Consumer Reports - Test Results for Frozen Produce

Consumer Reports released their testing results of frozen produce.  Nothing special to report regarding pathogens or nutrient quality.  Their testing did not yield any pathogenic bacteria.  Which we would generally expect.   From a nutrient perspective, they found that frozen is generally comparable to fresh.

That being said, it is always important to follow proper handling and preparation procedures.  From time to time, we can encounter contamination issues, such as with Listeria.  While the study did not look for viruses or parasites, and although a low risk, these too have been found.  https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/foodborneoutbreaks.html

https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/are-frozen-fruits-and-vegetables-healthy-and-safe-a1002196402/
Are Frozen Fruits and Vegetables Healthy and Safe?
CR tested more than 300 samples of frozen produce for bacteria that commonly cause foodborne illness

"For our tests, we looked for E. coli, listeria, and salmonella, types of bacteria that commonly cause foodborne illness, in eight frozen categories—avocado, berries, corn, mangoes, peaches, pineapple, spinach, and smoothie mixes. In total, we included 369 items from big brands, private label, and store brands, including 365 by Whole Foods, Blendtopia, Birds Eye, Campoverde, Dole, Great Value, O Organics, and Trader Joe’s."

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Listeria-contaminated RTE Chicken Salad Produced by GA Establishment

USDA-FSIS issued a public health alert for ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken salad products produced by Simply Fresh Market, a Marietta, Ga after company tested product and found a sample positive for Listeria monocytogenes.   The RTE chicken salad with apples and walnuts items were produced on Jan. 17, 2022 and have an expiration date of January 25 [a date which has already passed].


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ready-eat-chicken-salad-products-due-possible

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-To-Eat Chicken Salad Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken salad products produced by Simply Fresh Market, a Marietta, Ga. establishment, may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A recall was not requested because the known affected product is no longer available in commerce for consumers to purchase.

FDA Warning Letter - Fresh Cut Produce Facility

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Onofrio's Fresh Cut of New Haven CT, a produce processing facility for RTE fresh-cut produce (e.g., onions, peppers, celery, broccoli, cantaloupe, watermelon, and kiwi).  The FDA collected environmental samples from various areas in the processing facility and found Listeria monocytogens in several areas.

FDA stated issues with the Preventive Control Plan as well as with GMPs.  With regard to the Food Safety Plant, while the hazard analysis considered pathogen contamination at the cutting and assembling processing steps. it determined that a preventive control was not necessary due to CGMPs/SSOPs and a prior wash step. However, "RTE fresh-cut produce is exposed to the environment during cutting and assembly and does not receive a lethal treatment or otherwise include a control measure (such as a formulation lethal to the pathogen) that would significantly minimize the pathogen. Thus, environmental pathogens are a hazard likely to occur in the absence of preventive controls (i.e., sanitation controls)."

FDA’s current inspection included the collection of environmental swabs on July 13, 2021, during the production of RTE fruits and vegetables; four (4) of seventy-one (71) swabs were confirmed positive for L. monocytogenes. The positive findings include a mixing room floor drain adjacent to a table where RTE celery was being cut, forklift wheels, a wheel on a rolling cart holding shrimp and seafood salad ingredients, and a packing room broom handle

One item stated in the Warning Letter was a bit surprising in that FDA seems to be suggesting a Supplier Preventive Control for the produce.  The report stated that the company "did not establish supply-chain controls for pathogens such as L. monocytogenes, pathogenic E. coli, and Salmonella at the receiving step for incoming produce. [The] hazard analysis indicated that pathogens will be controlled at a later wash step. However, [the] produce wash does not effectively destroy pathogens on the whole produce, as indicated by an email on July 20, 2021, from a representative of [the] supplier of (b)(4) sanitizer, which is used in your produce wash."  This may be difficult if the company is bringing in raw, unwashed produce.

The facility had a number of GMP issues which would exasperate the situation.  Condensation, poor plumbing, inadequate cleaning of equipment (both contact and non-contact surfaces),  and poor food handling practices.


https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/onofrios-fresh-cut-inc-618502-01102022
WARNING LETTER
Onofrio's Fresh Cut, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 618502 — JANUARY 10, 2022

Birthday Cakes Recalled for Allergens After Packaged Wrong

Siren of San Francisco, CA is issuing a voluntary recall of Siren Birthday Cake 1.7oz Bites because they may contain undeclared cashews and almond butter.  Due to a consumer notification about an allergic reaction, the recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing cashew and almond butter was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of cashew and almond butter on the ingredient deck.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/siren-issues-voluntary-allergy-alert-undeclared-cashews-and-almond-butter-birthday-cake-bites
Siren Issues a Voluntary Allergy Alert on Undeclared Cashews and Almond Butter in Birthday Cake Bites
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 27, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  January 27, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Cashews and Almond Butter
Company Name:  Siren Snacks
Brand Name:  Siren
Product Description:  Birthday Cake Bites

Two Importers Receive Warning Letters for Lack of FSVP

FDA issued Warning Letters to two import companies for not having FSVP programs in place for the products they import.

Green Food Ingredients, LLC of Burr Ridge IL did not establish written procedures for ensuring that appropriate supplier verification activities are conducted in accordance with 21 CFR 1.506(b), and you did not document your determination of the appropriate supplier verification activity or activities in accordance with 21 CFR 1.506(d).

HK Produce Group Inc. DBA Y2S Trading Inc. of  Long Island City, NY 11101 received an inspection was initiated, in part, based on FDA samples finding Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), a human pathogen, in four (4) entries of fresh enoki mushrooms.  Inspectors found the company did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP as required by section 805 of the FD&C Act and 21 CFR 1.502(a). Specifically, you did not develop an FSVP for any of the foods imported.

"This inspection was initiated, in part, based on FDA samples finding Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), a human pathogen, in four (4) entries of fresh enoki mushrooms, three (3) of which were from (b)(4) located in (b)(4) and one (1) from (b)(4) located in (b)(4). The samples were collected from entries B7S-2105311-2, 677-0332940-8, 677-0332919-2 and B7S-2106092-7, all imported by your firm. We placed fresh enoki mushrooms from (b)(4) under Import Alert (IA) #99-23 “Detention Without Physical Examination of Produce Due to Contamination With Human Pathogens,” on July 20, 2021 and IA #99-35 “Detention Without Physical Examination of Produce That Appears To Have Been Prepared, Packed, Or Held Under Insanitary Conditions,” on November 1, 2021. "

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/green-food-ingredients-llc-616669-10212021
WARNING LETTER
Green Food Ingredients, LLC

Gogi Berry Snacks Recalled After State Lab Finds Undeclared Sulfites

BCS International Corp. Long Island City, NY, is recalling its 4.5 ounce, 6 ounce and 9 ounce containers and 5 pound packages of “Dr. Snack Goji Berry” food treats because they contained undeclared sulfites.  The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in “Dr Snack Goji Berry” which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics.  Analysis of the “Dr. Snack Goji Berry” revealed they contained 13.6 milligrams per serving.

CFR Title 21 Chapter I Subchapter B Part 130 Subpart A § 130.9 
(a) Any standardized food that contains a sulfiting agent or combination of sulfiting agents that is functional and provided for in the applicable standard or that is present in the finished food at a detectable level is misbranded unless the presence of the sulfiting agent or agents is declared on the label of the food. A detectable amount of sulfiting agent is 10 parts per million or more of the sulfite in the finished food.

FARP 
"Sulfites are also prohibited from certain uses in the U.S. Sulfites may not be used in products such as meats that serve as a good source of vitamin B1 because sulfites can scavenge that vitamin from foods. In 1986, following the identification of numerous cases of sulfite-induced asthma occurring on ingestion of green or fruit salads treated with sulfites, FDA prohibited the use of sulfites on fruits and vegetables intended to be served raw or presented fresh to the public (Fed. Regist. 51:25021-25026, 1986). The only exception is sulfite use on minimally processed potatoes sliced or shredded for frying where sulfite use is still permitted (although FDA has a long-standing, though never finalized, proposal to ban that use also). Sulfite use as a fungicide during the shipment of fresh table grapes is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, but the concentration of SO2 residues on the table grapes as consumed must be <10 ppm total SO2."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bcs-international-corp-issues-alert-undeclared-sulfites-dr-snack-goji-berry
BCS International Corp. Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in “Dr. Snack Goji Berry”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 19, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  January 21, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared sulfites
Company Name:  BCS International Corp.
Brand Name:  Dr. Snack
Product Description:  Goji berry

Frozen Chopped Spinach Recalled After Testing Finds Listeria

Frozen Food Development is voluntarily recalling specific lots of Lidl branded 12-ounce packages of Frozen Chopped Spinach because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 12-ounce packages of Lidl Frozen Chopped Spinach.  The production of the product has been suspended while FDA and Frozen Food Development continue to investigate the source of the problem.  The recalled Frozen Chopped Spinach was distributed in Lidl retail stores in GA, SC, NC, VA, MD, DE, NY, NJ, and PA.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/frozen-food-development-recalls-lidl-branded-chopped-spinach-because-possible-health-risk
Frozen Food Development Recalls Lidl Branded Chopped Spinach Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 19, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  January 19, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria Monocytogenes
Company Name:  Frozen Food Development
Brand Name:  Lidl
Product Description:  Frozen Chopped Spinach

Organic Mac n' Cheeze (Fake Cheese) Recalled After Third Party Testing Finds Milk Allergen

Amy’s Kitchen of Petaluma, California is initiating a voluntary Class I recall of Lot 60J0421 of the Vegan Organic Rice Mac & Cheeze due to the potential of having trace amounts of milk, which is not declared on the product label.  The recall was issued "After receiving a test result from a third-party laboratory indicating one of the meals in the lot contained trace amounts of milk protein,"

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/amys-kitchen-voluntarily-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-single-lot-vegan-organic-rice-mac
Amy’s Kitchen Voluntarily Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in a Single Lot of Vegan Organic Rice Mac & Cheeze
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 19, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  January 19, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Organic Food / Home Grown   
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Milk
Company Name:  Amy’s Kitchen
Brand Name:  Amy’s
Product Description:  Amy’s Vegan Organic Rice Mac & Cheese

FDA Issue Report on Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Leafy Greens from Indoor Growing Facility

FDA released their report on a 2021 Salmonella outbreak that was linked to packaged leafy greens produced at a Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA) indoor hydroponic operation [a fancy indoor greenhouse].  The outbreak occurred in July and August of 2021 and was caused by Salmonella Typhimurium which infected 31 people and resulted in 4 hospitalizations.

One would think that product produced in a controlled setting would be free from pathogens.  However, there were many opportunities for contamination and a lack of control.  And an indoor greenhouse is not much different than a processing facility where controls are needed.  While a definitive source was not found, here is a brief summary of some of the issues"

• The operation stored its nutrient-rich growth media used in an outdoor location that was not adequately protected from potential sources of contamination such as animal intrusion, bird droppings, or water runoff.
• The use of production pond water, while not intended to be an issue with leafy greens final product, but control of the water was questioned and there were inadequate controls for the water itself, with FDA isolating a different strain of Salmonella (not the one involved in the outbreak.
• Harvesting equipment lacked adequate control, and condensate with the facility.
• Inadequate validation support for cooling greens after packaging.
• Issues with storm water retention pond in close proximity to the facility (25ft).  This pond did test positive for the outbreak strain.
• The firm did not adequately document that cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, tools, and buildings used in growing operations is routinely conducted in accordance with the firm’s procedures

FDA highlighted the recommendations that focused on the need to better understand the microbial risks and put in place better controls.
The full report can be found here - https://www.fda.gov/media/155402/download

Investigation Report: Factors Potentially Contributing to the  Contamination of Packaged Leafy

Greens Implicated in the Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium During the Summer of 2021

https://www.fda.gov/media/155402/download

Peppermint Baking Chips Recalled for Allergens After Packing Error by Co-Packer

Lily’s Sweets, is voluntarily recalling 18,855 cases of 7-ounce Peppermint Flavor Baking Chips due to the presence of soy lecithin.  "The error was discovered after consumers contacted the company and reported finding the white candy pieces mixed with Lily’s Peppermint Flavor Baking Chips. We have determined that the error occurred at a co-manufacturer. The white disc-shaped candy pieces contain soy lecithin, sugar, and other ingredients that are not present in Lily’s Peppermint Flavor chips." 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lilys-sweets-voluntarily-recalls-lilys-peppermint-flavor-baking-chips-due-undeclared-presence-soy
Lily’s Sweets Voluntarily Recalls Lily’s Peppermint Flavor Baking Chips Due to Undeclared Presence of Soy Lecithin
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 14, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  January 14, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared soy lecithin
Company Name:  Lily’s Sweets
Brand Name:  Lily’s
Product Description:  Peppermint Flavor Baking Chips

Review Article - Kombucha

In this months Journal of Food Science , a review of Kombucha was published titled, Kombucha: A review of substrates, regulations, composition, and biological properties (Jan 2022). The article is a good review of what we know, and what we don't know, about the increasing popular drink Kombucha.

Kombucha is a beverage traditionally obtained by the fermentation technique of tea with added sugar by a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast).

The article discusses the evolution of Kombucha to include additional substrates.  This type of research is good to have for those who push the boundaries of this fermented product.  The article also details many of the benefits, but points out "According to literature data, there are many benefits attributed to kombucha, however, it is important to emphasize that the studies are carried out predominantly in animals, or in vitro in cell cultures of animals or humans, with no evidence yet to support these benefits to human health (Kapp & Sumner,2019). Still, despite not being able to receive any official claims about its health effects, kombucha can be considered a high-value food product in a healthy diet (Jayabalan et al.,2014)."

There is still a lot of research needed to better understand the science - organisms involved in the ferementation, the benefits to human health, and potential toxic affects.

IFT Journal of Food Science
https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1750-3841.16029
Kombucha: A review of substrates, regulations,composition, and biological propertiesJeniffer Ferreira de Miranda1Larissa Fernandes Ruiz1Cíntia Borges Silva1Thais Matsue Uekane1Kelly Alencar Silva1Alice Gonçalves Martins Gonzalez1Fabrício Freitas Fernandes2Adriene Ribeiro Lima

Abstract:

NC Company Expands Recall of Cream Puffs Due to Metal Fragments

A NC food company is expanding their late December recall  of chocolate covered cream puffs for potential metal fragments.  "Poppies International, Inc. of Battleboro, NC is expanding their voluntary recall to include the Taste of Inspirations Crème Puffs 30ct container, UPC 7 25439 99597 9, Lot # L2I5021 Best Before Date 06/08/23 that were made during December 7-10, 2021, due to the possible presence of small metal fragments. The issue was discovered during production. To date no injuries or incidents have been reported in connection with the recalled items."


FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/poppies-international-expands-voluntary-recall-chocolate-enrobed-and-cream-puff-products-due
Poppies International Expands Voluntary Recall of Chocolate Enrobed and Cream Puff Products Due to Presence of Metal
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 10, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  January 11, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Possible presence of small metal fragments.
Company Name:  Poppies International, Inc.
Brand Name:  Taste of Inspirations
Product Description:  Cream Puffs

FDA Revokes Standard of Identity for French Dressing

FDA is revoking the Standard of Identity for French Dressing. The Standard, initially established in 1950 and modified over time. "The French dressing standard allowed for certain flexibility in manufacturers’ choice of oil, acidifying ingredients, and seasoning ingredients. Tomatoes or tomato-derived ingredients were among the seasoning ingredients permitted, but not required. Amendments to the standard since 1950 have permitted the use of additional ingredients, such as any safe and suitable color additives that impart the color traditionally expected (39 FR 39543 at 39554-39555"

"Most, if not all, products currently sold under the name “French dressing” contain tomatoes or tomato-derived ingredients and have a characteristic red or reddish-orange color. They also tend to have a sweet taste. Consumers appear to expect these characteristics when purchasing products represented as French dressing. Thus, it appears that, since the establishment of the standard of identity, French dressing has become a narrower category of products than prescribed by the standard. These products maintain the above characteristics without a standard of identity specifically requiring them." Plus there are variations in fat (oil).

So basically, the Standard of Identity is not needed.   "Therefore, after considering the petition and related information, through the proposed rule, we tentatively concluded that the standard of identity for French dressing no longer promotes honesty and fair dealing in the interest of consumers consistent with section 401 of the FD&C Act and proposed to revoke the standard of identity for French dressing. The preamble to the proposed rule also noted that the proposed revocation is consistent with section 6 of Executive Order 13563, “Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review” (January 18, 2011), which requires agencies to periodically conduct retrospective analyses of existing regulations to identify those “that might be outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, or excessively burdensome, and to modify, streamline, expand, or repeal them” accordingly."

FDA Warning Letter - GA Ice Cream Facility with Listeria Control Issues

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Greenwood Ice Cream, an ice cream manufacturing facility located in Chamblee, GA.

The biggest issue was inadequate control in the post-processing area where product is exposed.  As a RTE product, Listeria, as well as allergens, are a significant risk.  From the inspection notes, the company was not doing an very good job.  FDA "found that eight (8) of eighty-five (85) swabs were positive for L. monocytogenes. Of the positive findings, one (1) swab was collected from an area adjacent to food-contact surface where RTE ingredients were being prepared on the filling table. This was not the first time L. monocytogenes was found in environmental samples collected at your facility. In 2017, FDA detected L. monocytogenes in one (1) environmental swab of a floor drain, and in 2018 FDA detected L. monocytogenes in eight (8) environmental swabs, including from areas adjacent to food-contact surfaces."

On further analysis, "Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was conducted on the above referenced L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from the FDA environmental samples. Based on the results of the WGS analysis, the seventeen (17) isolates comprise three (3) different strains of L. monocytogenes. Of particular significance, fourteen (14) isolates derived from the environmental samples collected at your facility during our 2021, 2018, and 2017 inspections were genetically identical, representing a single strain of L. monocytogenes. Additionally, these fourteen (14) isolates were also genetically identical to three (3) environmental swabs collected by Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) during a 2016 inspection of your facility. The presence of the same strain of L. monocytogenes over multiple years is indicative of a resident pathogen or harborage site in your facility since 2016. We advised you of the importance of these WGS results via a conference call on August 3, 2021."

Along with this, there was inadequate controls for allergens, and a number of GMP issues that would have exasperated the Listeria issue.

After the Listeria outbreak associated with Blue Bell ice cream, you would think that there would be a greater level of concern for Listeria control in ice cream processing facilities. 

FDA WARNING LETTER

Greenwood Ice Cream, LLC - 616395 - 12/17/2021 | FDA
Greenwood Ice Cream, LLC
MARCS-CMS 616395 — DECEMBER 17, 2021

FDA Warning Letter - Illinois Food Repacking and Distribution Facility

FDA issued a Warning Letter to International Golden Foods, a repackaging and storage facility, located in Bensenville, IL.  The company repackages a variety of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods (e.g., tree nuts, seeds, and dried herbs and spices) and non-RTE foods (e.g., milled rice, rice flour, dried pasta, and wheat flour). The facility also stores and distributes RTE soft fresh cheeses (e.g., feta cheese and goat’s milk cheese) and pre-packaged ready-to-eat food products (e.g., tahini, grilled eggplant, pickles, dates, and figs). 

The company did not prepare, or have prepared, and did not implement a food safety plan, as required by regulation.  Preventive Controls were not in place including Allergen Preventive Controls.

From a facility and operational standpoint, there were some major issues including:

• cheeses stored at incorrect temperatures (>59F)
•  a machine used for repackaging with a cracked observation panel, a machine transfer chute made of cloth material that was not washed, and a hopper with rough seams that were discolored. 
• a live bird in your warehouse which opens directly to the repackaging room where is food is exposed. In addition, bird droppings were observed on the floor throughout the warehouse between pallets of products. 

From the company's website, we can see an importer who distributes international products.  They also repack these items to meet retail client needs.  So often we see distributors who decide to repack items without considering regulations.

FDA WARNING LETTER
International Golden Foods Inc - 619417 - 12/15/2021 | FDA
International Golden Foods Inc
MARCS-CMS 619417 — DECEMBER 15, 2021

SE PA Hepatitis Outbreak Affects 11 with One Death, Restaurant Under Investigation But Denies Involvement

The Montgomery County, PA,  Department of Health is reporting 11 cases of Hepatitis (9 confirmed) with one death.  The infections occurred in late November (it can take up to 6 weeks to see symptoms) so this makes the investigation more difficult.  

A pizzeria is being investigated as the link by the Health Department, which closed the restaurant.  The restaurant ownership denies involvement citing a clean inspection and no ill workers.

6 ABC Action News

https://6abc.com/hepatitis-a-outbreak-montgomery-county-restaurant-ginos-ristorante-west-norriton/11438258/
Montco restaurant closed amid investigation into deadly Hep A outbreak; 11 cases under investigation

Officials said 11 total cases are under investigation, with nine confirmed cases of Hepatitis A and two potential cases.

WI Establishment Recalls Snack Sticks After Packaging Label Error

Abbyland Foods, Inc., an Abbotsford, Wisc. establishment, is recalling approximately 14,976 pounds of beef sticks due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the product contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The smoked beef sticks were produced between Nov. 15 and Nov. 17, 2021.  The problem was discovered after the firm received consumer complaints of cheese in the product and reported the event to FSIS.

So snack sticks with cheese were incorrectly labeled with the label for regular beef stick product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/abbyland-foods-inc.-recalls-beef-stick-product-due-misbranding-and-undeclared
Abbyland Foods, Inc. Recalls Beef Stick Product Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, January 8, 2022 – Abbyland Foods, Inc., an Abbotsford, Wisc. establishment, is recalling approximately 14,976 pounds of beef sticks due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
The smoked beef sticks were produced between Nov. 15 and Nov. 17, 2021. The following products are subject to recall:

Extensive Salad Products Recalled After Iceberg Lettuce Harvesting Equipment Tests Positive for Listeria Monocytogenes

Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. is voluntarily recalling from the market all Dole-branded and private label packaged salads described below processed at its Springfield, OH and Soledad, CA production facilities containing iceberg lettuce, due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes.  This voluntary recall notification is being issued after harvest equipment used in the harvesting of the raw iceberg lettuce material used in these finished products was tested by Dole and found to contain Listeria monocytogenes.

This is a massive recall affecting product shipped all across the country and into Canada.  One would expect that this finding represents a low risk scenario. First, is the species found on the equipment a transient organism or was it part of an endemic contamination on the equipment?  With that, was the species pathogenic?  What was the level and what was the likelihood it actually contaminated product?  Was the lettuce treated afterwards in a way that would have removed surface contamination?  Was this testing part of broader Listeria investigation or was it just routine testing?


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dole-fresh-vegetables-inc-announces-voluntary-recall-certain-salads-processed-its-springfield-oh-and
Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall for Certain Salads Processed at its Springfield, OH and Soledad, CA Facilities and Containing Iceberg Lettuce Due to Possible Health Risk from Listeria monocytogenes
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 07, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  January 07, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.
Brand Name: Dole
Product Description:  Salads

Advent Calendar for Pets Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

ALDI in cooperation with their supplier, Pet Brands Products, LLC. are recalling Pure Being Cat Advent Calendars and Pure Being Dog Advent Calendars due to a potential choking hazard.  This comes after receiving a small number of customer complaints.  (An Advent calendar is a calendar used to count the days leading to the anticipation of Christmas.)


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/association-pet-brands-products-llc-aldi-voluntarily-recalls-pet-advent-calendars-due-potential
In Association with Pet Brands Products, LLC, ALDI Voluntarily Recalls Pet Advent Calendars Due to Potential Choking Hazard

Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 09, 2021
FDA Publish Date: January 04, 2022
Product Type: Animal & Veterinary Food & Beverages Pet Food
Reason for Announcement: Potential choking hazard
Company Name: ALDI
Brand Name: Pure Being
Product Description: Advent Calendars for Cats and Dogs
Company Announcement
Batavia, Ill. (December 9, 2021) – In cooperation with Pet Brands Products, LLC, and out of an abundance of caution, ALDI is voluntarily recalling Pure Being Cat Advent Calendars and Pure Being Dog Advent Calendars as a precautionary measure due to a potential choking hazard.

Minn Establishment Recalls Cauliflower Crust Pizza After Mistakenly Labeling Product Containing Wheat

Kettle River Products, an Askov, Minn., establishment, is recalling approximately 1,464 pounds of chicken alfredo pizza due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the product contains wheat, which is not declared on the product label.  The frozen, heat-treated, not fully cooked items were produced on various dates between Dec. 9, 2021 through Jan. 3, 2022. The problem was discovered when the company determined that it used labels intended for a different product that does not contain wheat and reported the issue to FSIS.

The label shown on the recall notice list a cauliflower crust (non-wheat).  And even though they have the disclaimer, "This produce is manufactured in a facility that also manufacturers that contain wheat", this does nothing.  Also important to note, that this is another 'wrong package label' recall.  In the month of December, there were 5 recalls for the same issue - putting the wrong label on a food item resulting in an allergen mismatch.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/kettle-river-products-recalls-chicken-alfredo-pizza-products-due-misbranding-and
Kettle River Products Recalls Chicken Alfredo Pizza Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2022 – Kettle River Products, an Askov, Minn., establishment, is recalling approximately 1,464 pounds of chicken alfredo pizza due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains wheat, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

Oregon Meat Establishment Recalls Ground Meat After Third Party Lab Finds Pathogenic E. coli

Interstate Meat Dist. Inc., a Clackamas, Ore., establishment, is recalling approximately 28,356 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  The raw, ground beef items were produced on Dec. 20, 2021 and were shipped to retail locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

"The issue was reported to FSIS after a retail package of ground beef was purchased and submitted to a third-party laboratory for microbiological analysis and the sample tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. FSIS conducted an assessment of the third-party laboratory’s accreditation and methodologies and determined the results were actionable."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/interstate-meat-dist.-inc.-recalls-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e.-coli-o157h7
Interstate Meat Dist. Inc., Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2022 – Interstate Meat Dist. Inc., a Clackamas, Ore., establishment, is recalling approximately 28,356 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Reportable Food Registry Dashboard - A Powerful Tool for Analysis of Hazards in the Food Supply

 FDA published their Reportable Food Registry Data Dashboard, an interactive tool to analyze data collected by the Reportable Food Registry.   FDA first rolled out the RFR in 2010, and with that data, FDA issued annual reports on hazards identified in food and feed that were reported to the agency via the electronic portal.

The Reportable Food Registry (RFR) is “an electronic portal by which reports about instances of reportable food must be submitted to FDA within 24 hours by responsible parties and may be submitted by public health officials. These reports may be primary, the initial submission about a reportable food, or subsequent, a report by either a supplier (upstream) or a recipient (downstream) of a food or food ingredient for which a primary report has been submitted.”  "Registered Food Facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States under section 415(a) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 350d) are required to report when there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, an article of food will cause serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals."

The RFR Data Dashboard allows one to access this data to analyze particular commodities, countries of origin, and specific hazards.  There are 6 primary search headings:

• RFR Primary Entries Summary - How many entries are occurring each year with the top three commodities and top three hazards.
• RFR Primary Entries by Commodity - One can select a commodity and see the number of entries per year and hazard type of those entries, and the country where those hazards originated..  By selecting a year on the graph, one can see the hazard type or country for that given year.
• Human and Animal Food RFR Primary Entries - Allows one to see entries by human food or animal food.
• RFR Primary Entries by Hazard - here one can select a specific hazard, Pathogenic E. coli for example, and see the number of reports issued each year, the commodities involved, and the country.  Once can further select a year and see the data specific for that year.  So for the Pathogenic E. coli, there were 5 entries in 2019, and each of those entries were a different commodity item.
• Top 5 Hazards Breakdown RFR Primary Entries - allows one to look the top three hazards - Allergens, Salmonella, and Listeria by year and commodity.  In 2019 there were 56 allergen reported issues with milk and egg being the two most reported allergen types.
• RFR Primary Entries by Country - This allows one to see reports for food or feed originating out of a given country.  For example, Brazil has had 2 reports in 2019 for Salmonella, both from Animal feed/pet food.

 The RFR Dash Board (https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-track-agency-wide-program-performance/fda-track-reportable-food-registry-data-dashboard) is just one of the Dashboards that one can use as part of developing their Food Safety Plan.

There is the FDA Data Dashboard (https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/transparency/fda-data-dashboard)
that allows one to search a given firm to see their inspection information. (not a bad idea to check your own firm's data to make sure it is correct).

There is the FSMA Dashboard that detail PC and GMP inspection data. https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-track-agency-wide-program-performance/pc-and-cgmp-measures

https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fdas-faster-and-easier-reportable-food-registry-process-will-lead-better-data-and-safer-food-supply
The FDA’s Faster and Easier Reportable Food Registry Process Will Lead to Better Data and a Safer Food Supply
Constituent Update
January 5, 2022

USDA AMS Regulation for Bioengineered Foods Goes Into Effect January 1, 2022

The USDA AMS rule called the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard went into effect on January 1, 2022 and requires food manufacturers, importers, and other entities that label foods for retail sale to disclose information about BE food and BE food ingredients.  There are two  labels for products both circular green with either "bioengineered" or "derived from bioengineering."*.  No usage of GMO or genetically modified.  (*There are different forms of disclosure depending on company size).

"The amended Act defines “bioengineering” with respect to a food as referring to a food “(A) that contains genetic material that has been modified through in vitro recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) techniques; and (B) for which the modification could not otherwise be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature.”"

Note that foods in which the modified genetic material is not detectable are not bioengineered foods (ie. Records verify the food is made from a non-bioengineered food; Records verify that the food has been refined using a process validated to render the modified genetic material undetectable; or Testing records for the specific food confirm the absence of detectable modified genetic)

Foods covered by Federal Meat Inspection Act, PIA, EIPA where those foods are the primary ingredient in the food, outside of water, are not subject to the rule.

List of items that may be of bioengineered material

• Alfalfa
• Apple (ArcticTM varieties)
• Canola
• Corn
• Cotton
• Eggplant (BARI Bt Begun varieties)
• Papaya (ringspot virus-resistant varieties)
• Pineapple (Pink flesh varieties)
• Potato
• Salmon (AquAdvantage®)
• Soybean
• Squash (summer)
• Sugarbeet

Exemptions

1. Threshold: Allows each ingredient to contain up to five percent of a BE substance, as long as it is 

inadvertent or technically unavoidable

2. Animals fed bioengineered feed (foods subject to Federal Meat Inspection Act, PIA, EIPA)

3. Food certified under the National Organic Program

I found this video pretty helpful - Webinar: Overview of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard December 2020 - YouTube  It discusses additional aspects including enforcement and labeling options.

Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/01/01/usda-bioengineered-food-rules
The USDA’s new labeling for genetically modified foods goes into effect Jan. 1. Here’s what you need to know.
The agency has done away with familiar terms like ‘GMOs’ and has built in loopholes for tiny producers, and foods made with meat and eggs

GA Company Recalls Chicken Salad Sandwiches That Contain Tuna Salad

GHGA, LLC. of Conley GA, part of the Renaissance Food Group, is voluntarily recalling 266, 7.8 oz. packages of Chicken Salad Croissants due to undeclared allergen in the form of fish.  The recalled product was shipped to Kroger stores in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina on 12/30/2021.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that packages of the product may contain tuna salad instead of chicken salad, and fish is not declared on the label.

It is pretty easy to confuse tuna salad and chicken salad, however, for allergen labeling compliance, it is pretty important.  As part of the Food Safety Plan, a preventive control must be in place to ensure proper labeling.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ghga-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-fish-chicken-salad-croissants
GHGA, LLC. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Fish in Chicken Salad Croissants
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 03, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  January 03, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Due to undeclared fish
Company Name:  GHGA, LLC
Brand Name:  Renaissance Food Group
Product Description:  Chicken Salad Croissants

Class Action Lawsuits Stemming From Long-Accepted But Misleading Product Label Claims

There has been an increasing number of class action lawsuits targeting food and beverage companies. As pointed out in this piece published in Food Dive, the issues brought before the courts involve misrepresentation of products to the consumers.  That is, product labeling misleads consumers into thinking a product is something that it really isn't.  In the first example, they discuss Canada Dry Ginger Ale, which does not have ginger in it.

The article goes on to state that these cases are really not driven by consumers, but by lawyers who have become very good at finding food products that in some way misrepresent what they are.  Other examples include the claim for use of vanilla when artificial vanilla flavor is used, or cereals that state fruit on the label, but have no real fruit.

It is a good read to think about how one labels a product.

Food Dive
https://www.fooddive.com/news/why-class-action-lawsuit-food-beverage/611348/
DEEP DIVE
Why are so many class action lawsuits filed against the food industry?

In 2020, the number of court cases from consumers claiming that food and drink companies deceived them hit an all-time high, according to statistics compiled by law firm Perkins Coie.

CDC Issues Alert on Packaged Salads Linked to E. coli Outbreak

CDC issued a health alert for Simple Truth Organic Power Greens and Nature’s Basket Organic Power Greens due to link to an E. coli outbreak.  The outbreak cases occurred from late November through mid-December with 13 people infected with 4 of those hospitalized.  The "Best if Used By Date on the product in question is through December 20, 2021.

CDC Foodborne Outbreaks
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2021/o157h7-12-21/index.html
E. coli Outbreak Linked to Packaged Salads
Posted December 30, 2021

Fast Facts
Illnesses: 13
Hospitalizations: 4
Deaths: 0
States: 6
Recall: No
Investigation status: Active

Contaminated Food
Simple Truth Organic Power Greens and Nature’s Basket Organic Power Greens
Organic Power Greens salad is a mix of organic spinach, mizuna, kale, and chard
Sold at grocery stores and supermarkets, including Fred Meyer, QFC, and Giant Eagle
“Best if used by” dates through December 20, 2021

Six people ate Simple Truth Organic Power Greens, and one sick person ate Nature’s Basket Organic Power Greens. Investigators are working to determine if additional products may be contaminated.

USDA-FSIS Issues Health Alert for Imported Meat and Poultry Products From China

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for an undetermined amount of imported meat and poultry products from China. A recall was not requested because FSIS has been unable to identify and contact the importers. The total amount of ineligible product is undetermined because the investigation is ongoing.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ineligible-imported-meat-and-poultry-products-china
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Imported Meat and Poultry Products from China
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2021 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for an undetermined amount of imported meat and poultry products from China. A recall was not requested because FSIS has been unable to identify and contact the importers. The total amount of ineligible product is undetermined because the investigation is ongoing.

NY Seafood Processor Recalls Smoked Fish Due to Potential for Listeria Contamination

HAIFA SMOKED FISH of Jamaica, NY is expanding their recall of Turbot Cold Smoked 8 oz Packages to include 920 LB of Turbot from Lots 97, 223, 299, 321 due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.   The initial recall, posted on December 21, 2021, only included one lot.  The initial recall was the result of a routine sampling program by New York State Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished product was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haifa-smoked-fish-inc-expands-recall-turbot-cold-smoked-8-oz-package-lots-97-223-299-321-because
Haifa Smoked Fish Inc Expands Recall of Turbot Cold Smoked 8 oz Package Lots # 97, 223, 299, 321 Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 29, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  December 29, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  HAIFA SMOKED FISH
Brand Name:  HAIFA SMOKED FISH
Product Description:  TURBOT COLD SMOKED

NC Company Recalls Chocolate Covered Cream Puffs for Potential Metal Fragments

Poppies International, Inc. of Battleboro, NC is issuing a voluntary recall of selected products that were made during December 7-10, 2021, due to the possible presence of small metal fragments. The issue was discovered during production. No injuries or incidents have been reported in connection with the recalled items.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/poppies-international-inc-battleboro-north-carolina-issues-voluntary-recall-certain-lots-chocolate
Poppies International, Inc. Battleboro, North Carolina Issues Voluntary Recall on Certain Lots of Chocolate Enrobed and Cream Puff Products Due to Possible Presence of Metal
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 28, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  December 29, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Possible presence of small metal fragments.
Company Name:  Poppies International, Inc.
Brand Name:  Delizza
Product Description:  Cream Puffs

CA Company Recalls Tuna After Case of Scombroid Poisoning

Relish Foods, Inc of El Segundo, California voluntarily initiated the recall of Frozen Pacific Fusion Brand 10 oz Tuna Steaks. The recall was the result of a consumer complaint where after sampling by FDA revealed that the product has potential to contain elevated levels of histamines which can produce an allergic [like] reaction called scombroid fish poisoning.

Symptoms of scombroid poisoning including a tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, facial swelling, rash, hives and itchy skin, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, can appear within minutes to several hours after eating the affected fish.

Scombrotoxin Poisoning and Decomposition (FDA) Scombrotoxin Poisoning and Decomposition | FDA and Fish and Fishery Products Hazards and Controls Guidance (fda.gov)

• "Fish most commonly involved are members of the Scombridae family (tunas and mackerels), and a few non-scombroid relatives (bluefish, dolphin or mahi-mahi, and amberjacks). can become problematic for Scombroid poisoning when the product is temperature abused."
• "The suspect toxin is an elevated level of histamine generated by bacterial degradation of substances in the muscle protein. This natural spoilage process is thought to release additional by-products which potentiate the toxic effect. The potential toxins are not destroyed by freezing, cooking, smoking, curing or canning."
• "These species should always receive special care in handling, washing, and proper icing, refrigeration or immediate freezing to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. Studies have demonstrated toxic histamine levels can be generated within less than 6 to 12 hours exposure without ice or refrigeration." 
• This protein degradation can occur anywhere along the supply chain where there is the opportunity for temperature abuse - the boat,  processing and storage, retail and foodservice, and the home.
• "Certain bacteria produce the enzyme histidine decarboxylase during growth. This enzyme reacts with histidine, a naturally occurring amino acid that is present in larger quantities in some fish than in others. The result is the formation of scombrotoxin (histamine)."
• "Histamine-forming bacteria are capable of growing and producing histamine over a wide temperature range. Growth of histamine is more rapid, however, at high-abuse temperatures (e.g., 70°F (21.1°C) or higher) than at moderate-abuse temperatures (e.g., 45°F (7.2°C)). Growth is particularly rapid at temperatures near 90°F (32.2°C). Histamine is more commonly the result of high temperature spoilage than of long-term, relatively low-temperature spoilage, which is commonly associated with organoleptically detectable decomposition"
• "Once the enzyme histidine decarboxylase is present in the fish, it can continue to produce histamine in the fish even if the bacteria are not active. The enzyme can be active at or near refrigeration temperatures. The enzyme remains stable while in the frozen state and may be reactivated very rapidly after thawing." 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/relish-foods-inc-recalls-frozen-tuna-steaks-because-possible-health-risk
Relish Foods, Inc Recalls Frozen Tuna Steaks Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 28, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  December 29, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Elevated levels of histamine
Company Name:  Relish Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Frozen Pacific Fusion Brand
Product Description:  Tuna steaks

MA Company Recalls Brownies for Pecan Allergens After Product Packed in Wrong Containers

Dianne's Fine Desserts of Newburyport, MA  is recalling 1,480 trays of Sienna® Chocolate Decadent Brownies due to a mis-pack, resulting in an undeclared tree nut (pecan).Trays of GFS Item #541850 Sienna® Chocolate Turtle Brownies, which contains pecans, may be labeled as GFS Item #226240 GFS Sienna® Chocolate Decadent Brownies, which do not contain pecans, thus resulting in an undeclared allergen.  The recall was initiated after a customer complaint with a product containing pecans was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of pecans. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the labeling process.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/diannes-fine-desserts-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-pecan-allergen-siennar-chocolate-decadent
Dianne's Fine Desserts Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecan Allergen in Sienna® Chocolate Decadent Brownie
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 28, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  December 28, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Tree Nut (Pecan)
Company Name:  Dianne's Fine Desserts
Brand Name:  Sienna
Product Description:  Chocolate Decadent Brownies