FDA released a guidance document on meeting requirements for a food defense plan. Titled as Guidance for Industry: Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food Against Intentional Adulteration, provides how to develop and implement a food defense plan. It is a draft guidance, but with the rule final, this guidance should not change much.
The draft guidance can be found here.
https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/ucm610946.htm
Draft Guidance for Industry: Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food Against Intentional Adulteration
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Pastramini Recalled Due to Processing Deviation with Regard to Curing
An Iowa establishment, is recalling approximately 3,592 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef pastrami products due to processing deviations that may have led to underprocessing of products and resulted in inadequate curing, "The problem was discovered on June 20, 2018, after the firm received a consumer complaint about product discoloration. The firm conducted an investigation and product testing and determined that not all products contained an adequate amount of the curing solution."
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-052-2018-release
Agri Star Meat And Poultry LLC Recalls Beef Pastrami Products due to Possible Processing DeviationClass II Recall
052-2018
Health Risk: Low
Health Risk: Low
Jun 21, 2018
US Government Proposes Single Food Agency
The US Government released a reorganization plan this past week, and among the items listed, was a proposal to reorganize food safety functions into one agency, The Federal Food Safety Agency, which would fall under USDA.
Easier said then done. Will it have an impact on overall safety of the food supply? Will savings of reducing duplication over time outweigh cost of reorganization?
Delivering Government Solutions in the 21st Century
Reform Plan and Reorganization Recommendations
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Government-Reform-and-Reorg-Plan.pdf
Easier said then done. Will it have an impact on overall safety of the food supply? Will savings of reducing duplication over time outweigh cost of reorganization?
Delivering Government Solutions in the 21st Century
Reform Plan and Reorganization Recommendations
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Government-Reform-and-Reorg-Plan.pdf
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Texas Establishment Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to STEC O103
Texas Natural Meats, a Lott, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 489 pounds of frozen raw, ground beef products that may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O103, The problem was discovered on June 19, 2018 by FSIS during routine inspection activities. The product was tested by the establishment and found to be positive for STEC O103 under their sampling program.
USDA News Release
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-051-2018-release
Texas Natural Meats Recalls Frozen Raw Ground Beef Products
Class I Recall
USDA News Release
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-051-2018-release
Texas Natural Meats Recalls Frozen Raw Ground Beef Products
Class I Recall
051-2018
Health Risk: High
Health Risk: High
Jun 20, 2018
Recall of Sprouting Seed Mix Due to Salmonella
An Illinois Company is recalling its NOW Real Food® Zesty Sprouting Mix – Product Code 7271, Lot #3031259 and Lot #3038165 – because its primary ingredient, Crimson Clover Seeds, has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, "Evidence of potential contamination was implicated in ongoing FDA and CDC investigations into multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections, of which the clover seed supplier was notified'.
The sprouting mix is comprised by three different seed types. The consumer actually sprouts the seeds according to directions - Place two tablespoons of seeds in a sprouting jar with three times as much water as seeds. Soak overnight. Rinse seeds and drain twice daily, store in low humidity without direct sunlight. About the fourth day place rinsed sprout jar in indirect sunlight to develop green chlorophyll leaves.
Generally, seeds are sanitized before sprouting in commercial operations. If Salmonella is present in these consumer packs, and with no listed sanitation step for the consumer, Salmonella can grow as the seeds germinate and grow.
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm611388.htm
Now Health Group Inc. Recalls Select Now Real Food® Zesty Sprouting Mix Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
June 21, 2018
The sprouting mix is comprised by three different seed types. The consumer actually sprouts the seeds according to directions - Place two tablespoons of seeds in a sprouting jar with three times as much water as seeds. Soak overnight. Rinse seeds and drain twice daily, store in low humidity without direct sunlight. About the fourth day place rinsed sprout jar in indirect sunlight to develop green chlorophyll leaves.
Generally, seeds are sanitized before sprouting in commercial operations. If Salmonella is present in these consumer packs, and with no listed sanitation step for the consumer, Salmonella can grow as the seeds germinate and grow.
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm611388.htm
Now Health Group Inc. Recalls Select Now Real Food® Zesty Sprouting Mix Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
June 21, 2018
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Veggie Trays
FDA is investigating an outbreak of cyclospora linked to Del Monte Vegetable Trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip. There have been 78 confirmed cases.
Cyclospora is a single cell parasite that causes “diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms. If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer”.
While FDA has not identified a source or reason, Cyclospora contamination can occur when contaminated water is used to irrigate vegetables.
FDA Outbreak Investigation
https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm610982.htm
FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses linked to Del Monte Vegetable Trays
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials have been investigating a cluster of cyclosporiasis illnesses associated with recalled Del Monte vegetable trays from Kwik Trip/Kwik Star locations in the United States.
Cyclospora is a single cell parasite that causes “diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms. If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer”.
While FDA has not identified a source or reason, Cyclospora contamination can occur when contaminated water is used to irrigate vegetables.
FDA Outbreak Investigation
https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm610982.htm
FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses linked to Del Monte Vegetable Trays
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials have been investigating a cluster of cyclosporiasis illnesses associated with recalled Del Monte vegetable trays from Kwik Trip/Kwik Star locations in the United States.
Sugar Smacks Dry Cereal Recalled After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak
Kellogg’s is recalling Sugar Smacks cereal after it has been likely linked to a Salmonella outbreak where 73 individuals in 31 different states have become infected. 24 have been hospitalized. FDA continues to investigate how this may have occurred.
Dry cereal products, like this puffed wheat product, have had problems in the past with Salmonella contamintation. Facilities that produce these products must actively control against environmental contamination because once in the environment, it can get into product. Salmonella can surivive in dry products like cereal for long periods of time, certainly through the time product is shipped to the store and then to the consumers cereal bowl.
https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm610827.htm
FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka Infections Likely Linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka illnesses that may be linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal.
June 15, 2018 Update
Dry cereal products, like this puffed wheat product, have had problems in the past with Salmonella contamintation. Facilities that produce these products must actively control against environmental contamination because once in the environment, it can get into product. Salmonella can surivive in dry products like cereal for long periods of time, certainly through the time product is shipped to the store and then to the consumers cereal bowl.
https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm610827.htm
FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka Infections Likely Linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka illnesses that may be linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal.
June 15, 2018 Update
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Sliced Melon from an IN Facility
There are now approximately 60 people who have become infected with Salmonella linked to sliced melon product. The company, Caito Foods in IN has recalled product which was sold through a number of stores including Kroger, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s.
In fruit slicing operations, fruit must be properly washed and surface sanitized to prevent such issues. Melons can be a problem because surfaces may be rough, and can be damaged/soft allowing internal contamination. Melons with a more neutral pH, can support the growth of Salmonella.
CBS News
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-expands-salmonella-melon-warning-to-more-than-20-states/
FDA expands Salmonella-melon warning to more than 20 states
June 15, 2018
In fruit slicing operations, fruit must be properly washed and surface sanitized to prevent such issues. Melons can be a problem because surfaces may be rough, and can be damaged/soft allowing internal contamination. Melons with a more neutral pH, can support the growth of Salmonella.
CBS News
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-expands-salmonella-melon-warning-to-more-than-20-states/
FDA expands Salmonella-melon warning to more than 20 states
June 15, 2018
This Week in Mislabeled Products - Ending 6/15/18
There are a few confusing recalls in this report.
Religious Exemption Not Declared - Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 28,346 pounds of poultry, pork, and beef products due to misbranding, - The poultry products were slaughtered under religious exemption, which is not declared on the product label. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.
Oyster Extract Packet A CA firm is voluntarily recalling Spicy Edamame 7oz, because it contains the undeclared shellfish/crustacean allergen “Oyster Extract” ingredient within the spicy sauce packet. The recall is a result of the incorrect spice sauce pack being packed within the spicy edamame product. [I hope someone realized that oysters are a mollusk which is different that crustacean shellfish.]
Pork Casing Not Declared - J Bar B Foods, a Waelder, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 410,985 pounds of beef brisket smoked sausage products due to an adulterated and misbranded ingredient, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain a pork casing, which is not declared on the product label, and may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. The problem was discovered on June 12, 2018 in response to a customer inquiry that a beef smoked sausage product did not specify pork casing as part of the ingredients statement. [Not sure of there will be anybody having an allergic reaction, but it still needs to be on the lablel].
Undeclared Milk in Dill Flavoring - Shearer’s Foods, LLC of Massillon, OH is recalling Meijer brand 9.5 ounce packages of Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips because they may contain undeclared milk. “The issue was discovered when the family of a consumer who suffered an allergic reaction reported the incident to Meijer. Shearer’s Foods, LLC conducted an investigation which indicated that due to human error, a product containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk.”
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-050-2018-release
Winter Sausage Manufacturing Co. Recalls Poultry and Meat Products due to Misbranding
Class II Recall
Religious Exemption Not Declared - Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 28,346 pounds of poultry, pork, and beef products due to misbranding, - The poultry products were slaughtered under religious exemption, which is not declared on the product label. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.
Oyster Extract Packet A CA firm is voluntarily recalling Spicy Edamame 7oz, because it contains the undeclared shellfish/crustacean allergen “Oyster Extract” ingredient within the spicy sauce packet. The recall is a result of the incorrect spice sauce pack being packed within the spicy edamame product. [I hope someone realized that oysters are a mollusk which is different that crustacean shellfish.]
Pork Casing Not Declared - J Bar B Foods, a Waelder, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 410,985 pounds of beef brisket smoked sausage products due to an adulterated and misbranded ingredient, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain a pork casing, which is not declared on the product label, and may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. The problem was discovered on June 12, 2018 in response to a customer inquiry that a beef smoked sausage product did not specify pork casing as part of the ingredients statement. [Not sure of there will be anybody having an allergic reaction, but it still needs to be on the lablel].
Undeclared Milk in Dill Flavoring - Shearer’s Foods, LLC of Massillon, OH is recalling Meijer brand 9.5 ounce packages of Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips because they may contain undeclared milk. “The issue was discovered when the family of a consumer who suffered an allergic reaction reported the incident to Meijer. Shearer’s Foods, LLC conducted an investigation which indicated that due to human error, a product containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk.”
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-050-2018-release
Winter Sausage Manufacturing Co. Recalls Poultry and Meat Products due to Misbranding
Class II Recall
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