Foodservice Chain Fights Against Bogus Claims After DNA Testing Unable to Identify Tuna

A lawsuit was filed against Subway for not using tuna in its Tuna sandwiches.  This claim is based upon DNA testing of the sandwich meat to determine if it was tuna, and this testing was not able to detect tuna DNA.  The news media piles on Subway with the damaging claim.

Guess what?  It's canned tuna, where the tuna undergoes a pressure canning process that utilizes high temperatures for long periods of time....a process that would make it difficult if not impossible to recover identifiable DNA.  

In the NY Post article below "In an amended complaint from June, the plaintiffs toned down their allegations, saying that Subway claims to sell sustainably caught skipjack and yellowfin tuna, but was in fact selling “anything less than healthy stocks.”  So, okay it is tuna, but it is not good tuna?  So now we are moving to the 'pink slime' mode?

https://nypost.com/2021/06/23/lab-tests-reportedly-find-no-identifiable-tuna-dna-in-subway-sandwich/
Lab tests reportedly find no identifiable tuna DNA in Subway sandwich — again
By Will FeuerJune 23, 2021 | 10:05am | Updated
Something is fishy about Subway’s “tuna” sandwich.

Commercial lab tests again found no identifiable tuna DNA in the sandwich that purports to contain the fish.

The New York Times bought Subway tuna sandwiches from three different locations in Los Angeles, and then sent frozen samples to an unidentified commercial food testing lab after two California women filed a class-action lawsuit against the company in January alleging that Subway’s tuna sandwiches aren’t actually made of the fish.

FDA Testing Finds No Risk from PFAS in Food Samples

FDA provided an update on testing for PFAS in foods.  They sampled 94 items and only one product, cod, had a detectable level, and this level did not represent a human health concern.

So what are PFAS.  Applicable selections from the EPA website:

• "Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals. PFAS have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries around the globe, including in the United States since the 1940s. PFOA and PFOS have been the most extensively produced and studied of these chemicals. Both chemicals are very persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they don’t break down and they can accumulate over time. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects."
• "Although PFOA and PFOS are no longer manufactured in the United States, they are still produced internationally and can be imported into the United States in consumer goods such as carpet, leather and apparel, textiles, paper and packaging, coatings, rubber and plastics."
• "People can be exposed to low levels of PFAS through food, which can become contaminated through:
• Contaminated soil and water used to grow the food,
• Food packaging containing PFAS, and
• Equipment that used PFAS during food processing."
• "People can also be exposed to PFAS chemicals if they are released during normal use, biodegradation, or disposal of consumer products that contain PFAS. People may be exposed to PFAS used in commercially-treated products to make them stain- and water-repellent or nonstick. These goods include carpets, leather and apparel, textiles, paper and packaging materials, and non-stick cookware."
• "Studies indicate that PFOA and PFOS can cause reproductive and developmental, liver and kidney, and immunological effects in laboratory animals. Both chemicals have caused tumors in animal studies. The most consistent findings from human epidemiology studies are increased cholesterol levels among exposed populations, with more limited findings related to: infant birth weights, effects on the immune system, cancer (for PFOA), and thyroid hormone disruption (for PFOS)."
• "GenX is a trade name for a technology that is used to make high performance fluoropolymers (e.g., some nonstick coatings) without the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). HFPO dimer acid and its ammonium salt are the major chemicals associated with the GenX technology. GenX chemicals have been found in surface water, groundwater, finished drinking water, rainwater, and air emissions in some areas.  As part of EPA’s draft toxicity assessment, EPA has developed draft oral reference doses (RfDs) for GenX chemicals."

FDA Issues Update on Recent Activities Pertaining to PFAS in Food | FDA
FDA Issues Update on Recent Activities Pertaining to PFAS in Food
Constituent Update
June 30, 2021

Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups Recalled Due to Potential Peanut Allergen

Bazzini LLC, Allentown, PA is recalling three lot codes (SELL BY date codes of APR 05 2022, APR 06 2022, and APR 07 2022) of 1.4 ounce Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups because it may contain peanut protein.  While the label states that the product "May contain traces of ... peanut," following reports of allergic reactions, all potentially affected product was removed from sale.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bazzini-llc-voluntarily-recalls-trader-joes-dark-chocolate-almond-butter-cup-2-pak
Bazzini LLC Voluntarily Recalls Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cup 2-Pak
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 23, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 28, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared peanut protein
Company Name: Bazzini LLC
Brand Name:  Trader Joe’s
Product Description:  Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups

Cooked Shrimp Linked to Salmonella Illnesses

The FDA, CDC and state agencies are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Weltevreden infections linked to the consumption of frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods of India.  "A positive import sample combined with epidemiological and traceback evidence indicate that this outbreak is linked to frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods. FDA’s traceback investigation identified a common shipment of shrimp that could have been consumed by ill people."  There have been 6 illnesses with 2 resulting in hospitalization.

Basically, one shipment was found positive for a specific Salmonella strain.  That shipment was destroyed.   A few months later, the specific Salmonella strain was involved in cases of Salmonella.  It was found that these people had eaten shrimp from a common shipment from the same company.  The company has conducted a recall for product.

"On January 26, 2021, an import sample of Avanti Frozen Foods shrimp was collected as a routine part of the FDA’s Imported Seafood Compliance Program. Analysis of the sample showed the presence of Salmonella Weltevreden. At the time, there were no known associated illnesses or closely related isolates of this strain. In March 2021, as a result of the positive test, this shipment was refused admission into the U.S. and was destroyed, and the importing firm was added to Import Alert 16-81, which allows the FDA to detain product without physical examination due to the presence of Salmonella."

In April 2021, three clinical isolates collected from ill people were reported to be closely related to the isolates collected from the import sample. As of June 25, 2021, there are now 6 clinical isolates from ill people that are genetic matches to the Salmonella collected from the import sample. Five of the six ill people were interviewed to determine the foods they ate before becoming sick, and all five ill people report eating shrimp. Based on purchase locations and purchase dates available for four ill people, FDA’s traceback investigation identified a common shipment of shrimp that could have been consumed by ill people. The product from this shipment was all sold thawed at retail. This thawed product is past expiration and no longer available for sale.

[TIP - Buy fresh frozen (not thawed) and cook it yourself, unless you can buy fresh, just caught]

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-weltevreden-shrimp-april-2021
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Weltevreden: Shrimp (April 2021)

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 6
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: April 25, 2021
States with Cases: AZ (2), NV (4)
Product Distribution: Nationwide

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Weltevreden infections linked to the consumption of frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods of India.

Three Texas Importers Issued Warning Letters for Not Having FSVP for Imported Food Items

FDA issue Warning Letters to the following food importers for issues involving FSVP - Foreign Supplier Verification Program. The FSVP regulation requires that importers perform certain risk-based activities to verify that human and/or animal food they import into the United States has been produced in a manner that meets applicable U.S. food safety standards.

• Jaramillo Spices Corp of McAllen, TX.id not have FSVPs for these products or any of the food products you import.   https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/jaramillo-spices-corp-614760-06082021
• Mr Lukas LLC of McAllen, TX did not develop FSVPs as required for the imported foods.   https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/mr-lukas-llc-613441-04092021
• Tuty Usa LLC of Conroe, Texas did not have FSVPs for these products or for any other products you import.     https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/tuty-usa-llc-614625-06092021

Fresh Packed Blueberries Recalled Due to Potential Cyclospora

Dole Diversified North America, Inc. is recalling a limited number of cases of Dole™ Fresh Blueberries packaged in a variety of clamshell sizes for potential Cyclospora contamination.
This voluntary recall is due to possible Cyclospora contamination on Dole™ Fresh Blueberries. Dole Diversified North America, Inc. is coordinating closely with regulatory officials. No illnesses have been reported to date in association with the recall.  The impacted products were distributed in four US states (IL, ME, NY, and WI), and two Canadian provinces (Alberta and British Columbia).

With no reported illnesses, one could guess that this was triggered by testing.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dole-diversified-north-america-inc-announces-limited-recall-doletm-fresh-blueberries-potential
Dole Diversified North America, Inc. Announces Limited Recall of Dole™ Fresh Blueberries for Potential Cyclospora Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 24, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 25, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Cyclospora contamination
Company Name:  Dole Diversified North America, Inc.
Brand Name:  Dole™
Product Description:  Fresh Blueberries

VA Company Recalls Egg-like Product for Containing Egg

Cuisine Solutions, Sterling, VA is initiating a voluntary recall of its JUST Egg flavored plant-based “bites” products due to undeclared allergens. A limited number of 2-pouch retail packages may contain an incorrect sealed pouch containing whole-egg and milk products. 

 

The egg recall occurred when a packaging error was made where product containing actual egg was put into the box.

  

From the company website, we can see this is a supplier related issue "We use third-party facilities to manufacture our products, so we cannot guarantee that our allergen-free products are made on designated allergen-free lines or in allergen-free facilities. For example, JUST Egg is egg-free but is made in a facility where egg is present. In order to lower the risk of incidental contact with allergens from other products manufactured in the same facility, we require that our third-party manufacturers employ rigorous sanitation, inspection, and good manufacturing practices."  

The label JUST Egg, but it is egg flavored and does not contain egg (not sure why it is not called NO Egg).  So what does the properly labeled product contain?

Ingredients

Water, Mung Bean Protein Isolate, Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil, Contains less than 2% of Dehydrated Onion, Gellan Gum, Natural Carrot Extractives (color), Natural Flavors, Natural Turmeric Extractives (color), Potassium Citrate, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Sugar, Tapioca Syrup, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Transglutaminase, Nisin (preservative). (Contains soy.)

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cuisine-solutions-issues-voluntary-recall-flavored-plant-based-bites

Cuisine Solutions Issues Voluntary Recall of Flavored Plant-Based Bites
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 19, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 20, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk and egg
Company Name:  Cuisine Solutions
Brand Name:  Just Egg
Product Description:  Egg flavored plant-based “bites”
Company Announcement

CA Company Recalls Milk Powders Due to Infant-related Labeling Issue

DESIGNED BY NATURE of California is recalling Goat’s Milk Powder, Cow’s Milk Powder and Base Milk Powder formulas beacuse the labels to not make it clear that these products are not intended to be used as infant formula.

The label state Developed for all life stages, and thier website states, "Designed by Nature offers only 100% nutritious, clean, simple and wholesome formulas. Our formulas are made from real food whole ingredients that are nutritionally complete and easy to digest."

However, "The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) defines infant formula as "a food which purports to be or is represented for special dietary use solely as a food for infants by reason of its simulation of human milk or its suitability as a complete or partial substitute for human milk" (FFDCA 201(z)). FDA regulations define infants as persons not more than 12 months old.  All infant formulas sold in the United States must meet the requirements of the Infant Formula Act (section 412 of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act).  Designed by Nature formulas are not intended or approved for infants."


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/designed-nature-voluntarily-recalls-goats-milk-cows-milk-and-base-milk-formulas-due-possible-health
Designed By Nature Voluntarily Recalls Goat’s Milk, Cow’s Milk and Base Milk Formulas Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 14, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 14, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages Milk/Milk Product  

Reason for Announcement:  Products are not intended to be used as infant formula
Company Name:  Designed by Nature
 Brand Name:  Designed by Nature
Product Description:  Goat Milk, Cow Milk, and Base Mix Formulas

FDA Warning Letter - Allergen Recalls Initiates Inspection of Oregon Facility

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Market of Choice, LLC  after inspecting their food manufacturing facility located in Eugene, Oregon.  The inspection was initiated as a result of a Class I recall of one of the company's products because of undeclared tree nut (almond) allergen on the product label printed and applied at the retail stores. 

Allergens

• The company did not appropriately identify undeclared allergens as a hazard requiring a preventive control in allergen-containing products.  Although the facility receives, stores, and uses allergens such as tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, and wheat in production, the hazard analysis indicated that the allergen hazard was not significant due to low likelihood.   [This is a common error that FDA finds...facilities think that the prerequisite programs are sufficient, but FDA is finding that this is not the case].
• The company submitted  a “New Product Label Verification Checklist” , however, this procedure for new product development does not appear to address the root cause of the recall – failure to make electronic allergen labeling revisions after reformulations that add or change the allergens in a product. In addition, the procedure does not include monitoring, corrective action, or verification procedures to ensure control of the undeclared allergen hazard.

 Other items - Of course, if FDA is there, they will conduct a broader inspection.

• The company did not appropriately identify contamination with environmental pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella for the RTE fresh salads which are exposed to the environment prior to packaging and do not receive a lethal treatment or otherwise include a control measure that would significantly minimize these environmental pathogens
• The company did not take appropriate Corrective Action  after obtaining "six Salmonella positive swab results in rooms adjacent to the main production room where ready-to-eat products are exposed to the environment prior to packaging.  The company had not established and implemented written corrective action procedures that must be taken to address the presence of an environmental pathogens.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/market-choice-llc-613557-06012021
WARNING LETTER

Market of Choice, LLC
MARCS-CMS 613557 — JUNE 01, 2021
Recipient:
Richard L. Wright Jr.
President
Market of Choice, LLC
2862 Willamette Street, Suite B
Eugene, OR 97405
United States

FDA Issues Report on Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Peaches

FDA issued a report on an August, 2020 outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to 

peaches packed or supplied by a large grower/producer. In total, in the U.S. there were 101 reported 

illnesses across 17 states.

• 'The traceback investigation identified multiple distributors, packing facilities, and orchards that supplied bagged and/or loose peaches during the timeframe of interest to the identified points of service, with a large grower/producer’s peaches and packing facilities supplying the majority of peaches associated with points of service during the timeframe of interest; however, a single point or source of contamination was unable to be determined by the traceback investigation.'
• 'In total, over 700 tests were conducted, including: approximately 180 tests of peach leaves and approximately 20 tests of peaches collected from multiple orchards, approximately 480 tests of environmental samples and approximately 20 tests of peach products collected from three peach packing/holding facilities, and approximately 20 tests of peach products collected from two additional distribution centers (one in Iowa and one in Illinois) for testing. While no test results matched the 2020 outbreak strain, four tests returned positives for Salmonella Alachua and two tests returned positives for Salmonella Montevideo.'
• 'Isolates from one peach test and three leaf tests, each collected from an orchard adjacent to a poultry facility, were positive for Salmonella Alachua.'
• 'Salmonella Montevideo was detected in two tests of orchard canopy leaves collected during this follow-up investigation, each collected from an orchard with adjacent or nearby cattle operations.'
  
• 'We [FDA] hypothesize that the adjacent animal operations (both poultry and cattle) were a likely contributing factor to the Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak – with fugitive dust as one possible route of product contamination. In addition, almond orchards were also identified to be in the vicinity of several identified peach orchards and almond operations have the capacity to generate significant dust due to the nature of their harvesting method in a relatively dry growing environment – as well as having the documented potential to harbor Salmonella populations'

In light of these findings, FDA encourages all farms (including growers, harvesters, etc.) to:

• Be cognizant of and assess risks that may be posed by adjacent and nearby land uses,  especially as it relates to fugitive dust exposure from adjacent or nearby livestock and poultry.
• Assess growing operations to ensure that appropriate science- and risk-based preventive  measures are in place, including applicable provisions of the FDA Food Safety  Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule and good agricultural practices. 
• Consider additional tools such as pre-harvest and/or post-harvest sampling and testing of  products to help inform the risk assessment and clarify the need for specific prevention  measures.
• When pathogens are identified through microbiological surveys, pre-harvest testing of  produce, or post-harvest testing of produce implement industry-led root cause analyses to  determine how the contamination likely occurred and then implement appropriate prevention and verification measures. 
• Improve traceability through increased digitization, interoperability, and standardization of  traceability records which would expedite traceback and help remove contaminated  product from the marketplace more quickly, thereby preventing further illnesses. This is  not only important for growers, but also critical for shippers, manufactures, and retailers as  well, to improve overall traceability throughout the supply chain. 

Personally, the fugitive dust guess is a bit of a stretch considering the number of cases.  There are so many factors that could have played a major role, but would have been impossible for inspectors to see at the time of inspection with time passing and operations changing.

Factors Potentially Contributing to the Contamination of Peaches Implicated in the Summer 2020 Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (fda.gov)
Investigation Report: Factors Potentially Contributing to the Contamination of Peaches Implicated in the Summer 2020 Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis

Chick Feed Recalled Due to Deficiently Low Salt Level

Hubbard Feeds is voluntarily recalling EASY FEED ORGANIC CHICK STARTER/GROWER ORG with batch number B01785781. The product has been found to contain deficient levels of salt.   Low sodium may cause abnormal nerve impulses so chicks’ muscles will not move well. Low sodium can also affect the cell’s normal internal pressure which can affect cardiac output due to deflated muscle not working well. The growth of birds may also be negatively impacted.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hubbard-feeds-voluntarily-recalls-easy-feed-organic-chick-startergrower-org
Hubbard Feeds Voluntarily Recalls Easy Feed Organic Chick Starter/Grower Org
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 08, 2021
FDA Publish Date: June 08, 2021
Product Type: Animal & Veterinary
Reason for Announcement:  Contains deficient levels of salt
Company Name: Hubbard Feeds
Brand Name: Hubbard Feeds
Product Description: EASY FEED ORGANIC CHICK STARTER/GROWER ORG

Dog Food Recalled After This Deviated Product Inadvertently Is Shipped

Freshpet Inc. is announcing a voluntary recall of a single lot of Freshpet® Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food (1 LB bags), with Sell by Date 10/30/2021,due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Our Freshpet Team had designated this single lot for destruction, but it was inadvertently shipped to retailers in limited geographic markets between June 7 to June 10, 2021.

These are those types of recalls that occur when 'held' product  inadvertently gets shipped.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/freshpet-voluntarily-recalls-one-lot-freshpetr-select-small-dog-bite-size-beef-egg-recipe-dog-food
Freshpet Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of Freshpet® Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 13, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 13, 2021
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Salmonella
Company Name:  Freshpet Inc.
Brand Name:  Freshpet
Product Description:  Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food

Kimchi Aioli Sauce Recalled After Putting Incorrect Back Label on Bottles Resulting in Mislabeled Allergens

Tulkoff Food Products Inc. of Baltimore Maryland is recalling Kimchi Aioli 18 fl. oz. squeeze bottles with lot code 09.18.2021M for the presence of undeclared wheat and soy allergens.  The recall was initiated after Tulkoff discovered that the incorrect back label had been affixed to the product. This error was confined to one specific product, and one specific lot.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tulkoff-food-products-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-and-wheat-kimchi-aioli
Tulkoff Food Products, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared (Soy and Wheat) in Kimchi Aioli
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 08, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 08, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Soy and Wheat Allergens
Company Name:  Tulkoff Food Products Inc.
Brand Name:  Tulkoff
Product Description:  Kimchi Aioli

Baby Food Manufacturer Recalls Rice Cereal, Decides to Discontinue Product Line

"Beech-Nut Nutrition today has issued a voluntary recall of one lot of Beech-Nut Stage 1, Single Grain Rice Cereal. This recall is a result of a routine sampling program by the State of Alaska which found that samples from that production lot of Beech-Nut Stage 1, Single Grain Rice Cereal tested above the guidance level for naturally occurring inorganic arsenic set by the FDA in August 2020, though the rice flour used had been tested and confirmed as being below the FDA guidance level for inorganic arsenic."

"FDA has recognized that trace elements such as these are widely present in the environment, including water, soil and food; and has also stated that exposure to elevated levels of naturally occurring inorganic arsenic can pose a health hazard to young children."

"In addition to issuing the voluntary recall, Beech-Nut has also decided to exit the market for Beech-Nut branded Single Grain Rice Cereal. Beech-Nut is concerned about the ability to consistently obtain rice flour well-below the FDA guidance level and Beech-Nut specifications for naturally occurring inorganic arsenic."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/beech-nut-nutrition-company-issues-voluntary-recall-one-lot-beech-nut-single-grain-rice-cereal-and
Beech-Nut Nutrition Company Issues a Voluntary Recall of One Lot of Beech-Nut Single Grain Rice Cereal and Also Decides to Exit the Rice Cereal Segment
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 08, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 08, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Presence of Inorganic Arsenic above Guidance Levels
Company Name:  Beech-Nut
Brand Name:  Beech-Nut
Product Description:  Stage 1, Single Grain Rice Cereal

Fish Dip Recalled After Using Recalled Smoked Fish Product

Smilin’ Bob’s, a Florida establishment, is voluntarily recalling Smilin’ Bob’s Original Smoked Fish Dip and Smilin’ Bob’s All Natural Smoked Fish Dip after using recalled product from Banner Smoked Fish, Inc. which recalled smoked fish due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/smilin-bobs-voluntarily-recalls-smilin-bobs-smoked-fish-dip-products-because-possible-health-risk
Smilin’ Bob’s Voluntarily Recalls Smilin’ Bob’s Smoked Fish Dip Products Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 07, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 08, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Smilin’ Bob’s
Brand Name:  Smilin’ Bob’s
Product Description:  Smoked Fish Dip

Determining the Impact of Cyber Attacks on Food Safety in Light of the JBS Event

An article in Huffington Post (below) discusses the recent cyber attack on JBS, the world's largest meat supplier.  While this resulted in a momentary hold up of the meat supply and not a food safety risk, it does show the vulnerability of a company's digit control system to an attack.

But what if this was impacted the controls for formulation or temperature control, there could be a food safety issue, and certainly a food quality issue.

A white paper titled "Adulterating More Than Food The Cyber Risk to Food Processing and Manufacturing" developed by the Food Protection and Defense Institute (link below) outlines cyber risk and some actions that food companies can take.  One of those actions is to extend your Food Defense and Food Safety programs to address cybersecurity.  

This begins with a risk analysis of the operations involving maintenance and IT staff to understand the involvement of digital control systems within the work flow and then developing practices that would mitigate potential issues.

Huffington Post
What The JBS Meat Hack Means For Consumers, Pricing And Food Safety | HuffPost Life
What The JBS Meat Hack Means For Consumers, Pricing And Food Safety
Will prices go up? Will the meat make us sick? Here's what to know for both the present and the future.
By Heide Brandes
06/04/2021 05:45am EDT

Organic Coriander Recalled After Sampling Finds Salmonella

Olde Thompson LLC. Oxnard, CA in cooperation with the FDA is recalling Olde Thompson and Sun Harvest Organic Ground Coriander in 1.5oz glass jar with flip top closure, Lot # 23632 and 23631 due to possible contamination by Salmonella.  The bacterium was discovered during routine sampling of raw materials.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/olde-thompson-llc-issues-voluntary-recall-olde-thompson-and-sun-harvest-organic-ground-coriander-due
Olde Thompson LLC Issues A Voluntary Recall of Olde Thompson And Sun Harvest Organic Ground Coriander Due to Possible Salmonella Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 04, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 04, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella Contamination
Company Name:  Olde Thompson, Sun Harvest
Brand Name:  Olde Thompson, Sun Harvest
Product Description:  Organic Ground Coriander

USDA Issues Health Alert for Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products Due to Salmonella

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert due to concerns about illnesses caused by Salmonella Enteritidis that may be associated with frozen, raw, breaded and pre-browned, stuffed chicken products. These items may be labeled "chicken cordon bleu", chicken with “broccoli and cheese”, or "chicken Kiev".

FSIS is investigating a Salmonella Enteritidis illness cluster with the CDC and state partners. FSIS suspects that there may be a link between the frozen, raw, breaded, and pre-browned stuffed chicken products and this illness cluster based on information gathered in conjunction with the CDC and state partners. Cases have been identified with illness onset dates ranging from February 21, 2021 to May 7, 2021.As part of the investigation, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture collected frozen, raw, breaded, stuffed chicken products from a retail store for testing. The raw product samples tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis. At this time, the production lots tested in Minnesota are not known to have been purchased by any of the case patients. FSIS has not received any purchase documentation, shopper records, or other traceable information at this time. 

The products of concern may appear to be ready-to-eat but are in fact raw and need to be fully cooked before consumption. Many of these stuffed chicken products were labeled with instructions identifying that the product was uncooked (raw). The labels also identified cooking instructions for preparation in an oven. Some of the patients reported that they did not follow the cooking instructions and reported microwaving the product, cooking it in an air fryer or cooking it in the oven for less than the recommended time and without using a meat thermometer to confirm the recommended temperature was achieved. 

This is a similar issue faced by Canadian producers who manufactured similar products as well as in the US.

Penn State Food Safety Blog: Canada - Another Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Uncooked Breaded Chicken (2019)

https://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2018/09/canada-warning-of-risk-associated-with.html

(2018)

Penn State Food Safety Blog: Barber Foods Expands Recall of Chicken Kiev After Additional Illnesses Reported (2015)

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-raw-breaded-stuffed-chicken-products-due
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen Raw Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

WA Company Recalls Meatballs and Pork Patties Due to Unlabeled Allergens

King's Command Foods, LLC., a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 20,025 pounds of fully cooked, not shelf stable meat and poultry meatballs and pork patties due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains egg, milk, and/or wheat, known allergens, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered when the establishment determined that allergen-containing ingredients may have comingled with the recalled products that do not normally contain the identified allergens.  There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/kings-command-foods-llc.-recalls-meat-and-poultry-meatballs-and-pork-pattie-products
King's Command Foods, LLC. Recalls Meat and Poultry Meatballs and Pork Pattie Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
KING'S COMMAND FOODS, LLC
FSIS Announcement
WASHINGTON, May 28, 2021 - King's Command Foods, LLC., a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 20,025 pounds of fully cooked, not shelf stable meat and poultry meatballs and pork patties due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains egg, milk, and/or wheat, known allergens, which is not declared on the product label.

CA Company Recalls Beef Jerky for Undeclared Sesame Oil

Legacy Food Company, Inc., a Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 67,895 pounds of beef jerky due to misbranding and an undeclared ingredient-  contains sesame oil, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS label verification activities when it was determined that the labels did not accurately list all sub-ingredients.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/legacy-food-company-inc.-recalls-beef-jerky-products-due-misbranding-and-undeclared
Legacy Food Company, Inc. Recalls Beef Jerky Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Ingredient
LEGACY FOOD COMPANY INC,
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2021 – Legacy Food Company, Inc., a Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 67,895 pounds of beef jerky due to misbranding and an undeclared ingredient, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains sesame oil, which is not declared on the product label.

Company Recalls Pet Food After State Testing Lab Finds Salmonella Positive Sample

Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of certain dog food products because of the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The potential for contamination was noted after the firm was notified by the distributor, Fleet Wholesale Supply Company, who was informed by Minnesota Department of Agriculture when a sample of 5 lbs. Sprout Sporting Dog Food product was collected and tested positive for Salmonella during routine surveillance.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunshine-mills-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-certain-dog-food-products-because-possible-salmonella
Sunshine Mills, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Certain Dog Food Products Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination.

Summary

Company Announcement Date:  June 02, 2021

FDA Publish Date:  June 03, 2021

Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Pet Food

Reason for Announcement: Salmonella contamination

Company Name: Sunshine Mills, Inc.

Brand Name: Sportsman’s Pride, Sprout Sporting, Intimidator, FRM Gold Select

Product Description: Dog Food Products

NY Food Company Recalls All Smoked Fish Products After FDA Inspection Determines Unsanitary Conditions

Banner Smoked Fish, Inc. of Brooklyn, NY is voluntarily expending recalling its SMOKED FISH, SALADS, PICKLED FISH PRODUCTS, and CREAM SAUCE PRODUCTS (product names and photos of labels are listed below) of all products within expiry, in all package sizes, all package types and all lots.   There are 85 different products included in the final recall which was initially issued on June 2nd, expanded on June 3rd and then expanded again.  According to the report, "The products were found to be processed under unsanitary condition. The problem was discovered through FDA routine inspection. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/banner-smoked-fish-expends-recalls-smoked-fish-products-salads-pickled-fish-products-and-cream-sauce
Banner Smoked Fish Expends Recalls Smoked Fish Products, Salads, Pickled Fish Products, And Cream Sauce Products Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 04, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 04, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  Banner Smoked Fish, Inc.
Brand Name:  Banner and multiple other brands
Product Description:  Smoked Fish Products (Salmon, Lox, Trout, and more)

Five Companies Issue Recalls for Imported Mushrooms Due to Listeria

Three food companies/distributors are recalling mushroom product after testing determined the presence of Listeria.

• California Terra Garden Inc. of Commerce, CA is recalling all cases of its 150g/5.3-ounce packages of Seafood Mushroom (Product of China)
• CONCORD FARMS of Vernon, CA is recalling enoki mushrooms grown in Korea
• Sun Hong, Inc 1105 W Olympic Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640 is recalling All Cases of Seafood Mushroom (Product of China) Net Wt 5.3 oz./150g
• Marquis Worldwide Specialty Inc of City of Industry, CA is recalling All of the Organic Enoki Mushroom 200g,
• Rainfield Marketing Group, Inc. of Vernon, CA is recalling all cases of its 150g packages of Enoki Mushrooms (Product of Korea)

There has been a large number of recalls for imported mushrooms due to Listeria.  It will not be surprising to see a larger action from FDA regarding these products.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/california-terra-garden-inc-recalls-seafood-mushroom-because-possible-health-risk
California Terra Garden Inc. Recalls Seafood Mushroom Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 28, 2021
FDA Publish Date: May 29, 2021
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name: California Terra Garden Inc.
Brand Name: Guan’s
Product Description: Seafood mushrooms

Colorado Food Company Expands Recall of Cheese Product Due to Potential Listeria Contamination

Interstate Food Products of Lakewood Colorado, is recalling Jalapeno Cream Cheese, Queso,and Spicy Queso, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This is an expansion of the initial recall (as predicted).  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the FDA revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 13.5-ounce packages of Little Hatches Jalapeno Cream Cheese, Queso and Spicy Queso.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/interstate-food-products-recalls-little-hatches-jalapeno-cream-cheese-sell-date-521-and-queso-spicy
Interstate Food Products Recalls Little Hatches Jalapeno Cream Cheese, Sell by Date Is 5/21 and Queso, Spicy Queso, Sell by Date of 5/28 Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 28, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  May 28, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Interstate Food Products
Brand Name:  Little Hatches
Product Description:  Jalapeno Cream Cheese, Queso and Spicy Queso Dip