CDC - Two Current Outbreaks of E. coli Infection of Unknown Origin

CDC, the FDA and state health and regulatory officials are investigating two different multistate outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 infections. A specific food item has not yet been identified as the source for either outbreak, although the two separate strains have been involved in past outbreaks including those linked to Romaine lettuce.  There is insufficient evidence at this point, but certainly a focus will be on leafy greens.

Outbreak 1

As of October 28, 2020, a total of 21 people in 8 states are infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7.  

• Illnesses started on dates ranging from June 6, 2020, to October 5, 2020.
• There has been one death and other who has HUS.
• This strain was responsible previously in causing outbreaks linked to different sources, including an outbreak linked to romaine lettuce in 2018.

Outbreak 2

As of October 28, 2020, a total of 23 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 12 states. 

• Illnesses started on dates ranging from August 17, 2020, to October 8, 2020. 
• Of 15 ill people with information available, 10 hospitalizations have been reported, including 2 people who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure. 
• No deaths have been reported.
• This outbreak is caused by the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 that caused an outbreak linked to romaine lettuce in 2019.

Outbreak 1.
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2020/o157h7-10-20a/index.html
Outbreak of E. coli Infections in 8 States
Posted on October 28, 2020 at 4:00 PM ET

At A Glance

Reported Cases: 21

States: 8

Hospitalizations: 8

Deaths: 1

California - 7

Florida - 1

Illinois - 1

Michigan - 2

New Jersey - 1

Ohio - 7

Utah- 1

Wisconsin-1

FDA Warning Letters Issued to Three Food Importers for Not Having FSVP for Imported Food Items

FDA issued Warning Letters to three import companies for issues with their FSVP.  The three companies did not have FSVP for the imported food items.

• OCM Group USA Inc. of City of Industry, CA did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP for Crushed Chili, imported from (b)(4) and (b)(4) (Sesame), imported from (b)(4).
• FDA conducted a remote Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) inspection of FSVP records for the firm V-Nine Inc., of Maryland.  The company did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP as required by section 805 of the FD&C Act and 21 CFR 1.502(a).imported pad thai sauce.
• Food and Drug Administration conducted a remote Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) inspection of Aspen Sales Group, of, Bedminster, NJ  as well as an on-site inspection on March 29, 2018.  The company did not develop, maintain or follow a FSVP for fries imported from your foreign supplier, and Refined Sugar imported from your foreign supplier, (b)(4), located in (b)(4)..

FDA Warning Letter - CA Ice Cream Facility Has Inadequate Listeria Control

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a California ice cream company primarily due to inadequate Listeria control.  The FDA "inspection was initiated in response to your firm’s voluntary recall of Peekaboo branded Mint Chocolate Chip with Hidden Spinach Ice Cream (Best Before 10/08/2021), due to findings of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) in the product."

Listeria was found in multiple locations including the bristles of a broom.  The facility also continuously found Listeria during sampling but the corrective actions were not effective.  From the FDA report -  "it appears that your corrective actions were not adequate to address your findings, as evidenced by the recurring findings of Listeria within your environment, including some within the same locations."

This is interesting  - "You identified improper employee handling of boxes of chocolate chips that were transported into the RTE Production Room via dollies and placed on the floor before being added to the (b)(4) machine as the root cause of L. monocytogenes finding in the recalled lot of Peekaboo brand ice cream. Your corrective actions included prohibiting the use of floor dollies on the production floor and replacing them with a (b)(4) cart for transporting and holding inclusions in the RTE Production Room. However, on May 21, 2020, this cart was observed sitting outside the building with one of its wheels in standing ground water. You swabbed this ground surface on May 21, 2020, and the result was positive for Listeria spp. On May 27, 2020, this cart was observed inside the RTE Production Room and you did not have a process for cleaning and sanitizing it when bringing it from the outside into the RTE Production Room."

There were a number of GMP issues including dripping hoses, the bringing in of items from an outside warehouse into an RTE environment, inadequate hand washing station, and improper sanitation of utensils and equipment.

This Week In Mislabeled Products for Week Ending October 30, 2020

Improperly Designed Label Issue - Russ Davis Wholesale of Wadena, Minnesota is recalling individual serving cups of Mixed Veggie Cup with Dip because it may contain undeclared Egg.  The issue was discovered by Quality Control team during a routine label audit, where egg was noted on the dressing ingredient and was not reflected on the finished product label.

More Print and Apply Label Issues - Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling select prepared Macaroni & Cheese products from stores across five states because they contain undeclared egg. 

Regular Breaded Halibut Put in Gluten-Free Box - Orca Bay Foods of Seattle, WA is recalling 4,450 lb. (356 cases) of 10 oz. retail box Trader Joe's brand Gluten Free Battered Halibut SKU 00503822, because it contains undeclared wheat and milk allergens.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing Wheat and Milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the allergens.

CDC Outbreak Notice - Listeria in Unidentified Deli Meat Linked to 10 Cases of Listeria with One Death

The CDC issues a notification of an ongoing outbreak of Listeria that has been linked to Italian style deli meat.  "As of October 22, 2020, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from three states", Florida, Massachusetts, and New York, with those cases occurring from August thru October.  Deli meat were reported as both pre-packaged and deli-sliced.

CDC Outbreak Notice
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeat-10-20/index.html
Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Deli Meats
Posted October 23, 2020 at 4:45 PM ET

At A Glance
Reported Cases: 10
States: 3
Hospitalizations: 10
Deaths: 1

Latest Outbreak Information

• 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from Florida, Massachusetts, and New York.
• All 10 ill people were hospitalized. One death has been reported from Florida.
• Epidemiologic evidence shows that deli meat is a likely source of this outbreak.
• In interviews with 9 ill people, all reported eating Italian-style meats, such as salami, mortadella, and prosciutto. They reported purchasing prepackaged deli meats and meats sliced at deli counters at various locations.
• A specific type of deli meat and common supplier have not yet been identified.

China - Nine People Dead After Consuming Noodles Made From Fermented Corn Flour Contaminated with Toxin from Burkholderia gladiol

In China, nine people died after eating noodles made from contaminated corn flour. The flour was found to contain the toxin bongkrekic acid which is produced by bacterium Burkholderia gladioli.

Bongkrekic acid, or BA, is a highly toxic compound that inhibits the enzyme ADP/ATP translocase, the enzyme that exchanges ATP and ADP across the mitochondrial membrane. The toxin is preformed in the food. It is said to be an issue in fermented coconut fiber and corn flour. "Bongkrekic acid production depends on two distinct and sequential environmental conditions: those that support bacterial growth and proliferation, followed by those that favor BA production .Bongkrekic acid is produced in warm environments (22–30 °C) with a neutral pH, the same conditions under which tempe is made. Production is also dependent on the presence of fatty acids, particularly those found in coconut and corn"

A similar foodborne illness outbreak occurred in 2015 in Mozambique when after consuming pombe, a traditional alcoholic beverage product, during a funeral event, 230 became sick and 75 died, In this case, the provider of the pombe used corn flour that had previously gotten wet.

Newsweek
https://www.newsweek.com/family-members-die-homemade-noodles-1541320?amp=1
9 Family Members Die After Eating Year-Old Homemade Noodles

Imported Mini Jelly Cups Recalled Due to the Potential as a Choking Hazard

Two NY importing companies are recalling bags of mini jelly cup products due to the fact the product represents a choking hazard, especially for children.  While there have been no reported cases of choking, the product parameters indicate it can be an issue.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has established standards for what represents a choking hazard.  https://www.cpsc.gov/Business--Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Small-Parts-for-Toys-and-Childrens-Products/








https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hadson-toko-trading-co-inc-recalls-eishindo-mini-cup-jelly-50pcs-because-potential-choking-hazard
Hadson Toko Trading Co., Inc. Recalls Eishindo Mini Cup Jelly (50pcs) Because of Potential Choking Hazard
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 14, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  October 14, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Product poses a choking hazard.
Company Name:  Hadson Toko Trading Co., Inc.
Brand Name:  Eishindo
Product Description:  Jelly Cups

Organic Parsley Product Recalled After Testing Finds Salmonella in Same Lot

Red Monkey Foods, Inc. is recalling select organic parsley and another product made with this parsley after a recall was issued by its supplier, High Quality Organics (HQO). HQO issued a recall for this lot of parsley after another customer tested and found Salmonella in a portion of this same lot. 

The product was shipped nation wide under Cost Plus , Great Value, O Organics and Full Circle.  There have been no reported illnesses.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/red-monkey-foods-inc-recalls-parsley-and-herbes-de-provence-because-possible-health-risk
Red Monkey Foods, Inc. Recalls Parsley and Herbes De Provence Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 13, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  October 13, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Red Monkey Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Cost Plus World Market, Great Value, O Organics, Full Circle
Product Description:  Parsley and Herbes De Provence

Research Study - Prevalence of Listeria in Frozen Produce in England

A study out of the UK looked at the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in frozen fruits and vegetables sold at retail. Of the 1050 samples tested, "There were 78 samples (7%) from which L. monocytogenes was detected and 101 (10%) from which other Listeria species were detected. Neither L. monocytogenes nor other Listeria species were detected at levels of >100 cfu/g in any samples."

While these samples would be acceptable in the EU because the levels are not greater than 100 cfu/gm, these products would be not be acceptable in the US. Cooking would eliminate the pathogen, but the risk would arise if these items were used in a ready-to-eat application, and through preparation and storage, the organism was able to grow to higher levels.

This demonstrates the importance of control of Listeria in these types of operations. From a consumer perspective, there is the importance of following label instructions which normally requires cooking.

International Journal of Food Microbiology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168160520303433
Occurrence of Listeria and Escherichia coli in frozen fruit and vegetables collected from retail and catering premises in England 2018–2019

Outbreak Investigation Update - Salmonella in Red Onions - October 2020

FDA issued an update on the Salmonella outbreak associated with red onions which was first identified in July when Canadian authorities issued notice.  In the US, there were 1,127 cases with 167 hospitalizations.  The onions originated from Thompson International, which issued a recall, and that recall spurned other recalls where the onions were used in various other products.

At this point, CDC is saying that that outbreak appears over.  While FDA identified Thompson International as the source, FDA had not been able to identify any definitive reason for the contamination. 

 "FDA has completed over 2000 product and environmental analyses from multiple Thomson International Inc. locations and surrounding areas, including water, soil, and scat samples. Although a variety of genetic strains of Salmonella Newport have been detected, as well as multiple other Salmonella serotypes, a genetic match to the outbreak strain has yet to be identified in any of the samples collected. Additional sample analysis is underway. Although the outbreak is being declared over, the FDA will continue its root cause investigation and will communicate any findings that could assist future prevention efforts. "

FDA Outbreak Investigation
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-newport-red-onions-july-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Newport: Red Onions (July 2020)
CDC announces the end of the outbreak; FDA continues its investigation.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 1,127
Hospitalizations: 167
Deaths: 0
Last illness Onset Date: September 11, 2020
States with Cases: AK (25), AL (2), AZ (39), AR (2), CA (128), CO (32), CT (2), DE (2), FL (8), GA (11), HI (3), ID (43), IL (54), IN (4), IA (31), KS (3), KY (3), ME (6), MD (7), MA (2), MI (47), MN (19), MS (5), MO (11), MT (72), NE (10), NV (11), NH (1), NJ (12), NM (3), NY (14), NC (6), ND (9), OH (11), OK (1), OR (109), PA (27), RI (3), SC (1), SD (23), TN (7), TX (2), UT (115), VA (10), WA (150), WV (3), WI (11), WY (27)

FDA Warning Letter - Inadequate Allergen Controls at Salad Kit Company

A California salad processor was issued a Warning Letter by FDA for not have an Allergen Preventive Control at the masterpack addition step (the point in the process where the add the packets of salad add-ons....like dressing, nuts, etc. In the case that required a recall, “[t]he incorrect masterpack (kit with dressing and other toppings) was unintentionally used during the production of the [Tuscan Herb Chopped Salad Kit,]” "The masterpack used held dressing that contained peanut butter and almond, cashew, and chow mein noodle (wheat) toppings" Not items that would be added to a Tuscan Herb Chopped Salad. The firm "indicated that the cause was that [the company] “did not have a robust enough verification process for product changeover.”

So FDA issued a Warning Letter for not identifying and implementing food allergen controls adequate to significantly minimize or prevent the hazard of undeclared allergens as evidenced by [the] firm using an incorrect masterpack in your Tuscan Herb Chopped Salad Kit. This masterpack addition error caused {the] product to contain undeclared major food allergens."


FDA Warning Letter

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/dole-fresh-vegetables-inc-608414-09252020

Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. 

MARCS-CMS 608414 — September 25, 2020 

FDA Warning Letter - Inadequate Allergen Controls at Chip Factory

An Indiana potato chip manufacturer was issued a Warning Letter as part of an inspection in response to a recall.  The recall was issued "after being notified by consumers that cheddar cheese flavored chips were found in bags of Kroger brand Sweet & Mesquite BBQ Flavored Potato Chips"

The company was cited for having an inadequate Food Safety plan, specifically, the company "did not identify and implement food allergen controls at the seasoning step adequate to significantly minimize or prevent the hazard of undeclared allergens as evidenced by [the] firm using cheddar and sour cream flavored seasoning instead of barbecue flavored seasoning while producing Sweet & Mesquite BBQ Flavored Potato Chips".  

Basically, there was no substantial control to make sure the flavor added to the product matched the label on the bag in which the finished chips were packed.  A pretty easy preventive control to implement, and perhaps one the company did not see as necessary because a simple control had worked in the past.  Not this time.  A simple error could have been easily been avoided by raising this to the level of a preventive control.

FDA Warning Letter

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/saratoga-potato-chips-llc-608017-09242020

Saratoga Potato Chips LLC
MARCS-CMS 608017 — September 24, 2020 

Intentional Contamination - Man Arrested for Putting Razor Blades in Pizza Dough

In Maine, a 38 man was arrested for putting razor blades in pizza dough sold at the supermarket.  The man was a former employee of the company which makes the dough.  

The razor blades were discovered by a customer who purchased the product.  The supermarket reviewed surveillance video and were able to identify the suspect.  "Authorities immediately released a physical description of Mitchell as well as a description of his car in an appeal to the public to help them track down the suspect as quickly as possible. They were able to arrest him within about two hours approximately 50 miles away in Dover, New Hampshire, according to a separate police statement announcing his arrest."

ABC News
https://abcnews.go.com/US/man-arrested-stuffing-razor-blades-consumers-pizza-dough/story?id=73559166
Man arrested for stuffing razor blades into consumers' pizza dough
The supermarket chain has now issued a full product recall.
ByJon Haworth
October 12, 2020, 6:20 AM

A man has been arrested after he was reportedly caught putting razor blades into pizza dough that was then sold to customers, according to the Saco Police Department in Maine.

Recent Studies Renew Call for Sanitizing Surfaces and Handwashing to Control COVID-19 Virus

Two recently published studies demonstrated that the COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces for long periods of time.  An Australian study found that with "initial viral loads broadly equivalent to the highest titres excreted by infectious patients, viable virus was isolated for up to 28 days at 20 °C from common surfaces such as glass, stainless steel and both paper and polymer banknotes."  A study out of Japan found that the virus can survive on the skin up to 9 hours.

Certainly aerosolized virus is the primary route of infection.  But as these studies show, contact transmission, such as when the SARS-CoV-2 is on surfaces or on the hands, must be considered.  So with this, surface sanitizing and handwashing must be routinely done.  

The focus for many people has been on mask wearing, but there must be renewed attention to sanitizing surfaces including the hands.  My retail operations have reduced their support for this through not having hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes available.  This needs to improve.

Virology Journal
https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1186/s12985-020-01418-7

The effect oftemperature onpersistence ofSARS-CoV-2 oncommon surfaces

Abstract Background: The rate at which COVID-19 has spread throughout the globe has been alarming. While the role of fomite transmission is not yet fully understood, precise data on the environmental stability of SARS-CoV-2 is required to determine the risks of fomite transmission from contaminated surfaces. 

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending October 10, 2020

Peanut Butter Cookies Packaged as Wheat Crackers - B&G Foods is recalling a very limited number of boxes of a single date code of 6 oz. Back to Nature Organic Rosemary & Olive Oil Stoneground Wheat Crackers, with a “best by” date of APR 25 2021, after learning that a very limited number of the cracker boxes were inadvertently filled with foil wrapped pouches of peanut butter cookies.  B&G Foods discovered this issue when it received consumer complaints that the foil bags within two boxes of Back to Nature Organic Rosemary & Olive Oil Stoneground Wheat Crackers contained peanut butter cookies. The foil bags do correctly indicate whether the product contains rosemary & olive oil crackers or peanut butter cookies.

Company Recalls Spice Items After Notification by Ingredient Supplier of Potential Salmonella Risk

Sauer Brands, Inc. is  recalling a number of its The Spice Hunter Products due to the potential for  Salmonella. The Salmonella was associated with lots of parsley were used on two specific days in production.   The company states that after initially certifying that the raw material had tested negative for Salmonella, the parsley supplier notified the company that specific lots of organic parsley had the the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The company then went and recalled other products produced on those same days out of an abundance of caution regarding potential cross contamination.  

This supplier issue forced the company to evaluate its other products that were produced at the same time as when they handled the potentially contaminated ingredient.  Generally once spices are cleared through testing, they should be good to go.  But what happens when your supplier then calls and says that there may be an issue with one of those approved lots of spice?

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sauer-brands-inc-voluntarily-recalls-certain-spice-hunter-products-because-potential-salmonella
Sauer Brands, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Certain The Spice Hunter Products Because of Potential Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 12, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  October 12, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Sauer Brands, Inc.
Brand Name:  The Spice Hunter
Product Description:  Spices and blends 

Pet Food Company Expands Recall of Pet Food Due to Aflatoxin

Sunshine Mills, Inc. is expanding its September 2 recall of certain pet food products after an FDA investigation determined that additional corn-based products may also contain aflatoxin.  These products were made with corn ingredient that contained Aflatoxin at levels above FDA’s action levels. The product was produced between April 3, 2020 and April 5, 2020 may contain corn from a single load of corn with elevated levels of aflatoxin. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunshine-mills-inc-expands-previously-announced-voluntary-recall-certain-pet-food-products-due
Sunshine Mills, Inc. Expands Previously Announced Voluntary Recall of Certain Pet Food Products Due to Potentially Elevated Levels of Aflatoxin
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 08, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  October 08, 2020
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary
Food & Beverages   Pet Food  
Reason for Announcement:  May Contain Aflatoxin
Company Name:  Sunshine Mills, Inc.
Brand Name:  Champ, Field Trial, Good Dog, and Others
Product Description:  Pet Food

Whole and Cut Cantaloupe Recalled for Potential Salmonella Contamination Discovered Through State Testing

Meijer, in conjunction with Eagle Produce, LLC in Aguila, AZ., is recalling of whole cantaloupe and select cut cantaloupe fruit trays and bowls due to the potential risk of Salmonella after sampling by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.  There have been no reported illnesses.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/meijer-recalls-whole-cantaloupes-and-select-cut-cantaloupe-trays-due-potential-health-risk
Meijer Recalls Whole Cantaloupes and Select Cut Cantaloupe Trays Due to Potential Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 07, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  October 07, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages   Fruit/Fruit Product
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Meijer
Brand Name:  Kandy Brand, Meijer Brand
Product Description:  Whole Cantaloupe, Select Cut Cantaloupe Fruit Trays & Bowls

Cinnamon Apple Chips Recalled Due to Potential for Salmonella Contamination in Spice

Seneca Snack Company, a Washington Corporation, is recalling its Seneca Cinnamon Apple Chips and Clancy’s Cinnamon Apple Chips after a supplier notified them that a lot of cinnamon ingredient had the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.   This only affects Clancy’s product sold by ALDI and Seneca products sold nationwide through Amazon and Gemline.  There have been no know reported cases of illness.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/seneca-recalls-cinnamon-apple-chips-because-possible-health-risk
Seneca Recalls Cinnamon Apple Chips Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 02, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  October 05, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Possible Salmonella contamination
Company Name:  Seneca Snack Company
Brand Name:  Seneca, Clancy’s
Product Description:  Seneca Cinnamon Apple Chips and Clancy’s Cinnamon Apple Chips

Produce Company Expands Listeria-linked Recall

Country Fresh is extending the recall they issued last week to include various containers of fresh cut and/or sliced apples, grapes, mangos, pineapples and cantaloupe distributed by Walmart.  As is often the case with recalls involving Listeria, the recall is expanded when there are no clean lines to separate the initial lot of product recalled from other lots of the same product or different products.  Products processed in the same facility, whether that is on the same equipment or in the same area are also potentially exposed to the same contamination point.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/country-fresh-expands-voluntary-recall
Country Fresh Expands Voluntary Recall
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 03, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  October 03, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Country Fresh
Brand Name:  Walmart
Product Description:  Cut or sliced apples, grapes, mangoes, pineapples, and cantaloupe

FDA Releases Proposed Traceability Regulation

As part of the FSMA requirements (FSMA 204(s)(1), FDA is establishing record keeping requirements for certain foods. While there are existing requirements for lot tracking – the requirement to know the immediate source and immediate recipient, or one-up, one back – these FSMA related requirements add to that, specifically for foods the agency has designated as high-risk human foods.

• The rule only applies to certain food items that are on the list, although FDA would hope that companies would adopt these practices industry wide.  Currently, the list includes:

1. Cheese, other than hard cheese
2. Shell eggs
3. Nut butter
4. Cucumbers
5. Fresh herbs
6. Leafy greens
7. Melons
8. Peppers
9. Sprouts
10. Tomatoes
11. Tropical tree fruits
12. Fresh-cut fruits and vegetables
13. Finfish and smoked finfish
14. Crustaceans
15. Mollusks
16. RTE deli salads

• The rule applies to all entitles that manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods that appear on the Food Traceability List. The proposed rule has exemption for small farms, processed produce, food transporters
• Although the rule does not state that an electronic record is required, it does state that the entity must produce records within 24 hours of FDA request.
• It applies to the specific foods/ingredients including when those high risk foods are used in making other foods (unless those foods are thermally processed.)
• Lot numbers must be applied to those ingredients. When product is shipped to another entity, the lot information must be conveyed including description and quantity of product. The rule establishes KDEs, Key Data Elements associated with Critical Tracking Events (CTEs). Basically, important points along the supply chain must keep certain kinds of information. Critical tracking event (CTE) are events in the supply chain of that food involving the growing, receiving (including receipt by a first receiver), transforming, creating, or shipping of the food. (Creating is different than transforming).
• Those entities receiving product, including retailers, would need to capture that information on a record such as a bill of lading and match it to any outbound records.
• A distributor who receives these high risk food items would have to be able to link, by lot number, a product in inventory with the immediate previous source of the food, the location, date and time the food was received, and the quantity and unit of measure of the food received.

This will require some further study to find pitfalls, if any.  Really hate to see the creation of additional jargon and all of the areas that can be open for interpretation on who needs to keep what information. 

Cleary much of this falls onto the produce industry, where even a highly sophisticated system may not be able to circumvent all issues faced during an outbreak investigation.  However, standardizing the basics such as uniform lot code usage, capture, and tracking  would certainly be a good start.

https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/fsma-proposed-rule-food-traceability

FSMA Proposed Rule for Food Traceability

9/21/29

This Week in Mislabeled Products Thru October 3, 2020

Mislabeled Pecan Containing Ice Cream - Homestead Creamery of Wirtz, VA is recalling one lot of Homestead Creamery chocolate ice cream quarts, dated 5/13/2021, because it may contain undeclared pecans.   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing the pecans may have been distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of pecans.

Mislabeled Salad Dressing - GHSW, LLC. is voluntarily recalling 1512 units of Trader Joe’s Southwest Style Sweet Potato Sauté Bowl due to undeclared milk and egg allergens in the dressing that are not declared on the label.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the dressing containing milk and egg was distributed in packaging that did not declare the presence of milk or egg.

Mislabeled Chicken Salad Contains Walnuts Not on Label  - Willow Tree Poultry Farm, Inc., an Attleboro, Mass. establishment is recalling approximately 6,890 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken salad products due to undeclared walnuts, a known allergen, which are not declared on the product labels. The RTE chicken salad product labeled as “Classic Chicken Salad” may actually contain “White Meat Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad” 

Watermelon Chunks Recalled After FDA Finds Listeria on Packing Equipment

Country Fresh is recalling watermelon chunks sold at Walmart and RaceTrac in several southcentral states after FDA found Listeria on packaging equipment.  The testing was conducted as part of an inspection.  There have been no illness reported to date.

Processors of fresh cut produce must have tight controls on Listeria in the processing environment.  At this point, this facility will need to detail clean its operation and conduct a root cause analysis on how the organism was able to get onto the equipment.  We may see additional products recalled after further investigation by FDA.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/country-fresh-voluntary-product-recall
Country Fresh Voluntary Product Recall
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 01, 2020
FDA Publish Date: October 01, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Country Fresh
Brand Name:  Walmart  RaceTrac
Product Description:  Watermelon Chunks

FDA Testing of Dark Chocolate Products for Milk Allergens - Verifying the Absence Claims

Dark chocolate should be free from milk, especially when labeled as dairy free.  But can a person with milk allergies count on that?  FDA conducted analysis of 119 samples representing 52 products -  all products being manufactured in the U.S.  bearing a dairy-free or similar claim[ on their package or website, and consisting solely of dark chocolate (e.g., be free of cream or nougat filling, a candy shell, or inclusions such as nuts, fruit, or seeds).  Samples were collected from 2018 to 2019.

"The FDA determined that four of the 52 products tested had potentially hazardous levels of milk allergen. These four products – all dark chocolate bars – were made by three different manufacturers. Together the four products were responsible for 12 positives out of the 119 samples....The agency found the 12 samples from the four products to have milk allergen levels ranging from 600 ppm to 3,100 ppm. The agency determined that, at these levels, the four products held the potential to cause severe reactions in consumers with milk allergy. The FDA took action as warranted to address each of these positives."

"The FDA does not define the terms “dairy free,” “milk free” or other “absence” claims, except for “gluten free.” Absence claims are voluntary statements that indicate a specific ingredient or food component is not present in a product.  Absence claims, when used, must be truthful and not misleading, per the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.  If a product or references to a product on a company website were to bear a dairy-free or similar claim, the FDA would expect there to be no milk allergen in the product given that consumers with milk allergy depend on the accuracy of dairy-free claims for their health. The presence of milk allergen in a product bearing a dairy-free claim may lead the agency to conduct an investigation and to consider enforcement action, depending on the investigational findings."

https://www.fda.gov/food/sampling-protect-food-supply/fy1819-sample-collection-and-analysis-domestically-manufactured-dairy-free-dark-chocolate-products
FY18/19 Sample Collection and Analysis of Domestically Manufactured, Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Products for Milk Allergen

Imported Dry Dog Food Recalled for Salmonella After State Lab Finds Salmonella in Sample

Real Pet Food Company is voluntarily recalling its dog food, Billy+Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe 4lb bags, after a state testing lab found Salmonella in a sample.  Yes, this product does contain kangaroo.

Salmonella in dry dog food is often an issue of post process contamination.  

Real Pet Foods is headquartered in Singapore and its dry dog food manufacturing is done in Australia.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/real-pet-food-company-phoenix-az-voluntarily-recalls-one-lot-billymargot-wild-kangaroo-and
Real Pet Food Company of Phoenix, AZ Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of Billy+Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe Dog Food in 4 lb Bags Because of a Possible Salmonella Health Risk (USA)
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 22, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  September 22, 2020
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Animal Feed
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Real Pet Food Company
Brand Name:  Billy+Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe
Product Description:  Dog food

CA Distributor Recalls Imported Wood Ear Mushrooms After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

CDC and FDA are investing a Salmonella outbreak linked to imported wood ear mushrooms distributed by Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc.  As of September 24, 2020, a total of 41 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Stanley have been reported from 10 states after eating wood ear mushrooms or ramen noodles containing wood ear mushrooms (aka Black Fungus or Kikurage)

Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA recalled Shirakiku brand imported Dried Fungus (also known as Black Fungus or Kikurage).  Product was distributed to a multitude of States across the country and Canada.

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/stanley-09-20/index.html
Outbreak of Salmonella Stanley Infections Linked to Wood Ear Mushrooms
Updated September 24, 2020 at 5:10 PM ET
At A Glance
Reported Cases: 41
States: 10
Hospitalizations: 4
Deaths: 0
Recall: Yes

Investigation Continues in This Summer's Cyclospora Outbreak Associated with Bagged Salad, CDC Declares Outbreak Over

The CDC has declared that the Cyclospora outbreak associated with Fresh Express Salad products is over.  The outbreak occurred over May through July with 701 total cases with 38 being hospitalized.  Fresh Express did conduct a recall of their branded products as well as store branded products sold at 
ALDI, Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, ShopRite, and Walmart

FDA has not conclusively found the source of the organism, although canal water is a likely source - "FDA investigated multiple farms identified in the traceback, one of which led to sampling and investigation around a farm in south Florida. FDA continues to work with the state of Florida and the local water district to try to determine the source and impact of Cyclospora that was found in the regional water management canal (C-23), located west of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Given the emerging nature of genetic typing methodologies for this parasite in foods and in environmental samples, the FDA has been unable to determine if the Cyclospora detected in the canal is a genetic match to the clinical cases, therefore, there is currently not enough evidence to conclusively determine the source of this outbreak. However, the presence of Cyclospora in a canal that had previously supplied irrigation water in the region, and specifically to a farm identified in the traceback, suggests the need for a collaborative effort..."


https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-cyclospora-bagged-salads-june-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Cyclospora: Bagged Salads (June 2020)
CDC announces the end of the outbreak; FDA continues its investigation.
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 701
Hospitalizations: 38
Deaths: 0
Illness Onset Date Range: 5/11/2020 – 7/24/2020
States with Cases: GA (1), IL (211), IA (206), KS (5), MA (1), MI (4), MN (86), MO (57), NE (55), 

ND (6), OH (7), PA (2), SD (13), WI (47)

FDA Issues First Injunction Under Produce Safety Rule Shutting Down an Illinois Food Processor

The FDA issued the first injunction against a firm or grower for violating the Produce Safety Rule enacted under FSMA.  The Illinois processor  of sprouts and soy products has stopped production until it undertakes corrective action and comes in compliance with the regulations.  This comes after FDA had conducted multiple inspections where they documented insanitary conditions showing that sprouts and soy products had been produced in insanitary conditions.

The company had been issued a Warning Letter in July in which identified violations where significant evidence of rodent activity and insanitary conditions and practices throughout the farm mixed-type facility. Based on these findings, FDA determined that the mung bean sprouts, tofu products, and soybean noodle products were adulterated.  They noted employees shoveling product back up off the floor, product getting hung up in equipment, poor water handling systems, an inadequate Listeria control program,  extensive rodent infestation, inadequate handwashing facilities,  inadequate allergen labeling, etc.


FDA News Release
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-issues-first-injunction-under-produce-safety-rule-illinois-based-food-manufacturer-repeated-food
FDA issues first injunction under Produce Safety Rule to Illinois-based food manufacturer for repeated food safety violations

For Immediate Release:
September 15, 2020

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that Fortune Food Product, Inc., an Illinois-based processor of sprouts and soy products, has agreed to stop production until it, among other things, undertakes remedial action and complies with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

USDA Updates Rules for Egg Processing Operations

USDA updated regulatory inspection rules for egg products. Egg products, along with meat and poultry products, fall under the food safety jurisdiction of the USDA. Like meat and poultry product operations, egg processing facilities will move to intermediate inspection rather than continuous inspection and require companies to use HACCP to manage their own food safety systems. Processors of freeze-dried eggs and egg substitutes will also fall under USDA regulatory oversight.

This makes sense to have companies manage their own safety through HACCP systems without the need for continuous government inspection. This also brings these facilities in line with meat and poultry product regulatory rules.

USDA New Release
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2020/nr-09092020-01
USDA Modernizes Egg Products Inspection

OSHA Fines CO Meat Processor for Coronavirus Protection Failures

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued $15,615 in penalties to JBS's Colorado meat processing facility for failing to protect employees from COVID-19 virus exposure.
"OSHA guidance details proactive measures employers can take to protect workers from the coronavirus, such as social distancing measures and the use of physical barriers, face shields and face coverings when employees are unable to physically distance at least 6 feet from each other. Employers are also required to maintain injury and illness logs."

The company has 15 days to respond.

U.S. Department of Labor OSHA News Release
https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/region8/09112020
September 11, 2020
U.S. Department of Labor Cites JBS Foods Inc. for Failing To Protect Employees from Exposure to the Coronavirus

ICMSF Opines that the COVID-19 Virus Not a Food Safety Risk

 The ICMSF (International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Food) issued a position paper (ICMSF opinion on SARS-CoV-2 and its relationship to food safety)  indicating that SARS-CoV-2 or the COVID-19 virus, is not transmissible through food.  "The ICMSF believes that it is highly unlikely that the ingestion of the SARS-CoV-2 will result in illness; there is no documented evidence that food is a significant source and/or vehicle for transmission of SARS-CoV-2.  They also state that "It is vital that one differentiates a hazard from a risk, i.e., the mere presence of an infectious agent on food does not necessarily mean that an infection will occur"

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending September 12, 2020

Mislabeling Peanut Sauce By Applying Wrong Label - Pretty Thai of Austin, Texas, is recalling Pretty Thai Peanut Sauce that may have been mislabeled as Pretty Thai Sweet Chili Sauce. There is a risk that a person with an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts.  Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the manufacturer's production and packaging processes.

Sourcing Error Results in Undeclared Anchovies (Fish) -  Fresco Foods Inc. of Tampa, FL is voluntarily recalling ALL units of ANCIENT GRAIN JACKFRUIT BOWL because it may contain an undeclared allergen, Fish (anchovies). The allergy alert was initiated after it was discovered that the Ancient Grain Jackfruit Bowl containing Fish (anchovies) was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of Fish (anchovies). Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by sourcing the wrong sub-ingredient.

Cheese, Not On Label, Identified at Store Level - Cher-Make Sausage Company, a Wisconsin establishment, is recalling approximately 429-lbs of fully-cooked meat sausage products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen -the product contains milk (cheese), which is not declared on the packaging label. The problem was discovered after the firm received a complaint from a store employee who observed cheese in the product.

Allergen Reaction to Wheat by Customer Trigger Recall of Product Produced by Co-Packer - Goodie Girl Tribeca LLC announced today it is voluntarily recalling 389 cases of a single date code of 7 oz. Goodie Girl Magical Animal Crackers, with a “best by” date of Jan 11, 21A3, after learning that the product may contain undeclared wheat ingredients.  There has been an individual with a wheat allergy that was treated for a wheat allergen reaction.  There has been an individual with a wheat allergy that was treated for a wheat allergen reaction.  This recall was initiated in cooperation with the FDA and the third-party co-packer that produced the product.

COVID-19 Prevention - The Importance of Controlling Aerosols with Proper Masks and Ventilation

Aerosols are considered one of the primary means for spread of the COVID-19 virus, thus the control of aerosols are critical for reducing risk. Two articles on the topic cover important aspects of control.

First is an article, Face Shields, Masks with Valves Ineffective Against COVID-19 Spread, that looks at a recently published study evaluating face shields and masks with valves. While these face shields are easier for some to use, they are not effective in controlling aerosols. The same goes with the masks that have vents. These are not effective at controlling aerosols from the person wearing them. One could probably figure that these would not be able to control aerosols, but here is research that proves that they are not effective controls for minimizing the risk of spreading virus.

The second was an article in the Wall Street Journal that looks at the need for good airflow in classrooms and other settings where there are a group of people. The article, Key to Preventing Covid-19 Indoors: Ventilation, discusses the importance of air movement with the need for moving air in the room - bringing in fresh air and expelling air from the room without it blowing from one person to another.

The article discusses a few cases where improper ventilation was a problem

"Five people sitting at tables adjacent to an infected but presymptomatic diner inside a Guangzhou, China, restaurant in January later tested positive for Covid-19, despite video that indicates the separate parties didn’t have close contact, according to an April study published on a preprint server. Some patrons who contracted the virus, the authors said, were seated as far as 15 feet away from the infected diner."

FDA Warning Letters Issued to Importers for Non-compliance to FSVP

FDA issued Warning Letters to four importers for not have Foreign Supplier Verification Programs in place for the food items these companies were importing. FSVP regulation requires that importers perform certain risk-based activities to verify that human and/or animal food they import into the United States has been produced in a manner that meets applicable U.S. food safety standards.


Martinez Mexican Produce, LLC, at 1704 N. International Blvd., Hidalgo, TX 78557.
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/martinez-mexican-produce-llc-607645-06162020

Fides New York Inc. located at 4725 208th Street, Bayside, NY 11361-3214
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/fides-ny-inc-608989-07292020

Gourmet and More, Inc. located at 2976 Alvarado St., Ste D, San Leandro, CA 94577.
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/gourmet-more-608887-07312020

Grupo RM USA, Inc., located at 7991 NW 82nd Ave. Miami, FL 33166.
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/grupo-rm-usa-inc-609291-08062020

FDA Issues Warning Letter to South Carolina RTE Sandwich Company for Failure to Control Listeria

FDA Issued a Warning Letter to Grand Strand Sandwich Shop after investigators found Listeria in the processing environment.  This strain was the same strain that was found in previous inspections.

"Environmental swabs collected during each of the past three FDA inspections revealed L. monocytogenes in your facility as follows:

- 2020: four (4) swabs collected from locations adjacent to food contact surfaces.

- 2018: seventeen (17) swabs primarily collected from food contact surfaces and locations adjacent to food contact surfaces.

- 2017: five (5) swabs within your facility primarily collected from locations adjacent to food contact surfaces.

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was conducted on the above referenced L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from the FDA environmental samples. The current WGS analysis determined that the isolates derived from the samples collected at your facility during our 2020, 2018, and 2017 inspections represent a single strain of L. monocytogenes0".

FDA indicated that the company's corrective action when finding Listeria was not adequate in that FDA found Listeria in the same locations that the company had found Listeria.

"Your firm implemented corrective actions, which included cleaning and sanitizing, followed by conducting environmental swabbing on that location to determine these were effective. On February 24, 2020, FDA’s environmental swabbing isolated L. monocytogenes from a (b)(4) in your (b)(4), which appears to be the same location of your January 6, 2020 finding."

The company also failed to recognize a hazard for an ingredient they purchased...more specifically L. monocytogens in the purchased RTE ingredients used in making sandwiches.

There were additional issues associated with verification and allergen control.

FDA Warning Letter

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/grand-strand-sandwich-company-inc-607559-08042020
Grand Strand Sandwich Company, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 607559 — August 04, 2020

FDA Update on Peaches Recalled for Salmonella - International and National Distribution

In FDA's update on peaches recalled for Salmonella,  Canada, Singapore, and New Zealand have issued recalls of Prima Wawona peaches. FDA indicates that recalled Wawona peaches were shipped to foreign consignees in Australia, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Within the US, retailers across the nation have received the Wawona peaches.

Consumers who purchased Wawona peaches or if they cannot identify the brand or remember the date of purchase, should throw the product away. Consumers who may have frozen peaches supplied by Prima Wawona should throw them away.

There is no further information on the source of the Salmonella. Within the US, 78 have been infected with 23 hospitalizations.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-enteritidis-peaches-august-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis: Peaches (August 2020)
Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled loose or bagged peaches packed or supplied by Prima Wawona

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 78
Hospitalizations: 23
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset Date: August 3, 2020
States with Cases: CT, IA, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WI
Product Distribution*: Nationwide

Hostess Expands Recall of Zingers Due to the Potential for Mold

Hostess Brands, LLC (“Hostess Brands”) is expanding its voluntary recall of certain Hostess® Raspberry Zingers® because the product may develop mold prior to the best by date.  The initial recall was issued on July 21, 2020.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hostess-brands-llc-expands-voluntary-recall-certain-hostessr-raspberry-zingersr-due-potential-mold
Hostess Brands, LLC Expands Voluntary Recall of Certain Hostess® Raspberry Zingers® Due to the Potential for Mold
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 25, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  August 25, 2020
 Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to contain mold
Company Name:  Hostess Brands LLC
Brand Name:  Hostess
Product Description:  Raspberry Zingers

Gift Baskets Packed with Peach Salsa Recalled Due to Usage of Potentially Salmonella-tainted Peaches

Russ Davis Wholesale (RDW) is recalling Peach Salsa under the Crazy Fresh and Quick & Easy brands in an abundance of caution due to possible contamination with Salmonella.  This recall is in response to Wawona Packaging initiating a recall of peaches early in the day August 22, 2020 as an ingredient provider to Russ Davis Wholesale.

Hard to tell if the peach salsa was processed using a heat treatment of just simply a fresh mix.  Being that the label on the peach salsa product required that the product be refrigerated, one could guess that at the most, it was a mild heat treatment.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/russ-davis-wholesale-recalls-peaches-and-peach-salsa-because-possible-health-risk
Russ Davis Wholesale Recalls Peaches and Peach Salsa Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 25, 2020
FDA Publish Date: August 25, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Salmonella contamination
Company Name:  Russ Davis Wholesale
Brand Name:  Crazy Fresh and Quick & Easy an Unbranded and Bountiful Fresh gift baskets
Product Description:  Peach Salsa and Gift Baskets

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending 8-29-20

Granola Bars Labeled Incorrectly - TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) is voluntarily recalling certain Chewy Granola Bars sold under the brand name Signature Select because the outer carton indicates that the product is Chocolate Chip variety, while some of the individually-wrapped product contained in the carton may be Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip variety.  TreeHouse discovered the issue after receiving three consumer complaints. At this time, TreeHouse has received one report of an allergic reaction associated with this product.

Worcestershire Contains Soy and Anchovies (Fish) -  Sauce of Iron River, Michigan is recalling two flavors of barbeque sauces, because the products contain undeclared Soy and Anchovies. This announcement was initiated after the omission on the label was discovered August 20 of this year during a routine operations inspection. This inspection revealed that two ingredients, soy and anchovies (fish), were used in the brand of Worcestershire sauce 

Egg Noodles Labeled as Other Noodles - Riviana Foods Inc. is voluntarily recalling 19,931 cases of certain coded Ronzoni Smart Taste Extra-Wide Noodle cellophane packages that contain an egg noodle product. The affected Ronzoni Smart Taste Extra-Wide Noodle packages do not declare the allergen “egg”, which is an ingredient in the noodle product. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing egg was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in Riviana’s packaging review processes.

Wrong Bag For Chips - Frito-Lay today issued a voluntary recall of select 1 oz., 1 1/2 oz., 2 5/8 oz., 7 3/4 oz., 12 1/2 oz., 15 1/2 oz. bags of Lay’s Barbecue Flavored Potato Chips because they may contain undeclared milk ingredients. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that bags of Lay’s Barbecue Flavored Potato Chips were inadvertently filled with another flavor of potato chips, potentially exposing consumers to undeclared milk.

Dry Dog Food Recalled After Sample Tests Positive for Salmonella

Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail because of the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. 

"The potential for contamination was noted after the firm was notified by the Georgia Department of Agriculture when a sample of a single 3-pound bag of the product was collected and tested positive for Salmonella. The firm conducted testing of multiple samples of the same lot which all tested negative for Salmonella. Salmonella may not be evenly distributed throughout a lot which is why it could have been found on one sample and not on multiple other samples of the same lot. However, out of an abundance of caution, Sunshine Mills, Inc. has chosen to issue a voluntary recall of the above-referenced lots of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail in furtherance of its commitment to the safety and quality of its products."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunshine-mills-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-natures-menur-super-premium-dog-food-blend-real-chicken
Sunshine Mills, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 24, 2020  

FDA Publish Date: August 24, 2020
Product Type: Animal & Veterinary  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name: Sunshine Mills, Inc.
Brand Name: Nature’s Menu
Product Description: Nature’s Menu Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail

England - Farmer Convicted of Contaminating Baby Food With Metal Shards

In England, a farmer was convicted of contaminating baby food with metal shards in an attempt to extort money in exchange for revealing where the jars were placed.  He will serve between 8 and 17 years in prison.

https://news.sky.com/story/sheep-farmer-guilty-of-contaminating-baby-food-with-metal-and-blackmailing-tesco-staff-12053014

Sheep farmer guilty of contaminating baby food with metal and blackmailing Tesco staff

Nigel Wright, 45, tried to extort £1.4m in bitcoin from the supermarket, the Old Bailey heard

Thursday 20 August 2020

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending 8-21-2020

Ingredient Missed on Label - Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling Vegan Vanilla Cake from 21 stores across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and one store in Tallahassee, Florida, due to an undeclared soy (soy milk) allergen.  This is a print-and-apply label.....seems like somebody needs a better process for inputting and verifying ingredient information on this print-on-demand labels.  

Brazil Nuts in Mixed Nuts, but Don't Belong There - Superior Nut Company of Cambridge, MA is recalling Southern Grove Mixed Nuts Less than 50% Peanuts, because it may contain undeclared Brazil Nuts. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing Brazil Nuts was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of Brazil Nuts.

Wrong Potato Chips in the Bag - Frito-Lay announced a limited voluntary recall of a very small number of $1.29 1 1/2 oz. bags of Ruffles Original Potato Chips because they may contain undeclared milk ingredients.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that a small number of bags of Ruffles Original Potato Chips were inadvertently filled with another flavor of potato chips, potentially exposing consumers to undeclared milk.

Soup with Pasta and Meatballs Labeled as Chicken Noodle - Faribault Foods Inc., a Faribault, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 15,134 pounds of canned soup product due to misbranding and undeclared allergen- the product contains milk and soy, known allergens, as well as beef and pork, which are not declared on the product label.  The cans labeled as chicken noodle soup actually contain a meatball and pasta product.  The problem was discovered when the firm’s distributor notified FSIS of consumer complaints that the soup contained meatballs and pasta instead of chicken and noodles.

FDA Warning Letter - Firm with Allergen Mislabeling Issue

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a Pennsylvania company for an allergen mislabeling issue.  It started with the employee putting the wrong label on the back of the bottles.  While the company did issue a recall for the product, FDA issued a Warning Letter that the company did not "identify and implement preventive controls to provide assurances that any hazard requiring a preventive control (i.e., undeclared allergens) will be significantly minimized or prevented, and the food manufactured, processed packed or held by your facility will not be adulterated under section 402 or misbranded under section 403(w) of the Act, as required by 21 CFR 117.135(a)(1) and (c)(2). Specifically, {the company] did not identify and implement food allergen controls at the labeling step adequate to significantly minimize or prevent the hazard of undeclared allergens, as evidenced by your firm’s mislabeling the back ingredient label of the Vodka Sauce. This incorrect labeling caused your product to contain an undeclared major food allergen."

According to the Letter, "On March 20, 2020, after being notified by your customer of the mislabeled product, your firm recalled the Whole Foods brand Vodka Sauce. The Vodka Sauce, which contains milk, was mislabeled with Puttanesca Sauce back panel ingredient labels that do not declare milk. In documentation provided to the Office of Human and Animal Food Operations Division 2 East Recall Coordinator on March 20, 2020, you stated, “The associate that was changing over the label machine did not properly check the new roll of labels.” On June 10, 2020, you provided an updated “Procedure for Proper Packaging and Labeling,” and records of employee training as evidence of corrective actions taken by your firm."

A Warning Letter issued for allergen mislabeling is not common, and while it is hard to know the specifics of the situation, this action seems to be somewhat heavy handed.   

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/winter-gardens-quality-foods-inc-608240-08052020
Winter Gardens Quality Foods, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 608240 — August 05, 2020
Recipient:
Thomas Bross, IV
President
Winter Gardens Quality Foods, Inc.
304 Commerce Street
New Oxford, PA 17350-1723
United States

FDA Updates Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Thomson Intl Onions, Hello Fresh Issues Recall

FDA provided an update on the Salmonella outbreak associated with onions from Thomson International.  AS of 8/18/2020, there are 869 cases with 116 hospitalized.  As for cause, the investigation is till ongoing.

In a related recall, HelloFresh is directly its customers to discard all onions received from May 8 through July 31, 2020 after it was notified by its supplier that it used the recall onions.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-newport-red-onions-july-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Newport: Red Onions (July 2020)
Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled onions from Thomson International, Inc. or products containing recalled onions..

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 869
Hospitalizations: 116
Deaths: 0
Illness Onset Date Range: August 4, 2020

States with Cases: AK (15), AL (1), AZ (35), AR (2), CA (115), CO (25), CT (2), DE (2), FL (5), GA (6), HI (3), ID (34), IL (49), IN (3), IA (23), KS (2), KY (1), ME (5), MD (7), MA (2), MI (44), MN (18), MS (4), MO (10), MT (63), NE (10), NV (11), NH (1), NJ (2), NM (1), NY (10), NC (5), ND (9), OH (11), OR (94), PA (15), RI (2), SC (1), SD (20), TN (5), TX(2), UT (105), VA (10), WA (50), WV (2), WI (10), WY (17)

FDA Issues Warning on Bagged and Loose Peaches Due to Salmonella, Retailers Issue Recalls

Update (8/22) - FDA is including bagged peaches and peaches sold loose.  "On August 22, 2020, Prima Wawona expanded their recall to include bagged and bulk, or loose, peaches that they supplied to retailers nationwide."  The retailer Wegmans issued recalls for peaches as well as other products the store made from peaches.  Other retail brands were also recalled including Kroger and Prima.

FDA issued a warning on Wawona-brand bagged peaches sold at ALDI. FDA states in this warning that they are "investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections potentially linked to bagged peaches sold at ALDI stores in multiple states. The peaches are in Wawona-brand 2-pound, clear plastic bags sold in ALDI stores from June 1, 2020 until present. Based on information collected from ill persons, CDC has identified bagged peaches from ALDI stores as a likely source of Salmonella Enteritidis infections. As of August 19, 2020, CDC is reporting a total of 68 cases across 9 states.

For this level of contamination on tree fruit, there seems that the packing facility would need to be involved. One could guess the washing/rinsing system would need to have had the contamination. And with a product packed like this, it could appear as a ready-to-eat item so the consumer may be less likely to wash before eating. Not to say that the recommended washing, which is rinsing under running water, would eliminate a high level of contamination.

ALDI is voluntarily recalling assorted peaches received from this supplier, Wawona Packing Company.

ALDI has removed the affected peaches from select ALDI stores in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia

FDA Outbreak Investigation
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-enteritidis-bagged-peaches-august-2020
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis: Bagged Peaches (August 2020)
Do not eat, sell, or serve Wawona-brand bagged peaches sold at ALDI stores in multiple states
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 68
Hospitalizations: 14
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset Date: August 3, 2020
States with Cases: IA, MD, MI, MN, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WI
Product Distribution*: CT, IA, IL, KY, MA, MI, MN, ND, NH, NY, OH, RI, SD, VT, WI, WV
*Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending August 13, 2020

Sub-Ingredients Not Listed, and Thus, Allergens Missed on Label - Serafin Fishery is recalling its 8-ounce containers of Salmon Dip and Whitefish Dip because they may contain undeclared anchovies, eggs, milk and soy.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered during an inspection conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development that the products’ labeling did not list all of the products’ ingredients. 

Wrong Chocolates in the Box - Abdallah Candies of Apple Valley, MN is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of Lund’s and Byerly’s 16 oz. sea salt caramels with code AC31 on the bottom of the box. The boxes contain sea salt almond caramels instead of sea salt caramels.

Supplier Error on the Sauce Packet Packaging - Haven’s Kitchen, legally known as Haven’s Kitchen Home, LLC of New York, NY is voluntarily recalling one lot of Golden Turmeric Tahini sauce because it may contain Gingery Miso sauce which contains undeclared soy. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that pouches labeled Golden Turmeric Tahini were filled with another flavor of our sauce that contains soy. Our manufacturer is investigating how the error occurred and is making any necessary changes to their production and packaging processes to ensure accuracy for our products.