Frozen Meat Entrees Recalled After Complaints Received for Foreign Material - Glass or Hard Plastic

Bellisio Foods, a Jackson, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 173,376 pounds of frozen pork entrée products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of glass or hard plastic.   The problem was discovered when the establishment received consumer complaints of glass or hard plastic extraneous material in the rib shaped patty.

The frozen, not ready-to-eat (NRTE) boneless pork rib patties being recalled were produced over a variety of dates ranging from Dec. 7, 2018 to Feb. 15, 2019, which may indicate that complaints were made for more than one production date.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-020-2019-release
Bellisio Foods Recalls Boneless Pork Rib Frozen Entrée Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class IRecall 
020-2019 
Health Risk:High 
Feb 23, 2019 

Nutella Processing Facility Shuts Down After Ingredient Quality Issue

The largest Nutella factory has shut down after a 'quality issue' was identified in one of the ingredients. Ferrero, the parent company, stated that product in the marketplace is good. The facility is said to produce 600.000 jars of Nutella a day.  The facility also produces Kinder Bueno candy bars.

One of the primary ingredients in both the Nutella and the Kinder Bueno bars is hazelnut, which is primarily sourced from the middle east. In addition to hazelnuts, Nutella also contains sugar, palm oil, cocoa solids, and milk powder.

Evidently, the French love their Nutella.  A lot of people I know prefer peanut butter.

http://fortune.com/2019/02/21/worlds-biggest-nutella-factory-shut-down/
World's Biggest Nutella Factory Shut Down Over 'Quality Issues'
By Grace Dobush
February 21, 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending February 23, 2019

Over the past three weeks, 2/3 of the recalls for allergen issues have been related to improperly designed labels....so this design and review process should be an important area of focus.  This includes understanding the allergens that may be present within ingredients.

Milk Not Listed - Incorrect Label on Sausage - J Bar B Foods, a Weimar, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 51,188 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) cheddar smoked sausage products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, - the product contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.   The problem was discovered when a retail store notified the company of an incorrect label. The establishment investigated and determined that the incorrect label was applied to the product.

Soy Missing on Label - Meijer is announcing a voluntary recall of its Meijer brand Ultimate Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies because soy it is not properly declared on the label.  Meijer initiated the recall after a routine inspection determined that the product had been distributed without proper allergen labelling for soy.

Milk Not Listed on Label - Pound Cake - Gilda Industries, Inc voluntarily recalls select code dates and manufacturing lot numbers of Panque – Butter pound cake because they may contain undeclared milk.  Milk was not declared on the label.

Milk Not Listed on Label - Seasoning Mix - Concord Foods, LLC of Brockton, Massachusetts is recalling Concord Fresh Success Mild Salsa Seasoning Mix because it may contain undeclared milk allergen.  The recall was initiated after the company discovered that product containing the milk allergen was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the milk allergen.

Milk Not Listed on Label - Chocolate Covered Cherries - Chukar Cherries of Prosser, WA is recalling 7.5oz Amaretto Rainier Ultra Dark Chocolate Cherries because they may contain undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Amaretto Rainier Ultra Dark Chocolate Cherries containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-017-2019-release
J Bar B Foods Recalls Ready-To-Eat Smoked Sausage Products due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens 
Class I Recall
017-2019
Health Risk: High
Feb 21, 2019

CDC Report: Foodborne Illness Outbreaks at Retail Establishments 2014-2016

CDC issued a report titled "Foodborne Illness Outbreaks at Retail Establishments".  The report provided information on outbreak investigations from 16 states over a three year period, 2014 to 2016.

One of the biggest issues is ill workers passing pathogens, primarily norovirus, to customers, although more than half of these establishments have written policies.

Key items from the report:

• During 2014–2016, a total of 16 state and local public health departments reported data to NEARS on 404 foodborne illness outbreaks at retail establishments. 
• Investigations identified an agent in 311 (77.0%) outbreaks (Table 1). Of these agents, 31.8% were suspected and 68.2% were confirmed. Most identified agents were viral (61.7%), followed by bacterial (34.4%) and toxic, chemical, or other (3.9%).
• The majority of outbreaks with a suspected or confirmed agent were caused by norovirus (61.1%). 
• The majority of outbreaks with identified contributing factors had at least one factor associated with food contamination by a worker who was ill or infectious (58.6%). 
• Almost half (47.4%) of establishments with outbreaks had a written policy excluding ill workers from handling food or working. 
• Approximately one third (27.7%) had a written disposable glove use policy. Paid sick leave was available for at least one worker in 38.3% of establishments.
• The second most common agent was Salmonella, accounting for 16.1% of outbreaks with an identified agent.
• Investigators identified at least one contributing factor in 251 (62.1%) outbreaks. The top three contributing factors were related to food contamination by an ill worker; 
• The most common contributing factor (27.9%) was bare-hand contact by a food worker suspected to have an infectious illness, 
• followed by contamination through a method other than hand contact by a food worker suspected to have an infectious illness (23.1%) 
• and glove-hand contact by a food worker suspected to have an infectious illness (15.5%) 
• More than half of establishments with outbreaks (56.3%, 179 of 318) had a written policy and 36.2% (115) had a verbal policy requiring food workers to notify their manager when they were ill
• Most establishments with outbreaks were independently owned (72.9%, 237 of 325), were restaurants (80.2%, 333 of 415), and served complex food items (i.e., a food item required a kill step, which is a process, such as cooking, that reduces or eliminates foodborne illness pathogens, and other food preparation processes, such as cooling and reheating)

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/ss/pdfs/ss6801a1-H.pdf

Foodborne Illness Outbreaks at Retail Establishments — National Environmental Assessment Reporting System, 16 State and Local Health Departments, 2014–2016
Surveillance Summaries / February 22, 2019 / 68(1);1–20

Canada - Salad Bag Kits Recalled After Government Sampling Finds Listeria

For a second time, the Eat Smart Brand of bagged Sweet Kale salads is being recalled for Listeria.   "This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation"

The last recall came in December, again after CFIA testing.  The Eat Smart brand is produced by Curation Foods, formally Apio Inc. of Guadalupe, California.  They are a division of Landec Corporation.

With subsequent recalls coming from same facility, it would appear that there are Listeria control issues.  In cases like this, it is often expected that the recall will be expanded as the corrective action investigative  begins.

Food Recall Warning - Eat Smart brand 340 G (12 OZ) Sweet Kale Vegetable Salad Bag Kit recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes
Recall date: February 17, 2019

Florida Establishment Recalls Chicken Salad Products After Listeria Positive Test Result

"Lean Culinary Services, LLC, a Hollywood, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 223 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken salad products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes....... The problem was discovered on February 18, 2019 when FSIS inspection program personnel verified the status of product that had tested positive for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes."

Commercially made chicken salad is one of those products that screams for tight Listeria control.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-016-2019-release
Lean Culinary Services, LLC Recalls Ready To Eat Chicken Salad Products due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall 016-2019
Health Risk: High 

Feb 19, 2019

Canned Salmon Recalled After Audit Finds Thermal Process Deviation

An Alaskan seafood canner is recalling jars and cans of smoked salmon after an audit discovered a thermal process deviation for underprocessing could have resulted in the survival of Clostridium botulinum.  The distribution of product was limited to Alaska.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm631531.htm
Smoked Alaska Seafoods, Inc. Recalls 6.5 oz Jars & Cans of Smoked Silver Salmon Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
February 15, 2019

Ongoing Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Raw Turkey Products

There is an ongoing Salmonella outbreak linked to raw turkey products.  Going back to November of 2018, there are now 279 cases reported with 107 hospitalizations and one death associated with the outbreak strain , Salmonella Reading.   There have been 4 recalls - 2 for ground turkey and 2 for raw pet food.   A single, common supplier of raw turkey products or of live turkeys has not been identified so it is thought that it might be widespread in the turkey industry.

CDC Investigation Report
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/reading-07-18/index.html
Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Infections Linked to Raw Turkey Products
Español (Spanish)
Posted February 15, 2019 at 3:00 PM EDT

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending February 16, 2019

Cereal for Kids has Cross Contract in Production - Nature’s Path Foods announced a voluntary recall of a specific production run of EnviroKidz Choco Chimps, Gorilla Munch and Jungle Munch cereals for they may contain undeclared gluten (wheat and barley).  The error was isolated to one facility and due to air contamination as a result of incorrect production scheduling

Expanded Recall on Packaging Missing Egg Allergen - Ottogi America, Inc. is expanding a recall to include the two items below due to a possibility of containing egg ingredient undeclared on the packages.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm631510.htm
Nature’s Path Foods Recalls A Specific Production Run Of Envirokidz Choco Chimps, Gorilla Munch And Jungle Munch Cereals Due To Undeclared Gluten
For Immediate Release
February 15, 2019

Food Company Goes Pro-GMO for Selling Chocolate Products

In what is being claimed as a first, a food company is touting its GMO product.  This company, Ethos Chocolates, is selling four items that have plant materials altered by genetic engineering.

Food Processing Magazine
https://www.foodprocessing.com/industrynews/2019/ethos-pro-gmo-chocolate/
Ethos Chocolates – the First Pro-GMO Food Product?
By Dave Fusaro, Editor in Chief
Feb 05, 2019

Canada - Baby Food Recalled for Clostridium botulinum Concern

In Canada, Vivi and Tom, a small entrepreneurial baby food company is recalling a number of food items due to the the potential of Clostridium botulinum.  The product has no packaging codes.

According to the the Vivi and Tom Instagram page, the company was started by two mothers and formulated by a holistic nutritionist (which is probably one or both of them)  The product is sold with the 'local, seasonal, organic" marketing words that people love to hear, but was produced like they were making it for thier own kitchen....which is fine for them, but when you start to sell products to others, one has got to learn about the safe production of food.  When you start selling product for infants, it is even more important.

Clostridium botulinum for infants is a big deal.  While preformed toxin from Clostridium botulinum is bad, so is the presence of the organisms in the food where the organism has the opportunity to colonize the baby's intestinal tract...thus the reason we don't feed honey to babies.  With Canadian recall notices, we do not get a lot of information, so it is difficult to say what the exact reason was.

Food Recall Warning - Vivi and Tom Baby Food brand baby and toddler foods recalled due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria
Recall date:  February 14, 2019
Reason for recall:  Microbiological - Clostridium botulinum
Hazard classification: Class 1
Company / Firm: Vivi and Tom Baby Food
Distribution: Ontario
Extent of the distribution: Retail

CDC Update on 2018/2019 Flu Season - Less Severe

In two reports issued by the CDC on influenza in 2018/2018, the flu season started off slow, but has elevated in December and has remained high, but is being characterized as 'low severity' with less people being treated. The primary strain is A(H1N1)pdm09 and has shown some ability considerable genetic diversity indicating continual evolution of antigen segments, which will affect vaccine efficacy.

The efficacy against the virus is reported as 47% which falls in the general range of efficacy (30% to 60%).  But as CDC points out, it is still important to get vaccinated - "During the 2017–18 season, vaccination averted an estimated 7.1 million illnesses, 3.7 million medical visits, 109,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and 8,000 influenza-associated deaths (7). In addition, influenza vaccination has been found to reduce deaths, intensive care unit admissions and length of stay, and overall duration of hospitalization among hospitalized influenza patients (8)."

It is important to note that the "severity of the 2017–2018 influenza season in the U.S. was high with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating." (Clinical Infectious Diseases - 2019)

Items from report of note:

Texas Meat Processor Recalls 59lbs of Sausage for Process Deviation

A Texas based meat processor is recalling 59 pounds of sausage after USDA discovered a processing deviation during an inspection.  This process deviation may have led to the product being underprocessed.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-015-2019-release
News Release
Panola County Processing, LLC Recalls Sausage Products Due to Possible Processing Deviation 
Class I Recall
015-2019
Health Risk: High
Feb 11, 2019

FDA Investigation of 2018 E. coli Outbreak Associated with Central California Grown Romaine Lettuce

FDA released their investigation report of the 2018 E. coli outbreak associated with romaine lettuce from Central California.  In this outbreak, there were "62 reported illnesses in 16 states and the District of Columbia, resulting in 25 hospitalizations and two cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). There were no deaths."

What is clear is the difficulty of surface water contamination events can be for farms.
A summarized collection of the items of note from that report:

The E. coli Outbreak and identification of source:

• The romaine lettuce that made people sick was likely harvested between late September and mid-November 2018.   This is based upon "known production practices; the anticipated shelf-life of romaine lettuce; and the fact that reported illness-onset dates occurred from October 7 through December 4, 2018."
• "All E. coli O157:H7 isolates from ill consumers had a rare genetic fingerprint, as determined by whole genome sequencing, that was closely related to one previously seen in ill consumers in the U.S. and Canada in the Fall of 2016 and the Fall of 2017.  This source of this outbreak was not definitively proven, but it was felt that romaine lettuce was the source.
• The traceback indicated that multiple farms may have been involved, however only one reservoir sample was found to be positive linking that one farm. "An alternative explanation for this lack of traceback convergence to a single farm may be due to ill consumers having multiple romaine lettuce exposures and limited recollection of exposures and brands they ate."
• With regard to the progression of identification of the growing area - "By November 26, 2018, tracebacks identified a specific California growing region where romaine lettuce contaminated with the outbreak strain likely originated and this was narrowed down by December 13, 2018, to three specific California counties.

On the sediment-positive sample in the farm's reservoir system:

• "A sediment sample taken from an on-farm water reservoir in Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County, California tested positive for the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. "
• "This farm, identified in multiple legs of the Fall 2018 U.S. and Canadian traceback investigations, was also identified as one of the potential suppliers of leafy greens or romaine lettuce in the 2017 U.S. and Canadian traceback investigations. 
• "Bacteria, such as E. coli O157:H7 can float freely in water but because they have a charged surface, they are predominantly associated with fine particulate matter, such as sediment in bodies of water, where they can persist for extended periods of time. The sediment in the bottom of reservoirs where E. coli O157:H7 can persist is likely to be stirred up into the water when pumps are used to convey water out of a reservoir. " 
• "The investigation team was not able to determine how this on-farm water reservoir became contaminated with the outbreak strain.:
• "This reservoir was not interconnected to other water sources or distribution systems in the growing region.  In the case of the Santa Maria farm, the precise route of contamination is uncertain. However, based on interviews with the grower, there are several plausible ways in which water from the on-farm water reservoir may have come into contact with the implicated romaine lettuce, including direct harvest/postharvest application to the crop and/or use of reservoir agricultural water on harvest equipment food contact surfaces."  
• "The use of agricultural water from a reservoir open to the environment has higher food safety risk as compared to that associated with use of ground water, because of the increased potential for human pathogens to contaminate surface water."

On water treatment of reservoir water:

• "In this case, the farm did have a procedure in place to collect and test reservoir agricultural water for generic E. coli and treat the agricultural water with a sanitizer before use. However, the investigation team noted that verification procedure records did not document that the water sanitizer was present at levels that would assure that the water used to contact romaine lettuce at harvest, during postharvest handling, and to wash/rinse harvest equipment food contact surfaces was not contaminated with pathogenic bacteria."
• "Inspection of water tank sanitizer treatment systems used in harvest/postharvest handling revealed that some units had undissolved sanitizer cakes and that some tank systems were constructed in a manner that likely did not allow for optimal sanitizer treatment of the agricultural water before use. Additionally, untreated water from the contaminated reservoir was used to fill tank trucks which broadly sprayed water on roads for dust abatement and these roads were traveled on by harvest equipment prior to commencing harvest operations."  

On persistence of E. coli in water and potential contamination sources:

• "The first illnesses in this outbreak occurred in early October 2018, and therefore the outbreak strain may have been present in the on-farm water reservoir for some months or even years before the investigation team collected the positive sample, or the outbreak strain may have been repeatedly introduced into the reservoir from an unknown source. Generic E. coli has been demonstrated to survive in sediments much longer than in the overlying water.  The investigation team did not identify any obvious route for contamination of the on-farm water reservoir."
• "However, evidence of extensive wild animal activity, including waterfowl, rodents, coyotes, etc., and animal burrows near the contaminated reservoir sediment was noted by the investigation team and likely warrants consideration as a possible source(s) of the human pathogen found in the on-farm water reservoir.  Additionally, adjacent land use including the use of soil amendments, or for animal grazing on nearby land by cattle and horses, may have had the potential to be reservoirs of E. coli O157:H7."

FDA Outbreak Investigation Report
https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm631243.htm
Investigation Summary: Factors Potentially Contributing to the Contamination of Romaine Lettuce Implicated in the Fall 2018 Multi-State Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7
PDF - 80KB
 February 13, 2019

FDA Investigating Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Tahini

FDA, CDC, and local health agencies are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Concord illnesses linked to tahini imported from an Israeli manufacturer, Achdut Ltd., located in Ari’el, Israel.

Tahini is made from toasted ground hulled sesame that is used as a dip / spread or as an ingredient in hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva.   It is similar in consistency to peanut butter and has a nutty creamy flavor.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm626790.htm
FDA Investigating a Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Concord Linked to Tahini Produced by Achdut Ltd.
Update: February 08, 2019

Cannabis in Food - Hot Culinary Trend, But What About the Mental Health Research?

Cannabis has become the hot trend as more states legalize it.  But a recent article,  Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence  points out that much of the research on marijuana's impact on mental health is being overlooked.  It references numerous research studies completed over the last 20+ years that point to the fact that there are issues of dependence, increasing existing symptoms in those with forms of psychosis, and links to violence.

So reviewing the medical research via google search (selected journal articles below), it is easy to see that there are issues with extended use, especially today when the levels of THC can be much higher than years ago.  So for those companies embarking on new ventures involving cannabis, what will be the legal concerns in the coming years when people file lawsuits - perhaps the parents of a schizophrenic youth, or the victims of  accident involving a long term user?

Note - The focus here is on THC containing foods.  CBP oil is a nonpsychoactive chemical derived from hemp or marijuana.

The British Journal of Psychiatry  - Psychiatric effects of cannabis  (2018)

Results - "An appreciable proportion of cannabis users report short-lived adverse effects, including psychotic states following heavy consumption, and regular users are at risk of dependence. People with major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia are especially vulnerable in that cannabis generally provokes relapse and aggravates existing symptoms. Health workers need to recognise, and respond to, the adverse effects of cannabis on mental health."

Florida - Increasing Number of Hepatitis A Cases Reported

In Florida, there is an steadily increasing number of Hepatitis A cases.  In January of this year, 189 Hepatitis A cases were reported.  Most of the activity has been in central Florida,  In one case, a Disney food service worker was infected.  (Disney has been vaccinating employees).

Florida Department of Health
http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/vaccine-preventable-disease/hepatitis-a/index.html
Hepatitis A Surveillance
January 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending February 10, 2019

Co-Pack Customer Discover's Label Issue - VICS Acquisition, LLC, a Harlingen, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 99,975 pounds of chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the products contain eggs, a known allergen, that is not declared on the product label.  A company that VICS Acquisition, LLC co-packs for discovered the problem on Feb. 8, 2019 during a label review.

Cashews Missing on New Label - Birdseed Food CO. of Bend, OR is recalling Craft Granola Goldenola Turmeric & Ginger that was sold between the dates of 10/03/18 - 02/07/19, because it contains undeclared cashews. The mislabeling of the product happened upon attaining new packaging in October 2018 and the firm became aware of the issue via customer email.

Watch Those Therapeutic Claims - Felt, OK, McDaniel Life-Line LLC is voluntarily recalling all lots of Indian Herb to the consumer level. This product is being recalled because it is marketed without an approved NDA/ANDA. The therapeutic claims made in the labeling for this product establish that it is a drug because it is an article (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body.  Additionally, the product contains ingredients that the Agency has determined to be caustic in nature that can cause serious injury.

Wrong Potato Chip Bag - Frito-Lay announced a limited voluntary recall of a very small number of 7 1/3 oz. bags of Stacy’s Simply Naked Pita Chips because they may contain undeclared milk ingredients. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that 228 bags of Stacy’s Simply Naked Pita Chips were inadvertently filled with another flavor of pita chips, potentially exposing consumers to undeclared milk.

Hipster Chipster Label Missing Allergens - The Santa Rosa Whole Foods Market store is voluntarily recalling eight packages of its “Hipster Chipster” cookies because they contain undeclared tree nut (walnut), milk, and egg allergens that were not listed on the product label.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-014-2019-release
VICS Acquisition, LLC Recalls Chicken Products due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens 
Class I Recall
014-2019
Health Risk: High
Feb 10, 2019

FDA Issues Final Guidance on Conducting Recalls

FDA issued a final guidance document on conducting recalls - Public Warning and Notification of Recalls Under 21 CFR Part 7, Subpart C Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff.  The document can be found here:  LINK

Your own recall procedures should reflect what is in the guidance.

A few key items to note:

Inspection Reveals Meth Concealed in Shipment of Bell Peppers

US Border Protection Agents seized 1000 lbs or $14 million worth of methamphetamine, or crystal meth, in a shipment of bell peppers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility in southeast TX along the Rio Grande.

The Produce News
http://theproducenews.com/the-produce-news-today-s-headlines/25954-14-million-of-meth-in-produce-shipment
$14 million of meth in pepper shipment
    February 08, 2019

Canadian Food Law Goes Into Effect, Impact on US Suppliers to Canada

Canada's updated food safety laws went into effect on January 15th.  These are HACCP based regulations that require preventive controls for hazards identified within food processes.

Companies that want to ship into Canada must work with a licensed Canadian importer.  For exporting to the US, a Canadian company with a license is a qualified foreign supplier as part of the FSVP regulations.

According to the web page for food importation into Canada, foreign suppliers do not need to license, but they must work with a Canadian importer who does have a license.  In essence, this put all of the responsibility on the Canadian importer.

 "Foreign businesses preparing foods for export to Canada do not need a licence under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). The Canadian business importing food into Canada needs a licence under the SFCR to import and any other permission as required by other Canadian Departments and Agencies. Work with an SFC-licensed importer to ensure that your food products meet all applicable requirements of the SFCR. Only in limited situations would you qualify to apply for a licence as a non-resident importer. "  

The CFIA has published a Step-by-Step guide for importers.  "This guide describes the recommended steps you can follow to meet the requirements to import food into Canada and to maintain a food import licence. As an importer, it's your responsibility to make sure the food you import is safe and that it meets Canadian requirements."

Before you import 

Step 1: Know your food what are the risks? (Guide for Preventive Control Plan for Importers)

Step 2: Familiarize yourself with Canadian requirements for importing food - in addition to controlling hazards, there is requirements for ensuring standards, grades, net quantity, and labeling.

Step 3: Select an appropriate foreign supplier

Step 4: Preventive control plan create it and implement it

Step 5: Develop a recall and complaints procedure

Step 6: Apply for your licence to import from the CFIA

When it's time to import 

Step 7: Provide the CFIA with information about each of your shipments

After you've imported 

Step 8: Keep traceability records

Step 9: Preventive control plan maintain it

Step 10: Implement a recall and complaints procedure

Food Safety Magazine
https://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/news/canadae28099s-new-food-safety-regulations/
Canada’s New Food Safety Regulations
By Staff
News | January 22, 2019

SC - Potential Hepatitis A Exposure at Brew Pub

In South Carolina, patrons of a brew pub in Aiken, SC, during a time period of Jan. 21 through Jan. 26, 2019, are being advised to get a Hepatitis A vaccination after a restaurant worker had been diagnosed with Hepatitis A.   Those who ate there from Jan 11 though Jan 20 may also have been exposed, but vaccination will probably not help them, so those unfortunate folks are asked to watch for symptoms.

Post-exposure vaccination is recommended for individuals if it can be administered less than two weeks (14 days) from when they may have been exposed. 

South Carolina Department of Health and Enviromental Control (DHEC)
https://www.scdhec.gov/news-releases/dhec-advises-possible-hepatitis-exposures-local-aiken-restaurant
DHEC Advises of Possible Hepatitis A Exposures At local Aiken Restaurant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 4, 2019

Canned Dog Food Recalled for High Vitamin D Levels Due to Supplier Error

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is voluntarily recalling select canned dog food products due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D.  Dogs exposed to higher than required vitamin D levels may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss, and at very high levels, Vitamin D can lead to  renal dysfunction.

"Hill’s Pet Nutrition learned of the potential for elevated vitamin D levels in some of our canned dog foods after receiving a complaint in the United States about a dog exhibiting signs of elevated vitamin D levels.  Our investigation confirmed elevated levels of vitamin D due to a supplier error." 

 https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm630232.htm
Hill’s Pet Nutrition Voluntarily Recalls Select Canned Dog Food for Excessive Vitamin D
For Immediate Release
January 31, 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending February 2, 2019

Wrong Label with Spaghetti Squash Alfredo Labeled  as Chile Relleno - Taylor Farms TX, Inc., a Dallas, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 2,100 pounds of chicken products incorrectly labeled as “Chile Relleno” products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the products contain wheat which is not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered on Feb. 1, 2019 when the firm discovered that a label for “Chile Relleno” was incorrectly applied to some of its USDA’s amenable “HEB Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Alfredo & Chicken” products.

Incorrect Back Label - Perdue Foods, LLC, a Bridgewater, Va. establishment, is recalling approximately 16,011 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken nugget products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the products contain milk, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered when a retail store notified the company of an incorrect label. The establishment investigated and determined that the incorrect back label was applied to the product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-011-2019-release
Taylor Farms TX, Inc. Recalls Chicken Products Due To Misbranding And Undeclared Allergens 
Class II Recall 
011-2019 
Health Risk: Low 
Feb 2, 2019 

Chicken Breast Chunk Fritters Recalled Due to Consumer Compliant for Piece of White Rubber

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Mt. Pleasant, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 58,020 pounds of not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) breaded chicken products (popcorn style chicken breast chunk fritters) that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically white rubber.  Recall was initiated after a complaint from a retailer in Florida received a complaint.  This was a foodservice packed item.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-010-2019-release
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation Recalls Breaded Popcorn Chicken Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I Recall 
010-2019 
Health Risk: High 
Feb 1, 2019 

Canadian Food Conglomerate Shuts Down Listeria-laden CA Processed Produce Facility

McCain Foods has planned to shut down its California processed produce facility.  This facility was responsible for an extension recall in 2018 where numerous companies were forced to recall product after this facility had a Listeria issue.  According to an article in New Food Economy, "The total amount of product affected exceeds 100 million pounds, making McCain’s the largest recall of 2018."

As you may recall, the facility found presumptive positive results, but shipped product having never conducted confirmation.

Eliminating Listeria completely from a facility can be difficult, if not impossible.  At best, companies keep it under control and away from food and food contact surfaces.  It requires a large commitment of resources.  For older facilities or facilities that were poorly designed, more effort is required in cleaning to the 'microbiological' level.

The New Food Economy
https://newfoodeconomy.org/mccain-foods-closes-california-plant-whole-foods-trader-joes-listeria-recall/
McCain Foods closes the California facility responsible for 2018’s largest food safety recall

WI Firm Recalls All Nut Butter Products Due to Listeria Contamination

After a series of recalls related to Listeria (1, 2 3)  Oskri Corporation, a Wisconsin establishment, is recalling all of the product they manufactured.  "This recall has been initiated due to positive test results for Listeria monocytogenes found in multiple Oskri Corporation manufactured nut butters".

Unfortunately, this is a typical scenario for Listeria related recalls when the manufacturing facility never had Listeria controls in place.

Oskri Organics Corporation Recalls All Nut Butters because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
January 28, 2019

Update on Sentences for PCA Executives Who Sold Contaminated Peanut Butter

Food Safety News, the website sponsored by food safety lawyer Bill Marler, has an update on the convicted PCA executives, primarily Mary Wilkerson, the QA Manager who received five years in prison for her involvement.  She was charged with obstruction of justice in that she was not forthcoming about the crimes committed when the company knowingly shipped Salmonella peanut butter and forged COAs.

Five years is a long time to be locked away from family, friends, and freedom.  And for what?  Helping a dope of an owner make more money selling dangerous product rather than fixing the issue.

https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2019/01/pcas-victims-learn-the-next-stop-for-mary-wilkerson-is-a-macon-ga-half-way-house/
PCA’s victims learn the next stop for Mary Wilkerson is a Macon, GA half-way house
By Dan Flynn on January 31, 2019

Chicken Nuggets Recalled After Complaints of Contamination Due to Rubber Pieces

Tyson Foods, Inc., a Sedalia, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 36,420 pounds of chicken nugget products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically rubber.  The problem was discovered when the establishment received consumer complaints of extraneous material in purchased Panko Chicken Nugget products.  There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-009-2019-release
Tyson Foods, Inc. Recalls Chicken Nugget Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall
009-2019
Health Risk: High
Jan 29, 2019

EU - Another Baby Formula Recall Due to Salmonella Contamination

Baby formula, under the Modilac brand, is being recalled after that product was linked to several Salmonella cases in infants.  The product was produced by a facility in Spain.

Lactalis Nutrition, a French food conglomerate, is recalling baby formula that was packed by this facility.  Lactalis baby formula was linked to a Salmonella outbreak that occurred a year ago.

Food Safety Magazine
https://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/news/baby-formula-recall-is-french-companye28099s-second-in-less-than-two-years/
News | January 28, 2019
Baby Formula Recall is French Company’s Second in Less Than Two Years

Canada - Another Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Uncooked Breaded Chicken

In Canada, there have been a series of Salmonella outbreaks related to raw breaded chicken.  This week, Canadian officials announced another outbreak where 54 people have become infected.  The identified product, "Crisp & Delicious Chicken Breast Nuggets", have been recalled. 
The package clearly lists safety handling instructions and the fact that the product is uncooked.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2018/outbreaks-salmonella-infections-linked-raw-chicken-including-frozen-raw-breaded-chicken-products.html
Public Health Notice - Outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to raw chicken, including frozen raw breaded chicken products

Are Meat Alternatives in Your Future?

While meat consumption worldwide continues to increase, there are many Americans who have reduced their consumption of meat and those who have eliminated meat from their diet.  With this, there is a push to meat alternatives -

1. Plant based - those derived from plant based products including "Beyond Burger (made of pea protein, canola oil and coconut fat, colored with beets) and the Impossible Burger (soy protein, coconut oil and its central meat-like ingredient soy leghemoglobin, or “heme,” produced with a genetically modified yeast). The other variety is cultured meats, derived from extracted animal cells and cultivated into products that manufacturers claim are virtually identical to meat from slaughtered animals."
2. Animal cultured meats - derived from extracted animal cells and cultivated into products that manufacturers claim are virtually identical to meat from slaughtered animals. Animal cell culture "refers to the process by which cells are grown in a controlled artificial environment.  Cells can be maintained in vitro outside of their original body by this process which is quite simple compared to organ and tissue culture."

While plant based meats are already being sold, animal cell culture has number of hurdles before it will be available.  First is the regulatory hurdle - FDA and USDA must determine the potential hazards, oversight considerations, and labeling of cell cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry tissue.  Then there is the cost associated with commercialization.   If you have done cell culture work you know that it is not easy.....it is not like growing bacteria or yeasts.  Conditions must be more exact and controlled (proper nutrients, gases, etc.  Contamination is a huge issue.)  Scaling up these processes will take a lot of investment, but it seems that there are a lot of people lining up to invest.

What do you think?  Are you willing to eat meat where growth started on a plate. For me, between the two, I have to go with the plant based items.  Heck, just throw a good marinara sauce on soy meatball filled with onion and garlic rather than some petri-animal tissue thing.

Bloomsberg Businessweek
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-25/we-ll-always-eat-meat-why-more-of-it-won-t-be-meat-quicktake
We’ll Always Eat Meat. But More of It Will Be ‘Meat’
By
Deena Shanker  and  Lydia Mulvany
‎January‎ ‎25‎, ‎2019‎ ‎12‎:‎00‎ ‎AM

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending January 26, 2019

Milk Missed on Label - Harvest Food Group, Inc., a Chicago, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 47,332 pounds of Not Ready-To-Eat (NRTE) chicken fried rice products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen,  milk, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered by the firm during a label inventory check.

Milk Missed on the Label II - Perrigo Company, in coordination with The Kroger Company, is initiating a voluntary recall of one production lot of Simple Truth Organic Banana, Strawberry & Apple Fruit Puree with Nonfat Greek Yogurt (LOT L8159, best by 08/06/2019, produced in Spain) due to improper labeling that does not indicate the presence of milk, posing a potential risk to consumers with milk allergies.   An investigation determined that the Nutrition Facts Panel, Ingredient Declaration, and Allergen Statement on the back label of the package are incorrect on this lot due to a printing error.

Egg Missed on Label - Ottogi America, Inc. announced today it is recalling below 21 items due to a possibility of containing egg ingredient undeclared on the packages.  There was no information on how this was missed.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-007-2019-release
Harvest Food Group, Inc. Recalls Poultry Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen
Class I Recall
007-2019
Health Risk: High
Jan 25, 2019

Nut Butters Recalled for Listeria After Co-packer Issues Recall Due to Listeria

A California company is recalling all lots of their branded nut butter after their co-packer issued recall.  Recall dates cover a year's production although it seems that tests were on recent lots.

This comes after December's recall for nut butter due to Listeria that was manufactured by Oskri of Wisconsin.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm629819.htm
SL: Recall of Thrive Market Nut Butters Due to Potential Health Risk
For Immediate Release
January 24, 2019

Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums Recalled After Positive Listeria Test

Jac. Vandenberg, Inc. of Yonkers, New York is recalling produce from Chile -  1,727 cartons of Fresh Peaches, 1,207 cartons of Fresh Nectarines and 365 cartons of Fresh Plums - after testing indicated the presence of  Listeria monocytogenes.  The produce was distributed in 18 different states through small and large retailers including Walmart.

"The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the packing house which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem."

This is a difficult situation.  Bulk product passing through the packing house is sampled and tests positive with the results taking a few days to come.  In the meantime product has entered a vast system for distribution.  Control is best applied at the point of origin, which in this case, is in Chile.  If there are no controls, or inadequate controls, testing becomes a gamble.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm629797.htm
Jac. Vandenberg, Inc. Recalls Fresh Peaches, Fresh Nectarines and Fresh Plums Because They May Be Contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes
For Immediate Release
January 24, 2019

Controversial Palm Oil is Everywhere

 A Daily Mail article states that researchers are asking for more studies on the health aspects of palm oil.  I did not realize the extent of palm oil usage until traveling overseas where palm oil is the primary oil used...it is pretty much in everything.  While the US uses far more corn and soybean oil, there is an increasing use of palm oil, especially now that trans fats have been banned.  This growth is expected to exceed 20% per year.

What are the advantages of palm oil?

• Inexpensive
• Increased stability in heat applications, high smoke point
• Longer shelf-life.
• No trans fats
• Non-animal source

The application properties are linked to the fact that it is highly saturated.  Like coconut oil, it is solid at room temperature, but is slightly lower in the level of unsaturated fats (50% vs 85%).  Because of its lower cost, it becomes an excellent in fry applications or as an ingredient in confectionery, chocolate, or bakery products.

So there is a question of how healthy is palm oil, especially as it becomes a bigger part of the food we eat.

Another complaint is the degree to which manufacturers cheapen food with palm oil.  Will we see the amount of palm oil in foods nudging higher in order to keep food cost low, for example, replacing cocoa butter in chocolate or dairy fat in ice cream?

But there is another issue.  Palm oil comes from palm trees which are grown in tropical areas of the world.  As more and more of tropical acreage is plowed under for palm trees, what long term impact will increased usage have on the environment including the wildlife in those areas?  Can it be made in a way that can be considered sustainable?  A certifying group, RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) has established criteria for sustainable palm oil and provides a mechanism for those using palm oil to identify more sustainable sources.  But how much will that prevent deforestation?  As large multinational companies buy the RSPO certified oil, there is bound to be smaller companies no longer to pay the premium for this, and will end up buying oil produced by less sustainable sources.  Not unless all sources are forced to become RSPO certified producers.

Daily Mail.com
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6618407/Palm-oil-industry-deploying-tactics-similar-alcohol-tobacco-industries.html
Is palm oil safe? Studies into the controversial oil have been 'authored by the industry' as researchers demand independent probe
•Four of nine studies showing 'overwhelming' positives were from the industry
•Palm oil is expected to be used more as a trans fat - known as bad for health
•Researchers calling for more independent research and to be wary of lobbyists

By Vanessa Chalmers Health Reporter For Mailonline

Published: 04:35 EST, 22 January 2019  | Updated: 06:17 EST, 22 January 2019

Baby Spinach Recalled for Potential Salmonella Contamination

Satur Farms, 3705 Alvah's Lane, Cutchogue, NY 11935 is voluntarily recalling Baby Spinach and Mesclun with the specific lot numbers following routine sampling by Florida Department of Agriculture and New York State Department of Agriculture and markets that determined teh potential for Salmonella contamination.  The product package indicates the spinach originated in Florida.

Whole Foods also issued a recall notice for a multitude of product made with the recalled baby spinach.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm629755.htm
[Baby Spinach] Product Recall Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
January 23, 2019

Gold Medal Flour Recalled After Product Testing Indicated Potential Salmonella Contamination

General Mills issued a recall of five-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached Flour with a better if used by date of April 20, 2020 for the potential of Salmonella after sample testing of the product. 

While proper cooking of product made from flour would eliminate Salmonella, the concern is that people may under cook items made from flour or that flour dust in the kitchen may contaminate food or food contact surfaces.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm629754.htm
General Mills Recalls Five Pound Bags of Gold Medal Unbleached Flour
For Immediate Release
January 23, 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending January 19. 2019

Coconut in Seasoning Ingredient Mix But Not on Label - Custom Made Meals, LLC, a Denver, Colo., establishment, is recalling approximately 7,954 pounds of chicken skewer products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, - the products contain coconut, a known tree nut allergen that is not declared on the product label. "The problem was discovered on Jan. 16, 2019, when establishment personnel observed production employees with nut allergen stickers and determined that a “Coconut Teriyaki Tropical” seasoning was being utilized on the product."

Inadvertent Peanut Contamination - Mojave Foods Corporation is initiating a voluntary recall of El Guapo Chile Habanero and Chile Pasilla-Ancho pouches due to an unlabeled peanut allergen. While no reason was stated, one would guess this was a cross contact issue involving a wrong ingredient or perhaps a processing line that was inadequately cleaned.

Supplier Issue Results in Undeclared Peanuts - RXBAR is voluntarily recalling certain varieties of bars because they may contain undeclared peanuts. From the release, "RXBAR identified the potential for peanut in two varieties – Chocolate Sea Salt and Coconut Chocolate – in December and initiated a recall of those varieties. We are expanding the recall out of an abundance of caution after recently receiving consumer contacts regarding allergic reactions to additional varieties. Our investigation concluded that the issues stem from a specific ingredient supplied by a third party. We immediately changed suppliers for this ingredient when the issue arose."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-005-2019-release
Custom Made Meals, LLC Recalls Chicken Skewer Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Class I Recall
005-2019
Health Risk: High
Jan 18, 2019

Consumer Complaints of Black Rubber Pieces Forces Recall of Pork Patties

Johnsonville, LLC, a Sheboygan Falls, Wis. establishment, is recalling approximately 48,371 pounds of raw ground pork patty products that may be contaminated with black rubber pieces.  The problem was discovered when the firm received three consumer complaints regarding black rubber in the product.  FSIS was notified on Jan. 17, 2019.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-003-2019-release
Johnsonville, LLC Recalls Raw Ground Frozen Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Flavored Pork Patty Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I Recall  003-2019 
Health Risk: High  Jan 18, 2019 

Canada - Smoked Salmon Recalled After Positive Listeria Testing by CFIA

A Canadian seafood company is recalling certain brands of smoked salmon, Salmon Village brand Hot Smoked Atlantic Salmon Nuggets, from the marketplace after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) testing found Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

With smoked salmon, Listeria contamination is a potential risk in post process handling and processing, especially dicing or slicing operations.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2019-01-17/eng/1547779415158/1547779417014
Food Recall Warning - Certain Salmon Village brand Hot Smoked Atlantic Salmon Nuggets recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes
Recall date:January 17, 2019 
Reason for recall:Microbiological - Listeria 
Hazard classification:Class 1 
Company / Firm:Delta Pacific Seafoods 
Distribution: Alberta , British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Extent of the distribution:Retail   

Another Watchdog Group Issues a Food Safety Report

Watchdog groups are important for safety of products, including food products.  And I think we understand that there will be a certain amount of spin used to hype up the call to action.  The latest is from a group called U.S. PIRG.  They stretch the math a good bit and miss the important underlying detail.

Statement
"There has been a 10-percent increase in food recalls overall between 2013 and 2018." 
Comment
This does not mean our food is less safe, but rather, our surveillance, detection, and tracking has improved dramatically.  Our ability to find and link contamination events through networks linked to CDC and our use of whole genome sequencing. 

Statement
"Recalls of meat and poultry alone increased by 83 percent over the last five years."
Comment
But if you look at the types of recalls that we are seeing, many recalls logged in this period are related to foreign objects.  USDA in conjunction with the meat  industry has done a tremendous job in reducing serious outbreaks related to E. coli and Listeria. 

Statement
"Karthikeyan cited the March 2018 romaine lettuce recall from Yuma, Arizona that killed five people and made more than 200 sick due to an outbreak of E.coli."
“A simple solution to this, which would have likely prevented the outbreak, would be to set public health limits on how much dangerous E. coli can be in water on produce farms,” Karthikeyan said.
Comment
This is not an easy fix.  If it were easy, it would have been fixed.  We understand that contaminated irrigation water is a critical factor, but keeping small levels of contaminants out of miles and miles of surface water is just not easy.

Statement
“These recalls are a warning to everyone that something is rotten in our fields and our slaughterhouses and government agencies need to make sure that the food that reaches people’s plates are safe.”
Comment
This statement is over the top.  The issues we face from from contaminants that are naturally present...not something rotten.  Animals of all types - cows, birds, geckos - have been associated with pathogens such as Salmonella for as long as those species have existed.  So thier solution - "Prevent the sale of Salmonella-contaminated meats" is just not going to simply happen without changing the fundamental properties of the products we eat.   You are not going to have pasture-raised beef with minimal chemical added that is going to be free from Salmonella. 

Statement
"We’re calling on the USDA to stop allowing the sale of meat that testing reveals is contaminated with dangerous, antibiotic-resistant Salmonella."
Comment
You cannot test your way to safety.  Prevention is key and looking at ways to reduce levels of contamination is important, just as it is to make sure consumers who handle and prepare foods do it correctly.

The group uses the CDC estimate as a goalpost - "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 1 in 6 people in the U.S. get foodborne illness with 128,000 individuals hospitalized and 3,000 dying every year." and suggests these number have to improve.  This number is a calculated guess at best.  The easiest way to improve these numbers is to give them a different statistician.

We get it...we need to improve our system.  But this report looks like it was prepared by junior high school students without a real understanding of the issues and can be considered an insult to those who work everyday to our food safe.

You can find the full report here - LINK.

Philadelphia Tribune
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/watchdog-agency-report-highlights-flaws-in-nation-s-food-safety/article_ca21735e-2ca1-5a1d-811e-bfb06ab309b1.html
Watchdog agency report highlights flaws in nation’s food safety system  
Ayana Jones Tribune Staff Writer
January 17, 2019

Consumer Complaints for Wood Pieces In Chicken Nuggets Triggers Recall

Perdue Foods, LLC, a Perry, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 68,244 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken nugget products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically wood.  The problem was discovered when the firm received three consumer complaints that wood was found in the product. A complaint was also reported to FSIS’ consumer complaint monitoring system. FSIS was notified by the firm on Jan. 17, 2019.

Here is another example of the impact of consumer complaints going into the federal agency's consumer complaint portal.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-002-2019-release
Perdue Foods LLC Recalls Simplysmart Organics Gluten Free Chicken Nugget Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I Recall
002-2019
Health Risk: High
Jan 17, 2019

Government Shutdown and Food Safety - Let the Media Begin Their Spin

With the US Government shutdown, there is bound to be numerous news releases on the impact on food safety.  While the FDA has suspended inspections, USDA continues to inspect facilities.  Will our food become more risky?  Reading through the headlines, consumers can be made to feel uneasy, depending on what they read:
Time - You May Be at Higher Risk of Eating Contaminated Food During the Government Shutdown
Live Science - What the Slowdown in FDA Food Inspections Means for You (Spoiler: Don't Panic Yet)

The reality is that food (FDA regulated items) will not instantaneously become more risky.  Yes, FDA inspections are an important part of our food safety system, but their role is more inspection than preventive control.  FDA is not in every facility every day, most facilities would lucky to get a yearly inspection (although I am sure they would not say lucky).  When we look at the major outbreaks this year - the E. coli in Romaine lettuce outbreaks in AZ and CA, it is not like we have inspectors in the fields testing canal water or chasing wild critters away.  And it is not like food processors are a bunch of hoodlums who will suddenly stop obeying regulations because they are less likely to get an inspection.  Processors are businesses who need to produce safe product to stay in business.  If there is an outbreak, there are emergency response personnel.  Plus state inspections are still being conducted, covering FDA regulated facilities.

Longer term however, inspectors are important for reviewing facilities that have complaint issues, or who may have had past transgressions.  Their role is also important for reporting and investigating food facilities who are involved in an outbreak or who have issued a recall.  And true, knowing the cop may be around the corner is more likely to ensure that you don't do the rolling stop at the stop sign.  The vast majority won't, but certainly an arguable point.

Finally, nobody likes to be out of work due to political issues or any issues, especially those issues that do not involve the work that they do.

Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jennysplitter/2019/01/10/what-the-government-shutdown-means-for-food-safety/#2c82f070f6d3
What The Government Shutdown Means For Food Safety
Jenny Splitter  Contributor  Food & Drink  I cover the intersections of technology, farming and food.  Jan 10, 2019 

Ohio Firm Recalls Raw Sausage Product Due to Potential Contamination with Pieces of Rubber

A Sandusky, Ohio establishment, J. H. Routh Packing Co, is recalling approximately 1,719 pounds of raw pork sausage products that may be contaminated with rubber pieces.  The notice does not indicate how the company discovered the issue.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-001-2019-release
J. H. Routh Packing Co. Recalls Pork Sausage Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I Recall 
001-2019 
Health Risk: High 
Jan 9, 2019 

FDA Issues Alert on Marshmallow-Dipped Candy Products After Worker Diagnosed with Hepatitis A

FDA issued a health alert for Bauer's Candies Modjeska (individually wrapped marshmallow-dipped in chocolate or caramel candies) after a worker tested positive for Hepatitis A.  Although this warning was issued last month, there does not appear to be a recall posted on the FDA website.

Hepatitis A can last for extended periods of time (testing is difficult to determine) on food and food contact surfaces, so it can be expected that if the virus was present on the product it could be transmitted to food.

This example demonstrates the need to have employee health controls in place, including instructing workers to notify management if they have, or have been exposed, to the virus, or have the symptoms.

As a customer, I would be completely ticked off if I had contracted Hepatitis A from chocolate covered marshmallows.  I don't even care for chocolate covered marshmallows which even make it even worse.

From Wikipedia - A Modjeska is a confection consisting of marshmallow dipped in caramel. It was created in the 1880s in Louisville, KY by confectioner Anton Busath to honor Shakespearean actress Helena Modjeska, who was performing there at the time. Other Louisville shops began to make versions of the candy, which continues to be popular in the region today.  Helena Modjeska (October 12, 1840 – April 8, 1909), whose actual Polish surname was Modrzejewska (Polish pronunciation: [mɔdʐɛˈjɛfska]), was a renowned actress who specialized in Shakespearean and tragic roles. (Pic below)

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/SafetyAlertsAdvisories/ucm627841.htm
Public Health Alert Concerning a Possible Hepatitis A Contamination of Bauer’s Candies’ Modjeskas
12/06/2018