CDC Releases Report on Commodities Responsible for Foodborne Illness

The CDC released a study that attributes foodborne illness to food commodities. "CDC developed a comprehensive set of estimates using data from more than a decade of foodborne disease outbreaks and previously published estimates on how many illnesses can be attributed to each food category." Of course, every news outlet has issued a relase listing a highlight or two from this CDC report.
With any report of this nature, there is a lot of extrapolation. One of the biggest is the fact that many foods involved in outbreaks were classified as complex foods - foods with more than one commodity involved. And the number of reported illnesses is small considering it is over a ten year period (270,000 illnesses compared to an estimated 460,000,000 cases that would have estimated to occur 46 million X 10 years OR less than 1%).
And it cannot be overlooked that the data is now 5 years old.
There is some information we can glean from the report. Produce and meat/poultry are important commodities when it comes to foodborne illness. Norovirus is the leading cause of illness, Some excerpts are listed below. Beyond that, it makes for press releases keeping food safety in the news.

For full report: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/19/3/11-1866_article.htm

 

Attribution of Foodborne Illnesses, Hospitalizations, and Deaths to Food Commodities by using Outbreak Data, United States, 1998–2008

Painter JA, Hoekstra RM, Ayers T, Tauxe RV, Braden CR, Angulo FJ, et al. Attribution of foodborne illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths to food commodities by using outbreak data, United States, 1998–2008. Emerg Infect Dis [Internet]. 2013 Mar [date cited]. http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid1903.111866

• During 1998–2008, a total of 13,352 foodborne disease outbreaks, causing 271,974 illnesses, were reported in the United States (Technical Appendix 1 Table 1 [PDF - 723 KB - 8 pages]). Of those outbreaks, 4,887 (37%), causing 128,269 (47%) illnesses, had an implicated food vehicle and a single etiology; 300 of those outbreaks were excluded because information about the vehicle was insufficient to categorize the ingredients. We also did not include the 3% of outbreaks that had multiple etiologies reported.
• Norovirus caused the most outbreaks (1,419) and outbreak-associated illnesses (41,257), far above the median for all agents (29 outbreaks, 1,208 illnesses).
• Produce commodities (fruits-nuts and the 5 vegetable commodities) accounted for 46% of illnesses; meat-poultry commodities (beef, game, pork, and poultry) accounted for 22%. Among the 17 commodities, more illnesses were associated with leafy vegetables (2.1 million [23%]) than any other commodity. The high estimate for illnesses attributable to leafy vegetables was many times higher than the low estimate (Figure 2, panel A), which indicates that leafy vegetables were frequently found in complex foods. After leafy vegetables, the commodities linked to the most illnesses were dairy (1.3 million [14%]), fruits-nuts (1.2 million [12%]), and poultry (900,000 [10%]). Norovirus comprised 57% of all illnesses.
• Most bacterial illnesses were attributed to dairy (18%), poultry (18%), and beef (13%) commodities (Table 1). Most chemical illnesses were attributed to fish (60%, most caused by the marine biotoxin ciguatoxin).
• Most viral illnesses were attributed to leafy vegetables (35%), fruits-nuts (15%), and dairy (12%). Of the 20 outbreaks associated with simple foods and caused by norovirus transmitted by dairy, 14 (70%) were transmitted by cheese products.

Two recalls the result of metal fragment contamination

There were two recalls announced today that were both related to metal fragment contamination. One recall was packaged bagels and it was discovered due to the presence of metal fragments found in two different packages. The other was frozen pizza product. Here, small metal fragments were found in the flour. It was an ingredient issue in that the flour used to make the product had been contaminated – the third party flour mill had a faulty metal mesh screen. The fragments were reported to be too small to be detected by conventional metal detectors that were being used.

For many products, metal control is important. Too often, poorly operating metal detectors are all that stand in line for protection. Unfortunately companies may not be willing to allocate sufficient resources to buy well-built detectors or to provide proper maintenance including yearly equipment-supplier calibration. It is important that metal detectors must are properly spec’d for the type of product and process. Another important part of metal control is preventive maintenance, with a regular inspection and scheduled replacement of parts subject to operational fatigue. The cost of these recalls goes a long way against the cost of properly operating equipment.


Voluntary Regional Recall Of Thomas', Sara Lee, Publix, And Weight Watchers Bagels
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm336565.htm?source=govdelivery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 16, 2013 - BBU, Inc., the parent of the Bimbo Bakeries companies, has initiated a voluntary recall due to possible presence of fragments of metal caused by a faulty manufacturing part. Recalled products are the following fresh bagels with "Best Buy" dates (month and day) "JAN 18" to and including "JAN 27"found on the lock tab bag closures in the following states:

Thomas' Everything Bagels 1 lb 4 oz AL, FL, GA, TN
Thomas' Blueberry Bagels 1 lb 4 oz AL, FL, GA, TN
Thomas' Onion Bagels 1 lb 4 oz AL, FL, GA, TN
Thomas' Plain Bagels 1 lb 4 oz AL, FL, GA, TN
Thomas' Cinnamon Raisin Bagels 1 lb 4 oz AL, FL, GA, TN
Thomas' Hearty Grains 100% Whole Wheat Bagels 1 lb 4 oz AL, FL, GA, TN
Thomas' Cinnamon Swirl Bagels 1 lb 4 oz AL, FL, GA, TN
Thomas' Honey Wheat Bagels 1 lb 4 oz AL, FL, GA, TN
Sara Lee Deluxe Bagels Honey Wheat 20 oz AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN
Sara Lee Deluxe Bagels Plain 20 oz AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN
Sara Lee Deluxe Bagels Blueberry 20 oz AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN
Sara Lee Deluxe Bagels Cinnamon Raisin 20 oz AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN
Publix Premium Original Bagels 20 oz AL, FL, GA., SC, TN
Publix Premium Multi-Grain Bagels 20 oz AL, FL, GA., SC, TN
Publix Premium Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bagels 20 oz AL, FL, GA., SC, TN
Weight Watchers 6 Original Bagels 15 oz AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, TN 

The company announced the recall after discovering metal fragments in two packages. No consumer reports have been received. There are no reports of injury.
All recalled products are being removed from store shelves. No other THOMAS', SARA LEE, PUBLIX or WEIGHT WATCHERS products are affected.

 Consumers who have purchased the product can return the product to its place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-984-0989 at any time 24 hours a day.



California Firm Recalls Frozen Pizzas Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_006_2013_Release/index.asp


CLASS II RECALL
HEALTH RISK: LOW

FSIS-RC-006-2013
January 23, 2013

Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Richard J. McIntire

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2013 – - Annie's Homegrown Inc., a Berkeley, Calif. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of frozen pizzas that may be contaminated with extraneous materials and are the subject of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

All varieties of "Annie's Homegrown RISING CRUST FROZEN PIZZA" with a "Best By" date including and between "09Jan13" and "14Sep13" are affected.

The following products are subject to USDA recall: [View Label]

23.6-oz. Organic Pepperoni Pizza, UPC code 0 13562 20000 9

25.4-oz. Organic Supreme Pizza, UPC code 0 13562 20002 3

22.6-oz. Pepperoni Pizza, UPC code 0 13562 20006 1

23.1-oz. BBQ Recipe Chicken Pizza, UPC code 0 13562 20009 2

Each product package above has an establishment number of "EST. 5699", "EST. 15815B", "P-5699" or "P-15815B" ink jetted on the upper flap of carton's side panel.
In addition, the following products are subject to FDA recall: 
23.5-oz. Organic Four Cheese Pizza, UPC code 0 13562 20001 6 
22.5-oz. Four Cheese Pizza, UPC code 0 13562 20007 8 
25-oz. Organic Spinach and Mushroom Pizza, UPC code 0 13562 20005 4

The products were manufactured at two facilities from May 9, 2012 to Jan. 17, 2013, and shipped to retail establishments across the United States.

The problem was discovered when metal fragments were visually detected in the flour and pizza dough at a third-party crust production facility. The problem was traced back to a defective metal mesh screen at a third party flour mill. Some wire fragments are too small to be detected by standard industry metal detectors, so it may be possible for fragments to become lodged in a finished pizza. FSIS, FDA and the company have received no reports of injury associated with consumption of these products.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the Annie's Homegrown Pizza hotline at (888) 825-6720. Media with questions about the recall should contact Donald C. Cutler, of Kekst & Company acting on behalf of Annie's, at (415) 852-3903.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. “Ask Karen” live chat services are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: www.fsis.usda.gov

Listeria Recalls - Could This Be the Story of Jason?

Within the week, there were two recalls, both involving Listeria contamination of cooked meat products that were discovered through testing. So luckily, no illnesses were reported. One is an FDA recall involving chicken salad sandwiches sold at retail. The other is a USDA recall involving meat strips that were sold in bulk to be used as ingredients.  

The process for both products would have entail post -process handling, so both would be at risk for Listeria contamination. The difference is that the sandwiches would be shipped refrigerated, allowing some time for growth to occur, although there is a limited shelf-life on the product. The other is a frozen product, so during the time that product is frozen, Listeria would not grow. The risk associated with this product would be impacted on how the further manufacturer used that product. Of course, if they further cook the product, perhaps as part of a BBQ meat product, it would eliminate the Listeria risk. However, if they made it into chicken salad and shipped it in a refrigerated state to retail stores, it would be similar to the FDA recalled product.

Once an operation has found they have a Listeria contamination issue, it is important that those companies do extensive cleaning and sanitizing that is verified by heavy monitoring. Too often, companies jump back into production without eliminating the true source of contamination. In some cases, they don’t find it in testing completed on non-production swabs and think they are good to go. However, once product starts to roll through the process, Listeria reemerges. The source of Listeria was hidden well within the bowls of the equipment, and only once product is flowing through for hours or even days, does the Listeria make its way back out onto the food contact surfaces and ultimately the product.  

Listeria is sort of like Jason, the scary dude in the hockey mask featured in in those horror movies. In this movie, after the screaming girl shoots him a zillion times and he falls off the two-story roof, the distraught girl, laying there for what seems to be an eternity, finally gets the nerve to look. However, looking down, she realizes Jason is not there on the ground. Slowly turning around, she screeches as she sees that Jason was standing right behind her with a machete in his hand. As you are watching the flick, you wonder, why did she not verify that he was dead sooner.  So yeah, Jason is like Listeria, you are just never able to kill it and he continues to scare the heck out of you. So don’t be the screaming girl, use a rocket-launcher instead of a handgun and check well and often that he is not standing behind you. And never assume he is really dead.

KNOTT'S FINE FOODS RECALLS CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICHES BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm336282.htm?source=govdelivery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 21, 2013 - Knott's Fine Foods, Inc. of Paris, TN, is voluntarily recalling its 3 ounce Chicken Salad Sandwiches with an expiration date of 1/29/13 and earlier because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

New Food Safety Regulations Proposed for Fresh Produce Growers

Dr. LaBorde produced a very nice write-up on FSMA's proposed rule for produce safety.

 

New Food Safety Regulations Proposed for Fresh Produce Growers

 

Dr. Luke LaBorde, Department of Food Science, Penn State University 1/16/13

 

On January 4, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a draft Produce Safety Rule as required under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) of 2011. This proposed regulation would establish mandatory practices that farmers must take to prevent microbial contamination of fresh produce. Below are highlights of requirements FDA would issue in the final regulation:

 

Worker Health and Hygiene - Farm and packing house workers who harvest or handle fresh produce, and their supervisors, must receive training on personnel hygiene and health conditions that can increase the risk for food contamination. Growers are required to show proof of training by keeping written records. Toilet facilities have to be readily accessible, kept reasonably clean, and supplied with toilet paper. Hand-washing stations must be close to toilet facilities and supplied with potable running water, hand soap, and clean single use towels.

 

Agricultural Water - Growers must be able to demonstrate that the water they use for irrigation, pesticide preparation, cooling and washing, etc. is safe for its intended use. Maximum average E. coli levels of 126 cells per 100 milliliters have been proposed for irrigation water that can contact the edible part of the crop. Water used for post harvest operations face more stringent standards; no detectable levels of E. coli are allowed.

 

FSMA Preventive Control Proposed Rule – Key Points for Food Processors

Official Title - Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food
http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm334115.htm

 There has been a lot of press regarding the FDA’s proposed rule on preventive controls. It has been hailed by many as a needed step for a safer food supply. If anything, it certainly helps to bring most every processor up to the same level in terms of HACCP based preventive measures.

The rule requires that FDA registered firms have a written food safety plan which is based upon HACCP principles.

For the food processor who has a HACCP plan in place and has undergone third party audits, there is nothing overwhelming within this rule. The challenge will be for those companies that do not have a HACCP system in place yet, (or a good plan in place). All companies who have registered their facility with the FDA, including those that do not ship out of state, may be subject to the FSMA preventive control rule. However, there are exemptions from the requirements for a Food Safety Plan for firms based upon size and whether they can be considered ‘on-farm’.

For firms with an active, functioning HACCP plan, the biggest thing to revise will be in the hazard analysis and the need to identify preventive controls. Preventive controls, as defined, can be CCPs or certain prerequisite programs that are needed to control potential hazards. Also, in addition to biological, chemical and physical hazards, we now include radiological hazards.

In current HACCP, the focus is on hazards controlled within the process by CCPs. In this, we acknowledge that prerequisite programs as making certain ‘hazards not likely to occur’. In the FSMA rule, all potential hazards must be addressed, and then for any considered reasonably likely to occur, the preventive control must be identified that renders the product safe (non-adulterated), whether that be a CCP or other program. In doing the hazard analysis, it will be important to include an assessment the severity of the illness or injury associated with the hazards.

Similar to what is done with CCPs, all preventive controls must have documented procedures. There must be monitoring, verification, and record keeping. However, unlike a CCP, there may not be a measurable parameter (critical limit). Validation for the preventive controls may not be needed (for sanitation and allergen control).

For example, one would need to identify sanitation as a preventive control for Listeria with a RTE food item when there is exposure of that product to the environment before packaging. They would need procedures for cleaning, verification that cleaning was done, and documentation to show this.

Facilities are required to have a written Recall Plan. At this time, there are no requirements for an environmental monitoring program, finished product testing, or supplier verification, although there is this with regard to process control (Proposed § 117.80(a)(5) would require that chemical, microbial, or extraneous-material testing procedures be used where necessary to identify sanitation failures or possible cross-contact and food contamination). FDA does ask for comments regarding the need of these being addressed. 

Food defense / intentional contamination will not be addressed in this rule.

Overall, FDA takes a less prescriptive approach with regard to the preventive control rule. While this gives processors opportunity to use a number of different methods to meet standard, it can be an issue when being inspected when that inspector doesn’t agree with that method. (We see that now with USDA inspectors with regard to validation…..’how do you know that process works’).

It is important to remember that this is just the proposed rule. This is the comment period and this closes on May 16th. At that time FDA will review and then reissue the rule, which then becomes implemented 60 days after being issued. Large firms will have one year to implement, small firms will have 2 years, and very small firms will have 3 years.

For more detailed summaries (prepared by lawyers) see http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm334115.htm or http://leavittpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Proposed-Rule-On-Preventive-Controls-Key-Provisions.pdf

Other points to note – (Items I found interesting):

FDA Proposed Rules for Food Safety Plans and Produce Food Safety

On Friday, Januray 4, 2013, the FDA rolled out two proposed rules.

 

1) Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food 

• Preventive Controls – applies to facility that manufacture, process, pack or hold food that fall under FDA jurisdiction. This rule requires that facilities have food safety plans in place for the preventive control of potential hazards, both within the process (HACCP) and those associated with the prerequisite programs. The document is 680 pages.
• http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2013-00125_PI.pdf

 

2) Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption

• Proposed Standards for Produce Safety – covers those fruits and vegetables that are likely to be consumed raw (spinach not potatoes). This document is 547 pages.
• http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2013-00123_PI.pdf

 

Being proposed rules, there is a comment period before a final rule is issued. Then there will be a period of time from when the final rule is published until it is enacted

Trader Joe's Recalls Frozen Chicken Dinner Due to Listeria

Trader Joe’s is recalling a frozen chicken product, Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice after routine testing found the product was contaminated with Listeria. 240 cases were shipped to 14 eastern US states and DC. The product was made in Canada.

 The product is a frozen product and would be considered heat and serve (although a final temperature of 165ºF is listed as a temperature that should be reached before serving. http://onefoodguy.blogspot.com/2009/08/triumphant-return-of-tuesdays-tastings.html). Freezing will prevent the organism from growing, so the risk then comes down to the level of contamination to start and to what degree can we expect the heating to reduce that initial contamination. Of course, if a consumer puts the frozen product in the refrigerator for a few days before cooking, those Listeria levels could rise once the product thaws. Overall, it may not be a high risk, but a risk that the consumer probably does not want, and should not have to expect. Since this product was pre-cooked, the facility should be controlling Listeria in the post-process environment (after cooking through packaging).

 This is the second recall to hit the media in the last few months. The last was the Sunland peanut butter that was contaminated with Salmonella and resulted in 41 becoming infected. Trader Joe’s is a company that sources its products from food manufacturers and therefore must ensure that those suppliers have good food safety programs. Having two recalls does raise concern about the company’s sourcing program.

 

Nearly 5,000 pounds of Trader Joe's chicken and rice recalled

 http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-trader-joes-chicken-rice-recall-20121203,0,5193331.story

 By Tiffany Hsu
December 3, 2012, 8:19 a.m.

Trader Joe’s is facing yet another recall, this time affecting nearly 5,000 pounds of its store brand Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice, which may be contaminated with listeria bacteria.

The producer of the product, Canadian company Aliya’s Foods Limited, issued a voluntary recall of 4,865 pounds of the frozen food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Martha Stewart, celebrity chef and author, contracts Salmonella

Martha Stewart contracted Salmonella over Thanksgiving from mishandling food in the form of raw turkey.  While we hate to see anyone become ill, having a celebrity chef come down with Salmonella can have a positive outcome.  Too often we see these celebrity chefs demonstrating poor practices, whether it is inadequate hand washing, cooking to the incorrect temperatures, or canning foods using the oven technique.  But my hope is that Martha will use this experience as motivator to endorse good safety practices.

Of course, in one of the news stories she has an idiot quote about a silver lining… “I lost some weight,”.  I can see it now, a bunch of kitchen debutantes licking raw chicken as a way to lose weight.  So much for my wishful thinking.

Salmonella: Martha Stewart Sickened Last Month After 'Handling So Many Turkeys'

Posted: 12/06/2012 11:06 am EST

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/06/salmonella-martha-stewart-infection-salmonellosis-_n_2250353.html

Martha Stewart was confined to her bed for several days last month because of salmonella infection, the New York Post's Page Six reported.

“I never get sick, but I came down with salmonella. I think I caught it because I was handling so many turkeys around Thanksgiving," Stewart told Page Six. "I was on the 'Today' show, I did a number of other [Thanksgiving] appearances. It really hit me hard and I was in bed for days. It was terrible."

Veggie Burger Product Recalled Due to Potential for Listeria monocytogenes

Veggie Patch, a manufacturer of vegetable based food items, is recalling meatless burgers and falafel because their own internal testing program detected Listeria monocytogenes. What is the risk:

• The meatless burgers are soy-based products (Ingredient statement below), which are considered a TCS food in the FDA Food Code. That is, the product will support the growth of organisms such as Listeria.
• The product is considered fully cooked, so the instructions (attached below) are what would be considered heat-and-serve. These instructions would not be considered validated cooking instructions needed to destroy pathogens if present. (http://www.gmaonline.org/downloads/wygwam/121894_1.pdf is a guidance document for validating cooking instructions.)
• This is a frozen product, so while frozen, that will prevent the growth of Listeria. Of course, if the consumer thaws the product and then holds it for days before consuming, this will allow for growth.

Question is, to what degree does the company’s food safety program, including sanitation, limit this recall to the day in question.

 

FDA News Release

VEGGIE PATCH® Voluntarily Recalls Two Items- The Ultimate Meatless Burger and Falafel

- Due To Possible Risk Of Contamination By Listeria monocytogenes

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm330342.htm

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 30, 2012 – VEGGIE PATCH® is voluntarily recalling two products --The Ultimate Meatless Burger and Falafel-- due to a risk of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy persons may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

 

The Ultimate Meatless Burger and Falafel, from VEGGIE PATCH, with the specific use-by dates and UPC codes listed below were distributed to a select number of retailers and distributors.

 9-ounce trays of refrigerated, fully cooked, VEGGIE PATCH, The Ultimate Meatless Burger with a Use-By date, Jan/12/2013; UPC code 6-10129-00211-5 (which can be found on back of package)

9-ounce trays of refrigerated, fully cooked, VEGGIE PATCH, Falafel with a Use-By date, Jan/15/2013; UPC code 6-10129-06619-3 (which can be found on back of package)