A Tale of Shrimp Tails - How Social Media Swings Responding to A Fake Contamination Issue

By now you probably hear of the 'tail' about shrimp tails in General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch.  It is a story worth reviewing for it tells the issues of dealing with today's out-of-control social media culture.

Basically story goes like this.

Monday

Guy (who we later find out is a celebrity-wannabe....a comedy writer) posts a pic of shrimp tails with General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Pic goes viral via social media along with commendation, jokes, etc. at the company's expense.

Tuesday

Company responds that this is not shrimp tails - based on knowing that this could not be possible, but without evaluating the product.

(https://nationalpost.com/news/world/man-finds-shrimp-tails-in-his-cinnamon-toast-crunch-cereal-but-the-company-says-its-just-sugar)

This amps up the complainant with anti-big company rhetoric.

But upon further investigation, it appears this product had been tampered with.  Indeed these are shrimp tails, but it appeared the product had been tampered with.

Wednesday

We find out that this complainant, Karp, is a true piece of work as past woman associates of his detail his lying abusive ways.

Now social media turns on Karp.

Thursday

The complainant Karp drops his social media presence.

Lessons to be Learned

Social media loves to serve out punishment with little to no searching for truth.   Main stream media follows along with little to no investigation of their own.  This is our new reality.

Companies involved in such fiascos need to have a rapid and accurate response.  (I wonder if flying a team to the site perhaps would have been better able to promptly ascertain the situation?)

Unfortunately in situations like this, it is important to pursue this to the bitter end or stories like this will never die.  Then the outcome of this must be clearly communicated.   Because in the end, what will people remember...and at this point, it may still be that shrimp tails were in a box of cereal.

https://nationalpost.com/news/world/man-finds-shrimp-tails-in-his-cinnamon-toast-crunch-cereal-but-the-company-says-its-just-sugar
Star Tribune
https://www.startribune.com/for-general-mills-a-quick-trip-through-the-grinder-of-social-media/600039327/
General Mills takes trip through social media grinder after man claims shrimp tails in cereal

Chinese Beef Product Recalled Due to Ineligibility for US Import

BC Food LA, LLC., a South El Monte, Calif. firm, doing business as B & C Food Co., is recalling approximately 1,643 pounds of Chinese style hot pot base products containing beef tallow. The products were imported from the People’s Republic of China, a country ineligible to export beef to the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.  The problem was discovered when FSIS received an anonymous report of ineligible beef tallow products imported from China.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/bc-food-la-llc-recalls-ineligible-beef-products-imported-china
BC Food LA, LLC Recalls Ineligible Beef Products Imported From China

Trident Seafood Recalls Salmon Burgers for Potential Metal Pieces

Trident Seafoods Corporation is issuing a voluntary recall of a single lot number of Pacific Salmon Burgers, Net Wt. 3 lbs. (48 oz.), because it may contain small pieces of metal.  There have been no reports of injury or illness related to the recalled products to date, however anyone concern about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. The source of the small pieces of metal hasn’t been identified yet. Trident Seafoods takes food safety very seriously and is investigating this situation thoroughly.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/trident-seafoods-recalling-pacific-salmon-burger-public-notice
Trident Seafoods Recalling Pacific Salmon Burger - Public Notice
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 27, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 27, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Seafood/Seafood Product
Reason for Announcement:  May contain small pieces of metal
Company Name:  Trident Seafood Corporation
 Brand Name:  Trident
Product Description:  Pacific Salmon Burgers

Midwestern Pet Food Issues Recall for Pet Food After Samples Reveal the Presence of Salmonella

Midwestern Pet Foods, Evansville, Indiana is recalling specific expiration dates of certain dog and cat food brands [approximately 140 varieties of varying sized bags] including CanineX, Earthborn Holistic, Venture, Unrefined, Sportmix Wholesomes, Pro Pac, Pro Pac Ultimates, Sportstrail, Sportmix and Meridian brands produced at its Monmouth, Illinois Production Facility because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The recall was as the result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that the finished products may contain the bacteria.

This same company recently completed a recall related to Aflatoxin, but that product came out of their OK processing facility.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/midwestern-pet-foods-voluntarily-recall-due-possible-salmonella-health-risk
Midwestern Pet Foods Voluntarily Recall Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 26, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 27, 2021
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages    Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella Contamination
Company Name: Midwestern Pet Foods
Brand Name:  Multiple brands
Product Description:  Dog and Cat Food

Michigan Company Recalls Halva After MI Dept of Ag Finds Salmonella in Sample

Kareem Mart of Garden City, MI, is recalling its 1lb and 2lb Kareem Chef brand “Halva”, “Halva with Pistachio”, and “Halva with Chocolate” food treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing from samples in the stores by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).  The recalled “Halva” were distributed through Mediterranean food stores and wholesalers in Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, New York, Ohio, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Between March 2020 to Feb 2021.

According to Wikipedia, Halva (also halvah, halwa,[1][2] and other spellings) refers to various local confection recipes in West Asia and its vicinity.[3][4][5] The name is used for referring to a huge variety of confections, with the most geographically common variety based on fried semolina.[3]

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kareem-mart-recalls-halva-because-possible-health-risk
Kareem Mart Recalls “Halva” Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 25, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 26, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella Contamination
Company Name:  Kareem Mart
Brand Name:  Kareem Chef
Product Description:  Flavored Halva

NJ Company Recalls Frozen Peppers and Onions Due to Plastic Material in Product

GK Foods USA, of Wood-Ridge NJ is recalling one batch of its La Fe Peppers and Onions, due to the probable presence of extraneous material, specifically small pieces of blue plastic.  This lot is comprised of 187 cases of  product which had been distributed in the North-East USA.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gk-foods-usa-announces-voluntary-recall-batch-la-fe-peppers-and-onions
GK Foods USA Announces Voluntary Recall of a Batch of La Fe Peppers and Onions
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 23, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 24, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential contamination with small plastic pieces
Company Name:  GraceKennedy Foods LLC
Brand Name:  La Fe
Product Description:  Frozen Peppers & Onions

Two Retailers Recall Wing Sauce for Undeclared Fish

Two retailers are recalling two lots of Taste of Inspirations Parmesan Garlic Wing Sauce due to the presence of undeclared fish allergen.

While not specifically stated, this appears to be a mis-forumulation issue with these two lots,  From one of the retailers website, the ingredient statement (below) does not show a source of fish.  Since it affects two lots, it may be that something like Worcester sauce, which contains anchovies, may have been added by accident?

Ingredients:  CANOLA OR SOYBEAN OIL, WATER, DISTILLED VINEGAR, PARMESAN CHEESE (MILK, CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), GARLIC, EGG YOLKS, SEA SALT, CANE SUGAR, SPICES, NATURAL FLAVOR, ONION, XANTHAN GUM, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE, NATURAL VITAMIN E ADDED TO PROTECT FLAVOR. CONTAINS STATEMENT: EGGS, MILK.

Source: DZA BRANDS LLC

Allergens and Nutritional Considerations

Added Sugars, Eggs, Milk, Soy

(source - https://www.hannaford.com/product/taste-of-inspirations-parmesan-garlic-wing-sauce/954321)

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/food-lion-recalls-select-taste-inspirations-parmesan-garlic-wing-sauce
Food Lion Recalls Select Taste of Inspirations Parmesan Garlic Wing Sauce
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 20, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 22, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Due to undeclared fish
Company Name:  Food Lion
Brand Name:  Taste of Inspirations
Product Description:  Parmesan Garlic Wing Sauce

Recall of Maple Pecan Oat Bars for Undeclared Peanuts

Bobo’s of Boulder, Colorado is issuing a voluntary recall of Bobo’s Maple Pecan Oat Bars because they may contain undeclared peanuts.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing peanuts was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts on the ingredient deck.

While not specifically stated in the notice, one could guess that this was a product mix-up where peanut based product was packed into Maple Pecan bar packaging.  [I guess Bobo's made a booboo.]

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bobos-issues-voluntarily-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanuts-product?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Bobo’s Issues a Voluntarily Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in Product
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 22, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 23, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Snack Food Item
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Peanuts
Company Name:  Bobo’s
Brand Name:  Bobo’s
Product Description:  Maple Pecan Oat Bar

FDA Issues Warning Letter to IL Importer for No FSVP

Food and Drug Administration conducted a remote Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) for Aman Kapoor, Inc, of Elk Grove Village, IL   During this inspection, the firm did not have FSVP records for imported Cornflakes Mixture, Cashew Mixture and Dried Soup Mix.  The FSVP, or Foreign Supplier Verification Program is required to ensure that imported product meets US food safety standards.  This requires firms conduct a hazard analysis and ensure that controls are in place to control significant hazards.

FDA Warning Letter
Aman Kapoor In - 612711 - 03/10/2021 | FDA
Aman Kapoor In
MARCS-CMS 612711 — MARCH 10, 2021
Product: Food & Beverages

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Michigan Juice Operation for Juice HACCP Violations

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a Michigan juice processor who did not have a HACCP plan in place.  It seems the operation was trying to skate between the Juice HACCP regulation and the Preventive Controls regulation.  The issue was that the company used a central kitchen to produce juice for sale at that central operation but also sell it form smaller juice operations under the control of the company.

"A “retail establishment” is defined by the juice HACCP regulation as “an operation that provides juice directly to the consumers and does not include an establishment that sells or distributes juice to other business entities as well as directly to consumers” (21 CFR 120.3(l)). In short, a retail establishment (1) provides juice directly to consumers and (2) does not sell juice to other business entities. Your Berkley facility sells juice to other business entities. Therefore, it is not considered a retail establishment, and the juice HACCP regulation applies to all of the juice produced at that location. Also, note that as reflected in the guidance you reference in your May 19, 2020 response (i.e., Answer 19 of Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers on juice HACCP Regulation), juice is only considered to be provided directly to consumers if it is provided to consumers at the same location where it is produced. Accordingly, if you no longer provide juice to consumers at your Berkley facility, then it is not considered a retail establishment for this additional reason."


FDA Warning Letter
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/panther-james-llc-610082-03052021
Panther James LLC
MARCS-CMS 610082 — MARCH 05, 2021
Product:  Food & Beverages

Proposed FASTER Legislation Looks to Add Sesame, and Potentially Other Allergens, to Allergen Labeling Requirements

The proposed FASTER legislation is an item focused on food allergens.  It had made progress towards getting passed in 2020, but ran out of time and has to be reintroduced.

This legislation would add sesame to the list of allergens requiring labeling, but also opens the door for other allergens to be added at the decision of the Secretary.  From the proposed legislation (below) "Any other food ingredient that the Secretary determines by regulation to be a major food allergen, based on the scientific criteria determined by the Secretary (including the prevalence and severity of allergic reactions to the food ingredient) that establish that such food ingredient is an allergen of public health concern.”.

Food Business News

https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/18218-allergens-in-the-crosshairs

Allergens in the crosshairs

03.23.2021By Jay Sjerven

WASHINGTON — Both Congress and federal regulators have accelerated efforts to defend populations whose sensitivity to major food allergens puts them at risk for illness or even death. In Congress, legislation requiring sesame be added to the existing list of eight major allergens subject to labeling requirements advanced with the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Food Allergy, Safety, Treatment, Education (FASTER) Act on March 3.

Pasta Company Must Recall Non-USDA FSIS Inspected Meat-containing Pasta Product

An Illinois pasta company must recall all of their meat-containing pasta product because they produced it without being a USDA inspected facility.   Oooops.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/avanza-pasta-llc-recalls-beef-and-poultry-products-produced-without-benefit
Avanza Pasta, LLC Recalls Beef and Poultry Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2021 – Avanza Pasta, LLC., an Evanston, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,237 pounds of meat and poultry pasta products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Company Expands Recall of Vending Machine Sandwiches....Missed Three Items In Initial Recall

MG Foods of Charlotte, NC is expanding its recall issued March 10, 2021 to include three Turkey Wraps due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.  These products have already expired, and hopefully no one is storing these vending machine sandwiches this long.  [Okay, perhaps someone froze their vending machine sandwich and it is still in their freezer.....I hope not, but you never know.]

Three Turkey Wrap Sandwiches Added to Mg Foods’ Previous Recall List Due to Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination | FDA
Three Turkey Wrap Sandwiches Added to Mg Foods’ Previous Recall List Due to Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 19, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 19, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Due to possible Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  MG Foods dba Canteen Inc.
Brand Name:  Fresh to You  MG Foods
Product Description:  Turkey wrap sandwich wraps

Yogurt Raisins Recalled After Packages Found to Contain Peanuts

Western Mixers Produce & Nut Company of Los Angeles, California is recalling the following item:

Gelson’s Yogurt Raisins, 14 oz. because it may contain undeclared Peanuts. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing Peanuts was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of Peanuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging processes.

Looks like someone need to implement a Allergen Preventive Control.  This is a huge error either where either the wrong product was packed, the wrong packaging was used, or the clean-out was not executed.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/western-mixers-produce-nuts-inc-recalls-gelsons-yogurt-raisins-because-possible-allergen-heath-risk
Western Mixers Produce & Nuts, Inc. Recalls Gelson’s Yogurt Raisins Because of Possible Allergen Heath Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 18, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 18, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared Peanuts
Company Name:  Western Mixers Produce & Nut Company
Brand Name:  Gelson’s
Product Description:  Yogurt Raisins
Company Announcement
Western Mixers Produce & Nut Company of Los Angeles, California is recalling the following item:
Gelson’s Yogurt Raisins, 14 oz. because it may contain undeclared Peanuts. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
Gelson’s Yogurt Raisins were distributed in: California; through Retail Stores, during the dates of: February 4, 2021 – March 11, 2021.

Coffee Toffee Chocolate Bar Misses Milk Allergen on Label

MINDO CHOCOLATE MAKERS OF Dexter, Michigan, is recalling its Coffee Toffee Chocolate Bar (75 grams/2.65oz) because of the undeclared presence of milk, a major allergen, in the butter used to make the toffee in the bar.   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the mislabeled product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's packaging processes.

[The label states butter, but it must state milk for the allergen declaration].






https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mindo-chocolate-makers-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-coffee-toffee-chocolate-bar
Mindo Chocolate Makers Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in “Coffee Toffee Chocolate Bar"
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 18, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 18, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Due to undeclared milk
Company Name:  Mindo Chocolate Makers
Brand Name:  Mindo Chocolate Makers
Product Description:  Coffee Toffee Chocolate Bar
Company Announcement

Raw Pet Food Company Expands Recall After FDA Sampling Reveals Potential for Cross-Contamination

Bravo Packing, Inc. of Carneys Point, NJ is expanding the previously announced voluntary recall of two pet food products to now include all pet food and bones in all package sizes. During an FDA inspection, samples collected tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes and resulted in a recall due to the potential health risks to humans and pets. Bravo Packing, Inc. is expanding the recall due to potential cross contamination.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bravo-packing-inc-expands-previously-announced-voluntary-recall-pet-food-products-due-potential
Bravo Packing, Inc. Expands Previously Announced Voluntary Recall of Pet Food Products Due to Potential Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes Health Risks to Humans and Animals
Summary
Company Announcement Date: March 16, 2021
FDA Publish Date: March 16, 2021
Product Type: Animal & Veterinary Food & Beverages Pet Food
Reason for Announcement: Due to Potential Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Bravo Packing, Inc.
Brand Name: Bravo Packing, Inc.
Product Description: Pet food: Performance Dog, beef, green tripe, and bone

FDA Issues Survey Report on Consumer Food Safety and Nutrition Awareness

FDA released their 2019 survey report for consumer awareness, knowledge, understanding and self-reported behaviors relating to food safety and nutrition.

Food Safety

• Consumers think people are more likely to get a foodborne illness from food prepared at a restaurant than food prepared at home 
• Consumers are more concerned about raw chicken and raw beef than raw vegetables or fruit being contaminated 
• Consumer awareness of germs varies greatly depending on the type of germ – Awareness is high for Salmonella (97%) and E. coli (88%) but comparatively low for Campylobacter (7%) and Vibrio (4%).
• Hand washing practices vary depending on the occasion – Consumers are more likely to wash hands with soap after touching raw meat (76%) than before preparing food (68%) or after cracking raw eggs (39%).
• The majority of consumers own a food thermometer, but usage varies depending on what is being cooked – Sixty-two (62%) of respondents reported owning a food thermometer. Usage among those who own food thermometers and cook the food ranges from 85% for whole chickens and 79% for beef, lamb or pork roasts, to 40% for chicken parts, 36% for burgers, 23% for egg dishes, and 20% for frozen meals.

Nutrition

• Most consumers are familiar with the Nutrition Facts label – 87% of respondents have looked at the NFL on food packages. The top four items that consumers look for on the label are Calories, Total Sugar, Sodium, and Serving Size. Consumers report using the label most frequently for seeing “how high or low the food is in things like calories, salt, vitamins, or fat,” “for getting a general idea of the nutritional content of the food,” and “to compare different food items with each other.”
• Consumers are familiar with food package claims – Over 80% of respondents have seen claims such as “No added sugar,” “Whole grain,” “Organic,” “Gluten-free,” “Low fat,” “No artificial ingredients,” “Low sugar,” and “No artificial colors.”
• Most consumers have seen menu labeling at restaurants – Most respondents (70%) reported that they have seen calorie information on menus and menu boards. Of those who have seen such information, 53% reported using the calorie information, and most often indicated using it to avoid ordering high-calorie menu items.

Warning Issued for Gluten Free Chicken Soup Containing Wheat

The USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert due to misbranding for chicken soup product that declares to be 'Gluten Free' on the label but contains and declares wheat as an ingredient.  The problem was discovered when one of the firm’s retail stores notified them of the issue.   Some marketing guy didn't know there is gluten protein in wheat?

A recall was not requested because the affected products were produced and distributed among retail locations within the same corporate entity and sold directly to consumers. It is believed that these products are no longer available to be purchased by consumers.







https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-chicken-soup-product-due-misbranding
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Chicken Soup Product Due to Misbranding
The Vons Companies, Inc.  

Establishment Number  M46381+P46381  Telephone  (951) 947-4010
Establishment Title/Name  The Vons Companies, Inc.  
Grant Date Dec 31, 1969  

Address   14950 Meridian Pkwy.  March Air Reserve Base, CA 92518
Activities  Meat Processing, Poultry Processing

Cranberry Biscotti Recalled After Complaint for Unlabeled Tree Nuts

Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling Cranberry Biscotti purchased from six stores in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The product is being recalled because it may contain undeclared Tree Nuts (Pistachio) that was not listed on the product label due to mislabeling.  The issue was identified as a result of a customer complaint and one illness has been reported to date.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/allergy-alert-issued-undeclared-tree-nuts-mislabeled-cranberry-biscotti-six-whole-foods-market
Allergy Alert Issued for Undeclared Tree Nuts in Mislabeled Cranberry Biscotti at Six Whole Foods Market Stores
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 11, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 12, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared tree nuts (pistachio)
Company Name:  Whole Foods Market
Brand Name:  Whole Foods Market
Product Description:  Cranberry Biscotti

CDC Report - How Many Accidental Mushroom Poisonings Occur Each Year....More Than You Might Think

A study reported in CDC MMWR "found that 1,328 accidental poisonous mushroom ingestions were treated in emergency departments during 2016, and during 2016–2018 serious adverse outcomes occurred in 8.6% (48 of 556) of patients who sought care for accidental poisonous mushroom ingestions"  where consumption of the foraged mushrooms for were for food or hallucinogenic purposes. 

"Adverse outcomes from poisonous mushroom ingestions might occur because amateur mushroom foragers might not distinguish poisonous from nonpoisonous species (2). Recent immigrants are also at risk for mushroom poisonings because they might mistake poisonous mushrooms for nontoxic varieties found in other countries (4). Accidental mushroom poisoning diagnoses were more common in the summer and most frequently occurred in the western United States; this might reflect regional differences in the popularity of recreational mushroom foraging or the fact that Amanita smithiana, a potentially deadly and easily misidentified mushroom species that causes gastrointestinal symptoms followed by acute renal failure, is more common in this region"

"This analysis demonstrates the potential for serious adverse outcomes in young children, although they occurred less frequently than in older persons. Young children might take small, exploratory bites of mushrooms during outdoor play. " Adults often consumed larger quantities, either as food or for hallucinogenic effect.

We normally do not see many of these cases in the press, so at least for me, this number is a lot larger than I would have expected.


https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7010a1.htm
Health Care Utilization and Outcomes Associated with Accidental Poisonous Mushroom Ingestions — United States, 2016–2018
Weekly / March 12, 2021 / 70(10);337–341
Jeremy A.W. Gold, MD1,2; Emily Kiernan, DO3,4; Michael Yeh, MD3,4; Brendan R. Jackson, MD2; Kaitlin Benedict, MPH2 

Summary
What is already known about this topic?
Poisonous mushroom ingestions can result in serious illness and death. The national prevalence of health care use associated with accidental poisonous mushroom ingestion is unknown.

Vending Machine Sandwiches Recalled After Positive Listeria Environmental Test in the Processing Facility

MG Foods of Charlotte, NC is recalling various Turkey Sandwiches due to a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.

On March 2, 2021 during routine environmental testing the company detected the presence of Listeria on surface areas where the recalled products were produced.  The products were distributed between March 3, 2021 and March 5, 2021.  From looking at the use-by-date, the product only has a 4 day shelf-life, which had already passed when this recall was issued.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mg-foods-recalls-various-turkey-sandwiches-due-possible-listeria-monocytogenes-contamination
MG Foods Recalls Various Turkey Sandwiches Due to Possible Listeria monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 10, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 10, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  MG Foods
Brand Name:  MG Foods and Fresh to You
Product Description:  Sandwiches
Company Announcement

Sesame Oil Recalled After Testing Finds Salmonella

Mediterranean Food Inc. of Warren, MI, is recalling its 2Lb plastic jar of "Alqosh Sesame Oil" because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) at one of the retailers sold the product to which revealed the presence of Salmonella in some of the 2 Lb plastic jars of "Sesame Oil."  The product appears to be imported from Iraq.

Salmonella can survive in oil, a low Aw ingredient, for long periods of time.  A study demonstrated that Salmonella could survive for months in peanut oil.  

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mediterranean-food-inc-recalls-alqosh-sesame-oil-because-possible-health-risk
Mediterranean Food Inc. Recalls “Alqosh Sesame Oil” Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: March 05, 2021
FDA Publish Date: March 08, 2021
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Salmonella
Company Name: Mediterranean Food Inc.
Brand Name: Alqosh
Product Description: Sesame oil “Tahin”

Chocolate Product Recalled After Customer Finds Undeclared Almonds

Hu Products announced today a nationwide voluntary recall in the United States of a single production lot of the Hu Chocolate Covered Hunks - Sour Goldenberries Product (4 oz. bag) because some packages may contain undeclared almonds that were inadvertently added to the product during manufacturing. The company became aware of this issue as a result of a consumer contact. No reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of this product have been reported to the Company to date.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hu-products-conducts-nationwide-voluntary-recall-single-lot-4-oz-chocolate-covered-hunks-sour
Hu Products Conducts Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Single Lot of 4 oz. Chocolate Covered Hunks - Sour Goldenberries Product Due to Undeclared Almonds
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 05, 2021
FDA Publish Date:March 06, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain Undeclared Almonds
Company Name:  Hu Products
Brand Name:  Hu
Product Description:  Chocolate Covered Hunks-Sour Goldenberries
Company Announcement

Tahini Product Recalled After State Laboratory Finds Positive Salmonella Sample

KAREEM MART of Garden City, MI, is recalling its 1lb, 2lb, 10kg of “Tahina” food treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing from samples in the stores by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).  There have been no reported illness to date.  Production of the product has been suspended while the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kareem-mart-recalls-tahina-because-possible-health-risks
Kareem Mart Recalls “Tahina” Because of Possible Health Risks
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 02, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 05, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Salmonella
Company Name:  Kareem Mart
Brand Name:  Kareem Chef
Product Description:  Tahina (Ground Sesame Paste)

FDA Issues Announcement and Letter Regarding Toxic Compounds in Baby Foods

FDA issued a follow-up to their earlier response on heavy metals in baby food.  As you many remember, a US Senate Subcommittee released a report on compounds such as arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury in baby food, for which FDA issued a response.  This current issuance, A Letter to Industry basically reminds baby food companies "of their existing responsibility to consider risks from chemical hazards, including toxic elements, when conducting a hazard analysis, including for products for babies and young children. The preventive control provisions require industry to implement controls to significantly minimize or prevent any identified chemical hazards requiring a control. "

In this Letter, "FDA does not advise parents and caregivers to throw out their supply of packaged baby foods or to stop feeding their babies and children certain foods altogether. Eliminating food groups from your children’s diet in order to avoid certain toxic elements that occur in the food supply may result in deficiencies in certain nutrients and potential poor health outcomes."

It also tell parents that if they make their own food, they are unlikely to do a better job than the food companies.   "For parents who choose to make their own baby foods, it is important to know that this is not likely to reduce potential exposure to toxic elements in baby foods and may instead result in higher concentrations, as food manufacturers have the capability to implement strategies that result in using ingredients with lower concentrations of toxic elements. Finally, we want to stress that it is critical that parents and caregivers not attempt to make and feed their infants homemade infant formula—as this is extremely unlikely to reduce exposure to toxic elements and has resulted in infants suffering life-threatening consequences, including severe nutritional deficiencies and microbial foodborne illness."

Are there many who are left thinking...well, tell us how bad is it?  What are the real risks?  Well FDA starts the letter with this "We share the public’s concerns for the health of America’s children, and want to reassure parents and caregivers that at the levels we have found through our testing, children are not at an immediate health risk from exposure to toxic elements in foods. "  

In an announcement issued the same day, FDA stated some of their planned actions.

• Issuing guidance to identify action levels for contaminants in key foods, with plans to revisit those levels on a regular basis and lower them if appropriate, as well as providing guidance to industry on how to meet their obligations under current regulations;
• Increasing inspections and, as appropriate, taking compliance and enforcement actions;
• Boosting sampling of foods for babies and young children, including sharing results; and
• Working with government, academia and industry to support research and development of additional safety information on toxic elements in foods for babies and young children and additional steps that industry can take to further reduce levels.

Constituent Updates
https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-letter-industry-chemical-hazards-including-toxic-elements-food-and-update-fda-efforts-increase
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
_______________________________________
FDA Letter to Industry on Chemical Hazards, including Toxic Elements, in Food and Update on FDA Efforts to Increase the Safety of Foods for Babies and Young Children

March 5, 2021

Raw Pet Food Recalled After FDA Sampling Finds Salmonella and Listeria

Bravo Packing, Inc. of Carneys Point, NJ is recalling all Ground Beef and Performance Dog, a frozen raw pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Bravo Packing, Inc. is voluntarily recalling the products after samples of Performance Dog and a sample of Ground Beef were collected during an FDA inspection, tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

Bravo issued a series of recalls for their raw pet food in 2013, 2014 and 2015 for Salmonella and/or Listeria.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bravo-packing-inc-recalls-all-performance-dog-and-ground-beef-raw-pet-food-because-possible
Bravo Packing, Inc. Recalls All Performance Dog and Ground Beef Raw Pet Food Because of Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Health Risk to Humans and Animals
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 03, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 03, 2021
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary
Food & Beverages  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Bravo Packing, Inc.
Brand Name:  Bravo Packing, Inc.
Product Description:  Ground Beef and Performance Dog, frozen raw pet food

Sprinkles Recalled Due to Reaction to Undeclared Milk

Wilton Brands of Naperville, Illinois announced today a voluntary national recall of all lots of six sprinkles products and one kit containing affected sprinkles, because they may contain undeclared milk.  This recall is being initiated because of one reported allergic reaction to date associated with one of the recalled products. Wilton is recalling all affected products with a similar formulation. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wilton-brands-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-7-sprinkle-products
Wilton Brands Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in 7 Sprinkle Products
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 03, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 03, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May Contain Undeclared Milk
Company Name:  Wilton Brands
Brand Name:  Wilton, Tasty by Wilton, and Holiday Home
Product Description:  Sprinkle Products

Rice Crisps Recalled Due to Undeclared Soy

The Quaker Oats Company, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, Inc., today issued a voluntary recall for 3.03 oz. bags of Quaker Rice Crisps Sweet Barbecue Flavor because they may contain undeclared soy ingredients.

While no reason for the issue was listed, these issues can often be related to a mis-formulation by the company or by an ingredient by the supplier.

The ingredient statement from the company's website states

Ingredients: Whole grain brown rice flour, degerminated milled corn, sunflower oil, sugar, salt, dry whey, brown sugar, onion powder, molasses, buttermilk powder, yeast extract, spices, tomato (dried), garlic powder, citric acid, natural flavor, tocopherols (preservative), paprika (color), gum arabic.
CONTAINS MILK INGREDIENTS.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/quaker-oats-company-issues-voluntary-recall-quaker-rice-crisps-sweet-barbecue-flavor-due-undeclared

The Quaker Oats Company Issues Voluntary Recall of Quaker Rice Crisps Sweet Barbecue Flavor Due to Undeclared Soy Issue
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  February 26, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 01, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Snack Food Item
Reason for Announcement:  May Contain Undeclared Soy Ingredients
Company Name:  The Quaker Oats Company
Brand Name:  Quaker
Product Description:  Rice Crisps Sweet Barbecue Flavor

Distribution Company Recalls Canned Meat Product After A Tip to UDSA Officials on Import Violation

Milky Way International Trading Corp., doing business as MW Polar, a Norwalk, Calif., firm, is recalling approximately 297,715 pounds of ready-to-eat canned corned beef products that were imported and distributed in the United States without the benefit of FSIS import re-inspection,
Product was manufactured in Australia and imported over a half year period, June 2020 to January, 2021.

"The problem was discovered after FSIS received a tip from an industry representative indicating that corned beef product received from Milky Way did not undergo FSIS import reinspection."  Nothing like having industry players keeping you honest.  This type of reporting...competitors as informants, happens more often than you think....whether it be improper label claims, pack weight issues, or quality or identity misstatements.  

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2021/recall-008-2021-release
Milky Way International Trading Corp. Recalls Canned Corned Beef Products Imported Without Benefit of Inspection
Class I Recall

008-2021
Health Risk: High

Mar 1, 2021

Research - New Food Allergy Guidelines for Infants Leads to 16% Decrease in Peanut Allergies

A recent study has concluded that the food allergy guidelines for introducing peanut into a babies' diets have led to a 16 percent decrease in peanut allergies in infants.  "The research found the peanut allergy prevalence in 2018-2019 was 2.6 per cent compared to 3.1 per cent in 2007-2011, which amounted to a 16 per cent decrease after accounting for migration and population changes." 

According to the article,  "In the 1990s some guidelines recommended avoiding allergenic foods until age 1-3 years and avoidance of these foods in infancy became widespread"   This thinking was reversed starting in 2008.   Now, "Peanut consumption by 12 months [of age] increased from 28 per cent to 89 per cent in the 10 years to 2019, which may have halted the rise in peanut allergy, the study found."

https://www.mcri.edu.au/news/decrease-peanut-allergy-among-infants-after-guideline-changes
Decrease in peanut allergy among infants after guideline changes
Institute News