This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending July 17, 2020

Printing Error on Packaging Results in Missed Milk - Happy Colon Foods, LLC of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is recalling Happy Colon YUM Shortbread Cookie and Happy Colon Mmmm Chocolate Chip Cookie, because they may contain undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Happy Colon YUM Shortbread Cookies and Happy Colon Mmmm Chocolate Chip Cookies containing milk were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a printing error on labeling.

Undeclared Nuts in Product - Operational or Supplier Issue?  Flagstone Foods LLC, of Robersonville, NC, is recalling its 16-ounce packages of Wegmans Pecan Blend Trail Mix because they may contain undeclared almonds and walnuts. The recall was initiated after a customer notified the firm that the product contained almonds and walnuts that are not listed in the ingredient statement on the packaging.

This Week in Mislabeled Allergens for Week Ending July 11, 2020

Old Formulation in New Package that Misses Sesame Seed - KIND Healthy Snacks (KIND) is voluntarily recalling a limited number of Oats & Honey Granola with Toasted Coconut pouches due to the presence of sesame seeds, which is not listed as an ingredient in the product. The label does list "sesame seeds" under the "May Contain" statement. KIND recently decided to transition away from using sesame seeds in its Oats & Honey Granola recipe. This limited recall was initiated after KIND discovered that the product's previous recipe was used and placed into new packaging that did not disclose sesame seeds as an ingredient. (The product is mislabeled, although Sesame Seed is not currently included in the allergens that have to be identified on the label)

FDA and CDC Provide Update on Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Salad with Additional Cases Reported

FDA and CDC updated the ongoing Cyclospora Outbreak linked to Fresh Express's Illinois facility.  In the last update regarding this outbreak issued on June 29, there were 206 cases.  With this latest reporting, there are now 509 cases.  While product had been recalled, the latest sell-by-date was July 14th.  Work continues to make sure all of the product is off of the shelf.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-cyclospora-bagged-salads-june-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Cyclospora: Bagged Salads (June 2020)
FDA’s traceback investigation continues. CDC reports additional cases.
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 509
Hospitalizations: 33
Deaths: 0
Illness Onset Date Range: 5/11/2020 – 7/1/2020
States with Cases: IA (160), IL (151), KS (5), MN (63), MO (46), NE (48), ND (6), WI (30)

After Watching a Food Safety Video, Some People Still Don't Get It

A research article in J. Food Protection looks at trying to get more people to use a thermometer when cooking ground turkey patties. Yep, if people watch a 3 minute USDA food safety video, they were more likely to use a thermometer.

 "Participants who viewed the video were twice as likely to use a thermometer to check the doneness of the turkey patties compared with the participants who were not exposed to the video (75 versus 34%) and twice as likely to place the thermometer in the correct location (52 versus 23%). Sixty-seven percent of participants who watched the video reported that it influenced their behavior in the kitchen.

I think the kicker is the other side of this....in that 25% of the people who watch the video were still not going to use a thermometer, and if they did 48% were not going to do it correctly.  And 33% were not influenced at all regarding kitchen behavior.  Probably the same people who don't wear masks.

https://meridian.allenpress.com/jfp/article-abstract/83/7/1167/426199/An-Observational-Study-of-Thermometer-Use-by?redirectedFrom=fulltext
An Observational Study of Thermometer Use by Consumers When Preparing Ground Turkey Patties
MINH DUONG; ELLEN THOMAS SHUMAKER; SHERYL C CATES; LISA SHELLEY; LYDIA GOODSON; CHRISTOPHER BERNSTEIN; AARON LAVALLEE; MARGARET KIRCHNER; REBECCA GOULTER; LEE-ANN JAYKUS; BENJAMIN CHAPMAN
J Food Prot (2020) 83 (7): 1167–1174.
https://doi.org/10.4315/JFP-19-594

Halloween Planning in the Time of COVID

An article in AdAge discusses a candy makers plan for Halloween 2020 considering we have a COVID issue.  For candy makers, Halloween represents an event that is planned for years in advance, and now, the COVID issue throws a wrench into the whole process.

AdAge
https://adage.com/article/podcast-marketers-brief/mars-wrigley-chief-halloween-officer-tim-lebel-dishes-years-holiday-planning/2266336
Mars Wrigley Chief Halloween Officer Tim LeBel dishes on this year's holiday planning
With COVID-19 reshaping shopping and gatherings months before Halloween, candy marketers must prepare for one of their biggest times of the year
     
By Jessica Wohl. Published on July 08, 2020.

Dog Aging Compared to Humans - A Scientific Evaluation

A recent study looked at how dogs age compared to humans. It turns out that the old adage - one year of a dog life is equal to 7 years for humans. This is not true. It is not a linear progression. Rather dogs mature quickly compared to humans initially, and then that levels out with dogs living the life of an adult for a longer period of their life.

Allergen Removal from Foodservice Counters and Tables

In foodservice establishments, whether at the table or the counter, it is common to see staff dry wipe surfaces, especially when the debris on the surface is dry in nature. However, this is not sufficient to remove allergens from that surface.  A study published in J. Food Protection shows that these surfaces have to be more than dry wiped.

"Although dry wipes and cloths were not effective for removing allergenic foods, terry cloth presoaked in water or sanitizer solution, use of multiple quat wipes, and the wash–rinse–sanitize–air dry procedure were effective in allergen removal from surfaces. Allergens present on dry wipes were transferred to wiped surfaces. In contrast, minimal or no allergen transfer to surfaces was found when allergen-contaminated terry cloth was submerged in sanitizer solution prior to wiping surfaces. The full cleaning method (wash–rinse–sanitize–air dry) and soaking the terry cloth in sanitizer solution prior to wiping were effective at allergen removal and minimizing allergen transfer."

Journal of Food Protection
https://meridian.allenpress.com/jfp/article/83/7/1248/429977/Allergen-Removal-and-Transfer-with-Wiping-and
Research Article| March 19 2020
Allergen Removal and Transfer with Wiping and Cleaning Methods Used in Retail and Food Service Establishments

This Week in Mislabeled Food Products for Week Ending July 4, 2020

Carrot Cake Labeled as Red Velvet Cheesecake - Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling Red Velvet Cheesecake Slices from 36 stores in California, Boise, Idaho, and Reno, Nevada, due to an undeclared tree nut (walnut) allergen. The recall was initiated when a store began individually packaging the product and discovered the manufacturer had mislabeled the product as Red Velvet Layered Cheesecake when it contained Carrot Cake Layered Cheesecake instead. The product was sold by the slice in plastic clamshell containers with Whole Foods Market scale labels,

Dairy Free Ice Cream Contains Real Ice Cream - Beyond Better Foods, LLC, is recalling select pints from a single production run of Enlightened brand Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream pints because they may have been packaged in Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter containers and thus contain undeclared milk ingredients. This recall is the result of mislabeled product. Specifically, one lot of Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream was mistakenly filled in pint sized Enlightened brand Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter pint containers. These packages have a base container labeled “Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter” and a lid labeled “Chocolate Peanut Butter” without a “Dairy-Free” callout.

Supplier Mixes Peanuts into Pretzels - Mount Franklin Foods, LLC dba Azar Nut Company of El Paso, TX is voluntarily recalling its 5-ounce packages of "7-Select Yogurt Pretzels" because they may contain undeclared peanuts. The recall was initiated after discovering a peanut-containing product mixed with pretzels from a third-party supplier during the repackaging process of the "7-Select Yogurt Pretzels" which does not include peanuts in the declared allergens. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an isolated incident whereby inclusion occurred during the sample inspection process. Production of the "7-Select Yogurt Pretzels” has been suspended until FDA and the company are certain that the problem has been corrected.

Label Missing Egg - Trident Seafoods is recalling Gordon Choice® Imitation Crab Supreme Style, because it may contain undeclared egg white. The recall was initiated after it was discovered through internal product and label review that product containing egg white was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of eggs.

Chicken Nuggets Recalled After Complaint for Rubber Piece in Product

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Waco, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 59,800 pounds of fully cooked chicken breast nugget products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically flexible rubber material.  The problem was discovered after the firm received a consumer complaint reporting rubber pieces in the chicken breast nuggets product.  There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2020/recall-014-2020-release
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Recalls Chicken Breast Nugget Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall
014-2020
Health Risk: Low
Jun 28, 2020

Hand Sanitizer Recalled Because it May Contain Methanol

A company is recalling Saniderm brand of hand sanitizer because it may contain methanol (wood alcohol.   This comes "In response to a recent news alert by the Food and Drug Administration advising consumers of potentially toxic hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico, Saniderm has proactively taken necessary precautions to ensure the safety of consumers.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/saniderm-products-voluntarily-issues-regional-virginia-maryland-new-jersey-recall-1-l-saniderm
Saniderm Products Voluntarily Issues Regional (Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey) Recall of 1 L Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer bottles produced by Eskbiochem SA de CV Due to the Potential Presence of Undeclared Methanol (Wood Alcohol)
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 26, 2020

FDA Publish Date: June 27, 2020 

Product Type: Drugs 

Reason for Announcement: May contain methanol (wood alcohol) 

Company Name: Saniderm 

Products Brand Name:   Saniderm 

Product Description: Advanced Hand Sanitizer

Fresh Shrimp Poke Recalled for Listeria

Norpac Fisheries Export is recalling all fresh shrimp poke distributed in the Hawaiian Island between May 11, 2020 and June 25, 2020 because it has potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, "We became aware of this problem during our routine Food Safety monitoring procedures, as we perform laboratory analysis of our work areas, equipment, surfaces, drains, raw materials and completed product. As a result of our routine random product and materials testing, we tested the shrimp used to make the shrimp poke, by having a sample sent to an independent lab for analysis. The results were received June 25, 2020 indicating a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes. We are proceeding under the cautious assumption that all of the shrimp from our supplier is contaminated. Our company has ceased the production and distribution of the product using this shrimp, as the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the exact source of the problem. '

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/norpac-fisheries-export-recalls-shrimp-poke-due-possible-health-risk
Norpac Fisheries Export Recalls Shrimp Poke Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 28, 2020
FDA Publish Date: June 29, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages Shellfish
Reason for Announcement: Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Norpac Fisheries Export
Brand Name: Garlic Shrimp Poke
Product Description: Garlic Shrimp Poke

Texas Company Recalls Stuffed Shells After Testing Finds Listeria monocytogenes

Garland Ventures Ltd of Garland, Texas is voluntary recalling 1095 cases of Five Cheese Stuffed Shells trays because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, The potential for contamination was noted after samples tested through certified laboratory revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in “Five Cheese Stuffed Shells”. Garland Ventures Ltd ceased the further production and distribution of product immediately.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/garland-ventures-ltd-voluntary-recalls-five-cheese-stuffed-shells-because-possible-health-risk
Garland Ventures LTD Voluntary Recalls Five Cheese Stuffed Shells Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 30, 2020
FDA Publish Date: June 30, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Garland Ventures Ltd.
Brand Name: Garland Ventures Ltd.
Product Description: Five Cheese Stuffed Shells

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending June 20, 2020

Fresh Express is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of Fresh Express 11.5-ounce Southwest Chopped Kit with production codes G163B10A and G163B10B, UPC code 0 71279 30602 5 and use-by date of June 29 due to the presence of undeclared wheat, soy, cashews, and coconut.  The recall was necessitated when Fresh Express learned that, during a single production run, incorrect condiment packets were placed into Southwest Chopped Kit bags and, as a result, the allergens wheat, soy, cashews, and coconut are not properly declared.

H-E-B is voluntarily issuing a recall for gallon-sizes of Hill Country Fare Pink Lemonade, Citrus Punch, Fruit Drink and Grape Drink for the potential presence of a milk allergen

Rusty’s Seafood Market of Lorida, Florida, is recalling all five of its Captain Rusty’s Seafood Dips due to the presence of undeclared allergens. People who have allergies to fish (mahi, salmon, whiting, pollock, threadfin bream), crustacean shellfish (crab, lobster, shrimp), wheat, eggs, soy or milk  The recall was initiated after the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) determined, during routine inspection, that the product containing allergens was distributed in packaging that did not identify the presence of fish (mahi, salmon, whiting, pollock, threadfin bream), crustacean shellfish (crab, lobster, shrimp), wheat, eggs, soy or milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a breakdown in the company’s labeling process.

CDC and FDA Update on Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Bagged Salad

FDA and CDC released an update on the Cyclospora outbreak associated with bagged salad sold which is linked to a facility in Illinois.  As of June 29, 2020, there have been 206 reported cases of Cyclospora infection.  The previous update was on June 19, 2020.

"The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections potentially linked to salad products that were made by Fresh Express containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots and that were sold in several regions of the United States. The investigation includes Fresh Express branded products as well as products made by Fresh Express for retail store brands sold at ALDI, Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, ShopRite, and Walmart. Investigators continue to look into whether other retail brands may be impacted."

"Currently, the epidemiologic and traceback information collected by federal and state investigators indicates that a likely cause of this outbreak is product made at the Fresh Express production facility in Streamwood, Illinois."

FDA

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-cyclospora-bagged-salads-june-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Cyclospora: Bagged Salads (June 2020)
Fresh Express recalls products made in its Streamwood, Illinois production facility with either iceberg lettuce, red cabbage or carrots
06/29/2020

FDA Issues Warning Letter to NJ Cheese Processor - No Preventive Control Plan and No Listeria Control Program

FDA issued a Warning Letter to El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. of Patterson NJ for not having a Preventive Control Plan in place for each type of food processed.  They also did not have a Listeria control program in place.  While investigators found Listeria in the processing facility, the strains they found were not pathogenic.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/el-abuelito-cheese-inc-605472-06042020
WARNING LETTER
El Abuelito Cheese, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 605472 — June 04, 2020

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Three Firms for Non-compliance for FSVP for Imported Goods

FDA issued Warning Letters to three firms for not being in compliance with the FSVP regulations.  These firms did not have FSVP in place for products they imported.

Global Commodities Corp., of  Hayward, CA 94545 was not in compliance with the FSVP  for Buenas Kaong Red Sugar Palm Fruit in Syrup and Macapuno String in Syrup preserves imported from (b)(4), Philippines; and Boy Bawang Mixed Nuts Snacks – Garlic imported from KSK Food Products, Philippines. The firm did not have FSVPs for these products.

H & C Food Inc., located at 1300 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY was found not to be in compliance with the FSVP requirements for  Enoki Mushroom imported from Green Co., Ltd, South Korea and Teriyaki Kimnori Roasted seaweed Snack (b)(4). The firm did not have FSVPs for these products. 

Diamond Rock Food Imports, Inc.of Copiague, NY was not in compliance with the requirements of FSVP regulations for Tomato Sauce and Refried Red Beans products imported from (b)(4) and the Grape Soft Drink product imported from your (b)(4). The firm did not have an FSVP for these products or any other products imported by your firm.

Lawsuit Filed Against Meat Processor for COVID-19 Deaths

A lawsuit against Tyson Foods was filed by the families of 3 workers who died from COVID-19 alleging that "Tyson concealed information about the extent of illness among the workforce at its pork processing plant in Waterloo, Iowa, and that it failed to institute adequate safety measures."

Food Processing Magazine
https://www.foodprocessing.com/industrynews/2020/suit-blames-3-covid-deaths-on-tyson-foods
Lawsuit Blames 3 COVID Deaths on Tyson Foods
By Pan Demetrakakes, Senior Editor
Jun 26, 2020

Tyson Foods is being sued by families of three workers at one of its Iowa plants who died after contracting COVID-19.

Cyclospora Outbreak Associated with Bagged Salads in Midwest US, 76 Cases to Date

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections potentially linked to ALDI, Hy-Vee, and Jewel-Osco grocery store brand “garden salads” containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots.  As of June 19th, there have been 76 cases with 16 hospitalizations, with onset date ranging from May 11th through June 14th.

"FDA and CDC are recommending that consumers should not eat, and restaurants and retailers should not sell or serve all ALDI Little Salad Bar Brand Garden Salad sold in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri, all Hy-Vee Brand Garden Salad sold in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska, and Jewel-Osco Signature Farms Brand Garden Salad sold in Illinois."

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-cyclospora-bagged-salads-june-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Cyclospora: Bagged Salads (June 2020)
Don’t eat ALDI, Hy-Vee, or Jewel-Osco store brand bagged salads labeled as ‘garden salads’ and sold in six mid-western states.
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 76
Hospitalizations: 16
Deaths: 0
Illness Onset Date Range: 5/11/2020 - 6/14/2020
States with Cases: IA (28), IL (23), KS (1), MN (10), MO (7), NE (7)

NJ Company Recalls 43,000 Pounds of Ground Meat for Potential E. coli Contamination

Lakeside Refrigerated Services, a Swedesboro, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 42,922 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS testing. 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/2020/recall-012-2020-release
Lakeside Refrigerated Services Recalls Beef Products due to Possible E.coli O157:H7 Contamination
Class I Recall
012-2020
Health Risk: High
Jun 13, 2020

Raw Macadamia Nuts Recalled After Lot Tests Positive for Salmonella

An Illinois company, NOW Health Group, Inc. (NOW), is recalling its NOW Real Food® Raw Macadamia Nuts because this lot has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. NOW became aware of the potential contamination after routine sampling in a later lot of finished product (which contained the same lot of raw material as used in the recalled lot) found the bacteria. This later finished product lot was not released and remains in a quarantined state.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/now-health-group-inc-voluntarily-recalls-now-real-food-rraw-macadamia-nuts-because-possible-health
NOW Health Group Inc. Voluntarily Recalls NOW Real Food ®Raw Macadamia Nuts Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 12, 2020
FDA Publish Date: June 12, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages Nuts & Nut Products
Reason for Announcement: Potential Salmonella contamination
Company Name: NOW Health Group, Inc.
Brand Name: Now Real Food
Product Description: Raw Macadamia Nuts

COVID Times - June 9, 2020

People with Blood Type O May Have Reduced Risk of COVID Infection and Hospitalization - A study conducted by the 23andMe, the genetic testing company, has found preliminary evidence that people with blood type O may have reduced risk of infection as well as lower rate of hospitalization if infected.

Study of Sailors Exposed to Virus Aboard Ship - CDC published a study that looked at an COVID-19 outbreak on a US Naval Ship.  In the sampling of sailors, "healthy U.S. service members experiencing close contact aboard an aircraft carrier, those with previous or current SARS-CoV-2 infection experienced mild illness overall, and nearly 20% were asymptomatic. Approximately one third of participants reported fever, myalgia, and chills and had higher odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection than did persons who reported cough and shortness of breath. Participants reporting anosmia (loss of sense of smell) or ageusia (loss of sense of taste) had 10 times the odds of having infection, compared with those who did not."

The World Health Organization Still Trying to Get It Right - WHO had to clarify a statement by one of their experts who said that spread from asymptomatic carriers was very rare, this of course is not the case.  This comes as they also backtracked on the use of masks.

Have the Lock Downs Helped? - Many may complain, but studies indicate that the lock downs have helped in saving lives.  Not to say that lock downs need to continue, but they provided an opportunity for learning how to better function through the use of preventive measures at the same time, allowing for the medical community to improve on treatments.  This is not to say we are out of the woods as areas in the country still struggle with cases spiking.

CDC Report - Survey Indicates Some People Using Unsafe Disinfection Practices Including Using Bleach on Food

CDC published a report indicating that a good number of people feel that using bleach on food products to remove potential COVID-19 virus was okay.  It isn't okay to use disinfectants on food

In April, CDC reported that there as an increase in chemical-related health issues caused by the misuse of disinfectants by people trying to reduce the risk of COVID-19.

A survey was conducted, and while a good portion of people had the basic understanding for use of chemicals, "Thirty-nine percent reported intentionally engaging in at least one high-risk practice not recommended by CDC for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission (2), including application of bleach to food items (e.g., fruits and vegetables) (19%); use of household cleaning and disinfectant products on hands or skin (18%); misting the body with a cleaning or disinfectant spray (10%); inhalation of vapors from household cleaners or disinfectants (6%); and drinking or gargling diluted bleach solutions, soapy water, and other cleaning and disinfectant solutions (4% each)."

"These practices pose a risk of severe tissue damage and corrosive injury (8,9) and should be strictly avoided. Although adverse health effects reported by respondents could not be attributed to their engaging in high-risk practices, the association between these high-risk practices and reported adverse health effects indicates a need for public messaging regarding safe and effective cleaning and disinfection practices aimed at preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in households."

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6923e2.htm?s_cid=mm6923e2_w
Knowledge and Practices Regarding Safe Household Cleaning and Disinfection for COVID-19 Prevention — United States, May 2020
Early Release / June 5, 2020 / 69
Radhika Gharpure, DVM1,2; Candis M. Hunter, PhD1; Amy H. Schnall, MPH3; Catherine E. Barrett, PhD1; Amy E. Kirby, PhD1; Jasen Kunz, MPH1; Kirsten Berling, MPH1; Jeffrey W. Mercante, PhD1; Jennifer L. Murphy, PhD1; Amanda G. Garcia-Williams, PhD1 (View author affiliations)

FDA Warning Letter - Michigan Food Company for RTE Sandwiches, Salads and Bakery Products

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a Michigan Food company, Quality Dairy Company of Lansing, MI.  The company produces ready-to-eat (RTE) sandwiches, salads, and bakery items.  There were issues with the Preventive Control plan as well as with GMPs.

Preventive Controls

• "sanitation control procedures did not ensure cleanliness of food-contact surfaces and prevention of cross-contamination,"
• "sanitation controls monitoring records as part of the Sanitation Preventive Controls were not reviewed within 7 working days after the records were created"
• "did not implement your written sanitation control verification procedures for environmental monitoring - did not do environmental monitoring as they had written in their plan"

GMPs

• "observed five apparent dead German cockroaches and "our investigators observed one apparent live German cockroach nymph crawling on the MDARD Inspector’s white inspection coat"observed flying insects in your facility which were most concentrated along the donut lines."
• "an employee used a pressurized hose to rinse/spray cleaned production equipment and floors. We observed overspray from spraying the floors being deposited on exposed cleaned and sanitized production equipment and utensils."
• "a sanitation employee scrubbed the donut cooling conveyor, a food contact surface, with a brush that was stored in a yellow bucket with water. This bucket is the same shape, color, and style with the same markings as the yellow buckets used to mop the floors around the facility."

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/quality-dairy-company-604285-05132020
WARNING LETTER
Quality Dairy Company
MARCS-CMS 604285 — May 13, 2020

COVID-19 Prevention Plan for Food Establishments

A HACCP based approach for conducting a risk assessment for COVID-19.  While done for foodservice establishments, it can be used for any type of operation.

https://extension.psu.edu/covid-19-prevention-plan-for-food-establishments
COVID-19 Prevention Plan for Food Establishments

As restaurants and food operations reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, owners and managers must put controls in place to limit the risk of infection for both employees and customers.

Establishments are encouraged to follow state and federal guidelines, including those published by OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA developed a COVID-19 planning guidance based on traditional infection prevention and industrial hygiene practices. OSHA is tasked with investigating workplaces where there is the potential for SARS-Cov-2 infection.

As part of the OSHA guidance for food retail establishments, titled "Retail Workers and Employers in Critical and High Customer-Volume Environments", employers have been asked to assess their operation and implement controls to reduce the risk of infection. While there is no requirement for a written assessment, there are many advantages to having a documented assessment.

Click here for the Form - COVID-19 Risk Assessment Form for OSHA Guidelines (2020-05)

One advantage is that it allows the manager or owner to visualize what procedures need to be in place. This is especially beneficial for operations with multiple operating units where it may be easier to miss some element within a given operation. Conducting an assessment will show due diligence regarding liability in the event of an infection outbreak centered at the establishment.

It is important to remember that each operation is different, thus the types of controls used will vary depending on the specifics of a given operation. There are physical controls, or what OSHA calls Engineered Controls, that are physical elements such as plexiglass shields between the customer and the person taking the order. Another category of controls is termed Administrative and these are procedural in nature, for example, limiting the number of people in a food establishment. Finally, there are personal protective equipment, or PPE controls, which includes the use of face coverings and gloves.

It is best to have written procedures that provide more consistent application of the procedure over time and allow for more standardized training of employees. All employees should be trained, and this training should be documented.

OSHA appears to be getting more involved in workplace related COVID-19 cases. The agency has recently announced that operations should determine whether employee COVID-19 illnesses are work-related and thus recordable when employees come down with infection. Having a solid plan for preventing infection and then implementing that plan with documentation will go a long way to making a safer workplace without the need for OSHA enforcement.

Reference

FDA. Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OSHA. Retail Workers and Employers in Critical and High Customer-Volume Environments.

This Week In Mislabeled Products for Week Ending May 30. 2020

Chicken in the Box, but Not on the Label - Nestle Prepared Foods Company, a Jonesboro, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 29,002 pounds of chicken product labeled as Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo because the product contains undeclared soy.  The Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo is not supposed to contain chicken and chicken does not appear in the ingredients statement or on the label.  The problem was discovered when the firm received multiple consumer complaints that the product labeled as Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo contained chicken that is not referenced on the label or ingredients.

Someone Grabbed the Out-Dated Labels - Johnson Sea Products of Coden, AL, is recalling its 12oz package of frozen “Home Style Crab cakes” because they contain undeclared ingredients of wheat and soy.   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the wheat and soy containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of wheat or soy. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem occurred when an out-dated sample label was used on the Home Style Crab Cakes that contain wheat and soy.

The Importance of Masks in Reducing the Risk of COVID-19

An article in the journal Science details the importance of masks in reducing transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.  Social distancing may not be sufficient by itself, especially in indoor conditions., so masks help to reduce aerosols, the leading method of spread, especially from asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals.  Even the act of speaking can emit aerosols.  And any properly fitting mask will help reduce the risk.   (Of course, wearing a mask down around your chin, with mouth and nose exposed, does nothing).

Science
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/05/27/science.abc6197
Reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Kimberly A. Prather1, Chia C. Wang,2,3 Robert T. Schooley4 1Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. 2Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 804, Republic of China. 3Aerosol Science Research Center, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 804, Republic of China. 4Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA. Email: kprather@ucsd.edu 

Masks and testing are necessary to combat asymptomatic spread in aerosols and droplets

Excerpts:

"Recent studies have shown that in addition to droplets, SARS-CoV-2 may also be transmitted through aerosols. A study in hospitals in Wuhan, China, found SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols further than 6 ft from patients with higher concentrations detected in more crowded areas (8). Estimates using an average sputum viral load for SARS-CoV-2 indicate that 1 min of loud speaking could generate >1000 virion-containing aerosols (9). Assuming viral titers for infected super-emitters (with 100fold higher viral load than average) yields an increase to more than 100,000 virions in emitted droplets per minute of speaking."

"The World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for social distancing of 6 ft and hand washing to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 are based on studies of respiratory droplets carried out in the 1930s. These studies showed that large, ~100 μm droplets produced in coughs and sneezes quickly underwent gravitational settling (1). However, when these studies were conducted, the technology did not exist for detecting submicron aerosols. As a comparison, calculations predict that in still air, a 100-μm droplet will settle to the ground from 8 ft in 4.6 s whereas a 1-μm aerosol particle will take 12.4 hours (4). Measurements now show that intense coughs and sneezes that propel larger droplets more than 20 ft can also create thousands of aerosols that can travel even further (1). Increasing evidence for SARS-CoV-2 suggests the 6 ft WHO recommendation is likely not enough under many indoor conditions where aerosols can remain airborne for hours, accumulate over time, and follow air flows over distances further than 6 ft (5, 10)."

"Overall, the probability of becoming infected indoors will depend on the total amount of SARS-CoV-2 inhaled. Ultimately, the amount of ventilation, number of people, how long one visits an indoor facility, and activities that affect air flow will all modulate viral transmission pathways and exposure (10). For these reasons, it is important to wear properly fitted masks indoors even when 6 ft apart. Airborne transmission could account, in part, for the high secondary transmission rates to medical staff, as well as major outbreaks in nursing facilities."

"After evidence revealed that airborne transmission by asymptomatic individuals might be a key driver in the global spread of COVID-19, the WHO recommended universal use of face masks. Masks provide a critical barrier, reducing the number of infectious viruses in exhaled breath, especially of asymptomatic people and those with mild symptoms (12) (see the figure). Surgical mask material reduces the likelihood and severity of COVID-19 by substantially reducing airborne viral concentrations (13). Masks also protect uninfected individuals from SARS-CoV-2 aerosols (12, 13). Thus, it is particularly important to wear masks in locations with conditions that can accumulate high concentrations of viruses, such as health care settings, airplanes, restaurants, and other crowded places with reduced ventilation. The aerosol filtering efficiency of different materials, thicknesses, and layers used in properly fitted homemade masks was recently found to be similar to that of the medical masks that were tested (14). Thus, the option of universal masking is no longer held back by shortages."

"From epidemiological data, countries that have been most effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 have implemented universal masking, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea."

FDA and USDA Issue Guidance to Help Make PPE Available to Food Establishments During COVID-19 Pandemic

 FDA and USDA has developed the following recommendations shortages in PPE, cloth face coverings, disinfectants, and sanitation supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As a critical infrastructure, food facilities need access to these items.    "If suppliers are unable to provide for your needs, and the PPE and/or cloth face coverings are urgently required, submit a request for assistance to your state emergency management agencies. If the state is unable to address the PPE and/or cloth face covering shortfall, the state should submit a request for support to their FEMA Regional Response Coordination Center."

https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/food-and-agriculture-considerations-prioritization-ppe-cloth-face-coverings-disinfectants-and
Food and Agriculture: Considerations for Prioritization of PPE, Cloth Face Coverings, Disinfectants, and Sanitation Supplies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to share recommendations for addressing shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), cloth face coverings [1], disinfectants, and sanitation supplies in the food and agriculture industry in order to help maintain employee safety, continuity of the food supply, food safety, and employee/consumer confidence.

Frozen Meals Recalled Due to Complaints of Small Rocks in Product

Conagra Brands, Inc., Russellville, Ark. and Marshall, Mo. establishments, are recalling approximately 276,872 pounds of not ready-to-eat chicken and turkey bowl products because the products may contain extraneous material, specifically small rocks,   This release is being issued as an expansion of the April 10, 2020 recall to include additional products (to include Healthy Choice Power Bowls Chicken Feta & Farro Bowls, Healthy Choice Power Bowls Unwrapped Burrito Scramble Power Bowls, and Healthy Choice Power Bowls Turkey Sausage & Egg Scramble Power Bowls produced on various dates. The products were produced at two different establishments.)  The problem was discovered when the firm received additional consumer complaints about rocks being in the products and the firm then notified FSIS of the issue.

"In a statement sent to USA TODAY, Conagra spokesman Dan Hare said a limited amount of the bowls was being "voluntarily recalled due to the potential presence of small rocks that likely remained from harvesting ingredients contained in the product."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2020/recall-007-2020-exp-release

Conagra Brands, Inc. Recalls Frozen Not-Ready-To-Eat Chicken and Turkey Bowl Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall
007-2020-EXP
Health Risk: High
May 22, 2020

Curry Spice Recalled Due After FDA Testing Finds Salmonella

New Hoque and Sons, Inc. of Maspeth, NY is recalling Radhuni Curry Powder, contained in 400g plastic bottles, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  "The recall was as the result of a routine sampling program by the FDA, which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the distribution of the contaminated products and has also physically removed the contaminated products from stores as FDA and New Hoque and Sons, Inc. continue their investigation as to what caused the problem."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/new-hoque-and-sons-inc-recalls-radhuni-curry-powder-because-possible-health-risk
New Hoque and Sons, Inc. Recalls Radhuni Curry Powder Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 21, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  May 21, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages   Spices, Flavors & Salts
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  New Hoque and Sons, Inc.
Brand Name:  Radhuni
Product Description:  Curry Powder

FDA Guidance to Allow Minor Label Modifications During Pandemic

The FDA issued a guidance document to provide additional temporary flexibility in food labeling requirements to manufacturers and vending machine operators.  Manufacturers can make minor formulation changes in certain circumstances without making conforming label changes, such as making a change to product ingredients, without updating the ingredient list on the packaged food when such a minor change is made.  The goal is to help move into the retail sector that was geared to go to the foodservice or other sector.
The change or modification cannot have an impact on the following:

• Safety: the change cannot affect safety, so allergens still must be correct  - "the ingredient being substituted for the labeled ingredient does not cause any adverse health effect (including food allergens, gluten, sulfites, or other foods known to cause sensitivities in some people, for example, glutamates);" 
• Quantity: The same amount must be there - "generally present at 2 percent or less by weight of the finished food;"
• Prominence: The product must still be the same - one can't label pepperoni pizza as sausage pizza - "the ingredient being omitted or substituted for the labeled ingredient is not a major ingredient in the product;"
• Characterizing Ingredient: one can't leave the pepperoni off the pepperoni pizza - the ingredient being omitted or substituted for the labeled ingredient is not a characterizing ingredient; for example, omitting raisins, a characterizing ingredient in raisin bread;"
• Claims: an omission or substitution of the ingredient does not affect any voluntary nutrient content or health claims on the label;  
• Nutrition/Function: an omission or substitution of the labeled ingredient does not have a significant impact on the finished product, including nutritional differences or functionality. 

https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-announces-temporary-flexibility-policy-regarding-certain-labeling-requirements-foods-humans
FDA Announces Temporary Flexibility Policy Regarding Certain Labeling Requirements for Foods for Humans During COVID-19 Pandemic
Constituent Update
May 22, 2020

CDC Report - Hepatitis A Cases Among Food Handlers as All Those Infected with Hepatitis A

In a CDC report, investigators looked at the uptick of Hepatitis A in many states across the country.  Those regarded as high risk is where "infections are spreading primarily through close contact among persons who use drugs and persons experiencing homelessness, as well as among men who have sex with men (MSM)"  Of interest in the report was the percentage of food handlers, and overall, the percentage of cases associated with food handlers was low (3.8%).  Looking at food handlers, a high percentage of them were people in the high risk - people use drugs, have unstable housing or are homeless, are active in MSM, or had been incarcerated.

From the report, "Among 22,825 hepatitis A outbreak cases reported from these 26 states during July 1, 2016–September 13, 2019, 871 (3.8%) were among food handlers; 587 (67.4%) hepatitis A–infected food handlers reported one or more risk factors (i.e., drug use, unstable housing or homelessness, MSM, or incarceration) during the 15–50 days before symptom onset. "

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6920a4.htm
Notes from the Field: Assessing the Role of Food Handlers in Hepatitis A Virus Transmission — Multiple States, 2016–2019
Weekly / May 22, 2020 / 69(20);636–637
Megan G. Hofmeister, MD1; Monique A. Foster, MD1; Martha P. Montgomery, MD1; Neil Gupta, MD1 (View author affiliations)

COVID Times - News Shorts for Week Ending May 23, 2020

CDC Changes Wording on COVID-19 Guidelines Regarding Surfaces - "[CDC] appears to have recently changed its guidelines from early March that initially said it “may be possible” to spread the virus from contaminated surfaces. The CDC now includes "surfaces or objects" under a section that details ways in which the coronavirus does not readily transmit"

Individuals Who Recovered from SARS-CoV-2 Virus Likely to Have Immunity - In a study published in Cell, researchers found that individuals who had been exposed to the virus had a significant immune response, which bodes well for developing a vaccine to the virus.

Nearly Two Hundred FSIS Inspectors Have Tested Positive for COVID-19

Temporary reduction in daily global CO2 emissions during the COVID-19 forced confinement
"The estimated decrease in daily fossil CO2 emissions from the severe and forced confinement of world populations of –17% (–11 to –25%) at its peak are extreme and probably unseen before. Still, these only correspond to the level of emissions in 2006."

FDA Issues Guidance for Using Refer Trailers That Once Held Human Remains

FDA issued a guidance document - Returning Refrigerated Transport Vehicles and Refrigerated Storage Units to Food Uses After Using Them to Preserve Human Remains During the COVID-19 Pandemic - that allows those refrigerated trailers that once held the remains of those who passed from COVID-19 to be used for food transport, provided proper sanitation.

According to the guidance, "Refrigerated food transport vehicles and refrigerated food storage units used for the temporary preservation of human remains during the COVID-19 pandemic subsequently can be safely used for food transport and food storage under certain circumstances.  It is important that food is protected during transport and storage to ensure food is safe for humans and animals and that conditions do not exist that may adulterate the food.  Before returning to service to transport or store human or animal food, refrigerated food transport vehicles and refrigerated food storage units used to hold human remains during the COVID-19 pandemic should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected."

I just have a problem with this.  You?

USDA Issues Report on 2017-2018 Listeria Outbreak Associated with Country-Cured Ham

USDA-FSIS issued an After Action Review Report on a 2018 Listeria Outbreak associated with country-cured hams.  The case involved product sold by Johnston County Hams of Smithfield, N.C. and in this outbreak, 4 people become infected with one death.  The company recalled close to 90,000 pounds of product.

In the report, the issues involving the product are discussed.  The product supposedly received a cook-in-bag process to eliminate listeria.

• One issue was the product was exposed to the environment  - "The implicated product was considered [by the facility] to have not been exposed to the processing environment after undergoing an initial cook-in-bag lethality step to inactivate vegetative pathogens, including L. monocytogenes. However, the investigation revealed that the product was, in fact, exposed to the processing environment after cooking, which may have allowed the product to become contaminated with L. monocytogenes.:
• "After an initial cooking step in a sealed bag, the ham was removed from the bag, drained of its juices, and placed into a second bag; during this process, the ham may have been cross-contaminated from the processing environment."
• "After being placed in the second bag, the ham and bag were placed into metal molds, the top of which was pressed down to form the ham, then re-cooked. In some instances, this process led to tears in the bag, which allowed the cooked ham to be exposed to the processing environment again."
• The other issue is that the heat treatment used for the product may not have been sufficient considering the product had a low Aw - "Before being cooked multiple times, the ham was salt-cured and dried, thus lowering its water activity. Additionally, the draining of juices may have resulted in drier conditions during cooking. The establishment used FSIS cooking guidance (“Appendix A”) as scientific support that the cooking process achieved lethality of pathogens, including L. monocytogenes. However, Appendix A guidance was not intended for lower water activity products cooked under dry conditions or for products cooked multiple times. L. monocytogenes may survive cooking under these conditions. Hence, the process may not have been lethal to L. monocytogenes."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/foodborne-outbreak-investigation/outbreak-lm-ham-2018
Listeria monocytogenes Illness Outbreak Associated with Ready-to-Eat, Country-Cured Ham, 2017–2018
After-Action Review Report 2018-16
May 13, 2020

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending May 16, 2020

Variety Pack Package Misses Allergen - Evans Food Group Ltd., an Arlington, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 3,796 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork skin products due to the product containing soy which is not declared on the product label.  The issue, discovered during a record review, found that one product contains soy – the red hot fried pork skins – is packaged in a variety pack that does not declare soy on the outside package display panel; however, soy is declared on the individual 1-oz. product label and is listed in the individual product’s list of ingredients.

Chicken Wing Packaging Misses Allergens - Zilk’s Plus Resources, LLC of Austin, TX announces a voluntary recall for select 12 oz bottles of Pluckers World Famous Wing Sauces because they may contain undeclared allergens. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that these products were distributed in packaging that did not adequately reveal the presence of soy-, wheat- or milk- containing ingredients in the affected products.

Bread Put in the Wrong Bag - The Essential Baking Company of Seattle, Washington is recalling 84 loaves of 32 oz. Sliced Columbia Bread, expiration date May 6.20, due to undeclared egg. The actual product in the bags may be 16 oz. Challah Bread which was mis-labeled as Sliced Columbia Bread and the label does not declare egg.

Ice Cream with Added Spinach Recalled After Listeria Positive Test

Ramar Foods of Pittsburg, CA, is recalling its 14 ounce packages of Peekaboo branded Mint Chocolate Chip with Hidden Spinach Ice Cream product because of the potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes, The potential for contamination was discovered after internal routine testing by Ramar Foods revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in some packages of the ice cream.

First, it seems that "hiding" vegetables in ice cream is just wrong.

In the hazard analysis, one would need to recognize that cooked or blanched vegetables would have a Listeria monocytogenes risk. The report does not indicate whether the spinach was cooked/blanched at the establishment or by the supplier. As a post-process addition, the vegetables would need sufficient controls to prevent contamination by Listeria.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ramar-foods-recalls-mint-chocolate-chip-hidden-spinach-ice-cream-because-possible-health-risk
Ramar Foods Recalls Mint Chocolate Chip With Hidden Spinach Ice Cream Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 14, 2020
FDA Publish Date: May 14, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages Ice Cream/Frozen Dairy
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Ramar Foods
Brand Name:  Peekaboo
Product Description:  Mint Chocolate Chip with Hidden Spinach Ice Cream

USDA Issues Alert for Ravioli from PA Establishment for E. coli

USDA FSIS issued "a public health alert because approximately 70 pounds of raw beef ravioli products, produced by P&S Ravioli Company, a Philadelphia, Pa. establishment, may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase."  According to the report, "The problem was discovered when P&S Ravioli Company was notified by their third-party laboratory that a sample was positive for E. coli O157:H7, but the products associated with the sample had already been shipped into commerce. The establishment notified FSIS of the sampling results and subsequently controlled all product remaining for sale."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-and-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2020/pha-05122020-01
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Raw Beef Ravioli Products Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination
5/12/20

COVID Times - News Shorts for May 14, 2020

FDA Issues Alert on Accuracy of Allergen Test - FDA issued an alert that they have data that suggests potential inaccurate results from using the Abbott ID NOW point-of-care test to diagnose COVID-19. Specifically, the test may return false negative results. FDA has received 15 adverse event reports about the Abbott ID NOW device that suggest some users are receiving inaccurate negative results.  Of course, false negatives are worse than false positives in that someone has the infection but is told they don't.

CDC Report on High Infection Rate Following a Choir Practice - Following a 2.5-hour choir practice attended by 61 persons, including a symptomatic index patient, 32 confirmed and 20 probable secondary COVID-19 cases occurred (attack rate = 53.3% to 86.7%); three patients were hospitalized, and two died. Transmission was likely facilitated by close proximity (within 6 feet) during practice and augmented by the act of singing.

Why Bats Can Carry Bad Viruses and Not Get Sick - Super Immunity - “Instead of killing bat cells as the virus does with human cells, the MERS coronavirus enters a long-term relationship with the host, maintained by the bat’s unique ‘super’ immune system,” 

The Virus Can Also Infect Cats, Minks, and Ferrets - This article discusses the virus's protein pike structure, but states that "Cats, ferrets and minks are also susceptible: In order to infect a cell, features of the spike protein must bind with a receptor on the host cell’s surface, and cats have a receptor binding site that closely matches that of humans."

COVID Virus's Cellular Targets Are In More Than Just Respiratory System - The COVID-19 "virus's  “spike” protein binds to a receptor on human cells known as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Another human protein, an enzyme called TMPRSS2, helps to activate the coronavirus spike protein, to allow for cell entry."  Epithelium cells that line the airway have these receptors, and so this is the primary means of infection.  But these cell types are found in other parts of the body including the intestines.  This is the reason we see a wide variety of symptoms, including that "approximately one third of COVID-19 patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, and the fact that the virus often can be detected in stool samples ."  

Unfortunately for men, they have a higher concentration of ACE2 in their blood.

How Does COVID-19 Become Deadly - A lot of news articles have detailed the "cytokine storm”. that occurs after an infection starts.  "This storm is an over-activation of white blood cells, which release too-great amounts of cytokines – inflammation-stimulating molecules – into the blood."  "The rapidly increased cytokines attract an excess of immune cells such as lymphocytes and neutrophils, resulting in an infiltration of these cells into lung tissue and thus cause lung injury".

Hot Dog Sales are Up - "American households continue to turn to hot dogs as a convenient and kid-friendly solution with many more at-home meal occasions. The week ending May 3 marked the ninth week of multi-digit year-over-year sales gains for hot dogs vs. a nearly flat performance in 2019." 

Farmers' Markets Are Busy, But They Endure Higher Operating Costs  - Farmers' Markets have done an excellent job at providing a safe shopping experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, but their higher costs of operations have severely cut into profitability.

Basil Imported from Columbia Recalled Due to Cyclospora

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is recalling their  Wild Harvest® Organic Basil because of the potential to be contaminated by Cyclospora cayetanensi.  The product was distributed out of their  MN distribution center.  The recall comes after routine sampling found the pathogen.  The product is out of Columbia.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that causes intestinal illness when consumed.  There have been a number of outbreaks associated with fresh RTE greens such as basil and cilantro.  It gets on these items from the irrigation water used for growing the product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/unfi-voluntarily-recalls-wild-harvestr-organic-basil-due-possible-health-risk
UNFI Voluntarily Recalls Wild Harvest® Organic Basil Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 11, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  May 11, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Vegetable Products
Reason for Announcement:  Contaminated by Cyclospora cayetanensis
Company Name:  United Natural Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Wild Harvest
Product Description:  Organic Fresh Basil

Updated Handout for Food Handlers and COVID-10

Penn State Extension updated it's handout for food employees regarding COVID-19.  This is available as a PDF handout and will be available in a one page poster.

Food Handlers and COVID-19
https://extension.psu.edu/food-handlers-and-covid-19
PDF available

The novel coronavirus responsible for the current pandemic is a specific strain from a large family of viruses that includes those that cause the common cold. This strain, SARS-CoV-2, causes a respiratory illness designated COVID-19, and symptoms include high fever, intense headache, and difficulty breathing, among others. These symptoms can be more severe in populations considered to be high risk, such as the elderly or people with underlying health conditions, where pneumonia and even death can result.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Currently, there is no evidence to support that transmission of COVID-19 is associated with food. However, before preparing or handling foods, food handlers should follow these practices.

When sick, stay home from work.
Symptoms specific to COVID-19 include:

Preparing Food Service Establishments to Reopen During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This Penn State Extension fact sheet is intended to help food service establishments prepare to reopen and remain safely operational; tips for employees are also provided.

https://extension.psu.edu/preparing-food-service-establishments-to-reopen-during-the-covid-19-pandemic  (a PDF is provided as well).
Preparing Food Service Establishments to Reopen During the COVID-19 Pandemic

As local and state municipalities allow restaurants to resume dine-in services, these establishments need to think about how they can open while still providing a healthy environment that incorporates social distancing and other disease preventive controls. Based on the recently published COVID-19 Reopening Guidance: A Guide for the Restaurant Industry by the National Restaurant Association, Penn State Extension has developed this fact sheet for small and local operations in Pennsylvania. It is important to note that these establishments

Before Reopening:

• Deep clean the entire facility. Remember to use approved sanitizers on food-contact surfaces. Disinfectants can be used on non-food-contact surfaces. Deep cleaning should not only be completed before opening but also on a set schedule for regular detailed cleaning (weekly or more depending on use).

CDC Issues 2019 FoodNet Report

CDC issued their FoodNet Report for 2019 which looks at data from 10 sites in the US over time.
"The report summarizes preliminary 2019 data and describes changes in incidence compared with that during 2016–2018. The incidence of enteric infections caused by these eight pathogens reported by FoodNet sites in 2019 continued to increase or remained unchanged, indicating progress in controlling major foodborne pathogens in the United States has stalled. "
 But they also state, "Recent increases in foodborne illness might be due, in part, to increased testing and improved technologies. Quick and easy culture-independent diagnostic tests continue to reveal infections that might not have been diagnosed in the past because of limited testing. At the same time, whole genome sequencing and other new laboratory technologies have enhanced our ability to identify outbreaks, emerging strains, and sources of infection."

So comparing year to year may not be valid because more tests are being completed and the tests are more accurate.    Table 1 from that document gives number of infections which shows Campylobacter and Salmonella as the two most prevalent types of foodborne pathogens.

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Companies Selling COVID-19 Remedies - The New Era of Snake Oil Salespeople

FDA has been issuing a number of Warning Letters to companies which are marketing and selling products with claims that it can prevent or treat the novel Coronavirus.  Here is a few of the Warning Letters which were issued over the past few days.

• Dr. Dhole's Sushanti Homeopathy Clinic -  claims homeopathy medicine which is selected as Genus Epidemicus is given to healthy people to prevent Coronavirus
• Honey Colony LLC - sell a chealated silver product with claims as a prevention from coronavirus.
• Antroids.com and Foxroids.com - offers lopinavir + ritonavir, marketed as “Lopimune 200mg/50mg,” under the heading “Coronavirus Treatment.” While there are FDA-approved versions of lopinavir + ritonavir on the market in the U.S., there are no approved drug applications offered by either company  In addition, no drug has yet been approved by the FDA for use in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, or cure of COVID-19
• Hopewell Essential Oils - Claims that using essential oils to make breathing easier with Coronavirus related pneumonia.
• Santiste Labs LLC - Created a transdermal patch with that claims to boost your immune system and provide antiviral support all day,
• Prefense LLC - marketing and online sales for hand sanitizers with claims that it works against COVID-19 and that the sanitizer lasts all day.

Claims and FDA Issues for Each with Links

Probiotic Fiber Product Recalled For Potential of Plastic Pieces from Bottle Cap

GSK Consumer Healthcare is voluntarily recalling five lots (listed below) of Benefiber Healthy Shape Prebiotic Fiber Supplement powder and Benefiber Prebiotic Fiber Supplement powder due to the potential for green plastic pieces or shavings from bottle caps to be present in the product.  As of the date of the recall announcement, GSK Consumer Healthcare has received one consumer complaint of a green particle observed inside a bottle of product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gsk-consumer-healthcare-recalls-benefiber-healthy-shape-prebiotic-fiber-supplement-and-benefiber
GSK Consumer Healthcare Recalls Benefiber Healthy Shape Prebiotic Fiber Supplement and Benefiber Prebiotic Fiber Supplement Due to Possible Plastic Contamination from the Bottle Cap
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 28, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  April 28, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for plastic pieces or shavings
Company Name:  GSK Consumer Healthcare
Brand Name:  Benefiber
Product Description:  Prebiotic Fiber Supplement

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending May 2, 2020

Traces of Milk Detected by Customer - Medifast, Inc. of Baltimore, Md., is recalling 24,923 boxes of OPTAVIA Essential Old Fashioned Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal because the product may contain undeclared traces of milk.  The recall was initiated after discovering that certain lots of OPTAVIA Essential Old Fashioned Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal packets inadvertently contain undeclared traces of milk. The issue was discovered when the company was contacted by a customer. 

Wrong Outer Case - Peanut Crackers In Cheese Boxes - Mondelēz Global LLC announced today a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of RITZ Cheese Cracker Sandwiches Family Size (21.6 oz. carton) product in the United States. This recall is being conducted because the outer packaging indicates that the product is Cheese variety, while the individually-wrapped product contained in the package is Peanut Butter variety. The outer carton does, however, provide an allergen advisory statement indicating that the product “May contain peanuts.” In addition, the inner package contains 16, 1.35oz. individually-wrapped six-cracker sandwiches that are properly labeled as RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches and declare peanut as an ingredient. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product containing peanut was distributed in outer packaging that did not list “peanut butter” in the ingredient statement. Corrective actions are being taken to help ensure that this issue does not recur.

Wrong Chicken Ingredient Contains Soy - Condies Foods of Kearns, UT is recalling 165 units of roll chicken salad on croissant single item# 43237 “USE THRU” 03/6/2020 - 05/6/2020, and sndw chicken sandwich on white single item.  After an inhouse audit of our ingredients by our Quality Assurance Manager it was discovered that the wrong ingredient had been purchased and used, it was decided to initiate a voluntary recall to ensure that our public would not get further exposure to an erroneous product.

Do Less Recalls During COVID-19 Mean Our Food Is Less Safe? No.

In an article from "The Hill", they ask if food is safe during the COVID-19 pandemic because they were not seeing many recalls.  They state, "Recalls, though, were flowing in regularly before February, with five in January, four in December, four in November and three in October."

I am not sure I would call this flowing when you look at the amount of product that is made by thousands of establishments across the country.  And when we look at the type of recalls over the past 6 months, only a few were due to foodborne pathogens.  Most recalls were due to foreign material (often one to three complaints, normally plastic) or allergen-related.

So to assert that our product is less safe because we are not seeing recalls because inspectors are distracted due to COVID-19, that is plain phooey.  As we have tracked recalls over the past decade, we have seen a steady decrease in the serious pathogen-related recalls, and that is because the industry is focused on food safety improvement.  

I would like to have seen one of these quoted academics actually say, 'based on the types recalls we've not seen over the past years, the meat industry has been doing a great job.'  Because it has.

Are people less likely to complain about that piece of plastic in their burrito because they are worried that someone with COVID-19 breathed on the packaging?  Probably.  I will give them that.

https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/business-a-lobbying/493423-usda-under-pressure-as-food-safety-concerns-grow
USDA under pressure as food safety concerns grow
By Alex Gangitano - 04/19/20 06:00 AM EDT