Proposed rule for labeling of injected meat

USDA has issued a proposed rule that would require the label ‘mechanically tenderized” on labels of raw or partially cooked needle or blade tenderized beef. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/2008-0017.pdf

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to require the use of the descriptive designation ‘‘mechanically tenderized’’ on the labels of raw or partially cooked needle- or blade-tenderized beef products, including beef products injected with marinade or solution, unless such products are destined to be fully cooked at an official establishment. Beef products that have been needle- or blade-tenderized are referred to as ‘‘mechanically tenderized’’ products.

Meat products that are needle injected or blade tenderized should be cooked to a higher temperature than intact beef because in the process of injecting or blade tenderizing (as in chopped steak), the needles or blades can push pathogenic bacteria deep into the meat. So like ground beef, the heat has to penetrate further into the meat to kill the bacteria.

Processors inject meat in some cases when they want to marinade the product, or in other cases when they have a cheaper cut of meat that they want to inject solution to help the meat retain more moisture during cooking. Blade tenderizing is done to help break the connective tissue in the meat to make it easier to chew. Unfortunately, too many people cook this meat rare or medium rare, just like regular cuts of steak. But for safety, consumers should cook this type of meat to an internal temperature of 160 F.*(155 F for foodservice.) By requiring meat to be labeled as mechanically tenderized, and by having validated cooking instructions, it is more likely that this meat will be identified as meat that should be cooked to a higher temperature.

*or other temperature that is scientifically validated by the processor.

USDA and EPA Launch U.S. Food Waste Challenge

USDA in conjunction with EPA is launching a new initiative to reduce food waste. They estimate that food waste is roughly 30 to 40 percent of the US Food Supply. Wasted food happens at every part of the food chain, including retail, foodservice, and the consumer. According to the release – “USDA will also work with industry to increase donations from imported produce that does not meet quality standards, streamline procedures for donating wholesome misbranded meat and poultry products, update U.S. food loss estimates at the retail level, and pilot-test a meat-composting program to reduce the amount of meat being sent to landfills from food safety inspection labs.”

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2013/06/0112.xml&contentidonly=true

FDA issues the Reportable Food Registry Annual Report

The Reportable Food Registry (RFR) is a portal established by FDA for parties to report food safety issues. “A reportable food is an article of food/feed for which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, such article of food will cause serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals.” This past year, there were 1095 submissions, slightly higher than last year. Of notable items resulting in recalls were Listeria detected in sliced onions, Salmonella in Mangoes, and undeclared milk in a snack bar. Looking at Table 5 Distribution of Primary RFR Entries by Commodity and Hazard- Year 3m, there are a few categories that are worth noting:

Bakery – Undeclared allergens (18)
Animal Feed – Nutrient unbalance (8), Salmonella (5), and drug contamination (4)
Confections – Undeclared allergens (11)
Dairy - Listeria (11) and Allergens (7)
Dressings – Undeclared allergens (5)
Nuts – Salmonella (8)
Fresh Cut Produce – Listeria (15) and Salmonella (6)
Produce RAC – Listeria (10) and Salmonella (22)
Snack foods – Undeclared Allergens (7)
Spices and Seasonings – Salmonella (5) and Allergens (3)

http://www.fda.gov/Food/ComplianceEnforcement/RFR/ucm200958.htm

FDA / USDA release Food Defense Plan Builder

FDA / USDA released a Food Defense Plan Builder – This is a downloadable program for developing a Food Defense Plan. It was  found to be very easy to use. Once you enter in your data, it prints off a nice little food defense plan.   It is actually worth giving it a shot.

http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodDefense/ToolsEducationalMaterials/ucm349888.htm

General Mills recalls Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bowlpak

General mills is recalling 168 cases of single serve reduced Cinnamon Toast Crunch after one of their ingredient suppliers reported the possible presence of Salmonella in the ingredient. This is a great reminder of the impact of a supplier (and the lab of that supplier) can have on a major company. Although only a small number of cases were recalled, this news release was picked up by every news outlet.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm355309.htm

CDC Report: Listeria Illnesses, Deaths, and Outbreaks — United States, 2009–2011

CDC just released a report detailing Listeria outbreaks in the United States, 2009-2011. In this time frame, ,1651 cases were reported nationally. 

In summary, Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that primarily impacts those in high risk groups – elderly, immunocompromised, and pregnant women. Listeria infection in these individuals leads to bacteremia (bacterial blood infection), meningitis, and death (mortality rate of 21%).

Soft cheeses and cheeses made from unpasteurized milk are the primary vehicles, although there have been cases related to produce (cut celery and cantaloupe). So for high risk groups, individuals in these high risk groups may want to forgo the soft cheeses, cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, and unpasteurized milk.

I think it is important to note what is not on list of responsible food items in this reporting period – deli meats. The meat industry has done a good job in reducing the risk associated with those ready-to-eat meat items. But work needs to continue with all refrigerated RTE items that can support the growth of Listeria. Recently, an interagency report on the risk of Listeria in Retail Delicatessens (http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2013/05/risk-assessment-of-listeria-in-retail.html) highlighted the practices retail stores can take to reduce the risk of Listeria contamination.


CDC MMWR Repot  http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm62e0604a1.htm?s_cid=mm62e0604a1_w

Vital Signs: Listeria Illnesses, Deaths, and Outbreaks — United States, 2009–2011

Early Release
June 4, 2013 / 62(Early Release);1-5

Abstract

Background: Older adults, pregnant women, and persons with immunocompromising conditions are at higher risk than others for invasive Listeria monocytogenes infection (listeriosis), a rare and preventable foodborne illness that can cause bacteremia, meningitis, fetal loss, and death.

Methods: This report summarizes data on 2009–2011 listeriosis cases and outbreaks reported to U.S. surveillance systems. The Listeria Initiative and PulseNet conduct nationwide surveillance to rapidly detect and respond to outbreaks, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) conducts active, sentinel population–based surveillance to track incidence trends, and the Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System (FDOSS) receives reports of investigated outbreaks to track foods and settings associated with outbreaks.

Results: Nationwide, 1,651 cases of listeriosis occurring during 2009–2011 were reported. The case-fatality rate was 21%. Most cases occurred among adults aged ≥65 years (950 [58%]), and 14% (227) were pregnancy-associated. At least 74% of nonpregnant patients aged <65 years had an immunocompromising condition, most commonly immunosuppressive therapy or malignancy. The average annual incidence was 0.29 cases per 100,000 population. Compared with the overall population, incidence was markedly higher among adults aged ≥65 years (1.3; relative rate [RR]: 4.4) and pregnant women (3.0; RR: 10.1). Twelve reported outbreaks affected 224 patients in 38 states. Five outbreak investigations implicated soft cheeses made from pasteurized milk that were likely contaminated during cheese-making (four implicated Mexican-style cheese, and one implicated two other types of cheese). Two outbreaks were linked to raw produce.
Conclusions: Almost all listeriosis occurs in persons in higher-risk groups. Soft cheeses were prominent vehicles, but other foods also caused recent outbreaks. Prevention targeting higher-risk groups and control of Listeria monocytogenes contamination in foods implicated by outbreak investigations will have the greatest impact on reducing the burden of listeriosis.

Implications for Public Health Practice: Careful attention to food safety is especially important to protect vulnerable populations. Surveillance for foodborne infections like listeriosis identifies food safety gaps that can be addressed by industry, regulatory authorities, food preparers, and consumers.

Berry Mix Containing Pomegranate and Hepatitis A

Update - 6/7/13
There are now 79 cases of Hepatitis A linked to the organic frozen berrry and pomegranante mix.

From CDC

As of June 7, 2013, 79 people with acute hepatitis A infections that may be linked with consumption of a contaminated product have been reported by eight states: Arizona, California Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington. These numbers are expected to change as the investigation continues. 

 

Based on epidemiologic investigation of 55 cases:

• 35 (64%) ill people are women
• Ages range from 2 – 84 years
• Illness onset dates range from 3/16/2013 – 6/1/2013
• 30 (55%) ill people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported
• 40 (73%) of 55 ill people interviewed reported eating “Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend” frozen berry and pomegranate mix
• 40 persons reported purchasing this product from Costco markets; however,the product was also sold at Harris Teeter stores. No cases have been identified that bought the product at Harris Teeter at this time.

6/3/13
There have been approximately 30 people show have contracted Hepatitis A from an organic frozen berry mix sold by an Oregon company through Costco. 

The blend is produced from fresh fruit and is often used fresh by customers to make smoothies and other fruit drinks. Therefore, if Hepatitis A is present on the incoming ingredients, it will not be eliminated by processing (viruses will easily survive freezing), and then end up in product the consumer eats. It can take as long as 60 days before someone sees the symptoms.

The strain of Hepatitis A is found primarily in North Africa and the Middle East, and one of the ingredients, pomegranate seeds, is said to come from Turkey.

On the company’s website for Townsend Farms (http://www.townsendfarms.com/farms), this is what they have to say about their sourcing:

In addition to our beautiful acreage in the Columbia Gorge, Townsend Farms works with other family farms up and down the I-5 corridor, across the United States, and around the world. The Townsend family personally selects the farms we work with based on shared vision and goals, high standards of quality, a commitment to Good Agricultural Practices (G.A.P.) and sustainable farming methods.

 

Our globally-situated source farms are utilized to provide the freshest produce available no matter the growing season in the Pacific NW, enabling us to provide the best product possible year-round. Under the Townsend Farms umbrella, you can expect the same quality as the produce from our original farm. We confidently provide each source farm on every package of berries, frozen or fresh, private label or our own.

 Food safety is important for ingredients used in products that will be used in RTE (ready-to-eat) applications, This is especially difficult when those ingredients are purchased in international markets. If this company lives up to the promise posted on their website, they should have no problems working back to the source of the issue. Unfortunately, this is not the first time berries have been involved in outbreaks. Earlier this year, there was an outbreak in Europe (71) and another in Canada (8). The Canadian product contained pomegranate. So at this point, if a company is using pomegranate, it may be good to stop using it until the safety can be verified. As a consumer, I would forgo my pomegranate-containing smoothie.




Hepatitis A Outbreak Linked To Oregon Berry Farm

By MARY CLARE JALONICK 05/31/13 09:36 PM ET EDT  AP


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/01/hepatitis-a-outbreak_n_3373103.html


WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration is investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A linked to a frozen organic berry mix sold by an Oregon company.

The FDA and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that 30 illnesses are linked to Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend, which contains pomegranate seed mix. Illnesses were reported in Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona and California.
 
Several of those who fell ill reported buying the berry mix at Costco, according to CDC. A Costco spokesman said Friday that the company has removed the product from stores and is attempting to contact members who purchased the product in recent months.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can last from a few weeks to a several months. People often contract it when an infected food handler prepares food without appropriate hand hygiene. Food already contaminated with the virus can also cause outbreaks.

Warehouse supevisor faces 5 yrs in prison for falsifying food safety records

A warehouse supervisor may face up to 5 years in prison and a 250,000 fine for falsifying temperature records on an exported frozen chicken. That is a huge price to pay for a guy who probably did not benefit greatly from pushing the shipment before it was ready…..probably too much in a hurry or just didn’t care. Was it the lack of training, or did his managers put expectation in the wrong place – speed instead of safety? Clearly a lack of understanding on the impact of food safety deviations and the severity of punishment on falsifying documentation as related to international agreements.

Can you imagine having to tell your kids you won’t be coming home for 5 years because you will be spending time in the big house with a cell mate named Butch….all for failing to do the job correctly.



Man admits conspiracy in poultry exports to Russia from PascagoulaPublished: May 22, 2013
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/05/22/4683370/man-admits-conspiracy-in-poultry.html
2 other Jackson County men face trial

By ROBIN FITZGERALD — rfitzgerald@sunherald.com

GULFPORT -- An Ocean Springs man has admitted conspiring to violate a trade agreement with Russia by authorizing the export of poultry at higher temperatures than required.

Terry White, 38, was a warehouse supervisor for Gulf Coast Cold Storage in 2009 when he directed others to falsify blast-freezer records and restack loads of poultry to disguise portions considered too "hot" to load onto ships.

The business is a tenant at the Port of Pascagoula.

White accepted a plea agreement Tuesday to conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States. The maximum penalty is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

He avoided trial on four other charges with additional penalties of up to 18 years in prison and fines of $760,000.

Peanut butter facility reopens 8 months after Salmonella outreak

After being closed for 8 months due to a Salmonella outbreak in their peanut butter, the Sunland plant plans to reopen. The NM plant issued an extensive recall in September of 2012 ( http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2012/10/peanut-butter-recall-continues-to-expand.html) after 42 people in 20 states become ill (http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/bredeney-09-12/index.html). The FDA prevented the plant from restarting after their investigation resulted in number of findings including 28 Salmonella-positive environmental samples (http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2012/11/fda-investigation-report-on-sunland.html). FDA kept the facility closed (http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2012/11/fda-prevents-sunland-foods-from.html) under new power granted by FSMA. In December, the facility and FDA reached a deal that provided conditions for the plant to reopen (http://news.yahoo.com/deal-reached-reopen-nm-peanut-butter-plant-214723148--finance.html) if the facility met the requirements of the consent decree with approval by the FDA.

So now 8 months later, the facility will begin making peanut butter for sale. I will stick with my brand that was not involved in an outbreak.



New Mexico plant shuttered for 8 months amid salmonella outbreak is making peanut butter againBy Associated Press,
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/new-mexico-plant-shuttered-by-salmonella-outbreak-is-making-peanut-butter-again/2013/05/23/719863cc-c3c8-11e2-9642-a56177f1cdf7_story.html 

May 23, 2013 06:16 PM EDT

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The eastern New Mexico peanut butter plant shuttered eight months ago after a salmonella outbreak is back in production, and company officials say their coveted natural and organic butters could be back on store shelves within a month.
Sunland Inc. Vice President Katalin Coburn says the company last week got the go-ahead from the Food and Drug Administration to restart peanut butter operations at its factory in Portales. It is currently in a test phase of production, she said.

“The restart of the plant is not as simple as turning on a switch,” Coburn said Thursday. “Hopefully we will be back in full production in the next few days.”

The Food and Drug Administration shut the plant in late September after its products were linked to 41 cases in 20 states. Most of those were linked to natural peanut butter the company made for Trader Joe’s.