CDC Releases 2017 FoodNet Report

CDC released 2017 report for FoodNet data. FoodNet conducts active, population-based surveillance for laboratory-diagnosed infections caused by Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Listeria, Salmonella, STEC, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia in 10 sites that account for approximately 15% of the U.S. population (an estimated 49 million persons in 2016).

There was a decrease in two Salmonella serotypes [Salmonella Typhimurium and Heidelberg]
and STEC O157 infections. New regulatory requirements that include enhanced testing of poultry products for Salmonella† might have contributed to the decreases. The incidence of STEC O157 infections during 2017 also decreased compared with 2006–2008, which parallels reductions in isolations from ground beef.§ The declines provide supportive evidence that targeted control measures are effective.

There was an increase in illness from other Salmonella strains.  This may be due to non-food sources or more obscure sources such as what we are seeing with kraton.

There was an increased incidences of pathogens for which testing was previously limited might have resulted from the increased use and sensitivity of culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs), which can improve incidence estimates (1). Compared with 2014–2016, the 2017 incidence of infections with Campylobacter, Listeria, non-O157 Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Yersinia, Vibrio, and Cyclospora increased.

Preliminary Incidence and Trends of Infections with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food — Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2006–2017
Weekly / March 23, 2018 / 67(11);324–328

This Week in Mislabeled Product - Week Ending 3/23/18

Egg Missing from Cole Slaw Label - Weis Markets today issued a recall for its store-made Weis Quality Cole Slaw (one pound container) for failing to list egg as an allergen on its label. This item was made in the seafood department.  [Incorrect addition of ingredients into label printer].

Labels Incorrect for 2 Years- Piggie Park Enterprises Inc. is recalling Gourmet Carolina Gold Honey Sauce manufactured in the past two years (March 11, 2016 thru March 11, 2018), because it contains undeclared wheat and soy.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the powdered honey used in making the Gourmet Carolina Gold Honey Sauce contains wheat and soy, and it was not properly disclosed on the ingredients labels. The company is also recalling Maurice’s Southern Gold BBQ Sauce Honey manufactured in the past two years (March 11, 2016 thru March 11, 2018), because it contains undeclared wheat and soy.   [Labels made incorrectly and mistake not caught for over two years].

Application of Wrong Label at End of Shift - Vietti Foods is recalling approximately 200 cases of 15 oz cans of Southgate Hot Dog Chili Sauce,due to mislabeling because some of the cans may contain Dumplings with Chicken instead of Hot Dog Chili Sauce, thus missing allergens. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the cans labeled as Southgate Hot Dog Sauce contain Chicken and Dumplings that have wheat and egg which are allergens not listed on the label. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a mislabeling of cans at the end of a production run and has not affected any other product.  [Production issue in that proper label was not applied - sounds like a good spot for an allergen preventive control].

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm602229.htm
Weis Markets Issues an Allergy Alert For Weis Quality Store-Made Cole Slaw Sold in 8 Stores Due to Undeclared Egg Allergen
For Immediate Release
March 21, 2018

Dog Treats Recalled Due to Elevated Beef Thyroid Hormone

The J.M. Smucker Company is recalling specific lots of two varieties of Milo’s Kitchen® dog treats, distributed nationally, because the products potentially contain elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone.  The notice does not reveal how the issue occurred or how it was discovered.

According to the recall notice, "Dogs consuming high levels of beef thyroid hormone may exhibit symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate and restlessness. These symptoms may resolve when the consumption of these levels is discontinued. However, with prolonged consumption these symptoms may increase in severity and may include vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid or labored breathing. Should these symptoms occur, we recommend pet owners contact their veterinarian immediately."

Limited Production of Two Varieties of Milo’s Kitchen® Dog Treats Voluntarily Recalled Due to Potentially Elevated Levels of Thyroid Hormone
For Immediate Release
March 22, 2018

NC Firm Recalls Mini Eclairs After Positive Listeria Sample

A NC establishment is issuing a voluntary recall of selected mini eclair products that were made over a 5 day period (March 5-9, 2018) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,  "The recall was a result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that finished product ran on the same line contained the bacteria. The company did not release any product that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and as a precautionary measure is recalling all product ran on the line during that production week."  No illnesses have been reported.

Poppies International, Inc. Recalls Delizza Belgian Custard Cream Mini Eclairs 30 Count, Due to Potential Health Risks
For Immediate Release
March 23, 2018

Organic Coconut Flour Recalled after Testing Reveals Positive Test Result

King Arthur Flour issued a voluntary recall for Organic Coconut Flour (16 oz.) after testing revealed the presence of Salmonella in 1 pouch of Organic Coconut Flour (16 oz.).

It is not stated if this recall is related to the ongoing investigation of dried coconut that has been linked to a Salmonella outbreak, or whether testing was done as a result of that FDA news release.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm602489.htm
King Arthur Flour Company, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Organic Coconut Flour (16 Oz.) Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
March 23, 2018

Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Dried Coconut

The CDC reports that 13 people from 8 different states have become infected from Salmonella from dried coconut.  The company, Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Market has recalled dried coconut in retail size (10 oz) and foodservice (25lb bags).

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm602212.htm
FDA Investigates Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak Linked to Dried Coconut
March 21, 2018

Deli Items Recalled by WA Retail Stores Due to Potential Salmonella in Onions

In cooperation with the Taylor Farms recall of diced yellow onions that may be contaminated with Salmonella, 12 Haggen stores are voluntarily recalling deli products that contain raw Taylor Farms brand diced yellow onions

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm601753.htm
Twelve Haggen Stores Voluntarily Recall Select Deli Products in Cooperation with Taylor Farms’ Onion Recall Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
For Immediate Release
March 17, 2018

Oregon Food Bank Recalls Two Additional Items That Were Shipped with Recalled Chia Seeds

The Oregon Food Bank is recalling pumpkin seed and nutritional yeast.  This product was on the same shipment as chia seed that was recalled last week.  That product was recalled due to the presence of mice poop. 

The reason listed for these product was 'potential Listeria'.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm601536.htm
Oregon Food Bank Voluntarily Recalls Pumpkin Seeds Because Of Possible Contamination By Listeria Species
For Immediate Release
March 17, 2018

Another Recall of Raw Beef Due to Contaminated Marinade Seasoning Mix

A second raw beef recall was issued because potentially contaminated Au Jus seasoning. SMI Holdings, Inc., doing business as Stampede Meat, Inc., a Bridgeview, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 484,800 pounds of beef products that may be contaminated with Salmonella. The raw beef products incorporated a non-meat ingredient, Au Jus Seasoning, which tested positive for the presence of Salmonella. Standard Meats, a TX established also recalled injected raw beef.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-023-2018-release
SMI Holdings, Inc Recalls Beef Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Class I Recall 

023-2018
Health Risk: High 

Mar 16, 2018