Mining Tweets for Targeting Restaurant Inspections

A number of cities have begun analyzing Twitter or other web-based public review/grading systems such as Yelp as a way to target restaurant inspections.  Basically, they have computer systems which search through tweets and/or reviews looking for specific indicators, collect the data and spit out restaurant names that meet the criteria warranting inspection.

 In the Chicago initiative, using data from March 23, 2013 and November 10, 2014, they flagged 3,594 tweets as potential food poisoning cases. Of these tweets, they determined 419, roughly 12 percent, as likely cases.   While not clearly stated if it is in the same time frame, they conducted 133 inspections and found that 40% of them had serious violations, or 53 establishments.
I guess I am supposed to think this is cool, but it just seems so backwards.  Using resources to scour through people's comments that they post in a few seconds, it just seems a bit, passive. And knowing that foodborne illness can occur in any length of time, from minutes to days after eating a food, what is the chance that someone is going to know which food made them sick.  Also considering that the occasional belly ache is often attributed to some food they ate, and that rarely does one attribute the illness to food they made at home, will inspectors be chasing after establishments that don't deserve to be scrutinized. Clearly, 60% of those inspected did not have significant issues.

Using those same resources, and having a designated line for complaints, would they have not found those 53 establishments, or even better, using those resources to fix issues in establishments before those issues led to someone becoming ill.  

The financial costs of establishing and maintaining these systems were not provided in the HPR piece attached here, so it is hard to say if they are getting bang for the buck. If the cost is minimal, then it is no big deal, especially if they are using this to augment their current inspection system.   But I am inclined to think that more of a direct approach to ensuring safety...regular on site inspections and requirements for establishments to have trained manager/employees. 



Harvard Political Review
http://harvardpolitics.com/united-states/food-safety-numbers/
Food Safety in Numbers
By Advik Shreekumar

On March 23, 2013, the civic organization Smart Chicago launched an ambitious program to enhance the city’s food safety efforts: Foodborne Chicago. Using a mix of statistical techniques and computer science, Foodborne searches Twitter for complaints of food poisoning, then follows up with users and generates formal investigations. Chicago is not alone in these efforts; San Francisco, Boston, and New York City are all in the process of implementing similar initiatives to better enforce their health codes.

Foodborne Chicago and its sibling programs are bold attempts to modernize governance, harnessing the massive streams of information on social media sites. However, while these initiatives have the potential to dramatically improve public health, they also grant additional power to the companies holding the data. This, in turn, will challenge traditional notions of privacy and property.

Walnut Pieces Recalled After Retail Sample Tests Positive or Salmonella

A Wisconsin company is recalling walnut pieces after  a sample of the product was found to be positive for Salmonella, discovered during FDA routine retail testing.

 FDA recall notice

The Morning Call
http://www.mcall.com/business/mc-candy-sold-in-pa-recalled-for-possible-salmonella-contamination-20150106-story.html
Candy sold in Pa. recalled for possible salmonella contamination
By Morning Call staff
   
Walnut candies sold in 27 states including Pennsylvania were recalled Monday for possible salmonella contamination. Eillien's Candies Inc. said in a press release issued through the Food and Drug Administration that it is voluntarily recalling Walnut Pieces candy because some of the products may be contaminated with salmonella.

Update - Listeria Contaminated Caramel Apples

The CDC reports as of January 1, 32 people have become ill with 6 deaths related to Listeria contaminated caramel apples.

The FDA investigation traced the apples to Bidert Brothers Packing of CA.  Their Granny Smith and Gala Apples appear to be the likely source.   Companies which received apples from Bidert Bros issued recalls.

Happy Apple

California Snack Foods

Pacific Coast Fruit

Merb’s Candies

.
FDA completed sampling of the Bidert facility, but has not yet issued a report of their findings.

Quat Sanitizer - a Review of Efficacy

 A review article, Quaternary Ammonium Biocides: Efficacy in Application, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, looks at the use of quat, or quaternary ammonium, sanitizers and the fact that some organisms may be more tolerant than others.  It states that this is a tolerance issue, not a resistance issue.  So while the use of quat sanitizers are important, more information is needed in field application to understand real efficacy and survival.

 Applied and Environmental Microbiology
http://aem.asm.org/content/81/2/464.abstract?etoc
Quaternary Ammonium Biocides: Efficacy in Application

Charles P. Gerba
Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA

ABSTRACT

Bacteria in the Restroom - Pondering Succession and Stability

Did you ever wonder about the bacteria on the surfaces in the restroom?  Well, you probably figured there were bacteria there (and thus you use your foot to flush the commode), but hopefully you pondered deeper thoughts rather than postulating bacterial succession on the floor as well as the seat in which you sit.

Well some did ponder such questions, completed a study and published those results (Ecological Succession and Viability of Human-Associated Microbiota on Restroom Surfaces).  They showed that the ecological succession of bacterial populations does occur and that in general, a stable community does occur after 8 hours, and is made up of skin and environmental organisms rather than gut microorganisms.

"The prevalence of skin-associated, rather than feces-associated taxa, in the late-successional community suggests that organisms are selected for their ability to persist in a dry, aerobic environment, which is a very different environment from the gut. Human-associated microbiota, including Staphylococcus strains, can remain viable on BE surfaces for many hours after their dispersal [cleaning] agents are removed. This suggests that common BE surfaces may be significant fomites for viable human pathogens."

Recall Summary for the 2014 Holiday Season

To catch up on the recalls over the holiday 12/23/14 to 1/4/15),  here is a quick summary (minus Carmel Apples)

1) First, there were ice cream recalls in ice cream products due to Listeria.  They are linked to one supplier, Snoqualmie Gourmet.
 
FDA Recall Notice - 1/3/15
Full Tilt Ice Cream Recalls All Dairy Based Ice Cream Products Except Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts Because of Possible Health Risk

WA based company recalls ice cream due to Listeria. The product contained an ingredient that was recalled by another company.

FDA Recall Notice - 1/3/15
Pink’s Ice Cream Recalls All Ice Cream Flavors Except the Coconut Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Because of Possible Health Risk
This is another Washington based company recalling because of an ingredient was recalled.

FDA Recall Notice
Great Feeling Foods, LLC Recalls Groove Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Because of Possible Health Risk

FDA Recall Notice
Updated Release By Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Ice Cream, Gelato, Custard And Sorbet Because Of Possible Health Risk

 
2) Cheese products were also recalled due to Listeria.
One set was related to Bleating Heart Cheese.
 
FDA Recall Notice - 12/31/14
Whole Foods Market Voluntarily Recalls Cut, Wrapped and Weighed Bleating Heart-Brand Cheeses in Arizona, California and Hawaii Because of Possible Health Risk
"Whole Foods Market is recalling cheese sold in Arizona, California and Hawaii that came from its supplier Bleating Heart Cheeses because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes......"

And Bleating Heart Cheese is expanding their recall.
Bleating Heart Cheese Expanding Voluntary Recall To Include All Cheese Produced Between February 14, 2014 To September 19, 2014

And another recall was a raw milk cheddar product recalled in MI.
Farm Country Cheese House Recalls Raw Milk Cheddar Because Of Possible Contamination With Listeria Monocytogenes


3) There were two separate recalls of pet treats due to Salmonella.

FDA Recall Notice - 12/31/14
Jump Your Bones, Inc. Recalls Roo Bites (Cubes) Pet Treats Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination
These pet treats are being recalled due to the potential to be contaminated by Salmonella.  No illnesses have been reported.

FDA Recall Notice - 12/24/14
Barkworthies® Issues Nationwide Recall of Chicken Vittles Dog Chews
This recall was initiated after CO Department of Ag found a sample positive for Salmonella.


4) And there was a recall of nut products due to the potential for Salmonella.

FDA Recall Notice 12/30/14
John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Fisher Brand 8 oz. Chopped Walnuts and Fisher Brand 8 oz. Pecan Cookie Pieces Because of Possible Health Risk


5) A recall of Bruschetta due to the potential for glass.
American Roland Food Corp. Recalls Two Lots of Roland(R) Bruschetta

6) There were some allergen recalls as well for Hummus, Bread Crumbs, Superfoods Rice, and spice products.

Nutrition Bars Recalled Due to the Potential to Be Contaminated with Salmonella

A California company is recalling nutrition bars after their testing found the product may contain Salmonella.  The product, labeled Perfect Bar, was distributed nationwide.  There have been no reported illnesses.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm427672.htm
Perfect Bar & Company Recalls Peanut Butter and Cranberry Crunch Nutrition Bars Due to Possible Health Risk

Contact: Consumer: 866-628-8548, ext 3
Media: 619-316-8494

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 19, 2014 – SAN DIEGO, CA – After Perfect Bar’s routine product testing, the company is issuing a nationwide recall of specific lot numbers of its Peanut Butter and Cranberry Crunch flavor recipes due to potential contamination of Salmonella.

While no illnesses to date have been associated with any of the recalled products, Salmonella bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. Consumers with the above symptoms should consult their physician.

Perfect Bar’s recalled Peanut Butter and Cranberry Crunch products have packaging and/or wrappers with the expiration date and lot codes listed below. The recalled product has reached the distributor, retail and end user level.

BRAND	FLAVOR	SIZE	UPC CODE	EXP DATE	LOT CODE
Perfect Bar	Peanut Butter	2.5 oz	8-55569-00302-9	09-02-15	02814
Perfect Bar	Cranberry Crunch	1.6 oz	8-55569-00311-1	09-02-15	02814
Perfect Bar	Variety Pack (Costco)	1 lb 9.6 oz	8-55569-00313-5	09-02-15 09-01-15 11-24-15	02814V 02914V 03714V

Consumers who have any products associated with this recall should dispose of them immediately. Consumers who have any questions about the recalled products are encouraged to contact Perfect Bar Monday through Saturday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM PST at 866-628-8548, extension 3. Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their doctor or health care provider.

Media with questions regarding the recall can contact P.J. Roustan, Director of Marketing and PR for Perfect Bar, Monday through Saturday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM PST at 619-316-8494 or pj@perfectbar.com.

###

Caramel Apples Linked to Listeria Outbreak, 5 Reported Deaths

Caramel Apples, commercially produced and prepackaged, are being linked to a Listeria outbreak that has caused 5 deaths and 21 hospitalizations in 10 states.

 While we have recently seen recalls related to Listeria being detected on apple slices, this is one of the first cases of a Listeria outbreak related to apples.  Considering that there are as many illnesses and deaths, this is the type of outbreak that will have a huge impact on fruit packers and processors.

At this point, there is little information on the circumstances, but certainly more will follow.

Melted caramel is liquid in the 125F to 150F range, so depending on how fast it cooled, Listeria could survive on the surface.  It also could be forced into the apple via the wooden stake.

At this point, it may be wise to avoid caramel apples.

Well here is a scenario….

 

• Apples that were probably washed, but in less-than-sanitary quality water contaminates the apple, and most importantly the calyx.  
• Apples were stored prior to adding caramel, providing a greater chance for biofilm formation at the calyx end.
• The stick, when shoved into the calyx of the apple, drags the inoculum into the center of the apple.
• The core, perhaps not having as low a pH compared to the cells in the pulp, may be more apt to support the growth of Listeria.
• Growth is further supported by the storage of those apples at room temperature..and that temperature may even be higher in that those apples were dipped in the warm caramel.
• If the processor used bulk storage apples, the conditions for supporting biofilm would probably be greater.
• Caramel apples can have a sell-by-date as long as one month, and this will provide more opportunity for growth, even if that growth is slow.

 

Potential Controls for Consideration:

• Using tree run fruit that is sorted for fresh sales.
• Sanitizing apples followed by proper drying.  Sanitizer concentration must be controlled.
•  Storage of fresh apples at refrigerated temperature in boxes with separators.
•  Pre-dip the sticks in an acid sanitizing solution.
•  Chilling apples after dipping in caramel,
•  Storage of the caramel apples at refrigeration temperature.
• Limit shelf-life of caramel apples.
•  Can the calyx of the apple be removed?

  

We will need to see what the conditions for processing these caramel apples were to get a better idea of what happened.

CDC Outbreak Notices

http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/caramel-apples-12-14/index.html

Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Commercially Produced, Prepackaged Caramel Apples

 

Posted December 19, 2014 9:30 AM ET

 

Highlights

• Read the Advice to Consumers and Retailers>>(http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/caramel-apples-12-14/advice-consumers.html)
• CDC is collaborating with public health officials in several states and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections (listeriosis) linked to commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples. Listeria can cause a serious, life-threatening illness.
• The information CDC has at this time indicates that commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples may be contaminated with Listeria and may be causing this outbreak.
• Out of an abundance of caution, CDC recommends that U.S. consumers do not eat any commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples, including plain caramel apples as well as those containing nuts, sprinkles, chocolate, or other toppings, until more specific guidance can be provided.

As US Poultry Industry Braces for the Potential of Avian Flu, H5N2, People Not at Risk

Avian influenza has been found in wild birds on the US border.  USDA has not found it in in US poultry, but the strains H5N2 and H5N8 have been found in Canadian and European flocks.  While these strains are highly pathogenic to birds, they are not considered a risk to people.
 
Migratory birds such as ducks are a risk factor for spreading the virus to the US poultry population.  Once infected, the flock is often culled to eliminate further risk of spreading the virus.

Just this past year, the pork industry suffered the fate of the PED virus, or Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus.  PEDV causes severe diarrhea in pigs and has a high lethality in piglets, but poses no risk to other animals or humans.   PED and Influenza are different types of viruses. PED is from the Coronaviridae family of enveloped, positive-stranded RNA viruses.  Influenza is an Orthomyxovirus.

CIDRAP
H5N2, H5N8 avian flu viruses surface in US
Robert Roos | News Editor | CIDRAP News
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2014/12/h5n2-h5n8-avian-flu-viruses-surface-us
Dec 16, 2014

US authorities today reported finding wild birds in Washington state infected with two different highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, H5N2 and H5N8, raising questions about possible connections with recent H5N2 outbreaks across the border in Canada and with an Asian H5N8 strain that is now hitting European poultry farms.

In reports to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said H5N2 was found in a wild pintail duck, while H5N8 was found in a captive wild gyrfalcon that was fed on hunter-killed birds. Both birds were in Whatcom County, Washington, which borders the Abbotsford area of British Columbia, the site of recent H5N2 outbreaks in poultry.