Home Delivered Meat - Buyer Beware

A recent study conducted by RU and TSU looks at issues involving meat shipped to homes via home delivery systems such as meal kits.   These issues include:

• A wide range of temperatures upon receipt, ranging from (-)23F to 75F.  Much of the issue was related to the type of coolant (dry ice best, gel packs worst) and the amount of insulating packaging material surrounding the product.
• Most home delivery companies did not require receipt upon delivery, which means that product can sit on the front porch until the home owner realizes it is there.  This can be an issue when the product is shipped as a surprise gift, so the recipient is not expecting it.
• Home delivery companies did not have food safety information on their website
• Products were not properly labeled to indicate the type of meat.
• Microbial loads varied greatly. Pathogen loads varied greatly.

The authors stated that the bigger, better known companies did a better job, but with many companies entering the business channel, there may be more concern.

In the end, buyer beware.

Meatingplace
http://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/73203
Study of meat from home delivery services shows disturbing results
By Rita Jane Gabbett on 5/11/2017

Spinach Dip Recalled after Complaints of Small Glass Fragments

Publix Super Markets is recalling deli packs of artichoke and spinach dip after receiving complaints of small glass fragments in the product.  Product was distributed to 6 states in the Southeast US.

We have not seen many glass related outbreaks recently outside of product packed in glass containers.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm557582.htm
Publix Recalls Private Label Brand of Deli Artichoke and Spinach Dip Due to Possible Health Risk
Release
May 8, 2017

CDC Report - 2016 E.coli (STEC) Outbreak Linked to Stream Water Contaminated with Deer Feces

In May of 2016, 4 children became infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) after playing in a stream in a city park.  After an investigation, the likely source was determined to be deer poop (aka scat).  According to the report, "MLVA profiles were identical for the case-patient, water, and deer scat isolates".

The presence of E. coli in the water varied over time. Coyote scat also had E. coli of similar makeup..but this may be related to the fact the coyote is drinking that same water.  What this does show is that surface water is prone to contamination from animal feces and this contamination can be passed to humans directly through intake of that water or potentially through food irrigated with that water.

CDC - Emerging and Infectious Disease

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/23/7/17-0226_article
Contaminated Stream Water as Source for Escherichia coli O157 Illness in Children

Abstract

In May 2016, an outbreak of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli O157 infections occurred among children who had played in a stream flowing through a park. Analysis of E. coli isolates from the patients, stream water, and deer and coyote scat showed that feces from deer were the most likely source of contamination.

Cases of Botulism Linked to Food Sold at CA Gas Station

In Sacramento CA, there have been 5 cases of botulism that seem to be linked to food sold at a gas station.

Sacramento Bee
http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article149163279.html
Botulism outbreak suspected to have started at Sacramento region gas station
Local

May 07, 2017 10:38 AM
By Ellen Garrison  egarrison@sacbee.com

Chicken Sausage Products Recalled Due to Plastic Foreign Material

Perdue Foods LLC of Gainesville, GA is recalling chicken sausage products due to the potential for plastic pieces.  According tot the report, "The problem was discovered on May 5, 2017, when FSIS was notified by the firm that they had received three consumer complaints of blue plastic materials in the sausage."  No injuries have been reported.

USDA / FSIS Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-045-2017-release
Perdue Foods LLC. Recalls Poultry Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 045-2017
Health Risk: High

May 6, 2017

Frozen Waffles, Pancakes, and French Bread Slices Recalled Due to Listeria Positive Environmental Test Results

Aunt Jemima frozen pancakes, waffles, and French Toast Slices are being recalled due to potential Listeria contamination.  According to the announcement, "Pinnacle Foods initiated the recall after testing indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the plant environment".

This is probably a low risk situation.  For one, the consumer is likely to hat the product according to the instructions.  Bu while these products would likely be heated and that heating would likely eliminate the Listeria from the surface, where it would likely be located, one couldn't guarantee the consumer is going to do that.  Another factor indicating low risk is the fact that the product is not likely to support the growth of Listeria....Partially due to product properties - perhaps with the exception of the product where meat is included, and maybe the french bread, depending upon the impact of the egg batter on the bread.  Also the fact the consumer is likely to keep frozen until they are ready to be heated.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm557098.htm
Pinnacle Foods Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes, Frozen Waffles & Frozen French Toast Slices Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
For Immediate Release
May 5, 2017

Cashew Butter Recalled Due to Potential for Listeria

An Illinois firm is recalling its Nutty Infusions Cashew Butter products for Listeria after "Evidence of contamination was noted after a routine FDA inspection of the Nutty Infusions supplier".

From the labels, the only ingredients in common to both products are the roasted cashews.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm556745.htm

Now Health Group Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Select Ellyndale® Nutty Infusions™
For Immediate Release
May 4, 2017

Frozen Meals Recalled After Wrong Pre-labeled Product Carton Used

A TX firm is recalling frozen meals after a mix up or pre-labeled product cartons. It appears that this cheese enchiladas or similar product,

got this carton.

So of course, the beef chile label does not declare dairy/milk listed as an allergen.  Hopefully the consumer with allergies to milk would quickly realize that they have cheese enchiladas when they were hoping for some meat.

USDA Recall Notice

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-043-2017-release
Blount Fine Foods, Corp. Recalls Beef Chile Colorado Frozen Meals Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen
Class I Recall 043-2017
Health Risk: High 

May 3, 2017

Deer Antler Tea Source of Botulinum Illnesses

A deer antler tea product may be responsible for two cases of botulism in Los Angeles.  Botulism is deadly disease caused by the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum.   This neurotoxin stops neural signals resulting in double vision, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing.  If not treated, it can lead to death by suffocation.  

 How did the botulinum toxin get into this antler tea product? If one had to make a guess, it was after the extraction process.  To make the antler tea, antlers would be heated to pull out the marrow creating a broth and then this would be cooled to make a gelatinous material that would be packaged.  As in a typical C. botulinum growth scenario, when the product is heated to create the marrow broth, the high temperatures kills the competing spoilage organisms and creates an anaerobic environment in the marrow broth.  When the product is cooled, but held above refrigeration temperatures, C. botulinum grows and produces its toxin.  Generally an item like this would either need to be refrigerated or acidified.  A preservative can also be added to prevent growth.

The benefits of drinking antler tea are said to include helping with arthritis, preventing osteoporosis, promoting the health of the joints and repairing connective tissues, nourishing the spleen and the kidney, a defense against cancer cells, boosting the HB count in the blood, treating sexual disorders, increasing stamina and actual physical strength while also improving mental capacity, helping women who have vaginal discharge problems, flooding and spotting and it also helps in stanching excessive uterine bleeding.  Who knew.

LA Times

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-deer-antler-tea-botulism-20170428-story.html

Tea made from deer antlers may cause botulism; health officials issue alert 

Rong-Gong Lin IIBy Rong-Gong Lin II•Contact Reporter

April 29, 2017, 3:00 AM 

Ginger Powder Recalled Due to Salmonella Contamination

Lords Organics, a California  is recalling Ginger Powder due to potential for Salmonella after product testing revealed the presence of the organism.  The product was sold through Amazon.com, so this should make tracking the individual purchases easier.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm555723.htm
Lords Organics Recalls Ginger Powder Because Of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
April 27, 2017

Mislabeling of Milk Product Leads to Recall Due to Allergens

Urban Remedy, a CA-based, organic juice company is recalling its Golden Milk product that was labeled as apple juice.  The product is sold through Whole Foods.

Golden milk is a nut based product, like an almond milk, so it would have nut allergens.  With so many products (https://www.urbanremedy.com/) that look the same, label control is extremely important, especially in a case like this where a nut-based product can be mislabeled.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm555743.htm
Urban Remedy Issues Voluntary Recall of Mislabeled Non-Dairy Spiced Golden Milk Due to Undeclared Allergen
For Immediate Release
April 27, 2017

FDA Issues Investigation Report of NY Cheese Firm Responsible for Listeria Outbreak

FDA issued their inspection report (483) to Vulto Creamery, the small NY Cheese company responsible for 2 deaths due to listeria.

Basically, FDA found a lot of issues that indicate this facility just doesn't get it.

• LM was all over the plant, on food contact equipment, and on product.
• While the plant did testing and found Listeria species, they did NOTHING beyond re-clean the area. They did not do follow-up testing nor did they try to determine where the Listeria was coming from, whether is was LM, or whether it impacted product.
• They followed poor sanitary practices including not properly washing hands
• Poor cleaning of facility and equipment
• Poor design and maintenance of the facility

It is amazing that this product had as wide of distribution as it did.  It is also amazing that no one advised them otherwise or inspected them with an eye on safety.  Was it arrogance that being a small, close-to-the-farm, boutique artisan cheese shop, they were beyond the rules or the need to understand the rules?  Pathogens don't read the press clippings and don't care about whether a facility is big or small, organic or conventional, or that it is considered artisan.

FDA Investigation Report (FDA - 483)
https://www.fda.gov/ucm/groups/fdagov-public/@fdagov-afda-orgs/documents/document/ucm554717.pdf
Vulto Creamery, Walton, NY

Date of Inspection 2/28/17 to 3/22/17

Florida Company Recalls Sausage Product Due to Potential for Foreign Material

A Florida company is recalling close to 140,000 lbs of smoked meat and poultry sausage products due to the potential for foreign material contamination. This represents a month or so of production.  From the report, "The problem was discovered when a metal magnet was found in the beef trim source product of the processed sausage products."

USDA Recall Notice

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts
Uncle John's Pride, LLC. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Sausage Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 038-2017
Health Risk: High

Apr 24, 2017

Ham Product Recalled Due to the Potential for Listeria Contamination

A Memphis, TN company is recalling over 4 tons of ham after a FSIS Food Safety Audit (FSA) found that Listeria may be present.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-039-2017-release
Fineberg Packing Co., Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Ham Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall 039-2017
Health Risk: High

Apr 25, 2017

RTE Chicken Breasts Recalled After Complaints That Product May Be Undercooked

An Alabama company is recalling over 20 tongs of ready-to-eat chicken breasts after receiving complaints that the product appeared to be under-cooked.  The product is packed for and sold to foodservice establishments.  

While there have been no illnesses reported, the issue would be that if the product is truly undercooked, pathogens such as Salmonella or Campylobacter could be present..

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-037-2017-release
WFSP Foods LLC. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Breast Products That May Be Undercooked
Class I Recall 037-2017
Health Risk: High Apr 24, 2017

Bread Recalled for a Piece of Rubber

HEB, the Texas based grocery chain, is recalling sandwich bread after a piece of rubber was found in what is stated as an isolated instance.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm554393.htm
H-E-B Voluntarily Issues a Precautionary Recall H-E-B and Hill Country Fare sandwich bread with a best buy date of April 29th or earlier being recalled for potential rubber in the product

Food Safety Instructor Sentenced for Falsifying Exams

In Illinois, an approved instructor was sentenced to 18 months in prison for allowing students to get a certificate without taking the food safety class or exam.  For seven years, he took payoffs from students in exchange for him sending falsified documentation to that State that they took the 15 hour course and passed the exam, when they actually did neither.

The bribe was for $175.  Which isn't much per occurrence, but over time, could amount to a substantial amount.   Hard to tell how many people took the bribe. The fine was for only $5000, which is nothing compared to 18 months in the big house.

Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Northern District of Illinois
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/lynwood-man-sentenced-18-months-pocketing-bribes-exchange-allowing-food-service-workers
Lynwood Man Sentenced to 18 Months for Pocketing Bribes in Exchange for Allowing Food Service Workers to Bypass Sanitation Training and Testing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 20, 2017

CDC Releases Surveillance Data for Foodborne Illnesses 2013 - 2016

CDC released surveillance data for foodborne diseases for the period 2013 to 2016.  This covers 10 sites in the US and is used to compare incident levels over time.

One important point made is that testing for pathogens is changing, where lab facilities are using more culture independent diagnotic tests or CIDTs.  With CIDT's they look for markers and do not isolate the organism.  According to the report - CIDTs complicate the interpretation of FoodNet surveillance data because pathogen detection could be affected by changes in health care provider behaviors or laboratory testing practices

• Health care providers might be more likely to order CIDTs because these tests are quicker and easier to use than traditional culture methods, a circumstance that could increase pathogen detection 
• Pathogen detection could also be increasing as clinical laboratories adopt DNA-based syndromic panels, which include pathogens not often included in routine stool culture  
• CIDTs do not yield isolates, which public health officials rely on to distinguish pathogen subtypes, determine antimicrobial resistance, monitor trends, and detect outbreaks.

So basically, year to year numbers may be more difficult to interpret because testing is easier, especially for pathogens that were more difficult to grow or were not normally considered.  So while it looks like the incidence to certain pathogens are increasing, that is probably not the case.

CDC MMWR

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6615a1.htm?s_cid=mm6615a1_e
Incidence and Trends of Infections with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food and the Effect of Increasing Use of Culture-Independent Diagnostic Tests on Surveillance — Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2013–2016
Weekly / April 21, 2017 / 66(15);397–403

Soylent Product Recalled Again, This Time for Allergen Issues

The LA company that sells the meal replacement called Soylent is recalling product due to undeclared allergen, in this case, milk in the form of whey powder. It seems that a small amount of whey powder may have been incorporated into a one lot of product. This occurred during manufacturer by their third party facility (contract manufacturer).

This company recalled product seven months ago after a number of illnesses were reported which may have been linked to the product.

FDA Recall Notice

https://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2016/10/venture-capitalist-start-up-soylent.html
Soylent Issues Allergy Alert On Potential Undeclared Milk in Soylent 1.8 Powder
For Immediate Release
April 24, 2017

Jalapeno Potato Chips Recalled After Supplier Recalls Flavoring for Salmonella

Frito Lay is recalling Miss Vickie's Jalapino Flavored Potato Chips after the seasoning "supplier’s recent recall of a seasoning blend which includes jalapeño powder that could contain Salmonella." No other flavors are impacted and there have been no illnesses to date.

Here is where a supplier control is critical (a supplier preventive control). You have an ingredient that will be added post-process, and so would be considered RTE (ready-to-eat).  The supplier of this spice should be working with their suppliers, especially if they are purchasing processed spices. Relying on a COA may not be enough, especially where products are made and shipped in JIT type processes.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm554447.htm
Frito-Lay Recalls Jalapeño Flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked Potato Chips and Jalapeño Flavored Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked Potato Chips Due to Potential Presence of Salmonella
For Immediate Release
April 21, 2017

Frozen Hash Browns Recalled Due to Potential of Golf Balls

UPDATE - 4/26  Recall expanded to include Wegman's brand.

McCain Foods is recalling frozen hash browns because they may be contaminated with extraneous golf ball materials.  It seems that the golf balls may have been picked up during harvest and made their way through the slicing operation.

This is the type of issue where one would need to revisit their HACCP plan and made a determination on whether this type of hazard needs to now be included in the hazard analysis.

The HACCP team will need to tee up this discussion and determine whether or not this is a long shot to occur again.  It would be a mistake to putt it down the road for later discussion,  A big driver will be prevention of further recalls, which can cost a lot of green.  Certainly a slice of the ball can result in injury, such as causing a divot in someone's mouth or causing someone to choke, and this can result in further penalty.  The team will need to have a well planned approach and take a solid stance, and avoid a bunker mentality.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm554452.htm
McCain Foods USA, Inc. Recalls Frozen Southern Style Hash Browns Due to Possible Health Risk. Product is Sold and Distributed Under The Roundy’s and Harris Teeter Retail Brands.
For Immediate Release
April 21, 2017

CDC Study - Allergen Control in Restaurants?

In a CDC study published in MMWR, researchers found that less than half of the restaurant staff members have been adequately trained on the food allergies in a foodservice operation - knowing what are the food allergens, how to prevent cross contact, and what to do if someone has a food allergy.  They also found that few restaurants had separate equipment or areas designated for the preparation of allergen-free food.  One fourth of surveyed managers reported having no ingredient lists or recipes for menu items.

Is there an expectation that all restaurants will have a true allergen control program?  Having an allergen control program that actually controls allergens can be difficult for food establishments, especially smaller ones.  At the least, foodservice workers should know the food allergens used in an establishment and whether their establishment can actually control allergens.  It can be a bigger mistake to say you are controlling allergens and are really not.  Challenges for restaurants include a wide variety of food served, limited space and equipment, high volume of product flowing through the kitchen at any given time, and higher staff turnover.

In talking with many people who have severe food allergens, the burden often falls on them to either avoid food establishments or to ask the right questions when ordering food.

CDC - MMWR
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6615a2.htm?s_cid=mm6615a2_e
Restaurant Food Allergy Practices — Six Selected Sites, United States, 2014

Weekly / April 21, 2017 / 66(15);404–407

Chicken Meal Product Recalled Due to the Potential for Salmonella....in the Brownie

Conagra Brands is recalling its Chicken Nugget Meat products after the supplier of the Brownie mix informed the company of potential Salmonella contamination.

It may be unexpected that in a chicken meal product, the brownie would be the issue.  It is unclear whether the brownie had received a validated cooking process by the manufacturer - it may be fully cooked, or just partially cooked.  The directions indicate that the brownie is to be cooked by the consumer as part of the listed cooking instructions..but of course, how much can that be counted upon.  So as stated, the manufacturer is acting out of an abundance of caution.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2017/pha-042017
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Chicken Nuggets Meal Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Congressional and Public Affairs  Julie Schwartz  (202) 720-9113 Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is alerting consumers that the brownie mix dessert included in the breaded chicken nugget meal trays produced by Conagra Brands, Inc., a Marshall, Mo. establishment, may be contaminated with Salmonella. FSIS is issuing this alert, which affects 110,817 pounds of frozen meals, out of an abundance of caution after the company notified FSIS that the source material used in the brownie mix may be contaminated with Salmonella.

FDA Issues Warning Letter To Company Because Proof of Corrective Action to Inspection Items Not Provided

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a Kansas City Company after the company failed to provide evidence or proof of corrective action following an FDA inspection.  So while the company stated in their response letter that corrective action was taken, they failed to provide proof of that corrective action.

While it is hard to know the circumstances involved in this case, it demonstrates what some FDA offices are looking for in terms of response to FDA inspirational observations.

KC Innovations, Inc 3/24/17
March 24, 2017
WARNING LETTER
https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2017/ucm549341.htm

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Bakery

FDA issued a warning letter to a California bakery for...a lot of stuff.

- No allergen control

- Poor cleaning - residual raw dough present after cleaning (and we all know this creates a Salmonella / E. coli growth opportunity).

- Leaky roofs - source of Salmonella and moisture

- Poor pest control - presence of insects, poor protection against entry

- Poor personal hygiene practices - people not wearing hair protection
- Improper labeling

With FSMA, bakeries may be getting more attention than in the past.  Because products are generally considered low risk, they have not received the scrutiny of higher risk products.  However, with issues from allergens to Salmonella in flour/dough, they are not risk free.


Nobel Bakery, Inc. 3/16/17

https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2017/ucm549608.htm
WARNING LETTER
March 16, 2017
WL# 19-17
Norik Nikogosyan, President/Co-Owner
Nobel Bakery, Inc.
5638 Cahuenga Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601-2103

Bagged Salad Mix Recalled After Dead Bat Found in Bag

Walmart is recalling their Marketside Spring Mix Salad after the supplier "Fresh Express was notified that extraneous animal matter was allegedly found in a single container of the salad".   That extraneous matter was a dead bat.

While of course, everyone worries about rabies, but this would be an extremely low risk.  Rabies virus is an enveloped virus and does not survive in the environment well if at all. While there have been some rare, laboratory-created instances of it be transmitted through aerosol with depleted oxygen, this is really a non-factor.  The bigger risks are the normal foodborne pathogens that can be carried by bats, including Campylobacter, Listeria, Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia as well as some more exotic bacterial types.  Depending on where the bat entered the system would determine the amount of dissemination of these types of organisms.

Now how does bat get into a bag?  If not intentionally placed there by someone, and one had to guess....it would most likely come into the packaging area of the processing plant at night.  The greens are chopped and washed, so unlikely that it came in the loads of produce (unless some component was not chopped).  More likely, this flew into the plant at night when doors were left opened and took refuge in the equipment.  If this were the case, it occurred after sanitation.  When the greens started flowing, the little dude was crushed and loaded into the bag.  All a guess of course, but if true, would probably be in one of the bags from early in the production run..  Prevention....keeping doors shut at night, especially dock doors. X-ray equipment would have likely found this if in place.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm551649.htm
Precautionary Recall of a Limited Quantity of Organic Marketside Spring Mix Salad is Announced by Fresh Express
For Immediate Release
April 8, 2017

Frozen Peas Recalled Due to the Potential for Listeria Contamination

The grocery outlet Aldi is recalling bagged frozen peas after their supplier, Lakeside Foods, notified them of potential Listeria contamination.

While proper cooking would eliminate Listeria, concern would be used in an application where uncooked peas were used, such as a salad.  Freezing during storage and shipment prevents growth, however, if thawed and held at refrigeration temperature or warmer, there can be growth which increases the risk.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm551132.htm
In Association with Lakeside Foods, Inc., ALDI Voluntarily Recalls Season’s Choice Frozen Sweet Peas
For Immediate Release
April 4, 2017

FDA Issues 3 Waivers to Sanitary Transport Rule, Including Shipments by Retail Outlets

With the Sanitary Transport Rule coming, FDA announced three waivers - 1) those permitted to ship milk, 2) those shipping food directly to consumers or as part of the operations of a foodservice / retail outlets, and 3) those approved to ship shellfish.

More specifically, from the FDA on item number two, this gives a waiver to grocery stores and food-service establishments.  It covers food sold directly to the consumer as well as food within the company or affiliate (a supermarket hub operation shipping to one of their stores).

• "Businesses that are permitted or otherwise authorized by the regulatory authority to operate a food establishment that provides food directly to consumers (including restaurants, retail food establishments, and nonprofit food establishments, as defined in 21 CFR 1.227), only when engaged in transportation operations as:
  • Receivers, whether the food is received at the establishment itself or at a location where the authorized establishment receives and immediately transports the food to the food establishment;
  • Shippers and carriers in operations in which food is transported from the establishment as part of the normal business operations of a retail establishment, such as:
    • delivery of the food directly to the consumer(s) by the authorized establishment or a third-party delivery service or
    • delivery of the food to another location operated by the authorized establishment or an affiliated establishment where the food is to be sold or served directly to the consumer(s)."

FDA News Release

FDA Announces Three Waivers to Sanitary Transportation Rule

April 5, 2017

SoyNut Co-packer, Dixie Dew, Slammed in FDA Inspection, Now Suspended

FDA suspended the food facility registration of the co-manufacturing facility of the Soy Nut Butter which was recalled for E. coli contamination.

CDC now reports that there are 29 cases of E. coli infection with 9 people developing HUS.  The majority of cases (83%) affecting people under the age of 18.

FDA inspected the facility (3/3/17 to 3/15/17)  at the same time the initial recall.  FDA issued a 483 report detailing issues in facility.
Here are some of the highlight from the 8 page report.  (For ease, a copy of this document is pasted below, this was converted from the pdf file)

• The firm leaves product in the mix kettle overnight and over the weekend.
• The mixing equipment just shuts off during processing, 1 or 2 times per day, and has had this problem for 15 years.
• They do not calibrate their thermometer used for monitor the nut butter.  
• The chart recorder also does not work.
• During production of product, a clear liquid was observed dripping intermittently form a hole in the ceiling onto the floor and splashing on the equipment.  This was supposedly coming from a leaky pipe.
• Product build-up  on floors and walls, and walking platforms. Standing water on floor.
• Poor employee traffic flow as well as forklift flow, no restriction of movement from dirty areas /waste areas to processing areas.
• Cleaning supplies not properly maintained.
• Wooden pallets sitting in standing water.
• Product piping system not disassembled since 2015, smaller pipes and filling not routinely cleaned.
• Improper employee handwashing.
• Pest control issues.

While this is clearly a co-packer issue, somebody had to approve this company.  Did the IMHealthy folks visit the facility?  Did they recognize the risk, especially considering who would be eating this product - children.  To me, they are just as responsible.

As part of the movement to small, unique brands, more and  more of these small brand companies are turning to co-packers to package their product.  This includes store brands as well.  There are risks however if these co-packers are not properly vetted and managed.  One of the key elements of FSMA, supplier preventive controls, was put in place to prevent this type of travesty.  (This is why I stick to my big brands with lots of food scientists and well developed QA/QC systems protecting that product).

FDA Safety Alerts and Advisories
https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/SafetyAlertsAdvisories/ucm549734.htm
FDA Suspends Food Facility Registration of Dixie Dew Products, Inc.
No food may leave the facility for sale or distribution
March 30, 2017

Packaging Error Results in Allergen Recall of Nutrition Bar

A nutrition bar company is recalling their crunchy Slim Peanut Butter bars after it was discovered that a product with milk allergen was accidentally mislabeled with the Slim Peanut Butter packaging that does not list milk allergen.

In applying Preventive Controls in the operation that made this product, having a properly implemented Allergen Preventive Control at the point of labeling would help prevent this.  This would include having a step to check the labels for a match to the formulation and then having verification (another person checking, a record review of the labeling record, direct observation of the label check, etc).

This mistake occurred during one shift, but once the depth of the recall expands to store level, this recall can become fairly costly.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm549680.htm
Lifestyle Evolution Voluntarily Recalls One Shift of NuGo Slim Crunchy Peanut Butter
For Immediate Release
March 30, 2017

Chili Meal Kits Recalled for Potential Salmonella Contamination in Spice Packet

Conagra is recalling its Hunt's brand Chili meal kits after their supplier informed them of potential Salmonella contamination in the spice packets.  No injuries have been reported.

The risk level would not be high in that the chili spice is added and the product is simmered for 10 minutes.  The concern would be if someone adds spice right before eating (keeping the spice out and then adding as they eat it to allow for adjustment of the amount of flavor), or if someone spills the spice on the counter and then that serves as a source of cross-contamination to another food.  For Conagra, not a risk worth taking.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm550184.htm
Conagra Brands Recalls Hunt’s Chili Kits Due To Potential Presence Of Salmonella In Spice Packet
For Immediate Release
March 2, 2017

Shipping Food Products on Truck or Rail - Get Ready for Sanitary Transport Rule

FDA's Sanitary Transport Rule takes effect in April for the larger firms.  A nice article published in American Trucker outlines how various players (drivers, dispatchers, and planners) will be involved in implementing the rule.   A few things to know - this applies to product shipped from USDA facilities as well as FDA facilities, the shipper or the person arranging shipment has responsibility for that shipment, and smaller shippers have until next year to comply.

American Trucker
http://trucker.com/regulations/new-food-safety-rules-are-you-ready
New food safety rules: Are you ready?
FMSA begins to take effect in April
Mar 30, 2017 Cristina Commendatore

Norovirus Outbreak Associated with Oysters in WA and BC (Canada)

Washington State authorities are reporting that there have been approximately 39 cases of Norovirus infections associated with eating raw oysters.   While testing is normally not done in these cases, the characteristic symptoms of acute-onset vomiting, along with nausea and diarrhea are pretty telltale.

Oysters are filter feeders and can filter up and then hold the viruses.

There have been even more cases of oyster related Norovirus infections in Canada.  In BC, hundreds have become infected with Norovirus after eating oysters.

Interesting, while there appears to be no link between outbreaks in the US and Canada because the cases in Washington are said to be linked to oyster from Washington, not Canada.  But in the article, it states that the Canadians are said to export much of their product to the US,....so, could it be that these Canadian oysters really the oysters that caused illness in the US, but these oysters were labeled as such to make them appear local and these are linked to the cases further north?  Or did someone eat the Canadian oysters neat the US waters, have a bout of illness, thus contaminating the US oysters?  Or...it is just a weird occurrence that two oyster-related Norovirus outbreaks are happening at the same time?

In any event, eating raw oysters has a Norovirus risk, no matter how tasty they are.

Q13 Fox News
http://q13fox.com/2017/03/28/raw-oyster-norovirus-warning-issued-after-multiple-people-in-area-become-ill/
Raw oysters, norovirus warning issued after multiple people in area become ill
Posted 5:04 PM, March 28, 2017, by Q13 FOX News Staff, Updated at 11:12PM, March 28, 2017

Canada - E.coli Outbreak Linked to Flour

In Canada, there have been 25 cases of E.coli infection linked to Robin Hood flour, with 6 of those cases requiring hospitalizations.  The CFIA found that the flour was contaminated with E. coli O121.

Don't eat raw dough.  Treat raw flour as though it can be potentially contaminated by cleaning it up from the counter or other surfaces.

For the hazard analysis, include E. coli and Salmonella as a hazard in flour (unless it is treated in some way.)

CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/flour-ecoli-sick-recall-robin-hood-brand-cfia-public-health-agency-1.4046011
25 illnesses in 4 provinces linked to E. coli-tainted Robin Hood flour
10-kilogram bags with best-before date of April 17, 2018, should be thrown out or returned

Brazilian Meat Industry Rocked by Investigation into Unsanitary Practices

Brazilian meat is returning to a number of countries that banned import of the product after Brazilian authorities found that some of the Brazilian meat companies were bribing inspectors to look the other way as they packed less-than-desirable product.  The US did not ban imports as it appears that none of the plants shipping to the US were under investigation (maybe our supply control systems are better?).

Brazil is one of the largest exporter of meat products in the world.  This scandal has had a huge impact on exports.

Tri-State Livestock News
http://www.tsln.com/news/brazil-resumes-exporting-meat-to-major-markets/
Brazil resumes exporting meat to major markets

Judge Issues a Consent Decree Against Milk Powder Producer

In December of 2016, FDA seized milk products from Valley Milk Products , a Virginia diary processor.  This past week, a Judge issued a consent decree of condemnation and permanent injunction against the company and three individuals - the General Manager, the Plant Manager, and the Quality Compliance officer.  Basically the product is bad and the company can not produce dry dairy products until they fixed specific issues.

It may be worth reading the Consent Decree here.  In fact, I suggest reading the Injunction Provisions starting on page 8, including the requirements for development and implementation of a Salmonella Monitoring Plan (F.1.) on page 10.   While there have been no reported illnesses, FDA found Salmonella is the facility and the facility did not appear to take sufficient action.   This can be seen as what is to come for FDA facilities with FSMA and the new tool of whole genome sequencing.

FDA Press Release
https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm531188.htm
Food regulators seize adulterated milk products for food safety violations

UPDATE: On March 14, 2017, Judge Elizabeth K. Dillon of the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia entered a consent decree of condemnation and permanent injunction against Valley Milk Products LLC (Strasburg, VA), and three individuals, General Manager Michael W. Curtis, Plant Manager Robert D. Schroeder, and Quality Control Compliance Officer Jennifer J. Funkhouser. The seized milk powder products have been condemned and forfeited to the United States. The company may attempt to bring the condemned products into compliance but only under the supervision of the FDA, and it may not resume manufacturing powdered milk products without first implementing corrective action. The action does not affect liquid milk products made by the company. More information can be found on www.pacer.gov (case number 5:16cv76). No illnesses have been reported to date associated with these products. Consumers can report problems with FDA-regulated products to their district office consumer complaint coordinator.

Microgreens Recalled for the Salmonella Contamination

A Kansas firm is recalling microgreens due to the potential for Salmonella.  The recall comes after examinations by FDA revealed the product contained Salmonella.

Microgreens are similar to bean sprouts in that seeds of various plants are grown from the seed and harvested after sprouting, however with microgreens, the immature greens are cut to include only the stem and leaves.  This is normally within a month of germination.   A variety of plants can be eaten this way and according to a microgreen website, "Some common varieties include amaranth, basil, beets, broccoli, cabbage, celery, chard, chervil, coriander/cilantro, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, parsley, peas, radish, rocket/arugula, spinach, and sorrel."  In this recall, it was Asian style microgreens.

This issue is that if Salmonella is present on the seeds, then it can grow along with the germinating seed.  It can be difficult to eliminate Salmonella from the seeds.  There was a similar recall in October of 2016.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm548250.htm
Chlorofields Recalls Asian MIicrogreens Because Of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
March 23, 2017

OK Firm Recalls Nearly 1 Million Pounds of Breaded Chicken for Metal Complaints - Linked to Conveyor

A OK establishment is recalling close to one million pounds of breaded chicken products for the potential of metal contamination.  According to the notice: "The problem was discovered on March 21, 2017 after OK Foods Inc. received five consumer complaints stating that metal objects were found in the ready-to-eat chicken products and by FSIS inspection personnel during verification activities. After an internal investigation, the firm identified the affected product and determined that the objects in all the complaints came from metal conveyor belting." 

It would be interesting to know if the firm had a metal detector in place.  With a breaded chicken product, one would expect to see one.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-030-2017-release
OK Food Inc. Recalls Breaded Chicken Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 030-2017
Health Risk: High 

Mar 23, 2017

Texas Establishment Recalls RTE Beef Products After Receiving Two Customer Complaints for Rubber with Plastic

A Texas establishment is recalling 35,158 lbs of frozen RTE beef taquito product after the company received two customer complaints for rubber with plastic.  From the report - "The problem was discovered when Ajinomoto Windsor, Inc. received two consumer complaints of foreign material in its ready-to-eat beef products on March 14, 2017 and March 21, 2017. The foreign materials were pieces of rubber with white plastic that originated from the establishments processing equipment."

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-031-2017-release
Ajinomoto Windsor, Inc. Recalls Frozen Ready-To-Eat Beef Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall 031-2017
Health Risk: Low 

Mar 24, 2017

Refrigerated Packages of Edamame for Sushi Recalled for Listeria

 A California company is recalling fresh refrigerated packages of edamame (soybeans) after the company tested and found Listeria.  The packed edamame was sold at designated retail sushi counters within grocery stores, cafeterias, and corporate dining centers in about 33 states.

AFC is a company that operates sushi counters via franchisees.  AFC provides the know-how and materials to allow a franchisee to operate a sales space in a grocery store.  So the grocery store can offer sushi without much effort.

One difficulty is what has occurred here...packaging and shipping fresh packaged foods across the country.  When many think of sushi, we think of it being made on the spot, not being pre-prepared thousands of miles away.  From a Listeria standpoint, a  contamination issue at the point of processing can have more time for growth during transport, and being sushi that will not be cooked, there will be no reduction step to get rid of the Listeria.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm547260.htm
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp. Voluntarily Recalls Edamame Due to Potential Health Risk
For Immediate Release
March 16, 2017

CDC Report on 2015 Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Truffle Oil

CDC issued a report on a 2015 outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis associated with a Washington DC restaurant.  There were 159 reported cases.  Truffle oil was the most likely source based on the epidemiological investigation, but the organism was not isolated from the oil itself.   "Six food items were significantly associated with case status (Table 2), three of which (beef carpaccio, truffle mushroom croquette, and truffle risotto) contained truffle oil. When all truffle oil–containing items were combined into a single variable, including the three that were individually significant, consumption of a truffle oil–containing item was reported by 89% of case-patients compared with 57% of control subjects (p<0.001)."

While this Salmonella strain is normally associated with poultry and eggs, it was unusual that truffle oil was the likely source.  And being a common pathogen, the report indicates that "Timely engagement of the public, health care providers, and local and federal public health officials, is particularly critical for early recognition of outbreaks involving common foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella Enteritidis"  Basically, by really looking hard, investigators were able to determine that something different was going on, and in doing so, were able to determine the restaurant was involved.  At that point, they closed the establishment thus preventing additional cases that would have most definitely occurred.

As far as testing "Truffle fries sampled from the deep fryer and uncooked truffle mushroom croquettes were among the samples collected on September 10; a truffle oil sample was collected on September 14."  "DCPHL tested the truffle fries, which screened positive for Salmonella by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), but Salmonella was not isolated during confirmatory testing. All other food and environmental samples were negative for Salmonella."

Another outbreak in the same restaurant chain indicated the issue may have originated in a NY commissary where the oil originated (but not sure if made there).  It seems the commissary had gone through purge and sanitize procedure, so nothing was found there when investigators inspected that operation.

So before we throw truffle oil on the list per se, there should be additional information as to where it was made.  This may be more of a commissary issue that a truffle issue.

CDC - MMWR
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6610a4.htm?s_cid=mm6610a4_e
Investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis Outbreak Associated with Truffle Oil — District of Columbia, 2015
Weekly / March 17, 2017 / 66(10);278–281

Frozen Pizza with Meat Recalled After Listeria Positive Test Results

A California establishment is recalling frozen, supreme-style pizza after the company's testing confirmed Listeria contamination.

While the product is frozen, which would prevent growth, and it has directions for cooking, which if done properly would eliminate the pathogen, one can never know how the product will be handled b the store and prepared by the consumer.  If similar to those sold here, they are sold refrigerated.


USDA News Release
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-025-2017-release
News Release
RBR Meat Company, Inc. Recalls Frozen Pizza Product Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall 025-2017
Health Risk: High Mar 15, 2017

Trader Joe's Branded Burritos Recalled for Contamination by Hard Plastic Pieces

A NM company is recalling Trader Joe's branded frozen burrito products after 3 complaints of hard clear plastic.  One injury was reported.

USDA News Release
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-026-2017-release
Flagship Food Group Recalls Frozen Burrito Product Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 026-2017
Health Risk: High Mar 16, 2017

NY Creamery Expands Recall, Product Linked to Illnesses. 2 Deaths

A NY creamery expanded its recall, posted on 3/7/16, as the CDC has linked the product to 6 cases of listeriosis.  There have been 2 deaths.

The product had national distribution, and with the window of time until the product was recalled, there may be additional cases that may be reported.

Listeria can be problematic in soft cheeses in that the product will support the growth of Listeria  We have seen a number of cases of listeria related to soft cheeses, so it is incumbent on those packing soft cheeses to have an aggressive Listeria control program. 

Harder cheese have a lower water activity and will not support the growth of Listeria.  While the risk is lower, the food plant-environmental pathogen still needs to be controlled.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm546133.htm
Vulto Creamery Voluntarily Expands Their Recall of All Raw Milk Cheeses Because of Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
For Immediate Release
March 11, 2017

CDC Report - 2016 Salmonella Outbreak in Children Associated with Playground Sand

A 2016 Salmonella outbreak in Madrid, Spain caused illness in 24 preschool students, aged 3 to 5 years old.  It was concluded that the source of the Salmonella was the sand in the playground.  The Salmonella likely got there through bird droppings.   

While these types of issues may be difficult to prevent, there are some preventive measures that can be taken.  Keeping children from putting their hands in their mouth when playing in the dirt. (Good luck with that).  Having kids wash their hands after playing.  Recognizing that bird droppings are a potential source of Salmonella, so placing sandboxes in areas away from trees and other overhead structures where birds may land (and poop).  Sure, trees provide shade, and in Spain, it is probably better to be in the shade.  However, structures such as large umbrellas may be used.  Umbrellas or other movable structures can be beneficial in allowing the sand to dry.

CDC - MMWR
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6609a3.htm?s_cid=mm6609a3_e
Notes from the Field: An Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium Associated with Playground Sand in a Preschool Setting — Madrid, Spain, September–October 2016
Weekly / March 10, 2017 / 66(9);256–257

Biery Cheese Recalls Cheese Supplied by DKH

Biery Cheese Company is expanding a recall of cheese that was supplied to them by Deutsch Kase Haus.  Biery was notified on 3/7/17 by DKH.

Biery Cheese Company Expands Recall of Select Cheese Due To Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
For Immediate Release
March 8, 2017