% the product must remain frozen until ready to consume. Product stored in the refrigerator after thawing has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum."

As a cold smoked fish product, the hazard of concern is the non-proteolytic strains of Clostridium botulinum, specifically Type E, that have the ability to grow at refrigeration temperatures in vacuum packed product.  (Proteolytic strains, those often associated with improperly processed home canned foods require higher temperatures).  The salt content is a hurdle that prevents this growth, and if not at the right level, than growth can be an issue.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mill-stream-corp-sullivan-harbor-farm-issues-voluntary-recall-cold-smoked-salmon-because-possible
Mill Stream Corp. (Sullivan Harbor Farm) Issues a Voluntary Recall of Cold Smoked Salmon Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 06, 2019
FDA Publish Date: November 06, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Clostridium botulinum
Company Name: Mill Stream Corp.
Brand Name: Mill Stream Corp.
Product Description: Cold Smoked Salmon

Two Retailers Issue Recalls Associated with Mann Packing Recall of Produce Due to Listeria

Whole Foods and Albertsons have issued recalls associated with vegetable items from Mann Packing Company due to Listeria.  Mann Packing issued their recall on November 3rd.

The Listeria issue evidently started with testing done by the CFIA.  From an article in The Packer,  "According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Mann Packing recall was an update to a Nov. 1 recall of six Compliments (Sobeys) brand fresh-cut products. That recall was also an expansion of an Oct. 30 recall, of Compliments Sweet Kale Blend. The kale item was recalled following a test from the Canadian agency that detected Listeria monocytogenes."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mann-packing-recall-vegetable-products-affects-whole-foods-market-stores-grocer-issues-voluntary
Mann Packing Recall of Vegetable Products Affects Whole Foods Market Stores; Grocer Issues Voluntary Recall of Multiple Products
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 06, 2019
FDA Publish Date: November 06, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Multiple Products
Company Name: Whole Foods Market
Brand Name: Whole Foods Market
Product Description: Multiple Products

Poultry Products Recalled for Metal Discovered During Further Processing

Simmons Prepared Foods, Inc., a Gentry, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,071,397 pounds of poultry products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal.  The problem was discovered by Simmons Prepared Foods, Inc. establishments during further processing.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-108-2019-release
Simmons Prepared Foods, Inc. Recalls Poultry Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall
108-2019
Health Risk:High
Nov 6, 2019

FDA to Continue Leniency with Co-packers Supplier Control Where Brands Have Oversight

FDA announced that they will continue to provide 'enforcement discretion' with supply chain controls for co-packers where the brand companies they are packing for have oversight over those suppliers.  In these cases, the co-packer is packing under contract for the brand company, and that brand company has chosen and then manages the suppliers who provide raw materials to the co-packer.

Certainly if the brand companies want the control over the supply chain to the co-packer, then they should be responsible for the supply chain control components and should have the procedures and documentation to support that.  This FDA announcement does not go that far, outside of providing an out for the co-packer.

From the announcement, "under certain circumstances and on a temporary basis, we do not intend to take enforcement action against a receiving facility that is a co-manufacturer, and that is not in compliance with certain supply-chain program requirements for food manufactured for the brand owner."

From the previously published guidance establishing enforcement discretion:
"Supplier Approval
FDA does not intend to take enforcement action under the following circumstances: (1) a brand owner conducts supplier approval activities, (2) the co-manufacturer describes these activities in its food safety plan, and (3) the co-manufacturer conducts any necessary supplier approval activities not conducted by the brand owner. For example, FDA does not intend to take enforcement action when a brand owner (rather than the co-manufacturer) evaluates supplier performance as part of approving a supplier, the co-manufacturer’s food safety plan states that the brand owner will consider supplier performance before a supplier is approved, and the co-manufacturer conducts any other necessary supplier approval activities (e.g., hazard analysis of the food). The co-manufacturer is always responsible for following written procedures for receiving raw materials and other ingredients, and documenting use of the procedures (21 CFR §§ 117.420 and 507.120)."

"Supplier Verification
FDA does not intend to take enforcement action under the following circumstances: (1) a brand owner determines and/or conducts supplier verification activities for its co-manufacturer, (2) the co-manufacturer describes these activities in its food safety plan, and (3) the co-manufacturer conducts any necessary supplier verification activities not conducted by the brand owner. For example, FDA does not intend to take enforcement action when an audit is determined to be the appropriate supplier verification activity but a co-manufacturer does not independently obtain a supplier audit or review the conclusions of a supplier audit obtained and reviewed by the brand owner, the co-manufacturer’s food safety plan states that the brand owner will obtain and review audits of the supplier, and the co-manufacturer conducts any other necessary supplier verification activities (e.g., sampling and testing of the raw material or other ingredient)."

FDA Constituent Update
https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/guidance-industry-supply-chain-program-requirements-and-co-manufacturer-supplier-approval-and
FDA Continues Enforcement Discretion Policy Relevant to Certain Co-Manufacturers under FSMA
November 6, 2019

Packaged Vegetable Products Recalled for Potential Listeria Contamination

Mann Packing Co., Inc. announced today the voluntary recall of a series of ready-to-eat / ready-to--use packaged vegetable products sold to select retailers in the United States and Canada after they were notified by the Food and Drug Administration and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. At this point, there have been no reported illnesses.

Wegman's and GHNW, LLC (Clackamas, OR)  also recalled product packed by Mann Packing.

The extensive list of items can be found here:

https://mannpackingproductlist11-2019.us/

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mann-packing-co-inc-voluntarily-recalls-vegetable-products-sold-united-states-and-canada-due
Mann Packing Co., Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Vegetable Products Sold in the United States and Canada Due to Potential Health Risks
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 03, 2019
FDA Publish Date: November 03, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Mann Packing Co., Inc.
Brand Name: Mann, various private brands
Product Description: Various vegetable products

CDC Investigates a Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Ground Beef

CDC is investigating a Salmonella outbreak associated with ground beef.

• There are 10 cases with 8 hospitalizations and 1 death.  
• Cases occurred in 6 states, all west of the Mississippi.
• Onset of illness is August 8, 2019, to September 22, 2019. 
• Ill people range in age from 48 to 74 years, with a median age of 68. 
• Eighty percent of ill people are male. 
• Of nine ill people with information available, eight (89%) were hospitalized, which is much higher than we would expect for Salmonella infections
• No information was presented as to the source.

Could we say that most cases are older men who probably felt it was okay to eat hamburger on the rarer side...because they always ate it that way?  Or they don't feel they need to use a thermometer.

With the last case starting over a month ago, it may be difficult to find the source at this point, or at least isolate the organism in product. While there may not be more cases if this was a one time contamination event, more cases may pop up if people had frozen the raw ground meat or the undercooked meat.

CDC Investigation Notice

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dublin-11-19/index.html
Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Ground Beef

Published on November 1, 2019 at 4:00 PM ET

At A Glance
Reported Cases: 10
States: 6
Hospitalizations: 8
Deaths: 1

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Dublin infections linked to ground beef.

A single, common supplier of ground beef has not been identified. This investigation is ongoing and CDC will update the public as more information becomes available.

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

Natural Casing Not on Label - Taylor’s Sausage Inc., a Cave Junction, Ore. establishment, is recalling approximately 641 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry sausage products because the products may be misbranded and contain a pork casing or a sheep casing that were not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered by FSIS during routine inspection activities.

Cookie Packaging Missing MIlk - Golden Dragon Fortune Cookies Inc.,of Chicago, Illinois is recalling Golden Dragon Inc. Chinese Almond Cookies, because it may contain undeclared Milk. The recall was initiated after it was discovered during an FDA inspection that the Golden Dragon Fortune Cookies Inc. Chinese Almond Cookies were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of Milk.

FDA Proposes Laboratory Accreditation Program for Food Testing - Let the Arms Race Begin

FDA is proposing the establishment of a laboratory accreditation program for those testing food.  Testing by an approved laboratory would then be required in certain circumstances including:

• Testing conducted to comply with specific FDA testing requirements applied to address an identified or suspected food safety problem (including certain tests of shell eggs, bottled water, and sprouts);
• Testing conducted to provide evidence to support the admissibility of imported food into U.S. commerce (e.g., testing conducted for a food that has been detained due to an appearance of adulteration);
• Testing conducted to support the removal of a food from an import alert through successful consecutive testing;
• Testing conducted to address an identified or suspected food safety problem and presented to FDA as part of evidence for an informal hearing before a mandatory recall order, as part of a corrective action plan submitted after an order suspending the registration of a food facility, or as part of evidence submitted for an appeal of an administrative detention order;
• Testing conducted in response to a food testing order, a new procedure proposed by this rule to address an identified or suspected food safety problem.

Basically, FDA will not approve the laboratories, but will  recognize ABs (accreditation bodies), which will, in turn, accredit laboratories to conduct food testing in these circumstances.  "The proposed laboratory accreditation program would incorporate two globally recognized and widely used voluntary consensus standards, ISO/IEC 17011:2017 and ISO/IEC 17025:2017, as foundational requirements for ABs and laboratories, respectively. ABs and laboratories would also be required to meet certain additional requirements."

This always sounds like a good idea, but like so many other similar programs, it becomes a quagmire -  people with the inside track, unevenly applied standards, a scrutinous focus on paperwork, and an overwhelming desire of all laboratories to achieve that recognition.  Although the actual testing may not bring much money to a laboratory, having that accreditation is a great marketing tool....basically a stamp of approval from FDA.  And there will be issues with whether the laboratory has overall approval or approval for a given test(s)?

https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-publishes-proposed-rule-establish-laboratory-accreditation-program-food-testing
FDA Publishes Proposed Rule to Establish Laboratory Accreditation Program for Food Testing
Constituent update
November 1, 2019

King Arthur Adds Additional Lots to Flour to E. coli Recall from Early October

King Arthur is forced to expand it recall of flour again as it supplier, ADM Milling, notified the company that three additional product lot codes of 5lb bags of unbleached all-purpose flour were omitted on the original date provided.  This comes after a month from the expanded recall date of October 3, 2019.  The earlier recall was due to positive E. coli O26 testing in a sample.  There have been no illnesses.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/king-arthur-flour-updates-three-lot-codes-voluntarily-recalled-unbleached-all-purpose-flour-5-lb
King Arthur Flour Updates Three Lot Codes of Voluntarily Recalled Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (5 lb.)
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 01, 2019 

FDA Publish Date: November 01, 2019

Product Type: Food & Beverages 

Reason for Announcement: E. coli O26
Company Name:King Arthur Flour, Inc.

Brand Name: King Arthur Flour
Product Description:  Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

Frozen Berries Recalled After Sample Tested Positive for Hepatitis A

Wawona Frozen Foods is voluntarily recalling packages of frozen raspberries and frozen berry mixes containing raspberries sold at Aldi Grocery Stores and frozen raspberries sold at Raley's Family of Fine Stores because they have the potential to be contaminated with Hepatitis A.  Wawona Frozen Foods is issuing this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution due to a positive test result taken as part of a government sampling program.  There have been no reported illnesses

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wawona-frozen-food-voluntarily-recalls-frozen-raspberries-due-possible-health-risk
Wawona Frozen Food Voluntarily Recalls Frozen Raspberries Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 30, 2019
FDA Publish Date: October 31, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages Fruit/Fruit Product
Reason for Announcement: Potential to be contaminated with Hepatitis A
Company Name: Wawona Frozen Foods
Brand Name: Season’s Choice, Raley’s
Product Description: Frozen raspberries, frozen berry mixes

Cookie Dough Product Recalled After Complaints of Foreign Material - Rubber Pieces

Nestlé USA is initiating a voluntary recall of ready-to-bake refrigerated Nestlé Toll House Cookie Dough products due to the potential presence of food-grade rubber pieces. Nestlé USA is taking this action out of an abundance of caution after receiving reports of food-grade pieces of rubber in some of these products. We have identified the source of the rubber and have already fixed the issue

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nestle-usa-announces-voluntary-recall-ready-bake-refrigerated-cookie-dough-products-due-potential
Nestlé USA Announces Voluntary Recall of Ready-to-Bake Refrigerated Cookie Dough Products Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 31, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  October 31, 2019
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Due to the potential presence of food-grade rubber pieces
Company Name:  Nestle USA, Inc.
Brand Name:  Nestle
Product Description:  Ready-to-bake refrigerated cookie dough products

Meat Company Recalls RTE Beef Patties Due to Metal Detected by Down Stream Processor

OSI Industries, LLC, a Fort Atkinson, Wisc. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,218 pounds of ready-to-eat beef patty products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal.  The problem was discovered during further processing activities at another federal establishment.  There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

So they made RTE beef patties for another company, and that customer company found metal in the product as they were using it to make their own product.  So did this RTE beef patty maker have a metal detector in place?  This is how the customer company probably found it.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-104-2019-release
OSI Industries, LLC Recalls Ready-To-Eat Beef Patty Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I Recall
104-2019
Health Risk: High
Oct 28, 2019

Fresh Apples Recalled After Positive Listeria Test in Finished Product

North Bay Produce, Inc. of Traverse City, Michigan is voluntarily recalling 2,297 cases and 2 bulk bins of fresh apples due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.   The recall was initiated as a result of a finished product test that indicated the presence of the organism. Upon notification, [the company] immediately ceased the production and distribution product from the identified facility and continue [the] investigation as to what caused the issue, in cooperation with FDA.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/north-bay-produce-voluntarily-recalls-fresh-apples-because-possible-health-risk
North Bay Produce Voluntarily Recalls Fresh Apples Because of Possible Health Risk 
Company Announcement
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 25, 2019
FDA Publish Date:October 28, 2019 .
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:North Bay Produce, Inc.
Brand Name:  Great Lakes, more
Product Description:  Fresh apples varieties:

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending 10/26/19

Dried Fruit with Sulfites - Shivam Distributors of Longwood, FL is recalling its 7 ounce and 14 ounce packages of PARIVAR brand Dry Dates with batch # 125/BIBT because they contain high sulfite content,  The recall was the result of a surveillance testing done by FL Dept of Agriculture that revealed high sulfite level in the 7 ounce packages of “Dry Dates” with batch # 125/BIBT.

Labels Missing Milk and Soy - MawMaw’s Chicken Pies, a Kernersville, N.C. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of chicken pie and meatloaf products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the products contain milk and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered by FSIS inspectors during routine label verification activities.

Canada - E. coli Associated Recall of Raw Meat Products Expanded

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced an increase in the amount of beef product being recalled by Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd. and St. Ann's Foods Inc./Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd. due to potential E. coli O157:H7.  Some of this product was shipped into the US.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/accountability/food-safety-investigations/est-99-and-est-639-e-coli-/eng/1570137688624/1570137910930#a1
Food safety investigation: Various beef and veal products may contain E. coli O157:H7

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation on E. coli O157:H7 in various beef and veal products sold by Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd. (Establishment 99) and St. Ann's Foods Inc./Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd. (Establishment 639). Should there be a recall of additional products, CFIA will notify the public through additional Food Recall Warnings.
To date, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

The complete list can be found here.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/accountability/food-safety-investigations/est-99-and-est-639-e-coli-/eng/1570137688624/1570137910930#a1

FDA Warning Letter - Manufacturer of Vitamin Premix Ingredient with Elevated Vitamin D Levels

FDA issued a warning letter to an ingredient manufacturer responsible for recalls if pet food associated with high Vitamin D levels in finished product. The ingredient made was a vitamin premix and the levels were 3900% higher on the particular lot, and that high level than carried over to another lot that had levels 307% more.

It is interesting in that the company stated in the hazard analysis that although Vitamin D was identified as a hazard in the formulation, it would be controlled through prerequisite programs. This of course failed with high Vitamin D levels getting into their premix and thus their customer's finished product and then finally that product impacting dogs.

Another interesting point to note is that the responses provided by the company to FDA were viewed as inadequate. Although the company stated that they took corrective action after the incident, including making hazardous ingredient addition a preventive control, they did not provide FDA sufficient documentation for the control of their process.    The FDA response states, the company "did not provide sufficient supporting documentation, such as revised standard operating procedures, test results, or other documentation, to show that you have implemented these proposed corrective actions. For example, your supporting documentation for (b)(4) reconciliation includes only the record of a (b)(4) reconciliation on June 21, 2019. We are unable to determine the adequacy of relabeling, (b)(4), and (b)(4) at controlling the hazard because the batches with elevated levels of vitamin D occurred despite a (b)(4) process and (b)(4). With respect to your preventive control, you have identified (b)(4) per lot as the allowable variance for your process control. It is unclear whether that variance would ensure that vitamin levels would result in an animal food for which nutrient toxicity or deficiency is controlled. FDA will verify the adequacy of your corrective actions during the next inspection of your firm."


Warning Letter

DSM Nutritional Products, LLC
MARCS-CMS 578300 — October 11, 2019

FDA Warning Letter - Another Bakery Unaware of the Need to Comply with Preventive Controls Regulation

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a bakery / central kitchen in Alabama.  The bakery had no Preventive Control Plan, and with that, had no controls for hazards one would expect in that type of operation.  Additionally, they had GMP issues, primarily filth insects, facility issues, and sanitation issues.  Finally, there were labeling issues including not properly identifying allergens.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/pollmans-bake-shops-inc-586422-10092019
WARNING LETTER
Pollman's Bake Shops, Inc. 
MARCS-CMS 586422 — October 09, 2019

Florida Establishment Recalls Raw Beef Product After Positive E. coli Test Results

Pride of Florida, a Raiford, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 64,797 pounds of raw beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The raw ground beef items were produced on various dates from Sept. 23, 2019 to Oct. 10, 2019. "The problem was discovered when the firm was notified by their third-party laboratory that a sample was positive for E. coli O157:H7, but the products associated with the sample had already been shipped into commerce. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-101-2019-release
Pride of Florida Recalls Beef Products due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination
Class I Recall
101-2019
Health Risk: High
Oct 18, 2019

Egg Rolls Recalled for Being Produced Under Unsanitary Conditions, Recall Then Expanded

A St. Louis establishment is recalling 126,000 lbs of egg roll products for being produced under unsanitary conditions. The problem was discovered while FSIS was conducting routine food inspection activities.  Product was shipped to institutional locations in Georgia and Missouri.

On 10/25, a week after initial recall, the recall was expanded from 118,00 to 126,000 lbs.

Additional information was difficult to find on the types of conditions inspectors found. In fact, it was difficult to find any information on the company outside of an address in St. Louis that was in the back of some older building complex with no signage posted.

Makes you wonder how one selects this company to supply product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-100-2019-release
T & R Enterprise USA Inc. Recalls Meat and Poultry Products Due to Insanitary Conditions
Class I Recall
100-2019
Health Risk: High
Oct 18, 2019

Sausage Patties Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

George’s Prepared Foods, a Caryville, Tenn. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,444 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork sausage patty and turkey sausage patty products that may be contaminated with Salmonella.  The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that the firm’s third-party cold storage facility had inadvertently shipped the ready-to-eat products to commerce.

So one could guess that the product had been placed on hold and then was accidently shipped?

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-102-2019-release
George's Prepared Foods Recalls Ready-To-Eat Pork and Turkey Products due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Class I Recall
102-2019
Health Risk: High
Oct 18, 2019

Imported Meat from Canada Recalled Due to Potential Pathogenic E. coli Contamination

The USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for raw non-intact beef products derived from imported beef from Ontario, Canada that has been recalled by Ryding-Regency Meat Packers, Ltd. because it may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

"The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is conducting a food safety investigation and determined that certain products produced by the company may be contaminated. While Canada is the recalling authority, FSIS is amplifying the recall through this public health alert."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2019/pha-101619-01
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Beef Products due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination