Nebraska Establishment Recalls 147 Tons of Beef After FSIS Testing Finds Pathogenic E. coli

Greater Omaha Packing, an Omaha, Neb. establishment, is recalling approximately 295,236 pounds of raw beef products intended for non-intact use that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  The problem was discovered when FSIS collected a routine product sample that confirmed positive for the presence of E. coli O157:H7. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

There has long been a recognition that ruminants shed E. coli at a much higher rate in the summer months.  This means that there is going to be additional risk for prevelence in meat products especially ground meat.  With that, extra precaution is needed when cooking hamburgers on the grill to ensure proper cooking temperatures are met.

Greater Omaha Packing Recalls Raw Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov)
Greater Omaha Packing Recalls Raw Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination
GREATER OMAHA PACKING CO., INC.

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2021 – Greater Omaha Packing, an Omaha, Neb. establishment, is recalling approximately 295,236 pounds of raw beef products intended for non-intact use that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Dry Pet Food Recalled for Aflatoxin Concerns

Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of certain products due to potentially elevated levels of Aflatoxin above the acceptable limit. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring by-product from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be harmful to pets if consumed in significant quantities. No illnesses have been reported in association with these products to date, and no other Sunshine Mills, Inc. pet food products are affected by this announcement.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunshine-mills-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-certain-products-due-potentially-elevated-levels
Sunshine Mills, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Certain Products Due to Potentially Elevated Levels of Aflatoxin
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 29, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 29, 2021
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Elevated Levels of Aflatoxin
Company Name:  Sunshine Mills, Inc.
Brand Name:  Triumph, Evolve, Nature Farms, Elm and others
Product Description:  Dog Food

Produce Company Expands Recall of Leafy Greens, Product is Already Past the Expiration Date

BrightFarms expanded their July 15th recall of packaged greens to now include additional packaged salad greens that are past expiration date and were produced in its Rochelle, Illinois (Ogle County) greenhouse farm sold in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana and Michigan due to potential contamination with Salmonella.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/brightfarms-announces-voluntary-recall-expansion-packaged-salad-greens-sold-illinois-wisconsin-iowa
BrightFarms Announces Voluntary Recall Expansion of Packaged Salad Greens Sold in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana and Michigan
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 28, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 28, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Produce  
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Salmonella
Company Name:  BrightFarms
Brand Name:  BrightFarms
Product Description:  Baby Spinach

Italian and Ranch Seasoning Blends Recalled After FDA Sampling Finds Salmonella

McCormick & Company, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning, McCormick Culinary Italian Seasoning and Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning due to possible contamination with Salmonella.  The potential risk was brought to McCormick’s attention by FDA during routine testing. This recall affects cases that were shipped of the affected date codes.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/voluntary-recall-notice-mccormick-italian-seasoning-products-and-franks-redhot-buffalo-ranch
Voluntary Recall Notice of McCormick Italian Seasoning Products and Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning Due to Possible Salmonella Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 27, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 27, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Salmonella
Company Name:  McCormick & Company, Inc.
Brand Name:  McCormick and Frank’s
Product Description:  Italian Seasonings and RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning

Cheddar Cheese Recalled After Listeria Positive Test

Cahill's a cheese manufacturer located in Ireland is voluntarily a number of cheese products after internal testing found the presence of Listeria.  "Routine testing picked up positives of Listeria Monocytogenes. Our investigation identified a single piece of equipment in our facility as the potential source of this issue and the equipment was immediately removed from our production line. All our products manufactured since have tested fully clear."

Whole Foods is recalling Cahill Cheddar Porter and Whiskey Cheddar Cheeses from 44 stores across 22 states because of a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. The issue was discovered when Whole Foods Market was notified by a Cahills of the positive test result for Listeria monocytogenes. There have been no know illnesses.

Cahill’s Farm Cheese Recalls Specialty Cheddar Cheese Due to Possible Health Risk | FDA
Cahill’s Farm Cheese Recalls Specialty Cheddar Cheese Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 29, 2021
FDA Publish Date: July 29, 2021
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Cahill’s Farm Cheese 
Brand Name: Cahill’s Farm Cheese Lidl
Product Description: Cheddar Cheese

Spice Company Recalls Spice Blend After Positive Listeria Test

Excalibur Seasoning Company of Pekin, IL is recalling 17 bottles of Haen Meats 1959 House Blend because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.   The recall is the result of routine finished product testing which found the bacteria to be present in one product. Further ingredient testing found the bacteria may be present in one lot of one ingredient. All products which used this lot of ingredient are being recalled.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/excalibur-seasoning-company-recalls-seasoning-blend-because-possible-health-risk
Excalibur Seasoning Company Recalls Seasoning Blend Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 26, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 26, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Spices, Flavors & Salts
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Excalibur Seasoning Company
Brand Name:  Haen Meats
Product Description:  1959 House Blend (Seasoning)
Company Announcement

Leafy Green Products Recalled After Positive Listeria Test

Old Souls Farms, LLC, located at in St. Paris Ohio is initiating a voluntary recall of greenhouse leafy green products following a positive test of Listeria monocytogenes. "The positive test for Listeria monocytogenes was from a routine facility test of rainwater holding tanks in the greenhouse facility as well as testing from a customer who received contaminated Basil product. Multiple samples of all products from multiple Lot Codes as well as additional water testing has been completed. The positive test for Listeria monocytogenes in product has been determined that it was an isolated event. However, out of an abundance of caution we decided to recall all product as stated above."

Old Soul Farms is a company that operates in controlled growing environments.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/old-souls-farms-llc-recalls-leafy-green-products-due-possible-health-risk?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Old Soul’s Farms LLC Recalls Leafy Green Products Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 26, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 26, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Old Soul's Farms LLC
Brand Name:  Old Soul's Farms LLC
Product Description:  Greenhouse leafy green products

Food Fraud - Operation OPSON Report Opens Our Eyes to the Level of Deceit Involving Food

Operation OPSON is a coordinated operation between Europol and Interpol to combat trafficking of counterfeit and substandard food and beverages. In the ninth operation (Dec 2019 to Jun 2020) of this type, 83 countries were involved countries, and resulted in the removal a lot of product from commerce and the arrest of a lot of bad people.

We rarely see large scale food fraud investigations for foods originating in the United States, so this report is a great opportunity to see the large scale of food fraud around the world.  These are products that are either related to substitution (one food sold in place of another ) or the sale of substandard product (such as that occurs when adulterated product is knowingly sold as safe).

For the complete report, click on this link Operation Opson IX – Analysis report | Europol (europa.eu)

Here are the highlights (or low lights):

Dairy Products - 

Participating countries: Bulgaria, Italy, France, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland
The project resulted in the seizures of 320 tonnes of smuggled or substandard dairy products. National authorities seized rotten milk and cheese which posed a threat to consumer health. Additionally, 210 tonnes of cheese were seized, which did not meet the conditions to be labelled with a protected geographic denomination.
A Bulgarian investigation into an unregistered warehouse revealed seven samples of cheese tested positive for starch and E.coli. The authorities seized 3.6 tonnes of unsafe dairy products, which were supposed to be processed into melted cheese.

Olive Oil
Participating countries: Albania, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Jordan, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Spain
A total of 149 tonnes of cooking oil was seized as a result of this targeted action led by Greece. About 88 tonnes from the seizures were olive oil and were reported by Albania, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lithuania, Portugal and Spain.
In Italy, during a check on a company producing olive oil, inspectors found a surplus of product, which was not registered in the official documents of the company, thus more than 66 tonnes of olive oil were seized.

Alcohol and Wine
Participating countries: Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, France, Italy, Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, UK
Law enforcement authorities, coordinated by OLAF, seized 1.2 million litres of alcoholic beverages, with the largest quantity being wine. Norwegian authorities seized more than 5 000 litres of vodka smuggled in a trailer.

Horse Meat
Participating countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Ireland, Spain, UK
As a response to this dangerous criminal trend, Europol launched a dedicated project to support national authorities in combating the sale of illegal horse meat, led by Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands and supported by DG SANTE.
The operational activities focused on checks of documents of more than 157 000 horses from eight countries and about 117 tonnes of horse meat. Live animals and more than 17 tonnes of horse meat were seized from several slaughterhouses in Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. Inspections of slaughterhouses in several countries showed that about 20% of the foreign passports used for these horses showed signs of forgery. Competition horses with forged documents were also sent to slaughterhouses.

Seafood

Illicit seafood products were reported in 79 cases, and, according to the data, the quantity seized was around 42.6  tonnes of products, estimated at around USD 591,094. Two arrests and two search warrants have been carried out in  connection with this category of product. Higher seizures were reported by Portugal, who in several higher seizures totaled about 29.8 tonnes of cod, sole, manta fish, bivalve mollusks, cuttlefish and octopus. Italy 3 tonnes of unspecified seafood, Jordan, 1.9 tonnes of unspecified fish and Belgium one ton of dried shrimp, the average for all the other seizures being somewhere at around 116 kg/seizure.

Food safety and deceiving consumers were the main infringements reported this year. The food items were seized when turned out to be species substitutions, for example Alaskan plaice instead of sole fish, various types of other fish posing as Atlantic/Pacific cod, packaging issues (adding water to frozen scallops to increase weight), mislabeling the product (generic commercial name instead of the exact species) or expired products.  In Italy, in one seizure, the authorities found in a marketplace counterfeit labels falsely stating that the fish products  were coming from a certain plant, while in South Africa the invoice of several seafood products stated personal  protection equipment (masks and gloves) related to COVID-19. The investigation revealed that the foreign citizen dealing  with the goods had no import permit and was illegally staying in South Africa.

Canada - Listeria Related Recalls in July

There were three recalls of food products due to Listeria. One for zucchini strips and the other two for cheese products.

https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2021/76093r-eng.php
Harvest Fresh brand Zucchini Spirals recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes
Ottawa, July 25, 2021 - Veg Pak Produce is recalling Harvest Fresh brand Zucchini Spirals from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results

https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2021/76091r-eng.php
Cahill's brand Original Irish Porter Cheese recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes
Ottawa, July 23, 2021 - Tree of Life Canada ULC is recalling Cahill's brand Original Irish Porter Cheese from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.
This recall was triggered by the company. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products.

https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2021/76049r-eng.php
La Bella Contadina brand Burrata Nadi con latte di bufala (cheese) recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes
Ottawa, July 17, 2021 - The food recall warning issued on July 14, 2021 has been updated to include additional product information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) food safety investigation.
Fruiterie Milano Inc. is recalling La Bella Contadina brand Burrata Nadi con latte di bufala (cheese) from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below.
This recall was triggered by CFIA test results.

FDA Warning Letter - Foreign Producer of Rice Protien

FDA issued a warning letter to Panjin Hetian Food Co of China after inspection of the rice protein powder found deficiencies.  Specifically, the firm "did not identify contamination with environmental pathogens, such as Salmonella, as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to determine whether it requires a preventive control for RTE rice protein powder. A hazard evaluation must include an evaluation of environmental pathogens whenever a RTE food is exposed to the environment prior to packaging and the packaged food does not receive a treatment or otherwise include a control measure (21 CFR 117.130(c)(1)(ii)). Your facility manufactures rice protein, a RTE food which is exposed to the environment after a (b)(4) treatment prior to packaging. Once packaged, the food does not receive a lethal treatment or otherwise include a control measure (such as a formulation lethal to the pathogen or control by the supply chain or a downstream customer) that would significantly minimize the pathogen."

The firm was not conducting adequate environmental monitoring and the cleaning procedures were not appropriate for a dry processing facility.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/panjin-hetian-food-co-ltd-614617-07072021
WARNING LETTER

Europe - Large Salmonella Outbreak Linked to South American Melons

Across Europe, there has been 348 cases of Salmonella (posted July 22, 2021) associated with melons.   "Based on epidemiological, microbiological and traceability investigations, the vehicles of infection are presumed to be melons imported from outside the EU/EEA and the UK. Galia melons from the batch imported from a Honduran producer are probable vehicles of infection, at least in those cases reporting having consumed Galia melons."  The strain identified as S. Braenderup.

Harvesting was completed back in April and there are no longer any of this product on the market.

I find it interesting that the food safety authority in the EU had scant information for this rather large outbreak.  

EFSA
Multi‐country outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup ST22, presumed to be linked to imported melons | European Food Safety Authority (europa.eu)
Multi‐country outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup ST22, presumed to be linked to imported melons
Published:  22 July 2021
Adopted:16 July 2021

Beef Jerky Recalled for Undeclared Anchovies

Top Notch Jerky LLC., a Sugar City, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 107 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef jerky due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the product contains anchovies, a known allergen, in the form of Worcestershire sauce.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS label verification activities when it was determined that the labels did not accurately list all sub-ingredients.

FSIS Announcement
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/top-notch-jerky-llc.-recalls-beef-jerky-products-due-misbranding-and-undeclared
Top Notch Jerky LLC. Recalls Beef Jerky Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

2019 Outbreak Investigation - Yersinia Outbreak Linked to Milk from Local PA Dairy

In July of 2019, an outbreak of Y. enterocolitica occurred in northeastern PA with 109 cases (48 confirmed and 61 probable). Ninety-two cases (84%) occurred among ∼535 campers and camp staff who were at a youth summer camp, and 17 (16%) occurred among community members. Onset dates were June 7 to July 26 (Fig. 2).

The cases were linked to a local dairy that pasteurized its own milk. "Y. enterocolitica was isolated from all three unpasteurized milk samples collected from the bulk milk tank. Nine isolates from the three samples were confirmed Y. enterocolitica bioserotype 1B/O:8. Y. enterocolitica was not isolated from any of the unopened pasteurized milk, environmental, or well water samples."

The dairy is "a small independent producer certified by PDA to produce grade A pasteurized milk. The dairy milked 75 cows and produced 17,500–24,500 pounds of milk per week. About 3,500 pounds (∼15%–20%) of milk per week were pasteurized on site with a high-temperature short-time pasteurizer that was purchased used 10 years previously. The dairy produced whole, 2%, skim, flavored milk, and heavy cream. Products pasteurized on site were bottled in single-use gallon, half-gallon, and pint-sized plastic bottles."

"The primary reservoir of Y. enterocolitica bioserotype 1B/O:8 is unknown, but isolates have been recovered from pigs (Doyle et al., 1981), a wild boar (Syczyło et al., 2018), and wild rodents (Hayashidani et al., 1995). This bioserotype was found in two similar outbreaks in the United States related to pasteurized milk from small dairies in New England (Ackers et al., 2000) and Pennsylvania (Longenberger et al., 2014). In the New England outbreak, nonpathogenic strains of Y. enterocolitica, including bioserotype 1A/O:8, were isolated from pigs at the dairy, and pigs were hypothesized to be the outbreak source. In the 2011 Pennsylvania outbreak, pigs were not present in the dairy, but milk crates might have been contaminated during home deliveries at the farms of several people reporting direct contact with pigs. 

"Although [investigators] could not determine the pathogen's origin at Dairy A, the possibility exists that the pigs or wildlife near the dairy provided a potential source of Y. enterocolitica. Unfortunately, [investigators] were unable to test the pigs before their removal from Dairy A."

From the FDA Bad Bug Book

• Y. enterocolitica is psychotropic (i.e., a microorganism that grows well at low temperature) and has the ability to grow at temperatures below 4°C. 
• Has been isolated from animals, such as pigs, birds, beavers, cats, dogs, frogs, flies, and fleas. Y. enterocolitica has been detected in environmental sources, such as soil and water (e.g., ponds and lakes).
• Yersinia enterocolitica has been linked to illness from consumption of pork (including 'chitlins') unpasteurized milk and oysters.
• Symptoms start from one day to two weeks after infection and include high fever and stomach pain with diarrhea (in some cases bloody) and sometimes vomiting.  Some people will get arthritis-like symptoms.  Symptoms may last from a few days to several weeks.
• People in high risk categories are at .......a higher risk.  

Foodborne Pathogens and DiseaseVol. 18, No. 7

Yersinia enterocolitica Outbreak Associated with Pasteurized Milk | Foodborne Pathogens and Disease (liebertpub.com)
Yersinia enterocolitica Outbreak Associated with Pasteurized Milk
Joann F. Gruber, Sheri Morris, Kimberly A. Warren, Kelly E. Kline, Betsy Schroeder, Lisa Dettinger, Brigitte Husband, Kerry Pollard, Carina Davis, Judith Miller, Andre Weltman, Mia Mattioli, Logan Ray, Cheryl Tarr, and Allison H. Longenberger
Published Online:9 Jul 2021https://doi.org/10.1089/fpd.2020.2924

Bagged Carrot Products Recalled After Company Sampling Finds Salmonella Positive Sample

Grimmway Farms has voluntarily issued a recall of certain carrot products because they may have been contaminated with Salmonella as a result of a routine, internal company test.  "In addition to the retail-packed products listed in the table at the end of this press release, the company recalled certain shredded carrots and chopped (chunk) carrots that were sold to food manufacturers and food service distributors."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/grimmway-farms-voluntarily-recalls-certain-retail-packaged-carrots-due-potential-salmonella
Grimmway Farms Voluntarily Recalls Certain Retail-Packaged Carrots Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 21, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 22, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Produce
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Grimmway Farms
Brand Name:  Grimmway Farms and others
Product Description:  Carrot products

Packaged Muffins Recalled After Listeria-Positive Environmental Sample

Give and Go Prepared Foods (U.S.A.) Corp. announced today a voluntary nationwide recall of certain muffin products due to the potential for the products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

The company "became aware of this issue as part of our environmental monitoring program. To date, we have received no reports of illness related to this issue and are taking this action out of an abundance of caution."

Muffins and Listeria?

Give and Go Prepared Foods (U.S.A.) Corp. Conducts Voluntary Recall of Certain Muffin Products Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 19, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 20, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Bakery Product/Mix
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  Give and Go Prepared Foods Corp.
Brand Name:  Uncle Wally's and multiple other brands
Product Description:  muffin products

Dried Apricots Recalled Due to Undeclared Sulfites

Lipari Foods of Warren, Michigan is recalling 86 cases of Troyer Manufacturing Backroad Country Dried Apricots because it may contain undeclared sulfites.  This recall was initiated due to Florida’s Department of Agriculture performing an inspection. It was observed during the inspection that the Backroad Country Dried Apricots with the lot code of 440021117 and expiration date of 12/2021 contained sulfites that were not declared on the label.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lipari-foods-recalling-dried-apricots-because-they-may-contain-undeclared-sulfites
Lipari Foods is Recalling Dried Apricots Because They May Contain Undeclared Sulfites
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 20, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 20, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Sulfites
Company Name:  Lipari Foods
Brand Name:  Backroad Country
Product Description:  Dried Apricots

Frozen Pork Dumplings Recalled Due to Undeclared Milk and Coconut

Green Dining Table, Inc., an Alhambra, CA establishment, is recalling approximately 183,330 pounds of frozen pork dumplings due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the product contains milk and coconut.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS in-plant verification activities where FSIS discovered that the milk and coconut ingredients were not listed on the product labels.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/green-dining-table-inc.-recalls-frozen-pork-dumplings-due-misbranding-and-undeclared
Green Dining Table, Inc. Recalls Frozen Pork Dumplings Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
GREEN DINING TABLE, INC.

Packaged Salad Greens Recalled After Potential Link To Salmonella Outbreak

BrightFarms today initiated a voluntary recall of packaged salad greens produced in its Rochelle, Illinois (Ogle County) greenhouse farm sold in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  BrightFarms is taking this action out of an abundance of caution after being notified of illnesses among eight consumers, some of whom purchased or consumed the above products during the month of June.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/brightfarms-announces-voluntary-recall-packaged-salad-greens-sold-illinois-wisconsin-iowa-and
BrightFarms Announces Voluntary Recall of Packaged Salad Greens Sold in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 15, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 16, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  BrightFarms
Brand Name:  BrightFarms
Product Description:  Salad greens

USDA FSIS Issues Guidance Updates for Control of Salmonella and Campylobacter in Poultry Processing Operations

USDA FSI issued two guidance documents to assist establishments that slaughter or process raw 

poultry products to prevent and minimize the risk of Salmonella and Campylobacter in their operations.   These documents are a reissuance of earlier guidance (2015 Draft Compliance Guideline for Controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter in Raw Poultry (4th Edition) for the control of these two pathogens.

FSIS Guideline for Controlling Salmonella in Raw Poultry
This guideline helps poultry establishments, including those that are small and very small, to identify and implement pre- and post-harvest interventions to control Salmonella as part of their HACCP system. Additionally, the guideline helps poultry establishments utilize microbial testing results to monitor the performance of the HACCP system and inform decision-making. This guideline relates to 9 CFR 381, 416, and 417.
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/2021-07/FSIS-GD-2021-0005.pdf

FSIS Guideline for Controlling Campylobacter in Raw Poultry
This guideline helps poultry establishments, including those that are small and very small, identify and implement pre- and post-harvest interventions to control Campylobacter as part of their HACCP system. Additionally, it helps poultry establishments utilizes microbial testing results to monitor the performance of the HACCP system and inform decision making. This guideline relates to 9 CFR 381, 416, and 417.
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/2021-07/FSIS-GD-2021-0006.pdf

Kimchi Products Recalled After FDA Sampling Finds Listeria Positive Samples in Facility

5000 YEARS FOODS, INC. of Chicago, IL is recalling because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The recalled product was sold in 5GAL plastic tubs, and 128 oz, 64 oz, 32 oz, & 16 oz glass jars under the 5000 Years Foods brand name with code information “09052021” through “09252021” printed on the top of the lid.  While no illnesses have been reported, the recall was the result of sampling by the FDA that found Listeria monocytogenes in the production facility. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/5000-years-foods-inc-recall-cabbage-kimchi-because-possible-health-risk
5000 Years Foods, Inc. Recall Cabbage Kimchi Because of Possible of Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 13, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 14, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  5000 Years Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  5000 Years Foods, Inc.
Product Description:  Kimchi Products

Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recalled After Using Recalled Chicken

LSG Sky Chefs announced today that it is issuing a voluntary recall of its Chicken Salad Sandwich because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,  The chicken used in this product is subject to a national recall issued by Tyson Foods Inc., Dexter, MO. To date, LSG Sky Chefs has received no reports of illnesses associated with this product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lsg-sky-chefs-recalls-circle-k-brand-chicken-salad-sandwich-because-possible-health-risk
LSG Sky Chefs Recalls Circle K Brand Chicken Salad Sandwich Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 07, 2021
FDA Publish Date: July 08, 2021
Product Type: Food & Beverages  Prepared Food
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  LSG Sky Chefs
Brand Name:  Circle K
Product Description:  Chicken Salad Sandwich

Frozen Cooked Chicken Products Recalled After Linked to Listeria Cases

Tyson Foods Inc., a Dexter, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 8,955,296 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken products (e.g., oven roasted chicken breast, grilled chicken breast strips, etc) that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.  These frozen, fully cooked chicken products were produced between December 26, 2020 and April 13, 2021.

"On June 9, 2021, FSIS was notified of two persons ill with listeriosis. Working in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners, FSIS determined there is evidence linking the Listeria monocytogenes illnesses to precooked chicken produced at Tyson Foods Inc. The epidemiologic investigation identified three listeriosis illnesses, including one death, between April 6, 2021 and June 5, 2021. During routine sample collection, FSIS collected two precooked chicken samples from two establishments that are closely related genetically to Listeria monocytogenes from ill people. One of the samples was collected at Tyson Foods Inc. FSIS is continuing to work with federal and state public health partners to determine if there are additional illnesses linked to these products."

FSIS Announcement
Tyson Foods Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov)
Tyson Foods Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

July 13, 2021, Editor’s Note: The release is being updated to alert consumers that the recalled ready to eat products were used in additional products produced by other establishments and retailers. Some products bear a different establishment number on the label due to further processing and some products may have been served from the deli counter in retail stores. Labels for the products made with the recalled chicken are available here. We encourage consumers to check the FSIS website frequently while we continue to update the press release and/or the labels if we become aware of additional products that used the recalled chicken.

Are Ghost Kitchens Here to Stay? Food Safety Concerns?

Ghost Kitchens - Food establishments that provide food for delivery-only service.  With the advent of delivery apps and fostered by the COVID pandemic, ghost kitchens have established a foothold in the foodservice sector.

There are many advantages for these kitchens:

• They can work out of any space, often choosing cheaper space (cost per sq ft) such as in industrial parks.
• There is no need for a seating area or for service staff (although some may employ their own delivery service).
• Multiple brands can operate out of the same space.  Some enterprising owners can establish a high end menu for one brand and another for typical fast food such as chicken wings and cheese steaks.  The customer ordering on an app will never know.

So are there any food safety concerns?  We've not heard of any issues to this point.  Like restaurants, these kitchens must be inspected, so that helps to ensure that the facilities have the necessary requirements.   

For the customer, there is no opportunity to see the establishment like there is with a dine-in restaurant, so customer don't have that chance to judge with your eyes. (How many restaurants have you skipped over because of the way they looked?)  There is also not as much a history associated with the establishment, which is another factor used to judge.

We are just in the beginning of this new evolutionary development.  We have yet to see the degree to which consumers will continue to want their readied meals delivered.   It is easy to suspect that some percent will continue.   And if so, to what degree will ghost kitchens be able to complete against established restaurants with dine-in services.  

 Over time, bad operators will shake out, whether that be from inefficiency or from poor quality.  Operators who remain will continue to define their  brands, refine their menus, and configure their delivery systems.  Hopefully along the way, operators will have a focus on food safety, sparring the public from foodborne illness.

To establish a recognized brand, ghost kitchens will be wise to establish a social media presence with pictures of the operation highlighting the cleanliness and sophistication of well run kitchen.  Presentation is also important with sharp packaging with well wrapped product delivered at appropriate temperatures.  Quality and safety of product of course are paramount, so there can never be cutting of corners, such as cutting corners to meet periods of high demand, or creatively recycling 'old' product during periods of low demand.


https://www.morningagclips.com/whats-a-ghost-kitchen-a-food-industry-expert-explains/
What's a ghost kitchen? A food industry expert explains
Ghost kitchens are physical spaces for operators to create food for off-premises consumption

Unknown Wild Bird Disease Spreading in Eastern US, Time to Take Down the Bird Feeders

An unknown disease is spreading among wild birds in the mid-Atlantic and midwestern states.  "Characterized by conjunctivitis, as well as neurological signs such as erratic flight, the unidentified disease first became prevalent in Ohio and Washington, D.C."  In hard hit areas,  scores of dead birds have been found.

Experts are asking people to remove bird feeds and bird baths, congregation sites for birds, until more is known about this disease.  Areas where birds accumulate together allows the disease to spread more rapidly.  For anyone who feeds birds, it would be awful to find a yard full of dead birds.

Pennsylvania Game Commission
https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/game-commission-details.aspx
MYSTERIOUS SONGBIRD DEATHS INVESTIGATED
07/01/2021

HARRISBURG, PA - Wildlife health experts from the Wildlife Futures Program (WFP) at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) and officials from the Pennsylvania Game Commission are investigating more than 70 general public reports of songbirds that are sick or dying due to an emerging health condition that is presently unknown.

NY City Establishment Stopped from Selling Uninspected Pork Products

The Federal authorities stopped a NY establishment from distributing pork products made from uninspected meat.  As we know, meat going into distribution to retail and foodservice establishments must be made from USDA inspected meat.

Hopefully, USDA can hogtie this operation.  You think people buying this product could have porcine what was going on, but that is not always easy to determine.   This establishment was probably making some pretty good dough selling these dumplings, not just chitlins.   Hopefully proper justice is rendered.

Meatingplace

Meatingplace.com : Feds order NYC business to stop sales of uninspected pork
Feds order NYC business to stop sales of uninspected pork

A business in New York City's Chinatown acknowledges selling hundreds of pounds of uninspected pork to retailers in the state and elsewhere, according to a consent decree announced by federal prosecutors.

Snacks for Backyard Ducks Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella

Manna Pro Products, LLC, St. Louis, Missouri, is  recalling a single lot of Flock Party Quack Snacks (poultry treat) with a Best By date of 12/2023, packaged in 1.68 pound bags because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Manna Pro Products LLC was informed by the State of West Virginia of a positive Salmonella spp. result in a routine surveillance sample of Flock Party Quack Snacks.


Daffy Duck during happier times.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/manna-pro-products-llc-issues-limited-voluntary-recall-flock-party-quack-snacks-sold-united-states
Manna Pro Products LLC Issues Limited Voluntary Recall of Flock Party Quack Snacks Sold in the United States Because of Possible Health Risk Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 28, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  June 29, 2021
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary
Food & Beverages  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:  Manna Pro Products, LLC
Brand Name:  Flock Party
 Product Description:  Duck treats