Many Do Not Cook Frozen Vegetables - Implications for the Food Safety Plan

Results of a recent research survey published in the Journal of Food Protection show that about 9% of people do not cook frozen vegetables, although cooking instructions are stated on the product package.  This is an example of 'unintended use' by consumers that needs to be accounted for by the processing facility when developing a food safety plan.

Many frozen foods facilities were built decades ago when there was no perceived risk due to organisms like Listeria monocytogenes.  For one, people tended to cook frozen vegetables.  They were not making vegetable smoothies where uncooked frozen vegetables are blended with fruits or yogurt.  Secondly, when these plants were built, Listeria was not a recognized foodborne pathogen. This recognition did not occur until the 1980's.  So the level of sanitary design needed for Listeria control was not incorporated when the plants were built.   Couple that with these plants now having aged fifty-plus years, with the cracks and crevices that occur with time, Listeria control as a post-blanch contaminate is a chore.

Facilities generally blanch vegetables, which eliminates the low level of organisms present on the incoming product (if properly controlled), but the concern comes due to post-process contamination from environmental pathogens, especially Listeria.  A facility's Food Safety Plan needs to recognize this potential environmental contaminate as a significant hazard and then implement Sanitation Preventive Controls to eliminate the risk of this hazard. 

Journal of Food Protection
Volume 88, Issue 2, 3 February 2025, 100440
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X24002242

Preparation Methods and Perceived Risk of Foodborne Illness Among Consumers of Prepackaged Frozen Vegetables – United States, September 2022

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, a serious infection with a high mortality rate for persons at higher risk for listeriosis. The first Listeria outbreak linked to frozen vegetables occurred in 2016 and resulted in three deaths. Many frozen vegetables are intended to be consumed after cooking. However, data on consumer behavior are sparse. We characterized consumers’ perceptions of contamination of prepackaged frozen vegetables, and preparation methods of prepackaged frozen vegetables to help inform prevention strategies. During September 1–24, 2022, Porter Novelli Public Services conducted the FallStyles survey using the Ipsos KnowledgePanel. Data were weighted to be representative of the U.S. population. Point estimates and 95% CIs were calculated, and differences between respondents were determined using Wald chi square tests. Among 3,008 respondents reporting a preparation and consumption method for frozen vegetables, 8.7% (95% CI = 7.4–10.0%) reported ever consuming the product raw. Respondents who reported having children < 18 years old were more likely to report ever consuming frozen vegetables raw compared with respondents who did not (12.5% vs. 7.4%, p < 0.01). The most reported raw preparation method was adding them directly to a blender for smoothie or juice (5.6%; 95% CI = 4.6–6.7%). Among respondents who reported eating frozen vegetables, 59.6% (95% CI = 57.6–61.6%) reported following package instructions. A third (34.1% [95% CI = 32.2–35.9%]) of respondents agreed that frozen vegetables can be contaminated with germs (like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria), with a greater proportion of people with cancer disagreeing compared to those without cancer (32.5% vs 23.4%, p = 0.041). These findings show that some consumers may not be cooking frozen vegetables before eating them. Second, consumers might not be reading instructions on packaging. Both findings highlight the critical importance of preventive controls in the production of frozen vegetables prior to reaching the consumer.

Texas Firm Recalls Mac And Cheese Product After Mislabeling Issue Results in Undeclared Egg and Meat

C.H. Guenther & Son LLC of San Antonio, TX, is recalling its 365 Whole Foods Market Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese because it may contain undeclared eggs and meat ingredients.  The recall was initiated after receiving a consumer complaint that the product contained meat and was not a macaroni and cheese bite. This issue has been corrected and no other manufacturing dates or lots are impacted.

This appears to be the be a labeling application issue with the wrong box being used.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ch-guenther-son-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-365-whole-foods-market-small-bites-macaroni

C.H. Guenther & Son LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in “365 Whole Foods Market Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 14, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  March 14, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared eggs
Company Name:  C.H. Guenther & Son LLC
Brand Name:  365 Whole Foods Market
Product Description:  Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese

FDA and CDC Provide Update on Listeria Outbreak Linked to Supplement Shakes

FDA and CDC provided an update on the investigation of Listeria in frozen shakes.

As of February 24, 2025, a total of 38 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 21 states.   There have been 12 deaths, up one from the initial report.  Of the 38 people for whom information is available, 37 people have been hospitalized, and 12 deaths have been reported.  Age Range -  from 43 to 101 years with a median age of 78.

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 38

Hospitalizations: 37

Deaths: 12

Last Specimen Collection Date: January 23, 2025

States with Cases: AL, CA, CO, CT, FL, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, WA, and WV

Product Distribution: Nationwide

As summarized by CIDRAP

• Starting in 2018, illnesses were reported but at that time, epidemiologic investigations suggested that institutional food was the likely source, however there wasn't enough evidence to pinpoint a specific food source.
• There were subsequent investigation in 2021, and 2023, in addition to 2018.
• The CDC reopened the investigation in October 2024 after six new infections were reported. In background information on the outbreak, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said 20 of the cases were reported in 2024 and 2025 and that the outbreak and the investigations are ongoing.
• In November 2024, the FDA focused on nursing homes where many of the cases occurred. In its investigation, FDA used food invoices from involved nursing homes to show that since 2024, all nursing homes had received frozen supplement shakes from Lyons ReadyCare or Sysco Imperial brand.
• FDA investigators used environmental sampling and whole-genome sequencing to show that the strain of Listeria found in environmental samples were closely related to isolates from sick patients.  "Three of the environmental swabs collected from the processing area tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Whole Genome Sequencing analysis determined that the Listeria detected in these samples is closely related to the strain of Listeria that is causing illnesses in this outbreak."
• On February 22, Lyons Magnus, a distributor based in Fresno, California, recalled 4-ounce servings of several flavors of Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen supplemental shakes.

USDA FSIS Issues Report on Boar's Head Listeria Outbreak

USDA-FSIS issued a report on the Boar's Head Listeria Outbreak that was linked to liverwurst product. The report provides information on facility findings as well as issues that need to be corrected within the FSIS inspection process.

For the facility findings, there is no specific issue is presented on how the specific product became contaminated, but rather generalized issues and trends noted by inspectors. The report states:

A notable contributing factor was the facility’s inadequate sanitation practices. Observations by VDACS inspection personnel documented in noncompliance records (NR) demonstrated multiple instances of noncompliance with Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures and Sanitation Performance Standards. While sanitary conditions were required to be restored for each documented noncompliance, repeated instances of insanitary conditions can present opportunities for growth or sustained presence of Lm. Documented instances of noncompliance included:

• Product Residue: Inspectors identified the presence of meat and fat residue from the previous day’s production on equipment, including packaging equipment and in the RTE processing area during preoperational sanitation checks. Residue can provide a substrate for Lm to survive and grow in the food processing environment and form biofilms, which can become more resistant to cleaning regimens. Biofilms are thin layers of bacteria that can form on equipment and other surfaces (similar to plaque on teeth). Once biofilms form, they must be removed by scrubbing or other mechanical action.
• Condensation: Inspectors identified multiple instances of condensation in the RTE environment (e.g., dripping condensate on exposed product and a fan blowing condensate directly on products).
• Structural and Facility Problems: Inspectors observed facility and structural-related issues (e.g., cracks, holes and broken flooring) that could hold moisture and contribute to wet conditions. Additional conditions documented included rust, beaded condensation and peeling caulk.

Additional considerations assessed by FSIS included the establishment’s construction activities, sampling history, sampling programs and raw and RTE separation practices.

The report briefly discusses inspectional notes at other Boar's Head facilities.

A good majority of the report goes into FSIS procedures and how they can improve procedures including those involving sampling, communication, and response, not only for FSIS personnel, but also state employees working as part of USDA-State agreements.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/Boars-Head-Public-Report-012025.pdf
Review of the Boar’s Head Listeria monocytogenes Outbreak

January 2025

IFSAC Releases 2024 Report on Foodborne Illness Source Attribution Estimates – United States, 2022

IFSAC released their 2024 report that looks at data through 2022.  This is a distillation of that report to show the highlights.  I think that the charts were the most informative part of this report.

IFSAC, an interagency group with CDC, FDA, and USDA-FSIS, estimates foodborne illness source attribution and provides timely estimates of the food sources of four priority foodborne pathogens: Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157 (E. coli), Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria), and Campylobacter. IFSAC considers these four pathogens to be priorities because of the frequency and severity of illness they cause, and because targeted interventions can significantly reduce these illnesses. Data come from 48,735 illnesses linked to 1,355 foodborne disease outbreaks that occurred from 1998 through 2022 The method relies most heavily on the last five years of outbreak data (2018–2022).

Each year in the United States an estimated 9 million people get sick, 56,000 are hospitalized, and 1,300 die of a foodborne disease caused by known pathogens.

Overall - Key results [per the report]

• The results are based on 1,010 outbreaks caused or suspected to be caused by Salmonella, 281 by E. coli O157, and 64 by Listeria.
• Estimated Salmonella illnesses were more evenly distributed across food categories than illnesses from E. coli O157, and Listeria; most of the illnesses for the latter pathogens were attributed to one or two food categories.
• The credibility intervals overlap for the Salmonella and Listeria categories with the highest attribution percentages, indicating no statistically significant difference between them.Salmonella

Salmonella

Key results

• Over 75% of illnesses were attributed to seven food categories: chicken, fruits, seeded vegetables (such as tomatoes), pork, other produce (such as nuts), beef, and turkey.
• The credibility intervals for each of the seven food categories that account for 79.7% of all illnesses overlap with the intervals of other categories.

E. coli O157

Key results

• Over 85% of E. coli O157 illnesses were attributed to vegetable row crops (such as leafy greens) and beef.
• Vegetable row crops had a significantly higher estimated attribution percentage than all other categories.
• Beef had a significantly higher estimated attribution percentage than all categories other than vegetable row crops.
• No illnesses were attributed to eggs or oils-sugars.

Listeria monocytogenes

Key results

• Over 75% of illnesses were attributed to dairy, vegetable row crops, and fruits.
• The credibility intervals for the dairy, vegetable row crops, fruits, and other produce categories were wide, partly due to the small total number of outbreaks (64).
• No illnesses were attributed to other meat/poultry, game, other seafood, grains-beans, oils-sugars, and seeded vegetables.

Campylobacter
Attribution estimates for Campylobacter are not presented in this year's report. Evidence suggests the sources of Campylobacter outbreaks likely differ considerably from the sources of non-outbreak-associated illnesses caused by this pathogen.


https://www.cdc.gov/ifsac/php/data-research/annual-report-2022.html
Foodborne Illness Source Attribution Estimates – United States, 2022

At a glance

1. This report presents annual estimates of the percentages of foodborne illness attributed to 17 food categories for Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157, and Listeria monocytogenes.
2. These estimates can inform food safety decision-making and provide pathogen-specific direction for reducing foodborne illness.
3. Data come from 48,735 illnesses linked to 1,355 foodborne disease outbreaks that occurred from 1998 through 2022.

Executive summary

Each year in the United States an estimated 9 million people get sick, 56,000 are hospitalized, and 1,300 die of a foodborne disease caused by known pathogens. These estimates help highlight the scope of this public health problem. However, to develop effective prevention measures, food safety agencies and partners need to understand the types of foods contributing to the problem.

Additional Products Recalled After Linked to Cucumber Recall for Salmonella

Four companies are issuing recalls for cucumbers and cucumber products that after it was determined that the cucumbers they used are included in the recalled cucumbers which had been linked to the  Salmonella outbreak.

• Select lots of Gyro Family Kits were recalled from Sprouts stores on 12/06/2024 after being alerted by their supplier Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc. of potential Salmonella contamination of the cucumbers within the tzatziki sauce.
• Dairyland Produce, LLC, dba Hardie’s Fresh Foods of Houston, TX and Dallas, TX are recalling CUCUMBER SELECT 6 CT, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
• F&S Fresh Foods, Riverside, CA is recalling Mediterranean Inspired Party Tray 22 oz. The recall was initiated after F&S Fresh Foods was notified that Grecian Delight Tzatziki sauce supplied to F&S Fresh Foods may be contaminated with Salmonella
• Baloian Farms of Arizona Co. (Baloian) has initiated a recall of cucumbers due to possible health risks due to salmonella. As a result, Fresh Creative Foods is voluntarily recalling one product that contains cucumbers in the tzatziki sauce included in the kit.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/resers-fine-foods-inc-recalls-select-lots-sprouts-farmers-market-gyro-family-kits-due-potential
Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc. Recalls Select Lots of Sprouts Farmers Market Gyro Family Kits Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Summary

Company Announcement Date:  December 09, 2024

FDA Publish Date:  December 10, 2024

Product Type:  Food & Beverages

Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness - Salmonella

Company Name:  Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc

Brand Name:  Sprouts Farmers Market

Product Description:  Gyro Family Kit

FDA Issues Warning Letter to GA Egg Facility After Many Salmonella Positive Environmental Samples

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Rise N’ Shine Farm, Inc., a shell egg farm and egg processing facility, where eggs are washed and packed, located in Calhoun, Georgia

FDA conducted environmental sampling and found "19 isolates from the three samples represent two strains of Salmonella enterica. The first strain includes 17 isolates derived from swabs collected from your poultry house (FDA Sample 1231486) that match 57 clinical isolates and demonstrates that this strain is capable of causing human illness. This strain also matches an isolate obtained from a chicken sample collected in Georgia in 2021. The second strain consisted of two environmental isolates derived from swabs collected from your poultry house (FDA Sample 1231467) and your egg processing environment (FDA Sample 1240106) that match 23 clinical isolates, demonstrating that this strain is also capable of causing human illness. This strain also matches five isolates obtained from chicken samples collected in Georgia and Illinois in 2023. We advised you of the importance of these WGS results on November 20, 2023."

• Did not have and implement a written Salmonella Enteritidis prevention plan (SE plan) that was specific to your farm and includes the minimum SE prevention measures
• Did not conduct environmental testing of the pullet environment at 14-16 weeks of age, as required 
• id not conduct environmental testing for SE in your poultry house when each group of laying hens were 40 to 45 weeks of age
• Did not prevent stray poultry, wild birds, cats, and other animals from entering poultry houses, as required by 21 CFR 118.4(b)(4). Specifically, during the inspection three dogs were observed inside your poultry house, where they also had access to the pasture area outside the poultry house.
• did not register your farm as shell egg producer, as required per 21 CFR 118.11(a). At the initiation of the inspection, your farm had 3,000 or more laying hens, was producing shell eggs for the table market, and was not selling all the eggs directly to consumers.
• Eggs were prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have become contaminated with filth or rendered injurious to health within the meaning of section 402(a)(4) of the FD&C Act. Specifically, during the inspection, our investigators observed the following conditions and practices at your farm during the processing of shell eggs:
• Leftover product grime was observed on the egg candling line before processing.
• Rust observed on areas adjacent to food contact surface points on your processing line.
• Egg line brushes used to clean eggs were observed with an apparent substance after cleaning.
• Porous wood was used as a brace on a portion of the processing line.
• Duct tape was used as a repair on the egg packing line in areas that come into direct contact with shell eggs.

Salmonella Outbreak Due to Whole Cucumbers; Product Recalled

CDC, FDA, and state partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections that has linked to cucumbers. Epidemiologic and traceback data show that cucumbers grown by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico, including recalled cucumbers from SunFed Produce, LLC. may be contaminated with Salmonella and may be making people sick.

As of November 26, 2024, a total of 68 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 19 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 12, 2024, to November 16, 2024. Of the 50 people for whom information is available, 18 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Fast Facts

Cases: 68

Hospitalizations: 18

Deaths: 0

States: 19

SunFed Produce, LLC (SunFed) is recalling all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers packaged in bulk cardboard containers labeled with the “SunFed” label or in a generic white box or black plastic crate with a sticker that provides the implicated grower’s name, “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.,” (photos below). The recalled cucumbers were sold between October 12, 2024, thru November 26, 2024, and are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. SunFed initiated this recall after the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) notified SunFed that the cucumbers described above were associated with reported salmonellosis illnesses between October 12 – November 15, 2024.

The whole fresh American cucumbers were sold by SunFed and other importers and shipped to customers located in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington & Wisconsin and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Calgary, Saskatchewan, & Ontario. The cucumbers would have reached consumers through foodservice and retail outlets that may be located in states other than those listed above.

CDC Food safety alert
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/cucumbers-11-24/index.html
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers

Listeria Outbreak Linked by FSIS Testing to RTE Pork Product Produced by SC Company

A Listeria outbreak has 11 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria from four states, reported as of Nov 22, 2024.  "Sick people's samples were collected from October 24, 2021, to July 31, 2024. Of 11 people with information available, nine have been hospitalized. In California, one pregnant person and their twins were sick and both infants died. Listeria was found in a sample from the mother and from one of the twin infants, but it could not be found in a sample from the other infant. "

"On October 21, 2024, FSIS conducted routine testing and follow-up activities of finished product by Yu Shang Food, Inc. Testing confirmed that the product was contaminated with Listeria. WGS showed that the Listeria in the pork snout product is closely related to bacteria from sick people. This means that people likely got sick from eating foods produced by Yu Shang Food, Inc."

Yushang Food Inc., of Spartanburg, SC issued an initial recall on Nov 9, 2024, and then expanded on Nov 21, 2024 to include approximately 72,240 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products within their shelf life that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. The

The problem was discovered after FSIS performed routine testing and follow-up activities of finished product produced by Yu Shang Food, Inc. on October 21, 2024, that confirmed the product was positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Additional testing has confirmed that Listeria monocytogenes was detected in product and in environmental samples collected by FSIS. Whole genome sequencing was conducted determine if these samples match the outbreak strain.  Working in conjunction with public health partners, FSIS determined that there is a link between the RTE meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food, Inc. and an illness cluster.

https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/investigation-update-meat-and-poultry-11-24.html

Investigation Update: Listeria Outbreak, Meat and Poultry Products, 2024

November 22, 2024

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections.

Organic Carrots Linked to E. coli Outbreak with 39 Reported Illness; Product Recalled

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H19 infections linked to organic whole and baby carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, California.  To this point(11/22/24), there are 39 reported illnesses with 15 of those hospitalized and one death.  

Case Count
Total Illnesses: 39
Hospitalizations: 15
Deaths: 1
Last Illness Onset: October 28, 2024
States with Cases: AR, CA, CO, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, WY
Product Distribution: Nationwide
International Distribution: Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates

The firm, Grimmway Farms, initiated a voluntary recall of multiple quantities and brands of bagged, organic whole and baby carrots and contacted their distributing customers. Recalled products were shipped directly to retail distribution centers nationwide in the United States and Puerto Rico. These products should no longer be in grocery stores but may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o121h19-organic-carrots-november-2024
Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O121:H19: Organic Carrots (November 2024)
11/22/2024
Do not eat or serve multiple brands of recalled bagged organic whole and baby carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

Update - E. coli Outbreak Linked to Quarter Pounders, Onions Recalled

CDC provided an update of the E. coli outbreak linked to McDonalds quarter pounders. There are now 77 cases with 22 hospitalizations and 1 death across 13 states. With the federal inspectors focusing in on sliced onions, the supplier, Taylor Farms has recalled whole peeled and diced onions.

This is not the first foodborne illness outbreak linked to onions. 

In 2023, there was a Salmonella outbreak linked to chopped fresh onions from a CA processor. (link)

In 2021, a Salmonella outbreak with 652 was linked to imported onions. (link)

In 2020, a Salmonella outbreak with 1,127 cases (link) 

FDA published their investigation into the 2020 outbreak, and stated potential causes.  If considering how contamination events can occur to an item like onions, one can reflect on this.

While our investigation did not occur during any harvesting activities, visual observations of the implicated red onion growing fields suggested several plausible opportunities for contamination including irrigation water, sheep grazing on adjacent land, as well as signs of animal intrusion, such as scat and large flocks of birds which may spread contamination. Similarly, the investigation did not occur while packing activities were ongoing. However, visual observations and records review of packing house practices confirmed numerous opportunities for spread of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, including signs of animal and pest intrusion as well as food contact surfaces which had not been inspected, maintained, cleaned, or sanitized as frequently as necessary to protect against the contamination of produce. 

CDC information on this outbreak.

Fast Facts
Cases: 75 (26 new)
Hospitalizations: 22 (12 new)
Deaths: 1 (0 new)
States: 13 (3 new)

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-mcdonalds-quarter-pounders-october-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Outbreak Investigations & Safety Advisories

FDA Human Foods Program

Waffle Recall Expanded to Include All Pancakes and Waffle Products

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) is expanding its voluntary recall (initially posted on 10/18) to include all products manufactured at one facility and still within their shelf-life. The recall is expanded to include frozen toaster waffle, Belgian waffle and pancake products, due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This recall was expanded based on additional testing at the manufacturing facility.  There have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the recalled products to date. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/treehouse-foods-announces-expansion-voluntary-recall-include-all-waffle-and-pancake-products-due
TreeHouse Foods Announces Expansion of Voluntary Recall to Include All Waffle and Pancake Products Due to the Potential for Listeria monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 22, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  October 23, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  TreeHouse Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Multiple brand names
Product Description:  Frozen toaster waffles, Belgian waffles and pancakes

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

Recent Food Safety Issues with Raw Milk and Raw Milk Cheese in PA, NY, WA and ID

There have been five recent food safety warnings issued by state regulators for raw milk and raw milk cheese.

• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture issued a warning for raw milk produced by Meadow View Jerseys brand raw milk after testing confirmed that the milk was contaminated with Shigatoxin-producing E. coli bacteria
• PA Department of Ag issued a warning for raw milk cheese  distributed by BeiHollow Farm, Elizabethville, PA, after testing confirmed that the cheese was contaminated with listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
• Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, reported that 18 people have tested positive for campylobacteriosis, after 17 reported drinking raw milk produced by Paradise Grove Dairy in Jefferson County, Idaho.
• New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets issued a Warning about unpasteurized raw milk from HuHill Farm after samples of that product tested positive for Campylobacter jejuni contamination Fort Plain, New York.
• The Washington Department of Health reported that two people were infected with the same, highly related strain of Campylobacter jejuni after both drank Jim’s Jerseys raw milk produced by Old Silvana Creamery (Arlington, WA).

https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/pda/newsroom/agriculture-department-warns-consumers-to-discard-contaminated-r.html
Agriculture Department Warns Consumers to Discard Contaminated Raw Milk from Meadow View Jerseys Dairy
August 14, 2024
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture warns consumers to immediately discard Meadow View Jerseys brand raw milk purchased between August 5 and 12, 2024, with a sell-by date of August 19, 2024. Routine testing for pathogens confirmed that the milk was contaminated with Shigatoxin-producing E. coli bacteria.

FDA Warning Letter to NV Spice Company for Inadequate Supply Chain Preventive Controls

FDA issued a Warning Letter to High Quality Organics, a ready-to-eat (RTE) spice facility, located in Reno, NV.  The company processes and packages RTE organic herbs, spices, dried fruit and peels, and dried vegetables.  The main issue was the company relies on others to process products so that they are considered RTE, but does not manage this through the Supply Chain program.

The supply-chain program does not provide assurance that a hazard requiring a supply-chain-applied control has been significantly minimized or prevented, as required per 21 CFR 117.410(c). 

• The company receives untreated herbs, spices, dried fruits and peels, and dried vegetable products and then directs the untreated products to (b)(4) third-party providers that apply a lethality process. 
• The "preventive control measure is “Validated lethality ‘kill step’ with Treatment Certificate”, however, the company's supply chain program does not verify that the parameters selected and applied by 3rd party treatment providers are adequate to control the hazard of vegetative pathogens such as Salmonella. 
• There is no review of the process parameters identified in the treatment certificate from the (b)(4) providers, as identified as a preventive control measure required within Hazard Analysis, and you 
• Did not comprehensively evaluate whether the parameters are appropriate for all your products undergoing the treatment. 
• Did not maintain documentation that the untreated spices you purchase and send to the third-party (b)(4) providers are treated under a validated process that delivers an appropriate destruction of Salmonella.

The company did not conduct a reanalysis of your food safety plan when needed after Ground Organic Parsley, lot # 62868 and lot # 63196, tested positive for the pesticide Chlorpyrifos ((b)(4)).

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/high-quality-organics-inc-677503-07082024
WARNING LETTER
High Quality Organics, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 677503 — July 08, 2024

Update on Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers

FDA provided an update on the Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers. To this point in time, there have been 449 reported cases with 125 hospitalized. The date of onset of the last illness was June 4, 2024.

CDC and FDA combined two outbreak investigations because of similarities, "including when and where illnesses occurred, the demographics of ill people, and the foods they reported eating before they became sick. Laboratory, epidemiological, and traceback data have determined that cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Thomas Produce Company, of Boca Raton, Florida, are likely sources of illnesses in this outbreak; however, these growers do not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak."

"Based on traceback information collected, Thomas Produce Company supplied cucumbers to multiple points of service where ill people reported eating cucumbers. As part of the investigation, FDA conducted an onsite inspection at Thomas Produce Company and collected samples. Salmonella Braenderup was detected in samples of canal water used by Thomas Produce Company. Whole Genome Sequencing analysis determined that the water used by Thomas Produce Company contained the Salmonella that is a match to a strain of Salmonella Braenderup that is causing some of the illnesses in this outbreak."

"Additional types of Salmonella were detected in both soil and water samples collected at both Bedner Growers, Inc. and Thomas Produce Company. Multiple other strains of Salmonella, unrelated to this outbreak investigation, found at Bedner Growers, Inc. matched clinical isolates from illnesses in the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s (NCBI) database that occurred in previous years."

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 449
Hospitalizations: 125
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: June 4, 2024
States with Cases: AL, AR, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cucumbers-june-2024
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cucumbers (June 2024)
Cucumbers linked to illnesses of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup.
Current Update
August 14, 2024

VA Establishment Expands Recall As Testing Determines Outbreak Strain in Liverwurst Product

CDC and USDA-FSIS have identified Boar's Head liverwurst as having the outbreak strain of Listeria that has resulted in 34 cases with 33 hospitalizations and 2 deaths. From the CDC, "As of July 26, 2024, a total of 34 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 13 states (see map). Sick people’s samples were collected from May 29, 2024, to July 12, 2024 (see timeline). Of 33 people with information available, all 33 have been hospitalized. One person got sick during their pregnancy and remained pregnant after recovering. Two deaths have been reported, 1 in Illinois and 1 in New Jersey."

Whole genome sequencing results show that a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes.

Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is expanding its July 26, 2024, recall of deli meat products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. The establishment is recalling approximately 7 million additional pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.

https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeats-7-24/index.html
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Meats Sliced at Delis
Posted July 31, 2024

Fast Facts
Illnesses: 34
Hospitalizations: 33
Deaths: 2
States: 13
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active (First posted on July 19, 2024).

FDA Issues Warning Letter to SC Processor for Continued Listeria Presence

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Discover Fresh Foods, LLC of Greenville, SC, a manufacturer of refrigerated ready-to-eat (RTE) dips and spreads.  This issue is that the company had a ongoing contamination issue of the same Listeria strain.

According to the report, FDA laboratory analysis of environmental sample #1242488 collected on December 13, 2023, found that three (3) out of the 99 total environmental swabs were positive for L. monocytogenes. The positive swabs were recovered from non-food-contact surfaces in Production Room (b)(4), and (b)(4)) during the production of Taste of the South Fried Pickle Dip, and the underside of the top level of the red cart in (b)(4). FDA laboratory analysis of sample #1242488 also found three (3) out of the 99 swabs were positive for Listeria innocua (L. innocua). These swabs were obtained from the (b)(4) transfer pump bottom frame, trash bin wheel, and bottom of sanitation squeegee.

The same organism had been found in the 

• three (3) L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from FDA environmental sample 124288 in 2023;
• four (4) L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from USDA FSIS environmental samples in 2023;
• one (1) L. monocytogenes isolate obtained from Buffalo Style Chicken Dip collected by USDA FSIS in 2023;
• two (2) L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from USDA FSIS environmental samples in 2018;
• one (1) L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from Buffalo Style Chicken Dip collected by USDA FSIS in 2018; and
• one (1) L. monocytogenes isolate obtained from Chipotle Chicken Salad collected by FDACS in 2017.

Based on these results of the WGS analysis, the twelve (12) isolates represent a single strain of L. monocytogenes. The presence of the same strain of L. monocytogenes over multiple years indicates that there has been a resident pathogen in the facility since at least November 2017. 

Then in 2024, additional sampling by USDA found Listeria.  "USDA FSIS notified FDA L. monocytogenes was detected in two (2) additional environmental swabs collected from non-food-contact surfaces (e.g., cart wheels) at [the] facility".  The company got rid of a chopper that they felt was the source, however, is the issue resolved?   When contamination becomes then endemic within a facility, it can now be very wide spread, locating in numerous niches.

It is surprising that USDA was not more aggressive, and for that matter, the company was not more aggressive in solving this issue.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/discover-fresh-foods-llc-677021-06262024
Discover Fresh Foods, LLC
MARCS-CMS 677021 — JUNE 26, 2024

RTE Granola Facility Issued Warning Letter in Wake of Salmonella-related Recall

FDA issued a Warning Letter to PepsiCo for their Quaker Oats  manufacturing facility located in Danville, IL, a facility that manufactures RTE granola bars and RTE cereals.  This facility issued a recall of product for Salmonella in December of 2023.  In April of 2024, the facility was closed.

Noted in the report was timing, which is interesting.

• On November 22 and 23, 2023, you collected a (b)(4) sample of “Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars” from Chewy Line (b)(4), which was reported as a presumptive positive on November 25, 2023.
• The positive sample was later confirmed on December 11, 2023, following an investigation of a suspected (but not confirmed) laboratory error concerning the initial results. 
• On December 12, 2023, your corporate Research & Development laboratory in Plano, TX, confirmed the finished product sample as positive for Salmonella Cubana and that the isolate matched (via (b)(4)) previous isolates identified in the facility during your routine environmental monitoring of areas upstream to Chewy Lines (b)(4) on as recently as September 7 and October 4, 2023, near the (b)(4) and the RTE area on the (b)(4) floor, respectively. 
• On December 14, you notified FDA of your decision to recall specific granola bars and granola cereals due to the potential of being contaminated with Salmonella and filed an RFR report.
• On December 19, 2023, FDA collected samples (environmental swabs) of your production environment. FDA analysis of sample INV 1234817 confirmed one swab was positive for Salmonella spp. The swab was collected in a crack on the floor in the (b)(4); the investigator noted that apparent food residue was observed at the sampling location. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was conducted on the Salmonella isolate obtained from the FDA environmental swabs. The WGS analysis confirmed the isolate to be Salmonella Cubana and the isolate did not match other food, environmental, or clinical isolates in the database. 
• January 3, 2024 - We advised you of the WGS results via a conference call on January 3, 2024. You acknowledged that you had identified historical isolates of Salmonella Cubana in your facility since at least 2020. These findings may indicate that the same strain of Salmonella Cubana has survived since 2020.
• On January 11, 2024, your laboratory analysis identified that Salmonella Cubana that originated in the (b)(4) Room and contaminated the granola line had spread to (b)(4) areas of the extruded RTE cereal line, (b)(4). This included areas where extruded material is exposed to the environment without an additional kill-step. That same day you expanded your recall to cover all RTE cereals, bars, and snacks within shelf-life manufactured at the Danville facility or manufactured with ingredients manufactured at the Danville facility.

Items to note:

• A long delay from presumptive positive to confirmed...about two weeks.
• Had found previous environmental positives from the RTE area - "the isolate matched (via (b)(4)) previous isolates identified in the facility during your routine environmental monitoring of areas upstream to Chewy Lines (b)(4) on as recently as September 7 and October 4, 2023, near the (b)(4) and the RTE area on the (b)(4) floor, respectively. But the organism had been in the facility since 2020.

Issues

• One of the biggest issues was lack of proper corrective action.  "records of corrective actions included cleaning/sanitizing the affected area and additional (b)(4) swabbing,  but they did not include corrective actions that that would have reduced the likelihood that the problem would recur. For example, your “Pathogen Environmental Monitoring (PEM)” investigation worksheet dated September 15, 2023, identified potential harborages or niches associated with buildup or water pooling in pathways on the floor under the (b)(4) and at the “sandwich point” (b)(4) in the (b)(4) Room on the (b)(4) floor (zone (b)(4) areas) but did not consider other areas as potential sources of contamination.

{[FDA}  recommend the company consider incorporating WGS as a tool to investigate pathogen isolates obtained in the environmental monitoring program and/or  finished product testing program. The use of WGS to analyze and investigate any pathogen isolated from your production environment or RTE food products would provide the most complete information available to identify and implement appropriate and effective corrective actions, including steps to prevent the contamination from recurring and steps to ensure contaminated product does not enter commerce.

• GMPs were also an issue - plant equipment and utensils used in manufacturing and processing were not designed and of such material and workmanship as to be adequately cleanable, or adequately maintained to protect against contamination

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/pepsico-inc-679972-06122024
WARNING LETTER
PepsiCo, Inc.

MARCS-CMS 679972 — JUNE 12, 2024

Overseas Operations Using Potentially Contaminated Cooking Oil

A Chinese state media investigation found "tank trucks were delivering chemicals and edible oil interchangeably without cleaning."  "The furor follows a bombshell investigation published on July 2 by the state media outlet Beijing News, which found multiple cases of tank trucks transporting edible cooking oil immediately after delivering chemicals used for coal-to-liquid processing."

It appears that this is a widespread issue done primarily for cost savings.

In HACCP or Preventive Controls training, we discuss the need to reevaluate your plan when new information becomes available.  This would be the type of issue that when you learn about, you check to see whether this issue impacts your own operation.  Perhaps you are buying imported oil roasted nuts or frozen pre-fried breaded chicken nuggets.   Does this issue affect those items?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/china-is-freaking-out-over-an-open-secret-that-its-cooking-oil-was-ferried-for-years-in-chemical-tanks-that-weren-t-cleaned/ar-BB1pE693
China is freaking out over an 'open secret' that its cooking oil was ferried for years in chemical tanks that weren't cleaned
Story by mloh@businessinsider.com (Matthew Loh) • 15h

China has been hit by another major food scandal, this time involving cooking oil in chemical tanks.