A California spice company is recalling 0.4oz jars of tarragon spice after testing found the raw material was positive for Salmonella.
FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm580600.htm
Spicely Organics Recalls Organic Tarragon Because Of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
October 16, 2017
Monday, October 16, 2017
Nut Butter Recalled in March for E. coli Contamination Still in Marketplace
FDA issued a news release to remind the public and retailers that the I.M. Healthy Soy Nut Butter Products have been recalled and must not be available for sale. These products were recalled back in March after being linked to a dozen cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection. The problem is that these products are still being sold, both online and in retail stores. The packer was suspended.
The occurrence of recalled product, and dangerous product at that, still being in the marketplace shows the difficulty of recall compliance in smaller retailers and online venues where niche product like this is likely to sell.
FDA Outbreak Notice
The occurrence of recalled product, and dangerous product at that, still being in the marketplace shows the difficulty of recall compliance in smaller retailers and online venues where niche product like this is likely to sell.
FDA Outbreak Notice
https://www.fda.gov/food/recallsoutbreaksemergencies/outbreaks/ucm544964.htm
FDA Reminds Public that All I.M. Healthy Soy Nut Butter Products Are Recalled
October 13, 2017
FDA Reminds Public that All I.M. Healthy Soy Nut Butter Products Are Recalled
October 13, 2017
Vermont Meat Processor Recalls Ground Beef After 2 Cases of E. coli Infection
A Vermont meat processing facility is recalling ground beef product after 2 people became ill with E. coli O157:H7.
From the Recall Notice:
"On September 30, 2017, FSIS was notified of an investigation of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses. Working in conjunction with the Vermont Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FSIS determined the cooked beef burgers that were served at an event at Bread & Butter Farm was the probable source of the reported illnesses. Based on the epidemiological investigation, two case-patients were identified in Vermont with illness onset dates ranging from September 18, 2017, to September 23, 2017. Traceback information indicated that both case-patients consumed ground beef products at Bread & Butter Farm which was supplied by Vermont Livestock Slaughter & Processing"
USDA/FSIS Notice
"On September 30, 2017, FSIS was notified of an investigation of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses. Working in conjunction with the Vermont Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FSIS determined the cooked beef burgers that were served at an event at Bread & Butter Farm was the probable source of the reported illnesses. Based on the epidemiological investigation, two case-patients were identified in Vermont with illness onset dates ranging from September 18, 2017, to September 23, 2017. Traceback information indicated that both case-patients consumed ground beef products at Bread & Butter Farm which was supplied by Vermont Livestock Slaughter & Processing"
USDA/FSIS Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-108-2017-release
Vermont Livestock Slaughter And Processing LLC, Recalls Ground Beef Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination
Class I Recall
Vermont Livestock Slaughter And Processing LLC, Recalls Ground Beef Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination
Class I Recall
108-2017
Health Risk: High
Health Risk: High
Oct 13, 2017
NY Establishment Recalling Luncheon Meats Due to Foreign Material - Aluminum
A NY establishment is "recalling approximately 22,630 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) Genoa Salami and Capocollo products that may have been contaminated with foreign matter, specifically aluminum. The problem was discovered when the company notified FSIS of an incident where an aluminum clip was found in the product shipped to a retailer. The issues were found during preparation and slicing of product at the retail level."
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-110-2017-release
Battistoni Italian Specialty Meats, LLC, Recalls Salami and Capocollo Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-110-2017-release
Battistoni Italian Specialty Meats, LLC, Recalls Salami and Capocollo Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall
110-2017
Health Risk: Low
Health Risk: Low
Oct 13, 2017
Warning Letter Issued to Bean Manufacturer for Inadequately Handling Can Seam Issue
Bush Beans was issued a warning letter related to how they handled a can seam issue this past summer. Although a recall was conducted, FDA cited the plant for not notifying FDA of the issue, minimizing the issue even though a container failure issue could be danger to the public, and failing to take appropriate action regarding in-process rejects. The issue was that the firm did not take appropriate action to a supplier related can seam issue. Can seam issues for low acid canned foods can result in serious issues such as the potential for Clostridium botulinum.
The warning letter specified two major items:
1. Failed to promptly report to FDA any instance of spoilage or potential public health significance where any such lot of food had in whole or in part entered distribution, by distributing bean products after a side seam defect was identified by plant personnel and confirmed by the can manufacturer. The issue was identified as a weld adhesion failure on the side seams. The company only considered a market withdrawal for cans manufactured on one day identified as having the most can seam defects, but other dates were involved. "The explanation provided to the FDA Investigators was that your Quality Assurance Department identified this as a food quality issue and not a food safety issue." Additionally, the firm did not conduct any microbiological tests on the questionable lots at the time of the inspection, and, was not able to give assurance that those products would pose no significant health risks to consumers due to potential post-process contamination based on the observed side seam defect. The firm did not routinely do microbiological analysis of the cooling water, which while not expressly required, it is important to show control.
2. Failed to perform and record defects of containers, and perform a corrective action when cans were identified as losing their hermetic seal. Basically, the firm had an inline dud detector to determine which cans had lost vacuum, but the record keeping was poor and there was no follow-up to cans that were rejected.
The Low Acid Canned Food regulations (LACF) are in place for all those who package low acid canned foods where Clostridium botulinum can be an issue.
https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2017/ucm578558.htm
September 29, 2017
Warning letter 535494
The warning letter specified two major items:
1. Failed to promptly report to FDA any instance of spoilage or potential public health significance where any such lot of food had in whole or in part entered distribution, by distributing bean products after a side seam defect was identified by plant personnel and confirmed by the can manufacturer. The issue was identified as a weld adhesion failure on the side seams. The company only considered a market withdrawal for cans manufactured on one day identified as having the most can seam defects, but other dates were involved. "The explanation provided to the FDA Investigators was that your Quality Assurance Department identified this as a food quality issue and not a food safety issue." Additionally, the firm did not conduct any microbiological tests on the questionable lots at the time of the inspection, and, was not able to give assurance that those products would pose no significant health risks to consumers due to potential post-process contamination based on the observed side seam defect. The firm did not routinely do microbiological analysis of the cooling water, which while not expressly required, it is important to show control.
2. Failed to perform and record defects of containers, and perform a corrective action when cans were identified as losing their hermetic seal. Basically, the firm had an inline dud detector to determine which cans had lost vacuum, but the record keeping was poor and there was no follow-up to cans that were rejected.
The Low Acid Canned Food regulations (LACF) are in place for all those who package low acid canned foods where Clostridium botulinum can be an issue.
https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2017/ucm578558.htm
September 29, 2017
Warning letter 535494
Friday, October 13, 2017
Port Wine Cheese Spread Recalled After Complaints for Foreign Material
FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm580343.htm
Bel Brands USA, Inc. Issues a Nationwide Voluntary Recall Of Merkts Port Wine Cheese Spread Because Of Possible Foreign Bodies Found In a Limited Batch Of Products
October 13, 2017
Contact
Consumers 1-888-840-0096
Announcement
View Product Photos
Three Hepatitis A Issues from Across Country
There are some Hepatitis A outbreak events worth noting.
ABC 33 Alabama
http://abc3340.com/news/local/hepatitis-a-virus-found-in-anniston-food-handler
Vaccines recommended after Anniston restaurant worker tests positive for Hepatitis A
by James Franklin| [not the football coach]
Wednesday, October 11th 2017
- First is a case in Alabama where a pizza delivery person has been diagnosed. People who have purchased pizza from this establishment have been asked to get a vaccine.
- In San Diego, CA, a huge outbreak of Hepatitis A has close to 500 infected but has had a huge impact among the homeless population. Vaccines have been given at local parks, a place where the homeless my frequent.
- In SE Michigan, more than 300 have become infected, including at least one food worker.
ABC 33 Alabama
http://abc3340.com/news/local/hepatitis-a-virus-found-in-anniston-food-handler
Vaccines recommended after Anniston restaurant worker tests positive for Hepatitis A
by James Franklin| [not the football coach]
Wednesday, October 11th 2017
Ben and Jerry's Changing Sourcing to Eliminate Glyphosate from Ingredients
Ben and Jerry's announced that they are making changes to their sourcing to eliminate the chemical glyphosate from ingredients they purchase...by 2020. Glyphosate, a main ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, was found to be present in their product (as well as other food products) at very low levels - far below what EPA would cause adverse effects (EPA has a limit of 2 mg/kg/day vs 1.75 ppb found) and EPA says that the chemical is not likely to be carcinogenic. In 40CFR180, lists the tolerances for pesticide residues in food including glyphosate (180.364 - table below). EPA's established tolerance for glyphosate in drinking water is 700 parts per billion (ppb).
So 1.75 ppb is pretty darn low, and based upon this EPA limit, a news article (below) determined that a kid would have to eat over 100,000 servings per day to get to this level. And glypshate is common in the environment and as well other foods. A study found that many cereal grain products had levels ranging from 25 to 1000 ppb - again, all well below EPA limits. It is even in wine (in a 2016 report, the highest level found was 18.74 ppb).
So 1.75 ppb is pretty darn low, and based upon this EPA limit, a news article (below) determined that a kid would have to eat over 100,000 servings per day to get to this level. And glypshate is common in the environment and as well other foods. A study found that many cereal grain products had levels ranging from 25 to 1000 ppb - again, all well below EPA limits. It is even in wine (in a 2016 report, the highest level found was 18.74 ppb).
But people get excited, especially once you link a herbicide to thier food. I think the controversy is good. It forces the science to prove its safety and for the agricultural industry to manage its use. Where we fail is communicating to consumers the minimal risk associated with the amount that was found.
NECN
http://www.necn.com/news/new-england/Ben--Jerrys-to-Change-Ingredients-After-Weed-Killer-Discovery-450487113.html
Ben & Jerry’s to Change Ingredients After Weed Killer Discovery
By Jack Thurston
Another Recall for Foreign Material in Meat Products
A Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 12,816 pounds of fully cooked shredded beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically plastic. The problem was discovered on October 11, 2017, when the company received notification from their consignee that a consumer complaint had been received regarding foreign material, specifically plastic, in the product.
Here is another recall for foreign material in the form of plastic. It appears from this notice there was one complaint, but hard to tell the extent of the issue. Still, probably a small error that will be costly for a small private company.
USDA / FSIS Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-109-2017-release
J & B Sausage Company, Inc. Recalls Fully Cooked Shredded Beef Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall
Here is another recall for foreign material in the form of plastic. It appears from this notice there was one complaint, but hard to tell the extent of the issue. Still, probably a small error that will be costly for a small private company.
USDA / FSIS Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-109-2017-release
J & B Sausage Company, Inc. Recalls Fully Cooked Shredded Beef Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall
109-2017
Health Risk: Low
Health Risk: Low
Oct 12, 2017
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