Pork BBQ Prepared by Volunteer is the Source of Staph Enterotoxin at Florida Science Fair

In Florida, a college sponsored science fair was the site of a foodborne illness outbreak with 32 reported cases of Staphylococcus aureus intoxication. Most of the cases were children. The source of the contamination was pork BBQ which was made by a volunteer.

Probably in this case, one could see the pork BBQ being prepared the day before, partially cooled, pulled, and then cooled and stored. A few factors that could be problematic if not done properly: 1) not cooling product temperature down to refrigeration temperature within the recommended amount of time, 2) not storing the product at refrigeration temperature, some time between after it was cooked and when it was served at the event and 3) pulling the meat in unsanitary fashion such as not using gloves. The cooling could be made difficult if the amount of product is large, going beyond the capacity of the volunteer's system. Contamination of the meat after cooking could come from a number of sources, but one concern would be from the volunteers themselves, especially if they were not using gloves.

This is a reminder of the need for volunteer food safety training. Preparing and handling large quantities of food can be difficult especially for the size of this event.   

As for organizations sponsoring these types of events, in the case a college in Florida, they need to have rules in place for how food can be sourced.

News 4 Jax
http://www.news4jax.com/news/florida/columbia-county/lake-city/cause-of-science-fair-food-poisining-uncovered-it-was-the-pork
Cause of science fair food poisoning uncovered; it was the pork
Nearly 30 minors, some adults taken to hospital
By Scott Johnson - Reporter , News4Jax.com Staff
Posted: 11:29 AM, February 09, 2017Updated: 11:29 AM, February 09, 2017

NC Firm Expands Recall of Spreads Potentially Contaminated with Listeria

A North Carolina company is expanding its recall of spreads due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  Ruth's Salad posted the initial recall on February 2nd for 5 lots of product after NC Department of Agriculture sampled and found Listeria in one lot of product.  But like many other Listeria related recalls, there is good chance of expansion, primarily when the company discovers they may not have as good control as the thought (or they never knew).

Listeria monocytogenes is an environmental pathogen.  It can become persistent if it finds niches that are not adequately cleaned and sanitized.  These niches can be on equipment, or can be on floors, drains, etc.  It moves throughout the facility via a number of vectors including water, personnel, and movable equipment.  

Finding it in a product means the facility either had an ingredient with the organism (where that ingredient was added with no further kill step such as heating) or the organism made its way to a product contact area (located downstream from a kill step) such as piping, filling equipment, etc.. Recently, we saw where an ingredient supplier had an issue in their facility (cookie dough).  But in many of these cases where product is positive, it is within the facility's own environment.  In these cases, and especially when the facility does not have an active Listeria control program, it is hard to know the extent of the risk, and with that, are forced to expand the recall.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm540897.htm
Ruth’s Salad Charlotte NC Expands Recall of Ruth’s Salads Pimento Spreads due to Possible Health Risk. May Contain Listeria monocytogenes
For Immediate Release
February 9, 2017

Allergen Label Error Results in Recall - Allergens in Product Listed as 'May Contain'

UPDATED 2/16/17
This recall, initiated on 2/8/17, was expanded to include product that went to various retail chains.  A label was presented in the last recall notice. While the ingredient statement is not presented in the notice, the front label is shown and this is a pre-printed label.

2/9/17
A Colorado company is recalling its pie product because the allergen statement was incorrect.  Instead of saying it 'contains almond and eggs, the statement on the package said 'may contain almonds and eggs'.  According to the FDA release - "The recall was initiated after it was discovered by the manufacturing facility that the almond and egg-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not have the correct product ingredient statement and allergen declaration. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary error in the packaging processes."

It is not stated whether the labels were preprinted or printed on demand on-site, but in either case, labels need to be always reviewed for errors such as this.  With pre-printed labels manufactured by someone else, labels should be evaluated upon receipt.   With in-house generated labels, more care is needed.  Modifications to a print-on-demand label need to be approved and reviewed.  Those modifying or reviewing labels must securitize every word, or as in this case, the word 'May' slipping into the allergen statement resulted in a recall.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm540863.htm
Legendary Baking Issues Allergy Alert-Almonds and Egg in Salted Caramel Chocolate Almond Pie Allergens Declared but Listed Under “May Contain”
For Immediate Release
February 8, 2017

Canned Dog Food Recalled for Pentobarbital

An Indiana firm is recalling it canned dog food, Evanger's Hunk of Beef, after 5 dogs became ill with one passing a way.  A single lot of the product was found to have the sedative Pentobarbital.  The company is recalling 5 lots of material made in the same week of June, 2016 and from the same supplier's lot of material.  Product was sold in retails as well as on-line.  Distribution was to 5 different states.

Pentobarbital is a barbiturate used as a sedative, an anesthetic, and in higher does, as a way to euthanize.  It would be interesting to know how high the levels were in this in that the meat of slaughtered animal carried sufficient amount to affect the dogs eating the product.  The supplier of meat was said to be a USDA facility, one that company was used for 40 years.  Reading the company news release, it seems to suggest that a euthanized animal may have made its way into their meat supply.  Incredible considering this is such a high regulated chemical.  Hopefully FDA will release more information on this.

So pet food operations will need to add this one to their supplier checklist.

Interesting, the company's marketing line...People Food For Pets.  Yeah, maybe if your Dr. Kevorkian.

An interesting history of recalls for Evangers posted on Food Safety News.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm539900.htm
Evanger’s Voluntarily Recalls Hunk of Beef Because Of Pentobarbital Exposure in one Batch of Food
For Immediate Release
February 3, 2017

Canadian Firm Recalls Baby Food for Clostridium botulinum Risk

A Canadian firm is recalling it Apple, Blueberry, and Green Pea baby food due to the potential for Clostridium botulinum.  The recall was issued after a consumer complaint was made.

Hard to say what the specific issue was based on the recall notice, but probably a swollen container. In these types of products, fruits not only hide the flavor of peas from the baby, but they also help to lower the pH / increase the acidity.  This allows a lower heat process.  Not sure if this the case here.

Canadian Food Agency News Release

http://inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2017-02-03/eng/1486183609229/1486183611972
Food Recall Warning - PC Organics brand Apple, Blueberry & Green Pea strained baby food recalled due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria

Recall date:February 3, 2017 

Reason for recall:Microbiological - Clostridium botulinum

Hazard classification:Class 1 

Company / Firm:Loblaw Companies 

Limited Distribution:National

 Extent of the distribution:Retail

Cookie Dough Company Shuts Down in Light of Listeria Contamination Issue

Aspen Hills, the cookie dough manufacturer with a Listeria contamination issue has decided to shut its operations.  In October, Aspen Hills product was found to contain Listeria by Blue Bell.  The company announced a recall which caused a number of customer companies to announce recalls. At which time FDA conducted an investigation and later issued a Warning Letter.

The Des Moines Register
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/2017/02/02/iowa-cookie-dough-supplier-shuts-down-after-listeria-outbreak/97401586/
Iowa cookie dough supplier shuts down after listeria outbreak
Associated Press 12:09 p.m. CT Feb. 2, 2017

NC Company Recalls Pimento Spread for Listeria Contamination

A North Carolina company is recalling it's pimento spread after NC Department of Agriculture discovered Listeria monocytogens in a random sample.  Product was shipped to 5 different states and there have been no reported illnesses.

At this time, the company is recalling only the lot where the State found the positive sample.  As seen in so many cases where there was Listeria monocytogenes contamination, the company will need to expand the recall if the facility is found not to have good controls in place.  If the issue is related to a specific ingredient used in this specific lot, then it may be just this lot.  However, if it is a equipment contamination issue or a contaminated ingredient used in multiple products, then there may be an expansion of this recall.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm539701.htm
Ruth’s Salad Charlotte NC is Recalling Ruth’s Original Pimento Spread 7 oz Because of Possible Health Risk. May Contain Listeria Monocytogenes
For Immediate Release
February 2, 2017

Super Bowl, Chicken Wings and Salmonella

During Super Bowl Sunday, people will eat approximately 1.3 billion chicken wings.  Food service outlets such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Wing Zone will sell 2 to 4 times the amount they normally sell.  For many consumers watching the game at home, they will prepare their own wings, probably for the first time.

Just as we worry about turkey preparation at Thanksgiving, chicken wing preparation on Super Bowl Sunday becomes a concern for foodborne illness.  Why?

• Chicken parts have been found to contain more Salmonella than whole chickens.  While Salmonella is a concern, Campylobacter actually has a higher prevalence on chicken.
• Food service operations will be handling a lot more chicken wings than they normally handle. This may increase the risk of undercooking or cross contamination during handling especially at peak times (such as an hour or two before kickoff).
• People cooking chicken wings at home may also undercook them or contaminate them through mishandling.  This risk is increased when 1) people are doing it for the first time, 2) people are unskilled in the art of chicken wing preparation,  3) people are working with a larger quantity than they are normally use to handling, 4) people have enjoyed one-too-many adult beverages, and 5) a combination of these factors.

Now, we can't let the worry of bacterial contamination stop us from enjoying eating chicken wings during the Super Bowl and (although it would have been much more enjoyable if guys wearing the Black and Gold were playing), and we certainly don't want to have post-game worship sessions with the porcelain throne.  So here are some simple measures:

• Make sure you wings are cooked. When cooking them yourself, check with a thermometer to ensure all wings have reached an internal temperature of 165F or higher..  When purchasing, make sure there is no pink and that the meat is not rubbery.  Better overcooked than undercooked.
• If undercooked, do not eat.  The large amount of alcohol consumption will not save you and may reduce your ability to resist that savory, burning flavor.
• If you have not cooked wings before, consider buying fully cooked wings and then all you have to do is properly reheat.  
• If ordering wings at a foodservice establishment, whether ordering to eat there or to-go, order early. This will help you avoid the rush, and give you time to take corrective action if not properly cooked. 
• If making wings, cook them earlier in the day,....before your guests arrive, before you consume beverages, and while you can concentrate on what you are doing.  With this, be sure to check the temperature and use clean surfaces for the cooked wings.

Other things to remember when handling food...., Keep foods at the right temperature if you will be serving for a number of hours...keep hot foods hot (>140F) and cold foods cold (<40F).  Make sure leftovers get into the refrigerator.  Do not let foods, especially cooked meat, sit out at room temperature for more than a hour or two.  Clean as you go to help prevent cross contamination.

USDA News Release
https://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2017/01/0011.xml&navid=NEWS_RELEASE&navtype=RT&parentnav=LATEST_RELEASES&edeployment_action=retrievecontent
Beat Foodborne Illness this Super Bowl

FDA Releases Draft Guidance to Assist Sprout Operations Comply with FSMA

FDA released a draft guidance to help sprout operations comply with FSMA regulations. 

The issue with sprouts is that the same conditions that allow the sprouts to grow from seeds also allows bacteria present on the seed to grow, and if these are pathogenic bacteria and the sprouts are eaten raw, then illnesses can occur.  One of the keys is sanitizing the beans before beginning the sprouting process to eliminate any pathogenic bacteria.

FDA Constituent Update
http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm536958.htm
FDA Announces Draft Guidance to Help Sprout Operations Comply with Produce Safety Rule
Constituent Update
January 19, 2017