The CEO of PCA, Steward Parnell, received a 28 year prison sentence after being found guilty last September for knowingly selling tainted peanut butter and falsifying records to deceive customers about the safety of that product. His brother, Michael Parnell, the production supervisor, received a sentence of 20 years in prison, while the quality control manager, Mary Wilkerson, received a 5-year sentence for obstruction of justice.
While it is easy to focus on Mr. Parnell's sentence, you have to look at Mary Wilkerson, the 41 year old Quality Control Manager. She started working at PCA as a receptionist and was promoted up to the role of Quality Control Manager. Did she know better? Did she have appropriate training? Was she merely following orders? Perhaps, but in the end, she was brought down with the owner for carrying out an act that caused people to get sick. While she may not spend the entire 5 years in prison, it is still an awful cross to bear for an owner who reaped the benefits of running a shady business.
Her story goes to all the quality control, operations, and other supervisory personnel as a reminder that doing the wrong thing because someone told you to do it does not make it okay.
Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/former-peanut-executive-sentenced-to-28-years-in-prison-for-outbreak-that-killed-nine-people-sickened-hundreds/2015/09/21/aba7500e-60a7-11e5-8e9e-dce8a2a2a679_story.html
Former peanut executive sentenced to 28 years in prison
By Brady Dennis September 21 at 7:53 PM
Former peanut executive Stewart Parnell was sentenced Monday to 28 years in prison for his role in a nationwide salmonella outbreak that killed nine people and sickened hundreds in 2008 and 2009.
The sentence marked the most severe punishment ever for a food-related crime. Prosecutors had sought life in prison for the 61-year-old executive, and the sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands essentially could amount to that.
“These acts were driven simply by the desire to profit and to protect profits notwithstanding the known risks,” the judge said, according to the Associated Press. “This is commonly and accurately referred to as greed.”
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Monday, September 21, 2015
Soft Cheese Listeria Outbreak Extends Back 5 Years - The Power of Whole Genome Sequencing
This past week, a California cheese company recalled cheese due to Listeria related illnesses. CDC released information that there have been 24 cases in 9 different states caused by 5 closely related strains of Listeria. The cases occurred over a five year period!
The ability to combine this data into one outbreak is incredible! Whole Genome Sequencing has become a game changer with regard to solving foodborne illness outbreaks. The entire DNA sequence from pathogens responsible for past foodborne illness cases can be evaluated and matched with those from more recent cases.
This technology also raises the ante for facilities with low level pathogen contamination issues. Just as was seen with the Blue Bell ice cream facilities, it is more than a matter of checking the environment for Listeria, but enacting a proactive strategy that when contamination is found. This includes an examination to determine if product has been exposed as well as a carrying out a seek-and-destroy mission to determine all potential sources/ contributing factors within the process environment (recognizing the fact that it is often an on-going battle of control rather than complete elimination).
This strategy also includes prevention of contamination - all of those things that come into process environment from outside - whether that is raw materials or even non-food (workers, inspectors, pallets, maintenance tools, carts, forklifts, used equipment, etc). Who knows, some of this may be coming from a facility fighting its own endemic contamination issue.
 |
| People infected with the outbreak strains of Listeria monocytogenes, by month of specimen collection* |
CDC Outbreaks
Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Soft Cheeses
Posted September 18, 2015 9:00 AM ET
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in several states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections (listeriosis). Listeria can cause a serious, life-threatening illness.
- Five rare DNA fingerprints of Listeria are included in this investigation.
- Whole genome sequencing showed that the Listeria strains with the five rare DNA fingerprints are closely related genetically.
- Twenty-four people infected with one of the closely related Listeria strains have been reported from nine states since August 8, 2010.
Friday, September 18, 2015
FSIS Alerts Consumers About Raw Breaded Chicken Breasts Containing Salmonella
FSIS is alerting consumers that the Salmonella strains responsible for an foodborne illness outbreak, that resulted in stuffed chicken product being recalled by Aspen Foods in July, have been isolated from the Aspen Foods processing facility. FSIS is now worried about all product produced since the recall in July through September 17th.
While this product is only partially cooked, and provides instructions for the consumer to fully cook, FSIS feels that there are systematic issues at the facility. However the company has refused to recall the product.
While this product is only partially cooked, and provides instructions for the consumer to fully cook, FSIS feels that there are systematic issues at the facility. However the company has refused to recall the product.
FSIS News Alert
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Stuffed Chicken Products Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination
Congressional and Public Affairs Gabrielle N. Johnston (202) 720-9113
WASHINGTON, September 17, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is alerting consumers that frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken products produced by Aspen Foods, a division of Koch Poultry Company, a Chicago, Ill. establishment have been confirmed as having the same Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak strain which was part of a July 15, 2015 recall.
California Company Recalling Cheeses Due to Potential Link to Listeria Infections
A California cheese manufacturer is recalling various cheeses after FDA and CDC notified the company that the company's product may be linked to Listeria related illnesses. Listeria has not been isolated from the product.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm462976.htm
Karoun Dairies, Inc. Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Various Cheeses Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Consumer:
866-272-9393
Media:
866-272-9376
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 16, 2015 — San Fernando, CA — Today Karoun Dairies, Inc. announced that it is voluntarily recalling a variety of cheeses it distributes due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. To date, no product has tested positive for Listeria but in view of the association with listeriosis cases Karoun Dairies Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall in the interest of protecting public health.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm462976.htm
Karoun Dairies, Inc. Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Various Cheeses Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Consumer:
866-272-9393
Media:
866-272-9376
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 16, 2015 — San Fernando, CA — Today Karoun Dairies, Inc. announced that it is voluntarily recalling a variety of cheeses it distributes due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. To date, no product has tested positive for Listeria but in view of the association with listeriosis cases Karoun Dairies Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall in the interest of protecting public health.
Consumers Warned About Dangerous Dietary Supplements
A NY dietary supplement company is recalling their supplements because they have unacceptable levels of mercury and lead. Yikes....they are so bad that FDA advices consumers who are using them to consult a medical health provider.
Dietary supplements sales are driven by people searching for the secret passage to healthy living through a pill or drink. Surely they think that there is something not in their normal diet and with the dietary supplement, it is going to make the individual feel better, look better, and live forever. Some providers of dietary supplements prey on these aspirations by concocting various potions with unique live enhancing qualities and then market them by having that unique story....that these were used by the ancients...or as in this case, the company Baidyanath connecting to Ayurveda, traditional Hindu medicine. Okay, maybe these traditional Hindu medical doctors had something going on that was great, but hopefully, high mercury and lead content in the medicines were not part of it.
Along with this recall, we have an Iowa company, Iowa Select Herbs, who was court ordered to recall a boatload of product made since the start of the year.
Unfortunately, these dietary supplemtn providers have takes advantage of an under regulated industry - whether it is terms of over-the-top health claims, product that was improperly prepared, or formulations that are dangerous. While some of these providers are nothing more than modern day snake oil salesmen, others go into the business believing that they are doing good, but do not have the necessary level of technical knowledge or capabilities. Unfortunately for consumers, it can be difficult to determine which product is going to have dangerous levels of mercury or lead. It is good to see the increased regulatory scrutiny.
FDA Consumer Advisory
FDA Consumer Advice on Shree Baidyanath Brand Ayurveda Dietary Supplements
September 17, 2015
What you need to know
Consumers who have used any of the Baidyanath brand Ayurvedic dietary supplements listed below should stop using them and consult their health care provider.
Testing by the New York Department of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has found that these products contain high levels of lead and/or mercury, which can cause serious health problems.
The products are manufactured by Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan in India and sold in the United States at retail and via the Internet. One major retailer has recalled the products. The FDA is working to identify other companies that may have sold the products.
Dietary supplements sales are driven by people searching for the secret passage to healthy living through a pill or drink. Surely they think that there is something not in their normal diet and with the dietary supplement, it is going to make the individual feel better, look better, and live forever. Some providers of dietary supplements prey on these aspirations by concocting various potions with unique live enhancing qualities and then market them by having that unique story....that these were used by the ancients...or as in this case, the company Baidyanath connecting to Ayurveda, traditional Hindu medicine. Okay, maybe these traditional Hindu medical doctors had something going on that was great, but hopefully, high mercury and lead content in the medicines were not part of it.
Along with this recall, we have an Iowa company, Iowa Select Herbs, who was court ordered to recall a boatload of product made since the start of the year.
Unfortunately, these dietary supplemtn providers have takes advantage of an under regulated industry - whether it is terms of over-the-top health claims, product that was improperly prepared, or formulations that are dangerous. While some of these providers are nothing more than modern day snake oil salesmen, others go into the business believing that they are doing good, but do not have the necessary level of technical knowledge or capabilities. Unfortunately for consumers, it can be difficult to determine which product is going to have dangerous levels of mercury or lead. It is good to see the increased regulatory scrutiny.
FDA Consumer Advisory
FDA Consumer Advice on Shree Baidyanath Brand Ayurveda Dietary Supplements
September 17, 2015
What you need to know
Consumers who have used any of the Baidyanath brand Ayurvedic dietary supplements listed below should stop using them and consult their health care provider.
Testing by the New York Department of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has found that these products contain high levels of lead and/or mercury, which can cause serious health problems.
The products are manufactured by Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan in India and sold in the United States at retail and via the Internet. One major retailer has recalled the products. The FDA is working to identify other companies that may have sold the products.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
FSMA Preventive Controls Rule for Human Foods - A First Look
The FDA released the final rule for the Preventive Controls for Human Foods. For those who have been tasked with reviewing the PDF file of approximately 930 pages, it is easy to become overwhelmed. However, it is not as bad as it looks. The actual regulation, which starts around page 834, is then roughly only about 100 pages. Considering that the GMP regulation is included (formerly 21CFR part 110) and there are many pages dedicated to discussing on-farm exemptions, the meat of the regulation is rather brief In fact, this version has been skillfully streamlined compared to the last released supplemental version.
So this primer takes a look at new aspects as well as walks through the major sections of the regulation.
So this primer takes a look at new aspects as well as walks through the major sections of the regulation.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Gourmet Spreads from Maryland Processor Found to be Positive for Listeria
A boutique food manufacturer in Maryland has been notified by Maryland Department of Health that their gourmet spreads were found to be contaminated with Listeria. This product, produced by Picnic Gourmet Foods, is sold through Whole Foods and other boutique food shops.
These types of product must be produced under tight controls to prevent Listeria contamination. According to the company website, "All of our spreads are all natural, hormone & preservative free"...too bad they were not Listeria free.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm463535.htm
Picnic Gourmet Spreads Issues Recall for Potential Health Risks
Contact: Consumer: info@picnicspreads.com
Media: Brady Marz, Picnic Gourmet Spreads 301-983-1241 brady@picnicspreads.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Sept. 21, 2015 - Potomac, MD - Out of an abundance of caution, Picnic Gourmet Spreads is issuing a recall on their yogurt cheese spreads. These spreads could potentially be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
These types of product must be produced under tight controls to prevent Listeria contamination. According to the company website, "All of our spreads are all natural, hormone & preservative free"...too bad they were not Listeria free.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm463535.htm
Picnic Gourmet Spreads Issues Recall for Potential Health Risks
Contact: Consumer: info@picnicspreads.com
Media: Brady Marz, Picnic Gourmet Spreads 301-983-1241 brady@picnicspreads.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Sept. 21, 2015 - Potomac, MD - Out of an abundance of caution, Picnic Gourmet Spreads is issuing a recall on their yogurt cheese spreads. These spreads could potentially be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Spinach Recalled After Low Levels of Cadmium Detected
A California produce company is recalling spinach for Cadmium contamination after trace levels were found through testing.
Cadmium is naturally found in soil, but in low levels. Higher concentrations can be found when associated with different types of industrial practices. No maximum tolerance levels have been set and minimal concentrations are not likely to have any immediate impact, and even these levels would be unlikely to have long term impacts.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm462289.htm
Limited Precautionary Recall of 5 oz organicgirl Baby Spinach Announced
Contact: Consumer: (866) 486-4939 (831) 758-7810
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 10, 2015 – Salinas, California - organicgirl Produce is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of 5 oz. organicgirl Baby Spinach with a Use-by Date of September 13 and Product Code B030298-001B08S due to test results indicating the presence of trace levels of the naturally-occurring element cadmium. The recall includes 1,290 cases distributed primarily to Western and Midwestern states. No other organicgirl Baby Spinach products or other organicgirl salads are included in the recall.
No illnesses are reported in association with this recall.
Cadmium is naturally found in soil, but in low levels. Higher concentrations can be found when associated with different types of industrial practices. No maximum tolerance levels have been set and minimal concentrations are not likely to have any immediate impact, and even these levels would be unlikely to have long term impacts.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm462289.htm
Limited Precautionary Recall of 5 oz organicgirl Baby Spinach Announced
Contact: Consumer: (866) 486-4939 (831) 758-7810
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 10, 2015 – Salinas, California - organicgirl Produce is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of 5 oz. organicgirl Baby Spinach with a Use-by Date of September 13 and Product Code B030298-001B08S due to test results indicating the presence of trace levels of the naturally-occurring element cadmium. The recall includes 1,290 cases distributed primarily to Western and Midwestern states. No other organicgirl Baby Spinach products or other organicgirl salads are included in the recall.
No illnesses are reported in association with this recall.
Sliced Apple Product Recalled for Potential Listeria
A Pennsylvania company is recalling sliced apple product for potential Listeria contamination after an environmental sample was found to be positive. No illnesses have been reported.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm461959.htm
Appeeling Fruit Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Limited Production Of Sliced Apples Because Of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Consumer:
1-866-873-0468
Media:
Stephanie Schreiber
610-926-6601 ext. 22
sschreiber@appeelingfruit.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 9, 2015 – Appeeling Fruit Inc. in Dauberville, Penn. is voluntarily recalling a limited number of consumer packages of fresh sliced apples with Best-if-Used-by dates of 09/14/15 and 09/21/15, due to 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.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm461959.htm
Appeeling Fruit Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Limited Production Of Sliced Apples Because Of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Consumer:
1-866-873-0468
Media:
Stephanie Schreiber
610-926-6601 ext. 22
sschreiber@appeelingfruit.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 9, 2015 – Appeeling Fruit Inc. in Dauberville, Penn. is voluntarily recalling a limited number of consumer packages of fresh sliced apples with Best-if-Used-by dates of 09/14/15 and 09/21/15, due to 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.
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