2012 Norovirus Outbreak in Germany Linked to Imported Frozen Strawberries

 A report details the 2012 outbreak of Norovirus in Germany where approximately 11,000 cases were reported.   The report concludes that fresh frozen strawberries imported from China were the food vehicle.

Because the fruit is fresh frozen, there are no destructive processes such as heat to remove or reduce Norovirus.  Keys to prevention for the grower / packer are having good personal hygiene programs including employee health policies, and systems to maintain potable wash water.

For the broker or the purchaser, supplier control should include ways to ensure that the grower/packer have these programs in place, especially for these minimally processed RTE items.  Testing for Norovirus in not commonly done.

Eurosurveillance
Volume 19, Issue 8, 27 February 2014
Surveillance and outbreak reports
Large multistate outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis associated with frozen strawberries, Germany, 2012
http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20719
H Bernard1,2, M Faber ()1,2, H Wilking 1, S Haller1,3,4, M Höhle1, A Schielke1, T Ducomble1,4,5, C Siffczyk6, S S Merbecks7, G Fricke8, O Hamouda1, K Stark1, D Werber1, on behalf of the Outbreak Investigation Team9
From 20 September through 5 October 2012, the largest recorded food-borne outbreak in Germany occurred. Norovirus was identified as the causative agent. We conducted four analytical epidemiological studies, two case–control studies and two surveys (in total 150 cases) in secondary schools in three different federal states. Overall, 390 institutions in five federal states reported nearly 11,000 cases of gastroenteritis. They were predominantly schools and childcare facilities and were supplied almost exclusively by one large catering company. The analytical epidemiological studies consistently identified dishes containing strawberries as the most likely vehicle, with estimated odds ratios ranging from 2.6 to 45.4. The dishes had been prepared in different regional kitchens of the catering company and were served in the schools two days before the peaks of the respective outbreaks. All affected institutions had received strawberries of one lot, imported frozen from China. The outbreak vehicle was identified within a week, which led to a timely recall and prevented more than half of the lot from reaching the consumer. This outbreak exemplifies the risk of large outbreaks in the era of global food trade. It underlines the importance of timely surveillance and epidemiological outbreak investigations for food safety.

Over addition of vitamin leads to illness associated with rice product

Earlier this February, Uncle Bens Rice product was recalled after there were a number of cases of illness. It appears that the issue was that the product had excessive niacin addition. "The FDA said overexposure to niacin can cause skin reactions, and very large doses can cause indigestion and nausea."

There are a number of chemicals that are added to food that can become hazards if these chemicals are not added in the right concentrations, including vitamins and minerals.
Along with Niacin (Vitamin B3), other vitamins that can be problematic from over addition include  Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E.  Certain minerals such as iron and zinc can also be a problem if there is excessive intake.

Over dosage can be a problem with gummy vitamins, where kids treat the vitamins like candy.

For food processing operations who add chemicals such as vitamins and minerals, it is important to include this in the hazard analysis.  One needs to evaluate whether a chemical hazard could occur through over addition.


 CBS News
Feds warn against eating some Uncle Ben's rice

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/feds-warn-against-eating-some-uncle-bens-rice/

WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration is warning against eating Uncle Ben's rice products served at schools, restaurants, hospitals and other food service institutions after children in three states had skin reactions and other symptoms that were linked to the rice.

Mars Foodservices, of Rancho Dominguez, Calif., is recalling 5- and 25-pound bags of the rice. The bags are mostly sold to food service establishments, but they are also available to consumers over the Internet and in some warehouse-type retailers.

Uncle Ben's ready-to-eat, boxed, bagged and cup products in grocery stores are not linked to the illnesses and have not been recalled.

The FDA said 34 students and four teachers in Katy, Texas, had experienced burning, itching rashes, headaches and nausea for 30 to 90 minutes after eating the rice on Feb. 6. The symptoms eventually went away.

The agency said it is still investigating the Texas incident. But FDA officials said they found an excess of niacin, also known as vitamin B3, in Uncle Ben's food service rice linked to similar reactions in 25 Illinois school children in December. That incident also prompted a recall, but the Texas illnesses were not related to those previously recalled lots.

The FDA said overexposure to niacin can cause skin reactions, and very large doses can cause indigestion and nausea. Children may be most susceptible, but the agency said the levels of niacin found in the Illinois rice samples probably were not high enough to cause serious health consequences.

Food Workers Likely to Work When Sick

 A recent study reports that many Americans will go to work while they are sick, unfortunately, many of those may be people who work with food.

Therefore, it is important that food workers, as well as their managers, understand the risks.  Companies who work with food, whether they are food service, retail, or processing, need to have strict guidelines on how to handle sick workers.  FDA provides a Health and Hygiene Handbook for food employees.

 

LA Times

More than 1 in 4 Americans go to work while sick

http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-sick-work-20140220,0,516288.story#axzz2tye0MQha

By Shan Li

 

February 20, 2014, 11:56 a.m.

 

More than one in four Americans are so afraid of missing work that they head into the office even when sniffling and sneezing, a study says.

  

Many are worried about falling behind on their jobs, missing pay or facing the wrath of bosses who expect them to show up no matter what, according to a survey by NSF International, which tests and certifies public health products.

Michigan Farmer Sentenced for Selling Contaminated Apple Juice

 A Michigan farmer was convicted for selling adulterated apple cider.  In 2012, this farmer's juice was linked to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7, where 4 individuals became ill, two of those were children.

E. coli O157:H7 contamination in juice is the primary reason that HACCP regulations were enacted over 10 years ago.  The Food Code details the requirements for the need of a HACCP plan.  In complying, one would need to have a pathogen reduction step if they were going to sell bottled juice.  This could be a heating step or a UV light treatment.  See Penn State's Juice Resources for more information.

 E. coli, a enteric pathogen associated with ruminant animals such as cows and deer, can contaminate apples through cross-contamination, especially when 'drop' apples are used (apples that are harvested after they have fallen to the ground.)  E.coli O157:H7 is tolerant to the acidic conditions, and so can survive in apple juice.



Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development News Release
Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth Receives First-Ever Felony Conviction Under Michigan's Food Law
Agency: Agriculture and Rural Development
http://michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1572_28248-322547--,00.html

For immediate release: February 21, 2014
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724 or holtonj@michigan.gov

Cider Producer Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth Receives First-Ever Felony Conviction Under Michigan’s Food Law

After nearly two years of investigation and legal action, James Ruster, owner of Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth, was sentenced on February 18, 2014, for one felony violation of Michigan’s Food Law, the first-ever felony conviction under this law.

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Soft Cheese

UPDATE - 2/25/14 - Roos Foods has expanded their recall.

Soft cheese made by a Delaware company has been linked to a Listeria outbreak, with one death and seven ill.  Product tested by VA Department of Agriculture was found to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes.  The company is recalling a variety of their cheeses.

Listeria monocytogenes has been related to other outbreaks in soft cheese.  This organism is more likely to cause illness in those from high risk groups, such as elderly, infants and young children, and pregnant women.  Once infected, the illness can be very serious, leading to septicemia (blood infection) and meningitis, and even death.

Roos Foods is a small family owned processor located in rural Kenton DE.  From the company website, the facility appears to be small.  They focus on producing South American type of cheeses. 



EXPANDED - Roos Foods Voluntarily Recalls Variety of Cheeses (listed below) Due to Possible Health Risk



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 25, 2014 - Update: Roos Foods has voluntarily expanded their February 23, 2014 recall to include all lots of Amigo and Mexicana brands of Requesón (part-skim ricotta in 15 oz. and 16 oz. plastic containers and all lots of Amigo, Mexicana and Santa Rosa De Lima brands of Queso de Huerta (fresh curd cheese).

Roos Foods, Kenton De Recalls ALL LOTS of the Following Cheeses:

Mexicana: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Amigo: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Santa Rosa De Lima: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses and Anita Queso Fresco Because Of Possible Health Risk.

Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is recalling the above cheeses 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. Products were distributed in Maryland, Virginia and Washing ton D.C through retail stores.

The products are packaged in flexible plastic bags and rigid plastic clam shell packages in 12 oz. and 16 oz. sizes under the brand names: Mexicana, Amigo, Santa Rosa De Lima, and Anita.

As a follow-up to reported illness, samples of various intact/unopened cheeses produced or repacked by Roos Foods, Inc., collected by the Commonwealth of Virginia Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services and Maryland Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene found to contain Listeria monocytogenes which appear to be linked to the illnesses.

The company has ceased the production and distribution of the products as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Customers should destroy all lots of the above listed products of the brand names Mexicana, Amigo, Santa Rosa De Lima and Anita. For any refund, please return recalled products to store.

If you have any further questions please contact Virginia Mejia phone number (302) 653-8458. Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 3 pm EST.

FDA News Release
Roos Foods Voluntarily Recalls Variety of Cheeses (listed below) Due to Possible Health Risk
Roos Foods, Kenton De Recalls ALL LOTS of the Following Cheeses Mexicana: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Amigo: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Santa Rosa De Lima: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses and Anita Queso Fresco Because Of Possible Health Risk

Contact
Media:
Virginia Mejia
302-653-8458

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 23, 2014 – Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is recalling the above cheeses 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.

Rancho Meat recall leading to a cascade of recalls?

In light of the recall of meat produced by Rancho Feeding Corp, now comes the recalls of the products that were made with the meat from that facility.    Nestle is recalling 2 brands of Hot Pockets.  In Canada, beef and cheese taquitos were recalled (they were manufactured by a Californian processor).

 One has to hope that these downstream recalls are tied to a real safety issue.  To date, we have not seen any statement issued from USDA outside of the fact that  the meat was produced without inspection.  While that should not have happened, it is unclear at this point whether any product is actually harmful.

As for highly processed foods like Hot Pockets, heat treatment of the filling would have eliminated most all hazards, especially those of most concern, pathogens such as E. coli STEC and Salmonella.  (What?  Hot Pockets are highly processed?)

CNN
USDA closes school lunch supplier; some Hot Pockets recalled
By Ed Payne and Chandler Friedman, CNN
updated 3:30 PM EST, Wed February 19, 2014
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/health/hot-pockets-recall/
CNN) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has withdrawn its inspectors and suspended operations at a California meat company because of "insanitary conditions at the establishment," the department's Food Safety and Inspection Service said Wednesday.

The Central Valley Meat Co. in Hanford, California, supplies beef for federal school nutrition programs. In 2011, it provided nearly 21 million pounds of beef, or nearly 16% of the supply.

"The plant's suspension will be lifted once we receive adequate assurances of corrective action," a USDA statement said.

Meanwhile, Nestlé USA has issued a recall of two varieties of Philly Steak and Cheese Hot Pockets because they may contain meat the department has already recalled.

The two brands are Hot Pockets brand Philly Steak and Cheese in three different pack sizes, and Hot Pockets brand Croissant Crust Philly Steak and Cheese in the two-pack box.

For the exact batch code, please check this release.

Earlier, the USDA had recalled more than 8.7 million pounds of meat from the Rancho Feeding Corp. because it "processed diseased and unsound animals and carried out these activities without the benefit or full benefit of federal inspection."

No illnesses have been reported in relation to the recall.

Washington State firm recalls dried egg product due to the potential for Salmonella contamination

A Washington State company, Nutriom, is recalling 226,710 pounds of processed egg products due to potential salmonella contamination.  The issue was discovered by Washington State Laboratories.  To date, there have been no illnesses reported.

A processed egg product should not have Salmonella.   Why no illnesses?  For one, the contamination rate may be very low.  From the report, we cannot tell to what degree the product was contaminated.  Second, the eggs were probably used in applications that required further heating.

 USDA News Release

Washington Firm Recalls Dried Egg Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Class I Recall 015-2014

Health Risk: High Feb 15, 2014

 http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2014/recall-015-2014-release

Congressional and Public Affairs

Joan Lindenberger

(202) 720-9113

 

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2014 – Nutriom LLC, a Lacey, Wash., establishment, is recalling approximately 226,710 pounds of processed egg products that may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

 

Meat Plant Coming to a Town Close to You, Maybe Not

Why do we get our food from overseas?  A proposal to put a meat plant in a small town in NY has come under fire from critics.  Some of the questions posed are valid, but others worry about the potential smell.   Putting the address into Google Maps, I noted that the potential site is on the
outskirts of town, in a mostly industrial area.

So we all want more jobs and we want to buy local food, but there can’t be any negatives that affect anybody.

Meat packaging plant could be coming to East Dominick Street

Published: Wednesday, February 12, 2014

By Kristin Clark
Staff Writer
Twitter.com/RO_Kristin

  http://www.romeobserver.com/articles/2014/02/12/news/doc52fbee491d115835490627.txt?viewmode=3        

ROME – East Dominick Street may soon be home to a new meat packaging plant. First ward councilperson Lori Trifeletti and many city officials have been working diligently on this project.

The plant, which has been proposed to the city by Tino Marcoccia, a developer from Syracuse, is still in the preliminary stages.

“Nothing will be moving forward until we have a business plan,” Trifeletti said.

Marcoccia did estimate that the plant could create as many as 250 new jobs. The jobs will vary in pay rate from minimum wage to around $30 an hour. Trifeletti added that there will be two USDA inspectors and veterinarians on site at all times.

The proposed plant was already brought before the zoning board in January, but was voted down 3-2. Trifeletti said that it will go before the board again in March.

Salmonella as an Adulterant in Raw Poultry

In October, Foster Farms poultry was linked to an outbreak of Salmonella but never recalled the product.   Many were outraged that Foster Farms did not recall the product, although Costco did recall cooked chicken product where the Foster Farm poultry was used.

Dr. Mel Kramer reviews (below) why Foster Farms did not recall product.  It hinges on the fact that Salmonella is not viewed (currently) as an adulterant.  This is because it naturally has the potential to be present on the raw poultry.

In another article, Dr. Nelson Cox discusses Zero Tolerance of Salmonella in Poultry.  Along the same lines, but viewed from an international trade standpoint.   There are those that argue that some European countries have gone a long way at reducing Salmonella in poultry, but as Dr. Cox points out, this may be difficult from an economic standpoint.  And even if we did reduce it, I believe we would still need to assume that there is still the risk that it is present.



Raw Poultry: Legal History, Public Policy, and Consumer Behavior
By Dr. Mel Kramer | February 14, 2014
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/02/raw-poultry-the-legal-history-public-policy-and-consumer-behavior/#.Uv58_qMo59B

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that, “as of January 15, 2014, a total of 430 persons infected with seven outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 23 states and Puerto Rico.” In response to the news, the popular media, the technical and professional public health and consumer publications, including the blogosphere, have weighed in with opinions.

The question is whether or not the poultry producer should have voluntary recalled the raw chicken, which, based on epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by local, state, and federal officials, indicated that “consumption of Foster Farms brand chicken is the likely source of this outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections.” This question is not only multi-faceted, but has a rich history from a public health, public policy and legal perspective dating back to the early 1970s.