UK - E. coli Outbreak with 256 Cases Linked to Pre-Packaged Sandwiches

An outbreak of E. coli O145 has been linked to pre-packaged sandwiches.  It is believed that the lettuce leaves used on the sandwiches is the source of E. coli.  There have been 256 cases with 86 of those resulting in hospitalization.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cedd0947e73o
E. coli outbreak put at least 86 people in hospital
June 20, 2024
By Michelle Roberts,
Digital health editor, BBC News

At least 86 people were admitted to hospital for E. coli symptoms linked to an outbreak thought to be caused by some pre-packed sandwiches containing lettuce, health officials have confirmed.

The UK Health Security Agency says cases have slowed but a further 45 infections have been recorded, taking the total to 256.

Award Winning Microbe Collector!

Some people collect rocks.  Some people collect stamps.  But a true micro nerd collects....microbes.  Recently, one of our own won a huge award for collecting microbes....more specifically E. coli...those bacteria  mostly associated with being 'of fecal origin'.  Edward Dudley, Professor of Food Science and Director of the E. coli Reference Center in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State, has been awarded some fancy award by the United States Culture Collection Network.

Congratulations to him and his team that do such great work!


PSU Professor Honored by National Microbial Research Network
Edward Dudley recognized for his stewardship of Penn State’s E. coli Reference Center

PUBLISHED ON JUNE 4, 2024

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Edward Dudley, professor of food science and director of the E. coli Reference Center in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State, has been awarded the 2023 J. Roger Porter Award by the United States Culture Collection Network in recognition of his outstanding leadership to support novel life science discoveries.

Ohio Firm Recalls Salad Bowls For Undeclared Pecans

Heinen’s of Warrensville Heights, OH is voluntarily recalling Heinen’s Tuscan Salad Bowls, due to the possibility that it may contain undeclared Pecans.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing Pecans was distributed in Tuscan Salad Bowls that did not reveal the presence of additional allergens. Subsequent investigation indicates that this was isolated to a single distributed Sell By Date of 6/2/2024

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/heinens-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-pecans-heinens-tuscan-salad-bowls
Heinen’s Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecans in Heinen’s Tuscan Salad Bowls

Summary

Company Announcement Date:  May 30, 2024

FDA Publish Date:  June 14, 2024

Product Type:  Food & Beverages

Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Pecans

Company Name:  Heinen’s Inc.

Brand Name:  Heinen’s

Product Description:  Tuscan Salad Bowl

Florida Firm Recalls Corn Cakes Due to Undeclared Milk

Villa Nueva Interservices LLC. in Lake Worth, FL is recalling "Arepas LA Mejor" 25 oz bags of Arepa de Choclo /Chocolo because it contains undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the Arepa de Chocolo contained milk and was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the milk as an ingredient. The firm has made corrections to the label.

Arepas de Choclo are griddled sweet corn cakes. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/villa-nueva-interservices-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-arepas-la-mejor-25-oz-bags-arepa
Villa Nueva Interservices LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in "Arepas LA Mejor" 25 oz Bags of Arepa de Choclo /Chocolo
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 11, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 13, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Villa Nueva Interservices LLC
Brand Name:  Arepas La Mejor
Product Description:  Corn cake

NY Firm Recalls Apricot Rolls Due to Undeclared Sulfites

AAHU BARAH USA INC. of Hicksville, NY is recalling 19 Boxes of Aahu Barah Apricot Roll 14OZ because it contains Sulfites which was not declared on the label.  The undeclared sulfites was discovered after 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 the Apricot Roll.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/aahu-barah-usa-inc-recalls-product-due-undeclared-sulfites
AAHU Barah USA Inc. Recalls Product Due to Undeclared Sulfites
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 10, 2024
FDA Publish Date: June 13, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Sulfites
Company Name:  AAHU BARAH USA INC.
Brand Name:  Aahu Barah
Product Description:  Apricot roll

NIH Clarify Position on CWD Risk to Humans - Never Said No Risk

A recent study presented evidence that CWD prions were unlikely to move from animals [deer] to people. Experts have come out to clarify this and to say that there is low risk, but not to assume no risk.

"They weren’t able to transmit chronic wasting disease to these human cerebral organoids, but that's not a human," he said. "And there are so many other factors that go into transmission outside of such experimental spaces. It is encouraging in that it emphasizes that at least with current CWD strains, there is a high species barrier, but it certainly doesn't mean that [spillover] isn't possible or that the threshold of the species barrier might not change in the future when CWD strains evolve."

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/chronic-wasting-disease/nih-researchers-never-said-there-no-risk-cwd-spillover-humans
NIH researchers never said there is no risk of CWD spillover to humans
Mary Van Beusekom, MS
June 6, 2024

Bloomberg Article Highlights Problems with Outsourced / Generic Medications

Generic medications and drugs are a common site in grocery and pharmacy stores.  Prices are normally dollars cheaper than branded items.  Are you willing to spend the extra money for the branded items?  This article provides insight into the issues of generic drugs when the retailer does not do adequate supplier verification.

Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-06-10/cvs-brand-drug-recalls-expose-link-to-tainted-factories
Dozens of CVS Generic Drug Recalls Expose Link to Tainted Factories

The chain’s branded drugs were recalled about two times more than those of its biggest rival, Walgreens
By Anna Edney and Peter Robison
June 10, 2024 at 5:00 PM EDT

One factory making CVS-branded pain and fever medications for children used contaminated water. Another made drugs for kids that were too potent. And a third made nasal sprays for babies on the same machines it used to produce pesticides.

The drugs were among those sold by CVS Health Corp., the largest US pharmacy, under its store-brand label before being recalled.

Other chains have seen their share of recalls for their own store-branded medications. But over the past decade CVS’s have been recalled about two times more than those from Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. and three times more than those from Walmart Inc., a Bloomberg analysis of public records found. Both CVS and Walgreens say they offer more than 2,000 store-brand health and wellness products; Walmart declined to say how many it had for sale, but its website indicates it has many of the same drugs available as CVS and Walgreens do under its Equate store brand.

Louisiana Establishment Fails to Properly Label Allergens Associated with Worchester Powder

Bonneval Foods, LLC, a Gonzales, La. establishment, is recalling all barbecue pork skin product that is currently available in commerce due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.  The product contains wheat and soy, known allergens, that are not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS in-plant verification activities. FSIS personnel identified soy and wheat, known allergens, as ingredients in a Worcestershire powder that is an ingredient in a BBQ pork skin product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/bonneval-foods-llc-recalls-barbecue-pork-skin-product-due-misbranding-and-undeclared
Bonneval Foods, LLC Recalls Barbecue Pork Skin Product Due To Misbranding And Undeclared Allergens

WASHINGTON, June 12, 2024 – Bonneval Foods, LLC, a Gonzales, La. establishment, is recalling all barbecue pork skin product that is currently available in commerce due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains wheat and soy, known allergens, that are not declared on the product label.

USDA FSIS Issues Warning for Excessive Nitrite Levels in Meat Products Produced by KY Establishment

 The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for not-ready-to-eat pork and beef bacon products produced by Farmstead Butcher Block LLC of  Central City, KY due to levels of sodium nitrite that exceed the regulatory limit.  The problem was discovered by FSIS while performing routine inspection activities. FSIS discovered that the establishment’s formulation of sodium nitrite, a restricted ingredient, exceeded the regulatory limit.  A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-not-ready-eat-pork-and-beef-bacon-products-due
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Not-Ready-To-Eat Pork And Beef Bacon Products Due to Sodium Nitrite Levels in Excess of Regulatory Limit
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, June 12, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for not-ready-to-eat pork and beef bacon products produced by Farmstead Butcher Block LLC of  Central City, KY due to levels of sodium nitrite that exceed the regulatory limit. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase.

Food Safety Haiku Challenge!

An article in Penn State News discussed insects addressed in Haiku poems. 

So what about a food safety haiku?  

The format of a Haiku is a three-line poem with five syllables in the first and third lines, and seven syllables in the second line.

Here are my 'choice' offerings. 

Temperature check.
Food safety depends on it.

Sanitation too.

Preventive controls.

With the hazard analysis.

A food safety plan.

Clean the surface well.

Rinse with potable water.

Sanitize let dry.

Hazardous microbes.

Must reduce to safe levels.

Or assume the risk.

Send me your best (realizing that you have more important work to do rather than dinking around, counting syllables on your fingers.)

Check out the entries below

FDA and CDC Provide Update on Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers

According to the June 12 CDC update, there have been a total of 196 reported cases of people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Africana have been reported from 28 states and the District of Columbia (see map). Illnesses started on dates ranging from March 11, 2024, to May 23, 2024 (see timeline). Of 164 people with information available, 68 have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. has recalled cucumbers grown in Florida and distributed to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in AL, FL, GA, IL, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, and WV from May 17th through May 21st, 2024. This product should no longer be available for sale to consumers in stores.

The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk and 24- and 36-count boxes directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in AL, FL, GA, IL, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, and WV from May 17th through May 21st, 2024.

CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/africana-06-24/details.html
FDA
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cucumbers-june-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cucumbers (June 2024)
Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled cucumbers distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. to certain states. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

Fast Facts (as of Posted June 12, 2024)
Illnesses: 196 (34 new)
Hospitalizations: 68 (14 new)
Deaths: 0
States: 28 states and the District of Columbia (3 new)
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active (first posted on June 5, 2024)

Product

Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. has recalled cucumbers grown in Florida and distributed to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in AL, FL, GA, IL, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, and WV from May 17th through May 21st, 2024. This product should no longer be available for sale to consumers in stores.

Warning Letter Issued to Candy Company After Mislabeling Issue Leads to Undeclared Peanuts

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Big Island Candies, Inc. of  Hilo, HI after the company recalled their Big Island Candies Makana Brownie Assortment Box for not declaring the major food allergen, peanuts, finished product label.  The company became aware of the undeclared peanut after a consumer notified them that they experienced an allergic reaction to peanuts after consuming a brownie packed from the assortment box of Makana brownies. In documentation provided to FDA, the company indicated that Milk Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter brownies were unintentionally packed into the assortment box which was labeled to contain brownies containing macadamia nuts.

The company's corrective actions: 1) no longer producing any products that contain peanuts and removing all peanut ingredients from the facility and 2) if the company should reintroduce peanut products again the following additional measures will be put into effect: crates of food products labeled to bear or contain an ingredient containing peanuts will be identified with a color code plaque, all items containing peanuts will be stored on separate pallets in a designated area, additional training will be conducted to alert staff on any and all changes, and the food safety plan will be updated in writing. 

Warning Letter Issued to Iowa Acidified Food Processor

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Midwest Foods, LLC, of Ankeny, IA. a manufacturer of salsas, sauces, dressings, and jams, with some of these products being acidified.
Failed to file scheduled process to FDA for some of the acidified foods

Failed to follow scheduled process for some acidified products.  .
A few other items related to Preventive Controls, misbranding, and labeling.

Overall, nothing really major...probably not killing anyone.

WARNING LETTER
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/midwest-foods-llc-677464-05212024
Midwest Foods, LLC
MARCS-CMS 677464 — MAY 21, 2024

Research - Environmental Antecedents (Circumstances) of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks, United States, 2017–2019

A published study in the Journal of Food Protection looked at the environmental antecedents, or the circumstances and situations that led to the led to the reason for the outbreak.

"The first set is outbreak contributing factors—the practices that most likely led to contamination, proliferation, or survival of agents in the environment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). The second set is environmental antecedents, hereafter referred to as antecedents, of the outbreak. Antecedents are the circumstances and situations that led to the contributing factors. For example, an investigation may identify the contributing factor to a norovirus outbreak as contamination of food by an ill employee, and the antecedent as insufficient staffing, which led to the employee not being allowed to stay home while ill."

"Identifying the contributing factors and antecedents is essential to understanding the outbreak’s root cause and implementing sustainable corrective actions to stop the outbreak and future outbreaks (Firestone et al., 2018)."

The two biggest environmental antecedents were 1) lack of training of employees for specific purposes and 2) lack of oversight of employees / enforcement of policies.

From the text, Table 3 and 5 were most interesting.

How the Moon Landing Led to HACCP

This story is always reflected upon at the start of HACCP training.  If you are interested in more of the details on how the HACCP concept originated, here it is.


NASA
https://spinoff.nasa.gov/moon-landing-food-safety
How the Moon Landing Led to Safer Food for Everyone

System created for Apollo astronaut food has become the global standard for hazard prevention

Originally published 11/23/2020

As many Americans prepare for a socially distanced Thanksgiving meal, some may be aware that NASA helped develop the tiny, highly efficient video cameras in the devices that will allow virtual family dinners, and a few may know it was the space agency that first modernized conference calling. But NASA has made an even more important contribution to the holiday: no one is likely to worry about the safety of the food on their table.

Today, outbreaks of food poisoning from packaged supermarket food are exceedingly rare, thanks in part to the food industry’s near-universal adoption of an approach that’s little-known outside the business, called the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system. Even less-known is the fact that HACCP was created for astronaut food in the early days of the Apollo program.

FSIS Issues Health Alert for Salad Kit with Undeclared Allergen Issue Due to Mislabeling

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert for a salad product labeled as Bistro Grande Southwestern Style with Chicken due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The salad product labeled as Southwestern Style with Chicken may actually contain Chicken Caesar Salad containing wheat and fish (anchovies), known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered when the producing establishment notified FSIS that it received a consumer complaint that a salad product labeled as Bistro Grande Southwestern Style with Chicken contained Chicken Caesar Salad.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-southwestern-style-salad-bowls-chicken-due
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Southwestern Style Salad Bowls With Chicken Due To Misbranding And Undeclared Allergens

WASHINGTON, June 10, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for a salad product labeled as Bistro Grande Southwestern Style with Chicken due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The salad product labeled as Southwestern Style with Chicken may actually contain Chicken Caesar Salad containing wheat and fish (anchovies), known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with allergies to wheat and fish are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase.

Ohio Prepared Sandwich Operation Recalls Product for Listeria Concerns After Positive Environmental Sample

Classic Delight LLC, a St. Mary’s, OH firm is voluntarily recalling a limited number of individually wrapped sandwiches due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  The recall was initiated after environmental samples tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company is working in conjunction with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct this recall. The production of these products has been suspended while the FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/classic-delight-llc-issues-public-health-alert-due-possible-health-risk
Classic Delight LLC Issues Public Health Alert Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 10, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 11, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Classic Delight LLC
Brand Name:  Classic Delight, Nutrisystem, Wakefield
Product Description:  Individually wrapped sandwiches

Illinois Feed Facility Expands April Recall of Feed with Elevated Mineral Levels

ADM Animal Nutrition, a division of ADM, is expanding its already expanded recall of animal feed to to elevated levels of magnesium, sodium, calcium, chloride and/or phosphorus.  ADM first issued a recall from produce produced at their manufacturing facility in Quincy Illinois on April 1, 2024 recall from produce produced at their manufacturing facility in Quincy Illinois on April 1, 2024 and then expanded that recall on April 11, 2024.expanded that recall on April 11, 2024.
The expansion was to add additional product lots.

ADM Animal Nutrition Expands Recall to Include Additional Lots of Various Feed Products
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 10, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 11, 2024
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary
Reason for Announcement:  Specific lots may contain elevated levels of magnesium, sodium, calcium and/or phosphorus
Company Name: ADM Animal Nutrition
Brand Name:  Grostrong, MoorMan's, MaxLean, Roughage Buster, Pen Pals, Patriot, Goat Power, Juniorglo, Rack Plus, Seniorglo
Product Description:  Animal Feed Products

FDA Issues Health Warning for Bioactive Mushroom-Infused Snacks

FDA issued a health warning after a reported number of cases of adverse reactions linked to bars, cones, and gummies from the brand Diamond Shruumz. This company infuses products with legal bioactive mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Chaga, which are not supposed to "induce any of those effects associated with the illegal counterparts and instead have been shown to potentially help with your overall health and cognitive function."

The company uses the term microdosing. According to the website, "Microdosing is designed to elicit subtle effects that enhance your day-to-day activities, meaning you will not face any vivid visions or similar. Instead, the focus is all about helping you to harness your cognitive, emotional, and physical best, unlocking your creativity and sharpening your focus. That is why many people adopt the practice to help them in their professional work and personal lives."  [More information on recommended usage below.]

So it seems that a person is supposed to determine some small level of product that they can take in order to achieve the effect.  From the website - "Individuals can typically anticipate the onset of effects within an average timeframe of 30 minutes to 1 hour after consumption. However, it’s crucial to note that this duration can vary based on unique factors, including the person’s body size and metabolism."

Could it be that people perhaps pounded down more than their body could handle?  Or was there some other compounds present that caused the ill effects.


https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-illnesses-diamond-shruumz-brand-chocolate-bars-cones-gummies-june-2024
Investigation of Illnesses: Diamond Shruumz-Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, & Gummies (June 2024)
Do not eat, sell, or serve any flavor of Diamond Shruumz- Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 12
Hospitalizations: 10
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: June 9, 2024
States with Cases: AL, AZ, IN, KY, MO, NV, PA, SC
Product Distribution: Nationwide

Current Update
June 11, 2024

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with America’s Poison Centers and state and local partners, are investigating a series of illnesses associated with eating Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies.

Escherichia albertii - an Emerging Foodborne Pathogen

Escherichia albertii has been identified as an emerging foodborne pathogen that causes watery diarrhea mainly in children and immunocompromised individuals.

• "Current data suggest that E. albertii might play a more significant role in global infectious diarrhea cases than previously assumed and is often overlooked or misidentified."
• "Early indications suggest that children below 10 years and immunosuppressed individuals with multiple commodities might be at higher risk, but outbreaks have also been reported in seemly healthy people Poor hygiene conditions especially during food preparation, consumption of raw or minimally cooked meat particularly poultry, and drinking untreated water seems to increase the likelihood of E. albertii infection."
• "E. albertii has been isolated from the environment, water, packed lunch, lettuce, salad, pork, chicken, giblets, mutton, duck meat, minced meat, and Damietta cheese indicating that this bacterium can be transmitted through food and water.
• "This bacterium is a close relative of Escherichia coli and has been frequently misidentified as enteropathogenic or enterohemorrhagic E. coli due to their similarity in phenotypic and genetic features."
• "Research has shown that E. albertii survives without growth below 4°C and grew rapidly at 20°C and 30°C in foods, especially in meat. E. albertii strains did not grow in well water and seawater at 4°C, 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C"

Recalled Soda with Undeclared Colors Catches Bad Press

A soft drink formulator issued a recall of product because it failed to list colors or sulfites on the label.

Charles Boggini Company, headquartered in Coventry, Conn., voluntarily recalled its “Pink Lemonade,” “Cola Flavoring Base,” “Yellow Lemonade” and “Yellow Lemonade X” — all of which are sold in one- and five-gallon containers to restaurants.  "The recall was announced in an enforcement report issued by the FDA, which was reported by Newsweek and DailyMail.com."

The “Pink Lemonade” was recalled after it was found to contain FD&C Red No. 40, which is a red dye that is used in a range of products including cosmetics, drugs and food. 

The “Yellow Lemonade” and “Yellow Lemonade X” products were found to have FD&C Yellow No. 5 — an artificial food dye that is often found in processed pastries, breakfast cereals and colored candy.

 The FDA requires manufacturers to declare when dye is used as an ingredient in their products.
The “Cola Flavoring Base” product that was recalled by Charles Boggini Company was found to contain sulfites, which are salts that are often used as preservatives in food products.
The company stated that it had "sent new labels to clients to attach to the products already on their shelves."

However, to read the headlines, you think that the company done something much worse.  USA Today and NY Post article was titled "Soda company recalls drinks sold at restaurants for chemicals, dye linked to cancer: FDA".  So the product was not recalled because of what it contained, but the fact that it was not properly labeled.  Many of the foods we eat contain yellow #5 and red #40.  These synthetic dyes are deemed by the FDA as safe for use in regulated amounts.

https://nypost.com/2024/06/05/business/charles-boggini-company-recalls-drinks-that-contain-dye-linked-to-cancer-fda/
Soda company recalls multiple drinks sold in restaurants across US that contain dye linked to cancer: FDA
By Social Links forAriel Zilber
Published June 5, 2024, 3:27 p.m. ET

FSIS Issues Health Alert for Chicken Product for Unlabeled Allergens Due to Mis-packaging

USDA FSIS issued a health alert for product labeled as bao Thai-style curry chicken (chicken product in a steamed bun) from Brett Anthony Foods of Elk Grove Village IL, due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The product labeled as bao curry chicken may actually contain teriyaki chicken bao products, which contain soy and sesame, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.   The problem was discovered when the producing establishment notified FSIS that it received a consumer complaint that a box labeled bao Thai-style curry chicken contained pouches of the bao teriyaki chicken.

FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with allergies to soy and sesame are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-ready-eat-bao-curry-chicken-products-due
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen Ready-To-Eat Bao Curry Chicken Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
BRETT ANTHONY FOODS

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for product labeled as bao Thai-style curry chicken due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The product labeled as bao curry chicken may actually contain teriyaki chicken bao products, which contain soy and sesame, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with allergies to soy and sesame are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase.

Meat Imported from Uruguay Recalled After Missing FSIS Reinspection

South American Meat Inc., also known as 5Gogi LLC, an importer located in Commerce, Calif., is recalling approximately 20,111 pounds of various eligible frozen raw beef products that were not presented to FSIS for import reinspection upon entry into the United States.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS surveillance activities of imported products, and FSIS determined that the products were not presented for FSIS import reinspection.  Product was imported from Uruguay.   There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/south-american-meat-inc--recalls-frozen-raw-beef-products-imported-without-benefit
South American Meat Inc. Recalls Frozen Raw Beef Products Imported Without Benefit of Import Reinspection

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2024 - South American Meat Inc., also known as 5Gogi LLC, an importer located in Commerce, Calif., is recalling approximately 20,111 pounds of various eligible frozen raw beef products that were not presented to FSIS for import reinspection upon entry into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

FL Produce Company Recall Baby Arugula After Positive Salmonella Test

Green Life Farms of Lake Worth, FL is voluntarily recalling one lot of its 4-ounce containers of Baby Arugula because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella in a single harvest of Baby Arugula. The company took immediate corrective action and additional harvests remain unaffected.  No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/green-life-farms-issues-voluntary-recall-baby-arugula-because-possible-health-risk
Green Life Farms Issues Voluntary Recall of Baby Arugula Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 07, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 08, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Produce
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:  Green Life Farms
Brand Name:  Green Life Farms
Product Description:  Baby Arugula

Use of Almond Flour in Pie Instead of Wheat Flour Results in Allergic Reaction

New Seasons Market of Portland, Oregon is recalling Strawberry Rhubarb Bakewell Tart, because it contains undeclared almond. "After a staff member consumed the Strawberry Rhubarb Bakewell Tart and had a mild reaction but did not seek medical attention, the manufacturer of the product was notified of this potential allergic reaction. The manufacturer confirmed the product did contain almond flour, but almond was not listed in the product specification. New Seasons Market initiated this recall because the scale label does not declare almond."

So this appears to be a mis-formulation issue where almond flour was inadvertently used.  Also could be cross-contact where residual almond flour was not properly removed.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/new-seasons-market-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-almonds-strawberry-rhubarb-bakewell-tart
New Seasons Market Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds in Strawberry Rhubarb Bakewell Tart
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 04, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 04, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared almonds
Company Name:  New Seasons Market
Brand Name:  New Seasons Market
Product Description:  Strawberry Rhubarb Bakewell Tart

Recalled Infant Formula Also Found to be Contaminated with Cronobacter

Dairy Manufacturers of Prosper TX issued an health warning about its Powdered Goat Milk Infant Formula product that was initially recalled on May 25th initially recalled on May 25th when the product was found to have not been produced under federal registration.  But now, this product has been found to have a health concern in that a sample of this product has tested positive for Cronobacter spp.  The product was produced by was manufactured at D.M. Mexicana Sa De Cv in Monterey, Mexico.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dairy-manufacturers-inc-notifying-consumers-about-safety-concern-crecelac-infant-0-12-infant-formula
Dairy Manufacturers Inc. Is Notifying Consumers About a Safety Concern With Crecelac Infant 0-12 Infant Formula (Lot # 24 039 1 CHE 352-1) That is Part of an Ongoing Recall – Expansion of Previous Recall
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 03, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 04, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Infant Formula & Foods
Reason for Announcement:  Cronobacter spp. contamination
Company Name:  Dairy Manufacturers Inc.
Brand Name:   Crecelac
Product Description:  Powdered Goat Milk Infant Formula

FDA Issues Health Warning on Apricot Powder Due to Amygdalin

Following receipt of a complaint and sample results from DSHS, the FDA notified Apricot Power of the results of amygdalin analysis and FDA's initial concerns. "On 5/8/24, the firm declined to recall the products. Upon additional assessment of the findings, the FDA held a follow up call with the firm to share the risks associated with these products. As of 5/24/24, the firm has continued to decline a voluntarily recall of these products. The FDA is issuing this safety alert to warn consumers."

The "analysis determined that the Apricot Power products identified with the lot numbers above contain high levels of amygdalin, which, when consumed, could lead to fatal cyanide toxicity. Mild-to-moderate symptoms of acute cyanide toxicity from the ingestion of kernels containing amygdalin include difficulty breathing (dyspnea), bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes (cyanosis), weakness, and lightheadedness. Symptoms of severe acute toxicity include coma, seizures, stupor, dysrhythmias, cardiovascular collapse, and metabolic acidosis."

https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-issues-warning-about-toxic-amygdalin-found-apricot-seeds
FDA Issues Warning About Toxic Amygdalin Found in Apricot Seeds
May 24, 2024

The FDA reviewed analytical packets from the Commonwealth of Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) from three samples collected by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), representing the products listed below, and found them all to contain the toxic compound amygdalin:

Apricot Power – Bitter Apricot Seeds – NGR FY24-015 (California Select) -Net weight 8oz (227g)
Apricot Power – Seeds Bitter Apricot Seeds – NGR FY24-016 (Organic Turkish Select) – Net weight 8oz (227g)
Apricot Power – Seeds Bitter Apricot Seeds – NGR FY24-017 (South African Select) – Net weight 16oz (454g)

Auto-Brewery Syndrome - Taking Home Brew to the Next Level

'A woman kept getting drunk despite not drinking. Fungi in her gut were brewing their own alcohol."

"Auto-brewery syndrome arises when such fungi — including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or brewer's yeast, and Candida albicans — grow in high enough concentrations and access enough carbs through a person's diet to intoxicate them. "  Her normal flora had been wiped out because of antibiotic usage.

Live Science
https://www.livescience.com/health/viruses-infections-disease/a-woman-kept-getting-drunk-despite-not-drinking-fungi-in-her-gut-were-brewing-their-own-alcohol

A woman kept getting drunk despite not drinking. Fungi in her gut were brewing their own alcohol.

A woman kept ending up in the emergency room with excessive sleepiness, slurred speech and the scent of alcohol on her breath, but she had not ingested a drop of liquor. It turns out that microbes in her gut were brewing their own booze — and making her drunk.

Friday, June 7th is World Food Safety Day! How Will You Celebrate?

 World Food Safety Day is here, and right now, you are thinking about how you will celebrate this awesome day.

Of course here at Penn Safety Food Safety, every day is food safety day.  We don't need some stinkin' calendar guy to come up with a special holiday for food safety.  I know our food safety news patrons wake up each day thinking about food safety, probably because they had some nightmare involving some food safety catastrophe.  Food safety paranoia is what sets us apart and it will be what eventually drives us mad. 

And why June 7th?  Was there some famous food safety person born on June 7th?  Well if there was some famous person, I could not find them in the 5 minutes I took to browse through some internet site for famous people born on June 7th.  But you know who was born on June 7th.  Liam Neeson.  Damn straight.  And what would Liam Neeson say in his food safety movie?

Leaning into the wait person, and speaking in a low, assertive voice, “I don't know who you are. I don't know who your chef is.  But what I do have are a very particular set of food safety skills, skills I have acquired over way too long of a career.  Food Safety skills that make me a nightmare for people like you and your establishment. If you cook my burger correctly, that'll be the end of it. I will eat it, I will not bother you, but if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you and I will have you recook it."

How many of you have sent your food back to have it properly cooked?  With a serious attitude like that, I think it is time to kick up our food safety skills and get serious.

How about a new food thermometer?  Not one of those stinkin' bimetallic cheapies with slow response time where you have to stick the darn thing up to the dimple point (and why is that dimple point so far back on the stem anyway?).   No, you will get some high tech, state of the art, remote digital piece that costs more than your grill.  Check this on out.

CHEF iQ Sense Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer with 2 Ultra-Thin Probes, Unlimited Range Bluetooth Meat Thermometer, Digital Food Thermometer for Remote Monitoring of BBQ Grill, Oven....$126 on Amazon.  

These look like missiles that you can launch into your prey and then leave them there to measure the temperature as you cook it.  And of course, it is all controlled by your cellphone.

Eating out?  Another way to celebrate is to order food that is normally served raw or rare, but have the chef cook it...way past well done.  Ahi tuna...canned.   A filet mignon...braised to 180F.  Oysters on the half-shell..boiled.   No better way to send the chef a message that today, you stand for food safety.

You can spend the day cleaning AND sanitizing every pot, pan, and utensil in your entire kitchen.  Put on some Bach on Pandora radio and then clean until your hands are shriveled like prunes.  Then sanitize everything with the fresh sanitizer solution.  Really kill it by using 400ppm to 500 ppm and then of course following it with a rinse.  No better smell than that of an indoor pool.

How will you celebrate?

Happy World Food Safety Day!

https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/world-food-safety-day
World Food Safety Day

World Food Safety Day is June 7. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization which sponsor World Food Safety Day have designated “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected” as the theme for 2024. The purpose of this year’s theme is to draw attention to sudden food safety incidents and underline the importance of being prepared for such incidents, no matter how severe they may be.

Michigan Firm Recall Ground Black Pepper After State Lab Finds Salmonella

UBC Food Distributors in Dearborn Michigan is recalling the Ground Black Pepper under the Baraka brand name in 7oz plastic containers 7oz * 10 With UPC code 8 22514 26626 6 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The potential for contamination was noted after the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) notified us of the contamination based on a routine state surveillance sample collected by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets that tested positive for Salmonella the presence of Salmonella in some 7 ounce packages of Ground Black Pepper.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ubc-food-distributors-recalls-baraka-brand-ground-black-pepper-spice-because-possible-health-risk
UBC Food Distributors Recalls Baraka Brand Ground Black Pepper Spice Because of Possible Health Risk Announcement
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 03, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 03, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Spices, Flavors & Salts
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Contamination with Salmonella
Company Name:  UBC Food Distributors
Brand Name:  Baraka
Product Description:  Ground black pepper

FL Produce Distributor Recalls Cucumbers After State Lab Finds Salmonella

Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to certain states from May 17th through May 21st, 2024, due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  
The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for the bacteria.

The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons from May 17th through May 21st, 2024, directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fresh-start-produce-sales-initiates-recall-whole-cucumbers-because-possible-health-risk
Fresh Start Produce Sales Initiates Recall of Whole Cucumbers Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 31, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 01, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc.
Brand Name:  No Brand Name
Product Description:  Whole Cucumbers

TX Firm Recalls Infant Formulas After Failing to Comply with Infant Formula Regulations for Registration

Dairy Manufacturers Inc., of Prosper, TX – 5/24/24, is voluntarily recalling all lot codes for infant formulas available in the US: Crecelac Infant 0-12, Farmalac 0-12 and Farmalac 0-12 Low lactose to the retail and wholesale level. The products are being recalled because the products listed were sold in the U.S. without comp)lying with the FDA’s infant formula regulations (21 CFR 106.110 New Infant formula registration. This was identified after an FDA notification, because the firm has not submitted the required premarket notification.  

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dairy-manufacturers-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-products-due-non-compliance-requirements-under-21
Dairy Manufacturers Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Products Due to Non-Compliance with Requirements Under the 21 CFR 106.110 New Infant Formula Registration
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 24, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  May 25, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Food Compliance Programs – Baby Formula
Company Name:  Dairy Manufacturers Inc.
Brand Name:  Crecelac and Farmalac
Product Description:  Infant Formula