Europe - Challenges with Increasing Level of Mycotoxins in Wheat

An article from University of Bath (UK) discusses the rise in fungal toxins in wheat and other cereal grains in Europe, specifically those toxins associated with Fusarium Head Blight.

Their findings - "Fusarium mycotoxins were discovered in every European country. Half of the wheat intended for human food in Europe contains the Fusarium mycotoxin “DON” (commonly referred to as vomitoxin) while in the UK, 70% of wheat is contaminated. Governments set legal limits on DON contamination levels in wheat that is to be consumed by humans. These regulations provide effective protection, with 95% of wheat destined for the table meeting the safety limits for DON concentration. However, the finding that mycotoxins are ubiquitous is concerning, as the effect of constant, low-level exposure to mycotoxins in our diet over the course of a lifetime is not known."

Penn State Extension has a piece on Fusarium Head Blight - Fusarium Head Blight (psu.edu)

So what may have led to this this increase?  Speaking with our European expert on grain Mold, Dr. Voloshchuk, she said two factors that need investigation are  weather conditions associated with global climate change and along with that, the push to decrease the use of fungicides.

Harmful fungal toxins in wheat: a growing threat across Europe (bath.ac.uk)
Harmful fungal toxins in wheat: a growing threat across Europe
Harmful fungal toxins are on the rise in Europe’s wheat and affect almost half of crops, according to a new study led by the University of Bath.

FDA Food Fraud - Economically-Motivated Adulteration - Honey

FDA recently issued a report on sampling and testing of imported honey for economically motivated adulteration.

• More than 70% of honey consumed in the US is imported.
• Adulteration is the addition of undeclared cheaper sweeteners to honey, such as syrups derived from cane, corn, rice or sugar beets
• Of the 144 import samples collected and tested, the FDA found 14 (10%) to be violative. The remainder were in compliance.
• Of the 144 import samples, 75 were collected from bulk shipments and 69 were collected from retail shipments.
• Violative samples are subject to compliance actions, such as recalls and import refusal, consistent with the FDA’s mission to ensure that food is safe, wholesome, and properly labeled. When appropriate, the agency may consider pursuing criminal investigations. 
• When other sweeteners are added to honey, the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) Act requires that the resulting product be labeled as a “blend,” and not as “honey,” and have an ingredient statement.

https://www.fda.gov/food/economically-motivated-adulteration-food-fraud/fy2122-sample-collection-and-analysis-imported-honey-economically-motivated-adulteration
FY21/22 Sample Collection and Analysis of Imported Honey for Economically Motivated Adulteration

Case Studies - Allergen Root Cause Analyses

An article in Food Safety Magazine, titled Anatomy of Food Allergen Recalls,  sheds light on the root cause of six different allergen-related recalls.  Key points from that article:

Egg residue in pasta product - Line spillover form one product to another

• "The pasta in this product was obtained from a pasta supplier. The manufacturer of the implicated product decided to conduct an inspection of the pasta supplier's facility. In the course of that inspection, a location was discovered where a line transporting egg noodles crossed over a line transporting this company's non-egg product. The inspector was able to discern that egg noodles would periodically drop from the noodle line into the non-egg pasta. Subsequently, a tote of the finished non-egg pasta ingredient was found to contain several egg noodles on visual inspection. Since these noodles were discrete particulates, they were not likely present in every container of the manufacturer's retorted product. Thus, the presence of egg evaded detection when only a few containers were selected for egg analysis."
• "The line crossover was identified as the root cause, and a shield was placed over the non-egg line to prevent egg noodles from dropping into the non-egg pasta."

Peanut in Chocolate Ice Cream - Rework Issue

• "A review of rework records at the manufacturing facility clearly and astonishingly showed that peanut butter swirl ice cream had been incorporated into the chocolate ice cream. The use of rework as an ingredient explains why consistent and moderately high levels of peanut residues were detected in the chocolate ice cream. Further investigation revealed that a key employee had interpreted the like-into-like as permitting the use of any flavor in rework that would not affect the color or flavor of the chocolate ice cream."
• "The use of peanut-containing rework was identified as the root cause of this recall. Corrective actions included more specific and detailed employee training on preventive allergen controls and implementation of a new rework policy (exact-into-exact), where rework was only allowed to be incorporated into the same SKU of product from which it had been generated."

Peanut in Spice Mix - Poor Supplier

• "Due to the very high levels of peanut found in the cumin, the manufacturer suspected intentional adulteration; however, such allegations are difficult to prove. Other spice mix companies that were customers of the same Turkish supplier were also found to have received and distributed seasoning mixes and ground cumin with high levels of undeclared peanut. Initially, no consumer complaints were received, but several complaints ultimately were linked to products associated with the implicated cumin. Hundreds of product recalls ensued."
• "The root cause was the presence of undeclared peanut in cumin obtained from a specific supplier. The corrective action was the cessation of the import of ground cumin from the particular Turkish supplier. Some affected companies began to source ground cumin from U.S. suppliers that imported whole cumin seeds and ground the spice in U.S. facilities."

Cumin with peanut - Farming practices

• "The cumin-growing region of India is also home to peanut farms. An observation was made by inspectors in India that many of these farmers were reusing burlap bags that may have been previously used for peanuts or peanut meal. Peanuts in India are sometimes processed into peanut oil, leaving behind peanut meal that farmers might transport in burlap bags to feed cows; those same bags might be later used to carry cumin."
• "This root cause was never fully documented, but several spice manufacturers began supplying the farmers with new burlap bags. This practice coincided with fewer cumin or cumin-containing spice mixes testing positive for peanut residues."

Undeclared Almond in Paprika - Testing failure

• "In the EU, retail paprika samples were recalled for the presence of undeclared almond. The source of the ground paprika was a Middle Eastern supplier. This supplier had no almonds in its facility, although the supplier indicated that it used shared equipment to grind both paprika and mahaleb, a popular Middle Eastern spice made from the pits of a variety of mahaleb cherries."
• "Subsequent analysis revealed that mahaleb residues would test positive in the almond ELISA methods, and mass spectrometric analysis revealed that the residues in the ground paprika had come from cherry pits and not almonds. Canada rescinded its recalls for undeclared almond in paprika. Allergen ELISA methods are typically quite specific; however, in the case of botanical cousins such as almond and mahaleb cherries, cross-reactivity is possible."
• "The root cause of these recalls was a faulty analytical method. The corrective action involved the use of a more specific analytical method to distinguish between almonds and cherry pits. Due to the close relationship between almonds and mahaleb cherries, the proteins from these two foods are likely to be highly homologous, suggesting that ingestion of mahaleb might cause reactions in almond-allergic individuals."

Cereal with undeclared milk - Overspray transfers allergens

• "A breakfast cereal manufacturer used shared processing and packaging equipment for the processing of one cereal product with milk and another with no milk-derived ingredients."
• "The manufacturer realized that droplets from the wet washing procedure were transferring onto the roll stock plastic packaging used as the inner liner for the boxes of cereal. Corrective actions involved moving the packaging equipment further away and shrouding it during allergen cleaning."

Animal Feed Recall - Alfalfa Blocks Recalled, Linked to Death of 45 Horses Due to Botulism Poisoning

Manzanola Feeds is voluntarily recalling certain lots of Top of the Rockies Alfalfa Cubes because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.  The recalled Top of the Rockies Alfalfa Cubes are approximately 1 inch cubes, packaged in a 50 pound bag,  There have been 45 horse deaths associated with this issue, to date.

According to the FDA Advisory - "Some of the alfalfa cubes have been reported to contain what appears to be fur and animal tissues, indicating that material from an animal or animals may have been incorporated into the cubes during alfalfa harvesting. Some people have reported a foul odor in some of the bags. Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism, is commonly present in decaying animal carcasses. Testing of the alfalfa cubes and other feed and tissue samples is in progress."


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/manzanola-feeds-recalling-certain-lots-top-rockies-alfalfa-cubes-due-possible-clostridium-botulinum
Manzanola Feeds is Recalling Certain Lots of Top of the Rockies Alfalfa Cubes due to Possible Clostridium botulinum Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 16, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  December 16, 2022
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Livestock Feed
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum
Company Name:  Manzanola Feeds
Brand Name:  Top of the Rockies
Product Description:  Alfalfa Cubes

Texas Firm Recalls Cat Food Due To Salmonella Contamination

TFP Nutrition announced today that it is issuing a voluntary recall of a dry cat food - HEB Texas Pets Indoor Complete Dry Cat Food  due to potential Salmonella contamination.   The product was manufactured on November 13, 2022, at its Nacogdoches, Texas facility.





https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tfp-nutrition-initiated-voluntary-recall-16-lb-bags-heb-texas-pets-indoor-complete-dry-cat-food
TFP Nutrition Initiated Voluntary Recall of 16 lb. Bags of HEB TEXAS PETS Indoor Complete Dry Cat Food Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 16, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  December 16, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella contamination
Company Name:  TFP Nutrition
Brand Name:  HEB TEXAS PETS
Product Description:  HEB TEXAS PETS Indoor Complete Dry Cat Food

RTE Crispy Chicken Entrée Recalled After Consumer Finds Shrimp in Product

Mountain View Packaging, LLC, a Boise, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 6,013 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat Crispy Chicken with Almonds entrée products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the product contains shellfish (shrimp), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that they received a consumer complaint reporting shrimp in a product labeled as Crispy Chicken with Almonds entrée.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/mountain-view-packaging-llc-recalls-frozen-ready-eat-crispy-chicken-almonds-entree
Mountain View Packaging, LLC, Recalls Frozen Ready-To-Eat Crispy Chicken with Almonds Entrée Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen
MOUNTAIN VIEW PACKAGING, LLC

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2022 – Mountain View Packaging, LLC, a Boise, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 6,013 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat Crispy Chicken with Almonds entrée products 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 shellfish (shrimp), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

Seattle Company Recalls Long Pepper Product After Mold and Mycotoxin Detected in Sample

Something South African LLC of Seattle, WA is recalling the Peppercorn Collection Gift Set, affected Best Before End (BBE) date of JUN/2024, Batch 494951-T, because mold (Aspergillus brasiliensis) and Ochratoxin A were detected in the Malaysian Long Pepper.

"The recall was initiated when our supplier notified us that mold (Aspergillus brasiliensis) and Ochratoxin A were detected in the Malaysian Long Pepper. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as our supplier continues with their root cause investigation."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/something-south-african-llc-recalls-peppercorn-collection-gift-set-because-possible-health-risk
Something South African LLC Recalls the Peppercorn Collection Gift Set Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 15, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  December 15, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Mold (Aspergillus brasiliensis) and Ochratoxin A contamination
Company Name: Something South African LLC
Brand Name:  World Market

Product Description:   Pepper Collection Gift Set

Protein Powder Recalled for Milk Allergens Due to Mislabeling

Power Life Nutrition of Woodland Hills, CA is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of its High Impact Plant Protein due to a labeling error. For a brief period during the manufacturing process, jars containing High Impact Whey Protein were mislabeled as High Impact Plant Protein. The mislabeled product is safe to consume for consumers who ordered High Impact Whey Protein, but it does not contain an allergen declaration for the milk allergen in the product.

"The recall was initiated after it was discovered that a limited quantity of units of High Impact Whey Protein incorrectly contained the label for High Impact Plant Protein. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an error in the manufacturer’s packaging process manufacturer." [?]

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/thgh-partners-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-power-life-plant-protein
THGH Partners LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Power Life Plant Protein
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 15, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  December 15, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Milk
Company Name:  THGH Partners LLC
Brand Name:  Power Life
Product Description:  High Impact Plant Protein

Just Another Recall of Enoki Mushrooms After Listeria Detected in Sample

Utopia Foods Inc of Glendale, NY, is recalling its 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms”, imported from China and distributed nationwide in the US, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The recalled “Enoki Mushrooms” were distributed nationwide in produce wholesale companies.  No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential contamination was noted by a routine sampling conducted in the State of Missouri revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms”.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/utopia-foods-recalls-enoki-mushrooms-because-possible-health-risk
Utopia Foods Recalls “Enoki Mushrooms” Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 13, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  December 13, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  Utopia Foods Inc
Brand Name:  Utopia Foods Inc
Product Description:  Enoki Mushrooms

Infant Formula Recalled After Cronobacter-Postive Sample Detected at Copacker

ByHeart, a next-generation baby nutrition company, is voluntarily recalling five batches of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula due to the potential for cross-contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii.  No distributed ByHeart product has tested positive for the bacteria.

"ByHeart owns its entire manufacturing supply chain with the exception of final canning, which is conducted by a reputable third-party packager. ByHeart is taking this precautionary measure because one test sample collected from the third-party packaging facility tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii. All product packaged that day, and the first production on the next day, was isolated for destruction and not distributed. Out of an abundance of caution, we are now recalling all product produced during the entire production run."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/byheart-issues-voluntary-recall-five-batches-its-infant-formula-because-possible-health-risk
ByHeart Issues Voluntary Recall of Five Batches of Its Infant Formula Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 11, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  December 11, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for cross-contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii
Company Name:  ByHeart
Brand Name:  ByHeart
Product Description:  Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, Milk Based Powder with Iron for 0-12months

Rat Sightings Have Been Rising in Large Cities

New York City recently listed a job posting for Director of Rat Mitigation, with a six figure salary to get NYC increase rat problem under control.   But NYC is not alone, nor is at the top of cities having rat problems.  An article in Axios Boston states that Boston state that Boston has the highest level of rat sightings with 21.6% of homes with a rodent sighting...followed by Philadelphia (19.5%), and then New York City (15.3%).

Why the increasing problem?  An article in the Washington Post provided this: "Rats are a fixture of urban life, but early in the pandemic, their populations in urban cores shrank as restaurants, parks and offices shut down — and their access to trash did too.  But many adapted, desperate to survive. They ate off the bottom of restaurant doors in search of food, alpha male rats ate weaker ones, and a large number, to residents’ frustration, migrated."   Basically, rats had to move where prospects for food were greater, and that unfortunately is where people live, store their food and place their trash.

NYC War on Rats: Can 4 New Rodent Laws Fix the Crisis?
NYC believes four rodent-related bills may be the solution to the city's longstanding rat problem. Here are some of the changes you can expect in your community

By Erica Byfield • Published November 18, 2022 • Updated on November 18, 2022 Four new bills were signed into law on Friday, each designed to target one of New York City's longest and strongest enemy: the rat.

CDC Report - Appliances Used to Cook Frozen Stuffed Chicken Products

Frozen breaded stuffed chicken products are viewed as a Salmonella risk due to multiple Salmonella outbreaks over the past decade.  

"These products are partially cooked to set the breading, often making them appear cooked (2). Despite their appearance, these products need to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that they are safe to eat. Producers began implementing labeling changes in 2006 to more clearly identify these products as raw; many warn against using microwave ovens (microwaves) to prepare them and provide validated cooking instructions solely for conventional ovens (ovens) (3,4). However, outbreaks continued to occur after implementation of these labeling changes (4)"

A study was conducted to see how people normally cook this product.  "Although ovens were the most commonly reported appliance used to cook frozen stuffed chicken products, more than one half of respondents (54.0%) reported using other appliances instead of or in addition to ovens, including microwaves (29.0%), a circumstance that historically has been reported frequently by ill persons in outbreaks associated with frozen stuffed chicken products (1). Respondents with lower incomes and who live in mobile types of homes reported lower oven use and higher microwave use. Persons within these groups might be at increased risk for illness related to both challenges in preparing these foods and access to appliances."

 "Studies indicate that microwaves, air fryers, and toaster ovens inconsistently heat frozen stuffed chicken or frozen raw breaded chicken (4,6,7). Therefore, cooking instructions often do not include information about cooking the product in air fryers or toaster ovens and might warn against using microwaves. However, previous studies have found that some consumers infrequently read package instructions (8,9), including one report that found some consumers discarded packaging when the products were brought home and never saw cooking instructions (9). In this survey, 30% of respondents reported using an air fryer, 29% a microwave, and 14% a toaster oven. These findings suggest that relying on labeling and cooking instructions might not be sufficient to prevent illness. Further, even when cooking these products in an oven, verifying the temperature of the finished product is important (7). However, food thermometer usage can be low; one study found that even among persons who owned a food thermometer, only 38% typically used them to check doneness of frozen chicken products (2)."


https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7148a2.htm?s_cid=mm7148a2_w#contribAff
Appliances Used by Consumers to Prepare Frozen Stuffed Chicken Products — United States, May–July 2022
Weekly / December 2, 2022 / 71(48);1511–1516

Katherine E. Marshall, MPH1,*; Michelle Canning, MPH1,2,*; Michael Ablan, MPH1; Tamara N. Crawford, DBH1; Misha Robyn, DVM1 (VIEW AUTHOR AFFILIATIONS)

Summary

What is already known about this topic?
Frozen stuffed chicken products remain a source of Salmonella outbreaks despite changes to packaging instructing consumers to cook these products in ovens and to avoid using microwaves.

What is added by this report?
More than one half of respondents to an Internet panel survey reported using an appliance other than an oven to cook frozen stuffed chicken products; 29% used a microwave. Respondents with lower incomes and who live in mobile types of homes reported lower oven use and higher microwave use.

What are the implications for public health practice?
Economic and other factors might influence access to recommended cooking appliances. Companies could consider implementing interventions that rely less on labeling and consumer preparation practices to ensure safety.

Border Guards Find $3 Million of Meth in Shipment of Carrots

US Customs and Border Protection detained a shipment of carrots after finding close to 1,500 lbs (over $3 million in street value) of meth within the shipment.

Produce News
https://theproducenews.com/headlines/shortsighted-smuggler-busted-3m-carrot-and-meth-shipment
Shortsighted smuggler busted with $3M carrot and meth shipment

December 8, 2022

U.S. Customs & Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility in San Diego found over $3 million worth of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of carrots.

Packages of Jujube Recalled for Undeclared Sulfites

Northern Food I/E Inc. of Westbury, NY is recalling all lots and codes of its 8.3-ounce (235-gram) packages of “Lukai sweetened jujube” because they may contain undeclared sulfites.   The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed that the sulfite containing product was distributed in packages that did not reveal the presence of sulfites.

Jujube is a small fruit similar to a date.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/northern-food-ie-recalls-sweetened-jujube-due-undeclared-sulfites
Northern Food I/E Recalls “Sweetened Jujube” Due to Undeclared Sulfites
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 06, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  December 07, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Fruit/Fruit Product
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Sulfites
Company Name:  Northern Food I/E Inc.
Brand Name:  Lukai
Product Description:  Sweetened Jujube

Advent Calendars with Chocolate w/ Creamy Filling Recalled After Testing Finds Salmonella

Lidl US has announced a voluntary recall for the 8.4 oz Favorina branded Advent Calendar (Premium Chocolate with a Creamy Filling) due to potential Salmonella contamination.  This issue was found during routine testing, which Lidl performs on an ongoing basis to help ensure safe and quality products for our customers. Lidl US has received no reports or complaints of illness related to this product to date.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lidl-voluntarily-recalls-84-oz-favorina-branded-advent-calendar-premium-chocolate-creamy-filling-due
LIDL Voluntarily Recalls 8.4 Oz Favorina Branded Advent Calendar (Premium Chocolate with a Creamy Filling) Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 06, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  December 06, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential presence of Salmonella
Company Name:  Lidl US
Brand Name:  Favorina
Product Description:  Advent Calendar (Premium Chocolate with a Creamy Filling)

Recall Issued After Meltaway Mixup - Peanut Butter Packaged Instead of Mint

Cranberry Sweets & More of Coos Bay, Oregon is voluntarily recalling its 4 and 8 ounce packages of "Mint Meltaways" candies because they may contain undeclared peanuts.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the Peanut Butter Meltaways product was mis-labeled as Heirloom Mint Meltaways and peanut was not declared on finished product label. The firm’s subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's packaging process. The process has been corrected and the company has instituted additional safety checks and corrective actions.

Labeling verification as part of the Allergen Preventive Controls could entail continuous organoleptic testing.  Any volunteers?

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cranberry-sweets-more-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanuts-mint-meltaways
Cranberry Sweets & More Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Peanuts In “Mint Meltaways”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 06, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  December 06, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Chocolate/Cocoa Product
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen/Peanut
Company Name:  Cranberry Sweets & More
Brand Name:  Cranberry Sweets
Product Description:  Mint Meltaways

USDA Issues Health Alert for Ground Meat After Positive Pathogenic E. coli Test

USDA is issuing a public health alert for ground beef sold at La Michoacana Meat Market, in Greenville, Tex., after a sample of the product tested positive for the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7. A recall was not requested because there is no product currently available for sale to consumers; however, the ground beef product may remain in consumers’ homes and could cause illness if eaten.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS product testing when a sample 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.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ground-beef-products-tested-positive-e--coli-o157h7
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ground Beef Products That Tested Positive for E. Coli O157:H7

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ground beef sold at La Michoacana Meat Market, in Greenville, Tex., after a sample of the product tested positive for the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7. A recall was not requested because there is no product currently available for sale to consumers; however, the ground beef product may remain in consumers’ homes and could cause illness if eaten.

Ham and Cheese Loaf Products Recalled After Being Sliced on Equipment Exposed to Under-processed Product

Kraft Heinz Foods Company, a Kirksville, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,400 pounds of ready-to-eat ham and cheese loaf products due to possible cross-contamination with under-processed products.  The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that the product was sliced on the same equipment as product that had been under processed, and the equipment was not cleaned between runs of the under-processed and fully cooked product. This has led to concerns of possible cross-contamination of the fully cooked ham and cheese loaf product.

This scenario is easy to imagine.  Product is produced that is under-processed and put on hold.  But the post-processing equipment, now exposed to under-processed meat potentially containing pathogens like Salmonella or Listeria, is not completely cleaned prior to running good product.

When under-processed product touches the equipment on the post-process side of the operation (what is considered the RTE side or clean side of the operation), then all that equipment must receive a complete sanitation.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/kraft-heinz-foods-company-recalls-ready-eat-ham-and-cheese-loaf-products-due
Kraft Heinz Foods Company Recalls Ready-To-Eat Ham and Cheese Loaf Products Due to Possible Cross-Contamination From Under-Processed Products
KRAFT HEINZ FOODS COMPANY

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2022 – Kraft Heinz Foods Company, a Kirksville, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,400 pounds of ready-to-eat ham and cheese loaf products due to possible cross-contamination with under-processed products, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Chilean Frozen Raspberries Recalled After FDA Detects Hepatitis A

Exportadora Copramar is recalling 1260 cases of James Farm frozen raspberries due to the potential of the product being contaminated with Hepatitis A.  U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing indicated the presence of Hepatitis A in James Farm branded frozen raspberries identified by UPC Code: 76069501010 and Lot Code - 22-165.  The product is exclusively sold through Restaurant Depot/Jetro locations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.  Product is from Chile.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/exportadora-copramar-recalls-james-farms-frozen-raspberries-due-possible-health-risk
Exportadora Copramar Recalls James Farms Frozen Raspberries Due to Possible Health Risk

Summary

Company Announcement Date:  December 03, 2022

FDA Publish Date: December 03, 2022

Product Type: Food & Beverages Fruit/Fruit Product

Reason for Announcement:  Hepatitis A

Company Name:  Exportadora Compramar

Brand Name:  James Farms

Product Description:  Frozen Raspberries

Low Fat Pet Food Recalled After Consumers Notice Product with Gravy

"Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat (PPVD EN Low Fat) prescription wet dog food in 13.4 oz cans due to a labeling error. For a brief period on September 15, 2022, cans of a different complete and balanced adult dog food, Purina ONE True Instinct Tender Cuts In Gravy With Real Turkey & Venison wet dog food, were labeled as PPVD EN Low Fat in one of our factories. The mislabeled diet is safe to feed, but it is not the intended formula for dogs requiring a prescription PPVD EN Low Fat diet, who may have sensitivities to traditional diets or difficulty digesting fat."  The company became "aware of the issue after being contacted by several pet owners who observed the texture of food in their PPVD EN Low Fat cans was not the same as previous meals. The mislabeled product contains chunks in gravy, while the correct product looks more like a pate consistency."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nestle-purina-petcare-company-voluntarily-recalls-limited-amount-purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets-en
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company Voluntarily Recalls a Limited Amount of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat Wet Dog Food Due to Labeling Error

Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 30, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  December 02, 2022
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Pet Food 
Reason for Announcement:  Mislabeling
Company Name:  Nestle Purina PetCare Company
Brand Name:  Labeling error
Product Description:  Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat (PPVD EN Low Fat) prescription wet dog food