Sausage Pizza Recalled Because it Wasn't Produced Under USDA Inspection

A Brooklyn N.Y. firm is recalling approximately 649 pounds of frozen pizza products that contain pork that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection.  The problem was discovered on June 4, 2019, when the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets contacted FSIS inquiring as to whether the plant was operating under a USDA Grant of Inspection.  [I guess they weren't....yeah, that 3% or more meat added just never seems like enough to bother somebody].

https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2019/06/06/table-87-frozen-pizza-recall/
KOKA CBS 2
USDA Recalls Nearly 650 Pounds Of Table 87 Frozen Pizza Products
June 6, 2019 at 8:50 pm

Europe - Cold Smoked Fish Linked to 18 Cases of Listeria, 5 deaths

In Europe, cold-smoked trout and salmon produced in Estonia has been identified as the source of a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak which has affected 22 people in five countries since 2014.

Food Safety Magazine
https://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/news/cold-smoked-fish-to-blame-for-multi-country-listeria-outbreak/
News | June 4, 2019
Cold-Smoked Fish to Blame for Multi-Country Listeria Outbreak

Brazil - Atypical Case of BSE in Cow Impacts International Trade

A case of BSE, bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease, was detected in a 17-year-old cow.  While no meat from this cow entered commerce, several countries immediately banned beef imports from Brazil.

In the US, there are specific regulations for handling SRMs, or specified risk materials, that pose the greatest risk of containing the BSE agent.  The vertebral column and spinal cord of cattle 30 months of age and older are considered to be SRMs.

Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-livestock-madcow/brazil-reports-atypical-case-of-mad-cow-disease-ministry-idUSKCN1T12M0
World News
May 31, 2019 / 5:37 PM / 6 days ago
Brazil reports atypical case of mad cow disease: ministry

Two Recalls Issued for Foreign Material - Sausage Product and Chicken Product

Two companies issued recalls for foreign material.

Johnsonville, LLC., a Sheboygan Falls, Wis. establishment, is recalling approximately 95,393 pounds of its ready-to-eat jalapeño cheddar smoked sausage products that may be contaminated with extraneous material, specifically hard green plastic.  The problem was discovered when the company notified FSIS that they received a consumer complaint regarding green hard plastic in the product.

Perdue Foods LLC., a Bridgewater, Va. establishment, is recalling approximately 31,703 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of bone material.  The problem was discovered after FSIS and the company received consumer complaints.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-063-2019-release
Johnsonville, LLC. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Jalapeño Cheddar Smoked Sausage Links Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I
Recall  063-2019 
Health Risk: High 
May 31, 2019 

Topics in Supply and Demand and Sustainability

U.S. organic sales pass $50 billion mark for first time - although the rate of growth is slowing.

Making Food Waste into a Business - As emphasis is put on reducing food waste, some have made utilization of food waste into a business.  This includes using off-spec fruit and vegetables either as part of an ugly produce sales program or to use as a raw material for pressing and blending, using spent brewing grains to make nutrition drinks, or using juice from cooked off chick peas for mayonnaise.

Getting Rid of Plastic Straws - More foodservice / retail operations are phasing out plastic straws.  This includes Whole Foods and Starbucks.  This is as much, or more of a symbolic move as plastic straws are just a small part of the overall plastic waste stream.

A Coffee Cup Recycling Program - With the growing need to curb waste, some are looking at a food container recycling system - once a cup is used, it is collected, washed, and then reused.  We have seen similar systems with pallets and bicycles, why not coffee cups.  (Personally, I'd prefer to bring my own and wash it myself.)

Project Loop - "Loop is a new way to shop, offering about 300 items — from Tide detergent to Pantene shampoo, Häagen-Dazs ice cream to Crest mouthwash — all in reusable packaging. After using the products, customers put the empty containers in a Loop tote on their doorstep. The containers are then picked up by a delivery service, cleaned and refilled, and shipped out to consumers again."  Shipping becomes a hurdle for this.  As well as consumers giving up the ease of use associated with disposable plastic.

Speaking of shipping,
Trucking capacity is in a jam.  Demand for trucking is expanding rapidly as eCommerce grows.  There is a need for more trucks and even a bigger demand for drivers.  Add on that the infrastructure issues (crowded highways, deteriorating roads and bridges).

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending May 25, 2019

There is egg in that salad - New Seasons Market is recalling approximately 60 pounds of Bacon Shallot Potato salad because it may contain undeclared eggs.  This recall was voluntarily initiated after it was discovered that product containing egg was sold in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg.

Milk Missed on Salad Label - Wegmans Food Markets is recalling Wegmans Neptune Salad (UPC begins with 20108831), sold in random-weight packages, in the seafood department at six NY and NJ Wegmans stores on May 16 through May 21, 2019 because the product contains milk not declared on the label.  The recall was initiated after an employee discovered that some packages were labeled incorrectly at these stores.

Dried Apricots has Sulfites, But Not on Label - House of Spices (India) is recalling all lots of 7ounce (200g) packages of "LAXMI DRIED APRICOT" because they may contain undeclared sulfites. The recall was initiated after it was discovered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs that the sulfite-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of sulfites.

Forgot the Mayo (and that there are Eggs in the Mayo) - Hearthside Food Solutions of Woodridge, IL is voluntarily recalling 7-Eleven ‘The Italian Job’ sandwiches, which have an incorrect information panel label that does not declare eggs as an allergen.  In total, 1038 sandwiches were distributed to 362 7-Eleven stores in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois.  The issue was discovered when a sandwich was not scannable at the store.  It was discovered that an obsolete ‘Italian Style Sub’ label was used, which did not declare “reduced fat mayonnaise,” an ingredient that contains eggs.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/new-seasons-market-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-eggs-bacon-shallot-potato-salad
New Seasons Market Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Eggs in Bacon Shallot Potato Salad
Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 22, 2019
FDA Publish Date: May 22, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:Company Name:New Seasons Market
Brand Name:  New Seasons Market
Product Description:  Bacon Shallot Potato Salad

Feed Recall Due to Aflatoxins Expanded

"Cargill’s animal nutrition business is expanding its voluntary recall of select Southern States® feed due to aflatoxin levels that exceed FDA’s action levels. This is an expansion of the recall initiated May 6, 2019 and is the result of Cargill’s internal investigation that identified additional products containing an ingredient provided from the same supplier referenced in the May 6, 2019 recall announcement. The expansion includes products manufactured between October 31, 2018 and March 1, 2019."

Alfatoxin is a type of mycotoxin, or mold toxin, which is produced in raw materials such as corn when that corn or other product has been subject to conditions that allowed mold to grow.  Aflatoxin can had a wide range of effects on the animals fed with the contaminated product

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cargill-expands-previously-announced-voluntary-recall-select-southern-statesr-feed-due
Cargill Expands Previously Announced Voluntary Recall of Select Southern States® Feed Due to High/Excessive/or Elevated Aflatoxin Levels
When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 26, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  May 26, 2019
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Elevated Aflatoxin Levels
Company Name:  Cargill, Inc.
Brand Name:  Southern States
Product Description:  Various animal feed

Who Knew - Everyone has Face Mites

In case you have not seen this story...we all have little mites that live in the pores of our face.  The mites, closely related to ticks, live off of the oils in your hair follicles.  They pose no real risk, except perhaps in certain cases where the numbers of mites gets out of control, resulting in a condition called demodicosis.

Click on the NPR story link to see a video of what these creatures look like.

NPR
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/05/21/725087824/meet-the-mites-that-live-on-your-face
Public Health
Meet The Mites That Live On Your Face

Granola Product Recalled Due to Foreign Material Associated Cashew Ingredient

A marketing company, purely elizabeth, is recalling granola products for unidentified foreign material.   Neither the FDA announcement or the company notice listed what the foreign material is.  But it did state that the foreign material was the cashew supplier's issue.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/purely-elizabeth-voluntarily-recalls-granola-due-potential-presence-foreign-material
purely elizabeth Voluntarily Recalls Granola Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material

Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 22, 2019
FDA Publish Date: May 22, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:
Company Name:purely elizabeth
Brand Name:  purely elizabeth
Product Description:  Granola

Aldi Recalling Bagged Flour Due to Potential E. coli Contamination, Linked to Outbreak Affecting 17

ALDI is recalling All Purpose Flour, which was produced by ADM, after RI Department of Health discovered the organism during sample testing.  The organism isolated from the bag is closely related by whole genome sequencing to the strain of E. coli O26 that has caused an outbreak affecting 17 people in 8 states.  [Okay raw-cookie-dough eaters, time to pay attention.]

ALDI has recalled Bakers Corner All Purpose Flour sold at retail locations in the Northeastern United States due to a potential presence of E. coli.  This product was sourced from an ADM Milling Co. production facility in Buffalo, N.Y. and was distributed to select ALDI stores in 11 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia.

The contamination was discovered during testing of a five-pound bag of Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour by the Rhode Island Department of Health.   There are two lot numbers involved in this recall: Lot L18A02 and L18A03. The products have Best If Used By Dates of Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, 2019. The product was manufactured at ADM’s flour mill in Buffalo, New York.

On May 24, 2019, further DNA analysis found that the E. coli in the unopened sample of flour was closely related by whole genome sequencing to the strain of E. coli O26 that has caused an outbreak affecting 17 people in 8 states.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/association-adm-milling-co-aldi-issues-isolated-recall-5-lb-bakers-corner-all-purpose-flour
In Association with ADM Milling Co., ALDI Issues Isolated Recall for 5 lb. Bakers Corner All Purpose Flour

Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 22, 2019
FDA Publish Date: May 23, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:
Company Name: ALDI
Brand Name: Bakers Corner
Product Description:  Flour

Chicken Soup Recalled Due to Foreign Material - Plastic Pieces

Blount Fine Foods, a McKinney, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 6,690 pounds of soup with chicken products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically plastic. 
The problem was discovered when the recalling firm notified FSIS of consumer complaints.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these product.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-058-2019-release
Blount Fine Foods Recalls Soup with Chicken Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

Class II Recall 

058-2019

Health Risk: Low 

May 23, 2019

Narcotics Hidden in Produce Shipments Are Seized at Border

In the last few days, Federal authorities have seized an enormous amount of drugs at the border which were being smuggled in produce trailers.  One shipment was 930 lbs of meth (methamphetamine) worth $18.5 million.  The other was  242 pounds of cocaine (value - $2.1 million) comingled with a shipment of Bell peppers.

Newsweek - U.S. 
https://www.newsweek.com/methamphetamine-bust-us-customs-and-border-protection-pharr-international-1432404
'Huge' Load of Meth worth $18.5 Million Found in Trailer Carrying Fresh Carrots
By Dan Cancian On 5/22/19 at 7:13 AM EDT

Illinois Establishment Recalls Ground Beef After USDA Testing Finds E.coli O157:H7

Aurora Packing Company, Inc., a North Aurora, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 62,112 pounds of raw beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  The problem was discovered during traceback activities in response to random sample testing by FSIS.   Three have been no reported illnesses.

Aurora Packing Company, Inc. Recalls Beef Products Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination 
Class I Recall
057-2019
Health Risk:High
May 22, 2019

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Ice Cream Facility for Inadequate Listeria Control

FDA issued a warning letter to an Ohio ice cream facility after finding Listeria monocytognes on consecutive inpections still in the facility.  From FDA's perspective, the facility had not done sufficient corrective action to reduce this environmental bacterial pathogen.

FDA stated "Nine environmental swabs collected by FDA during our most recent inspection were positive for L. monocytogenes. Furthermore, environmental swabs collected during our 2018 inspection revealed L. monocytogenes in nine swabs within your facility and environmental swabs collected during our 2017 inspection revealed L. monocytogenes in three swabs within your facility."  Further,  "FDA laboratory analysis of the environmental swabs found the presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes),...... including the same strain found during FDA’s 2018 inspection."

The facility conducted had their own testing and from their results,  "Listeria spp. [was found] in your environment seven times on surfaces adjacent to Zone 1 locations and other non-food contact surface locations within your processing environment including areas within your RTE room. Review of your records finds that your written corrective action procedures were followed each time a positive swab was found in your facility; however, these repeated findings of Listeria in your environment are further evidence that additional measures may be needed in your facility to address Listeria."

Along with this, the inspection noted items of risk including improper use of high pressure hoses which can cross contaminate back onto food surfaces.  "[FDA] investigators observed an employee using a high-pressure hose to spray the floor with water while performing sanitation operations. They observed overspray from the floor onto equipment reported as having been cleaned and from the floor onto unopened buckets of ingredients that were going to be used to produce ice cream the next day."

The other issue was poor drainage from the processing floor - "the design of the production floor does not allow for the proper drainage of water. Water used in the cleaning of equipment pools in various locations throughout the production area of your facility, which can provide harborage areas for pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria."

Once Listeria becomes established in a facility, it can become difficult to eliminate.  The level of positive Listeria swabs are clear indication that corrective actions were not sufficient. The Blue Bell Listeria contamination issue where corrective action to Listeria positive findings were also inadequate. .


FDA WARNING LETTER
Velvet Ice Cream Company 
MARCS-CMS 575444 — 06/05/2019
  Delivery Method:VIA UPSProduct:Food & Beverages
Dairy
Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) 

Vegetable Trays Removed from C-Store After Linked to Salmonella Cases

Vegetable trays made by Del Monte and sold through Kwik Trip convenience stores were removed from sale after being linked to Salmonella cases, 3 in WI and 1 in Minnesota.  The same product sold at Kwik Trip stores last June was linked to a Cyclospora outbreak.  FDA is inspecting the Del Monte facility that produced vegetable trays

FDA Outbreak Investigation
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-infantis-linked-del-monte-vegetable-trays-spring-2019
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Infantis Linked to Del Monte Vegetable Trays, Spring 2019

FDA inspects Del Monte processing facility, joining state authorities from Wisconsin and Minnesota in an outbreak investigation
 May 22, 2019

A More Independent FDA?

An interesting article in Science on giving the FDA more independence citing political wrangling that slows FDA actions.  They cite 7 former commissioners who are "recommending the recasting of the FDA as an independent federal agency apart and distinct from the DHHS . Essential pillars of independence to be embodied in the “new” FDA are to comprise rule-making authority subject to selective Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)–OMB oversight of important regulations, and more independence in its ability to manage litigation (in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice)".

The problem with this....potential impact of activist commissioners.  While FDA may be slow...much of that is that there needs to be strong scientific support before rules can be enacted, and with questions of morality, there needs to be the influence of politics where the majority has an influence on decisions.

Science
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/364/6441/628
When science and politics collide: Enhancing the FDA
Eli Y. Adashi1,   Rohit S. Rajan2,   I. Glenn Cohen2,3
+ See all authors and affiliations
Science  17 May 2019:
Vol. 364, Issue 6441, pp. 628-631
DOI: 10.1126/science.aaw8093

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending May 18, 2019

Salad with Chicken with Undeclared Soy - Caito Foods LLC., an Indianapolis, Ind. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,767 pounds of salad with chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

NY State Finds Product Label Missing Sulfites - US TRADING COMPANY is warning consumers not to consume GLOBAL PRIDE RATTAN SHOOT IN BRINE. The product is being recalled because the product contains Sulfites which is not declared on the labeling. The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors. After analysis, 555.0 ppm of sulfite was detected in the Global Pride Rattan Shoot in Brine 24 ounce glass jar which were not declared on the label.

Milk in Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert - Coolhaus is voluntarily recalling its Dairy Free Horchata Frozen Dessert Sandwich because it may contain milk.  Only one consumer complaint has been reported to date.

The Mayonnaise Has Soy GHSW, LLC is voluntarily recalling select salads, wraps and salad bar trays sold two Whole Foods Markets 365 in Texas and at Whole Foods Markets in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas because the product labels fail to declare soy as a sub-ingredient of the mayonnaise used to manufacture the products.  Some of the labels, however state that the products "may contain soy."   The recall was initiated after it was discovered during a label review that mayonnaise containing soy was used in these products and that the packaging did not properly declare the presence of soy.

Missed the Anchovies - MIBO Fresh Foods LLC, a Fort Worth, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 1,460 pounds of salad with meat products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the product contains anchovies which was not declared on the label.  The problem was discovered by a retail store when the mislabeled products were being unboxed to be placed on the retail store shelves.

Missed the Anchovies - Taylor Farms Texas Inc., a Dallas, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 1,079 pounds of Caesar salad with chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the product contains anchovies (fish allergen) which is not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered by a retail store when the mislabeled products were being unpackaged to be placed on the retail store shelves.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-054-2019-release
Caito Foods LLC. Recalls Salads with Chicken Products due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens 
Class I
Recall  054-2019
Health Risk:High
May 17, 2019

IL Establishment Recalls Frankfurters for Foreign Material (Metal)

Vienna Beef Ltd., a Chicago, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,030 pounds of beef frank links products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal.  These items were shipped to food service locations in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The problem was discovered by the establishment and reported to FSIS.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-055-2019-release
Vienna Beef Ltd. Recalls Beef Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I

Recall 055-2019
Health Risk:High 

May 18, 2019

EU - Report on Chemical Residues in Animals and Animal Products

The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) released their 2017 report on the presence of residues of  veterinary medicinal products and certain substances in live animals and animal products in the 

European Union (EU).  The study look at pharmaceutical compounds, antimicrobials, and environmental contaminants such as mycotoxins.   The results showed good compliance with regulations.  Overall in 2017, the percentage of non-compliant targeted samples (0.35%) was comparable to the previous 10 years (0.25%–0.37%).

This may serve as a good reference if importing animal products from the EU.

EFSA Technical Report
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/sp.efsa.2019.EN-1578
Report for 2017 on the results from the monitoring of veterinary medicinal product residues and other substances in live animals and animal products

APPROVED: 8 February 2019

Tahini Product Recalled after linked to Four Cases of Salmonella

Broddzenatti Holding LLC of Jupiter, Florida is recalling retail and bulk Karawan brand Tahini, sold in 16-ounce jars and 39-pound buckets that were imported from Palestine between the dates of December 2018 to January 2019, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Four (4) illnesses have been reported to date
This recall has been initiated due to New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene laboratory results from two samples of Karawan brand tahini testing positive for Salmonella.

There have been some recent recalls of tahini due to salmonella ( February of 2019,  May of 2018), as well as Listeria (January of 2019).

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/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/broddzenatti-holding-llc-recalls-karawan-brand-tahini-because-possible-health-risk
Broddzenatti Holding LLC. Recalls Karawan Brand Tahini Because Of Possible Health Risk
 
Summary

Company Announcement Date: May 15, 2019
FDA Publish Date: May 16, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Food & Beverage Safety, Potential Foodborne Illness, Salmonella
Company Name:Broddzenatti Holding LLC
Brand Name:  Karawan
Product Description:  Tahini

This Week in Mislabeled Food Products for Week Ending May 11, 2019

Raisins With Sulfites Not on Label -  Deshi Distributors LLC. of Jamaica, NY, is recalling its 3.5 oz,  7 oz and 14 oz  packages of Deshi “Golden Raisins”  because they contained undeclared sulfites. The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspector and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the 7 oz. packages of Deshi “Golden Raisin” which were not declared on the label.

Label Misses that Bread Crumb Ingredient has Soy - Santa Fe Importers, Inc., a Long Beach, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken meatball products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the products contain soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the products label.  Santa Fe Importers, Inc. notified FSIS of the problem after the company learned that the bread crumbs used to make the meatballs contained soy lecithin.

This is the Bread Crumb with Soy - ICCO Cheese Company, Inc. (ICCO) of Orangeburg, New York, recalled Gia Russa Unseasoned Whole Grain Bread Crumbs and Gia Russa Italian Seasoned Whole Grain Bread Crumbs because they may contain undeclared walnuts and pecans.  This recall was triggered by a consumer complaint. ICCO informed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and launched an internal investigation. The presence of walnuts and pecans was discovered in the product through third-party laboratory testing. The source of the tree nut allergen is believed to be the bread used by a supplier of the bread crumbs used by ICCO to repack the product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/deshi-distributors-llc-issues-alert-undeclared-sulfites-deshi-golden-raisins
Deshi Distributors LLC Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in Deshi “Golden Raisins”

Smoked Salmon Recalled in Florida After Positive Listeria Testing

Seven Seas International USA, LLC of St. Petersburg, Florida is recalling its 4 oz. Biltmore Smoked Sockeye Salmon after routine sampling program by the Florida Department of Agriculture revealed that some of the finished product samples tested positive for Listeria.  The 4 oz. Biltmore Smoked Sockeye Salmon was distributed only in Florida by Publix Grocery stores.

According to the recall, only products with Production Code 41CM and a sell by date of 23rd May 2019 are subject to this recall.  According to the notice, "All subsequent production codes were tested and found not to contain the bacteria."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/seven-seas-international-usa-llc-recalls-biltmore-smoked-sockeye-salmon-because-possible-health-risk
Seven Seas International USA, LLC Recalls Biltmore Smoked Sockeye Salmon Because of Possible Health Risk

Company Announcement Date: May 14, 2019
FDA Publish Date: May 15, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Fish Reason for Announcement: Food & Beverage Safety, Potential Foodborne Illness, Listeria
Company Name: Seven Seas International USA, LLC
Brand Name: Biltmore
Product Description:  Wild Smoked Sockeye Salmon

FDA Begins Testing Program for Frozen Berries

FDA began a testing program for frozen berries for Hepatitis A and norovirus.  Frozen berries have been linked to three hepatitis A virus outbreaks and one norovirus outbreak in the United States from 1997 to 2016.  Because these berries are often eaten without cooking, such as used in smoothies or added to food like yogurt, they can transfer these virus to consumers, if present.

The sampling began in November and is estimated to last approximately 18 months and will test approximately 2000 samples. "The agency is collecting domestic samples of frozen berries in retail packaging from processors, distribution centers, warehouses, and retail locations. The agency is also collecting import samples from ports of entry, importer warehouses, or other storage facilities where foreign goods are cleared for entry into the country. "

FDA Constituent Update
https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-sampling-frozen-berries-harmful-viruses
FDA Sampling Frozen Berries for Harmful Viruses
Constituent Update
May 9, 2019

NY Establishment Recalls Raw Milk Cheese After Positive Listeria Test

Mecox Bay Dairy, LLC, is recalling their Mecox Sunrise washed-rind Tomme style cheese after routine testing by New York State Agriculture and Markets Division of Milk Control revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of Mecox Sunrise cheese.

Mecox Dairy is a NY establishment.  According to the label, the cheese is a raw milk cheese which has been aged for more than 60 days.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mecox-bay-dairy-llc-recalls-mecox-sunrise-cheese-because-possible-health-risk
Mecox Bay Dairy, LLC Recalls “Mecox Sunrise” Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk

Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 09, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  May 09, 2019
Product Type:  Food & Beverages   Cheese/Cheese Product
Reason for Announcement:  Food & Beverage Safety, Potential Foodborne Illness, Listeria
Company Name:  Mecox Bay Dairy, LLC
Brand Name:  Mecox Bay Dairy
Product Description:  Mecox Sunrise Cheese

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending May 4, 2019

Conagra Brands, Inc., a Russellville, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,094,186 pounds of frozen entrees due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the product contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The product, P.F. Chang’s Home Menu Chicken Pad Thai and Chicken Fried Rice, are frozen, heat treated, not fully cooked and not shelf stable entree product and were produced on various dates between Oct. 1, 2018 and April 11, 2019.  "The problem was discovered when Conagra Brands, Inc. conducted a routine label verification check and determined that the product did not declare milk on the label."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-049-2019-release
Conagra Brands, Inc. Recalls Chicken Pad Thai and Chicken Fried Rice Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Class I Recall

049-2019
Health Risk: High 

May 4, 2019

Topics in Supply and Demand - PA is Snack Food Capital, What is Local

PA is Snack Capital of the World - The NPR article How The Pennsylvania Dutch Turned A Rural Town Into A Snack Food Empire discusses how SE PA became snack food capital of the world.  It's the pork fat....bang.

Many Food Shoppers Want to Buy 'Local", but What is "Local"? - In a survey, it was found that buying 'local' depends on the shopper's view as well as the type of food they are buying.  While produce is considered local if it is from the same city, local for meat is the same state.  In many ways, the term "local" is becoming like the term "natural"....more of a relative thing.

Sales of Alkaline Water is Increasing - Bottled water accounts for 13.2 billion in sales (US) but specialty waters increased by 12.9% and represents 2.1 billion in sales.  Bottled alkaline water, water with a pH > 7.0, is in this group and has been hyped as having multiple health benefits.  But medical research does not prove this out.

 A Sweeter tasting Cap'n Crunch - Cotton Candy Cap’n Crunch cereal is set to hit shelves this summer...kind of like sugar flavored sugar.

Arkansas Establishment Expands Recall of Chicken Strips After Additional Complaints of Foreign Material Received

Tyson Foods, Inc., a Rogers, Ark. establishment, is expanding a recall originally posted on March 21 to now include a total of recalling 11,829,517 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken strip products due to the potential contamination with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of metal.
The frozen, ready-to-eat chicken strip items were produced on various dates from Oct. 1, 2018 through March 8, 2019 and have “Use By Dates” of Oct. 1, 2019 through March 7, 2020.

The first recall was issued when FSIS received two consumer complaints of extraneous material in the chicken strip products. In that recall, Tyson recalled 69,000 lbs of meat.  FSIS is now aware of six complaints during this time frame involving similar pieces of metal with three alleging oral injury.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-034-2019-exp-release
Tyson Foods, Inc. Recalls Chicken Strip Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall

034-2019 EXP
Health Risk: High 

May 4, 2019

FDA Wants to Move to a New Era of Smarter Food Safety

FDA released a statement on 'A New Era of Smarter Food Safety'.  What does this mean?  There will be a push to move tracking and measurement systems to electronic format that can be easily monitored and tracked.  While the word 'blockchain' was not stated, one could assume this will be part of that picture.

From the release - "it’s time to look to the future of food safety once again, with a view that builds on the progress we’re making with our regulatory framework, but also leverages the use of new and emerging technologies to create a more digital, traceable and safer system. That’s why, today, we’re announcing a “New Era of Smarter Food Safety” to augment our efforts implementing important FSMA requirements while also leveraging, among other things, the use of new and emerging technologies."

In a blockchain type of environment, not only will lot codes be tracked, but also the parameters associated with that given lot.  This will make tracking data transparent to producers, processors, retailers, and ultimately consumers.

This train is coming...not sure when or how fast it will be going, but it is coming.  Now whether the industry will have the inclination to undertake..we'll see.

Statement from Acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless, M.D., and Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas on steps to usher the U.S. into a new era of smarter food safety
For Immediate Release:April 30, 2019

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Rendering Facility Regarding Tallow with Pentobarbital

The U.S.FDA issued a warning letter to JBS USA urging the company to take corrective actions at their Souderton PA rendering facility regarding the continued production and sale of beef tallow that may contain pentobarbital, a drug used for anesthetizing and euthanizing animals.  "FDA alleges that JBS Souderton, doing business as MOPAC, continued to sell adulterated products after receiving formal notification of pentobarbital contamination from a customer on Feb. 13, 2018, and after formal notification of positive pentobarbital samples from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on or about April 5, 2018."

The Meatingplace article, also states "According to FDA, MOPAC said that as of May 2018 it had made several changes to try to correct the problems, everything from requiring suppliers to sign guarantees that they do not pick up euthanized animals to extensive tank cleaning to random testing of tallow. But the agency collected a sample on August 2018 from a tank that was positive with trace levels of pentobarbital, indicating the company’s efforts were not sufficient. Samples taken at customers’ facilities also indicated levels of pentobarbital, the agency noted

Meatingplace
http://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/85383
FDA tells JBS to stop selling beef tallow contaminated with euthanasia drug 
By Tom Johnston on 5/3/2019

FDA Issues Alert on French Soft-Ripened Cheese for Potential Listeria Contamination

FDA issued a public health alert for l’Explorateur soft ripened cheese due to the potential for Listeria contamination. This is a pasteurized, cow’s milk cheese that was made in St. Simeon, France and distributed throughout the U.S."The FDA advises consumers and retailers to not eat, sell, or serve cheese labeled as l’Explorateur."

The same brand of cheese was recalled a year ago, also due to Listeria. 

FDA Public Health Alert
LINK
Public Health Alert Concerning a Possible Listeria Contamination of French Soft Ripened Cheese
May 3, 2019

CDC Report on Food Pathogen Surveillance via FoodNet 2018

CDC released a report Preliminary Incidence and Trends of Infections with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food — Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2015–2018 (MMWR Weekly / April 26, 2019 / 68(16);369–373) that shows the incidence of most infections increased during 2018 compared with 2015–2017, 'although it is probably do to automated (non-cultrure or culture independent) methods' [so the incidence is probably not rising, but rather the ability to detect allows investigators to determine cause] (The number of bacterial infections diagnosed by CIDT (with or without reflex culture )increased 65% in 2018 compared with the average annual number diagnosed during 2015–2017).

Basically, "The incidence of Cyclospora infections increased markedly, in part related to large outbreaks associated with produce. The number of human infections caused by Campylobacter and Salmonella, especially serotype Enteritidis, remains high."

• Poultry is a major source of Campylobacter
• The incidence of infections with Enteritidis, the most common Salmonella serotype, has not declined in over 10 years. Enteritidis is adapted to live in poultry, and eggs are an important source of infection.
• Produce is a major source of foodborne illnesses (2). During 2018, romaine lettuce was linked to two multistate outbreaks of STEC O157 infections (8). The marked increase in reported Cyclospora infections was likely attributable to several factors including produce outbreaks and continued adoption of DNA-based syndrome panel tests

FDA Releases Draft Industry Guidance for Voluntary Recalls

FDA issued a draft guidance on how to issue a voluntary recall.  (This draft guidance is listed FDA's webpage Industry Guidance for Recalls which has a number of valuable links including Model Press Releases. - https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls/industryguidance/default.htm)

"The draft guidance discusses what preparations firms in a distribution chain, including manufacturers and distributors, should consider making to establish recall initiation procedures; to ensure timely identification of, and response to, product problems that might lead  to a recall; and to promptly issue recall communications and press releases or other public notices. It also discusses preparations firms in the distribution chain should consider making to ensure timely responses to a recall communication. Additionally, it discusses how FDA assists firms with carrying out their recall responsibilities to protect the public health from distributed products in violation" of federal regulations.

Firms should be recall ready.
1. General Preparations

Another Company Issue Ground Meat Recall Due to E. coli O103

As part of the E. coli outbreak investigation, another establishment is recalling ground beef due to the presence of E. coli O103.  It has not been declared if this product is related to the outbreak that has affected 156 people in 10 states.  This recall comes a day after another company, K2D Foods issued a recall for ground beef due to the presence of E. coli O103.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-048-2019-release
Grant Park Packing Recalls Raw Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. coli O103 Contamination
Class I Recall
048-2019
Health Risk:High
Apr 24, 2019

FDA Reports on Sampling Results from Ice Cream Processing Facilities

FDA released a report today on the the results of environmental testing in ice cream plants for Listeria and Salmonella.  They sampled 89 ice cream production facilities in 32 states from September 12, 2016, to August 30, 2017

Listeria

• Listeria monocytogenes was detected in 19 of the 89 establishments (an establishment-based prevalence of 21.3%), and in 65 of the 5,295 subsamples (a subsample-based prevalence of 1.25%). 
• The organism was found on non-food contact surfaces in 18 of the 19 establishments, and only one establishment also had it on food contact surfaces.  

Salmonella

• Only one positive sample out of all samples and that was a non-contact surface,

Inspections

• 39 inspections (43.8%) as “Voluntary Action Indicated (VAI),” meaning objectionable conditions or practices were observed and documented, but the operation should be able to address them without official action by the FDA; and 
• 6 inspections (6.7%) as “Official Action Indicated (OAI),” meaning objectionable conditions or practices warranting official action by the FDA were observed and documented.

While it is not surprising to find the occasional Listeria positive sample on non-contact surfaces in a food facility, 13 of the 19 facilities had positives in zone 2 samples, and one of those thirteen had it on a contact surface. These faculties also tended to have higher percentage of samples positive.  From the FDA sampling report, the facility with the product contact surface had a whopping 16% positive rate, while one facility had 30% and another 10%.  These facilities are clearnly not doing enough to control Listeria within the enviroment.  As the prevalence of Listeria gets higher in zone 3 areas, the increased risk it causes for the product.

Ice cream is relatively protected from the environment in that the product travels in enclosed pipes and tanks.  Primary exposure is at the filler and tank and mixing port openings.  Plus the fact that it is frozen to prevent the growth of Listeria.   Still, as the pressure of high Listeria prevalence in the environment can overcome these obstacles.

If this is the status of ice cream plants, perhaps FDA will be looking at other facility types to investigate?  Perhaps it is time to step up the facility's Listeria control program.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm636084.htm
FDA Releases Report on Inspection and Environmental Sampling of Ice Cream Production Facilities for Harmful Bacteria
Constituent Update
April 24, 2019

Company Recalls Ground Beef Due to E. coli, Is that Product Linked to the Latest Outbreak?

K2D Foods, doing business as (DBA) Colorado Premium Foods, a Carrolton, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 113,424 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O103.  The raw ground beef items were produced on March 26, March 29, April 2, April 5, April 10, and April 12, 2019.

This comes as CDC and FSIS have been investing an outbreak of E. coli O103 where a total of 156 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O103 have been reported from 10 states.

Twenty people have been hospitalized. No cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure, have been reported. No deaths have been reported.

Preliminary epidemiologic information suggests that ground beef is the source of this outbreak.
CDC has "been investigating an outbreak of E. coli O103. Unopened, intact ground beef collected as part of the ongoing investigation from a restaurant location, where multiple case-patients reported dining, tested positive for E. coli O103. At this time, there is no definitive link between this positive product and the ongoing E. coli O103 outbreak. Further traceback and product analysis continues to determine if the recalled products are related to the E. coli O103 outbreak."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-047-2019-release
K2D Foods Recalls Raw Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. coli O103 Contamination
Class I Recall
047-2019
Health Risk: High
Apr 23, 2019

FDA to Start Inspections for Food Defense Plan Compliance in March of 2020

As part of the Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA, FDA's Rule Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food Against Intentional Adulteration, or IA Rule, requires facilities to write and implement a Food Defense Plan.  For facilities not considered small or very small,  the compliance date begins on July 2019.  Small facility compliance date will be the next year.  The list of exempted companies is listed below.

FDA announced this past week that it will begin to conduct compliance inspections in March of 2020.  The rule requires the facility "to develop and implement a food defense plan that identifies vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies for those vulnerabilities. These facilities will then be required to ensure that the mitigation strategies are working".

In March of this year, FDA released an updated draft guidance titled Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food Against Intentional Adulteration: Guidance for Industry.  A summary of that document is provided here.  Penn State will be conducting basic workshops on developing a Food Defense Plan.

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
https://www.fda.gov/fsma
FDA Announces Intentional Adulteration Inspections to Begin March 2020
April 17, 2019

Real Risk of Arsenic in Bottled Water

The article from Consumer Reports, "Arsenic in Some Bottled Water Brands at Unsafe Levels, Consumer Reports Says" grabbed a lot of press this month.  Oh no, something else I can't consume?  Only if you buy into the spin that looks more to grab readership than to provide sound science.

A rebuttal to that article was posted in Forbes and goes into detail dissecting the wording used.
A few keys, .

• Only one out of 130 bottles tested was in excess of FDA's limit of 10 ppb,..some obscure brand Peñafiel that had 17 ppb. 
• Five were higher than 3 but less than 10, which the article claimed that 3 should be the limit according to the report (but no reason why 3 instead of 10 is a better number).

So the summary from Forbes, "The primary spin-free numbers in the Consumer Reports article are that, of the 130 brands of bottled water examined for arsenic, 1 exceeded F.D.A. standards. And our refrigerators aren’t exactly teeming with that 1 – if you mixed all the bottled water in the world in a massive vat, Peñafiel would probably make up less than 3 parts per billion itself."

The article could have been titled "No real risk of arsenic in your bottled water", but that would not have garnered much of any mass media attention.  Not that we shouldn't be looking and controlling arsenic when levels are high.  A 2013 NY Times article points out that there are many place in the world, including the US where levels can range from 10 to 1000 ppb.

Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanschwarz/2019/04/22/arsenic-in-water-scare-raises-risk-for-eye-rolling/#62c92239772d
Arsenic-In-Water Scare Raises Risk For Eye-Rolling
Alan Schwarz 
Apr 22, 2019, 09:40am

Topics in Supply and Demand - Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Strips, Bananas and Bug Flour

Trend in vegetable farming - there is a decrease in acreage planted for  sweet corn, green beans, peas and potatoes, with an increase in sweet potatoes and leafy greens such as spinach, kale and romaine lettuce.  

Chicken strips gaining on chicken nuggets - While more chicken nuggets are sold compared to chicken strips, chicken strips sales have increased against a decline in chicken nuggets.

Bananas are on the ropes, can CRISPR save them - In case you missed it, a virus is likely to make America's favorite fruit, the banana, extinct.  The hope is that scientist can modify the genetic makeup of the virus to make it resistant...otherwise, there will be no bananas, no bananas someday too soon.

Bugs as ingredients, "There is an increasing range of insect-based products, such as whole/flour, snacks, health bars, pasta, pasta sauce and burgers. Edible insects are promoted as a sustainable food alternative. It is also claimed there are numerous health benefits from eating bugs and insects."  But what strategy do purveyors take in identifying their product to attract customers?

Washington Post

Business

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/04/20/sweet-corn-out-sweet-potatoes-data-shows-fundamental-shifts-american-farming/?utm_term=.70dfc8fca246

Sweet corn out, sweet potatoes in: Data shows fundamental shifts in American farming

By Laura Reiley and Andrew Van Dam

April 20

Hepatitis A Case in Philly Grocery Worker Highlights Need for Controls

A Hepatitis A-infected food handler working in a Philadelphia grocery store triggered an alert for those who may have purchased pre-cut RTE fruits and vegetables.  This case is one of an increasing number of Hepatitis A cases seen.   Philadelphia Health Department noted that they are seeing 5 times the number of cases over the 2016 baseline.  While many of these cases are associated with people who are homeless or are drug users, it still increases the risk for food operations in that workers may face increased exposure within the community.

Therefore, it is important for food operations to maintain control including educating workers of the importance of reporting illness or potential exposure. Proper handwashing and glove use are important mitigations against the spread of the disease.

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious virus that is easily spread from an infected person to others through person-to-person contact or person-to-food-to-person.  Once exposed, it takes approximately 6 weeks to see the symptoms, jaundice and fever, but a person can be administered a vaccine within the first two weeks immediately after the exposure event.

Philly.com
https://www.philly.com/health/hepatitis-a-foodborne-illness-acme-philadelphia-health-inspection-reports-20190411.html
After hepatitis A warning at Philly Acme, should you eat precut fruits and veggies?
by Mari A. Schaefer, Updated: April 11, 2019

LGMA Updates Requirements to Improve Safety of Leafy Greens

California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement Board has adopted additional requirements to reduce risk when it comes to water used in growing lettuce and leafy greens,  These new standards are "in direct response to investigations conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration into last year’s e. Coli outbreak involving romaine lettuce."

The main action is to no longer allow the use of untreated surface water for overhead irrigation of leafy greens prior to harvest.    While the "LGMA program has always required growers to test their water because it can be a carrier of pathogens", the new requirements will now include additional safeguards including:  'categorizing the source of the water; considering how and when water is applied to the crop; conducting testing to assure the water is safe for the intended use; sanitizing water if necessary; and verifying that all of the above precautions have been taken.'

"The LGMA’s food safety practices meet, and often exceed, what is required under federal Produce Safety Rule regulations for other produce crops."

Perishable News
https://www.perishablenews.com/produce/leafy-greens-marketing-agreement-adopts-new-more-stringent-food-safety-practices-to-prevent-outbreaks/
Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement Adopts New, More Stringent Food Safety Practices to Prevent Outbreaks
April 22, 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending April 20, 2019

Supplier Fails to  List Egg on Product - Weis Markets today said it has issued a recall for its Weis Quality Banana Puddin Ice Cream (48oz) since the product’s ingredient label fails to list an egg allergen due to a supplier error.

Nut Supplier May Have Had Extra Nut Types  - Unilever is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of Ben & Jerry’s Coconut Seven Layer Bar bulk and Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey pints, which may inadvertently contain tree nuts including almonds, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts that are not declared in the ingredient list or allergy information list. Both affected products include a “Contains Walnuts” and a “May contain other tree nuts” label on the back of the pack.  The recall was initiated after an undeclared nut was found during the production operation. Unilever has not received any reports of illness associated with this product, but the company is voluntarily recalling this product out of an abundance of caution. Unilever’s ongoing investigation shows that the issue stemmed from an error from one of its nut suppliers. The situation has been remediated.

Peanut Brittle Labeled as Cashew Brittle - Hercules Candy LLC . of East Syracuse, NY, is recalling its 4 ounce packages of Cashew Brittle Bits because they may contain undeclared peanuts. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

Weis Markets Issues Recall for Undeclared Egg Allergen In WQ Banana Puddin Ice Cream
For Immediate Release
April 17, 2019

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli-Sliced Meats and Cheeses

CDC is investigating a Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat and cheese that has 8 cases with one death in 4 different states - MI, PA, NJ, and NY.  Listeria specimens from ill people were collected from November 13, 2016 to March 4, 2019.

One would expect that Listeria coming in on deli meat or cheese can be spread through the slicer.  Slicer, if not regularly cleaned, can allow build up on the slicer and slicer blade, and then transfer that to other products.  Heat generated by the slicer, and the fact that the slicer sitting at room temperature, can allow for growth of the organism over the day.

CBS News 
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/listeria-outbreak-linked-to-deli-meats-turns-deadly/
Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats turns deadly
By Ashley Welch
April 18, 2019 / 5:20 PM/ CBS News

Raw Ground Tuna Used in Sushi Dishes Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

Jensen Tuna of Louisiana is voluntarily recalling frozen ground tuna imported from JK Fish, because it may potentially be contaminated with Salmonella.  The recall comes after thirteen people became infected with a strain of Salmonella Newport.  These cases have been reported from seven states with illnesses start dates ranging from January 8, 2019 to March 20, 2019.

The frozen ground tuna is used in sushi or other dish where raw ground tuna is used. "In interviews, ill people answered questions about the foods they ate and other exposures in the week before they became ill. Nine (75%) of 12 people interviewed reported eating sushi from a restaurant or grocery store. This proportion was significantly higher than results from a survey Cdc-pdf[PDF – 787 KB] of healthy people in which 5% reported eating sushi, sashimi, or ceviche made with raw fish or shellfish in the week before they were interviewed. Of the nine people with information about their sushi exposure, nine (100%) reported eating a sushi item containing raw tuna or raw “spicy tuna.”"

Ground tuna is more of an issue for sushi in that there is more handling and preparation including a grinding application.  Should a contaminate get into the grinder, it can be easily mixed into the product.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm636166.htm
Jensen Tuna of Louisiana is Voluntarily Recalling Frozen Ground Tuna Imported from JK Fish, Because it may Potentially be Contaminated with Salmonella
For Immediate Release
April 16, 2019

Chocolate Chip Cookies Recalled After Complaints of Choking

Mondelēz Global LLC is recalling certain lots of Chewy Chips Ahoy cookies after receiving complaints for "potential adverse health effects"  (probably a potential choking issue or difficulty in swallowing) due to the product may contain an unexpected solidified ingredient.   This was probably the result of improper mixing where an ingredient formed hardened particulates in formed cookie rather than a uniform chewy texture. "A spokeswoman for the snack company, said in an email Wednesday to The Washington Post that there were instances in which the cornstarch “did not fully incorporate in the mixing procedure and solidified in the baking process.” Link

From a Food Safety Plan design perspective, this would be regarded as a potential physical hazard issue to be included at the ingredient mixing step.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm636197.htm
Mondelēz Global LLC Conducts Voluntary Recall of Certain Chewy Chips Ahoy 13oz Due to Unexpected Solidified Ingredient in Product in the US
For Immediate Release
April 13, 2019

African Swine Fever - Impact on Meat Supply

In Asia, a deadly pig virus has devastated East Asian farms with loses over a million hogs.    With a 30% reduction in pork in the largest pork producing country, China, there will be an increased demand to fill this gap pushing worldwide meat prices higher .

African Swine Virus does not affect humans, but can be very deadly for hogs.  There have not been any cases in the US and the USDA has been working to prevent introduction of the virus by the way of trade into the US. In March,  USDA-trained detector dogs played a major role in the seizure of smuggled pork from China.

The viruses are in the Asfarviridae family of viruses which are all enveloped and have double-stranded DNA genomes.  It was identified in the early 1900s.  The virus is found in warthogs and bushpigs with no ill effect, but causes a haemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates in domestic pigs.  The acute form of the virus can kill a pig within days.  Wild bores are thought to be an important vector for spreading the disease.

Bloomberg
Markets
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-04-11/meat-prices-seen-rising-as-deadly-virus-wipes-out-chinese-hogs
Meat Prices Seen Rising as Deadly Virus Wipes Out Chinese Hogs
By Irene Garcia Perez
April 11, 2019, 11:24 AM EDT

Feds Seek Injunction Against Lancaster, PA Farm for Selling Unregulated Meat

The US Department of Justice is seeking to stop a Lancaster, PA farm from selling meat without inspection.  The farm had been selling the un-inspected meat as part of an exclusive membership club as a way to get around Federal regulations.

Lancaster Online
Full Story - https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/department-of-justice-sues-lancaster-county-farm-to-enforce-food/article_1c959144-5ba0-11e9-ac71-3bc66931701c.html
Department of Justice sues Lancaster County farm 'to enforce food safety laws'
 HEATHER STAUFFER | Staff Writer  Apr 10, 2019 Updated Apr 10, 2019