This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending 2/23/18

A Cheyenne, WY establishment is voluntarily recalling Tuscan Kale Pesto mislabeled with Artichoke & Garlic labels because the labels do not declare tree nuts (cashews). The recall was initiated after Seggiano USA, Inc. was notified of a mislabeled product by a sales agent who saw the product on a retail shelf. [Pesto often has nuts, usually pine nuts, in the formulation. So this would be a label creation / approval error]

Emerald® Nuts is initiating a voluntary recall for a limited amount of its 6.5oz Glazed Walnuts product, distributed nationwide, due to the potential presence of undeclared peanuts, almonds, cashews and pecans in the product. Recall was initiated after receiving consumer complaints. [Cross contact issue, likely from carryover from previous run indicating improper clean out / sanitation or mishandling error, or even dust flow movement. A good reminder that nut allergens are not the same. While people who are allergic to one may not be allergic to all. By regulation, nuts must be treated as separate allergens, and the specific nut must be on the label]

Market of Choice of Eugene, Oregon is recalling Sezam Kale Salad because it may contain undeclared EGG. This recall was initiated after it was discovered that Sezam Kale Salad dressing containing EGG but label did not reveal the presence of EGG. [This is an print-on-demand label for product sold in grocery stores, so this would be a error when inputting the information into the printer, specifically regarding the salad dressing component]

Sunneen Health Foods is voluntarily recalling mislabeled Whole Foods Market Vegan Buffalo Chicken Bites sold at 13 Whole Foods Market stores in New York and New Jersey because the products contained tree nut (pecan) allergens that were not listed on the product label. The issue was discovered at the distribution center. [label creation / approval error]

A Buda, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 167 pounds of frozen beef patty and gravy products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the product contains milk which is not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered on Feb. 19, 2018 when FSIS was notified that the firm received two consumer complaints of mislabeled products. The cartons actually contain beef patties, mashed potatoes and cheese [cheese being the item actually part of the product but not on the label....so probably someone grabbed the wrong cartons.].

A Corona, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 572 pounds of frozen pork and shrimp dumpling products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the product contains egg which is not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered on Feb. 20, 2018 during routine FSIS label verification activities. The dumpling wrapper ingredient label includes pasteurized liquid whole eggs and egg whites in the list of ingredients; however, the finished product label does not declare egg. [label creation / approval error]

La Pasta Inc. of Silver Spring, Maryland is recalling the private label Potato Gnocchi manufactured for Heinen’s supermarkets because it may contain undeclared milk.  This voluntary recall was initiated due to a consumer reporting feeling ill after consuming the Heinen’s Potato Gnocchi. Company officials compared packaging with approved recipe and confirmed that product did contain MILK as part of the recipe formula but was not declared on the label.  [label creation / approval error]


https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm597927.htm
Seggiano USA, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts
For Immediate Release
February 22, 2018

Iowa Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Chicken Salad Update - 115 Reported Cases

There are now 115 reported cases of Salmonella infection associated with chicken salad sold through Fareway grocers.  The issue was first reported last week, but little details were provided.   Now it is being reported that the "chicken salad was prepared by Triple T Specialty Meats in Ackley, which made the product solely for Fareway stores."

There have been no clear causes for the issue at this point.

The producer, Triple T, seems to be a legitimate operation.  According to their website, the company started a butcher shop over 20 years ago and has expanded into a number of different product offerings.

Des Moines Register
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/news/
Salmonella-tainted chicken salad made by Ackley plant tied to 115 illnesses
Tony Leys, tleys@dmreg.comPublished 4:32 p.m. CT

Feb. 20, 2018

Salmonella Outbreak Associated with the Controversial Botanical Kratom.....FDA Encourages Destruction of All Kratom Containing Supplements

The FDA and CDC along with state and local officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to products reportedly containing kratom. The rare strain of Salmonella has infected 28 people in 20 states with eleven of the people hospitalized.

The FDA later announced the voluntary destruction and recall of a large volume of kratom-containing dietary supplements manufactured and distributed nationwide under the brand names Botany Bay, Enhance Your Life and Divinity by Divinity Products Distribution of Grain Valley, Missouri. In cooperation with the FDA, the company has also agreed to stop selling all products containing kratom. "Based on the scientific evidence of the serious risks associated with the use of kratom, in the interest of public health, the FDA encourages all companies currently involved in the sale of products containing kratom intended for human consumption to take similar steps to take their products off the market and submit any necessary evidence, as appropriate, to the FDA to evaluate them based on the applicable regulatory pathway."

Kratom, (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant that grows naturally in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea that is used as herb to provide relief from pain, depression and anxiety. But according to FDA, "evidence shows that kratom has similar effects to narcotics like opioids, and carries similar risks of abuse, addiction and in some cases, death. Thus, it’s not surprising that often kratom is taken recreationally by users for its euphoric effects. At a time when we have hit a critical point in the opioid epidemic, the increasing use of kratom as an alternative or adjunct to opioid use is extremely concerning."

According to the FDA, they aware of reports of 36 deaths associated with the use of misuse of kratom-containing products.  So to what degree will people using this as a recreational mood enhancer worry about a Salmonella issue?

FDA Alert
https://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm597415.htm
FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Products Reported to Contain Kratom
February 20, 2018

Challenges of Maintaining Gluten-Free Levels in Non-Gluten Containing Crops

A recently published study looks at the determination of gluten in gluten-free oats, and other grains, seeds, beans, pulses, and legumes.    For food to be considered gluten free, the level set by US regulation is 20 ppm.   There can be a problem with cross contact into other non-gluten crops especially oats.  Oats are grown in overlapping regions and are seeded and harvested in the similar time frame.  It is interesting to consider the difficulty in ensuring gluten-free status back to the crops and initial processing steps.

"Processors who intentionally produce gluten free grain ingredients for food manufacturers must take additional steps to ensure that their products are appropriate for gluten free consumers. These steps can include controls during growing, harvesting, transport, storage, and processing. Once these additional steps are taken, the processor must be able to demonstrate that the resulting ingredient meets the requirements for gluten free labeling according to the country of sale or other applicable regulations."

Whole grains can be a challenge for testing and setting a ppm limit.  This study evaluated a visual method for determining the feasibility of the limit in oat processing facilities.

Journal of AOAC Interntational
https://www.gluten.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Oat-Study.pdf
The Use of Visual Examination for Determining the Presence of Gluten-Containing Grains in Gluten Free Oats and Other Grains, Seeds, Beans, Pulses, and Legumes

Canned Dog Foods Recalled for Potential Low Level Pentobarbital

FDA issued a health alert for pets regarding canned dog foods made by J.M. Smucker, including. Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy brands, due to the potential for pentobarbital contamination.  The company is withdrawing all lots of these products that were manufactured from 2016 through the present.   According to the report, "The FDA’s preliminary evaluation of the testing results of Gravy Train samples indicates that the low level of pentobarbital present in the withdrawn products is unlikely to pose a health risk to pets. However, pentobarbital should never be present in pet food and products containing any amount of pentobarbital are considered to be adulterated."

"Pentobarbital is a barbiturate drug that is most commonly used in animals as a sedative, anesthetic, or for euthanasia.  Pets that eat pet food containing pentobarbital can experience drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea, nystagmus (eyes moving back and forth in a jerky manner) and inability to stand. Consuming high levels of pentobarbital can cause coma and death. However, pentobarbital present in the withdrawn products is at a low level unlikely to pose a health risk to pets."

https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/ucm597135.htm
FDA Alerts Pet Owners About Potential Pentobarbital Contamination in Canned Dog Food Manufactured by The J.M. Smucker Company, Including Certain Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy Products
February 16, 2018

RTE Chicken Patties Recalled for Foreign Matter, Rubber

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., a Waco, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 101,310 pounds of ready-to-eat breaded chicken patties that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically rubber.  According to the notice, "The problem was discovered after the firm received a customer complaint on Feb. 13, 2018. Pilgrim's Pride distributed the product to institutions, including schools. Although the product was sold through the USDA commodity program, the introduction of the foreign material was due to an equipment failure at the facility. "

That is a heck of a lot of chicken to be wasted due to a maintenance issue.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-011-2018-release
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Recalls Ready-to-Eat Chicken Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall

011-2018
Health Risk: High 

Feb 16, 2018

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week ending Feb 16, 2018

Missing Egg on Label - Saker ShopRites, Inc., a Linden, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 19,757 pounds of pork and chicken empanadas due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the products contain egg, a known allergen, which is not listed in the ingredient statement on the label. The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel during routine label verification activities.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-010-2018-release
Saker ShopRites, Inc. Recalls Empanadas due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen
Class I Recall

010-2018
Health Risk: High
 Feb 14, 2018

Imported Foods and the FSMA Foreign Verification Program Rule (FSVP)

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), signed into law in 2011, was designed to improve public health by strengthening the food safety system. The law provided authority to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to write and enforce regulations that focus on preventing food safety issues. The law also directs FDA to enforce food safety standards for foods imported from other countries, with the intent that these foods meet the same safety standards as those grown or processed in the U.S. FDA regulated foods that are grown, manufactured, or processed outside the U.S. are therefore covered under several FSMA regulations including the Produce Safety Rule, the Preventive Controls for Human Foods Rule, and the Preventive Controls for Animal Foods Rule. The Foreign Verification Program Rule (FSVP) requires that importers perform certain risk-based activities to verify that food imported into the United States has been produced in a manner that meets applicable U.S. safety standards.

One of the first challenges for food importers is determining if a particular food falls under FSMA or is excluded. There are many foods imported into the U.S. that may be excluded from FSMA coverage because pre-existing regulation are already in place. These include foods regulated under previously enacted FDA regulations for seafood and juice products. Foods that fall under USDA jurisdiction, specifically meat and poultry products, are excluded because USDA has established its own import regulations. There are also exclusions for imported foods that will not be consumed in the U.S., as well as foods imported solely for test purposes. A general rule to remember is that if a food that is not excluded, it will fall under one or more of the FSMA rules.

A key point for importers to understand is that all foods that are brought into the U.S., and then consumed in the US, must meet U.S. food safety standards. This means that fresh fruits and vegetables grown in another country for export to the U.S. must be grown, harvested, packed, and held under the standards established in the Produce Safety Rule. Foods (human or animal) or food ingredients imported into the U.S. for further processing by U.S. manufacturers will fall under the food safety requirements written in the Preventive Controls Rule for Human Foods or the similar rule for animals food. Imported foods that will not be processed by the importer such as those directly sold through retail entities must assume responsibility, in conjunction with their foreign supplier for the safety the product by developing a plan by to ensure that the safety of the product is properly controlled by the foreign supplier. It is the importer’s responsibility to understand the requirements of this rule and implement necessary measures to ensure that their foreign supplier has adequate food safety controls in place.

In some cases, the determination of who the importer is is not easy. Imported foods may by touched by a number of different entities as they make their way into the U.S. The key part of the regulation is to make sure that the importer is identified before the food enters the U.S. FDA requires this in order to assign responsibility for the imported product to that entity. This responsible entity must have a U.S. address where the proper documentation will be kept.

The designated FSVP importer is required, through development of a hazard analysis, to determine what potential hazards, if any, represent a potential risk for the given imported food. For those identified hazards having significant potential risk, the importer must ensure, or verify, that the foreign supplier has adequate controls to prevent or eliminate that risk. As a means of verification, importers can use one or more ways, including implementing testing requirements, conducting food safety audits, and collecting pertinent documentation. Verification must take place beforehand as part of a supplier approval process, and then monitored on an ongoing basis.

Individuals tasked with writing and implementing an a Foreign Supplier Verification Program must be qualified through training to do the task. This can be accomplished through attending a FSVP training course developed by the Food Safety and Preventive Control Alliance (FSPCA) and which is offered by Penn State. This training is not just necessary for those who import foods and therefore must write a FSVP plan. It is also important for U.S. food processors, retailers, and other food businesses who buy food from foreign sources; because in the end, they will also pay a price for a foreign supplier’s inadequate food safety program.

As you can see, the FSVP is complex and requires training to understand how the rule could affect your food operation. Visit the Penn State Extension FSMA website at extension.psu.edu/fsma for more information on the FSVP Rule and when and where Penn State will be offering training.

Links.
Registration site for the Penn State Foreign Supplier Verification Workshop
https://extension.psu.edu/foreign-supplier-verification-workshop

FSMA Final Rule on Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) for Importers of Food for Humans and Animals
https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm361902.htm

People Have Gene to Produce Chitin Digesting Enzyme - Please Pass the Stinkbugs

A study in Molecular Biology and Evolution shows that people do have the enzyme that can break down insect casings.  Primates, including humans do have the gene that breaks down chitin, the substance that forms the exoskeleton of bugs.  Most of us were taught that chitin would not be broken down in our digestive systems.  Not so.

An article in National Geographic from 2013,  U.N. Urges Eating Insects; 8 Popular Bugs to Try, suggests these bug species:
1. Beetles
2. Butterflies and Moths
3. Bees and wasps
4. Ants
5. Grasshoppers, crickets, and locusts
6. Flies and mosquitos
7. Water boatmen and backswimmers
8. Stinkbugs

Yes, Stinkbugs....from the article  "If you can get past the funky smell, these insects apparently add an apple flavor to sauces and are a valuable source of iodine. They're also known to have anesthetic and analgesic properties. Who would have thought?"  Not me, that is for sure.

So what wine should we pair with our bowl of crunchy crickets.....a nice grassy sauvignon blanc perhaps?  An article on the subject in Food and Wine magazine suggests pairing a Riesling with honey mustard crickets. 


IFT Weekly Newsletter
http://www.ift.org/Food-Technology/Newsletters/IFT-Weekly-Newsletter/2018/February/021418.aspx
Study finds most primates, including humans, can digest insects