Soup Temperature - What is the best serving temperature?

An article in Food Republic provides a short review of impact of serving temperature on soup.  While the article was not overly researched, it does provide something to ponder....what temperature do you like to have your soup?  And here, we are focusing on heated soups rather than cold soups.

There are a few hard numbers.

- For hot hold, the temperature has to be at 140F (135F professionals) for hot hold.

- For safety, reaching a temperature of at least 165F instantaneous for meat containing soups, although we are more likely to bring them to a boil.

-  The pain threshold of the tongue is around 152 to 153 degrees (according to this article).

There are other factors that come into play, including our perception of saltiness, sourness, and sweetness, among others.  Then there is our emotional response (article below).

Provide me your thoughts on this.


https://www.foodrepublic.com/1664166/best-temperature-for-soup/
What's The Best Temperature For Serving Soup?
BY LOUISE RHIND-TUTT•SEPT. 25, 2024 8:15 AM EST

Texas Meat Processor Recalls Fried Pork Skin For Undeclared Soy

Pork Dynasty Inc., a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 469 pounds of ready-to-eat fried pork skin products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the product contains soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS in-plant verification activities when FSIS personnel observed that a seasoning containing soy, a known allergen, was being used as an ingredient and soy was not declared on the finished product label.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/pork-dynasty-inc--recalls-ready-eat-fried-pork-skin-products-due-misbranding-and
Pork Dynasty Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Fried Pork Skin Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

Pork Dynasty, Inc.
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2024 – Pork Dynasty Inc., a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 469 pounds of ready-to-eat fried pork skin 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 soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

On Passing Gas

"A person produces about 30 to 91 cubic inches (500 to 1,500 milliliters) of flatus every day regardless of their diet, and over 99% of those gases are odorless".    But what happens when we hold that gas in?  What causes some gas to be really smelly?  Two articles posted on Live Science address these important questions.

First, when hold gas in, it will eventually come back out.  "The external anal sphincter is the only part of the digestive process we have conscious control over. So, if we decide the time is not right to pass gas, we constrict the sphincter and the fart is trapped. Without a backdoor to escape from, the gases recede back into the colon.  But primarily, the body is trying to push gas out. So farts that are ignored during the day are mostly released during bathroom breaks or as the body relaxes in sleep at night."

What causes that anally-expelled gas to smell?  There are many variables that affect this including that person's intestinal microbiota.  One major culprit is "Sulfur-rich foods include legumes (such as lentils, beans and peas) and brassicas (such as broccoli and cabbage). These fibrous veggies also contain insoluble carbs that bacteria in the colon may convert into stinky gas."


https://www.livescience.com/health/what-happens-when-you-hold-in-a-fart
What happens when you hold in a fart?
News
By Sierra Bouchér published 9/28/24

We all hold in farts from time to time, but where does the gas go?.

FDA Reminds Food Companies That It Is Time to Renew Registration

FDA issued a reminder that FDA regulated food facilities must renew their registration.  "Owners, operators, or agents in charge of a domestic or foreign facility engaged in manufacturing/processing, packing, or holding food for consumption by humans or animals in the U.S., are required to register the facility with the FDA. The registration and renewal period is open between October 1 and December 31, 2024."

"All facilities must include a unique facility identifier (UFI) recognized as acceptable to the FDA with the food facility registration (FFR) submission. The UFI is used to verify that the facility-specific address associated with the UFI is the same address associated with the facility’s registration."

If you are not responsible for registration, you may want to pass this reminder to whoever is responsible.

https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-reminds-animal-and-human-food-facilities-register-or-renew-their-food-facility-registration-ffr?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
FDA Reminds Animal and Human Food Facilities to Register or Renew their Food Facility Registration (FFR) between October 1 and December 31, 2024
Constituent Update

September 27, 2024

Owners, operators, or agents in charge of a domestic or foreign facility engaged in manufacturing/processing, packing, or holding food for consumption by humans or animals in the U.S., are required to register the facility with the FDA. The registration and renewal period is open between October 1 and December 31, 2024.

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Missouri Sprout Producer

FDA issued a Warning Letter to St. Louis Calco, a sprout operation located in Fenton, MO.

The company was cited for:

1. Did not establish and implement a written environmental monitoring plan that is designed to identify Listeria species or Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes).
2. Did not establish and implement a written sampling plan to test spent sprout irrigation water (SSIW) or in-process sprouts for pathogens
3. Did not clean and sanitize food contact surfaces you use to grow, harvest, pack, or hold sprouts before contact with sprouts or seeds or beans used to grow sprouts

Issues included:   

• The sprouts pool was observed with buildup of residue on the walls, bottom of pool and drain covers.
• The belts of the sprouts pool had pieces of sprouts still present on the belts.
• The wall around the sprouts collection table at the end of the sprouts pool had apparent mold growth where sprouts are in contact with the wall.
• The mung bean sprout’s growing bins and soybean sprout’s growing buckets were observed to have buildup of brown residues when being actively used for growing your sprouts.
• The metal on the outside of your growing bins and wall holding pins were observed to have buildup of brown residues. This metal was observed to be in direct contact with growing mung bean sprouts.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/st-louis-calco-llc-669917-03212024
WARNING LETTER
St. Louis Calco, LLC
MARCS-CMS 669917 — March 21, 2024

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Company Failing to Properly Acidify Tea Beverage

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Brewing Market Coffee, an acidified manufacturing facility located in  Boulder, Colorado.  The company failed to file a process for Black Tea Chai and employees were not properly trained.  Along with this, they failed to properly monitor pH.

The company "failed to exercise sufficient control, including frequent testing, and recording of results, so that finished equilibrium pH values for acidified foods are not higher than 4.6, as required by 21 CFR 114.80(a)(2). Specifically, the pH buffers used to calibrate your pH meter are maintained at ambient room temperature. On December 15, 2023, you tested the final pH of your Black Tea Chai drink, Lot (b)(4), immediately after heating the drink. The temperature of the drink at the time of the pH measurement was observed to be (b)(4)oF. You did not allow the Black Tea Chai drink to reach ambient room temperature before taking your final pH reading. Additionally, you did not allow the Black Tea Chai drink to reach equilibrium before taking the final pH measurement. You are not measuring the pH of your chai drinks, which are shelf-stable, after they have reached equilibrium."

This is interesting in that there are no low acid particulates to classify this as an acidified food where the equilibrium pH would be a concern.  Yes, achieving the proper pH is need, and if they were not doing that it is an issue, however, this would not have been classified as a what we normally view as an  acidified food.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/brewing-market-coffee-682451-04252024
WARNING LETTER
Brewing Market Coffee
MARCS-CMS 682451 — April 25, 2024

NC Firm Recalls Snack Mix After Mispacking Issue Results in Undeclared Allergens

Truly Good Foods, Charlotte, NC, is recalling its 3.25-ounce packages of Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix cups with a Best Before 041625 because they contain undeclared almonds and cashews.  The recall was initiated on September 23, 2024 after a customer noticed an incorrect cup. The firm discovered that the tree nut-containing product was distributed in mislabeled packaging that did not reveal the presence of almonds and cashews. The product inside the cup could be Healthy Trails Mix which contains raisins, sunflower seeds, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and cashews.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/truly-good-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-almonds-and-cashews-grabeez-big-cheese-snack-mix
Truly Good Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds and Cashews in Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix 3.25 oz Cup
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 24, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  September 25, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Almonds and Cashews
Company Name:  Tropical Nut & Fruit d.b.a. Truly Good Foods
Brand Name:  Grabeez
Product Description:  Trail Mix with peanuts, pretzels, and crackers.

Pennsylvania Pet Food Establishment Recalls Raw Dog Food After Testing Finds Salmonella and Listeria

FDA issued a health alert about dog food sold by a Pennsylvania Company, Lystn, LLC d.b.a./ANSWERS Pet Food. for potential Salmonella and Listeria contamination. This comes after samples collected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration were reported to have tested positive for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.   The FDA collected and tested unopened retail samples of products after receiving three consumer complaints of illness in dogs that ate the products.

The lots referenced below were distributed throughout the United States in retail stores and direct online sales. No illnesses associated with these lots have been confirmed.

According to the website, the food is fermented and this fermentation is supposed to help protect against pathogens.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/answers-pet-food-voluntarily-withdrawals-certain-limited-lots-beef-and-chicken-dog-foods-due
ANSWERS Pet Food Voluntarily Withdrawals Certain Limited Lots of Beef and Chicken Dog Foods Due to Potential Salmonella and Listeria
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 22, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  September 23, 2024
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Due to Potential Salmonella and Listeria
Company Name:  Lystn, LLC. d.b.a. ANSWERS
Brand Name:  ANSWERS
Product Description:  Beef and Chicken Dog Foods

Surveys Show People Stressed About the Safety of Food

An article posted elsewhere discussed two recent surveys on people's concern with the food supply.  One is a Gallup poll stating that "Americans’ confidence in the federal government’s ability to ensure the safety of the U.S. food supply has reached a record low".  The other from the International Food Information Council (IFIC) stated "Confidence in the safety of the food supply is down from last year 

(62%, down from 70% in 2022). This confidence dropped most among Millennials and Hispanic  consumers.  Among multiple food safety issues, consumers are most concerned  about carcinogens in food, foodborne illness from bacteria, and  pesticides. Of those concerned with foodborne illness, nearly all are  familiar with “best by” dates, but only 2 in 3 (67%) are familiar with  what to do when their food has been recalled and far fewer (39%)  are familiar with the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline."

As pointed out in an earlier post, there are no indications that the food supply is less safe, in fact, probably more safe than it had been.  This is not to say we are void of issues.  There are food related outbreaks.  There are also some unknowns regarding micro-levels of chemicals in food where more research is needed.  However, is this something that should be causing us stress? Hopefully not.

If you are concerned about something, avoid it.  Take heart that over 300 million people in the US eat food everyday (hopefully) and the number of issues is very small.  And the issues are normally recalls, not outbreaks.   Our biggest issues are related to the fact we need to balance what we eat, control how much we eat, and follow proper food handling and preparation procedures.

So to what degree does the onslaught of information fed to us each day via social and mainstream media impact this stress.  Certainly in an election year, we are inundated with information, some of it exaggerated or over emphasized perhaps.  And now that one of the parties has grabbed the food safety mantra, can we expect to see even more of this type of information?

https://news.gallup.com/poll/650024/trust-government-assurance-food-safety-hits-record-low.aspx
Trust in Government Assurance of Food Safety Hits Record Low
Americans' faith in the safety of food at grocery stores also declines

Milk Recalled After Firm Determines Potential for Residual Almond Contamination

HP Hood LLC, Lynnfield, MA, is recalling five SKUs of 96 oz containers of LACTAID Milk because the product may contain trace amounts of almond, which is not listed on the label.  This issue was discovered as a result of routine maintenance programs which revealed the potential for trace amounts of almond.  No illnesses have been reported to date.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hp-hood-llc-recalls-select-units-96-oz-refrigerated-lactaid-milk-due-possible-almond-allergen
HP Hood LLC Recalls Select Units of 96 oz Refrigerated Lactaid Milk Due to Possible Almond Allergen

Summary  

Company Announcement Date:  September 20, 2024

FDA Publish Date:  September 20, 2024

Product Type: Food & Beverages Milk/Milk Product

Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Tree Nuts (almond)

Company Name:  HP Hood LLC

Brand Name:  Lactaid

Product Description: Lactaid 96 oz milk carton varieties

Hawaii Firm Recalls Coconut Cookies For Undeclared Milk Missed as Sub-Ingredient

KTM Services, Inc. of Honolulu, HI is recalling its 5.3 ounce and 17.7 ounce packages of Enjoy Premium Taro Cookie and Enjoy Premium Coconut Cookie because they contain undeclared Milk. The recall was initiated after information was confirmed that the Milk-containing product sub-ingredient (Sodium Caseinate-Milk derivative) was distributed in packaging without Milk on the label. Investigation indicates the problem was caused by a manufacturer’s sub-ingredient error. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ktm-services-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-cookies
KTM Services Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Cookies
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 10, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  September 19, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk allergen
Company Name:  KTM Services Inc
Brand Name:  Enjoy Premium
Product Description:  Coconut and Taro Cookies

Deli Meat Plant Responsible for Listeria Outbreak to Close, FSIS Notice of Suspension

Boar's Head Provisions has decided to shut down their Jarrett, VA facility in light of the Listeria outbreak that was linked to product produced at that facility.  There have been at least 57 cases with 9 deaths.

The closure affects 500 union workers as well as management.

The FSIS USDA Notice of Suspension is posted below.  It is interesting that the FSIS intensive sampling only found one positive in the environment...and that was on a pallet jack.  It is important to point out that this intensive sampling occurred as the company found out that product was involved in an outbreak, so did the plant get an opportunity to do a more intensive cleaning, was the plant operational at the time of sampling, was sampling done during operations and with that, was it done after production was going for 2 to 4 hours?  What did the company's internal sampling regiment results indicate, and how intensive of a program was it?

USA Todayhttps://www.newsbreak.com/share/3595027287273-boar-s-head-to-close-virginia-plant-linked-to-listeria-outbreak-500-people-out-of-work
Boar's Head to close Virginia plant linked to listeria outbreak, 500 people out of work
By Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Mike Snider, 

USA TODAY,

9/13/24

The Jarratt, Virginia Boar's Head plant linked to the ongoing multistate listeria outbreak is closing permanently, the company announced on Friday.

Michigan Establishment Issues Recall after Swapping Labels on Both Pork and Beef Sausage

Dearborn Sausage Company, Inc., a Dearborn, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,944 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) wiener products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the labels of the two products implicated in the recall were inadvertently swapped resulting in soy, a known allergen, and pork not being declared on the product labels.  

The problem was discovered when the establishment received a complaint from a retailer that the products they received may have been incorrectly labeled. The establishment determined that they inadvertently mislabeled beef wiener products as beef and pork wiener products and vice versa. The products labeled as beef and pork wiener products actually contain beef wiener products that contain soy; therefore, soy is not declared on the finished product label. Additionally, the product labeled as beef wiener products actually contain beef and pork wiener products, therefore, pork is not declared on the finished product label.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/dearborn-sausage-company-inc--recalls-wiener-products-due-misbranding-and-undeclared
Dearborn Sausage Company, Inc. Recalls Wiener Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Baking Company Recalls Brownies for Undeclared Walnuts

Innovation Bakers, LLC of Fullerton, CA, is issuing a voluntary limited recall of one day’s production of its 3.5 oz packs of 7-Eleven Fudge Brownie (05254856392) because they may contain undeclared walnuts.  The FDA was notified and the recall was voluntarily initiated after it was discovered that the walnut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of walnuts.

So was the label designed incorrectly, or more likely, the wrong product. brownies with walnuts, was incorrectly labeled as plain brownies.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/innovation-bakers-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-walnut-7-eleven-fudge-brownie-distributed
Innovation Bakers, LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Walnut in 7-Eleven Fudge Brownie Distributed in Southern California
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 10, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  September 11, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared walnuts
Company Name:  Innovation Bakers, LLC
Brand Name:  7-Eleven
Product Description:  Fudge Brownie

France - Five People Treated for Botulism After Eating Pesto Sauce

In France, 5 people are receiving medical treatment after eating pesto contaminated with botulinum toxin.  "According to authorities in the Indre-et-Loire department in west-central France, a locally made brand of wild garlic pesto sauce may have been contaminated with a dangerous toxin that can attack the nerves."  "Authorities were trying to locate some 600 containers with the same "O P'tits Oignons" sauce before they are eaten, say officials."

The five people are currently on respirators - the toxin impairs nerve signals to the lungs.

Pesto is an oil based mixture of basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, pine nuts and olive oil.  It is generally prepared fresh and kept refrigerated.  The pH would tend towards neutral because there are no acidulants.  Oil mixtures provide an anaerobic environment.  So the combination of a more neutral pH and an low oxygen environment are conditions that allow C. botulinum to grow if the temperature is right and other organisms don't outcompete it.   So where one would have problems is when this is temperature abused.

In the US Food Code, oil-based mixtures such as garlic in oil are considered TCS foods (Temperature Control for Safety).  For operations wanting to sell such products, there would need to something called a secondary barrier to prevent growth.  The first barrier is refrigeration.  But as with this case, there needs to be something there to prevent growth if the product is temperature abused.  This could be an antimicrobial compound or an acidulent to lower the pH.

BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1epwqln5e3o
Pesto linked to botulism cases in France
Michelle Roberts
Digital health editor, BBC News
Sept 11, 2024

How Much Cheese Does the Average American Eat Annually?

The average American eats 42 pounds of cheese per year. Initially that seems like a lot, but when you add it all together....pizza...cheese snacks...sliced cheese on every type of sandwich and burger, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano piled on everything...it makes sense.  And of course, there is the cheese tax.

The dairy industry is looking to increase capacity, so we need to continue to do our part.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-06/us-dairies-plan-4-billion-in-new-cheese-factories
The Average American Eats 42 Pounds of Cheese a Year, and That Number Could Go Up
Dairy processors are planning facilities across the US to meet surging demand.

By Ilena Peng

September 6, 2024 at 6:00 AM EDT

Is there such a thing as too much cheese? Producers across the US are betting billions of dollars that the answer is no. America’s per capita cheese consumption has more than doubled since the government began keeping track in 1975, to about 42 pounds a year—more than all the butter, ice cream and yogurt combined. Facilities for making cheese account for more than half of the $8 billion in US dairy-product projects slated to come online from 2023 to 2026, according to the International Dairy Foods Association.

Rest of article - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-06/us-dairies-plan-4-billion-in-new-cheese-factories

Colorado Firm Recalls Dark Chocolate Product Containing Undeclared Milk

Hammond’s Candies of Denver, CO is recalling 4-ounce bags of Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones because they may contain undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated after the firm received one consumer report of an allergic reaction experienced after consuming the product. As part of the firm’s ongoing investigation, the product was tested and found to contain more than trace amounts of milk proteins, which is not indicated on the packaging. The firm’s investigation into the cause is ongoing.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hammonds-candies-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-hammonds-dark-chocolate-filled-mini-waffle
Hammond’s Candies Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Hammond’s Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 05, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  September 06, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Milk
Company Name:  Hammond’s Candies
Brand Name:  Hammond’s
Product Description:  Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones

AZ Firm Recalls Whole Cantaloupe After State Lab Finds Salmonella on Retail Sample

Eagle Produce LLC Scottsdale, AZ is initiating a recall of 224 cases of whole cantaloupe because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The recall is the result of routine sample testing conducted by the State of Michigan which revealed the presence of Salmonella in cantaloupe sold at retail.  There have been no reported illnesses.  The products were distributed between August 13th - 17th in Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Texas and Virginia and sold in various retail supermarkets. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/eagle-produce-llc-recalls-whole-cantaloupe-because-possible-health-risk-0
Eagle Produce LLC Recalls Whole Cantaloupe Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 06, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  September 06, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Fruit/Fruit Product
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:  Eagle Produce LLC
Brand Name:  Kandy
Product Description:  Whole Cantaloupe

CA Firm Recalls Shiso Katsuo Ninniku

Niitakaya USA Inc. of Montebello, CA, is recalling All Best By dates of its 5.2 ounce (147 gram) packages of #3700 Shiso Katsuo Ninniku /#3701 Miso Katsuo Ninniku because they may contain undeclared Allergen of Fish (Bonito).  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing Fish (Bonito) was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of “Containing allergen: Fish (Bonito)”.

Shiso Katsuo Ninniku is a pickled product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/niitakaya-usa-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-allergen-fish-bonito-3700-shiso-katsuo-ninniku3701
Niitakaya USA Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Allergen of Fish (Bonito) in #3700 Shiso Katsuo Ninniku/#3701 Miso Katsuo Ninniku

Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 04, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  September 05, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Fish (Bonito)
Company Name:  Niitakaya USA Inc.
Brand Name:  Niitakaya
Product Description:  Shiso Katsuo Ninniku & Miso Katsuo Ninniku

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Wisconsin Egg Producer, Firm Recalls Eggs

A Salmonella outbreak has been linked to Milo's Poultry Farms.  CDC and FDA are investigating this outbreak of  Salmonella Enteritidis infections with 65 reported cases with 24 hospitalizations  covering 9 states.  FDA conducted an inspection at Milo’s Poultry Farms and collected samples. FDA’s analysis showed the outbreak strain of Salmonella was found in the packing facility and the hen egg laying house.

Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC. of Bonduel, WI is recalling all “Milo’s Poultry Farms” and “Tony’s Fresh Market” branded eggs because these eggs have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC. has ceased production and distribution at this time and will undergo appropriate testing and sanitization of farms and processing equipment.

CDC Food Safety Alert
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/eggs-09-24/index.html
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Eggs

Fast Facts
Illnesses: 65
Hospitalizations: 24
Deaths: 0
States: 9
Investigation status: Active

Alabama Establishment Recalls Jerky Produced Without FSIS Inspection

Hickory Hollow Jerky, a Eufaula, Ala., establishment, is recalling approximately 6,229 pounds of ready-to-eat jerky products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection.  The beef jerky and bacon jerky products were produced on various dates between Jan. 19, 2024-Aug. 21, 2024. The products were produced without the benefit of inspection by two different owners of the establishment. Ownership changed hands on June 11, 2024.   The problem was discovered during routine FSIS surveillance activities when it was determined that the establishment continued to produce these jerky products and label them with the USDA mark of inspection after requesting to voluntarily stop FSIS-inspection activities.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/hickory-hollow-jerky-recalls-ready-eat-jerky-products-produced-without-benefit
Hickory Hollow Jerky Recalls Ready-To-Eat Jerky Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2024 – Hickory Hollow Jerky, a Eufaula, Ala., establishment, is recalling approximately 6,229 pounds of ready-to-eat jerky products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

FDA Issues Warning Letter to CA Firm Selling Goat Milk as Infant Formula

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a CA company selling goat milk for toddlers.  According to the Warning Letter the product, Sammy’s Milk, is considered an infant formula under section 201(z) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) [21 U.S.C. § 321(z)] because it is a food which purports to be or is represented for special dietary use solely as a food for infants by reason of its simulation of human milk or its suitability as a complete or partial substitute for human milk.  However, the do not meet the standards for infant formula.


https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/graceleigh-inc-dba-sammys-milk-682538-08142024
Graceleigh, Inc. dba Sammy’s Milk
MARCS-CMS 682538 — August 14, 2024

Warning Letter Issued to Hawaii Water Processor

FDA inspected a bottled water manufacturing facility located in Hilo, HI and issued a Warning Letter to that firm.  For one, the treatment of product water was not done in a manner that was effective in accomplishing the intended purpose.   In fact, the firm started receiving consumer complaints regarding foreign material including but not limited to apparent “mold”, “white blob”, and “floaters” in 1-liter bottles of its  Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water.  A third-party laboratory found "heterotrophic plate count (HPC) at >5700 CFU/mL, Pseudomonas aruginosa at >2400 MPN/100mL, and mold at 15 CFU/mL."  Also, "the process controls did not include, as appropriate to the nature of the applicable control and its role in the facility's food safety system, parameters associated with the control of a hazard, as required by 21 CFR 117.135(c)(1)(i)"

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/waiakea-bottling-inc-681285-08132024
Waiakea Bottling Inc.
MARCS-CMS 681285 — August 13, 2024

Illinois Food Company Recalls Cinnamon Powder After State Lab Detects Lead

Asli Fine Foods of Woodridge, IL is recalling Asli Cinnamon Powder 7 oz, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Lead.  Product was distributed MN, IN, IL, MO & OH it reached consumers through retail stores.  The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services which revealed that the finished products contained Lead. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/asli-fine-foods-recalls-asli-cinnamon-powder-7-oz-because-possible-health-risk
Asli Fine Foods . Recalls Asli Cinnamon Powder 7 oz Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 29, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  August 30, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Contains Lead
Company Name:  Asli Fine Foods
Brand Name:  Asli Fine Foods
Product Description:  Cinnamon powder