Michigan Establishment Recalls Frozen Meatloaf Due To Complaint of Metal Bits

Ada Valley Gourmet Foods, Inc., an Ada, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 3,490 pounds of raw ground beef meatloaf products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically broken metal bits.  The problem was discovered on July 11, 2019, when a customer notified the plant of the problem.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-073-2019-release
Ada Valley Gourmet Foods, Inc. Recalls Beef Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 
073-2019 
Health Risk:High 
Jul 13, 2019 

Over 100 with E. coli after Visiting Minnesota Lake on 4th

Between 120 and 150 people have become infected with pathogenic E. coli after boating on Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota. Environmental factors are the most likely source.

Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/at-least-140-report-sickness-after-lake-minnetonka-boating-on-july-4th/512542682/
Nearly 120 report sickness after Lake Minnetonka boating on July 4th
Five beaches in the metro area remain closed due to high bacteria
counts.
By Katy Read (http://www.startribune.com/katyread/
131074183/) Star Tribune
JULY 11, 2019 — 5:07AM

Woman Charged After Video of Her Child Licking a Tongue Depressor and Placing it Back

A woman was charged with tampering, a felony, after she posted a video of her 10 year old daughter licking a tongue depressor in the doctor's office examination room and then returning it to the same jar.  This comes after last week's ice cream tampering issues when on two different occasions, stupid people opened, licked, and replaced cartons of ice cream.

PennLive
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2019/07/woman-charged-after-recording-daughter-licking-tongue-depressor-in-doctors-office-and-putting-it-back.html
Woman charged after recording daughter licking tongue depressor in doctor’s office and putting it back
7/12/19   8:17 AM

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending July 13, 2019

Consumer Allergic Reaction Triggers Recall of  Meal Bars -  PROBAR LLC of Salt Lake City, UT has initiated a voluntary recall of select flavors and lots of Meal® bars, including Chocolate Coconut, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Original Trail Mix, Wholeberry Blast and Superfood Slam due to the possible presence of undeclared milk and soy allergens. PROBAR learned of the issue after receiving a complaint of an allergic reaction in a consumer after eating a PROBAR: MEAL Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip bar. Our investigation determined that an ingredient potentially contained milk and soy. To date, PROBAR has received this one report of illness.

Someone Missed that Worcestershire Sauce Contains Fish (anchovies) - .Baumer Foods, Inc. of Metairie, LA is recalling 10 oz PICS Soy Sauce, because it may contain undeclared fish   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product was labeled as Soy Sauce without the known fish allergen but the bottle actually contained Worcestershire sauce. Worcestershire Sauce has the known allergen fish. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary oversight during the packaging processes.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/probar-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-and-soy-select-flavors-meal-r-bars
PROBAR LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk and Soy in Select Flavors of Meal ® Bars
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 11, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  July 11, 2019
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Meal Replacements
Reason for Announcement:Undeclared Milk and Soy
Company Name:PROBAR
Brand Name:PROBAR
Product Description:Multiple flavors of Meal Bars

Hamburger Buns and Hot Dog Buns Recalled Due to Potential for Hard Plastic

Flowers Foods, Inc. is voluntarily recalling hamburger and hot dog buns and other bakery products due to the potential presence of small pieces of hard plastic that may have been introduced during production.  The company initiated the recall following the discovery of small pieces of hard plastic in production equipment.No related injuries or illnesses have been reported.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/flowers-foods-issues-voluntary-recall-hamburger-and-hot-dog-buns-and-other-bakery-foods-due-plastic
Flowers Foods Issues Voluntary Recall of Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns and Other Bakery Foods Due to Plastic Pieces Found in Products
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 09, 2019
FDA Publish Date: July 10, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages  Bakery Product/Mix
Reason for Announcement: Potential Presence of Small Pieces of Hard Plastic
Company Name:Flowers Foods, Inc.
Brand Name: Multiple brands
Product Description:  Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns

Meat and Gravy Product Recalled After Complaint of Clear Pliable Plastic

Fairmont Foods, Inc. of Fairmont, Minn. is recalling approximately 35,145 pounds of ready-to-eat pork and beef gravy products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically clear pliable plastic (ingredient packaging material??).  The firm contacted FSIS after they received a report that a consumer found a piece of the soft pliable plastic in the product.  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-072-2019-release
Fairmont Foods, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Pork and Beef Gravy Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall 
072-2019 
Health Risk: Low 
Jul 9, 2019

Restaurant in FL Linked to Cyclospora Outbreak

A restaurant in Florida has been linked to a Cyclospora outbreak.  The source has yet to be identified, but in many cases related to this parasite, it tends to be produce which was watered or washed with water contaminated with the parasite.

Cyclospora is a single cell parasite where humans are the only definitive host.  From the CDC:

People become infected with Cyclospora by ingesting sporulated oocysts, which are the infective form of the parasite. This most commonly occurs when food or water contaminated with feces is consumed. An infected person sheds unsporulated (immature, non-infective) Cyclospora oocysts in the feces. The oocysts are thought to require at least 1–2 weeks in favorable environmental conditions to sporulate and become infective. Therefore, direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely, as is transmission via ingestion of newly contaminated food or water.

 In the United States, foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce, such as raspberries, basil, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, and cilantro; no commercially frozen or canned produce has been implicated to date.

So while many may blame the restaurant, that restaurant was unlikely to have had much impact on removing the parasite if already on the produce.   And this is the challenge with Cyclospora.  Last month, a panel was put together to investigate how this parasite can be controlled.  While some preventive measures were discussed, no specific source was identified.

https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/jacksonville/attorneys-2-dozen-sick-after-food-poisoning-at-popular-restaurant
Attorneys: About 2 dozen sick after food poisoning at popular restaurant
Group claims to have contracted parasite from Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
By Vic Micolucci - I-TEAM reporter, anchor
Posted: 3:10 PM, July 09, 2019
Updated: 12:41 PM, July 10, 2019

FDA Issues a Warning Letter to CA Bakery for Being Nasty

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a CA bakery for, in short, being nasty.   They missed the memo that they had to comply with FDA regulations.  A problem we have seen with many smaller companies that are now required to have registered with FDA and thus are subject to FDA inspection...especially an issue among bakeries.

"..food manufactured in your facility is adulterated within the meaning of section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) (21 U.S.C. § 342(a)(4)) in that it was prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth or rendered injurious to health.  In addition, failure of the owner, operator, or agent in charge of a covered facility to comply with the preventive controls provisions of the CGMP & PC rule (located in subparts A, C, D, E, F, and G of part 117) is prohibited by section 301(uu) of the Act (21 U.S.C. § 331(uu))." 

The inspection of the company found that they...:

• Did not have a written food safety plan.
• Did not take effective measures to exclude pests from the manufacturing, processing, packing and holding areas to protect against contamination of food on your premises by pest..had rodent excrement and insects in various places.
• Did not clean all food contact surfaces, including utensils and equipment, as frequently as necessary to protect against allergen cross-contact and against contamination
• cutting boards used to prepare products were scarred and heavily stained with a dark residue, and the plastic containers used to hold and dispense various dry ingredients were observed cracked, some being held together with blue tape,
•  ice cream scoop, used to fill lemon poppy muffins which contain almonds and wheat flour, was seen stored in a bucket of water and then used to fill gluten free muffins, which do not contain almonds or wheat flour, without being cleaned between uses
•  prepare products with raw ingredients on the same wooden table that finished products are prepared for further processing and packaging.
• The floors are not constructed in such a manner that they may be adequately cleaned and kept in good repair - specifically, during the inspection our investigators observed standing water and pitted floors with exposed aggregate, immediately adjacent to clean equipment on shelves. 
• Employees working in direct contact with food, food-contact surfaces, and food packaging materials did not conform to hygienic practices 
• Wholesale products are misbranded - the product labels fail to bear the common or usual name of the food, labels fail to bear an accurate statement of the net quantity of contents in terms of weight, measure, or numerical count, labels fail to include the place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor, and the Lemon Poppy and Strawberry Cupcake Muffin products bear or contains a color additive which is unsafe within the meaning of section

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/sweet-production-inc-578494-06172019
WARNING LETTER
Sweet Production Inc.
MARCS-CMS 578494 — Jun 17, 2019

FDA Warning Letter Issued to Pet Food Company for Inadequate Food Safety Plan

A pet food facility based in Tupelo MS (birthplace of Elvis) received a Warning Letter from FDA regarding making product with high Vitamin D levels.   In a nutshell, their Food Safety Plan did not sufficiently consider that their supplier could provide product with a different Vitamin D content than what their formulation called for, thus they ended up making product with excessive Vitamin D, which is harmful to pets.  In this case, they used an ingredient with over 60X the Vitamin D level

A few important points here: 1) When requiring COAs, one needs to be specific to the hazard they are looking for, and the level.  Too many people collect COAs just to collect them.  2) If one asks for a COA, then it must be reviewed, and in many cases verified.  3) All incoming materials should be checked for ingredient / raw material numbers to make sure they match.
Care must be taken when writing the Preventive Control Plan because it will be used to evaluate the facility.  Unfortunately, emphasis provided in the Animal Feed courses is not as good as in the Human Food courses in that it allows many ingredients to be lumped together.

Specifically, you identified vitamin and mineral toxicity and deficiency as a hazard requiring a preventive control in your food safety plan. However, as evidenced by the toxic levels of vitamin D found in some of your dog foods, you failed to implement adequate preventive controls to ensure your inclusion of vitamin D did not result in a nutrient toxicity or deficiency.

Your hazard analysis determined that a preventive control was not necessary at ingredient receiving for “wrong levels” of vitamins in ingredients due to your “internal programs.” .........

Your “internal programs” consist of SOP number (b)(4) and SOP number (b)(4).” With regard to micro ingredients, SOP (b)(4) states that “all bagged raw materials will provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA), which will be maintained in the ingredient purchasing office.” (b)(4) says that “it is the policy of Sunshine Mills that all incoming shipments of raw materials used in our products, including bulk grains, bulk protein and other meals, bulk fats and tallows, salt, packaged vitamin and mineral supplements, color additives, and other ingredients will be examined at the time of receipt to assure that they are of good quality and meet product specifications. This examination will consist of a visual inspection for identity and gross visible defects, a test for moisture content as may be indicated, and sampling for assay of protein, fiber, vitamin and mineral levels or other purchase specifications, and also to check for contaminants.” It is also your policy that “vendors, from time to time, provide a COA for such things as vitamin and mineral content when this is part of the puce-chase [sic] specifications.”

However, these SOPs did not ensure that vitamin D levels in incoming ingredients met established ingredient specifications. For example, the vitamin D levels were not analyzed at a laboratory facility on a routine basis to ensure that the vitamin D met your firm’s pre-set formulation. You did not question any difference in appearance of the packaging or the ingredient. In addition, your firm did not obtain Certificates of Analysis (COA) upon receipt of each shipment of vitamin D. Furthermore, there is no indication of who is responsible for performing these actions listed in the SOPs or verifying that they have been performed or what steps are to be taken if an incoming ingredient does not meet specifications.

Your “batching/mixing” preventive control includes no measures that would prevent the use of an ingredient that is the wrong concentration.

Consequently, you used five shipments of an ingredient that you were unaware contained a higher concentration of vitamin D (500,00 IU/g) instead of the vitamin D with a lower concentration (7,500 IU/g) consistent with your firm’s formulation.

2. ......Your firm failed to conduct a hazard analysis to identify and evaluate known or reasonably foreseeable hazards for each type of animal food manufactured, processed, packed or held at your facility to determine whether there are any hazards requiring a preventive control, in accordance with 21 CFR 507.33(a)(1).

Specifically, your firm manufactures cat food that includes thermal processing (extrusion) as a manufacturing step. Your hazard analysis did not identify inadequate thiamine in extruded dry cat food as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/sunshine-mills-inc-576411-06252019
WARNING LETTER
Sunshine Mills Inc 
MARCS-CMS 576411 — Jun 25, 2019

Risks Associated with Metal Straws - Puncturing Your Face and Improper Sanitation

An English woman died when she fell and the metal straw she was carrying in her glass punctured her eye and entered her brain.

The face-puncture risk was not one that was on the radar, but probably should be, especially for little kids or for those consuming adult beverages such as in bars and restaurants.

The risk of contamination from improperly cleaned metal straws is another consideration.  Consider germs being passed from another person who used that straw or a mass of mold growing in a food-clogged straw.  As a reusable food utensil, the interior of the straw must be cleaned and sanitized since that is a food contact surface.  From the website of a metal straw manufacturer, they state cleaning procedures to be followed:

SOAKING & CLEANING: When Server Clears A Finished Drink, They Should Collect The Straw, And Place It In A Tub Of Hot Soapy Water To Soak. If The Straw Was Used For A Drink That Might Have Pulp Or Other Beverage Reside, Then It Should Be Scrubbed With A Cleaner Brush To Remove Any Such Debris. Rinse The Straws Thoroughly In Clean, Hot Water, To Remove All Soap.

This is followed by a sanitation step

SANITIZING: Soak Straws For At Least One Minute In Tube Filled With An Approved Restaurant Sanitizing Cleaning Formula. This Step Is Recommended For Commercial Establishments Cleaning Any Type Of Reusable Utensil — Including Spoons, Forks And Knifes — To Assure That Any Germs Are Destroyed.

Cleaning your own straw is not an issue, but in foodservice operations where hundreds of straws may need to be cleaned, then proper sanitation (cleaning and sanitizing) can be a major task.

Anyone who has had to clean glass pipettes knows that this is not an easy process and that the tubes can get easily blocked (and at least with glass, you were able to see which tubes were blocked).  For one, you won't know that a given metal straw is blocked unless you run a brush through each or at least, visually examine down each barrel.  Second, dropping the straws into a cleaner or a sanitizer solution will not guarantee that the cleaner sanitizer will come in contact with the entire surface due to air bubble blocks.  With pipet cleaning, the tubes are stacked vertically, not horizontally, in a cylindrical cleaner where waters is added and then flushed repeatedly. 

Metal straws and cleaning brushes

pipet cleaner

 (One other point to make - the potential loss of flavor with certain beverages like coffee in stainless steel.  Did you ever notice how coffee flavor is lost in a stainless steel cup vs a ceramic cup?)


https://www.foxnews.com/world/metal-straw-death-eye-impaled-brain
English woman died after falling on metal straw that went through her eye, impaled brain, inquest hears
By Travis Fedschun | Fox News
July 9, 2019

People Licking Ice Cream and Putting Back in the Display - Food Tampering is a Felony

A Texas youth has been identified for allegedly licking a tub of ice cream and then putting it back in the freezer.  The video of the young woman completing the act went viral.  Adulterating food, which this act is certainly that, is a felony offence that could result in an extensive stay in jail as well as hefty fines.  As a juvenile offender, she is not likely to face charges as an adult, so the penalty will be less severe.

A copycat incident occurred in LA when a 36 year old man also popped open a container of ice cream on the store shelf, licked it, and then placed it back.  The man claims to have then purchased the ice cream.

Time for manufacturers to review their packaging with an eye towards product security.

Insider.com
https://www.insider.com/police-identify-ice-cream-licking-culprit-from-viral-video-juvenile-2019-7
Local police have identified the suspected ice cream-licking culprit from viral video

June 8, 2019

Because of Health Concerns, FDA States CBD from Hemp Still Illegal as an Additive to Food

CBD from hemp has received an incredible amount of attention from those who would like to see it added to food.  However, "Other than one prescription drug product to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy, the FDA has not approved any other CBD products, and there is very limited available information about CBD, including about its effects on the body."  One of the biggest concerns is liver damage which has been shown by studies in mice.   Other issues are the impact on mental health.

"Cannabis is a plant of the Cannabaceae family and contains more than eighty biologically active chemical compounds. The most commonly known compounds are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)."  While the "Farm Bill removed hemp — defined as cannabis and cannabis derivatives with very low concentrations (no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis) of THC — from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act", "CBD products are still subject to the same laws and requirements as FDA-regulated products that contain any other substance."

FDA Public Health News Release
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD
Content current as of:
06/19/2019

Death of Australian Man After Eating Gecko Likely Due to Parasite

An Australian man died a horrific death after eating a gecko on a dare.  Initially thought it was a massive Salmonella infection, it is now believed that it was a parasite that led to such dramatic symptoms as "vomiting green bile, his testicles each swelled to the size of a grapefruit with a strange fluid leaking from them — and his stomach was so badly bloated".  All of this within days after eating gecko.  From the article, a taxonomist and ecologist who is an expert in Asian house gecko parasites says a Spirometra tapeworm — which can group to about 4ft — could be what ravaged and ultimately killed the young dad."

Key - Ignore the dares and double dares when it comes to eating raw snails, reptiles, etc


The Sun
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9429635/dared-eat-gecko-australia-dead-tapeworm/
GRIM TWIST Man who died in agony after ‘gecko eating dare’ may have been killed by a parasitic Spirometra tapeworm, doctors say
Patrick Knox
3 Jul 2019, 16:19

Salmonella Outbreak May be Linked to Pig Ear Dog Treats

CDC identified pig ear dog treats as the likely source of an Salmonella outbreak.  To date, there have been 45 cases with 34 of 38 people interviewed having claimed contact with a dog with 17 of 24 claiming contact with pig ear treats or contact with a dog who had pig ear treats.

Testing done thus far has not identified the outbreak strain,  but they have found other strains of Salmonella.  Testing of the outbreak strain found that the organism is antibiotic resistant.

(Champ's snack of choice is Penn State Summer Sausage....luckily he is a little dude and doesn't eat mass quantities....plus his owner gets to enjoy some as well...all Salmonella free...can't put a price on that.)

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/pet-treats-07-19/index.html
Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Infections Linked to Contact with Pig Ear Dog Treats
Published on July 3, 2019 at 2:45 PM ET

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDAexternal icon) are investigating a multistate outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- infections linked to contact with pig ear dog treats.

At A Glance
Reported Cases: 45
States: 13
Hospitalizations: 12
Deaths: 0

A Distributor of Salmonella Contaminated Papayas Identified

FDA released an update regarding the ongoing Salmonella outbreak associated with papayas.  At this point, the FDA investigation "indicates that Agroson’s LLC of Bronx, New York, is the exclusive distributor of the imported papayas that likely made consumers from this outbreak sick. The papayas are sold under the brand name Cavi. To date, there have been no positive product samples."

With this, FDA lifts the hold on Mexican papayas.  There was no indication in the notice where the NY distributor sourced the papayas.

To date, there have been 71 cases with 27 hospitalizations,  All cases originated in the northeastern section of the US.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/salmonella-uganda-likely-linked-whole-fresh-papayas-june-2019
Salmonella Uganda Likely Linked to Whole, Fresh Papayas, June 2019
Consumers in all states warned to avoid Cavi brand whole, fresh papayas distributed by Agroson’s LLC
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 71
Hospitalizations: 27
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: June 16, 2019
States with Cases: CT (14), FL (1), MA (5), NJ (18), NY (27), PA (4), RI (1), TX (1)

July 5, 2019

Growers Express Recalls Fresh Processed Vegetable Products After Positive Listieria Finding

Growers Express production facility in Biddeford, Maine is recalling  select fresh vegetable products  including packaged varieties of butternut squash, cauliflower, zucchini and a butternut squashed based veggie bowl due to the potential for contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  According to the report, the recall was issued after being notified of a single positive sample by the Massachusetts Department of Health

"Most of the affected products are labeled with a “Best If Used By” Date of June 26 – June 29, 2019"...so a three day production window....and it should be noted that product has already its expiration date.  The company has stopped production and is "deep sanitizing the entire facility and our line equipment, as well as conducting continued testing on top of our usual battery of sanitation and quality and safety tests before resuming production."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/growers-express-issues-voluntary-recall-multiple-fresh-vegetable-products-due-potential
Growers Express Issues Voluntary Recall of Multiple Fresh Vegetable Products Due to Potential Contamination of Listeria monocytogenes
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 30, 2019
FDA Publish Date: July 01, 2019.
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Produce Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Growers Express
Brand Name:  Green Giant Fresh, Growers Express, Signature Farms, Trader Joe’s
Product Description:  Butternut squash, cauliflower, zucchini, and butternut squash based veggie bowl products

Are You Using A Thermometer for Cooking Your Burger on the 4th? Why You Are Probably Not

Thermometers are the most effective way to determine if food is safe.  That is, to determine if specific temperatures have been reached to ensure leathality for pathogens of concern.  A recently published study looked at 85 studies from the past 21 years to see why thermometers are used or not used.  For those using thermometers, the motivators for thermometer use were to protect
those for whom the food is prepared and to improve food quality.

However, the majority of people do not use thermometers with the barriers being categorized into two major groups: “the belief that a thermometer is not necessary” and “the difficulty of selecting and using a thermometer.”

Barrier type 1 - Belief that a thermometer is not necessary -

1. Preference for alternative techniques. 

"Many consumers (47 to 51%) responded that it is unnecessary to use a cooking thermometer to check the doneness of an egg or meat dish. The most frequently reported alternative to food thermometer use was use of color to determine the doneness of the meat. Consumers also determined the doneness of egg or meat dishes by touch, taste, recipe cooking time, inserted a knife to examine the internal texture, inserting a toothpick or other utensil to see whether it came out clean, or other indications of texture, such as shaking an egg dish and considering it done when the item was firm.

2. Mainstream media and food professionals seldom serve as role models and often negate the need for food thermometers. 

Food workers indicated they were less likely to use a food thermometer when the managers were perceived as not caring about or monitoring this activity; some workers reported that their managers were bad examples when using thermometers. Food workers who were less likely to use a thermometer also believed that their boss, coworkers, customers, and the health inspector would not support thermometer use. Some culinary preparations seldom incorporate temperature measurement. Young Asian consumers reported not seeing a food thermometer used in their daily lives.

3.  Limited awareness of potential health issues associated with current practices.

4. Limited knowledge and awareness related to thermometer use for specific food groups.

Barrier type 2 - Difficulty of selecting and using a thermometer.

1. Difficulty in selecting the type of food thermometer.
2. Availability of food thermometers.
3. Lack of skills related to use of food thermometers.
4. Limited knowledge related to endpoint temperatures.
5. Inability to calibrate food thermometers.
6. Lack of knowledge of food thermometer cleaning and sanitation.

Are you making excuses or are you going to control your process?


Journal of Food Protection, Vol. 82, No. 1, 2019, Pages 128–150
doi:10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-18-245
Copyright , International Association for Food Protection

ABSTRACT

Motivators and Barriers to Cooking and Refrigerator Thermometer Use among Consumers and Food Workers: A Review

FDA Invetigating Link Between Salmonella Outbreak and Fresh Papayas from Mexico

FDA issued a Investigation Notice on potential link of Salmonella to fresh papayas from Mexico.  FDA is "investigating a multistate outbreak of 62 Salmonella Uganda illnesses potentially linked to whole, fresh papayas imported from Mexico.  These illnesses have been reported in eight states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Florida, and Texas."

No product has be been recalled at this point.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-uganda-potentially-linked-whole-fresh-papayas-june-2019
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Uganda Potentially Linked to Whole, Fresh Papayas, June 2019
Consumers in six states warned to avoid whole, fresh papayas from Mexico

June 28, 2019

Pet (Fish) Food Recalled After Lab Misreads Salmonella Results

A Wisconsin firm is recalling fish food, Aqueon Betta Food, after Salmonella test results were reversed and called positive.  It appears the firm shipped the product on getting negative Salmonella results and then had to conduct a recall after two negatives were confirmed as positive.  "Central Aquatics has appropriate testing protocols and followed all such internal testing protocols. However, the outside independent laboratory contracted to conduct and read Salmonella testing mistakenly indicated the two lots of the recalled product were negative for Salmonella, when in fact it was found to be positive for Salmonella. Central Aquatics immediately initiated steps to recall the subject product upon notification of the error by the independent laboratory."

As indicated in the report, there is little information on the impact of Salmonella on fish, however, the concern would be that people handling the fish food, often dosed to the fish by pouring some in the fish feeders hand,  could be transmitted to that person or others.

The important point in this is the impact of the laboratory and the results they furnish regarding the product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/central-aquatics-recalls-aqueon-betta-food-95-oz-jar-because-possible-salmonella-health-risk
Central Aquatics Recalls Aqueon Betta Food (.95 oz Jar) Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 26, 2019
FDA Publish Date: June 26, 2019

NC Establishment Recalls Sausage Due to Complaint of Metal Piece

An Elon, N.C. establishment, San Giuseppe Salami Co, is recalling approximately 832 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE), frozen andouille sausage products after they received a report that a consumer found a piece of a metal ring in the product, thus indicating that the product may be contaminated with metal extraneous materials.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-071-2019-release
San Giuseppe Salami Co. by Giacomo Recalls Ready-To-Eat, Frozen Andouille Sausage Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I Recall
071-2019 
Health Risk: High 
Jun 24, 2019

FDA Provides Update on E. coli Outbreak Linked to Flour, More Product Added to Recall

FDA released an update on the outbreak investigation into the illnesses cased by E. coli linked to flour.  There have been 17 cases so far, with the last one occurring mid-April.

Another company was added to those issued a flour related recall due to this.  Brand Castle is recalling cookie and brownie mixes.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o26-linked-adm-milling-co-flour-may-2019
Outbreak Investigation of E. Coli O26 Linked to ADM Milling Co. Flour, May 2019

Additional recall linked to ADM Milling Co. flour; Brand Castle, LLC announces recall of several cookie and brownie mixes due to potentially contaminated flour

Case Counts

• Total Illnesses: 17
•  Hospitalizations: 3
•  Deaths: 0
•  Last illness onset: April 18, 2019

Infant Formula Powder Recalled for Potential Foreign Material

Perrigo Company plc is issuing a voluntary nationwide recall a single lot of 35-ounce, 992-gram containers of Parent's Choice Advantage Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron. because of the potential presence of metal foreign matter,   This product is sold exclusively at Walmart.
"No adverse events have been reported to date, and the recall is being initiated out of an abundance of caution stemming from a consumer report"

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/perrigo-issues-voluntary-recall-parents-choice-advantage-infant-formula-milk-based-powder-iron
Perrigo Issues Voluntary Recall For Parent's Choice Advantage Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder With Iron
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 21, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  June 21, 2019

Bottled Water from Mexico Recalled after Tests Reveal Arsenic Above Regulatory Limits

Keurig Dr Pepper today announced it will voluntarily withdraw Peñafiel unflavored mineral spring water products, imported from Mexico, due to the presence of violative levels of arsenic. Water quality tests of Peñafiel samples conducted by an independent laboratory on behalf of Keurig Dr Pepper detected arsenic at levels that exceeded the FDA’s bottled water standards for mineral water of 10 ppb.

From the published notice, "Arsenic is found in nature, including in aquifers that are the source of mineral water and where levels can vary over time. Keurig Dr Pepper has recently installed enhanced filtration systems at its facilities that produce Peñafiel, and the product now being produced is well within regulatory guidelines."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/keurig-dr-pepper-announces-voluntary-withdrawal-unflavored-penafiel-mineral-spring-water-does-not
Keurig Dr Pepper Announces Voluntary Withdrawal of Unflavored Peñafiel Mineral Spring Water that Does Not Meet FDA Bottled Water Quality Standards
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 21, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  June 21, 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending June 22, 2019

Egg Missing on Tempura Product Label - Mai Cuisine Inc., of Philadelphia, PA is voluntarily recalling 31 packs of Spicy Shrimp Tempura Roll and 32 packs of Spicy Shrimp Tempura Crunch Roll because it may contain undeclared egg.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing egg was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg. Although these products have shelf life of 1 day, the firm is initiating this recall to ensure customer safety.

Wrong Potato Chip Bag - Chips Packed in Wrong Bag, Milk Not Listed - Frito-Lay today issued a limited voluntary recall of 7 3/4 oz. bags of Lay’s Lightly Salted Barbecue Flavored Potato Chips because they may contain undeclared milk ingredients. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that bags of Lay’s Lightly Salted Barbecue Flavored Potato Chips were inadvertently filled with another flavor of potato chips, potentially exposing consumers to undeclared milk.

High Sulfite Level on Dried Dates - Shivam Distributors of Longwood, FL is recalling its 14 ounce packages of “Dry Dates” because they contain high sulfite content.  The recall was the result of a random testing done on May 21 2019 by FL agriculture department which notified our company on June 5, 2019 that revealed high sulfite level in the 14 ounce packages of “Dry Dates” with batch # 127/BHBI.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mai-cuisine-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-allergen-spicy-shrimp-tempura-sushi-rolls
Mai Cuisine Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg Allergen in Spicy Shrimp Tempura Sushi Rolls
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 17, 2019
FDA Publish Date: June 17, 2019

Ready-to-Eat Food Items Recalled Due to Temperature Abuse During Transport to Retail Location

 C&S Wholesale Grocers, located in Westfield, Mass. is recalling an undetermined amount of ready-to-eat and not-ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to temperature abuse during transport,The ready-to-eat and not-ready-to-eat meat and poultry products were sold on June 17, 2019, at two Target retail stores in New York. The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that the product was held at an incorrect temperature and then inadvertently shipped into commerce.  All remaining inventory of the recalled items have been removed from the store and destroyed.

In the FDA recall notice for the same two shipments, the reasoning was mechanical failure during transportation.  One may guess an improperly operating, or non-operating refrigeration unit.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-070-2019-release
C&S Wholesale Grocers Recalls Meat and Poultry Products due to Possible Temperature Abuse During Transport at Two Stores in New York 
Class I Recall
070-2019
Health Risk: High
Jun 20, 2019

Frozen Berries Recalled for Norovirus After FDA Testing Reveals Presence

Alma Pak of Alma, Georgia is recalling specific lots of product containing frozen blackberries (noted below) due to the potential of being contaminated with Norovirus. FDA testing of frozen blackberries was reported to have tested positive for Norovirus.

It appears that the recalls associated with viral contamination, in this case Norovirus, are triggered by FDA testing.  Hopefully, there is an investigation into how this contamination got there and with that, the types of controls that can be instituted.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/alma-pak-voluntarily-recalls-frozen-blackberries-due-possible-health-risk-norovirus
Alma Pak Voluntarily Recalls Frozen Blackberries Due to Possible Health Risk of Norovirus
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 20, 2019
FDA Publish Date: June 20, 2019

Frozen Grilled Red Peppers Recalled After Sample Tests Positive for Listeria

UNFI is voluntarily recalling its 10 ounce packages of Woodstock frozen Organic Grilled Red Peppers after routine testing by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Currently, one lot of product is being recalled, but the company has suspended production of the product while RIDOH and UNFI continue to investigate.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/unfi-recalls-its-woodstock-frozen-organic-grilled-red-peppers-because-possible-health-risk
UNFI Recalls its Woodstock Frozen Organic Grilled Red Peppers Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 19, 2019
FDA Publish Date: June 19, 2019

Frozen Chunk Avocado Recalled After FDA Discovers Positive Listeria in Sample

Nature's Touch Frozen Foods, a Canadian-based importer is recalling its frozen chunked avocado after FDA testing found Listeria in one of the bags they sampled.  The product was shipped to 15 states, all west of the Mississippi, and to numerous retailers.

Only one lot code was recalled...so far.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natures-touch-frozen-foods-west-inc-voluntarily-recalls-signature-select-avocado-chunks-due
Nature’s Touch Frozen Foods (West) Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Signature Select Avocado Chunks Due to Potential Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 18, 2019
FDA Publish Date: June 18, 2019

Plastic Jars of Ragu Pasta Sauce Recalled Because of Potential for Plastic Pieces

Mizkan America, Inc., is recalling select production codes of certain RAGÚ® pasta sauces in the U.S. because the sauce may contain fragments of plastic. According to the report, there have not been any reports of consumer injuries or complaints.

"These sauces were produced between June 4-8 and Mizkan America believes that the majority of this production run is in its control.  However, some cases of the sauces listed above were shipped to customers recently and these cases/products are subject to this voluntary recall."

Mizkan America Website
https://www.ragu.com/press-release/mizkan-america-inc-announces-voluntary-recall/
Mizkan America, Inc., Announces Voluntary Recall Of Select Varieties/Production Codes of RAGÚ® Pasta Sauce

Frozen Cut Spinach Recalled Due to Listeria Positive Product Samples

An AZ retailer is recalling its branded frozen cut spinach after random sampling revealed that finished products contained Listeria monocytogenes.  The product was manufactured by National Frozen Foods of Oregon.  One date code for both organic and conventional spinach was recalled.  Product was shipped to 19 states (AZ, CA, NV, UT, NM, CO, TX, KS, OK, MO, TN, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, PA, MD, and VA)

As we have seen with so many of these recalls in the past, one may expect additional lots recalled if the company finds that additional product lots have contamination, thus indicating inadequate controls were in place.

While freezing restricts growth and proper cooking would eliminate the Listeria risk, the concern would be the use of spinach in applications where heating is limited or product is not heated at all (smoothies, spinach dip) or where there is the chance of cross contamination in the kitchen.

This is not National Frozen Foods first Listeria related recall.  In 2016, this company had the extensive recall with frozen peas and in 2018, there was a recall of frozen green beans.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sprouts-farmers-market-recalls-frozen-cut-leaf-spinach-and-frozen-organic-cut-leaf-spinach-16oz
Sprouts Farmers Market Recalls Frozen Cut Leaf Spinach and Frozen Organic Cut Leaf Spinach 16oz. Packages Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date :June 14, 2019
FDA Publish Date: June 17, 2019

Preliminary Findings from Cyclospora Outbreak Associated with Romaine Lettuce in 2018

A Blue Ribbon Panel was put together to investigate the 2018 cyclospora outbreak associated with Romaine lettuce.   Little is know about this parasite and the goal of the panel was to focus on root-cause assessment, preventive measures/controls, collaborative approach, and testing validation.  "Although several outbreaks attributed to C. cayetanensis occurred during 2018 that were linked to fresh produce — particularly multi-commodity vegetable trays, cilantro, and others — this working group focused initial attention on the outbreak associated with a romaine lettuce mix."

Cyclospora is a human-specfic parasite that has been problematic in RTE produce such as lettuce (2018), veggie trays (2018), raspberries, and cilantro.  Cyclospora is spread by people ingesting food or water that was contaminated with feces from an infected individual.

For this case, "Outbreak investigative evidence, epidemiology, trace-back, and secondary on-farm investigative follow-up strongly indicated raw material contamination to a domestic production source in California"

While the report provides a pretty broad list in the root cause analysis, the recommendations for preventive controls focus on key elements:

"Recommendations

• Source protection for agricultural water should emphasize protection against human fecal contamination.
• Because humans appear to be the primary reservoir for C. cayetanensis, surveillance of diarrheal illness among workers involved in propagation and harvesting of fresh produce should be conducted, and workers with diarrheal illnesses be tested for C. cayetanensis and other enteric infections.
• Equipment used in propagation and harvesting of fresh produce should be maintained and cleaned to prevent C. cayetanensis transmission.
• Prevention measures need to account for the extrinsic maturation period of C. cayetanensis. This should include awareness of events and activities in the field at least 1 to 2 weeks before harvest, or at the time of harvest with regard to water, equipment, or environmental materials that were contaminated 1 to 2 weeks earlier."

The report also provides a summary of why control measures for STEC (pathogenic E. coli are different than for Cyclospora.

"Although industry-wide efforts to prevent contamination of romaine lettuce by pathogenic bacteria focus on the use of agricultural water, several key features of C. cayetanensis differ from STEC and need to be addressed in preventing Cyclospora transmission.

• Cyclospora is more resistant to routine chemical disinfection processes than STEC. Thus, water testing and treatment targeted to control STEC may not be adequate to control C. cayetanensis
• Water source protection is focused on animal reservoirs, primarily cattle, whereas C. cayetanensis is not known to have an animal reservoir hosts. Though animals may ingest C. cayetanensis oocysts and mechanically spread them through their feces, they are not known to become infected or to amplify the number of oocysts. Thus, prevention of human fecal contamination appears to be the primary need for water source protection.
• C. cayetanensis appears to require at least 1 to 2 weeks under favorable environmental conditions to become infectious. This lengthy extrinsic maturation period must be taken into account when considering the possibility and plausibility of fresh produce becoming contaminated through various means and for the oocysts (if not already infective when the produce becomes contaminated) to have sufficient time, under favorable conditions, to become infective by the time that the contaminated produce is consumed."

There were additional recommendations made on surveillance and testing.

https://www.freshexpress.com/sites/default/files/brp_interim_report_6.5.19-final.2_2.pdf
Interim Report:
Blue-Ribbon Panel on the Prevention of Foodborne Cyclospora Outbreaks
June 5, 2019

From the Stupid File - Man-Who-Eats-Expired-Food-For-A-Year Becomes Poster Child for the Eating Foods Past Code Date

An article in the Washington Post discusses shelf-life stating with the example of a guy who ate expired food for a year.  We hear this all the time -  foods beyond a Best-By Dates are safe to eat....well mostly safe.  There can be some issues once some foods get beyond the stated best-by date, depending upon the type of food product.

• Listeria risk does increase if there is presence of the organism on certain foods.  Manufacturers go to great lengths to control Listeria, but if a single organism gets onto the product, like a sliced deli meat, that risk increases the longer the product is held.
• Mold - the risk of mold growth increases in products that are drier in nature, breads or cheeses for example, as well as produce.  Many molds produce mycotoxins, which can be really harmful.  And people can have allergic reactions to food with mold present.
• Acid foods in cans can leach tin into the food - as acid foods go beyond the stated date, that  will eventually deteriorate the can and with that, tin can leach into the product.  High levels of tin are not healthy.  Further, that acid will eventually cause the container to leak.
• Oxidized fat - In foods with fats/oils, such as potato chips, the oils will go rancid as product gets beyond the stated shelf-life..that is really the limiting factor that determine shelf-life.  Oil breakdown products due to rancidity are extremely unhealthy over the long term (Link). If the level of rancidity is high, it can cause gastro-intestinal distress (link)
• And high levels of spoilage bacteria are going to produce a number of byproducts that can cause gastrointestinal distress.  Much of that is determined by not only the number of organisms but the type or organisms present.  In milk for example, homofermentive lactic acid bacteria with lactic acid as the primary byproduct is one thing, but if spoilage is due to gram-negative spoilage organisms, this is a different thing.  We do not have control over what organism decides to spoil our food.

We are all for standardized terminology for shelf-life, but the manufacturer has the right to set that date and should expect people to eat that food before it hits that date...because that is when the product will be at its best.  If people eat the food beyond that date, it will not be as tasty and that will not increase the chance that the person buys that product again.  As consumers, we should be focused on eating food in its prime.

Unfortunately, for many reading this article, the main takeaway will be that they can and probably should eat expired food regardless of what it is or how far past the date it is.  The need to for standardized terminology and understanding that terminology gets lost with narrative of someone eating expired food for a year.

Our focus should be on using food when it is at its best....that means consumers should, in some cases, buy less.  In other cases, rotate their inventory.  Eating expired foods is not really a good idea.
Unfortunately we are going to hear...go ahead and eat it, that goof ate expired foods for a year and was fine, you can just wash off that spoiled slice of bologna...are you kidding me?  (And Jared ate subs for a year and look what happened to him....just kidding.)

Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/06/17/this-man-ate-expired-food-year-heres-why-expiration-dates-are-practically-meaningless/?utm_term=.2d9486350125
Business
This man ate ‘expired’ food for a year. Here’s why expiration dates are practically meaningless.

Breakfast Wraps Recalled After Complaints of Rocks....ROCKS?

Ruiz Foods Products Inc., a Denison, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 246,514 pounds of frozen, not ready-to-eat (NRTE) breakfast wrap products  (frozen egg, potato, bacon and cheese wraps) because the bacon may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically small rocks....ROCKS????   The problem was discovered on June 14, 2019, when Ruiz Foods advised FSIS of three consumer complaints regarding foreign material in the wrap products.   The company received a report of a potential injury associated with the consumption of this product.

The firm continues to investigate the source of the foreign material.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-069-2019-release
Ruiz Foods Products Inc. Recalls Bacon Breakfast Wrap Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 069-2019
Health Risk: High
Jun 14, 2019

More Flour Recalled Due to Potential E. coli Contamination

Two specific lot codes of its Pillsbury® Best 5 lb. Bread Flour  were recalled due to a potential presence of pathogenic E. coli. The product was manufactured by ADM Milling Co., at the company’s mill in Buffalo, NY.  :Approximately 4,620 cases of impacted Pillsbury® Best 5 lb. Bread Flour were distributed to a limited number of retailers and distributors across the following 10 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia."

ADM flour with potential E.coli contamination was also involved in recent recalls under brands foe Aldi and King Author Flour.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cooperation-adm-milling-co-hometown-food-company-issues-voluntary-recall-specific-lot-codes
In Cooperation with ADM Milling Co., Hometown Food Company Issues Voluntary Recall of Specific Lot Codes Pillsbury® Best Bread Flour Due to Possible Health Risk

Summary

Company Announcement Date: June 14, 2019

FDA Publish Date: June 14, 2019

Product Type: Food & Beverages 

Bakery Product/Mix

Reason for Announcement: E.coli

Company Name: Hometown Food Company

Brand Name: Pillsbury BEST

Product Description: Flour

Frozen Red Raspberries Recalled for Potential Norovirus Contamination

An Idaho company, WinCo Foods, LLC. is recalling 12 oz bags of Frozen Red Raspberries because it has the potential to be contaminated with Norovirus.   The produce was manufactured in Washington state.

While this recall is not connected to the frozen black raspberry recall from last week - that one was for Hepatitis A and this one is for Norovirus.   This appears to be part of the FDA sampling protocol for viruses in frozen RTE produce.   For both to have become contaminated, someone handling the product during production or processing had the virus.  And since there is a high likely the berries will be eaten with minimal processing, the virus if present can be passed onto the consumer.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/winco-foods-llc-recalls-frozen-red-raspberries-because-possible-health-risk
Winco Foods, LLC. Recalls Frozen Red Raspberries Because of Possible Health Risk

Summary

Company Announcement Date: June 14, 2019

FDA Publish Date: June 14, 2019

Product Type: Food & Beverages  Fruit/Fruit Product

Reason for Announcement: Norovirus

Company Name: WinCo Foods, LLC

Brand Name: WinCo Foods

Product Description: Frozen Red Raspberries

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending June 15, 2019

Labels Misses Eggs in Quiche..Can You Have a Quiche Without Eggs? - Taylor Farms Illinois, Inc., a Chicago, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 51 pounds of cheese and bacon quiche products due to the product containing eggs, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.   The problem was discovered on June 8, 2019 when Taylor Farms Illinois, Inc. notified FSIS that the incorrect bottom package label had been applied to the product.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-067-2019-release
Taylor Farms Illinois, Inc. Recalls Bacon Quiche Products due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Class I Recall
067-2019
Health Risk: High
Jun 9, 2019

It Is Important to Get the Food Safety Communication Right

Update - the incorrect temperature posted has been corrected.

A food safety news release by a news channel in Virginia quotes a nutritionist at medical hospital.  While the RD gets most things right, the news article does state an incorrect internal temperature for cooking pork...she states 140F and this should be 145F.  Perhaps instead, they should have spoken with our friends at Virginia Extension.  (Someone may have already contacted the author regarding the correction and provided a link to Virginia Extension).

https://www.whsv.com/content/news/Dietitian-reminds-of-food-safety-amid-cookout-season-511241412.html
Dietitian says to keep food safety in mind during cookout season

Thu 2:17 PM, Jun 13, 2019  | 

Updated: Thu 7:33 PM, Jun 13, 2019

Difficulties in Developing a Vaccine Against Norovirus

Norovirus is considered the leading cause of foodborne illness in the US.  The main reasons for this is how easily it spreads (acute onset vomiting), low infectious dose, and ability to remain active in the environment.  Another key is that the body does not easily become immune to the virus, and with that, there are no available vaccines.

The reason for this is the changing complexity of the outer capsid structure.  This shell changes structure significantly from strain to strain.  And of course this structure is what antibodies find and lock onto in order to eliminate from the body.

Technology Networks
https://www.technologynetworks.com/biopharma/news/steps-towards-a-food-poisoning-vaccine-320589
Norovirus Structure Far More Complex Than First Thought 
News   Jun 13, 2019 |

Are Nitrates in Water A Cancer Risk?

A peer reviewed study published by the Environmental Working Group proposes that nitrate pollution of U.S. drinking water may cause from 2300 to 12,594 cases of cancer per year.  Most of these cases are in the rural farmland area where agronomic inputs, septic systems and home lawns becomes the source of this contamination.  Currently, the EPA acceptable level is 10ppm, but the EWG wants to see a lower level, about 0.14 ppm.

These statistical studies make a lot of inferences based on diverse data, so it is important to recognize the limit of this.

Jeff Stoltzfus, Penn State's Farm Food Safety Educator, was kind enough to provide some facts.  First, the baseline level, or background level, found in undisturbed aquifers is 1ppm and as high as 3ppm.  Vegetables and meat also contribute significant amounts of nitrates to our diet.  Finally, there are many, many activities we engage in each day that represent a higher risk than this.

Environmental Research, online 11 June 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2019.04.009

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001393511930218X?via%3Dihub
Exposure-based assessment and economic valuation of adverse birth outcomes and cancer risk due to nitrate in United States drinking water.
 Alexis Temkin a, Sydney Evans a, Tatiana Manidis b, Chris Campbell a, Olga V. Naidenko a
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2019.04.009

Highlights

• First of its kind national analysis assessing nitrate exposure from drinking water for the entire U.S. population.
• 2,300 to 12,594 nitrate-attributable cancer cases annually in the U.S., of which 54-82% are colorectal cancer (CRC) cases.
• Up to $1.5 and $6.5 billion in medical and indirect costs may be associated with annual nitrate-attributable cancer cases.
• Meta-analysis of eight studies assessing nitrate in drinking water and CRC supports a health benchmark of 0.14 mg/L

Chicken Fritters Recalled After 3 Complaints of Foreign Material Contamination in the Form of Hard Plastic

Tyson Foods, Inc., a New Holland, Pa. establishment, recalled approximately 190,757 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken fritter products due to potential contamination with hard plastic foreign objects. "FSIS was notified of the problem on June 5, 2019, when Tyson Foods, Inc. advised FSIS of three consumer complaints from schools of foreign material in the breaded chicken fritter product. Tyson Foods, Inc. distributed the product to institutions, including schools. While the product was distributed to schools, it resulted from a commercial sale and was not part of food provided by the USDA for the National School Lunch Program."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-066-2019-release
Tyson Foods, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Fritter Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall
066-2019
Health Risk: High
Jun 7, 2019

More Flour Recalled After Notified Product May Be Linked to Ongoing E.coli Outbreak

King Arthur Flour, Inc. of Norwich, VT is voluntarily recalling 14,218 cases of 5 lb. Unbleached All-Purpose Flour after being informed by ADM Milling Co. that certain wheat used to make these lots of King Arthur flour has been linked to an ongoing outbreak of E. coli infections that was issued on May 24th.  No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with King Arthur flour.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/association-adm-milling-co-king-arthur-flour-inc-voluntarily-recalls-limited-quantity-unbleached-all
In Association with ADM Milling Co, King Arthur Flour, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Limited Quantity of Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (5 Lb.) Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 13, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  June 13, 2019

Frozen Blackberries Recalled Due to Potential for Hepatitis A

FDA issued a consumer alert for frozen blackberries potentially contaminated with hepatitis A virus (HAV).    The notice states, "At this time, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are not aware of any cases of hepatitis A linked to the consumption of Kroger Private Selection brand frozen blackberries."  Although nothing was stated, this indicates that someone who handled the product in the up-stream supplier chain had been diagnosed with Hepatitis A.

Kroger issued a recall for the frozen blackberries and the Triple Berry Medley.  The product was sold at Kroger stores.  Costco also recalled product that was shipped to 5 states.

The concern is that if the infected person contaminated the berries when handling the product, even a small amount on the frozen berries could make someone ill.   Of course, many of the berries would be eaten in the raw form.

https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/public-health-alert-concerning-hepatitis-virus-contamination-kroger-brand-frozen-blackberries
Public Health Alert Concerning Hepatitis A Virus Contamination of Kroger Brand Frozen Blackberries
June 7, 2019

New Third Party Audit Parameter - Food Safety Culture Assessment

It seems like there is always something new that can be added to the third-party audit....and now there is the Food Safety Culture Assessment.  A number of companies including Ecolab and Culture Excellence have developed tools "to help measure and advance food safety behaviors and the overall food safety culture within food retail organizations."

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ecolab-launches-food-safety-culture-123000672.html
Ecolab Launches Food Safety Culture Assessment to Help Improve Food Safety Behavior
Business WireJune 7, 2019
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Fake Food Safety Video Reaches Close to 100 Million People in Two Days

An article in NewStatesman discusses how a video with questionable food safety claims regarding food products was seen by 90 million people in two days.  In the video, the 'artists' show how manufacturers use fake food to fool consumers (you can watch the video from the link below)

Being released by a US entity, it is easy for many to assume that the cases were from US companies.  But that was not the case - "When asked about the research that went into making the video, First Media provided a list of links for each clip. Eleven of the 16 were from a mix of Indian sources relating to alleged food scandals in the country; from the urbane Instagram influencers of New Delhi to national newspapers and rural TV channels. One, relating to red dye on sweet potatoes, came from the official food standards authority in India. "

While the author's claim good intent in increasing awareness, it does show how fast fake news can be distributed, and if well produced, it can be quite convincing.

NewStatesman
https://www.newstatesman.com/science-tech/social-media/2019/06/how-spurious-food-safety-claims-reached-audience-almost-90-million
How spurious food safety claims reached an audience of almost 90 million in a few days

Prevalence of Salmonella and Pathogenic E. coli in Raw Wheat and the Need for Control

In a recently published study, the research shows that Salmonella and pathogenic E. coli is found in raw wheat, and with that, can be found in raw flour.   A total of 5,176 wheat samples were tested for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), Salmonella spp., Listeria spp., and L. monocytogenes.

• Salmonella was in 1.23% of the samples (average level of 0.110 MPN/g), 
• EHECs occurred in 0.44% of the samples (0.039 MPN/g), 
• Listeria spp. occurred in 0.08% of samples (0.020 MPN/g), but L. monocytogenes was not detected.

A few important discussion points:

• "Contamination sources are diverse and vary with several conditions, including weather, temperature, precipitation, time of flowering, and time of harvest."   So there is no silver bullet in eliminating this contamination from getting on the raw product.
• "There are two main pathways in which the presence of pathogens in wheat flour can cause human illness: (i) by the consumption of raw dough and (ii) through cross-contamination. The widespread use of wheat products in foods and the occurrence of outbreaks associated with wheat products confirm that eating raw wheat products poses a risk for foodborne illnesses."  As processors as well as consumers, these vegetative pathogens must be considered as being potentially present, and with that, we need to have a process to eliminate the organism (baking) and procedures against cross contamination with the raw flour (cleaning).

Journal of Food Protection
https://jfoodprotection.org/doi/full/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-18-345
Occurrence and Levels of Salmonella, Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, and Listeria in Raw Wheat
Volume 82, Issue 6 (June 2019) 

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending June 8, 2019

Nuts in the Pesto Sauce - Whole Foods Market stores in the North Atlantic region are voluntarily recalling the retailer’s specialty made-in-house basil pesto and specialty made-in-house sundried tomato pesto because the products may contain undeclared milk and tree nuts.   The issue was discovered after a customer alerted the store.

Sulfite Testing Discovers They're Missing on the Label - Deep Foods Inc. of Union, NJ is recalling Deep Golden Raisin 7oz., 14oz. and 28oz. Because they contained undeclared sulfites.  The recall was initiated after routing sampling by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer services and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the 7 oz. Package of Deep "Golden Raisin" which were not declared on label. The same raisins were packed in 14 oz. And 28 oz. And are included in this recall.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/allergy-alert-issued-undeclared-milk-pine-nuts-and-walnuts-two-specialty-pesto-products-sold-north
Allergy Alert Issued for Undeclared Milk, Pine Nuts and Walnuts in Two Specialty Pesto Products Sold in North Atlantic Whole Foods Market Stores
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 05, 2019
FDA Publish Date:June 06, 2019