UPATE - 12-21-15 - CDC reports that a total of 53 people have become infected in 9 different states. From the CDC report - "The number of ill people reported from each state is as follows: California (3), Illinois (1), Maryland (1), Minnesota (2), New York (1), Ohio (3), Oregon (13), Pennsylvania (2), and Washington (27)."
Update - 11/4/15 - Reports have the total number of cases at 35 (as of Tuesday, 11/3) for those infected by E. coli O26.
11/2/15
Chipolte restaurants closed 43 west coast restaurants because of a potential link to E. coli outbreak. As of the Oct 31st, there were 22 reported illnesses. The ingredient source of E. coli has not yet been identified.
This is the third major outbreak associated with the chain. In September, a California location was involved in a Norovirus outbreak where 80 individuals become ill. In the same month, 22 locations were linked to 64 cases of Salmonella infection. In this case, tomatoes were pinned as the source.
This has had a impact on the business as the stock price has dropped to a 4 month low.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Juice Processor Ordered to Cease Operations for Lack of Compliance
An Idaho juice processor was ordered to cease production after not complying with FDA regulations. The juice processor was not heat pasteurizing, and according to juice regulations, there must be validated reduction steps in place. Normally, juice processors use heat pasteurization to accomplish this. It is unclear what, if anything, this processor was doing.
FDA News Release
http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm470328.htm
FDA orders juice manufacturer to cease operations
For Immediate Release
October 30, 2015
Release
FDA News Release
http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm470328.htm
FDA orders juice manufacturer to cease operations
For Immediate Release
October 30, 2015
Release
Friday, October 30, 2015
Apples Recalled Due to Positive Screen for One of Three Pathogens
A MN firm is recalling apples because a test indicates the presence of Listeria or Salmonella or E.coli. So basically, they don't know which because who ever did the test ran a screen which looks for indicator genes for each of the three.
The recall was probably based upon a positive reaction of the test without the isolation of the actually pathogenic organism. This is the problem with a screen - not sure which organism or it is just a false positive result.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm470317.htm
Northstar Produce Inc. Recalls Granny Smith Size 175 Apples Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release October 26, 2015
Contact Consumers Mike Abernathy 763-286-0110
Firm Press Release
Northstar Produce Inc.of St. Louis Park, MN the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and / or Enterohemorrhagic E. coli. is recalling 33 cases of Granny Smith Size 175ct apples, because a test performed on a sample of the apples indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and / or Enterohemorrhagic E. coli.
The recall was probably based upon a positive reaction of the test without the isolation of the actually pathogenic organism. This is the problem with a screen - not sure which organism or it is just a false positive result.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm470317.htm
Northstar Produce Inc. Recalls Granny Smith Size 175 Apples Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release October 26, 2015
Contact Consumers Mike Abernathy 763-286-0110
Firm Press Release
Northstar Produce Inc.of St. Louis Park, MN the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and / or Enterohemorrhagic E. coli. is recalling 33 cases of Granny Smith Size 175ct apples, because a test performed on a sample of the apples indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and / or Enterohemorrhagic E. coli.
Bagged Edamame Recalled Due to Allergen Labeling Deficiency...Contains Soy
Giant Foods is recalling frozen edamame because the allergen statement is not there...Contains Soy. Of course edamame is soy, just the immature version still in the pods. But some may not recognize this, and by regulation, the common name must be stated.
From the FDA Guidance Q&A document
Packaged foods that are made using soybeans as an ingredient or as a component of a multi-component ingredient (e.g., soy sauce or tofu) should continue to use the word "soybeans" as the appropriate common or usual name for this ingredient to identify properly the ingredient (e.g., "soy sauce (water, wheat, soybeans, salt)").
Centre Daily Times
http://www.centredaily.com/2015/10/30/4992035/giant-announces-edamame-recall.html
Giant announces edamame recall
By From CDT staff reports
October 30, 2015
Caution: soybeans contain soy.
A warning like this was left off some edamame, causing a Pennsylvania food chain to pull the product from shelves.
Giant Food Stores, LLC and Martin’s Food Markets announced Friday that it was removing Nature’s Promise Organic Edamame products because they contain soy, but it is not listed on the labels as containing the ingredient, which can cause problems for people with a specific allergy.
From the FDA Guidance Q&A document
Packaged foods that are made using soybeans as an ingredient or as a component of a multi-component ingredient (e.g., soy sauce or tofu) should continue to use the word "soybeans" as the appropriate common or usual name for this ingredient to identify properly the ingredient (e.g., "soy sauce (water, wheat, soybeans, salt)").
Centre Daily Times
http://www.centredaily.com/2015/10/30/4992035/giant-announces-edamame-recall.html
Giant announces edamame recall
By From CDT staff reports
October 30, 2015
Caution: soybeans contain soy.
A warning like this was left off some edamame, causing a Pennsylvania food chain to pull the product from shelves.
Giant Food Stores, LLC and Martin’s Food Markets announced Friday that it was removing Nature’s Promise Organic Edamame products because they contain soy, but it is not listed on the labels as containing the ingredient, which can cause problems for people with a specific allergy.
Man Sentenced to 51 Months for Sales Scam - Industrial Bleach as a Miracle Drink
A Washington man was sentenced to 51 months in prison for selling an industrial chemical as Medical Miracle Solution, MMS. The solution, as detailed by the authorities, was sodium chlorite. According to reports, the directions had the consumer add citric acid to this which creates chlorine dioxide, a very strong oxidizing solution. This type of mixture is used in a number of industrial applications including use as a sanitizing solution for food contact surfaces. But not for direct consumption. A number of people had reported becoming ill.
Peanut Butter Recalled Due to Potential Metal Pieces
Hormel is recalling 153 cases of 16.3 oz jars of Skippy Peanut Butter due to a potential for metal. Metal pieces were found on an in-line magnet, which probably raised concern that some could have made its way to the jars.
The interesting thing to note is that product was already shipped given that sufficient metal was found to raise concern. Also 153 cases, about 3 pallets of product, would probably represent less than an hour of production. These types of issues can arise for a number of reasons...just in time shipping where product is being shipped as it is made. Another reason can be inadvertent shipping of product placed on hold because of fact there was an equipment malfunction where that product was placed 'on hold' because the malfunction resulted in metal pieces being generated as indicated by the in-line magnet. An indicator that this may have been the case is the production code / Best if Used By date...if this product had just been made, the code would probably be further out than next December.
FDA Recall Notice
Recall: Firm Press Release
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm470175.htm
Hormel Foods Sales LLC Voluntarily Recalls a Limited Number of Jars of Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread Due to Possible Metal Pieces
For Immediate Release
October 29, 2015
The interesting thing to note is that product was already shipped given that sufficient metal was found to raise concern. Also 153 cases, about 3 pallets of product, would probably represent less than an hour of production. These types of issues can arise for a number of reasons...just in time shipping where product is being shipped as it is made. Another reason can be inadvertent shipping of product placed on hold because of fact there was an equipment malfunction where that product was placed 'on hold' because the malfunction resulted in metal pieces being generated as indicated by the in-line magnet. An indicator that this may have been the case is the production code / Best if Used By date...if this product had just been made, the code would probably be further out than next December.
FDA Recall Notice
Recall: Firm Press Release
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm470175.htm
Hormel Foods Sales LLC Voluntarily Recalls a Limited Number of Jars of Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread Due to Possible Metal Pieces
For Immediate Release
October 29, 2015
Monday, October 26, 2015
Grocery Chain Recalls Deli Salad Items Due to Listeria Positive Samples
Whole Foods recalled various deli salads including chicken and pasta salad made at their central kitchen in Massachusetts. Product was made on the 16th with a sell-by-date of the 23rd.
At the time of the recall, the product had already reached its expiration date.
A few things to note - the notice states that a sampling of the products tested positive which indicates more than one product. Whether or not that is the case, they do have Listeria within the facility and there should be a question of whether it is under control. Commissary operations may or may not do extensive testing for Listeria, mainly because the shelf-life is so short. Since this product is one day beyond the Food Code limitation of 7 days (day one is the day product is made), there should be controls in place. Also, since this is a dual jurisdiction plant (both FDA and USDA have oversight), from a USDA perspective of a facility with RTE product and post-lethality exposure, some testing should be taking place.
When Listeria is found on product, there is a high probability that it will still be in the environment unless there is a good explanation why contamination was limited to that day. Hopefully before this facility restarts, they conduct ample cleaning and verification testing prior to starting production.
No illnesses have been reported...yet. With Whole Genome Sequencing, further analysis of the LM found in the facility can now be matched against cases of Listeria infection that have occurred throughout the region.
USDA Recall Notice
Link
Whole Foods Market Recalls Curry Chicken Salad Product Due To Possible Listeria Adulteration
Class I Recall 131-2015
Health Risk: High Oct 24, 2015
En Español
Congressional and Public Affairs Julie Schwartz (202) 720-9113
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2015 – A Whole Foods Market establishment located in Everett, Mass. is recalling approximately 234 pounds of curry chicken salad products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The chicken curry salad was packaged on Oct. 16, 2015, and was sold prepackaged, in salad bars, in store's chef's cases, and in sandwiches and wraps prepared in the stores. The following products are subject to recall: [Labels (PDF Only)]
At the time of the recall, the product had already reached its expiration date.
A few things to note - the notice states that a sampling of the products tested positive which indicates more than one product. Whether or not that is the case, they do have Listeria within the facility and there should be a question of whether it is under control. Commissary operations may or may not do extensive testing for Listeria, mainly because the shelf-life is so short. Since this product is one day beyond the Food Code limitation of 7 days (day one is the day product is made), there should be controls in place. Also, since this is a dual jurisdiction plant (both FDA and USDA have oversight), from a USDA perspective of a facility with RTE product and post-lethality exposure, some testing should be taking place.
When Listeria is found on product, there is a high probability that it will still be in the environment unless there is a good explanation why contamination was limited to that day. Hopefully before this facility restarts, they conduct ample cleaning and verification testing prior to starting production.
No illnesses have been reported...yet. With Whole Genome Sequencing, further analysis of the LM found in the facility can now be matched against cases of Listeria infection that have occurred throughout the region.
USDA Recall Notice
Link
Whole Foods Market Recalls Curry Chicken Salad Product Due To Possible Listeria Adulteration
Class I Recall 131-2015
Health Risk: High Oct 24, 2015
En Español
Congressional and Public Affairs Julie Schwartz (202) 720-9113
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2015 – A Whole Foods Market establishment located in Everett, Mass. is recalling approximately 234 pounds of curry chicken salad products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The chicken curry salad was packaged on Oct. 16, 2015, and was sold prepackaged, in salad bars, in store's chef's cases, and in sandwiches and wraps prepared in the stores. The following products are subject to recall: [Labels (PDF Only)]
Friday, October 23, 2015
Oregon Cannery Documentation Issue Leads to Cascading Recall
Skipanon Brands, also known as the Oregon Ocean Seafood processing plant, issued a recall for their canned foods due to lack of documentation and possible under-processed products discovered during an FDA audit. There were no reported illnesses.
The plant, identified on their own website as a micro-cannery, packed product for many other labels. The initial recall on October 9th caused a cascade of recalls by companies who used Skipanon as a co-packer to pack their branded product.
A few things to note"
A co-packer issue can impact a number of brands. So it important to make sure the company co-packing product is compliant with standards, especially FDA Low Acid Canned Food Regulations.
With the first recall issued on the 9th, it took close to 2 weeks for companies to issue recalls. Had there been illnesses, this delay could have had resulted in a much bigger disaster, especially if it had been a Clostridium botulinum issue.
The list of recalls follows:
The plant, identified on their own website as a micro-cannery, packed product for many other labels. The initial recall on October 9th caused a cascade of recalls by companies who used Skipanon as a co-packer to pack their branded product.
A few things to note"
A co-packer issue can impact a number of brands. So it important to make sure the company co-packing product is compliant with standards, especially FDA Low Acid Canned Food Regulations.
With the first recall issued on the 9th, it took close to 2 weeks for companies to issue recalls. Had there been illnesses, this delay could have had resulted in a much bigger disaster, especially if it had been a Clostridium botulinum issue.
The list of recalls follows:
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
CDC Report - 2014 Case of Ciguatera Toxin in Florida After Consuming Naturally Contaminated Black Grouper
In a CDC report, in 2014, a Florida woman contracted ciguatera fish poisoning after eating black grouper in a restaurant. Five additional cases were also reported, also associated with black grouper from the same international supplier.
About 7 hours after eating black grouper, the woman experienced acute onset of neurological symptoms including paradoxical temperature perception (burning sensation like dry ice), paresthesias (tingling or pricking or “pins and needles”, in the peripheral nerves), extremity numbness, a metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, arthralgia, and myalgia.
Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), occurs when predatory reef-dwelling fish harboring ciguatoxins is ingested. Ciguatoxin is stable to both freezing or cooking. The naturally occurring toxin originates in several dinoflagellate (algae) species. That toxin accumulates in the meat of preparatory reef fish as they eat smaller fish that have eaten the toxic algae.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6440a3.htm?s_cid=mm6440a3_e
Use of Surveillance Systems in Detection of a Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Outbreak — Orange County, Florida, 2014
Weekly
October 16, 2015 / 64(40);1142-4
Benjamin G. Klekamp, MSPH1; Dean Bodager, MPA2; Sarah D. Matthews, MPH1
About 7 hours after eating black grouper, the woman experienced acute onset of neurological symptoms including paradoxical temperature perception (burning sensation like dry ice), paresthesias (tingling or pricking or “pins and needles”, in the peripheral nerves), extremity numbness, a metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, arthralgia, and myalgia.
Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), occurs when predatory reef-dwelling fish harboring ciguatoxins is ingested. Ciguatoxin is stable to both freezing or cooking. The naturally occurring toxin originates in several dinoflagellate (algae) species. That toxin accumulates in the meat of preparatory reef fish as they eat smaller fish that have eaten the toxic algae.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6440a3.htm?s_cid=mm6440a3_e
Use of Surveillance Systems in Detection of a Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Outbreak — Orange County, Florida, 2014
Weekly
October 16, 2015 / 64(40);1142-4
Benjamin G. Klekamp, MSPH1; Dean Bodager, MPA2; Sarah D. Matthews, MPH1
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